[Flights of Fancy] Topsy-Turvy 13
Apr. 30th, 2018 06:24 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 Thirteen
Megatron headed to the upper levels first. He passed no few members of his flock, some of whom were concerned Rodimus would be leaving. Kaon flock as a whole was fond of Rodimus, though truth be told, there were few disagreements between flockmembers. Everyone learned to get along or face expulsion back to their own flocks.
Megatron reassured as best as he could. He told them not to be concerned about the Elite Guard’s presence. There would be no battle or war. Everything was under control.
Whirl had been a little disappointed. “If ya ask me, we could use a good fight. Throw our weight around some,” he’d said with a cackle. “Gets a little stale around here sometimes, boss.”
“We have little weight, Whirl,” Megatron had replied, amused despite himself. “But I’ll see if I can’t find something to keep you entertained.”
“Nah. Don’t worry about it. Cyclonus is occupyin’ me for now.”
Cyclonus, hm? How interesting. Though Megatron hoped that wasn’t an allusion to how often they fought. Megatron’s flock could certainly be lively when it suited them.
Whirl had winked then, which was a little disconcerting considering he had only the one eye and a patch over the other. But he’d loped along after that, leaving Megatron free to continue on his way.
Megatron stopped by the pantry, snagging a few fresh-baked granola bars to serve as the breakfast he’d missed. He washed them down with orange juice, desperate to keep himself distracted from worrying about Rodimus.
The dining hall was empty as it was mid-morning, but he could hear the hustle and bustle of the chefs preparing for the midday meal. Laughter and conversation floated out, both of which were a relief. No one sounded stressed or concerned, if anything, their ease bled a confidence in Megatron’s ability to protect them.
Pride bloomed in Megatron’s chest.
He checked on Terradive and Rotor first, but the curtain over their door was closed, and no light filtered through the fabric. He couldn’t hear any sounds save that of even breathing and some snoring, so he presumed they were all sleeping. Which was good. New parents should sleep whenever they managed to find the time.
Radiance and Windfall were the next corridor over, on an inner ring of the residential floor. They’d requested the standard privacy time, but they granted Megatron entrance when he rang the bell they’d hung outside their nest.
Windfall was comfortably arranged in the bed, their hatchling sleeping on his belly as he read a book. The little ball of fluff had his nose tucked into his knees. Radiance sat in the opening to their balcony, elegant fingers deftly weaving the thin strands of a basket. He was their chief artisan, often holding classes and seminars to help newcomers learn new, useful skills. Drift dabbled, but Radiance was a master. The tapestry hanging over Megatron’s door had been woven by him.
“We are well, Liege. Thank you for asking,” Radiance answered without looking up from his work, no doubt so he wouldn’t lose his place. “Trailbreaker has been checking in on us frequently.”
They were from the same flock, Megatron knew. Trailbreaker had been the first to come to Kaon. Radiance and Windfall had followed not long after, once receiving word from Trailbreaker that they could find shelter from discrimination in Kaon.
“That’s good to hear.” Megatron looked fondly at the sleeping hatchling. Nova’s colors were starting to brighten. He would be quite lovely.
“He told us about the Elite Guard phalanx when he came by this morning.” Windfall turned a page in his book, careful not to jostle the tiny bit on his stomach. “If you have need of one of us, let us know.”
Megatron shook his head. “No matter what happens, I wouldn’t pull a new parent away from their hatchling. Your first responsibility is to Nova and then to each other. All else is tertiary.”
Windfall smiled, his violet eyes slanting toward Megatron. “And that is why we follow you, Liege.”
It warmed him to his core to hear such things. No matter how long he’d lived in Kaon, and how long he’d led his flock, there were times uncertainty gripped him. The trust of his flock was worth all the treasure in the world.
“Let me know if there is anything I can do for you,” Megatron said. “Rest well.”
He excused himself, leaving them to their cozy family moment. Once, such a scene would have left him with a pang of envy and regret.
No such emotion haunted him this time. He only felt calm, blessed for their happiness, and pleased that he was part of something that made their joy possible.
Letting Hot Rod into his life had changed so many things already. While it hadn’t been so much as a full day since they’d begun the tentative steps into a relationship, it felt right. He and Rodimus might not have that cozy moment, as hatchlings weren’t a possibility, but that feeling of family, of contentment, was certainly in reach.
He’d left Orion and Shockwave’s nest for last.
When Megatron arrived, the curtain was closed to afford them their privacy as they’d requested, but he also knew it didn’t extend to him. They’d said as much. He could hear soft music playing, which meant they were all awake. He ducked inside, rapping his knuckles on the frame to announce himself.
The three were curled in the nest, Shockwave with Orion tucked under his good arm and their little one in a nest of blankets between them. Cleaned and dry, the brilliant blue of the hatchling’s feathers were all the more vibrant.
“Megatron.” Orion looked up with a smile, one that held more energy than it had the last time Megatron had seen him. “You look well. Given all the commotion we heard, I’d started to worry.”
Megatron lowered himself to a crouch by the nest. He rested his elbows on his knees. “And what threat do you think I can’t handle?”
Shockwave chuckled. “That’s what I tried to tell him.” He stroked Orion’s shoulder. “You know how he worries.”
“I am right here, you know,” Orion scolded with a roll of his eyes before he focused on Megatron. “What are we missing?”
Megatron sighed. “A lot actually.” So much had happened overnight. He wriggled his fingers. “The basic gist of it is that Hot Rod is actually Rodimus Minor, heir to the throne in Iacon. We currently have an Elite Guard phalanx in our guest quarters, trying to decide if they are going to leave with or without their missing prince.”
“That is a lot,” Shockwave said. His prosthetic hand lifted before dropping again in an aborted motion. “Iacon is notoriously protective of their royals, to the point of isolating them. I’m surprised Hot Rod managed to slip their guard.”
“He’s quite devious if you give him half the chance,” Orion said with a little chuckle and an acute look at Megatron. “What an interesting coincidence, considering you must have mated him last night.”
Megatron choked on his next breath, heat flaring in his face. “I… what?”
Orion chuckled. “I’ve known you too long not to tell the difference, Megatron. You’ve rutted recently, and I don’t know anyone else in this aerie who has captivated you half as much as Hot Rod.” He tipped his head. “Or perhaps I should call him Rodimus. Hm. I’ll simply have to ask him which he prefers.”
“You sound rather certain he’ll choose to stay,” Shockwave said.
“I would bet he already has.” Orion gave Megatron a shrewd look. “Am I wrong?”
Megatron lowered himself down to a full seat, curling his legs beneath him. “You’re not wrong. I asked him to enter a courtship with me.”
“That’s great!” Shockwave said.
“I’m happy to hear it.” Orion grinned, his eyes sparkling. He snuggled more into Shockwave’s side. “You’ve been alone far too long, brother. I am glad for both of you.”
The tiniest of chirps seemed to agree with both of them. They all looked down to see the hatchling stirring, arms stretching as his eyes fluttered open. Bright blue, just like his carrier.
“Well, look who’s awake,” Shockwave murmured as he carefully offered his prosthetic hand to his hatchling, little fingers clutching at the false fingers. “We were being too rowdy, I suppose.”
Orion tickled the little one’s belly. “It’s about time he woke up anyway. If he sleeps too much now, he won’t sleep tonight.”
“Have you named him yet?” Megatron asked.
“Yes.” Orion sat up and tipped the hatchling into his hands, the bitlet protesting with a squeak and a kick of his feet. “Shhh, little one. I’m just introducing you to your godsire.”
Megatron’s eyes widened. “Oh, Orion. I don’t think--”
“Hush.” Orion’s grin was half-mischief, and his tone one Megatron had always been weak against. “Hold out your hands.”
Megatron gnawed on his bottom lip as he obeyed, his core throbbing with a familiar ache. The hatchling was fully awake now, squirming in his carrier’s hands as he protested. He was probably hungry as well.
