A/N: Heyo, everyone! We have a new chapter of the story! It'll be sometime till the next episode so please, do enjoy these inbetweens until then! I really had a hard time nailing the title for the chapter, but it all worked out...anyways, enjoy!

Chapter 20-Nerium's Monday

Nerium's POV

I walked down the halls in silence, Wendigo snugly against my chassis having a light nap. I held my cold mask up, and as I passed the troops, some if not most avoided me. I was headed for the Med-Bay, for Knockout to do a Medical Checkup after having received my new alt mode.

This also gave me a chance to be closer to not only Breakdown and Knockout, but Moonfall's comatose frame as well. I wanted to see if there was any difference within the frame since the Dream happened. But...I dreaded walking into that Med-Bay, I just...didn't want to be bombarded by 'eccentric and outgoing' people today.

I wasn't in the mood.

I was strictly business.

That's all, just make nice with them, then leave.

And as soon as I walked into the Med-Bay...I was beholden to a sight that will forever be burned into my brain for literally forever.

Knockout and Breakdown apparently forgot I was coming in today...because they were in the middle of interfacing, right in front of me….weird word for sex but I am not questioning it.

"FUCKING SHIT!" I screamed which made them finally notice me, Knockout on top of Breakdown snapped his helm along with his partner at me...mortified…as was I...then I remembered my birdy who was starting to wake up.

I covered where my baby's optic sensors would be and yelled, "ARE YOU SERIOUS RIGHT NOW?!"

Still they said nothing, apparently frozen in place, I snarled and turned sharply.

"SNAP the fuck out of IT! And make yourselves DECENT!"

Finally, I heard them move, I heard snapping clicking and when it stopped I turned back. Both were now standing, awkwardly, and decent enough for me to let my baby see again. She was confused, but I brushed it off.

It was Knockout who first spoke, "Umm, just want to say now, that I am sorry you saw that...forgot you were coming...unfortunately."

I rolled my optics, my cold mask returning, "I guessed as much. Look, if you're gonna interface that publicly, I do not care, but DO NOT do that in front of my PRECIOUS WENDIGO!"

Breakdown finally broke from his shock to ask, "Wait, you aren't mad that you walked in on us, but because Wendigo is with you?"

"YES! She is my BABY, and I DO NOT want her to be seeing...THAT…as for me, I don't give a shit, I've been in many brothels within my lifetime to give two shits." I growled, crossing my arms and staring daggers at the two mechs.

Knockout then asked, "You use a lot of human swears…"

"I swear a lot when A) I'm pissed off and B) When I'm drunk, so yeah get used to it. And human swears have more impact than yours." I said, sighing and regaining myself, "Now, can we forget what I just saw that, and move on with our day?"

They silently agreed, beginning the process of documenting my new alt mode and this and that. I won't bore you with the details. But I'll tell you what I am thinking. I am thinking that this was a mistake. Well, it was an honest mistake that they forgot, but when someone tries that shit in front of MY BABY!?

Usually, I'd just kill the offenders.

But I can't do that.

And yes, I know she isn't a child in the sense she doesn't know what interfacing means, but she does not hold any interest in the action of it. Told me herself, that she actually found it repulsive, so I don't push her into uncomfortable situations. And it also means I never have to worry about her having to go off and raise some chicks.

'I never want to be a Mother…' She shudders slightly against my chassis, 'Adventuring is my game, and I ain't leaving you for raising chicks, Mama! Also, thank you for covering my optics, dodged a bullet there.'

I smiled, 'You are welcome, my dear. I will always be here to take one for the team.'

We giggled through our bond, content with each other, she became sleepy once more and I allowed her to drift off. But I was still wide awake, waiting to get this check up over and done with.

I turned my helm to look at the door where Moonfall was. She had been moved to a private room of her own, so I couldn't see her. But I knew she was there, and I wondered how she was doing in her own mind. I wondered if she was okay, or if she wasn't. But I could only wonder, though I could ask Starscream...those two seem to be connected in more ways than one...wait...could that mean...no, no it's not possible...but I've seen weirder shit before.

Are they...bonded like me and Wendigo?

"Alright, we're all done, you're free to go, Nerium." Knockout said, sighing in slight relief.

"Good, because you both owe me one." I said coldly as I stood on my peds.

