Herobots. Mansion and the River. Recovery

[dens_extra_pups]

Hound: *sitting on the stone patio near the frog pond, a sparklet on each knee. Keeps looking up and wondering when Mira, Lumen, Chromia, the twins, and Optimus will be back from that mission they went on*

Sekani: *hazbook! Nommabook! Chirp chirp at Sissy!*

Kimchee: *from where she's sitting under the chair* Dumbdumb...

Stunner: *chirps at Bubby and inspects Daddy's leg*

Showtime: *having an in-depth discussion about books with Perceptor, though she does look a bit anxious at the moment*

Perceptor: *understands now what Optimus meant when she mentioned that Showtime had a scholarly mentor. The femme is quite capable of holding her own in a discussion, and is comfortable asking questions when she doesn't understand something he's said*

Desinex: *pacing and praying, not that she'll admit to either one right now*

Sunstreaker and Sideswipe: *appear suddenly, dinged and battered. Both wear stunned expressions*

Showtime: *startles and then she's hurrying over to her mate and brother*

Desinex: *startles as well, strides over* What happened? Are Lumen and Mira alright?

Perceptor: *is that quiet "Oh, dear..." in the background*

Sunstreaker: *clears his vocalizer as he puts an arm around Showtime* Get a medic. Or somebody that knows the coordinates to that river...

Sideswipe: River. It's gotta be the river. She won't make it otherwise.

Perceptor: *optics widen, then he's hurrying to approach* I have been to the River.

Desinex: *bristling just a bit now*

Chromia: *appears and goes to one knee*

Sideswipe: Do you think you could PINpoint there again? Or get there somehow?

Perceptor: I would need a PINpo-*gets cut off as Desinex all but shoves her PINpoint at him*

Kimchee: *runs to Chromia* Eeeee! Dumb dumb?

Chromia: 'M alrahght... Jes' gotta rest fer a spell...

Showtime: *meeps and hurries to get the repair kit*

Lumen: *and there he is, his optics white as he and Mira gently lower Optimus to the lawn*

Optimus: *damaged nearly beyond recognition and laying very still*

Vector Prime: *appears then too* Hold on, Optimus. It is not your time. Hold on!

Mira: *optics white as well, and is starting to shake a bit*

Perceptor: *hurrying over as quickly as he can* *trying not to let the panic he's feeling creep into his voice* We must get her to the River. It's the only way.

Vector Prime: Can you bring her? Lumen and Mira do not have an invitation at this time. *very worried ghost*

Perceptor: *nods* I can, sir. *will put a gentle hand on Optimus' shoulder and bring her to the River* *on the outside, he's only mildly ruffled, but on the inside, he's flailspazzing to put Bluestreak to shame*

Optimus: *as the water of the River surrounds them she's suddenly filling Perceptor's senses with pain*

Perceptor: *nearly blindsided by Optimus' pain, but will do his best to be a soothing presence* *quietly* -You are safe, Optimus... Everything will be alright...-

Optimus: *more pain. Knows nothing of self or others, only pain. But... then the pain is fading as the Presence of the River becomes stronger in response to her state*

Perceptor: *can feel the comfort wrapping around himself as well. Will focus on trying to comfort Optimus and reassure her that she is safe*

Optimus: *lone remaining and badly cracked optic flashes softly and then goes dark as the feeling of her pain vanishes abruptly*

Perceptor: *a bit startled by that, will fuss over her and try and make sure the femme is still functioning*

reassurance: *flows through his circuits, and if he manages to calm enough he'll feel a very faint sense of Optimus' presence. She's still there, though it's only the Presence of the River that's keeping her there*

Perceptor: *cycles air and tries to calm down. Isn't sure what to do, or if there's anyone who might be able to help repair Optimus*

Primus: *will talk to you now, Perceptor, since he knows that he will probably be easier to understand than that Presence. Reassurance, he's here, and he knows about Optimus and Perceptor*

Perceptor: *bows his head and circulates. Knows that right now, the best thing to do is trust Primus, but he's still worried*

Primus: *Primus sees Optimus, and it is not Optimus' time to return to the song. Perceptor must rest and wait and be here for her now till she's able to be aware of him again*

Optimus: *floating limply in what would be a face down position if there were really any up and down in this place*

