Chapter Text
Jazz hadn't wanted to make the journey to fetch home Baron Prowl's future spouse, not one bit. Jazz had been in love with Prowl for vorn, been friends with him before that, and he knew damn well it was returned. But, he'd known that he couldn't be with Prowl. He'd known for almost as long as he'd been in love with Prowl. That wasn't how it worked. Barons married for alliances, for shanix and property, for things that could benefit their lands. They didn't marry street orphans turned knights, no matter how well the street orphan had done for himself.
Jazz hadn't wanted to do it, and it wasn't like Prowl had asked him to. But it was a tradition for a mech in Jazz's position to bring home the Baron's betrothed, and Jazz knew it was important not to insult the mecha on the other end of the contract. So, he'd gone.
Jazz hadn't wanted to like the mech in question, one Mirage of Crystal City, or find him appropriate for Prowl. Deep down, he knew it was because he wanted to find fault and some reason to call the marriage off. He knew, too, that that was selfish and that if it weren't Mirage, it would be someone else. But even in the brief time they'd spent together in the transport, Jazz had been able to see that Mirage would be a good match for Prowl. Maybe not a love match, though Prowl was realistic and didn't expect that, but Jazz could see how they would compliment each other as rulers. So he'd helped Mirage with his cloak and seen him off down the ramp of the transport and virtually handed him over to the love of Jazz's life. Jazz had put on a good front all through the ceremony and the celebration afterward and been part of the group that escorted the newlyweds back to their apartments in the family wing of Petrex Manor. Then, he'd gone to get drunk.
Jazz had been cursing at his high engex tolerance when he got the comm from Prowl. He'd slipped through the old servant's corridors, through the valet's chamber in Mirage's rooms, and gotten the surprise of his life. Mirage was cool with Jazz and Prowl being together! Not just as a bit on the side, either, but a real, genuine, out-in-the-open relationship. Prowl had even pointed out there was no legal reason he couldn't take Jazz on as an additional spouse, and Mirage had backed him up. Jazz hadn't thought through the implications at the time. He'd been too awestruck over the idea that he could actually be with Prowl. He'd definitely not been thinking about it that night, which he finally got to spend in Prowl's arms or the day after which they mostly spent in bed.
When they'd finally hauled themselves out of bed – and then out of the washracks – and gone back out to the main room, it had been to have their evening fuel. Sure, bringing in fuel for three would tell the servants something was going on, but the servants knew everything anyway. Mirage was sitting correctly in a chair a the dining table, reading a datapad and waiting for them. He subspaced it and rose to greet them as soon as they got into the range at which etiquette demanded he do just that.
"You don't need to be formal with me," Prowl assured the Towers mech. "Please, sit."
"Thank you, Prowl," Mirage replied and retook his seat. "Hello again, Jazz."
"Hey, Mirage," Jazz said, sitting down with Prowl. "Think I already said this last night, but thank you for this, Mirage."
"We're both extremely grateful," Prowl added.
"How do you feel about moons?"
Mirage looked surprised at Jazz's question but diplomatically replied, "I enjoy moons, but I don't believe I'd care to own one. Perhaps merely visit."
"Jazz had suggested a moon as a thank-you gift," Prowl explained and held Jazz's hand under the table.
Mirage chuckled. "Well, I appreciate the thought, but truly, I don't know what I'd do with one. Although, on the subject of gifts, Prowl, you and I need to plan how we will portray our courtship of Jazz."
Prowl nodded. "Yes, of course."
"Don't give anyone any place they think they can drive a wedge in," Jazz agreed. Because there were people who, if they didn't firmly believe Mirage and Prowl shared an interest in him, would try to use it as a political in. There would be some who tried anyway, but that was a problem for the future.
"Precisely," Mirage said and smiled.
So that was how Jazz wound up pretending to be courted by his lover's spouse. The courtship he got from Prowl was one-hundred percent real, of course, but Mirage was acting. Jazz knew he was, but no one else seemed to. Once the rumours about their relationship started, Mirage handled them with tact and far more social skill than Prowl would have been able to. Prowl still dealt with the political reactions, and for anything nastier that came their way, well, that was what Jazz was for.
Mirage wasn't only a good actor with social savvy; he had more than his share of political savvy as well. He seemed to intuitively understand that in the relationship they were presenting, he was being regarded as something of a trophy spouse: a beautiful, graceful, well-bred, display model. Perfect, in other words, to pacify the Baron's other liege-mecha while the Baron himself pursued his knight. Jazz would have been offended by this in Mirage's place, but Mirage was clever and used it to his advantage. It was amazing what you could learn, Mirage had noted with a sly grin, when people didn't think they had to watch what they said around you.
