Title: Tyrant
Author: dreamerchaos
Beta: None
Warning: Slash, possible gore, and AU. Anyone who knows me, also knows of my rabid fondness for AUs. Mature, and will rate up to MATURE. Be Warned.
Pairing: MegatronxOptronix. Also non-con pairings
Disclaimer: Transformers is owned and copyrighted by Hasbro and others beside myself. I'm only playing with the boys and girls.
I've recently been fascinated by the possibility of Megatron and Optimus having met before Optimus (or Optronix) became a Prime, and how that would have affected the war on Cybertron.
My basic knowledge about Transformers and terms for certain anatomy stems from a wide array of fanfiction. I approach this fic after reading the IDW graphic novel Megatron: Origin. Any mistakes are mine entirely.
Summary: Optronix knows the war is just outside the window. Worse still is the threat just inside the building.
Notes: Again, the terminology that will be used stems from other fanfiction.
I'm also going with the concept that Optronix's body is slightly different from Optimus Prime's. Picture the same, but less bulky, and not quite as tall (and no face plate, either). I'm pretty certain that when he had attained the Matrix of Leadership, that it significantly altered his form.
If you want a height estimate, I picture that Optronix would be of similar height with say, Starscream.

Kilk- 1.2 minutes

Breem- 8 min

Joor- 1 hour

Orn- 1 day

Meta-cycle- 13 months-1 year- 400 orns

Vorn- 83 years

CHAPTER ONE

Optronix was fully aware of the war raging outside the windowpanes. Regardless of the beautiful amber and pearl-lit sunrise that shone over the city's skyscrapers and bathed the vehicle-filled streets.

Rich blue fingers splay over the glass, capturing the bright beams of sunlight between his fingers.

It still felt incredibly odd, being here in this pristine, bustling city. His life had changed drastically in the last two vorns. To his sheer shock, amazement, and mixed relief, a friend of a friend had transferred Optronix from the tight quarters, bustle of the docks, and shipped off to the city's main library.

He was still in the beginning stages of training to become an archivist for the library's multiple wings and database storage, but he could not help but feel excited by the opportunity. This priceless chance granted to him regardless of his lack of education and experience, handed him an opportunity that a rare few ever hoped to see.

While in the midst of his training, overpowering daily thought processes, there was the black shadow that hung over every mech. The whispers and the shuddering optics, each individual constantly looking towards the horizon, downloading the latest news bulletin about another city that has fallen at the hands of the rebels...at the hands of the Decepticons.

The title of the infamous rebel forces delivered a body-wracking shudder, hand clenching along glass in response to the mental hiss and slide of that forbidden name. A deadly army over a thousand strong, and steadily growing with each city that was taken. No one knew where the Decepticon forces planned to strike next. Many mechs fled to destinations unknown in fear of the coming attack. Others hid inside their homes and waited for the inevitable. Others still kept their frequencies shut and their optics blind, refusing to believe that Cybertron was beginning to crumble, dust spilling between the fingers of the enemy.

The uprising had started so innocuously. Frequent rabbles and uproars on several mining outposts, many either ignored or swept under the carpet, or settled behind closed doors and with tempers temporarily soothed until the next episode.

However, at the particular mining outpost, when Senator Decimus had assembled the works at Mining Outpost C-12 and informed the mechs that their livelihood, their home, set to be scrapped, the uproar turned to rage as the workers refused to comply with the Senator's commands.

In the midst of the uproar, one worker brutally struck down by a security officer who decided to take charge and silence the miners' insubordination.

The security officers met by a wave of workers hell-bent on avenging their fallen comrade.

Senator Decimus, wounded during the rabble, fled with the other security mechs, retreating to the safety of Cybertron and the High Council.

The instigators of the riot were swiftly rounded up and in the process of being escorted to a holding facility, but halfway to Cybertron the ship was taken over, crew exterminated as the rebels broke through the metal restraints and seized the carrier ship for themselves.

The rebels' newly acquired ship managed to sneak past the planet's security mainframe, and disappeared in the deepest corridors of Kaon, the worst place on Cybertron.

Not long after, the rebels began to spread their seed of violence and hysteria. Autobot Security Headquarters could not keep up with the random attacks of the rebels and the mass panic hitting the city streets, and civilians feared for their very lives with every succeeding assault.

The Decepticons seized the opportunity. Striking hard, striking fast, Kaon fell, nearly half of the population either bending to the Decepticons' will, or falling to their knees as the soldiers tore them to pieces.

And the rest, as they say, was history.

"Rust stick for your thoughts."

Optronix vents hissed in surprise. He turned, catching sight of his companion. A soft smile graced his lips, silver face brightening. "Ariel." He greeted kindly.

The pink femme returned his smile. "You stand at the top of the world, and yet you look as if you are peering into the Pit."

"Oh?" Optronix laughed in embarrassment, caught in the act, rubbing the back of his head with a hand. "I'm sorry. I was admiring the view, and my memory banks ran rampant on me."

"I can't say that I'm surprised." Ariel joined him, soft blue optics peering at the massive skyscrapers standing guard around the building's perimeter. The sunlight kissed her lips and cheek; gold halo encircling widely spread antennas. "This place is so different, isn't it? Compared to your last home." She wondered aloud, voice hushed, as if speaking too loud would cause the mood to spoil. "I was only introduced to the place where you once lived and worked, but I have to admit that it was a cesspool. I can't imagine anyone wanting to live there willingly."

