Inevitable

by brooke_demure

Summary:

On the run after his poor choices, Megatron, broken and lost, inevitably crosses Texas state lines in his retreat. Running on the fumes of his spark and iron will, he seeks refuge in the form of a dilapidated barn.

An alien robot is the last thing Lauren expected to fall into her lap, let alone her barn. Oh well, what's the worst that could happen?

Notes:

Hello! This is most likely going to be a train wreck, but why not give it a go? I mean- this story has been sitting in my notes for almost a year and a half now, so I hope someone reads it that's not me over and over again.

Plus, there's like no stories for my man Megatron, which i personally think is sorta absurd.

Anywho, please enjoy my word vomit and comments are always greatly appreciated!

Chapter 1: Move

There was no time to think about what he had done. Not even a nanoklik.

 

Everything happened so fast and so slow all at once. Surely his spark must've been knocked from his form. He wasn't sure anymore.

All he knew was that he scanned the first large vehicle his optics landed on and took off, leaving everything behind in a heaping pile of ruble and destruction.

He was in no shape to continue fighting. By Primus, it was a miracle his spark still pulsed.

 

They did not follow him for long, and that, he was thankful for. He had no specific destination in mind, just away.

 

As far as he could carry himself.

 

He needed time; a few cycles to recuperate and figure out a plan of action. By the pits, this was not the end.

 

Several state lines later the effects of war were catching up with him. He was traveling slower than he'd like and a desperate recharge was in order.

It had been like that for almost a year. Move, move, move. No place was safe and it wasn't that he couldn't protect himself, but he was on his last servos.

The sun would soon set and another joor would come to an end, and still, he was moving.

 

Megatron felt like death on wheels as he crossed over the state line of, what Humans called, Texas.

 

A stupid name for a chunk of dirt.

_______________

Lauren huffed as she slid out from under the vintage car she had so graciously been endowed. In all honesty, it was a piece of crap, junk if you will, but that wouldn't deter her. It was a beautiful vehicle, a 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88, to be specific. Rust and the elements had long overtaken the classic vehicle. Oh well, it wasn't like she had much else to do and Mr. Jenkins from down the way didn't need her help at the moment. If worse came to worse, she could scrap the interior and sell the body. Lord knows she could use the extra cash.

 

It'd go for a pretty penny. Especially for a collector. She wiped her hands clean of dirt as she got to her feet. It'd go for a pretty penny if she could make it look presentable. Things weren't looking promising, but hey, she could at least say she tried. That had to count for something, right?

 

The radio's soft thrum in the background could be heard. She hummed to the song absent mindedly as she wandered over to her tool box in search of her lug wrench. The wheels wouldn't take themselves off, no matter how much she begged. 

 

"Alright this next song goes out to all the people who've dealt with alien scum! This is our planet, and our home God damnit! This next one is for all you brave souls out there!" The obnoxious voice of the radio host cut though the air as the beginning chords of a Green Day song began.

 

Lauren rolled her eyes as she suspended the car. A bead of sweat trickled down her face as she adjusted the car jacks.

 

The stagnate air of the large barn-turned-workshop was almost suffocating with the Texan heat. Sooner or later she'd have to fix her fan.

 

The lug nuts gave her a little more than some trouble, rust secured them in place and it took all her body weight to wrench them out without snapping her wrench in two. Once the nuts were gone the tire all, but fell off the rotor in a heap of dust and dirt.

 

Four tires later, Lauren was guzzling water greedily as she used her free hand to wipe sweat from her face. Through the cracks of the barn, she could subtly make out the colors of a setting sun. It couldn't be that time already, could it? She glanced to her phone. "Damn." She huffed. Seven came quicker with each passing day.

 

They weren't kidding, time flies when you get older. Not that twenty-three was 'old', but her back would care to disagree.

 

Lauren tossed the microfiber cloth aside and switched off the radio before making her way out of the large wooden structure.

 

A breeze graced her moist skin and she savored the feeling as it swept through her damp hair. Maybe she didn't need to fix the fan, she could always just leave the barn door open, but then there were bugs and all things flying. She groaned. 

 

Securing the barn door in place, she made way up the dirt path to her home.

 

It was a good size, definitely not something she could ever afford on her own, at least not until she hit fifty (at least). And that'd be okay with her. She was one person and before she inherited the farm home, she lived comfortably in a studio apartment in Houston. However, having a shop, her own shop, within throwing distance was nice, she would admit (even if she was in the middle of nowhere).

 

It was quiet and far from people, far from the city. Far from reality. And she liked it, preferred it, that way.

 

Climbing the porch, she meandered inside, greeted by the air conditioning as she kicked off her work boots.

 

A thorough shower and microwavable dinner later, Lauren was sat on the couch, flipping through cable channels, a yawn escaped her as she settled on a familiar game show.

 

"Remember Chicago, silence is as bad as doing nothing. Report alien-" Lauren shut the TV off in one click. "Fucking stupid..." She half mumbled, half yawned as she curled upon her side, leaving the remains of her dinner upon the coffee table to be tomorrow's problem. 

 

Sleep came quickly as the old (almost vintage) couch cradled her sore joints and her full stomach lulled her into blissful unconsciousness. 

_______________

Megatron was pushing it. He wasn't sure how much longer he could carry on.

 

There had been many cycles when he'd considered praying to the Allspark for help, but he'd shut that thought down every time, but now, he really was considering it.

 

He swerved slightly as he sped down a desolate road, farm land and empty fields on either side of him. Keeping focus was becoming more difficult with each passing joor. His headlights flickered. He would need to stop before he went offline automatically. Recharge.

 

In the distance, his optics spotted a structure. It's integrity was questionable, but it seemed to stand alone mostly.

 

It would be suitable for the night, it had to be. He would make it suitable if need be.

 

He trudged on, closing the gap between him and the wood structure.

 

Less than swiftly, he transformed throwing cautionary glances in every direction. There was not a human for several miles in each direction. Petrolex leaked from his chasis and he coughed harshly. The decepticon hunched onto his knee servos and hands. He was weak and he hated it. Loathed the very thought that he, leader of the decepticons, was weakened.

 

Megatron crawled toward the structure, pulled the doors back, and forced himself inside. He was drifting between online and offline.

 

Another cough escaped him, bringing up Energon with it and without a second thought, he offlined sending his form cashing to the ground with no regard to his dwindling physical integrity. 

_______________

Lauren startled awake as a rumble shook the foundation of the old home. Half lidded eyes searched the area quickly. The lamp toppled to the ground and she jumped.

 

She cursed as she tossed the blanket off her lap. A fucking earthquake? In Texas?! The ground rumbled slightly again before a crashing sound ripped through the silence.

 

"No, no, no!" Lauren mumbled as she burst through the front door in her socks and up the dirt path, a flashlight in hand. That sound only could've come from her shop, which meant something was definitely broken. Most likely something she definitely couldn't afford to replace.

 

"Ow, fuck-" The brunette cursed as she stepped on a small pebble racing up to the ajar doors of her barn-shop.

 

Words could not have prepared her for what she saw.

 

Oh, stuff was broken all right. That gorgeous 1956 Oldsmobile Super 88? Flattened. The small bot she had been trying to build? No more. Her already broken fan? Demolished.

And she would've been mad, no, pissed, but surprise and downright shock came first and foremost.

 

A robot- a mech- laid in her destroyed stuffs' place.

 

To call it 'big' would've been an understatement. It was huge! Hardly fit in the barn at all. She shone her light over the thing as she crept passed its foot and around the side.

Varying shades of gray and black colored the large bot.

 

Hesitantly she stalked up to its side and kicked it with her foot. Is it dead? She found herself asking. It didn't react or make any move to respond to her touch.

 

"Remember Chicago, silence is as bad as doing nothing. Report alien activity." She remembered the commercial abruptly.

 

Lauren snorted. Yeah right. How many people in the world can say they got to work on an alien? Alien robot at that. Well, maybe a few people could say they've done that, but she would be damned not to be in that handful of people.

 

Plus, she had an idea about what would come of the bot if she did call that stupid number. Not to mention the whirlwind of legal trouble she'd probably be in.

 

Nope. Not happening.

 

If this was her problem, then she'd accept it with open arms.

 

What could really go wrong?

Chapter 2: All hail!

The morning came quick and Lauren wasted no time in studying the bot with her upmost care.

Securing the doors behind her, the young woman moved to put her hair up, before grabbing her rolling ladder.

Hoisting herself up, she got a better look at the bot with the overhead light. She was equal parts amazed and intrigued at the complexity of the machinery.

If it was dead, she could definitely see why. It looked like it had been blown to bits. Chunks of metal were amiss, wires stuck out haphazardly, and some areas were just warped by what she assumed had to have been intense heat of some kind. 

Whether or not it was human or bot doing was beyond her and quite frankly, she didn't care.

Sapphire eyes roamed its body and she quickly spotted, what she could only assume was oil, leaking from its chest plate. It was a steady stream and had formed a small puddle on the floor.

Lauren huffed, oil was a bitch to clean up. Hell, for all she knew it wasn't oil at all. She didn't understand alien anatomy, but it was worth a try. Sure, why not?

Carefully, the smaller woman stepped onto his chest fully. She felt small, smaller than she ever had in her whole life.

The leak was coming from beyond a fold of warped metal.

With her gloves ready, she slipped her fingers below the hem and pulled with all her might. Even going as fat as to throw her weight back. It hardly budged. And what did she really expect? To be able to simply pry apart alien tech with her bare hands?

With a grunt, she relented her hold and slid off its torso.

Quickly, she returned with the car jack. It was worth a shot. And if her ingenious plan failed then she had a broken car jack and an alien.

Wedging the small metal tool into place, she cranked it and after a few rough movements, the metal piece hissed and released.

A smile played onto her lips as she kicked the jack away and forced the fold up and open.

Lauren spotted the source of the leak quickly. A small pool of the oil like liquid had collected in the cavity.

That can't be good. She crouched and reached her hand into the opening with little regard. It definitely had the consistency of oil. Is it... bleeding? Can robots bleed?

Pulling an anvil clamp from her pocket she hastily located the leak and clamped it harshly. It didn't stop the secretion, but it definitely slowed it. It'd have to work. "Sorry." She found herself apologizing as she moved off to grab what more she needed.

With some effort, she hauled up the the items she needed; a fluid pump, a rag respectively, varying sizes of tubing, and her good nature.

Seating herself, she set up the fluid pump and hastily began sucking out all the excess liquid, allowing her room to work and see.

Hastily she tried the tubing.

Nope, too small. No, not long enough. Too big. This one!

Lauren smiled as she fit the flexible tube around the leaking hose and to the adjacent.

"I hope this works bud." She spoke to the air as she secured it in place to the best of her ability. Not knowing if the liquid was flammable and or combustible left her with limited options.

It would do. Definitely not permanent, but it work for the time being.

Feels like fixing up a car. A really big car. She wiped her hands along her pant leg with a huff. It was another sweltering day.

With that out of the way she continued on with her assessments. Part of her felt like she was playing doctor, it was amusing.

And that's how the day went for the most part; fix some wiring here, fix some there, connect the doo-hicky to the thingy, water break, tighten some stuff, replace missing nuts and bolts the best she could, pull some debris from the nooks and crannys, change the radio station again.

She had even taken it upon herself to extract what she now knew as a shell of some kind. The weapon that fired the thing must've been massive. And, again, she questioned if it were human or alien. Not knowing if it was live or not, she took it to the field behind her home and left it in a trashcan.

Not taking any chances. Hell, she was already putting her ass on the line with the alien robot. No more chances.

Night came quickly once more and she found it hard to pull herself from what she was working on.

Just this then I'll quit for the night... Lauren told herself for the second time as she shifted up towards the bot's head area.

She would admit, it's face was sorta unnerving. Why did it need sharp teeth? Did it eat? No, that was absurd, it's a robot! But, it's also an alien, so does that make a difference?

Her questions went unanswered as she studied the upmost antenna on its head. The identical one of the opposite side of its head had been damaged. And, from what she could gather with limited knowledge, the wiring seemed to be okay for the most part, but the metal casing was amiss along with most of the right side of its face plate.

She scooted her way up to twist the wires back together. Easy considering everything seemed to correspond in color. Gently, she stripped the wires before sliding on some new covering. With a few twists and a bit more covering to secure them, she finished. A small red light blinked atop the adjacent antenna. So, she must've done something right, now to just pray nothing detonates while she sleeps.

However, the plates and casings were a different story. It was an easy fix she thought, but it'd have to wait till tomorrow.

She had to have some self control, or else she'd work through the night with no sleep and no dinner (and it definitely wouldn't be the first time). Her stomach growled in protest as she got to her feet and slid down the side of the bot's torso.

Stumbling to her feet, she glanced to the mech once more and left the barn for the night.

_______________

It was the ping he, they, had been waiting for. Their Lord, their master.

Megatron's systems were online and readily active.

"Lord Megatron has pinged." Barricade broadcasted over his shared hailing frequency.

"Hey! Hey! You know the rules, all systems are supposed to be offline!" A human male yelled from his control center. "Are you listening to me?!"

Barricade ignored the human as they spoke back.

"All hail, Lord Megatron!" Barricade grumbled as he fought his restraints with ease.

"NBE - 04 HAS BREACHED CONTAINMENT! PREVENTIVE MEASURES HAVE BEEN PUT IN PLACE!"

People, workers, and scientists alike scrambled around the facility in terror as the captive transformer freed himself with relative ease, leaving a wake of destruction and death.

"Oh, free at last! Praise Lord Megatron! I'm free at last baby!" The cyclops decepticon strutted from his holding cell, using his pedes to not so gently kick humans like bugs. He clapped his hands together theatrically. "Nitro Zeus knows where all 'ya wives live!" He jested in the sea of chaos. "Thank you for your hospitality." He bowed before barreling through the walls of the facility to his ultimate freedom.

Barricade growled at the one eyed decepticon as he fled. Not much for his antics as the cruiser equipped his arm cannon. He blew everything to smithereens, anything that got in his way.

A massive form flew out before him and swiftly removed the cluster of humans that scrambled for the exit. A roar echoed the facility as Doombot bared his fangs. He, too swiftly left.

"These people need bigger doors!" A deep masculine voice called out. Barricade turned to Onslaught as he fired off another shot. Barricade glared at the stout decepticon.

"Leave." Barricade hissed as he advanced towards Berserker's holding quarters, which was far more equipped than his own and for good reason.

Onslaught quickly picked up on Barricades plan and left, not wanting to be within distance when a seriously pissed off Berserker was set free.

Barricade demolished his way through the door to Berserker's chamber.

Berserker thrashed and spat through his muzzle, all humans since fleeing.

Barricade narrowed his optics as he approached the blood thirsty decepticon and ripped the muzzle from his face.

"Barricade, a pleasure." Berserker hissed out sarcastically. 

The police cruiser, with some effort, freed the larger decepticon who readily pounced on the small control center, tearing it to shreds in an act of self soothing.

"All hail Lord Megatron!" Barricade exclaimed before transformering into his cruiser and speeding off.

"All hail..." Berserker cooed as he followed suit.

The free decepticons fled their holding facility as they all synced up their personal hailing frequencies.

The ping from their Lord had no location and there was no response on the frequency, but the ping alone was enough. It was all they needed.

Every decepticon across the globe recieved it.

Lord Megatron lived. 

Chapter 3: Wake

Another day, and another day at playing doctor with the giant robot and she, truly, didn't mind. Call it a learning experience.

Today, Lauren figured she'd focus on attempting to fix up what she could of his metal plating with what parts she had laying around.

She began with a distorted knee guard. She took the piece of scrap in her gloved hand, steadying it in place as she fired up her blow torch. "I hope this doesn't hurt... Can you even feel?" She spoke to air with no expectation of a response.

God, she hoped the bot couldn't feel anything. It was like being awake during a skin graph and she'd never forgive herself if the bot was feeling it all.

Carefully, she worked at welding the metal in place of its missing piece. It wasn't perfect or 'pretty' by any means, but it was functional as far as she knew.

She had the radio turned up a bit louder that day so she could hear the music over the blowtorch.

"I should just tell you to leave 'cause I- know exactly where it leads, but I watch us go 'round and 'round each time-" Lauren sang along loosely with the pop song she was vaguely familiar with as she welded another piece of metal into place over one of the bots fingers.

"And when we go crashing down we come back every time."

She hummed along with the tune as she bobbed her head slightly. The heat from the blowtorch did her no favors in the heat, but she was enjoying herself nonetheless.

The song concluded and she took that time to pull off her protective face gear and swipe herself free of sweat. Her cheeks were rosy as she panted. The cold water she gulped down was a much needed necessity before she got back to work.

"Deep in my bones I can feel you. Take me back to a time only we knew. Hideaway." Yet another pop song she was vaguely familiar with and another finger done.

Night was approaching once more as she welded some scrap onto the elbow area, the radio still playing some station she had switched to about an hour ago.

Once done with the upper right antenna she stood back on the bot's chest plate, looking over her work triumphantly. Its face was still worse for ware, but she could work on that tomorrow.

Who was she to gauge alien robot attractiveness? 

Lauren tossed her helmet onto the dirt floor as she wiped some sweat from her brow, unaware of the red glow that bathed her much smaller form. 

All too quickly, her back was colliding with the wooden walls of the barn. A yelp escaped her as she hit the dirt floor harshly. Her lungs fought for air as she struggled to her hands in panic.

_______________

The decepticon got to his feet with ease as he thrashed at the surroundings in alarm.

Lauren was quick to get to her feet with a cough. "Woah! Hey! Stop! You'll bring the whole building down!" She called out, her hands outstretched.

Megatron whipped his head in the woman's direction, baring his teeth as he readied his arm cannon, something of an unknown language flew from his mouth. 

"Stop!" Lauren coughed as she held her arms out in a futile attempt at shielding herself from the cannon. "I helped you! I helped you! Chill out! Hey-"

Megatron didn't listen to the woman's pleads as he inspected his form. He felt, reborn, in simple terms. Movements came easier, he felt heavier, his online networking was functioning, and he was no longer leaking fluids.

"I helped!" She shrieked out again in fear.

Megatron snarled. "You take me for a fool, insect?" He spat vehemently as he retracted his cannon swiftly and with ease. The motion was fluid and far more comfortable than it had been several cycles ago. The action left him with swelling pride. 

"No!" She yelped as his clawed had came crashing down around her, embedded deep into the earth, leaving her pinned and at his mercy.

The femme's optics were blown wide and they didn't leave his face plate. "Your primitive insect technology is of no help to my kind."

"I did what I could, but I could fix everything." She replied, he looked on in scrutiny. "I promise!"

Megatron's crimson optics narrowed in on her. "I- I was going to try and fix your face plate next."

He scoffed. Did she really think she could accomplish that? Humans and their foolishness.

The feeling of human parts being stuck to him made his spark crawl in disgust, but it was a much better feeling than what he had previously been experiencing.

Disgust was preferable to agony, not that he couldn't deal with both. 

His optics scanned the room, taking note of the various tools and equipment it homed. He turned back to the femme.

The pheromones and scent rolling off her made his nose cringe, she smelled of metal, human sweat, and butane. Her heart rate spiked.

"L-look, I'm sorry if you didn't want that, but-"

"Shut your mouth human." Megatron growled, she listened, but not without a huff. 

The femme was not lying and part of his revolted that fact. 

Megatron glared as he ripped his new and improved claws from the Erath, he flexed them, curling inward.

He stepped over the femme and out of the wood structure.

"Where are you going? Hey, wait!" The femme called as she scrambled to her feet.

"My whereabouts are none of your concern, insect." He growled.

"Well, can I at least get a 'thank you'?" She crossed her arms over her chest defiantly.

The decepticon whipped his head over his shoulder servo. "Your measly life being spared is what you've earned. Or, should I remind you who I am?"

"I don't know who you are?" The femme raised a brow up at him inquisitively.

Megatron fell silent, a scowl overcoming his features. She was Insolent. "I am Lord Megatron." He stated with purpose.

"And, I'm Lauren. Now that that's out of the way," she leaned against the structure. "What was with that freak out?" The femme asked as her heart attempted find calm rhythm once more.

"You are an insect." He corrected.

Lauren's face shifted into a frown. "I save you from certain death and now I'm a bug?"

"You know nothing of what you're talking about, your kind are all insects." He hissed.

"I know that you weren't getting up you six ton piece of scrap!" She bit back defiantly. "I didn't even report you, but no I'm a bug!"

Megatron sneered, stepping in her direction. "You are a creatin!" He insulted.

"And you're a hunk of talking metal!"

Megatron roared at her and slammed his claws down into the Earth beside her in a warning.

Lauren fell to the side from the impact and glared up at the decepticon. "Oh yeah, good one. Let the whole country know you're in my backyard!"

He growled, feet from her. "Is it fear or courage that compells you, fleshling?"

She crossed her arms over her chest. "Spite."

Megatron stared for several kilks. The gall of this human... He rose to full height. "Perhaps, I have been hasty." His tone was mocking.

Lauren got to her feet as she swat dirt from her clothing with no success. "No, really? You think so?"

He bared his teeth at her, she did not flinch. Strange, she was. Stupid. "Live to serve me and you may live another joor." He curled his claws in.

Lauren snorted. "I'm going to bed." She began to walk off, but was swiftly plucked from the ground like the bug she was.

"You will serve me, or perish with the rest of your kind." He held her up in front of his face. Her scent unpleasant and her facial expression even less pleasant.

The brunette threw her arms out to the sides. "Then get it over with!" She baited.

Megatron was off put by her lack in self preservation. She crossed her arms over her chest once more as she dangled helplessly. The threads of her shirt begging to rip. "I'm waiting!"

He scoffed, her heart rate sped up once more. "You are a fearful fool."

"I'm not scared of you." She stated flatly and bluntly as she kicked her feet, causing her to swing back and forth.

His optics studied her features. She held his stare, something that not even his decepticons did. It was a rare and unusual thing.

"I will give you one thing, insect." He began. "You have the spark to talk to me in such a strutless manner, not even my first command has the gall." And with that he flicked her away from himself as he took a seat on the dirt.

Lauren hmphed when she hit the ground. "Asshole." She grunted a she stumbled onto her feet. "You can keep the barn for all I care, but I'm going to bed."

The femme waved him off with an appendage as she wandered off in the direction of another structure some yards away.

Megatron let the femme go. He'd call them equal; she saved his spark, and he spared her's. He didn't have to like it, but he'd deal with it. She could be of use. If nothing more, she was amusing in her own right. Like an animal.

The decepticon moved to go back into the wooden structure- a barn she had called it.

Unlike his autobot counterpart, he and his decepticons had little interest in learning human terms.

His internal chronometer told him it had been three joors, human days, since his offlining. Never had he gone such a long time.

Megatron pulled the doors shut and sat himself in the middle of the structure. His personal hailing system was back up, much to his delight.

The mech sat back, allowing himself to properly relax for once in many cycles. He was sure now that with these newfound repairs he could handle some confrontation.

His optics moved back and forth as he searched his internal memory system in search of the footage from the past three days.

His view was at an odd upward angle, something he was not use to. Never did he look up at others, it was always down and if one of his own was much too big, they would kneel below him in subordination. He didn't like this angle.

"Sorry." The femme apologized as she wrenched his chest plate open with noted difficulty.

He watched through all the interactions.

"I hope this works bud." She had commented after fixing his Petrolex leak. Her hands and shirt covered in the substance. Her sat upon his chest plate was an odd sight to behold.

"I hope this doesn't hurt. Can you even feel?" She questioned aloud before she began working. Careful as to not potentially hurt him, as if her small form could ever in a million eons.

"I should just tell you to leave 'cause I- know exactly where it leads, but I watch us go 'round and 'round each time-" Megatron watched as she bobbed her helm slightly and rhythmically. She was working on his fingers as she sang along with a radio frequency.

"And when we go crashing down we come back every time."

"Deep in my bones I can feel you. Take me back to a time only we knew. Hideaway." It was another radio frequency. It was rather amusing, but it brought another thing to light for the decepticon.

One; She was, indeed, telling the truth. And two; He was up and moving because of an insect.

Chapter 4: Normalcy

The next morning, Lauren was awoken by the telltale sound of someone knocking on her front door.

Bleary-eyed, the brunette shuffled to her feet in haste, her body groaned and ached in protest, but ultimately went ignored (like usual). "Coming!" She called from down the stairs as she attempted to make herself look somewhat presentable.

After finger-combing the rats nest atop her head, she descended the stairs two at a time and opened her front door a tad more violently than she had intended.

"Oh. Were you sleeping? I'm sorry, it's early." The elderly man apologized earnestly with a kind smile worn by time. 

"No- no! Mr. Jenkins I was just getting up." She lied with a forced smile, her eyes squinted at the abrupt change in light. "Did you need something?"

"Oh, yes." He turned and gestured to a tow truck. "My car has been giving me some trouble, I was hoping you could figure out what was wrong?" His voice was tender and his hands shook slightly with age. "These old hands aren't what they use to be."

Lauren looked out past the older gentleman. "Of course, I have all day."

"Wonderful!" He smiled causing his wrinkles to pronouce. "Would you like Jerry to back it up into the barn? Make it a little easier for 'ya."

Lauren was going to readily agree, but her words caught in her throat and she nearly choked. She didn't know if Megatron decided to stick around or not and she'd rather not potentially risk two innocent elderly mens' lives.

Or maybe it was all just one big fucked up fever dream and her barn is, and has always, been empty.

The freshly forming bruises on her back told her it was the latter.

"No, I've been working outside the shop recently. Too hot and stuffy in there." She commented nonchalantly. "Fresh air and all that."

He hummed knowingly. "This heat is something else. I'll be back around three if that works for you?"

"Not a problem, Mr. Jenkins." She didn't even know what time it was.

Lauren followed the older man out to the end of the long driveway where the tow truck deposited the old (damn near classic) car. She said her goodbyes and watched as the tow truck disappeared down the road in an upheaval of dirt and out of eye shot.

A sigh escaped her as she dropped her shoulders. She was tired, everything hurt, and now she had to figure out how to move the whole car on her own, let alone fix the damn thing.

The Texan sun was blazing and despite being in shorts and a t-shirt, she could already feel herself sweating through the thin fabrics uncomfortably.

'Breathable' her ass.

The young woman turned and marched her way up the dirt path, clad in her house slippers and all her pajama glory.

The doors were closed and the barn was still in one piece so that was a good sign at the very least.

Lauren sucked in a breath in preparation, before she entered.

And he was still there. Nothing else seemed to be broken, but then again, she was giving him the benefit of the doubt.

His red optics found her quickly, like a predator.

"Good morning." She said without thinking. "I didn't think you'd still be here if I'm being honest."

Megatron grunted roughly in response.

"Hate to break it to you, but I'm going to need my shop today, so you'll have to scooch or sit outside and get a tan."

"Unlike your kind, I know the dangers of a sun." He jabbed. "You insects are so weak and fragile, it's almost a marvel that you haven't gone extinct. Pathetic organics."

"Well, sorry." She apologized sarcastically, turning to leave. "I'll be back, so scooch."

With a quick change of clothes and a pathetic excuse for breakfast (leftover chili), she was back outside, standing before the car. She wasn't quite sure how to get it to the shop. She could push it maybe, but that'd take forever and she didn't own the necessary cables to tow it herself.

Pushing it was (not that she had any other options).

The brunette groaned dramatically as she approached the vehicle, her joints aching and back sore.

Putting the vehicle in drive was about the easiest thing she could do, now came the pushing and steering.

She got the car a good six feet up the driveway and honestly considered giving up when she spotted Megatron emerging from the barn, head turned upwards towards the sky.

An idea struck her. She put the car in park and jogged up to the mech. Her shirt stuck to her moist skin.

"Hey!" She called out, her chest heaving. He spared her a glance. "Could you help me?"

Megatron made a disgusted face as if the very thought of being helpful would cause him to vomit. "You are to serve me. Humans are insolent. Do not get confused, girl."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm a stupid small bug, wonderful. Now will you do it or not?" She placed her hands atop her hips in wait. "Please?" 

Megatron made a face. "At least you are self aware, that's more than can be said for the rest of your prime forsaken species."

"Ugh, come on! I'm not strong enough to push the car all the way up here!"

The decepticon looked past her and towards the little vehicle. A growl escaped him briefly as he made his way over to where the scrap sat idle.

Lauren jogged after him. "Be careful! Please! It's not mine!" 

"Shut your mouth, girl." He snarled as he pick the car up one handed.

"Look, you're getting there! Now say 'Lauren'." She teased.

He shot her a look of disdain. "I will crush you, bug."

"Yeah, you can crush me after I fix the car. I don't want to disappoint Mr. Jenkins." She moved ahead of him to pull open the barn doors.

Megatron set the car down with ease and she'd admit, she was impressed. Nevermind the subtle scratches he left along the hood.

"Thank you! You're the best!" She said without looking at him, maneuvering the car to where she needed it.

"I am Lord Megatron." He stated sternly and with pride. 

Lauren popped the hood of the car. "Yeah, thanks Lord, master, Mr. Megatron." She mocked as she searched for the car's malfunction.

Megatron sat further into the barn where there was less clutter, he smirked internally. She was being facetious, he wasn't a fool. "Tell me what the reason is for working on such junk?" He gestured openly.

The brunette made her way around the car and over to the work bench where the radio sat. "Unfortunately us humans can't transform into cars and fighter jets." A part of the young woman wondered if that was all they could turn into, but she refrained from asking in favor of the task at hand. 

"I am aware of that, girl." His brow ridge creased indignantly at her blatant statement.

Lauren switched the radio on.

"And remember, if you see or suspect any alien-"

"Nope." Lauren said absent mindedly as she switched to another station, one preferably with no alien adverts or pyramid schemes.

Megatron's optics never left her small form as she switched between stations.

Finally, she settled on one and turned the volume up a tad.

"We need to get around and I need the money." She offered as she plopped down in the driver's seat. And I enjoy it.

She tried to start the car and it rumbled before dying on her. She tried again, same thing.

With a good idea on the problem, she hopped out and moved back to the hood.

The battery had been replaced recently, no cable corrosion, no loose cables, and the starter looked good. So what was the problem? She probably should've asked Mr. Jenkins beforehand.

Lauren groaned and buried a hand in her hair as she racked her brain. The alternator.

She hummed as she leaned over the engine. Locating the alternator just beneath some wiring. The belt was too tight.

Lauren wandered over to her toolbox to retrieve the necessary tools, glancing up to Megatron as she did. He was watching her with a stern, unreadable expression characterized by disinterest.

Removing the alternator was a rather easy task. Taking the part to her bench, she hopped onto the stool and began disassembling the part with care. She had a good idea on what was wrong.

As she worked, she bobbed her head to the rhythm of the song, a few lyrics escaped her when she knew them. It helped her concentrate and ignore the heat.

_______________

Megatron wasn't paying any particular attention to the femme as she dawdled. He was too busy tuning his personal hailing frequency in the hopes of catching the one his subordinates were on.

He had all, but tuned her out as she bustled around before she started flabbing her vocal processors carelessly.

His expression hardened slightly and a growl threatened to erupt from his vocal processors, both because he wasn't having much luck with his hailing frequency and because his concentration had been broken momentarily by nonsense.

"This is way too hard, 'cause I know when the sun comes up, I will leave." The femme seemed to have forgotten all about his presence as she drummed her appendages across the table surface. "This is my last glance that will soon be a memory."

Megatron listened to her vibrations as she messed with pointless, inefficient machinery.

"And when the daylight comes, I'll have to go, but tonight I'm gonna hold you so close!" Her octave increased slightly to keep with the frequency. 

It was strange. Many things were strange. Not having something cower at his pedes was new to him. And music was something only Cybertronians of high status got to enjoy and even then it was a rather rare thing. The femme knew, saw, his great power, his ability for destruction.

And yet...

He was sitting there because of her. The feeling of being indebt was something he hadn't experienced since his lower days and it left his processors to feel tight and uncomfortable.

He hated it.

"I never wanted to stop." She continued with the musical melody. "Because I don't wanna start all over. Start all over. I was afraid of the dark, but now it's all that I want. All that I want. All that I want."

She glanced up from the item in her hand and fumbled when she caught his ruby optics narrowed on her.

"Shit- sorry. I- I completely forgot you were there. I was so focused." She apologized quickly as she dashed around the car, part in hand.

Megatron squinted. "You are a strange insect." His statement came out more like a jab.

She snorted. "I'm strange now too?" She was amused as she replaced the part.

"Do not push it." He warned. It was not a real warning.

There was something cathartic about being able to converse with another being that wasn't kissing his pedes or begging for their life. Even if it was something as lowly as an organic femme. He was above her in every possible way, he knew that. 

"I'm sorry if I was annoying you earlier." She apologized once more as she slammed the hood of the car shut. 

He snit. "Your incessant apologies are irritating and unfounded, girl."

"Lord, forbid I try to be considerate." The femme held her grease covered hands up in mock surrender.

He glared. "You test my patience and decision to let you live."

"Well, I'm waiting here when you're ready to end me." She consumed clear liquid. Water. The bottle was pulled from her mouth as she smiled.

He snarled with a soft growl. She shrugged at his gesture. 

"Alrighty," Lauren began. "Could you give me a hand with moving the car back outside?" She placed her hands upon her hips. "Please? I'm not strong enough and you're like thirty-five feet taller than me."

He grumbled, but reluctantly gave the vehicle a small nudge, sending it rolling outside much like a toy. The small dent in the bumper went unnoticed. 

"Thanks. Mr. Jenkins should be by in a few minutes to pick it up." She glanced to a small rectangular device in her hand.

True to her words, the sound of an engine approached.

"Just stay here." She urged before closing the barn doors fully.

Despite the wooden walls, his audio receptors were fine tuned to hear well and far, much farther than any organic species the primitive planet offered. He listened to the humans exchange. 

"Good afternoon Lauren!" A male's voice- Mr. Jenkins- greeted her. "I hope I didn't give you too much trouble."

"Not at all, just a problem with your alternator." She informed. "Small fix."

"I brought you some of Christine's chili, she insisted."

The femme gasped. "You shouldn't have, really! Thank you."

"She's always going on about you and those frozen diners you eat and how you refuse to take care of yourself," he laughed. "Wouldn't let me leave the house without it. You know her."

"Well, tell her 'thank you' for me, please. I really appreciate it."

"I will, thanks again Lauren."

"Have a good rest of your day, Mr. Jenkins. Drive safe!"

Two engines left just as quickly as they had came.

The femme returned with a small container filled with sustenance in hand and a small smile. "I'm going to head in, I don't have anything left to do today."

"Go, girl." He gestured with his claws in a 'shoo' motion.

He watched as the femme left swiftly and with no further words. 

Chapter 5: Filth

Notes:

I would've posted this chapter sooner, but I fell at work and can no longer move my knee, so I've been dealing with that. I'm an athlete, so that makes things a tad more tricky haha.

Thank you all who have read, commented, and gives kudos! I appreciate you all so much!

Soundwave sat idle among the human satellite, branded by the USA themselves. His optics were unblinking and motionless in favor of combing through human communications. Humans, so naive to think that their primitive technology was safe from the prying eyes of other lifeforms unknown.

Fools. The whole specie was small minded fools.

"Oh, I love you too! Y'know-"

"105.9! Sunny FM! Orlando-"

"I- I need help! He's not breathing-"

There was never anything of much importance for him to store and report back with, much to his disdain. Earthly problems and what not, he didn't care in the slightest for the dirt planet.

At least there were no pests in orbit, well, mostly none. Soundwave's optics drifted over slightly to look upon the spacecraft wreckage he'd wreaked havoc on. Pests no more, but their garbage and waste still remained. Humans were like a plague.

Time seemed to pass on endlessly from where he hovered, though his chronometer tracked every joor down to the very nano klik with ease.

Time was of the essence, as humans' said. And the decepticon had the upmost faith in their, his, leader. Dare he even say friend.

Megatron hadn't led them astray yet, and once everything was on track once more then greatness and prosperity would be there's, no matter what form it came in.

The communications officer tipped his helm down several degrees, his crimson optics studied the layers of Earths atmosphere as he rapidly sifted through all available frequencies that came through the satellite.

Decepticon activities had fallen barren, save for the occasional word here and there courtesy of the military (and Berserker). Autobot activities were also nonexistent, but that was the least of his worries.

They, their kind, were being hunted, despite whatever previous affiliations there were between the two species. He understood the near constant silence on his brethren's end, but he didn't have to like it.

More importantly, Soundwave was left in the dark when it came to the situation surrounding Lockdown and that made his processors heat in anger and agitation. He'd roar if only the sound would carry in space.

There was a solid chance the Quintessan belonging bot instructed human allies to cease all traceable  communications. He was almost certain of it.

Clever bastard.

The officer continued his vigilant search as he lay in wait for Megatron's command.

_______________

The next day came quicker than expected. The days seemed to be flying off the calendar and disappearing.

Lauren pat her sides. Keys, phone, wallet. Check. It was that time in the week, grocery shopping, much to her dismay.

Should she tell Megatron she's leaving? She didn't know. I don't want to come home and he's blown something up... Fuck it. She'd give him that courtesy at least.

Lauren jogged over to the barn and poked her head in. "Hey, I'm going to go to the store, so-"

Megatron was on his feet fast for someone so big. It startled her slightly.

"You are not to leave, insect." He snarled.

She glared. "I need food. Just because you don't eat, doesn't me I don't."

"I am not the organic here." His tone was incredulous.

Lauren stepped fully into the barn. "I'm going grocery shopping!"

"By the pits, you will not leave the premises." He growled threateningly.

"You can't keep me a prisoner in my own home!"

"I shall keep you as whatever I'd like, girl! Do not disobey!" He slammed his claw into the dirt beside her, bringing himself to her general level as if to further his intimidation. 

"First I'm a bug, now I'm a prisoner? What else am I?!" She gestured wildly. "Go on! Tell me!" 

He pulled his claws from the dirt and stood to height. "A pet."

She sputtered, forgetting her voice for a moment in exasperation. "A pet?!" Lauren was lost for words, her eyes blown wide. 

"Did you not hear me, girl? Or are you dumb too?"

"You're an ASS!" The brunette bit, taking a step forward with purpose. 

Megatron gave out a low roar that was still loud by human standards. Lauren screamed back at him before storming out.

She didn't end up grocery shopping.

_______________

The next day Lauren spent mostly inside. She hadn't had any customers (which wasn't really much of a surprise) and her little vintage project was crushed under Megatron into a rather flat piece of metal.

Five pm rolled around and an insatiable boredom overtook her. There was nothing on TV, no chores to do around the house, no nothing.

She hated days like that.

There was one thing she could do, but was she really bored enough?

...Yes, she was bored enough.

With a groan, Lauren got to her feet collected her cat keys, the remaining dish soap, and a bucket.

The car was long overdue for a good wash.

Hopping into the driver's seat, she pulled the vehicle around to the front of the barn where the hose was. It was a barn after all, livestock are messy, not that she'd ever dealt with them.

She parked and hopped out with a slam of her door. Around the side of the barn, she retrieved green hose and hoisted it back to the front with some effort.

The telltale creak of the barn door caught her attention and she glanced up to Megatron.

"I'm going to wash the car." Lauren informed as she filled her bucket with soapy water.

Megatron made his way past her and took a seat on the dirt path where he allowed himself to stretch, his back was to her as she hosed down her car.

A smile crept onto her lips as an idea came to mind. She half thought about backing out, because it could possibly mean her certain death, but hell, what did she really have to lose? Her life, sure, but what else? Some old junk she'd put back together?

So yeah, not much to lose.

Lauren took the hose and sprayed the decepticon, before turning back to her car hastily. She bit down on her lower lip to stifle a growing giggle.

Megatron growled over his shoulder. "I'd be careful if I were you, girl."

"I didn't do anything." It took everything in her not to laugh as she ran a soapy sponge over the window. The sun was setting which allowed a reprive from the ruthless heat.

He bared his teeth. "Do not take me for a fool." And with that he turned away again.

Attempt one: success. Did not die.

Try again? Yes or no?

Yes.

She tried her luck for a second time, and sprayed him once more.

This time he rose to his feet swiftly and approached. Her face was flushing is her attempt to not laugh, pretending to just be washing the window in the same spot.

Abruptly she was hoisted off the ground and dangled about twenty feet in the air, hose still in hand.

"You are testing my patience, insect." He hissed maliciously.

"I'm sorry, I thought it was funny." She admitted. "Honest!"

He glared. "I am not amused."

"It's just water." She defended, her eyes caught sight of the water running off his form, muddy and certainly not clean. "Plus, you're filthy." The brunette added blatantly.

His glare intensified. "There is no need in informing me of things I am already aware of. And your pheromones and organic scent are volatile."

She gasped. "They are not! I shower!" Lauren sprayed him with the hose once more in an act of defiance.

The water that came off the mech was, in few words, disgusting.

"Do you want me to wash you- do you want to wash yourself?" Lauren added the last part quickly. A small part of her forgot that he was, in fact, his own living, sentient being and not just something she fixed. 

Megatron glowered. "I do not wish to rust further, girl."

"You can always dry off, y'know."

"Then I suggest you work fast." He growled.

"If you want me to do it, then you have to put me down."

Megatron dropped her a few feet from the ground. She stumbled slightly as she caught her balance.

"Come." Lauren gestured with her hand towards herself.

The mech reluctantly resumed his seated position, his knees spread and propped to his chest, his arms rested atop stiffly. 

Lauren hummed to herself as she hosed down the robot. All was quiet, save for the occasional grumble from Megatron and the chirping of crickets.

She could really use a 'How to Care For Your Alien Robot For Dummies' book. Would makes things ten times easier.

Once hosed down, Lauren grabbed her soapy sponge and made do.

Dutifully, she rid the mech of his long built up grime, occasionally she'd glance up curiously, as to make sure he wouldn't bite her head off.

"It's rude to stare, did your creators never teach you manners?" Megatron sniped as his optics shifted down to her.

"Sorry." The apology flew from her lips reflexively as she wiped down his torso area. He was a lot bigger than she had originally thought. She would need more soap at the rate she was going.

"What do you transform into?" Lauren quipped curiously in an attempt at small talk as she hosed off his lower extremities.

"What reason do you ask for?" He questioned back with the narrowing of his ruby optics, his tone dripped with accusations unknown.

"Curious. I've seen some stuff on TV, but never in person." She refilled her soapy bucket. "I wasn't sure if you all turned into the same things." She added. "I can't really reach your upper area."

Megatron shifted his sights to the small woman before scooping her into his palm with no warning.

Lauren yelped, but caught her bearings as he brought her to his lower chin area, his exhale was powerful and warm. With caution, she got to her feet. She felt like the smallest gust of wind would knock her over and she'd plummet to her demise.

Gently (and with the fear of falling) Lauren cleaned the mechs neck area.

"In this current cycle, it's an Earthly military truck." Megatron grumbled lowly not at all pleased by his own answer.

Lauren hummed in acknowledgment. "That's an interesting choice, but I can see it."

"It is barely fitting of a decepticon."

"Is that what you are?" She questioned, moving to his right shoulder servo. "A decepticon?"

Megatron grumbled. "I am Lord Megatron, leader of the decepticons." His statement was said sternly with an underlying harshness, overwhelming authority bled into his words (near constantly).

She hummed once more, but made no move to respond as she rinsed away the suds she'd accumulated. His grime turned the water murky, but revealed shiner metals, her very own handy work, and some small clusters of long built up rust that she hadn't noticed before.

"Alright, bud I think I'm about done." Lauren looked him over once. "Could you put me down, please?"

Primus, Megatron felt almost like new. "You'd be wise to uphold a schedule." He lowered his palm and she slid off with ease.

"Is that your way of asking me to do is again? Just don't go rolling in mud." Her feet splashed in a small puddle.

"I would never, bug." He half growled at her grotesque insinuation.

"Mhm. Okay." Lauren waved him off as she moved to turn the hose off. Water and soap soaked her clothing while mud caked onto her bare feet.

She made her way back to the mech, hands crossed over her chest. "I'd dry you but I'm soaking wet."

"Go, girl. I don't want your filth to transfer to me."

"Yeah, you're welcome." She shrugged before moving to go back to her home and shower herself.

Her car remained half washed. 

Chapter 6: Lien

Notes:

Happy October! Halloween is my favorite holiday :}

Lauren sat at her workbench attempting to fix a printer that had been dropped off for her.

A clogged ink cartridge. Easy enough, right?

Megatron sat quietly off to the side as he usually did, seemingly off in his own world.

"God, damnit!" Lauren cursed as the ink cartridge busted in her hands, staining her shirt and ashen skin in dark ink.

The mech grumbled something akin to a laugh accompanied by an exhale.

She glared. "It's not funny! How would you like it if I put ink all over you?!"

He snarled. "You will lose your appendages, bug." His claws flexed as if craving the violent threat to be made true.

"Oh, yeah? Well, I'd like to see-" She stopped abruptly, head snapping around.

"Continue with your words, girl. I'm waiting." He dared her. "Or are-"

"Wait, sshh!" She hushed, holding her hand out to him.

The decepticon growled thunderously. "You dare-"

"No. No- You have to hide!" Lauren stumbled from her stool, hastily wiping the ink across her pant legs. The familiar car horn rolling up the driveway seemed closer now.

"Do you take me for a coward, girl?" His teeth bared as he slammed his open fist down into the dirt.

"No! But I don't want to go to jail! So please, hide! Transform or something! I don't know!"

The approaching engine grew louder as she broke out into a nervous sweat. Her eyes were pleading. "Please, Lord Megatron."

Megatron growled once more before swiftly transforming into his current alt mode. The human vehicle was something he soon wished to rid himself of.

Lauren smeared her ink covered hands over her pant legs before she snatched up a blue tarp and threw it over the large truck just as the barn door swung open.

_______________

She dare take him for some cowardice scraptrap? A fool?! Something to be hidden?!

Megatron growled inwardly as the femme threw something over top of him.

The barn door swung open and in came an unrecognized human male.

"I see you're still messing with junk." He commented as he pushed over a small metal contraption, sending it clattering to the ground.

"It's not junk." She bit defiantly. "It's my work."

"Yeah, because anyone will want some rusted out truck. Does it even run?"

Megatron half thought about transforming then and there to show the man just who he was, but the femme stepped in front of him, her arms crossed over her chest and legs stance wide. "What do you want Michael? Spit it out, or get the hell off my property."

The human male- Micheal- tossed a small stack of papers onto a nearby surface with an audible thud. "You haven't been by in weeks to collect your mail and I'm not a delivery man."

"S'not like I expected you to bring it." Her tone was flat and snide, she didn't bother to grace the paper stack with a glance.

Michael glared.

Megatron noted the way her facial features contorted into that of irritation and something else unreadable.

"The bank is going to put a lien on your house if you can't pay off the taxes by the end of the month." Micheal interjected bluntly as he scrutinized the things he saw with judgement.

Lauren's expression hardened and her chest tightened uncomfortably.

"You'll lose your house." He sniped. "And then what? You can't-"

"Get out Michael." Her jaw clenched, her tone came out hard and stern.

"You can't just ignore-"

"I said get out!" She barked, taking a threatening step forward in emphasis. Her heart beat in her throat and the rush of her blood deafened her.

Megatron watched as the two humans exchanged glances, before the male left in a huff and mutters that her ears were not privy too. His engine faded off into the distance soon after.

Lauren dropped onto her aft, pulling her knees inward with a deep groan.

The mech transformed swiftly behind her, being sure to toss away the tarp. She did not look to him. He snarled.

"If you're going to crush me then get it over with." Her tone was despondent and he noticed quickly the excess heat that radiated off her fleshy form.

"It requires more courage to suffer, than to die, girl." He grumbled. "And you're no coward."

Lauren hummed at him, but made no move to offer a verbal response as she got to her feet. His large form casted a shadow over her.

"I'm going to head inside." Her tone was even and quieter in pitch, her eyes didn't spare him a passing glance as she retreated.

_______________

The clock struck ten and the old grandfather clock dinged rhythmically.

The sound use to bring a sense of comfort to her, but now it almost felt like a signal of impending doom of what has yet to come.

Lauren was supposed to eat dinner hours ago, but the appetite never came, nor did the motivation.

Sat huddled on the couch, the living room was illuminated by the glow of the TV.

There was no way she would be able to scrape up the money in time.

She knew that.

It was inevitable.

The sounds from the TV were lost on her as she stared off into space, eyes unblinking. The beating of her own heart became uncomfortable and she was acutely aware of the hair strands that brushed against her skin.

Where would she go?

Nowhere... A little voice in the back of her mind whispered harshly.

She had nowhere to go.

Nobody to go to. 

Perhaps she had a distant cousin she could reach out to? But the likelihood of that was about as probable as her being able to pay off her debt.

Not likely and definitely not going to happen.

The TV was suddenly too loud and too bright. The air conditioning was blowing too hard.

Lauren rose to her feet and made her way out onto the porch. It was darker and the warm, stagnate air offered her comfort as she took a seat upon the steps, arms crossed atop her knees.

Heavy foreboding steps pulled her back to reality as she glanced up to Megatron's approaching silhouette, she focused her sights skyward.

The southern night sky was truly something to be marveled. Millions of stars peppered the midnight and the moon bathed everything in its soft comforting glow.

His steps came to a halt feet from her, his ruby optics focused upward as well.

She inhaled the fresh air as a breeze graced her, sweeping some of her tangled dark hair aside.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Lauren commented wistfully. "It probably looks better from space though, huh?"

"Your human eyes wouldn't be able to comprehend it." He replied flatly.

A dry laugh escaped her. "Probably."

Several more moments passed comfortably.

"What will become of your home?" Megatron glanced his optics down to her huddled form, momentarily basking the girl in a red glow. If she noticed, then she made no move to acknowledge it.

The mech wouldn't say it nor acknowledge it, but a deep feeling of rapport surfaced for the femme. To lose one's home is to lose one's self. In a way, he could understand her feeling of despondency and sorrow. Her lack of fight was something else entirely and something he didn't quite understand. 

For a split second, Megatron swore he saw a glimpse of himself in the girl. A glimpse of his former self all those millenniums ago.

D-16.

Cybertron would live, thrive, again one day. He could go home and everyone would bow in thanks.

A long bout of silence passed, neither made a move to initiate.

"They will sell it and I'll be forced to leave." She rested her chin atop her knees, closing her eyes as she listened to the crickets and rustling of leaves in the wind. The sounds of tranquility. "What happened to your home? I can't see much of a reason for you to come to a place like Earth."

Megatron hummed. "That's not of your concern, girl." His tone wasn't overtly harsh. Stern maybe.

"Okay." Was all she replied. Pry, she wouldn't. It wasn't like she had the energy to spare either. 

She hummed an indistinct melody to herself as she rocked back and forth gently. It reminded her of a simpler time that she desperately yearned to return to. A time with no cares in the world, all that mattered were Saturday cartoons and whatever snacks were in the pantry. A time when she was small enough for her grandfather to rock her in his (now wood rotten) rocking chair, sat upon his lap as the glow of sunlight bathed her in warmth.

Lauren didn't know when she had began nodding off, the warm Texan air like a blanket, swaddling her into blissful unconsciousness.

Megatron stared down at her balled form, steady breaths left her and her heart slowed to match.

She was in need of recharge- or sleep as humans called it. They couldn't survive without the rest period. A design flaw, he might add.

With not much of a second thought, he reached a clawed finger down and nudged her over with little to no effort.

Lauren stumbled, but caught herself with a murmur. "I'm up..." The words came out slurred slightly as she rubbed at her face. "I'm up."

"Go, girl. Recharge." His tone was assertive and firm with his order. "You insects perish without it."

Lauren rose to her feet, hunched sleepily. She bat some hair out of her face as she turned to head inside, but before she did she turned and stared up to the mech. He stared back.

"Goodnight, Megatron."

Chapter 7: Rainfall

Notes:

I hope y'all are enjoying the story so far! Thank you for reading!

She didn't enter the shop that morning in favor of her overly firm bed. When she did get up, it was well past noon and the sun was buried behind think plumes of rain clouds, casting dim light through the curtains.

It was another hour before she dragged herself out the house and up the gravel path to her shop just as thunder began to rumble. Rain soon followed in its wake. 

Megatron was sat stock still, head slightly tilted downward. Rest mode, she assumed.

Lauren offered no words as she sat herself at her workbench to busy herself. She quietly switched the radio on and turned the volume dial down so that the music was that of a whisper.

She needed a distraction. Anything besides her own thoughts was preferable. Anything at all.

"This one is for those rainy day blues, going out to all you soul searching mother fuckers out there. B.o.B."

Was early pop her preferred music taste? No, not by a long shot, but the station usually never touched on alien robots and war. It wasn't like she hated the music, but it got repetitive.

Her distraction of choice was picked with little to no thought; an old window air conditioner unit. The paint weathered by time and use, but maybe it wasn't a total lost cause. She knew how much a new one ran for and of someone could get it for cheap, it'd sell in a hurry. Now all she had to do was actually fix it and part of that was figuring out what the hell was wrong with it in the first place.

She welcomed the challenge openly.

"And all the pandemonium and all the madness-" She mouthed the words of the song in hushed whispers as she unscrewed the grate thoughtfully. "There comes a time where you fade to the blackness..."

The pitter-patter of the heavy rain fall sounded in the background like white noise, muffling the outside world and all the problems it brought.

Further disassembly revealed one of many problems that added to her ever-growing list. The condenser coils were virtually unrecognizable they were so dirty. A hard expression crossed her face. It wasn't unfixable, but it would definitely be a bitch to clean. She hoped the coils weren't rusted.

Lauren bobbed her head subtly to the music mouthing the words absent mindedly as she worked. "Somebody take me back to the days before this was a job, before I got paid."

_______________

Megatron had not moved, not one inch. His rest mode had been disturbed by a noise he could now place as the femme. The decepticon's first reaction would've been to spit venom and to rage outwardly at the foolishness of her actions, but restrained himself once he noticed her disposition.

The femme was trying to be quiet, for his sake.

Was she quiet by his definition? No. He could hear her breathing and the familiar frequency of the archaic radio.

She hadn't acknowledged him or his overbearing presence when she'd crept in. Maybe it was the fear of waking him that drove her to silence, he couldn't be sure.

His optics followed her movements like a predator waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey, but she didn't seem to acknowledge his hulking form as she fiddled with human scrap, pulling it apart and breaking it down to smaller pieces that meant nothing. Her movements were careful and thought out as to not tamper with the parts negatively.

It was scrap, why be so obliging to something of no purpose? No use?

Humans. The word was sour and he hated it. Hated them and everything they stood for.

"Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars?" Her voice didn't rise above a breath, almost no noise came from her lips.

He didn't stir, lest she try to speak to him. He did not want to deal with her petulant attitude anymore than he must, but he would listen. Content with observing for once in his long life.

She turned abruptly at a crash of thunder, sending a miscellaneous piece clattering to the floor in her startle.

Her helm whipped around to face his large form in wait. Her heartrate spiked and her oxygen intake excelled. That of a frightened, cornered animal.

She shut the radio off and picked the piece up swiftly. "Sorry..." She whispered apologetically.

He sneered inwardly at her reaction before bringing his mobility online. "Pathetic." He rumbled.

"Did I wake you up?" She questioned, disregarding his comment entirely, her gaze not meeting his. "I didn't mean to."

Her tone was grating on his audio receptors in a way he couldn't quite explain. It was different and out of place coming from her.

"Why do you take such a tone with me, girl?" Megatron growled as he leaned forward in her direction.

Lauren didn't respond as she wiped her hands on her pant legs, smearing grim across the worn fabric. Her face was pensive as if trying to conjure a response at all.

The decepticon was not known for patience. He snarled at her blatant defiance. "Speak when you are spoken to, organic." His tone jumped in volume and suddenly the thunder wasn't so loud.

She curled her fingers into her palms as she ducked her head lower, as if trying to shrink away from his commanding voice.

Her eyes stung and the world around her blurred behind a thick wall of tears that threatened to spill beyond her lashes. She dare not blink. Face flushed in warmth, she sucked in a shaky breath. Why did she feel like a child being scolded? For fucks sake, she was a grown woman who could care for herself, but still, the tears kept building until they spilled against her will. She made no move to wipe away the wetness in fear of drawing more attention herself. Part of her wished that the storm outside would rip up her home and herself in some twisted version of 'The Wizard of Oz'. More tears spilled and she sucked in a breath sharply. She was not a child, but God did she feel like one. Lauren felt helpless and even more so under Megatron's scrutiny.

The decepticon glared. The stench of sweat and sodium rolled off her form in waves. Her shoulders hunched and terse as she labored another breath.

And she still didn't answer.

She was leaking fluids. Why? Never had he provoked that reaction from her. He should be satisfied with the display of submission, but it only angered him further. Piteous looked scorned on her.

"Why are you expelling your fluids, organic?" His inflection was stern but his volume dropped back to a normal octave. His glare still hard and ever present, it would be a momentous day in history when his glare vanished.

She hiccupped and wiped the liquid from her face with haste. "I'm fine, I'm not crying."

"Do not lie to me fleshling." He hissed. Who did she think she was? Did she think he was ignorant?

Lauren sniffled. "It's just, I- fuck!" The expletive ripped from her throat as she harshly dried at her eyes. Crying in front of an alien robot war lord, that was a first she wasn't ready for. "I can't do anything about my house. It's not even mine! I inherited it!" Her words came out grated as her face reddened further. "They are going to take my home and I can't do anything about it!" Her despair turned to sudden anger and she slammed her hands down onto her workbench, agitating the items it homed and bruising her callused hands in the process.

She didn't just feel like she was losing her home, but the home in which her only family had grown and died in. 

Lauren felt like she was failing her grandfather most of all, herself be damned.

Megatron curled his lip plates inward at her explanation. A newfound warmth radiated from her as she beaded sweat and her complexion flushed. He couldn't conjure a reasonable response.

Lauren kicked out under the bench, knocking things out of place as she slid back in her stool. She placed her head in her hands, threading her fingers through her unbrushed hair. "I don't have anywhere to go..."

Her words came out quietly against his audio receptors, almost as if he weren't supposed to hear. He'd known almost every minute detail about those who served him. She was going to be no different, human or not. Organic or metal, he'd not be lenient in his regards. 

There was a familiarity in her anger and despair. The words that flew from her mouth hit too close to home with him and he hated that he understood what she felt.

Hated that he sympathized. Felt.

Another crash of thunder shook the wood structure and this time she didn't visibly react, save for the tension in her muscles torquing further.

He moved to respond, but halted when he heard a noise come from her.

Lauren snorted dryly and it slowly devolved into dry laughter. "I can't believe this." She huffed as she wiped at her eyes.

His glare hardened. "What compels you to laugh, girl?" His tone was almost accusatory in nature.

She laughed harder. "I- I'm sitting in a barn with an alien robot crying over my house." Her lips upturned into a smile, flashing her teeth. "Do you see the irony?"

"Are you laughing at me, insect?" Megatron warned.

"No!" She held her hand out to her defense, still laughing. "I just- I just don't think my priorities are straight, y'know? I'm losing it."

She was not at all afraid and suddenly the image of Starscream cowering before him, pleading, begging, for forgiveness shot to the forefront of his mind. His second in command couldn't even look him in the optics! The pettish coward was a sorry excuse of a decepticon (deceitful as all Prime though).

And yet, here was this small, puny, weak, organic femme who was laughing as if she hadn't a care in the whole universe.

She was... amusing. In her own right, he'd add. 

The noise that reverberated from her was swiftly silenced when everything was suddenly plunged into total darkness. The change was of no concern to the decepticon, his optics would adjust to the differ in light. 

"Fuck, storm must've tripped the power." She groaned, trying not to stumble as she go to her feet in the darkness.

Megatron watched on as she fumbled for her small cellular device.

In the midst of the silence the rainfall sounded all the more deafening. Strong gusts of wind made the wood groan and pushed through any and all small cracks in the structure, creating an unpleasant draft that whistled. 

Lauren's hand finally fingered over her phone and she picked it up with a quickness, switching on the small flashlight. It did little to illuminate much of anything, but something was better than nothing. 

There was no way she was getting to the breaker anytime soon.

Her eyes travelled up towards the crimson glow of Megatron's optics. They shone like a beacon in the darkness.

Carefully, she wandered towards them, her hands groping items along the way to keep herself steady and centered. 

Megatron cast his sights down at her moving form, putting her in the spotlight. "And what do you think you are doing, insect?"

"Well, I'm stuck here until it stops pouring outside, figured I'd come sit near you. That stool is so uncomfortable." She wandered nearer, kicking up dirt and dust. 

He scoffed. "You are a fool, girl."

"Yeah yeah," She waved him off. "I'm a foolish, pathetic, fleshy, insect. I get it." Lauren reiterated bluntly as she plopped down onto the dirt flooring about a yard from his foot. "Trust me."

The light of her phone cut then, too. Dead battery. She just couldn't seem to catch a break. 

A sigh left her as she rested her head against the wall, her eyes didn't leave the red glow of his optics. The color was so vibrant and vivid, it was something she was sure others wouldn't, and couldn't, replicate. 

About an hour passed in complete silence, save for the rainfall and whistling of the wind.

Her eyelids soon grew heavy, despite her uncomfortable position, the rain acted like white noise and the draft licked at her moist skin.

Megatron became acutely aware of her slowed breathing, his audio receptors picking up the small sound amidst the storm. The femme was slowing down as her optics slipped close.

"What will become of your home, girl?" He found himself asking her once more in their short span of time together.

He wanted a definitive answer, not an assumption and for her to say that she wasn't waiting around for some nothing god to be a cure-all. 

A soft hum emitted from her throat as she pushed herself up into a proper sitting position. "I don't know." She offered quietly with half-lidded eyes.

He sneered at the poor answer. "How are you not to know?" His words jabbed at her very most insecurities and doubts.

"I don't have anywhere else to go..." Lauren stated sullenly, casting her eyes away from his glow. "I don't have any living family and no money." She almost felt ashamed to admit her shortcomings as if any of it truly meant anything in the end. A sudden pelt of wind ripped through the barn and she shuddered at its bite, curling in on herself.

Megatron watched as her form grew smaller by the klik and he frowned at the forlorn display. Humans were such weak things. If there was a greater creator out there, then they cursed anything and everything organic to a life of fragility. Cursed to only serve and die shortly there after with leaving no meaningful legacy. 

"Come, girl." He ordered firmly with an unseen gesture of a claw.

Lauren, though hesitant, rose to her feet and stepped closer before being abruptly hoisted from the ground. A startled gasp left her but her trip was short lived as she was deposited down onto a painfully hard surface that she soon came to realize was his shoulder servo.

His warmth took her by surprise. Maybe it was his icy personality that drove her to conclusions, but she certainly didn't expect warmth. It made her realize that, though he was constructed out of metal, he was certainly living and biological in his own foreign way. 

Warmth in a literal sense and a metaphorical sense.

She'd welcome it with open arms.

Megatron offered no words to the femme a he tilted his helm back in preparation for another recharge. His helm stay that way for some kliks before he spoke once more and she was caught slightly off guard by the reverberation that followed. 

"You do not reside with your own kind, girl." It was a frank statement.

Lauren hummed tiredly, eased by his warmth. If she were do die in that moment, she'd take solace in the fact that she wasn't alone. "Don't like 'em..." Her words came out slowed. "Or maybe they don't like me... I dunno."

He cast his optics down at her, bathing her relaxed form in ruby light. She didn't stir.

"Enlighten me."

She shifted her form to lean more towards the right. "Never really had friends or family. World likes 'ta fuck me over I guess..." Her eyes remained close for the duration of her answer. "But I tried."

Megatron noted the drop in her temperature and the slowed breaths.

"Recharge, girl. You have work to do." His optics switched off as he entered his own recharge.

"M'kay..." She stooped into the crook of his helm without thought and curled against the inviting temperature.

As his systems began to succumb to offlining, he shifted his helm aside for her.

Chapter 8: Sunsets

Notes:

Thank you all for the comments, I love them so much and you all drive me to keep writing this story!

Lauren groaned awake at a firm nudge to her side. "Mm... Five more minutes..." She mumbled sleepily trying to shy away from the touch and return to the land of unconsciousness. Warmth beckoned her.

"Get off me, girl." Megatron's rough tone woke her quickly. It was like having a subwoofer put on top of you with the dial turned up to a hundred. It rattled her to her very core and stole away any residual drowsiness.

Without much of a second though, Megatron's clawed hand came to her and she stumbled into it immediately. "Sorry, didn't sleep well the other night." Lauren rubbed away the crust from her eyes.

"You are responsible for your own recharge, fleshling." He grated out as he returned her back to the ground. She suddenly felt much smaller. 

Lauren swayed, slightly lightheaded from standing up too fast. Her throat was dry and her skin felt oily. She'd need a shower at some point, but that ultimately went on the back burner for the time being. She ran her hands through the tangled in her hair in an attempt at grooming. 

"You rubbed your organic stench into my metals." The statement came out in repugnance. "You will rid me of this putrid odor at once, girl." He snarled gruffly with a harsh exhale. 

"If you want a bath, just say that. You're a big man." She yawned again, her words coming out haphazardly. "You know how to use your words."

His shark like teeth bared at her in a fruitless display of authority and threat. "You will serve or I will crush you."

Rubbing tiredness from her face, she replied nonchalantly and with a roll of her shoulders. "Well, I'm waiting to be crushed whenever you're ready Mr. Lord."

His growl made the room vibrate, disturbing all her trinkets and projects. "Go." His command was followed by a firm flick of a claw to her back.

She stumbled forward several feet before catching herself mid fall. She threw a glare back at the hulking bot. "You didn't even give me a chance to start walking asshole! A little notice next time maybe!"

"You insects are too slow and inefficient." The decepticon insulted.

"Slow?! Well, sorry, but I'm not forty feet tall!" She turned and made her way toward the barn's exit, but not before turning on her heal, arms crossed expectantly. "Well? Are you coming or what? Or do you need me to take you outside too?" She smirked playfully over her shoulder and left. 

Another growl and he was emerging from the wood structure. The heat of the sun on his metal was welcomed as his servos flexed allowing him to stand at full height. 

"Wait here while I get everything." Lauren shouted as she jogged off towards the house.

Megatron watched her fleeting form, but his attention was soon caught by another approaching sound. There was no mistaking the distant rev of an engine and the forming clouds of dirt.

Quick thinking had Megatron swiftly transforming back into the military truck he so desperately despised. The sound of the engine grew nearer and so did Lauren's footsteps.

"Megatron..." Her voice quickly died in her throat as she watched the approaching truck pull into the drive.

There was no mistaking that white pick-up truck with the blue racing stripe. Lauren's fists clenched as she held her supplies closer. 

The vehicle came to an abrupt park, the breaks screeching in pretest all the while. "You still haven't hocked that piece of junk?" His tone was incredulous as he emerged from the driver's side, slamming the door behind himself a bit too harshly. 

Lauren glared, her hose, soap, and sponge still in hand. "Will you get the fuck out of here Micheal?"

"I'd had figured your 'pa taught you some manners, guess not." He barked back sharply. "So, what? You're just going to pretend that this isn't happening?" His brows furrowed as his eyes scanned over her face with scrutiny, she offered no reply as her eyes narrowed. "Whatever, Lauren." Micheal scoffed as he dug into his pocket, pulling out a folded up piece of paper.

He unfolded it roughly as he approached.

Megatron watched on in suppressed disdain.

Once upon her, he slammed the paper into her chest, the bottle of soap she had was sent clattering to the earth below and she made no move to catch the item as it fell to the ground. "You have thirty days to get the hell out." His harsh eyes did a once over on the smaller woman and then his sights turned to the truck. It was military in appearance and he glared harder. His gaze lingered too long and Lauren took an assertive step in front of him, blocking his view. He scoffed at her antic and offered no other explanation as he left, but not before stealing one last glance at the military vehicle and barking out some unheard words. 

Lauren watched with baited breath as Micheal's truck retreated back from whence it came. She snatched the soap from the dirt, leaving the paper to rot. 

Her expression was hard as she turned back to the robot-turned-truck. "Just stay like this." Her tone was pensive and flat as she began to hose off his alt form. "It's safer."

He revved the engine and bumped her forward with gusto. She tripped and landed hard on her ass into a puddle of her making. She scowled and climbed back to her feet, mud ran uncomfortably down the back of her legs and soaked her shorts. The dirt that clung to her skin felt itchy. 

"You know I'm right..." She grumbled more to herself than him as she retrieved the hose from the ground. The engine revved once more and she sighed, residing herself to her thoughts. 

Half an hour had passed in relative silence since then. Lauren had yet to speak a word as she moved to and from; lather, rinsing, and repeating until she was satisfied with her work, truth be told she was taking her time in a futile attempt at distracting herself.

Wringing out the sponge, Lauren turned to dunk it back into the soapy bucket. 

Megatron took that moment to transform. He despised that human vehicle and no matter how much soap the femme dumped over him, he didn't feel truly clean of human filth.

Turning, Lauren crossed her arms over her chest. "And what if someone sees you?" Her question was direct and flat in tone.

He glared down at her puny, minuscule stature as she gazed up at him. "You take me for a weakling?" His tone came out sharp and taunting. He was practically asking to be challenged and a part of the decepticon craved the adrenaline and victory of battle. 

Her shoulders dropped with her exhale, her nostrils flaring in the process. "No." She retrieved the hose. "I need to get your upper half."

A silent understanding passed between them as he offered her his clawed hand. She stepped upon the appendage with no second thought and he lifted her to his chin.

Another beat of silence passed as she continued her work, careful to not yank any exposed wiring that she happened upon and diligently making sure to get each and every crevice. 

With another rinse of the hose, she studied her work. "I think I'm done."

A grunt of approval had him lowering his palm back towards the ground swiftly.

"Wait! Wait." She called out to him with haste. "Please." She spoke softer. 

The decepticon cast her an incredulous glare as he raised her once more, bringing her to be eye level with him. "Speak, girl. What do you want?"

"I just want to sit up here for a moment. I never get to be this high up." She admitted as she gazed over the stretching farmlands around her. It was almost serene and for a moment she could pretend that everything was going to be alright as a breeze swept past her. 

She glanced back to Megatron with a small smile before turning back to face the view of the setting sun. "Where will you go when you leave this place? Not Earth, I mean my house."

"I will rebuild my army." He stated in a matter of fact tone. "The fight isn't over."

She hummed. "I know you will, but that's not what I asked."

Megatron moved her to sit atop his shoulder, freeing his hand. 

"I'm not washing you again, y'know. If I smell bad then deal with it." She argued in jest, scooting to be closer to his jaw and not the forty foot drop. "Or do it yourself, just don't rip my hose in half please."

"You will do as I command, girl." He responded directly, optics not moving to meet her form, despite her movement. If he didn't know any better he'd thought she was a lowly insecticon, but even then the comparison was too great, she didn't feel of metal. 

Another warm breeze swept past her, chilling her damp clothes pleasantly. She was soaked from head to toe respectively. So much for a shower. The sun kissed the horizon peacefully signaling the time that had passed. 

Her sights trailed along her handiwork. She would say she did well for her first ever "repair a giant alien robot" workshop. Amidst her own work was well dulled scuffs and divots, what remained of battles long fought. She hadn't seen them before. Her eyes traced the intricate shapes of the scars and a part of her thought curiously about what could've caused them and the stories they accompanied. Lauren had always been curious by nature, and this was no different. 

"Is something intriguing you, insect?" His tone dripped of mirth and sarcasm as he shifted his optics to her, glare ever present.

Lauren averted her gaze with haste, not meaning to stare. "Sorry."

"Do speak when spoken to, girl. Do not make me repeat myself."

She swallowed back her awkwardness and spoke up. "Was looking at your scars, is that what you'd call them? I don't know." Dents...?

Megatron grunted pulling his sights from her. "Spoils of war." Came his monotonous reply.

"Aren't the spoils of war supposed to be good things?" She questioned genuinely. 

He scoffed at her question as if the explanation had been obvious. "They are trophies that say 'I came out on top'. That I am the rightful ruler of Cybertron." His tone darkened toward the second statement and she choose not to acknowledge it, keeping her head was preferable.

A beat of silence passed between the two as the sun furthered its descent beyond the horizon, painting the sky in various shades of orange and carnelian, the occasional accent of pink poked through and she smiled. "That's a good way to look at it." She voiced thoughtfully.

Lauren's head dipped and she jerked suddenly. She hadn't even realized she was falling asleep.

"You humans are much too weak. Fragile, soft, paltry creatures." He swiftly plucked the girl from his shoulder servo and set her back on her feet before using the joint on his claw to nudge her forward. "Recharge, fleshling. Go before I set you to wash me again."

She rubbed at her eye. "I'm goin'..." Lauren mumbled as she sauntered up the path towards her home for however much longer that it would be.

Megatron watched as she entered her dwelling before retreating to the old wooden structure for his own rest cycle. Time had seem to be passing much quicker than it usually did. 

Once inside he set himself up against the wall as he had done in the previous days. In the silence, he pondered on what she had asked. 

"Where will you go when you leave this place?" The question was tossed around within his mind like a battering-ram. 

What was he going to do? Where would he go? Why had she asked that?

The questions were thought provoking and made his processors stall as he, truly, had no way of answering them. Not knowing was not something he ever took kindly to (not that he ever took kindly to anything) and he felt stuck. 

Truth be told, he had no real plan. He wanted to go home, but it was no more. He craved a place that no longer existed and he abashed himself for such feelings. For feeling at all. A voice in the back of his mind assured him that no matter what was to come, that he'd be okay and he knew that to be true, but 'okay' and 'successful' were two vastly different things and he craved the latter. 

His thoughts took a turn when he replayed previous conversations from the nights prior. He offlined his optics and allowed his helm to rest.

Where would she go? He'd questioned her, but not yet received a definitive answer. 

Neither bot nor human had a plan for the near future.

Chapter 9: Captious

Notes:

BOOM! Two chapters in one day! The chapters to come, I am SO excited for!

Several more days passed without incident, much to her pleasure.

Lauren had busied herself with what little work she was able to pick up (thank you Mr. Jenkins). The small pocket change was nowhere near enough to even begin to fix her housing problem, but God damnit, she was going to take what she could get and nobody could say she didn't try. 

Megatron was growing impatient with himself. He hadn't a single solid idea on what he was to do. The decepticon knew his end goal, but first he had to get there and that was the hard part. On top of his festering impatience, he was growing antsy. He felt like a sitting sparkling. He longed, thirsted, for action. For a chance to plunge his claws into something and shred it. It had been a good while since he felt well enough to do so and he was becoming stir-crazy. But he'd wait a while more, biting his time for the moment that felt right.

What has become of his fellow decepticons?

He was entirely certain that they were being hunted by human military forces. If they were willing to turn on autobots, then they'd surely try to eliminate his men.

How the humans were accomplishing that feat, was a question in and of itself and he had a feeling he wouldn't like the answer. 

The 'why' didn't need to be answered.

"It's time to begin, isn't it? I get a little bit bigger, but then I'll admit I'm just the same as I was." Lauren sang along to the radio openly as she fiddled with the backside of a vintage fridge. If she could get it working, someone would buy it surely. It did need a new paint job though. She'd get to that later. 

She bobbed her head, singing along happily, her volume steady till the songs crescendo. "Now, don't you understand that I'm never changing who I am?"

Megatron was ripped from his thoughts by the femme's insistent vocalization. "What is with your racket, girl?!" He barked harshly. "Stop that vocalization."

Lauren startled slightly before turning to the imposing bot with a sheepish smile. "It's called 'singing'." She turned back to her hunk of metal-turned-project. "Figured you didn't want to talk to a lowly insect like me." Lauren teased sarcastically.

Megatron growled out in disdain. "Well, at least you are aware, human."

Shooting a look over her shoulder, Lauren sat up. "And here I thought we were becoming best friends." Her tone was playful as she wiped sweat from her brow.

The decepticon sneered at her words, his spark shuddered in disgust at the thought of such an association. Such a benighted species. "You are an insect worthy of cowering at my pedes."

She turned her form to face him fully and did a mock bow. "Yes, yes. All hail Lord Megatron." A giggle left her as she turned away to resume working.

Unknowingly, he puffed his chest out with a swell of pride. Oh, how he longed to be lionized once more, to have his decepticons chant his name to Primus and smite down all that even dared to oppose him. "Soon..." A small voice whispered through his processor. The small human femme before him was just the start in his soon to be upheaval. "That is a more efficient use of of your vocal processors girl, hailing your lord."

"Yeah? Well, don't get used to it big guy." Lauren dropped a handful of screws into her ever growing pile, rust stained her skin in various shades of copper and bronze. 

"Human insubordination will only further your downfall."

As if her species wasn't already dooming themselves. She hummed at his gruff words, but made no move respond as she retrieved a Philips head.

A comfortable silence passed between robot and human. The quiet chime of the radio and the occasional quiet vent from Megatron filled the air as his optics watched her diligently work. He watched as her lip plates vocalized along with the tune of the radio's wavelengths and the way her brow ridge creased in concentration. Unconsciously, the decepticon tuned his audio receptors acutely to better hear the reverberations she was emitting. Admittedly, the vocalizing she was partaking in wasn't horrible on his audio receptors and he found himself rather enjoying it. It eased a part of his spark that never knew recharge.

"Sparks fly, it's like electricity. I might die, when I forget how to breathe." Lauren kept her volume low as to not bother her uninvited guest (but a guest nonetheless) as she began to replace the screws one by one, slowly bringing the vintage appliance back together and instilling a new life into it. "You get closer and there's nowhere in this world I'd rather be. Time stops, like everything around me is frozen." The lyrics died on her tongue as she struggled with bent plating.

"Why do you vocalize to waveforms so often, girl?" His question was one of genuine curiosity. He didn't understand, and he didn't like that.

Lauren forced the metal backing into place harshly before answering with an exhale. "Again, it's called 'singing', and I dunno. I enjoy it." Torquing the last screw into place, she straightened up, her back cracking audibly. "Do you not have music in your planet?"

Megatron replied swiftly. "No. We have no use for it."

She frowned. "No art? Anything?" Came her inquiry.

"We have statues and architecture. We have no use for such frivolous, trivial things, unlike you insects who litter it everywhere and kill your own planet." His tone sharpened towards the ending of his statement.

She shrugged. "You can just say I'm a bad singer, it won't hurt my feelings." Rising to her feet tiredly, she made her way around the appliance to begin pushing it back upright. Some things are easier said than done. People weren't kidding when they said older appliances were made to last. The smaller woman struggled to find a secure grip, her clammy palms did nothing to help her.

Megatron glared at her words as he plucked the small piece of junk from the floor with ease, causing her to stumble forward, hitting the ground with a thud. "Do not speak for me." He threatened.

Lauren sat up from her position and glared back, wiping away the dirt from her palms. "Well it's kinda obvious you don't like it, so just say that."

He roared at her, causing the barn to vibrate with his volume. "You know only what you are told and that is nothing, fleshling." Vitriol seeped from his tone as he slammed a closed fist down into the Earth below him.

Getting to her feet, she dusted off her pants. "I'm not a God damn mind reader, genius!" Lauren shouted up at him in defiance, red beginning to crawl up her face in irritation. "Aren't you supposed to be the 'superior race'?!" She instigated with a wild gesture of her hands.

A growl ripped through his vocal processors as he seized her from the ground aggressively, bringing her to his face. Red bathed her small form, but that fire in her eye didn't relent and part of him was glad for the fact. Not even his own men could hold a stare and something occurred to him in that klik, "You have not a clue what you are getting yourself into, human." His tone came out even, but the edge remained in silent warning.

Her brows twitched at his words, but her eyes didn't soften as Megatron clasped her in his palm like how someone would a bug and, in that moment, she really did feel like a lowly insect in his ruby gaze.

And, he was right. She had no idea.

All she knew was the familiar feeling of desperation clawing at her. The desperation to keep her home, the desperation to succeed, and the desperation of wanting to belong somewhere, anywhere. She cast her eyes away and he growled at the sign of submission. 

"I know that I have nothing." Lauren's words came out stark. The statement tasted like bile and she wanted to rid herself of it. She felt pathetic. What would her grandfather think if he saw her right now? Some woman she turned out to be. Pulling her knees to her chest, she sighed deeply.

Megatron bared his denta at her display. Where did that fire, that hatred go all of a sudden? Why was she a sparkling all of a sudden? Femmes and their processor glitching ways, he hated it. The sudden submission was grotesque and not fitting for someone who could stare him straight in his optics.

It was pathetic.

"I command you to stop such a poignant display, girl." His volume jumped dramatically as he ordered her. "Now."

She refused a reply, keeping her head turned from his harsh gaze.

His fist clashed against the floor before he roughly turned her to face him, his claw hooked roughly under her jaw with bone breaking strength. Though she was basked in ruby light, he could make out her flushed face, optics wet, and brows knit together in her best attempt at a scowl.

"Are you going to kill me, or what?" She spat, hot liquid spilling from her unblinking eyes.

His glowered deepened. "If you are so quick to throw your pathetic life away, then give it to me."

Lauren snorted and ripped her face out if his grasp. It hurt, the metal of his claws scrapping roughly against her jaw. "Like I'd be of any use to you. Thought you hated humans, you never seem to shut up about it."

"I despise your pitiful race you captious creatin." He jerked his hold on her so her form would be facing him once more. "But, even vermin can prove their worth." He dropped her to the floor and she groaned out a curse. "Go, recharge and dwell." A pede shoved her further.

She offered no reply as she made her way to the exit, chancing a glance back at the bot. He gestured to her with his chin before she took her leave.

_______________

Night came quickly with a roll of thunder to accompany the setting sun.

Sleep, however, didn't come easily to Lauren. Thoughts of every Varity plagued her tired mind and she couldn't find a way to shut them off. Every time she fought off one, another came just as abruptly as the previous, attacking her from every vantage point. 

Rolling onto her back, she stared up at the ceiling, he room illuminated subtly by the moonlight that filtered in. Shadows danced along the vintage floral wallpaper like the long banished ghosts from her past. 

She could feel the exhaustion weighing her down and every ache that clung to her body. She felt older beyond her years and not in a good way. She didn't feel any wiser, if anything she felt the opposite. It felt like everything she knew had been uprooted and flipped upside-down, stolen from her in a moment of weakness. 

How could everything go so wrong, so quick? She found herself asking with no apparent answers. 

Another hour passed with no change. Another roll of thunder sounded, closer than the last. A flash of lighting accompanied the booming noise. Got to love summer, right?

Another crack of thunder had her stepping down the stairs and out into the cool night air. Strong gusts of wind swept past her, licking at her skin as she approached the barn with haste.

As quietly as she could muster, she stepped inside the dimly lit structure and pulled the door closed with a soft click.

Arms crossed over her chest, socked feet padded up to her work bench before taking a seat and resting herself atop the rough surface. Her back groaned at the change in posture, but welcomed the familiarity.

Megatron onlined, but kept still as he watched the smaller human creep into the structure and seat herself at her work area.

Hunched over the cluttered table, he watched as she rested herself atop it, brown protein strands- hair- fell over her shoulders messily. She usually had them pulled away from her face.

He onlined his optics, lighting the room in a warm glow. "What business do you have in here, girl?"

Lauren didn't lift her head, but did turn to stare up in his direction, her eyes half lidded with drowsiness, bags plagued her under eyes. 

"You should be in recharge." His words came out accusatory, but his inflection didn't waver, tone even as he spoke.

For a split second, she forgot that it was her barn.

She blinked at him slowly. "You're right, I don't know what I'm getting myself into..." The brunette mumbled quietly, her voice muffled by the sound of thunder overtaking the land.

"Come, girl." He called her to him. "Closer."

Slowly, she stumbled to her feet and his clawed hand met her halfway in the darkness. She rested into his large palm and he brought her to his shoulder once more.

"You did not answer my question, fleshling. I'd advise that you do so."

Lauren couldn't help the way she curled into the crook under his helm. "Don't like storms." Came her quiet reply.

"Your fear is vacuous and meant for a coward." He rumbled.

She curled in further, absorbing the warmth he gave off as wind rapped against the barn's exterior. "Then I'm a coward..."

"Cowardry is punishable by death among decepticons." Megatron stated in a matter of fact tone.

"Mm..." She hummed below his audio receptor and he instinctively lowered his chin to further conceal her. His action was almost solicitous. 

"Not a decepticon." Lauren muttered, curling herself into a ball.

Megatron's tone took on a commanding edge, despite no volume shift. "You will be whatever I want you to be, girl."

"M'kay..." Unconsciousness claimed her as his warmth enveloped her.

Megatron remained online for several cycles once she'd fallen into recharge. He counted the kliks between her vents and noted her approximate weight on his shoulder. He could still smell the sodium residue upon her cheeks and the bacteria in her sweat, her hair smelled of something unknown to him. The decepticon shifted his chin plating, nudging her slightly in the process, it became apparent to him just how fragile she was, despite her defiant disposition, he could crush her where she slept. He made no move to do so, resting his helm back.

Maybe he'd been overexaggerating on how disgusting she smelled, too.

Primus knows just how dramatic he could be.

Chapter 10: Emerald Cut

Soundwave orbited Earth steadily, accompanied by one of several satellites. Endlessly, he processed all incoming and outgoing communication. Anything that put out a signal, he was privy to.

The decepticon gazed upon the smaller planet beneath him. Cybertron made the organic sphere look like a footnote. Of all the planets in the universe, it had to be one of the most primitive in nature.

"This is Joann coming at you from channel five news regarding the climb in recent weather patterns-"

"Hey honey, when will you be home? I've got the girls from school and-"

"This is team Bravo to team alpha. No sign of autobot or decepticon life, copy."

The large bot turned his helm toward the satellite in interest, optics brightening as he tuned in.

"Copy, nothing here either. Randevu with Lockdown. Over."

Soundwave growled to himself.

Megatron lived and so did many of their army, that he knew for certain. He'd received his Lord's ping only a deca-cycle previously. No orders had been given nor received. He'd pinged back in silent communication, as if saying "I hear you and I know".

He would wait for his leader's word, no matter how long it'd take.

But, desperate times called for desperate measures.

Human forces weren't a problem, a nuisance, sure, but no problem (or match) for Cybertronians and, yet they were forced into hiding, biting their time with dwindled numbers. Autobot activities had all, but vanished, leaving Soundwave to wonder what happened.

And now he knew.

The humans had help. Lockdown. How had he not seen him? Information rarely escaped the decepticon.

The opposite side of the planet. The dark side.

The answer was so simple it came to him in a klik, if only he'd caught his error sooner. Soundwave grumbled his indignation and disgust into the vastness of space, his denta bared.

Hypocrites. Both of them.

Detaching himself from the satellite, Soundwave free floated as he queued into his hailing frequency. "Soundwave to Megatron. Soundwave to Megatron..."

_______________

"I didn't hear what you were saying. I live on raw emotion, baby. I answer questions, never maybe." Speckles of black paint decorated Lauren and her clothes as she applied a second coat to the vintage fridge, head bobbing subtly along to the beat of the song. "And I'm not kind if you betray me. So, who the hell are you to save me?"

Megatron sat hunched, hand rested atop his knee servo and he further attempted to tune his hailing frequency, but he could get it quite right. Occasionally, he'd catch a snippet of sound, but then it was gone just as quickly as it came.

It was equal parts tedious and infuriating.

Lauren chanced a glance over her shoulder at the alien warlord. Frustration plagued his metal features with a snarl and a glare. Not that it was an uncommon sight. If anything, she'd be worried if he weren't scowling. The something would really be wrong.

His metal claws reached up to fiddled with his exposed wiring. Rough static jammed his audio receptors with no luck.

A roar and a slam of his fist shook the barn and earth it sat on.

Lauren gasped as she narrowly caught her small paint can from painting the floor in a fresh coat of 'deep charcoal'.

Turning and getting to her feet, she hesitantly approached. "You okay?"

He shot an incredulous glare her way as he used a claw to tamper with his wiring further. "Has your sight left you, girl? Or have your optics stopped?"

"Stupid question." She stepped closer daringly. "Do you want some help?"

"Your primitive earthly technology would be less than useless." Megatron insulted with a leer.

Lauren crossed her arms over her chest in defiance. "And who's the one who fixed you with their 'primitive earthly technology'?" The brunette mocked, she cocked her hip out. "Give me a lift and let me see." She gestured with her hand loosely.

He scoffed as he swept her feet out from under her, jerking her small form upward haphazardly. 

Huffing, she climbed back to a standing position in the bot's palm to better assess the problem.

Wires were a muck; tangled, some severed, others stripped entirely. Her brows knit together in incertitude. "What exactly are you trying to do?"

His optics flashed to her. "My hailing frequency, communications, whatever your kind want to call it."

She hummed in acknowledgment. "Can you lift me higher?"

He did so without offering a reply.

Carefully, she studied the wiring. She had worked on his head area previously, but it was a quick fix, not made to last. "Let me know if I'm hurting you." Do they even feel pain? She found herself asking, and the simple answer, she thought, was 'yes'. 

His grunt made her bones vibrate. "You will know."

"That's reassuring." The tune of the radio droned on softly in the background like white noise as she gently searched for the problem at hand. She hummed softly to herself, not able to make out what was playing from her vantage point.

Megatron shifted his palm closer to his helm and she nearly stumbled, catching herself on one of his claws. She retorted, but he paid it no mind.

Her hands moved intricately and with purpose, but not in the way he'd seen her work upon junkyard scrap. "Why do you move your phalanges in such a manner, insect?"

Lauren paused what she was doing and withdrew her hands, having found where the problem lie. "What do you mean?"

"Don't play stupid, girl. I am smarter than whatever mind game you're playing at." He half growled.

She raised a brow. "No. I really don't know what you're getting at Megatron."

Another grunt of disapproval. "Your phalanges move in tandem, surely that is no coincidence, human. It is a learned skill."

Lauren almost felt like she was being accused of something with how his tone hit her. She thought for a moment, lost on how to respond. "Uh, I use to play the piano?" Her explanation was more a question than anything else. What was he getting at? The realization that he could possibly be mad at her for being gentle made her want to roll her eyes and pull at her hair. His optics bore into her as if ordering her to continue. "It's an instrument. Y'know, a music thing? You wouldn't get it." She waved her had in dismissal.

"Do not underestimate me, pest." His claws forced her further to the middle of his palm, as if caging her in. A piano? He'd never heard of such a thing.

A forced exhale left her as she fished her phone out of her pocket, seemingly ignoring her aggressor.

"What do you think you're-"

She cut him off, not looking up to grace him with her gaze. "Patience, Lord. Give me a sec." Lauren swiped through her gallery in search, traversing many years of time to find what she was looking for. 

Several more moments ticked by before Lauren straightened up and turned the small communication device towards his offending optics.

Megatron glared at the inferior technology displayed before him, but his audio receptors were soon caught by a familiar vocalization.

Lauren watched from an odd angle as she, herself sat before a grand piano, microphone placed just above her mouth. She was eighteen then and her hair was longer, she recalled.

Megatron watched with subdued curiously as the presentation before him. It was a video recording of the human girl, distinctly younger. The protein strands atop her head in the recording were twice the length that they were currently and he subtly stole a glance at her to calculate the exact length. She sat before a large, oddly shaped piece, her hands generating cohesive tune as her phalanges pressed upon button like objects. They varied in frequency and volume and then she parted her lip plates, leaning into the microphone's birth.

"All  along it  was a fever. A cold sweat, hot-headed believer."

"I threw my hands in the air, I said, 'Show me something'. He  said 'If  you dare, come a little closer'."

His attention was captured fully as the video progressed. His audio receptors forcibly tuned out every other sound within range, favoring the melodic sound of this 'piano' and her singing. He processed each word and syllable that escaped her mouth. The decepticon wanted to be disgusted and appalled with himself for such an enjoyment. Art, music, held no value to him or his kind. They'd gone without it for eons and they'd continue to, but, just for a moment, he could indulge in something so useless.

Lauren's fingers flew across the opaque keys with purpose. "It's not much of a life you're living. It's just something you take, it's given."

The brunette mouth along with herself quietly as the video continued. It was recorded shakily, having been filmed by an old classmate above the heads' of her peers.

His optics shifted from the small device up to where she had her head cranes to watch along. Several kliks passed of his studying the way silently mouth along with the audio and the way her shoulders moved with her breathing.

Stop. He chastised himself as he ripped himself from the moment. "Return to work, girl." Once more, he hoisted her up to his helm.

Lauren smiled. "Well, I found the problem. I just need to reconnect some wiring. Shouldn't be a big problem."

Fifteen minutes passed, Lauren having retrieved the needed supplies and diligently twisting, reconnecting, and sealing the necessary wires. He must've pulled them loose in his thoughtless anger and impatience.  "And... done!"

Megatron, without so much as a 'thank you', immediately went to his hailing frequency and was subsequently met with the stoic voice of Soundwave.

"Soundwave to Megatron. Soundwave to Megatron."

The decepticon lord stiffened up immediately. Lauren toppled over at the suddenness with a curse. "A little warning would've been nice, asshole."

"Shut up, girl." He came swiftly, his words commanding and grating as he haphazardly set her aside. "Soundwave, what is it you have for me?" He pinged firmly.

How long had he been trying to reach him? He had no idea. A sudden bitterness overtook him at his recent piteousness.

"Lockdown has touched down on Earth. He has allied himself with the humans."

Megatron vented a growl, a glare overtaking his features. If Lockdown has made his way to Earth, then it was in nobody's favor, especially not his. "Tell me Soundwave, how do you know it's Lockdown himself and not another Quintessan?"

"Communications between human military. That is all the information I gathered."

Megatron roared in vexation. Couldn't just one thing go right? "You have done me well, Soundwave. Mobilize the troops. Have them randevu on my signal."

"Affirmative."

_______________

"We have surveillance on a recent artillery vehicle traveling alone, sir." Came a younger man's voice. The areal shot of the worn military truck displayed across a projector for all in the room to see. "Hard match."

There was no mistaking it's deception nature. "Lock onto the high value target."

"Relay to Lockdown and advance. Bring Megatron back in one piece of possible. His severed head if absolutely necessary. Contact special ops and get back to me."

_______________

Lockdown was a mech of intelligence and decisiveness. Not much could escape his emerald optics.

His feet carried him through his ship, subordinates swiftly moved from his path both in respect for their leader and in fear of what he'd do if they disobeyed.

The silver bodied mech emerged into the center on his imposing ship. The heart where he resided and spoke to those beyond him.

"Lockdown." Another sleek mech entered the large room.

Lockdown, without second glance, spoke to his second in command. "Speak, Hasp."

"The humans have belief of where Megatron is taking refuge."

"They do not work fast, but they do work hard. You are relieved, Hasp." Lockdown spoke sternly.

Hasp offered no further words and left just as quickly as he had appeared.

He scowled as he approached his central hub centered in the midst of the room. "My queen."

An admittedly feminine voice called back. "Ah, Lockdown. What of your mission? Do you bring news?"

He bowed. "The humans, they have found Megatron, the decepticons still remain."

A thoughtful hum echoed throughout the chamber in an almost hunting manner. "You have your orders. Do not fail me, Lockdown, lest you want to be a Cybertronian animal." Her words stung and pierced through his resolve.

"I will not fail you, my queen."

A small, yet distant laugh left her. "I know, Lockdown."

Chapter 11: Extremity

Notes:

Hey everyone! Thank you all so much for all your kind words and support! I really appreciate it. This is chapter 11 and I've been looking forward to posting this chapter for a while and I'm so excited to finally get it done! This one is twice as long as previous chapters and I hope you all love reading it as much as I loved writing it!

The day that followed was started like any other; Lauren woke up from a dreamless sleep, brushed her teeth, skipped over breakfast, and made her way to the barn. All in that order. 

The sun was particularly hot that day, scorching the earth with its fiery presence. Sweat beaded on her skin near instantly and before she knew it, she had soaked through her shirt all the while her hair stuck to her forehead uncomfortably. Her cargo pants did wonders when it came to keeping the sun off her legs, but did absolutely nothing when it came to the heat rolling off her. At least they had plenty of pockets for her to choose from.

Lauren huffed and swiped away a drop of sweat as she flipped over a dated microwave.

Megatron sat rigidly in his corner of the barn, not making a move to engage. His wires had been surging all morning with no apparent reason, yet his mind told him something was amiss. His optics found Lauren's small form and he studied the way she worked. Music was lost on her that day as the small archaic radio had ceased to work, only playing high pitched static.

The radio was the very least of his concerns. His shoulder servos whirred as he kept on edge.

"Awfully quiet today." She had commented, but Megatron had made no move to respond or even dignify her with a reaction and she left it at that. 

The decepticon tried time and time again to utilize his hailing frequency, but all that he was graced with was that same high pitched static.

It made no sense and it took all of him to not lash out and keep himself leveled.

The static was deafening and when searched, offered him nothing, same with the radio. His optics narrowed and he scowled deeply. A thought dawned on him, but he must be sure in his assumptions.

Once is a coincident,

"Girl, is your communication device in service?" His tone was firm and lined with edge, he stared her down.

"My phone? Uh-" Lauren wiped her hands along her shirt hem and pulled the small device from her pocket. One click of the power button and nothing. Two clicks and still nothing. A thread of panic weaved its way into her. "No, it's not. Why?"

Twice is a pattern.

Megatron felt his spark ignite with furry when the sound of encroaching vehicles assaulted his audio receptors. Multiple enroot and approaching fast.

"Get out." Megatron ordered in a growl through clenched denta as he got to his full height, shaking the ground with his movements. 

"W-what? But, I'm still-"

"Leave or die." The decepticon order harshly as he readied his left blaster, his eyes seemed to have shown brighter as a blood lust and vengeance took ahold of him.

Lauren scurried to her feet as she too caught the, now admittedly closer, sounds of engines tearing into the dirt road. The rev sounded like wordless threats. 

Panic colored her as she stole one last glance at the mech. She emerged from the barn, being sure to pull the doors securely closed behind her in an attempt to conceal the warlord. 

It was only then that she noticed how close the convoy was. Her heart plummeted and she was racked with fight or flight. All the hairs across her body stood on end in a primitive way of saying "go away" and she took long strides away from the barn as the vehicles tore into her front lawn, sending dirt and grass up everywhere.

She couldn't count how many men emerged from within. Tactical gear clung protectively to their bodies and she became immediately aware of the helicopter hovering just above her home, the wind sent her hair flying up in all directions wildly. 

They know. A cynical voice whispered in the back of her mind and she did all she could to ignore it as a man in sun glasses approached her with purpose and haste.

"Uh, hey! Hello! What is this? Who are you?" She questioned loudly in an attempt to conceal her nerves. "Answer me damnit!"

The balding man made his way into her space, a hard look crossed her features. "Miss Ridgwell, my name's James Savoy. I'm a federal agent." James' voice was hoarse and rough on the ears in an unpleasant manner. "My men and I are trying to track down a rogue military vehicle." He studied her features from behind his sunglasses as another, much more built, agent came up behind her, effectively caging her in.

She swallowed and stood her ground, jutting her chin out in a display of confident dominance.

"This is a nice spread you got here, too bad she's up for auction." James complimented flippantly.

Lauren ran her tongue over her top row of teeth. "She's not." Her tone came out firm and flat. "And hate to break it to you, but I haven't seen any military around these parts. It's pretty quiet out this way." She crossed her arms.

"Is that so, Miss Ridgwell? You know, we received a call from someone concerned about this military vehicle."

Micheal. All her thoughts screamed and turned to him in accusation. 

"Then it's a shame I haven't seen anything." The threat of a shit eating grin took ahold of her lips as she held his same eye contact, effectively ignoring the man breathing down her neck. "Y'know they got a rule about people messing with people from Texas? And I don't know what military vehicle you're talking about."

James was suddenly up her face, his breath hot against her skin. "The kind that cost American lives." He grated before pulling away to shout an order to his men. "Search the property!"

Lauren scowled and stepped in front of him once more. "The hell you mean? This is my land, you have no right!"

"This'll be government land again in twenty-two days sweetheart." He spat back as if to smite her down with that information. "Think of this as repossession." 

The propeller of the helicopter was thunderous as it circled her home, making it hard to hear what was happening. Armed men marched along her property on high alert as another team infiltrated her home and livelihood. 

She spun on her heel sharply and got into James face just as he had done to her. "Who the fuck gave you the right?" Her words came out in a hiss and vitriol bled into her tone.

All he did was fucking smirk in her face and she felt her chest constrict when a group approached the barn and pushed they're way in, but nothing happened and she tried not to let confusion contort into her features.

The old oil drill... Her mind supplied. That's the only place he'd be able to fit in. 

"The place is clear, we got nothing." Came one of the men, weapon poised down at his side in a relaxed manner. 

"Sir! We got something!" Another tactically geared man emerged from around the side of the barn and, in his gloved hand, he held out the discarded internal piping from Megatron's chest. 

James turned back to Lauren in that moment as if waiting for her to admit guilt, but she refused. "Okay, I bought a military truck off some guy, so what? But, it was here one moment and gone the next. That's all I fucking know about him." She pleaded with her lie before storming off in the direction of her home.

As if a series of gears started turning in his head, James lent into his ear piece for a split second, before storming up in her path, cutting her off. "Miss Ridgwell."

"What the hell else do you want?" She barked with disdain and authority. "Get the fuck off my property!" 

"Excuse me." He plucked the glasses from his face, neatly folding them, his sharp gaze pierced her. "You just said, 'him'."

If all the color could've drained from her face, it would've in that moment. She came up dry and made no move to respond. 

"Take her down." He ordered loudly.

"The fuck-" But before the whole statement could leave her, she was pinned harshly. Dirt stuck to the sweat on her face and she groaned in pain as her arm was secured between her shoulder blades. A padded knee came down on her back in spartan fashion. 

James crouched beside her, a disappointed look crossed his face causing his face to crease. "What kind of person betrays their flesh and blood brethren for alien metal?" Lauren glared harshly before spitting in his face. James backhanded her back into the ground as he wiped the saliva from his cheek. "Load up boys! Search the perimeter!"

Lauren thrashed from under her captor with a flurry of curses. "I'll fucking kick your ass- let me go!" Her shoulder screamed and pleaded for her to stop, but her mind instigated more. Maybe if she could just get her arm free...

Something hard and cylindrical pressed into the back of her skull as a fist full of her hair was snatched up to make her look at James.

"Now, you got ten seconds to tell us where the truck is."

The safety on the gun went off with a resounding, yet quiet, click.

All the blood pooled in her face as she struggled and leveled a stare with the agent. "Go to hell."

James buried a bullet into the soil beside her and the bang made her ears ring. "Now, you have six seconds."

"If you're going to shoot me, then fucking do it!" Venom poured from her and all that hate she buried channeled through her glare. "Did you hear me?! Just fucking shoot me!" 

Megatron hidden, listened to the entire exchange, a sick smile crossed his metal features as he equipped both of his arm cannons, his internal weapon casings slid in and out of place with ease and the surge of battle took ahold of him as he ripped through the barn in a flurry of gunfire and debris.

He obliterated one, two, three- the count exceeded him as he took aim and fired with precision.

Lauren, in the midst of the chaos, wedged her knee between herself and the dirt, kicking up and out of her captor's hold. Cradling her sore arm, she dove aside as gunfire from both sides ripped through the air, tearing through everything around her like it was nothing. 

Megatron spared no expense and fired off with rapidity. Blood and shells tainted the soil as debris of all kind littered the area. Her truck was beside what use to be the barn. Her keys were in the visor.

If she could make it over there...

Lauren dared a glance at the battle insinuating around her and, when the moment felt right, she dashed out from her cover and dove for her vehicle.

Her finger tips had barely grazed the rusted handle before she was ripped away from it belligerently and spun to face her assaulter, but she'd been ready.

In a flurry of motion, she swiped at James with the piece of glass she had grabbed. His gear took the brunt of her attack, but she made contact once just as something hard pressed into her torso.

It was all quiet after that and she felt really warm all of a sudden and...wet? She didn't remember falling in something.

James pushed off her, holding a gloved hand to his fresh wound. Lauren stumbled to the ground despite her efforts to catch herself. 

Her shirt soaked with something dark and thick, breathing became hard all of a sudden and her nose scrunched at the taste of iron. With what strength and adrenaline she had left, she hoisted herself to her feet, a wet cough escaped her. And then another. All was silent and moving in slow motion around her; men fleeing for their lives only to hit the ground, fire, more armored vehicles showed up, and she though that maybe she heard screaming. It was all muddled together as she slowly became dizzy.

Lauren held the bed of her truck for support as her feet shuffled through the dirt. Sapphire eyes roamed over the scene in search of Megatron or anyone really. 

Was he okay? Had they succeeded in capturing him? Or did they want to kill him? She didn't know.

As if hours had passed, her eyes came upon his hulking metal form as he continued to stand off against everyone.

She noticed that even in the midst of day, his eyes still shone bright and vividly, making the sun look dull in stark comparison. It was all she could stare at, the color red.

Megatron smite whatever and whoever came his way in a flurry of blasts and the occasional swipe of a blade. 

His optics zeroed in on all the faces of those he killed and he roared for all of Earth to hear as if to say "I'm back!". Off in the near distant, reinforcements approached. One other thing he couldn't stand about humans; they just kept coming and didn't know when to stop. They truly were like insects that knew no decorum. 

He'd have to flee eventually, much to his disdain. He was repaired well enough, but still not at his fullest. and he was alone in this fight without his own set of reinforcements. 

Before he was able to dodge, a blast much to powerful for any human technology hit him. The decepticon caught himself swiftly and fired back a counter strike. Another roar ripped past his vocal processors and it shook the land with power when he focused in on an approaching Lockdown. His emerald optics were not to be mistaken. 

He tilted his helm to and from and stood taller, surveying the area when he spotted Lauren slumping against her truck and leaking fluids.

Lockdown fired off another shot from his distance and Megatron dodged narrowly, watching as the home was turned to nothing. It was eviscerated and left the ground to shake under his onslaught. 

He growled and dove for Lauren, just as the green optic bounty hunter reached him.

Megatron snatched Lauren's form from the ground and in his haste, shed his earthly disguise in favor of a Cybertronian jet model. Lauren's limp body was shoved within the cockpit as he climbed in altitude. 

Lockdown fired off several more shots, but did not pursue.

Lauren came to with a wheeze and a whine of pain. "M-Megatron... it hurts- p-please..." She coughed and crimson spittle flew from her mouth, speckling his interior. Tears spilled from her eyes haphazardly and she clutched her abdomen desperately. "W-where..."

"Hush girl, recharge." Megatron ordered abruptly as he flew with no destination in mind. She was leaking fluids and he noted her shallow, labored breaths, her flesh cold and ashen.

A newfound anger brewed beneath his metals and he flew faster in response.

He despised humans, cursed them to the deepest, darkest pits of Primus. He'd slaughter them all if he had too and keep their corpses as trophies, leaving the planet a barren wasteland with no ability to recover.

He hit turbulence as he barreled into a storm causing Lauren to gasp at the sudden jerk in motion, her cry of pain made his spark burn and his wires surge with some unknown ailment.

He tipped down and navigated below the clouds, avoiding as much of the turbulence as he could.

"Meg-Megatron... please... s-stop...." She mewled quietly, the tears long vanished from her eyes and her pupils were blown wide, dilated to the fullest potential. A cry escaped her as pain plagued her nerves. 

His engines kicked into gear and thrusted him forward faster, not wanting to hear her speak like such a weakling. "I said recharge, bug. Do not disobey." He growled.

Lauren's world was spinning and her ears rang, she was cold, so very cold as shivers racked her body. She wanted to curl up, but her body wasn't listening. "I s-said... stop...!" She ordered with the last remnants of her strength before her head fell back and she was dragged into darkness once more.

Megatron descended quickly, his landing was harsh and rough on the desert terrain. It was night by that point and the stars painted the sky.

His transformation was swift and he made good due to keep Lauren in hand and he trekked on through the hilly terrain. Held up against his chassis, she lay limp in his hold, blood soaked her and stained his metal.

A soft wheeze halted him in his tracks as he gazed down at her, his ruby optics bathing her in more crimson than was needed. 

She lifted a frail hand up at him and placed it higher on his chassis, marking him with a hand print. Fear and trepidation swam in her wide eyes. 

"Rise, girl. We must move." Megatron ordered prosaically. 

Her unblinking eyes were glassy as they bore into him. "M-Megatron? I... I don't f-feel so good..." The words were stifled barely above a whisper and came out breathy. The side of her face was marked with discoloration. 

"Rest, girl." Megatron's words droned out with a familiar gruffness, but it did nothing in aiding her comfort. 

Lauren trembled in his hold. Terror gripped her in a primal vice and tears were shed. "I-I don't... want to go." She gasped wetly. "I'm s-scared..." 

Megatron laid her form into the sand despite her feebly attempt to grip him and took a seated position before her. His optics never left her, even after she went still and her breathing ceased.

Something within him felt wrong and twisted up. He reached out and used a claw to pull the hair tie from her hair, sending it cascading over her shoulder as his audio processors played back her words.

She was scared and died fearful. 

Megatron sat there for what felt like eons staring at the husk of what was once a human named Lauren. His optics traced over each detail of her; the color of her hair, the pores that textured her skin, the blue of her eyes, and the curve of her lips were just a few that didn't sip beyond his grasp. 

So many things surged through him all at once and it was hard to make sense of it all, but there was one thing he knew for certain. 

The metal plating of his chassis pulled away and his spark shone bright, illuminating the dark with irony and casting odd shadows. 

He gently took hold of her small form and held her close to his spark chamber as he hunched over in some semblance of sheltering her.

He shouldn't be doing this... He knew he shouldn't've and what it could mean for him, but somewhere in the deepest part of his mind, something whispered that it was right and he had to know. 

His spark reached for her and bristled at her nearness, fighting to get closer.

He held her that way for several hours, allowing himself to process what it all meant to him, meant for him.

All Cybertronians were taught spark bonding incantations in their sparkling years, and it wasn't that he ever forgot them, but couldn't find it in himself to recite it as he battled with his pride.

He stared a bit longer at her stillness and it felt like his spark bit him for thinking anything other than what it thought was right. The soft blue light illuminated her ashen skin and she glowed within the darkness like a small beacon. 

The Cybertronian words left him with ease and comfort as he recounted what was taught to him from so long ago. His spark flourished and tore itself apart from the outside in. The process was painful and hard to bear, but he made no move to budge or stop as a piece of himself broke away.

If anyone deserved this, it was this human, her. A life for a life.

He wanted to say he was doing this to repay his debt to her, but... 

Even if it wouldn't restore her, he wouldn't regret it. He never did anything in his life worth regretting, not him. Never him. 

His spark fragment hovered over her in wait and he took a klik to process before stating the sealing words.

"For the eons to come, you and all the versions of you I have yet to meet will have me."

His spark was hasty in its bonding process, quick to embed itself within her very being.

What followed was a startle to even him; so many foreign emotions and memories took hold of his mind in a series of flashes. Fragmentations of her embedded into his very code. He was silently thankful she couldn't look upon him in such a state. 

Time passed incredibly slowly after that, and his stature over her never faltered. His spark chamber remained ajar and she was kept close for warmth, because humans liked that. They needed it.

The change was slow and gradual, but the saturation returned to her skin and soft heart beats became rhythmic.

"W-wha...?" Was the first thing he heard.

Megatron remained silent, not sure in what to say. His optics left her and surveyed the area for any signs of danger or conflict.

Lauren winced as pain plagued her, a strangled sound crawled from the depths of her throat as she writhed in his hold.

A jumbled mess of that day's events and snippets of things she'd never seen made her head pound uncomfortably.

Was she inside? Where was she? Maybe it was a hospital? It was so bright.

Her eyes strained as she fought to open them. An icy light greeted her first and foremost, but that's not what perplexed her. She was in Megatron's hold, but the way he poised himself above her was unordinary and smothering. 

God, her abdomen was killing her. Lauren strained as she shifted aside, her fingers roamed her body and she hissed upon discovering the wound afflicting her.

It was small, despite the immeasurable pain it brought with it.

Brows furrowed, she recounted what exactly had happened in order and scrunched up her nose as a familiar pressure built behind her eyes.

Had she been shot...? Why hadn't she noticed immediately? Surely she should've, right? Was she in shock? 

Everything after that was blurred and muddled together, coated in the guise of a fever dream.

She sniffled as she fought back hot tears.

Her clothes were soaked uncomfortably in her own blood, dirt made her scalp itch, and her cheek ached from where she had been struck. Bruising could be felt and Lauren could only assumed it looked worse than it felt.

Every breath she took made her wince, moving wasn't any better.

"Megatron...?" She called out to him. "Are you okay? Hello?"

That garnered his attention as he panned his sights back down toward her smallness. She shielded her eyes from his much too bright optics.

"I am no weakling, girl." His words came out in a deep rasp, but even in tone. He sat back into a more proper sitting position, allowing for her to gaze upon the night sky and the millions of stars that decorated it. It was so dark. 

Part of her wanted to ask what had happened, but figured that'd be best saved for later. "That's not what I asked though- shit!" She hissed as a fresh wave of pain surged through her.

"Rest, girl. You humans are much too weak and frail."

There was no point in fighting it or him, not that she had the energy to do so anyway. Her questions would be asked and answered later.

It was some time before she was able to nod off, and yet, he stayed vigilant, intent on not allowing the events of the previous jor to replicate. His thoughts kept him busier than his watch and he came to realize so many things in those quiet moments as he listened to the whispers.

"This is what you've been living for..." His spark called noiselessly and he pushed it away, caging it deep within himself. 

Chapter 12: Discernment

Lauren hunched herself over the water's edge, her reflection stared back as if to mock her.

It was gone. Everything of hers, everything that she had come to know was ripped out from beneath her, leaving her barren and with only her name. Her home, her shop, all of those stupid unfinished projects ceased to exist.

She blamed everyone, but she blamed herself most of all. If she hadn't been stupid- selfish- maybe if she had actually listened to those radio adverts, then she wouldn't be bleeding over a watering hole admits the plains of Namibia, Africa.

Hot, angry tears stung her eyes as she bit back of cry of pain. This wasn't her home, she didn't belong in all of this, whatever this was.

Megatron was right and she loathed that fact.

She was lost and unable to do anything about it. Helplessness had never felt so demeaning in her whole life.

A strangled sob slipped past her lips as she cupped some water in her hands. Using her teeth to hold her shirt up, she did was she could to clean her wound. The surrounding edges were dark in color and she prayed it wasn't infected. The breeze that swept past bit her and she hissed. Her skin felt impossibly hot as she sweat away every last bit of hydration her body had to offer, brain pounding against her skull in the process.

Earth rattling footsteps approached from behind her, but she made no move to greet the decepticon as he marched up beside where she resided. 

Megatron took a seat at the water's edge, not offering any words of his own as he plunged his hand into the murky liquid.

"What're you doing?" Lauren's tone was accusatory and she was tense, a pained look colored her features. Her breathing was labored and her lungs wheezed filling her mouth with the taste of iron. She swallowed back her saliva, her brows knit together sending creases along her forehead. Part of her was undeniably angry, furious even, with him for uprooting her life the way he had. Half-lidded eyes stared up at him in her best attempt at a glare.

"Have you no faith in your leader?" He ground out bluntly as he scooped the water over her in a cascade.

It initially startled her, but it soon subsided in favor of the cool liquid against her skin. She stared up at him in a pitiful display, clutching her abdomen from the pain of her wound and the uncomfortableness of encroaching hunger.

The sun was setting fast and she knew the night would be far too cold for her wet state.

Megatron stood to height. "Come, we must move."

Lauren rose to her feet with a wince as she followed slowly in his wake, the sun was beginning to disappear beyond the sandy horizon.

Her feet dragged for what felt like hours and it wasn't long before she stumbled, hitting the sand with a curse. Lauren coughed, shivering where she lay.

The decepticon turned to her and without room for deliberation, scooped her into his palm and trekked on in silence as he kept his guard up.

Her weight had lessened in his hold and he noted her feverish temperature, the air she vented was wet and hoarse. A growl rumbled out of him.

_______________

A coughing fit yanked Lauren from the blissfulness of sleep and thrusted her back into harsh reality.

Her back hit a hard surface as she wheezed and the warmth of fire nipped at her damp skin. Lauren shifted against the rock she was lent against and scooted closer to the fire in an attempt to escape the frigid desert air. "M-Megatron?" She called out, but nothing came of it. "Hello?" 

A bud of panic rooted deep within her as she searched the surrounding area flutily.

Wetness glossed over her eyes and she groaned in pain as she attempted to get to her feet with what strength she still had. Her damp clothes stuck to her skin, grossly stained with her blood, mud, and grease.

"Megatron...!" She croaked desperately.

Had he left her here? Had she been abandoned again...?

Lauren bit down on her lip to silence her cries as a flurry of emotions swept over her like a rolling storm. She stumbled to the ground once more and succumbed to her own sorrow in a wallow. 

_______________

"Areal view indicates military outposts west of your coordinates." Came the even tone of Soundwave.

With squared shoulders, Megatron readied his artillery. "You've pleased me Soundwave." He grunted with the back of his throat.

"Autobot Ratchet has been decommissioned, sir."

Megatron kept silent on his previous encounter with the bounty hunter as the outpost came into distant view, he snarled. "Report later, Soundwave."

"Affirmative."

His coms went silent after that exchange and he halted as his optics scanned over the most compatible vehicle of choice, which was another truck in question, dawning more of a beige pallet.

Admits his configuration, his spark jerked sharply and he roared lowly at the suddenness. "Patience, fragile one."

He came upon the outpost swiftly and undetected in his new alt form.

Once beyond the pathetic gates, he swiftly transformed to begin his onslaught. Stealth had never been his preferred method of infantry.

He roared for all to hear as he revenged the camp. The screams of agony and fear made his processors surge with a long thirsted after blood lust. "Disgusting," He obliterated one building after the other. "Human scrap!" A man liquified under his stomp.

"All hail Megatron!" He roared to his fullest, lionizing in the death of it all.

No human remained in his destruction as he turned the outpost into a grave yard. His weapons returned beneath his plating and he kicked through the debris in search of what he had came for.

The decepticon was not informed on what humans could and could not consume safely, not versed in what it took to keep one alive.

He growled out in disdain as he ripped miscellaneous items from the ruble with his only filter being; organic.

The decepticon warlord didn't account that his method of assault would likely ruin the integrity of most everything. She would have to make due with whatever he got.

His spark pulsated again and he grunted at the way it knocked around within its chamber. The whole thing was foreign to him and it grated on his nerves.

He knew that all the things he was feeling were not of his own doing, but of her's. It was odd and he did not welcome the change.

Once he had collected whatever he could he turned to leave, snagging a large, thick piece of canvas in his retreat. He threw it up over his helm much like how she had used the tarp to cover him.

Once back in his alt form, he sped off, sending a cloud of sand up behind his aft.

It wasn't long until he approached the small makeshift camp he'd set up. The first thing that greeted him was hoarse, bellowing sobs and the erratic heartbeat of Lauren.

Lauren spotted the unfamiliar vehicle and, in her panic, dragged herself back up against the rock, curling in on herself as a way to shield herself from what was to come. She trembled and choked on her tears. Metal on metal and the familiar whirring made her head snap up to face Megatron.

His hand deposited a cluster of random items onto the ground before her. She startled away from it, but soon turned back to survey what the contents really were.

It was various articles of canned food, some metal bits, and what she thought was cloth. Her finger tips brushed against the items and she frowned, her eyes strained from crying. "W-where did you go? Why did you leave me?!" She wailed sorrowfully. "I-I thought-"

He growled rancorously. "Well your thoughts were unfounded, ingrate." His denta bared sharply in warning.

Lauren hiccupped and cursed at him. "I'm an ingrate?! Fuck you!"

Megatron slammed his claws into the sand beside her and roared in vexation. "Do NOT take such tone with me, insect! Besides, what would you be without me?" His words cut through her with ease and she scowled through her tears.

Something within he yanked and it felt like her rage increased tenfold. "Without you?!" Lauren spat through her pain into his face. "I have nothing and that is thanks to you!"

With a grunted vent, he pulled out of her space and took his seat on the opposite side of the fire. He offered no further words and she didn't instigate as she rested against the rock.

Silently, she gazed up to the night sky as her thoughts consumed her. Her foot knocked into a can and she shifted her sights down to the small pile before her. She stole a glance at Megatron who seemed to be lost in the embers of the fire. The glow of the fire was nothing in comparison to the shine of his optics.

Growing guilt began to gnaw at her and she sighed. It wasn't fair of her to scream at him, especially after he'd went out of his way to try and help. A frown pulled at the corners of her mouth and her heart ached. She knew what she was getting into when she took him in. It was just as much her fault as it was his.

The events of that day flashed to the forefront of her mind and she scowled as the realization of it all came down on her.

Lauren was hit with the epiphany that, no matter what had happened, she would've ended up homeless in every scenario. She was fucked no matter what happened and that made her want to be sick. She gripped her wound tighter as she sat up straighter.

That was another thing that crossed her mind.

Surely, she should've bled out by now. At least, they did in TV shows. Lauren attempted to piece together what happened after the initial incident, but she drew a blank. Her brows furrowed.

Her eyes wandered back to his imposing form. "I'm sorry..." Lauren apologized softly. "For what I said. Thank you for the food."

Megatron grunted in response, and that was all he offered.

Lauren chewed on her bottom lip in thought. "Megatron?"

"What, girl?"

A moment of silence passed before she opened her mouth to speak. "What happened after I got shot? Do you know? I don't really remember."

The decepticon flexed his claws inwardly and a low reverberation rumbled from within him before he spoke. "You perished from your affliction." His words were picked carefully and stated bluntly.

Confusion settled in her as she tried to wrap her mind around his words. "Did... Did I die?" She questioned apprehensively. Megatron's gaze shifted toward the fire and he said nothing. "I did, didn't I? Then, how...? Why?" She trailed off, lost. Her pain was forgotten momentarily as leaned froward slightly, her sapphire eyes pleaded for an answer.

"Come closer, girl." He ordered, his tone was throaty and flat. He jerked his helm in a 'come' motion.

Lauren struggled to her feet as she held the rock for support. Not a single thought crossed her mind when she waved her hand out for him. He obliged, lending her the tip of his claw for support as she shuffled her way over. Though, halfway through her attempt, her boot caught a small divot in the sand, sending her toppling.

The ground never kissed her skin as Megatron caught her, bringing her to his chassis. His plating slid apart to reveal his spark chamber in all its bright glory.

Immediately, she was enamored. A small smile tugged at her lips as she shifted to be closer. "What is it?" She whispered, reaching out a hand toward the dancing light. It was beautiful and she adored it.

Megatron observed her and the way his spark yearned to reach out for her. The pull was odd and it made him rumble out a quiet growl. "We call it a spark. It contains our life force and our memories." He explained.

A soul. 

The vibration of his chassis went unnoticed by her as her fingers just barely caressed the light, causing the decepticon warlord to grunt, his claws flexing reflexively.

Lauren pulled her hand away swiftly. "I'm sorry, I should've asked."

"Your apology is nugatory and unneeded, fleshling. You cannot hurt me."

Her eyes never left the spark and she watched with curiosity as it whipped around from within him. "What does this mean...? Why're you showing me this?" She reached out a tentative hand once more and the spark came to her beckoning, it was warm, but did not burn. The pull was inviting and she smiled.

"When you perished, I split my spark in two." He stated bluntly, casting his optics back to the fire.

Time felt slow for a moment as she processed his words. Her chest felt tight for so many reasons and she stared into the blue spark blankly. "You were the one who brought me back...?"

He growled once more. "It's called 'spark bonding'-"

"Don't tell me. Please. I don't want to know right now..." Her request was spoken softly and only above a whisper. Her hand clasped tighter over her wound and suddenly it felt like it took on a whole new meaning.

"You are my conjunx endura." Was all he followed up with. Megatron remained silent for some time, but shifted her form to be closer to his spark chamber. "You need recharge, bug."

"Just a little longer." The spark pulsated and wound itself around her hand.

His shoulder servos whirred as he relaxed against the trunk of a tree. He wanted to abash himself for engaging in such a moment. If his decepticons could see him now, what would they think of their almighty ruler? Part of him screamed that this was wrong and that he should've just laid her to rest, but another part snapped that he knew he didn't want to do that, and was that right? It wasn't as if he could help what his spark wanted, he was a slave to it, much like them all.

Never in a million eons did he ever think he'd find himself in this situation, but never in his whole existence did something so fragile ever make him feel so strong, so whole.

His optics found their way to her small form once more and she was deep in recharge, unaware of the world around her. It became blatant in that split second that they were one collectively from that point on.

A part of him would always belong to her, and her to him. And he surrendered who he was for who she is, so that he may become anew.

The warrior within him raged on about such a connection, a ball and chain. While the Cybertronian instinctively took to the newfound experience naturally.

The wound would heal with time, he told himself while simultaneously being reminded that she was an organic, human. He wanted to be disgusted and revolt her, because he certainly did with the rest of her species, but it never came. The negative connotations never clicked.

Human felt like a curse word and he snarled into the night.

Organic and Cybertronian conjunxs were not unheard of, but were far and few in-between, often told as cautionary tails to sparklings early in life to not pick the wrong sparkmate, for it was something that could never be undone.

Her life expectancy was microscopic when compared to his and he knew that. He'd already lived thousands of her lifetimes. She was so young and yet so old all at once.

Megatron closed his spark chamber and shifted her to rest upon his bent knee servo. Her skin was moist and she still felt feverish. It made his wires pulse and he used a claw to move aside a clump of knotted hair. Her labored breathing was accompanied by the contortion of her facial muscles. Dark crimson stained the majority of her coverings. Gently, he hooked a claw beneath the hem of her top and yanked it just enough to gaze upon her wound.

The edges were dark and the flesh surrounding it was angrily swollen as a soft, a wet scab formed opaque in color. Lauren shuddered at a gust of wind and curled deeper within herself to preserve warmth.

He was not versed in organics' ways of life, nor the biological and anatomical differences, save for the basics of gender, but her wound did not seem to be healing and she weighed less from the last time he'd approximated.

A hard look crossed his metal features. He needed to establish a base of operations and soon before he started biting his time.

Tipping his help back, he went into partial rest mode as to stay on active alert. Ready if any threat was to pose itself.

Chapter 13: Incoming, Newcomer

Notes:

Thank you all for your lovely comments! I really look forward to reading all of them! I just started physical therapy for my knee, so they really brighten my day. The show and the story must go on! I have so much planned for this story and I'm really antsy to return to figure skating!

Any who, please enjoy this chapter!

Several more days had passed and many miles were travelled roughly as her condition dwindled by the rise and set of the sun.

Lauren wretched, hunched on her hands and knees as she expelled bile from her stomach and the preserved peaches from that morning's breakfast. Fat tears blurred her vision and saliva strung from her dry lips. 

She felt as if her skin was burning and melting off, despite her shivers that said otherwise. Collapsing onto her side, her body trembled uncontrollably, her teeth chattered and sweat dampened her clammy skin. Hair stuck to her face uncomfortably. 

Megatron resided beside her and the watering-hole in a kneeling position. A grimace contorted his features as he watched the gross display before him. She was weak beyond her ailment and her condition deteriorated by the klik. She had died once before him, and now he was watching it in real time with no real way to combat it. 

They needed to move and soon as he needed to relay back to Soundwave promptly. 

The decepticon scooped up some water and poured it carefully over her face, ridding her of her own fluids and cooling her in the process. 

Lauren coughed her throat raw and spat, residing herself to rest her head against the moist sand. All energy and strength she may have had was robbed from her and all she wanted to do was sleep in an attempt at escape. 

Megatron took her into his palm. "We need to move, now, bug." His helm casted a shadow over her form and for that, she was thankful. 

"I c-can't-" A wheeze coupled with a wince cut her off unceremoniously. 

He snarled. "Quit your vocalizing." It wasn't a suggestion, but an order and she complied without fight. 

Retrieving his covering, he pulled it over his helm swiftly, obscuring his face. His transformation followed soon there after, bringing Lauren within himself and depositing her body onto the front seat of his cab. 

Lauren studied the interior and rested herself further into the plush seat coverings, taking in her respite from the harsh sun. Unconsciousness claimed her only minutes later. 

Megatron revved his engine as he crossed the plains with haste. 

"Soundwave, report." He hailed. 

"Soundwave reporting for duty, my lord." His tone was always flat and monotonous. 

"Mobilize all seeker troops, 22.9576° S, 18.4904° E immediately. Bring Scalpel." Despite the uneven terrain and rough ride, Lauren still didn't stir. 

"Scalpel resides with Blackout, mobilizing now." 

"You do me great honor, Soundwave." Megatron zeroed in on his given coordinates.

_______________

 Soundwave roared into the vastness of space as he ripped himself away from the human satellite with ease.

He'd waited long and patiently for this moment, his lord's orders. To see it come to fruition was a pleasure to him. 

"Seekers, mobilize effective immediately. 22.9576° S, 18.4904° E." He broadcasted to all troops across the planet, being sure to leave the frenzied Dreadbot-Berserker duo out of the equation, before tuning his frequency to fit that of his fellow decepticons. 

"Blackout to bring Scalpel to Lord Megatron, effective immediately." It had been a drawn out cycle since he regrouped and part of him was not looking forward to seeing familiar faces. 

"Affirm, Blackout incoming."

"Starscream reporting." 

Soudwave snarled when he heard the narcissistic seeker respond. 

"Thank  Primus we  are back in  busy baby ! Hail to  lord  Megatron!" 

Soundwave glared at Nitrozeus's antics and obnoxious way of speaking as he began his decent toward Earth. 

"All hail lord Megatron." Was a collective statement in celebration for new orders and the decepticons revival. 

_______________

When Lauren awoke, she was in a feverish daze. Her mind felt fuzzy and clouded. Without thinking, she moved to sit up and hissed in pain. She blinked away what sleepiness she could and panned her sights out the passenger window to watch the scenery whip past in a blur. "Where are we...?" Came her mumbled question as nausea crept up on her.

"A randevu. Do not be impatient, girl." His response further rumbled the truck courteously of his ever present gruffness. 

Lauren grunted in acknowledgment, but couldn't find it within herself to question him further. Her eyes roamed the truck's cab and she soon spotted the small radio with peaked interest. 

Shakily, she reached out and twisted the dial, it was static, but soon caught a station. 

A breathy laugh escaped her and she curled onto her side with a cough, wiping some sweat from her neck. Silently, she mumbled along to the familiar lyrics as her eyelids grew too heavy for her to keep open. 

"You can never say never. While we don't know when. But time and time again. Younger now than we were before. Don't let me go."

Her body was burning and her breath labored, but she meekly kept soft tune with the song. Megatron made a point to push himself and his speed limits in a attempt to reach his point faster. Unbeknownst to Lauren, he'd dialed back the station to be quieter as she whispered the lyrics blearily. 

"Far as the eye can see under your command. I will be your guardian when all is crumbling, I'll steady your hand."

The lyrics were soon lost on her tongue and she slipped back beneath unconsciousness, her head rolled back and legs slacked, her flesh dawning a flush. He switched the station off swiftly, ridding himself of its nuisance. 

It wasn't much longer before his coordinates lined up exactly where he wanted them; the furthermost point triangulated between the nearest human outposts the large rock structure would serve him as a temporary shelter in his dire time. 

With haste, he transformed and held Lauren's form close as he hunched and made his way within the rock formation. The temperature difference was palpable and it was well in depth, secluded, and reasonably safe. It was defendable. 

Pulling the makeshift hood from his helm, he tossed it to the ground and rested her atop it. She stirred slightly, but did not wake. 

He left her to the dark and emerged, the sun was to start its decent in moments time. His men would arrive in due time. His spark surged with newfound rejuvenation as he awaited patiently. 

Nightfall was quick to snuff out the sun's light and Lauren soon awoke with a shiver. Her fingers brushed the thick canvas and she was quick to pull it over her in preservation of the little warmth she had. Through the darkness, she could make out Megatron's foreboding silhouette outlined by pale moonlight. He was sat with a knee propped up. 

With difficulty, the brunette clambered to her feet with the rock wall as support. Lightheadedness nearly brought her crumbling back to the floor, but she persisted weakly. She'd never felt so sick in her whole life and it was draining every last drop of energy from her. Bags clawed at her under eyes in an ugly display of sleep deprivation and her stomach churned hungrily with nausea to accompany the unpleasant feeling. 

Lauren shuffled along the the rock wall wearily, pausing occasionally to rest before continuing. The thick canvas hung from her shoulders like a much too large cape.  

Megatron turned his helm slightly to the side, directing his audio receptor in the direction of the femme. "You only further your ailment, human." He jeered at her lack in self preservation.

She made no move to respond as she sluggardly approached the mech. A breeze whistled through the cave like structure and she shuddered at its vicious bite. 

Stooping to stand beside him, she heaved feebly, pulling the cloth around her tighter. Her eyes didn't meet him as she stared off into the Namibia plain. It was serine and leagues darker than it ever got in Texas which allowed for the stars to shine through the blackness with vivid brightness. She slid down the rock into a curled position. 

Her sapphire eyes studied the abyssal night sky in wonderment before she spotted something. At first she regarded it as a shooting star, but when it barreled through earth's ozone layer with a resounding clangor, she knew to think otherwise. 

A throaty hum left Megatron as he rose to height, offering his open palm to her with a direct stare that left her no room for option. 

He hoisted her high and she couldn't help, but savor the warmth that rolled off his metal. God, she felt like a helpless child, a lost puppy. The thought made her frown and her brows furrow. She was already of no use, but now she was really useless. Bile crept up her throat and she swallowed it and tears back. 

The flying object made quick time in its plumet to the sand below, a fiery tail followed it's path. The sound on impact made her jump in a startle as he set her further within the nature provided shelter. 

She watched as his form trudged into the darkness, his optics lighting the way in a crimson glow. With a hand poised above her wound, she shuffled forward slightly. 

The loud, ground shaking footsteps weren't something she worried about, until another pair of ruby optics lit up the night, and then another. Three pairs of eyes stalked in the darkness and she couldn't help but shift a bit closer to investigate. 

The telltale sound of transformation filled the air and she search the darkness for something more, but came up with nothing until she was put in the spotlight. 

Her eyes snapped up to face the imposing stare, the light blinded her and she shied away, but was soon plucked from he ground with force and held high in the air like a stray kitten that had been caught. The worse-for-wear cloth of her shirt threated to rip against her dead weight and she threw her arms up in an effort to support her weight with no success. 

"Hot damn! Would you look at this! We have ourselves a pet!" The bot bellowed out exuberantly as he jerked her too and from like a bagged fish, her shirt threads snapping in the process and tears flooded her eyes both in fear and from the pain. 

"P-put me down...!" Lauren bellowed weakly, her cries shredding her already raw throat. Fabric ripping made her panic and the darkness obscured just how high up she was. Her hand flailed up to grasp his claw, but he shook her hold off. "P-please...! M-Megatron!" 

The cries were barely past her lips before her aggressor was snatched violently, giving her shirt the final tug it needed to tear. Lauren hit the sand this a thud and a scream ripped through her vocal chords before being overtaken by wet wheezes. Fresh blood spilled from her wound and she used the last remaining remnant of her strength to drag herself toward the safety of her cave. 

Megatron ripped Nitrozeus away from Lauren violently, his claws embedding themselves deep beneath his metal with a crunch as he beat him to the earth below. Blind rage made his spark surge hungrily with bloodlust.  

"Whoa- hey, man! What crawled up your ass?" Nitrozeus rolled out of way of an incoming blow and steadied himself against his leader. 

"You are not to put your cretinous hands upon her or I will tear you from limb to limb and melt you down into human scrap." Megatron invaded his space and stared the single optic decepticon down. He roared, his denta bared as he seized his subordinate by the helm. "Understood? " 

"I understand my lord." Nitrozeus submitted, though Megatron held him there in threat for several kliks before tossing him aside harshly, taking one of his horn like formation with him. 

Lauren listened to the conflict as she attempted to shrink away into the depth of her hovel. Movement was a limited thing as the wind licked at her bare torso and she held firm on her wound that gushed blood defiantly though her fingers. She sucked in a sharp intake and blinked back tears as another pair of optics approached her, but what was she too do about it? It wasn't like she could get up and run and even if she could, she doubted she'd get very far. It felt like a fire had be alit within her chest and she forced herself to look at the newcomer. It wasn't long before the other unfamiliar presence crept up behind the one before her. 

The glow of their optics coupled together felt like certain doom being casted upon her and she wasn't prepared to die. Her free arm covered her chest area both to preserve her dignity and to warm herself, and they still continued their soundless staring. "What?!" She grit out through clenched teeth, spittle flew from her hiss. 

Soundwave studied the small femme with underlying intrigue. To provoke such a reaction from their leader was a rare sight and made questions bubble within him. Something about her rang familiar deep within him.  

Blackout was not as reserved in his speculations. "Why have a human insect around?" He hissed at Megatron who was stalking up to them. He cast another disgusted look to the human and growled in disdain. Scalpel skittered around his shoulder servo with untamed curiosity, muttering to himself about her such injuries and how he'd like to look better at her flesh. 

"Watch your tone Blackout, or do you want to join the pits with autobot scrap?" The decepticon leader snapped back harshly, silencing the seeker bot into submission with a threatening step in his direction. 

Soundwave moved aside to create a berth for his leader to encroach upon with ease. 

Lauren rested her head back against the rock as her world spun and she fought back regurgitating. 

Megatron swiped what remained of her tattered top from the floor before entering her space. His spark fought within him at the sight of her state and he growled lowly. "Doctor, examine the femme." He ordered sharply. 

Scalpel skittered with excitement, rubbing his two front legs together as he scaled Blackout's form. "Ja, ja mein lord." The small decepticon expressed as he crawled toward the femme. 

Spotting the smaller spider-like bot, Lauren pushed away with a new instillation of fear. It was bigger the closer it got and she couldn't help, but panic. 

"Be still, girl!" Megatron barked in irritation. 

She wanted to retort, but couldn't find her voice as the bug eyed bot scuttled around her, all the while it mumbled to itself in a thick German accent. Swallowing thickly, she turned her head away forcefully as it forced her hand away from her wound. Flicking some spectacles over it's little red eyes, it poked and prodded her with 'oo's and 'ah's. It brushed some hair from her face gently and studied the bruise decorating her cheek. The brights of its small optics made her see spots and she snapped her eyes closed reflexively. It trailed to her chest and rested its head atop her sternum. 

The small bot snapped his head up to Megatron, removing his spectacles before rambling off in such way that she couldn't understand. 

 "Zere is ein bad Hinfeczion und she is sdarffing, mein lord." Scalpel skittered around some more, her flesh felt good against his small legs. "She vill need meticine und broper zusdinace or she vill die, mein lord. Vo is she?" 

Megatron glared hard with a deep growl, his claws flexed beside him. "Blackout take Scalpel to the outpost East and do what you must. Go, now." He ordered harshly with a wild gesture of his hand. 

Despite Blackout's opposition, he listened loyally. Scalpel muttered to Blackout who only grunted as he transformed back into his helicopter mode and took off into the night. 

Nitrozeus walked the perimeter as he sought out any and all information of the femme. His facial recognition didn't fail him when her information came to him clear as day. His shoulder servo ached from when Megatron had imbedded his claws and he cursed into the night. He had been looking to knock some heads, not get his head knocked. Everything was shit show. 

Megatron scooped Lauren into his hand mindfully and she cried out in pain, reigniting his anger towards his subordinate. "Patience, fragile one." He stated as he emerged into the formation, crouched as to fit. When he glanced down to her once more, he was perplexed to find her ages caged over her breast area and not her wound that allowed a steady stream of blood to pool beneath her and onto his palm. He retrieved the canvas awning and draped it over her before placing her back down. 

Despite her sports bra, she felt exposed and more vulnerable than ever. She was grateful for the canvas cloth as she pulled it over herself silently. 

The decepticon leader remerged into the night, the blood on him smelled of iron and nitrogen. His spark pulled at him, demanding he return to her vicinity, but he refused as he approached Soundwave. 

"Lord Megatron." The communications officer greeted firmly. 

"You serve me well, Soundwave." Megatron praised with a grunt. His crimson optics followed Nitrozeus as he patrolled. 

"Who is the girl? Shall she be used for information? Hostage?" He inquired blatantly, not looking at his leader as he too followed Nitrozeus. 

Megatron did not reply for several kliks, but eventually spoke in a calm, flat tone. "She is my conjunx." Soundwave was one of his closest, most loyal companions and had been for a long time. They worked well together and felt the officer was deserving of the explanation. 

Soundwave broke his stoic stare on the tracker to look up at the decepticon lord. "A conjunx, my lord?" The femme's odd familiarity suddenly made sense. 

His gruff, authoritative tone returned. "You are to watch her if I am not around. Do not let tonight be replicated." 

Pry he would not, but serve he would. "Affirmative." He concluded with a nod of his helm. "Blackout is incoming."

Megatron huffed and strode his way over to wear Blackout had landed, swiftly transforming. 

Wordlessly, the seeker handed over a pile of items that were clumped together haphazardly, but all kept their integrity. A glare was present along Blackout's features as he stared past his leader. 

Following his gaze, Megatron growled out in wordless warning, blackout scoffed and shrugged off. He turned and made way for where Lauren resided, Scalpel skittered in an attempt to keep up, muttering to himself with enthusiasm. 

Lauren's soft cries greeted him and Scalpel scuttled past him in haste.

Once upon her trembling form, he set aside all the items that had been gathered allowing the small spider decepticon to rifle through it in search of what he desired. 

Scalpel made a small pile consisting of; rubbing alcohol, fresh gauze, bandages, a needle, and thread. Satisfied, he crawled over Lauren, dragging away the canvas awning. 

Lauren trembled both from the cold desert night and her own silent sobs. Her eyes sought out the only thing familiar to her, Megatron. He was there, his optics stared through her and her eyes pleaded for help. 

She held his stare for as long as she was able, it brought on a strange innate sense of tranquility that she was not use to, but welcomed nonetheless. It was unspoken and her mind was drawn back to what he had said previously about spark-mating. The sheer idea scared her and brought on a sense of apprehensiveness, but knew that what was said, was done and that was it. She'd have to figure it out and learn. Something about the whole concept felt primal and unlike anything she'd ever heard of before, but she supposed that made sense. 

Lauren didn't expect to scream when the spider bot assaulted her with the disinfectant. Fresh tears welled in her eyes and she squirmed when he pat the area dry.  

Quick examination provided no exit wound and an internal scan revealed the bullet lodged bellow her stomach. The doctor made a knowing noise as he turned to Megatron. "Zee pullet needs to pe remoffed, sche cannot moffe." 

Lauren sniffled. "Please..." Her plea came out weak and strained as her face stained with salty tears. 

Megatron made no move as Scalpel awaited his response and when he got none, he proceeded in adjusting his spectacles, a small headlight aided him. 

With no warning, Scalpel plunged his slender digits into the entry wound in search of the bullet. 

She bucked and wails left her as she was subsequentially tortured. Her surroundings became fuzzy and she pleaded for it to stop, but she went unheard. 

Lauren fell still, her head lulling to the side and Megatron's spark about ripped out of his chassis. He growled both at himself and to signal the doctor to work faster. 

Scalpel sutured her swiftly and marveled his work, but it was short lived as the decepticon lord bat him out and away with a snarl. 

He gazed upon her stillness as her chest rose and fell with each inhale. He was gentle when taking her into his palm and Scalpel was right, she was far lighter than she had been a deca cycle ago. 

His chassis slid apart to reveal his spark chamber and he held her close enough to be met with the bristling light. It eased him in a way he could not vocalize and he knew it did the same in return. It also allowed him a moment to think. 

Beyond the rock structure, his subordinates stayed near, listening to everything their audio receptors would pickup and lying in wait for the orders to come. 

 

Notes:

Omg! Let me know what y'all think! <3

Chapter 14: Revitalization

Notes:

Physical therapy is going well! I almost broke the hip abduction machine today, I don't think they expected me to bear such weight, so that was embarrassing. Moving on! I'm so excited to put out this extra long chapter! As always, I absolutely adore all the comments and thank you all so much for enjoying the story! <3

Several autobots and decepticons later, Lockdown had returned to his ship, his growing collection of sparks was taking up space, but his mission wasn't over, far from it. 

The bounty hunter stalked the halls, his subordinates retreating out of his path with a swiftness as he reached his private quarters. His face was screwed up pensively and his shoulders terse. 

He kicked himself for not pursuing the decepticon warlord, but the logical part of him knew the odds would not have been in his favor. 

Another thought crossed his mind as he set aside his weaponry; Lauren Ridgwell. Many questions he'd conjured about the human woman. 

Was she an ally to the decepticon cause? And if she was, what use could she be? Or, was she taken prisoner and being held for ransom? Did she have any valuable intel? 

The entire situation struck a nerve within him and he grimaced. It wasn't like decepticons were fond of anything outside of themselves, so it was strange. 

His end goal remained the same, despite whatever answers he'd receive. If she posed a threat, he'd simply exterminate her. Earth was well on its way to failure, one less human may actually do them some good. Such a troublesome species they were. 

