~~Despicable~~

By Ayngel

Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers or make any money

*WARNINGS*: Sticky, smutty and NC17. Whole story contains sticky type mech-sex, stalking, voyeurism, coarse sexual language and descriptions. Additional warning for Mirage being an aft. *Warnings* in this chapter for emotional manipulation and sticky, explicit sexual scenes that include oral sex and immobilisation 'bondage.'

Notes: Thank you all readers and reviewers. I'm always happy to hear what people think of this :-) The story can also be found on Archive of Our Own under 'Ayngelcat.'

Chapter Summary: A battle of wills in more ways than one as Hound and Mirage both try to change the other's mind. Still set during last episode of the original 1984 MTMTE cartonn - and still with more than a little poetic licence!

~~Chapter 10~~

Control Room: The Ark

"A very good idea," Optimus Prime agreed. "Yes indeed – a very good idea, Hound." He turned to his second in command. "Prowl – organise for Ravage to be tracked. Jazz – you can help Hound to complete the illusion. We'll need Bumblebee and Cliffjumper, and Red Alert had better come with us to deal with any security issues. Hmmnn…"

The leader thought for a moment, chin in hand. "Mirage is also security trained - he can remain here, just in case Megatron has some side-plans for while we're out of the Ark. Trailbreaker can stay too – a force field would be a wise additional measure…."

As one not usually given to great and important schemes, Hound could not help but feel a sense of triumph. He knew not where the idea for a giant phoney holographic rocket base to deceive the Decepticons had come, but it sure was good thinking.

And now – better still - his very favourite mechs were staying safely behind! Mirage, he knew, would be far from happy - but it was for his own good. And with one of Breaker's forcefields in place – well – not even Mirage would get through that.

Optimus Prime was looking at him. "Where is Mirage?"

"He's guarding Ravage!" Hound said. At least, that's where I left him…

Oh Primus – please let him still be there… he will be though. The way he responded to that kiss… I do have an effect on him, whether he likes it or not...

Hound intended to make the most of that fact. "I'll inform Mirage of his – responsibilities," he said. "When I execute Phase One of the Plan."

Prowl and Jazz gave each other sceptical glances, but Optimus Prime looked immensely pleased. "Good! Well – no time to waste. Let's get started!"

….

As Hound hurried back to the courtyard, his intrinsic optimism programming swung into play. The plan would go without hitches – in fact, it was the break they had been looking for. The Decepticons would fall for the trap. They would head en masse to the phoney base. The Autobots would be waiting and would defeat them once and for all.

And then whoever wanted could go back to Cybertron would be free to do so! There'd be no need for Mirage to secretly plot and arrange dangerous liaisons with Decepticons.

If you don't think positive things will never go right… Hound thought firmly. He very much wanted them to go right.

At the entrance, Hound paused. In the cage, a disgruntled looking Ravage had her back firmly turned. Leaning casually against the rocks, Mirage regarded her. His slender hips jutted out, his superb lean form magnificently displayed. He appeared to be in thought, and his aristocratic, exquisitely sculptured face was set in concentration.

Hound's spark gave a leap. No matter who Mirage might be, he was so beautiful! Hound could not wait for the business to be over so that he and Mirage could be together.

Be together? Oh my, what was he thinking? What about Mirage's 'plans?' What about the way he was? What about Cliffjumper – and Primus knows how many other mechs who have fallen to his charms, let's not be deceived about that…

Hound thought of Brawn and Gears' grim faces, a sight surely to be replicated throughout the Ark once everyone knew what had happened with his bond. His bond! Had he abandoned that too? Well no - Trailbreaker had moved Beachcomber in; and surely after today, everyone would be so busy clapping Hound on the back, they wouldn't care what his love-life consisted of. Would they?

And besides – there was a logical aspect. Mirage was in need of 'somebody.' With the right person, he'd settle down; become a proper Autobot. He'd been very forthcoming about how much he hated Megatron and he had joined the good guys, even before the war; hell – he was three quarters of the way there! That right person – surely it had to be Hound?

