Simple Misperceptions

Consider it Serious

Walking into their favorite local energon bar, “Platinum”, the two commanders were shown to their regular private seating area. The establishment had the cozy feel of an upscale restaurant; with private cubicles built that would each sit up to ten of the larger mechs. Each of these cubicles had its own wide screen TV, similar to the one that Raptor had in her quarters. They had done this when the Earth mechs had become regulars; for those mechs had a lust for entertainment and fun, tipped well, and would sit for hours in decent sized groups – playing poker and drinking amongst friends.

They had also modified their ‘menu’ due to the Earth mechs. For having a significant portion of their chassis being constructed of carbon fiber, these mechs needed to replenish their carbon stores periodically. So the owners of Platinum had started experimenting with various mixtures of carbon-filled drinks; primarily using some type of hydrocarbon liquid media to mix it in. They were well known for their generosity, and most of the time their Earth mech clients were offered a ‘free sample’ of their newest concoction, in order to tell the staff if it was palatable or not.

The color scene was in calming shades of green and tan. Yet another touch created for the Earth mech clientele.

“Would you like your regular drinks, or would you like to try something new?” Sidebender asked as they sat down. She’d been their waitress for months, and had always been highly attentive to their needs on their numerous ‘working lunches’.

Raptor looked up at her and smiled warmly. She knew that the bartenders really loved it when she agreed to taste test a new idea. Usually it was decent, but occasionally Optimus got a good laugh as she coughed and sputtered. But she always made sure to be polite and specific about her critique. Glancing over at Prime with a mischievous smile on her face she said “You know Sidebender, today feels like a day for the unexpected.”

Smiling warmly, the waitress left them to go make their drinks.

“Yes, I’d agree with that observation,” Optimus said quietly. Unlatching his facemask, he set it next to him on the table. He liked this particular bar because of the privacy. He could still go out ‘in public’, but not feel like everyone was staring at him when he removed his facemask. Looking down at the mask, he wondered why he’d never gotten over that sensation. At his age, he should’ve – shouldn’t he have? Shoving that thought to the back of his meta, he met Raptor’s optics.

Sitting directly across from him, she set her elbows on the table put her hands together, and set her chin on them. Her crimson optics gleamed in the lowered lighting of the cubicle. “So, for all these months we’ve been both secretly lusting after each other – and yet neither one of us was bright enough to see it? Do you realize how hysterical this situation truly is?” She chuckled as she looked at him.

He nodding, leaning back in his chair. He had to admit, the plain femme looked quite striking in that particular pose. “And if you hadn’t gotten so upset at Thundercracker, we still wouldn’t realize it.” He chuckled at the thought. “Perhaps I should go thank him later on for being such a typical Decepticon male?”

Enjoying the play of the flickering ‘fake fire’ lights now dancing over Prime’s chassis, Raptor cocked her head. She could just picture the Seeker’s outraged look when he realized that through his own callousness, he had given another male the opportunity. “Just have Red Alert wire you with a hidden camera, the look on his face might win us ten thousand dollars from that human show ‘Galaxy’s Funniest Video’. We’ll split it.” She chuckled some more. For now she had to honestly admit that she wasn’t mad at the blue Seeker in the least, for he had unwittedly given her so much more…

Sidebender came back with the drinks. She set Optimus’s glass of energon down in front of him. And then set two glasses in front of Raptor; one with energon the other with the carbon drink. She waited patiently for Raptor to take a sip of the new concoction.

Taking a very small sip, Raptor rolled it around in her mouth letting her sensors detect its constituents. She smiled as she swallowed, the brew being directed smoothly into her port storage unit. Her sensors automatically changed the flow route, depending on if it was energon or carbon that she consumed. “This mix is very good; tell him to add just a touch more molasses next time.”

Beaming with pride, Sidebender trotted out to tell the bartender that the new carbon drink was a hit.

Sipping his energon, Optimus watched her sip from energon to carbon drink. He was still amazed at how different these Earth mechs truly were. They were built out of different materials and even elements. They had a streak of human creativity that the Cybertronians would never fully understand. Their culture was even different, more human than mech. But even with all these differences, they were Transformers too, and looked upon the Cybertronians as their equals and allies.

But dating an Earth mech could have complications due to their cultural differences. Even with Raptor’s eons of experience living amongst Cybertronians, he felt it was better to get everything out in the open between them. She was mature enough to not get offended at his bluntness, to understand completely why they had to go into this with their optics open..

“Raptor, I need to know something,” he started.

Politely, she set her drink down and gave him her full attention. “And that is?”

“Are we going to date casually or seriously?” He hoped she understood the Cybertronian differentiation between the two types.

“I’m assuming you’re going by Cybertronian definitions?” Raptor asked as she cocked her head in curiosity.

He nodded, “of course.”

“Hmmm, that leads to some interesting questions that must be answered first, now doesn’t it?” The flickering lights danced over her dull helm, being absorbed more than reflected. But it seemed to add intensity to her question.

