It had been a few months since I'd been taken into the Nemesis.
I was a victim of kidnapping from robotic aliens from a distant planet called Cybertron, light years away, which had died due to it being ravaged by civil war. The ones who instigated it, the Decepticons, followed the leadership of one who took the step to rebel against a corrupt government, only to attempt to replace it with his own. His name was Megatron.
He was originally a gladiator of Kaon, a city of slavery and blood sport, and from the evil he'd seen he challenged it by becoming a beloved politician, standing up for the rights of others by encouraging a violent uprising. A robot Karl Marx. Unfortunately, it didn't go that way, leaving him bitter, and he attempted to dominate his planet by force, but failed. He followed his enemies to our planet, Earth, and is now attempting to eradicate the human race and his enemies.
I was kidnapped when they were in the middle of a battle right outside the forest of my home, and I got caught in the crossfire. The evil one, Megatron, with evil bloodred eyes looked at me and saw an escape. Grabbing me in one hand, he began to warm up the gun on his right, and escaped, his rival unwilling to attack or follow due to me being hostage and him not wanting me to come to harm.
Since then, it's been six months. I've been living here as a hostage, with no rights of my own, and am constantly being supervised or guarded, and a guard stationed outside my bathroom. I was even locked in a cage for the first two months, but thankfully, they gave me bedding to make it comfortable.
I'd been well behaved enough for the first 2 months that they gave me a room, and trustworthy enough to be left to my own devices within supervision. Usually, this was within the medic's supervision, Knockout, and sometimes within Soundwave's, the communications officer. During my time here, I cannot say that it was pleasant, but I did manage to make friends with both my supervisors, one more so that the other.
That brought us to the current situation. Knockout was my usual caretaker, and one of my fast friends I made over the Nemesis after helping him with buffing and thanking him when he got me sustenance like food and water. Knockout and I were playing "Truth or Dare", a game which he learned about from a street race among the high-schoolers at the races. The mech insisted on playing a game with me, and since I had nothing to do and nothing to lose, I agreed, not like I could afford to disagree.
Knowing Knockout was devious, I prepared to refuse any dare which would endanger me, and had collateral just in case (his finish). He and I had gone back and forth, with silly little dares and nothing serious, and I believed it would just be a nice little game.
"Ok, Truth or Dare, Sofia?"
"Hmmm....", not wanting to back down from a challenge, I quickly said: "Dare".
"Hmm...ok then," he drawled, thinking with a devious smirk on his face, digits tapping against his chin.
I waited for a silly, harmless little challenge, like imitating Starscream or singing something ridiculous in a helium-like voice.
"....Sofia, I dare you to kiss Megatron" Knockout challenged, leaning in with a devilish smirk.
....I waited for a death sentence?
"Knockout...ARE YOU SERIOUS?!" I screeched at him, eyes wide with panic that was not sufficient enough to explain how cold and shaky my hands had gotten.
Knockout chuckled evilly despite my panicked expression, coyly stating: "Hey, I dared you, now you have to", leaning back and awaiting for me to move and carry it out.
Growling, I threatened: "I'll break your buffer if you continue to insist on this fragged up death sentence you sent me on!" I whisper-yelled, not wanting anyone to know my inner hysteria or what Knockout and I were speaking of.
Knockout's face dropped, before looking both ways as though fearful of Decepticon traffic in the hall we were in, before leaning down with a menacing voice: "Keep it down, and touching my buffer is something that'll get you tortured instead of swiftly killed which Megatron would do if I don't defend you, which I might for that insult" he hissed.
I glared at him, not willing to budge.
Knockout glared back; both of us waited for the either to forfeit this standoff of certain dare death.
The mech sighed, rolling his optics in either pity or annoyance before suggesting: "Hey, how about you just do the dare, and if he tries to kill you, I'll just sneak you away. I promise, on my spark" he swore.
If he swore on his spark, he'd have to keep it, even if he was a Decepticon. Though I couldn't trust him.
Seeing me unmoved, he smirked and purred: "If you don't, I'll get Soundwave to broadcast your singing of Whip My Hair and you'll be humiliated for life, especially with you looking like you're trying to decapitate yourself like some crazy kid" the devilish con threatened.
Remembering the embarrassing dance, my cheeks heated as my blood ran cold.
I now had no choice but to go through with this, and hope I died in dignity.
Sighing defeated, I groaned and hauled myself up, taking deep breaths, my nervous frown never leaving me. I had to kiss Lord Megatron and try to survive or die as quickly as possible.
Knockout, seeing me conquered, chuckled wickedly and stood up, using his communications to contact Soundwave and ask where his master was, and quite predictably, it was the main brig.
