AN: School has started again, which means I'm starting to write again out of stress.

Disclaimer: As always, nothing belongs to me

Chapter 13

Optimus could tell that they were being grudgingly included in the intelligence briefing, but, considering that they were the ones who broke the code in the first place-and that it was better to keep Megatron where he could see them and prevent him from hacking the system for shits and giggles-they were there.

Oh, it is killing them to thank me, Megatron thought smugly. Their greatest enemy, helping them? It is so satisfying to watch them squirm.

Megatron, Optimus chided. They have too much to be thankful for when it comes to your presence. If we didn't have you, we likely wouldn't have gotten the information in the first place. I am no hacker, and I am not immune to Decepticon viruses-unlike you, I imagine.

Yes, I...inoculated myself, after manner, Megatron agreed. I would rather not suffer such an indignity, although Starscream has tried more times than I care to remember. He must enjoy the pain I inflict, since he keeps on trying even after I rip him into pieces.

You've actually done that?

Megatron shrugged. He should count himself lucky that I never cared enough to consume his spark. I also really wish that your peons would stop giving me odd looks.

They are treating me to equally odd ones, if it makes you feel any better, Optimus responded. I can guess what they are thinking.

Oh?

'How did I not see it?' 'Why didn't I look harder?' 'Can this really be true?' Among only a few questions. I know that Ratchet and Ironhide are both kicking themselves, since they have known me the longest, and, yet, neither of them saw the truth.

That's not my fault, Megatron said. So tell them to stop regarding me as if I were some scientific specimen who, if they just stare at hard enough, will reveal his secrets.

You cannot blame them for their incredulity.

I suppose, Megatron said. It still feels invasive.

Since it will likely stop them from looking at me in the same manner, I had planned to request that they speak to me rather than just observe, Optimus said.

The meeting started with a throat clear from one of the human higher-ups and saying, "I will get straight to the point-we have a problem. The Decepticons have obtained technology beyond their capability and understanding."

Optimus heard Megatron take a breath to speak, so quickly-quietly-placed his hand firmly over Megatron's mouth.

Do you want to be allowed to stay? Optimus asked. Because if you do, you have to remain silent until they ask your opinion.

Megatron's eyes narrowed dangerously, but even after Optimus removed his hand, Megatron kept his peace.

Bah, beyond our capability and understanding, he bitched privately instead. Shockwave knows exactly what he is doing. He thinks that allying himself with Unicron is somehow the most logical course of action, and that conclusion would only be drawn after a great deal of thought.

And here I thought that you didn't care for your subordinates.

I don't. It's simply annoying when the few Decepticons I hand-picked are discounted.

Because it feels like someone is questioning your judgement, and Primus forbid anyone challenges the acumen of the great Megatron.

If I didn't know you better, I'd think you were teasing me.

That statement brought Optimus up short.

'Do you love him?'

You're imagining things, Optimus replied and shook his head slightly. Pay attention. We only know part of the story and if we are to eliminate Starscream, we need the whole.

Megatron hummed in agreement softly enough for only Optimus to hear before he turned his attention to the briefing.

Optimus already knew the highlights-he had read them, after all-but it was the movements, additions, and dispassionate observations of in-fighting that were interesting.

How the hell have you managed to keep all the Decepticons in line over the course of the eons? Optimus asked. How were we forced into retreat if this is the soldiery you were working with?

You don't understand the value of fear, Megatron said with a smirk. I also gave them a directed outlet for all their violence and aggression. Shockwave and Starscream are both shitty leaders, which is why the Decepticons have gotten out of hand-and why you all have had so many small, individual victories. There is no arc, no grand plan-at least, not one that is being disseminated to the underlings. Shockwave is chasing a goal, make no mistake-the only question is what that particular goal is.

They both lapsed thoughtful as the brass elucidated Decepticon movements and outlined an overarching strategy based on where and who Shockwave listed as having captured and experimented on. The location of Decepticon 'bases' were also revealed to them and strike teams for those were named.