“Megatron, meet your godling. This is Arcee,” Orion said as he deposited Arcee into Megatron’s hands, the little, warm body so light and delicate.
Megatron had held many a hatchling and fledgeling in his decade living here in Kaon. But never one so young, never a newling. Arcee’s bones felt light and breakable. His feathers were so soft and malleable. He squirmed and fidgeted, but looked up at Megatron with challenging eyes.
Heat gathered in the back of Megatron’s eyes. “Hello, Arcee,” he murmured as he offered a thumb for the hatchling to grasp. “It is nice to meet you.”
It wasn’t envy. It wasn’t regret. It wasn’t pain or hurt.
Megatron’s mouth curved into a smile. He looked at Orion, so snug and happy in Shockwave’s embrace, his eyes soft as they looked at his hatchling. He loved Orion even now. That would always be true.
But he didn’t burn for Orion. He didn’t long to take Orion into his arms and make him squirm and sigh. He wondered if he ever had. Perhaps he’d been mistaken all along, confusing his love for Orion with a desire for intimacy. He’d never noticed how much that desire had lacked heat.
“Thank you,” Megatron murmured as an unusual peace washed through his body, chasing away the tension and gloom that had been part of his life for so long. “I promise to always protect him.”
Orion’s hand fell over his, forming a protective cradle around Arcee. “If you protect him even half as hard as you watched over me, then I know that no harm will ever come to him.”
“Never,” Megatron promised and felt the weight of that promise settle over him. It didn’t feel like a burden, however, but a gift.
He gently eased Arcee back into his carrier’s hands with a final stroke to the blue hatchling’s crest.
“You and Arcee are my family,” Megatron said as he sat back. “There is nothing that will ever change that.”
“I know.” Orion patted him on the arm with his free hand. “I love you as one of my own, the brother I’ve never had. You are part of mine as well.”
Megatron waited for the crush of sadness. The sting of knowing said love would never be romantic or otherwise. He waited for an emotion that didn’t come. By Adaptus, but he’d been so blind, so stubborn!
There were all kinds of love.
Orion was comfort, memories of home, laughter and childhood and affection. But he wasn’t the harpy Megatron wanted to mate. His love for Orion had always been one of longing – a family he thought he couldn’t have, a mate he thought he couldn’t cherish.
What he felt for Rodimus was something wholly different.
“If there is ever anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask,” Shockwave said, his tone warm and not the least bit challenging. “Families look out for each other. Especially considering what’s going on right now.”
Megatron nodded. “Thank you. But I’m sure it’s going to be all right. Hot Rod – Rodimus – has assured me he wants to stay, and he can trust the captain not to force the issue.”
“That must be a relief.” Orion settled back against Shockwave, tucking himself into his mate’s embrace. “I’ve always thought you two would make a good match.”
“Is that so?” Megatron asked with a laugh. He propped his chin on his elbow. “You and everyone else in the flock, I think. I must have been the only one deaf and blind.”
“Perhaps a little foolish as well,” Shockwave said. He tilted his head against Orion’s, snuggling close. “But that is all right. Love makes fools of us all. In a good way, however.”
Megatron chuffed. “I am not in love with Rodimus.”
Orion draped Arcee over his chest. The hatchling snuggled in, clinging to his feathers. “Only time will tell.”
“All right.” Megatron pushed to his feet, stretching his arms above his head to ease the cramp in his body. “I’m going to leave before you start getting poetic on me.”
Shockwave chuckled. “He can’t help himself. He has the core of an artist, our Orion does.” He stroked Orion’s shoulder. “It is one of many reasons I fell for him.”
Orion’s feathers fluttered. “Don’t you start,” he murmured. “We already have one newling to care for. We can wait to work on another.”
Megatron barked a laugh as Orion’s face pinked, and Shockwave’s smirk grew bigger and broader. They were adorable together. Relief that Orion had found the happiness he always wanted poured through Megatron like liquid warmth.
Shockwave nuzzled into the side of Orion’s neck, making him giggle. “Practice makes perfect, love.”
Megatron groaned and backed toward the door. “Enjoy your morning, you two. I’ll come by and check on you later. Bring dinner if you need it.”
He left before their behavior became any more nauseating. They’d always been an affectionate duo, but with the impending and recent arrival of their hatchling, it had increased tenfold. Perhaps it was a touch of envy as well. Megatron couldn’t snuggle with his intended right now, much less engage in any other activities.
Instead, he had work to do.
Megatron drew the curtain back over Orion and Shockwave’s door, wishing he had some type of ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign as a warning for other potential visitors. Though he might also consider sending someone with a few meals and mush for the little one.
He needed to meet up with Soundwave as well. The world moved onward, and Megatron wanted to make sure the Gatherers were still heading out, the Cradle was staffed, and his flock ran smoothly. He turned around, and nearly tripped over his own feet out of surprise.
“Almost afternoon boss!” Rumble greeted with a beaming smile full of teeth. He rocked on his tarsals, hands behind his back, twice as energetic and mischievous as his twin. “Big bro’s busy, but he wanted me to pass along a message to you.”
“Did he now?” Amused despite himself, Megatron grinned. He turned toward the main corridor, and Rumble fell into a skipping pace beside him. “And what was it?”
“Hot stuff is still talking with the new folks, and there’s a lot of yelling, but no violence, so don’t worry,” Rumble said. “He’s got someone around to intervene if Big Green seems like he’s gonna take your lovey and run.”
He could always rely on Soundwave.
Megatron lifted his head. “That’s good to hear. I trust Soundwave will let me know if I need to speak up.”
“Course.” Rumble jostled him with an arm, bony elbow digging into Megatron’s outer thigh. “Congrats by the way, boss. Glad you finally got Hot Rod in your nest. It’s about time.”
A laugh vibrated in Megatron’s chest. “I appreciate the congratulations.”
Rumble skipped ahead of him and started walking backward, his grin full of teeth and mischief. “Is he as hot as they say? Bet you stayed up all night in the nest with him, huh? I saw all those marks, boss. Did he get any sleep?”
“Don’t you have work to do?” Megatron demanded as he felt heat tug at his face. He refused to blush and give Rumble the satisfaction of seeing him flustered. Sometimes, he forgot how downright audacious the twins could be.
Rumble giggled. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll leave you be, boss.” His tailfeathers swept the floor with an amused flick. “I’ll be with bro. Call us if you need us.” He sketched off a playful salute before he scampered away.
Megatron shook his head and continued on. The twins were a handful and a half. It was amazing Soundwave could keep them tamed as well as he did. They obeyed him like no other.
With the new parents comfortable and unconcerned, Megatron headed back to the lower levels. He might as well get started on the stack of paperwork on his desk. Or…
He paused. He could look in on Drift and see if he had any lessons for the day. He could check on the lunch preparations. He could review their food storage, especially given the multiple parties over the past couple weeks and their recent visitors. Hadn’t the Raptors only left less than a week ago? He also needed to make sure that whatever Hot Rod’s assigned duty for the day was, someone else could take over for him.
He could do anything but attend to the paperwork on his desk, truth be told. Why add insult to injury?
Megatron turned a corner to jog down the narrow walkway connecting one side of the floor to the other – a strange growth in their home had necessitated a slight shift in the construction of the interior. Rather than a wide, smooth path, they’d built a suspended rope bridge spanning the gap in the flooring.
Starscream waited on the other side, his crossed arms and focused stare suggesting that it was Megatron he waited on. Though how he’d known where to find Megatron was a curious thing.
“Can I beg a moment of my liege’s time?” Starscream asked as he unfolded his arms and tucked them behind his back. There was deference in the sag of his shoulders, the way his feathers lay carefully flat against his body.
“You don’t need to beg, Starscream.” Megatron stepped off the walkway and gestured for Starscream to accompany him. “Will this require privacy? Do you want to wait until we get to my office?”
The pretty smol shook his head. “No. That’s not necessary. I just didn’t want to delay you if you had something important.”
“Nothing that can’t wait. Walk with me?”
