Chapter 9

Skywarp landed outside the cave that Soundwave had specified and could not help but pace. This was likely the dumbest thing she had done in a long time and that was probably stretching the word "dumb" thin. This was idiotic, meeting with Decepticons that knew she had been leaking information and had express clear outrage over the whole ordeal so that they could frag. Clearly, parts of her processor were not functioning properly if she thought this was a good idea.

As she started her thirteenth lap, she heard jet engines. Looking up, she felt her spark flutter rapidly as Thundercracker angled himself towards the cave. He could fire his weapons at any moment and eradicate her. Wouldn't take much effort, really; a couple of rounds and she would be gone. But he didn't fire or give any indication that he would.

He landed in front of her and smiled a little, rubbing his neck as Soundwave, in his tiny cassette player alt, tumbled to the ground. "Sorry we're late," he murmured. "Megatron's been cracking down on security since…well," he shrugged a shoulder nervously and refused to meet her gaze.

"Can't say I blame him," Skywarp shrugged and stepped closer, tucking her head under his jaw. "Missed you," she murmured softly so that only he would hear.

His arms wrapped tightly around her waist and they both let out soft purrs as they pressed against each other. It was a private, affectionate moment that was only interrupted by Soundwave's massive frame suddenly drawing both of them close. Skywarp's wings rose fearfully as thick digits slipped to wider seams and teased at the sensitive wires.

"Um…hi?" Skywarp murmured as she glanced at Thundercracker.

Thankfully, he looked just as annoyed with the touching and gave Soundwave a good shove. "Do you really have to be that touchy when we clearly didn't ask for it?"

Soundwave snorted softly and Skywarp only had enough time to cycle a bit of air through her systems before his mouth was over hers. Squeaking, she tried to wiggle away, but his arms pulled her closer and she allowed it to happen. He pulled away just as quickly and, even if he was unnaturally gorgeous without his facemask on, Skywarp shuffled over to Thundercracker and shivered.

"Okay, don't do that again please," she shivered. "You might have arranged this, but you know that you aren't the one that we are in a relationship with, right?"

"As I recall, you are part of a trine with Thundercracker and Starscream," Soundwave replied. "Yet she is mates with Skyfire. I fail to see the difference."

"You're creeping the slag out of us," Skywarp replied with a shrug. "And Star's my sister so trining with her is out of the question."

Soundwave tilted his head and stepped back against the wall. "Very well, have your fun," he replied calmly.

Skywarp snuggled against Thundercracker and smirked as he started kissing her neck. "So now he's a voyeur," she giggled as she started mewling.

"Mmm, better than him stroking my hip while I'm trying to get you excited," he huffed. "That's distracting."

Skywarp did not bother to hold in her laugh as she latched onto Thundercracker and made him tumble to the ground.

Starscream stood opposite Megatron and tried not to squirm too much under his gaze as he looked over the offering. "You can't seem to make up your mind as to which side you are on," he commented dryly.

"Can you blame me?" she snorted as she crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head. "I have no respect from anyone, they all think I'm a traitor, it's a fight to get anything done, and Ratchet refuses to give us the upgrades we need on account of Seekers never sticking around."

Megatron tilted his head curiously towards her as he read through the datapad. "Has Skywarp agreed to this?" he asked.

"No, but it would be safer not to get her opinion," Starscream replied. "Regardless of what you know her as, she is a lot more cautious and thorough in her planning."

Megatron gave her a look that bespoke his disbelief without uttering a word. He handed the datapad back to her and nodded. "Your offering seems adequate," he stated formally. As she took the datapad, his hand tightened around her wrist. "Star…."

"I know," she smiled as she stepped closer and nuzzled his chin. "I missed you too. Skyfire is ready to get to know you too."

"He approves after all he has seen?" he asked in a strangely nervous tone.

"He doesn't mind," she smirked. "Besides, he knows what I know and can't wait to romp about with you."

"He doesn't strike me as the kind to let me dominate him," Megatron frowned.

Grinning devilishly, Starscream pulled away and fluttered her wings enticingly. "Who says he would?" she cooed as she started walking away. "You'll be at the meeting place?"

"Yes," Megatron replied shakily. "Both of you have to be there or we don't move forward."

"Understood," Starscream nodded. "I look forward to serving you again, Lord Megatron."

With a bow, she transformed and flew back towards the base, not caring if Jazz had seen the entire exchange. Let him tell Optimus about it; she'd be gone before any of them had a chance to arrest her.