[IDW] Marry Me - Chapter Eight
Universe: IDW, MTMTE
Characters this chapter: Ultra Magnus, Swerve, Chromedome/Rewind,
Rated K+ for this chapter
Swerve goes out on a limb and asks for a real date. Ultra Magnus gets whammied with a revelation. Cuteness ensues.
Commission Gift Fic for nothumanafterall.
Mood Music/Soundtrack - "Wrapped Up," Olly Murs
Marry Me - Chapter Seven
It could have gone a lot worse.
Of course, it could have been a lot better, but as he lay on his berth, preparing himself for the new cycle, Swerve realized it could have gone a lot worse, too. Ultra Magnus could have been horrified. He could have thrown Swerve in the brig. He could have yelled.
Instead, he'd proceeded to be the most kind and considerate anyone had ever been to Swerve. Which had pretty much sealed the deal for him. If he hadn't been crushing hard on Magnus before, he was certainly doing it now.
He'd always suspected that Ultra Magnus would make a good partner. Now he was experiencing the proof of it.
The next morning, Ultra Magnus showed up at his door without fail, ready to walk with Swerve to the refueling station to share breakfast. They had a short conversation, sitting and speaking together like any normal couple might before they went their separate ways. Ultra Magnus reported to the bridge; Swerve reported to any one of the various duties he was occasionally assigned.
When Ultra Magnus stopped by during his usual round, he always found the time to speak with Swerve, even if only to ask him how his day was going or if he needed anything.
Bots noticed. They commented, too. Swerve could barely do anything more than heat his faceplate and stammer and wish with all his spark that it was real.
After shift had them meeting for another meal, usually joined by whichever crewmates were off-shift and willing to talk. Those were always trying times because they tended to ask such incisive questions, but Magnus handled them like a professional and Swerve followed his lead.
They left with the sound of catcalls and teasing in their wake, but Ultra Magnus never seemed ruffled by them. His hand never moved from Swerve's back, a subtle touch that made it obvious they were together. Swerve recharged with memories of the warmth of Magnus' hand.
And no, he didn't self-service to the thought of it. Not at all. Not once.
The pattern repeated the next day, with Swerve spending more time with Ultra Magnus than he ever thought possible. He loved it. He soaked up every moment he could get. It was like a dream come true, except for the anxious truth about what would happen in the future.
That night, there was another party. Either the Exelons were really big on celebrations, or they remained suspicious about the engagement. Swerve couldn't blame them. It was a scam and he knew it. But he really didn't need them finding out the truth.
Luckily, this particular party was more formal. Smaller with less invitees, all hand-picked by the Exelons. More officials and smirking males and females, all dressed in what Swerve was coming to learn was their high fashion, full of sparkles and bangles and tiny things they called sequins and rhinestones. The kind of stuff that Rodimus loved but pretty much everyone else thought was gaudy.
The Exelons invited Swerve and Ultra Magnus as the guests of honor, and let them pick a few of their crewmembers to attend. This boiled down to Rodimus, Rewind, Chromedome and Perceptor.
With the exception of Rodimus, all of the attendees were sure to be well-behaved and this would perhaps give Perceptor another chance to pick the minds of the Exelons. Word had it their Chief Scientist or whatever his official title, would be in attendance.
They only had two weeks, ten days as of now, to get the bomb off Rodimus and get the frag of Exelon Five before Ultra Magnus and Swerve had to marry for real or Rodimus' helm was going to be removed from his frame. There was no more time for dilly-dallying. This was serious business.
The second party was a rousing success, at least in Swerve's opinion. Much less agitated this time around, Swerve was able to relax and fully commit to his role. He remembered how to be charming and how to tell a joke. He leaned close to Ultra Magnus with perfect timing. He smiled at his fiance. He tried to present the picture of two mechs in love. And he felt like he succeeded.
Afterward, Ultra Magnus once again escorted him back to his room. He pressed their forehelms together in lieu of a kiss and that was enough to send Swerve orbiting the Lost Light with happiness. He firmly pushed aside the niggling reminder that this wasn't real. For now, he was going to give this all he had. He was going to enjoy it while it lasted.
The next morning, Swerve felt brave enough to make a suggestion.
Ultra Magnus blinked at him over his energon. “A date?”
Currently, they were in one of the refueling rooms, sharing breakfast in plain sight of the rest of the crew. Magnus was due to go on shift soon and even Swerve had to report to a shift of his own. It was as good a time as any for a pleasant chat.
“Yeah.” Swerve beamed and fiddled with his energon. “An actual date. Not something the Exelons have invited us to attend, but just the two of us going out together on our own accord. A date.”
Ultra Magnus inclined his head, frame rumbling with thought. “It would benefit the situation,” he mused aloud. “I don't see why not. Did you have something in mind?”
Swerve tried not to wriggle with glee. He passed it of with a nonchalant shrug. “Rewind mentioned a pretty good restaurant geared toward Cybertronians,” he said. “And there's always the theater. Or the park. Or, I dunno, shopping.” The last didn't really appeal to him, but if it interested Magnus, he was all for it.
“That all sounds acceptable to me. Would tonight suit?”
“Sure!” Swerve's spark skipped a beat. He rebooted his vocalizer and tried for a bit more composure. “I mean, so long as you're free.”
