This was a little tricky. I had to show how the younglings that had arrived on Earth during Hope's Journey had grown up and have some fun at the same time. It wasn't easy but I think I pulled it off. It also ended up being much longer than planned! But there was no way around it. I couldn't split the chapter apart.
Also, this story arc is helping to set up the love story more. So I hope you're all taking notes!
Roxsolid aka Rox
I couldn't take my optics of Kacey as she slowly walked over with her little brother. I wasn't sure if it was the high grade or if it was Kacey but tonight she seemed exceptionally lovely. She was radiant and I was held captive by her beauty more so than usual. The femme had a style, a grace…a beauty that was uniquely her own in everything she did.
I couldn't help but be smitten by her. All the mechs thought she was beautiful. Many of the femmes were jealous of it too. It always ticked off Starbreeze when Derail's optics followed Kacey around. I lost count of how many times I've told him that he couldn't do that when he with his femme.
"Just tell her how you feel, Rox, with no jokes," Sockets suggested to me quietly.
"But I have to get her alone to do that. It's not going to be easy tonight. Do you think she'll notice my shine?" I asked, glancing down at my armor.
"Kacey notices everything," he chuckled, taking a drink of his high grade.
"You have to try, Rox," Jayde smiled, as Sockets wrapped his arm around her. "A femme will never know how a mech truly feels unless he tells her. We're not mind readers."
"I'm not sure I believe everything you tell me Jayde," I grumbled.
"Sorry, I was just as intoxicated as you that night we interfaced. It didn't mean anything to me."
"That's the point! You can't mess with a mech's spark like that. So don't expect any favors from me if you hurt my best friend's. And Sockets, I hope you know what you're getting in to."
"Shh, she's almost here," Sockets told me.
Quickly rising to my feet, I yanked Dozer out of the seat beside me and dropped him on his aft. I told him not to sit there but as usually the idiot didn't listen to me.
"I saved a seat for you, Kacey," I smiled politely, holding the chair out for her.
"Thanks, Rox. That was kind of you. Hope you didn't hurt Dozer too much."
I glance down at my friend as he rubbed his aft, glaring at me.
"He'll live," I commented.
"Rox, you could have just told him," Zym growled helping Dozer up to his feet.
"It's ok babe," Dozer smiled. "I was getting up anyway to go get us some more drinks."
"Great! I'll take another one!" Saberon and Hawk shouted.
"I was talking about Zym and me fraghead! You have legs, use them yourself."
"Wait, don't you want to see the present I got for Kacey?" Leo asked.
"Sure, Leo. Zym and I will wait," Dozer grinned, patting the little mech on the head.
"That is if Nitro and Firestar can separate their lips for more than a few astroseconds, first," I commented. "Don't mind them too much Kacey. Nitro has already had too much high grade than his systems can handle."
"I have not," the mech growled, turning away from Fire. "Just because my interface systems didn't come online doesn't mean I don't know how to pleasure my femme."
"Then get a room," Leo told them. "This is Kacey's day."
"Well said, Leo," Kacey smiled fondly at him.
I fell back into my seat. Primus I could have melted in it for all I cared. I loved her smiled. I have never lost hope that one day she'd smiled for me that way.
"Alright, open the present before Leo fritzes," Nitro said promptly receiving a hard punch in the arm from Kacey for his comment. "Doesn't hurt now that I have armor."
"Yeah right, more like it's the high grade dulling the pain," I snorted making everyone laugh.
Nitro glared at me. I loved antagonizing him just to get him all riled up. But I ignored him this time because my attention was back on Kacey as her delicate hands lifted open the box. All of us leaned over to see what was inside. Whatever it was had Leo literally bouncing in place.
When I finally got a good look I saw it was a single black rod that actually looked more like the grip of a weapon.
"What the frag is it?" Nitro asked, reaching to touch.
"You can't touch it!" Leo shouted, slapping Nitro's hand away. "Kacey has to first as it was constructed only for her. No one else will be able to wield it once it's calibrated to her energy signature."
"Leo, what did you make me?"
"Wheeljack made it but it was my idea," the little mech grinned proudly. "Go on, pick it up and I'll show you."
Kacey never needed much encouragement and picked up the device. I heard a small humming noise as a couple of red lights flickered on and off at the base of the device. Then a green one shined on solid.
"It's done," Leo said excitedly. "Now only you can operate it, Kacey. Press the black button there, but hold it away from us."
I watched curiously as Kacey did as she was instructed. All of jumped back slightly when a long blade suddenly transformed from the device, extending to a very sharp looking point.
"A sword?" Hawk asked and then laughed.
I kept quiet. I knew how much Kacey loved them. I've even seen her practicing with a metal rod as if it was a sword out in Magnus' training room. And I do remember that she used to be able to transform her arm into one.
"Thank you, Leo, it's very beautiful," she gasped, running her fingers every so gently over the blade.
"Hand it to Rox and watch," Leo grinned.
Without hesitation, I took the weapon from Kacey. The instant my hand wrapped around the grip the blade folding back and disappeared into the handle and the device deactivated.
"See, no on but Kacey can use it!"
"Alight, Leo, time for you to recharge now," Elita said from behind Kacey.
Several of us rose to our feet out of respect for the femme commander.