Starscream matched him, step for step. Though he was a smol, and as such, smaller than Megatron, he still came up to Megatron’s shoulder. He was rather tall, and there was something about him that gave off an air of confidence better suited to a bara. Not that it was a bad thing. Small wonder, however, he had come to Kaon.
They continued on, moving slowly through what Megatron and the rest of his flock playfully deemed ‘Shopper’s Row’. They didn’t have a currency as such, but the artisans and collectors and traders had stands set up here for the curious harpy to browse and acquire, if they so choose. There was a communal supply depot for the necessities, but Shopper’s Row was for fun.
“I don’t have a problem or anything, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Starscream said. “I wanted to talk to you about Hot Rod.”
“You mean Rodimus.”
“I said what I meant.” Starscream’s lips quirked toward a grin. “He’s still Hot Rod to me, the little fibber. Besides, it was Hot Rod you took to Nest.”
“Ah.” Megatron scratched at his jaw and gave Starscream a sidelong look. “Do I owe you an apology for that?”
“An apology?” Starscream reared back, blinking at him. “Why would you-- oh, wait. Did you think we were courting?”
Heat stole into Megatron’s face, if only because Starscream looked so outraged, Megatron felt foolish for even thinking it. “Clearly, I’m mistaken.”
Starscream chuckled. “Yes. Clearly,” he said in a dry tone. He tucked his hands behind his back again, though this time it appeared more as comfort than deference. “No, Hot Rod is merely a friend. As it so happens, I have my eyes on someone else.”
“Care to share?”
“It’s complicated.” Starscream’s eyes softened, something in his gaze turning wistful. “Perhaps even pointless. Only time will tell.” He tilted his head toward Megatron. “You, however, have a very obvious opportunity and chance here. And I’d like for you to not, errr, frag it up.”
Megatron blinked. Was that a chastisement or a warning? Encouragement? “I see.”
“Good.” Starscream rolled his shoulders, his feathers fluttering and settling in an odd, crimson wave. “You and Hot Rod are a good match. I’m glad you finally pulled your head out of your rump. But I just want to make sure you know to treat him well. Not that I think you won’t. I just want you to know there’s someone looking out for him.”
Starscream looked up at him, more challenge in his eyes than Megatron could have expected, strength where he’d been so meek on his first arrival. Megatron was glad for the change, glad Starscream seemed to have come into his own. He was also, he had to admit, a little impressed that Starscream would overcome an ingrained submission to implicate a threat on Hot Rod’s behalf.
“I intend to do right by him.” Megatron drew to a halt so he could face Starscream and express his sincerity. “But I wish to thank you as well.”
Starscream blinked, his crest feathers straightening. “For what?”
“Hot Rod has always been a valued member of our flock, but I and many others haven’t failed to notice he occasionally kept himself apart from us,” Megatron explained. It had always come to his attention that Hot Rod was friendly and well-liked, but he’d never been particularly close to anyone. “I appreciate that not only have you befriended him, but you wish to protect him. Since you’ve come here, he’s been more open with everyone.”
Starscream’s mouth open and closed before he shook his head. “I’m not sure that’s something I should be thanked for.” He looked away, head ducking, his crest feathers flicking. “I like him. If I hadn’t ever met Blurr, and you’d outright refused him, maybe I would’ve even courted him someday. Not that I would have had a chance, considering he’s been in love with you from the start.”
Who the frag was Blurr?
Megatron blinked.
Wait.
“Love?” Megatron echoed, his core quickening a beat. He’d known Rodimus wanted him, but love?
Starscream’s eyes rounded. He looked flustered as he abruptly backpedaled and waved a hand in front of his face. “I did not say that,” he said firmly, cutting a palm through the air. “You did not hear it from me because that is a conversation you need to have with Hot Rod and not with me.”
Megatron swallowed thickly. A heat flushed through his body. Love? It seemed impossible. Hot Rod or Rodimus barely knew him. They’d interacted only as a flockmember and a liege, excluding last night’s intimate encounter. Love?
“And that’s why, right now, I’m going to turn around and walk away and you’re not going to ask me any questions,” Starscream continued, almost babbling now, as he backed another step. “So long as we’re both clear on the fact you’re going to be as good to Hot Rod as you possibly can be, so I don’t have to turn into your worst nightmare.”
Megatron nodded, feeling more than a little speechless. “I intend to treasure him,” he said, mouth dry and a quiver in his belly. “For as long as he’ll let me.”
Love!
“That’s all anyone can ask for,” Starscream said in a rush and tipped his head in a hasty bow. “Excuse me, I think I just remembered Perceptor needed my help with something.” He spun on a tarsal and leapt from the edge of the walkway, gliding down to the atrium floor in a blur of bright red.
Megatron watched him go, amusement warring with surprise, all tempered by the echoes of Starscream’s accidental slip. The urge to see Rodimus, to speak with him, took over all else. He knew it wasn’t possible at the moment, not with Rodimus no doubt deep in conversation with his guard, but the desire still rang strongly through him.
Paperwork would not be anything close to a suitable distraction now. It would let his mind wander far too much. No, now he had too much restless energy. He needed to move. Perhaps the training room then.
Megatron spun and found the nearest upward ramp rather than fly. Climbing the long way would help burn off the fidgets. Maybe Starscream was mistaken. Maybe it was something he inferred rather than was told.
He needed to examine his own feelings, Megatron realized. He didn’t think he could call it love, not quite yet. But he did hold a deep affection for Rodimus. He was definitely attracted to Rodimus, and the urge to claim, to keep Rodimus by his side was present as well. But love?
Megatron didn’t know. It wasn’t the same as what he felt for Orion, he knew that much. It was hotter, brighter, more fierce. Perhaps it would cool with time, settle in his core like a warm blanket, a tight embrace, the sweet fragrance of claim.
The scent of blackberries wafted by, catching Megatron’s attention. He paused as he passed the dining hall, nose tugged in the direction of the brick ovens. The sweet aroma grew stronger, and his belly rumbled. His breakfast had been not long ago, but he couldn’t resist the promise of whatever had been freshly baked.
Had someone wheedled Drift into making his famous jam?
Megatron poked his head inside and found the dining hall mostly deserted. It was the calm before the storm as lunch would be served shortly. Drift was present at the table closest to the kitchens, and he wasn’t alone.
Rodimus was with him.
Megatron’s core throbbed with warmth. His future consort looked a little flustered, lips twisted into an annoyed pout, his feathers flat against his body as he all but draped himself on the table. He looked like he was whining to Drift, who was smiling and laughing quietly. He nudged something closer to Rodimus, and Rodimus perked, his crest feathers twitching.
Megatron found himself crossing the floor before he made the conscious decision to do so. Starscream’s words echoed in the back of his mind, and he was desperate to know if there was any truth to them. But he also hesitated to ask because it was a secret not meant to be his yet.
Drift noticed him first. He grinned at Megatron, and even winked, as he nudged Rodimus with a flick to the fiery smol’s nearest ear.
“I know something else that’s going to cheer you up,” Drift said, almost singsong.
“You have raspberries back there, too?” Rodimus asked as he sat up straight, his tail swishing over the bench.
Drift laughed. “You know those are out of season, Rodders.” He tipped his head, gesturing to Megatron. “I’m talking about him.”
Rodimus looked up as Megatron got within range, and Megatron swore his entire face lit up. His eyes grew bright, and he smiled as he leapt from the table and threw himself at Megatron.
Megatron grunted as he caught the smol, and barely had time to catch his breath before Rodimus’ mouth was over his, tasting sweet, like the blackberries which had first caught Megatron’s attention. His tongue was hot and eager, his body hot as he wrapped his legs around Megatron’s waist and Megatron was quick to cup his rump.
Rodimus purred, leaving little nips on Megatron’s lips, nuzzling him. “Missed you,” he murmured as he nibbled along Megatron’s jaw.
Megatron chuckled and caught Rodimus’ mouth for another kiss, slow and savoring this time, his core throbbing slow and hot. Maybe it was love after all.
