Elsewhere, Fader was still bed bound, but he was trying to get up on his own, as he wanted to move to the couch. Problem was, he was off balance, and ended up on the floor. He lay there in agony for a couple good hours before Percy came home.
Percy found him and rushed over. "Love what happened?"
"Thought I could make it to the couch, as it isn't that far, but I took one step out of bed, and down I went" Fader stated, smiling for the first time in days. Percy looked at the situation. He was going to need help as his mate was too big and too heavy for him to move on his own.
Percy got Fader up and to the couch. "I'm staying home till you spark"
Fader nodded, as he was able to tell Percy wasn't happy with him.
"Do you hurt anywhere? I think I should call a medic"
"I do not hurt' Fader stated, "I landed squarely on my aft."
"Do you want some energon?"
"Yes please" Fader stated. Percy got a few cubes and made sure Fader drank slowly.
After downing the cubes, Fader asked gently, 'You're mad at me aren't you?"
"A little, you should have commed me"
"I'm sorry, I am just so sick of sitting in bed" Fader stated, revealing a sore on his backside. Percy rubbed Fader back gently.
"Ouch, that spot is sore" Fader stated. "It is from not moving enough and too much pressure" Fader stated. Percy nodded and worked that spot. Fader tried not to cry as the pain was just agonizing. Percy made soothing sounds knowing this had to be done. Fader was crying as the sore started disappearing, it had been so painful, and he was relieved that it was starting to heal. Percy kissed him softly soothing him as he rubbed.
Several minutes later, Fader calmed down, letting out an occasional whimper, knowing that his mate was upset at him, especially since Fader was a medic and knew that he could hurt the sparklings if he moved too much. "Easy, calm yourself my love."
Less than 15 minutes later, Fader was relaxed, but curled up against his mate. It really was a funny sight to see, since Fader was twice Percy's size, but Percy didn't care. "There now, rest"
"I don't want to be sparked anymore" Fader stated, even though he knew it wouldn't be much longer.
"Just a little longer." Fader nodded, and then curled into his mate as much as he could. He wanted to be held but knew his mate couldn't take the extra weight, and so Fader just curled in as close as he could. Percy soothed him and hummed a lullaby…Fader was soon fast asleep. Percy let him sleep, staying with him.
Elsewhere, Dirt Tred, as he now called himself, no longer liking the other name, was busy caring for the little ones. He was getting the hang of it and becoming very proficient at being a mother. Jolly got home a bit later looking ragged. Dirt rushed to his mate, trying to help, as the sparklings were all napping. "What's wrong, love?"
"I'm okay..." Jolly said just before his legs gave out.
"Okay, my aft. Sit, and let me help you. I am also going to call a medic to look at you – you look horrible" Dirt stated, hoping his mate wouldn't be irate with him. Jolly nodded and sat down. Dirt did whatever he could to help his mate and told the medic about what had happened since the bot got home. "He's never been weak in the legs before, I am worried" Dirt stated. The medic nodded and started scanning Jolly. Dirt watched and stood by, wanting to stay near his mate. And soon the medic had a diagnosis.
"His legs have been damaged and there is something else"
"What else is going on?" Dirt asked, worried.
"I was attacked" Jolly said before the medic said it. Dirt looked at his mate and looked at the medic. He was confused.
"Your mate was raped and is sparked." Dirt was enraged, but he didn't let it show, as his mate needed him. "Your legs will take some time to fix."
"What can I do to help him?" Dirt asked.
"Rest and energon." Dirt nodded, knowing his mate would now be relying on him. The medic left then. "You're taking it easy, medic's orders" Dirt stated.
"I barely made it here." Dirt got some energon and began to feed his mate, keeping his anger out of the way. If Dirt ever figured out which bot did this, he would end the bot's life. Jolly didn't put up resistance. Dirt shared love with his mate, showing that no matter what he was going to be there for his mate. Jolly let his mate fuss over him, he was tired and felt filthy. Dirt was gentle, and even carried his mate to an oil bath, knowing Jolly needed this. Dirt didn't make the oil too warm, but warm enough to help. Dirt scrubbed his mate lovingly hoping to help Jolly feel better.
"I don't deserve you"
'Yes you do, now hush' Dirt stated as he spoiled his mate even more. Jolly let Dirt tend to him. Dirt soon got Jolly into the berth and once settled, Dirt ran around taking care of this and that. By the time Dirt came back Jolly was out cold. Dirt smiled and then curled up beside his mate, pulling Jolly close to him. Jolly purred a little and slept on.
In the morning, when Jolly woke, he found breakfast waiting for him. Dirt was nowhere to be seen and the quarters were quiet. Jolly was confused but he drank the energon. Dirt soon came back from dropping the sparklings off, as he wanted to just spend time with Jolly. "Dirt?" Jolly asked.
"Yes, love" Dirt responded.
"Why's it so quiet?"
'Because the sparklings are elsewhere. Today is my day to take care of you" Dirt stated.
"You don't have to"
"I know I don't have to, love. I chose to. You are my mate and no matter what happens, nothing will change that. And as your mate, I would never ask you to harm those precious sparklings. They are gifts from Primus even if they were created through a non-consensual means. And I want you to know, I am here for you. I didn't realize until you took me that my spark had been longing for you for a long time. And now that you're at moment of greatest need, I won't leave you to fend for yourself" Dirt stated, gently stroking Jolly's cheek. Jolly sighed as his face was caressed.
Dirt knew now that the biggest thing jolly needed was love. Not the interfacing kind, but the kind that strengthens bonds and heals wounds. 'I am here love' Dirt stated, gently kissing his mate on the top of the helm.
Jolly curled into Dirt. "My legs feel weak, I hurt"
"Let's work on your legs, love" dirt stated, doing range of motion. It hurt like hell and jolly cursed the whole time, but Dirt refused to stop. "You will thank me, love" Dirt said as he worked the legs several more times before stopping and applying hot oil for the pain. Jolly hissed and gripped the berth.
"I know it hurts love, but it will be even worse if you can't ever walk again to play with your sparklings, chase them around, or hold me in your arms as you walk in from work" Dirt stated, slowly working each arm as well. Jolly tried to relax. Dirt soon stopped the range of motion exercises and began gently cleaning his mate, using warm cleanser.
"Thank you" Jolly said.
"You're welcome" Dirt stated, as he slowly got closer to the groin area, the part where Jolly was most sore. Dirt knew that in order to heal, he would have to wash this area as well. But before he did so, he gently tied his mate up. "I know this isn't something you will like, but I don't want you to hurt yourself or me" and with that Dirt began to clean around the groin and aft areas.