Jazz had admitted he'd had the same opinion of Mirage before they'd met, and he'd apologized for it. Mirage had been understanding and accepted his apology. After all, the former Towers mech had said, in many cases, it was true. Mirage's creators had brought him up to be the opposite while acting as expected, explaining that it could be useful to portray one face while being something else. Mirage brought back plenty of intel that courtiers probably didn't even realize they'd given away, pleasing both Prowl and Jazz.
It also helped that the fragger could turn invisible. Prowl had been just as surprised as Jazz to learn about this. Jazz had been hanging around the ritzy mecha for long enough that he knew they weren't thrilled to admit that one of theirs had a Sigma ability. Not because it was a source of shame, oh no, because it might give away an advantage.
"Mech," Jazz said in delight once Mirage had disappeared then reappeared to prove his ability, "you ever get tired of being a Baron, I could damn sure use you as a spy."
"Why, Jazz," Mirage said, practically purring and at his alluring best, "I see no reason I can't be both, do you?"
"Excellent," Prowl said, and Jazz could tell he was already planning. "I believe House Palladium may be embezzling from the mines they administer for me. We have got an invitation to spend a week at their country house in two deca-cycles. It will be the perfect opportunity to test how well we'll work together in this capacity."
"Got plans, do you, Prowler?" Jazz asked fondly.
Prowl's optics glittered. "Always, darling."
"It's one of his best qualities," Mirage added.
"Yeah," Jazz agreed, and they both smiled at Prowl. "Yeah, it is."
House Palladium's country house was newer than Petrex Manor, Jazz knew, but it was built in the same style and the exterior carefully aged. It wasn't nearly as big, of course, but it was still clearly built to impress. Prowl and Mirage had been given a guest room of their own, with Jazz's next door. The two rooms shared a wash rack, meaning that as long as the interior doors were unlocked, they could all come and go as they pleased. A wash rack wasn't something you'd usually ask Barons to share, so it was obviously a concession to the courting trio. Jazz was pretty sure Mirage would've offered to switch with him if it hadn't been too likely the servants would talk. The spouses not sharing a bed, with Jazz between them or not, would be notable. Petrex Manor's servants knew where Jazz and Mirage spent their nights, of course, but it was in their best interests to keep quiet about what happened in the house. House Palladium's servants were an unknown factor.
Mirage knocked on the connecting door of Jazz's room while the noble couple's valets were getting their things settled. Jazz opened the door, not surprised to see one of Palladium's servants lingering 'helpfully' in the background. Probably looking for precisely this, so Jazz gave them what they wanted and smiled warmly up at Mirage.
"Hey, sweetspark," Jazz said and let Mirage give him a quick, soft kiss. Mech was a decent kisser. If they ever had to get down to more than chaste kissing, at least it'd be enjoyable.
"Hello, darling," Mirage said and put his hands on Jazz's shoulders when Jazz slipped arms around his waist. "Your room is to your liking, I hope?"
"Mm, there's a couple things it's missing," Jazz teased, backing into the room and tugging Mirage with him playfully. Mirage laughed and let the door shut behind him.
Jazz activated the eavesdropping countermeasures and polarized the windows. Palladium probably didn't realize Prowl suspected them of embezzlement, and even if they had, they might still not have bugged the room. No point in getting careless.
"All set?" Mirage asked.
"Yup." Jazz let Mirage go. Mirage's hands slid over his shoulders, just a little, before he separated himself from Jazz. "Ready to hear the plan?"
"Just tell me what you want me to do," Mirage replied, looking like he was going to enjoy sneaking around the house at night looking for secrets. If Jazz hadn't thought before he could handle sharing Prowl with Mirage in whatever capacity, the look would've probably done it. Mech had a streak of mischief in him.
"Alright," Jazz began, "Espionage 101, or, how to be a sneaky fragger without getting caught…"
Mirage was an attentive student, and Jazz knew the mech was far from stupid. He'd understood what Jazz was telling him to do, but knowing and doing were two different things. The real test would come tonight when Mirage sneaked around after everyone had headed to bed once the evening's entertainment was done.` Jazz snuggled up with Prowl in the bed in Jazz's room while they waited – using the one Prowl was sharing with Mirage, platonically or not, felt weird without Mirage knowing.
"How are you feeling, darling?" Prowl asked, nuzzling Jazz's helm. "About Mirage?"
"I like him," Jazz said, contentedly listening to the spin of Prowl's spark under his audial. "Watching him work a crowd is a damn treat. You think the court knows he's got half of them dancing to the tune he calls?"