"We want to get as many Autobots back as possible, preferably alive," a commander said. "We don't have a lot of time, and there are plenty of Decepticons to smoke out of their bolt-holes. You will receive your full orders within the next few hours. Dismissed."

The murmurs and speculation started as soon as people began to stand, groups clumping to discuss some of the new revelations.

We were never named in anything, Megatron growled.

Our presence said enough, Optimus said as he looked for two particular people he had caught sight of earlier. Upon spotting them, he wove through the crowd, a curious Megatron following a step or three behind.

What are you planning? Megatron asked.

If we want people to stop staring at us, we need to talk to the people that matter, Optimus said. Which means my oldest friends, both human and Cybertronian. If well-respected and trusted people vouch for us and tell others to back off, they likely will.

"Will? Sam? If possible, we would like to speak with you, Ironhide, and Rodimus Prime," Optimus said once they came upon them; Megatron hung back slightly, poorly concealed irritation and mistrust directed at Sam in particular.

"Why?" Lennox asked, eyeing Megatron suspiciously.

"Because we can't work effectively with others if we are constantly treated with suspicion," Optimus said. "I am aware that it is difficult to believe that Megatron is on our side, but Ironhide would be well aware of just how much Megatron and Starscream hate each other. We have also worked with Decepticons before-this is no different."

I had wondered where Barricade had disappeared to, Megatron murmured.

He is a good soldier.

He had morals, Megatron said dismissively.

Has morals, Optimus corrected.

Will sighed heavily. "I know that. It's just...Megatron?"

"I'm not helping you out of the goodness of my heart," Megatron said. "Working with you and the Autobots is merely a distasteful means to an end."

"...that is oddly reassuring," Will said as he scratched his head. After an extensive thoughtful pause, Will continued: "Fine. I should also start having you live and train with the group you'll be going out on missions with anyway-best to get them used to you two and your quirks."

"Quirks?" Megatron repeated, frowning sharply.

"We shall be working with others?" Optimus asked.

Will nodded. "You're both commanders with more experience than a human will ever get. We need you leading on the front lines, not being sent off to die. Admittedly, we're putting you two together because I still trust Megatron as far as I can throw his Cybertornian form, but we need you out there. If anyone knows how to fight a Cybertronian, it's a Cybertronian-I still remember your mock battle with Mudflap and Skids."

"It was too bad we weren't able to use live ammunition for that," Megatron said aloud, and Optimus barely kept himself frmo sighing.

Strangely, both humans seemed amused-almost relieved.

'I suppose it is good to know that Megatron is still Megatron,' Optimus thought.

"I'll go see about putting together a team that won't immediately try to slag Megatron while also being open to leadership of the two of you. As for the 'bots, I leave that to you, kid," Will finished, addressing Sam, who nodded with a strange solemnity.

"I'm surprised Ironhide and Rodimus haven't cornered you already," Sam said.

"I think Ratchet was keeping Ironhide quarantined until he settled his temper and came to terms, even a little bit, with not being able to kill Megatron," Optimus said.

Lennox snorted at that. "I suppose I should be the one talk to 'hide about talking with you, then. I'm weirdly inclined to believe you and that you'll really help us-maybe it's because I've fought you twice before, Megatron, and I'd rather have you fighting for us than against us."

"Perhaps you're not as dumb as most humans."

Lennox laughed a little at that and smiled wryly. "High praise from you. I'll gather the squad you'll be working with and they can join in on our little meeting."

"Thank you," Optimus said solemnly.

"Don't mention it, really," Lennox drawled and walked away, murmuring something into a device that Optimus didn't quite catch.

Why do you want the brat to attend? Megatron asked; Sam voiced more or less the same question aloud simultaneously.

"You are a Prime," Optimus said, holding Sam's eyes. "And you should be treated as such, included on matters of war and policy. As Megatron and I are some of the largest policy and wartime nightmares you might ever come across, it is important for you to see how such is handled, as you may one day be called upon to make such decisions."

