Inevitable (Megatron x FEM/OC)

Chapter 45 - Wonder

Walking was painful and far more difficult once the remainder of the pain medication filtered through her system. The crutches were of no better use, too firm and uncomfortable. She'd rather hobble around with her gimp leg than bear those torture devices.

Despite her reservations, none of that ever came to fruition. Megatron was insistent on carrying her around and it wasn't as if she'd object to the helping hand, but she did still value what semblance of independence she retained.

The thrill of flying and the wind through her cropped hair had been the breath of fresh air she so desperately needed after days of being idle. The crispness revitalized her tenfold and she could feel the encroaching cold seasons approaching. The beat of the music resuscitated the pound of her heart while Megatron's presence served to build her back up.

Lauren would've liked to say she felt reborn, but the lingering pain was keen on tethering her back to reality and, honestly? She truly didn't mind.

The pain served to remind her she was alive and breathing, that all the world was was not some fleeting heaven she'd conjured in her dying moments.

She was alive.

Her subconscious felt the need to reprimand as it coupled with the warm tug of her inner chest. Yes, she was in fact living and she was grateful.

Megatron was swift, yet tedious as he transformed, taking care not to be too hasty and hurt the femme. She was deposited into the midst of his protective hold at once. Crimson optics stole a fleeting glance down at her as a precaution. A low grumble reverberated from the depths of his chassis.

Blackout followed promptly, transforming mid air as he stuck his landing, the planet shaking beneath his steps. Narrowed ruby optics settled upon the smaller woman quickly. His rotor blades twitched upon his back as he folded them flat and followed after not only his master, but his charge. The spark within his chamber flared with a silent uproar.

Lauren offered no words as she adjusted her seating, a wince escaping her momentarily as he walked with her in hand. "Is this where everyone is?"

"Your speculation is correct, girl. We welcome old faces anew." The decepticon lord spoke firmly, yet not harshly. His posture was poised perfect and his shoulders squared as he tilted his chin plating up in a display of authority. He clenched his denta together as if bracing himself to greet his men.

He'd been gone for several joors, but that information was neither here nor there and didn't weigh on his processor. They wouldn't ask, he wouldn't tell, and they'd be staunch fools to question their own.

His spark bristled something fierce within him and he'd almost made the hasty move to wrench Lauren closer than she already was. Blackout grunted from just beyond him as he approached.

With a swift exchange of Cybertronian, the trio pushed on into the building serving as a temporary base.

She hadn't mistaken the small flicker of annoyance that flared up within her only seconds prior, something she knew with upmost certainty wasn't hers. If anything, she was antsy- excited even at the prospect of seeing most of everyone again. There'd been a fleeting thought of the autobots, but she was mostly sure presenting that idea wouldn't smooth over well. All other thoughts of human allies were quickly shoved aside as the telltale voice of Nitrozeus erupted boisterousness.

"Hey, hey! There she is! The little lady of the hour! Cattle almost got loose without our cowgirl around to wrangle 'em in." He snorted obnoxiously, something she'd grown to miss. "There ain't no hoot and holler without betsy!"

The brunette was immediate to smile, chuckling as she did so. "Never thought I'd enjoy hearing you."

"What can I say? I know how to make a lady scream my name." The single optic mech chortled with a bounce of his shoulders.