When Ratchet woke up that morning, he expected to feel different. He expected to wake up with a wash of anxiety and his helm spinning in anticipation, but he didn't.

He had expected it to build as the day progressed at least, but it didn't. The anxiety didn't come. Not even when he was standing alone, gazing into the mirror, studying himself; all dressed in his soft buttercup colored cape and adorned with jewels that shone a soft purple color. They had been a recent addition from Sunstreaker. The elegant white fur brushed against the nape of his neck whenever he moved. He bore the delicate black crown that had been made for him, the social symbol that proclaimed him officially above all except Optimus. Under the cape, he wore the engagement pendant along with his various pins that had accompanied him though everything.

He had known the mech he was about to bond to for one year, just about. It was odd how the time flew so fast.

He didn't feel anxiety, no, but it was something similar. That feeling that had been crawling around inside him for months. The feeling that kept him awake sometimes. The feeling that appeared whenever the Prime was nearby. It wasn't anxiety, no. Ratchet had learned to not fear him and he enjoyed his company, so it wasn't anxiety.

No this was different. Maybe it was a sense of injustice, that Optimus was a reminder of precisely how far Ratchet's life had jumped the tracks.

He wasn't really sure…

Wasn't injustice supposed to be an unpleasant feeling entirely?

A knock at the door snapped him from his thoughts. "Who is it?" He called through the door.

"Guess who!" The mech on the other side of the door called back.

Ratchet rushed on over, unlocking the door and throwing it open to find a familiar face. Another old friend from his academy days.

"Wheeljack," he chuckled, grinning at him. "It's so good to see you, come in!" He stepped aside making room for him.

He chuckled softly. "It's been a long time, Ratty," he said softly. "Wow. Look at you," he said, looking him up and down as he walked inside the room. "You're wearing a crown and everything. It's pretty jarring to come back home and find out from a gossip magazine that you were gettin' hitched to a Prime of all people!" He chuckled.

Ratchet laughed. "Yes, well, I would have gotten word out to you but you've been off-world for the past few years. I didn't think you would be back for another three!"

He chuckled at this. "Well ol' Skyfire got a care package from home. Had one of those trashy magazines he likes so much and you were on the second page with the new Prime! As soon as I saw it, I rushed to the nearest space bridge and bridged home," he smiled. "Luckily we were heading to a port anyway to replenish supplies, anyway."

Ratchet chuckled. "What are the chances," he sighed, shaking his helm.

Wheeljack smiled. "You look real nice in your cape, it suits you."

He rolled his optics shaking his helm. "Thanks, Jack," he said softly. "I don't suppose you've seen my parents wandering around."

A small mint colored blur caught the bottom of his vision as he had said that. Before he knew it he was being pulled into a tight hug. "Ratchet! Oh it's so good to see you sweetspark!"

Ratchet chuckled softly, hugging his carrier a little closer. "It's good to see you too carrier… have you gotten my letters?" He smiled softly.

"Yes, we have dear! It's nice to hear from you," he chuckled softly, nuzzling up into him. Ratchet nuzzled him back, running a base scan over him out of instinct and of course, he didn't find anything wrong.

Chromeway chuckled, walking into the room. He looked around. "Wow, some place son," he said.

Ratchet gave a small smile. "It was Optimus's idea."

"How is Optimus?" He asked. "I hope he's treating you well."

"Oh, of course. He's very kind to me. We've become close friends, like I've been saying in my letters."

"Yes, yes, but I don't know if he reads them over your shoulder or anything like that!!"

Ratchet chuckled, shaking his helm again. Gale beamed up at him, reaching up and cupping his cheeks. "Primus, you've grown up so fast…" he murmured, tears beginning to gather in his optics. "You look wonderful, dear spark…"

Ratchet gave him a smile. "Don't cry, Ahma…" he chuckled.

"Awww, come on Gale, don't get all sappy now…" Chromeway teased poking him.

He looked up at Chromeway with a small sniffle. "I can't help it…"

Chromeway pulled him close to his side with a smile, looking back. "You do look real nice, son."

"Thank's sire," Ratchet replied.

They chatted for a while more on all that was happening, and catching Wheeljack up on what he had missed so far from his expedition to other worlds, and eventually, Hide had shown up to escort Ratchet's family back. Red showed up a few minutes later ready to escort Ratchet to the venue when it was time.

Ratchet sighed softly, sitting on the edge of the hotel berth. Red chuckled at him. "Nervous at all?" He asked.

"Not really nervous but something else…" he said softly.

Red walked over to sit next to Ratchet with a small smile. "Something else?" He chuckled. "You know, it's perfectly okay to feel a little on edge."

"I know…"

"So what ARE you worried about?" He asked, tilting his helm.