Perceptor: *will make sure she doesn't float too far away, and will keep watch over her*

Primus: *approval and comfort for both his children. Is careful not to overshadow the Presence Who is so strong here. Perceptor should stay close to Optimus and rest for now*

Perceptor: *starting to nod off despite his best intentions. Has hold of Optimus' arm*

Primus: *comfort. Peace. Reassurance*

Perceptor: *slips into a light doze*


as "later" as you can get in this timeless place


Optimus: *is that faint thread of confused thought and feelings intruding at the very edge of Perceptor's sleeping awareness. Nothing like their other times here where they shared thoughts and feelings, but she is there now*

Perceptor: *muzzy, sleepy wakefulness as he picks up on that* -Optimus?-

Optimus: *not aware or awake yet, but only dreaming as her processor works on self repairing and rebooting. At sound and feel of Perceptor's voice though there is a twinge of reaction; a wash of very deep feeling. And then the faint thread of dreams turns to fussing at herself for falling in love again*

Perceptor: *awake, and blinking a bit with confusion. Falling in love? Who in exist-oh... Oh.* *well... That was certainly unexpected... Though it doesn't explain why his own spark feels a bit fluttery whenever he thinks about, sees, or hears Optimus...*

Optimus: *dozing again, awareness faded down once more. And now radiating contentment as she dreams of laying by Perceptor on his bed and protecting him from nightmares*

Perceptor: *thoughts turn to all the times Optimus has laid beside him and helped keep the nightmares away. Is grateful for that. Does a bit more thinking and realizes that he can do similar for her in this situation... Hesitantly moves to snuggle against her, hoping that the warmth from his frame will provide her additional comfort*

Optimus: *contentment increases. And is accompanied by a quick, hazy dream of kissing Perceptor!*

Perceptor: *blink blink. BLUSH at the idea*

Optimus: *sinks back into stasis lock then, her dreams ending and the feelings from her fading to a faint awareness of her*

Perceptor: *setting up to fuss and fret again*

Primus: *suddenly adds his own reassurance and comfort to that which wraps around the two bots floating in the River. He sees Perceptor and Optimus. All will be well*

Perceptor: *circulates for a few moments before he nods. All he can do at this point is stay close to Optimus and trust Primus. Will try and relax*

Primus: *soothing. Primus is here, and his own Creator is here. All will be well. Perceptor should rest*

Perceptor: *circulating slows as he joins Optimus in slumber*


later


Perceptor: *sleeping peacefully, for once*

Kimchee: *raises an almighty fuss somewhere out on the leeds at about the same time as the morning sunbeam finds Perceptor's face*

Perceptor: *optics flicker as he starts to wake, and then he's remembering that there's no sunlight in the River. Will turn his head to see where he is*

Optimus: *laying beside him on her back, still and silent but for the soft beep of machines that are hooked to her under the blankets that have been carefully tucked around her*

Perceptor: *moving to sit up, until he's stopped by a gentle hand on his shoulder*

Showtime: *quietly* Easy, Perceptor...

Kimchee: *irate shriek from somewhere outside one of the windows*

Perceptor: *quietly* Something is amiss? *worrying about Kimchee and about Optimus, hasn't quite fully grasped that he's in his bed yet*

Showtime: Kimchee's missed you like crazy...

Kimchee: *vituperation!*

Vector Prime: *is a gentle rumble of remonstration out there somewhere*

Perceptor: Oh, dear...

Showtime: *slight shrug as she moves to bring the breakfast tray over* Well, I don't blame her... You were gone for five days...

Perceptor: *startled look is a go* Five days?

Kimchee: *suddenly MUCH louder as she streaks into the room on all four after squirming through an open window*

Optimus: *startles slightly and sucks air in through her intakes*

Perceptor: *startled sound* *quietly* Oh, do be careful, Miss Kimchee!

Showtime: *acks and does a bit of fancy footwork to avoid stepping on Kimchee and dropping the tray*

Kimchee: DUMB DUMB! *is now under the bed*

Optimus: *very faint groan, but doesn't make any other sign of waking*

Perceptor: *fussing over Optimus now*

Showtime: *once she's gotten her spark to stop doing its "eeeek" dance* We had WakeJumper come and check on Optimus once we realized you two were back.

