Stolen Moment

Stolen Moment - Based After ROTF (Excerpt from longer story)Hurt/angst Comfort M/M
Pairings Optimus/Ratchet


The live feed went dead. Back at Diego Garcia, Optimus was amused by the Major’s slight dig at his unavoidable absence during the majority of the fight against Megatron in Egypt. Heading back toward the hanger, he had relayed the meeting to his fellow Autobots as it happened. Ironhide acknowledged him as he approached. “Major Lennox has an exuberantly over confident nature when it comes to his combat prowess, for someone so small, I can’t say I am not impressed.”
Optimus looked at his friend; “I agree, their humour can be as dry as our own at times, it can only be taken that we are almost fully accepted as fellow soldiers in our combined ongoing conflicts.”
Ironhide nodded, “I like him. He reminds me of me, a much smaller, fleshier, far less advanced version of me; I might add.” Joining in the banter the other listening Autobots laughed lightly, Optimus among them; after a moment he replied;
“My friend when it comes to humans, their confidence can exceed even our own at times, however;” His tone became more sombre, as he remembered fallen soldiers with sadness, “it gets them into trouble with foes they can not yet defeat themselves, more times than I am comfortable with.” Ratchett added to the conversation. “Having been here for the time we have, I can think of no better allies against the Decepticons, they’re unpredictable and quick thinking, it’s very useful when coming up against someone as single minded as Megatron or Starscream.”
Optimus nodded casting a thankful glance towards the medic, grateful for the positive spin on the conversation, “You have a point my friend. I agree they have saved our lives on more than one occasion, something even I did not foresee, when I decided to come to this planet. It seems that our…aagghh…”
A flash of images crossed Optimus’s mind, causing him to pause mid sentence. The images continued coming, rapidly, unforgiving, an overload of information. Then a white light flashed before his optic sensors, as the information filled his mind. Unable to stop it, some of his minor circuitry failed under the pressure of increased information. Placing a giant metallic hand on his head, Optimus was clearly dazed; Ironhide glanced anxiously at Ratchett;
“Optimus? Are you alright?” Optimus responded, by letting out a cry of surprise and pain as some of his inner circuitry finally burned out. He stumbled and fell to one knee. The concerned Autobots, waited as Ratchett swiftly approached their leader. Placing a hand on Optimus’s shoulder, he observed his condition worriedly, simultaneously Optimus started to recover. Quietly he spoke, clearly perturbed by the episode. Standing he faced Ratchett.
“I am alright.”
“You mind telling me what just happened?”
“I am… not sure… it felt like a signal, or a message, but I couldn’t pin point its location. There were many confusing images. I could not make sense of them.” Clearly frustrated, Optimus shook his head. “I need to run a diagnostic; I can’t have that happening in the field.” Ratchett insisted, his hand remaining on Optimus’s shoulder. Optimus nodded; “I agree.” He added with amusement, “I can not have Major Lennox doing all the fighting now can I?”
Ironhide grunted in response, Ratchett smiled inwardly, as both he and his leader left the hanger. The other Autobots departed in their respectively terrestrial forms.
Ratchett busied himself with the diagnostic, Optimus was unduly quiet as Ratchet checked and re-checked the circuitry, repairing any damage that he came across. Being distracted by his leader’s demeanour, Ratchett snagged part of the circuitry causing Optimus to wince.
“Is something troubling you old friend?” Optimus spoke carefully, fully aware of the probable focus of Ratchett’s mind. Finishing his work, Ratchett didn’t respond immediately. Pacing a few feet away from Optimus, he was deep in thought when metallic hands placed gently on his shoulders stopped him in his tracks. Facing the patiently waiting Optimus, Ratchett emitted the electronic equivalent of a sigh. Conversing in their native language he continued; “I don’t like it Optimus. Your circuitry is repaired, but the damage could have been much more severe. If your ‘episode’ lasted a few minutes or seconds longer I am not sure the damage would be reversible, you could literally lose your mind a piece at a time. You have to stop…”
“We need the information now, more than ever Ratchett, you know that.”
