TPF. Tau Station and Autobot Base. Bonds and Weddings.
Keepsake: *sprawled out compactly, sound asleep. Is snerking quietly at some dream*
Perceptor: *having a bit of a doze as well, is holding her close*
Tau: *rocks as something bounces off it*
Keepsake: *doesn't even twitch*
Perceptor: *awake and blinking blearily* //My airlocks are sealed, Fixer.... What was that just now?// *looks around when Fixer doesn't reply (which the medic hasn't done in quite some time), and then he's chuckling very softly as he realizes who is still sharing his berth* *gentle nuzzle for Keepsake as he thinks about what has happened since the cycle before*
Keepsake: *snerks at her dream again* Hmmm. He might be a slaggin' nerd... but ooo, what lines. *wide grin*
Perceptor: *blink blink, BLUSH* *quietly* Er.... Keepsake?
Keepsake: *one hand curls* Just wanna touch the fraggin' pretty. Heh
Perceptor: *more blush, though he does realize he has a rare opportunity. Will scan the sleeping femme, since she's holding still*
Keepsake: Makes my spark feel funny, lookin' at him. All shivery...
Perceptor: *blushing so much as he checks the results of his scan*
Keepsake: *recovered from the distress of the cycle before. And experiencing a shivery spark* Gotta... somehow... get the slagger's attention.
Perceptor: ..... *quietly* You have my attention, Keepsake.... *considering something.... and now he'll ping Fixer's comm* *on being told she'll be there when she'll be there, he ponders how best to while away the time as he waits*
Keepsake: ...Just imagine the look on his face if I kiss him... *wistful tone to the sleeping words*
Perceptor: *faint blush, though he will nuzzle Keepsake's helm again* *will gently kiss her, and think about how their relationship has shaped up. Has long since realized that he does not want to let her go if he doesn't have to*
Keepsake: *very slight startle, but then her arms go around him as she responds to the kiss with a far softer energy output than her usual wont* //Hmmm... Percy?//
Perceptor: //Yes, Keepsake?// *snuggle*
Keepsake: *nuzzle. Not fully awake* //Was just dreamin' about you.// *more kiss?*
Perceptor: *soft chuckle* //How do you feel, love?// *more kiss*
Keepsake: //Shivery. Gorgeous nerd...// *nope, really not awake*
Perceptor: *will gently increase the charge as he kisses her* *but then he pauses and blinks a bit*
Keepsake: *dozy small grumpy sound as he stops the kiss* Hrrrm. No. Good sweet energy. *nuzzle* //I love you.//
Perceptor: *nuzzle* *quietly* //And I love you.// *trying to figure out what he should be doing here.... Keepsake is usually long gone by the time he regains consciousness after getting kissed stupid* *more kiss?*
Keepsake: *happy sound and returns the favour, though still without her usual drive to knock him silly before he knows what has hit him. Instead she just cuddles gently* //Don't care if you're old. Don't care if you get your aft handed to ya jes from walkin' past fights. So pretty, 'n sweet. 'N... you don't wanna lemme go.// *sigh*
Perceptor: *kiss* *softly* //My world would be so much more bleak if you were not in it....//
Keepsake: *wakes just a little more* //Yeah... wait. Thought ya were married ta science.// *starting to feel a little dizzy*
Perceptor: *slightly dizzy himself* *gentle, affectionate teasing* //Well, perhaps I found something far more interesting....///
Keepsake: *snuggle, cuddle, snog* //Heh. Wait... I'm awake?//
banging: *sounds on the outer airlock door*
Keepsake: *blinking and bewildered as she finds herself suddenly locked in the closet*
Perceptor: *is a low murmur on the other side of the door*
Fixer: *is another low murmur, but far grouchier-sounding than Perceptor*
Keepsake: *realizes there's someone else out there and clamps both hands over her mouth* 0_0 *holding very very still now as the minutes pass and the conversation continues. Finally there's a soft rumble of female laughter, and she hears the airlock close behind the visitor*
Perceptor: *unlocks the closet door and opens it* *looks very sheepish* My apologies, love... *will offer assistance in standing*
Keepsake: *quietly* Who the frag was that? Nobody comes down here.
Perceptor: That was Fixer....
Keepsake: *hand closes over his offered one* Scrap! What did she want? *mind running over all possible difficulties that might bring her mother down here to Perceptor's lab*
Perceptor: *quietly* I asked her to meet with me.... *quieter, as he moves to gently touch his forehead to Keepsake's* Would you object if I were to suggest furthering our relationship?
Keepsake: You asked...! *stares up at him with her mouth dropped slightly from shock* I... what?
Perceptor: I did indeed request Fixer's presence.... *hesitantly, showing a great deal of the uncertainty and shyness that he did when he and Keepsake first started their relationship* I.... I would like to further our relationship...
Keepsake: *doesn't realize that she's still holding his hand* *quietly* But what the fraggin' frozen scrap does that mean, Percy?
Perceptor: *blushing* B-bond?
Keepsake: *soft gasp as her optics go wide* Seriously? You want that? With me?
Perceptor: *quieter, blushing hard enough to make his faceplates glow red* I... would not ask.... if I did not......
Keepsake: *lets go his hand and reaches up without thinking to put hers on either side of his face* But I'm stationed on Earth with the rest'a the Wreckers.
Perceptor: *softly* I believe we would be more than capable of managing and maintaining a long-distance relationship.....
Keepsake: *expression melts slightly as she looks into his optics* You are such a fraggin' slushbrain.
Perceptor: *very slight quirk of a grin at the first tender look she's given him* Yes, and I am your... slushbrain.... *nope. Still can't bring himself to say 'fragging' or any variation of it*
Keepsake: *plays with the idea of telling him she'll only say yes if he says a cuss word, but then realizes that she doesn't want him to cuss. She likes him just the way he is. Especially right now with that cute little grin looking down at her and making her processor blank out with glee*
Perceptor: *waiting for an answer, his spark beating nervously in its chamber. He's never felt so anxious in his life, that he can recall. He's hoping Keepsake will say yes, as he's not sure he would be able to continue functioning if she says otherwise*
Keepsake: *quietly* I gotta think of somethin' ta tell the other fraggers. They'll never believe the truth. *hands still on his face, and now the thumb of one gently strokes his cheek without its owner thinking about it*
Perceptor: *quietly* Fixer will help with that.... *shuttering his optics slightly, and starting to relax*
Keepsake: Nah. She likes it when I work stuff out on my own. *hands move from his face to his shoulders, and she leans her forehead against his chest* Heh. My legs're shakin'.
