[Flights of Fancy] Topsy-Turvy 12
Apr. 23rd, 2018 06:30 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dracoqueen22Title: Topsy-Turvy
Universe: Flights of Fancy
Characters: Megatron/Rodimus, Soundwave, Shockwave/Orion Pax, Drift/Perceptor, Starscream, Ensemble
Rating: M
Enticements: Harpyformers AU, Sexual Content, Romance, Unrequited Love, Angst, Fluff, Slow burn
Summary: If asked, Liege Megatron of the Kaon Aerie would say his life was perfect. With a content, growing flock to manage, he had nothing to worry about. Loneliness was part of a Liege’s life, he’d decided. Until the bright-spirited Hot Rod comes along, determined to be the exception to the rule.
Chapter Twelve
Something a lot like anxiety settled on Megatron’s shoulders. It quivered in his core, made his breathing quicken, and his hands tremble. He pulled Hot Rod into the privacy of his nest, and closed the heavy tapestry, praying they would not be disturbed. This was a secret Megatron did not want shared.
In the stillness, silence descended. It was a moment of truth. So Megatron braced himself and drew in a slow, careful breath. He turned toward Rodimus, mentally reviewing what he meant to say, only for Rodimus to suddenly throw his arms over Megatron's shoulders and drag him into reach. Hot Rod's tongue pushed into his mouth as he pressed against Megatron, molding their bodies together.
Megatron loosed a startled sound into the kiss, desire rising to the forefront, determined to chase away the anxiety of the moment. He greedily inhaled Rodimus' scent, wrapping his arms around the smol's body and holding Rodimus tight against him. If this was going to be the last he ever tasted Hot Rod, well, he was going to indulge for all it was worth.
He deepened the kiss and closed his eyes. Rodimus' scent surrounded him, hot and sweet and hungry. The smol was warm as he squirmed against Megatron's front. He warbled in his throat, tangling their tongues together.
Rodimus broke off the kiss to nip at Megatron's lower lip. “That was the hottest thing I've ever seen,” he breathed, his eyes bright pools of blue. “I never thought… you always...” He broke off, breathing hitched. “You really meant it, didn't you?”
Megatron reluctantly lowered Rodimus to the floor. It took the same effort to unwind his arms from Rodimus and loosen Rodimus’ arms from his shoulders. He kept the Iacon prince’s hands in his, however, relishing in the warmth of Rodimus' grip.
He wondered how long he'd be able to keep it.
“I did,” Megatron said. He swallowed over a lump in his throat, savoring the taste of Rodimus on his tongue. He’d never forget it, he was sure. “I also meant it when I said there are things you need to know before you decide if I’m the mate you want.”
Hot Rod’s eyebrows drew down. “Why wouldn't you be?”
Megatron sighed and pulled Hot Rod away from the door. He didn’t want to be anywhere someone might overhear his greatest shame.
“There’s a reason I’ve not taken a mate or a lover, even after Orion mated Shockwave and that avenue was closed to me,” Megatron started, a flush of cold running through his veins. He couldn’t remember a time he’d felt so nervous.
Shame heated his face, and disquiet knotted his internals. “I am… I don't… I can't...” He trailed off, frustration rumbling in his chest.
He couldn't even bring himself to say it. He was a coward of the worst kind.
Hot Rod frowned. “Look, if you're not attracted to me or something, just say it. I mean, you could have said that a long time ago without coming up with all kinds of excuses. If you don't want me, okay, I get that. I can take a hint.”
Megatron shook his head. “If I didn't want you, I wouldn't have taken you last night. This isn't about that.” He pushed the heel of his palm against his forehead. “I've always wanted you, Hot Rod. I just knew it couldn't mean anything, and I didn't want to put myself in the position of being rejected.”
Instead, he'd given that pain to Hot Rod and anyone else who ever dared show an interest. Fortunately, only Hot Rod had been so determined to linger, when all others had given up on their temporary desire.
“Okay. Then why?”
Megatron dropped his hand and looked at the smol he wished to mate. Hot Rod who was a prince of Iacon, Rodimus Minor, and certainly deserved better than some broken Crystal City reject. As Springer had so aptly called him.
Megatron drew in a long breath.
No.
He was Liege of Kaon. He was strong and mighty and loved by his flock. He could handle rejection. It would not break him.
“Because I am incapable of siring or carrying,” Megatron answered.
The words sounded odd aloud. They made him flinch. It was like admitting it aloud made the truth all the more real, reminding him of the opportunity they’d taken from him and the position he would have had to surrender. He’d left Crystal City because he thought he couldn’t be happy there, and then made all the same mistakes in Kaon. He’d brought the shame with him, when he could have left it behind.
Megatron sighed and stared hard at the far wall, a safer view than whatever disgust surely darkened Rodimus’ face. “I don't know why. The physicians suspect I was born this way. It doesn't matter, I suppose. There's nothing they can do. As a mate, I’m worthless.”
“I don't understand.”
Worse that Hot Rod sounded genuinely confused.
Megatron gnawed on the inside of his cheek. He drew on a well of patience he didn’t know he possessed. Was Hot Rod trying to be cruel?
“You turned me down because you can't produce fledglings?” Hot Rod continued, his tone raising in pitch. “But that's… that's ridiculous! Who cares? Why is that the one thing that’s important?”
Megatron stared at him. “It's basic instinct,” he replied and now it was his turn to be confused. “What am I to defend if not a nest? Or my mate and my fledglings? I lost a position in Orion’s guard because of it!”
“Then they’re idiots because you are clearly the best one for the job, virility or not.” Hot Rod rolled his eyes. “And then you brought that Crystal City nonsense here with you. To Kaon. To Liege Megatron’s flock of acceptance. Do you even hear yourself right now?”
Megatron gaped at him. This was a Hot Rod he hadn’t known existed. This responsible, knowledged Hot Rod who could look up at him with both rationality and affection.
Hot Rod sighed and cupped Megatron’s face gently. “Listen, I chose you because of who you are, not the fledglings you can give me, which by the way, I don't even want.” He paused to offer a wry grin. “In case you haven't noticed, as much as I like the little ones, I don’t go sparkly-eyed over them.”
“I noticed.” Megatron cracked a soft smile. “I assumed you'd grow out of it.”
Hot Rod scoffed again. “Grow out of it? How young do you think I am?” He brought Megatron's face closer and brushed the tips of their noses together. “I want you as my mate. I want you to take me, to claim me, to make me yours.”
Megatron's breathing hitched. He swallowed thickly, heat pooling throughout his body. He rested his hands on Hot Rod's hips, feeling the heat of the smol beneath the fluff of his feathers. He wanted to believe in this.
“Your sire would disapprove.” It was weak, so weak, a last-ditch effort to escape from a rejection he still feared.
But in this, Rodimus was stronger than him.
“Yeah, well, it's not his choice to make.” Hot Rod pressed a soft kiss to Megatron's lips. “And if you think I'm going to walk away because of him, clearly you don't know me at all.”
Megatron pulled Hot Rod into his arms. “You are stubborn and persistent,” he said as he pressed their foreheads together. “I underestimated you. I won’t make that mistake again.”
“Good,” Hot Rod breathed. “Does that mean you're going to mate me?” He rolled his hips, pushing hard against Megatron's front.
Megatron chuckled and nuzzled his way down to Hot Rod's neck, where he mouthed at the marks from their rut last night. “I think it is too soon for that.” He cupped Hot Rod’s rump, giving it a light squeeze. “But I will no longer run away from you. So long as you tell me some truths that I’m owed as well.”
Hot Rod groaned and clutched at Megatron’s chest, his talons digging in with light pricks. “Right now? When we're getting to the good part?”
“Yes, right now.” Megatron nipped at Hot Rod's chin, forcing himself to ignore the tempting sweetness of Hot Rod’s mouth. “Why did you leave Iacon?”
Hot Rod squirmed. “Do we really have to talk about that?”
Megatron returned one hand to the relative safety of Hot Rod’s hips. “Yes.” He caught a knuckle under Hot Rod’s chin, tilting the smol’s face toward his. “You put my flock in danger, Hot Rod. I deserve to know why.”
“Rodimus,” he corrected, and his face darkened with a blush. “I mean, if you want to call me by my actual name.”
Megatron conceded. “I'll call you whichever you prefer, but that's avoiding the question.”
