A Bet's a Bet

Chapter 1

Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers. They belong to Hasbro and Takara. I am merely taking them for a short spin.

Famed for their exploits. Not just as warriors. Reputations known throughout the colonies, from neutrals all the the way through the Decepticon ranks. Obviously someone forgot to notify their fellow Autobots.

The humans had a word describing their reputation. "Casanova." It fit Springer best. Hot Rod second. He usually cleaned up after Springer loved 'em and left 'em.

40 days and 40 nights. Duty first. Urges later. Except neither of them was counting on what happened next-getting hit like a ton of bricks. But a bet was a bet.

88888

The blue world hanging in the black was a welcome sight. Even more of a relief would be setting foot on solid ground, Ultra Magnus thought. Not having to look at deck plates, bulkheads, monitors and the same faces day after day. Trapped with a crazy femme for a medic, an ancient war hero and his various foundlings, and just waiting for the moment the ship decided to online. Pure luck his sanity held all that time, but in a few moments, it would all be someone else's problem. Mostly. Ultra Magnus knew he wouldn't be completely divested of all his responsibilities, but if he was lucky, maybe he'd get a few days to himself just to do nothing but recharge.

But he pushed that from his mind as the shuttle landed, and he made his way down the ramp, optics adjusting to the bright light, as he watched Optimus Prime approach, flanked by Ironhide, Chromia, and Prowl.

Ultra Magnus glared down at the two slightly shorter mechs at his right as the others approached. Springer didn't look at him. Magnus' glare deepened to a frown, but eased when he saw Hot Rod meet his gaze with a nod and a quick cocky quirk of his lips. At least one of the two was paying attention.

:Relax Magnus: Hot Rod commed.

:I am relaxed: Magnus replied.

:Yeah. I won't repeat what Springer just said. I know you're nervous about meeting the humans and seeing your old friends, but relax. You're going to blow those relays in your processor again, and I'm not hauling your heavy aft to Red Alert this time. I'll just leave you where you lay: Hot Rod said.

:Your concern is duly noted: Magnus said. :Now shut up:

Hot Rod flicked his fingers in a mock salute, but settled down. Magnus sighed. Why did he get the feeling his existence was going to get more complicated, he mused as Optimus introduced himself to Hot Rod and Springer, then turned his attention to his old friend.

"Magnus, it's good to see you," Optimus said, enveloping the other mech in a bear hug.

"It's been much too long, my friend," Magnus said.

"I know," Optimus said, smiling, making room for the others to greet Magnus. "There are others waiting back at the hangar, who would like to see you."

Magnus shot Hot Rod and Springer a look.

:Behave yourselves:

They shared a glance, and only grinned back.

88888

Ultra Magnus could not mistake the lithe, bright pink and black frame for anyone else in the universe. He couldn't form words when moments later the arms attached to that frame were wrapped around him, lip components brushed his swiftly and he found himself flustered while Optimus was giving him an amused look as Elita-1 went back to join Chromia and Ironhide.

"Why didn't you tell me Elita-1 was here?" Magnus asked, throwing an accusing look at Optimus.

"Elita wanted to surprise you," Optimus said.

Shock was more like it.

"I take it the two of you have resumed your relationship?" Magnus asked.

"No," Optimus said. "Elita and I are merely friends at this stage. Anything else would be a serious complication, considering how closely we're working together. And not to mention having to explain to the humans. Elita serves as my liaison to the humans, as well as a unit commander since her arrival."

Friends. Just friends. Magnus was still wrapping his processor around that. Maybe femmes were more sensible than he thought, if Elita hadn't taken back up with Prime. Or Mr. Perfect Prime had finally done something to really frag off the femme.

He felt a hand on his shoulder. "Magnus? Are you all right?"

Magnus managed an affirmative nod.

"Good. I need to 'make the rounds' as the humans say. Enjoy yourself," Optimus said, placing a cube of high grade in Magnus' hands.

Magnus promptly threw it back in one gulp, ready to go talk to Elita, but he was stopped by Springer's sudden appearance beside him.

"Hey-who's that sweet piece of aft there with Ironhide and Ratchet?" Springer asked.

Magnus glanced in the direction Springer was staring. And he snapped.

With one hand, he grabbed Springer by the throat, lifting the younger mech off the ground.

"That 'sweet piece of aft' is the offspring of two of my dearest friends," Magnus said. "Make any unwanted advances toward Arcee, and I will rip out your spark with my bare hands."

He swiftly dropped Springer.

"Do you understand me?"

"Crystal clear," Springer said. "Geez, I was just. . ."

"My words were not a warning, Springer. That is a promise. And you know I always keep my word," Magnus said.

Springer couldn't control the shudder that ran through his body.

"Yes, sir," Springer said.

On Earth only a few hours and already trouble was brewing. Maybe it wasn't too late to go back to the ship and head for space?