[Flights of Fancy] Topsy-Turvy 14
May. 8th, 2018 06:25 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 Fourteen
Dinner came long before Megatron was ready for it.
He’d passed along that their visitors would be joining them to those of his flock in charge of the evening meal, and then been promptly shooed out of the kitchens as they became a frenzy of activity. He had no idea what they had planned, but when he walked into the dining room later that evening, he boggled at the impressive spread they had arranged.
There were vegetable pies and more fresh biscuits with plenty of Drift’s jam to go around. Juices and fresh water and honeymead filled deftly arranged pitchers to the brim. Bowls of the freshest fruit were carefully scattered across the tables for those who preferred unprepared meals. They’d baked and mashed both red potatoes and sweet potatoes. Loaves of oatmeal bread had been neatly sliced and set out with plates of fresh-churned butter, the latter of which they received from the humans.
Megatron hadn’t ordered them to impress the Iaconians, but apparently his cooks and bakers had taken it upon themselves to do so. They hovered in the kitchen, peering through the doorway, stares set on the new arrivals as if daring them to be unimpressed.
Springer and his five soldiers were given point of pride in the center of the room, where Megatron sat with them, Soundwave and Rodimus to either side of him. The others, Megatron had learned, were Top Spin, Twin Twist, Pyro, Sandstorm, and Ironfist. All but one were baras. None were mated, so it came as no surprise to Megatron that they gave appreciative looks to the unmated in Megatron’s flock, some of whom fluttered around the Iaconian guard like hungry butterflies.
To be fair, it wasn’t every day Kaon welcomed visitors such as these. They usually welcomed either the Raptors, or the beaten and downtrodden desperate for a refuge.
Megatron waited for everyone to be seated before he stood. He lifted his hands, calling for silence, and didn’t speak until the low murmur of conversation vanished.
“I’d like to start tonight by thanking our chefs for the wonderful meal they’ve provided. They have truly outdone themselves,” Megatron said with a smile in the direction of the kitchen. “I would also like to welcome our guests to supper, which is always a meal shared in Kaon, so that we may all come together at least once a day.” He gestured toward Springer and his entourage. “Please be as courteous to them as you would one of our own. Now without further ado, everyone enjoy.”
Megatron sat.
He wasn’t one for elaborate speeches, and he rarely spoke for evening meals like that, but he didn’t want the Elite Guard leaving Kaon and believing them to be a flock of heathens either. They had their traditions, no matter how ridiculous it might seem to those from such a grand aerie.
Conversation began in earnest once Megatron sat, and his flock started to help themselves. Maybe they didn’t have servants running around like in Iacon, but it was still a good dinner.
“So Megatron,” Springer said as he examined the flood on his plate with a critical eye. “What Aerie did you say you were from?”
Rodimus narrowed his eyes at his former guardian. “What does it matter?” His hand tightened around the handle of his utensil.
“It’s just curiosity, Roddy.” Springer forked a steamed slice of squash into his mouth. “Aren’t all the harpies here from somewhere else?”
Megatron rested his elbows on the table, lacing his fingers together. He would wait to eat. “Yes, that is correct. Until we established our aerie here, Kaon had no native-born harpies and had only seen the occasional visitor.”
“Megatron’s from Crystal City.” Rodimus glared hard at his guardian, as if trying to warn him against stirring up trouble. “He was guardian to the Prime’s heirs.”
“And stole away with one, if the rumors are correct,” Springer commented with raised eyebrows.
“Orion Pax left of his own accord,” Megatron replied, refusing to rise to the bait, for he knew what Springer intended to imply. “It was, in fact, his idea to come to Kaon.”
“Was it now?” Springer rose, hands braced on the table, craning his neck to peer through the gathered members of Megatron’s flock. “Is he here? I’d like to ask him what prompted his decision to leave.”
Megatron worked his jaw. “He and his mate are in their nest for the standard privacy days after the successful carry and hatching of their first little one. He is not to be disturbed.”
“How convenient.” Springer tilted his head toward the harpy next to him – Top Spin if Megatron remembered correctly, who whispered into his ear. Amber eyes narrowed. “Am I hearing this right, Liege Megatron? Orion is the one who carried?”
Megatron tilted his head. “You sound surprised. You do know that all harpies are capable of carrying, yes? Or don’t they cover basic reproduction in Iacon?”
Someone down the table poorly concealed a snicker. Megatron didn’t have to look to know it was Rumble. He and Frenzy had been watching the conversation with wide eyes, jostling one another with their elbows.
A growl echoed in Springer’s chest. One of his guards, the pale yellow one, laughed. “He’s got a point, Springs,” the harpy said.
Springer hissed at his subordinate and directed a glare at Megatron. “That is not the point here. I seem to recall both of Sentinel Prime’s heirs being baras.”
“They are.” Megatron unlaced his fingers and focused on his food. He’d selected one of the vegetable pies, and the scent of eggplant made his mouth water. “Here in Kaon, any who wish to carry may do so, regardless of class.”
Springer’s crest flicked. “How liberal of you.”
“That’s the point, Springer,” Rodimus bit out, all but vibrating in place next to Megatron, as though his outrage couldn’t be contained. “Kaon is free. They don’t have any stupid restrictions. You can mate anyone you want. You can carry if you want. You can be whatever you want, and no one’s going to make you do anything you don’t want.”
“It sounds chaotic,” Springer commented.
“Actually, I think it sounds kind of nice,” Top Spin said with a wistful note to his voice. He idly sucked jam from his talons. “Harpies in Iacon are so stiff sometimes.”
Springer’s attention swung toward his second, his crest high and rigid with outrage. It didn’t seem to perturb Top Spin at all.
“We welcome everyone here,” Megatron said, offhand. He would not be bothered by some whelp from Iacon who hadn’t an ounce of understanding of what Megatron’s flock had gone through just to survive. “It is the core tenet of what Kaon stands for. And I will fight to the last beat of my core to defend it as such.”
“So how many different flocks would you say are represented here?” Top Spin asked, perhaps in a bid to change the subject to something less incendiary.
“At last count, twelve,” Soundwave answered before Megatron could finish the calculations in his head. “At the moment, our population stands at 118, including hatchlings.” He effortlessly forked a flaky fruit tart into his mouth, but that he’d removed his mask was telling. Perhaps he thought his scars and intense stare would encourage their visitors to think twice about threatening Kaon.
Megatron approved.
“My Speaker answers truthfully,” Megatron said with a nod, because he trusted Soundwave’s counts more than his own. “I know we are a small flock compared to many, but we are ever growing. I am unconcerned about our future.”
“Your relationship with the humans is pretty weird,” pointed out Ironfist, easy to recognize as he was the only smol. A pale, grey blue, he was short and stocky, and bristling with weaponry. “Most harpies are afraid of them.”
“With good reason,” Springer muttered. “Humans are nothing but trouble.”
“The humans here are educators and scientists. Their only interest is to learn from us, not exploit us,” Starscream commented from Hot Rod’s other side. He’d cleaned his plate and now rested his crossed arms on the table. “We have nothing to fear from them. Instead, we have benefited from their proximity.” He gestured upward, to the strings of lights draped across the ceiling. “Their many gifts have made life easier.”
“Right. Their gifts.” Rodimus snorted a laugh and gave Starscream a pointed look. Whatever that meant.
It made Starscream flush and poke Rodimus with his elbow. “You hush,” he hissed, and straightened, clearing his throat. “The point is, the humans are our allies, and hopefully, our relationship with them here can begin the process of building bridges with humans planet-wide in order to obtain more rights for all harpy-kind.”
This was news to Megatron. He hadn’t realized Starscream was working so hard as a kind of political liaison. It was impressive. He would have to ask Soundwave about it. Though he had little doubt his Speaker already knew and had approved the venture.
