A/N: QUIT TELLING EVERYONE I'M DEAD! I am still here, humans of Earth! I'm so sorry about such a long Hiatus. I've been focusing on school alot more this semester (last semester was more of a trial-run), but I swear upon the Allspark I'm going to try and be better with this story. I am determined to finish it, gosh-dangit!
Alright, so for this chapter, it's about four months since the last one occurred. So, time-jump. With the whole Guardian thing that will b occurring in this chapter, I have this thing where a Bot has to be a certain "age" in order to be old enough to be someone's Guardian. So I didn't forget Bluestreak, i just think of him as not old enough to be a Guardian yet. Just wanted you guys to know so you don't freak out.
Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers in any way shape or form. I only own the story and any and all OCs in said story. If there's someone you're not familiar with, it's probably an OC.
PLEASE COMMENT! I NEED CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM! IF YOU FEEL YOU MUST FLAME, KEEP IN MIND IT WILL BE IGNORED!
"Comm…"
"...Magnus…"
"Ultra Magnus!"
The voice startles the cobalt Mech, making him jump as his optics snap open. He looks around, meeting the concerned optics of Optimus, Ratchet, and Prowl. Realizing he'd dozed off during a meeting, Ultra Magnus straightens up, moving away from the wall he'd been leaning against. The three Mechs were gathered around a table, but had moved towards the Commander when he didn't answer.
"Are you alright, Ultra Magnus?" Ratchet moves forward, quickly scanning the Commander despite his protests.
Ultra Magnus nods, rubbing his optics.
"I'm fine. I'm…just a little tired is all. I've been helping Lucy a lot with the girls recently."
Prowl's optics soften slightly.
"Maybe you need some help."
"What do you mean?" Ultra Magnus asks, feeling his plating flare slightly in defense.
"You will still share caretaker responsibilities with Lucy, but perhaps if the girls were each given a Guardian, someone who can take over some of the responsibilities you have put upon yourself, you would not be so tired all the time." Prowl suggests softly.
Ultra Magnus's optics narrow.
"I don't need any help taking care of my girls."
Optimus steps forward.
"I understand your hesitation, Ultra Magnus. You are a father to the girls in all but legal sense. But if you continue to work like this, you will not be able to have the energy to perform your other duties."
After a few tense seconds, the cobalt-blue Mech sighs, his shoulders slumping in defeat. Three against one.
"I…guess some help wouldn't be terrible."
A week later, the large Prime looks over the gathered Autobots. After observing a few of them over the course of the week, he had an idea of who would work well with whom.
"Jazz."
The silver Mech looks up at his name, tilting his helm slightly. Optimus finds himself holding back a smile as Anna copies him almost perfectly.
"I have decided that you will be Anna's Guardian."
The Mech grins.
"Sweet."
He turns.
"Smokescreen, I have chosen you to be Alex's Guardian."
The young Mech nods.
"I won't let you down, Optimus."
"Prowl, you will be Dani's Guardian."
The black-and-white Praxian frowns at first, before nodding in resignation.
"Very well, Sir."
Optimus pauses for a second, hesitating slightly as he meets the violet-tinted optics of his next decision. The Mech was not one to follow an order like this without arguing.
"Sunstreaker-"
"Only if Sideswipe is too. For when I'm not around."
The red twin nods, optics shining with determination. Well, he was not expecting that. Optimus figured Sunstreaker would at least argue a little bit –not willingly go with it.
"Very well. Sunstreaker will be Raven's primary Guardian, but the two of you will share the duty."
"Pfft. He said 'doody'." The whisper and snickers following it bring the Prime's attention to the last two.
Sam and Cody.
"Sam, Cody. I am afraid you will need to wait a little longer to receive a Guardian as there are no more eligible Autobots available."
Two sets of eyes stare at him. Then, Sam shrugs.
"Eh, it's fine. We can just hang with Magnus until then."
Cody nods in agreement with her twin, a smile appearing on her face. This time, Optimus does smile.
Ultra Magnus leans against the wall of the Hangar, watching the setting sun, stars appearing far above him. Footsteps alert the large Mech to company, and he turns his helm, smiling when he sees the familiar form.
"Lucy."
The woman comes to a stop at his thigh, arms wrapped around her and a smile on her face as she pulls her jacket close.
"Hey. Isn't it getting a little too cold to be out here?"
Lowering his servo, Ultra Magnus lifts it once the woman is situated. He places her on his shoulder, his large pad protecting her from the light –but cold- breeze. Lucy shifts, before leaning against his helm with a sigh.
"So, why are you out here by yourself, Magnus, and not enjoying the party Jazz and the Lambo Twins prepared to celebrate becoming Guardians?"
"I've been…thinking." Ultra Magnus says after a few seconds pause.
"A dangerous pastime."
He narrows his optics, glaring at her out of the corner of his vision. Lucy chuckles, before placing a hand on the side of his helm.
"What were you thinking about?"
Lifting his servo once again, Ultra Magnus places Lucy on his thigh. He hesitates, looking to the side as if gathering his thoughts. Venting deeply, he looks down at Lucy.
"I've been thinking…about us."
Lucy tilts her head in confusion.
"What do you mean? You're wondering where we go from here?"
The cobalt Mech nods, avoiding her gaze.
"I…I know we've only been courting for a short while, and I have never been happier. But…" he trails off, not knowing how to continue.
"Ultra Magnus? What is it?"
The Commander sighs.
"Lucy, you understand that Cybertronians live much, much longer than humans. And there aren't any records of a mixed-species relationship between Cybertronians and another species."
The woman crosses her arms.
"Ultra Magnus, where are you going with this?"
Finally, finally, the Mech looks at her, his optics filled with an unknown emotion.
"Lucy, if it were possible, would you ever consider being my Sparkmate?"
There. He'd said it. It had been plaguing him for the past two weeks, the question lingering in the back of his mind since they started their courtship nearly four months ago.
Lucy is quiet, her denim eyes wide. Ultra Magnus shifts slightly, careful not to jostle her.
"I'm sorry if I've put you in an uncomfortable situation. You don't have to answer right away, Lucy. I can wait for you to think it over and come to a decision."
The woman smiles, placing her hand on his digit.
"I will think about it, Ultra Magnus. But until then, lets just take it one day at a time and see where it goes from there. Okay?"
He returns her smile, nodding. She settles down on his thigh, leaning against his torso. He places his servo next to her, and the two of them stay out until the moon is high in the sky.
Just…thinking.