"It wasn't so bad." Optronix defends his previous home. "Tyger Pax wasn't entirely better, but I happily accepted the transfer to Faon. I would rather live in a gutter than to have no home whatsoever."

Yes, Tyger Pax and Faon were a few of the most desolate cities on Cybertron. And, quite honestly, his employers had him transferred because of Optronix's frequent, insistent arguments that the dockworkers didn't possess the mech power or enough megacycles to run the shipping lanes at the capacity that the employers demanded. The higher ups did not care that workers broke their backs and bled oil; bodies laboring hard in attempts keep up with half of the unsympathetic demands.

"Oh, Optronix." Ariel sighed. "You forgive and forget so easily. I don't know how you do it," Her face darkened considerably, reflecting the direction of her thoughts. "Especially after all the rumors that are going around. I can't believe that the main ringleaders of the Decepticons, those mechs from Mining Outpost C-12, had once spent a considerable amount of time in Faon." (1)

"Really?" Optronix's reply fell soft, nearly indiscernible to his audio receptors. "I wasn't aware of that." His throat stung around the slight falsification.

"Hey, hey. Look!" A mech's hand slapped his shoulder.

The rough hand almost toppled him from the seat, his companion boosted by too many cups of high-grade energon. "What is it?" Optronix asks, taking a small sip from a cup of low-grade energon.

"Those guys. Over there." Optronix followed the hand directing his attention towards the entrance, catching sight of the small group of mechs that were just entering the bar.

The group may be small, but the mechs certainly weren't. The largest one stood head and shoulders above the rest, silver body accented with careful touches of red and black and a silver helm, bulk dwarfing his companions. Each of the arriving mechs bore the bright yellow and black striped insignias upon their shoulders, chests, and helms, indicating that they were miners. "I've never seen any of them at this bar before." Optronix shrugged.

"Wonder who they are?" Another mech wondered from the seat on Optronix's opposite shoulder.

The first speaker hunkered down with optics half-shuttered, answering before Optronix could manage to add his input. "Miners. Poor, dirty drifters, the lot of them. The only thing they're good for is scraping energon crystals off rocks. Watch your backs, or they'll snap our necks and try to steal our jobs!"

"Hush!" Someone hisses sharply.

"Keep your voice down!"

"Like working on the docks is a sweet job in the first place." The second speaker beside Optronix muttered into his cup of energon.

"You shouldn't say such things." Optronix admonished, upset by the mech's obvious discrimination. "Whatever your personal opinion may be, those mechs over there are the main reason we can sit at this table and enjoy our drinks. Without them, who do you think could possibly handle, let alone survive, the demands of the mines?"

"Here, here." One of the mechs in their party saluted. "A mech worth his metal is the one who is willing to face the Mines." Others concur, raising respective cups in recognition.

The antagonist scoffed, slamming his cup onto the table and spilling violet droplets over the smooth surface. Glaring at Optronix, he jerked his massive bulk onto both feet, "Now you've ruined my drink." He bent low, bright optics burning into Optronix's. "You waste your time sympathizing with those filthy bastards."

Optronix says nothing. He remained in his sit, refusing to remove his gaze from the other's optics.

Snorting derisively, the other turned away first. "I need to find a place to drink in peace." He began shoving his way through the crowd and heading for the exit.

A hand clapped onto his shoulder. "Ignore him." One of his companions said, supporting Optronix. "He's had too much to drink. Besides..." The mech grinned, "I don't see anyone volunteering to strip a docked ship, or empty a ship's waste containers."

"No! Why would anyone volunteer when we have you to do that for us?"

"Now that's not fair!" The others laugh uproariously, while the mech sputters in indignation.

Optronix chuckled in amusement, enjoying the sight of his companions' laughter and relaxed poses. To see close friends comfortable sitting together and genuinely enjoying each other's company made his Spark brighten with joy. He savored these few cycles when the dockworkers were allowed a time to relax or savor the hustle and bustle of the city.

To his immense surprise, Optronix caught the distinct sensation of optics sliding over his form. Turning partway around in his seat, he tried to discern where the penetrating gaze originated.

Surprised and confused, blue optics met ruby, the large silver mech's gaze unbreakable. Optronix frowned, perplexed, and wondering why on Cybertron the large miner was focused so intently upon his person.

"Really?" Ariel asked, voice insistent. "You didn't meet a single one?"

Optronix laughs shakily. "To be honest, I'm not certain whether or not I ran into any of them. You have to understand, Ariel that during that time, there were quite a number of mechs who being sent to numerous outposts, not including the Mining Outposts. It was quite a hectic time period."

"Goodness." Ariel said in surprise. "I'm amazed you had time to yourself, then, if it was that busy."

"Oh, it wasn't too bad." Optronix supplied. "Most of the time when we were given leave, I usually tended to be dragged along by other dock workers to a nearby bar."

"Ahhh.." Ariel's grin was contagious. "Who could forget that you and high-grade don't mix well together."

"Not at all, in fact." Optronix agreed.

'Not at all, indeed.'

"WATCH OUT!!"

Optronix heeds the loud warning, ducking in time to avoid a mech flying through the air, thrown by a much larger mech. "Primus!" He gasped, taking shelter underneath a large table.

"What on Cybertron started this rumble?" Another mech asked, taking shelter alongside Optronix.

"I'm not certain." Optronix flinched as the table shifted several inches from the impact of numerous bodies crashing together. "I would say too much energon mixed with high tempers."

"I hear ya." The mech grunted. "I hadn't hoped to spend my day off trying to keep my helm intact."

"It would be wise to leave while we can."