Perceptor: *gentle concern* Then perhaps it would be prudent to return to our berth.....
Keepsake: Jes hold onta me fer a click, scrapheap. *contacting Eclipse back on Earth via remote connection to Perceptor's lab's communications array*
Eclipse: *groggy* //'Lo?//
Keepsake: //You fraggin' still sleepin', Clipsie?//
Eclipse: *slight grump* //'M up... Haven't fueled up yet... Ooo.... Thanks, Wake....//
Keepsake: //Do me a favour, slaghead?//
Eclipse: //Hm?// *can you just imagine her expression right now, Keepsake?*
Keepsake: *can, and cracks a slight smirk as she stares sightlessly down at Perceptor's feet* //I ain't gonna be back fer a few days. Somethin's come up.//
Eclipse: //'Kay.... How're things back home?//
Keepsake: //Same borin' slag.// *absently braces legs as the station rocks*
Eclipse: //'Kay.... Need me to let everyone here know you'll be late getting back, or should I just tell 'em you called, or do you want me to just keep quiet and let them figure it out on their own?//
Keepsake: //Tell 'em I slagged off to go check somethin' out.// *mutes audios as another strike makes the station ring*
Perceptor: *looks worried about the ringing station*
Eclipse: //'Kay. When will you be back, do you think? And are Tweedle Derp and Tweedle Derpier at it again?//
Keepsake: //Nah, this sounds like somebody else tryin' ta sneak up under cover of a trip through the slag field. And... dunno. Week or so.//
Eclipse: //Sheesh. Think it's those stupid pirates again?// *distracted, yup*
Keepsake: *as an almighty boom knocks stuff off the shelves* //Yup. And Wheeljack's here, too.//
Eclipse: //Aww, and I'm here..... Tell him 'Hi' for me if you see him?//
Keepsake: //Sure, if I wind up seein' him.// *braces feet as another boom shakes things up* //But I better get goin'. Gotta get ready fer the trip.//
Eclipse: *cheerily* //'Kay! I'll let Optimus and everyone know you'll be back in a week or so, and that you told 'em 'Hi'. Stay safe, and don't blow up anything important!//
Keepsake: *snerk* //I never blow up anythin' important. Tell Wake ta keep his aft outta my treat stash. Keepsake out.//
Eclipse: *TELLING Wake off now!* //Eclipse out.//
Keepsake: *looks up as the lab rings like a giant bell, and then goes onto her toes to kiss Perceptor gently* There.
Perceptor: *soft chuckle, nuzzle. Will attempt to gently herd Keepsake over to the berth*
Keepsake: You gonna batten down yer slag so nothin' gets busted? *slight, teasing smirk as her optics twinkle up at him with affection and slight uncertainty*
Perceptor: *optics sparkling a bit* And perhaps I should clean my berth off as well?
Keepsake: *snerk* Did that last night.
Perceptor: *nuzzle* I have everything potentially corrosive, hazardous, and dangerous secured safely....
Keepsake: *quirks a brow ridge as something shatters against the floor*
Perceptor: *soft sigh, goes to clean up whatever shattered, and to double-check that everything else is secure*
Keepsake: *goes and checks the energon cupboard, then pulls out several cubes and puts them into one of the drawers under the bunk, her footing steady through the continued barrage against the station* *then takes some blue plastic shapes out of her storage and puts them with the energy*
Perceptor: *one last check of everything, will send Fixer a memo requesting that she journey to the lab sometime during the next two or three solar cycles, please and thank you* *makes his way back to the berth, not in the least bit hampered by the shaking station, though he flinches at every boom*
Keepsake: *shuts the drawer, and then looks up, brow ridge quirking*
Perceptor: *eying the walls with a bit of concern*
banging: *sounds on outer airlock*
Wheeljack: Hey, Perceptor, you alright?
Keepsake: Slag the fraggin' pit off, scrapheap. He's fine.
Wheeljack: ... *last thump on the wall as he departs*
Perceptor: *slightly abashed look* Keepsake....
Keepsake: *smirks a self confident and devil may care smirk* What?
Perceptor: *slight headshake, will move to climb onto the berth*
Keepsake: *shrugs and follows, then pauses and snerks* Could throw somethin' off the berth now if ya really fraggin' want me to.
Perceptor: *blink blink, looks at his berth to see if there's anything that needs thrown off*
Keepsake: *grabs his arm and pretends she's going to tug him off onto the floor*
Perceptor: *startled squeak, CLINGS*
Keepsake: Whoa! Scrap! *falls down next to him on the berth*
Perceptor: *sheepish expression is a go* *and then he's blinking as he realizes Keepsake is right where he'd hoped she'd come and be* *nuzzle*
Keepsake: *quiet cuss, but then blinks and gives him a stink eye*
Perceptor: *more nuzzle, and a kiss?*
Keepsake: Hrrrm. *grouches, but slips an arm around him and returns the kiss* *then snerks quietly* Do you even know how to do this?
Perceptor: ... Er.... I'm afraid I do not, Keepsake.... *sheepish*
Keepsake: *rolls optics, but then hugs him* You know how long it takes?
Perceptor: *thinking about this now* I...am not certain....
Keepsake: Here. *lets go of him and draws a wire from her wrist* This'll make explainin' everything easier.
