Author's note. Written by me and the-writing-mew.
Megatron's not a bad guy in this story, hope it's obvious by now. ;)
Enjoy and please review.
Sometime later...
"More tea, Consort?" Valour asked while serving Optimus and this one nodded.
"Just one more, little Valour or I think I will become addicted to it," He answered lowly and the mechling nodded eagerly serving him more.
Valour was intrigued at how sad he looked just as Slipstream said. Dim optics, lost look and never speaking more than it was strictly necessary.
He wondered why? After all he'd seen him with Megatron and this one seemed to love his mate deeply and make sure he possessed everything he wished...
Well, according to Slipstream, the Consort wished his freedom, freedom of spark...
"Poor lord Megatron," Valour thought sadly, he concluded just as Slipstream that the Consort didn't love him back.
"Valouuuuur!" And speaking about the devil there it came, Slipstream flying at high speed and tackled the little red and blue mechling to the ground. Luckily the things in his hands didn't break but now she was hugging him to the ground from behind.
"Hi Slipstream...ahh!" He said and she touched his wing nubs again tickling him.
Both giggling sparklings were quite the sight for many as they shared their happiness to the universe...
...except for Optimus who noticed what she was touching and the way she moved her wings.
She was claiming him! And Valour was so innocent he wasn't even realizing!
And not just that but he just devised his son has... Oh Primus!
"Not my...my-" He tried to say in shock trying to gasp for air and grabbed his chest in pain before everything turned black again for Optimus.
No one noticed the fainted mech until Valour saw him "Consort!"
"Not again!" Slipstream groaned.
This was getting quite usual lately.
...
Meanwhile...
Medbay...
Hook was gathering courage to invite Red Alert for a drink but it was becoming hard.
Hidden from them were Megatron and Starscream watching the scene with barely contained laughs.
"Ummm...Red Alert?" The old medic started and Megatron and Starscream grinned evilly waiting for the femme to reject him or or Hook to ask her to do something else related to the medbay.
"I bet he will ask her something related to the med bay...," Starscream stated and Megatron snorted.
"Well, I bet that he will just lose his voice box as she turns and then he runs."
"Deal!" The seeker said and both mechs shook hands.
Immediately after the femme turned Hook froze.
"Yes?" She said politely as ever and both hiding mechs were waiting impatiently for the next move...
But something changed the events drastically...
"Are you Tripwire?!" A mech roared before a 'clang!' like sound was heard before a groan sounded.
Red Alert's optics widened in joy at the sound and hurried to see leaving a petrified Hook behind...petrified after seeing her beautiful blue optics sparkle like that.
"What?!" Megatron and Starscream said in unison before hearing the femme practically squeak in utter joy: "Father!"
"Red? Oh my little Red... I missed you...," Ratchet said as he hugged her tightly. Behind her came Hook and saw the scene.
To one side was Tripwire holding his head and groaning in pain, in the other was Red Alert and...
His optics widened...
"Well well... This is a turn of events...," Starscream mussed and Megatron nodded. "We both lose... What'd you think will happen now?"
"Well... The father's here and I've heard he's very protective and jealous of her," Megatron informed. "This will be interesting.
Ratchet then looked up towards Hook and then released his daughter. "Nice to meet you personally, Hook." The white and red ambulance said. Hook however could only nod politely.
"Oh!" Red Alert suddenly said. "Hook said he will like to invite you some drinks when you came, after all daddy, he's so much like you, you will get along easily!" She practically bounced and both the Commander and Emperor had to deactivate their vocals since they couldn't help it anymore and were laughing their afts off.
This was even better than the bet, and Hook's face was priceless!
"Really?" Ratchet said with a frown examining his now frozen colleague. Definitely he was after his daughter, he'd seen other mech's optics like this and their practically disappointment when he appeared. Sadly his little Red was too innocent to notice it.
Hook had to be oldest who ever showed interest in her which annoyed Ratchet. He'd been hoping that moving to Kaon Palace would mean she could get some peace from Mechs constantly trying to be with her. Clearly, he'd need to have a word with this Hook and ensure there was no funny business.
"Ah...yes," Hook managed to say after clearing his intakes. "That would be...really nice."
"Well, perhaps later we could do that later on," Ratchet said calmly. He suspected Hook had meant to ask Red Alert out but had ended up saying he'd want to take her father out. Hah, these Mechs were all the same.
Hook was just wondering whether a hole could open up and swallow him when he received a call from one of his bots on the other side of the palace. He listened and then sighed, Optimus had fainted again. It seemed he had no followed his instructions to talk to Megatron. Deciding that perhaps this would be an opportunity to get to know Ratchet better and hide the fact he fancied his daughter, he said.
"Ratchet, perhaps you'd like to come with me on a call out?"
"You should go," Red Alert encouraged. "I'm still on my shift, I don't want you hanging around being bored. You might spot Valour while you're out."
This made him smile slightly; he missed his little grandson and couldn't wait to see him again. The little bot had certainly grown on him since his daughter had adopted him, he never thought he could feel so fondly to a bot that wasn't his daughter or mate.
"Alright, I'll go," he said. "See you later sweetspark."
She gave him a kiss on the cheek and the two old Medic departed. As she got back to her work, examining a certain patient's files, Starscream chuckled from his and Megatron's hiding place.
"Hook's going to regret asking him along, that old bot will give him an audio full."
"no doubt," Megatron agreed. "Such a shame we can't hear it."
Both Mechs laughed as they walked away from the Med Bay.
"Who's the call out?" Ratchet asked as they drove along, he wanted the details of the call out before he started on the other.
"The Consort," Hook replied grimly. "Recently, he's been suffering blackouts and fainting."
"Optimus?" Ratchet replied with concern. Red Alert had told him that Optimus had seen his son and knew he was doing well but nothing about his condition.
"You know him?" Hook asked with interest.
"Yes, he and Red used to play together as Sparklings, they were like brother and sister. We were...shocked when we found out the emperor was bonding with him," Ratchet said coolly.
Hook didn't need to ask to know that Ratchet did not approve of the fact Megatron had mated before courting the young Autobot. Frankly, he didn't approve either and if he'd known what Megatron had planned, he would have tried to talk him out of it.
"It was rather sudden," he agreed. "Perhaps since you know Optimus so well, you can talk to him?"
"What do you mean?" Ratchet asked as they drove around a corner, their lights flashing to indicate for bots to move out of the way.
"The emperor does love his mate," Hook said firmly. "But he's blind to how Optimus feels and will not listen to anyone who tries to tell him what if obvious. Optimus needs to say something to his mate, I don't want to see that bot spiralling into even more of a depression than he already is in. These blackouts are a sign that something is seriously wrong and needs to be sorted out as soon as possible."
"I'll see what I can do," Ratchet agreed, it sounded like someone did need to talk to that young bot. The question was whether it would make a difference; Optimus hadn't changed his mind when it came to Valour, could he be convinced that he needed to talk to Megatron.
"Thank you," Hook said gratefully.
"Hook," Ratchet suddenly said as a group of Seekers took to the air to avoid them. "You desire my daughter, don't you?"
Hook almost lost control and crashed against a column as Ratchet's words were processed. "W-what, what you mean? What are you talking about?"
Ratchet grunted, he recognized the signs of a mech after his daughter, he could practically smell it since he was not the first who was after her and he feared he won't be the last.
After all, his daughter was beautiful, smart, responsible, a good medic and above all things kind, gentle and innocent... It was his duty as a sire to protect her from potential predators like this one.
"Don't you think you're too old for her?" Ratchet continued. "You could be her grandfather as far as I know..."
"What?! I don't know what you are talking about so stop speaking nonsense! I am bonded with my job and I'm not interested in anything else!" Hook roared and if Ratchet could he might have nodded.
"I can see why such an old relic is single..." The white and red autobot said making Hook step on his breaks this time.
"Oh, so, and you're young?! Old rusted wrench!" Hook bit back.
"At least I'm younger than you, I bet you could be MY grandfather! How dare you to look after nice young sparklings you old green rusted spike!"