Ratchet sighed softly. "I guess I'm worried about Optimus," he said softly. "I mean… I feel like him and Megatronus haven't been getting along like they have been."

Red sighed softly. "I'm sure that it's not entirely pleasant to watch your lover bond with someone else."

"I know. That's why I'm worried," he replied softly.

"Well, I'm sure that it'll pass after the ceremony. These kinds of things are stressful after all."

Ratchet slowly nodded at this. "I guess the other thing is that I didn't think this would feel like it does… I'm more bothered by the fact that I'm not anxious about this…"

"What do you mean?" He asked.

"I mean, I feel like I shouldn't be so… okay with this…" He said looking down. "I don't know… I've been feeling off lately anyway… Maybe it's just the stress from the protests and stuff," he said softly.

Red quirked an optic ridge. "So how have you been feeling off?"

Ratchet shook his helm. "It's weird. I have symptoms but all signs point to anxiety. I know anxiety and this isn't anxiety."

"What symptoms?" He asked with a frown.

"Spark palpitations, heat flashes, severe mood fluctuations…" he replied softly. "They happen seemingly randomly, and I feel flustered when they happen." He chuckled. "They've been happening on and off for a while now… ever since that trip downtown we took when we booked the venue."

Aid hummed faintly furrowing his brow. "And has this been consistent?"

"Well, more or less…"

"Why didn't you tell anyone?" He asked.

"I didn't think it was going to get worse. I've been making adjustments to accommodate the symptoms… More iron in my diet, I cut back on coffee, I've been refueling on a more strict schedule, taking supplements… I've even forced myself to get more sleep," he replied. "They've been very manageable until recently… I've run countless diagnostics on myself, and I know that these are psychological symptoms, so I've been thinking about making an appointment with my therapist. I need to visit home again soon anyway…"

Red nodded at this. "I think that's a good idea."

Ratchet gave a small smile at Red. "You think Optimus will be okay with that?"

"I know he will be," he replied softly.

Ratchet nodded with a small sigh. He looked up when he heard the sound of the bells ringing from the nearby clock tower. Red chuckled softly standing up and facing him.

"Well, that's our cue. Ready to go?" He asked.

Ratchet chuckled softly, "As ready as ever," he replied standing with him.

Red escorted him outside and across the street to the entrance to the gardens. Everyone was seated in the heart of the gardens and the pathway had been decorated carefully with fairy lights and flowers. A soft beautiful melody was playing in the background.

"Just got the comm that we're ready for your entrance! Remember to play it up a bit tonight," he chuckled, lightly elbowing Ratchet before going around him and gently making sure everything looked perfect and in place.

Ratchet rolled his optics with a small scoff. "I know, I know!" He said, waving a dismissive hand at him. "Stop fussing, I look fine," he chuckled, beginning to walk towards the ceremony.

"Good luck!" He heard him chirp behind him.

The trees towered around him. It felt like he was venturing off somewhere on an alien world away from his troubles here. Suddenly, his anxiety was beginning to catch up to him. His tanks gave an uneasy churn with every step closer. He took a deep breath. The ceremony would be over soon. All he had to do was look pretty and in love, for the cameras. That's all he needed to do. He was going to get through this.

He began to hear the faint click of cameras and around the bend he saw the light of the much more open space. He could hear bots chatting among each other, the music playing gently. He could see the various cameras mounted around the audience but couldn't see Optimus from this angle. He wondered what he had picked out for today. He wondered how Optimus would react to his choice of cape. He wondered how Megatronus was taking it.

There was a pause in the music before it abruptly changed to something more regal and calling to attention. It was louder and everyone's attention turned towards the back of the aisle. That was his cue, he guessed.

He walked out of the shadows and into the open. He paused looking out towards the altar under the large oak, where Optimus was waiting along with a mech he assumed was the officiator. Optimus turned to face Ratchet when he heard the music change.

He was wearing a deep violet cloak with a fur lined hood. Rather than white, the fur was dyed a fun lilac color. He wore a little bit of makeup, a little angular line that followed on the underside, pointing inward from the midline of each optic. His cape was also adorned with various yellow jewels. He gave Ratchet a small look of awe, his optics widening slightly, his mouth turning up a little in a lopsided smile. He always was a good actor.

It was a kind of cute addition, Ratchet realized, the jewels catching his optics again. A little detail that matched them with each other. The cape also had a small train of fabric that pooled behind Optimus, it somehow made him look even taller. The clasp around his neck bore his family's sigil, just like Ratchet's.

As he walked, he spotted Sentinel in the front row looking like he was going to behead his son. Zeta sat contently next to him holding his servo and comforting him. She was likely the only reason he was being silent. Ratchet would bet it was just killing him to let this happen.

