#vday25

Things were quiet this time around. The alternate Optimus that had oh-so-often attempted to spend time with Ratchet hadn't been seen for most of the day-- he'd completely and utterly disappeared! At least... it seemed that way... until there was the familiar sound of a truck's engines somewhere revving outside before the familiar transformation occurred. KHEE KHEE kho KHEE. Optimus made his way in, smoky hand gently pressing against the wall with... something behind his back. " Ratchet? Are you busy at all? "

The scientist had moved one of his screens nearer to a single console, making it much easier for him to have references, coding, and the results of his modifications visible and accessible at once. At the moment, he was specifically analyzing various human clothing. The complexity of textures, light reflection, stretchiness or stiffness, even wrinkles of how different forms of cloth behaved... had all proved to be exceptionally technical to apply to a projected model for his ever updating holomatter project. He wanted the final application to have plenty of customization for others to use, but good grief...

Ratchet's audials angled, partially one sided, as he detected the sound of an engine and the following transformation. Both noises were familiar, so he did not look away from studying 'satin.'

"Not with anything that I cannot pause from working on," Ratchet answered, then saved his progress, and actually turned around to greet him.

Ratchet blinks a few times, before looking down and quietly examining the card. Children... And, an older era of art, in its design. He recognized the appropriateness of both, while it also clearly reflected the human source of the holiday.

Without a word, he stepped aside with the card and snacks to set them down out of the way, then returned. The medic took one of Optimus' hands in his own and opened it, before placing a flower in his palm. Whatever it was, it was not native to Earth.

Valentines Day!

They say it's the most romantic day of the year! Our residence found themselves in a slice-of-life anime! Residents joined new classrooms changing relationships for some and starting new ones. Atlas played cupid delivering sweet treats. While many of our now "students" stayed on the straight and narrow some decided that was boring.

Delinquent and drug dealing Luke supplied some 'special' brownies to his favorite problems or should I say clients. Resulting in a rather public display of anger from Viv Ambrose against her recent ex Jax. This resulted in the "bad kids" Jax, Elena, Will, Faye, Ayumu and Vivian missing out on the schools beach day! Some of our residents report remembering the little adventure while others swear they remember nothing. Especially a certain pair of demons that ended up as step brothers.

Word on the street says that Judas Samara might have not only forgotten this anime slice of life but also his relationship to a certain deity.

"..."

He has quietly reappeared because he HOPES enough time has passed since the Love Holiday that he will not be swarmed by a range of sources, be they family or adoring public.

Optimus is here at the request of a Valentine's Day challenge from a certain troublemaking wrecker and his young partner in crime. "Ratchet." He approaches slowly, vocalizer clearing as he stands close, hopefully not comfortably so. "I have been instructed to gift physical affirmation to three mecha of my choosing and you are my first choice. May I?" Arms open up, optics bright, and innocent as the Prime smiles at him.

Ratchet is surprised to see him a second time, but nonetheless provides his undivided attention.

"Back again?" he remarks with a hint of amusement, before simply listening.

"..." Instructed. Someone must have been up to something. He wonders if it is a requirement sort of situation, or a voluntary one... But, regardless, he has to answer the question.

Physical affirmation sounds like it would mean receiving compliments on his outward appearance (which inspires mixed sentiment), but he truthfully doesn't know if it is more than that, especially considering the other appeared to be offering him a hug.

Primus.

Before he can do any other stupid things, Bumblebee shoves a card Ratchet's way, made of taped-together posterboards and so, so many sheets of construction paper, courtesy of the kids. It has one large blue heart and a smattering of white stars on one side. The other has a message in egregiously bubbly heart-deco glyphs:

I appreciate you, Valentine!

There was also an attempt at a papercraft approximation of Ratchet's face, smiling, in the company of round, cartoony Earth bee. They're a little wonky. Emphasis on attempt.

Bumblebee himself is already hurrying away in alt, quick enough for the floor to gain some short tiremarks. Patrols and all, you know.

Optical ridges arch at the terms, before he blinks and quickly accepts the handmade offering. The medic analyzes it quietly, noting its composition, details, representations, and of course, the words. How endearing.

He looks up from the valentine as he hears Bumblebee transform. "..." Ratchet is left standing, holding the gift, and watching the sports car retreat before he even has the opportunity to fully process everything. It appears Bumblebee was too... embarrassed (?) to wait for a response.

Ratchet hums thoughtfully to himself, before removing a closed binder from his back unit, and carefully placing the valentine inside.