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The sun was shining over England.
Rarity.
Peaceful morning in the spring season, sun shyly shining above Castle Folgan, birds singing.
So peaceful...
Then that peace is naturally interrupted by fire from a tank cannon.
The shot crumbled a shabbily made training wall. The bricks flew all over, crumbling into bits.
"He's getting rather sloppy with it, isn't he?" Sir Burton mused with curiosity, overlooking the old tank autobot practicing his shooting skills from a balcony of the castle.
"Can’t blame him, sir, he's got rust arthritis. That can mess up anyone's aim." Cogman mused right back as he took his master's empty tea cup, putting it on a tray.
"Shall I go down and rebuild the wall for him again?" He looked up to his master, blue optics ticking as he blinked.
"No, no. No need for that. I've had my eardrums blown enough for today, I think." Burton began getting up from his seat, using his cane for assistance, as well as Cogman's helpful hand. "Come on, Cogman, we'll go inside." The old man mused as he stepped inside, Cogman following while holding the small tea set tray.
The day seemed to drag pretty slowly. Sir Burton will probably want to go out for a walk with the dogs, read a couple of books... Cogman can't lie, even though he enjoys the routine, he craves some real fun sometimes.
"Y'know, I actually wanted to share some exciting news with you." Sir Burton mused as he walked down the hall with Cogman, gently pulling him out of his thinking.
"Yes, sir?" Cogman asked, as he made a small detour to the kitchen, where he put away the dishes.
"My granddaughter is coming over later today." Burton calmly said as he sat down in his armchair, picking up a book he hadn't finished yet.
A cup shattered in the kitchen, making the master sigh in light annoyance. Another cup gone.
Cogman immediately leaned out of the door, gripping said doorway with his mechanical digits, holding them for dear life.
"(Y/n)??? (Y/n) is coming over, sir??" His voice was full of shock and wonder, excitement following quickly after.
"Yes, (Y/n) is coming over," Burton calmly confirmed, watching as Cogman's gears began to spin and grind down quicker than before.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner, sir?? I shoul- I could've made preparations for the young lady!" Cogman padded outside of the kitchen, gesturing around himself, as if to highlight the mess around the home.
"I didn't want to tell you, because you'd get too excited and deep-clean the whole castle three times in a row. Including the ceiling." Burton waved his hand, picking up his pipe in a calm and collected manner.
"Well, now I might just do it out of spite, sir." Cogman frowned as much as his face allowed it, and set his servos on his hips.
"Why don't you start with that cup you broke, old chap?" Burton chuckled as he began reading to himself.
True to his word, Cogman started vigorously cleaning up around the place. It was usual routine for him, yes, but when it came to you, that routine turned into some serious military-level practice.
He cleaned around the kitchen, prepared the guest room with fluffed pillows and fresh candles, and made sure everything looked better for your presence in general.
Sir Burton didn't get to read a lot of his book, as he was interrupted every other minute by questions from Cogman.
'When is she arriving? Shall I start cooking for you two? How long will the young lady be staying?' And many more of the same caliber were laid.
Thankfully, Burton, a man of ever-abundant patience, answered every question as he watched the Autobot pace back and forth while clicking his cogs.
It was no secret to the castle residents that Cogman absolutely *adored* you and your presence.
Whenever you came over, he tended to your every need, spent so much time with you, to the point when Burton had to remind him that he's a butler for his needs as well.
His cogs would always tick much faster around you, occasionally making him release extra steam out of his vents, purely because he was far too excited around you.
He loved hearing about your hobbies, about how your education was going and about how you were enjoying the big city.
Cogman was positively enamored by you.
He preferred to keep it private and hasn't exactly shared his feelings with you, but every living being at Castle Folgan already knew.
Hard to tell when Cogman's barking at everyone to look nice and act polite to the young lady.
"So that's where Hot Rod has disappeared off to this morning." Cogman stood beside his master at the front door, tapping his pede in annoyance as he checked the time for the sixth time in a row.
"Yes, I've tasked Hot Rod to pick (Y/n) up when she arrives." He gave his butler a side glance, having to hold back a smirk as he watched the focused expression on his face.
"Could've told me, I could've picked the young lady up." Cogman growled under his ex-vent, annoyed.