And there it started, Hook and Ratchet verbally fighting in the middle of the garden ignoring the curious looks or that sparklings were there taking notes on their colourful insults.
"Well, at least I'm not an old selfish forever alone goose who wishes to keep his daughter all for himself because he's unable to find better company since his temper sucks!" Hook roared in Ratchet's face.
"You are too old for her and no good! And I doubt anyone is old enough to possibly become your something! You are just like the others! Only looking at her body until you tire then will drop her like used merchandise!" Ratchet continued.
"Keep inventing excuses, maybe she's old enough to decide if you hadn't noticed?!"
"You're older than me, her father! For fraggs' sake, you should be ashamed!"
"Why should I feel ashamed when I love her?!" There it was... Hook confessed it and covered his mouth, but it was already too late.
Rachet's optics turned almost white in rage. "No you don't! You're like the others, bastard!" he charged after Hook with his biggest wrench; however he hadn't expected Hook to have his own and stop his attack.
"I do, I love her, it is the first time I've felt something like this in my spark since ever!"
"You lie! That is what everybody says; you're just in heat for her and are confusing the real feeling which is coming from your old rusted spike!"
And so on they continued now that their verbal fight turned physical. "I will not allow my daughter to run on the same path Optimus went! You 'cons only take and take!"
"I am not like THAT idiot! I am not AN idiot!" Hook replied as both old mechs were hitting each other making horrible wounds in the process.
Meanwhile Valour hurried to see what was all that noise and recognized his grandfather's voice but could not reach him as the older bots were making a circle around the spectacle of Hook finding someone as aggressive as him.
"I need to speak with him!" Valour stated in desperation as not even the guards intervened to stop the old fighting medics. "Slipstream, can you fly me there?" He tried and the femmling nodded before taking him from his arms and flied to the centre of the circle...
However the mechling didn't expect to see his grandfather with his mommy's boss fighting to death.
"Wow..." Slipstream said watching the violent blows and insults wondering how Valour came out so sweet having such a violent grandfather.
Her brothers were behind them and Skywarp said. "They will have their mouths washed with soap for speaking dirty..."
"We have to stop them!" Valour hurried and the remaining eight seekerlets flied towards the lake with buckets and filled them with cold water and then flied above the fighting relics and released their charge.
That stopped them enough for Valour to scream above them. "Granddaddy! Hook!"
Then both mechs fell on the ground exhausted and hurt losing life force everywhere. "I still hate you and don't approve you," Ratchet hissed before wincing in pain.
"Well, I hate you too!" Hook bit back but now Valour was on the ground near them.
"I think mama will deal with both...later...because the Consort needs help."
The two Mechs froze as they suddenly remembered just why they'd been travelling together. As they sheepishly got to their feet, Valour scolded them.
"Mama says it's bad to say naughty words," Valour told them. "And that a Medic's duty is towards his patient and you shouldn't waste time by arguing over something silly."
The bots watching were amazed to see the two grumpy Medics looked so ashamed of themselves. Valour looked them up and down before asking.
"Should I call mama so she can treat the Consort and you?"
They winced, how embarrassing that would be. Not to mention, Red Alert would not be very impressed, she would give them an even worse dressing down.
"No, we can still treat the Consort," Hook assured the stern Sparkling. "Where...uh...is he?"
"Over there?" Valour said, pointing and the two medics quickly hurried over to him, leaving Valour shaking his head.
"I've never seen Hook fight," Thundercracker said in awe.
"I've never seen my grandpapa fight," Valour sighed. "I don't understand it."
"Must be something important for them to fight like that," mused Slipstream as they started heading for where the Consort was.
By the looks of it, he was coming round.
"R-ratchet?" he said in confusion as he recognised one of the faces peering down at him. "Your here?"
"I'm here," Ratchet said gruffly as Optimus came properly awake and blinked at the sight before him. Hook and Ratchet looked like they'd fought a battle to get to him and yet everything around him looked utterly peaceful.
"What happened to you?" he asked, completely forgetting that he'd fainted again or why.
He was amazed to see that they looked embarrassed and unwilling to say.
"Uh, nothing important," Hook said quickly. "How are you feeling?"
Optimus thought about it and then shrugged. "Fine."
"Why did you faint like that?" Ratchet demanded and Optimus looked away, mumbling something.
Ratchet glanced at Hook and then back at Optimus. Quietly, he said to Hook. "Give us a moment."
Hook looked like he wanted to protest but then remembered that he had asked the other to try and bring Optimus out of his depression. Now was probably as good a time as ever to win his confidence. With a nod, he withdrew, glaring a few people still staring and they quickly exited.
"I...I saw...," Optimus tried, swallowing heavily. "Valour, he was serving me tea and one of Starscream's Sparklings tackled him and...I recognised the signs of a Seeker claiming something as their own. And those wing nubs..."
This made Ratchet frown, glancing at the approaching Sparklings before saying. "Red mentioned something about Valour helping some Seeker Sparklings behave..."
"It's more than that," Optimus said miserably. "He's accidentally betrothed to her and even though Red said it wasn't going to go through...I can tell that Femme Sparkling wants it to. And Valour doesn't realise it, he'll end up being bonded with knowing the consequences..."
"Hey," Ratchet said, cutting across him. "You know Red won't allow anything of that sort to happen to her Sparkling. What happened with you...it was all so fast, none of us knew about it until it had happened. But we've got advanced warning about this and we can make sure Valour isn't forced into anything he doesn't want to be in. Trust us on this."
Optimus just bit his lip, looking more down than ever.
"Is this why you've been fainting?" Ratchet asked. "You've been worrying about Valour?"
The blue and red Mech nodded dumbly.
"Optimus, what happened to you is a terrible thing," Ratchet said grimly. "I wish I could change it or at least give that Megatron a good thrashing."
This made Optimus smile weakly.
"But it's happened and we have to deal with it," Ratchet added soothingly. "If you get worried about Valour, then just talk to me or Red and we can sort things out. If that little Femme is getting the wrong idea, then we'll talk to her creators and make sure she knows that she can only be Valour's friend at this time. Maybe when their older, he might fall in love with her for real, who knows. We can't predict who our children love."
"And hopefully, it's not that old scrap heap," he thought to himself.
"Megatron thinks it's funny," Optimus said tiredly. "He might decide they should be bonded."
"He can't bond them, their too young," Ratchet said quickly. "We have plenty of time to nip this in the bud, don't worry."
While they talked, Valour asked Hook.
"Is the Consort okay?"
"He appears to be," Hook said with a nod, glancing at a gash on his arm and sighing. How would he explain this to Red Alert, she would not be happy with the fact he'd been brawling with her Sire.
"You were so brave!" A little pink femmling with antennae and big blue optics came towards Valour as she praised him.
"Uhh...thank you...," He said smiling at her.
"Aww..." The unknown little femme said reaching for him to kiss and hug him, however right behind him was Slipstream fanning her wings angrily before stepping between the two and looked at her new rival hatefully.
'Only I can kiss Valour, he's mine!' Were what her wings were saying before turning towards him and kissed his cheek. "You're welcome," Slipstream said to her still shielding Valour.
The pink femmling however only gasped in indignation before roughly grabbed the seekerlet by a wing and pulled back making her yelp in pain and surprise and step away from Valour which is what the other desired.
Hook meanwhile could only look amused at the domination show; he will not interrupt them. Heh, some Secepticon sparklings already claimed their mates since then, they were a few rare and occasional but they existed.
Slipstream growled and took the other by the neck and looked at her straight into her optics. "If you know what's better for you, you will step back," Said shoving the other roughly and reached for a petrified Valour and kissed his cheek before hugging him. All the time displaying her wings possessively to any other possible rivals.
Optimus panted before whispering brokenly; "You see? You see?!"
Ratchet could not believe what he was seeing. That little seeker femme indeed claimed Valour and if she could she might kill a rival! What was wrong with these Decepticons?! And why did that other pink femmling also intend to kiss Valour?!