After all, Optimus was breaking several traditions. He guessed that Sentinel was most angered by Optimus's appearance, wearing soft and cool colors, and make-up that softened the shape of his optics into something more elegant rather than bold. Typically dominance was marked with boldness. Warm colors, sharp lines, something fiery and optic catching. Something that commanded attention.

Needless to say, the Prime was traditionally more dominant than his partner. No wonder Sentinel was filled with rage.

Out of the several guests, there were several Senators and High Council mechs that sat in. By their facial expressions, he knew that they weren't exactly happy with this. They had originally accepted the invitation, excited to watch an advisory walk right into chains.

How ironic. He let his smile widen a little bit at this.

He reached the altar, and the music quieted down. He took Optimus's servo, facing the officator as he began the sermon. He was sure that when the officiator began talking about the sanctity and beauty of love, rather than preach on Primus, Sentinel may blow a gasket.

A message flashed across his HUD. / You look amazing./

Ratchet glanced over at him with a small smile. /Not so bad yourself. So are you trying to kill your sire?/ he sent back.

/Ah, so you noticed my spite and petty gestures?/

/Hard not to, you can feel the rage radiating off of him as soon as you see him. If he glitches I'm not fixing him./

/I think that may bring some questions. It is known that you're a brilliant medic/ he replied.

/Oh well, every doctor has lost a few patients/ he shot back, inserting a little sarcasm into it.

/You might not want to worry about my sire, I'm fairly certain that your carrier is going to keel over sobbing at any minute./

/He's fine/ Ratchet replied. /He's just emotional at ceremonies. He's kind of a hopeless romantic. Where's Megatronus?/ he asked.

/He offered to help set up the reception. I'm guessing that watching me vow my spark to you and kiss you would be a bit much for him/ he replied. /Either way, I don't really blame him.../

Ratchet gave his servo a small squeeze. /He does know it's just a show… he better not get too upset with you./

/He's allowed to be upset. It isn't pleasant for him. You know how protective he gets…/

/Oh, he's allowed to be upset alright. He just can't be upset with you. You have a duty to attend to, that isn't anyone's fault but Sentinel's. There isn't anything that can be done to avoid this without serious consequences./

/Agreed…I'm sure he'll calm down at the reception./

/Look on the bright side. I'll probably go visit home for a little bit after the honeymoon period. It's about time I actually follow through on those promises to come over. He can have all that time with you. He's pretty good at sneaking around. I don't even know how he gets to the manor so easily, and I live there. Everything will settle down once we get this ceremony out of the way./

Optimus gave him another small smile. /You're right. Things will calm down after today. We'll have a lot more freedom once the press starts focusing on Elita… She'll be having the sparkling soon./

/Exactly/ he replied. /Besides, since it's you he's interested in, I'm sure that it wouldn't be questioned too much if you came out to the public. You would be far from the first prime to have another consort./

/I know, but it wouldn't be taken very well with Megatronus being a rank 1 on paper…/ he said. /Even if the law wasn't the problem, Megatronus doesn't want to. He hasn't given me an answer as to why, but I suspect he doesn't want to be called a hypocrite for courting me while going against the caste system. Even if I'm going against it too, it still doesn't look the best from some angles I suppose…/

Ratchet gave his servo another squeeze. /We'll figure it out. I'm sure he can be reasoned with. I have a feeling going public will ease tension everywhere. I think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks./

/Good luck talking him into that./

/I'm serious! I've been thinking about it. The two of you going public could be a good next step. The caste difference between you and Megs can work in our favor. It shows a blatant disregard for the caste boundaries. It shows that it is a line that can be crossed./

Optimus glanced over at him again. /Okay, and what happens when the public questions the genuinity of our relationship?/

/Different boundaries and preferences on my side that you've respected. I've already mentioned that I don't care for a whole lot of PDA and I would rather have privacy. Megatronus on the other servo is rather alright with displays of affection./

/And what happens when we get backlash?/

/Backlash from the higher caste for 'tainting' your Nobel blood with the company of someone lower than a rank 7? Sounds like a typical Tuesday./ Ratchet replied.

Optimus paused for a moment before sending back. /You know… it doesn't sound like a terrible idea. I'll talk to Megs about it. He might get onboard after all./

They paused in their conversation when the officiator took their joined servos and had them turn to face one another. He had them join their other servos and began to wrap them with the ribbon.

/I'm so glad we're doing this rather than a public bond. Even if we were really a couple, I wouldn't ever want something like that done with spectators/ Optimus said softly.

/Indeed… I always thought it was an excuse the higher ups made to see the inside of someone's spark chamber. Creepy…/

/No kidding./

/Hmm. I'm already bored of this sermon…/

Optimus couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped him as the officator continued speaking while wrapping their servos.