He took another sip of his energon as he nodded. His assumption of her taking this conversation well; had been correct. So now he’d let her take the lead.

“So what are you looking for Prime? Long-term or short-term?” Raptor asked, though she was pretty sure she knew the answer.

“I’m sure you already have an idea. Long-term,” he answered. He took another sip. “And yourself?”

“The same,” she simply said. Picking up her carbon drink, she took another sip, letting it sit for a second in her mouth as she enjoyed its sweetness. Swallowing, she cocked her head, her crimson optics locking with his. “You understand that Earth mechs process things much differently than Cybertronians – Especially myself. Can you deal with that?” she asked.

He chuckled. “After being your roommate for three Earth months, I’m well-aware of that fact. I think I am very able to deal with the differences.” He actually winked at her. It was partially those differences that had made her so attractive to him. For Earth mechs thought of family – first and foremost. Cybertronians tended to think of themselves as the center.

“So, I guess we can consider the last few Earth months of ‘hanging out as friends’ as the first dating stage?” Raptor asked. She grinned miscievously as she winked at him, still thinking of how funny it was that the two of them hadn't realized each other's interest in that time period.

“You are very well-versed in Cybertronian protocol concerning dating, my compliments,” Optimus said. He relaxed a bit as he realized that this was going far better than he had thought it would. It did help that she was his age; that was for sure.

“Hmmm, I must say going the ‘serious’ route is slightly depressing – since I must admit I’d love to get my hands on your chassis right now,” Raptor joked. She winked at him as she noticed his slight deepening blue shade. It was entertaining to see him caught off guard by her bluntness. But if they went ‘the serious dating route’ per Cybertronian protocol, it meant that they refrained from bonding until they had proven to each other that they understood their innermost mech.

Optimus leaned forward, sliding his hand palm-up, across the table towards her. Warmth spread through him as she understood his unspoken physical language and wrapped her fingers around his. “But the potential reward overrides any temporary hardship, does it not?”

She squeezed his fingers, agreeing with him on that statement. “But I will demand an Earth mech modification of the standard protocol.” Her ruby orbs seemed to brighten slightly.

“And that modification would be?” Prime asked, he cocked his head in curiosity over what she would demand.

She pushed their drinks out of the way. Standing up she motioned to him like she was going to whisper something in his audios. He leaned forward to listen, and then his optics widened in surprise as she took his lips. Her glossa slipped in, gently caressing, exploring, causing electric energy to bolt through his systems as he responded to her with his own glossa. For a long moment they kissed, and then she pulled away, sliding a finger lightly down his lips. “The modification is this. If I can’t have the rest of you for now, I still get those.”

Still feeling that his systems were a little too warm, Prime could do nothing more than nod.

Finding a Planner

Lunch had gone well, far better than he’d ever expected. Granted, this entire day had gone better than he’d ever dreamed! Optimus had a youthful bounce in his step as he strolled through the Cybertonian Command Center towards his office.

“Um, sir, did you get the disturbance straightened out sufficiently?” Hotshot asked as he walked by.

Turning briefly towards the yellow mech, Optimus’s smile remained hidden behind his mask “I was able to get the misunderstanding cleared up. Send some officers to the quarters of: Thundercracker, Skywarp, Dirge and Ramjet. They are out of house arrest, but are not to approach Raptor unless they receive written orders to.” He nodded to the mech and continued the trek to his office.

Hotshot watched him walk away. Something was different about Prime, and he just couldn’t put a finger on it. Trying to think of just what it was, he stood still for a moment. But his logic circuits just couldn’t make heads or tails of it. Sighing in disgust with himself, Hotshot went to his office to forward Prime’s orders.

--

Sitting down at his desk, the big mech mused over his new problem. He had to find a way to understand Raptor’s ‘inner mech’ and create a date solely based on those interests. Because she was an Earth mech, he knew there was absolutely no way he could complete this task on his own. And he knew exactly who to ask for assistance….

“Alexis, are you busy?” Prime’s voice asked over the radio.

Surprised, the woman answered; “just working on some routine paperwork, why?” She looked at the mountain of files she was supposed to be sorting through. Granted, she had been, until Rad had shown up. Let’s just say, the paperwork was forgotten for a little while…

“Could you come by my office?” the Cybertron Commander asked.

She and Rad looked at each other with bemused expressions; Optimus had a rather strange tone to his voice. Telling Prime she’d be over shortly, Alexis started to get dressed again, grinning at her husband who was also hurriedly getting his clothes back on. Alexis shrugged at her husband. “Guess you never truly understand these mechs,” she mused.

Giving her a kiss, Rad winked at her. “Well, I’ll be waiting for you back at our quarters, and then we’ll finish what we started here.” He winked at her as she unlocked her office door.

“Mmmmm, if we’re going to finish it – make sure you last longer, ok?” she said sweetly. Striding down the hall of the Earth mech Embassy, she chuckled as she pictured the blush on Rad’s face after her parting comment.

