Rad sang an old Celtic ballad, losing himself in the rhythm. The Mini-cons sang the music, while he performed the lyrics. He could feel the Decepticons looking at him, relaxed and happy. Rad finished and gave a neat little twirl, bowing low to Megatron, who was extremely pleased.

"Good job, pet," he praised. "Lovely selection."

The boy beamed and accepted a few strokes down his back, humming his delight at the rough, scratched fingers. It felt so good to be appreciated, and all of the other mechs clapped approvingly, giving him confidence to bow to the room. He leaped down from the throne and the Mini-cons surrounded him, nuzzling and petting him, complimenting him on his voice.

Megatron looked thoughtful as he sat there, looking over his pet.

"Why are the Autobots so stubborn?" he finally asked, his voice a low murmur.

"What do you mean, sir?" Cyclonus asked.

"Am I the only one tired of fighting?"

Silence met him for a few moments then Starscream spoke up. "I miss dancing in the sky. I can't do that now. The Autobots would shoot me down. I want peace as badly as the Autobots claim they do."

"Optimus refused peace once the Council was dead," Megatron said bitterly. "I didn't want war. I wanted fairness. I wanted a life beyond the ring. I wanted freedom, something those blasted Autobots had in abundance. Is that wrong? Is wanting a life wrong? Is it wrong to want to be free?"

"No," Rad said when the other Decepticons looked away, unsure of what to do with such honesty from their leader. "It's okay to want to be free. I think Optimus wants peace. It wouldn't be so bad if you talked to him about it, would it?"

"What if he refuses again?" Megatron asked.

"Isn't ending the war worth the risk?" Rad asked gently.

The warlord considered this, the room on edge. He finally nodded slowly.

"I suppose. But not right now."

Everybody knew that Megatron was a bit scared, even if he didn't outwardly show it. They didn't blame him at all. Optimus Prime was an intimidating mech, and Megatron's quest for peace had already been spurned once. He had never handled rejection well, and he obviously needed time to gather his nerve. And even if everybody was aware of this, they didn't say anything. They needed time to get used to the idea, too. The thought of peace made their sparks ache in hope for a better future.

The Mini-cons watched them, murmuring about wanting peace. They didn't fight between themselves, but they did help their respective factions in the war. It was hard to watch the pain that was caused from the fighting, and peace was such a good idea. It would be tense between the two factions, but it was doable in their opinion.

Rad leapt up to the arm of the throne and sat down to allow Megatron to pet him, which, to him, was a soothing activity. The boy smiled at him, encouraging him.

"I do so love my pet," he said, a small smile twitching his lips.

"And I love my master," Rad said with a nod.

"Good boy."

Rad stretched and arched into the pleasing sensation, content to help the Decepticon leader to relax. He hoped for peace just as much as the others, and just like them, he knew that it would take time. But they had some time, and he would leave it be for a while.