[IDW] Marry Me - Chapter Nine
Oct. 5th, 2015 02:52 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dracoqueen22Universe: IDW, MTMTE
Characters this chapter: Swerve, Rewind, Ultra Magnus/Minimus Ambus, Rung, Skids, Getaway, Tailgate, Rodimus, Whirl
Rated K+ for this chapter
Swerve and Ultra Magnus are giddy and cute. Meanwhile, Rodimus shows up with another "problem."
Commission Gift Fic for nothumanafterall.
Mood Music/Soundtrack - "I Want You," Savage Garden
His entire world turned on its axis.
Swerve lay on his berth for the second time in as many days, giddy to his very spark. Ultra Magnus had kissed him. Ultra Magnus had initiated said kiss. Ultra Magnus had agreed on another date.
It didn't matter that it was part of the role they had to play.
Ultra Magnus had kissed him. The thought echoed in Swerve's head, over and over and over again. He clutched his pillow and giggled to himself. It took him hours to slide into recharge and when he woke the next day, he was still bubbling with happiness.
Their routine continued.
Ultra Magnus was waiting for Swerve outside his door. They walked together to the refectory and shared their morning energon in public. Ultra Magnus left first, as always, and Swerve went to his own shift, feeling as though he were dancing up in the clouds or among the stars.
His shift partner, Rewind, seemed equally enthused. He was all but bouncing with glee.
“What has you so happy?” Swerve asked.
“Oh,” Rewind said and tapped his camera. “Just a little something I saw last night.” His visor lit up with amusement.
Swerve stared at him. Numerous things had happened yesterday. To which was Rewind referring? “Like what?” he asked, aiming for nonchalance. Though he suspected he failed spectacularly.
“Like a little interaction between you and Ultra Magnus and the adorable kiss that followed,” Rewind said. He propped his chin on his hands and stared at Swerve, completely ignoring his work. “You two are sweeter than Domey's favorite energon snack.”
Swerve felt his face color. He ducked his head. “Is that a compliment?”
“It's not an insult.” Rewind chuckled. “I still wonder how come you never told us before. We'd have been happy for you. And I've never seen you happier now.”
The heat deepened. “Just... reasons,” he said. “Part of them being Exhibit A, which is how much everyone keeps sticking their noses into our business. You know how everyone on this ship gossips.”
“Including you,” Rewind pointed out.
Swerve managed a grin. “Including me.” He tapped the counter. “Now, come on. Don't we have work to do?”
“What is it they say about conjunx taking on the habits of each other?” Rewind asked as he dragged himself upright. “Because you certainly sounded like Ultra Magnus just then.”
Swerve face turned scarlet. “Oh, hush.”
Rewind cackled.
0o0o0
Nothing had changed and yet the world felt like a different place. After leaving Swerve in the refectory, Ultra Magnus went to the bridge where an ill-looking Megatron informed him that he had command and Magnus could go explore the ship or something. Magnus didn't know what had offended the former Decepticon leader and was in no mood to ask, so he did as Megatron ordered and made himself scarce.
He ran into Rung first, the psychologist on his way to his office where no doubt his first patient waited for him. Ultra Magnus would have checked the schedule, but for privacy's sake, Rung didn't post it publicly.
“Good morning,” Rung said with a brilliant smile. “You look to be in a fine mood today, Ultra Magnus.”
Rung had been one of the few, after the Tyrest incident, to pull Ultra Magnus aside and ask him how he'd like to be addressed. Any misgivings Magnus had about Rung had been summarily abandoned after that consideration.
“I am. Thank you, Rung,” he replied, tilting his head in greeting. “All is well, I trust?”
Rung nibbled on a handful of energon sticks. “No troubles as far as I can see. Everyone seems to be enjoying this little vacation. The Exelons are friendly.”
To a certain extent, Ultra Magnus thought with a wince. “That is good to hear.”
“Yes, it is. They are also excited about the upcoming nuptials.” There was something sly in the look Rung slanted his direction.
Ultra Magnus coughed into his palm. “I admit that it probably came as a surprise to everyone.”
Rung made a noncommittal noise. “You know, I am impressed,” he said, his tone quiet but ripe with meaning. “I had first thought it to be a crass joke among the crew when I heard you and Swerve were engaged. But given what I've observed, you two are very happy together.”
Ultra Magnus nodded. Rung was one of the few he expected would suss out the truth first. But since he hadn't, Magnus wasn't sure what to think. That he and Swerve were truly suited for each other?
“Thank you,” he said. “Swerve... makes me happy.” Part of him felt bad for lying to Rung, but a part of him also realized that it wasn't entirely untrue.
This past week's worth of pretense had left Ultra Magnus in higher spirits than he would have expected. He found himself enjoying the extra time he spent with Swerve, to the point where meeting Swerve for meals or comming him in the middle of the day was less because of the ruse and more because he wanted to.
“And there it is, my proof,” Rung said as they came to a stop in front of his office. He patted Ultra Magnus' arm. “That smile looks good on you.”
He was smiling?
Ultra Magnus cycled his optics and touched the corner of his mouth with his finger. Indeed he was. His faceplate burned a little at the realization. He was smiling whilst thinking about Swerve.
Rung chuckled. “As I said, I'm glad to see you so happy.”
Ultra Magnus inclined his helm. “As am I. Have a good day, Rung.”
“You as well.”