Mirage looked up. He smiled crookedly, in that delightful way that made small dimples form in the centre of his cheeks. "Ah, the mysterious one returns!" .

Hound's spark nearly exploded with sudden joyous pounding as another, now most familiar need rumbled deep in his core. Already, his circuits were tingling hotly, his spike settling into a steady throbbing as it pushed against it's constraints. "Hey!" he began. "I've just…"

Mirage raised an optic ridge. But a small voice piped up inside Hound then, warning him that it might not be quite such a great idea to blurt out all the details of the Autobots' intentions. For a start, it was most definitely not a good idea for Mirage to know, until the force field was in place, that he would not be accompanying the tactical contingent.

Besides, if by some small chance things didn't go right or Mirage got away somehow, then this could be their last chance. And Hound was not letting that fate befall without at least one more extremely close encounter with his exquisite Alpha-mech.

So Hound put into instant effect Phase One of the plan. Loudly describing the location of the 'new' rocket base, he jangled the cage keys loudly, all too aware of Mirage watching with a faint smile as the cat blinked at him blankly.

Meanwhile in Bumblebee's quarters…

"I hate him! He's a no good, double-crossing, stuck up aft and I should have listened, Bee. I should have listened!" Cliffjumper's whole frame scintillated with angry realisation as, fists clenched, he stared darkly at the wall of Bumblebee's berth-room.

Finally…. Bee thought. Did you really have to put yourself through all that to come to this conclusion? He was sorry for his fellow minibot – he truly was. But Cliffie really had walked right into it.

Besides which, Bee felt a little - miffed. He knew he wasn't Mirage, but – well – he wasn't bad; he didn't get to be on Prime's podium so much for nothing! Besides which, the trip back from the lake was still very much in his circuitry. It had led him to think that he could at least be something of a substitute.

Still, there had been Cliffjumper's angry recantation of what had happened with Mirage earlier. Whilst that really was far too much information for Bee's liking, it did now seem that Cliffjumper may finally be turning the corner.

Besides, right now, Bee's intrinsically 'helpful' programming dictated that he must reassure the red minibot. "Maybe Raj was just tired?" he ventured.

"That's what he said!" Cliffjumper cried. "But I knew at the time it was scrap! Then later, Bee - I went round to see if anyone had brought Ravage up for some sunlight - you know how she gets all weird if she's in the dark too long, and I saw them!"

Bee frowned. As far as he was concerned, the cat was always weird and sunlight made little difference. "Saw who?"

"Hound and him, of course!" Cliffjumper's whole body seemed to clench up, his face darkening.

"They were kissing, Bee - and it wasn't just a quick peck either. Hound had his tongue right down Raj's throat. He was shoving that codpiece of his – oh yeah, that thing that I'm sure gets stuffed with extra layers of metal – right against Mirage's leg."

Bee doubted that about the stuffing. Hound's rumoured dimensions were hardly a secret. He was also sure what Cliffie had seen was absolutely nothing compared to whatever had been happening on that rock earlier when he and Cliffjumper had been down at the lake; given the very titillating sounds – which Bee had no trouble recalling – that had drifted in his direction.

Now, he regretted steering Cliffjumper away from that scene. If only he'd exposed Mirage and Hound, right there and then! Cliffjumper would never have gone on some absurd 'rescue' mission, would never have had to pretend to himself that he wasn't being so blatantly lied to. He could have started the process of getting it out of his system. Bee would have been right there to help him!

And that story - really! Testing out stasis cuffs! A service drone would have seen through it.

"He said I was special!" Bee saw to his dismay that Cliffjumper's angry look had been placed by one of wretchedness. "But I wasn't – he's just been using me! But on the other hand, Hound…"

His hands balled into fists again. "I reckon he's the one who's really stuffed this up for me!" he burst out. "He's a treacherous, no good aft, Bee! If I'd known what was in that processor of his that day we first went out hunting down Decepticons, I'd have pointed my canon at him, not Megatron!"