Lockdown knelt before his queen with the upmost respect, his head bowed. "My queen." 

"Lockdown, what of Optimus and Megatron?" She spoke hauntingly.

"The humans have their eyes on them, it's only a matter of time." He responded pointedly as he attempted to snuff out his thoughts. 

Quintessa's eyes narrowed slightly. "Something is on your mind. Speak." 

"Megatron has taken a human girl."

A thoughtful look crossed her. "Your objective remains the same; capture both remaining Cybertronian leaders by all means necessary."  

"Their numbers are sparse, they are dead on their feet." He ground out with a glare.

"No rebellion is truly dead until the leaders have been vanquished." Her words were sharp and cut through him fiercely. "With the last two rulers in our grasp, Cybertron can be brough to its knees. Do not fail me Lockdown."

By all means necessary. Rang true to him and he'd honor his Queen's orders. 

_______________

Over a week had passed in slow time, Lauren had been confined to the cave in her best attempts to heal faster. Like clockwork, Megatron would disappear at the rise of the sun and then reappear sometime in the darkness. Scalpel skittered in and out at random intervals. 

Her fever had broke and she was only just able to start keeping down solid foods. It goes to say, she was feeling a hell of a lot better. Not quite 'run for her life' better, but at least she could hold a conversation and move around on her own accord. 

With the ability to think clearly, she'd became starkly aware of just how dirty she was. Dry blood crusted to her skin causing her to itch as sweat mixed with dirt and embedded deep into her crevices uncomfortably. Her hair was another problem in its own entirety, knotted to the scalp and saturated with grease. If she could give up anything in the world for a hot shower, she'd do it in a heartbeat, no hesitation. Ah, wishful thinking, but stranger things have happened. 

Lauren sat upright as she unlaced her boots and slid them off with care, allowing her feet to breath for the first time in over a week. Her feet ached and she fanned out her toes, the smell that hit her was less than pleasant and she grimaced at the discoloration of her once white-turned-beige socks. 

The brunette occupied herself with organizing and reorganizing the items within the cave, she'd desperately wanted to leave, but resided to the safety the rocks brought. That didn't mean her curiosity had stifled, however, and found herself (more often than not) wondering about the other decepticons outside.

Had more shown up? What did they turn into? Why was Megatron disappearing so often? Where did he go? What was he doing? Her questions always delved into more, branching off from each other like roots. 

She didn't like being left in the dark, literally. Damnit, she was part of this mess now and part of her felt entitled to their shared conversations even if it did feel like she was crossing unspoken boundaries. 

Stacking up the few remaining cans of food, she made a separate pile for medical supplies. Her fingertips brushed against something soft. Plucking the item from the ground, she was delighted to find a t-shirt, though it was several sizes too big, she was overjoyed at the aspect of a clean, intact top. She must've missed it in the dimness and she hastily pat around in search. Her endeavor yielded her a pair of cargo pants, definitely in men's sizing, but it was better than nothing. 

She folded the shirt neatly and set it aside for safe keeping. Following suit with the pants, her hands graced something small and firm in the back left pocket. Fishing out the small item revealed a rectangular military ID. Her heart sank slightly at the implications it held and she frowned. A part of her wondered if its owner was dead and she quickly snuffed out that thought, residing herself to ignorance for as long as she was able. 

Using her nails, she scratched at her head. Her scalp was flared with tension and the matting yanked painfully. The length was exceeding her comfort zone and an idea struck her abruptly when she sifted through Scalpel's medical supplies. A pair of bandage scissors was found quickly and she took them. Fingering around the back of her head, she decided on the right area and cut. The matts fought back, but she ultimately snipped her way through. She was sure it would look choppy and uneven, but who was she trying to impress? She'd had worse haircuts done by a 'professional'.  

Megatron grunted as he ducked his way into the cave, obscuring the light that trickled in. He spot the femme immediately as she sheered herself, his optics narrowed slightly at the odd sight. "Mutilating yourself will get you nowhere, girl." His tone was pointed and accusatory as he reached her and knelt down to better accommodate to the space. 

Lauren glanced up to his silhouette as she snipped through the last remaining strands of hair. "It's not mutilation and it doesn't hurt." She responded, setting the scissors aside for Scalpel's use while she gripped the remnants of her hair length. "I figured I'd go shorter since I'm roughing it, easier to take care of." 

"You know no hardship, bug." He rumbled as his optics took in her appearance. The shortening of her protein strands was not unfit for her, but odd to look upon and his optics would need to adjust. The fact that she'd cut away part of herself and felt no pain was information alone. 

Dusting rogue hair from her shoulders and ignoring his comment, she responded. "Well, this," Lauren gestured around herself for emphasis. "Isn't exactly ideal for a human, my lord." Her tone was sarcastic in nature. Especially not for a woman. Her mind added frankly. 

Megatron growled lowly, the reverberations bounced off the rock walls as his optics lit the space in a crimson glow. 

Pulling her knees close, she sighed heavily. "I want to shower and go outside. I'm tired of being cooped up in here like a prisoner." She mumbled.

His spark conveyed to him just how she felt and he huffed. "I do not take prisoners, girl." His words were sharp and blatant in their meaning. She got the message clearly.  

"But, I'm not allowed to leave? So, what does that mean? I'm not even sure what's going on and now I'm stuck in here, that's not fair." Her brows knit together and her mouth was downturned poignantly. 

The decepticon snarled, baring his denta. "Nothing is fair and it does not concern you, fleshling."

The defensive nature of his words made Lauren scowl. "I hope you're aware that I'm part of this too, whether you like it or not." She barked out harshly, her tone firm and commanding. "So get fucking use to it, because I did not ask to be here." 

A part of him was pleased to see that fire lash out in her and have her stare him down. Whether or not it was him bleeding into her or of her own volition, he did not care. The sight was refreshing compared to her feeble state in recent times. It was a true sign of recovery. 

Taking in a deep breath to steady herself, she spoke up in a calmer tone. "Just, talk to me so I'm not totally fucked. Will you give me that at least, please?" Her eyes still held his with an intensity, her ever present genuineness never wavered. It was commendable.

"When the time presents itself, girl." Was all he offered her as he moved to leave. 

Lauren sighed to herself, knowing that was the best she'd get and to not push it further. She'd have to trust him to uphold his end and only time would tell if he were true. 

"Come, girl." Megatron instructed curtly. 

Lauren smiled to herself as she slipped her feet back into her boots and got to her feet. Her previous shirt was tied tightly around her torso in a makeshift tube top fashion. It wasn't exactly her style, but it'd been doing its job and she couldn't complain (not that complaining would get here anywhere anyway). Closely, she followed behind the looming bot as the sunlight came nearer. 

Something as simple and easily taken for granted as the sun on her skin was a revelation to her as the alien-human duo emerged from the cover. Her eyes squinted at the setting sun's brightness and warmth licked her exposed skin. The bandages that clung to her abdomen shifted while she walked, but it went completely unnoticed as her sights quickly found the other three decepticons. Lauren studied their appearances now that light exposed them to her. She was a bit surprised at the Varity in appearance. Maybe it was wrong of her to assume they all looked relatively the same, but she couldn't help it. What stood out to the young woman the most was the size differences. Megatron's height was made starkly apparent against his men. 

They stared back, too. Observing her outwardly organic appearance and her overall disposition. Her lack in fear was worn on her sleeve as she trailed after their master. The sight was freakish and saundry. Her pheromones and wafting scent were easily picked up. 

"Soundwave, report." Megatron ordered firmly. 

"Human special forces have recreated our technology with the help of Lockdown. They are building an army, my lord." Soundwave relayed flatly as his optics traveled down to rest upon Lauren. 

"They are playing us at our own game, oh, I'm going to bust some knockoff ass." Came a one eyed bot that she immediately recognized from her previous encounter. "Can't replicate the original." 

Lauren was lost on the information, but listened anyway, allowing her mind to conjure its own plan of action if all was to go awry. Her sights panned around her when she caught the optics of the third newcomer. His optics were narrowed dangerously and, if looks could kill, she'd of been dead ten times over. 

Megatron growled dangerously at the received information. It was already bad that the humans were hunting them with the help of Lockdown, but to build their own mechs was something else entirely. Something else that didn't equate to the decepticon leader; What was Lockdown getting from his work?

Scalpel skittered across the sand, stopping just at Lauren's feet. She glanced down to the small spider like bot as conversation continued above her. "Yes?" She found herself asking slowly. 

"Vu are feeling petder, I zee." He stated, getting closer. 

It took her a moment to mull over what the bot had said before responding. "Ah, yeah. A bit. Thanks." Her response was awkward and slow. Her guard was still up in the doctor's presence, his insect like nature was perturbing and always made her skin crawl even if he was tasked with looking after her health.  

The small decepticon muttered in German to himself as he inched away, rubbing his small prodding hands together.  

Her sutures itched and the bandages were rough against her skin. She picked at the covering absent mindedly as she turned to stare back up the mechs. Lauren was met with a still glowering Blackout and she scrunched up her nose at him. "Is there a problem? Why do you keep staring at me?" Her question came out brutish and blunt. 

Nitrozeus peered down past his leader. "I thought I smelled something, little thang. Keep it up with that little twang accent of yours and I'll think you're a cowgirl." The one eyed bot bit sarcastically. 

She didn't have an accent! Did she? Maybe it was a Texan thing?

Blackout growled. He would not harm the femme, but that didn't mean he had to enjoy her, let alone like the situation. They were all so fucked, a human being brought into the mix just made everything feel all the more hopeless to him. 

"Blackout, return to the Eastern outpost and retrieve more organic supplies for the girl." Megatron's commanding voice carried a knowing threat. The order in and of itself felt like a slap to the face as if to silently punish him for his opposition to the femme's presence. 

"Wait! I can go too!" Lauren interjected abruptly, placing her hand on Megatron's ankle servo. 

"I do not need an insect to monitor me." The decepticon hissed bitterly at her. 

Megatron growled back in a wordless warning. "You will not leave this place, girl." His words were harsh and stern. 

"Didn't you already go to the Eastern outpost? What makes you think there's anything worth getting left?" Lauren reasoned firmly. All the optics pointed at her felt like a spotlight, and not in a good way. "If we go to the Western outpost, we can just sneak in." Truth be told, she was going stir-crazy and wanted an out, while a very small part of her wished to see another person who, hopefully, wasn't trying to kill her or blow her to bits. 

Nitrozeus full belly laughed and her cheeks flushed. "Little lady is funny. Good pick Megatron." The decepticon crouched to be closer to the small woman, using that opportunity to get a better facial scan on her and store her voice likeness. 

Soundwave stood off to the side silently, casting glances back and forth between Megatron, Blackout, and Lauren, ready to step in if he was required to do so. His nature was stoic and much more robotic than his other counterparts. 

Megatron's glare deepened. It's not that he didn't trust her, but the entirety of her species had displayed their openness to violence and violation toward their own. And then there was Blackout. 

It was not that he was only protecting her, but also defending the piece of himself within her. He'd always been selfish and this was no different.

"Who else knows humans better than me?" Lauren quipped, crossing her arms over her chest defiantly. 

Soundwave hummed. "The human has a viable point, my lord. Stealth could prove useful for our integrity." He added in his unmodulated tone. 

Lauren glanced over to Soundwave with hopeful eyes. 

Megatron grumbled for a moment. "Very well. Soundwave, stand in my steed. I will accompany the femme." He ground out with an unwavering sternness as he stalked off. 

Blackout stalked off in the opposite direction, grumbling to himself. 

"Whoa, whoa, she can't just bust into the joint dressed like a cheap streetwalker." Nitrozeus stood back up and gestured openly to her. 

Lauren gaped in shock before her features quickly returned to irritation. "Maybe I wouldn't look like a beat hooker if someone hadn't ruined my shirt smart one!" She snapped up at him. 

"The past is the past. Why do femme's always bring up the old shit?" His tone was flippant. 

"Go to hell." She turned and stormed off in the direction of her cave-turned-studio apartment.

"I'm already there, sweetheart!" He called back coyly as he flipped her retreating form the bird. 

Emerging into the cave she spotted Megatron's form rested against the wall, a hard looked colored his metal features, his jaw clenched and his sharp teeth were on display. He spotted the femme quick as she approached. "Do you crave death, girl?" His words jabbed at her in accusation. 

"Look, if you want me to be honest, the stuff I've been getting isn't what I need. I'm grateful, so don't say that I'm not." She halted his berate in its tracks as she stooped to grab her newly acquired-hopefully-secondhand- uniform. "Plus, if you guys are trying to lay low, you're doing an awful job if you just go around destroying military bases." A dry laugh escaped her at the last statement. For an alien race that so vehemently claimed to be superior, they sure were lacking in some areas. She held the folded clothes to her chest with purpose as she turned to stare up at the decepticon lord. Standing just at his pedes, she spoke up softly, though the seriousness that bled from her words was easily grasped. "I'll be okay. Everything will be fine." The last part was more for her own peace of mind than it was for him. Sapphire eyes studied his face, before she turned and slipped the green crewneck over her head. 

"You must wash, your stench is treacherous." He insulted with a snarl. 

Lauren huffed. "Yeah? And you're rusting. I'm well aware that I smell." She rolled her eyes in an effort to hide her embarrassment. She slipped the much too large cargo pants on, rolling up the waistband as mush as the fabric would allow and securing it off with her belt. She felt like a child playing dress up and sighed at the spectacle that was herself. 

"If my rust warrants your words then perhaps you'd like to scrape it from my metals, bug." His words came out with sarcasm and irritation. 

She tucked the shirt in. "I can't do that unless we can successfully get what we need, now can I? Best behavior big guy." 

Megatron roared in retaliation. "I take orders from no one, human." His threating demeanor was lost on her as she laced her boots, paying his tantrum no mind. 

"Yeah, yeah." Her eyes stole a glance to the outside world. "We should probably go soon. The sun is about done setting." 

The decepticon moved to leave the rock structure, but turned his helm to Lauren. "You have no semblance in what you're doing." The statement was blatant and true. 

"No, I don't, but I'm trying. I can't do this alone, okay?" She came gently with truth. "Bare with me."

Megatron grunted and emerged from the rocks and Lauren followed right behind. His clawed hand stooped for her and she knowingly climbed atop it before being deposited onto his shoulder servo. "Listen to my every word and you'll make it out in one piece, understood girl?" His words were growled lowly for only her to hear. 

She nodded as he moved, his subordinates gathered knowingly to appease their lord. 

"That's one ass disguise, cowgirl." Nitrozeus cracked. 

"Shut your trap." The decepticon leader barked with authority. "Blackout, Nitrozeus scavenge the Eastern outpost for scrap and report back." Was all he offered before swiftly transforming into his newly acquired truck design. The small woman was shoved within the cab, the engine revved before pulling away toward the West. 

The ride was silent for sometime as she gazed out at the passing scenery. "Thank you for letting me come." She said suddenly, resting her head back. "I know I'm probably causing more problems than I'm worth, but I am thankful." No reply came and she exhaled as her fingertips grazed the seat. "That guy is an asshole, by the way."

"Nitrozeus is a fearsome ally to the decepticon cause." He informed as his tires kicked up plumes of sand. 

"That doesn't stop him from being an ass. What are the others names?" 

"Soundwave and Blackout. You are acquainted with Scalpel." The sun was nearly set over the horizon. 

Lauren hummed and fit each name to who she supposed they belonged to. 

______________

Blackout tossed various pieces of scrap into a growing pile of human-made waste. His optics remained narrow as he worked. 

"Cowgirl got some balls on her. You saw the way she yapped at you?" Nitrozeus jested as he tore down a support beam. 

"The human femme is insufferable. If I was permitted, I'd skin the flesh from her putrid body." Blackout spat, chucking some scrap aside violently. "She's of no use or purpose as is your flabbing lip plates."

"Don't be like, man. Have a sense of humor." The one eyed bot gestured. 

Blackout growled as he tore through metal. "Soundwave was made aware of his reasons for keeping the femme. The officer will not reveal anything." 

Nitrozeus looked at the seeker. "And you've been holding out me this whole time?" 

"I did not hear the entire conversation, however-." 

"So, all I'm hearing is bullshit?" He grumbled lazily. 

"Soundwave was tasked with protecting the girl." He informed. "Have you gathered any intel on the human?"

"Do I always get a job done?"

Blackout narrowed his eyes as he kicked a human corpse aside in disgust. "Did it yield anything?" 

"Nope, nothing. She's about as average as the other seven billion. What the hell does he want all this scrap for? Garbage." 

Blackout grunted in response as he mulled over everything. If there was nothing that outwardly set her apart from the rest of the Primus forsaken species, then what was the reason for keeping her? Perhaps she was a hostage, but her well treatment and willingness to be around their lord did not support that hypothesis. Soundwave was entrusted with said information and he knew that the officer would sooner die than divulge secretive information. The whole situation made his wires surge and his chassis overheat. Maybe she was a pet, that could explain the partial treatment, but that didn't sound quite right either and if Nitrozeus didn't find anything note worthy, then they were really at a loss. 

______________

"Soundwave to Megatron." 

"Soundwave, report." 

"Humans have a convoy en-rout to the Western outpost. Intersection should be in cycles time." 

Megatron vented, pleased at the apparent opportunity. 

Lauren's hands rested atop the wheel as if she were the one in control. Her eyes studied the insignia admits the wheel, committing it to memory. If she'd known she'd the trip there would take hours, she would've just made Blackout a list and prayed. Her sights wandered toward the radio and she reached out, turning the dial gently. 

It took a moment of combing through the static before she found a station in English. A sigh escaped her as she rested back against the seat, the music played and she quietly followed along with what lyrics she could recall. 

"Which way is right? Which way is wrong? How do I say that I need to move on?"

Her words melted into the song's rhythm and a small smile graced her lips. Megatron listened on silently. 

"And it feels like I am just close to love you."

That moment made her feel more herself than she had in weeks, it was rejuvenating. The decepticon dialed the volume down. 

"You've given me more than I can return. Yet, there's, oh, so much that you deserve." 

Lauren drummed her fingers across the wheel in tandem with the tune. 

"Nothing to say, nothing to do. I've nothing to give, I must live without you." 

Megatron zeroed in on the moving convoy and turned to meet the tail end and swiftly cutting the radio. 

"Hey! I was listening-"

"Shut up, girl. Observe." He instructed pointedly as he encroached upon the vehicles. 

Lauren stared and sat back, her hands remained on the wheel. Her grip tightened and she had to take in a deep breath to quell her nerves. There's a first for everything, right? 

The decepticon joined the convoy seamlessly and noted her strengthened grip and the fresh smell of pheromones rolling off her body. His sparked surged at the connotation. "Ease yourself, bug. You are no coward." 

The outpost came within eyesight and Lauren exhaled deeply as if to expel all doubt from her being all the while she fought off insecurity. 

A uniformed man stood at the gate, directing each set of trucks on their appropriate designations and they soon made it up to the front of the line. "Bay three, go!" 

Megatron took it upon himself to follow the truck in front and swiftly pulled into a load bay. 

Lauren swallowed and exited the truck. Soldiers bustled around, carrying various crates of whatever and whatnots. Her eyes studied the surroundings sharply and then her feet moved. 

"Please load your cargo and leave the bay as quickly as possible. We're on a time crunch people!" 

Ducking her head down, the brunette sped her way into the outpost, following various people to get to her destination. 

The stock rooms weren't far from the initial load bay and she made quick due to find the utilities. 

Megatron kept exact count of the kliks that passed, on edge and ready to attack if he needed. 

Lauren made quick due to retrieve an empty crate, dragging it around to the stock room. Everything that looked useful and of need was haphazardly tossed into the wood box; canned anything, soap, medical supplies, rags, any and everything that would fit, went. 

It soon dawned on her that she couldn't move it on her own. A flatbed was her saving grace as she snagged it away from the soldier parking it. With strained effort and her wound protesting, she managed to push it onto the rolling cart. 

Backtracking led her back to the original bay she was in previously. 

With the help of the nearest soldier, she was successful able to load the crate into the bed of Megatron. 

"Who's truck is this? Someone, answer me! Who's truck is 1666 ?" A stern holler filled the air as she rounded the back of the decepticon. "You! State your name soldier." The older man thrusted himself into her space. 

"We don't have a 1666 listed, sir!" Another younger voice called back. 

Without thinking, Lauren turned and stumbled away in a sloppy sprint in an attempt to evade everyone. 

"Hey! Hey!" The older man called after her, but she threw herself into the cab of another truck, pulling the door shut, just as someone slammed into it. "I am ordering you to exit the vehicle!" 

As if luck had graced her, the keys sat readily in the ignition and she revved the engine to life, pulling out of the bay violently. Soldiers stumbled out of her way in panic. Shifting the car into gear, she threw her head out the window and called out to the decepticon. "Follow me!" And like a bat out of hell, she sped off into the desert.

Megatron cursed as he too revved and took off, catching Lauren's tail quick. 

One thing she didn't account for was conflict. A blaze of heavy gunfire ricocheted off the metal of the truck's body and one managed to spiderweb her passenger window. Gassing it, she pushed the limits of speed on the sandy earth. A incautious glance in the rearview mirror reveal Megatron to be securing following from behind, but her respite was short lived when a black ATV shot out from around him and took aim. Ducking her head away from the window as much as possible, she swerved violently, but the bullets inevitably assaulted the side of her truck. 

Megatron roared to himself at the assault, partially transforming and snatching the bed of Lauren's truck, steadying it with ease. 

Lauren huffed, sweat coated her skin and her heartbeat in her throat as she dared another glance back, supplying her with the sight of Megatron slamming his breaks and slowing to be in sync with the ATVs. She wanted to go back for him in some desperate attempt at a rescue, but an unseen force urged her forward in the promise of it all being okay and she trusted it, throwing all caution to the wind. 

The decepticon watched as Lauren sped forward without restraint. The femme's courage was tenacious. His breaks squealed uncomfortably as he drawled himself back, transforming his arm cannons and eliminating the rolling threats. He stayed behind her some distance before he was sure that nobody followed. 

Lauren had since switched the radio on and had the volume at full blast, drowning out the erratic thump of her heart and the churn of the engine.

"I've been looking for a driver who is qualified. So if you think that you're the one step into my ride. I'm a fine-tuned supersonic speed machine. Got a sunroof top and a gangster lean."

A much louder rev captured her attention over the music's beat. With break-neck speed, she whipped her head to the side and spotted Megatron speed past her, taking the lead. 

"So if you feel me, let me know, know, know. Come on now, what you waiting for, for, for? My engine's ready to explode, explode, explode. So start me up and watch me go, go, go, go-"

A small, relieved smile overtook her lips and then a grin broke out as she let the wind grace her sweaty skin. Adrenaline surged through her veins renewing her with revitalization. Her foot tapped the gas, revving the engine. Megatron revved back in acknowledgment. 

The music filled the night and bled into her soul as she belched out the lyrics to her heart's content. Pop music had never been so invigorating when mixed with adrenaline. 

"If you can, baby boy, then we can go all night. 'Cause I'm zero to sixty in 3.5. Baby, you got the keys. Now shut up and drive, drive, drive." 

Megatron could hear her vocals even over his own revving and the sheer pleasure that flooded her tone was something he'd never seen from the femme. It was pure, unrestrained, and free. Her pheromones carried on the winds and he felt his spark pull violently within him and a small part of him wondered if she ever had the same sensation. 

It wasn't long until they reached camp with the speed they were going. Lauren had occasionally sped up to drive alongside his alt form before falling back to follow his lead. It was if she were challenging him in her own little way. 

Megatron was swift to transform, his form stretching to the stars. Lauren came to a gradual stop, skirting the truck and marking the sand with even tire tracks. 

She hopped from the truck's cab, her body vibrated happily and her eyes gleamed. "That went so much better than I expected!" Her feet carried her toward the bed of her stolen vehicle, curious as to what she'd gotten after going through all the trouble. 

Her body was lit alight with pleasure; it was an array of items ranging everywhere from a whole garage's worth of tools, instant MREs, a rather large rucksack, and several other things. She felt like a kid on Christmas morning. 

"I was starting to think you had your asses capped." Nitrozeus sauntered over, his hands placed behind his helm. "Get what your highness needs?" He quipped sarcastically. 

Megatron grunted down at Lauren as if to say 'respond when spoken to'. "I think. Oh, Megatron, I got something that can help with that rust problem and I can use the truck for parts." 

A satisficed, blunt grumble echoed from the decepticon leader. "You've done well by me, girl." 

Lauren smiled with restrained happiness at the praise, because there was always that little girl buried within her that aimed to please. A yawn broke through her tightly pulled lips as her adrenaline high mellowed. 

"Recharge, bug. Go." 

She didn't need the push as her feet were already carrying her toward her makeshift home. Emerging into the cave, she swiftly made her way back, keeping her hand along the wall in case she lost her footing. She was soon resting herself into the canvas awning she'd repurposed into a kind of sleeping bag. 

Megatron watched her reach the safety of the rocks before he turned back to his men. "Did you follow through with your orders?" 

Nitrozeus pulled his attention from the rocks to face his leader. "Damn straight, gathered all the metal." 

Stalking away toward the spotted pile, Nitrozeus followed with a swagger, his chain swayed with each step he took. "Hey, I don't mean to stick my nose in your shit, but it stinks. Who's the chick? From what I've gathered, she's not much, but hey, what do I know." 

The decepticon lord eyed the pile, taking note of its mass before turning back to look Nitrozeus in his face. A moment passed where Megatron thought against his words, but he quickly righted that and spoke with upmost purpose and authority, leaving no room for interpretations. "She is my conjunx. Anymore questions?" He dared the one eyed bot to step over his invisible line. "Get out of my face." 

The tracker bot stilled slightly from the revelation, but recovered his demeanor in a nanoklik and backed off his boss swiftly, allowing him berth to leave. 

Megatron flexed his claws with the itch of battle as he made his way toward the rock formation. 

He was quick to make his way in, his crimson optics paving the way. 

Lauren rolled over just as the mech perched himself against the wall. "Hm...?" She cooed, blue eyes squinted at the opposing light sleepily. She hadn't even noticed her dozing. 

"You should be in recharge, do not disobey, girl." His words came out grated and rough as he positioned himself into sitting. 

With a rub of her eyes, she replied. "I was just about to pass out, but you woke me up." She rolled to face where he resided. "I've never done what I did today." 

His optics panned down to bathe her in a foreboding glow, urging her to speak. 

"I was so nervous at first, but then it was so fast." And she was thankful for the lives that were spared, but she kept that part to herself. A drowsy smile played onto her lips as she stared up at the mech in question. "I enjoyed getting to drive for once." Her words poked him playfully. "It was like I was outside my own body and something was telling me what to do." 

He vented at her quiet words. "Rest, girl. You will bathe tomorrow." 

Lauren hummed at him as she curled into fetal position and drifted off soundlessly. 

Megatron watched her sleeping form as he sifted through his own thoughts. He had considered that the tracker mech would do a deep dive on her, uncovering any and everything that was uncoverable. Nitrozeus was the best in the business when it came to stalking down prey and bringing long buried secrets to light, but something about him doing it to her sparked bitterness within his processors. Lauren was just as much part of him as he was part of her, despite the fact that she may not know. It was an undeniable, irrefutable fact. 

Humans were so obliged in publishing their interpersonal lives for all to see. He wondered what he could've found, his glare hardened when he realized that there was a high possibility that Nitrozeus could very well know more than he does about his own conjunx. 

His optics found her recharging form once more and he grumbled lowly to himself. 

 

Chapter 15: Envisage

Notes:

Hey everyone! I hope y'all had a good holiday, and if you don't celebrate, then I hope you had a good week! I hope you all enjoy this chapter! <3

"Special operations group is on standby." Informed a formally clad man, file held snuggly in his hand as he followed after his boss.

Harold Attinger hummed as his eyes met a secretary descending the stairs. "What do you got?"

"Sir, special ops just got photos from Namibia, Africa." The balding man snatched the photos from the thin woman's hands. "They're believed to be Lauren Ridgwell of the Texas incident." Her tone was even.

The bearded man glanced up from the photos, following the secretary. "And what the hell is she doing there? How were the photos captured?"

"She was spotted in the midst of stealing supplies from the US Western outpost. Neither her nor the supplies were recovered."

It dawned on him and he stopped, turning the the raven haired woman. "Son of a bitch, she's working with them." Harold's pace resumed with a newfound urgency. "I want all eyes and ears. Scramble cemetery wind and get me a troop out there as soon as yesterday."

The two emerged into a computer room, everyone's head turned at the intrusion.

"This room is going dark, my team and I will handle it. The exit is on your left." His words were not up for debate and all the techies listened swiftly vacating the room. A select few flooded in after that and took their appropriate places.

The founder of cemetery wind strode to the front of the room, the large screen backlit his form. "Ladies and gentlemen, there's been a change in plans." He started, cupping his hands together. "The person we previously thought was a hostage, is playing on enemy teams. I want her blacklisted from everywhere, cage her in."

"Roger, roger sir."

"If we find her, then we find Megatron. We find them both and Lockdown can take it from there. Keep our hands and our men clean." His face hardened with disdain.

"The age of transformers is over. We can build them now, they're off brand and trespassing on our planet." Harold glanced to his much too expensive wrist watch. "Spare no expense, if you spot them, take 'em down."

Harold Attinger left with those parting words, growing hate sparked within him and set a new fire under his feet.

_____________

"Our mighty lord is fuckin' wipped!" Nitrozeus called over his hailing frequency to any and all listening ears. "Are you all hearing me? His ass is-"

"Shut your vocal processors." Barricade growled back in blatant irritation.

"I believe you are terribly misinformed." Blackout cut in harshly, Nitrozeus could practically feel the glare from where he stood, flipping him the bird in the process.

"Lord Megatron would not be caught offline fraternizing with an insect." Onslaught bit.

"My, our lord is so weak and soft, he seems lost. So sad." Starscream cooed out slyly.

"Designation Starscream, you were to randevu with all seekers to 22.9576° S, 18.4904° E. You disobey direct orders." Soundwave came sternly.

"I have been busy with alternative orders, Soundwave. I will arrive in short time." Starscream hissed.

"You knew and held out on us? What ever happened to bro code, man?" Nitrozeus jabbed abruptly.

"The hailing frequency is not to be utilized for such things." Soundwave reprimanded loosely.

"For Primus's sake, just answer him so he shuts his trap." Barricade snapped.

"I was entrusted with the information on his relation to the human girl, I was never instructed to inform any other decepticons."

"Our lord almighty really takes a conjunx?" Onslaught's words were flat.

Soundwave listened in with a frown, his glossa ran along the inside of his denta. 

"Disgusting." Barricade insulted.

"She's one piece of work, I'll tell you that. Almost ripped me a new asshole for grabbing her, not even prison was that bad." Nitrozeus added with a courtesy tip of his helm to the conversation as he sifted his internal database of long gathered information, before unceremoniously shooting out a file to each decepticon.

"I will order you to not hand out our lord's conjunx's information so freely." Soundwave retorted.

"Weren't you ordered to watch little miss thang?" Nitrozeus retaliated, his tone was facetious as his optic narrowed. "I'm just lending a helping hand." He cooed innocently. "Wouldn't want a replication of that night, right?"

_______________

Lauren held her hand above her eyes in visor fashion, shielding her sights from the much too bright sun. She sat securely atop Megatron's shoulder servo as he neared the closest watering hole.

Her body jittered with unkempt excitement at the prospect of cleaning herself. As simple as the action was, she'd never take the luxury of indoor plumbing for granted again.

Megatron mulled over his thoughts as his pedes kicked up sand. Soundwave, the ever loyal officer, had privied him to Nitrozeus's small excursion and loud-mouth ways. He couldn't say that he was mad, he had considered what would come of informing the tracker. Every bit of his assumptions were proven right. The decepticon's glare hardened before his optics glanced to the femme atop his servo. She had no real idea what her standing meant, comfortable within ignorance and he couldn't blame her. "We must converse when we stop, girl." He stated firmly as the water came into view, few animals scampered away from his imposing size.

Lauren hummed to herself and him simultaneously when her sights landed on the small gathering of water as it glistened in the sun.

The duo soon reached their designation and he deposited her to the earth. She jogged to the water's edge and swiftly pulled away her top and bottoms, kicking her boots aside.

A part of her wanted to fluster at the prospect of being only in her bra and underwear, but her need for cleanliness quickly outweighed the embarrassment. Plus, it wasn't much different than a bathing suit, just the connotation the garments were tied to. She took her time as she broached the water, the coolness was welcomed openly and she smiled.

Megatron stooped to sit beside the watering hole, his knee servo propped up.

The brunette was quick to dunk her head beneath the water's surface, reemerging with soaked hair that she diligently finger-combed through, ridding herself of knots and long built up grease. She sat herself at the water's edge, her feet submerged as she worked. A beat of silence passed between the two before Lauren spoke up, her eyes not meeting him. "So, you said you wanted to talk?"

Megatron grumbled from deep within his chassis, almost unsure of what to say and where to begin appropriately. His optics studied her exposed form, not use to seeing so much of her flesh and watched the way her phalanges delicately maneuvered through her hair. Nitrozeus's previous conversation floated to the front of his mind. "You are my conjunx endura."

"Is this about the sparkmate thing?" Her tone came out flat and soft as her arms grew tired of her hair.

His optics remained trained on her. "You must be made aware of such implications the title holds, girl."

Lauren rested her hands in her lap, picking out the dirt from beneath her fingernails, her eyes did not meet him. "Then talk."

He glared at her tone and avoidant eyes. "We are one. You are mine and I am to be yours." Despite what either of them may want.

"So, what? Isn't it like marriage?"

"Cybertronians do not have such flimsy agreements that can be broken easily. A spark bond is for and eternity." He informed firmly.

Lauren scooted further into the water, but offered no reply as she bit down on her lower lip in thought.

"Speak when spoken to, bug." He commanded swiftly with a leer.

"Did it ever occur to you that maybe that's not something I might've wanted?" She shrank into herself, her eyes laid upon the waters ripples.

He'd be lying if he said a part of him didn't feel the sting of her words. He growled and responded. "The fear in your eyes told a different tale, fleshling. Be grateful and spare me your complaints."

Lauren stooped, cupping water into her hands before wetting her face. She felt the smallest bit better for the first time in weeks with the simple action. Turning, she met his gaze and spoke calmly. "I am grateful for so much, including you. Please understand that this is all so new to me and I'm trying to figure it all out. Just consider what I said."

Megatron bit his tongue after she spoke and resided himself to silence once more.

Squeezing some soap into her palm, she worked it through her detangled hair before dunking her head and rinsing away the suds all while he watched her.

Riding herself of sweat, blood, and dirt was like rebirth even if a small part of her wished for a razor. Hair was the least of her worries.

All remained silent between robot and human as she enjoyed the water, the soon was soon to begin its descent.

Lauren squeezed the residual water from her short hair, the wind that kissed her moist skin was relished. "What does it mean?" She questioned in a hushed voice.

"We are bonded with one another until end times." Was all he offered.

She hummed to herself. "Till death do us part." Came her statement, he casted her an incredulous look. "It's something we say when people get married."

The decepticon snorted. "Your human incantations and ceremonies hold no weight." He insulted openly with a sharpness.

"Do Cybertronians not celebrate?"

"It is a rare sight. Conjunxes and Enduras are not common and you hold the title of Conjunx Endura." He grumbled. "There are certain incantations that must be recited."

Lauren left the water, her fingers pruned and her skin clean. "What are they?" She glanced up to him as she regathered her clothing, her thoughts mulled over his words in an attempt to piece things together. She was not versed in alien terms, much to her misfortune. 

Megatron got to his feet and stared down at the sight that was her. A park of him damned her for asking, but then again, he opened the conversation. His spark pulsated and whipped around his inner chamber at her words. "Perhaps I will inform you another time. Come, girl."

The brunette did not push her curiosities and obliged, climbing atop his palm. It felt as if ten pounds had been lifted from her and she left the watering hole feeling like a new woman.

The journey back was kept in comfortable silence and was quicker than the trip there.

Soundwave was quick to approach upon their arrival, casting her a sparing glance before swiftly returning to his leader. A wordless understanding was passed between superior and subordinate as Megatron spoke up with authority. "Report Soundwave. I do not have all joor."

"The human special operation group has placed a bounty on the femme's helm. They got picture evidence from the Western outpost."

Lauren felt a pit form in the depths of her stomach at the relayed information and though part of her felt like she shouldn't be listening, she remained attentive. The news shouldn't have surprised her in the way it did, she was breaking the law from the moment she let Megatron stick around. It still didn't feel any better hearing it, however. A frown overtook her features.

Megatron offered his palm to her. "Go, girl."

She didn't fight him as she was set upon the sand and began to make her way toward the rocks. Her stomach was in knots. Why was it that she was allowed to be shot at labeled the bad guy? Sure, she'd admit that grand theft and stealing was wrong, but she was desperate and it wasn't like she personally hurt anyone. A part of her wondered what was being said about her behind closed doors. Her eyes narrowed as she emerged within the cave, making her way back with a quickness. Lauren felt like a child being put in time-out and part of her wished that were the case.

Dropping her weight onto her make-shift sleeping bag, she reached out and turned on the small battery powered lantern she had recently acquired. With sight bestowed upon her, she moved to peel away her damp bandages in favor of new, fresh ones.

Setting her shirt aside, she dabbed at the afflicted area gently drying it of any left moisture. She'd like to say it was healing nicely, but she really had no idea and it wasn't like Scalpel spoke in a way that was tangible.

The fresh bandages clung to her clean skin greedily as she laid back into the canvas. Her thoughts were quick to make themselves apparent and she entertained them. She had so many questions with no proper way of wording them, it was frustrating and left the human pensive.

It wasn't long until she heard the telltale sounds of Megatron arriving. The sun had since set and the small lantern was brighter than ever.

Lauren shifted into a sitting position, her arms rested atop her knees as the decepticon emerged into the cavern like space, his optics adding to the already present light. He sat himself wordlessly, his metal features screwed up in contemplation.

Her eyes studied his form, accounting for all the dings, rust, and afflictions of battle that detailed his metals. The colors varied across his body in hues of gray, silver, and black.

Megatron breached the silence with is rough voice. "You have something on your mind." It wasn't a question, but a statement said factually.

She hummed softly. "Not really, just thinking about some stuff." Her response came tenderly as she rested her head back against the rock.

"I am no mind reader."

A sigh escaped her with flared nostrils, unsure of how she was supposed to continue. "I don't know, I guess I just miss home? I miss showers and my grandpa. I'd kill for some pizza." The last part was stated with a dry laugh. "Uh, I wish I hadn't been shot, that'd be nice."

Megatron silently vow to himself if he were to ever find the one that fired that bullet, he'd rip them from limb to limb in a grandiose display of true power. Call it retribution.

"What of your birth givers?" He questioned bluntly and with no hold back. He was not familiar with human familial tier terminology, but 'grand' would naturally suggest a higher title. He'd recounted that the night he found her- or rather she found him- the femme dwelled alone. 

The question caught her off guard. She bit her lip hard as she pieced together a comprehendible response. "My mom died when I was really young, my dad..." Her words trailed off listlessly as if she were being taken back to all those moments in time against her will. "He- uhm," The words got caught in her throat and her brows knit together in uncertainty. "He left. It-it's not even like it matters, I was so young anyway. Whatever." Lauren pulled her knees in closer and rested her head atop them in an attempt to self-soothe old wounds.

A low rumble emitted from the mech, the vibrations bounced off the rocks surrounding the two. The newfound information made sense of the night they arrived to the continent; her anger, the fear in her eyes, and the scent of desperation that rolled off her in waves when he had left her abruptly. "You humans are so fickle and unworthy with no spines."

"Yeah? Well, fuck him. My grandpa was more a man than he ever was. Taught me everythin' I know..." Her words grew soft toward the end of her statement and a familiar lump grew in her throat. She did all she could to swallow back her own self pity. She would not allow herself to slip and wallow in age old troubles when she other things to be focusing on. "I really don't have anyone." It was a sour revelation and she bit down on her lip harshly. Her fists curled inward and the sting of her nails biting into her palms went unnoticed. 

Her words struck the decepticon in a wordless manner and his optics narrowed slightly at the concept of loneliness on a planet of over seven billion inhabitants. Humans were so quick to up and abandon their own young without second thought, it was no wonder why there was so many problem admits the species. The idea was so foreign to him. He'd been born and created for the mines, made to work and to serve. He did not have the privilege of familial relations or an easy life, he fought valiantly for all that he has and would be damned to let any of it slip away, let alone abandon it. He was both selfish and greedy in that aspect, he figured. 

"No decepticon is alone in our cause." He barked out with a sternness that was closer to an order than anything else.

She bat her sights up to the bot, staring up ay him through thick lashes. "That'd be nice if they liked a little insect like me." Her words held truth, he could not refute that, but were delivered mirthfully.

"They are already made aware of your presence and will do right to act accordingly or I will rip the sparks from their chassis'." He threatened darkly in some strange way at reassuring her and his words hit their mark. 

She snickered and swallowed back the lump in her throat. "Never had someone threaten death for me. I must be so special." She pestered with a yawn and a stretch.

Megatron snarled and leaned forward in warning. "Recharge, bug. You talk too much."

Lauren shimmied down the wall to lay down and rolled onto her side. "Wouldn't be the first time I've been told that." She retorted as drowsiness seeped into her bones by the second.

She lay awake for another hour before drifting out peacefully. Megatron's eyes observed her sleeping form as per usual. His optics studied the way her cropped hair splayed out behind her and the way her fingers contracted occasionally. Her mouth hung ajar as she slumbered, her breathing low and shallow to accompany the slow of her heart. The decepticon noted her much cleaner scent with pleasure. His mind was drawn back to their conversation from that joor. He hadn't expected her to ask questions. A part of him wished she'd just taken his explanations without second thought while the other side of him, his spark, teemed at her curiosity and willingness to learn, her capacity for understanding. She had stated that everything was new to her, but the same could be said for him, too.

He reached a tentative claw out and pulled the canvas covering up further over her small body before slowly brushing a strand of hair from her relaxed face with practiced precision. He was reminded of Soundwave's words in that moment.

"The human special operation group has placed a bounty on the femme's helm-"

Pulling away, he growled low to himself as to not wake the sleeping woman. The information was not news to him, it was to be expected. He harbored his silent vows to her and would obey them fiercely without question.

The need to protect came naturally with his spark and nothing would stand in his way, for he was not only defending himself, but her too.

Chapter 16: Rust

Notes:

I hope you all enjoy the new chapter! I love feedback and your comments, so don't be shy, talk to me! And for any new readers, welcome! <3

Lauren placed her hands atop her hips and gazed upon her impeccable organization skills, having gathered all her newly acquired items. A small smile played onto her dry lips and sweat coated her skin, courtesy of the scorching sun. Her short, uneven hair tickled the nape of her neck and she was constantly tucking stray strands back behind her ear in an effort to keep it out of her eyes. So much for her stylist career. 

Among all the items she had amassed, her favorites consisted of a near full shop's worth of tools packed away neatly, a can of blueberry pie filling that she'd save for the next 'special occasion', and a duffle bag that contained the clothes of a soldier named 'Derek'. A small part of her felt bad for the apparent robbery of someone's wardrobe, but she'd guiltily admit she was thankful for the spare clothes (even if they were too big in all the places she did not need extra room in). Oh, and don't forget the sweet little satellite radio she'd nabbed. It was her prized jewel in the shit storm she was pulled into. Her very own small, portable piece of heaven. 

Did it sound like shit? Yes. Was finding a station more trouble than it was worth? Also yes, but she'd bite her tongue. 

Among other things, she was now the proud owner of a yellow paint can. Not that she had much use for the substance in her current predicament, but it was something she could call hers nonetheless. Plus, the color was reminiscent of the dandelions that'd bloom in her lawn during spring. 

Using her forearm, she wiped away the beading sweat on her brow as she tediously messed with the dial on the small radio, her face screwed up in concentration. 

"Your irritating wavelengths are not pertinent to your task at hand, girl." Megatron bit from his sat position. "Do not avoid the inevitable." 

"Yeah, yeah. One sec, I almost got it-" And just as the words left her mouth, she managed to tune into an English station, a triumphant smile graced her lips as she stood tall. The brunette turned on her heel to gather the needed supplies for that day's excursion; the removal of rust from Megatron-all-mighty and the addition of new metals to his already bulky body. 

With a razor scraper in one hand and a vinegar soaked rag in the other, she set to work, keen on starting on his lowest parts first and foremost as she happily sang along with the music. The sun beat down on her unforgivingly, but she was more than happy to be hands on and a liability no more. At least, that's how she felt about the situation. 

"When I close my eyes, I'm going out of my head. Lost in a fairytale, can you hold my hands and be my guide? Clouds filled with stars cover your skies." 

She worked diligently and with pride, unsuspecting of the optics that observed the odd spectacle. 

Nitrozeus whistled, his arms crossed over his broad chest as he leaned against a rock. "Dayum, what's she going to do next? Dig up Energon with her bare hands?" His words were delivered with sarcasm and a shrug. "Carry his sparklings?" 

Blackout cast the sight a hard, distasteful glare, a scoff followed suit. "It's a disgusting display." 

"How far up are your panties buried in your ass?" 

"He should've had your helm the night of arrival or did he damage your processors too?" Blackout insulted incredulously with a gesture to the mangled metal of Nitrozeus's shoulder servo. 

The comment rolled off the bot. "I already apologized, made my peace man." 

The helicopter bot turned an incredulous eye to his fellow decepticon. "You do no such thing." 

"And they'll get over it, old shit is still shit. You hear?"

Soundwave remained further out on the skirt of their so called camp, doing what he did best; gathering valuable intel and breaching the once thought-unbreachable, not paying much mind to his lord or the small femme he'd proclaimed as 'his mate'. 

"What kind of dream is this? You can be a sweet dream or a beautiful nightmare. Either way I don't wanna wake up from you (turn the lights on)."                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Lauren bobbed her head in tandem as her lips moved to shape the lyrics of the song. The corners of her mouth tugged taunt into a pleasant smile as she scrubbed away what rust she could with the vinegar alone. Baking powder would've been appreciated, but she'd do with what she could. The once white rag stained copper and sweat soaked through her clothes making the green fabric darker in some areas. She was so fully immersed in the moment, blessed with such a distraction. No prying eyes- or optics- would pull her from the work at hand or dampen her mood. Part of her brain felt as though she were stood back in her barn, the Texan heat engulfing her as she busied herself. It was blissful as long as she was able to remain immersed. 

The thump of the music had her swaying to the rhythm unconsciously as she tucked away the stained rag into her back pocket like a crude tail as the previous song ended and a whole new tune overtook her ears. 

"The lonely moments just get lonelier, The longer you're in love than if you were alone. Memories turn into daydreams, become a taboo-" 

She chipped away at the last remaining bits of rust upon his leg casings, occasionally snagging the rag from her pocket to scrub away any stubborn stains as she kept tempo with the pop-punk song. 

"I don't want to be afraid. The deeper that I go. It takes my breath away. Soft hearts, electric souls. Heart to heart and eyes to eyes, Is this taboo?"

Lauren continued with her task, not meeting Megatron's eyes in her hyper focus, her vocal chords produced the song's lyrics with ease and her small step-dances continued unbeknownst to even her before she gestured for the mech to bring her up higher to him. She was fortunate his chassis was the least bit rusted, but she continued in her endeavor with no complaints, even as her skin reddened with the beginnings of a sunburn. 

Megatron growled out in deep satisfaction at the removal of the disease called 'rust' and in part to the femme's quite pleasant vocalizations, his optics never left her ever moving form as she worked with upmost diligence.

It was so sudden when Lauren halted what she was doing to vocalize the growing crescendo of the song and no others dare not stop her in her endeavor.  

Dramatically, she placed her hand atop her beating heart and sang out the lyrics with bursting passion, turning to face the decepticon overlord in the midst of it as if to direct the words at him. 

Crimson optics zeroed on on her face and his audio receptors teemed with heightened intrigue. 

"Those thoughts of past lovers, they'll always haunt me. I wish I could believe you'd never wrong me. Then will you remember me in the same way as I remember you? Baby, we built this house on memories. Take my picture now, shake it 'til you see it. And when your fantasies become your legacy, Promise me a place." 

She used her razor scraper as a makeshift drum stick as she banged out the climax of the song on an imaginary drum set. He'd never seen a human smile in such a way as she turned back to her work, ripping her piercing gaze from his. The song continued on.

"Primus, the cowgirl has him wrapped around her digit." Nitrozeus gawked with jest at Blackout who offered no reply in return. 

Megatron forcefully cast his sights skyward, his spark fought to break free from his chamber and it was all he could do to quell the foreign feeling of his wires firing off and his metals growing tight. He'd heard his subordinate's words and he would, in fact, not be wrapped around her small phalange. There was no command above his and he would not be controlled by anything in the known universe, but Primus did her presence make him want to roar out pridefully and tear out the audio receptors of all that were near, lest they find her vocalizations as pleasant as he did. And yet, he would not stop her.

He couldn't. 

Lauren exhaled with a pant, looking over her work with gratification before turning to face the decepticon she was in the hand of. "Okay big guy, I got all I can see. It's not perfect, but I tried. Is there anything my small human eyes are missing?" The music droned on in the background and some wind kissed her moist skin, cooling her. 

He cast his sights back down upon the small woman and her ill-fitting clothing, noting the distinct way the uv rays casted soft beige spots upon her cheeks. "Your primitive human eyes do not capture anything of much significance." His insult came out calm and lacked some of its usual edge as he moved her up to the damaged side of his helm. 

"Just because I don't have laser vision or thermal reading doesn't mean my eyes suck. They're in perfect health, thank you." She quipped back as she assed the premature rust taking over his helm. She did her absolute best to tend to the area with a gentle hand as she recited a lyric here and there through her pointed focus. The radio's music was quieter from her new vantage point, but not entirely missed on her. 

Megatron growled, the scraping of his own metal was grating on his fine tuned audio receptors, but if he listened carefully he could hear her small human heart beat, her scent smelled of sodium and metal, much like it did the day he'd first encountered her. His nose ridge shifted and his olfactory sensors sought out the scent greedily. 

"So hold my hand, I'll walk with you my dear." 

Her words were soft, dulled by her concentration and he noted the distinct way her hands treated him. They were gentle and much too soft for something as sharp as him. The decepticon had long tuned out the radio's wavelengths. 

"Soon it will be over and buried with our past."

Lauren carefully dabbed away what she could of the stain left behind before speaking over the music. "It's a good thing it was caught before it could do any real damage, but I think I'm about done." The small woman retracted the blade on the scrape tool before pocketing it away for later use. 

The sun was still perched high within the sky, making it hard to gauge the time. A part of her desperately missed the convenience of her phone, but she'd been doing well enough without it even if she did instinctively reach for the small device everyday. She'd made a mental note to get a new one down the line.  

Megatron rose to full height as Lauren remained atop his shoulder servo, his helm casted a small shadow that she took respite in. The ordeal really did make her feel like a little bottom feeding bug, but she was alive and breathing, so what the hell, right? 

The logical side of her reprimanded the girl inside of her, stating that she should hate the florigen invader and resent him for her current circumstances, but the other side of her overruled stating that she'd not be breathing if it weren't for him and honestly, there was much to contest with. 

It was either be homeless with nothing to her name, or be homeless with alien robots while being toted around the globe like some kind of pet. 

She'd like to say she chose the latter, but ultimately the decision was made for her and just this one time she would accept that someone other than her was in control. 

_______________

Harold Attinger's helicopter landed with little turbulence among the wing of Lockdown's many ships. The male in question made haste to exit the craft and carry himself in the mech's direction, his scarf billowed around him in an effort to escape. 

Lockdown dropped from where he stood, his significant weight doing nothing to the dwarfing ship. His emerald optics were narrowed dangerously, his fists curled in stiffly. "I warn you mister Attinger of earth," The bounty hunter started as his subordinates hung back in ready. "An alliance is a contract, and contracts, like humans expire." His tone carried sharp edge and wordless threat. 

Harold plucked his glasses from his face to better gaze up the mech. "On this planet we have a saying." He squared his shoulders confidently. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend." 

A glare contorted his metal features. "I don't care." Lockdown leered bitterly. 

Harold frowned, but steadied himself. "So, what happened in Texas? I thought you had Megatron. And what about Optimus?" 

The emerald optic bot stepped forward with assertion. "Two direct hits. What would have been a mortal wound. Then, your men allowed him to escape with a human no less." His words were delivered with a harsh starkness that cut through the older man. "You promised me human intelligence and an army, but I have yet to see either. Is there such a thing?" 

Attinger stuffed his clenched hands into his coat pockets. "You know, you still never told me. Why do you need them and an army?" He cast his sights up to scrutinize the mech, crows feet adorning each eye. "Who're you working for?" 

Lockdown stood tall and replied with purpose. "Every galaxy I've traveled, all you species are the same." His tone was accusatory in nature. "You all think you're the center of the universe. You have no idea." 

Harold huffed, his breath visible in the cool temperature of the atmosphere. "I figure all species are the same in that regard." His comment was made in passing and received a curt snarl from the alien. "You'll have your army in three days, you have my word." 

"Words mean nothing with no action. I am holding you to that Attinger." Lockdown hissed. 

With a scrunched nose and furrowed brows, the older man turned to make his way back to his helicopter, but stopped. "Surveillance shows that there's been decepticon activity in Namibia Africa. Photo evidence indicates the girl works with them. Cemetery wind is to have a ground troop deployed in the next day. I expect you there." 

"Little humans and their orders. You hold no authority in this realm. Go." Lockdown turned and moved to be with his men, leaving Attinger room to leave and he did so without a second word. 

_______________

Night was quick to fall soon there after. The setting sun was tucked behind thick rain clouds and Soundwave was swift to inform of the impending rainfall, one of the few the land has seen in that year's time. The earth below them would be greedy to suck the skies dry. 

Lauren would have to push her duties back till the next day in the hopes of better weather. She'd work in the blistering sun with no issues, but a blow torch and rain would not mix much to Megatron's displeasure. 

Tucking a tuft of hair behind her ear, the brunette sat back against the rock wall, thunder ravened the land as the storm crept upon them with growing haste. The occasional flash of lightening stung her vision in the darkness and she counted the seconds between the rolls of thunder and the clanging of lightening. 

The mech overlord sat across from her in the makeshift berth-called-cavern. He was occupied with his own series of thoughts, ignoring the weather completely with ease. He would not rust further, though the same could not be said for his men. Another problem to be sorted another time. 

Lauren, much to her disfavor would tense every time a boom of thunder erupted through the clouds. She cast hesitant glances toward the decepticon each time, but made no move to initiate conversation. Her arms hung sore off her propped knees and the tenseness was doing her no favors. A sharp, crack of lightening broke harshly through the muted rainfall, having definitely struck something with a vengeance. 

"Can I sit with you?" Her words came out rushed and strained against her pride. "Please..." She pulled herself into a tight ball as if to shield herself away from the downpour.  

Megatron had not been unaware of her flinches to the weathering conditions, but found her fear to be unfounded and needless. He grumbled as he plucked her from the sand with no given words. 

She was promptly deposited onto his folded thigh plating, the way his adjacent knee propped up beside her in combination with his rested arm atop it made his stance feel cage like, but she was not going to complain with his compliance to her request. Lauren shifted to rest her back against his lower torso area, though she'd have to admit she was probably closer to his hip servo than anything. Each time she touched him she was surprised at his warmth and, albeit brutish, way of being gentle with her small frame, though she'd never say that and resided to keeping the revelation to herself. Tipping her head back, she rested it against him in an effort to get comfortable. The air of comfort that surrounded the mech was something she could not find words for, she just knew deep within herself that it was right, but was that something she'd concluded herself or was her subconscious swayed by the sparkbond? She found herself asking that question more frequently in recent time. And the answer was a resounding 'I don't know', but it truly didn't matter to her, she'd revel in the comfort for as long as she was able. Contempt with the hushed feeling of want. 

Megatron's chassis rose and fell with a vent as he felt the femme situate herself into a more laxed position. The movement pulled him from his thoughts of an empty tank and plans of action for the coming future. He cast his optics down at her now much less tense form atop his thigh plating. His spark fluttered in contempt at the contact and he, too, rested further into the rock behind himself, no doubt his armor chipped at the organic surface. She was heavier than she had been weeks prior and a deep pitched groan of satisfaction bellowed from within him, making the thunder sound like a kitten's cry. At least he knew he was doing something correct in his time of absence. Not only could he lead the strongest military battalions in the known universe, but he'd also prove to be a sufficient mate. A surge of pride coursed through him as he flattered himself. 

His gaze lingered on her small frame as it did when she was in his presence. He soon found himself drifting into a mellow recharge and he was swift to accept the chance at rest that was not forced by himself. 

Megatron opened his optics sooner than he would've liked to and was mildly disturbed to find that his optics no- eyes- were moist. The realization was a mild shock as the body he inhabited stumbled quickly out of a familiar house. He could feel the way the earth stuck to the bottom of his small, soft feet. Dirt, it was dirt. 

He was much too small, he found. The ground had never been so close to him. 

What was this? What was he seeing? 

His sights found the outside of the house he'd dashed out of and knew with absolute certainty that it was Lauren's home. Though, the paint looked fresher and far more crisp. Flowers bloomed in a contained bed close by, he noticed. Those were not there when he had stumbled upon her and the barn. 

Was this Lauren he was experiencing? 

The small body he peered through moved fast and with purpose as someone, a male's voice, called out to her fleeing form. She did not turn back to the calls. 

It was then that he noticed her small body dashing towards the driver's side of a car. 

This was a memory and an early one at that, he found. The colors were much too vivid and the sounds were clear. The sparkbond, that must be it, but why have this sort of connection be delayed so long? It was typically immediate in most cases. The mech tucked away his speculations for later as he heard the much squeakier pitch of Lauren cry. 

She was much smaller then, not even reaching the top of the car door from where she stood beside the vehicle. 

His face- or rather her face- felt hot and wetness stung her eyes. This feeling was foreign to him in its entirety. 

"Go on leave! Just like you always fucking have!"  That same deep male voice bellowed with vexation. Lauren's eyes didn't meet the words producer as she tearfully gazed upon another male, his face screwed into a hard expression with the same dark hair that she had. 

"I'm s-sorry." She strained out with a squeal, using the sleeve of her pink shirt wipe at her tears. 

The driver looked to her, though his features never lessened and a part of his gaze made Megatron want to growl if he could. "Not your fault Laurie." 

Laurie? Why call her by a designation other than her own? He sneered at the uncomfortable pang that yanked within her. 

The small child clung to the door. "Then take me with you." She pleaded as more tears slipped from her already sore eyes. Her voice trembled as the car engine roared to life. 

What was this? What was happening? Megatron didn't understand much to his disdain. 

The thrum of the engine was most prominent to her and drowned out all other noises. She sniffled. 

The driver cast his eyes away to stare ahead of himself, dismissing the small girl. "Gotta work twelve hour nightshifts, I can't look after you." 

Lauren clasped the open window with both small hands as desperation took ahold of her small form. "You could if you want to."  The car inched forward, gradually pulling away from her weak hold. She kept step to follow. "Talk on the phone, everything's going to work out." 

Again, he felt her small bare feet pat against the dirt as she ran around the front of the classic car. The squeal of the breaks sounded haunting in her eardrums as she splayed her arms out in some last plea to stop the man from leaving. 

"You gotta move now Laurie."

Again with the name. He couldn't help, but feel a protective hold take him in a vice grip as he wanted to bite out that her name was, in fact, Lauren. 

Still, she refused to move despite her small stature, but she was knocked down to place as the older male barked out with resounding command. "Laurie please!" 

The small child, no bigger than his own optic, stepped out of way with diminished fight. Her shoulders slumped heavily and fresh tears nipped at her eyes uncomfortably. Her feet carried her back to the side of his car, he did not look to meet her eyes. "You're not going to leave me here, daddy..." Her fears were all, but confirmed when the car was put into drive. "Daddy?" 

Still he didn't answer as he drove off and she screamed out. "Take me with you!" Lauren sobbed. "I need you..." The last statement came out in a whisper, drowned out by her cries. 

Megatron recalled her words from the previous joor in the moment, "I was so young, it doesn't even matter."  She'd lied and a burning rage took hold of him, but not towards her. No, not her. 

This was a memory, that much was certain, but the vividness and the clearness of the sounds was not tied to that of happiness. 

This was a scar, deep-rooted into her very being and an aiding product to learned fears. It was only natural that it's be the first thing he'd see. 

The feeling of her small organic heart throbbing in pain as she sobbed into her small sparkling hands was a force in and of itself that he did not wish to experience anymore. 

A part of him wondered if she was in a similar situation and if she was, what could she being seeing? Her lifespan was short and not at all long, while his stretched over millions of human years. Was this a one time thing or would this persist? He could not answer that question. The smallest glimpses into her unfiltered, unguarded past was not something he detested, however. It was raw much like a cluster of energon and he'd be a fool to deny himself the insight to her. 

But with that came questions, naturally, and he had no way on how to brooch his own curiosities that were not conquering. 

 

 

Chapter 17: Curtail

Notes:

AHH OMG THANK YOU ALL FOR 200 PLUS KUDOS! It's actually my 22nd birthday today and it's one of the best gifts I could've received! You all are so wonderful! Thank you for all the support and comments, they make my day and motivate me so much! <3

This story is also now cross-posted on Wattpad and Quotev!

"No, of course not honey, I-"

"Hey, this is your mother calling. You seemed a little tense last night and I just wanted to make sure-"

"I'll be home soon sweetheart. Tell Jake I said 'I love you'." 

"Copy. Gather ground troop 127 and deploy them to the Eastern US Namibia outpost. I want them debriefed in ten hours time. I want this lined transferred and secured. Mister Attinger will kill us if-"  

Soundwave growled to himself darkly in satisfaction. Found you. The mech's optics drifted over to Megatron from where he stood idle. Human black op troops meant Lockdown wouldn't be far to follow. Worse, he'd show up and scope the cotenant first and foremost before any insect laid foot on the sand. That seemed more the bounty hunter's speed. Aviation Administration scans showed no abnormal readings, but those too could be inconclusive when dealing with the mech in question. 

Human infrastructure was a fickle thing, after all. Though, nothing could be said for Cybertron's sake.

The communications officer watched as the small human femme bustled too and from, tools in hand and sweat making her flushed skin sheen in the hot sunlight. He could hear her from where he chose to station himself; far enough away to not be considered looming, but close enough that if anything were to happen he could step in at a moment's notice.

Lauren pulled at the fabric over her nose, yanking it to hang slack around her neck. Sweat soaked the dirtied mask and she sucked in warm air greedily. It had to be hotter than it had been the day previously, or maybe she was just exhausting herself. Both were a possibility. Setting aside her blow torch, she used the hem of her shirt to wipe at her forehead. The music from the satellite radio crooned on and she swore she could hear the sun boiling her blood, but really, it could be that it was her heartbeat. Who was to know? 

"So, what do you think?" She half panted, her hands atop her hips as she stared up at the decepticon overlord, blue eyes squinted in an effort to spare her corneas of the sun's fiery onslaught. 

Megatron flexed his arm, considerably pleased with the improved weight and resistance the newly added metal provided. It made him bulkier and, in his humble opinion, a force to be reckoned with. "I will condone your efforts once you finish your work, bug." 

"Yeah, you're welcome." The short haired woman gave a lopsided smile before chugging back some equally warm water. The large clothes that draped from her frame served both as an annoyance and an inconvenience in their ability to trap excess heat. She had half the mind to haul off and chop the cargos into crude shorts, but then she'd be exposed to mosquitos and God knows what else.

There truly was no winning. 

Despite her apparent disdain for the clothing, Blackout had been a dear- courtesy of a commanding order- and strung up some stray awning to create a makeshift canopy for her and she couldn't be more thankful for the offered shade. Beneath it homed her gathered supplies, the truck she had no business driving, and all the random scrap that had been collected. It came to her then that maybe the canopy was to spare the integrity of the metals and she rolled her eyes. 

Setting the water aside, she dialed the music up louder, retrieved her torch, and approached the mech as she yanked the cloth back up to obscure her face  from metal debris. With both his arms said and done, she'd move onto what remained. His legs did not and could not use much more fortification, save for the dents and dings she could cover. With the mech's helping hand, his legs were done in no time. 

"You are no longer required for the day, go girl." He had tried to brush her off in favor of marveling himself, the itch for a fight brewed deep in his spark. 

She scoffed and climbed to a stand. "Hold up, I wanted to work on your head." He snarled at her words. "You have all that exposed wiring, just let me cover it at least." 

Megatron was swift to knock her sweaty form into his new and improved palm, his claws bigger and better than before, truly dwarfing her puny form (as if he hadn't already). "I'd advise your upmost watch." He threatened. 

Lauren set her torch aside in his palm. "Have I ever not been gentle?" She quipped, assessing the damage at hand. He did not move to respond, settling for a low growl instead as her small hands touched his metals with evident attentiveness. Stooping, Lauren carefully placed her hand along the underside of his jaw. "Look at me." 

To his own surprise, he obliged and followed her movement to stare at her smallness. His optics settled on her with a growing familiar ease, the sun's blaze backlit her and made her flesh gleam with moisture, the scent of sodium carried on the breeze every time it brushed past. She didn't meet his optics as she continued to look upon his helm, angling him to be level with her sight. He noted in that moment, that she was the closest she'd ever been to his faceplate. A mere foot away, if not less. Ruby optics studied the way her torso curved and how her neck elongated when she attempted to better reach for what she was looking at. It was odd and new to him in the sense that he looked upon her without disgust, but also foreign in the way his spark pushed up against his plating warmly. He surely was not like that with any other species, let alone homo sapiens. He had no words- Cybertronian or English- to describe his thoughts or the way his spark jumped with pleasure. The unknown sensation made him want to growl out a roar and leave the situation all together, but he'd refrain reluctantly.

He wouldn't run if he could help it and himself.  

The brunette pulled back and he felt like the sensation of her hands had been stolen away from him, he grumbled unbeknownst to himself. "Could you find me a small piece?" 

He did so quickly and handed the sliver to her. "This may feel uh- not great, just let me know if I'm hurting you. Cool? Cool." She was gentle both in the welding of the metal and the way she took her time in bending it to fit his helm. It wouldn't be perfect, but if she was doing her best then he guessed it would do. Something was better than nothing. 

Truth be told, the sensation was not comfortable, but by no means did it hurt. His optics surveyed the way she moved and her abut proximity, his claws flexed in on her subtly as if to cage her closer. The memory he'd glimpsed the previous joor floated to the forefront of his processor and he hummed to himself as he gazed upon her face. It was no doubt that she shared her sire's phenotypes and a small part of him felt possessive of that fact, like her sire had no right to share her appearance in his absence. 

Her torch hit a wire suddenly and ripped him from his thoughts with a deep chassis growl of warning. 

"Sorry, sorry." Lauren was quick to right herself and continue her work with caution, her shoulders pulled terse. 

Some time passed between the two in relative silence before Megatron caught sight of Soundwave's approaching form. The officer dipped his helm in a quick nod and Megatron knowingly climbed to his feet, jostling Lauren before depositing her to the sand. "You are finished for this joor, girl." 

Lauren climbed to her feet with a curse as she watched his hulking form stalk off. She scowled and snatched the mask from her face. "You're welcome!" The brunette smack sand off herself. "Asshole." With a huff, she made way under the canopy to stash her tools for the day as well as general tidying to occupy herself and avoid banishing herself back to the cave. 

Dialing down the music volume, she hummed along lazily to the lyrics as she sorted through her handheld tools; wrenches sorted by size and the like. Megatron and Soundwave were no longer visible from her stance and she half wondered what the whole ordeal was about, but ultimately brushed in off in favor of her task at hand. 

The sudden breeze was welcomed against her tacky skin as she stooped to move a paint can. The wind persisted, growing in intensity as sending sand up to nip at her skin uncomfortably. Dropping the can aside, she snapped up just as the ground shook beneath her. Lauren stumbled, caught off guard just as the makeshift canopy was tore away from atop her. Her back his the earth harshly and her elbows took the brunt of the blow as she gazed upon a mech she was not familiar with. 

Instinctive fear told ahold of her without hesitation as she flipped over to run, but she was caught by the ankle of her boot, forcing her back upon her back all while forcing the air from her lungs as the mech preyed over her. 

"Oh what a treat! You and me alone!" The bot spat, sending thick globs of unknown liquid down beside her. 

With haste, she used her heels and palms to scurry backwards before her back met the dead end of the truck. 

The mech was quick to hiss and swipe the vehicle away with ease, sending it clattering away and spilling out all her tools. The impact alone made her start and she fell back once more. He lunged with unmatchable speed, slamming his arms into the sand below and effectively trapping her beneath him. "Though you were working with us, girl?" He taunted. 

Lauren swiped a the sand desperately before her finger tips brushed the familiar handle of her blow torch. She snatched it up without second thoughts and ignited it. Tucking her leg beneath her, she shot up and tossed the offending tool into his left optic. 

The mech reeled with a cry as his optic sparked. Taking the opportunity, Lauren stumbled to run, but the bot was swift to strike her down. 

Lauren wailed out in pain at the fierce blow. 

The mech flailed in panic, swinging his oddly shaped body in every which way and even going as far as to suspend himself above the ground as he swiped at his injury. "My eye!" Lauren watched in terror as he freaked out, sending spittle flying. "I can't see! You human scum!" He stuck down his clawed hand once more, but she was quick to roll away by a hair. "I'll skin you of your flesh girl!" He stumbled and crushed what remained of the truck and she took that moment to dash out of way. 

"Megatron!" She cried out with a waver. Her feet tripped over one another, but she did not fall as a servo caught her frame. She was quick to scurry closer to her savior, but was shocked to find it wasn't Megatron. 

Soundwave was apprehensive to pluck the girl from the ground, but found she was quick to latch. His liege was not even a nano-klik behind him as he shot past the officer and into the problem. The one optic mech found that the femme reeked of sodium and Megatron alike. It was a scent that warned other mechs not to get too close lest he be around. 

The decepticon lord ripped into Starscream with a vengeance that could only be characterized by betrayal. Plunging his claws into his servos served to immobilize the seeker as he took up his helm in his hand, forcing him to look up at him from a place of submission. "You are so disappointing, what a simple, lowly insect !" He growled out fiercely, kneeing the former in his helm. 

Starscream clattered to the ground, still swiping painfully at his optic. "My master please-" 

"Shut it you cretinous sycophant! You dishonor me!" Megatron roared thunderously as he planted his foot upon the seeker's chassis, crushing him further beneath him. "I should rip the spark from you and feast on it!" 

"Master! My deepest apologies, but I was to rid you of human scum!" Starscream screeched as his lord applied a harsh amount of metal bending weight. 

Snatching up the seeker's helm, he yanked him close as he bared his denta. "You dare to order on my behalf! And look where that's got you!" Megatron tore his helm aside to force his sight in the direction of Lauren in the servos of Soundwave. "I should scrap you for what you've done to my conjunx!" The decepticon overlord forced his helm to his faceplate as he vented.

"Master- I was not aware that you'd softened-" Starscream retorted as he felt the claws threaten to pierce his helm. 

Megatron roared out into his audio receptors with enough volume to deafen the seeker, his opposite claws travelled up to prob at his optic.  

Lauren cradled herself in the smaller mech's grasp as she watched the scene unfold before her. She'd admit she did not feel remorseful in the slightest. Megatron turned to cast her a glance as if to ask 'are you okay?', she held his stare as she panted. She watched as more words were exchanged between the two and before he released him from his iron grip, he tore the optic from the seeker in a harsh display of power. 

She heard more sounds from overhead and tucked further into Soundwave's stagnant hold. "It is only Blackout and Nitrozeus returning from patrol." He had informed her frankly without gracing her with his sight. 

Megatron was quick to approach the officer just as the other two encroach on the scene. His palm came to her swiftly and she moved to him without second thoughts. "We leave in a deca-phase. Soundwave, relay information and do not disappoint me as some have." 

The decepticon turned on his men and stalked off, Lauren in hand. She winced with the occasional movement, but settled into his hold as he approached the cave and entered. 

His hold never let up as he moved to sit, eventually setting her atop his leg. 

Lauren moved slowly, pulling her shirt over her head and depositing it onto the ground in her efforts. With the glow of his optics for light, she found that she had not ripped her stitches open and for that she was thankful, despite the pain. However, he did get her good across the hip and underside of her jaw. Just a graze by some miracle. 

She slumped against him and buried her face into her hands. She was tired both mentally and physically. Her body groaned in protest as she moved, begging for her to stop. It went ignored. 

"Where did you go early?" She couldn't help the resentment that bled into her question. 

Megatron sat silent for several more moments before answering. "Soundwave was to report back his findings to me." 

"And you didn't think to take me?" 

He growled. "There was no need for you to accompany me, girl." 

She glared into the dim light as her jaw ached. "Yeah, and look where that got me." She had half whispered it to herself, but it was also said in part for him to hear. "Is it going to be like this every time I meet them, because if it is, just leave me here."

Suddenly, Megatron felt like he hadn't punished Starscream enough and his spark surged within him. "Why did your sire abandon you?" The question came abruptly and with no hesitancy in its blunt delivery. 

Lauren shifted around to look up at him with narrowed eyes. "Excuse me?" All pain was lost on her when the words left her mouth. "What's that supposed to mean?" 

He grimaced at her. "Answer the question, human." His tone came out far more stern than he had meant for it to. 

She slipped off his leg with a grunt and took a seat opposite of him, not wanting to be close. "He fucking left because my mom died and I wasn't good enough, is that what you wanted to hear?" She bit out defensively, her brows knit together as all her walls went up. 

Megatron lurched forward like a predator ready to pounce, a sneer present upon his metal features at her tone. "What of your dreams in recharge, girl? What have you seen?" 

Her face contorted in a concoction of annoyance and confusion. "What do my dreams matter?" 

He sat back, his chest puffed out in some animalistic effort to make himself bigger, his teeth bared. "Sparkbonds-"

Lauren rose to her feet with a quickness. "Again with that shit? You know what- I'm fucking leaving." 

Megatron roared out in disdain as he set his claws hurtling into the earth. The rocks shook around them from the force of the impact and he tore the small woman from the sand in much rougher fashion. 

"Put me the fuck down!" Lauren hissed through clenched teeth as she thrashed in his bruising grasp. "I swear to God-" 

With a deep rumbling growl, he did as she commanded and dropped her from where she was suspended. Her body hit the dirt with an audible thud earning a pained yelp from the small woman. With a claw, he knocked her back into the rock wall across from him. "Seat yourself insect. Be wise and do not disobey." His tone was kept low and directed at her with a sharpness that no blade could ever dare match. His optics painted her in the ruby spotlight.  

Lauren, with the sting of hot tears threatening to spill from her eyes, slid into a sitting position, her gaze adverted from his and toward the cave's opening where the setting sun could be seen, though the edges of her vision were consumed by a familiar red. 

Megatron vented with a grunt as he parted his chassis plating and out came his spark in all its bright glory. "Do as I am doing, girl. Now." He barked out as his claws came up to act as guard rails to his spark, circling it protectively. 

Casting him a glare, she bit back her tears, shielding them behind her sharp tongue. "What makes you think I can do that?" 

"You feel the sensation too, do not lie to me." He ground out in accusation. He knew better than she did and he exploited that much with zero remorse. 

Lauren folded her legs and stared up at his spark through her lashes. 'Sensation' was a broad term that only served to confuse her further. 

Her irritation and thought process was halted in their tracks so quickly she could've swore she got whiplash. It was as if someone had tied a rope to her ribs and was yanking her in some kind of play at cruel and unusual punishment. "What the hell...?" Lauren listed as she placed a hand atop her chest. Her heart thrummed erratically against the confines of her sternum.  

"You would be wise to not fight it, girl." His tone was calmer in that moment and her eyes found their way back to his spark. 

"What are you doing to me?" She startled with equal parts panic and curiosity as her brows creased deeply. 

A deep chassis groan erupted from the mech. Ah, there it was. Though the spark itself could not be seen with his own optics, the energy was very much tangible and he felt the pull of its presence as if it were trying to call out to his own, to him. 

Lauren, on the other hand, did not feel similarly. An innate fear was prompt to creep upon her, replacing all remaining curiosity that she may have possessed. She felt more vulnerable in that moment than she ever had in her whole life as it felt like a deeply inconceivable part of herself was being pulled out of her grasp in an act of cruelty and punishment. She had half the mind to cower at his pedes and beg for forgiveness in some brash attempt at riding herself of such a unidentifiable sensation.  

It was then that the instinctive fear of the unknown became apparent to her as she experienced it in all its fullness. 

Megatron panned his optics down to her blown eyes and curled his lip plates in as his spark whispered indecipherable nothings to him. "Calm yourself, girl." 

Her unblinking eyes found their way past the spark and laid upon him, all of him. "What are you doing? Talk. Tell me. What is this?" Her voice came out jumbled, as if her words were tripping over one another in her questioning. The world felt too big and the confines of the cave did nothing to make her feel secure in all obscurity. Lauren wanted to crawl into a hole like a scared rodent escaping the claws of a cat. 

"It is our bond, bug." He replied frankly. "There are much too many things you don't know. Ignorance will not further you." 

Lauren offered no reply as the yanking feeling persisted, growing stronger by the minute until she could no longer reasonably deny the sensation and she stumbled forward to be just under where his spark suspended. She gazed upon the spectacle with unblinking eyes as the spark descended to be within reach of her fingertips. So many emotions flooded her in the moments to come and she had an impossible time deciphering what was her own and what was not. She wanted to scream at the world for its wrong doings and break something all while she wanted to collapse and sob into her knees, but then that resounding foreign wrath came back tenfold. Through it all there was a soothing comfort that seemed to stroke her being as intangible words floated within herself, gone too fast before she could properly grasp them, leaving her to wonder. 

Megatron remained on the receiving end as he, too, pushed his way through unexplainable feelings and thoughts. He'd be lying if he said he didn't want to retreat from it all, but he was not a coward and would face it all head on. She hurt, that much was evident to anyone with working visual processors, but he knew she was hurt. It was unknown in origin and deeply engrained. Then came fear and uncertainty, two things he had not been acquainted with in many millenniums. He never wished to revisit such feelings, contempt to keep them slain and buried with who he once was and would never be again.  

"Do you feel that too...?" Lauren's whisper caught his attention and he cast his crimson gaze down towards her small shaky form. The words came out so softly that he was sure he wasn't supposed to have heard them. 

"This is what it means to be bonded. Remember that, repeating myself with have consequences." His threat was empty, but held that familiar edge she'd grown accustomed to in short time. 

A budding curiosity cautiously bloomed deep within her at the revelation and questions were soon to blossom, but not quite ready to be picked. She'd have to wait till the time was right and she could harvest. 

Megatron stole a glance to the outside world and his internal chronometer provided him the time. Antipathetically, he withdrew his spark and secured deep within him before climbing to his feet and adverting his gaze from hers. "We are to leave in one earth hour. I do not wait. Be ready or be left to the elements." 

He left her and she watched attentively as his form grew smaller before disappearing from her sights completely. A small part of her wanted to call out to the mech, but that desire soon fizzled as the silence took ahold and her brain processed. It was a moment too late before she felt her cheeks streak with tears. Harshly, she snuffed out the wetness before climbing to her feet, her heart beat in her throat and deafened all noise. 

She wanted to scream and curse the universe for it all, and worse yet? She still didn't get any fucking answers. Lauren was stuck in a never ending maze with no clear direction, leaving her to wander in the hopes of reaching the correct pathway. 

Where they were going, she had no idea. It wasn't as if she could anticipate landing in Namibia, so where to next? Perhaps she'd get lucky and they would choose someplace with working plumbing and maybe a fast-food joint or two. Part of the whole ordeal made her feel like a child visiting their other parent in a shitty divorce settlement and it was suddenly mom's weekend. Sure, pack your life away into a bag and get going, dad won't wait in the car all day. He doesn't want to see her anyway and her dragging her feet would only anger him, wouldn't it? Isn't that right? 

Rubbing at her eyes with a breathy string of curse, she did the best she could at steading herself from the brink of a full on breakdown. Scraping together what was left of her rationality and sanity alike. 

It's fine. Everything' would be just fine. Ten fingers, ten toes, and a beating heart, that was a start if anything else. 

It was something. 

Her body ached in protest when she moved to grab what items she deemed of any reasonable value. God, she was sore. Most people complain about post workout fatigue and here she was bruised, battered, and aching from the likes of alien robots. A heavy sigh escaped her as she shoved some gauze into her bag. At least she could say she had a unique experience. 

The duffle bag-turned-hers slouched when hung from her should with not enough contents to give the bag shape. Oh well. Maybe she could grab some sand and call it a souvenir if she was feeling cheeky. 

Yes, she was a bit bitter about it all. How could she not be? She was tired, dirty, sore, and hungry for something that wasn't canned. Oh, and those MREs? Garbage. No wonder people avoided the service like the plague, but then again, maybe wars from distant galaxies was also a deterring factor. Maybe. 

How much time had passed was lost on her as she emerged from the rocks, bag slung over her shoulder. Despite the night sky and lack of sun, it wasn't hard to spot the decepticons grouped together in the near distance with eyes like traffic lights. 

Lauren strode across the sand with even pace, the temperature drop was evident when she shivered at a passing breeze. Texas didn't get cold like that. 

Optics cast down toward her small approaching form, laying out the red carpet for her. 

"Master, is the human coming with us? It is much too dangerous, wouldn't want an accident. No, no." Starscream rambled with a gurgle, green spittle flew from his lips as he narrowed his one working optic at her. 

Megatron roared out in barely contained warning, batting him over the helm and knocking the seeker to the earth. Starscream followed suit and coward rightfully, earning a growl from Blackout. 

Lauren scrunched up her nose at the remark in an attempt to bury her growing apprehension. Megatron stepped up to her and plucked her from her feet unceremoniously, earning a curse or two in the process. He held her at chest height as he exchanged orders with his underlings. And, as much as she loathed to admit, the sounds of metal shifting and transformation piqued her child like wonderment at the prospect of observing the others shift, something she'd yet to truly see from start to finish. 

The brunette was given no warning as Megatron pulled her within himself and shifted, the sounds of scraping metal grated on her ears harshly, but before she could complain she was thrust into a much too small cockpit of an aircraft. It rang familiar to her and she hummed while situating herself. Her head tilt back to rest upon the metal interior. The decepticon offered no words as he jerked roughly to take off. 

Lauren had no way of knowing how long they'd be in flight and she sighed, her shoulders dropping at the prospect of being cooped up uncomfortably, but for now, she was going to catch a nap and nobody would stop her. 

Notes:

Again, thank you all so much for your support and wonderfulness! I look forward to all comments and feedback! <3

Chapter 18: Obstinate

Notes:

Thank you all for the lovely birthday wishes! I'm so pissed, I went to my orthopedic and he sent me back to physicsl therapy! Like- I want to go back to skating! And I'm moving across the country soon because my grandpa died and my grandma is like "Hey, get out of your home! I'm selling it! Figure out your lives!", so there's that too. Ugh.

Any who! On my birthday my awesome friends, Ken and Alec took me to an exotic pet shop and I got to hold so many snakes, lizards, birds, and spiders! One of the boas did bite me pretty bad, but I'm a burn victim- I've been through worse. My mom pinches hard, I swear. And then we went to eat and that was great, then I committed property damage (they deserved it, I promise), hung out a car window, and then laughed so hard I almost peed myself. They also got me a gift which was so nice of them! I got a collectable Michael Myers figurine and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 'The Last Ronin' figurine! I love them so much!

Sorry, sorry- rant over! I just wanted to tell someone! lol

Please enjoy the chapter! I love you all so much and thank you for all the wonderful comments! <3

Lauren awoke with a start from a dreamless slumber as Megatron navigated the given turbulence. With heavy eyelids and a crooked neck, she shifted up into a better postured position. It was dark, she'd noted as her tired eyes navigated the darkness. It was quiet save for the thrum of Megatron's engine, but even that bled into white noise the longer she listened. 

"What time is it?" The brunette inquired with a croak, her throat grated like rough sandpaper. She swallowed back her saliva. 

"23:00, girl. Go back to recharge." His words came out firm and frank as he answered. 

She didn't know what '23:00' meant, settling for 'late' in the answer's absence. Lauren rolled her shoulders, earning a crack of protest. "Can't get comfortable." She murmured, turning to rest on her hip. The pit was small and did not look to be designed for any human she'd ever seen. The lack in accommodation was evident even despite the darkness, she could feel it. 

A beat of terse silence passed over them as Megatron navigated his way through the dark night. Worrying at her lip was all she could do as she mulled over recent events. It seemed like every time something happened it produced more questions than it did answers. It was as infuriating as it was confusing and she'd kicked herself anytime she conjured up a whole knew thought. Her brows knit together in quiet contemplation. 

Megatron tipped to ascend further above the clouds, the trine of seekers becoming a blur through the plumes of moisture. He, too, was preoccupied with his own set of thoughts. His spark pulsed in that new and odd way. Ignoring the feeling, he continued on with his voyage. 

"Where are we going? You never told me." She broke the silence with her question, her tone was flat and held little emotion and felt distant in nature. 

The delivery of her words made him bellow out deeply in retortion. "25.2744° S, 133.7751° E."

Lauren huffed before pinching the bridge of her nose. "And where is that? I think you forget I'm not a super computer." She jabbed pointedly. 

"Watch your tone, insect." He snapped bitterly before continuing. "It is what you humans would call Australia." 

First Namibia and now Australia? Her body sagged and she groaned. "What's in Australia exactly?" 

"There is nothing left for our kind in this hell." Megatron growled in disdain and if he could've lurched at her, he would've. 

No clear answer, once again. 

Pulling in on herself, she resided to not pestering on the matter further in an attempt to spare herself the headache. Several more hours passed in due time like that; tensely silent with the only sounds being Megatron. The smallest bit of sunlight could be spotted emerging through the ozone and her eyes looked upon it, though her reaction was devoid of anything great. She felt like she had the literal weight of the world riding on her shoulders. Heavy bags pulled at her eyes as she watched the sun rise gradually. 

"Why do you not tell me anything? Like, I get your whole 'macho-man' shit, but come on." Her words were delivered flatly as she picked at her nailbeds. 

Her emotions were not lost on him. He felt the turmoil that brewed deep within her soul- spark. Though, he did his best to stone face the unwelcomed feelings she plagued him with. Part of the decepticon dared to admit that he regretted what he'd done, but his spark was quick to fiercely snuff out such thoughts. Megatron didn't respond to her. 

Lauren's nose scrunched in annoyance. "So, you're giving me the silent treatment now? Real fucking mature." She scoffed. "Whatever." 

"Watch your mouth, girl, or I will silence it for you." He growled sharply. 

She clenched her jaw. "Or what? You'll crush me? Because if that's the case, then just get it over with already. Or better yet, just give me to your men, rid yourself of the problem at hand." Lauren's words spout out with venom, fueled by her exhaustion and impatience. 

"You are petulant." Megatron insulted with a low rumble that shook the entirety of his alt form. 

The brunette gaped at the absurdity of the insult. "Yeah, right. Because I'm the one not trying." She sat back with crossed arms, a familiar lump blocked her throat and she abashed herself for such a reaction. No, she would not cry. She would not. She was pissed! That was it. Nothing more, and nothing less. Lauren did all she could to squander her bubbling emotions down into the deepest depths of herself, never to see the light of day, but that didn't stop the pressure building behind her eyes. Pulling her arms in tighter, her eyes found their way out towards the sky. Her chest felt tight and like all the oxygen was being siphoned from her lungs, her nostrils flared. 

Megatron's spark bristled at the raw emotions that encapsulated her, his processors surged in repugnance at the sensations. The tyrant resided himself to rejecting the feeling for the given time, his engine revved as his alt form cut through the air. 

Lauren swiped at her eyes roughly to rid herself of the moisture brimming in threat of spilling. What did she expect? Her nose stuffed with snot, but she did not sniffle. Her pride refused it vehemently. 

Several more hours passed before a landmass came into view, though partially obscured by clouds, she could identify the shape in an instant callback to history class. From the way the sun perched itself, it must've been later afternoon if she had to guess.

Glancing from the window, she spotted the seeker trine with ease as they tipped down to begin their descent, Megatron followed suit and she made due to hold herself steady against the turbulence as the dirt of Australia came closer into view. 

A part of her panicked at the thought of nose diving into the earth below her. The fear was subsided once she and the decepticons touched down with relative ease. Her heart had been lodged into her throat and she swore she had whiplash as Megatron transformed, all but dropping her to the dirt, Her bag was flicked out beside her. 

Lauren leveled a piercing glare up at the decepticon, but her retaliation went completely unnoticed as her turned to leave her in favor of his subordinates. 

Spotting a tree quickly, she made her way over with bag in hand. Dropping to sit beneath the little shade the thin branches offered, she huffed out in brewing irritation. Her eyes remained trained on the mechs from her position. They didn't spare her any glances as they conversed amongst themselves about only God knows what.

The not knowing was going to kill her before anyone else could get the chance.

She caught the glance Megatron had pointed at her and she turned her nose up at his optics, not wanting to meet them or give him the satisfaction of a returned stare. Her features were screwed up in a manner that could only be characterized as sour. Her patience was thinned to the point of snapping and the next thing to set her off was going to get it (weather or not said recipient would deserve it or not did not matter to her).

Lauren didn't recalled when she noticed Megatron approaching. She made no move to acknowledge the mech as she pretended to organize her bag.

He stopped just before her and her newly claimed tree. The tyrant's optics narrowed sharply at the femme's deliberate insolence. Who was she? A sparkling? And who did she think she was? Megatron growled out dangerously, but made no more to initiate communication as he turned on his pedes.

"What are we doing here in Australia? I want an answer." Her words came out firm and guarded, her eyes didn't meet him.

Turning, he cast her an incredulous look colored with several shades of disdain. "Do not makes demands of me you pettish insect. Need I remind you of who you speak to?" The words were delivered with clear, potent malice.

Lauren panned her glare up at him as her chest felt like it had been lit ablaze. If she didn't quell the anger she'd surely end up a red smear on his pedes. With a fierce bite of her tongue, she leveled her own snarl with the warlord as if to simultaneously say 'I know you' and 'watch it'.

His usual fury was met with her own dose of festering vexation. And though it may burn her out, it felt like intoxication to him and if he wasn't careful he'd get drunk on her anger. It was an empowering thing.

A deep bellowed growl came from him as he ripped himself from where he stood, leaving her to stew.

It felt like every hair on her body had stood straight up, making her both feel cornered and ready for a brawl. The jump in emotion made her heart race and a sweat breakout over her forehead. She watched his back with narrowed eyes as he left her with no answers and more questions. At the rate she was going she'd have to start writing them down.

Sapphire eyes surveyed the land immediate to her with scrutiny. She'd noted that two of the five mechs were nowhere in sight. There whereabouts were unknown and she could bring herself to care as she spotted the familiar form of Soundwave doing his self-imposed patrolling. Her eyes wandered to where Megatron and that obtuse shaped mech- Starscream he'd been called- conversed. Blue eyes studied the way Starscream kept himself crouched to the dirt as if to display apparent submission.

Lauren was on her feet before she had much of a second thought. A part of her pulled to approach the Tyrant, but she was swift to stomp out the urge as she directed herself elsewhere.

Soundwave was by far one of the smaller bots out of the five she'd had the displeasure of meeting. His shoulders were broad set in a way that was starkly different than Megatron. His face plating was also different in comparison as far as she could see.

Her boots carried her as she jogged up to the patrolling mech. Their steps were far too large to be followed leisurely.

The officer paid the femme no mind as he continued his rounds.

"Hey!" Lauren called out with a huff as the sun slowly crept over the sky.

Soundwave halted in his signature robotic fashion before craning his helm downward, grunting as if to order her to speak.

"Soundwave, right?" Wiping some sweat from her forehead, she placed her hands atop her hips as she gazed up the mech.

"Affirmative. What do you want?" His tone was flat in all ways possible and garbled.

"Nothing, just got bored sitting around. Uh- what're you doing?"

"Megatron's conjunx should be with him." Stated the officer in a matter of fact fashion.

Lauren scrunched up her nose before  crossing her arms over her chest, the excess fabric of the shirt bunched uncomfortably at her pits. "My name is Lauren."

"I'm aware, femme." Soundwave replied firmly, his ruby optics burned through her being and chipped away at her resolve. "If that's all you wish to pester me with, then I will be returning to patrol." He turned on his heal with prim posture and strode off away from her.

With her mouth agape, she scraped her jaw from the floor and jogged after the mech to follow. Perhaps she had a death wish, or maybe it was suicidal ideation, but there was a chance she always wanted any other person- human or not- to be on her side.

Some moments of silence passed as she exhausted her legs to keep pace with the decepticon.

She wasn't dead yet, so she'd count her efforts as successful thus far.

Lauren's eyes wandered up to observe the mech. "What're we even doing in Australia?" She inquired without much hope for an answer.

Soundwave was silent for a long pause before replying with a stern tone, his optics never left their forward facing position. "There have been traces of energon signals on this continent."

A hum escaped her. She hadn't the first clue what 'energon' was, but imagined it was probably important enough to make a pit-stop for. Whatever it was, she was just happy to have gotten a straight answer, her shoulder slumped forward. Damn, her legs burned.

The sun would be setting soon and they'd already done two much too large laps.

Lauren picked up the paced and jogged to be more in step with the mech as the setting sun colored the sky. "What's energon exactly?" A pang left her as the ground shook. She stopped to watch Blackout and Nitrozeus approach. Soundwave had strode off ahead. "Hey! You didn't answer me!" It wasn't as if she didn't want to run after the mech, but her legs rooted themselves and downright denied her request to run. Placing her hands atop her wobbling knees, she heaved.

"Damn betsy, of all the ones you pick, you pick the one robot with a Primus sized piece of rebar up his ass." Nitrozeus laughed obnoxiously.

Blackout scoffed something unheard and marched past her, barely missing her small form in the process and causing her to stumble out of the mechs way. "The hell is his problem?"

"Doesn't like fleshys, your parts get caught in his gears. Pride has him by the balls and its tight." He commented raunchily.

Lauren quirked a brow at the one eyed mech, but offered no laugh.

"Oh come on-" Nitrozeus threw his arms out to the side theatrically. "Pick your panties out your ass already."

"You called me a whore!" Lauren quipped back.

"Called you a hooker, there's a difference cowgirl." He crossed his arms over his puffed out chest as he lurched to be closer.

"That's basically the same thing! And my name is Lauren ! How many times do I have to repeat myself?"

"Nah, hookers make a living. Whores are here for a good time." He crouched lower to hover her small frame, casting her in his red glow. "And until you lose that twang, you're betsy." He poked her and she tumbled without fight.

"Fuck you!" She clambered back to her feet in a heap of dirt.

"I don't think Megatron dearest would like his bride sleeping around with other mechs. And you're not my type, pass."

Lauren huffed at a loss for words as heat crept up her cheeks and the sheer absurdity of his words. "It's not like that! You- I-"

Nitrozeus full chassis laughed at her, his shoulders jumped with genuine humor and she stifled a snort. He was crude, raunchy even, in his sense of humor and had an ego you could high dive from, but she could appreciate the banter (despite it being at her expense).

"I'm just bustin' your balls, betsy." He rose to full height before unceremoniously plucking her from. The ground in a two fingered grasp.

"Hey! Put me down!" She hollered.

Nitrozeus chucked as he carried her toward the rest of the group, a fire had be set alight in the midst of the group. It almost looked tribal. The one eyed boy was swift to drop Lauren to the earth below.

She hit the ground with an audible thud and a groan. "What the fuck dude." The brunette delivered a pained glare.

He took a seat. "Don't look at me."

Lauren settled on a scoff as she took a seat several yards off from Soundwave and far opposite of Megatron. His harsh optics did not go unnoticed, but definitely went ignored.

The mech in question was quick to send her a growl of warning that fell on deaf ears as she used her Bag as a pillow, sending her back his way in blatant defiance.

Pulling her arms closer to her body, she nestled into the dirt in a last ditch effort at comfort. The insistent tug feeling from within her was a nuisance and there was no way she could get to sleep with five robots speaking in tongues just behind her.

Honestly, turning herself in to the police wasn't starting to look so bad, even if it would positively murder her pride.

It was a tempting notion. At least in jail she got a semblance of a bed the ability to piss whenever she needed.

She sucked in a breath sharply.

Megatron's optics never left her small form. His optics ridge creased with his glare. His spark pulled at him uncomfortably and he had almost reprimanded it himself. She was being childish once more. He didn't understand the reasoning behind such behavior, but it wasn't as if he was going to ask either.

Setting himself back, he rested as his subordinates spoke.

He didn't need not know or care for the reasons behind her stubbornness. Reasons and spoken words did little in the way of understanding when one could feel the other even from a distance.

The decepticon had noted that in the previous joors, she'd been sour and pensive, allowing what she truly felt to stew within her. There'd been little shift since then and though he had a particular hunger for such emotion, it was starting to taste bitter.

She was bitter.

Megatron snarled inwardly as he watched the femme curl up into herself. Her bullheadedness would be her downfall, but he figured they had that in common.

He'd observed the way she interacted with Soundwave and though the officer was stoic and not much for idle conversation, he felt the way she calmed with the little back and forth. His spark contorted uncomfortably and he would've taken Nitrozeus's arm had he not been carrying the femme. He bit his glossa at the display, but made no move to acknowledge it.

Megatron casted his spark aside fiercely, not allowing himself any second thoughts on the matter.

He had much other stuff to be dealing with that wasn't a defiant, petulant, bullhead human girl, but Primus a small, distant part of himself was feeling some type of way about it all. 

To the pits with it all; the planet, the entire human race, and her. 

Lauren awoke with a start, both by the harsh jerk of the ground and the booming noises the assaulted her ears- wait no- not ears. Where were her ears? 

She was swift to taken in the surroundings fully, taken aback by the scene before her. She was tall, much too tall for her own like. What was this? Some kind of nightmare? A fever dream? 

Her eyes- now optics- took everything in in its absolute entirety, no detail went unnoticed no matter how small and insignificant. It was ship she stood in, but what of the body she inhabited? It most definitely was not her own.

The spacecraft jerked to left with colossal force. "Hold your course!" A familiar voice barked out. "Starscream wouldn't fight with such desperation if the legends weren't true!" 

Starscream...? That would mean-

"Lord Megatron, you're certain it's here?" Inquired one of the bots piloting the ship and despite the apparent chaos, remained unperturbed. 

Megatron? Was she in Megatron's body? No, no, that can't be right. How? Why? 

"I am certain, Barricade." Lauren- Megatron- leered. "And when I find it... the balance of this war with the Autobots will finally tip in my favor." His tone grew sinister.

War? Autobots? Where had she heard that in recent years? It sounded so familiar and yet it didn't at the same time. Lauren peered in through crimson optics at the raging conflicts. A sudden blast thrusted Megatron's form forward and he barely caught himself as the ship tipped and barreled downward. Alarm bells blared deafeningly and if Lauren could, she'd of passed out. 

"Lord Megatron, stabilizers are failing!" Shouted out the third mech with urgency. 

She did not recognize either of the two much to her displeasure. Just how many of them were there? And how many are left? A part of her whispered that she may not like the answer. 

"Maintain your heading, Brawl! Do NOT falter!" Megatron ordered with a growl. 

"Sublight engines are offline. Shields at fifteen percent!" Barricade called back with gruffness as he wrestled with the wheel. 

"Re-rout all power to the guns and the thrusters. Full speed ahead!" Megatron lurched, his grip on the metal seats was crushing and Lauren took the split second to marvel the way the metal felt. 

Was he crazy or did he have a death wish?! She wanted to scream out her own oppositions, but was confined to being an unwilling observer. 

"But, sir! That's suicide!" Another unknown bot bit with urgent apprehension from behind. She couldn't agree more. 

Megatron turned with breakneck speed and silenced the mech with blast of a cannon. Lauren felt choked at the brash display. "Any further objections?" He'd commented with mirth before turning back to the cockpit. "Ram this warship straight into the heart of the station!" 

Lauren could feel her own panic bubble up violently as Barricade decimated whatever dare come into their path. The ship was rapidly approaching their intended target and she tried to scream, she really did as impact struck. 

She shot up with a pained intake of air, filling her lungs to max compacity. Sweat soaked her clothes and dirt stuck to her clammy skin. Adrenaline was quick to replace whatever exhaustion had inhabited her veins previously and she choked on her own heartbeat in an effort to calm down. With the rapid rise and fall of her chest, she took that moment to intake her surroundings, confirming she was, in fact, still in one piece and on earth. The fire had long died out, leaving smoldering embers behind to suffocate. The moon light the night in a hazed glow and she was quick to spot a pair of red optics peering through the darkness much in the same fashion of a cat. 

They weren't Megatron's. That fact both relieved her and unsettled her all the same. The conflict in emotion was enough to send her spiraling, but she buried that problem away for another time. 

The optics did not belong to Megatron, no. Not Nitrozeus or Starscream's one optic stare either, nor Soundwave's. 

They had to belong to Blackout. The stare narrowed dangerously, as if a predator was about to pounce upon it's pray and maul it to death.

"Return to recharge, cretin. Now." Blackout ordered evenly, but the edge remained tenfold. He didn't like her, or rather, he didn't like humans, and that was fine. She gave her deepest sentiments for not coming near her.

Lauren huffed several more time before dropping back onto her bag with the prayer that perhaps if she watched the stars long enough, she'd just drift off into a dreamless slumber.

A girl could only hope. 

Chapter 19: Regain

Notes:

Merry Christmas everyone if you celebrate! And if you don't celebrate, the have a happy holiday/winter season! In my case it's happy Yule!

I made this chapter nice and extra long as a gift to all of you for being so awesome! Please have a very good day! <3

Sleep hadn't been peaceful, but then again, she hadn't really ever gotten great sleep in her lifetime. The dream however, that was new. It wasn't as if she incapable of dreaming, but it was a rare occurrence and something she was thankful for.

That day had flown by and Lauren had spent the good portion of it stuck in thought. Her eyes wandered to where Megatron stood, lording over his men. There was no way that what she saw meant anything of importance, right? It was just her mind and over-active imagination- that's it!

Maybe it was a stress response?

She was lost on what to think and it irked her. Her back ached as she sat herself up from where she rest against the tree, thankful that the sun would be setting soon.

Rubbing at her eyes, she was quick to notice the gaggle of mechs steadily approaching her direction.

She didn't move from where she sat, contempt to the position she was in. Her ass had finally made the perfect groove in the sand and she wasn't going to give it up now.

"Nitrozeus, Blackout infiltrate the human base where the signal was tracked. Go, now." Megatron ordered firmly as he stood tall over his fellow decepticons. His aura radiated and demanded the upmost respect. The mech's crimson optics were swift to land on her and he snubbed the very sand she sat upon, his lip plate curled indignantly like a feral dog.

Lauren knit her brows together and shot him a look when that familiar tugging yanked at her once more. She dug her fingers into the dirt beside as if to root herself in place defiantly.

"-32°47'25.19" S 151°50'2.39" E to base Williamton." Soundwave parroted flatly to his comrades before following after his liege.

Nitrozeus turned to Lauren, arms planted on his hips. "Trouble in paradise? Has he upset the Misses?" He mused coyly.

Blackout stood only several yards off, silent as a predator.

Lauren snorted harshly at the one eyed mech. " 'S not like that." Her eyes didn't meet the seeker as they remained trained on the mech in question.

"Right, and I'm not a Decepticon Betsy." He retorted with a roll of his optic. Blackout scoffed.

"Doubtful." Blackout mumbled to himself. 

The brunette shoved off his comments and reluctantly ripped her gaze from Megatron, opting to bury whatever was brewing deep in her chest. She cleared her throat as she looked up to the tracker. "Where are you going? Or are you going to give me some half-assed answer too?" The words rolled off her tongue with more vitriol than she had intended.

Nitrozeus stood to height, rolling his shoulders. "Got an energon signal, goin' to go check it out betsy. Gotta get this rodeo on the road." He jested with a gruff chuckle, turning to implore a reaction from the chopper which was met with Blackout's ever present scowl.

Honestly, he was going to give Megatron a run for his money.

Lauren climbed to her feet hastily, abandoning her groove. "Hold up! Can I come with?" Her words were strained as she broke her neck to gaze up at the mechs.

"We do not require a liability." Blackout leered with a dangerous glare. "Pathetic fleshling, do you have a death wish?"

Glaring, the smaller woman crossed her arms over her chest.

"Don't be like that man, can you even find your panties anymore? Or has your assed sucked them up?" Nitrozeus redirected his attention to the mech, clapping him on the shoulder servo.

Blackout swiped the tracker's hand away fiercely before stalking off. "It won't be my helm he has for your redundant thinking."

Lauren huffed out a curse as she gripped her arms tighter. Bags clawed at her eyes and soreness plagued her unused joints.

"Ignore him, he's riding the stick up his ass. Bet he's having a hell of a time." Nitrozeus shrugged before transforming and sending up a cloud of dirt.

Shielding her face, she coughed at the dirt cloud, but made an attempt to watch the process and she'd by lying if she said the display wasn't impressive. The whole process made the mechanic part of her brain itch.

"Don't pussyfoot, come on betsy." Nitrozeus jabbed.

With no time to study his alt mode, Lauren gingerly grabbed ahold of his frame to climb aboard. Once hoisted up, her eyes caught the stare of Starscream in the distance. His optic was narrowed and his disposition was tense, but he ultimately turned a blind optic to her as she disappeared within Nitrozeus's alt mode. A quiet defiance to the new owner of his missing optic, Starscream scrubbed the scene from his memory banks.

Given no warning, the door slammed closed behind her the roar of engines caused her to lose her footing. "Could've given me a warning!" Lauren shuffled her way to the cockpit and sat herself.

"You're riding me, betsy. No warnings are given here."

Lauren scrunched her nose up at his choice in words.

"Let's get some tunes playing in the bitch." The tracker laughed obnoxiously before fiddling with the radio.

It was only a moment before her ears were assaulted but the much too high volume.

"Here we go now, here we go now. Watch out now. Music make you lose control."

Lauren surged out to lower the volume, but was quickly halted when the seat belt snagged her and ripped her back. "Don't go touchin' shit betsy. Don't know what you're used to, but I'm the DJ here."

She could barely here him as the bass made her bones rattle.

"I've got a cute face. Chubby waist. Thick legs in shape."

"What even is this?" The femme squeaked over the feminine singers voice.

"Planet rocka show stoppa. Flo proppa head knocka. Beat styla tail droppa. Do ma thang muthafuckas."

"Missy Elliott, betsy. Pull your head out of your country ass." He shot back with an abrupt turn, making her insides weightless for a fraction of a second.

"Everybody here. Get it outta control. Get yo backs off tha wall. 'Cuz Misdemeanor said so-"

"Missy who?" Lauren hollered back as lights shone in the distance and she'd be able to gaze upon them if she could only hear herself think!

Back at what was considered 'camp' Soundwave took a gander at the surrounding area and made a stark realization; the human was amiss. No. That couldn't be right, perhaps he mis-scanned, if that was even possible.

The officer did a once over of the surrounding land, and again came up empty handed. His optics narrowed and his lip plates tittered like a spider at the realization. 

Megatron hissed something wordless to Starscream before returning to his hailing frequency. His spark thrashed violently within him. The sensation was near impossible to ignore and had increased tenfold in only a nanoklik. He growled out vehemently at the feeling, but it did nothing to quell his spark.

The negative effects of the bond were starting to outlay any positives.

"My liege." Soundwave called flatly.

With a snarl, Megatron whipped around to face his officer. "Speak Soundwave. What demands me?" His words were sharp and lacking all patience. His chassis surged once more and he returned the sensation with another deep growl.

"The femme- your femme- is amiss." Soundwave would be lying if he said he didn't have some apprehensions of delivering his findings. He was supposed to be watching the human, after all.

Megatron stilled for a moment, taking that time to do his own scan of the area.

Nothing.

The decepticon overlord let out a fierce war cry, making anything and everything across the land scurry to hide under his tyranny. The wordless exclamation made the ground shake and would give even an earthquake a run for its life.

He panted, his chest rising and falling with growing speed as he vented out steam. Megatron felt like he was boiling over and quickly losing control. Irate, world shaking, anger erupted like a volcano from within him. It was hard to grapple the things he was experiencing. Anger was always at the forefront of his emotions, but something else lurked dangerously beneath that and he found it hard to name.

It wasn't sadness, no. Nor was it anguish.

With heavy fists, he struck the earth in revolution.

His spark burned him and he felt betrayed. Betrayal. The emotion was bitter and stung him in a way that it should not have. It was not new, so why was it abashing him so?

He'd been betrayed by his own planet, the senate in charge of his livelihood, whom that he called brother, and his own men once upon a time.

He was no stranger to being double crossed.

Then why...?

Megatron roared once more before snapping around and taking Soundwave into a metal crushing grip. He pulled the officer up to his face plate.

Soundwave dangled in his hold like a limp doll, his optics melted holes through the smaller mech with his stare.

Lauren startled up like that of a frightened cat. Her ribs were going to break at this rate. It felt like all the oxygen had been squeezed from her lungs and every hair across her body stood on end. Her chest warmed and her breathing hastened to shallow pants. The pull from within her was bruising and left her chest feeling too full.

Nitrozeus cut the music with a snicker. "Someone is pissed."

"You are going to have us both executed." Blackout snipped.

Lauren didn't hear either of them as her eyes searched the night fervently, for what she wasn't sure. She felt her throat constrict and the skin of her scalp heated. It was all she could do to wrestle with the influx of emotions that assaulted her. She wanted to scream and curse the Gods, but somewhere beneath the vexation she also wanted to cry into the winds.

She'd never been the best with emotion, but this was a feeling that felt foreign and wrong, but so familiar at the same time. She curled her fists in, turning her knuckles white with strain.

So lost in her own turmoil, she'd failed to see the ground approaching.

"Snap out of it betsy and pull on your big girl panties." The landing was harsh, but not all as bad as take off had been.

Why did she ask to come? It hadn't occurred to her that maybe she was too inadequate to stand beside alien robots. What had compelled her to thrust herself into their orders?

Perhaps she had been bored? That could be it, but even then that didn't sound like the whole truth.

She was tired of feeling useless and tired of being cast aside. That- that sounded right. Felt correct.

In her best attempt to school her expression, Lauren climbed from Nitrozeus. She spotted Blackout's hulking form quickly in the dark. When had it gotten so dark out?

"We are a mile out. Continue on foot. Don't give them any chance to utilize the air force." Blackout had stated, but not her, she found.

It was never to her when any of them spoke. It was always at her.

"Get movin' betsy, boots are made for walking." Nitrozeus quipped.

She was in over her head. What use was she? Sure, she had mechanic experience and could fix something here and there, but other than that? What good was she? She was only human and they've made it pretty clear their intolerance toward that fact.

Lauren's feet carried her behind the two mechs, them being much faster even at a steady pace.

She hated to admit that her thoughts were dragged back to Megatron. She frowned into the night.

Sparkbond. The word floated around her head always, despite how much she forced the topic away.

Why had he done it? Did it even matter what she wanted...? There must be an obvious reason, but if it was so obvious what was it?

"Fix your head, fleshling." Blackout's chide pulled her from the depths of her mind, his optics trained onto her smaller form.

He was right. She was just a liability. God how could she have been so-

"Stop." Nitrozeus stated with uncharacteristic sternness, his hand coming up to signal the halt.

"Twenty yards to -32°47'25.19" S 151°50'2.39" E, how figure?" Blackout responded firmly. "Visual?"

She'd all been forgotten in that moment as she observed the interati9n between the two. With a deep breath in she did her best to rein in herself. She crept closer to the two mechs.

"Waterway, and two entrances. No apparent air-force artillery." Nitrozeus answered.

Blackout chuckled something dark and unspoken.

Finding her voice, Lauren spoke up. "You said waterway? Is it outside the fence?" She had to get her head in the game, and she was quickly taken back to all those old, poorly filmed war movies her grandpa loved so much. Something about making him feel young again.

The one optic bot cast her in a red glow. "Outside. Fifteen feet from the fence. Why?" His words took on an accusatory tone.

Swallowing thickly, she spoke. "Can you tell what it's being used for? Is it retention?" God, what was she doing?

"Reservoir. Rain collection. What do you have in mind betsy?"

A beat of silence passed between the three before she whispered back. "If it's for water collection, then there should be a pipe leading under the fence, right? Or, maybe-" Her words came out more meekly than she'd hoped for.

"Affirmative." Blackout cut in. "The pipe is ASTM A139 Grade B."

Yeah, she didn't know what any of that meant, she cast her eyes up to the chopper. "Big enough for me to swim through?"

Blackout narrowed his optics, Nitrozeus knelt down beside her form (it didn't make him any less big). The tracker pat her on the back with restrained force, but not enough to not have her stumbling. "Look at 'er! She's a natural. She'll be a decepticon in no time." He jested. "If you live that is."

His words did nothing to help the brewing anxiety.

"The human will drown. Not feasible." Blackout said pointedly.

"I can swim." Lauren argued back.

"Pipe length is eight feet, no light, no oxygen."

Nitrozeus groaned. "You sound like you're getting piped, let cowgirl give it a shot."

"She dies, Megatron will have your helm."

"Couldn't be any more hell that this planet is." The one optic mech refuted gruffly. When Blackout did nothing, but scoff he took that as a win and sniggered. "Alright, showtime betsy." He stood to height and approached the base outskirts.

Lauren spotted the moonlight reflecting off the waters surface and swallowed down her apprehensions as they came closer.

She stared off into the water, spotting the pipe protruding some yards off. Hesitancy gripped her in a vice as she spun to face the mechs. "What am I looking for exactly?"

"Energon." Was all Blackout offered.

She contorted her features. "What is energon? What does it look like?"

Blackout growled. "We come back empty handed and we may as well kiss our asses goodbye."

Nitrozeus crossed his arms. "It's blue, kinda glows. It's probably radioactive." He pushed Lauren into the water wish a splash. "Break a leg. Or two."

Lauren bobbed with a scowl, the cold water having earned all her apprehension in that second. If she could, she'd strangle the bot with her bare hands. With a parting glare, she swam off toward the pipe with the prayer that there wasn't some aquatic animal using it as a home.

"If she fails?" Blackout questioned coldly.

"Then we do it our way. Guns blazing."

"You're a fool." The chopper insulted bitterly.

Nitrozeus laughed heartily, his shoulder bouncing in amusement.

Sucking in a deep breath, Lauren dove into the pipe. The pipe was not nearly as narrow as she'd thought it be and for that she was thankful. Using the sides of the pipe, she pushed off them to propel forward. Her lungs burned with trapped carbon monoxide and she was certain she could hear her own heartbeat. Even if the darkness, she could tell the water was murky.

Several more moments passed before the end came near and she launched herself up and out like a dolphin breaching. With a cough, she greedily sucked in fresh air. Pushing some hair from her eyes, Lauren swam along the waters edge in observation.

Kinda blue thing. Alien blue thing. Blue alien energy stuff. Her mind had supplied her.

The man made waterway was surprising long, she found. Maybe that was normal, but it wasn't like she had any real way of knowing. Her much too large clothes floated around her in the water strangely, no doubt slowing her.

She traveled the edge until she reached the end. Buildings, buildings, and more buildings. Great.

Climbing from the water, she sagged under the weight of soaked clothes. Her hair stuck to her in the company of dirt. Her boots squelched uncomfortably as she crept along the buildings' edges.

Everything looked too similar to discern.

She only had three stipulations; don't die, don't get anyone else killed, get blue alien thing. And they were proving difficult.

She crept further until she heard voices that spoke indiscernibly, accents heavy.

Australia, she had remind herself. She crept closer, peeking around the corner to get a better view of where the noise had come from. A small voice in her head whispered that she was a piss poor excuse for a spy.

If she wasn't considered a criminal after her first theft, then this will definitely get her put on a list.

Hell, she was already on a list!

Her wet clothes stung to her grossly as she watched a group of uniformed men discuss something or another out of her earshot while another small set group bustled around a mighty semi-truck.

Her eyes studied the truck in question. It wasn't anything special by any means.

"Last of 'em for the night. I want everything done and put away with the hangar locked by o'twenty-three hundred." A stern voice called out before giving the truck two courtesy taps on the hood. The truck's breaks squealed with release before taking off at steady pace.

"Fuck..." Lauren cursed under her breath. It was late, surely most soldiers would be in their bunks by this point. At least, she'd hope so.

Ducking back around the corner and into her small water puddle, the brunette scurried to follow the direction the truck had left to in the hopes that it'd lead her to the hangar in question.

Much to her luck, most of the base was just as quiet as it was dark.

Throwing a glance back over her shoulder, she barely had enough time to skirt to a stop before crashing into the well decorated chest of someone unknown. Pushing herself off and finding her footing, she sputtered.

She was going to die. This was it. That or she'd go to jail for treason. She preferred the latter. She wasn't built for jail. 

"Do you know what time it is solider?" The graying man barked. "It's twenty-three hundred! All soldiers are to be in bunks for drill at dawn!" The uniformed male informed.

"I-I'm sorry, sir." Lauren stuttered.

The older man sighed, with a pinch of his hooked nose. "Get back to your barrack, rook, and don't let me see you out past curfew again, understood?"

"Understood, sir." She replied with little confidence.

"You're lucky I don't inform your commanding officer. Get! Go!" His Australian accent made the words sound harsher than they'd been delivered and she was quick to scurry past the older man.

Her boots hit the ground with purpose as she sped off in the direction she hoped led to the hangar.

Rounding a corner once more, she skirted to a harsh stop when she spotted a group of uniformed men. Panic took ahold of her as she ducked into the nearest building.

Pressing herself into the wall, she listened to the chatter and distant laughs as they passed by.

At any other point she'd of been thankful for the air conditioning the building offered, but with wet clothes only made her shiver. Her eyes scanned the room. It was an office of some kind. Plaques and awards decorated the walls in neat orderly fashion, but that wasn't what caught her eye. With haste, she snatched the laminated map from the wall. In the low light the moon offered, she could barely make out the 'you are here!' on the map, but she'd spotted it nonetheless.

Eyes scanned the map with some trouble as she took an occasional glance out the glass doors.

She'd been heading in the right direction roughly, much to her pleasure. Lauren released a breath she wasn't aware she'd been holding. Heartbeat in her ears, and in all her wet clothes glory, she emerged from the office in a mad dash for the other end of the base.

It took no time at all, given she was already half way there.

Lauren watched in horror as a soldier secured the lock for the night, smiling at his comrade as he left.

It felt like time had slowed down and she could hear the blood rushing in her head.

She was too late...? No. Fuck no. She'd come this far! Like hell she was going to just lay down like a dog and take it! Despite how much easier it sounded.

Several minutes dragged on painfully before she felt like the coast was clear enough to emerge. Circling the large building, she found the lock and gave it a tentative tug, as if the solider just forgot to lock it right.

All the windows were out of the question, unless she could sporadically grow five more feet. She cursed and circled the building once more.

Her eyes landed on a small indentation along the back wall and she b-lined for it.

Much to her luck, it was a door. That, too, was locked, but at least she was level with it. With her hand still clasped to the handle, she spun to search for something- anything.

Spotting a good sized rock, she left the door to pull it from the dirt. And, with a heft pull, she ripped it from the earth. Mud caked under her nails, but it went to the bottom of her list of problems.

"Sorry grandpa." Lauren whispered to her good conscience.

Rock in hand, she dropped the weight of it into the small, circular handle once, twice, three times before it gave way.

The door swung open and she thanked God that it hadn't been rigged with any kind of alarm system. Way to take advantage of ones good nature.

Emerging into the hanger was the easy part, locating 'kinda glows, blue, probably radioactive' alien 'energon' was something else entirely. The fear of failure seeped into her veins and fought her adrenaline for control.

With light steps, she showered the facility and cursed herself for not having more arms to carry stolen goods. She was going to hell for sure.

Truck after truck, she found nothing but human necessities before reaching the last truck. Even in low light, her eyes could make out the distinct difference in appearance.

It was a different make and model, far newer than anything else in the hanger. She trailed along the side of the bed.

'N.E.S.T' It didn't ring familiar as she circled the vehicle, interest piqued as she sped up to the back.

Of course it'd be the only one locked. Go figure and fuck her.

Her stupid rock idea would work on a lock so small, she needed something smaller and more personal. Her fingers grasped at the air as she trailed the hangar for close to fifteen minutes.

She'd found a wrench which was too balubas, a screwdriver that wouldn't be strong enough, and a pair of scissors.

The clock was ticking and she was scared of what might happen when her time ran out. Her pace hastened as she found a crowbar.

Testing her grip on the metal tool, she wedged it into the padlock. A nervous sweat wet her underarms as she wrenched the crowbar back serval times with no luck. With a huff and a curse, she repositioned the tool and dropped her full weight onto the metal. A loud crack echoed through the hanger and she stilled as if to make sure she hadn't been discovered.

Setting the crowbar aside, she removed what remained of the lock with shaky hands before using her strength to force the bed door up.

A strained laugh clawed up through her throat as her arms hung off the bed door.

She had no idea if she'd found the right glowing shit, but the fact that it glowed at all gave her hope. They couldn't say that she didn't try.

The drums in the bed of the truck were far too large for her or any human to carry reasonably.

Slamming the bed door closed, Lauren retrieved her newly acquired crowbar and duck out of the hangar.

It only took her a moments time to circle the building with a jog before reaching the front where she repeated the process of snapping the lock. Now, she prayed her next idea didn't get her shot. Was energon flammable? She'd had to ask later and hope for the best now.

With some effort, she dragged the hangar door open, the wheels tan across the gravel noisily and she cursed them.

She'd stolen one truck already, taken that one was a wee bit smaller, but second times the charm, right?

And a first for driving a semi.

Lauren scaled the driver's side of the truck, thankful to find the door hand been unlocked. She was finally going to catch a break.

She'd hotwired one car in her whole life and it was her grandma's 2004 Toyota Avalon, not exactly that hot or the most boastful feat, but at least she wasn't going in totally blind.

Pushing herself up under the wheel, she prided off the under paneling and located the needed wires before she heard something. Her breath hitched as she crept up to stare over the wheel before being blinded with a flashlight.

"Hey, hey! This truck is restricted! HEY !"

Lauren was swift to pull the driver's door closed and lock it. The man in question yanked at the handle viciously before he began elbowing the window.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck!" She hissed as she tried to tediously hot wire the truck and with a final attempt the entire purred with the additional sound of an alarm blaring.

Thrusting herself up into the driver's seat, she  forced the seat belt over her wet body, and floored it.

It took a good moment for the truck to climb to a high speed, but she it did, she waisted no time in mowing down the wire fence. Her hands gripped the wheel with bruising strength  as she tore away from the base.

A spotlight was quick to find her and she half panicked before remembering Nitrozeus's words, "No apparent air-force artillery". Which only meant...

The truck jerked and it became apparent in a split second that she was going UP. The sounds of helicopter blades beating against the wind was disorienting and much too loud. She couldn't hear herself think. It was a wonder her eardrums were still intact.

Blackout. It was just Blackout. She found that fact comforting despite his apparent disdain for her.

She was sure an average helicopter didn't posses the necessary power to hoist up a full semi truck and all its contents. The demonstration of raw strength was enough to make her skin crawl.

Stealing a look out the window, she swiftly sat back with the newfound fear of being dropped.

She rested against the leather seat and huffed. It felt like her heart would give out at any moment and that damned tugging feeling returned, but had it ever really gone away? Or was she just too preoccupied to notice it?

She didn't know and didn't care.

Her head lulled to watch the stars outside in her best attempt to ignore whatever was going on inside her. The promise of dry clothing when they got back was the only thing that drove her to look forward to returning. Her chest panged uncomfortably. 

The fly back didn't take much too long, only about an hour or so. 

The first thing she spotted was Megatron and something in her was irked at the sight of him. She pushed herself up straighter. 

"Brace yourself flesh-bag." Blackout warned as he began to lower the semi. She was sure he didn't care about her very well being, but the content the truck homed. That was fine. 

The semi hit the dirt was a harsh thud and she felt the wind knock from her lungs. It felt like a bad fair ride. Lauren rested on the wheel for a moment to compose herself. 

Nitrozeus transformed swiftly, noting the sheer bloodlust that radiated off of his leader. He'd like to say he was quick enough to avoid his wrath, but that was wishful thinking with Megatron. 

"Where. Is. She?" Megatron seethed, his hold on the tracker was violent and unrelenting as he towered him. 

Lauren could've heard the commotion a mile away. She should've known this would happen. With a groan, she slammed her hands down on the wheel before emerging from the truck's cab. "Hey! Cool it, will 'ya? He did nothing wrong." She called out frankly. 

Megatron cast his optics to her with a growl before tossing Nitrozeus aside for later judgment. He stalked toward her, closing the gap with haste. 

Lauren crossed her arms atop her chest as she held his gaze with pointed eyes. He roared with anger before dropping to his one knee servo and burying his claws into the dirt surrounding the truck. 

It felt like a power struggle. 

She glared as she steadied her footing, not faltering at his pettish display. Her own lips curled to send him a snarl. A good moment passed between robot and human before she scoffed and stormed off. 

A part of the decepticon wanted to pin her where she stood and berate her belligerence, while the other side of him made sure she was unharmed and in one whole piece. 

She'd made the decision for the both of them. 

Megatron stood to full height, his optics didn't leave her form as she found solace in the small tree she'd homed herself under. Something pulled at him from within, but he opted to busy himself with the truck. 

"Did the energon signals yield?" He demanded an answer. 

Nitrozeus rubbed at his face plate as if to reset his jaw. "Betsy found a shit ton." He offered. "In and out, like a good hookup. No problems." 

The words felt like they had assaulted his audio receptors and like he hadn't heard his subordinate properly. Megatron didn't listen to answer that came after as he ripped the bed door off its hinges. It was energon indeed, and a good amount of it too. Unharmed and packaged safely. 

Scalpel scurried to the chopper's shoulder servo while Blackout stood off soundlessly, optics trained on their master. 

Starscream chuckled with spittle to accompany the wet sound. "I am so relieved to hear of her survival." He laughed. "Little human girl has proven useful. A good dog." 

Nobody replied to Starscream as Megatron pulled several barrels from the bed for himself, leaving what was left for his men. "Take what is left, roister and leave me." His tone was harsh and allowed no room for debate as he stalked off. 

Blackout was the first to swipe the truck away in an attempt to spurn Starscream. 

Lauren didn't bother to look in the mechs direction as she pried open a can of fruit mix, the kind with mandarin oranges. She was growing sick of it, but it was far tastier than whatever MRE she had leftover. 

Having switched into some drier, yet still too big, clothes, she used her fingers to scoop out the small fruit chunks. The juice was nothing but sugar, she was sure. It left her hand sticky. 

Her eyes caught something set alight in the distance and it was then she noticed that the bots had started a fire as they as sat to consume their alien liquids. It looked as though they were about tired of Nitrozeus from she could reasonably make out. Sapphire eyes skimmed the group and found no sight of Megatron. Something that struck her as odd. 

Climbing to her feet, she stood with her can in hand. The gradual pull feeling within her increased when she focused on it enough, allowing her feet to carry her in whatever direction the sensation took her. 

She wished she could rid herself of her damp boots, but the fear of stepping on a scorpion confined her to the shoes. 

Lauren strode a ways away from where the fire had been lit, finding a small rock cliff he'd perched himself against. She stood off to the side from where he sat, unsure if she'd been noticed or he was simply ignoring her. 

Several more moments passed as she observed him swig the blue liquid slowly. She ate a chunk of pear. "You're welcome, y'know." The brunette called through her chewing. 

Megatron had noticed her about half a mile away, but resided himself to his energon. Her words washed over him and he didn't look to where she stood. "You are a prat." His words were flat but still meant to sting.

Lauren frowned into her fruit before setting herself on the other side of the rock, out of his sights. "Then what does that make you? Because you're a real asshole." The stars were beautiful from the point she sat at, it almost made his brashness seem obsolete. "I do something nice and nobody even gives a shit." She mumbled into the can of fruit juice. 

The mech grumbled deeply making the rocks vibrate. "Spare me your complaints and cease your vocals." He grounds out. 

Lauren snorted dryly to herself as she flung the can away from herself and stood up. "Right. What the fuck ever." Her words came out strained as she went to storm off. 

Megatron growled before swiping the femme from the dirt. HIs hold on her just tight enough to keep her from moving as he sat up straighter. She didn't struggle as he brought her to face him atop his palm. 

"What do you want?" Lauren questioned, her features dropped and her brows furrowed under his crimson gaze, but she did not fight. 

He rumbled with a snarl, baring his denta as he stared at her. "Speak, girl." His claw found its way around small rim of the barrel. Perhaps a full tank gave him patience. 

Lauren sat atop his metal palm and a look creased her features. "Speak? About what? What do you even want me to say?" She bit out in annoyance. 

"Do not take me for schlemiel, bug. I know, so speak." He used a claw tip to nudge her pointedly. 

She scowled. "You know nothing." 

He growled, the hot air from his vent hit her fiercely, sending her hair up in a flurry like a blow dryer. "I know you are lying, insect. I can feel it you pettish coward." He lurched at her. 

"Yeah?" Lauren climbed to stand. "If you can feel then you must know so much, huh?" Her words came out choked and strained against the lump in her throat. She was tired, so tired and the exhaustion was getting to her. She felt like she was spiraling and going mad all at once. He didn't respond. "I'm fucking tired. I'm tired of being dragged around and tossed aside, but what do you fucking care? I feel like I'm losing my mind!" Lauren shouted with a flurry of hand gestures. 

"You insects worry about such rudimentary fixations." He chastised her. 

Lauren gaped and swallowed down her tears. "What fucking good am I to you?! It seems like all I ever do is step on toes or get in your way, so just fucking leave me here!" She wailed, stepping up to the very edge of his metal palm, just an arms length from his face plate. 

Megatron couldn't understand where she was pulling her words and feelings from. It was lost on him and the lack in understanding left him irritated, complacent to replace confusion with anger. He growled at her closing the proximity, her hurt tone grated on his audio processors like a blade, a far cry from the melodic tone she'd use to sing when working. He took in a sharp intake, her sent that of water, sodium, and Nitrozeus. The smell that was mixed with the oils on her skin was disgusting as he no longer could sense much of himself. The realization made his tank churn and his spark surge possessively. 

The familiar sensation of pulling was still ever present, but there was something different about it in that moment. 

His spark pulled, yes, but now it yearned. Even against his better judgement, the feeling of want came to the forefront of his mind with her tear strained eyes and flushed skin. 

"You are of good use to me." Megatron Leered.

And it was as if puzzle pieces in her head fit together perfectly in that moment of realization. "Is that all I am to you?" She reeled, her voice cracked. "J-just some tool for you and your men? Just something to be used and thrown away later?!" Her words grew angry with resentment. Megatron remained silent as if lost for words and the way her eyes filled with pain made him want to stay quiet. "Answer me !"

His optics never left her contorting face. 

She tore her eyes from him and he felt robbed of the color blue.

A new, thick wall of tears built, obscuring her vision. "I should've fucking seen this. I'm so sick of only being needed."

Megatron reached out a claw at her and hooked it beneath her clenched jaw, forcing her flushed face to look at him with bruising strength. "I do require you." He attempted firmly.

A glare broke through the sadness plaguing her features and she snatched herself away. "I don't want to be needed! Don't you get that?!" She cried out at him.

"Then-"

She cut him off with a wail, tears spilled down her rosy cheeks. "I want to be wanted ! I want you to want me!" Her voice shook from the rawness of her emotion. "I just want someone to want me!"

Where had that come from? It was as if the feeling had clawed its way up from the deepest depths of her person and jumped out in exposition.

Megatron was swift to retake her chin in his claw, her eyes bore into his. Her fear and desperation made him recall the night he bonded with her. "With my spark, I give you part of myself and in turn, you will give ne part of you too. To experience things as one. I will bear the burdens you cannot and share in your pain as if it were my own. Should you ever feel alone, know my spark will be there always and that we may never truly be apart."

"For eons to come, you and all the versions of you I have yet to meet will have me. I vow by Primus and the allspark."

Lauren stared at him, her eyes unblinking as new tears slipped away from her. "What...?" Her voice came out small and timid as if she didn't truly trust herself to speak.

"That's the spark bond incantation you had inquired about previously. Is it not obvious?" He questioned with an even calmness, his energon long forgotten on the red dirt. "Spark bonds are no coincidence, girl. You'd be better to know that." His stare did not waver and offered no semblance of hesitancy as he spoke to her, not at her for the first time. "I do want you and that means I require you."

A new and unfamiliar wave of emotion pulled her beneath her tidal wave of tears. Her head pounced uncomfortably and her eyes swelled as she cried in his palm. Everything felt as though it were crashing down on top of her. 

Megatron allowed her display for only a moment before hooking his claw under her chin once more, this time with a gentler hand. "You must stop expelling your fluids."

"I'm sorry-"

"Do not be apologetic." He cut her off sternly. "Only do. Now. It's not befitting of a decepticon." His words were firm. 

Lauren sucked up her tears to the very best of her abilities, but her small form still trembled in his hold. She had no idea what to think about anything anymore. Everything was a big, messy, concoction of fucked up. She felt like she had a bad hangover. 

"You are awash in Nitrozeus's scent, it's disgusting." Megatron commented starkly, his lip curled. 

She looked up to face him. "Can't you ever say anything nice?" She jibed as she wiped at her face. 

He growled in false  threat. "Do not test my patience, girl." The mech lowered his palm to set her on the ground, but she stopped him. 

"I'm tired of sleeping on the ground." Was all she stated and an wordless understanding passed between the two as he raised her to rest atop his shoulder servo where she adjusted herself to fit comfortably. She was quick to doze, not offering any further words. 

A part of him, buried deep within, ached for this contact. He'd noticed the moment she fell unconscious and moved his helm, using his claws to brush some of her hair aside and bring her deeper into the crook of his neck. Megatron settled with a deep suppressed groan of comfort. 

The last of his energon was left unconsumed beside him as he submitted to recharge.  

Chapter 20: Diving

Notes:

Hey everyone! I'm really sorry about the long wait for this chapter. As I stated in a previous author's note, my grandfather passed in July of 2023 and my grandmother decided to sell my childhood home, resulting in the forced moving of my family and me. I also had a hurt knee that I was dealing with and, my Gods, a lot has happened between last chapter's time and now!

So, I got cleared to return to skating! Which is awesome! Happy about that!

Two of my best friends, Ken and Alec, drove down to see me before I moved! I had so much fun! We went to the mall, we went swimming in the springs with gators, out to eat a lot, played so many video games together, and my friend Alec (he's from a Russian immigrated family) hasn't see 'The Walking Dead' which happens to be my FAVORITE TV show, so we watched the first three episodes together and that was wonderful! Uh- they drew a Pokemon OC of me! What else? Oh! I gave them some of my squishmallows to keep safe while I move. They took me skating! Oh my Gods, it was so awesome being able to spin and jump again, even if I was kinda shaky. They skated with me and screamed on encouragement the entire time! We did so much fun stuff and I'm so happy I got to see them one last time before moving.

I did some spokesman/charity stuff for my hospital! I think I mentioned in a previous note that I'm a burn victim, been with the Shriners for 22 years! That was cool!

I went back to work for a short while and got to see all my coworkers before moving and they all missed me, so that was nice as well.

Then, I packed up my room. It was honestly very hard. Harder than I thought it'd be. I'm incredibly close with my three younger siblings and I miss them so much... I never realized how much stuff I own till I went through it all. I had to get rid of so much and pack my whole life into two suitcases.

I don't know how, but I managed. I landed in California on the 27th and have been working on this chapter nonstop since. I rewatched the first three bayverse films on the plane too haha. I'm now living in California.

It's really odd, and no hate to any westerners, but I miss the south a lot ;--;

I miss sweet-tea, biscuits and gravy, grits, chicken fried chicken, ZAXBYS, Bob Evans, corn bread, and all that fun stuff. I'm a southern girl at heart, sue me!

Anywho, what I'm trying to say is that I'm very sorry for the delay. I've been crazy busy and I promise I didn't forget about any of you or this book! Please enjoy this chapter, I love you all <3

Lockdown kept his artillery close and his disdain even closer as he set pedes on the sandy continent of Africa. His olfactory sensors were assaulted by the borage of various scents of both the pleasant and unpleasant variety.

It was bright and considerably hotter in the region than he'd been accustomed to. The ruralness of it all was welcomed in terms that he was use to 'suburbia', as the humans had called it. 

His men flanked him with keen formation and his newly acquired soldiers, if they could even be called that, followed his subordinates.

That Attinger of Earth held true to his words and delivered what he'd promised; an army.

It was a surplus and the bounty hunter quite frankly did not care for the specifics or moral ethics behind such a feat, but to call those human-made machines soldiers was undeserving and to be compared to such scrap was an insult. They were servants obeying the simplest of orders at best and a gaggle of junk at worse.

To say the "soldiers" were devoid of any and all things that could constitute a personality was the understatement of the century. They were painfully robotic, but they did follow orders and left no room for questions. He'd take it.

He'd have to, just for the time being. 

"Lockdown, sir! There's remnants of energon among the dirt particles!" Called out a shorter Quintessan.

The bounty hunter in question approached swiftly and with purpose, emerald optics zeroed in on the hand held data pad.

"Reports of a vandal and grand larceny to outpost -32°47'25.19" S 151°50'2.39" E. No casualties or reported property damage considering."

22.9576° S, 18.4904° E  to 32°47'25.19" S 151°50'2.39" E. The emerald optic bot curled his lip plate up in thought. Approximately 6,526 miles between Namibia and Base Williamton.  

Lockdown stood to full height as he sniffed at the air, a habit he'd long since grown accustomed to. His optics panned up to observe the way his ship hovered, casting grandiose shadows. His forward deepened.

"Pull the surveillance footage." He'd barked out harshly.

"Cemetery Wind has already forgone your instructions, sir. They are soon to follow suit."

Lockdown's plating slid apart with ease as he retracted his weaponry in favor of being empty handed. A sour expression colored his features as his lip plating curled indignantly. "They are not here." He growled out through clenched denta, his glare hardening. "Tell to humans to scatter, their intelligence is that of a whiny sparkling. Earthlings delay us!" His words were more so spoken to himself as he stormed past his men and newly acquired army.

The Decepticons and the girl had not been on that continent since the previous joor, they'd only just missed his bounty and that knowledge chewed at his spark like a feral animal.

Humans with such primitive ways were in no way to be considered any type of valuable ally. Their sole purpose of existence was that of servitude and destruction the planet they had the gall to call 'home'.

He'd boarded his ship with ease, leaving those beneath him to scour the continent for anything of relative use.

Lockdown was swift to emerge into his private quarters in some distant need to appease his queen and the roll he'd been assigned.

_______________

"You're going to want to see this sir!"

"You, trace those radiation levels and get back to me. Follow up with those sightings, locate Optimus." Harold Attinger spoke with purpose and a newfound fire in his chest.

"Sir!" Called the worker, his headphones slid off his ears.

The balding man spun on his heel. "Talk, Charles. Tell me what I want to hear."

The techie- Charles- shifted back towards his monitor. "We just received military surveillance footage-"

"Son of a bitch. It's the girl again, isn't it? Has to be. No casualties, not Decepticon work." Harold nudged the subordinate aside and overtook the space, his slacks stiffened as he hovered the computer.

"Yes, sir. Footage reports that she is in possession of a N.E.S.T. truck." Charles nudged his way back into his space, snatching up his keyboard in the process to hyper-zoom in on the blurry figure that, no doubt, belonged to a lone female.

Snapping his neck to look at the brunette, Harold frowned. "Do we know what was on that truck?"

"Negative, N.E.S.T. has all information withheld from Cemetery Wind."

"Yeah, because those sons of bitches still want to ally themselves with alien metals, screw their own brethren." Attinger spat with barely constrained disgust. "When was this taken? Where? I need details."

"Was captured yesterday in Australia."

"I want this photo printed, now. Send it out to whoever, but make it everyone. Little girl doesn't know what the hell she's doing."

Charles cringed when his boss tapped at the computer screen harshly, but obliged to the request.

Harold, having pulled away from the computer, circled the room like a hungry shark out for blood. Over a dozen men and woman slaved away at their points tirelessly in search of anything of use to his cause.

"Progress, people! Let's make progress !" He'd barked out with thinning patience.

"Report back from Lockdown and team sir. Sweeps show no Decepticon inhabitants."

Harold cursed with a pinch of his nose. This job would sooner kill him than he'd get the chance to eradicate alien life. It was taxing and tiresome and made what little hair he still had recede further back by the minute.

"Mobilize troop 127 to Australia as fast as yesterday. Pieces of junk may not even be there by the time we've figured it out. Quicker! I need this information as soon as you get it!" His words were strained and echoed as he stormed out of the room, phone in hand.

_______________

The sun was sweltering and bit at Lauren's skin with an unrelenting vengeance. She was sure it could've been hotter with how the months seemed to be changing, but nevertheless, she was sweating bullets. Breathing alone was wearing her down.

With damp clothes, she moved to unstick the hair from the name of her neck for umpteenth time in just that hour.

What time was it? High noon, she'd bet, but Lauren's never been known for her miraculous time management skills.

Her boots clung to her stickily as she moved to approach the mechs. She'd been awoken rudely and also dumped onto the rocks ledge just as rudely only moments after. That morning was spent full of curses and her climbing down without breaking a limb.

Needless to say, she'd done it with much difficulty.

"Lockdown to touch down in a cycles time. Movement is pertinent, my master." Soundwave vocalized flatly, though the smallest of urgency bled into his tone.

"Speak of the devil and she shall appear." Nitrozeus quipped as he rolled his bad shoulder, his other hand nursed the servo.

Lauren exchanged glances, eyes squinted to shield her 'delicate fleshy pupils', as Blackout had stated, from the assaulting UV rays. "What're you on about? What about moving?" Blue eyes immediately found and returned Megatron's pointed gaze.

"Bounty hunter is hot on our afts, no point sticking around and waiting to die." Blackout hissed indignantly as if the words alone stung him.

Lauren furrowed her brows, creasing the oils and ringing the sweat from her skin.

"Not to call you a coward master, but sometimes cowards do survive." Starscream hissed lowly, crouched small in Megatron's presence.

"I say we give it to 'em straight! Oh, I've been itching for some ass whooping!" Drawled Nitrozeus.

"Advise, avoid combat. Lockdown is backed by human personnel." Soundwave informed.

"And ?" Nitrozeus bit with a glare, his ego taking him in a chokehold.

Lauren, all but forgotten in the midst of alien-talk, strode over towards Megatron's pedes and dropped to sit beside his foot. His shadow casted a much needed reprieve from the soul sucking sun. Her eyes, now better adjusted to the shade, found their way up to the underside of his face plate, a familiar sight from the first days that she'd worked on his unconscious form. He wasn't looking at her for once and the brunette took that moment to study the way his metal features shift and contorted. With arms crossed over his broad chassis and his shoulders squared, he stood with his legs stanced apart.

A low rumble broke her out of her own thoughts. Blinking, she noticed the way his optics shifted to return her stare.

Megatron vented, the air pushed past his denta to create a soft hiss as he turned his attention back to his men.

"Combat is strongly advised against." Lauren was brought back to the conversation by Soundwave's voice.

"S'there something I'm not getting here? Or are you just a pussy?" Nitrozeus jabbed both literally and metaphorically.

Lauren only had a seconds notice before she and a decent amount of dirt were scooped from the earth. "We move. Now." Megatron spoke sharply and with no room for debate or question. "Randevu land troop, 41.8781° N, 87.6298° W. "

Megatron was swift in his turn to leave, Soundwave stalked closely behind.

Watching from the corner of her peripheral vision, she observed the three remaining seekers follow and execute his words with no debate or stall, leaving only the master himself and his loyal comrade.

Somewhere inside her, something told her to be on edge, whether that be Megatron's own emotions leaking beyond the bond's threshold or her own primal alertness, she didn't know and didn't question it beyond that.

Could her instincts be wrong? Perhaps. But was her intuition?

"Travel the eastern hemisphere, randevu to 14.2350° S, 51.9253° W. Trade off there. Go." Megatron's words were blunt and he poised himself with undeterred, non-comprisable authority.

"Affirmative." Soundwave parroted before, he too, left.

Megatron was swift to follow suit, transforming and taking off at a speed high enough to make any seasoned piolet blush.

"What was that?" Lauren situated herself.

There was radio silence for a moments time, before the craft rumbled and he answered. "The seekers are too regroup with land forces at 41.8781° N, 87.6298° W. "

She sat back and thought for several moments, watching as the clouds obscured the world around her. "Then what did you say to Soundwave?" Her tone came out even with the expectance of an answer. 

