Chapter Text
One: A Little Discussion
“You know Tail… you really should be bringing Cyclonus with you to this kind of talk with Ratchet, I mean… I’m a bar tender, I know nothing about the cybirds and insecticons…” Swerve was probably to blame for this whole train of thought after-all, he couldn’t help it when he’d been getting all the gossip dished back to them from the last port they’d docked at and in the stacks of magazines he’d bought had been one on all the latest in sparkling care and the latest celebs on the home world with kids. There had been one big special in it on the First Emissary of Velocitron’s conjux having carried and birthed a gorgeous little bot and detailed discussions on the difficulties of prioritising work and the pregnancy. Tailgate had grabbed that magazine and almost not wanted to give it back as they’d gone through it sentence by sentence and then just cooed over the pictures. “…besides, you and Cyclonus, sparklings were being phased out in your time for the fresh moulds… surely you guys got to see and learn enough back then?”
“Oh… no… they were only kept for the elite to have… so only the richest bots had babies and well, to see ordinary bots being surprised and having sparklings because the coding has kicked back in, its adorable… but that’s why I need you with me, I don’t want Cyclonus to think… to think that I’m doing this because I read something, you know what conclusions he’ll come to.” Tailgate pouted the way he could behind his little mouth covering, his big blue visor shimmering with a mix of excitement but also worry. He hated it when Cyclonus assumed he was too impressionable and would be running on a current idea that probably was not feasible and then talk him out of it the way only Cyclonus could whilst he’d puff and vent in frustration over it all. “This is something that… that I want as a possibility… you know? Something that… that I’m sure will be important.”
“Yeah… knowing Cyc he’s the sort that would say he doesn’t deserve a sparkling, let alone might not even wanna pick it up, thinking its made of glass or something. Actually… thinking about it maybe this isn’t a good idea. I don’t think Cyclonus is going to be very happy about the idea of having a baby… with anyone.” Swerve stated, thinking of the history of the big purple jet with his scary face and big horns… he made adult bots cry let alone a sparkling. It made Swerve grimace as they reached the medbay and suddenly Tailgate swung around to give the most vicious narrowed look towards the bar keep he could produce. It was oddly cute more than terrifying and Swerve couldn’t help but give a nervous laugh and vent awkwardly as he smirked. “But… you know Cyclonus better.”
“That’s right… I do. I know if there’s something he would really love a chance at… its building a better life and not just for me. Imagine it, everyone else has always had a certain opinion of him, but a sparkling would only know his love and he would only want to give it love… I think… I think Cyclonus will look after us both well and give us so much love.” Tailgate stated, defending his partner and yet inside his frame was feeling uncomfortable and his vents were stuttering at the thought he might be about to do something that would upset his partner. Would this be something that would make Cyclonus wish he wasn’t with Tailgate? No… no it couldn’t and well, it did not hurt to actually talk to Ratchet about it as a possibility and learn what was to happen.
When they stepped through, Swerve was looking oddly grim as they were permitted over to the medical bay where Ratchet had just finished dealing with something simple and then beckoned him over. Ratchet looked tired but oddly relieved, as if he’d been waiting for a chance to just sit down and talk about something rather than anything else. Tailgate hopped up onto the berth that was offered and Swerve attempted to leave until he heard the little squeak from Tailgate that made him sit back down with a grimace. However, it was obvious that Ratchet seemed to expect what was going to be asked and well, he looked curiously affectionate towards the older bot sitting there with shining blue visor and wiggling his legs in pleasure.
“So… what are we coming to talk about today?” Ratchet questioned with raised brows and a rather smug sort of expression. It made Swerve look at him a little suspiciously as Tailgate then took in a deep breath and began to explain the whole situation. It was curious and as Tailgate seemed to just divulge everything and babble away in a manner that would make Cyclonus roll his optics and give a frustrated vent, Ratchet nodded his head. He listened quietly and waited patiently until Tailgate was quiet and then he took a soft vent. “…and have you talked to Cyclonus about this?”