Perceptor: *offers his wrist*
Keepsake: *plugs in, and then meeps as she gets unexpectedly love bombed*
Perceptor: *startled by Keepsake's surprise* *gently apologetic for startling her, nuzzle*
Keepsake: -Heh. This is kinda like gettin' inta the high grade.- *experimentally concentrates on how she feels about Perceptor, to see how he reacts*
Perceptor: *optics widen slightly, and then he's blushing* -I... I cause you to experience those sensations?- *so surprised, and a bit awed*
Keepsake: -Mmmhmm.- *snuggles close, distracted by the rush of feeling Perceptor's feelings and the beating of his spark. Is now a bit giddy*
Perceptor: *softly* -Wow....- *just a bit giddy himself.... Gentle kiss*
Keepsake: *snigger that he can feel emotionally as well as physically* -You said "Wow". And you'll have to put out more energy than that to trip the trigger.- *gives him something like her usual powersnog even as she explains the workings of the program that will bond them together* -Freaking slag!- *got her kiss mirrored back at her. Feels drunk!*
Perceptor: *head spinning! Clings to Keepsake to keep from falling off the berth*
Keepsake: -Eeeeesh. Weeeee.- *feeling of dizzy laughter* -Keep going.-
Perceptor: *so dizzy and giddy* *happily* -Yes, dear....- *going to see what upping the energy levels does*
Wheeljack: *turns and glances toward the station as he catches that flash out of the corner of his optic. Wonders what the heck Perceptor's miscalculated on now, but figures the mouthy kid medic will take care of him. Resumes playing Ginsu chef on the big ugly pirate in front of him*
Earth
Optimus: *waiting behind Eclipse in the line to get dinner fuel, puts out a hand and catches the young femme as she suddenly wobbles*
WakeJumper: *gives himself a bit of a shake and moves to see what's causing his mate's dizziness*
Eclipse: *dazed expression*
Optimus: Eclipse? Can you hear me? *frowns with concern as she shifts Panacea to a more comfortable one-armed carrying position*
Jack: Huh? *looks over from where he's sitting on the counter next to where Arcee is standing*
Eclipse: *absently* I can hear you, Optimus......
WakeJumper: *having a hard time getting his scanner to work* ....Whatever's wrong is messing with me too.....
Optimus: *calls Ratchet* How do you feel, Eclipse?
Raf: *frowning with concern as Bumblebee comes back over to the line to beep softly at the little black and orange engineer*
Eclipse: *slight frown as she thinks* Like Keepie got inta some of Lockdown's stash and is sharin' the love....
Ratchet: *coming from giving Hot Rod a bath after Torque shook mud onto the two of them*
Hot Rod: *squeaky clean youngling!* *hanging onto Ratchet's head and chirping happily*
Beau: *frowning as he watches WakeJumper continue to attempt to scan Eclipse*
Optimus: *looks at Ratchet* She says it feels like Keepsake's drunk.
Raf: *slight blink from where he's hugging the bundle of white fabric that he said was a surprise he'd give Optimus after she refueled. It still seems funny to hear the Prima say things like 'drunk'*
June: *over by Beau, with a comforting hand on his back* ...You can feel your sister getting drunk?
Eclipse: *slow nod* 'S part of the bond.... We've been sisters 'n together all our lives...
Miko: ....So if you got drunk, Keepsake'd be derpy too?
WakeJumper: Keepsake.... would probably be a bit buzzed... I would be too... but not to the extent 'Clipsie would be....
Eclipse: *razzes mate*
Beau: ....*a bit dryly* So Eclipse is a lightweight when it comes to energy.... I'll keep that in mind....
Optimus: *frowns as she looks at Ratchet for his opinion. Will let Bumblebee have Eclipse, so she can take Hot Rod instead*
Ratchet: *scanning Eclipse as Hot Rod jumps to Optimus* *slight frown*
June: What's wrong? *snapping into nurse mode*
Ratchet: There's some strain on her spark.... It's not a lot of strain, mind you....
Optimus: *looks up sharply from littlebots* Can you tell what's causing it?
Ratchet: It looks like a stressed sibling bond.....
Hot Rod: *gonna protect Pansy, since the bigs are acting worried*
Optimus: *frowns and turns to go to the control room. Will try to call Perceptor, and failing that, will attempt to contact Viisaus*
Viisaus: *so surprised* //This is Viisaus.... How may I be of service?//
Optimus: *steadying hand on Hot Rod as the youngster waves a cheerful welcome to the elderly Taubot leader* Do you know where Perceptor is, Viisaus?
Viisaus: *blinks a bit* //His last known location was within the confines of his lab.... Is he not responding to comms?// *concerned*
Optimus: *gravely* He isn't. The last time I spoke to him Keepsake was with him, and Keepsake's sister is showing spark strain because of stress on their sibling bond.
Viisaus: //.... I see.... // *alerting Fixer* //We'll investigate, Optimus Prima.///
Optimus: *as she cuddles the littlebots close* I'll wait.
Viisaus: *surprised flash of optics as he gets a response from Fixer* //According to the CMO of Tau Station, Perceptor and Keepsake are fine, and we should not disturb them....//
Optimus: *exasperated sigh* I don't think much of someone who leaves their posting to get drunk.
Viisaus: *puzzled* //Fixer said that Keepsake was assisting Perceptor with an extended research project....//
Optimus: *pauses and looks dismayed at her angry and hasty assumption* I see. Forgive me.
Viisaus: *nod* //What is Eclipse's condition currently, if I may ask?//
Optimus: *quietly* She's dizzy and feels drunk.
Viisaus: *very slight frown as he relays this to Fixer* //I see....//
Torque: *from the hallway, as he pauses from going to get copper treats to feed to Muhlisha* Wow.... This reminds me of when 'Clipsie bonded and Keepie blew her own arm off....
Muhlisha: *laconically* That was gross. *then perks as she hears a dong from the screen*
Optimus: 0_0 What was that?
Hot Rod: *squeak!*
Viisaus: *chuckle* *calmly* //Just some rowdy neighbors.//
Panacea: *grumpy little crackle as the sound is repeated*
Optimus: *frowns as she remembers what the Wreckers have told her* Decepticons?
Hot Rod: *laughing and clicking at the dong*
Viisaus: *laughs* //Goodness, no.... Just a group of pirates who have not yet had the lesson of 'Leave us be for your own safety' fully integrated into their methods of operation.//
Optimus: *frown deepens as she remembers the pirates that her crew ran into on their way to Earth* I see. You're sure you don't need any help?