"You...accept me as a Prime? Just like that?" Sam asked as Megatron gave Optimus an incredulous look.

"A Prime can recognize another Prime," Optimus said firmly.

The three of them turned when they heard the sounds of motorcycles coming their way, and Elita, Arcee, and Chromia gracefully unfolded as they came to a stop in front of them.

"I knew there was something off about you," Chromia said to Megatron, although there was a surprisingly large amount of wicked humor in her voice.

"What, have you and Sideswipe been comparing notes about me?" Megatron drawled. "Because I'm sure I nearly had him dump me off on the side of the road more often than you."

"I'm more even-tempered," Chromia said. "Even so, you are remarkably frustrating."

"I'm remarkable in everything I do, Autobot scum."

"And as prideful as Decepticon trash always is."

...how, Megatron? How do you make friends with the people whom you annoy the most?

It's a skill. How do you think I gathered so many minions?

Optimus sighed.

"Has Ironhide spoken to you?" Optimus asked, directing the question at Chromia.

"It took a bit to calm him down from a combination of shame and rage," Chromia admitted. "But, I think that after some talking with Will as well, he will be ready to face you and Megatron together."

"It won't be just the people you requested, however," Elita said. "Prowl will be there, too. He is the SiC for Rodimus, as he was for you. He deserves to know."

Optimus nodded, strangling a sigh.

Will he really be that bad?

The reason Prowl was never made a Prime is because he isn't flexible enough, Optimus replied. Think of him a bit like Shockwave, almost: he makes decisions based mostly-purely-on logic, which means he is incapable of considering the illogical action, even if it is the best one. Us becoming human is...decidedly illogical.

That, my dear Prime, is an understatement.

Megatron's inflection in that statement made Optimus fight down a shiver.

'He really does want me,' Optimus thought, a strange mixture of unease and something close to anticipation warring within him.

"When do you think we will be able to have a meeting?" Optimus asked aloud, hoping that his emotions weren't apparent.

"In about an hour, give or take" Elita said. "It will take some time for Rodimus and Prowl to get here. They aren't far, admittedly, but there are things called speed limits that Prowl strictly obeys."

I see what you mean by inflexible, Megatron commented dryly.

"Before then, I'd like to speak with Optimus," Elita said and looked pointedly at him before folding back into her motorcycle form.

Again? Megatron asked, eyes narrowing slightly.

She is a friend, Megatron, and a good one, Optimus replied as he walked over. And I'm sure she received the report to go through at her leisure as an espionage agent. She will have questions.

Just be careful, Megatron said, crossing his arms over his chest.

I am never far from you, Megatron. I am literally a thought away.

Megatron scoffed as Optimus resolutely took a seat on Elita's frame; it was only once Elita was sure he wouldn't fall off that she sped away. Optimus kept his head down since he had no protection against flying rocks and other debris, but it wasn't long until Elita pulled aside; they were still on the compound, just someplace a bit more private.

"All the intelligence and espionage Autobots were shown the full contents of the report," Elita said softly once she had transformed.

"It must have been difficult to read," Optimus replied. "Shockwave did not spare the details."

"Scientists are good for that much," Elita said. "But, I was...there was one part that caught mine and Chromia's attention. I don't think the others recognized its importance, its impact, but...you and Megatron. You aren't merely Bonded, are you?"

Optimus shook his head. "The weapon Starscream used on us merged our sparks before they became souls."

"Oh," Elita said, her voice weak. "I see."

"Elita…" Optimus said and put a hand gently on her forearm. "Megatron told me something recently that I would like to confirm with you."

"Oh?" Elita said, wary.

"He said that, back on Cybertron, you wanted to be my mate. That others thought we were in a relationship. Is this true?"

Pain entered Elita's posture.

"I'm sorry," Optimus murmured. "I never meant to give that impression to you, to anyone."