"Ummm...what happened?" He asked innocently after seeing his femme friend act like that and feeling that something above his capacity of processing happened...and why was that other pink femmling looking at Slipstream like that? He didn't like it for some reason and for some other reason wished to stay away from her.
"Nothing, don't worry, the Consort will be ok." Slipstream assured him before kissing him again on the cheek and gaining another kiss from him making her giggle.
Optimus after seeing that fainted again in Ratchet's arms while Hook reached for Slipstream's head and patted her softly. "Well done...," He praised her without watching the pink femmling turn and run away in angry tears.
Ratchet could only look agape wondering what the frag happened and why it caused Optimus to faint again like that?!
"Oh Primus," he muttered to himself. "Hook, he's fainted again."
"What...urgh," Hook groaned and coming over. "What happened, did he say why he fainted before?"
"First," Ratchet said, holding up a hand. "Tell me what just happened?"
He gestured at the giggling Sparklings as Slipstream still continued to hold her wings high.
"Oh that?" Hook said, amused. "That was Slipstream defending her future mate and making sure all others know he's out of bounds."
His smile faltered when Ratchet frowned before scowling.
"What?" he questioned and Ratchet looked him straight in the optic and growled. "I do not appreciate my grandson being tricked into something."
"Tricked?" Hook said in complete confusion. "What do you mean by that?"
"Do you think Valour has the faintest idea what they're doing?" Ratchet demanded furiously. "What does all the posturing mean? He thinks its a little game, that Slipstream is playing at being jealous but ultimately, it doesn't mean anything. And he's too sweet natured to protest if he feels uncomfortable."
Hook stared at him in shock as Ratchet wagged a finger at him.
"This is not how Autobots do things," he told him sternly. "If we see a bot we like, we court them properly, like civilized beings. We don't 'claim' others as our property, if a bot doesn't want to be with us and go with another, then that's their right."
Just as Hook started to say something, Ratchet added.
"And let me tell you something, Red will never in million cycles allow this to happen. If she needs to, she'll ban Valour from seeing that little Seeker Femme again, if it means he's protected from an arranged bonding."
"That Femme is his friend," Hook exclaimed.
"I can see that," Ratchet retorted, glancing at Valour who was still being hugged and petted. "And it'll hurt him to be separated from a friend but the pain won't be like that of a forced bond he doesn't want. What if he's bonded to her and discovers he loves someone else? What then, eh?"
Hook didn't know what to say, Ratchet was looking at him so furiously, he wondered if his head would be bit off if he spoke. Suddenly, he was aware that Valour had managed to get away from his 'intended' and approached the Consort.
"I wish I could help him," he said softly, bending down to touch his face. "It'd be nice to see him happy."
"It would," Ratchet agreed, touching his back. "You just be kind to him son, like always."
"He likes my tea," Valour stated with a smile. "I'd make it for him anytime."
"Good lad," Ratchet said before getting up with a groan. "Let's take him inside, no point in him lying here. Perhaps a hot bath or something would relax him."
"I'll help," Valour volunteered, he liked all his friends but was feeling strangely smothered by a few of them. And Bee wasn't here; he was helping in another part of the palace. "I can clean him up."
"Alright, we'll do that," Ratchet said with a nod, perhaps being with his little son would help Optimus. It was worth a try.
"You, get him loaded up," he ordered Hook who looked affronted but was wise enough to know that arguing further in front of Valour was not a smart idea. So when Ratchet transformed, he did as asked and Valour got in beside the Consort.
"Are you going?" Slipstream asked in disappointment and he nodded. "Yeah, I wanna help. See you later."
"See you," she said wistfully, at least he should be safe from others.
Sometime later, Optimus woke up in one of Kaon's bathhouses. He was reclined on a soft berth as the bath attendants got everything ready. He groaned at his headache instantly, Valour rushed over to him. His grandpapa had gone to clean up and leave Valour and the attendants to it.
"Are you feeling okay?" Valour asked. "Can I get you a drink?"
"Yes, that would be nice, thank you..." Optimus replied tiredly. "But...something intrigues me,"
"Yes?" Valour asked while bringing him more tea.
"What happened with Ratchet and Hook? Why they were so...battered?"
"Umm...well... I don't know, they didn't let me hear; maybe I should ask Slipstream," Valour said but at the mention of the seeker femme Optimus flinched. "Her carrier was there in the clinic along with the Emperor and he can tell her and she will tell me," He said so sure of himself and so trusting of her.
"Umm... Valour... Can I ask you something?" Optimus tried and the sparkling nodded. "How do you feel for Slipstream?"
"She's my friend," He answered matter-of-factly. "And she's cool; she was naughty before so she could call her carrier's attentions, she's not bad."
Optimus nodded, his son indeed was being a good influence in her but that was not the problem. "And her sire? Why is he not there helping Starscream?"
Valour shrugged and shook his head not knowing but said; " She says that their sire is a cold mech and the only good thing he knew was to impregnate her carrier and that he's not fond of sparklings; she also said that they went to see him once and that he doesn't tolerates jokes and that he beat one of her brothers for misbehaving...he was so bad that they needed to hospitalize him.
She also says he can look calm and caring but deep inside is a very impatient and intolerant mech," He concluded.
Optimus nodded and smiled sadly at him. "I see now why Starscream is alone. After all he carried them almost at the same time, Slipstream first and then the other eight at the same time," That made Valour nod, he knew that and how much the air commander risked his spark by doing it. "But tell me one thing...is she your girlfriend? Will you bond with her in the future?"
Valour flinched and looked shocked at the older mech. "She's my friend... I don't think she wants to..."
"What if she does? What if she wants you and no one else? You know her, she can be very...insistent," The consort gave him a knowing look.
"We're friends...," Valour insisted.
"And friends do kiss their friends like she does to you?"
"Umm..." The sparkling tried, well, yes, she kissed him a lot and he was not going around kissing Bumblebee and vice versa. "I don't know..." He concluded.
"Think, use your head, son... She wants more than your friendship, can't you see?" Optimus tried again. "Do you honestly want to be trapped into an arranged bonding with her? What if you fell in love with someone else and she doesn't approve? She seems quite violent."
Valour lowered his head thinking. "She will never do that..."
"She already did...she claimed you as hers! Remember yesterday that other femmling that tried to kiss you and Slipstream forbad it?"
Valour thought about it; yes, that other femmling tried to kiss him but he really didn't wanted her to do it and was glad to see Slipstream kick her away. He was not stupid and knew what it means to kiss her back, but somehow he couldn't stop himself either, like something was forcing him to do it...besides her mom assured him they won't be forced to bond, so...
"Consort...can I ask you something?" He started and the other nodded with a seriously analyzing face while Valour flushed. "Does it make me a perv to enjoy her kisses then?"
Optimus paled and froze.
Just how much did that seekerlet manipulated his innocent son?!
...
Meanwhile...
"That was EPIC!" Starscream laughed just as Megatron. "Hook and the Hatchet fighting in the garden and then back again in the medbay!"
They remembered they went there again after finding Optimus fainted again and both mechs were getting their fists and wrenches against each other until Red Alert shoot them with a tranquilizer that paralyzed them but they continued glaring daggers at each other.
And when the femme asked them why they were fighting they both said at the same time two different things.
Hook said: "Because he doesn't think I love you."
And Ratchet said: "Because he's too old even for Unicron."
And then Red Alert's face just turned into an angry one, took their wrenches and beat them until her rage calmed before saying: "I am old enough to look after myself and who's after me like a turbofox in heat! And I am not interested in ANY relationship; I'm too busy with my job and son!"
Half pity and amusements filled the sparks the two old friends as they remembered.
"I almost feel sorry for Hook, but is his payback for separating me from my Optimus." Megatron chuckled.
"Indeed," sniggered Starscream. "I don't know how he's going to court her now she's made her feelings clear."
"Well," Megatron chuckled as they walked along an open top wall which overlooked some of the gardens. "If he really does love her, then he isn't going to give up. But it won't be easy, not when her own Sire disapproves so strongly."
