Chapter Text
“Are you sure this is how to do it?” Cheetor was so close to whining but after the last time Dinobot had clamped his teeth over his mouth to keep it shut, he knew better than to at least be loud. The whisper he attempted probably wasn’t low enough if the annoyed sound leaving Dinobot was any indication.
“Yes, now keep quiet, and put that aft down.” Dinobot lifted his foot and pushed Cheetor’s rump down from where it was raised above his shoulder line, “If you are to master the act of hunting and be successful at it you must keep your entire body to the ground and be silent as you sneak up on your prey.”
Cheetor nodded, trying to put that to memory for next time. He attempted to go back to focusing on Dinobot’s chosen target for this practice but a drag of claws through his faux fur as the saurian removed his foot from his rump caused a shiver to travel through his frame.
If it wouldn’t cause Dinobot to growl at him for not trying again, Cheetor totally would have started grumping over Dinobot being mean for doing that. Later though, right now Cheetor had to focus.
And that focus went back to their practice prey. Rattrap.
Hunching closer to the ground to the point his underside was brushing the grass and dirt, Cheetor started carefully creeping forward. Once he got to the edge of the tall grasses hiding them from sight, Cheetor bolted out and pounced.
The startled scream was quickly muffled as Rattrap slammed face-first into the ground, Cheetor beaming from where he stood on the rat’s back. Dinobot trotted out of the grasses, a smirk pulling at his maw as he stared down at the fallen rat.
“Excellent work, next time your biting skills will be tested.”
Cheetor hopped off Rattrap, trotting over to Dinobot and rubbing against the saurian’s feathered frame with a loud purr.
“Cog sucking—!”
“Rattrap!”
Cheetor tilted his head back, confused at first about the words Rattrap started saying before Optimus’ voice cut him off. Big bot had a frown on his face as he walked over, arms crossing as he started them down. Dinobot wasn’t even intimidated by it, just turned his head to the side to stare at the Maximal leader with one optic.
“No more using Rattrap as practice.”
A growl left Dinobot, “Very well, but the vermin better watch otherwise I’ll start using him as practice again.”
Optimus didn’t look at all impressed by Dinobot’s words, but he sighed and shook his head before walking away. Once the ape’s back was turned Dinobot turned his attention to the seething rat and bared all his fangs in a parody of a smile. It was enough to send the rat scurrying away with a glare thrown over his shoulder.
“Aww, is the lesson over?” Cheetor pouted as he watched Rattrap speed away. It was fun pinning his comrade to the ground.
“Of course not, we’ll find someone else to practice on.” Dinobot leaned down and swiped his glossa across Cheetor’s maw before turning and heading away from the ship.
The affirmation of more practice perked Cheetor up even as his cheek fur bristled in a way of a blush at the ‘kiss’. He got up and chased after Dinobot before the saurian could yell at him to hurry up.