“I am.” Ultra Magnus nodded again and finished his energon. “I will come pick you up at the end of shift. Is that acceptable?” He stood, no doubt intending to depart for his shift. Punctuality was one of Magnus' biggest buttons.
Swerve grinned. “It is. See you then.”
Ultra Magnus dipped his head. “Indeed.”
He left Swerve at the table and Swerve watched him go, the smile still on his lips. Ultra Magnus cut such a dashing figure. He couldn't take his optical band off him.
Tonight they would have a date. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, Swerve couldn't help but feel lucky.
“I saw that.”
Swerve blinked and craned his neck just as Rewind and Chromedome strode up, taking the empty chairs across from him. “I don't know what you're talking about.”
Rewind chuckled. Chromedome looked bored. Neither of them had energon. Swerve was willing to bet they'd just been lurking out of sight, eavesdropping and watching and probably recording, knowing Rewind. Chromedome probably didn't give two shanix about the whole thing, but Rewind could convince him to do anything.
“Of course you don't.” Rewind leaned on the table, crossing his arms atop it. “You probably couldn't see the dopey look on your face.”
Swerve buried his faceplate behind the remains of his breakfast. “No, I didn't.” He was still smiling, too. He didn't care. Rewind could call him out on it. He was happy.
Rewind laughed. “You've got that same sappy look now. Doesn't he, Domey?”
Chromedome's visor lit in Swerve's direction. “We could show you the footage if you want. Irrefutable proof.”
Irrefutable proof? Sometimes, it was obvious what Chromedome used to be. Swerve fought back a snicker.
“No, I'm good.” Swerve lowered his energon. “You just wander over here to tease me?”
“Not just.” Rewind tilted his helm. “A public date, hmm? I'm happy for you, Swerve. It's about time.”
The heat returned to his faceplate, along with a dose of shame. He hated lying to his friends, but such was the price he'd paid.
“Thanks,” he said and pushed to his pedes, trying not to fidget. “Um, I have to go. I'm due on shift now. Talk to you later?”
“Won't you be busy with Ultra Magnus?”
“Later, later.” Swerve rolled his optics behind his visor. “We'll catch up. You, me, Tailgate, Skids, Rung, whoever we can get a hold of. Yeah?”
Rewind waved a hand of dismissal at him. “Sure thing. See you later.”
Swerve escaped before either of them could question him further. Rewind was too perceptive and Chromedome the same. He didn't dare risk that they'd catch him in a lie or contradicting himself. And he didn't want to have to lie to them anymore than he had to.
Besides, he had to see about trying to get off shift early to stop by the washracks and maybe touch up his paint. His first date with Ultra Magnus! He had to look his best.
Even if it was fake, it felt real enough to him.
0o0o0
He'd only taken this route a grand total of five times in the past three days, but somehow, his feet had already begun to memorize it. Waiting outside Swerve's habsuite had become commonplace to him, as did the door opening and him looking down into Swerve's smiling face.
Something within Ultra Magnus gave a little flip, but it passed too quickly for him to identify it.
He had already placed reservations for the restaurant Swerve mentioned earlier. There was no time for dallying so Ultra Magnus hurried Swerve along with little touches to the metallurgist's back that left no room for confusion about whether or not they were together.
Swerve's field unfurled against his, warm with lingering traces of awkwardness. He babbled, a stream of words that said much without saying anything at all. Gossip, mostly. Observations he'd made. The lost holo-novel he'd read, which as it turned out, was one Minimus had read decades ago before he'd ever donned the Magnus Armor.
The restaurant itself was the perfect place for a date. Each table was a booth with high walls, giving them the illusion of privacy, and each seat was adjustable. Which meant Swerve did not have to struggle to peer over the edge of it and Ultra Magnus did not have to feel as though he were looming over his partner. Beneath the table, his knees kept bumping against Swerve's feet however, prompting Swerve to chuckle and his faceplate to heat.
Amused himself, Ultra Magnus didn't even protest the scuffs to his paintwork. He could always get Rodimus to touch it up for him later.
The intimate atmosphere, the romantic lighting, the quiet and soft background, it was no surprise that Swerve was, at first, very nervous. Ultra Magnus already knew how Swerve felt about him and this was probably more than he was ready to do. Ultra Magnus was about to suggest a change in location, perhaps something more casual, when Swerve cracked his first genuine smile and some of the tension drained from his frame.
“This is a nice place,” he said, peering out the window. They had a wonderful view of a nearby park, one lit with variously colored lamps. They reminded Ultra Magnus of the Christmas lights from Earth. “I'm glad we could come here.”
“As am I.” Ultra Magnus approved. The service was excellent, the atmosphere highly pleasant, and well, so was his company. “It would appear that Rewind does have good taste.”
Swerve chuckled, an unpracticed laugh that suited him far better than the ones he employed during one of their many 'shows.' “What are friends for, I guess. What about Rodimus?”
“I left him in the company of Perceptor and Brainstorm, the former of which assured me he would keep Rodimus out of trouble and the latter who felt confident enough to say that they wouldn't hurt Rodimus either.” Ultra Magnus paused and amended his words the same way Brainstorm had, “At least, in no manner that will leave scars.”