Muhlisha: *from where she's come to stand by her new CO* For them? *snort*
Viisaus: *more chuckle* //While I do appreciate the offer, Optimus Prima, I assure you, we have things well in servo. The Enforcers are currently reporting that the majority of the pirates are retreating, aside from those we have managed to place into custody.//
Optimus: *starts to reply, but then goes wide-eyed as a cursing head is tossed onto the desk in front of the Taubot CO*
Viisaus: *looks* *soft snort* *to the short mech that just tossed the head onto the desk* //Thank you, Brawn.// *to Optimus* //As I previously stated, the Enforcers are in the final stages of driving the pirates away from the station.//
Muhlisha: *perks* Hey, Mentor.
Brawn: *leans over and looks at the screen, then chuckles slightly and gives an off hand wave before vanishing again*
Muhlisha: *grins and is satisfied with that*
Optimus: Alright. Thank you, Viisaus. If you do need help please feel free to call.
Muhlisha: Yeah, she can actually swing a punch.
Viisaus: *chuckles* //Likewise, Optimus Prima. Muhlisha, do try to behave yourself.... Viisaus out.//
Optimus: Prima out. *glances at Muhlisha, who is one of the least rowdy of the Taubot Wreckers, then turns her attention to a Raf and Beau whispering session over on the balcony that seems to have something to do with Raf's bundle*
Beau: *nodding in agreement with something Raf said*
Optimus: *as she relays to Ratchet what Viisaus told her* Beau? Raf? Is it time for the surprise now?
Raf: *looks over and pokes his glasses up his nose* But you didn't eat yet.
Beau: Go eat, then we'll give you the surprise.
Optimus: *quirks a brow, but then nods* Alright. *turns and goes back to the mess*
Muhlisha: *to Miko* They're plottin' without you.
Miko: *razz, goes to see what's going on in the mess*
Witchblade: *goes with!*
Ratchet: *offers Optimus a container of fuel* I sent Eclipse and WakeJumper to their quarters to rest.
Optimus: *takes the energon and sips at it, then offers the cube to Hot Rod* Thank you, love. Hopefully Keepsake will recover soon.
Hot Rod: *sip, clickstorm, will try and help Pansy get some fuel too*
Optimus: *as her daughter swats at Hot Rod impatiently* Panacea ate while you were in the washrack.
Hot Rod: *small pout, clicks and has another sip of fuel. Wanted to court Pansy! *
Optimus: *surprises herself slightly by leaning down and kissing the little mechlet soothingly on the helm*
Ratchet: *chuckles softly and offers to take Hot Rod with the intention of feeding the little mechlet*
Panacea: *looks at Dad hands, and then tries to do one of her flying leaps to him*
Optimus: *had baby by the leg* Whoops. Careful. *sets down cube and catches sparklet, then hands her to Ratchet*
Ratchet: *feels like he just had a vorn knocked off of his life* *will fuss over Panacea*
Hot Rod: *clickstorm, gonna try and gank some more energon*
Optimus: *picks up her cube and helps Hot Rod drink as she watches Ratchet interact with Panacea. Finally smiles slightly and tucks Hot Rod into the crook of the arm that is holding the cube, then puts the other hand on Ratchet's shoulder when she sees that he's still stressed over Panacea's leap*
Ratchet: *cycling air and trying to calm down*
Optimus: *squeezes his shoulder* *softly* She's alright, Ratchet.
Ratchet: *small nod, will carefully hold Panacea, as though he's afraid he'll hurt her*
Optimus: *shakes her head, and then leans down and gives him a peck* She's alright.
Panacea: *finger in mouth. Looks up and sees Mama do that to Dad. Giggle. Snuggle Dad*
Hot Rod: *think, think, think* *braaap*
Optimus: 0.o *startles and looks down at him* What was that?
Ratchet: ... *scans the mechlet* ... Air in his tank....
Hot Rod: :D *giggle*
Panacea: *waves hand at Hot Rod. Just you come over here and get some comeuppance for that!*
Hot Rod: *challenging grin* *Braaap*
Ratchet: ...He's doing it on purpose. *not sure whether to be amused or to facepalm*
Torque: *looks over* Roddy, you're doin' it wrong!
Hot Rod: *abhuh? Blink blink*
Torque: *chugs his fuel!* *BRAAAAAAAAP*
Optimus: 0.0
Panacea: *angry squeal, offers whaps with both little fists!*
Ratchet: *wince*
Muhlisha: *cracking up out in the hall*
Rockface: *from the hall* LAME!
Hot Rod: *gigglefit, excited huff*
Arcee: *facepalm*
Optimus: *looks at Torque, then at Ratchet, and then over to where Jack is blushing crimson and hiding his face* ...Thanks for the demonstration, Torque. Why don't you take a shift on patrol?
Muhlisha: *laughs harder*
Torque: Aww.... Alright.... *heads for the tunnel* *BRAAAAAAAAP!* *yelps as he gets bonked on the head by a rock that got knocked loose by the vibrations*
Hot Rod: :o
Optimus: *can't suppress a snerk at the mishap* *face palm* XD
Ratchet: *headshake, snickering now* He deserved that.
Optimus: He did. Expulsions that loud could miscalibrate his systems. *gets her cube and drinks deeply*
Jack: *excuses self and slips out of the room to go tell Miko to stop laughing that hard*
Panacea: *looks at Dad and Roddy*
Hot Rod: *clickstorming*
Ratchet: *still chuckling as he shakes his head*
Panacea: *looks up at Mama*
Optimus: *drinking peacefully*
Panacea: *toot!*
Optimus: *choke and sputter!*
Ratchet: 0_0
Hot Rod: *blink blink*
Optimus: *stern look for daughter* Excuse you.