Jolly struggled as best he could. "Stop..." Dirt didn't stop, for he knew that if he let this remain, Jolly would get a septic infection and it could result in the death of both his mate and the sparklings. Dirt was extremely careful, especially the closer he got to the valve, which was now showing as he had found the button to open the groin plating. Jolly couldn't stand it and was practically begging Dirt to stop. Dirt was quick yet gentle in cleaning and bandaging the wounds before closing the plating. And after letting Jolly cool down a bit, Dirt released his mate. He figured that Jolly was going to try and beat him, and so he quickly lowered his head as Jolly moved toward him in the berth.
"Dirt" Jolly said.
"Yes, love?" Dirt asked, not even bothering to look up. He had just wanted to help, and knew he was going to get punished for not doing as Jolly had asked of him.
"Never restrain me" Jolly said but anger wasn't in his voice it was something else.
Dirt looked up and didn't see anger – he saw fear. Dirt felt even worse and drew his mate towards him. "I'm so sorry, love. Forgive me" dirt stated as he held his mate close to him. Jolly held onto Dirt.
"I promise, I won't ever do that again" Dirt stated, as he stroked his mate's back gently. Jolly felt weak and pathetic.
"Love, no one is ever strong all the time. It wasn't your fault. You didn't asked to get raped. You are not pathetic. You are my mate and my best friend" dirt stated, trying to comfort his mate.
"I couldn't even land a punch"
"But you're alive" Dirt stated, something jolly had overlooked this whole time. Jolly looked at Dirt then. 'And no matter what, I won't leave you" dirt stated, pulsing love to his mate.
"I do love you"
"I love you too, stud" Dirt stated.
Elsewhere, Urgent was sleeping, having spent all night with his brothers, as they were crying. Pride and Silver were now left with caring for the two, along with their other sparklings. The other sparklings liked the new bots and would click and coo at them. Halfpipe and Steelpipe would respond by cooing and clicking back, happy to have the other sparklings around.
"Energon time little ones" Silverflair said and together he and Pride feed them all.
Halfpipe was drinking too fast and was spilling energon everywhere, and unfortunately, the older sparklings laughed at the bot, not understanding why he couldn't drink properly. Halfpipe began to cry and whimper, and refused to eat anymore. Pride dealt with the older sparklings while Silverflair cleaned Halfpipe up and soothed him gently. Halfpipe clung to Silverflair, optics leaking tears of shame.
Meanwhile, Pride was not happy with the older sparklings. "I can't believe the three of you. Halfpipe and Steelpipe are developmentally the age of sparklings. They don't understand things like you and I. Halfpipe is particularly sensitive. So you learn your lesson, you three will be sitting in a corner for 5 minutes' Pride stated.
Silverflair spoke soothingly to Halfpipe telling him it was okay they all spilled energon sometimes. The older sparklings sat in the corner. Steelpipe felt ignored and began crying, as he wanted some attention as well. Halfpipe began crying again. Pride and Silver were trying their best to make sure the two didn't wake Urgent, who was completely exhausted after he, unknown to his mates, sat up all night with his brothers. Pride came over and held Steelpipe and soothed him with love.
Soon, both brothers calmed down and the older sparklings, having learned their lesson, tried to help with the two developmentally delayed bots. Pride kept an optic on them but let them help. And while Steelpipe didn't mind help from the older sparklings, Halfpipe wasn't quite as sure about it. After all, they had laughed at him, and so he was a little more resistant to their requests.
"Let them try little one" Silverflair said. Halfpipe blew a raspberry at Silver. Silverflair smiled. "Okay little one"
It was then that Urgent came out, but he didn't make himself known, as he wanted to see how things went. He saw Halfpipe blow a raspberry at Silver, and Urgent smiled, as that was how Halfpipe always told others that he loved them. Silverflair kissed Halfpipe's helm.
"He's just telling you he loves you' Urgent stated as Halfpipe blew several more raspberries, several aimed at Silver and several aimed at Urgent.
"Love you too"
Halfpipe giggled before he blew a big raspberry at the older sparkling closest to him. The sparkling looked at the bot and then blew a raspberry back, causing Halfpipe to giggle even more and let that little one work with him, while the other two were busy helping Steelpipe. The three adults smiled.
'Did I miss anything?" Urgent asked, wanting to know exactly what went on while he was sleeping. Pride told him what had happened.
"Let me talk with the older sparklings. I can tell them things that you two can't, as I know my brothers better. I think it will help them understand" Urgent stated, not wanting the sparklings to feel left out. Pride nodded.
Pride and silver took Urgent's brothers while Urgent talked with the sparklings, answering questions, and telling them about his brothers and their condition. After 30 minutes of conversation, the older sparklings started understanding more about the two sparkling adults. "Now we want your help with them, but you must be patient with them. They are easily scared and don't like to be laughed at. Are you willing to help us with them?' Urgent asked.
"Yes mom'' The sparklings said.
"And don't worry, we will always make time for you three as well. Even with my two brothers and the coming sparklings, we will always be available to you. Come talk to us if you have any problems" Urgent stated, earning hugs from all three sparklings.
Together they went back to the others. Sensing the return of Urgent, both Halfpipe and Steelpipe clicked and squeaked, hoping "mommy" would come to them. "Mommy's coming babies" Urgent said going to them while Silverflair and Pride gave attention to the other sparklings.
Elsewhere, Keeper sighed, as the amount of pressure of being Prime was weighing on him heavily. Kit felt it and went to his mate to see if he could help. "There is nothing you can help with, love' keeper stated, "As it just seems to be so much pressure from being Prime. I wonder if they ever even get to have any fun or vacation time."
"Maybe we can ask your father take over for a couple days"
"I don't know. He's started backing off more and more. I think it is getting closer to time for me to fly solo, and to be honest, I'm terrified" Keeper stated in strictest confidence.
"Keeper if he didn't think you were ready he wouldn't be backing off more"
'I sometimes feel that I am never going to be as good as he was" keeper stated, sadness in his voice. "I know I have to fly solo at some point, but it just seems like it feels like it is too soon."
"Keeper your father led in a time of war, you lead in a time of peace. He is from a different generation, this is our generation and I know you will be amazing"
Keeper looked at his mate. Kit had a point, and so Keeper decided to comm his father. 'Dad, I just need a quick vacation with my mates, is there any way you would be willing to be Prime so that I can take a short vacation?"
Optimus agreed. "I know it's hard, son, but I also know you can do it. I will cover this time, but in the future, you are going to have to learn to trust bots of your own age to fill your spot, as I am getting too old for this."
"Yes dad...and thanks" Keeper said.
'Now go, before I change my mind, or before your mother changes it for me" Optimus stated.
"Yes dad" Keeper said and told Kit and they went to go get saber who wasn't feeling good.