Elita sighed heavily. "I know. It was foolish for me to think that your kindness, your affection, was anything deeper than close friendship. I suppose I couldn't help but hope, in spite of how pointless it may have been. May I confide something in you, Optimus?"

"Of course."

"I hate Megatron," Elita said. "But not because of who he was, but because of who he is to you now, how much influence he has gained in your life. You are...different now, and I think it stems from something other than sharing a soul."

"Influence?" Optimus repeated, concern curling through him. "You know that I would never subscribe to his beliefs, that the way we see the world is fundamentally opposed."

"It isn't anything deep, Optimus," Elita said. "You are still Optimus Prime, make no mistake, just as he is still Megatron. I have simply never seen you so...expressive, nor him so restrained. The influence works both ways."

'I'm not sure that makes it any less disturbing,' Optimus thought, uneasy.

"Don't look so worried, Optimus," Elita said. "Even humans who are coupled influence each other's behavior, if only through exposure. That you two have influenced each other as little as you have while being bound much closer is remarkable."

"Nevertheless, it is alarming that he would affect me in any way at all," Optimus said. "Please let me know if it becomes anything more than...quirks."

"I think I will be far from the only one to step in if you start changing drastically," Elita said.

"I am glad to hear it," Optimus said. "I have also been meaning to thank you for speaking to Ratchet."

"Oh? He told you I managed to wrest a promise out of him?"

"He was apparently confused by your request initially, although upon the reveal of Megatron's presence, it made much more sense to him."

"I figured that nearly all the Autobots respect Ratchet, so he was a good ally to have," Elita said.

After a short silence, she continued: "Do you miss it?"

"Miss what?"

"Being Cybertronian."

"Every day," Optimus said. "But, I have adapted and there are certain things that I would mourn the loss of if I could return to my natural form."

"Like what?"

"Taste," Optimus said. "Primus knows that the memories of food would haunt me. Even just thinking of not being able to have a piece of fruit ever again is painful."

The memory of his kisses and fleeting caresses with Megatron floated to the surface and he barely kept himself from shivering. "Touch, too. Touch as a human is so much different from touch as a Cybertronian. A gentle breeze, warm sunshine, cool rain. Sunburn and chaffing and bug bites and a thousand different things, both good and bad. It's simply not something a Cybertronian experiences, and I think I'd...well, the recollections would be bittersweet."

"But, if you could go back to being Cybertronian, would you?"

"Of course," Optimus answered. "That is what I am meant to be."

"Even though you would have to give up touch, taste...and Megatron?"

The mention of giving up Megatron caught Optimus off guard, his heart squeezing painfully, his breathing hitching. If he went back to being a Cybertronian, Megatron would become his enemy again, an enemy that he would most likely have to eventually kill.

'Could I do that?' Optimus wondered. 'Could I...would I be able to kill Megatron?'

"Again, of course," Optimus lied. "My personal feelings are secondary to my responsibilities. I still am, and always will be, a Prime."

"Optimus," Elita said, her voice soft and sad. "I'm not sure that I entirely believe you."

"I can't deny my responsibility, the purpose for which I was created," Optimus said. "My choice is clear, if it comes to that."

Elita hesitated for a second before lightly placing her hands on Optimus' shoulders and leaning down to rest her forehead against Optimus'. Her metal was warm from the sun, there was a bit of roughness from a wound that was more cosmetic than actual injury, and her eyes glowed a brilliant, captivating blue. There was beauty to her, all sleek, strong lines, buzzing power, delicate whirs of gears in motion, and the faint outlines of hidden weaponry. She was a marvel, and he cared for her deeply, but he did not feel what he saw in her posture, her expression.

He had a sinking feeling that what he saw in her posture was what he felt for a particularly infuriating Decepticon, and that was terrifying.

They stood in silence for long minutes, a lifetime of words unspoken and forever lost, of a potential that would never be realized hanging between them.

"Do you remember the first time you saved my life?" Optimus whispered into the silence.

"What?" Elita responded, her optics widening slightly.

