Sunstreaker runs the soft cloth over my back one last time. "There. You're perfect. Not a blemish anywhere."

"Thanks." I twist in a vain attempt to see my own back. It's probably just as good that I can't, I'd have been blinded by it. Sunstreaker's got me polished to almost a mirror shine.

Sideswipe sticks his head in, looks at me appreciatively. "Nice. Want to come out here, check these two over? You're pickier than me."

Sunstreaker leaves me with a final warning glance and a "Stand still for five minutes more, Isobel, I don't have time to redo the finish if you move before it's dry", and follows Sideswipe into the living room. After a moment, I dare to shuffle around carefully until I can look at myself in the wash rack full-length mirror.

Holy crap.

I'm going to damage someone's optics with this shine. Sunstreaker didn't spare any effort. The white is crisp and shiny, almost light-like, and the green is dark and lustrous. The gold details accentuate everything perfectly.

I've never looked this good, as a bot or a human.

Five minutes pass slowly, but eventually I can walk out into the living room. Sideswipe is as gleaming and perfect as I am, Sunstreaker made sure of that before they even got here. The artist himself is on his knees, working on First Aid's legs. Groove is already standing still as a statue and almost as shiny over by the window.

"Thanks for doing this, Sunstreaker."

He turns his head and flashes me a smile. "Sure. Can't have you looking less than your best for baby Blue's big day."

Bluestreak and Skywarp managed to speed up their bonding ceremony. It's not going to be a small affair, considering they've both invited everybody they know, but it will apparently be much more casual than such affairs usually are.

Well. Somewhat more casual. Optimus still insisted on making it fairly grand, in honor of the first cross-faction bonding since the end of the war. It's kind of a big deal to him.

I guess it's kind of a big deal to everybody.

Soon it's First Aid's turn to stand still as a statue, and Groove carefully begins moving around. I triple-check my subspace for the gifts. Everything is still there, just like the last time I checked.

"Ready?" Sideswipe says finally, when Sunstreaker allows First Aid to move again. "We should get going if we want to be on time."

The ceremony itself is held across the settlement, in a large space that apparently used to be a warehouse of sorts before the Constructicons leveled it and turned it into some form of open-air theater. And Sideswipe is right, we're running later than I'd like.

"Okay." Sunstreaker glares at each of us in turn. "Anyone get their finish scratched, don't expect me to fix it."

We run into Hound and Mirage and Dead End in the hall, all polished to the same expert shine as we are. Sunstreaker's optics rove over Dead End's frame appreciatively, and I pretend not to see the way Sideswipe's grinning.

Not my business. Though I'm glad they're doing better.

It's quite the procession of shiny vehicles heading out towards the edge of the settlement. I'm next to Groove, with First Aid in front of us. Sunstreaker's behind us, Sideswipe behind him, then our three neighbors. Behind them, we've somehow picked up the Constructicons. It feels almost like a parade, one without any spectators.

By the time we get to the venue, we've been joined by Prowl and Jazz, Ironhide and Chromia, and Arcee's bringing up the rear. And still the place is crowded when we get there.

I glance at First Aid. ::Did they invite everybody?::

::Looks like it,:: he replies. ::Hold on, there's Ratchet.::

Thankfully, it's not as full once we get past the two buildings that function as gates. It seems everyone's holding back, not wanting to go close to the stage at the far end of the field. As soon as we get through the initial throng, making our way to where Ratchet is standing is relatively easy.

"Hi." He smiles at me, nodding at my finish. "Shiny."

"Sunstreaker." I move to stand next to him. "Optimus ready?"

"He's so excited I don't think he can stand still." Ratchet chuckles. "I had to leave. It was making me a little woozy to watch him spin in circles like that."

Sideswipe laughs from behind me. "Sounds like Prime."

By unspoken agreement, no one mentions the upcoming trial. Not today. Today, we're all willfully ignorant of the fact and determined to enjoy the first wedding on Cybertron in millennia.