Breakdown looked at me confused, "What do we owe you?"

I glared at him and he immediately shrunk away...interesting I can intimidate him, given how small I am compared to him...and everyone else. Well, I am that good so who am I kidding!?

"You owe me, both of you, end of story. I'll cash out when I feel the need to use said favor. Okay?" I sickly smiled at them and they nodded their helms quickly. "Good."

I walked out of the room, not having accomplished what I wanted at all, but satisfied nonetheless.

Next I headed for the Bridge, since the highest of the high command was meeting today to give reports, I wanted to see. That most likely meant it would be 'boring' but who cares? It's Lord Megatron, Soundwave, Shockwave and Starscream, none of them are boring...well I haven't really chatted with Shockwave yet so he's a mystery but the rest, not boring, not in the slightest.

I entered the room, the Bridge busy as ever with troops at the computers. Lord Megatron stood at the head of the Bridge, looking over something on a datapad while seated on a throne, I didn't know where it came from, but I didn't question it, he looked pretty handsome perched up there.

Next some of the other troops were Soundwave who gave me a small nod as I entered, and Shockwave was also here. I rarely if ever saw the one-eyed mech. He was interesting to look at, and from what I've heard around the ship, he was interesting personality wise, apparently he was emotionless because of something he went under during his youth. Also, the canon for a hand was awesome, just saying.

But, Starscream was absent, I suppose the meeting wasn't supposed to start in a few minutes but still...where is he?

"Nerium, was it?" A monotone and cold voice asked me out of thin air, I snapped my head up at Shockwave who now stood over me.

Stepping back so I wasn't looking straight up at the mech I said, "Yes, you are Shockwave right? We haven't had proper time to meet yet."

"I have no time for 'socializing', I have much work to do for the Cause." He said, his voice never changing in tone, which was impressive.

I crossed my arms and smirked ever so slightly through my mask, "Project: Predacon I assume?"

There was a cold tense silence before his voice lowered an octave and asked, "How did you come to that knowledge?"

"I have pointy audio's, Shockwave, I hear things. Besides, there's a redacted file on the ship's databanks." I said, shifting my mask to show no fear. "Also, I am always on the Bridge, it would be only a matter of time."

"So, you know it's name, but not what it's about?" He asked, his darker tone lightening into almost curiosity, but not really.

"It's a weapon, that's all I know, trust me on that. But I am curious, why did you walk up to me and start talking to me when you don't have time for socializing because of your pet project?" I asked.

He was silent, but his antenna on the side of his helm that acted as his audios twitched, in a way that I could read. Due to the fact that many animals convey feelings through their ears, if they're big enough and have enough control over them, like wild cats or wolves.

Through that knowledge, I could read this thought process. First surprise, then consideration, then a slight nervousness...hmm, he might not be just logical and more emotional than he first thinks.

"In order for our productivity to be at maximum, we must have a common ground to stand on. This isn't socializing, I am merely making sure you won't cause me any delays." He said, looking away to his datapad and fiddling it.

I smirked, "Makes sense, I don't mind. And I won't get in your way, I am devoted to this cause as much as you."

He looked back, his antenna pushed back in annoyance, "That is illogical, no one is more devoted than I."

"Right, my bad." I said waving it off, "But I understand where you are coming from, failure isn't an option for you and neither is it for me, I hope I can aid you in the future."

He was again silent, considering, then replied, "That is logical." And simply turned away, walking away from me.

Once he was out of audio shot I muttered under my breath, "...odd, but satisfying…"

It was then that I caught the optics of Lord Megatron, who had seemingly forgotten his datapad and was staring at me with intrigue, sketch across his rough features. I raised my brow at him, cocking my hips to the side, questioning him silently. He motioned for me to approach and not about to deny the poor mech, I did as he wanted.

Silently, I told Wendigo to wake up and detach, she begrudgingly agreed, and flew off to land on Soundwave's shoulder, he gave her a light pet on the head before continuing on with his work. I stopped just short of his throne, staring up at him with a slight smile.

For some reason, putting on the mask for him was harder and harder.

"Nerium, how is the adjustment to life of the Nemesis?" He asked, professional and commanding.

I answered immediately, "So far so good, my Lord. I've hit a few bumps in the road, but nothing I can't handle."

