TF: Regret
Rating: PG-13
Series: G1
Pairings: Optimus Prime/Mirage
Summary: Optimus feels bad after a recent battle. Mirage is there to remind him how much worse things could have been.
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: As per usual, the good things in life are not mine to have, but belong to someone else... in this case Hasbro, Takara and IDW and anyone else I’ve forgotten…
Authors Notes: For the tf_rare_pairing June Challenge prompt - I like this ending better. Partially inspired by rereading kookaburra1701‘s fantastic Warm My Spark (NC-17, sticky)
Feedback makes friends. Flames dealt with by the masters of paranoia and fire, Red Alert and Inferno.
Optimus sighed.
Mirage sighed, recognising the way the frame beneath him shifted. He slid off to the side, propping himself up on one arm to look at Optimus.
“It’s not your fault.” He spoke before Optimus had a chance to. Optimus’ mouth stayed open, surprised about having been interrupted before he began. Laying a hand on Optimus’ chest plating, Mirage looked down at his leader… at his lover…
“But Ironhide…” Optimus’ voice was no longer the confident tone it was normally. Now he sounded sad and scared.
“Ironhide will be fine. Ratchet will give his mate the best possible care.” And the best possible telling off, he added mentally, knowing that Ratchet would berate Ironhide as soon as the red mech was back online. While they knew they were at war, sometimes it was difficult seeing your mate throw himself into the line of fire. Mirage gave a small shudder and leant down to kiss Optimus, grateful for Ironhide’s unwavering loyalty.
“But…” Optimus still tried to protest. Even after all these years, he still hated watching mechs sacrificing themselves to save him.
“But what? Would you have preferred the shot hit you instead?” Mirage snapped, optics flashing. “You know that Ironhide’s armor is thicker than yours. And if that shot had hit you, we wouldn’t be lying here right now. I’d be grieving over your grayed frame!”
“No.” Optimus felt his spark constrict at the thought of causing Mirage so much pain.
“Well then, as far as it goes, I think I prefer this ending.” Mirage nodded, settling back down against Optimus, feeling the larger mech’s arms tighten around him.
“As do I.”