“No…” Tailgate whimpered, bringing his digits up to poke against each other as he gave a look like a child still trying to get away with permission from someone else. Ratchet’s optics rolled and he gently stretched a hand out to pat the small bot’s head as Tailgate gave a grunt of surprise. He then shook his head gently and then gave a soft sigh. “…I know… I should talk to him about it first. Its just, I don’t want to tell him that I want a baby and him to then quibble about how he didn’t think he could raise one or that it would be disappointed in him. Its not going to be like that and… and I know he’d also be worried about my care during but… but I can do it!”
“Uh-huh… then go and double-check with Ultra Magnus on the protocol for ‘trying’ for a new crew member. You might find that we can’t afford the resources needed.” Ratchet stated with a grunt but Tailgate took in a deep breath and nodded his head in obedience. He was relieved he’d not had to undergo a medical check but, a part of him had wanted Ratchet to call Cyclonus and tell him what was happening, just so Tailgate didn’t have to put his hopes on the line.
He hopped off and alongside Swerve they began to stroll off towards the offices of Ultra Magnus and, under Swerve’s suggestion, they messaged ahead asking for a moment of his time or five minutes maximum. For giving a time limit, they got permission and yet, they had to catapult themselves down the corridor and on to the offices. Their little legs were yanking up high and as they galloped off, Swerve was musing they must look like some kids cartoon, which Tailgate didn’t get. But they galloped on to the offices and just in time as Ultra Magnus stuck his head out of the door.
“Right on time, five minutes… starting now.” It was not exactly the easiest thing to do, but knowing that time would be against him and the kind of nitpicking that Ultra Magnus would do, Tailgate wanted to get it out and be as concise and proper as it was possible for him to be. He jumped into the office as if about to have a tantrum and then yelled out to him.
“I WANT TO HAVE A SPARKLING WITH CYCLONUS!”
“Is that so?” The deep, beautiful tone slid into his audio, making him tremble in delight but then give a little whimper of dismay. Tailgate turned about to the chair opposite the desk and noticed the great purple mech sitting there, his red optics fixed upon him and an air of perhaps even anger around him. Tailgate did not know how to respond or how to react at all, covering his mouth guard and giving a little whimper as if he’d done something very wrong. However, just as Swerve was about to come in and help out, he was suddenly grabbed by Ultra Magnus and curiously, the two left the room for the pair to talk.
“Uh…” Tailgate had attempted to open his mouth to say something, but he could not help himself. He whimpered again in dismay, what could he do? He shuddered and tried to speak again only to produce a little blip as Cyclonus gave a slow vent and then bent his head to his beloved.
“Are you going to say anything else?” Cyclonus queried, his voice slow and precise. He had a very blunt look upon his face that was always menacing, but that was his normal face. All the same, Tailgate was trembling as if to cry, before he then decided to do what needed to be done. This was a situation between them, it did not need anyone else’s input and if he could not tell Cyclonus what he wanted properly and ask him if he wanted the same… how could they call themselves a couple?
“Yes…” Tailgate stepped nervously in front of Cyclonus, plopping his hands onto Cyclonus’ knee joints and lowering his head with a deep intake. He then lifted his head upwards, lubricant from his optics bubbling out under his visor to prove that this was very hard for him. His partner remained as motionless and ominous as always before Tailgate then gave a sound like a sniff and gulped down his pipes. “Cyclonus… I love you… and… and I want to have a sparkling with you. I’ve been wanting to ask you for a while but, every time someone else has mentioned the subject, you seem to blanche and leave… I’ve been scared to bring it up because… because I’m scared you don’t want one. I… I need to talk with you about this.”
“You do.” Cyclonus stated with a knowledgeable nod of his head before his great servos strained forward and his claws gently hooked up his little minicon. He hoisted Tailgate up onto his lap and then wrapped his arms gently around Tailgate’s back. Cyclonus took another slow vent, his optics becoming hooded and an oddly shy expression falling around him that made Tailgate’s spark flutter with a little hope as Cyclonus then looked to the side before giving a slow sighing vent of frustration. “I want a sparkling too… but every time the topic came up, you seemed so animated and then never brought up anything about you wanting to have one… like if you would like the baby’s room to look a certain way…”
“Cyclonus…” Tailgate practically whispered, watching Cyclonus’ face plates strain, his denta clench and his head tilt as he seemed to be fighting the embarrassment he was feeling. Tailgate’s spark was fluttering though, to hear it was wanted, he wanted to kiss his beloved Cyclonus right now, but then Cyclonus took a steadying vent as he lowered his head and spoke more.