Rung vanished into his office, Ultra Magnus continued on his rounds. He managed, somehow, to smooth away the smile. But the next time he passed a reflective surface, there was no denying the friendlier cast to his face.
Perhaps he would comm Swerve after all.
0o0o0
Swerve's comm chimed. He didn't bother to hide his smile when he recognized the sender either. “Excuse me,” he said loudly, turning his frame away from them all. “I have to take this.”
He ignored the playful teasing that followed and activated his communicator.
“What's up?” he asked.
Ultra Magnus' vocals came through the line and Swerve tried not to shiver. “Nothing dire,” he replied. “I simply wanted to talk to you.”
It's so close to “I wanted to hear your voice” that Swerve almost melted then and there. Ultra Magnus was far too good at this.
“Oh.” Swerve squirmed. “Well, I'm not doing much. Just a few earlybirds trying to catch the engex roboworm. You know, the usual crew.”
“I can imagine,” Ultra Magnus replied, humor rich in his tones. Swerve could just imagine him standing on the bridge, a slight curve to his lips that hinted of amusement. “And I am quite certain that if you turned around right now, they would all be watching you, and in Rewind's case, recording.”
Swerve all but giggled. “You'd be right.” He paused to absently wipe at the counter, though he knew it was clean already. “You coming by the bar tonight?”
“I wouldn't miss it for anything. We have a wedding to plan after all.”
“Yeah, we do.” Swerve's spark did several flips of excitement. “I'm sure you have to get back to work so I guess I'll see you later.”
Ultra Magnus made a noncommittal noise. “Blaster is staring so that is indeed the case. See you soon.”
The comm line clicked, indicating that Ultra Magnus had closed the connection. Swerve had to take a moment to get composed before he danced in place and made a fool of himself. It took all he had to turn back around calmly.
“Well, that's taken care of, so does anyone need a refill?” he asked and he didn't bother to hide the grin on his face. He was far too giddy.
“You,” Skids said, propping his chin on his knuckles, “are absolutely adorable like this, just thought I'd say so.”
There it was again, the heat in his face that he couldn't hide. At this rate, the wiring might short out and he'd have to get First Aid to take a look at it. “Um. I'm... taken?”
Getaway laughed and nudged his best friend with an elbow. “Don't think that's what he meant, but Skids does have a point. You're glowing, Swerve.”
“I am not!”
“You are,” Tailgate said. He leaned over the counter to grope beneath it, searching for the straw Swerve had neglected to get him. “But you know, I'm curious. Cyclonus is twice my size, but Ultra Magnus is like three times yours. How does that work?”
“Work?” Swerve repeated, his vocals faint.
Getaway all but giggled. “Well, when two mechs love each other...”
“Not what I meant!” Tailgate huffed and he kicked Getaway's stool, only to wince as the dull thud echoed through the bar. “I'm just saying, Ultra Magnus is very large. How do they manage to 'face without hurting each other?”
Swerve fumbled Skids' refill, barely catching himself from spilling it. “That's,” he spluttered. The glass landed on the countertop with a dull thunk. “That's none of anyone's business.”
Especially since they hadn't and weren't ever going to and it was disappointing enough that Swerve would never get to know without them speculating. Besides. He had done quite enough theorizing on his own, thank you very much.
“Things stretch,” Skids said, tone thick with amusement. He braced one elbow on the counter. “Or didn't Cyclonus tell you that?”
It was Tailgate's turn to stammer as his optical band flared. “No one asked you!” he squeaked.
Swerve chuckled as Getaway threw an arm over Tailgate's shoulder and whispered something into his audial that made Tailgate's visor flash. More laughter rose from the group of mechs as the teasing turned from Swerve and Ultra Magnus, to Tailgate's long-standing crush on a seemingly oblivious Cyclonus.
Phew. Crisis averted.
0o0o0
“There's a problem.”
Ultra Magnus came to a dead stop in the middle of the hallway, heedless to the fact he was holding up traffic. The last time Rodimus had called him with that tone of voice it was to say that he was about to be executed.
“What kind of problem?” Ultra Magnus demanded. Every hydraulic and line in his frame went tense. Even his spark clenched.
“The kind where your legal name isn't Ultra Magnus,” Rodimus said and he huffed over the comm line. Magnus imagined he was rolling his optics. “That's the name that's going to have to be on the paperwork we submit to the Exelons. They are demanding proof that you exist. The Minimus Ambus you.”
Ultra Magnus' mouth opened and closed. He pressed his palm to his face and pinched the crest of his forehelm. “Proof,” he repeated. At least, he reasoned, it wasn't Rodimus calling to claim he'd committed another felony. Or done something else ill-advised.
“They want to see Minimus Ambus,” Rodimus clarified, and an edge of humor started to leak into his vocals. “Tonight. At the dance in your honor. That's not going to be an issue, is it? I know the Magnus Armor comes off.”
“It does. Not easily, but yes, it can.”
He simply didn't want to. Especially not around a group of lifeforms who were surprisingly well-armed for their organic nature. And who had already exhibited a willingness to execute an alien race for an honest mistake.
“Well, then there's no problem!” Rodimus all but chirped. “Especially since Perceptor thinks he might have found something. He said not to get too excited because he wants to run a bazillion tests first, but Brainstorm seemed pretty optimistic.”
“One can only hope,” Ultra Magnus said and he cycled a ventilation. “I'll leave the armor behind tonight. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a wedding to plan.”