--

Walking into Prime’s office, Alexis was amused as she noticed there were now a few pieces of artwork on the walls. She knew the mech had been sharing a place with the Earth Commander for a few months; and obviously, the human-sparked Seeker was teaching him some art appreciation. Which was highly intriguing since the Cybertronian mechs weren’t known for their creative thinking abilities. Whether or not the two were truly a couple, was still a subject of intense speculation – for no one dared to ask the two Commanders directly.

The red mech leaned back in his chair as she came in. Jumping up on his desk, the woman settled herself in one of the very comfortable chairs that were kept there for this reason.

Smiling at her old friend, she asked; “so what can I help you with?”

The red mech studied her, then leaned forward and put his chin on his hand. “How does a human male go about arranging an incredible first date with a human female?” he asked. His tone was one of complete seriousness.

Alexis’s mouth fell open. Apparently he and Raptor were not currently a couple; and the only reason he’d ask this – was because he must’ve asked the human-sparked Seeker out. The woman knew a little about the strange ‘Cybertronian dating protocol’ theology, so she knew if Prime wanted to date Raptor ‘seriously’, then he basically had to come up with a ‘dream date.’ Alexis felt her stomach jump in excitement, for it’d be great if her two friends eventually became bond mates! They were perfect for each other!

It did made perfect sense for the mech to ask a human woman for advice when dealing with Raptor. For the human-sparked Seeker would be beyond confusing for a ‘logic driven’ Cybertronian to really understand.

“First you need to know what the woman likes to do,” Alexis began. She leaned forward as she studied Prime’s reaction closely. She hoped her suspicions concerning Raptor were correct.

“Hmm..” he leaned back in thought. “She seems to like art, sports and the outdoors.”

Yep, they were most definitely discussing Raptor! Alexis thought; elation running through her, since she felt their personalities would really work well together as a couple. Since the Seeker was one of her best friends, Alexis knew the femme inside and out. Thinking hard, her eyes lit up as she came up with the perfect date. “I have an idea Prime; why don’t you get tickets to one of her favorite NFL team’s games? Make a long weekend out of it! Camp out at Yellowstone while you’re there.” Grinning she came up with the perfect way to finish the weekend; “then give her a piece of art work from one of the artists that she likes.”

Prime considered the idea. He was amazed at how quickly the human woman had thrown all those ideas and interests together like that. He’d have spent weeks trying to logically conclude each and every one – then try to match a date to it. There were advantages to this creativity-based thinking. “Could you arrange all this for me? I’ll give you my account numbers,” he leaned forward, his voice in a conspiratorial whisper; “don’t spare any expense – and don’t tell ANYONE!”

“Sure thing Optimus,” Alexis said happily. She left his office with a bounce to her step.

-----

Surprises

Optimus settled himself along her top line, bracing his legs against the inside of her canted vertical tails. He smiled behind his mask as he felt the minicons ratcheting him down, securing him for the long teleports back to Earth.

He had pulled the same stunt that Raptor had, using his rank as the Cybertronian Commander to insist that he needed to learn how Earth Mech Command was run. This would make both Commands run more smoothly together. His friend had just narrowed her crimson optics, giving him her best ‘you’re full of sh’ look. But she had agreed to let him join her at her home base.

Yes, the Seeker was a tad odd compared to the way Cybertronians thought. But Optimus kept reminding himself that was simply because she was human-sparked. He hoped that eventually he could get used to the differences.

He felt her warming up her plasma engines, and as they lifted off from Cybertron’s surface, she banked around the horizon as she gained altitude. Looking down, he saw his home as he used to dream of it – in peace. Enjoying the sensation of her fuselage against his armor, he hoped that his spark would be bonded again. Like his planet, he’d be at peace again.

Then the cool plasma of warp phase consumed him.

--

Sighing in resignation, Raptor pulled another file off the mountain that was on her desk. Would she ever get through the damned paperwork?! She’d been back for over a week now, but the stack merely seemed to grow instead of shrink.. Grinding her jaws together, she scanned through the file, getting the general gist, and then searching for the line to sign. Yes, she’d had just as much paperwork to do at the Cybertronian Earth Embassy, but somehow it had seemed to go faster..

Leaning back in her chair, she rubbed the front part of her helm. She swore that if mechs could actually get headaches, she’d have one right now! Deciding to take a ‘break’ from the paperwork for a bit, she turned her optics to the large window on the right side of her office. She blankly watched the clouds roll by, wishing that she was feeling the uplift under her wings as she soared right now.. The peaceful sound of Earth’s high altitude winds filling her audios.. The singing of her human-spark as her home planet rolled by underneath her outstretched carbide wings..

Bringing herself back into reality, she sighed. A mischievous grin spread over her face as she realized just why her paperwork seemed so mundane right now. It was because she knew that she had a mech that she was interested in, and knew that he felt the same way. She chuckled at herself for getting distracted this badly by her personal life. But it was very distracting to be having working lunches with the Cybertronian Commander, and having him assigned to quarters right next to hers – both of them trying to maintain their professionality, while both knowing full well that they were highly attracted to each other.