“It’s only been a few hours,” he said as he brushed their noses together.
“Feels like days when you’re arguing with someone.” Rodimus sighed as he pressed his forehead to Megatron’s. “What about it? You and me, we run away and leave Springer here to stew?”
Megatron gave Rodimus’ rump a squeeze before he set Rodimus back down on the ground. It wouldn’t do to canoodle in public like this, even if Drift was the only one around to see it.
Or was. He’d vanished in the past thirty seconds, perhaps to give them a semblance of privacy.
“If only we could,” Megatron said as he cupped Rodimus’ face with one hand, stroking his thumb over the smol’s cheek. Rodimus leaned into the touch, his eyes fluttering. “What did he say?”
“He doesn’t like it, of course. Doesn’t think you’re good enough for me.” Rodimus turned into Megatron’s palm, pressing a kiss to it. “It’s not his decision, and I told him that much. He’s agreed to carry the news back to Sire at least. There won’t be any more unwanted Elite Guard visits from now on.”
Megatron raised his eyebrows and firmly told his clava to stay sheathed, no matter how soft and wet Rodimus’ lips were. “It was that easy?”
“Arguing with Springer is never easy,” Rodimus snorted and stepped into Megatron’s arms, burying his face against Megatron’s chest. “I do have to go back eventually though. To tell my Sire and Carrier in person so they stop fretting.”
A reasonable request. It meant Megatron would have to accompany him, as Rodimus’ mate, provided of course Rodimus accepted his marks.
“Fair enough.” Megatron stroked down Rodimus’ back, soaking up the warmth of his intended, wishing he could simply take Rodimus back to his nest and love on the smol until he had no more energy to spare. “Though we’ll be grateful to not have any more unexpected visits.”
Rodimus snorted a laugh against his chest. “Sorry. I would’ve warned you about it, but I wanted one more chance before the truth came out.”
Megatron looked down and tilted Rodimus’ head up toward him. “You knew they were coming?”
A flush colored Rodimus’ cheeks. “I asked Grimlock about the flag and connected the dots. I knew then I was out of time.” He nibbled on his bottom lip. “It was why I came to your nest that night. I figured I had nothing left to lose.”
“I am glad you took the chance. If you hadn’t, I would have regretted losing you,” Megatron murmured. He stroked his thumb over Rodimus’ lip, aching to kiss him again, but worried he might not be able to stop if he did.
Now would have been the perfect time to ask, but still, Megatron hesitated. It felt like a precious treasure. He wanted to wait for Rodimus to say it on his own.
“When are Springer and his company going to leave?” Megatron asked as he forced himself to withdraw from Rodimus’ arms, instead tugging the smol over to the table he’d abandoned.
There was indeed blackberry jam here, and what looked like fresh biscuits. Someone had been spoiling Rodimus. Megatron sat down and intended to pull Rodimus next to him, but the smol plunked down in Megatron’s lap instead, and Megatron couldn’t refuse him. The desire to hold Rodimus close was too strong.
“In the morning.” Rodimus leaned against him, tucking his head under Megatron’s chin. “Spin said they need the rest, so I allowed it.”
“Harsh little princeling, aren’t you?”
Rodimus chuckled. “Give Springer an inch, and he’ll take a mile. Can’t let him have any wiggle room.”
Megatron stroked a hand down Rodimus’ back and scooped up one of the jam-covered biscuits, offering it to Rodimus. “Invite them to join us for supper. Perhaps that will help assuage some of your guardian’s fears.”
“Or it could provoke a fight.” Rodimus took the bite and nipped at Megatron’s fingers playfully, making a little hum in his throat.
“Do you think I’ll lose?”
“I think that it doesn’t matter who wins, we all lose. It’s a political nightmare waiting to happen.” Rodimus sighed and nuzzled the underside of Megatron’s chin. “But you’re right. Hospitality is a key tenet of the Tyrest Accord. So long as Springer behaves as he should, there might not be any problems.”
Megatron’s insides tightened. There was something unbelievably arousing about Rodimus speaking so competently. He was so much more than the flighty youth he’d always pretended to be.
“I am glad to hear it.” Megatron fed himself one of the blackberry biscuits, before Rodimus made a sound of want, prompting Megatron to offer him another doughy bite. “It’s important we maintain good relations with Iacon. Especially since I have no intention of surrendering their prince to them.”
“I’m the middle child, they’ll get over it.” Rodimus wriggled in his lap and caught Megatron’s hand, nibbling on his fingertips. “We should go back to your nest while we still can.”
Megatron chuckled. “There will be time for that later. There are still conversations to be had, and responsibilities to handle.”
“Ugh. Talking. When has that ever gotten me anywhere.” Rodimus nuzzled Megatron’s palm before letting his hand go. “What’s left? We discussed the important bits. You want me, I want you. All that’s left is the mating.”
“It’s not that simple. I would like to get to know you a little first, Hot Rod,” he said with an emphasis on the name that he’d always known his intended by.
Rodimus groaned. “Why do you choose now to make sense?” He wriggled, his rump rubbing on Megatron’s thighs. “Are you sure I can’t convince you otherwise?”
Megatron deftly ignored the flush of heat in his groin. “I’m quite sure you could convince me. But that you shouldn’t is the key point here.” He grabbed the last biscuit to keep his hand from sliding up Rodimus’ thigh. He ignored the mental image of laying Rodimus upon this table, and making a meal of him.
“I know. It won’t be long until everyone starts trickling in for lunch.” Rodimus squirmed until he was nestled as close to Megatron as possible. “But we can have this for a few more minutes, right?”
Megatron wrapped his other arm around Rodimus, resting his chin on top of the smol’s head. “Yes.” Today had the capacity to be even longer. He intended to soak up whatever he could of Rodimus until they could be together once more.
But now that he had Rodimus’ attention…
“Rodimus, about Orion...”
A hand tangled in his feathermane, talons lightly scraping the skin beneath. “You don’t have to say anything.”
“Yes, I do.” Megatron stroked Rodimus’ back, a purr rising in his chest, one he hoped could soothe the suddenly stiff smol. “I do love him. But I want you to know, it’s not what you think. It’s not even what I think. He’s family to me, but that is all.”
Rodimus made a noise Megatron couldn’t interpret. “That was a pretty quick change of core.”
“More like, I finally identified what was already there,” Megatron corrected. “Sometimes, when you spend too long building up something in your head, there comes a point when you realize it’s not what you thought it was. Sometimes, what you think is romantic love, turns out to be misplaced.”
He paused and inhaled deeply, bracing himself. “If all I had to do was mate you tonight to make you mine, I would have done it. But knowing what I know now, I just want to make sure you don’t fall for the same trap. Understand?”
Rodimus’ talons scraped his chest again. “I know what my own feelings are,” he muttered, but then he sighed, long and loud. “But I get your point. I waited years for you to take me to nest. I can wait a little longer for you to mate me.”
“Good.” Megatron scooped Rodimus out of his lap, to a cute little squawk from his intended, and set Rodimus on the table in front of him.
Like this, they were of a height, and Megatron could kiss him with ease. He kept it slow and gentle, tasting without teasing. They couldn’t do much more than kiss, exchanging the sweetness of blackberries between them. Not with the noise Megatron could already hear in the hall, of his flock heading this way for lunch.
He cupped Rodimus’ face with his hands and pulled back, his thumbs stroking over Rodimus’ cheeks. “Go spend time with your guardian. Reassure him. And I’ll see all of you at dinner.”
Rodimus’ tongue flicked over his lips. “And after dinner?” His crest quirked upward, betraying his anticipation.
“After we’ll go for a flight, I think,” Megatron said as he dabbed Rodimus’ face in quick kisses. “And then I will take you back to my nest where you will spend the night with me. You don’t have to find another nest again.”
Rodimus hummed and laid his hands over Megatron’s. “Sounds perfect.” He leaned in, stealing Megatron’s lips for another kiss.
Perfect was definitely right.