He ended the comm before Rodimus could either laugh or tease him or say something inane that would only cause Magnus' ire to double. He adored Rodimus, he truly did, but sometimes, his flame-painted captain was an irritant on the level of scraplets itching through his processor. Sometimes, it just didn't pay to be the rational mind on a journey full of miscreants and juveniles.
No wonder Megatron was so irritated all the time. Surely he hadn't had to put up with this nonsense as a Decepticon warlord.
Ultra Magnus shook his head and altered his course. Ratchet was gone, but First Aid was in the medbay and try as he might, Magnus would need help to remove the armor. After all, it was never meant to be so casually set aside.
Minimus was never meant to exist outside the armor.
0o0o0
Ultra Magnus was busy. In comparison, Swerve was not. So most of the wedding preparation was left to him.
Luckily, or unluckily depending on who you asked, the Exelons were so intrigued by the concept of a Cybertronian marriage that they were being exceedingly helpful. They'd agreed to cater and all Swerve had to do was approve the menu, a hearty collection of Cybertronian treats and nibbles along with varieties of engex. They'd offered a team of interior designers who, upon Rodimus' suggestion, decorated one of the meeting rooms for the auspicious occasion.
Swerve was half-afraid to look if Rodimus had been behind the design. No doubt it was bright and colorful and covered in flames and Rodimus faces.
There were no invitations to send because everyone was invited. That made things easier. Rodimus was going to preside over the ceremony. Rewind was going to record. Tailgate was to stand as witness for Swerve, and Megatron was to stand as witness for Ultra Magnus. Blaster was all set to provide music, though Swerve had been stern in what he considered acceptable songs. He wanted something appropriate for Ultra Magnus' tastes, not the crew at large.
Not that it mattered, Swerve realized on glum occasion. They weren't getting married for real. It was all part of the ruse. If all went well, they'd never even have to make use of all these preparations. But that didn't mean said preparations didn't need to be made.
It was a touch disheartening, but Swerve powered through it.
He made arrangements for the reception as well, where the snacks would be served. There would be music and dancing, the latter of which Swerve ruminated on with longing. He'd danced before, by himself, in the privacy of his habsuite. But never in public and never with a partner. It was one of his lifelong fantasies.
He wouldn't get to do that either.
Swerve sighed and got back to work, ignoring the look the Exelon gave him and the snicker Tailgate and Rewind shared. They probably thought he was thinking blissfully about Ultra Magnus. Which he was, but not for the reason they suspected.
0o0o0
“So. How's it going?”
There was a Rodimus lounging on his desk. Again.Hadn't they already spoken once today?
Try as he might, Ultra Magnus could not ignore his errant captain, who looked perfectly relaxed despite the glaring explosive device strapped around his intake. Rodimus was also grinning, his spoiler wings twitching as though he held some juicy secret.
Ultra Magnus blinked at him, looking up from stacks of datawork he hadn't had time for as of late. “You'll have to be more specific in your query.”
Rodimus laughed. His smile doubled in size. “You. Swerve. A fake marriage that's looking oh so real.”
“That is of little importance. You should be more concerned about whether or not Perceptor and Brainstorm are going to figure the Exelon technology in time.”
Rodimus' field spiked, betraying the unease buried deep within it. He folded his arms across the edge of Ultra Magnus' desk and made a nuisance of himself. Typical behavior really.
“I worry about that endlessly, Mags. What I need is a distraction before I suffer a spark-attack. I trust my scientists. Right now, I wanna know about you and Swerve.”
Ultra Magnus let silence settle as he finished up his report, giving it his full attention. He registered that Rodimus was shifting with impatience and that Rodimus' grin was slowly fading away to a frown. But this needed to be done.
He didn't see fit to answer Rodimus' question until the final piece of punctuation had been added and he could save his work. Then he gave Rodimus his full attention.
“What do you wish to know?” He hoped it was not about the kiss. Not because Ultra Magnus regretted it, but because he knew Rodimus would make a deal out of it and Ultra Magnus wasn't that to examine the reasons why in depth.
Rodimus leaned back, tilting his helm. “You're getting along?”
“We're not arguing. Swerve is very amenable. We are surprisingly well-matched,” Ultra Magnus said.
“Mm-hm.” Rodimus' lips tilted back toward a smile. “He's a chatter box, but he's cute. Not my type, but to each his own.”
“Type,” Ultra Magnus repeated. His optics narrowed at his captain. “You do realize that our relationship is only a farce, yes?”
Rodimus chuckled and folded his arms over his chestplate. “Relationships have had worse beginnings. You're seeing a side of Swerve he doesn't normally show now. And vice versa. For what it's worth, you two are adorable together.”
His gaze dropped to his desk and his array of datapads. These were safer. “He is a good companion,” Ultra Magnus admitted. “I am having more fun than I could have expected.”
“Noticed you meeting him for energon every morning.”
“It seemed like something two mechs in a genuine relationship would do,” Ultra Magnus retorted. It felt like Rodimus was fishing for something.
Rodimus sucked on his bottom lip. “Sure, sure,” he said, and pushed the chair into a tilt, rocking back and forth on it. “But you know, I was watching one day and I could have sworn I saw you smiling. Which, let me tell you, was adorable.”
Ultra Magnus sighed and pinched the bridge of his olfactory sensor. “Rodimus, what point are you getting at?”