The field is filling up, the pressure of mecha moving away from the gate. A glance at the chronometer tells me that it's almost time.

"I'm kind of nervous, does that make any sense?"

First Aid leans forward and rests his head on my shoulder. "Yeah. It's exciting."

Suddenly there's a loud boom from overhead. It's a testament to how long the peace has lasted that there's only one or two screams. I look up to see Thundercracker banking into a turn before coming over the field again, another sonic boom marking his passage directly overhead. One more turn, and he lands at the edge of the stage.

Groove looks at me as I laugh. "What's funny?"

"Nothing. It's just, on Earth it would have been church bells. Here, it's sonic booms."

He grins. "I guess it's a personal touch."

Optimus walks up on the stage, smiling and waving at the handful of cheers that go up. On the opposite side of Thundercracker, Prowl climbs the stage.

It's time.

I watch as Bluestreak walks onto the stage. He's been detailed to perfection – I think I can recognize Sunstreaker's touch from here – but his plating pales in comparison to the radiant look on his face. I've never seen Bluestreak this happy.

Skywarp comes in from above. He's descending in root mode, and I can see his grin from here.

I lean towards Sunstreaker, making sure to keep my voice low. "Did you detail Skywarp as well?" The shine is unmistakable.

He nods. "For Bluestreak. He asked."

That's a huge step forward for Sunstreaker. I reach out and squeeze his hand. "You did amazing."

The smile he flashes me is all Sunstreaker-as-he-was. It's heartwarming to see.

Optimus begins speaking. I lean against First Aid and Groove as I listen. It's all words about devotion, love in the face of diversity, how we're stronger together than we are apart. All the while, Bluestreak and Skywarp stand facing each other in front of him, holding hands and smiling bright enough to light up the world.

It's beautiful. I can feel the tears forming.

Optimus places his hand on top of Skywarp's and Bluestreak's intertwined fingers. "How can we not be inspired by such love? How can we have doubts in the face of what these two clearly feel for each other? I am humbled and awed by them. And thus, it is with great pleasure and true happiness that I declare Skywarp and Bluestreak to be one. One spark, forever. One love, forever." He steps back. "Go before Primus and his people, and be joined together in spark and spirit."

I hear Skywarp laughing as he grabs Bluestreak and spins him around before kissing him. They're still intertwined as he suddenly lifts them off the ground and soars upward until they're far enough away that I can't tell them apart.

"Where are they – huh?"

Ratchet laughs at me. "It was tradition in Vos that seekers bond in the air."

My voice is a squeak and I can't help it. "They're going to spark-bond up there?"

Thundercracker takes off as well, keeping his distance from the pair but hovering just as high. There's a rumble of big engines, and I turn to see Skyfire taking off as well, root mode hovering upwards. In front of him…

Starscream.

He made it. He might not be mingling, but he's here for his trinemate's bonding ceremony.

I'm definitely crying now.

Above us, Bluestreak and Skywarp are eclipsed in bright blue light. The crowd goes wild with cheers, and I realize I just witnessed a spark-merge in mid-air.

Ratchet hands us each a ball. It's about fist-sized, very light, and I have no idea what I'm supposed to do with it.

"It's a hovering lantern," he explains. "Another old Vos tradition. If you press the button underneath, it starts a chemical reaction."

It seems he's not the only one passing out lanterns. A steady supply of them rises towards the sky. I push the button on mine, and it immediately lights up with a soft glow and begins rising up out of my hands. It looks really pretty.

Bluestreak and Skywarp aren't coming back down. Starscream and Thundercracker are both flying closer until all four of them are in a huddle.

Around us, the crowd begins to move.

I turn to Ratchet. "What now?"