***
a/n: Coming up on the home stretch!
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.
Megatron headed to the upper levels first. He passed no few members of his flock, some of whom were concerned Rodimus would be leaving. Kaon flock as a whole was fond of Rodimus, though truth be told, there were few disagreements between flockmembers. Everyone learned to get along or face expulsion back to their own flocks.
Megatron reassured as best as he could. He told them not to be concerned about the Elite Guard’s presence. There would be no battle or war. Everything was under control.
Whirl had been a little disappointed. “If ya ask me, we could use a good fight. Throw our weight around some,” he’d said with a cackle. “Gets a little stale around here sometimes, boss.”
“We have little weight, Whirl,” Megatron had replied, amused despite himself. “But I’ll see if I can’t find something to keep you entertained.”
“Nah. Don’t worry about it. Cyclonus is occupyin’ me for now.”
Cyclonus, hm? How interesting. Though Megatron hoped that wasn’t an allusion to how often they fought. Megatron’s flock could certainly be lively when it suited them.
Whirl had winked then, which was a little disconcerting considering he had only the one eye and a patch over the other. But he’d loped along after that, leaving Megatron free to continue on his way.
Megatron stopped by the pantry, snagging a few fresh-baked granola bars to serve as the breakfast he’d missed. He washed them down with orange juice, desperate to keep himself distracted from worrying about Rodimus.
The dining hall was empty as it was mid-morning, but he could hear the hustle and bustle of the chefs preparing for the midday meal. Laughter and conversation floated out, both of which were a relief. No one sounded stressed or concerned, if anything, their ease bled a confidence in Megatron’s ability to protect them.
Pride bloomed in Megatron’s chest.
He checked on Terradive and Rotor first, but the curtain over their door was closed, and no light filtered through the fabric. He couldn’t hear any sounds save that of even breathing and some snoring, so he presumed they were all sleeping. Which was good. New parents should sleep whenever they managed to find the time.
Radiance and Windfall were the next corridor over, on an inner ring of the residential floor. They’d requested the standard privacy time, but they granted Megatron entrance when he rang the bell they’d hung outside their nest.
Windfall was comfortably arranged in the bed, their hatchling sleeping on his belly as he read a book. The little ball of fluff had his nose tucked into his knees. Radiance sat in the opening to their balcony, elegant fingers deftly weaving the thin strands of a basket. He was their chief artisan, often holding classes and seminars to help newcomers learn new, useful skills. Drift dabbled, but Radiance was a master. The tapestry hanging over Megatron’s door had been woven by him.
“We are well, Liege. Thank you for asking,” Radiance answered without looking up from his work, no doubt so he wouldn’t lose his place. “Trailbreaker has been checking in on us frequently.”
They were from the same flock, Megatron knew. Trailbreaker had been the first to come to Kaon. Radiance and Windfall had followed not long after, once receiving word from Trailbreaker that they could find shelter from discrimination in Kaon.
“That’s good to hear.” Megatron looked fondly at the sleeping hatchling. Nova’s colors were starting to brighten. He would be quite lovely.
“He told us about the Elite Guard phalanx when he came by this morning.” Windfall turned a page in his book, careful not to jostle the tiny bit on his stomach. “If you have need of one of us, let us know.”
Megatron shook his head. “No matter what happens, I wouldn’t pull a new parent away from their hatchling. Your first responsibility is to Nova and then to each other. All else is tertiary.”
Windfall smiled, his violet eyes slanting toward Megatron. “And that is why we follow you, Liege.”
It warmed him to his core to hear such things. No matter how long he’d lived in Kaon, and how long he’d led his flock, there were times uncertainty gripped him. The trust of his flock was worth all the treasure in the world.
“Let me know if there is anything I can do for you,” Megatron said. “Rest well.”
He excused himself, leaving them to their cozy family moment. Once, such a scene would have left him with a pang of envy and regret.
No such emotion haunted him this time. He only felt calm, blessed for their happiness, and pleased that he was part of something that made their joy possible.
Letting Hot Rod into his life had changed so many things already. While it hadn’t been so much as a full day since they’d begun the tentative steps into a relationship, it felt right. He and Rodimus might not have that cozy moment, as hatchlings weren’t a possibility, but that feeling of family, of contentment, was certainly in reach.
He’d left Orion and Shockwave’s nest for last.
When Megatron arrived, the curtain was closed to afford them their privacy as they’d requested, but he also knew it didn’t extend to him. They’d said as much. He could hear soft music playing, which meant they were all awake. He ducked inside, rapping his knuckles on the frame to announce himself.
The three were curled in the nest, Shockwave with Orion tucked under his good arm and their little one in a nest of blankets between them. Cleaned and dry, the brilliant blue of the hatchling’s feathers were all the more vibrant.
“Megatron.” Orion looked up with a smile, one that held more energy than it had the last time Megatron had seen him. “You look well. Given all the commotion we heard, I’d started to worry.”
Megatron lowered himself to a crouch by the nest. He rested his elbows on his knees. “And what threat do you think I can’t handle?”
Shockwave chuckled. “That’s what I tried to tell him.” He stroked Orion’s shoulder. “You know how he worries.”
“I am right here, you know,” Orion scolded with a roll of his eyes before he focused on Megatron. “What are we missing?”
Megatron sighed. “A lot actually.” So much had happened overnight. He wriggled his fingers. “The basic gist of it is that Hot Rod is actually Rodimus Minor, heir to the throne in Iacon. We currently have an Elite Guard phalanx in our guest quarters, trying to decide if they are going to leave with or without their missing prince.”
“That is a lot,” Shockwave said. His prosthetic hand lifted before dropping again in an aborted motion. “Iacon is notoriously protective of their royals, to the point of isolating them. I’m surprised Hot Rod managed to slip their guard.”
“He’s quite devious if you give him half the chance,” Orion said with a little chuckle and an acute look at Megatron. “What an interesting coincidence, considering you must have mated him last night.”
Megatron choked on his next breath, heat flaring in his face. “I… what?”
Orion chuckled. “I’ve known you too long not to tell the difference, Megatron. You’ve rutted recently, and I don’t know anyone else in this aerie who has captivated you half as much as Hot Rod.” He tipped his head. “Or perhaps I should call him Rodimus. Hm. I’ll simply have to ask him which he prefers.”
“You sound rather certain he’ll choose to stay,” Shockwave said.
“I would bet he already has.” Orion gave Megatron a shrewd look. “Am I wrong?”
Megatron lowered himself down to a full seat, curling his legs beneath him. “You’re not wrong. I asked him to enter a courtship with me.”
“That’s great!” Shockwave said.
“I’m happy to hear it.” Orion grinned, his eyes sparkling. He snuggled more into Shockwave’s side. “You’ve been alone far too long, brother. I am glad for both of you.”
The tiniest of chirps seemed to agree with both of them. They all looked down to see the hatchling stirring, arms stretching as his eyes fluttered open. Bright blue, just like his carrier.
“Well, look who’s awake,” Shockwave murmured as he carefully offered his prosthetic hand to his hatchling, little fingers clutching at the false fingers. “We were being too rowdy, I suppose.”
Orion tickled the little one’s belly. “It’s about time he woke up anyway. If he sleeps too much now, he won’t sleep tonight.”
“Have you named him yet?” Megatron asked.
“Yes.” Orion sat up and tipped the hatchling into his hands, the bitlet protesting with a squeak and a kick of his feet. “Shhh, little one. I’m just introducing you to your godsire.”
Megatron’s eyes widened. “Oh, Orion. I don’t think--”
“Hush.” Orion’s grin was half-mischief, and his tone one Megatron had always been weak against. “Hold out your hands.”
Megatron gnawed on his bottom lip as he obeyed, his core throbbing with a familiar ache. The hatchling was fully awake now, squirming in his carrier’s hands as he protested. He was probably hungry as well.
“Megatron, meet your godling. This is Arcee,” Orion said as he deposited Arcee into Megatron’s hands, the little, warm body so light and delicate.