Perceptor: *blink blink* WakeJumper? As in the young mech who is the alternate of Lumen's father?

Showtime: Yeah... *chuckles* His kid's cute, and little... Eclipse is a spazz, which is how I always remembered her being... *will move to set the tray with Perceptor's breakfast on it on the bed* *as she moves to head for the door* I don't get something though... Why'd Optimus show up in this bed?

Perceptor: *blink blink* *quietly* Well, this is where Optimus sleeps...

Showtime: ... Oh...

Kimchee: *from under said mighty bed* Oppyderp chase scarybrainbugs away, dumb dumb.

Showtime: *soft chuckle as she thinks about how Hound does similar for Desinex, though in that case, it's more Hound keeping Desinex's instincts in check* I see.

Perceptor: *blink blink, gives the blue femme a politely puzzled look*

Vector Prime: *steps inside, his hands full of long white tissue streamers* I believe I have all of it. *concerned look toward the bed as Optimus twitches and groans again faintly*

Perceptor: *distracted from breakfast again, will gently reassure Optimus that she is home, and that she is safe*

Showtime: ... Toilet paper? Really, Kimchee? Didn't Sunny and Sides show you better prank fodder?

Kimchee: ... Kimchee not stupee 'nuff to listen to too sexy for life. Thrrpt.

Vector Prime: *frowns down at his younger sister for a moment more, but then fades away and takes the toilet paper with him*

Showtime: *amused headshake, will fuss over Perceptor a bit and make sure he refuels*

Perceptor: *just a bit distracted by being sat on and fed*

Optimus: *intakes again, and then turns her head slightly as her optics switch on faintly*

Showtime: *notices this as she's feeding Perceptor more toasted blitzbread and scrambles* *bit of a smile* Hey, Optimus.

Optimus: *blinks optics on and off a few times, and then frowns with bewilderment when she still sees what she sees*

Showtime: You and Perceptor showed up here the other day. Sideswipe dragged a WakeJumper here to make sure you were both alright. *attention back on feeding Perceptor, but she'll still keep an optic on Optimus*

Optimus: *tries to speak and winds up only with faint static*

Showtime: Easy... *will let Perceptor go. Moves to try and prop Optimus up with some of the pillows*

Optimus: *slight wince, and more static. Tries to move a hand and winds up with just a finger twitch*

Showtime: *gently* You two were gone for five days, just about... WakeJumper said that you just need to rest and heal.

Optimus: *shuts optics off, and then statics again. Is wondering about the rest of her team*

Showtime: *doesn't get what Optimus is asking about... maybe* You missed Chromia fussing over WakeJumper's little one while WakeJumper took care of her repairs... It was so cute... I think our guy was busy snoozing in the cellar... I know Sunny had to fish Mira out of the frog pond a couple times...

Perceptor: *looks startled by the idea*

Optimus: *that is definitely a groan*

Kimchee: *issagiggle*

Perceptor: *fussing over Optimus now that he's no longer being sat on and fed*

Showtime: I think they went to the Nexus earlier today though... I haven't seen any sign of either of them...

Optimus: *looks up at Perceptor with concern, trying to see signs of stress. News that he's been to the River worries her*

Perceptor: *no apparent signs of stress, though he is being especially fussy over her right now*

Optimus: *slightly moves her link wire bearing hand. Needs to communicate!*

Perceptor: *blink blink, will move to make the necessary connections*

Showtime: *don't mind her, she's just getting some of the breakfast dishes cleared away* *a bit surprised to see Perceptor so quick to link up, but that only confirms what she's started to suspect regarding the quiet scientist and the commander* *will give them some privacy. She needs to go get some fuel for Optimus anyway...*

Optimus: *faintly and with static* -You... alright, Perceptor?-

Perceptor: *gently* -I am alright.- *even if he is preoccupied with making sure you're comfortable, Optimus*

Optimus: -Not in pain.- *projects reassurance, and then query* -The... others?-

Perceptor: -Aside from yourself, the most seriously injured was Chromia... Though I suppose that in five days' time, she has since been repaired...-

Optimus: *sighs* -We... River?-

Perceptor: *quietly* -It was the only way to keep you from passing on...- *the thought of which terrifies the scientist*

Optimus: *gasps and flinches as she feels that spurt of terror, and then weakly tries to reassure again*