“I can’t condone your methods Optimus, there has to be another way, the Matrix contained more power and knowledge than we’ve had before and that was transferred to you when Sam revived you. Trying to tap into that knowledge could be suicide if it isn’t controlled properly.”
“I understand your concerns but, I know that we are going to need the information the Matrix is trying to give me, it is a warning of some kind, it shows me images of things yet to occur, destruction on a level I can not allow to happen there is no other way to access it other than through my mind it is within me now, I can control it.”
‘By Primus he is stubborn’, thought Ratchet to himself, staring at the taller mech he shook his head, concern and worry painfully present in his voice.
“Were you in control before?” He challenged boldly.
Optimus was slightly taken aback by the statement, letting his arms drop to his sides he took a step back and turned away from Ratchet’s questioning, caring gaze. “That was… that won’t happen again, I must control it, the fate of us all could depend on the information that I receive. My welfare is of secondary concern when this planet’s safety is in question. The Decepticons are planning something, we must be ready.”
“But… Optimus let me try to access it indirectly, maybe I…”
Optimus turned on Ratchett with a fierce glare that took Ratchett by surprise,
“No!” He snapped out loud. Catching himself Optimus took a step back his normally dulcet, deep voice, now filled with burden and pain. “Ratchet, this situation is… challenging to say the least. I will not put anyone else in unnecessary danger…” His voice trembled slightly, as he tried to find his words.
Ratchett nodded slowly, “We can’t afford to lose you again Optimus. The war will surely be won by the Decepticons if this doesn’t work…” His voice betrayed his emotions as it caught in his throat, he was unable to finish his sentence. His mind having flash backs to when the large blue and red mech had lain at his feet, his spark all but destroyed, replaced by a black gaping hole caused by Megatron’s blade. He spoke softly, turning from his leader, “We can’t... I can’t lose you… Not again…” His voice trailed off weakly. Suddenly angry at himself, he took a few steps away from Optimus and stood with his back to him. Optimus stared after him speechless at the unexpected and uncharacteristic show of emotion. Composing himself, he motioned forward. Standing close to Ratchet he gently placed his hands on the smaller mechs shoulders. Leaning in he whispered softly into Ratchet’s audio processors.
“I have no intentions of being lost Ratchet; I will not let the Decepticons conquer this world. I owe too much to its inhabitants, I owe too much to you. Have faith.”
Ratchett’s irritated voice sounded in Optimus’s head; “Oh I have faith in the Matrix all right, it’s your damned circuits that are trying my patience.” He turned to face him, their azure blue optics meeting. Optimus managed a weak smile as he gently pressed his helm onto Ratchet’s, his optics shuttered.
“Sentiments not withstanding Ratchet I do appreciate your concern. I ask only for a little patience.” His voice was pleading, if there was ever a time he needed Ratchet’s support, no matter what his feelings towards him were, it was now. Ratchett’s tone was serious and sympathetic, “If you must ask, be more careful.” He frowned as he absently let his now nervous hands run down Optimus’s chest, his fingers drifting lightly over his spark chamber. Smirking slightly, he felt Optimus’s frame shudder faintly at the touch. It’d been a long time since Optimus had even let him get this close; the position of Prime had taken on a whole new meaning once the war had started and now all the Autobots looked to the relatively young mech and him alone. This troubled Ratchet greatly, remembering how close they used to be before the war. Taking a gamble and holding his breath (not that this was necessary mind you), he gently let his fingers probe delicately around Optimus’s chassis, enjoying the resulting whimper of a moan that emitted from Optimus’s vocal processors.
“Ratchet… I don’t…” Optimus’s voice was barely even a whisper as Ratchet allowed his expert fingers to probe even further, sliding across his front and gripping ever so slightly onto his back before running his hands up to the sensitive wiring exposed at Optimus’s lower neck. He found what he was looking for, and with a faint smirk thrust his dextrous fingers under the armour plating and stroked the bundle of wires firmly but not painfully. Optimus threw his head back and gasped, reacting to the very pleasant sensations that Ratchet was causing. His strong hands gripped tightly onto Ratchet’s shoulders as the medic used both hands to stroke the wiring down both sides of his neck. He wanted to pull away, his logic circuits screaming at him that he shouldn’t be allowing himself this indulgence; he should remember his duty and by Primus if anyone saw them! He let out a soft moan as Ratchet’s fingers delved deeper under his armour plating. It was pleasure he hadn’t felt in a long time and despite himself Optimus found himself melting into the other mechs warm, soothing, familiar touch. Ratchet wrapped one of his arms around Optimus’s back as his last playful stroke had almost brought Optimus sinking to his knees. Sheepishly the larger mech glanced at him, his features slightly embarrassed at the embrace in which his medic now had him in as he supported him. His own arms had fallen to Ratchet’s waist and clung on tightly, afraid to let go, yet afraid to keep hold as he felt his control slipping away. Bringing his helm to meet the smaller mechs, his voice was shaky to say the least.
