#fluff february

You weren't aware that it snowed on Odesson. Granted it was the first year you were actually spending a proper winter here since joining the Alliance, but to be fair, your duties hadn't required you to give this world much attention. There hadn't been the slightest white dusting in your line of sight since your arrival, and maybe not for years before that either. Who knew. Who could possibly recall the last time it snowed on Odesson— the answer not being you. What with one catastrophe to the next, you couldn't have afforded the time to wonder. And evidently, neither could the Alliance, as the kriffing heat was busted too.

Today heavy clouds carried fat flakes of snow which fell upon the planet and collected where it lay. While Odesson could handle a light sprinkle, the lack of cold weather gear or warm clothes to bundle in left you feeling less prepared to meet it than normal. Like a protective shell, you wrapped your hands inside the excess material of your sleeves around your wrists. You shivered while pulling the collar higher up the sides of your neck and drew the hood over your head in the hope it would trap more heat.

The meager ensemble was the most suitable clothing you could dig out of your closet, though. And it would be some time before you could seek other, more sufficient outfits to get yourself through the rest of the season. Kriff it all, you might be in for an unfortunate, freezing week or three. It's not like you didn't deserve such hardships in the least, but did it have to be so blasted cold?

As you marched from the exterior of the base, your head was down in hopes the additional fabric over your face could block the bitter gusts which swept the open corridor. The icy needles were strong enough to make tears prickle at the corners of your eyes as they stung into your cheeks. Your breath danced out of your mouth and nose in a cloud of white fog.

"Take my cloak." A shadow stepped into your path, startling your gaze to lift, "You're cold."

You gawked, still reeling at his offer, when the dark lord returned your stare. His intense red pupils seemed to search your very soul. That and he'd spoken to you of his own accord— surely a strange day. Perhaps, a trick. No, it has to be. Still, you nodded an acceptance as the Sith stood tall and began to remove the swath of his cloak from his broad shoulders. He was so quick in response, a surprised gasp tumbled out of you when a newfound heat hit your chest in the most delightful way.

The shock of warmth rushed across your body, banishing some of the frost which clung to your bones. You gulped, reminded then how easily Lord Scourge was capable of killing. You knew the former emperor's Wrath had no ill intentions now, but his imposing figure was enough to make a chill run up the length of your spine. "I know the Alliance's current facilities are somewhat subpar—" he drew the edges of his black cloak around your shoulders a little tighter— "but perhaps, we can fix that."

With the air of superiority Scourge typically held, and the dark power of a Sith always laced in his veins, it had taken a moment to understand just how Lord Scourge wasn't completely immune to the harsh winds himself. Now, without his cloak, the Sith wore the thin, yet heavy weight, of his armor. In all the time you'd known Lord Scourge, he appeared unperturbed by many things and never acknowledged such discomforts or weaknesses. Had he merely pushed them aside? Or was the fact that this is something which couldn't be avoided making the thought all the more urgent in your mind.

Either way, the fact that he'd seen the cold rattle you so easily and had willingly removed the protective cover he could've kept over his own body, left you grateful.

You did the best you could not to take notice of his unusual softness. Though you had come to be familiar with this side of him as well since befriending him, the smallest parts of him were always easier to pick up on than others. Maybe that's why he doesn't share his kindnesses and generous moods so openly. Everyone's got to start somewhere, and it could prove awkward and clumsy if he went about it in full. As awkward and clumsy as he once made his introductions, for sure. And he already felt uncomfortable at times. But how lovely and endearing it was to learn a part of his heart you never thought would reveal itself.

"Thank you, Scourge," you said with an appreciative smile in place.

The glum attitude had suddenly shed itself, leaving a newfound appreciation in its place. You swallowed another cold shudder and hoped the deep hood of his cloak would do its job and hide some of your blushing.

It may or may not. It couldn't be avoided— not the affection.

"It is nothing," the Sith uttered with a curt bow of his head.

You barely managed to follow his step, Scourge didn't slow his stride and even quickened it. Once you had fallen into stride, it didn't take long for your gait to catch up with his, though the angle of his pace took you somewhere else entirely, forcing you to study the length of his arm. You ran a slow eye along his sinewed, nearly perfect build. When a pang of self-consciousness seized your confidence, you lifted the line of your sights and struggled to be free of the temptation to gaze his way.

Then Scourge would pass a subtle glance at you. It must have been the lingering shivers from the cold because every time you glanced his way, it was like lightning shooting straight up the length of your spine.

Stars. Stop it, he's only offering you a cloak.

Scourge looked back again to offer you a curious eye. His attention shifted your way, and when he opened his mouth to speak, a ping on his holocomm went off.

You never got the chance to discover his intentions, or even why he was interested to ask, the ring of his holocomm brought all those answers to a crashing halt. With a displeased hum, Scourge took the time to answer, turning a way for privacy. When the holo communication finally ended, a fresh sigh had the Sith returning his gaze to you, but when the inevitable happened, Scourge's footsteps also came to a standstill.

"I'm needed. You would do best to hurry and remain indoors," the Sith stated. He tilted his head as the contemplation of words danced behind his eyes. But they remained unsaid. You reached around to take the cloak from your shoulders, but his hand paused your efforts to return it. "Do not forget to hold onto my cloak," Scourge muttered.

The sith stepped aside to create a wider gap between the two of you. His ruby eyes latched onto your person. Scourge gave you an amiable, comforting nod. You smiled a faint grin in kind. "Keep warm."

