onto part three
Part one: http://girloz14.livejournal.com/163514.html
Part two: http://girloz14.livejournal.com/163692.html
Part three:
The Seeker looks down at him in confusion, "What are you talking about? It isn't like we've let up on the testing. He's possibly the most effective bomb defuser we've ever trained."
"Be that as it may, I would still prefer you did not try to explode him while he stays with us, Starscream." Optimus shook his head, "If you have been using him that way, I'm sure that assigning him as my secretary won't stop you from drawing him off to continue to do so at your convenience. Which will, of course, leave me with no secretary again."
"Then it's settled," Ultra Magnus interrupts, before the Decepticon can try to come up with some other excuse, "and you can expect my arrival within two solar cycles." He did still need to inform the council of his immanent departure, and the extra resources they could now expect to be sending. "Until then, I see no problem with the temporary use of ... Scatterstar," Ultra Magnus levels a cold look at the Seeker, "provided our allies do not attempt to offline him during that time."
"As if we'd be able to," the seeker scoffs, pulling Optimus into his lap, "bot is insanely lucky." Starscream turns to Ultramagnus, one servo cupping the firetruckbot's face, "We look forward to your visit, Lord Magnus." And he cuts off the call just as he kisses Optimus possesively.
It is all Ultra Magnus can do not to break the com. His secretary peeks into his office a klik later, not used to the normally calm leader cursing angrily, much less for so long.
Ultra Magnus stands at the helm of his ship, anticipation making his spark flutter in his chest. It was only a matter of kliks before he would be seeing Optimus again, and it took an unexpected amount of effort to remind himself that pulling the smaller mech into his arms and kissing him would not be an acceptable response. Optimus tended to be quite shy about certain things, and a sudden kiss from his commander might knock the poor bot offline.
Several new bots were chattering eagerly, as none of them had ever been to Earth. The soldiers all have at least some experience fighting Decepticons; Ultra Magnus is not about to supply Optimus with green mechs who had never been tested on the battlefield. The secretarybot he's chosen for Optimus is a good one, and he's been warned to stay out of the clutches of any potentially amorous Seekers.
They land gently, and Ultra Magnus is the first one out, unwilling to wait any longer. He's wondering why Optimus isn't there to greet him when Jazz and Prowl step out, obviously as Optimus' replacement. Not that he isn't happy to see them, since it has been awhile since he saw Jazz, always a welcome sight, and Prowl... an interesting bot to say the least.
Greeting them warmly, he claps them on the shoulder, and they explain what has been going on since he has last visited. It is getting increasingly difficult not to just ask where Optimus is, but he is worried that Seeker is interfacing him as they speak, and that's not something he wants to know. It is better that the ninjabots distract him so he can at least pretend it isn't happening.
"We hope the slightly less ... conspicuous alternate modes we provided for the new bots were helpful," Prowl smiles. "We've found that less threatening modes tend to upset the organic life here less."
Ultra Magnus wonders if the ninjabot is making a subtle dig at his own altmode. Further inquiry had revealed that the vehicle he used was perhaps not the best choice-but Ultra Magnus could not deny that he was pleased that it allowed him access to most of his weapons even while in altmode.
The thought of it makes him smile, but he has to agree it is best that they don't scare the organics, since Optimus and everyone who gets stationed here is so very fond of them. "They're very useful. It will help us blend in much easier."
The pair of ninjabots smile in response, and the tour resumes. It isn't long before they finally get to Optimus ... and Starscream. While the sight of the former fills his spark with delight, the latter brings it crashing down in disgust. Optimus is shined mirror-bright, looking better even than the Seeker at his side.
He steps forward to clasp his firetruck's servo, whose face flashes recognition and possibly happiness, only for his tiny mech to be pulled deftly out of the way. He glares harshly at Starscream, but the Seeker pays him no mind, gently buffing out a dent in Optimus's side. "So sorry, Lord Magnus," the Seeker's voice is just on the edge of threat and sarcasm, "but Optimus has just finished having my paint cleaned off of him."
Ultra Magnus feels his servo clench reflexively on his hammer, but he prevents himself from calling lightning with it, or smashing the Decepticon's face, if just barely. The fury subsides a bit when Optimus turns a glare on the Seeker, hissing something too quietly for Ultra Magnus to hear. Whatever was said, it doesn't seem to deter the Seeker, who smiles brightly and wraps an arm around the smaller bot's waist.
"Ultra Magnus, it is good to see you again." Optimus sounds almost lost, and it hurts his spark to hear him like this. Ultra wants to pull him away from Starscream, and hold the smaller mech close to his chest, to keep Optimus safe from what hurt him. And he's fairly certain what's hurt him is clinging to him like a limpet.
Glaring at Starscream, Ultra Magnus replies, "I am sorry it isn't under more favorable circumstances, Optimus. It is never good to see such a valued friend in this state."
Optimus manages a smile somehow. "If you've brought the secretarybot you promised, I'm sure I will recover quickly."
It is not overwork that has his bot this stressed and miserable, and all three of them know it. Ultra Magnus just needs a megacycle or two alone with Optimus to get him talking. "You will not be disappointed in his work, I'm sure." He shares a smile with Optimus, "Less time spent in the office is always preferable, as we both know."
"Oh, I certainly hope so," Starscream drags a claw across Optimus's chest plates, smirking when the smaller bot shoves his servo away, "spending so much time in his office gets quite dull. That is, unless we do something more stimulating than reading datapads in there."
Ultra Magnus' servo clenches on his hammer, and he grinds out, "I'm sure."
Optimus's optics dim, as if the smaller bot thinks Ultra Magnus is upset with him, so Ultra straightens up, giving his bot a smile. "How about we go catch up in a more private area?" He lets his optics drift along their audience of bots that were there at the beginning or had wandered in to see the leaders interacting.
Starscream, treacherous scum he is, pulls Optimus closer to his chest, and replies, "That seems like a wonderful idea, but it may be best if we stay in public. It is always best to stay in sight when you clearly have such ... unprincipled intentions."
Optimus shoves himself away from the Seeker, tense with anger, "Do not imply such things about your allies, Starscream." Ultra Magnus watches, too numb with rage to say anything, expending all of his energy on the effort of not taking the Seeker out right then and there. Optimus turns, "Prowl, Jazz, would you please come with Ultra Magnus and me? ... We need to discuss the integration of our newest recruits."
Both bots nod, and Ultra Magnus calms slightly; it'll be easy enough to dismiss them if Optimus doesn't feel comfortable explaining the real cause of his distress in front of them.
Starscream smiles, smug and awful. "If you're going to discuss your staff without me, you should at least take Windburner with you. I'm sure Ramjet won't mind sparing him for a while, and he is in charge of shift assignments."
The small Elite Guard pulls himself from one of the Seekers' laps, Ultra Magnus can only assume Ramjet's, to follow them. Of course the underhanded Starscream would figure out a way to plant a spy, even if it was through his underlings' berth partners. From what he can remember of Windburner, he is fiercely loyal to a fault. Normally a good thing, but he and the seeker he's with are apparently planning a bonding ceremony after the war. Not that he believes that, Windburner always liked rushing in.