Keeper realized that Saber really needed to get away, as he had been inside far too long. "Come with us, love. I think it will make you feel better.' And with that, Keeper changed into his vehicle mode, a semi, and both of his mates were in the back as he headed out to a special place he had found just before the end of the last war. Saber laid down his head in Kit's lap.
Soon, they reached the special place, and Keeper allowed his mates out of his trailer and then transformed. Saber, though still a bit under the weather, felt so much better being outside. "This is nice love" Kit said.
"I found this spot just before Optimus died….it always seemed to bring me peace, especially after Elita died" keeper revealed, confusing Saber, who hadn't realized Keeper had been bonded before Kit. Kit explained who Elita was and Saber nodded.
"Forgive me for not telling you sooner, Saber. It is just…thinking of her still brings back wonderful and painful memories. I loved her, but I know she released me and allowed me to bond with Kit. And then with you. I know in my spark she is happy for us, and for me. I can't wait to see her again…..someday" Keeper stated. Saber nodded and kissed Keeper before going for a little walk.
"Don't wander off too far, or you may find yourself buried up to your neck in Silver water" Keeper stated, remembering how it had almost happened to Flasher and nearly drowned his twin. Saber nodded and walked for a bit. For the first time in months, Keeper relaxed, and Kit could tell, as the bot's shoulders sagged and Keeper's posture was less stiff. Kit came over and kissed Keeper. Keeper lazily yet passionately kissed back, and soon Saber even came to join in the session. Saber still wasn't 100% but he did feel better. "Something bothering you, love?" Keeper asked Saber.
"I just...I'm not feeling good" Saber said. Keeper held his younger mate while Kit continued to kiss and enjoy their time together. Saber did participate but it wasn't full participation. Keeper just watched. It pained him that Saber didn't seem to be enjoying this, as it was meant to be a bit of a vacation.
Saber kissed Keeper. "It's not your fault love that I don't feel good, this was a nice idea"
"Do you think we should head back early?" Keeper asked saber. It wasn't ideal, but he also understood that he and Saber were getting close to sparking as well.
"That's up to you love"
"I guess, then, we can stay here, for at least a little while" Keeper stated. Saber nodded and rested a little. Keeper could only hope that the sparklings would wait at least 2 more days. Keepers would wait but Sabers weren't wanting to. Later that night, while Saber and Kit slept inside Keeper's trailer, Saber started leaking oil. Saber let out little groans in his sleep.
And while Keeper didn't wake, Kit did and woke saber when he realized what was going on. "Saber, wake up…..you're sparking!" Saber onlined his optics and they were filled with pain. Kit was glad that they were inside keeper, as it would keep the sparklings off the dirty ground beneath them. Kit woke keeper up and instructed Keeper to head back while Kit helped saber. Keeper did as he was told, as he knew his mate needed a medic.
Unfortunately for Saber all three sparklings were going to be very large sparklings. Keeper raced as fast as his alt mode could go, but it still wasn't fast enough to get saber to a medic by the time the first large sparkling started crowning. Saber was screaming in pain as the first sparkling started to crown. Keeper commed ahead, and while the med bay was prepared, no one knew Kryptonight decided to fly out and meet the bot, knowing this was important. And soon, the seeker medic landed on Keeper, who was still far off from the base. "Let me help" Krypto stated. Keeper stopped only long enough to let Krypto in and then continued on his way.
Saber was straining to get the sparkling out. Krypto opened Saber up a bit wider, and soon the sparkling, a big mech seekerling, was sparked. It was obvious who this mechling took after – Keeper. And no sooner had the first one come, the second one, just as large as the first, was coming out. Saber was already getting tired as he worked on pushing the second one out. Krypto could tell the bot was getting tired and hung an energon drip, before transforming his arm into a vacuum type machine that helped guide the second seekerling, also a large mech, out of the bot. Krypto was surprised, as Saber didn't look big enough to hold these big of sparklings. And to top it all off, there was one more and saber was about to pass out from exhaustion.
Saber was exhausted but knew there was one more sparkling but that didn't make it any easier. And while Keeper kept rumbling closer, Krypto tried a risky procedure, using Kit to help him. He opened up Saber without any anesthetic, hoping to get the last larger seekerling out. Fortunately, the route was smooth, and Krypto was able to get the last seekerling out. It was yet another mech, but it had had the cord around its neck. Krypto urged his brother on, hoping they would make it before mother and or sparklings were lost.
Saber fell back against Kit as they grew closer to the base. Both Ratchet and Windrider were shocked when Keeper arrived at the base, as they hadn't expected Krypto to fly out and help, but it was a good thing he had, or both knew mother and sparklings, judging by the size, would most certainly have not made it. Saber and the sparklings were rushed to the med bay. Keeper and Kit quickly followed, wanting to be there for their sparkmate. Windrider and Krypto dealt with the sparklings while Ratchet worked on Saber. Kit went with the sparklings while Keeper stayed with Saber, who was in stasis lock from having lost so much energon.
Ratchet had drips hooked up as he got Saber close and had to do some repairs.
"Will he make it Ratchet?" Keeper asked, unable to bear the thought of losing yet another mate.
"I'm working on keeping him here." Keeper nodded and pulsed love to Saber, hoping against hope that it would help. Saber felt the love but was lost and didn't know where to go. Keeper's spark broke through the din that Saber was in, "follow me" it said, full of love and guidance. Saber slowly got to his feet and followed the bright spark. Keeper's spark, sensing danger, wrapped itself around Saber. Saber could feel nothing but warmth, love, and kindness and let the warmth guide him in the right direction. It was a good thing because the darkness had been about to grab Saber and take him down. Keeper's spark, and more importantly the Matrix of Leadership, helped save Saber, though neither bot knew it at the time. They wouldn't learn until sometime later that if Keeper hadn't been there Saber would have become lost in the darkness and would have offlined not having found his way home.
Soon, though not soon enough in some optics, Saber was starting to fight back and his vital signs were showing stronger signs of life. Keeper kept pulsing love and continued to guide his mate, keeping the darkness at bay until it shrunk away, unable to take Saber with it. Very slowly Sabers optics became dim slowly brightening. Keeper watched, hoping against hope that Saber would make it. The slowly brightening optics made Keeper smile. Saber's optics kept brightening little by little. "That's it love, you can do it, come back to me" Keeper stated as he held Saber's hand, seemingly unaware that his own sparklings were getting ready to come. Finally saber came back online.
Keeper gently stroked his mate's faceplates, unable to hug him due to wires and lines. Keeper felt some pain, but pushed it away, thinking it was Saber sending what he was feeling, and not realizing that he himself was getting ready to spark. Saber tried to speak, to tell the medic what he sensed through his own pain. "Relax love, you are safe" Keeper managed to get out before pain ripped through him and his oil broke, leaking oil everywhere. Ratchet got Keeper on a berth and cleaned up. Keeper was also sparking large sparklings, though only two of them, and neither wanted to come out first. Ratchet grumbled and threatened that if one of them didn't come out he was going to pull them out.