Panacea: *itty bitty hands over her nose as she gives Mama a STINK EYE*
Muhlisha: Ugh. Abandon ship. *trots off toward the control room*
Ratchet: *scanning Panacea to make sure she didn't damage herself*
Panacea: *undamaged, but her tank is starting to show colicky symptoms again*
Ratchet: *soft clicks, will gently rub Panacea's back*
Optimus: *frowning with concern as she offers the remainder of her cube to Hot Rod* The fuel I shared with her wasn't processed enough, was it?
Panacea: *grouchy wriggling and crackling, and then a squirm*
Ratchet: Her tank's showing signs of colic again.... *soft clicks for the white sparklet*
Optimus: *so much concern* I thought I'd left it long enough. *looks down at a touch on her leg* ...Yes, Beau?
Beau: Maybe this will help? *offers up a grey bottle of fuel injector cleaner* It's supposed to clean fuel injection systems in cars and maximize fuel mileage.....
Optimus: *leans down to take it, being careful not to tip Hot Rod's supper, then offers it to Ratchet* Will it help?
Ratchet: *reaches for the bottle and scans the contents* With some minor modifications, it should......
Panacea: *squirms angrily and makes her first sounds of complaint. Will soon be yelling if nothing is done*
Ratchet: *soothing sounds, will get some of the carbon and calcien from the stash that WakeJumper keeps in the mess, and mix that into the contents of the bottle before offering the result to Panacea*
Panacea: *does not want!*
Ratchet: This will help, Panacea.....
Panacea: *no no no no! Squawk!*
Hot Rod: *scolding Ratchet with clicks and beeps!*
Optimus: *soothingly and softly* Panacea. Shhhh.
Panacea: *stops to wibble and give Mama a very dirty look*
Optimus: Should I take her so that you can get to her secondary fuel port?
Ratchet: That might be best, Optimus.... *worried about the bitty*
Optimus: *takes the empty cube from Hot Rod and dissipates it, then takes her daughter and holds the little one firmly as she squirms and complains and squawks*
Ratchet: *will work on getting the contents of the bottle into Panacea's tank through her secondary fuel port*
Hot Rod: *SUCH scoldings!*
Panacea: *gradually calms down. By the time the entire dose of medicine is in her tank she's sucking on her fist and blinking dozy optics as her systems settle toward sleep for the night* *and then...*
Optimus: *winces and 'holds her breath'*
Ratchet: *cringes and closes his intakes*
Hot Rod: *wants to abandon ship, but doesn't want to leave Pansy alone* *fuss!*
Beau: *excusing himself, kthxbai*
Optimus: *looks down as her partner retreats* You can't even smell it down there.
Panacea: *big yawn and snuggles, making peaceful little crackles. Then notices lack of dolly and starts to fuss quietly herself*
Ratchet: *quickly looking around, will try to locate the doll*
Optimus: *can't see the beloved toy, so hunkers down and sets Hot Rod on the floor* Will you find Panacea's doll?
Hot Rod: *nod nod nod! Bitty onna mission! Will scoot to where he saw Pansy's dolly last*
Optimus: *looks up at Ratchet as she absently rubs their crackling baby daughter's back*
Ratchet: *clicking softly for Panacea, is worried about the little spitfire*
Optimus: *hand from Panacea's back goes up to gently squeeze Ratchet's*
Ratchet: *small smile for Optimus, and then his attention's going to Hot Rod as the little mechlet returns with both Panacea's dolly and the soft plushie car that has become his own favorite dolly*
Hot Rod: *happy clickstorm*
Optimus: *smiles* Thank you, Hot Rod. *scoops him up and tucks him next to Panacea* Have you had enough to eat?
Hot Rod: *nods and offers Panacea her dolly* *click*
Panacea: *huh, what for you poking me... baby!* *get, nom on drowsily*
Optimus: *rises smoothly to her feet without any trace of stagger* I'd better put them to bed. *lowers her head to offer Ratchet another peck* I'll be right back.
Ratchet: Alright. *quick nuzzle* *softly* You're moving better, Optimus.... *small smile*
Hot Rod: *yaaaaaaawn, snuggle, splatsleep*
Optimus: *blinks and looks down at herself, then gently rubs Hot Rod's back* I didn't notice. *a quick helm nuzzle and then she's smiled at Ratchet and turned to go put the children to bed*
Ratchet: *soft chuckle. Is quite pleased that Optimus is recovering. Will move to make sure there are no sparklet toys left where anyone could trip on them, musing quietly to himself about how the way life in the base has gotten a bit less hectic, even with the presence of youngbots and human children. It almost feels like home, in fact...* *softly, as he remembers how Optimus has been calling Earth their home now* Heh...
June: *peeks in* Ratchet? Someone named Blades is on the screen. He was asking for Optimus, but I think you can help him better. He's having... rotor hiccups.
Ratchet: *blinks and then chuckles* Alright.... *will move to head for the control room to talk to Blades*
Blades: *looking embarrassed and tapping the tips of his pointer fingers together. Looks like a shy and sensitive sort. Also looks like he's standing in front of some kind of crazy basketball scrimmage*
Ratchet: Hello, Blades.
Blades: *startles and looks up uncertainly* //...You're not Optimus Prima.//
Ratchet: I'm her CMO. My name is Ratchet.
Blades: *hopeful as he braces his legs against another bot falling against him from behind* //CMO? Do you know anything about... *blush* Rotor hiccups?//
Boulder: Thanks for catching me. *back to chasing Heatwave to get the ball back!*
Blades: //No problem.// *turns back to Ratchet*
Ratchet: When did the trouble start?
Blades: //Well, we had a little volcano problem a few days ago, and I had to...// *shudder and wince. Then wince again as Boulder slaps him on the back* //Fly through the smoke and ash. But it's been getting worse.//
Ratchet: *slight frown as he thinks and looks up information on the internet* How recently was your air filter cleaned?
Blades: //Uh//. *looks around, then looks over his shoulder*
somebody: *calls something*
Blades: *turns back* //Oh... before we went into stasis last.// *gives the date*
Ratchet: *small nod* It could be that your air filter's clogged... I'd have to scan you in person to be certain though.....
Blades: //Ohh.// *shoulders slump slightly*
Ratchet: If it is your air filter, then it's just a matter of cleaning it up, which won't take too long.... I'll arrange things with Optimus and be out as soon as possible...