“None really. Just stating some observations.” Rodimus' feet hit the ground and he rocketed to his feet with flair, per the usual. He braced a hand on the desk and leaned toward Ultra Magnus. “But you're busy so I'll leave. I just wanted to, you know, give you something to think about. Like what happens after we're free and clear of Exelon.”
“I don't know what you mean.”
Rodimus grinned and spun toward the door. “Of course you don't. It's just energon for your thoughts. Try not to get so wrapped up in your work that you forget.”
“I won't.” Ultra Magnus resisted the urge to roll his optics. It was undignified and tarnished the name of Ultra Magnus. He dragged his datapad stack closer, intending to return to work.
Rodimus chuckled. “I know you won't. Just a reminder, big guy. See you at the party.”
“Goodbye, Rodimus.”
0o0o0
“You're blushing again.”
“I am not!” Swerve retorted. Just because his cheeks were heated did not mean he was blushing.
“You are!” Whirl cackled and leaned against the counter, clacking his pincers together. “Kinda cute when ya blush, too. Too bad Magnus snapped ya up already.”
Swerve rolled his optics. “You weren't interested before, Whirl. Don't pretend you are now.” His spark gave a little flip though. He'd spent so long being ignored that he wasn't sure what to do with all this sudden attention.
“Don't be so sure, motormouth. Maybe ya were just blind before.”
“Back off, Nutjob,” Tailgate said, literally hip-bumping Whirl to the side which was rather comical as it almost sent Whirl sprawling. “You're talking to a mech promised to another.”
Swerve chuckled. “I don't take him seriously, Tailgate.” He never had. He still doubted that Whirl was serious.
“That's not the point,” Tailgate said as he lifted his head. He climbed up onto the stool and propped his elbows on the counter. “Why are you still here anyway? Shouldn't you be getting ready for the party?”
“He's nervous,” Whirl offered from the floor.
“I'm not nervous,” Swerve shot back. “I have no reason to be nervous. Magnus is, well, Magnus is great. He's a lot friendlier than everyone gives him credit for. He listens when I talk to him. He's a great... um, I mean. He's just great.” The last thing he was going to do was talk about that kiss. He enjoyed it too much to share.
“Well, that sounds like a ringing endorsement,” Whirl said.
Tailgate shook his helm. “Ignore him, Swerve. He sounds jealous.” He propped his chin on his hands. “Go on. Tell us more about Ultra Magnus.”
“Not jealous!” Whirl announced and he dragged himself back to his feet. He climbed into the chair next to Tailgate. “Just confused. You kept it a secret a long time. I'm impressed.”
“Needs must.” Swerve shrugged. “Now seemed as good as any to tell everyone. At the rate this quest is going, well, no point in pretending, right?”
“That's terribly romantic,” Tailgate said.
Whirl made gagging noises.
Swerve ignored him. Tailgate was right. He did sound jealous. And Swerve couldn't even tell him that had no reason to be. That it was all false, despite Swerve's enthusiasm.
“Yeah,” Swerve agreed. “It is.”
0o0o0
If anyone asked, he would refuse to admit he was nervous. Deep down, however, anxiety had left him gnawing on the inside of his mouth.
Removing the Magnus Armor was no easy task. In that moment, Minimus really missed Ratchet. The medic's skill would have come in handy. He'd gone to First Aid, but as friendly and helpful as the younger medic was, he wasn't familiar with the armor. It had still been a long, involved process.
He felt bare and exposed as the heavy outer came off, leaving him as Minimus Ambus. Not even pseudo-Minimus, but the irreducible version of himself. This size, he was even smaller than Swerve.
He didn't like the reminder that he wasn't Ultra Magnus. He didn't want to show up at Swerve's door looking like this. He didn't want to see the disappointment in Swerve's optical band.
It occurred to him that he'd gotten far too used to seeing Swerve excited to see him. He'd enjoyed Swerve's smiles. His soft laughs.
Ultra Magnus was a mech worth marrying. Minimus Ambus wasn't.
He stripped off the rest of the armor and left it in a careful stack. Then he was left with himself, a paint job that needed a good waxing, and a disappointed reflection.
He was not looking forward to this party at all.
0o0o0
Swerve couldn't stop smiling. It was a mix of excitement and anxiety, all blending together and causing his tanks to flip and his hands to wring together.
Another party. Another chance to be close to Ultra Magnus. What wasn't there to be excited about?
“Keep still. I'm almost done,” Skids said.
“Thanks for helping me,” Swerve replied as he forced his frame to freeze. “Rewind offered but then Chromedome dragged him off and that's all he wrote.”
The buffing cloth rubbed across the top of his back, getting the last few streaks of stray wax. “Sure, kid. No problem. Gotta look your best for tonight, right?”
“Right.” Swerve managed a wavering smile. All he wanted was to not make a fool of himself.
“You'll do fine.” Skids patted him on the shoulder, his field thick with reassurance. “You'll have Magnus next to you anyway. I don't think there's a law he doesn't know.”
Swerve chuckled. “You're right about that. I don't have anything to worry about.” At least, nothing he could tell his friends.
Skids stepped back. “Okay. I think you're good. Smart and shiny. Magnus won't be able to keep his hands off you. Well, in private anyway.”
His face burned again. The kiss was amazing. He had high doubts – but also hopes – that it would ever go further than that. It wasn't in the agreement.
“I guess we'll see,” Swerve said.
One more party. More than a week down. They were speeding closer and closer to an actual wedding.
He just had to keep himself together.