Reluctantly, the smaller of the two, though still larger than a normal sparkling, was forced out first and she screamed at the top of her intakes once she hit the cold air. Ratchet took her and handed her off and he told the other one that it was their turn. Soon, the bigger mech began to slowly make his way out, much quieter than his sister. "Push keeper" Ratchet said. Keeper pushed and pushed hard, and slowly the mech came out. Ratchet pulled the last one out and got them both checked out. And while the mech was calm and allowed Ratchet to do his exam, the femme, however, did everything in her little power to make things difficult for Ratchet.
"Stop" Ratchet said. "I'll give you over in a minute." Scared, the femme lubricated on Ratchet along with screaming her intakes off. Keeper had to laugh. Ratchet grumbled and cleaned her up before giving the femme over to keeper. The femme settled once she was in keeper's arms, while the mech still was pretty "go with the flow." "They're fine" Ratchet said before going to take another look at Saber.
Saber laughed as he saw that the little femme had such a feisty personality. "Can we call her Passionate?" saber asked, and Keeper nodded, even though he knew of a femme named Passion, Passionate was definitely a different name. Ratchet knew the readings were better but not fully where they should be.
"What's wrong with me, Ratchet?" saber asked nervously.
"Those large sparklings did some damage on their way out." Saber cried, fearing Ratchet would never again let him carry any sparklings. For while he was getting stronger and more confident, he also enjoyed feeling the precious lives growing inside of him. He hoped Ratchet wasn't going to say that terrible word – Sterilization. Ratchet rubbed Saber's helm gently. "We have to wait and see saber"
Though it didn't sound like much, Saber was a bit relieved, as a "wait and see" was better than, "we have no choice but…"
"Rest, I'll give you some pain meds." Saber nodded and looked over at Keeper who still had the two little ones. Everything was good, of So Saber thought at the moment.
Elsewhere, Mirror was visiting earth. She had gone without telling Air Raid, as she hoped to get to know his son, Fire Raid better. She had the sparklings with her as she headed to the house. She had talked with Fire Raid, and he knew she was coming, which is why when she didn't show up when she said she would, Fire Raid became concerned and went out to look for her. He found her, unconscious, still protecting her sparklings. It was obvious she had been beaten. He quickly took her into his home and commed his father, who he had no idea didn't know anything about this whole trip.
"Come again?" Air Raid asked his son.
"Dad, Mirror was beaten on her way to see me. She had the sparklings with her. They are unharmed, but she is unconscious. I have a medic friend of mine looking at her. Didn't she tell you she was coming to see me?" Fire Raid asked.
"No she didn't. Let me get word to prime I'm coming to earth." Fire Raid acknowledged his father's request. What Fire Raid didn't know was that his mate and another bot had caught the perp who had done this.
Back on Cybertron, Keeper was furious, and if it weren't for the fact that he had just sparked, he would have gone. In his absence, Optimus, Pincer, and Mirage went, leaving their sparklings with various bots. Air Raid was about ready to kill by the time they made it to earth. Mirror was starting to come around, but was still weak at best. Fire Raid was there and hugged her gently. Mirror smiled, but didn't say anything, as her voice box had been severely damaged and was in urgent need of repair.
"Our medic will take care of you." Mirror nodded before looking away from her mate. She knew she should have told him, and she felt guilty for it.
"I wish you had told me you were coming here." Mirror just broke down and cried, unable to tell him she was sorry and unable to tell him why she had come – she wanted a better relationship with Fire Raid. Air Raid kissed Mirror gently. "I'm just glad you're alive." Mirror hugged her mate and clung to him with what little strength she had left while her optics searched desperately for her sparklings.
"They're safe with fire's mate." Mirror visibly relaxed though she was still in pain and fairly weak. "I'll make sure you're taken care of, rest."
Mirror curled into her mate and fell into recharge, happy once again to be in the arms of her mate. "I wish I could have prevented this, dad, I really do' Fire Raid stated.
"I know you do son but you found her and we need her voice fixed quickly"
Fire nodded and brought forth his friend, a medic, who had checked her over. 'The only ones who are going to be able to repair that would be Ratchet, Windrider, or Kryptonight" the medic stated.
"How long do we have?"
"A day at most before it starts breaking down and getting beyond repair" the medic stated.
That left only one choice – Kryptonight was going to have to fly his aft to earth. Raid comment Krypto who said he was coming. Mirage and Optimus could only watch as their daughter struggled. But soon enough, Kryptonight had blazed his way to earth and found his way to where he needed to go. The medic, who was relatively new, was in awe, for while he knew of Kryptonight and the others, he had never met them. Kryptonight got right down to work, delicately working with the wires and such. It took hours upon hours of tedious work, but as the 13 hour mark came, Kryptonight finished with time to spare. "Ok, Mirror, please try to speak" the seeker medic asked.
"Sorry…" was all Mirror said. It was wispy and too high pitched. The seeker medic tweaked it a bit more, and finally got it back to Mirror's normal voice. "I'm sorry" Mirror stated again, crying once more.
Raid kissed her lovingly. "Shhh...its Alright love"
Mirror snuggled into her mate. Her sparklings came running up to her, safe and sound. Kryptonight smiled, as his help had been successful. 'If you'll excuse me, Hurricane needs me at home" and with that the seeker medic took off. Raid smiled and said they would stay a few days.
"Mirror, hon" Mirage stated, knowing this daughter of theirs was so much like him, "You can't run off on your own. Believe me, I learned the hard way, and your father has had to save me more than once. Please don't make the same mistakes I made. Always tell your mate what is going in."
"Yes mama" mirror said.
"Alright, take care" Mirage stated, and soon, through the use of Omega Supreme, Optimus and his mates flew back to Cybertron. Optimus kissed his mates lovingly when they got home because he had a few things to take care of and to not let him be gone too long. Mirage and Pincer agreed, and bided their time.
Elsewhere Slugbug was approaching his mate, Striker. Slugbug had been avoiding his mate for a couple of days as Striker was still mad about something, but hadn't realized just how sensitive his mate was. Slugbug had remained hidden for days on end in the tunnels of the base, and even his twin knew he was depressed, and no one could find the small gold and white bot. Striker felt miserable and hurt and was upset.
Finally, Slugbug came home, covered in soot, looking lost and forlorn. Slugbug hoped his mate wasn't going to yell at him again, as he had nothing to do with what had made his mate mad. Striker went to him and curled into Slugbug. "You aren't still mad at me?" Slugbug asked, caught off guard by the affection. It wasn't that he didn't want, for he craved it, he just wasn't sure if this was just bait before he got yelled at again. Striker shook his head. "Can I at least clean up before we cuddle, love?" Slugbug asked, the soot marring even Striker's form. Striker nodded, as it would give him time to compose himself and tell bug what had happened.