"Now we head to the reception area." He pushes at my shoulder to turn me around. It's probably easier to push me than to try to explain, especially since it seems people are moving in every direction. "I know there will be fewer mecha there than here, and Bluestreak told me they'd ordered refreshments from that little café on the square. Come on." He takes me by the elbow, and I reach out to snag First Aid's hand. Groove hovers behind me.

We leave Mirage, Hound and Dead End, and the Constructicons. Jazz is nowhere to be seen, probably because he's gone off to join Prowl. Most of the mecha surrounding us seem to be headed back the way we came in, but a few angle off towards the right. The same direction that Ratchet is tugging me.

We head through an open doorway, and end up in a large warehouse. It's decorated with strings of lights in the ceiling and more glowing lanterns attached to the walls. Along one of the walls there's a long bar covered in plates of treats and cubes of flavored energon. A pair of diminutive mostly white bots are darting around behind it, putting finishing touches on the display.

We hover for a few minutes, with Sideswipe staring at the treats display in fascination, before Optimus walks in. He climbs a dais I hadn't noticed in the other end of the room and raises his hands.

"Friends." I can tell he's smiling. "My friends. Settle down, please. I promise you'll be fed soon enough."

A smattering of chuckles greet his words.

"Don't worry, you won't have to look at me for long. I just need your attention for a moment." He turns sideways and gestures to the back of the dais. "May I present the bonded couple: Skywarp and Bluestreak!"

The cheers are just as loud as outside, even though there are far fewer mecha here. Both Bluestreak and Skywarp are smiling widely as they wave back. They don't seem to be able to let go of each other. Whenever Skywarp turns, Bluestreak follows, and vice versa.

I lean towards Ratchet. "Is that normal? That they seem to almost be orbiting around each other?"

"Yeah." My comm pings with an incoming information packet. "It's all there. Basically, their sparks are getting used to being separate again. For the next few weeks, they'll need to merge frequently as the bond settles. They won't be able to be apart for long." He chuckles. "I wouldn't expect to see them out in public until we leave, to be honest. And even after that, they're going to be insufferable for a good long while. Exactly how long will vary from couple to couple."

"Is that so?" I grin back at him. "How long did it take for you and Optimus?"

His smile turns wicked. "It was a solid fortnight before anyone on the council could stand being in the same room with either of us. Another three weeks before we were back to normal." His optics seek out his mate, still standing on the dais and talking to Thundercracker and Prowl. "We still flash back to that sometimes. Especially now that he's carrying."

I take a deliberate step backward. "Tell me if I should run for the hills."

"Brat." He shoulder-checks me. "We're not that exhibitionist."

"Just somewhat," Sideswipe chimes in. I wasn't aware he was close enough to hear us still. "But you probably aren't that bad. I remember when Jazz and Prowl bonded. That was… interesting."

"You couldn't open a door without checking with Red if the cameras on the other side were functional first," Sunstreaker grumbles. "Prowl and Jazz must have fragged against every surface on base."

"Red kept glitching at the time, I remember," Ratchet agreed. "He did not appreciate Jazz tampering with his cameras like that. At least they managed to keep it to base." He winks. "Not everyone does."

I wonder how First Aid, Groove and I will be when we bond. I don't think either of my Protectobots are that fond of public fragging.

Then again, there was that time by the pond. And we've had a few interesting moments in First Aid's alt mode, back when I was human.

Maybe I shouldn't be quite that quick to dismiss the idea.

On the dais, Bluestreak and Skywarp step forward. They don't really have to call for attention, everyone simply goes quiet.

"Friends," Bluestreak says, sounding about as happy as he looks. "Thank you so much for coming to share this occasion with us. I'm so amazingly happy right now, I don't think you can believe it." I chuckle along with everyone else as he rests his head against Skywarp's shoulder.

"I believe it," Skywarp says, a cheeky grin on his face. "I can feel it right here." He touches his cockpit. "I'm so incredibly lucky. I've never known anyone like Blue, I never thought I would deserve anyone like Blue, and yet here he is." A black hand tenderly cradles Bluestreak's cheek, and I swear I can feel my spark swelling in my chest. I'm not the only one who has to wipe away a tear or two.