Springer looked skeptical. “If you say so. Frankly, I don’t think humans can be trusted. I’d watch my back, if I were you,” he said, pointing a fork at Starscream. “Else next thing you know, you’ll find yourself sold to the highest bidder.”
“It would be a shame to loop all humans into the same category,” Megatron said smoothly, unable to resist the opportunity for another dig. “After all, not every harpy is an uptight rumpstick without a sense of humor.”
Down the table, Rumble and Frenzy didn’t bother to hide their laughter. They slid out of their seats from their amusement, chittering to each other in that special language they’d developed, as Soundwave hissed at them and shooed them on.
Springer’s feathers ruffled. His nostrils flared. “Manners can be taught,” he said in a tight tone. “Respect for the sapience of another species is slower in coming.”
“Exactly. You can’t learn what you don’t know needs to be learned,” Rodimus pointed out as he leaned a little to his left, bumping shoulders with Megatron. “And that’s what Starscream is doing. The more he can prove to the humans that we are deserving of protection and equal rights, the more we can convince them to stop treating us like creatures to be bought and traded.”
Warmth flooded Megatron. There was something irresistibly intoxicating about Rodimus speaking so knowledgeably, so confidently. It was like he could wear and cast aside his mantle of authority as if it were made of cloth, easy to set aside or pick up as needed. That flexibility of his was undeniably alluring.
“It’s impressive. I admire your dedication to the attempt,” Top Spin said diplomatically. “If you are successful, we’ll all benefit.”
“You got anyone here from Tesaurus?” the pale yellow Harpy abruptly asked, leaning forward into view.
“Sandstorm,” Springer warned in a low tone. His glare spoke chastisement, but it seemed to sail right over Sandstorm’s head.
“Several, point of fact.” Megatron tilted his head to the next table over, where Roadbuster and Trailbreaker occupied an end with Drift and Perceptor. “Drift is our Fencemaster, though he came here by way of Iacon. I’m sure he’ll be up for a demonstration after supper, if you’re interested.”
It was easy to guess what about the Tesaurans intrigued Sandstorm. The massive blade slung across his back made it quite obvious.
Sandstorm perked up considerably. His gaze followed Megatron’s to the end of the table, no doubt zeroing in on the two Megatron had indicated. “Do they spar?”
“If you ask politely,” Megatron said with a little laugh.
Sandstorm abruptly stood, wiping his mouth with a napkin, his sheath clinking. “I can be polite,” he said and swept up his plate of food. “Promise not to start any wars, boss.” He winked at Springer, and then he was gone, hustling down to the end of the table.
Springer gaped after him.
Top Spin laughed. “Right, so. That’s a thing.” He grinned at them and popped another bite of biscuit into his mouth. “Sandstorm really likes swords.”
Down the table, one of the Iaconians snorted a laugh so hard he almost choked on his drink. Megatron raised his eyebrows at the dark crimson bara, tall and gangly, not unlike Whirl.
“Am I missing something?” he asked.
Springer looked as though he wanted to strangle his soldiers.
Top Spin shook his head. “Private joke,” he said with a wink. “Pyro’s got a twisted sense of humor.”
“What about twins?” Another of the harpies asked, leaning forward. He’d been sitting on Sandstorm’s other side, but now he slid into Sandstorm’s abandoned seat, right next to Top Spin.
Megatron frowned. “What about them?” he asked as Soundwave replied, “Accepted without restriction.”
“It’s different from home, Twin Twist,” Rodimus added with a small smile. “There aren’t any strict laws here. Though there are also only two sets of twins, so maybe it hasn’t come up yet.” He looked up at Megatron. “Top Spin and Twin Twist are twins.”
Bara twins, hm? The rarest of the rare.
Megatron knew all too well what became of twins in Crystal City. They were, more often than not, separated for their own good. It was believed twins had the inclination to mate each other; therefore, it was best to keep them apart, though that didn’t bode well for them. Twins tended to wither away, for lack of a better term, without their counterpart.
No one was sure why yet.
Though it seemed Twin Twist and Top Spin seemed to be doing all right. Megatron was curious, however, if their carrier had survived his carry. It was not a decent topic for dinner conversation, but Megatron was aware there was a reason bara twins were so uncommon. Their carry usually resulted in the death of the carrier. A single bara egg was already large. Two of them made a strain on the carrier’s body and harpies simply didn’t have the medical facilities the humans did to safely bring those carries to term.
Megatron had heard stories of how twins were received in other flocks. Many of them, he knew, opted to euthanize the twin they considered the weaker of the two. Some flocks would abandon twins as they were considered an ill portent. It was probably what had happened to Laserbeak and Buzzsaw, they’d decided. The twins had been sold by their parents to be rid of their curse.
“We’re not mated,” Top Spin said with a strained smile, like he’d been forced to disclose this numerous times before.
“And we don’t want to be,” Twin Twist added with a scowl.
Now that Megatron was paying attention, he could see the similarities between them. They were echoes of each other. Where Top Spin was mostly white with bits of grey and dark blues, Twin Twist was mostly a pale grey with bits of white and dark blues. They both had two thick stripes over their wings as well.
“We don’t judge here in Kaon,” Megatron said, knowing he had to choose his words carefully. “Not between consenting adults at any rate. If you are seeking a home--”
“They’re not,” Springer growled, his eyes flashing with anger. “They’re part of my phalanx, my crew, and they don’t need any other home.”
Top Spin patted Springer on the shoulder. “Calm down, boss. We’re not thinking of jumping flocks. Was just a curiosity is all.” He grinned, easygoing, his gaze slanting to Megatron. “Appreciate the offer though. It’s always nice to have a backup plan.”
“Right,” Springer said, and his eyes narrowed. He forked a piece of pastry into his mouth before his gaze seemed to focus on Starscream. He pointed at the smol with his fork. “What about you?” he asked around his mouthful. “What flock are you from?”
Starscream arched an eyebrow.
Megatron had to hide his smirk. If Springer thought he’d found a weak link in Starscream, he was sorely mistaken.
“Vos,” Starscream drawled and folded his fingers together, resting his chin upon them. “I fled an arranged mating and found shelter here.” His smile broadened. “I suppose you’re going to tell me that was all a big mistake, and I was better off where I left.”
Springer wiped at his mouth. “I wouldn’t presume to do that. Though I do find it curious.” He tilted his head, crest flicking. “Vos is far from here. How’d you manage the journey?”
“By the skin of my teeth.” Starscream bared them pointedly. “Or maybe a smol who is capable of taking care of himself is anathema to you. I gather you like them meek and pliant. Easier to pin down that way, I imagine.”
Megatron snorted behind a cup of mead. Rodimus had no such compunction and started giggling madly.
For the second time that evening, Springer outright gaped. He spluttered, feathers flaring, face darkening into a terrible hue.
“My preferences are no concern of yours,” he growled, and his grip on his cup tightened, to the point the carved wood creaked a protest. “Unless, of course, it’s because you’ve been seeking someone of a firmer hand yourself. Seems like you could use it.”
“Oh, that is certainly not the case.” Starscream leaned back languidly, examining his talons as though bored. “I’ve tamed fiercer creatures than yourself.” He paused and tilted his head. “Then again, there are blackberry bushes out there with more bite.”
Springer exhaled sharply through his nose. His lips pressed into a thin line, and a low growl rolled through his chest.
“Speaking of creatures,” Top Spin interjected loudly, all but shoving an apple at his leader’s chest, “I seem to recall you mentioning something about raptors earlier?”
“Yes, we have one pack who is always welcome in Kaon. While they are nomadic, I do believe Kaon is claimed as their territory,” Megatron answered.