Rodimus’ shoulders sagged, his crest feathers drooping. “I know. It's just that… everyone is here for a reason. They're escaping something. They were searching for somewhere to belong.” He looked away, since he couldn’t turn his head. “I left Iacon because I was bored. Because I was looking for something I couldn't find there. I wanted the strongest, and I knew I wouldn't find him in Iacon.”
“That's still a reason.”
“Yeah, but not a good one.” Rodimus sighed and looked at Megatron again, though his eyes lacked their usual brightness. “I was happy in Iacon, a little isolated and lonely maybe, but I was treated well. I didn't have any reasons to complain. And then I came here and pretty much everyone else escaped their own flocks in some way or another, and I don't know… I just feel selfish.”
Megatron stroked the back of his knuckle over Rodimus' cheek. “We all have our reasons. Kaon is a sanctuary, yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s a requirement.” He chuckled lightly. “And I have to admit, a part of me is honored you left to find the best, and decided it was me.”
Rodimus' face heated beneath his finger. “Well, you know, there’s a lot to like about you.” He sucked his bottom lip between his teeth and tilted his head into Megatron’s touch. “You take in everybody, and you look out for everyone, and you care for everyone no matter what role they have in the flock. If you’re not the best, I don’t know who else could be.”
Megatron's core throbbed at the frank confession. Temptation won. He pressed his lips to Rodimus’, keeping the kiss gentle, savoring. It flashed heat through his body nonetheless, as his clava remembered all too well how it had felt to be within Rodimus last night.
Rodimus made a small sound in his throat, a cross between whimper and moan. He pushed harder against Megatron, trying to deepen the kiss, his tongue plunging into Megatron’s mouth.
Megatron held the princeling closer, until there was no space between them. Hunger clawed through him, his clava threatening to emerge. He conjured up several memories of Rodimus and savored the sweet kiss. He wanted nothing more than to pin Rodimus down again, to fill the wet heat of Rodimus’ antrum, and to clamp his teeth on Rodimus’ throat in permanent claim.
He wanted to mark Rodimus as his, so when morning came and Captain Springer continued to be an annoyance, he would have no wing with which to fly. Rodimus would be Megatron's and not even Ultra Magnus could whisk him away.
He wanted to, but right now, Megatron wouldn’t. He and Rodimus needed to build a bridge before they could risk crossing the canyon.
Megatron eased out of the kiss, ignoring the warble of need in Rodimus' throat, and cupped the smol's face. He pressed their foreheads together so they shared breath between them.
“I am glad that you never gave up on me.”
Rodimus shivered and rolled his body hard against Megatron's. “I am nothing if not determined, my liege.” His hands scraped down Megatron's front. “But if you are not to mate me yet, will you at least rut with me? Mark me? Stake a claim?” His movements became more urgent with each breathless request.
Desire twisted into a knot within Megatron.
He kissed Rodimus' forehead and left a trail of kisses down the center of Rodimus' face. He swore that Rodimus smelled of berries and the summer breeze. It made his internals tighten with need. Megatron growled as he tilted Rodimus' head back and mouthed at his throat. Rodimus’ pulse fluttered against his lips, strong and rapid.
“There are other matters that demand my attention,” Megatron murmured as he pressed a gentle kiss to Rodimus' throat before he scraped his teeth over the barely visible marks he'd left the night before.
Rodimus arched against him. “And I, your mate-to-be, don't count?” His voice had the edge of sly humor and false offense in it hinting of his royal upbringing.
Megatron chuckled and gripped the lithe smol's hips to pull Rodimus against him. Legs wrapped around his waist. Their featherdown met, grinding together, exchanging damp between them. Rodimus' clava began to emerge, leaving a wet streak on Megatron's featherdown.
“Very well.” Megatron lost the battle against his own need. “But then we both have responsibilities to meet and you have explanations to give.”
“Fair enough.” Rodimus tossed his head back and cried out as he rubbed harder against Megatron's featherdown. Slick leaked from his antrum, heat flooding outward. “Just take me already, and we can talk politics all you want later. Please.”
Megatron growled and stumbled toward his nest, lowering Rodimus into it and climbing over him, blanketing Rodimus with his body. “All I want?”
Rodimus squirmed, spine arching, thighs trembling around Megatron’s hips. “Anything,” he cried, throat bared, slick dampening Megatron’s featherdown and painting the head of his clava.
“You may regret offering me such,” Megatron said against Rodimus’ throat, over the marks of his previous bites.
Rodimus moaned. “More?” He clutched at Megatron’s shoulders, rutting against him, purring with need.
“Whatever you wish,” Megatron murmured and dragged his lips to Rodimus’ ear. “My consort,” he purred.
Rodimus shivered against him, whimpering low in his throat. Megatron tightened his hold on Rodimus' hips, hips firmly notched between Rodimus’ thighs, his clava teasing the damp folds.
Rodimus canted his hips invitingly, his talons raking over Megatron’s shoulders. He moaned, tongue sweeping over his lips. He was an invitation Megatron couldn’t resist. Swallowing thickly, Megatron rolled his hips, sliding deep into Rodimus, his clava slowly enveloped in silken heat.
Rodimus keened, pleasure flushing his face a pretty pink. His plumage lifted all at once, his thighs wrapping hard around Megatron's waist. His head tipped back and back, baring the vulnerability of his throat, and Megatron’s mouth watered.
H latched his teeth onto Rodimus' throat, as his hips snapped out and back in again, thrusting deeper. Rodimus' antrum rippled around him, clenching and unclenching as though trying to drag him into a mating lock. It wasn’t uncommon for a newly tried smol to react in this matter. Even if it was pointless. Outside of mating season, there would be no hatchlings.
Then again, there wouldn’t be any for them anyway.
Megatron released Rodimus’ throat, ignoring the smol's whimper of disappointment. His hips juttered forward, his clava throbbing. He wanted so badly to mark Rodimus as his forever, to latch his teeth onto Rodimus’ neck and bite deep enough to scar.
It was hard to resist, and Megatron did not know that he could. He forced his pace to slow before he eased out of Rodimus.
“Why are you stopping?” Rodimus demanded. He arched up, the damp of his feather down calling for Megatron's clava.
“Reasons.” Megatron grabbed Rodimus' hips and turned him onto his front.
Rodimus squawked, struggling to get his hands beneath him. He flicked his tail out of the way, revealing the quivering folds of his antrum. Megatron had a moment of debate, where his mouth watered, and his clava throbbed, before the need to rut won the battle.
Megatron nudged a knee between Rodimus' thighs, grasped his hips, and pulled Rodimus back onto his clava. Another growl echoed in his chest as he was swallowed by the gripping heat. Rodimus’ throat was thus harder to reach, reducing temptation.
It wasn’t a perfect solution. He’d have to leave Rodimus in this bed for that, but it would remind him to be careful.
Rodimus tossed his head back. “Never mind,” he panted as he pawed at the blankets, talons kneading the fabric. “This is good, too.”
Megatron chuckled. He kept one grip on Rodimus' hip, but his other hand crept forward, fingers tangling in the softer curls of Rodimus' plumage. He leaned over Rodimus' back, and felt his clava shift within Rodimus, sliding over previously untouched territory.
Rodimus shuddered from head to toe. His antrum squeezed down, and he gasped out a moan.
“I thought you might like it.” Megatron curled over and around Rodimus, until he could look into the smol's face and get a clear view of the heat of desperation in Rodimus' eyes.
The smol whimpered, fluid pulsing out of his antrum and slicking the feathers between them. He panted, sharp and desperate.
“You are stunning,” Megatron whispered. He brushed his lips over Rodimus' forehead, his cheeks, his nose. He rolled his clava in and out of Rodimus' antrum, a slow and steady pace to drive the smol wild with want. “It’s a miracle I kept my talons off you for so long.”
Rodimus' eyelids fluttered. His tongue flicked over his lips. “Your willpower… is impressive,” he said with a little laugh.
Megatron chuckled and captured Rodimus' lips, his tongue sliding into Rodimus' mouth as though to claim. Upside-down, the kiss took on a whole new texture, and Rodimus shook beneath him. His antrum rippled and squeezed faster, his hips moving back against Megatron in increasingly urgent motions.
He was already close. Which was good, because Megatron felt himself teetering on the edge of release. Rodimus’ scent filled his nose, soaking him to his core, stirring up the need throbbing through his veins.
He rocked harder into Rodimus, shifted his weight, and curled an arm around Rodimus’ body. The pads of his fingers briefly skirted over Rodimus’ clava, making the smol buck into his hands and moan, until the tip of his thumb found Rodimus’ nub. He rubbed it in a firm circle, and a warble rose out of Rodimus’ throat.