Megatron had held many a hatchling and fledgeling in his decade living here in Kaon. But never one so young, never a newling. Arcee’s bones felt light and breakable. His feathers were so soft and malleable. He squirmed and fidgeted, but looked up at Megatron with challenging eyes.
Heat gathered in the back of Megatron’s eyes. “Hello, Arcee,” he murmured as he offered a thumb for the hatchling to grasp. “It is nice to meet you.”
It wasn’t envy. It wasn’t regret. It wasn’t pain or hurt.
Megatron’s mouth curved into a smile. He looked at Orion, so snug and happy in Shockwave’s embrace, his eyes soft as they looked at his hatchling. He loved Orion even now. That would always be true.
But he didn’t burn for Orion. He didn’t long to take Orion into his arms and make him squirm and sigh. He wondered if he ever had. Perhaps he’d been mistaken all along, confusing his love for Orion with a desire for intimacy. He’d never noticed how much that desire had lacked heat.
“Thank you,” Megatron murmured as an unusual peace washed through his body, chasing away the tension and gloom that had been part of his life for so long. “I promise to always protect him.”
Orion’s hand fell over his, forming a protective cradle around Arcee. “If you protect him even half as hard as you watched over me, then I know that no harm will ever come to him.”
“Never,” Megatron promised and felt the weight of that promise settle over him. It didn’t feel like a burden, however, but a gift.
He gently eased Arcee back into his carrier’s hands with a final stroke to the blue hatchling’s crest.
“You and Arcee are my family,” Megatron said as he sat back. “There is nothing that will ever change that.”
“I know.” Orion patted him on the arm with his free hand. “I love you as one of my own, the brother I’ve never had. You are part of mine as well.”
Megatron waited for the crush of sadness. The sting of knowing said love would never be romantic or otherwise. He waited for an emotion that didn’t come. By Adaptus, but he’d been so blind, so stubborn!
There were all kinds of love.
Orion was comfort, memories of home, laughter and childhood and affection. But he wasn’t the harpy Megatron wanted to mate. His love for Orion had always been one of longing – a family he thought he couldn’t have, a mate he thought he couldn’t cherish.
What he felt for Rodimus was something wholly different.
“If there is ever anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask,” Shockwave said, his tone warm and not the least bit challenging. “Families look out for each other. Especially considering what’s going on right now.”
Megatron nodded. “Thank you. But I’m sure it’s going to be all right. Hot Rod – Rodimus – has assured me he wants to stay, and he can trust the captain not to force the issue.”
“That must be a relief.” Orion settled back against Shockwave, tucking himself into his mate’s embrace. “I’ve always thought you two would make a good match.”
“Is that so?” Megatron asked with a laugh. He propped his chin on his elbow. “You and everyone else in the flock, I think. I must have been the only one deaf and blind.”
“Perhaps a little foolish as well,” Shockwave said. He tilted his head against Orion’s, snuggling close. “But that is all right. Love makes fools of us all. In a good way, however.”
Megatron chuffed. “I am not in love with Rodimus.”
Orion draped Arcee over his chest. The hatchling snuggled in, clinging to his feathers. “Only time will tell.”
“All right.” Megatron pushed to his feet, stretching his arms above his head to ease the cramp in his body. “I’m going to leave before you start getting poetic on me.”
Shockwave chuckled. “He can’t help himself. He has the core of an artist, our Orion does.” He stroked Orion’s shoulder. “It is one of many reasons I fell for him.”
Orion’s feathers fluttered. “Don’t you start,” he murmured. “We already have one newling to care for. We can wait to work on another.”
Megatron barked a laugh as Orion’s face pinked, and Shockwave’s smirk grew bigger and broader. They were adorable together. Relief that Orion had found the happiness he always wanted poured through Megatron like liquid warmth.
Shockwave nuzzled into the side of Orion’s neck, making him giggle. “Practice makes perfect, love.”
Megatron groaned and backed toward the door. “Enjoy your morning, you two. I’ll come by and check on you later. Bring dinner if you need it.”
He left before their behavior became any more nauseating. They’d always been an affectionate duo, but with the impending and recent arrival of their hatchling, it had increased tenfold. Perhaps it was a touch of envy as well. Megatron couldn’t snuggle with his intended right now, much less engage in any other activities.
Instead, he had work to do.
Megatron drew the curtain back over Orion and Shockwave’s door, wishing he had some type of ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign as a warning for other potential visitors. Though he might also consider sending someone with a few meals and mush for the little one.
He needed to meet up with Soundwave as well. The world moved onward, and Megatron wanted to make sure the Gatherers were still heading out, the Cradle was staffed, and his flock ran smoothly. He turned around, and nearly tripped over his own feet out of surprise.
“Almost afternoon boss!” Rumble greeted with a beaming smile full of teeth. He rocked on his tarsals, hands behind his back, twice as energetic and mischievous as his twin. “Big bro’s busy, but he wanted me to pass along a message to you.”
“Did he now?” Amused despite himself, Megatron grinned. He turned toward the main corridor, and Rumble fell into a skipping pace beside him. “And what was it?”
“Hot stuff is still talking with the new folks, and there’s a lot of yelling, but no violence, so don’t worry,” Rumble said. “He’s got someone around to intervene if Big Green seems like he’s gonna take your lovey and run.”
He could always rely on Soundwave.
Megatron lifted his head. “That’s good to hear. I trust Soundwave will let me know if I need to speak up.”
“Course.” Rumble jostled him with an arm, bony elbow digging into Megatron’s outer thigh. “Congrats by the way, boss. Glad you finally got Hot Rod in your nest. It’s about time.”
A laugh vibrated in Megatron’s chest. “I appreciate the congratulations.”
Rumble skipped ahead of him and started walking backward, his grin full of teeth and mischief. “Is he as hot as they say? Bet you stayed up all night in the nest with him, huh? I saw all those marks, boss. Did he get any sleep?”
“Don’t you have work to do?” Megatron demanded as he felt heat tug at his face. He refused to blush and give Rumble the satisfaction of seeing him flustered. Sometimes, he forgot how downright audacious the twins could be.
Rumble giggled. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll leave you be, boss.” His tailfeathers swept the floor with an amused flick. “I’ll be with bro. Call us if you need us.” He sketched off a playful salute before he scampered away.
Megatron shook his head and continued on. The twins were a handful and a half. It was amazing Soundwave could keep them tamed as well as he did. They obeyed him like no other.
With the new parents comfortable and unconcerned, Megatron headed back to the lower levels. He might as well get started on the stack of paperwork on his desk. Or…
He paused. He could look in on Drift and see if he had any lessons for the day. He could check on the lunch preparations. He could review their food storage, especially given the multiple parties over the past couple weeks and their recent visitors. Hadn’t the Raptors only left less than a week ago? He also needed to make sure that whatever Hot Rod’s assigned duty for the day was, someone else could take over for him.
He could do anything but attend to the paperwork on his desk, truth be told. Why add insult to injury?
Megatron turned a corner to jog down the narrow walkway connecting one side of the floor to the other – a strange growth in their home had necessitated a slight shift in the construction of the interior. Rather than a wide, smooth path, they’d built a suspended rope bridge spanning the gap in the flooring.
Starscream waited on the other side, his crossed arms and focused stare suggesting that it was Megatron he waited on. Though how he’d known where to find Megatron was a curious thing.
“Can I beg a moment of my liege’s time?” Starscream asked as he unfolded his arms and tucked them behind his back. There was deference in the sag of his shoulders, the way his feathers lay carefully flat against his body.
“You don’t need to beg, Starscream.” Megatron stepped off the walkway and gestured for Starscream to accompany him. “Will this require privacy? Do you want to wait until we get to my office?”
The pretty smol shook his head. “No. That’s not necessary. I just didn’t want to delay you if you had something important.”
“Nothing that can’t wait. Walk with me?”