Perceptor: *trying to calm down. He's not sure why the thought terrifies him so... But for the moment, he'll try and push aside the terror and focus on comforting Optimus*

Optimus: -It won't be... my time for awhile.- *has seen her men quail in the past without their commander and feels this must be what's troubling Perceptor*

Perceptor: *will continue to gently fuss over her for a bit more* *quietly* -I am glad for that, Optimus.-

Optimus: *wordless reassurance over the link, but can't block her weariness anymore*

Perceptor: *gently* -Rest... It is safe here.-

Optimus: *slight amusement at his reassurance, but then friendly affection. Nearly slips and projects more than friendly affection. Spurts alarm* -Unlink...-

Perceptor: *blinks a bit at the slight brush of love before he's nodding* -Very well.- *will gently disconnect and fuss over her a bit more*

Optimus: *so tired and weak that it aches. Moves her head slightly in restlessness*

Perceptor: *soft, gentle clicks as he smooths her forehead*

Showtime: *coming back with a cube of sweet low grade, also has some oil in case Optimus doesn't want the energon right now*

Optimus: *not fully awake anymore, but is still moving her head*

Showtime: *will help Perceptor get Optimus hooked up to the energon cube then*

Optimus: Hrrrrm? *frown*

Perceptor: *gently* Showtime and I are hooking you up to a cube of energon, Optimus...

Optimus: *mouth moves soundlessly*

Showtime: *bit of a frown as she tries to make out what Optimus is saying*

Optimus: *moves her mouth again, and then conks out*

Perceptor: *will make sure Optimus' blankets aren't tangled, will also have a quiet, brief conversation with Showtime about a particular book. Has no intention of leaving Optimus' side for the time being... Though he will wonder to himself about that brief brush of love that occurred while he was linked to her* *will also muse about what he felt during the most recent visit to the river, and why his spark feels fluttery whenever he's around or thinks about Optimus*

Showtime: *will go see if she can find the book Perceptor was talking about. Will likely find several others that are similar in theme. This could take awhile...*

Vector Prime: *sticks his head into the library* Showtime?

Showtime: *looks up from searching the card catalog* Yes, Vector Prime?

Sekani: *chatters softly from Vector Prime's shoulder. Is so pretty in the TP, yes?*

Vector Prime: *quietly* How is Optimus?

Showtime: She was awake for a little bit... But she's resting again, and she's been hooked up to a cube of sweet low grade. Perceptor's been fussing over her since he woke up... *soft chuckle* He's such a worry-wart sometimes... *studies the card she's located in the catalog for a few moments before nodding to herself*

Vector Prime: *seriously, as he looks at the floor* And how is Perceptor?

Showtime: Well, he was pretty distracted by trying to make sure Optimus is comfortable... I had to sit on him and feed him... I think he was pretty rattled by what happened, but he's not showing it too badly...

Vector Prime: *more quietly* Have you noticed anything in Optimus' actions toward him recently?

Showtime: *bit of a frown* How lately? 'Cause she seems pretty protective of him anyway... And what sort of "anything" are you meaning, sir?

Vector Prime: *looks up* *gravely* I fear she may be falling in love with him.

Showtime: *blink. Blink. Doorwings fluttering a bit as she thinks* Well... *bit more 'wing fluttering* Huh...

Vector Prime: This concerns me greatly, Showtime. She will not be easy with such feelings.

Showtime: *small nod* *quietly, after making sure the only ones around to hear this are Vector Prime and Sekani* Perceptor doesn't seem to realize what's going on... I don't know enough about his story to be certain though, and the only experience I've had was with the one who mentored me...

Vector Prime: Optimus sees herself in a position of trust, and she will not want to take advantage of him. *troubled slight frown* She has loved before. It did not end well. *frown goes stern as he looks up* I say this in strictest confidence, due to your position as counselor.

Showtime: *nod, expression serious* *is in counselor mode now, so not even Sunstreaker will get any information out of her* For now, I'll keep an eye on them... At this point, I'm not really sure what else to do, other than watching, waiting, and being ready to listen...

Vector Prime: Thank you, Showtime.

Sekani: Fanka Time!

Showtime: *soft chuckle for Sekani* *nods to Vector Prime* I'd better get those books I located...