"We are to randevu to 14.2350° S, 51.9253° W. "

"Is that a different location? Why? That doesn't make any sense, shouldn't we-"

The decepticon cut her off pointedly. "You'll be transferred to Soundwave and then randevu to the regroup."

A moment of silence washed over the two as Lauren racked her thoughts. Transfer over to Soundwave? That didn't make much sense. Unless-

"You're leaving me? I don't get it-" She crossed her arms over her chest in an attempt to self soothe a long bruised part of herself at the uncomfortable familiarity of the situation. Her brows knit together and her nose scrunched up, contorting her features.

"It's safer that way, girl." Megatron responded with an odd sense of flatness that was uncanny.

His tone did little to ease her. "But-"

"No." That word came out harsher than he intended it to, but maybe that was what was needed to get his firmness across. "Do not question orders."

Some time passed in tense silence as the day progressed below them. She'd long since rested her head back, content to watching the sky shift and change with the passing hours.

Another hour had come and gone and she was sure the sun would begin its decent in due time.

Moving, the brunette groaned at the soreness that had taken her muscles hostage. With a pop and a crack she sat up for several moments before reaching out towards the radio dial.

She was careful in her search for a station, thankful that it hadn't taken too long to come across music she recognized. With the volume adjusted to a quieter, more acceptable level, Lauren sat back once more.

Megatron ascended a hundred more feet and felt a small part of his spark ease when he heard her voice softly follow along with the station. Soundwave was of his most trusted and loyal men, he was trusted, that much was no up for debate, however...

A dull, but much too present feeling of dread nipped at his spark once more and he flew faster in a futile attempt to escape its bite.

It was her. He knew it was. But why? What compelled such a feeling from the femme?

It was, for lack of better words, a torturous sensation and it left him to his thoughts, rendering him mute.

Megatron broke through to tune into her soft vocalizations, taking it upon himself to dial back the volume.

"Are you going to come back?" Her question came over the music, but still resembled that of a whisper.

He didn't, he never, liked when she spoke like that; quietly and meekly, like a weakling. 

The decepticon swallowed back his choice words to conjure a response. "I always come back." He responded in tandem, voice gritted, but even in delivery with purpose. "You'd be a fool to bet on my perish."

The music continued on with a soft volume and she hummed. His words did little to ease her, but a little was still better than nothing at all. Her chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, she pulled her knees close. 

The sun was setting by that point and she took solace in the sky's bright colors. 

"Where are we going exactly? Because if it's anything like a desert, then just drop me off now." Lauren rolled out a knot in her shoulder and made an effort to snuff out the weight in her chest. 

"The country of Brazil. Cover is dense." Megatron answered. 

Brazil? That actually sounded nice, if she were able to act like a proper tourist. Chances may be that yours truly would drop the both of them into the jungle. She hoped for the ladder, even if it was impossible. A girl could hope and dream. 

Darkness had rolled over the earth swiftly, plunging the cockpit into blackness, save for small glow of miscellaneous lights. 

An exhale escaped her as she eased into the crook of the seat, content. 

When she had fallen asleep was lost on her, but she was sure as shit aware when she woke up by the telltale sounds of metal on metal. 

Sunlight assaulted her not-yet adjusted eyes with enough power to make her reel back, slamming her eyelids shut once more, though that was short lived when wind licked at her skin violently.

"H-hey! What're you doing? S-stop!" Lauren bellowed into the sky as they plummeted. 

Megatron's metals slid to transform in tandem, the cockpit opening to the skies in mock offering as the adject wing disappeared from her view. 

They were tipping and she knew for a fact that he did not come equipped with seatbelts

Tears sprang from her eyes, wetting the top of her eyebrows before flying off into oblivion. Her hands scrambled for purchase of anything she could latch onto. 

"Megatron!" Her boots scraped against him as she attempted to right herself, but the whip of the air was far stronger than her hold was. "I'm slipping! I'm-" 

Lauren's hand was ripped from its hold and she was hurdled upward. Hair whipped around, slapping her in the face and stinging her skin as her much too large clothes billowed. 

This was it, she was going to plumet to her death. God, how would a coroner explain that one? She'd surely be paste, unrecognizable. 

The tears that sprang from her eyes were robbed at the moment of formation. 

Limbs were thrown around wildly in any attempt at slowing down her decent. The ground grew closer by the second and she was quick to note it wasn't ground, it was trees. 

That was so much worse. So, so, so much worse!

Oh God... If there even was a God! Somebody help her! 

Lauren swallowed back what remained of her saliva, her eyes felt like they be plucked from her skull if she opened them a bit too wide. 

Where was Megatron?! Was that it? He was just going to throw her out? 

Sapphire eyes scanned any and all surrounding area, but the large mech was nowhere in sight. They must've been up high, because she could only just then suck in a breath. 

Megatron's optics zeroed in on Lauren's small form as he wrestled with himself. The damn wing was stuck. That had only happened one other time. The perspiration in the air licked his metals grossly as he barrel rolled, forcing the wing against the gale. 

With a monstrous roar of both triumph and pain, the appendage transformed and locked in properly with the rest of him. 

His spark roared within him, gushing with the emotional afflictions of the femme. His chassis felt tight when he dove for her, the earth approached much too fast. His optics narrowed as he snatched her roughly. 

Her body jerked painfully as her heart hammered in her chest, confined behind the restrictiveness of her ribs that she were sure were now bruised at best, broken at worst. 

The hold was familiar and comforting, she didn't need to look up to know. Something inside her ached and she was swift to cling to Megatron. 

He'd caged her to him, his claws and arms acting as a buffer between any and everything as they grew seconds from impact. Tipping his helm down, he encircled her fully in his possessive embrace. 

Before she could rationalize anything, her body was melt with cool pressure. Her lungs were squeeze free of all oxygen and the world blurred. Was that it? Was that death...? 

It was quiet and she felt like she was floating. 

It was... nice. Familiar. 

Time had sopped, at least she thought it had. Blurriness was beginning to haze into a fuzzy darkness and she wouldn't fight it. 

Something hard had grabbed her in that moment and she allowed herself limp in its hold. The contact felt like it last a lifetime as she felt that familiar sensation stir in her chest. 

What was that...? 

She stirred harsher that time with a newfound sense of urgency flooding her veins. The space around her felt like it was moving much too fast, but she was still slow. 

That new urgency was devolving into pure panic as she opened her mouth to scream, only to be silence by suffocation. Dread wormed its way into her stomach at that moment, but why? She'd been fine with the concept of death only moments before.

Her fight died swiftly when the haze pounced on her, forcing her to succumb. 

She was on her back in that moment suddenly. The sky was bright and much too blue, cloudless. How did she get here? Was she officially dead? Was this heaven...?

Lauren tried to move with no avail. What was going on? Why did suddenly feel so horrible?

"It's the Mariana trench, the pressure should just crush him." A voice came from beside where she lay. 

He? 

The owner of the voice, clad in a reflective orange vest, stood atop where she lay still. His face contorted with displeasure. "seems pretty dead to me."

"Come on man, don't play with it." Came another unknown voice. "Just hook it up like we were told."

"Yeah, yeah." The worker above her stepped away. 

An abrupt yank took all her attention as, supposedly, the two men hooked her to something. The sound of metal scraping against more metal and the sensation to follow after was new. 

Was she having one of those dreams again...? 

"I still don't understand why they didn't just metal the son'ofa bitch down." 

"Look, I don't know. Use the remote to hoist 'em." 

A crude mechanical sound overwhelmed her ears- or rather, Megatron's audio receptors. She wasn't dead... He wasn't dead! She wanted to bellow it from the deepest depths of her chest, but no movement came to the order. 

The sky view was turned horizontally into a waterfront. She could clearly make out the ocean and the cargo ship she- he was on. 

"Clear! Going!" 

Then, he was moving. Slowly, but surely he was craned over the boat's threshold. The ocean looked much darker than it ever had. Foreboding and like a void. 

He dangled there for a moments time, before the sound of release sent him plummeting to his new prison. 

Lauren coughed violently, scratching the back of her throat. The, she coughed once more forcing the expel of liquid. The deep breath she took made her lungs press uncomfortably against her injured ribs, but made no effort to stop. Greedily, she sucked up oxygen. 

It was mostly shaded where she lay and the surrounding area was mostly green. She'd safely figured it was plant fauna. The taste of blood ghosted her tongue each time she hacked and even more droplets came. 

God, her body hurt for more reasons than one. She coughed once more, the force shook her as her muscles contracted tersely. Lauren curled further in on her side. 

"Breathe, girl." Megatron sounded from above her as he brought his claws to her back, giving a gentle tap to aid her in clearing her windpipe. 

The mech watched as her blue eyes drifted up to face him and the sight struck a wire in him. She coughed once more, turning her gaze away. 

Taking her into his claws, he brought her close. The action both served to keep her warm and to selfishly ease his spark. His servos were high strung and his body tense, he vented. 

Lauren heaved in an attempt to supply her body with more needed oxygen, though the action only served to make her head spin.  

Megatron was careful to brush the wet tresses from her face. A small part of him felt deeply guilty for losing his grip on her when they breached the water while the rest of his was reserved to making sure she'd live. The panic and urgency that had taken ahold of him in that moment was startling and exceeded himself. It was unlike anything he'd ever felt before and he was not a stranger to desperation. However... 

Crimson optics never left her small form.

It was different then. He hadn't even thought when he went in after her, rust be damned. His spark had wailed when her end went silent for that split second before he'd pull her from the murkiness. 

Lauren had evened out her breathing, her mouth tainted with the taste of iron. She scrunched up her nose with a rasped exhale. She was so tired and her body wanted to cease. Clothes heavy and soaked, she pushed herself up meekly allowing for the hair to retake its place in her face. He was warm and she was grateful for that. 

He was always so warm.

A moment of realization came over her when she realized she'd only had one boot on. She didn't want to know what that was all about, but she had some ideas. 

Tears welled up in her eyes and disguised themselves upon her wet skin. She coughed hoarsely as she choked on her tears. She felt like a child for crying after the fact, but she couldn't stop the tears or the strangled sobs that clawed their way up her already raw throat.  

It was so much more than drowning, so much more than losing her home. It was so much. 

She cried harder, fisting her eyes in an attempt to wipe away her tears. Her body trembled against her own wishes. 

Megatron was going to reprimand her, but bit his glossa for a moment. His spark swelled with fear, pure unadulterated terror. He was at a loss for words, truly. It felt so repressed with how strong it brimmed. He brought her closer. The sounds of her cries grated on his audio receptors in a way that nothing else ever has. They were strained and shrill, her heart hammered in her chest. 

What was he to do to quell such an emotion?  

"W-what was t-that...?!" She spoke before his thoughts could finish. 

It was in that moment that he noticed her tear stained eyes pointed at him. A part of him almost felt targeted, but the way the blue of her irises stood out against bloodshot scelras was just as captivating as it was haunting. A small grumbled escaped him as she sucked back tears, waiting for an answer. 

"What has you so fearful, girl?" His question dejected hers. 

Lauren tore her gaze away to stifle more tears. Why did he always have to ask such questions? Why'd he have to look through her like she was made of glass? She'd long since accepted the fact that their bond was there and that it was very real, but why must she give herself away with such ease? That's where the inner turmoil began; she was both thankful that she could convey so much with so little and yet resented the fact that she couldn't just suffer in silence. It was her God given right, damnit!

The tip of his claw entered her space and she made no move to retract herself. He wouldn't hurt her, she knew that much. At least not intentionally... 

Megatron brushed the hair aside once more, observing her side profile. Her skin was warm despite the wet clothing and flushed a deep shade of red. 

"It's everything..." She choked out quietly, not wanting to face him or herself. "I just..." Her voice trailed off listlessly. 

"You live, bug. No death will come of you, know that."

Lauren was sure what he said was supposed to be comforting in his own way, but a small part of her interpreted it like a prison sentence. And she was crying again. Was this becoming too much? She felt like she'd been infantilized. 

Shaking her head, she sucked up tears and snot before scooting close enough to rest her forehead against the very tip of his pointed chin plating. Her shoulders bounced with the remnants of her cries. 

The action wasn't something he expected, but did not shy away from as he dipped his helm to have her closer to his lip plates. He was cautious not to vent too hard in the chance he'd disturb her. 

The warm air was a welcomed comfort, in a way it was reminiscent of the hot breezes in Texas.

Some time passed like that as she calmed herself, pulling back her head once the tears had finally ceased. With puffy, bloodshot eyes, she stared up at him. Lauren felt much smaller in that moment, but swallowed thickly before speaking. "I'm scared, Megatron." The words came out in a whisper, like she were telling a secret. 

"A decepticon should not fear anything, girl." He'd replied gruffly. "There's is nothing to fear." 

The brunette sighed contently and took his words. In a way she knew he'd say something along those lines,  but she was also comforted by that fact. By his words. 

Night had come faster than she'd expected. Only a matter of hours had passed since everything and yet the sun was set. 

The jungle, she found, was both beautiful and terrifying. The array of sounds was odd and intriguing. 

The warmth of the fire kissed her skin, her clothes now partially damp after a thorough wring out and some time spent near the fire. 

Lauren sat, knees pulled to her chest having since found her lost boot. Her eyes remained trained on the flickering flames, Megatron sat immediately behind her, his warmth could be felt in addition to the fire. 

Megatron Kept his optics on her curled figure, her back pressed to his leg plating. Every now and then he'd do a scan of the immediate area just in case before his optics would return to her. His helm rested upon a rock belonging to an alcove. Once he'd noted her own recharge, he too slipped into unconsciousness.  

His optics opened once more, this lighting was dim with warm undertones. It wasn't immediate, but after several moments he noted the space. Pictures peppered the wallpapered walls and the chestnut floors creaked when stepped in the wrong places. 

This was another memory, this one colored vividly as well, almost more so. He noted that he- she was taller this time. She must be older, but how old? That information was lost on him. 

She was making an effort to remain ducked down behind the hall wall, a ratty backpack clasped tightly in her left hand. 

"Ron, if you walk out of her life again, don't you ever come back, you hear me?" A deeply accented female voice bit in a harsh whisper. "Never." 

Lauren ducked back into the hall a bit more as she watched her grandmother ascend the stairs, hand over her heart. 

Megatron could feel the way her heart hammered and the moisture leave her mouth, a strange sensation he might add. More footsteps could be heard, heavier this time. 

"Sit 'yer ass down." Commanded a deep familiar voice. The voices owners were just out of his and her sight. 

"I don't got no time for a lecture John." The voice, Ron, had spoke lowly.

"I said sit down, Ron." John had hissed. 

Lauren's jaw tightened, not wanted to hear any more. Gripping her back with a full fisted grip, she smiled and popped out from around the corner. "Ready dad! Are you?" Her heart beat so loud she could hardly hear herself. 

John, the familiar voice, belonged to an aged man with deep set wrinkles. His brows shot up at the sight of his granddaughter, sights immediately panning to Ron. 

Ron, having forced a smile, took a step forward. "Laurie! Uhm, glad 'yer here." 

Megatron took a moment to study the way her sire's face had aged, skin etched with stress lines and hairs graying toward the front. He wanted to growl out and cut the human down. 

"Some business came up that I got to handle." Ron stepped forward once more, just mere feet from his daughter. "So, we're, uh, going to have to put our little trip on hold. You understand, Laurie?" 

Lauren swallowed hard once, twice, three times. The lump in her throat doubled and her chest constricted painfully. "Yeah, yeah that's fine." The brunette tucked some hair behind her ear and tightened her grip on the backpack. 

"J-just for a couple weeks." Ron smiled toothily down at the younger girl. "You get it."

"Yeah, no, I get it. I understand." She forced. 

Megatron felt his own furry increase tenfold. He couldn't look his spawn in the face, let alone the eyes. It was a pathetic display and the way it made her- them feel was immeasurable.

"Maybe a little longer." Ron wheezed a dry laugh. 

Lauren evaded eye contact. "Yeah, whatever." 

"Look, I'll call you next week. You and  me can iron out all the details, okay?" 

"Okay, yeah. Mhm." She nodded numbly. 

Ron stared down at his daughter with a sigh. "It was nice to see you Laurie." 

It's LAUREN. The decepticon growled.

Something about that sentence ignited a long buried anger in her. A moment passed before she lifted her head to respond. "Right, Ron." She wiped at her nose swiftly and Megatron noted the building pressure behind her eyes. 

The use of his name seemed to catch him off guard. "Uhm... yeah." The words came out quietly as he dipped his head. "Yeah." Ron stepped back before making an exit. 

Lauren stood there and watch the old door creak to a close. Her white knuckled grip on the back remained as her heart rate spiked. With a lip quiver and a hiccup, the young girl threw the pack aside with a loud thud. She didn't need it anyway. 

"I'm sorry, Lauren." Came her grandfather's voice from beyond her.

She spun on her heel quick, scuffing the wood floors. "No, no! Y'know, this actually works out better for me! It wasn't even like I wanted to go on that damn trip! You know we're still working on that truck and-"

"It's alright to be angry, Lauren. You have the right to be pissed." John had retorted. 

Lauren bit back her tears and heaved on her racing heart. "Hey, why should I be mad? I mean, at least he actually showed up this time. I just wish I hadn't wasted my money," She dropped to the couch to tear her shoes off. "On these stupid boots." The shiny new boots were casted away, hitting the wall and sending a photo clattering. 

"I know darlin', if there was something I could do-"

"You know you don't have to do nothing, grandpa." Lauren swiped at her eyes with an angry huff. 

Megatron felt soured by the unfolding scene and promised to Primus that he'd exterminate her sire. To leave once and to leave again was cruel. Human nature was a laughable thing. 

"It's not like I'm still ten years old. You know, it's not like I'm going to be sitting on the porch every night asking when my daddy's going to come back." Hot tears scorned her as they slipped down her flushed cheeks. "Who needs him? He wasn't there to teach me how to change a tire, but I learned didn't I? And I'm pretty damn good at it." 

"Yes, you are sweetheart." Her grandfather smiled sadly through his beard. 

"I got through school without him." She'd hissed. "I learned how to drive, I learned how to change my oil, I learned the piano without him there!" She choked on her words before clearing her throat roughly. "I got through ten perfect birthdays without him! and he never called or set a card! To hell with him!" Lauren bellowed out in a scream. 

The raw emotion made Megatron want to shed blood. To throw her aside like trash and to come crawling back? He didn't get it. And to still not call her by her given name. 

The young girl sniffled before slamming the front door closed the remainder of the way. Adrenaline mixed with blood as she panted. "Didn't need him then and I sure as hell don't need him now." She went to storm upstairs before her grandfather caught her arm. 

"Lauren-"

She spun, pulling herself out of the hold to stare up at her only true family. Her face screwed up sourly. "You know what grandpa? I'ma get through college without him. I'm going to get a good job without him. I'm going to marry a good man and have me a whole house full of kids, I'll be a better parent than he ever was! And I sure as shit don't need him for that, because there's not a damn good thing he could ever teach me about being a good parent!" 

Something about her spiel stuck with Megatron. Something about her words made his insides constrict. He growled. 

John stared down at his granddaughter with sad eyes and no words as her eyes brimmed with fresh tears and her brows furrowed. "How come he doesn't want me...?" Lauren buried her face into her hands. 

'I don't want to be needed, I want to be wanted.' She'd said that time him joors ago. 'Will you come back?' She'd said that too. 

Her grandfather pulled her into a tight embrace and she remained within it for only a moments time before pulling away to stalk outside. 

She'd stormed into the barn and he noted that it hadn't looked much different then. Lauren found her way around the bed of the blue truck and collapsed in on herself. Sobs wracked her skinnier form and words fell from her lips at random. 

Megatron watched the scene continue on for much too long before the memory faded out, the brightness of it felt like a sick joke. It was much too vivid for his liking. 

The sound of brush moving alerted the decepticon's systems and he was quick to come online. Area scan indicated animal life, no signs of human. His optics found way to Lauren's sleeping form, she'd long since made herself comfortable on her side beside his pedes. The display felt much too lowly for him; her sleeping beside his very pedes. 

He was gentle in his efforts to scoop her from the dirt. She'd only tired once and accepted the action openly returning to sleep when he brought her to rest atop his thigh plating. A clawed phalange once more brushed her tresses away to reveal her much more relaxed face. 

His chassis rose and fell rhythmically as he watched her slumber, a sight he groan much too accustomed to observing.

The tyrant would even go as far as to say that perhaps he rather enjoyed watching her. 

Chapter 21: Vale

Notes:

Happy Valentines day everyone! Please enjoy this chapter! I had a lot of fun writing it and really hope y'all like reading it as much as I liked writing it!

And thank you once more for all of your LOVELY comments and THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR OVER 300 KUDOS AHHHHH!

I truly adore reading all your comments and feedback, love y'all <3

"Where are we going exactly? Shouldn't we be waiting for Soundwave?" Lauren followed closely in Megatron's wake, his much too large metal feet effectively bulldozing a path for her to follow with relative ease. She'd already seen one too many spiders for her liking and found herself missing rural Texas more than ever.

"You must bathe, bug. Your scent is unsightly and has stained my metals." He didn't look back as he spoke to her.

Lauren scoffed outwardly at his words before sneaking a sniff at her underarms. Her nose scrunched and she reeled. Perhaps he had a point...

Unfortunately, drowning did not count as bathing, especially not in stagnate, murky water.

Another thought crossed her mind then; what was in the water? Taken by a large, alien robot only to be eaten by a wild caiman? Then her body really wouldn't be found, forget falling to her death!

Lost in the depths of her own head, Lauren failed to notice his halt, crashing into his ankle servo as a result. "Fuck!" She'd cursed as her hand flew up to her nose.

She heard Megatron growl down at her antic, but beyond his frustration he made no move to scold her lack of self awareness. Peeking around the mech, she spotted the rather clear water rippling gently. A smile crept onto her lips as she bound past him, her boots kissing the water's edge. "It's beautiful." Her words were meant more for her own commentary, but he responded with a grunt of his own acknowledgment.

Rust causing liquid, or any earthly substance, was not something that warranted his praise or his time.

It truly was a sight to behold and definitely not something she'd ever seen before, a small piece of the world seemingly untainted by the harsh touch of humanity (and aliens). It was serine. 

Hastily, Lauren stripped down to her undergarments. With some hops, she pulled the muddied
boots from her feet and tossed them away haphazardly before hopping into the spring.

Megatron remained idle where he stood, watching as she sent up water in a flurry. Red optics scanned the water's native animal and plant life, studying the depth at which the fresh water erupted from.

Lauren did little bathing and more swimming. Surely all her movement would clean her, right?

Ducking down below the water's surface, she pushed off an algae covered rock, propelling herself further out into the spring. The soft current pushed past her skin in a gentle caress when she emerged with a gasp. The sound of splashing water caught her attention and she swam in the direction of the growing noise. Ducking around a rock, she spotted a small waterfall. Throwing a tentative glance over her shoulder, she kicked her way up to the torrent.

He, too, eventually stepped into the spring with a plunge, the water only came to his hip servos much to his luck.

It took only a moment to notice Lauren's apparent disappearance. Thermal scans revealed her whereabouts just yards away.

With a small growl, he pushed through the water in her direction, sending waves lapping at the shore. His audio receptors were quick to pick out the distinct sound of her humming coupled with the rush of water. His steps slowed inadvertently as he stalked closer, much like a bobcat readying to pounce upon a rabbit.

Melodic hums evolved into soft vocalizations- singing she'd said. Yes, singing. 

Placing his claws atop the large rock, he stepped around, his optics spotted her form immediately causing him to slow to a full stop.

Megatron reserved himself to sheer and utter silence, unable to drag his optics away from the scene before him. He was bewitched. 

"Oh, I know that this love is pain. But we can't cut it from out these veins, no."

Lauren hummed the lyrics between as she allowed the linn to run over her cropped hair. She smiled, the action causing her cheeks to hurt as the rushing current drowned out the surrounding world and all its problems.

"So I'll hit the lights and you lock the doors. We ain't leaving this room 'til we both feel more. Don't walk away, don't roll your eyes. They say love is pain, well darling, let's hurt tonight."

Cupping some of the water, the brunette rinsed at her face. The sun warmed her exposed skin as she lounged atop one of the fall's rocks. Using her fingers, she tediously picked through the knots in her hair, the spurting torrent served to smooth out her hard work.

Something about the entirety of it all; the way she smiled, how the water glistened off her exposed flesh, the way the sun made her eyes sparkle, felt so aberrant and intimate to the mech. His claws twitched as he locked his jaw.

She'd never looked like that before, not when she'd hosed him down the first time, nor at the watering hole in Africa. When had he enjoyed the color blue?

What was that called? Cybertronian femmes were rare and many perished during the war, but he'd heard talk among his lower ranks on appealing features in said femmes. Streamlined, rounded hip servos, slimmed chassises, with well enough chambers for sparklings and sleek weaponry.

She was neither Cybertronian nor possessed artillery, she did share his spark however, her differences be damned. They shared a spark and that was something. 

His attention was drawn back by her vocals, her eyes closed as she allowed the water to splash over her shoulders.

"When, when you came home. Worn to the bones. I told myself, this could get rough."

Primus, the femme's vocals were a pleasure all on their own and he'd selfishly indulged in listening more times than not. They were for him, her words. All his. 

"Oh, I know you're feeling insane. Tell me something that I can explain, oh."

His metals felt tight and his spark surged against the inside of his chassis.

Why had he bonded with her again...? He found himself wondering that every time he found himself thrust into these kinds of quiet moments. They felt far too delicate and not fit for someone so violent such as himself. 

Crimson optics roamed her once more, taking her in in her entirety all while committing the image to memory.

His sights traced the shapes of her face; the way her lips curled, the subtle heart shape of her top lip, how her pupils contracted and dilated, the curve of her spine when she moved and how her chest expanded when she breathed. She was so small, fragile and yet she wasn't. 

He swallowed back a growl as to not alert her to his watchful optics, to not pull her from the moment she was having and to not rob him of the sight. If he were not careful, he'd speak in Cybertronian.

She'd not understand and what did he care...?

Megatron ripped away his stare before stepping back around the rock, his claws having left deep set scratches along the surface. His exit from the springs was made with haste.

Lauren snapped her neck around curiously, though she did not spot anything out of the ordinary. Sapphire eyes scanned the area once more for conformation.

Sucking in a sharp inhale, she huffed to calm the beat of her heart and the sudden constriction of her chest. Odd. Where had that come from?

Shrugging it off, the peach skinned woman finished detangling her shaggy hair. Once she'd felt she was cleaned as much as she could be, she dipped back down into the water. Her back tingled from the prolonged contact in the waterfall.

The swim back took only a moments time, her eyes quickly found Megatron's towering form acting as a sort of guard between the spring and the rest of the jungle.

"Sorry, my hair was a rats nest." Lauren emerged from the water, squeezing the excess liquids from her tresses.

"Do not waste time, Soundwave is inbound." Megatron grumbled from where he stood.

With a roll of her eyes, she re-dressed and followed after the warlord, her pace kept steady as he cleared a makeshift path.

Her legs were growing tired and daylight was waning. How long and they been walking? She wasn't sure, but it had definitely exceeded her liking. Where was Soundwave? Her mind was drawn back to the moment and her eyes found their way upon his leading figure.

A frown tugged at her lips. It wasn't 'goodbye', just a 'see you late' kind of farewell. Then why was her chest so tight all of a sudden?

Lauren swallowed dryly, forcing an exhale through her nose.

Was she being childish about the whole thing? It wasn't goodbye. She felt the need to repeat and reassure herself.

Dragging her gaze from his back, she forced her sights upward. The sun would set soon, perhaps that's what he wanted; the cover of dark. It'd definitely be easier to get around that way.

Sapphire eyes found favor in staring at him, instead.

It was magnetic almost, the way she was drawn to him. Was that the bond's doing? If it was, she wasn't opposed. She'd rather enjoyed his company (when he wasn't in a mood).

It felt almost pathetic to admit, but he'd been the closest being to her since her grandparents passing. Her first semblance of a connection outside of one-sided relationships and surface level friendships. It wasn't even that she knew much about him, but it definitely felt different, and she knew for a fact that wasn't a result of their impromptu bond. It'd been something she noticed immediately upon placing her hand atop his metals that day she found him.4

That day he found her. 

The brunette worried at the inside of her cheek as the sun began its descent, her eyes never leaving his bulkiness.

Lauren wouldn't say she was ever of the superstitious kind and she'd never been one to believe all that soulmate, fate, and destiny mumbo jumbo, but something about it all rang true deep within her. Like a part of her was desperately grappling for something to hold onto.

All the names aside, the connection was there and she'd felt it's ember ignite the moment she'd laid eyes on his still form as it masked itself behind a facade of curiosity. 

Megatron stopped in his tracks abruptly. She, too, halted, eyes casted up as if to silently question him.

The mech vented deeply, his claws flexed unconsciously at his sides. What had her thoughts been about to cause such unease to purge her? He didn't know and he wouldn't ask. He had his own ideas, all but confirmed once the familiar sound of jet engines rang over the clouds.

His spark shuddered as the emotions poured into him, he growled lowly as if to scare off the feeling.

Lauren, for the first time in hours, pulled her eyes away and watched as Soundwave transformed, dropping to a land some dozens of yards off. Her heart rate spiked despite her own reassurances that what was happening wasn't abandonment.

He said he'd be back, so he will be. He will come back.

Yeah, but how many times had she heard that promise?

She bit down the intrusion, her fingers curling in on themselves, embedding nail marks into her palms. God, she couldn't hear anything over her own heartbeat. Her ribs felt like they'd give out at any moment.

Megatron turned to crouch, his crimson optics landing on the femme's small form with ease.

Placing a label on what she- they felt was as hard as it was confusing. His knee servo left a crater in the damp earth. Was it fear that was fueling her? No, he'd felt that from her. Sorrow, perhaps? That one sounded right, but did not feel right. Another low grumble clawed up his chassis.

He stared down at her from his lowered position, and yet she didn't meet his gaze, her sights set off in the distance as he heard her heart hammer in the cage of her diaphragm. The mech snarled.

"Look at me, girl." His tone was commanding and somewhat harsh in nature, and yet she still didn't turn to face him.

Lauren felt the ground beneath her tremble, but all else went unnoticed as she panted shortly, her chest rising and falling with a quickness.

Suddenly, her sights were pulled away by a firm claw clasped under her jaw.

"Look at me, bug." His tone was strained with irritation.

Had he been speaking to her the whole time...?

The hold on her face forced her body to move, facing his. She did not fight it as the hold was not painful, despite its firmness. A hand found its way up to rest upon his phalange. She stared up at him wide eyed.

Megatron eased the grip on his jaw, but moved to beckon her closer. He'd not expected her to rest her hand atop his claw or the way her eyes bore into his very spark.

"Yes...?" Lauren came softly, eyes unblinking.

Nervous, anxious. Those were the right words he'd been searching for, not fearful or sorrowful. He felt that- knew that now.

"Make no mistake girl, decepticons are predators." The tyrant began sternly, he inched her closer and she followed. "Weakness will not be tolerated among my ranks." He retracted his hold just enough to tip her helm back to stare up fully, and not partially through her lashes like she'd grown use to. He wanted, demanded, thirsted for her full attention when he spoke. "Show them no weakness, girl." His touch retracted fully, her hold followed until he was out of her reach.

The loss in touch made everything feel too real and. She searched his face for anything and everything.

Megatron stood to his upmost height. He'd pulled his optics from her face with a growl to face his arriving communication officer.

"My liege." The smaller mech greeted with a brief tip of his helm.

"Soundwave, take the femme to point 41.8781° N, 87.6298° W, randevu with land troop." The decepticon's words went without question and a silent moment of wordless understanding passed between superior and subordinate.

"Acknowledged. Come, insect." Soundwave called.

Megatron hissed at the way the communication officer called for her.

Lauren inhaled sharply as she closed the gap between robot and human. Soundwave was easy when he plucked her from the ground, his olfactory sensors cringed when her scent hit him. She'd smelled prominently of his lord, overpowering and strong. It felt taboo. 

"Do well to meet her needs, or Lockdown will not be the one to send you to the pits." The mech in question ground out through clenched denta, his optics narrowed dangerously.

Soundwave held her nearer protectively. "Understood, master."

Megatron growled deeply and loudly as he turned to leave. "I will return girl, know that." He offered before transforming.

"Wait-" Lauren called weakly as he blasted off into the night sky. He was out of view quickly. Her chest constricted immediately, like she'd been yanked harshly by something unseen.

"We must leave this place. Humans are too observant." Soundwave informed as he transformed, pulling her within the cockpit of his alt mode much more gently than Nitrozeus had done.

"Where's he going? Did he tell you?" Lauren questioned.

"I am not at liberty to inform you of such matters." Came his monotonous reply.

Unlike Megatron, she knew there was no feasible way to make the officer budge. Her questions died on her tongue and she reserved to silence as he took off.

His disguised mode was much more suited to human likeness than the latter's. It was human by design and she was thankful for the fact that the seat was padded.

"Where are we going? Can you tell me that, at least?"

"Randevu with land troop, 41.8781° N, 87.6298° W. " He parroted.

A groan escaped the young woman. "Where is that?"

"Human named, 'Chicago'."

Her interest perked. They were heading back to the states! Both elation and dread wormed their way into her mind.

Perhaps she'd finally get a hot meal and some better fitting clothes, but the states also meant more people. More people meant greater opportunity for needless casualties and more surveillance. One wrong move and she'd be arrested where she stood.

The further they flew, the more prominent the ache in her chest. It was uncomfortable, unwelcomed, and put her further on edge. She stole a glance out the window.

He'd be back. She knew he'd be back.

Suddenly she wasn't nine anymore waiting beside the house phone, and she hadn't been nine for a long time. Those days were filled with uncertainty and disappointment.

No more.

A deep sigh exited her. This time would be different. She knew it, felt it. It was different. This was different.

Slipping down, she curled against the side of the window, eyes settled on the stars. God, her joints craved the padding of the seat. It was a simple pleasure that she'd indulge in. Blue eyes roamed the interior before landing on a digital time display.

It was only 9:00 pm? It felt so much later than that. Time zone difference, she'd chalked it up to.

She startled with a jolt, eyes- optics flying open in a flash. The first thing that bombarded her was the noise, one moment it was silent and the next everything has bled into one amalgamation of deafening sound. She couldn't even think straight.

Through the noise she could distinctly make out the sounds of gunfire and screaming. It was jarring and shook her to the very depths of her core. What was going on? What was this hell?

She- Megatron tipped his helm back from where he sat amidst an ally, his optics casted up to the sky as he heaved with a wet cough. 

What was that? No words could even begin to describe what she thought she was staring at. It was honeycomb in pattern and silver in spots. The roar of jets- human manned and decepticon alike- rang out, causing his metals to trembled. 

"Cybertron, you are saved, at last." The words were spoken calmly as his vision hazed, his optics trailed over the fire escape that clung desperately to the brick wall. 

Cybertron? The word could only be repeated in pure shock and confusion and suddenly she knew where she was. 

"Remember Chicago, report alien activity." The obnoxious commercial rang out in their head like a ghost. Was this supposed to be Chicago? 'Mission city' some had called it. 

Megatron's leg twitched as a blonde woman ducked up and under him. He growled with his denta bared. "Have you come to surrender?" He mocked. 

The blonde returned the glare, her eyes bloodshot and her once white blazer turned gray with soot. "Was it all worth it?" She bit in a prominent English accent. 

"Obviously." The mech snarled as he darted his optics back into the street, looking upon the chaos. 

Lauren swallowed, wanting to shut out the images forever, but no matter what she tried, she was stuck within his memory, forced to relive such a tragedy. Megatron turned their sights back to the woman and she took the moment to really study her. 

"All your work to bring Sentinel back and now, clearly, he has all the power." She scaled the ruble beside him, his optics following her every move. "It's actually almost tragic." She hissed.

Sentinel? All the names and words were lost on her. The blonde was closer then. She was pretty- no, beautiful. Lauren spat and snuffed out the ugly bitter questions that crept into her mind.

The tyrant leered at the woman with a roar. "You dare lecture me, slave!" She startled.

"Your decepticons finally conquering this planet, and yet their leader won't be you." Her words were wielded like a weapon, scorning the mech and she dare not falter. 

Lauren wanted to pull back and out of the woman's face. Who was she, exactly? 

"It will be me! It will always be me!" He roared, bringing his claws only inches from her jaw, the very tips brush her flesh and he growled. 

An ugly emotion nipped at the edges of Lauren's thoughts at the display, but she bit her tongue, as if speaking or trying to speak would be of any use. They were so close. 

Too close. 

The blonde didn't waver despite the apparent fear flowing through her being. "In any minute now, you'll be nothing, but Sentinel's bitch." 

She- Megatron could feel the hot breath against his face as she spoke. He'd reeled back to strike her, tear her small body to nothing and leave her a red stain, but halted upon impact. A moment of hesitation crossed him as he pulled back. 

Crimson optics immediately snapped back to the street, a growl broke through his denta as he wrenched himself up, disregarding the blonde entirely. 

"I am the one true leader. Cybertron is mine, it's always been mine." His words were roared for the masses as he emerged out into battle, his optics laying upon a distant mech colored in reds and silvers. 

Lauren awoke with a start at a sudden jostle. "Wha...?"

 

"Cease your recharge. We will be landing in t-minus ten minutes." Soundwave came firmly. "I suggest you right yourself before you encounter other decepticons, they won't be as, ah," he paused for a fraction of a second. "Tolerant."

Batting hair from her face, she sat up fully now totally aware. Her eyes traveled to study the outside.

How long had she'd been asleep? It only felt like an hour. Her body certainly didn't reflect on how much she'd slept.

Suddenly, his words sank in.

Other decepticons...? Hold on a moment-

"Randevu with land  troops-"

Megatron's words hit her like a truck. Oh, that's right. Soundwave was to randevu, and if she's with said mech, well...

Lauren swallowed dryly, every nerve in her body was set alight with anxiousness. He'd told her to show no weakness. What did that even mean?

Unconsciously, she smoothed out her ratty hair before swiping her hands down her pants. Her toes curled in her boots as she clenched her fists. She sat under just a bit straighter as the ground below grew nearer by the second.

Deep breaths. In and out. In and out.

Soundwave's landing was performed with practiced precision as he touched earth. His transformation was even swifter with no rush.

Shielding her eyes from the sun, a much more temperate breeze swept through her hair. Ah, yes, the states.

Her boots hit the dirt and she took that moment to really gage her surroundings. It was a junkyard...? No. A scrapyard? Either way, it was a dump. Rusted out cars stacked much too high with extra scrap littered about.

"Walk." Soundwave instructed.

And she did just that, following close behind the mech as they encroached upon an equally shotty building, the sign long since torn away. She'd noted a section of the flat roof caved in on one side.

Needless to say, it was a deathtrap.

The shorter mech stopped just before the sliding door, casting his ruby optics to her smaller form. "Helm up, girl." The advice was heeded with hesitancy as she set her blue eyes upon the much too rusty metal door. The building felt so far off and, yet, at the same time it felt like the structure was hovering just over her in taunt. She figured she'd be used to being loomed over with the way her life had been going as of recent, but no, the feeling of being looked down upon (both metaphorically and literally) was not something she'd ever acclimate to. 

Not now, not ever. 

Notes:

Omg, Omg, Omg! How did you guys like it?! Let me know! <3

Chapter 22: Coincide

Notes:

Hello everyone! I am SO sorry about the unplanned silence and my absence. I finally got a job! And they started my hours out pretty high, so I'm still getting used to that. Then, I hope to go back to skating soon!

I also may have sorta accidentally fallen back into my looonnnggg forgotten Hunter x Hunter phase, so I've been stuck in brainrot for the past couple weeks. Sorry about that haha.

I promise this fic is not abandoned/discontinued! I just got a bit side tracked and had to re-write the beginning of this story a few times to find something I was happy with, it was rather difficult if I must say so.

Anywho! Enough of my rambling! Please enjoy the chapter! I love you all and thank you so, SO much for all the awesome support as well as your continued patience! <3

        One moment her boots were planted firmly in the dirt and the next she was flailing mid air. Shrill cries of pure panic coupled with blatant shock ripped through her vocal chords.

        Initially, Lauren had set her sights in the decrepit building, eyes glued to the rusted door as Soundwave wrenched it open with ease. The grating noise stabbed at her eardrums.

        "It's about damn time. Have a hot date we didn't know about?" The familiar voice of Nitrozeus echoed teasingly.

        Sucking in a sharp inhale, she held her breath as she lifted a foot to enter. Though, her foot never met the dirt as she was torn from her standing. Snatched away like the lowly rodent she felt like. An unceremonious shriek escaped as her lungs quelled.

        "Oh? What do we have here? Master sent us a new toy." A shrill purr came from just behind her as she thrashed about the air, the earth growing more distant with each passing second.

        The voiced taunted with a rasped titter.

        "Put me down!" Lauren barked with a swipe of her hand.

        "Laserbeak, put the human down." Soundwave called much too easily to the avian.

        "As you say." A birdlike squawk made her ears ring.

        Laserbeak tossed Lauren into the building carelessly, her body swiping against the frame of the door roughly. A pained yelp clawed up from her throat as she hit the ground sending her and her bag sprawling. Fresh, burning pain blossomed along the lower side of her thigh. She heaved out a strained curse as her hands flew to place pressure along the bleeding laceration. Her eyes were swift to land upon Soundwave who was swiftly approaching.

        She outstretched her blood stained hand to halt the mech. "I'm fine, fuck- it's fine Soundwave." The brunette managed to her feet, all her weight displaced onto the opposite leg.

        The mech obeyed without further commotion, an action she was thankful for.

        Heart hammering in her chest and nerves set on fire, she stole a look around the room with a pained glare coloring her sun kissed features. "Hope you all enjoyed the show!" Spat Lauren with tear stained eyes, her brows furrowed to crease her forehead and her flesh flushed.

        "Howdy, cowgirl." Nitrozeus mocked with a crude southern drawl.

        "Oh, fuck off Nitro." Lauren wheezed to reclaim the oxygen stolen from her lungs in an attempt to steady herself and combat the pain. Every movement set her skin ablaze.

        "Where is Lord Megatron?" Blackout was the next voice she recognized; calloused and harsh as he interrogated.

        Opening her mouth to speak, she was cut off by Soundwave. "Lockdown caught the trail, he fell back to intercept. Updates pending."

        Intercept? By himself? That had to be the worst decision he'd ever made. Lauren sucked in a breath haphazardly, her nostrils flaring as she pressed further upon her wound. Her pant leg now soaked uncomfortably in her own fluids.

        It was fine- she was fine. It was only a cut, nothing more. She'd handled worse. She'd-

        "And you're supposed to be his conjunx? Disgusting." An unfamiliar voice leered, stealing her away from her thoughts.

        Staggering to face the voice, her eyes landed on another smaller, black mech. His optics pierced her effortlessly, she dare say his glare rivaled Megatron's with the sheer hatred that brewed beneath the burning light of his optics.

        Show no weakness.

        The words rang inside her mind, the voice not her own. Lauren swallowed down her pain and apprehension thickly. "Yes, why?" Her words came out hoarse.

        Barricade growled scornfully. "I am not impressed."

        "Cut the shit, don't be mad 'cause you're lonely." Nitrozeus bent to nudge her with a curled servo.

        Lauren shrugged off the single optic mech as she stumbled slightly.

        At that moment the whole building trembled, sending down dust and bits of rust. Starscream emerged with a less than pleasant welcome. "The human lives, a pity that you arrived and without our master. Still in one whole piece, yes. A pity."

        "Shut your trap." Another rumbling voice came pointedly. 

        "Have more respect, Onslaught. You're almost," Starscream hissed a laugh. "Out of commission, wouldn't want someone to finish the job."

        The arguing continued and Lauren took the moment to study everything and everyone. Her eyes were quick to find the rafters where that bird- Laserbeak perched himself like a bad omen just waiting to strike.

        The animal like bot cocked its head to the side with a sinister grin, his wings flexing to kickup more dust.

        The entire thing gave her the heebie-jeebies and she tore her sights away, but could make out the distinct sinister chortle the bot conjured.

        Onslaught, as she came to learn, was sat off in a corner, his hand rested atop his chassis loosely. He was battered, beaten, and looked like a subtle breeze would end him. Starscream hadn't been exaggerating. Though, despite his war torn state, he appeared to look ready for a fight if one was brought to him, a true soldier.

        Her eyes roamed to Barricade and, he too, looked worse for wear. What had happened to them? Was it human doing? Did we even possess weaponry capable of such a feat? She winced.

        The black and white mech kept his glare pointed and sharply trained on her every move, as if ready to pounce at any slip-up, ending her measly little life.

        Lauren was in shark infested water with an injured fin. Keeping her nerves subdued was proving stressful as she crossed her arms over her chest defensively.

        The mechs in question had no way to rival their declared Master in height or general presence, but the smaller bots somehow managed to make her feel smaller than ever. Perhaps if she curled in on herself enough they'd forget about her entirely.

        Soundwave stood off toward a far wall silently, his arms hung static beside himself. His optics trained upon the smaller human's overall disposition. He was walking the fine line most would call a 'hair trigger'; ready to thrust himself into action if a moment called for it, ready to ensure the safety of the femme at all costs.

        Orders were orders.

        Lauren's sapphire eyes found their way to the officer in question. Hissing through clenched teeth,  she snatched up her bag before limping her way towards the decepticon. The fabric of her pants soaked darkly, clinging grossly to already dirty skin.

        "Leaving the party so soon cowgirl?" Nitrozeus quipped over his shoulder.

        "Let the human flee, that's what they're good at. Running." Barricade growled deeply, his voice baritone.

        "Not so good. They never get far." Starscream added blithely, the chortle that followed suite was dark and sadistic in nature. His one remaining optic narrowed on her back and she could practically feel the glare.

        The implications behind the seeker's words made her skin crawl, but she ultimately ignored the morbid banter as she hobbled away.

        God, when would she get a break? A pang of discomfort ached within her chest, whether it was of her own nature or his went unnoticed. The stinging pain currently assaulting her leg was distraction enough.

        "Do you require Scalpel's assistance?" Soundwave inquired flatly.

        A quick glance to her leg left her shaking her head in refusal. "Could you just help me up there?" Lauren cocked her head back, gesturing up with her chin.

        Soundlessly, the silver mech deposited her upon the cat walk that was barely able to cling to the wall.

        The brunette hissed in pain as she supported herself, keenly aware that her request brought her much too close to Laserbeak's perch in the rafters.

        Forcing her eyes away from the bird, she hobbled toward what used to be an office door.

        The hinges gave some resistance, but relented after a tentative shove, squealing from years of non-use and rust. A thick layer of dust caked each and every surface respectively, she coughed. The room was relative in size, with windows that overlooked the main floor. The tacky carpeted floor scratched against the soles of her boots as she dragged herself in, the desk aiding her for support. Her bag slunk off her shoulder and she did nothing to catch it as she dropped her full weight into the moth-eaten swivel chair.

        A curse was hissed through her lips as she fingered at her wound. The bleeding had long since slowed and was grossly coagulating with some bits trying to stick to the cotton pant leg.

        Gnawing at her lower lip in an attempt to stifle her whimpers, she gently plucked the sticking fabric. Tears threatened to break as she sucked in a deep breath, nostrils flaring and cheeks hot.

        God, she was tired. All she could dream of was a good night's sleep, but somewhere something deep within told her not to get her hopes up.

        Sapphire eyes wandered to peer out the dirty windows, her eyes shifting to and from each mech that sat just beyond the threshold of the office. The paper-thin walls did nothing to muffle their voices, but it was a hell of an improvement from being out there.

        She missed Megatron. Her chest constricted at that realization. Lauren was no stranger to the feeling of nostalgia, but something about this felt different. She missed her grandparents, her mother even, but... she did not yearn for them, be that what it may. 

          Another pang had her forcing out an exhale, her face screwed up in discomfort, eyes focused downward to peer at her leg.

        The pants were fucked, destroyed, ruined. She grimaced at the crude tear revealing her skin like a bad fashion statement. The garment was too big, sure, but it was all she had for the time being. What was she supposed to do? She hadn't had money before she was taken hostage and she certainly didn't have money now!

        Her chest ached once more.

        Carefully, Lauren shimmied out of the pants (which proved to be more difficult than it was worth).

        The wound truly looked worse than it felt. Did it feel pleasant? No, not one bit, but the pain was manageable.

        Her skin was a mess of dried blood, fresh bruising, and sweat. The laceration was unsightly, spanning from her shin toward her thigh. The cut was jagged and uneven with some sections being a bit deeper than others. She could only hope that she wouldn't have to face off against tetanus, Lord knows she could do without that. 

        Swiping the bag from the floor, she hastily fished around for anything to wrap the wound. It'd be cleaned later, she just wanted to get it covered for now so that the draft would stop nipping at her nerves and tender flesh. 

        Her fingers brush something, bingo! 

        Lauren fished out the tatters of a previous shirt. It wasn't a proper bandage, but really, had she been doing anything by the book recently? 

        Ripping the cotton garment into lazy strips, she dutifully wrapped the majority of her leg, sparing her knee for needed movement. 

        She stuttered an inhale with a clenched jaw. Once the last knot was tied, she hunched to rest her head upon the dusty desk. Steadying her breaths, her eyes slipped shut as the sounds beyond the walls seeped in. 

        Her chest ached leaving Lauren to exhale shakily. Another ache and then another. 

        God, she should've pressed for more answers, asked more questions, demanded explanations. The aches weren't painful, per say, but left her feeling distinctly hollow, empty even. Her body felt heavy with exhaustion and her heart heavier with woe. Was it a distance thing? How far was he from her then? 

        Did he miss her too? 

        Lauren pushed herself off the desk, sending her swiveling backwards in the rolling chair. The room was dim, but at least it was an actual room. Not a cave, a vehicle cabin, or a rock alcove. 

        Her brain wrestled with her heart, or whatever she had in there now. All the emotions flowing through her being felt both familiar and foreign, similar and yet contradictive. Was that what being crazy felt like? Was she losing it? If she'd told a therapist a decade ago that she'd been abducted by robot aliens, she'd been shipped off to the nearest psych ward quicker than she could say 'just kidding!'. 

        An uncomfortable throb broke her from her thoughts, the other decepticons could be heard just beyond the paper walls. 

        Sapphire eyes trailed along her crudely bandaged leg, she frowned. It wasn't as if the wound was horrible in nature, she'd honestly experienced worse when working on junk, but the principle of the matter is what irked her. 

        Soundwave seemed capable enough and whole heartedly loyal to his leader, but ultimately, she was not an extension of Megatron, at least the others didn't recognize her as such. 

        Her mind repeatedly wandered back to Megatron at every given chance. She snit before throwing her head back to stare up at the tiled ceiling muddy brown water stains littered the cheap tiles. Hopefully, it wasn't mold, but that was the least of her worries. The brunette huffed tiredly, ignoring the way her leg throbbed under the tightly bound cloth, her spare foot gently rocked the desk chair back and forth, making the world spin slowly with subtle creaks. The close banter just outside acted as a type of white noise even if said noise was produced by those that are less than favorable.

_______________

        The ground came quicker than she would've liked, shiny hues of silver and black. The metal dragging against the steely surface was deafening. 

        Lound chants in a foreign tongue reverberated off of every available surface, rattling her- him to the core. Megatron spat electric colored liquid like venom before hastily climbing back to his feet. 

        Lauren could pass out given the sudden whiplash of the action, but alas she'd not be granted such a mercy, forced to watch through the optics of a body that was not her own. Questions bubbled to the surface. Was this Cybertron? But, she'd seen that already she thought. Was this before? 

        Megatron shot to height, his talons flying behind himself. The mech ripped a sizable weapon from his back chassis. The surrounding crowds broke out into an uproar. 

        She studied the item in the moments she was able to gaze upon it. Sleek, shiny, sharp. It was a beautifully crafted double edged axe. She'd only caught the briefest glimpse of the inscriptions etched deep into the alien metal. It's like a medieval weapon got a futuristic makeover.

        He launched into a flurry of an attack, wielding the axe with practiced precision and ease. He roared as he downed the opposing mech, his denta bared for the universe to see. 

        A growl escaped him at the sound of heavy footfall from behind. He pivoted and evaded an onslaught from a smaller mech, narrowly avoiding. 

        The previously downed mech launched into another attack, tackling him to the ground. 

        Lauren seemed to choke on her breath as she watched Megatron roll to exchange blows, kicking the attacker away with just enough time to dodged the smaller bot. 

        Crimson optics were swift to spot his battle axe before he retrieved it, climbing to his feet to catch a blow to the chassis, knocking him back. 

        She could feel the way his metals expanded under his pants and the way his growls echoed through his vocalizer. It left her breathless. 

        The knockback created the needed opening for the smaller mech to ambush from behind, launching himself up to latch onto Megatron's back like a leech. 

        The decepticon stumbled for a second, caught off guard. His recovery was swift as he swung back, catching the smaller mech, and ripping him away in a grand flurry of raw power. 

        The smaller mech was weightless as Megatron drove him into the ground, readying his axe to deliver a swift end. 

        The mech spotted the bigger mech the second before the edge of his weapon could end the downed bot. Swiftly, he swerved changing the momentum of his swing. With a fearsome battle cry and a  two handed hold on the weapon, Megatron swiveled and swung the axe in way of the oncoming attack, decapitating the bigger bot. 

        The smaller mech returned the cry with one of his own before lunging.

        Lauren choked as Megatron caught the mech by the neck, rendering the captured powerless in his death grip. 

        The crowd was so loud in that moment she- he couldn't even hear himself think as he ripped the smaller fighter clean in two. 

        Megatron heaved tiredly before raising his battle axe in victory, overseeing the crowds that chanted for him. 

        "Megatronous! Megatronous! Megatronous!" 

        Megatronous...? No, his name was- is, Megatron. 

        He bared his teeth in response. " Yes, call my name!" The thought had startled her.

        His optics scanned the crowd and she was star struck at the vast amount of attendants, then it occurred to her. He stood amidst a colosseum. His optics traveled further before landing at the peak of the ring. There sat a far more seclude ima cavea with few mechs. Her stared long and hard at those seated, his anger fought with satisfaction at the barbaric display. 

         A chamber door slid open and, as if scheduled, he stomped his way out of the colosseum, weapon securing placed upon his back once more. 

        The room he emerged into was met with knowing looks from other mechs. Other fighters, she figured if their physical states were anything to go off of. 

        Megatron crossed the room, those in his way made haste to duck out of the way, clearing a path for the esteemed gladiator. Ducking into a small side room, the decepticon tyrant took it upon himself to drop into a seat. Just as quickly, another mech appeared in the entrance way.

        "What're you looking to get done?" The other mech quipped as he made his way over to a machine that sat off in the closest corner. He'd retrieved something handheld. 

        The crimson optic mech sat in silence for a moments time, before replying  gruffly, " Power." The word came out with a growl tailing the final syllable. The alien language sounded harsh and odd to her.

        The opposing mech gave a single nod as Megatron lifted his arm, reaching across himself to cuff his opposite shoulder servo. The action served to expose the side of his chassis and side plating. 

        The machine sat off in the corner rumbled to life with a purr as the mech crouched to begin his work of laser engraving. 

        What was that? Was it a robot equivalent of a tattoo? She'd never noticed it before, but then again, she hadn't been looking for it. Perhaps he no longer had the marking? 

        Lauren had so many questions that went unanswered. 

Notes:

Was the meeting up to par? I like what I wrote, but I'm still iffy. What do y'all think?

Chapter 23: Acme

Notes:

Please enjoy and thank you all for your AMAZING comments! I love reading them!

        Megatron stood back with his helm tipped toward the stars. His spark surged and fought within him violently as he handed off Lauren to his second.

        The action should not have been as toilsome as it was. He'd be back for what was rightfully his; his men, his cause, and her.

        Nothing would dare step in his war path. No person, no mech, nothing. A silent vow was made in the moment he watched her feet leave the earth.

        He'd come back to her a victor, nothing less and always something more.

        His primal desire to prove himself seemed to grow tenfold as his optics shifted to rest upon her soft features.

        The way her eyes bore into him, making his metals feel too small and much too tight to vent in was seared into his processor, something she was growing increasingly proficient at. His denta gnashed.

        The ache to follow her departure was immediate, tugging violently from within him. His spark grew heavier by the klik. He growled inwardly at the sensation.

        He'd turn desire into fuel to get him where he needed to go, just as he'd always done.

        That was two days ago, now, and the persistent burn of want, need, flickered through him with every thunderous step he took. His features twisted into a permanent snarl.

        His pedes kicked up moist dirt and earthly foliage as he trudged on, paving a way for himself.

        It was dark, the sky slowly becoming speckled with millions of distant stars. They were long dead, snuffed out into existence, he knew that, but time was a fickle thing.

        Soon, if he kept at the pace he was going, he'd eventually intercept Lockdown's ship at the coast line. He'd act as a deterrent, a distraction of sorts. The bounty hunter was quick, his downfall would be human intelligence, however. Unless, the Quintessan went rouge, that possibility was most likely. 

        Megatron came to a halt, a low rumbled clawed up his throat as he surveyed the area. The decepticon sat himself upon the muddy earth allowing himself to recline back upon a tree. 

        He was tired in every sense of the word; tired of war, tired of losing, and surely tired of the wretched planet he'd been trapped on. The mech tipped his helm back, his sights casted skyward as he vented. Oh, how he longed for Cybertron once more, home. 

        A klik of silence dragged on before Megatron relented to his offlining optics, the tenseness melting away from his rigid servos as he slipped under the veil of unconsciousness.

_______________

        "How do I look? Is my dress zipped up all the way?"  He- Lauren sputtered with a flurry of her nimble hands, her nails painted a deep blue, trimmed short and neat. 

        Ah, it was one of those moments again. Another snippet of her past. He'd rather liked these moments, they  were... calm, serine compared to the darkness he usually was swallowed by in slumber. 

        "Yes, yes! You look fine!" Came another female voice. 

        Megatron could distinctly feel the way her heart hammered beneath her ribs, she  sucked in a deep breath greedily to calm herself. 

        Lauren smoothed her hands down over the stiff fabric of her dress, perfecting any wrinkles. Her heels squeaked on the waxed wood flooring. 

        "Our next performance will be from Lauren Ridgwell," The older man flipped over aa card  in hand,  the  spotlight on him reflected off his circular glasses. "Singing 'Separate Ways' by Journey. Give it up for Lauren!" 

        "Oh my gosh, go, go!" Another girl whisper yelled as she ushered Lauren to the edge of the closing curtain. 

        Megatron's words were lost on him, he  hadn't a clue what was going on, but if her racing heart was anything to go off of, then it certainly was important. 

        Lauren held her head high as she strode out onto the vast stage. The spot light  was blinding with a palpable warmth. A steady round of applause made her palms clammy with sweat as she encroached upon the piano. 

        The decepticon took that moment to do a once over of the instrument. 

        Seating herself with practiced grace, Lauren splayed her fingers out over the ivory keys. A steadying breath was inhaled and held for a moments time, before  she exhaled. She lent into the microphone perched just before her lips. 

        Polished fingertips pressed purposefully into the 'E' keys first and foremostly, before  gliding dutifully between the neighboring keys. 

        It was something to see a recording of such a talent, but it was another to be so close, so personal.

        Lauren swallowed back her saliva, wetting her throat. 

        "Here we stand. Worlds apart, hearts broken in two, two, two. Sleepless nights. Losing ground, I'm reaching for you, you, you,"

        Her voiced  carried with an echo through the packed auditorium as she pressed firmly into each key. 

        "Feeling that it's gone. Can't change your mind. If we can't go on. To survive the tide. Love divides!" 

        Her voice carried powerfully with each climaxing verse, the  anxiety she'd felt previously long since vanished.  Megatron was left to experience the dopamine rush from her vocals. The brunette slammed her fingers into the keys fiercely, sucking in a short breath. 

        "Someday love will find you. Break those chains that bind you. One night will remind you, How we touched and went our separate ways. If he ever hurts you True love won't desert you! You know I still love you. Though we touched and went our separate ways!" 

        Megatron felt taken aback by the starkness of her words, something about them strung deep within himself. 

        "Troubled times. Caught between confusion and pain, pain, pain,"

        A smile tugged at her lips as she leant  further upon the  microphone, adrenaline  replaced the blood in her veins as she flew across the keys. 

        The way she spoke, the freeness bleeding off her very soul was haunting. He could've swore that she was talking to him with such passion. 

        "Distant eyes. Promises we made were in vain, in vain, in vain. If you must go, I wish you luck. You'll never walk alone. Take care, my love. Miss you, love." 

        Lauren craned her head back to look upon the ceiling lights. In some strange way, they almost resembled stars. 

        "Love" The word struck him with a violence , the  way her heart rapped internally was a thrilling sensation. 

        "Someday love will find you. Break those chains that bind you! One night will remind you. How we touched and went our separate ways! If he ever hurts you. True love won't desert you. You know I still love you. Though we touched and went our separate ways!" 

        Her vocals reached their crescendo as she slammed her fingers into the keys. The moment of instrumental allowed for her to pant, her lungs set ablaze. 

        "Oh, someday love will find you. Break those chains that bind you! One night will remind you. If he ever hurts you. True love won't desert you. You know I still love you!"

        The words were sang with a cry, sweat beaded on her forehead and  her scalp felt hot. She hastily sucked in the longest breath yet. 

        "I still love you, girl. I really love you, girl. And if he ever hurts you. True love won't desert you! No! No!" 

        Lauren squeezed her lungs, holding the final note till its end. Her fingers hovered the ivory keys as her shoulders jumped with her heaves. Her pace was not fast, nor erratic. It was kept in tempo and drawn out like a battle cry. He'd never heard anything like that before. 

        The crowd broke into an uproar, applause echoed throughout the entirety of the building. Sapphire eyes scanned the crowd, before  landing upon two familiar faces. She smiled and gave a small wave. Tears nipped at her lower  lashes and  her skin felt hot. 

        "Another wonderous performance from Miss Ridgwell," The older  announcer strode back out onto stage with a splitting grin tugging at his wrinkles, wrapping his gentle hand around her shoulders in a side hug. "Another round of applause for our pianist." 

        The crowd responded in tandem with the request. 

        Her smile tugged at her cheeks painfully, her hands flying up to cover the feature. 

        Lauren ducked out of his grasp to make her way off stage where  she received further congratulations from others. She smiled and thanked each and  everyone, before  stepping down a short staircase and darting off into a small side room. 

        Her blue eyes found a mirror swiftly. 

        Megatron studied her features. She was younger, that  was clear. Her skin  supple  and healthy, void of any and all wrinkles or lines. In truth, she didn't look much different, save for the way her hair was wrenched back atop her head oddly and the substances that decorated her lips and eye regions. 

        The brunette was swift to pull her long hair down from the top bun it had been yanked into, disposing of any bobby-pins that popped out. Hair now splayed out over her shoulders, she moved to scrubbing off the makeup her grandmother had so graciously applied to her face, As if she hadn't sweat off half of it under the warmth of the spotlight. 

        She pulled away from the sink basin, skin still wet, to peer at herself in the mirror. 

_______________

        Megatron awoke with a sudden start, weapons engaged instinctively as he shot to height. Crimson optics swept over everything, before the telltale hum of an engine struck him. 

        A growl ripped through his vocal processors, like a beat rearing its ugly head. 

        He took off in the direction of the noise. Had he miscalculated? Was Lockdown closer than he thought? 

        The decepticon warlord bulldozed his way through any and everything in his path, the noise grew closer with each step he took, until he ultimately ripped through the tree line with a roar. His sights found what he'd been looking for with a vengeance. 

        Lockdown anticipated the decepticon's presence from the moment he'd fly over the continent. Her turned with swift precision, his metal features contorted sternly. "Megatron." He'd hissed bitterly, his subordinates did not go without notice. 

        "Where is the human girl?" Lockdown seethed as he locked in his cannon.

        Megatron glared sharply as he struck down a missile with one fail swipe. "Your fight is with me, make no mistake! You will not harm a cell in her body." His words were delivered with promise to do right by her and no mech; autobot, decepticon, or quintessan would dare stand in his way.

        The bounty hunter snarled, lashing out violently and cutting down the warlord.

        Megatron was quick to right himself, forcing the Quintessan back with a hefty blow, a roar ripped through his chassis. His spark ignited, setting him ablaze. His optics spotted the approaching enforcements with haste. He was outnumber, outmatched, and vulnerable, but he would not fall. He'd never.

        He had a promise to keep.

        "You Cybertronians are childish, possessive of useless toys." Lockdown stalked like a shirk circling it's prey. He Carried himself with confidence. "You and the girl will kneel before the one true race."

        A growl erupted from within the decepticon, but was swift to be interrupted as he was struck from behind. With break neck speed, he snapped his helm around to face his attacker. It looked alien in nature, but was much too human by design.

        The humans had replicated them. He'd not forgotten Soundwave's words, but it was the first time he'd laid optics on the blasphemous creations.

        Primus, he hurt, but the paid only served to fuel him further as it fed into he unquenchable bloodlust.

        Megatron pulled roared thunderously once more as he pounced upon the smaller, sparkless robot. At point blank range, he fired off his fusion cannon, claws embedded into carrion metal to secure the machine in place. It fell easy despite the automated combat response, it was just not fast enough.

        With only a nano-klik to spare, the decepticon spun back around, limp bot in hand was used as a shield to fend off a blast from Lockdown. The human creation crumble into a sad pile of ash, eviscerated.

        Megatron smite down a smaller henchman with a battle cry as he lunged for the bounty hunter.

        His target hit and the two mechs crashed down together, exchanging blows. The extra plating Lauren had secured to him was being ripped away by the klik, exposing him.

        "You have no claim to this planet! This universe is mine!" Suddenly, the tyrant was wrenched away by another bot. He was quick to his feet, claws ready and ripping through poorly welded metals. Another one down, but how many were there?

        "You sound like an autobot, decepticon." Lockdown was quicker to his feet and fast approaching, body angled low and ready to pounce.

        Megatron snarled animalistically, he charged. His advancement was swift to stop as something sieged him. It was much too big, rivaling him in size alone. The warlord was forced to his knees despite his fight.

        "When will you learn your place? You are not and have never been the top of the food-chain."

        Everything was closing in on him and in some twisted way, it reminded him of his gladiator days.

        "Break those chains that bind you." Her words rang out within him in that moment suddenly. 

        A hand curled itself around his helm curves and jerked his sights downward, forcing him into submission. He was pinned and growled dangerously, feeling something hard press into the midst of his back. He knew what this was.

        It was an execution.

        "Nothing left to say, Megatronous?" Lockdown taunted viciously. "Kill him. Bring me his helm."

        The weapon pressed into his metal engaged. He snarled with narrowed optics, his denta bared as he bid his time, awaiting the perfect moment to strike.

        He'd seen it all. Everything. No battle tactic was without his optics. 

        Forcing his foot beneath himself, he shot up to height, cannon readied, but not before something sweltering barreled through his right side. A pained roar lurched from his throat as he spun around to offline the bot in question. Crimson optics took only a nano-klik as he scanned the rivaling bot, storing away the schematic for future use. 

        He stumbled, taking a knee as his clawed hand flew up to cradle the gaping wound. He pitted, rolling out of Lockdown's aim and just narrowly missing his fire.

        The emerald optic mech hissed.

        Megatron clenched his jaw, biting back the pain as he threw himself in way of the hunter, weapon engaged and already firing.

        His knew his mark hit when he saw the Quintessan fumble, a string of his native tongue was lost on him as he tore the helm off a much smaller bot in his way, leaving a mess of metals and petrolex in his wake.

        The decepticon tore his way through the human made machinery, optics set on Lockdown.

        The bounty hunter spotted his assailant swiftly. His metal features screwed up in pain. Retrieving his side blade, he sprang up to lodge the weapon into the crimson optic mech's side chassis.

        Megatron did little, but growl at the minor infliction. A blade was sparkling's play at best, and useless at worst. 

        Lockdown was a formidable foe, but Megatron still possessed the gift of pure size and strength. 

        With earth-crushing strength, he took ahold of the blade and wrenched it away from himself, using that moment to seize the Quintessan.

        Lockdown dodged the swipe narrowly all while he pulled the smallest of his hand blasters. He fired once, twice, three times before turning and transforming. He fled with his wound still leaking. His men were immediate to follow, not daring to give the decepticon a moment to kill anymore of them.

        Megatron wanted to pursue, victory was in his clutches only to be torn away once more by cowardry.

        Dropping to his knee servos, he roared angrily into the universe for all to hear. A vent escaped him as well as a pained growl. He stooped, his claws embedding into the wet sand as his other gripped at his new wound.

        Pain possessed every fiber of his being as he pulled up his stored schematics. The bot in question was just about his size, if not a little bigger. Initiating the transformation, his t-cog was forced into overdrive as what remained of his original frame shifted, contorted, and twisted into the image in mind, shedding the former scrap stuck to him. Despite his best wishes, his wounds remained. 

        His kind were able to complete any number of feats, including the generation of new and improved metals, though instant healing was not something in his arsenal. Though, the new framing would offer him a minute time extension, if only it were a little.

        He snarled, his denta bared. That final blow felt personal as be observed the surface wound residing just above his spark chamber, the new metal surrounding was smooth to the touch. Another growl clawed up his throat, petrolex dripped steadily from the gaping hole in his right side, the edges singed grossly. 

        So that was it? Back to square one; running on fumes, wounded, alone.

        He needed to move and now.

        With haste and a firm clasp on his side, he trudged through the land before retaking his battered truck design, thankful to have kept the schematic stored away.

        Megatron's mind was momentarily dragged back to her. His femme. His spark surged painfully, overwhelmed with want and need. It'd been several earth days, a footnote of time in his existence.

        He was speeding, his engine hammered as he pushed himself to the limit. Car horns blared as he zipped in and out of oncoming traffic. He'd push as hard as he could or until his body gave out on him.

        His spark surged once more defiantly, biting at him and igniting a newfound urgency. He needed to get back to his men, get back to her.

        Yes, her. Just like he'd promised, swore, vowed. 

        With each inch traveled, his spark soothed just that much more with the knowledge that he'd be seeing her soon.

        Soon, Lauren. 

Chapter 24: Abysm

Notes:

Okay, okay, okay. I have NO idea how y'all are going to feel about this chapter. I just finished writing the whole thing in one sitting and I really like it personally!

Please let me know your thoughts in the comments! <3

        How far had he gotten? Was he closer to her yet? The information was lost on him as he laid limply beside a lake, his sleek new metals left to the elements. The wild foliage cradled his battered form much too gently. It was far more than he deserved.

        Megatron eyed the surface tension of the water, watching it ripple with the wind. Primus, he hurt.

        Get up.

        His subconscious coupled with his spark to order him around. Petrolex leaked out of him at a consistent, steady pace.

        He was drained.

        Get up.

        Primus, he was trying. In all truth, he was trying as hard as he could.

        Perhaps this was the end? No. It couldn't be.

        Suddenly, Lauren's smile flashed across his vision, the echo of her voice haunted him. His claws flexed outward for her instinctively, but he was met with nothing, but blades of grass.

        Get up.

        It was her voice then. Demanding, pleasing that he rise to the occasion. His spark flitted if barely.

        Groaning, the mech feebly pushed himself up from the wet dirt before collapsing back into place.

        Get up.

        He could not, no matter how hard he persisted in his endeavor. She was there again, her sapphire eyes softened with sadness, then she was gone from his fingertips once more.

        His hailing system was shot, his body broken, and unable to go any further.

        Was this divine intervention...? Primus, he sounded ridiculous. What was he even thinking?

        He had a promise to keep. This wasn't the end, no. It was only another setback. Only...

        His body grew further cumbersome, heavy upon the earth, the pain slowly subsiding. He shifted his optics across the water once more before resting his sights upon a pair of birds. Their feathers were saturated in color as they sat close beside one another. The larger of the two dawned a predominantly Scarlett hue while the former was painted in shades of violet.

        Megatron searched inwardly, looking for traces of her. Still shots paired with recordings overtook his glitching optics. Her voice soothed his unease in an indescribable manner, unknown even to him.

        "This is my last glance that will soon be memory."

        Her words rang out to him as he stared at her face. She truly was easy on his optics.

        When had he become this way...? He couldn't pinpoint a particular moment in time when he'd grown so...

        A shallow vent escaped him as she laughed with unadulterated joy.

        So...

        "I want to be wanted! I want you to want me!"

        ...conciliated?

        His optics glitched out, sputtering. Her image grew distorted as her voice clipped. His body was no longer responding to commands. His systems were shutting down, forcing him closer to stasis with each klik.

_______________

        The change in scenery was sudden and abrupt, almost disorienting.

        Megatron turned slowly in the vast void he was plunged into. Dark as the void of space and as vast as the universe itself. Here, he felt small.

        Stepping around to turn, his optics spanned the darkness before falling upon a distant figure; a speck in the darkness.

        The decepticon flexed his claws in unease as he approached the hunched figure. What was this? Was this death? Had his spark been sent back to the pits?

        He closed the gap swiftly, freezing when he was close enough to recognize the small human.

        Lauren sat upon an old desk chair, head rested upon a wooden surface, her body sagged.

        He stepped closer for a better look, only then did he notice the crimson that stained her lower leg. She'd shed her lower covering- pants. Her shoulders heaved with her labored breaths.

        "Girl, what harm has come to you?" His gruff voice came out strained with anger. She looked hellacious in her hunched state. He growled violently as he dropped to a knee servo to better be close.

        He hadn't left her in that state, he knew that for an absolute fact.

        But was any of what he was seeing real? Or was it some twisted version of his own personal hell?

        "Speak when spoken to, bug." His tone came out harsh as he reached out a claw to nudge her.

        His claw made contact with her flesh for only a moment before she shot up, her eyes met his optics for a nano-klik before he was ripped away from the moment. 

_______________

        The next second, he was blinking his optics open. He glanced around at his unfamiliar surroundings, confused. 

        Was this another memory of her's...? Why now of all times? 

        "I'll be in my room mommy!" Came a high pitched voice as the door to the bedroom flew open, revealing a much too young Lauren, a gap tooth smile spread across her rounded face. 

        Megatron almost reeled at the spectacle. What was this...? He observed the child from afar as she plopped down upon the carpeted floor to play with some toys, paying him no mind. He shifted his sights to study the room further.

        His optics returned to the small girl playing with her toys, he noted that her hair was a much lighter shade in childhood. 

        The squeak of the door hinges caused him to shift his optics toward the noise, just before an equally small, furry creature bound in, jaw slack and tongue flopped outward. The small cream colored mammal nuzzled into the side of Lauren, the result yielded her joyful squeals. The child dug her stubby fingers through the fur happily. 

        Megatron turned and stepped out of the room after that, the scene changed along side him. 

        "Please, daddy! I'll be good! You won't even know I'm here! Let me stay with you!" Lauren cried from the hallway floor, her pleas shrill and desperate. She hiccupped on her own tears, snot dribbled down her lips. 

         She looked only a moment older in that second. Hair cut shorter, only centimeters taller, and another missing tooth. The home felt devoid of all life. 

        "Please!" She sobbed with a weak bang at a locked door, her small fist unable to cause any real disturbance. 

        His features screwed up in disdain, anger pooled in his core at her tear stained cheeks and puffy eyes, her throat had been cried raw. 

        Despite what he may feel, he pushed on, stepping past the youngling to round the corner into a sort of living space. His optics spotted Lauren with ease. Her head was poked out around a corner just barely visible, her large eyes set on the hunched male figure. 

        Megatron approached her side to see from her angle. The male's back heaved with shudders wracking his body, free hand buried in his unkempt hair while the other cradled a glass bottle. Her sire- father, he recalled bitterly, a growl crawled up his throat. 

        Her father sobbed, discarding the bottle as he wept into his palms. The abandoned beverage soaked the beige carpet, but went unnoticed. 

        He panned his sights down to Lauren. No tears spilled from her glassy eyes as she gripped the wall's corner tight enough to turn her knuckles white, her brows laced together as bags clung to her much too youthful skin. What was once a blinding smile was soured into a deep set frown. 

        He pulled away from the situation, turning to step into what he assumed was a kitchen. 

        Lauren sat at the wood dining table, opposite of her slumbering father. His snores filled the silence as she sat over some paper, a pencil in hand. Her face screwed up into concentration as she stared down a problem on her worksheet. 

        The decepticon crept up behind her, peering down at what she slaved over. It looked like mathematics. 

        Her small hand buried into her knotted hair as her eyes flick up to her father. A moment of contemplation crossed her features, before she ultimately dismissed her thoughts, eyes returning to the paper. Lead divots peppered the side column from where she tapped her pencil. 

        Megatron took a tentative step back, retreating from the kitchen. Her turned, staring at the new scene before him, the surroundings dimly lit and quiet. His optics fell upon a large room, chairs set in even rows with a casket set at the front. He spotted Lauren's small form as she was the only inhabitant. 

        Lauren, perched on her tiptoes, gazed fondly into the open casket. 

        Approaching slowly, he took his place just close enough to observe. The crimson of his optics laid upon the young woman admits the deathbed. His sights traced her features conscientiously and it didn't take him any time to find the relation. 

        The young girl allowed tears to slip down her cheeks silently with no regard, she sniffled as she looked upon her mother for the last time.

        The scene made something inside of him wrench against his will. He frowned deeply, jerking to turn away to face a new scene. He was thrust into an unfamiliar location, another home. A piano note made his helm crane to the side. 

        "I can't do it, it's impossible. I don't even like this song." Lauren sulked, her arms crossed over her chest as an older woman sat beside her. 

        "Well, you'll never learn with that kind of attitude." The elderly woman quipped. "Come on, once more, from the beginning." She smiled down at the young child expectantly. 

        Lauren huffed before uncrossing her arms. "What's the point?" 

        "Oh don't be like that, you're a natural. Every great musician stumbles before they can run." The graying woman supplied gently. "Alright! Left hand on 'F' and 'AB', right hand hovers. Clair de Lune, come on." 

        With another sigh, she obeyed. Placing her fingers accordingly, she pressed out the melodic tune with some hiccups, but played through it nonetheless. 

        He blinked and she'd aged, sat atop the stool before the grand instrument with her sights set expectantly on the aging teacher. "Do you remember all the notes without the sheet music?" 

        Lauren nodded. "I think so, yes." 

        "Don't keep me waiting then, girl, play!" The elderly woman exaggerated playfully. 

        Exhaling, she went through the motions of playing out another song, this time her movements more deliberate and confident. 

        He'd blinked several more times in that time and each time the scene changed ever so slightly; she grew taller, her features maturing slowly with time, while the aging teacher slowed and tired quicker. 

        Megatron turned away, leaving the small room only to step into another area that was familiar  in the vaguest sense. The uneven wooden floor and sun faded wallpaper was something he recalled from a previous memory. He peered into the doorway of a small washroom, the appliances dated. 

        Her back was to him, she was taller, slightly older. Her face was reflected back to him in the small mirror above the sink, her features screwed up. She looked troubled and pained. 

        The decepticon approached closer this time, his reflection joining her as he was mere inches from making any type of contact. 

        Her hand was planted along the sink basic while the opposite hand held a pair of well used kitchen scissors. Sapphire eyes were bloodshot as her skin flushed, her long hair hung loose around her shoulders like a veil. 

        Was she going to slice away her tresses again? He couldn't decipher what her mind was conjuring. 

        Lauren cursed quietly as she dropped her head, shoulders slumping in turn. She sucked up a sniffle as she tossed the scissors into the porcelain basin harshly. The pre-teen bat hair from her face as she stormed out of the bathroom, bypassing the mech altogether. 

        Megatron turned to follow, but was stopped by the appearance of all things familiar. The barn looked starkly different from the day he happened upon it. 

        "First things first, kid, you wanna disconnet the battery unless you want to end up looking like 'ole me." The elderly man laughed with a crooked smile. Lauren stifled a small smile as she dutifully disconnect the car battery. "Aye, look! You're a natural!" The stout man, her grandfather, bent to peer into the engine cavity while the young teen watched him with assiduity. "Good, good. Right, now you wanna remove the sparkplug's wires."

        She leaned into the engine to get a better look." These ones?" She pointed at a set of blue and orange wires. 

        Her grandfather raised his eyebrows in mock surprise. "Am I teachin' you or are you teachin' me?" He chuckled before handing over a specialized pair of pliers. "Don't yank the wires, only the boot after its loose. Think you can handle that?" 

        "Yeah, I got it." She took the pliers promptly, a small smile painted her face as she got to work. Soon enough, the wires were freed and she turned to her grandfather for further guidance. 

        He stidied her work with an approving nod. "Good, good. Now-" 

        Lauren snatched the socket tool from his well worked hands, returning to the task at hand. The action caught the older male and the mech off guard. 

        Within a minute, the sparkplug was freed from the truck- her truck he recalled. "Got it." 

        "Oh, give me that." Her grandfather swiped the plug from her teasingly. 

        The barn was cleaner all those years ago, well kept with a fresher paint job. It was odd seeing it in such a livened state. 

        Megatron turned on his heel, spotting a similarly aged Lauren crouched in a bed of pink flowers in full bloom, the sun shone bright at its highest peak. 

        An aging woman with short hair approached with gloved hands and a basket in hand. "Lauren, be a dear and pick me six rock roses. The smiths wanted some for their daughter." 

        The mech took several strides over toward her crouched figure, his body not casting any shadows. The starkness of her in the bunches of flowers was a something to behold. The contrast between her and the brightness was both arrant in contrast and yet it complimented her to perfection.

        She plucked a flower with a swift yank. 

        "No! Use the shears you wild child!" The older woman bellowed. 

        The brunette snickered, but did as she was told and snipped the remaining stems exactly. 

        His optics didn't leave the scene as he backed away, he held on staring for as long as possible before he turned. 

        The scene changed to that truck once more, her truck. Lauren sat behind the wheel, a couple years older, her grandfather in the passenger seat. 

        "Keep your hands on ten and two and ease onto the gas-" The truck jerked forward suddenly with a stutter. "EASE onto the gas, kid." 

        Lauren blushed in embarrassment, but complied, easing onto the gas pedal with caution. The truck eased forward gently and a toothy smile broke out over her face. 

        The old man reached up to adjust the rearview mirror, angling it just right, so that it was aligned with her field of vision. "Always check your surroundings before doing anything. We worked hard on this truck." 

        She nodded promptly, glancing up to the mirror once. 

        Megatron turned, leaving the memory. In doing so, led him to the farm house once more. In the kitchen he stood along with her grandparents. Lauren sat at the quaint dining table, a small cake before her with brightly lit candle adorning the top. 

        "Make a wish sweetheart!" Her grandmother exclaimed, a grin pulled at her wrinkling skin. 

        The teen sat there for a moment, before closing her eyes, and blowing out the candles. A flash went off suddenly, the candles wafted smoke. 

        "Sorry, couldn't help myself." Her grandfather chortled earnestly. 

        "Oh, it's your favorite! Vanilla!" The elderly woman returned with a plate and a knife to dish up the baked good. 

        Backing out of the kitchen, the tyrant was confronted with the blankness of a bedroom door. He furrowed his brow ridge in contemplation, then he heard it, the faintest sound. A muffled cry. 

        Pushing in on the door, it creaked open to reveal Lauren curled atop her unmade bed, her face stuffed in a pillow as her body was wracked with sobs. He'd almost reached out, demanded she cease such a behavior. 

        The young girl trembled, shoving her head further into the plush fabric each time a whimper escaped her. 

        The room was dark, void of all light, leaving her to cry into the darkness. The scene bubbled up something akin to disdain in him. She wasn't supposed to look like that. Not her. 

        He all, but retreated from the bedroom, thrusting himself into a new scene entirely to distract himself. He was in the living room again, her grandparents huddled close, smiles plastered across each of their faces. He followed their eyes to the stairs where he saw Lauren take slow steps down, holding the railing for support. 

        He stared at her, long and hard as she came fully into view. Her hair had been styled tediously, her eyes adorn with dark makeup making the blue of her irises pop substantially. A red, sleek dress draped her body as if the garment had been handcrafted just for her. 

        "Oh, you just look ravishing! Doesn't she honey?" Her grandmother gushed in pure joy. 

        Her grandfather huffed out a snicker. "Positively. Curfew is eight." 

        "Nine." Lauren quipped at the base of the stairs.

        "Eight-thirty, best I can offer." He smirked.

        "Deal." She agreed, fingering at the smooth satin fabric of her dress. 

        "Are you driving there?" Her grandmother inquired. "Or is he picking you up?" 

        "Uh, he said he'd pick me up. I'll go wait on the porch." Lauren strode past her grandparents and out onto the front porch. Megatron followed suit, watching as she took a seat on the swinging chair. 

        Him? Who was she out with? Was it a formal event? He found himself questioning the excursion. 

        Lauren waited for almost an hour before trying to call her prom date, to no avail. So, she waited some more as the sun began its descent beyond the horizon. 

        Anger brewed in the decepticon at the ordeal, his optics trained on her seated form. 

        Her hands lay folded in her lap, her knuckles white and face panned downward. The sunset devolved into the dark of night and the dance was definitely long over with. Crickets chirped as a gust of wind swept her curled hair aside. A slow exhale left her as she climbed to her feet, her heels left to rot on the porch. 

        She kept her head down as she entered the house, bypassing any and all questions her grandparents threw at her. 

        Lauren slammed the bathroom door, makeup stained tears streaked her ashen cheeks as she angrily forced a brush through her hair, undoing all her work. 

        Megatron observed in silence as she smeared her makeup trying to scratch it off her skin. 

        "So fucking stupid..." She'd hissed at herself as she forcefully shed the satin dress, tearing the zipper in the process before throwing the clothing to the floor. Eventually, through her tears, she was able to scrub her skin raw, riding it of all makeup. Her hair frizzed and wild from the excessive brushing. Lauren stormed out of the bathroom and her door slamming followed there after.

        As soon as he emerged from the tiled bathroom, he was thrust into something completely new. This scene was immediately palpable, heavy with other people bustling about and chatter echoing through the large Atrium. Megatron was instantly filled with displeasure, his optics scanning for Lauren or her next of kin. 

        "Next up is Lauren Ridgwell representing Errington Highschool in their rendition of 'Turning Page' by Sleeping at Last." A loud spokesman voice called out from the neighboring room. 

        Megatron turned swiftly and emerged into the ample concert hall. All the lights dimmed to darkness as the spotlight illuminated Lauren and her piano. If his spark could've seized in that moment, he'd of buckled over. 

        Lauren exhaled under the spotlight, her white dress hugged her ribs as she breathed, the train of the garment swept aside to cascade out over the leather bench. Her fingers danced across the glossy keys fluidly.

        "I've waited a hundred years, But I'd wait a million more for you."

        Megatron was frozen, rooted where he stood as he gazed upon her. He'd experienced something of this very nature from her very own eyes, but...

        "Nothing prepared me for, What the privilege of being yours would do."

        He dare not blink lest the scene be ripped away, robbing him of such an experience. He'd seen this through her eyes, but...

        "I would have known what I was living for all along."

        If he were to surrender his spark to primus and this were the last thing he'd ever experienced, he'd die with no regrets. None, not a single one. Her voice pulled at him with an invisible force. She was so... What was the word?

        "What I've been living for. Your love is my turning page. Where only the sweetest words remain."

        Lauren's voice carried euphoniously with each word that her lips created. What was the right word to use...?

        "I surrender who I've been for who you are. For nothing makes me stronger than your fragile heart. If I had only felt how it feels to be yours. Well, I would have known what I've been living for all along. What I've been living for..." 

        He took a calculated step forward, his optics never leaving her performance. She looked out into the crowd and he could've swore that he'd been grazed by her sapphire eyes. That word...

        "Though we're tethered to the story we must tell. When I saw you, well I knew we'd tell it well. With a whisper, we will tame the vicious seas, Like a feather, bringing kingdoms to their knees."

        Beautiful. She was absolutely beautiful. 

        Suddenly, all was dark again and he was back within the void of darkness. He turned spotting a single pink flower off in the distance, its bring color stuck out harshly in the blackness. 

        He'd closed the gap between him and the flower quickly, the small blossom was almost microscopic beneath his presence. The flower swayed gently as if there was wind disturbing it, despite him feeling no draft. 

        A rock rose, he remembered. 

        He stooped, snatching up the blossom. When he stood to height once more, he noted the entire void became akin to a flower field. The rose he'd plucked was nowhere to be seen. 

        Megatron turned, spotting a glint, followed the shimmer with a swiftness. 

        What he happened upon was small, barely befitting of his palm, and brilliant. He grasped at the small light gently. 

        As soon as his claws made contact with the glimmer it was as if a wave of knowledge and recognition poured over him. He was stuck in place as images spanning years confronted him.

        He saw himself, the titan he is, his men and how imposing they looked. 

        This is from her. This is her. The images flashed by so quickly he was only able to spot her sapphire eyes in all the chaos of the moment, shining true like beacons. 

        And, suddenly, there was crying that could only be spawned from the new vocal chords of an infant. Shrill and high pitched, the moment of birth. The scene slowed then, and it was like he was seeing her for the first time. She was small, her blue eyes much too big for her small face as they pierced him. 

        "My little girl." A tiresome woman spoke fondly. 

        Everything went fast from there, going forward with time. Every life event, every moment down to the second he saw in a lapse until she was opening her eyes again, bleary and glassy. 

        Lauren's eyes blinked open to stare up at him, blood soaked her clothing and painted her pale skin. She could only stare at him as her heart pumped blood once more and her lungs filled with oxygen causing her chest to expand uncomfortably. 

        He'd watched life flow into her once more in that moment just as the world had heard her shrill cries just moments after being born. 

        Rebirth. Breathing new life into her very being and adjoining them. He'd stand by her side until the day after forever, his vow in that moment of her wake.  

        Megatron opened his optics and stared down at the small orb of light. His claw grazed the glimmer and it responded in kind, taking to him as if it'd known him all his life. 

        This was her, Lauren. Everything that she was, is, and will ever be. 

        The light kept close as it trailed toward his spark chamber, seeking before trailing back down to his claws where it left him. 

        He followed dutifuly, never letting it out of sight. 

        His vision stuttered and suddenly she was there once more, curled onto her side, her head rested atop her bag. The pink flowers cradled her small form. 

        The glimmer left him to hover her.

        The decepticon reach out, brushing hair from her face and tucking it along the backside of her ear. She didn't stir. He stood to height  as a strung gust of wind swept past him, scattering all the flowers in a tidal way of petals. 

        He listened as her heart beat slow and methodically, the noise soothing. 

        Though, the sound of her heart slowed to a stop. He turned to face her small form, her eyes open and not looking at him. 

        "Bug," Megatron began. 

        "You need to get up." Lauren stated flatly, her eyes never budging to meet him. He blinked and she was amiss, leaving him to the void once more. 

        Get up. 

Notes:

SO, SO, SO WHAT DID YOU GUYS THINK?

Chapter 25: Limbo

Notes:

I'm so happy y'all liked the last chapter! I made myself cry writing it lmao. Thank you for all your wonderful comments, they really make my day! And thank you to all the kudos, like WOW! Y'all are awesome! <3

On a separate note; I can't stand anyone I work with! I'm an outcast and it's like? I'm being nice and talking to them, but they don't like me. I don't know. I hate it.

I want to go back to Florida :,)

        Lauren kicked herself up, climbing to a standing position, the desk being her support.

        Slipping into her crudely cut, much too short, shorts she shoved her feet into her boots, the leather perfectly shaped to her calves after years of wear.

        Three days. It'd been three days since she, essentially, been dumped in the junk yard and three more days since her last meal. Thank God she'd located the bathroom recently.

        The brunette was more than pleased to cup tap water to her mouth and wipe herself down in an attempt at a sponge bath. There was a small shower tucked into the corner of the quaint restroom, a drench shower she figured based on its rudimentary design.

        Her stomach growled ferociously, demanding sustenance of any kind.

        Lauren slung her bag over her shoulder before emerging from the dingy office, her footsteps echoed over the metal catwalk as she made her way toward the newly discovered staircase.

        Laserbeak hissed from the rafters, his wings flexed as he perched himself. "Where do you think you're going?"

        "I don't think that's your business." She supplied flatly with a slight drag in her step.

        He trilled in irritation, spittle flying from his maw. "Not mine, but the officer wouldn't want to," he purred sadistically. "Lose you."

        Her skin prickled at his words as she staggered down the metal stairs with a firm grasp on the railing.

        A wolf whistle caused her to snap her sights to Nitrozeus. She glared.

        "What whore house are you off to and why don't I know about it?" The single optic mech teased, his shoulder servos jumped with his gruff laugh.

        "I need food and some better pants, numb nuts." The blue eyed woman bit defensively, cheeks warm from the perverse jibe. 

        "Available information states that humans can survive one earth week without sustenance." Soundwave cut in bluntly, Laserbeak swooped to sit atop his shoulder in taunt.

        "Doesn't mean I should."

        "Quit your bitchin', fleshbag." Barricade grumbled in disdain, his glare narrowed sharply.

        "I'm going." Came her words defiantly.

        A cough sounded from her other side. "No use, nothing worth a damn out there."

        Chicago, she'd recalled to herself the first night. Mission city. It was a wasteland void of human life, perhaps that's why Megatron had chosen to randevu there. She didn't question it, something she'd grown accustomed to. 

        "What better option do I have?" She inquired to Onslaught, fists bawled up at her sides in irritation.

        She already felt microscopic under their scrutiny, her hoochy shorts and injured leg made her feel naked, vulnerable in the most primitive sense. She was a wounded gazelle trapped in a pride of lions (if a pride of lions were capable of having egos bigger than the empire state building).

        All optics were pointed at her.

        With a final huff, Lauren turned to leave. Where she would go, she had no idea, but Chicago was huge. There was bound to be something left over; a sizable pair of pants, a can of beans, something!

        Much to her luck, there happened to be a well working, human sized door nestled beside the huge sliding one, may God bless whoever designed the building.

        The light of the setting sun caused her to squint, her hand flying up to shade her eyes. She'd have to make her excursion quick if she wanted to find anything of great use.

        "And where are you fleeing to?" Blackout approached, his body still shifting and whirring from transforming.

        "I am not fleeing." Lauren replied in a matter of fact tone. "I just need some stuff, so I figured I'd look around. You're not going to try and stop me too, are you?" Her words came more accusatory than she had liked.

        Blackout came to a gradual stop before her, optics pointed down, piercing through her defenses. "You are destined for failure if you go."

        "Yeah, well I'll take my chances. Not like I have many options, but thanks for the pep-talk." She moved, making her way past him.

        She got a good ten yards from her starting point before she heard movement. Throwing a glance over her shoulder, her brows furrowed when she found Blackout following. "What're you doing?"

        "Megatron will have my helm if you perish, I'm just looking out for myself." His tone was incredulous.

        She miffed. "Right, yeah."

        Lauren wandered for what felt like hours before coming to the edge of what was once a bustling city. She slowed to a halt, blue eyes surveyed the damages, something she hadn't truly seen on TV. It was so much worse than she'd imagined; whole sky scrapers pulverized into nothing, indistinguishable roads, aircrafts ripped in two. It was honestly depressing, though, nature reclaiming the wreckage did spark some beauty in the whole thing. It was morbid.

        The two traveled in silence, an occasional grunt could be heard from the silver mech as his optics scanned over everything.

        "Were you here when this happened?" Lauren asked, coming to a stop to peak into a fallen bank.

        "I was and I must say, human air-force artillery is contemptible."

        She hummed, refusing to look at the fallen jets. Silence passed over them once more as they stepped over littered rubble.

        "Wait," came her voice as she approached a half-standing department store. Perhaps some of the goods were still salvageable. She could only hope the elements hadn't taken back everything.

        Lauren pushed aside fallen concrete with some difficulty. Clearing a small enough opening for her to squeeze through. With a pained cursed, she emerged into the store.

        Exhaling, she traveled further inward, careful not to trip or snag anything exposed. God, it was dark. Maybe Onslaught was right?

        The building suddenly tremored, sending down clouds of dust and cement. A yelp escaped her as she clutched a remaining support pillar. The sound of crumbling cement was enough to make her heart jump up into her throat.

        Blackout bulldozed his way into what remained of the building, ruby optics lighting up the dark like a bad omen.

        Lauren heaved, heart hammering. "Was that necessary?" She spouted quickly, her limbs felt like jelly.

        "Do not leave my sights or I'll drag you back by your protein strands." His words were pointed and left no room for discussion.

        The brunette swallowed back her heart, turning to shuffle further into the store. "Do you have a light on you?"

        Without response, the decepticon equipped a cannon along his forearm, the whir of the mechanisms locking into place filled the silence. The light off the cannon served as her guide even if the choice in tool left her a bit unnerved, she gave her thanks nonetheless.

        The women's section, along with most of the right side of the building was in tatters, much to her disappointment.

        "Over here." The young woman trailed into the men's section that, thankfully, was still substantially in tact. Was this looting? A part of her felt guilty for taking advantage of a bad situation, like she was desecrating a grave of some kind.

        "This area is coverings for the male of your species." Blackout jabbed, as if turning his nose up.

        Her shoulders dropped. "I know, but it's what I've got to work with. Trust me, I don't like it either."

        He didn't respond, save for a grunt as he pointed his cannon in the direction she traveled.

        Lauren fingered through a rack of pants, eyes squinted in the dark trying to read size labels. Why weren't men's clothes labeled as simply as women's? She didn't know what any of the specific numbers were supposed to mean!

        She groaned as she plucked a pair of dark cargo pants off the hanger. The true color was lost on her in the dim lighting, but quite frankly she didn't care as long as they covered her. Trailing down the disheveled aisle, she snatched up a pair of similarly sized sweats. She'd hit the jackpot, even if they did smell of outside and mildew.

        A win was a win.

        With a barely noticeable gimp, she found her way to the shirts where sizes really didn't matter. The brunette was quick to swipe a couple tank-tops, a t-shirt, and a jacket of some sort.

        It'd be approaching fall soon if her estimate on time was correct. God, it's been that long already...? Where does the time go?

        Stuffing the clothing into her bag haphazardly, she turned to Blackout, whose optics still searched the darkness for threats. "I need food."

        "I would not know where to locate your type of sustenance." He responded flatly.

        Lauren made her way out of the store, the decepticon close behind, looming like a monster in the dark. In some way, he was.

        She roamed the carnage aimlessly, stumbling over a cylinder block. The cracked pavement kissed her skin harshly, biting into the flesh of her knees and palms with a vengeance.

        "God damnit! Fucking-" She cut herself off with a hoarse grunt. Her skin stung, adding to her list of growing problems. A small part of herself was ready to say 'fuck it' and go hungry for another night if it meant this whole groveling act could be said and done with.

        Then, she was going up. She was growing rather complacent with the whole 'being picked' up thing.

        "At your rate, you'll be offlined before any type of sustenance can reach your systems, fleshing." The way he chastised her felt similar to how Megatron may have criticized her thoughtlessness.

        She sat atop his palm as he kicked through the rumble with ease. "Right, sorry."

        He grunted something indecipherable.

        Blackout noted she no longer reeked of his lord, instead, a culmination of organic odor, Soundwave, and iron. "Have you received any word from Megatron?" His voice came out gruff.

        Lauren pressed the hem of her shirt into the scrapes on her knees, silent for a moment before answering. "No. If Soundwave has been in contact, then he hasn't told me." Her words came out softly, something akin to sadness clung to her tone. "Do you think he's okay?" She questioned aloud before she had any time to stop herself.

        "He is Megatron." The mech stated firmly.

        Her brows furrowed as he turned a corner, taking his answer for what it was.

        Blackout spared her a quick glance. Had Soundwave really not relayed information to her? Was she really left to the pits in his endeavors? Something about that was aggravating. Perhaps it was his strong moral compass and undying loyalty to the decepticon lord, but for her to question him of all those available was irritating and stunk badly. He eyed her wounded appendage with narrowed optics before traveling to stare at the way she rested her free hand atop her chest.

        "Oh here!" Lauren piped up, pointing to a building. He allowed her down and she shuffled toward where the entrance should've been.

        "Move, fleshling." His tone was commanding and she listened, scurrying to the side as he made quick work of the fallen debris.

        The ashen woman watched as Blackout cleared the entrance to the pharmacy withe ease. "Go, do not make me wait insect."

        Lauren agreed, scrambling into the building. Luckily, this place wasn't so big and left little room for errors.

        She found and identified the aisles quickly with ease, thankful that it was a chain establishment. Gathering some basic medical supplies was done without thought as she stuffed everything into her growing bag.

        The food aisle was small, she'd expected it to be, but that wasn't a problem. Sorting through what was still edible was another ordeal entirely, however.

        Gathering up what few cans and (probably still good) snacks that laid upon the shelves was done with little thought as she attempted to fit everything into her pack.

        She was swift to return to Blackout with a small smile pulling at her lips. "Let's go."

        The decepticon in question snatched her from the ground with ease, jerking her roughly. She situated herself atop his palm once more, thankful for the help. Fishing into her bag, she pulled out the soap she'd happily discovered, popping the cap open to take a whiff of the pleasant fragrant. It was like heaven upon her nose.

        The moon shone bright overhead, illuminating the night in tender light. The sky was crowded with thick clouds, hiding away the stars.

        "Do you posses the ability to feel him?"

        Blackout's sudden question caught her off guard in its bluntness, he did not look at her, keeping his optics trained on the path before him. She need not question his inquiry, she knew what- who he'd been referring to. Lauren exhaled steadily. "Yes, I do, but it's very hard to decipher sometimes."

        He grumbled in acknowledgment. "What do you feel?"

        His words made her fumble, not expecting such a question to come from someone like him. "I... don't know."

        "You don't know." He restated with derision.

        "It's not like a perfect thing, y'know?" She tried feebly.

        "No. I do not."

        "You don't? But, I thought all of your kind knew about this kind of thing?"

        Blackout grunted. "Sparkbonds are an increasingly rare thing among Cybertronians. It's a liability." The last part was stated with some level of bitterness she wasn't willing to ask about.

        "I see." Her voice was hushed with contempt, eyes trained on the moving clouds.

        Another moment of silence was exchanged between human and robot, before the chopper spoke up. "I figure, you are the exception."

        "What do you mean?"

        "Our master chose you." He stated sternly as if he were informing her. "You are an extension of him."

        She actually chuckled, albeit dryly, causing the mech to glare viciously down at her. "Hardly, but I appreciate the sentiment."

        "Explain." He demanded with a bark, reeling at her in annoyance.

        His brutish response did little to startle her, she'd only leaned away from his loudness. "I'm sure if the others could have it their way, I would've been dead a long time ago." A forced snicker left her lips at the whole ordeal. "I know sure as shit, Starscream wants me in a thousand pieces."

        "They will not dare if they know what's good for them. They will meet their maker." His tone was stark and ominous with promise of death if any harm were to befall her. "I despise your puny race of humans, but I know when to act." A clear jab at certain others, he glared harder as they happened upon the designated safe house.

        A special kind of dread filled her heart as Blackout approached the sliding door, her mood soured near immediately.

        The chopper wrenched the door open with a creak.

        "Where have you been? No wait, let me guess. Picking your panties out of your ass." Nitrozeus cocked his helm aside from where he leaned against the wall. "Looks like you found cowgirl. How'd your treasure hunt go?"

        "Someone must keep watch, humans have been spotted on the outer brink of the city." Blackout growled, allowing the former to slide out of his palm.

        Lauren was swift to leave the spat, ducking off into the bathroom, locking the door behind herself as if it was any real guarantee to her privacy. The thought alone was soothing enough, though. Old habits die hard.

        Seating herself atop the toilet, she slipped from her boots before carefully unwrapping her leg, thankful to not have reopened the wound when she busted her ass.

        "What were you doing with the human? Seems fishy, master won't like you touching his toys, no." The grossly adenoidal voice of Starscream came.

        Lauren froze, her head turning to listen to the conversation through the wall.

        "Shut your trap and cease your flagrant insinuations." Blackout hissed dangerously.

        Starscream tutted. "That's if he returns, that is. How unfortunate for our little human."

        "Shut your trap before I rip your vocal processor out." Barricade seethed.

        "You tarnish the decepticon name, Starscream." Onslaught grunted sternly.

        "It's always good to have," Starscream chuckled darkly. "Contingencies." His tone dragged wetly. "She is but a stepping stone."

        "You'd shut your trap if you want to keep your helm." Blackout growled.

        "Negative, she is his Conjunx. You'll do well to remember that." Soundwave informed blankly with a following trill of Laserbeak.

        "You'd say anything to keep your standing, Soundwave." The seeker hissed in accusation. "A blind follower, you are."

        Lauren had heard enough, fully stripping of her clothes and hobbling toward the drench shower. Giving the pully a strong yank, the water flowed rust brown for the first few moments before clearing. The water was neither cold nor warm, but temperate. She didn't care.

        Thrusting herself beneath the faucet, she allowed the water to pour over her head. She stood like that for what felt like forever before shampooing her hair once, twice, three times until it felt truly clean. Every crevice of her body was not without soap. Her eyes fell to watch the water pooling at her feet, wet hair stuck to her face.

        Her chest ached and she steadied an exhale.

        She wouldn't admit it, but her thoughts continuously circled back to Megatron. She missed him, probably more than she should've. His absence felt like some kind of eldritch torture sent to punish her from the cosmos.

        A rap of thunder rolled over the building and she sighed, expelling all the air from her lungs. It'd only been several days since she'd last seen him, so why did it feel like time was moving exponentially slower? Was it her perception? She didn't know.

        Switching the water off, she squeezed the excess liquid from her short locks.

        Her reflection caught her eye in the mounted mirror.

        She stopped and stared at the unrecognizable person that was supposed to be her.

        Messily cropped hair, slimmer figure, and fresh scars stuck to her as reminders. Who was that? It couldn't be her, no way. It looked like the very life had been sucked out of her.

        Ripping her sights away from the image, she dressed in her newly acquired sweats and tank-top. Her bra was shot, something that looked like tatters being held together by hopes and dreams.

        She was clean, truly clean for the first time in probably months. Lauren reveled in the cleanliness of new clothes and conditioned hair. Praying to shave her legs felt like she was becoming greedy. 

        Gathering up her bag and boots, she emerged from the restroom. Starscream was nowhere to be seen and she was thankful for that.

        Nitrozeus whistled. "Congratulations cowgirl, you don't smell like a pig pen anymore. Yippy ki-yay!" He taunted in a mock southern accent.

        "Don't feel like one anymore either." She rebutted without care. "I'm goin' to sleep. Goodnight." And with that, she disappeared up the stairs.

        Lauren unpacked the goods from her bag, leaving the clothes inside to serve as a cushion for her head.

        She devoured a box of animal crackers beastly, the subtle sweetness of the vanilla cookies was a heaven she'd long forgotten. The entire box was done with in a matter of minutes, her stomach finally satisfied.

        Flopping back onto her bag, a long yawn escaped her. She got her shower, half decent clothes, and a snack, now all she needed was a bed to complete the whole package.

        Her eyelids grew heavy faster than should could've thought possible, she rolled onto her side with a grunt. The floor was not comfortable to say the very least, but at least the carpet offered some sort of padding on her joints. Unconsciousness was swift to claim her, pulling her deep beneath the waves of sleep. 

_______________

        Lauren blinked open her eyes, unsure of what to make of the vast stretching darkness. Was she in a nightmare? It felt more like a kind of limbo, if she could describe it.

        Blue eyes studied the thousands of flower blooms painting the darkness. They rang familiar, but she couldn't quite place where she'd seen the pink petals. The warm feeling flooding her chest indicated something fond.

        She stooped, pinching a petal between her finger tips. Soft and delicate, the pink coloring was practically florescent in the void.

        Standing back to height, she turned and spotted a different color in the field of pink.

        Careful not to crush any of the flowers under her feet, she encroached upon the blue blossom curiously.

        It stood much taller than the rest, looming far above. Her brows creased as she approached. The petals a vibrant violet with many clusters upon the stem. This flower, too, was familiar for a different reason. Her hands hovered near as she racked her brain for answers.

        "Be careful now, wolfsbane will take 'yer hand off."

        Her grandmother's voice startled her as she hastily retracted her hands, as if scorned.

        Why must the most beautiful things be the most dangerous? It beckoned her, a breeze swept by to disturb the petals.

        Turning, she watched in wonder as the pink petals were sent up in a flurry, a tsunami of pink. The wolfsbane held firm. The sight was beautiful in a way she couldn't describe. Where the petals fly off to was beyond her and she didn't question it.

        She turned back to the violet flower, startled to find a glimmer of light clung to the stem like a weed.

        The sliver of light scaled the tall plant, perching upon the highest petals. It, too, was blue in color and so fondly familiar. She dare not blink, lest the light hide away from her eyes.

        The glimmer reached for her and she complied, readily extending her hand for the flickering light.

        It took to her instantaneously. It traveled warmly across her ashen skin, clinging firmly.

        Where had she seen this before?

        The light made its way up her arm, and toward her throat, winding its way up with a gentle grasp.

        It was so, so familiar... Blue.

        The glimmer nudged affectionately into her cheek, pulling away to float before her face.

        A spark. His- Megatron's spark. It clicked for her. Was that right?

        Her eyes widened, mouth slightly left agape as the small spark flickered. But, that couldn't be right?

        His spark was so righteous and abundant, but this was... it was so small, feeble even. A far cry from the beauty she'd first met.

        Worry wormed its way into her heart as she gazed upon the light presented before her.

        The spark flitted weakly, circling her in an effort to keep her eye.

        Lauren obliged, following the glimmer keenly as it turned her around. The spark perked before disappearing leaving her to another scene far off in the distance.

        Perhaps it was trying to show her something? Was it leading her?

        She moved, feet carrying her in a jog as the scene came into view. Her body stuttered before she broke into a full sprint.

        Megatron laid still upon a water's edge, the murky liquid kissed at his helm as the wild foliage cradled him.

        Lauren choked on a cry as she threw herself to her knees. "Megatron? Hey, are you okay? Megatron!" Her hand touching his cool metal, the sensation sparking urgency in her.

        No. No. No. That's not right.

        Hot tears welled up in her eyes as she scurried to her feet, stumbling to meet his face. His still optics made her blood run cold.

        His smooth metal felt foreign under her hands, he looked different, but her heart cried that it was him. She knew it was him. His appearance did not deter her endeavors.

        Stumbling into the muddy water, she crouched to try and push his helm up with no success. "Get up!" Her voice ripped through her vocal chords with a fry.

        Clothes now soaked, she cried. "Get up!"

        His optics didn't meet her as she moved to his face, their light dim and fading by the second.

        Helpless choked her in a vice grip, but she thrashed against the feeling.

        Her feet splashed into a steadily growing puddle beneath him, her hands were on him once more with tears blurring her vision.

        "Please, you gotta get up!" Lauren begged both to him and any higher power that could hear her cries.

        Her cries hitched in her throat with a gurgle as she attempted to quell her sobs.

        What was this...? Some kind of nightmare? A memory?

        Her brain attempted to rationalize, but deep down she knew... She knew what she was seeing was no mere night terror. It was too real, too present.

        Another cry escaped her and she was back in the water. The brunette attempted to push him from the water's edge. He'd rust if she didn't. Rust was so hard to remove and she'd need to clean him up when he came home.

        Home. The word stung her. She had no home, they had no home.

        She spite those thoughts, banishing them to the depths of her mind as she fought against the water.

        He was her home and she'd be damned if something else got ripped away from her.

        "Get up damnit!" She gave a mighty shove. "I won't let you die!" She pushed again.

        Every muscle in her body fought to move the titan, to no avail. She collapsed, head buried in her dirty hands. "Please... I need you. Get up, please..." Her sobs came out violently. "God, if you're listening..."

        Movement startled her as a claws hand came to rest beside her. "Hurry..." His voice was distorted as it faded out.

        Lauren shot to her feet, sloshing out of the water as she took off running. To where, she hadn't a clue, but that didn't stop her. She ran into the void until her feet screamed and her legs collapsed under her.

        Suddenly, she was in a room- her room more like it. Long forgotten by her, and aged by a decade long past. She'd hadn't remembered what her childhood bedroom looked like.

        Pushing the door in gently, her childhood dog- Scruffy- bound in past her.

        She spotted herself quickly, but spotted Megatron even faster. Her movements came to a stop beside him, but her eyes never left.

        What was going on...?

        He was smaller, closer to human sized than ever before. It was odd and uncanny in a way.

        Megatron watched her play, squealing joyfully as the pup nuzzled her.

        "Human young are so small." He commented to her, without moving.

        Lauren slipped her hand into his, something now possible. His metal was warm on her flesh as he gave her hand a gentle, yet affirming squeeze.

        A lump found its way into her throat. "What happened...?"

        He turned to face her fully for the first time, crimson optics trained on her face as he took her other hand in his.

        Fighting off the forming tears, she ducked her head.

        Megatron took a small step forward, bending to touch his helm to her forehead, a gesture that was foreign, but deeply rooted into his culture.

        Through tears, she pressed back fervently, her blue eyes meeting his optics.

        "Hurry." He delivered the order calmly, though the urgency that the word carried was known.

        She swallowed back her tears, nodding against his helm. "I promise."

Notes:

Love you all <3

Chapter 26: Copilot

Notes:

AHHHH! This is my longest chapter yet! Over 8,000 words! I just couldn't break up this chapter, it all had to stay together to flow perfectly! I've been non-stop writing everyday since the last chapter! At work, on my breaks, in the night, right after waking up, I couldn't stop!

I really hope you all like this one!

And thank you so, so, SO much for over 400 kudos! You all are awesome! I love you all so much and feel free to leave feedback and comments! <3

        Lauren jolted, face wet with tears, and heart hammering beneath her ribs. Sweat soaked hair stuck to her forehead as she shot up in a blur of motion. The time was lost on her as she broke from the office frantically, her boots left behind.

        Feverishly, she swiped away the damp hair from her vision, tears still leaking from her puffy eyes as her bare feet padded against the cold concrete.

        "Who shit in your cereal?" Nitrozeus quipped, his vocals frying in apparent tiredness.

        A roll of thunder caused the decrepit building to tremble. It was dark, perhaps still night.

        The storm went unnoticed as she reached the ground floor, swallowing back her sobs as she rubbed at her eyes. A flash of lighting illuminated the room, allowing her to see the decepticons for a moments time.

        She felt like she was going to fall over as the blood thrummed in her ears, chest heaving. "Soundwave!" She called into the darkness.

        "Keep whinnying like that and you may just wake up Barricade betsy." Nitrozeus followed up, facetious irritation laced his tone.

        "Soundwave!" She cried once more as optics lit up the darkness.

        A growl ripped through the night. "Silence, fleshbag!" Barricade commanded.

        The communications officer onlined in that moment, rising to his feet steadily. "Speak, human." His tone was as robotic as ever, if a little short. "What do you want?"

        Lauren approached the mech, nearly tripping over herself. "I-its Megatron. He needs our help, we have to go!"

        A round of grunts and groans filled the building.

        She bid them no mind. "I saw it! Please, you have to believe me!" Fresh tears sprang from her already sore eyes.

        "Designation Onslaught is in no operable shape. We do not defy direct orders." Soundwave relayed flatly.

        "Go back to recharge, insect." Onslaught ground out.

        "No, no, no! Please!" Another plea. "Please-"

        Blackout stalked into the building, his form drenched from the downpour. "What is the cause of such commotion?" He growled.

        "We will not disobey direct orders." Soundwave came once more, sights panned down to face her.  

        Nitrozeus groaned with a roll of his optic from where he resided. "Megatron would bust our asses if we interfered with his fun."

        "Insolent humans."

        Lauren felt like she was going stir crazy. "None of you are listening to me!" She wailed perilously. 

        "Because you're spewing nonsense, fleshling." Onslaught countered.

        Soundwave remained silent, Barricade growled angrily into the darkness.

        "What is it you think you saw?" Blackout prodded, optics narrowed.

        Spinning to face the chopper, she bellowed. "He's hurt and dying and- and-"

        "Where?" The mech cut her off, dropping to a kneel.

        "Let the human babble!" Barricade hissed.

        "You're lonely, just say it cowgirl."

        Lauren approached. "He's bleeding by a lake, pond- something! I know what I saw!" The last part was aimed at everyone else.

        "Lack in sufficient evidence." Soundwave interrupted.

        Blackout glared at the officer with a snarl, water rolled off his body.

        "Why don't any of you believe me?!" She was a laughing stock.

        "Don't come down here spouting your wet dreams, let us get back to ours." Nitrozeus grunted as he settled against the wall once more. Barricade grumbled a dry laugh.

        Her face heated in anger. "Fuck you! Fuck all of you!" She cursed, stomping back up the stairs in a flurry.

        She was swift to strip of her pajamas, trading the former for fresh cargo pants and a t-shirt. Hastily, she shoved the hem of the pants into her boots, slung the bag over her shoulder and erupted from the office once more.

        "Inform, where are you going?" Soundwave inquired.

        "I'll go by my fucking self."

        "Let the human go, better off that way." Barricade supplied.

        "And how far do you think your boots will get 'ya?" Nitrozeus jeered.

        "If none of you will listen, then the entire way."

        Laserbeak was swift to snatch her up from the ground, drawing her further back into the building confines. "Get off me!"

        The bird chuckled darkly as he deposited her onto the concrete with an audible thud. 

        "Laserbeak, keep her within the building limits." Soundwave ordered.

        Lauren used her bag, striking the bot in the beak. "I made a promise and I intend to keep it!" Her tone was firm and commanding, echoing throughout the building. "Get out of my way."

        Laserbeak chortled. "I wouldn't advise a confrontation." He chirruped. "I wouldn't want you to get hurt."

        Adrenaline replaced the blood in her veins as she took an authoritative step forward, testing the decepticon who in turn squawked, following her movements with careful calculation. 

        "We will be going." Blackout stated sternly, leaving no room for further debate.

        Lauren's eyes shot up to face the mech in the darkness, the foreboding moonlight illuminated his silhouette.

        "Negative. We were given direct orders to remain here until further word."

        "Nice knowin' you. Won't be my ass this time." Nitrozeus gave a gesture of his hand, dropping to lay on his side, his back turned to the conversation. 

        "Really? Do you have a way to find him?" She questioned fervently, desperation clung to her every word. 

        "I can ping him and follow it within a six-hundred meter radius, insect."

        Laserbeak trilled, his wings fanning out to make him appear larger. "I will only hurt you a little. Yes, only a bit." His long neck coiled as if ready to strike at a moments notice. 

        "Move." Lauren demanded, eyes set in a deep glare as she clasped her bag.

        Blackout grumbled something foreign, optics directed at the communications officer.

        "Laserbeak, let the human go." Soundwave relented.

        With a sharp inhale, Lauren strode past the bot, her head tilted high and breath held. She was close enough to feel the avian's hot breath along her neck.

        The decepticons hissed between each other in their native tongue and she froze, bits of the language coming together in her mind. Her chest ached.

        Furrowing her brows, her face contorted as the language filtered in and out brokenly. 

        "I am not foolish." Came her sudden statement. The speaking ceased in an instant.

        Deep in her heart and all through out her being, she knew what she was doing was right. Warranted. If they refused to believe or acknowledge her, then to hell with them.

        Blackout ducked out of the building first, the heavy rainfall pelting him as he transformed. Primus, how did the planet function with so much perspiration?

        'I'll be back' she wanted to say, but what of her good graces did they deserve? None. They didn't earn or deserve anything from her.

        Lauren spared no parting glances as she stepped out into the night. With a quick jog through the downpour, she spotted Blackout.

        Thick black lettering labeled his side, 4500X.

        Using the landing ski as a step, she hoisted herself into the cockpit, the door sliding closed behind her.

        Before she got a chance to seat herself, the rotors were hissing, cutting through the rain with dangerous speed. Lauren caught the co-piolet's seat, thrusting herself into it as the aircraft lifted off.

        "A warning next time maybe!" She sputtered, tightening her seat belt.

        "We do not have time to spare, fleshling." Blackout retorted through the radio with a grumble. 

        And he was right, there couldn't be a second wasted.

        "What continent was your previous?"

        "South America." She offered, sapphire eyes studying the interior of the cockpit.

        "What was it you saw? Reiterate."

        Sitting back into the seat, she panned her sights down to her lap. "I saw him, Blackout. He's hurt and not moving." Her words came out strained. "Thank you, for this."

        Blackout didn't respond as he navigated the turbulence brought on by the storm, flying at a safe height.

        Her gaze caught the dash, reading the time, 9:27pm. Sleep clawed at her eyes, but she refused it vehemently. Her slumber hadn't been restful, but it did shed some light on things, and for that, she was thankful. Her chest panged, the discomfort blooming full force through her, a hand ghosted the area.

        Jaw clenched, she pressed her lips into a thin line.

        The chopper dipped below a dense cloud. For a split second, he peered over to the femme, her face pensive and shoulders terse. Primus, he hoped he'd made the right call. Loyal as a dog, Blackout would do anything for his master, even if it meant working along side the human femme. 

        Lauren's eyelids drooped heavily as she fought valiantly against her exhaustion, the adrenaline since left her veins and allowed for her other hormones to re-regulate. God, when would she get a day where she could just rest properly? A girl could only hope. Her head drooped before she snapped it back up.

        "Recharge." Blackout insisted firmly.

        A yawn escaped against her will. "I'm fine..."

        "You are of no use without charge, I don't want a liability." He admonished.

        Hugging her bag close, she hunched onto it, eyes slipping closed despite her efforts. "Right..." No further protests could come from her as the flight rocked her into unconsciousness.

        He ascended higher from human sights, beyond the clouds and finally rid of the rain, but not without harsh winds. A fair trade, he surmised. Lauren snorted softly in the co-piolet seat. A deep rooted annoyance flared in his spark at his brethren, it was almost like they didn't care if Megatron lived or not. A small part of him entertained her mania simply for the fact that he wanted to spite Starscream, but the whole of himself was focused on just bringing their Lord back with his spark still intact. 

        Lauren shifted in her sleep, muttering sleepily.

        The chopper did his best to navigate smoothly. He'd be lying if he said he hadn't been motivated by her reckless tenacity, so ready to up and move despite everything. Perhaps that'd been why Megatron choose her of all living lifeforms in the universe, something he'd wondered about since Nitrozeus's less than formal announcement. He just couldn't quite wrap his mind around it; his lord, the ruler of the decepticons, taking on a human conjunx. She was certainly determined, he'd give her that and showed further loyalty than some. However, she was so different than them in most aspects of her character.

        He'd never question a decision made by the master. His word was absolute and he'd follow it until his spark was extinguished, but it didn't hurt to wonder.

____________________

        Lauren wandered the funeral home, her arms folded behind her back neatly. The tile was dated and the wallpaper older than that by a margin.

        The foyer was adorn with spider lilies and forget-me-nots, an odd combination in terms of appearance, but the color clash was pleasing to the eye. A memorial portrait of her late mother sat snuggly in the small landing area, flowers clung to the frame like a halo.

        God, how long has it been? Well over fifteen years, her mind supplied.

        She stood before the double doors leading into the service. Her heart beat quickened with each passing second that her eyes roamed the wooden doors.

        It never gets easier.

        Hesitantly, she nudged the door open. Blue eyes roamed the red carpet and wooden pews before finding Megatron beside herself and her mother's casket.

        She'd been so small, so young then, clad in a black dress with ballet flats a size too big. It felt like just yesterday she was saying her final goodbyes in the hospital, the memory clear as day and burned into her psyche. 

        It took a moment's time before she could bring herself to wander up the aisle to stand beside her younger self.

        All was quiet for a time as she gazed lovingly at her mother's hollowed face. She hadn't always looked so sickly and it hurt that that was her final memory of the person she so affectionately called 'mom'.

        "Her name was Amelia, is." Lauren offered softly, the name rolled off her tongue smoothly.

        "You share a facial structure." Megatron remarked.

        "I'd hope so, she was prettier back then." Her words came fondly, eyes not leaving the casket. The cherry wood was glossed to perfection, complimenting the gold lugs. 

        "What befell her?"

        "Cancer, pancreatic." She hummed before sitting back on the nearest pew. 

        "Your sire is a petulant coward." Megatron stated frankly. "He's undeserving of such a title."

        "Tell me about it. My grandpa said that all the time."

        He grunted deeply in response, turning away from the casket to seat himself beside her. "Your lower appendage, what damage has come to it?"

        "Just a cut, nothing life threatening. It's- I'm okay." Her fingers trailed over her pant leg absent mindedly.

        He grunted, a frown coloring his features.

        The scene was fading then, fizzling out of vision. She turned to Megatron, reaching her hand out, he took it in kind.

        "Soon." His words came firmly, but not harshly, a sign of what was to come.

        "Yes, soon." Lauren held onto him for as long as she was able.

____________________

        She awoke with a yawn, noting that they'd landed. "Are we there yet...?" She questioned sleepily from her position on the floor. When had she got there?

        Blackout grunted as he approached. "There's still over three-thousand miles to be covered. Currently, we have stopped in Arkansas."

        Humming in acknowledgment, she sat up. Blue eyes wandered over their surroundings curiously, it was definitely an abandoned building of some sort, a factory probably judging by the remnants of machinery. Graffiti and vinery crept along the stone walls.

        "Why'd we stop?"

        "You're not the only one who requires respite." His tone was clipped with indignation to which she did not respond.

        Lauren was swift to note the lack in sunlight. The earliest point of morning, she figured. The rain was nonexistent, a sigh escaped her.

        Her back ached in response to her unorthodox slumber. She must've been out cold if he was able to move her to the floor without her waking. God, she was sore. Everything ached. 

        Blackout sat himself opposite of her, his optics pierced through the dim lighting harshly.

        Comfortable silence hung in the air for some time as a breeze crept though the building, creating a draft.

        "Is he alive?" The chopper questioned suddenly, his voice echoing throughout the barren space, optics trained on her small form.

        "Yes, barely." Her response was delivered calmly.

        He grumbled lowly in acknowledgment. "Where did you learn to understand Cybertronian?" His words were calculated and firm all the same.

        Lauren pulled her knees to her chest as she scooted up against a wall. "I don't understand it, not really."

        "Do not lie and evade with faulty answers."

        "I'm not lying. I just," She paused for a moment in thought. "Hear it?" The brunette stated it as a question, the words lost on her.

        He glared. "Elaborate."

        She rested her head back. "Like, sometimes my dreams aren't dreams, they're like memories? But, not mine. Does that make sense?"

        The decepticon grew impatient.

        "It's really hard to explain." Her hand found the bridge of her nose, pinching it. "Sometimes I hear Megatron speak it and I guess I put two and two together? I really don't speak it. Honestly, it sounds like gibberish." She snorted dryly.

        "Your explanation lacks logical sense." He insulted with a leer.

        She huffed out a short laugh. "Yeah, I know."

        Blackout grunted as he rose to his feet. "I advise filling your tank with sustenance, there will be no further rest for the next joor." The hunter stalked off, leaving her to her lonesome.

        Taking his words as 'eat something', she fished through her bag, retrieving a sleeve of saltines. Were they an ideal meal? Absolutely not. Was it better than anything canned? Yes, definitely.

        Half the pack was gone by the time she rose to her feet, all the moisture since being stolen from her mouth. The young woman traced the mech's path, following through with his exit to find him mid-transformation.

        Blue eyes examined the way his body shifted and contorted, all the pieces working together in perfect unison. It was truly something she'd never grow tired of seeing, her little tinkerer brain begged to know all the smallest details of such a feat.

        With a pep in her step, she pulled herself aboard, seating herself swiftly.

        Blackout was quick to ascend, something she was sure other helicopters were incapable of. The sun just barely peeked over the horizon.

        The dial on the radio shifted to and from with bouts of static before total silence. "His hailing frequency is unresponsive."

        The revelation that he was totally unreachable caused dread to pool deep in her stomach. Concern overtook her features as she panned her sights skyward.

        Hours passed by in total silence as she readjusted herself to ease sore joints.

        "What was it you meant by memories?" Blackout's baritone, flat voice dredged her up from her thoughts.

        The sun beat down relentlessly at its highest point, the warmth trailed up her skin.

        "It's like-" Lauren started, lost. "Like, I'm not me, but I am. Uh, like, I'm seeing through his eyes. I guess that's right."

        Blackout remained silent for a time as he mulled over her words. He, and even the others he's fought along side, were not acquainted with sparkbonds in the slightest. All available information on the subject perished with Cybertron, lost to the stars for eons to come. The reminder put a sour taste in his mouth.

        "How long have you known Megatron?" Lauren probed, slouching back into her seat, bag hugged close.

        "Longer than your human mind would be able to comprehend." His reply was frank, not missing a beat.

        A hum emitted from her throat, not questioning further. In her time with the mechs, she learned when to push and when to give up trying. Her curious mind went unsatisfied more often than not, her questions piled onto more questions that she was at fear of forgetting.

        Lauren turned into the sun, the warmth was welcomed with open arms. Her eyes slipped closed to bask in the light.

____________________

        She stumbled, barely catching herself on a wall.

        Everything was so loud making her bones rattle in her body and her eardrums vibrate.

        Lauren hugged the wall as a fleet of mechs marched their way past her, their steps daunting and violent against the ground.

        God, where was she? This certainly wasn't a memory of her's. She chanced a look around and felt her heart plummet into the deepest depths of herself. Skyscrapers towered beyond her sights, metal glistened in the lights of the dense city, the neon lights of holographic billboards popped vibrantly.

        "We gather in Kaon!" A familiar voice rumbled purposefully.

        Craning her head around, she stepped into the darkness of an alley. Everything dwarfed her tenfold. She froze, hundreds of optics alight in the dimness.

        "And so we bring our misery together and we fight!" Megatron bellowed over his audience, face screwed up in determination. Blue eyes trailed over his face, studying him as he stood above everyone.

        Cybertron. This was Cybertron. Her heart caught in her throat and she fought to swallow it back down.

        "We are the forgotten, trying to forget." Crimson optics trailed over his men. "Forgotten, until you stand with a blade in one hand, a throat in the other, then you remember you feel it!" He cried triumphantly. "You are alive!"

        Lauren took slow steps backwards, before she was plucked from the metal surface swiftly. She cried out in fear, kicking at her assailant futilely..

        "Cease your thrashing, bug!" Megatron, her Megatron, hissed.

        The brunette halted, her pulse roared as fear gripped her in a vice, unrelenting. She cast her eyes back at the scene. "W-what is this?"

        Megatron held her close to his chassis protectively, his expression unreadable. "The beginning of the end." He answered hoarsely.

        Her eyes remained on the scene, attention caught by a purple emblem that hung from his neck decoratively. She committed the image to memory.

        "We can wear badges, join teams, fight and kill... the the badge comes off and you crawl home." His words carried, spreading among his men. "Assembled here, I see strength. Power. The most dangerous Cybertronians alive."

        A hand flew up to rip the necklace from his throat, thrusting it into the air for all too see. "What if the badge never came off?"

        Turning back to Megatron, she studied his far away gaze, optics not budging.

        The mech turned to leave the scene, but Lauren was quick to stop him. "I want to see! Please."

        Megatron growled lowly as he positioned her upon his shoulder servo. She clung to him, eyes trained upon what use to be him. He looked so vastly different then, even sounded different. He almost sounded... hopeful.

        "What if our new arena was the entire face of the planet?" His inquiry was met with a rallying cry. "What if there was one badge for all of us? And instead of fighting each other, we attack those that put us here.... And we take what is ours!"

        A collective war cry startled her in its abundance. The mechs roaring in unison at their common cause.

        Megatron smiled toothily, optics narrowed. "Would you have the bearings for that?"

        The emotion that gripped her was hard to shake as she watched the mech wrench another smaller, orange bot to his front. Lauren's brows furrowed, she had some implications to go off of, but seeing it first hand was something else entirely. It left her heart heavy, a lump in her throat, and her skin hot to the touch. 

        Megatron forced the mech into submission before his men. "Would they?" He questioned with a snarl as the bot fought against his hold. "Look at the fear. The self-interest. The loathing for us... Loathing for what they have created. Fear for what will happen."  He wrenched the bot's helm back, forcing his blue optics to him.

        "We are without fear, and we will make our mark upon this world." He threw the mech to the ground, a sinister smile plaguing his features. "Why don't you all get started on making an impression."

        The surrounding mechs stalked upon the prisoner, optics bathing the bot in crimson.

        "All teams, if they surrender, let them give up." He called out in command. "The ones that want a fight, well, we aim to please." Maliciousness bled into his tone.

        A familiar mech approached behind the decepticon leader, her eyes immediately recognizing Soundwave despite his differing appearance, his disposition and quiet looming were exact. 

        Megatron turned sharply away from the scene at that moment, not allowing her to witness the slaughter to come. Swallowing back the lump, she cast her sights down with a shaky exhale.

        She wouldn't cry, no. What did she expect?

        The tyrant cast his optics down to her, his chest felt heavy in that moment. His feet carried him from the scene in long strides. He'd known this would happen, his memories were all tarnished in the name of spilled energon and slain foes, no time to mourn his fallen, never a chance to appreciate the architecture of Vos.

        "You are unsuited for the rage of war." He commented sternly.

        "This was your doing...?" Her small voice scorned him, causing his spark to flare.

        "I was simply a catalyst, this was destined." His reply was firm and absolute.

        Lauren was silent for a time before she muttered, "How many did you lose...?" Her mind already having accepted such a grizzly fact, not that she could argue. What was done was done, the war predated her existence by a millennium, what was she to do?

        Megatron bellowed a growl low in his chassis. "Too many."

        "No time to grieve them...?"

        "There is never a moment where the fallen are not grieved, girl." He replied knowingly, his tone gruff. "You would do better to know that; words fall short of the mark. Losing one of your own is no easy task." He cast her a pointed look, his optics lighting up her face.

        "I'm sorry for your loss..." She found herself saying softly, eyes casted downward. 

        "Do not give your apologies. It was no tragedy." The mech stated.

        She turned to look at him. "But-"

        He cut her off. "Loss of life is only a tragedy if it is without purpose. You may not see the purpose immediately, but that it will present itself in time when it's right."

        Swallowing her rebuttal, she resigned herself to silence once more as he walked.

        Megatron carried on through the streets of Kaon, his optics roaming over the familiar scenery in a mixture of bitter fondness.

        "You were a tragedy." His words came, cutting through the silence. "You would do well to know that if anything besides time is to befall you, you will be avenged."

        Warmth flooded her chest as she hummed. "Thank you."

        "Do not give me gratuity where it is not needed, girl."

        Lauren gave a weak smile as he came to a gradual stop before the senate spire, the building reached for the heavens and seemingly speared the sun itself.

        It was beautiful, the architecture alone was unique and differed from earth in so many ways. Blue eyes roamed the sight with wonder, tracing each and every crisp ledge.

        It was true what he'd said; Cybertron was mostly architecture. She saw little in the way of art, but that didn't take away from its beauty not one bit.

        The scene hazed out of her vision slightly prompting Megatron to halt, bringing her down to sit atop his palm, his face plate hovered close.

        "I'll be there soon." The brunette relayed, a small smile tugged at her lips.

        He grunted with a nod, optics not leaving her as she fizzled out of view.

____________________

        Blackout pushed on without rest, his rotors grew tired as the moon rose into the night sky fully.

        Lauren stirred, sitting up to stretch. Her back popped audibly as she groaned, sleepiness clung to her eyes as she squinted to see the time.

        10:15pm. Damn, she'd slept most of the day. A small part of her felt guilty for essentially abandoning Blackout in his flight, but the other part of her figured he'd rather be left alone anyway.

        "Where are we now?" She came groggily.

        "Breaching Texas state lines momentarily."

        Lauren perked. "Wait, we're flying over Texas?"

        "Are your audio receptors broken?"

        She shrugged off the jab. "My house is here. Please, can we stop? We should- you should rest."

        Blackout remained silent for a time before replying curtly. "I require coordinates."

        She faltered. "Uh, I can't give you those. But, my address is 622 Melber Lane."

        The chopper grumbled with a remark in Cybertronian as he located the coordinates himself. Humans were such primitive creatures, useless.

        Another hour of flight passed, Lauren sat at the edge of her seat, eyes glued to the earth below, her breath fogged the rounded glass in anticipation.

        Eventually, the familiar plot of land came into view. She was just able to make out the way her driveway curved. A part of her soul sung, ecstatic to be home, while a whisper from the depths of her mind told her not to be too hopeful. She took each thought and considered them respectively.

        Blackout descended swiftly, sending the surrounding grass billowing in his wake. He was thankful for the chance at rest.

        Lauren scrambled from he chopper, barely catching herself as she stumbled from the cockpit. The grass had been long overgrown and debris riddled the yard.

        Her heart ached at the sight that was once her home, so many fond memories blown to smithereens. A newfound hate brewed in her heart for the bounty hunter. The farm house looked like a husk of its former self, the moonlight illuminated the carnage in a ghostly glow.

        The decepticon approached, his rotor blades folded comfortably behind himself. "This is a wasteland." He commented.

        "It wasn't always like this." Lauren turned to face the barn. The old structure looked a breath away from collapsing in on itself. Lead filled her heart at the sight.

        Crossing the yard, she approached her truck as if it were a wild beast. Blood- her blood stained the classic body of the vehicle, bullet holes peppered the drivers side, and glass adorn the cab.

        "What came of it?" He questioned.

        Pulling the driver's door open, carefully she brushed shards of glass into the dirt. She exhaled, her chest falling as she flipped the visor down. "We were attacked." She offered shortly.

        His sights roamed the property, noting the shells of bullets that littered the lawn and the prominent scorch marks upon the remnants of the house. His optics narrowed. "Who is 'we'?"

        She slid into the driver's seat, her hands finding their way to the wheel to rest in their proper places, blue eyes trailed over the fading photo of her grandparents. She panned her vision up to the mech. "Megatron and I. That guy- Lockdown," His name was uttered with abhorrence infecting her tone. "He did this."

        "Megatron was here?" He questioned swiftly to which she confirmed with a nod.

        Some time passed as Blackout stalked the property, his disposition similar to that of a guard dog while she tampered with the truck.

        Fishing around in the glove compartment, she retrieved the scene driver she kept on hand. With practiced precision, she jimmied the tool in the ignition socket. A moment of silence passed before the engine gave way to a sputter, the interior light illuminated the darkness.

        It wasn't as if she was going to speed off into the night, not that she'd get very far. She simply craved to fill the silence.

        Gently, she fiddled with the small dials on the outdated AM/FM radio, searching through the static until she found a station. She adjusted the volume to play softly.

        With music softly filling the silence, Lauren cleaned away what glass she could before laying across the cab, the old leather seats comfortable and familiar under her weight. Blue eyes wandered their way back to that old photo in the visor. This was her home, even if it was in rambles. Even if it was unfixable.

        A gentle breeze swept through the broken passenger window as her voice, barely audible, followed the lyrics of the melodic song.

        "I knew I loved you then, but you'd never know. 'Cause I played it cool when I was scared of letting go. I knew I need you, but I never showed."

        The leather interior cradled her. She felt older beyond her age with the way her body cracked and popped unceremoniously. 

        "Just say you won't let go."

        The old crackle speakers eased her as she followed to the song loosely.

        "And I'll thank my lucky stars for that night."

        Her eyes slipped closed, her singing devolved into a dull whisper as the breeze kissed her skin.

        "We've come so far my dear. Look at how we've grown..."

        The words were lost on her as she fought off unconsciousness, the song lulling her beneath the waves of slumber, dragging her deeper and deeper with each passing second. 

____________________

        Lauren trailed through the living room of her grandparents home, her hand gliding against the glossy wood banister.

        The ditsy flower wallpaper was well kept, pictures hung decoratively.

        She ascended the stairs slowly, her eyes gazing upon everything affectionately; the tacky runner, the photos of a time long ago, the uneven baseboards.

        Upon reaching the second story, she spotted the farthest door down the hall had been left agape. Her bedroom for as long as she lived there. Even after her grandparents passing, she could never bring herself to move into the master bedroom. It was theirs and always would be.

        Soft cries gradually became known as she closed the distance. Pinpointing the memory was hard and vague, she had many a night like these.

        Pushing into the dark room, Megatron's back greeted her first and foremost. His optics alight as always.

        She moved to stand beside the mech, her eyes trained upon her teenage self.

        A much younger Lauren sobbed into the plushness of a pillow in an attempt to smother her cries.

        "Such a visceral reaction." He vocalized flatly.

        She resigned to silence, watching as herself continued to whimper feebly. He didn't speak further on the matter.

        They remained like that until she rose from the bed, face stained with tears, throat raw, and eyes bloodshot. She shuffled past them without paying any mind, leaving the room, two week old pajamas clung to her skinny form. He hair dangled, unbrushed, unwashed, completely unkempt.

        The sight of herself in such a state unnerved her to the very core. Had she been that bad...? What month had that been?

        Megatron's optics didn't follow her fleeting form, remaining trained on the disheveled bed.

        "You've died once before." His tone was firm, his brow ridge furrowed downward.

        Lauren approached the bed, pillows soaked from snot and tears. Her fingertips ghosted the dusty purple sheets. "I wanted to."

        He growled. "You are no coward, girl." It was almost as if he was correcting her. To crave such a demise was lost in him, souring his glossa.

        She sat along the mattress, the bed frame creaked under her weight. "I'm not a fighter either." The brunette countered.

        "There is no fight to be fought and nothing to overcome if you surrender." He replied knowingly, his tone gruff. "You are here."

        She didn't respond. A part of her remained thankful that he didn't question her further.

        The decepticon moved, studying the room in its entirety; the medals that hung from the wall, the way her shoes were strewn about, clothes piled high in the corner, the stacked cutlery on her bedside table. It was all a representation of her, who she is, was.

        It was fascinating in its own right.

        He trailed over to a cluttered desk, his clawed fingers shuffled some sheet music atop her computer. "Humans collect such useless sentiments." The mech crossed the room to sit beside her on the bed, the feeling foreign from a traditional berth. The furniture groaned under his weight.

        His claws drifted over the thin fabric, catching on the wrinkles before he reached out, plucking the hanging object from above her dwelling. It was small and circular with webbing comprised of string.

        "It's a dream catcher." Lauren supplied gently. "It's supposed to catch the bad dreams. It's stupid."

        A single blue bead sat strung up in the webbing.

        He handled the delicate object with care as he stared at it. "Your fears will join everything in extinction."

        She didn't follow, but did not question his words or calm tone as he passed the dream catcher to her. Taking it, she grazed her thumb over the small glass bead in the center webbing. Dust clung to the wicker from years of misuse. "It was a birthday gift from my mom."

        "Gifts shouldn't be awarded to those for simply living." The idea of birth being a celebrated thing was odd, especially when one is created to work until death or die trying to climb up the system.

        She snorted. "Difference in culture, I guess."

        "What's the purpose?" He chided in question, watching her phalange mull over the object in hand.

        "Honestly, I'm not sure." Lauren stooped, her hand searching beneath her bed. "I think it's just to show your appreciation for a person. Humans have been doing it for as long as we've been alive." She pulled out an old shoe box adorn with stickers and years of layered tape. Carefully, she opened the box, pushing through the contents with upmost gentleness before retrieving an old card. The brunette held the cardstock out to him expectantly.

        Megatron took the object, examining the cover; yellow speckled with small illustrations of balloons, 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY!' sprawled in bubble letters took up most of the space. Delicately, he opened it, optics reading over the interior message. The ink had long been smudged away in places, the fold of the card worn with time.

        "You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think and more loved than you'll ever know. Happy Birthday, my dearest daughter!"

        An affectionate " Love mommy and daddy!" adorn the bottom corner, dotted with a heart. He could practically feel the fondness of the words bleed into his spark and he agreed with the each one rightfully.

        But, there was that word again, 'love'. So many connotations connected to a single word made the core definition hard to grasp. Was it something reserved for familial parties only? Was it something to be given toward a coworker? A comrade? A partner?

        The decepticon grunted, handing the card back to her.

        Lauren traced her mother's hand writing, her fingers caressing each and every divot lovingly. She rose to her feet, placing the card atop the nightstand just as the scene started hazing, the moment bleeding away.

        Pivoting, she thrust herself into his metal frame, her arms circled his neck as she hugged. Everything was becoming indistinguishable around her, slipping from her grasp.

____________________

        Her morning started with a startle as Blackout kicked at the bed of her truck, a moment she hailed as being the worst wake up call ever. Her truck battery had long died in the night, she found.

        The day was just barely breaking when he instructed that they return to flying, adamant on progressing. There was no room to argue and argue she wouldn't.

        Swiftly, she gathered some of her tools from her barn, things she knew she'd need when it came down to Megatron. She didn't want to think about the damages, her chest ached.

        Blackout was quick to take off, leaving the state in his dust (literally). He'd grown complacent with the femme's presence as she grew less insufferable by the joor. What he was saying was that she was just on the brink of tolerable. He'd never had a fondness for anything, but Cybertron, it was hard to allow anything else in. Though, the decepticon cause came to him naturally, like second nature. His mind often recalled the day the senate fell and he looked upon the memory with a smile.