Ultra Magnus sighs, for now he won't be able to get Optimus to open up about this. Shoving it from his processor, he follows Optimus out. He can hear Starscream yelling faintly in the background , "Well? Don't you all have work to do? If you have enough time to stand around watching, you have enough time to scrub the hallways!" followed by the sound of a rapidly clearing room.
It doesn't reassure him that the Seeker is a good leader.
They do need to discuss staff issues, and Vectorgear needs to begin his work as Optimus's secretary. He introduces the smaller bot to Optimus; not a minibot, because they have learned the hard way to not put minibots in battle-prone areas that Shockwave had access to. He proves his worth by immediately declaring that half of the reports being given to Optimus should have been reviewed by lower ranked officers. Leaving him outside of the meeting room, the other five bots settle in to discuss tactics, and Ultra Magnus finds himself wishing that he were alone with Optimus now.
Nevertheless, he can't offer the depressed bot more than a pat on the shoulder now and then, or a caring touch on the arm. The Seekers have been on base far too long if they already have such dedicated spies.
He contents himself with the fact that he'll be able to find time alone with his bot soon enough. Ultra Magnus can be a patient bot when necessary.
The next morning, Ultra Magnus wakes early, wanting to get to Optimus before Starscream can. He hurries to the energon dispenser, still slightly amazed the earth base has one, and absolutely no private ones, not even in Optimus's room. But that works out to his advantage, giving him the perfect excuse to meet with his firetruck.
He takes two cubes after drinking one for himself first, and heads straight to Optimus's room. Knocking on the door firmly, he waits patiently for it to open. When it does, he's utterly horrified to see Starscream in the doorway, covered with Ultra Magnus's and Optimus's paint. The seeker looks at him blankly for an astrosecond, and slams the door shut in his face.
He stands there, stunned, not really sure what to do, when the door opens again, and Starscream takes the cubes from his unresisting servos. And the door is slammed in his face again.
The Seeker really is interfacing with Optimus? ... He wants to kick the door open and rescue the firetruck from the jet. But if they are interfacing, Optimus won't appreciate his interference, especially so early in the morning. Ultra Magnus is more determined than ever to get Optimus alone and find out exactly what is going on, why he looks sparkbroken, why he is letting a Seeker treat him this way in public, and why that Seeker is so possessive of him.
Deciding against making it look worse than it already does, he heads to the common room. Taking another cube, he sits on the couch, pretending not to sulk. He's settling in for a brooding session when the little yellow techno-organic perches on the arm. He belatedly notes that it is actually padded, so perhaps she normally sits there?
She gives him a very dark look, and he's not sure exactly why, since she's the one that's showing off where her spark is. It makes him uncomfortable to look at her.
She keeps glaring at him, and after a few kliks of this, he gives in. "Is there something you wanted to talk about, Sari?"
She snaps at him, "Exactly how old are you?" And that was not anything he expected her to ask at all.
"I've been online for quite some time," he answers her, "and Primus-willing, I will be online for much longer."
"That's not an answer," she glares at him. "Were you around during that war?"
"Yes."
"So you're really old, then?" Sari challenges him, though he still can't understand why.
"Age for Cybertronians is a bit different," he says, not meaning to be evasive but that is a long discussion, and sips his energon.
"That is still not an answer." Her voice is flinty.
"I suppose you could call me old, Sari. But you are very young."
She huffs, and turns away. "Stop trying to flirt with Optimus."
He tries not to spit out his energon in shock, ending up coughing. She continues exuding contempt while sitting there. When he finally gets in control of himself, Ultra Magnus says, "Sari, I'm not trying to flirt with him. I'm just worri-"
"Don't give me that. I didn't even have to see your display with Starscream in order to know."
He stares at her for a klik, checks to make sure the room is still empty before he replies, "Sari, even if I were interested in Optimus, he's in no state to be in a relationship right now. I would never take advantage of that." Ultra Magnus sets his half-empty cube aside. "He is hurting from something, and my duties as Magnus and friend will always come first."
She stares at him, hard, clearly disbelieving, and he holds out a servo to her. "I'm not sure why you don't belive me about this, Sari. I'm not going to do anything to hurt him."
She looks at him closely, and it feels a bit like she's staring at his spark, a very uncomfortable feeling. He is about to put down the servo, only for her to put her tiny one in his. "Fine, but I still don't like you."
"That is understandable. We did not have a good first meeting," he acknowledges, "so long as you don't poison my energon, I believe we can get along."
Sari gives a little shrug, "Since there's only one dispenser-thing, it's hard to mess with it without getting the whole base sick." Ultra Magnus wonders if her glance to one side means she has tampered with it before. He makes note to check the records and see if the entire base spent an entire day ill at any point.
They sit there for a klick in silence, before asking, "You said you knew I was attracted to Optimus even before I interacted with him. Did - did you see me on a com call with Optimus, or something like that?"
She lets out a harsh bark of laughter, "No. I wish it was that easy."
He gives her a confused look. "Want to explain what you mean?" She looks like she's going to snap at him, but he hurries on before she can, "You did bring it up. I'd like to know."
Sari frowns at him, then looks around the room, there are sounds of bots waking up, and she's clearly unwilling to talk when there are bots all over. "Would you prefer we talk in a more private area?"
"Of course," he says, and stands, watching her make her way to Prowl, apparently deciding he was to be part of this conversation as well. So be it.
They sit in one of the meeting rooms, one of very few rooms on the base that has been mostly soundproofed. The ninjabot has chosen to sit on the table, and Sari sits on his lap, placing them both closer to Ultra Magnus's own optic-level. Living in a society of mostly smaller Autobots means that Ultra Magnus is used to crouching or kneeling down to make smaller bots feel more at ease around him.
"Would you like to explain your knowledge now, Sari?" he asks politely, offering her the chance to back out if she truly does not want to.
Sari punches Prowl gently, and the ninjabot adjusts how he's sitting, the techno-organic sitting more comfortably. "I guess." Prowl runs a calming servo along her side, and she begins to talk, "Okay, you know how I'm a techno-organic, right? Imbued by the AllSpark, wonder of nature, blah blah blah," She waves her hands dismissively, and he nods.
"I can tell how much bots like each other. Not in the way you're thinking. Not just observation. More of an intuitive thing. Like, the AllSpark wants me to have kids, so I need to know if someone is interested, and how much."
Ultra Magnus gives her a disbelieving look.
"I'm serious. Do you think I go around with this because I want to?" She taps the painted spark on her chest, the one he's been avoiding looking at. "I don't."
"You're claiming that the AllSpark caused," he gestures vaguely at her chest, "that? ... And it lets you know if a bot finds you attractive?" It seemed too-strangely convenient. Ultra Magnus was aware of the ... rumors about the AllSpark that had led to its being jettisoned into space, but this was -
"Yeah, I am saying that. Everytime we try to cover this stupid thing up, it just starts glowing, or the color seeps into whatever armor I put on top of it." Sari growls in frustration. "Man, the reactions! Some of you bots are so not cool about it. Bad enough that Optimus includes 'Reasons you will not stare at Sari's chest or proposition her, or risk being chopped up into tiny pieces by your Prime' as part of new bots' orientation."