“Any luck on the, you know, the collar?” Swerve pointed to his own throat with a visible wince.
Ultra Magnus sighed. “I am afraid not. It is most alarming that it has stumped two of the most brilliant scientists I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.”
He had already thanked Primus that the Exelons never involved themselves in the Cybertronian war. Had they chosen a side, they could have easily swung the war in favor of whomsoever they chose.
“That's kind of scary,” Swerve admitted and then he fiddled with his fingers. “And disappointing. But, um, there's a tiny part of me that's not too much... And by that I mean, I'm just enjoying being with you and I'd be disappointed if it had to end, not that I want Rodimus to die or anything.”
“It's okay,” Ultra Magnus cut in with what he hoped was gentleness. “I understood what you meant.” And he did. Sometimes, Swerve said the wrong thing in his struggle to express himself. It was kind of adorable actually.
Swerve ducked his helm. “Thank you. That would be one of the few times that anyone.... well... just thank you.” He reached for the plate of assorted energon goodies that they were sharing, selecting one with a sweet filling. “Thanks for agreeing to this date, too. I know it helps our cause and everything, but you didn't have to.”
“No, I didn't,” Ultra Magnus agreed. “But I wanted to.”
Swerve's faceplate heated in that adorable way it did and he covered it up by shoving the goodie into his mouth.
That was when it occurred to Magnus.
This was an actual date.
The realization hit Ultra Magnus like a blow the faceplate, sending his thoughts reeling. Not only was this an actual date, this was a date with Swerve. Perhaps not the last mech Magnus would have expected, but nowhere on his radar. Not that he was given to considering the crew around him as potential conjunx material, but if he had, he might have never noticed Swerve. Not in terms of romance.
Now he was paying attention, in a way he hadn't before.
He frowned to himself, remembering all the way back to the beginning. He remembered the look on Swerve's face when Ultra Magnus had first told him of the ruse. How excited the bartender had been and how his enthusiasm had faltered when Magnus explained that process of elimination had resulted in his choice of Swerve. He'd been disappointed, Ultra Magnus realized, but he'd covered it up gamely.
He'd been enthusiastic, willing to help. He still was, point of fact. He was sweet and accommodating. He offered suggestions and played his part to the fullest. He was willing to accept Ultra Magnus' rules and terms of conduct.
There was the incident of the kiss to take into consideration, but Swerve had apologized. He'd offered to accept punishment. He'd agreed to never to do so again and ask permission in the future. He hadn't mocked Ultra Magnus for desiring consent. Any physical contact between them was always carefully initiated, even when it lay within the boundaries of the rules Ultra Magnus had set. As if Swerve intended to always give him the opportunity to refuse.
Swerve didn't push or demand. He was charming and had a sense of humor. He had learned Ultra Magnus' little behavioral quirks and remembered them. There was no mockery in his acknowledgment of them either.
He... well, he cared. He cared even knowing who and what Ultra Magnus truly was. And that in itself was monumental. In return, Ultra Magnus felt a stirring of something, a pleased warmth that began in his internals and spread throughout his frame. It flooded all the way through to Minimus Ambus beneath.
Ultra Magnus looked at Swerve and saw more than a wise-cracking, rule-breaking bartender. He saw Swerve, and it was entirely possible, now that he'd taken time to consider it, that Magnus could return Swerve's feelings one day. It was no longer as ridiculous as it sounded. That revelation was mind-blowing.
“Magnus?”
He blinked out of his thoughts and noticed that Swerve was giving him a confused and concerned look.
“Are you okay?” Swerve asked.
Magnus managed a smile, his hand sliding across the table. His fingers touched Swerve's and Swerve turned his palm upward, giving Ultra Magnus the opportunity to tangle their fingers together.
“I apologize,” Magnus said. “I simply realized something important.” One finger stroked the inside of Swerve's wrist. “What were you saying?”
Swerve tilted his helm, suspicion flicking across his face, before he continued, launching back into some hilarious tale about a misunderstanding between Chromedome and Rewind that resulted in an exchange of mismatched gifts. Ultra Magnus listened with half an audial, his focus turning inward, but his gaze resting on Swerve's animated retelling.
Yes, he realized. He could very well see himself falling for Swerve.
He couldn't mention such a thing now. That could potentially be detrimental to the ruse. He couldn't risk an actual romance in the middle of a pretend one. What if they argued? What if things became awkward? They couldn't afford to part ways. Neither could Rodimus. This ruse must be preserved. At all costs.
That didn't mean Ultra Magnus couldn't relent in his own way. Couldn't offer genuine responses to Swerve's behavior. He could allow for more contact between them and relax the boundaries. He could let Swerve take the lead. Ultra Magnus could even explore for himself what a relationship with Swerve would entail.
Once this was all said and done and Rodimus was safe and they'd fled from Exelon Five, Ultra Magnus could certainly approach Swerve and present his thoughts. Provided that Swerve's mind hadn't changed, Magnus could see them pursuing a true relationship.
Yes. That would do quite nicely. Thus decided, Magnus put a small, but genuine smile on his lips and devoted his full attention to Swerve's story.
Their hands, he noticed, were still linked on the table top. Magnus didn't mind.