Bee rolled his optics. If only some of the others knew how much vulnerability lay beneath Cliffjumper's angry, belligerent exterior! But he was saved from any further need to pour oil on troubled waters by the room com exploding into life. "Bumblebee, Cliffjumper!"

It was Optimus Prime. "Report for duty immediately. Special operations room. Confidential proceedings."

"Hey!" Bee brightened. At least this recent business hadn't completely wrecked his career – or Cliffjumper's. "There you are, Cliffie!" he said. "Prime's putting you on the special ops team this time too. Isn't that a good bit of news? And think of Gears and Brawn – they'll be so much happier."

But Cliffjumper only sat down on the berth and folded his arms, scowling. "I suppose so," he growled. "But…" he shook his head sadly. "It just doesn't really mean anything without Mirage."

Oh no… But Bee let Cliffjumper think for a moment. Perhaps he'd see sense again?

He didn't. "You know - I think perhaps Hound's just been a distraction, the red minibot said slowly. "He did it deliberately – 'cos things were going wrong with Breaker. He's used Raj!" He brightened. "Hound couldn't love Raj the way I do. I think I should – tell Raj how I feel, Bee."

Bee thought that was the worst idea he'd ever heard in his life. But his cheerful nature could not let him say this; besides – Bee thought conspiratorially – perhaps Mirage would give him the big heave-ho, once and for all? It could be just what Cliffjumper needed to bring him to his senses. Then Bee would surely have him to himself.

"Sure," he said cheerfully. "If you think that will make things better. But let's get the briefing first."

Meanwhile, in the Courtyard…

Back in the courtyard, Mirage was at that moment enjoying a complete revival of the desires that had raged earlier. It wasn't the most convenient state of affairs, given the Alphamech's schedule; nor did it take a genius to see that whatever had popped into Hound's processor, he was now behaving oddly.

That alone made it advisable to get out as soon as possible – but all the more exciting that there was just one little matter that very much needed attending to…

Mirage looked appreciatively at Hound's frame as he crouched down beside the cat's cage, jangling the keys while the cat looked on with a mixture of confusion and distaste. Tempting circuitry peeped through seams around powerful thighs, and ripples surged along Mirage's neural pathways. His valve was already slick with lubricant.

An uncomfortable 'blip' nonetheless threaded its way through the Alpha-mech's circuits. If he was missing the feel of Hound in him so much after a few hours, how in the universe would it be after possible orns of abstinence? For just a tiny moment, he almost had second thoughts about his entire plan…

No – I'm not abandoning that. But I intend to sue this one last chance to see that he seriously considers being a part of it...

Hound stopped taunting the cat and unlocked the door of the cage. Ravagelooked sharply at Mirage. /What is this?/ she demanded.

/I have no idea,/ Mirage said. He needed to consider 'this' now. The coordinates Hound had provided were wrong – Mirage knew as much from his own discovery of the rocket base on the first day here. It seemed obvious that the Autobots were going to give chase once Ravage left the cage. So - a trap?

Whatever it was, it would undoubtedly be rendered less effective by Hound remaining in this courtyard for as long as possible. Yes – there was a strategic dimension to that objective.

Besides - a smile spread across the aquiline features – Mirage was sure he could get whatever they were up to out of Hound. That was an excellent prospect. This time he might use some interrogation techniques; he was sure his own – taught long ago by none other than Soundwave himself - would be a great deal more effective. Fortunately, the activities of the last couple of days had led to him understanding Hound's body rather well…

Now - if only the infernal cat would just move, instead of sitting there like a lump of iron waiting for the smelter.

/Go on!/ Mirage hissed.

/I'm not falling for that old trick!/ the cat snarled. /I know what this is. There's Autobots up there. They're going to jump down and get me!/

/ Don't be ridiculous!/ Mirage glanced up at the rock face. It ascended steeply up the mountain, with what looked like very few footholds. / They're not that agile!/ he felt his patience ebbing, /And you're forgetting – they cant fly./

Hound chuckled at the cat, a throaty, sexy sound. "Guess you've gotten rather fond of us Autobots after all, Ravage…" His attention strayed, his keen optics settling very definitely on Mirage.