"Relax, I'm off duty," she smiled kindly, taking hold of Leo's hand.
"Here's your sword back," I said, holding it out for Kacey to take.
"Thanks," she nodded, taking her sword and returning it gently into its container.
"I can't wait to see you use it on a Decepticon."
"It's just a wimpy sword," Nitro snorted. "Nothing like a blaster. It's more fun to blast a 'Con to bits than scratch one up with a sword."
"You shouldn't talk about things you don't know anything about yet," I seriously said.
"Whatever, I can handle myself with a 'Con just fine."
"I'm not always one to agree with Rox. But he is right in this instance, Nitro," Kacey added.
"Big whoop. So the idiot has scene battle and I haven't. Now that I have my armor I'm ready to rip a 'Cons aft apart."
"Just because you have your armor now doesn't mean you're ready for combat," Kacey pointed out. "You still have more extensive training to go through."
"I've had training."
"Weapons training is only a small part of you slag head!" I countered. "And blowing up target dummies is not the same thing as shooting a 'Con."
"Frag you!" he scoffed, taking a drink of his high grade. "I'm not a youngling anymore."
"No, your just acting like one," Kacey commented.
"Shut the frag up! At least I have my armor!" Nitro snapped at Kacey. "Where's yours? Oh yeah, you don't have it yet!"
Kacey literally flinched upon his words. My spark sank for her as the sadness fell over her. This was her sparkday, she was supposed to be happy.
"Nitro!" Firestar snapped at him and the two of them started having heated discussion.
I continued to watch as Kacey shrank in her seat, tears filling her optics. I knew how much she missed her transformation abilities. I knew how much it must have bothered her when each of us had our transformation systems come online. For all of us here at this table, except for her, had armor. Yet, no matter how much it hurt, Kacey was the first to congratulate us, the first to watch as we transformed into our alt form and took that first drive.
My optics flared as I glared at Nitro. I too had enough of his idiotic behavior. Especially since he hurt Kacey's feelings and he was doing at good job at hurting Firestar's now too.
"Dude, you need to chill out and lay off the high grade!" I snarled at him, pulling him away from the others. "Because if you don't I'll…"
"You'll what?" Nitro growled, slamming his massive chest against my smaller one knocking me back a few steps.
My fists tightened up, ready to fight. Despite the fact that he was heavier than I was I knew I could handle him in hand to hand combat. And I so wanted to punch him in the face right now. Only I couldn't do that because he was Kacey's best friend and I didn't want her to be more upset than she already was on her sparkday.
Thankfully Primus intervened and let me off the hook.
"Nitro, can I have a word with you?" Ironhide requested in a tone that meant there was no room for discussion. "Now!"
"Are you ok, Fire?" I asked, seeing she was in tears. The femme nodded and I helped her back into her seat. "I wouldn't pay much attention to what he said. He's had far too much to drink."
"That's no excuse," she snapped. "He's been acting like an idiot ever since he got his armor."
"You're right. It's no excuse," I replied calmly. "But he loves you. He will apologize. And if he doesn't…then I'm available next week for a date."
Firestar looked up at me and laughed. I knew she would. I may not be the brightest mech or the strongest. But I can at least get a femme to laugh when she's upset.
"Thanks, Rox. I'll be fine," she smiled, wiping her tears away.
Satisfied that she was ok, I sat down beside Kacey. My hand slowly slid up and down her back, trying to comfort her. Her head was bowed down now, as she tried to hide her tears. Only I knew better. I knew her better than she realized.
"Guys, can you give us a few minutes?" I requested.
"Time to replenish our drinks anyway," Sockets said, rising to his feet.
I waited as the others did the same and left, leaving only Kacey and me at the table. I tentatively grabbed Kacey's hand in one of mine while my other was still rubbing her back. For once, she didn't swat my hand a way or tell me to frag off.
"I'm sorry, Kacey. Please stop crying. You're too beautiful a femme to be crying on your sparkday."
She hiccupped and I leaned closer, pulling her against my chest. Again, she made no kinds of protest. My spark fluttered wildly within its chamber. Primus knows I've wanted to hold her so often like this. But as lovers not as one friend trying to cheer up the other.
"You are going to get your armor any day now," I started to say. "I can feel it in my spark. And when you do, I'll be the first one there just like you were for me. I know how much it hurts. I never understood before why you were so hurt after losing your transformation abilities because I could never transform. But I understand now. The rush I get each time I transform is addicting. More importantly, I understand the pride you felt with your armor and your insignia. I feel it too. I too am proud to be an Autobot…all because of you."
Kacey turned and looked at me. Our faces were so close together that I could feel her heat on my lips. And then she smiled and her entire face lit up. Good Primus I could have died a happy mech at that very moment.
"Since when did you become such a smooth talker?" she asked, patting me on the cheek and a smirk on her face.
"I've had lots of practice in the mirror," I joked, casually leaning back in my seat.
"You shouldn't waste all your efforts on me," she said seriously, taking her hand from mine.
"Why not?" I shrugged. "I'm a single mech, you're a single femme. It's the natural order of things that I'd be attracted to you."
"But said attraction has to work both ways, my friend."
"There's nothing that says I can't try," I smiled, making her laugh.