They stayed at the restaurant until well into the evening. Magnus found himself unwilling to leave and Swerve never brought it up. They didn't make it to a walk in the park or a theater showing or any of the other entertainment options. They ate more than enough energon goodies and Cybertronian delights to make up for occupying the table.
They talked, mostly about inane things, but enough that Ultra Magnus realized he could carry a conversation with Swerve and not get bored or irritated. The more they talked, the more relaxed Swerve was. When a topic truly interested him, he lit up. His enthusiasm was a sight to behold.
He discovered that Swerve had a fondness for sweet treats and oilcake and he tended to lick his fingers to get them clean. Which worked in Ultra Magnus' favor as he preferred the tarter flavors and the rust sticks. It occurred to him once that true lovers might feed each other, but that seemed too forward so he set the thought aside.
He did, however, wonder if Swerve had considered it, too.
They didn't leave until their server politely coughed at them and reminded them that they would be closing soon. Swerve laughed and rubbed his head with embarrassment. Ultra Magnus apologized and left a substantial tip.
From there, they returned to the Lost Light, walking instead of transforming, their ex-vents leaving clouds of vapor in the chilly air.
Ultra Magnus walked Swerve back to his habsuite as had become their pattern now, and for the first time, felt a reluctance to leave Swerve alone. He considered many actions he could take and returned to the first that sprang to mind.
Swerve paused in front of his door, turning to look up at Ultra Magnus. The hesitation returned to his field now, as though he wanted to ask something but was afraid of the answer.
His fingers twisted together in a show of uncertainty that Ultra Magnus couldn't help but find adorable. “That was great... right?” Swerve asked. “You had fun?” His visor gleamed with self-doubt, which all but broke Magnus' spark.
He would hope that Swerve was more comfortable in his presence now.
“It was very enjoyable,” Ultra Magnus reassured and he lowered himself down to Swerve's level. This, too, had become part of the routine.
Indecision didn't often gnaw at Ulta Magnus. He was one to make a choice and follow through with it. Now he hesitated. Not only would this change things for himself, but also for Swerve. He could lie all he wanted and claim this was only for the sake of the ruse, but he knew better.
He knew that there was something more building. He simply didn't know how to classify it.
“I'm glad,” Swerve said with a relieved ex-vent. His hands relaxed, fingers no longer forming knots. “We could do it again?”
“Yes.” Ultra Magnus reached for Swerve's hand and was pleased when Swerve offered it. “I would very much like another date with you, Swerve.”
The bartender's field bloomed against his, warm and filled with pleasure. His smile was both visible and palpable. “Me too!” he declared and then coughed into his free hand. “I mean, yes. That's great.”
Adorable.
Ultra Magnus brushed his thumb over Swerve's palm. “Also, I wish to know. Do I have your permission to...”
Wait. No. Too formal. Too awkward. He didn't want it to come across as rehearsed.
Ultra Magnus rebooted his vocalizer and tried again, meeting Swerve's gaze with his own. Words were often the hardest part.
“Might I kiss you goodnight?” Ultra Magnus asked. His spark swelled with something akin to hope. Their first kiss had been a rushed affair that Magnus had not been prepared for and at the time, had not desired.
This time, he hoped, would be different.
Swerve's ventilations stuttered. His visor brightened, his mouth opening and closing. His field spiked with something that could only be called a resounding 'yes!' A visible shiver struck his plating.
“That, um, that would be fine,” Swerve finally managed, faceplate heating behind his smile. “You have my permission.”
Ultra Magnus smiled. “Thank you.”
He leaned closer and noticed Swerve subtly tilting his helm as though offering Ultra Magnus his cheek, perhaps because he suspected that to be Magnus' original intention. No. If he was going to do this, he was going to do it right.
He aimed for Swerve's lips, pressing what was probably a ridiculously chaste kiss to Swerve's mouth, but was all the more wonderful for it. Swerve's lips were trembling and they were warm, reflecting the heat in his faceplate. His hand squeezed Ultra Magnus', and his field burst with happiness. Any tension that might have been present seemed to flood out of Swerve in an instant.
When Magnus put an inch or so between them, his glossa swept over his lips and he swore that he tasted the sweets that Swerve had been consuming all night.
Magnus pressed their forehelms together. “Was that acceptable?” he asked.
Swerve's field lit up with joy. “Yes,” he replied, and his other hand clasped at Magnus'. “More than. Thank you. That was, um, that was very nice. More than I could have hoped for.”
“I am glad.” Ultra Magnus leaned back, allowing Swerve some room to ventilate. “I will see you in the morning?”
“Yes. I'd like that.” Swerve squeezed his hand and with visible reluctance, drew away. “Good night, Ultra Magnus.”
“Good night, Swerve.”
He waited until his fake fiance vanished into his habsuite before Ultra Magnus turned toward his own. There was a flutter in his spark, a warmth he couldn't have imagined. He wanted to name it his own flavor of joy but wondered if that was too soon.
This wasn't what he expected. Not in the slightest.
But, Ultra Magnus realized, neither was he opposed to it at all.
****
a/n: All right. We got this ball rolling now, aye? Mua ha!
I do hope you enjoyed. As always, feedback is welcome and appreciated.