Mirage looked up and their optics met. He felt the seething desire in the other mech, the tightness of the other's armour; knew that Hound longed for him again and that whatever else, the tracker would not be leaving here for a few clicks yet. His circuitry gave another great surge of need, his energy field flaring before he could stop it.

Ravage felt it. She growled, the feline optics narrowing. /I know exactly why you want me gone!/ she snapped.

/You're making a fool of yourself!/ Mirage tore his gaze away from Hound. A thought occurred. /Look, Ravage - think of Soundwave – wouldn't it be nice to see him again?/

The cat grunted – but this seemed to make a difference. Sinking on to her belly, she slunk cautiously out of the cage, glancing around as though indeed she expected a drop-squad of Autobots to suddenly pouce. She hissed loudly at her two captors; then with a few deft leaps scaled the slope, disappearing into the crags above.

/Your attitude has been noted, Alpha-mech!/ She howled when out of sight.

Mirage couldn't have cared less – all that mattered was that he and Hound were now alone. And there was no time to waste. Reaching for Hound, he pushed him back against the rock, kissing him frantically and relishing the relief that emanated immediately from the other mech, the massive flare of his powerful field that momentarily fritzed his systems like one struck by lightning in a storm.

Hound grunted, grabbing Mirage's aft and pulling him closer, grinding his codpiece into Mirage's groin. Mirage reached a down and grasped it squeezing just hard enough to make the tracker emit a throty growl and flare his energy field wildly again.

Now, let's get you really wound up, get me the information and have a last bit of real fun…

Mirage could hardly wait for what was coming.

…

Hound kissed Mirage back with equal enthusiasm; then paused, gasping for intakes.

"Wait – we should lock the door…" Now it had come to this - it was insane! Any minute now, Optimus Prime could comm him and want to know if Ravage was free, and send him on to set up this hologram. Once the contingent was organised, he and others would likely show up here if the leader couldn't make contact and there was still no word about Ravage…

In an arm compartment was one of the Ark's universal locking devices. Hound pulled away and scrabbled to get it out, holding it out shakily and hearing the door click just as Mirage pulled him into another kiss, and hot fluid from the racer's already open valve trickled over his thigh.

Hound's mind reeled. What was he doing? Possibly the most important job he, Hound had ever been given awaited his undivided attention - yet Hound was drawn to the racer like a magnet to its opposite pole. Through his lust surged an urgent determination that Mirage would not be leaving – if it was the last thing Hound ever did; and instead of turning his com up to receive Prime's call he turned if off.

Mirage pressed against him, breaking the kiss to bite roughly at his throat. Lust overcame Hound. He threw his head back and moaned, steam hissing from his grill, as his hands groped at Mirage', every touch to the high quality alloys filing him with exquisite new sensations.

The exchange intensified, the ragged hiss of intakes filling the air. Hound's spike slid out, huge and pressurized. he thrust his hips as Mirage's fingers closed over it, skilful and with perfect touch. The slender hand ran expertly up and down the shaft; oh but it felt so GOOD, and Hound's energy field flared, wildly. Sparks crackled loudly between them.

"Oh yes," Mirage's voice was husky and desperate. "I need you… "

Then Mirage was sliding down Hound's body, fingers and glossa sending magical sensations along the slats of his grill, through his core and out to every extremity. Hound moaned loudly, shuddering as the racer's energy field became a relentless surge of hot, flaring need, sparks erupting afresh at another wild flare of his own.

Mirage had his spike again. He played with the shaft, making little noises of pleasure and Hound pressurised to the point he thought he would burst. He thrust his hips again, grabbing Mirage's head roughly, pulling Mirage's mouth on to him, groaning as the tip struck the back of the racer's throat, energy crackling out again as Mirage's lips closed about his shaft.

As Mirage sucked in the most erotic way Hound had ever known, the tracker melted, the noises he made deteriorating to desperate whimpers. His hips moved compulsively back and forth, the warm rock behind his back was all that kept him upright.