“Am I mistaken or has your bedside manner, improved somewhat.”
Ratchet grinned and an evil glint shone in his optics as he lowered his hand and not so subtly brushed the back of it against Prime’s interface port. Optimus’s face froze as a growl of pleasure and frustration passed his labia plates. He stared at Ratchet intently, who confidently held his leader’s gaze. Without words Optimus knew what Ratchet was doing, what he wanted, what they both wanted. He dropped his optics and caught hold of Ratchet’s hand.
“Ratchet… I can’t do this… Not now…” He glanced up at the medic whose gaze had turned from one of caring empathy, to one of determined intent. Optimus had seen that look before; Ratchet wasn’t going to give this up easily.
“We’ll see” Ratchet’s grin was infectiously mischievous, letting go of Optimus’s hand; he pressed more firmly this time onto his chest plates, creeping under his armour. Both hands seemed to be everywhere at once, fingers finding all the sensitive wiring, causing Optimus to buckle to his knees. Then without warning Ratchet bent down bringing his face close to Optimus’s own, stopping merely an inch from their noses touching. He could feel the hot air being cycled through Optimus’s facial plates and he could hear his coolant systems whirring loudly. Still with that mischievous grin, Ratchet gazed at him for a few seconds longer.
“Ratchet so help me, I’m going to have you demoted for this.” Optimus growled deeply, his jaw clenched as he tried and failed to maintain his self control.
“Fine by me Prime, I can just have you relieved. Medic’s perogative.”
With that he planted a firm, passionate kiss on his leader’s mouth. He felt the other’s mouth part slightly in surprise and pressed the advantage, sliding his glossa in smoothly, playfully finding Optimus’s own. While Prime was on his knees he was only a little shorter than Ratchet and Ratchet made full use of this opportunity. Pulling him in tightly he embraced the large mech, who returned the embrace firmly. His palm gently pressing on the back of Optimus’s helm, while the other found another sensitive bundle of wiring just between Optimus’s shoulder blades, he pinched it. He felt Optimus lurch against him. Unlocking their mouths, he, without hesitation, let his glossa slide over the wiring at the side of Optimus’s neck. Hearing the groans of satisfaction and feeling his strong arms pull him closer, Ratchet knew he had him right where he wanted him. Pulling away, he let Optimus slump forward slightly and watched him having to steady himself with one hand on the ground, before he helped him to his feet. Their optics met, Ratchet could see the wanton look in his leaders’ eyes. Smirking he turned to walk away; Optimus grabbed his wrist and pulled him back firmly. Landing flush against Optimus’s chest it was Ratchet’s turn to gasp as he had the entire might of his Prime bearing down on him, wanting him. Optimus leant forward and planted his mouth firmly onto Ratchet’s his passion and strength was all at once commanding and deeply arousing. He let out a weak moan, as Optimus’s fingers ran down his chassis and played absently around his interface port. He shuddered in anticipation. It had been too long. Forcing his urges to take Prime right there and then, he pulled away again. Greeted by a frustrated, questioning frown from Optimus.