“Claimed?” Springer echoed with a snort. He seemed to have regained some of his bluster. “They’re beasts. Barely qualifying as intelligent. How can they claim anything?”
Megatron’s eyes narrowed.
“That is remarkably ignorant of you to say,” Starscream said in a cold tone. “If a voltaic cat can claim territory, why can’t a Raptor? Though that is a false equivalence since Raptors are both sapient and vastly more intelligent than a voltaic cat. Though I can’t say the same for you.”
“Grimlock and his pack are friends to the Kaon Aerie,” Rodimus added sharply. “If he were here, Grimlock would be recognized as a leader and you’d have to grant him the same respect you do Liege Megatron, per the Tyrest Accords. Remember that, Captain Springer.”
Springer, at least, had the decency to look chastened. “Yes, of course, my prince. How short-sighted of me. Only, you know as well as I do, that we’ve had nothing but trouble from the Raptors near Iacon.”
“Perhaps that’s because you treat them as lesser beings rather than equals. That would make anyone upset,” Megatron suggested with a casual lift of his shoulders.
“In all fairness, we have tried to sit down and have a civil conversation with them, but it has failed. Repeatedly,” Top Spin said with a little sigh.
“Raptors can detect condescension and disdain far better than you think they can. They may sound ignorant, as they speak another language, but they are most assuredly not,” Starscream said. “Had you ever been to Vos, you might have had occasion to meet Deathsaurus and his Pack of Wonders, a traveling entertainment troupe. You could learn much from them.”
Rodimus chuckled and gave Starscream a pointed look. “Oh, yes,” he said. “You can learn a lot of things. Including how skillfully they craft their nests.”
Starscream hissed at him, baring his teeth, but it seemed a playful warning more than an angry one. “You hush,” he said.
Springer’s eyes widened. “You’ve had… liaisons with one of the creatures?”
“Stop calling them creatures,” Starscream snapped. “The only difference between us is an evolutionary path. They are no less sapient than you and I, and yes, I have. Deathsaurus was the only bara I’d ever met in Vos who had an inkling of kindness for their lovers.”
Twin Twist frowned. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t the Vosians have laws against their smols taking any bara other than their mate?”
Starscream sat back, his eyes narrowing to slits of ember. “Laws mean nothing to those who don’t wish to follow them. Why else do you think I left?”
“It’s beside the point,” Springer said and pointed at Starscream with his fork again. He seemed to enjoy gesturing with the tableware. “Deathsaurus and his ilk might be of the cultured variety, but Predaking and his pack have been raiding our stores, harassing the smaller villages, and being a general nuisance from the moment of Iacon’s inception.”
Starscream snorted. “So in other words, they were there first, and objected to you ousting them, so they’ve done the best they could with the resources available. Typical.”
“It’s a bit more complicated than that,” Top Spin said, obviously trying to calm the tension of the situation. “But you aren’t wrong either. Perhaps we could take a closer look at how we are communicating and find a better, more effective solution.”
“And that’s why Springer would be lost without you, Spin,” Rodimus said with a soft chuckle. “You’re the cold to his fire.”
Top Spin laughed and popped a grape into his mouth. “Well, when it comes to being a captain, you need some of that fire.”
“I am sitting right here,” Springer gritted out.
“Yes, yes, I see you, captain.” Top Spin’s free hand patted Springer on the shoulder before he scooped a pastry puff from the table. “Here, have one of these. They’re absolutely delicious. My compliments to the baker, by the way. You truly have some talented flockmembers, Liege Megatron.”
Springer pressed his lips together and snatched the puff out of Top Spin’s hand. His feathers ruffled, but he must have had some self-control beneath the bluster, because he didn’t say anything further. The way he shoved the puff in his mouth was just shy of ridiculous.
Perhaps a tad hilarious.
“Thank you.” Megatron tipped his head in appreciation. “You know, I was never lucky enough to visit Iacon. By the time Orion was old enough to be sent as a delegation, we’d already left. Why don’t you share with us some of the wonders of your city? The… unique things which make it beautiful.”
“Oh, I could talk all night,” Top Spin said. “I think we all could. We love our aerie.”
“Then please do.” Starscream leaned forward, all trace of his earlier animosity gone. “I’ve spoken at lengths with Rodimus, but he’s not a very good storyteller. And he wasn’t as observant as he should have been.”
Rodimus held up his hands. “Guilty as charged. Sorry, but I was a prince. I didn’t get to see the city much.”
“We’ll be happy to fill in the gaps then,” Springer said and he gave Rodimus a sharp look. “Since someone had the tendency to slip away from his lessons before they could begin.”
“Hey!” Rodimus’ crest feathers twitched, his face darkening with an embarrassed hue. “This is not make fun of Rodimus night.”
Starscream laughed. “Oh, I don’t know,” he drawled. “Seems like since you’re the cause of all the trouble, there’s nothing wrong with poking fun.”
Springer peered at him. “I think I could like you, Vosian.”
“Starscream,” Starscream purred, correcting him. “And too bad, I’m taken.”
Rodimus snorted. “Right. Sure you are.” He snatched at his mead and took a great gulp. “Spin, why don’t you tell Starscream about where you were hatched? I think he’d like that.”
“The where or the how?” Top Spin said with a raised brow. He nudged his twin with an elbow. “That story never gets old, eh?”
“Only to some,” Twin Twist sighed.
“Spoilsport.” Top Spin rolled his eyes and wriggled in his seat. “Well,” he began. “It was a dark and stormy night.”
“It was mid-afternoon,” Twin Twist corrected around the rim of his mug.
“Hush, you don’t even like telling the story.”
“Then you should tell it right.”
Megatron chuckled despite himself as the twins bickered. It seemed, at last, that the tension around the table was vanishing. Down the row, Sandstorm was deep in conversation with Roadbuster and Drift. Ironfist had engaged Brainstorm while Pyro and Pipes were giggling together, Pipes inching ever closer to Pyro on the bench. That was a match which wasn’t going to bear any fruit. Poor Pipes. Ever hopeful that one.
Megatron rested a hand on Rodimus’ back and leaned in close to his mate. “I’m going to check on the Aerie, make sure everything is safe and secure. Will you keep an eye on things here?”
Rodimus turned to face him, eyes wide and startled. “You trust me to do that?”
“If you’re going to be my mate, I’ll leave a lot more in your capable hands,” Megatron nuzzled him, struggling to keep it chaste. “Though if you can make an excuse to leave and seek me out, I wouldn’t be opposed either.”
“Oh, the things you say,” Rodimus breathed, turning his head as if in an attempt to capture Megatron’s lips.
Megatron stood before he let temptation sway him. He brushed his lips over Rodimus’ temple in parting, his hand slid away from Rodimus’ back.
Unfortunately, the opportunity to sneak out quietly was gone in an instant. He’d stood and managed to attract everyone’s attention.
Damn.
Megatron forced a cordial smile. “If you’ll excuse me, it’s been a busy day and I have much to oversee before the night is through. Feel free to eat as much as you like.”
He slipped out from behind the bench and eased to the door, taking careful note of the way Springer’s feathers flicked with aggravation. “Any of the public areas are open to you. Please ask permission before entering any personal nests, however. Otherwise, make yourself at home.”
He smiled again, the sort of smile he’d been taught as Orion’s personal guard, a smile for a soldier who was to be seen and not heard, polite and well-mannered, decoration that could spring to action at a moment’s notice. Megatron hadn’t been taught the complete round of royal behavior, but he’d learned enough. It served him well now.
Springer glared, but managed through clenched teeth, “We appreciate your hospitality and thank you for your generosity.”
He’d had similar training to Megatron. They were far too much alike. Thank Adaptus Orion was sequestered in his nest. He’d be endlessly amused by this and tease Megatron for years.