"Hmm," Starscream said, his mind unconsciously turning to the Sire of his Sparklings. There was more than one reason why the larger Mech did not visit and wasn't really involved in his creation's lives. While he was very clever and a good bot, he could be a little impatient. The last visit he'd had with his Sparklings had been such a disaster that he'd stayed away out of fear of hurting them again. They in turn were terrified of him, which was why Slipstream had fought so much about being sent to live with him.
He really should go and see him, perhaps drag the big oaf out for a drink in the town and perhaps a frag. His Sparklings probably didn't understand why they'd hooked up but there was no accounting for passion. They'd understand when they were older...well, perhaps Slipstream was already understanding. At least when it came to who she fancied, she could not stop talking about her beautiful Valour.
Yes, Starscream really needed to get his potential son in law over to dinner along with his mother. He might even invite that Ratchet, that would undoubtedly be good for a laugh. He glanced at Megatron, he did hope that the Consort would get better; these fainting fits surely did not bode well. Perhaps a Sparkling could bring them closer together, it might help the Consort to open up to his mate or at least give him a chance. Megatron could be very kind and gentle towards those he deeply cared about, Starscream almost smirked at the thought of the Consort carrying.
The poor bot would not be left alone for a single moment.
The bathhouse
"Does that feel good?" Valour asked as he carefully poured some oil over the Consort's shoulders and rubbed them in.
"That feels wonderful," Optimus sighed, feeling the little fingers dig into his shoulders.
He was sitting waist deep in hot water, the heat of which was seeping into his joints, soothing them immensely. There were still bath attendants but they'd decided to allow Valour to personally attend to the Consort, they would intervene if they needed to. But so far, Valour was doing a very good job and the Consort seemed relaxed which was a relief.
"Valour," Optimus said softly. "You know what you asked me earlier?"
"Uh huh?" Valour said, still kneading away.
"Well, it's not wrong to feel good if you're kissing someone," Optimus began. "If you felt really bad and someone kept doing it, you would need to tell them so. If you ever do feel uncomfortable with Slisptream kissing you, you should gently dissuade her from doing so."
"Okay," Valour said brightly as he paused to loosen his hands before continuing.
"Most bots...," Optimus said slowly. "Enjoy kissing when they're a little older. Most Sparklings like to kiss but Slipstream seems to kiss you a lot more than usual."
"Is that bad?" Valour asked as Optimus considered his answer.
"I have heard from my lord that Slipstream is very advanced for her age," he told his son. "And like her carrier, she knows what she wants and will do everything to get it. And I believe she wants you very much and is determined that you will indeed be her mate."
"But mama says I don't have to if I don't want to," Valour pointed out, not meaning any disrespect.
"And she's right but...it is very easy to be put into a position where your opinion doesn't matter," Optimus said bitterly.
This made Valour pause. Optimus was also still before turning and gently lifting the young Sparkling up and bringing him into the water. Valour shivered at the sensation, it felt so good, especially on his growing wing nubs. Optimus set him on his lap so that they were facing each other.
"Valour, if they put their minds to it, they could ensure that you were bonded to Slipstream," Optimus said seriously. "No matter what you yourself want and probably as soon as you are of age."
"They?" Valour questioned, feeling strange.
"Slipstream, her brother, her carrier, possibly her Sire and even Megatron," Optimus replied. "They could make sure she is the only one you are allowed to be close to and get rid of any you show an interest in. They could tell you all the advantages of such a match, convince you that you'll gain so much if only you surrender your spark. Or they could make it clear that your family will not do so well if you don't bond with Slipstream."
Valour gasped and looked at Optimus in shock. "They won't..." He tried but the other continued.
"They can and they will, I know."
Valour lowered his gaze thinking about everything the other said...everything was becoming a twisted mass in his head that confused him more than ever.
Slipstream, his friend, she wouldn't dare to force him...would she? She really seemed to like him more than just a normal friend but, can she force the situation so he can find himself in the position of needing to bond with her or his family will be in danger?
How much she really loves him?
Does she even loves him or just want to possess him?
Thinking about that took him to other thoughts like when she said to him:
'...of course not, who you think I am, Megatron and you the Consort?'
And...
'...why you think he always looks so unhappy?"
That last line made him think for a while before directing his gaze towards the sad looking Consort.
"Are you unhappy because the Emperor forced you to bond without you loving him?"
That made Optimus freeze and look at him in shock, but Valour continued: "Are you in love with someone else?"
It took several seconds for Optimus to get rid of the shock and finally answered; "I... I didn't have a chance to fell in love with someone else since I was so busy studying and training to become an Elite, but one day my lord just took me without asking my opinion and under the risk if I refused he would enslave the entire Cybertronian empire; so I accepted...for Cybertron and its people so they can be free...while I'm enslaved with a mech I don't even know or love who frags me every time he can because he's fan of my looks...!" Optimus continued bitterly before realizing he was not alone but with his innocent son who was looking at him in a mix of pity and shock as tears fought to leave his beautiful blue optics.
"Oh... Valour... I'm... I'm..." He tried but the sparkling hugged him tight.
"Oh Consort... I am sorry... I didn't mean to say that..." He cried making Optimus smile sadly and hugged him back.
"Its ok, sweetspark, I just don't want you to run on the same fate I went."
"I won't, I swear, I won't!" The sparkling declared.
...
The next day...
"Valour!" Slipstream called excitedly and happy to see him as she ran towards him to hug him and kiss him...
...however this time he turned his head in rejection...
...and she noticed.
"What is it?" She tried but he let go of her arms worrying her more.
"I think you should stop kissing me, Slipstream, you don't do that to Bee or any other friend you have." He said but she seemed to be with a growing desperation now.
"W-what you mean? What did I do wrong? Do you...you don't want to be kissed in front of the people? What is it? What can I do?!" She started and her tone risen in worry.
"Its ok, Slipstream, we can always be friends, right? You wouldn't dare to force me in a situation in which I don't see another option but bonding with you, right? And you will always give me the chance to meet others, right?" He started and she seemed to be paling with each sentence that left his beautiful mouth.
"N-no... I've told you I wouldn't...," She said lowly fighting with her voice that threatened to break.
"You promise?"
"Valour..." She started but her optics already were leaking tears and her wings rattled. "I... I do love you... But I will never do anything that will make you unhappy... If you're happy away from me, I will understand..." She almost whispered brokenly. "I will never force you like Megatron did with his mate because...because I love you so much..."
She confessed this to him from her spark and now he felt horrible for forcing her to say that, but as the Consort said, it was necessary.
"I'm sorry if I embarrassed you... I just... I just wanted you to understand how much you mean to me...and that perhaps someday if I'm worthy of your spark...we could...we could...!" She tried before breaking in sobs.
"Slipstream..." He tried, it was not his intention to make her cry! He went to hug her but she moved away from him before saying.
"I'm sorry...! I'll leave you alone..." Then flew away without another word; her brothers who were watching the scene looked at Valour hatefully before following her.
Valour felt horrible and stayed there looking at the last place she was seen before Bee came and put a supporting hand in his shoulder but said nothing.
What else could be said?
...
Later that day...
When Starscream returned home found all his mechlings sitting against the wall that gave to Slipstream's room; all of them looked grim and were not even able to return to work or do some jokes, they just sat there.
He was informed of course of their absence but not the reason and now he wanted to know why.
"What happened?" He started and Skywarp looked up at him sadly.
"Slipstream's ill...she doesn't eats, wants us near or even stops crying," The purple seekerlet answered and Starscream's optics widened before opening her door and entered alone. It was obvious that she made sure they stayed away.
The room was dark and on the middle of her berth surrounded by her pillows and plushies as if they were the walls of a bunker was his daughter...crying and sobbing.
The older seeker then reached for her and took her on her lap before hugging her tightly against his spark. There he could feel all her sorrow and angst.