        Lauren hummed, her thoughts ran rampant around her head as questions took up all available space. Sparkbonds, she found, were something to behold. Everything she'd been experiencing was so surreal and the scenes tangible. Cybertron had been beautiful, despite the dark underbelly, but that begged many questions. Why had she'd been taken there? Had he'd been thinking about it, reminiscing? What really happened...? A small part of her doubted that Megatron would give her straight answers without being cryptic in some way. How much of her had he seen? She almost didn't want to know the answer. 

        "Were you on Cybertron when the war happened?" She questioned hesitantly. 

        The mech remained silent for a second before answering. "Yes, why do you inquire about such a thing?" He bit. 

        "Just curious. Did you have a job? Or, like, a rank?" 

        "Nothing I say will be of any comprehension to your little insect mind." His words were delivered in a rumble. 

        "Humor me? Were you a sergeant? You seem like one." 

        "No. I was leader of the decepticon heavy brigade." Blackout stated with a twinge of pride. "Sole survivor."

        Lauren's face fell. "I'm sorry." Perhaps she shouldn't have asked? Now, she felt like a horrible person for prying into something that wasn't her business. 

        "Join the rest in your pity party. They fought and they served, their purposes were fulfilled with honor." His tone grated on her in its tense bitterness. 

        A moment of heavy silence hung in the air before she spoke up once more. "Were you from Kaon too? Were there other cities?" She diverted. 

        "What did you see?" He questioned coldly. 

        The sudden feeling of being stared at made goosebumps erupt across her flesh, she pointed her sights to her lap. "Just some buildings and stuff." She lied. Something about the question felt incredibly personal all of a sudden. 

        Blackout growled something indecipherable. "Kaon was no beauty, it was the rust of Cybertron." Disgust poisoned his tone. 

        "Really" Shock colored her. "But, it looked so nice-"

        "You know nothing of which you babble about." He cut her off abruptly. 

        Her mouth snapped closed. He was right, what did she know? All the experience she's had with the planet was viewed through Megatron's optics. All those experiences were, rightfully, not her's. She was simply a spectator being dragged along for the ride. 

        The remainder of the flight was spent in cruel silence. Lauren busied herself with staring out the window, eyes scanning the ground beneath them. 

        Eventually the sun had came and gone giving way to night and the stars. Her mouth was thirsty from lack of use and she desperately wanted to stretch her legs. 

        Blackout shared the feeling. He, too, was growing tiresome. Recharge he did not need, but just to rid himself of the alt mode. The decepticon began his descent upon Mexico, targeting a place with particularly dense foliage. 

        The landing was easier said than done, but he triumphed. 

        Lauren was swift to clammer out into the humidity, her skin thankful for the moisture. The view from their vantage point was breath taking given the circumstances. It was gorgeous all the same. All she could make out was trees for miles. 

        The decepticon vented with a grunt, not at all pleased by the humid air sticking to his metals. Primus, how he loathed the planet. The mech was swift to assemble all things needed to create a fire, lighting it with ease. The flames would lick away some of the moisture. 

        The brunette moved around the crackling fire, seating herself a safe distance away. 

        The red flickers and hot embers pulled the image of Megatron's optics to the front of her mind. Another uncomfortable pang in her chest made her shift. They were close, she could practically feel it. The gradually closing distance did little in the way of easing her heart, but it was a start, a step in the right direction. She blinked, returning the wetness to her eyes as she watched the flames dance wildly. 

        Her back ached from being upright, so she stoop to lay against the earth, easing her spine. 

        The warmth from the flames pecked at her skin causing it to flush. The heat swaddled her like a blanket and stuck to her like a strong hug. Her eyelids drooped further by the minute and she didn't fight the melatonin flooding her system. 

____________________

        Seeing her old piano teacher's home was odd in a comforting way. The chestnut floors were original and the living space was smaller than she remembered, but not suffocating. The grand piano sat nuzzled in the corner, the stool before it had a delicately woven pillow atop it. The kitchen entrance was just beside the instrument and a couch sat against the wall not too far opposite. 

        A small smile graced her lips as her eyes wandered the room, footsteps could be heard from behind and she didn't need to turn to know who it was. 

        "I took lessons here for over a decade." Lauren informed as she took a seat at the piano. The book of sheet music laid closed. 

        "Hard effort often yields results, girl." Megatron replied in kind, watching as her finger tips ghosted over the keys. 

        "I hated it at first." She chortled earnestly, turning to face him. "My mom said it'd be good for me." 

        He made a face. "Your creator was sagacious, unlike you." 

        "I have whatever-that-is too!" She huffed, offended.

        The mech grumbled as he strode to stand beside the large instrument. "My doubts still remain, bug." 

        She scoffed playfully, turning back to face the keys of the piano. Years of wear and hundreds of students taught left visible indentations upon each ivory key, perfectly finger shaped. It'd been years since she last played. Uncertainty weaved through her as she positioned her hands. 

        Megatron took notice of her terseness, a deep groan erupted from his chest. "Have no hesitations, it will be you're demise." 

        Taking his words, she forced out an exhale, allowing her shoulders to relax as she picked her song of choice, her fingers carried her from there with each press of a key. 

        No words were exchanged as she pressed out a melody. 

        The decepticon lord took great care in watching her every move; the way each finger sought out the correct key, how the tendons beneath her skin flexed, her blue eyes that stole away glances, he watched everything through his strain. He fought to stay as long as possible and promised himself he'd see her song through till its end. He'd been robbed of so much and he would be forever damned if he wasn't awarded her singing one last time.

        "I wrote it down in the winter of 1610. Just a secret under lock and key until then."

        It was for him, entirely his. Crimson optics glued to her movements as is audio receptors greedily listened to each word her vocal chords produced. 

        "While collecting the stars, I connected the dots. I don't know who I am, but now I know who I'm not."

        The scene grew hazy and he forced the realization back, grappling desperately for more time. Just a few more moments. He'd beg if he must, plead to his high power. 

        "I'm just a curious speck that got caught up in orbit, in orbit. Like a magnet it beckoned my metals toward it, toward it..."

        His spark, what remained of it, surged to be nearer, closer to her. He abided the need, reaching out with a weak hand he gently tucked the loose whisps of her hair behind her ear. Her flesh was soft under his claws. Her sapphire eyes flicked up to him for only a moment at the wordless gesture. It was quick, but he'd bask in her sight for that klik. 

        "Make my messes matter. Make this chaos count Let every little fracture in me shatter out loud."

        The scene grew distorted once more, the colors bled away and he struggled to pull it all back together. His optics focused solely onto her and only her. He followed the way her lips shaped the words she sang and he committed it to memory, thankful that at least he'd perish peacefully.

        "Make my messes matter. Make this chaos count Let every little fracture in me shatter out loud."

        Lauren smiled at the ending notes in the song. A small smile tugged at her lips as she panned her sights up, startled only to find herself thrust back into the colorless void. 

        She rose from the piano, her brows knit themselves together uncertainly as her eyes searched for anything. "Megatron?" She called out. 

        Turning the entire way around, she spotted a familiar blossom in the distance. 

        Hastily, she approached the wolfsbane, the only spec of color in the darkness. She reached out hesitantly to take the flower despite it's poisonous nature, she didn't care for the danger. 

        A violent gust of wind ripped the blossom away from her in an instant, sending the petal into oblivion. 

        Something wrenched inside her and she choked on the sensation, her hand flew to her chest, but the pain continued tenfold. It was as if something was being ripped, stolen, away from her very being. Hot tears stung at her eyes as she fought to control the feeling thrashing within. She couldn't explain what it was, but she'd be damned if she just let something so personal be robbed away. 

        Lauren gasped for air as she took of running from her invisible assailant. She ran as fast as her legs would carry her into the nothing, before the ground gave way beneath her feet and she plummeted. The ground never got the chance to kiss her as a wave of petals slowed her descent, allowing for a safe landing. 

        The petals were gentle and took great care to allow no harm. The breeze whispered indecipherable things to her, but somehow, she knew. 

        "Megatron?" She cried after the petals, fruitlessly chasing them as they grew further and further from her grasp. 

        "Megatron!" 

Chapter 27: Retrieval

Notes:

Once again, thank you all for the wonderful comments and love! You all are absolutely awesome! Comments inspire me so much and make me want to write more and do better for y'all! <3

        Lockdown was pissed- no- he was livid. Absolutely irate. 

        His wounds since welded shut by some mindless med-bot. Nothing was going to plan. Absolutely nothing at all.

        The bounty hunter stalked his ship on a hair trigger, ready to offline the next mech that so much as dare pick an argument with him.

        The decepticon had been in his grasp. He'd been on the cusp of completing one of his missions only for it to be torn away.

        Cybertronians. The word tasted bitter and he turned his nose up in disgust. Such lowly lifeforms they were. 

        First they'd gone to Africa late, then Australia, and just when he thought he'd figured it out, boom! The tyrant was a step ahead, double backing to disrupt his course.

        The human allies were less the useful, they were complete and utterly worthless. The whole species was. How'd they'd survived this long to reproduce beyond safe levels and evolve was completely lost on him.

        Cemetery Wind was a hindrance, like a ball and chain on him. Harold Attinger was a fool with his head in the clouds and a death warrant.

        If he had it his way, he'd of pulverized through the planet and taken what was rightfully his without all the contacts and rules.

        Megatron had slipped through his fingers like sand in the wind. Optimus remained off his radar with whoever still had it in them to live. He snarled, his emerald optics narrowing as he approached his communications room.

        "Lockdown, sir, the Mister Attinger awaits your presence." A smaller mech relayed, his optics not finding their way to his face.

        "I'm aware. Leave me, go." He hissed watching as the small bot made his hasty retreat.

        The screen before him brought the human into focus. "Attinger. "

        The balding man kept his face pursed. "Have you retrieved the girl? We are working on a time limit and cannot afford to waste a second, you understand I'm sure. Time is money."

        Lockdown grimaced. "I do not bother with petulant human affairs. Where is Optimus and Megatron?" The words were plagued with indignation, the snarl could be heard in his tone alone.

        Harold hummed. "We've received some complaints spanning through South America."

        The bounty hunter was swift to interrupt. "Your information is inoperative. Human intelligence was promised to me, but I'm seeing anything but."

        The older man frowned, deepening his wrinkles substantially. "Cemetery Wind is one of the most capable black op groups in the nation and I assure you, you'll get the information promised. I trust you've been utilizing the goods I've supplied."

        The mech paced like a predator ready to pounce, ignoring his comment. "I do not reward second chances, Attinger. Get it to me or suffer the consequences that will be dealt."

        The call ended without another second as he stalked from the room and toward his own set of intelligence. He'd rely on nobody, but himself and his own men.

        "Report, I need what we came for. Do not trouble me with anything but the desired." His hissed the order sharply.

        A mech of similar stature, Clincher, turned to him with a data-pad in hand. "Enhanced satellite imaging has captured photos of Optimus Prime in a convoy leaving the Utah-Arizona boarder."

        Lockdown observed the way the mech handled the pad with diligence. His face contorted in irritation at the new information. "Continue."

        "Further imaging shows the convoy heading north-east." Clincher answered swiftly, not missing a beat.

        "What of decepticon activity. I require both."

        "Decepticon activities have been mute." Another mech supplied.

        "Negative, designation Berserker has been photographed patrolling Hoover dam." A third cut in.

        Nevada. Lockdown glared, his lip plates pulling into a deeper scowl. "And the girl?"

        Clincher looked up from his data-pad, his single optic trained on his leader. "I fail to see the human's relevance, sir."

        The bounty hunter snarled. "She has information that would be easily extracted from her fragile human mind." He approached the subordinate threateningly.

        The single optic mech turned back to the technology in hand. "No sign of her since landing in Brazil. Will keep updated."

        A grunt escaped the Quintessan as he stalked out, his mind mulling over the new information tediously, picking it apart and looking further beyond what he was provided to see the bigger picture.

____________________

        When Lauren was forced back into consciousness she did so with a shattering wail, turning her throat raw. Her chest hurt beyond words and she felt like all the oxygen had been robbed from her lungs. The world was spinning too fast and not waiting for her to catch up, leaving her disoriented and lost. Words could barely be formed on her tongue when Blackout awoke, battle ready and seething.

        That was two days ago and she did little in the way of speaking since, resigned to silence.

        It was both beneficial and annoying, Blackout found. She'd not shut her trap previously and now all his inquiries were met with one word answers or a bob of her head. He couldn't understand what could have possibly forced her into abrupt silence and he didn't ask. The change in demeanor gave him whiplash enough.

        Since that night they'd been moving nonstop with small respites taken in Guatemala and Panama. The bare minimum was met before they moved on.

        His whole frame ached, but it wasn't anything he wasn't use to. He could handle it without so much as blinking.

        Lauren spent each moment with her glassy eyes glued to the land below, searching for any sign of the mech in question. Each attempt at sleep was met with nothingness. She'd never felt so alone even in the company of her travel companion. Everything hurt, it was as if her heart had be ripped from her chest and stomped on, leaving only empty space within her. The incessant tug sensation had long since vanished and she never thought she'd miss it, but oh how wrong she was. Time felt like it had stopped and was going way too fast all at once. The woman almost wanted to cry at Blackout, demanding he go faster, but refrained with a bite of her tongue. 

        Exhaustion tugged at her eyes in the form of dark bags. No sleep was restful, she found.

        Panama was close their destination, right? Geography was never her strongest subject and she kicked herself for neglecting it. If only she'd known how pertinent it'd be in her adult life.

        Her world was losing colors each time she blinked. She felt like she was being dramatic, but something about the whole situation reminded her of her mother and she'd be damned if she lost someone else. She refused to be alone again if she could have any say in the matter.

        "Ping radius detected." Blackout informed flatly as he descended to fly lower above the tree canopy. "Keep your visuals." They breached the Venezuelan boarder.

        Lauren jolted, scooting off her seat to peer down at the earth, her throat constricted and her eyes felt hot suddenly.

        600 meter radius. Her mind reminded.

        The chopper encroached upon the dense jungle wilderness, within the ping radius. A fierce determination surged within him. The ping was non-moving, stagnate.

        Blood roared in her ears, drawing out the thrum of the rotor blades and all other sounds as her eyes caught the glint of something shiny and metallic. "There! Right there!" She cried, her voice hoarse and graveled in her desperation.

        Time slowed as her vision flashed to the forefront of her mind and Blackout sharp turned into a dive, her toolbox jostled behind her somewhere with the sudden trajectory change.

        The recklessness didn't even matter as the scene came into full view. She could've swore she forgot how to breathe the moment she spotted his still form, the water glistened in the sun.

        The chopper neared the small clearing beside the fallen.

        Lauren was swift to throw herself from the chopper, hitting the earth hard, but not stopping as her shaky legs carried her to Megatron.

        Tears sprang from her eyes, unbeknownst, as she reached his hulking frame.

        Much like in the vision, she thrust herself into the water with a splash, not caring for anything that may lurk beneath the surface or her soaked clothes. "I-I'm here. Hey, I'm here." The brunette sputtered quickly, dipping to be eye level with the unresponsive mech. She touched a trembling hand to his partially closed mouth guard.

        His dull, lightless optics haunted her, the very image searing into her memory to forever come back and bite her.

        Blackout approached slowly, optics downcast on his master. Something irked within him in an almost pained fashion. He shoved the feeling away harshly, burying in deep down.

        "Please stay with me, please. I came, see?" She cried fruitlessly, turning to meet the hunter with tear filled eyes. "I-is he..." Her words trailed off listlessly. 

        Was she too late...?

        Blackout crept closer, dropping to kneel beside the decepticon warlord. "No. He's in stasis, but he doesn't have much long before his systems offline for good." He rose to full height.

        The tall grass cradled his fallen form gently. He was a husk of his former self, hollowed. Small flower blooms peaked up from beneath his body. Purple hearts she'd recalled the name from her grandmother's time.

        Lauren left the shallow water with caution, moving around to Megatron's side and taking the small flower blooms into her fingers with care before plucking and stuffing them away in her pocket. They'd be out of season soon.

        "Don't worry, you'll be okay. I promise." She whispered affectionately, not knowing if he could hear her or not. "I promise..." The vow was made to herself in turn. He'd been there for her in her dying moments, and she'd do her damnedest to reciprocate the favor.

        "Move fleshling." Blackout commanded as he made his way to the side of his leader, cargo straps in hand.

        Listening, she reluctantly left the mech's side, standing aside to give the decepticon a wide berth to work.

        "Can you do it...?" She found herself questioning softly, sapphire eyes casted up to him fearfully.

        "What? Elaborate." He'd almost barked as he cast her a look, catching her stare.

        "Get him back to Chicago. Can you do it?"

        Blackout turned away from her with a vent, his optics studied the scene, noting his Lord's apparent new appearance in some areas. "It will be hard, but with a straight shot, yes." He'd do it, even if he fell out of the sky.

        Lauren gave him the benefit of the doubt as he secured the girthy cargo straps to the underside of the mech's armor plating. The scene reminded her of doctors hooking her mother up to the EKG machine. She turned away, not able to stomach the scene.

        "We leave now, insect. Come." Blackout transformed with haste as if rushing the process. The cargo straps secured somewhere beneath the underbelly of the chopper.

        With a parting look, she boarded. "I'm trusting you." Her words came out hushed.

        "If I did not believe myself capable, I would not have offered my service, fleshling." He sniped as he began to ascend, the weight of Megatron tethered to him was a strain to say the least as he battled to lift him from the earth.

        With baited breath, Lauren watched as Blackout managed to uproot the giant.

        The ascension was slow, but he climbed altitude steadily.

        "How long...?" She questioned, peeking out through the window and down to Megatron's dangling form.

        Blackout hissed in Cybertronian before answering in a clipped tone. "Approximately fifteen hours and five minutes. Do not bother me further, insect."

        Lauren sat back in her seat with a strained exhale, flaring her nostrils.

        The fifteen hours dragged on painfully slow with only silence to fill the void. The young woman stole glances to the mech every few moments to ease her mind. He wasn't flying nearly as high as he previously was.

        If there was a more direct route, why didn't they take it in the first place...? The question came to her as the sun descended beyond the horizon. She'd remember to ask later and filed it away.

        A few more hours passed and Blackout was pushing through strong despite the strain and the fatigue plaguing him. It was for a good cause, the only cause. He pushed harder, forcing his rotor blades to spin faster, forcing himself to carry on further.

        The night sky was particularly clear that night, giving way to millions of stars. The constellations twinkled vividly against the darkness of space. Her eyes found their way to Megatron once more, unwilling to let him be. She turned her sights back to the night with renewed determination. A shooting star cut across her vision then and it was as if the universe was smiling down on her.

        "Star light, star bright, the first star I see tonight, I wish I may, I wish I might, have this wish I make tonight."

        Her mother's words arose from the deepest depths of her subconscious. Wishes weren't something she necessarily believed in, nor did she put her faith in such a thing, but she'd humor the small child within her and she wished. She wished for salvation, for peace, and for them to make it through this mess, her and Megatron.

        I wish... A small unheard part of herself clung to the hope of wishing and fate.

        "Landing inbound." Blackout called out pointedly.

        I promise. Her mind repeated the vow as if reaffirming it as the ruins of Chicago became noticeable.

        Her heart hammered as the ground grew nearer as her race against time began.

        Time, the cruelest and most unforgiving of thieves.

        She wouldn't let it win, she refused and absolutely denied it, she'd fight it with any and all her power. There was no backing down, no running away, not until it was over. Said and done with.

        Megatron met the ground first, the chopper followed immediately after.

        Dread pooled in her gut at the prospect of having to see the others. She should get some satisfaction from being right, but... There was truly nothing to be happy about and she wished she'd of never been right.

        Lauren climbed from the chopper, her toolbox grasped tightly at her side as she moved to stand beside Megatron, her free hand rested gently upon his arm as if to silently say 'I'm here'.

        Perhaps she was only soothing herself with the action.

        Blackout stalked toward her and his leader, dropping a one knee servo kneel. With care and upmost regard, he raised the mech from the earth bridal style. His close size comparison made the feat possible, but not easy. Megatron was a mountain of a Cybertronian. "Open the door."

        Lauren spared him a sorrowful glance, before moving toward the building. There was no possible way for her to force the large door open on her own, so she rapped her fist against it harshly as the chopper came to her backside.

        Movement could be heard on the other side before the door slide open.

        The air within seemed to still as all optics met her and then Blackout. No words were exchanged as Nitrozeus stepped aside for them to enter.

        With some effort, she swallowed down the growing lump in her throat, her eyes cast to the cement flooring. She didn't want to- she couldn't- meet their gazes as she entered.

        Blackout set the mech in the midst of the room, everyone moved to accommodate the change in space wordlessly. Glances were exchanged between the decepticons and she figured they were having some sort of conversation she wasn't privy to and she didn't care.

        Moving to be beside the mech, she set her tools aside with an exhale. The brunette hoisted herself up atop the decepticon's body.

        "What are you doing fleshbag?" Barricade barked out with venom.

        She didn't acknowledge nor pay him any mind as she moved atop Megatron's chest, surveying the largest of the wounds. It leaked slowly, but steadily. Quickly she retrieved a shirt from her bag before forcing the cloth into the open pipe, halting the leak and buying back some valuable minutes. "Scalpel!" She called to the small spider like bot.

        His skittering was notable in the silence as he scaled the giant. "Ja."

        "I need you to find me some piping that'll fit this circumference. Anything. I need to reconnect the line so he stops bleeding." Was bleeding the correct term in robot? She didn't know.

        Scalpel obeyed with no hesitation, scuttling away immediately as she applied pressure within the open cavity.

        Perhaps the basic of first aid carried across the galaxy? She was grasping at straws.

        The surrounding decepticons stared at her in mixed emotion. She'd never had an audience for this kind of thing and it was daunting.

        "You haven't a clue what our kind need." Onslaught rasped in accusation.

        "I've done this before. Let me work." Her words came out with a bite, her eyes looking to each pair of optics. "At least I'm doing something!" Heat licked at her eyes and she turned her head away with a jerk. She would not cry here, in front of them.

        "It would be best to let him die a warriors death, yes. Let him rest, girl." Starscream hissed bitterly, his one good optic narrowed.

        "That's not what he'd want! He didn't ask for this!" Lauren cried back, her face screwed up in anger.

        "You have no idea what you're babbling about insect." Barricade retorted with a lurch as Scalpel reentered the building, dragging a large PVC pipe and mumbling on indistinguishable thing.

        She pressed harder into his wound as the sting of tears assaulted her eyes. "You're wrong." The brunette turned to give the mech her best glare through blurred vision. "You have no idea what he wants. I am doing what I was asked to do." Her tone dripped with vitriol.

        Scalpel relented the pipe to the woman and and she took it gratefully. At least someone was willing to help.

        Retrieving her heat gun, she worked to meld the plastic to his internal system, disregarding the burns and the sting of heat. The small bot sat by and watched with curious wonderment. Hastily, she wiped away the green liquid as she worked. With some trouble, she eventually secured the PVC in just the right place.

        He was nowhere near walking away from deaths doorway, but at least he wouldn't leak anymore.

        Another shirt ruined. She dried what she could and discarded the clothing beside the mech. "There 'ya go. You'll be up in no time big guy." She spoke openly to Megatron's limp form before turning to Scalpel who waited for any sort of instruction. "Are there any other leaks in this area?" She questioned.

        Scalpel descended deepening within the wound, making her cringe as his beady optics scanned over the damages. "Nein furzer leaks detecded in zis area, his viring is damaged." His flicked his spectacles away.

        She hung her head in exhaustion as a huff was squeezed from her lungs. Her fingers ghosted just barely over the marred metal. She wish she knew more on what she was doing. "Will he stabilize? Can you tell?"

        Scalpel poked and prodded at his internal wires and bits of loose metal. "Nein tell, put he does not leak furzer."

        Her brows furrowed at his words. Time would have to tell, like all things, but how patient could she be? Sapphire eyes traveled over him, studying the way his metal plate armor dented and curved. He'd fought hard, she knew he did. She's seen it. There was no way in hell he'd fall so easily. Her confidence in him was absolute, however her confidence in herself was something else entirely.

        She'd fixed him once before, she could do it again certainly. Right? It'd been easier then, why, she couldn't explain.

        Her hand moved to rest upon where his spark chamber resided. His metals were cool to the touch and it almost disgusted her at how different it was from his usual warmth, his fire.

        Sucking in a breath through her nose, she exhaled through her mouth. Okay. She steadied, forcing herself back to those first days in the barn. What had been different?

        She hadn't known him nor had any kind affiliation. There was music and the peace of mind knowing she was at home.

        That was it. She was being too sentimental about it all. Lauren needed to step back and remove herself as horrible as that sounded.

        Was that how EMTs got through their jobs? Doctors? She was neither here nor there, but it still applied.

        Another steady exhale ceased her tears as she rose to stand atop his chassis, wiping away the remaining moisture from her cheeks, she planted her hands atop her hips, her pants still damp.

        It hadn't happened over night the first time and he certainly wouldn't be in his feet tomorrow, but then again, Rome wasn't built in a day. It sure as shit fell in one though.

        Time. That's what's she needed and she got it. He wasn't bleeding to death anymore, she reminded herself. All she needed was time and some bad pop music.

        This was fine, she just had to put her mind to it. Yes, everything would be just fine.

        With one more assessment of the PVC, she slid off his chassis, wiping her hands along her shirt. "I stopped the leaking for now, but I'll continue tomorrow." She said it to nobody in particular, but as a general statement.

        "Let's see how far you go with this little game." Laserbeak trilled wetly from his perch.

        The mechs exchanged clipped words in Cybertronian with one another, Nitrozeus being the loudest of the bunch with a roll of his optic and his arms crossed defensively across his chassis.

        "Say hello to the stick up your ass once you pull it out. Let the cowgirl run her rodeo." He shrugged.

        Barricade growled with a pointed glare.

        "You say you've don't this before, fleshling?" Onslaught interrogated.

        Lauren turned to the injured mech. "Who do you think made him operable the last time...?" She questioned honestly.

        "See? Betsy knows how to wrangle 'em in." He made a crude lasso gesture. 

        "Shut your trap." The police cruiser barked at the tracker. Blackout remained silent through the whole ordeal, he couldn't be bothered to engage as he rested, optics trained on the femme.

        Starscream had since fled, off to do whatever it was that he did and good riddance, not one of them craved his presence or his ego.

        "Do you truly believe that you may turn him operable?" Soundwave inquired flatly.

        She turned to face him, hesitating before finding her voice. "Yes. I do." They locked in a stare. "Very well, your work is approved. Do not disappoint."

        Was that last part a threat? It was hard to tell. She wasn't aware that she needed permission, as if his disapproval would have stopped her. Better to have a blessing than an adversary, she supposed.

        Her body was heavy with emotional exhaustion and physical strain. Two things she was accustomed to.

        Scalpel skittered down Megatron's arm to be head level with her, his little claws rubbed together. "He is in schtazis, Honlining him is bozible."

        His thick German accent never ceased to make her brain stall. "It will take some time, but I know I can do it."

        The spider like decepticon scuttled to the other side of her head. "Allow me help vith zee zupchect." His small head bobbed as he spoke in a frenzy.

        She wasn't too sure Megatron would like being referred to as a 'subject', he was a science experiment despite what other humans may think. "Yeah, sure. It'd be better to have help speeding  along the process."

        The bot gave a sadistic little laugh before scurrying off, squeezing himself through the small gap in the sliding door. He really was like a spider. The whole thing unnerved her in the way any creepy-crawly would.

        The brunette turned back to Megatron's body, placing her hand along his shoulder servo. "I'll be back tomorrow, promise. I'll get you up and running in no time."

        "I get you're lonely betsy, but you don't have to be weird about it." Nitrozeus quipped, bent to watch her.

        She removed her hand. "I can almost guarantee he's hearing us."

        He stood back to height, feigning surrender with his hands pulled back. "Not my rodeo, still my horse."

        The euphemism was lost on her with his obnoxious way of teasing her. Truly, she didn't understand a lot of what he was trying to say and she wasn't about to run all over hell's half-acre trying to get it. "Yeah, right." She dismissed as she turned to make her way upstairs for the remainder of the day. Her clothed were a mess of sweat, tears, petrolex, energon, and dirty water.

        "Hold it cowgirl, aren't you forgetting somethin'?" The single optic mech called.

        She stopped halfway up the stairs with an incredulous look adoring her features. "No?"

        "I'm sure your sweetness would love for you to pucker up before bed." He laughed gruffly, his chassis rising and falling with the laughter. The other mech snapped back with insults at the tracker.

        "I'm going to bed." Lauren stated, deadpan, as she disappeared from sight.

        "Someone doesn't put out." He gestured his head at the office.

        "Shut your vocal processors before I do it for you." The cruiser growled once more, his patience wearing thin.

        The bickering continued beyond the thin walls and she paid it no mind as she cautiously stripped of her dirtied clothes. She could always hand wash them in the sink if it came down to it. God, her skin felt gross, she felt gross. Her hair certainly needed a brush through and not just her lazy finger combing.

        Gently, she rewrapped her leg, pleasantly surprised to find it healing rather well, thankful that it didn't look or feel infected.

        Slipping into her sweats, she reclined in the swivel chair, head reclined to stare up at the ceiling. She was tired, but not in the literal sense, her being was drained, leaving her body to turn to lead and her nights filled with restlessness, sleep wouldn't come easy and she knew that. A part of her was saddened by that fact, that her sleep would be dreamless and dark.

        She rubbed at her eyes with a sigh.

        The search and rescue was a success and yet she still wasn't happy with the aftermath. Something she knew would happen, if only she hadn't put off the inevitable dissatisfaction that came with it.

        Lauren placed her arms on the desk, resting her head atop them much like how she did in school. It was a familiar feeling, being hunched over. Her back would punish her later in life, but she'd deal with that when the time came.

        Eventually, she drifted off into a dreamless slumber void of any and everything, the mechs banter serving as not so subtle white noise.




        

 

Chapter 28: Solder

Notes:

AHH! You all are amazing and wonderful! All the wonderful comments make me so happy I could shed a tear! Y'all are so unbelievably sweet!

And thank you so, so, SO much for the kudos, like, omg! You all, I swear! And shoutout to all you beautiful lurkers out there, you make the world go round.

I still hate my job! But, it's gotten easier, so that's good. I just want to get paid, I have a whole, whopping 20 bucks to my name. The pain, I tell y'all... I'm so broke.

        Optimus sped down the open road, canyon and sand for miles painting the horizon a rusty, burnt orange.

        His small team of what remained of the autobots trailed close behind him, a small yellow Camaro sped up, keeping pace at the shoulder.

        Anger coursed through his very being as he sent up a dust cloud in his wake. The autobot leader felt betrayed, but most of all, he was hurt.

        After finding the small drone and tapping it for information, he could almost have purged his tanks when he saw the humans, those that he swore to entrust and protect, smelting down Ratchet and Leadfoot as if they were just scrap. As if they hadn't given their own to protect their planet.

        Besides the apparent desecration of the dead, the autobot leader learned several other things; Megatron was alive and with a human in his corner, Lockdown was afoot and hunting them with said humans. Further inspection reveal the maker of the small drone: KSI. Kinetic Solutions. Defense, aerospace, and government contracts, ties with the CIA. The technology was theirs, the slaughter of their kind was in their name and bloodied their hands. 

        The company, he found, was headquartered in Detroit, and so, that's where his wheels carried him.

        He'd sworn to never kill humans, to never bring harm upon another living specie if he could help it, but when he finds out who's behind all the carnage, they were going to die, mark his words.

        "No way to get inside without a battle." Hound had commented.

        Pleasantries were the last thing on the autobot's mind, he wanted to right what was wrong and avenge his fallen comrades. Their deaths would not be in vain, he vowed that much. 

        His encounter with Lockdown and the human black ops yielded much information. Certainly, they were were together under some sinister contract. But, something striking stood out...

        His subordinates appeared Cybertronian or even Quintessan at a quick glance, but the way they moved, the way they fought, was anything but. There was no light, metaphorically, behind their optics. They were lifeless, devoid of sentience. It was wrong and defied the very laws of the universe.

        Despite what he wanted, he could play by their rules.

____________________

        Lauren awoke from her restless slumber without so much as a yawn. Rubbing the sleepiness from her eyes, she was quick to rise. Changing quickly, the woman was swift to make her way down to the main floor.

        She did little in the way of greeting everyone else as she approached her tools and the small pile of odd ins-and-outs that Scalpel scrounged in her absence. It was a rather sizable pile considering the short notice and just how much effort the small decepticon had to go throw to drag it in. Odd pipes, both of the metal and plastic kind. Nuts, bolts, and screws of varying sizes. A car jack, and other bits and pieces she couldn't put names to.

        "Howdy to you too, who took the jem out of your doughnut?" Nitrozeus emerged into the building.

        Lauren turned to the small battery powered radio Scalpel had so graciously found. In truth, he probably wanted it for parts, but really what use would a radio from 2003 be? "Why do you talk like that?" She jabbed verbally at the tracker bot, her fingers filling with the small piece of technology.

        The mech made his way around to her side. "Why do you talk like that, betsy. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes."

        A small smile graced her lips as she tuned into a radio station. The speakers were somewhat scratchy, but fiddling with the volume dial proved fruitful.

        "Turn that garbage off." Barricade grumbled from the other side of the room, face screwed up in irritation.

        Nitrozeus bent at the hips, coming closer to her. "He doesn't get laid. Ignore him and his blue balls." He gestured with his helm.

        Lauren snorted dryly at the absurdity of the joke as she move to climb atop Megatron, heavy tool box secured in her grasp as the beat of the song carried through out the space.

        Occasionally, if he was near, she'd ask Blackout to better help her identify what she was working on to which he'd begrudgingly answer.

        "You come over and start up a conversation with just me and trust me, I'll give it a chance now (mm-mm)."

        She sang along absent mindedly as she was elbow deep in his chassis reconnecting and soldering wires she knew went with one another. Her head bobbed slightly as she crimped a set of wire.

        "Your love was handmade for somebody like me."

        Hastily, she pulled her hand away having burned her finger with the soldering iron. It was old and had been her grandfather's before her, needless to say, the tool was finicky on even the best days.

        "Say, 'Boy, let's not talk too much. Grab on my waist and put that body on me'. Com on now, follow my lead."

        Scalpel skittered up to her, his spectacles secured in place. "Zere is ein ding in zee fluid bump. Zupchect may Hexberience decreazed bumping." He scurried off toward his upper chassis.

        Setting the soldering iron aside, she followed, wiping her hands along her pants.

        The spider bot crouched to peer beneath a half risen chest plate, his small appendages poked.

        Gripping the underside of the plate, she pulled. "I'm so sorry if this hurts." She apologized with another yank to no avail. Scalpel, too, tried to help in her endeavor, pushing at the metal.

        Much like she'd done before, she retrieved the car jack, climbed atop him once more, before jamming the tool beneath the plating. With some difficulty, she torqued the jack until the metal chest armor gave way, popping open with a hiss.

        Nitrozeus whistled. "Have some decency, put on a show."

        His perverse comment went ignored as she pushed the metal up and out of her way giving way to a much more vulnerable thoraxal cavity that she wasn't acquainted with.

        Scalpel scuttled past her with a tap of his spindly legs. "Ah, ja! Right here!" He almost cooed.

        Following his movements, she panned her vision to where his tapped. The smooth pipe was indeed dented to a good degree, luckily it hadn't caved. Gently, she reached out to rest her hand atop the infliction. It was warm to the touch and that made her feel like she was on the right track.

        "Zere is Henerkon debozits hintering zee flow." Scalpel acted as though he was resting an ear over the pipe.

        Deposits? Like a clot? He was clotting in his... heart-pump thing? Was he suffering some kind of robot heart attack?

        God, she wasn't cut out for this.

        "I need you to get me the rest of the PVC piping, my blow torch, and the small circular saw from the tool box. Hurry." A newfound urgency bled into her tone as she kneeled over the fluid pump. The music droned on in the background.

        "And another one bites the dust. Oh, why can I not conquer love?"

        "You're either a cowgirl or a doctor, which is it betsy? Tell a man." The single optic mech quipped from beside the scene.

        Scalpel returned with the requested items. "I'm neither." She answered flatly, clearly distracted as she swiftly cut bits of the PVC to size. If she could've, she'd of just heated the metal and allowed it to morph back into shape, but she knew heat couldn't be used in a situation with running liquids.

        Powering on the small hand held saw, she focused.

        "I'm still fighting for peace. I've got thick skin and an elastic heart."

        "Easy there betsy, don't torture the guy-"

        Blackout entered the building right as she made contact with the pump, bits of liquid spirted from the pipe. In her other hand she held a PVC cap.

        "What is the meaning of this?" The chopper chided with narrowed optics.

        The music and voiced were lost in her as she focused, forcing the cap over the end of the pipe before too much of anything could be lost. It wasn't going to hold long, so she had to act fast.

        With haste and energon speckled hands, she grabbed for her torch, flicking it on in an instant.

        "And I will stay up through the night. Let's be clear, won't close my eyes."

        Lauren made quick, yet tedious work of reshaping the pipe to its former self, using a hammer to poke at the malleable metal. Sweat beaded along her forehead with the torch so close. Without the proper Headwear, she squinted at the brightness of the flame. Abandoning her hammer, she switched to pliers as reshaped the end.

        "And I want it, I want my life so bad. I'm doing everything I can. Then another one bites the dust."

        With no time to let the metal cool, she turned back to the small cavity, securing the opposite end. With a huff, she snatched the PVC cap away, fitting the newly fitted end around the other as energon rushed to flow.

        "I may snap and I move fast. But you won't see me fall apart. 'Cause I've got an elastic heart."

        She let go of her breath after a moment without catastrophe. Fly away hairs stuck to her damp skin and flecks of the alien liquid stained her tank top, the song fizzled out near its end.

        All optics were on her.

        "What was that ? " The chopper stepped forward, his tone rich with malice.

        Lauren turned her head to stare at the hunter, her ears still somewhat trained on the music in the background. "He had a blockage." She stated rather flatly, her blood still racing through her body in am attempt to calm. "An energon deposit?" Her words came as a question. "The fluid pump was dented." Her eyes trailed the room. "Why is everyone staring at me?" Annoyance flared in her tone as she rose to her feet, wiping her welt covered hands along the cotton on her tank.

        Blackout left once more with a parting scoff.

        "Why the face? You look madder than a wet hen cowgirl." Nitrozeus drawled, cocking his helm to the side for emphasis.

        Making her way to her toolbox, she fished around in its contents. "Because you all keep staring at me like I'm trying to fuck him over or something. I know what I'm doing." She pulled out some spare wire insulation and a rag (which just so happened to be her old shirt torn into strips).

        "Whatever helps you sleep at night, betsy."

        "You know nothing, don't act like you do human." Barricade grumbled, his bulky body jerking with the force of his words.

        "Hey, I'd watch your tongue if I were you. Megatron doesn't take to kindly to others fucking with his little lady." The tracker snickered. "Big man gets protective, don't 'ya?" He sniggered. "Why do you think the screamer is blind in one eye?" And he couldn't comfortably rotate his shoulder servo 360 degrees.

        Of course the mech in question didn't answer, but a small part of her felt reassured that someone considered that he may be listening whether voluntarily or not.

        Barricade pulled a face before hissing something in Cybertronian. Onslaught only observed with a wet cough here and there, face contorting to display his pain.

        Lauren turned to the less acquainted mech. "Do you want any help? Or would you rather suffer in silence? I can work with either."

        Onslaught gave a rasped noise that was hard to distinguish. The mech was far more stout than the others, stockier. "It's a true scientific marvel that I'm still online." He ground out. "Your small hands will do no good by me."

        She crossed her arms atop her chest. "Yes or no? If not, I have work to do." Truly, she didn't care either way, but she figured that asking couldn't hurt, or it could hurt a lot. Her train of thought had long derailed.

        The stout mech grumbled out a curse, pushing himself up into a better sitting position, his chassis was a mess of petrolex and energon. A small puddle formed below him, smeared across the gray pavement with his movements. "You offer service and stand there like a thoughtless cretin."

        Lauren retrieved some simple tools. "All you had to say was 'yes'." She approached his side with some reluctance. The brunette wanted to say that she had a loose grasp on each character around her, but he truly wasn't someone she'd gotten a read on. It stirred up primal weariness in her. "Could you move your hand?"

        The mech did so with a pained growl, his clawed hands slapped the cement causing her to jolt as she eyed the damage. It was in fact an inner pipe that had been punctured by something or another. Without question, she reached her hand across the wound, causing the bot to tense visibly.

        "Think of that as an encouragement to hurry the hell up cretin." He growled through clenched denta, his optics burned holes into her.

        God, this was so much easier when they were unconscious...

        It was a small puncture given his size, but the constant flow was certainly doing him no good. Should be an easy fix. Sliding off his thigh plating, she retrieved her heat gun and a sliver of PVC.

        With some struggle, she made her way atop his leg once more, pulling the rag from her pocket. "Can I?" He gave a grunt of approval and she gentle careened her hands around the wound, dry the surrounding metal to the best of her ability before plugging the puncture. Once she noted the lack in leakage, she turned to heat the dense plastic pipe, creating a sort of cuff that she could then melt over the hole.

        It only took a moment's time with the powerful heat gun. Securing the plastic over the metal pipe was tricky, but she managed. Her clothes further dirtied by alien gunk. The surrounding metal was still damaged, but he was no longer withering away.

        She removed herself near immediately and made her way back to Megatron.

        "Now aren't you a doll. Flattery can only get you so far, like someone's bed."

        Ignoring Nitrozeus, she climbed atop the decepticon once more, resuming her original task as the music droned on like white noise.

        "Your men are falling apart at the seems." She commented to him as she worked to solder wires, laminating them in insulation for good measure. "I'm sorry I wasn't faster..." That part came out even quieter. She crimped another wire gently, the surrounding area was starting to look better, not as mangled.

        Her eyes trailed over his frame, premature spots of rust plagued his claws and palms. She'd have to clean that soon before it spread further.

        Her sights panned up toward his face, she studied the new ways the metal dipped and curved, a stark contrast from his previous appearance, but it was still very much him. It was pleasing to the eye, smooth and not so sharp, but still intimidating.

        She may have lingered her stare too long, jumping when she accidentally grazed her wrist with the soldering iron. Another burn added to her steadily growing collection. The stinging went ignored.

        "You took my hand, you showed me how. You promised me you'd be around."

        Lauren followed the lyrics with a bob of her head, twisting some wires between her sore finger tips.

        "If someone said three years from now, you'd be long gone. I'd stand up and punch them out. 'Cause they're all wrong. I know better 'cause you said forever and ever."

        She scooted up his chassis, moving to what appeared like a some sort of stab wound. Her fingertips brushed softly along the smooth edges. The night was wearing on, growing late.

        "I wish I could touch you again. I wish I could still call you a friend. I'd give anything."

        A yawn escaped her as the music was silenced abruptly. "I was listening to that."

        "It's better than country, but that's all you get. Make like a horse and get on to gettin'." Nitrozeus shooed.

        "I still have work to do." Lauren retorted as she set to soldering another set of wires, finding the action a bit more difficult in the narrower space of the smaller wound.

        He rolled his optic. "Yeah, and I have a line of babes waiting to preen my backside.

        "Go away and let us have some peace, fleshbag. You've bothered enough for one joor." Barricade gestured with his hand, his voice rumbled.

        "Go recharge girl, you may continue your duties tomorrow." Soundwave cut in.

        "But, I-"

        "Do not argue further. Go recharge." Blackout interjected, sliding the door shut behind himself.

        Suddenly, she was hoisted into the air, dropping her wire insulations and soldering iron. "Hey! Put me down!"

        Nitrozeus mocked her accent. "Boots are made for walkin' betsy." He dropped her onto the second story catwalk, just outside the office.

        "I was going to go!" She huffed. "Goodnight!" The door was slammed. God, she felt like a child being ordered to bed by their parents. If they just wanted some peace and quiet, she'd of turned off the music. All they had to do was ask! But, apparently, asking wasn't a thing she found common among them, it was always telling, ordering. No wonder they butt heads so often.

        After changing into her pajamas, she lied on the floor for the night, the office grew dim and all the bickering beyond the drywall ceased.

        She tossed and turned for some time before she eventually drifted off.

____________________

        She was in that dark void once more, much like her previous nights sleep. Black, vast, nothingness.

        Lauren sighed deeply to herself. It was going to be a long night at this rate. She'd almost prefer a nightmare of it gave her something to do.

        "It's not a dream, girl." A familiar baritone voice spoke from behind her.

        Pivoting, she nearly stumbled as she snapped around to face Megatron. Her skin suddenly felt hot as her pulse quickened.

        This isn't real... A small part of her sniped.

        The tyrant sat with a knee servo propped up, Purple Hearts bloomed in clusters in the surrounding area. His body still dawned his injuries and battle torn state.

        "It's the bond, that's why you're here, bug." He reached a tentative claw out at her. "Come, girl."

        Her feet stuttered. "B-but you died... I thought- I felt-"

        He frowned. "Stasis does not eliminate the bond. You will not be rid of it till the day you perish. Come."

        Lauren's body moved on its own, heading his call. He was swift to scoop her into his palm.

        "The bond was only subdued, it still remains. Just search for it, bug." He informed gruffly as he held her, noting the way her body had grown lighter in weight. His metal features curled into a grimace at the realization.

        "I'm sorry." She suddenly said, her eyes downcast. Even if this wasn't real and it was all some delusion, she'd cherish the time spent.

        "Do not give me sympathies, girl." He bit out.

        "So, you're alive? I thought I was too late." She admitted.

        "Yes, I do live." His words came out firm and absolute, leaving no room for uncertainty. "What of my men?"

        "They're assholes. Is that what you wanted me to say?" A smile tugged at her lips. "The short chubby one- Onslaught? He's not great. Starscream disappears any chance he can get, but I'm not complaining."

        That told him all he needed to know, they were in scraps. He snarled. Everything was starting look bleak. "That treacherous traitor does not know what's good for him if he wants to keep his helm."

        The seeker was aloof, that much was obvious. To what extent, she didn't know however. A hum escaped her throat.

        Her fingers brushed against the beginnings of rust on his palm, the texture rough and rubbing off onto her skin. His new metals were much smoother than the former, making the rust stand out all that much more. It was a bittersweet reminder.

        "Disgusting." Megatron had commented.

        "I'll remove it, don't worry."

        He scoffed, but something told her he really didn't mean it. "I have more pressing matters to perturb me than some rank corrosion, fleshling. I am no weakling."

        "That doesn't mean you should have to deal with it, though." Sapphire eyes flicked down to his cavernous wound. She needn't ask what happened, she knew; Lockdown. Her chest panged subtly, causing her lips to pull into a small smile.

        "Do you understand now, girl? Only in death will you be rid of the bond." He spoke with purpose, but held no harshness save for his usual grit. "Nothing will befall me."

        The last sentence was said in both to himself and to ease what worries her mind may harbor. He held a particular disdain for the apprehension that plagued her and in turn, himself.

        Lauren's fingers caressed along his palm, avoiding the corrosion, absentmindedly. "Will you be okay, though? You're alive, sure, but..."

        "You dare doubt me, bug?" He's almost growled.

        "No, but I am allowed to ask."

        He vented in a grunt. "Physical damages are only an inconvenience."

        Humming, she accepted that answer. His way of saying he'd be okay, she supposed. "You were bleeding pretty bad when we found you."

        "Our bodies have reserves. Refrain your fretting, girl."

        Ah, that made sense. No wonder he and Onslaught hadn't kicked the bucket sooner. They had fail-safes.

        The brunette reclined, resting back onto his chassis. She was pleased to feel his warmth once more, finding it far more inviting than the cold. He felt alive. Knowing he'd be okay lifted a world's worth of weight off her shoulders and heart. Finally, she could breathe comfortably. She relaxed into him, calmed. Was is possible to fall asleep when already sleeping?

        "What's with the new get-up by the way?" The question came as her eyes slipped closed.

        "This is the first you've commented." He jabbed.

        "Just finally found the right moment to ask."

        'The right moment' was something he'd only ever used in combat. "Cybertronians often change primary modes, girl. It is a vital function."

        She supposed that it wasn't much different than coloring one's hair or plastic surgery. He was still distinctly Megatron, there was no question there. And it wasn't as if she hated the change. He was bulkier, smooth, and towering, it all added to his person. Though, there was a chance that their reasons for changing were far more survival oriented than a humans.

        Who cared? She certainly didn't. It was his body and she was almost positive that nobody else beneath the tyrant would dare question it.

        "Oh." Was all she replied with a sigh.

        Megatron nudged not so gently, jostling the small woman. "Cease your recharge, bug." He plucked her up, setting her down.

        Her feet barely caught her as she stammered. "Wha-"

        "Go, get to your recharge, girl." He shooed her off with a claw of his hand, dispersing before her vision and taking the purple hearts with him. Oddly, it didn't leave her in a panic, him leaving. She knew he was still there, looming in the back of her mind.

        Lauren's sleep that night was plentiful and she got well needed rest. Not once did she toss and turn or wake up. Drool dripped from her agape mouth and her eyes crusted.

        Yes, good sleep. Now, all she needed was a proper pillow and blanket.

Chapter 29: Snare

Notes:

AHHHH! I OFFICIALLY HIT OVER 100K WORDS! AND IT'S ALL THATNKS TO YOU BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL, AMAZING PEOPLE WHO GIVE MY BOOK THE TIME OF DAY! I LOVE YOU ALL!

All your previous comments were like gold! I love reading your comments as much as y'all like reading my work!

My feet hurt so fucking bad for work, but woop, woop! Two days off! I fucking earned it! Also, I have an insta! If any of you lovelies would like to follow or stalk! It's brooke_demure :)

You all are amazing! <3

        One week had passed in a blink and Megatron still hadn't gotten up. Lauren continued to work on him from the moment her eyes opened till the very second she couldn't hold her eyelids up any longer. She hadn't seen him in her dreams since the last time they'd encountered each other, but she wasn't complaining, too preoccupied with the repairs at hand.

        There was always more work to do, she found. More wires to be crimped and soldered, always a new dent to ding out. It was tiring, but nobody could say it wasn't honest work. Her muscles grew fatigued with how much she overworked herself, but she didn't let that stop her, not one bit.

        Scalpel, despite his creepiness, had been a great help in the whole ordeal. Sure, his growing pile of junk scrap wasn't all that helpful, but she'd bite her tongue if it meant he'd continue to help. She'd even like to say she was growing use to his arachnid-esque appearance, but truthfully, the way he crawled around was still too uncanny.

        As time droned on, she found it easier to tune out the decepticons. Soundwave was silent in his own right and Barricade grumbled and complained like a brooding teenager, they were easy. Starscream and Laserbeak, not so much. The bird was growing a fondness for snatching tools from her hands simply to inconvenience her and if he wasn't being a total nuance, then he was perched just above her, his beady eyes burning holes into the back of her skull. The woman could practically feel his dark thoughts.

        Nitrozeus was in a league of his own and rarely did she find his banter humorous, it was usually just crudely crafted jabs.

        Blackout came and went as he pleased, but at least he wasn't completely unbearable. He could be helpful on his good days, which were few and far between, but they added up.

        The rust hadn't been too much of a pain to chip away, but it seemed that every time she cleared away one area of corrosion, another popped up just as quickly. It was frustrating to say the very least and she was running low on shirt-turned-rags. No matter, she would diligently continue to battle the metal-eating disease. Surely, it didn't feel well, right?

        Her chest tugged and she took a moment to spare the mech a glance before sliding off his chassis, blowtorch in hand. Brunette tresses tickled the nape of her neck since being tied up with a spare shred of cloth. The smallest of the wounds on his side chassis had been welded over with small bits of scrap the spider decepticon had, oh so graciously, dragged in.

        The largest of the wounds and, arguably the crippling one, was near complete to being shut, but she'd underestimated the sheer size of the hole once again.

        Lauren had managed to patch over 99% of the gaping hole, including the exit wound on his back. Barricade and Blackout had not been happy about her requests to lay their leader face down like some nameless corpse. Nevertheless, they obliged. 

        The brunette had already made two excursions to the abandoned city for parts. Nitrozeus accompanied her once and never again would she allow that. She could do it on her own without getting laughed at, and she did. It took more time than she'd of liked, but hey, she did it her God damn self.

        The weather was beginning to cool ever so slightly, signaling the season change. What month it was, she hadn't a clue and almost didn't want to know. Does it snow in Illinois? She's never seen snowfall and if now wasn't the best time for new experiences, she didn't know when that time would come. Throw caution to the wind, right?

        "Where are you going? Report." Soundwave inquired, approaching with is optics trained on her small form.

        Wiping her dirty hands along her pants, she answered. "Need a few more pieces of metal and I'm low on food. I'm going to head into the city." Her hands planted themselves upon her hips.

        The communications officer stares through her. "Sundown is in two earth hours. Return before then or Laserbeak will seek for you."

        It was a promised threat, she knew that, but it did little to instill fear. She wouldn't take long because there wasn't much she needed to grab. One well sized bit of metal would be more than enough to finish what she started and on a previous outing she'd spotted what was once a grocery store.

        "Yeah, got it." Lauren agreed before taking off, bag slung over her shoulder.

        The sun sat high in the sky, warming her skin as she emerged from the building. She didn't need anyone, especially not when she could see and could definitely step over debris. Her palms and knees still stung occasionally where she'd scraped them, though nearly healed now.

        She wondered how far Blackout's self assigned patrols were or maybe he flew?

        Memorizing the rout was easy enough and she was quick to find herself approaching the edge of the war torn city. Despite its decrepit appearance, she still found beauty in it. The first time she'd seen Dallas she was mesmerized, this was no different and absolutely none of them could compare to Cybertron. Her world was so small in comparison it was almost scary and being alone in what was once a prominent city was unnerving.

        Stepping over a mound of cement, she rounded onto North Avenue, humming an indistinct song to herself as she walked. Her voice carried within the emptiness.

____________________

        Megatron had seen little in the way of anything recently, left to the dark void of nothing. And, honestly, he didn't mind. He hadn't had such a rest in the last millennia. No fighting, no war, and no foolhardy subordinates to lord  over. It was almost peaceful.

        A distant melody was quick to catch his audials. The tune and pitch rang familiar as he adjusted himself to listen closer.

        The mech was swift to rise to his feet, his body heavy and the distant hum growing further.

        It was her voice, he  knew it in an instant, his audio receptors  fine tuned  to pick up the smallest of her sounds. He supposed it was a natural instinct that came with the sparkbond, but it was only a  hunch and  he didn't like hunches. It was either true or false, no in between.

        He spun on his heels, a new scene unfolding before him. The distant hum since vanished, swallowed into the nothing like everything else.

        Crimson optics studied the environment with brewing irritation. The lighting was dim, bordering on dark. The air stagnate and heavy with the amount of people inhabiting it and there was plenty of people. He snarled.

        Men and women alike converge at the busy bar, conversing among each other, drinks decorating their hands. A small stage sat at the front of the establishment with a designated DJ. Small tables with chairs adorn the remaining space.

        He pushed in further, wishing that he was able to swipe at those in his way. There were too many people too closely compacted together.

        "Alright, the next singer will be Lauren." The obnoxious voice of the DJ croaked over the poorly balanced microphone. "And what will you be singing little  lady?"

        Megatron followed the male's gaze, finding the woman in question. His optics zoomed in tenfold as he rested back against the bar top. Her blue eyes were half-lidded, her cheeks flushed rosy as she smiled. Optics trailed her form. She was fuller, a healthy shade of peach, her hair pulled back atop her head in such a way to allow the tresses to still cascade over her exposed shoulders. The dress was black, shorter than anything else he'd seen her adorn, and  stuck to her curves.

        He clenched his jaw at the sight, never before seeing the woman in such a manner.

        "Hello, hi! I'll be singing, oops, uh, 'Love on the brain'. Yeah." She smiled lazily.

        How had he'd not seen this before? His claws drummed on the wooden bar surface.

        "Rihanna, good choice." The male grinned toothily as he relented a microphone to the young woman.

        She snatched it without a second word. 

        "Woo! Kill it Lauren !" Another female voice cheered from the crowd joyously.

        The beat hit the speakers and filled the building.

        "And you got me like, oh. What you want from me? (What you want from me?) And I tried to buy your pretty heart, but the price too high. Baby you got me like, oh, mm. You love when I fall apart (fall apart). So you can put me together. And throw me against the wall."

        Her voice hit the audience like a truck, her  eyes  laid  nowhere in particular as she sauntered the stage with liquid confidence. Heads turned after the first verse.

        "Baby you got me like ah, woo, ah. Don't you stop loving me (loving me). Don't quit loving me (loving me). Just start loving me (loving me)."

        He was awestruck at the display, truly lost for words. She was completely free of any and all care. The cheap spotlights atop the ceiling basked her in warm light. Her black heels dragged along the wood, but she didn't topple.

        "Oh, and baby I'm fist fighting with fire. Just to get close to you. Can we burn something, babe? And I run for miles just to get a taste. Must be love on the brain. That's got me feeling this way (feeling this way). It beats me black and blue but it fucks me so good. And I can't get enough. Must be love on the brain yeah! And it keeps cursing my name (cursing my name). No matter what I do, I'm no good without you. And I can't get enough. Must be love on the brain!"

        She was radiant in every sense of the word, glowing with unadulterated life. Perhaps in the was alcohol in her system, but the way she sang was unlike any other time he'd heard her.

        "Who's the chick?" A middle aged man had spun in his stool to watch the performance, his whisky glass clasped in a three finger hold.

        "Don't know, came in here with some girls from TSU." Another male replied. "Hell of 'a pair of vocals."

        "Baby, keep loving me. Just love me, yeah. Just love me. All you need to do is love me, yeah. Got me like ah-ah-ah-ow. I'm tired of being played like a violin. What do I gotta do to get in your motherfuckin' heart?"

        She'd almost sounded pleading, hand atop her heart as she belched out the lyrics.

        Her voice was raw and unrestrained, it was a sight to behold. No rules, no confines or regulations to tame her, leaving only her and the moment. All eyes were glued to her every movement.

        The rest of everyone seemed to bleed away as he watched her, his chest puffed and his shoulders rolled back as his denta ground together.

        Cybertron was not home to much singing, and it wasn't as if femme performers weren't captivating and alluring in their own right, but...

        "Oh, and babe I'm fist fighting with fire. Just to get close to you. Can we burn something, babe? And I run for miles just to get a taste. Must be love on the brain. That's got me feeling this way (feeling this way). It beats me black and blue but it fucks me so good. And I can't get enough. Must be love on the brain! And it keeps cursing my name (cursing my name). No matter what I do. I'm no good without you. And I can't get enough. Must be love on the brain."

        Her hips swerved with each step she took along the stage, her strut elegant beyond her intoxication and her vocals grit pleasurably in the deeper notes of the song, while the higher pitched notes brushed against his audials.

        A low growl clawed up his throat. He'd have it no other way.

        Have her no other way.

        Megatron couldn't and wouldn't take his optics off her. The performance was befitting of a queen and when had he begun to think such things? His spark bit at him, as if hearing his own internal struggle.

        The song drew to a conclusion and she held the final note with ease, her vocals frying.

        The bar erupted in applause. "Now there's somethin' new! Who knew we had a professional in here tonight, right everyone?" The DJ crooned, taking the microphone back, but no before grazing along her fingers, his smile broad and his eyes did a once over.

        Possessiveness took ahold of him violently, making him want to roar. Lauren mumbled something with a smile before leaving the stage.

        He wanted to follow, but knew the action fruitless in this state. How unfortunate to be restricted to spectatorship.

        Violently, he was ripped from the scene without any warning, thrust back into the void with a harshness. He stumbled, barely catching himself as something new filled his being.

        Something that was beautiful only seconds ago was swiftly turned into something ugly as dread and pure fear swelled deep within him like a poison.

        These emotions were not his, he knew that immediately.

        All alarm bells in his head set off as the want to retreat crashed over him tenfold. Everything told him to run, to hide away. The suddenness was a fright alone, but why?

        Why now?

____________________

        Lauren trailed the wrecked city street, eyes falling upon each building and wondering what use to be. She'd of loved to see the city in its prime. Her dreams were only dreams, though.

        The sound of a phone ringing was the last thing she could've expected to hear. Instinctively, her hands flew to pat her pockets, finding nothing. Of course there was nothing, her phone was in shambles somewhere or another.

        Every hair on her body bristled as she turned to follow the noise. Her brows furrowed.

        She tracked the ringing to a nearby payphone, the metal dented beyond comprehension. It was a wonder it still worked, or maybe it was just faulty and the ringing meant nothing?

        Lauren approached slowly, eyes glued to the dangling black phone.

        Was this some kind of sick prank from Nitrozeus? Or any of them for that matter.

        Gripping the plastic, she lifted it to her ear with a tremble. She hit the 'receive'. "Hello...?"

        "Nice to finally talk Miss Ridgwell, we have a lot to discuss. Awfully big bag you're carrying there, what's in it? Alien weaponry? Energon? Transformium?" An older males voice cut through the silence.

        The brunette went to drop the phone, but he cut her off. "If you hang up on me, I will have my men launch a tactical missile at that little chop-shop you're calling home."

        She stilled, eyes scanning over everything nearest to her. Who was this man? How did he know...? What did he know? There was no way a planted tactical missile would escape them, so how...?

        The city limits, her mind whispered. They were outside of Chicago.

        "Good, good. I see you can follow directions."

        "Who are you?" The brunette interrogated, a cold sweat had broken out across her body.

        "You'll find out in due time. Now, I have eyes on you from every which way. Don't do anything funny and don't call your little decepticon friends."

        Blue eyes panned up at the sound of buzzing. Small in size, the drones blended into the cityscape near perfectly. Blackout's sudden weariness on safety made more sense. She swallowed thickly, throat like sandpaper. 

        "I could call the cops, this is-"

        "They'll know to hand you over. Police, FBI, CIA. Planetary treason isn't smiled upon, miss Ridgwell." His words paused, the sound of his wetting his lips audible. "The world as you knew it is gone."

        "What do you want...?" She couldn't help the panic that wormed its way into her voice, her grip on the phone bruising. A part of her wished, prayed, for Laserbeak to nosedive into her and snatch her away from this awful situation.

        "Here's what's going to happen; you're going to drop that bag of yours and walk three miles West to the edge of town where my men will pick you up. Do we have an understanding?"

        Heat bubbled up beneath her skin. "And if I don't?"

        "Then you're little alien friends will meet their maker. The choice is your's, of course."

        Lauren remained rooted in her stop for several more moments before dropping her bag to the ground reluctantly. She felt defeated in every sense of the word. Her heart pound against her ribs.

        "End the call and walk. The drones will follow you, so don't get any ideas."

        She cast the phone aside angrily and began in the direction she was instructed to follow.

        Dread pooled in her gut as her boots carried her along the street. Blue eyes flicked up to the drones every few seconds, confirming that they, indeed, still followed her. Literally, all eyes were on her. Who was behind this? Who was watching behind the cameras?

        Her features pulled into a grimace. They'd think she betrayed them and without Megatron up, what was to stop them from smearing her across the ground? That is, if she didn't get a bullet buried in skull the moment she met her mark.

        They'd come looking eventually, right? At least Laserbeak? Soundwave wasn't known for going back in his word, so surely someone would look. It was only a matter of when and how much time.

        Time she did not have.

        Every step she took felt like it was leading her to imminent doom. Was this the end of the line? She'd be executed and her death ruled an accident, or rather, she'd be locked away in some prison for the rest of her days. If it came down to it, she preferred the ladder.

        Her chest tugged incessantly the further she walked, the sensation choked her.

        She could've said 'fuck it' and ran back to them. They could take care of themselves and hold their own, she knew that for a fact, but...

        Nothing would allow her to do any such thing. She wouldn't put them in a further bind if she could help it.

        Over an hour of her walking concluded quicker than she would've liked and soon a convoy of big black vans entered her vision. She'd be lying if she said the sight didn't scare her and make her want to turn and run, but she fought against the panic.

        With her shoulder square and her head held high, she approached the tactically clad men. She wouldn't let them scare her and she certainly wouldn't let them see her apprehension.

        Show no weakness. Megatron's words echoed.

        She recognized their attire near instantly, the same enforcement group that was responsible for destroying her home. Responsible for bringing him into her world. Her features contorted into a tight lipped scowl as her anger flared deep in her chest.

        "Miss Ridgwell, come with us." One of the men reiterated flatly, gesturing to one of the many black vans. The window tint being beyond what as legally acceptable only made the situate feel all the more dire.

        Touch devoid of all gentleness, another gear clad man took her by the shoulder, guiding her into the back of the van without word.

        And, without a second to reconsider, the convoy took off in perfect unison. The driver's eyes trained on her in the rearview mirror, she returned the stare with a pointed glare.

        Something ugly stirred deep on her gut, like something was about to happen, but she didn't know what.

        Perhaps that was just anxiety, who knows?

____________________

        Soundwave was never one for concern or worrying, however, he has been known to dabble in anger and bitterness.

        The hours had dragged on quickly and still, she did not return. Laserbeak, in all his time working, had not been able to locate the human. If she were hiding, he'd of found her and dragged her out by the very protein strands connected to her skull. Perhaps he'd taken an eye or two for his troubles.

        The patience the communications officer had was wearing far too thin.

        "Where is Designation Blackout?" He'd commanded an answer out of the bird who hissed.

        "The hunter is hunting. On the other banks of the city my master."

        Barricade barreled through the sliding door, irritation rolled off him in waves, his expression permanently set in a scowl. "The human girl has fled." He growled as he tossed her found bag to the floor, the contents spilling out.

        Onslaught followed in close behind. The air in the building was heavy with tension, fueled by anger.

        Nitrozeus emerged, Scalpel sat atop his shoulder servo. "Betsy couldn't. The bond would always bring her ass back."

        "Schould haffe but ein tracker in her prain." The spider bot rattled off.

        "Then where is she you golem?" Barricade growled.

        "The hell am I supposed to know? No searches of the closest local security cameras have any footage of her and this shit show is being flushed." The single optic mech crossed his arms over his chassis.

        Onslaught grunted out his indignation.

        "To hell with the fleshbag." Barricade grumbled.

        "A little sneak, she is. Yes, I will take only one eye." Laserbeak chirruped.

        Blackout suddenly encroached upon the scene. "I know where she's gone off to."

        "Inform." Soundwave ordered.

        The chopper tossed a small drone to Nitrozeus, who caught the quaint object with ease, holding it between his clawed fingers. "Don't you spoil me."

        "Cease your charades immediately."

        "Your stick is so far up your ass you may as well be a puppet." Nitrozeus fiddled with the technology, retrieving a near microscopic SD card. It was all mindless work from there as he inserted the chip into himself and his optic-turned-projector.

        The surrounding decepticons watched the exchanged before them.

        "Enhance, dial up the volume." Soundwave approached.

        "If you hang up on me, I will have my men  launch a tactical missile at that little chop-shop you're calling home."

        A male spoke with conviction as her entire body went rigid with emotion. Nitrozeus dropped his shoulders.

        " Here's  what's going to happen; you're going to drop that bag of yours and walk three miles West to the edge of town where my men will pick you up. Do we have an understanding?"

        Barricade growled out a curse, kicking over an oil drum with a vengeance. The old, deteriorated metal caved with ease, crumbling as it flew across the room, making a sizable dent into the wall.

        "And if I don't?"

        Nobody was surprised hear her challenge.

        "Then you're little  alien friends will meet their maker. The choice is  your's,  of course."

        But, they were surprised to see her comply so openly, so willing to give herself up at the mention of sparing them. She had no way of knowing what was true and what was not, and yet she still did it at her own expense.

        Color them surprised. She didn't flee, at least bot for the reasons they thought.

        "Give me the location of the missel sight." Barricade hissed.

        "Do you take me for an amateur? Already have it." Nitrozeus didn't bother to face the cruiser.

        "Don't be a bullheaded halfwit." Onslaught countered.

        "If they left today, they could not have covered much distance. What's West of our coordinates?" Blackout interjected firmly, optics flicking toward Megatron's still form. If they didn't bring her back in one solid, alive piece, they may as well sign their sparks away to Primus and say their prayers, but it was more than that. He knew it.

        Nitrozeus ignored the inquiry with a whistle. "Look what kitty dragged in."

        Blackout recognized the scenery near immediately; Lauren's house, what it once was, the barn, and the curve of the drive way. Her old truck sat idle.

        A pissed Lauren marched up to some men, the drones flew just above giving the cons an Arial view of the entire scene unfolding. The footage clipped back and forth between the surrounding drones, providing different angles of the interactions. The tracker dialed up the volume tenfold.

        "Sir! We got something!" A tactically geared man emerged from around the side of the barn and, in his gloved hand, he held out a discarding internal pipe. They recognized it swiftly as being Cybertronian.

        "Okay, I bought a military truck off some guy, so what? But, it was here one moment and gone the next. That's all I fucking know about him." She stormed off in a huff.

        "First mistake, betsy. Never make emotional attachments to your flings." Nitrozeus commented to which he was hissed at.

        The male, James Savoy they'd learned, removed his glasses and approached her once more. "You just said, 'him'."

        They could all practically feel the pause in the air before the conflict, all too familiar with it.

        "Take her down!" James had ordered. His men were swift to pounce on her, pinning her into the earth.

        She struggled valiantly against her holder, thrashing in his grasp, but to no avail. He was much too big. James crouch beside her fallen form. "What kind of person betrays their flesh and blood brethren for alien metal?" Lauren responded with spit in his face. James backhanded her back into the ground as he wiped the saliva from his cheek. "Load up boys! Search the perimeter!"

        "She's got a fire in her, but she's as thoughtless as the rest of 'em." Onslaught grumbled out.

        Her holder was quick to press the barrel of a gun into her skull, wrenching her head up by the hair to face James. "Now, you got ten seconds to tell us where the truck is." They all recognized the sound of a safety trigger being flipped.

        "Would've saved us the trouble." Barricade ground out. Laserbeak chortled.

        "Betsy has some massive lady nuts."

        "Silence." Soundwave barked.

        "Go to hell." She seethed.

        James buried a bullet into the soil. "Now, you have six seconds."

        "If you're going to shoot me, then fucking do it!" Venom poured from her lips. "Did you hear me?! Just fucking shoot me!" 

        The next thing that came wasn't much too surprising, but still held weight. Megatron, surged from the barn, tearing through any and all obstacles. Several of the drones cut out, succumbing to the peril.

        Lauren between those moments had managed to free herself. The camera angles jumped around hastily.

        "Live stream?" Onslaught questioned.

        "No, the drive is constantly being overwritten. Dumbasses." Nitrozeus had chuckled.

        Gunfire lit up the feed like fireworks on the fourth of July.

        Just as quickly as she'd freed herself, she was slumping against her truck bed. James, with a hand held to his face, fled her. She held the vehicle for support, her body hunched as red painted everything.

        Lockdown appeared swiftly, entering the scene with fierceness.

        Megatron and the bounty hunter exchanged shots, before he retreated, swiping up Lauren in the process.

        Nitrozeus cut the feed there, having seen enough.

        "Four hours East of our coordinates is 42° 19' 53.1444'' N and 83° 2' 44.7108'' W." Blackout supplied baritone.

        Soundwave panned his vision over to the hunter. "Barricade you will take Laserbeak and scout ahead."

        The cruiser grumbled, but did not retort when the bird clawed into his shoulder servo.

        "Nitrozeus, inform. What Information have you gathered?" The officer ordered.

        "Thought you'd never ask. The tech, shitty as it is, belongs to company  KSI, based out of Detroit. Ass location." The tracker fingered over the small drone in hand, the want to crush it between his fingertips was hard to combat.

        Barricade left soon there after, Laserbeak having disguised himself to blend with his police-esqu design. His tires burned rubber tracks into the road audibly, siren blare to accompany.

        Blackout's optics drifted over to their fallen leader, he vented. One wild goose chase led to another, it was never ending. And exposing themselves so openly left a bad taste in his mouth, it was just asking for a fight. A fight they could not win in their current state. They were sitting ducks and even if they did locate the human, then what? The solution seemed so cut and dry; bring her back, but it was never that easy. If she were to be hurt, killed even, they have no resources, Scalpel aside.

        His jaw clenched, denta ground together in thought. Organic. It was like a curse word.

        It wasn't that the chopper doubted Barricade's allegiance, but he definitely had his reservations on the matter. The cruiser was loyal, there was no doubt in that regard, but the cruiser was never known for his fondness or gentle touch when in came to those smaller than himself. Laserbeak... Well, he never missed his mark and those that were targets never lived to tell the tales.

        His opinions aside, Blackout knew the mech was the best equipped in this situation. Humans so blindly put their trust and safety into those who even resembled their much loved authority. He'd be able to get closer than the rest of them, undetected.

        He'd not question Soundwave's orders. Not yet.

____________________

        No, no, no. This was all wrong. All so, so wrong.

        Megatron wanted to roar out violently, and he did, but nothing was to come of it in the void scape he was beginning to view as a prison, peaceful as it may be at times.

        All was dark once more and yet, he still felt fear and adrenaline grip his body in a vice. He was prowling, searching for unseen danger.

        He knew the feelings were not his own and that made the matter so much worse.

        It was as of he'd been robbed of all his senses, left to simply stew in the knowledge of his own helplessness. His own uselessness.

        The decepticon tyrant fought with himself, demanding, ordering that he move. Commanded that he awaken and turn whatever danger was afoot into a red stain upon the earth if only he could rid himself of these horrid feelings.

        It was easier then, when all he could fester off of was hate and anger.

        Now, everyday was a new entourage of everything. A cacophony of all things foreign. And still, his spark did not wish for it to be any other way, loath as he did.

        He'd loath his wanton need until his end days.

        Megatron's spark surged fiercely within him, trying to break free. He growled out deeply, claws flying up to cage over his chamber as if the light would truly leave him once and for all.

        He reeled around, a new scene bleeding into his sights.

        No. This wasn't what he needed, wanted, right now. He did not have time for this!

        The dimness of the scene stitched together in its entirety and he was thrust into another auditorium. He snarled into the emptiness, devoid of all other living lifeforms.

        The single light that shone through the darkness was the spotlight aimed down at the stage.

        This room was different than the previous. Shoe scuffs littered the floor, metal armrests long since losing paint from years of use, colorful posters plasters upon the surrounding walls. It was a well used space, unlike the much more formal fragment he'd seen previously.

        Lauren sat in her lonesome on the stage, fingers ghosting the keys of the grand piano.

        Her attire was odd and stuck out to him with her cargo pants and well worn boots, hair cropped messily. Blue eyes laid closed, her fingers doing the seeing for her.

        A rhythmic, fast paced beat reverberated through the space. It was a sound he grew to know well, memorizing her heartbeat in its entirety, noting the way her chest fell and rose with each pump.

        She was doing it, attempting to access the bond of her own volition, reaching out in need.

        He approached, descending his way down the aisle rows. Lauren, pressed into the keys knowingly, a tune born out of her firm taps.

        "I'm not asking for release. I'm not asking to forget, ooh. Never regret what you've given me."

        The small woman spoke more than she sang. He neared the stage, footsteps heavy.

        "What is permanent remains. Despite the plans we make. Some will walk, some will run. But as we go, we lose everyone. Somehow, somehow..."

        His pedes carried him to her side, optics never leaving her body as his mind processed the sight.

        "And I'm afraid to let you go. I'm afraid to let you go."

        He voice carried the semblance of a melody, but besides the flicker of rawness he was able to glimpse, she did little in the way of vocalizing. The mech stood beside her like a grounding rock, his claws found their way atop her shoulder. "You're not quite here, girl. Push. Fight." He ordered firmly.

        "I'm afraid to let you go, oh, let you go. And I'm afraid to let you go, oh, let you go."

        Her brows knit together for a fraction of a second as she spoke, fingers danced across the piano blindly. It was an instinct that came so naturally to her that it was almost second nature.

        "I'm not asking for release, mm. I'm not asking for release."

        The brunette blinked her eyes open, but made no move to acknowledge his presence despite the way she nudged into his touch absent mindedly.

        "I'm afraid to let you go. I'm afraid to let you go."

        Her features contorted into a scowl for a moments time, before neutralizing once more. Gaze directed straight ahead and unblinking, she slammed her fingers down upon each key, her heartbeat thundered.

        "I'm afraid to let you go. Ah, don't let me let you go."

        Lauren stalled for a moment, fingers fumbled the keys, hitting an off tune.

        "Don't let me go."

        Those words were delivered directly and without any melodies to follow.

        He growled, tightening his grip upon her shoulder. She still did not meet his optics.

        "Megatron."

        "Megatron."

        "Megatron."

        She whispered his name with haste, her lips barely moving to form his name. Her sapphire eyes were glassy and moist with unshed tears, brows sewn together in determination.

        "I am here, speak girl. There is no time." He ground out through clenched teeth.

        Her breath hitched, as if she were holding it while she whispered.

        "I need you. Please..."

        Her fingertips pooled with blood as she forcefully pressed into the piano, muscles terse with strain. She fizzled out from his grasp, fading into the nothing only moments later as if she were never there in the first place.

        A newfound fire was set ablaze within him and he raged, thrashing against all odds and all that tried to constrain him.

        He fought, his will undying and never yielding.

        He'd been called upon directly, and he'd heed her call despite what his body may say, despite what the universe may demand of him.

        He would do what he was called for.

        Get up.

        Get up.

        Get up.

        Get up.

Chapter 30: Scintilla

Notes:

AHHH WE HIT OVER 10K READERS! YOU ALL ARE SO, SO, SO AMAZING! I COULDN'T HAVE DONE ANY OF THIS WITHOUT Y'ALL!

Seriously, you all are truly amazing in every way! And I'm so thankful! This is the longest chapter I've written so far! And I did it all in basically one sitting! I really hope you all like it! <3

        Lauren's eyes remained closed into the drive, her lips muttering lyrics in and out quietly. Her hands rested atop her lap folded painfully tight as adrenaline ran the course of her systems.

        "Could you shut it?" The driver had snapped at her from the front.

        His words rolled off her as she continued on with her whispers. This was all new to her, she'd never tried to access the bond in such a manner. At some point along the line she'd just accepted it with open arms. She'd never accessed the connection out of her own volition, it was more of a blind hope that it'd just happen. This was out of her element, but she sure as shit would try.

        It'd never been her calling out to the bond, but Megatron constantly pulling her into it.

        "And I'm afraid to let you go. I'm afraid to let you go."

        The lyrics were jumbled on her and she struggled to remember the next verses. An old song it was, why she'd chosen it, she had no idea, but it felt right.

        God, did she have to be asleep to accomplish this feat? What was she doing...? Uncertainty swelled in her.

        "I'm afraid to let you go, oh, let you go. And I'm afraid to let you go, oh, let you go."

        Something familiar brushed her just barely and she was quick to lean into the comforting feeling blindly. Lauren could've almost swore she felt the vibrations of Megatron's voice, but no sound came.

        The subtle feeling sparked hope within her.

        "I'm not asking for release, mm. I'm not asking for release."

        Her words weren't above a whisper then, coming out in wisps of human speech. The scene came into focus ever so slightly; her school's auditorium. The coolness of the piano keys became tangible under her fingertips.

        "I'm afraid to let you go. Ah, don't let me let you go."

        The lyrics died on her tongue, her brows screwing up harshly for a moment as something warm and heavy atop her shoulder squeezed.

        "Don't let me go."

        The brunette had almost demanded in her hushed tone, her muscles trembled with the amount of strain she pushed upon them. She swallowed thickly. Though her eyes could not see him, she knew with absolute certainty that he was beside her in that dire moment.

        "Megatron."

        "Megatron."

        "Megatron."

        She'd called out to him, panic laced into her tone. The car ride all, but seemed to bleed away into oblivion in those seconds.

        Something fierce boiled in her chest, something she could actively recognize was not of her own doing. Such strength and power could only belong to him. The sensation seemed to bark at her wordlessly and her words were suddenly lost.

        "I need you. Please..."

        It was all she could muster before the slamming of breaks tore her away from the moment violently.

        Sapphire eyes snapped open, stung by the offending street lights. Her surroundings were unfamiliar the longer she stared, not that anything had been recognizable in the last few months.

        She searched pleasingly for anything, anyone, that may have stood out to her. The much too dark tint concealing her efforts behind a pane of glass.

        A small part of herself told her to blow the joint and run. There was no way the van could follow if she were to dart into traffic. Another part chided her on her recklessness, the locks surely didn't open from the inside.

        Trapped. She was effectively trapped. Abducted, if you will. The irony was sour and not at all humorous.

        All she could do was sit and bid her time until she found an opening for... well, anything. She didn't really have a plan. The young woman had recalled in that moment that there was a bounty in her head. What that entailed, she didn't know, but it certainly didn't sound good.

        God, this was a shit show and she was the star.

        God. Was he even listening? She doubted it.

____________________

        Barricade made no stops, not once touching his breaks as he made the four hour trip in two. No words were exchanged between the cruiser and the bird, none to be given. They had an order and they'd see it through.

        Desolate roads quickly turned into heavy, populated traffic. Car horns adorn the night and stop lights illuminated the darkness.

        One perk of being a police cruiser; you were seemingly exempt from the law in which you worked to enforce. In his case, however, he simply reaped the benefits.

        His hailing frequency produced the voices of his fellow decepticons with occasional information.

        The KSI building was truly a sight to behold. Tall, glassy, and shiny among the other skyscrapers. The way it stood, looming above all reminded him of Cybertronian cities just before the fall, something he was not privileged in experiencing.

        "We have located the building, my master." Laserbeak trilled over the hailing frequency to Soundwave.

        "Acknowledged. Any sign of the human?" The officer responded swiftly.

        "Negative. No signs of the fleshy." Barricade ground.

        "Laserbeak, infiltrate. Gather what you must, kill whoever opposes."

        The avian chortled darkly, slipping away from the mech and soaring off under the cover of night. His beady optics surveyed the building, a sinister smile tugged at his beak upon spotting much too many corporate heads. Oh the filth to uncover and the sin permeated the air.

        Dirty deeds done for a high price was his specialty. He took out the garbage when contracts ended. No rock was left unturned and no loose ends ever remained.

        Finding his way into the tower was easy enough once you've done it enough times. There were always weak points to be found in human design. Such a young and foolhardy species they were, it was almost endearing just how imbecilic they could be, thinking they were at the top of intelligence.

        The bird dawned a pricy display screen, securing himself among the others. Then, he waited, optics watching everything, everyone.

        "I am in position, building security is," he paused a moment as someone walked by. "Faulty."

        "Acknowledged." Soundwave stated. "Report Barricade."

        The cruiser could feel his spark drum in his audio receptors, Soundwave was but a echo as his ruby optics set upon a (horribly) disguised black and yellow 1977 Chevrolet Camaro rolling through KSI security. His engine revved harshly as he sped off to circle the lot. "Autobots on site."

        "I smell an ass whooping." Nitrozeus cut into the frequency abruptly.

        "Silence. Barricade, observe." Soundwave growled.

        The decepticon drifted the corner of the building, spotting the tail end of the Camaro just before it disappeared from sight. The personal rivalry he had with the autobot set alight a fire under his pedes. His tires screeched with the force of his halt.

        "Heat signatures indicate the autobot is accompanied by two humans." He could barely get the words out without growling. His scowl could practically be heard.

        One thing he knew for certain; it was in no way that snot nosed brat Samuel, but to who the two organics could be was a mystery. Barricade forwarded the captured image to the resident tracker.

        "Nitrozeus." Soundwave commanded.

        The one optic mech groaned audibly over the connection. "Yeah, say my name a few more times, see where it gets you." The mech came in a strange concoction of a purr and growl. "Recent video surveillance points to Cade Yeager and some prepubescent kid. Get this, they're under siege for Optimus."

        Barricade did several more antsy laps around the block, cutting other drivers off and swerving in and out of traffic.

        "You seen betsy or are you too blinded by the bee?" Nitrozeus quipped with a gruff snicker.

        The cruiser hissed out a curse in Cybertronian. "No sign of the fleshbag."

        "Do not engage until further notice." Soundwave issued sternly.

        The cruiser slowed to a park across the street from KSI headquarters, anger brewed in his core at a multitude of things. Bumblebee had a way of simply inciting immediate irritation in the mech.

____________________

        Only moments before did Bumblebee roll up to the security checkpoint. Several well geared men stood idle near the fence, faces hard.

        Cade propped his elbow up upon the passenger door, brow furrowed as he shot a glare to the younger man beside him, that he regrettably came to know as Shane Dyson. Just looking at the Irish male made him want to roll his eyes as he fumbled with his forged ID badge.

        "Calm down. Calm down." The Irish man soothed himself shakily, sweat beaded his forehead.

        "You know, at a time like this, the idea is to keep cool, not look cool, so why don't you lose the glasses?" Cade chided.

        Shane swiped the sunglasses from his face with haste at the comment, exhaling deeply.

        The older male turned to look at the side mirror. "About a month ago, middle of the night, I thought I heard noises in my house. Was that you?" He didn't grace him with so much as a glance as security personnel checked over the vehicle.

        The younger male snapped his head toward him in an instant. "What? Come on. No way." He sputtered.

        "Don't lie to me, kid. You see that guy with the gun out there?"

        "There's so many guys with guns." Shane stated breathlessly.

        "Let's get out of the car and tell him we're about the break in and it's your idea, 'cause I don't care. I'm old, I've already lived long enough."

        The Irish boy's eyes went wide with panic. "You have a really bad habit of having these conversations at the wrong time, man."

        "You want to come clean or you want me to make a mess?" When he didn't answer, Cade turned to one of the men standing guard. "Sir, can I talk to you for a second, please?" He gripped at the door handle as if to exit.

        "It was me, it was me, it was me, it was me." Shane whisper yelled, clammy hands gripping the steering wheel.

        The uniformed male, forced the passenger door shut with a firm shove, wordlessly saying 'stay where you are'.

        "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." The young man mumbled nervously before another uniformed employee bent to peer into the driver's side window.

        "Taking it in for scanning?"

        "Uh-huh." He nodded once with a jerk, handing over his well crafted ID badge. He kept his blue eyes averted.

        A triumphant 'beep' of the scanner had him holding his breath, the ID returned. "All right. You're good to go."

        Shane shifted the car into drive.

        "I'm literally going to kill you." Cade threatened as they drove around to enter the building.

        "Scanning in bay three." An automated voice came as they maneuvered through the sleek facility, passing by all likes of people. The florescent lights were blinding compared to the darkness of night they'd previously been in.

        The trio was quick to find a curved display room, a mech strung up high and center in the midst.

        "We took old, alien technology and made it better in every way. Introducing Stinger. KSI. We make the world." A sultry feminine voice advertised.

        "That is a bad-ass robot." Shane cooed.

        The Camaro came to a park. "He kind of looks like you, Bee." The older man commented to which the autobot revved his engine in acknowledgment.

        "Here is the past. And now the future."

        "They're building their own versions." Cade craned his head up to gaze upon the bot displayed. "Why do they need their own versions?"

        "Well, at least they're picking cooler cars than this."

        Bumblebee whirred a curse, thrusting the steering wheel up into Shane's face in offense. "You talk to me like that?"

        "Bee, stop!"

        "You see what happens from being a wiseass?" Mister Yaeger smirked.

        "Now get out of here." The autobot quipped, forcing the Irish man out as he cradled his nose.

        "Stinger, inspired by Bumblebee, but better in every way." The model like woman purred on screen.

        The mech in question, revved at her accusations, throwing himself into reverse. "Son of a-"

        "No, no! You gotta calm down." Cade gestured with his hands.

        "He's crazy!"

        "Stop!" Bumblebee swerved around the room, sending up smoke and leaving rubber skids upon the epoxy floor. "Bumblebee! Bee, stop going psycho!"

        The sudden sound of voices and footsteps had Cade pivoting around to face multiple formally clad people, a high-strung Asian woman leading the pack with a shorter, balding man at her side as she rattled off quickly in Cantonese. His heart could've stopped in that moment from the adrenaline flooding his veins.

        "My delicate flower, I can't understand you when you're angry." The balding man moved to stand in front of her. "Actually, I don't really understand you at all." He admitted with a jump of his thick eyebrows.

        The elegant woman huffed in disdain, eyes narrowing. "Our entire factory is up and running. We've already made hundreds and supplied you-"

        Bumblebee's revving stole away his attention. "Excuse me one second. Hey! Hey, you two! Grease monkeys." He hurled the words like an insult as he approached in long strides. "What in the hell is going on here? Huh? What's with the vintage crap?" He pointed to the Camaro in disgust. "We're not scanning collector car junk. What do you think it is that we make here? Hm?" Deep set eyes darted between the two men. "We make poetry. We're poets. All right? You work for me, you get one mistake. One. Understood?"

        Cade filled away the found knowledge and bit his tongue as he responded. "It won't happen again."

        "It certainly won't. So let's get this pathetic thing out of here. And you, too." The shorter man turned away from them and back to his group. "So sorry. So sorry. Let's move on."

        The group disappeared behind the display, the shadows following soon there after and leaving the trio.

        "Watch him. I'm going to see what I can find. They said they had hundreds, question is, where are they? And why are they?" Cade spoke quickly. "Quietly get out of here." He whisper yelled the order firmly as he jogged off in the opposite direction. The sounds of transforming could be heard, but he didn't even consider turning back as be made his way deeper into KSI.

        Heart pounding in his chest, his job eventually carried him to the development wing, as it was titled.

        With a swipe of his badge, he ducked into the restricted area, swiping a spare lab coat off a nearby hook. He pushed his nonprescription glasses higher onto his nose.

        "This is dissection room seven."

        Cade noted the temperature change, adjusting the thin cotton coat in an attempt to conserve warmth. His eyes studied everything he saw, high end robotics, top of the line computer systems, and what remains of the transformers. If he wasn't in his current predicament, he may even say he was impressed.

        Just beyond the wing, in a near by bay, Harold Attinger paced, hands stuffed in his pockets neatly. "Joshua Joyce." He greeted the approaching male with a forced, tight lipped smile.

        "Mister Attinger." The shorter male replied in a clipped tone, coming to his side. "So what about the deal? Is it done? Did you get Optimus and Megatron?"

        "Almost, the bounty hunter is close. I'll tell you that." Harold spoke flatly. "Meanwhile, there has been a complication."

        "A what ?" The pair halted in their tracks. "No, no. At KSI, we don't use words like that." He berated.

        The CIA member dropped his head. "Several civilians harboring the aliens have proposed complications. One of them hacked into one of your mini-drones." He cast his sights to Joshua. "Meaning, they may know of your direct involvement in the deal."

        "What? No. No." Mister Joyce waved his words off in a flurry, indignation quick to rise in him. "You tell your alien bounty hunter that I have staked my whole company on this deal. Tell him that I have provided more than enough assets and he won't get any more until I get what I want."

         "And I have merely staked my life." Harold stated.

        "Hey, you came go me on this, remember? You retire from the CIA, you get a seven-figure piece of Mt company, and you and I revolutionize national defense together." Joshua bit out sharply. "But, Attinger, buddy, for both of our sakes, you need to deliver." He took a step forward into the older male's space. "I do not care for you or your little alien friend's vendetta. I was promised Optimus and Megatron's bodies. So, deliver."

        Inside, Cade trailed the development rooms, stopping once he saw men smelting down Autobot parts. His hand dove into his coat pocket, retrieving what was once a drone, angling it just right to show the carnage.

        "Their melting them down, do you see this?" He whispered in disbelief, unable to tear his eyes away from the scene.

        Optimus roared in anger, demolished a nearby lamp post with one single swipe of his metal hand. His spark plagued with hot fury and a deep sadness. "They slaughtered them all!" He cried. "I'm going to tear them apart!"

        Bumblebee sped off in a circle, sympathizing with his leader. The cruelness of it all made his spark feel heavy. Was this what they fought for? Is this what they died for? Was this what Sam would've... His internal thoughts were cut off as a convoy of dark vans zipped by in perfect uniformed unison, all heading toward KSI.

        Cade swallowed thickly, his mouth dry.

        "Metal." A blonde woman approached his side, her trained on the working men. "Just metal. That's what I always thought of them."

        He spared her a side glance. "Well, they're not. They're living things, with souls like ours." The woman casted him a questioning look. "Once, I spoke to one."

        "And you're working with Transformium?"

        "Uh, yeah, that's what I do. I am." He sputtered.

        "I'm out there digging for it, finding bodies. There's not much left to find." Her gaze left his and returned to the melting. "So that's how badly you boys need more, huh? Reduced to melting evil old decepticons down."

        Her words struck him and he turned to give his whole attention to her. "No. That's an autobot there. The ones who fought for us." He'd stated with purpose, leaving no room for deliberation.

        Joshua and Harold moved through the building, swiping into one of the main viewing rooms that oversaw the developments sector. A suited man pulled away from his eat piece and encroached upon the pair with haste, silencing their precious conversation.

        "Same badge code scanned at two separate gates. I'm having the classified area locked down now."

        Harold bypassed the security, standing before the thick paned glass, his eyes were swift to studied each person before landing on a face he recognized a little too well.

____________________

        Barricade had spotted Bumblebee speeding off, even among the dense traffic. The dark convoy that came soon after was what he'd be waiting for.

        "Laserbeak, the human girl is arriving." He relayed.

        "So, so many casualties to come." He'd laughed.

        "Barricade to Soundwave. The human artillery group has arrived with the fleshling."

        "Acknowledged. Troop already inbound. Security footage provided time and location." The officer parroted.

        "Be advised, autobots in the perimeter."

        "Acknowledged."

        "What of lord Megatron?" He growled as he flipped on his sirens, lights and all. The mech wanted to other things with his time that didn't involve rescuing humans, but it was better that sitting in a junk yard waiting for rust to set in.

        "Blackout stayed back to rub his feet." Nitrozeus jabbed mid flight.

        Back in Chicago, the chopper in question stood admits the room, their leaders fallen form a ghostly reminder of what could happen to them.

        Scalpel, in his own attempts to assist, worked tirelessly to weld small bits of metal to the giant. The spider bot muttered indecipherable nothings to himself as he scuttled around.

        Blackout's every sense was fine tuned to pick up in any and everything, ready to defend his leader and lay his spark down if need be. He'd do what he must and die loyal.

        Starscream was MIA as per usual and not a single Glenn one of them, besides maybe Soundwave, cared. He could stay gone and nobody would blink. Part of him wished for such a thing, but knowing they were low in numbers made the thought feel selfish.

        The sudden sound of metal scraping against the concrete floor dragged him from his thoughts. He was swift to ready a cannon to decimate any nearby danger, but found none. His optics traveled to Megatron.

        The tyrant's chassis lurched slightly, but the force of the movement was palpable. Scalpel scurried off him, getting to a safe distance as a small, maniacal chitter came from him.

        Megatron's form trembled with power, his claws flicking to life as his optics stuttered online, casting a crimson glow across the dim room.

        "Lord Megatron." Blackout affirmed bluntly.

        The decepticon warlord growled out in a strained pain, swinging his arm out an burying his claws into the cement with ease. A glitched roar ripped through his vocal processor making the structure tremble under his wrath. His denta bared as he clawed himself up from the dead. Everything hurt, rightfully so, but nothing would stop him.

        Absolutely nothing.

        "Where is she ?" Megatron growled, optics narrowed as pain clung to his every movement. He was on his feet in no time, kicking through the sliding door like it was paper.

        Blackout approached his Lord's side. He wanted to object, tell him he was in no shape to travel, let alone fight if it came down to it, but the fire that burned within him, threatening to burn down anything that dare oppose him said otherwise. And he knew it wasn't his place to say anything. Megatron's mission was clear from the moment his optics came online and who was he to stand in the way of his conjunx?

        "Captured. We've tracked her to 42° 19' 53.1444'' N and 83° 2' 44.7108'' W. I will follow you there."

        Megatron made no move to acknowledge his subordinate as he processed the information. Captured. The word rang out in his head, his spark pulled violently within his chassis. Another roar, a battle cry, tore through his vocals as he forced himself into transformation, despite his frame's protests.

        Her fear, her panic poisoned his being and he combated it with anger and righteousness, sending the emotions her way in the process.

        A bond was never take, take, take. It was an exchange and he'd snuff out her fears within himself, while supplying her with the flame to fight back. A useless coward he'd not let her be.

        His body shifted and creaked as he transformed into his Cybertronian flying mode, an alt mode that was easier on his person. He took off, climbing in altitude as he forced his engine to the limits.

        Blackout followed swiftly, Scalpel clung to him as insecticons usually did.

____________________

        Lauren felt a surge within her chest, snapping her head around with break neck speed before one of the tactically clad men forced her to move. She was escorted through a fortress of a building. The air-conditioning nipped at her skin, something she hadn't felt in a moment.

        Sapphire eyes trailed over everything in her immediate sight.

        "Hey! Hey! Stop!" Heavy footsteps thundered from behind her.

        Panning around she spotted a lab coat clad man in a full sprint heading right for her, security hot in his trail.

        Taking the rare moment, she jerked out of her captors hold, and broke into a marathon sprint. Her lungs sucked up the cool air greedily as now they were yelling after her too.

        The doors from which she entered were in sight and she dare say that hope lifted her heart. The man before her tackled an oncoming employee. He hopped the guard rails and she followed his lead without question. Yes, freedom was right there, just in her grasp.

        Unfortunately, things were always too good to be true.

        Several more security officers bolted around the corner, cutting them off and forcing them to skid to a halt at their aimed guns. "Freeze!"

        Her brows furrowed into a glare as her heart thundered against her ribs, her skin moist with sweat.

        A small cart rolled up on scene with the tires squeaking against the glossy floors.

        "Both of you up against the wall!" One of the men was swift to snatch her, forcing her into submission beside the man she now viewed as her accomplice.

        "All right, all right." The man heaved, out of breath.

        "If you two will follow me." A shorter bald man gestured loosely to an elevator, an equally balding man beside him.

        The two holding officers jerked them roughly to follow into the spacious lift.

        "Corporate espionage, planetary treason, theft. All very serious crimes, Mister Cade Yaeger and Miss Lauren Ridgwell." The shorter male spoke with a grunt as they climbed the floors.

        She glared pointedly, wiggling in her holders grasp uncomfortably.

        The group reached one of the top floors withing no time and they were escorted into an office that could only be described as lap and luxury. Perfect view of the city, sleek furniture, fake plants most likely.

        Forced into a chair beside the man, Mister Yaeger, she swatted at the offending. Her eyes found a gold plaque perched pristine atop the glass desk.

        Joshua Joyce. She memorized the name. The other, older male, stepped into the room, shutting the door behind himself with a quiet 'click'.

        "Look, I want a lawyer. The Justice Department. Somebody I can trust." Cade bellowed. "I'm just trying to protect my family, okay? Not from your company, from the government."

        The older male trailed around to the desk, expression hard and unreadable. "Mister Yeager, who do you think I work for? I'm Harold, Harold Attinger."

        That voice. That God damn voice was the same one from the payphone. A newfound anger bubbled up inside of her viciously. "You-" She growled.

        "You're trying to protect your family, that's admirable. I'm trying to defend the nation from alien war. We've had a taste of what that looks like, and we are not gonna tolerate another. Now..." He took a seat in the desk chair.

        Bullshit. Her mind screamed. Everything that came out of his mouth was complete and utter bullshit! She gripped at the armrests.

        "And for you." Harold turned to her. "You've been dragged into all this mess, I understand your desperation."

        "You don't understand a damn thing." Lauren seethed. Her chest pulled harshly in that moment and she panned her eyes out the window, the city light pollution made the night sky void of all stars. Her skin was hot suddenly and her adrenaline came back tenfold, but she calmed. "You shouldn't have brought me here." Sapphire eyes narrowed onto his face.

        "What's done is done and you're here." He began. "Now, there is a version of this conversation where you get to go back to your barn," His eyes, adorn with crows feet, flicked to Cade. "And you get to go home with your family, your daughter gets to graduate with honors. And life as you both know it will go on."

        "You don't get it, do you?" The brunette grunted. "I have nothing left and who do I have to thank for that?"

        The older man was silent for a moment before speaking once more. "You have no idea what you're involved with here."

        She'd heard that shit before. Lauren opened her mouth to retort.

        "Really?" Cade cut in before she could, removing his glasses. "What's the other version of this conversation?" He instigated. "The one when you send in the hired help to murder my little girl? Or are you going to man up and do it yourself?"

        She darted her eyes back to the man at hand. He gave a dry chuckle, hands folded neatly. "What's your preference? I'm going to ask you both this once." He glanced between the two. "Where is Optimus Prime and Megatron?"

        The air stilled for a moments time and neither of the two spoke. Stubbornness perforated her. After everything she'd been through, they'd have to dig the information of her corpse.

        The building trembled suddenly. She caught the desk to steady herself while shock crossed Harold and Joshua's faces. Her palms grew clammy and all the hair on her body stood on end. Thunderous footsteps racked the skyscraper.

        The sound of rotor blades slicing through the air instilled hope in her once more, praying that it was Blackout.

        She spun in her chair, spotting a helicopter, but not one nearly big enough to be the decepticon. A yellow bot hung from the landing skid. The small mech, swung back a drove his feet through the glass.

        Lauren threw herself to the ground in attempt to shield herself. The lights blew out in a flurry of sparks. Joshua and Harold made haste with fleeing.

        "Come on. Let's get out of here." The bot clipped his words together as Cade shot to his feet, swiping away glass.

        He stopped, turning to her. "Kid, come on!"

        She opened her mouth to object, but was snatched from the floor by the mech. Her heart jumped up into her throat as they hung mid air.

        "O-oh my God! Oh my god!" She wailed, clinging to the unknown mech.

        "Come on, get going Bee!" Cade hollered as the helicopter descended.

        Her eyes turned toward the nearing floor, spotting movement from beyond the glass, quick approaching. Her mouth opened to warn the bot, but her cries fell on deaf ears as the yellow mech was torn from the chopper, thrown into a full body tackle.

        She hit the floor violently, a pained whine ripped through her as she rolled to hit a wall. Fighting through the pain, she flipped, turning to get to her feet. Shock flooded her as she watch Barricade full force attack the yellow mech.

        His red optics spotted her in the mess quickly as he caught the opposing mech's blow.

        She flicked her eyes up to spot the chopper coming down mid transformation. Without second thought, she fled heading toward the sound of the commotion. The ground tremored beneath her as she emerged into low level room.

        Masses of people flooded out, stampeding over one another in their efforts to flee. She fought against the crowd, using all her strength the keep herself upright and push through.

        With some effort she broke through the other side and spotted robots all right.

        "Get out! All of you!" A red and blue mech barked as a vibrant green bot unloaded clip after clip into anything he could find.

        "Science fair's over, meatbags!" A pot bellied mech came gruffly as he ripped through equipment.

        She felt frozen in her place, rooted where she stood. Her heart beat drowned out all other sounds.

        "Destroy the lab!" The red and blue bot ordered. "Destroy it all!"

        Only then was she able to pan her vision around the space. Her blood seemed to still at what she saw.

        Robots, hundreds of them from what her eyes alone could see, varying in size and design. So, so many. All the moisture was sucked from her mouth and it was as if she lost all ability to speak. Why were there so many? What were they needed for? Dread pooled in her stomach at the implications.

        Scientists rushed past her in an attempt to spare themselves, but she didn't move.

        More noise over shadowed her heartbeat as robots she did recognize crashed through the building.

        "Decepticons! Now things are interesting!" The bright green mech sniggered with a distinct Australian accent.

        The ground rocked beneath her once more as the yellow mech from before was thrust through the wall beside her, clattering to the ground in a heap of angry whirring.

        Barricade snatched her from the ground swiftly, thrashing her with the sudden movement. She yelped.

        "Don't start the party without me!" Nitrozeus trust himself into battle, landing a hardy blow to the pit belly bot.

        The yellow bot- Bee- shot into Barricades space once more and he was quick to release his hold on her. She expected to meet the ground, but it never came as she was jerked through the air once more, now in Bee's hold. "Put me down!" Lauren screamed, startling the small mech, who dropped her in favor of blocking an incoming attack.

        Onslaught was swift to swipe at her, caging her close to his open wound. The former combaticon pivoted quickly, shielding her and his front from a blast of a cannon.

        "Unhand the girl, Onslaught!" The red and blue mech commanded fiercely.

        "Keep your nose out of other people's shit since you love huffing your own so much." Nitrozeus kicked the pot belly mech back before slamming his helm into his in a vicious headbutt.

        The combaticon tossed Lauren to the open air, her scream ripped her throat raw as she soared, caught up in Laserbeak's talons without missing a beat. "Fancy seeing you here." He chirruped as he flapped his wings.

        The aussie fired off several rounds at the avian. Laserbeak squawked in protest as he tittered around, his talons sharp and firm in their hold on her small body.

        A sudden screech from the bird had them spiraling down in a flurry, his left wing in tatters.

        Lauren rolled with a guttural scream, glass and debris biting into her flesh. Her eyes found Laserbeak's fallen form, who flared up in an effort of make himself scarier, his damaged wing tucked to himself defensively. Something about the sight tugged at her heart despite his horrid nature.

        She ducked out of sight and behind some remaining equipment, she winced in pain as she peeked around to view the conflict, eyes searching for Blackout or Soundwave. Her search was fruitless and lost on her as she watched Barricade take a blow, sending him to the ground.

        "Yes, time to take out the trash." The aussie bit as the decepticon struggled to rise.

        They were outnumbered, outmatched.

        Without thinking, her feet moved. She shot out into the midst of battle, narrowly avoiding being crushed and barely keeping herself upright. Decepticons made an effort to not terminate her as they attacked autobots.

        Lauren threw herself into Barricade's side, thankful the mech was smaller than Megatron as she hastily clawed up him. "Stop! Stop!" She cried out, using what of her body could shield the mech.

        "Leave me fleshbag..." The cruiser growled lowly, weakness evident.

        The vibrant green bot didn't lower his weapons as he cocked them back.

        "Crosshair no!" The red and blue mech called out, yanking him back as a bullet buried into the pavement beside her and Barricade.

        Nitrozeus was swift to step in, forcing the mech back with Onslaught for backup. This battle was lost if they didn't pull out.

        Something in her tugged hard, forcing her sights beyond the fight as the earth bellowed under her. Time seemed to slow as the familiar form of Megatron exploded onto the scene, towering high above all other mechs. Blackout swooped in just in his wake.

        A mighty and ferocious war cry made her being vibrate.

        "It's Megatron!" The pot belly mech called out above the chaos. "Go back, pull back!"

        The decepticon lord threw out his arm is a swipe, sending the aussie clattering with no way to right himself.

        Crimson optics broke through the dimness, illuminating everything in his path. It was like having a red carpet laid out before her feet. Her heart soared as her adrenaline spiked.

        The yellow mech made another pass for her, trying to swoop her up, but she threw herself out of his way, using her body as a buffer.

        "Megatron!" Her feet barely carried her as she sprinted in his direction. Blackout kept the path clear, pushing back any mech that tried to intervene.

        The tyrant dropped to a knee, his clawed hand reached out for her and she wasted no time in throwing herself atop the appendage. He was swift to cage her to his chassis, close to his spark chamber. "Optimus."

        The red and blue mech- Optimus looked upon the scene with incredulity, his men at his sides in retreat. Cade broke through the rubble to stand beside the autobot leader, shock and disbelief colored his features.

        Blackout dragged Barricade to cover.

        The two leaders held a hard stare for what felt like years, before Megatron turned away, leaving them. Leaving everyone.

        The warlord fled with her in his clutches. He'd send a ping to his men once he found suitable cover, but for now all he wanted was to rid himself of it all. Pain plagued him, his face screwed up into a grimace as he took the guise of another military grade truck. They couldn't go back to their previous shelter, he knew that.

        Lauren rested in his cab, exhaustion setting in as she laid her head back, watching the passing scenery pass in a blur. Silence hung in the air comfortably, no words needed to be exchanged.

        Tears pricked her eyes and she didn't fight them as they fell down her cheeks. Her body was tired, battered, and bruised. A small part of her felt guilty for essentially abandoning the others, but somewhere deep down in her told her not to worry too much. She should be mad, livid, screaming and blaming Megatron for all her miss comings, but she couldn't.

        She missed him and she wasn't afraid to admit that now. Who else did she have...?

        Being upset would do her no good, it'd fix nothing, so why bother? Lauren moved forward with a wince, leaning to rest atop the dash with folded arms.

        She truly didn't mind her situation. Life would always have rough patches, she just got to experience them differently, she supposed.

        He came for her, she knew he would if she reached out, knew he'll do what it takes to ensure her safety. And that was all she could really ask for. Her chest grew warm, a small, tired smile pulled at her lips.

        Megatron let his wheels carry them where they may, searching for any place suitable for the time being what it was. His frame hurt, but the discomfort in his spark eased. She shifted, moving to rest atop his dash and he could say he was contempt. His men would be fine in due time and they'd not blame him for his actions.

        He felt like there were things to be said to her, but the words never came. Far too many words and not enough simultaneously. He resigned to silence and she did, too. The things he needed to say would form into proper sentences when the time came and he'd wait.

        Lauren's dirtied, bloodied fingers brushed softly across the dash as her eyelids grew heavy, shoulder sagging their weight onto him. There were no more to fear, she knew that, but... she couldn't help the dreadful idea or waking to nothing once more. A deep sigh left her.

        Her chest pulled gently, as if telling her it was okay to sleep. The monsters were gone for now, on the run, and Megatron was here.

        God, when did she start feeling like her ten her old self? It was stupid.

        Her mind trailed back to the bond. More questions surfaced and she wanted to pester him for answers, but later. It could wait.

        His warmth eased her into a much needed slumber. He body relaxed, releasing the tension she'd been coiling. Megatron noted her recharge and adjusted the seat forward so she'd not move.

        He drove and drove, not stopping for breaks as he searched for something. There would be no repeat of this incident, mark his words.

        This incident would never again be repeated.

____________________

        Her eyes opened into the dark void, finding the space much more comforting than dreary. It was quiet, calm .

        A quick search of her surroundings yielded nothing of interest, which was okay, she expected as much.

        Seating herself in a cross legged  position, she relaxed. Now was as good a time as any to try new things , experimenting  with the bond was a good place to start.

        She set to envisioning the first place that came to mind, which dredged up a deep, long forgotten memory from her early childhood. Not  an ugly memory, but an old fuzzy one.

        An exhale left her steadily as she focused on the scene; waxed wood floors, mirrored walls, small cubby spaces, the music, leotards and  tights. The tall ceilings that she always loved to stare up at. That old balancing bar  that had  to be screwed into the wall one too many times.

        It all came together seamlessly in her minds eye. The ballet studio she'd only taken a handful of lessons at in fifth grade. Her lips upturned slightly, dawning a gentle smile remembering her grandmother's excitement.

        Children's laughter, the instructors voice, the melodies of swan lake drifted in and out.

        Lauren peeked her eyes open to peer around the studio just how she remembered it growing up. She'd never thought she'd get the chance to see it again since it was demolished, not that ballet was ever a passion of her's,  but the experience wasn't entirely awful. Even if she did have two left feet.

        She rose to her feet, her boots squeaked against the waxy  floor as she trailed her fingers along the balance bar, the wood well worn by dancers and time.

        Sapphire eyes turned up to stare at the elongated ceiling, the exposed brick a start contrast to the rest of the room. The stereo sat neatly tucked in the corner.

        The door opening drew her attention and  she turned to spot Megatron emerging into the studio.

        Her hand gripped tightly at the balance bar. His optics turned to lay upon her wordlessly.

        Lauren swallowed and released her hold on the bar, crossing the room in a hurry, throwing herself into his arms. He did what he, himself, hadn't expected, and  opened his embrace to her form. His metal body, though smaller in the plain, was still hard against her flesh, but she didn't care.

        "I knew you'd come." That's broke from her eyes.

        He grumbled, caging her tightly to his chassis. "I was simply following obligation, girl."

        Her embrace tightened, her face buried  into the crook of his neck. "Thank you."

        The mech pulled her from him. "Do not give me your praise for the minimum, bug." His clawed hand turned her arms over in his hold, optics studied the abrasions and ugly bruising beginning to color. Such marks didn't belong upon her flesh. "I was doing what I had to." Crimson optics panned to rest up her tears streaked features. He raised a claw absentmindedly to drag the hair from her face.

        Lauren gave a dry laugh. "Don't sell yourself short."

        He narrowed his optics. "I'd do no such thing, human. Cease your fluid expulsion."

        Her hand wiped away the residual tears, moving away from him and toward the stereo. "Sorry, sorry." She fingered over the buttons, finding with it until the soft melodies were produced.

        His optics studied the space, reserving his questions.

        "Do they have dancing on Cybertron?" She inquired, approaching him.

        He furrowed his brow ridge. "For reserved occasions, yes. There's no use for such a frivolous act."

        Lauren held out her hand to the mech, to which he regarded with a look. "Take it. I can't dance either."

        He'd never be caught dead in such a charade. The act of dancing was useless, a waist of precious time. Art, music, dancing, it   was  all non-pertinent. But as he stared at her open palm, so nearly his size in this moment, he found himself reaching out to grasp her firmly, as if she'd be stolen away from his very claws.

        She stepped into his space as the slow, melodic song droned on in the background. Taking his free hand, she place  high on his hip before resting her's atop his shoulder servo.

        "I'd say follow my lead, but I don't really  know what I'm doing either." The woman admitted sheepishly as she stepped slowly along to the song's notes. Blue eyes glanced down at their feet occasionally to avoid toe stepping.

        "Lloverá, gotas mínimas."

        The lyrics came out in gentle Spanish, the singers voice warm like a mother's.

        Megatron followed her step pattern with ease, avoiding her fumbles wordlessly as he felt her palm in his; warm, soft, and pink. His other hand fit in the curve of her hip as if made for his claws, the bone palpable under his grasp. Crimson optics remained settled on her face, but she did not make eye contact.

        These quiet moments made the world bleed away and  all problems dissipate, forgotten until another time. It was like a spell of a  kind and  he was bewitched.

        "Lloverá, de mi boca,"

        She whispered the vaguely familiar lyrics to herself, not entirely familiar with the dialect, but enjoying the song nonetheless.

        Megatron frowned slightly. "You have vocals for a reason, speak up or shut up, girl."

        Lauren lifted her eyes to face him, his brash nature lost on her as they swayed. "I don't speak the language."

        "And why should that hinder you, girl?"

        She hummed louder along with the melody, clearly somewhat acquainted with it. This close, he could faintly feel the way her throat and chest reverberated with her vocal chords.

        "Saldrá el mar."

        His optics watched the way her lips lazily formed the syllables to the unknown language, missing in some places, but it didn't matter. The foreign tongue in her voice was odd, but not at all a displeasure.

        "No, no, Romeo, no. No, no, me dejes."

        It made him wonder if her human vocals could replicate the Cybertronian language.

        "Tu vida fue gestada ya."

        He should hate this, pull away harshly and  admonish her for even suggesting such a thing, but he couldn't. He wouldn't, nor would his spark.

        "Lloverá, caudales de agua. Agua lisa."

        The instrumental tempo was slow and methodical, he found.

        "Were you there? When I asked for you." She asked quietly, eyes panned up to look at him.

        He held her eyes in a stare. "I was beside you, yes. Why do you inquire about such a thing?"

        She gave a small shrug, her fingers pressed into his metals. "I felt you."

        He didn't say anything for a moments time. "We must work to strengthen the bond, your  attempt to access it was dismal, girl."

        "I tried." She replied. "I'll do better next time."

        "Hear me when I say, there will be no next time, girl." His firmness in the statement was punctuated with a growl.

        "Lloverá, desde mis ojos."

        She sang softly, lips set in a genuine smile as they stepped in tune with one another. The cards of the word were carried away with the fleeting lyrics if  the song.

        "No, no, Romeo, no. No, no me dejes ver."

        His audio receptors took in all her sound greedily as he committed it to memory. Her lax features were hard not to stare at, but he pulled his optics away to stare at their joined hands. His claws scuffed, rough, and dented in places. She'd done her best with what she was given and  she soared. Her fragile hand was battered and unsightly. Besides the scrapes and colorful bruising, small burns littered her skin, but she still gripped him despite the apparent discomfort it may bring.

        His denta clenched. So many times he's  reminded of her blatant mortality. It sickens him.

        Time, such a cruel and unforgiving thief.

        Megatron buried  those thoughts deep down and turned his sights back to her face, finding her eyes  easily, she  offered a lopsided grin.

        "Que tu muerte fue gestada ya. Renacimiento."

        Lauren raised to her tip-toes to press her forehead into his, just as he'd done previously. And he pressed back until she'd lowered onto her heels once more.

Notes:

I really hope you all enjoyed the ending of this chapter! I had such a nice time writing it and I may have made myself cry with the song I chose T^T

The song is "Llovera" by Mia Maestro for any of y'all that may be wondering!

Chapter 31: Détente

Notes:

OMG! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO'S LEFT COMMENTS, KUDOS, AND HAVE TAKEN TIME OUT OF THEIR DAY TO READ MY WORK! YOU ALL ARE SO, SO, SO AMAZING!

And to all my new readers, HELLO, HI! I'm so grateful for all of you! <3

This chapter took me a little longer because I got stuck on a certain part, but I managed to overcome the block while on break at work and BOOM! Chapter finished!

I hope you all enjoy this chapter and I'd LOVE to hear your thoughts, comments, opinions, and reactions at the end! <3

        Optimus Prime hadn't said a single word on the drive back to, what they now were calling, base. In fact nobody said a whole lot of anything. Cade rested himself against the driver's side door, deep in contemplation, his eyes trained on the road. Shane and Tessa sat in silence beside him, casting weary glances to the father.

        Bumblebee kept pace at the autobot leader's shoulder, the other trailed close behind in a tight knit convoy.

        She- Lauren- was certainly the woman from the KSI drone footage, despite the noticeable shortening of her hair. So many questions circulated the Prime's mind as he replayed the encounter over and over on repeat, trying to justify what he saw. Only more questions spawned out of his contemplation.

        It'd make sense if she were being held prisoner, why Megatron would've had her in the first place, but that was blatantly not the case.

        He'd been down right shocked when she threw her body atop Barricade, atop a decepticon of all people. Much too small to shield him from anything and yet she still made an attempt, a valiant one at that, at protecting the violent cruiser. So ready to throw her own life away, it was almost as unnerving as it was heroic. 

        Never had he seen a decepticon prone to gentleness, or a version of it. Humans weren't high on their list of priorities, that was for sure, so why?

        What possessed her to act in such a manner?

        Optimus's thoughts were eventually pulled back to the mech in question, Megatron. Not in over five million years had he left an encounter with the bot unscathed. The autobot frowned inwardly at the realization. His spark was tired.

        The convoy rolled up to the abandoned chapel, making their way inside swiftly. Cade was quick to exit the truck cab, dragging his daughter along with him.

        The autobot leader wasted no time in his transformation, his comrades followed immediately after.

        "I thought we were losing our heads out there! I'm tired of hiding! I say they get what they deserve, the lot of them!" Crosshairs snapped, his hand massaged his sore jaw while his free hand swatted away his trench coat like armor. "The hell was the lass? Huh?"

        Hound removed his helmet, dropping it to the floor with a grumble. "Humans, bunch of back stabbin' weasels." He set his shotgun aside, throwing a lazy glance to the human trio. "No offense."

        "Blimy." The aussie bit. "You, stowaway, you were with the girl."

        Cade snapped his eyes up to the mech. "Hey, don't look at me, I know just as much as the rest of you. She's just some kid." He shrugged.

        "Children." Drift commented as he moved through the cathedral.

        "You want to talk children? You and the yellow bugger couldn't keep your greasy fingers on her!" Crosshairs insulted. "When are you gonna grow up?"

        "I'll show you a grown up." The small yellow mech glared with a whirr of his radio.

        "Cut the crap, you were losing your ass in the heat of it." Hound jabbed gruffly.

        "All of you, stop!" Optimus commanded sternly, his features set in a hard glare. "What is with you all?"

        "Us ? You're the bloke not saying anything!" Crosshairs pointed. "Aren't you supposed to be 'Mister leader of the free world'?"

        "Wait, you're blaming him?" Cade gaped in disbelief.

        "Here he goes." Hound sat himself down with a deep chassis groan.

        "Oh, up yourself you bogan."

        "Don't go there, you don't want that fight." Hound warned.

        Optimus groaned, pinching the bridge of his nasal ridge, hand propped upon his hip servo. "I know just as much on the matter as the rest of you and I must say it's giving me a headache." He groaned, leaning up against the wall.

        "So quick to make assumptions." Drift jabbed calmly.

        "I ain't assume nothin'." Crosshairs retorted.

        "The face reveals much that you may not wish to show."

        "Quit your cryptic mumbo-jumbo samurai." The aussie shoulder checked the fellow autobot as he stomped past.

        A low snit came from the blue mech as he unsheathed a sword and tripped the obnoxious bot. Crosshairs hit the floor with an earth shaking 'thud'.

        The aussie grunted, but righted himself quickly, spinning onto his back to point a gun in the samurai's face. Drift responded with practiced swiftness, angling a blade up under his chin.

        "Drift, Crosshairs, stop! What has gotten into you two?" Optimus growled in thinning patience, optics narrowed as he reprimanded the bots.

        "Men. You're all the same." Tessa muttered in disgust, arms crossed over her chest as she moved to sit away from the growing argument.

        "What's gotten into us? Better check yourself Prime." Crosshairs jabbed the blue samurai with the barrel of his gun before relenting the standoff. "Got your processors all in a twist of some decepticon scum, I say to hell with the lass, let her be."

        Drift dragged his blade along the underside of the mech's chin, sending up a spark as he retracted himself. "You talk too much without thinking."

        "Bugger off, I'm just sayin' what everyone's thinking."

        "You don't wanna know what I'm thinking." Hound grumbled out a dry, humorless laugh.

        "It's more complicated than that, I'm afraid." The prime replied flatly.

        "What's complicated? If she wants to play pet, let her. I won't be skinning my hide for some decepticon wannabe."

        "You all are acting like a bunch of junkyard dogs, she wasn't that bad. I mean- come on." Cade butt in earning a nod from Bumblebee. "Have a heart."

        "Big mistake that was." Hound chirped. "You saw the reserves they had, y'all don't need us and I'm ready to get the hell out of dodge."

        The ugly reminder made the Prime's optics narrow, cast to the floor as he crossed his arms. His words raised concern and many more questions. Lockdown was hunting them, all of them, with human help to back his mission. Every Cybertronian had a target painted on their helm, their allies included. The main question that kept nagging him was, why? Why go through the trouble of making so many mechs and supplying the bounty hunter? Unease at the whole situation ate at him.

        Then, there was the girl and Megatron. That was another ordeal entirely and he was at a loss on what to think of the matter.

        He was stressed and his patience grew thinner each and every day, his comrades did not help. Not one bit.

        "I say we give 'em a show. One last hoo-rah for the road." Hound interlocked his fingers atop his stomach, mortar-shell-turned-cigar tucked securely into the side of his mouth. "Track 'em down, make them cry for their mommas. Hell, I would."

        "For once I agree with the slag, let's snuff them out." Crosshairs whipped his automatics around in showman fashion. "Special delivery style."

        "Those guys are probably long gone by now and I don't think the Camaro can take much more heat, I tell 'ya." Shane interjected, gesturing to the mech.

        Bumblebee glared as he clipped audio pieces together in smooth haste. "Watch your mouth or I'll watch it for you."

        Optimus gestured out to the bot in a 'calm down' motion accompanied by a warning glance. "You're wrong Crosshairs, they're still in the area. Too close, actually. I fear we both may be in the same boat." His metal features creased in a frown. "Megatron isn't shielding his signal."

        Megatron wasn't shielding his signal. Something about that was haunting and rightfully instilled worry in the autobot leader.

        "Then what are we waiting for? They're askin' for it! Smoke 'em out!"

        Bumblebee rolled his optics in a juvenile manner, waving off the aussie with a swipe of his hand as if to say 'forget it'.

        "Can't risk the girl's life and an ambush isn't feasible with our current reinforcements." The prime spoke bluntly.

        "You tryin' ta say something?" Hound inquired.

        "Nothing to be said. A bowl is most useful when it is empty." Drift commented loosely. "Lǎozi, sixth century."

        "Fill your bowl with some shit that makes some sense or shut it. We don't speak metaphor mumbo-jumbo, soul searching crap." The pot belly mech insulted.

        "It's a haiku." The blue bot corrected with narrowed optics, offended.

        "The girl this, the girl that. We've done our part and they clearly don't share the sentiment." Crosshairs argued.

        "She's just as caught up in all this as we are." Prime countered.

        "I guess we just waltz our asses up to their front door then. Maybe we'll even share a drink." The green mech relented sarcastically.

        "I could use a drink, shit." The smoking bot admitted.

        "Maybe not, but I have this." Cade produced another small KSI drone from the lab coat he'd escaped in. "Don't poke a sleeping bear, right?"

        "And I was the bad guy for stealing mouthwash?" The Irish man poked.

        Cade shot the younger male a hard look. "Hey, that was different. Keep your filthy leprechaun hands off my daughter and I may let you keep your teeth. Alright? Don't answer."

        "Dad."

        "And what half-baked idea are you proposin'?" Came Hound as he climbed to his feet. "Love violence."

        The father turned toward the stocky mech. "I'm saying that we can fly this into their area and if they shoot it down, then hey, we got their message loud and clear, but we're all at our wits end. I just want to protect my daughter."

        "You're a hell of a father Cade, don't forget that." A plume of smoke escaped his lip plates. "I'll do whatever the boss says, take it up with the big head."

        The inventor turned to Optimus expectantly only to receive an unceremonious groan. "Your ideas are not un-sound, but we-"

        "But ? But what? You're just going to sit back like some kicked puppy? Let them get their way? What kind of thinking is that, man?" Cade's lip curled.

        The autobot leader vented heavily, dropping his shoulders as his nasal ridge scrunched. He contemplated the idea for a moments time. They were outnumbered five to hundreds, eight when counting the humans. It truly was a hopeless battle in the grand scheme; either they fought their hardest and died in the heat of it all, or they surrendered with a white flag. Even then, they'd be turned over to Lockdown and still perish.

        Megatron was still in the area, he knew that for a fact. His subordinates, he wasn't so sure, but they were never far from their leader. He'd surmise.

        The decepticons, six from what he had counted, but there was no true way of knowing with them. Deception was literally in their name, it would only be fair to honor the title.

        Much to his dismay, what remained of his autobot companions were mostly landlocked, save for Drift, but the rest of them were completely tire bound. The majority of their seeker brethren fell in the early days of war. Optimus would pin the blame on Starscream with Skywarp a close second. That being said, decepticons were the only other group with feasible air command.

        He clenched his jaw, pressing his denta together firmly in thought.

        Cade's plan wasn't a loss on him, quite the opposite actually. Though, there was some problems he was finding. Firstly, there was absolutely no guarantee of any good coming from sending a drone into decepticon territory. Secondly, the opposing bots would surely be able to track it back to their current coordinates, effectively endangering all of their safety. But... If they did this right, then maybe...

____________________

        Lauren was rudely awoken by the sounds of ground trembling banter and hearty laughter.

        God, what time was it? Her body ached all over and her bones felt like they'd been turned to lead. No doubt her bruising was setting in and the next week would be a hindrance. She wanted a hot shower with scalding water.

        Blinking back her exhaustion, she squinted to see what all the ruckus was. The floor was hard and unforgiving beneath her as she rose.

        "And all I'm sayin' is you got your ass Millie-rocked." Nitrozeus quipped, holding his hands up in mock surrender.

        Barricade growled in Cybertronian from where he sat, leering at the tracker. "You'll be fortunate to still function after I'm up."

        "Yeah? And you're stupid." The one optic mech jabbed childishly.

        "Will you two shut your traps?! Primus, aren't we already dying, don't need to hear your arguing." Onslaught groaned.

        Upon further inspection of her surroundings, she found Megatron sat just beside where she lay, Soundwave at his side silent as ever. Laserbeak rested upon his shoulder servo, injured wing tucked close to his body and head drawn back as if to protect himself. Blackout was amiss and she'd yet to see Starscream, not that the seeker's absence was bothering her, but it did leave her curious mind to wander.

        The building was abandoned, that was for sure. With graffiti and busted windows to pull the whole look together. It had to of been a warehouse, judging by the titan ceilings and long forgotten pallets strewn about.

        When had they got here? Surely, it must've been while she slept, but if that was the case, then they definitely weren't far out from KSI. The thought made her already hurt body ache further. God, she hurt, but when was that new? She'd learned long ago to just roll with the punches, even if the punches left her debilitated and her skin a collage of unsightly colors. What more could she really do other than wing it?

        Her guilty conscience was nulled knowing the rest of the bots had, indeed, followed. They hadn't been abandoned or left for dead (even if a few of them more than deserved it).

        "You arise." Soundwave stated flatly, helm turned to stare at her.

        A part of her wanted to yell at the mech, to ask where he was in the chaos of the previous day and accuse him of wanting her dead, but the words never came as she returned his look.

        "Rise and shine cowgirl." Nitrozeus rumbled in an obnoxiously southern accent.

        Lauren's nose scrunched as she sat up with a groan, her joints cracked with audible 'pop's. Sapphire eyes found their way to Megatron swiftly, his gaze not meeting her's. 

        The mech in question sat stock still, his chassis rose and fell with a vent, face set in a deep frown as he thought, his subordinates forgotten in the moment.

        His memories flashed back to the previous joor. He'd found her, his femme, but that wasn't all he found. The hundreds of man-made mechs he saw instilled something long forgotten into his spark; worry.

        It wasn't fear, no, not fear.

        He'd seen the strength they'd possessed first hand and it wasn't anything spectacular, although their sheer numbers would prove deadly. And if Lockdown were to lead them... The battle would be lost before it could ever be fought. He didn't like those odds. He didn't accept those odds.

        He only dealt in absolutes. Nothing less and always more.

        The conflict at the headquarters was sure to draw the bounty hunter's attention, no doubt. And if Lockdown had been supplied by humans, it was a given that the two were connected in unseen ways, which means he must've been promised something in turn for their deal. He had a few ideas on what said rewards entailed and he would be nobody's trophy.

        Then, came the autobots. Pests, they were. From what Information he'd gathered from his subordinates, they'd arrived in record time.

        They were close.

        A small part of him almost wanted to roar out Optimus's name, to stage an ambush and end their feud once and for all, but this was neither the time nor place. All that would accomplish would be revealing their location, distract them, and give the bounty hunter an opening. That conflict could wait.

        For now, his optics were set on Lockdown and those who dare touch what was his. He'd not rest truly, consume, or stop until he saw to it that they were put in the ground.

        The pleasure of ripping Lockdown's spark from his lifeless form was a pleasure all on its own, but the Quintessan did have something else to offer; his ship. Their way back to Cybertron and off the hell hole that is earth.

        Crimson optics flickered down to Lauren's small form for a nano-klik as she yawned. He clenched his jaw, grinding his denta together.

        His men were in tatters. Their energon reserves were at a critical low, bodily conditions no better than scrap, and the moral dwindled with each passing klik. His form still hurt in certain areas, but the pain was subsiding and he was up. That's what mattered, pain be damned.

        Megatron's mind wandered back to Lauren as a claw scraped along the welded metals of chassis. The hole that had been blown into him since closed and his spark ignited.

        Alive. That was the word. He was alive. Operational and online.

        Lauren swatted some hair from her face as she re-did her ponytail, avoiding the knots where it was convenient. Another shower was in order, unfortunately she wasn't sure when that would come. Her brain fog had since cleared from her rude awakening.

        Using Megatron's leg, she pulled herself to a standing position. A groan escaped her as her weight equalized, body sore all over. The small abrasions that littered her body began scabbing over and with it came the itchiness. Blood, sweat, and tears stuck to her skin grossly. God, why was she always in these situations? It was one injury after another. At least she hadn't broken anything and still had all ten fingers and ten toes.

        No matter, she was here and breathing. The others were as alive as they could be, considering. That's what counted.

        The mech beside her snatched up her form from the ground and she did little in the way of resisting the upheaval as she was deposited onto Megatron's shoulder servo. No words were exchanged as she settled into the crook of his neck, his warmth a welcomed sensation on her battered body.

        Truth be told, it felt nice to grab and feel her flesh against his metals. Something about the whole thing eased his spark and confirmed he was indeed awake and not stuck in some sort of stasis induced scape.

        The building shook suddenly in that moment, sending down a cloud of dust.

        The tyrant snarled in recognition at the odd shift in weight atop the roof.

        "And here I thought our dreams were just starting to turn wet, shit." Nitrozeus hugged in exaggeration as he favored his injured shoulder servo.

        Starscream was swift to erupt from the glass skylight, dropping just into the center of the warehouse, his remaining optic found his leader and the human immediately. 

        Megatron was quick to his feet, rising in height quicker than his size should've allowed. His denta bared threateningly.

        Lauren faltered, but held onto the mech, startled at the suddenness of his movement. She was less than pleased to see the seeker and felt as if she'd jinxed herself.

        "M-my lord, it's so nice to see you alive and well, yes, yes." The jet bellowed as the mech in questioned stalked upon him, swiping him up into his murderous grasp. "I was so relived to hear of your unceremonious revival-"

        Starscream wriggled in his hold. "Do not take me for a fool you recreant. Rid me of your grotesque flattery." The decepticon lord had barked fiercely, tightening his grasp. "Where were you?"

        "Only out on watch my liege, I-"

        Megatron struck the seeker with an open clawed hand, sending up a flurry of sparks. Lauren lurched with his harsh movements, gripping at his face plating frantically. "Perhaps I was too kind and you don't require the one optic you have."

        "My liege! Master! You must believe me, someone needed to take charge in your absence-"

        The decepticon lord hovered dangerously over the single working optic, a growl crawled from the depths of his chassis, reverberating off the walls of the building. .

        Starscream shot an accusatory glare at Lauren, past his oppressor's claws, ruby optics narrowed. His line of sight did not go unnoticed as Megatron jerked him violently back to his own faceplate, claws embedding themselves into his metals. "You will answer to no one other than me. Do not cast your petulant short comings onto her or I will do more than blind you." The words were roared through clenched denta, his jaw strained under the pressure.

        Lauren scurried up his shoulder servo as he hunched over the flyer. Sapphire eyes spotted a closely looming Soundwave, his sights trained upon her small form. The mech jerked once more with a powerful blow and she near toppled off his servo.

        Soundwave held up a steady palm and she was quick to hop into it, just thankful to not fall to her death. What an anticlimactic death that'd be. The communications officer remained rooted in place as the decepticon leader tore into the former, Laserbeak coiled in on himself defensively. She paid the avian no mind as her eyes found the brutal assault once more.

        A small part of her wanted to say she felt bad for the mech, but truthfully, she couldn't be bothered after his incredibly apparent hatred toward her. Sure, she kind of understood his position, but to hell with him.

        "Just get it over with. Save us all the pain in the ass." Nitrozeus commented flippantly. "Some of us aren't into that."

        "Finally, something that isn't scrap comes out of your vocal processor." Onslaught grumbled.

        Blackout emerged into the building then, moving much too quietly when he was so big. It was unnerving. A hunter he truly was.

        "Such a useless insect you are." Megatron insulted, dragging a teasing claw down the side of his optic.

        Starscream struggled in the much larger mech's grasp, attempting to pull his helm away. "An insect among seven billion, my liege! I live to serve you-" Another hefty blow cut him off.

        "It would be best to let him die a warriors death, yes. Let him rest, girl."

        Those words floated to the forefront of his mind, overtaking his processor and igniting renewed rage in the decepticon. "You wished me death, you strutless, sniveling cretin!" His roar shook the earth under his wrath.

        Everyone would be lying if they said his world trembling battle cries didn't instill some level of fear into them.

        The seeker sputtered an indecipherable response under his master's scrutiny.

        "How long does this usually last?" Lauren inquired the mech that held her. She sat amidst his palm, something she noticed the other mechs did, never allowing her to their shoulders. Perhaps it was something solely reserved for Megatron? She wasn't exactly educated on alien customs.

        "Not long enough. He is traitorous to the cause." Soundwave supplied bluntly.

        "He is a nasty stain on our name." Laserbeak hissed bitterly. What remained of his wings fanned out in irritation.

        She regarded his comment with a wordless hum.

        Megatron's hate-filled berate went on with several more swipes, blows, and kicks. At some point the speaking stopped and it was just the tyrant abusing the seeker, pummeling him while he writhed.

        Perhaps he was venting long built up frustrations and punishing Starscream was an out for such emotions.

        He was livid. Down right irate with so much it was almost hard to put into words; his once second in command, all the bullshit he'd be dragged through and how it never seemed to stop, those humans who dare put their dirty phalanges upon her, the pain that wracked his body, the pain that wracked her body, Lockdown, the fact that forever wasn't going to be long enough for him. It all came to a head and with a final blow, he sent the jet clattering to the floor once more. His chassis heaved in heavy vents, sharp denta barred in a animalistic snarl.

        Starscream kicked himself away from the mech in a terrified flurry, his opposing arm cradling fresh wounds.

        Megatron turned to his closest ally, Soundwave, who he regarded with a stern look before taking up Lauren once more, having forgot her in the midst of his anger. She took to him instantly as he deposited her upon his shoulder once more. He welcomed the woman's weight. 

        A rhythmic 'buzz' filled the space in that moment. All mechs went silent as a small KSI drone flew into their space, a small note stuck to the small piece of technology.

        Everyone eyed the spectacle, the little drone hovering in place as the paper fluttered in the wind. It moved then, climbing up to where Lauren was perched.

        Megatron had half the mind to decimate it and seek out the piloting human beyond the warehouse's confines only to then erase them. He refrained, however, as Lauren tentatively reached out and plucked away the piece of notebook paper. The drone left in a hurry after that.

        Sapphire eyes scanned the note with furrowed brows, her uncertain and confusion seeped into him.

        Everyone stared her down, bathing her in a spotlight of red.

        "Well? Speak girl." Megatron ordered, his helm turned in her direction, a frown  plastered across his metal features.

        Her dirtied fingernails dug divots into the thin paper as she lifted her head to read the single word upon the page.

        "Truce? "

Chapter 32: Cessation

Notes:

Okay, so let me start by saying that I am SO FUCKING SORRY FOR NOT UPDATING IN WEEKS! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Can y'all ever forgive me?

I had a small bout of writer's block, work, and the unfortunate happening of falling in love with movie slashers all over again...

Not to fear! I'll never abandon this fic! I love it and big M too much to ever leave!

I really hope y'all enjoy this chapter, it took me a hot second to write it <3

        Just as quickly as the word had left her mouth, Starscream fled, broken and terrified. He was just gone. Nobody went after him and nobody counted the loss.

        All optics remained on her and the note clenched between her fingers. She swallowed and Megatron growled lowly beneath her. Flipping the note over in her hand there was further words scrawled hastily across the paper.

        The decepticon tyrant moved her to be atop his palm.

        "Meet us at the abandoned McFarlane school in two days. If you don't, then we will have our answer."

        That was two days ago. Two long days of snide remarks, bickering, and down right hate speech from the mechs in question. To say tensions were high would've been a royal understatement. Anyone with a brain could see it, feel it.

        It wasn't as if they had the fire power or the men necessary to overthrow a force such as Lockdown and their own, even if certain people thought the feat possible out of pure stubbornness.

        Megatron, the leader of the decepticons and sole ruler of the faction itself, wasn't happy about such an arrangement. The autobots, his mortal enemies and biggest foes, were too biting the bullet pulling such a stunt.

        Lauren's words rang out to him once more, "You can't afford to be picky or would you rather die fighting a lost battle? " It was something she had spat angrily at him in the heat of all the bickering, turning her ire on him and casting aside everyone else. She used her words to target him specifically, stepping up to hit him where it was sore and expose the apparent weaknesses among them all.

        He'd wanted to crush her in that moment, wipe her and all that defiance from the earth, but all he could do was roar angrily at her, and it wasn't even his loudest. Perhaps that was saying something.

        She didn't flinch under his wrath either, and maybe that, too, was saying something. The fire in her didn't yield to him and it ignited some sense of satisfaction within the mech. An action meant to silence and subdue the most unruly of decepticons could not make the woman stand down.

        The only other mech that sided with her was Onslaught, much to the others chagrin. If it was in the genuine strategists good favor, well...

        Blackout showed no apparent disapproval, save for the way his optics narrowed at the initial idea. The hunter would follow his master, where ever that may take him. Loyal as a dog and headfast as a noble steed, he was. He'd not argue.

        No matter, it'd be a temporary fix to a temporary problem.

        Lauren was deep in the throws of slumber atop his thigh armor. Everyone else, exempting the chopper, were also in recharge. Blackout stalked the perimeter on guard and on a hair trigger, ready to strike down the first inclination of a threat.

        Megatron rested his opposing arm atop his propped knee servo, claws tapping along his metal in thought. His optics stealing glances to her form every few kliks, noting the way she tossed and turned restlessly, her face contorting in displeasure admits her unconsciousness. Body plagued in ugly bruises, it was no wonder she knew no comfort. 

        The night droned on painstakingly slow and he still put off his recharge, contemplating what the following day was to bring.

        If all went well, then they'd be allied forces and if it went south, then he'd return with someone's helm on a pike. Either way, something would work itself out.

        Tilting his helm back, he rested it against the wall with a vent, his optics cast to the femme below. He paid her sleepy mumbles no mind as she turned over onto her other side. The woman curled further in on herself making her already small form all that much more puny.

        Another tug within his chassis had he submitting to recharge obediently. Optics offlining and frame going rigid, he dove into unconsciousness.

____________________

        When his sights returned to him, he was greeted with the sight of that old, Victorian   farm house  once more. Not fond of being human sized, the structure seemed to loom. He hated it.

        It was dark on her end of the bond. The inky blackness of the night sky went on for as far as her heart was able to conjure. There were no stars, no moon, which he found strikingly odd and out of place. She had shown a rather apparent fondness for the vastness of space in their time together.

        Megatron encroached upon the dwelling and made his way in easily. All was quiet and eerily still.

        He climbed the steep stairs to the second floor and went for her bedroom, pushing in on the cracked door steadily.

        Lauren set propped on the edge of her mattress, eyes casted to the floor and  shoulders slouched forward. The pensive look the domineered her features aged her beyond her years and not in a good way. Sapphire eyes didn't move to acknowledge him as he entered further into the darkness.

        "You have something on your mind, girl." He'd remarked from where he stood. It was a statement made firmly. His optics glance past the woman to steal a look at that small dream catcher she'd once showed him. It sat atop the wood bedframe stagnate.

        The brunette sighed deeply, features remained contorted as bags clawed desperately at  her eyes. "I'm tired..." Was all she offered quietly in defeat.

        And God, was she. A small, distant part of her wanted to just lie down and take whatever was to come, but then his voice echoed much louder than her subconscious. "There is no fight to be fought and nothing to overcome if you surrender." The memory of the exchange was thrust to the forefront of her mind.

        The warlord knew not to take her statement in such a literal sense, for he could feel the ugly emotions that weighed upon her spark. A part of him, admittedly, wanted to scorn her and snarl in the face of such vulnerability, but he refrained, biting down on his glossa.

        He didn't enjoy seeing her in such a light. Where was that fire? That unmoving stubbornness?

        This was not the femme he came to know, the femme he bore his spark to. No, this was a husk of her.

        A hollow shell.

        Lauren lifted her gaze to stare at him, her eyes glassy. "Why me...? Why did you pick me?" Her words were almost begging, pleading even, but the exhaustion overshadowed all else.

        "My reasons for such a decision are not your burdens to bear, bug. Just do well to know I chose you." His tone was still commanding and forever unwavering, but lacked all hostility.

        Though, her inquiry did raise some lingering thoughts within him. 'Why'? He'd not thought about specifics, he  just did.

        Sparkmates, bonds, and anything of the sort never particularly came with said reasons, it  was a feeling. One just knew. If there were reasons at  all they  often couldn't be put into articulated words. He was finding that to be true in that moment.

        There were reasons, he knew that for a fact.

        The brunette dipped her head to rest in her palms. The dirtied, battered clothes that hung off her form contrasted ugly with what could be considered a once well lived in room. Each and every inch of the room was just so... her.

        Cybertronians did not have such expression or sense of self, especially before the war.

        "I can't shake the feeling that something bad is going to happen." Lauren admitted as she tried and failed to thread her fingers into her knotted hair. "I just- ugh. I sound crazy."

        "Do not confuse intuition for paranoia." He almost growled as if he were talking down to one of his soldiers.

        But, she was not soldier and  he knew that.

        "Does that mean you feel it too? Spare me the cryptic-ness." She rose  her sights to stare at him.

        "When confronted with battle, one often can sense an oncoming confrontation. It's instinct." He ground out.

        "No. That's not-  that's not what I'm feeling." The woman huffed in annoyance. "Can't you feel it? I thought that's how this worked."

        The tyrant glared. "Then, speak bug." It was almost hissed through his denta.