"Could've would've, Cogman. I wanted you here at home with me. Lest I get lonely." Burton chuckled, watching the road as a shiny black car slowly approached. Cogman immediately straightens up, closing the small clockwork watch.
"Eight minutes late. I'll rip the paint off of him..." Cogman grumbled some empty threats as his optics squinted at the approaching car.
"What's got you so nervous, old friend? You're never this fidgety around our other guests." Burton muses with some humor, lightly teasing his butler, who in response fidgeted a little more, while releasing a bit of steam.
"It's... not important, sir." He straightened back up, regaining his focus as Hot Rod pulled into the driveway.
" 'Ere we are, ma princesse!" Hot Rod's voice thickened at the French accent, opening the passenger door up for you.
"Thank you for the ride, Rod. I missed you." You chuckled as you slipped out of the passenger seat, patting the top of the car like a dog.
"Aucun problème, ma princesse!" He chirped happily, closing the door after you got your bag out.
Cogman was practically shaking in his stand as he watched you. His spark bounced all over his core. He wanted to abandon post and run to you, to hug you, but... he had to remain a gentleman.
With a happy smile and a pleased sigh, you approached your grandfather and Cogman.
"Grandpa, Cogman, hi!" You grinned, stepping up the steps to hug your grandfather. You missed him a lot. It's been a while since you've had the chance to visit the place you loved so much.
"Hello, my sweet darling, oh look at you, we missed you." Burton patted your back as he looked you up and down, happy to see you.
Cogman wanted to launch himself at you or the nearest wall. Either would work right now.
Finally, you turned to him, your smile even brighter.
"Cogman! How is my favorite Autobot in the whole Brittain doing?" You chirped, watching as he gave you a polite bow, reaching out for your hand.
"Much better now that you're here. This place aches for a feminine touch. Trust me when I say, you're a breath of fresh air, young madam." He brought your hand to his clockwork dermas, kissing the back of your hand.
It made you smile. You loved how gentlemanly he could be.
"Oh, c'mere... I need more than that, after being away from you for so long!" You chuckled and pulled him close for an actual hug. One that he gladly reciprocated, unintentionally snuggling his head into your neck.
A little later, Cogman forced himself to pull away from the hug, brushing your clothes out, clearing up any wrinkles his machinery might've done.
"C'mon, let's go inside, don't want you standing at the door now, do we?" Your grandfather hummed, stepping inside and holding the door open for you.
"I'll take your bag, young madam, don't worry." Cogman proudly stated, already in his super-care mode when it came to you.
A few minutes later...
"So, how's your education pursuit been faring, my lady?" Cogman curiously asked you as he prepped the tea cups, water boiling in a nearby kettle.
"Really good, actually. I've finally finished studying, aced my finals, and can now enjoy a good prom!" You state with excitement that does not escape Cogman's optics.
"Oh? Already? My, it's going quite quickly..." He mutters, turning back to the kettle to start pouring tea for you and his master, who sat a little further away in his armchair.
"That's the whole reason (Y/n) is visiting us, old friend. Her leaving ceremony will be happening nearby." Burton added his own two cents to the conversation.
"Oh?" Cogman curiously turned his head, passing his master a full cup of tea.
"Yeah, I'm sleeping over here for a few days. It'll be a welcome break from the dorms, and it'll give me a place to crash after the leaving ceremony's over. Thanks for having me again, grandpa. I'm looking forward to looting your library again." You chuckle, cheekily pointing at your beloved family member, making him chuckle in the process.
"Loot to your heart's desire, god knows those books need some love. And Cogman will be happy to spend some time reading with you..." Burton muses as he takes a sip, side-eyeing his butler, who seems to grip the kettle a little more tightly.
Maybe he was trying to wingman a little.
No harm done.
"And who did you say was going with you to the leaving ceremony?" Burton asked after a little bit, curious.
"Ian Howards. The American fellow I wrote you about." You answered, leaning forward in your seat a little.
Suddenly, a glass-shattering sound interrupted the moment, and Cogman's servo was covered in hot tea.
"That's the second cup today..." Burton sighs, closing his eyes in disappointment.
Cogman's lower eyelid flicked a few times, his cogs suddenly a little too rigid.
"Forgive me, sir. I'll... go clean that up." Cogman cleared his throat, walking away to the kitchen with a bit of a stomp to his step.
It almost sounded like he was gritting those words between his teeth. If he had any.