Ultra Magnus is certain she's exaggerating, but doesn't let that show on his face. "That is certainly distressing."
She rolls her eyes, and Prowl chuckles. The ninjabot taps foreheads with Sari. "We've yet to have too large a problem with it, but are always prepared."
"An admirable trait in any bot," he murmurs, watching their interaction. Optimus has a good team, one that Ultra Magnus can trust to help Optimus whenever possible. Still, he can't imagine why they've allowed him to attach himself to Starscream, of all mechs. Speaking of that -
"I do not mean to pry, but," he pauses, "do either of you know why Optimus is acting so ... sparkbroken? I cannot, for some reason, manage to get the chance to ask him myself."
Sari snickers. "Could that reason be named Starscream?"
He sighs gently, and nods.
Prowl rolls his optics. "I'm not surprised. He is excessively clingy when you come up in a conversation. And judging by how Optimus reacts around you, that is exactly why."
"Reacts around me?" he asks, curious. He knows his friend enjoys his company and their chats.
"Like he's conscious again," Prowl explains, expression placid.
Sari crosses her arms over her chest, inadvertently drawing attention to her spark paint, which Ultra Magnus steadfastly avoids looking at, keeping his optics fixed on hers. "It's 'cause he likes you too. Sort of. A little bit. You know, like microscopic small."
Ultra Magnus gives her an encouraging look, and she glares at him poisonously. "Not that it matters, Blackarachnia hurt him, and he's in mourning. Even if the idiot won't admit it, and tries to be brave, he ends up broken." She turns away, clearly not wanting to say more.
Prowl continues for her, expression blank, holding Sari in his arms comfortingly. "He reacts to you. That's both a very good thing, and a slightly disappointing thing. It is good because he reacts well to you being here, and it is disappointing, since you are not a bot that can take the time to build him back up from mourning."
They were in the middle of a war, and Ultra Magnus was needed on Cyberton just as much as Optimus Prime was needed here on Earth. But Blackarachnia?
"Why is he sparkbroken over a Decepticon?" he asks, because he cannot possibly imagine when the Prime would have had a chance to cultivate a relationship with the techno-organic Decepticon.
Sari and Prowl share a long, silent look, before Prowl speaks again, "You should ask Optimus about that." ...
Ultra Magnus's servo curls into a fist. "I would ask him, were I able to get even a single breem alone with him."
Prowl smirks at him. "Ah. That is easily enough accomplished by inciting a fight between the seekers."
He gives Prowl a frustrated look, "And how, exactly, am I supposed to do that? I'm not really built to incite and sneak away."
Prowl starts to open his mouth, only for Sari to slap her servo over it. "No, you aren't doing it this time. We'll just have Bee ask Sunstorm. You need to be with him to play chaperone in case they get caught."
There simply aren't words for how irritated Ultra Magnus is that a few sly insinuations from Starscream had been enough to stop him from getting true privacy with Optimus. "It would be best if I could talk to him soon. I - dislike to see one of my officers this upset."
Prowl nods, "It has been ... difficult, watching him take his comfort from Starscream, rather than from his family." He looks down, venting a soft sigh. "I fear he often sees us as a team to protect, rather than a team to stand with."
Sari turns around, wrapping her arms around the ninjabot in a tight and caring hug. "I think it was because you're with Jazz that he refused, Prowl. He took it the wrong way." She kisses his forehead, and Ultra Magnus just gets even more confused.
He clears his throat politely, and they snap their attention back to him. "How do I ask Bumblebee to ask Sunstorm?"
Sari gives him a sad smile. "Leave it to me."
Ultra Magnus is enjoying a bit of energon when the sudden screeches and blasts of weaponfire outside begin. Most of the bots in the room crowd around the windows, and Ultra Magnus arches an optic ridge when he overhears bets being placed on how long it will take the Seekers to offline one another. He and Prowl sit and wait, as inconspicuously as possible. One of the bots detaches from the crowd and rushes to Optimus's office, past his secretary. A few astroseconds later Starscream comes out, cursing and charging his weapons as he goes.
Ultra Magnus finds it mildly frustrating that Prowl can simply glide across the floor like he does, without a single sound betraying him. He and Jazz have some of the quietest engines he's ever heard.
Or not heard, as the case may be.
They slip into Optimus's office, Prowl stationed at the door. Ultra Magnus frowns at Optimus curled up in a chair, optics offline. Sitting next to him, he puts a soft servo on his firetruck's shoulder. When Optimus doesn't even move, he frowns, and shakes him lightly. The firetruck sits up slowly, optics only onlining when he's fully upright.
"Ultra Magnus," Optimus gives him a small but happy smile, and his spark lifts.
"Would you like to tell me what's been going on? Since Starscream won't be interrupting us for a little while. I'd like to know from you, and not from someone that doesn't have all the facts or is trying to hide them from me."
Optimus glances at Prowl, "I ... wouldn't even know where to begin."
Ultra Magnus turns Optimus's gaze back on him, "Start at the beginning. When the Seekers arrived, and work your way from there."
Optimus vents a sigh, his optics dimming again, but he starts. And every passing klik of narration makes Ultra Magnus's spark drop lower and lower, until it feels as if it will sink right down through his frame. When Optimus gets to Blackarachnia, when he explains that she used to be Elita-1, Ultra Magnus stops denying himself one of his dearest wishes, pulls Optimus onto his lap to wrap his arms around him, and wishes he never had to let go. Primus, his bot should never have had to go through any of this.
Prowl watches silently, keeping an optic out for Starscream. The sounds of Sunstorm and Thundercracker fighting continue loud and harsh, even if far away, so he knows the lead Seeker will be gone for awhile. He frowns in increasing concern as Optimus goes on.
If he had known or even guessed this all was going on, he never would have let the Seeker near Optimus. The more he talks, the angrier Prowl gets. It irritates him slightly that Ultra Magnus, a bot that isn't even family, is being confided in, while he had to go through intermediaries even to talk to Optimus.
But it is when Optimus says he opened his sparkplates for Starscream that he is outraged enough to deal with him. Terrminally. Or as terminally as he can when the seeker has an AllSpark shard stuck in his head. It doesn't matter that the jet closed the plates, refusing. The very fact that Optimus felt he had to offer infuriates him to his very spark.
He slips out of the room without either mech noticing; with the both of them so emotionally compromised, he wouldn't have even needed to be a ninjabot to make such an escape. The continued noise outside informs him that the wretched Seeker is still attempting to pacify-or murder-his clones. No one sees him leave the base, to survey the fight from a closer distance.
Thundercracker is crumpled on the ground, apparently offlined at some earlier point, while Starscream and Sunstorm are hovering, hissing at one another like an angry pair of cats. Cats equipped with null rays.
They are surrounded by bots who keep far enough away not to get hit by stray fire, but close enough toget a good look. Normally he'd wait until Starscream is alone, but he's far too angry for that to be the case. He circles them silently, not wanting to draw too much attention. And, there, an opening. Starscream has Sunstorm pinned down, and is just about to offline him, back exposed and unprotected. Perfectly distracted.