"How?" They looked towards the exit, path blocked by over a dozen pairs of roughhousing mechs and flurries of struggling limbs. "I don't know about you, but the door looks to be quite a ways from our position."

"But if we stay here, the table will most likely break under the pressure of so many mechs who are practically on top of us." Optronix disagreed, voice firm.

The mech sighed. "I guess..." He looked up, peering towards the door. "It wouldn't be in our best interest to remain here until Security arrives. They'll arrest the entire bar, regardless of who started the fight!"

"More than likely."

"Okay." Both mechs gathered their courage. "On three. One...Two...Three!"

They bolted, diving through the scattered warriors raging battles that rival Titans. Twisting and dodging the fists and elbows that turned in their direction.

All of a sudden, his companion cried out in surprise, as another unbalanced mech rammed into his shoulder, both crashing into tangled heaps upon the floor. Optronix faltered, struggling to resist the strength of his forward momentum and turned to assist the two mechs. "Get up!" He ordered, grappling with their knotted forearms. "Get up before you get crushed!"

Optics met, and his companion's blue gaze widened dramatically. "Behind you--" He warns too late.

Optronix was scooped up effortlessly from behind, an arm suddenly squeezing around his waist. Before his legs could register the alteration in elevation, he was hanging several feet in the air. Beginning to struggle wildly, Optronix felt himself being lifted even higher--

And he flew through the air, crashing into a group of cursing mechs who ended up breaking his rough fall and tumble. His helm cracks against floor tile, optics filled with a wipe of static at the sharp impact. "Ahhgh!" Momentarily blind, he hunkered down, arms protecting his head and optics from further injury.

Not a moment too soon, because in the next instant there were several bodies crushing him further against the ground. His chest cavity groans, vents running hard under the strain and weight of heavy metal of the two combatants. 'Primus...' He shoved forward, attempting to push the mechs off.

The static encompassing his optics' screens finally cleared, although slowly. In disorder, feeling topsy-turvy and unable to tell the ceiling from the floor, he struggles to slip free of the tangled forms. Red and black mechs spill over his lap and chest, both still continuing their fight while he tries to slide out from underneath the two.

A large shadow falls over the tangled three mechs. He looked up, and deja vu slapped at his Spark. The broad form of the silver miner looms above, familiar heavily defined limbs, distinct silver helm and red optics. "You.." Optronix whispers.

Optronix's optics dimmed momentarily, but flared bright as two large silver hands, each taking a hold of a separate mech, lifts the two quarreling combatants, and literally threw them both over his shoulders with a careless flick of his wrists.

Optronix stared, in dumb silence by the sight of such large mechs being thrown so casually. He wouldn't be capable of overpowering a single one of the pair. "Ahh...th-thank you..." He expresses in gratitude towards his savior.

Much to Optronix's surprise the mech bends down and looped an arm around his waist, lifting him off his aft. "Waaaa!!" Optronix's wailed with ill-grace, arms waving wildly as he was forcefully laid over the mech's shoulder in a firefighter carry position, hanging over a broad shoulder that dug into his metal sternum. "Wait--" His hands dug at the other's waist, trying to slip free from the firm hold.

"Keep your head down!" The mech barked, as he bulldozed through another mass of roaring fighting mechs. In the distance, Optronix's audio receptors catch the sound of encroaching sirens, warning of Security's encroaching presence.

Optronix yelped in distress, ducking to avoid a large black fist swinging with no particular destination. "You're insane!" He cried, "There's too many fighters between us and the exit!"

"Who said I was going to use the exit?"

'What?'

"What are you--" Twisting around to catch sight of where they were headed, Optronix hissed in alarm to see a wall quickly approaching. "Watch out!!"

"Time to make our own exit." The mech rushed the wall, lifting an armored foot and pounding it once, twice, into the steel barrier.

The obstacle buckled under the first blow, bearing a deep grove of the mech's foot. A second blow, and an entire section of the wall caves outward. Pushing forward, the mech grunted, throwing his shoulder and body into the weakening barrier.

Optronix felt very certain that his optics were spread comically wide, horrified and awed by the impressive use of such massive strength. Once the impromptu exit grew large enough, the mech squeezed both of them through. Just in time, because Optronix could only watch as the main doors of the bar flew open, Security personnel flooding into the growing battlefield.

"You are all under arrest!" Security forcers barked, tackling the nearest combatants and slapping on handcuffs and restraints.

Optronix and his rescuer fled — Actually, Optronix just hung on, dangling like a load of iron bricks — while the mech lugged his blue and red bulk down a maze of alleys.

Not too long after their mad dash for freedom, the distant drone of sirens and furious uproar of voices faded behind them. They must have traveled for over half a breem...But quite frankly, the rough drum of his sternum against the mech's hard shoulder proved too much for him, no matter the few minor sips of energon he'd managed to swallow just before the large bar fight had broken out. "Stop. Stop, already! You're pushing my compactor into my spine!"

To his immense relief the other does stop. Reluctantly, the arm around his waist loosened, giving him the opportunity to slide down from the mech's shoulder and onto his own feet. He stumbled awkwardly, fluids rushing to his helm. "Dizzy." He clasped his forehead between his hands, taking the time to ease his unsettled skull and compactor.

"Easy." The other coaxed, laying a hand on his shoulder, supporting him as he regained his wit. "You took a hard blow."

"I'm okay." Optronix insisted, cradling a throbbing helm. "Just all of the activity hitting me at once."

"Can you stand on your own?"wild. Which I hope that I never experience again.'