“More,” Rodimus panted, his rump pushing hard into the cradle of Megatron’s groin. “Please, Megatron.”
He nuzzled the crook of Rodimus’ neck, savoring the frantic flutter of Rodimus’ corebeat. His lips grazed a warm and wet path around Rodimus’ ear, breathing in deep of the smol’s sweet scent. “Anything you want.” He rubbed harder, thrusting into Rodimus as he manipulated the plump, throbbing nub.
Rodimus gasped out a laugh. “I’m pretty greedy,” he moaned, pushing harder into Megatron’s thrusts, his antrum rippling with hunger.
“So am I,” Megatron growled, his fingers sticky with Rodimus’ slick as he rubbed and caressed that nub. “I want your pleasure. I want to feel you come around me. I want to hear you moan for me.”
A low whine slipped out of Rodimus’ mouth. “T-take it,” he stuttered, back arching into the curve of Megatron’s body, his talons rending the fabric beneath his hands.
“I won’t have to.” Megatron slid his palm up the length of Rodimus’ clava, rubbing the head of it into the curve of his hand. Rodimus made a choked sound, thrusting into his palm. “Because you’re going to give it to me.”
His mouth found the back of Rodimus’ neck. The smol whimpered, pushing back against him as if begging.
Megatron’s mouth watered. He nibbled on the back of Rodimus’ neck before the squeeze of Rodimus’ antrum drove him to bite. Not hard, not enough to scar, but enough to hold Rodimus in place.
Rodimus keened, rump grinding against Megatron’s groin, pushing Megatron deep. He stroked his palm down Rodimus’ clava one last time before finding his nub and pressing against it, fingers slippery and the nub throbbing hungrily.
Rodimus made a choked sound as release wracked his body with tremors. He trembled in Megatron’s grasp, whining his pleasure.
Megatron growled against the back of Rodimus’ neck, trying to hold to self-control, but was helpless to the pleasure as he was dragged into his own ecstasy, lost to the feel of Rodimus beneath him.
Mine, Megatron thought. Mine to keep, mine to claim, mine to have.
His teeth tightened, ever so fractionally. Rodimus gasped, another smaller orgasm making his antrum flutter and tighten around Megatron’s clava as he filled Rodimus with his spill. He shifted his hand to Rodimus’ belly, holding the smol against him, as his hips ground against Rodimus, clava emptying spurt after spurt into Rodimus.
The pleasure whited everything out for several wonderful seconds, until Megatron crashed back into his own body. Rodimus whimpered beneath him. He pushed into the cradle of Megatron’s body, visibly trembling.
Megatron tightened his grip around Rodimus’ middle as he sat back on his heels, gently releasing his teeth from where they’d locked around the back of Rodimus’ neck. He licked the marks. He’d drawn blood, but not too much. He hadn’t mangled Rodimus at least.
Rodimus lolled against him, limp as he fell into Megatron’s arms, his head resting on Megatron’s shoulder. Megatron’s softening clava slipped free as he shifted until he was seated. He turned Rodimus in his arms, cradling the smol in his lap. He cupped Rodimus’ face with one hand and brought their lips together for a soft kiss, the taste of it sweet on his tongue.
He nuzzled Rodimus, his core throbbing hard and hopeful. If he was lucky, they could get through this. They could form a relationship. Perhaps someday, Megatron would be brave enough to ask, and Rodimus would still care for him and say ‘yes’.
“Mmm. Can’t we just stay like this for the rest of today?” Rodimus asked as he carded his fingers through Megatron’s feathermane.
Megatron pressed his head to Rodimus’, sliding a hand down Rodimus’ back. “You know why we can’t.”
“Thought I might ask anyway.” He tried to bury his face in Megatron’s chest. “I finally got what I want and here he comes, ruining it.”
Megatron assumed he meant Springer.
“There’s nothing ruined. Only responsibilities that must be handled first,” Megatron corrected. Desire still simmered in his body, but he had mastered himself for years. He could certainly do so now. Even if Rodimus curled in his lap like a delectable treat.
Rodimus sighed. “Responsibilities. And here I thought I escaped those.”
Megatron chuckled and stroked Rodimus’ back again, the smol arching into his caresses like a feline seeking affection. “You do realize if we fully mate and you become liege-consort, you will have all those responsibilities you left behind?”
“Fortunately, I still have my training. I also don’t mind if it’s with you. And here in Kaon. Things are better here.” Rodimus started to purr, his body going even more limp, as though he intended to take a nap right in Megatron’s lap.
“I won’t argue with you there.” Megatron closed his eyes and allowed himself to indulge in this moment. “Though I still wonder why you chose me.”
“I thought I answered that.”
“Vaguely.”
Rodimus kneaded his talons against Megatron’s chest. “I can’t explain it. All I know is that I left Iacon because I was looking for something, and when I got here, I found it in you.”
That was unexpectedly romantic. It reminded Megatron a lot of Bulkhead as well. Bulkhead was convinced that romance would find him. That he had a soulmate out there, and he didn’t know who or where they were, but as soon as he saw them, he’d know they were meant to be. There would be a feeling, a zing as he called it. Apparently, his whole flock believed in the zing so strongly they wouldn’t mate without it.
Which might have been the reason their population was on the decline.
Megatron turned his face against Rodimus’ crown, inhaling his sweet scent. “For what it’s worth, I’ve always been charmed by you. I let my own insecurities get in the way of accepting your courtship.”
“That and the fact you still love Orion.”
A sigh slipped free. “I do,” Megatron admitted. “But I’m starting to realize that it is a different kind of love. It is an ideal, I think, of what I always thought love should be. And even after Shockwave, I clung to it because loving Orion was safe. I knew it would never be reciprocated.”
“Whereas I’m dangerous.”
Megatron chuckled. “So to speak.”
“I’m about as dangerous as a wet mesh cloth, but I see your point.” Rodimus shifted so he could look up at Megatron. “Speaking of responsibilities, I’m going to have to talk to Springer.”
A cold shock cut through the warmth of the moment. “Of course. We should clean up and do that now.”
Megatron lifted Rodimus, setting him on his own feet, and stood as well. Their groins were liberally splattered with fluids, and while Megatron would rather he laid Rodimus down and licked him clean, perhaps now wasn’t the time to get either of them started again.
“I should talk to him alone,” Rodimus said, his talons curling and uncurling against the woven branches of the floor.
Megatron cast him a sharp look. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Rodimus held up his hands. “Look, Springer’s never going to believe I’m here and want to stay by my own choice if you’re there, looming over my shoulder like some kind of slaver or owner.” His shoulders straightened, pulling that mantle of royalty all over again.
“If you go alone, how do I know he’s not going to toss you over his shoulder and forcefully return you home?” Megatron demanded. Unease rippled through his body, along with an undercurrent of fear. To lose Rodimus so soon after accepting him…
Rodimus shook his head. “He won’t do that.”
“You’re certain?”
“Yes.” Rodimus moved to Megatron’s washbasin, pulling another cloth from the rack. He’d have more laundry in the future, Megatron mused. “Orion and I are a lot alike. Springer is to me, what you were to Orion.”
Megatron folded his arms. “So he’s your personal guardian?”
Rodimus dampened the cloth and wiped at his body, half-turned as though trying to gain some privacy. “He’s only a few mating seasons younger than me. Except he’s warrior caste. His whole life, he’s only known one thing, that his duty is to protect me. I snuck out of Iacon under his watch, and he’d only just taken over the captaincy from my previous guardian. Youngest ever to do that, by the way.” Rodimus actually sounded proud of his guardian. “So finding me has been a matter of honor.”
“And even with that, you don’t think he’ll drag you back?”
“I trust him.” Rodimus gave him a soft smile. “I know he’s rude and aggressive, but he’s not really like that. It’s just because he was worried.” He dipped the rag in the water again, squeezing out the excess. “Once he sees I’m happy, and I willingly made this choice, it’ll be different.”
Megatron scrubbed at his face. “Would that I had your faith.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “There will be guards at the main entrance and outside the door nevertheless. I don’t intend to lose you unless you intend to leave.”
“Which I don’t.” Rodimus sauntered close, but only to offer Megatron a damp rag. “Not now that I finally have want I want.” He rose on the tips of his feet as if to kiss Megatron, but was still too short to reach.