His large brow raised, "And who is exactly giving you trouble, ma chère fleur?"

My spark skipped a beat...yep, yep, I like that nickname.

And if anyone else says it, I'll kill them, because no one can make me shiver from head to toe in such a deep gravelly voice when saying such a phrase. But, I need to focus..which is hard because that was so...I don't even have words!

"Astraea and Makeshift, but don't worry, I have it covered." I said, straining to keep from stuttering.

His optics narrowed slightly, "Hmm, I'll still have a word with them, they are my crew after all. But other than them, I think things are well?"

I nodded, "Mostly, I've had more interactions with others and not. It's a work in progress I suppose, and will most likely be like that for a little while longer. But, I am hopeful, I do feel welcomed here, which is new."

He smiled, not a dark smirk, but not a fully happy one either, "Good, I know it must be tough to learn how to interact with Cybertronians. And don't worry, I haven't forgotten about our deal either, when the solar is over, I have free time to spare, so meet me here once the time comes."

Ah yes, I would be learning Cybertronian languages, as well as maybe some human languages. Even though I hate my Primes for messing with my language translator, I was glad for this outcome.

I smiled, genuinely, which made him freeze, "Of course, and I haven't forgotten about my end either. I look forward to tonight."

He blinked, before shaking it off just in time for the Bridge doors to open, giving way to the final member of the high command at this meeting today, Starscream.

But I and everyone else was thrown for a loop when we saw him. Because he didn't look the same, like at all. He still had the same frametype, but his armor was slightly different in design and his colors were completely different. My magically attuned sense could see invisible etching into the metal of the armor, magically in nature though what type was beyond me. And the color, instead of silver, red and black, it was reversed, with black being his main color, the secondary red and the accents silver.

Hanging from his right audio was a earring with a golden chain connected in two places before hanging off with a small jewel of magenta color, inside, faintly you could see the Falling Star's insignia but you need to look really, really hard and have to know it's there to really see it.

By all accounts, he looked awesome, that was just plain to see...but how the hell did he get like this. I could see the paint was fresh, and had a shine to it, and the earring was so well made as well as the armor...where in the Nine Hells did he get it?

"I like the new look, Starscream." I said, breaking the silence with a small smirk.

He looked at me nervously, but he smiled anyways, "Thanks, I wanted to do something new."

Megatron shook off his surprise to say, "Never mind that, what are your reports?"

Shockwave spoke first, "My liege, I do not question your thought process, but I believe Nerium should take her leave." I froze, turning to face him, "What we are about to discuss is for high level superiors such as ourselves and the material is highly sensitive. Since we do not know of where she truly stands, we must breath an air of caution."

Now, I frowned, "I'm sorry, but what…?" I was beyond offended...was he threatened by me?

Megatron though, spoke for me, "I understand your concern, Shockwave, so allow me alleviate it now. Nerium is in no way a threat to security, and I believe in her loyalty to the Cause. She stays, because I trust her. And I consider her one of us, she not merely a foot soldier, she is my Confidant."

"I understand my liege." Shockwave replied courteously.

I was...surprised? I didn't really know how to react to the new title. I was his Confidant...that could be useful in the future. And...that means I can stay with him no matter what too. Hm, yes, I do like that prospect, I mean who wouldn't wanna stare at a specimen such as he? I swear, if I could I'd kiss the mech right now for such a gift...but alas, I think I'd be stepping over a boundary line.

"Tell me, how goes Project: Predacon?" Megatron asked, moving away from the topic.

I was unsure of where I should stand, but was soon alleviated of the choice by Megatron as he listened to Shockwave's report while also plucking me from the ground and placing me on the armrest of the throne. I was small enough so that it wasn't uncomfortable and in his way, and it was a nice perch, after all, I lived most of my life in a mountain range. High places were my jam.

So I put my legs over the side and rested my helm in a servo while listening to Shockwave.

"Everything is proceeding as predicted, my liege. I have most of the new equipment that you have given me in place to continue on with research and development. All I am waiting on is the Spacebridge's compilation, which will not be for some time yet. But once operational, I'll be able to transport the last of my equipment from Cybertron and begin synthesizing the material needed to make you the greatest Autobot hunting weapon." He said, cold and calculated, but I could also see him side glancing at me while solely focused on Lord Megatron to my right.