        Sapphire eyes tore themselves away from the mech in favor of her boots. "It's like..." Her mind raced to find  the correct words. "Like, impending doom." She found him once more.

        Megatron flexed his claws beside himself at her voice and  his spark surged at the emotion that crossed her features. Her distraught face struck him and rendered him momentarily speechless. His jaw clenched. She looked  lost and  somewhere in her   eyes he  could glimpse fear.

        Something was coming, she  knew that. They all did. But, something primal tugged at her being incessantly with calls of 'run', 'go', 'leave'. What, she had no idea. Lauren knew Lockdown was afoot and all those mindless droids, too, but that wasn't it. At least, she thought that wasn't it.

        Then what?

        No. None of that. She felt like she was losing herself to exhaustion. Yes, that had to be it. She was just tired. Another sigh escaped her as she rose to her feet, the floorboards creaked beneath her in the way she remembered.

        Her body was sore all over, but she ignored it as she turned to lock her eyes with Megatron.

        A silent understanding was passed between girl and mech. He grumbled lowly from deep within his chassis. "Nothing will befall you, girl. I will assure that ."

        His strange way of being brutishly possessive was endearing in way .  Weather  it was because he cared or because she was simply 'his', she did not care. The feeling of being wanted, needed, outweighed all  else and  that was something could live with. She was happy with that, more than words could describe.

        "I'm trusting you." Lauren added with a small smile.

        The mech tilted his helm back slightly, jutting his chin out as his chassis puffed subtly. "Naturally."

        Pulling her gaze away, she huffed. "Who will be going with us later?"

        "Only Blackout."

        She hummed, that  was okay. Lauren rather tolerated the chopper. He was easy to be in the company of; not overtly obnoxious or loud, loyal, and easier to understand than the rest. "What do you think happened to Starscream?"

        Megatron growled at the seekers mention. "He fled like the lowly coward he is. He's not worthy of the decepticon name." May Tarn find him where ever  he may  be, because  he'd be kinder than him in his fate. His metal features were clear in their display of disgust and anger.

        Lauren snorted. "And I am?" Her words were clearly meant to be humorous.

        He did not answer for a moments time, only peering down to lay his optics on her face, lighting her in red. "You posses more of a strut than that gassy sycophant ever has in his life cycle. He is shameful." He growled the words through his sharp denta.

        And she was a direct extension of himself, but he never said that. Though, his men could see it clear as the stars and she'd be hailed as such.

        The next time he saw the seeker, he'd do a lot more than beat him senseless. Starscream had always been a thorn in his side, a footnote beneath him, but something about the way he targeted her specifically made him want to teach him his place; under his pedes and wallowing.

        He'd treat none of his subordinates any differently if they made a play on her life. They'd be punished as such.

____________________

        Lauren arose only moments after he had. Through the once skylight dark, heavy plumes of clouds gathered, casting dim light all around.

        The smell of rain hit her nose in an instant and she knew it'd be a hell of a storm later. What was that smell called again?

        Petrichor. Her mind supplied. A word that her grandfather taught her as a child. Despite her aversion to thunderstorms, the smell was pleasant.

        Her dirtied fingers trailed over her pants pocket absent mindedly where the folded paper resided. With an exhale, her nostrils flared, jaw set firmly.

        Blackout stepped up to where she stood, optics cast down at her. "Come fleshling, it's time." His voice came out baritone and flat.

        Lauren huffed, following the much larger mech in a light jog. Her muscles vehemently protested at the sudden strain. She'd almost preferred being snatched up, but then what of her pride? As if she had any left to spare. It was the principle of the matter, she told herself.

        Once outside, the brunette was swift to spot Megatron's newly obtained alt mode. It was the same from the night she left KSI, but she hadn't truly gotten a second to take it all in. The vehicle was military, no question there, but it was a hell of a step up from the rust bucket he'd chosen previously. She'd like to say it suited him.

        The pull within her chest had her approaching the truck, to which the driver's door swung open, nearly smacking her.

        She climbed in with no second thoughts, settling herself against the plushness of the seat greedily. It was a warm welcome to combat the soreness. Megatron peeled out with a screech of his tires. "The note said to meet at the McFarlane school."

        His engine revved. "I'm aware, girl." His words came out flatly, edge clung to his tone. The apparent disdain was easily grasped.

        Stealing a glance outside, she spotted Blackout taking to the sky just ahead.

        "Look," She began. "This'll be better, for the all of us."

        "Do you take me for a coward? Someone that must support themselves upon weaklings?" The decepticon growled the accusation over the radio. His engine roared deafeningly, making her bones rattle.

        His pride was wounded, hurt. At least, that's what it sounded like. And why wouldn't it be? Having to stoop so low as to ally himself with autobots. The mere thought made his glossa taste bitter and his spark flicker in rage.

        She was privy to such negativity, unfortunately. There was no lying between them, not anymore. To say the last couple days had been tense was a severe understatement. It left the young woman exhausted no matter how much sleep she got. 

        Lauren shoved away his oncoming irritation with a long sigh. "That's not what I meant and you know it. Stop being such a child." She hissed with furrowed brows allowing some of his anger to trickle in. "It's either we die or try, and I'll take my fucking chances."

        "You'll do as I command, girl. Mistakes are awarded dire consequences." He corrected harshly, snarling.

        She scowled, lip curling. "You won't." Her words tested him, but no reply came, leaving the duo to heavy silence. There really was no argument to be had. She was far too bull headed and he was an unmoving, formidable figure.

        The remainder of the drive was kept in similar fashion and the abandoned school soon came into viewing range. Abandoned, it was, but really it just look like every closed school on a weekend. It was an odd sight to say the very least.

        Megatron's breaks squealed as he pulled around the bend, ducking behind what appeared to be the gymnasium. He was swift to transform, taking Lauren up into a curled grasp. The brick wall of the building crumbled like tissue under his movements and he emerged into the ghostly school.

        The brunette startled, not ready for him to pile drive his way through the wall. It was so brutish she almost should've expected it. If the school was unused then, it was definitely unusable now. The palpable impact of Blackout landing atop the flat roof made the surrounding area tremor, disturbing the newly created rubble.

        She shifted in his hold, worming her way out and between curled claws meant to cage and shield her. He did little in the way of assistance as she dropped down to the waxy floor. Her boots squeaked obnoxiously upon contact. A small smile played onto her lips as blue eyes roamed the generic familiarity of it all.

        The bleachers had been left out. What was once a rich shade or green had been long since bleached by the sun into something of a more earthly tone.

        A light jog brought her to a storage closet that homed deflating basketballs, tangled nets, and dry rotted jumping rope all stacked upon colorful foam matts.

        Megatron watched her closely with narrowed optics, their previous conversation replayed in his mind bitterly. A part of him knew she had been correct in her statements and that's why they were in their current predicament, but the whole of him vehemently refused to take such back talk from an organic, a human.

        She's no mere fleshling. His spark had reminded him with a harsh reprimand, biting at him. And he knew that, was completely accepting of it even.

        "My school was never this big." Lauren commented absently into the empty gymnasium. Her voice carried in an echo. A sigh escaped her causing her shoulders to drop.

        "You won't." His processor looped. And, she was right, he wouldn't, couldn't. It wasn't that he was incapable, fat from it, but...

        A sudden rumble of thunder had her eyes raising to the ceiling. Her lips pulled terse over her teeth and her muscles pulled.

        "Come, girl." All previous thoughts abandoned, he called to her in a low grumble of authority. His claws beckoned out.

        Lauren moved without much hesitation and allowed herself to be uprooted from where she stood. Megatron brought her close to his chassis, just above his spark chamber to which the given surged at her proximity. Her trepidation was held back, seemingly being pushed down and swallowed, but it didn't go unnoticed as it grazed him.

        She may be as angry as she wanted, cry, scream, trill in happiness as she saw fit, but he'd not allow fear or pain to linger too long, less it affect him and burden her.

        He knew and she didn't need to say it, but being so near to his form quelled those feelings and banished them into oblivion. He'd be lying if he said it didn't make his pride swell.

        Instinct. That's what it was, he told himself.

        Through the brewing storm a truck engine rumbled near and he growled deep within his chassis, knowing full well who said noise belonged to.

        Lauren thumbed the folded note in her pocket as she heard heavy footfall approached steadily from beyond the growing pitter-patter of rain.

        Optimus Prime, in all his colorful glory, ducked into the created opening, water rolled of his metal. Cade was quicker to jog into the gym, shaking off what water he could.

        "You showed." Optimus's voice came firmly, blue optics locked onto the decepticon's form.

        "And you brought the kid, hey," Cade began. "Was that your guy on the roof? Real mean looking sum bitch."

        "I come alone for the autobots." The autobot informed.

        "A wise decision prime. Do not stall my time, speak." Megatron commanded through clenched denta.

        "Woah woah, let's not start a dog fight, okay? Truce, that's why we're all here, right? Truce." The middle aged man held his arms out in a wave as if to diffuse the hastily growing tension. A poor mediator he was. 

        The tyrant growled threateningly, optics casted down in a killer glare at the human male. If his sparkmate had not been atop his palm and oh so near, he was sure he would've already began his assault. The autobot may have come alone, but a fool he was not, his lackeys were near lying in wait.

        "We have run out of options Megatron. We are both in a sinking ship." Optimus initiated. "We could use one another for better. We were brothers once, I know this could. All you must do is try." The blue and red mech regarded the much taller mech with a hard expression and an open gestured hand. "Can we reach an agreement, as equals."

        "We will never be 'equals' Prime." The crimson optic mech hissed sharply as he paced, stalking back and forth. "But, I believe we can reach an agreement. With conditions, of course."

        Optimus narrowed his optics ever so slightly in speculation.

        "Name it big guy, what do you want? Because I have a daughter I'm trying to look after." Cade interjected with the autobot leader swift to halt his words with a gesture of his hand.

        Megatron grumbled something akin to a sadistic chuckle. "So ready to bend, human." He commented.

        "A compromise can be agreed on." Optimus stated immediately, his voice baritone and flat without any trace of enjoyment. "Just tell me what it is you may have in mind."

        Another dark chuckle. "I tell you Prime," the name was growled in disgust. "I will lend you the power the decepticons possess and the bounty hunter will be dealt with. The ship, that is what I require."

        Optimus Prime's metal features shifted subtly, but Megatron was quick to pounce upon the change. "Yes, you know the one I speak of, I see." A string of silence passed between the opposing groups.

        Lauren kept close and quiet as she observed the exchange and the way Cade's eyes flickered to and from. "I think it's a good price, don't you think?" She piped, catching the attention of everyone.

        "Woah, woah, the adults are talking Missy. Let's just-"

        "Watch your tongue or I will tear if from your corpse, boy." Megatron roared thunderously, outgoing the storm by decibels, silencing the male.

        The exchanged didn't go unnoticed by the autobot as he filed it away for a later date. "You have a deal, Megatron. I trust this will not end in smithereens." His words were a direct jab and the decepticon curled his lip plates into a sinister smile. "And yes, it is a rather steep price that I'm willing to pay, Miss Ridgwell." He'd redirected his attention the small human woman.

        "Lauren." She corrected and Megatron was not at all fond of the two speaking in any manner.

        Blue optics flicked back to the mech before him. "Me and men have taken up cover in the old cathedral to the West. I would advise you relocate within the next joor."

        Before Megatron could vocalize a reply, Lauren cut in. "Is there a shower?"

        "No shower, kid, but there's the old tub used for baptisms. Only has cold water, though." Cade supplied.

        "Go, Prime. My men will make their acquaintances in due time." His order was harsh and lacked all patience.

        The bot in question dipped his helm and Cade was swift to follow as the engine grew distant.

        "Blackout, you are to randevu all troops to the West cathedral. Do not disappoint." Megatron commed the chopper.

        "Affirmative." Blackout had parroted as he, too, could be heard leaving.

        The night was growing near with the setting sun and the storm still raged on outside, leaving both he and Lauren to their own devices.

        "Shouldn't we go?" She inquired as the light grew steadily dimmer by the moment. His optics lit up her and the immediate area.

        "In due time, girl." He began lowly as another roll of thunder crashed. "There is much to be worked on."

        His words had her raising a brow in confusion as the mech moved amidst the gymnasium.

        He'd not forgotten about their bond and the work it needed, the cultivation. Something about seeing her converse freely with the autobot made all his wires twist up in ugly fashion and his anger spike.

        He was a possessive creature by nature and she was most certainly his. He knew that for a fact, but knowing didn't seem to banish the emotion reeling within his spark. He ground his denta together as he dropped to sit, depositing Lauren just before him onto the floor.

        She followed his movements with little effort, copying him as she sat cross legged on the waxy floor. "Is this about the bond?"

        The mech grunted hoarsely. "There's much to be done."

        "Look, I don't know anything, so I'm following your lead here."

        "Follow, you will." Megatron's chest plating slid aside seamlessly to produce his spark chamber. The swirling blue mass that was appropriately his spark surged, taking to her outstretched finger tips.

        It seemed like no matter how many times she bore witness to it she was always enamored. A genuine smile graced her lips as the glimmer of light danced around her touch. "I saw it, y'know. Before I knew you were hurt. I saw your spark. It took me to you."

        The events of that time felt far away now, but still far too fresh for his liking. Her touch upon his spark washed him in a sense of calm. "Show me."

        "How do you expect me to do that exactly?" The blue glimmer circled her, coming close to her face. Its warmth was gentle and persistent.

        He grumbled deeply. "You must try and you will know, bug." The mech rumbled. "All you must do is reach for me and it will come to you effortlessly."

        "Do we have to do this now?"

        He snarled into the dim lighting. "Disobedience will-"

        "Yeah, yeah. Dire consequences, death, I get it." She exhaled. "Just give me a second, okay?" Lauren sighed and allowed her eyes to slip closed. She searched, chasing that yearning, tugging feeling within her. He was right, it came so naturally, as if she'd been doing it her whole life. She latched onto that warmth and immersed herself within it wholeheartedly.

        The recalled that moment in time vividly as it was both beautiful and haunting simultaneously.

        The flowers all came into view perfectly, the pink as saturated as the moment she looked upon them, the darkness of the void as inky as the depths of space and the wolfsbane as deadly as it is beautiful. The scene came together in perfect unity.

        The ease of it pleased Megatron as he looked upon her concentrated face. She pulled at him and he'd join her momentarily, but before he did, he wanted to watch her just a bit longer without her watchful eyes roaming. His spark surged and moved up under her chin. It truly had a mind of its own.

        With a vent, the mech indulged the incessant pull and succumbed to join her.

        "Do not doubt me in future excursions, girl." He'd commented as he came upon her from behind.

        Lauren blinked her eyes open to gaze around at what she'd pulled together. She stood knee deep in pink blossoms, the wolfsbane off in the distance as it had been that day. The color contrast was easily spotted. "It's over there." She moved.

        Megatron followed just behind, spotting the contrasting foliage with ease.

        "Your spark was wrapped around it." She informed, crouching to stare closer at the plant.

        The mech moved forward to seize the blossom.

        "No! It's wolfsbane, you can't touch it." Lauren hastily warned.

        He regarded her with a look before continuing to move, bending to pluck up the flower with ease. It was a truly peculiar specimen indeed, a gat cry compared to the smaller, daintier pink blossoms that encompassed what remained of the area.

        The brunette watched him with curious eyes as he studied the violet plant.

        So, that was how she envisioned him? Something to be treated with cation, lest it take your life in one fail swoop. The richness of the color, purple, called upon something familiar within him. It was a fine choice, he was almost flattered.

        Megatron offered no words as he stepped forward, invading her space. He tore away part of the stem as he tucked the blossom into her hair, just above her ear.

        Purple was nice on her.

        She didn't move, sapphire eyes never leaving his form. She made no move to halt him in his movements and she certainly didn't dare pluck the wolfsbane from her ear.

        Crimson optics remained trained on her face, his claws lingered along the side of her face for a fraction too long.

        This is wrong.

        Lauren lifted her hand to rest upon his own with a smile and suddenly, the wrongness of it vanished all at once. 

Notes:

I love y'all SO MUCH! <3 <3 <3

Chapter 33: Judas

Notes:

Okay, first things first... I AM SO SORRY FOR GOING MIA! I'M SO SORRY!

I've been working a lot and picking up shifts whenever I can because 'ya girl is about as broke as broke can get. I've also had writer's block like y'all would not believe! I've re-written so many portions of this chapter only to then delete and do it all over again! But, I think I've finally put something together that I enjoy and hopefully y'all do too!

I'm so, so, so sorry... How can you guys ever forgive me?

This fic is NOT abandoned, by the way. So for anyone who thought or thinks it is/will be, it WON'T! I promise!

Also, can we just talk about hitting OVER 16K READERS?! LIKE, OH MY FUCKING GOD YOU ALL ARE AMAZING! HOW DID THAT EVEN HAPPEN?! I LOVE YOU ALL SO, SO, SO MUCH AHHHHHHH! THANK YOU, THANK YOU! <3

        Primus everything hurt. Primus... Damn it all to the pits. Damn that tyrant to the pits!

        Starscream was worse for wear and that was putting it lightly. The pain was immeasurable. Partially blinded, all his systems were sent spiraling trying to do damage control. Petrolex mixed with what was already scarce energon as he leaked.

        The seeker cradled his wounds once he landed. 'Controlled crash' was most likely a better way to put it in all actuality. There was no 'landing' to be had. 

        Bitterness was hasty to set in and clouded away some of the agony, to which he was thankful.

        Lauren. The name was absolutely vile on his glossa. No, 'human' was the correct word he was looking for. The pathetic insect was not deserving of a designation in any capacity.

        'Conjunx ' almost made him choke back bile. What a disgusting term. Megatron had truly fallen from the throne he once ruled. Such a pitiful, wretched situation he was in. The most of the whole of the jet was ashamed to be dignified by such a lack luster title; decepticon. The decepticons he came to know and flourish in were nye, long gone, and lost to oblivion. Extinction would be soon to follow at any rate. 

        A wet cough interrupted the seeker's thoughts as he staggered to steady himself once more atop the looming ship's tarmac. The harsh winds some hundreds of feet from the earth's crust were wracking his damaged body and stealing his balance.

        Primus, he looked pathetic and felt it even more so. A ball of ugly embarrassment plagued his systems as he felt his arm curl into his chassis.

        He was Starscream for fuck sake! The once second in command of the entire decepticon faction! A terror among the skies and for what? To be beaten like some lowly autobot before the very decepticons he use to stand above?

        Lauren. The human's name jumped out at him once more and he hissed wetly. The cretin did not deserve to draw in oxygen. Bloodlust was subtle to mix with his bitterness as he promised himself vengeance in any like of the word.

        Vengeance is what brought him to his current location. Another bout of wind rolled over him haphazardly, but he stood.

        His single operating optic studied the ship's overall architecture and the sparkless droids that patrolled around mindlessly. A snarl clawed its way onto his lip plates as the sound of steadily encroaching footfall made him halt.

        Lockdown emerged from the coverage of damp clouds, several smaller subordinates tailed him closely, their loyalty was apparent and unwavering. A single red optic flicked between the bounty hunter and the followers.

        The emerald optic mech scowled at the scene that was Starscream. So broken, so battered, tossed out like the filth that Cybertronians were. "If you have come for mercy, I will not assure you any peace. I do not take in lost kittens."

        The Quintessan's words struck the seeker and he hissed through clenched denta. "I do not seek a mercy offline." A dry, humorless chuckle pulled from his vocal processor.

        Lockdown's metal features pulled to deepen his frown. "You Cybertronians are always fighting." The statement was hurled as an insult. "None of you will stand while divided. Such children. I do not babysit. Leave."

        "Do not be too hasty." The seeker retorted followed by a rough cough. "Information fetches a high price." And Starscream was rich.

        The tall silvery mech stalked to and from, emerald optics trained on the smaller decepticon for any hints of maliciousness. He'd strike him down in an instant. "You dare to defy your master? How fickle." Cybertronians. It was a disgusting word for a pitiful, dying race.

        "My master perished on Cybertron with our cause." He couldn't help the anger that bubbled up within himself as he barked out the words. They pained him to spit, but spit he did.

        "Then talk, seeker." Lockdown commanded, lest the bounty hunter grow impatient and pluck the very wings from his strut.

        "The autobots and the decepticons have allied themselves. They plan to overrule you and your forces." Starscream growled from where he stood, body slightly curled in on itself in an attempt to decree himself smaller. The millenniums with the decepticon ruler had ingrained onto him processors permanently. "The humans-"

        "I do not care what game they think they are playing at." The emerald optic mech snapped with growing anger, though, beneath his thinning patience his morbid curiosity sparked. He narrowed his optics, creasing the metal of his brow ridge. "The girl, what is her part on all of this?"

        The jet hissed at the aforementioned human in distaste. "Megatron takes a Conjunx, the girl."

        "A Conjunx ? Do you take me for a fool?" Lockdown struck the seeker swiftly, standing tall above his fallen form with an evident snarl. There was not a way in Primus or his queen's name that information could be true. It had to be a farce, something to lure him in. Conjunxs were nothing but word of mouth and far off history. Though, the supposed information did paint the decepticon's actions in a new light, shedding clarity onto the matter. "Your words are nothing but noise that i seek to silence." He encroached upon the smaller mech once more.

        Starscream in all his cowardly glory, shielded himself from what he knew was to be an oncoming assault. "No, no! I can prove it if you'll allow me!"

        "If you cannot, your spark will join my growing collection." The bounty hunter threatened with promise, yanking the fallen decepticon to his pedes harshly in a brutish display of authority.

        Stumbling to regain the balance that was robbed from him, the single optic mech wracked his processor for suitable evidence with haste and growing panic. If all else failed, he could try to ally himself with the autobots, but he knew he had a greater chance of being offlined than that ever happening.

        His processors was suddenly much too crowded- plagued with grotesque images of said human as her audial splitting voice echoed. Nothing of what he'd grasped could be considered incriminating by any means, simple gestures and wordless stares could be written off with ease.

        Fuck. He was fucked! For lack of better words. He was on the brink of panic fleeing and while Megatron may not have gave into chase, he knew that Lockdown certainly would entertain it.

____________________

        The night that followed was a tense one with both opposing factions grouped together under one roof.

        Megatron and Lauren were the last to show, something that hadn't gone unnoticed by anyone, especially the autobots and fellow humans. The tyrant paid absolutely no mind to his opposing brethren, save for a harsh glare and raucous growl that was meant to say 'do not step out of line'.

        The situation was precarious at best and absolutely unstable at worse. With the exchange in glances and wordless communication among the ranks, yeah, the whole ordeal was shit. It felt like being pit between two arguing parents with no way of fix anything.

        The rain hadn't let up in their time apart from the group. Thunder still boomed in the immediate distance as the Decepticon lord emerged into the cathedral, water dripped off his looming form. It was hard not to notice his size difference amongst the others.

        Lauren had been quick to hop off his palm and usher in just before him in the hopes of not completely soaking herself. Her boots couldn't take much more wear and tear.

        Everyone, mech and human alike, had been quick to stare at her upon entering. She'd made a point not to acknowledge their prying glances, as she smoothed her hands over her clothes in some attempt to look presentable. She'd swallowed thickly, noting the way the hollowed building was split damn near evenly with how much distance the decepticons and autobots put between each other. It gave a clear and concise message that she tucked away into the back of her mind in favor of a new intrusion.

        "The ship... The ship... The ship..."

        Megatron's words had repeated in her head on loop since the initial discussion had been had. In her defense, she'd tries to force the thought away, but it kept resurfacing despite her efforts.

        Lauren knew what he spoke of, how could she not? The one and only time she'd glimpsed the space craft, she'd swore she'd see it in her nightmares.

        Why would he want it? A part of her wanted to be naive enough not know the answer to her own question. She knew why he wanted it, why they all wanted it, but the revelation stung more than it should've. A quick exhale escaped her, flaring her nostrils.

        She should've known that nothing last forever, right? That's just life. A small, minute, part of her whispered that he wouldn't leave just like that, leave her, but...

        "Giddy on up, cowgirl." Nitrozeus quipped shortly, snapping her out of her thoughts as if he could see the way her brows scrunched together. With an optic like his, he most likely could.

        Lauren forced the intrusions away, craning her head back only to spot Megatron just behind her. His optics had been casted down to her and she'd only just noticed the red glow of his stare. He stood slightly hunched, metal features screwed in a gnarly scowl, though, his optics didn't seem to hold much malice as he looked upon her. He loomed much in the way a guard dog would and his close presence pulled her back to the presence. Right, she was here, now and everything else would be delt with later.

        The brunette urged her feet forward, moving to make her way in the decepticon fold. Laserbeak tittered lowly from his perch, injured wing still held close. She'd have to fix that, yes, that's right. She had things to do and for the time being what it was, she'd pretend that they at least needed her, just a little bit.

        Megatron kept close, stalking just behind her footfall, using his towering form to shield her from prying optics. They were staring, he knew it, felt it. Perhaps that was why he was suddenly barraged with such... dread? Was that what that was? It was hard to put a name to the emotion when the femme brushed it away so abruptly.

        A part of him wanted to halt her in her steps and snuff out such negativity, search out the root source and neutralize it in its entirety. But, he'd refrained from forcing her into exposure.

        That was for nobody else, but himself. Her emotions, fears, wants, desires, it was all his. He'd go as far as to say that they were no longer even her's. 

        Lauren took her seat upon a milk crate, resting her elbows atop her knees as the tyrant in question took his place beside her on the far wall.

        "We have a couch you can crash on, better you than these two face suckers." Cade had stepped forward to gesture at the the sofa.

        "Dad !" Tessa had sputtered in embarrassment, sitting bolt upright on the couch in question.

        "Oh boy." Shane had muttered beneath his breath.

        "Hey, hey. I'm not making the rules here, just enforcin' them, okay? Capuche? Alright, up, move." The father ushered the young adults apart, shooing them.

        "Come on, dad! She hasn't even answered yet! And I'm not sleeping on the floor!" Tessa complained in a shrill whine.

        "It's fine, really. Y'all can keep it." Lauren began dismissively.

        "No, no. I insist-"

        "The girl already answered you, cretin." Blackout barked threateningly, the ruckus enough to wear on his already nonexistent patience. "Shut the youngling up."

        "Hey, don't talk to my girl like that, or there'll be problems." Shane stood defensively, eyes narrowed at the decepticon

        "I don't know what girl you're talking about, but my daughter is right there." Cade interjected.

        Blackout was swift to raise with a growl as Soundwave stood on in the back soundlessly, but always gathering information. 

        Nitrozeus chortled deeply. "Now this is good. We got ourselves a cowgirl and a leprechaun." His obnoxious laughter boomed as he feigned wiping away a tear. "Doesn't seem very lucky to me." The mech nudged Lauren near out of her seat to which she swatted at him.

        "Hey, let's calm down now. Easy does it. Wouldn't want any problems." Crosshairs stood.

        "Do not poke at a tiger." Drift stated firmly to the aussie.

        "Don't start with your poetry mumbo jumbo, Samurai. You want to preach to the choir, don't include me." The green clad mech hissed.

        "Sounded pretty poetic to me." The pot belly bot, Hound, rambled from where he sat.

        "Shut your traps, all of you." Barricade barked suddenly, ruby optics narrowed dangerously.

        "Oh, pull the stick out of your ass or do you like riding it?" Nitrozeus jabbed.

        Bumblebee wasted no time in mocking the cruiser to which the decepticon rose with a fierceness.

        "Bumblebee, stop that. What is wrong with you?" Optimus yanked the yellow mech back like a Disobedient child. Said mech shrugged off his leaders hold to wave him off as he left the building. A sassy teen indeed.

        Lauren put her head in her hands and groaned to herself. This felt like babysitting, except there was no possible way for her to get between the bickering without being smeared across the pavement.

        Megatron's optics parted from her small form momentarily, catching the autobot leader's gaze to which he scowled, a low growl clawing it's way from his vocal processor.

        "Well you two are sleeping together while I'm still breathin'. What do you think I am, crazy? Git." Cade batted Shane away protectively.

        "That's not what's going on, ugh! Why do you always make things sound so bad. Try being happy." Tessa pouted from her spot on the couch.

        "Hey, I am happy. Happy as can be, you're alive and I have blood in my heart. Good enough for me." His daughter didn't respond as she flipped through a magazine. The middle aged male pinched the bridge of his nose before turning back to the now declared 'decepticon side' of the chapel. "Did you want to know where that tub was? Ain't much, but it's better than whatever you got going on over there."

        Lauren perked at the mention of bathing and cast aside the backhanded remark. The sheer thought of a hot shower was enough to give her goosebumps. Just the excitement of bathing was enough to perk up her previously sour mood.

        All was right in the world if she could shower and sleep. Perhaps she'd be greedy if she maybe wished for something to eat, too. The brunette's body reacted before she had even a second thought and she rose to her feet.

        A sudden shadow engulfed her as Blackout took a stalking step in front of her puny form. His large, metal body acted as a buffer between both her and everything else. It was a silent gesture that spoke a thousand words.

        Loyal as a dog, he was.

        The decepticons shared glare full glances, no doubt silently communicating amongst each other, so she figured. The chopper cast a swift glance down at her momentarily, before his gaze abandoned her once more. She felt like she was being talked about. A frown creased her features.

        Megatron, as if sensing her growing annoyance and feeling her thinning patience, bellowed out a deep growl almost like he was silencing everyone in a wordless command. Not one dare challenge the tyrant. "Let the girl go." His words came out with a bite, his razor like denta bared in wordless threat.

        Truth be told, he did not want her to stray far, not after what had happened in passing. The remembrance of such a powerless and spark burning experience was enough to make him clench his jaw and bite back an irate roar.

        He did not want her to stray away in any of sense of the word, but he'd not deprive her either. Not to say she was free do as she well pleased, no, but he could make exceptions.

        Though, the pleasantness of her budding emotions did feel nice in his spark. He'd much rather that than anything else. He was selfish after all. Completely and utterly selfish.

        Crimson optics rested easily on her small form as Blackout dutifully stepped out of way. Optimus came into view again in that moment and what he'd considered a pleasant feeling hastily soured into something much uglier and his metal features screwed back up into a scowl.

        Lauren felt her chest tug suddenly and violently, it was almost enough to make her choke on her spit. The ashen woman cast a quick glance back at Megatron, who did not return the look.

        "You coming or not kid? I'd like to nab a place to sleep before the yellow one gets back, yeah? Come on." Cade gestured as he began to walk off.

        "Yeah, sorry." She apologized robotically, finding it hard to tear her eyes away from the mech in question. It felt like a ten ton weight had appeared and cemented her in place. She swallowed thickly as his optics flicked down to catch her gaze.

        No words were spoken, there didn't need to be.

        And, all at once, the cathedral came back into full focus and she followed after the middle aged man.

        "S'not much, but it does what it needs to do, amen. Grabbed some of Tessa's stuff, should fit you just fine and if not, then I don't know, call it a 'fashion statement' or whatever girls your age call it these days." Cade rambled before ducking out of the room.

        The tug in her chest remained, not dull, but certainly more sub due than it had been moments ago. How did that work? She'd have to ask, filing away the question for later. Sapphire eyes roamed the dimly lit backroom. It was exactly as he'd said it was, a baptism tub, which in reality was just an obscenely large bathtub. The old, unkempt wooden floor boards groaned under her steps as she moved.

        A large part of her was thankful for the rare chance at privacy (and a bath), but a small, very distant voice whispered to her that she really didn't mind all the company. It was odd.

        Lauren peeled away her dirty clothes, discarding them onto the floor as the tub filled with cool temperate water. Would she have preferred scalding hot? Of course, but beggars couldn't be choosers, and she was thankful for just the chance to get clean.

        Her eyes caught the sight of a couple bottles sitting lazily off to the side, she stooped to snatch them up. Shampoo and conditioner, albeit generic drug store brand, the 'cheapest of the cheap' as her grandmother would've called it. But who cared? Her prayers had been answered and then some.

        It was easy to sink into the water, effortless even.

        Her chest tugged again, something she'd grown quite accustomed to. It felt like a real reminder that she was here, alive, and breathing.

        Weightlessness came as she submerged entirely beneath the water's surface, muffling the world and cleansing away her filth. Something about it all felt sacrilegious, but what even was faith? That was a question that still remained unanswered.

        Emerging, she wiped the hair from her face only to catch the faint colorful glow of something red. She'd almost called out Megatron's name, before her eyes found the stained glass perched high above her, bathing her in the dim glow of heaven.

        It was as ironic as it was beautiful.

        All the colors seemed muted against the glow of red, snuffed out.

        Blue eyes remained entranced with the dim glow as she moved to float on her back, the water robbing her of all other sensations. The water lapped at her ears with gentle slap sounds. Distant banter, or maybe it was arguing, was just out of her ears reach.

        Megatron's words, too, floated back to the forefront of her mind.

        "The ship... The ship... The ship..."

        The repetitive echo pulled her lips into a fine line, brows furrowing against her will. The water was suddenly no longer as peaceful as it was moments ago, cold and sucking her beneath the surface.

        Forcing herself to sit upright in the water, she sucked in a greedy gasp. Another incessant pull within her chest brought her back to the present moment and she pushed back into the bond without much thought.

        Lauren always wanted a lot out of life. Yes, what she wanted may not have always aligned with others, but that didn't matter because it was her life.

        But now...

        Snatching up the rose scented shampoo, she washed her hair vigorously. Once, twice, three times until the bottle was near empty. Diligently she worked through tangles.

        Her life was her's to do with as she pleased and if anyone disagreed, then to hell with them. Though, what did she really want? She felt like she should be able to answer that question as naturally as breathing, like most others her age would do.

        But now...

        Squeezing out a huge glob of conditioner onto her palm, she finger combed the liquid through her locks, noting the newly acquired inches she'd grown. Maybe she'd trim it, or perhaps she should ask someone else who could actually see the back her head.

        Lauren should be able to answer that question with ease, right? 'What do you want from life'? Perhaps to live and not survive would be acceptable. But something about 'I'ma get through college... I'm going to get a good job... I'm going to marry a good man and have me a whole house full of kids...' suddenly didn't feel right.

        But now...

        Dipping her head beneath the faucet, the brunette rinsed away the conditioner. The water cascaded over her head, deafening her in thunderous waves of water. Her body long grew accustomed to the temperature. Her eyes were immediately greeted by the ruby glow of stained glass once more.

        Her chest pulled once more, hitching her breath.

        No, no. None of that was right. Not anymore, anyway. She never did get that ride to college or the high paying job and she certainly didn't go and have 'a whole house full of kids', but who cared about those things? She blinked slowly, not pulling her sights away from the red glass.

        But now...

        "Megatron..." His name escaped her lips, unbeknownst, in a breathless whisper.

        Her skin pruned after being in the water so long, but she did eventually pull herself out of the tub. She dried herself with a small towel she found hung on a protruding nail. She dressed quickly into the clothes Cafe had so graciously set out for her; a simple pair of sleep pants and a men's shirt.

        Lauren always wanted things from life and what was a life if not craving to be wanted by another? To spend a life shared with another soul. Human instinct often drove people to seek out a life partner.

        They were all just animals, right?

        Emerging from the dim backroom, she padded her way back into the main cathedral. Her chest tugged once more as crimson optics set out in search for her moving form. A small smile tugged at her lips as she approached the decepticons.

        But now, it all felt right. For the first time in her whole life, something felt right and she would relish in each moment of it. There was still work to be done and damnit, if she wasn't going to give it her all.

        Her gaze locked with Megatron's in a easy, comfortable way. It was effortless and she didn't need to try at all.

        Instinct.

Notes:

I hope to hear from all of you awesome people in the comments! I've missed y'all so much, you don't even know
;--;

Chapter 34: Dog Days

Notes:

Look y'all, I'm alive and not posting a month later! AHHHHH!

I'm so happy to put this chapter out because it's setting us up for some pretty cool upcoming chapters that I already have mostly fleshed out! And thank you so much for all your sweet comments! I truly do not deserve any of you! <3 <3

        Optimus was probably the furthest mech from stupid as one could get. Easily trusting, empathetic, and undying in his ways, but not stupid. Not naive, not dumb, nor was he slow. Well seasoned in the ways of life and he'd even like to say he was quite knowledgeable on human customs and culture.

        No, the autobot leader was anything, but stupid.

        The Prime had noticed several stark things in his incredibly short time sharing a roof with his once close brother, Megatron. Several things indeed. 

        Lauren ran a hand through her wet tresses lazily as she approached the decepticons. Her shoulders had adopted a relaxed posture as she padded up to the decepticon tyrant. God, she felt like a new woman. like she'd 'washed her sins away'. 

        "She lives. I was starting to think you drowned, but hey, you don't smell like a cow's ass anymore." Nitrozeus jabbed verbally with a snicker.

        "You're such an asshole, y'know that?" She'd retorted without thought or so much as a glance in the trackers direction. A yawn escaped her lips. The single optic mech had chortled something unheard as she moved.

        Megatron stooped his palm and, as if on cue, she was quick to topple into his protective hold as he ascended her up toward his shoulder servo to which she conformed to him naturally. Lauren soaked in his warmth greedily as she situated. The decepticon didn't give any second thought to the action, doing it as if he'd been doing it his whole life.

        Optimus was swift to rise to his pedes, knowing the way red optics followed his every movement. The mech stepped just outside the cathedral, being sure to stay along the far side of the building and out of sight.

        A pensive vent escaped him as he crossed his arms atop his chassis, optics set in a gentle narrow as he thought to himself. He just needed some air, some space. 

        His processor racked with much too many things, but as of the moment the main thing floating about his mind was Lauren and his very personal rivalry with the decepticon in question. The autobot replayed each single encounter he'd had with the two, human and robot alike, and some things began to stack up. Another vent escaped the mech, his shoulders dropping as he cast his sights skyward. The stars always seemed to calm his nerves, it reminded him of a home long lost.

        Perhaps he was reading much too far into such miniscule things, though...

        The way in which Megatron- all of the decepticons- moved around her with such an air of... caution? Tactfulness? Gentleness ? How was one not to notice? After so many years at war with said mechs, it was mind boggling and almost concerning. Of course a part of him worried for her sake, humanity was his charge after all, even after everything. He took on a responsibility and he'd be sure to see it through.

        She was so quick to approach them and did so with such ease. So quick to defend them, too. It didn't sit right in his spark chamber.

        Optimus's brow ridge creased as his jaw screwed shut tighter. All his thoughts only served to rouse new questions with no clear answers in sight.

        He'd noted the way he held her close, very close, too close. At first he'd thought it'd been done in a threatening manner, as of she'd been captive, but... In recent time the autobot leader had come to notice the permeable care the decepticon overlord assured his movements with. The way in which she went to him and the way in which he beckoned to her.

        His glossa ran over the inside of his denta as his mind worked, the gears turning at high speeds to draw conclusions.

        If Optimus had to phrase it, he'd almost say that perhaps the femme was in some way precious to the decepticon, but no, that wouldn't make any sense. None at all.

        Optimus Prime was lost on words. Primus help him in his endeavors. 

        Another pensive grumble left him as he pinched the bridge of his nasal ridge, drawing his optics away from the night sky. The familiar sound of an approaching engine drew him from his thoughts as Bumblebee transformed swiftly.

        The petite mech nodded once in greeting, before joining him at his side, arms crossed in a similar fashion. He whirred with a loose shrug as if to ask 'what?'.

        "Nothing of importance Bee, just lost in my thoughts." The Prime dismissed.

        The yellow bot threw a knowing glance over his shoulder with a shrug toward the building.

        "Tensions are high, but we can't let that form a wedge between our alliance." He rumbled in a flat authoritative tone. "So, stop antagonizing."

        Bee whirred with a dramatic roll of his optics and a wave off before leaving once more.

        Times like these really made him sympathize with Cade and the troubles of youth. So, so stubborn. In all fairness, he wouldn't entirely blame his younger comrade. Like he'd said, tensions were high and that was putting it lightly in all due respect.

        Another long, tiresome vent escaped the Prime. 

        Just beyond the archaic brick walls of the cathedral, Megatron sat upright with the notably familiar weight of Lauren atop his left shoulder servo. The human femme was in the throws of slumber and, still, the decepticon did not submit to recharge just yet even as the brunette stirred, pushing closer into his already warm metal.

        A part of himself had said he wouldn't do this, allow her to recharge atop him in any fashion when in the presence of the enemy- autobots, rather. But, another more primal part of himself absolutely refused to allow for any such distance. It wasn't as if she weren't safe, far from it, and if push came to shove he had sanctioned trust in his fellow decepticon brethren. Though, he knew- felt- that she'd be safest only in his grasp.

        The tyrant dipped his helm lower both in the way of shielding her and leveling a sharper glare toward the autobots side of the building.

        Another unconscious stir from Lauren had his thoughts dragged back to her unceremoniously. His claws flexed subtly with the lingering itch of her flesh and the deep rooted desire for a fight. The mixture in emotion was odd and unconventional. He flicked his optics down toward her partially obscured form, bathing her in his crimson glow. Her fresh scent wafted from her pleasantly and he'd have to agree with his tracker, she smelled far better. 

        It was easy to drag his gaze away in favor of keeping a constant vigil on the surrounding area. He ground his denta together as recharge clawed within his processor. He snarled. 

        Both Soundwave and Megatron exchanged a brief, knowing glance. The sudden thought of Starscream was plagued upon him and a subtle growl was suppressed.

        He not cared where that putrid seeker had fled to nor did he care if he returned. In truth, they were all better off without such treachery lurking about their ranks (what remained, at least). The decepticon overlord most certainly didn't need him in any case. As he saw it, he had the airspace covered well enough with the likes of Blackout, Nitrozeus, and Laserbeak once he was well on his way to recovery.

        Primus, he felt like a sitting sparkling. Just waiting for something bad to happen and for everything to go to the pits. This arrangement was stupid and absolutely, downright pathetic. Autobots...

        Despite however he may feel on the matter, he knew that she was right and simply thinking in everyone's best interest, something that he was not well acquainted with.

        He was so selfish.

        Shoving away such thoughts, the mech trailed his optics over the building and all its inhabitants, noting the long familiar faces and those who seemed to be newer additions.

        Drift and Crosshairs as Nitrozeus had so helpfully informed upon his arrival via com link. It was a skill the warlord was thankful for. The two mechs were mere footnotes, not something he worried too particularly about.

        An obnoxiously gruff snort made his optics snap over to an older inhabitant. Hound sat slumped against the brick, helmet pulled down over his faceplate as he made something akin to a snore in his recharge. The movements no doubt adopted from humans. Megatron scowled inwardly at the sight.

        Then there were the other insects- Cade, Tessa, and the annoyingly pitched Shane. Primus did his vocals make him want to rip the fleshy in two halves. His tone, inflection- his accent was grotesque and only served to further the mech's hatred of the species. The young male's voice was not comparable in the same light as Lauren's. He rather liked her voice and its trill. Call him bias.

        The child femme, Tessa, slumbered in a curled position wedged just beneath her partner's arm. Shane shifted in his unconscious state, dipping lower to be closer to his girlfriend. Something about the simple action was enough to ignite some nameless emotion within his chassis. His spark bristled unpleasantly in a strange concoction of annoyance, hurt, and something distant.

        Lauren turned onto her opposite side with a sleepy murmur causing him to rip his optics away from the display in favor of taking note of the femme atop his shoulder servo.

        The close sound of Blackout stalking the roof could be heard just above and Megatron caught Soundwaves wordless stares once more who only dipped his helm once in a nod.

        "If anything happens and shit goes haywire, we won't let them get away." Nitrozeus interjected knowingly over the hailing frequency. Laserbeak chittered quietly as he coiled in on himself.

        Tipping back his helm, Megatron allowed his optics to offline in the hope of reaping a worth while recharge.

____________________

        Megatron never expected much of his recharge cycles. They always tended to be restless and void up until recent time. A small part of the decepticon expected to be brought face to face with Lauren admits their bond, but he was proven incorrect harshly.

        The mech pushed in on their bond stronger and more persistently, but nothing came of his pestering and he remained within the darkness of his recharge.

        She was pushing back on him, forcing him away like a stubborn sparkling. Now when had she learned how to do that? It wasn't as if she knew much in the way of sparkbonding or how the entirety of it really worked, and in all fairness, he was no expert either.

        An irritated growl clawed up his throat and tore through his vocal processor sharply. How dare she? He'd not harm a hair upon her helm, but that did not grant her the freedom to act as she pleased.

        Primus, just how Insolent could she be?

        The tyrant would never admit it, but something about the way she turned her back on him and pushed him away hurt. It stung bitterly and only served to fuel his aggression.

        Why was she acting like that? She had no good reason to be so defiantly discourteous.

        The harder he forced into their shared connection, the fiercer her push back. No doubt a bit of his own aggression was bleeding into her efforts just as the most minuscule ghosts of her emotion were escaping him.

        It was a losing game of tug-of-war that neither would benefit from.

        His mind lingering along the whisper of unknown emotions she unwilling allowed to slip beyond her defenses. The feelings were gone far too quick for him to be able to name properly, but he knew that they were not pleasant.

        Her act of hiding away like a coward was annoying at best and downright infuriating at the very worst. She was no coward, he'd seen as much. So, what was it all of a sudden?

        Lauren had been well just the previous joors.

        The entire situation was perplexing and lost on him. Megatron was in the dark, both literally and metaphorically.

        A scowl pulled at his metal features as his spark pulsated just beneath his chassis plating. He vent slowly, not deterred.

        The decepticon overlord pushed into the bond with ferocity, snarling as he did so. He pushed harder until it was uncomfortable and his spark nipped at him to stop, but he still persisted.

        Who was she to deny him? Her own sparkmate?

        With a roar, he successfully forced himself past her poorly guarded wall. He tore it down with not much trouble and his spark pulled viciously.

        His optics were momentarily met with her former home once more. The unkempt grass swayed in the false breeze as he encroached upon her dwelling with his spark leading the way like an all knowing compass.

        The first thing to greet his audio receptors was the gentle melodies of her piano. A short pause at the doorway had him stood stock still as if she'd cease her playing once her eyes met his.

        The music was muffled beyond the thin walls and chipping paint, but his audials didn't deceive him in the way of her voice and she was still trying to push back upon him even if it be weakly.

        She was hiding and he suddenly felt much like a predator stalking prey, but he'd not pounce, lest he hurt her in some way.

        "All inside our Amsterdam, she hides. Watery-eyed. That howling wind, she's waving hi. Her other hand's in mine."

        Caught in a vice, he made his way into the old home and followed her steady calls of song. His pedes carried him slowly to stagger just behind her seated form as her delicate fingers danced across the ivory keys.

        "Did I not make it clear that I wanted some privacy?" Lauren spoke evenly, quietly. Her voice void of all malice.

        His chassis rumbled lowly as his crimson optics peered down at her. "There is none of that, not anymore bug. Don't let me cease your vocalizations. Continue." He spoke firmly, but not gruffly.

        "Singing, Megatron." The brunette rattled off under her breath as she blew a huff through her nostrils.

        And Primus, if he didn't find satisfaction in the way she said his name, but something about her still seemed to be amiss.

        "Oh, oh silhouette. She's growing tall and fine. She's got my back. She'll follow me down every street, no matter what my crime."

        Blood red optics found easy rest upon her face as he greedily took in every syllable that rolled off her tongue. It was a quiet moment that he would savor every klik of.

        Lauren swallowed thickly, not meeting his gaze as she fingered the keys of the piano, her eyes tracing over the intricate patterns along the cherry wood. In all honesty, she wasn't too particularly upset about him Breaching her nonexistent privacy and it wasn't as if she didn't find comfort in his presence. The young woman simply just had too much on her mind and was doing her absolute best to 'conceal don't feel'.

        Allowing for the instrumental to go on for a few moments longer than necessary, she hesitantly flicked sapphire eyes upward and caught his crimson stare. A tentative yank within her chest caused her to momentarily fumble the keys, but she righted herself with a quickness, pulling her sights away.

        "All inside our Amsterdam she flies, hoarding the kites. That howling wind, she'll take everything, but she's easy on the eyes."

        Her soulful voice carried through the house like a ghost and filled it with life.

        "Why'd you come here?" She questioned between lyrics.

        Megatron set his jaw gears and reached out a claw, dragging some of her grown hair just over her shoulder. "Why would I not, girl? Care to elaborate on what it is you're hiding."

        "I am not." The pianist pushed firmer into the keys at his words, but did not break melody.

        The mech grumbled. "You cannot lie to me."

        "And I'm not." Lauren deflected, feeling the pace of her heart quicken and that unseen force within her chest pull knowingly. She knew she couldn't lie, she knew it, but did that stop her from avoiding? No.

        "Churches and trains, they all look the same to me now. They shoot you some place. While we ache to come home somehow."

        She may of dragged out the ending of the song just a tad, but she concluded it nonetheless and pulled her hands away from the aged keys where the remnants of many years of fingers were worn into the ivory. Many decades of memories shone through.

        "Speak girl." Megatron's tone took on some command.

        "I really wanted that couch y'know?" Lauren deflected once more, swinging a leg over the upholstered bench to straddle it, her eyes were cast up to stare at the former.

        "Then, you shall have it. All you must do is speak." He chided.

        "No, no. They can keep it. I don't even know them." She waved him off.

        A moment of silence passed between mech and woman before the brunette rose to her feet and moved past the the decepticon.

        "I have a lot of work ahead of me."

        Megatron followed after the woman. "Elaborate, bug."

        "Well, y'all aren't going to be kicking anyone's asses in the state you're in right now." Her feet carried out of the home, down the porch, and toward her once workshop. "Plus, I need to fix Laserbeak's wing." The bot kept close to her footfall, but said nothing in turn as she dug through miscellaneous scrap junk. "And," She began slowly. "You'll probably need help with that ship, right? There's no way that thing is getting out unscathed."

        Megatron moved to respond, but swiftly caught himself as his spark throbbed momentarily with the steadily fading feeling of sorrow. There it was. He was no fool, not after his eons of a life long lived, he was no fool. 

        Lauren rose from her crouch, tucking back the hair he'd moved previously, and turned to him with a small smile. It was all she could do to hastily bury the subtle hurt in her heart. "I'd love to see how it works y'know? Cade too, he looks like the mechanical type."

        "That insect will go nowhere near what is rightfully mine, none of them." The decepticon chased the fleeting feeling in his spark unsuccessfully, but he knew what he'd felt- what she was feeling- had not been amiss and that there was a distant sadness to it. His optics followed her glassy gaze and the curve of her rosy lips.

        "Yeah, yeah. We're unworthy and disgusting, blah blah. I get it." She stepped away to rummage through another assortment of junk, her words lost on him as he stepped up to her. "Maybe I can even help Optimus's-"

        He hooked his clawed hand along the curve of her spine, bring her back upright in one fluid motion, disregarding that autobot's name on her tongue.

        Lauren moved in tandem with the mech as he brought his helm down to touch against her own forehead. The logical side of her brain told her to pull away if she knew what was good for her long term, but every other part of her decidedly refused to leave his hold.

        Gently, she pushed into his touch, allowing her eyes to slip closed and savor the moment.

        This would hurt in the end, she knew that, but she just couldn't...

        Lauren shoved down her brewing sadness in favor of the here and now. He was not gone now and she knew there was still time. How much time, she hadn't a clue, but she would make do with whatever she had left.

        She had work to do, her brain reminded her. Yes, plenty of work that'd she'd oblige happily.

        Lauren knew she'd have to leave all her affection and longing behind because she wouldn't be able to carry it with her if she wanted to survive, but...

        That was another day's problem.

Chapter 35: Symphony

Notes:

AHHHH! ANOTHER CHAPTER Y'ALL! I wrote this one in a whole sitting with basically no breaks, haha... But, besides my genetic inability to sleep, I wanted to thank you ALL from the very bottom on my heart!

Gods, I don't even know where to begin! Across all my publishing platforms (Wattpad, Quotev, AO3) I had amounted over 41 THOUSAND READERS! I just... I really can't fathom that y'all! It genuinely makes me want to cry over the fact that so many of you have given my stupid story the time of day!

THANK YOU TO E V E R Y O N E WHO HAS STAYED AROUND THIS LONG! I love all of you! <3 <3 <3

       Three more days passed in tense succession since that night in their bond. Megatron knew something was wrong and she knew that he knew, but neither broached the topic., preferring to let bygones be bygones (at least for the time being). 

        Though, it was also probably because there was nothing to be discussed, she had found.

        She'd busied herself with repair work surrounding Barricade, who happened to be appalled by her mere existence, but she was more than appreciative for the much needed distraction and the feeling of usefulness. She wanted to serve a purpose and serve she did. 

        And that's what got her here now, the desire to be useful.

        Lauren adjusted the old ball cap atop her head, tucking some fly away hairs behind her ear aggressively. God, the ugly hat did absolutely nothing to change her appearance as she strolled the department store. What was even the point of wearing the damn thing then?!

        "Just act natural, it's not that hard." Tessa whisper scolded the older woman from where she browsed shampoos, large purse slung over her angular shoulder.

        "This hat is itchy." Lauren hissed, still fidgeting with it restlessly. 

        "Shane should've came." The teen muttered under her breath in a pout as she slipped that same cheap rose scented shampoo into her bag swiftly. If they were getting a five-finger discount, why not grab something a tad bit nicer? 

        The brunette cast a glare to the kid before moving past her. "Yeah, well you got me, so tough shit." It wasn't like she was trying to be mean, but the woman could only take so much attitude. By the heavens, wherever she ended up after death she'd be sure to track down her grandfather and sincerely apologize for her teen years. 

        Said teen was quick to nab a bottle of bodywash. God, was this what she'd been reduced to? Shoplifting? It was honestly demeaning. Sure, she'd stolen- committed grand theft- before, but that'd been exhilarating with stakes tacked on the end for added incentive. And, truly, she didn't have much choice in the matter at the time, but who was counting? Maybe Tessa was right, she should've just let Shane come instead with Cade to chaperone, but no. She just had to go for herself.

        First and last time if she could help it.

        Rounding the corner, Lauren slipped into the woman's clothing section and snagged several articles of clothing, the bare basics; a plain t-shirt, a single tank top, and some much needed socks. A quick slip into a dressing room secured the items on her person with ease. After all that she'd been through, this was child's play. not that she particularly proud of it, but her point still stood. 

        "Tessa...!" The young woman whisper yelled for the blonde. "God damnit." A frustrated groan escaped her through clenched teeth. Barricade was stationed just outside as if two young girls emerging from a police cruiser wasn't suspicious, but she preferred him over all else. She liked to think that she knew him and it wasn't like she wasn't giving the autobots the benefit of the doubt, but sometimes high energy wasn't something she needed. Bumblebee seemed great. 

        "Tessa...!" Lauren hissed once more as she swatted at the puke green cap for the umpteenth time. Perhaps she didn't want kids after all, she'd gotten her fair share of second hand parenting simply by listening to Cade and Tessa go at it night after night like some squabbling chickens. Shane was no help in the matter, but... Watching the two lovebirds interact did stir up something ugly in her gut and watching Cade attempt to parent didn't help.

        Rounding another aisle corner, Lauren collided directly into said teen who stumbled. "We've been hear long enough, we have to go."

        "Oh my god, you're as bad as my dad." Tessa huffed stubbornly. "We're fine." The blonde strode past her swiftly.

        Something warm ignited in her chest at the blatant dismissal and Lauren had to quell away the growing anger that most certainly wasn't all her's with some deep breaths. Damn the stupid bond and damn the back and forth emotion thing. She already had enough to be dealing with. 

        Once more, the high-schooler was gone, lost to the store aisles and capitalism.

        With swift strides, Lauren sped through the store and still no sign of Tessa. Her patience was thinning by the second as she happened upon the automotive and hardware section.

        With (apparent) time to kill, she meandered the aisles, sapphire eyes scanning over everything the displays had to offer and coming to a gradual stop just before the assorted sheet metals. Varying sizes, colors, and alloy makeups. She skimmed the limited assortment with furrowed brows. There was no way in hell she'd be leaving with anything she liked or needed, but at least it'd give her an idea on what to look out for.

        "Finding everything alright there?" A male's voice sounded from her right suddenly, startling her.

        With her heartbeat in her throat, she swallowed thickly. "Just fine, thanks."

        "Anything specific you're looking for?" The taller man pried. 

        Lauren took a step aside from his invasion, edging on caution as she trailed her eyes over the black haired male. It wasn't like the questions were unusual in nature, she was in a store, so it was pretty typical for employees to step in, but... Another once over of the male confirmed that he neither wore a uniform nor bore the company logo. Skepticism was swift to overtake her senses. 

        "No. Nothing specific." She answered flatly, tone measured and calculated as her mind raced to form an exit strategy. She couldn't just flee! Tessa was still in the building and, damnit, she may not have been entirely fond of the kid, but she was still a child in her care nonetheless!

        Sweat beaded along her forehead and she swiped it away as inconspicuously as possible all while she "browsed".

        "You're sweating pinballs. Everything okay?" He stepped into her space once more, having a good foot of height on the shorter woman. His brown eyes pierced her. 

        She stepped back promptly, nearing the end of the aisle. "Just fine. Summer heat, y'know?" Who was she kidding? Summer was damn near over, at least she figured it was. 

        Perhaps he was simply an overly friendly patron and she was just paranoid or maybe it was a security officer and he'd seen her steal those clothes? Her eyes raked over his form once more, landing to rest upon his shoes. His obviously expensive, military grade, laced combat boots.

        "You can make this easy. Just don't panic." His voice had her head snapping back up break neck speed. She actually swore she may have heard a crack. "Don't get any bright ideas, Miss Ridgwell. Please don't make this harder for either of us." He placed his hand behind his back.

        The action must've sent a shot of straight adrenaline through her veins, because Lauren didn't even think twice when she snatched up a yard long piece of rebar from the shelving and swung down on the taller male like a pro batter. 

        Stumbling from the force of impact, the ravenette hit the linoleum, losing hold of his concealed pistol. "You stupid..." He growled as he cradled his bleeding nose.

        Discarding the metal, the brunette broke into a full sprint, tearing through the store up until she spotted Tessa's tussled dirty blonde hair. The sudden sound of a car horn blared from the parking lot, but it went ignored as she practically tackled the taller girl.

        "Ow- the hell?"

        "Tessa, listen to me." The young woman dragged her around the corner and out of sight. "You have to hide. There's some guys here and-"

        "Is it those wind guys?" She questioned with wide, panicked doe eyes. Cemetery wind. 

        "I-" Lauren peaked from around the corner of the aisle just in time to see several more men storm past. "I don't know. But, I'll draw them away. Okay?"

        "What?" Tessa's pouty lips trembled. "No, no. You can't just leave me here...! They almost shot me! Y-you can't-"

        The brunette took her by the shoulders. "I promise it'll be fine. Please just hide. When I get back-" if she got back, "I'll send someone out for you."

        Lauren turned to flee just when Tessa's chipped polished fingers caught her wrist, terror painted her youthful features and tears stung her eyes. "What do I do?!" She whispered frantically.

        The pure fear that plagued her face made her falter.

        "No signs of her outside the building! She's still inside." A gruff voice called out, silencing the two girls.

        "Lock it down! Stun rounds only!" Another responded.

        Shit, she was wasting time! Lauren took Tessa by the hand in a reassuring squeeze. "They're looking for me. Not you. Just hide, please." She was practically begging, pleading.

        Tessa choked back her tears to offer a quick nod to which Lauren offered a quick parting smile.

        Ducking in and out of various aisles, she spotted the exit in the very near distance. One problem though; to get there, she'd have to cross the produce section, completely exposed.

        A series of heavy footfall could be heard moving about just beyond the aisle she'd ducked into. Fuck, fuck, fuck! This whole thing was fucked! She shouldn't be doing all this! She was supposed to be at home pissing off with some lame excuse of a project.

        Her heart hammered wildly beneath the confines of her ribs as the rush of her blood thundered in her ears.

        Snapping her head up, she stared out the exit and certain freedom to the sound of what was no doubt Barricade signaling her, car horn and all.

        Taking ahold of her bearings, she sucked in a sharp breath and dove out from cover only to be immediately spotted. Of course. A series of shouts were lost on her as the raced for the exit, pushing through anything that got in her way.

        God, she shouldn't have come. She shouldn't have left. 'Only a couple miles away' they'd said, 'you'll be fine' they assured her! Bullshit.

        Emerging from the store in a wild flurry of movement, her eyes zeroed in on Barricade immediately, but that wasn't what deterred her. The entire parking lot seemed to be surrounded. What a shit show.

        "Hands up!" Another unseen voice demanded of her.

        "Stun rounds only!" The voice echoed in her head. They wouldn't kill her, she surmised. They- whoever wanted her for some reason wanted her captured alive. Okay, great, she could work with that. She's never been stunned before, but it wasn't lethal and that was what mattered.

        Lauren dove for cover at the sound of firing rounds, kissing the concrete viciously with a hiss. So much for the new clothes, she was sweating through them by the second.

        With what little courage and all her adrenaline, she b-lined for open traffic with success. Barricade was swift to follow, throwing on his sirens as he, too, sped off into oncoming traffic.

        A borage of car horns and angry yelling had her narrowly miss being hit by oncoming vehicles as she played Frogger across the busy street and onto the equally bustling sidewalk. If she was lucky and if any God was listening, she'd lose them to the crowds.

        "There! She's head North bound!"

        She really couldn't catch a break could she? Never.

        Lauren picked up the pace and barreled through the masses of pedestrians, mentally apologizing profusely for being rude. With a skitter, she snapped around the corner and dove for a small sandwich shop immediately on her left. She'd hardly had time to register the bell chime of the door as she stumbled into a chip display that sent both her and the snacks clattering to the ground.

        "Hey, hey, hey! This isn't battle of the bulls and we ain't no China shop, so either buy something or you're outta here!" The man behind the counter barked.

        "S-sorry, I-" She was in her feet in a matter of seconds with the judgmental gazes of several customers.

        "Well slap my ass and call me sally, I guess destiny really does exist Miss Ridgwell."

        Just hearing her cursed last name made her blood pressure spike and the world spin. "What?"

        "You know what, I wasn't serious about all that mumbo jumbo. Don't even know what battle of the bulls is. You, me, talk." The older male rambled as he plucked away his uniform hat to reveal salt and pepper coiled hair.

        Lauren felt like she was going to throw up and all she could do was stare incredulously at the beige skinned male.

        "Not much of a talker, okay, I get it. You're mysterious, I can respect the hustle. I used to be mysterious too, but that's all down the toilet now, got me making sandwiches, can you imagine? Me?" He chortled.

        A group of those men zipped past the shop window and she swore all the air had been stolen away from her lungs.

        "Ah, the feds. You play it dangerous, okay, okay. You're not here for some kickass pastrami." He slammed his hand atop the little bell on the counter. "Shops closed! Everyone, out! Go, go!"

        An collective groan and some spilled curses rose from the awaiting customers.

        "Shops closed! World calligraphy day and I have work to do! Hey, that means you too Raj, out! Pay 'ya double." Just as crowded as the sandwich parlor had been only minutes prior it now stood empty. Turning to follow the suit, the hook nosed male snapped his fingers at her. "Ah, ah, not you little miss con." He rounded the counter in a hurry. "Name is Simmons, Seymour if you're frisky, but not with NBE-1's girl. Nope, no. Hey, kid come with me if you want to live."

        She was just as lost as she was confused and obliged without a word. Seymour Simmons. The brunette mulled over the name as she followed the apron clad male up a narrow set of stairs. "What-"

        "Ah, ah, ep! No talking, they could be listening which is why we need to go to my S7 hovel. Come on little Missy, I doubt Megatron is gonna wait for his bride any longer than he has to. Guy has no patience, I tell 'ya."

        Hearing Megatron's name on the tongue of this strange man had made her eyes blow wide and hurry up the creaky stairs after him. "How do you know him?"

        "Long story not so short, I was a glorified babysitter for mister NBE-1 until he decided to go all Godzilla and wreck my place of work. Like I said, no patience." He gestured with his hand.

        "NBE-1? Wait, I'm lost-"

        "NBE-1, Megatron. Megatron, NBE-1. Keep up with the acronyms missy!" Simmons pushed through a draped curtain, which in reality just sort of looked like a blanket nailed to the wall over what used to be a door.

        All the alarm bells should be going off in her head. She should be skeptical of this strange and most likely crazed individual, but nothing. Not an inkling of her being was screaming at her to run, but maybe that was because she'd just got done running and her legs felt like jello. Honestly, how crazy could some sandwich guy be?

        Her question seemed to immediately answer itself as she swallowed her words and gazed upon the absolute craziness that was this guy's 'S7 hovel'. Whatever the hell that meant.

        With so much strung up, nailed, taped to the walls, there was no wall to see. Hell, she couldn't tell you the color of the paint if you asked. This 'hovel' as it was appropriately named, would make any conspiracy nut drool. Much to her misfortune, the longer she looked around the less of a conspiracy it all turned out to be.

        Okay, so he wasn't crazy, but strange. Yeah, definitely strange.

        "Yeah, gawk while you can become this place is about to be blown wide open. Your feds and my feds all mixed up sounds like one bad night in rio." Simmons waved off his words as he began to rummage through an absolutely massive stack of papers. "Megatron and I were gonna tango, but we never got the date scheduled. Guess you beat me to it. Ah, youth."

        "What is all this?"

        "After I got fired, I scrouged all seventy-five years worth of alien research. Life's work, y'know. You don't get the get cool top-shelf government clearance without some kinda badge." He threw down a battered cardboard box complete with a cloud of dust. "S7 stuff you little con."

        "I'm not a con- decepticon, I-"

        "Can it little girl! The overseer of death doesn't just go around picking up random chick's. Nope, nada. Not his style."

        Lauren wrinkled her nose and chanced a glance through the shuttered blinds of the closest window.

        "Hey! What're 'ya doin'? Trying to get me all caught up? Shut them!"

        She stepped away from the window promptly. "Look, this is great and all and I really appreciate you're help, but I have to-"

        "Your little police escort can wait. Yeah, didn't think anyone noticed an NBE cruising around on my turf, did you? I got an eye for aliens, call it a talent."

        "I really have to-"

        "Found it! You little bugger, thought you could hide from papa? No." The older male dropped down from where he'd climbed with a thud and a groan. "I may look like a better Hrithik Roshan, but these hips do lie. Wow."

        "Are you okay?" She chanced hesitantly.

        "Nothing a little hot yoga can't fix, but forget that." He straighten upright, file secured in his grasp. "Aliens. Been here longer than the old heads, way longer. And that little bounty hunter problem you've got? Yeah, seen him too. Real smug sumbitch."

        "Lockdown? The one with green eyes right?"

        "How could you miss him?" He slapped the file down after having pushed everything off his desk in one fail swoop. The place was a mess. "Photos of him dating all the way back to the early twenties." He flipped a page to point at a blurry photo. "I think the guys gonna be paying the piper soon enough with all this mumbo jumbo happening. Good riddance. Working with a guy that followed that guy Adolf, not a good look."

        It truly baffled her. Just how long had they been on the planet? We're humans even the first sentient life and if they weren't, then was this planet rightfully theirs's ?

        "But, hey! Appearances mean nothing when you turn into one hell of a Lamborghini." He whistled, depositing a photo of said alt mode. Simmons was quick to snatch the vanilla folder back up in a heap, thumbing through pages before, once again, slamming the file back down for her ro view.

        Megatron's words came back to her in that moment.

        "The ship..."

        Her brain was wracking just trying to make sense of what she was staring at. It was Lockdown's doom ship for sure, but she was still lost.

        "CIA group Silver Fox, disbanded over ninety years ago were in cahoots with the bug guy. Helped him build his death harbinger. Sneaky bastards."

        Ah, so that was what she was staring at. Schematics. That didn't make sense though. "But the CIA was created until, like, the fifties or something." She stared up at him with furrowed brows.

        "Ah, see! That's where they getcha!" He made a harsh grab gesture. "CIA has been around since the 1900's missy. They only went public in the fifties! Don't even get me started on Apollo."

         "But, why? What used did we even have for him back then?"

        "Made a deal with the devil, bet you know all about that." Lauren glared at him and he continued. "The Germans, ah. Told him he could win 'em the war, but we all see how that went, I mean, pft."

        "Why are you showing me this?" The question escaped her.

        "I bet that ship of his has some eyes on it. Tell me I'm right." He smirked knowingly. "Ah, see, I know I'm right. So, who wants it?"

        "Megatron." The brunette answered flatly, sapphire eyes glued to the array of photos.

        "Gonna give ole NBE-1 the big sendoff. Sayonara, hasta lavista!" He undid his apron and tossed over his shoulder. "Problem is, that big company out there, yeah y'know the one I'm talkin' about. They're all goody-two-shoes with the guy. We'll need one hell of a militia to push through that shit."

        "No shit..." She huffed, pushing her hand through her hair.

        "Where you from? Down south? Bible belt? Gator country? You have a twang, but hey, no offense. Maybe NBE-1 has a thing for it." He held his hands up in mock surrender. "Met a girl from Louisiana back in '93 and damn! What a spitfire! Her daddy chased me off with a double barrel and I never saw Joanne again. Real sob story."

        "Texas." Her answer came out flat, not paying much attention to him as she flipped a page.

        "So, what's with you and the big guy? I mean, don't get me wrong, privacy and all that blah, blah. Doesn't strike me as the settling type." The tan skinned male propped his chin up on his open palm.

        Tearing her eyes away from the sentence she'd reread over and over, she chewed on the inner part of her cheek. "Conjunx. And don't ask, I probably can't answer anything." As if on cue she felt a harsh pull within her chest that she swore moved her physically.

        "Hot damn!" Simmons shot to his feet with a smack of the table. "I'd say congratulations on getting hitched, but I have no rice." He snatched he'd the file out from under her fingers, snapping it closed with a loud 'slap'.

        "Wait, you know what that is? A conjunx? Can you tell-"

        "Ah, ah, ah! I'm many things, but a marriage counselor is not one of them. It's about high time you get to scootin'! Wouldn't want your little group to come and tear up the joint. I got a sweet thing goin' on here." He ushered her back down the stairs.

        "But-"

        "No buts, no coconuts girl, out! Shop is closing!" Simmons shoved the file back into her hands with some gentle force before spinning her on her heal. "You tryin' to get to that cathedral on fifth?"

        "How do you know-"

        "I know a lot of things that you don't. Got eye on every block, now you see me now you don't." He fished something from his pocket and, too, loved that in her opposite hand. "Take the street all the way down, bust two lefts, and then a right. You'll see it, or you won't. That police escort of yours is still cruising around." With a final shove, she was spit out the back exit of the sandwich shop. "You know where to find me if and when the aliens decide to go all 'coo-coo for coco puffs' Godspeed." And then the door was slammed closed in her face with a gust of wind as a final goodbye.

        Lauren, truly, had no idea what had just happened, but upon seeing the busy street from the back ally the weight of everything came crashing back down on her. In times like these, she really wished she still had an operable phone, but that ship sailed a long time ago.

        Oh God, Tessa! Surely she still okay, right? She had to be. God, she wouldn't be able to live with herself if something bad happened to the kid and she just bailed.

        Clutching the file like a valued lifeline, Lauren set out. She'd like to think that those men had given up her pursuit, but she knew that was wishful thinking. Nothing would stop them.

        Her chest tugged violently once more and she staggered to catch her bearings. If she wasn't back soon then there was no doubt everyone would go out on a manhunt, Megatron included.

        With a newfound energy, Lauren made her way onto the sidewalk swiftly blending into those around her. She had to get back and fast or else there'd be carnage in her wake and all the innocent people just living their daily lives didn't deserve that.

        She walked for close to a mile before she heard the distant whirring of a police siren that was no doubt Barricade. Breaking into a jog, she followed the siren until she came upon the decepticon. He must've spotted her first, because he was hasty to bust a u-turn with a screech of his tires.

        The door swung open, nearly hitting her, but she didn't care. Lauren dove into the cab with a pant, sending the file to the floor.

        "Where is the other insect?" Barricade barked as he sped off.

        "I left her back at the store. Told her I'd lead them away."

        "You fleshbags and your nobility." He chided.

        "I had to do something." Lauren argued. "What? You wanted me to just sit around and let them take me hostage? Fuck that."

        "If it'd silence your bitchin', then yeah fleshbag." She could feel the way he growled from where she sat in his alt mode.

        Leveling a glare, she retorted. "And what would Megatron say? Huh?"

        A moment of silence passed before the decepticon responded. "You may be his Conjunx, but you'd best watch your vocals, femme."

        She recounted the time when Megatron had told her to not hesitate, for it'd be her demise, so she did just that. Didn't hesitate. It wasn't as if she'd live forever and she wouldn't waist precious seconds of life dilly dallying.

        Lauren opened her mouth bite back, but was swiftly cut off. "DUCK!" Barricade commanded without a second to spare, she was throwing herself down in the cab just a round of gunfire tore through the back windshield. Spotting the fallen file, she snatched it up and hugged it close as the cruiser spun with more gunfire to follow. So much for all that handy work she'd done over the past several days.

        "Same guys?!" She inquired in a panic.

        Barricade growled something in Cybertronian that was lost on her.

        Perhaps she was stupid or had a death wish, but the brunette dared a peek only to see the cathedral in the distance.

        Another bullet ricocheted off his metal form and she flinched away from the sound. "Are you crazy?!" She made an attempt to snag the wheel. "You can't go back to the church! Are you out of your fucking mind?!"

        "Shut your trap fleshbag!" Barricade roared as he drifted off into a left turn, sending up a smoke cloud of burned rubber, bypassing the religious monument altogether. Though, it was far too close for comfort.

        A vicious pull within her chest almost made her second guess the decision to leave the church altogether, but nevertheless, she remained rooted in her decision and so did Barricade, apparently. How fast they were going, she hadn't a clue, but they'd definitely exceeded what a normal vehicle could manage.

        The cruiser broke into another sharp turn, drifting around to the backside of some warehouse some miles out. The scout slammed to a stop, throwing Lauren into the dash.

        A curse escaped her as she righted herself. "Do you think they saw us?"

        "For the time being what it is, no." The decepticon ground out gruffly.

        Threading her fingers through her hair, she panted greedily taking in air. "What about Tessa? We can't just leave her there-"

        "Quit your babbling. The situation has be accounted for." Irritation seeped into his every word, but she didn't care, not one bit. She took his words for what they were and laid her head back in exasperation.

        "We shouldn't have stayed in this place." Lauren spoke to nobody in particular.

        "That is the only thing we will agree on, fleshling."

        "When will we be going back?"

          "If able, by tomorrow's rising sun."

        She ran a hand down her face. "That's what I expected." A moment of tense silence passed before she opened her mouth again. "Megatron-"

        "Is aware. Do you ever shut your mouth?"

        "No. Not really." He grumbled indignantly at her answer. He was in pain, she knew that much. Who liked being shot at? Her thoughts were abruptly cut short as the scout booted her from the cab. She'd barely managed to catch herself from face planting as he transformed. "You could've just asked."

        The cruiser grumbled something unheard with narrowed optics. Primus, it felt like he was back at Square one; running away, hiding, and with an lowly insect in his charge was just the cherry on top. What kind of life even was this? He'd had better days in Kaon. The mech moved to make his way into the abandoned building.

        Lauren rose to her feet, brushed herself off, and followed after him with caution around his feet, not wanting to be crushed.

        The remainder of the day passed painfully slowly after they'd situated within the building. Both mech and woman kept a healthy distance, but neither were far, sat across from one another.

        Night waned on and the sun was quick to make its descent over the horizon and then darkness came, bathing them in blackness, save for the glow of Barricade's ruby optics. Thankfully it wasn't a particular cool night, but temperate.

        The brunette rested her head back against the graffitied stone wall, eyes laid upon the mech, and her knees pulled toward her torso. "Could you tell me today's date?"

        "Of what is it's importance?" He retorted flatly.

        "Curious, haven't been keeping track." Her head lolled to the side, her hair brushing over her shoulder. She really needed to cut it and maybe, once things were normal again, she'd grow it long.

        Barricade took a moment to respond, but did so. "August 30th, 10:47 p.m."

        She hummed in acknowledgment. Last she'd checked, it was May 18th. Had it really been that long? Just over three months? Three months, that would make it...

        "104 earth days, insect." The scout read her mind and responded in kind. "You humans make such perturbing faces when in thought." He insulted, voice echoing off the empty building.

        She snorted, but otherwise didn't respond or take his leering to heart. It was nothing personal, she knew that.

        The night continued to draw on and sleep began to beckon at her, but still, her eyelids remained open. She was much too focused on ruby optics.

        The color red really was becoming a comfort to her.

        "Y'know," Lauren started. "I never thanked you for what you did back at the KSI building, so thank you." She stared at him through hooded eyes as she fought off unconsciousness.

        Barricade held her gaze for only a second before grumbling deeply. "I was given an order and I followed it. I do not need your gratitude, insect."

        "Sure, sure." She shifted to straighten out one of her legs, the residual soreness was beginning to set into her muscles. "I know decepticons aren't big on the whole 'giving thanks' thing, but I get it."

        He narrowed his optics, obscuring some of their glow. "You speak as if you are hot among our ranks. Know your place fleshbag."

        "And my place is among you?" A yawn escaped her.

        He growled. "You are the conjunx of the greatest warrior in the known universe. Act like it." His tone was near berating.

        "Mhm..." Was all she could muster as her eyelids grew unbearably heavy. A pull from within cemented her slumber as she was pulled into unconsciousness.

____________________

        Lauren blinked once and was met with the absurdly bright spot light of the vast auditorium. Why had she'd been brought here of all places?

        Trailing over the stage, she approached the grand piano in all its pristine glory. Ah, now she remembered. This was from her senior performing competition, state. A small smile tugged at her lips.

        The building was just as huge and foreboding as she remembered it. She was just thankful there wasn't an audience, save for one recurring guest.

        "Did you guys get Tessa out of there?" She questioned as the mech came to her side.

        He grunted hoarsely. "The sparkling was retrieved just fine."

        "Good, I'm glad." Lauren moved to seat herself atop the leather upholstered bench. She was thankful to have the opportunity to look upon such a beautiful piece once more. "I wish I didn't go."

        "We share a common thought then, girl." The decepticon growled.

        The brunette brushed her fingertips along the glossy keys, the ghost of a smile clung to her face. "They wanted to take me alive."

        "No such thing will become, be certain of that, bug." His words were clear and the threat that clung to them was palpable.

        Her mind wandered back to Simmons for a moment and that damned file she most likely fell asleep clutching. She worried at her bottom lip absent mindedly, brows creasing.

        Megatron could practically feel the air of apprehension that shrouded the femme. A deepest frown clawed at his lip plates. She still wasn't speaking and his patience was growing thinner with each encounter of theirs. Approaching her, he rest a clawed band atop her shoulder. "Compose a piece, girl."

        "Do I always have to play when you're around?" She chuckled dryly in jest, craning her head to stare up at him.

        The look on her face made his spark bristle and his metals feel tight and ill-fitted. He was caught between wanting to roar and growl. "Go on. I'd advise not making me wait long."

        "I'm not a composer, firstly. I am a pianist." She snickered softly and steadied her nimble fingers atop the keys.

        "The song, girl." He grumbled in a mock warning as he moved around the instrument to face her.

        Her fingers traveled the keys with much practice as she swallowed down her saliva. Chancing a quick glance to the mech, she relocated her sights with a slight bow of her head.

        "Days in the sun. When my life has barely began. Not until my whole life is done, will I ever leave you."

        A gentle pull within her chest had her glance back up at the decepticon as if he'd beckoned her attention silently. She pushed back on his pull wordlessly.

        "What of Barricade?" He questioned.

        She tapped out the tune of the song gently. "He's an asshole, is that what you wanted me to say?"

        "Will I tremble again, to my dear one's gorgeous refrain? Will you now forever remain out of reach of my arms?"

        Her voice echoed hauntingly through the empty auditorium, but was still so full of... her. She overwhelmed the space in such a good way. Megatron tuned his audials to be their most sensitive when she sang, greedily taking in her every sound. If he listened close enough he could hear the subtle beat of her heart and its quickened pace when they locked gazes.

        He was so selfish.

        "All those days in the sun. What I'd give to relive just one. Undo what's done and bring back the light."

        All she simply must do was request something of him and he'd see it through to the very end. Anything she may desire so.

        Perhaps he took all these 'lyrics' to spark, but then why did it always feel as though she was directing her words at him?

        "Oh, I could sing of the pain these dark days bring. The spell we're under. Still it's the wonder of us I sing of tonight."

        Her posture was poised and relaxed as her voice climbed in octave, a distant far away look gleamed her sapphire eyes and if hadn't been as keen, he would've missed it.

        Megatron reached out to her then and tucked her hair back behind her ear gently. It was a gesture he was growing fond and familiar with.

        This is wrong.

        His spark fluttered, casting that reoccurring thought aside fiercely.

        "I need a haircut." Lauren commented as his claws grazed her warm flesh.

        "Don't." He allows his claws to follow the newly acquired length of her hair, soaking her in entirely.

        "Afraid I'll look ugly if it's shorter?" The brunette inquired quietly, sarcasm evident in her tone.

        His optics narrowed slightly at her comment, brow ridge creasing as his denta clenched. He used a claw to hook up under her jaw in a firm, yet gentle hold, turning her to face him directly. "The manner in which you cut your strands does not dictate your beauty, do well to know that, girl."

        Crimson optics studied the way her pupils contracted and expanded under this gaze. His spark thrummed pleasantly.

        She fumbled the keys momentarily, face warm and chest pulling. Lauren pulled her gaze away to face the piano once more.

        "How in the midst of all this sorrow can so much hope and love endure? I was innocent and certain. Now I'm wiser, but unsure."

        The feeling if her soft, warm skin lingered on his claws.

        "I can't go back into my childhood. One that my father made secure. I can feel a change in me. I'm stronger now, but still not free."

        The decepticon leader committed the rosy glow of her cheeks to memory and noted the glassiness of her eyes.

        "Days in the sun will return. We must believe as lovers do that days in the sun will come shining through."

        There was that word once more, 'love'.

Notes:

So... Simmons y'all? How we feeling?

Chapter 36: Ineffable

Notes:

Y'all... I did it again! Yep, that's right, three chapters in a row! Whaaaatttttt?! Consider it a thanks you all of you wonderful people <3

I worked endlessly on this chapter and, y'all, I don't know how to feel about it. I'm pretty sure I like it, but let me know what you guys think!

        Lockdown paced his private quarters, having just spoken to his queen.

        Emerald optics narrowed sharply as he replayed the former decepticon's words over and over as if trying to decipher what wasn't there. Said seeker was being held in some lower chamber of the ship for later use. With his newly gathered information, he had no further use for him. He'd figure it out in due time. 

        A conjunx, though? The sheer thought was almost entirely improbable and not something he wanted to rationalize. Oh, and a potential alliance between the two factions? That was almost funny.

        Cybertronians, such childish, directionless beings.

        But, then why come to him? Why provide such fragile information? The logical side of the mech remained cautious and with his guard up, because it could possibly be a trap, a way to throw him off course, and create an opening.

        That didn't quite sit right with him, though.

        It wasn't as if sparkbonding was a hard concept to grasp, let alone bonding with another of an outside specie. It wasn't unheard of, but it most definitely was not common. Conjunxes were a thing of the past, a primitive, emotional way of living.

        Putting it like that really didn't make him disbelieve Starscream's wild claims.

        A scowl plagued his sleek, metal features. He'd asked for proof and proof he was provided. Watching the seeker squirm in panic was only an added bonus.

        Pivoting on his heel, the bounty hunter stalked through ship, making his way to the communications room.

        He'd not cared for the human femme, though, he did know she was a direct line to Megatron himself. The gears in his mind worked tirelessly.

        Take the girl and he will show. Incapacitate the girl and he's pinned. She was far more trouble than she was worth, truly. An slimy organic and a Cybertronian? Disgusting.

        Lockdown emerged into the communications room, greeted by the monitor wall as he approached swiftly.

        The human forces would do well to know such a pivotal piece of information. Perhaps then they'd be of any use and not just a hindrance in his plans.

        Humans, so unbecoming and faulty.

____________________

        Lauren had been rudely awoken by a harsh shove the next morning, courtesy of Barricade and his immaculate bedside manner. Nevertheless, she was up and well on her way back to the cathedral. The day waned on, not waiting for either of them. 

        Laying down in the cab, Barricade took the less inhabited streets and avoided traffic entirely. A steady breeze brushed at her skin from where the windows once were.

        So much for her handy work. It was all for naught.

        Fingers curled around the spine of the file in hand as she watched the passing sky. A tentative pull within her chest signaled their nearness and she could only pray that they'd get through the day without being shot at. That was the dream.

        Lauren shifted in her spot again, uncomfortable with the way the leather seats were sticking to her skin.

        "Would you quit your moving, fleshbag?" The cruiser growled over the radio.

        "Oh grow up. I'm uncomfortable." She whined.

        "That is not my problem. Stop."

        "Whatever..." The brunette mumbled under her breath. He had no manners, none at all. 

        The remainder of the drive was kept in relative silence, save for when she dared to reach for the radio dial and the mech responded swiftly by folding the seats atop her, she'd squealed at that and he'd promptly complained.

        All she wanted was a little music damnit! Perhaps she'd get some ideas for future playing pieces, but no! He just had to go and rain all over her parade. It wasn't like he was even conversing with her!

        The cathedral was upon them now and Barricade gassed it to the entrance, transforming with haste and spitting Lauren out onto the cracked pavement. In the high sunlight, the building seemed to glow, the steeple pointing to the heavens and, suddenly, she was thankful for the ridiculously large decorative doors. The structure was truly a sight with rich history.

        Lauren moved to follow after the scout into said building, her ears quickly being greeted by the echoes of distant bickering. Ah, home sweet home. The sarcasm was strong with that one.

        "No, Tessa! What I meant was-" Cade argued before being cut off.

        "No! You don't get it, dad!" The teen wailed, not having any of what her father was saying. "I- Hey, hey! "

        The blonde had spotted her just as she rounded the corner into the nave, her movements hurried as she approached the older woman. Cade followed helplessly after his daughter. Lauren opened her mouth to speak, but was swiftly silenced by a single, open handed slap across the cheek. It wasn't strong by any means, but it still stung, rightfully so. 

        "What happened?! You said you'd send someone for me!" Tessa cried bitterly.

        Megatron was immediate to rise to his feet, optics narrowed dangerously as he moved to storm their direction. The action set all his subordinates on edge who, in turn, came to the woman's defense.

        "Woah, woah! Hey!" Cade rushed, waving his arms as if to diffuse the brewing conflict and defend his child. 

        Optimus was in the thick of it in an instant with Bumblebee flanking him.

        "Ah hell." Hound commented loosely, planting his hands atop his hips.

        "About time! I was waiting for everyone to dispatch each other, so I could take charge, no trouble at all." Crosshairs bit out, readying his duel guns. "Just me, reporting to me."

        Drift smacked the green autobot. "We will become, but nothing with more war." He chided. "Although, if they want a fight, I shall grant them that."

        "Yeah, count your fuckin' kliks before I pop a cap in that ass." Nitrozeus threatened, Scalpel skittered to his shoulder with a maniacal laugh and a flurry of indecipherable words. 

        They all argued above the two girls. Lauren leveled an even glare with the teen as tears slipped from her swollen eyes, sights darting around the growing tension with brewing panic. She was only a child...

        Megatron roared out something in Cybertronian with a violent gesture. Laserbeak squawked lowly in anticipation atop Soundwave's shoulder.

        "You're picking a fight in the wrong place, autobots." Onslaught growled. Hound tipped his helm to that in agreement.

        "Remove the child insect from the femme, immediately." Blackout commanded sharply, moving to loom just behind Lauren. He was like a bad omen. 

        "All of you stop this! We solve nothing with infighting! Crosshairs, put your weapons down!" The Prime ordered firmly. Cade affirmed the autobot with a flurry of his own words that were lost on her.

        Barricade and Soundwave banked their leader with postures readied to pounce at a moments notice.

        Shane came up to Tessa, setting a hand atop her shoulder to which she jerked away, shrugging her boyfriend off and away. 

        "You will remove the petulant sparkling creatin from my conjunx at once or I will." The decepticon overlord roared thunderously, stepping forward as if to further his point and creating a mech sized crater into the flooring. The building shook in his ire.

        Time seemed to freeze and ice washed over everyone, robot and human alike.

        "Stop." Lauren gestured absently to the decepticon, her eyes not leaving Tessa's. It took some effort to quell away his vexation, separating her emotions from his, but she did it. The sting in her cheek faded substantially. "I'm sorry, okay? I didn't mean to leave you stranded for as long as you were, but things got screwed up outside. I'm sorry."

        Tessa choked back her tears and only offered a single nod before storming off toward the backroom.

        "Boge me, that's rich." Crosshairs sniggered, stowing away his weapons with a whip of his long coat like armor.

        "Hush your pie-hole you loud mouthed fool." Hound grumbled gruffly.

        All optics seemed to be pointed at her and suddenly she was meeting everyone for the first time again. She felt exposed, bare under their judgments. Everyone was at each other's throats only moments ago and now she was the hot topic? Fuck that.

        With a frown souring her features, she fled the building swiftly barely noticing the file she still clutched, nail prints embedded into the manilla folder.

        "Great, now look at what you did. Betsy, don't let these prudes take the wet out of your dreams!" The tracker called after her obnoxiously, receiving a warning glare from their leader.

        Blackout moved to follow after her for good measure, but Megatron halted him swiftly. "Let her go. She's not far." The chopper offered a single nod of compliance.

        "What the hell is going on? Okay, one second it's all guns out, and now we're just not talking about it? Is that it?" Cade interjected, not having followed his daughter. He planted his hands on his hips. 

        "S'like a soulmate, Cade." Hound answered flatly, scratching at his scrappy beard. "Just say 'congrats on getting hitched' and let's be done with it."

        "Do not defile me with such humanly terms." The tyrant growled in warning, disgust lacing it's way into his tone.

        "Doin' a good enough job of that yourself." The pot belly mech responded with ease, gesturing to the exit with a jerk of his chin. 

        Cade whipped up to eye the towering giant. "Really? She's damn near a kid, man. you can't just-"

        "The femme is of full growth, human." Soundwave informed blatantly.

        "What crawled up your ass, old man. Upset because you're in the presence of real men?" The single optic mech jabbed facetiously, tilting his helm to side mockingly.

        "Do not test me, human. I will pass every time." Megatron leered at Cade with a hiss. His metal features curled into an ugly snarl.

        "The femme is among our ranks, make no mistake insect." Onslaught added.

        Barricade made something akin to an annoyed snort. "Are you ever going to shut your trap? Or do you need to keep reminding us?"

        Another bark of Cybertronian left the decepticon leader before he stormed after his conjunx with purpose in his thundering steps. His claws twitched at his sides, itching for a fight and to spill some energon or even some human blood.

        Optimus's optics followed the fellow mech up until he'd left the building entirely. He racked his processor, recounting everything all over again and, by the allspark, the pieces fit together unmistakably, falling into place much too easily. It answered some of his questions; why he'd kept her alive, kept her around, protected her, being the first to her defense... It all made sense now and he'd be lying if he'd said the realization didn't make his spark cringe.

        "But, how is that even possible?" Drift inquired to the Prime.

        "Are you thick bro?" Nitrozeus narrowed his optic incredulously. " 'Ya just saw the little lady, or do your optics not work either?"

        The samurai glared pointedly. "Decepticons know no shame."

        "No shame in our game, autobot."

        Optimus ignored the two with a long vent, glancing down to Bumblebee's questioning gaze. No wonder he'd be curious, he was the youngest mech out of the lot of them. All he knew was war and none of the prosperity that Cybertron once homed. Drift was rather young in comparison as well, but nowhere near Bee's adolescence. He turned to the blue seeker. "Sparkbonds between differing species isn't unheard of, but I have no prior knowledge on human relations and those that were here before us."

        "It's entirely possible those fellas from way back bonded with humans. Gets lonely on this planet. I'd know." Hound supplied.

        Nitrozeus made a grotesque gesture to his modesty plating. "I guess nothing stops 'em from a good frag." He snorted.

        "Sounds like a drag, if you ask me." Crosshairs commented.

        "Good thing no one asked you." The robust mech sat himself back down, pulling his helmet from his helm.

        "I wouldn't talk too loud. Big man doesn't take things too lightly when it comes to the misses. You feel me?" Nitrozeus crossed his arms with a shrug.

        "Yeah? Well I'm not the one who's whipped." The aussie retorted.

        The banter continued, but went unheard by the Prime as he lost himself inside his own head. In what situation would Megatron have warranted taking a conjunx? What circumstances could've possibly called for a measure as drastic as bonding oneself to a much smaller life form? Especially one that would only average a lifespan of about eighty years, no less. His brow ridge creased. Why take a conjunx that one could not properly solidify a bond with? His mind was momentarily dragged back to his late partner and his spark ached sorely.

        Elita-one. His processor repeated fondly. When she'd passed all those eons ago, a part of him died that day too. As macabre as it was to say, he would not be who he is today without surviving that dark moment in his life.

        So, why take a conjunx that would ultimately pass on to rejoin oblivion? Why ? The questioned gnawed at him. His curiosity was truly an unruly beast.

        It was such a selfish decision on his part. Dare he say even manipulative. Did she even know what she's gotten dragged into?

        Just outside, Lauren sat against the outer wall, eyes cast skyward to the setting sun. Her cheek was still red, she could feel it, but it wasn't a huge deal. In fact, she'd even say she deserved the strike. She'd call them even for all intents purposes.

        The thick file rested atop her lap, her finger nails finding stimulation in picking at the waxy paperclips. She didn't even bat an eye when Megatron emerged from the building.

        The mech moved to stand beside where she sat, optics casted down at her small form. It wasn't just she who also felt exposed. Did he regret blurting out that she was inadvertently his spouse? Yes. Did he regret her? Primus no. Never. "Your face, girl, does it pain you?"

        "No. No, it doesn't. It was nothing and I sorta deserved it, y'know?" Sapphire eyes drifted up to stare at him.

        He growled bitterly at her words. "Do not repeat such ignorant things, bug. No harm that comes to you is deserved. Know that. "

        God, he had a strange way of expressing his affections, but it wasn't a bother. She got the idea. Dragging her sights away, she returned to watching the sun descend. "Yeah, yeah, but it really wasn't that big of a deal, so don't do anything stupid." It was a gentle warning that threatened her puny anger.

        The mech growled once more from deep within his chassis, his spark longing to be closer to her. "I have killed for far less excursions, fragile one."

        "I know." No, she didn't, but she certainly had an idea and wasn't willing to ask for an elaboration.

        "What of that file?" He questioned frankly.

        Lauren hesitated for a moment, before swallowing down her bubbling feelings. "It's information on Lockdown." She began slowly, debating on her next words. "There's a blueprint of his ship in it or at least what it's supposed to look like, it's pretty old though."

        Megatron had his interest piqued and turned his helm to fulling look down at her. "Might be good to know how the damned thing works, right?" She didn't meet his gaze, eyes locked onto the colorful sky.

        He could've swore that he glimpsed something there for just a nano-klik, but just as quickly as he realized, it was long gone. She wasn't getting pretty good at that. He was both annoyed at her emotional distance and proud of her quick learning. He let the problem go once more with a grumble, despite his spark's ache.

        "Why'd you flee, girl?" The tyrant asked abruptly.

        She shrugged loosely to herself. "I just... needed some air. Lot of folks in there." Sometimes she found herself missing those days in Africa, where it was just the two of them. Things had gotten a lot more complicated since then.

        He understood her perfectly. He, too, needed to be in his lonesome more often than not, but he truly didn't mind if she were to join him. The primal, possessive part of himself desired all her attention and to keep her from others entirely, but he knew that not possible in their current state. His spark surged unpleasantly at the recollection of watching her work so diligently on Barricade the previous joors. She worked so diligently for a mech that may not even appreciate her efforts, but what had to be done, had to be done.

        Lauren's face contorted in annoyance for only a fraction of a second and she knew it couldn't have been her own emotions. She cast the exchange aside because he was also entitled to his privacy.

        The sun was nearly entirely gone by that point and she knew that she should head back inside, brave an unbothered face, and pretend as if the entire ordeal didn't embarrass her, but not just yet. She could stay outside for just a few more moments. Just a few.

        Megatron trailed his optics over her with ease, noting the way she pulled her legs close, becoming smaller, gaze locked on the horizon. There was apprehension about her, he felt it. The mech stooped, taking her in his hand with care and her willing compliance. "You have instilled your trust in me."

        She couldn't grasp if he was asking or stating. "Yes, why?" The sun had disappeared for the night.

        "Then trust me, bug." He spoke with assurance as he transformed swiftly, shedding his truck mode in favor of his Cybertronian flight mode. He was gentle when depositing her into the quaint cockpit. He blasted off with an earth rattling thrust of his engine.

        Lauren yelled in surprise as the g-force hit her. "I didn't think you meant this!" She sputtered.

        His engine rumbled. "It does not matter what I intended. Trust me, girl." He came firmly with promise.

        And trust she did. She seated herself comfortably as they climbed altitude swiftly. Her heart thrummed in her chest with exhilaration, her breath stolen away. She was dazed and confused, but excited.

        The night sky whipped past in a spotted blur as the rose above the clouds. Megatron threw a belt over the femme and secured her to the pit tightly before ducking into a barrel role to which she shrieked and he really didn't mind the sound when it was pitched like that.

        He could practically taste the anticipation she was feeling. It caused him to rumble in abject satisfaction and perhaps it ignited his sense of pride, too. Her skin was warm against his metals as he ascended once more, making her weightless for a klik. The decepticon pushed his thrusters to their fullest.

        "So, where are we going?" Lauren inquired with a smile tugging at her lips.

        "Patience." He instructed, nose diving once more through the accumulation of clouds, the moisture whipped off his alt form. He was flying so fast that not even the stars in the sky could be distinguished, especially not by her human eyes.

        The decepticon rolled once more as he plummeted toward the earth. The brunette pressed into him with a yelp as be edged the planet's crust.

        Lauren startles slightly when she felt the wind lick at her skin having not noticed the cockpit opening in their flight. She wanted to be scared, hell, she should've been scared shitless, but no fear came. It was true, she trusted him holy and knew that he knew what he was doing.

        Under the shroud of darkness, she spotted the moonlight gleaming off a large body of water. No, not huge, massive. It was gorgeous and her enticement only grew as he flew just shy of the waters surface. Throwing caution to the wind, she bent over the edge of the pit and reached her hand out toward the still water.

        Megatron was sure to keep a secured grasp on her as she moved, slowing himself as the wind billowed through her tresses. Her scent rode the wind. "Hold tight, girl."

        Obliging, she grabbed for anything within her reach as he transformed midair. His hands flying to secure her to him in a caged embrace as he landed along the waters edge. She wasn't the only lifeform that enjoyed a good bathe once in a while.

        "That was awesome!" She exclaimed as he set her onto her feet.

        He looked upon her tousled hair and glassy eyes with crimson optics. His spark reached for her, bristling pleasantly from within its chamber. The mech tore his gaze away as he made his way into the fresh water. The liquid lapped at him as he cast her another look. "Do not hesitate. Come."

        With a sudden warmth in her face, she quickly stripped with some trouble. How had she completely forgotten about those extra clothes from the store? Kicking her boots aside, she jogged up to the lake clad in her bra and undergarments.

        Testing the water proved it was cold, sure as hell, but that wouldn't stop her.

        Backing up a good some, the brunette broke into a sprint and cannonballed into the body of water, sending up a splash. She resurfaced with a gasp, brushing wet hair from her face.

        "Was that any way to enter?" He questioned flatly, descending deeper into the water.

        She paddled to follow. "Hey, it's cold, okay?"

        He huffed at her. It was cool, definitely, but nit what he'd considered cold and he'd experienced his fair share of cold.

        Lauren dropped her head back to stare into the endless void of night, gazing upon the millions of stars that decorated the inky blackness. It was beautiful and she was thankful to be able experience such a thing. "Hey- Megatron?" She questioned openly as she whipped her head around for the missing mech, perplexed.

        She flinched back suddenly as something grazed her foot and she only had a seconds notice of red before said mech breached the waters surface in an uproar, taking her up with him.

        Clinging to the slippery decepticon, she smacked fruitlessly at him. "That wasn't funny!" She chided him.

        Megatron made a noise akin to a rumbling chuckle, coupled with his bared denta. He held her bare form close, optics casting her a red glow. His spark fluttered at the close contact and suddenly a word was thrust to the forefront of his mind.

        'Beautiful'.

        The glow of the moon reflected off her moistened flesh, the water making her hair appear darker than it really was. He'd never say it aloud, but he was always pleased to look upon her skin and it wasn't a common occurrence. It was quite the rare commodity that he reserved for himself.

        He had his inquires in that file, but those could be answered at a later joor.

        She still had so much weighing on her mind, but for tonight, she could put it aside and just enjoy the quiet moment with him.

        With her conjunx.

        How much weight did that title really carry, she wondered silently as he moved through the water steadily. Her toes occasionally dipped into the murky liquid in his cradled hold. She leaned into his chassis comfortably, taking in his warmth. Her chest pulled incessantly from within.

        Once in a shallower part of the water, she spring boarded off the metal giant, sending up a splash in her wake only to then resurface and splash at him.

        Her gesture was playful, he knew that much, but a challenge wasn't something he'd ever back down from. With a growl, he went up a wave of water at the smaller woman who shrieked in jest, shielding herself with her arms.

        The exchange continued for some time, until she'd tired out and surrendered. God, her cheeks hurt from laughing. She could hardly remember that last time that'd happened. Everything felt at peace, if only for just a moment.

        Lauren lounged atop a high rock and Megatron stood just before that rock, cupping water to rinse over his helm.

        "Do you miss Cybertron?" She inquired from her perch.

        He brought another handful of water down over himself. "Of course. Every single joor that passes is another loss."

        She hummed. "I miss my grandpa." She tucked away some damn hair. "I miss my grandma always bossing me around." A dry laugh escaped her. It felt... nice to talk, to let things out. He listened to her words silently, allowing her to continue. "I mis my mom. She was always so overbearing an protective." Lauren reclined to rest on her back, sights casted to the sky once more. "I miss my home, too..." That part came out quieter, sadness evident in her tone.

        Why was she saying all this? She had no idea, but it came out so easily when it came to him.

        "I thought that... I thought that'd I'd grow up and have a baby and he'd get to be a great grandpa. That we'd celebrate birthdays and holidays together." Her voice trailed off listlessly. "And I'd get really old. I would pass surrounded by the people that I love." A muffled laugh escaped her as she blinked back tears.

        Megatron turned to watch her sit up just over his shoulder servo, her blue eyes distant and wet, but he didn't interrupt her.

        She smiled impossibly wide at him, bearing her teeth. "That's how unbelievably stupid I am." Her eyes averted.

        "That's the way things were supposed to have gone, bug." He supplied evenly.

        Lauren swallowed down her tears with a sigh, allowing a moment of silence to pass before she found it in her to continue her ramble. "I wish I could just," another pause as she thought. "Change."

        "You did, make no mistake on growth."

        "Not enough." Her eyes locked with his. "I'm not like you. It's like, you were made for how things are."

        "War is all I've been acquainted with for eons, it's no noble feat. I survived." He informed firmly.

        "Well, you got away from it. Even just for a little bit."

        "I haven't." He retorted.

        "You have." She assured more confidently.

        "Then maybe you must remind me on occasion, girl."

        Her brows furrowed slightly. "No." The brunette tore her eyes from his gaze, ribbing him of the color blue. "You can't depend on anybody for anything, right? That's what I was taught." Her accent peaked through just barely as she swallowed down more tears.

        Megatron went to respond, but she beat him to it. "I'll be gone someday."

        He knew that, of course he did, but hearing her say it... affirm it, just didn't sit right. A low rumble of a growl escaped him. "Cease your words." He commanded.

        His raise in volume didn't deter her, not one bit. "I will." She lent forward on her knees, eliminating the distance between them. The shine of his optics was almost blinding, but she remained close, a small ghost of a smile pulled at her lips. "You're gonna be the last man standing."

        Her eyes were unblinking and, for once, the decepticon was lost for words as they leveled a gaze.

        "You are." The ashen woman restated with purpose, leaning back just a bit. Her head tilted ever so slightly, allowing some of her still damp hair to fall out of place. "You're going to miss me so bad when I'm gone, Megatronous."

        The use of his name, his former name, made him straighten up, never pulling his optics away. "What is the thing that plagues you?" He questioned genuinely.

        "I'm happy if that's what you're asking. I'm just not blind." She folded her legs beneath her, resting onto her hand. "You got to stay who you are, not who you were."

        His spark gave him a solemn ache and be pushed the feeling away promptly.

        "Places like this. This planet. You have to put it away." She spoke so certainly.

        "Elaborate. What of one cannot?"

        "You have to." The young woman reassured her words. "Or it kills you," Her hand rose to tap the middle of her chest. "Right here."

        The titan moved to scoop her up with a clawed hand, pulling her close to his spark chamber. Her words hit hard in a place he'd long forgotten. She complied easily and relaxed in his hold, resting her head against him. He tucked away her hair once more. "We should be returning."

        A hum escaped her as he moved through the lake with ease.

        "Thank you for this." She whispered softly, her breath could be felt against his chassis.

        "There is no need for gratitude. I simply did what I wanted, girl." The duo emerged from the water and he set her down to dress.

        Her scent still carried on the wind even after he took off. She smelled sweet, earthy, and awashed in him. He flew just a bit slower this time around, savoring the moment. She'd fallen into slumber near immediately and he was cautious not to rouse her.

        His spark thrummed knowingly from within and he felt like he understood her turmoil now and that he could name that fleeting emotion she'd been toting around.

        It was hurt, but not just hurt. It was hopelessness, yearning, longing, envy, and contempt. A true mystery of emotion.

        The ache his spark captured was relentless and just how long had she been carrying that? He didn't know and the not knowing was what irked him.

        He looked upon her sleeping form for a brief moment and wanted to say that he knew what this 'love' was now.

        Oh, how he loved her, but was he really ready to confront that?

Notes:

...Sooooooooo... How're we feeling...?

Chapter 37: Idyllic

Notes:

Hey everyone! I just wanted to pop in and say a big THANK YOU for all the kudos, comments, and for reading so far! AHHHHHHHH I LOVE YOU ALL SO, SO, SO, SO MUCH! <3 <3

On another, entirely separate note, I'm so done with everything hehe. No lie, I'm 3 seconds from joining the military, infantry. But, that's another complaint for another day! I'm dying my hair soon for the first time in YEARS! This brunet is going all red baby, YEEAAHHHHHHH! HEHE!

Also... I feed you all my children... Please, eat this chapter up viciously... I think you may love it, I fear ;)

ALSO, ONE MORE THING BEFORE WE GET THIS CHAPTER STARTED, I WANT TO GIVE A  H U G E  SHOUTOUT TO Andy_Nyell FOR MAKING ME SOME OF THE MOST BELOVED FANART EVER! <3 <3 Check it out on Tumblr here!

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     Three more days passed since the lake and that file she'd been so graciously gifted remained with what few things she owned, sandwiched between two folded shirts. In the meantime, both Lauren and Cade were knee deep in work. He was mechanical, she found. It took one to know one after all.

        Much to her delight, the older male did have a collection of disarrayed tools on hand. Where he got them, she didn't know and didn't ask. She was just thankful she wouldn't have to be leaving the cathedral again anytime soon. The young woman felt safe under the stained glass glow and with Megatron only a call away. Now, if everyone would stop casting her glances and side eyeing her, she'd be perfect. Peachy-keen.

        What was the big deal anyway? They were bonded, so what? Hardly a reason to stare. She'd be lying if she said that their optics didn't make her feel insecure. 

        "Hey, Tessa, make yourself useful. Boys, they're nothing, but trouble. I'd know. C'mon, hand me the Allen wrench." Cade beckoned his daughter as he worked upon Optimus.

        Shane gave the blonde's hand a squeeze as he rose to his feet to retrieve the tool.

        "No, no, not you Romeo. Tessa, now. Your old man's not getting any younger."

        With a huff, the teen stormed off the couch and over to the battered tool box with a stomp in her step. Snatching up a tool, she was quick to approach her father, thrusting the wrench up at him with sass.

        Cade wiped some grime onto his shirt hem. "Tess, I said a Allen wrench, not pipe. You're better than that now."

        She stomped her foot again, arm growing tired. "I got you a wrench, just take it. There's not even that much of a difference."

        "Yeah? And daisy-dukes and booty shorts aren't the same, right? Just get me the wrench Tess." The father used a rag to wiped away some petrolex on Optimus's chest plating. "Kids, am I right?"

        The Prime vented a dry laugh. "I went through that with Bumblebee."

        The child in question rummaged through the assortment of tools as she muttered he objections under her breath. "Ugh, it's not here! You're Allen thing."

        Lauren turned her head over her shoulder just as she finished securing a piece of plating to Barricade. "I've got it!" She waved said tool in show.

        The scout in her expert care growled out with a jerk. "Watch your appendages fleshbag." He hissed through his denta. Lauren didn't so much as flinch at his irritated insult a she bat some hair from her moist skin. Summer may have been ending, but she sure as shit could work up a sweat and the decepticons all seemed to run hot.

        "Great, go grab it Tess, I got my hands full of what-nots and thingamabobs." Cade called out to his daughter with his arms elbow deep in a blast hole.

        "Dad." She whined. "I'm not going over there." The blonde gestured wildly at the decepticons 'side'.

        Barricade and Nitrozeus snickered among themselves. "Where'd those claws go, kitten?" The single optic mech jabbed.

        The cruiser ground out. "Your fear wreaks, insect." The disgust was evident I'm his tone.

        Lauren climbed down from her standing atop the scout's knee servo, wrench in hand. The brunette closed the gap between her and the teen with a few quick strides. "They're assholes, don't listen to them. I don't."

        "Hey, don't leave a brotha out of the chick-talk." Nitrozeus quipped with a snicker.

        "Seriously, don't listen to it." Lauren dropped the Allen wrench into the hands of Tessa before glancing up to Cade. "Hey, do you have a soldering iron?"

        Cade glanced up from his task, sweat beaded across his forehead and his t-shirt stained dark. "Uh, beats me kid, fish around in the box. If there's not, you'll have to go the old fashion rout." He used his sleeve to wipe his face roughly. "Put Tom and Jerry to work, use a lighter." He made a pinch motion with his fingers. His gesture swiftly turned into snapping his fingers at his daughter. "Hey, hey, make off like the Romeo you are go find some poison. Tess," he pointed. "Why don't I show you how to weld. You love being hands on, so come on. Up."

        "Dad." The teen in speculation scolded in embarrassment.

        Lauren returned to her work swiftly, ignoring the scene to the very best of her abilities as well as Barricade's low reverberating grumbles of displeasure.

        She was used to working with background noise to fuel her concentration, but the father-daughter duo bickering was doing anything, but. If anything, it was making everything harder, her brows furrowed in suppressed annoyance. Though, there was a very plausible chance that said annoyance was not only her own, but the decepticon tyrant's bleeding through. Anything was possible.

        Music, she needed music. She'd say that the genre didn't matter, but that wouldn't be entirely true. There was just some stuff her ears could not bear to hear. Hell, metal on metal was more pleasant than some genres.

        "Do you have a working radio? Or is that broken too?" Lauren inquired to Barricade as she pinched a set of wires between her sore finger tips, causing the giant to hiss.

        "I will not indulge your races pitiful excuse of music. I'm already on Primus's doorstep." He ground out through clenched denta, his hot breath heating her already sweaty skin.

        She knew he'd say something like that, but nobody could say she didn't try.

        A whir sound drew her attention as the yellow bot, Bumblebee, bobbed his head as if following a rhythm.

        "Yeah Bee, let's get some entertainment goin'. Wouldn't happen to have a cold beer in that trunk too, huh?" Cade crossed his arms atop his chest.

        "That's a negative, Mister Rogers." Bumblebee replied with a snipped audio recording, sagging his shoulders in an exaggerated manner which caused the cruiser decepticon to scoff.

        "Hell, I don't care what 'ya play, just get those two to shut their traps." Hound added gesturing to the father-daughter duo with his chin.

        The father in question shot the pot belly mech a look. "Hey, you watch your little girl try to such face with some guy and then come back to me, alright?"

        "Leave me out of it, already got my hands full babysittin' y'all."

        Lauren pulled her attention away and back to the yellow mech who waved off the fussing. "I take it your radio works." It was a statement. She could practically feel the burning holes of those staring at her as she did her best to ignore it.

        "We have a winner everyone! " The young scout clapped in the enthusiastic way a game show host would. It was endearing in its own right. He really did have an air of childishness about him. Dipping his helm into a nod.

        "As if the yellow bugger knows anything about good music. Try asking a grown up." Crosshairs jabbed from where he was perched, wicked smirk crossing his features.

        Bumblebee whirred something that vaguely sounded like 'fuck off' with a glare to punctuate his words before turning his attention back to the femme. His radio switched back and forth with haste as he settled upon a particular station. The telltale sounds of an acoustic guitar could be heard as the short mech pretended to tip and invisible cowboy hat in her direction.

        Yet another play at being Texan. She'd of scoffed if it wasn't delivered so playfully and honestly.

        "Yeah, shake some tail betsy. Cotton eye Joe or whatever that shit is called." Nitrozeus added fuel to the fire as the country music droned on. The single optic mech feigned a lasso.

        Her nose scrunched at the mech incredulously, as she fiddled with some more wiring beneath Barricade's chest plating.

        Square dancing, he was referring to square dancing. She knew that, but down right refused to acknowledge such a thing. In truth, she really didn't mind the drawl of country. Made her feel at home in some stereotypical way. Her grandfather and all those times she complained about Johnny Cash came to mind a small smile crawled onto her lips at the fond memories.

        She most definitely would not mention that she knew Jason Aldean was the singer of the current song to which she followed the lyrics with ease.

        "There's that twang, Miss cowgirl. Giddie-up." The tracker was hootin and hollerin', as her grandmother would've said. Barricade's growled objections went unheard by her.

        "She's a hot little number in her pick up truck."

        Lauren's head bobbed slightly to the tune of the song as she drawled upon the lyrics with familiarization.

        "She's a ragin' Cajun, lunatic from Brunswick. Juicy Georgia peach with a thick southern drawl. Sexy swingin' walk, brother she's all country!"

        Megatron hadn't spared her a moment without his tentative gaze, and now was no exception. His optics shamelessly traveled her movements and his audials high tuned to her voice. He'd noted the inflection and pronunciation of certain words did, in fact, sound different. That accent of her that rarely bled through in normal speech.

        He found the difference pleasant and that it rather suited for her.

        Lauren knew he was watching and part of that knowledge made her just that more comfortable, like everyone else wasn't also staring. She was a pianist, but the crowd staring never eased up. That's what it sort of felt like.

        "I find such differentiating dialects are the marvel in the masses." Drift commented. "Not yours's." He leveled a look at Crosshairs, who responded with a curse.

        "A hell raisin' sugar when the sun goes down. Mama taught her how to rip up the town."

        She tapped her foot absent mindedly as she crimped another set of wires with ease, even despite the cruiser squirming under her stance. The music truly did wash away and drown out all her distractions. It was a true God send.

        "Crazy mother trucker, undercover lover. Thick southern drawl, sexy swingin' walk. Brother she's all country."

        Lauren pulled her hand away when a shock nipped at her finger tips, a curse on her tongue.

        "You actually listen to this redneck crap?" Tessa had asked incredulously through the music, her annoyance apparent as she sat beside Shane cross armed.

        "Hey, all music is good music. Better than silence." Lauren had quipped without looking at the teen. Better than bickering, too, but she didn't say that.

        "Bullshit. The only shit you're shaking your ass too is that white-chick scrap." Nitrozeus interrupted obnoxiously.

        The brunette cast a glare over to the one optic mech. "Well if you haven't noticed, I'm a white chick."

        "No, you're a cowgirl. There's a difference, don't get it twisted."

        She didn't dignify him with a response, save for her scoff as she hopped down from Barricade's leg to search for the supposed soldering iron, if it even existed. God, she hoped it did. She did not have the patience for holding a lighter for the next six hours. Hell, she's probably already burned off her finger prints.

        "Ugh, enough of this crap. Bee!" Tessa called to the yellow mech who whirred in attention. "Switch to the hit music station, before I pull my hair out." The irony of her cowboy boots was something to behold.

        "Anything for you, sweetheart! " A clipped male voice came over the country music as the young scout switched to another station entirely.

        The brunette would've rolled her eyes, but she truly didn't mind the change if it'd spare her the dramatics.

        "I regret to inform that the previous scrap ruckus was more preferable." Onslaught bit in scrutiny.

        "Just shoot for the stars, if it feels right. Then aim for my heart, if you feel like. And take me away. And make it okay."

        Lauren hummed to the vaguely familiar lyrics as she sorted through the random assortment of tools, hoping and praying that every time she moved something that the soldering iron would be right there. But, alas, she still hadn't located the damned tool.

        "You say I'm a kid. My ego is big. I don't give a shit. And it goes like this. (Ah) take me by the tongue, and I'll know you. (Ah) kiss me till you're drunk, and I'll show you all the moves like Jagger."

        A subtle feminine voice popped through the music and Lauren glanced up momentarily to spot Tessa singing along lazily, eyes glued to Shane as she smiled with rosy cheeks. At least she was happy.

        "I'd advise you hurry, insect." Barricade growled painfully, only to receive a warning glare from his esteemed leader. Silently, he was put back in his place without so much as a lift of a servo.

        "(Ah) I don't need try to control you. (Ah) look into my eyes, and I'll own you."

        Well, still no soldering iron, but she did find the power drill she'd requested hours ago. What use was it to her now? She'd already did everything by hand! With a groan, Tessa continued on with her singing as Lauren continued in her search.

        Nitrozeus bobbed his helm to the lyrics, arms crossed atop his chassis as Megatron's gaze remained on her.

        A growing irritation was brewing hastily in his spark as the sparkling femme prattled on with the songs lyrics. Her voice was unpleasant upon his audio receptors and he had half the mind to roar at her to cease, but he refrained.

        "Baby, it's hard when you feel like you're broken and scarred, nothing feels right. But when you're with me. I'll make you believe that I've got the key. Oh, so get in the car, you can ride it wherever you want, get inside it. And you want to steer, but I'm shifting gears. I'll take it from here."

        Megatron studied her features as she concentrates on locating her needed tool. Mindlessly, she hummed a lyric here and there and if he listened close enough, he could make out the whisper of her breath beneath all the noise. It made his metal tight and his spark thrum.

        His subordinate best watch his glossa if he knew what was good for him.

        Lauren was growing annoyed and her hope was fading as her endeavors were turning up unsuccessful.

        "(Uh) you wanna know how to make me smile. Take control, own me just for the night."

        Tessa's own singing voice coupled with the female singer in a strange duet as she grew pink in the face. Shane returned her smile toothily.

        "Nobody else can see this. (Uh) so watch and learn, I won't show you twice,"

        The blonde, flushed teen leaned in ever so slightly to peck her boyfriend upon the lips playfully just as Lauren found her soldering iron and turned to the scene at hand.

        "Nobody is learning anything unless it's you and social distancing, lucky charms." Cade had stomped down from where he worked with Optimus, the song forgotten on the teen.

        Lauren watched the young couple from where she stood and the way Tessa's father scolded the two sternly. His forehead creased with long earned wrinkles and his face flushed with anger.

        The smile that adorn the blonde's face only moments prior replayed in her mind. It hadn't been an inherently perverse interaction between her and Shane, but the show of affection stuck out in her mind, making the moment screech to a halt. Her brows furrowed unconsciously, pulling her expression taunt as the music droned on, albeit at a lower volume.

        "Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh. Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh. Am I wrong? For thinking out the box from where I stay? Am I wrong? For saying that I choose another way?"

        It had only been a peck on the lips and it wasn't as if she was all that much older than the teen, but she sure as hell felt like she was a million years ahead of her and yet falling behind all at once. It was an oxymoron.

        "I'm walking down this road of mine. This road that just call home. So am I wrong? For thinkin' we could be something for real?"

        It was an odd feeling, truly; to feel like you have so much more wisdom than another and yet lack such normal life experiences. Some would even say pivotal life experiences for a woman of her age. She moved back to the decepticon cruiser with Ling tribes, found tool in hand.

        It was only a peck on the lips.

        Yet, something about watching the exchange brewed something unnamable within her. Lauren shoved down the feeling swiftly. She was being ridiculous, a child. There was no time to dote on something so insignificant.

        "Am I tripping, huh, for having a vision? My prediction, I'ma be on top of the world. Walk your walk and don't look back."

        A soft scoff escaped her as she turned back to the tasks at hand. She'd always favored her work above all else. This was no different, no different at all.

        "Now if you tell me I'm wrong, wrong. I don't wanna be right, right. If you tell me I'm wrong, wrong. I don't wanna be right. Am I wrong? For thinking we could be something for real? Now, am I wrong?"

        Megatron cast a sideways glance to the smaller woman as his spark suddenly flickered oddly. The action served to signal him and allow him to privy her feelings. His optics narrowed slightly as she worked on Barricade. Her absent singing had since ceased and a slight frown became placid upon her face.

        What had that been just then? That fleeting feeling just moments ago.

        Sapphire eyes did not meet his, dead set on busying herself upon Barricade.

        It was hard to pin a name upon such an emotion when she was so immediate to chase it off into the nothing. Not even he could catch it and something told him he wasn't supposed to have caught its trail in the first place.

        Femmes and their inner processor turmoil, he'd never understand it.

        His spark pulled at him, reaching out for her with a distant yearn. He didn't like seeing her hands work their way around his underlings frames and he certainly didn't enjoy the way she sang under her breath in their presences. Call him possessive.

        Though, now she worked with said melodies droning on in the background to which she did not follow and he suddenly missed her vocals, even if they weren't directly aimed at him.

        They were still his, they'd always be his, no matter her intended direction.

        And still he clung onto the remnants of that fleeting feeling she'd experienced prior. And why was that?

        "Am I wrong?"

        Perhaps he was curious and wanted a definitive answer, never one to enjoy misunderstanding.

        Let it go. His processor chastised him in a whisper to which he growled deeply, biting back his own internal reprimand.

        It wasn't a pleasant feeling, that much he could grasp for a fact, but all else was lost on him. All descriptive words were unfit and it left him to ponder. His claws flexed as his denta clenched together, his jaw gears torqued.

        Still, his optics remained on her in a side eyed stare.

        He pulled his gaze away at the commotion across the chapel.

        "What have I told you? No smooching in front of me, okay?" Cade had barked.

        "You're so square! Nobody says 'smooching'! You realize you're the only dad like this." Tessa retorted defiantly, cheeks red from embarrassment.

        "The only dad like this? I hate to break it to you honey, but this is how all dads are." The father turned his sights to the opposite side of the building. "Hey, kid, Lauren, tell her. All dads are like this, huh."

        "Wouldn't know, never had one." Lauren stated quickly, her tone flat. Her eyes never left her task. The music continued in in the background, though it seemed as though it was lost on her. 

        There. There it was again, that feeling.

        Megatron was hasty to pounce upon the retreating emotion and now he could properly describe it.

        It was want in some caliber of the meaning, but that's only what he could figure out in a nanoklik's time. It puzzled him.

        Want was a much too broad term in the grand scheme of dialect and language, but the realization left him more lost than he'd originally been.

        It left him irritated and with more questions than was warranted.

        The whole ordeal made his spark reach out to her and in some way he wanted to cage her in and determine just what it could be she desired so. It was an instinct that came with sparkmating, he knew that much, but it didn't quite help him in his endeavors.

        To the pits with it all.

        The nature of her want didn't feel pleasant, nor pleasurable. It was forlorn and hurtful in the way she longed. An ache.

        But, why ?

        He couldn't help the way his optics drifted back over her way. The way Optimus tracked his sights was unbeknownst to the decepticon.

        The autobot leader hadn't been excluded from the tense excursion, observing from just beyond the threshold as the humans conversed. Nor was the way Megatron's optics hardened lost on him. He noted it silently.

        It was natural for one worry about one's mate, partner for lack of better words. Conjunx. Though, the sight of something so unwittingly upon the decepticon overlord was enough to make his spark crawl with deeply suppressed disgust, concern, and a long lost part of him would've even said envy.

        They all had their reservations and thoughts on such a subject.

        The sound of movement just beyond the stone walls, pulled the autobot leader from his thoughts. He adverted his sights to the emerging decepticon seeker, Blackout.

        The chopper pushed into the space, as if stalking. "Immediate perimeters are secure." He relayed flat and matter-of-factly. "Airspace is currently void."

        "Affirmative." Soundwave responded in kind.

        A small system of sorts had been established in the several days since their arrival. Blackout had taken it upon himself to secure and monitor the immediate surroundings, much like he had previously. Though, he was not immune to the calls of rest, and thus others took up the duty in his leave, though rare.

        The autobots were only in possession of one seeker, after all.

        Barricade grunted hoarsely from his position, shooing Lauren off less than pleasantly. "I'll take up next cycle."

        The brunette crossed her arms atop her chest. "You can barley move. I don't need you ruining what I've worked on all day." Her tone was grating and blunt

        "Shut your trap, organic. I know my limits." The cruiser had barked.

        "Just say you like it rough Cade, we'll get it." Nitrozeus shrugged lazily.

        The scout growled out something dangerously 8n their native language with a glare shaped than a blade.

        "Cease your sparkling lunacy. The girl speaks truth." Megatron reprimanded harshly with no room for even the thought of debate. "I will take upon the duty." He rose to his pedes with ease, filling the room with his presence, crimson optics not leaving Lauren's form. "Come, bug."

        She was momentarily surprised as be dipped his open palm down to her expectantly. Despite her confusion, she obliged immediately and was swiftly uprooted from the ground below.

        "Report, the previous parameter circumference you secured." The tyrant regarded Blackout.

        "15,840 feet in each cardinal direction. 17,000 feet in ascended airspace." Blackout was swift to provide his answer.

        "You do well by me, Blackout. I will retorted within the joor. You should have reached full recharge within that time frame. See to it that you do."

        "Affirmative." A true soldier the chopper was.

        Megatron didn't offer any other parting words, save for Nitrozeus giving an obnoxiously girly wave to Lauren as they rounded the corner and out into the night.

        Her eyes were swift to find the star speckled sky and a sense of relief washed over her. She was thankful for the moment and lack of prying eyes. Fresh air was good for her. A gentle breeze swept by, inciting goosebumps across her ashen skin.

        Noticing the reaction, the mech was swift to transform, pulling her within his truck alt mode and taking off.

        A comfortable silence settle over the duo as he drove and she relaxed. She had an inkling that he wasn't just going to drive around aimlessly. That didn't seem like his MO. And, true to her suspicion, she spotted the old abandoned high school grow near.

        "What're we doing here?" Lauren found herself questioning.

        "We've yet to solidify your connection to the bond." He supplemented flatly. It had been something he was thinking about since their night at the lake as her words replayed in his processor on repeat. Her words inescapable. There was also a chance that he wanted some silence and peace away from so many others, he knew she could appreciate the reprieve also.

        Once upon the school, he transformed and ducked into the opening he'd made. The gym floors reflected some of the rogue moonlight that streamed in. He let he down, boots squeaking against the wood flooring.

        The decepticon sat himself with a mixed growl-vent, relaxing his servos if only a fraction. Lauren copied and sat across from him, sapphire eyes casted upward.

        He wasted little time as his spark came forth with ease, slipping from between his chassis and chest plating. Her nimble hand held out for it expectantly, gentle smile adoring her features. The fond warmth soothed her immediately as she slipped her eyes closed, diving within their bond. Her mind scurried to form a mental plateau.

        The sudden memory of Tessa smiling so brightly blinded her abruptly and she huffed in annoyance, shoving it away harshly.

        "Reach into that want, girl. Take it and make it your's." His deep bellowed order had her exhale as she did as she was told.

        What did she want? It was a hard thing to describe, but all she knew was that she wanted it. Was that so wrong?

        Lauren delved deep into the storm of their bond.

____________________

        She came to within her home once more, teen prom dress gripped at her body like a vice. She hadn't thought about prom, or lack there of, in forever. So why?

        Why this memory so suddenly?

        "Reach into that want, girl."

        His words rang out like an echo and she did just that. Dug, pushed, and dove into that fleetingly ugly emotion. It was want, yes, but it was also a shameful culmination of envy, jealousy, and deep rooted loneliness. They were all feelings she did her best to snuff out.

        Suddenly, her prom dress made more sense. She'd been envious of those girls her age then, and she still was somewhere deep down.

        The sound of movement had her turning to face Megatron as he emerged into the home. Her hands smoothed over her dress.

        She didn't want to talk about it. Not now, not ever.

        "Dance with me?" Lauren inquired as he closed into her space, sapphire eyes casted up to him, searching.

        He could feel it, the shame in her realization. This was a deflection, he knew that too as he stepped up to her and grasped her hand, optics never leaving the traces of her face.

        The duo stood before one another, hands and claws interlinked respectively. Her flesh was warm, burning even, against his metal. Their surroundings seemed to bleed away as they locked gazes. Her then prom dress hugged her much older body fittingly. She was truly a sight for him to behold as a soft melody began it's song in the background.

        "I'm back on the train to find me another one. Charcoal and steam and you on my mind. You see I find you in places like sunsets and melodies. I'm cold when it storms in my summer fire."

        Her pupils grew and contracted as he stared into sapphire eyes, her grip on him tightened subtly as she drew herself closer hesitantly as if uncertain of the action, like he'd pull away and burn her.

        "But if breathings harder as we get farther. Forecast weather nearby. But if waiting's torture. I'll take another one. For you I'll take another one. You're still on my mind. I'm halfway asleep."

        The mech dipped his helm wordlessly, coming closer to her face as if he were heeding a call. Lauren's breath was warm as she exhaled, inching closer by the moment. Megatron squeezed his hold on her as if silently urging the woman. Reassuring her movements.

        They were so close in that moment, intertwined in one another's space as they swayed to the music. His spark thrummed in pleasure at the proximity, pushing him further into her and the dance.

        "I feel you right next to me. The sound of your heartbeat, what keeps me awake. Oh baby just as you are, God you're a sight to see. And every part of me is wanting you more."

        Climbing to her tip toes, her lips ghosting his own with hot, bated breath. Her heart hammered in her chest as apprehension swelled dangerously.

        "Do you have even a semblance of what you may be doing, girl?" He ground out huskily, his voice hushed so only she may hear and still, he didn't pull away, allowing her to invade his much guarded space. Primus, his spark ached.

        "But if breathings harder as we get farther. Forecast weather nearby. But if waiting's torture. I'll take another one. For you I'll take another one. You're still on my mind."

        "An idea." She replied back quietly, no louder than a whisper.

        "I love all that we are. I love all that we are. I love all that we are."

        Megatron pushed her back to her heels, with a firm, yet gentle hand. She need not come to his level, he'd prefer her beneath him, even if the lord preferred to hold her eyes at a leveled manner. It was a compromise he was willing to accommodate.

        She lowered obediently, his face chasing her's as he hovered.

        "All that we are. All we are. I love all that we are. I love all that we are."

        "Do you have any idea what you're doing?" Lauren questioned softly, jest evident in her tone to conceal her growing shyness.

        He growled lowly, keeping her to him. "I possess a notion." Megatron breached the centimeters separating them with tact, his lip plates met her's in a much too gentle manner that was unbecoming of him.

        "All that we are."

        This was wrong.

        Lauren's lips feathered his, but she did not retract. Leaning into the kiss, she hummed deeply in content, the world slipped away, lost to oblivion in that calm moment. Her chest blossomed with warmth as something unseen pulled her closer to him.

        The moment was perfect in every way to her. It may be that she's only dreaming, within their bond, but that was besides the fact. To hell with that night when she was seventeen. To hell with her MIA date. To hell with it all, she was here now and it was idyllic. Nothing needed to be said, no words spoken, all she must do was feel and he'd respond in tandem.

        "But if breathings harder as we get farther. Forecast weather nearby. But if waiting's torture. I'll take another one. Ooh, I'll take another one."

        She'd never known what she wanted in life and now that she had it in her palms, it was serene.

        She just knew.

        The decepticon lord near engulfed her in his hold. His armored plating grew tight with the way his chassis expanded, swelling with pride and flickers of nameless emotion. Barely contained to the chamber, his spark surged, igniting in a hot blaze within himself. All was warm as his emotions clashed with the influx of her's.

        "You're still on my mind."

        This was wrong. His subconscious chided, but he did little to listen to whatever logic he thought may be there. Never in his whole existence had he felt such a borage of feeling. It was exciting, exhilarating, warm, tender, and vicious all at once, like the wake of a fight without the bloodshed, but with all of the thrill.

        "I love all that we are."

        Was this what he'd been missing for so long...? He felt whole each and every time he indulged himself just a little more. Like the pieces of his messy madness finally slipped into place and made sense.

        "I love all that we are."

        More. Something he'd always craved, more.

        The tender moment made him realize that all that time back, he didn't make a mistake, despite his second thoughts. Adjoining them in fate was right. His only folly was finding forever in someone who'd not be there to see it with him.

        "You're going to miss me so bad when I'm gone, Megatronous."

        Her words, those words haunted him because they were irrefutable.

        This is wrong.

        Megatron separated from her steadily, pulling just far enough back to gaze down at her flushed face, sapphire eyes panned elsewhere. His features scrunched. "Keep your sights up, bug." The command was issued with a dull sternness, his hold on her protective and possessive all the same.

        "All that we are."

        Lauren, abiding by his words, straighten up, and craned her head back to lock gazes with the mech. The soft melody of the music was lost on her, droning on in the background listlessly. She worried at her bottom lip.

        Reading her with ease, he spoke. "Your movement suggests inexperience."

        "Way to point it out, first time and all." She admitted dryly, if a bit embarrassed. Her eyes darted away from his for a moment's time as silence was exchanged between the duo. "It's stupid." The brunette was suddenly insecure under his optics.

        His brow ridge creased. "Your human life is, but a speck in the stretch of time. Do not affirm your inexperience with self pity." His words were hard and shot straight through her. "There will not be a first you will lack by the time you rejoin oblivion." He swore.

        Lauren didn't offer a verbal response as a smile crawled up her rosy lips. She stepped forth and rested herself against his chassis. Something deep within her chest bristled pleasantly.

        Megatron didn't falter in his steps, keeping her close as they moved in tandem. A blissful peace awash him as her chest pressed into his chassis, soothing his spark. He was entirely thankful in these moments, thankful their bond allowed such private endeavors reserved for only them, away from prying optics and eavesdropping audials. Here he was free, for once in his life. Not to say he didn't find solace in her worldly presence, quite the opposite.

        The things his men would say if they were privy to such a delicate moment. It was a far cry from his battle oriented self.

        Crimson optics glanced down to her as she hummed quietly along with the music. The reverberations could be felt against his metal and he responded unknowingly with a baritone grumble of his own. Damn the instincts that came with sparkbonding.

        He preferred seeing her in such a condition; brighter, healthier, fuller. Untouched by conflict and him.

        What was done was done and he'd not regret a thing.

        Megatron was no stranger to asking for things, everything. All she needed to do was let him rule her and she'd have everything she could ever need. Fear him, do as he say, stand by his side, and he'd break any and everything if it suited her.

        It was all he asked, all he demanded.

        He'd move the stars for no one, but if she asked, he'd obliterate the whole of the universe and send galaxies into extinction if it meant making her short existence that much more meaningful.

        Primus, what was becoming of him?

        Primus. The name was growing old and the tyrant grew tired of nonexistent answers.

        But, what was faith if not meant to be questioned? To the pits with it.

        He loved all that they were.

Notes:

SO?! THOUGHTS?! <3

Also, I have a Spotify playlist for this book of all the songs I've used thus far, but I'll link it next chapter!

This chapter's songs were:

"She's Country" by Jason Aldean
"Move Like Jagger" by Maroon 5
"Am I Wrong" by Nico & Vinz
"All That We Are" by Blue October

Chapter 38: Ambedo

Notes:

AHHHH HELLO! I want to start to by saying thank you for over 19k reads on Ao3! Like, OH MY GOD!? I love you all so, so, SO MUCH! <3

Secondly, I had another reader on another platform kinda rudely point out that I do, in fact, have some spelling errors in my chapters from time to time and I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for that if it bothers any of you. I write all my chapters in my notes on the phone and sometimes spellcheck doesn't catch everything. I edit mostly on the computer, but I still don't catch everything. I try.

Besides that! I actually may join the military, just maybe. I don't know yet. Also, they moved me to 6am shifts at work, so that's fun (I'm withering away)

AHHHH! I also saw the new deadpool x wolverine film and it was SO good y'all! If you're fans on the MCU, go watch it!

I also dyed my head of hair bright red, so I guess that's new too. Okay, okay enough about my life. Please enjoy the chapter! <3

        "I can't shake the feeling that something bad is going to happen."

        "It's like... Like, impending doom."

        "I'll be gone some day."

        "You're going to miss me so bad when I'm gone, Megatronous."

        Her words plagued him in his every waking moment, the same way her lips haunted him. Megatron would even go as far as to say he could still just barely feel the gentle graze of her flesh against his own.

        It all swirled together, violently turning into a void to suck him beneath the surface, suffocating, and swallowing him whole.

        He lived, breathed, and existed for her. Lauren alone. Something beyond his power and control also seemed to whisper to him that she had been what he was living for all along.

        'Impending doom', she'd stated before. He hadn't grasped her paranoia at that time, but somewhere deep down he could feel oblivion beckoning at him with dangerous persuasion. That feeling ebbed at his spark and it was all he could do to force the feeling away in an attempt to not only spare himself the trouble, but her, too.

        And still, her words gnawed at his spark. Megatron couldn't rid himself of the sound of her voice even if he wanted. He wouldn't.

        Crimson optics trailed her every movement as she worked diligently, studying the care in which her digits maneuvered with long honed skill. The way she worked tirelessly was admirable in its own right.

        Something had shifted between the two that neither parties had acknowledged outwardly. There was no need, they both knew and had made their peace with the subtle development. His spark fluttered gently within his spark chamber. The decepticon clenched his denta together, his jaw terse and servos wound tight.

        "I let it fall, my heart. And as it fell, you rose to claim it. It was dark and I was over. Until you kissed my lips and you saved me."

        Lauren sang along to the music openly, her pitch nor volume quite too loud, but in sync with the song. Unkempt brows knit themselves together as she focused, eyes unblinking.

        "My hands, they were strong, but my knees were far too weak. To stand in your arms without falling your feet."

        Laserbeak gave a sudden squawk-hiss as the brunette snagged an adjacent wire on the underside of the avian's wing. "Better watch your fingers, human. Or I will have to relieve you of them."

        "Sorry." She conceited without much thought. Did she mean it? Partly, yes, though the apology wasn't delivered with much sympathy. The bird con was far more similar to his organic counterpart than she'd like to admit.

        "But, I set fire to the rain. Watched it pour as I touched your face. Well, it burned while I cried. 'Cause I heard it screaming our your name. Your name."

        Much to her surprise, It'd only taken the bot an hour to quit complaining about her singing. She'd almost worked lazily out of spite, until she saw the way the avian shrank back, injured wing folded in on himself as if to protect it. The sight made her heart sore despite her better judgement.

        He truly was a traumatized animal. Wild, cunning, and primal. It made him appear more human than most others she'd met, even if said animal did threaten the very beat of her heart.

        It was her fault he'd been hurt and she'd correct it, do right by him (despite his protests).

        "I could stay there. Close my eyes, feel you here forever. You and me together, nothing is better."

        The dirtied woman sang in tune as she used a gentle hand to tend to some mangled wires. Laserbeak kept his neck and head coiled back, like a cobra ready to strike with needle fangs and the venom to match, but he did no such thing. Perhaps, he wanted to, she didn't doubt that, but the avian was also far too smart to sign his life over to Primus just yet. He knew how to play the cards he'd been dealt with dangerous calculation. 

        Lauren could feel the way a familiar gaze burned holes into her back and the fond sensation of her chest tugging within, beckoning her sights elsewhere, but she remained steadfast.

        The tender memory of Megatron's gentle, yet assertive touch floated to the forefront of her consciousness, causing the slightest tug at the corners of her mouth as she sang.

        It'd been serval days since that intimate moment and she couldn't shake the warmth that bloomed beneath her ribcage or the heat that coursed her veins. She was happy. Genuinely for the first time in a long while. It reminded her of hot summer days in the sweltering heat, blooming rock roses in season, and the relief of a gentle breeze, while still feeling like a raging tornado.

        "I set fire to the rain and I threw us into the flames. When we fell, something died. 'Cause I knew that that was the last time."

        Megatron listened on as she worked. The lyrics- her words for all intended purposes- rang out within him. Crimson optics tracked the subtle movement of her eyes, committing the exact shade of blue to his memory, locking the information away within a vault.

        "God damnit-" Lauren had cut off the song with her expletive, face bunching up into a focused annoyance as she fiddled with the end of her screwdriver.

        Bumblebee had lowered the volume instinctively as he regarded the small femme with a confused expression. "Huston we have a problem."

        Straightening up with an audible 'crack' of her back, she groaned out an exhale. "These tools aren't working."

        "Not working? You sure you know 'yer way around a toolbox, kid? Or are you only skilled in home repair?" Cade quipped in a joke tease. "You work, not the tools."

        "Careful with the misses, man. The little lady's bark is so much worse than her bite. Just like that bratty, hoochy-mama you got." Nitrozeus nodded his helm in Tessa's direction.

        "You wanna watch that mouth or do you want me to do it for you? Huh? That's my daughter." The father gestured harshly with a wrench, irritation evident in his tone.

        The brunette rolled her eyes at the commotion. The lot of them were like children, it was exhausting.

        Shane snorted dryly, as he entertained himself by tossing a ball up into the air. "She's got a mouth on her, that's for sure."

        "What'd you just say?" Cade barked. "You want me to ring your neck, lucky charms? I'll make it so you get to see a rainbow every god damn day-"

        "Could y'all shut up for three seconds? God..." Lauren grumbled in moderate annoyance, still fiddling with the much too big tool.

        The middle aged male shot the Irish a last warning glare before turning his ire to the yellow mech. "And you, do me a favor and start playing some child friendly stuff. No more of that 'touch me here', 'kiss me there' bull crap. You're givin' a young impressionable mind bad ideas. Work with a dad, would 'ya?"

        "Dad." Tessa whisper through clenched teeth, cheeks heating in obvious embarrassment.

        The yellow bot gave an apologetic expression to the teen before surfing through radio stations with ease. Sometimes, she wondered just how extensive their reach was. Surely, it went beyond just simple radio stations, right?

        Cade rummaged the tools and tossed some array of randomly assorted instruments at the feet of his daughter. "Take those over to her. Bonding moment, stay with other girls, good for you."

        The blonde gave an exaggerated eyeroll, huffed, and pushed herself up off the couch. A pout painted across her youthful features as she gathered the items up into her arms.

        "D'awe, don't start with the eyes kitten. Grow a pair." The single optic mech purred with a chuckle. Barricade, too, rasped a low grumble, obviously enjoying the way it got under the teen's skin.

        "Gross..." The girl had mumbled under her breath as she approached, keeping as much distance as reasonably possible from Laserbeak. "Here."

        Lauren moved to take the items, immediately noting that they were still very much too bug for the task at hand. She frowned, creasing her skin. "No, I need very specific tiny tools. Not these." It wasn't like she was trying to sound displeased, but it was unavoidable. She could always ask Scalpel for assistance, but she needed to fix this and the avian had already made his apparent distaste for the spider apparent with a hiss and a flurry of shooing the bot off.

        Scalpel was a no go.

        "Tiny tools?" The teen reiterated, not the slightest bit impressed.

        "That's what I said, yep." The older woman muttered, further inspecting Laserbeak's wing damage, he back turned on the other girl.

        "Let me see what my dad has. He actually is a tiny tool." Tessa half joked.

        Lauren gave a soft chortle and her thanks as the young girl moved to find something suitable. Bumblebee still sifted through the abundance of channels before abruptly settling on one.

        " 'Bout time. Too young to know what's good for you." Crosshairs jabbed, to which the yellow mech swatted him away.

        The music began and much to her delight the guitar melody sounded vaguely familiar just as Tessa was reapproaching, small case in hand. "These work?"

        Lauren took the case in hand and smiled when she opened it. The 'very specific tiny tools' were all there. "Yes, thank you." The teen offered and Ernest smile before waltzing away.

        "I require a status report on the state of Laserbeak, human." Soundwave had approached quietly, much too silent for a mech of his size. It was almost unnerving. His optics did not rest upon her, bust his injured comrade.

        "I should be able to fix up the last of this no problem. The biggest thing was the melded metal, but that's done, so..." Lauren replied blatantly. Her answer must've been satisfactory enough that the communications officer moved back to her standing beside their leader, optics never leaving the two of them. It was an odd exchange, but not something that'd she question.

        "Whoa-hoa-hoa-hoa-hoa."