Vector Prime: *curious* Which books are those, if I may ask?

Showtime: *reads off the first book's title, and the five other books she located on similar themes* Perceptor only asked for the first, but knowing him, he'll enjoy the others too..

Vector Prime: *looks at the first book and chuckles* I enjoyed 'The Wizard of Oz'. The simplicity and innocence of the story were soothing.

Showtime: *chuckles* Well, the movie was popular on the Autobot Base back home... Just do yourself a favor and never ask Sunstreaker or Sideswipe to do flying monkey impressions if you're eating or drinking...

Vector Prime: Yet another reason to be glad that I no longer need to do either. *looks at the other books* These are the sequels. It's good to see them; they've been nearly forgotten in many realities.

Showtime: *soft chuckle* Yeah... *a bit more seriously* I remember my mentor had a project going at one point to catalog every single published story in existence, so they wouldn't be lost forever...

Vector Prime: *slight smile* I remember. He's still working on it. Though Kia has had to argue quite forcibly that his own fiction works belong on the list.

Showtime: *more chuckle* Yeah... And I bet she's had to argue with him about taking breaks to rest too... Even in life, that was about the only way he'd remember to stop and refuel... *quiet, far-away look for a few moments as she remembers the past*

Vector Prime: *gently* The dead no longer grow weary, Showtime.

Showtime: *quietly* I know... but Perceptor would work continuously and even he needs time to discuss things with others...

Vector Prime: *nods* And that is why they have the song.

Sekani: Tong!

Showtime: *nod* And someday, I'll have more stories to share with them.

Vector Prime: *smiles* *softly* Indeed.

Showtime: *chuckles* And I'm sure our resident tanks will have some interesting stories as well.

Vector Prime: *very rueful expression* Haven't you heard them already?

Sekani: *nomma TP*

Showtime: They haven't told everything yet. As old as they are, I'm sure there're things they're saving for later. *reaches up to gently tug on some of the TP*

Sekani: *giggle, and then meep and fall through VP*

Vector Prime: *catches the little guy and offers him to Showtime*

Showtime: *soothing clicks for Sekani as she cuddles him close*

Sekani: *jabber, yap, squee!*

Vector Prime: He will forget his fall in a moment, and then I will be able to carry him again. *thoughtful look toward the ceiling*

Showtime: Yeah... *chuckle, more clicks for Sekani as she gently sways and babydances with him*

Sekani: *issa talky TP cuddle mummy*


Out on the lawn


Lumen: *appears, roaring gleefully, drunk off his aft, and waving around a chunk of the massive techno-organic entity that had nearly killed Optimus earlier* Aunty Desi! AUNTY DESI, BROUGHT YOU A... *BURRRRRRRRRRRRP*

Desinex: *jumps from the top of the roof to a lower part of the mansion, then jumps from there to further down, until she's at ground level. Is bristling a bit and is clearly keyed up from a combination of worry and not being allowed to go help kick butt and take names*

Mira: *arriving a few moments later, cackling about something*

Twins: *there with Mira and snickering madly*

Lumen: Aunty Desi! :D :D *offers the piece of baddie* We got the @#$#$#@!

Mira: And Lu got kissed stupider by 'Halo! *gleecackle*

Desinex: *was in the process of stalking over to see what Lumen has, stops short* Sunhalo was there?

Sunstreaker: Her and the girls were at the Black Dog. They're so cute, Desi. *snickers as Lumen staggers*

Desinex: ... *to Sunstreaker* Do you have an image of the girls? *will reach for what Lumen was offering her earlier*

Sideswipe: *shoves Sunstreaker aside to show Desinex the pictures he got of the girls and 'Halo*

Lumen: Hey. *hand on Swiper face* Wait your turn. *gives the prize to Aunty, and then burps again and falls on his skidplate* *cackle*

Sunstreaker: *kicks brother aft*

Mira: Faaaail. *cackle*

Desinex: *will step in shortly if the twins get too rowdy before she can see the picture of her granddaughters*

Sideswipe: *walloping brother*

Lumen: *reaches over, grabs Uncle, and then slaps him upside the head in just the right way to trigger his holoprojector. And there is the picture. Slight wibble as he looks at it*

Sunstreaker: o.0 *baaacks away* Where the slag did you learn that?