"Stingray told me about how ridiculous you looked after several cups of high-grade." Ariel giggled behind her hand, laughter rising further when Optronix's facial plate flushed bright red.

"Stingray should know." Optronix muttered, silently promising to meet with his friend and discuss sharing embarrassing facts with his partner. "I believe it was his fault on more than numerous occasions that I became buzzed with too much to drink."

Ariel laughed, wrapping pale pink arms around her waist, in pain from such continuous laughter. "I can only imagine how you behaved."

The crease of Optronix's lips dropped slightly, his blush refusing to fade even the slightest. 'You have no idea, my dear.'

Optronix's head lolled over the other's shoulder. "You..." He moans pitifully, glaring in the general direction of the mech's face. Damn him for refusing to hold still!

"Oh, Optronix! Don't be so embarrassed!" Ariel laid slim white hands on her lover's shoulders. "I am only teasing, my love."

Optronix graced her with a brittle smile. "I know. I didn't mean to worry you, my dear."

Ariel's eyes shone in pure delight, face graced by a sweet demure blush. "Don't hate me for being selfish, but my Spark sings whenever I manage to paint a smile on your face." She admitted self-consciously.

His Spark glowed, pulsing in uninhibited delight. He ran his fingers along her face, causing the slighter femme's optics to flutter black and blue. "Always for you." He promised.

Ariel rose onto the tip of her toes, softly brushing her lips to Optronix's. "Flatterer." She teased.

Unintentionally, her kiss sparked another memory.

Even after all the effort made to avoid the local bars and other sites that the miners clustered, Optronix manages to avoid the silver mech for only so long.

On his way from work following the walkway towards his building unit, he cautiously walked down an unlit sidewalk and past the dense bulk of shadows marking the opening of an alley, treading carefully mindful of the presence of any thieves or vagrants.

Silver arm and hand shoot out of the depths of the blackened alleyway, snapping around a blue and silver wrist. Pulled off his pedes, he struggled helplessly as he was jerked into the deep recesses of the hidden passageway.

"SECURI-" A broad hand clapped over his mouth, silencing words into a stumble.

"Quiet!" The silver miner hissed. He pushed Optronix until his back hit the wall, caging the mech in further with his wider frame. "I'd rather not crack open a passerby's skull if they decide to intervene."

Optronix trembles, silenced by the threat implied upon anyone who would attempt to come to his aid. The hand over his mouth slid away, only to capture his sole free wrist.

"You've been avoiding me." His attacker pointed out the obvious tactical maneuvers the dockworker used during previous cycles. Red optics hold Optronix captive, like a MetaCobra capturing a mechamouse with its hypnotic unwavering gaze. "I believe it is safe to assume that your attempts to remain unseen are a result of that night."

Optronix's chin dropped, unable to force his optics to maintain connection.

"Your silence provides your answer." The mech leaned close, allowing for his lips to brush Optronix's antenna. Optronix's vents quiver, chests meeting and drawing sharp intake. "Does my touch make you feel ill? Did you hate it so much that you can't even look at me?" He whispered, metal fangs brushing blue paint.

Optronix swallowed, mustering his voice. "You...It is and isn't about you being a miner. I'm not disgusted. But..this relationship...can't possibly work between us. You're a miner, and because of that, you'll always be called away to another Outpost for vorns at a time. I'm a dockworker; there is no guarantee that I'll have a job position because of new applications constantly flooding the Transport Depot's databanks.

"This can't work out. Especially now. You couldn't possibly be so cruel as to ask me to cheat on--" He didn't have an opportunity to finish. A sharp gasp slipped from his lips, the hands over both wrists tightening painfully.

"Cheat." The mech growled. Red optics flare, as if reading Optronix's mind and downloading an image of his pink and white femme lover. "I see. So the rumors are true: you've found a nice, agreeable femme to keep your recharge bed warm."

"No!" Optronix responds loudly. "We've only been together a few times. A friend introduced us. She's..." His shoulders dropped, voice lowered to a whispered husk. "She's sweet and shy, and I really think I could grow to love her."

"So you'll hide yourself behind a bitterly innocent exterior and use this modest femme to shield you from temptation." A rough laugh, full of derision. "Can't handle a bit of heat and tumble in a recharge bed, so you go running to the nearest femme bot that doesn't bear a remote resemblance to your previous sordid partner."

Optronix's head hung, optics shimmering with bright cleaning fluids. The mech's words bit deep, delivering a burning shard straight into his Spark. "It's not like that..." He denied feebly. "I just...I want to go back to the way things were. Before any of this..." A hiccup escaped his vents, and Optronix tried to remain strong, to not break down like a young Sparkling. But the other's fury and derision stung terribly.

Silver arms pull him in, surrounding blue and red, allowing Optronix to tuck his helm beneath a rigid chin. He shook minutely, bitter fluids spilling from blue optics. "I'm so sorry." Optronix expressed his regret with fierce honesty. "I'm sorry that I'm such a disappointment."

Arms tightened, holding him fast. "I'm leaving for Mining Outpost C-12." The miner spoke, suddenly changing the topic.

"What? When?"

"In three cycles."

"So soon?"

"Yes." Mood quickly shifting, the mech pulled him in tighter until he found it a bit difficult to drawn in intake. "You're the only one who can ever decide if what we had shared felt good or was a perverted act. Whatever you may feel, remember this: It is your choice to either stay here, in Faon, or to leave.

"I've lost you."

"Hmm?" Optronix jolted out of his memory banks.

Ariel peered up at him, arms looped around his neck. "I feel like you're quietly slipping away from me."