Lord Megatron mused, "After you have all the materials from Cybertron, how long until the first clone is ready for combat?"

Clone? What the hells are they talking about, an Autobot hunter? This doesn't sound good, might have to talk to the others about this. Did Starscream know? Looking at him I could see slight guilt in his optics as he stared at me, he mouthed 'I'll explain later.' to me.

Good...because this sounds interesting.

Shockwave responded, bringing my focus back, "It still remains unclear, my liege, but once I begin the process you will be the first to know of it."

Lord Megatron smiled, "Good, thank you for the report, Shockwave. Soundwave, report."

The spymaster turned to his master, with Wendigo still on his shoulder, and images began filtering on the screen, :Energon mines...running on full steam...new finds...harder to find...troop and miner….morale high...negative...Autobot sightings...in several solars:

Interesting, the bots keeping to themselves. Wonder how long that will last?

Soundwave then jerked and said, :Error...Autobot sighting at Mine SA-90029...one confirmed Autobot in area...one vehicon reported missing…:

Lord Megatron frowned, then turned to Starscream, "Take a look into the situation at Mine SA-90029, see if the Autobot is still in the area, and bring Nerium with you. Her natural based abilities should be able to aid you."

He nodded, "Of course my liege, I shall give you the report when I return."

A groundbridge opened behind him and I jumped down from the throne, but not before Megatron said softly, "Be careful."

I looked at him surprised, before simply nodding and following Starscream through the groundbridge. My spark had skipped a beat when he said that...I still don't believe it. That the fact he cares about my safety...it kinda feels nice.

The humidity hit me right away as we exited the bridge to find ourselves in a dense jungle. All around us were vehicons and eradicons, seemingly recovering from a very non-violent encounter, judging by the fact that everyone seemed fine and there were no signs of a true battle.

"C-Commander Starscream, sir!" An eradicon approached us rapidly.

Starscream went full commander mode, "Report."

"Y-Yes, sir. About a few nano-seconds ago, Soundwave approached the mining operation from the northeast side of the treeline. He demanded to speak with the head of the mining operations, GU4-63V6R6, a newer model who was skeptical and then...then she yelled that it wasn't Soundwave and f-for second...I swore I saw...something...a-a different Cybertronian...with the Autobot symbol…" The eradicon seemed terrified so I stepped up.

"Keep going, we need to find where she is, tell us what happened after?" I asked, my mask softened just for him, for a little bit.

"R-Right...so, we pulled our blasters on...her..and suddenly a doorway, a purple doorway opened up and she pulled GU4-63V6R6 right into it and then...they were gone...and we've heard nothing." He said, shaking and sighing in relief after having finished the story.

Starscream narrowed his optics, then looked around us and asked, "Are we in Central America?"

The eradicon straightened up, "Y-Yes, sir. Why is that important?"

He waved off the bot, "None of your concern, get back to mining duties, we'll sort this one out."

The eradicon saluted before marching off and giving the orders to get back to work, Starscream started walking in the direction that this 'autobot' came from when disguised as Soundwave, marching into the trees and jungle.

"Nerium" He asked when we were far enough away from the mining operation, "Do you think this is the work of Cenotaph?"

I thought for a moment, then something clicked, "Oh, very much so now that I think about it. What he was describing was magic, definitely. And since Bulletta can't really do that, it has to be her. So I assume, she took Guinevere for a reason."

Starscream stopped and turned to me, "But...why?"

I shrugged, "Look, I don't know what kind of kinky shit she gets into, but I'll tell you this, if it benefits her in some way that it benefits us, then who are we to question?"

He sighed, "I suppose so...it's just that when I first met her there was this aura around her...something sinister, more so than in any Decepticon I've met up to date! I mean, she rivals even Makeshift and Astraea, combined! She's...something else." He shivered, most likely thinking back to the first encounter with Cenotaph.

"Well of course she's not normal. I mean come on, she is literally named after a thing that marks someone's grave whose actual remains lie elsewhere. You can't get more weird than that! But, I don't judge nor do I question, hells, I've done some pretty shady stuff in my lifetime!" I said, kicking a branch away and marching onwards in the direction she came from.

Starscream then asked, "You do have a point. So, since we have time to kill before returning, I gotta ask...do I really look good?"