What was it that was happening before? A brilliant strategy? The ultimate plan to defeat the Decepticons? It all faded to a blurr as Miragesucked and fondled.

Lost in pleasure, Hound offlined his optics and wailed his hopeless abandon into the confines of the courtyard. However in control he might have been on the last occasion, Hound felt hopelessly out of it now. All that mattered was Mirage's mouth, and the overload that was bearing down like a oncoming thunderstorm on a parched field.

"Oh Primus!" Colours whirled around Hound as static hissed in his audios, a prelude to the brink of complete ecstasy. Energon pounded through his conduits. Every pleasure point in his body surged with erotic lust, and he knew he was about to blow…

/I guess we don't have much time…/ Mirage gasped. Releasing the spike, he slid back up, and Hound was aware of the beautiful face swimming before him, flushed with wanton need. Hound was too aroused to wait. Seizing Mirage by the shoulders, he reversed their positions and pushed Mirage back against the wall. Mirage responded, wrapping his legs around. Hound's hands closed on the finely crafted aft as he thrust in deeply.

The racer's valve felt better than ever, slick and tight and warm around Hound's bigger-than-ever spike. The tracker grunted like an Earth animal. He pulled out once, them looked down to watch himself enter Mirage again, loving the sight of himself going in, delighted to find he could last a little longer, powerful in the knowledge that he was about to pound the daylights out of his lover before the impending overload took him gloriously over the edge.

He paused deep inside, nearly driven to the brink again by the deep nodes in Mirage's valve that clenched against his spike and sent currents traversing its length and all through. But he determined to keep the newly regained but fragile control. He went to pull out one more time…

…and couldn't.

There was no pain, but quite simply Hound could not move. He was stuck with his spike in Mirage, on the edge of the overload of his life – and he could not take it any further.

It was only when Hound cried out - part in surprise and part in complete and utter frustration – that he became a ware of fingers on the left side of his neck, gently squeezing the cords. "Sorry sweetspark - special manoeuvre," Mirage whispered.

Next, his glossa penetrated Hound's mouth in a lingering, sensuous kiss. Hound' charged soared, his body aching for release - and he could do nothing, whatsoever, about it.

Trying to vent his extreme frustration, Hound made a muffled noise. Mirage broke from the kiss, his intakes laboured, raspy. He fidgeted, seemingly having trouble keeping still himself. "This won't kill you," he said, intensifying the hold slightly, "but you'll soon be paralysed for a very long time if I don't let go. Now - my turn - tell me what you're up to."

It was shameful, perhaps, but Hound could not even find it in himself to put up a struggle. And whilst part of that was the sheer agony of being so close to satiation, the ache now seizing his whole body, part the reason was very definitely not that.

For Hound knew, then, that he would tell Mirage what was happening, and that it would be a last attempt to get the racer to change his mind. Still, he could manage not to blurt everything out straight away. Couldn't he?

"Mirage…" he began, finding that he could at least talk - but that was about all. Even that faltered as the pain of non-satiation took hold; it was as though a vice held his body and squeezed his very core. All that emerged was a heavy groan.

"Just talk, Hound - then we can get going again. You know this time I know I'm going to outlast you." Mirage's optics were like bright blue jewels, his voice soft but firm like smooth metal. Hound's spark gave a pang. he could not help it - or his systems from heaving again with longing.

"I can't get out of that grip, can I?" Hound gasped.

"Nope. It's a special Trion manoeuvre. I have most of your motor pathways under my control. I learned quite a lot about you when we cabled before."

"How come you didn't use it before?"

"That time you caught me unawares. This time – it's my show!"

"When Prime and Prowl come back they'll be in here…" Hound panted.

"And I'll activate the disruptor. They'll think we're already chasing Ravage."

"If I tell you will you promise not to go?"

"Maybe..." And Hound thought he read – really was sure he read – something in the Alphamech's voice that had not been there before.