He opened his mouth, preparing to apologize, but stops. 'It seems that the only thing I'm good for is apologizing for my mistakes. One grievance after another, until nothing but empty words continue to spill out of my mouth, apologizing for choices I don't think I have any control over anymore.'

Ariel slid down, releasing her hold around his neck. He ran his fingers over her cheek, offering a silent touch to mark a silent apology. "I'll make it up to you." He promised.

"You'd better." Ariel threatened. "Or I'll sic Perceptor on you. He's looking for a research subject for his thesis."

"Decisions, decisions." Optronix sighed, going for further dramatics. He rubbed thoughtfully on his chin. "I can either suffer under your lovely hands, or under the hands of my scientist friend who would more than likely spend several cycles excitedly discussing a small organic arachnid he'd discovered during the last space expedition."

"It helps him to talk about his last projects. I think his feelings are still a bit hurt after Grimlock accidentally stepped on and squashed his discovery."

"Grimlock apologized...in his own way, minus sharp claws and fangs." Optronix laughed, remembering the look on the poor scientist's face when standing rigid — caught in the jaws of misery at his project's demise, and terror when facing off with Grimlock — in front of the much larger mech, stunned into a silent stupor as Grimlock attempted to clean up the grisly remains of Perceptor's organic specimen. "Although I can't be for certain, but I think Wheeljack convinced Grimlock to end Perceptor's organic discovery prematurely. The poor mech still hasn't recovered after the last subject Perceptor brought back. The other research assistants don't trust Perceptor after discovering that his prior research project developed a nasty tendency for spitting acid at unwary mechs."

Ariel shuddered in sympathy, remembering the fiasco, Wheeljack one of the unfortunate victims of said 'discovery'. The poor mech had been beside himself in horror, realizing the danger of the organic creature only after he was left holding the remains of his forearm until medics managed to reattach it. Security managed to entrap the acid spitting subject, blowing the creature into tiny pieces and leaving a mess of the corridor, through their error discovering the hard way that in the creature's death throes it would sprayed acid throughout the immediate vicinity. "Ick. Don't remind me."

Unsure how long they had been on break, Optronix called up a small file box within the corner of a single optic's left screen. He jumped, realizing he was already five minutes late. "I apologize, but I need to return to work. I'm already late, and my instructor will hardly be pleased."

His partner's optics flashed, mimicking his inquiry for the time. "Oh no!" She yelped, "I was supposed to meet Chromia over half a breem ago. She'll exterminate me for sure!"

Optronix pushed lightly, turning her around. "Go, then." He urged, understanding her terror. Chromia was not a femme patient enough to be left waiting; only her mate, Ironhide, matched her in temper. "I can only imagine what she has in store for you."

"Right!" Ariel became a pink and white blur, taking off down the hallway towards the elevator doors. "Hold the doors, Prowl!" She orders, slipping between the elevator doors before they slammed closed.

'Prowl, hmm?' He noted, recognizing the name and face. 'He must be doing another security screening of the building.' The Autobot forces tried to prepare as best as they could for the next Decepticon strike, inspecting high profile buildings and determining the status and risk of a future attack.

What purpose would soldiers have for attacking this particular city, especially one that prided itself on education and research, not military? There was not a single Academy positioned within the city's walls, and Security did not have the resources to spread their forces thin for such a small metropolitan center when there was more concern for Iacon.

Perhaps Primus would provide mercy, and allow no more cities to fall beneath Decepticon hands.

Not watching where he was currently headed, Optronix yelped in surprise when his forehead cracked against a mech's chest plate. "Ahh!"

The other body did not stumble, remaining firmly in place. Optronix rubbed at the small scuff on his forehead, cursing his lack of attention. "I'm so sorry! My fault entirely!" He apologized profusely, edging around the mech's large form, hurrying in hopes to make it back to the library wing before the librarian and head archivist returned from her break.

He made it a couple of meters, only to find a rough hand catching him by a shoulder and jerking him back off his feet. He crashed onto his aft, startled, pride stinging from the rough treatment. "Primus!" Pain caused his temper to plug slightly. "Why on Cybertron did you do that for?" He demands, turning.

He gaped in surprise at the muzzle of a blaster pushed almost directly into his face.

A pair of Decepticon soldiers flanked the mech with their blasters aimed at his stunned visage.

"Going somewhere?" The one holding the blaster against his face demands, nudging Optronix's cheek with the barrel of his weapon, "Should really watch where you're going. Could fall and poke an optic out." He tsked, while the other Decepticon snickered.

Optronix shuddered, the barrel of the blaster burning hot, indicating that the weapon had recently been fired.

"Awwww, look, the poor mech's scared." The soldier grinned, leaning over the archivist. Optronix tilted back in response, pulling away from red optics and black faceplate. Optronix caught his own reflection in the red gaze. "Don't run away." Red hands grasp his forearms, jerking him closer. "We only want some company."

"Let me go!" Optronix struggled, pushing away with his legs. "Security! Security!!" He shouted in warning, hoping to signal for any guards to arrive, isolate, and arrest the two Decepticons.

"Security, Security!" A soldier mocked. "What a gas! What do you think we did with Security before we came to this floor, huh?"

His mainframe swam, and he realized that he was alone and beyond protection.

The entire building was now essentially compromised.

Optronix struck out, a lucky fist catching the soldier gripping him by his upper arms.
His fist met the metallic plate covering the mech's gut, and the soldier yelps and released him, instinctively curling into a fetal position to recover from the hard blow.