"Tell me, sweetspark, please tell me what's wrong?" He tried, after all it was the first time he EVER saw her like this.
She mumbled between sobs; "I broke up with Valour... I... I love him but he doesn't loves me back and I don't want him to become in something like the Consort..." and after that she started crying brokenly again as fresh, warm tears ran by her face.
"I will never- sob- never force him to love me! And all this time I was annoying him and he was thinking that I would hurt his family if he didn't consented... I- so I let him go...!"
Her words pierced his spark as his daughter confessed her broken spark and he could only hug her tighter for several minutes as she finally calmed a little and so Starscream was able to speak:
"Why did he say those things? Honestly I don't see Valour thinking like that. He's too young and innocent to think so much about such things..."
"I dunno... All I know is that I was not what he wanted.. What he wants..." She sobbed now uncontrollably again.
Starscream for a second considered the problems of having such a processor advanced and young daughter...she can fell in love and she did...and had her own first sparkbreak.
"I will speak with him..." He started but she stopped him,
"NO! Please don't... I've let him go...please, leave him and his family alone..." She cried as her spark felt as if indeed was in pieces, but still wanted him to be happy and safe. "This will pass... I know... I just need some time..." She said this while taking her hands to her chest as if trying to grab it... To take away her pain.
He wasn't sure what to say, he hadn't thought this would happen. Valour hadn't seemed to mind the attentions Slipstream had been paying him, he even returned her kisses without embarrassment. He was sure that someone had been talking to the young Sparkling, someone who'd put ideas in his head. But who could it have been? Red Alert had seemed fine with the situation as long as nothing was set in stone in regards to the children's future.
He tried to think who else might have been talking to Valour. It wouldn't be Hook; he was perfectly why with how things were progressing, same with Megatron. All Valour Sparkling friends were surely too young to care about such things, they wouldn't have said anything.
Hmm, what about Valour's grandsire, Ratchet? He was an old crusty Autobot, it was entirely possible that he didn't approve of the match and had said cruel thing to Valour.
Starscream was sure that Valour was just a little confused, that he hadn't really been annoyed at Slipstream's kisses and hugs. Yes, Starscream would find out just how had really caused his daughter such pain.
"It's alright," he said soothingly. "Sometimes, the path of love doesn't always run smooth."
She was still crying so he said. "Listen, don't give up on Valour. I think he's just confused right now but once he's clear in his mind, he'll want to be with you again."
"But I've let him go," she said softly.
"Ah but what if he wants to be with you?" he asked. "You wouldn't stop him, would you?"
"He doesn't want to be with me though," she cried, her spark feeling like it would break. "I love him so much, but he doesn't feel the same."
"Don't give up so easily," Starscream said, lifting her up. "Valour has been raised an Autobot, they don't show their feelings like Seekers do. But he's also a flier which means you've got a great chance at getting him back."
"Really?" she said and he nodded.
"Really," he promised, thinking. Perhaps someday I'll convince that overgrown lout of a lover of mine to come out of that lab of his and be a proper Sire. "Just think about it sweetspark."
She thought about it and nodded slightly. He paused before saying.
"I had invited Valour and Red Alert to dinner tomorrow, would you rather we cancel? I don't want you to be upset."
She thought about it before shaking his head. "No, that wouldn't be polite. I did say we would still be friends. I-I'll manage."
"If you're sure," he said, cuddling her closer against his Spark as he did his best to calm her.
Later, when all his Sparklings in were berth, he went straight for the Med Bay after comming Hook to find out where Ratchet would be. Thankfully, it seemed the Mech wanted to do a little late work in one of the offices of the Med Bay, meaning Starscream could easily confront him.
"Medic Ratchet," he said without preamble when he finally entered the office and the red and white Mech turned.
"Yes?" he said with a frown.
"I am Starscream," the Seeker introduced. "I don't believe we've met."
"No, I don't think so," Ratchet agreed, wondering why the Seeker had come here. "Aren't you Slipstream's father?"
"I am," Starscream said stiffly, his wings raised high. "So, what do you think about Valour and Slipstream?"
"I don't approve," Ratchet stated flatly. "He's far too young to be making such a commitment, especially one he doesn't understand."
Starscream started to feel angry, it must have been Ratchet who had talked to Valour and of course, the little Sparkling had listened to his beloved grandsire.
"Is that so?" he asked.
"Yes, it is," Ratchet replied. "When Valour is older, he can easily decide whether or not he wants to be with your daughter. But right now, he's too young and might feel he has to be with her."
"No one is forcing him to be with her," Starscream said furiously. "Least of all my daughter who is utterly devastated that he broke up with her."
"What?" Ratchet asked in confusion. "Broke up? Were they a couple?!" Anger started rising in him. "My grandson doesn't even have an idea of what's going on or how you're playing with his little and innocent mind!"
"No one is playing with him!" The seeker barked back as his anger was rising as well. "My daughter REALLY loves that mechling, it is not just one of her whims, SHE'S the one who let him go because she doesn't wants him to become...to be...trapped and unhappy!"
"Then good for her she understands she cannot force anyone into a relationship or manipulate him into one as this one is too young and innocent to even understand what he's getting into!" The old medic will force this seeker to understand that Valour wasn't to become his carrier.
"You 'cons are all the same, only taking, and from such young age! Did she even ask him if he wanted to become in her mate?! Did she?!"
Starscream was livid, but there was something else there that he couldn't quite catch, he just needed to push the other a little longer. "He betrothed himself to her by seeker customs, maybe he's a grounder and didn't know, but for her it was much more; she changed for him! For Primus's sake, she even let him go because he told he doesn't wants to be trapped in a possible forced bond! Frag! My daughter is too smart to force a bond!"
"Well, is what she's been trying to do by being possessive of him and kicking out everyone else who tried to get to him! My grandson is NOT a possession; she's nothing but a friend for him and cannot forbid him who to be with!"
Starscream frowned but the medic continued. "What if-"
"What if, nothing, medic, we're not forcing him, and I know who you're talking about," Interrupted Starscream and sighed heavily. "If he really doesn't wants her he could have said something himself, which it seems he did, but believe me this... I am against of what that fragger friend of mine did to the unhappy mech he calls his mate and will NEVER force a situation like that.
Slipstream does love Valour, she's too advanced for her age and I've always knew that someday will bring some troubles, however I wasn't expecting spark matters... But anyways, this can be temporal, they are too young no matter how advanced she is in the end she can find someone else just as him..." He sighed watching the paling medic; it seems he hit in the nail at the mention of the Consort.
"I will never allow her either to do the same Megatron did, that was wrong and I know all Autobots disapprove," He continued and Ratchet's frown deepened. "She changed for him, became in the daughter I've always wished to have and now feels horrible at the thought that she was doing the same to her beloved what our ruler did to his, is what Valour made her understand when they spoke the last."
Ratchet remained quiet for a while thinking. "I am against forced bonds," He saw the seeker wanted to answer but he held up a hand and continued. "But your daughter is manipulating the situation from the beginning making herself look like the only bot Valour can fell in love with by chasing off everyone else without giving him a chance to meet others, she's doing the same your emperor did with the only difference that they cannot bond right now! You get that? She even possibly manipulated you to come here and speak to us to convince us to give her our Valour!"
Now Starscream spoke again not taking it. "She doesn't even knows I'm here and insisted to leave you all alone; honestly I would have preferred she fell in love with a noble seeker not with a little grounder without title or fortune, that doesn't means he's unworthy, we Decepticons believe anyone if they work hard can become more than what they were and maybe she saw such potential in him that even I cannot see... And she isn't forcing any situation! She let him go for frag's sake!"
"Well alright," Ratchet said finally. "But it was Valour's choice to talk to her; maybe he wasn't feeling comfortable with the situation."
"I doubt he came up with that all on his own," Starscream said pointedly making Ratchet frown before exclaiming incredulously.
"What? You think I put him off your daughter?"
"Well did you?" Starscream asked.
"No!" Ratchet burst out. "I was going to talk to Red about it, but I haven't said anything to Valour. I didn't want him to get upset."
