The bar was in utter disarray. There were knocked over tables being used as makeshift cover on both sides of the bar, chairs blocked off a section of the bar, and in the middle of the destroyed space: bots on the ground groaning in pain. The standoff was tense- no tense wasn't right, this was carnage! Utterly horrific! Swerve had never seen such brutality.
One particular mad mech sprung from behind the cover, leaping over the table with a mighty battle cry. Swerve gasped, that bold move was just plain suicidal!
He watched, awestruck, as Grimlock blindly fired into the enemy line. Mechs were helpless as they became fodder. One after another, more and more poor souls were hit by the ferocious dinobot.
Truly Grimlock was a force of nature. Not a single bullet could graze him. He marched on, effortlessly dodging enemy fire; his skills were honed to perfection by millions of years of war. His movements are like that of a predator. Grimlock was built for this!
Only to be cut down with a lucky pot shot. A stray slug slammed directly where his spark laid. His gun clattered down to the ground. The warrior stared down, touching his chassis, in disbelief.
"You're out Grimsy! I got ya fair and square!" Fulcrum cried out in victory.
The fallen warrior grunts as he pops off the flimsy dart from his armor. He stares down at the yellow piece of toy that took his 'life' then back at his team, who's still behind the tables, with dismay. Misfire lets out a dramatic fake sob as Grimlock falls to his knees. He drops to the ground as if he was dead. Truly, a tragic loss. Meanwhile, the other team cheered.
After a moment of devastating silence he stood up and made his way to the sectioned off part of the bar. Misfire was still yelling about the good dying young while Grimlock made himself comfortable in a booth. Ah, yes, Grimlock is now one with the allspark-Ready to order some drinks.
The entire Lost Light had been participating in this game for about four hours. It was suggested by the Scavengers after a little disagreement. See, Swerve underestimated how many bots wanted to watch their tiny co-captain. It seemed Veer's unconditional love was a hot commodity, and everyone wanted in on the action! All the bots participating in the battle had already been approved for sparkling sitting duty. They just wanted to monopolize Veer's time. Instead of just following the schedule Ultra Magnus provided, Rodimus declared it to be a free for all.
That's when the chaos began. Rodimus started to recruit mechs on his side that were opposed to the idea of a schedule. They believed that Veer should be babysat by whoever was first to call dibs.
The captain managed to snag a hold of the majority of the scavengers. Their army consisted of other lawless mechs such as Riptide, Drift, and Chromedome. Truly, this game's length could be blamed on the pure unrefined chaos these mechs brought to the table.
On the opposing team were those that believe there should be a clear schedule. That way everyone had the chance to spend time with the little cupcake. Of course, Ultra Magnus and Megatron were leading the green team to victory. They've gotten the likes of Cyclonus, Fulcrum, and surprisingly Whirl on their team.
Then there was Swerve. He was off on the sidelines making drinks for those who were already out. He stood there earning shanix while he tried to wrap his processor around the fact of why they were doing this. After all, they should be back to cybertron in less than a week. The schedule, dibs, it wouldn't matter once they were back home!
It was a nice gesture, but Swerve knew this battle was mostly for their own entertainment. Not that he was complaining. It was pretty hilarious to see Whirl go feral with a custom nerf gun, provided by brainstorm, trying to mow down Grimlock. Only to be outdone by clumsy Fulcrum.
"I can't believe they got Grimlock," Swerve whispered as he worked on a drink.
"Yeah, he was their strongest player. What do you think the pink team is going to do now?" Bluestreak said, so caught up in the battle he was unaware he was overpouring a cube.
That was until the sticky liquid dripped down the countertop onto his feet. Bluestreak swore, finally looking down at the mess he had created. He blurted out an apology and started to wipe it up with a towel.
Swerve laughed, "Happens to the best of us Blue. It's alright. And I think they are pretty S.O.L unless Rodimus can somehow pull a miracle out of their aft."