Megatron acquiesced to bend down and close the distance between them, brushing his lips over Rodimus’. Every kiss begged for more, and only self-control kept him from sweeping Rodimus in his arms and taking him back to the bed.
“I’d still much rather stay here in this room, kissing you,” Rodimus said against his lips.
Megatron chuckled. “Those damn responsibilities.” He stole one more kiss before he tore himself away from Rodimus, accepting the offer of a wet rag to clean himself. “My flock will have many questions, and I’m sure they are unnerved.”
“They trust you. Whatever you say will calm them down.” Rodimus grinned, though it wasn’t as confident as Megatron thought it would be.
“I certainly hope so.” Megatron tossed the dirtied cloth into the laundry bin. “Let’s go. I think we’ve had more than enough private time.”
Rodimus’ lips formed a cute pout. “There will never be enough,” he purred, but he took Megatron’s hand in his, tangling their fingers together.
Together, they left the security of Megatron’s nest to face the responsibilities waiting for them. Megatron wasn’t sure what to expect, but several harpies lurking outside his door was not one of them. It was a wee bit embarrassing, actually, considering the noise he and Rodimus had been making.
Soundwave wasn’t a surprise.
Starscream, leaning against the wall almost out of view, was.
Rodimus squeezed Megatron’s hand. “Pretty sure he’s here for me. I’ll be right back.” He let go and jogged toward Starscream, leaving Megatron alone with Soundwave.
What was that about?
Megatron knew Hot Rod and Starscream had gotten close. Just as he knew Hot Rod had taken to sleeping in Starscream’s nest as part of his rotation. But Hot Rod had also never been taken. Were he and Starscream together or not? Was it a casual thing?
Soundwave made a wordless noise, drawing his attention. Buzzsaw currently sat on his shoulder, half-dozing as he leaned into Soundwave’s neck. “Captain Springer and guards resting in guest chambers.”
“Good.” Megatron turned away from Rodimus and Starscream, their conversation too quiet to hear across the distance. “Were they cooperative?”
“Yes.”
Also, good. Maybe Rodimus was right to believe in Springer. Maybe the captain could be trusted.
“Did you know our mysterious group was an elite guard phalanx?” Megatron asked as he gave his Speaker a long look. He trusted Soundwave implicitly, but his Speaker had a habit of withholding information as part of some scheme for Megatron’s own good.
Buzzsaw stirred, blinking sleepily at Megatron. “Brother knows everything,” he said with a slow drawl. “Including that they weren’t a threat.”
Megatron rumbled in his chest, though he knew better than to offer anything but a warning to his second. “You knew they were coming for Hot Rod because you knew he was Rodimus. You recognized the flag from Grimlock’s description.”
Soundwave nodded. “Affirmative.” He tilted his head, visor turned in Rodimus’ direction. “The secret was Hot Rod’s to keep.”
Of course it was. Sometimes, Soundwave could be downright frustrating. Not that Megatron could fault him for it. It was Megatron’s own rule after all. If Soundwave had deemed Springer’s unit not to be a threat, then they certainly weren’t.
At least, not to Megatron’s flock. To Megatron’s happiness, well, that was another matter entirely.
Megatron sighed. “You’ve always known Hot Rod was Rodimus, yet you encouraged me to mate with him.”
“All members of Kaon flock are entitled to a clean slate,” Soundwave said, his voice raspier than usual. “To be judged for who, not what they are.” He grimaced, the pads of his fingers rubbing over his throat beneath the edge of the mask.
In other words, Minor Rodimus’ status was irrelevant. What mattered was how Megatron felt about Hot Rod aka Rodimus, and whether or not he wanted to pursue a relationship with the beautiful smol. Which he did.
“What about the flock?” Megatron asked, because Soundwave was right of course. He was always right. Sometimes, it was downright frustrating. “Is anyone angry? Upset? Unsettled?”
“Curious,” Buzzsaw chirped. Pale yellow feathers ruffled. He tucked his face behind the edge of his brother’s mask.
“Not everyone present for Elite Guard arrival. Many unaware they’re here. Others speculative, but none afraid. Trust in Liege’s leadership,” Soundwave added with a dip of his head.
Well, that was a relief.
“I do intend to explain later.” Megatron exhaled softly. “As much as I can give without betraying anyone’s confidence, at least. Much of it is up to Rodimus to declare.”
Speaking of…
Rodimus bounced back up to them, all smiles and bright feathers. “Well, that went better than I thought,” he chirped. His crest canted forward, tail swishing jauntily across the ground.
“What went better?” Megatron peered over Rodimus’ shoulder, but Starscream was gone.
“Is that jealousy I detect?” Rodimus laughed and snuggled up into Megatron’s side. “And no, he was just a little mad that I never told him who I was. He also wanted to congratulate me about you.”
“I’m not jealous,” Megatron said.
Rodimus snorted. “Sure you’re not.” He burrowed into Megatron’s side, smelling sweet and pliant.
Megatron wanted nothing more than to take Rodimus into his nest and spend the rest of the day making him squirm with pleasure. After finally allowing himself to have what he wanted, to be thwarted by circumstance was aggravating.
Damn responsibilities.
“Soundwave will escort you to speak with Captain Springer,” Megatron said with a meaningful look in his Speaker’s direction. There was no one he trusted more to look after his lover. “He’ll make sure there’s a guard outside. Just in case.”
Rodimus sighed and knocked a light fist against Megatron’s chest, below his plumage. “I’ve told you there’s nothing to worry about. Springer’s not going to do anything.”
“Be that as it may, for my own peace of mind, I’d be more comfortable with a guard. Maximus, I think.” Megatron tapped his chin. “He’s big, intimidating, and difficult to rile. He should be able to handle Captain Springer’s aggressiveness without causing a political incident.”
Rodimus groaned, slumping against Megatron’s chest. “Fine. If you insist.”
“I do.”
Rodimus slipped away from Megatron and loosed an aggrieved sigh. “Lucky that I find how protective you are so charming.” He grinned, his plumage fluttering around his face in an unfairly beguiling manner.
He was more himself now, Megatron realized. There was an air of something around Rodimus, as if a cloak of confidence had settled around his shoulders. It wasn’t the outrageous flirtatious persona he’d always had before, but something else. Something deeper.
It was intoxicating.
“Well, I’d better go calm Springer down. He’s probably ranting and working himself into a righteous froth. Honestly, Spin’s a saint for being able to put up with that without punching him.”
“Spin?”
“Top Spin. Springer’s second. Actually older, but you wouldn’t be able to guess that by the way they act.” Rodimus drew back further and swept a hand over his crest, making his feathers stand on end. He looked down his body as if in one final check for evidence of their coupling. “They’re both going to nanny me.”
Despite himself, Megatron smiled. Rodimus sounded annoyed, but fond. More than that, he sounded unconcerned. He had no fears about Captain Springer, and no worries he’d be dragged away. Megatron would trust in his confidence.
“Soundwave will accompany you,” Megatron said. “I’ll tend to my flock in the meantime. Good luck, Rodimus.”
His mate-to-be winked. “No worries, darling. This is one thing I know how to handle.” He looked up at Soundwave with a grin. “Shall we?”
Soundwave made a noise and gestured for Rodimus to precede him. Buzzsaw twittered a laugh and scuttled over his brother’s head to sit on his other shoulder, closer to Rodimus.
“Tell me about Iacon,” he asked as his long tail swished back and forth where it hung over Soundwave’s shoulder and down his back. “Is it pretty? Is it big? Is it shiny? Do you have blueberries?”
Rodimus laughed as they walked away. “Yes to all of that, Buzz. But it’s not as fun as being here in Kaon. There are a lot more rules to follow.”
Buzzsaw had always been one of the more curious of Soundwave’s siblings. His quiet reserve hid an intense longing to travel, but Soundwave worried he might not be capable of it. He and Laserbeak were small, even for smols. Fully grown, Megatron guessed they would barely rise to Soundwave’s waist.
Soundwave suspected they might actually be of the pygmy race of harpies. Considering they were too young when they were taken from their parents and in the custody of humans when found, it was still too soon to be sure. Either way, Soundwave would never allow the twins to travel anywhere on their own.
It simply wasn’t safe.
Megatron rolled his shoulders and turned around. He had responsibilities after all. He needed to check on his flock. He needed to reassure those who might be uncertain. He had to make sure Springer’s unit wasn’t wandering around causing trouble. He needed to go see Orion and check in on all the hatchlings.
He had much work to do.
Spending more time with Rodimus would have to wait.