"I'm so grateful and amazed that I get to call you mine, that I get to keep you for the rest of my days," Skywarp continues, still focused on his mate. "It's everything I could have ever wanted. I love you, Blue."

Cue a chorus of 'awww' as he kisses Bluestreak. I lean against Groove's supporting presence on my back.

"They're so cute," I whisper.

"Perfect together." Ratchet's voice is gruffer than usual, and I pretend not to notice how shiny his optics are. "I never saw them coming, but damn, they're good together."

"Anyway," Bluestreak says, when he finally manages to turn away from his mate. "I hope you enjoy the party. Try the treats. We're so grateful to Swerve for taking the time to set this up." The minibot with more red on him than blue gives Bluestreak a smile and a salute. Skywarp salutes back, grinning. "With that, there's not much else to say, I guess." Bluestreak beams up at his mate. "I love you, Skywarp."

Then they're kissing again, and I'm wiping away tears again, and for a brief time there's no Alliance and no trial and no problems. There's just here and now.

We walk around the room, First Aid's arm around my waist and Groove's hand in mine. It feels normal to walk like this, safe between them. Every now and then cheers go up around us as Bluestreak and Skywarp do something cute on the dais.

At some point in the future, that will be us. I can't wait.

I know most of the mecha here. There are fewer Decepticons than Autobots, but Blast Off is sitting near the dais with Smokescreen and Blaster, and Arcee's talking to Ion Storm, with Nova Storm hovering behind them.

I'm starting to think that it doesn't matter who's an Autobot and who's a Decepticon. These mecha are well on their way to full integration.

Thundercracker steps in front of us. "Hello, Cynosura. First Aid, Groove." He smiles, and it might be the first truly happy expression I've seen on his face in a good long time. "Cynosura, I wondered if I could borrow you for a minute?"

"Sure." I turn and plant a kiss on First Aid's cheek, then on Groove's. "I'll be right back."

Thundercracker offers his arm like a proper gentleman. It has me giggling. "Earth custom? Or do Cybertronians do this too?"

"Some rules of engagement are universal in the right meaning of the word," he replies, winking. "Ask Mirage when you have the time. He can tell you everything there is to know about genteel behavior before the war began." He leads us towards the corner behind the dais. I can barely see a large white shape back there. "I wanted to tell you how grateful we are," Thundercracker murmurs. "I'm sure Skywarp will tell you too. Thank you. Star being here… It's made all the difference."

"I'm not sure how much I am to thank for that." I make sure to keep my tone low. "He has a tremendous will. He wants to heal. He's here because he really wanted to be."

"You found the solution," Thundercracker argues. "You didn't give up on him. You're even working with him to prepare for the coming months." He puts his hand over mine. "We're grateful. Star… He's not used to anyone going the extra distance for him."

The white shape resolves into Skyfire, sitting on a lounge seat in the corner with a cube in his hand and a smile on his face. Starscream is seated on another lounge, and he's got this imperial look on his face as he surveys the scene. Surveys is the right word, too – Starscream looks regal, plating polished to a high sheen and one ankle tucked behind the other.

It's only when I look closer that the mask slips. That is becomes apparent that his hands are shaking ever so slightly. That one fang is pressing down on the lower lip, a nervous habit I've noticed in our sessions. That Cliffjumper is actually close enough that Star can probably feel his heat against his back, and that he seems to take comfort in it. That Skyfire's placed himself in a way that blocks Starscream from the rest of the room.

He's much better than I would've thought. But he's still not well. I'll need to take that into consideration when I plan for the trial.

"Star," Thundercracker calls softly. "Look who I found."

There's something about his phrase. I get the feeling that he actually brought me here because Starscream wanted it – he may not have asked, because Primus forbid Starscream ever ask for what he wants, it's either demands or nothing – but he wanted it. And now Thundercracker is giving Starscream an out, in case he's changed his mind.