Sunstreaker can't believe that the time has come and everything is going well. He knew Optimus wouldn't have an issue with Sunstreaker asking a human to marry him. Lily's parents are whom he worries about. Even while he's been dating their daughter for six years. He sits at his desk, remembering the conversation. "It's still surprising to see you nervous, Sunstreaker," Lexie smiles. "I-I want to m-marry Lily." The silence as Sunstreaker waits for Lexie and Mason to say something is unbearable. He worries he should have told Ratchet his plan because of his unusual anxiety. Even though it's been a few years since he dealt with it. "Sunstreaker? Shit," he hears Lexie, "Sunstreaker, calm down, it's ok." "Should I call Ratchet?" The two worried humans watch Sunstreaker blink. "I don't like that you still get anxiety like this," Lexie comments, "this worries me as you ask Lily to marry you." Sunstreaker takes a few seconds to realize Lexie says he can marry her daughter. "You need to tell Ratchet so he can give e you something so your anxiety doesn't become an issue when you ask her," Mason adds. "Sunstreaker?" The mech hears Sideswipe. He sees his brother standing beside the desk, "you ok?"

Lily opens the door until she hears Sunstreaker. "…. I don't know if I should. I-I…" Lily closes the door, worried something is causing Sunstreaker anxiety. Uncertain if she better get Drift or Ratchet. Sideswipe opens the door. Only he sees Sunstreaker is worried. I believe she was just about to come in. Sideswipe assures his brother. I doubt she heard anything.

Lily knew her friends would wait by the cafeteria for her the next morning. "… keep it simple," she hears Drift. The conversation concludes before the five know Lily has arrived. Sunstreaker hugs her and kisses her forehead. Lily suspects something is going on but says nothing.

With Lily having training this morning, Sunstreaker uses the time to talk to Mirage and Ratchet. Mirage smiles, hearing what Sunstreaker has planned. Finding it interesting how Sunstreaker still asks Mirage to help with romantic dinners if he doesn't want to take Lily out. He likes helping the two not have to worry about dinner and enjoy each other. "You going to tell Ratchet?" Mirage asks, "because I think you better take something to help your anxiety. It's better to be safe than to ruin the moment." Sunstreaker sighs, hating while his anxiety hasn't been a problem for five years, Mirage is right even without knowing his anxiety rose while talking to Lily's parents.

"It's been five years since you dealt with anxiety—." "No, I struggled to talk to Lexie and Mason the other day," Sunstreaker corrects. "Even after five years, this suddenness is concerning," Ratchet comments, leaving the office. Sunstreaker sits on the chair, hating that his anxiety is yet again a problem. Ratchet returns with a small bottle. Sunstreaker knows what it is. He listens to Ratchet give instructions, knowing it's what Ratchet has to do, even if he's giving Sunstreaker one pill. "…. but I doubt she'll say no," Ratchet finishes. Sunstreaker says nothing and leaves the medbay. He goes to his room.

Sitting on his bed, he looks at the ring he got. Nothing expensive but not cheap. He went without the femmes, which he hopes wasn't a mistake. Sunstreaker worried they'd tell Lily.

Lily notices Sunstreaker acting unusual for the next three days. She worries his anxiety is becoming a problem again, but why now? While the other Autobots don't seem worried, not even the medics. While figuring there's no news like the Autobots are going home for good — Lily knows that Ratchet would be displeased because he'd be leaving Audrey and Jasmine — Lily still worries something is going on.

Sunstreaker doesn't tell Lily to wear her nice red dress. Even though the two have dressed nicely a few times while having dinner in the small hangar, Sunstreaker worries Lily will question why. Ratchet already had to give him more of the antianxiety medication than just for tonight. Ratchet still came by as Sunstreaker was getting ready. Hoping to help calm Sunstreaker along with the medication. "At least she's used to seeing some decorations," Mirage points out, "and the dancing won't be odd. You going to be ok?" "I hate my anxiety is a problem again that I'm back on medication. Despite being an issue for the past few days. I should be fine." Mirage heads to the kitchen while Sunstreaker gets Lily.

Lily stares at the decorations, feeling like they're different from usual, but she's unsure how. Something feels different about this date, but she's certain Sunstreaker isn't looking to break up with her. Lily can't believe he'd be with her for six years and then decide they're through, especially with how they had to work on their relationship. This is a time she wishes they were bonded, but she knows the process is risky and even Sunstreaker refuses to go through the process. "You look beautiful," Sunstreaker smiles, kissing Lily's forehead before the two sit at the table. As usual, Mirage arrives with a cart right after the two sit down. Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken is one of the dinners Sunstreaker often plans, and it's one of Lily's favorites. Even with the medication, Sunstreaker is still feeling anxious. He has experienced the medication not keeping him completely calm before, but he worries the dosage isn't enough. Sunstreaker, you're ok. Sideswipe assures him. I doubt she'll say no. Lily's phone dings, giving Sunstreaker a perfect opportunity. "Really, Sideswipe?" Lily says, annoyed, "Sunstreaker?" Lily sees Sunstreaker standing beside him, "what are you—?" She stops as Sunstreaker gets on one knee. "You know when we met, I had no interest in being your friend, and now, I can't picture my life without you," Sunstreaker takes out a ring box and opens it, "Lily Kate Jones, will you marry me?" Lily smiles and hugs Sunstreaker. The two don't realize Mirage is watching them and taking pictures. He smiles, seeing the two happy as they kiss. "I take it that's a yes?" "Yes!" Lily lets Sunstreaker put the ring on her finger. She loves the silver double band ring with the round cut diamond centered on a halo. The two hear music playing. They know Mirage is around, but instead of calling him out, Sunstreaker takes Lily's hand, and the two dance. Ignoring their untouched dinners until the end of the song. Mirage got more pictures and turned off the music once the song ended before leaving the couple alone.