****
a/n:Is it just me, or are these two getting cuter? :)
Feedback, as always, is welcome and appreciated.
Characters this chapter: Swerve, Rewind, Ultra Magnus/Minimus Ambus, Rung, Skids, Getaway, Tailgate, Rodimus, Whirl
Rated K+ for this chapter
Swerve and Ultra Magnus are giddy and cute. Meanwhile, Rodimus shows up with another "problem."
Commission Gift Fic for nothumanafterall.
Mood Music/Soundtrack - "I Want You," Savage Garden
Marry Me – Chapter Nine
His entire world turned on its axis.
Swerve lay on his berth for the second time in as many days, giddy to his very spark. Ultra Magnus had kissed him. Ultra Magnus had initiated said kiss. Ultra Magnus had agreed on another date.
It didn't matter that it was part of the role they had to play.
Ultra Magnus had kissed him. The thought echoed in Swerve's head, over and over and over again. He clutched his pillow and giggled to himself. It took him hours to slide into recharge and when he woke the next day, he was still bubbling with happiness.
Their routine continued.
Ultra Magnus was waiting for Swerve outside his door. They walked together to the refectory and shared their morning energon in public. Ultra Magnus left first, as always, and Swerve went to his own shift, feeling as though he were dancing up in the clouds or among the stars.
His shift partner, Rewind, seemed equally enthused. He was all but bouncing with glee.
“What has you so happy?” Swerve asked.
“Oh,” Rewind said and tapped his camera. “Just a little something I saw last night.” His visor lit up with amusement.
Swerve stared at him. Numerous things had happened yesterday. To which was Rewind referring? “Like what?” he asked, aiming for nonchalance. Though he suspected he failed spectacularly.
“Like a little interaction between you and Ultra Magnus and the adorable kiss that followed,” Rewind said. He propped his chin on his hands and stared at Swerve, completely ignoring his work. “You two are sweeter than Domey's favorite energon snack.”
Swerve felt his face color. He ducked his head. “Is that a compliment?”
“It's not an insult.” Rewind chuckled. “I still wonder how come you never told us before. We'd have been happy for you. And I've never seen you happier now.”
The heat deepened. “Just... reasons,” he said. “Part of them being Exhibit A, which is how much everyone keeps sticking their noses into our business. You know how everyone on this ship gossips.”
“Including you,” Rewind pointed out.
Swerve managed a grin. “Including me.” He tapped the counter. “Now, come on. Don't we have work to do?”
“What is it they say about conjunx taking on the habits of each other?” Rewind asked as he dragged himself upright. “Because you certainly sounded like Ultra Magnus just then.”
Swerve face turned scarlet. “Oh, hush.”
Rewind cackled.
Nothing had changed and yet the world felt like a different place. After leaving Swerve in the refectory, Ultra Magnus went to the bridge where an ill-looking Megatron informed him that he had command and Magnus could go explore the ship or something. Magnus didn't know what had offended the former Decepticon leader and was in no mood to ask, so he did as Megatron ordered and made himself scarce.
He ran into Rung first, the psychologist on his way to his office where no doubt his first patient waited for him. Ultra Magnus would have checked the schedule, but for privacy's sake, Rung didn't post it publicly.
“Good morning,” Rung said with a brilliant smile. “You look to be in a fine mood today, Ultra Magnus.”
Rung had been one of the few, after the Tyrest incident, to pull Ultra Magnus aside and ask him how he'd like to be addressed. Any misgivings Magnus had about Rung had been summarily abandoned after that consideration.
“I am. Thank you, Rung,” he replied, tilting his head in greeting. “All is well, I trust?”
Rung nibbled on a handful of energon sticks. “No troubles as far as I can see. Everyone seems to be enjoying this little vacation. The Exelons are friendly.”
To a certain extent, Ultra Magnus thought with a wince. “That is good to hear.”
“Yes, it is. They are also excited about the upcoming nuptials.” There was something sly in the look Rung slanted his direction.
Ultra Magnus coughed into his palm. “I admit that it probably came as a surprise to everyone.”
Rung made a noncommittal noise. “You know, I am impressed,” he said, his tone quiet but ripe with meaning. “I had first thought it to be a crass joke among the crew when I heard you and Swerve were engaged. But given what I've observed, you two are very happy together.”
Ultra Magnus nodded. Rung was one of the few he expected would suss out the truth first. But since he hadn't, Magnus wasn't sure what to think. That he and Swerve were truly suited for each other?
“Thank you,” he said. “Swerve... makes me happy.” Part of him felt bad for lying to Rung, but a part of him also realized that it wasn't entirely untrue.
This past week's worth of pretense had left Ultra Magnus in higher spirits than he would have expected. He found himself enjoying the extra time he spent with Swerve, to the point where meeting Swerve for meals or comming him in the middle of the day was less because of the ruse and more because he wanted to.
“And there it is, my proof,” Rung said as they came to a stop in front of his office. He patted Ultra Magnus' arm. “That smile looks good on you.”
He was smiling?
Ultra Magnus cycled his optics and touched the corner of his mouth with his finger. Indeed he was. His faceplate burned a little at the realization. He was smiling whilst thinking about Swerve.
Rung chuckled. “As I said, I'm glad to see you so happy.”
Ultra Magnus inclined his helm. “As am I. Have a good day, Rung.”
“You as well.”