This entry was originally posted at http://dracoqueen22.dreamwidth.org/307008.html. Feel free to comment wherever you find most convenient.
Characters this chapter: Ultra Magnus, Swerve, Chromedome/Rewind,
Rated K+ for this chapter
Swerve goes out on a limb and asks for a real date. Ultra Magnus gets whammied with a revelation. Cuteness ensues.
Commission Gift Fic for nothumanafterall.
Mood Music/Soundtrack - "Wrapped Up," Olly Murs
Marry Me - Chapter Seven
It could have gone a lot worse.
Of course, it could have been a lot better, but as he lay on his berth, preparing himself for the new cycle, Swerve realized it could have gone a lot worse, too. Ultra Magnus could have been horrified. He could have thrown Swerve in the brig. He could have yelled.
Instead, he'd proceeded to be the most kind and considerate anyone had ever been to Swerve. Which had pretty much sealed the deal for him. If he hadn't been crushing hard on Magnus before, he was certainly doing it now.
He'd always suspected that Ultra Magnus would make a good partner. Now he was experiencing the proof of it.
The next morning, Ultra Magnus showed up at his door without fail, ready to walk with Swerve to the refueling station to share breakfast. They had a short conversation, sitting and speaking together like any normal couple might before they went their separate ways. Ultra Magnus reported to the bridge; Swerve reported to any one of the various duties he was occasionally assigned.
When Ultra Magnus stopped by during his usual round, he always found the time to speak with Swerve, even if only to ask him how his day was going or if he needed anything.
Bots noticed. They commented, too. Swerve could barely do anything more than heat his faceplate and stammer and wish with all his spark that it was real.
After shift had them meeting for another meal, usually joined by whichever crewmates were off-shift and willing to talk. Those were always trying times because they tended to ask such incisive questions, but Magnus handled them like a professional and Swerve followed his lead.
They left with the sound of catcalls and teasing in their wake, but Ultra Magnus never seemed ruffled by them. His hand never moved from Swerve's back, a subtle touch that made it obvious they were together. Swerve recharged with memories of the warmth of Magnus' hand.
And no, he didn't self-service to the thought of it. Not at all. Not once.
The pattern repeated the next day, with Swerve spending more time with Ultra Magnus than he ever thought possible. He loved it. He soaked up every moment he could get. It was like a dream come true, except for the anxious truth about what would happen in the future.
That night, there was another party. Either the Exelons were really big on celebrations, or they remained suspicious about the engagement. Swerve couldn't blame them. It was a scam and he knew it. But he really didn't need them finding out the truth.
Luckily, this particular party was more formal. Smaller with less invitees, all hand-picked by the Exelons. More officials and smirking males and females, all dressed in what Swerve was coming to learn was their high fashion, full of sparkles and bangles and tiny things they called sequins and rhinestones. The kind of stuff that Rodimus loved but pretty much everyone else thought was gaudy.
The Exelons invited Swerve and Ultra Magnus as the guests of honor, and let them pick a few of their crewmembers to attend. This boiled down to Rodimus, Rewind, Chromedome and Perceptor.
With the exception of Rodimus, all of the attendees were sure to be well-behaved and this would perhaps give Perceptor another chance to pick the minds of the Exelons. Word had it their Chief Scientist or whatever his official title, would be in attendance.
They only had two weeks, ten days as of now, to get the bomb off Rodimus and get the frag of Exelon Five before Ultra Magnus and Swerve had to marry for real or Rodimus' helm was going to be removed from his frame. There was no more time for dilly-dallying. This was serious business.
The second party was a rousing success, at least in Swerve's opinion. Much less agitated this time around, Swerve was able to relax and fully commit to his role. He remembered how to be charming and how to tell a joke. He leaned close to Ultra Magnus with perfect timing. He smiled at his fiance. He tried to present the picture of two mechs in love. And he felt like he succeeded.
Afterward, Ultra Magnus once again escorted him back to his room. He pressed their forehelms together in lieu of a kiss and that was enough to send Swerve orbiting the Lost Light with happiness. He firmly pushed aside the niggling reminder that this wasn't real. For now, he was going to give this all he had. He was going to enjoy it while it lasted.
The next morning, Swerve felt brave enough to make a suggestion.
Ultra Magnus blinked at him over his energon. “A date?”
Currently, they were in one of the refueling rooms, sharing breakfast in plain sight of the rest of the crew. Magnus was due to go on shift soon and even Swerve had to report to a shift of his own. It was as good a time as any for a pleasant chat.
“Yeah.” Swerve beamed and fiddled with his energon. “An actual date. Not something the Exelons have invited us to attend, but just the two of us going out together on our own accord. A date.”
Ultra Magnus inclined his head, frame rumbling with thought. “It would benefit the situation,” he mused aloud. “I don't see why not. Did you have something in mind?”
Swerve tried not to wriggle with glee. He passed it of with a nonchalant shrug. “Rewind mentioned a pretty good restaurant geared toward Cybertronians,” he said. “And there's always the theater. Or the park. Or, I dunno, shopping.” The last didn't really appeal to him, but if it interested Magnus, he was all for it.
“That all sounds acceptable to me. Would tonight suit?”