"Are you sure?" Starscream said with narrowed optics.
"Yes, I'm sure," Ratchet said impatiently. "Red's still annoyed about what happened with that fragger Hook. She said I need to calm down unless I want Valour learning some new cuss words."
Starscream tried not to smirk in remembrance. Then he sobered and said. "Well, I'm sure something must have happened. Valour just told her out of the blue, he didn't indicate before that was he uncomfortable."
"Well, I can't explain that," Ratchet said firmly. "I don't know everyone he interacts with. I could always talk to Valour if you want, make sure someone else isn't trying to manipulate him."
"Even if you approve the message?" Starscream asked.
"Hey, I won't allow anyone to mess with my Sparkling, no matter what their aim is," Ratchet said hotly. "He's too young to decide now if he wants to spend the rest of his life with Slipstream but he can decide whether or not he wants to be her friend. I'll talk to him as soon as I can."
Starscream nodded, he hoped this could be resolved quickly or his daughter would suffer. And by proxy, his sons would also suffer. Primus, sometimes he wished he wasn't effectively a single creator; he could really do with some backup.
The next day
Valour gazed sadly at Slipstream as she and her brothers carefully fed some petro-rabbits which were bounding merrily around them. Earlier, he'd tried to say hi and while she'd responded, her wings were drooping so low, he was afraid they'd fall off. She'd then moved away with her brothers trooping behind also sad, some of them sending him dirty looks but now of them tried anything. No doubt she had warned them not to give him a hard time over what had happened.
"You okay?" Bee asked as they tried to feed some exotic large lizards from an organic world. Most of them were lazing in the sun and showing no interest in the bugs they were being offered.
"I guess," Valour said softly, holding out a juicy worm as his lizard turned away disinterestedly.
Bee glanced at Slipstream who was sitting light stroking a rabbit who was nuzzling against her.
"She seems sad," Bee said cautiously.
"Yeah," Valour said miserably. "And it's my fault."
"You didn't mean to make her sad," Bee told him.
"No, but I still managed to," Valour stated. "And I feel bad."
"Cause she's sad?" Bee asked.
"Yeah but also...I miss her," Valour said, biting his head. "I mean, she's my friend but I didn't think I'd miss her hugging me and stuff. I kinda liked her being my Femmefriend."
"Really?" Bee said optics wide.
"Yeah," Valour said with a nod. "I dunno if we're gonna bond some day but maybe...it's okay for us to be dating or whatever as long as we want to."
Bee didn't really understand, there wasn't anyone he wanted to date. But Valour seemed to know what he was talking about.
"Maybe you should talk to her?" he suggested and Valour thought about it. Maybe he'd explained things wrong to her but what the Consort had told him scared him. He didn't believe that she was trying to trick him but the thought that others might have really worried him. He didn't want to bond to her if he didn't love her, because that would really hurt her if she loved him.
"Your right," he declared. "I gotta make things right."
Dropping the worm in front of the lizard who simply eyed it but did nothing, and walked over to the Seeker Sparklings.
"Slipstream, can I talk to you?" he asked softly.
Her brothers suddenly stepped in front of her forming like a wall between the two.
"The mighty sister doesn't want to talk to you now, can't you see she's busy?" Sunstorm stated pushing him away and made him stumble backwards.
"I just-" Valour tries but this time Thundercracker steps in front.
"You heard him, go away!" He said this pushing him too. Slipstream didn't even seem to react and just continued with the little creatures around her.
It was already too difficult to get her out of berth and she couldn't feed properly and gave her ration to Skywarp instead.
A single tear ran by her cheek while giving him her back and she continued trying to ignore everything else.
Valour then stepped back and returned with Bumblebee sadly who smiled pitifully at him.
But something happened that changed things, it was so fast that no one really knew how it started.
"Leave her alone! Stay away- uh-!" That was Thundercracker who fell on the ground groaning in pain and trying to get some air as a bigger mechling went towards his sister.
All the other brothers tried to stop him but he was older and far stronger and reduced them all fast too little groaning or unconscious masses.
Slipstream then stood up and looked around; anger replaced her sorrow in her optics as the bigger mechling found her own red ones. Her wings flared up in rage and she charged towards him. "How dare you?!"
The blue bigger mech smirked and only took her in his arms and soon she was struggling to get free but low on fuel as she was she could only scratch at him.
"Heh, don't be like that," He said now pinning her on the ground where she still tried to get herself free from the mechling who obviously took the chance of her weakness to come and dominate her. "That is not how you treat your future mate, Slipstream..." He practically purred this before lowering himself and licked her stained by tears cheek as she felt like she can purge from disgust, but even that was not possible as her tanks were empty.
"N-no...!" She tried weakly as he chuckled evily and fanned his wings possesively and in victory. "I'll kill you Dreadwing!" She swore but he only licked her lips making her spit him.
"I'll love taming you...you're so strong...good thing that little idiot left you," Then licked her again as she moved her head from side to side trying to reject his attentions. "Now you can be mine as should have always been..."
"Fragg you! I'll fragging kill you!" She roared and he smirked.
"Ohh...we will frag my dear...just not now...but we will..." He started but then someone jumped him on his back making her let go. "What?! You again you little afthole?!" Dreadwing roared and cried as Valour reached for the back of his neck and tore off a little but important cable from the other causing the bigger older mechling to fall paralyzed on the ground.
It was a little trick his grandfather taught him if he was in danger. Always keep your enemy close enough to finish him by tearing off a little cable that sends signals from the processor to the rest of the body. ...and it works the same in seekers.
Slipstream moved away and panted in fear or low fuel, she wasn't sure, just that Dreadwing was claiming her as he always said he would but she always kicked him out and away from her and the big bastard now saw the opportunity of her weakness to do as he wished.
"Slipstream?" Valour tried as the caretakers came and helped her brothers and a shaking and cursing Dreadwing. "Slipstream...?" He tried again but she was not responding so he reached down for her, took her face in his hands and said "Sorry... I didn't mean to hurt you... I was bad..." And then kissed her cheek.
Dreadwing's optics widened at the scene and widened further as she kissed him back. He'd lost again.
"Valour... I didn't mean to be manipulative and possessive... I don't want you to be forced to be with me if you don't love me...but I appreciate the help...," She gasped weakly feeling the last of her Energon being burn out, she was going to fall unconscious soon. "I just want you to be happy... You don't have to be with me if you don't want to and I will not force you..." She said with a broken voice as more tears ran by her cheeks and felt how once again her spark was breaking.
"But I want to be with you," he declared, his wings nubs giving little twitches as his body unconsciously attempted to flare them up. "I'm sorry for breaking up with you; I know you'd never make me be with you. I think we both made some mistakes."
He gave her another kiss and she managed a small smile. Holding her up, he glared at Dreadwing.
"I don't know what's going to happen in the future between me and Slipstream," he declared hotly. "But I DO know she never ever wants to be with you. If you try to hurt her again, even if she's with someone else, I'll beat you up and I don't care how big you are, I'll do it."
Dreadwing glared at him furiously but he still couldn't move. It would take a Medic to fix him and Valour was going to make sure that Hook, his mama, grandpapa or whoever fixed him up knew why it had happened. He raised his chin, glaring defiantly at the older Mechling that was looking so murderous.
"You...you really mean it?" whispered Slipstream, barely conscious.
"Yeah," he said firmly. "I won't let anyone force YOU into a bad bonding; you're going to bond with who you want to be with."
"Valour," she gasped, tears in her optics but this time of happiness.
He saw her optics dimming and said worriedly. "You okay?"
"Low fuel," she whispered before slipping into stasis lock.
He gasped, he hadn't realised how weak she was, no wonder that big brute had tried to take advantage of her. He looked at the caregivers and said. "Can someone take me and Slipstream to the Med Bay? She really needs some fuel fast and she needs checking over."
"I'll take you," a grounder Femme offered, she transformed into a two wheeler vehicle.