Rung vanished into his office, Ultra Magnus continued on his rounds. He managed, somehow, to smooth away the smile. But the next time he passed a reflective surface, there was no denying the friendlier cast to his face.
Perhaps he would comm Swerve after all.
Swerve's comm chimed. He didn't bother to hide his smile when he recognized the sender either. “Excuse me,” he said loudly, turning his frame away from them all. “I have to take this.”
He ignored the playful teasing that followed and activated his communicator.
“What's up?” he asked.
Ultra Magnus' vocals came through the line and Swerve tried not to shiver. “Nothing dire,” he replied. “I simply wanted to talk to you.”
It's so close to “I wanted to hear your voice” that Swerve almost melted then and there. Ultra Magnus was far too good at this.
“Oh.” Swerve squirmed. “Well, I'm not doing much. Just a few earlybirds trying to catch the engex roboworm. You know, the usual crew.”
“I can imagine,” Ultra Magnus replied, humor rich in his tones. Swerve could just imagine him standing on the bridge, a slight curve to his lips that hinted of amusement. “And I am quite certain that if you turned around right now, they would all be watching you, and in Rewind's case, recording.”
Swerve all but giggled. “You'd be right.” He paused to absently wipe at the counter, though he knew it was clean already. “You coming by the bar tonight?”
“I wouldn't miss it for anything. We have a wedding to plan after all.”
“Yeah, we do.” Swerve's spark did several flips of excitement. “I'm sure you have to get back to work so I guess I'll see you later.”
Ultra Magnus made a noncommittal noise. “Blaster is staring so that is indeed the case. See you soon.”
The comm line clicked, indicating that Ultra Magnus had closed the connection. Swerve had to take a moment to get composed before he danced in place and made a fool of himself. It took all he had to turn back around calmly.
“Well, that's taken care of, so does anyone need a refill?” he asked and he didn't bother to hide the grin on his face. He was far too giddy.
“You,” Skids said, propping his chin on his knuckles, “are absolutely adorable like this, just thought I'd say so.”
There it was again, the heat in his face that he couldn't hide. At this rate, the wiring might short out and he'd have to get First Aid to take a look at it. “Um. I'm... taken?”
Getaway laughed and nudged his best friend with an elbow. “Don't think that's what he meant, but Skids does have a point. You're glowing, Swerve.”
“I am not!”
“You are,” Tailgate said. He leaned over the counter to grope beneath it, searching for the straw Swerve had neglected to get him. “But you know, I'm curious. Cyclonus is twice my size, but Ultra Magnus is like three times yours. How does that work?”
“Work?” Swerve repeated, his vocals faint.
Getaway all but giggled. “Well, when two mechs love each other...”
“Not what I meant!” Tailgate huffed and he kicked Getaway's stool, only to wince as the dull thud echoed through the bar. “I'm just saying, Ultra Magnus is very large. How do they manage to 'face without hurting each other?”
Swerve fumbled Skids' refill, barely catching himself from spilling it. “That's,” he spluttered. The glass landed on the countertop with a dull thunk. “That's none of anyone's business.”
Especially since they hadn't and weren't ever going to and it was disappointing enough that Swerve would never get to know without them speculating. Besides. He had done quite enough theorizing on his own, thank you very much.
“Things stretch,” Skids said, tone thick with amusement. He braced one elbow on the counter. “Or didn't Cyclonus tell you that?”
It was Tailgate's turn to stammer as his optical band flared. “No one asked you!” he squeaked.
Swerve chuckled as Getaway threw an arm over Tailgate's shoulder and whispered something into his audial that made Tailgate's visor flash. More laughter rose from the group of mechs as the teasing turned from Swerve and Ultra Magnus, to Tailgate's long-standing crush on a seemingly oblivious Cyclonus.
Phew. Crisis averted.
“There's a problem.”
Ultra Magnus came to a dead stop in the middle of the hallway, heedless to the fact he was holding up traffic. The last time Rodimus had called him with that tone of voice it was to say that he was about to be executed.
“What kind of problem?” Ultra Magnus demanded. Every hydraulic and line in his frame went tense. Even his spark clenched.
“The kind where your legal name isn't Ultra Magnus,” Rodimus said and he huffed over the comm line. Magnus imagined he was rolling his optics. “That's the name that's going to have to be on the paperwork we submit to the Exelons. They are demanding proof that you exist. The Minimus Ambus you.”
Ultra Magnus' mouth opened and closed. He pressed his palm to his face and pinched the crest of his forehelm. “Proof,” he repeated. At least, he reasoned, it wasn't Rodimus calling to claim he'd committed another felony. Or done something else ill-advised.
“They want to see Minimus Ambus,” Rodimus clarified, and an edge of humor started to leak into his vocals. “Tonight. At the dance in your honor. That's not going to be an issue, is it? I know the Magnus Armor comes off.”
“It does. Not easily, but yes, it can.”
He simply didn't want to. Especially not around a group of lifeforms who were surprisingly well-armed for their organic nature. And who had already exhibited a willingness to execute an alien race for an honest mistake.
“Well, then there's no problem!” Rodimus all but chirped. “Especially since Perceptor thinks he might have found something. He said not to get too excited because he wants to run a bazillion tests first, but Brainstorm seemed pretty optimistic.”
“One can only hope,” Ultra Magnus said and he cycled a ventilation. “I'll leave the armor behind tonight. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a wedding to plan.”
