If the Fates Allow
Chapter 1
Disclaimer: I don't own the Transformers. They officially belong to Hasbro and Takara. I'm taking them for a short spin.
The Autobots had adopted many human traditions in the 20 Earth years they'd been one the planet. Celebrating the Christmas holiday was one of them. Some of the traditions were questionable, some, most of all, annoying. Hot Rod considered the pretty lights strung all around Autobot City one of the less irritating customs. Also an observance from Cybertron's own winter solstice celebration, which he normally enjoyed.
Hot Rod was a pretty cheery mech, but he wasn't feeling it. Not when Springer and Arcee had finally gotten together, and he was alone. Not truly alone. Not like he wanted, because the one he wanted had no idea how he felt, and was so far out of his league his chances were non-exisitent. So, considering everything going, and how busy he was, it was a good thing he didn't have much time to think about his personal life. Or the holiday, all of its trappings, and how much he wished it could be like he wanted.
Except little did he know his wish would be granted. . .
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Treaty negotiations with the Decepticons were going well, all things considered. Although Prowl and Jazz had thrown a wrench into the proceedings at the beginning with the news Prowl was carrying. It also meant a reduction in Prowl's regular duties, and his volunteering to work on the treaty instead. And thank Primus, because Optimus Prime wasn't sure he was going to get through the negotiation process without losing his mind.
Megatron respected Prowl, and the Praxian's legendary logic and patience were helping the process go smoother than it would have otherwise.
The thought of Megatron made the Prime ex-vent in an approximation of a human sigh. The Decepticon leader was enjoying the drama in interfaction relationships far too much for anyone's good. Optimus just wanted everything sorted so they could get back to something resembling sane and normal.
Although almost a year of a ceasefire and the events preceding it were almost too much to fathom. And to think it started off with the realization almost too late Autobots and Decepticons had a common foe–the Quintessons.
Together, the combined forces of both factions as well as neutrals on Cybertron and the humans of Earth came together to stave off the invasion, and as Kup said, 'sent them packing.' Then there was in incident with Vector Sigma involving Optimus himself, the Matrix of Leadership, Megatron and Hot Rod. An incident none of them were keen on discussing with the others. Not that the Prime could blame them, but it had been a more than humbling experience.
But back to the matter at hand. Refugee resettlement was a current sticking point. Megatron believed they needed to hold off on accepting neutrals for the time being, while Optimus thought it was best to let Cybertronians return home. (The humans and their Earth Defense Command agreed with Megatron. Who would've thought?)
Everyone else had left the conference room, and Optimus stepped into the corridor, where he saw Megatron's way blocked by Hot Rod. And the idiot former warlord was baiting the younger mech.
"Bored, brat? I'm surprised you haven't found a way to vacate your post," Megatron said.
"Frag off, buckethead," Hot Rod retorted,
The Prime stepped in between them. "Hot Rod, that's enough. Megatron is my guest, and should be treated as such."
The voice of his Prime wasn't enough to make Hot Rod snap to, and he ignored the request.
"Some guest. How do you know he's not gonna betray you in the end? We both saw what he becomes," Hot Rod said.
"I'm giving Megatron the benefit of the doubt, and we are not having *this* conversation right now," Optimus said. "You're dismissed."
Hot Rod's field flared out in anger, Optimus flinched as the younger mech let him know how he truly felt, while Megatron glanced between them, amusement in his red optics.
Hot Rod glared back, fuming, leaving them alone.
"I'm sorry about that," Optimus said. "He's. . ."
"Just looking out for you," Megatron said.
"I was going to say brash and hot-headed. He's gotten better, but apparently not enough, despite his current duties. Hot Rod's bias is unacceptable, and he'll be dealt with accordingly," Optimus promised.
"Prime, a lack of respect for myself and my faction isn't unexpected," Megatron replied. "Go easy on him. He's had much change in his life, and not to his liking."
The Decepticon leader suspected the young Autobot's issue was more than his presence.
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Negotiations done for the day. The Decepticon contingent returned to the Nemesis and nothing requiring his attention, Optimus sought out Kup. He hoped the ancient mech could provide some insight into handling the incident with Hot Rod.
The Autobot leader let himself into Kup's office, and the mech didn't look up at his approach.
"What'd he do now?" Kup asked.
"Told Megatron to frag off, and called him 'bucket head,'" Optimus said.
"Well, Megatron is a bucket head,and he can get fragged," Kup said. "So what's the problem?"
"Hot Rod said it to Megatron's face," Optimus said.
Kup set down his data pad, finally looking up at his Prime. "Huh. That's a new level of stupid even for him," the ancient mech said. "How'd ol' bucket head take it?"
"With amusement," Optimus said.
Kup snorted. How times had changed.
"Hot Rod was insubordinate," Optimus said.
"And how's this different from any other time?" Kup asked.
"He called Megatron names. To his face," Optimus said. "He also accused him of a possible future betrayal."
"At least someone is looking out for you," Kup said.
"That's what Megatron said, too," Optimus said. "He won't betray me."
"And how do you know that?" Kup asked.
"Too much is at stake," Optimus said.
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Kup let himself into the quarters he shared with Ironhide. His mate was already in recharge, or at least feigning it. Kup sat down on the berth beside him.
"You're late," Ironhide said, cracking open an optic, glaring up at the blue mech.
"No kiddin','" Kup said. "You see Hot Rod tonight?"
"No. Thought he was helping Ultra Magnus with some of the treaty stuff," Ironhide said.
Kup sighed. Ultra Magnus hadn't seen the lad, either. So, the little fragger lied and had probably taken off somewhere. Kup reached out through his bond with his youngest creation and hit a wall.
Ironhide watched as Kup's optics dimmed, obviously trying to communicate with one of their two creations. He sat up, suddenly concerned as Kup came back to himself.
"Why. What did he do now?" the red mech asked.
"Pissed off Prime," Kup said.
"In a way that's different than usual?"
"Yeah," Kup answered.
"Frag."