"Hey!" The remaining soldier shouted.

Ignoring the sharp curses, Optronix lurched onto his feet, running for the emergency stairway.

"Stop him!"

"Fraggin' glitch! I'll teach you to hit me!"

Weapons fired, and Optronix nearly lost his footing making an impromptu dive to avoid the blasts aimed towards his helm and spine. He crashed into the door leading into the stairway, impact forcing the door to fly open.

Heavy feet pounding from behind, Optronix forced his legs to move. Pushing onto both feet again, he took the stairs two or three at the time, nearly flying down the stairways, dodging numerous blasts of firepower that punched craters into the walls and floor. Chunks of debris slapped at his helm as he ran for his life; the two Decepticons appeared Pit-bent on tearing the entire stairway to pieces.

Ten floors down, he couldn't risk going further downward unless he wanted to risk a round into his back, the two mechs firing wildly, no longer really aiming at their prey. Optronix dove for the nearest door leading onto another floor, crashing through the doorway barely able to catch his bulk as he stumbles, forwards off-balance.

His tumble suddenly halted, snapped up by a hand encircling the back of his neck, shoving him face-first against the floor. He cried out in pain, mandible cracking loudly upon slick tile, his face barely remaining intact after the brutal blow.

Behind him, he heard the two mechs stumble out of the stairway, both promising unending pain and then a quick death. "Piece of slag made a run for it!" One cursed, raising and aiming his blaster towards the pinned mech.

His captor growled low. Optronix was unable to turn his head and look up at the large mech, but he gathered that his captor was facing the two Decepticons.

"Idiots," The mech growled, furious by their incompetence. "You let a single mech cause so much commotion? You're lucky that I need as many soldiers as I can hold onto, otherwise I would spill your entrails all over the floor for such stupidity and waste of energy!"

The soldiers cower, fearing the large mech's wrath.

"Lord Megatron, forgive us..."

"Sir, please, we promise not to do it again--"

Optronix grew rigid, palms flat to the floor and optics wide. Primus, help him. He knew that name.

The one holding him prisoner was none other than the infamous leader of the Decepticons.

Megatron.

"Silence!" Megatron roared, causing the very walls of the corridor to tremble in terror. "Do not waste my time with your worthless drivel. Both of you get out of my sight before I send you to the Pits! Return to your fraggin' job and continue clearing out each floor of the building. I want mechs left online and intact otherwise they are of no use to me and can provide no information regarding Autobot movement."

"Sir!"

"Yes, Sir!"

Not waiting to test their leader's mercy, the soldiers fled, footsteps signaling a hasty retreat.

Optronix remained still and silent, wishing he could disappear through the floor.

No such mercy for him, sadly. "As for you..." The hand over the back of his neck squeezed tighter, eliciting a low moan of pain, jaw line forced harder against the ground. "I can not condone anyone trying to obstruct my plans, nor can I allow a mech to casually trot around this building and alert any remaining personnel."

"Nnng." Optronix's jaw burns, optics hazy from the spreading fingers of pain.

"Let's see, then." The Decepticon leader raised him with little effort, with one hand spinning the prostrate mech around, shoving Optronix flat onto his back.

Instinctively he raises his arms, shielding throat and optics. His legs rose into a fetal position, trying to cover as much of his torso as possible to protect from any rough-handed strikes.

Hands snapped around his forearms, nearly tearing the limbs from their rotors with the force used to pull the guards away from the mech's face and pin them on each side of his helm. "Don't you hide your face from me!" The Decepticon leader snarled. "Don't expect such feeble efforts to protect you."

Optronix flinches as both arms cracked down near his helm with the hulking form crouched atop his prey baring sharp metal fangs. "You little..." The mech snarled.

'He's too strong.' Optronix commands his optics offline, not wanting to bear witness as the Decepticon leader struck and sent him tumbling down into the depths of the Pit where only Primus could reach him.

Silence hung, moments filled with tense heaviness, and Optronix could only wait for Megatron to finish him.

"You..." The Decepticon leader hissed. "It's you."

"What...?" Optronix asked, confused and not understanding.

Fingers encase his scuffed jaw, twisting his neck towards the left, and towards the right. Examining him from every conceivable angle.

Disturbing laughter startled him. "Primus above! Who would have thought that I'd find you here, in the last place I would ever envision to look."

'He's mad.' Optronix decides, concluding he's under the whim and hands of a madman. 'He's not making sense.'

Fingers widen further, encompassing the entire lower section of his face. "Turn on your optics, Optronix. It's been too long, and I want to enjoy the sight of your optics online."

Alarmed by the use of his name, he did just as the Decepticon instructs. Optics flared bright, meeting ruby flames as the other mech's bore down.

'No...'

"No..." He whispered. Wanting to scream, to shout...To break down and despair... "Not you..."

Megatron grinned ferally, wearing the face of his miner friend from so long ago. The silver helmet possessed more bulk, and his chest bore the ominous purple Decepticon symbol. A long silver tank barrel rose over his right shoulder, and massive black cannon sat mounted on the right limb. Upon his face, two red tattoos marked both cheeks, forming sharp fangs beneath red optics.

"You didn't run far enough. Such a shame...For you." Megatron laughs, leaning closer, shadow surrounding the mech. "I've dreamed of this moment." He whispers the words along Optronix's lips, the mech's optics wide in terror and denial. "And now I'll never let you go."

TBC

(1) City that I made up on the fly.
(2) Another city that I made up.