Slugbug cleaned off the soot, and soon came back, his bright white and gold chassis shining in the light. "Ok, my love, I am now ready to snuggle with you" Slugbug stated. Striker curled into bug trying not to cry again. Bug ran his hands along striker's sides and gently kissed his mate. "Tell me what's wrong, love" Slugbug stated, doing his best to soothe his mate.
"I..." Striker started several times to speak before he finally got out what was wrong. "I...miscarried...I was sparked..."
Slugbug brought his mate in close, and pulsed love. "I am sorry love" Slugbug stated, kissing his mate gently. Striker started crying again. "I love you, no matter what, my love. And nothing will change that" Slugbug stated as he held his mate tight, their precious sparklings elsewhere.
"It just happened I felt pain...then I had oil and energon between my legs." Slugbug just held his mate, unsure what to say, but knowing his mate needed his love. Striker just cried. Slugbug pulsed love, not wanting to ask the question about trying again for another sparkling. Striker ended up drifted off in Slugbug arms. Slugbug soon drifted off himself, holding striker close to him. He wanted so bad to help heal the hurt, but primus wouldn't let him. This was something Striker had to learn to deal with.
Striker woke a few hours later hurting and felt down. Slugbug woke at the same time, and just held his mate close to him. Striker felt it was his fault that he had miscarried. Slugbug could feel his mate's guilt. "Striker, Primus sometimes does things that we don't understand. There is nothing you could have done or should have done to change this. Death is part of life, and not every sparkling makes it. Hurricane would have had an older sister named Purplehaze had she not been killed by Megatron when only seconds old. And my original parents told me that they lost several sparklings to miscarriages before Kryptonight and I finally came along" Slugbug stated, trying to cheer his mate up. Striker didn't know what to say as he felt it was his fault but a part of him knew Slugbug was right. "And when you feel ready, we can always try for another one" Slugbug stated, surprising Striker, who thought his mate would want nothing to do with him having sparklings after this. "They say sometimes the best way to work through this, is to try again."
"You mean...you still want me? And sparklings with me?"
"Of course I want you. You are my bonded, my mate – nothing will ever make me love you any less. And this is just a small bump in the road. Life isn't perfect, and it doesn't always go the way we plan it to, but just because we hit a bump doesn't mean we have to be shaken to pieces by it. We can use it to grow and grow together in love and grow stronger in our love and friendship" Slugbug stated, kissing his mate gently, optics filled with love and warmth.
Striker moaned into the kiss. "I love you"
"I love you too, my mate" Slugbug stated, growing larger to embrace his mate "properly."
"Please...please I...love me"
"How could I deny such a request?" Slugbug stated, starting to gently stroke his mate's body. Striker moaned softly. Slugbug kept up his ministrations, enjoying the little mewls and moans coming out of his mate. Striker arched and moaned as Slugbug caressed him. "Open up, love" Slugbug whispered gently, "please." Striker nodded and opened his valve for his mate. Slugbug carefully and gently slipped his stiff spike into his mate, hoping that his mate was experiencing nothing but pleasure. Striker gasped as Slugbug slid inside him.
Slugbug stopped, briefly, allowing his mate time to adjust before starting a slow and sensual rhythm. Striker clung to Slugbug as the other moved slowly in and out of his valve. "Do you feel ready to try again love?" Slugbug asked, not knowing if his mate was ready to try again for a sparking or if the bot wanted to wait a while. Striker thought it over and nodded slowly. Slugbug released his pure white spark. "Please, join me, release that beautiful spark of yours" Slugbug encouraged. Striker hesitated but slowly released his spark. The warmth and love of Slugbug's spark surrounded Striker's golden spark, and slowly and gently the sparks connected. Striker cried out and didn't realize his spark had changed colors.
Slugbug focused on his mate, hoping to help his mate feel better. Striker lasted one more round before he was too drained to continue. Slugbug remained with his mate, knowing that Striker would need him once he woke.
Striker woke with a small groan a few hours later. "I am still here, love" Slugbug stated, having returned to his normal size.
"I don't feel good Bug" Striker said.
"Let's get you some energon, it will probably help, as you have lost so much already" Slugbug stated, and quickly went and grabbed several cubes of energon before slowly helping his mate take them in.
Striker slowly drank the cubes and did feel a bit better. "Thank you Bug"
"You are very welcome, love' bug stated, gently kissing his mate and gently holding his mate as Bug sensed his mate needed to just be held. Striker curled into Slugbug's arms needing the warmth and love.
Meanwhile, Ratchet was still upset at Kryptonight for what had happened to poor Charger. And while Ratchet didn't want Kryptonight in the med bay, Windrider was more compassionate, and allowed the seeker medic to continue to help out, as nothing was worse than a medic who wasn't allowed to practice his or her craft. Ratchet would eventually forgive Kryptonight but not until the still weak minibots pulled through. Kryptonight had felt awful and went to talk to Flasher personally. He knew his brother had every right to yell at him, but Kryptonight also knew that he had to apologize. And so he swallowed his pride and went to knock on Flasher's door.
It was Charger that answered the door. "Yes" he said coolly.
The seeker medic bowed his head. "I deserved that. I came to apologize to you, Red, and my brother Flasher. And no, no one prompted me to come, I come alone and of my own accord' the seeker medic stated. He didn't think Charger would believe him, but he had to try. "I made a huge mistake. I didn't realize that the symbol placed upon you meant you were an adult. I should have studied the old texts, but I didn't. And I am sorry I didn't listen. I shouldn't have assumed anything."
"Did you honestly think Red and Flasher would take advantage of me? They had to stop me from getting any, my sparklings are still in danger because of me being stressed because of your actions" charger said.
"I should have followed my medic instincts instead of my seeker instincts. It's hard. Seekers are hardwired to protect those who are young and can't fend for themselves. You have no idea how strong this instinct is. It had nothing to do with Red and Flasher, as I know in my spark they would never harm you" Kryptonight stated.
"We minibots aren't weak like many think" Charger said.
"I never thought you were weak, Charger. My seeker programming registered you as too young, whether you were Minibot or regular bot. Ratchet won't even let me near the med bay. He won't talk to me, and he has every medic ignore me. My own twin is angry with me for what I have done, and my sparkmate, once he learned what happened, refuses to talk to me. I hope your little ones live, I really do" Kryptonight stated, tears in his optics. "And I am going away where I do no more harm." And with that, Kryptonight ran off, it was too painful to stand anymore.