You stared as Cogman left, eyebrows furrowed.
"What was that about?" You looked at your grandpa.
"Ah... y'know how Cogman can get." He scratches his brow, a little nervous at his butler's behaviour. "I believe it may have to do with that boy you'll be accompanying to prom, dear."
"What- why? Why would he get so... tight about Ian?" You lean back in your seat, confused.
"He cares about you, y'know? Leaving you in the hands of a foreign, unknown man raises all of his protective autobot sensors." Your grandfather shrugs, sighing at the situation.
"Do me a favor sweetheart, and don't mention that man around Cogman too much... he's a bit sensitive when it comes to you." Burton claims after a bit, leaving your mind to wonder.
You knew how serious Cogman was when it came to defending ladies' honor, especially yours. You remember him practically jumping for Hot Rod's head when he got a little mouthy at you.
Cogman spoiled you rotten in his own little ways. He made sure you were respected by everyone, he made sure you were comfortable, and that your every whim was fulfilled.
Dream butler...
It led you to think on a few occasions. About how he views you, how he really feels about you... You wish you could see inside his head.
"Here we are. Apologies for the shock, dearest." A few minutes later, Cogman gives you a brand new cup, his voice much more controlled.
"Actually, Cogs, I wanted to ask you something." You took the cup from him, thanking him with a nod.
"Anything, my wonderful lady." He slightly bent down to your sitting position, hands behind his back as he usually does.
"I know there are some dresses in the upstairs closet... do you think you could get them for me, and help me try some on? I wanna see if there is anything prom-worthy there." You politely requested, tapping your finger to your bottom lip in thought.
Something in Cogman snapped.
He felt one cog inside click into place and begin spinning like crazy, his clockwork ticking much louder than usual.
"I... the upstairs dresses, ma'am?" He asked you again, just to be sure he heard you right.
"Mhm, in the sixth guest room." You confirmed, seeing Cogman do a similar motion to a human swallow.
"I'll go prepare them right away." He gave you a polite bow, then turned to his master.
"Will you be needing anything while I'm away? PleaseDon'tNeedAnything." He blurted the last sentence together, already jittery in his current spot.
"No Cogman, that'll be al-" before Sir Burton even managed to finish his sentence, Cogman already turned to leave, and before he even got to the corner of the room, he broke into a loud, stomping sprint, which made you snort.
"He's excited." You muse as you share a smile with your grandpa.
"I told you he cares." He smirked, looking into his cup.
A few minutes later, you were escorted by Cogman into your room, all the while his clockwork seemed to chirp happily with each step.
Once you arrived at the guest room, the butler happily showed off several dresses he managed to find in the old closets of the castle.
"Oh, they're beautiful... can't even begin to pick a color." You grinned as you felt the fabric of the nearest beige dress.
Cogman stared at you like a dummy. Your face was full of wonder and excitement.
How he loved that look.
"Personally, I'd go with the gold and silver one..." he gave a polite nod of his head, arms behind his back again.
"Well, I suppose we should save that one for last." You gave him a wink, picking up the red dress, which possessed a low front cut.
"You're teasing me." Cogman tsked, rolling his blue optics, directing them to the floor as you stepped behind a folding screen that was conveniently placed in your room. He couldn't see behind it, of course, but he was still a gentleman.
"You need a little excitement in your life, that's why you have me." You chuckle as you zip the dress up, looking over yourself in a mirror.
"You don't even know how much you excite me sometimes," Cogman mumbled, mentally battering himself for that unfortunate wording.
"This one's nice, but a number too big, I think." You stepped out from behind the screen divider, giving Cogman a little spin. His head slowly tilted as his optics scanned and analyzed the outfit. The material was good for your skin complexion, but unfortunately, the dress was too big. A shame, as it looked cute on you.
"I agree. May I suggest the black instead, my lady?" He took a side step to your bed, picking up the black dress instead. It was the type that'd hug your body and show off your silhouette.
"Yeah, sure!" You smile, going behind the divider and begin undressing again, while Cogman holds the dress out to you, staying out of view.
Although sinfully enough, the sun shines through the window, highlighting the shadow of your figure on the screen of the divider.
No. Be a gentleman. Look away.
With a rusty squeak, he forces himself to look away.
Soon you're out of the dress, and begin slipping into the second one. Midway, you end up sighing out of frustration, which grabs Cogman's attention.