Bluestreak nodded in agreement, "Yeah, doubt that. His team is hanging on by a thread. Right Veer?" He cooed, booping the sparkling's nose from across the counter.
Swerve smiled watching as his daughter wiggled happily in Nautica's arms. She did a little bounce for them then got distracted by her favorite new toy. She bapped the engineer's wrench, and drooled all over it. Swerve thought it was the cutest thing ever but at the same time..
"Sorry about that Nautica. I promise to clean and polish it when she's done."
Nautica eyed Veer then grinned at the bartender. "No worries! I'm the one who gave it to her. And! Just so you know it's perfectly safe! Brainstorm helped me install a sparkling mode- So she can nom on it to her spark's content. Just think of it as a bribe for our cute little co-captain. Mama wants those engine schematics approved! And a little drool won't hurt anything."
Swerve still handed her a clean rag, "You say that- I know Captain Veer can be extremely drooly. Just don't do what I did. I made the mistake of picking her up above my helm to play with her. I had my mouth wide open. Yuck"
Nautica laughed, accepting the towel. "I'll keep that in mind. Our mighty captain isn't above biological warfare. Right Veer?~"
The sparkling in question was oblivious to their conversation. She was too focused on getting her intake on every inch of the wrench like it was a teething ring. Nautica still cooed at how cute she was.
The bartender props his elbow on the counter then leans against his servo. He takes a moment to drink in the scene. Truly, from helm to pede, Veer was perfect. It's why he pushed through any discomfort or pain. It was all for her.
Swerve smiled, feeling really grateful. Not to just Nautica- but to all of his friends. This big blown out fight was ridiculous, there was no doubt about that. But, whenever he needed help, there was always someone willing to lend a servo.
When Swerve had Veer he thought he was going to face this all alone. It was terrifying… Just one day he had a blue ball of joy shoot out between his thighs and just like that! Boom! He was a carrier!
He didn't get time to prepare like most creators. Hell, he didn't even have a sire in the picture to help. All he had was a puddle of his own energon, a screaming weak new spark, and enough self loathing he could probably drown in it. He didn't like thinking about it too much…
He wasn't sure how he was going to handle it alone. Once they were back on cybertron things would be different; his friends would be too busy fixing up their own lives to spend time with him or Veer. He should soak these moments up while he can. And practice taking care of Veer alone.
..
Swerve stole a glance at Bluestreak, who was busy spraying the counter top, then sighed. Swerve touched his midsection feeling a dull ache. He was glad the sniper didn't listen to him. They wouldn't have made it if Blue didn't call for Ratchet.
That keeps him up almost every night. Swerve can't help it. He just lays in his berth, wide awake, stuck on a thought loop. It didn't matter how tired he felt. His processor kept running in circles. Over and over and over again- He kept coming to the same conclusion. He would have bled out. Veer would have either been left an orphan or grayed.
Swerve rubbed at his stinging optics from under his visor. He couldn't remember the last time he felt rested. When it wasn't his processor it was his carrier duties and Veer was considerably less adorable at night. He desperately needed some recharge.
Maybe later today he'll ask Rewind to watch Veer. Just long enough for him to power nap. He was growing weary of his optics burning every time he blinked. The lack of sleep was starting to give a helm-ache. He'd ask Ratchet for some painkillers later.
All that didn't matter right now. He should be enjoying the moment. It wasn't everyday a bot witnesses a ship wide nerf gun fight.
Swerve nudged his employees with a smile, "Hey Blue, remind me to give you a couple of drinks on the house."
Bluestreak paused his cleaning mid swipe to look at his boss, "Okay? Not that I'm complaining but how does spilling a drink give me a freebie?"
"I'm just an awesome boss like that. Don't worry about it," Swerve grinned while reaching over to help pick up.
"That makes me nervous. It sounds like you're planning something," Bluestreak admitted while throwing his soiled towels in the bin.
"I wasn't but maybe now I will," Swerve said, picking up the tray of drinks. "When you least expect it Blue~ I shall strike from the shadows like a ninjabot. Beware~"
"You sound like The Box Ghost when you say that. And please don't," Bluestreak begged, placing the last drink on the serving tray.