Blades: *looks up, brightening* //Oh. Um.// *looks over his shoulder and calls to his leader* *turns back* //Heatwave says to ask you if you can come at night, so less humans notice. He says everyone on this stupid little rock knows everyone else and they're all too nosy for their own good.//
Ratchet: *nods* Understandable....
Blades: *shy smile, and then goes a bit wide eyed and stands to attention. Optics widen further as a hand comes to rest on Ratchet's shoulder and rubs it gently*
Ratchet: *looks to Optimus with a small smile*
Optimus: *smiles back, and then turns to the screen* Is something wrong, Blades?
Blades: *turns so red 9_9*
Ratchet: *soft chuckle* I was just about to call you, Optimus....
Optimus: *quizzical look for her CMO* Has something happened?
Ratchet: Just a request for assistance within my area of expertise. *is quite calm, since it's not an emergency*
Optimus: *deduces from Blade's embarrassment and Ratchet's calm that they are addressing a delicate subject* Ah. I see. Will you be making a house call?
Ratchet: *nods* I just need to grab my field kit.
Raf: *dismay!* You can't go now, Ratchet!
Optimus and Blades: *both look toward the boy's voice*
Ratchet: *puzzled expression is a go as he also looks to Raf*
Raf: *spreads his hands descriptively, but then turns and looks up to Beau hopefully. Was all ready to share his surprise!*
Beau: I'm all ready to do the ceremony. *grin*
Optimus: *puzzled blinking* ...What ceremony, Beau? *glances at Miko and wonders why she's got her hands over her mouth and is turning so gleefully red*
Beau: *still grinning* Your wedding ceremony.
Ratchet: .... *raised brow ridge*
Optimus: *flabbergasted and confused* Wedding... ceremony? *looks around and sees an expectant Bumblebee standing by Bulkhead and Arcee*
Beau: *as Miko all but bounces in place* Yeah.... I mean, you and Ratchet deserve a proper ceremony.....
Raf: *earnestness is GO as he hugs the cellphone that Denver's watching from* And this way you can be married without sleeping for a whole week.
Optimus: *understanding widens her optics*
Blades: *soft meep from the screen*
Ratchet: 0_0 *blushing*
Bill: *wearily, from the phone* //And I get to give away the bride.//
Beau: *chuckles and looks to Optimus and Ratchet*
Denver: //Turn th' $%&$*&$ phone 'round!//
Raf: Meep! *lifts it and looks at the screen* Sorry, Denver. *red in the face, unhappy boy*
Denver: *grumbles a bit, sounding like she's tired and a little stressed at the moment*
Optimus: *surprise in her voice. Gently* Bill? How are you feeling?
Bill: *sighs* //I'd rather skip that question if you don't mind, Optimus. But I've got an hour before they ship me out of here, and that's enough time to give you away, if you'll let me.//
Optimus: *has looked up common American wedding customs now. Glances at Ratchet for his opinion on their former Liaison's request. Has nothing against it herself*
Ratchet: *small nod. Looked up the customs as well*
Optimus: *turns back to that tiny screen* *softly and gravely* It will be an honour, Bill.
Bill: *quietly, his voice sounding worn out* //Alright.//
Raf: We have to do it tonight, because Agent Fowler won't be able to watch after they move him to the rehab place.
Ratchet: *concerned for Bill* *looks to Optimus and nods again, showing his understanding of the situation*
Optimus: If I'm looking at the right data the bride is supposed to wear a white dress? And the groom... a tuxedo?
Bulkhead: *holds up a really big bow tie* Got the tux.
Ratchet: .... *soft chuckle* Alright....
Beau: *gentle and careful nudge for Raf*
Raf: *squeaks* Um... We couldn't get a dress. But Arcee has your veil, Optimus.
Arcee: *will move to offer the veil to Optimus, a bit of amusement twinkling in her optics as she does so*
Optimus: *blink blink* *uncertainly* How does it work?
Arcee: Here... *will show Optimus how to put the veil on. Got a bit of a lesson in that courtesy of Raf, Miko, Denver, and June*
Optimus: *reaches up to touch the adhesive patch, then blinks through the lace as she straightens up from letting the blue femme install the headpiece. Isn't sure she doesn't look ridiculous. Also isn't aware of the row of Rescue Bots standing and watching her on the main screen*
Ratchet: *quietly, from where he's fussing with the bow tie and trying to figure out how the slag he's supposed to wear the darn thing* You look lovely, Optimus...
Optimus: *as her faceplates heat slightly* Thank you...
June: *holds out the red sunflowers that Raf spent his allowance on* Here's your bouquet. *glances at Beau and clears her throat, then jerks her head toward Ratchet*
Optimus: *takes the flowers and studies them* Thank you, June.
Beau: *quick nod, will hurry over and help Ratchet with the bow tie*
Ratchet: *sees offer of assistance and goes to stoop down and accept*
Raf: I couldn't afford roses, and they weren't big enough. *slightly dejected*
Optimus: *absently* I like these flowers, Raf. *thinking about being married. Thinking about being married to Ratchet 'till death do us part'. Blinks slowly with amazement*
Ratchet: *and now he's starting to get nervous for some inexplicable reason*
Beau: ...Hold still. *trying to get the loop over*
Ratchet: Sorry.... *doing his best to hold still now*
Bulkhead: *quiet snerk, and then a meep as Bumblebee socks him on the arm* Hey...
Bumblebee: *softly* Beebeeboo!
Beau: There....
Ratchet: *stands up straighter, and tries not to fiddle with the bow tie too much*
June: *grins and slips closer to Beau, leaning her head toward him slightly as she smiles up at Ratchet* Very handsome.
Denver: //Not bad....// *yes, she's going to be in a grumpy mood for awhile, why do you ask?
Optimus: *quietly, still looking at her flowers* Are you my bridesmaid, Denver?