"Is everything alright, my lady? Do you require assistance?" He looks in your direction.
"Yes, actually. I could use your help with the zipper. Seems to be stuck." You sigh, accepting your defeat, which the ever-evil dress certainly celebrates in mocking silence.
"Of course, ma'am." Cogman steps behind the divider, stepping behind your exposed back.
Smooth, gorgeous skin greeted him.
He raised his hand, and gently ran it over your back first, to acclimate you to his cold metallic touch, should he brush your skin by accident.
He was always fascinated by the concept of goosebumps.
Small prickly bumps eroding on human skin in case of excitement, fear, or change in temperature.
It looked especially more interesting on you.
With a clearing to his metallic throat, Cogman zipped you up, sliding his hands down your back to smooth down any unwanted wrinkles.
Safe to say, your body did not agree with this dress. It was way too small, clearly made for someone much shorter than you.
"This looks a little silly." You snicker, watching as the hugging dress panicked over your legs, unsure of what to do with itself.
If Cogman could drool, he would.
This was slowly becoming too much for him. The way the dress clung to you made him more jealous than any prom date could manage. He wishes he could wrap his own arms around you like that...
"Definitely not this one. Can you unzip me again, please?" You chuckled, turning your back on Cogman again.
"Of course, madam." He unzipped your dress, allowing you to breathe comfortably once more.
As he does the action, he thinks about what it would be like to slide his servos under the dress. What it would be like to hold you close from behind, to feel your skin in his arms- "I'll go get the Gold and silver one. Curiosity is killing me, ma'am." He interrupts his own thought process, allowing you to undress in peace, and gives himself some room to breathe and snap out of it.
Soon enough, he passed you the dress, standing by, in case you'd need his assistance again.
"I hope Ian likes this one." You start talking as you pull the dress up, making sure it fits on your chest.
"He'd be a moron not to like it, madam. And respectfully, he'd be even more of an idiot if he cared about the dress, instead of you." Cogman responded, subtly shit-talking the man who would have your attention for tomorrow's evening.
"Hah, true that." You chuckle, not exactly catching onto the depth of Cogman's jealousy. "To be frank, I'm shocked he even asked me to go out with him. He's a great guy and all, but he and I barely spoke for these past few years while in school." You slipped your arms into the arm holes, holding the dress up. "Could you tie my back up? It's got lacing..." you mumble, asking for help.
"Of course, ma'am. And don't feel bad about this, 'Ian'. He's clearly an idiot for not noticing your incredible person sooner."
The energon in Cogman boiled as you spoke of this Ian. Stupid man probably doesn't even know how you like your tea done, or how you like your pillows fluffed.
Stupid American moron.
He wishes he could just grab his throat like this lacing and tear out his wi-
"Cogman- that's a little too tight, honey." You gasp a bit as he tightens the strings a little too much.
"Oh- my most sincere apologies, madam. I did not mean to. Are you hurt?" He clears his throat, immediately apologising as he loosens his rough handywork.
"I'm fine, don't worry." You chuckle, looking over your shoulder at him.
He hates to admit it, but he loves that specific look. The way your bare back shines, its smoothness a contrast to his rough, patterned plating.
He also loves the way you have your hair over your shoulder, so it doesn't get in the way of his work. It makes you look like a gorgeous painting of a Victorian noblewoman.
And that smile is a cherry on top... he swears he's on cloud nine when he gets to spend time watching it.
After he finishes his tying, he steps back, looking at you.
You turn to him, adjusting the pretty dress.
"What do we think? This one fits the best." You smile, happy with how it looks on you.
Cogman stares at you, stunned to silence. He keeps his usual collected expression, and yet... he feels his clockwork machinery spin faster, click louder. You look absolutely divine. Beautiful. Radiant. He could go on for hours with how incredible you looked. He could compose symphonies about your current visual, he could-
"Cogman, are you okay? Your eyelid is uh- it's twitching?" You worriedly ask, hesitating to reach out.
"Ah! Of course, just a small spasm- but my dear, you look positively radiant! We should most certainly go show master Burton!" Cogman gave you a small bow and held his arm out for you, like a gentleman.
"You think?" You asked, already clinging to his arm as he led you out of the room.
