Inevitable (Megatron x FEM/OC)

Chapter 35 - Symphony

Three more days passed in tense succession since that night in their bond. Megatron knew something was wrong and she knew that he knew, but neither broached the topic., preferring to let bygones be bygones (at least for the time being).

Though, it was also probably because there was nothing to be discussed, she had found.

She'd busied herself with repair work surrounding Barricade, who happened to be appalled by her mere existence, but she was more than appreciative for the much needed distraction and the feeling of usefulness. She wanted to serve a purpose and serve she did.

And that's what got her here now, the desire to be useful.

Lauren adjusted the old ball cap atop her head, tucking some fly away hairs behind her ear aggressively. God, the ugly hat did absolutely nothing to change her appearance as she strolled the department store. What was even the point of wearing the damn thing then?!

"Just act natural, it's not that hard." Tessa whisper scolded the older woman from where she browsed shampoos, large purse slung over her angular shoulder.

"This hat is itchy." Lauren hissed, still fidgeting with it restlessly.

"Shane should've came." The teen muttered under her breath in a pout as she slipped that same cheap rose scented shampoo into her bag swiftly. If they were getting a five-finger discount, why not grab something a tad bit nicer?

The brunette cast a glare to the kid before moving past her. "Yeah, well you got me, so tough shit." It wasn't like she was trying to be mean, but the woman could only take so much attitude. By the heavens, wherever she ended up after death she'd be sure to track down her grandfather and sincerely apologize for her teen years.

Said teen was quick to nab a bottle of bodywash. God, was this what she'd been reduced to? Shoplifting? It was honestly demeaning. Sure, she'd stolen- committed grand theft- before, but that'd been exhilarating with stakes tacked on the end for added incentive. And, truly, she didn't have much choice in the matter at the time, but who was counting? Maybe Tessa was right, she should've just let Shane come instead with Cade to chaperone, but no. She just had to go for herself.

First and last time if she could help it.

Rounding the corner, Lauren slipped into the woman's clothing section and snagged several articles of clothing, the bare basics; a plain t-shirt, a single tank top, and some much needed socks. A quick slip into a dressing room secured the items on her person with ease. After all that she'd been through, this was child's play. not that she particularly proud of it, but her point still stood.

"Tessa...!" The young woman whisper yelled for the blonde. "God damnit." A frustrated groan escaped her through clenched teeth. Barricade was stationed just outside as if two young girls emerging from a police cruiser wasn't suspicious, but she preferred him over all else. She liked to think that she knew him and it wasn't like she wasn't giving the autobots the benefit of the doubt, but sometimes high energy wasn't something she needed. Bumblebee seemed great.

"Tessa...!" Lauren hissed once more as she swatted at the puke green cap for the umpteenth time. Perhaps she didn't want kids after all, she'd gotten her fair share of second hand parenting simply by listening to Cade and Tessa go at it night after night like some squabbling chickens. Shane was no help in the matter, but... Watching the two lovebirds interact did stir up something ugly in her gut and watching Cade attempt to parent didn't help.

Rounding another aisle corner, Lauren collided directly into said teen who stumbled. "We've been hear long enough, we have to go."

"Oh my god, you're as bad as my dad." Tessa huffed stubbornly. "We're fine." The blonde strode past her swiftly.