Denver: *a bit startled by the request* *warily* //.... Ah don' gotta weah a dress, do Ah?//
Optimus: *decisively* No. You don't have to wear a dress. *hasn't noticed that both June and Miko are doing so*
June: *grins toward the cellphone screen, silently cheering for the morose young tomboy*
Denver: *relieved* //'Kay....//
Raf: *shyly* Ratchet?
Ratchet: *looks to Raf* Yes, Rafael?
Raf: You're going to need a best man.
Ratchet: *will offer his hand to the young boy* *gently* Since you know more about what I need to do....
Raf: *surprised* Well... I'm not really old enough... um. *looks toward Jack, who is spaced out on the corner of the older couch*
Miko: *scoots over there to poke Jack and pester him about it*
Jack: Ack! What? Huh? Oh. *scratches the back of his head* Sorry.
June: *concerned frown toward her son as she unconsciously takes Beau's arm*
Beau: *very much aware of June's grabbing his arm* *blushing profusely*
Miko: C'mon, Jack! *gonna tug on the taller teen's arm*
Jack: What? What is it, Miko? *slightly irritated frown as he stands up and follows her*
Miko: Did you forget about the wedding?
Jack: *blink blink* No...
Miko: *rolls her eyes* You were totally spacing out.... Ratchet needs a best man... *going to try and steer Jack towards the medic*
Jack: *slight flail and puts on the brakes* What? Ratchet doesn't even like me! *realizes what he just blurted and cringes*
Ratchet: *concerned and puzzled blinking* .... I never said that....
Jack: *so embarrassed now* Just... forget I said anything. Please?
Raf: *giving the older boy a concerned frown as he absently fiddles with the two braided wire bands in his hands*
June: *sympathetic but silent. Knows Jack wouldn't like her butting in*
Ratchet: *small nod* *looks to Raf, hoping for a bit more clarification*
Raf: *quiet* I'll be the best man. *turns and gives Jack the rings, which are crown size to a human, and which the older boy and Denver made in shop class*
Ratchet: *small nod, gentle clicks*
Jack: *blushing now and avoiding eye contact as he takes the rings*
Optimus: *sympathy in her optics as she walks to stand by her groom, her flowers held carefully in one hand*
Raf: *turns and whispers* Miko, the music!
Miko: *blinkblink, scoots to get the CD player going*
Optimus: *pauses, and then turns and walks away again before watching and waiting for the disk to start playing*
Ratchet: .... o_O *looks to Raf for explanation*
Raf: *relates the part of the wedding ceremony where the bride walks down the aisle*
Bulkhead: *nearly sits, but then remembers he's supposed to stand till Optimus is beside Ratchet. Straightens back and stands to attention. Salute!*
Bumblebee: *soft laughter, but follows suit*
Rescue Bots: *elbow each other a bit and then emulate the big green guy and the little yellow one*
Arcee: *also salutes, giving Bulkhead and Bumblebee amused looks before quickly glancing at the monitor and snerking softly*
Miko: *fidgeting a bit as she pushes the 'play' button on the CD player, is just a bit giddy now*
Optimus: *stands to attention herself as the music starts, but then smiles slightly and remotely shuts down the CD player, the bridal march suddenly replaced by Bon Jovi's 'Livin' on Prayer'. Lifts her chin and walks in stately fashion up the impromptu aisle to join Ratchet*
Bill: *can be heard laughing from the phone*
June: *hands to mouth in surprised amusement*
Jack: *waitwhathuh?*
Raf: o.0
Miko: O.o *snickering now*
Denver: *cracking up as well*
Beau: *amused facepalm*
Ratchet: *very soft, amused snerk*
Bumblebee: *bopping slightly despite himself, but stops as Optimus gets to Ratchet and the music itself falls silent* Beeeeee...
Bulkhead: Shhh. *will sit now*
Optimus: *glances toward a second low 'shhh' that comes from the monitor, but then returns her attention to Beau, Raf, and Jack*
Beau: *so amused.... has forgotten that June is currently holding onto his arm* I kinda get the feeling that the whole "Dearly Beloved" thing isn't really going to work in this case....
Bulkhead: ...Why not? Ooof!
Optimus: *presses lips together to hold in laughter*
Ratchet: *slight shake as he tries to keep from laughing*
Beau: *gives Bulkhead an amused headshake*
Bulkhead: *sitting firmly at attention now and staring straight ahead*
Bumblebee: *sitting and peeking around Arcee to see what she did to Bulkhead*
Arcee: *innocent expression. Totally didn't elbow Bulkhead.....* *yeah, right*
Denver: *over the phone* //Git on wit' 't, Beau!//
June: *soft soft "shhhh" for Denver, though her eyes are dancing*
Denver: *can be heard grumping at someone else in the room*
Beau: We're gathered here to witness the marriage of Optimus Prima and Ratchet. Who is giving the bride away? *yes, he knows, but it's part of the ceremony*
Bill: *determination in that now shaky sounding voice* I'm giving the bride away.
Optimus: *glances toward the phone with concern*
Ratchet: *worried frown as he also glances toward the phone*
Beau: *nod* If there's any witness who objects to this union, speak now, or forever hold your peace.
base: *dead silence except for a distant, distracted yowl*
Bumblebee: *perks! He knows where Squinty Sam is!*
Optimus: *puzzled glance toward the sound*
Beau: *blink blink blink* Er... Anyone who's capable of consenting and speaking a language we can understand....
base: *rings with silence*
Ratchet: *wondering to himself what that sound was*
Bulkhead: Nope. Oof!
Arcee: Shhh.
Beau: *resisting the urge to make 'peanut gallery' comments. Looks to Optimus and Ratchet* Optimus, Ratchet, you have both been through the ups and downs of a stable relationship, and understand that any relationship takes compromise, friendship, and most importantly, love. I remind you that marriage is a precious gift; a commitment to love and a daily challenge to love one another even more than the previous day. That being said, do you, Ratchet, take Optimus to be your beloved wife? Do you promise to be a loving, faithful husband? Do you promise to cherish her in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, for better and for worse, and keep yourself only unto her?
Ratchet: *nods, and ad-libs a bit from some of the traditional American wedding spiel and from traditional Word-Bonding ceremonies* As long as my spark still exists.