"I am positive, young madam. Why, you practically look like a princess. He needs to see." He proudly murmured as he held the door open for you. As soon as you passed him, his shoulders sagged, and his knees got weak. You looked so gorgeous, it was nearly tearing his spark out. Why couldn't he tend to you for the evening? Why couldn't he fullfill your every whim instead of that... American... prick.
He slammed the door shut behind himself, maybe a bit too aggressively.
Cogman walked you downstairs, into the library, where Sir Burton sat, reading his book to pass the time.
"Ahem. May I present our most gorgeous lady Burton... in full glory." He made sure to wave his hand a little while presenting you in that gold and silver dress, puffing his chest out.
"Oh well, don't you look lovely, sweetheart." Burton smiled, leaning in his seat, as you made your way downstairs.
Cogman's spark swelled with pride. "When's that gentleman picking you up?" Your grandfather queried right after, closing his book, yet keeping his index finger inside.
"Oh well... he's actually not picking me up. I told him not to, because I didn't want him accidentally seeing Hot Rod or... the tank. Y'know." You give a little shrug, playing with your fingers as you explain.
Cogman's spark swelled with anger instead.
"Disrespectful." He spits the word out, immediately putting his grumpy face on. "A gentleman of his age should always pick the lady up, no matter what. He should count himself lucky you even gave him the time of day, young madam." Cogman gently squeezed your hand while looking at you with fiery determination in his optics.
"It's not like that... I'm just being extra careful." You patted the Autobot's hand, smiling. "And besides, I don't want anybody looking at you too much. What if they'd steal you away from us?" You joke lightheartedly as, unbeknownst to you, Cogman is thinking about how he'd crush all their bones just to stay by your side.
Sure enough, tomorrow rolled by quite quickly. You spent the whole day arranging things with your friends over phone calls, making preparations and, towards the evening, dressing your very own self up. Cogman, once again, helped you with your lacing while quizzing you on things that needed to be done.
"Have you done your make-up, dear?" He asked.
"Within measure, yes."
"Are your shoes clean?"
"Pristine."
"Bag?" His optics squinted.
"Bag- I uh... no bag." You looked over your shoulder at him as his hands expertly tied the laces at Mach 5 speed.
"Tsk tsk. What would you do without me, my lady?" He brushed off imaginary lint from your shoulders and strutted over to your bed, where he managed to find your bag in a heap of clothes. "Do keep track of your things, my dear." He gently hooked it around your shoulder, looking you over a few more times, his optics scanning for any imperfections. As if any could be found on you...
"What's the verdict?" You nervously ask, wanting to know what he thinks about the final product of you. Cogman simply sighs, his servo reaching up to gently stroke your cheek, mindful of the makeup.
"Positively divine, my dear. The young man better be appreciative of the effort you put into yourself." He huffed, barely restraining his jealousy.
"Hah... thank you, Cogman. You really know how to make a girl feel special." You smile down at the bot, flattered by his words.
The peaceful moment is broken by a rattling sound inside Cogman. It takes him a second to realize that Hot Rod is likely calling about pick up.
"Yes, yes, madam is coming! Goodness, you are so impatient to a lady's preparation time! Don't you know it's a sacred ritual!?" He barks at him over the call, before you're led downstairs to the main hall.
Your grandfather wished you a nice time, telling you to enjoy yourself.
"My dear, if you require anything, and I mean *anything*, you call. If I sprint, I'll be at the celebration in a few minutes, so do not hesitate. I'll also be awake the whole night, so fear not." Cogman laid his whole heart out to you at the door, making you chuckle. He fussed like some mother hen.
"I think that's enough, old chap, (Y/n) is a grown woman; she can handle herself. I'm sure if something happens, she'll call." Your grandfather patted Cogman's shoulder. The Autobot looked up at him, the worried look in his optics was evident.
Hot Rod beeped outside, already restless.
"Come on, madame! We do not want you to be late!" He egged on.
"Okay, I seriously have to go, or he'll bust a fuse. Thank you, Cogman." You pulled the shorter bot in for a hug, squeezing his metal tightly. His hands reciprocated, in a much softer fashion. "And you grandpa, I'll see tomorrow." You got up on your toes and hugged him as well. "I gotta go, bye!" You waved as you ran out, holding your skirts up.
Cogman immediately wanted to follow, to at least open the car door for you, but his master's hand on his shoulder stopped him.