****
a/n: Feedback, as always, is welcome, appreciated, and encouraged.
Universe: Flights of Fancy
Characters: Megatron/Rodimus, Soundwave, Shockwave/Orion Pax, Drift/Perceptor, Starscream, Ensemble
Rating: M
Enticements: Harpyformers AU, Sexual Content, Romance, Unrequited Love, Angst, Fluff, Slow burn
Summary: If asked, Liege Megatron of the Kaon Aerie would say his life was perfect. With a content, growing flock to manage, he had nothing to worry about. Loneliness was part of a Liege’s life, he’d decided. Until the bright-spirited Hot Rod comes along, determined to be the exception to the rule.
Something a lot like anxiety settled on Megatron’s shoulders. It quivered in his core, made his breathing quicken, and his hands tremble. He pulled Hot Rod into the privacy of his nest, and closed the heavy tapestry, praying they would not be disturbed. This was a secret Megatron did not want shared.
In the stillness, silence descended. It was a moment of truth. So Megatron braced himself and drew in a slow, careful breath. He turned toward Rodimus, mentally reviewing what he meant to say, only for Rodimus to suddenly throw his arms over Megatron's shoulders and drag him into reach. Hot Rod's tongue pushed into his mouth as he pressed against Megatron, molding their bodies together.
Megatron loosed a startled sound into the kiss, desire rising to the forefront, determined to chase away the anxiety of the moment. He greedily inhaled Rodimus' scent, wrapping his arms around the smol's body and holding Rodimus tight against him. If this was going to be the last he ever tasted Hot Rod, well, he was going to indulge for all it was worth.
He deepened the kiss and closed his eyes. Rodimus' scent surrounded him, hot and sweet and hungry. The smol was warm as he squirmed against Megatron's front. He warbled in his throat, tangling their tongues together.
Rodimus broke off the kiss to nip at Megatron's lower lip. “That was the hottest thing I've ever seen,” he breathed, his eyes bright pools of blue. “I never thought… you always...” He broke off, breathing hitched. “You really meant it, didn't you?”
Megatron reluctantly lowered Rodimus to the floor. It took the same effort to unwind his arms from Rodimus and loosen Rodimus’ arms from his shoulders. He kept the Iacon prince’s hands in his, however, relishing in the warmth of Rodimus' grip.
He wondered how long he'd be able to keep it.
“I did,” Megatron said. He swallowed over a lump in his throat, savoring the taste of Rodimus on his tongue. He’d never forget it, he was sure. “I also meant it when I said there are things you need to know before you decide if I’m the mate you want.”
Hot Rod’s eyebrows drew down. “Why wouldn't you be?”
Megatron sighed and pulled Hot Rod away from the door. He didn’t want to be anywhere someone might overhear his greatest shame.
“There’s a reason I’ve not taken a mate or a lover, even after Orion mated Shockwave and that avenue was closed to me,” Megatron started, a flush of cold running through his veins. He couldn’t remember a time he’d felt so nervous.
Shame heated his face, and disquiet knotted his internals. “I am… I don't… I can't...” He trailed off, frustration rumbling in his chest.
He couldn't even bring himself to say it. He was a coward of the worst kind.
Hot Rod frowned. “Look, if you're not attracted to me or something, just say it. I mean, you could have said that a long time ago without coming up with all kinds of excuses. If you don't want me, okay, I get that. I can take a hint.”
Megatron shook his head. “If I didn't want you, I wouldn't have taken you last night. This isn't about that.” He pushed the heel of his palm against his forehead. “I've always wanted you, Hot Rod. I just knew it couldn't mean anything, and I didn't want to put myself in the position of being rejected.”
Instead, he'd given that pain to Hot Rod and anyone else who ever dared show an interest. Fortunately, only Hot Rod had been so determined to linger, when all others had given up on their temporary desire.
“Okay. Then why?”
Megatron dropped his hand and looked at the smol he wished to mate. Hot Rod who was a prince of Iacon, Rodimus Minor, and certainly deserved better than some broken Crystal City reject. As Springer had so aptly called him.
Megatron drew in a long breath.
No.
He was Liege of Kaon. He was strong and mighty and loved by his flock. He could handle rejection. It would not break him.
“Because I am incapable of siring or carrying,” Megatron answered.
The words sounded odd aloud. They made him flinch. It was like admitting it aloud made the truth all the more real, reminding him of the opportunity they’d taken from him and the position he would have had to surrender. He’d left Crystal City because he thought he couldn’t be happy there, and then made all the same mistakes in Kaon. He’d brought the shame with him, when he could have left it behind.
Megatron sighed and stared hard at the far wall, a safer view than whatever disgust surely darkened Rodimus’ face. “I don't know why. The physicians suspect I was born this way. It doesn't matter, I suppose. There's nothing they can do. As a mate, I’m worthless.”
“I don't understand.”
Worse that Hot Rod sounded genuinely confused.
Megatron gnawed on the inside of his cheek. He drew on a well of patience he didn’t know he possessed. Was Hot Rod trying to be cruel?
“You turned me down because you can't produce fledglings?” Hot Rod continued, his tone raising in pitch. “But that's… that's ridiculous! Who cares? Why is that the one thing that’s important?”
Megatron stared at him. “It's basic instinct,” he replied and now it was his turn to be confused. “What am I to defend if not a nest? Or my mate and my fledglings? I lost a position in Orion’s guard because of it!”
“Then they’re idiots because you are clearly the best one for the job, virility or not.” Hot Rod rolled his eyes. “And then you brought that Crystal City nonsense here with you. To Kaon. To Liege Megatron’s flock of acceptance. Do you even hear yourself right now?”
Megatron gaped at him. This was a Hot Rod he hadn’t known existed. This responsible, knowledged Hot Rod who could look up at him with both rationality and affection.
Hot Rod sighed and cupped Megatron’s face gently. “Listen, I chose you because of who you are, not the fledglings you can give me, which by the way, I don't even want.” He paused to offer a wry grin. “In case you haven't noticed, as much as I like the little ones, I don’t go sparkly-eyed over them.”
“I noticed.” Megatron cracked a soft smile. “I assumed you'd grow out of it.”
Hot Rod scoffed again. “Grow out of it? How young do you think I am?” He brought Megatron's face closer and brushed the tips of their noses together. “I want you as my mate. I want you to take me, to claim me, to make me yours.”
Megatron's breathing hitched. He swallowed thickly, heat pooling throughout his body. He rested his hands on Hot Rod's hips, feeling the heat of the smol beneath the fluff of his feathers. He wanted to believe in this.
“Your sire would disapprove.” It was weak, so weak, a last-ditch effort to escape from a rejection he still feared.
But in this, Rodimus was stronger than him.
“Yeah, well, it's not his choice to make.” Hot Rod pressed a soft kiss to Megatron's lips. “And if you think I'm going to walk away because of him, clearly you don't know me at all.”
Megatron pulled Hot Rod into his arms. “You are stubborn and persistent,” he said as he pressed their foreheads together. “I underestimated you. I won’t make that mistake again.”
“Good,” Hot Rod breathed. “Does that mean you're going to mate me?” He rolled his hips, pushing hard against Megatron's front.
Megatron chuckled and nuzzled his way down to Hot Rod's neck, where he mouthed at the marks from their rut last night. “I think it is too soon for that.” He cupped Hot Rod’s rump, giving it a light squeeze. “But I will no longer run away from you. So long as you tell me some truths that I’m owed as well.”
Hot Rod groaned and clutched at Megatron’s chest, his talons digging in with light pricks. “Right now? When we're getting to the good part?”
“Yes, right now.” Megatron nipped at Hot Rod's chin, forcing himself to ignore the tempting sweetness of Hot Rod’s mouth. “Why did you leave Iacon?”
Hot Rod squirmed. “Do we really have to talk about that?”
Megatron returned one hand to the relative safety of Hot Rod’s hips. “Yes.” He caught a knuckle under Hot Rod’s chin, tilting the smol’s face toward his. “You put my flock in danger, Hot Rod. I deserve to know why.”
“Rodimus,” he corrected, and his face darkened with a blush. “I mean, if you want to call me by my actual name.”
Megatron conceded. “I'll call you whichever you prefer, but that's avoiding the question.”
Rodimus’ shoulders sagged, his crest feathers drooping. “I know. It's just that… everyone is here for a reason. They're escaping something. They were searching for somewhere to belong.” He looked away, since he couldn’t turn his head. “I left Iacon because I was bored. Because I was looking for something I couldn't find there. I wanted the strongest, and I knew I wouldn't find him in Iacon.”