And then she grew silent, face serious as she spoke softly, "Thanks for trying to make me feel better."
"It's not a problem. What are friends for?"
Nitro
"Slag it!" father said looking past my shoulder.
I turned to see Optimus on his feet and marching this way. I instantly shrank where I stood, wanting so much to disappear. No doubt he felt that Kacey was upset. And no doubt he was going to do something about it.
"I'll handle Optimus," mother said to father. To me, she gave me the most serious look I had ever seen, her voice barely held her anger back. "You had better listen to your father. Or you'll deal with me later!"
"I'm disappointed in you, Nitro," father said after mother headed to cut Optimus off.
I cast my optics down onto the floor, ashamed to look him square in the optics. He had every right to be disappointed in me. I acted like an idiot, allowing the high grade in my systems to control me.
"I overhead what you said to Kacey. What the frag were you thinking? You know better than anyone how upset she is about not having her armor yet. You know how much it hurt her when you transformation systems came online. Yet, despite how difficult it was, who was the first one to congratulate you?"
"Kacey was," I answered.
"Who was the one that helped you pick out an alt form so you could impress Firestar?"
"It was Kacey, Sir."
"And who was right there at your side when you wrecked after your first drive."
I glanced over to see Rox comforting Kacey. The regret swelling within me was sobering. How could I have done that to my best friend? How could I have been so rude to my future sparkmate? What the frag happened to me? I was such a jerk!
"I'm sorry, father," I said, looking him squarely in the optics.
"It's not me you should be apologizing to."
"I know," I sighed.
"My suggestion to you son, lay off the high grade for the rest of the evening. And next time pace yourself. Drinking too much too fast is never a good thing."
"I know that now father. I'm sorry to disappoint you."
"It's partly my fault," he smiled, patting me on the shoulder. "I should have known getting your armor would go to your head. I did the same thing when I got mine and alienated a few of my friends in the process. And as much as I hate to agree with Rox, he was right about you not being ready to fight. You are going to go through extensive training and you will not be fighting Decepticons until you are fully mature."
"What about Kacey? I don't think it'd be fair to make her wait to full maturity."
"She won't have to. She will be the exception, mainly because she has the experience and because her protoform was constructed differently from the rest of us. Now, get over there and apologize to her and your femme."
"Yes, Sir," I saluted.
"Smart aft," he grinned patting me on the shoulder. "Thank Primus you inherited most good things from your mother and only a few of my faults. Now go. "
This time he shoved me, sending me in the right direction. My optics immediately spotted Rox with his hand on Kacey's back. I suppose I owed him an apology too. Despite him have a few bolts missing in the processor he has always been a loyal friend to Kacey and I. I have confidence that he, if the opportunity arises, would be there to cover her back on the battlefield whenever I cannot.
As I got closer I could hear my best friend laughing. That sound was such a relief to me. I hated it whenever Kacey or Firestar was upset.
"Hey Nitro, Firestar is leaving," Sockets pointing behind me.
I turned to see her rushing out the door and my spark instantly twisted with guilt.
"Do me a favor. Make sure Kacey stays right there. I'll be right back."
"Sure, no problem."
Without a moment to spare, I went after Fire. My priority has always been her before Kacey. I learned that lesson the hard way after that kissing fiasco with Kacey. I thank Primus that Firestar didn't stay mad at me or Kacey for too long. I'd hate for something stupid to ruin the strong bond of friendship the three of us have with one another.
"Fire! Stop!" I shouted.
She did but didn't turn to face me. I knew why. She was crying and trying to compose herself. It wasn't the first time I've made her cry. It probably won't be the last. Of course, not all of our arguments were my fault. But regardless, I was always the first to make the peace offering - one very important lesson I had learned from my father.
"I'm sorry," I whispered, into her audio receptor pulling her into my arms. "I wasn't thinking. I had too much to drink. And I said some really stupid things that I didn't mean."
"You're fraggin right they were stupid!" she snapped at me, trying to push me away.
I held her tight, knowing she would relax after her outburst. She spat several Cybertronian curse words at me for a few minutes before she just broke down into tears in my arms.
"I'm so sorry, Fire," I cooed, caressing her back as she rested her head on my shoulder. "I'm still young and naïve. I have so much to learn. We both do. I'm hoping we can do it together."
"We are together," she sniffled.
"No, I mean…I want it to be official that you are my femme. I have yet to ask you to be my bonded."
Firestar leaned back, optics wide in surprise. I smiled warmly at her, caressing her lovely face.
"You are so beautiful. I know I'm not a mature mech yet. But I am willing to wait until the day when we can bond. I will wait an eternity if I must…only for you, my Firestar."
"This isn't the high grade talking is it?"
"No," I laughed softly, leaning my forehead against hers. "No. It's my spark talking. It desires only your love and no others. I know I want to live my life with you at my side. The question is will you bond with me, my beautiful Fire?"
Fire was speechless. She didn't expect to hear such words from me. I refrained from laughing. It was so rare to ever silence my love. She learned her lessons well from my mother and Elita and never hesitated to speak her processor.
"Don't leave the mech hanging, Firestar. Answer him. Put him out of his misery before I have to hear about it later."
The two of us turned to see Kacey leaning against the wall behind us, arms folder across her chest, cloak neatly hung over her shoulders.