“Sure!” Swerve's spark skipped a beat. He rebooted his vocalizer and tried for a bit more composure. “I mean, so long as you're free.”
“I am.” Ultra Magnus nodded again and finished his energon. “I will come pick you up at the end of shift. Is that acceptable?” He stood, no doubt intending to depart for his shift. Punctuality was one of Magnus' biggest buttons.
Swerve grinned. “It is. See you then.”
Ultra Magnus dipped his head. “Indeed.”
He left Swerve at the table and Swerve watched him go, the smile still on his lips. Ultra Magnus cut such a dashing figure. He couldn't take his optical band off him.
Tonight they would have a date. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, Swerve couldn't help but feel lucky.
“I saw that.”
Swerve blinked and craned his neck just as Rewind and Chromedome strode up, taking the empty chairs across from him. “I don't know what you're talking about.”
Rewind chuckled. Chromedome looked bored. Neither of them had energon. Swerve was willing to bet they'd just been lurking out of sight, eavesdropping and watching and probably recording, knowing Rewind. Chromedome probably didn't give two shanix about the whole thing, but Rewind could convince him to do anything.
“Of course you don't.” Rewind leaned on the table, crossing his arms atop it. “You probably couldn't see the dopey look on your face.”
Swerve buried his faceplate behind the remains of his breakfast. “No, I didn't.” He was still smiling, too. He didn't care. Rewind could call him out on it. He was happy.
Rewind laughed. “You've got that same sappy look now. Doesn't he, Domey?”
Chromedome's visor lit in Swerve's direction. “We could show you the footage if you want. Irrefutable proof.”
Irrefutable proof? Sometimes, it was obvious what Chromedome used to be. Swerve fought back a snicker.
“No, I'm good.” Swerve lowered his energon. “You just wander over here to tease me?”
“Not just.” Rewind tilted his helm. “A public date, hmm? I'm happy for you, Swerve. It's about time.”
The heat returned to his faceplate, along with a dose of shame. He hated lying to his friends, but such was the price he'd paid.
“Thanks,” he said and pushed to his pedes, trying not to fidget. “Um, I have to go. I'm due on shift now. Talk to you later?”
“Won't you be busy with Ultra Magnus?”
“Later, later.” Swerve rolled his optics behind his visor. “We'll catch up. You, me, Tailgate, Skids, Rung, whoever we can get a hold of. Yeah?”
Rewind waved a hand of dismissal at him. “Sure thing. See you later.”
Swerve escaped before either of them could question him further. Rewind was too perceptive and Chromedome the same. He didn't dare risk that they'd catch him in a lie or contradicting himself. And he didn't want to have to lie to them anymore than he had to.
Besides, he had to see about trying to get off shift early to stop by the washracks and maybe touch up his paint. His first date with Ultra Magnus! He had to look his best.
Even if it was fake, it felt real enough to him.
0o0o0
He'd only taken this route a grand total of five times in the past three days, but somehow, his feet had already begun to memorize it. Waiting outside Swerve's habsuite had become commonplace to him, as did the door opening and him looking down into Swerve's smiling face.
Something within Ultra Magnus gave a little flip, but it passed too quickly for him to identify it.
He had already placed reservations for the restaurant Swerve mentioned earlier. There was no time for dallying so Ultra Magnus hurried Swerve along with little touches to the metallurgist's back that left no room for confusion about whether or not they were together.
Swerve's field unfurled against his, warm with lingering traces of awkwardness. He babbled, a stream of words that said much without saying anything at all. Gossip, mostly. Observations he'd made. The lost holo-novel he'd read, which as it turned out, was one Minimus had read decades ago before he'd ever donned the Magnus Armor.
The restaurant itself was the perfect place for a date. Each table was a booth with high walls, giving them the illusion of privacy, and each seat was adjustable. Which meant Swerve did not have to struggle to peer over the edge of it and Ultra Magnus did not have to feel as though he were looming over his partner. Beneath the table, his knees kept bumping against Swerve's feet however, prompting Swerve to chuckle and his faceplate to heat.
Amused himself, Ultra Magnus didn't even protest the scuffs to his paintwork. He could always get Rodimus to touch it up for him later.
The intimate atmosphere, the romantic lighting, the quiet and soft background, it was no surprise that Swerve was, at first, very nervous. Ultra Magnus already knew how Swerve felt about him and this was probably more than he was ready to do. Ultra Magnus was about to suggest a change in location, perhaps something more casual, when Swerve cracked his first genuine smile and some of the tension drained from his frame.
“This is a nice place,” he said, peering out the window. They had a wonderful view of a nearby park, one lit with variously colored lamps. They reminded Ultra Magnus of the Christmas lights from Earth. “I'm glad we could come here.”
“As am I.” Ultra Magnus approved. The service was excellent, the atmosphere highly pleasant, and well, so was his company. “It would appear that Rewind does have good taste.”
Swerve chuckled, an unpracticed laugh that suited him far better than the ones he employed during one of their many 'shows.' “What are friends for, I guess. What about Rodimus?”
“I left him in the company of Perceptor and Brainstorm, the former of which assured me he would keep Rodimus out of trouble and the latter who felt confident enough to say that they wouldn't hurt Rodimus either.” Ultra Magnus paused and amended his words the same way Brainstorm had, “At least, in no manner that will leave scars.”