He looked at himself, not really sure of himself, I looked back at him inquisitively, "Of course you do, but I have to ask, how'd you get the magic armor?"

"Gift, from Primus and the Primes. The armor is force resistant. I also have this." He pulled out from his subspace a longsword with a gem embedded into the hilt, I could easily see it was magical. "It's a Dancing Sword, one command word, and I can make it attack anyone I see fit."

I tilted my helm slightly, "Interesting, what about that gold thing on your audio?"

He lit up a little, lightly holding it as he explained, "It's a token to show my true fidelity, it also grants me the powers I had in the Dream. But only to a certain point, I can transform into my Dream form as well, but as for what I can do without transforming is quite incredible, I find it very easy to slip unnoticed by others, I can dodge things easier, and I can tell if someone is hidden or invisible nearby. I can also be very deceptive and insightful, in fact, if I talk or observe someone for at least a minute, I can discern certain aspects of them and their psyche."

I arched my brow, "Wow, that's incredible. Then again, rogues are super bad ass."

He chuckled, "The best part is that I now know two new languages from you're world."

"Really, which ones?" I asked, avoiding a small sinkhole in the ground as we walked onward.

"Thieves' Cant and Elven." He said with a smile.

"Ah yes, the language of rogues and the language of the Elves, fitting even if you are truly an air genasi." I said with a slight laugh.

He shrugged his shoulders, "Well, I am all about appearances."

"Right, right...I suppose we should head back, if you are ready to report to Megatron about all of this?" I asked, giving him a look of sympathy.

He sighed, a frown returning to his features, "I suppose so. But, I don't think today won't be too bad. I mean, I am on his good side now, so that's a plus."

"True, true...just be careful about what you say, alright?" I asked, worried he might slip up about something.

He mockingly scoffed, "I am offended, Nerium."

I rolled my optics, "Yeah, yeah, lets go you pompous rogue."


Several Hours Later on the Nemesis...

I walked down the halls towards Megatron's personal quarters. My spark was literally racing to get out of my chassis as I came closer and closer to the hall that led to his room. I had received a message from him earlier saying to meet him in his room to begin the first lessons in language. He'd been busy all day with reports, and running the war effort in general, but now...now he had free time which he rarely got and he was using it up...for me.

I mean, we did make a deal...but still!

I left Wendigo in the care of Soundwave, who gave a knowing aura. I swear, Megatron and Soundwave must be like the best of friends to have that kind of look. I bet you they talk about me when I'm not around. But Soundwave is his most loyal, I wouldn't see why not that Soundwave was his first and greatest confidant, a title which I hold now too.

...I can do this...I can do this...I...CAN...do this…

As soon as that thought left, I looked up to see I was standing in front of his door at the end of a long hall. There were no quarters around his, it being secluded away in the depths of the ship. I can only imagine what it looks like on the inside...well...I won't have to imagine for long I suppose.

I raised my servo and gave it two firm knocks. I straightened my back, steeled my cold mask, even if it hurt to wear it around him and held my breath, figuratively. For what felt like an eternity I waited, until a distinctive click was heard and the doors swept away with a quiet whoosh.

There, standing in low light emanating from his room, was Megatron...strange he seemed more shiny? Ah, who cares, he still looks hot.

"Glad to see you are keeping to your word, Nerium." He said, his voice rumbling through my entire frame.

I nodded, "Of course, I am interested in what you have to teach me."

He smiled ever so slightly, moving out of the way of the door frame, "Come, let's not waste anymore time then."

I silently followed him into his room and just stared at everything.

His room was large, by far the biggest in the entire ship, it was minimal decorated, with a weapons rack of most likely unused weapons, a couple of sleeves with strange objects on them, a desk, a door that most likely leads to a private bathroom and a large, and I say large, berth off to one side. At the furthest point is a large screen that encompasses the entire wall, currently, it displayed what was outside the ship, which was the Earth, far below us as we skirted on the edge of space.

The planet was aglow with lights on it's night side, a sight to really behold.

My mask completely cracked and I smiled widely, "This is amazing, Megatron, I never could imagine this in the first place."

He chuckled, closing and locking the door, and striding past me, "No one but Soundwave and Knockout if necessary are allowed in this room. So, I don't get to many comments about it, it's nice to hear."