He ended the comm before Rodimus could either laugh or tease him or say something inane that would only cause Magnus' ire to double. He adored Rodimus, he truly did, but sometimes, his flame-painted captain was an irritant on the level of scraplets itching through his processor. Sometimes, it just didn't pay to be the rational mind on a journey full of miscreants and juveniles.
No wonder Megatron was so irritated all the time. Surely he hadn't had to put up with this nonsense as a Decepticon warlord.
Ultra Magnus shook his head and altered his course. Ratchet was gone, but First Aid was in the medbay and try as he might, Magnus would need help to remove the armor. After all, it was never meant to be so casually set aside.
Minimus was never meant to exist outside the armor.
Ultra Magnus was busy. In comparison, Swerve was not. So most of the wedding preparation was left to him.
Luckily, or unluckily depending on who you asked, the Exelons were so intrigued by the concept of a Cybertronian marriage that they were being exceedingly helpful. They'd agreed to cater and all Swerve had to do was approve the menu, a hearty collection of Cybertronian treats and nibbles along with varieties of engex. They'd offered a team of interior designers who, upon Rodimus' suggestion, decorated one of the meeting rooms for the auspicious occasion.
Swerve was half-afraid to look if Rodimus had been behind the design. No doubt it was bright and colorful and covered in flames and Rodimus faces.
There were no invitations to send because everyone was invited. That made things easier. Rodimus was going to preside over the ceremony. Rewind was going to record. Tailgate was to stand as witness for Swerve, and Megatron was to stand as witness for Ultra Magnus. Blaster was all set to provide music, though Swerve had been stern in what he considered acceptable songs. He wanted something appropriate for Ultra Magnus' tastes, not the crew at large.
Not that it mattered, Swerve realized on glum occasion. They weren't getting married for real. It was all part of the ruse. If all went well, they'd never even have to make use of all these preparations. But that didn't mean said preparations didn't need to be made.
It was a touch disheartening, but Swerve powered through it.
He made arrangements for the reception as well, where the snacks would be served. There would be music and dancing, the latter of which Swerve ruminated on with longing. He'd danced before, by himself, in the privacy of his habsuite. But never in public and never with a partner. It was one of his lifelong fantasies.
He wouldn't get to do that either.
Swerve sighed and got back to work, ignoring the look the Exelon gave him and the snicker Tailgate and Rewind shared. They probably thought he was thinking blissfully about Ultra Magnus. Which he was, but not for the reason they suspected.
“So. How's it going?”
There was a Rodimus lounging on his desk. Again.Hadn't they already spoken once today?
Try as he might, Ultra Magnus could not ignore his errant captain, who looked perfectly relaxed despite the glaring explosive device strapped around his intake. Rodimus was also grinning, his spoiler wings twitching as though he held some juicy secret.
Ultra Magnus blinked at him, looking up from stacks of datawork he hadn't had time for as of late. “You'll have to be more specific in your query.”
Rodimus laughed. His smile doubled in size. “You. Swerve. A fake marriage that's looking oh so real.”
“That is of little importance. You should be more concerned about whether or not Perceptor and Brainstorm are going to figure the Exelon technology in time.”
Rodimus' field spiked, betraying the unease buried deep within it. He folded his arms across the edge of Ultra Magnus' desk and made a nuisance of himself. Typical behavior really.
“I worry about that endlessly, Mags. What I need is a distraction before I suffer a spark-attack. I trust my scientists. Right now, I wanna know about you and Swerve.”
Ultra Magnus let silence settle as he finished up his report, giving it his full attention. He registered that Rodimus was shifting with impatience and that Rodimus' grin was slowly fading away to a frown. But this needed to be done.
He didn't see fit to answer Rodimus' question until the final piece of punctuation had been added and he could save his work. Then he gave Rodimus his full attention.
“What do you wish to know?” He hoped it was not about the kiss. Not because Ultra Magnus regretted it, but because he knew Rodimus would make a deal out of it and Ultra Magnus wasn't that to examine the reasons why in depth.
Rodimus leaned back, tilting his helm. “You're getting along?”
“We're not arguing. Swerve is very amenable. We are surprisingly well-matched,” Ultra Magnus said.
“Mm-hm.” Rodimus' lips tilted back toward a smile. “He's a chatter box, but he's cute. Not my type, but to each his own.”
“Type,” Ultra Magnus repeated. His optics narrowed at his captain. “You do realize that our relationship is only a farce, yes?”
Rodimus chuckled and folded his arms over his chestplate. “Relationships have had worse beginnings. You're seeing a side of Swerve he doesn't normally show now. And vice versa. For what it's worth, you two are adorable together.”
His gaze dropped to his desk and his array of datapads. These were safer. “He is a good companion,” Ultra Magnus admitted. “I am having more fun than I could have expected.”
“Noticed you meeting him for energon every morning.”
“It seemed like something two mechs in a genuine relationship would do,” Ultra Magnus retorted. It felt like Rodimus was fishing for something.
Rodimus sucked on his bottom lip. “Sure, sure,” he said, and pushed the chair into a tilt, rocking back and forth on it. “But you know, I was watching one day and I could have sworn I saw you smiling. Which, let me tell you, was adorable.”
Ultra Magnus sighed and pinched the bridge of his olfactory sensor. “Rodimus, what point are you getting at?”
“None really. Just stating some observations.” Rodimus' feet hit the ground and he rocketed to his feet with flair, per the usual. He braced a hand on the desk and leaned toward Ultra Magnus. “But you're busy so I'll leave. I just wanted to, you know, give you something to think about. Like what happens after we're free and clear of Exelon.”