Starscream matched him, step for step. Though he was a smol, and as such, smaller than Megatron, he still came up to Megatron’s shoulder. He was rather tall, and there was something about him that gave off an air of confidence better suited to a bara. Not that it was a bad thing. Small wonder, however, he had come to Kaon.
They continued on, moving slowly through what Megatron and the rest of his flock playfully deemed ‘Shopper’s Row’. They didn’t have a currency as such, but the artisans and collectors and traders had stands set up here for the curious harpy to browse and acquire, if they so choose. There was a communal supply depot for the necessities, but Shopper’s Row was for fun.
“I don’t have a problem or anything, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Starscream said. “I wanted to talk to you about Hot Rod.”
“You mean Rodimus.”
“I said what I meant.” Starscream’s lips quirked toward a grin. “He’s still Hot Rod to me, the little fibber. Besides, it was Hot Rod you took to Nest.”
“Ah.” Megatron scratched at his jaw and gave Starscream a sidelong look. “Do I owe you an apology for that?”
“An apology?” Starscream reared back, blinking at him. “Why would you-- oh, wait. Did you think we were courting?”
Heat stole into Megatron’s face, if only because Starscream looked so outraged, Megatron felt foolish for even thinking it. “Clearly, I’m mistaken.”
Starscream chuckled. “Yes. Clearly,” he said in a dry tone. He tucked his hands behind his back again, though this time it appeared more as comfort than deference. “No, Hot Rod is merely a friend. As it so happens, I have my eyes on someone else.”
“Care to share?”
“It’s complicated.” Starscream’s eyes softened, something in his gaze turning wistful. “Perhaps even pointless. Only time will tell.” He tilted his head toward Megatron. “You, however, have a very obvious opportunity and chance here. And I’d like for you to not, errr, frag it up.”
Megatron blinked. Was that a chastisement or a warning? Encouragement? “I see.”
“Good.” Starscream rolled his shoulders, his feathers fluttering and settling in an odd, crimson wave. “You and Hot Rod are a good match. I’m glad you finally pulled your head out of your rump. But I just want to make sure you know to treat him well. Not that I think you won’t. I just want you to know there’s someone looking out for him.”
Starscream looked up at him, more challenge in his eyes than Megatron could have expected, strength where he’d been so meek on his first arrival. Megatron was glad for the change, glad Starscream seemed to have come into his own. He was also, he had to admit, a little impressed that Starscream would overcome an ingrained submission to implicate a threat on Hot Rod’s behalf.
“I intend to do right by him.” Megatron drew to a halt so he could face Starscream and express his sincerity. “But I wish to thank you as well.”
Starscream blinked, his crest feathers straightening. “For what?”
“Hot Rod has always been a valued member of our flock, but I and many others haven’t failed to notice he occasionally kept himself apart from us,” Megatron explained. It had always come to his attention that Hot Rod was friendly and well-liked, but he’d never been particularly close to anyone. “I appreciate that not only have you befriended him, but you wish to protect him. Since you’ve come here, he’s been more open with everyone.”
Starscream’s mouth open and closed before he shook his head. “I’m not sure that’s something I should be thanked for.” He looked away, head ducking, his crest feathers flicking. “I like him. If I hadn’t ever met Blurr, and you’d outright refused him, maybe I would’ve even courted him someday. Not that I would have had a chance, considering he’s been in love with you from the start.”
Who the frag was Blurr?
Megatron blinked.
Wait.
“Love?” Megatron echoed, his core quickening a beat. He’d known Rodimus wanted him, but love?
Starscream’s eyes rounded. He looked flustered as he abruptly backpedaled and waved a hand in front of his face. “I did not say that,” he said firmly, cutting a palm through the air. “You did not hear it from me because that is a conversation you need to have with Hot Rod and not with me.”
Megatron swallowed thickly. A heat flushed through his body. Love? It seemed impossible. Hot Rod or Rodimus barely knew him. They’d interacted only as a flockmember and a liege, excluding last night’s intimate encounter. Love?
“And that’s why, right now, I’m going to turn around and walk away and you’re not going to ask me any questions,” Starscream continued, almost babbling now, as he backed another step. “So long as we’re both clear on the fact you’re going to be as good to Hot Rod as you possibly can be, so I don’t have to turn into your worst nightmare.”
Megatron nodded, feeling more than a little speechless. “I intend to treasure him,” he said, mouth dry and a quiver in his belly. “For as long as he’ll let me.”
Love!
“That’s all anyone can ask for,” Starscream said in a rush and tipped his head in a hasty bow. “Excuse me, I think I just remembered Perceptor needed my help with something.” He spun on a tarsal and leapt from the edge of the walkway, gliding down to the atrium floor in a blur of bright red.
Megatron watched him go, amusement warring with surprise, all tempered by the echoes of Starscream’s accidental slip. The urge to see Rodimus, to speak with him, took over all else. He knew it wasn’t possible at the moment, not with Rodimus no doubt deep in conversation with his guard, but the desire still rang strongly through him.
Paperwork would not be anything close to a suitable distraction now. It would let his mind wander far too much. No, now he had too much restless energy. He needed to move. Perhaps the training room then.
Megatron spun and found the nearest upward ramp rather than fly. Climbing the long way would help burn off the fidgets. Maybe Starscream was mistaken. Maybe it was something he inferred rather than was told.
He needed to examine his own feelings, Megatron realized. He didn’t think he could call it love, not quite yet. But he did hold a deep affection for Rodimus. He was definitely attracted to Rodimus, and the urge to claim, to keep Rodimus by his side was present as well. But love?
Megatron didn’t know. It wasn’t the same as what he felt for Orion, he knew that much. It was hotter, brighter, more fierce. Perhaps it would cool with time, settle in his core like a warm blanket, a tight embrace, the sweet fragrance of claim.
The scent of blackberries wafted by, catching Megatron’s attention. He paused as he passed the dining hall, nose tugged in the direction of the brick ovens. The sweet aroma grew stronger, and his belly rumbled. His breakfast had been not long ago, but he couldn’t resist the promise of whatever had been freshly baked.
Had someone wheedled Drift into making his famous jam?
Megatron poked his head inside and found the dining hall mostly deserted. It was the calm before the storm as lunch would be served shortly. Drift was present at the table closest to the kitchens, and he wasn’t alone.
Rodimus was with him.
Megatron’s core throbbed with warmth. His future consort looked a little flustered, lips twisted into an annoyed pout, his feathers flat against his body as he all but draped himself on the table. He looked like he was whining to Drift, who was smiling and laughing quietly. He nudged something closer to Rodimus, and Rodimus perked, his crest feathers twitching.
Megatron found himself crossing the floor before he made the conscious decision to do so. Starscream’s words echoed in the back of his mind, and he was desperate to know if there was any truth to them. But he also hesitated to ask because it was a secret not meant to be his yet.
Drift noticed him first. He grinned at Megatron, and even winked, as he nudged Rodimus with a flick to the fiery smol’s nearest ear.
“I know something else that’s going to cheer you up,” Drift said, almost singsong.
“You have raspberries back there, too?” Rodimus asked as he sat up straight, his tail swishing over the bench.
Drift laughed. “You know those are out of season, Rodders.” He tipped his head, gesturing to Megatron. “I’m talking about him.”
Rodimus looked up as Megatron got within range, and Megatron swore his entire face lit up. His eyes grew bright, and he smiled as he leapt from the table and threw himself at Megatron.
Megatron grunted as he caught the smol, and barely had time to catch his breath before Rodimus’ mouth was over his, tasting sweet, like the blackberries which had first caught Megatron’s attention. His tongue was hot and eager, his body hot as he wrapped his legs around Megatron’s waist and Megatron was quick to cup his rump.
Rodimus purred, leaving little nips on Megatron’s lips, nuzzling him. “Missed you,” he murmured as he nibbled along Megatron’s jaw.
Megatron chuckled and caught Rodimus’ mouth for another kiss, slow and savoring this time, his core throbbing slow and hot. Maybe it was love after all.