“I… I know I can carry… it… it was something Galvatron made a point of…” Cyclonus closed his optics, his helm lowered to show the humiliation he’d felt when in Galvatron’s command and he was not sure how to explain it any other way. Oddly, it made Tailgate start stroking at his chest plates, looking up at him with a desperate expression of dismay to think that his beloved had ever been ridiculed over something so wonderful. Cyclonus gave a soft vent and wrapped his big hands around those little white digits as he then gave another vent. “I wouldn’t want you to undergo any pain or undergo any discomfort so… I want to carry it.”
“You make it sound like I haven’t taken your spike… eee… don’t look so ashamed when I say that we’re a couple we can say these things you know!” Tailgate squeaked, noticing how embarrassed it made Cyclonus to even mention such things. It was rather funny how much of a prude Cyclonus could be at times. But he then leant forward, opening his guard to press his dermas gently against Cyclonus’, urging the other to give him a loving kiss. He then patted Cyclonus’s spark chamber as he lifted his visor so his beautiful blue optics could lock upon the red ones as he seemed to toughen up. “Alright… Cyclonus, I want you to carry our baby… but that means you’ve got to let me spoil you and pamper you and actually look after you, rather than you doing that to me all the time. Got it?”
“Very well… Tailgate… I cannot wait to have a sparkling with you.” Cyclonus stated, wrapping his arms around Tailgate gently and snuggling against him. As they snuggled together, the mood around them was gentle and loving and Ultra Magnus was poking his head in with Swerve. Cyclonus had nodded his head as if to suggest that everything was fine when Tailgate suddenly straightened up.
“Okay… let’s make it now!”
“TAILGATE!” Cyclonus then slapped his hands about his face, utterly embarrassed by the sudden statement, blushing. However, Tailgate’s digits were soon trailing down Cyclonus’s frame to stroke at his modesty panels. Cyclonus gave a hitching vent, looking incredibly embarrassed when Ultra Magnus thought to step back into his office and clear his pipes quite firmly.
“You should do that outside my office.” Tailgate froze, turning to look to Ultra Magnus’ stale expression and then noticing Swerve sticking his head around the corner and giving a playful wink. Tailgate looked a little more awkward as Cyclonus stood up and quickly made a motion of apology, although Tailgate latched his servos around Cyclonus’ body almost protectively.
“Uh… forgive us…” Cyclonus looked incredulous as he then began to march off out of the room, embarrassment filling him whilst Tailgate still wrapped around him and was giving sounds of disbelief. He was being swung from Cyclonus’ hips before the big purple seeker froze. Tailgate slid off him with a soft vent of relief before he realised that he’d almost dragged him down the hall. Swerve was skipping behind after them and Cyclonus looked down at Tailgate, giving a steaming, hissing vent of clear frustration before Tailgate looked at him nervously.
“I’m sorry Cyclonus… I didn’t mean to embarrass you like that.” It was hard sometimes to tell how angry Cyclonus could be, particularly because he clearly had been embarrassed but he did not really want to upset his partner. Tailgate just gently stroked at his lover’s stabiliser to make Cyclonus drop his head in dismay before then taking him by the hand and steering him off. It startled Swerve to see his friend being dragged off, but he had an odd feeling that Cyclonus was going to be much more comfortable with this situation and conversation in their suite. In fact, he had the oddest feeling that Cyclonus might be surprised with how Tailgate might take it, considering he’d been getting frisky in Ultra Magnus’ office.
The two bots marched on towards their suite, Cyclonus not making any motion but steamy vents coming from his hollow cheeks as even Tailgate was getting oddly puffed keeping up. The pair of them were both trying to go over exactly what they had just found out and decided with one another. For a start, they had agreed they both wanted to have a child with one another and that was something both of them were utterly ecstatic over! They were joyful that they had agreed on this and that Cyclonus would carry it willingly, especially as… he was certainly able.