Starscream really does have awesome trinemates.

"Hello, Cynosura." Skyfire's voice is gentle, his smile soft. "You look good."

"Thank you. I blame Sunstreaker." I wave a hand to indicate the intense shine I've been polished to. "He doesn't do anything by halves." I glance at Starscream and incline my head. "Winglord."

I'd never call him that during our sessions. But here, in public, giving him his rightful due doesn't hurt. And Starscream absorbs the deference like a sponge, smirking and preening.

"Congratulations on the bonding of your trinemate," I continue. "It is good to see him so happy."

For a moment, Starscream's expression softens. "He is very happy, isn't he? Thank you."

I know the thanks is for more than just the congratulations. I can't help smiling. "You're very welcome."

Thundercracker taps my hand in a call for attention. "I should get you back to your partners. My own is also searching for me." He nods to his trine leader. "Let me know when I'm needed, Star."

Starscream sneers, but Skyfire nods. "We'll call."

"He's not very comfortable here," Thundercracker murmurs as we walk away. "He was so happy that he got to participate in the bonding ritual, but this is a bit much for him. He flinches at every sudden sound."

With all the mecha here, I'm surprised Starscream has even lasted this long. "It's good he has Skyfire and Cliffjumper with him, then."

Thundercracker nods. "Skyfire volunteered to stay with him all evening. Without the two of them, I don't think Star would have been here, no matter how much he wants to." He turns us in a different direction, and suddenly we're face to face with my Protectobots.

Thundercracker is all charm as he relinquishes his hold on my arm. "Thanks for letting me borrow you, Cynosura. I'll see you later."

Groove stares after him as he walks away. "That one has more than a smattering of Towers manners."

"He did say something along those lines." I stare after the broad blue wingspan as Thundercracker walks away. "He also told me to talk to Mirage if I wanted to know more about pre-war manners."

"Mirage would know," First Aid agrees, taking my hand. "But honestly, love, it's not necessary knowledge. Not as long as Optimus refuses to reinstate the old class-divides and ceremonies. Common sense and basic decency will serve you just as well."

Groove sneaks his hand around my waist. "And on that note, should we go and see the happy couple? I think it's time we handed over the gifts."

The crowd is thickest around the dais, unsurprisingly. We brush shoulder-to-shoulder with Acid Storm and Jazz and Smokescreen and Ironhide as we push our way through until we can follow a large frame up the steps to the dais. I realize it's Blast Off as First Aid pulls me to a stop near the steps.

Skywarp and Bluestreak are seated together on a love seat of sorts, a padded, back-less affair with room for their wings. They're so close together that it looks like they've grown that way, with identical, brilliant smiles on their faces.

They're adorable.

Blast Off takes a knee in front of them. "I don't think I've ever been so proud of you," he says, and though his voice is soft it's still strong enough to be easily audible to where we're standing. "Either of you. You've come such a long way. I can barely recognize my two charges anymore."

"We owe a lot to you," Bluestreak says, his voice equally soft. "You know how much. I don't think I've ever said how thankful I am for that."

Somewhere between Earth and now, Bluestreak stopped rambling. I haven't noticed before.

"You don't have to say it. I see it in how you care for this one here." Blast Off pets Skywarp's cheek, a gesture born of intimate familiarity. "It makes me very happy to see."

Blast Off is another mecha with more silk and gentility in his manners than you'd expect. At one point, I'm going to ask Rewind for everyone's biography and just sit down and read for a few days.

"I took the liberty of having part of my present delivered to your home." Blast Off smiles as he reaches into his subspace. "I don't think you would have appreciated having to open it here. But this one is for now. As a mutual reminder of your promises to each other." He pulls out a big, flat box and places it on Skywarp's lap. Skywarp squeals, honest-to-god squeals, and lifts the lid off.