"I should have known you wouldn't stay behind," I remarked, making her smile.
"You two are my best friends," she said, pushing away from the wall and coming towards us. "I hate it when you fight. Your misery always becomes my misery because I have to hear about it…from the both of you."
"I'm really sorry for what I said, Kacey," I humbly said, taking hold of her hand. "I didn't mean any of it."
"I know you didn't mean it. Besides, it's in the past, forget about it. I'm more curious about the future. Do you have an answer for the idiot, Fire?"
"Yes," she said, looking directly at me.
"Is that yes to my question or his?" Kacey smirked.
"His," Fire said, playfully shoving Kacey.
"You will?!" I asked, barely able to believe what I just heard.
Before she could finish a single nod I kissed her deeply, lifting her off the ground. My spark filled with such happiness that I couldn't keep it to myself. I felt my parents inquire discretely about it through our bond. Of course, they were just as happy as I was when I told them.
'Please, don't tell anyone yet,' I asked of them.
Both heartily agreed while giving me their blessing, love, and joy.
"Good Primus, get a room you two," Kacey commented, making me set Fire down and pull my lips from hers. "Fire, you should have seen the totally devastated look on his face when he found out his interface systems hadn't come online with his transformation systems."
"Hey!"
"It's ok, he doesn't need them for me to overload anyway," Firestar said.
"Whoa! TMI, femme!" Kacey protested. "I didn't need to hear that!"
"Whatever," I laughed, wrapping one arm around Kacey's waist and the other around Firestar's. "Let's get back to the party. And Kacey, lets not tell everyone yet about Fire and me. I will make an official announcement with the help of my mother and father."
"Sure," she smirked. "My lips are sealed."
Of course, I should have recognized that smirk on Kacey's face. It was full of mischief. Only I was still buzzing from the fact that Firestar said yes to my proposal. As a result I wasn't ready for what Kacey did the moment we stepped back into the recreation room.
"HEY EVERYONE GUESS WHAT!" she shouted loudly over the noise. "NITRO ASKED FIRE TO BOND WITH HIM AND SHE SAID YES!"
"KACEY!" I shouted over the thunderous applause, as she jumped out of my reach up onto the nearest table and then to the next.
"I never said how long my lips would be sealed!" she laughed, hopping from one table to the next.
I followed and chased after her. Except, I wasn't as graceful as Kacey. High grade and energon was spilled in my wake as I jumped from one table to the next. Nor was I as agile and quick. Kacey took a sharp turn and jumped to the floor. Unfortunately, I couldn't stop my momentum. I ended up losing my balance and crashed onto the table she avoided.
High grade splashed all over Optimus, my father, Prowl, Magnus, and Ratchet as well as all of their femmes. The mechs laughed, shoving me off the table while the femmes…well lets just say I didn't make optic contact with them but I knew they were fuming. I swear I could feel them boring a hole in the back of my head with their glares.
"That was a dirty trick!" I said, laughing with my friend as she helped me up to my feet.
"Sorry, I guess I've had a little too much to drink," she laughed. "Lets get them some more high grade and the settle back down at our table with the others. Oh…and sorry dad."
"Don't worry about it, Kacey," Optimus smiled, using a towel to dry his massive chest. "Next time, stick to the floor. Both of you."
"Yes, Sir," we saluted and then walked way laughing.
"I got your drink for you, Kacey," Rox smiled. "Bluestreak said it was a special blend of high grade only for you."
"A gift the Sunny and Sides," she grinned, taking the cup from him. "Sunny did my inscribes too, a gift from mother and father."
"I was noticing that," Rox said, learning closer. "Did it hurt?"
"Not too much, my faceplates were kind of numb already," she giggled, unclasping her cloak. "Check this one out."
All of us took a look at the inscribe on the back of Kacey's left shoulder. A couple of the mechs gasped at its beauty. At least that's what I hope they were gasping at. When Rox tried to touch it I smacked his hand away. He growled at me and I ignored him. He would look for any excuse to lay a hand on Kacey.
"It's very beautiful, Kacey," Rox complimented and then leaned closer, whispering something into her audio receptor.
"Enough gawking!" Kacey announced promptly covering up her shoulder and fastening her cloak. "Let's drink!"
"Dozer, that's Kacey's seat," Rox said, reaching to grab the mech.
"Don't worry, I'll just sit on your lap," she said to Rox and then gave me a wink.
I shook my head, taking my seat. Fire and I had optics mainly for each other. But I was also keeping my optics out for Kacey. It was obvious she was over energized. Slag, we all were. But were all just friends having a good time.
"Don't overload, Rox!" Sockets teased.
We all laughed wilding as the mech's faceplates turned bright red. I don't think he was expecting Kacey to sit on his lap. Not that he was going to turn her away either. Of course, if she'd been sober I doubt she would. She always made sure to keep Rox and any other over zealous mech in their place.
"I know, I'm being bad," Kacey grinned getting to her feet. "I can't take advantage of a mech in such a way." We all laughed. We all knew how much Rox really liked Kacey. "So, to be fair, I'll make a wager with you Rox. A sparring match. If you beat me, you get that kiss you've been dying for. If I win, you get to take Roller's place for a day and help me repair shuttles…not a clean job I might add."