“You’re welcome.” Megatron smiled, all politics and courtesy, and stepped away from the table. “If you have any questions, I am sure my Speaker or Rodimus can answer them for you.”
If he was lucky, Rodimus would find some way to escape. Megatron had not had occasion to embrace his consort in hours, and now that he’d opened the lid, he had no wish to close it again.
Though he wondered if Springer would try and delay or stop Rodimus, since he had to know what Rodimus’ intentions for this evening were.
Megatron headed for the upper canopy. He figured he’d wait for Rodimus up there, rather than lurk outside the dining hall, struggling to resist the urge to peek inside and see what was keeping Rodimus. With his luck, Springer would do something stupid and Megatron would reply in kind, and then they’d have an incident on their hands.
Best to keep temptation at bay.
He made it not a handful of steps before he heard someone calling his name. Megatron spun in a low circle, seeking out the origin of it, when he heard it again. He followed the voice to the edge of the path, and as he approached to investigate, a head appeared, flush with rust-orange feathers.
“There you are,” Rung greeted warmly before he nimbly dropped down to the same level as Megatron, adjusting his glasses as he landed. “I’ve been hoping to catch you.”
Megatron tucked his hands behind his back. “I apologize for being unavailable. It’s been a very busy day.”
“Oh, I know.” Rung chuckled, offering Megatron a big, bright smile as he looked up. “There’s no need to apologize. Though I’m glad to have caught you now.”
“Is there something I can help you with?” Megatron asked, with a note of concern. Rung didn’t look troubled, but then, he could be so very easygoing. Truly one of the least troublesome members of Megatron’s flock.
Rung bobbed on his heels. “There’s nothing wrong. I merely wanted to congratulate you.” He removed his glasses and peered up at Megatron. “I see that you and Hot Rod – pardon me, Rodimus – have finally come to terms.”
A large smile bloomed on Megatron’s lips. “Yes, we have,” he replied, warmth tightening into a huge ball inside of him at just the thought of his Intended. Was this what true joy felt like?
“I am glad.” Rung’s look turned fond as he glanced past Megatron, toward the dining hall. “The both of you deserve this happiness.”
Megatron hadn’t realized Rung was paying attention. In fact, he was one of the few who had not seen fit to nag Megatron regarding his love life. Megatron cocked his head.
“You were the only one who never encouraged me to go after him,” Megatron said, his forehead crinkling in recollection. “You didn’t dissuade me either. You didn’t offer a single grain of advice.” Of all his flock, Megatron would have expected it of Rung the most, so it was a very curious thing.
Rung smiled at him, gentle as always. “No, I didn’t.”
“Why?”
Rung patted him on the arm, a featherlight touch. “Because it was something you needed to discover for yourself.”
Megatron tilted his head. “All realizations are done alone.”
“True.” Rung’s smile broadened with an air of mischief. “But also, you are very stubborn, my liege. You are more the type to cling harder to what you’ve decided is a truth, the more you are pushed to see otherwise. I knew this was not something you could be persuaded into seeing. You’d come around in time.”
“And if I hadn’t?” Megatron challenged.
Rung’s eyes glistened with humor. “I had faith you would. We don’t follow you without reason.” He patted Megatron on the arm before tucking his hands behind his back. “I suppose I’d better join Maximus now, else he’ll get to looking for me.” He sighed, but it was with the warmth of affection. “He’s hopeless without me.”
“It is often that way, when it comes to love,” Megatron said.
“Indeed.” Rung smiled, soft and certain.
He left. Megatron watched him go, something warm and settled in his core. It wasn’t so much he needed Rung’s approval to feel content, but that with every one of his flock who was overjoyed for him, Megatron was even more certain he’d made the right choice. He felt as though he was finally coming into his own.
Megatron continued on, climbing ever upward, through an aerie mostly quiet as his flock was, by and large, in the dining hall. Save for those on guard duty, but they would be spelled by others throughout the evening.
He climbed to the perch he and Hot Rod had shared only weeks prior. Nostalgia tugged at his core, and Megatron wrapped his talons around the thick branch as he waited. It was still bright outside, the sun a few hours away from setting this time of the year. A light breeze rustling the leaves, making them dance and sway. The sky was clear, the blue darkening on the horizon.
A perfect evening for a flight.
The only thing to make it better would be Rodimus’ company.
Speaking of which…
Megatron grinned as the branches below shook. A muttered curse floated up.
Megatron peered through the leaves and found Rodimus climbing upward, his face pinched with irritation. Whether because the climb had been difficult, or his guardian had been, Megatron didn’t know.
He crouched and offered a hand to his intended. “Having trouble are we?”
Rodimus rolled his eyes, but accepted the offer. “Blame Springer. He started going on about my chastity and my virtue and whether or not I wanted to offer both here in Kaon.” He grunted as Megatron pulled him up.
Rodimus immediately plastered himself against Megatron’s front with a giggle. “The look on his face when I told him I no longer had either is something I’m going to treasure forever.”
Megatron groaned. “He’s going to challenge me to an honor duel before he leaves.” He swept his arms around Rodimus, briefly cupping the pretty smol’s rump.
“I won’t let him. Besides, it’s up to me who I go to nest with, not my guardian.” Rodimus snuggled against his chest, purring audibly. “So. Flight?”
Megatron’s tongue swept over his lips. “Maybe a brief one.”
“You just want to get me in your nest.” Rodimus wriggled against him, his hands sweeping down Megatron’s sides. “Not that I’m opposed. We could always skip the flight.” He waggled his eyebrows.
Megatron cupped the back of Rodimus’ head and leaned down, brushing his lips over Rodimus’. “We could. But something tells me if we don’t burn off some of this energy, our night will be over too quickly.”
“Mmm. You may be right.” Rodimus pressed against him, his body moving in a sinuous wave. “Three times around the aerie then?”
“Three times?” Megatron lifted Rodimus from his lap and set him aside. He stood, stretching his arms above him. “You think you’ll make it that long?”
“Pfft. I can hold out longer than you!” Rodimus declared, indignant, as he struggled to pull himself to his feet.
“Prove it.” Megatron winked. “I’ll race you.”
He leapt without waiting for a reply, taking to the air with a fierce pull of his arms, the wind rushing over his face and feathers.
“No fair!” Rodimus called after him before the wind caught his voice.
Megatron grinned as the branches noisily shook and Rodimus leapt into the air after him, wings furiously beating to give chase. It was strange how playful he felt, how light and carefree. As if he’d finally shed the burdens weighing so heavily on his shoulders.
Rodimus caught up to him quickly enough. Smols had the advantage when it came to speed. He flew circles around Megatron, laughing as he spun and twisted and danced in the sky. Megatron allowed himself to admire this time especially as the sunset played across Rodimus’ feathers.
Mine, he thought. Mine if he’ll have me.
Three circles around the Aerie was indeed all they managed. Need rushed and roared through Megatron, and it took all the focus he had to stay in the air. Rodimus sped ahead of him, beating Megatron to a landing on the aerie canopy, coming down with such force he rattled several branches loose. They rained down, to be caught by the netting later.
Rodimus looked up at Megatron and wriggled his fingers with a grin. His tongue ran over his lips as he winked. And then he vanished, dropping out of sight.
Oh. So that was the game he wanted to play then.
Megatron’s core throbbed a faster beat. He landed roughly, the perch creaking beneath his mass. He crouched, peering through the canopy, but he could see not see so much as a flash of orange or crimson. Rodimus had already gone. Back to Megatron’s nest, no doubt, unless he truly wanted to give Megatron a challenge.
Well then.
Megatron grinned, his tail swishing behind him, desire turning to a tide of lust that pulsed heat through his veins.