The two watched Hot Rod leave, with you in the back seat.
"This feels... odd." Cogman started as he fiddled with his hands.
"What exactly?" His master asked, closing the door, finally making Cogman look away from it.
"I should be happy for her. Your incredible granddaughter is going out, celebrating with her date, and yet... I feel... hm... how would one describe it organically..."
"Bitter?" Burton offers calmly.
"Bitter... yes."
"I understand." The master nodded, turning away from the door. "What do you make of the gentleman she's taking as her date?" He asks his butler.
"Oh, do *not* get me started. He hasn't called her once, nor has he offered OR insisted on picking her up! That man is an a-"
"So we both agree that he feels... off, yes?" Burton skips the angry monologue Cogman was about to offer.
"Yes, sir." He huffs.
"I think you feel bitter, because deep inside, you know that the young man may not be the best choice for my granddaughter." He calmly explains to his old friend, whose shoulders slowly sag as he thinks about it. "You wish you could tell her how bad he could be for her, don't you?" Burton asked.
"Yes, sir... he's clearly a ruffian, he'll break her heart!"
"Well... you can’t. You can never tell someone how to live their life, Cogman. You can only offer reassurance, guidance, and when it does come to the bad stuff, you offer comfort." Burton calmly explained, patting his friend's shoulder with a calm smile. Cogman was quiet for once, as his cogs turned. "Something to think about, hm?" His master smiled and began walking to the stairs, cane tapping with each step, making an echo form in the entry hall.
"Sir?" Cogman spoke up, stopping his master in his steps. He turned, looking at the Autobot.
"Yes, Cogman?"
"I... believe I may be in love with your granddaughter." He laid it out flat, his hands going slack at his sides. Burton's calm expression turned to a slow, but honest smile.
"I am aware. A lot of us here are. And you have my blessings, if you need them. I've known you for long. And I do believe you're better than that American prick." Burton simply muses out, and turns away, heading to the stairs again.
Cogman stood in place, feeling so many emotions at once. For once, he was overjoyed with his master's blessings. But then fear gripped at him, for you were out with someone who could be planning to hurt you. Then relief, that you'd be home in a few hours and he could tend to you more openly than before.
He should... go clean something up.
He needs to clear his mind.
Several hours later, as Cogman was busying himself with removing the cobwebs from the ceiling, a ring came at the door. He wondered who could be coming in at such a late hour. You weren't supposed to return until at least three am, and salespeople didn't exactly come in to the castle either. Not to mention, it was raining cats and dogs out there.
He tossed the broom on the floor unceremoniously and began his way downstairs, into the hall. He swung the door open, and with his usual, tired tone, he spoke up.
"Castle Folgan mayordommus, what can I- oh." His optics widened.
You stood at the door, Hot Rod crouched behind you, forming a makeshift umbrella with his servos, holding them over you. Not only were you sopping wet, but you also seemed to have... your make-up smudged. Brutally. From his expert scans, your mascara hinted at tear marks. His gaze lifted to Hot Rod immediately.
"Talk."
"Sorry monseur... I wanted to call you, but princesse 'ere cried for zhe whole ride. Needed to keep my attention on 'er." Hot Rod quietly admitted, holding his servo above your head, so less rain would hit your already soaking form.
Immediately, Cogman pulled you inside, holding you by his side.
"Thank you, Hot Rod. I'll take care of her from here. You are dismissed." He calmly orders, shutting the door after the bigger Autobot gives him a solemn nod.
As soon as Cogman closes the door, he looks at you, attempting to hold your face in his servos.
"What has happened, my lady?" He asked quietly. You didn't want to look him in the eyes, too upset to be seen like that.
"Ian. He was a no-show." You sniffled, as anger, sadness and neglect kind of mixed inside you in a gross, depressive cocktail. Cogman was about *this* close to blowing a fuse. The only reason why he didn't, was because of you alone. You needed tender comfort, not him raging about.
"Oh my- darling, come here." He pulled you into a hug, and sure enough, the tears started rolling as you hid your face in his shoulder.
"Am I not good enough? Why didn't he show... I thought he'd like me..." You mumbled, which Cogman immediately shut down.
"None of that, my dear. You are a wonderful young woman. He's clearly just a moronic imbecile, who shouldn't have the right to breathe." He mumbled as he patted your head. At least that made you chuckle a little bit.