However, that thought was bugging at the tall bot somewhat, he was not sure how his partner would cope to understanding exactly what had been the old manner of dealing with carriers, not to mention the old experiences he’d had. He would tell him eventually, he would have to, but right now he was trying to focus on what was to happen between them. They were both ready but, they were going to have to be prepared for a lot… a lot of discomfort and a lot of embarrassment. Not to mention, Cyclonus would have a lot to teach Tailgate about certain things and well… he might be surprised by the other’s increased libido….
They reached their habitat suite and carefully, Cyclonus opened the door and Tailgate trotted in comfortably. Together the pair then settled, Cyclonus stepping over to the cabinet where they had kept a bottle of high grade. He gently took it out and carefully began to pour them a glass each. He felt his hand trembling as he did it and he could hear Tailgate starting to hyperventilate with the anxiety of it all no doubt. He took a swig himself before then taking a deep vent.
“It’s alright Tailgate but… do we need to rush like that?” Cyclonus scowled, only to get a sudden shock when he was suddenly pushed up against the wall. He found himself sliding down onto the floor and then Tailgate practically launched onto him, straddling him and looking down at him with a firm vent. “Ooof… Tailgate?”
“The thought of having a baby with you is… its uncontrollably arousing….” Tailgate growled softly, it was practically adorable as he slid his mouth guard aside and then slammed his intake over Cyclonus’. The pair of them then moaned into a hefty kiss, shuddering and sighing lovingly before they parted. Tailgate then stretched backwards, lounging against the back of Cyclonus’ legs as he gave a firm look, his mouth guard closing again. “But more importantly… it’s like the epitome of our bond… and something new for us both to pull us away from our pasts, right? Our baby will want nothing but love and, we’ve both got a lot of that to give.”
“You’ve been thinking about this a lot, haven’t you?” Cyclonus stated gently, his head lowering as energon flushed to the top of his hollowed cheeks to show he was blushing. He took a steadying vent, clearly embarrassed with everything as he then muttered nervously. “Probably more than I have…”
“Is it weird to say, since I first met you all I wanted was… to have a family with you?” Tailgate stated, nervously tapping his digits together. He meant it, he’d wanted a family, maybe not a sparkling at first but certainly he’d wanted the companionship family brought. He’d wanted to give Cyclonus everything and share everything because when he’d seen him, he’d seen someone that had just resonated in that certain way only a future conjunx might. Sure things had not been easy at first, they still had difficulties and right now, Tailgate was a little nervous that Cyclonus was being oddly coy when he’d suggested carrying it.
“No… it’s not weird…” Cyclonus was still blushing, something about being told that was shockingly arousing for him too. He was not thinking as innocently as Tailgate however, his mind was thinking that Cyclonus had wanted to get a sparkling in him as quickly as possible. It used to be a very high form of praise after-all to tell a carrier they wanted to have a family with them. However, he found himself wrapping his servos around Tailgate in delight, pulling him close and nuzzling into Tailgate’s shoulders gently. “…but we already have a family, we’re just going to make it bigger.”
“Oh… Cyclonus…” Tailgate moaned, grasping hold of Cyclonus’ frame and starting to kiss along his spark chamber. It made Cyclonus shudder with pleasure and he dared to open his modesty panel and reached a hand out. He started to stroke at Tailgate’s own plating as the mini-con was kissing and licking at the purple bot’s body. Cyclonus had never felt so embarrassed and so… coquettish before? He almost wanted to giggle or smile ruefully as he could feel the heat running over Tailgate’s panelling. His partner then slid down onto his knees, between Cyclonus’ stabilisers and brought his helm down as Cyclonus took a deep intake, desperate for the excitement that was to come.
“Hey-ho… what’re we doing this evening? I found a game with tumbling blocks and another one where if you get the dice to roll the right way, you have to yell out!” Whirl suddenly pushed through the door and strolled comfortably into the suite. He was even giving a whistling tune as he did so, laying the game down on their table before turning around and looking at them with his one big optic that narrowed slightly. “Did I interrupt something? Cause I’m not apologising…”
“You’re right… maybe not right now.” Tailgate muttered, listening to Cyclonus close himself tightly before Tailgate then turned around to look at Whirl with a scowl of frustration.
“I don’t get it, who are we talking to?” Whirl queried, though Tailgate and Cyclonus were groaning in frustration.