Hound took deep intakes. What difference does it make – he's staying here anyway, his logic circuits dictated. Hey yes! Why had Hound not thought of that before? He did have the last laugh after all…

"I'm making a hologram to fool the Decepticons," he said. "Of a rocket base. Now – please Mirage..."

"Ahh…" Mirage said. "So that's it!" He smiled, a delightful impish expression. "I never thought that a hologram that huge was possible! But then, size is hardly something with which you have issue, is it now Hound?"

…

Mirage released his grip. Oh thank Primus this tracker gave in so easily, I don't think I could have lasted any longer…

Bracing his back against the rock, Mirage wrapped around Hound tightly, his body scintillating with pleasure as excess energy gathered during Hound's immobilisation cascaded over him in a flurry of static. For an awful moment Mirage was afraid Hound would exercise some hitherto unseen control and punish him...

But no – the tracker was off again, doing what he did best, pounding hard, filling Mirage completely as his valve nodes and sensor ring sent pleasure rushing through every circuit.

And it was glorious! Deep inside, components shifted to accommodate Hound better, as Mirage's sensitive ceiling node erupted in a rush of lubricant. Now, he wanted to get there. As Hound pumped harder, Mirage grasped the green helm. His other hand went to Hound's grill, fingers twisting between the slats. Ozone scented steam hissed out, fogging his nosecone as the clanging of their union echoed around the courtyard.

Then Hound's hands were on his nosecone, his fingers plucking, scritching at the glass as he drove his spike in and out. Mirage watched as the green face looked down, a mixture of agony and ecstasy at the sight of the shaft going in. "That's it – fuck me hard, Hound…" his voice came out in a raspy whine as he opened himself wider.

Venting raggedly, Hound raised his head. Their optics met, the fierce desire that exploded between making the tracker's expression one of painful need. He was right on the edge again - and so was Mirage. A few more thrusts and they would both cave in and let go.

Then Mirage's highly tuned audios heard, at the edge of his senses, a noise outside the door. "I'm sure Hound said it was this courtyard – a key, Prowl?"

"I – uh – don't have one, Sir…"

"Well get one. And bring Sunstreaker while you're about it – I can't understand why this is taking Hound so long…"

The tracker hesitated - just slightly. Damn Optimus Prime! /Don't stop!/ Mirage panted. /I can't do without this – seriously…/ and he opened his thighs even wider, so Hound could get in even further.

/Neither can I!/ Hound moaned, continuing in earnest. /Even though I oughtta teach you a lesson for what you just did!/

/Plenty of time for lessons, Hound. I want you with me on Cybertron…/

/I'm not going anywhere – and believe me, neither are you…/

For a fleeting moment, Mirage felt a the need to consider this further - but it swept away like dust in a high wind. Then came knocking at the door, a voice that called: Hound, Mirage – is that you…? and the need for a conclusion was no longer an option.

/Hurry!/Mirage rasped, sinking his fingers into Hound's shoulders, hammering his heels against his back as more lubricant gushed over Hound's spike. /Fuck like your life depended on it, Hound, because quite apart from them out there, I – really - have – to – come…/

…

So did Hound. Badly - and quite apart from the need to attend to the Autobots outside the door. Widening his thighs, he manoeuvred deeper, then plunged in a few last times. The last stages to overload ascended like a gathering storm; and then Hound was whimpering at the crest, almost wanting at the last moment to preserve the ecstatic moment. But just as he vaguely heard Prowl say he'd found a key, Hound just had to let go.

Scalding fluid shot into Mirage. Hound cried out as energy crackled maniacally, bouncing off the rocks and enveloping them in a spider-web of sprackling blue. Mirage overloaded just after, his body shuddering mightily as his valve clenched around Hound's gushing spike. Around them, the very courtyard seemed to shudder, as heavy ozone scent punched the air like rocks scorched by a fusion canon.

Mirage collapsed on to Hound, gasping in the throws of overload as Hound struggled to keep his senses through the powerful surges. But then came the sound of a key turning in a lock – and the door began to open. Prime entered, accompanied by Prowl and Sunstreaker. Hound felt the strange bubble flow over his frame and knew that - just in time - Mirage had activated the shield.