Inside, there are chains. Fine silver chains with interlinked rings in decorative patterns.

"Oh," Bluestreak breathes, staring at them in something close to awe. "One set for each of us? Will you help us put them on?"

"Oh, I think you can manage without me." Blast Off winks. "You have plenty of practice, after all."

Bluestreak blushes, for some reason. He turns sideways to give Skywarp access to his back.

Oh. Wing ornaments.

Soon, the matching set adorns both wings and doorwings. It looks like some adaptations were made to fit both of them, but there's no doubt they're two halves of a pair. It's very fitting.

"Thank you." Skywarp stands and gives Blast Off a kiss on the cheek. "For all of it."

"I'm glad to see you two so happy," Blast Off says simply. "That makes it worth it for me."

As he stands to walk away, Groove tugs us closer. As soon as Skywarp notices me, I'm assaulted.

Well. Mock-assaulted. Trapped and covered by happy, shining seeker, to be more exact.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Skywarp whispers. "I was afraid it would never happen, but he's here, and he was happy, and you did that. Thank you." He hugs me hard enough that my pedes lift off the ground briefly.

"Hey, mind the finish," Bluestreak laughs. "Sunstreaker did that."

"I don't mind," I manage to force out, though I do tap Skywarp's shoulder to get him to put me back down. "I'll be hug-scuffed any time. He'll have to grin and bear it."

True enough, my finish as far from as immaculate as it was when Skywarp finally lets me go. But that's okay. That grin on his face is worth it.

Bluestreak nuzzles his cheek as he sits back down. "Was that about Star?"

"Yeah." Skywarp sighs happily. "You know it."

"Then I owe her a hug too." Next thing I know, I have an armful of affectionate Bluestreak. He kisses my cheek. "Thanks, Isobel."

"I'm just glad it worked," I reply. I'm not sure what to do with all this gratitude. Yeah, I helped, but it's my job. And Ratchet did most of the actual fixing. Heck, Starscream himself is working harder on his recovery than I am.

First Aid squeezes my hand. I bet he can tell that I'm uncomfortable.

Groove can too, because he swoops in and saves me. "Congratulations." He grins at the pair of them. "Gotta say, you set a standard."

"Oh?" Skywarp's returning smile is wide and teasing. "Gonna try to follow it?"

Groove looks at me, my favorite soft smile on his face. "Eventually. When things calm down. In the meantime…" I take that as my cue, and access my subspace while he continues to speak. "We heard you still live with Thundercracker and Soundwave in the same apartment you've always had. The Constructicons told me that there were plans for constructing a new set of high-rises at the edge of town, and that an entire building will be dedicated to the Winglord's eyrie. This is for when you move there."

I take out one large package, then the other. First Aid and Groove take one each, and pass them to the happy couple.

"Across the street from my clinic, there's a weaver's workshop," I explain softly as Bluestreak begins to untie the ribbons around the long tube. "Her name is Threadweaver, and she does exquisite work. She was born a Neutral, and can't remember pre-war Cybertron, but her carrier does. And she had some image captures." I look at the almost open roll of fabric on Bluestreak's lap. "I hope she captured the likeness."

Bluestreak rolls out the thin fabric and gasps. Then he's off his feet, handing one corner to First Aid and the other to Groove directing them to stand just so, letting him see the whole artwork at once.

I can hear more soft gasps from beyond the dais as the piece unfurls to its full glory. Bluestreak drops to his knees in front of it.

"Praxus." His voice is reverent. Just off the dais, there's a soft keen that sound suspiciously like Prowl.

I nod, a bit superfluously. Anyone familiar with the city as it was would recognize Praxus in the simplistic lines, the striking contrasts. Bluestreak's hand hovers over the splash of color that is the Crystal Gardens.

"This is absolutely beautiful, guys." He sits there, jus staring at it. "I can't wait to actually hang it on the wall."