Knockout and I approached the entrance to the main brig, the Decepticon peeking inside while I glued myself to the wall, not daring to peek in, instead finding the wall across from us more interesting than my future death. Knockout smiled, before looking down and murmuring:
"Coast's Clear, human" the Decepticon drawled, smirking down at me like I was a tiny rabbit a hunter would ambush. I glared at him as though to say 'frag you', though it only seemed to fuel his smug attitude.
Knockout pointed his digits towards the room, making me look inside to see the leader of the Decepticons inside, his back turned to us as his powerful hands diligently typed on the screen before him. I shrunk back, scared to look at the fearsome warlord, which instigated Knockout to make kissing faces and noises while I tried to silently beg for mercy from the dare; a futile effort.
Sighing shakily, I looked back at the warlord, steeling my nerves as my mind wandered to the warlord.
In the six months I've been here, the Decepticons hated how I was a creature of flesh, with only a few accepting it, severely outnumbered by the Vehicons and a few officers who just hated me for being...me. Throughout my stay, it was clear Megatron was one of them.
When I met him, I knew not to anger him, because as the tallest and most muscled of them all, it was obvious he was the leader, and to anger the leader meant death. Hoping to live, I catered to his demands of not leaving and made sure I did whatever I could to stay out of the way and not cause trouble, so he would have no need to punish, torture or kill me.
Apparently I did a good job; Megatron had kept me in a cage for the first few weeks, and had me in the main brig so that whatever happened, at least someone would witness it. I never bothered anyone, and asked politely whenever I needed anything (it was especially embarrassing when I asked if I could go to the bathroom and absolutely mortifying when I asked for pads/tampons for my periods) which the Vehicons readily gave to/got for me out of their Lord's and Soundwave's orders to keep me alive. Within two weeks of my third month, I was allowed out of the cage, and given my own place to reside within: a dreary little living space in Soundwave's room so I would always be monitored. It had everything I need, including feminine products, toilet paper, a washer/dryer, and shower system inside the bathroom and a closet and bed. It was very compact, but I had no right to complain, as I was a hostage and these were pretty good accommodations. I used the space and eventually had a slight friendship with the ever-watching Soundwave, and quickly developed a friendship with the doctor and his assistant, Knockout and Breakdown (one of them currently about to get me killed). Starscream was difficult to deal with, but we made a deal to stay out of one another's way, though he had become a bit nicer later on. Skyquake and Dreadwing were uncertain luck at first, but we had enough trust between us to be good acquaintances. The Vehicons apparently adored me, seeing as how I was so different from them and willing to be nice to them. Needless to say that after so long I had a fairly stable relationship with everyone but Starscream (who has not been on the ship for weeks).
Megatron however, was another story.
When I first met him, I was terrified. He was very upset, having to deal with me, and I was upset on having to deal with him though I never dared to voice this, in fear of being decapitated on sight. He absolutely loathed humans, but kept me nearby him so he could revel in the fear I displayed every time he even breathed. The only times I was away from him was to A) go to the bathroom or b) to sleep, and even then I was sleeping in the same room he walked in; the only reason I escaped from him while sleeping was because I didn't have to see his face, though his visage haunted me in my dreams.
After a while, about 7 weeks, he seemed not to hate me as much. He still hated humankind, and every time he spoke of Earth or humankind he hissed it between his shark-like teeth like it was poison. But when he looked at me, it seemed...different. When I first met him, his eyes were filled with rage so potent I could see my own blood staining his eyes, as though his glares could really kill; when he looked at me, I could now see...something like...curiosity.
Eventually, it changed more. As I was making friends with everyone, I made sure to put special attempts into getting to know Megatron as well. The first few times, I had failed terribly, with him retorting with a grunt, or with threats. During the first few weeks, I was told not to talk to him. When I asked him about how a mission went a week later, he growled and told me not to make fun of him if I wanted to live. Apparently it went badly. I didn't talk to him for the rest of the day, only to profusely apologize the next morning, and wish him good luck on the next one.
Things seemed to change from then. I took the time to ask him about his day, and if it was a good day, he'd smirk fiendishly and boast about it, and if it wasn't, he'd just ignore me, and we'd have silence between us and not communicate, not that I needed any to understand that he didn't want to talk about it.
After Megatron returned from a mission one day, I asked him how it went, and by the eager look on his face, he was happy with the results, and as expected he began to brag about his victory over the Autobots (whom I felt sorry for and secretly wished them well). I congratulated him, to which he simply grunted. Turning away, I began to address the other members of the mission, Dreadwing and Breakdown. I congratulated the lieutenant and the medical assistant before chatting with them about the battle.
"You should have been there, short stuff! I beat Bulkhead up and then the two-wheeler Arcee tried to kick me but I hit her first! And then we ran off with more energon and chased the 'bots away!" Breakdown bragged, swinging his fist to imitate a hammer as I giggled and gave him a thumbs-up.