Rox smirked, "The way I see it, I win either way. Just name the time and place."
"Here and now," Kacey seriously said, reaching in and pulling out the gift Leo had made for her. "I am anxious to try out my new toy."
"Are you sure?" he nervously asked.
"Quite. It's my sparkday, what are they gonna do, throw us in the brig for having some fun? Now, get to your feet soldier, that's an order."
"Get her, Rox!" several of his friends cheered.
Rox, who was always over eager when it came to Kacey, jumped up to his feet both his sword and shield transforming in the blink of an optic cover. After which, the mech didn't hesitate to charge.
And Kacey...well, the femme was always prepared for a fight.
Magnus
All I saw out of the corner of my optic was Rox flying head over heals just before a loud crash sounded. When I turned my head, I saw Rox had broken a table and Kacey was getting to her feet with Rox's shield in her hand, laughing.
"Come on Rox. You can do better," she challenged tossing him his shield back.
"Sure thing…babe!" he grinned, getting to his feet and picking up his shield.
Kacey's sword extended and successfully blocked the lancing blow from Rox. After which she successfully parried any swing of his sword or shield for several minutes. Then she went on the advance making Rox retreat using his shield to protect himself.
Because I trained her, I noticed Kacey wasn't putting all her energy into her attack. More like she was slapping his shield with the flat part of the blade. Same could be said of Rox. I knew he wouldn't do anything to damage Kacey. Everyone on the base knew the mech had a crush on her.
"Shouldn't we be stopping them?" Akima asked.
"Nah, as long as they're not shooting anything," Ironhide answered. "Right Prowl?"
Prowl frowned. I knew he didn't care for any type of fighting in the recreation room, playful or spiteful. But unless Optimus said for it to stop, second in command would do nothing.
"Optimus?"
"Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves," he smiled. "Besides, Kacey can handle Rox. I can tell she's just toying with him."
We all looked and Rox was on the floor again. I must say, I've never seen him this determined before as he got to his feet. Kacey was giggling, over energized and drinking more high grade while waiting for him.
"Did you hear?" Sunny asked excitedly as he, his brother and Bumblebee joined us. "Kacey and Rox made a bet. If he wins he gets to kiss her."
Optimus instantly started choking on his high grade, making Ironhide and me laugh.
"You know that's exactly what Bumblebee did when he heard about the bet too!" Sunny laughed.
"Well no wonder Rox keeps getting back up," Akima laughed.
"Poor mech," Chormia added. "One of you should go stop him before he hurts himself."
"Why?" all of us mechs asked at once.
Femmes, they don't understand that there are times when a mech must learn his limitations…the hard way. It makes for great character building and entertainment. And everyone was laughing and being wildly entertained at the moment.
"Give up yet?" Kacey asked, slapping him on the aft with the flat of her sword as he stumbled by.
"Not by a long shot, femme!" Rox smirked after he regained his balance.
"Come on, Kacey! Put the mech out of his misery!" Firestar shouted.
"Oh, alright," Kacey reluctantly agreed and then deactivated her sword. "Bee, keep this safe for me!"
"Why the slag did she do that?" Ironhide asked as Bumblebee caught the weapon.
"Because I trained her well," I grinned proudly. "Kacey is one of the best I've trained. She doesn't need her sword to win. Watch, she'll disarm him with ease."
"Don't be afraid, Rox," she beckoned. "You won't hurt me. I promise."
"Of course I won't hurt you," he countered, full of the cockiness he's well known for around Kacey. "Can't have my femme damaged before I kiss her."
"First of all," she growled, countering his attack by catching the flats of the blade between her two hands. Then she kicked his hand hard enough to dislodge the sword, taking it from him. "I'm not your femme." And before Rox knew what was happening, she held the point of his own sword up under his neck. "Second…victory is mine."
Of course the room erupted in drunken cheers. Kacey and Rox laughed shaking hands before returning to the table with their friends where both were welcomed like conquering heroes.
"You know, Kacey kind of reminds me of your cousin, Optimus," I smirked, over the rim of my cup.
"Let's not discuss him right now," Optimus said, glaring at me.
"I didn't know you had a cousin," Elita remarked.
"I've only seen him a couple of times as I was growing up. He grew up and was stationed on an outpost far from Cybertron. I didn't think to mention him because you would most likely never meet him."
"That's not true," Ironhide chuckled. "What about Space station Drax? Could have taken your femme there to meet him."
Optimus said nothing. Although his optics narrowed threateningly at Ironhide. And I knew why too.
"What about it?" Elita demanded.
"Well, while you femmes were having your fun night out, so were some of us mechs," I said, leaning against the table. "Jazz managed to convince the workaholic over there to take a break and it was Ratchet's task to start working on Optimus. We figured it we could convince Prowl, then Optimus would cave."
"Jazz was very convincing," Prowl smirked, making us laugh.
"Oh yeah, we wont go into those details," Ironhide added. "Suffice to say, I had to shut my audio receptors off when I walked your office though."
Prowl blushed for about an astrosecond before he composed himself enough to glare at Ironhide.
"Anyway, I got in contact with Optimus' cousin and told him to met us at Space station Drax for some fun," I continued. "Of course the mech accepted and was actually there before we got there."