Let the chase begin.
****
a/n: Entering 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.
Dinner came long before Megatron was ready for it.
He’d passed along that their visitors would be joining them to those of his flock in charge of the evening meal, and then been promptly shooed out of the kitchens as they became a frenzy of activity. He had no idea what they had planned, but when he walked into the dining room later that evening, he boggled at the impressive spread they had arranged.
There were vegetable pies and more fresh biscuits with plenty of Drift’s jam to go around. Juices and fresh water and honeymead filled deftly arranged pitchers to the brim. Bowls of the freshest fruit were carefully scattered across the tables for those who preferred unprepared meals. They’d baked and mashed both red potatoes and sweet potatoes. Loaves of oatmeal bread had been neatly sliced and set out with plates of fresh-churned butter, the latter of which they received from the humans.
Megatron hadn’t ordered them to impress the Iaconians, but apparently his cooks and bakers had taken it upon themselves to do so. They hovered in the kitchen, peering through the doorway, stares set on the new arrivals as if daring them to be unimpressed.
Springer and his five soldiers were given point of pride in the center of the room, where Megatron sat with them, Soundwave and Rodimus to either side of him. The others, Megatron had learned, were Top Spin, Twin Twist, Pyro, Sandstorm, and Ironfist. All but one were baras. None were mated, so it came as no surprise to Megatron that they gave appreciative looks to the unmated in Megatron’s flock, some of whom fluttered around the Iaconian guard like hungry butterflies.
To be fair, it wasn’t every day Kaon welcomed visitors such as these. They usually welcomed either the Raptors, or the beaten and downtrodden desperate for a refuge.
Megatron waited for everyone to be seated before he stood. He lifted his hands, calling for silence, and didn’t speak until the low murmur of conversation vanished.
“I’d like to start tonight by thanking our chefs for the wonderful meal they’ve provided. They have truly outdone themselves,” Megatron said with a smile in the direction of the kitchen. “I would also like to welcome our guests to supper, which is always a meal shared in Kaon, so that we may all come together at least once a day.” He gestured toward Springer and his entourage. “Please be as courteous to them as you would one of our own. Now without further ado, everyone enjoy.”
Megatron sat.
He wasn’t one for elaborate speeches, and he rarely spoke for evening meals like that, but he didn’t want the Elite Guard leaving Kaon and believing them to be a flock of heathens either. They had their traditions, no matter how ridiculous it might seem to those from such a grand aerie.
Conversation began in earnest once Megatron sat, and his flock started to help themselves. Maybe they didn’t have servants running around like in Iacon, but it was still a good dinner.
“So Megatron,” Springer said as he examined the flood on his plate with a critical eye. “What Aerie did you say you were from?”
Rodimus narrowed his eyes at his former guardian. “What does it matter?” His hand tightened around the handle of his utensil.
“It’s just curiosity, Roddy.” Springer forked a steamed slice of squash into his mouth. “Aren’t all the harpies here from somewhere else?”
Megatron rested his elbows on the table, lacing his fingers together. He would wait to eat. “Yes, that is correct. Until we established our aerie here, Kaon had no native-born harpies and had only seen the occasional visitor.”
“Megatron’s from Crystal City.” Rodimus glared hard at his guardian, as if trying to warn him against stirring up trouble. “He was guardian to the Prime’s heirs.”
“And stole away with one, if the rumors are correct,” Springer commented with raised eyebrows.
“Orion Pax left of his own accord,” Megatron replied, refusing to rise to the bait, for he knew what Springer intended to imply. “It was, in fact, his idea to come to Kaon.”
“Was it now?” Springer rose, hands braced on the table, craning his neck to peer through the gathered members of Megatron’s flock. “Is he here? I’d like to ask him what prompted his decision to leave.”
Megatron worked his jaw. “He and his mate are in their nest for the standard privacy days after the successful carry and hatching of their first little one. He is not to be disturbed.”
“How convenient.” Springer tilted his head toward the harpy next to him – Top Spin if Megatron remembered correctly, who whispered into his ear. Amber eyes narrowed. “Am I hearing this right, Liege Megatron? Orion is the one who carried?”
Megatron tilted his head. “You sound surprised. You do know that all harpies are capable of carrying, yes? Or don’t they cover basic reproduction in Iacon?”
Someone down the table poorly concealed a snicker. Megatron didn’t have to look to know it was Rumble. He and Frenzy had been watching the conversation with wide eyes, jostling one another with their elbows.
A growl echoed in Springer’s chest. One of his guards, the pale yellow one, laughed. “He’s got a point, Springs,” the harpy said.
Springer hissed at his subordinate and directed a glare at Megatron. “That is not the point here. I seem to recall both of Sentinel Prime’s heirs being baras.”
“They are.” Megatron unlaced his fingers and focused on his food. He’d selected one of the vegetable pies, and the scent of eggplant made his mouth water. “Here in Kaon, any who wish to carry may do so, regardless of class.”
Springer’s crest flicked. “How liberal of you.”
“That’s the point, Springer,” Rodimus bit out, all but vibrating in place next to Megatron, as though his outrage couldn’t be contained. “Kaon is free. They don’t have any stupid restrictions. You can mate anyone you want. You can carry if you want. You can be whatever you want, and no one’s going to make you do anything you don’t want.”
“It sounds chaotic,” Springer commented.
“Actually, I think it sounds kind of nice,” Top Spin said with a wistful note to his voice. He idly sucked jam from his talons. “Harpies in Iacon are so stiff sometimes.”
Springer’s attention swung toward his second, his crest high and rigid with outrage. It didn’t seem to perturb Top Spin at all.
“We welcome everyone here,” Megatron said, offhand. He would not be bothered by some whelp from Iacon who hadn’t an ounce of understanding of what Megatron’s flock had gone through just to survive. “It is the core tenet of what Kaon stands for. And I will fight to the last beat of my core to defend it as such.”
“So how many different flocks would you say are represented here?” Top Spin asked, perhaps in a bid to change the subject to something less incendiary.
“At last count, twelve,” Soundwave answered before Megatron could finish the calculations in his head. “At the moment, our population stands at 118, including hatchlings.” He effortlessly forked a flaky fruit tart into his mouth, but that he’d removed his mask was telling. Perhaps he thought his scars and intense stare would encourage their visitors to think twice about threatening Kaon.
Megatron approved.
“My Speaker answers truthfully,” Megatron said with a nod, because he trusted Soundwave’s counts more than his own. “I know we are a small flock compared to many, but we are ever growing. I am unconcerned about our future.”
“Your relationship with the humans is pretty weird,” pointed out Ironfist, easy to recognize as he was the only smol. A pale, grey blue, he was short and stocky, and bristling with weaponry. “Most harpies are afraid of them.”
“With good reason,” Springer muttered. “Humans are nothing but trouble.”
“The humans here are educators and scientists. Their only interest is to learn from us, not exploit us,” Starscream commented from Hot Rod’s other side. He’d cleaned his plate and now rested his crossed arms on the table. “We have nothing to fear from them. Instead, we have benefited from their proximity.” He gestured upward, to the strings of lights draped across the ceiling. “Their many gifts have made life easier.”
“Right. Their gifts.” Rodimus snorted a laugh and gave Starscream a pointed look. Whatever that meant.
It made Starscream flush and poke Rodimus with his elbow. “You hush,” he hissed, and straightened, clearing his throat. “The point is, the humans are our allies, and hopefully, our relationship with them here can begin the process of building bridges with humans planet-wide in order to obtain more rights for all harpy-kind.”
This was news to Megatron. He hadn’t realized Starscream was working so hard as a kind of political liaison. It was impressive. He would have to ask Soundwave about it. Though he had little doubt his Speaker already knew and had approved the venture.