"Come on, come, let's get you into something dry, then you can tell me more, hm?" He hugged you close as he started leading you to the upstairs bathroom, happy to help you get out of the soggy article of clothing.
As soon as you were out of the bathroom, Cogman sat you in the living room armchair, ruffling your wet hair with a towel, squeezing out all the moisture. He also made sure to set fire to the fireplace, warming the room up for you.
"Now... that's better, isn't it?" He held your cheek as he bent down, trying to get you to look at him.
"Better." You mumbled with a tired smile. He gave you a nod, before he went to dispose of the towel.
"Now, do you wish to talk about it?" He stepped back to your person, sitting on a nearby footrest.
"I'm not sure... I kinda just feel tired, emotionally drained." You sigh, brushing your hair behind your ear. It was tearing Cogman apart on the inside. How someone could just not care about you was ridiculous. He'll have to find out where the young man lives, and pay him a midnight visit, he thinks.
"Well... I can’t send you off to bed yet." Cogman stands up and starts making his way to the door.
"Huh? What do you mean?" You lean over the armchair to watch where he's going.
"One moment, madam. Don't move. Please." He points upwards before leaving the room, and politely closes the door after himself.
Of course, as soon as he disappeared out of sight, loud and fast sprinting could be heard going downstairs, and not even a minute later, going back to the door.
Cogman politely entered, shutting the door behind himself with his pede, pretending like he hadn't bolted it down the hall.
"I brought you something that might cheer you up a little..." he murmured, before he handed you a spoon and a tub of ice cream.
"Oh- seriously?" You chuckled, sniffing as you felt a little emotional from such a simple gesture. While that prom asshole didn't care a bit, you had someone here who cared much more than anyone ever has.
"Why, yes of course. This one is still your favorite, right? My logs may need updating..." Cogman tapped the flavor description on the tub, his tone as curious as it was determined.
"It is still my favorite... thank you, Cogman." You chuckled and leaned up from your seat to give him a hug. One which he gladly reciprocated with a gentle squeeze.
"Now munch, or else it'll melt."
A few minutes later, the sweet treat loosened your tongue, as you began chatting about how your night went. "And then they handed out the graduation papers, which I have... inside Hot Rod. God, I forgot them on his back seats..." you sigh as you poke the ice cream, annoyed at your forgetfulness.
"I'll get them from him tomorrow. And don't blame yourself, my dear. It's understandable you'd forget something like that after such a shock." The butler calmly reassures you, egging you to keep talking.
"Thanks... and after that, the dancing sort of began, and... he was still a no-show. Apparently, he texted some of his friends, but not me." You sigh, shoving another spoonful in your mouth.
"Wait- so... you didn't get to dance, my lady?" Cogman straightened up, his tone suddenly almost horrified.
"Yeah, I got overwhelmed by everything, so I packed it up and called Hot Rod. He must've felt really awkward that I cried on his backseats so much..." You rub the back of your neck as your thoughts begin to drown in tonight's riots once more.
"My lady- are you not unsatisfied that you didn't get to dance?" The clockwork butler leaned forward, looking at you with his bright blue optics.
"Yeah, that really bummed me out, I was hoping I'd get to have that feeling of playing princess while dancing. But no." You set your ice cream tub on the small coffee table in front of you.
"Do... you still wish you could get a dance?" Cogman gently fiddled with his hands, his eyes laser-focused on you.
"Of course I do, I'm upset I didn't get my chance to feel special."
At that, Cogman stands up shockingly fast and makes his way over to the corner of the living room, where your grandfather's old record player sat. His clockwork digits riffled through the vinyls with almost super speed as he scanned for a specific title. Once he found it, he yanked it out of the bunch and ceremoniously planted it on the record player.
Music began softly humming out as he put the needle on, and the realization dawned on you. "Cogman, what're you doing?" You looked up at him as he approached you again. Without a word, he set his pede on the coffee table, and proceeded to kick it off to the side with no strain whatsoever.
He then proceeded to stand up straight, one servo behind his back, the other extended to you. He gave you a deep, respectful bow and looked into your eyes.
"Young madam, it would be my utmost pleasure and honor, if you gave me this dance." He very politely asked, meaning every single word.
"Cog- right here? Now?" You looked at him, both giddy and nervous.