“You’re right… we can’t…”
“Ratchet… I…”
Ratchet held his hand up sternly glaring at the younger mech. “Not here.” Transforming he turned and swiftly led the way to a more secluded part of the desert in which the base was located. Isolation definitely had its advantages. It took minutes at the most to find a secluded spot; they hadn’t done this since coming to Earth over two years ago. Prime had buried himself in his position of leader as had Ratchet into being their only medic. They had repressed their feelings for the sake of the war and Ratchet hadn’t even been sure if the stoic Prime even still felt that way about him, after what he’d done to him. Granted they had been close, lovers in fact but they had never spark bonded, Ratchet had considered it to be too much of a risk. In case something happened to him. Ratchet had been the one who had rejected Optimus, not willing to risk his Prime making attachments that could only impede his leadership if anything happened. Optimus had not taken it all that well. In fact he’d been stunned as Ratchet had stopped them meeting. It had taken all of Ratchet’s resolve and strength to back off and deny his true feelings, he knew that he’d hurt Optimus deeply but was never sure how much he’d been affected. Optimus never spoke of it to him and had only ever been stoic and friendly towards him ever since that day. Since coming to Earth however and having essentially lost him once, Ratchet wasn’t about to make the same mistake again. He’d wanted to leave Earth when Optimus had died, he’d wanted to give up everything, he simply didn’t care anymore, it was at that point he had realised how much he truly meant to him and he regretted the decision he’d made all those years ago. He was going to change that now however; he was going to show Optimus just how he felt. Frankly he was surprised at how easily he’d seduced his leader. ‘He must be under some strain’ he thought, for him to want comfort and to not pull away when Ratchet had reached for him. It told him so much about the brave leader. He needed him, even if he denied it to himself. Stopping, he transformed, he barely had time to turn round before Optimus slammed into him, his strength and weight sending them both toppling to the ground. Ratchet’s optics off lined as his head smacked the floor.
“By Primus!” He exclaimed. Hearing Optimus chuckle he on lined his optics.
“What’s so funny?” He frowned in mock annoyance at the red and blue mech that now straddled him as he lay defenceless on his back.
“It just feels good to have the upper hand against you for once.” He leaned down and kissed the wiring at the side of Ratchet’s neck, slowly kissing lower, his labia plates pressing onto his armour. He shivered with pleasure and shuttered his optics as he felt strong hands probing his more sensitive form beneath his armour.
“Don’t get… used to it.” He breathed, as Optimus ran his fingers tentatively across his spark chamber.
“Well at least you can’t throw any wrenches at me.”
Growling, Ratchet reached up to try and push Optimus off, but the larger mech met his optics with fierce intent.
“Oh no, you’re not getting away from me again, that easily.” With one swift move, he had managed to pin both of Ratchet’s hands above his head with one hand and with determined precision gently probed his interface port while simultaneously allowing the tips of his fingers to brush against his interface module. Ratchet let out a stiff cry of surprised pleasure and writhed beneath Prime’s legs.
“Oh Primus.” He moaned excitedly as Optimus found the sensitive wiring within his interface port and pressed lightly.
Leaning Optimus whispered into his audio processors, “That’s Oh Prime, Ratchet.” Looking at him incredulously, Ratchet was met by the cheekiest grin he had ever seen Optimus give him. He still played around his interface port and Ratchet could feel his systems starting to overheat, his coolant system switching to overdrive. He tried desperately to control himself. Summoning all of his strength he twisted sharply, causing Prime to fall to the ground in surprise. Gasping he pressed himself against Prime and moaned as their mouths locked once again.
“I am going… To… make you… Pay for teasing me…”
“I am… unh… counting on it…” Optimus’s voice pitched higher than usual as Ratchet unlocked his interface port. Pushing Prime to the ground he pinned him by the shoulders and leaned in closely, their warm bodies prickling with electrical charge from their sparks.
“Tell me you want me Optimus.”
Optimus stared at Ratchet with wide optics, “What..?” Ratchet’s face softened, “I made a mistake letting you go, I need to know you still want me, that you’ll have me…”
“Oh Ratchet.” Optimus laughed, “I never stopped wanting you. But by Primus I am going to put you in stasis lock if you keep me waiting for much longer.”
Ratchet had heard all he needed to, his mouth and glossa once again found Optimus’s, his hands reached for his interface module. Optimus’s hands were stroking his own port and module, causing him to fumble a little. A little embarrassed Ratchet glanced at him, without warning Optimus plunged his interface module into Ratchet’s port causing the older mech to cry out loudly. He did the same, relishing in the spasms that racked Optimus’s body as they could feel the energy building. His fingers once again reached for Optimus’s spark chamber and he stroked it lovingly.