The air almost fritzed with the residues of interface and overload. Sunstreaker took a look around; his mouth widened in a smirk and he coughed, putting his hand over his mouth. Meanwhile Prowl looked anything but amused; he glanced around and upward, as though expecting to see his suspects clinging to the rocks above.

But Optimus Prime seemed not to notice anything amiss. Great leader that he was, he never had appeared greatly appraised of some of the rather more romantic aspects of Autobot life. Hound had always thought that it must have been the long-term devition to Elita One, the lack of need to consider such things himself; brought about – Hound thought guiltily – by the as-should-be monogamy of their bond.

The leader's face turned ashen. "Oh no!" he exclaimed. "I don't think either Hound or Mirage could have made it up that rockface. Hound's plan must have gone wrong. I fear Ravage has taken them prisoner!"

…

Mirage could not remember anything so funny. He laughed aloud on comm as they cleaned up under cover of the invisibility shield. He moved them deftly out of the way when Prowl approached their spot, observing that the enforcer's hand twitched - as though just dying to pull out a weapon and fire at the quarry he knew were there somewhere.

But Mirage knew Prowl wouldn't – couldn't – do that, and there was nothing more entertaining than the sight of his frustrations.

Meanwhile Prime fussed and bothered, examining the cliff face and Sunstreaker pointed to claw marks on one of the jutting out rocks. "Indeed…" Prime nodded. "Get up there, Sunstreaker. See if you can find them. And don't do anything on your own. We are fortunate that all else is in readiness."

It seemed the golden twin had come prepared for a climb. Retrieving a grappling hook from his arm compartment, he fired it into the upper reaches of the rocks and sprang away up the ensuing rope. He was almost as agile as Ravage.

/Impressive …/said Mirage wickedly, eyeing the very good view of the golden aft ascending up the cliff. /Maybe he's worth my attention after all, Hound?/

But Hound didn't take the bait – and one look at the other mech's face as he finished his ablutions told Mirage that, his passion spent, the other mech was now a lot less amused; in fact, a solemnity had come on to the tracker's features. He looked officious, important, a true upholder of the values that underpinned the very foundations of the Autobot Cause – and extremely remorseful.

Mirage felt a twinge of frustration. Autobot loyalty! How tiresome to be continually dogged by its unwavering presence! Still, as Mirage had just proved, this was far from insurmountable. More progress could definitely be made. He would get this mech – this superb mech who had set his valve on fire once again – to Cybertron yet.

Meanwhile Prime was looking anxiously up the cliff. "Ravage definitely went this way!" Sunstreaker called down.

We'll meet you on top of the Ark," Prime called up. "Come – Prowl…" and they were gone, the second in command looking knowingly over his shoulder with a reproachful glare.

…..

As soon as they had left, Mirage de-activated the shield and collapsed with laughter, howling as he thumped the edge of the cliff face. "You're despicable!" Hound hissed as adjusted his codpiece, wiping away the last drops of fluid before stuffing the cloth back in his arm.

"Now if I recall - you said that before?"

"I meant it." Hound felt the last vestiges of the passion they'd just shared replaced with an almost overwhelming need for duty.

"Me?" Mirage wore a teasing expression. "What about you? I didn't exactly see you resisting mightily!"

The more the afterglow was diminishing, the more appalled and dismayed Hound became at his behaviour. He had deliberately misled his Prime! And, it seemed, he couldn't even carry out his own plan. It was indeed, despicable!

But no – Prime had said that all else was in place. All that was needed was Hound's input. Better still, Mirage's fate was sealed.

"I need to go after Optimus," Hound said tartly. "There's a strategy – and I'm a key element."

Mirage sighed. The hint of a smile ghosted over his features. "Very well. You know, of course, that it's not going to succeed? And that I'm going to be out of here before you've even set optics on your Prime?"

"Oh, but that's where you're wrong…" and Hound could not stop himself from smiling a most triumphant smile.

With a last look at his lover, Hound ducked out before Mirage – or his own body - could betray him again.