Prowl lands heavily on him, bringing more weight to bear as he kicks the lead seeker off the orange mech. Digging his servos under Starcream's chin, he twists and yanks the jet's head off entirely. He'd like to drop him and dust his servos, but he needs to put him where he won't be troubling Autobots before he onlines.
Ignoring the stunned looks of the various bots around him (vindicated and happy if you pay attention to the seekers), Prowl runs off with Starscream's head in his arm.
Starscream onlines violently, with a startled curse. That slagging ninjabot had just-
He realizes he's being held at the same time he realizes his body is missing. Again.
Starscream really, really does not want to online his optics.
A servo strokes his helmet gently, and Starscream reluctantly lets his optics switch on. Immediately wishes he hadn't. "Megatron."
The too-familiar mech gives him a fragging smirk. "You were found outside our base, with a very peculiar note. 'Next time, don't leave your trash where we can find it.'"
And all Starcream can do is curse in response.
Optimus onlines, alone, in his berth.
While there's a tiny part of him that mourns the loss of warmth, the rest of him is thankful he's no longer being touched by Starscream. He forces himself up, and groans into his servos. He can't believe he broke down in Ultra Mangnus's lap. He was even worse with him than with Starcream.
How humiliating.
For the first time since the Decepticon had begun sharing his berth, Optimus manages to leave his quarters without being polished to a mirror-finish. At the energon dispenser, he accidentally fills two cubes and ends up sitting at the table, staring at the second cube, which seems to stare back at him in accusation. If the Seekers follow their leader back to the Decepticon side, their return will have been his fault. Optimus vents a sigh. He'd really like to make it through a single solar cycle without a processor ache.
He's thinking about getting up, and shoving the extra cube in one of the random bots' servos when he's joined by Sunstorm. The Seeker smiles cheerfully at him, and steals the cube. "Good morning, brave Optimus. It is wonderful to see you moving around under your own power, rather than with," his voice turns so over the top, it is abundantly clear, even to Optimus's still-depressed processor, that he's being sarcastic, "my gracious leader Starcream."
Optimus smiles at that, even if it dies shortly after. "I appologize for-"
Sunstorm lets out a bark of laughter, "Do not be sorry, courageous Optimus Prime. We clones are happier here than we ever were while serving under our wondrous leader."
Sunstorm can be so hard to read properly, Optimus knows he'll need to seek out at least one of the others to confirm this fact. Probably Ramjet. "I'm pleased to hear that you'll be staying with us." He eyes the Seeker for a moment. "I assume the others have already explained to you that if you break Bumblebee's spark, you will regret it?"
Sunstorm smiles at him disarmingly. "Most certainly. I especially liked the adorable Sari's threat to crush my AllSpark shard beneath her dainty heel."
Optimus finishes his energon. "I wouldn't call them 'dainty heels' anywhere she can hear you." He still feels awful, but at least he hasn't managed to ruin everything by breaking down in front of Prowl and Ultra Magnus. He really should set up some sort of disciplinary action for Prowl's attack on Starscream, but he can't find it in his spark to do so. He would have done the same himself if he'd been able to avoid crushing the alliance while he was at it.
The seeker wanders off after patting him on the shoulder, it seems the jet had only really wanted to reassure him, or something to that effect. Optimus sighs, and stands up, accidentlly bumping into Ultra Magnus. He manages, just barely, not to blush. He'd been on the larger mech's lap for most of the last solar cycle. Not even Starscream had gotten him to do that.
He coughs nervously, and backs out of the Magnus's way, only for the larger mech to put down a cautious servo on his shoulder. "Are you okay, Optimus?" comes his gentle voice, and Optimus just wants to lean against him.
"I'm feeling much better, thank you," he replies politely, hyper-aware of all the bots in the room with them. "I will be reprimanding Prowl for his actions later."
Ultra Magnus looks off to one side, where Optimus can see Prowl being congratulated by a half dozen bots, presumably for offlining the most annoying of all Seekers. "Yes. I can see that a ... reprimand is necessary."
Ultra Magnus gently leads him away from the common room. "But I don't think right now is the time to do it, Optimus. He knows he wasn't supposed to do it, and Prowl is not the kind of bot to gloat."
Allowing himself to be lead to a private room, Optimus sits in a chair. If he is still slightly stiff, he's uncomfortable at being alone with the larger mech. Not because of what Ultra Magnus might do, but because he wants nothing more than to climb into his arms and be held. He had felt safe, loved even, as the other bot held him close and let him explain what had been going on.
It was a kind of comfort he didn't feel right asking for. They were all in this war together, and Optimus had to stay strong. He would be apologizing for his breakdown already if he'd had the courage to bring the topic up again.
"Are you really alright, Optimus?" the other mech asks him, sitting beside him, close enough to touch.
He starts to say he's just fine, but the look in his leader's optics makes him duck down and be honest. "I've been better, sir. Being with you helped far more than you would think, though."
Ultra Magnus puts a servo on his shoulder, and it is all Optimus can do not to lean into it. "I'll be here for you whenever you want, Optimus. I can even put off returning for another decacycle or more. You are far more important than any work I have building up."
Optimus fights off a blush, "Thank you, sir. But I'm sure you're needed on Cybertron." He wants to crawl onto Ultra Magnus's lap and stay there. He won't give in to that urge.
Ultra Magnus shakes his head, "I have capable bots working in my absence, Optimus. Should I need to stay here; should you want me to stay, then I will."
Optimus looks away, actually blushing now."I couldn't ask you that, sir."
The Magnus moves so he's looking right in Optimus's red-cheeked face, getting far too close, but not close enough at the same time, to say, "I would love to stay with you longer, Optimus. All you have to do is ask"
"I ... can't, sir," he's overcome with the sudden urge to lean closer, to-no, he can't let himself do that. This is Ultra Magnus, and it wouldn't be right to take advantage of his kindness and compassion. He would be doing this for any bot, and Optimus shouldn't feel ... special, shouldn't think that Ultra Magnus seems to be paying far too much attention to his mouth.
He starts to look down, anywhere but at Ultra Magnus, when he's suddenly kissed. It's quick, and the Magnus moves away right after, but the firetruck just stares at him, stunned. Optimus isn't sure what to do other than to bring a servo up to his mouth, his oveheating cheeks bright red.
The larger mech reaches out a servo, "I ... I hope that wasn't too forward of me, Optimus."
Optimus is positive he's just suffered some memory glitch, because there's no way that he was just kissed. By Ultra Magnus. "I, sir, I," he stutters.
"Ultra," the larger mech corrects him with a smile. "Please, don't call me 'sir' right after I've kissed you."
Optimus hides his face in his servos, only to have Ultra Magnus pull them down, and tug him gently closer. He doesn't even bother to offer a shred of resistance, almost throwing himself in the larger mech's lap. When the mech's arms wrap around him, he clings to him tightly. "I'd ... I'd really like you to stay."
A servo cups his helmet, stroking one of his head fins soothingly. "Then I'll stay. For as long as you need me."