        Yes, the song was immediately recognized even after years of not hearing it. She'd prefer this melodramatic music over anything else considered 'family friendly'. Thank God it hadn't been radio Disney. Not that she had qualms about the music, no, not all all, but it definitely wasn't going to keep her focused.

        "Whoa-hoa-hoa-hoa-hoa."

        Lauren retrieved one of the many mini-precision screwdrivers from the case and moved to begin re-securing things back into their proper places. Sapphire eyes flicked up to meet the avian's momentarily. Red optics bore into her with evident distrust and rightful weariness. Her eyes returned to her work, being gentle not to snag anymore wires. "I am sorry about your wing. This shouldn't have happened."

        "Whoa-hoa-hoa-hoa-hoa."

        Laserbeak regarded the femme with an air of distaste, optics traveling over her hunched form from where she sat on a rusting paint can. He'd monitored her heartbeat out of sheer instinct, finding thrill in the way his late victims pulse spiked in his presence, knowing what was about to come.

        He'd monitored her heartbeat in the previous moment and found there to be no spike, beat even and steady. It was a rhythmic sound he found interesting among organic species, but she did not lie with her apology. Something that he found strikingly odd. He didn't like it.

        With a tongue as smooth as that, it was no wonder their master had chosen her out of the seven billion.

        "Whoa-hoa-hoa-hoa-hoa."

        Decepticons weren't exactly big on the whole pleasantries, she'd found, but that didn't mean her's had suddenly vanished either. Many years of manners and politeness were drilled into her head, even if she did lose her patience occasionally.

        "I'll seek you out, flay you alive. One more word and you won't survive. And I'm not scared of your stolen power. I see right through you any hour. I won't soothe your pain."

        Lauren's back was screaming at her as she hunched further down to be more level with his outstretched wing.

        "I won't ease your strain. You'll be waiting in vain."

        Laserbeak could feel her grossly warm, humid breath brush over his metal as she sang lowly, Cleary focused as she moved the nimble tool around.

        "I got nothing for you to gain. I'm taking it slow, feeding my flame. Shuffling the cards of your game."

        The brunette paused momentarily, futilely batting a stray piece of frizzy hair out of her vision as she squinted to better see. The quickly setting sun was limiting her light and making everything a whole lot more tedious than it needed to be. She bat at the hair once more.

        "I got nothing for you to gain."

        Laserbeak gave a low warning squawk as she jabbed at a tender spot accidentally, still fiddling with her blasted protein strands. The bird shot his beak out suddenly, seizing the strand, and harshly yanking it out of the way.

        The motion jerked her head, but she did not fight it as she promptly got back to work with the fading light.

        "Eyes on fire. Your spine is ablaze. Felling any foe with my gaze. And just in time, in the right place. Steadily emerging with grace."

        Megatron watched on with narrowed optics, his crimson light bathing her in a steady glow as he observed the way the small bot yanked at her tresses. It made something ugly swell in his chassis at the motion, not liking the harshness of the gesture in Laserbeak's part.

        The mini-con was just so violent when it came to humans.

        "Ahh, felling any foe with my gaze."

        The decepticon lord gave a low, earth trembling growl in warning, sharp denta peaking through his parted lip plates. His claws twitched beside himself as she continued to work diligently despite the rudeness.

        "I would advise you conclude your work, girl. Laserbeak," Megatron looked pointedly to the avian, threat riding on his tone.

        "Ahh, steadily emerging with grace."

        "Leave the human, Laserbeak." Soundwave ordered flatly, though some urgency bled into his words, but just barely. The officer held out his arm for his smaller counterpart.

        Said avian took note of the pointed stare of both his leader and his sire, before dropping the tresse and hopping to his perch.

        The upheaval sent her hair up in a flurry of motion. "I was almost done." Lauren commented frankly, batting away her messed up hair and rising to her feet.

        "And you can conclude another joor, bug." He'd rumbled authoritatively. "The task is not leaving you. Be lucky you do not have more to fix." The last part was growled through a clenched jaw, optics momentarily flicking over to this subordinates before ultimately returning to her.

        She was stubborn and liked to finish her projects in a single go if possible. If she could just see, then this whole thing would've been said and done with hours ago. Nevertheless, she digressed and would not fight him in a losing battle. Like, really what would she even do? Rip Laserbeak away from Soundwave, give him for damages, and hold him down while she fought him on the repairs? No. That wouldn't be happening.

        The simmer of anger in her chest did not go unnoticed, surely produced by the pull of her hair and delivered straight to her for further feeling. So dramatic, he was. They all are.

        Broken limbs, bullet wounds, scrapes and bruises were absolutely nothing compared to a slight tug of her hair. It was grade school level bullying at best and she was sure the gesture wasn't entirely malicious in nature, even if it did sort of feel like he was scalping her.

        "Then, I'm going to shower. Or take a bath, whatever." Lauren waved openly, glancing over her shoulder. "Any of you going in?"

        "Nah, no. I've got my hands full here. Go on, kid." Cade didn't pay much mind to her.

        "Better make it snappy, I really need a bubble bath and to kick up my pedes." Hound mused gruffly.

        "The idea of your lard aft wouldn't even fit you bogen." The aussie retorted.

        "And you suppose your's would? So unwise." Drift polished his blades with a dawning smirk.

        Lauren turned away from the bickering, jogging her way up to the small, neatly folded pile of things she'd acquired. She was careful not to jostle the file between her clothes as she pulled out a tank and some solid colored pants. Simple, yet better in every way when compared to her dirtied clothes. Sapphire eyes lingered a moment too long upon the manilla folder before a tentative tug broke her focus.

        She glanced up for a second to meet Megatron's even gaze. "Time waits for no one, go."

        "Right." And wish that she strode off in the direction of the agreed upon bathroom, clothes clutched close.

        Megatron had waited until the femme was out of direct sight to tip his helm downward slightly as if he were about to enter recharge.

        Rest, he did, but no recharge came as he plunged himself into their shared bond. She would not follow, he knew that. Too preoccupied with bathing.

        Soundwave must've noticed the shift in posture and stepped only a few meters closer, as if to ensure the protection of his leader's tomb while he was out momentarily.

____________________

        When the decepticon came to, he was exactly where he had anticipated.

        Lauren's bedroom came into full view, though void of her. It made the home feel dead and just like any other structure, he found.

        He regarded the room with a strange fondness that no doubt was influenced by her own love for the space. There was still little understanding for the need to have so many personal possessions, especially for a species that lived so little, but he resigned himself for the sheer fact that the space was painted in all things her.

        It even smelled of her in an odd way, not fresh nor bad, but there were obvious notes of chemical shampoo, detergents, and her own pheromones. It was a pleasant smell.

        Megatron's optics trailed the room, committing things to memory; the sheet music stacked haphazardly upon her desk, the various displayed posters, the unkempt bed, the small little bits and bobs that peppered the space. The photo of her between two older figures upon the wall was especially stared at.

        Though, none of that was what he'd came for. Crimson optics trailed to her bed once more, spotting the delicate dream catcher that hung just above the frame.

        He crossed the room steadily, encroaching upon the bed with ease before his pedes bumped something unceremoniously.

        Casting his sights down, he spotted a small notebook of sorts with her name scrawled messily along the cover, bits of tape just barely holding the binding together. His optic ridge furrowed as he stooped to snatch it up.

        Copying the way she'd sat, he placed his weight upon the plush surface of her bed, his claws trailing over the book as he opened it.

        It seemed to be a personal recording of such, entire dates recorded and marked as each page held different scribbles of all things. It felt taboo in a way, but he didn't pull himself away.

        It was already far too late to pull back now.

        The pages allowed him a deeper, more intimate glimpse into her thoughts from days passed. Writings of her own inaccuracies, the rough days of schooling, how she longed for a father, and how she mourned her mother's passing. It was raw and private.

        He flipped another page and out fell a folded price of paper. The tyrant caught it with ease and unfolded the aged paper delicately.

        It was different, not her handwriting, not handwriting at all. Typed words decorated the page and it became apparent that it'd been torn for another book entirely.

        "Be sure of me. Surer. Know that this is an absolutely terrible idea and do it anyway. Kiss me while everyone is watching, hold on to me in public and love me loudly. Let the timing be wrong, always. But choose me anyway. Make it hard work. Make it near impossible work. Unachievable, unattainable work and make us long to do it anyway.

        This will not be an easy Sunday morning kind of love, this will be a Monday evening, sink full of dishes, empty fridge, no money for takeout kind of love. A hill that you're not really sure ever ends kind of love. A favorite jumper in the wash kind of love. An incredibly inconvenient kind of love.

        But pick me anyway.

        Every morning, pick me again. Choose me daily without pause or breath, make bad decision after bad decision and eventually let it all make sense. Let enough bad decisions turn into something worthwhile. Wake up next to me in three months time, brush the sleep out of my eyes and the rattiness out of my hair and think to yourself...

        'I cannot believe I ever thought this love was a bad idea.' "

        The words were extensive and gave him pause, his optics raking over each sentence one too many times. It was poetry, yes, but that's not what had him apprehensive.

        The aged nature of the page, the long dried drops of wetness along the inky letters, and the obvious care in which the poem had been preserved said all he needed to know.

        Just why had she kept such words? Why?

        If there was a God among humans, then why did she mourn her life so? His question went unanswered as he tucked the paper back and slid the book back into its proper place beneath the bed.

        Not that she'd be able to tell or know, but it was out of respect.

        Turning, he spotted the dream catcher and reached out a nimble claw for it, but halted swiftly when the distant sounds of an uproar bled into his consciousness. A hard looked crosses his metal features as he abruptly ripped himself out of the bond.

____________________

        Lauren floated admits the large tub, sapphire eyes once more castes up toward the stained glass window that loomed just above.

        She found comfort in the art piece. It was truly beautiful craftsmanship. Even with the sun long gone beyond the horizon, the moon peaked through subtly.

        And still, the red had captured her.

        The brunette, having already washed and conditioned her hair, remained to enjoy the moment of privacy. There, in the water, time seemed to still.

        Her mind drifted back to that foreboding file every now and again to which she swiftly shoved the knowledge of its existence away for another day. Lauren, with eyes focused of the soft ruby glow of the arched window, worried at her lip.

        She could almost swear she still felt the gentle press of metal against the delicate flesh. She ran her tongue along the inside of her teeth, her back ached.

        Red. So much red. She was swimming in the color and never wanted to leave it's safe embrace.

        The water lapped at her body, kissing along her skin. The gentle 'slap' of the water soon coupled with distant yelling.

        Yelling?

        Lauren knit her brows together as she erupted from her relaxed position, eyes cast toward the door. A sudden and violent yank within her chest with blooming vexation had her stumbling from the bath. The commotion grew louder and more hurried the longer she took. Worry and fear swelled in her heart, filling her stomach with lead.

        She'd hardly attempted to dry herself as she hastily dressed in only the very bare essentials; pants and tank top alone. Her boots, socks, and undergarments were left behind, at least until she knew everything was okay.

        God, was this what PTSD felt like? She hoped hot.

        Her hair went untouched by the towel, soaking her shoulder and tank as she hurried to leave. The influx of Megatron's emotions made deciphering the situation hard from afar.

        Bare feet padded the cold floor as she surged out from the backroom, eyes wide and heart hammering in her chest.

        "I said stand down!" Optimus bellowed deeply, optics narrowed.

        "He's a narc, just cap him execution style." Nitrozeus interrupted harshly with a wall shaking reverb. "Don't have the balls, autobot?"

        "Just blow the bugger sky high, we're trapped here anyway." Crosshairs interjected with an accusatory gesture.

        "I don't give a damn what 'ya do, just do it. I'm sick of this shit." Hound commented loosely, as he puffed a cloud of smoke.

        "Do not act brashly, he may be of use." Drift added with a glare, grabbing his comrade by the shoulders.

        Blackout encroached upon the human male like a predator, cannon drawn and ready, awaiting orders.

        "Woah, woah! We don't even know this guy! What, you just go in guns blazing? Jesus Christ." Cade scorned the mechs. "Tessa stay behind me."

        "Dad..."

        "Just kill the fleshbag and be done with it." Barricade growled hoarsely with a squawk of agreement from Laserbeak.

        "I can make him spill his guts." The avian drawled sinisterly. 

        "Again, stand down! All of you!" The Prime shouted.

        "None of you know strategy. Torture the information out of him." Onslaught added firmly.

        "Hey, hey, hey! " A familiar voice came loudly.

        "Shut your trap or will die, organic." Blackout ordered bluntly with a shove of his cannon.

        "I have half the mind to let my men tear you limb from limb, insect." Megatron bellowed dangerously as Lauren pushed past everyone, narrowly avoiding being stepped on.

        "What were you doing in our perimeters?" The chopper came once more boomingly.

        Everyone was speaking over each other in finger pointing and wild accusations. She could hardly hear herself think as she emerged into the thick of it, towel still clutched to herself like a lifeline. "Simmons?" She asked incredulously.

        The older man remained on his knees, arms up in the air in surrender. "Oh look at you, spa day? Vacation? Just got a mani-pedi?" He rattled off in sarcasm.

        "Wait, wait. You know this bozo?" Shane questioned, stepping up to her in accusation.

        "Back off the girl, fleshling. Now." Blackout redirected his line of sight to the Irish.

        "His name is Seymour Simmons, a former Sector Seven agent. We met only briefly." Optimus supplied firmly, still gesturing for the others to put down their weapons.

        "You can saving the world twice brief? Hate to know what your lady friends think." Simmons commented.

        "He's a son of a bitch! " Bumblebee played with narrowed optics.

        "Hey, is that any way to talk about my mama? She's a real woman, I tell 'ya. Cook you one hell of a pastrami."

        "Shut your trap." Barricade ordered.

        "And you ?" Cade eyed Lauren from where he stood.

        "Met him that day I left Tessa." She answered absently, eyes not leaving the kneeling man. Her heartbeat was still hammering beneath her ribs, begging to be free as she attempted to regulate the influx of anger from the decepticon leader. "What're you doing here ?" She'd discarded her towel on the ground.

        "Well, I came to warm 'ya and the guard dog here and I got caught up making introductions. Real nice thing you got going on here. One hell of a first lady, I tell you that. You play mommy and daddy with the rest of these NBE's?"

        Megatron growled ferociously at the acronym he'd come to loath so much. "You will refrain from such abbreviations or I will tear the flesh from your body."

        Simmons regarded the decepticon openly, eyes cast up and a smirk crawling upon his lips. "You really got that tango before me."

        "Warn us? About what?" Lauren stepped forth, her tone almost desperate. The femme cast Blackout a fleeting look, gesturing him away. The proclaimed guard dog stood down at her motion and allowed the man to stand.

        "Jeez, tight ship? Haven't been on my knees that long since Peru, 1992." Seymour commented. "Haven't got that ship yet? No, no you haven't. That scary bounty hunter still prowlin'."

        "Ship? What's he mean ship?" Cade inquired.

        "He's talkin' about our ticket off this dirt ball." Crosshairs answered with a sly grin.

        "You have no claim on the bounty ship." Soundwave spoke matter-of-factly.

        "Like hell we're given it to your side of the fence." Hound stated bluntly, optics narrowed.

        Lauren glared, throwing her sights up to Optimus. "You didn't tell them?" Her tone came across harsher than she meant, but in that moment she truly did not care. Megatron felt a sadistic smile crawl across his lip plates.

        "In order to defeat our current adversary, a deal had to be made." The prime spoke loud and flatly. "The decepticon help for the ship."

        "You're bustin' my chops, you're not serious, right?" Hound turned to the autobot leader.

        "To hell with that! Left here to be hunted, I won't have it!" The aussie barked.

        "Sounds like you don't have much of a choice, sweetheart." Nitrozeus instigated with a shrug.

        "Do you really believe, autobot, that you will take this from me? From us ? Our home." Megatron rose to his absolute height, crimson optics boring into all below him.

        "Was all our home. Don't forget that." The potbelly mech added absently. "His mind has been made. That's that."

        "I agree. He will not steer us down a path unworthy." Drift submitted.

        "The lot of you have processor damage." Crosshairs insulted.

        "Are we done yet? The adults are talkin' here. Important stuff, so listen." Simmons groaned. "These guys, animals, all of them." He commented to Lauren.

        "Then talk." The brunette hissed.

        "Pushy. You're a pusher, aren't you? Not judging." He held his hands up in mock surrender as be pulled something from his coat pocket. "That problem of yours has been prowling around. Picked a real sweet alt mode. A Lamborghini Aventador, can 'ya believe it? Around these parts?."

        Lauren snatched the photos from him and studied them with an intensity. "This is near the KSI building."

        "Oh look at you, so smart, want a cookie?" He cooed.

        "What're these?" Lauren asked in confusion on the last few photos, staring up at him through her lashes.

        "Those, little Missy, are energon detectors. Hear that? They're poppin' up all around the city. Sorta like mattress stores, but that's a conspiracy on its own."

        She swallowed down the lump in her throat hard, tongue dry like sandpaper. "And what do they do?"

        Simmons went to open his mouth, but was abruptly cut off by Blackout. "They detect Cybertronian lifeforms."

        They detected them. Her mind summarized. The revelation made her throat dry and heartbeat deafen her.

        "That's not all." Simmons cut off her spiral, pulling more photos from his pocket to which she took in shake hands. The graying man turned to fully address the decepticons. "Your little buddy has been calling real attention to himself. A real star, just loves the camera. Made his bed out by the old S7 headquarters. Feels like a bad joke and I know what a good joke is." He forced a laugh.

        "Berserker." Onslaught relayed knowingly.

        "I'm sorry, who ?" Cade asked in bewilderment to which nobody acknowledged, his daughter turning to him with worry flooding her big, doe eyes.

        "So, what, energon detectors go up and we just lose is that what you're saying?" Crosshairs leaned up against the chapel wall, arms crossed defensively.

        "Hey, don't pin this on me. I'm just a messenger. You hear that? No more awesome government benefits, no more high security clearance. A messenger. You believe that?" Simmons shrugged openly.

        "It's a lose lose, let's just throw in the towel. I'm runnin' on fumes as is." Hound waved off the conversation in favor of sitting.

        "Bunch of pussies. And it ain't even good." Nitrozeus insulted with a tilt of his helm.

        "Hey, that potbelly bugger don't speak for the lot of us." The aussie shot back, Bumblebee nodded in agreement.

        "What do we do?" Lauren asked quietly, more to herself than to anyone else, but the former Sector Seven agent heard.

        "I'll tell 'ya what you do, you give 'em hell. Like that supermarket shenanigan you pulled, but bigger. Louder! And I know just the guys to help." The beige skinned man gave her wild eyes. "And, he may be able to help your little refuge friends over here. Sweet talk the government, I don't know. Do as the romans do."

        The way he spoke sent her mind running in circles, it was a wonder she kept up.

        "You know someone who can help with the mess? Look, I don't care who it is. I have a daughter I need to look out for. You hear?" Cade stepped up to Simmons.

        "That your daughter?" The agent stared past the father. "So mature, look at her. She's on a one way rose to villainy. It's hot, keep to it, you'll do great."

        "Either start talkin' or you're getting that Nigel Thornberry nose broken." Cade scowled.

        "Touchy there daddy-o, I see you." Simmons backed off. "And oh they can help alright. They've gone toe to toe with ole NBE-1 over here. Big guns, huge guns. You'd think they're compensating for something, y'know, barrel longer than my grandma's tatas after twelve yougins' I tell you." He prattled off, complete with hand gestures to match.

        Nitrozeus snorted. "I can assure you the size of the barrel always matters. That's why I come packing." The single optic mech made a grab at his chastity plating to which Hound chortled.

        "Yeah, yeah exactly. Look, I've got their numbers, they don't have mine, but who's counting? Not me. I can have them here quicker than you can say 'hasta la vista'."

        "And what makes you think we would trust you." Blackout poked at the male roughly, nearly sending him toppling. It wasn't a question, it was a statement.

        "Look, the big man in blue behind me knows my worth. Look, I know things have been messy, bad breakup, we've all been there done that, but my hide is already on the line here." Simmons argued. "Even gave your little first lady the foundation blue prints for that ship you're after. Y'know, I use to work retail."

        All eyes and optics were on Lauren suddenly, Cafe turning to face her fully. "That's what you've been toting around? Didn't think to share that?" His tone came across like any disappointed parents would.

        The brunette's chest rose and fell as she tried to steady her breathing, eyes locked onto the older father, brow furrowed.

        "Back up." Blackout stepped around her to better angle himself in front of the male. He was on a hair-trigger.

        "Cade get back." Prime advised, to which he listened, returning to his daughter's side.

        "Awe, would you look at that? The first lady of the decepticons already has her armed guards. It's sweet really. Little Missy has so backup. I like it. It's erotic." Simmons gave a fake bite to the air. "Next you'll be the lady ambassador of Earth." He moved to pretend he was advertising a billboard.

        Megatron stepped forth then, threatening aurora rolled off him in waves.

        "It's pretty late though, circadian rhythm all whack. I'll be back here tomorrow. Lay low, don't know how far out they're willing to set up those detectors." Simmons made a hasty retreat, you'd swear you could see the burn marks of his footprints into the stone.

        "This whole thing is a shit show and we're the stars." Crosshairs kicked over a pile of dry rotted wood stacked to the side.

        Lauren remained stood in her spot, as if her bare feet suddenly took root and locked her in place, fingers curled tightly around the photos in hand. Sapphire eyes didn't budge from their line of sight.

        "How far out did you find the slag?" Barricade grumbled.

        Blackout moved past her. "5,280 feet from perimeter. Didn't get far." His tone came out bitter.

        "Berserker is on the move again." Onslaught commented.

        The chatter went on in the background, unheard by her as she breathed. In through her nose, out through her mouth. As the months droned on the colder it got and her soaked tank top wasn't doing her any favors. Weather she trembled from the cold or being overwhelmed was not known. Still wet hair stuck to her skin.

        Megatron turned to where she stood, feeling the way his spark bristled swiftly. He approached, plucking her damp towel from the floor before dropping it atop her head and offering an open palm to her.

        She obliged without a word, using the towel to both dry her hair and block out everything and everyone around her. She needed a moment.

        As if reading her mind, or better, sensing her inner turmoil, the decepticon retreated from the building. He'd only stepped out into the night, but it was like a ten ton weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She didn't look at him as she pulled the towel away, eyes cast downward.

        Crimson optics studied the subtle twitches in her expression, the creases in her frown, and the distant gaze of her eyes. It tugged at his spark uncomfortably. He didn't like it, didn't like seeing her in such a state.

        He wouldn't admit it outright, but he preferred the warm glow of her smile, the blow pupils in her eyes, and to hear her trill the words to meaningless songs. Not this...

        She shivered slightly at a gust if wind, her skin erupting into goosebumps.

        Megatron made quick note of it and pulled her close, bringing her near face height knowing his ex-vents would bring her the warmth she craved.

        Lauren, having taken the moment, curled up and leaned in, resting her body against face plating with a shallow hum to which he responded in kind, a deep bellowed purr like grumble. He noticed the way she allowed her eyes to slip closed, allowing herself to let her guard down. She counted on him in those moments to defend her very life and by Primus, he would.

        He gazed upon her fondly as she rested, bathing her small form in crimson. And, suddenly, the words of that old, forgotten poem stuck out to him.

        "I cannot believe I ever thought this love was a bad idea."

Chapter 39: Conclave

Notes:

I LOVE YOU ALL SO, SO, SO, SO MUCH! <3

        The obnoxious blare of an alarm pulled the slumbering man from his sleep, vanquishing away whatever dreams he may have been having. A small puddle of drool dampened the cream colored cotton sheets below. Stray streams of sunlight peeked shyly through the sheer curtains, dancing across the room.

        With practiced routine, he rose with a yawn, rubbing the residual sleepiness from his crusted eyes. His mouth was coated in film as he smacked his lips together to regain some of the lost moisture.

        It wasn't as if he had work, but he found it better to keep routine as to not let himself go. Plus, he'd already allowed himself an extra hour of sleep as per his norm, call him rebellious.

        Rising to his sock covered feet, Colonel William Lennox padded his way toward the adjoining bathroom, noting the absence of his wife in her share of the disheveled bed.

        Diligently he brushed his teeth, washed his face, and ran a hand through his buzzed hair. He'd need a haircut soon at any rate. Perhaps he'd ask Sarah to give him a trim later in the week. The soldier filed it away for later as he descended the stairs, following the familiar scent of breakfast with ease.

        "Daddy." The babbling of his daughter greeted him excitedly from where she sat at the dining table, her short legs swung happily back and forth.

        "You're up late." Sarah remarked fondly as she plated some scrambled eggs, spatula scraping against the worn pan. She threw a smile over her shoulder to her husband.

        He returned the gesture as he crossed the kitchen to peck her cheek lovingly, observing the food hungrily. "How're my girls this morning? Should've woken me up."

        The smile she produced reached her baby-blue eyes with ease, tucking away some blonde hair lazily. "You're not deployed right now, I think you can sleep in a bit." The woman turned to coo at their daughter. "Isn't that right?"

        Annabelle squealed in joy as she smiled brightly, apples of her cheeks turning rosy. "Yeah, daddy. Mommy made pancakes."

        "Pancakes?" Lennox asked in shock with a punctuated gasp. "You did save me some, right baby?" He ruffled his daughter's messy, blonde hair.

        The child erupted into a fit of giggles. "No." She kicked her legs excitedly, finding the whole situation hilarious.

        "No?! You little piggy! Now, what will I eat? I can't just have eggs!" He pinched at her belly playfully as she squirmed.

        "I guess daddy will just have to get up earlier next time, right?" Sarah added as she switched the stove off.

        "Yeah!" Annabelle exclaimed joyfully.

        "God, what ever will I do?" Lennox smiled toothily as he rose back to full height, taking the generously offered plate of food from his wife. Toast, eggs, and bacon. There really was no pancakes left for him. No matter, it wasn't a big deal. If his daughter and wife were happy, then he was too.

        The soldier dropped his weight into the chair beside the small child, his wife seating herself soon there after with her own serving of food. He wasted no time in indulging his appetite, salting his eggs and shoveling them into his mouth by the fork full.

        Brief conversation was exchanged through the meal as the ring of a cellphone piped up in the background.

        Lennox furrowed his brow, wiping some crumbs from the stubble on his upper lip.

        Sarah exhaled into her cup of orange juice. "Your phone has been ringing nonstop since I got up this morning."

        "Eh, it's probably just Epps wanting to have a beer or something." He supplied as the ringing ceased.

        His wife hummed noncommittal as she rose to her feet with her empty plate, snagging his out from under him as he stuffed the remaining bacon into his mouth. "Leave them in the sink, I'll wash 'em."

        "That's the plan." She smirked as she carefully piled the glassware into the sink. "Mary called, said she wants to get together for a play date."

        "The loud one?" William questioned as he wiped away some spilled syrup.

        Sarah moved around the table, hoisting Annabelle up into her arms with a groan. "You're getting so big. Maybe you had too many pancakes." She booped her daughter on the nose, brushing some stray strands of hair away.

        Annabelle giggled with a round of 'no's' as her mother turned her attentions back to her husband. "No, that's Marie. Mary is Jade's mom."

        Lennox made a noise of recognition as he moved to begin the dishes. His phone, once again, began its tirade of ringing. He could've swore he left it on 'do not disturb'.

        "She wanted to meet at that park on 2nd street. And answer that before I go crazy. Tell them we're not interested in what they're selling."

        He chuckled. "I got it hun, you go on."

        "Can you handle the dishes by yourself?" Sarah asked sarcastically, a smile painted across her pink lips. It must've been a new shade she was wearing.

        "I think so. If not, you'll be the first person I call."

        "Ha ha. We'll be back in a bit. Say 'bye' to daddy." She bounced the toddler in her arms.

        "Bye bye daddy!" Annabelle gave a grand wave as she was steadily lowered to the floor, her small hand still clasped in her mother's gentle hold.

        "Okay," She slung her purse over her shoulder. "We'll be back in a bit. Love you."

        "Love you too!" He called out to them as he heard the front door click shut, his hand steadily rinsing a plate.

        All was quiet, save for the sound of running water, for only a few minutes before his phone rang once more. God, had it really been doing that all morning?

        Setting aside the cup he'd been washing, he dried his hands lazily with the hem of his shirt before snatching up the device.

        A part of him had expected it to be Epps, but then again, the man knew how to take a hint. His brows furrowed as he committed the unknown number to memory, only clicking the 'answer' button on the last ring.

        "God, it's about time. Do you make it a point to be hard to reach? Got the whole 'I saved the world' and 'I'm so mysterious' thing going on?" The sound of a scratchy voice blabbered through the speaker.

        "Yeah, do I know you?" He questioned bluntly, wedging the phone between his head and shoulder as he began to dry what he'd already cleaned.

        "Wow. You plow into my dojo and insult the master and you can't even be bothered to remember his name? Hurtful, Colonel."

        Lennox stacked the plates, confusion crossing his features. "What did you say your name was?"

        "I didn't. This line isn't secure. Got the whole universe trying to listen in on my big plan? S7 sound familiar, Colonel?"

        The militaristic side of himself came forth in that moment causing him to straighten up his posture unconsciously, steel blue eyes focusing as he caught on. "No, never have. What directives are you working under?"

        "Yeah, yeah of course. What am I talking about? Fake government facilities and area 51, the whole shebang. My directives are my own and the threat of annihilation at the hand of a seriously pissed off NBE. Throw a guy a bone."

        A swallowed, the dishes forgotten as images of previous deployments came to mind. "Are these directives official?"

        "About as official as my mama's papers and that stunt pulled in Egypt, now, are you in or are you out? Because I'm on a time limit here."

        Yes, he knew who was talking now. How could he not? Simmons really had a way with words and he wouldn't question how and where he got his personal number from. Sector Seven had been dissolved and though he wasn't currently on deployment, that didn't mean for one second that he was kept out of the loop. That couldn't be further from the truth. 

        He was getting sick of this shit; aliens, war, and the chaos. It was about high time he retired.

        "Look I promised a big robot's wife some men with big guns, so I need you with me."

        Lennox choked on his spit, coughing roughly to clear his throat.

        "They get you too? Making it look like an accident? One man, betrayed by the country he loves-"

        "Can you shut up?" William coughed wetly, running a hand down his face. "Is this invasion?"

        "Got 'ya! No, no war of the world's, but a sweet deal with a pretty retirement plan. I'm talking eradication soldier."

        The middle aged man took pause at his words, mulling over the information. The transformers had been good to them and recent times hadn't been pretty, hunting them to near extinction as he fought with higher powers to return their protection. N.E.S.T. had, too, been absolved after their most recent conflict, but he knew for certain the name was still being used as a guise. For what, he had no idea. That information was classified and far above his clearance.

        "Total or partial?" The solider asked firmly.

        "Neither. It's a loop hole. Enough of the jibber-jabber, they're probably tracing this call as we speak, little sneaks. Take a trip to the Great Lakes state and bring that friend of yours. Real tall, a reminder of my own inadequacies. You know the one. Tall, dark, and handsome. Get some lunch when you get here. I know a spot with some killer pastrami, to die for, really. Spot is called 'Deli Fresh'."

        Epps. He was referring to his brother in arms and closest friend.

        "By when?"

        "Stop wasting time! Go, go, go! Now! Or heads will roll and I'm too pretty to be on a mantle. Couldn't afford me."

        The line went dead after that, his heart hammered in his chest. God, how would he tell Sarah? Annabelle? His wife would understand, he knew that, but he didn't think he could handle the sadness in his daughter's eyes.

        The orders weren't official, there was absolutely no way they were. All military had been ordered to exterminate any and all alien life had they come into contact with it. Everything was so fucked.

        He could very well be dishonorably discharged at best and arrested for treason at the very worst, but at least he'd know his family and others' families would be safe. He could live with that.

        Michigan. The Great Lakes state wasn't far from his home state of New York and something about knowing that made his gut turn. Too close for comfort.

        A part of him desperately wanted to say 'no', to turn his back and forget it if it meant he had more time home with his girls, but the much larger part of himself absolutely refused to turn away from those he once considered allies. He owed it to them to right all this wrong. How many of them were left alive? Were there any left at all?

        "This line isn't secure."

        That stuck out to him prominently, setting him on edge as he made a quick call to his best friend and fellow soldier. There were no questions asked as Epps agreed immediately and ended the call. Slipping the device into his pocket, he stomped his way back upstairs.

        Locating his gear was made swift as he wracked his brain, collecting all the information he'd been handed so far. He needed to make his way to Michigan, locate a hole in the wall called 'Deli Fresh', and await further instruction.

        "This line isn't secure."

        Lennox paused as he locked his gun case. This wasn't a recon mission, no, this was infiltration and he needed to look the part. Blend in.

        Infiltration meant no paper trail. No trail at all.

        "Fuck." He huffed as he packed only what he could fit in a standard backpack. He fished his phone out once more, scrolling his contacts before settling on a name he hadn't thought of in some years.

        "Hello?" A baritone male came over the line.

        "Derek, hey, long time no talk. I need a favor. You still in the NYC area?" Lennox jumped right to it, no wasting any second he didn't have to.

        "You never change, do you Will? Yeah, I am. Never left. What do you need?"

        "Still flying, I hope." He was as vague as his answers would allow.

        "Sure as shit. You going AWOL?"

        A beat of silence was exchanged and a knowing hum came from Derek, a self assured man he'd met on his second deployment after initially enlisting. "How much would you charge for a day trip to The Great Lakes state?"

        "Free of charge. Call it repayment for something long overdue."

        "I get a plus one?"

        "Only if you buy me a beer someday."

        "Not an offer I can pass up. We'll see you soon."

        The lime went dead as William shot the address to Epps via a text. His backpack slung over his shoulder and his gun case in the other hand. His worn combat boots hugged his feet familiarly as he left his home.

        Lennox wasted no time as he parked haphazardly along the street near the quaint park.

        His heart grew heavy as he spotted his wife and daughter among the other parents and children. Forcing the feeling away, he approached in long strides, his wife turning to face him with uncertainty creeping into her features, realization. Their daughter hadn't yet noticed his presence.

        "Is it bad?" Sarah choked out, eyes wide and unblinking as her husband pulled her aside.

        "I don't know yet." He revealed honestly. "But, I need to go now."

        "Now? You've only been home a week, Will." Her voice was pleading, desperate and quiet.

        "I know, I know." He looked anywhere, but her face. "But, I always come home, don't I?"

        A moment of silence passed between the couple. "How long? Should I leave with Annabelle?"

        "Not long." The Colonel stole a glance to his daughter as she kicked her legs on the swing. "Take her and go to your parents. Please."

        Her eyes bore into his as if silently communicating. "Okay. Okay..." Baby blues found their way to the child. "Go. I'll talk to her."

        He clenched his jaw as he took a step back, observing them once more before leaving completely. His finger ran over his wedding ban as he sped off, not minding those who honked at him.

        It didn't late him long to reach the private landing strip just on the outskirts of the city with him doing well over the speed limit. He left both the vehicle and keys behind as he marched his way past the chain link fence, hand clasped tightly on his gun case as the opposing appendage dug out the cellular device and chucked it into the nearby pond.

        He spotted the small, private plane, his piolet, and best friend swiftly. There was no time wasted as he closed the gap.

        "Don't like this man. This has government written all over it." Epps commented without greeting.

        "Not official orders, man." Lennox answered. "Consider this private."

        "If I get busted, it's your ass. I want that penchant."

        "What? Can't live with knowing you saved the world?"

        "Will that pay my bills?"

        "How time sensitive is this botched mission?" Derek poked his head out of the plane door. "C'mon before I change my mind."

        "I hope you know what you're doing man." Epps climbed the stairs to the plane and ducked in.

        Lennox followed close behind. "You and me both, sergeant."

____________________

        The day was waning on steadily as she worked upon what damages Megatron had. Much to her luck, it was not many and none were life threatening. True to her word, finishing Laserbeak's wing took no longer than an hour.

        The avian, now having regained his flight, perched himself in one of the stained glass windows that overlooked the chapel. The colorful glows were both beautiful and foreboding when mixed with the bird-con.

        Nobody, robot or human, had made any move to leave the cathedral after last night's endeavors. Simmons words were still fresh as ever and very much present in everyone's minds. Would he return like he said he would? Lauren found herself pondering. Simmons, for what he was worth, sounded crazy and like he'd taken a swan dive off the deep end, but he didn't strike her as a liar. Crazy, yes. Liar, no.

        At least, he hadn't lied to her yet and she didn't want to start a scoreboard now.

        She couldn't help, but wonder, however as the day carried on. As of now, it was roughly mid day from what she could gather.

        The brunette wiped her dirtied hands along her shirt hem, having been removing rust for the better part of some hours. She didn't have vinegar this time around, much to her chagrin, but there was some baking soda on hand. That coupled with some steel wool and brute strength made removing it easy enough, but she could already feel the soreness setting in and knew that the following day wouldn't be kind on her strained body.

        She stood back, sucking in a deep breath as sweat beaded her brow. Sapphire eyes stole a glance over to where Tessa resided, busied with her own work for once (she could thank her father for that).

        The blonde fiddled hopelessly with the same small tools Lauren had been working with only a day prior. Bumblebee, calm as he was, never took his blue optics off the teen as she concentrated on his vocalizer. Despite the tension in her features, she did not work harshly and made each movement with calculated care. It was clear that she knew a thing or two.

        "Go make yourself useful, huh. Stop trying to suck face and do some good. Go. Bee could probably use a hand. Romeo over here doesn't need an extra lair of lips." The father had shooed her off in the yellow mech's direction. There was some foot stomping and pouts, but she obeyed nonetheless and, now, it seemed as though Shane was an after thought, too bust to acknowledge his presence.

        Cade had been gracious enough to dig up an old satellite radio from what junk there was, as no other bot was generous enough to lend them their radio. The damn thing hardly worked and was nowhere near loud enough for her liking, but she was thankful nonetheless. It was better than silence.

        After some antenna fiddling and a few love taps, the radio sputtered to life and it was another feat entirely when settling upon a radio station that didn't sound like noise married to static.

        The gentle beat of a vaguely familiar pop-punk song droned on in the background as she stuffed her rag back into her back pocket. Her head bobbed to the beat absently as she stepped forth, steel wool in hand to remove another small cluster of rust growth.

        "Am I more than you bargained for? I've been dying to tell you anything you wanna hear."

        "My processor is about numb from all this girly girl teeny bop stuff you've been blarin'." Hound commented lazily, making a show of dropping his helm back into the wall.

        "Lie in the grass next to the mausoleum. I'm just a notch in your bed post, but you're just a line in a song."

        "At least this one has a beat and not that white chick shit." Nitrozeus commented back without pause.

        Lauren followed the lyrics with what she knew as she scrubbed away the rust and baking soda concoction with as much care as it would allow. She couldn't imagine what she was doing felt nice if Megatron's low grumbling growls were anything to go off of.

        Sometimes he reminded her of a reactive dog in training.

        "Drop a heart and break a name. We're always sleeping in and sleeping for the wrong team. We're going down, down in an earlier round! And sugar, we're going down swinging! I'll be your number one with a bullet. A loaded God complex, cock it and pull it!"

        She took the moment to feign a drum solo, stopping in her scrubbing momentarily.

        Megatron had directed his optics down to her and observed openly. "Your work, girl. Do not make this longer than it must be."

        The woman bat some fly away hair out of her vision, flashing him a look. "Yeah, yeah. You'll live." The easy banter was nice. It was a much needed, albeit small, break from the chaos and she'd soak it in while she could. In some way, it reminded her of those first days in the barn.

        Reminded her a much simpler moment in her little life.

        The decepticon gave a low bellow, devoid of threat. Not that he'd act upon any threat issued to the femme, anyway. Crimson optics watched the way her head bobbed slightly to the tune of the song and enjoyed her closeness, even if she was biting into his metals something vicious. The rust needed to come off, though.

        "Is this more than you bargained for yet? Oh, don't mind me, I'm watching you two from the closet. Wishing to be the friction in your jeans."

        Bumblebee whirred something indecipherable from where he sat and Lauren cast him a swift glance before turning back to study her handy work. Scuffs, scratches, and dents were better than rust it seemed. Now, what would the human equivalent be? She dismissed the question.

        "I need to get to your side." Lauren had panned her sights up to his knowing optics and he moved to allow her access with a grumble. The mech took great care in depositing her upon the large cement block beside himself.

        The music continued to drone on in the background before the song ultimately ended and the next queued up.

        "I hold on so nervously to me and my drink. I wish it was coolin' me."

        Lauren made a gesture and Megatron begrudgingly lifted his arm up and out of her way. The angle she was at made it hard for him to properly see her, only furthering his sour mood.

        "Since I thought you and me. Well, I am imaging a dark lit place. Or your place or my place. Well, I'm not paralyzed, but I seem to be struck by you."

        The brunette studied the area, sapphire eyes roaming the side of his chassis when her gaze caught something interesting. That same tattoo like marking was etched deep into his metal. Worn by time, but not gone. She observed with keen curiosity.

        "You still have that? Damn, talk about a throwback." The single optic mech stole a glance in their direction, arms crossed atop his chest plating.

        "Ah, laser engraving. That looks pre-war. Old bugger are you?" Crosshairs jabbed verbally with a smirk as he worked to clean and maintain his weapons.

        "Old indeed. I've not seen inscription like those in a time much too long." Drift added calmly, interest piqued.

        " 'S like a tattoo?" Shane inquired from where he sat.

        "In a manner, yes. Though, some are born with them, bestowed by the allspark." Prime answered knowingly as if referring to himself. Bestowed symbolism to those born to higher, more wealthy castes.

        Nitrozeus snorted. "Cut the noble shit. It's a prison tat, Shaney-boy."

        No, not a prison per say. An arena, she recalled.

        "Hell, I have a few." Hound stated lazily. "All got a story."

        Lauren hadn't been listening to them too much as she stepped forward tentatively and grazed her fingertips gently along what ridges she could reach. Eyes wide in wonder and she traced each and every line.

        Megatron had a narrowed glare locked on Prime's even gaze as those around them conversed.

        "What's it mean?" The younger male gestured loosely to the decepticon lord.

        Optimus regarded the human male with a glance before turning his sights back to the mech in question. "It reads-"

        "Power." Lauren answered, cutting the autobot off in his efforts, drawing her hand away. Luckily, there was little rust on this side of him. She'd never found the time or moment to really get a look at the engraving, not that it had ever truly been on her to-do list.

        Megatron flicked his optics down to her momentarily, his spark bristled pleasantly at her voice. A deep growl crawled up his throat as if outwardly pleased. He knew she'd dipped her pedes into his memories previously, but he hasn't been privy to this information.

        His gladiator days were dirty and dark, but one of the biggest building blocks of what made him, him.

        Once more, he wondered distantly what Cybertronian syllables would sound like rolling off her tongue. Though, the logical part of himself knew that her vocal chords would never be capable of recreating such sounds.

        He wouldn't admit it, but the surge of pride at hearing her had him sitting up just a bit straighter. Her silencing his once brother was just an added bonus.

        "You can read that shit?" Nitrozeus interjected curiously, regarding her with a narrowed optic.

        Lauren flicked her sights to the tracker momentarily, before dusting dome baking soda onto a small rust spot. "No."

        "The lass is a decepticon, that's for damn sure. Bogen." Crosshairs commented as he cocked and loaded one of his guns.

        "You can bet your left nut she is. Ain't that right betsy? She'll go all 'yippie-ki-yay' on your ass." The tracker gave an obnoxious southern impression as he gestured to her loosely.

        "Shut your trap and quit it." Barricade barked.

        "Amen." Hound faked a cheer with a nonexistent drink.

        Soundwave swiveled his helm toward the side. "Blackout is incoming. I sense three organic lifeforms accompanying." Laserbeak squawked shrill from his perch, beady red optics trained on the direction of the entrance.

        Megatron rose to stand at his fullest height, leaving Lauren with the steel wool and baking soda in hand. Though, the disruption went excused as she set her items aside to hop down from where she stood.

        Simmons hadn't been lying. At least, she sure hoped it was Simmons and not some more of those black op men come to uproot her life (what was left of it).

        Blackout, true to Soundwave's words, rounded the corner only moments later with a disheveled Simmons dangled high off the ground and two more men she didn't recognize struggling to keep up.

        "The fleshling has brought his alliances. I believe they will prove familiar." The chopper informed with a hiss, not bothering to hide his underlying irritation. Ruby optics were narrowed dangerously as he dropped the older male onto the floor with an audible 'thump'.

        "Familiar faces indeed, yes, yes." The avian cooed darkly, optics narrowed dangerously. 

        Familiar? They knew these men? Her mind worked its gears hard as she side eyed Megatron's towering form. Her inner chest tugged knowingly.

        Were they part of Cemetery Wind? She questioned internally, sapphire eyes roaming the unfamiliar men. No, no. They couldn't be. Right?

        "Hey, hey, hey is that anyway to treat a savior? Huh? Easy on the joints!" Simmons got to his feet with a huff as he dusted himself off. "Good to see my absence wasn't too missed, I mean, can't get enough of me, am I right?" His onyx eyes found her quick, lighting up as he stepped forward some. "Ah there she is, the lady of the hour. Don't be shy now, not with your big ole guard dogs. C'mon, c'mon. Hop to it. They'll be fine if you let the leash go."

        Lauren met the older man half way, Megatron still close behind. It was a reassurance she wasn't aware she needed.

        "Megatron, still kickin' even in the dark days." One of the men commented, steel blue eyes cast up to the decepticon knowingly. "You really did a number in Africa. Every branch caught wind of it. Proud of that?"

        "Ha! You bet your ass we are! Survivin' ain't for weak little bitches." Nitrozeus quipped pridefully.

        "Man, I'm definitely not getting that pension plan." The darker male beside him groaned.

        "How's your wife?" The single optic mech drawled slyly, receiving a series of raised brows.

        Simmons stepped forward to stand beside Lauren. "Little Missy, these here are my boys. Big guns and all, yada-yada. Strong set of fellows, huh? They can kick that bounty hunter's ass all the way back to On Golden Pond." He wiggled his eyebrows.

        Optimus moved to speak, but the former Sector Seven agent was quick to hush him. "I brought them, I make the cool introductions, capuche?" A moment of silence passed before he dipped into a lazy bow. "Alright, y'know big guys with big guns. Lennox and Epps," he gestured to the two men loosely. "First lady of the decepticons, real tough cookie she is, I tell you. Quick on her feet too! God, what a woman."

        "Lauren. My name is Lauren." She corrected firmly, disregarding his other ramblings. It grew difficult to pick apart what was her emotions and what were his, but she made do.

        "Tomato, tamato. Same difference little girl." He waved her off.

        Blackout took a threatening step forward. "You will address Lord Megatron's conjunx with proper importance, fleshbag." He ground out, weapon readied. The mech in question rumbled out a growl in agreement, pleased by his subordinate's blatant loyalties.

        "This is a shit show." Hound grumbled.

        "Might as well throw up a white flag and just turn our hides in." Crosshairs sneered.

        Lennox and Epps regarded her with looks, before the blonde turned his attention up to the autobot leader. "Prime, where have you been hiding man? You were MIA until Texas."

        "I am sorry Colonel Lennox, but I was being hunted. We all are. I could not risk it." The mech answered bluntly, remorse evident.

        "And the others? Ratchet?" The soldier inquired.

        "He has been offlined at the hands of humans." His blue optics narrowed slightly, bitterness creeping into his tone.

        "Only a handful of us left here, Colonel." The potbelly mech stated almost sadly.

        "Fuck, man." Epps ran a hand over his bald head. Bumblebee whirred sadly.

        "Yeah, bloody insects love blowing us to bits for science projects, but when we do it, it's a problem!" The aussie barked.

        "Science projects?" The dark skinned soldier asked with a level of incredulousness.

        "You don't know?" Lauren asked with furrowed brows, sights trained on the new faces with unwavering focus.

        The two exchanged a glance before Lennox turned his attentions back to her. "All I know is that the government absolved N.E.S.T. and put us on new directives. Alliances were severed. All stuff regarding the Transformers has been turned over."

        "Turned over onto its belly and delivered straight to the CIA on a silver platter! Now that's fine dining." Simmons added.

        "After Chicago everything got stamped with a big, red 'CLASSIFIED'." Epps crossed his arms, eyes squinted. "Told us nothin', shipped us off, and told us our deployments were over."

        "If the Transformers were good, then why are they looking for us? You all?" Tessa asked with wide eyes, a slight tremble to her words didn't go unnoticed. "Why do humans want to hurt them?" Hurt her and her family and those she'd like to call friends.

        The Prime vented slowly, casting his optics to the ground in what could be considered shame. "This was not your fight, I apologize for you all having been dragged into it. All of you." His sights grazed Lauren for only a split second.

        "That's what we're trying to figure out here."

        "It's easy, like taking candy from a baby." Simmons snorted. "The government doesn't like something, they blow it away. Poof! Gone!"

        "Do you speak English ?" Epps asked in annoyance.

        "He never shuts his trap." Onslaught offered with a grunt.

        "The humans are not alone in their endeavors." Prime stated knowingly, garnering everyone's attention. "They've implored the help of Lockdown, a universal bounty hunter."

        "Real troubled bogen. Takes names and never leaves a face." Crosshairs commented.

        "Hey, hey, that's not the big problem here, right?" Cade interjected. "He's a bounty hunter, so what? He's one guy. Our trouble is coming from the freaks on over at KSI."

        "What do they got to do with this? They're a tech company." Epps questioned skeptically.

        "Yeah. Yeah, that's what they are and that's the problem." The father glared.

        "Sources say, they had a big back ally deal go down with big name Harold Attinger, a certified CIA operative who founded the black op group 'Cemetery Wind'. Now that's gossip!" Simmons smirked. "The CIA secures the Transformers and hands them off to KSI CEO Joshua Joyce. Following yet?"

        Lennox mulled over the information, his brows furrowing as he exchanged a silent look with his best friend. Neither of them liked the sound of that. Dread seeped into his every nerve as he turned back to everyone. "And that would mean?"

        "They're making their own Transformers." Lauren answered, shoulders tense. The air in the chapel grew thick, heavy with tension.

        "They're own? Nah, no, that's not possible. How would that even work? They wouldn't have sparks." Lennox rationalized.

        "Don't need one if the robot is made from melted down Transformers. They're mindless and do what they're ordered to do." Cade supplied. "Saw it first hand in one of their labs. Telling their little worker bees that all the ones they're melting down are decepticons, but I saw some autobots in that lab."

        "Now we're catching on, good job! Yes!" Simmons exclaimed. "KSI makes the bots and then hands them off to Lockdown. Man got his very own army handed right over to him, not a finger lifted. Call that privileged while I hide out in my mama's deli. Sad, truly."

        "This is some bad shit man. I don't like this." The dark skinned soldier admitted firmly.

        "Yeah, me neither." William Lennox agreed after a moment. "And what're they after exactly? It's gotta be something."

        "Both Lord Megatron and Optimus Prime." Soundwave spoke flatly. "A bounty has been placed on all the human helms as well."

        "Betsy would fetch a pretty penny." Nitrozeus commented.

        "They tried to put a bullet in my baby girls head. I want them dead and gone." Cade came firmly.

        "It would seem you made out in whole condition, human. Cease your complaints." Megatron rumbled sharply. He'd not admit it outright, but a part of him was bitter over the fact that his conjunx had taken a bullet instead.

        Scalpel skittered down Barricade's shoulder servo. "Zey but ein pullet in zee girl."

        Lauren shifted uncomfortably at the spider decepticon's words. Megatron growled deeply, casting the small doctor a warning glare, to which he heeded.

          "The humans have set up energon detectors through out the city, we are rendered immobile." Optimus relayed.

        "Outward perimeter has been diminished to 10,560 feet." Blackout offered bluntly.

        "To hell with the perimeter, I bet my left cannon these bogens led a nice trail all the way here." Crosshairs insulted. "Stowaways, the lot of them!"

        "I can assure you there is no trail, paper or otherwise. Cool it with attitude, will 'ya?" Lennox made a gesture for the autobot to stand down, well acquainted with such behavior. The solider thought back briefly on Ironhide and his jaw clenched.

        "I would suggest that you two make yourselves at home here for the time being. We cannot afford to let anyone stray too far." The prime stated without much room for deliberation, not that there was any to be had. Everyone, despite affiliation, agreed.

        Barricade grumbled out something in Cybertronian that went unheard by most.

        "Fuller house, yeah?" Shane smirked.

        Cade cast him a look. "Shut it leprechaun. The adults are talking."

        "I tell you what, I get first dibs on that couch." Epps commented loud enough for everyone to hear to which Tessa groaned. " 'Get comfortable' my ass." He mumbled under his breath as he stalked in the direction of the worn furniture.

        "Hey, what about you? What're you gaining from this little alliance? The hell do you want?" Lennox called up the the decepticon lord, his hand clasped his bag.

        The decepticon regarded the soldier with a narrowed optic stare. "What anyone wants, human. To go home. The decepticons are finished with this planet."

        Lauren swallowed at his words, bur said nothing as she turned to make her way back across the cathedral.

        "And you? Lauren was it? How'd you get wrapped up in this?" 'The first lady of the decepticons' hadn't flown over his head, not much did, except maybe stray bullets. He eyed her.

        The brunette stopped momentarily, but Nitrozeus was quick to intervene. "I wouldn't bother the missus. Ruffles the big guy's feathers, if you know what I mean." He chortled obnoxiously.

        Lennox held his hands up in a lazy gesture if surrender as be backed off, making his way toward Epps, bags in hand. His friend met his gaze.

        Blackout had stalked back off after swiping Simmons from the floor and flinging him outside if only it meant it'd rid him of his voice. He'd crush him of he weren't a lifeline.

        Megatron cast crimson optics down at Lauren's small form, not missing the gentle pull within his spark. She hadn't liked being called out in such a manner and, for once, be could find use in the tracker's insufferable chatter. Nitrozeus was far smarter than he let on, but he supposed that was the true meaning of 'decepticon'.

        He cast a quick glance up to Laserbeak who had his beady sights set exclusively on the new additions, ready to swoop down and dispatch them if a threat were to present itself.

        And so the night carried on slowly. The sun set soon there after and neither of the two sides broached the topics anymore than they had previously. Blackout remained outside patrolling what he could while others such as Cade pushed on in their work. Idea chit chat was exchanged, but none went noticed by Lauren. Quick exchanges of Cybertronian were exchanged among decepticons in that time.

        Eventually the most if everyone chose to wind down, settling for sleep or slipping into recharge respectfully, including Megatron.

        All was quiet as she sat curled up upon his thigh plating. Darkness had taken over the cathedral quickly with the exception of Blackout's vermillion optics shining through the dimness, ever watchful. It was almost comforting knowing he was always watching out for them.

        Sleep hadn't come to her in those hours, her mind working overtime with too many thoughts and nothing simultaneously. That in and of itself was tiring, and still her body did bot permit her slumber. Muscles sore and hands achy from that days work hadn't been helpful either. God, she ached.

        What she wouldn't give for a hot bath...

        Lauren lulled her head to the side, eyes finding their way to the couch where the two soldiers resided. They seemed nice enough and prayed that they were as helpful as Simmons had sold her to believe.

        A tug within her chest had her sighing heavily.

        "You should be in recharge, human." Blackout commented bluntly from where he stood. His voice was neither too loud, nor too quiet.

        "I know, just can't." She mumbled quietly, knowing he'd hear with his super alien ears. There was no need to be loud.

        He grumbled in response, not offering any words. Some more time passed like that slowly in the dark before she spoke up.

        "Have you seen Lockdown? Or those detector things?" Sapphire eyes traveled to the red in the darkness.

        "No signs of the bounty hunter. Energon detectors have be spotted only miles from here."

        "Do they have a perimeter to them?" She inquired.

        "I cannot answer that, fleshling." He rumbled in distaste. He truly didn't know, not wanting to get close enough to them to find out.

        Another moment of silence passed as Lauren thought. They were meant to detect Cybertronians, she knew that much, but did that mean that Lockdown wouldn't set them off, too? That she didn't know, even if they all did sort of look the same at first glance... The detectors were sure to have a perimeter to them, that's how sensors worked, they needed to have a trip. Something occurred to her then and she furrowed her brows.

        "Can't you just fly above them? High enough and they shouldn't go off, right?"

        Blackout was quiet for a klik as he processed her words. He'd not thought of that. "That may be a viable option. Why do you inquire, human?" His optics narrowed.

        "If Lockdown is in the area, then his ship must be too. Don't you think? I doubt he'd leave it unattended for long." The brunette pondered.

        "What is it you are implying, fleshbag? Spit it out or cease your vocalizing." He ground out in a hushed tone.

        "Not implying anything, just curious." The woman relented, his harsh tone not bothering her.

        He stared at her through the darkness, noting how she reclined upon Megatron. "Are you still in possession of those blueprints from the previous joor?"

        "Yeah, I am." A hum came.

        "Surrender them. I will regard the layout of the ship."

        Lauren was careful when she slid off of the decepticon's thigh plating, her feet hitting the cool floor with a soft 'pat' sound. It was hard to maneuvered in the dark, but she managed her way over to the small pile of things she had the privilege of calling her's. Between a shirt and some pants, the file was hidden. Snatching it up, she padded her way over to the chopper, his optics like a beacon in the darkness for her to follow and follow she did.

        Once close enough, she thrust the manilla file up toward him to which he plucked from her grasp swiftly.

        She had half the mind to return to Megatron, but chose not to as she turned to exit the building. Maybe some air would do her some good. Help her relax a bit. The stars and the moon often had that effect on her.

        "Where is it you are heading, femme?" Blackout came in quiet accusation, optics cast down at her in scrutiny.

        "Just stepping outside, need some air."

        "You will remain inside the structure." He ordered.

        She made a face at him. "I'll be back in a moment, god."

        Blackout moved to follow, not allowing her out of his immediate sight. "Then walk, fleshling." He barked just a bit louder.

        "Sir, yes sir." Lauren mocked a lazy salute as she made her way outside the building. The fresh air was an immediate welcome, even if she did have a decepticon practically breathing down her throat. She sat herself just outside the door, legs drawn in close, and arms propped upon her knees as she rested her head back against the stone wall.

        Blackout grumbled lowly to himself as he moved to observe the file. Vermillion optics scanned each and every page, committing each one to memory while he simultaneously studied the information. They were blueprints alright, schematics, and layouts. He was sure some of the given information was far outdated, but it'd be a help nonetheless. Anything was better than nothing.

        Sapphire eyes looked over the darkness. That night felt particularly dark for some reason. The cloudless sky allowed for optimal viewing of the star speckled universe. A cool breeze swept by as she relaxed. Her eyelids were growing heavier by the second and she'd be fine with sleeping outside if it meant she'd get some rest.

        The decepticon sifted the words and sorted through the blueprints with practiced calculation. His optics broke away from his task for only a klik to observe the femme who'd fallen into recharge, her head tilted to the side slightly and body lax. In the moment, he'd also heard the approaching footfall of his esteemed leader.

        Megatron emerged from the cathedral, crimson optics landing on him with a swiftness before flicking down to his conjunx.

        "The femme wanted to come outdoors, my lord." Blackout informed him bluntly, file in hand.

        The tyrant grunted in acknowledgment. "You are dismissed, Blackout."

        The mech dipped his helm in acknowledgment, before offering out the file. "The human allowed me access to it."

        "Keep it in your clutches. Now go." Megatron ordered firmly, watching as the hunter stalked off. Crimson optics found their way to Lauren with ease. Sleep clung to her eyes in the form or dark bags. Primus, she must be exhausted. Her hands curled as if she were still holding something.

        Stooping, the mech scooped her into his palm with practiced care, stirring her as she mumbled incoherent nothings in her sleepy stupor. He brought her close, providing him piece of mind, safety, and warmth. His spark had pulled moderately when she left him, rousing him from his own recharge.

        She'd not entered slumber and he hadn't an idea as to why.

        Caging her close, he emerged into the building, stalked his way back to where he'd been previously and seated himself once more, depositing her upon his shoulder where she found comfort easily, curling closer.

        Crimson optics studied her some in the dark before he pulled his sights away to slip back into recharge, knowing she was close.

Notes:

A bit of a slow chapter, sorry :(

Chapter 40: Amour

Notes:

I am BACK y'all! Hello! Hi! How has everyone been?! I missed you all so, so SO much! <3

So, I have somethings to confess... This is my longest chapter EVER written by me. Over 13k words, can y'all believe that?! I surprised even myself! And I may or may not have jotted down a rough draft of another Megatron x oc fic in my notes... Oops.

And thank you all so, so, SO MUCH FOR OVER 800 KUDOS! YOU ALL ARE AMAZING AND I LOVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU! THIS STORY WOULDN'T BE HERE IF IT WASN'T FOR ALL YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND LOVE OMG! <3<3<3

This chapter is a weeeeeee bit crazy haha... And once more, apologies for any spelling/grammar/word errors you may come across.

        Rest didn't come easily. It never seemed to, however with  Megatron around, Lauren found she'd slept better than she ever had in the years that followed her grandparents' passing.

        Weather it be memories relived, the void, or simply what  use  to be her bedroom, she did not care. Not having a preference for any of the sort.

        But, things never seemed to stay peaceful for her. No, she couldn't possibly be afforded that type of luxury.

        Dread. Pure, unadulterated, raw fear and dread weighed her down, pooling deep in her core. It'd been just like it had been previously, that primal knowledge of impending doom gnawing at her every sense. Every fiber of her very being screamed, cried, demanded for her to flee, to rid herself of whatever was the cause of her ailment.

        Then, there was light. Blinding, bright light that seemed to swirl much in the way water would.

        Shadows came next, contrasting the brightness harshly and leaving her to dangle in the middle, caught between two planes in some kind of sick, twisted version of purgatory.

        At least, that's what she'd call it.

        This isn't real. Her mind was quick to scream in an attempt at rationalizing the situation. In an attempt to ground her rightfully, but she knew... Lauren knew full well that what she was seeing was not something her subconscious conjured. She knew full well that the in-between she'd been thrusted into was real.

        It's only a dream. Another futile attempt at rationalization.

        It was surreal in the way she both felt weightless and rooted in her stance.

        What was this...? Why was she seeing this? What was happening?

        Part of her wanted to call out to Megatron in the hopes he'd hear her, but no sound left her vocal chords. Everything was muffled and muted softly. In better circumstances she'd  almost call it calming.

        Sucking in a steady breath, she did her best to self soothe. The pull within her chest was a comfort in and of itself and  she did well to latch onto that grounding sensation.

        Sapphire eyes blinked open to survey her surroundings with upmost caution.

        This was no dream. No. Then what?

        Lauren studied the area. She, indeed, was between two planes, stood perfectly between a wall of cool pastel blue light, swirling gently as though it were a stagnant wall of water. It was hypnotizing and  if she stared long  enough she  could swear it was beckoning her.

        To her right, a dark, brooding abyss of darkness. Hazy around the edges, it whispered nothing quietly. Warmth was palpable and emanated steadily from the darkness.

        God, what was going on?

        The brunette swallowed, her eyes traveling back to the brightness naturally. Hesitantly, she stepped toward the wall, doing her best to snuff out the ebbing impending  doom feeling.

        A gentle coolness brushed her skin, much like a breath of fresh air that had blown by. A gentle breeze.

        The closer she got, the more the gap closed, and the more that came into view.

        There were... figures? Silhouettes, several of them.

        Brows furrowed together in apparent confusion as she stopped mere inches from the wall when everything- everyone came into view.

        Heart in her throat and pulse roaring in her ears, she stared at the fondly familiar faces of those long past. Nausea loomed just above her as she eyed the gentle smiles adoring her grandparents' faces.

        They hadn't changed at all. They were as warm and loving as the day they drew their final breaths. Her eyes were wide and unblinking, refusing to tear away from the scene before her.

        "Grandma...?" No noise sounded from her, but then again she  wasn't speaking above her own breath either.

        What was this? Part of it felt like a sick joke. Her own subconscious torturing  her out of sheer boredom. Perhaps it was loneliness that cemented deep within her young adolescent heart so many years ago.

        What the hell was happening? This had to be the result of the bond. It had to be... right?

        So many questions overtook her mind, it  was borderline painful with no answers in sight.

        Blown eyes shifted to the taller stature of her late grandfather and  she looked upon his aged face affectionately. He hadn't looked a day out of place as he quirked a gentle smile to his only granddaughter, seeing her. "Grandpa..."

        Movement caught her attention and  she nearly choked on the air in her lungs when she spotted her  mother, dark  hair swept neatly over her shoulder and face full of life. A small baby boy was cradled close to her slender figure.

        The sight caused her to stall, her foot poised forward as if to approach. She swallowed down her apprehensions with some trouble.

        The dark wall just behind her whispered nothings to her, just slightly above a whisper. The words were lost on her and  yet she hung off every word she could catch.

        "Come...", "bug ... ", "girl ...",  "love ...", "time...".

        None of the words made sense and yet they did, it was mind boggling and she still hadn't taken her eyes from the face of her mother so distant she'd nearly forgotten that she was supposed to have a younger brother. God, how had she forgotten?

        Lauren took another tentative step forth, nearly breaching the veil separating them. Closer, she spotted another hazed figure further in the distance, but nothing would pull her attention from her mother.

        "Mom... Mom?" She tried with no success as her late parent smiled, creasing her ocean eyes that rested easily upon her. She wondered distantly if that truly was her, wondered if maybe her grown appearance was off putting.

        She stalled once more, halting to stare some more, the darkness just behind still whispering out for her. The young woman glanced back over her shoulder to stare into the inkiness momentarily before turning back to her loved ones.

        Was this... Was this the other side? Death...? The afterlife? Beyond life?

        Her brows knit together as she stepped up to the brightness, hands hovering just beyond the threshold to hear its whispers .

        "My little girl...", "kid...", "love you...".

        Comforting words from those she's loved the most beckoned to her heart and  the closer she  got the  lighter she felt.

        The other side. Another world entirely. Becoming the wind... the stars, the universe... Being with her mother and those she's loved forever.

        A strange sense of guilt and longing buried deep within her bubbled to the surface, a sour expression crossing her features as she retracted her hands shakily, stepping back before bumping something.

        Turning on her heels, she looked upon a dark figure, shadowed entirely and unmoving. It was Megatron's silhouette, she  knew that as she turned fully to face his form.

        Lauren reached out without hesitance and took his unmoving clawed hands in her own, her hold firm as she stared through him. The brightness calling back to her.

        Her hold tightened as if she'd be ripped away at a moments notice.

        The darkness before her palpated fond warmth, like a possessive embrace, safe from harm and hurt. A promise of protection.

        Sapphire eyes remained locked upon him.

        Living, feeling, being in love. Growing old. So  many things she still had to do.

        Wetness pricked at her eyes as she took a final glance back to those long past , a final, proper parting glance as she returned her sights to Megatron.

        "I love you. I love you." She spoke softly as his form dissipated, the darkness growing tenfold and  she readily allowed it to swallow her whole, sucking her deep beneath its suffocating hold. It took everything with it, like a tornado in its path of destruction.

        And still, she allowed herself to be fully swept up it's catastrophe , welcoming all that it brought with it; dread, doom, death, but also love, warmth, and desire.

        And then there was blackness, darkness, nothing, until she was blinking her eyes open to a new scene entirely.

        Blue, there was so much blue. Flowers, they were flowers for as far as her eyes could see. It was beautiful, serine.

        "You returned." Megatron spoke as her approached her side.

        "What was that...?" She asked gently, almost in disbelief of what had just transpired.

        He regarded her with an even stare, no malice in his optics as he looked upon her. "Something your sights were not meant to see, girl."

        Lauren let the conversation go after that, not minding the ambiguity. Truly, she didn't want to understand it, better to let things be. She hummed. "I wouldn't have left, y'know..." She offered quietly, enjoying the view.

        Megatron regarded her silently, reaching out a claw to tuck away her hair, allowing him proper  view of her side profile. His spark pulsed pleasantly at the contact, a far cry from the distressed pull he'd experienced kliks prior.

        It was true what he'd said, she  shouldn't have been there. She should never be  there, in  a moment where she'd be able to willing offer up her spark to Primus.

        Never.

        He looked over the endless field of spark flowers, a mass memorial for all intents purposes.

        "I love you. I love you."

        Her voice rang out to him in that moment as he forced himself upon the bond in desperate search of her. To hear such words roll off her tongue was... He truly had no words to accurately describe   it.

        A small part of the decepticon was also fearful, not that he'd ever admit that openly, at the prospect that she may have chosen to leave. To abandon him in favor of her blood, her rightful family. Would he blame her? He'd like to say he wouldn't, but he knew that he'd resent her if it meant preserving his own spark.

        But the femme didn't do anything of that sort.

        She returned to him willingly, despite  the opportunity presented. The mech had roared out furiously for her in a lost attempt, just as she tried to speak.

        "I love you. I love you."

        He, too, loved her. Primus, how he loved her small being. Loved her more than he was willing to accept.

        He was a fool and  it was wrong. He chided within, his spark ever quick to nip that away.

        Feeling her chest pull adamantly, Lauren turned to glance up at the mech as if to ask 'what?'. His crimson gaze caught her's and she offered a small smile.

        "What's this place?" The brunette questioned, turning her gaze back to the flowers.

        Megatron grumbled low in his chassis before answering. "They are Cybertronian remembrance flowers. Each one contains the final echoes of a spark after death."

        Lauren hummed. "That's so much nicer than what we do." She snorted dryly. "But, we do have headstones I  guess. I'd like to be a flower."

        Hearing one speak so openly about death, especially her, was odd. Cybertronians never looked upon their futures deaths unless a situation called for such matters. She truly was a speck in his lifetime.

        The decepticon narrowed his optics and clenched his denta together.

        She was so mortal it made his spark pang uncomfortably. Organic.

        Why'd he have to find forever in someone who'd not be there to share it with him?

        "It's beautiful." Lauren commented after a moment, sapphire eyes roaming over the vastness of it all. So many lives.

        Megatron turned to her fully then, taking her wrist in his hold. She didn't fight him as she turned to fully face   him,  the pull within her chest guiding her. Crimson optics bore down into her. "You will not go, girl." He stated rather fiercely.

        Lauren held his gaze for a moment's time, not minding his tone as she searched deeply into the shared connection of theirs. She'd glimpsed a fleeting shred of pain, deep rooted hurt that he locked away, burying it deep beneath his ferocity, but she'd glimpsed it if only for a fraction of a second.

        His words, despite their delivered tone, were not a command, nor a demand, but a plea. A asking desire.

        Her visage softened. "I won't." She assured, beating back that deep looming dread she'd locked away.

        The due held their stare  in  silence and  the mech stepped forward, bending to rest his helm against her forehead in an affectionate display.

        Heading the pull of their bond, she pushed against him with ease. The contact served to sooth  his bristled spark, the contact pleasant and familiar.

        "You would be wise not to leave, bug." He bellowed deeply from his chassis. She truly was a weakness to him. How had something-  someone so small, mortal, and insignificant come to mean so much? He found himself questioning more often than not and never was there an answer in sight, something he was strangely okay with accepting.

        Crimson optics tailed all the finer details of her face as she enjoyed his closeness, eyes slipped closed.

        Completely and utterly his. Hid spark burned for her breath, the beat of her heart, and the gleam in her eyes.

        This was wrong.

        His shoved away that thought  swiftly, not allowing any room for such doubts.

        "I love you. I love you."

        Primus... Please, please, please. What had he been subdued to? A decepticon warlord, rightful ruler to Cybertron, gladiator of Kaon succumbed to a love struck mech. A weakling.

        Each and every crevice of her face was committed to memory a  he brushed some more stray hairs behind her ear.

        Primus, he loved her. Loved her with every wire in his body. His spark surged, wanting to roar out to the heavens, but nothing came from his glossa.

        The words wouldn't come out.

        Lauren hummed softly under her breath as a flurry of suffocating warmth swarmed her chest, blossoming with rapid pace. Wordless, she cherished that.

        The exchange was silent and wordless, but so much was said, exchanged. Knowing and recognition passed between the two in their private moment.

        This. This was what she lived for. It was difficult, raw, and so worth it. Her heart yearned for her fallen family, of course it did, but she knew she was in her rightful place.

        Her place in the world.

        Without much thought, soft nimble hands came to his helm, gently taking his cheek plates into her palms. She held him in place tenderly, savoring the moment and soaking in his warmth.

        He was the sun; radiant, fierce, unrelenting, an immovable force to be reckoned with. Warm to the touch, like a car hood sat outside for too long.

        If only they were on the same level.

____________________

        Another day came and went with no changes. Everyone, for all intended purposes, was essentially housebound to the cathedral.

        The previous perimeter had, once more, been diminished as per Blackout's report. Energon detectors were popping up closer by the day with no apparent solution in sight. The chopper had not spoken on his shared conversation with Lauren either, keeping it quiet.

        In simple terms, everyone was going stir crazy as supply dwindled and boredom set in.

        The mechs, decepticons particularly, grew more antsy with ever second that passed. They were sitting ducks, waiting for their sparks to be extinguished. The whole 'waiting' thing didn't blow over well with those that were particularly trigger happy.

        Lauren was no better. God, she'd truly blended into their rank, hadn't she? It wasn't as if she were battle hungry, but she was beginning to lose sleep over paranoia.

        Currently, said woman worked upon Onslaught and what damages he had, which weren't much thank God. He could however use a 'tune up' if she were to use car lingo.

        Tessa and Shane had been sent out on a supply run as the teen simply could not live without deodorant. Though, they did need food and more of that shampoo, so not all was lost.

        Onslaught coughed roughly, jostling her slightly where she stood upon his palm. It was a trait she'd noticed in Hound as well, coughing. They didn't have lungs as far as she was concerned, so why did they do it? She did not include the potbelly autobot's need to smoke into her equation.

        "Is there something wrong?" Lauren questioned bluntly as she returned to securing some plating to the mech's chassis.

        "Nothing your fleshy being can solve." The decepticon ground out in disdain at the ordeal.

        "Don't mind him princess. We all get hangry, shit I do." Hound called over from where he sat.

        "A cube of high-grade and some femme thangs would make my fucking stellar cycle." Nitrozeus quipped. "A mech can have his wet dreams."

        "Sounds like your idea of a good day and mine aren't too far off." Epps interjected crudely.

        Men.

        Lauren paid them no mind, but one thing stuck out to her. How had she not thought of it sooner? She felt stupid and almost guilty.

        They were hungry. Granted, she wasn't informed on their whole diet or how long they could suffice without fuel, but surely it wasn't a pleasant feeling either. Just because they could live without didn't mean they should. The young woman recalled Megatron speaking of 'reserves' some time back, but were those so called reserves for bodily function or not? She didn't know.

        Her brows knit together as she continued her work, the feeling of Megatron's eyes on her never left.

        "Refuel and a good recharge sounds like Primus himself." Hound added with a grunt and a pretend cheer of his imaginary drink.

        "I want a beer and a greasy burger." Lennox chuckled with a toothy smile that didn't reach his eyes, hands busied with cleaning his firearm.

        "Now you're talkin' man." His best friend punched him in the shoulder playfully.

        "A nice cold one and some BBQ, yeah, that'll do it." Cade smiled as he wiped away some sweat to which the other two men agreed.

        Pulling away, the brunette crossed her arms atop her chest as she studied her own handy work, mind elsewhere as she stared absently. It took a moment of her own zoning out before she glanced up to meet Onslaught's gaze. The once combaticon stared at her with an unreadable expression.

        She caught his stare with her own. It almost felt as though she were being picked apart.

        "I'd hope you know what you're doing, fleshling." He spoke flatly.

        Sapphire eyes averted to the ground below her, not taking in the full weight of the mech's words. "Me too." She agreed.

        The stout bot eyed her momentarily as he pushed himself to sit up straighter, body feeling more sturdy after her work. "For what it's worth and it is worth something, insect, I believe your strategy is the best we are going to get." He lowered his palm and shook her from his hold.

        Lauren stumbled, barely gaining her footing as she met the ground, tools still in hand.

        "Wow, pretty words from fat head over there." Crosshairs jabbed with a smirk, leaning onto his perched knee servo.

        "Open your big mouth again, autobot." Onslaught bit back in warning to which the green mech chortled. The combaticon wasn't a brute per say, far more inclined to battle strategy, but that didn't mean he couldn't get a temper.

        "He is a child with no processor power, do not mind him." Drift smacked the aussie who cursed back. Laserbeak chittered from his perch.

____________________

        Lockdown surveyed the recent photos given to him, courtesy of Cemetery Wind and their entire team of useless organics. Time was waning on and his patience was nearly nonexistent.

        The much appreciated patience of his queen was also drawing thin.

        Humans, such follies to the universe. Their species was still far too primitive to coincide with that of high intelligence. Far too lacking for the likes of him.

        Even the so called 'evidence' he'd been provided was moments too old for the bounty hunter, old news. The mere thought and remembrance of Harold Attinger's voice was enough to light his simmering fury.

        Though, Lockdown may have the all the time in the universe on his side, the humans and Earth certainly did not. He had a deadline that he'd prefer to keep at any cost necessary, even if that included blatantly going against contract.

        Human words and empty mortal promises were of no interest to him anyway.

        Emerald optics surveyed the information given with scrutiny. That Lauren Ridgwell had been caught in blurred, panic flashes as she evaded the black opp group in a department store, her get away- Barricade he recalled pointedly- among the images. They were still in the immediate vicinity, no further than a hundred miles in or out of city limits. Good.

        Another set of images came into his view, energon detectors that Harold and Joshua had cultivated has been littered about the area, each uniquely tweaked to not read his particular energy signal. Allowing him complete access under the radar.

        None of the detectors had yet to be tripped which was odd in its own right. Just where could they be if not within the city?

        Every night as if it were clockwork he'd be put on the streets doing his own surveillance while KSI mini drones zipped about.

        His endeavors often yielded high reward as he could confidently confirm the sighting of Tessa Yeager, Shane Dyson, decepticon Barricade, autobot Bumblebee, and Lauren Ridgwell.

        The very designation of the human conjunx was detestable as there were no sightings of his two bounties; Optimus Prime and Megatron. It left the Quintessan bitter at all parties.

        Another set of photos came up for his viewing pleasure, though the information wasn't exactly anything that demanded his immediate attention; decepticon Berserker stalked the Hoover Dam and growled about the surrounding area. He paid little mind to the feral mech. That wasn't his problem nor a part of his core objectives.

        "Sir, the seeker returns with the promise of information." A subordinate of his stated as he stood in the doorway of the communications room.

        Lockdown grumbled in dissatisfaction knowing the decepticon flyer had returned after slipping through his ship. Decepticon truly was befitting of the lesser beings. "See to it that he does not escape or you will be the next thrown from the ship. Go." The bounty hunter barked firmly, watching as his smaller crew man took his leave.

        The Quintessan still had his doubts about the previous 'information' said seeker relayed, but reserved his own hesitations as be exited the com room, stalking down the halls of his prison-turned-warship.

        It seemed that he was the only one to ever get anything done right as two of his largest KSI mechs actively secured the seeker, by his precious wings no less. Even if the fly boy was cunning and deceptive in his own right, no amount of pretty or sharp words would sway the drone mechs. The wonders of mindless technology, he figured that humans accomplished one thing if he wasn't counting their specialty in uselessness.

        A true wonder the species ever survived evolution.

        "You must have a death wish, decepticon." Lockdown delivered pointedly as ruby optics locked onto his. "I do not deal in mercy killings, but if it is death  you seek, then that is what Wil be dealt. Speak."

        "I-I come with information, something you may find most useful. Killing me would be a waste." Starscream spoke hastily, the hunter shooting his a glare as if demanding he speak before his mind was made. "Energy signatures have been spotted south-west of this position. Decepticon and autobot, how lucky for you. For us."

        Lockdown's visage screwed up incredulously at his words. "There is no us. I do not make it a habit to associate with little children. Cybertronians."

        "Yes, yes o-of course my liege."

        The silver mech turned to a subordinate of his. "Go triangulate all that is south-west of our coordinates. Align that atop the energon detector map. I do not like to wait." Lockdown commanded sternly without missing a single beat before his narrowed emerald gaze returned to the seeker. "For the sake of your spark, pray to your pitiful god that you do not deceive me."

____________________

        Another handful of hours has passed and the young couple had returned from their supply run. The teen had the most of her long hair shoved haphazardly into a ball cap while all her exposed skin shined with sweat, cheeks rosy from exertion.

        The walk to the store wasn't a terrible one, but definitely not something to contemn. Shane looked like he faired better, bags clasped in hand as he panted slightly. The beginnings of sweat stains soaked through his shirt.

        "Tess, everything go okay? You look madder than a wet hen." Cade remarked, stuffy a dirty rag into his front pocket, still busying himself with working on the Prime.

        His daughter shot his a tired glare as she dropped the bag she was carrying, ripping the cap from her head to allow her messy hair to fall wherever it pleased. "I'm not doing that again. Bee couldn't have just taken us? Even to the city limits, I'm dying dad." The teen complained through breaths.

        "Hey, hey don't be like that. Some exercise that's not running your mouth will do 'ya some good." Cade countered sarcastically. "Make yourself useful Romeo, put that stuff away. Chop, chop."

        "Get that ass in gear and you may get some tail." Nitrozeus chortled in jest to the Irish male. Tessa scoffed as she stormed off in the direction of the bathroom, shampoo and various other miscellaneous items in hand.

        Lauren didn't comment as she organized the tools she'd used most often. It'd make things easier to find in a pinch and she needed something to occupy her time, not particularly find of idle hands.

        "Knock! Knock!" The telltale voice of Simmons rang out as he entered the building, large bag in hand. "I got a order for- uh a Miss decepticon. Get it while it's hot, hot! World's best pastrami made by my very own mama."

        "Can I crush him?" Barricade asked lowly under his growl, optics narrowed dangerously.

        "Not until I get that sandwich." Cade wiped his hands lazily, climbing down from his stance swiftly.

        "That wouldn't be wise for either faction, restrain yourself. Strategic advantages are key." Onslaught countered the cruiser to which he hissed  something Cybertronian.

        "Never heard of 'ladies first' bug guy? Or did I get the wives mixed up?" Simmons smirked, handing off the food without a fight.

        "Yeah? You're lucky you still have your teeth, let's not push it, okay?" Cade clapped the graying man in the shoulder before striding away, sandwich in hand as he eagerly unwrapped it.

        Lennox, Epps, and Shane followed suit as Lauren finished organizing her tools.

        "Hot and fresh! Get 'ya hoagies, get 'ya hoagies!" The former Sector Seven agent called out to her with a gesture of a starch paper wrapped sandwich.

        The brunette crossed the church to meet the man, cleaning her hands along the hem of her shirt with little regard. Simmons had been a recurring nuisance over the few days, and she was just beginning to grow accustomed to his dramatically flared personality.

        "Mama's secret recipe, doubt the CIA know. If it's not the best pastrami you've ever had blow your socks off, then you don't know what's good for you." He watched her expression shift momentarily as she clasped the hoagie. "Cat got your tongue missy? Or have you been swore to secrecy? Blink twice and we'll blow the joint."

        It was a joke, or an attempt at one and she cracked a forced smile. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something."

        "Yeah? Your little big guard dog won't use me like chew toy if you're disappointed right? Because if so, I got an alibi and a mean high kick. Took a jujitsu class once."

        Lauren pushed away the flaring irritation in her chest, knowing it wasn't her's to be acted upon. "You wouldn't know where to get food- fuel for them would you?" Sapphire eyes searched his face for an answer before he even opened his big mouth. "You do, don't you?"

        "Don't go gettin' yourself blown to shrapnel for our sakes, ain't worth it." Hound commented hoarsely.

        "Speak for yourself porky, but I could use something in my tank. You think bein' this sleek is natural?" The single optic mech made a broad gesture.

        "Cease your foolish thoughts of grandeur, girl." Megatron sniped, crimson optics trained in her form.

        Her brows furrowed as she turned away from Simmons to face the decepticon. "You're starving. You all are." She stated firmly without debate.

        "We possess reserves for such matters, bug, cease your-"

        The woman cut him off. "But how long do those last? A few months? A couple years? Those reserves are for bodily function, aren't they?" She questioned.

        "As it stands our reserves should last sixty-two more earth days." Blackout answered bluntly as he emerged into the nave, rotor bladed tucked close to his back plating.

        "Two months. And then what?" Lauren barked, her chest tugging uncomfortably, but refusing to turn and meet the tyrant's optics as she looked to the chopper for answers.

        "Imminent stasis lock." The air in the cathedral was suddenly heavy as every mech listened.

        Lauren wasn't a rocket scientist nor an expert in robot alien physiology, but she knew enough to know that that wasn't a good thing. Was it death? A coma like state? Hibernation? She didn't know and didn't care. None of them were of any use if they were offline and immobile.

        God, they truly were sitting ducks just waiting to be picked off one by one.

        "Kid's got a point. It's like going into battle handicapped." Lennox agreed. "No point if there's something that can be done about it."

        "I'm not planning on dying today or tomorrow, so listen to what she got to say man." Epps backed her and his comrade up to which Bumblebee whirred in wordless agreement.

        Lauren swiveled on her heels, eyes burning with unwavering determination as she faced Megatron. "Let me do this." It came out like a statement, but she knew and he knew it was a plea, begging.

        He was an immovable object and she was the unstoppable force and once would have to give, she just knew it wouldn't be her.

        "You said those detector things track you lot, right? Saw a hell lot of 'em in the city." Shane interjected.

        "They do not detect raw energon. They detect unique energy signatures powered by energon." Soundwave relayed flatly. "Cybertronians. The human femme would bypass without calculated issue."

        "Shut your trap. You talk like it's happening." Barricade growled.

        "It's a sound strategy given the circumstance. Cease your vocals." The stout combaticon countered.

        "That's great and all, but how do we even know there's any of that here? It's a suicide mission." Cade protested fatherly, eyes darting between  everyone as he bit into his sandwich once more.

        That was a good point. This whole conversation would be all for naught if there wasn't anything in the city anyway.

        Lauren turned back to Simmons. "You. Talk. Where can we find energon?"

        "Fierce! I like that, like a lioness. Meow. Tell me, you see any lions on your little Africa vacation? Went there once, tourist trap." The tan skinned male rambled.

         "Just talk, man. Shit." Epps came impatiently.

        "Speak when addresses, fleshbag." Blackout ordered harshly.

        "Little big guard dog, I told you." Simmons spoke as the chopper stepped forward in silent warning. "Okay. Okay. Don't sic me. Good dog, alright? Jeez." He held his hands up in mock surrender, dark eyes shifted back to Lauren's serious expression. "Energon, no idea where it is."

        "What?" The young woman stepped forth as dud Blackout.

        "Hey, hey, hey! I said I don't know where the liquid gold is, but I got a guy that might. You wanna out that thing down? Makin' me insecure." He gestured to the cannon atop the hunter's arm. "He's solid, alright? Worked for N.E.S.T. and then when that went under, transferred over into your little graveyard troop. A real 007, pick up what I'm laying down because it's steamin'!".

        "Yeah, and where do we find this '007 '?" Lennox stood, leaned against the couch arm rest, arms crossed atop his chest.

        "I don't appreciate the sarcasm, soldier. You too good? Turn your nose up at the unconventional? A big boy with a big gun, little nuclear family, awe how nice."

        "Asshole." Epps muttered not so quietly.

        Simmons turned his attentions back to Lauren. "Hangs out in a real hip bar, really exclusive type with the expensive drinks. God, I need a vodka spritz- no a Pina colada. My toes in the sand, Peru-"

        "What bar?" She cut his rambles off.

        Simmons, the theatrical man he is, did a look down over the woman. "It's exclusive, Club 33 type, not a rodeo little girl. Look at you, the mechanical type, make a man swoon."

        "Hey, you got an off switch so I can punch your lights off?" Cade barked.

        "Like I'd ever tell you where it was grease monkey. You see this?" The S7 agent pinched his shirt collar. "Indian cotton, 170 thread count. I can tell 'ya where the bar is. I mean, look at me. Classy."

        "Speak before you are silenced, insect." Megatron boomed suddenly, his patience gone as his irritation clashed with Lauren's annoyance.

        "A whole lotta nothing coming from so much noise." Crosshairs huffed.

        "Hey, hey, let's not get too wild when my pinky is valued at over three hundred thousand, capuche?" Simmons surrendered once more, smoothing out his shirt. "Outfits go ridiculous. Me? Can't be seen there, I'm too conspicuous. An 'A' class bounty. Turns out running the government out of house and home is illegal, who knew?" He shrugged, expressive.

        "You can't be seen there? Why?" Lauren interrogated, the sun having began to set.

        "Let's just say S7 and N.E.S.T. don't play well together. Graveyard boys wanna lock me up and throw away the key! I mean, seriously? This face hidden away, no Bueno." He gestured to his profile.

        "N.E.S.T. was absolved." Lennox blurted.

        "Been there, knew that. Old news, soldier. He's ex N.E.S.T. turned black opp. Talk about a twist."

        "Cemetery Wind will take her down. It's a no go, no. That's suicide." Cade argued.

        "Ah, there's where they get 'ya!" Simmons made an aggressive grab gesture. "He's a dirty two timer! A real 007. He knows what you don't for the right amount of Mula. He'd know where to get your precious minerals and I'm not talkin' the icy kind."

        "So where is he?" Lennox came once more in a more authoritative tone.

        "Cutting right to the nitty-gritty, I like it!" Simmons snapped his fingers. "A little place on fifth, called 'The Regal', tucked away real nice and cozy." The graying agent spun fast on his heel, attention back on Lauren. "But you're getting nowhere in that little get up, nuh-uh, nada, no can do. This is fancy ! The sparkly side of black market intelligence!"

        "Hear that betsy? Those boots ain't made for walkin'." Nitrozeus quipped obnoxiously. "Legs come handy when the laws in front of you. Ain't that right? Show some skin."

        Lauren scrunched her nose up as she turned to face the bot. "Excuse me?"

        "What, ears don't work? Work 'ya back. Yee-haw!"

        "Shut your trap or I will." Barricade hissed at the single optic mech's incessant need to tun his mouth.

        "I like the way big guy is thinkin'. Just need a do up and a miracle and you're as good as got. A little gattle in your bud, get a little wild and I have just the thing!" Simmons exclaimed in a flurry.

        "Woah, woah, you can't really be expecting the kid to bat her eyelashes and swing her hips for some information." Cade climbed to his feet.

        "You wanna offer up your little girl, papa bear? She even drink?" Simmons poked sarcastically.

        Lennox threw his arm out to create a barrier between the two men. "Nobody's volunteering anyone, alright? We'll just-"

        "I can do it." Lauren cut the soldier off sternly.

        "Check and mate. You, zip it!" Simmons addressed the father. "You, don't wander far. I'll be back before the service, amen!" He pointed to the brunette in question as he jogged off to do whatever God knows what.

        "Man, I hope this little girl knows what she's doing." Epps ran a hand over this bald head.

        A fierce tug within her chest had Lauren turning to face the decepticon lord once more, eyes still filled with unwavering determination. "I can do this." She assured in a calmer tone.

        Megatron held her gaze with a glare for a kilk before he redirected his sights to all others in the building. "If any harm is to come to the girl, all ties are to be severed, autobots. Humans." His tone was deep, guttural, dangerous and oh so serious.

        "Life’s little, our heads sad. Redeemed and wasting clay this chance. Be of use." Drift came evenly, blue optics finding their way to Lauren through everyone.

        She hadn't a single clue what he'd meant, but something about his words felt encouraging, so she'd take it at face value and not question him further.

        "Quite 'yer yappin'. Making my processor hurt." Hound interjected with a grunt.

        "How will the fleshy evade Imminent detection? The city is well covered. Perimeter had shrunk once more." Blackout spoke matter of factly.

        "Laserbeak will travel the farthest city side and trip the detectors. If successful, it will allow a window." Soundwave replied flatly, void of any decipherable emotion. The avian in question squawked in abject agreement, his wings bristling.

        Lauren swallowed dryly as the whole of everyone conversed, flashing out her half baked, impulsive plan. How hard could this be? All she had to do was get in and get out, right? No biggie. They needed this more than she needed to preserve her pride.

        She'd see the plan through even though she felt something brewing in her primal instincts.

        Megatron's optics remained locked on her, his spark whipping about his chamber in unrestrained agitation, anger worming it's way in easily. She was still far too stubborn and willing to take unnecessary risks.

        "And then what?"

        "Imminent stasis lock."

        The surge of fear that flooded her body at Blackout's words hadn't gone unnoticed by the decepticon lord. Far from it. It was raw and unbridled fear. Fear for them, him. Not the fear of potential consequences or her own life, but theirs'. Perhaps that's why he allowed her instance to persist. Allowed her to take the lead.

        Crimson remained trained upon her small form, optics narrowed ever so slightly as he indulged in her emanating emotion.

        Where fear and determination were was now accompanied by a small, bubbling feeling of insecurity. Uncertainty.

        No. If she were to do this, she'd be certain in her actions. There was no room for doubt, not a single space for error. He pushed back on her emotions fiercely, instilling a fire in her chest and snuffing out those pesky insecurities.

        Lauren exhaled as her heart rate sped, stealing a glance to the decepticon who returned the look tenfold. No words to be said and there didn't need to be.

        All she need was to feel and allow her heart to culminate. It was something she, again, was grateful for.

        Her attention was caught as Tessa emerged from the back, hair freshly washed and skin free of sweat. Without thinking, her boots carried her toward the younger girl.

        "Great, what's gotten into them now? Let me guess, it's a pissing contest." The teen retorted dryly, annoyance evident in her tone.

        "Do you know how to do hair?" Lauren inquired quickly. Honestly, it felt odd to ask as she hadn't done so in so long. Her barn and the Texas heat was not worthy of her attempts at a nice hairdo.

        "I mean, yeah?" Tessa answers as if it had been obvious, her slender hands came up to finger comb her locks. "Why?" Doe like eyes darted around to everyone before coming back to the brunette.

        "Could you do mine? Doesn't have to be fancy."

        "Didn't that eejit say it was formal and now you're not?" Shane interrupted as he chewed a piece of gum.

        "Shane, stop." The teen waved him off with a roll of her eyes.

        "Well, you heard the man. S'not a rodeo." He snickered.

        Lauren, with a scoff, turned to the younger man. "What do you expect me to say? 'I'm a God fearin', hard workin' combine driver'?" She drawled in a thick accent. "If you don't like it get back on the interstate or sit tight and be nice asshole."

        "You heard the lady, shut that glory hole shaney-boy." Nitrozeus quipped gruffly with a warning growl from Megatron, claws scraping along the stone floor.

        "Amen." Cade agreed with a cheer of his water bottle.

        "Pé rud..." The Irishman muttered as he returned ri flipping through a magazine.

        "Someone needs to learn to be quiet. Yes." Laserbeak chortled darkly, his laugh rasped and beady optics squinted.

        Tessa shuddered in disgust, pulling her sights from the decepticon avian. "What do you want? Like, a braid or something?"

        "Whatever you can do. I'd appreciate it." Lauren offered a weak smile, knowing she didn't have an incredible amount of hair to work with. Anything she figured out would be good enough.

        Simmons, she found, had been known to embellish, so how fancy could this place really be?

        The brunette woman plopped down to sit before the younger teen, who seated herself atop a discarded tire, hairbrush in hand as she moved to tame her hair. It was odd having another person work through her hair, save for the way Megatron tucks away stray strands.

        A moment of silence passed between the two girls before Lauren spoke up. "How's school?" She tried.

        "You mean my missed graduation? Just great." Her words came out with some level of bitterness that she should've expected. Another bout of silence. "So..." The blonde started. "What's the deal?"

        "Deal? What do you mean?" Lauren turned to raise a brow at the girl, but was halted as Tessa repositioned her head forward.

        This was... odd. Uncharted territory for the young woman.

        "Y'know." The teen stole a quick glance to the decepticons before continuing to work her fingers through brunette hair. "The robot. You and Morgatran?"

        "Megatron." Lauren corrected lazily, a small smile spreading over her lips.

        The blonde scoffed, not serious. "Whatever." Another roll of her eyes in typical moody fashion. "Well ?" She urged, running the cheap brush through her hair.

        "Well-"

        "He gives betsy the honey glows. Ain't that right, cowgirl. Makes you wanna scream 'yee-haw'!" Nitrozeus interrupted with a jump of his shoulder servos.

        "Ha, ha." Lauren came unamused, not even sparing a glance in the tracker's direction.

        "Is he always such an ass?" Tessa leaned in slightly.

        "Yeah. He is." The brunette confirmed with a wince when a knot got caught. Sapphire eyes wandered their way toward Megatron who sat just off to the side, crimson gaze trained in her direction. How was she supposed to answer her question? What was she and him, truly? Her chest pulled incessantly as if beckoning her attention, but she remained still for the teen. "I guess we're... partners? Kind of. I mean, he and I are sparkmates, do you know what that is?"

        God, this was awkward.

        "Heard y'all talking about a few nights ago, but no." Tessa answered, repositioning her head to another angle.

        Lauren hummed. "It's like a soul mate, I guess."

        "So, like, destiny? Or fate? Whatever it's called. I didn't read the bible."

        Her words elicited a soft chuckle from the woman. "I don't think it worked like that, but yeah. Sure." Another tug within her chest made her glance up through her lashes to the decepticon.

        "Right." Tessa said through her concentration, unclipping a metal hairclip secured to the hem of her shirt to pull the hair together. She pulled her hands way to look at her work, satisfied. It wasn't marvelous or crazy perfect by any means, but it was cute. "There, done. Now move, my ass is killing me sitting on this thing."

        Lauren climbed to her feet just as the echoes of Simmons reentered the cathedral, he strode into the nave with far too much in his arms. He eyed the young woman with a wiggle of his brow and a wolf whistle. "Hot diggity! You, miracle worker!" He gestured to the teen who only offered a recognizing look, not at all wanting to engage. "Well, y'know, praise the lord and all that. Don't worry, I'll say a hail marry later and me and the big guy upstairs will call it even. Okay? Okay." The agent struggled with everything in his arms.

        "What even is all of this?" The brunette questioned wearily as she moved to take some stuff from him.

        "Fashion is a lifestyle, not a hobby little Missy!" Simmons deposited a stack of various colored fabrics into her arms. "This here is my dear mama's collection before she has your's truly. Y'know, kids they just ruin 'ya. Her bosom hasn't fit since."

        Perhaps she'd bitten off more she could chew... It wasn't as if she ever had trouble deciding what to wear, but that long forgotten, familiar feeling that she'd get before recitals was beginning to bubble up inside.

        It made her antsy.

        "Go little girl, go! No clashing colors!" Simmons dumped the rest of the items into her hold and she nearly buckled under its sudden weight. Who knew clothes could be so heavy? Sapphire eyes darted to the decepticons momentarily as she moved to the backroom.

        "Don't go too crazy betsy! Leave some to the imagination!" Nitrozeus called after her and, despite the mass amount of items in her hold, managed to flip him the bird before disappearing completely.

        Once behind the closed door, she dumped everything onto the store floor in a huff. Carrying car parts wasn't even that strenuous.

        God, how much did he bring? There was everything from various dresses, shoes, stockings, clothes she couldn't describe, and even a stray bra here and there that definitely were not her size. Did he really just raid his own mother's closest? Part of her found that hard to believe while the other part of her figured that was a very him thing to do.

        A groan escaped her. Away from prying eyes and optics finally. She'd savor the small moment of rest.

        The sudden memory of prom dress shopping was thrust to the forefront of her mind and she scowled, pushing that memory back into the deepest recesses of her mind to be dwelled upon later.

        With a steadying breath, Lauren got to work digging through the pile with maximum effort. Much to her fortune, the room not only homed a tub, but various other miscellaneous items, one being a plethora of large mirror panes stacked against the far wall. The clear hand prints of someone wiping away a layer of dust was easily spotted, Tessa most likely being the culprit.

        There were so many things to choose from, a variety much too broad for her. It was stressful and anger consuming.

        The first dress was mid lengthen and far too loose. The next a deep violet dress that was floor length and about three inches too long. Then came a slew of red dresses of varying styles to which none fit quite right. It was clear that it wasn't her clothing. No matter, she continued before settling upon a simple black dress that hugged her body just enough to not be considered unbearably tight. It was the best she'd get and it was classic.

        How did the saying go again? 'Every girl needs a little black dress'?

        The non-stretch fabric and exposed skin felt foreign. When was the last time she wore a dress? She couldn't recall, but the ordeal did uproot old memories of recitals long past and school events.

        The feeling of being bootless was even stranger, feeling as though she'd lost a part of herself as she tested various pairs of heels, all of which being a size too big or just flat out non-useable.

        Once more, black was her best friend as she squeezed into a pair of heels a half size too small. She'd be fine, it was only for a night. One night. The woman reassured herself internally.

        Lauren gazed upon herself for a second before leaning into the mirror to observe her hair. Tessa had done a fine job. Did it look salon ready? No, not at all, but it was still nice nonetheless. A simple half up, half down look with a metal clip of some kind. She poked at it, thankful that her seld administered haircut wasn't total shit, but then again it had grown out some.

        She really was dressed for her own funeral.

        With a final exhale, her boots and previous clothes clutched to her chest, she emerged. God, why did it feeling like was walking into a pack of hungry wolves ready to tear her limb from limb?

        "Hot damn, not that's some classy shit. Betsy is rodeo ready." Nitrozeus commented with a boom.

        Simmons whistled. "Now you're one hot tamale! Thank my mama." He winked before nodding his head in Megatron's general direction. "You, my sir, are one lucky alien. Hot damn! Let's hope they all drop dead. Would save me the trouble." The former agent shrugged before making his way to the backroom to collect the rest of the clothing.

        "Forget the lass. Let's kick this show off. My tanks are ready for some grub." Crosshairs smirked. "How's the girl gettin' there?"

        Lauren scrunched up her brows. She hadn't even thought of that part of the equation... Fuck.

        "I say the mouthy bloke take one for the team, aye?" The aussie pointed toward Nitrozeus who narrowed his optic in challenge.

        "Can't cabbage patch. Wouldn't expect a grounder like your ass to understand. Try rolling with the real men." The tracker insulted.

        "Got something to say?" Barricade growled.

        "Sorry princess, you weren't listening." Nitrozeus shrugged, cooking his helm to the side nonchalantly.

        "Seekers have the capability to turn into ground oriented vehicle types. It's not unheard of." The Prime stated knowingly.

        "Me? A ground type? You've lost your balls autobot. Stop bustin' them." The tracker came in disgust as if the mere thought of being anything with tires was the worst thing in the known universe. He was such a diva. "Make a scout do it." He flashed a look to the cruiser. "Ain't that right, Cade?"

        Barricade growled out in Cybertronian, the syllables grating violently for all those to hear.

        "None of you would be able to get ten feet in that city without tripping something and bringing down the wrath of God on all of us. No, that's crazy." Cade countered, eyes drifting between both mech and human alike.

        "Laserbeak will aid as a divergent." Soundwave reiterated as the avian came to rest upon his shoulder servo.

        "Yeah, but for how long until that tin can and all those black opps figure it out? It's risky." The father came once more.

        "KSI has mini drones surveying every square block and activity has only doubled." Blackout informed. "Our energy signatures will be picked up immediately."

        She wouldn't make the miles in heels and she'd surely be identified.

        Megatron suppressed a deep chassis growl as he clenched his jaw gears, his denta ground together. He didn't like the plan, no one bit. He wanted to interject, to proclaim he, and he alone, would oversee his conjunx's departure, but that wouldn't work either.

        Crimson trailed her form with pleasure, not entirely use to see her so put together. It was pleasant on the optics and made his spark burn almost pridefully. His gaze didn't leave her for even a moment as she approached, setting her clothes aside, she glanced up to him for a second.

        "Barricade. You will escort the girl to the nearest detection field." The decepticon lord commanded, leaving no room for further tribulation. "Do I make myself clear?" Crimson optics narrowed in hidden threat.

        "Crystal, my lord." The cruiser grumbled. It would be him.

        "Know, if anything is to befall the human, you will pray that Tarn gets to you before I do." Megatron seethed darkly. It was a promise.

        "Don't screw this for us, man. I got a cold beer with my name on it waiting back home. You feel?" Epps crossed his arms defensively.

        "Look, we got the bar. But who are we even looking for? Who is this guy?" Lennox input.

        Simmons reemerged, dumping the clothing pile onto the stone floor. "Make a man work don't you? Kinky." He huffed with a playful smirk. "Guy is impossible to miss, has the whole stoic mystery thing going for him. Name is Charles Dawkins, real pain in my ass I tell 'ya. You'd think being awarded a purple heart would well manner a guy, but no! Doesn't tip either. So, what're we waiting for, a sign from the heavens? Because if so, then we will be waiting here a while. Repent, confess, all that later. Strut your strut on out." He clapped a hand onto the brunette's shoulder before leaning in slightly, whispering almost. "If you're ever in a pinch, check your bosom. Works every time."

        Barricade rose to his pedes with a grunt vent, optics narrowed impatiently. When wasn't he in a mood?

        "Got your very own police escort. I see you, I see you. Ole NBE-1 has some taste. Spicy Miss world ambassador." Simmons winked.

        "Cease your vocals before I tear them out of you, fleshbag." The cruiser growled through his denta.

        The avian squawked, swooping down to be just above the former agent. "Yes, yes. Rip them out. You are so loud, a shame." He tutted.

        Simmons swatted at the bird bot, missing. "The last time I fought a bird it was an ostrich, the summer of '01, Somalia. Real nasty things, but oh the best omelets. Bonne nourriture."

        "English, please." Epps came in annoyance. "Why didn't you dissolve with S7 ?"

        "I won't take that personally, soldier."

        "Laserbeak." Soundwave reprimanded flatly to which the avian chittered once more before moving to perch atop the decepticon scout's shoulder servo.

        "How far out is the detection zone?" Barricade ground out.

        "Nearest detection perimeter is approximately 5,281 feet out. Exactly 10,560 feet from the desired location." Blackout relayed.

        How many miles that was, Lauren had no clue, but she prayed it wasn't a lot. Her feet were going to be creaming by the nights end, she knew it. Hell, she was already uncomfortable.

        "Go Laserbeak. Bank the furthest detectors." The communications officer ordered his subordinate.

        The decepticon bird bristled his metal feathers, speaking in their native tongue before taking flight. Barricade moved to leave as well.

        "Hey, kid, just don't go gettin' yourself hurt or nothing. If it seems shady, dip." Cade came in his fatherly voice.

        "Give 'em hell betsy!" Nitrozeus called in jest.

        Lauren locked gazes with Megatron one final time, offering a single nod as if to restate 'I can do it'. She didn't say it and there wasn't a need to, but her silent vow of 'I'll come back' was taken by the mech in full capacity.

        Barricade transformed with practice skill and she climbed into the passenger seat swiftly before his engine revved and he took off leaving burnt rubber in his wake. The stiff pull of the dress fabric and the her heels made her shift in her seat uncomfortably.

        Cybertronians, she found, were on another speed level when compared to earth vehicles. She should've guessed as much.

        A familiar skittering sound caused her head to snap down, startling her nearly to death as Scalpel muttered his incoherent nothings. The spider bot hoisted himself upon the center console. His little forcep arms toyed with a smaller object, inspecting it.

        "What're you doing here?" She found herself hissing.

        "Pehold mein nevest Hinffenzion, ja, ja." The insecticon gave a short maniacal laugh. "It's ein communicazion deffice. Inzert into your autio recebtor, human."

        Lauren regarded the small metal device with caution. So that's why he collected junk? She hadn't a clue where the little bot holed away.

        Scalpel lurched, scaling her slender form with ease. The brunette attempted to swipe him away, but he evaded her attempts.

        "Sdop squirming, human!" He hissed impatiently, perching himself upon her shoulder. The spider poked and prodded at her ear roughly.

        "Wait! I don't want-" Lauren was abruptly cut off as the smaller decepticon inserted the small device into her ear canal and then a sudden shoot of pain overtook her senses and she slapped the spider bot away harshly, hand flying up to cup her throbbing ear. "What the fuck did you do?" She hissed through pain, her fingertips wet with small droplets of blood. Her finger nails scraped against the small hearing and like device.

        "Deficient human..." The insecticon muttered as he righting himself, optics narrowed. "It's ein communicazion dteffice. It has peen tuned into berzonal hailing frequencies." He spoke hastily, words jumbling together.

        Barricade revved his engine once more before slamming his breaks with a screech of his tires.

        Lauren barely caught herself from going headfirst into the dash, Scalpel was hurtled to the floor with a brief scream, something she felt he deserved. The cruiser's lights went dark suddenly, plunging everything into blackness, the only light being that from the outside.

        The woman had opened her mouth to question him, but was swiftly silenced as the roaring of jet engines rang out through the night sky.

        "Starscream." The scout spat in disgust as he swung open the passenger door. "Go. Do not bring shame upon the decepticons, insect."

        Lauren exited swiftly, the door closing behind her immediately. The siren gave a whoop and a flash of his headlights before speeding off in the opposite direction.

        She made quick work of her feet, taking long rushed strides down the street. Sapphire eyes scanned everything around her for any sign of Cemetery Wind or Lockdown. God forbid...

        Her heart in her throat, she made it to fifth street in just under twenty minutes, legs on fire and heart pounded for more reason than one. She repeated the bar name internally over and over as her ear pulsed painfully.

        "The Regal."

        "The Regal."

        "The Regal."

        Was this a stupid plan? No. Don't think like that. This was for them, not her. Difficulty be damned.

        Lauren rounded a corner for the second time and groaned under her breath before spotting a dark ally way just off to the side. With a cautionary survey of the area, she ducked into the ally.

        Her suspicion was warranted as she spotted a small hanging sign that read 'The Regal' in calligraphy like cursive. Yeah, this was the right place.    Swallowing down her apprehensions, she held her head high and approached.

        Distant police sirens could be heard echoing through the city and she half wondered if it was Barricade. The thought was almost comforting given the circumstances.

        Noticing a peephole, she raised her hand to knock and knock she did.

        Shuffling could be heard from the other side as the small rectangular piece of obscuring metal slipped away to reveal judging eyes that regarded her strangely.

        "Business?" A thick Russian accent came firmly.

        Lauren held his gaze. "Charles Dawkins. I need a word with him." She spoke affirmatively and confidently.

        The dark eyes roamed her features once more. "There is fee, маленькая девочка."

        Lauren swallowed thickly, her throat like sandpaper as she pretended to pull something from the breast of her dress, only for her fingers to brush along something folded. She tried not to let her confusion show as she glance down to find a neatly folded twenty tucked into the lining of the breast.

        "If you're ever in a pinch, check your bosom. Work every time."

        Simmons, that sneaky bastard. He wouldn't of known she'd pick this dress specifically, so did that mean there was a neat twenty in every dress? She wouldn't doubt it. She'd thank him later.

        Clasped between two fingers, she slipped the doorman the bill. Some Russian was exchanged muffled before the door was pulled open and she was welcomed in.

        "Mister Dawkins does not trust new visitors. Watch your tongue." The doorman advised gruffly, eyes never leaving her for a second.

        "Right." She moved through the bar, large on the inside than the exterior let on. It was rather busy she found and it made her wonder just who these people were and what their business was. She tucked the thought away for another time. Sapphire eyes survey the area on high alert as she sauntered the outskirts of the room before her eyes found favor in a casually clad man at a round table, speaking with serval others.

        Sucking in a deep breath, she poised herself proper, ignored the pain in various spots of her body, and strode over.

        The middle aged man found her quick. His eyes moved with practiced precision, taking in her every aspect. She hadn't even said anything yet and it already felt like he knew everything.

        "I will have to cut this meeting short for this evening. Come back tomorrow and you'll be discounted for my time." He spoke evenly, calculated, and assertive.

        The men sat before him did not fight him on the matter, nor did they speak, they simply rose, pushed in their chairs and dispersed like they'd never been there in the first place.

        "Take a seat, Miss Ridgwell." He gestured to the chair across from him. "If you're here, then you must know who I am." Charles spoke knowingly.

        The last thing she'd expected was to be addressed by name. She'd be lying if she said his words didn't give her pause, but she digressed. If what Simmons said was true and he actually was a Cemetery Wind opp, then of course he'd know who she was.

        "Appreciated." Lauren spoke calmly, taking the offered seat. Her back instinctively straightened as if she were sat before her piano about to perform.

        That's all this was, right? An elaborate performance.

        "What brings you here? You have a bounty out on your head, not wise to be out." Charles studied her like an open book, noting the subtle twinges in her expression.

        "I'm well aware. I came here to see you specifically."

        "And why is that?" Mister Dawkins finished off his small glass of dark liquor, setting the empty glass aside. "Tell me, what side are you on exactly? Tell me, unbiased."

        Her brows furrowed just as lady approached, tray in hand. "Another?" She inquired, retrieving the empty glass.

        "Please. And you?" He eyed Lauren. "My treat."

        "A whole bottle of scotch. Please." She bat a glance to the woman, not wanting to take her entire focus away from the man before her.

        Charles nodded once in confirmation and she strode off, tray held high.

        "I'm on the right side, Mister Dawkins." Lauren stated surely, brows still sewn together as something fierce within her reared it's head, no doubt Megatron.

        The woman returned in that moment, sliding Charles his drink and setting the full bottle of scotch as well as a drink glass of her own complete with a sphere of ice withing reach. She was gone once more.

        "Decepticons aren't exactly what I'd call 'the right side', Miss Ridgwell." He sipped his drink, enjoying the burn.

        A small part of her took some offense to his words, but she kept her composure as she poured a shots worth of scotch into her glass. "And what if I told you the information I'm seeking would help rid the world of decepticons?" She sipped the alcohol, savoring the flavor and the burn as it helped flush away bitter thoughts.

        "I'd say I'm intrigued." He swirled his drink, the liquid illuminated warmly under the hanging light. "And what is it you wanted to know? All first time clients get a freebie, so go on."

        "I need to know where I can locate energon." Blue eyes bore into him in the low light.

        He set his glass aside. "Ah, their lifeblood. That fetches a high price. As you probably know, Sector Seven was dismantled and then N.E.S.T. was absolved."

        "And now you're hunting the very being you worked along side." The brunette said in disdain, accusing.

        "I like to say that I'm a Transformer sympathizer. It's not like I don't have a heart." He retorted.

        "They're hunting them to extinction."

        "And you don't think I know that?" He raised a brow.

        "And you condone it?" Lauren came harsher.

        Charles was silent more a time before replying. "What do you need the energon for?"

        The young woman regarded him for a moment, pushing her glass aside. "They're dying and without it, they won't stand another altercation."

        "And you'll guarantee the decepticons leave earth?" The middle aged soldier questioned.

        Lauren felt her chest swell with hurt and she vehemently pushed the feeling down. "I can promise you. The autobots will remain here, however. That is nonnegotiable."

        "You bid a high bargain, Miss Ridgwell."

        "That's the best you'll get." Her jaw clenched, teeth aching, ear still hurting.

        Charles ran his tongue over his teeth before leaning in on the table. "There's a shipment in route to the KSI, due at eleven sharp. Truck is unmarked with a blank license plate." He stole a glance to his wrist watch. "You have an hour."

        Lauren suppressed a smile, settling for a grin. "Thank you, Mister Dawkins."

        "I trust those tripped energon detectors were of your doing?" He asked suddenly.

        "I plead the fifth." She moved to stand, but he caught her arm quickly.

        "I am trusting you, Miss Ridgwell. Do not violate it." And he released her. "You have a good night now."

        She inclined her head briefly, snatching up the still nearly full bottle of scotch. Eyes roamed the bar before spotting the restroom and she made a b-line for it. She locked herself in, hand flying to her tender ear.

        Dried blood crusted in the cavum of her ear. Just what the hell did that spider do to her? The metal was tender to the touch. How the hell was she supposed to work the damn thing? No matter, she didn't care. She just wanted the damn thing gone.

        Leaned into the mirror, she poked at the earpiece painfully before hearing a beep sound. For all she knew it could be the government listening. It hurt and she couldn't talk without it moving.

        With some will power, she managed to hook her nail around the top of the device and, with a whimper, she pulled, successfully ridding herself of the piece of scrap. Fresh blood beaded and she paid it no mind as she inspected the little invention. It very much looked like a hearing aid, with the small exception of small deployable points. Dropping it to the ground, she crushed it beneath her heel before leaving the building entirely.

        With new determination breathed into her, she rid herself of the torturous heels and took off on bare feet. The concrete was a luxury compared to the too small shoes.

        In a sprint, she made the journey back toward the outer detection zone in just under fifteen minutes. Her hair flew loose from the vigorous movements.

        Forty-five minutes to go.

        Barricade revved his engine just as she made it to him. Swinging open the passenger door, Lauren tumbled in. The decepticon didn't waste a single klik as his tires burned into the pavement.

        "I got a lead, but we have a small window. Call, com," Lauren panted. "Or whatever to Blackout. I have an idea."

        Scalpel's demented muttering went completely unnoticed as her heart hammered.

        "What kind of lead, insect?" Barricade grunted.

        "Do you want to eat or not? Call him!" The brunette barked between breaths.

        "Disgusting fleshbag." The scout snarled, but granted her request nonetheless if it meant even a chance at refueling his tank. "Barricade to Blackout."

        "Blackout comming. What?"

        "The fleshbag wanted to run her mouth to you." He spoke curtly. "Speak and make it fast."

        "Blackout hey! I think my theory was right. You can fly over the energon detectors. I got a lead on some energon, but I'm going to need a lift. Meet us outside the detection zone. We only have half an hour."

        "Shut it." The cruiser revved deafeningly.

        A few moments passed before the chopper responded. "Affirmative-"

        Lauren piped up suddenly. "And bring me some pants! Please and thank you." Barricade growled lowly in irritation and she scoffed. "Get over it, I'm doing this for your own good. God forbid."

        "Copy. Affirmative. We are inbound. Several kilks out."

        God, she hoped she knew what she was doing. If she was going to risk her life and make a fool of herself, she may as well succeed.

        "Can you, like, search police frequencies? Looking for an unmarked truck with a blank license plate." Lauren settled in the passenger seat.

        The decepticon grumbled, but heeded her words. He sifted through the police database with ease and found exactly what he needed. A report submitted automatically, a speed check on a delivery truck bearing no plates heading south bound. "It's in the city limits."

        "What direction? It's supposed to be heading to KSI."

        "Southbound, now will you shut up."

        She rolled her eyes, but obliged and sat back for s few moments of rest before the telltale sound of helicopter blades slicing through the wind just above.

        Springing from the cab, she bound up to where the hunter landed, Epps and Lennox meeting her halfway. The Colonel handed off a bunched up ball of fabric to the younger woman who accepted it gratefully.

        "How much time are we working with?" Lennox inquired, feet already carrying him back to the chopper.

        "About twenty minutes." She offered, halting in her tracks when a sudden idea hit her. The brunette pivoted, facing the scout with her bottle of scotch hugged close. "Could you mess with street lights? Can you do that?"

        Barricade only revved his engine, gassing himself forward as if to startle her to no avail.

        The two soldiers dragged her to the chopper. She took that as a 'yes' as she boarded. The ground gradually grew further from them as they ascended, but not too particularly high.

        "The truck is southbound." Lauren called out to Blackout who tipped to turn in the correct direction. "Why are you guys here?"

        "Because we're fast rope trained and you're not." Epps shouted over the sound of rotor blades.

        "Not letting you throw yourself out of a helicopter, are you crazy?" Lennox asked as he secured the rope to himself in proper fashion.

        Lauren leaned dangerously close to the open helicopter door to peer down at the city below. It was beautiful, sparkling lights lit up the night. She turned to the two men. "Turn around."

        "Why- woah! Okay!" Lennox spun as the young woman began to undress.

        "These kids man. No boundaries." The dark skinned soldier mumbled.

        Hastily she shed the constricting dress, her chest finally able to fully expand as she breathed. A brief thought crossed her mind as she changed; could Blackout see her? She pondered it a moment before deciding the entirely didn't care as she shoved her feet into her boots albeit sockless. With the clip provided by Tessa, she gathered all her hair back.

        Finally, she felt like herself again and not a composer at the front of a crowd.

        "Target spotted. Deploying in three kliks." Blackout sounded as he descended between the buildings.

        "Alright! You ready man?" The steel eyed soldier clapped his best friend on the shoulder.

        "Just like basic?" He smiled toothily.

        "Yeah, something like that." The Colonel held fast to his rope, other hand grasped the wall for support.

        The decepticon dropped another few feet, closing in on the road where the truck had stopped at a traffic light. With all his lights off, he was near invisible in the night. His scans indeed read positive for energon.

        Lauren hadn't a clue what the plan was from here, but she had to trust in them. She had to.

        "Deploying." Came the chopper bluntly.

        She watched as the two soldiers grasped their ropes and jumped backwards from the pit. Stumbling forward, she gazed on as the two and Blackout's chains she'd seen previously.

        They looked miles away from this height, but she held her breath.

        Lennox and Epps hit the trailer of the truck with a thud. The chains came next as planned. The two soldiers scurried to attach the chain hooks to any and everything it could hook to.

        One minute. One minute was their time frame before being hoisted back up.

        "How long man?" Epps panted, sweat glistening across his ebony skin.

        "Fifteen seconds, pack it in!" Lennox answered.

        "Woah! Hey! What the hell are you doin'?!" The truck driver yelled from his window before stepping out of the cab.

        "Sorry man! You're being repoed by the great transformer cause." Epps barked back. "I'd advise you step back for take off."

        Their time was up and suddenly the trailer and the two of them were hoisted too high, too quick. It was nauseating, but they'd done it. Mission success! The two hooted and hollered in triumph.

        Lauren smiled down breathlessly, a new sense of pride and exhilaration blossomed in her chest as she laughed happily, giddy. "Yes! Yes!" She shrieked into the night sky. She held her bottle of scotch like a trophy as she exclaimed to the heavens, "All hail lord Megatron!" God, she felt like she wanted to scream, roar out! A part of her knew it's wasn't necessarily her emotion, but God, she'd express it.

        The cathedral came into view then and, under the cover of night, they arrived in no time.

        Blackout set the trailer onto the earth with upmost care before depositing the humans and transforming.

        Lauren, with her heart in her throat and pride on her sleeve, erupted into the church, bottle of scotch in hand as Lennox and Epps followed suit, bug smiles adoring their faces. The chopper followed just behind, trailer held to his chassis.

        The entire nave went in uproar, English and Cybertronian was thrown around in elation. Cheers and the like. For one second she forgot that there was a battle brewing and that they'd leave her.

        A moment of pure, unadulterated bliss.

        She presented the bottle of scotch to her fellow humans and they, too, gave hardy praise.

        Sapphire eyes met Crimson optics as she spun on her heel and that fire in her was lit anew as Megatron climbed to his pedes and roared for the universe to tremble under. It was a battle cry of triumph, perseverance, and pride.

        Pride in himself and his men, pride in their fight, pride in his conjunx.

        His spark was set ablaze by her and he wanted- needed everyone and everything to hear his call.

        And so, energon was handed out by the drum, even leaving some to spare as autobot and decepticon alike indulged in a rightful refuel. Lauren passed the scotch around in red solo cups and they threw back shots of the warm liquid. Shane had complained that it wasn't 'Poitín', but after getting buzzed, he was a hell of a lot happier.

        Tessa's face was rosy from laughter as she cling to her boyfriend's arm, her father red and loud with liquid courage. Lennox and Epps shared a rightful drink and kicked their boots up to relax, the Colonel speaking of his family back home. Even Simmons had thrown back some which, surprisingly, mellowed out the theatrics.

        Everyone conversed with ease for the first time without trying to fire off a round of gunfire into opposing sides.

        Lauren listened on, a small smile painted upon her rosy lips, cup held close. She was happy, at peace. Though, the hollering from Nitrozeus was ear splitting. With a sigh, she gathered herself and sauntered over to the exit for some fresh air.

        The night was calm, quiet despite their heist and she was thankful for that. For just a moment it felt like the universe had granted her a break. Did she have to wear some God awful heels to get to this point? Yes and she'd do it again, damnit!

        Sucking in an deep breath, she exhaled through her mouth, savoring the drop in temperature. Sapphire eyes roamed the stars.

        Heavy footfall drew her sights to an emerging Megatron, energon in hand. He approached to stand beside her. "You bring me great honor, girl."

        "I'd hope so. I had to wear those heels for it." She laughed warmly, sipping at the scotch she'd been nursing since passing around the bottle.

        A deep bellow came from the depths of the decepticon's chassis. "You were a sight to behold, bug. Do not think otherwise." And he meant it. She'd been stunning. His spark surged.

        The brunette hummed in content, mulling over her thoughts when the dream she'd had the day prior was thrust to the forefront of her consciousness. It was abrupt and nearly caught her off guard. She had to take a moment to remind herself that this was what she lived for. Her eyes dropped to the ground for a moment. Then Charles came to mind  and their conversation.

        "And what if I told you the information I'm seeking would help rid the world of decepticons?"

        She worried at her bottom lip, shoving away the hurt that bubbled in her chest at her own words. A part of her subconscious fretted that each day would be her last- their last.

        "What is it that seems to trouble you so? Speak up." Megatron cut through her tirade of thoughts, feeling the ugly emotions that nipped at his spark. Crimson optics cast down to her.

        Humming, she thought to herself. Today was a success, but what if tomorrow wasn't? What if this were their last night together? What if she didn't wake up tomorrow? There were so many variables that she couldn't account for. That was life.

        Their bond was something special, unique, and irreplaceable. Non words needed to be said, only things felt. She liked that, cherished that aspects of the unique connection they shared, but...

        "Speak when spoken to, girl. I await your answer." It wasn't said maliciously, not at all as he kept his sights trained on her and her alone.

        But... Sometimes words needed to be said.

        Lauren turned to face him fully in the moment, sapphire eyes wide and pupils dilated as she spoke.

        "I love you."

Notes:

SO, SO WHAT DO WE THINK?! I LOVE TO HEAR FROM Y'ALL! DON'T BE SHY! <3

Chapter 41: Reticent

Notes:

AHHHH! I'm here! Hello! Hi! I'm so sorry for going MIA! I had writers block and have work a week straight! I'm trying to save up as much money as I can so I can see my family again. Really trying...

Anywho!

I hope all you amazing, lovely, wonderful people enjoy this chapter! <3

        "I love you."

        "I love you."

        "I love you."

        The sweet trill of her voice rang out throughout the night, above the ruckus, and set his very being ablaze. His spark surged violently as the ecstasy of her words seeped into him. It was as if he'd reached out and snatched the sun from the galaxy, it was hot, fierce, and untameably powerful.

        Crimson optics bore into her blown eyes, searching the dark of her pupils. If he stared too long he could almost fool himself into believing he were gazing up the cosmos. They were that captivating.

        Lauren was just that beautiful to him. Radiant, perfect in every possible way, and she was entirely his. Her words only confirmed that.

        Under the gaze of her, he felt whole, at peace, at home.

        Home.

        That word struck him suddenly with the weight it held and he swore he felt the physical recoil in his spark. Primus... How had been so inept? That was unlike him, unlike the decepticon overlord he was.

        Home.

        His processor echoed bitterly as he was confronted with the harrowing realization that earth would be no more for him once that ship was in his clutches. The mech had already been battling with the stark fact of her mortality, and now... Primus how had he never realized?

        Another cruel joke bestowed upon him by the god they called their creator. He wasn't deserving of a higher power smiling down as he was awash in sin and the energon of millions. Why should his life be peaceful when he'd not allowed an immeasurable amount of sparks to flourish?

        The pure, absolutely beseeching emotion she'd granted him was conflicting with his own inner turmoils. It was strange and gave him great pause as many more thoughts clouded his mind. The world had seemingly stopped spinning.

        One, though, stuck out more prominently than all the others.

        Had she, too, been stewing in this revelation? There was no doubt in his mind that she'd already been made aware of their circumstance. His thoughts wandered to the file she'd been given and every one of their interactions leading the two of them to this point in time.

        Every fleeting glance, the sullen contemplative expressions when she thought nobody was paying her mind, and every ugly emotion she extinguished hastily in an effort to burry her demons.

        Lauren was no fool and she most certainly wasn't unintelligent.

        Was this how she'd felt all this time? Something about knowing that struck his pride greatly, instilling a deep festering guilt. What kind of sparkmate was he?

        "You're going to miss me so bad when I'm gone, Megatronous."

        Those words rang out hauntingly above all else, because she was right and he loathed that. Did her spark- no, her soul plague her as did his?

        Oh, how selfish he'd been, ever the greedy tyrant he was cursed to be.

        All these revelations came to him in only a matter of nanokliks as he stared longingly into the blue of her eyes, but it felt like he'd spent an eternity rooted in his place as the weight of everything came crashing down on him.

        Crimson optics searched for her in that fleeting moment, his spark reaching out in futile desperation to soothe away these painful realities, reaching out to take in all her light like a destructive black hole among the stars. He wanted everything and then more. His hunger was never truly satiated and she was no exception, wanting to take her in fully and occupy her every moment in time before she inevitably would rejoin the earth.

        Until all were one.

        And that's just what he'd do; snuff out, bury that hurt deep down and overshadow it with her. He'd indulge shamelessly and let the universe know just how prolific his love was for he was never one to shy away from anything.

        All he'd ever known had been suffering, the wake of war, shed energon, and loss. He could live with that, he would live with that. There wasn't a choice, but he made sure one thing would be certain in that moment.

        He would make her short existence meaningful beyond reason and the gods, let them be damned, would envy her position among man. He vowed it to himself, the universe, Primus himself, and most importantly her. Let him suffer, he could handle it if it meant she'd live a long, prosperous, meaningful life.

        The decepticon could only pray she'd return to him in any other life. Let them meet once more and, Primus, let him do it right.

        Optics roamed her face fondly. Yes, he'd love her prolifically and irrevocably even if that meant from across the cosmos and beyond. He would.

        Lauren studied his visage in those moments, the red of his optics alit the darkness and grounded her like a beacon of all things hopeful. A sudden moment of insecurity rolled over her in a wave. Had she said something wrong? Did she overstep? Her mind whispered ugly things to her as her chest swelled up with so much emotion that it felt like she was being suffocated.

        Just as her sights dropped, Megatron was scooping her up with vigor, and the stars were suddenly closer than they had been moments prior. It made her heart leap in the way a rollercoaster would.

        The decepticon snatched her up, spark ablaze with much more life than he'd felt in a long, long time. He violently pushed back any and all negative thoughts, all his chiding inquiries, and the pesky 'what if's. Tomorrow could wait. He still had the current joor. 'The night was still young' as humans would so rightfully put it.

        Optics never leaving her, he held her high as if to display what was his with pride and he roared the loudest his vocal processors would allow. A string of Cybertronian tongue followed suit, declaring them to the gods and all those who could hear.

        The smile that crawled across her lips was infectious. She hadn't a clue what he said, but knew with upmost certainty that she agreed with every word. Her chest tugged fiercely, and heat blossomed beneath her skin as the world trembled beneath his ire.

        Just beyond the stone walls, the others heard his call, his declarations and the decepticons loyally roared to their master's bellows, matching his passion and vigor with Blackout breaking through the loudest. The whole building quaked in verbatim. The few of them that remained roared to the pits for not only their lord but their lady.

        Lauren's eyes misted with wetness at the battle cry, her chest feeling far too full that it tried to spill from her eyes.

        "Your soul will fret not in time, girl. I assure you." Megatron came then. "No decepticon is ever truly left behind in the cause. Know that and trust in me."

        Something about his unprompted words soothed something in her subconscious, and she offered an earnest smile. "Till death do us part, right?"

        "No. Not even oblivion is permitted." It was almost a threat. "You are mine, and I will see to it that that is never treaded on. Mark my words, bug."

        Never in her life had she met another individual so keen on fighting to stay in her life or keep her in their's. She feared it was something she'd never quite get used to and something she'd never get enough of all at once.

        For the first time in forever the young woman truly knew what it meant to not only be needed, but wanted entirely. Her mind, body, and soul were his to take and she didn't care if he selfishly took advantaged of that fact.

        She could die happy tomorrow if it meant indulging.

        Megatron held her even with his face plate, bathing her in a crimson spotlight. Lauren's features softened slightly as she stepped forward and gently pressed her forehead onto his optical ridge, a quiet, content hum escaping her. The decepticon returned the gesture warmly, nudging his helm into her with little effort, a deep baritone bellow rumbled from him.

        Sapphire eyes gleamed into his optics and she could've swore they glowed just a bit brighter. The red glowed with just as much intensity as the sun did on a summers day. It calmed her and made her think of home.

        Home. Such a strange word. She did not reside in a house, did not possess many things, nor did she have a proper bed, but she knew she was home in his embrace and that's all she could ever ask for.

        Heavy footed steps could be heard approaching, the duo turned to spot Hound emerging.

        "Parties inside, don't go lolly gaggin' like a couple of sparklings. Beat it back." The potbelly mech grumbled, bringing what she could only describe as an alien cigar to his lip plates.

        "Yeah, it's getting chilly out anyway. Everyone still in there getting shit faced?" Lauren questioned.

        Hound puffed out a cloud sized plume of dark smoke. "Still hootin' and hollerin' like it's their creation day."

        "Figured." She turned to look at Megatron expectantly who obliged and turned to make his way back into the building, but not before reiterating some words in Cybertronian to which Hound dipped his helm in loose acknowledgment.

        True to the autobot's words, everyone was still living up the night. Laughs bounced off the archaic walls and smiles were exchanged all around, save for a select handful of decepticons reserving themselves to observing.

        Nitrozeus noticed his esteemed leader and conjunx swiftly. "The lady of the hour! Hail betsy!" The single optic mech announced boisterously, cheering with his barrel of energon. The lot of everyone, human and robot alike, followed with their own cheers and noisy celebrations.

        Megatron allowed her to slip from his palm and back onto the ground. "It really wasn't that big a deal, y'all."

        "Like hell it wasn't! Don't go all southern belle on me now cowgirl." Nitrozeus crouched to stare at her.

        "I, too, am inclined to agree. Your spirit has rewarded us all and we thank you for that." Optimus Prime came diligently.

        "For once I agree with the cyclops bloke. You done 'yer share lass. That's all you'll get from me." Crosshairs gestured as he threw back a swig of his energon.

        "Really. It's-"

        "You will receive praise for your valiant efforts, girl. Cease your modesties." Megatron barked the words in command and the rest of everyone agreed readily.

        Rummaging could be heard over the ruckus, optics and eyes turned to spot Cade digging through a pile of various garbage, odds and ends.

        "You looking for a pair of sweet cheeks in there, 'ya won't find it grease monkey. Tried already." The tracker quipped.

        Cade, tipsy and riding his liquid bliss, tossed away a few more things. "Lookin' for a bed. You think my back can handle the floor? News flash, joints don't work like that rust bucket." The father didn't find what he was looking for, but did find an old guitar. He pulled it from the junk and turned to Lauren. "You got any big time gigs, city slicker?"

        The brunette huffed, but took the old instrument gracefully. "Nothing city about me, farmer."

        "Hey, not a farmer. Inventor, alright? I invent."

        She snorted a dry laugh as he pointed at her like a scolded child. The guitar was missing a string, but overall, it seemed well enough.

        "Do you play?" Tessa asked suddenly, curious. "Shane can."

         Lauren's fingers moved to tune the loose strings. "Not really. Piano is my thing."

        "Awe, don't be like that betsy. Give us a show." Nitrozeus encouraged in confidence.

        "Some music would be a welcomed change to these slaggers' vocal processing." Onslaught conceited flatly.

        "Even the fat head wants to hear you. On with it lass." The aussie nodded his helm down at her.

        "I am curious as curious as the wandering seeds of a dandelion." Drift came calmer with which Bumblebee whirred his enthusiasm.

        Lauren swallowed back her saliva before pouring out a shot for herself and throwing it back with ease. The auburn liquid burned pleasantly the whole way down, warming her from the inside out. 

        Lennox clapped jovial with Epps. "Full house, kid." His smile reached his steel blue eyes if barely. 

        "Just no country. I pray." The dark skinned soldier commented jokingly.

        "Don't even know any country on the guitar, so congrats. You got lucky." The brunette quirked a smile as she seated herself atop an overturned milk crate, Megatron just beyond her.

        God, how long has it been since she played for more than one person? She didn't recall. Guitar was foreign grounds for her, but not completely unexplored. She drew in a steadying breath and exhaled. She remembered her grandparents' faces in that moment with all sights set on her.

        "Go on, play." Blackout came bluntly, but not maliciously.

        She stole a fleeting glance to the tyrant behind her who reassured her with a gruff grunt of approval.

        There was only one song she knew by heart and she just hoped she remembered how to correctly play it.

        "Laying in my bed, I hear the clock tick and think of you. Turning in circles confusion is nothing new. Flashback to warm nights, almost left behind."

        Sapphire eyes focused on the strings beneath her fingers, the words flowed off her tongue with ease.

        "Suitcase of memories, time  after-  Sometimes, you picture me. I'm walking too far  ahead and  you say go slow. I've fallen behind. The second hand unwinds."

        Lauren chanced a glance up to those surrounding her. Tessa sat snuggly beneath Shane's arm, Cade propped his elbows upon his knees with a drinks till in hand a warm smile spread across his lips, deepening his laugh lines.

        "If you're lost, you can look, and you will find me. Time after time. If you fall, I will catch you, I'll be waiting. Time after time."

        "Sidney Lupar. Classic." Lennox commented, throwing back his drink.

        "If you fall, I will catch you, I'll be waiting. Time after time. Time after time."

        Confidence was slow to bleed into her veins, but bleed it did and singing suddenly became that much easier. She made silent thanks to the behemoth behind her. 

        "After your picture fades and darkness has turned gray. Watching through windows I'm  wondering if you're okay and you say 'Go slow, I've fallen behind'. The drum beats out of time."

        Megatron soaked in her ever trill, lyric, and noise as she sang, nimble fingers strumming along the guitar strings lazily. Truth be told, he didn't want anyone else to savor her singing, but then again he wouldn't hide her away like some shameful secret. No. He'd never.

        "If you're lost, you can look, and you will find me. Time after time. If you fall, I will catch you, I'll be waiting. Time after time. If you fall, I will catch you, I'll be waiting. Time after time."

        Even as she sang her songs and vocalized every lyrical word all he could hear was 'I love you'. He knew then that 'love' did not have to be defined by a mere word, but a raw emotion to fueled his spark.

        Megatron loved Cybertron, he loved her singing, loved the stars, the sun, and most importantly her.

        Pride swelled in his chest because everyone was captivated by his conjunx. By his sparkmate. He couldn't have been more fulfilled in who she was. It was as if Primus handcrafted her from the very essence of the allspark and bestowed her upon him.

        What a privilege he'd been granted, all obstacles be damned and should the day come when they are nor together, she will continue to shine like gold in his memories.

        "Time after time. Mm, time after time."

        The Prime's optics roved over the femme before flicking up to watch the decepticon leader. His spark whipped about perplexed. The autobot leader hadn't seen such contempt in the tyrant since before the days of war.

        Not since he was designated D-16.

        Optimus had no other choice than to accept the past and that included his conjunx, despite the disapproval he harbored. It was not his place say anything. He sipped his energon.

        "Ooh, time after time. Time after time."

        Lauren concluded, hesitating a second before lifting her head to the cheers of her audience. She couldn't suppress the smile that overtook her lips as she hugged the guitar close.

        "A wee song bird, yeah?" Crosshairs smirked. "Boge me rich." 

        The humans among the mechs clapped their praise and she smiled at them.

        "Live music and a drink, that's what I call a good night." Epps smiled toothily. "Cheers." He raised his solo cup.

        "What'd I say? Cowgirl knows how to hold a tune." Nitrozeus blurted. "Yee-haw betsy!"

        "I must commend you on your performance. Our gratitude is yours, Lauren." The Prime offered gratefully. Bumblebee whirred his gratitude as Laserbeak squawked.

____________________

        Starscream banked to the right harshly as he circled the further end of the city. His prior master's roars had not gone unnoticed as he triangulated the exact direction it originated from.

        He'd be lying if said that that war cry didn't give his systems pause. The makeup of the cry was something else entirely. Not something he'd ever heard in all their millions of years in battle. No, this was something newer, more raw, and much too fierce.

        Lauren. Primus, that designation was bitter on his glossa. His amiss optic always seemed to surge in pain at the remembrance of the decepticons conjunx.

        He found the whole ordeal to be quite loathsome, sickening even.

        The air commander had known his master had fallen from greatness, but never would he have pegged him to be the kind of mech to subdue himself to and lowly organic. The very idea of such a thing was insulting to the whole of Cybertron and the very name of the decepticons, something he didn't care to associate himself with anymore.

        His insignia had already been torn from his frame.

        Primus, he'd relish the joor when Lockdown got his hands on both Megatron and Optimus Prime as if the seeker was loyal to the Quintessan. All he needed were his obstacles gone.

        'Hunting down the great leaders of the universe' the bounty hunter had said. His ship wasn't a ship entirely, but a prison and trophy case.

        Starscream ascended swiftly, spotting said ship in the near distance.

        The seeker landed, transforming quickly just as several of the KSI drones moved into his space. "Let go of me you mindless hunks of scrap!" He hissed bitterly.

        "Seeker, you have returned. Tell me, is the information you've brought me of value, because I can assure you I have more use for your spark outside of your lifeless husk." Lockdown leveled sharply, emerald optics burned holes into the Cybertronian.

        "Yes. Yes I have brought information of value." The jet almost blubbered.

        "Then speak, I do not relish in idle speech."

        The seeker gave a weak struggle against the burly mechs holding him firmly in place. "I have obtained to corresponding coordinates of the exact location of both the Prime and Megatron, for a price of course."

        "The toll is that I do not incinerate you into fuel." The bounty hunter narrowed his optics pointedly.

        "The girl. I want the human to do with what I may, if you'll permit that is." Starscream stammered.

        The Quintessan gave a flat hum. The girl was not an objective upon his list of things to accomplish, though if he claims his bounties then there'd be no use for the organic. "Fine. You may gave the play thing, but," His hand surged forward, seizing the Seeker's neck in a vice. "If you're information is to be of no consequential use then I will tear you limb from limb with your spark still online." He tossed the smaller Cybertronian away. "I want that information immediately. Time does not wait for anyone and neither do I."

        "Certainly." The air commander drawled in a low hiss, optic narrowed as he rose back to his pedes. "A building meant for human prayer of the outskirts of the far side of the city."

        Lockdown gave pause, his metal features screwing up in disdain. "I harbored my suspicions and they are now confirmed." Emerald optics landed on a smaller subordinate of his. "Go and relay the given information to that Harold Attinger. The humans do not have permission to mobilize and if they do, let them know the consequences will not be pretty. Go."

        The smaller Quintessan scurried off in a heap to grant his master's orders.

        "If we have the location, then why not move before they can?" Starscream questioned.

        "I have the information seeker. You are just a fancy messenger. There is never a 'we'." The bounty hunter insulted. "The humans promised a final shipment and I intend to acquire it as early as the next joor." His optics roamed the seeker in reserved disgust before turning away. "You Cybertronians know not how to win the war. Only your petulant battles. You're all children."

        Starscream narrowed his optics with a curse if Cybertronian under his vent. "The human girl is all I require."

        "And I already iterated to you that she may be your's. You best pray to your little god you have done right by me."

____________________

        An abandoned cathedral of all hiding places? It was almost sacrilegious and insulting to hide in the lord's house. As if transformers needed to commit any more sin.

        Harold had been left to stew in his bitterness after the little incident at KSI headquarters. Both James and Joshua had been keen to get on his every last nerve and the new revelation he'd just had was only furthering his stress.

        They'd been hiding under their noses this whole time and for what? Wasted money on useless energon detectors.

        His thoughts wandered back to Cade Yeager and Lauren Ridgwell as be sat hunched over his desk, brows knit together. With each passing second he grew increasingly antsy. They now possessed the location of both autobots and decepticons and yet, they were still waiting to take action.

        Autobots and decepticons under a single roof was perplexing even after Lockdown had explained that a rogue Cybertronian stated they formed an alliance. That didn't sit right with him and it certainly didn't please James.

        Harold Attinger loathed to say his high expectations were not met by his black opps. It was embarrassing, truly, and he half pondered pulling Cemetery Wind out entirely to leave all the work to the contracted hunter.

        No matter, it was too late in the deal anyway.

        Lockdown would get his final shipment of drones courtesy of Joshua and then they could move. He was a man of many things, but sitting around twiddling his thumbs was not one.

        The sooner they acted, the sooner earth would be rid of alien scum. The human race could return to life as they saw it.

        But, an alliance between enemy factions? The mere suggestion of such a thing gave him pause as he rethought everything that had transpired in recent news.

        Few than a handful of decepticons remained, and even fewer autobots. Now, tack on several human liabilities. They weren't an army, hardly even a squad, but it still irked him nonetheless.

        What did they know? Suspicion gnawed away at his mind. Who did they know?