Groove nods to First Aid, and they begin rolling it up. Bluestreak's optics follow the motion, and down on the side of the dais Prowl looks almost pained.

Skywarp glances down at the tube in his lap. "I'm almost afraid to open mine now."

I kind of understand that. Skywarp's piece is of Vos, done in the same simplistic style as Bluestreak's Praxus, and probably just as heartbreaking to see for all the same reasons. "You don't have to." I lean forward and lower my voice. "To be honest, you might want to unveil it in a controlled setting. Where Starscream is a bit more prepared."

Skywarp looks grateful and a bit relieved. "Thank you. We'll do that."

Groove gives the rolled-up tapestry back to Bluestreak, who cradles it protectively as he sits back down. Skywarp immediately pulls him close.

From the side of the dais, Nova Storm steps forward. "Should I take them back to your apartment? They'll be safer there."

Bluestreak hesitates before nodding. "Thanks, Nova."

There's reverence in the way Nova Storm handles the two tubes. I can tell that both Bluestreak and Skywarp appreciates that. He stops on his way off the dais to reassure Prowl, getting a grateful smile for the effort.

Autobots and Decepticons. I can't see a single faction line enforced here. Maybe I have less to worry about when it comes to the flight to Earth than I'd thought.

We leave the dais, making room for the next mecha to bring gifts. Ironhide nods at us as we walk by. "Good gifts." His voice is rough as he pats me on the shoulder. "Well done, kid."

I let First Aid and Groove tug me away. At first I think we're moving in the direction of the bar, where Swerve and the other minibot, Tailgate, are kept on their toes serving everyone. But First Aid sidesteps to the right, pulls us to a stop near the wall, and then I'm suddenly sandwiched between them, First Aid at my back and Groove at my front and not an inch of room to spare between us.

First Aid lowers his head to nuzzle my neck. "Soon there'll be dancing," he murmurs. "Skywarp and Blue will lead the way, and then Optimus and Ratchet, Star and TC with their dance partners if they want to dance, and then anyone who wants to."

"The dancing will continue until late," Groove takes over, and I'm reminded that they're totally brothers with a bond that let them coordinate this sort of thing. "The bar will stay open, and everyone will be dancing and talking and enjoying themselves."

"We want to dance with you, love." First Aid's lips are soft against my neck cables, and all of a sudden I'm glad they're so close around me. It helps keeping me upright. "We want to dance, and have fun, and watch you have fun, and then we want to take you home…"

"… and worship every part of your body," Groove continues, optics boring into mine. "If you're opposed to any part of this plan, tell us."

Opposed? I feel like my struts and cables have melted. If I hadn't wanted to stay at least a few hours more, I'd have been towing them both out of here right now.

I lean in to catch Groove's lips. "Sounds like a plan."

As if on cue, a deep bass begins thrumming through the room. I can see Jazz, up on a different dais, the speakers in his frame clearly set to a volume everyone but him would be uncomfortable with.

The music changes, subtly, and Skywarp and Bluestreak appear over the crowd. Literally over it – Skywarp is using his thrusters again, Bluestreak held securely in his arms, matching wing ornaments glinting in the light.

I watch as they twirl, and am struck by a longing so intense that it almost knocks my knees out from under me.

I want that so bad it hurts.

I pull my Protectobots closer. "You better dance with me. You'll dance with me until I forget what's coming, until this is all that matters, and then you'll take me home and love me until I forget which planet I'm on. Okay?"

First Aid grins at me as the music changes again. "Deal. Come on, then."

I follow him eagerly, Groove still holding on to my other hand. It's awkward, dancing this stuck between two other mechs, but I wouldn't change any of it. I let them take control, try to just absorb their closeness and heat, and simply live in the moment.

A turn lets me see Blue and Skywarp again, holding each other tight and spinning in a slow circle.

I will have what they have. Alliance or no Alliance. I'm not going to let them stand in my way.

I move even closer to First Aid and Groove, and just feel.