What made it even more humorous, and distracting, was the fact that the two of them had managed to actually share quarters and even a bunk back on Cybertron – and had not felt this distraction at all! Granted, that was before they’d realized how blind they’d both been about each other. Right before returning to her home base with the Cybertronian Commander ‘in tow’, they’d agreed to date seriously… That was just the start of the distraction problem..

Glaring at the mountain of paperwork on her desk, Raptor grimaced as she pulled the next file off the top. She and Optimus couldn’t start that ‘serious dating’ until she’d gotten her workload down to a manageable level. And it wouldn’t get there if she kept stopping and staring out the window like some bored student!

Hearing a rasp on her door, Raptor looked up as Optimus strode in. She could tell he had a slag-eating smile hidden behind his mask. Cocking her head in curiosity, she wondered just what the big mech was up to?

Without even a word of greeting, he rather boldly plopped himself down on the corner of her desk. His amber optics glittered in humor as he locked with hers. The Earth Commander narrowed her optics, because her room mate of all mechs knew that she hated mech afts on her desk! Before she could start lecturing him about where his aft was, Prime asked; “So what are you doing this weekend?”

Taken aback, the gray/green Seeker nodded to the sheer mountain of paperwork covering her desk. Her jaw dropped in disbelief as Prime nonchalantly swiped his arm across the mountain, causing it to go flying around the room. Flying through the air like a bunch of paper airplanes all launched at once, before settling down so thickly on the floor that you couldn’t even see the intricate tile pattern of it. Holding up a hand before she could start cussing at him, he casually tossed a yellow envelop onto her now-clean desk. “I’ve got more important ‘work’ for you to attend to.”

Still not sure about just what the mech was up to, Raptor held back the lecture she really wanted to give him, and picked up the envelop. Sliding a hand into it, her optics opened wide in shock at the two tickets she held in her hand.

“You didn’t..” she stammered, looking at a pair of play off tickets for her all-time favorite NFL team. This was their first time in twenty years to even make it this far! She had already set up a play off ‘party’ in her quarters for the event. But to actually get to be there in ‘person’ – was just unbelievable! How’d he arrange it?!

He nodded, thankful that his mask concealed his grin, which was getting more slag-eating by the astrosecond! He’d been told that it was more effective to do this whole thing as a surprise for the Seeker, and his human friends had worked very hard in coaching him on just how to ‘perform’, since this type of behavior was just not natural for the logic driven Cybertronian. From her reaction, all of his practice and preparations had been well-worth the time and effort. “There’s more in the envelope.”

Dumping the rest of the envelope’s contents out on the desk; Raptor unfolded a large aerial map. There was an ‘X’ drawn on a particular location. “This is Yellowstone!” she cried, her optics wide in excitement as she immediately recognized it from all her low-altitude flights over the region. She truly loved that National Park, and she had always wished she could be a ‘tourist’ and visit it as such. But at her, um, size – she just hadn’t thought that was possible.

Calmly, Prime leaned over and put his finger on the X. “And that’s our campsite,” he informed her. He enjoyed the look of total amazement and excitement that came over her face. She was a hard one to surprise, and to do it so completely – was actually very enjoyable. Logging this fact in his memory banks, he decided that he’d find some way to surprise her periodically. It wasn’t logical, but with the help of Alexis and Rad, he knew he could come up with these schemes. And according to the humans, they enjoyed these pleasant, yet highly unexpected, surprises; which meant that the human-sparked Seeker should enjoy them as well! Yes, he had a lot to learn about dating a human-spark, but he had the perfect friends to teach him….

She scanned the entire map, “That’s on the east side of the crater. Wow! We’ll see much of the park from there!” She was already picturing the incredible view in her meta. It was just simply, amazing!

Standing up, he made for the door. Holding back his internal chuckle, he knew he was going to really enjoy both shocking her and having the ‘last word’ at the same time. Looking back at the shocked Seeker, he nodded; “Meet you at the campsite in four hours.” Then he left, for he still had a lot left to do… Her surprises were far from over…

-----

Campsite

Raptor lay on her belly, basking her solar cells in the rays of the setting sun, as well as looking longingly over the valleys of Yellowstone. This was truly, the most perfect campsite she’d ever been to! The views were absolutely spectacular! She could even see part of the lake from here.

Her audios picked up the sound of a semi coming up the access road. She smiled, knowing exactly who it was. Turning over, she sat up and waited for him to come into view. Crimson optics widened in surprise when she finally caught sight of him. For he was straining under the heavy load of a fully loaded flatbed trailer filled with logs!

Getting to her thrusters, she watched him as he finally made it up the last incline and pulled up near her. As the air brakes locked, he unhitched and transformed. Noticing her confused expression, he just shrugged; “Well, the park rangers said we couldn’t harvest wood off the park land. So we had to bring our own.”

Turning towards the trailer, he nodded for her to join him. “Though I’ll need some help cutting and stacking it.”