"I hope not," Prowl said. "It's proving quite useful. He's very much making up for the social skills I admittedly lack. But I meant on a more personal level."
"Asking if I'm attracted to him?"
"Yes."
"Hm." Jazz resettled a little more comfortably against Prowl while he considered. "I mean, he's beautiful. I was just thinking earlier he'd probably be a good kisser if we ever have to do more than little pecks. Not just intelligent and well-educated but clever too, maybe a little tricky if he gets the chance. Great actor. Most people seem to believe you're both really courting me."
"Yes," Prowl agreed. "Mirage continues to prove himself an excellent choice."
"Yeah," Jazz agreed. "You starting to look his way there, Prowler?"
"As you've said, he is beautiful, intelligent, and capable." Prowl kissed one of Jazz's audial horns. "Clever. Clearly, my type."
Jazz laughed and tipped his head back to kiss Prowl's chin. "Clearly. You asking me for something, babe?"
"No," Prowl said thoughtfully. "Or, at least, not yet. After all, I've only just gained you."
"Haven't had enough of me yet?"
"No," Prowl said, hugging Jazz to him. "I haven't."
Jazz just hugged him right back. "Me neither."
They couldn't get too into anything, of course, because they were waiting for Mirage to come back, but Jazz had gone without for so long that he wasn't going to complain. Cuddling was good, the bed was comfy, and Prowl was warm. Jazz could listen to the hum of his spark and systems all night. Not that they had all night, since Mirage was due back soon, but Jazz would take what he could get.
Mirage slipped back into Jazz's rooms maybe four breems after he'd left. Jazz and Prowl reluctantly pulled free of each other.
"How'd it go, Raj?" Jazz asked, getting up to greet his infiltrator.
Mirage smiled and subspaced the data-extractor Jazz had given him, handing it over. "Very well. I haven't reviewed the data in detail, but I hope you'll both be pleased."
"I'm sure we will be," Prowl said, coming up behind Jazz. "You've done well, Mirage, thank you."
"I'm happy to be of help." Mirage looked between them, maybe feeling like he'd interrupted something. "I'm also willing to spend the night by myself if the two of you want time to yourselves."
Prowl shook his head and touched Mirage's arm reassuringly. "It's alright. We knew what to expect when we made this trip."
"If Jazz would like to come in with us, then?" Mirage offered. "I hate to take more time away from you two, and I'm sure the bed will transform out far enough."
Jazz was surprised by the offer, but he wasn't going to turn down a night with Prowl, even if Mirage was on the other side of the bed.
"Yeah, okay," Jazz said. "I don't mind if Prowl doesn't."
"I'm sure that will be acceptable," Prowl put in. "Thank you, Mirage."
Jazz had shared bedrolls for warmth while out on campaign and regularly slept with Prowl, but he'd never shared a bed with two before. Mirage politely turned his back to give them privacy, and Prowl lay behind Jazz, snug between the other two mecha, spooning up against his back. Jazz heard Prowl and Mirage's systems drop into standby, one after the other, and his last thought was how comfortable it was, lying here between two handsome mecha.
While they were at the country house, Prowl reviewed the data Mirage had liberated but didn't use it until they'd gotten back home. Prowl preferred to have as much data available as possible before acting. When he did act, it was decisive.
Palladium did not come out of it well. Prowl did not pursue legal action, but he did revoke their rights to the mines and the resulting incomes, in addition to the return of the embezzled funds. It would be difficult for Palladium to maintain their current lifestyle, assuming they could overcome the social stigma. No one wanted to risk falling out of favour with the Barons for the sake of a disgraced House.
"A successful first run," Prowl noted once the fait had been accompli'd. They were all three sitting in the shared space between Prowl and Mirage's bedrooms. Prowl and Jazz were on one of the couches, Prowl reaching over to rub gently at the back of Jazz's neck, and Mirage on another.
"Yup," Jazz agreed. "You did good, 'Raj."
"Thank you, Jazz. I admit it was rather fun. Not for House Palladium, of course, but they've no one but themselves to blame." Mirage stretched out his legs and crossed them at the ankle. "Have you another target for me?"
"Not as yet," Prowl said, and one corner of his mouth curled up in a smile. "Barons or no, I have a feeling our invitations may be scant for a while."
"Perhaps we can have some suspects invited here," Mirage suggested. "Jazz can show me how to make the best use of the servant's corridors, I expect."