Dreadwing then interrupted, muttering: "Breakdown, you did get kicked. She kicked you in the back while you were trying to fight and argue Bulkhead and then you fell, thus your backside was dented", before looking at Breakdown's back and pointing to the sizable dents.
Breakdown had the biggest blush on his face before stuttering, attempting to hide the dent with one servo while gesturing with the other. "No, no- Dreadwing, why would you say that in front of the human? I was looking cool!- I promise I got them both back-"
"Like they got your back, Breaks?" I cooed teasingly, laughing as he seemingly pouted, embarrassed and cross.
"Hey, I defended myself really well, from a surprise attack!" the orange-faced mech retorted, trying to defend his quickly-diminishing Decepticon pride.
"Uh-huh, sure, and you're sure she didn't attack you because your aft was too big and annoying her?" I teased, giggling at the harsh glare coming from his pouting and angry face, "Maybe you should watch your back so it doesn't attract a bot's attention out of jealousy, ok?"
Above the groaning I heard from Breakdown, there was a deeper, smoother voice, chuckling and rasping: "The human is wise Breakdown; you should take heed before she decides to attack you". That was the first day Megatron and I made a joke.
After that, I gained enough confidence to ask more about him. I began to speak to him, and learned a bit about his past as a politician and gladiator. Megatron and I had a full-blown civil conversation about Voltaire and anti-capitalist philosophies once, and honestly it was quite eye-opening to see him speak so passionately. I learned more about the warmonger the more time I spent with him; eventually I understood why he did what he did, and the pride he took in himself and persevered. He was so much more than the bitter, prejudiced person I met a while back. During the conversation, he made a sarcastic comment about the philosophers of old; I never forgot how he seemed to smile at my hysterical laughter.
Now that I look back on it, he didn't seem to hate me as much. It was almost as though he could see me as more than just an undesirable hostage.
Maybe he'd give me a quick death for kissing him like this.
Oh well, only time will tell. Knockout stared down at me, nodding. Gulping, I dipped my head, not willing to look into his eyes. Time to die I guess.
I gingerly took a deep breath, and marched straight into the room before I could regret it; better to rip off the bandage quickly. I stomped quickly through half of the room, Megatron's back coming closer to me. The titan thankfully didn't notice my stomping, and I slowed to a walk, feeling embarrassed. I couldn't believe I was actually about to do this! Turning, I looked to Knockout with fear in my eyes.
Of course, the egghead just laughed silently, clutching his abdomen. Glaring, I promised myself I'd kill him, before turning and stomping closer to Megatron, just to get away from the red racer.
The mere sight of him slowed and quieted my steps.
Every step felt like I was being led towards a dark door where the gallows waited. The more I stared at Megatron's back, the more terrified I felt of what would happen if I did this. Should I explain what is making me do this? But then he'll say I'm weak, and even if I do tell him about Knockout's threats he'll probably tell me to go back or just kill me himself. Would he torture me first for daring to touch him? There were too many unanswered questions, and not enough time to think; I was already behind Megatron, and the sound of my steps already alerted him I was there.
Megatron turned to see what was there, his optics wandering about the room in confusion to see who stood there, only to quickly widen in surprise at the sight of his resident human hostage at his feet, looking up at him like she was going to faint on the spot. The mech's eyes looked on me with a pensive stare bearing an inevitable question. All I could do was stare up at him until I remembered to take in a breath. His presence was powerful, able to paralyze those who likely would be on the receiving end of his unpredictable anger.
Looking at him now, it became clear that temporary humiliation at the hands of a video was better than waiting to die. I could still back out and just apologize for coming, I could just leave-
"What are you doing here, human? Should you not be in Knockout's custody today?"
It appeared I had to answer, and hopefully not risk his wrath. All thoughts of any excuses or apologies died on my lips, my heart leaping in my eyes as his bloodred eyes stared me down for an explanation. He was a Decepticon, lying was like breathing to him; if I told him a lie he'd be able to sniff it out immediately. If I wanted to die a quick death, I would have to tell him the truth. Gulping down the nervous lump in my throat, I had words flying into my brain, fear shrouding them in a fog while the silent threat overpowered my brain, willing me to speak to him.
"Um....I...You see, this wasn't my doing, I mean I came out here but-"
A smothered growl resounded in his chest as he towered above me, his head closer than I would have liked in order to hear my voice. That was more than enough to get the words tumbling out of my mouth as the threat lurked above for me to admit what had happened. His optics stared at me while I spoke.