“Show me.” He breathed. Optimus couldn’t answer, as he writhed in pleasure beneath the medic. Instead his strong arms pulled him closer and caressed his own spark chamber; his chest armour parted and opened revealing his brilliant spark as Ratchet’s did the same.
The electrical energy was intense as their sparks connected. Warning signals flashed across Ratchet’s vision as his system over heated, the pulses throbbing through his body. He felt Optimus overload beneath him, his body stiffening and crying out as he did so. Ratchet’s followed seconds later, causing both mechs’ bodies to tense tightly as energon pulsed into the other’s port. Shivers of ecstasy ran down Ratchet’s spinal column. Their chests closed and with a sigh he collapsed onto the already offline mech’s chassis.
He came to slowly, his processors registering what he’d just put his body through. He felt Optimus’s hand gently caressing his helm absently. Sliding off the larger form, Optimus glanced down at him, amusement present in his face.
“You do know it’s highly inappropriate to take advantage of your patient when they’re vulnerable right?”
Ratchet grunted as he sat up and shrugged. “I don’t remember hearing you object Prime. Besides, some of my patients require that little extra attention.”
“Patients?” Optimus asked playfully, as he sat up. “So… There are others, do I have competition Ratchet?” He teased the medic as he helped him to his feet.
“Optimus, so help me, if you so much as even entertain that thought you’re having I will offline you myself.”
He felt Optimus’s hand brush his still sensitive interface module as he walked behind him, his body shook involuntarily at his caressing touch. “I have been led to believe, that I can offline you, just as easily Ratchet.”
“Frag it Optimus.” His leader winked as he led the way back to base. Walking back onto the airstrip, Ratchet’s face, ever the workaholic, had returned to one of sombre concern.
“Optimus about the matrix…”
“Ratchet, please I have made my decision. If this was all some elaborated plan to get me to let my guard down, then I…”
“What the hell are you talking about Prime?”
Optimus snapped his mouth shut, his circuit still frazzled from his overload, he wasn’t actually entirely sure of his point.
“Ratchet I…”
Ratchet stalked up to him, and pushed a finger pointedly into his chest, his face a picture of concern and pained annoyance.
“Let me put it this way Optimus, next time your circuits fry I am going to shut you down for a week to repair them. You want to leave command up to Ironhide its fine with me, go ahead; he’s all but itching for a fight. You’ll be waking up to half a base and some very agitated humans.”
Ratchet laughed lightly at the slightly horrified expression crossing Optimus’s face, he patted him affectionately on the shoulder. Optimus joined in the laughter, remembering the last time Ironhide had blown a hole through the walls of the hangar, almost taking the twins with it, they laughed heartily at the thought. Both well aware that the current level of peace could be shattered at any moment and that it would probably be from the uncontrolled test fire of Ironhide’s newly designed weaponry, blowing yet another hole in the hanger which had only recently been repaired from just such an incident. Optimus attempted to steer the conversation to a lighter note, the burden of responsibility once again weighing heavily on his mind.
“He is not one to hang around quietly.” Optimus added, “He needs to occupy himself somehow.”
“Humph, he has help and encouragement from the human Sergeant Epps, bad influence.”
Optimus now laughed heartily, relishing the moment. “You can hardly question his motives Ratchett, you, yourself have become quite attached to the robotics technicians that help you with repairs.”
Ratchett pulled a face, feigning indifference on the matter, the subtle tone of affection obvious to Optimus Prime, “I am a Medical officer, and it serves my purpose. They are quite enthusiastic for the work however. Unlike most of you, who are frequently insistent on getting parts of yourselves blown off, especially some of the more impulsive Autobots.” He pointed a finger at Optimus accusingly, who simply ducked his head from the stern, yet affectionate glare, while having the decency to look a little contrite.
“I have become attached to them as well Ratchett; they have a lot of potential.” He paused, “I believe that Major Lennox has returned back to base.” He noted thoughtfully as a black helicopter set down some distance away.
“It never rains but it pours.” Ratchett grumbled absently as they headed back toward the hanger.