Update, and it shall be the last one of the year! It has been a good year, and I'm rather eager to see what the next one has in store. And as a treat, I shall share this video of my creation, www. youtube/watch?v=L0W6x42AA6c Just take out all spaces and add "dot com" after youtube.
And thanks to Guest, Midnight-Chaos-Flame, fan girl 666, LadyBonBon, Jax, heretherebemonsters and Rosey-Raven for reviewing and all those who favorited and subscribed! And thanks to those who provided me the words; they are more than enough!
-Why, Starscream, if you had such an important matter as this one you wish to discuss with me about, you should do it face-to-face.
The response had been immediate, and Starscream scowled when he discovered that Megatron would not be content with a short notice, but an entire conversation.
-I don't have time to spare for more of your inappropriate approaches.
-Ah, you wound me, Starscream. And to think you were the one who so diligently treated me back in the med bay. Are you sure you are that likable Seeker I found scratching away at my plating?
-You shut up! If Starscream could holler his growing irritation in text, he would have gladly done so, I contacted you because of the open position of second-in-command, not to have you trying to distract me.
-I never thought you were the ambitious type to actually request of this by your own will. Are you certain that I will make you my second? You certainly sound like it.
-I want you to consider me as a possible candidate.
-Of course, Starscream. Anything for my favorite Seeker. It means I can have more chances with you ;-)
Starscream scowled at his leader's unorthodox use of an emoticon, but he decided to ignore it, since it seemed like Megatron was in an unusually good mood, although somewhat still improper.
-You can stuff any thoughts of having any chances with me up your tailpipe! This is strictly work related!
-Or is it? You were the one who asked me first about this rank. Perhaps you were having second thoughts about your dear old leader. Admit it, Starscream; you want me. And I will more than happy to oblige to your desire. Ah well, pay me no mind. Why don't we talk early next solar cycle in the command center, and I'll decide whether you're serious about this or not.
Starscream downright screeched in outrage when he took in Megatron's response. That fragger! How dare he treat him like some kind of a love interest he's flirting with! It was bad enough that the Decepticons were forced to use the highly inconvenient message system instead of comm. units because of limited resources. And now he was using it for his own immature antics. Totally unacceptable behavior for a proper leader!
A few of his subordinates surrounding him in the lab stared at the furious Seeker, but Starscream ignored them. All he could think of was the best way to make his leader suffer. That pompous, glitch-headed pervert! He had had enough of his flirtatious behavior! Starscream would like nothing more than to bash in Megatron's faceplates right now. He took his anger out on a nearby beaker, which shattered under his blow.
"Starscream, is everything all right?" His assistant Steelstreak inquired somewhat hesitantly.
"No!" He howled, "Get out, you lot of misfits. All of you!"
The others were wise not to upset Starscream any longer and left the lab silently. Many of them were muttering insults under their breath about moody Seekers, and Steelstreak shot the winged mech a strange look before departing.
Once the room was empty, Starscream collapsed into a nearby chair and finally began to calm himself. It was then when he discovered the last part of Megatron's reply requesting a "talk" the next solar cycle.
He frowned. Why the warlord hadn't wanted to do so now was beyond him. Of course Starscream was serious about this! Why wouldn't he, when this concerned one of the most coveted ranks in the faction? What was that fragger up to now?
But considering Megatron's somewhat positive manner of replying to the Seeker's request, there was a high chance that Starscream would be walking out promoted if he managed to do things right, namely keeping his temper in check while speaking with that insufferable mech.
Starscream's anger gradually faded away as the situation sank in. He suddenly felt the urge to let out an uncharacteristic whoop of joy and pump his fists in the air. Slag all that fragger's perverted behavior to the pit for now. He was going to be the new second-in-command of the Decepticons!
Despite all the burdens that were suddenly tossed upon him in the midst of raging war, Megatron still had the audacity to smirk in the face of it. Why not? The Decepticon were currently stretched thin in his conquest of the many Autobot colonies, facing an energon shortage crisis, outnumbered in battles frequently and still was unable to compare with the Autobots' expertise in war technology in general.
He was smirking now as he reread Starscream's reply message just before he cut the connection.
-Fine! And don't you dare be late. I am a busy mech.
His favorite Seeker was as feisty as usual, Megatron observed. He would probably make a fine second despite his attitude problem, for the warlord never doubted Starscream's abilities. Starscream certainly had the potential to lead and have the others look up to him if he would only be easier to approach.
Megatron had already consulted his counsel of advisors in this matter. Not to his surprise, most of them thought it was inadvisable to promote the Seeker.