"Right, right…" I said stupidly, staring nervous at the ceiling for a moment before asking, "So, what are we starting with?"

He took a seat from his desk and sat down, "What are you interested in?"

I thought for a moment, "Well...you called me ma chère fleur before...what does that mean?"

He seemed to freeze for a moment, processing the question, then clearing his throat and saying, "Ah...that...well, the human language is called French, and I like how it rolls off the glossa easily. But..as for it's meaning...well to be blunt, it means my dear flower…"

I stared at him wide eyed.

He's been calling me his dear flower?

Holy hells I think my spark just melted, jumped out of my chassis and exploded all at the same time. I knew, subconsciously and to my horror, a stupid smile crossed my face and I could feel myself blushing as I tried to...literally say anything that wasn't dumb and failing…

"Oh..I-I...uh...I-heh-didn't see that...wow...i-is t-there a reason...uh...for that?" I squeaked, feeling like the room was a sauna.

Again he cleared his throat, staring at the wall then me, and I swore he was blushing...slightly.

"Well...I don't really have a good reason...it just kind of...happened." He said lamely and for once I was glad that no one but him could see me because I would curl up and die if say Starscream or Knockout saw me right now.

I looked at him the best I could without optic contact and said, "Ah...I see."

Then he suddenly said, "If you are uncomfortable with it I can stop if you want too?!" He seemingly was starting to panic, thinking I hated being called that.

I shook my helm violently and walked up to him before jumping onto another chair next to his and standing on said chair I said, "No, no, no! I-It's fine. I actually don't mind, whatsoever. I...kind of like it."

He was surprised, and I could now really tell this close up that he was trying hard not to turn into a blushing mess like I was. I envy his control so much, I could never control my stupid blushing...or racing sparkbeat...or my constant thoughts about how nice he is to look at.

"Good...I'm glad, I suppose." He said, rubbing his helm slightly, "So...did you want to learn French then?"

I smiled genuinely, to my sorrow, "I'd love to, but first I have one more question."

He smiled curiously, "Go ahead."

"Why do you like me?" I asked bluntly...or maybe too bluntly as he seemingly lost control and turned into a blushing mess, realizing the mistake I said quickly, "OH, I phrased that wrong! What I meant was...why do you want to spend time with me? I am nothing special or worthy of time... not to mention I am a monster...so, yeah...why do you do that?"

There was a bead of silence, as his blush returned to normal controlled levels, which I found cute...GAH stop that, not now. Anyways, he sat just there staring at me, quizzically. Before shaking his helm and coming to his senses.

To my surprise, he looked at me with concern, "Why would you ask that?"

I frowned, "Isn't it obvious? I mean...I just gave you the reason I asked that-"

"No, no." He cut me off, before leaning to optic level with me, "Why would ask such an awful question? You aren't some savage, nor are you boring. Quite the opposite actually, I haven't met someone as interesting as you in a long time. And yes...you have a monster in you...but so do I and I believe in looking past the monsters to the truest self of a person. And your true self...is someone I wish to invest time in."

I stared at him confused, "But...why me?!"

He rolled his optics before saying, "Because, I wanted too. When I first saw you, there was something different that I saw right away. And…" He looked away, a blush creeping back, "I...find you...nice to be around and talk too. I feel better when I am around you."

I smiled warmly, "That...baffles me still. But...thank you...I like hanging out with you too."

He chuckled wholeheartedly, "Good, that's good...so...wanna learn a new language now?"

I giggled along with him, "I'd love too."

We spent most of the evening learning french...or well him teaching me. I enjoyed the time we spent together, it was calm, warm and inviting. And learning this was quite the feat. But I think I'll eventually get it, in time.

I remembered Starscream's words to me from before, and I smiled.

Knowing that for once, I think I was starting to be okay with trusting someone with my heart...or spark rather. I wouldn't mind giving it to Megatron, because I think he'd care for it with all of his being. He was the first, and he'd always hold that special place in my spark. And I could literally stare at him for ages and listen to him speaking for hours on end.

Hm...is this what a crush feels like?

Because I think I like it...a lot.


A/N:...ah...my favorite...people who are crushing so hard yet have no clue what to do...that's the stuff I LIVE for!

Have a nice day :)