"-And now for the vows," the officiator said, looking at Ratchet.

Optimus gave him a small smirk, hidden from the audience. /Show's on./

Ratchet gave the officiator a small nod. "Optimus Prime of Iacon; I, Ratchet of Crystal City, apologize in advance," he said, giving a small genuine chuckle. "You have always been more poetic than I am. I tried to be endearing, but the idea of flowery words and sweet nothings was repulsive so, as always, I hope you can bear my audacity." He earned a chuckle from Optimus.

Ratchet smiled up at him. "I vow to cherish you. You and every meal you cook for the two of us. Every rambling tangent you go on. Every silly romcom, and every morning cup of coffee. Even the cups of coffee that are offensively sweet."

Optimus chuckled again at this. "I vow to be here to support you. Rain or shine. In sickness or in health. In the highest of places or in the midst of rock bottom.

"I vow to care for you in every way. Even if that means locking you out of your office. I'm not afraid to do it."

Optimus laughed softly, shaking his helm. "I vow to make you laugh whenever I can, simply because I find it to be entirely too entertaining.

"I am not a pleasant mech. I can be abrasive, impatient, and brash. For you, I promise to try to be more gentle, more patient, and more understanding. I promise to attempt to mend my faults when I can see them, although you may need to point them out to me," he chuckled.

"And finally, I vow to love you in the most meaningful ways, from this day, and beyond my final days."

Optimus calmed down, his chuckled, smiling as the officiator turned to him.

"Ratchet of Crystal City; I, Optimus Prime of Iacon, want to thank you," he chuckled.

Ratchet gave him a small questioning look.

"I thank you for your presence in my life, meeting you has humbled me. I thank you for your tenacity, it inspires me. I thank you for your attention and your care, for it has made me a better mech."

Ratchet couldn't help the small that spread across his face. It was a very one too.

"You are truly one of the most entrancing people I've ever met. You are unapologetically authentic, passionate, caring, and honest. These may translate into being rude and abrasive at times, but all the same, I admire you for being more true to yourself than any other person I've met.

"I vow to walk beside you in this lifetime, through any storm, any calamity, and any despair. I vow to be your companion, your partner, and your friend. Give me your hopes, dreams, your hurts, and comforts. Give me your rage, and sorrow, your laugh, your bad moods, your brilliant smile. Give me your late nights, your bitter coffee, your burnt toast… your deep care for our friendship, and vast love for me. Give it to me, for I vow to cherish it. To love every piece of it, down to the roots, in perfection or faults.

"I vow to have the patience and devotion that love demands of me.

"Finally, I vow to love you in return for every moment that slips through my hands."

Ratchet's spark was spinning rapidly. There wasn't hiding the small fringe of embarrassment that danced at the edge of his field and showed in his optics.

Optimus gave him a small smirk in return. /Was that satisfactory?/

/Shut up, you know it was./

"Optimus Prime of Iacon, do you take Ratchet of Crystal city to be your conjux and sparkmate for the rest of eternity?"

"I do," Optimus replied.

"Ratchet of Crystal City, do you take Optimus Prime of Iacon to be your conjux and sparkmate for the rest of eternity?"

"I do," Ratchet replied.

"Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you legally bonded, forever, in the optics of deities and mechs alike. You may seal the declaration with a kiss."

Optimus moved a little closer. /Sorry about this./ he sent.

Ratchet gave him a small smile. /Don't worry about it, just make it convincing./ Ratchet replied, tilting his chin up a little as Optimus pulled him closer, ever so gently.

He gave a small scoff under his breath before pressing a gentle kiss to Ratchet's lips. Ratchet pressed back, softly. They stayed that way as the crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

At some point Ratchet had closed his optics and time seemed to slow. Heat rushed to his cheeks, and he let his field spiral out a little ways, letting it mingle with Optimus's. He couldn't remember the last time he had been kissed like this. His spark pounded away in his chest, he could feel Optimus's spark pounding away too, with how close they were together.

It just occurred to him that he and Optimus had never kissed before. It was an odd thing to think about. He had kissed plenty of people. In his time as an entertainer, and his experiences in the academy, he hadn't ever really found it appealing. Not with anyone. He felt as if he was floating for that mere moment. The warm, gentle lips pressed against his, the strong and sturdy servos that wrapped around his own. The soft breath that ticked his cheek. It felt… wonderful.

He had to remind himself that it wasn't real… That Optimus wasn't his. Not really.

He pulled away gently, left quite nearly breathless, and wanting to do it again. The cheers and applause melted away into white noise, even as he opened his optics, fleeing back to the visual world.

He was seeing stars…

If that kiss wasn't supposed to have been real, then why did it feel more real than anything he's ever experienced before?