"He has an ego as large as his pride," A doubtful Straxus had objected, "He will give you many troubles and may even prove to be a threat to your leadership in the future."
"I wouldn't worry about that." Megatron was not disturbed. He knew that despite his hostile attitude towards his leader, Starscream was definitely drawn to him. He would never dream of doing something so stupid as to overthrow Megatron.
Hook had said the same thing when he heard about this.
"The ideal second for you is a mech willing to put his life in the line of danger for you, which is a quality I find lacking in Starscream. Unless we somehow receive proof that more than meets the optic about him, I strongly disagree with his initiation and therefore suggest you to ask for a vote."
Now that he thought of it, Megatron knew that Hook's words were correct. The second-in-command of the Decepticons would have to be personally faithfully to his leader along with his faction as his leader's closest helper and advisor. Obviously the other officers agreed as they cast their votes. The majority of them were against the Seeker's promotion.
Great. Starscream was going to love this. He would never accept these requirements, let alone provide proof of personal loyalty. It was the very reason why he was being so defiant towards his leader. For some reason when Starscream joined the Decepticons, he never showed any signs of submission and obedience (not that Megatron complained) to him. But now this issue was hindering his promotion instead.
Megatron would have to talk this all over with the Seeker the next solar cycle. Even if he appointed Starscream as second regardless of his advisors' disapprovals, the Seeker will never be allowed to truly exercise his new authority, not to mention how Megatron might receive a bad name.
The warlord carelessly flipped that issue off. He was Megatron, after all. He always did what he wanted to do, including trying to get Starscream closer to him. Even if his council disapproved of Starscream, he would find a way to make things work.
But still…
Megatron still had to find this so-called "proof" to promote the Seeker, whatever it is. It would be better to somehow convince his council that Starscream was capable, loyal to the cause and faithful to his leader all at once. Plus Megatron also wanted a second-in-command with the same level of abilities as Shockwave to serve at his side. It wouldn't do to promote Starscream and discover that he had no other discernable expertise except scientific engineering.
Perhaps a testing would have to be in order. It would be best to have both a capable second and a willing berthmate.
Early next morning, Starscream was out and skipping. Well, not really… but as close to a skip as he could get.
He was going to be the new second (putting all thoughts of an infatuated Megatron aside), and that opportunity particularly fell from the sky! Starscream could handle Megatron with no problem. If he tried to grope the Seeker again, he could just bash in his faceplates without hesitation from now on.
It was a new beginning.
Several lingering Decepticons stared at the happy Seeker as he flounced by. But Starscream didn't care at all. He was in one of his rare good moods.
Soon he arrived at the command center and immediately searched around for a supposedly-waiting Megatron. Surprisingly the room was empty. There was no sign of the large gray mech anywhere.
Starscream scowled as his good mode evaporated by a degree. To trust that fragger would be here on time… he must have forgotten all about their meeting today. And to think Megatron had to nerve to question the Seeker's seriousness about being appointed second when he himself didn't take it seriously at all.
He paced around impatiently for a while, considering that if Megatron didn't arrive in the next five cycles, he would rush to his room to demand—
The double doors whooshed open.
Starscream spun around, startled, to face a strangely impassive Megatron. The warlord strode in without a word and stood to face him.
"You're late!" Starscream snapped, unable to keep his irritation in any longer.
"Careful, Starscream. If you truly want that position so bad, you would have to behave." Megatron's voice was flat.
At this Starscream inwardly deflated. Why was Megatron being so… emotionless? Was he mad at him for something he had unknowingly done? Did he actually give a bad first impression? Where was his usually carefree and flamboyant attitude?
"Someone got up on the wrong side of the berth this morning." Starscream commented before he could stop himself.
That did it. Megatron's faceplates finally cracked into a wide grin, "As did you. I suppose two wrongs make a right then."
"What does that even mean?! Hold on, I don't want to know. Probably another one of your rhetorical sayings. We're here to talk about my promotion, not to have a debate!"
"You're really not a morning mech, Starscream," Megatron led the other to the break room right beside the one they were in, "Perhaps after refueling you will be more pleasant to speak with."
Starscream hated to admit it, but his tanks were rumbling already. They had been doing so frequently the past few solar cycles since fuel was becoming harder to obtain. The warlord retrieved two rationed energon cubes from the dispenser and wordlessly handed him one. Starscream silently rejoiced at the long-needed fuel as they sat down at one of the many tables littering the area. He literally downed the whole thing in a nanoklik to the great amusement of his leader.
"Tell me first then," Megatron took a sip from his cube, "What makes you think you could take up this position?"