Looking at the big mech with amusement dancing in her optics, Raptor just nodded and began to help him. As they worked, it reminded her of eons ago, when she did a similar thing with her human husband. Yes, the scale was much different, but the enjoyment of working side-by-side was the same.

As they finished up, darkness was beginning to fall. Raptor had no problem, for she just switched on her infrared and night vision sensors – seeing everything like it was day. Helping her mech friend, they got some of the wood properly stacked for a bomb fire. Sitting down, Raptor casually started the blaze with a short blast from a thruster.

For a few minutes, she watched the flames dance. And then she realized that Prime was still over at the trailer. Looking up, she focused her optics on what he was doing. He was fumbling with something in a box, a metal rod in one hand. In fact, he seemed slightly confused, but he was trying to hide whatever this was about.

Leaning back against a pile of their logs, Raptor again turned her attention to the fire. Prime finally settled himself next to her, and then he tipped the end of the metal poll his was carrying into the blaze.

“No way!!” Raptor exclaimed in pure shock, for she easily recognized what was stuck on the end of that pole.

Optimus smiled as he brought the flaming giant marshmallow over to her, just as Alexis had told him to do. “Well, Red Alert said that your carbon storage systems were depleted from all the internal repairs your systems did. Aren’t sugar molecules high in carbon concentration?”

As she blew out the flaming marshmallow, the hot gooey mess fell onto her leg. Prime cringed, thinking he’d screwed this one up – for Alexis hadn’t mentioned the things would fall off the pole like that!

Raptor just laughed, scooping up the goo with her fingers and sticking them in her mouth. She just couldn't believe that he'd somehow arranged for one of the marshmallow manufacturers to create some on a 'mech' scale. “Yes, very rich carbon source..” She elbowed him hard in his side. “Carbon source my aft – who coached you?”

He was busy putting another one on the pole, determined that this time the blasted thing wouldn’t slide off like the first. “Sorry, that information is classified.”

She glanced at him out of the corner of her optics, but decided that it was probably a good sign that the mech had done his homework. It showed that he was really interested in figuring out how to deal with the complexities of a human-sparked Seeker. Grinning, she figured she’d teach him a thing or two about human ‘fun’.

As he brought the next flaming marshmallow out of the fire, she deftly blew it out and slipped it off the pole. “It’s time for you to have one,” she told him. Grinning as she offered him the carbon-rich sticky goo.

He shook his head, “My systems aren’t carbon-based like yours. They’re metal ion based.”

“That’s not the point,” she tackled him to the ground. As they laughed and wrestled, she fought to get his arms under control so that she could take his mask off and force him to taste the treat. Soon, they were both covered in goo – and she hadn’t been successful.

Grinning with his mask half unlatched; he lay on top of her, pinning her hands with his and her body with his bulk. “You know better than to mess with a ground mech on the ground,” he chuckled; though he’d thoroughly enjoyed the little wrestling match. This femme was fearless and very spunky, both of which he found highly attractive in a potential mate.

She grinned at him, and suddenly he felt something being crammed into his mouth. His optics widened in surprise as the hologram beneath him disappeared, and the real Raptor jumped on his back – cramming the sticky mess into his face. Rolling over, he didn’t know if he should be mad or amused at the whole thing. But Raptor’s optics danced with humor, as she sat down in self-satisfaction and began to roast another one.

Wiping his face off, he warily sat down next to her. “Didn’t Rad warn you to never say no to your date?” Raptor asked him, her grin spreading from audio-to-audio.

Chuckling, he realized she’d done it all in fun. “I don’t know if I’m ever going to understand you; you human-sparked Seeker.”

Sticking the next one in her mouth, she looked at him as she masticated the goo. It was very hard for Optimus not to laugh, for she looked quite comical with marshmallow goo sticking on the corners of her lips. Swallowing, she grinned and patted the Autobot on his shoulder. “Well, I now know you didn’t get coached by Rad. He would’ve warned you that half the fun of being human – is that one sex never truly understands the other!”

“So just why is that considered ‘fun’?” the red mech asked, his optics showing his confusion. It made no logical sense to the mech.

Chuckling, she shrugged. “You know, I don’t even think the humans understand it.” She paused to stick another marshmallow on the pole. Her fingers were getting quite sticky by this point, so it took a few seconds to get the fresh marshmallow unstuck from her hand. Leaning against him, she slowly waved the end of the pole over the flames. “I guess, as a human, your lifetime is so short that you learn to give up on understanding – and just live.”

Enjoying the press of her weight against him, Prime put his arm around her. “That makes sense. But now you’ve been a Seeker for eons, you’ve the time to understand.”

He couldn’t see the tears build up in her optics. Yes, she’d been a Seeker far too long – but there was no escape for her human-spark – no end, no rest. Never would she know the peace of death. Would he understand? Would any mech understand? Outwardly, she just sighed “True, but sometimes understanding everything is not worth the time it takes to accomplish the feat.”