“That's still a reason.”
“Yeah, but not a good one.” Rodimus sighed and looked at Megatron again, though his eyes lacked their usual brightness. “I was happy in Iacon, a little isolated and lonely maybe, but I was treated well. I didn't have any reasons to complain. And then I came here and pretty much everyone else escaped their own flocks in some way or another, and I don't know… I just feel selfish.”
Megatron stroked the back of his knuckle over Rodimus' cheek. “We all have our reasons. Kaon is a sanctuary, yes, but that doesn’t mean it’s a requirement.” He chuckled lightly. “And I have to admit, a part of me is honored you left to find the best, and decided it was me.”
Rodimus' face heated beneath his finger. “Well, you know, there’s a lot to like about you.” He sucked his bottom lip between his teeth and tilted his head into Megatron’s touch. “You take in everybody, and you look out for everyone, and you care for everyone no matter what role they have in the flock. If you’re not the best, I don’t know who else could be.”
Megatron's core throbbed at the frank confession. Temptation won. He pressed his lips to Rodimus’, keeping the kiss gentle, savoring. It flashed heat through his body nonetheless, as his clava remembered all too well how it had felt to be within Rodimus last night.
Rodimus made a small sound in his throat, a cross between whimper and moan. He pushed harder against Megatron, trying to deepen the kiss, his tongue plunging into Megatron’s mouth.
Megatron held the princeling closer, until there was no space between them. Hunger clawed through him, his clava threatening to emerge. He conjured up several memories of Rodimus and savored the sweet kiss. He wanted nothing more than to pin Rodimus down again, to fill the wet heat of Rodimus’ antrum, and to clamp his teeth on Rodimus’ throat in permanent claim.
He wanted to mark Rodimus as his, so when morning came and Captain Springer continued to be an annoyance, he would have no wing with which to fly. Rodimus would be Megatron's and not even Ultra Magnus could whisk him away.
He wanted to, but right now, Megatron wouldn’t. He and Rodimus needed to build a bridge before they could risk crossing the canyon.
Megatron eased out of the kiss, ignoring the warble of need in Rodimus' throat, and cupped the smol's face. He pressed their foreheads together so they shared breath between them.
“I am glad that you never gave up on me.”
Rodimus shivered and rolled his body hard against Megatron's. “I am nothing if not determined, my liege.” His hands scraped down Megatron's front. “But if you are not to mate me yet, will you at least rut with me? Mark me? Stake a claim?” His movements became more urgent with each breathless request.
Desire twisted into a knot within Megatron.
He kissed Rodimus' forehead and left a trail of kisses down the center of Rodimus' face. He swore that Rodimus smelled of berries and the summer breeze. It made his internals tighten with need. Megatron growled as he tilted Rodimus' head back and mouthed at his throat. Rodimus’ pulse fluttered against his lips, strong and rapid.
“There are other matters that demand my attention,” Megatron murmured as he pressed a gentle kiss to Rodimus' throat before he scraped his teeth over the barely visible marks he'd left the night before.
Rodimus arched against him. “And I, your mate-to-be, don't count?” His voice had the edge of sly humor and false offense in it hinting of his royal upbringing.
Megatron chuckled and gripped the lithe smol's hips to pull Rodimus against him. Legs wrapped around his waist. Their featherdown met, grinding together, exchanging damp between them. Rodimus' clava began to emerge, leaving a wet streak on Megatron's featherdown.
“Very well.” Megatron lost the battle against his own need. “But then we both have responsibilities to meet and you have explanations to give.”
“Fair enough.” Rodimus tossed his head back and cried out as he rubbed harder against Megatron's featherdown. Slick leaked from his antrum, heat flooding outward. “Just take me already, and we can talk politics all you want later. Please.”
Megatron growled and stumbled toward his nest, lowering Rodimus into it and climbing over him, blanketing Rodimus with his body. “All I want?”
Rodimus squirmed, spine arching, thighs trembling around Megatron’s hips. “Anything,” he cried, throat bared, slick dampening Megatron’s featherdown and painting the head of his clava.
“You may regret offering me such,” Megatron said against Rodimus’ throat, over the marks of his previous bites.
Rodimus moaned. “More?” He clutched at Megatron’s shoulders, rutting against him, purring with need.
“Whatever you wish,” Megatron murmured and dragged his lips to Rodimus’ ear. “My consort,” he purred.
Rodimus shivered against him, whimpering low in his throat. Megatron tightened his hold on Rodimus' hips, hips firmly notched between Rodimus’ thighs, his clava teasing the damp folds.
Rodimus canted his hips invitingly, his talons raking over Megatron’s shoulders. He moaned, tongue sweeping over his lips. He was an invitation Megatron couldn’t resist. Swallowing thickly, Megatron rolled his hips, sliding deep into Rodimus, his clava slowly enveloped in silken heat.
Rodimus keened, pleasure flushing his face a pretty pink. His plumage lifted all at once, his thighs wrapping hard around Megatron's waist. His head tipped back and back, baring the vulnerability of his throat, and Megatron’s mouth watered.
H latched his teeth onto Rodimus' throat, as his hips snapped out and back in again, thrusting deeper. Rodimus' antrum rippled around him, clenching and unclenching as though trying to drag him into a mating lock. It wasn’t uncommon for a newly tried smol to react in this matter. Even if it was pointless. Outside of mating season, there would be no hatchlings.
Then again, there wouldn’t be any for them anyway.
Megatron released Rodimus’ throat, ignoring the smol's whimper of disappointment. His hips juttered forward, his clava throbbing. He wanted so badly to mark Rodimus as his forever, to latch his teeth onto Rodimus’ neck and bite deep enough to scar.
It was hard to resist, and Megatron did not know that he could. He forced his pace to slow before he eased out of Rodimus.
“Why are you stopping?” Rodimus demanded. He arched up, the damp of his feather down calling for Megatron's clava.
“Reasons.” Megatron grabbed Rodimus' hips and turned him onto his front.
Rodimus squawked, struggling to get his hands beneath him. He flicked his tail out of the way, revealing the quivering folds of his antrum. Megatron had a moment of debate, where his mouth watered, and his clava throbbed, before the need to rut won the battle.
Megatron nudged a knee between Rodimus' thighs, grasped his hips, and pulled Rodimus back onto his clava. Another growl echoed in his chest as he was swallowed by the gripping heat. Rodimus’ throat was thus harder to reach, reducing temptation.
It wasn’t a perfect solution. He’d have to leave Rodimus in this bed for that, but it would remind him to be careful.
Rodimus tossed his head back. “Never mind,” he panted as he pawed at the blankets, talons kneading the fabric. “This is good, too.”
Megatron chuckled. He kept one grip on Rodimus' hip, but his other hand crept forward, fingers tangling in the softer curls of Rodimus' plumage. He leaned over Rodimus' back, and felt his clava shift within Rodimus, sliding over previously untouched territory.
Rodimus shuddered from head to toe. His antrum squeezed down, and he gasped out a moan.
“I thought you might like it.” Megatron curled over and around Rodimus, until he could look into the smol's face and get a clear view of the heat of desperation in Rodimus' eyes.
The smol whimpered, fluid pulsing out of his antrum and slicking the feathers between them. He panted, sharp and desperate.
“You are stunning,” Megatron whispered. He brushed his lips over Rodimus' forehead, his cheeks, his nose. He rolled his clava in and out of Rodimus' antrum, a slow and steady pace to drive the smol wild with want. “It’s a miracle I kept my talons off you for so long.”
Rodimus' eyelids fluttered. His tongue flicked over his lips. “Your willpower… is impressive,” he said with a little laugh.
Megatron chuckled and captured Rodimus' lips, his tongue sliding into Rodimus' mouth as though to claim. Upside-down, the kiss took on a whole new texture, and Rodimus shook beneath him. His antrum rippled and squeezed faster, his hips moving back against Megatron in increasingly urgent motions.
He was already close. Which was good, because Megatron felt himself teetering on the edge of release. Rodimus’ scent filled his nose, soaking him to his core, stirring up the need throbbing through his veins.
He rocked harder into Rodimus, shifted his weight, and curled an arm around Rodimus’ body. The pads of his fingers briefly skirted over Rodimus’ clava, making the smol buck into his hands and moan, until the tip of his thumb found Rodimus’ nub. He rubbed it in a firm circle, and a warble rose out of Rodimus’ throat.