"Do I need a reason? I am capable, that's all. Much more than that glitchhead Lugnut you're considering." Starscream was starting to become bold due to the energy boost the fuel offered.
"True," Megatron surprisingly agreed, "Lugnut is loyal, but I would like for someone to have his own opinions along with my own. You and your many ideas would be invaluable to me."
"Ha! There you go."
Megatron smiled bitterly as he prepared to drop the bomb that would certainly destroy the scientist's hope of his promotion, for he expected Starscream to react explosively to it. He had to do it, after many careful considerations. But that doesn't mean he shouldn't pacify Starscream first.
"You see, Starscream," Megatron began, putting his cube down and looking at the other intently, "I like the idea of having you as my second very much. You are talented and resourceful, not to mention absolutely gorgeous…"
He ignored Starscream's splutter of indignation as he continued on.
"And you fight surprisingly well in battle. In truth I have no reason to not promote you."
"Then what are you waiting for?!"
"There is one problem however."
Megatron almost enjoyed the expressions that were starting to twist the Seeker's faceplates.
"I need your loyalty."
Bomb dropped.
There was a long deathly silence. Any time now Starscream was going to throw a fit.
Sure enough, the Seeker exploded in an angry rant.
"You doubt my loyalty, Megatron?!" He screeched, "I worked my aft off to help the faction run, and I risk my life in battle to fight for our cause. I lost count of how many sacrifices I made for the Decepticons, and you have the nerve to question my loyalty?!"
"I never doubted it." Megatron put on an air of carelessness as he lobbed his now empty cube into a nearby disposal.
"Then what kind of loyalty were you looking for?!"
"One that Shockwave and Lugnut both have, and you do not. One that will win all of the opposing officials over to your side, since it is for their sake that this is even required in the first place."
Oh, how Megatron loved to keep his favorite Seeker hanging in the air. If Starscream had become any more furious, he would have had steam coming out of his audio receptors.
"I want your complete loyalty to me." Megatron intoned.
Another deathly silence.
"Slag no!"
Thought so.
Starscream leapt up and began shouting stuff about perverts, tyrants, aft-headed glitchheads who thought they were holier-than-thou and slagging them in the you-know-where. Megatron simply waited for the other to run out of breath. He was a bit annoyed though. Did Starscream really believe that loyalty to him meant sharing a berth with him (although Megatron secretly hoped this was so)?
"Done yet?" He asked when Starscream finally fell silent.
"No! I still have to address how you should stick your gutter mind up your aft…"
Megatron finally lost his patience. He didn't call Starscream over only to be cussed out. Combine that with his infatuation for the Seeker, his anxiety over the promotion and plain frustration towards everything, what happened next was plainly logical.
Megatron then stood menacingly, towering over the furious mech. The other apparently didn't even notice his leader's movement as he continued to rant. It was only when the warlord grasped Starscream's chin, jerked him forward and promptly crushed his lips against the other's did he become silent.
The Seeker immediately froze against him, too shocked to do anything as Megatron pulled his frame close against his own. He had planned to release Starscream then to leave him in his shock, but he couldn't bring himself to separate. Starscream's lips were surprisingly soft against his own even though he remained frozen stiff. For a nanoklik Megatron considered tasting him more intimately. It was only after a large struggle in his self-control when the warlord decided to leave that to another time.
But for him it was too tempting to simply remain like this, especially with Starscream's lithe exquisite frame pressing close again his. Megatron's hands soon moved to wander down the gentle curve of the Seeker's waist and then lower to cup his pert aft. At this Starscream actually moaned and arched his back, placing both hands on the warlord's chassis either as a gesture to push him away or to encourage him. Megatron didn't care though, and gave a purr of approval before nipping at the Seeker's mouth. He could have remained like this forever, feeling how perfect their lips melded together and how the other didn't push him away for once.
No, this cannot go on. It wasn't supposed to happen in the first place. He still had that SIC matter to settle with Starscream, no matter how much he wanted to make out with his favorite Seeker. Megatron probably won't get such a good chance again. He wasn't fighting back at all and was being completely submissive in the warlord's embrace.
Reluctantly Megatron separated, and inwardly rejoiced when Starscream uttered a needy keen and gazed at him with a wanton expression. The warlord was very pleased now. Very pleased indeed.
"I will consider you," Megatron winked, "You would make a fine second for me. But for now, you would have to pass the test."
In truth the warlord had already set his mind on having Starscream as his second if he could have more chances like this one. However, he left the room quickly before Starscream could recover. As much as he wanted to see the Seeker's reaction, Megatron wanted to leave with his wellbeing intact.
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