        A missing truck of energon, sightings of a black helicopter, tripped energon detectors on the opposite side of the city, a cop cruiser, and Lauren Ridgwell. It'd been a correlated collaboration. He knew that as soon as the detectors were tripped and no suspect was caught.

        How they'd know the truck was transporting energon at all evaded him no matter how many conclusions he drew.

        Soundwave was still online as far as recent reports went, so he was suspect one, but there'd been no paper trail to follow. He was eliminated as a possibility and every other one he hypothesized, leaving only one.

        There was a mole providing insider information.

        All electronic communications seized after that fact and every file on anyone involved, past and present, was pulled. If he had the time, bed snuff out the traitor and put a bullet in their head personally, but unfortunately time was of the essence.

        So, he'd starve them out. No outgoing information and none incoming either.

        If his hair hadn't already gone white long ago, it certainly would've in the recent weeks. His eyes roamed the monitor of his computer, his jaw clenched firmly as his teeth ground subconsciously as he reviewed all the gathered information that'd been compiled.

        Dutifully, he clicked through various grainy surveillance photos, skimmed each line of text on provided documents, and studied every recorded video with heavy judgment.

        Many questions and theories circulated his ever working mind. It was headache inducing.

        What had prompted a sudden alliance? Harold had some residual ideas, but nothing of substantial evidence.

        Who was the rogue decepticon feeding information to his bounty hunter? What did they gain from betraying their own? How had they evaded energon detectors? Why did the humans insist on siding with other-worlders?

        His mind was abruptly pulled back to Lauren once more, his hand moving to open her government appointed file, her whole life splayed out for him to nit pick at will.

        Lauren. What significance did she serve exactly? He'd inquired Lockdown on as much, but never received any defining answers. Her name hung over his head in taunt. All the answers just beyond his reach.

        Various captured evidence pointed at her being important to not only the leader of the decepticons himself, but the entire league of them. But why ? What made her so much more special that she be spared with her life and protected even?

        His eyes narrowed, the crows feet adoring his skin creased tenfold as he read over her file with scrutiny.

        'Lauren L Ridgwell. Age: 22. Birth date: September 27th. Sex: female. Highschool diploma with no further education. Social Security: XXX-XXX-XXXX.'

        The document didn't trail on very long, noting all places of previous residency, all previously held occupations, criminal record, K-12 school records, parental history, medical history, anything and everything the FBI could compile was all there and still nothing of reasonable significance stood out, so he moved on.

        Satellite and drone images displayed many things of varying interest.

        One captured photo showed her entering a police cruiser he knew only a Barricade. Another displayed her sneaking around a military base in a stolen uniform followed by her committing grand theft. Each photo shared a single thing; she could always be spotted with a decepticon, Megatron more often than not.

        Then, there was the video.

        In any other aspect of the matter, it wouldn't be much of a big deal, but under the specific circumstances, it was like a tell all.

        Texas, Cemetery Wind had just made confrontation with said woman and then there was the decepticon leader in all his bounty glory. Harold Attinger had replayed the video some dozen times, slowing it down, zooming in, anything he could do to a better grasp what his eyes were seeing. James Savoy had confronted her personally and he knew for certain he'd put a bullet in said suspect, noted by the way she slumped against her truck, but that wasn't the weird part.

        Megatron, a mech of war glory and murder, had retreated under fire and taken her along. Harold would even dare say the robot's disposition was caring, if that was even possible.

        But, then again, crazier things have happened.

____________________

        "So, there's a second breakaway part to the ship?" Lauren inquired from where she sat atop her bed, manilla file laid out over the purple comforter.

        Megatron, who'd begrudgingly sat himself atop the berth, scanned over the schematics. "Indeed. It appears it was never meant to be intended as a traveling vessel."

        They'd been talking for some time, finding great reprieve in their bond. It was quiet, peaceful, and kept them away from prying optics and eavesdropping audials. It was nice.

        A deep rooted  part of himself was still stewing in the recent revelation that his time with her was limited, but he'd relish in what time he did have. Reaching within and out to her in the unique connection they shared proved fruitful. Lauren, in fact, had been stewing in her own reality that she may be left to earth without him and that stung.

        Lauren wouldn't say it, but knowing he'd go saddened her, how could it not? Though, a  small part of her subconscious chided on her nerves,  whispering 'you  knew this would happen' and it was right. She'd always known nothing good lasted forever, but she sure as hell would enjoy the time she got. And, when everything was said and done, she would give her all to make his dreams come true.

        It hurt-  she hurt, but Goddamnit, she wouldn't let her heartache jeopardize anything. That wasn't fair to him or those  that have  fought their way to the finish line.

        God, all she wanted to do was ask him to stay. It was selfish and  she knew that. Of  course she  knew that, but she also knew that everything going on was greater than  her and , really, who was she to ask him to put hid entire existence on hold for her? Never had she questioned her own mortality, but being in his presence really made it clear just how insignificant her puny life was in the grand scheme of time.

        'I love you'  Those words floated around in her  head and  the insecure part of her wanted to take it back, but the more primal part of her reared  it's ugly  head and absolutely refused. Did she mean them? Yes. Every single word.

        Lauren had learned early in life that nothing great lasted forever and she'd savor every second of their shared time, relish in every glance, soak in every touch, and bask in his affections until the moment they parted.

        And then, she'd carry that love with her the rest of her life. Until her very last breath, she wouldn't not think  of him.

        Sapphire eyes rested upon his form as he spoke with ease and fondness.

        Megatron cast his optics to her. "It is rude to stare, girl. Or have your manners left you?" His words weren't malicious in any sense.

        "Sorry." She pulled her gaze away to find the folder once more. "So, if there's a breakaway-"

        "Do not apologize for such things, bug. It is of no inconvenience to me." Crimson optics found her smile endearing and made his spark burn. That, and he found a sense of growing pride when under her gaze. It made him want to be the absolute best he could be.

        Lauren's eyes trailed the pages in the file for another moment, she  flipped a page absently. Her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Could you promise me something?"

        Crimson optics narrowed miniscule. "Ask and  it shall be  your's. "

        The brunette hesitated a moment, feeling his sights in her and the pull within her chest. She flicked her eyes back up to meet his. "I want to get a look at this thing before you go. I've never seen anything like it." And it was true, she  genuinely did want the opportunity to poke around an alien ship.

        A deep grumbled  hum escaped him. "Then you shall. All you must simply do is  ask and  the planet would be beneath your pede." And he meant that. He'd move the stars and cosmos if it pleased her even some.

        That time the  smile did reach her eyes,  cheeks   growing  warm. He had an odd way of expressing himself, but she found it endearing nonetheless.

        The mech felt his spark bristle at the heat that flushed her complexion, pleased. He reached out a gentle talon and tucked away some stray hair, savoring the contact.

        He thanked Primus for all her kindness. Everything he was not and had not been for a long while.

        Lauren caught his optics warmly, hand coming up to rest upon his claw. "I wouldn't know what to do with a whole planet." She said in jest. "I'm not exactly leader material."

        His sights narrowed slightly as he gazed into the pools of her eyes. "Cease your nonsense, girl." His tone was firmer, but not harsh. "You are the only thing upon this rock befitting of royalty. Make no mistake."

        The only woman befitting of the title 'queen', an empress to the decepticon empire. She, and she alone, reserved that title. And nothing, not even death could  rob her of such a thing.

        "Well, I'll make sure I put that on my next resume." The young woman smiled once more as her attention returned to the file. The schematics were simple enough for being alien. It was definitely capable of space flight and  that's what mattered. "I was actually wondering something." She paused, thoughts wandering off.

        "Then speak."

        "Are sparkbonds a rare thing on Cybertron?" Her question came out slow as if treading on uncharted territory. She'd been meaning to ask for some time and only now got around to remembering.

        Megatron retracted his touch, sitting back to take her in fully. His spark winced at the loss of touch. "They weren't always, no." He answered leveled.

        "The war?" The inquiry came knowingly.

        He grumbled lowly in confirmation, crimson optics searching her features. "Sparkbonds are not always intended to be romantic in nature. Conjunxes are among rarer phenomenon."

        "Not romantic? What do you mean?" Her interests piqued, brows furrowing. "If it's like a soulmate, then how could it not be that way?"

        "You human phrases hold no weight." His words were laced with indignation. "A sparkbond is only a way of describing connection. Those connections can vary in nature. Sibling, familial, platonic, guardian. Those are more common among our ranks." He explained bluntly, arms coming to cross atop his chassis.

        It was fascinating to  say the least. Cybertronians were so much more like humans than she'd been led to believe. It was  eye opening.  "What about Laserbeak?" How did that carrion bird fit in?

        "Laserbeak is a dependent asset on Soundwave. They share a fraction of a spark, for if they did not, I would have crushed him long ago." His helm titled to the side as he observed her. In truth, he cared not for the conversation at hand, finding the given information of no importance, though he did enjoy the sound of he voice and the green in her eyes. He could entertain her curiosities.

        "So then what about familial? They're a family?"

        "In some aspect of the term, yes. Laserbeak is a type of symbiote as they coexist and benefit off  one another. Why do you insist on inquiring?"

        "Am I not allowed to ask?" Lauren raised a brow.

        "Do not put false words in my mouth, bug. Ask what you may." He replied bluntly. "But, know only what you're told."

        "So, do you have a family? Did you? Y'know, before...?" Her question was left open ended,  not wanting to impeded on possibly sensitive grounds.

        "No. I was bore for the purpose of working and that alone." His response was bitter and laced with heavy disgust. "Those to higher castes were among those to reproduce, becoming sires and carriers."

        "I'm going to assume that when the war started-"

        He cut her off sharply. "There has been not a klik for any such thing."

        It was horrible and truly painted a picture of just what war could do to people. Never a moment to think of anything more than just survive. There was no living. A part of her suddenly felt guilty for letting curiosity get the better of her.

        It wasn't her place to intrude.

        "We should go over these prints with everyone else." Lauren switched the subject back to the initial topic at hand. "Give 'em a sense of direction, y'know. They all can't be flying blind."

        "Do not do that." Megatron chased after her words, his spark surged. "You are privileged to my knowledge, do  not hesitate and shy away in the face of it now. It's  cowardly and  I will not stand for that."

        "I'm not scared of anything. I just don't think it's my place to speak."

        "If it were not, then you would certainly be made aware. Remember that the next time you wish to vocalize." His tone was grating, but she knew not to register the harshness of his inflection.

        "Yeah, I will. Okay." Lauren readily agreed, noting what he'd said.

        "Yes, you will." His helm tipped in her direction, optics returned to the file splayed out on her bed. "As for your prior statement, the Prime will have so access to the vessel once it's rightfully mine."

        "That's not what I meant." She huffed. "What I mean is that everyone should at least know the layout. I'm not saying to give Optimus driving lessons."

        "The autobots would not know what was good for them, even if it shot them point blank. I assure you." The mech's words held a truth to them, something she wouldn't question as she'd come to rather tolerate and even like some of said autobots.

        At the very least, none of them showed completely outward hatred toward her.

        "Fine, then at least your guys. If Lockdown  goes down, then we don't want the rest of the  ship too ." Her brows furrowed as she plucked a paper up to inspect better. "Is it just a  ship or  can it deploy weapons too?"

"The ship should have an optimal defense system in place." Megatron spoke, sure of his words to which Lauren hummed.

        "Are you affirmed in what you are doing, girl?" He suddenly questioned, crimson optics having left the papers to study her expression. Her brows scrunched together as sapphire eyes scanned over the words before her in determined concentration.

        "Yes. I want things to go right for you and Blackout." She spoke without missing a beat, setting the paper in hand aside.

        A deep bellow left his chassis, not able to deny the pride he took in her. So  strong and yet so fragile. "You have exhibited ease with him." It was a blunt comment. "At times, he often reminds me of the yellow scout with his former charge." The tyrant couldn't help the disgust that seeped into his tone.

        "What're you saying?"

        "Nothing. It's an observation, bug. One I have made along with serval others." His tone was flat, calculated even.

        "Are you jealous?" The brunette raised a brow in jest, leaning back onto her palms.

        Crimson optics narrowed at the playful accusation. "If I were, he would have offlined joors ago. I do not take to trepidation in any matter, that  includes you."

        "Joking." Lauren flopped back onto her back to stare up at the ceiling. Part of her wished she could really sleep in her bed again. God knows he back would appreciate it.

        He grunted audibly in response. "The hunter appears protective of you."

        "I'm pretty sure he just doesn't want to get his ass kicked by you or something like that."

        "Hardly a reason to exhibit such behaviors."

        "You've lost me." She drawled with a wave of her hand.

        "Your ignorance is admirable in and of itself." He vented. "It appears as though he has taken guardianship."

        "Ignorant? Excuse me for not knowing everything." She sat up in a flurry of movement, frown present. "And what does that even mean? I know they say he's like a dog, but jeez."

        "He may share semblance, but he is not an insignificant canine organic." Megatron lent forward with his speaking. "A guardian. It appears he's assigned himself the role, despite  his rank."

        "I don't think so. And I like dogs." Lauren shot back. "That wouldn't make sense. We'd have to share a spark-  soul or whatever, right?"

        "You misunderstood." The decepticon began. "A guardian is a role and is not dictated by sparkbond or kinship." His optics bore into her eyes as he spoke, counting her blinks. "It's the role of a defender, a protector. A keeper to your own, my fragile one."

        "I'm not weak." Lauren pulled a face resembling that of a pout and glare combined.

        Megatron rose to his pedes beside the bed, stalking forward as he seized her chin in his grip. "Fragile, not weak. Do not state words that are not my own." His touch left her just as quickly as it had been given, her gaze remained upon him. "Come. This conversation will conclude at a later date."

        Lauren left the comfort of her bed to follow after the mech, the tug in her chest toting her along as her thoughts jumbled.

        Blackout her guardian? Yeah, right. The title alone sounded stupid a  much too high for someone like her. A friend  maybe,  but not her keeper. No. It was almost embarrassing, but that wasn't to say she wasn't thankful for the chopper's helping hand. She was thankful, immensely so.

        "Where are we going?"  She caught up to the decepticon as the  reached the first floor.

        "I request your vocals at this time. Your music." He spoke matter of factly as they found their way to the piano.

        "Really? Was my performance before not enough for you?" She took her seat at the instrument.

        "Would you prefer I command you to play?" He inquired, positioning himself along the opposite side of the instrument, optics never leaving her form.

        She pat the open spot beside her. "There is space, y'know. You don't have to stand."

        "I much prefer this view. Go on, play." His helm dipped in her direction.

        Heat blossomed beneath her skin as something in her chest constricted. She'd forgotten to breath  for a second as her nostrils flared. "You sure do seem to find saying things like that easy." She didn't meet his gaze as her finger ghosted the keys in an attempt to figure out her piece.

        A deep rumble clawed up his chassis. "I find my statements to be made in earnest, girl."

        "Defeats the whole point of calling yourself a 'decepticon' then, doesn't it?" Lauren quirked a smile to him.

        "Technicalities mean little to me. Know my words are true. You are a sight to behold for my optics alone."

        Dipping her head back towards her keys, she smiled to herself. "I never said I didn't believe you." Nimble fingers glided over the ivory with ease. "You didn't answer me. Was my performance earlier not good enough?" It was a playful jab with no real curiosity behind it.

        Crimson optics narrowed skeptically as he pulled her chin up to face him once more, never allowing her the cowardice of hiding. "Your melodies are to be cherished by any who hear, never think less of that or your abilities." He released her, but his talons hovered before he reached to tuck away more hair. "I simply wish for a performance of my own for my audials only."

        "That's all you had to say." She gave a toothy smile as she played, swallowing back saliva to wet her throat.

        "Another day, another life passes by just like mine. It's not complicated. Another mind, another soul. Another body to grow old. It's not complicated."

        Her singing was soft and thoughtful, delivering each lyric with care. Megatron may have only been one being, but to her it  felt as though she were playing for the whole world.

        "Do you ever wonder if the stars shine out for you? Float down like autumn leaves. And Hush now. Close your eyes before the sleep. And you're miles away and yesterday you were here with me."

        Lauren flicked sapphire eyes up to catch him momentarily, though she wasn't searching for him. Just beyond the mech, upon the far wall was a framed photo of her grandparents smiling brighter than the sun itself.

        The melody continued and  her quick glance didn't escape the bot. He noted her eyes and the far away pang that yanked at his spark. He'd become acquainted with the memory of her elderly surrogates long past. Something occurred to him in that klik as she sang.

        Had she ever had the time to mourn their loss? Or had she been too preoccupied with still mourning the loss of her carrier and amiss sire?

        "Another tear, another cry. Another place for us to die. It's not complicated. Another life that's gone to waste. Another light lost from your face. It's complicated."

        In some strange way, Megatron could relate to her. He'd never had the time to mourn what was left of his home and  he still didn't have the time. Her humming soothed away the turbulence within his spark, as if her own discordance leveled his.

        He wanted to steal away that hurt from her very being and vanquish it violently. To bear his denta and roar out to whatever God or deity she looked upon.

        "Is it that's it's over or do birds still sing for you? Float down like autumn leaves. And Hush now. Close your eyes before the sleep."

        Crimson optics lingered upon the photo longer than he cared to admit before he reset his sights upon Lauren. He was once more reminded of her mortality and  he viciously pushed away the bitterness of that fact.

        "And you're miles away and yesterday you were here with me. Ooh, how I miss you. My symphony played the song that carries you out. Ooh, how I miss you. And I, I miss you and I wish you'd stay."

        Was he ready to leave her?

        "Do you ever wonder if the stars shine out for you? Float down like autumn leaves. And Hush now. Close your eyes before the sleep.

        Could he do that?

        "And you're miles away and yesterday you were here with me. Ooh oh, ooh oh. Ooh oh, ooh oh. Touch down like a seven-four-seven. Stay out and we'll live forever now."

        Lauren's finger trailed the ivory keys, steadily producing her melody. "Tell me, what's today's date?" She inquired, eyes not meeting him.

        "As of the final rotation, September 9th. Is there a particular reason for your inquiry, bug?"

        She hummed thoughtfully at his answer. God, how had time flown so quick? Just yesterday she  was falling asleep at the workbench in her barn and now... "My birthday is coming up. I'll be twenty-three. Crazy, right?"

        Megatron hummed deeply in acknowledgment. "But a speck of dust in the scheme of time."

        Was he really ready for her to leave him...?

        He didn't know and wasn't ready to confront what his love of her truly meant.

        Primus, give him more time.

        Megatron stood to full height in a swift, sudden motion as his spark surged with something unseen, setting his senses on high alert. It was as if something unwanted had thrusted itself into his EMF field and set his systems off unbeknownst to Lauren.

        Something was to come and he wasn't sure he was ready for it. If she was ready for it.

        God, spare her.

Notes:

Y'all- buckle up, because shit is about to hit the fan at top speed...

Love you <3

Chapter 42: Aonaran

Notes:

Hey! OMG two chapter in one day! I'm crazy! I just couldn't keep this one to myself, sorry~

A bit of a shorter chapter than I've done in a while, but it's so very necessary!

I love you all and your amazing comments from the previous chapter! You all inspire me to keep writing, truly <3

        September 9th, exactly eighteen days before the 27th. Just a little over two weeks. It wasn't a long time to wait, all things considered, but when the whole world has gone to shit and tomorrow is never promised- yeah, eighteen days is a long time.

        Lauren, as well as those around her, had grown familiar with budding routine; she and Megatron awoke typically before all others, Blackout made a point to always take guard duty no matter the time, Laserbeak remained upon his perch with ever watchful optics, Barricade and Nitrozeus would gripe at one another while Onslaught and Soundwave stayed out of it. Cade would wake Tessa and shoo away Shane, said father would find work to busy himself with, the remaining autobots would strike up conversation amongst themselves. Lennox and Epps integrated into that in only a matter of hours. Said soldiers would make due with gun maintenance while they exchanged words with Simmons coming along to interrupt with his big personality.

        All was fine and Lauren was growing accustomed to their unique day to day lives. Dare she even say it was nice in that odd and unusual kind of way.

        It was nice, though she just couldn't shake the irking feeling that something was amiss. Something wasn't quite right and she couldn't place her finger on it.

        A part of her had surmised that perhaps she was being paranoid. Maybe even crazy, but the intuitive primal side of her conscious reassured her that she wasn't. The mechanic didn't know which she preferred; being crazy or being right. Both had their drawbacks.

        Dread, that same impending doom feeling she'd had weeks prior, had crept back up and she found no way to truly block it out this time. With each passing second, her anxiety increased tenfold.

        And maybe she could've deluded herself into ignoring it. Pushing it away to loom over her shoulder another day, but...

        Lauren busied herself with menial tasks to keep her mind at bay; sorting and then resorting the tools (even if Cade had told her not to), folding her small pile of clothes for the umpteenth time, anything to busy her hands. Sapphire eyes flicked up from the pile of screws and surveyed the cathedral again, taking a mental note of all its occupants. A head count.

        There were thirteen mechs in total, including Scalpel and Blackout who wasn't present. Five humans not including Simmons. The numbers didn't change, but...

        Her hands worked tirelessly to keep her occupied, but she couldn't keep her eyes from wandering and hyper focused on things she'd never noticed before or maybe she'd never been looking hard enough.

        Something was wrong and she knew it. She knew it.

        Optimus stood tall and Megatron stood taller, silent and optics trained with intent. The decepticon hadn't even chanced a glance in her direction. Bumblebee stood off to the side, optics roaming his surroundings as the small antenna like protrusions atop his helm stood at attention.

        She flicked her sights to her human allies and those who she'd like to consider friends and nothing. Nothing outwardly amiss stood out to her. Tessa whined to her father, Shane cracked wise humorless jokes, Lennox and Epps remained focused on their firearms.

        They didn't seem in the least bit perturbed and for some reason that irked her further.

        What was going on? Surely she was just having some kind of episode, no.

        Lauren ran her tongue along the backside of her teeth as her jaw clenched, every muscle in her body was taunt and terse as the pull within her chest tethered her to her own sanity.

        She'd watched Blackout's fleeting form leave the building that morning and couldn't quite shake her nerves as he dipped his helm in a single smooth nod before disappearing. He'd been back on the two hour mark like clockwork since then for status reports and nothing. Nothing was new, nor called for concern.

        She wasn't crazy.

        The brunette forced her sights back to sorting the tools with great effort. She didn't even seem to register the task as her mind continued to run rampant, a steady trickle of adrenaline bled into her veins. She'd swallowed down her heartbeat in a futile attempt at calming herself, but there was still something she just couldn't shake.

        "What time is it?" Her words left before she had time to register them, eyes not leaving her pile of wrenches.

        "5:15pm." Soundwave had answered without missing a beat, baritone as always. Laserbeak hissed something in Cybertronian to his master.

        Fifteen minutes. Blackout had missed his call in by fifteen minutes. Dread pooled heavy in her gut as goosebumps erupted over her skin causing the hair along her neck to stand on end in the way when you know someone is staring.

        Lauren panned her gaze up to catch Megatron's immediately. It was fierce, unwavering, and pointed in the way a predators would be when they were going to pounce upon their injured prey. He wasn't staring at her, he was staring through her.

        She wasn't crazy and she knew that, because he'd yet to confront her on it.

        Her chest tugged knowingly from within as the decepticon lord craned his helm back and out of her line, keen on remaining vigil. Anticipation budded within her courtesy of him.

        "He's late." Was all she managed bluntly.

        Nobody acknowledged her words, having already pieced the information together.

        Barricade rose to his pedes with a grunt. "I will scout."

        "You will remain stationed or face the consequences for treason. You may pick." Megatron growled viciously, optics bore into his subordinate as something  unsaid was passed between the two mechs.

        Lauren wanted to side with the scout, wanted to rush out and search for the hunter, but she knew better than to jeopardize whatever was happening. What good would she do anyway? What could she possibly do?

        Only the night prior, mere hours ago had Megatron stated that Blackout put himself in the place of her guardian, a title she still didn't want to talk about, but... If he was going to take on that role, then shouldn't she return the favor?

        Lauren wanted Blackout to be okay. She wanted everyone to be okay.

        The sudden shake of the earth beneath her had the brunette shooting to her feet. Silence rolled over the cathedral in an instant.

        "What was that? Dad?" Tessa mumbled, smile vanishing as her eyes went wide and deer like.

        Megatron rooted himself firm in place, his shoulder squared and chassis puffed out threateningly, a grimace overtook his features as crimson optics snapped down to his conjunx.

        Optimus stood to full attention, blue optics scanned the area as he assured that both his men and human allies were well. Lauren's eyes never left his visage.

        Another planet trembling boom, closer this time.

        "Girl, come to me-"

        "Take cover!" The Prime commanded as everyone dove in opposite directions. She hadn't a moment to think as Laserbeak dove from his perch, tackling her harshly as something no- someone tore through he stone building.

        "Petulant Cybertronians, did you think you were safe?" Came the bark of a bot she knew too well, Lockdown.

        Blackout had been the one to tear through the structure. His large behemoth body flung like a ragdoll as he attempted to right himself and take fire to which the bounty hunter did not waste a moment.

        There was no time to think nor process what had just happened. The sudden borage of noise and thick plumes of smoke and dust effectively robbed her of all senses.

        Through the decimation, she knew she could hear screaming. Both human and robot alike mixed to create hell spawned wails.

        "M-my leg! Dad!" Tessa bellowed through her cries and Lauren followed the gut wrenching sounds through the haze.

        The woman found the teen quick, pinned beneath a fallen piece of ceiling. The fat tears that poured from her eyes seemed to electrify her irises, skin braised from projected debris. "My leg! I can't move it!" She sobbed.

        Lauren was swift to come to her aid, throwing herself down just as a mech narrowly avoided hitting her. "Cade!" The brunette barked over the noise. "You're going to be okay. Okay? Just- just don't move." She didn't believe a single word coming out of her own mouth as she set out to move the fallen stone.

        "Tessa! Tessa- oh my god!" The father heaved as he made his way to his daughter's side. "Are you hurt? Can you move? Tess talk to me!"

        "Her leg is stuck. I don't think she can walk." Lauren fought with the obstacle.

        "We're going to get you out of here sweety, don't worry." Cade moved around to held Lauren as the teen struggled.

        "We need to get civilians out of here or there will be mass casualties." Lennox appeared, weapon slung over his torso in practiced precision. "You need to get out of here. This place is a warzone." He directed his orders to the father and daughter.

         "Don't have to tell me twice. I'm not letting my little girl die like this." Cade hoisted Tessa up despite her cries. "You got backup?"

        "The air force will be notified. High heat sable rounds only." Epps relayed.

        "Godspeed." The father dipped his head as he hauled his daughter off through the wreckage.

        "You, I need you to get as many civilians as possible out of the city. There's a hospital just outside the city limits, direct them there, then get to KSI tower and see if they have some kind of kill switch for these damned things." The blonde soldier ordered firmly.

        "What? N-no. I can't- I'm not-" Lauren began, adrenaline seeping into her veins as her heart sounded against the confines of her ribs.

        "C'mon kid, we don't have all day man!" Epps ground out as another explosion shook the earth.

        "I'm not-"

        Lennox clapped Lauren on her shoulder with bruising strength, pulling her close. His steel blue eyes shone with unbridled determination. "Heroes aren't born, kid! You've gotta create them!" The Colonel stated, leaving no room for further deliberation. "You're a soldier now! Now, go! Go!" He pushed off her form.

        "It's a straight shot. Don't screw this, man." Epps parted off leaving her to her own devices.

        Renewed adrenaline replaced the blood in her veins as she bolted from what remained of the church and out onto the street. Harshly, she forced down the bile creeping up her throat at the carnage.

        Everything was in total, utter chaos. It was a true war zone and she was on the front lines while her people- humans were the collective collateral.

        "Go! Go! That way! Come on!" Lauren ripped her vocal chords raw as she ushered innocent bystanders away from the center battle. "Come on!" She pushed people ahead of her with all the strength in her body, the pain long forgotten.

        At one point she ushered out a mother carrying her small daughter and the sight threw her into a mad panic as she screeched her commands to those around her. "Get out! Go! Leave the city!"

        An explosion deafened her momentarily, and still, she tried to scream over the ringing in her ears. It felt like she'd swallowed glass and sandpaper as smoke assaulted her nose.

        Lauren hurtled herself forward, funneling out those who could still stand. The city was unrecognizable. The street was crowded with debris, fallen mechs, parts of buildings, and in some areas she knew the dark wetness were those unfortunate enough to be caught up in something that wasn't their fight.

        How could everything go so bad, so quick?

        She choked on tears and smoke. The earth trembled and off in the near distance she could hear the unmistakable roar of Megatron. His battle cry rang loud, drowning out all other noise. The gunfire melded together into earsplitting 'bang's.

        One of the Raptors that flew overhead was sent hurdling into a nearby skyscraper, sending down glass rainfall. The plumes of fire glowed hauntingly in the smog. She knew who that was, who was responsible for the air carnage.

        Starscream's name was bitter on her tongue as it mixed with blood and saliva.

        "Insect! " The seeker shrieked, tossing away bits of debris from his perch atop a crumbling building. His single working optic had latched onto her as he dove for the street.

        Lauren hadn't even the time to scream as she broke into a dead sprint with only nanoseconds to spare as the seeker landed, pouncing for her.

        "I love when your little legs try to run!" Starscream spat darkly, bulldozing his way through any obstacles.

        Ducking and weaving between any and everything, she could feel him hot on her trail. She needed to think and fast. How to escape him or at the very least deter his efforts. Her thoughts were abruptly cut off as she was ripped from the street. A shrill cry was squeezed from her lungs.

        "I will tear your flesh from your squishy body! Thought you were safe, girl ?!" The ex decepticon chuckled darkly as he squeezed her. Her fragile ribs threatened to snap under the pressure.

        Thrashing with all her might, her saving grace was the oncoming missile that struck the earth only mere feet behind the mech. Her hearing was temporarily robbed from her as both her and the seeker were sent to the concrete in recoil. The debris bit into her flesh with vengeance.

        With not a single second to spare, Lauren thrashed her way from his hold. Staggering to her feet, she shoved back both disorientation and the feeling of warmth trickling down her face. The brunette pivoted and b-lined for the closest building.

        Starscream roared out shrill, swiping his talons out for her futilely. Sparks flew up behind her as he clawed at the cement. "Don't think you can run forever, girl ! Isn't that what he calls you?" He tutted viciously, pouncing toward the building.

        Not hearing a word he said, the battered woman swiped away blood from her brow just as the entire front entrance of the building was decimated by the seeker himself. That time, she did scream and without much thought, she headed for the stairwell.

        The building trembled under the Seeker's onslaught and it was all she could do to grip the handrail as she flew up the stairs.

        She hadn't a plan, just raw instinct driving her to flee in the hope it preserved her little life, but a few things became apparent as she pushed her body to move; once past the ground floor she was effectively trapped, she had no idea how many floors the building was (or how many were left), and if he kept up at his pace the building would just collapse on top of her.

        The roof. She needed to get to the roof. There was no telling what would happen from that point, but she was making it up as she went.

        "Girl! I can smell your fear!" The screech of Starscream rang out hauntingly as she ascended.

        Legs protesting and burning, she ushered on. Every cell in her body screamed at her to stop, but she knew stopping was as good as dying and that wasn't something she was willing to do. Not willing to give that traitor the satisfaction of stealing away her life, not giving him the satisfaction of hurting Megatron.

        Fear, spite, and adrenaline pumped through her veins viciously, her heartbeat drowned out all other noises of war. Her chest burned with lack of oxygen and unsaturated fury, something of which she knew was not her own, but something she would utilize.

        The building quaked again and she narrowly caught herself. How many floors had she climbed? She had no idea.

        Another quake renewed her as she pushed even harder, tearing into muscles and exploiting her own human nature. The stairs were coming to at end and she burst toward the roof entrance with fervor.

        Stumbling, she right herself quickly with another tremble beneath her feet.

        Think, think, think! She chided desperately taking in her surroundings. Plumes of smoke and destruction plagued everything with the roars and clangs of battle filling the air.

        Starscream thrust himself toward the roof in that instant, catching her scent riding the wind. His one good optic found his target swiftly as he landed atop the near crumbling structure. A sinister laugh escaped his vocal processors as he stalked near. "No more running fleshbag! You will be mine!"

        Lauren had backed up with each threating step he took forward until she was nearly out of room. Her brows furrowed as she greedily sucked in lung burning breaths. "No, I won't." She barked defiantly as she spun around and threw herself from the building's ledge.

        Starscream lunged only for his talon to graze her coverings. A fierce cry rang out.

        God, she was falling, plummeting. How high up had she been? She had no idea and it didn't matter anymore. The earth felt miles away as she grew closer by the second.

        A mere few yards from the cement below, she'd closed her eyes and accepted the impact to come, but come it never did. Her body was jerked through the carnage harshly before being pulled into a chassis. The sound of metal being grated against cement was earsplitting.

        Blackout caged her form close as he fought to come to a halt, his ruby optics glued to the Seeker's oncoming form. He growled lowly as if warning.

        "Beck and call, just like the mutt you are!" The jet insulted with a hiss before firing off a round of gunfire at his bulky form.

        The chopper spun calculated on his pedes, guiding both himself and Lauren with his back, rotor blades spun dangerously to create a momentary blockade from the bullets. He let the woman down with a pained roar.

        The brunette slipped from his hold, steeling a glance back to him, not wanting to abandoned her fellow brethren and friend. Her guardian.

        "Go, human! I got him." The hunter snarled in promise.

        Nodding once, she turned hot on her heel and sprinted off down what was left of the street. Various Cybertronian words could be heard being spewed from just behind her and as much as she wanted to stand and protect Blackout, she knew she couldn't.

        KSI. She needed to get to that God forsaken building.

        Lauren pushed on, narrowly missing an incoming KSI mech who fell lifeless, head amiss. Her chest surged, pulling her to Megatron's direction. Whether it was courage or adrenaline that fueled her, she didn't know and did not care.

        But one thing she did know, was that he was indeed the one who ignited her fire and breathed new life into her soul. Her spark.

        The KSI building in all its horror grew near.

        The chaos was thick there. She could vaguely make out the fast moving shapes of decepticons and autobots dispatching the mindless cannon fodder.

        The planet shook in their wake, sending her stumbling with each step, but she fought onward, slipping in-between mech steps and falling debris, she reached the building. Her chest pulled violently, guiding her blindly.

        Lauren emerged into the building and was met swiftly with a fist to the face. The brute force of the blow caused her to stumble to the side, following her heads momentum. The immediate pain that bloomed in her cheek coupled with anger.

        "Do you see what you've done?" Harold Attinger hissed through clenched teeth as he held his fist.

        The brunette swiped away the blood that dribbled from her bruising nose, tears welled in her eyes naturally. "Do you see what you've done?" She panted angrily, heart hammering in her chest. "Everything is fucked and it's your fault!"

        The aged man advanced on her again and she barely avoided the attack, darting for the exit.

        Just as quickly as she turned, a telltale 'bang' rang out and she hit the pavement full force. She cried out as pain ripped through her leg. Hot tears sprang from her eyes as bloody palms flew up to wipe away the glass stuck to her skin.

        With a wail, she flipped onto her backside, leg amiss and useless. The cement and debris bit into her wounded palms with a vengeance as she attempted to drag herself away, defiant.

        Harold encroached upon her with anger fueled purpose, gun drawn and finger on the trigger in promise.

        It was all she could do to choke back her sobs and a glare capable of making the sun wince over took her features. With each step toward her, she scooted back. A pool of blood steadily formed beneath her, creating an obscene drag line of crimson along the concrete. Her leg was on fire as was her chest, ignited with a hatred and anger that she could never conjure on her own.

        The sound of combat filled the air; gunfire, metal on metal, explosions, screams, and she could still hear his fucking voice.

        "You see, it takes patience to make a man." The older male spoke, his eyes angled down the gun barrel. "The patience to watch and wait, to protect all of us quietly, for God and country, without any recognition at all!" He scorned, hand tightening on the hilt of the weapon.

        The fight droned on behind her, the sound of metal crashing into one another growing closer by the second.

        "Lauren! " Someone had called out to her viciously just beyond where she lay in a pile of her own fluids.

        "There are no good aliens! Or bad aliens, Ridgwell. It's just us and them. And you chose them."

        Time moved in slow motion in that second. The earth trembled beneath her hands, the sounds grew silent and a resounding 'bang' filled her ears as he pulled the trigger. She swore she could count her blinks in that millisecond.

        Megatron in all his war torn glory erupted into her view. The mech pivoted with a triumphant roar, taking aim, and firing.

        Harold Attinger was snuffed out in that moment and it was suddenly hard to breath, her breath warm and wet as she wheezed. She swallowed back something thick, but it just kept coming. What was going on...?

        She coughed, pain blossoming in her chest at the action.

        An indecipherable look crossed Megatron's face in that moment and he stalled. Lockdown thrust himself into his space in a full force frontal attack.

        Noise was drowning out and the sky seemed much too far away suddenly, her clothes soaked warmly. Her hand lay weakly atop her thigh wound.

        "You saved the human instead of saving yourself." Lockdown pinned Megatron, but the decepticon wasn't even hearing him as his spark battled him from within.

        "You bring shame upon all your people." Lockdown was ripped away suddenly as Prime tackled him.

        "Go Megatron! This is my fight!" The Prime seethed as he exchanged blows with the bounty hunter.

        "It's my fight and you're all going to die!" The Quintessan exclaimed, forcing the autobot back.

        Optimus and Megatron shared a brief glance and in any other instance, he would've fought him, or anyone, on the matter. The decepticon never shied away from combat, but a part of him feared he had a whole other fight brewing. Ripping the pinning blade from his shoulder servo, Megatron righted himself and dove for Lauren.

        She lay there. People were talking, right? Was that what she was hearing? All the noise was mish-mashing into nothing. Cotton stuffed her ears.

        Her eyes caught movement. Who was that? Was that another person? No. There were still people in the area?

        Lennox sprinted to her, throwing himself to her side as he pulled her up bridal style, her blood stained his uniform as he snatched up his radio. Epps was quick to come up beside him, slinging his riffle over his shoulder.

        "Oh shit man." Epps cursed.

        "Pop smoke now, we're losing her!" Lennox ordered as sweat fell from his brow. She was heavy, dead weight in his hold.

        "We need med-evac to blue smoke immediately! We're losing a life!"

        "Unhand the girl!" Megatron bellowed threateningly, weapons drawn and ready.

        "She's dying! We're having her taken by evac!" Lennox spat as he applied pressure to the wounds. The sound of a chopper broke through the noise as it descended upon them.

        "You have to let her go, man!" Epps yelled over the chaos.

        Megatron went to roar out his objections before his optics rest upon her paling form. All color drained from her face as her body bathed in crimson, sapphire eyes rolled back into her skull as she lay limp in Lennox's hold.

        The chopper touched down and out rushed medics who stole her away from the soldier. Things were said and names were called out, but he heard none of it as his optics remained stuck on her body.

        "She'll be taken to a hospital just outside the city, they're taking in civilians!" The younger male called up at him. "We have a war to fight!"

        His words didn't register, but the blood on his uniform did and he stood soundlessly. His spark wailed within him, fighting with every ounce of power it possessed. "Blackout." He commed the hunter flatly.

        "Yes, reporting." The decepticon called over harshly, the sounds of battle could be heard in the background.

        "Clear the airspace, now." He ordered as be turned to follow the chopper.

        "Affirmative." Blackout came as he pinned the former second in command. Starscream wailed beneath his hold, thrusters sputtering in attempt to buck him off. "I hereby relieve you of your duty, Starscream." And with that, the chopper decapitated the seeker with great pleasure. Energon spewed and he basked in his glory.

        Something old and something ugly reared it's head in Megatron at that moment and nothing would stand in his way; not the KSI mechs, not the autobots, not his own men. He would kill anything and anyone who stood in his path, regardless of faction, regardless of specie and orientation.

        Megatron tore through the city, paving his warpath with she'd blood and energon alike.

        Lauren thought she could faintly hear a helicopter. Was Blackout near...? He must be, right?

        "Multiple gunshots, close range!"

        "Hurry! We need her on an intravenous IV, stat!"

        Turbulence wracked the chopper and everyone held fast as another helicopter zipped by, circling the area with too much speed.

        "Keep pressure on the wound! There's so many lacerations..."

        Who's voices were those...? She didn't recognize them with how far away they seemed. She was floating, weightless, and yet so very heavy.

        "Landing inbound!"

        The medics were swift to take her gurney from the helicopter, wheeling her off the air pad and into the overflowing hospital. "Code blue! Code blue! I need all hands on deck! We have multiple GSW!"

        Everything was white and much too bright when suddenly something occurred to her as she lie there motionless. All was cold.

        "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures."

        Something in her chest ached longingly as her gurney was thrust through one set of double doors.

        "He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."

        Another set of double doors bombarded the medical staff as they slipped an oxygen mask over her face. 

        "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,"

        Her voice was suddenly her grandmother's and all those words she never listened to emerged from the deepest depths of her mind, body, and soul. "Stay with us!" A voice commanded distantly in an echo.

        "For you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

        "I need another intravenous IV now! We're losing her!"

        "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."

        The world that was suddenly too bright was plunged into total abyss. Inky darkness shrouded over everything and consumed all it touched, taking her with it.

        Megatron chased the fading bond, decimating everything in his wake as he approached the hospital. Blackout was spotted atop the roof, looming protectively. And in some aspect the mech stood like an omen of death.

        She was here. He knew it, could feel it if ever so faintly. His spark flickered. She was slipping, losing her fight and he roared to the highest heavens, if they even existed. Bystanders fled his presence in terror, cars swerving frantically out of his way.

        He was powerless, useless. There was not a thing he could do to aid the situation, not a thing he could do to help her. Sudden images of her smile and the way she put her hand in his flashed across his processor. Her voice filled his audials. The mech reached out into the shared bond and she did not caress back. It was silent and absent of her. Cold.

        He was aware of her mortality more than he'd like to admit, but this wasn't how it was supposed to end. No. She was to live out all her remaining days and perish in her age.

        His denta ground together under his fury, he tore off through the city. Blackout did not follow.

        To the pits with it all. He lurched upon an abandoned building, forcing himself inward.

        He'd clawed his way from Primus's clutches once before and he'd do it again. He would do it all over again.

        Megatron seat himself with a vent, his spark ran amuck and unbound within his chassis. He forced himself into a self induced stasis.

        If the humans could not save her, then he'd do it himself.

        He dove into the valley of the shadow of death and if he could not return with her, he'd not return at all, so be it.

Notes:

0//////0

Chapter 43: Interlinked

Notes:

AHHHH I'M HERE! HELLO! Big thank you to everyone who commented on the previous chapters, I love you all so much and that includes all you awesome lurkers out there! This story wouldn't be where it is without any of you and your continued support. I LOVE YOU ALL! <3 ;--;

        Optimus hadn't a single klik to fully grasp the stakes at hand as he fought with the bounty hunter. The Prime fought for not only his spark, but the sparks of his fellow comrades, the souls of those innocent in all the madness, and most of all- earth. 

        Humans hadn't done right by him nor his men, but who was he to judge an entire race based solely of the misdoings of the few? He didn't have the right, plain and simple. But, he wished to call earth his home, too, and that meant fighting for it. 

        "The decepticon has fled, such cowardly behavior deserves judgement and you too Prime, shall be judged." Lockdown spat with a fire of his blaster A beam of light cut through the smog. 

        The autobot leader let out a defiant grunt as he dodged and righted himself once more, narrowly missing the targeted attack. Megatron retreating was not something he knew to be true from prior experiences. It wasn't a retreat, no. 

        It was a rescue. A desperate ditch effort to protect the one thing he found redemption in.

        Who was the Prime to judge? 

        The autobot had stolen a fleeting glance toward the decepticon as he'd tore his way through what remained of the city and, for just the quickest of kliks, he was reminded of a mech long lost to conflict, D-16. He wouldn't dare get close enough to that flame in the fear it'd be snuffed out. 

        Lockdown advanced on him with trained precision, catching his foe by the shoulder servo viciously, jerking him into forced submission, but the Prime would have no of it as he stumbled into the closest building. Optimus pivoted on his pedes swiftly to face his attacker helm on. With his double edge held firm, the mech blocked the bounty hunter's incoming swing, forcing him back with violent determination. 

        The Quintessan thrust back into his target's space speedily, switching to overwhelm the mech with a flurry of strikes before tactfully using his armored leg to sweep Optimus off his feet. 

        The autobot leader spun to block with only a nanoklik to spare. His spark roared from within him as they battled. Lockdown was smaller, but far more agile that his lumbering form would ever permit. 

        "You always think you are doing what is right, who made you a leader?" Spat the emerald optic mech in seething disgust as he caught an incoming blow. 

        Optimus grumbled in strain as he shoved away the hunter. "You will not take anyone any longer with my say!" 

        "Then, it's a good thing you were never asked." Lockdown's curled fist drove straight into Prime's jaw gears, sending the larger bot fumbling. With only a klik of an opening, he wrenched the double edge from Optimus's grasp and forced in straight through his chassis plating, pinning him to the cement below. "You fight for a home that is not your's." 

        The emerald optic mech readied the Prime's weapon with ease. Time slowed as the bounty hunter raised the weapon to slay the autobot, but he never got the chance as two car engines revved with oncoming vengeance. 

        Barricade was hasty to transform, firing off a round of gunfire to create the perfect opening for Bumblebee to force himself in close to the conflict. Optimus grunted and growled in pain as he fought against his own weapon unsuccessfully. 

        "I gave you an order!" The Prime ground out in pain, dribbles on energon escaping his metals.

        A sudden borage of bullets had Lockdown swinging his helm around in search of the Onslaught. Emerald optics narrowed dangerously, his posture was held firm and ready to strike.

        Lennox and Epps yelled unheard orders as they fired round after round at the bounty hunter. The blonde soldier's clothes were noticeably drenched in crimson, his steel blue eyes misty and brimming with unshed anger. "Optimus!" The Colonel barked as he banked for the cover of fallen cement. "Hey! Over here you tin can!" The duo garnered the Quintessan's attention.

        "Soldier get out of here! Bumblebee go! This is my fight!" The autobot leader protested vehemently as he fought to free himself.

        "No fight is your's, Cybertronian! Nothing has ever been your's!"

        The yellow scout flanked the hunter, lunging for his back I one swift motion. Lockdown struggled, swiping at the mech as Barricade skidded his way around the conflict, taking aim and firing for added coverage.

        "Get out of here! All of you!" The pinned Prime ordered as the decepticon scout lurched upon him swiftly.

        "I pray that your spark extinguished, but not this joor." Barricade growled through his denta, taking the hilt of the sword roughly. The cruiser took sick pleasure in the act of tearing the double edge from the bigger mech's chassis. A single nod of his helm was all he offered as condolence.

        Lockdown hissed a curse in foreign tongue as he ripped Bumblebee away, disregarding him with ease. The emerald optic mech snapped his attention to the human pests firing at him in futile attempts at assistance.

        "Optimus now! Go! Finish it!" Lennox screamed over the sounds of war, his voice not able to drown out anything.

        With not a klik to spare, the hunter pivoted to face the Prime in an attempt at blocking the attack, but no such luck came of the action. Optimus, with a fierce cry, advanced upon his foe, kicking the legs out from under the Quintessan before driving his double edge straight through his helm. He tore through the metal violently.

        The sparkless husk of Lockdown crumpled in a heap of scrap. Petrolex and energon painted the surrounding area in a sick display of victory.

        "That's what I'm talking about, man!" Epps exclaimed in obvious enthusiasm, sweating and dirt stuck to his skin grossly.

        Optimus's hand flew to rest upon his wound with a heaved vent. Energon flowed from the puncture steadily, pain wracked his processors. "Cade, Lauren, everyone are they okay?" He questioned gruffly, using his weapon for support.

        "There's still fighting in the streets, those KSI drones, but the city evacuated who they could." Lennox relayed, eyes squinted up at the mech. Bumblebee whirred his agreements with a nod.

        "Our allies, our friends- did they make it?" The autobot asked once more, optics trained on the bloody state of the soldier's clothing.

        "Cade and Tessa made off fine. Lauren, she uh-"

        "Speak no more. I understand. I know." Came his baritone reply, void of all things happy.

        "They're tryin' to save her man. She's in the Lord's hands now." Epps added, clasping his weapon close.

        "Then, I pray your God has mercy." Blue optics narrowed with a wince, the sounds of ongoing battle could still be heard just beyond where they stood. His thoughts immediately wandered back to Megatron.

        "I think some good can come of this. Starscream is dead. I'll count that as a win." The Colonel stated in an attempt at conversation.

        Barricade growled lowly, ruby optics narrowed. "He was a coward and a traitor. To the pits with him."

        "Whatever you say man. That guy was bad news." The Sergeant combated.

        Sudden footfall had everyone immediately on guard as Nitrozeus popped out from around the building, vigor and pep in his step had his practically bouncing on his pedes, helm snapping to and from in the same candor of a wild bull. "What's this little tea party? Circle jerk and I wasn't invited? Fight is out there, or did you bunch some get lost? Do I have to call betsy over to crack the whip or what?"

        Battle seemed to only enhance his obnoxiousness.

        The decepticon scout spat some choice words in Cybertronian at the tracker, not at all in the mood for his antics. Though, the very mention of the femme- his master's conjunx, was enough to send his spark surging in a cluster of mixed emotions. The scout wasn't and would probably never be particularly fond of her, fond of her species, but...

        Nitrozeus noticed the blaze in his comrade's optics, noticed the way the Prime drooped his helm, spotted the red bathing the human soldier. His processor was immediate to piece information together.

        That was his job, after all.

        "What? " Came the tracker gruffly, voice devoid of his usual boisterousness. His optic stole quick, calculated glances to everyone and everything as he overloaded his processor with all the intake.

        "The girl is terminated." Barricade answered in disdain.

        "Nothing is for certain. Look," Lennox began, running a hand over his chin. "She was taken by evac. We don't know."

        Nitrozeus growled something in Cybertronian, though it wasn't particularly targeted toward anyone. He rolled his shoulder servos abruptly in an attempt to dispel his emotions with no success. He jerked his helm oddly once more like a wild animal ready to strike. "Then we finish this shit fest for her. For betsy." His tone was brutish and grated on everyone's hearing.

        The scout glared with a bellow, optics trained in the larger mech. "You fool. We finish this for Megatron."

        The tracker returned the glare as he invaded his slave suddenly. "Got a lot to say for a scout, huh errand boy?" He jabbed at his fellow decepticon harshly, weapons still readied at his sides. "We finish this shit now."

        And with that, he shoulder checked past the shorter mech to rush back into the thick of battle, but not without a mighty cry to the world of "All hail Lauren!".

____________________

        Megatron could only remain so long. He pushed in on what remained of the fleeting bond with untamable furry. He wouldn't accept failure.

        That wasn't an option; failure.

        The decepticon forced himself upon their connection with fervor. Pure passion of the most primal kind burned deep within him, igniting his spark so fiercely he feared he'd burn out, but burn out he would not. He'd stay and stand if not for himself, then for her too.

        He would fizzle out if not for her. Go out in all his fiery glory.

        And then, he was there in that dark void once more. Though, it'd never felt so empty before. So devoid of life, devoid of her.

        Like a black hole, it swallowed up everything until there was nothing remaining.

        Crimson optics scoured the inky darkness for something, anything at all when his vision suddenly caught a faint glimmer, a mere speck of light in the distance.

        The mech waited not even a klik as his form rushed to the faint light. He encroached fast, spotting a dainty flower. It was one he'd come to grow familiar with; a single rock rose. Small and wilted it was barely a glow with life clinging to it. His sparked panged painfully, causing his shoulders to sag.

        Tentative claws reached out and plucked up the pink blossom in all its fleeting glory. A part of him wanted to coo that'd it be alright, that she shan't have fear for he was there, but the words never came as he held the rose close as if shielding it from the world. From the universe.

        The rock rose fell away from his hold in that moment, bursting into not two, nor multiple, but a single petal that fell away from him.

        Instantly, his talons were swooping through the abyss in an attempt to snatch it up, but gone it was.

        Swiftly, the decepticon spun on his heels only to come face to face with her childhood bedroom once more. Anger bubbled up within his chassis. He did not have time for this. She didn't have time this.

        He'd been here before, been in this situation before back when his spark barely clung to life as he wasted away along the water's edge. He'd called to her in that trying time. Was she doing that now? Calling out to him? He didn't know anything for certain.

        But, he did know his time was limited as was her's.

        Crimson optics furthered him to gaze upon the scene unfolding before him. A much smaller Lauren sat curled up in her mass of blankets, her carrier- mother seated along the edge of her bed, book in hand as her sparkling studied its contents wide eyed.

        He'd never noticed how much larger her eyes were in those younger years. Bright eyed, happy, hopeful. Nonexistent was her stubbornness and unbridled determination.

        The pure blissful ignorance of innocence.

        The room was dark with some light spilling in through the ajar door.

        Amelia- he'd recalled her stating- read softly. "One day I counted your fingers, and kissed each one." The page flipped. "Then you were my baby and now you are my child."

        Lauren followed along with each word read aloud, occasionally her big eyes would steal glances to her mother as if in awe.

        "Sometimes when you sleep, I watch you dream and I dream too..." Amelia smiled down to her daughter, hand coming up to brush some hair from her face. The action made Megatron's claws twitch as if wanting to reach out and do it himself.

        "Someday I will stand on this porch and watch your arms waving to me until I no longer see you."

        "Someday you will look at this house and wonder how something that feels so big can look so small."

        He moved in that moment, slowly creeping into the space the two occupied, optics never leaving either of them. The tyrant came close enough to peer over Amelia's shoulder to gaze upon the book.

        "Someday you will hear something so sad that you will fold up with sorrow." Her mother's voice was soothing, comforting upon his audials and for a  moment he half wondered if that's where Lauren had got her voice from.

        "Someday you will feel a small weight against your strong back." The illustration showed that of a mother carrying her youngling.

        "Someday I will watch you brushing your child's hair." Amelia ran her slender fingers through her child's long tresses, a warm smile upon her pink lips.

        "Someday, a long time from now, your own hair will glow silver in the sun. And when that day comes, love, you will remember me." Her mother concluded the reading, shutting the book with ease to look upon her daughter lovingly. She stood then, moving to readjust the blankets.

        "What does that mean?" Lauren questioned sleepily.

        Amelia was silent for a moment as she finished fixing the bed. "It means that someday you'll be as old as me." She stooped, pecking her forehead. "Goodnight sweetheart."

        Megatron felt hurt brew deep within his spark, knowing what was to come of her late creator and the dreadful impact it'd have upon her. His optics scanned over the figure of sleeping Lauren once more, noting the blissfulness she demonstrated.

        Amelia made her way past him without issue and he followed suit, startled suddenly when his sights met Lauren- his Lauren stood in the doorway, head tilted ever so slightly with a sad smile painted across her lips. Sapphire eyes followed her mother as she left.

        The mech moved to speak, but no sound left his vocal processor and she didn't seem to acknowledge his attempt as she turned and walked off briskly. It was almost as if she were fleeing from his gaze and he chased after her.

        He was thrust into another memory, spark bristling in annoyance as he did so. The faintest tug from within pulled him in the right direction and he heeded the call loyally.

        It was the same home, sunlight from the morning rise streamed in. He followed the hall before stopping at the only open door.

        Lauren laid atop her mother's stomach, ear pressed down in wonder. Amelia's hand stroked at her hair absent mindedly, smile soft and eyes trained upon her little one.

        "Is there really a baby in there?" She'd questioned skeptically.

        Amelia laughed in that moment, causing Lauren to sit up. "Yes sweetheart, there is, but it's too small for you to see yet." The child pouted. "Don't worry, just give it time."

        Ah, yes. Megatron had vaguely noticed her late mother stood beyond the veil, baby cradled lovingly to her chest. He'd been so preoccupied with Lauren at that point that the sight never stuck out to him.

        Sparked, that's what they'd call it once upon a time before the war. She was sparked and in a much too early trimester to be noticed.

        His spark tugged oddly in his chassis. Hurt and something indescribably forlorn crept upon him.

        "Will I have a brother or sister?" The much younger femme inquired curiously.

        "It's too early to tell. Which would you want?" Amelia pushed herself up into a sitting position to mimic her child. Her dark brunette hair wild and messy from slumbering stuck out to the mech and he took that klik to study her carrier's face. It'd been true what he'd said before, that they shared a likeness.

        Amelia was pretty in the way that made him think of Lauren. A good mother she was.

        "A sister." Came her adamant answer. So sure of herself.

        Amelia quirked a smile. "But I already have the most amazing little girl in the world! What would I do with two?" She came playfully, expressions exaggerated.

        "But I came first!" Lauren protested as her mother swooped her in her hold, hugging her to her chest fondly.

        "Yes, you did. My very first." The mother peppered kisses atop her small head.

        Again, his spark ached. Perhaps it was because he knew the universe would rob her of her mother and that nonexistent sibling relationship she'd been so eager for. Or maybe it was something else entirely, he didn't know and couldn't say.

        Crimson optics gazed upon the affectionate interaction and some distant, long buried part of himself wondered vaguely what Lauren would be like as a carrier- a mother.

        That budding wonder was shoved away just as swiftly as it had surfaced, knowing it was not something he could grant her. Not something she could grant him.

        "There will not be a first you will lack by the time you rejoin oblivion."

        He meant that, truly. And he still meant it. He'd make good on that vow, as much as he could reasonably manage.

        The nostalgic and radiant fondness of that memory was viciously siphoned away as it all changed with a reset of his optics. Gone was the warmth of the sun as the curtains were drawn shut. Lauren once more curled beside her mother. A spindly hand stroked along her back weakly, shaky with each movement.

        Sickness, his mind supplied flatly.

        Gone was the light in Amelia's soul, missing was the peach tone in her pale skin. Where liveliness once radiated was now sunken eyes, hollowed out cheeks, colorless lips, and a bald head hidden away by a lazily done up scarf.

        "Laurie, let your mom rest. Come on, eat some lunch." Came the father- Ron he'd so pitifully recalled- who entered the scene with just as sunken eyes and Megatron couldn't find any remorse for the father.

        Her name is Lauren.

        "No." The child denied without moving, curling further into her mother's side.

        Ron blew out a sigh as he pinched the bridge of his nose in wearing patience. "Laurie-"

        Amelia rose her hand to stop him. "It's fine..." She came quietly, a far cry from the the previous display he'd seen only moments prior.

        "No, it's not fine. You need rest." Ron argued. "You know what chemo does to you. Lauren-" The male came authoritatively, but was quickly cut off.

        " No." Amelia rose her head to level her disapproving stare with her husband. Her voice, though weaker than it had been, still held an air of defiance.

        No further arguments came from Ron as he stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him with enough force to make the frame photos along the wall shake. Lauren startled slightly, but still didn't move. The decepticon attempted a growl.

        "Why is he mad...?" Came his conjunx no louder than a whisper.

        Amelia rest her head back, eyes flitting to her daughter as she lifted her hand to pet her hair. "He's just scared, sweetheart."

        "Scared of what?" She inquired genuinely.

        Megatron watched the way the mother's eyes away from her child, brows furrowed in contemplation as if searching for the right words. "Of life baby. Y'know, fear can make people do some scary things." She rasped. "He's not mad at you."

        "He's not?"

        "No sweetheart. Not you..." Amelia used what was left of her fleeting strength to clutch Lauren to her body tighter.

        The decepticon approached the bedside in few strides, optics rested upon the duo. The mother didn't look much different than she did upon her deathbed and he knew then that this was one of the few last moments she shared with her.

        And once more he was solemnly reminded of human mortality. The fragility of life.

        How fragile she is.

        "I love you." Lauren mumbled to her mother as she drew closer, fisting the loose burgundy sweater that draped over her frail form.

        Amelia swallowed thickly, blinking back moistness as she gazed longingly at the ceiling. "I love you too."

        He stepped back in that moment, turning his helm from the scene and, as he expected, spotted Lauren in the doorway, sapphire eyes downcast and expression terse.

        She was slower to leave that time and he allowed himself to follow her leaving form, allowed for the next scene to play out.

        A courthouse came into view abruptly, if the marbled flooring and high pillars were anything to go off of. It was a familiar setting that reminded him vaguely of the senate back on Cybertron. Distaste was quick to sour his glossa before he spotted the small form of Lauren crouched just outside a set of grand double doors.

        She'd clearly been meant to remain outside, away from the proceedings beyond the doors threshold, but sneaky as she was, she did not listen.

        So stubborn.

        She was older, if only by a couple years he noticed as he approached, crouching to be level with her gaze. Small shoulders jumped as she sniffled back tears.

        His optics narrowed sharply as he spotted the form of her sire atop the stand, all eyes centered upon him. Bitterness surged through his spark both at his face and the sorrow that plagued the small femme's being.

        "In what ways have you maintained a parent and child relationship?" Came the steady voice of a formally clad woman.

        Her sire swallowed thickly. "I love her. She's my daughter."

        Love? How dare he claim such a thing after abandoning her to fend for herself in such an unforgiving world? It was hypocritical. He had absolutely no right to decree such a thing. If given the chance, he'd snuff out his very heartbeat. Primus knows the world- Lauren would be better off.

        "The issue with this hearing is not weather or not you love your daughter or if she loves you. The issue is at this point if you have a parent-child relationship with your child and if it will bring her harm, for that legal relationship to be terminated." The judge spoke firm and evenly, conveying his every word with purpose as he stared down the father.

        "Mister Ridgwell, do you understand the purpose of this hearing?" That same formally clad woman inquired.

        Megatron could just barely make out the silhouettes of her late grandparents sitting off to the side.

        "Yes." Ron answered with a tremble in his voice.

        The woman dipped her head in acknowledgment. "So, you understand that this hearing is to terminate your parental rights. Do you understand that if the judge terminates them, you will no longer be the legal father of your child?"

        "Yes." Her sire spoke more adamantly, eyes unblinking.

        "Your honor, my son has not made a single attempt at seeing Lauren and he hasn't helped at all since." Her grandfather protested swiftly.

        "Objection your honor, calls for speculation." Came another formally clad man.

        "Objection sustained. Continue." The judge gestured.

        Lauren ducked away from the door in that moment, having heard more than enough. Small hands flew to her reddened eyes as she sobbed silently against the nearby bench.

        Megatron wanted to reach out in that moment, not as her conjunx, but as an ally, someone she could rely on always. Perhaps the nature of their bond made him care so deeply, or maybe he'd done that on his own.

        It didn't matter to him either way. His love remained and he'd shelter that delicate feeling util his spark rejoined the well.

        Or until she left.

        His spark bit at him for even thinking of such a thing, chided him for the mere suggestion of the fact.

        Rising to height, crimson optics caught movement just out of his peripheral. He turned and spotted the fleeting form of Lauren's back rounding a corner. His patience was thinning, but he obliged her game and dutifully chased the pull within his chassis.

        There'd have to be an end and when he meets that end, he knows she'll be waiting there for him.

        Another scene came then, a crowded scene filled with much too many people. Most dressed rather formally, whole families, and small children toted along to a bustling auditorium in which everyone took their respective seats before a stage.

        The decepticon lord ventured in despite his qualms about too many humans. This wasn't about him, something he had come to learn. Not everything was about him, not anymore.

        "Please give it up for Lauren Ridgwell for the graduation speech." An older male smiled for everyone as a round of applause reverberated.

        Crimson optics scanned the crowed and swiftly spotted her grandparents with warmth adoring their aged features. His sights returned to the stage where he spotted Lauren clad in a silky cap and gown to match.

        Her hair had been restyled, something he found pleased his optics. He approached to better take her in as she stood before the podium.

        Lauren cleared her throat before speaking. "When we were five, they asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. Our answers were things like astronaut, president, or in my case a racer." The crowed laughed in response and she smiled, cheeks flushed. "When we were ten, they asked again. We answered Rockstar, cowboy, or in my case a musician." Her nimble fingers flipped a paper. "But, now that we've grown up they want a serious answer. And I say who the hell knows?"

        A boisterous round of applause and verbal cheers erupted in that moment, but he heard none of it as he trained his attention upon her and her alone. His spark fluttered with pride.

        "Right now isn't the time to make hard and fast decisions. This is the time to make mistakes. Take the wrong train and get stuck somewhere, fall in love, major in philosophy because there's absolutely no way to make a career out of that. Or, in my case, throw away the summer working on a truck that barely functions. Change your mind and then change it again, because nothing is ever permanent. So, make as many mistakes as you can while we're still young so that one day when they ask us what we want to be, we'll actually know."

        Everyone stood as she concluded her speech, clapping bounced off the walls of the large auditorium and he was happy for her.

        Color painted her cheeks as she smiled at everyone, flashing her teeth and he felt prideful in his sparkmate. He turned and spotted Lauren in the doorway to the auditorium once more, a bashful expression painted her features before she turned to walk off.

        He followed in long strides to the following memory. A funeral home much like the one he'd experienced with her mother prior, though smaller.

        Much like the previous, an older Lauren stood in her lonesome as she gazed upon the open casket of her grandmother. Done up in her Sunday best, she rested peacefully. It appeared as if she were only sleeping.

        The tyrant moved to be beside her. Crimson optics studied her visage. Tired eyes plagued by bags, lips pursed, and her brows furrowed, but no tears. Not a single one as she looked on, unblinking. He noticed her fingers clasped together so tightly her joints turned white.

        Those same flowers, Rock roses adorn the surrounding ceremony in thick clusters. No doubt most likely picked from her very garden.

        He moved away from the casket and followed after Lauren's fleeting form. It appeared almost like she'd stormed off with the speed in which she moved, but that did not deter him. Not in the slightest.

        Emerging through the doors of the funeral home put him back in that old farm house. With practiced ease, he strode down the hall to the farthest bedroom- her room and stepped in knowingly.

        Boxes littered the area and he'd never seen her space look so deconstructed. Was she leaving?

        With her hair pulled back messily, Lauren packed things away into boxes before scribbling along the sides of said boxes with a marker. Her handwriting was less than perfect. Few things remained scattered around the room.

        She moved to the nearby closet next and he stalked behind to observe. The brunette seated herself upon the old wooden floor as she began to sort through her clothes. Haphazard piles of what to keep and what not to keep grew quickly as she rummaged around.

        A hasty yank upon some hanger had things from the top shelf clattering down. "God damnit." She hissed in annoyance before stooping to tidy the mess before her sights happened upon a dusty box, small in size.

        Curiously, she plucked it up. Sapphire eyes examined it momentarily before prying the top off with ease. A folded piece of paper flew from the action, but her attention was trained upon the thick burgundy sweater folded neatly within.

        Her mother's, he knew and he figure, she did too. Optics flicked to the fallen paper.

        Wide eyes looked upon the sweater as if it had burned her. Shakey fingers dug into the soft knit fabric as she held it close like her lifeline to reality. Hesitantly, she pulled the clothing up to her face and inhaled. Her eyes slipped closed momentarily as she nuzzled the fabric, nuzzled what remained of her mother.

        She pulled away apprehensively, eyes found the paper beside her foot and she plucked it up in one quick motion, moving to seat herself atop her bare mattress to which he followed.

        Megatron sat close, leaned in to read along with her.

        Nimble fingers trembled as she unfolded the paper to read, but read she did.

        "Lauren, if you are reading this, then my treatments did not work. I'm sorry, I tried my best to beat this terrible disease, but I guess God had other things for me to do. Please don't be mad, bad things happen in life and we have to learn to deal with it no matter how much it hurts. I want you to be happy and use the gifts God has given you. You will be a wonderful singer just as you are a wonderful person. Study hard in school, don't worry about a job. If you want to work in the summer fine, but you need to really concentrate in school. Be patient with dad, this is going to be hard on him and he will need time. You both need to lean on each other and talk a lot which is not one of our strongest points, but try and don't give up. Remember you have people who love you. Use your common sense about things like not going anywhere by yourself and having an emergency kit in your car. If you can carpool to school, do it. Stay away from parties because they are usually bad, not all boys are bad, but most will tell you anything to try to get you to do things. Try to hangout with people who have the same beliefs as you because they will make you stronger. Remember that I am still with you and still just as proud of you as I always have been. If you have kids someday, make sure to let them know how much I love you and how much I love them, even if we never get the chance to meet.

        To my very first and only baby girl, love mommy."

        Lauren had barely made it through the letter before curling in on herself, paper and sweater clasped close as she grew smaller. Her sobs muffled by the fabric as she shook uncontrollably.

        Megatron felt the violent yank of his spark in that klik. Only once had he seen her in such a stupor and in both instances he was powerless to do anything. It frustrated and angered the decepticon that he could do nothing, but watch her suffer.

        And it was all gone; that burgundy sweater, all her photos, her home. All gone, because of him. His spark bit at him, but he forced it down.

        All that was left of her family, her life, wiped away in only a matter of moments.

        The other side of his protested that of he hadn't showed up when he did she would've lost her home regardless, and that may be true, but that doesn't erase what had happened.

        He reached out a claw to rest against her form, but nothing came of it. He knew nothing would, but that didn't stop him from trying.

        Everything was so wrong.

        They remained like that for what felt like an eternity as he sat in solace with her muffled cries, optics trained upon her small frame.

        In took him some time to rise to his pedes and turn away from her, though there was no Lauren to be found in the doorway. Perhaps he'd taken too long or maybe she'd never been there.

        Megatron stepped beyond the door's threshold and was swiftly pulled into a whirlwind.

        It was all so fast and so jumbled, yet it felt as though he remained suspended in that moment for forever.

        So much bombarded him in those kliks.

        Every fleeting glance, every smile, the sound of her voice, laughter, the feeling of their hands intertwined, music. The heat that crept upon her cheeks when he spoke brazenly. That night in the lake when the moon seemed to illuminate her. His talons along her flesh. Blood soaked clothes and the sound of explosions. Her first steps and music class. The thrill of flying and ascending.

        Primus, she reminded him of a star being born. Beautiful and cataclysmic, despite the other stars that occupied space.

        School performances and anxiety. Adrenaline. Waking up after a nap and feeling the heat of the sun. Petrichor and lightening. Her lips grazing along his delicately as he pulled her close. The sound of fresh cries erupting from her throat after being just born and the warmth that blossomed with her heart when she looked upon him.

        Her life and everything that made her, her. All in one moment. It was so little and yet so much all at once.

        And then silence. The whirlwind stopped and he greeted a cave, that same alcove from Africa.

        His optics spotted the seated form of Lauren just at the entrance, her back to him as her head tilted up to observe the sky. He'd found her, just as he'd hoped. The decepticon approached steadily.

        "Why have you chosen this place, girl?" He questioned, stooping to sit beside her.

        She didn't move her gaze from the horizon, but hummed contently, face relaxed. "I don't know. I didn't really choose it, it just sorta happened." A sigh escaped her. "Do you ever think that things would've been better if we'd never met?"

        Megatron bellowed deeply, casting his optics out over the horizon as well. He wanted to be mad, to scold her and roar out, but none of that came. It hadn't been a question meant to hurt nor insult him, but a simply inquiry. "Indeed, I have."

        "Yeah, me too." Lauren agreed easily, leaning back rest on her hands. Silence passed between the duo for a time, before she spoke up once more. "I'm glad I met you, though."

        He grumbled lowly in acknowledgment. "And what good has that brought you, bug?" Came his tone evenly.

        "I'm not alone anymore and I never will be." She panned her sights up to him with a soft smile that reached her eyes.

        "Not as long as you remain." He reassured gruffly. "So do not perish." Those words carried an air of command and plea.

        "I'm not dead. I don't think?" Her brows rose inquisitively. "I can't be dead."

        "And what makes you so certain?" His optics narrowed slightly.

        "I still have to get a look at that ship." She smiled broadly up at him, teeth and all. "Plus, I have stuff i still need to do."

        "Elaborate."

        "I promised I'd get you and the rest of y'all home. I didn't forget about that." Lauren answered, brushing some hair from her eyes.

        His spark stung at her words. Home. "Know that I will remain here if you ask me so, girl. All you must simply do is speak." A part of him wanted her to ask him to stay, to admit she needed him, to say she desired him.

        And he would stay if all she did was ask.

        Lauren looked away, eyes set on the ground as she worried at her bottom lip. "I can't ask that of you."

        "You posses every right to do so." He came in a assertive bark.

        "Just because I have 'the right', doesn't mean I should." She came softly, more like she were speaking to herself and not him. All she wanted was for him to stay by her side, but she knew better than that.

        He knew better than to ask that of her.

        "I do... I want you to stay with me, but I know that can't happen." Her words came out in a sad whisper as the sun rose above the horizon. Climbing to her feet, she looked out over the dawn. "I think you're time here is up."

        And just like that, he was fighting against the pull of waking, viciously trying to ward it off in an effort to remain with her. He roared violently.

        Lauren stepped forth to rest her hands atop his metal, eyes big and full of promise. "Don't worry. I'll be okay. I love you, alright? Just wait for me."

        The final thing he gazed upon was her smile with the echo of 'I love you' filling his audials. 

Notes:

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! In complete honesty and all seriousness I got very choked up when writing the scenes with Lauren and her mother- Amelia. So much so, that I had to put my phone down and walk away.

Amelia is directly inspired by my grandpa who recently passed due to cancer. I miss him dearly and wouldn't be who I am without him in my life. I used to lay on his tummy as a kid and that's exactly what I did on his deathbed.

RIP grandpa John <3

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.

Chapter 44: Oscillation

Notes:

AHHHHHH! HELLO EVERYONE! First of all, I wanted to apologize for not replying to everyone's comments. I've been so busy with work that it slipped my mind, but I SWEAR I READ EACH AND EVERY SINGLE ONE MULTIPLE TIMES! <3

Second things second, I'm getting dangerously close to joining the military...

Third things third- I WANT TO DEDICATE THE PUBLISHING OF THIS CHAPTER TO ONE OF MY MOST LOYAL READERS/COMMENTERS JailbirdsKiss! Happy birthday! <3

        Forced out, that's what had happened. Megatron had been pulled back to the land of the living, his spark waking him harshly. He hadn't been gone long, not even several earth hours, but it felt as though he'd been within their bond for a few joors, at least. 

        Blackout remained atop the hospital, looming protectively. He stood as a warning to any and all who even dare think of commencing any misdoings. And though the chopper may not have been of the same spark as her, he felt it his duty to shield her from further harm. He told himself it was all in the name of Megatron- all in the name of the decepticons, but that'd been a white lie told to comfort himself.

        He cared, immensely so. Was he fond of humans? No, absolutely not, but if his master found her worthy, then he did too.

        Detroit was lost. Mass destruction and even more casualties continued to tally up to shocking numbers. The national guard and the network of defense were swift to step in and put their foot down on many matters. Lennox, Epps, and Cade all stood to vouch for the Transformers with the Colonel sighting their previous alliances and N.E.S.T.

        Simmons also had his moment to put in his two sense, not that anyone listened.

        Had Harold Attinger been alive, he'd be charged with the highest of treason for allying himself with another off world being with no governmental approval. Joshua was detained and arrested as was everyone else involved, excluding scientists. James Savoy had yet to be seen, but there was a warrant out for his arrest.

        Cemetery Wind had been officially disbanded with a hasty cover up to follow.

        The autobots were granted asylum once more with heartfelt condolences for the loss of their brethren on the condition that the decepticons were to leave earth in peace, all of them. If any strays were to be found, they'd meet a swift end. The autobots found their home in earth and the decepticons were granted what remained of Cybertron as well as Lockdown's ship.

        That had been the plan anyhow, it'd just been formally contracted at that rate.

        Kill the bounty hunter and get the ship, that'd always been the plan. It just so happened that unforeseen events transpired between the start and the finish.

        Megatron had not wanted to speak to anyone, let alone government officials, humans. They talked too much formalities and he was in no mood to be instructed on what to do. So, he was left to his own devices with his subordinates taking refuge beneath the same roof.

        Their alliance with the autobots was over and they were at a cease fire for the time being what it was.

        In those trying hours, Soundwave had broadcasted their message to any and all decepticons left on the planet with success and then joined some familiar faces they'd not since seen in cycles.

        The first to show was Shockwave, ever punctual he was. Then, came Berserker in all his crazed glory to which he was swiftly subdued like the wild animal he was.

        Lockdown's ship, now theirs's rightfully, was grounded in the nearby field awaiting further repairs and general maintenance to which Shockwave valiantly agreed to oversee himself with Onslaught to follow. It was grand. Nowhere near mighty enough, but definitely able to achieve space flight with ease. It'd work.

        Megatron spent his every recharge reaching out to her to no avail, so he'd conjure her bedroom and wait with the hope (and expectation) that she'd walk through the door. His days no more eventful than that with him overseeing his men, receiving patrol reports from Barricade and Blackout, with Shockwave relaying repair reports in kind. Soundwave remained steady at his side, silent as he always was, but he knew the loyalty was there. Nitrozeus spent his joors pent up with no way to release his frustrations, like a caged dog with his optic always trained on Berserker as he stalked about.

        The decepticon lord had taken his leave away from what remained of his cons on several occasions, finding his respite overseeing the repair of his ship and speaking bluntly with Shockwave.

        "I do find you taken with an organic illogical. I cannot lie." The scientist had said flatly as he tried away a panel.

        The tyrant narrowed his optics and fraction. "Though it may be, only know what you are told."

        "Of course, but that does leave room for speculation. Hypothesis."

        "There is no speculation about it. She is my conjunx." He stated firmly and without room for deliberation.

        The single optic mech hummed noncommittally as he worked. "So it seems." His left hand transformed to fit that of a wrench. "May I ask, what makes this one particular organic, out of seven billion, worthy of such a thing? You will outlive her."

        Ah, yes. Her mortality once again coming back to haunt him.

        Megatron ground his denta together, but his question did spark some curiosities of his own. It should've been an easy answer to give, but he found it was much more than just an answer. It was deep rooted and more than anything superficial, more than a feeling, and some distant part of himself almost dared to call it fate, but the mech hardly believed in such a thing.

        "She pulled me back from Primus, and I simply returned the gesture." Megatron settled on curtly.

        "Ah, sparkbonding was the answer, yes?" The scientist's attention never left his task at hand. "Elaborate for me, my lord."

        "She was... extinguished." The words came out in a disgusted hiss, his spark surging bitterly at the memory.

        At that, Shockwave halted his work to turn and stare blankly to his superior, almost as if searching his visage for more than he'd let on. "You bonded with her in death?"

        "I did." The mech answered swiftly, patience wearing thin.

        "A bond such as that is irreversible. I trust you were aware of that fact." He turned away once more, voice still emotionless and flat as ever.

        "Do not take me for an ignorant fool." Megatron was nearly insulted, but knew better than to take anything the scientist said to spark. It was simply his nature. "Enough of this topic. I did not seek you out for idle conversations."

        "Yes, yes. What was it you were inquiring about?"

        "I am aware of your advancements in holomatter or have I been mistaken?" Crimson optics narrowed sharply, awaiting his answer.

        "No mistake. I made considerable improvements in my time away."

        Megatron ran his glossa along the inside of his sharp denta. "I trust that you've developed the needed technology for such uses."

        A swift nod of his helm. "I find your queries logical. What do you require of me, master?"

        "I require a tangible human guise." The decepticon overlord answered in calculation.

        "Is this for the organic?" Shockwave questioned bluntly.

        "It is to do with what I please. Are you capable? I need not anything but an answer." His tone grated harshly.

        "More than, my lord. Though, I cannot guarantee one hundred percent satisfaction with the final product. These humans have much too many details that cannot simply be replicated as they are personal. Genetics."

        "I assure that whatever you present will be suitable."

        "Am I to begin my task immediately?" His movements halted.

        "Effective as of now. Onslaught will take over the ship oversee." Megatron spoke firmly. "Though, there is one more task i require you for." The much larger mech allowed his chassis plating to slide apart, revealing his spark chamber to which is reached in a gentle claw. With ease, the decepticon plucked out the small shard that remained of the Allspark. He presented it to the scientist, who watched on blankly while he spoke.

        The two exchanged quick words before Shockwave turned away. "I find that Scalpel would be of significantly more use in that endeavor."

        "I will take your words into consideration." Megatron placed the shard back into his spark chamber, the plating sliding closed before moving to leave his scientist. Often times he found conversing with the mech to be one sided. He was more robot than a robot could ever be.

        No matter, her was efficient and a pertinent tactical advantage. An irreplaceable piece in his puzzle.

        The decepticon lord began his endeavors with locating the small insecticon.

        Another few joors passed in slow succession in much the same as the previous and Megatron was beside the scientist once more, aboard the grounded ship.

        "It is with good fortune that this vessel homed a laboratory." Came Shockwave as he worked upon a computer. "Are you ready to commence trial one?"

        "Yes." He growled lowly, not wanting wait a kilk more.

        "The mass distribution cuff must work in sync with the holomatter to function as intended. It is not yet calibrated." More glances to the screen before him. "Tell me, how tall is your conjunx?"

        "I find that information hardly relevant." The tyrant sneered.

        "I must calibrate the cuff for adequate height, my lord."

        "66 inches." Megatron answered swiftly, not at all happy with giving up any kind of information regarding what was his.

        "I see. That is above average height for a femme of the species." Shockwave added frankly as he recalibrated the mass distribution to fit the stature of a human male.

        The information was new to the decepticon lord. It was true he paid no mind to the rest of the species, but it hadn't occurred to him that perhaps his conjunx was already above average on her own. His spark fluttered with repressed pride. A single talon inspected the cuff clasped around his wrist.

        "I have concluded calibration, my lord. Are you ready?" The scientist turned his visor like helm toward the mech in question. "You shall be able to mass shift on your own accord. The data installation should be complete as of now. You will find it in your processor system files."

        True to his words, the mass shift system has presented itself to him as his body took to the newly introduced code naturally.

        Megatron activated the mass distribution function, which in turn activated the holomatter feature.

        The world as he knew it became just that much bigger as he suddenly shrank down to human size. In that instant he knew what Lauren felt every time she'd been confronted by a Cybertronian. Primus, they were really just that large. Where his metal body once was, now came palpable flesh. Warm, soft, malleable skin that was peachy in color, though darker than her's by only a couple shades. The decepticon could feel the follicles that made up the hair atop his helm- head.

        "The mass distribution may be activated outside of the holomatter if necessary." Shockwave studied the outwardly human guise of his master curiously. "As I stated before, the guise is not to full detail. Though, I am positive such miniscule details may be adhered in due time. Do you find my work satisfactory?"

        "Indeed, you've yet to fail me." Megatron spoke from his stance upon the ground, optics- eyes roaming his phalanges. The human form was not unlike that of a Cybertronian, he found. "Tell me Shockwave, what are the drawbacks of this form?"

        "Your strength will be limited to that of your relative size, of course. And retaining the form will deplete energy, though with your recent intake of energon, you shall be fine with the reserves you currently possess."

        "Excellent." A part of his processor half wondered what his new form couldn't do, but he tucked that away for a later date. It did not need to be perfect, just satisfactory enough to reasonably blend in much like a pretender. Sneaky cons, they were.

        His sights roamed his fingers as he flexed them in the way he would his claws. Just like her's. His jaw clenched terse before he deactivated both the mass distribution and holomatter to return to his base form.

        His processor was filled with fleeting images of her and it was all he could do to keep himself from roaring out to the cosmos in vexation. He'd always been impatient inside, despite the fortitude he exhibited.

        Megatron was growing tired of waiting for her, but wait he would. With some parting Cybertronian words, he left the scientist to his own devices. He was swift to locate Scalpel once he returned to the temporary structure they called base.

        Having turned over the small shard to the spider bot, the insecticon was hasty to follow out his directed orders with upmost vigor.

        "Have you an update?" He ground out to the smaller con.

        Scalpel skittered to from, miscellaneous tools and scrap piled up around his work area. "Mein lord, zee brochect is chust comblete!" His small forcep like arms twitched.

        "Then, do not keep me waiting." Came Megatron's brutish reply as he dropped to a knee servo to better be close.

        "Ja mein lord! Of courze!" The spider bot skuttled around his scrap piles before plucking out his finished work. The smaller decepticon was careful to not mistreat his work, handing it off to the mech speedily as his large beady optics marveled.

        Megatron took up the small object with great care, crimson optics studying the work of art in great satisfaction. A low grumble of approval left him as he rose to height. "You do great work by me."

        Scalpel responded with incoherent pleased, maniacal mutterings as he skittered around to find his next project to work upon.

        He caged the item close to his chassis, protecting it as he moved to leave his men once more. "I will return." And with that, he departed on his way without looking back.

____________________

        Everything was so hazy. Quick, indecipherable flashes of colors where she'd catch the fleeting images of familiar faces and vague shapes. All gone too quick for her to properly grasp. Slipped through her hold and lost.

        Lauren had remained in that alcove in Africa for what seemed like an eternity. A peaceful eternity. A place where she could watch the sun rise and set everyday, where the sky was painted in vivid colors, and she could forget about the world beyond the cave.

        It hadn't been that long ago, but damn did it feel that way. A simpler time, her mind surmised.

        How long had she been there, truly? She had no way of knowing.

        That familiar tug within her chest would yank occasionally and it reminded her that she did, in fact, remain tethered to reality. Her mind had wandered back to that veil she'd encountered and how easy it would've been to just leave, to give up and call it quits. How pleasant it'd be to see those long past and finally meet her baby brother, but that'd not happen. Not yet.

        She still had so much she wanted to experience. And she'd made a promise to him that she intended to keep.

        This was no time to be selfish, even if she was warranted it.

        Lauren reached out into their shared connection every second she got and she distantly wondered if he felt her, too. Wondered if he knew she was okay and to not worry.

        She hadn't felt that lonely in a while. It was odd, to say the least. Never had she expected to grow dependent on someone, not again. After her grandparents' passing, she was content to her solitude, but then everything changed so fast.

        Then, it was him and her and she wouldn't trade it.

        Things were hard and going to get harder, she knew that, but for the time being what it was, she other things to worry about.

        And then suddenly everything was muddled again. Haze was setting over the horizon and colors were bedding away into nothing as she was hit with a borage of everything. So many sounds, quick flashes of light, distant aches, a dry throat, and sticky skin.

        Beeping, starched fabrics, itchiness, throbbing pain, and... music?

        Was that music...? Her mind wondered as it reached out to the far away strumming of a guitar. Then, there was light. Far too much light.

        Bright. Everything was way too bright.

        Static beeps filled the air as a gentle buzz droned on in the background. Her ears felt sore from the tubing draped over them. Her skin felt tacky and like she hadn't showered in weeks, it was a stark contrast to the starchy bedding that enveloped her achy body.

        Lauren suddenly attempted to sit up, but was quickly stopped by a wave of pain at the action. A strained grunt was quickly elicited through clenched teeth.

        It was a hospital, that much she could grasp. The table at her bedside homed a vase of slow wilting wild flowers and several colorful cards. Her attention was quickly diverted by the sound of her room door clicking open.

        "Look who's up. How're you feeling? You've been out for quite a while." The pleasant voice of a nurse came gently, clipboard clasped in hand.

        "Huh?" Was the first thing from her dry throat. Immediately she tried to swallow down what saliva she had in order to wet her throat. "How long...?"

        "Take it easy. You were in an accident. Here, let me get you some water." The badge clipped to her pink scrubs read 'Sophia' in bold letters. She quickly returned with a small paper cup filled with cold water.

        Lauren took it greedily, chugging it down to her immediate relief. "How long was I out?" She tried again, voice still hoarse and unpleasant.

        "Eighteen days. Just a little over two weeks, okay? You suffered two bullet wounds and mild head trauma." Her voice was quiet, hushed even as she spoke. "The doctor will be by in the morning to talk it over with you okay? For now, let me know if you have any pain or discomfort and I'll get that taken care of for you." Her chestnut eyes flicked past her in that moment.

        Lauren gave her nod, eyes following her gaze to find a man sat upright in the corner upon a chair.

        "He's been here for a couple days." Sophia informed briefly. "Just hit your call button if you need me." And with that, the nurse made her quiet escape.

        With the nurse gone and the room quiet once more, the brunette found that she, indeed, had heard music. A small radio sat off on the windowsill, the volume low. Sapphire eyes returned to the taller man sat off in the corner. She studied him momentarily before he stirred awake.

        His head rose in that next moment and the two locked gazes in an instant. Warmth and familiarity gnawed at her as the force within her chest tugged violently, nearly sending her lurching.

        She knew him anywhere, even if he didn't look like him in that moment. "Megatron...?"

        The silver haired male was swift to rise, crossing the room in quick strides to meet her at the bedside. "You're correct in your assumption, bug." He seated himself upon the end of the stiff mattress.

        "How...?" Was all she could manage, eyes blown wide.

        "Answers for another time." He took that klik to take her in fully, his spark bristling. Large, burly hands rose to cup her cheeks gently. His touch feathered her skin as if he'd break her at any given moment.

        Lauren was quick to take his hands in hers and lean into the touch. Wordlessly reassuring him in his action. The young woman took in his affection fully, savoring the contact. Her eyes roamed his appearance, studying it with upmost curiosity.

        "I will admit, I am pleased to see you remain." His words came out calculated, yet not harsh in the slightest. If she listened hard enough, she'd say she almost heard relief. "I'd not let oblivion have you, yet."

        Lauren offered a weak smile, pulling away from his grasp with a subtle wince. Her skin was greasy and her hair oily. Shakily, she rose a hand to finger over the throbbing on her head, only to find a neat row of stitches. "I probably look like shit." She attempted to joke with a hoarse laugh. It was clear she hadn't spoken in a while.

        Megatron's brows furrowed, something she wasn't used to seeing. His strong hands pulled her's away from herself and into his firm grip. "I can assure you that there is no being in this universe that desires you more than I do. And even if there is, I would rather kill them than loose you. I am that selfish and I am not ashamed to admit such a thing. You are meant for me. For my optics only. Do not belittle yourself, I will not tolerate it."

        Heat crept to her face in an instant and she glanced away swiftly, clearing her throat with a rough cough. "You could just say you think I'm pretty, y'know." Another dry laugh.

        He glared and she couldn't help but study the way his face moved. "You're beautiful. Beyond such a simple word, even."

        A genuine smile painted her chapped lips, sapphire eyes roaming the every line and crevice in his flesh. Old scars from battles long past decorated him. 

        "This guise is not completed, girl." He spoke starkly, as if reading her mind and following the flitting over her sights.

        "Your eyes are wrong." She spoke suddenly, smile still present as her head tilted to the side in wonder.

        "As I stated, it's not complete. Humans have much too many details to be replicated at a moments notice." He spoke, his tone indicating distaste.

        "Use me."

        He stared at her. "Elaborate, girl."

        "Use me for your likeness." She beamed, teeth exposed in her smile. "You'd need to study a human right? Use me."

        Megatron let out a low growl, but turned to face her fully, hands coming up to cup her face once more. "Do not move." His words came frankly as his fingers trailed her cheeks. His thumbs ran along her under eyes, only to descend down upon her jaw, his thumb running along the length on her bottom lip. His touches feather light and gentle moved to caress her neck before finding their way to her arms. His touch trailed until big hands came to finger along her scabbed palms.

        Lauren watched in real time as his irises mellowed out into an auburn color, his features growing more defined with each second. She couldn't help, but admire him fully. The tug in her chest seized aggressively and she let out a content hum.

        He was gorgeous in a rugged way. Beautifully crafted by time and life experience.

        Megatron's spark surged in pleasure at the moment and he blinked, copying her. Auburn eyes took her in entirely, greedily, selfishly.

        He'd seen her up close in their shared bond, but nothing could compare to touching her in real time, not to say he didn't cherish their prior moments. His skin grew warm at the contact, but he paid it no mind as he stared at her. The very corners of his lips threatened to upturn for a fraction.

        With practiced ease, he rose his hand to tuck away some of her hair, savoring the texture. The gesture was familiar and done with affection. He found that his human appendages- fingers were far better suited for the delicate task over his claws.

        Lauren's own hand rose to finger the ends of her hair curiously, before attempting to bat her eyes down. "They cut it." She came in dismay, hand falling away from her considerably shorter tresses.

        "I do not find you lacking in any sense of the word, bug." His other hand rose to take her face again, cherishing the moment and storing every second of it away for the eternity to come. And suddenly, as her eyes landed on his again, he came to an abrupt realization. An epiphany.

        He'd waited eons for her.

        "I have waited far too long for this time, sweetling." He stated swiftly, his words sure. Then, he leant in, catching her lips in a chaste kiss. He'd wanted to crash into her and burn together, but she was in no state for such intensity.

        This was wrong.

        His spark snapped that thought away viciously and with a quickness that would put others to shame.

        The decepticon pulled away for a moment to allow her air, but leant back in again, and again, and again.

        Her lips, her cheeks, her nose, her head, the underside of her jaw atop a bruise, all his. He planted passionate kisses across her warm skin. In some way hoping it'd make up for the pain and injury she'd endured. The suffering at his hands.

        Gruff hands took her equally battered ones and palmed them gently. For once in his entire existence, he was thankful he did not possess great amounts of power in a single moment. Thankful to touch her in the way she deserved.

        She deserved everything.

        His spark was set ablaze in her presence and it felt as if new life had been breathed into him and all was right in the universe. Primus spare him.

        God spare her.

        "Too long." He huffed gruffly as he battled down his spark. He leant in, resting his forehead against her's. He felt whole.

        And, Primus, did he want to take her. Take everything from her in that moment. Her mind, body, and soul. To ravish her fully and seal their bond in a swift take at passionate interfacing. To feel her beneath him and shroud her under his form entirely, utterly his, but no. That would not be, despite the heat that crawled across his skin and pooled heavy within him.

        Two things he found he'd always be sure of, the sun would always be coupled with the moon, and he'd always be her's. And if he could grant her a single thing, it'd be for her to see herself as he sees her; painted in all her melodic beauty.

        If this was wrong, then by Primus and the pits, he'd never be right. And that was okay. He could live with being wrong.

        He'd never dreamt nor wished a day in his whole life for his spark to be interlinked with another, but he'd have it no other way. Never.

        Would never want her any other way.

        His spark burned greatly, powering him fully off his own passion.

        So this is love? This is what makes life divine?

        He pulled away in that moment, rising to his feet. Her touch followed his wordlessly, but her big eyes did all the talking for her, clear question evident in them as she watched him move.

        "This joor is marked the 27th. Your creation day." He leveled. "Humans are to receive gifts and celebration on this day, no?"

        Her birthday? It was that day already...? Her mind seemed to blank momentarily, before stammering. "It's a tradition for most, but I never expect anything."

        His brow knit together once more as he turned to grab a small box from the chair he'd been sitting on prior. "Expect the world at your finger tips if you so ask, girl. All you must do is speak." He reiterated as he approached, handing the box over.

        Lauren took it graciously. "You didn't have to get me anything-"

        "Do not have me repeat myself. Open it."

        Hesitantly, she opened the gift and suddenly all the air was robbed from her lungs and her eyes became blurry with wetness. Blinking back the abrupt tears, nimble fingers moved to scoop up the crafted dream catcher. The box forgotten, she handled the gift with upmost care as the lump in her sandpaper throat grew larger by the minute.

        Megatron reseated himself beside her on the edge of the bed. "Is it not to your liking, girl? Why are you-"

        Lauren was quick to cut him off by throwing her arms around his neck, despite the pain she felt in doing so. She grasped him firmly, burying her face into the crook of his neck, dream catcher still clasped in hand.

        The decepticon was stunned momentarily, but swiftly returned the gesture. Lowering himself, he delved his own face into the underside of her jaw, large hands dipping to trail the length of her torso. He found quickly that his hands rested nicely atop what she'd call her hips. Greedily he took in her scent. She was unwashed, the scent of blood, and antiseptic clung to her skin, but beneath it all was her.

        "I-I don't know what to say. I love it. Thank you. Thank you so much." The brunette mumbled her appreciation before pulling back to better study it.

        It greatly resembled the one she'd once had, much to her delight. Her heart swelled with affection as she fingered over the small decorations adoring it. Where a small blue bead had sat upon her old one, was now a small sliver of something metallic, small inscriptions could be seen etched into the piece.

        "That is the last remaining piece of the Allspark." He supplied, fingers coming to graze it. "An ancient Cybertronian artifact."

        Her fingers traced the shard, feeling all the grooves along it, before moving onto something else. "And this?" She pulled at a small pendant clasped to the inner web.

        "I have not a semblance on what that is. Laserbeak retrieved it." His tone held a small hint of annoyance toward the bird in question.

        "It's a locket. You open it and put a picture inside." And that's exactly what it was. Small, oval shaped, with a little flower engraving on the outside. It was beautiful and looked aged. Several feathers of varying colors and sizes hung from the catcher as well as various other items she couldn't quite place.

        Her mind was suddenly drawn back to everyone else. "Is Blackout-"

        "Your worries are unfounded. He remains online and is currently atop the building." The tyrant cut her off. "He has not left for a single joor since your offlining."

        "And everyone else?" She leveled, worry laced in her tone.

        "All remain online, that's all you need to know."

        "Starscream?"

        "Terminated." He seethed lowly, eyes darkening. It had been like a weight lifted from atop him with the treacherous mech gone. No more was he constantly thinking of how to punish the seeker. "Blackout assured it."

        "I need to thank him." Lauren came.

        "There is nothing to show gratuity for. He is carrying out his duties, girl."

        "No. You don't get it." She set the dream catcher upon her lap, body gradually becoming sorer as the pain medication in her system ran its course. "When everything went to hell, Starscream found me while I was trying to get people to safety and he was pissed. Chased me up to the roof of a building." A beat of tense silence passed for only a second, before she continued. Her vision trained upon the gift as her finger tips traced it. "I jumped off."

        Megatron felt something ugly bubble in his chest. "You attempted to terminate yourself. " It was a statement, not a question.

        "But he caught me." She combated hastily. "And held off Starscream so I could get away. That's why I need to thank him." Determination replaced the medication in her. "I wasn't going to let him win. I wasn't."

        So she'd rather die than allow an adversary to coke out the victor... He wanted to be angry, livid. Wanted to scream and scold her for making such a petulant, ignorant decision. Wanted to be irate with her for even thinking of leaving him in such a manner, but none of that anger came to fruition, for he knew her situation all too well.

        Once upon a time, he too would've rather died than allow Optimus Prime to succeed at anything.

        But that was the past, everything was in the past and there was no need fussing over already made decisions and the outcomes. All he and she could do was move forward with the knowledge they had.

        "I will see to it then, but know that any brash action of the sort from this moment on will have dire consequences." He spoke pointedly, tongue sharp as her glared.

        "Yeah, you'll step on me, I get it." She offered a lopsided grin before chuckling, the action sending pain blossoming in her abdomen. She winced noticeably, reclining to ease it away.

        "Do your ailments pain you?" The decepticon questioned sternly.

        "I'm fine. Been shot before, remember?" A huff escaped her.

        "I do not require any remembrance." He half hissed, brows furrowed and hooked nose scrunched. The heart rate monitor continued its rhythmic beeping as the low volume from the radio coupled with it, the song went unnoticed by her.

____________________

        The next day came much quicker than she'd anticipated, but then again she hasn't been watching the time either. Megatron stayed with her, never leaving as he vigilantly kept watch, optics no leaving her form for more than a few kliks at a time.

        He found that passing the time simply observing her was time well spent. Auburn eyes studied every fine detail of her face as she slumbered. A nurse having came in late into their conversations to administer more pain medication while taking note of her vitals.

        Lauren had slept peacefully through what remained of the night, albeit sore.

        The morning came quickly with streams of sunlight and the distant sounds of nurse chatter just beyond the doors. Hospital grade breakfast consisting of pre-beaten eggs, wheat toast, and some sausage was delivered on schedule. In all honesty it wasn't anything wonderful tasting, but she devoured every last morsel of it happily.

        The doctor was prompt to come see her not even a moment after breakfast ended. Their conversation was swift with the older male glancing back and forth between a hefty stack of paper work and his patient.

        "Well, all seems well enough. Ideally, we'd like to keep you for a few extra days to monitor you, but that's completely your call." The doctor- Warner his name is- stated politely. "Just please be sure to exercise caution when walking. You've been bed bound for a while. Other than that, everything seems to be healing nicely. No infections or complications, change your dressings when instructed, no submerging in water. Everything will be on your discharge papers."

        "Thank you." Lauren offered a genuine smile, taking the thick packet in her hands before thumbing through the pages.

        "Of course. Your belongings are in a bag on the counter. We did have to cut through them, so they're not great use. The folded pile beside it is a pair of scrubs." Doctor Warner dipped his head once before taking his leave.

        Lauren was swift to toss the blanket aside, exposing her battered legs to the light of day. She paid little mind to the large, ugly bruises plaguing her skin and even less mind to the thickly wrapped bandages clung to her thigh.

        "Heed the warning of your medical advisor, girl. Exercise caution." Megatron rumbled firmly, making hi sway to her bedside in quick strides.

        "I'm sick of being here and I need a shower." Lauren waved him off as she maneuvered into a sitting position, legs draped over the edge of the stiff mattress. Blue grippy socks had been slipped over her feet at some point in her unconsciousness and she gave silent thanks to whomever did her that favor.

        "Your persistence is injudicious." The silver haired man grit out, rounding the bed to plant himself at her side, brows furrowed in apparent annoyance.

        Much like the first time she'd been shot, she reached out her hand and found his secure hold to steady herself as she rose. Though, this time she nearly toppled forward, legs weak and unsteady in holding up her weight. Megatron caught her easily, growling out something in low Cybertronian as he held her upright.

        "So petulant, like a sparkling you are."

        "I didn't think that'd happen." Lauren admitted as she rested her sights on the linoleum floor.

        "Have your audials malfunctioned or have you chosen insolence?" He barked.

        The brunette scoffed. "They're called ears, learn it." She attempted to take a shaky step, brows sewing together in frustration in her struggle.

        Another growl elicited from just behind her, but no objections came from the decepticon as he helped her. "Trust that you will not be dropped and move slow. There is no success in rushing, bug."

        "Yeah." She huffed, her grip on him growing tight as she fought with her body. A wince bombarded her as she attempted to put weight upon her injured leg, quickly shifting to her opposing appendage. A mumbled curse escaped chapped lips, while the feeling of Megatron's support served to ground her.

        Slowly, the duo moved with her hobbling and him near carrying her to the bathroom, but they made it nonetheless.

        It was a quaint space complete with everything a typical restroom would have and then all the necessities a hospital would come with. Emergency call button, a pull string, support rails, a shower stool, the entire nine yards.

        Her cotton hospital gown draped down her shoulder, clearly a size too big for her, but she wasn't complaining, though the buttons in the back brushing her skin was annoying.

        Sapphire eyes spotted the small provided toiletries quickly and she sighed, mind wandering back her chopped hair. Who had cut it? She found herself half wondering. The tile beneath her was cold despite the socks she wore.

        "You can just set me down, I'll figure it out." Lauren stated defiantly as she reached for the shower stool.

        "You will not be left unattended in such a frail state." He came assertively, leaving no room for further protests. His baritone voice bounced off the walls in an echo.

        Seating herself with some discomfort and difficulty, she heaved. "Well, I need to shower." Her gaze flicked over to his imposing stature.

        "I am aware. Proceed." He gave a lazy wave of his hand, forgetting for a klik that his claws did not reside.

        Heat crept to her face in an instant, grasping that he'd not grant her a moment of privacy. She didn't argue, knowing she'd be fighting a losing battle and wasting her breath. Scrapping the stool feet along the shower floor, she turned so her back faced him fully. "Could you give me a hand then? If you're going to be here." Came her reserved tone.

        The decepticon approached, but not before shutting the door most of the way. He loomed just behind her, his spark pulsating momentarily with an emotion that he knew for certain was not his own. It gave him pause.

        Lauren raised her hand to tug at the gown. "Could you unbutton it for me?" Her voice was quieter.

        Megatron was swift to grasp the gown between his fingers, grazing her flesh momentarily noting the warmth. He unbuttoned the small clasps with ease relinquishing her from the garment. He couldn't help the way his eyes trailed the expanse of her exposed back. His sights lingering just a fraction longer when he spotted gauze and peppering bruises. His chest felt tight as he clenched his jaw tightly to the point where his denta- teeth ached.

        Lauren didn't dare look back at him. Perhaps it was embarrassment at the vulnerability of the situation, or maybe it was insecurity, she didn't know nor care.

        The grown slipped from her sagged shoulder with ease, bunching up in her lap. "Okay, can you turn the water on? Not too hot or cold, please." She didn't enjoy feeling helpless.

        Megatron moved to heed her words, not able to ignore the odd surge within his chest. It wasn't pleasant in any way and it had him pondering on it. What was troubling her so?

        Auburn eyes flicked over to her hunched form momentarily taking her appearance; her exposed body, the abuse that painted her skin, her posture, and the way her blue eyes rested on the floor, not finding him. A frown found it's way to his face quickly.

        What was wrong...? The words has formed, but caught in his throat. This, too, felt like something he should know.

        His hands hovered the faucet handle for a split second before he pulled away, turning to her. He dropped into a crouch the same way he would when in his root form, upon a knee, but this time he looked up to her. It was an odd position.

        Lauren's hands snaked around her chest in an effort to preserve her modesty. Wordlessly she watched as the hulking man before her snatched the socks from her feet along with the gown from her lap. The cold air nipped at her skin with a vengeance. The blush that bloomed over her face was the only thing keeping her warm.

        Her eyes flicked down to study the thick layer of medical tape securing the gauze to her torso. The edges frayed at the end and sticky residue stuck grossly to her skin. She picked at the dressing until it peeled away, leaving behind imprints in her skin. The wound itself was rather clean and healing as the doctor had said.

        She followed suit with her leg while Megatron stole away the one on her back to which he moved to switch the water on.

        It took a moment and several flinches from the stream to find a comfortable temperature when the taller man reached past her to snatch up the small toiletries.

        Even despite his apparent human guise the small bottles looked even smaller in his hold, she found as she peaked through her wet locks, still shying her exposed body away.

        His eyes roamed the bottles in scrutiny before holding them out to her. "Which of these is to be used first, girl?" He had the foggiest idea on how human bathing rituals went after watching her a handful of times prior.

        "The shampoo." The brunette answered.

        A grunt of acknowledgement left him as he straightened back up, squeezing a dollop of the liquid upon her scalp. He worked his fingers through the mass of wet hair, nose scrunched up in concentration.

        "I can't believe they cut it. I was going to grow it back out." Lauren stated distantly, her finger tips raising to fiddle with the ends.

        "It is of no importance. The proteins will regrow indefinitely." He replied simply.

        She moved to rinse the suds from her hair. "Yeah, I know, but you said you liked it longer." The water near muffled her. "Y'know..."

        Megatron wanted to seize her chin in that moment, to snatch her up with a quick harshness, but settled on a slower approach. His large hand reached around to turn her face to peer up at him just beyond her shoulder, water wetting him in the process, but paying it no mind. "Cease your words and cease your efforts in putting words that are not my own in my intake. I have stated prior and will reiterate that your hair is not indicative of your beauty. Remember that, I do not like repeating myself."

        Auburn eyes burned holes through her and she forgot she was in the shower for a split second before snapping her gaze away and agreeing with him absent mindedly. It wasn't fair that he could state such things so easily.

        The decepticon remained rooted in place for only a klik more before returning to his upright position. Sights trailing the expanse of her body and in any other instance he'd of been absolutely selfish in his endeavors, but this was no time for such a thing. He swallowed aggressively, shoving the desire igniting in his spark away.

        Lauren pushed in on the burn in her chest for only a moment before it dissipated. A silent and wordless acknowledgment to him.

        Conditioner came last and he took his time with it, finding himself fingering the ends of her cropped hair before motioning her to rinse the product away. The water was cut and he slipped a towel around her slender form before delivering the folded scrubs to her. She dressed quick and he moved to help her walk once more.

        She felt like a new woman partially, save for the wounds. Damaged goods.

        The blue scrubs hung loosely off her form much like pajamas would, not that she was complaining. A nurse was swift to poke her head in, offering to redress her wounds to which she readily agreed.

        Wounds dressed to the high heavens, she toyed with a set of crutches as she waited for her discharge work to be printed, a bag of bandages and gauze rested beside her. Her previous set of clothes had unceremoniously gone into the garbage.

        She clutched the dream catcher close, protective of the precious gift.

        Another hour passed in slow succession before she was forcing grippy socks into her boots with some difficulties. The rubber tread catching upon the leather, but she prevailed. Baggy scrubs and combat boots wasn't exactly an outfit she'd call stylish or at all attractive, but it worked and that was enough for her.

        "I want to see everyone." Her words came adamantly as she supported herself on a hand rail, a neat stack of 'get well' cards secured in her grip.

        "And you will in due time, girl. Do not fret for their sakes." Came his cool reply as he strode up to her side, hand finding its way to the handle of a wheel chair the nurse had so graciously brought.

        "But-"

        "Quit your vocalizations, girl. Patience." Megatron rumbled as he helped seat her, passing along the crutches and bag of supplies.

        Lauren rolled her eyes as he pushed her through the ward and into an elevator. She took that moment to read through a few of the cards and snorted dryly upon reading a pink one decorated in hearts. "It was Tessa."

        "Elaborate." He ordered without any harshness to his tone. "What of the human youngling."

        "Tessa. She cut my hair. Something about not wanting it to get tangled." Sapphire eyes skimmed the contents. "Shane signed it too." A part of her relaxed considerably knowing that most people were okay, well and alive. A weight had been lifted from her shoulders.

        The elevator dinged and out they walked with her giving a passing wave to reception as they exited the hospital.

        Megatron was more than grateful for the work of Shockwave allowing him these moments, but the warlord couldn't help but yearn for his root form and strength once more. Though, if she asked he'd remain in the guise until she felt pleased. He'd do anything she'd ask of him, but first he had something he wanted to ask her.

        The parking lot came into full view, the sun high in the sky. He stepped away from her chair. "Reaffirm your trust in me, bug."

        Raising a brow, she watched as he walked a ways out from her. "Of course I trust you."

        A rumble left his as he fiddled with the mass distributer on his wrist. "Verbatim." He spoke simply before the guise dropped and her shot back to his earth trembling height. A subtle roar erupted from his vocal processor before he stooped to her.

        A smile broke out in full effect upon her lips as she gazed upon him. The human guise was a sweet gesture, but it'd never quite compare to the real him. His true form.

        A tentative yank within her chest had new life breathed into her as she took the tip of his claw for support, toting along her bag and crutches. With some difficulty she met his palm to which he nudged her into his hold.

        "I'm trusting you!" The young woman reiterated happily, watching the ground grow further away.

        "Certainly." And with that, he was swift to transform into his jet mode, though not as fast as he'd typically would, being mindful of her frail state and not risking anything. He deposited her and her things into his pit gently before revving his engine viciously and taking off.

        Lauren was quick to reach out and fiddle with the radio dials, finding a station quickly as they ascended.

        "Give me reasons to believe that you would do the same for me."

        Her heart was quick to leap into her throat with anticipation. She hardly noticed her wounds as she indulged in the thrill of flight or maybe her pain medication was doing its job.

        "And I would do it for you, for you. Baby, I'm not moving on. I'll love you long after you're gone. For you, for you. You will never sleep alone. I'll love you long after you're gone. And long after you're gone, gone, gone."

        The music took her in a vice as she relaxed into him, chest ablaze with emotion.

        Megatron revved once more, pushing himself to the limit as his spark thrummed with pleasure. Her closeness was indulged in as he climbed in altitude.

        "Tell me what you need. What do you need? I surrender honestly. You've always done the same for me. So, I would do it for you, for you. Baby, I'm not movin'  on. I'll love you long after you're gone."

        The decepticon was swift to toss dive, barrel rolling to descend upon his targeted location. He noted the pressure she pushed upon him, steadying herself as he flew and in that fleeting second, he relates to the song.

        Tell me what you need.

        "You're my backbone. You're my corner stone.  You're my crutch when my legs stop moving. You're my head start. You're my rugged heart. You're the pulse that I've always needed."

        Lauren sang along to the song loosely as she peered out of the glass, spotting the glimmer of a lake just ahead. Once more, an infections smile overtook her features. She leaned closer to the glass to better see as they grew nearer.

        She took that second to push full force back into the shared bond, hoping it conveyed her gratitude only to be met with the hasty boost of a propel.

        "Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating. Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.  Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating. Like a drum, my heart never stops beating for you."

        The mass of water was just beyond them in that second, so close.

        "I'll love you long after you're gone."

        Megatron slowed and flew just barely above the water's surface, sending up wild ripples in his flight. He retracted the glass to allow her freedom.

        "I'll love you long after you're gone, gone, gone."

        The song lyrics were lost on her lips as she staggered to the side of the open pit, reaching out a battered hand to run along the water. Mist was sent up, splashing her, but none of that mattered.

        "Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating.  Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating."

        Lauren drew her attention from the water for only a second to glance just beyond Megatron. Joy and unadulterated excitement replaced the blood in her veins as she spotted a familiar helicopter following closely.

        "Like a drum, baby, don't stop beating."

        The brunette was hasty to turn fully to face Blackout, throwing her hand up in an exaggerated wave, smile soft bright it could make the sun envious.

        Megatron barked in the pleasure of her emotions, pride swelling within him. He'd savor this moment for forever.

        Savor her for forever.

        "Like a drum, my heart never stops beating for you."

        "I love you!" She broke through the song beat, keeping in tune with the song.

        "I'll love you long after you're gone, gone, gone."

Chapter 45: Wonder

Notes:

Haha, heeeyyy...

Okay, I AM SO SORRY FOR GOING MIA! I'M, SORRY! I'M SORRY! I DIDN'T MEAN IT! ;___;

I've been so busy with life, work, and my family. I was working full weeks with no days off so I could save up some money and fly back to Florida for thanksgiving and all that jazz. Went awesome, by the way.

I was so happy when I landed back in the South that I cried. I took my ass straight to Cracker Barrel for some good grub, then stayed with my mom and two of my younger siblings. Ugh! I had so much fun seeing everyone!

I ate Zaxbys so many times and went crazy in Publix. My two best friends drove down from where they live to see me for a day, too! Which was absolutely awesome! We went exploring in the woods and came across some old historic stuff and explored all that, went to WaWa and then got some ice cream. It was a blast.

I saw my grandma and we went out to lunch and I helped her hang her Christmas decorations and then my sister, her boyfriend, and I went night swimming.

THEN, I flew from Florida to Georgia to see my dad for a few days and that was fun too! He lives in a super small town, Appalachia so I got to do all kinds of hiking a exploring. It was cold as FUCK though. We went to the Bigfoot museum and browsing downtown, ate some good ass food, and I got to see my dog again! Watched a lot of movies with my dad (Transformers One hehe). Took so many polaroid pictures.

I had a real blast and I'm so thankful I got to see everyone.

I've also been dealing with some life stuff, the norm y'know? I decided I'm going to enlist to the Navy soon, so I've been studying for my ASVAB and all that jazz, so there's that too. Don't worry though, this story will definitely be finished before then! I couldn't do that to y'all.

I'm back to work now and my coworkers were all super happy to see me, so that's nice. And my two closest coworkers (and friends) got me some birthday gifts, so that was sweet.

Yep, you heard it here first, I'm 23 now! My birthday was December 6th hehe >:)

Again, I am so sorry for the unexpected break I took. I want everyone who commented or messaged me to know I ABSOLUTELY read each and every single comment even if I didn't respond like I usually do. I read every single comment multiple times while I was away. I love you all so, so, SO much! <3

        Walking was painful and far more difficult once the remainder of the pain medication filtered through her system. The crutches were of no better use, too firm and uncomfortable. She'd rather hobble around with her gimp leg than bear those torture devices.

        Despite her reservations, none of that ever came to fruition. Megatron was insistent on carrying her around and it wasn't as if she'd object to the helping hand, but she did still value what semblance of independence she retained.

        The thrill of flying and the wind through her cropped hair had been the breath of fresh air she so desperately needed after days of being idle. The crispness revitalized her tenfold and she could feel the encroaching cold seasons approaching. The beat of the music resuscitated the pound of her heart while Megatron's presence served to build her back up.

        Lauren would've liked to say she felt reborn, but the lingering pain was keen on tethering her back to reality and, honestly? She truly didn't mind.

        The pain served to remind her she was alive and breathing, that all the world was was not some fleeting heaven she'd conjured in her dying moments.

        She was alive.

        Her subconscious felt the need to reprimand as it coupled with the warm tug of her inner chest. Yes, she was in fact living and she was grateful.

        Megatron was swift, yet tedious as he transformed, taking care not to be too hasty and hurt the femme. She was deposited into the midst of his protective hold at once. Crimson optics stole a fleeting glance down at her as a precaution. A low grumble reverberated from the depths of his chassis.

        Blackout followed promptly, transforming mid air as he stuck his landing, the planet shaking beneath his steps. Narrowed ruby optics settled upon the smaller woman quickly. His rotor blades twitched upon his back as he folded them flat and followed after not only his master, but his charge. The spark within his chamber flared with a silent uproar.

        Lauren offered no words as she adjusted her seating, a wince escaping her momentarily as he walked with her in hand. "Is this where everyone is?"

        "Your speculation is correct, girl. We welcome old faces anew." The decepticon lord spoke firmly, yet not harshly. His posture was poised perfect and his shoulders squared as he tilted his chin plating up in a display of authority. He clenched his denta together as if bracing himself to greet his men.

        He'd been gone for several joors, but that information was neither here nor there and didn't weigh on his processor. They wouldn't ask, he wouldn't tell, and they'd be staunch fools to question their own.

        His spark bristled something fierce within him and he'd almost made the hasty move to wrench Lauren closer than she already was. Blackout grunted from just beyond him as he approached.

        With a swift exchange of Cybertronian, the trio pushed on into the building serving as a temporary base.

        She hadn't mistaken the small flicker of annoyance that flared up within her only seconds prior, something she knew with upmost certainty wasn't hers. If anything, she was antsy- excited even at the prospect of seeing most of everyone again. There'd been a fleeting thought of the autobots, but she was mostly sure presenting that idea wouldn't smooth over well. All other thoughts of human allies were quickly shoved aside as the telltale voice of Nitrozeus erupted boisterousness.

        "Hey, hey! There she is! The little lady of the hour! Cattle almost got loose without our cowgirl around to wrangle 'em in." He snorted obnoxiously, something she'd grown to miss. "There ain't no hoot and holler without betsy!"

        The brunette was immediate to smile, chuckling as she did so. "Never thought I'd enjoy hearing you."

        "What can I say? I know how to make a lady scream my name." The single optic mech chortled with a bounce of his shoulders.

        "The femme returns." Barricade had growled in his ever present irritation. It wasn't personal, that's what she told herself.

        "Nice to see you too." Sapphire eyes gave the cruiser an up and down. "You look like hell."

        The scout growled something dismissively as the tracker bumped him upside his shoulder servo. "He always looks like that. Now, you look like you got the Chris Brown treatment. Know what I mean? Not manhandling you to badly is he? Or maybe you like that." Came Nitrozeus obscenely.

        She rolled her eyes with a playful scoff, choosing to not acknowledge anything further that came from him. It'd save her a headache and spare everyone else in the process.

        "The femme is of stable condition. My gratuity is your's, my lord." Soundwave came flatly, his sights dragging from her to his superior with ease. Laserbeak perched atop his broad shoulder chittered noisily, beady optics squinted in what could be mistaken as the ghost of a smile. The avian squawked something in Cybertronian directly to his overseer.

        Megatron was harsh and pointed in his abrupt interruption, angry alien syllables hissed from his glossa. The mech turned in that klik and wordlessly offered her over to Blackout who obliged without protest, taking the smaller woman in his hold.

        "Laserbeak, you will forfeit any ideas you have drawn of the femme." Soundwave spoke in English that time, as if silently easing her curiosities.

        Lauren glanced up to the chopper and her newly appointed guardian. "I wanted to talk to you actually."

        "Then speak." The decepticon came bluntly, gaze set upon her smaller form in his hold.

        Shifting, the ashen woman gripped at his talons, hoisting herself up with a pained huff, her free hand flying to cup over her abdomen. Staggering, she found footing to attempt at straightening up. With her brows furrowed, Lauren faced him fully. "Thank you. Thank you for everything. Really, I mean it, but why?"

        Blackout stared for only a moments time, before garnering a response. "I don't need thanks for carrying out my duties." His tone carried the familiar gruffness, but she knew- could tell the residual disdain he'd previously clung to was amiss.

        Sapphire eyes searched his face, taking in his metal features. The chopper moved then, lowering her slowly toward the floor below, optics never leaving the search in her gaze. With some effort, she stumbled from his palm, gesturing for her crutch to which was provided by Megatron who loomed dangerously close, acting like a shadow.

        "If the cause finds you worthy, then your are so in the optics of us all." Blackout answered then as he rose to full height once more, her eyes following his every movement.

        Something beyond her ribs yanked, but it went unnoticed as did her sparkmate's objections as she hobbled forward to set her battered hand atop his lower leg plating, the sensation warm. "Thank you for everything you've done. I don't care if you don't want to hear it, I want to say it."

        The hunter held her gaze, recognizing the determination that burned deep within the blue of her irises and, for a klik, his master's words were thrust back to the forefront of his processor.

        "I wish for you to remain with the girl, on this planet upon our conclusions. Have I made myself clear?" Megatron had came in rough Cybertronian just before they'd entered the building.

        "Crystal, my lord." The chopper agreed promptly and unwavering.

        It'd be a huge responsibility he'd readily taken and would execute to the fullest. Few words were spoken on the matter, but he knew that his superior- the very leader of the decepticons- was placing his everything and a bit of himself under his watch and Primus if he wouldn't do his absolute best.

        He'd never fully grasped the connection the warlord sustained with the human femme, but now it became abundantly clear with just the way she stared up at him, through pain and hurt adamant strength shown as did fearlessness. A self appointed guardian he was, and they certainly weren't of the same spark, but he'd not have many objections if they were.

        They weren't though, but that wouldn't sway his dedication nor his objective in the slightest.

        "Your appreciation is commendable." And greatly enjoyed, but that part went unsaid, though not ignored. Blackout still detested humans in their own right, but he could accept the one. He rose his helm then, pulling his ruby gaze away from the girl to lock with his lord's knowing sights.

        Lauren's presence went temporarily unnoticed by Megatron as he fought back the burn of his spark, gaze locked with his subordinate's. Silent promises and orders were passed between the two in only a nanoklik's time. Violent passion scorched him from within, but beneath all that raw emotion, there was also hurt.

        Pain sank deep within his spark and sowed itself into his being. He was positive the hunter could grasp that fact, but neither acknowledged nor mentioned it.

        The sudden touch of a hand drew his attention away, sights panned down to gaze upon the distantly knowing eyes of his beloved. Brows knit together and pupils blown wide, they scoured his face, at home in the glow of his stare. Her touch grounded him.

        Megatron had lost Cybertron for a time, lost countless sparks, lost himself to the chaos and rage of war, but never had he felt so pained by the thought of losing something- someone. And then it occurred in that moment; he'd never experienced true, real loss, because that only occurs when one loves something more than they love themselves.

        He'd give his very spark to spare her if the universe demanded.

        He'd known for a while that he loved her, truly loved Lauren. Knew he'd have to leave her, but the weight of such love had never been made so apparent up until he'd handed her wellbeing off into the hands of another. Entrusted her life to another.

        Megatron had been around for a far longer time than even her species, fought battles and won wars, but never had he met an individual that could level him with their optics- their eyes.

        Until her.

        "Where's Onslaught?" Lauren glanced around momentarily distracted before her eyes set upon an unfamiliar figure hunched in the far corner like a wild animal about to pounce. She'd not recognized him and the way he poised himself left much room for uncertainty to brew.

        "Pede deep in that ship shit with the other 'Wave." The single optic mech answered with a shrug.

        "Other Wave?" The brunette asked incredulously.

        "Visor, real creepy son of a bitch. Freaky and not in the good way. Probably can't even get it up." Nitrozeus quipped, following her eyes to Berserker silently leering in the corner. "That sack of unscrewed bolts in Berserker."

        The feral con snapped his helm in the tracker's direction with a speed that gave her pause. As if his deranged disposition and eyecatching appearance wasn't enough to halt her in her tracks already. Eight striking optics danced back and forth between everyone in the building, as if weighing his options as he spat something in garbled Cybertronian.

        Megatron instinctively positioned himself to be properly between his conjunx and his subordinate. The warlord also barking a retort in his mother tongue.

        All the conversation was lost on her, but Blackout stepping up just behind her didn't go unnoticed.

        "Permission is granted, but know your behavior will dictate your extinguish. Proceed." Megatron growled without leaving any room for deliberation, a gesture of his claws sealed his words before he reached down to bump her forward with a light tap upon her back, an action that startled her.

        "Warning next time, damn." Lauren huffed as she rebalanced herself with her crutch. The brunette steadied just in time to notice the predatory way Berserker approached, on all fours no less.

        It felt like she was meeting a feral dog, figuring out if she'd be bit.

        Swallowing thickly on her saliva, the young woman stood still, sapphire eyes locked onto the gaze of the unfamiliar decepticon, who held her stare in return. It didn't feel as though she were being observed, but picked apart to reveal all possible weaknesses she may home.

        Predatory was an understatement.

        The eight optic con knelt lower to the floor to be in better eye line of the femme, his sights taking her in fully. His jaw gears clicked and unclicked as he ground his razor sharp denta together, a low hiss escaping him as he inhaled her scent aggressively. The human smelled of his leader alright, downright wreaked of his scent, but there was also the metallic odor of blood, lingering disinfectants, bacteria, and the telltale scent of all things organic.

        She smelled putrid, but most certainly identifiable. As to what made a puny, worthless human worthy of the decepticon leader's affections, he didn't know and did not care for it had absolutely nothing to do with him as he'd have nothing to do with her.

        His helm jerked suddenly as if to rid himself of her stench, circling her in the same likeness a wolf would. All optics were on him and he knew as much, the attention doing nothing to deter him in the slightest.

        On the returning end of the hair raising encounter, Lauren swallowed back the very real apprehension gagging her, sapphire eyes locked onto the bot. God, the moment couldn't have lasted longer. Fight or flight was swift to null away her pain, but she didn't flee and she certainly couldn't fight (as if running was a viable option either).

        Both her subconscious and that pull within her chest served to remind her that she was, indeed fact, safe with not only Megatron looming above her, but Blackout too. The brunette would like to also think that the others would jump to her rescue if all went south.

        Much to her fortune, no such thing happened as Berserker gave a final, guttural hiss and backed off her completely to retreat to the further corner of the building.

        Air was expelled from her lungs in a strained huff, a breath she hadn't even been aware she was holding.

        Another hour passed quickly with Lauren exchanging brief conversations with the present decepticons. The day was passing by in good succession when Megatron snatched her back up into his palm, albeit gently, and left his underlings in a swift exit.

        Blackout followed silently behind, a shadow of protection at their backs.

        Blue eyes squinted up toward the sky momentarily before speaking. "Where are you going now?"

        "I'd be in your best interest not to sound too impatient, girl." The warlord combatted without missing a beat. His metals shifted with relative ease as he transformed around her.

        Stealing s fleeting glance to Blackout assured she rewash moved and readjusted, she was plopped into the cockpit once more, finding her comfort quick as she shifted herself. "I'm not being impatient." The woman protested without much fight. "I just want to know. I'm curious. Not like I can really move, y'know."

        The ground left them in an instant and she'd be lying if she said the takeoff didn't jostle her.

        "Then your inquiries will have to suffer your lack of patience for a few kliks longer." He grumbled back.

        "No need to be cryptic."

        "There's no crypticness in my words, bug. Silence." Megatron came with no real harshness as he flew leisurely, Blackout on his flank.

        Lauren huffed, but abided, sitting back to watch the passing surroundings peacefully. All the colors of the world around her blurred together in a lovely mess of colors. The surrounding sky soon was painted in a glorious array of reds and orange as the sun began its routine descent.

        How had time flown so quickly? It was a question she found herself contemplating more often than not. Just yesterday it seemed like the world was in ruin and just before that she was fixing up junk in her barn.

        Just yesterday.

        She'd only known Megatron for a fraction of a blip in her time alive, but somewhere deep within her, far out her scale of reasoning, she felt as though she'd known the mech all her life. As if she'd been destined to find him in any lifetime she lived.

        Never the one to delve into fantasies of fate or destiny, she resided herself to right time, right place. If there ever was such a thing.

        No matter, she didn't care either which way.

        Lauren was happy for the first time in a long time and suddenly, all the bad things in her life were worth the struggle to get to her current point. It was all worth it.

        A subtle tug within her chest confirmed as much as she gentle nudged back in the connection knowingly. A content hum escaping her as she reclined further. If she listened hard enough, she could just barely hear the thwacking of helicopter blades she knew so well.

        Her thoughts wandered to Blackout in that second, too preoccupied to notice the dulled pain of her wounds.

        They weren't of one soul- spark. That she knew. But, once more, something unknown deep within whispered to her that they were far more connected than simple titles let on. Megatron had stated as such many a time before, human titles held no weight to him or his kind and she was beginning to understand his words.

        Those around her defied simple terms such as friends, acquaintances... husband, spouse.

        It all went beyond her capable words.

        A sudden and fleeting roll of turbulence jostled her from her thoughts, garnering her sights toward the quickly approaching ground, but that wasn't all that caught her eyes. A grand, larger than life ship sat propositioned in the open field they were coming upon.

        A sudden gasp escaped her chapped lips as she thrusted herself toward the glass impatiently. "Is that the ship? Lockdown's?"

        "The dead cannot own what is not their's, bug." His rumbled voice answered knowingly as he landed.

        A swift transformation had his conjunx sat atop his palm once more, held close to the metals just above his spark chamber. Crimson optics snapped over to the chopper beside him momentarily, a quick word of Cybertronian left him coupled with a gestured jerk of his helm.

        Lauren didn't pay much mind to the two mechs in question as she marveled the ship in its entirety, sapphire eyes spotting Onslaught round one side of the structure. The former combaticon was clearly focused on his work. Then, her sights found their way to another figure she couldn't say she recognized.

        Large in his own right with a single optic setup much like Nitrozeus, dark metals with the slightest hue of magenta clad the unknown mech. Though, she found his optic glow was far more orange than any of the other decepticons. It was distinctly not red.

        Said unknown didn't spare any of them a shred of attention as he tirelessly worked with upmost focus, appendages moving in effortless tandem as if he was well versed in the particular tasks at hand. It was all she could do not to stare holes into his helm. He held himself with for more formality than the others did, even Soundwave.

        Lauren didn't quite know how she felt about that, either.

        His master's arrival hadn't gone unnoticed by the scientist, far from it in all actuality. Shockwave had calculated their approximate time of arrival from some miles away. Though, one thing he hadn't equated for was the organic accompanying the duo. He'd anticipated both Megatron and Blackout, but the new femme variable hadn't been accounted for, his heat scans having revealed her only kliks ago.

        Nevertheless, the decepticon continued on with his work as if nothing was amiss and, truly, nothing really was.

        A mere femme, homo-sapien specimen was of no great deal to him in any right.

        Megatron snapped his helm in the direction of Onslaught, sharp denta flashing as he barked out in his native tongue, to which his subordinate heeded without second thought. Their conversation continued with the tyrant taking a klik to stoop toward the earth and ever so carefully deposit his conjunx. Crimson optics delivered silent orders to Blackout within the nanoklik of a pointed glance.

        Lauren made no move to protest, silently thankful she was given free range to hobble around. Using the very tip of a claw to steady herself, the mech turned to his full, imposing height. The Cybertronian exchange happening just above her was pleasant on her ears in odd fashion. Like listening to music in another language, one never quite understands what they're listening to it, but it's nice despite the direct barrier.

        Pulling her attention away from the banter, the brunette made quick work of hobbling through the grass to get closer to the ship.

        Sapphire eyes remined locked on the prize at hand, while the ruby optics of Blackout remained trained upon her miniature form, his guard up, and waiting on a hair trigger.

        A fine guardian he'd be.

        A fine guardian he already was.

        With a stumble and a fair share of winces, the young woman approached. It didn't seem possible, but with each meager step she took, the already impressive mass of the vessel grew tenfold. It was a truly remarkable piece of well crafted innovation and she was privileged to look upon it.

        Dragging her sights away for a second, Lauren settled her gaze upon the back of who she rightfully assumed was Shockwave. His focus the least bit disturbed.

        'The other wave,' Nitrozeus had said.

        A breeze swept past her in that moment. She could feel the way each and every hair on her body stood on end as goosebumps erupted over her exposed flesh. The seasons sure changed fast when not kept track of.

        Lauren came to a staggering halt beside Shockwave, the toes of her boots kissed the edge of the tarmac as she attempted to take in the ship fully (something she was finding impossible). A subtle beat and pull within her chest brought her back to the moment, sapphire eyes cast back to catch Megatron's optics momentarily. The decepticon overlord offered a gesture of his chin before returning to his own devices.

        No words were exchanged, but she knew his subtle movements was indicative of 'Go on'.

        Shifting her weight, the brunette studied the outer makeup of the ship with curious eyes. Several details stuck out to her, all notably alien in nature, but still so eerily man made in appearance. It was uncanny in its own way, reminding her that no matter how different they were, there were always bound to be shared similarities.

        Craning her head to the side, she looked upon the unfamiliar bot beside her. With some effort, she took several tentative steps in his direction. "Hi, I haven't introduced myself yet, are you-"

        "Lauren Lee Ridgwell. Megatron's conjunx endura, or am I mistaken?". He wasn't and he knew as much. "I am already acquainted with the legalities surrounding you."

        The battered woman furrowed her brows momentarily. "Shockwave. Am I right?"

        "That is my designation, yes." The scientist's tone came flatly as he continued to work upon the exposing outer panel of the ship. A mess of tangled wires captured his focus as he rewired, soldered, and tucked away thin strips. "I admit, I do not understand what our lord finds in a primitive specimen such as yourself. The decision to take you as a conjunx was illogical."

        Lauren scrunched up her nose at his monotonous statement. "Yeah? Well, it doesn't really seem like your kind are drowning in women."

        The small femme's agitated tone was easily detectable as she hurled her retort with a gesture of her small appendage. Humans weren't new to him and their novelty wore off near instantly as soon as he'd arrived upon the planet some time ago. Though, he would note the jarring similarities the organic species shared with his own kind. One could say the two species shared distinct phenotypes.

        "I accept that his reasoning is outside of my domain of understanding, however, I still find the decision illogical." The single optic mech soldered off another pair of wires, not casting the small woman any attention.

        "Not everything needs an explanation."

        "False. Everything has a definite explanation surrounding it and that thought process is an example of your species primitive thinking."

        Lauren rolled her eyes as she adjusted her standing to better take weight off her bad leg. "Then you tell me."

        Shockwave took a kilk to turn his sights down to the smaller lifeform, his hands stilling in their work. "The relationship you are engaged in leave no room to further each of your kind. CNA cannot reasonably meld with DNA, although I am positive the proper sciences could overcome such a feat." He turned away from her to continue his previous task. "It is all illogical. Offspring impossible, despite probable cause."

        "Shockwave." Megatron approached, optics narrowed dangerously. "My doings are nothing of your business."

        Lauren felt her face heat at the scientist's words, not fully grasping what he'd meant up until only a moment ago. Her heart thundered beneath her ribs in embarrassment as a violent yank from their bond chocked the air from her. Quick summering anger bloomed swiftly and she knew immediately it wasn't her emotion to harbor.

        "Of course, my lord." The decepticon subordinate turned to greet his master fully.

        "Onslaught requires assistance. Remove yourself from my presence and go." Megatron growled lowly, his malice palpable as he bared his razor like denta. The scientist offered no parting words as he pivoted and walked off. Crimson optics followed the movement for several moments before her tore his sights away and stooped to gather up his conjunx. "Come now, girl."

        "It's fine y'know. He wasn't being mean or anything." She climbed atop his offered palm without hesitation. Greedily she immersed herself into his warmth.

        "Of one thing I'm certain, Shockwave knows when to impart information and when to withhold it. His vocal processing was not warranted." The mech hissed as he replayed the shared conversation between his femme and his scientist. It left a bitter taste on his glossa as he moved to walk.

        "Sure. Where are we going?" Lauren rested herself back against his chassis.

        "You requested a look at the vessel, or am I incorrect in my assertation?"

        "Wait, like inside? We're going to go inside?" She beamed.

        A deep bellow escaped the titan as pleasant emotion spilled over her end of the bond. He strode up the tarmac with ease before making his way into the craft.

        Lauren sat forward in eager anticipation as he walked the ship. Her eyes stole glances to each and every corner of the space she occupied with upmost curiosity. How many people could say that got to be inside an alien warship?

        She did little to fight back the tugging at her lips as he moved down a long hall. "Where to now?"

        "The command station. I find there's something you'd enjoy in its utilities." Megatron spoke.

        "What?"

        "Patience, bug. Learn some." He came without missing a beat, his tone free of anything negative. The hall was rather narrow for his liking, but what could he expect?

        His spark bristled in that klik and he caged her just that much closer to himself, unwilling to let her go. Crimsons optics flicked down to her, trailing the length of her body before he reached their desired location.

        The room was grand with a large screen to span the width of the space. He noted the way her head swiveled around wildly to take in as much of it as she could mange.

        Megatron had recalled her fondness for the stars on many occasions. That far off look she'd always sink into was something he pondered just as much as the remembrance of the moonlight dancing off her skin.

        She was always so radiant.

        He'd always be thankful for the experiences she'd granted- bestowed upon him. Grateful of the time they shared with one another, despite the unfortunate length of it. So many things she'd introduced to him.

        So many things she'd subjected him to. So many he'd subjected her to.

        The tender feeling of their hands intertwined, the unforeseen intimacy dancing entailed. How her heartbeat roared in his presence and the fire he'd ignited within her. Just how truly cherished their small, quieter moments have been. How beautiful the trill of sound could be. Her delicate lips upon him in tender affection, someone he could share his emotions with, just as he'd take on her burdens.

        Love. The one thing he'd come to understand was all of her own doing. She'd been the one to explain what that was to him, not of her words, but of her actions and raw emotion.

        These were things he could never hope to repay in his time, but he could duly return the gesture with that of his own.

        Megatron ignored her inquisition of questions as he moved to a command podium. Though the screen in the room served for other functions, it was also a window to the way of the outside universe. Every journey had been rightfully recorded and stowed away.

        "Watch, sweetling." The mech used the tip of his claw to gently move her face in the way of the screen as the room was plunged into darkness.

        In the next moment that same screen came to life with that of deep space. Planets unknown to her species, a vast ocean of stars, and colors only a human could hope to dream of painted across the space they occupied.

        He moved to pull his claw away, but she seized it in one swift motion, drawing it close to herself once more. He obliged without second thought.

        Lauren stared out into the small snippet of the universe and for once, being so small didn't matter. Her heart felt as if it'd stopped beating and she dare not blink for she feared she'd miss even a single second of this experience. Her hold upon his talon tightened as she found her lungs once more, sucking in a sudden breath.

        It was beautiful- no, it was gorgeous. Absolutely stunning in every sense of the word.

        Lucky. She was blessed and truly felt as though God was smiling upon her.

        Once upon a time, Megatron had said that her human eyes couldn't comprehend it and he was right. She was absolutely, totally, and utterly awe struck. Warmth flooded her chest and the surge of emotion she felt was almost suffocating.

        She may have been mesmerized by the universe's beauty and unable to tear her sights away, but never once did crimson optics leave her form, for she was the most breathtaking being he's ever looked upon.

        Megatron held the universe atop his palm.

Notes:

YELL AT ME IN THE COMMENTS! I'M SO SORRY FOR GOING AWAY! FORGIVE ME! ;-;

Chapter 46: Tristful

Notes:

AHHHHHH I'M ALIVE! HELO! HELLO! HEY! I missed you all so much! I'm so sorry for the late chapter, California is burning down and I'm only a couple miles from the fires, my job is even CLOSER, so I've been a bit caught up with that. I've been burned alive once in my life, I will NOT be doing that again!

Side note; I hate to inform everyone that I had grown grossly obsessed with the recruiter/salesman from Squid Games... And the front man... Sorry, I sorta dove off the deep end haha...

Anywho! Happy new year to everyone! Let's hope 2025 isn't such a shit storm! Here's to hoping!

        Days moved in quick tandem after the previous with each day to follow spent at the sight of the ship. Though, Lauren wasn't entirely absent from the rest of the decepticons.

        With each raunchy quip from Nitrozeus, bark from Barricade, grumbles from Blackout, and fleeting glances from Megatron, she felt her strength return slowly, but surely. Her conjunx bled new life into her and she basked in the rejuvenation, her lingering pains be damned.

        With the rising of the sun came a new day and more work to be done. Diligent as ever, she was all while the radio droned on in the background, fueling her vigor.

        "All of the astronauts. Champagne in plastic cups. Waiting for the big hero to show."

        An occasional exchange with Onslaught and some proper guidance in the right direction led her to soldering small clusters of wires that just so happened to be human sized. Ever thankful she was for the array of tools recovered from the carnage.

        The steadily dropping temperature offered some reprieve as she broke a sweat.

        Shockwave steered clear of her and she couldn't find it in her to care too much, but that didn't stop her from glimpsing his occasional glances. Curiosity, the brunette boiled it down to. No matter, he stayed in his lane and she'd stay in her's.

        "Outside the door, he stands. His head in his hands and his heart in his throat."

        Each day passed in good routine, something she hadn't realized just how badly she missed up until that point. It was easy to grow comfortable in repetition.

        "What can he tell 'em now? Sorry, I let you down? Sorry, it wasn't quite the truth."

        The sun would set soon there after and she'd relish in the vivid array of colors the sky would erupt into. Beautiful warm orange hues clashed with purples as gentle breezes would make their rounds, cooling all the sun scorched.

        "But don't get hung up on it. Just soldier on with it and good luck with shooting the moon."

        Goosebumps and a shiver were her cue that that days work had concluded and Megatron, ever punctual, would scoop her up for what remained of the joor. Occasionally he'd make his way back to where the remainder of his men resided, but more often than not he would retire to the ship's command station, a gesture the young woman found she preferred and she knew he knew.

        And just like that, the day would come to a close with her atop his, slumbering peacefully in his protective air only to awake at dusk and start a whole new day.

        "Shooting the moon. Shooting the moon. The moo-oo-oon. Shooting the moon."

        Among her time, Tessa and Cade dropped by for a long overdue visit. All smiles and warm hugs around. Lauren felt like a weight the size of Mars had been lifted from her shoulders seeing the father, daughter due not only in tact, but well and alive.

        The teen in question delivered her apologies for the shabby haircut, stating that she "just couldn't bear" to see what would come of said tresses in the hospital if left unkempt. The thought was what mattered and Lauren quickly dismissed her sorrys'. Cade was the warmth every dad should harbor; bear hugs, scolding, and quick ruffles of hair that left most children irritated. And he delivered all those things and more, a plastic shopping bag stuffed haphazardly with clothes.

        'Look about Tess's size, wasn't hard, but don't think you'll be winnin' any fashion shows with this stuff. My daughter could take a few hints.' He'd remarked, handing over the bag with a smile, his kid's protests went unheard.

        Lauren regarded the gift fondly, before throwing her unoccupied arm up and around the taller male's neck in a sloppy hug, exclaiming her thanks and gratitude openly all while struggling to keep both her crutch tucked underarm and the bag grasped.

        That had been a perfect day, only made better as Megatron whisked her off after the setting sun.

        "All of the principals. Generals, admirals, and the podium lit with the spotlight."

        She'd wasted little time discarding the baggy scrubs she'd been confined to, stripping down to her skivvies before hesitating, having sensed eyes- optics upon her. A steadying breath grounded her as she'd rid herself of what remained of her clothes.

        Excitedly, the brunette dropped to her haunches to rummage the baggy and all its goodies. Who knew the bare necessities could be so liberating?

        A pair of cargo pants in a dark color only made darker by the night, several tanks, two tees, a jacket one size too big, and the holy grail; a pack of long socks and some travel size toiletries. She could've cried, she was so overjoyed.

        Sapphire eyes looked out of the expanse of the lake, the delicate glow of moonlight rippling off the water's surface. Megatron already having since entered, she wasted little time and threw herself in much like a child would in a pool, still minding her leg to a degree. It was cold, freezing almost, but a care couldn't be given as she hastily threaded her fingers through her wet locks.

        The titan form of her conjunx moved closer, sending small waves lapping at her form. "Do not leave to bask in your lonesome, girl. Come." He had reverberated, a talon outstretched to beckon her.

        "The crowd buzzes quietly. Waiting expectantly like it's opening night."

        Lauren had reached out, taken the tip of his talon on her hold, the small toiletry bag held close as she cautiously casted a fleeting glance over her shoulder, scoping out the surrounding area for prying eyes. Her hold, however, didn't falter.

        In a swift motion and cascade of water, the tyrant scooped up up toward his chassis. "Your form is for my gaze and mine alone, bug. I assure you of that."

        With a blooming warmth in her chest, she relented easily, instilling her trust in him as she always did. Greedily, she kept close as he moved through the water, soaking up the abundance of warmth he offered.