Springer looked skeptical. “If you say so. Frankly, I don’t think humans can be trusted. I’d watch my back, if I were you,” he said, pointing a fork at Starscream. “Else next thing you know, you’ll find yourself sold to the highest bidder.”
“It would be a shame to loop all humans into the same category,” Megatron said smoothly, unable to resist the opportunity for another dig. “After all, not every harpy is an uptight rumpstick without a sense of humor.”
Down the table, Rumble and Frenzy didn’t bother to hide their laughter. They slid out of their seats from their amusement, chittering to each other in that special language they’d developed, as Soundwave hissed at them and shooed them on.
Springer’s feathers ruffled. His nostrils flared. “Manners can be taught,” he said in a tight tone. “Respect for the sapience of another species is slower in coming.”
“Exactly. You can’t learn what you don’t know needs to be learned,” Rodimus pointed out as he leaned a little to his left, bumping shoulders with Megatron. “And that’s what Starscream is doing. The more he can prove to the humans that we are deserving of protection and equal rights, the more we can convince them to stop treating us like creatures to be bought and traded.”
Warmth flooded Megatron. There was something irresistibly intoxicating about Rodimus speaking so knowledgeably, so confidently. It was like he could wear and cast aside his mantle of authority as if it were made of cloth, easy to set aside or pick up as needed. That flexibility of his was undeniably alluring.
“It’s impressive. I admire your dedication to the attempt,” Top Spin said diplomatically. “If you are successful, we’ll all benefit.”
“You got anyone here from Tesaurus?” the pale yellow Harpy abruptly asked, leaning forward into view.
“Sandstorm,” Springer warned in a low tone. His glare spoke chastisement, but it seemed to sail right over Sandstorm’s head.
“Several, point of fact.” Megatron tilted his head to the next table over, where Roadbuster and Trailbreaker occupied an end with Drift and Perceptor. “Drift is our Fencemaster, though he came here by way of Iacon. I’m sure he’ll be up for a demonstration after supper, if you’re interested.”
It was easy to guess what about the Tesaurans intrigued Sandstorm. The massive blade slung across his back made it quite obvious.
Sandstorm perked up considerably. His gaze followed Megatron’s to the end of the table, no doubt zeroing in on the two Megatron had indicated. “Do they spar?”
“If you ask politely,” Megatron said with a little laugh.
Sandstorm abruptly stood, wiping his mouth with a napkin, his sheath clinking. “I can be polite,” he said and swept up his plate of food. “Promise not to start any wars, boss.” He winked at Springer, and then he was gone, hustling down to the end of the table.
Springer gaped after him.
Top Spin laughed. “Right, so. That’s a thing.” He grinned at them and popped another bite of biscuit into his mouth. “Sandstorm really likes swords.”
Down the table, one of the Iaconians snorted a laugh so hard he almost choked on his drink. Megatron raised his eyebrows at the dark crimson bara, tall and gangly, not unlike Whirl.
“Am I missing something?” he asked.
Springer looked as though he wanted to strangle his soldiers.
Top Spin shook his head. “Private joke,” he said with a wink. “Pyro’s got a twisted sense of humor.”
“What about twins?” Another of the harpies asked, leaning forward. He’d been sitting on Sandstorm’s other side, but now he slid into Sandstorm’s abandoned seat, right next to Top Spin.
Megatron frowned. “What about them?” he asked as Soundwave replied, “Accepted without restriction.”
“It’s different from home, Twin Twist,” Rodimus added with a small smile. “There aren’t any strict laws here. Though there are also only two sets of twins, so maybe it hasn’t come up yet.” He looked up at Megatron. “Top Spin and Twin Twist are twins.”
Bara twins, hm? The rarest of the rare.
Megatron knew all too well what became of twins in Crystal City. They were, more often than not, separated for their own good. It was believed twins had the inclination to mate each other; therefore, it was best to keep them apart, though that didn’t bode well for them. Twins tended to wither away, for lack of a better term, without their counterpart.
No one was sure why yet.
Though it seemed Twin Twist and Top Spin seemed to be doing all right. Megatron was curious, however, if their carrier had survived his carry. It was not a decent topic for dinner conversation, but Megatron was aware there was a reason bara twins were so uncommon. Their carry usually resulted in the death of the carrier. A single bara egg was already large. Two of them made a strain on the carrier’s body and harpies simply didn’t have the medical facilities the humans did to safely bring those carries to term.
Megatron had heard stories of how twins were received in other flocks. Many of them, he knew, opted to euthanize the twin they considered the weaker of the two. Some flocks would abandon twins as they were considered an ill portent. It was probably what had happened to Laserbeak and Buzzsaw, they’d decided. The twins had been sold by their parents to be rid of their curse.
“We’re not mated,” Top Spin said with a strained smile, like he’d been forced to disclose this numerous times before.
“And we don’t want to be,” Twin Twist added with a scowl.
Now that Megatron was paying attention, he could see the similarities between them. They were echoes of each other. Where Top Spin was mostly white with bits of grey and dark blues, Twin Twist was mostly a pale grey with bits of white and dark blues. They both had two thick stripes over their wings as well.
“We don’t judge here in Kaon,” Megatron said, knowing he had to choose his words carefully. “Not between consenting adults at any rate. If you are seeking a home--”
“They’re not,” Springer growled, his eyes flashing with anger. “They’re part of my phalanx, my crew, and they don’t need any other home.”
Top Spin patted Springer on the shoulder. “Calm down, boss. We’re not thinking of jumping flocks. Was just a curiosity is all.” He grinned, easygoing, his gaze slanting to Megatron. “Appreciate the offer though. It’s always nice to have a backup plan.”
“Right,” Springer said, and his eyes narrowed. He forked a piece of pastry into his mouth before his gaze seemed to focus on Starscream. He pointed at the smol with his fork. “What about you?” he asked around his mouthful. “What flock are you from?”
Starscream arched an eyebrow.
Megatron had to hide his smirk. If Springer thought he’d found a weak link in Starscream, he was sorely mistaken.
“Vos,” Starscream drawled and folded his fingers together, resting his chin upon them. “I fled an arranged mating and found shelter here.” His smile broadened. “I suppose you’re going to tell me that was all a big mistake, and I was better off where I left.”
Springer wiped at his mouth. “I wouldn’t presume to do that. Though I do find it curious.” He tilted his head, crest flicking. “Vos is far from here. How’d you manage the journey?”
“By the skin of my teeth.” Starscream bared them pointedly. “Or maybe a smol who is capable of taking care of himself is anathema to you. I gather you like them meek and pliant. Easier to pin down that way, I imagine.”
Megatron snorted behind a cup of mead. Rodimus had no such compunction and started giggling madly.
For the second time that evening, Springer outright gaped. He spluttered, feathers flaring, face darkening into a terrible hue.
“My preferences are no concern of yours,” he growled, and his grip on his cup tightened, to the point the carved wood creaked a protest. “Unless, of course, it’s because you’ve been seeking someone of a firmer hand yourself. Seems like you could use it.”
“Oh, that is certainly not the case.” Starscream leaned back languidly, examining his talons as though bored. “I’ve tamed fiercer creatures than yourself.” He paused and tilted his head. “Then again, there are blackberry bushes out there with more bite.”
Springer exhaled sharply through his nose. His lips pressed into a thin line, and a low growl rolled through his chest.
“Speaking of creatures,” Top Spin interjected loudly, all but shoving an apple at his leader’s chest, “I seem to recall you mentioning something about raptors earlier?”
“Yes, we have one pack who is always welcome in Kaon. While they are nomadic, I do believe Kaon is claimed as their territory,” Megatron answered.