Part two: http://girloz14.livejournal.com/163692.html
Part three:
The Seeker looks down at him in confusion, "What are you talking about? It isn't like we've let up on the testing. He's possibly the most effective bomb defuser we've ever trained."
"Be that as it may, I would still prefer you did not try to explode him while he stays with us, Starscream." Optimus shook his head, "If you have been using him that way, I'm sure that assigning him as my secretary won't stop you from drawing him off to continue to do so at your convenience. Which will, of course, leave me with no secretary again."
"Then it's settled," Ultra Magnus interrupts, before the Decepticon can try to come up with some other excuse, "and you can expect my arrival within two solar cycles." He did still need to inform the council of his immanent departure, and the extra resources they could now expect to be sending. "Until then, I see no problem with the temporary use of ... Scatterstar," Ultra Magnus levels a cold look at the Seeker, "provided our allies do not attempt to offline him during that time."
"As if we'd be able to," the seeker scoffs, pulling Optimus into his lap, "bot is insanely lucky." Starscream turns to Ultramagnus, one servo cupping the firetruckbot's face, "We look forward to your visit, Lord Magnus." And he cuts off the call just as he kisses Optimus possesively.
It is all Ultra Magnus can do not to break the com. His secretary peeks into his office a klik later, not used to the normally calm leader cursing angrily, much less for so long.
Ultra Magnus stands at the helm of his ship, anticipation making his spark flutter in his chest. It was only a matter of kliks before he would be seeing Optimus again, and it took an unexpected amount of effort to remind himself that pulling the smaller mech into his arms and kissing him would not be an acceptable response. Optimus tended to be quite shy about certain things, and a sudden kiss from his commander might knock the poor bot offline.
Several new bots were chattering eagerly, as none of them had ever been to Earth. The soldiers all have at least some experience fighting Decepticons; Ultra Magnus is not about to supply Optimus with green mechs who had never been tested on the battlefield. The secretarybot he's chosen for Optimus is a good one, and he's been warned to stay out of the clutches of any potentially amorous Seekers.
They land gently, and Ultra Magnus is the first one out, unwilling to wait any longer. He's wondering why Optimus isn't there to greet him when Jazz and Prowl step out, obviously as Optimus' replacement. Not that he isn't happy to see them, since it has been awhile since he saw Jazz, always a welcome sight, and Prowl... an interesting bot to say the least.
Greeting them warmly, he claps them on the shoulder, and they explain what has been going on since he has last visited. It is getting increasingly difficult not to just ask where Optimus is, but he is worried that Seeker is interfacing him as they speak, and that's not something he wants to know. It is better that the ninjabots distract him so he can at least pretend it isn't happening.
"We hope the slightly less ... conspicuous alternate modes we provided for the new bots were helpful," Prowl smiles. "We've found that less threatening modes tend to upset the organic life here less."
Ultra Magnus wonders if the ninjabot is making a subtle dig at his own altmode. Further inquiry had revealed that the vehicle he used was perhaps not the best choice-but Ultra Magnus could not deny that he was pleased that it allowed him access to most of his weapons even while in altmode.
The thought of it makes him smile, but he has to agree it is best that they don't scare the organics, since Optimus and everyone who gets stationed here is so very fond of them. "They're very useful. It will help us blend in much easier."
The pair of ninjabots smile in response, and the tour resumes. It isn't long before they finally get to Optimus ... and Starscream. While the sight of the former fills his spark with delight, the latter brings it crashing down in disgust. Optimus is shined mirror-bright, looking better even than the Seeker at his side.
He steps forward to clasp his firetruck's servo, whose face flashes recognition and possibly happiness, only for his tiny mech to be pulled deftly out of the way. He glares harshly at Starscream, but the Seeker pays him no mind, gently buffing out a dent in Optimus's side. "So sorry, Lord Magnus," the Seeker's voice is just on the edge of threat and sarcasm, "but Optimus has just finished having my paint cleaned off of him."
Ultra Magnus feels his servo clench reflexively on his hammer, but he prevents himself from calling lightning with it, or smashing the Decepticon's face, if just barely. The fury subsides a bit when Optimus turns a glare on the Seeker, hissing something too quietly for Ultra Magnus to hear. Whatever was said, it doesn't seem to deter the Seeker, who smiles brightly and wraps an arm around the smaller bot's waist.
"Ultra Magnus, it is good to see you again." Optimus sounds almost lost, and it hurts his spark to hear him like this. Ultra wants to pull him away from Starscream, and hold the smaller mech close to his chest, to keep Optimus safe from what hurt him. And he's fairly certain what's hurt him is clinging to him like a limpet.
Glaring at Starscream, Ultra Magnus replies, "I am sorry it isn't under more favorable circumstances, Optimus. It is never good to see such a valued friend in this state."
Optimus manages a smile somehow. "If you've brought the secretarybot you promised, I'm sure I will recover quickly."
It is not overwork that has his bot this stressed and miserable, and all three of them know it. Ultra Magnus just needs a megacycle or two alone with Optimus to get him talking. "You will not be disappointed in his work, I'm sure." He shares a smile with Optimus, "Less time spent in the office is always preferable, as we both know."
"Oh, I certainly hope so," Starscream drags a claw across Optimus's chest plates, smirking when the smaller bot shoves his servo away, "spending so much time in his office gets quite dull. That is, unless we do something more stimulating than reading datapads in there."
Ultra Magnus' servo clenches on his hammer, and he grinds out, "I'm sure."
Optimus's optics dim, as if the smaller bot thinks Ultra Magnus is upset with him, so Ultra straightens up, giving his bot a smile. "How about we go catch up in a more private area?" He lets his optics drift along their audience of bots that were there at the beginning or had wandered in to see the leaders interacting.
Starscream, treacherous scum he is, pulls Optimus closer to his chest, and replies, "That seems like a wonderful idea, but it may be best if we stay in public. It is always best to stay in sight when you clearly have such ... unprincipled intentions."
Optimus shoves himself away from the Seeker, tense with anger, "Do not imply such things about your allies, Starscream." Ultra Magnus watches, too numb with rage to say anything, expending all of his energy on the effort of not taking the Seeker out right then and there. Optimus turns, "Prowl, Jazz, would you please come with Ultra Magnus and me? ... We need to discuss the integration of our newest recruits."
Both bots nod, and Ultra Magnus calms slightly; it'll be easy enough to dismiss them if Optimus doesn't feel comfortable explaining the real cause of his distress in front of them.
Starscream smiles, smug and awful. "If you're going to discuss your staff without me, you should at least take Windburner with you. I'm sure Ramjet won't mind sparing him for a while, and he is in charge of shift assignments."
The small Elite Guard pulls himself from one of the Seekers' laps, Ultra Magnus can only assume Ramjet's, to follow them. Of course the underhanded Starscream would figure out a way to plant a spy, even if it was through his underlings' berth partners. From what he can remember of Windburner, he is fiercely loyal to a fault. Normally a good thing, but he and the seeker he's with are apparently planning a bonding ceremony after the war. Not that he believes that, Windburner always liked rushing in.