"Just hang on and we'll be there in no time," she said as Valour carefully carried Slipstream over. Glancing at her brothers, he said. "You guys okay?"
They nodded; they were in awe at what he'd done. And not feeling so angry any more.
"See you later," he said to them, and nodding at Bee to show he meant him too.
"That was awesome," Bee exclaimed in complete awe, absentmindedly stroking a petro-rabbit that was sniffing his hand. He'd have to get his friend to show him how he'd brought that big lug down.
"Very awesome," Thundercracker replied, rubbing his side slightly.
Once Valour was in the caregivers' little open carrier case, he made sure Slipstream was safe before saying he was ready. The two wheeler took off, making him gasp at the speed but he was soon grinning, it was fun. It was a shame Slipstream couldn't enjoy it, he was sure she'd also enjoy the speed. He knew that Dreadwing would also be transported but it seemed he'd arrive well in advance which was good.
That Dreadwing was not going to be allowed a chance to lie, Valour wanted his family and Starscream to know what was happening. Slipstream couldn't be bullied and attacked like that, it wasn't right. Maybe this was another one of those things that Decepticons did but Valour really didn't like it. Bots should be able to say no to someone they didn't want to be bond with or date, no matter what.
Soon enough, they arrived at the Med Bay and Valour got off. The Femme transformed and introduced herself as Arcee, she was an Autobot who'd come to work in Kaon Palace.
"That horrible Mechling," she exclaimed as they hurried inside. "He had no right to force himself on that Femmeling like that; some of these customs really confuse me."
"They confuse me too," Valour agreed as they entered the clinic and thankfully found his mama on duty.
"What happened?" she asked, hurrying over.
"She's really low on fuel," Valour explained, that was the most important bit. "But this horrible Mechling attacked her, he was trying to get her betrothed to him."
As Red Alert stared, scanning the young Seeker, Arcee said. "This young Mech defended her, put that nasty piece of work out of commission and made it clear he won't let it happen again."
"You did?" Red Alert said in amazement, lifting Slipstream up into her arms. "What did you do?"
"Just paralysed him," he assured her. "He just needs that wire reattached, nothing bad."
She nodded, it sounded like he'd done really well. Taking out a bot without hurting him or causing permanent damage. Clearly, they would need to talk about this but right now, she needed to get some much needed fuel into the poor Femmeling. She really didn't look good.
Meanwhile Dreadwing was keeping himself quiet, if he spoke or lied about what happened he will be seen as a coward for both Decepticon and seeker's standards; after all it was true, he wanted Slipstream for himself and it was a golden opportunity now to dominate her.
He'd always tried to dominate her but she was just too fast, smart and strong for her age which made him want her even more, she will make an amazing mate if he could ever dominate her, besides she's Starscream's heir and future Air Commander which made her an even more tasty aperitif. Her brothers were never rivals for him on their own but under her command were deadly, plus herself who was a strong and powerful opponent.
The only problem that presented itself was that little grounder who re-claimed her as his and she accepted back and now that he was on her side...he seemed to be a powerful rival as well.
Dreadwing desired her since the first time he met her and a little sireless grounder will not take him down; he just needed to find another opportunity and then dominate her fully... After all no caretakers dared to interfere in his claiming as it was his right as a Decepticon seeker to try to take what he wished...and he wants her.
"So... This young mech tried to take someone younger and smaller than him against her will?!" Red Alert started as her fury risen.
"Yes mama, and I defended her...," He stated proudly. "Can she be my femmefriend? Just as long as we want to, nothing serious."
His mother froze at that and looked down at him before speaking. "Sweetspark... Do you even know what you're talking about?" She tried softly.
He nodded. "I like her, mama..." He said this flushing and lowered his gaze down. "I really do...and no, she's not forcing me...its all me..."
Red Alert seemed to be unable to find her voice, her son couldn't be...no...he just couldn't!
"Red Alert, are you going to attend that femmling or what?!" Ratchet suddenly came behind them with Hook. She nodded and proceeds to feed her with an IV.
The old medics heard everything and Hook smiled and sighed. "Ah, young love..."
Ratchet frowned at him and said. "I still don't approve you; my grandson may want that femme, but it was his choice until he changes it... and Red stated she doesn't wants you," Stated firmly making Hook frown.
"She said she isn't interested in dating right now," Hook retorted. "I just want a chance, that's all."
As Ratchet opened his mouth, Hook said quickly.
"And it's her decision. She's a grown Femme who knows what she wants. If she truly doesn't want me, that's fine. But us fighting wasn't exactly the best time for me to ask her out, I'd rather do it like a normal bot."
Ratchet squinted at him before throwing his hands up in the air. "Fine, go ahead and ask. But if I find out she's said no and your bothering her...there'll be pit to pay."
He glared for good measure before moving near Valour who was gently wiping off the spit Dreadwing has left on Slipstream's face.
"So, you paralysed him?" he asked with a smile. "Glad you remembered what to do."
"Of course I did," Valour said proudly. "Thanks grandpapa."
"No problem kid," Ratchet said with a smile before clearing his throat. "Valour, I'm not entirely sure about you dating so young but I want you to know, I'm proud of you for defending Slipstream. She doesn't deserve to be forced to be with anyone, same as you. You're a good friend to her."
Valour looked very proud of himself as Slipstream started to come round.
"Mmm?" she mumbled, very disoriented.
"It's okay," Valour cooed softly. "You're safe now."
"Valour?" she said thickly and in confusion.
"Yeah, it's me," he said as her optics blinked open.
For a moment, she seemed to be gathering her thoughts before her optics filled with tears and her lip trembled.
"It's okay," he said again, lifting her up slightly without disturbing the IV to hug her. "I won't let that slagger hurt you again, I promise. And if you still want to, will you be my Femmefriend?"
"I'd love to," she gasped, hugging him tightly as Red Alert looked uncertain, should she approve this or not. Hook moved near and said. "It's okay; he's not going to be forced to be with her forever. They just want to protect each other for now."
"Each other?" she questioned and he nodded.
"Slipstream is very desirable, she's a strong Femme and Air Commander Starscream's heir," he explained. "Many bots would love to have her as a mate, if only to elevate themselves. But your son is also appealing."
"In what way?" she said quietly, so that Valour couldn't hear.
"Well, while he's adopted, you and Ratchet are extremely well respected Medic," he explained. "Also, he's proved that he's very brave and anyone can see he's a hard worker. There's also the fact he's a very beautiful Sparkling who will be very handsome when he's grown. So it's possible that some will show an interest in him which in a way means it's a good thing he's with Slipstream. This protects both of them from unwanted attention."
She stared at him, she hadn't had the faintest inkling this could happen.
"Is this part of the Decepticon culture?" she asked blankly.
"It is," he confirmed. "It's natural to us but we're learning how different it is from the Autobot one."
"It certainly is," she agreed. "So Valour is protected by being with Slipstream? No other bot can try to force him into something."
"That's right," he said with a nod. "So don't worry about him, he likes Slipstream and she likes him."
"I'll try not to," she said wryly before turning back to Slipstream.
"Slipstream?" she asked kindly. "Do you want me to call your father?
"Yes please, ma-am." She said politely and walked away like thinking in something.
...
Meanwhile...
Starscream was reading through some reports with Megatron about some new planets that were added to the empire; they were rich in natural elements and beautiful landscapes. Their people were also pacifists and had no problem sharing some of their riches for protection.
"Pandora, I guess is a good acquisition..." The seeker stated and Megatron nodded.
"Indeed, the only problem with it is that their people consider it practically sacred some places that are filled with the most riches we need, and honestly, Starscream, I don't want to mess up with it."
"Yeah... I've heard their goddess is the planet and she's the one who tells them what to do. Is a fully organic world and practically none of our ambassadors wishes to go there; there are bugs everywhere...," The seeker stated shivering in repulsion.
"Yes, too bad all our people thinks like that and we cannot have anyone going a little far from our installations," The emperor stated and Starscream seemed to be ready to say more when a secretary entered.
