"Ah... That is alright. I'll be sure to let you know."

Apparently the ruse was sufficient. The hovering senators relaxed, a few chuckling to themselves at Optimus' false embarrassment - and one even approached, tired of waiting despite the potential faux pas. He was clever enough to snag a cube of expensive vintage along the way as an excuse, but his bow of greeting was informal enough to be considered a gesture between friends - which they most certainly were not.

"Optimus Prime."

"...Senator Ratbat. What a pleasant surprise." It was so very difficult to keep his tone light around that mech, arm briefly tightening around Elita's own. The Senator's tone and field rubbed him the wrong way every time. And the pink femme didn't even rate a greeting, on the Prime's arm or not. She was a consort, and for looking at. Among other things.

"Lovely party so far. I couldn't help but wonder if you've tried this new vintage yet. I've been hounding everyone here to sample a sip at least. Straight from my own mines."

Oh Primus, it was going to be a long night.