Lumen: I got old, remember?

Desinex: *impressed whistle. Will file that trick away for future use* *and then she's wibbling a bit as she sees the image of the girls*

image: *Sunhalo standing Seeker proud and unbowed by the vorns between her two bright and beautiful youngsters, who are already twinkling all over with the same mischief that was their father's at that age*

Lumen: The one with the black eye is Dance.

Mira: *quietly* They're Lu all over again, but with Sunhalo's smarts... So Ridgeback and my brothers have their hands full keeping an eye on them...

Lumen: They'll be keeping an eye on those old coots. *burrp*

Sideswipe: *rebooting from the slap* Mrgle?

Desinex: *scowl for Sideswipe* Idiot... *attention back on the image*

Sunstreaker: Do you want to know how we got it this time? *swaggers a bit* Where's Show?

Desinex: Showtime's inside, fussing over Perceptor and Optimus.

Lumen: *perk* They're back? I better go report. *tries to get up, winds up headbutting Sunstreaker in the gearbox*

Sunstreaker: *aaand down he goes, muttering obscenities and swearing vengeance*

Sideswipe: ... *snickerfit*

Desinex: *snerk* Not until you tell me how you got the slagger.

Lumen: Oh right. We picked up Scattor, Aoife, and Mornbein in the Nexus. *dirty rotten slag faced grin*

Desinex: ... *cackle*

Mira: It was EPIC. *griiiin*

Lumen: If a fair fight fails... fight dirty. *on his feet! Just stepped on Sunstreaker's head as he stumbled*

Sunstreaker: *CUSSING*

Sideswipe: *cackling!*

Lumen: *stumbles again, and now both of the Twins are dented in the gearbox*

Mira: *points and laughs as Sideswipe joins his brother in being a ball of ow on the ground* Fail!

Desinex: *headshake* Good grief. *will go check on Hound and Stunner, kthxbai* *stops before she reaches the door* Before I forget, Optimus might not be awake to hear your report, Lumen.

Lumen: *stops* Uh?

Desinex: She's hooked up to a lot of support equipment... A WakeJumper stopped by and helped out...

Lumen: *expression of concern shows on that scarred old mug, but then he shrugs and staggers off to faceplant on the lawn. And snore*

Mira: *headshake, will make her way down to the cellar to celebrate the victory!*

Sunstreaker: *once he's recovered, he'll go look for Showtime so that he can show her the image of Sunhalo and the girls. And then he plans to get some painkiller and snuggle with Showtime*

Sideswipe: *once he's able to walk again, he'll see about helping Mira celebrate*


meanwhile


Hound: *looks up from the 'Shifters' hardbound collection he's reading to Stunner as Desinex comes into their room. Grins at mate*

Stunner: *clicking and talking to the picture of Daddy that she sees in one of the funny little boxes*

Desinex: They got help from Aoife, Scattor, and Mornbein... *holds up what Lumen gave her*

Hound: *wide-eyed, and then a wince* I bet that's one of the biggest pieces of it.

Desinex: Probably... *will set it aside for now and move to fuss over mate and daughter* *quieter* They also ran into Sunhalo in the Nexus...

Hound: *startles and then whistles softly as he pulls a part that's still tender and healing*

Desinex: *gentle fussing*

Stunner: *soft clicks, will kissie the owie all better*

Hound: *softly, as he leans back in his armchair* It was our 'Halo? Not an alternate?

Desinex: Let me ask Mira before she gets too far into celebrating... *quiet for a few moments as she dings the frontliner's comm with the question* //Mira, it was our 'Halo that you ran into in the Nexus, right?//

Mira: //Yup. Scanned her for coordinates as she was slugging Lu...//

Desinex: *small nod* //Alright. Try not to get too rowdy down there.// *closes the line with a click* *to Hound* Mira scanned her for coordinates...

Hound: *bows his head and sets the book on the side table so he can wipe his optics* *softly* How's she doing? And the youngsters?

Desinex: *quietly* She stands straight... And the girls are apparently Lumen all over again...

Hound: *laughs, and then cries softly*


library


Vector Prime: *calmly regarding a stunned Sunstreaker who is staring at the stacks of books surrounding them* You are not to do any mischief to any books belonging to this establishment, do I make myself clear?