"Here and now, my gorgeous lady." He confirmed, holding his hand out expectantly. Sure enough, with a nervous smile, you took his hand and were promptly yanked up to stand straight in front of him. Cogman was a short Autobot, that was a well-known fact, but even despite his size, he was strong and clearly more than capable as a dance partner.
"Sorry if I'm clumsy... I didn't have much practice." You apologised as he gently maneuvered your free hand on his shoulder, and wrapped his arm around your waist.
"That is absolutely alright, madam. I'll gladly lead you." His voice softened as his cogs whirred. You swore you could feel his thumb gently stroking your waist, as if to reassure you.
Sure enough, he started leading you in tone with the music. You two made your way to the middle of the room. You followed him with your feet, making sure to mimic his gentle movement. His dancing was elegant, refined... but he paced it down, so you could have a chance to show off what you knew. He's a very considerate dance partner, it seems. Considerate enough to even lift his arm and allow you a little twirl, just so you could have some of that "princess" feeling you so desired.
Sure enough, as your dance slowly went on, you approached each other more and more, eventually to the point where the music didn't matter anymore, and there was no set pace. Your body pressed to Cogman's, and you allowed your hands to gently rest on his metal plate chest.
"I should've tipped you back." He quietly murmured as the song neared its end, making you chuckle.
"You don't need to, you already have me feeling rather special." You smile down at the shorter bot. His hand squeezes your back a little, as if he'd like you even closer than you already are. You felt a nervous itch at the back of your head. It wouldn't leave, and yo simply had to ask. "Is everything okay, Cogman dear?" You spoke gently, giving him the opportunity. His optics blinked twice before his derma gears adjusted a little.
"I have a confession, madam." He cleared his mind, ready to speak up about his ages supressed thoughts. "You are an incredible woman, my young lady... you need to be treated like the royalty that you are. With endless love, attention and appreciation. And... I'd be honored if I could be the one to give that to you. Only I, and no one else." He leaned away from you a little, giving you space as he held your hands in his servos. "If you say no, ma'am, I'll understand perfectly, and I shall never mention it again. I shan't even think about it. But I wanted you to know what I feel in my spark."
And just like that, he gave you the floor.
Of course he didn't really even need to give it to you, as you were already pulling him in by his cheeks, and giving a kiss to the spot where his dermas moved.
His body stiffened for a mere second before he leaned in and held you close, like a proper gentleman, while returning the kiss.
You soon split the kiss, watching as his optics blinked it off, feeling as if he was on a high.
"Madam..."
"Of course I'll be with you, Cogman... you're an incredible bot. And you make me happier than anything." You smiled at him as he leaned his head into your hand.
"Then... you'll forgive my language, if I say that you looked like an absolute bombshell in that dress..." He murmured, optics drunk with love.
That evening, Cogman escorts you to your bedroom and makes sure to kiss you goodnight, including the backs of your hands. Ever the gentleman. Both of you sleep a little easier that night.
The next morning, you sat at the breakfast table, eating what Cogman lovingly prepared for you, while reading on your phone. Your grandfather soon showed up, sitting beside you.
"My, you're up early. Don't tell me Cogman or the others woke you up?" He caringly asked, taking a newspaper for himself.
"Excuse you Sir, I am a gentleman." Cogmam defended himself from the kitchen, which made you chuckle a little.
"I'm fine grandpa, thanks. I just wanted to get up a little earlier." You nodded, taking a sip of your morning tea.
"So, how did you enjoy your leaving ceremony, sweetheart?" Burton asked you after a while.
"I..." You looked at Cogman across the room, in which he lifted his gaze from the kitchen counter. "Actually, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. It was lovely." You smiled, watching Cogman return to his work with a pleased whirr. "I was actually thinking... if I could stay with you a little longer? It's been a while since I visited, and I'd kill for some free time here." You mused, before Cogman stabbed the cutting board with the knife he was holding.
"You would, madam?" He looked at you, sounding hopeful.
"If grandpa lets me." You smile at the bot, who immediately looks at his master with what can only be described as transformer puppy eyes.
"Don't leave it up to me, I'll be happy to have you around, sweetheart. I think this place needs a presence like yours." He chuckles as he sips his own tea.
You and Cogman share a victorious look across the dining room.
"And it'd give you two the chance to go out on a date, finally..." Burton mumbles into his cup.