"What's his name?" Chromia asked.
"Didn't I tell you?" I countered, smiling.
"His name's Jetfire," Optimus answered, rolling his optics.
"That crazy flyer is your cousin?" Chromia asked in disbelief.
"Yes, unfortunately…on my mother's side of the family," Optimus added. "He and I are about the same age."
"So what happened at this space station?" Elita asked.
"The usual," Ratchet answered. "Lots of high grade consumption, bad joke telling, a few wagers, and an all out brawl in the bar."
"Optimus started the fight too," Ironhide quickly added.
"I did not! Jetfire started it with that stupid aft bet!"
"Which you accepted," I pointed out.
"And lost!" Ironhide laughed.
"I think the rather large amounts of high grade affected my abilities to hold on," Optimus chuckled. Elita gave him an evil look. "I swear I never drink that much except on the rare occasion. I hadn't seen Jetfire in many years so we had some catching up to do."
"Jet wagered that Optimus couldn't hang on to him for more than five minutes while doing aerial acrobatics," I said, laughing at the memory. "So after two loops and a couple of barrel rolls, Optimus went flying having lost his grip."
"This was all in space so we weren't too worried about Optimus getting injured," Ratchet quickly added.
"The loser had to kiss any femme in the bar that the winner picked," Ironhide said and I immediately noticed Elita getting mad.
"To be honest, Elita, I swear I thought Optimus would win the bet too," I said, hoping to keep her temper at bay. I didn't want Optimus to get into trouble while poking fun at him. "We even told Jetfire that Optimus was as good as bonded and wasn't going to do it."
"But I gave my word and I never go back on my word," Optimus said, glancing over at Elita.
"So you kissed another femme," she said, folding her arms across her chest.
"It was just lips only, Elita," I said. "Jet picked a fairly lovely femme…no where near as lovely as you. Optimus had another glass or two of high grade, marched over and planted a quick kiss on the femme's lips, and then came back to us."
"Meanwhile, the femme's mech, who was getting their drinks sees Optimus kiss his femme and freaks!" Prowl continues. "I lean over and tell Jazz that this can't be good. The two of us do our best to protect Optimus. Even Jetfire tried to calm the guy down."
"The mech wouldn't listen to us, he wanted to rip Optimus a new aft," I said, laughing wildly at the memory. "So get this…Jetfire, without warning, plants a kiss on this mech's lips and then shouts, 'victory is mine!'"
"After about one astrosecond of shock the mech levels Jetfire with one blow," Optimus explained. "Well I couldn't let that happen to my cousin so I punched back."
"Prowl, Jazz and I did out best to keep the carnage away from Optimus as Ironhide tried to sneak him out of the bar," I smiled, still trying to contain my laughter. "Frag that was a lot of fun!"
"Yeah it was," Optimus smiled, taking a drink from his glass. "You know, I never thought about it before. But I think that's probably where Kacey gets her love of flying from. Jet loved to fly fast. The faster the better."
"And you were trying to pin Kacey's wild side on me," Elita scoffed, elbowing Optimus hard in the ribs. "All this time she gets it from you!"
"Ow! Sorry, 'Lita!"
"And you kissed another femme!"
"I kiss lots of femmes, Chromia, Moonracer, Kacey, Ariel. But I don't kiss them the way I kiss you," he said, pulling angry femme close.
Elita struggled, not too much as I noticed she was trying to suppress a grin or a laugh. And then she relaxed completely in his arms when he kissed her deeply. I even noticed her body temperature jump up sharply.
"Would you like to go do some of that…in my quarters?" I whispered to Akima, leaning close to her, my hand slowly sliding down her back.
"Just kissing all you have in mind?" she asked.
"For starters," I smiled. "Let's go. I'll see everyone tomorrow."
"Night Magnus. Night Akima."
"You will let us know when you're going to bond with your femme, right?" Optimus asked, making me blush slightly. "Ratchet can't handle surprises like the rest of us."
"I wasn't the one who fell on his aft when he found out he was a father," Ratchet countered, pointing at Optimus. "Twice, I recall you telling us too."
Optimus glared at him which only made everyone at the table laugh harder.
"You'll be the first to know, Optimus my friend," I smiled, taking hold of Akima's hand. I held it to my lips for a long moment. "I'm going to bid Kacey a good night first. Meet you at the door?"
"Sure, love. Don't take too long."
"I won't," I promised.
Before allowing Akima's lithe form to distract me any longer, I quickly made my way to where the younglings were being loud and rambunctious. I had to smile. All of them weren't really younglings anymore. Each one had come into their own as they've matured. Many of them still have a few years before full maturity. But all are or will be worthy additions to the Autobots.
"Magnus! You have to teach me that move Kacey did!" Rox shouted as I neared the table. Then he stared directly at Kacey. "So that way I can do it to her next time!"
"Rox, my best advice I can give you is not to challenge Kacey," I seriously said and meant. "Or you will find yourself on your aft more times than you can count."
"Nah, I'll take pity on him first," Kacey laughed, nudging her shoulder at Rox.
The mech took advantage of it, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer. He was even bold enough to try and kiss her only she turned her head.