"It was one of the first battles of the war," Optimus continued. "If you had not deflected that shot with one of your own, I would not be standing before you now. I have been eternally grateful for that."

"Optimus."

Optimus reached out and placed his hands delicately on her faceplates, closing his eyes. "I regretted leaving you behind on Cybertron as I went out searching for the All Spark. I could have usd your guidance so often, but I didn't want to leave the world in incapable hands, and there is no one as capable as you are. Thank you, Elita. For everything."

She huffed the Cybertronian equivalent of a laugh and said, "Oh, Optimus. There is no need for thanks when you saved my life a thousand times over. We...made a pretty good team, didn't we?"

"We did."

"You...and Megatron also make a pretty good team," Elita said reluctantly before she voiced a soft, bitter laugh. "I'm not used to being jealous!"

"Megatron and I make a good team only because we share each other's thoughts," Optimus said. "It is easy to work well with someone when you can already guess what they plan on doing and can speak to them without the chance of someone overhearing."

"I can see how that would be useful, yes," Elita said. "May I continue to stand at your side, Optimus?"

"I would have you nowhere else."

A comfortable silence fell again and Elita pulled away, folding into her motorcycle form. "I never understood what Bumblebee liked about 'joyriding', but perhaps you and I can simply...meander...until the meeting?"

"That sounds wonderful," Optimus replied and carefully took a seat. Once he was fully settled, she started off. It was a gentle ride, and Optimus found himself relaxing and reminiscing, exchanging stories of the days before Cybertron had become a war-torn, dying planet with Elita as they traveled with no destination.

Elita was halfway through a story from one of her teaching days when she abruptly fell silent-from the distant buzzing in Optimus' head, he supposed that she was speaking with another Autobot.

"Rodimus and Prowl are nearly here, and everyone would prefer that they, along with 'hide, see you and Megatron together, since that means that there is less likelihood of Megatron dying."

"I appreciate that, since if he dies, I die."

"Ah, so that is why you haven't actually killed each other."

"It is a side-effect of sharing a single soul."

"Yes, I can see that. Hold on a little tighter, please."

Optimus did as requested and ducked his head a little as Elita sped up, effortlessly weaving through the base and stopping not too far from where Megatron was fake-arguing with both Chromia and Sideswipe.

"I don't understand," Optimus murmured. "How does he irritate people so much that they end up liking him?"

Elita laughed softly at that. "I don't think you understand how...magnetic...you both are. Others are just drawn to you."

Optimus dismounted and walked over to Megatron, who gave him a quick look before seeming to turn his attention back to the argument.

I hope you haven't been causing any trouble besides this, Optimus said.

Mudflap and Skids came over looking to start shit, but Ratchet dragged them away before I could instigate anything worthwhile, Megatron replied.

Just as Optimus stopped beside Megatron, Prowl, Ironhide, and Rodimus Prime arrived, Ratchet following a moment behind, probably for added security-for Optimus and Megatron.

"Why did you want to talk with us?" Rodimus asked after a short, awkward pause.

"I want to allay your fears," Optimus said. "And confirm a few of them. That way you may know that I am-we are-sincere, and that we may work together without you fearing that I am suddenly going to betray you."

The Autobots all looked to Rodimus Prime, who nodded, the motion slightly jerky with an uncertainty that Optimus remembered well. Suddenly becoming the leader of an entire people was intimidating.

"I first want to tell you that the reason you didn't recognize me as Optimus Prime is because there was no reason for you to look for that," Optimus said. "What was I but some bizarre human? You had better, more important things to worry about, particularly once Megatron and mine's test results came back as human."

There was a general, collective shift of discomfort at Optimus very baldly proclaiming the identity of his counterpart.

"I didn't tell you who I was because you would not have believed me. When I revealed to Elita who I am, she accused me of lying about my identity, even though she already suspected. If you did believe me, Megatron's identity would have been undoubtedly revealed as well. However, if you want me to stay alive, you must not kill Megatron," Optimus said firmly. "Due to Starscream using Shockwave's technology when we were attacked, Megatron and I were forcibly Bonded. Thus, if you kill him, I perish with him, as I'm sure you were able to put together from the report."