"Aww yeah, you watched Danny Phantom! How was it? Just as good as I said? And don't worry Blue. I'll just add sweet additives or something to your drink. Harmless fun I promise!" Swerve said with a big smile as he put the finishing touch on a drink.
"I really enjoyed the concept. Wished they went harder with it," Bluestreak admitted as he leaned against the counter. "And if that's all you're going to do that's fine- But if I find one unpleasant surprise in my drink then I'm going to sugar up your daughter and send her back around nap time."
Swerve gasped, "That's just evil. You wouldn't!"
Bluestreak smirked down at his boss, "Oh, I would."
At that moment Veer accidentally dropped the wrench and squealed. The timing was too perfect. It was like she was excited by the prospect of being hyper.
"No sugar for the new spark! You hear that Veer? Carri says no- Ratchet would kill all of us. Now, be good. I'm going to hand off these drinks. Nautica- you are in charge. Make sure Bluestreak doesn't go to the dark side. And Blue! Help yourself to anything in the bar. You've earned it!" Swerve said, picking up the serving tray and heading to exit from behind the counter.
"Aww, but Veer could become evil with me! We could rule the galaxy Veer! Join me," Bluestreak said, taking a hold of her tiny fist in a dramatic fashion.
Swerve laughed hearing his creation babble nonsense. She was probably agreeing to it. Who knows what horrors she would unleash unto the Lost Light?
He could hear Nautica begging her padawan not to be tempted by the siren song of the dark side. Veer was supposed to defeat the dark side! Not join it.
Poor Nautica. She didn't understand that Veer would join whatever side that gives her the most attention. That, and she was transfixed by praxian's door wings. She didn't stand a chance.
Swerve left them with a genuine smile on his face. Despite certain recent news…He was smiling a lot more. Veer made him happy.
He no longer regretted that night with Blurr. Yes, he embarrassed himself. Yes, the event is burned into his processor. But, out of all that, he gained so much joy.
He wished that he could have told Blurr. Veer is such a bundle of joy, no doubt she'd bring a smile to his gorgeous face.
He wondered if Blurr knew about Veer - not that he ever could when he was alive. There was no freakin' way he could.
Rather Swerve wondered if bots in the well of the all spark gained that kind of knowledge. Was Blurr out there somewhere looking down at his creation? Was he cringing at who he sparked up?
He kind of hoped so. Not that he wanted to embarrass the speedster by being his sparkling's carrier. Mostly, he hoped the speedster could watch after Veer. He knew he was woefully lacking.
Swerve pushed the thoughts out of his helm and focused on delivering some well earned high grade to his patrons. He stopped by Grimlock's booth first. He figured the dinobot needed something strong to drown his woes.
"Saw what happened Grim. That shot was just unfortunate. Here, I got ya a shot of my own nightmare brew. A good shot for a bad shot. It should make you feel all warm and fuzzy."
Grimlock bowed his helm in thanks, "Next time we'll win," he grunted out then slammed down the free drink.
"Chin up Grim! You got a secret edge they all lack. All sparklings love dinos," Swerve said playfully, nudging the warrior. "You're still Veer's favorite altmode. My little weirdo loves your tail!"
Grimlock grunted in satisfaction, "Good. Me Grimlock love Veer."
"Ha! Nice impression of yourself- and Yeah, she loves you too big brute. And even if your team loses you're still next on Ultra Magnus' list, so you still win!" Swerve said reaching out to high five the dinobot.
Grimlock didn't disappoint. He let Swerve smack the palm of his servo with a nice CLANG sound. It was a satisfying high five. Around the top ten in Swerve's books.
"Ow- the pain is worth it but man what are you made out of Grim? Any harder and I might dent my armor," Swerve said with a playful laugh.
Grimlock looked at his servo then at Swerve, "You tell me- You're a metallurgist."