"When I return, and I find that you are still in the city, I won't stop until I make you mine. If that prospect frightens you, then you should leave as soon as you can. Because when I return, I can not promise that I won't hurt you."

Optronix shuddered, staring blindly into the even section of the mech's silver chest. The miner's words were a promise and a threat, providing the smaller mech with a chance to decide his own future.

"And remember this." Jerked upwards until only the tips of his feet touched the ground, their mouths met with brute force. Energon threatened to pour from near-split lip components, metal teeth clashing. A hand slid down, pushing between metal thighs. Optronix gasped, helplessly, legs trembling while fingers stretched beneath the compartment housing his plug, silver fingers brushing the interlocked plates protecting his port.

Their mouths parted, foreheads touching as each tried to regain their breath. "Remember my touch." The larger mech commanded, not allowing Optronix to turn his gaze away as he has done before. "Remember the way I taste. Because I am the only one who will ever steal your breath away."

He couldn't speak the words, but Optronix felt his resolution bend under the other's command. 'I won't.' He promises, sliding down, aft hitting the ground, the silver miner stepping back into the shadows, leaving him to his thoughts. 'I won't ever forget.'

Not too long after the miner left for Mining Outpost C-12, Optronix received the invaluable invitation from a close friend that a position for an archivist-in-training had come open in Iacon's smallest sister city, Faon, and was he possibly interested in the new post? (2)

Unable to find an adequate refusal for such an immense opportunity, Optronix watched in a daze, a helpless spectator, as his few belongings were packed, shipped, and placed in his new, much larger building unit.

"You'll love it, Optronix." Bluestreak assured, aware of his friend's silent worry. "It's overwhelming, I know. Moving to another city, let alone being accepted into a new job position, can be a lot to handle. Just take it a step at a time, all right?"

Two cycles later, he began the first stages of his education to become an archivist for the city's most prestigious library. Half petrified that he would cause a miniature disaster among the towering shelves of ancient data pads, his fears were elapsed by incredible elation, and he dug into his studies with incredible fervor.

In the back of his memory banks, he did not forget his promise.

The mech chuckled, amused by the other's ridiculous effort to focus on his optics. "Yes?" He inquired, firmly holding onto the red and blue arm thrown over his shoulder; half-carrying, half-dragging the dockworker as they began the slow trek towards Optronix's building unit.

"You haven't told me your name." Optronix's feet tangled, and the arm around his waist was the only thing preventing his chin from meeting the walkway. "I've seen you at the same bar for nearly a meta-cycle, and you still haven't told me."

"We've only shared a couple of drinks." The other said casually, grinning at the fierce glare from his companion.

"We've sat at the same table for almost a quarter of the last megacycle!" Optronix flinched, head pounding from the ringing pitch of his voice box. "Oh, my aching helm..."

"Shouldn't have had those last two drinks." The other admonished calmly.

"Shouldn't have had the first one." Optronix counters. "Uuugh. It's all Bulldozer's fault. Never should have listened to him and his promises that no more bar fights would occur. Exterminate me now, please." He begged feebly, wheedling and whining shamelessly.

"And miss out on the opportunity of dragging your heavy aft home?"

"Hilarious." Optronix inserted coolly. "Remind me to kick you in the aft for that particular comment." Another wince of pain. "...Once my helm stops pounding like a metal drum."

"I promise to stand perfectly still, since right now you can't handle a moving target." The mech assured. "Right now, however..." He grunted low in his voice processor as they finally came to a stop in front of the door leading into Optronix's unit. "I need you to key in your pass code, Optronix."

"See? See?" Optronix's optics narrowed in fierce concentration, trying to keep the numeric digits of the computer board next to his doorway from spinning, attempting to find the correct digits. "You know my name, but not the other way around. I should expect nothing else from you, you...you...big dumb secret name keeper." He mumbled the pathetic curses weakly, patting haphazardly at the numeric pad.

"Words hurt." The mech admonished. He shifted Optronix into a more comfortable position against his shoulder. Watching with aloof disinterest as the smaller mech halts, to stare blankly at the computer board. "...You do remember your password, right?" He asks.

"Yesssss..." Optronix answered. "But do be so kind as to tell the fragging numeric pad to cease switching the digit pads around."

"Oh Primus." His companion sighed in disbelief, unable to believe how buzzed the mech truly was. "Here, just tell me the pass code and I'll get us in before daybreak."

It took less than a minute to get inside once Optronix had imparted the code. "Oh, look, we're in my unit." He giggled, taking in the sight of his own living space.

"Recharge for you, my buzzed friend."

Carried haphazardly into his recharge quarters, he was dumped, very carefully, thankfully, onto his recharge bed. Optronix flopped gracelessly across the wide bed, arms looping around the edge of his helm. "Feeling a bit sleepy..." He moaned, optics dimmed until only narrow slits of sapphire.

"Rest and recharge. You'll need it for tomorrow. A nasty hangover will be waiting to keep you company."

"Hmmm..." Optronix sighed in content, peering up at the blurry outline of the other mech.

A large hand brushed his helm, surrounding the side of his face from temple to mandible. "Are you even awake?" He teased.

"Mmmhhmm." Optronix mumbled drowsily.

"Ahh." Thumb and forefinger traced the smooth edge of his cheekbone.

Optronix's eyebrow ridges furrowed, uncertainty waking him slightly. Was the hand upon his face lingering for just a bit too long?

Optics brightened, awareness returning for the moment. In a daze he lay silent as the larger mech leaned over and down, face drawing incredibly close. The mechs shared the same breath, lips separated by scarce inches. "Still awake?" The silver mech whispers.