Ultra Magnus sighs, for now he won't be able to get Optimus to open up about this. Shoving it from his processor, he follows Optimus out. He can hear Starscream yelling faintly in the background , "Well? Don't you all have work to do? If you have enough time to stand around watching, you have enough time to scrub the hallways!" followed by the sound of a rapidly clearing room.
It doesn't reassure him that the Seeker is a good leader.
They do need to discuss staff issues, and Vectorgear needs to begin his work as Optimus's secretary. He introduces the smaller bot to Optimus; not a minibot, because they have learned the hard way to not put minibots in battle-prone areas that Shockwave had access to. He proves his worth by immediately declaring that half of the reports being given to Optimus should have been reviewed by lower ranked officers. Leaving him outside of the meeting room, the other five bots settle in to discuss tactics, and Ultra Magnus finds himself wishing that he were alone with Optimus now.
Nevertheless, he can't offer the depressed bot more than a pat on the shoulder now and then, or a caring touch on the arm. The Seekers have been on base far too long if they already have such dedicated spies.
He contents himself with the fact that he'll be able to find time alone with his bot soon enough. Ultra Magnus can be a patient bot when necessary.
The next morning, Ultra Magnus wakes early, wanting to get to Optimus before Starscream can. He hurries to the energon dispenser, still slightly amazed the earth base has one, and absolutely no private ones, not even in Optimus's room. But that works out to his advantage, giving him the perfect excuse to meet with his firetruck.
He takes two cubes after drinking one for himself first, and heads straight to Optimus's room. Knocking on the door firmly, he waits patiently for it to open. When it does, he's utterly horrified to see Starscream in the doorway, covered with Ultra Magnus's and Optimus's paint. The seeker looks at him blankly for an astrosecond, and slams the door shut in his face.
He stands there, stunned, not really sure what to do, when the door opens again, and Starscream takes the cubes from his unresisting servos. And the door is slammed in his face again.
The Seeker really is interfacing with Optimus? ... He wants to kick the door open and rescue the firetruck from the jet. But if they are interfacing, Optimus won't appreciate his interference, especially so early in the morning. Ultra Magnus is more determined than ever to get Optimus alone and find out exactly what is going on, why he looks sparkbroken, why he is letting a Seeker treat him this way in public, and why that Seeker is so possessive of him.
Deciding against making it look worse than it already does, he heads to the common room. Taking another cube, he sits on the couch, pretending not to sulk. He's settling in for a brooding session when the little yellow techno-organic perches on the arm. He belatedly notes that it is actually padded, so perhaps she normally sits there?
She gives him a very dark look, and he's not sure exactly why, since she's the one that's showing off where her spark is. It makes him uncomfortable to look at her.
She keeps glaring at him, and after a few kliks of this, he gives in. "Is there something you wanted to talk about, Sari?"
She snaps at him, "Exactly how old are you?" And that was not anything he expected her to ask at all.
"I've been online for quite some time," he answers her, "and Primus-willing, I will be online for much longer."
"That's not an answer," she glares at him. "Were you around during that war?"
"Yes."
"So you're really old, then?" Sari challenges him, though he still can't understand why.
"Age for Cybertronians is a bit different," he says, not meaning to be evasive but that is a long discussion, and sips his energon.
"That is still not an answer." Her voice is flinty.
"I suppose you could call me old, Sari. But you are very young."
She huffs, and turns away. "Stop trying to flirt with Optimus."
He tries not to spit out his energon in shock, ending up coughing. She continues exuding contempt while sitting there. When he finally gets in control of himself, Ultra Magnus says, "Sari, I'm not trying to flirt with him. I'm just worri-"
"Don't give me that. I didn't even have to see your display with Starscream in order to know."
He stares at her for a klik, checks to make sure the room is still empty before he replies, "Sari, even if I were interested in Optimus, he's in no state to be in a relationship right now. I would never take advantage of that." Ultra Magnus sets his half-empty cube aside. "He is hurting from something, and my duties as Magnus and friend will always come first."
She stares at him, hard, clearly disbelieving, and he holds out a servo to her. "I'm not sure why you don't belive me about this, Sari. I'm not going to do anything to hurt him."
She looks at him closely, and it feels a bit like she's staring at his spark, a very uncomfortable feeling. He is about to put down the servo, only for her to put her tiny one in his. "Fine, but I still don't like you."
"That is understandable. We did not have a good first meeting," he acknowledges, "so long as you don't poison my energon, I believe we can get along."
Sari gives a little shrug, "Since there's only one dispenser-thing, it's hard to mess with it without getting the whole base sick." Ultra Magnus wonders if her glance to one side means she has tampered with it before. He makes note to check the records and see if the entire base spent an entire day ill at any point.
They sit there for a klick in silence, before asking, "You said you knew I was attracted to Optimus even before I interacted with him. Did - did you see me on a com call with Optimus, or something like that?"
She lets out a harsh bark of laughter, "No. I wish it was that easy."
He gives her a confused look. "Want to explain what you mean?" She looks like she's going to snap at him, but he hurries on before she can, "You did bring it up. I'd like to know."
Sari frowns at him, then looks around the room, there are sounds of bots waking up, and she's clearly unwilling to talk when there are bots all over. "Would you prefer we talk in a more private area?"
"Of course," he says, and stands, watching her make her way to Prowl, apparently deciding he was to be part of this conversation as well. So be it.
They sit in one of the meeting rooms, one of very few rooms on the base that has been mostly soundproofed. The ninjabot has chosen to sit on the table, and Sari sits on his lap, placing them both closer to Ultra Magnus's own optic-level. Living in a society of mostly smaller Autobots means that Ultra Magnus is used to crouching or kneeling down to make smaller bots feel more at ease around him.
"Would you like to explain your knowledge now, Sari?" he asks politely, offering her the chance to back out if she truly does not want to.
Sari punches Prowl gently, and the ninjabot adjusts how he's sitting, the techno-organic sitting more comfortably. "I guess." Prowl runs a calming servo along her side, and she begins to talk, "Okay, you know how I'm a techno-organic, right? Imbued by the AllSpark, wonder of nature, blah blah blah," She waves her hands dismissively, and he nods.
"I can tell how much bots like each other. Not in the way you're thinking. Not just observation. More of an intuitive thing. Like, the AllSpark wants me to have kids, so I need to know if someone is interested, and how much."
Ultra Magnus gives her a disbelieving look.
"I'm serious. Do you think I go around with this because I want to?" She taps the painted spark on her chest, the one he's been avoiding looking at. "I don't."
"You're claiming that the AllSpark caused," he gestures vaguely at her chest, "that? ... And it lets you know if a bot finds you attractive?" It seemed too-strangely convenient. Ultra Magnus was aware of the ... rumors about the AllSpark that had led to its being jettisoned into space, but this was -
"Yeah, I am saying that. Everytime we try to cover this stupid thing up, it just starts glowing, or the color seeps into whatever armor I put on top of it." Sari growls in frustration. "Man, the reactions! Some of you bots are so not cool about it. Bad enough that Optimus includes 'Reasons you will not stare at Sari's chest or proposition her, or risk being chopped up into tiny pieces by your Prime' as part of new bots' orientation."