“More,” Rodimus panted, his rump pushing hard into the cradle of Megatron’s groin. “Please, Megatron.”
He nuzzled the crook of Rodimus’ neck, savoring the frantic flutter of Rodimus’ corebeat. His lips grazed a warm and wet path around Rodimus’ ear, breathing in deep of the smol’s sweet scent. “Anything you want.” He rubbed harder, thrusting into Rodimus as he manipulated the plump, throbbing nub.
Rodimus gasped out a laugh. “I’m pretty greedy,” he moaned, pushing harder into Megatron’s thrusts, his antrum rippling with hunger.
“So am I,” Megatron growled, his fingers sticky with Rodimus’ slick as he rubbed and caressed that nub. “I want your pleasure. I want to feel you come around me. I want to hear you moan for me.”
A low whine slipped out of Rodimus’ mouth. “T-take it,” he stuttered, back arching into the curve of Megatron’s body, his talons rending the fabric beneath his hands.
“I won’t have to.” Megatron slid his palm up the length of Rodimus’ clava, rubbing the head of it into the curve of his hand. Rodimus made a choked sound, thrusting into his palm. “Because you’re going to give it to me.”
His mouth found the back of Rodimus’ neck. The smol whimpered, pushing back against him as if begging.
Megatron’s mouth watered. He nibbled on the back of Rodimus’ neck before the squeeze of Rodimus’ antrum drove him to bite. Not hard, not enough to scar, but enough to hold Rodimus in place.
Rodimus keened, rump grinding against Megatron’s groin, pushing Megatron deep. He stroked his palm down Rodimus’ clava one last time before finding his nub and pressing against it, fingers slippery and the nub throbbing hungrily.
Rodimus made a choked sound as release wracked his body with tremors. He trembled in Megatron’s grasp, whining his pleasure.
Megatron growled against the back of Rodimus’ neck, trying to hold to self-control, but was helpless to the pleasure as he was dragged into his own ecstasy, lost to the feel of Rodimus beneath him.
Mine, Megatron thought. Mine to keep, mine to claim, mine to have.
His teeth tightened, ever so fractionally. Rodimus gasped, another smaller orgasm making his antrum flutter and tighten around Megatron’s clava as he filled Rodimus with his spill. He shifted his hand to Rodimus’ belly, holding the smol against him, as his hips ground against Rodimus, clava emptying spurt after spurt into Rodimus.
The pleasure whited everything out for several wonderful seconds, until Megatron crashed back into his own body. Rodimus whimpered beneath him. He pushed into the cradle of Megatron’s body, visibly trembling.
Megatron tightened his grip around Rodimus’ middle as he sat back on his heels, gently releasing his teeth from where they’d locked around the back of Rodimus’ neck. He licked the marks. He’d drawn blood, but not too much. He hadn’t mangled Rodimus at least.
Rodimus lolled against him, limp as he fell into Megatron’s arms, his head resting on Megatron’s shoulder. Megatron’s softening clava slipped free as he shifted until he was seated. He turned Rodimus in his arms, cradling the smol in his lap. He cupped Rodimus’ face with one hand and brought their lips together for a soft kiss, the taste of it sweet on his tongue.
He nuzzled Rodimus, his core throbbing hard and hopeful. If he was lucky, they could get through this. They could form a relationship. Perhaps someday, Megatron would be brave enough to ask, and Rodimus would still care for him and say ‘yes’.
“Mmm. Can’t we just stay like this for the rest of today?” Rodimus asked as he carded his fingers through Megatron’s feathermane.
Megatron pressed his head to Rodimus’, sliding a hand down Rodimus’ back. “You know why we can’t.”
“Thought I might ask anyway.” He tried to bury his face in Megatron’s chest. “I finally got what I want and here he comes, ruining it.”
Megatron assumed he meant Springer.
“There’s nothing ruined. Only responsibilities that must be handled first,” Megatron corrected. Desire still simmered in his body, but he had mastered himself for years. He could certainly do so now. Even if Rodimus curled in his lap like a delectable treat.
Rodimus sighed. “Responsibilities. And here I thought I escaped those.”
Megatron chuckled and stroked Rodimus’ back again, the smol arching into his caresses like a feline seeking affection. “You do realize if we fully mate and you become liege-consort, you will have all those responsibilities you left behind?”
“Fortunately, I still have my training. I also don’t mind if it’s with you. And here in Kaon. Things are better here.” Rodimus started to purr, his body going even more limp, as though he intended to take a nap right in Megatron’s lap.
“I won’t argue with you there.” Megatron closed his eyes and allowed himself to indulge in this moment. “Though I still wonder why you chose me.”
“I thought I answered that.”
“Vaguely.”
Rodimus kneaded his talons against Megatron’s chest. “I can’t explain it. All I know is that I left Iacon because I was looking for something, and when I got here, I found it in you.”
That was unexpectedly romantic. It reminded Megatron a lot of Bulkhead as well. Bulkhead was convinced that romance would find him. That he had a soulmate out there, and he didn’t know who or where they were, but as soon as he saw them, he’d know they were meant to be. There would be a feeling, a zing as he called it. Apparently, his whole flock believed in the zing so strongly they wouldn’t mate without it.
Which might have been the reason their population was on the decline.
Megatron turned his face against Rodimus’ crown, inhaling his sweet scent. “For what it’s worth, I’ve always been charmed by you. I let my own insecurities get in the way of accepting your courtship.”
“That and the fact you still love Orion.”
A sigh slipped free. “I do,” Megatron admitted. “But I’m starting to realize that it is a different kind of love. It is an ideal, I think, of what I always thought love should be. And even after Shockwave, I clung to it because loving Orion was safe. I knew it would never be reciprocated.”
“Whereas I’m dangerous.”
Megatron chuckled. “So to speak.”
“I’m about as dangerous as a wet mesh cloth, but I see your point.” Rodimus shifted so he could look up at Megatron. “Speaking of responsibilities, I’m going to have to talk to Springer.”
A cold shock cut through the warmth of the moment. “Of course. We should clean up and do that now.”
Megatron lifted Rodimus, setting him on his own feet, and stood as well. Their groins were liberally splattered with fluids, and while Megatron would rather he laid Rodimus down and licked him clean, perhaps now wasn’t the time to get either of them started again.
“I should talk to him alone,” Rodimus said, his talons curling and uncurling against the woven branches of the floor.
Megatron cast him a sharp look. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
Rodimus held up his hands. “Look, Springer’s never going to believe I’m here and want to stay by my own choice if you’re there, looming over my shoulder like some kind of slaver or owner.” His shoulders straightened, pulling that mantle of royalty all over again.
“If you go alone, how do I know he’s not going to toss you over his shoulder and forcefully return you home?” Megatron demanded. Unease rippled through his body, along with an undercurrent of fear. To lose Rodimus so soon after accepting him…
Rodimus shook his head. “He won’t do that.”
“You’re certain?”
“Yes.” Rodimus moved to Megatron’s washbasin, pulling another cloth from the rack. He’d have more laundry in the future, Megatron mused. “Orion and I are a lot alike. Springer is to me, what you were to Orion.”
Megatron folded his arms. “So he’s your personal guardian?”
Rodimus dampened the cloth and wiped at his body, half-turned as though trying to gain some privacy. “He’s only a few mating seasons younger than me. Except he’s warrior caste. His whole life, he’s only known one thing, that his duty is to protect me. I snuck out of Iacon under his watch, and he’d only just taken over the captaincy from my previous guardian. Youngest ever to do that, by the way.” Rodimus actually sounded proud of his guardian. “So finding me has been a matter of honor.”
“And even with that, you don’t think he’ll drag you back?”
“I trust him.” Rodimus gave him a soft smile. “I know he’s rude and aggressive, but he’s not really like that. It’s just because he was worried.” He dipped the rag in the water again, squeezing out the excess. “Once he sees I’m happy, and I willingly made this choice, it’ll be different.”
Megatron scrubbed at his face. “Would that I had your faith.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “There will be guards at the main entrance and outside the door nevertheless. I don’t intend to lose you unless you intend to leave.”
“Which I don’t.” Rodimus sauntered close, but only to offer Megatron a damp rag. “Not now that I finally have want I want.” He rose on the tips of his feet as if to kiss Megatron, but was still too short to reach.
Megatron acquiesced to bend down and close the distance between them, brushing his lips over Rodimus’. Every kiss begged for more, and only self-control kept him from sweeping Rodimus in his arms and taking him back to the bed.