Swerve opened his mouth then closed it rather surprised. Not many bots remember his ex profession. He was taken aback that Grimlock even knew.
"You uh- got me there! How'd you know that Grimsy?"
"The war was long. Carbon dating has its uses with ancient cybertronian tech. You're services helped more than you realized."
Swerve flushed, not sure what to say. He didn't take much stock in what he did during the war. Most of the time he was stationed on Keima trying his best not to get in the way of other bots.
"The other's look thirsty. I won't take up anymore of your time," Grimlock said, nodding in the direction of other patrons.
Swerve threw him a thumbs up then immediately cringed. It made him want to facepalm. He did the most awkward slag when he was uncomfortable. At least it wasn't 'laugh at an open casket funeral' bad, this time. Though it was pretty up there.
He was thankful Grimlock was giving him an out. Swerve readjusted his grip on the serving tray and headed to the next nearest customer. That bot being…Crosscut.
He took one step in that direction then promptly turned the other way. Yeaaaah, no. He was going to serve him last. Not that he had anything against the ex senator! He just didn't know what to say.
Hey, We don't interact much but I fragged one of your best friends, who's dead by the way, and had his sparkling. Let's be pals!
That was the best Swerve could come up with. He wasn't the most poetic when it came to words. He mostly just blurted out stuff before he even had the chance to process it.
He'd just leave things awkward between now. Well, until one of them was brave enough to talk. He was hoping and not at the same time Crosscut would be the one.
Ugh, this would be funny if life was a sitcom! There would be a laugh track playing anytime he said something stupid. Goofy wacky Swerve was at it again! Just putting his pede directly into his mouth-
"SWERVE LOOK OUT!", someone across the bar yelled.
The mini bot snapped out of his thoughts only to freeze in place. A pink hoverboard with a panicking Tailgate came flying in his direction. He didn't have time to move out of the way before it came crashing into him. The tray he was holding went clattering to the ground.
"Oh! Frag! Swerve, are you alright I'm so-" Tailgate babbled out as he picked himself off the floor.
The fellow minibot paused looking up in confusion. Swerve wasn't a crumpled heap on the floor like himself. No, Swerve was nowhere in sight.
Rodimus, like many other patrons, stood in the middle of the bar with his mouth hanging wide open. One second their friendly bartender was standing there with a tray full of drinks. The next he evaporated into thin air.
The captain walked over to the puddle of spilled drinks and peered at the spot with a tight frown. That could only mean one thing. He turned his attention to the bar. Nautica was sitting there with Veer in her lap. She looked just as shocked as they were.
The sparkling kicked out her little feet as if to get the engineer's attention again. Nautica pacified her by handing back the wrench that fell for the hundredth time. Rodimus watched with his arms crossed.
He walked over to the bar, reached over, and scooped Veer out of Nautica's arms. He tickled her tummy, earning a delighted high pitch laugh from the new spark. Rodimus nodded as she confirmed his suspensions.
She wasn't a hologram. This was the real Veer. Which meant their lovable idiot had been parading around the bar with a newborn as a hologram!
Rodimus took in a deep inhale. Swerve had a lot of explaining to do. Why in the fragging pits would he do that? That was something he would have done!
Rodimus took in another deep vent before looking at Veer. He was absolutely livid by Swerve's actions. He was so mad he could burst!
But, some of his anger simmered down when he looked at his tiny co-captain. He sighed, taking in her beautiful cyan paint job, and remembered what probably caused Swerve to act so foolishly. It hadn't even been a full week since they received the news about Blurr.
Rodimus didn't know how deep their relationship actually was but he knew Swerve worshiped him. Of course Swerve would fall back on bad coping mechanisms. He didn't like showing how hurt he was.
In that regard, he and Swerve were similar. It's hard being vulnerable around bots that care. They could easily take advantage of your pain. It's easier to run away from connections than opening back up.
Rodimus put his digit in Veer's face so she could hold it. "Come on cutie. We are on a quest to find your carrier. Let's go."