"Commander Starscream? I apologize if I interrupt but there's an emergency."
"An emergency you say? Well, speak up, mech, what happened?!" The seeker demanded and Megatron lifted an optic ridge.
"With your daughter, sir, she was assaulted by a mechling who wanted to dominate her and now she is in medbay...," The mech said in hurry.
Starscream paled; something this morning told him that it was a bad idea to send her to work that she was too weak and depressed to defend herself against any possible attacker who may want to take an advantage on her!
"I knew she should have stayed in berth!" Starscream said before practically running away from the office; Megatron followed suit.
"What happened, why she should have stayed in berth, is she ill?" The emperor questioned his friend before both transformed and took off flying towards the medbay.
"She's spark broken because that little grounder broke up with her," The seeker started gaining a loud "What?!" from Megatron.
"How did that happen?"
"Well, it seems someone talked to him about that she was forcing him to be with her and her only since she likes him so much and he told her that, she then felt bad about it and broke up with him so he can be free and to show him that she's not what that bot told him she was," Starscream started. "Slipstream felt horrible and cried all night... I shouldn't have send her out like that... Of course a pathetic afthole would try to take advantage of my daughter!"
"Who filled up that mechling with those ideas?" Megatron asked in awe and Starscream responded.
"I don't know, I've spoken to his grandfather but he denied to have poisoned his head no matter how much he disapproves our culture in that aspect. Nor was his mother by the way."
"So...who might have been?" Megatron wondered out loud as they reached the medbay.
"I have no idea," Starscream said grimly. "But I'm sure Valour didn't come up with it on his own, someone has been speaking to him."
"Hmm," Megatron said thoughtfully. "Could it have been someone who wishes your daughter to be single?"
Starscream almost came to a complete stop, he had no thought of that. But of course, it was so simple and clever, casually convince the naive Autobot Sparkling that he was being tricked and get him to break off the betrothal. Thus leaving Slipstream in a vulnerable position, ripe for taking.
"Your right," he gasped. "That could be it, why didn't I think of that before."
"I only thought of it because of what's happened," Megatron said simply as they finally reached the Med Bay and rushed in. This was really starting to become a regular thing.
But to their utter astonishment, they found Valour and Slipstream cuddling on a berth, looking perfectly happy. This was not what they'd expected at all and they openly gaped as Slipstream spotted her father and waved.
"Hi," she said cheerfully, nuzzling Valour who giggled.
"Sweetspark, are you alright?" Starscream asked anxiously as he hurried over, seeing that Hook was coming over with a cup of strong smelling energon, probably a pick-me-up for him.
"I'm fine now," she said with a nod.
"I heard what happened," he said, lifting her up into his arms, holding her close.
She nodded solemnly before saying. "That slagger Dreadwing tried to take advantage of me...but Valour came and knocked him out."
"Knocked him out?" Starscream said dumbly, staring down at the Sparkling who was easily dwarfed by the much larger Decepticon Seeker.
"Yeah," she said dreamily, what a Mech she had. "And then he told him that he'll never allow anyone to force me to be their mate, he'll defend me from anyone like Dreadwing. Even if we're not together."
Megatron had a feeling that the breakup had been a very short one and this was confirmed when Starscream asked.
"If Valour defended you..."
"He asked if we could get back together," she said happily, wings fluttering. "And I said yes."
"I'm sorry I caused trouble," Valour now spoke up. "I was just trying to work things out but I didn't do it well. But I know that right now I do want to be Slipstream's mechfriend. Maybe one of us won't be in the future but we do at the moment. I'll look out for her and make sure no one tries to hurt her again. Is that okay, sir?"
Starscream glanced at his daughter who looked so happy and then back to Valour.
"If this is what she wants, then I support it," the Seeker commander said finally. "And whatever happens, I would much prefer to having you as a son-in-law than that lowbred Dreadwing."
Valour beamed as Red Alert now came over.
"She needs to rest tonight," she told him. "But will be perfectly fine in the morning."
He nodded gratefully, saying. "You must still come over for dinner; I want to properly thank your son for defending Slipstream."
"We'd be honoured to accept," she said with a nod before turning to Megatron. "Your majesty, is the Consort doing well?"
"Much better," he said with a nod. "Your son's been very kind for him, he's told me about a special tea he brews for him."
Valour flushed, he didn't know that the Consort enjoyed it that much. He suddenly wondered how the Consort would react to him being with Slipstream again. He would have to explain just why, assure him that he wasn't being tricked, that Slipstream needed his protection.
"Would you give him something for me, my lord?" he asked Megatron who nodded. "Of course."
"I'll just go and get it," Valour said, jumping off the bench and hurrying into an office to grab a blank data pad. Quickly, he wrote out what had happened and why he wanted to be with Slipstream, at least right now. He made it clear that the future was open and if he did meet someone, he wouldn't just bond with Slipstream out of duty. Lastly, he thanked the Consort for his advice, saying it meant a lot to him and that he wasn't ignoring it. He just felt that what he was doing now was the right thing to do and he wanted to do it.
Once he'd finished, he ran back into the main med bay and gave it to Megatron.
"Thank you," he said with a smile.
Megatron just nodded his thanks too.
...
Sometime later Megatron was returning to his quarters feeling the utter need of feeling his mate...and he found him there looking down the bots in the balcony.
The Emperor went towards his beautiful mate and hugged him from behind. "You look ravishing tonight, my love..." He purred nuzzling the back of his neck not noticing his mate's discomfort. "The moonlight definitely suits you..."
"My lord...?" He tried as Megatron's hands lowered down towards his codpiece and stroked him there making Optimus gasp and throw his head back offering his neck to his master.
Megatron smirked, his lover was so sensitive and quite a sight when aroused. He kissed and sucked on his neck before the other opened his panel for him.
Optimus completely submitted to his master, at least that way the other gave him physical pleasure. He felt hot and aroused at his master's burning touch and soon his valve was lubricating making possible for the other to thrust a tick finger inside.
Megatron started pumping his finger in and out as his beautiful Optimus moved his hips in rhythm, then he remembered they were in the balcony. His beloved never complained to him which lead him to believe he loves him as much as he does.
Smirking he removed his finger and brought it to his mouth to savour him licking himself clean. "...come..." he said guiding him to the berth and Optimus laid on it quickly spreading his legs for his lord. And said lord smirked at the sight. "Touch yourself, love, let me see you...," He ordered and Optimus obeyed and took his left hand to his dripping valve and inserted two of his own slender fingers inside moaning as he did so and soon he started moaning and moving his hips up and down, face flushing beautifully.
The Emperor smirked devilishly before reaching for his secret compartment and took two things, his favourite dildo and a tube of lubricant, then reached for his masturbating mate and kissed him deeply and passionately reaching down with his hand and took Optimus' fingers out his own Valve making him groan in annoyance.
"Shhhh love, I have something better for you..." said that he took the expensive fake spike and inserted it into his lover's valve making him gasp and moan as those delicious hard ridges and bumps turned on all his delicate and greedy sensors. "That's it..." the bigger mech purred pouring some lubricant onto his spike and lifted up Optimus who gasped as his valve seemed to suck the dildo.
"Here, love..." Megatron pointed his spike and Optimus obeyed reaching down to lick it and moan wantonly at the taste of it.
Megatron moaned feeling his beloved's hot mouth around him as this one worked him up and creatively reached for the dildo in his mate's valve and started pumping it softly making Optimus to moan around the spike in him and send a pleasant wave to the emperor who now opened his valve cover and this one started dripping lubricants; then took Optimus and get him on his back, removed the dildo from within him and thrust it into his own hungry valve.
"Ooohhhh..." The emperor moaned as its glistening wet length cooled in the time he took it off from his Optimus and was gently taken into him.
Soon he was above Optimus and pointed his own glistening spike to that delicious entrance and with a soft kiss he lowered his hips.
It was delicious, his favourite toy and his beloved...he was in heaven.
Author's note. Optimus gets a big shock next chapter but why? Find out next time, until then.