“Claimed?” Springer echoed with a snort. He seemed to have regained some of his bluster. “They’re beasts. Barely qualifying as intelligent. How can they claim anything?”
Megatron’s eyes narrowed.
“That is remarkably ignorant of you to say,” Starscream said in a cold tone. “If a voltaic cat can claim territory, why can’t a Raptor? Though that is a false equivalence since Raptors are both sapient and vastly more intelligent than a voltaic cat. Though I can’t say the same for you.”
“Grimlock and his pack are friends to the Kaon Aerie,” Rodimus added sharply. “If he were here, Grimlock would be recognized as a leader and you’d have to grant him the same respect you do Liege Megatron, per the Tyrest Accords. Remember that, Captain Springer.”
Springer, at least, had the decency to look chastened. “Yes, of course, my prince. How short-sighted of me. Only, you know as well as I do, that we’ve had nothing but trouble from the Raptors near Iacon.”
“Perhaps that’s because you treat them as lesser beings rather than equals. That would make anyone upset,” Megatron suggested with a casual lift of his shoulders.
“In all fairness, we have tried to sit down and have a civil conversation with them, but it has failed. Repeatedly,” Top Spin said with a little sigh.
“Raptors can detect condescension and disdain far better than you think they can. They may sound ignorant, as they speak another language, but they are most assuredly not,” Starscream said. “Had you ever been to Vos, you might have had occasion to meet Deathsaurus and his Pack of Wonders, a traveling entertainment troupe. You could learn much from them.”
Rodimus chuckled and gave Starscream a pointed look. “Oh, yes,” he said. “You can learn a lot of things. Including how skillfully they craft their nests.”
Starscream hissed at him, baring his teeth, but it seemed a playful warning more than an angry one. “You hush,” he said.
Springer’s eyes widened. “You’ve had… liaisons with one of the creatures?”
“Stop calling them creatures,” Starscream snapped. “The only difference between us is an evolutionary path. They are no less sapient than you and I, and yes, I have. Deathsaurus was the only bara I’d ever met in Vos who had an inkling of kindness for their lovers.”
Twin Twist frowned. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but don’t the Vosians have laws against their smols taking any bara other than their mate?”
Starscream sat back, his eyes narrowing to slits of ember. “Laws mean nothing to those who don’t wish to follow them. Why else do you think I left?”
“It’s beside the point,” Springer said and pointed at Starscream with his fork again. He seemed to enjoy gesturing with the tableware. “Deathsaurus and his ilk might be of the cultured variety, but Predaking and his pack have been raiding our stores, harassing the smaller villages, and being a general nuisance from the moment of Iacon’s inception.”
Starscream snorted. “So in other words, they were there first, and objected to you ousting them, so they’ve done the best they could with the resources available. Typical.”
“It’s a bit more complicated than that,” Top Spin said, obviously trying to calm the tension of the situation. “But you aren’t wrong either. Perhaps we could take a closer look at how we are communicating and find a better, more effective solution.”
“And that’s why Springer would be lost without you, Spin,” Rodimus said with a soft chuckle. “You’re the cold to his fire.”
Top Spin laughed and popped a grape into his mouth. “Well, when it comes to being a captain, you need some of that fire.”
“I am sitting right here,” Springer gritted out.
“Yes, yes, I see you, captain.” Top Spin’s free hand patted Springer on the shoulder before he scooped a pastry puff from the table. “Here, have one of these. They’re absolutely delicious. My compliments to the baker, by the way. You truly have some talented flockmembers, Liege Megatron.”
Springer pressed his lips together and snatched the puff out of Top Spin’s hand. His feathers ruffled, but he must have had some self-control beneath the bluster, because he didn’t say anything further. The way he shoved the puff in his mouth was just shy of ridiculous.
Perhaps a tad hilarious.
“Thank you.” Megatron tipped his head in appreciation. “You know, I was never lucky enough to visit Iacon. By the time Orion was old enough to be sent as a delegation, we’d already left. Why don’t you share with us some of the wonders of your city? The… unique things which make it beautiful.”
“Oh, I could talk all night,” Top Spin said. “I think we all could. We love our aerie.”
“Then please do.” Starscream leaned forward, all trace of his earlier animosity gone. “I’ve spoken at lengths with Rodimus, but he’s not a very good storyteller. And he wasn’t as observant as he should have been.”
Rodimus held up his hands. “Guilty as charged. Sorry, but I was a prince. I didn’t get to see the city much.”
“We’ll be happy to fill in the gaps then,” Springer said and he gave Rodimus a sharp look. “Since someone had the tendency to slip away from his lessons before they could begin.”
“Hey!” Rodimus’ crest feathers twitched, his face darkening with an embarrassed hue. “This is not make fun of Rodimus night.”
Starscream laughed. “Oh, I don’t know,” he drawled. “Seems like since you’re the cause of all the trouble, there’s nothing wrong with poking fun.”
Springer peered at him. “I think I could like you, Vosian.”
“Starscream,” Starscream purred, correcting him. “And too bad, I’m taken.”
Rodimus snorted. “Right. Sure you are.” He snatched at his mead and took a great gulp. “Spin, why don’t you tell Starscream about where you were hatched? I think he’d like that.”
“The where or the how?” Top Spin said with a raised brow. He nudged his twin with an elbow. “That story never gets old, eh?”
“Only to some,” Twin Twist sighed.
“Spoilsport.” Top Spin rolled his eyes and wriggled in his seat. “Well,” he began. “It was a dark and stormy night.”
“It was mid-afternoon,” Twin Twist corrected around the rim of his mug.
“Hush, you don’t even like telling the story.”
“Then you should tell it right.”
Megatron chuckled despite himself as the twins bickered. It seemed, at last, that the tension around the table was vanishing. Down the row, Sandstorm was deep in conversation with Roadbuster and Drift. Ironfist had engaged Brainstorm while Pyro and Pipes were giggling together, Pipes inching ever closer to Pyro on the bench. That was a match which wasn’t going to bear any fruit. Poor Pipes. Ever hopeful that one.
Megatron rested a hand on Rodimus’ back and leaned in close to his mate. “I’m going to check on the Aerie, make sure everything is safe and secure. Will you keep an eye on things here?”
Rodimus turned to face him, eyes wide and startled. “You trust me to do that?”
“If you’re going to be my mate, I’ll leave a lot more in your capable hands,” Megatron nuzzled him, struggling to keep it chaste. “Though if you can make an excuse to leave and seek me out, I wouldn’t be opposed either.”
“Oh, the things you say,” Rodimus breathed, turning his head as if in an attempt to capture Megatron’s lips.
Megatron stood before he let temptation sway him. He brushed his lips over Rodimus’ temple in parting, his hand slid away from Rodimus’ back.
Unfortunately, the opportunity to sneak out quietly was gone in an instant. He’d stood and managed to attract everyone’s attention.
Damn.
Megatron forced a cordial smile. “If you’ll excuse me, it’s been a busy day and I have much to oversee before the night is through. Feel free to eat as much as you like.”
He slipped out from behind the bench and eased to the door, taking careful note of the way Springer’s feathers flicked with aggravation. “Any of the public areas are open to you. Please ask permission before entering any personal nests, however. Otherwise, make yourself at home.”
He smiled again, the sort of smile he’d been taught as Orion’s personal guard, a smile for a soldier who was to be seen and not heard, polite and well-mannered, decoration that could spring to action at a moment’s notice. Megatron hadn’t been taught the complete round of royal behavior, but he’d learned enough. It served him well now.
Springer glared, but managed through clenched teeth, “We appreciate your hospitality and thank you for your generosity.”
He’d had similar training to Megatron. They were far too much alike. Thank Adaptus Orion was sequestered in his nest. He’d be endlessly amused by this and tease Megatron for years.