Well, Prime, I wasn't expecting you to drop that on them quite so fast, Megatron said, clearly amused, although there was another, stranger undercurrent to his words. It was almost...possessive.

"We...had indeed come to that conclusion," Rodimus said.

"Then I hope you understand that Megatron will be helping us until we find a way to destroy Strascream and Shockwave and potentially undo this Bond," Optimus said. "It was created unnaturally, so it may be reversed as well."

We know that isn't the case, Prime. Why are you lying?

Because it will give them hope and make them more likely to tolerate and protect you.

"I am not expecting you to like Megatron himself, or like working with him," Optimus continued. "All I ask is that you trust him to be self-serving enough to assist us."

I am right here and can speak for myself, you know.

Shut up and let me do the talking.

Optimus did not expect the mixture of resentment and arousal that drifted through their bond, but ruthlessly suppressed any reaction.

"Is that true?" Rodimus asked, his gaze shifting to Megatron. "Will you truly help us? Can we trust you to not stab us in the back or transmit any of our plans to your Decepticon underlings?"

"If I came across one of them right now, they'd try to kill me," Megatron pointed out. "They'd listen to a squishy as much as they'd listen to a fly buzzing around them, and dispose of me just as easily. I want to see them annihilated, and if I have to cooperate with you fools to do it, I fucking will."

His statement finished in a snarl, and everyone except Optimus tensed.

"I hate this," Ironhide growled, glaring at Megatron. "If you make one wrong move, I'll-"

"Kill me?" Megatron taunted. "And kill Optimus while you're at it? You wouldn't dare. You're not willing to have his blood on your hands just to get rid of me."

The silence was tense, and was only broken when a group of men and women, headed by Sam and Will, came through the more human-sized door. It wasn't hard to read the room, which, naturally, put the soldiers on alert as well. Nevertheless, Will brought the soldiers over to where Optimus and Megatron were standing. More than one face subtly spoke of incredulity and displeasure-working with mercs was bad enough, but working with the enemy? That was nearly unbearable, even unthinkable.

Megatron's posture had slowly shifted to combative and arrogant, which was his way of dealing with another's anger and mistrust.

"You don't have to like them, but I expect you to work with them effectively and well," Will said firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "After all, they have more experience than the entirety of human military commanders combined across all of history and no one can fight a Cybertronian as well as another one."

There was a slightly sullen silence before Optimus stepped forward and extended his hand to the woman who seemed to be the leader.

"We were introduced before as Orion and Tron, and we have not changed just because our names have-in truth, my name is Optimus Prime, and he is Megatron. As a Cybertronian, I worked extensively with humans both on and off the battlefield prior to this change. My current situation has simply given me a...unique perspective. I look forward to working with you."

The woman-Miranda, if Optimus recalled correctly, reached back out and firmly shook his hand.

"Thank you, sir," she said, keeping her voice and expression as neutral as possible.

"You don't like me and I don't like you," Megatron said bluntly when attention turned to him. "But I know more about Decepticons than anyone else, living or dead. Follow orders and I will provide results, and we'll survive each other long enough to accomplish our goals."

That earned him more than a bit of irritation from those collected, but they weren't any more or less irritated than Megatron himself.

"You seven will be living and working as a unit," Will said. "You're all going to be sent out on high-profile and high-risk missions, so there has to be some level of trust between you all. Understood?"

There was a chorus of unhappy "Yes, sir,"s from the soldiers, while Optimus nodded and Megatron sneered.

"Since we're all here, I suppose shou-I will give you your first mission together now," Rodimus said. "An unknown Cybertronian has been spotted along the Eastern seaboard. Intelligence we've gathered names him as Scourge. I want you to find out who he is, what he is doing-and, if necessary, take him out."