Charger may not have been happy with Krypto, but he knew that couldn't be good so he made quick comms. Krypto was long gone before anyone got the comms, having found a secluded spot, he contemplated ending it all, after all, he had seriously messed up, he had pissed his brothers off, including his own real twin, and his sparkmate had seemingly abandoned him. What was left? He couldn't think of anything. Hurricane though felt his mate and ran finally finding him. "If you dare do what you're thinking I will never forgive you"
"What do you care, you're cutting off the bond between us, or you would have seen this coming" Kryptonight bit back, fighting internally. He could feel the pinched connection, it had been that way since Hurricane had learned what had happened, and it was killing the seeker medic, slowly.
"Because you go I go, I love you slag it and of course I was pissed off at you" Hurricane said.
"But if you don't open your side of the bond, you'll kill me anyway" Kryptonight stated, his medical training coming forth. Hurricane opened his end of the bond and Krypto found his mate had been injured physically. Kryptonight just curled up into a ball, feeling as if the world was coming to an end. Kryptonight was weak – as he hadn't eat or slept in days and the bond inside was painful, as it had been constricted for so long. Hurricane went to him and made him take sips of energon. Krypto, too weak to fight, just let his mate help him. Hurricane fed him till he was satisfied and held Krypto close.
"I…I was reacting on seeker instinct and programming…." Krypto whispered, hurting too much to talk any louder. Hurricane just soothed Krypto and pulsed love. Krypto curled into his mate. Gone was the proud, fun loving seeker medic. In its place, a scared, hurting seeker.
"I'll take care of you.' Krypto smiled before falling into stasis lock. Hurricane took Krypto home and kept an optic on him.
Elsewhere, Charger finally told his mates of Krypto's visit and apology, sounding very cool and upset about the whole thing. Red was confused, and Flasher didn't know what to feel, as Krypto was his brother. Charger asked finally was he justified in feeling the way he was feeling. "You are justified in being upset, charger" Flasher started, "but I think you must know something – It takes a lot for Kryptonight to apologize, especially without any prompting. He obviously was crushed by this whole misunderstanding as well."
"Then what do I do...our sparklings are still in danger"
"Forgive him. It does no good to remain angry at him. We have sparklings that we need our energy for" Flasher stated, surprising Charger. Charger wasn't sure what to say. 'Let's go see our little ones" Flasher stated, unaware that hurricane, worried about his mate, was bringing Kryptonight to the med bay in stasis lock. Charger and Red nodded and they headed to the med bay. Hurricane had just brought Kryptonight in stasis lock into the med bay. Charger didn't see as he had went to the sparklings but Flasher saw and rushed over.
"He just crashed. I stopped him from trying to kill himself, but just barely" Hurricane stated. Flasher grabbed the medic on duty. The medic on duty was Windcharger and Ratchet. Windcharger was working with the slowly developing early sparklings and Ratchet was left to check out the downed seeker. Ratchet started to examine Krypto.
Krypto had an internal injury that was bleeding and he had several deep lacerations on the underside of his wings, each of which was still dripping energon. And it didn't help that Krypto's spark was heavily weighed down, as if he still didn't know if it was worth living. And then Ratchet noticed the wrist lacerations – it was obvious that Krypto had tried to end it all. And Hurricane also admitted that he had restricted his bond in fury. Flasher then reported about Keeper and the others being pissed, as well as Slugbug and being kept out of the med bay. Ratchet nodded and got to work on Krypto and would talk to him after.
Krypto didn't wake even after Ratchet took care of the obvious issues. Ratchet was getting frustrated, as he couldn't understand why the dumbafted seeker wouldn't comeback. But Windrider, having taken care of the thriving preemie sparklings, had an idea which would shock Ratchet. "I don't think he's coming back to us till his spark knows those sparklings are safe" Windrider stated before walking off to attend to something else.
Ratchet went and checked on the sparklings and came back. "Krypto, they're getting better"
But Krypto didn't budge, and Ratchet was starting to see just how sensitive seekers were, as nothing he did brought Krypto out of stasis lock. Charger went over and took the seekers hand. "I'm sorry...and my sparklings are getting better'
Krypto still didn't budge, and Ratchet knew this wasn't fake, as he had done several tests that would have jolted any faking bot awake several times. Krypto was waiting for something.
Elsewhere, Slugbug felt his twin's pain, and finally, no longer upset, reached out to save his twin. "Krypto, Primus says those bots will live. Don't give up, Primus still has wonderful plans for you" Slugbug pulsed along the twinlink, and it was only after that message was received by Krypto's spark that those in the med bay noticed a slight change in the vital signs for the seeker. He wasn't out of the woods just yet, but he was going to make it. Ratchet sighed and would let Krypto back in the med bay.
"I am sorry for messing with the bond. I had no idea it would cause such problems. I didn't know constricting could kill him slowly' hurricane stated to Ratchet, seeming to realize he was the biggest complication.
"We're all responsible for this" Ratchet said
"I knew he was sensitive, but I never realized it was this bad. He always seemed so carefree" Flasher stated. The others agreed and would try better.
Elsewhere, Mirage had gone to babysit Urgent care's brothers. He seemed to be doing ok for the time being, as both Halfpipe and Steelpipe seemed to like Mirage. Mirage was telling them a story. Both little ones curled up against Mirage as they listened. Mirage smiled, as keeper had done the right thing by bringing these special bots back to be with family. Optimus stopped by to check on them. Steelpipe, sensing the bot, reached out for Optimus while Halfpipe curled more into Mirage especially now that it was just him. Optimus picked up Steelpipe and kissed his helm.
"Pa" Steel stated shakily as Optimus held him.
"Yes baby its pa" Optimus said and sat down holding Steelpipe.
Halfpipe, not to be outdone by his brother, snuggled into Mirage, and mere said, "Ma." It was the first time he had really spoken since having been returned to his brother's care.
"That's right Halfpipe, its ma" Mirage said kissing the others helm.
Mirage and Optimus continued watching the two until Urgent and his mates came home. Mirage reported to Urgent what had happened, and Urgent was impressed as well as shocked. 'Thank you" Urgent stated, taking the two bots back. And for as much as Steel and Half loved Mirage and Optimus, they were very glad to be back with mommy. Optimus and Mirage headed home and spent time with Pincer. Pincer had finally gotten their own sparklings to settle down, and was looking forward to just spending some time with his mates. They kissed pincer and had bouts of lazy interfacing.
But it was during one of these sessions, Pincer started having shooting pain – his sparklings were ready to come out. Optimus and Mirage soothed him. "Think we can get him to the med bay in time" Optimus asked Mirage.
"We have to, remember, his sparklings have to come out via C-section, as his developmental chamber isn't connected to his valve" Mirage stated. Optimus nodded and had Mirage comm ahead while he carried Pincer. Razorblade prepped for the arrival. Optimus laid Pincer down gently and he and Mirage stayed by pincers side. Thanks to having many sparklings, Mirage was able to use a couple of their older sparklings to watch the new ones while they remained by Pincer's side.