"Knockout was playing a game where people give challenges or reveal a truth about themselves when asked a question, and he challenged me to kiss you and if I don't he'd either humiliate or torture me at your discretion and I am so sorr-"
Another sound rumbled in his chest, and I froze, looking into his eyes with wide eyes of my own. His optics bore into me, and I trembled under his stare. Was he planning to kill me or berate me? Torture me? Isolate or detain me? So many questions floated about in my mind, with nothing but the silent breaths of air leaving between my lips. A bunny trembled in fright before a mountain lion, waiting for its next move, preferably one of merciful death.
The warlord lifted his optics, obviously hearing something I didn't, and I turned to see the last spot of Knockout as his steps resounded further behind the walls of the main brig. The medic, the constant coward he was had left me to the mercy of this ruthless warlord as if he wasn't responsible for this situation. Now here I was, alone with a warlord, an excuse, and a fate waiting to cut my string of life.
I slowly turned back to the warlord, seeing an unreadable expression in his optics. What would he do?
The warlord's optics shifted, moving quite minutely from the door and back to me. Ruby eyes stared into mine as the warlord's gaze held me more solid than if Medusa herself turned me to stone. His gaze unmoving, he straightened his broad back before the gravelly rumble of his became words.
"So, Knockout has challenged you to kiss me?"
That...was the only thing he was asking? A grunt of disapproval reverberated through the air which prompted an answer from me.
"Yes, my lord". Might as well get it over with and die. Hopefully, it'll be quick.
The warlord was still for a minute before he shifted, his hulking mass shadowing me as his massive taloned hand outstretched towards me, dangerous silver points glinting in the dim purple lights with the promise of danger. I gulped in fear, watching them inch closer to me. Unimaginable was my surprise when I felt the warlord's servo at my back, the flats of his digits wrapped around my spine before my feet left the floor, and I was in his clutch, which was surprisingly gentle.
Air rushed past as he lifted me, his face getting bigger and closer. I could see the reflection of the brig's lighting shining on his chassis and Decepticon insignia before I found my eyes caged into the commanding glare of the ruby-opticed warlord.
His stare was bright, burning, like my curiosity of what would happen. The glow of his optics barely lit his faceplates but it burned my face with an anxious blush as he wordlessly observed me, his optics only shifting in light.
"Then you must live up to the challenge" came his booming reply.
I flinched from his volume before taking a second to process what he'd said. Apparently my reaction was funny enough that the corner of his intake lifted minutely to resemble a smirk.
The warlord gave me permission to kiss him? No way, I was hallucinating, or I'd fainted and dreamed it up, maybe I was already dead-
"You had best hurry human, I do not have all day"
Okay, so he was serious. Well, that complicated things-
But he was running out of patience and I had a chance to just finish the dare, might as well take it.
"M-my apologies, Lord Megatron!" I scrambled up, standing on his palm and bowing my head. "I will do as you ordered".
Megatron rumbled deeply, and I didn't stop to wonder what it meant as I tiptoed closer, his facial plates just a foot away from me. His scars crawled up his face, a testament to his strength and age as I looked up at him, gulping at what I was about to do. I couldn't help but feel the need to almost ask permission again, but time was of the essence. Still, I locked gaze with him for a second, just before doing it.
His ruby gaze shifted to me almost crossing as he looked upon me. His optics dimmed a moment, but he didn't move. Now was my chance.
I gulped down any remaining apprehension I had and placed a hand upon the warlord's face before standing on tiptoe, leaning in, and pressing my lips to the edge of his own lower derma. I then backed away, taking a moment to steal a glance at the warlord.
We stared at each other for seconds that seemed to last an hour. The room felt warm. His optics stared into my eyes, almost as though he was judging me for the kiss. His optics burned in their intensity and I looked away, my eyes landing on my hand which I'd placed against his face to steady myself, a finger in the groove of a scar. Hopefully I hadn't hurt him-
"Your deed is done, human. Return to Knockout" Megatron growled, the order demanding obedience.
I flinched hearing the unexpected voice before bowing once more, "Yes, Lord Megatron". I turned to the side to walk away until seeing the gap between his hand and the ground.
Megatron lowered his hand close to ground, obviously seeing that I was too high. I hopped off his palm and bowed once more, not noticing the timid smile I gave the warlord before quickly walking out of the brig. I couldn't wait to get my hands on Knockout and that precious finish of his for endangering me like that.
I never saw what happened afterwards. I could only hope Megatron didn't mind what happened. I couldn't believe I'd kissed him. I knew I blushed; my lips tingled as I walked to the Medbay.
I didn't see him as he rose up from his kneeling position, his dermas parting as he placed a digit along his lower derma. I didn't know he thought about the softness of a human's lips, of what flavour my lipgloss might have been that he could taste.
I didn't know that he might have liked it, more than either of us thought he would.