"A word of warning, Rox," I said to him over a private comlink. "Kacey's father and her many uncles are a short distance away. You so much as lift one pinky to take advantage of her in her drunken state I guarantee you they will put you on your aft and make sure you stay there."
Rox frowned in disappointment and released his hold on Kacey.
"Happy sparkday, Kacey," I smiled, bending down and kissing her on the cheek. "Love your inscribes. Optimus told me about them."
"Thanks, Magnus. I'll see you tomorrow afternoon for a sparring session."
"We'll see," I laughed.
With that I made my way towards where Akima's was waiting. I noticed that Optimus was talking to Bumblebee and the twins as I passed by. The three young mechs glanced over in Kacey's direction and nodded their heads. No doubt they've got Kacey duty.
I seemed to recall being assigned to Optimus a few times during various nights of drinking. Frag it to pit that was so long ago! And now his little femme is that very same position. I'm sure I'll be assigned to her as well one of these days. I just hope not all of her drinking adventures will have sparring matches! Poor mechs don't stand a chance against her.
Elita
Over all the evening had gone better than planned. Kacey was exceedingly happy. I could feel it through our bond. And I could see and hear it from across the room. Much of the recreation room was now deserted. Nitro, Fire, Rox, and Kacey all sat on one of the couches in front of the television laughing as they waited for Sunny to start the movie.
Most of the other celebrants had left. The lights had been dimmed. There were a few stragglers anxious to watch a movie and stayed behind. Ratchet left with Moonracer shortly after Magnus and Akima left. Ironhide and Chromia where sitting on a couch in front of me talking to Bumblebee and Sides.
I was at the back, waiting for Optimus to return. He had to help Prowl with a couple of over energized Autobots who would be spending their night in the brig. Thankfully it was just a couple of them and nothing major…surprisingly.
"Did you keep my seat warm?" Optimus asked as he sat beside me, leaning his massive frame against mine.
"How much have you really had to drink tonight?" I asked when his hands boldly explored my armor.
"Not as much as you think," he purred softly into my audio receptor, his hand sliding up my thigh.
Strong almost overpowering love surges bombarded my end of our sparklink. Love surges accompanied with just a hint of pure lust from my love.
"What about Kacey?" I asked, finding my self unable to resist my love's desires and leaned into his affections more even though we were in a rather public place even if it was mostly dark.
"She'll be fine. Bumblebee and the twins are looking after her," he breathed between his kisses that passionately assaulted my neck.
"She'll have her first official hangover."
"Yeah," he chuckled softly, his lips finding mine.
For a moment all I could hear, sense, and feel around me was Optimus. His presence within me and beside me was so overpowering, filling, gratifying. The way his hands caressed me. The way his lips touched me. He set my spark ablaze with a fiery passion that now equaled his own.
"Ok, you two, get a room!" Ironhide's voice hissed interfering with our passionate kissing. "It's mine and Chromia's job to be as such in public. Not you two."
Optimus turned, narrowed his optics and growled at Ironhide. I was barely able to focus on their conversation, if in fact that they were talking. My entire form trembled in my loves arms, anxious to have him, almost not caring where we were at as my hands roved over his chest.
And suddenly my hands were pulled from his chest and I was up on my feet. It knocked me to my senses. I smiled, the passionate fog still lingering around us as we hurried down the hall.
"Optimus, you haven't been this horny in a long time…you sexy beast."
A deep, laugh rumbled from my love as he came to a stop and pulled me against his form, arms holding me tight, lips so close I could almost feel them upon mine.
"You really think I'm a sexy beast?" he asked, his optics sparkling with humor while not losing their blazing desire.
"I've always thought so, my love."
He kissed me deeply, pinning me against the wall. I felt his arms lift my up, wrapping my legs around him, allowing myself to be completely consumed by him. Only with Optimus, only in times like this will I let myself lose control to the moment. And so lost was I that I never even noticed we were moving.
"Retract your battle armor," he breathed.
I opened my optic covers to see we'd reached out quarters and were heading for our bedroom. Optimus had already retracted his battle armor. Eagerly I did as he asked as he gently laid me on our recharge bed.
There was no need for words to be spoken between us. Words were a waste of energy right now for us. And our energy was needed for something other than words. Energy that fueled our kisses. Kisses that came hot and fast. The heat of our passion swelled within us with reckless abandonment. Until finally, our ecstasy eagerly reached a point that neither of us could hold back any longer and our lust for each other was satiated and silenced.
Still, it took several long minutes for either of our systems to recover from our overload. Much like those other occasions, it was with reluctance that I emerge from that passionate haze yet at the same time it was a joy returning to the coherent world with my love beside me.
"Yup…you are one fine sexy beast," I breathed, enjoying the pleasantness of our spent passion still lingering within my systems.
Optimus just laughed as his form gently relaxing upon mine. I often savored moments like this when he was so close. I could feel his strength in his legs, his chest, his arms as his body was draped over mine. Moments like this…there was only us. No worries, no meetings, no younglings. Just me and my beautiful Optimus.
"And you're still as beautiful as ever," he murmured, rubbing his nose against mine.
"Thank you," I grinned. "You're not bad looking yourself."
"We did good today…as parents, didn't we?"
"Yes, we did. We've raised Kacey as well as any parent could raise their sparkling. And we're doing well with the other three. No doubt all will mature into fine mechs and femmes."