"You're doing great pincer" Optimus said soothingly. Once razor understood the situation, he began to open pincer up to remove the sparklings. It didn't take long for the twins to be sparked – two mechs and both obviously getting Optimus's size.
Optimus kissed pincer softly. "You did wonderfully." Pincer held the two, and finally felt what Mirage must have felt – satisfaction at having brought life into the world.
Mirage kissed Pincer. "I'm proud of you"
Pincer blushed, unused to being the center of attention. "Thank you" he managed to get out.
"Rest love we can bring you and the little ones home soon"
Mirage kissed Pincer really quick before leaving. It had been a while since he had seen Sunny, and he feared Sunny needed some "mom-son" time. Optimus understood and sat with Pincer while Mirage went in search of his little yellow bot. It didn't take long to find the sensitive bot. Sunny was attempting to do some painting.
"Needs a Bit more yellow' Mirage stated, appreciating what Sunny was painting. Sunny looked up and smiled when he saw it was mom and went to him.
"Pincer just sparked, and in seeing those sparklings, it reminded me that it has been awhile since I stopped and saw you. How are you doing?" Mirage asked, not ready for the deluge he had just unleashed.
"Where do I even start" Sunny said.
"Do you want me as mother, listening and loving, or as mommy?" Mirage asked quietly, trying to gauge what Sunny felt like.
"Mother" Sunny said.
Mirage nodded, as he knew Sunny must have had a lot on his mind. 'Then start at the beginning, my son" Mirage stated. Sunny sat down and just started talking. Mirage listened, not interrupting or judging the yellow bot, and only offering input when Sunny requested it. Mirage sat next to Sunny and rubbed the bot's back, hoping to help sunny feel better. Finally sunny finished venting. "Feel better, son?" Mirage asked, hoping sunny did in fact feel better. Sunny nodded and curled up against Mirage. Mirage held Sunny and stroked his faceplates gently. Sunny nuzzled into the touch.
The problem was that Sunny had been so stressed out, that his processor reverted back to a sparkling – as his processor remembered the few times of playing sparkling with Mirage playing mommy. This time, though, with a stressed out processor, Sunny wasn't playing. Mirage noticed a shift but wasn't sure what was going on. "Sunny?"
Sunny cooed at Mirage. "Mummy"
Mirage wasn't sure what to make of this. "Sunstreaker, are you ok?" Mirage asked worriedly. He knew that Sunny would make it known if he was playing. Sunny just clicked and cooed. That was when Mirage knew this wasn't a game. Sunstreaker really believed he was a sparkling. Mirage hoped the bot could walk, as Mirage wasn't strong enough to carry the bot, especially after having had back surgery not that long ago. "Don't worry, love, mommy will take good care of you."
"M...Momm...mommy...'' Sunny got out.
"Can Sunny walk for mommy?" Mirage asked. Sunny bobbed his head. Taking one of Sunny's hands, Mirage carefully and gently walked with Sunny back to his own quarters. Mirage wasn't sure what he was going to do, but he knew he couldn't "abandon" Sunny, not now, as the bot needed him. Sunny found the couch and got on it curling up. Mirage got the special bottle cube he used for during their games and began feeding Sunny while he let his two mates know about what had happened through the bond link. Optimus asked Mirage if he wanted him to come home. Mirage let Optimus know that it wasn't critical to come right then, but he would need help at some point later on. Optimus sent the okay and stayed a little longer with Pincer a little longer before going home.
Pincer and the sparklings were kept in the med bay until at least the next day to make sure they were safe. Mirage was glad that Optimus had come home, as Mirage was trying to help Sunny while their older sparklings were struggling to help the young sparklings. Optimus tended to the younger sparklings but did spend time with sunny too, since he was papa.
"Daddy" Sunny stated giggling, and Mirage knew then 110 percent that this was no game.
"We just play the two of us, there is no way he says that unless he is mentally a sparkling" Mirage stated.
Optimus nodded. "What do we do then?" Optimus asked holding Sunny.
"I guess we 'raise' him until he comes back to his normal senses, and we better let his mates know" Mirage said. Optimus nodded and commed Rave, Sides and Chance letting them know what was going on. And since Sides and Rave were busy, chance came to check on things, just to make sure things were ok for the bizarre point in time. Mirage let him in.
"I wanted to check on Sunny"
"Optimus is holding him for now" Mirage stated, and soon the pair saw that sunny was softly cooing and clicking in his sleep while lying in Optimus's arms. Chance smiled a little, he hated this was happening but he knew sunny was safe here. Optimus gently rocked Sunny.
"Just give him some time. He will come around" Mirage stated, offering comfort to chance.
Chance nodded. "I hope it's soon"
"We'll keep you up-to-date, Chance, don't worry. And the moment we notice a change, we'll let you know" Mirage promised as Sunny woke up and cooed in Optimus's arms.
"Thank you" Chance said. "I know he'll be safe here"
Mirage nodded. "And you can come and see him anytime you like. You or any of your mates, just try to give us a heads up that you are coming."
"We will" Chance said. And with that, Chance left, and Mirage went to sit by his mate, Optimus.
"Sunny woke up"
"I see" said Mirage, "Is baby hungry?"
"Hungy"
Mirage filled the special cube. "Want mommy or daddy to feed you?" Mirage asked.
"Daddy" Sunny said.
Mirage handed the strange looking cube to Optimus, who quickly figured it out and fed Sunny. "I am glad you had this" Optimus stated.
"Me too" stated Mirage. Optimus slowly fed Sunny and burped him afterwards. Sunny smiled, enjoying the attention. Optimus played with Sunny and the other sparklings letting Mirage nap before they switched out. Mirage had hoped it would blow over by the next day when Pincer came home, but it didn't and Mirage and his mates were still trying to get Sunny back to normal. Optimus brought Pincer and the sparklings home and they tended to everyone.
It wasn't until the next day when Mirage started notice things finally turning around. Sunny was starting to act a little more grown up but still nowhere near where he should be. "What's my little Sunny up to?" Mirage asked, knowing that Sunny basked in the smallest bits of attention.
"Playing, want to paint"
Mirage didn't have much in the "paint department" but he managed to round up some unused datapads and three colors – Red, Blue, and yellow. Sunny started to play with the paints.
Mirage watched, and then realized he had forgotten brushes. But Sunny had another idea – finger-paints. Sunny used his fingers to make designs and the like. Mirage watched, fascinated. Sunny kept painting till he finished what he was working on. Mirage was working with one of his other sparklings when Sunny finished, though Mirage hadn't really moved from the spot he had been in for some time. Sunny went to Mirage and showed him the drawing.