“It’s only been a few hours,” he said as he brushed their noses together.
“Feels like days when you’re arguing with someone.” Rodimus sighed as he pressed his forehead to Megatron’s. “What about it? You and me, we run away and leave Springer here to stew?”
Megatron gave Rodimus’ rump a squeeze before he set Rodimus back down on the ground. It wouldn’t do to canoodle in public like this, even if Drift was the only one around to see it.
Or was. He’d vanished in the past thirty seconds, perhaps to give them a semblance of privacy.
“If only we could,” Megatron said as he cupped Rodimus’ face with one hand, stroking his thumb over the smol’s cheek. Rodimus leaned into the touch, his eyes fluttering. “What did he say?”
“He doesn’t like it, of course. Doesn’t think you’re good enough for me.” Rodimus turned into Megatron’s palm, pressing a kiss to it. “It’s not his decision, and I told him that much. He’s agreed to carry the news back to Sire at least. There won’t be any more unwanted Elite Guard visits from now on.”
Megatron raised his eyebrows and firmly told his clava to stay sheathed, no matter how soft and wet Rodimus’ lips were. “It was that easy?”
“Arguing with Springer is never easy,” Rodimus snorted and stepped into Megatron’s arms, burying his face against Megatron’s chest. “I do have to go back eventually though. To tell my Sire and Carrier in person so they stop fretting.”
A reasonable request. It meant Megatron would have to accompany him, as Rodimus’ mate, provided of course Rodimus accepted his marks.
“Fair enough.” Megatron stroked down Rodimus’ back, soaking up the warmth of his intended, wishing he could simply take Rodimus back to his nest and love on the smol until he had no more energy to spare. “Though we’ll be grateful to not have any more unexpected visits.”
Rodimus snorted a laugh against his chest. “Sorry. I would’ve warned you about it, but I wanted one more chance before the truth came out.”
Megatron looked down and tilted Rodimus’ head up toward him. “You knew they were coming?”
A flush colored Rodimus’ cheeks. “I asked Grimlock about the flag and connected the dots. I knew then I was out of time.” He nibbled on his bottom lip. “It was why I came to your nest that night. I figured I had nothing left to lose.”
“I am glad you took the chance. If you hadn’t, I would have regretted losing you,” Megatron murmured. He stroked his thumb over Rodimus’ lip, aching to kiss him again, but worried he might not be able to stop if he did.
Now would have been the perfect time to ask, but still, Megatron hesitated. It felt like a precious treasure. He wanted to wait for Rodimus to say it on his own.
“When are Springer and his company going to leave?” Megatron asked as he forced himself to withdraw from Rodimus’ arms, instead tugging the smol over to the table he’d abandoned.
There was indeed blackberry jam here, and what looked like fresh biscuits. Someone had been spoiling Rodimus. Megatron sat down and intended to pull Rodimus next to him, but the smol plunked down in Megatron’s lap instead, and Megatron couldn’t refuse him. The desire to hold Rodimus close was too strong.
“In the morning.” Rodimus leaned against him, tucking his head under Megatron’s chin. “Spin said they need the rest, so I allowed it.”
“Harsh little princeling, aren’t you?”
Rodimus chuckled. “Give Springer an inch, and he’ll take a mile. Can’t let him have any wiggle room.”
Megatron stroked a hand down Rodimus’ back and scooped up one of the jam-covered biscuits, offering it to Rodimus. “Invite them to join us for supper. Perhaps that will help assuage some of your guardian’s fears.”
“Or it could provoke a fight.” Rodimus took the bite and nipped at Megatron’s fingers playfully, making a little hum in his throat.
“Do you think I’ll lose?”
“I think that it doesn’t matter who wins, we all lose. It’s a political nightmare waiting to happen.” Rodimus sighed and nuzzled the underside of Megatron’s chin. “But you’re right. Hospitality is a key tenet of the Tyrest Accord. So long as Springer behaves as he should, there might not be any problems.”
Megatron’s insides tightened. There was something unbelievably arousing about Rodimus speaking so competently. He was so much more than the flighty youth he’d always pretended to be.
“I am glad to hear it.” Megatron fed himself one of the blackberry biscuits, before Rodimus made a sound of want, prompting Megatron to offer him another doughy bite. “It’s important we maintain good relations with Iacon. Especially since I have no intention of surrendering their prince to them.”
“I’m the middle child, they’ll get over it.” Rodimus wriggled in his lap and caught Megatron’s hand, nibbling on his fingertips. “We should go back to your nest while we still can.”
Megatron chuckled. “There will be time for that later. There are still conversations to be had, and responsibilities to handle.”
“Ugh. Talking. When has that ever gotten me anywhere.” Rodimus nuzzled Megatron’s palm before letting his hand go. “What’s left? We discussed the important bits. You want me, I want you. All that’s left is the mating.”
“It’s not that simple. I would like to get to know you a little first, Hot Rod,” he said with an emphasis on the name that he’d always known his intended by.
Rodimus groaned. “Why do you choose now to make sense?” He wriggled, his rump rubbing on Megatron’s thighs. “Are you sure I can’t convince you otherwise?”
Megatron deftly ignored the flush of heat in his groin. “I’m quite sure you could convince me. But that you shouldn’t is the key point here.” He grabbed the last biscuit to keep his hand from sliding up Rodimus’ thigh. He ignored the mental image of laying Rodimus upon this table, and making a meal of him.
“I know. It won’t be long until everyone starts trickling in for lunch.” Rodimus squirmed until he was nestled as close to Megatron as possible. “But we can have this for a few more minutes, right?”
Megatron wrapped his other arm around Rodimus, resting his chin on top of the smol’s head. “Yes.” Today had the capacity to be even longer. He intended to soak up whatever he could of Rodimus until they could be together once more.
But now that he had Rodimus’ attention…
“Rodimus, about Orion...”
A hand tangled in his feathermane, talons lightly scraping the skin beneath. “You don’t have to say anything.”
“Yes, I do.” Megatron stroked Rodimus’ back, a purr rising in his chest, one he hoped could soothe the suddenly stiff smol. “I do love him. But I want you to know, it’s not what you think. It’s not even what I think. He’s family to me, but that is all.”
Rodimus made a noise Megatron couldn’t interpret. “That was a pretty quick change of core.”
“More like, I finally identified what was already there,” Megatron corrected. “Sometimes, when you spend too long building up something in your head, there comes a point when you realize it’s not what you thought it was. Sometimes, what you think is romantic love, turns out to be misplaced.”
He paused and inhaled deeply, bracing himself. “If all I had to do was mate you tonight to make you mine, I would have done it. But knowing what I know now, I just want to make sure you don’t fall for the same trap. Understand?”
Rodimus’ talons scraped his chest again. “I know what my own feelings are,” he muttered, but then he sighed, long and loud. “But I get your point. I waited years for you to take me to nest. I can wait a little longer for you to mate me.”
“Good.” Megatron scooped Rodimus out of his lap, to a cute little squawk from his intended, and set Rodimus on the table in front of him.
Like this, they were of a height, and Megatron could kiss him with ease. He kept it slow and gentle, tasting without teasing. They couldn’t do much more than kiss, exchanging the sweetness of blackberries between them. Not with the noise Megatron could already hear in the hall, of his flock heading this way for lunch.
He cupped Rodimus’ face with his hands and pulled back, his thumbs stroking over Rodimus’ cheeks. “Go spend time with your guardian. Reassure him. And I’ll see all of you at dinner.”
Rodimus’ tongue flicked over his lips. “And after dinner?” His crest quirked upward, betraying his anticipation.
“After we’ll go for a flight, I think,” Megatron said as he dabbed Rodimus’ face in quick kisses. “And then I will take you back to my nest where you will spend the night with me. You don’t have to find another nest again.”
Rodimus hummed and laid his hands over Megatron’s. “Sounds perfect.” He leaned in, stealing Megatron’s lips for another kiss.
Perfect was definitely right.
a/n: Coming up on the home stretch!