"Elita, I…" he whispered softly, his fingertips slowly tracing the contours of my face as he held my gaze with his.
"What is it?" I asked, snuggling against him.
"I was wondering…how…how would you feel about having another sparkling? I mean…you don't have to answer me right away about it. I was just…you know thinking out loud. I kind of miss have a little one around my feet."
"I know what you mean," I sighed. "Our younglings are all so independent now. Even our little Leo. And…I think a new little one will help Kacey."
"Me too. She worries so much about me. I think it's almost an obsession with her. A sparkling would give her something else to focus on."
"And maybe keep Leo out of trouble more," I smiled, making him laugh.
"So, does that mean you want another sparkling?" he asked, hopefully.
"Yes so let's not waste this time we have."
"No, we wouldn't want that," he grinned kissing me.
"Reproductive systems activated…"
"Primed and ready," he responded.
Unlike our desperate passion before, Optimus was deliberate in his caresses, his kisses. Much like when we tried to get pregnant with Leo, Optimus took great care to be gentle, loving. His passion was there only controlled. Everything he did had purpose from the way the stroked my body or moved against me.
"Prime, this is Prowl. We have a…situation."
Optimus growled loudly, glaring at the intercom by the side to the bed. My love was not in the mood for such an interrupted and nearly smashed the control panel with his finger when he punched it to open the comlink.
"Prowl, are we under an immediate attack from the Decepticons?"
"No."
"Is the world coming to an end?"
"No."
"Then whatever it is you need to discuss can wait. I'm in the middle of a rather passionate interface session with my femme and I'm not to be disturbed! I'll contact you when I'm ready. Prime out!"
Before Prowl could respond, Optimus shut the comlink down. Then snuggled back on top of me, kissing my neck.
"Now…where were we?" he murmured.
I responded by opening my chest plate and revealing my spark to him, surprising him.
"You want to spark bond?" he asked, pulling back a little.
"Well, you're always successful in getting me pregnant when we spark bond while interfacing."
"Not always," he corrected. "Just on those occasion when we were both so focused on our passion that neither of us thought to ensure our reproductive programs remained offline."
"Such is the risk of spark bonding while interfacing."
"Dangerous femme," he smirked at me.
"Kiss me you fool."
"With pleasure."
We picked up right where we left of before Prowl interrupted us. My love was a master at knowing precisely when to spark merge while interfacing. The trick was to not merge too soon or too late of an overload. If one wanted to elicit the greatest amount of pleasure the timing had to be just right. And Optimus had such good timing.
Each time my voice died when I called his name as I would overload and feeling his essence merge with my own. The pure ecstasy was too much for my vocal processor and it would always go out. Tonight was no different. Tonight, he actually wore me out.
"What are you doing?" I asked, keeping my optics covers closed. I could feel his hand slowly caressing my abdomen.
"Just curious is all."
"We'll know in a few days time if we were successful," I smiled, looking to see him lying there, propped up on his elbow beside me. A look of relaxation rested upon his handsome features.
"If we're successful, I would like to keep it a secret to ourselves for at least a few days."
"Why?"
"I don't know," he shrugged. "Just because it'd be nice if only you and I knew about something so precious as a new life before it was spread all over the base. We've never really had the chance to just enjoy the moment of becoming parents. Does that make sense?"
"Yeah," I sighed. "I don't want to be kept from seeing Ratchet for too long if I am pregnant though."
"Of course not," he said, pulling me close against his chest. "I'm only asking for a day, maybe two once we know for certain. That's not going to harm our sparkling, is it?"
"No," I smiled at him, caressing his face.
"Hold that smile for me?" he requested, slowly slipping out of my arms. "I'll be right back. I'm going to contact Prowl and hear what was so important."
"Of course," I nodded, allowing my hand to slide down his arm as me moved away from me.
I lay there alone in the soft light, daydreaming. A smile shined on my face as I slid a hand over my stomach, imagining the new life that could be there soon. I almost couldn't believe it. I was actually really looking forward to having a sparkling. Quite the opposite of the reaction I had when I went into labor with Leo.
Primus, I was so mean to Optimus threatening to have his reproductive systems forcibly removed!
"Optimus?" I quickly called, when this sudden wave of sorrow filled me.
My love was standing in our doorway, shoulders sagging, head bowed, and his beautiful blue optics dimmed slightly. Unsure as to why his mood had changed I quickly went over to him, taking hold of his hands.
"Optimus, talk to me, what's wrong?" I asked worriedly.
"It's Mr. Keller," he spoke softly, such sadness filled his voice. "He passed away in his sleep."
"Oh no," I gasped, covering my mouth.
"How am I going to tell, Kacey?" he asked, his optics filling with tears. "She's going to be so devastated."
I didn't hesitate, to pull him into my arms and whispered, "We'll tell her together, my love."
Sorry about that but I think you all knew that was coming. Did anyone recognize my small tribute to Transformer Animated. Rox has a shield and a sword like Sentinel Prime, only he's not as pompous as that mech in the cartoon. Also, the idea of Jetfire as Optimus cousin occurred to me after watching Armada. Jetfire will be making an appearance in the love story.
Up next: Kacey's told about her good friend's death and demands that she be allowed to attend his funeral.