“I don't know what you mean.”
Rodimus grinned and spun toward the door. “Of course you don't. It's just energon for your thoughts. Try not to get so wrapped up in your work that you forget.”
“I won't.” Ultra Magnus resisted the urge to roll his optics. It was undignified and tarnished the name of Ultra Magnus. He dragged his datapad stack closer, intending to return to work.
Rodimus chuckled. “I know you won't. Just a reminder, big guy. See you at the party.”
“Goodbye, Rodimus.”
“You're blushing again.”
“I am not!” Swerve retorted. Just because his cheeks were heated did not mean he was blushing.
“You are!” Whirl cackled and leaned against the counter, clacking his pincers together. “Kinda cute when ya blush, too. Too bad Magnus snapped ya up already.”
Swerve rolled his optics. “You weren't interested before, Whirl. Don't pretend you are now.” His spark gave a little flip though. He'd spent so long being ignored that he wasn't sure what to do with all this sudden attention.
“Don't be so sure, motormouth. Maybe ya were just blind before.”
“Back off, Nutjob,” Tailgate said, literally hip-bumping Whirl to the side which was rather comical as it almost sent Whirl sprawling. “You're talking to a mech promised to another.”
Swerve chuckled. “I don't take him seriously, Tailgate.” He never had. He still doubted that Whirl was serious.
“That's not the point,” Tailgate said as he lifted his head. He climbed up onto the stool and propped his elbows on the counter. “Why are you still here anyway? Shouldn't you be getting ready for the party?”
“He's nervous,” Whirl offered from the floor.
“I'm not nervous,” Swerve shot back. “I have no reason to be nervous. Magnus is, well, Magnus is great. He's a lot friendlier than everyone gives him credit for. He listens when I talk to him. He's a great... um, I mean. He's just great.” The last thing he was going to do was talk about that kiss. He enjoyed it too much to share.
“Well, that sounds like a ringing endorsement,” Whirl said.
Tailgate shook his helm. “Ignore him, Swerve. He sounds jealous.” He propped his chin on his hands. “Go on. Tell us more about Ultra Magnus.”
“Not jealous!” Whirl announced and he dragged himself back to his feet. He climbed into the chair next to Tailgate. “Just confused. You kept it a secret a long time. I'm impressed.”
“Needs must.” Swerve shrugged. “Now seemed as good as any to tell everyone. At the rate this quest is going, well, no point in pretending, right?”
“That's terribly romantic,” Tailgate said.
Whirl made gagging noises.
Swerve ignored him. Tailgate was right. He did sound jealous. And Swerve couldn't even tell him that had no reason to be. That it was all false, despite Swerve's enthusiasm.
“Yeah,” Swerve agreed. “It is.”
If anyone asked, he would refuse to admit he was nervous. Deep down, however, anxiety had left him gnawing on the inside of his mouth.
Removing the Magnus Armor was no easy task. In that moment, Minimus really missed Ratchet. The medic's skill would have come in handy. He'd gone to First Aid, but as friendly and helpful as the younger medic was, he wasn't familiar with the armor. It had still been a long, involved process.
He felt bare and exposed as the heavy outer came off, leaving him as Minimus Ambus. Not even pseudo-Minimus, but the irreducible version of himself. This size, he was even smaller than Swerve.
He didn't like the reminder that he wasn't Ultra Magnus. He didn't want to show up at Swerve's door looking like this. He didn't want to see the disappointment in Swerve's optical band.
It occurred to him that he'd gotten far too used to seeing Swerve excited to see him. He'd enjoyed Swerve's smiles. His soft laughs.
Ultra Magnus was a mech worth marrying. Minimus Ambus wasn't.
He stripped off the rest of the armor and left it in a careful stack. Then he was left with himself, a paint job that needed a good waxing, and a disappointed reflection.
He was not looking forward to this party at all.
Swerve couldn't stop smiling. It was a mix of excitement and anxiety, all blending together and causing his tanks to flip and his hands to wring together.
Another party. Another chance to be close to Ultra Magnus. What wasn't there to be excited about?
“Keep still. I'm almost done,” Skids said.
“Thanks for helping me,” Swerve replied as he forced his frame to freeze. “Rewind offered but then Chromedome dragged him off and that's all he wrote.”
The buffing cloth rubbed across the top of his back, getting the last few streaks of stray wax. “Sure, kid. No problem. Gotta look your best for tonight, right?”
“Right.” Swerve managed a wavering smile. All he wanted was to not make a fool of himself.
“You'll do fine.” Skids patted him on the shoulder, his field thick with reassurance. “You'll have Magnus next to you anyway. I don't think there's a law he doesn't know.”
Swerve chuckled. “You're right about that. I don't have anything to worry about.” At least, nothing he could tell his friends.
Skids stepped back. “Okay. I think you're good. Smart and shiny. Magnus won't be able to keep his hands off you. Well, in private anyway.”
His face burned again. The kiss was amazing. He had high doubts – but also hopes – that it would ever go further than that. It wasn't in the agreement.
“I guess we'll see,” Swerve said.
One more party. More than a week down. They were speeding closer and closer to an actual wedding.
He just had to keep himself together.
a/n:Is it just me, or are these two getting cuter? :)
Feedback, as always, is welcome and appreciated.