Sensing a change in her demeanor, Optimus wondered if he had said something wrong. He considered asking her, but then he felt her go limp in defrag. Realizing she’d done it to avoid further conversation on that topic; he shook his head for he’d never understand this Seeker.

Letting her limp air frame slide gently to the ground, he curled his bulky chassis against her. The familiar press of her lithe frame into him reminded him that it didn’t matter if he understood everything about her. What mattered was if they understood enough of each other – to develop the strong bond of being bond mates. That’s what dating was all about.

----

Sunrise

Activating his optics, Prime happily felt the press of the Seeker’s air frame against him. Running his hand along her retracted wing, he nuzzled the back of her helm with his. Sliding his hand along her fuselage, he was amazed at how ‘right’ it now felt. He could barely even remember how it truly felt when he had lain this way with Jetfire. His amber optics gleamed as he watched the clouds over them slowly streak with red, and then gold as the sun began to burn off the coolness of the night. Kind’ve like his spark.

Raptor shifted, pressing her frame even tighter to his. “Beautiful sunrise, like a living work of art,” she murmured. Turning over, a warm smile lit up her face. “Good morning my friend,” she said. The fire of her optics matched the crimson streaks in the clouds, her warm smile matching the sun’s warmth.

Her lips were mere inches from his face, too much for the mech to resist, so he took the opportunity..

At first, the Seeker tensed in surprise, but then she returned his kiss with an equal passion. Her hand slipping behind his helm, pressing him to her; he rolled on top of her, pinning her underneath his bulk. Running his fingers across her sensitive wings, he felt her shiver in response. Then her fingers were at his shoulders, slipping under the panels over his power links - suddenly the preset alarm went off, interrupting them.

Truly flustered, he tried to shut the damned thing off. He banged ineffectively for a second on the panel on his arm that controlled the alarm, and then he finally managed to punch in the right sequence and the beebing ended its torment of their audios. But the mood was destroyed. He wanted to crawl under a rock now, for this was not what he had planned!

“So what’s the alarm for?” Raptor asked; actually giggling, since she remembered all those times she’d been interrupted as a human. It always made for such good stories to joke about later.

“Hmmm,” Optimus fought to regain his composure as he rolled off the Seeker and stood up, “It means we need to start our designated flight path in order to see all the geysers.”

Accepting his offered hand, Raptor nodded. “Give me the first coordinates, and let’s go;” she told him as she transformed.

Shaking his head in disbelief at the horrible timing, Prime settled his frame between her canted tails and gave her the first coordinates.

Tourists

They flew from geyser-to-geyser, their arrivals perfectly timed to happen right before the geysers blew their columns of super heated water. The Seeker watched, enraptured by each of the natural spectacles. Her air frame trembling in anticipation as she waited for each geyser to do its show.

Optimus was impressed by the sheer amount of energy in these geysers, but he didn’t really understand the awe that this femme seemed to feel. But if this is what made her happy, then he was more than happy to stand next to her while she watched.

Late in the afternoon, they made it to the geyser named ‘Old Faithful’. As it blew steam high in the sky; Raptor turned to him and hugged him tightly, her head buried in his grill. “Thank you Prime, this trip has been so wonderful.” He heard her say softly. Wrapping his arms around her, he set his chin on the top of her helm and watched the last sputter of the geyser show. She was so very different from Jetfire, in every way conceivable, but Prime was realizing that she was perfect in her own strange way.

Raptor insisted that they go by the old hotel, and she convinced a few wide-eyed tourists to go in the souvenir shop and get a few items for her. Looking at the silly trinkets she had purchased, she grinned at Prime; “I’m going to have to get a shelf to put my souvenirs on now.”

The red mech just shook his head in bewilderment at her strange interests. But, that’s just how the femme was.

By the Campfire

They drank some energon together, laughing about obscene mech jokes as they told them to each other. Both of them were getting quite buzzed by this point, the dancing light of the camp fire beginning to do strange things in their optics.

“You know, I just thought of something,” Prime slurred. He was lying on his side, propping his head up with a hand as he talked with her.

“What’s that?” the Seeker quipped, as she fried another marshmallow and watched it fall off the metal pole into the fire.

“How long was it, between each of your bondings – and the hybrid sparks being born?”

“Hmm,” she leaned back, trying to get another marshmallow on the red hot pole. It wasn’t working very well, considering the amount of goo that had built up on her fingers after the first few tries. She finally got in on, and while sucking the goo off one hand she tried to carefully hold the pole near the fire with the other had. “Around six earth months or so,” she answered in between fingers.

He considered this, and then added things up. This took him a second since his processor was running a little slow. “It’s been well over six months since we last bonded in deep space.”

She actually dropped the pole in shock. She hadn’t even thought of that! “Well, damned if you ain’t right on the timing,” her optics were large as she considered it. “That would be the first time in this dimension that I bonded, and didn’t end up pregnant.”

“Hmm,” Prime thought that maybe that was one of the reasons that Raptor had not played the field much in that regard. Previously, she had always ended up carrying hybrid sparks from the act. “Do you think there’s a limit on how many sparklings you can have?”