Jazz was perfectly happy to have another agent at his command, even if they were technically one of his bosses, and agreed. He'd spent a lot of time sneaking around the manor when he was younger, and he knew the routes that didn't see much use anymore. Past Barons had kept a more extensive staff or more of their ministers and advisors on-site, and there was a fair bit of Petrex Manor not in use anymore. Some of it was simply closed off, and some of it was occasionally open to the public as a museum though visitors weren't allowed in the hidden corridors. Jazz figured that since he'd been asked to help train Mirage, that was as good as permission and cheerfully ignored roped-off areas and locked doors.
Mirage hadn't had spy training like Jazz had, but he'd been extensively drilled on moving gracefully, and part of that included how to make as little noise as possible. Jazz coached him a little further but as it was, doubted that anyone outside the halls would hear them. They could sometimes overhear people in the rooms, though, if the walls were thin enough. It depended on the amount of defence that phase of the building had been expected to put up.
They were sneaking around behind a set of rooms in the museum wing. A tour group of some kind must have been passing through on the other side of the wall because Jazz could, if he and Mirage both paused, hear a guide talking.
"…and this would have been the baron's private rooms," the guide was saying while, unknown to her, a Baron stopped to listen. "The room we're in now would have been their private sitting room, and right through here is the baron's bedroom."
A voice piped up; a young juvenile, Jazz judged, from the pitch and use of over-and-undertones. "Did that baron live here with the other barons?"
"They might have shared this room with their spouse or consort, yes," the guide replied. "Many barons have had one or the other."
"No," the juvenile insisted in the tone of a child who knew someone was trying to evade their question. "The other barons! The ones they were married to at the same time! Like Baron Prowl is."
An older voice, not the guide and probably a creator, spoke up. "Baron Prowl is only married to Baron Mirage."
The juvenile was undeterred. "Well, he's going to be married to Ser Jazz, too, and so is Baron Mirage. Then Ser Jazz will be Baron – Ser Baron Jazz, and they'll all live together, and I'm going to be a knight one day and have two spouses too."
"If that's what makes you happy, brightspark," the probably-creator said kindly, and then the guide retook control of the conversation, and the tour moved on.
Mirage was obviously stifling amusement by the end of that, and Jazz couldn't help but grin at him.
"Good to know we've got the juvenile vote," Jazz said, keeping his voice down.
"Some might say we're corrupting them," Mirage murmured.
"Yeah?"
"I prefer to think of it as expanding their education."
Jazz chuckled. "I didn't know better, I'd think you like causing trouble."
"I suppose that depends on the trouble."
Well, that was a sentiment Jazz could definitely agree with. "I'm guessing this wasn't the kind of trouble you expected to find in Praxus, though."
Mirage smiled, though it had lost some of the amusement and become softer. "Not precisely. I'm certain I found the good kind of trouble here, though."
Jazz was suddenly quite aware of how close Mirage was standing to him in a relatively small area. "Yeah?"
"Yes."
Mirage's optics started to shade a little darker around the edges. His fingers brushed Jazz's, and Jazz remembered how the other mech's hands had lingered on his shoulders longer than necessary at Palladium. He wondered again what it would be like to kiss Mirage, really kiss him, out of desire rather than putting on a front. If they'd only had the two of them to think about, Jazz might've gone for it right there, but they didn't.
"This, um, the kind of trouble we should talk about with Prowl?" Jazz asked quietly.
"Yes," Mirage replied in a low voice. "I think it is."
"So, um, Prowler," Jazz began when he sat down with his lovers, real and pretend, late that afternoon, "this fake dating thing we've all been doing? I'm starting to think, well, it might not be quite so fake anymore. Between Mirage and me, anyway."
Prowl, seated between Mirage and Jazz, nodded. No surprise there, since he and Jazz had talked about something like this already. Prowl'd said he wasn't ready yet, though, and at the time, Jazz had agreed. It was a little shocking how fast that had changed, especially since Jazz had been focused on Prowl for so long.
"I'm glad you two brought this to me," Prowl said, reaching out a hand for Jazz and also to Mirage. "Until Mirage had suggested it, I hadn't given thought to a triad, but it has been working well."
"Yes, it has," Mirage agreed, letting his fingers curl loosely around Prowl's palm. "I am open to having more, certainly."
"Between all of us, or only between yourself and Jazz?" Prowl inquired. "I'll not be offended if it's the latter. I never expected you to fall in love with me."
"My highest hope entering this marriage was an amicable partnership," Mirage admitted. "But I think we could have more." He looked over at Jazz. "All three of us."
"So, real dating?" Jazz asked, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Mirage smiled back, and Prowl bent to kiss the back of his hand. "Yes. Real dating."
Jazz was already looking forward to it.