“Any luck on the, you know, the collar?” Swerve pointed to his own throat with a visible wince.
Ultra Magnus sighed. “I am afraid not. It is most alarming that it has stumped two of the most brilliant scientists I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.”
He had already thanked Primus that the Exelons never involved themselves in the Cybertronian war. Had they chosen a side, they could have easily swung the war in favor of whomsoever they chose.
“That's kind of scary,” Swerve admitted and then he fiddled with his fingers. “And disappointing. But, um, there's a tiny part of me that's not too much... And by that I mean, I'm just enjoying being with you and I'd be disappointed if it had to end, not that I want Rodimus to die or anything.”
“It's okay,” Ultra Magnus cut in with what he hoped was gentleness. “I understood what you meant.” And he did. Sometimes, Swerve said the wrong thing in his struggle to express himself. It was kind of adorable actually.
Swerve ducked his helm. “Thank you. That would be one of the few times that anyone.... well... just thank you.” He reached for the plate of assorted energon goodies that they were sharing, selecting one with a sweet filling. “Thanks for agreeing to this date, too. I know it helps our cause and everything, but you didn't have to.”
“No, I didn't,” Ultra Magnus agreed. “But I wanted to.”
Swerve's faceplate heated in that adorable way it did and he covered it up by shoving the goodie into his mouth.
That was when it occurred to Magnus.
This was an actual date.
The realization hit Ultra Magnus like a blow the faceplate, sending his thoughts reeling. Not only was this an actual date, this was a date with Swerve. Perhaps not the last mech Magnus would have expected, but nowhere on his radar. Not that he was given to considering the crew around him as potential conjunx material, but if he had, he might have never noticed Swerve. Not in terms of romance.
Now he was paying attention, in a way he hadn't before.
He frowned to himself, remembering all the way back to the beginning. He remembered the look on Swerve's face when Ultra Magnus had first told him of the ruse. How excited the bartender had been and how his enthusiasm had faltered when Magnus explained that process of elimination had resulted in his choice of Swerve. He'd been disappointed, Ultra Magnus realized, but he'd covered it up gamely.
He'd been enthusiastic, willing to help. He still was, point of fact. He was sweet and accommodating. He offered suggestions and played his part to the fullest. He was willing to accept Ultra Magnus' rules and terms of conduct.
There was the incident of the kiss to take into consideration, but Swerve had apologized. He'd offered to accept punishment. He'd agreed to never to do so again and ask permission in the future. He hadn't mocked Ultra Magnus for desiring consent. Any physical contact between them was always carefully initiated, even when it lay within the boundaries of the rules Ultra Magnus had set. As if Swerve intended to always give him the opportunity to refuse.
Swerve didn't push or demand. He was charming and had a sense of humor. He had learned Ultra Magnus' little behavioral quirks and remembered them. There was no mockery in his acknowledgment of them either.
He... well, he cared. He cared even knowing who and what Ultra Magnus truly was. And that in itself was monumental. In return, Ultra Magnus felt a stirring of something, a pleased warmth that began in his internals and spread throughout his frame. It flooded all the way through to Minimus Ambus beneath.
Ultra Magnus looked at Swerve and saw more than a wise-cracking, rule-breaking bartender. He saw Swerve, and it was entirely possible, now that he'd taken time to consider it, that Magnus could return Swerve's feelings one day. It was no longer as ridiculous as it sounded. That revelation was mind-blowing.
“Magnus?”
He blinked out of his thoughts and noticed that Swerve was giving him a confused and concerned look.
“Are you okay?” Swerve asked.
Magnus managed a smile, his hand sliding across the table. His fingers touched Swerve's and Swerve turned his palm upward, giving Ultra Magnus the opportunity to tangle their fingers together.
“I apologize,” Magnus said. “I simply realized something important.” One finger stroked the inside of Swerve's wrist. “What were you saying?”
Swerve tilted his helm, suspicion flicking across his face, before he continued, launching back into some hilarious tale about a misunderstanding between Chromedome and Rewind that resulted in an exchange of mismatched gifts. Ultra Magnus listened with half an audial, his focus turning inward, but his gaze resting on Swerve's animated retelling.
Yes, he realized. He could very well see himself falling for Swerve.
He couldn't mention such a thing now. That could potentially be detrimental to the ruse. He couldn't risk an actual romance in the middle of a pretend one. What if they argued? What if things became awkward? They couldn't afford to part ways. Neither could Rodimus. This ruse must be preserved. At all costs.
That didn't mean Ultra Magnus couldn't relent in his own way. Couldn't offer genuine responses to Swerve's behavior. He could allow for more contact between them and relax the boundaries. He could let Swerve take the lead. Ultra Magnus could even explore for himself what a relationship with Swerve would entail.
Once this was all said and done and Rodimus was safe and they'd fled from Exelon Five, Ultra Magnus could certainly approach Swerve and present his thoughts. Provided that Swerve's mind hadn't changed, Magnus could see them pursuing a true relationship.
Yes. That would do quite nicely. Thus decided, Magnus put a small, but genuine smile on his lips and devoted his full attention to Swerve's story.
Their hands, he noticed, were still linked on the table top. Magnus didn't mind.