"Wow, that is pretty" Mirage stated, warmly. "Can you tell me what it is?"
"Feelings." Mirage nodded, and then smiled. Sunny smiled back.
"You're doing so well" Mirage stated.
"Mommy proud?"
"Mommy is very proud, baby" Mirage stated warmly and voice full of love and acceptance. Sunny beamed and put his head on Mirage's lap. Mirage gently rubbed Sunny's faceplates as he talked to another sparkling. Sunny ended up dozing right where he was. Mirage relayed the improvements to Sunny's mates. They were happy and asked when they could come and see him. Mirage told them that they could come now, but only one at a time so that they didn't overwhelm poor sunny.
They decided on who would go first. Sides came over first to see Sunny. Sunny stirred feeling Sides in the room. 'It's just me sunny. Remember me?" Sides asked.
"B...br...brother..."
"That's right" stated Sides, happy to see that Mirage and Optimus were keeping Sunny on the Sunny side of things, so to speak. Sunny held his arms out to Sides. Sides hugged his brother, happy to see Sunny was well cared for. Sunny held onto Sides nuzzling.
'I have to go, sunny, as rave and Chance want to see you too" Sides stated, hoping Sunny understood. Sunny bobbed his head.
And soon, Sides was gone, but Rave was there to see Sunny. "Remember me, Sunshine?" Rave asked.
"Rave" Sunny said and nuzzled Rave.
"That's right. I am sure you will come back to us soon" Rave stated. Sunny bobbed his head and purred. Rave smiled, happy to see Mirage and Optimus were keeping Sunny like the sunny they now knew and loved. "Baby, I have to go, but Chance will soon be in to see you" rave stated.
Sunny purred and nuzzled Rave. "Love." Rave soon left, knowing that this would get better. And a few minutes after Rave had left, Chance went in to see if Sunny remembered him the way he had remembered his other two mates.
Sunny smiled at chance. "Ance" he said having trouble with his c's. Chance smiled, glad that Sunny hadn't forgotten about him. And not content to just hug Sunny, chance sat down next to his mate for a bit and rubbed his back. Sunny purred and nuzzled.
Chance stayed a bit longer, and even finger painted with his mate before he had to leave for duty. "I love you, Sunny. And I hope you'll come back to us soon. I have to go, but I will check back in from time to time" Chance stated, after washing the paint off his hands.
"Bye bye ance" Sunny said. Mirage was going to shut the door once Chance left, but Slick showed up. Slick had always been close to his mother, and without any hesitation, Mirage let the bot in. Mirage didn't know how sunny would react, but he hoped it was a good reaction.
"Mama?" Slick stated, instantly drawing Sunny's attention. Sunny beamed and rushed to slick.
Slick rubbed his mother's helm. "Oh mama, what happened to you?" slick asked, not expecting an answer.
"I think he was getting really stressed out" Mirage stated, placing a gentle hand on Slick for comfort, which Sunny took note of right away. Sunny purred and looked up at his son a little more comprehension in his optics.
"Sunny, I am not taking your place, I am just helping Slick deal with this" Mirage stated, which Sunny understood and began to smile more.
Sunny nuzzled Mirage and slick. "S...son..."
Mirage smiled while Slick was shocked. "That's right, mama" Slick Stated, and hugged the yellow bot. Mirage could tell Sunny was getting tired, as he started to get a bit fussy.
"Slick, I think you better come back another time, as I think someone is getting a little tired" Mirage said gently, and slick took the hint.
Slick nodded. "Can I get him settled? He's done it for me so many times"
"Sure, help me get him to the couch, and then you can settle him in" stated Mirage with a smile, and Slick did just that, he helped get Sunny to the couch and tucked the blanket around him before giving the bot a kiss on the helm.
"I'll be back mama" Slick stated, to which Sunny smiled before falling into recharge.
Slick didn't like what was going on. "He's improving, Slick. We are hoping he is back to us soon" Mirage stated, offering comfort to the bot.
"How did he get so stressed to cause this?" Slick asked. Mirage explained about having three mates, and less attention as well as other factors, and soon Slick understood.
"I think I'm going to spend more time with mom" slick said.
'Just make sure you balance your own family life with that of caring and being with your mother" Mirage said, advising Slick with good advice.
Slick nodded. "I will and Skyline will understand." Mirage nodded and allowed Slick to go. And after Slick left, Mirage shut the door and then, tired himself, went to nap with Sunny on the couch. Problem was, Keeper was coming over and had no idea what was going on, and Mirage was home alone. Keeper knocked at his normal volume waking sunny. Sunny snuggled closer to Mirage who gently soothed sunny and then opened the door, expecting it was one of his mates. Keeper came in and nearly had a fit at what he saw.
"Keeper, what's the matter?" Mirage asked.
"What's going on here?" Keeper asked, unaware of what had happened to Sunny.
"Sunny was stressed and reverted to sparklinghood. We are watching him until he's ready to go back to his mates" Mirage stated, diffusing Keeper's anger.
"I was looking for dad, he was supposed to help me with something' Keeper stated, remembering the advice Sides had given him about not yelling at his parents.
"I haven't seen him son'' Mirage said.
Sunny curled more into Mirage, scared of the big bot who had just entered. 'Sunny, calm down, son. That's just Keeper and he won't hurt you' Mirage stated, shooting a look at his oldest.
"I'm sorry, sunny, I don't mean to scare you" keeper said.
Sunny was wary, but purred when Keeper rubbed his helm. "I'm sorry, mom, I just have been a bit stressed. Dad is letting me run things more on my own and things are crazy with all the sparklings around' Keeper stated, not telling his mother about what had happened between him and Flasher. But Mirage knew something was up.
"You don't have to tell me now, but I want to know, as there is more going on than you are telling me" Mirage stated, gently rubbing Keeper's faceplates. Sunny was surprised that Mirage could even tame this huge bot.
Keeper leaned into the touch. "Yes mama, do you have any idea where dad is"
"He was with Buster and Starlight" Mirage stated. Keeper nodded and said he would go find them. Optimus was talking with Buster about things as Hide sat on Buster's lap, having grown slightly to the point where Hide could now talk instead of just click and coo.
Keeper finally found them. "Dad"
Optimus turned around, surprised to be found by his son the Prime. He had forgotten about helping keeper after he had dropped Hound off with buster and the two had started talking. "Yes, Prime?" Optimus asked, unsure if this was official business or not.
"I need your assistance" keeper said.
"Yes, sir" Optimus stated and excused himself from Buster and hide's presence, and followed his son to where they were going.
"Dad you were supposed to meet me"
"I am sorry, son. Buster got to talking, and I just couldn't get away. I am here to help now, though' Optimus stated, a smile on his faceplates. Keeper nodded and they got to work.