You woke up earlier than usual.

The base is suspiciously quiet. Too quiet.

Bulkhead isn't rattling around with the parts. Bumblebee isn't playing music. Smokescreen... isn't flickering through the corridors at all.

That's already suspicious.

You step into the main compartment. And freeze.

Garlands of Earth lights are neatly attached to the ceiling. On the wall is a red cloth (obviously obtained by Smokescreen at great personal risk). On the table is Energon in transparent cubes shaped like... hearts.

"It wasn't my idea," Ratchet says immediately, without looking up from the terminal.

"It was absolutely my idea!" Bumblebee says happily.

Bulkhead scratches his head sheepishly.

Arcee crosses her arms.

"Just don't make a big deal out of it."

And then you feel him. Heavy, confident steps. You don't even turn around.

He always walks straight. Without wasted movements.

Ultra Magnus stops next to you.

"Explain what's happening."

"Valentine's Day!" Smokescreen shouts, emerging from behind a column.

Pause.

Magnus turns his head towards you. His optics soften slightly.

"An Earthly holiday," he says reservedly.

You see—he's already researched it. Of course he has.

The team tactfully "disperses." Very demonstratively. Very noisy. Very false.

You are left alone in the main hall.

The lights are dim. The garlands cast a soft glow on your armor.

You look different today.

Your armor is polished to a perfect shine. There are subtle decorative inserts on the shoulder plates. Around your waist is a light, dark scarlet fabric cape, almost like an evening gown, but adapted to the Transformer anatomy. The optics are brighter than usual.

He notices everything. He says nothing. But he notices.

"You're prepared," he says quietly.

"And you're not?" you reply with a slight smile.

Pause.

He takes a step closer.

And then... the air changes.

Magnus rarely touches first.

But today is February 14th.

His hand rests on your waist. Confident. Firm. Without asking.

"I've studied the traditions," he says lowly. "According to sources... partners spend the evening together."

You feel his servos tense slightly.

He's nervous.

He.

Ultra Magnus.

Worried.

You take a step closer. Now the distance is minimal.

"And what else have you learned?"

His voice drops. "That displays of affection are acceptable."

And he leans in.

The kiss isn't harsh. Not rough. But deep. Restrained.

The kind of kiss where the power lies not in speed, but in control.

His hand tightens around your waist. The other slides down to your back. You feel his body lean forward slightly, pulling you closer.

"Magnus..." you say softly against his lips.

*His optics flare a little brighter.^

"Yes."

It's not a question. It's attention.

You run your fingers over his chest armor.

He holds his breath for a split second. Just a little.

But you feel it.

"Is this all within the bounds of tradition?" you ask softly.

"Not all."

And for the first time this evening...

He allows himself a little more.

His palm slides lower down your back. Smoothly. Slowly. Deliberately.

Without losing his dignity.

But allowing himself the warmth.

He leans toward your audio sensor.

"If this is an earthly celebration..." his voice becomes almost velvety. "Then I intend to carry it out completely."

You feel his body lightly brush against yours. Not by chance. Consciously.

"In solitude," he adds.

The garlands shimmer softly. The main hall is empty.