        Settling on a rock, Lauren eagerly set to washing her hair, the scratch of her nails felt pleasant along her scalp only to be interrupted by the joining of another set of hands. Peeking over her shoulder she was quick to spot Megatron in his human guise, his hands in her hair just like she'd taught him.

        "It's rude to stare. No manners." He'd commented without bite as his hands worked to lather the soap. His eyes shifted to meet her's. 

        Craning her head away, she spoke up. "I like you better the other way. This is... weird." She'd laughed dryly. And she meant it. Despite knowing it was him, she couldn't help, but feel she was in the presence of a stranger when in his human guise. 

        He couldn't explain, nor vocalize the pride that'd bristled within his spark at her words. To know his femme- his conjunx far craved his root form over that of her own species pleased him in a way no words could describe.

        And much like he'd instructed before, all she must do is speak and she'd have whatever her soul desired and if she so desired him, then he may deliver.

        "What can he tell 'em now? Sorry, I let you down? Sorry, it wasn't quite the truth."

        The transformation had been swift and without issue. The giant circled back around the rock she'd perched upon. Gently, he cupped up some water to pour over her suds, rising away the chemicals before scooping her bare form back up into his hold, a deep bellowed growl disturbing the water around them.

        "Some warning next time-" The brunette had retorted, but was unceremoniously cut off as she was hoisted to his faceplate in a quick movement, his glossa emerging to lick once straight up her front fervently, just barely avoiding her face. Heat burned beneath her skin as she sputtered in question.

        "You please my pride, sweetling. I, too, can be victim to temptation. Wash." And with that, he'd lowered her back toward the water to resume her bathing as if nothing had happened, though his optics never once left her small form.

        Lauren had fumbled in abject shock, but it wasn't as if the gesture was unwelcome. It was fond, even if it was unconventional, but when hasn't her life been?

        That night had been warm for reasons unrelated to the weather.

        "But don't get hung up on it. Just soldier on with it and good luck with shooting the moon."

        Clad in cargo pants, a fresh tank top, and her all time boots, she huffed as she worked, wires pinched between her fingers, pliers held between her teeth in the narrow space.

        The radio continued to drone on as she secured the set of wires she worked on. Sapphire eyes studied the complex, intricate wall of circuitry before her, pleased with her progress.

        "And good luck with shooting the moon. Shooting the moon."

        Wiping dirtied hands along her pants, the brunette emerged from the panel in which she worked, hand finding her crutch quickly. Her shoulder protested sternly as she leaned her weight onto the rubber support, sore beyond all belief.

        Sweat beaded her brow, instantly cooled by the breeze sweeping through the ajar ship door. The breath of fresh air was a welcomed reprieve as she hobbled toward the ramp, sights panned to Onslaught and Megatron as they spoke. An outward projection of the blueprints Simmons had provided her was openly displayed.

        "Shooting the moon. The moo-oo-oon. Shooting the moon."

        The song phased out as she staggered down the ramp and onto the tarmac. The smaller woman chanced a glanced over to Shockwave who stood just a couple yards to her left. 

        As if sensing her eyes on him, he swiveled his single optic helm down toward her, appendages halting in their work. "I find your work to be sufficient given your species."

        Backhanded as per usual.

        The scientist's words rolled off her like water off a ducks back. It wasn't inherently personal, that much she'd came to learn in her time helping out. He spoke to everyone like that.

        "Yeah, yeah. You're welcome." A lazy wave of her hand accompanied her words as she wandered away from the mech.

        The con turned his whole frame to face her impossibly slow retreating form. "You appear to have misunderstood my words-"

        "You're welcome!" She cut him off with a holler, not caring to hear his rebuttal as she approached the combaticon and decepticon overlord. Annoyance ebbed at her thinning patience as her crutch continuously caught on the far too long grass of the field. She cursed under her breath, shoulder sore and thoroughly overused.

        "No progress will come of you mutilating what has already been mutilated, girl." Megatron had snapped his helm down in her direction, crimson optics locked onto her form with predatory tact.

        Without much thought or care, the brunette waved off his words as if to wipe them away from hanging mid air. "That sector of wires is good to go." Lauren gestured swiftly to the schematics projection. "So, unless you need me to keep crawlin' around in the inner panels like a rat, I'm done."

        "You re-circuited the communications wiring?" Came Onslaught questioningly.

        Was that what she was doing? She hadn't a clue. All she knew was what she'd been asked to do, to which she saw through in its entirety. For a certifiable alien war vessel, the internals were rather basic, 'archaic' and 'primitive' if she had to quote somebody.

        "Yeah, I did. Not like it's anything new." A grunt escaped her as she shifted herself weight once more, her brows furrowing in discomfort.

        Having sensed her obvious irritation, Megatron grunted and stooped to offer a palm to which she greedily accepted the offer with a wince. The titan drew her close to his chassis, right above his spark chamber to which said spark thrummed contently at the closeness.

        Onslaught offered an grunt of acknowledgement as his superior barked out a quick string of Cybertronian with a jerk of his helm, as if to shoo him off. The projected blue prints disappeared immediately there after with the departure of the combaticon.

        "Was looking at that..." Lauren mumbled, reclining to rest her aching joints into the warmth of Megatron's presence. His emitted heat offered a pleasant reprieve from the cool breeze. "What else needs to be done?"

        "Nothing that is of your concern, girl." The decepticon lord answered as he moved to walk off.

        The brunette rolled her eyes subconsciously,  familiar stubbornness bubbling in her chest. "Then don't ask me for help with anything else y'all are too big to do right."

        A low grumble clawed up his throat with no true ire behind the noise. "All the menial, tedious tasks have since been finished. The rest of which do not concern you."

        "Menial ?" The younger woman balked in clear exasperation, sapphire eyes blown wide to emphasize her point as she twisted around to stare up at the bot. "I'd like to see you solder wires for days without getting a cramp or rusting."

        Without breaking his stride, Megatron panned his sights down to Lauren, bathing her crimson. "I assure you I am a mech of many things. Wire work is not out of my repertoire, bug." He bellowed deeply, sharp denta peeking through his lip plates as he took in all the minor details of her face.

        True to his words, the decepticon along with any of his underlings could've completed the circuitry work with ease, but he knew well enough that she would've worked both diligently and happily out of her own volition.

        Was she recovering? Yes, but surely the tasks bestowed upon her wouldn't strain her beyond her limits. And it didn't.

        Who was he to deny her? Anything in the known universe could be at her fingertips if all she did was speak. He'd wipe out whole galaxies, drive species to extinction, reap all that he could by any means necessary to please her and it'd be worth it to see her smile.

        All worth it to simply bask in her gaze.

        Just speak. Just ask...

        "Yeah, maybe." She'd huffed both dismissively and playfully, no real annoyance to be found in her tone. "Where're we goin'?"

        "Your kind know no patience."

        "Forgive us, we only live for maybe eighty years, my lord." Came her facetious reply with a shrug of her shoulders. Warmth bloomed in her chest at that moment and she quietly relished the fond feeling, pushing upon the bond.

        He blatantly shunned any thoughts of her mortality.

        And, for a time, his pedes carried the two of them, the sun slowly beginning it's cycle of descent beyond the horizon. A comfort silence hung in the air and the duo fell easy into the rhythm of being in one another's presence.

        With the sky painted into a mural of colors, Megatron emerged from beyond the tree line, Lauren clutched close in a gentle, protective embrace.

        She had been about to open her mouth, but swiftly felt her prior words robbed from her as her sights panned over the small flower field. Untouched by the violent hand of man, wild flowers and foliage thrived fully. It was picturesque, untamed, and perfect.

        Crimson optics rested affectionately upon her smaller form, the flowers an afterthought.

        "It's beautiful. I didn't know this was here." Her words came out softly.

        Yes, she is. His spark supplied as he took several long strides into the small area, before promptly dropping to sit upon the Earth's crust, his conjunx still held close in fear she'd disappear.

        The brunette was quick to situate herself atop his thigh plating, back to his lower chassis. A content hum escaped her absently. The tip of a claw came into her view then, ever so slightly grazing her flesh as some of her stray hair was cast aside. Heat lingered along the skin he'd caressed, eliciting a small smile to tug at her lips.

        Silently, the couple basked in the sunset as gentle whips of wind blew by. No words were spoken, but their shared bond very much communicated what mere speech could not.

        Sapphire eyes danced along the wild flowers, recognizing some and other lost on her entirely. They were just that; wild.

        The moment lured out distant memories of late nights spent on the porch with her grandparents. The still tranquility the night brought, the creak of rocking chairs long gone, the hissing of cicadas and crickets couple with the far away ringing of wind chimes. If she focused hard enough, Lauren could almost trick herself into the lingering taste of cinnamon and ringing of those wind chimes. And, if she remembered hard enough, the near forgotten echo of a guitar strumming and her grandfather's less than musical singing old country songs.

        How had time flown so fast? Just yesterday she was drowning in bills and just the day before that she was running through the garden barefoot to get home in time for dessert.

        Where had her whole life gone?

        Tipping her head back, her eyes were quickly diverted toward the darkening sky, her peripherals momentarily captured by the out of focus view of the tattoo like engraving along his side. She turned to stare at it a moment, attention wholly set upon the worn metal.

        "Perseverance." The words had escaped her in a whisper.

        "Speak with purpose, girl." His tone was neither commanding nor gruff, but even.

        "That's what I'd get a tattoo of." Lauren elaborated. "Vita plus est quam vivere." Megatron remained quiet as she spoke. "My grandpa used to say that life is more than just being alive. Learned it from a friend during his time in Vietnam."

        A deep bellowed grumble came from the depths of his spark. "A fine choice in vernacular, sweetling."

        "Do you have more?" The smaller woman inquired.

        Without a word, the tyrant lifted her toward his faceplate, craning his helm to the side to display his much smaller engravings. His optics never left her form.

        Hunching forward to scoot in close, her nimble hands hovered the rough etchings softened by time and life. "I never noticed before." Delicately, her fingertips grazed the symbols, tracing each line deliberately to elicited another baritone hum from the mech. "What do they mean?"

        With practiced care, Megatron used a talon to guide her touch. "This one is short hand of my designation before the war."

        "Megatronous?" Sapphire eyes caught crimson.

        His spark bristled fiercely as she trilled his name in its fullness, pleased with the way the syllables rolled off her tongue. "Yes, bug." His talon redirected her hands once more to the lower side of his helm to a far older engraving. "This one, my caste rank and number."

        Lauren felt her touch still for a fraction of a second, brows knitting together as she studied the near indecipherable symbols. It was clear they were far older than anything else he bore. A part of her wondered if he'd ever tried to remove it or if he ever wanted it gone at all. "I'm sorry."

        "Do not waste needless apologies on something worth no while, girl." And he meant it. His miner days were long past and he relished in burying them further, but the engraving would always be there to remind him of his former life.

        "Would you ever get more?"

        The decepticon pondered for a kilk, his optics zoomed in onto her face before a steady string of Cybertronian left his mouth.

        "What's it mean?"

        "Not anything your mind should fret over, girl." Hooking the tip of his claw upon the underside of her jaw, he gently turned her sights back to the setting sun.

        His words replayed in his helm, though, they were no words at all, but a string of numbers he'd come to know as her birthday. The day the planet birthed something worth his time and spark. The day Primus decided to smile upon him.

        The day God decided to create someone of perfection.

        Sat in comfortable silence, Lauren watched as the sun fully descended beyond the horizon for the night and the moon emerged. Her eyelids grew heavier as the temperature dropped and Megatron's warmth enveloped her aching body. The abyss of slumber beckoned her persuasively with each fleeting minute.

        Body heavy and gaze heavier, she hardly noticed when the decepticon rose to height, cradling her close.

        "Do not fight the inevitable, bug. Recharge."

        Lauren had barely registered his words before she drifted off into a peaceful, well deserved sleep.

____________________

        Small, bare feet bound through the garden in a stumbled prance. Dirt and grass clippings clung to the residual dew upon her ankles.

        The rough gravel and brush did little in the way of hurting Lauren's feet back then. Warm summer air brushed past in a breeze that kissed her moist skin and ruffled her messy hair. A pant escaped her as her lungs greedily sucked up oxygen, the remnants of caramelized apples and cinnamon rode her breath from that night's dessert.

        The distant call of her name pushed her to hop over the gravel path in a flying leap, nearly sending her small body sprawling, but she was quick to right herself as she bound up toward the farm house.

        An older man sat back in an aged rocking chair, the wood creaking with each movement. Holding his arms out, Lauren bounced up into her grandfather's lap, causing the old man to grunt with a laugh. "You're gettin' too big for that, girly."

        "Nuh uh. No I'm not." She'd pouted, batting aside some tangled hair, cheeks reddened.

        "Yeah? Well, just be lucky you made it here before grandma saw you in the garden. Then, we'd both get a lickin'." The silver haired man laughed, poking fun at the younger girl. A breeze blew by then, sending up the wind chimes in a melodic dance of song. "Alright, alright. C'mon." Her grandfather sat back with her, retrieving an old acoustic guitar. "You remember how it goes?"

        "Mhm!" Lauren bobbed her head, reaching around the rest her small fingers upon the strings. She began to strum easily.

        "If today was not a crooked highway. If tonight I could finally stand tall. If tomorrow wasn't such a long time."

        The older man sang gruffly, his voice holding no real tone or pitch, but neither of the two minded as they rocked back and forth to the tune of the song.

        "Then lonesome would mean nothing to me at all. Yes, and only if my own true love was waiting. Yes, and if I could hear her heart a-softly poudin'."

        Lauren's hands faltered the strumming and her grandpa was quick to overtake the job, allowing the child to recline and rest.

        "Only if she was lying by me, then I'd lie in my bed once again. I can't see my reflection in the water. I can't speak the sounds that know no pain. I can't hear the echo of my footsteps. I can't remember the sound of my own name."

        The gentle creak of the storm door had the older man glancing up to his emerging wife, offering her a kind smile. She placed a hand atop his shoulder, stooping to brush hair from the child's relaxed face.

        "Yes, and only if my own true love was waiting. Yes, if only I could hear her heart a-softly poundin'. Only if she was lying by me, then I'd lie in my bed once again."

        Aged eyes adorn with well earned wrinkles no longer upon his granddaughter, he stared up lovingly at his wife.

        "There's beauty in the silver singin' river. There's beauty in the sunrise in the sky. But, none of these and nothing else can match the beauty that I remember in my true loves eyes."

        Immersed into the soft rhythmic strumming of the strings, Lauren drifted off into the warm embrace of her grandfather's arms. Dirty feet and red cheeks forgotten.

        "Yes, and only if my own true love was waiting. Yes, if only I could hear her heart a-softly poundin'. Only if she was lying by me, then I'd lie in my bed once again."

        Lauren, much older and worn by time watched from the far distance of the stairs. Solemn smile painted across her lips as she vicariously relived a cherished memory long buried by time. Sapphire eyes committed the image to memory as she soaked up every bit of her grandfather's wavering voice.

        This time, she did hear the wind chimes if she listened.

        "Yes, and only if my own true love was waiting. Yes, if only I could hear her heart a-softly poundin'. Only if she was lying by me. And I'd lie in my bed once again."

Notes:

I missed you all so much! I LOVE YOU ALL! <3

Chapter 47: Tempt

Notes:

HeyyYyYyYyYYYYyyyy! Haha- I'm sorry for disappearing for three weeks! TvT FORGIVE ME PLEASE! <3

I got a tiny bit carried away and may or may not have written the first three chapters for not only a Squid Games Front man x oc fic, a Salesman x oc fic, a Friday the 13th Jason Vorhees x oc fic, and a Ghostface, Djinn, Creeper, Freddy Kruger, Pinhead, Chucky, Michael Myers, Jason Vorhees / oc fic...

I am deeply sorry that I cannot keep my mind in my own pants smh...

        Another day came and left Lauren in quick succession. The days were moving far too quick in her humble opinion.

        Time flies when you're having fun. That was typically how the saying went, but 'fun' wasn't quite the word she'd use. Happy was a better fit. The brunette had been thoroughly enjoying the relative downtime since her discharge, her pain and injuries be damned.

        Nothing would hinder her. Not the uncomfortable itchiness of her bandages, not the ache in her joints, and certainly not her God forsaken crutch.

        She couldn't wait to rid herself of the damned thing. Throw it out and not think twice about it. 

        Currently, the younger woman resided in the abandoned building-turned-base with the rest of the decepticons, Megatron having stepped out in the wee hours of the morning before dusk. Though, Blackout remained a constant at her side, as vigilant as ever. 

        It was pleasant, knowing that someone would always have her back when push came to shove. It was his job, she knew that much and Barricade had made that fact well known, but she couldn't find it in herself to truly care weather the chopper took her side simply out of obligation or of his own volition. Despite what anyone may say, Lauren would like to consider Blackout her friend. A trusted companion.

        Or rather, her 'guardian' because, apparently, her 'simplistic' and 'archaic' titles held no weight as reiterated by a certain someone thou shall not be named.

        No matter.

        As if said mech had read her very thoughts, Megatron emerged into the smaller building if the sooth of her chest was anything to go off of.

        "Hot damn, he's back!" Nitrozeus quipped with a nod of acknowledgement toward his superior.

        "Shut it." Barricade growled in right fashion. disdain ever evident and worn proudly upon his sleeve. 

        The bickering, teasing, growls and grumbles had become a sort of white noise to her in all the time she spent with the cons. A comforting (and loud) droning of constant speech and racket served to sooth her much too loud mind, ease away her anxieties, and make her feel at home.

        Lauren stalled momentarily and the mechs settled into general conversation above her small form, mind mulling over that particular word.

        Home.

        Home.

        Home...

        She'd shoved down all the ugly, insecure thoughts as of late in concern to that little four lettered word. The syllables short and their weight entirely too heavy for her to carry, let alone think about, but think she did. Thought way too much.

        The word echoed within her conscious, sneaking upon her at the most unexpected times to harshly anchor her back into the reality of the world around her, the situation she was in currently, and the situation that was soon to arise.

        Home.

        Sapphire eyes flicked toward Megatron quickly, finding his towering form with ease. He was home- no, they were her home; the decepticons as a whole. A unit. 

        A home she was soon to lose for good and in an instant, Lauren was once more angrily sat upon her porch, bills and collection notices crushed in her dirtied hands as she cried hopelessly. Only, this time, she truly was at a loss.

        A house, a measly structure, could be replaced with relative ease. Rooms to be rebuilt, walls repainted, new furniture bought, but not this- not them.

        Not him.

        "All you must do is speak."

        His words replayed in her head on a loop no matter the effort she ensured to silence them. Selfishly- greedily- she nearly asked him to stay with her. Nearly fell to her knees and begged through ugly sobs of desperation, but hold herself together she did with pride and dignity.

        It's wrong.

        Her subconscious scolded her as if she'd committed a cardinal sin, never to be forgiven. And, she was in agreement with herself, it was selfish to ask that of him, of them all. It wasn't right, not right at all, nor fair.

        She may suffer the loss, cast away to live out the rest of her puny human life set in a mundane, soul crushing sense of stagnation, but not them. No. They all deserved to return to their rightful home. God knows she yearned for her's, too, but what was done was done and all she could afford was to remember it fondly. Find comfort in the bittersweet feeling that was nostalgia. 

        Home.

        " 'Ya heard betsy? Back to mi casa- Oh! I could shake some tail! Hallelujah!" The single optic mech exclaimed in overzealous excitement, with the rare agreeing noises of those around him.

        "Huh?" The brunette managed, having not been truly listening to the conversation, stuck inside the prison that was her mind. Blue eyes searched the faces of those around her. "The ship-"

        "Is completed as of this joor, girl." Megatron answered, cutting her words off. Crimson optics searched her face with sharp observation, his spark bristling oddly within his chamber. A low resounding roar clawed up his throat. "Tonight will be one of celebration to the decepticons." His words held palpable weight and brought on an air of indisputable authority, that of a true leader.

        Crimson optics never left her form, not for a single moment even as his men rejoiced boisterously.

        Blackout was of the only ones resided to contempt silence, his optics, too, rested upon the young woman.

        The tyrant unleashed another resounding bark, Cybertronian syllables booming surely as he gave a swiped gesture of his talons as if sweeping his arm over the planet. The cluster of bots responded with a slew of their own foreign speech in kind with the exception of Berserker who released a sort of hissed roar as they filed out of the building.

        "Make like carnaval and don't keep a playa waiting, cowgirl." The tracker called over his shoulder before he, too, left in leu of celebration.

        It felt as though her boots had been cemented where she stood, jaw clamped shut with teeth breaking strength. The festering feeling that bloomed in her chest was hard to describe, but it felt heavy. Indescribably heavy.

        Megatron lent firmly into his end up the bond, pushing upon her in the process. Red optics narrowed a fraction upon the forlorn sensation seeping into his spark like a plague.

        The chopper rested his ruby gaze upon his charge, studying the tenseness held in her expression, the terseness of her shoulders where the muscle wound and knotted beneath the skin. There was lingering pain- hurt there, he noticed it quickly and for a nanoklik, his overlord wasn't beside him.

        Blackout hadn't known and couldn't quite place the exact moment in time when it had happened, when he'd swore himself to guardianship, but it must've been early and it'd simply escaped his keen senses. The hunter did not dwell on the specifics because they truly didn't matter. Not anymore.

        Like a minicon powerlinxing to their bulk, it was like gravity. His whole center shifted and suddenly, it wasn't the planet tethering him there. He would do anything, be anything she needed; a friend, a brother, a partner.

        A protector.

        Tearing his sights from the small femme, he cast his attention toward his superior, catching his gaze swiftly to which he was given a silent order in the fashion of a helm jerk. With a single parting glance and a submitting nod, Blackout turned and left.

        The weight of the chopper's stare hadn't escaped the decepticon overlord and the primal, possessive side of himself wanted to roar a fierce battle cry, to tear the spark from his lifeless husk, and proclaim to the universe that she was his, but no such thing came of his summering ire and the logical side of himself took full front.

        After all, he'd been the one to order him to her aid and it wasn't as if the likeness of his attachment could be helped.

        She had a spark now, her soul no more, and it was natural for a spark to call out to other sparks.

        Blackout's just so happened to be the one...

        Megatron found it in him to stride forward, stooping upon a knee servo, and extending his palm toward his conjunx. "Come, bug. Time is of the essence."

        Lauren exhaled sharply, forgetting to breath for a moment as she peered up at the towering giant. With a few staggered steps, she approached, hand flying out to grasp an offered tip of a talon. Her lips pursed and she almost couldn't find it in herself to hold his stare, for once. "The ship is done? I thought the navigation system needed to be fixed."

        Crimson optics regarded her pointedly, noticing her lack in contact. Delicately, he reached out with his opposing hand, curling the sharp tip of a claw beneath her jaw to turn her sights up toward him. He basked in the blues of her irises, at home in her eyes.

        Home.

        That word stuck him like a rogue bullet and he vehemently forced it away as his spark soaked in every drop of her face while simultaneously biting at him in a gross culmination of pleasure and despair. "Onslaught and Shockwave have proven to be suitable workers."

        "But-"

        "Cease your vocalizations for a time, girl. Come while the joor still remains."

        Lauren huffed through her nose and moved to be atop his offered palm with a slight stagger. He ascended her swiftly as he stood to height, keeping her close while his warmth enveloped her like a warm blanket and, for a short while, she could forget about the impeding future.

        Just for a moment, she'd pretend everything was perfect.

        Just for a moment.

        Megatron held her above his spark chamber to sooth away the worries of his being as he exited the old building. The sun was upon its decent and soon another joor would conclude.

        With practiced care, the decepticon transformed and deposited his femme within his cockpit with due regard before taking off in a violent boost of his engine. Rapidly, he climbed in altitude, but not before he slithered a belt around her slim form, securing her to him protectively.

        The brunette wasn't proud of the startled yelp that left her lips, but left it did followed by a dry chuckle as she gazed along the skyline. Soon stars would speckle the darkness.

        In record time, the duo arrived at the ship site, the field and all that inhabited it in full view for the young woman to see. Excitement and joy were quick to surge in her veins as she spotted not only the decepticons, but the autobots, and there was no mistaking the older man dragging the Irish boy off his daughter.

        Everyone appeared to be in good spirits, barrels of energon in hand as two familiar soldiers perched themselves around a military grade truck, drink of their own in hand.

        A toothy smile split her lips and tugged at her cheeks as the mech transformed around her with ease, spitting her out atop his palm once more.

        Megatron basked in the influx of positivity and pleasure from her end of the bond, the feelings were easy to get drunk on as a deep bellowed growl erupted from the depths of his chassis, sharp denta bared as he happened upon the gathering, allowing his conjunx to slip from his hold and onto the grass, crutch in hand.

        "Bout time you showed, I was starting to think you two bailed for a romp in the sheets." Nitrozeus chortled with a gesture of his energon, chest plate jumping as he laughed.

        Bumblebee whirred pleasantly, giving a theatrical display of a mimicking a lasso throw, baby blues shine happily in mirth as Crosshairs whacked him on the shoulder.

        "The lass lives! High hell, thought your like was done for." The aussie smirked.

        "No rest for the wicked you bluberin' idiot." Hound interjected. "Nice to see you almost in one piece girly." The potbelly mech tipped his helm in good fashion. "You and the kid can match."

        Lauren snapped her attention toward the teen girl. "Look, you and me almost make a full pirate." An easy chuckle escaped her lips as Tessa smiled.

        "Almost. S'not that bad. Dad is over dramatic." The blonde shrugged, eyeing her leg.

        "Dramatic? Tess you were almost killed." Cade sniped. "You were almost mince meat, care little more, will you? Save me some gray hairs."

        "Dad." She rolled her doe eyes with a huff to punctuate.

        "Look at you, up and movin'. Getting the hang of that I see." The father offered a gentle grin as he gestured to the crutch.

        "Betsy can handle more metal than that, you catch my drift?" Nitrozeus barked jovially, bent at the waist to peer down.

        "Modesty is a concept to you." Drift remarked in passing.

        The tracker panned his optic towards the samurai. "Sounds like someone's spike is dry. Don't hate."

        The blue autobot cringed as he sipped his barrel while Hound offered a full belly laugh with Onslaught quietly snickering. Barricade grumbled out muffled Cybertronian insults as he glared.

        "Hey! Kid! Lauren, look at you! Y'know the last time we saw you it, uh, wasn't great." Lennox cringed in earnest, hands atop his hips.

        "Was bad, man. Glad to see you pulled through." Epps followed up.

        Lauren took several labored steps forward before snatching up one of each of their hands, her crutch wedged uncomfortably beneath her pit. "Thank you. I don't even know how else to say that."

        "Trust us, you've paid us back in fill, then some. Don't worry about it." The Colonel squeezed her hand reassuringly before retracting. Epps offering to shake in agreement.

        "Hey, hey, hey! What's goin' on here?! You thank them and not the guy who called them in? That's like thanking Samsung for Nokia. Sacrilegious!" The telltale, disorienting voice of Simmons ripped through the air and she couldn't find it in her to be annoyed as she turned to face him. "D'awe look at you. So sweet, this little family reunion.  Mommy and daddy came out to play with the kids. Precious."

        Lauren quirked a quizzical brow, a smirk tugged at her lips. "Thought you bailed on us."

        "Me? Bail? What do I look like to you? Roger Rabbit? No! I put Tom and Jerry to work and got the hell out of dodge when the heavy hitters showed up, work behind the scenes Missy. Very different." He leveled a faux serious expression, jest evident. "You thirsty? Need something to tip the edge off? Real tough crowd here, I tell 'ya. Martini? Cuban highball? Mojito?" Simmons gave an awkward shake of his hips.

        "Nah, I'm good. Need to stay frosty, tough crowd and all." The brunette laughed with a loose gesture toward those around.

        The curly haired male snapped his fingers. "I like the way you think missy. Three sheets to the wind for me then. Whoo." And with that, Simmons sauntered off.

        "Miss Ridgwell. I am relieved to see you alive and well." Optimus approached then, his large frame coming into full view, cyan optics flicking between both her and Megatron.

        "Pleas, just Lauren is fine." She gave a dismissive wave.

        "Lauren, I extend my deepest gratitude to you in behalf of all of us." The prime places a hand atop his chassis, kneeling to be better leveled with her. "You exhibit great strength, but also compassion and for that, you have my deepest appreciation."

        "You don't have to do all that. Stand up." The short haired girl spoke. "Really, I should be thanking you." Megatron mustered a baritone snarl.

        The autobot leader rose to his pedes once more, helm tilted down to keep his optics focused upon her. "We are forever in your favor." He finished.

        The yellow scout whirred once more with a firm nod of his helm, as fist pump toward the sky to drive his point home.

        "She doesn't understand you, you bugger." Crosshairs retorted, thwacking the smaller bot upside his audial. "Try speaking bogan."

        Bumblebee glared, swatting his hand away. "You wanna go- I'll take you out!" He pieced together miscellaneous scraps of audio as he jabbed a finger into the taller mech's chest.

        "Low blow man, even for you. C'mon Bee." Cade broke up the fight, ushering the younger mech off while Drift knocked the green bot upon the back of his helm, scolding.

        Music droned on and she couldn't believe she was only just noticing it, too caught up in everyone to realize. Sapphire eyes roamed the scene ardently, content to observing everything and everyone. Repositioning her weight upon the crutch, Lauren spotted Shockwave off on the outskirts, still busied with the ship. Her brows knit together at the sight just as something collided with her back, effectively nudging her forward.

        "Go on, bug." Megatron urged her, crimson optics following her eye line.

        Craning her head around to glance up, she locked gazes with him before her attention flicked to the form of Blackout approaching from behind.

        Exhaling, she wordlessly hobbled her way across the space with the occasional passing conversation as she moved, coming upon the scientist with little difficulty. God, she couldn't wait for the moment she no longer needed the damn crutch as she found a new loathing for long grass.

        Shockwave paid no mind to her as she approached, not even stalling a moment to grace her with a greeting as he continued to work. She didn't take it personal.

        "Hey, have you drank- eaten yet?" The smaller woman inquired, using the tarmac to steady herself footing.

        Without missing a beat, he responded flatly. "My tanks are at an acceptable level. I do not require refueling at this time."

        "Acceptable doesn't mean optimal. What're you even doing? Megatron said the ship was done."

        "System diagnostics and calibrations so we do not get terminated upon exit of the atmosphere." The single optic mech hadn't broken his work flow to even regard her.

        "Do you ever take breaks? Live a little."

        "I shall rest once my work has completed." His hands halted, visor turning down to stare at her pointedly for a moment's time. "Has your sparkbond been sealed?" The question came so bluntly that it took the words out of her mouth.

        "What does that mean?"

        "Interfacing. Human term, fornication. Copulation." His stark tone with his words was almost startling.

        "N-no?! What did you even ask?" Lauren sputtered, shame and embarrassment coloring her features.

        The scientist turned his helm back to his work. "I appears the holomatter guise I have developed is defective." His words came out more to himself than if her were speaking to her.

        "What's a sealed bond?" The words escaped her  adore she could stop them.

        Shockwave swiveled his helm back in her direction, but no answer came as he looked beyond her. "I will defer you to Megatron."

        The mech in question had approached from behind, the dense grass and dirt doing work to muffle his planet trembling steps some. A quick string of Cybertronian spewed from sharp denta.

        The single optic mech leveled a direct glance from his superior toward the femme beneath them before once more, setting back to his work in favor of joining the lot.

        The tyrant scooped her with ease before moving back to join the herd where they remained for a time. The sun set and the colors of the sky were washed away to make room for the stars and the moon.

        Tessa and Shane had taken it upon themselves to start a bonfire to combat the steadily dropping in temperature and to provide a much needed source to roast hot dogs and marshmallows provided by Lennox and Epps. The music droned on listlessly in the background as the rambunctious nature, too, ebbed away. Laughs were had in abundance and conversation flowed with ease.

        The teen had giggled unceremoniously when her boyfriend had smacked her marshmallow off her stake, lost to the embers below. Clapping to be heard when Bumblebee danced with the blonde, using a finger to simulate twirling her. Cade smiled as he threw back a beer while Simmons ranted and raved about the art of 'weenie roasting'.

        It was a rare calm moment for both sides. The autobots provided good laughs and the decepticons resided to overall silent company with Laserbeak fanning the flames and occasional snatching up skewers, bird like as he was. Even Shockwave had turned to watch the ordeal.

        It was nice.

        Lauren sat curled up against Megatron's pedes, a few yards from everyone. She'd been contempt to simply watching, but the noise was beginning to wane on her. Struggling to her feet, she wedged the rubber sole of the crutch beneath her arm and hobbled to gain her balance.

        Optics locked upon her, the con bent, collecting her gently into his hold before starting off in the darkness away from the crowd.

        "Where did you intend to retreat to?" He questioned slowly, optics alight in the blackness.

        She reclined against him, thankful for his uprooting. "Nowhere in particular. Just wanted to get away."

        His gaze flicked down to her momentarily as he walked. "You are a more proficient musician than you are a liar." Though, the inclination the little deception stroked at his pride greatly. Oh how a lovely decepticon she'd be.

        "Pianist." Came her correction with no real conviction. "Through the treeline is a smaller clearing. Found it the other day."

        The mech offered an acknowledging grunt as he quickly traversed the tree line to emerge out onto the other side successfully. Stopping, he allowed her to stand before reaching for his mass distribution and shifting down to size. The bewildered look in her eyes never ceasing to ignite amusement in his spark.

        "You didn't have to do that." She ducked her head, stray strands of choppy hair falling out of place.

        The now smaller mech stepped into her space, offering an arm for her to use as leverage. "Nobody commands me, girl. I will do as I please and I chose this."

        Lauren managed a small smile, taking his offered arm in favor of discarding her mobility aid, practically tossing it away. The music from the fire could be heard muffled beyond the trees and foliage, the conversation was practically muted to her delight.

        Once upon a nice patch, she dropped to sit atop the grass and he followed suit. Sapphire eyes found their way to the sky speedily, an exhale escaping her.

        The two sat in comfortable silence for a time before Lauren reclined onto her palms. "Do you remember the day you split your spark with me?"

        "The memory will never leave me, bug." Came his gruff response.

        Fingertips idly toyed with the grass blades beneath her hands. "It didn't kill me, but something in me dies that day... I just don't know what. My soul maybe." Conversation came easy.

        "Extinguished, but never forgotten. You have a spark now."

        "Yeah." The brunette hummed. "I was mad at you, y'know? At first."

        Crimson optics set upon her profile, nasal ridge scrunching. "I am well aware. You anger was unfounded."

        She shrugged. "I think I was mad because I didn't get a choice."

        "You'd prefer death?" His words came out grated, spark bristling.

        "No. I'm..." Lauren trailed off as if searching for the right words. "I'm really happy." She whispered genuinely.

        "I see to it, sweetling." The mech grumbled, pleasant emotion blooming withing his spark chamber. He meant it too. Anything to make her happy, anything to please her.

        Worrying at her lip, her fingers curled in, nails bit at her palms while she mulled over Shockwave's words. A flush painted her cheeks rosy as she wondered if it appropriate to question him.

        Megatron felt something brush from her side of the bond, gently caressing upon his to draw his attention inward. Warmth and something unnamable tempted him and it was all he could do not to pounce atop it with fervor. And pounce he did, latching upon the simmering feelings with wanton need. The influx made his metals tight and his spark surge as if boiling his energon. He need not regard her as he spoke. "Speak."

        Lauren swallowed back her apprehension. "What did Shockwave mean by 'seal the bond'?" The inquiry came out soft, almost hushed as if touching upon a taboo topic. Chancing a glace at him, she wasn't surprised to find him staring.

        A deep chassis bellow escaped his vocalizer. "A sparkbond is to be sealed with interfacing." His voice came huskily. "The key to cementing a bond in its entirety. Do not get it confused with consummation." A keen talon reached out, hooking up under her chin to steer her sights back to him fully. He drank up the heat rolling off her and the color dusting her cheeks greedily.

        "And what happens if you don't...?" She sighed breathily, not able to tear her sights away, the music off in the distant now nearly gone in her focus.

        "You will never find out, sweetling." He growled before taking her in a chaste kiss, helm tilted to perfectly angle his way into her space. His claws tangled into a mess of cropped brown hair. Every instinct in his body urged, screamed, demanded the take her there. Ravage her and mark her forever his as if that weren't already the case.

        Talons trailed the scorching flesh of her neck, eliciting goosebumps, her pulse rapid beneath his touch. It almost tipped him off the edge of his perfect self control.

        He was teetering.

        In a swift motion, he was on his feet and pulling her up with him. In an almost blinding motion, one hand was set in a bruising grip atop her hip and the other remained glued to the nape of her neck.

        A wince drew him away from the moment of no return and he tore himself from her, immediately aware of the shift.

        Lauren's hand rested atop the one grasped at her hip. His metals so hot they almost burned. "Sorry-"

        "Refrain from your apologies, you are not at fault in any manner." He rasped, loosening his grip and direction his clawed hand to hers, threading their joints together to pull her in closer. With a fevering peck at her rosy lips, his glossa shot out to trail from her neck up before nesting his helm against her's. "You haven't a clue what you draw out of me, do you?"

        "No." She managed.

        "Good."

Notes:

;} How we feeling??

Chapter 48: Metanoia

Notes:

Heyyyyyyyyy... I'd like to apologize for going MIA again... I'm very sorry. I've been having a bit of writers block and had to overcome it gradually, that and I found myself heavily indulged in another fandom that I'm considering writing a fic for.

What do y'all think of a Yautja x FEM/OC fic? As in the Predator x human woman. If any of you would be interested in something like that, let me know! (I really just have a thing for aliens...)

Anywho! I'm really sorry about disappearing for over a month. Happy late Valentine's day by the way! I love you all so, so, SO much! <3 <3 <3

        Three.

        The number directly after two, after one; three. An odd number left out. The numeral rang out hauntingly in her head like a ghost come to steal her soul.

        Three days.

        She only had three more days with him.

        Three more days until the life she'd grown accustomed to would end, putting her back at the start line. The world felt as if it'd come to a screeching halt and, if she hadn't known any better, would've assume the sky was going to fall down and the planet cave in beneath her feet to swallow her whole. 

        It hadn't truly registered yet, the shock or the sadness, though the former was beginning it's quiet rampage within, destroying her from the very inside out like an all consuming disease. 

        She'd almost forgotten how to breathe and nearly choked as the moisture was sapped from her mouth hearing Lennox speak and his words- his voice made her mad. Indescribably angry.

        Was that really her frustration, though? Lauren could hardly distinguish her own emotions from Megatron's anymore, not that it mattered much and it most certainly did not matter in that moment. Nothing did.

        It was easier to sink herself into that ugly emotion, easy to give in and allow for the fury to numb her hurt even if it was a temporary solution. She wanted to scream, wail to the heavens, fall to her knees and beg, but she refrained knowing no such thing would come of her pleas.

        Heaven. Her mind immediately banished that bitter word when her chest seemed to overfill with conflicting emotions. God...

        God.

        Her brows pinched, creasing her forehead in a manner that was sure to give her wrinkles, expression hard and unreadable as her mind worked. The cogs of her internal thought process never seemed to allow the young woman a moment of peace.

        God.

        That word lashed out her once more and she dare hiss that there was no God. At least, not for her it seemed.

        Sapphire eyes remained unblinking in her disassociation, seeing but not truly registering anything, all the noise around her muffled into nothing as Lennox's words played on repeat, an endless loop of personal torture that she desperately tried to rationalize.

        It all had been going well, good even. Everyone was alive and well, they were all gathered in celebration of the ship's completion and she'd only just returned with Megatron in tow. Lauren could still feel the heat that rolled off her conjunx, warming her skin. Could still feel the slight chill that rode the breeze as it kissed her flesh, tussling her cropped hair. The stark glow of the fire coupled with the glow of both red and blue optics alike lit the night. She could still hear the lighthearted banter that occupied the space and the faint shimmer of energon.

        It had been going so well.

        "Don't tell me he was a one and done kinda man." Nitrozeus had quipped, chortling boisterousness as he elicited a few more laughs from the others. He swigged his energon with vigor before proposing a toast to which Hound readily accepted.

        Megatron had growled, but otherwise allowed the comment to escape his ire after noticing the soft chuckle it'd drawn from Lauren as Cade quickly waved off the raunchy remark, rambling something about not talking like that in front of his daughter. 

        "Do you ever shut your trap?" Barricade grumbled in irritation, no real malice behind his words.

        "Here, here! I can drink to that!" Crosshairs threw back his own drink jovially.

        "No decorum." Drift mumbled, but sipped anyway.

        Bumblebee chittered a buzzed laugh, blue optics bright with mirth as he nodded. He whirred happily along with everyone else.

        "And about you mister Colonel, give us a hoo-rah! Come on!" Simmons exclaimed, liquid courage in his veins as he bobbed his head, drink held high as if to toast once again.

        Epps had flashed a toothy smile, the flickering of the flames reflecting off his pearly whites as he clapped his bother in arms on the shoulder, jostling the blonde man playfully with which he replied with his own smile before rising to a stand, drink held high as he spoke.

        "I suck at these, but who cares? We won and that's all that matters, right?" Lennox spoke with his whole chest, garnering the attention of everyone in leadership fashion. Steel blue eyes danced over the small gathering of men and mech, all answering with quips of their own. "I'm used to delivering bad news, but tonight isn't one those nights. The secretary of defense has authorized the use of a landing for the decepticon ship as well as confirming the renewed residency of our fellow. We won the battle, but in three days the war will be won!" The Colonel thrust his cup high, sloshing the contents.

        "I would toast, but I hate this dirt ball more than the next con." Crosshairs snorted before being whacked over the helm by Hound.

        "Raise your glass you dog fool." The potbelly mech chided as he toasted, chassis jumping as he spoke.

        "Hoo-rah! It's about damn time! Hey betsy, looks like your species isn't as useless as this backwater hick hole!" Nitrozeus thundered.

        "I will second that. Ready to leave." Onslaught had interjected smoothly to which Barricade chuffed his agreement.

        "Finally." Tessa has huffed with a roll of her baby blues, pout upon her pink lips. 

        "Awe, 'ya gonna miss me kitten? Save those claws for a real man." The tracker purred facetiously, breaking at the hips to better invade the teen's space. Cade responded with a throw of an empty cup while Shane leveled a glare at the one optic mech. The blonde scoffed in dusgust, earning a hearty laugh from the con and several muffled from other bots.

        "History. That's what this is. History! We are the future generations Heros in the making. I can picture it now. 'Betrayed by the country they loved'-" Simmons was cut off.

        "We get it man." Epps interrupted, stare pointed over the top of his near empty cup.

        "Yeah? See if you're ever in my second book."

        "There was a first?" Tessa inquired, nose scrunched in both curiosity and disbelief, amusement clearly evident in her tone, earning a chortle from the Irishman beside her.

        The continued conversation fell on deaf ears as Lauren let the words sink in, fully weigh upon her heart. Everyone's voices were suddenly distant noise and it was almost like her mind was refusing to accept the revelation, the conscious part at least. Her subconscious, however, knew it all to be harsh truth. The little voice within was snuffed out by muffled ringing as if her ears had been suddenly packed with dense cotton.

        Sapphire eyes had snapped around in a flurry of slow blinks, observing those that surrounded her in a desperate attempt to ground herself back in reality, despite how much she wanted to flee.

        The autobots were jovial, enthralled even, that much she could grasp.

        She wasn't prepared to see the slight drop in the cons' shoulders or the way several of them visibly eased. The subtle actions would've evaded her entirely had she not been staring so intensely.

        Lauren hadn't been prepared to see the foreign peace that washed over the decepticons. The happiness.

        She should've expected it. Of course she should've, how could she not? Really, what was she thinking would happen?

        A whirlwind of ugly emotions crashed into each other to create an impending storm and, if she wasn't careful, she'd burst at the seams and everything would come crashing down.

        Fear, sorrow, bitterness, sadness, shame, anger, and betrayal melded together in the form of soul crushing waves that'd hastily sucked her beneath the surface in an effort to drown her once and for all.

        It had taken every fiber of her being and every single shred of patience she retained to smother it, to squash it down and compartmentalize lest she show too much emotion, though, Lauren knew her efforts would be fruitless in the face of him.

        Him. Why hadn't she settled upon his name?

        A bolder of a lump formed in her throat at the mere thought of Megatron's name, as if his very designation would have her come undone entirely.

        She couldn't hide. It was something she'd came to know and accept in her short time with the warlord. The short time with her conjunx.

        What was her's was his, and what was his was also her's.  Emotions weren't an exception.

        The brunette was keenly aware that someone was staring at her, she could feel the weight of the gaze and yet she didn't dare turn to discover who the lingering sights belonged to.

        The situation felt so eerily familiar and in that split second, she recalled that dreadful day she'd been at a former friend's birthday party only to receive a call that her grandfather had passed. That day had been much the same; everything halted and time crawled to a painful still as everyone's excited celebrations became muffled racket as she fought not to crumble under the crushing weight of her own despair.

        However, she hadn't a choice then, didn't get the option to keep him or let him go as time made the decision for her. Ever the cruel thief it was.

        This time, she did have a choice. Or an illusion of one, but that offered little comfort.

        There was no choice. Not one for her to make at least. It wasn't her place. Wasn't her right.

        The irrational part of her wanted to clasp her hands together and beg God not to leave her alone again. To plead in a pathetic display of desperation not to take them too, but the logical side of her barked back that it hadn't helped her before, so why would it help her now?

        Why would God hear her cries now?

        Then, the anger increased tenfold at her faith, simmering into burning hate as she came to the stark realization that her faith was a farce and yet, she couldn't rid herself of the very thing that had been so deeply engraved into her.

        Lauren was truly at a loss and so very lost in everything. She was being violently pulled beneath the suffocating waves of sorrow as she thrashed for release only to be further beat into submission and she would've died then if a jerk of her shoulder hadn't rescued her from herself.

        Glassy eyes craned up to meet Blackout's ruby optics, his stare providing the fleeting lifeline she needed in that moment. Greedily, she latched onto it to keep her head above proverbial water.

        The noise around her had came back into focus much too quick and the night was abruptly too loud when coupled with the roar of blood in her ears. If she blinked, she could almost confuse the flicker of the flames with the sun.

        The hunter was staring down at her pointedly, his expression unreadable.

        Had he said something? She hadn't been listening- couldn't hear.

        The chopper studied her features and the way the shadows danced over her visage. Had he not felt an obligation to her, he'd had let her stew, but even then he probably wouldn't have permitted it. In a way, it would've been a dishonor not only to her, but to his master.

        Blackout left her to her own devices after the subtle, yet much needed gesture, though he never went far from her eye line. Always lingering nearby had she found need for him.

        That night droned on for far longer than she could bear and, at some point, Lauren returned to the ship, using the celebrations to slink away from any and all prying eyes. As backwards as it sounded, she needed a moment alone, away from the world for just a moment. To pretend time had truly stopped, just for a second.

        Shockwave offered a curt exchange of words in some strange version of 'goodnight', but his voice never truly registered as she dragged her battered body through the cavernous halls of the alien craft, having since memorized the layout.

What good that would do her...

         Lauren stumbled into the command room dumbly with little regard for the ache in her leg, for the hurt in her chest for outweighed any other pain she'd ever come to know.

        It was dark and she was almost thankful that the inky blackness offered a place for her to hide away.

        Casting the damned crutch away, the brunette used her surroundings to aid her steps before she slumped towards the cold metal beneath her where she resided in the current moment. The coolness offered her burning skin a short reprieve if only for a moment. She pulled her knees to her chest, shrinking in on herself.

        Harshly, she swallowed back the lump in her dry throat, absolutely refusing to break now, despite how badly she wanted to fall apart into a fit of messy sobs and wails. She wouldn't.

        She absolutely would not.

        A small, distant part of her subconscious chided that she hardly knew them, hardly knew him. What right did she have to mourn those that she barely knew? She didn't know them from fucking Adam!

        The pain- that fond familiar weight within her chest that she'd come to cherish greatly ignited viciously, swiftly sniping away those thoughts in an instant. The warmth that blossomed beneath her ribs conveyed so many different things that she hardly knew what to do with herself.

        The fractured spark buried inside bloomed and blossomed, budded wildly with so many contradicting emotions. Of which were her's, she couldn't tell anymore, and she couldn't find it within to care.

        The tentative pull in her sternum only made her want to curl in on herself more, not wanting to give in. The more she resisted, the stronger the pull became until she no longer could refute it's meaning.

        He was beckoning.

        Still, she held her ground. Remained rooted where she hid, pushing back on the shared bond gently as if to convey her wilting nature and her crumbling will.

        The young woman white knuckled her fists, nails biting into her palms as her lashes grew cumbersome with tears. Again, she swallowed back her pain to the very best of her abilities, but there was only so much she could deny herself before the tears found their way down her heated cheeks.

        Beyond the ship, Megatron's optics silently surveyed the immediate area in search of her. His search came up sparse and crimson sights swiftly found Blackout's knowing stare.

        Clenching his jaw, his denta ground into themselves as he suppressed a bellowing growl.

        "The news has seemed to affect the girl." The intruding com came over his hailing frequency then as he ignored all other surrounding noise.

        "And what of her?" Megatron shot back, his growing impatience easily conveyed as he glared, talons twitched in anticipation at his side. His shoulders squared and he stood just a bit taller in a subconscious effort to make himself that much more imposing.

        Blackout, however, never took the bait as his ruby optics flicked back in a single swift motion toward the lingering scientist.

        The tyrant got the answer he needed as he moved in the direction of the ship, his sights zeroed in on the lone con as he continued his diligent work, his focus never breaking.

        "My conjunx." He growled through his denta, his tone grating. His words were not that of a question, but an undeniable order. He demanded an answer.

        Shockwave didn't bother to halt his movements, nor look at his superior as he spoke. "The femme retired for the joor. Scans show she resides in the command station."

        Megatron grumbled beneath his breath in Cybertronian as he jerked his helm in dog like fashion, stalking into his vessel. His steps held purpose as he came upon the command with ease, hesitating a klik.

        She'd heard him as he suspected, but still he stood idle as his audials find tuned to catch the muffled whimpers of his sparkmate. Again, he pressed into the bond in a wordless effort to sooth away the negativity spilling into him, her's no doubt. She smothered the emotions before he could properly grasp the magnitude of them, something he rumble against.

        Despite his desire to pounce upon the fleeting feelings and confront her, his spark gave him pause as if hissing at him to tread with care.

        Tread he would and care he did, more than he'd ever be able to properly convey with mere actions or words.

        Absolutely nothing in the known universe would ever be good enough for her, that included him and that knowledge gnawed at him relentlessly, tearing his spark apart from the inside out to expose all his vulnerabilities to the world. Seeing her- his conjunx endura in such a state only further cemented such a fact, solidifying it in all its entirety.

        He was so undeserving of her...

        Biting back the hesitation surging through him, Megatron strode into the dark room, a clawed hand reached out for the central commands before he could even begin to register what it was that he was doing.

        A flash of her relaxed face crossed his processor, a still captured moment he'd so selfishly recorded unbeknownst to her. Many a time he regarded it, tracing the intricate sculpt of her delicate features, enhancing the image to the point of only her being the focus, everything else was less than unimportant.

        Talons swiped deftly along the controls and a sudden projection overtook the screen giving way to a dim light to combat the darkness that drenched them.

        The decepticon caught the sound of her breath hitching in her throat, stifled by a choked swallow as her heart gave way to a thunderous rhythm beneath her ribs. Crimson optics found her with ease, his sights forever reserved for her alone. He gazed upon the sight of her reddened eyes growing wide to study the star map, her skin flushed with heat, and cheeks stained with the remnants of tears.

        With no second thought, he approached her small form made smaller by the way she curled in on herself. The sight of her attempting to grow miniscule always elicited disdain from the mech. She was not meant to hide away, to cower like the weaklings beneath her.

        Lauren burned far too brilliantly to stoop so low- a fine light in the midst of the cosmos that left behind cosmic catastrophes, and yet, her very being still remained radiant.

        He stooped in a single fluid movement, his spark bristling as it reached out for her in a noiseless call. Sapphire eyes found him then, pooled with hot tears. He had half the mind to roar out in anger, to violently fend off and kill whatever it was that ailed her, but a little voice he buried deep down whispered that he already knew the cause of her expulsion.

        "Come, girl." His baritone voice came calmly and she heeded his words immediately, latching to him as if he were the only thing in the whole world keeping her tethered in place.

        Lauren, submitting to the pull within her chest immersed herself into his warmth, not bothering to even try hiding her tears as she was hoisted skyward.

        Again, a cluster of emotions bloomed, exploding inside the confines of her limiting ribs. The brunette completely dismissed the projected star map as she found solace in the crimson glow of his optics. Found her home in his light. Hands flew to her face as she sniffled into her battered palms, words amiss.

        She wanted to scream, to wail until her throat was shredded raw, but the effort, too, was not there.

        All her energy had been spent.

        Megatron held her close, a deep bellow escaping him. He regarded his femme with a delicate touch he had grown accustomed to as all the things she attempted to keep locked away spilled haphazardly into him. He glimpsed her hurt and the soul crushing sadness she drowned in.

        The spark burrowed deep within her burned wildly with untamed hurt.

        Guilt was not an emotion he knew well, if at all, but in that moment it was the first thing thrust to the front of his processor as if her despair was somehow caused by him.

        It was. His spark barked in a scold. He resisted a growl.

        Once more, the con was harshly reminded of her fleeting mortality and just how little time humans had to live, how little time he had to love her right.

        He deserved the pain, the hurt, not her. No, never her.

        "I just- I just..." Lauren sobbed, vision blurred behind her tears as she hastily attempted to wipe them away. "I..."

        "Speak, sweetling." He nearly purred in a tone completely void of authority. His words were neither a command nor a demand, but a request. A plea. He would never beg another living being for anything, but for her he may.

        Heaving on a cry, the young woman lowered her head into her hands once more, grasping at straws for what to say. This had to be punishment from a higher power, a cruel lesson she needed to be taught for some reason. She couldn't help, but feel that her life was just a series of repeating events- an endless loop that she's yet to break. Every time salvation was in reach, happiness right at the tips of her fingers, it was snatched away.

        And repeat again and again.

        The only true thing she'd ever truly own would be her love and that was it. All her's with nothing else in the world belonging to her.

        And for a long time that'd be okay, been enough, but now...

        Another hiccup escaped her as snot dribbled down her lips, the skin of her cheeks rubbed raw from her fruitless attempts to compose herself. "I just..."

        But now...

        "I just d-don't know what... to do." She managed after fighting back the primal sounds clawing up her sandpaper throat.

        But now, Lauren no longer wanted to only have her love, but to give it too.

        Megatron searched her, a small part of him no longer recognizing the spitfire he'd met that first day, now he gazed upon a wounded femme in need.

        No more were her narrowed eyes full of defiance, but overflowing with sorrow.

        Her blinding smile now pursed as she cried, burdened with sadness.

        Her melodic voice now scratchy and hoarse and filled with woe.

        Whenever he is with her, he's overcome by a looming sense of urgency as the clock ticks on without ceasing. Time always hanging over him like a taunt. She was not where she should be in her life, not where she ever thought she'd be and not the person he ever saw himself loving, but he knew now that all the moments he'd shared with her would burden him, showing him what could have been while he goes on living with those tender snippets in time cherished forever.

        Megatron couldn't recall when he'd began to find himself in the color sapphire, but one thing knew for certain was that the hue would color his every waking moment going forth.

        He saw life in her gaze, a home. The primal desire to keep her close and bestow the galaxy upon her was almost far too much to bear.

        Human.

        That word struck out to him once more much like an incurable curse she'd been plagued with and he almost wanted to roar to Primus. To demand and admonish the cruelty of finding forever in a being that'd not be there to see it.

        Punishment. Yes, he deserved it, every last klik of the pain that'd follow, but he didn't have to like it and he didn't. 

        He absolutely detested it.

        Crimson optics gazed upon her fondly as he recalled his own words from only joors ago. He repeated himself. "All you must do is speak and everything with be yours. The entire planet beneath your feet."

        Lauren shook her head in a jerk as she continued her whimpers, not holding his stare. "I can't..."

        "You may." The decepticon almost hissed.

        "I can't." Her voice broke and the mech quickly found that he hated that sound most of all.

        Hated how broken she sounded.

        "Elaborate for me then." He rumbled lowly.

        "Because," the brunette swallowed her saliva thickly. "If- If I do, then... everything will be for nothing." Her eyes hurt from rubbing at her tears and her head pounded with built pressure. "All the damage would be a waste... Just damage." Finally, Lauren craned her head up, catching his gaze as she mewled. Shifting forward, she ignored the objections from her body to place her hands upon his lower jaw.

        "Everything could be yours." He combated evenly, malice and bite lost on him.

        She shook her head in disagreement, lips pursed as she denied the fresh wave of tears attempting to overtake her. "You have to let me go..." Her voice trembled, her words hushed as if only for his audials alone and they were. All her words were his. 

        His spark surged viciously within his chamber, but he hardly reacted to the sensation as he took her in fully, committing her tear stained face to memory- committed every single detail of her to memory, nothing was left untouched. 

        "You have to let me let you go..." She took in a sharp inhale, eyes slipping closed for a moment, finding looking at him difficult, before blinking back to see him once more. "I need you to do that for me. Please... I can't do this by myself. Not anymore..."

        Fresh tears spilled over her dark lashes, but they went unnoticed as glassy eyes roamed his metal features, tracing each and every minute detail. Her hands feathered along his chin plating as if she'd burn him. "You are my first love," The words came out in a near inaudible whisper, almost breathlessly. "And I'd like for you to be my last. More than anything." 

        "There will never be another, girl, know that fully." He rumbled in a whole chassis movement, savoring the delicate caress of her hands.

        Those delicate affections were not befitting of a monster like him and he knew he didn't deserve it, but relish in her attention he would. The revelation had him suppressing the urge to roar to the cosmos, to pave a warpath in his ire with her being the only thing holding back the destruction. He teetered a fine line between war and love.

        That fire within her ignited into a brilliant flame that burned far hotter than his ever had and yet, those hadn't been the words he was hoping to hear, the words his spark had been yearning for. That he'd been yearning for.

        All she had to do was speak.

        Simple sentences to be uttered and he'd give her everything and anything she desired. He'd even bestow a sparkling upon her if she wanted. He'd find a way to make it happen. Bring whole planets to their knees before her, drive entire galaxies into extinction if she so wished, harness the power of a sun if it meant she'd be warm. Anything and everything to appease her. 

        The universe was made to be seen by her eyes.

        "Thank you..." Lauren rested her forehead against his lower jaw.

        "I have done nothing of worth, bug." He grumbled.

        A soft, wispy chuckle left her then as she sniffled. "You did everything. All of it." A weak smile tugged at her lips.

        "Do not thank me for the minimum." He reached out a tentative talon, brushing along her cropped tresses gently.

        "Of course." She relented with a shaky chuckle.

        'Love' was not a strong enough word for the mech. It didn't hold the proper weight nor the right amount of sentiment for him. No words, earthly or Cybertronian, would ever quite be enough to convey the inferno of desire that lit his whole being and burned within, though, one thing he did know in total absolution was that there was no other being in existence more worthy of bearing his other half quite like she did.

        "Three days." She pulled back to look at him fully, still basking in the red glow of his optics. "We still have three whole days." A sad smile painted her rosy lips as he looked upon her.

        Nobody else could ever bear his spark like her.

Notes:

I listened to a lot of Rihanna and Mitski while writing this haha-

Chapter 49: Infinity

Notes:

Haha... Heyyy everyone... OKAY LOOK! I AM SO SORRY FOR GOING MIA FOR SO LONG! I DIDN'T MEAN IT, I SWEAR! I still very much love both Lauren and Megs- I haven't abandoned them and don't plan to! I could never do that to y'all.

First things first; how are all of you?! It feels like it's been ages... I want everyone to know I've re-read all your amazing comments a trillion times over while I've been away, I have and never will ignore any of you and your precious commentary. <3

As for my life, al lot has happened! Where do I even start?

I got engaged! AHHHHHHH! I've been working my ASS off lately omg. I got suspended from work for something I didn't even do, but it's okay because the issue was rectified. I'll be flying back to Florida (thank God) to visit my family in July, so that's exciting! Oh, and then my computer- my almost brand new 3k computer, decided to up and die on me, so I haven't been able to properly edit or write. Been busy with the Army recruiters, too! Lots of small trivial things, blah, blah, blah.

I may or may not have also fell down the rabbit hole of the Predator franchise... It's bad y'all... I've already started brainstorming fic ideas for a Yautja x female/oc... Would any of you find that interesting? I got a reaaalllll thing for aliens, I swear!

This also happens to be the longest chapter I've ever written; just over 19k words!

Enough of that, though. Pleas enjoy this super, extra-long chapter to hopefully make up for lost time <3

        Megatron often found himself revisiting his memories of times long past, frequenting his home lost to carnage and gazing upon captured images of her smile, zooming in till all that clouded his vision was her alone. Focused himself solely upon her to snuff out the call of war. Many times, he played back recordings of her voice, her lingering laugh, and the melodic trill of her singing coupled with the methodical echoes of ivory keys.

        More times than not, he was clipping together their shared moments and reminiscing silently upon the few, rare memories when it'd just been him observing, times where she hadn't been burdened by expectations and could simply just exist.

        Untainted by the knowledge of his attention, pure and in all her glorified rawness; completely and unapologetically true.

        Something about that felt taboo in a way. Like, gazing upon a creature only heard of in myth and not being able to tell anyone as they'd never believe in such a fantastical being and yet, she existed.

        Unbound by imposing, primitive societal norms, manners, and hampering rules. Wild, free, completely and utterly in her own nature. Those memories were most cherished all because he had the privilege to capture her in her entirety. Often, if he revisited the moments of her tireless work, he could near swear that he could faintly hear the echo of a piano key with each unconscious twitch of her fingers as though the very virtuose bled from her in reckless abundance, unable to be properly contained in such a small being.

        The mere combination of her smile and sapphire eyes served to be both haunting and enchanting, for he knew once she was long gone her face would haunt his every waking moment, but for now, he allowed himself to be enchanted by her alien beauty.

        So like Cybertronian femmes and yet not. Once upon a time, the tyrant would've found repulsion in drawing such a conclusion, but no more.

        Other femmes, Cybertronian or otherwise, hadn't crossed his mind since setting optics on his conjunx.

        He'd seen much of her, both the surface level things she displayed outwardly to the world for all to see and the deeply buried pieces of her soul she kept locked away from even herself.

        But, what had she seen of him? Megatron had a good idea of what life looked like from her very eyes, but what of him?

        The stark revelation was enough to cause the giant pause as the inner mechanisms of his processor worked to supply him answers that were nonexistent.

        Lauren hadn't seen much of him at all, and he couldn't articulate if that were good or bad, but he had a limited amount of time to find the right answer, if there was such a thing. 

        Three joors...

One

        Dark clouds had hastily overtaken the once clear blue skies, crowding away the sunlight as if in an attempt to smother the earth. The rain that soon followed came down relentlessly, pelting against the ship with a vengeance that knew no rest.

        Shockwave had long since turned in, finding a place among the rest of his Decepticon brethren in an attempt to escape the precipitation, leaving both his esteemed leader and the small human woman to each other in a rare moment of privacy.

        Lauren, having hobbled her way through the vast vessel, stood perched at the tarmac's threshold while the storm raged on with no sign of letting up. The downpour dampened the toes of her worn boots and speckled the cuff of her pants hem, but it hardly went noticed as she kept her sights glued to the outside world, dreary and overcast.

        Megatron took up post beside his sparkmate, crimson optics trained upon her in favor, spark pulsing within his chamber. His gaze roamed her side profile, while his audials strained to listen to her beneath the onslaught of rain; just another one of Earth's many, many downsides. The tyrant noted the familiar way her pulse thrummed along with the way her pupils dilated and contracted to filter in what little light there was.

        She didn't like storms, he knew that for certain, despite the ridiculousness that surrounded the fear.

        The brunette shifted her weight upon her crutch, grunting just as a gust of cool wind swept past her to nip at what exposed skin she had. For a moment, she allowed her eyes to slip closed, greedily taking in a deep breath. The scent of petrichor and wet dirt pleased her senses, like a soothing balm for her psyche.

        If she focused hard enough, she could almost feel the electricity that permeated the atmosphere with each blinding flash of lightening. Another swoosh of air whipped past stronger than the last, eliciting goosebumps to erect across her flesh just as a sudden crash of thunder shook the planet beneath her feet. Lauren became acutely aware of her own heartbeat then as it, too, thundered from within, like it had been in competition.

        It had never been that she particularly disliked storms, but that she feared the ferocity they came with- the absolute uncertainty of the devastation they could reap and just how unassuming a slight drizzle could present before turning into something truly awful.

        It'd always been fear. Uncertainty. She knew that now, probably had for a long while and, suddenly, Megatron's words were thrust to the very forefront of her mind, nearly causing whiplash with just how abrupt it was.

        "Your fear is vacuous and meant for a coward."

        He'd been right and still was. She was a coward, but that didn't make her weak, for she valiantly found strength in her own fear and that's what drove her beyond what she ever thought imaginable. Some may have called her stubborn, bull headed even, and that was true too. There wasn't a specific moment in time where she could quite place when cowardice had turned into courage, but she knew it had everything to do with him.

        In the grand scheme of everything, of her life, she'd finally been brought to a moment where she easily questioned, 'who could hate the rain'?

        Another roll of thunder boomed, and she swore she could feel its supernatural power fill her chest. A gentle, knowing tug within drew her eyes to open, but her gaze never found his as she began to haphazardly kick off her boots with some trouble juggling the crutch.

        "What are you intending, girl?" The mech questioned in an instant, suspicion palpable as his optics burned holes into her.

        However, an answer never came as she tossed away her footwear and the hellish mobility aid without so much as a second thought. With her weight balanced precariously upon her better working leg, she spared the con a single parting smile, before stumbling down the ramp in an attempt at a run and out into the raging storm.

        The rain was immediate to drench her wholly, the near icy water soothing her wounds while simultaneously drowning out the world around her.

        A breathy chuckle escaped her lips as bare feet met the tall grass, the moist earth soft and squishy beneath her calloused soles. For a split second, she was a kid again and ready to jump in a mud puddle with zero regard for her outfit. All caution had been thrown to the wind, literally and metaphorically.

        As if the electricity in the air had revived a long dead part of her, she smiled to the heavens and accepted the cloud's tears to fully envelope her as she stumbled around the field jovially. Dirt and grass blades kissed her ankles as she pivoted into a puddle and stumbled downward.

        A surprised, yet pleasant squeal was squeezed from her lungs as she landed upon the grass beds and, abruptly, the rain had ceased to give way to a looming figured curled over the top of her small form. Lauren didn't have to think about who it was.

        Sapphire eyes squinted with her smile as she gazed up at Megatron who'd stooped to tower her fallen figure, his impressive size offering her a temporary shelter beneath him as she easily found herself at home in his vibrant stare.

        "You are too tenacious, bug." The mech rumbled as he bathed her in crimson, the light of his optics combined with the moistness of her skin made it seem as if she were ablaze, as if the very spark that resided within her had sprang free and ignited. It was beautiful. 

        She was beautiful and so very full of life.

        He committed the sight to memory, taking silent snapshots of her to forever live in her wake, so that one day when she inevitability rejoined the soil, she'd still live on like gold in his memories.

        "I never wanted anything from you, y'know?" Lauren huffed in mirth, propping herself upon her elbows as she grinned.

        "Everything I possess and have yet to obtain are your's in turn. Make no mistake." He bellowed, outreaching a talon to allow her the leverage she needed to rise to a stand.

        Taking the offered claw, she hoisted herself back to her feet, her hold never leaving as she flicked her sights back to his. Wet strands of hair stuck wildly to her face, and she couldn't find it within to care as burning warmth blossomed beneath her skin, staving off the rain's frigid temperature. "I love you." The words left her lips quickly before she released her grip and bolted away, moving fully back into the downpour playfully.

        Just for a second, it seemed time had stilled to allow her this temporary moment, and she greedily taken advantage of it for all its worth with no remorse.

        Lauren was going to enjoy every last second, she spent with him. Would make everything count so not a single minute was for naught.

        Another boom of thunder made the land shudder under the storm's ire.

        Megatron watched her scamper off, his optics tracing the slopes of her figure and the blues of her irises shone like beacons in the gloom. His spark bristled, burning hot beneath his chassis and, unbeknownst to even himself, the faintest beginning of a smile dared to pull at his lip plates. The mech rose to full height, thrusting himself toward the heavens she so desperately sought and started after her.

        He caught up easily, breaking at the waist to scoop her up as those three words reverberated through his very being, sending his spark awry with untamable emotion.

        I love you.

        Mere words would never fully capture nor deliver the weight in which he felt, but 'I love you' could be a start.

        Lauren yipped happily as he swooped her off her feet to bring her soaked form close. Lazily, she bat away stray strands of dark hair that fell into her vision. Her entire being bloomed in warmth as though the heat of a thousand suns had ignited beneath her skin. It almost made it hard to breath as she choked on the rapid influx of wild emotions, and she knew he could feel it too.

        How could he not?

        The sky cracked with a blinding flash of lightening, a ceremonious explosion of thunder followed suit. The Decepticon held her high, as if to display her for all to see and admire. As though she were someone to be proud of. 

        Megatron roared with the power and ferocity of a million men and then some. He bestowed her high, almost offering her to the very God she bowed before. Roared with enough passion and ardor for the both of them for an eternity.

        I love you. Such a simple phrase could unleash such a paroxysm of devotion, and he'd choose her in every lifetime without thought, choose her a thousand times, because he knew absolutely that with her there'd always be a quiet certainty that no matter what, she was the one who belonged by his side.

        Another planet shuttering roar clawed up his throat and he released it without question.

        Lauren found herself fighting back the thrum in her chest, battling back the frenzied beat of her heart that demanded she act. Act upon what, though, she didn't quite know, but it was there- the feeling, the emotion. 

        The spark homed within surged in an almost violent flurry of heat and affection, commanding a million things from her that she hadn't a single right word for.

        No words needed to be said. Not with him.

        Not when they were together.

        She'd known since her youth that love had always been a choice, the whole responsibility of the carrier of said love. And despite that knowledge, it almost felt like there was never a choice to make, because Lauren knew her heart would always choose him. Perhaps all the hardship in her short life had been many steppingstones in the path to him and, suddenly, nothing seemed that bad.

        The brunette basked in the striking glow of his optics, at home and at peace in his stare, the rain long forgotten as she soaked in his heat.

        His roars settled her; the wordless action spoke louder than anything either of them could say. And his hold said 'I'm here' more than any promise ever could.

        In a universe of endless possibilities, she would choose him at every possible chance. She'd feel that choice in every sunrise, every heartbeat, every breath, and even if life offered her every love in the world, she'd find her way back to him. Always.

        Without a second thought, her hand found its way atop his metal as he bellowed to the galaxy, and she copied. A wild and unrestrained noise tore from her lungs to join his cry and, though, her's would never rival his volume, her's certainly outweighed his tenfold.

____________________

        Like all good things, the downpour had eventually phased out until all that was left were plumes of dark, billowing clouds and the moisture left behind.

        All were gathered once more with each respective leader focused intently on the words leaving Lennox's mouth. The solider relayed information all while hashing out the game plan for the days to come.

        Lauren had almost refused to go, not particularly keen on socializing with a crowd of people nor dealing with the ruckus that followed but attend she did. A part of her subconscious chided that she was being selfish not wanting to spare of a moment of her time- their time with the others and, honestly, who was she to tell the Decepticon overlord what he could and could not do?

        He would've done as she asked, she knew that but knowing that didn't mean it was the right thing to do. A hissed whisper within her skull harshly reminded her that it wasn't only Megatron she was losing, no, it was everyone. All the cons.

        The autobots would remain on earth, that much was a fact, but it wouldn't be the same and maybe that was why she was selfish- greedy even.

        They weren't them...

        The brunette had no part in any of the tactile discussion, opting to ignore it all together in favor of the booze Epps had so graciously provided to which she dutifully nursed her drink as the night grew old. Perhaps it was the liquid serenity coursing through her veins along with the burn the dark liquor provided that eased her so, though, another part of her knew it had something to do with her sparkmate.

        It was odd, not having anger or negativity slosh over into her end of the bond. She hummed contently knowing that a part of him, weather it be small or big, was at peace in some aspect.

        He was happy.

        Sapphire eyes danced over the strange display of men and mech alike as the flame of the fire kissed warmth upon her cheeks while the bourbon heated her from the inside out.

        Tessa bantered playfully with Shane who smiled toothily at his girlfriend, Bumblebee stood just above them as he whirred with obvious amusement in his baby blues. The cons and autobots settled into their own version of back-and-forth banter, too. It almost didn't seem like they'd been trying to kill each other years prior and that was all she could hope for, that they all existed in peace. At least for a little while.

        Peace. That world almost felt foreign and ill fitting.

        Lauren exhaled with a flare of her nostrils before lifting the solo cup to sip her drink once more, her eyes peeked just over the rim, spotting Cade some ways off in his lonesome, seemingly drifting along the outskirts of the gathering.

        Detached. The father looked detached as he absently held his own beverage.

        She observed for several moments before lazily hobbling his way and it took him only a split second to notice her entering the invisible bubble he'd created. Cade offered a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes in wordless greeting.

        "You're lingering." Lauren commented loosely, tone gentle and not at all accusing. "You packing different steel nowadays?" Her lips quirked up in the beginnings of a smirk.

        Cade only offered a dry chuckle as his gaze briefly flicked down to his still full drink before returning to the just off rumble of racket the group had created some yards off. "Yeah. I guess I am."

        The brunette sipped again, finding reprieve in the gentle burn the liquor supplied and the much-needed relaxation that followed suit. She'd never been a drinker, not that she'd never not had a suitable reason to pick it up, but she simply never felt the need, so being able to indulge for once was an answered prayer. A much-needed distraction from everything around her.

        "Live by it, you die by it." A hum escaped her alcohol flavored lips. "Pray to God you never have to see any of them again. Pray to God you don't get used to not seeing them again. They're always on your back... even when they're off your back." She smiled genuinely at that, watching everyone from a comfortable distance. A soft, humorless snort left her.

        Cade took that as his que to turn himself partially to the younger woman. "How much have you had to drink?"

        The two of them shared a brief laugh as she shifted her sights to the father. "I am not a big woman. And I have had many drinks to make up for that." Sapphire eyes squinted under the stretch of her smile.

        "Uh-huh, is that right?"

        "Yes. And you know what?" Lauren snickered as Cade raised a brow, creasing his forehead. "By that brave act, I have..." Her words trailed off as she panned her cison back out toward the gathering. "I have come to realize that things have worked out pretty damn well for me." She shifted her weight as Cade's attention also drifted back towards the gaggle of mech and men.

        "How about you?" Sapphire eyes flicked toward him. "What have you done?"

        A thoughtful expression colored his wrinkles before he stepped to the side to look at the shorter woman. "I had Tess."

        "Try again." Lauren's smile beamed as if knowing something he wasn't privy too, but it may also have been the alcohol coursing through her blood that seemed to make everything, for just a few minutes, seem okay.

____________________

        Sleep was done reluctantly and as much as she fought the pull of exhaustion, she was only human.

        Much to her misfortune.

        Slender fingers glided over ivory keys with practiced ease, hardly any thought went into the deliberate motions. A fond sense of familiarity served as her cushion for the moment as she whole heartedly immersed herself into the music.

        Drinking hadn't been all she'd hoped it'd be. Did it help her forget everything for a few moments? Yes. Did she need the break? Absolutely. Did it still hurt? Indefinitely.

        Lauren did all she could to swallow back any feelings she had on the subject, shoving down the ugliness vehemently and violently, compartmentalizing it all for a later date so she may find some joy in their remaining days.

        She may break down when he no longer was close enough to touch her- close enough to see the wreck she'd inevitably crumble into.

        She wanted to be remembered as she is; stubborn, hearty, and resilient. Not a broken mess. 

        Sapphire eyes trailed the off-white keys as her fingers danced along in perfect tandem. The echo of the piano in the far too empty auditorium was almost as haunting as it was enchanting. She remembered the place fondly, recalling the few times she'd played there in her younger days. If she stared too long over the expanse of seats, she could near swear the echoes of stage fright trickling across her skin, so her sights remained upon the instrument before her.

        "Touch me I'm cold, unable to control. Touch me I'm golden and wild as the wind blows. And tumbling, don't go fascination. If just for tonight darling, let's get lost. If just for tonight darling, let's get lost."

        Lauren felt him then, pushing back into the bond and a soft hum escaped her as she played dutifully. Sapphire eyes panned toward the bright center light for a split second before she allowed her eyelids to slip closed, content to simply feeling the music.

        "Let me come closer, I'm not your shadow. With our eyes shielding from the oncoming counts."

        Nimble fingers drummed the keys in quick succession as her heart hammered from deep within the limiting confines of her ribcage. And, for a fleeting moment, she swore if she listened hard enough the thump of her own heartbeat existed outside her, booming like a bass.

        Again, she felt him. Closer this time and his attention palpable, but never did she cease her playing. Not for a moment.

        "It's not hard for us to say what we should not. If just for tonight darling, let's get lost. If just for tonight darling, let's get lost."

        Megatron had made quick time in following her into the throws of unconsciousness, not allowing her to slip between his talons so easily, lithe and cunning as she was 

        Doing so had brought him upon the vastness of the auditorium once more and his mind produced fleeting images of her adorn in white from a memory long past. He'd lingered for several kliks, reserved to stalking along the far wall, observing her in her entirety as she composed, but he knew.

        He knew she knew he was there. Watching.

        The reverberations of her voice trapped within the cavernous space were near hypnotizing and if he'd been smarter he'd of fled then, but he'd been known to make a mistake or two in his long life.

        His spark bristled in a fierce flurry, demanding he close the distance between them, but continue to lingering he did even as his spark blazed from within, biting at him and she felt it too. He knew as much as her irises swept past him swiftly before returning to her piece. Another incessant yank from within his chassis had him bellowing before his pedes carried him forth.

        Crimson optics never dared leave her in the silent fear she may disappear.

        "Touch me I'm cold, unable to control. Touch me I'm golden and wild as the wind blows. And tumbling tumbling, don't go fascination."

        The lyrics trembled off her lips, heartbeat drumming in her ears as she felt the persistent pull from within ease esvr so slightly only to be replaced with blooming warmth beneath her skin and the sudden feeling of being breathless. If anyone could hear her heart it'd be now.

        Sapphire eyes fluttered opened when she felt familiar appendages feather her shoulder only to then trail along the length of her back. The weightless touch left goosebumps in their wake and she began to tap the piano keys just a bit harder.

        "If just for tonight darling, let's get lost."

        Megatron allowed a baritone grumble to claw up his throat as he caressed along her flesh, savoring the fleeting contact as he rounded her seated position. Primus, his spark smoldered with the heat of a thousand suns. Wildly ablaze and unrestrained. A small part of the mech wondered if she, too, felt the burn.

        Beyond her voice, he could hear the acute pound of her heart, loud and brilliant and he knew she also felt the ignition.

        The decepticon bit back a primal roar when the blues of her eyes caught him and latched onto his movements. Crimson optics caught the near indecipherable way her pupils dilated as if seemingly trying to capture all of him, mind, body, and soul.

        And still, she sang. Her vocalizations even and direct in their delivery.

        "If just for tonight darling, let's get lost."

        Lauren felt breathless, as if all the oxygen had been burned up from her lungs and her words stolen away, replaced by something that no mere words could ever convey fully. She was sure he could hear her heart now and she didn't care.

        For all the damage and wrong in her life, for once she knew with absolute certainty that this- he was right.

        If she didn't know any better, she'd almost think the world had ceased its movement and they were at the center of the whole universe.

        Lauren couldn't place when her lyrics had stopped being lyrics and simply started to become her words as she sang- spoke with all the fervor she'd so desperately yearned for her whole life.

        "If just for tonight darling, let's get lost."

        Megatron caught the slight pinch in her brow, the willfulness of her tone, and the sudden teem of his spark as though it were fighting to free itself from his chassis. The tyrant heeded the call without question and moved forward with purpose and intent.

        "Let's get lost."

        Talons caught the underside of her jaw in one swift motion, surging himself into her space. Her fingers faltered the keys as her eyes caught his, wide and so full of wordless questions.

        "Focus and listen. Follow, girl." The words were almost purred, the gentle command evident in them and she did just that.

        The piano and auditorium forgotten in an instant, Lauren allowed her eyes to slip closed as she nudged into the shared bond with persistence. For a split second, she'd thought she miststepped her focus, but when he caught her end, he easily submerged her into himself fully.

        She drowned, both literally and metaphorically.

        Water was the first thing she felt, followed by the telltale warmth of a mech hoisting her skyward to save her from slipping too far beneath the surface.

        She should've been mad, absolutely livid even, but the anger never came. In place of the nonexistent retaliation, came a blinding smile as she pushed away the wet tresses in her vision. Sapphire eyes took a quick gander around and looked out over the expanse of water that seemed to stretch on for endless miles.

        The questions never came as she simply reserved herself to the moment.

        It was dark and the expanse of stars that cluttered the vast inkiness almost felt unreal, but she knew better. Somewhere out there, it did look like that and she envied that and them, whoever they may be.

        She remembered her grandfather's shaky voice then, the distant ring of wind chimes coupled with his words, 'if something is meant for you it will always find its way back, but sometimes it has to leave so you can become the person you have to be to fully receive it. What's meant for you is never truly lost, it's part of you. No matter how much time passes, if it's meant to be, it'll come back' and his flippant musings about the first man on the moon.

        And the moon felt suddenly so much closer than it had ever been before. As close as flying to another state, just in reach and yet, so, so, so far away.

        Cybertron. The word echoed inside her skull, unable to leave her.

        Then, she remembered her dad. And her grandfather's words made more sense. But this time...

        "What occupies your mind, bug?" Megatron pulled her from her thoughts as his giant form pushed through the water, sending ripples up in his wake while he held her close.

        "Just remembered something." The brunette answered with ease as her wet clothes stuck to her body oddly. The mech offered his palm out toward a rock formation to which she shifted to sit atop. The disturbed water lapped at her feet needily, but it went unnoticed as her sights remained upon the night sky, seemingly transfixed.

        Those first nights in the barn returned to her like flashbacks and the quiet nights spent upon her porch just staring up at the expanse of space.

        She remembered the first night spent with him, talking and wordless understanding. She remembered feeling like his words were absolute and how she'd never heard many people speak like that before and how she wished more people spoke with such finality. That night, somewhere between the rain, conversations, and long pauses, she fell in love. If she were being honest, it was a disturbingly short amount of time between meeting him and wanting to say 'I love you'. It felt reckless, like jumping off a cliff without checking the depth of the water below, but something about him made it feel safe. Like, the fall wasn't something to fear, but something she was meant to experience blindly.

        Remembered thinking even then that love wasn't supposed to happen like that; so quickly, so completely, but with him it felt like time was bending. Like, everything before the barn was just a prologue to that moment.

        To them.

        It was more than just love, though. Megatron taught her how to dream, how to hope, how to want more than just the ordinary.

        Alone.

        She'd always liked being alone, convinced herself at a far too young age that being alone was what was right for her. That quiet comfortable stillness where everything felt steady and in control, but that's how she knew- felt- that he was different.

        For the first time in her whole life, she wanted- craved someone else's company more than her own. Sparkbond be damned.

        He hadn't filled a void, no. Megatron had violently carved out a space so vicious and tenderly in her life. It wasn't about needing him, but wanting him over and over, because somehow being together felt like breathing clean air. Like being truly free for the first time ever.

        Being alone, she felt whole, but being with him... she felt infinite, like her universe expanded just by having him in it.

        He never robbed her of the quiet, he inserted himself into it, like a song that doesn't overwhelm, but lingers softly and vibrantly, the dying sound of a struck piano chord.

        And now... when he's gone- without him- the silence won't be empty, but heavy. Filled with the weight of everything he'll leave behind.

Alone.

        The full weight of the word dawned on her in that moment, seemingly trying to drag her beneath the water and tether her into darkness once and for all. As if to force her into accepting her fate and all that would never be.

        Her own words came back to her then. Bombarded her so suddenly she nearly choked on her breath.

        'You know what grandpa? I'ma get through college without him. I'm going to get a good job without him. I'm going to marry a good man and have me a whole house full of kids, I'll be a better parent than he ever was! And I sure as shit don't need him for that, because there's not a damn good thing he could ever teach me about being a good parent!'

        The shrill cries of her prepubescent voice rang out in her ears as if that day had been yesterday, still so vivid, but the pain numbed to a dull ache she'd long grown used to.

        Kids. Lauren couldn't stop the dry snort that slipped past her defenses as her hands came up to squeeze the excess water from her cropped locks. Oh, how different her life turned out.

        Lauren had, in truth, never seen herself with kids, as a mother. The idea was kept around simply to stick it to her dad, to show him how a real parent should've acted. To give the parental love that she never quite got. It was her stubborn bullheadedness shining through, the spite and sadness that had been bottled up inside since the ripe age of single digits.

        She'd never wanted kids, but she'd seen the joy that life held and somewhere along the line she'd began to think twice, but she never wanted kids?

        A sudden gentle, yet firm touch pulled her from her spiraling thoughts before she pondered too hard.

        Careening her head to follow Megatron's gesture, his talon tucked up under her jaw to turn her attention to him fully. Crimson optics narrowed slightly as he searched her face, his spark humming. "What is it that holds your attention so adamantly, bug? Speak." His grumble came bluntly, yet all malice was absent.

        Lauren turned her face away once more, expression dropping for a moment as she brushed the hair from her visage, her eyes returned skyward. She mulled over the right words, if there was such a thing.

        Megatron pounced upon the fleeting simmer of odd emotions that spilled into him. Quick to pick up where the feelings disappeared in an effort to decipher what it was that plagued her mind. Crimson optics remained trained upon her, following the subtle flick of her eyes as she scoured the darkness. He drifted closer to where she perched, sending the water up in gentle waves.

        "Y'know," the brunette began almost uncertain with her word choice. "I never wanted kids. A lot of girls in school always talked about it. And I always said I wanted a family, but I think that was just to be better than my dad. Stick it to the man, y'know?" A lopsided grin curled at her rosy lips.

        "Your sire is only deserving of the pit he crawled from." The distaste in his tone was easily felt. The mech watched as her shoulders sagged slightly.

        "Yeah? Join the club of people who think that." She sighed softly as if to disperse her statement. "Kids just never appealed to me. I don't know what's with me. They just don't make sense. I know I didn't." The slender woman pulled her knees close. "They keep you up at night and they leave every room a mess. I think they stink, just like how you thought I did." A soft chuckle escaped her.

        Megatron had half the mind to bark at her, but the will never came as he listened intently.

        He'd never wanted sparklings... At least not in recent cycles.

        "They have super small shoes, and they get lost. I don't think I ever kept track of a matching pair. Made my mom really mad." Fond memories of her mother scoding her surfaced then. "I never wanted kids, but..." Her words trailed off as if the words dying before they could ever be uttered.

        Reaching out a tentative claw, the mech took a moment to brush some stray strands of hair over the cusp of her ear, savoring the affectionate gesture he'd grown accustomed to. "Continue your words, sweet."

        Lauren bat her eyes over her shoulder, catching the comforting glow of his optics before continuing. "I see you and I think twice." Though the words were whispered, the impact they had was indescribably heavy. Lauren paused in the wake of what she'd just said. "But I never wanted kids..." She all, but breathed to herself, as if trying to make sense of everything.

        Megatron raked his talons over her head once more, staling slightly to observe her.

        He'd never wanted sparklings...

        With a slow exhale as if a long-carried weight had slipped from her shoulders, she righted herself and continued speaking. "I don't know... Imagine if they had your eyes and my nose. Maybe our eyes would mix and they'd come out purple like the galaxy. I'd want them to be happy and not at all anxious." Her tone was soft, but light with a range of emotions. The water lapped at the rock's edge and she unfurling herself to allow the liquid to hit her feet. A smile painted her features as she whipped her head around to face him fully. "We could have a little tiny me and a little big you running around inside of a little room. It'd be right next to our kitchen that could fit way more than two. There'd been some little sneakers next to my boots." An abrupt laugh burst from her lips and she caught it quickly. "What am I doing? I'm fantasizing about something that doesn't even play a role in my life, but just imagine."

        Megatron felt his spark stall for a kilk as he zoomed in onto her radiant face and captured the moment wholly. Her words sent a blistering wave of emotions surging through his wires. His metals felt tight.

        He'd never wanted sparklings, but maybe...

        Lauren rose to her feet, unrestricted by the injury that plague her living body, and jumped into the water with a splash only to hastily resurface a moment later in a flurry, all smiles and bright eyes.

        He's seen her smile and it had him thinking twice.

        Something deep inside him twinged with pain, indescribable loathing at the prospect that he, once more, could not give her what she wanted. Of all the things the cosmos could grant, and he was unable to provide the one thing her spark desired... It was a natural culling for a femme to yearn for a sparkling and something about depriving her felt inhumane.

        Human.

        That accursed word was thrust to the forefront of his processor, and he bit back a threatening growl. Bit back the carnal anger to smite down Primus himself for not damning him- no, he could suffer the consequences just fine but damning her.

        This was punishment and he deserved it, but not his conjunx.

        "I don't know. Maybe just a puppy would be fine." Lauren quipped from where she floated on her back, gaze pointed up toward him. Despite the evident serenity on her face, he could feel the veil between them hiding away the underlying, unspoken hurt.

        In one quick movement, Megatron scooped her up in a cascade of water, pulling her high and close to his chassis only to roar out once more.

        It wasn't loud by his means, and it wasn't to be an entirely prideful roar, but one that better conveyed the anguish, a battle cry with no fight to be had.

        Once his vocal processor had fried, he dropped his helm, careful as he connected his with her's allowing himself a klik to take her in fully.

____________________

Two

        The rain had yet to cease in its unrelenting assault upon the earth, though the downpour had significantly reduced in intensity.

        Megatron's audiuals tuned out the distant sound of pitter pattering and set his sights upon Lauren who'd not yet risen to greet the new day. Deep in the throes of a hangover slumber, she was blissfully unaware of the world and him. He'd only seen her sleep so soundly one other time and he refused to ever remember the sight of her lying unconscious in a med bay- hospital room.

        There she laid lax atop his chassis, the heat that rolled off him in waves served as an invisible blanket. She didn't even stir when his chest plate rose with a vent.

        Crimson optics cut through the dark and remained trained upon her small form as he memorized each and every detail of the scene. He swore he could almost feel the subtle shift in his optics as he captured her visage in still shots.

        Cropped hair haloed beyond the crown of her head, her cheek squished into his metal, mouth slightly ajar, and her eyes danced in jerky twitches from beneath her eyelids.

        What was she dreaming? Megatron hadn't a clue and he almost didn't care as long as she slept peacefully. Didn't even care that he'd been idle for far longer than he liked either because she was there, so it was okay.

        That distant voice within his mind that had once chided at him constantly that it was "wrong"- that they were wrong, had since gone silent. Snuffed out by the viciousness of his spark and blinded back into the deep recesses every time he caught her eyes.

        It wasn't as if he cared what was wrong anymore, either. Too far gone to turn back and too content to ever consider it.

        If it- they - were wrong, then he never wished to be right, only happy.

        His claw found its way to her tussled tresses absently, as if he'd been doing it his whole life, and gently swept some away from her face as his sights rested easily upon her relaxed face. He stayed that way for a long while, just staring and bits and pieces of her voice from times prior flitted about his mind.

        "You have to let me go..."

        Those words hit harder than any foe he'd ever fought. Harder and stronger than any weapon in the known universe, flaying him open and exposing his spark for all to see before having it extinguished.

        "You have to let me let you go... I need you to do that for me."

        The full weight of those words- her plea, sat heavy on his shoulders. The fleeting images of her tear strained eyes, so unfitting of her resistance and courage, stood out to him starkly as if her irises caged him in place and refused to free him.

        His glossa ran along the backside of his denta, his jaw torqued so tightly, he may just break it. He swallowed back his spark, forcing it into the depths of its chamber.

        Megatron wasn't used to this. Wasn't used to anything, but he wanted to be. Wanted to wake to her face each joor, desired to find a comfortable stalemate in silence, yearned to be at home in her gaze always, and wished she never leave his side.

        Primus... God... Anyone.

        A puny, illogical part of the mech feared he may somehow forget her, and she'd fade away for good, but his spark put a startling halt to such idiocy.

        He brushed along her scalp with care, his talons feather light across her hair.

        How could he ever forget her?

        Her very name would forever claw at the inside of his throat, like a statement he desperately needed to proclaim, but can't. Would burn everytime he'd try to swallow it like he could handle it.

        The primal and far more domineering part of himself silently hoped that after he was gone, she'd think of him whenever she see the color red and spilled blood. That she sees his face in every male and slips up to say his name. Prays his memory has stained her entire life and each time she bathes it only spreads.

        He hoped to never be forgotten or become just that, a fast-fading memory devoid of color and sound. And when death inevitably comes to take her hand and steal her away, she will hold his with the other and swear to find him in every lifetime.

        'I love you'

        The echo of those words struck out to him fiercely in that moment and a soft tug at his spark completely pulled him back to the present. Lauren stirred atop him, shifting with a huff onto her uninjured side almost as though his thoughts had disturbed her very being and she responded in kind.

        Blue eyes fluttered open, blinking back the exhaustion that turned her bones to lead. "What time...?" Her voice was gruff from its neglected use as she used her free hand to rub at her face.

        "Of no relevance, girl." He came evenly, his talons brushed away some hair once more, the brunette strands tangled despite the short length.

        "Time?" She pushed herself up into a seated position, back hunched as her joints protested.

        "A mere concept, bug. Cease your inquiries." Megatron retorted, the talon that belong to his hand moved to cup her as he rose to full height.

        In truth, time was the last thing he wanted to think too hard on, all too acquainted with how ruthless of a thief it was and just how quickly life could escape one when not paying close enough attention.

        Two joors.

        They still had two entire rotations around the sun to complete before his departure drew near.

____________________

        Normalcy.

        It was a simple word that Lauren had little association with. Acquainted at best and completely, utterly inexperienced at worst. Life was odd in that way.

        If it wasn't one thing it was another and then the cycle would repeat itself in an endless loop until it could be broken.

        For a short while she'd thought she had it all figured out.

        After her grandparents' passing and inheriting the house, she'd planned it all out in a rough draft; she'd work out of her own shop in the converted barn, pay her bills on time like any normal adult, eat, sleep, and then repeat. Maybe along the way she would've met "the one", settle down in that big farmhouse, and build a normal life, but it seemed God and other plans.

        He always had other plans.

        Lauren wouldn't say she was upset at the way things turned out, at least, she wasn't upset anymore even though she should be for having her entire world uprooted and tipped upside down, because even though she lost, she also gained and for that she was inexplicably thankful.

        Thankful for everything, everyone, him.

        The brunette huffed as she pulled away from the mech, sweat beading along her brow as she worked.

        But all that didn't stop her from craving some semblance of normality, odd circumstances be damned.

        Cade had been generous enough to have ventured back to what used to be the cathedral in the hopes of salvaging anything worth a damn. Luck must've been smiling down upon them for once as he was able to recover a good majority of the secondhand tools and the guitar that had escaped relatively unscathed, save for some chips in the wood and a snapped string.

        The father had been quick to hand off the instrument to her with the excuse of not allowing Shane a single moment to contemplate serenading his daughter.

        And she accepted it.

        The radio droned on in the background as she dutifully solder some wires together, being sure to avoid burning herself any more than she already had. It wasn't as if Megatron needed the additional work and he was in operable form, but she had craved the comfortable mindlessness that accompanied working her hands.

        The rain had let up temporarily and she was swift to take her work outside, allowing for the cool air to nip at her skin and the dark plumes of clouds to crowd the skies. The dampened grass beneath her feet dirtied her boots with wet soil.

        Her hands busied themselves absently as sapphire eyes wandered toward his side chassis once more, gaze tracing the symbols of the engraving she had noticed all those weeks ago. Her stare lingered each time the alien text caught her vision, mentally following each line and slope of the lettering, committing it to memory.

        "Your optics betray your focus, girl." The mech stated bluntly, crimson gaze trained upon her.

        Lauren finished crimping the wire between her fingertips before dropping her arms as her back protested. "Wouldn't be a first." She huffed, shifting her weight to better rest her injured limb, feet aching and her brows pinched.

        A gruff grunt left him as he rose to full height in one swift movement. He was far more agile than his gargantuan sized let on. "Cease your work. There's no longer a need for such accommodation. Rest."

        "I'm fine. I'm just sore-"

        Megatron cut her off. "Do not lie or take me for a fool. My words were not for debate." He grumbled lowly as his form began to transform smoothly around her small form.

        The brunette was plopped into his cockpit unceremoniously, eliciting a surprised yelp as she shifted to right herself. A reprimand about 'warning' rolled just to the tip of her sharp tongue before her ire disappeared just as quickly as it had come. No use in wasting her breath for something that would likely never change. And a part of her hoped he never did.

        Without any of that aforementioned warning, he took off in a blur of movement, so fast that if she had blinked, she would've missed the take-off entirely.

        She hadn't a clue what was to come, and she found she rather enjoyed the spontaneousness of it, the bot knowing and living for the moment rather than killing herself dwelling on what had already happened and what was yet to come.

        Right here. Right now. That's where she was - where they were.

        Now.

        An excited yelp escaped her lungs before she could stifle it as Megatron climbed in altitude rapidly. In on swift movement, Lauren hunched forward and caught a radio dial with familiar precision. It only took a moment to find a station in English before she sat back to enjoy the ride and tunes.

        "She's at the window laughing at a horoscope. I lay on the floor stuck in the same old story I'm reading. I gotta get out tonight. Doesn't matter where I go, I'm just wasting some time. I want you. Yeah, I want, I want you."

        He pushed his thrusters to their limits, breaking every top speed, he thought imaginable. Through the skies he soared with lethal tenacity. His spark flared in close proximity to its other half and the feeling only served to further fuel the fire beneath him. The thrill of her nearness evident in the way his whole being responded.

        His audials fine-tuned to the sound of her voice and the music that droned on. The bass beat along the rhythm of her heartbeat and it only made the sound that much more perfect; loud, filled with vigor, and thunderous, just as she had always been.

        The con took a moment to divert his attention away from navigating, his sights moving inward to capture quick shots of her, sporadic bursts of saved audio and zoomed in video forever stored away just for him.

        She was beautiful. Absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt, perfect.

        "Running hand-in-hand, baby. Don't know what's up and what's down. The roads just winding and bending, but it's gotta go somewhere."

        Lauren felt a smile break out over her lips as the belt was thrown over her torso and secured snuggly before the both of them dropped into a vertigo inducing barrel roll. Adrenaline surged in her veins as that fond yank from within tugged knowingly and she laughed. Loudly. Louder than she had in a long while.

        A part of her wanted the chirp out where exactly they were going, but the rest of her couldn't care less to know as long as they went together.

        "I lost my vision, I've lost my goals. I've lost my ambition, but you never, ever, ever let go. No, you never let go. I've lost lost direction, I've lost control. I'm falling off the edge but you never, ever, ever let go. No, you never let go."

        The con had rolled right into a left bank, curving with ease as he fought back the wild thrum of his spark that was so adamant to be free.

        Patience. He'd said many a time to her, and he was finding he was having to start reprimanding himself for, too, being impatient and hasty.

        But who could blame him?

        "Where do I go? Why can't I find my damn meaning? I wanna know someone out there with this feeling. If I could change parts of me I wouldn't even know what I'd want 'em to be without you. Yeah, without- without you."

        Sapphire eyes peered out the glass to gaze upon the much closer setting sun, dusk upon them once more and signaling the rapid approach of another day done.

        She ignored that information in favor of the vibrant hues that painted the horizon, hypnotized by the beauty of it.

        The music continued on without her and subconsciously, unknown even to her, her grip tightened upon her seat as her eyes glued themselves to the sunset as the song faded out to make room for another, though she paid it little mind as she stared unblinking.

        "Here I am waiting. I'll have to leave soon. Why am I holding on? We knew this day would come."

        Megatron descended with cautioned speed, pulling back the glass that caged her in. The wind that swept through the cockpit came instantly and he swore he caught the fleeting scent of her skin as it rode the air.

        His sights set upon the nearing body of water in the distance, and he descended lower until his thrusters nearly scraped the Earth's crust.

        "How did it come so fast? This is our last night, but it's late and I'm trying not to sleep 'cause I know when I wake, I will have to slip away."

        The draft swept her up immediately, sending her cropped hair up in a chaotic flurry of mousy brown. Blue eyes squinted against the breeze as she staggered to her feet, Megatron's entire being shifting to accommodate her movement as she haphazardly lent over the pit's threshold to graze her fingertips along the lakes surface.

        A soft smile pulled at her lips as she felt the music take hold of her soul- no, it wasn't a soul. Not anymore. Her spark.

        The weight of such a realization had her leaning down until her whole body draped the pit side in a sort of hug, a measly attempt at getting closer to him.

        "Here I am staring at your perfection. In my arms, so beautiful. The sky is getting bright, the stars are burning out. Somebody slow it down."

        Megatron could feel the approximate weight of her small form cling to him wordlessly and he reciprocated in kind, shifting some internals and metals aside to allow her closer access as he slowed to a steady cruise, ghosting the surface tension of the water, but not breaking it.

        If Primus would allow such a thing, then he'd wish to remain just as they were now for the eons to come, but he knew Primus was just as unforgiving as time itself was and that grace could only be so lenient and that he was least deserving of any type of forgiveness. 

        But her- Primus, he almost begged (almost), let her be as she was and let her thrive, both just survive.

        "This is my last glance that will soon be memory."

        He dialed back the music into a near nonexistent hum that couldn't even rival white noise. The words- lyrics for too realistic than he cared to admit, but the mech did find that he related to them, too.

        Soon be memory... Every glance, look, moment shared was a privilege and torture simultaneously. The universe allowed him to sample the true divines of a life well lived only to tear it away at last second.

        And he knew he deserved it. Accepted it as much even, but...

        Lauren hummed absently, her head lolled to the side to rest upon her folded arm as she savored the passing scenery in contempt. Her fingertips feathered over his metals in an almost affectionate manner, a mindless movement she found soothing. A gentle pull within had her focus pulled back to reality, her movements paused briefly before ultimately resuming, save for her hum.

        They were flying slow, slower than she'd ever thought possible for a craft of his size, but then again when had anything been normal in her life as of late?

        Some things didn't have answers, and she'd come to terms with that. Accepted that sometimes things were just as they were supposed to be.

        That was okay. Alright.

        Her eyes watched as the sun nearly disappeared beyond the horizon, those vivid colors in the sky dulled into the cool tones of night, paving the way for the stars that would soon follow the moon's appearance.

        The water seemed to stretch on for forever as far as her eyes could see. Serene. That was the first word that came to mind in that moment, serenity. All was calm and quiet as the wind danced through her tangled hair and the feeling of small flowers bloomed in her chest alongside the thump of her heart.

        "I love you." The words left her lips lazily, unbidden by the need to be reciprocated, because she knew. She knew it ran deep between them.

        Felt it.

        And felt it he did. Experienced it with his entire being fully and violently as though he were out on a battlefield.

        Megatron listened to her wholly, her words and the subtle almost imperceptible way her accent bled into her speech, the rushing of blood in her veins, and the way her spark sang to his in perfect synchrony- a wordless, silent duet comprised of them.

        His own spark surged viciously then, like a trapped predator fighting to be freed from its cage and he bent to its will with little struggle as he kicked his thrusters up a notch to reach the nearby shore.

        With ease and practiced care, the decepticon transformed and deposited her too wet earth below before moving back toward the water, his strides long and purposeful as he entered the lake. Once the cool liquid lapped at his knee servos, he turned to face his sparkmate.

        Lauren hadn't anticipated the impromptu change in pace, but she kept up nonetheless, followed his lead with no regard, no question. Trusted him entirely.

        Darkness had begun to roll over the land, slowly plunging the world into the eventual inkiness of night. But, despite all that, his optics shone like beacons for her to follow and follow she did, obliging the incessant pull from within her chest without so much as a second thought.

        The brunette rose to her feet with some trouble not to hurt her leg and watched as he extended a clawed hand out in her direction. It wasn't a demand, but an invitation.

        For a split, fleeting second, she vaguely remembered the doctor from the hospital telling her not to submerged herself.

        She deliberated a moment before effectively picking the 'fuck it' option just as she had before.

        And, like that night all those weeks ago, she striped of her clothes with a kick of her boots. Ignoring the chill that nipped at her exposed flesh, she started after him with a hobble, eyes trained upon his in silent understanding as she, too, reached out her hand, taking the tip of a talon in her hold.

        They didn't go far into the lake, only some feet out. Megatron stooped to sit, the water only barely reaching his hips as he drew the smaller woman near.

        Lauren's bare feet padded the lake floor as she submerged herself, the icy bite if the water sending a jolt up her spine like an electric shock, but she didn't waver in the face of its frigidness but accepted it for what it was worth. A small, distant echo inside whispered her admittance to wanting to disappear beneath the dark water to sink down deep. Deeper into the planet and into the limbo zone where her body may remain as it was for forever, but no such thing would ever happen.

        Megatron allowed the parting of his chest plating, exposing his chamber to allow his spark to break free from the limiting confines of his body.

        And free itself it did, but calmly despite the absolute chaos it possessed. It did not move fast, nor did it dart, but descend upon the smaller woman with as much gentle care as he'd displayed.

        Lauren's pupils blew wide as the light came into her view, glistening off the ripples in the water as it flitted to a fro. With some trouble, she pushed through the lakes resistance to get closer, but she didn't have to struggle ling as Megatron moved to scoop her up in a cascade. His warmth permeated the air, and she savored it greedily.

        The spark didn't give off heat, something she noted each time she encountered it, but it was still surprising, nonetheless.

        No words were exchanged; there's wasn't a need.

        In his hold, she basked in the closeness of the glimmer as it occupied all her Immediate space; circling around her, trailing up a leg only to then wind up her arm as it lit up her whole world in a soft blue. Life itself in the palms of her hands. A life that was surely her's.

        All was quiet and yet so loud all at once. Nothing was said, not an ounce of conversation to be had, but the feelings that were felt were deafening. So much all at once. Lauren couldn't quite tell if she wanted to cry, scream, or shriek in joy, but maybe it could be a combination of the three.

        A small smile adorned her lips as she shifted to rest her head against his chassis, the light the center of her focus.

        Megatron could count on one hand the number of times in his long life how many times he'd ever felt truly content, and all those times shared a common denominator; her. And each time he relished such a fact, he found himself pondering that all the hardship he'd endured had been worth it for ultimately leading him to her, his conjunx.

        It had all been worth it. Every last drop of shed energon, every fight, every blow, all of it.

        And he'd do it all over again if he could and, in an ideal lifetime, they'd have met under less dire circumstances, but the logical part of his processor chided that that wasn't true.

        They'd both been forged through hardship.

        In another life, he would've never let anything touch her. Would be change anything about her? By the pits, no. But, he desired to allow her a space that let her be vulnerable, fragile, her. Perhaps that was the primal side of himself talking, the mech he was yearning to defend his femme.

        He wouldn't change her for anything.

        In a way, he was thankful that the war that'd spiraled into pointless engeron shed had birthed something- someone of worth. Thankful that the fight had intertwined their fates into something unbreakable and uniquely their's.

        He had always been a selfish creature; she was no exception. Especially not her.

        A harsh breeze swept past the duo and Lauren shuddered under its scrutiny. The reaction prompted the giant to rise, exiting the lake in several long strides. "Dress, girl. We should make our reappearance swift."

        "Yeah," she agreed readily, reaching for her discarded clothes. "I didn't realize how cold it was getting." Hurriedly, she dressed only halting a moment to squeeze the excess water from her damp hair. "I'm not ready for winter." She mumbled more to herself than to him as she finished slipping on her boots, eyes scanning them for anymore wear and tear.

        Megatron retrieved her with ease, depositing her into the pit before his thrusters exploded in a burst of raw power.

        Silently they flew back, the air comfortable and quiet.

____________________

        The stars had long since invaded the night sky and the glow of a campfire illuminated the immediate area.

        Seeing everyone gathered together just outside the ship hadn't been something she expected, but it wasn't surprising either. Though, what did throw her for a loop was spotting Berserker stalking around at a distant as if he were patrolling while Shockwave lingered close to the ship itself, not at all interested in engaging with anyone and she related to the scientist on that and that alone.

        Typically, she'd hang on the outskirts of the group in some futile effort to preserve her proverbial privacy, but tonight she found herself happily congregating.

        Happy chatter was passed all around, jovial banter, and barks of laughter coupled with the crackle of the fire gave life to the darkness.

        Sat on a tree log the Bumblebee had so graciously provided, Lauren held her solo cup close as she smiled toward the flames, their heat a welcome sensation through her clothes.

        She wasn't ready for winter, in truth she wasn't ready for a lot of things to come, but she suppresses those lingering thoughts in favor of chuckling at Tessa's misfortune that came in the shape of her father.

        "Dad! " The teen had exclaimed, baby blues blown wide in a concoction of both exasperation and embarrassment as her dad pushed himself between the two lovebirds.

        "Yeah, yeah I hear you, Tess. Talk a little louder. Don't mind if I sit here, do you? That way we can all hear what it was you were serenading." Cade rattled on, eyes pointedly placed upon Shane who set the guitar aside with a disbelieving snort.

        "Yeah? Shows over pops." The Irishman huffed in clear annoyance.

        "Call me 'pops' again I'll knock your teeth own and then who will be singing your jingles?" The middle aged man snarked, snatching up the instrument before turning back to Lauren. "One of the big guys let us borrow it. Not a scratch, well, no new ones." He smiled.

        The brunette responded with a breathy chuckle as she nodded, sipping her drink, mindful not to drink too much in the event she may wake up with a hang over again. Though, the liquor did help with warming her insides and the tension that wound up her body.

        "Big? I'd hardly call the yellow bugger medium. He's just a sparkling." Crosshairs quipped with a smirk.

        Bee rolled his optics for the umpteenth time since the aussie opened his big mouth and whirred something with a glare, pointing at him as if he were conveying something derogatory. An insult.

        "Look at 'im. Buzzing like a little fly." The green mech retorted once more.

        "What the hell did you just say?" A prerecorded snippet of audio played from the yellow bot as he started his way.

        "Woah, woah! Time out- hey!" Lennox jumped, throwing his hands out as if he'd be able to break up the fight himself. "Cool it, will 'ya?" The soldier spoke to Bee before his head whipped back to the laughing aussie. "Hey, quit that? Okay? Shit."

        "He has the collective intelligence of a wall. Excuse him." Drift came evenly, ignoring the uproar from his fellow autobot.

        "That's putting it mildly." Onslaught said dismissively.

        "Save some breath for the rest of us or put that intake to better work. Catch me?" Nitrozeus purred facetiously. Bumblebee made a gesture like he was disgusted that didn't go unnoticed by the tracker, nothing did. "Keep chirping. Most scouts are fun sized. Ain't that right?" He clapped Barricade on the shoulder, evading the vicious swipe of the cruiser in turn.

        "Shut your trap or I'll rip it from your face." Barricade growled lowly.

        "Don't threaten me with a good time. I like it rough." The single optic mech's shoulder jumped in amusement.

        "Here, here." Hound lazily raised his energon barrel, his opposing hand plucked the cigar-like-object from his lips.

        "Hey, c'mon! Children. What does a dad have to do?" Cade gestured to his daughter, before throwing a glance to Optimus, which only fueled the laughter that floated about the group.

        "Oh my god- dad please!  " The blonde protested in a whine, face flushed.

        Nitrozeus quipped something in Cybertronian and gave a roar of laughter to follow, receiving the chuckles of a few others.

        "Man, I don't miss those days. Total cockblocks." Epps chortled, flashing his pearly whites as he threw back what was left of his beverage.

        "I don't miss 'em, but hell, I'd go back." Lennox nudged his comrade playfully.

        "Yeah? No more bills and sore joints. I could get behind that." Cade agreed with the men.

        "You didn't even pay the bills..." Tessa mumbled under her breath in a pout. Shane cracked a grin.

        Lauren listened to the comfortable banter with ease, eyes roaming over everyone and committing the details to mind. She spotted Blackout stood at the back of the decepticons, Soundwave giving him a single nod before returning his mechanical attention to the gathered, Laserbeak perched upon his shoulder as his beady optics surveyed everything.

        A gentle pull within her chest was noted, but she gave little reaction once she caught the hunter's stare. The decepticon leveled a slight tip of his helm to her in acknowledgment and she responded with a quirk of her lips into a small smile.

        "So, what do you say betsy? You and those Luccheses can show us a boot scoot boogie and get loud." Nitrozeus drawled in his obnoxious impersonation of a southern accent.

        Snapped back to reality, Lauren snapped her head up to face the tracker. "Huh?"

        "Anything you sing will be better than this asshat, no pressure or anything, but I need to forget his." Cade threw back the last of his drink before gesturing fhe guitar out to her.

        "Wait-" She started, setting her cup in the grass.

        "An encore." Lennox smiled, raising his cup in a salute.

        "Hell yeah! Go on and get rowdy cowgirl!" Nitrozeus exclaimed with a bob of his helm.

        They wanted her to play? Had she not been listening? Maybe she really hadn't been watching how much she drank. The blood in her veins burned comfortably, her heart thumped along side the more apparent yank from within and her sights found Megatron's looming form swiftly, crimson optics trained upon her with Blackout taking several steps closer.

        "The girl does not want to-" her gurdian began sternly before she raised a hand and cut him off.

        "It's fine. I can." Maybe it was the liquor filling her with liquid courage or perhaps it was Megatron bleeding into her, she didn't care which because it didn't make a lick of difference as she took the offered guitar. A more prominent pull inside her chest had her batting her sights back up to the decepticon leader. "It's all good. Really. I don't mind."

        The mech in question felt his jaw torque tighter, grinding his denta together. His only response came in the form a quick, brutish grunt as his chassis rose and fell with a forced vent.

        "Do not." Barricade growled.

        "Cease your vocalizer or you'll lose it." Megatron barked in command to the scout.

        "Saddle it up big boy and enjoy the ride." Nitrozeus snickered. "Drink up that sugar in your Dixie cup and sing it betsy!"

        "Please no country..." Tessa huffed as though not able to bear the thought of it.

        The single optic mech broke at the hips and leaned down lower to where the teen sat. "Sounds like you need to take a long ride on a big tractor. Here that Shaney-boy." His obnoxious laugh filled the space as she sputtered.

        "Can't wait until you're gone." The Irishman spat.

        "Me fucking too, brother." Nitrozeus groaned. "Well, kick it up betsy so I can shake some tailgate."

        Lauren huffed a dry laugh, propping the guitar up on her good knee. While it was still true that she didn't quite know any country on the guitar, sudden memories of those hot summer days spent with her grandpa in the barn, the radio blaring country nonstop came to mind and she just knew she had to pick a song from those times. She didn't need to play it expertly and, frankly, the wood instrument wasn't in any state to play perfectly either.

        Swallowing back the bourbon flavored spit that filled her mouth, she set out to strumming the slightly out of tune strings, the heel of her palm slapping the body of the guitar. Her head bobbed along with the beat as the lyrics seized her tongue, and all that liquid courage was put to good use.

        "Should've known by the way you passed me by there was something in your eyes, and it wasn't right. I should've walked, but I never had the chance. Everything got out of hand and I let it slide."

        The brunette felt the tickle of hair hit her face and she tossed her head aside to rid herself of it, stealing a breath of air in the process while everyone whooped in encouragement.

        "Now I only have myself to blame for falling for your stupid games. I wish my life could be the way it was before I saw your face."

        A brief pause came, and her eyes flicked up to catch the optics of several, but the only ones she focused on were Megatron's pointed gaze. The muscles in her cheeks tugged at the corners of her lips and she shot him a quick grin.

        "You stole my happy, you made me cry. Took the lonely, and took me for a ride and I wanna un-un-un-un-un-undo it."

        Megatron listened fully as she sang with all the vigor her small body possessed, the words gripping him in a vice so strong he swore he'd been rooted in place and forever tethered to the planet. His audials found pleasure in the subtle rasp that rode her voice and the slip of a usually well concealed accent.

        The tyrant allowed a deep, even bellow to seep from his chassis as a growl attempted to claw up his throat. His spark birstled within.

        "You had my heart, now I want it back. I'm starting to see eveything you lack. Boy, you blew it, you put me through it. I wanna un-un-un-un-un-undo it. Na, na, na, na, na."

        She slapped the body of the instrument harder as she strummed. Sapphire eyes rose once more, but instead of catching Megatron's gaze once more, she got caught in the crossfire of Blackout's pointed ruby optics who bore into her with an intensity. The woman dipped her head in an acknowledging nod to the hunter before she found the lyrics again.

        "Now your photos doesn't have a picture frame and I never say your name and I never will. And all your things, well, I threw 'em in the trash and I'm not even sad."

        The shift in her sights hadn't escaped the decepticon overlord, not by a long shot. Crimson optics stole a side glance to his subordinate who hadn't budged nor tore his attention away from the femme. He felt himself glare slightly, possessiveness taking hold of his spark with a vengeance so volatile that it was nearly impossible to smother the roar that dared to break from his lip plates.

        Something occurred to him in that moment between the dart of her eyes and her singing; he hadn't yet told her that Blackout would remain on earth with her.

        And, suddenly, that realization alone made a concoction of feelings brew in his chassis that he couldn't quite put a name to. His attention returned to her performance as he pondered the array of emotion that clashed inside him and the many possible outcomes that would come of telling her.

        "Now you only have yourself to blame for playing all those stupid games. You're always going to be the same. Oh, no you'll never change."

        Lauren felt the abrupt resurgence of striking emotions flood her being and the way they seemed to crash in a vicious wave, spilling over her end of the shared bond. The first and most prominent to rear its head was anger or was it annoyance? Irritation? She couldn't quite place it, but it took hold of her heart with lethal swiftness. Her voice rose then as she sang, gritty and raw with wild emotions she wrangled in.

        Her brows pinched as she focused both inwardly and on the song at hand.

        "You stole my happy, you made me cry. Took the lonely and took me for a ride. And I wanna un-un-un-un-un-undo it. You had my heart, now I want it back. I'm starting to see everything you lack. Boy, you blew it, you put me through it. I wanna un-un-un-un-un-undo it. Na, na, na, na, na."

        For a split second at the end of her verse, she ceased the strumming and only pounded her palm upon the wood with bruising force as she desperately turning the influx of foreign emotions into fuel.

        "You had my heart, now I want it back. I'm starting to see everything you lack. Boy, you blew it, you put me through it. I wanna un-un-un-un-un-undo it. You stole my happy, you made me cry. Took the lonely and took me for a ride. And I wanna un-un-un-un-un-undo it."

        Pushing herself and straining her vocal chords against the need to simply scream, she belted out what remained of song with all the intensity of a true performer.

        "Boy, you blew it, you put me through it. I wanna un-un-un-un-un-undo it!"

        Her fingers were numb by the time she banged out the final strum, her grip on the neck white knuckled and her heart hammered furiously inside the strict confines of her ribcage.

        It took a moment to actually register the mirthful noise that surrounded her, her own blood roaring in her eardrums and the fierce flurry of emotions that was attempting break free from her had temporarily drowned out all other noise, voices or not. With a huff, Lauren's shoulder's sagged and she relinquished her grip upon the wood, though her eyes couldn't seem to leave Megatron's imposing form admidst all else.

        "That's how you play a guitar, leprechaun. Tess ever needs lessons on the fiddle, I won't come find you. I'll look for someone better." Cade spoke.

        "Bravo. Bravo." Lennox smiled toothily, intensifying the creases in his cheeks, eyeing his empty cup with a grunt as he smoothed out his pant legs and standing. "Well, I think that makes the night.:

        The conversation divulged into background noise as Lauren relayed her quick goodbyes before turning toward the ship and starting off in that direction, Shockwave having since vanished.

        Megatron barked out a firm set of orders to his men as the remaining autobots and humans conversed amongst themselves topics of no value or interest. His spark pulled uncomfortably in its chamber, thinning his already nonexistent patience. Crimson optics snapped in the direction of his conjunx's retreating form.

        "Blackout, stay within the perimeter." The decepticon lord ordered bluntly with a grunt before starting after the femme.

        Lauren was reeling with the weight of the emotional insurgence she'd been victim to. Her strides were as long as her leg would allow when she climbed the ramp and started into the ship. It felt like all the air had been squeezed from her lungs as she took in deep breath after deep breath. Heavy footfall could be heard coming up just behind her and she didn't have to turn to know who it was.

        "What was that? " Her question came out harsher than she'd intended as she came to an abrupt halt in her walk, spinning around to face the towering mech.

        "There is information you much be made aware of." He ground out.

        "Yeah? Well, I'm listening. Talk." She folded her arms over her chest as she fought back his emotions coiling with her own. 

        "Blackout is to be appointed to you after our departure. He will remain on earth and reaide with you." His words were delivered in a very matter of fact way, not allowing room for discussion as his mind had already been made.

        A moment of silence permeated the space between them then as his words sank in fully and, for a split second, nothing felt real. A part of her wanted to blame it on the alcohol, to desperately find any reasonable excuse to support whatever it was that overcame her in that moment.

        In only a matter of seconds Lauren had felt as though there was a vicious, feral beast clawing at the inside of her, thrashing violently and it fought and wrestled with all the emotions that flooded and drowned everything within. So many feelings overwhelmed her all at once in such a remarkable amount of time, it was almost unbelievable.

        Sorrow, confusion, disdain, desperation, devastation, hurt, and betrayal all crashed into one another with as much power as a rapidly brewing typhoon, but the one emotion that took her completely in a vice, sinking its teeth down into her very spark was rage.

        Absolutely unrestrained, near suffocating anger.

        It made her skin feel hot to the touch as the roar of her own pulse became apparent in the silence while they stared at one another and she couldn't help the way her features curled into a scowl. The burn that pricked her eyes went unnoticed as her brows sewed themselves together.

        Her mind went into full on overdrive as it rushed to so many conclusions so fast, but the first being her regard for Blackout himself.

That's not fair.

        That was what came first and foremost; the unfairness in it all. And all she could wonxer was why? Why to so many things; why had he picked her? Why did he even bother saving her? Why keep her around? Why become so involved in her life only to leave? Why did Blackout have to pay the price for their screwups?

Why...?

Why?

Why?!

        That white hot vexation poisoned her veins, hastily coupling with the adrenaline and alcohol that rode her bloodstream to form a nasty mix.

        All her thoughts became nonsensical after that, divulging- spiraling to the point of no return and, yeah, maybe she had had more to drink than she'd initially thought because it felt like the sky was crashing down around her and she was floundering with thay seering anger being her one lifeline to reality.

        Because why?

        Why was it suddenly okay to punish Blackout and force him to stay on earth with her? He'd fought too and he had every right to go home. To back where he rightfully belonged, not to be robbed of his one chance to live a life worth living, but no, he was being forced to stay with her. The absolute audacity of the entire situation baffled and disgusted her simultaneously.

        That anger reared its ugly head once more with a vengeance and she clenched her jaw, her teeth aching under the strain as the memory of his words came back to her in a split second.

        'All you must do is speak.'

        All she had to do was open her mouth and he'd stay behind with her. That's all it'd take. Simple words and that'd be it, but... No. That wasn't fair. None of anything they were going through was fair and that's just how life was. So, why did he suddenly find it okay to take his leave and abandon Blackout in his steed like a form of replacement?

        It felt like a slap in the face and a faraway whisper murdered that she wasn't worth it. Then the hurt came along with the betrayal only to add the ever-growing whirlwind that ravaged her.

        "No." It slipped from her lips shaky, but firm as she glared up through her lashes.

        Megatron leveled his own pointed stare. "There's no debate to be had, bug." He ground out sternly.

        "No. He's leaving with you. Are you serious?" The distaste in her bark was palpable as her lips curled into a snarl.

        The decepticon growled at her defiance. "It will not happen any other way-" He boomed, denta bared as he dropped down to be lower, more intimidating.

        Lauren didn't falter in his ire, though, and vehemently shot back a retort as blue eyes burned holes through him, following his movements. "Why?! " The brunette spat, cutting him short on his words. Her voice shrill and grating as she demanded an answer, taking to hobbling forward to get in his space.

        "That is just the way it will be. Cease your petulance." The tyrant commanded in a thunderous order, talons twitching to scrape against the metal flooring as if itching to inflict damage.

        Her throat constricted against her own will as she wailed at him, staggering forward to smack at his imposing form uselessly. "No. No. After everything he's seen threw you are not leaving this god damn planet unless you can tell me why!" The younger woman beat at his metals, the pain insignificant and gone unnoticed by her as hot tears burned her eyes. "Tell me!" Her vocal cords fried as she hurtled her words at him in a cattywal. "Tell me! Why?!" She struck him again, splitting her knuckles.

        Megatron caught her next throw of hands on his claws, his strength measured, but purposeful in his firmness. He growled deeply as if to silence her cries. "You are the most valuable thing bore to this planet. I will not allow you to be left alone." He snapped quickly.

        Lauren struggled in his hold, trying and failing to throw more punches his way as the tears slipped from her eyes with a sting. "Bullshit! Stop acting like you don't give a shit about anything- like nothing they- that we went through matters. Like, none of the shit that happened meant anything to you! It's bullshit! "She'd thrashed from his hold, freeing herself only to stumbled back, barely catching her footing.

        "Is that the conclusion you've drawn?" His words came out in more of a statement than an inquiry, silently testing her to speak once more.

        But she never faltered. Ever. "That's what I know."

        "You aren't aware of anything." He roared threateningly, optics narrowed sharply. His spark saturated with irate anger.

        Her lips quivered as her hand flew to her face to harshly smear away the slip of tears from her eyes. "I know you look at me and only see another human. Just something that'll drag you down. Look at me like I'm some liability! I'm not Barricade. I'm not Nitro. I'm not Soundwave, but I'm here and you don't get it, 'cause I'm not like you or them, but I made it! And you don't get to leave Blackout here just because you're afraid!" She hardly breathed as she spat vitriol at the giant.

        With another dangerous growl, he lent forward some more, thrusting into her space to eye her down. "I do not fear anything, girl."

        A prominent scowl pulled at her features hearing his words, sapphire eyes giving him a once over before speaking. "I remember, the way you looked at me when I got taken and you were like me. Didn't know what was going to happen. And now God forbid you ever let anyone think for themselves or- or get too close." The words came out strained and guarded. "And you don't get it! Everyone I love is dead and I ain't ever going to see them again. And all you can do is make demands like some dictator! My grandparents... I'm never seeing my mom again! My home! "

        "Shut your intake!" He reached out for her, but she was quicker.

        "No!" She swatted his talons away, stumbling to turn her back to him as she huffed in exasperation, lungs desperate for oxygen while the adrenaline in her veins flooded her heart and all that had been pushed down resurfaced in an emotional, alcohol fueled explosion. "Lockdown rolled right up to our spot and took advantage of him- of us. M-maybe if I hadn't tripped those energon detectors... maybe because I was stupid- or because you were protecting me..."

        "Bug," Megatron came in a more even tone, his claw coming to graze her shoulder before she flinched away.

        "No." The lump in her throat was choking her. "And Blackout... Maybe- maybe I could've done something, and you wouldn't be leaving him here with me and going. Maybe..."

        The decepticon overlord reached out for her once again, feeling the deep-rooted pain that bled into his spark. The tip of his talon wasn't bat away that time as she allowed him to turn her back to face him, gathering her up in his palm to hold her close as she sobbed.

        "It's a mistake." Lauren sobbed violently, nearly drowning in her sorrow. "You- he can't. He saved me. I owe him this much." She crumpled in his hold, knees buckling beneath her weight as she collapsed on herself. "He can't- he can't stay." She had reached out blindly, grasping a claw in an attempt to hoist herself up fruitlessly. "He- he- you have to stay." The brunette wailed in primal desperation. "You have to stay... b-but you can't." The cries that tore through her being were so raw and gut wrenching as the inner pain manifested in the form of keening.

        Megatron had never heard such noises come from her, not even in the face of death, and he was truly at a loss for the right words. The sheer pitch of the sounds that were dredged up from the deepest recesses of her spark made his seize and he understood a fraction of that hurt that plagued her so.

        The agony far too much for her frail body to fully contain until it broke under the pressure of it. The instinctive side of him wanted to ward off her every fear and tear down all things that inspired heartache in her life, but what was he to do when he was at the root of it all?

        An answer never came and probably never would.

        "Nothing is going to be okay. It's always going to be a mess..." Lauren blubbered, her face flushed a deep red as tears stained her cheeks. The blues of her irises seemed to be aglow despite that, though. A rare glimmer in the darkness of the moment.

        "Elaborate, bug." He came easily, his optics bathing her in crimson, a color he'd rather never see seep from her ever again.

        "My life. My whole fucking life." She choked. "Everybody always leaves and wants to get away from me!" The admittance tore from her throat as she peered up at the mech. "The whole god damn universe is against me, and I never have anyone there to help me with it."

        Megatron hesitated a moment as his processor worked out a proper response, but his spark always seemed to work faster, always knowing what to say whether he liked it or not.

        He reached out a tentative talon, brushing against the blistering skin of her face, the salt residue of her tears wetting his metal, but still, she cried as though he'd never touched her.

        The answer lingered on his glossa, but he fought back saying it not for her, but for himself, selfish as he was. She'd never be alone, their unique bond would never permit such a thing, but something unspoken told him that that wasn't what she meant. No. No, it wasn't.

        The answer coated his intake sourly. The logical side of him chided that he knew better, while his spark stooped in bitter possessiveness, primal in every way. He bit back a gruff growl as he found his voice once more.

        "You mourn for nothing, sweetling." He began, his talon tracing the soft shape of her jaw curvature. "Blackout will remain a constant at your side. He will assist you."

        "No. No... He deserves to go home. I can't-"

        "There's no further deliberation on the matter. It's already done with." He cut her off frankly.

        "He deserves a choice." She near begged.

        A deep bellow erupted from his chassis then, low and reverberating as he ground his denta. "I do not repeat myself, girl, so hear me when I tell you that he would have remained despite my direct orders." And that was true. The hunter didn't have to say it, Megatron saw it in the way his optics always found her. The sudden remembrance of the way he focused on her while she sang assaulted his processor and he felt tension take hold of every fiber in his being.

        He didn't like it, and he never would, but... He knew that Blackout was the right candidate for the task at hand and if that meant entrusting his beloved in his clutches, then he'd do it begrudgingly.

        Very, very begrudgingly.

        "You will never be alone another joor. Commit that to memory, femme." He assured her once more because, even if he didn't like it, she deserved the reassurance. She deserved everything he had to offer and if that meant sacrificing both his pride and one of his men, then so be it.

        He'd be lying if he said he hadn't pondered calling off everything; the war with the autobots, claiming the ship, leaving earth... The decepticon had sat upon such ideas for a time and while it'd please him immensely to indulge himself in such fantasies, he knew better. To abandon Cybertron and their long-fought battle would only serve to insight rebellion in his subordinates and a small, nearly missing, part of himself feared that their ire would turn onto her in a form of blame.

        Earth was not their home nor was it his, but it was her's. Rightfully so. Cybertron was the only true home world they'd recognize, and it didn't matter that Megatron found himself in her gaze.

        Then, came the fact that she'd never be privileged to a comfortable life if they- if he stayed. Only hardship and the ghosts from his past would plague her, following after her every step no matter where she may run. Lauren would never be able to escape the violence when with them.

        That wasn't fair.

        Those three words struck him down as he only heard them screeched in her voice with the pain evident. And, finally, he thought he understood what she really meant, if only for a fleeting klik.

        "I'm scared..." the words came out in a whisper, smothered beneath sniffles. "So scared I don't know what will happen..."

        The soft, almost inaudible admission tore him from his thoughts and chained him back in the moment, like a prison sentence he was unable to escape. Her words ripped into his spark, striking him down. A part of him almost moved to scold her for such a thing, to tell her she was not a coward, not I the slightest, but that wasn't right. She wasn't backing down from anything, nor was she fleeing, but facing all the challenges life threw her way head on.

        It was commendable and, again, the primal side of him reared with an inkling of pride, but where that pride bloomed so did the overwhelming need to comfort and provide. To 'cherish and hold' as human vows would suggest.

        To do something. Anything.

        "I know." Me too. But those following words never escaped his vocalizer as he bore crimson through her, resigning the small woman to weep in his glow. The red stained her ashen flesh and erased some of her intricate features.

        His trained stare was heavy, soul crushing in its weight and all the unspoken words that hung in the air.

        'But this is an event that needs to happen'.

        Sapphire eyes threatened to faulter beneath his attention, irises trembling within her deep-set sockets as Lauren tried desperately to search for anything to latch onto, but like always, words weren't needed.

        She felt his resolve in her core, steadfast and immovable, save for her word against his alone, and still, she didn't dare request anything of him.

        The blue of her sights, however, spoke for her.

        'But, what about me...?'

        An answer never came, though. And much like judge, jury, and executioner, the gavel came slamming down upon her, sealing their fate in one swift movement, silencing the dying argument for good as she was left to wallow in her verdict.

        She'd lost.

        In that split second, a fresh wave of scalding tears blinded her and suddenly she was a child again, creeping just outside the courtroom as two parties bickered over the rights to her, except this time, she finally understood the somber feeling of resigned defeat having been the losing party.

        The brunette crumbled once more, shying away from his touch and he relented, allowing her to bat him away as her free hand flew to her bloodshot eyes. She stumbled from his hold, barely catching herself as she hit the ground.

        Megatron had never felt such overwhelming powerlessness since happening upon her and yet, had never felt so whole either. It was an uphill battle to remain rooted in place as she began to hobble away.

        His spark surged, demanding he follow, but he didn't move. Not a single servo budged as she escaped his presence.

        The decepticon overlord had thought he knew lonesome once, but now, he knew it for certain and cursed it and it's plague to the forest reaches of space.

        Banished the hurt away to fill the hole in his spark with anger that never came, leaving him hollow.

        He was a husk of his former glory, and he deserved it.

        Lauren didn't spare him any second glances through her sobs, despite the near overpowering longing to do so. She lashed away the tug in her chest and forced aside the painful yearning that ensnared her entire being.

        She needed to get away. Needed some air. Needed something to distract her for a moment.

        Anything at all...

        Her conscious seemed to plead to any higher power for a shred of guidance, a second of reprieve- to wake her up from the hellish nightmare she'd become trapped in.

        Through tears and pain, the brunette hobbled down the dark hall of the ship and out onto the tarmac.

        A gentle breeze swept past her burning skin as she fought furiously to rid her cheeks of wetness as another set of glowing optics came into view, piercing through he darkness to throw her a lifeline.

        Her beacon in the inky blackness came in the towering for of Blackout himself and all her hastily built composure came undone once more.

        Face screwing up, lips trembling, and voice ragged, she approached in a disheveled shuffle.

        The hunter kept his attention rapt upon his charge, optics fine tuning to better see her through the dead of night, spark moving about its chamber in foreign ways. His voice found him them, more even and pitched to a lower decibel. "Right yourself, femme. What is it that bothers you?"

        Lauren staggered through the grass, leg an after throught as she made it to his pedes. Her sights found him quickly as her voice croaked. "You knew?" Her statement slipped out in more of a rough question format than intended. "You knew and- and agreed? What's wrong with you?"

        Blackout kept his helm angled down; gaze trained upon her. It wasn't hard to grasp what it was she spoke of, not when her tone bled of resentment and hurt. Another gust of chilled wind swept by then, sending her short tresses up in a flurry. The scent of salt and Megatron clung to her heated skin, but beneath it were the telltale nodes of her.

        He didn't answer- didn't have an answer to give.

        "Say something...!" The femme barked with no real malice, brows knit together tersely, and body wound taught as her eyes leaked. Her hand found his leg, small hand bleeding organic warmth into his metal as she steadied herself.

        The decepticon narrowed his optics a fraction. "What is it you're expecting me to relay to you?" His tone came out firmer, but not hostile. "That I would remain upon this planet, contradictory to what I was ordered to do?"

        She pulled back then, hand leaving him. "He said..." Her voice trailed off with unsaid words, shoulders heaving.

        He stooped then, something he wasn't well acquainted with, to a single knee servo, minimizing the gap of space between them in an instant. Ruby optics remained settled upon her form in proper hunter fashion. "My duties lie with the decepticon cause and that now includes you. Understand that."

        "I do, okay? But, he said-"

        "And what he states is true." His tone came matter of factly, purposeful. It was then that he noticed how her irises seemed to smelt through him with the weight of her stare and, in some way, they held the same air of command that his master's did. His spark gave him a subtle jolt. "Know that no mech commands me, not even Megatron. I choose what I do and I have chosen this path. Do not tarnish it with your objections. There is no say to be had."

        'You shall have me, weather you like it or not.'

        "Aren't you even a little upset?" Lauren retorted in almost disbelief. "You're not going home and you're just, what? Fine with that?"

        "Cybertron is my rightful home, but my duties come before a planet stained by war."

        A moment of silence passed between the two as she studied his visage with upmost inquisition. "Why...? Why? " She whispered.

        "Not for your human mind to comprehend, girl." He dismissed with ease.

        Lauren released a shuddering breath, her body sagging with exhaustion by the moment. All her energy officially spent when her legs grew weak beneath her weight. She staggered forward, hand finding Blackout's metal once more to support her. What she hadn't expected, though, was his intruding hand to crowd her vision, offering her aid wordlessly.

        She took his support without much consideration, draping herself over his palm to rest. Stray tears slipped from her raw eyes, following the well-worn path from the tears before.

        The hunter approximated the femme's weight in his hold without thinking, her heightened temperature followed suit, before filing away the tid-bits for the time being. He noted the way her human stature fit snugly into his palm, as though she'd been meant for the spot.

        Ruby optics trailed her form in quiet calculation, observing her fully as she eased, though traces of tension could still be noted in her coiled muscles. His processor made note of the fluidity in which she displayed, trusting him to her wellbeing entirely, even if she hadn't realized.

        His spark bristled then as he twitched, rearing her closer to his still crouched form.

        Primus had odd ways of showing himself.

        In that instant, the hunter's optics snapped up with breakneck speed, having felt the weight of another's stare upon his metal.

        It was then that he locked sights with his superior, crimson optics ablaze and searing holes through him. Blackout hadn't thought as he rose to full height, hoisting the femme up with his motion, rag doll body slumped in his palm and curled toward his chassis as though subconsciously seeking refuge to which he thoughtlessly provided. Ruby optics never faltered as he held the stare.

        Like two alpha lions caught at impasse, it hadn't been planned. The chopper had simply reacted, pulling his charge into his body protectively, but not in such a way to illicit challenge from the opposing mech.

        Megatron, stood tall and imposing, rested his clawed hand along the vessel's entrance threshold, grip growing stronger by the klik until his talons pierced the alloy paneling. He'd followed the unyielding pull of his spark, sure he'd find his conjunx collapsed into a ball in the cooling night, only to happen upon his subordinate. And what did he expect?

        Again, he'd remind himself that the hunter would never be far, not anymore. And, again, the logical side of his processor reasoned that the want to be close to his charge was natural given the order of things, but that didn't mean he liked it.

        He'd never like it.

        The tyrant was sure that if the chopper had made any jerky movements or uttered a sound, he'd of lost control and roared out in vexation before tearing into his fellow con.

        Lauren wouldn't like that.

        His spark had hissed in warning, the residual hurt from his sparkmate still bled over into him, conflicting with the swiftly brewing bitterness within to then pacify his turmoil, mellowed out into a constant negativity. Crimson optics tracked the other mech, knowing full well that the hunter was far wiser to the situation than his lack in verbalization let on.

        The tyrant dropped his sights for only a kilk to study the way the small woman rested, her back to him as if to shun him away- to punish him silently. He listened to the way her ragged breaths wracked her form along with the distant rustling of leaves and the swish of wind.

        It was evident that she had no desire to see him and even as he brushed their bond, she did not retaliate. She didn't even dare to entertain his presence with her acknowledgment. For a fleeting second, Megatron was bitterly reminded of her lifeless husk and a deep bellow clawd up his throat; a fruitless, primal attempt at garnering her to him with no avail.

        Greedily, the thought of denying her seclusion thrust to the forefront of his processor; to force himself upon her end of the bond and confront her, but he stilled, crimson optics catching ruby ones once more. It occurred in that nanoklik that his subordinate would never allow such a thing and then something became abruptly apparent to him, as though he were finally seeing things for what they truly were for the first time- as though the stark reality of it all became crystal clear and he could really see now.

        Blackout was no longer beneath his rule, but her's. His entire life resigned to her command, and he'd readily clash with him if it meant appeasing Lauren's desire for space.

        Crimson optics narrowed sharply with disdain through the wordless encounter, his spark ablaze with barely contained ire. Blackout responded in an instant with an incline of his helm and the squaring of his shoulders, the femme still held close as though to shield her from him- from her conjunx.

        Megatron growled lowly, dangerously. His denta threatened to snap under his rage, jaw torqued to the limit as his talons slipped through the ship's alloys like nothing more than flesh and sinew. Still, Blackout refused to move- refused to bend under his will. The decepticon lord tore himself away from the standoff, tearing off back into the depths of the ship. The distant, and still far too close, Echoe of a battle hungry roar stirred the night and only then did the hunter break his stance.

        The chopper had half the mind to assume the girl had fallen into unconsciousness, but as he peered down to the small human in his hold, he found that wasn't the case at all. Stare blank and leveled with his chassis, she laid there in his hold unmoving.

        Lauren, blinked once before glancing upward, catching the glow of ruby directed toward her. She wanted to thank him, but no words escaped her as she settled with an exhausted sigh. Everything was sore and her bones felt like that of lead; heavy and cumbersome. Absently, she ignored the yank within her chest, curling in on herself further as though to hide away from it all.

        Blackout didn't stray far, for he knew his master would follow her. Just off the edge of the field, brushing along the treeline and bordering the wilderness did he find himself stopping. Optics never left the ship as his body remained on a hair trigger.

        Every now and again he'd chance a glance toward the femme. He couldn't remember when she'd slipped into recharge, but she had. The chopper would've relinquished his hold upon her had shed not forfeit her energy and, a part of himself, knew she was far safer within his hold than anywhere else.

        With Lauren held close, his back to the forest, and his gaze trained upon the imposing shuttle he perched himself for what remained of that joor.

        The hunter played back snippets of his interaction from those moments prior, studying the subtle shift in body language and optic focus Megatron displayed. The reaction didn't surprise him in the slightest and he'd expected as much, if not more from the decepticon overlord, but that didn't stop him from battling with himself over his own reactions.

        Logic screamed that he should've released the femme, returned her to her rightful conjunx without a moment's hesitation, but... That's not what happened- not what his spark urged of him.

        It was stupid, suicidal even, but...

        Ruby optics stole another swift glance to the slumbering woman in his hold before snapping back up to the ship.

        But... He'd rose to the occasion without second thought after she collapsed into his hold. The instinctive and overwhelming need to protect had trumped any and all logic. And so, without hesitation, the chopper had stood to oppose his master entirely.

It was stupid... But...

        Lauren shifted, stirring in her sleep to contort closer to the warmth the con radiated. Her body lax and at ease, he noted that she seemed to be at peace. No longer a weeping, leaky mess that cried needlessly.

        Again, he wondered when he'd established himself as her gurdian and once again he came up with no substantial answers, but none of that mattered much to him if at all. His duties were to her, he knew that for certain now.

        A fleshy hand found its way atop his chassis, just above where his chamber resided and his spark bristled in response, sending a surge through his circuits that made his entire body feel as though it were alight with the heat of a thousand suns. He growled lowly within his throat at the annoyance, but still her hand remained.

        Quick flashes of saved visuals swept across his sights, whizzing through his processor as though to attack him. Simple shots of Lauren smiling up at Megatron, mid speech with Nitrozeus, photos of her cradling her battered body, but the image of her mid-fall with Starscream mere yards away made his mind still momentarily as he stared at the capture silently. He filed it away with a grunt, just for more to surface. Her energon coated hands as she desperately attempted to help them, the tears in her electric eyes as she leaked in anguish at their leader's fallen side, the warm glow of fire that lit up her skin, and then a still shot of her staring up at him directly. The hunter sat on that photo for a kilk longer than he'd ever admit, the pointedness of her eyes and the color trapped him as they bled emotion.

        He'd almost go as far as to say the blue hue of her irises was too similar to that of the autobots, but the comparison never quite came to fruition. They both shared the color blue, but something in her's was starkly different.

        Blackout wouldn't admit the way her primitive human optics seemed to snare him in. Nor would he ever admit that he found her presence preferred company.

        It was stupid... But,

        Blackout would've fought to the death to defend her.

Three