Raptor shrugged, “I don’t know, I’m the first that can even reproduce this way – so there’s just no telling.” She leaned back, yelping as the red hot pole that had been lying across her thighs with the hot end suspended, now landed perfectly on her leg. Kicking automatically, the pole went flying, ending up IN the fire now. She considered retrieving it, but the thought that she didn’t get pregnant was at the forefront of her meta, so she left it. “Perhaps your spark was too weak to combine fully with mine at the time?” she wondered out loud.

Optimus considered this as he took another big gulp of energon. There was credence to that particular idea. So she was either over the reproduction limit – or – his spark had been too weak when she’d found his aft in the open cosmos. He wondered if he’d like the first or the second theory to be the right one. He debated it briefly, and though he’d still want her even if they couldn’t have anymore – he’d really like to have more. Then he could actually be part of the entire process of raising them. “Do you want to test the theories out and see which one’s correct?” he asked, his tone showing where his thoughts were leading.

She grinned, between the energon buzz and her attraction to him – yes, she’d be interested in testing that ‘theory’. It didn’t bother her in the least that she just might get pregnant again. Heck, she was an old hat at that wasn’t she? At least this time she’d have the sire helping. Grabbing the end of the pole and dragging it back out of the fire to cool, she made a show of appraising him slowly with her optics. Then she tried to do her best seductive slides towards him. Failing miserably as she wasn’t quite balanced.

“You’re drunk,” he stated. A roll of laughter came over him. Even though he still wanted too ‘test the theories’ his strong buzz and her comedic try at seduction combined in a rather intense emotion of humor. The more he tried to fight his snickers down, the stronger they became.

Giving up on trying to be seductive, she sat down. “You’re drunker,” she accused. Cocking her head, she chuckled as she waited for him to prove her wrong.

He struggled to sit up, “No I’m not.” No one called him ‘drunker’! If anyone could hold an overcharge it was him, and he was rather proud of that fact.

“Sure,” she snickered derisively, “try to stand, my all-mighty Cybertronian Commander.” She tried to do her best imitation of a proper Cybertronian salute. Which was completely hysterical since it was a worse effort than a recruit’s.

“Your salutes are horrible,” he chuckled. Then he tried to prove her wrong. Swaying horribly, he did make it to his feet, and then promptly fell on his aft.

They both fell into convulsions of laughter; Him at her salutes, and her at his failure to prove her wrong.

“My salutes..he, he… aren’t horrible…he, he.. your Cybertronian .. he,he.. salutes just suck!” she stammered, in between her shrieks of laughter.

Sitting up, he propped his back against the large boulder. Trying to imitate the Earth Mech Salute, he grinned at her. “Oh, great Earth Mech Commander, do teach me a ‘proper salute’,” he teased. It was a long running joke amongst the Cybertronians about how pathetically simple Earth mech salutes were.

“You slogger!” she laughed. Stumbling towards him, she half-pounced half-fell on him and proceeded to start tickling him.

They rolled, tickled and laughed. The sounds of their rough housing echoed through the starlit park.

----

The Galaxy’s Biggest Titans Fan

“So how do I look?” Raptor said; a grin spreading from audio-to-audio. She turned around slowly like a human model, so that Prime could admire each and every inch of her fuselage. The rising sun over Yellowstone’s lake; created strange patterns along the femme’s chassis.

Prime was so shocked; he honestly didn’t know what to say! He knew that the femme and some of her daughters gathered around her wide screen and watched certain NFL games together. Rumors of their loud yells and shouts disturbing the housing complex had been snickered about amongst the Cybertronian ranks. It was even rumored that the Earth Mech Commander had been seen, in a very inebriated state, play dog fighting with Jacket in celebration of certain wins. And her temper after her team suffered a loss – was already legendary in the Earth Mech ranks.

Yes, he knew she was a football fan, through-and-through; but that knowledge had in no way prepared him for what the Seeker had just done. Staring at her grinning face, Prime had to hold back his urge to break out into hysterical laughter, as he tried to keep a serious face while looking at her Blue and Gray façade – with a big Titans’ symbol in the center of her helm. She had used her holographic projectors to completely change her entire paintjob. The Seeker was almost unrecognizable with the bright team colors. She had even covered her Mech insignias – now replaced with Titans’ symbols.

“Well, I guess that no one will wonder who you’re supporting;” he said. Tactfully, he had avoided her actual question, and yet, still managed to satisfy her with his answer. Willing himself to maintain a complete poker face, he stood up and nodded at her to transform. He’d have plenty of time to joke about this one with Scavenger back on Cybertron!

She grinned, transforming to give them a lift to the stadium. “Nope! And we’ll be sitting right next to the team, with those tickets you got us!” By the tone of her voice, she was completely thrilled. She didn’t seem to care in the least what humans or mechs would think.