"...Yes..." Optronix hesitates.

"Good." He closed the distance.

Optronix's optics flared wide, lips separated by his companion's. Slick glossa slid in between, tracing the line of metal denta. "MMmmph--" His hands rose, gripping broad shoulders, not certain whether to push the other away, or pull him closer. Silver arms settled around his shoulders and helm, tucking him closer against a wide chest.

'Wait..what...why is he...' Both optics fell pitch black, fingers shuddering against steadily heating metal flesh. The miner's vents released an exploding column of air, internal components revving loudly. A low growl purred deep in the mech's strong throat, and he tilts his head to allow for further deeper access. Optronix whined softly, muffled around the invader seizing hypersensitive flesh, mapping the inner walls of upper and lower lip, sliding along the lines of smooth ridged muscle of his glossa. He tastes energon and rust stick, high-grade only adding to the riptide of smoke and oil spilling over his senses.

Hands traced the outline of slimmer, smoother bulk of Optronix's shoulders, continuing to slide down upper arm plates and cables, spreading over the ruby expanse of his chest. Expert fingers brushed along metal ribs and breastplates, finding the near invisible lines of Optronix's front. The miner's thumbs found the receptive indentations upon his chest grill, divided by the unseen strip that sealed his chest plates together. "...aahh.." Hips roll and chest shuddered, arching into the firm push of fingers rubbing the edge of his chest indentations, positions identical to organic males'. Head pushed back, throat arched, his breastplates rippled under the miner's expert hands.

Glossa wound together, metallic snakes intertwining in an age-old dance, hissing together in a chant of bewitchment. Optronix's hands fell limp from the miner's shoulders, grasping at strong wrists, mimicking the rocking motions stroking across the territory of his chest. 'Too much. Too much all at once.' He clenched his hands, struggling to express his disjointed misgiving about the entire action and their current position. 'Please, that's enough!'

As if sensing his distress, the silver mech slid both hands up to brace upon Optronix's shoulders. Lifting up, he unwound glossa and separated lips with an audible hiss and break in suction. Optronix gasped once freed, gulping loudly, his chest heaving for air. He stared up at red optics boring down, both mechs' hands upon the other's shoulders. "W-Why...did you..?" He stuttered.

Silver shoulders rose and fell in a deep sigh. "I've upset you. I'm sorry I took advantage of your unsettled state."

Hands clasped his face, holding him firm. "But I'm not sorry for my original intent to kiss you breathless." He swore, stealing a light, brushing kiss while Optronix lay frozen in bewilderment.

"I'll let myself out." Silver hands finally release him, the mech retreating in silence, leaving Optronix in a restless state of solitude.

It was quite a while before he stopped shaking, curled up on his side on the recharge bed.

In the morning, Optronix promised to do something to ease his confusion and regain some measure of peace.

Planning to go as far as to change to pass code into his unit, setting up a thin barrier against the black phantoms that made his lips tingle and shoulders tremble.

"Yes." The hand was removed, but hovering by a few inches while Optronix pulled up from his crouch, standing and rotating his shoulder joists straight. "I'm all right."

Optronix looked around, regaining his bearings. His optics flickered with surprise. "...Wow... We made it all this way..." He said in awe.

"You know where we are?" His companion asked shortly.

"Yes." Optronix assured. "In fact, we are only a few blocks from my building unit."

'Where I should have been hours ago instead of listening to my friends promises that tonight would be wild. Looks like they were right, however. It was literally

"Hmm." The mech grunted, appearing unconcerned.

Optronix looked back towards the other, but paused halfway, transfixed and captured by the descending glow of a bead of energon hitting the ground.

"You're hurt." Optronix's optics traced the flow of energon back to its source. Carefully, he wrapped his hands around the mech's right wrist, fingertips carefully but deliberately brushing the small tear along the metal skin.

"It's nothing." The mech countered firmly.

"But..."

A large hand encompassed both of his. Squeezing lightly. "This is nothing. I've had both arms crushed during a cave-in on Mining Outpost 08. This is a love tap compared to those wounds I received."

"You, on the other hand..." Slipping loose from Optronix's grip, the mech laid both hands over the smaller mech's blue helm, allowing access for him to turn Optronix's head left and right to examine the damage. Optronix winced helplessly as fingers brush a deep groove on his temple. "This wound concerns me. You might have a minor concussion."

"But I feel fine." He insists.

"Nevertheless," The mech moved to stand parallel to him, making certain that he was on the opposite side, facing away from his injured limb. "It would be best for me to accompany you to make certain that you arrive to your designation in one piece."

"...All right. If you insist." Optronix allowed the mech to lay a hand on his shoulder, coaxing the dock worker to lead the way. "But only if you settle with me treating the wound on your arm."

The mech tilts his head, examining Optronix. The smaller mech stood firm, refusing to bend in regards to insisting to care for his rescuer. "...If you insist." The mech agreed, finally.

Optronix couldn't be absolutely certain, but from the peripheral of his optics, he felt certain that he witnessed the edge of the silver mech's lips twitch in a reluctant smile.

Almost an entire breem later, after he had reached the safety of his building unit and finished tending to his companion, Optronix laid back on his recharge bed, nursing his aching helm. The silver mech had promised that the small wound would be checked daily until fully mended; much to Optronix's relief, there had been no foreign debris or contaminates visible in the thin cut.

"Ahh!" Optronix shot up from the recharge bed, cursing his rampant rambling thoughts.

He had not only forgotten to thank his rescuer, he had forgotten to ask for his name!