Ultra Magnus is certain she's exaggerating, but doesn't let that show on his face. "That is certainly distressing."
She rolls her eyes, and Prowl chuckles. The ninjabot taps foreheads with Sari. "We've yet to have too large a problem with it, but are always prepared."
"An admirable trait in any bot," he murmurs, watching their interaction. Optimus has a good team, one that Ultra Magnus can trust to help Optimus whenever possible. Still, he can't imagine why they've allowed him to attach himself to Starscream, of all mechs. Speaking of that -
"I do not mean to pry, but," he pauses, "do either of you know why Optimus is acting so ... sparkbroken? I cannot, for some reason, manage to get the chance to ask him myself."
Sari snickers. "Could that reason be named Starscream?"
He sighs gently, and nods.
Prowl rolls his optics. "I'm not surprised. He is excessively clingy when you come up in a conversation. And judging by how Optimus reacts around you, that is exactly why."
"Reacts around me?" he asks, curious. He knows his friend enjoys his company and their chats.
"Like he's conscious again," Prowl explains, expression placid.
Sari crosses her arms over her chest, inadvertently drawing attention to her spark paint, which Ultra Magnus steadfastly avoids looking at, keeping his optics fixed on hers. "It's 'cause he likes you too. Sort of. A little bit. You know, like microscopic small."
Ultra Magnus gives her an encouraging look, and she glares at him poisonously. "Not that it matters, Blackarachnia hurt him, and he's in mourning. Even if the idiot won't admit it, and tries to be brave, he ends up broken." She turns away, clearly not wanting to say more.
Prowl continues for her, expression blank, holding Sari in his arms comfortingly. "He reacts to you. That's both a very good thing, and a slightly disappointing thing. It is good because he reacts well to you being here, and it is disappointing, since you are not a bot that can take the time to build him back up from mourning."
They were in the middle of a war, and Ultra Magnus was needed on Cyberton just as much as Optimus Prime was needed here on Earth. But Blackarachnia?
"Why is he sparkbroken over a Decepticon?" he asks, because he cannot possibly imagine when the Prime would have had a chance to cultivate a relationship with the techno-organic Decepticon.
Sari and Prowl share a long, silent look, before Prowl speaks again, "You should ask Optimus about that." ...
Ultra Magnus's servo curls into a fist. "I would ask him, were I able to get even a single breem alone with him."
Prowl smirks at him. "Ah. That is easily enough accomplished by inciting a fight between the seekers."
He gives Prowl a frustrated look, "And how, exactly, am I supposed to do that? I'm not really built to incite and sneak away."
Prowl starts to open his mouth, only for Sari to slap her servo over it. "No, you aren't doing it this time. We'll just have Bee ask Sunstorm. You need to be with him to play chaperone in case they get caught."
There simply aren't words for how irritated Ultra Magnus is that a few sly insinuations from Starscream had been enough to stop him from getting true privacy with Optimus. "It would be best if I could talk to him soon. I - dislike to see one of my officers this upset."
Prowl nods, "It has been ... difficult, watching him take his comfort from Starscream, rather than from his family." He looks down, venting a soft sigh. "I fear he often sees us as a team to protect, rather than a team to stand with."
Sari turns around, wrapping her arms around the ninjabot in a tight and caring hug. "I think it was because you're with Jazz that he refused, Prowl. He took it the wrong way." She kisses his forehead, and Ultra Magnus just gets even more confused.
He clears his throat politely, and they snap their attention back to him. "How do I ask Bumblebee to ask Sunstorm?"
Sari gives him a sad smile. "Leave it to me."
Ultra Magnus is enjoying a bit of energon when the sudden screeches and blasts of weaponfire outside begin. Most of the bots in the room crowd around the windows, and Ultra Magnus arches an optic ridge when he overhears bets being placed on how long it will take the Seekers to offline one another. He and Prowl sit and wait, as inconspicuously as possible. One of the bots detaches from the crowd and rushes to Optimus's office, past his secretary. A few astroseconds later Starscream comes out, cursing and charging his weapons as he goes.
Ultra Magnus finds it mildly frustrating that Prowl can simply glide across the floor like he does, without a single sound betraying him. He and Jazz have some of the quietest engines he's ever heard.
Or not heard, as the case may be.
They slip into Optimus's office, Prowl stationed at the door. Ultra Magnus frowns at Optimus curled up in a chair, optics offline. Sitting next to him, he puts a soft servo on his firetruck's shoulder. When Optimus doesn't even move, he frowns, and shakes him lightly. The firetruck sits up slowly, optics only onlining when he's fully upright.
"Ultra Magnus," Optimus gives him a small but happy smile, and his spark lifts.
"Would you like to tell me what's been going on? Since Starscream won't be interrupting us for a little while. I'd like to know from you, and not from someone that doesn't have all the facts or is trying to hide them from me."
Optimus glances at Prowl, "I ... wouldn't even know where to begin."
Ultra Magnus turns Optimus's gaze back on him, "Start at the beginning. When the Seekers arrived, and work your way from there."
Optimus vents a sigh, his optics dimming again, but he starts. And every passing klik of narration makes Ultra Magnus's spark drop lower and lower, until it feels as if it will sink right down through his frame. When Optimus gets to Blackarachnia, when he explains that she used to be Elita-1, Ultra Magnus stops denying himself one of his dearest wishes, pulls Optimus onto his lap to wrap his arms around him, and wishes he never had to let go. Primus, his bot should never have had to go through any of this.
Prowl watches silently, keeping an optic out for Starscream. The sounds of Sunstorm and Thundercracker fighting continue loud and harsh, even if far away, so he knows the lead Seeker will be gone for awhile. He frowns in increasing concern as Optimus goes on.
If he had known or even guessed this all was going on, he never would have let the Seeker near Optimus. The more he talks, the angrier Prowl gets. It irritates him slightly that Ultra Magnus, a bot that isn't even family, is being confided in, while he had to go through intermediaries even to talk to Optimus.
But it is when Optimus says he opened his sparkplates for Starscream that he is outraged enough to deal with him. Terrminally. Or as terminally as he can when the seeker has an AllSpark shard stuck in his head. It doesn't matter that the jet closed the plates, refusing. The very fact that Optimus felt he had to offer infuriates him to his very spark.
He slips out of the room without either mech noticing; with the both of them so emotionally compromised, he wouldn't have even needed to be a ninjabot to make such an escape. The continued noise outside informs him that the wretched Seeker is still attempting to pacify-or murder-his clones. No one sees him leave the base, to survey the fight from a closer distance.
Thundercracker is crumpled on the ground, apparently offlined at some earlier point, while Starscream and Sunstorm are hovering, hissing at one another like an angry pair of cats. Cats equipped with null rays.
They are surrounded by bots who keep far enough away not to get hit by stray fire, but close enough toget a good look. Normally he'd wait until Starscream is alone, but he's far too angry for that to be the case. He circles them silently, not wanting to draw too much attention. And, there, an opening. Starscream has Sunstorm pinned down, and is just about to offline him, back exposed and unprotected. Perfectly distracted.