Optimus rolled his optics as he settled himself over her top line. He just hoped he could maintain a straight face while he sat next to the crazed fan; since he knew that cameras would be focused on the two top level Mech Commanders. The news reports that followed should be very entertaining to say the least. He cringed a little bit when he thought about the jokes and comments that the more creative Cybertronians would come up with.

As they came out of warp phase, the roar of the 65,000 human fans, drowned out Raptor’s muffled engines. As the Seeker made a slow vertical descent toward the side of the field, the humans noticed her ‘paint job’. The roar went up in volume, an equal mix of cheers and boos – as the crazed human fans responded to her obvious support of the Titans.

Settling themselves cross-legged on the ground, Raptor grinned at her mech friend. “This is such a good seat!” she declared. For the painted sideline was merely fifteen feet from the tips of her thrusters.

Several news crews trotted over to the pair, each one wanting to get the scoop on the first time that mechs had attended an NFL game. Not to mention, the pair being the highest ranking of the mechs! The fact that the Earth Mech Commander had painted herself up like a crazed human fan, made the coming stories, even better! Many of the reporters and editors were already thinking of catchy titles for the stories. This would be even bigger news than who actually won!

“So, I’m guessing that you are hoping to see a Titan’s win today?” one reporter asked as she looked up at the painted up Seeker. Her camera man panning to get a full panorama of the metal ‘crazed fan’.

“If they make it to the Super Bowl, will you attend?” another asked. His neck was aching just trying to look the Seeker in her face. He’d never been this close to actual Transformers, and these two were some of the taller ones. He’d just never realized just how big this robots were!

“And who are you betting on?” yet another one asked, this time to Prime. It would be a hell of a story if these two were actually rooting for opposite teams, now wouldn’t it?

The mechs answered the questions, knowing they’d end as soon as the teams’ came out onto the field.

The music began, the announcer coming over the loud speaker, introducing the teams and players. All the news crews turned their cameras away from the pair; though the cameramen knew to keep an eye on them for any possible footage to get during the game.

It was like having the president attending a game, you wanted to get good footage of their reactions to the plays. Sometimes it was better than the plays themselves!

Raptor added her voice to the thousands, yelling her support of her team. Prime just clapped, glancing sideways at his friend in amusement. He was growing to like her more-and-more, but he’d have to consider giving his ticket to Yellow Jacket for the next game. That Seeker would more than appreciate her mother’s enthusiasm to support her team – she’d probably join in!

As her favorite team lined up near them, many of the players turned and gave thumbs up signs to Seeker. Tapping their teammates and motioning them to look at the big metal fan. Even the coach waved his approval to her. Raptor was completely thrilled that they had even noticed her. Her crimson optics gleamed like a human child in a candy store!

The game went on, and eventually, Raptor’s team won by a mere field goal. As the players dumped the water cooler on the coach, a few of the them came over to Raptor. She bent down, as the big men whispered something in her audios, her grin got bigger and bigger, she nodded eagerly to them. Prime looked at the group, concern growing within his Meta as to what kind of stunt the football players had conned their big fan into. She was nutty enough to do almost anything to show her support of her team.

The players cleared an area in front of the Seeker, and she transformed. Helping each other onto her top line and wings, the entire football team got on top of the jet. Slowly and carefully, Raptor lifted vertically off the ground. Staying just fifteen feet above the turf, she flew the celebrating team around the field.

They stopped in the center, the Quarterback standing up with a microphone, “I’d like to thank our biggest fan, Raptor – for giving us a lift. Hope to see you at the Super Bowl!”

--

As Raptor flew Optimus back to Earth Command, Prime patted his elated friend on her wing. The date Alexis had set up for them had been perfect, but Prime still had one more surprise for the Seeker.

Water Works

Striding into their quarters, Raptor opened her port side bay and pulled out her bag of Yellowstone souvenirs. Tossing it on the table, she went to the couch and sank down into the dense foam. She watched Prime walk by, giving him her warmest smile as she nonchalantly put her thrusters up on the low table in front of the wide screen.

Before she had turned the TV on, the sound of running water caught her attention. Pinpointing the sound as coming from her room, she grumbled, figuring there was some kind of leak. She contemplated hollering at her room mate to check it out, but he had already disappeared into his room. Swinging her legs off of the table, she grunted in disgust as she stood up and went to her room to find out what needed to be fixed.

As she opened the door, her mouth fell open in total surprise! The source of the water sound was blatantly obvious! For her entire room had been reorganized, making room for a beautiful artistic fountain in the corner. Its small stream of drips running over a kaleidoscope of colored marbles, which were arranged to create a scene of the Earth’s sun and a rainbow; this was backlit to throw the scene onto the opposite wall.

She felt arms surround her waist from behind, as her room mate put his chin on the top of her helm. “I hope you don’t mind that I had some redecorating done while we were gone?” he asked her.

Grabbing his hands with her own, she leaned into his embrace. Still not believing all that he had done on their ‘First Date’; for either he was psychic – or he’d gotten one of her close friends – to advise him on everything. Either way, the mech had gotten everything so damned perfect – she’d have a hard time topping it.