“You’re welcome.” Megatron smiled, all politics and courtesy, and stepped away from the table. “If you have any questions, I am sure my Speaker or Rodimus can answer them for you.”
If he was lucky, Rodimus would find some way to escape. Megatron had not had occasion to embrace his consort in hours, and now that he’d opened the lid, he had no wish to close it again.
Though he wondered if Springer would try and delay or stop Rodimus, since he had to know what Rodimus’ intentions for this evening were.
Megatron headed for the upper canopy. He figured he’d wait for Rodimus up there, rather than lurk outside the dining hall, struggling to resist the urge to peek inside and see what was keeping Rodimus. With his luck, Springer would do something stupid and Megatron would reply in kind, and then they’d have an incident on their hands.
Best to keep temptation at bay.
He made it not a handful of steps before he heard someone calling his name. Megatron spun in a low circle, seeking out the origin of it, when he heard it again. He followed the voice to the edge of the path, and as he approached to investigate, a head appeared, flush with rust-orange feathers.
“There you are,” Rung greeted warmly before he nimbly dropped down to the same level as Megatron, adjusting his glasses as he landed. “I’ve been hoping to catch you.”
Megatron tucked his hands behind his back. “I apologize for being unavailable. It’s been a very busy day.”
“Oh, I know.” Rung chuckled, offering Megatron a big, bright smile as he looked up. “There’s no need to apologize. Though I’m glad to have caught you now.”
“Is there something I can help you with?” Megatron asked, with a note of concern. Rung didn’t look troubled, but then, he could be so very easygoing. Truly one of the least troublesome members of Megatron’s flock.
Rung bobbed on his heels. “There’s nothing wrong. I merely wanted to congratulate you.” He removed his glasses and peered up at Megatron. “I see that you and Hot Rod – pardon me, Rodimus – have finally come to terms.”
A large smile bloomed on Megatron’s lips. “Yes, we have,” he replied, warmth tightening into a huge ball inside of him at just the thought of his Intended. Was this what true joy felt like?
“I am glad.” Rung’s look turned fond as he glanced past Megatron, toward the dining hall. “The both of you deserve this happiness.”
Megatron hadn’t realized Rung was paying attention. In fact, he was one of the few who had not seen fit to nag Megatron regarding his love life. Megatron cocked his head.
“You were the only one who never encouraged me to go after him,” Megatron said, his forehead crinkling in recollection. “You didn’t dissuade me either. You didn’t offer a single grain of advice.” Of all his flock, Megatron would have expected it of Rung the most, so it was a very curious thing.
Rung smiled at him, gentle as always. “No, I didn’t.”
“Why?”
Rung patted him on the arm, a featherlight touch. “Because it was something you needed to discover for yourself.”
Megatron tilted his head. “All realizations are done alone.”
“True.” Rung’s smile broadened with an air of mischief. “But also, you are very stubborn, my liege. You are more the type to cling harder to what you’ve decided is a truth, the more you are pushed to see otherwise. I knew this was not something you could be persuaded into seeing. You’d come around in time.”
“And if I hadn’t?” Megatron challenged.
Rung’s eyes glistened with humor. “I had faith you would. We don’t follow you without reason.” He patted Megatron on the arm before tucking his hands behind his back. “I suppose I’d better join Maximus now, else he’ll get to looking for me.” He sighed, but it was with the warmth of affection. “He’s hopeless without me.”
“It is often that way, when it comes to love,” Megatron said.
“Indeed.” Rung smiled, soft and certain.
He left. Megatron watched him go, something warm and settled in his core. It wasn’t so much he needed Rung’s approval to feel content, but that with every one of his flock who was overjoyed for him, Megatron was even more certain he’d made the right choice. He felt as though he was finally coming into his own.
Megatron continued on, climbing ever upward, through an aerie mostly quiet as his flock was, by and large, in the dining hall. Save for those on guard duty, but they would be spelled by others throughout the evening.
He climbed to the perch he and Hot Rod had shared only weeks prior. Nostalgia tugged at his core, and Megatron wrapped his talons around the thick branch as he waited. It was still bright outside, the sun a few hours away from setting this time of the year. A light breeze rustling the leaves, making them dance and sway. The sky was clear, the blue darkening on the horizon.
A perfect evening for a flight.
The only thing to make it better would be Rodimus’ company.
Speaking of which…
Megatron grinned as the branches below shook. A muttered curse floated up.
Megatron peered through the leaves and found Rodimus climbing upward, his face pinched with irritation. Whether because the climb had been difficult, or his guardian had been, Megatron didn’t know.
He crouched and offered a hand to his intended. “Having trouble are we?”
Rodimus rolled his eyes, but accepted the offer. “Blame Springer. He started going on about my chastity and my virtue and whether or not I wanted to offer both here in Kaon.” He grunted as Megatron pulled him up.
Rodimus immediately plastered himself against Megatron’s front with a giggle. “The look on his face when I told him I no longer had either is something I’m going to treasure forever.”
Megatron groaned. “He’s going to challenge me to an honor duel before he leaves.” He swept his arms around Rodimus, briefly cupping the pretty smol’s rump.
“I won’t let him. Besides, it’s up to me who I go to nest with, not my guardian.” Rodimus snuggled against his chest, purring audibly. “So. Flight?”
Megatron’s tongue swept over his lips. “Maybe a brief one.”
“You just want to get me in your nest.” Rodimus wriggled against him, his hands sweeping down Megatron’s sides. “Not that I’m opposed. We could always skip the flight.” He waggled his eyebrows.
Megatron cupped the back of Rodimus’ head and leaned down, brushing his lips over Rodimus’. “We could. But something tells me if we don’t burn off some of this energy, our night will be over too quickly.”
“Mmm. You may be right.” Rodimus pressed against him, his body moving in a sinuous wave. “Three times around the aerie then?”
“Three times?” Megatron lifted Rodimus from his lap and set him aside. He stood, stretching his arms above him. “You think you’ll make it that long?”
“Pfft. I can hold out longer than you!” Rodimus declared, indignant, as he struggled to pull himself to his feet.
“Prove it.” Megatron winked. “I’ll race you.”
He leapt without waiting for a reply, taking to the air with a fierce pull of his arms, the wind rushing over his face and feathers.
“No fair!” Rodimus called after him before the wind caught his voice.
Megatron grinned as the branches noisily shook and Rodimus leapt into the air after him, wings furiously beating to give chase. It was strange how playful he felt, how light and carefree. As if he’d finally shed the burdens weighing so heavily on his shoulders.
Rodimus caught up to him quickly enough. Smols had the advantage when it came to speed. He flew circles around Megatron, laughing as he spun and twisted and danced in the sky. Megatron allowed himself to admire this time especially as the sunset played across Rodimus’ feathers.
Mine, he thought. Mine if he’ll have me.
Three circles around the Aerie was indeed all they managed. Need rushed and roared through Megatron, and it took all the focus he had to stay in the air. Rodimus sped ahead of him, beating Megatron to a landing on the aerie canopy, coming down with such force he rattled several branches loose. They rained down, to be caught by the netting later.
Rodimus looked up at Megatron and wriggled his fingers with a grin. His tongue ran over his lips as he winked. And then he vanished, dropping out of sight.
Oh. So that was the game he wanted to play then.
Megatron’s core throbbed a faster beat. He landed roughly, the perch creaking beneath his mass. He crouched, peering through the canopy, but he could see not see so much as a flash of orange or crimson. Rodimus had already gone. Back to Megatron’s nest, no doubt, unless he truly wanted to give Megatron a challenge.
Well then.
Megatron grinned, his tail swishing behind him, desire turning to a tide of lust that pulsed heat through his veins.
Let the chase begin.
a/n: Entering the home stretch! :)