Bulkhead: *mutter comes out surprisingly loud* He's already ben doin' all that...
Bumblebee: *cheerfully kicked him*
Arcee: *facepalm*
Optimus: *just looking at Ratchet, her optics full of memories*
Beau: *looks to Optimus* Do you, Optimus, take Ratchet to be your beloved husband? Do you promise to be a loving, faithful wife? Do you promise to cherish him in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, for better and for worse, and keep yourself only unto him?
Optimus: *hand goes out and takes that of the white and red mech, then squeezes it gently* *quietly and so gravely* Till all are one.
Beau: *blink blink* .... *quick glance at the kids, hoping for some clarification*
Raf: *very slight nod of encouragement*
Blades: *just got smacked in the back of the head for wibbling over there on the screen*
Arcee: *shushes the Rescue Bots too!*
Beau: *quick glance at Raf and Jack, will mouth the word 'Rings'*
Jack: *mechanically offers the copper circlets to Raf*
Raf: *pushes up his glasses and takes them, then steps up to the railing and holds them out*
Optimus: *looks at those rings and knows they're not going on her fingers. Glances back to Beau and waits*
Beau: Rings, being endless, are symbols of eternity. As such they are a common symbolic gift given to one's spouse on the wedding day. Do you want to exchange rings as symbols of your commitment to one another?
Optimus: *firmly* I do, yes.
Ratchet: *nods and reaches for one of the rings. And then he's hesitating as he realizes that it might not fit on Optimus' finger*
Optimus: *slight frown as she searches for a solution, and then brightens and opens her chest. Points to a small bracket attached to the top of her spark compartment behind the matrix*
Ratchet: *small smile, will gently place the ring on the bracket and then screw the bracket down securely* Optimus, with this ring, I thee wed.
Beau: *soft chuckle, but won't say anything*
June: *eyes squeezed shut with the force of her trying to contain her laughter*
Raf: *grinning and bouncing slightly on his feet*
Jack: *blinking and looking a bit surprised as he watches the wedding couple*
Ratchet: *nods towards the other ring, optics twinkling as he gets ready to open his chestplating*
Optimus: *glances at Beau as her hand goes out for the ring, her expression saying that she's waiting for him to say something*
Raf: *give a ring! And show Denver and Agent Fowler!* :D
Beau: *gives Optimus an amused look* Y'all jumped the gun.... but it's okay....
Denver: *muttering about Beau not sounding like a 'Good ol' boy"*
Miko: *snickerfitdie*
Optimus: *slight smile* Do you want to resume the ceremony?
June: *turns back from giving the girls a stern look*
Beau: *totally heard what his sister said, is currently trying to regain his composure*
Optimus: *glances at June and sees the woman nod to her* *nods in turn to Beau, and then turns back to Ratchet. Pauses slightly as she realizes that there is no shining white bead on this ring, but shrugs off her wondering about this to look her groom in the optic*
Ratchet: *small smile, will open his chestplating and indicate a bracket close to his spark*
Optimus: *stoops slightly to set the ring in place, her big fingers gentle as she makes sure it's secure* With this symbol of eternity, I claim you as my husband. *pause* Er... that's not right. *guilty glance at Beau*
Beau: *chuckles* It works....
Optimus: *turns back to finishing the ring installation, and then takes back her flowers and takes Ratchet's hand and turns back to their officiant, her expression expectant and not a little surprised as she realizes that she's nearly formally bonded to the one she loves*
Raf: *reassuring grin and a bounce on his feet*
Beau: May this day shine eternally in your lives. May it add brilliance to every achievement and cast a divine light over any misfortune. May you care for each other in all sadness. May you give cheer to each other. May you give vitality to each other in all undertakings. May all that is virtuous, beautiful and honest, remain with you always.
Raf: *little voice* And God bless you.
June: *gentle and discrete foot nudge to small pinstriped butt*
Beau: As a sign of sealing your promises made to each other here today, you may now kiss the bride.
Ratchet: *will do so, gently, after lifting the veil away from Optimus' face*
Bulkhead: *looks down at Arcee* I thought they were doin' all this so they didn' haveta seal things with the kiss?
Arcee: *quietly* Must be a human tradition....
Optimus: *small amused sound as she leans down and returns Ratchet's gentle peck*
Miko: *squeee!*
Jack: Ack! *nearly wet himself*
June: Shhhhh.
Raf: *hands over mouth as he remembers there's still one last part*
Beau: By the power vested in me by the state of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and wife.
Bill: *groggy mumble from the phone* Mazel Tov...
Raf: 6_6
Denver: *not even going to laugh. Is currently giving one of the hospital workers the MOTHER of all stink-eyes*
Jack: *pokes Raf, then frowns deeply and goes to get the stack of cake shaped dark blue plastic shapes that he and Denver made in shop class* *offers them to Ratchet* Er... This is your wedding cake.
June: *hugs Beau and bustles off to get the human refreshments*
Ratchet: *nods* Thank you, Jack. *will accept the offered shapes, and attempt to feed one to Optimus now*
Optimus: *aware of Miko aiming cell phone, she takes another shape and pokes it at Ratchet's mouth at the same time as she takes a bite of what he's offering her*
voice from Raf's cell phone: *ordering that the phone be turned off now*
Denver: *cussing at the bossy person, though she'll hang up*
Beau: *facepalm*
Raf: *pauses in his happy grinning to wibble at the phone*
Beau: *moves to give Raf's shoulder a gentle squeeze*
Raf: *looks up sadly* I forgot about the no cell phones in hospitals rule.
Bumblebee: *comes over to bwee softly at his best friend*
June: *back and gives Beau a cupcake and a can of sparkling juice* *softly* Don't you have somewhere to go?
Beau: *quietly* Yeah.... *thanks her for the cupcake and the juice, will head for the elevator*
June: *slight smile despite her sadness as she thinks of the candy heart she stuck on that cake. Then turns to feeding the kids who are here their cupcakes and refreshments as she asks God to look over Beau as he travels to see his friend off on a long hard journey*
((written with random_xtras))