Chapter Text
The jagged peaks of the coliseum rise out of the edges of Megatron’s vision. Grit from the sandy ground scratches his armor. Clouds of dust kick up with every harsh ex-vent.
Megatron rests on his back where he’s been tripped, legs tangled in Soundwave’s cables. His blade is tight against Soundwave’s slender thigh, pushed into the protoform just deep enough to cut.
Soundwave’s own blade is held to his throat, right against the major energon line. The edge is cool against the scorching cabling.
Soundwave regards him fiercely until their match is declared a draw. Then retracts the blade.
Megatron thought it was odd, initially, when Soundwave challenged him to a private fight. The news had nonetheless drawn a small audience, consisting mostly of their fellow gladiators. The spectators were quiet, not anticipating this outcome. Megatron always won all his matches. Even when he and Soundwave had casually sparred before, Megatron always came out on top.
Though he hadn’t succeeded in defeating him, Soundwave had been a tough opponent– the hardest Megatron had ever faced. On this occasion, Soundwave had matched him point for point. Or had he been matching Soundwave?
Megatron realizes he’s trembling with more than exertion. Soundwave is still watching him fiercely. Not violently, but with an intensity that can’t be hidden, even behind his mask.
He extends a hand to Megatron.
Megatron takes it, and they clasp each others’ scarred arms in the warriors' hold, longer and tighter than necessary. A show of good will. Soundwave never had been the type to be interested in dominance.
Megatron is glad that it’s Soundwave who’s matched him. His oldest and dearest friend, who had tested his abilities to their limits. Soundwave must feel the pulse of happiness from his field, because he nuzzles his helm against Megatron’s. They stay like this, content to enjoy the heat of each other's frames.
“Soundwave,” asks Megatron quietly, as the situation dawns on him, “...are you proposing to me?”
Soundwave nods once. His field is calm and tentative, threaded through with desire. And everything comes together.
This match was a display of strength to demonstrate Soundwave’s suitability as a partner. Showing he'll be strong enough to protect him. The ultimate romantic gesture in Kaon, and a necessary act to precede a declaration of a conjunx bond in these parts.
“I accept,” says Megatron.
Soundwave’s field warps, unsteady, and then blows open. Cables twist around Megatron’s limbs and torso, wrapping him tightly, trying to get as many points of contact as possible.
In front of their community, Megatron opens his spark to him.