Prowl lands heavily on him, bringing more weight to bear as he kicks the lead seeker off the orange mech. Digging his servos under Starcream's chin, he twists and yanks the jet's head off entirely. He'd like to drop him and dust his servos, but he needs to put him where he won't be troubling Autobots before he onlines.
Ignoring the stunned looks of the various bots around him (vindicated and happy if you pay attention to the seekers), Prowl runs off with Starscream's head in his arm.
Starscream onlines violently, with a startled curse. That slagging ninjabot had just-
He realizes he's being held at the same time he realizes his body is missing. Again.
Starscream really, really does not want to online his optics.
A servo strokes his helmet gently, and Starscream reluctantly lets his optics switch on. Immediately wishes he hadn't. "Megatron."
The too-familiar mech gives him a fragging smirk. "You were found outside our base, with a very peculiar note. 'Next time, don't leave your trash where we can find it.'"
And all Starcream can do is curse in response.
Optimus onlines, alone, in his berth.
While there's a tiny part of him that mourns the loss of warmth, the rest of him is thankful he's no longer being touched by Starscream. He forces himself up, and groans into his servos. He can't believe he broke down in Ultra Mangnus's lap. He was even worse with him than with Starcream.
How humiliating.
For the first time since the Decepticon had begun sharing his berth, Optimus manages to leave his quarters without being polished to a mirror-finish. At the energon dispenser, he accidentally fills two cubes and ends up sitting at the table, staring at the second cube, which seems to stare back at him in accusation. If the Seekers follow their leader back to the Decepticon side, their return will have been his fault. Optimus vents a sigh. He'd really like to make it through a single solar cycle without a processor ache.
He's thinking about getting up, and shoving the extra cube in one of the random bots' servos when he's joined by Sunstorm. The Seeker smiles cheerfully at him, and steals the cube. "Good morning, brave Optimus. It is wonderful to see you moving around under your own power, rather than with," his voice turns so over the top, it is abundantly clear, even to Optimus's still-depressed processor, that he's being sarcastic, "my gracious leader Starcream."
Optimus smiles at that, even if it dies shortly after. "I appologize for-"
Sunstorm lets out a bark of laughter, "Do not be sorry, courageous Optimus Prime. We clones are happier here than we ever were while serving under our wondrous leader."
Sunstorm can be so hard to read properly, Optimus knows he'll need to seek out at least one of the others to confirm this fact. Probably Ramjet. "I'm pleased to hear that you'll be staying with us." He eyes the Seeker for a moment. "I assume the others have already explained to you that if you break Bumblebee's spark, you will regret it?"
Sunstorm smiles at him disarmingly. "Most certainly. I especially liked the adorable Sari's threat to crush my AllSpark shard beneath her dainty heel."
Optimus finishes his energon. "I wouldn't call them 'dainty heels' anywhere she can hear you." He still feels awful, but at least he hasn't managed to ruin everything by breaking down in front of Prowl and Ultra Magnus. He really should set up some sort of disciplinary action for Prowl's attack on Starscream, but he can't find it in his spark to do so. He would have done the same himself if he'd been able to avoid crushing the alliance while he was at it.
The seeker wanders off after patting him on the shoulder, it seems the jet had only really wanted to reassure him, or something to that effect. Optimus sighs, and stands up, accidentlly bumping into Ultra Magnus. He manages, just barely, not to blush. He'd been on the larger mech's lap for most of the last solar cycle. Not even Starscream had gotten him to do that.
He coughs nervously, and backs out of the Magnus's way, only for the larger mech to put down a cautious servo on his shoulder. "Are you okay, Optimus?" comes his gentle voice, and Optimus just wants to lean against him.
"I'm feeling much better, thank you," he replies politely, hyper-aware of all the bots in the room with them. "I will be reprimanding Prowl for his actions later."
Ultra Magnus looks off to one side, where Optimus can see Prowl being congratulated by a half dozen bots, presumably for offlining the most annoying of all Seekers. "Yes. I can see that a ... reprimand is necessary."
Ultra Magnus gently leads him away from the common room. "But I don't think right now is the time to do it, Optimus. He knows he wasn't supposed to do it, and Prowl is not the kind of bot to gloat."
Allowing himself to be lead to a private room, Optimus sits in a chair. If he is still slightly stiff, he's uncomfortable at being alone with the larger mech. Not because of what Ultra Magnus might do, but because he wants nothing more than to climb into his arms and be held. He had felt safe, loved even, as the other bot held him close and let him explain what had been going on.
It was a kind of comfort he didn't feel right asking for. They were all in this war together, and Optimus had to stay strong. He would be apologizing for his breakdown already if he'd had the courage to bring the topic up again.
"Are you really alright, Optimus?" the other mech asks him, sitting beside him, close enough to touch.
He starts to say he's just fine, but the look in his leader's optics makes him duck down and be honest. "I've been better, sir. Being with you helped far more than you would think, though."
Ultra Magnus puts a servo on his shoulder, and it is all Optimus can do not to lean into it. "I'll be here for you whenever you want, Optimus. I can even put off returning for another decacycle or more. You are far more important than any work I have building up."
Optimus fights off a blush, "Thank you, sir. But I'm sure you're needed on Cybertron." He wants to crawl onto Ultra Magnus's lap and stay there. He won't give in to that urge.
Ultra Magnus shakes his head, "I have capable bots working in my absence, Optimus. Should I need to stay here; should you want me to stay, then I will."
Optimus looks away, actually blushing now."I couldn't ask you that, sir."
The Magnus moves so he's looking right in Optimus's red-cheeked face, getting far too close, but not close enough at the same time, to say, "I would love to stay with you longer, Optimus. All you have to do is ask"
"I ... can't, sir," he's overcome with the sudden urge to lean closer, to-no, he can't let himself do that. This is Ultra Magnus, and it wouldn't be right to take advantage of his kindness and compassion. He would be doing this for any bot, and Optimus shouldn't feel ... special, shouldn't think that Ultra Magnus seems to be paying far too much attention to his mouth.
He starts to look down, anywhere but at Ultra Magnus, when he's suddenly kissed. It's quick, and the Magnus moves away right after, but the firetruck just stares at him, stunned. Optimus isn't sure what to do other than to bring a servo up to his mouth, his oveheating cheeks bright red.
The larger mech reaches out a servo, "I ... I hope that wasn't too forward of me, Optimus."
Optimus is positive he's just suffered some memory glitch, because there's no way that he was just kissed. By Ultra Magnus. "I, sir, I," he stutters.
"Ultra," the larger mech corrects him with a smile. "Please, don't call me 'sir' right after I've kissed you."
Optimus hides his face in his servos, only to have Ultra Magnus pull them down, and tug him gently closer. He doesn't even bother to offer a shred of resistance, almost throwing himself in the larger mech's lap. When the mech's arms wrap around him, he clings to him tightly. "I'd ... I'd really like you to stay."
A servo cups his helmet, stroking one of his head fins soothingly. "Then I'll stay. For as long as you need me."