Sekani: *up on the Vector Prime shoulder again* Tlear? *so stern*

Sunstreaker: *all he can do is nod. Doing mischief to the books is the farthest thing from his mind at the moment*

Vector Prime: You are looking for Showtime?

Sekani: Time time.

Sunstreaker: *small nod* Y-yeah....

Vector Prime: *wonders at the almost fearful look on the golden mech's face* She has gone upstairs to bring some volumes to Perceptor. I imagine she will be returning shortly.

Sekani: *squeak* Wanna Mama!

Vector Prime: Very well, Sekani. One moment please.

Sunstreaker: O-Okay... *will move to head for the door then, eager to get out of this disconcerting place that Optimus has warned him away from*

Vector Prime: *watches him go, and then turns and also leaves the library, carefully closing the door behind him. This done, he brings the hungrily bibbling sparklet up to Hound and Desinex's room. Tries to tap on the door, and then leans forward so that Sekani can squeak at it*

Sekani: *squeal! Open, door!*

Desinex: *will come to the door to see what's going on*

Vector Prime: Ah, Desinex. It appears that Sekani is ready to return from his sortie into other parts of the house.

Sekani: Mamamamama! *jump!*

Desinex: *chuckles as she catches the sparklet* Alright. I hope he behaved.

Vector Prime: Other than an attempt to eat his wrappings, he behaved as excellently as always.

Sekani: :3

Desinex: *more chuckle* Alright then... Thanks for keeping an optic on him, Vector Prime.

Vector Prime: *smiles* It was a pleasant experience. Thank you for letting me have him. *slight bow of his head and vanishes*

Desinex: *cuddles for Sekani, will get a length of tubing since she suspects the little bit is hungry*

Sekani: :3 Oppy wuv wuv 'Ceptor!

Desinex: *blink blink* ... *looks to Hound*

Hound: *puzzled look in return. Clearly has no idea what his little son is talking about. Uncertain glance down at Stunner*

Stunner: *chirp?*

Sekani: Oppy wuv wuv 'Ceptor! *giggle*

Desinex: ... *considering look* Hmm... I bet Show'd know more, but knowing her, she's probably in counselor mode and won't tell anything.

Sekani: *blows on feeding tube and makes contented sounds*

Kimchee: *comes trotting up on all fours with her wings dragging* Razzafrazzin....

Hound: *regains composure and grins at the little scrapling* Are you hungry, Kimchee?

Kimchee: No. No. No! Dumbdumbs. *under bed*

Desinex: *snerks as Stunner chirps merrily at Kimchee*

Kimchee: Kimchee make nice TP and... DUMB DUMBS! Hmmph! *falls silent*

Sekani: *happy little TP mummy*

Desinex: *snickerfit*

Hound: Can you make out what she's so mad about, Sky?

Desinex: I think Vector Prime scolded her for something involving toilet paper...

Hound: You mean like Bitty Bud's wearing?

Desinex: *nods* Yeah... *chuckle*

Hound: *chuckles, and then muffles a yawn and sighs*

Desinex: *will move so she can try and get Hound and Stunner over to the bed without having to set Sekani down*

Hound: *sets Stunner on the floor with an apology, and then gets out of his chair with Desinex's help and walks toward the big bed* Are you ready for a nap, Sweetheart?

Stunner: *chirp! Will try toddling after Mama and Daddy*

Sekani: *chirp chirps at sister like a car alarm being armed*

Stunner: *chirps back at Bubby*

Hound: *chuckles at the exchange as he lays down. Sighs, and then reaches up toward the box of gummi ham and cheese bites on the side table* *offers some of those to his babbies*

Stunner: *will study the nom and chirp about it before trying to feedadaddy*

Desinex: *just got an image of that*

Sekani: *oh. Always likes this kind of fuel better than plain energon. Pops off the feeding tube and stuffs one of the sweet, pineapply noms into his mouth. Nom nom nom*

Desinex: *snerks and closes her tank*

Hound: *offers her one of the bites from the other box, the Spanish style with pickle* *grin* You going to join us?

Desinex: *chuckles and leans a bit to nab the offered nom* Of course. *will move to get situated so Stunner and Sekani are between she and Hound*

Hound: *smiles and moves the boxes to where both he and Desinex can reach them and feed the sparklets* Can't wait to get better. I feel pretty useless right now.