They stayed at the restaurant until well into the evening. Magnus found himself unwilling to leave and Swerve never brought it up. They didn't make it to a walk in the park or a theater showing or any of the other entertainment options. They ate more than enough energon goodies and Cybertronian delights to make up for occupying the table.
They talked, mostly about inane things, but enough that Ultra Magnus realized he could carry a conversation with Swerve and not get bored or irritated. The more they talked, the more relaxed Swerve was. When a topic truly interested him, he lit up. His enthusiasm was a sight to behold.
He discovered that Swerve had a fondness for sweet treats and oilcake and he tended to lick his fingers to get them clean. Which worked in Ultra Magnus' favor as he preferred the tarter flavors and the rust sticks. It occurred to him once that true lovers might feed each other, but that seemed too forward so he set the thought aside.
He did, however, wonder if Swerve had considered it, too.
They didn't leave until their server politely coughed at them and reminded them that they would be closing soon. Swerve laughed and rubbed his head with embarrassment. Ultra Magnus apologized and left a substantial tip.
From there, they returned to the Lost Light, walking instead of transforming, their ex-vents leaving clouds of vapor in the chilly air.
Ultra Magnus walked Swerve back to his habsuite as had become their pattern now, and for the first time, felt a reluctance to leave Swerve alone. He considered many actions he could take and returned to the first that sprang to mind.
Swerve paused in front of his door, turning to look up at Ultra Magnus. The hesitation returned to his field now, as though he wanted to ask something but was afraid of the answer.
His fingers twisted together in a show of uncertainty that Ultra Magnus couldn't help but find adorable. “That was great... right?” Swerve asked. “You had fun?” His visor gleamed with self-doubt, which all but broke Magnus' spark.
He would hope that Swerve was more comfortable in his presence now.
“It was very enjoyable,” Ultra Magnus reassured and he lowered himself down to Swerve's level. This, too, had become part of the routine.
Indecision didn't often gnaw at Ulta Magnus. He was one to make a choice and follow through with it. Now he hesitated. Not only would this change things for himself, but also for Swerve. He could lie all he wanted and claim this was only for the sake of the ruse, but he knew better.
He knew that there was something more building. He simply didn't know how to classify it.
“I'm glad,” Swerve said with a relieved ex-vent. His hands relaxed, fingers no longer forming knots. “We could do it again?”
“Yes.” Ultra Magnus reached for Swerve's hand and was pleased when Swerve offered it. “I would very much like another date with you, Swerve.”
The bartender's field bloomed against his, warm and filled with pleasure. His smile was both visible and palpable. “Me too!” he declared and then coughed into his free hand. “I mean, yes. That's great.”
Adorable.
Ultra Magnus brushed his thumb over Swerve's palm. “Also, I wish to know. Do I have your permission to...”
Wait. No. Too formal. Too awkward. He didn't want it to come across as rehearsed.
Ultra Magnus rebooted his vocalizer and tried again, meeting Swerve's gaze with his own. Words were often the hardest part.
“Might I kiss you goodnight?” Ultra Magnus asked. His spark swelled with something akin to hope. Their first kiss had been a rushed affair that Magnus had not been prepared for and at the time, had not desired.
This time, he hoped, would be different.
Swerve's ventilations stuttered. His visor brightened, his mouth opening and closing. His field spiked with something that could only be called a resounding 'yes!' A visible shiver struck his plating.
“That, um, that would be fine,” Swerve finally managed, faceplate heating behind his smile. “You have my permission.”
Ultra Magnus smiled. “Thank you.”
He leaned closer and noticed Swerve subtly tilting his helm as though offering Ultra Magnus his cheek, perhaps because he suspected that to be Magnus' original intention. No. If he was going to do this, he was going to do it right.
He aimed for Swerve's lips, pressing what was probably a ridiculously chaste kiss to Swerve's mouth, but was all the more wonderful for it. Swerve's lips were trembling and they were warm, reflecting the heat in his faceplate. His hand squeezed Ultra Magnus', and his field burst with happiness. Any tension that might have been present seemed to flood out of Swerve in an instant.
When Magnus put an inch or so between them, his glossa swept over his lips and he swore that he tasted the sweets that Swerve had been consuming all night.
Magnus pressed their forehelms together. “Was that acceptable?” he asked.
Swerve's field lit up with joy. “Yes,” he replied, and his other hand clasped at Magnus'. “More than. Thank you. That was, um, that was very nice. More than I could have hoped for.”
“I am glad.” Ultra Magnus leaned back, allowing Swerve some room to ventilate. “I will see you in the morning?”
“Yes. I'd like that.” Swerve squeezed his hand and with visible reluctance, drew away. “Good night, Ultra Magnus.”
“Good night, Swerve.”
He waited until his fake fiance vanished into his habsuite before Ultra Magnus turned toward his own. There was a flutter in his spark, a warmth he couldn't have imagined. He wanted to name it his own flavor of joy but wondered if that was too soon.
This wasn't what he expected. Not in the slightest.
But, Ultra Magnus realized, neither was he opposed to it at all.
****
a/n: All right. We got this ball rolling now, aye? Mua ha!
I do hope you enjoyed. As always, feedback is welcome and appreciated.
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