“I’d still much rather stay here in this room, kissing you,” Rodimus said against his lips.
Megatron chuckled. “Those damn responsibilities.” He stole one more kiss before he tore himself away from Rodimus, accepting the offer of a wet rag to clean himself. “My flock will have many questions, and I’m sure they are unnerved.”
“They trust you. Whatever you say will calm them down.” Rodimus grinned, though it wasn’t as confident as Megatron thought it would be.
“I certainly hope so.” Megatron tossed the dirtied cloth into the laundry bin. “Let’s go. I think we’ve had more than enough private time.”
Rodimus’ lips formed a cute pout. “There will never be enough,” he purred, but he took Megatron’s hand in his, tangling their fingers together.
Together, they left the security of Megatron’s nest to face the responsibilities waiting for them. Megatron wasn’t sure what to expect, but several harpies lurking outside his door was not one of them. It was a wee bit embarrassing, actually, considering the noise he and Rodimus had been making.
Soundwave wasn’t a surprise.
Starscream, leaning against the wall almost out of view, was.
Rodimus squeezed Megatron’s hand. “Pretty sure he’s here for me. I’ll be right back.” He let go and jogged toward Starscream, leaving Megatron alone with Soundwave.
What was that about?
Megatron knew Hot Rod and Starscream had gotten close. Just as he knew Hot Rod had taken to sleeping in Starscream’s nest as part of his rotation. But Hot Rod had also never been taken. Were he and Starscream together or not? Was it a casual thing?
Soundwave made a wordless noise, drawing his attention. Buzzsaw currently sat on his shoulder, half-dozing as he leaned into Soundwave’s neck. “Captain Springer and guards resting in guest chambers.”
“Good.” Megatron turned away from Rodimus and Starscream, their conversation too quiet to hear across the distance. “Were they cooperative?”
“Yes.”
Also, good. Maybe Rodimus was right to believe in Springer. Maybe the captain could be trusted.
“Did you know our mysterious group was an elite guard phalanx?” Megatron asked as he gave his Speaker a long look. He trusted Soundwave implicitly, but his Speaker had a habit of withholding information as part of some scheme for Megatron’s own good.
Buzzsaw stirred, blinking sleepily at Megatron. “Brother knows everything,” he said with a slow drawl. “Including that they weren’t a threat.”
Megatron rumbled in his chest, though he knew better than to offer anything but a warning to his second. “You knew they were coming for Hot Rod because you knew he was Rodimus. You recognized the flag from Grimlock’s description.”
Soundwave nodded. “Affirmative.” He tilted his head, visor turned in Rodimus’ direction. “The secret was Hot Rod’s to keep.”
Of course it was. Sometimes, Soundwave could be downright frustrating. Not that Megatron could fault him for it. It was Megatron’s own rule after all. If Soundwave had deemed Springer’s unit not to be a threat, then they certainly weren’t.
At least, not to Megatron’s flock. To Megatron’s happiness, well, that was another matter entirely.
Megatron sighed. “You’ve always known Hot Rod was Rodimus, yet you encouraged me to mate with him.”
“All members of Kaon flock are entitled to a clean slate,” Soundwave said, his voice raspier than usual. “To be judged for who, not what they are.” He grimaced, the pads of his fingers rubbing over his throat beneath the edge of the mask.
In other words, Minor Rodimus’ status was irrelevant. What mattered was how Megatron felt about Hot Rod aka Rodimus, and whether or not he wanted to pursue a relationship with the beautiful smol. Which he did.
“What about the flock?” Megatron asked, because Soundwave was right of course. He was always right. Sometimes, it was downright frustrating. “Is anyone angry? Upset? Unsettled?”
“Curious,” Buzzsaw chirped. Pale yellow feathers ruffled. He tucked his face behind the edge of his brother’s mask.
“Not everyone present for Elite Guard arrival. Many unaware they’re here. Others speculative, but none afraid. Trust in Liege’s leadership,” Soundwave added with a dip of his head.
Well, that was a relief.
“I do intend to explain later.” Megatron exhaled softly. “As much as I can give without betraying anyone’s confidence, at least. Much of it is up to Rodimus to declare.”
Speaking of…
Rodimus bounced back up to them, all smiles and bright feathers. “Well, that went better than I thought,” he chirped. His crest canted forward, tail swishing jauntily across the ground.
“What went better?” Megatron peered over Rodimus’ shoulder, but Starscream was gone.
“Is that jealousy I detect?” Rodimus laughed and snuggled up into Megatron’s side. “And no, he was just a little mad that I never told him who I was. He also wanted to congratulate me about you.”
“I’m not jealous,” Megatron said.
Rodimus snorted. “Sure you’re not.” He burrowed into Megatron’s side, smelling sweet and pliant.
Megatron wanted nothing more than to take Rodimus into his nest and spend the rest of the day making him squirm with pleasure. After finally allowing himself to have what he wanted, to be thwarted by circumstance was aggravating.
Damn responsibilities.
“Soundwave will escort you to speak with Captain Springer,” Megatron said with a meaningful look in his Speaker’s direction. There was no one he trusted more to look after his lover. “He’ll make sure there’s a guard outside. Just in case.”
Rodimus sighed and knocked a light fist against Megatron’s chest, below his plumage. “I’ve told you there’s nothing to worry about. Springer’s not going to do anything.”
“Be that as it may, for my own peace of mind, I’d be more comfortable with a guard. Maximus, I think.” Megatron tapped his chin. “He’s big, intimidating, and difficult to rile. He should be able to handle Captain Springer’s aggressiveness without causing a political incident.”
Rodimus groaned, slumping against Megatron’s chest. “Fine. If you insist.”
“I do.”
Rodimus slipped away from Megatron and loosed an aggrieved sigh. “Lucky that I find how protective you are so charming.” He grinned, his plumage fluttering around his face in an unfairly beguiling manner.
He was more himself now, Megatron realized. There was an air of something around Rodimus, as if a cloak of confidence had settled around his shoulders. It wasn’t the outrageous flirtatious persona he’d always had before, but something else. Something deeper.
It was intoxicating.
“Well, I’d better go calm Springer down. He’s probably ranting and working himself into a righteous froth. Honestly, Spin’s a saint for being able to put up with that without punching him.”
“Spin?”
“Top Spin. Springer’s second. Actually older, but you wouldn’t be able to guess that by the way they act.” Rodimus drew back further and swept a hand over his crest, making his feathers stand on end. He looked down his body as if in one final check for evidence of their coupling. “They’re both going to nanny me.”
Despite himself, Megatron smiled. Rodimus sounded annoyed, but fond. More than that, he sounded unconcerned. He had no fears about Captain Springer, and no worries he’d be dragged away. Megatron would trust in his confidence.
“Soundwave will accompany you,” Megatron said. “I’ll tend to my flock in the meantime. Good luck, Rodimus.”
His mate-to-be winked. “No worries, darling. This is one thing I know how to handle.” He looked up at Soundwave with a grin. “Shall we?”
Soundwave made a noise and gestured for Rodimus to precede him. Buzzsaw twittered a laugh and scuttled over his brother’s head to sit on his other shoulder, closer to Rodimus.
“Tell me about Iacon,” he asked as his long tail swished back and forth where it hung over Soundwave’s shoulder and down his back. “Is it pretty? Is it big? Is it shiny? Do you have blueberries?”
Rodimus laughed as they walked away. “Yes to all of that, Buzz. But it’s not as fun as being here in Kaon. There are a lot more rules to follow.”
Buzzsaw had always been one of the more curious of Soundwave’s siblings. His quiet reserve hid an intense longing to travel, but Soundwave worried he might not be capable of it. He and Laserbeak were small, even for smols. Fully grown, Megatron guessed they would barely rise to Soundwave’s waist.
Soundwave suspected they might actually be of the pygmy race of harpies. Considering they were too young when they were taken from their parents and in the custody of humans when found, it was still too soon to be sure. Either way, Soundwave would never allow the twins to travel anywhere on their own.
It simply wasn’t safe.
Megatron rolled his shoulders and turned around. He had responsibilities after all. He needed to check on his flock. He needed to reassure those who might be uncertain. He had to make sure Springer’s unit wasn’t wandering around causing trouble. He needed to go see Orion and check in on all the hatchlings.
He had much work to do.
Spending more time with Rodimus would have to wait.
a/n: Feedback, as always, is welcome, appreciated, and encouraged.