Sekani: *takes out nommed on nom. Examines. Eats all up!*

Desinex: *savoring the pickly nom and enjoying the cheesy flavor that accompanies it* *will reach for Hound's hand and give it a gentle squeeze* You're able to keep an optic on the kids, and I know you're safe here...

Hound: *slight grin as he rests his forehead against hers. Uses his other hand to gently push Stunner's face out of the pineapple gummi ham'ncheese box*

Stunner: *puzzled chirrups*

Hound: One at a time, Sweetheart. With your hand.

Sekani: *sleepy chat for the pickly nom he just took out of the box. Has full tank and is happy*

Stunner: *puzzling over this a bit more. Will try poking one of the noms at Daddy's mouth again*

Hound: *eats* Thanks, Sweetheart. *then muffles a yawn* Have you had enough?

Stunner: *noms on another nom*

Desinex: *chuckle*

Hound: *chuckles. Then shutters his optics. Starts to say something, but conks out first. Quiet sleeping systems sounds*

Stunner: *noms one more nom, then snuggles close to Daddy and purrs contentedly*

Desinex: *will make sure Stunner and Sekani are both comfortable, and then she'll curl up around them and nuzzle Hound's forehead. It seems sleeping husband magic is starting to affect her*

Sekani: Nomma tabee. *mama forgot to put the noms up so that other Sissy can come snuggle too*

Desinex: *sleepy blink, will move the noms boxes to the nightstand for the moment*

Sekani: *soft little trill of a call*

Kimchee: *peeks over the foot of the bed* Allclear? Sleepsnow? No kimchee for Kimchee?

Stunner: *sleepily* Nupe.

Kimchee: *softly* Eeeee. *scoots over and then stops and gives Desinex her usual uncertain and hopeful look*

Desinex: C'mon, Kimchee. There's plenty of room. *is gonna be conking out shortly*

Kimchee: *quiet jabber as she creeps over and curls up by the feet of the two sparklets* Covers? Coversup snuggywarm?

Desinex: *sits up enough to pull the blankets over the sparklets, Kimchee, Hound, and herself*

Hound: *soft sigh and a snuggle as he murmurs his mate's name aloud and over their bond*

Desinex: *gently touches her forehead to her mate's* -Rest. I've got your six covered.-

Hound: *murmurs and sleeps, lulled by bittypurrs and mate love*

Desinex: *is soon joining her mate in slumber*


back upstairs


Optimus: *shuddering at bad dreams as her vital sign monitors complaining petulantly*

Perceptor: *will gently fuss over her and offer quiet reassurances, even as Showtime politely excuses herself and heads downstairs*

Optimus: *turns her head from side to side as the monitors complain more loudly*

Perceptor: *concerned frown as he considers what to do. Then he's remembering how Optimus linked with him that one time when the dreams were especially bad... It's only a matter of moments before he's seeking out her wrist port in the hopes that he can assist her in banishing the unpleasant dreams she's having*

Optimus: *watching Hot Shot roar in to the finish line, her whole being thrilling with panic as she tries and fails to stop him from meeting the fate that she knows is coming*

Perceptor: *pushing back the fright that popped up in response to Optimus' panic, will move to gently touch her hand*

Optimus: *jag of pain and sorrow as she watches Hot Shot win the race, offload Coby and transform, stagger, be named the winner, and then blow up spectacularly*

Perceptor: *winces a bit at the jag of pain and sorrow, but will move to offer hugs, since that's all he can think of to do besides offering support*

Optimus: *faint, with a feeling of still dreaming* -What? Who...?-

Perceptor: *trying so hard to be soothing* -Everything will be alright, Optimus.-

Optimus: *sounds out of it* -Perceptor...- *massive love bomb and then conks out*

Perceptor: *blink blink* -...- *carefully disconnects his link wire as he tries to figure out what just happened*

Optimus: *systems very faint, but unmistakably contented*

Perceptor: ... *will make sure Optimus is covered by the blankets. Then he's gathering up the books Showtime brought him and moving toward the window seat that Lumen built for him, only to pause after a moment as he realizes that it might be best for Optimus if he's not there to influence her feelings while she's in this weakened and impressionable state* *will quietly head for the library instead*

((Written with random_xtras))