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The ocean waves lapped lazily at the hull of the Ark, spraying salty droplets into Megatron’s face. His silver hair seemed to shimmer in the moonlight, even more so with beads of water clinging to his fuzz.
The party had been unexpectedly entertaining, discounting the fact that it ended with the boat catching flame and sinking. Otherwise, he had a great time. Optimus looked stunning, as he always did. He was Optimus for fuck’s sake. The man wasn’t even aware of the effect he had on Megatron, and that made him fall for him even more.
Of course, he would never admit that even if someone were to hold a pistol to his head. Optimus was a fine thing, never to have known of the grueling labor that Megatron grew up with. He felt as if these hardened hands so much as grazed Optimus he would shatter. He learned that a long time ago. Yearning for something that he couldn’t have was pointless, but he could admire from afar. As long as he could do that, he was content.
“Evening”, a voice sounded behind him. Speak of the devil.
Great Primus he was beautiful. His inky black hair still slicked back from the party, and his deep blue eyes reflected the stars.
“Hey.” If someone were to ask Megatron if his voice cracked, they would walk away with a broken nose.
“Apparently the twins pranked Starscream”, Optimus said, strolling to stand by Megatron looking out over the water. “Said he nearly threw himself overboard to save his dignity.”
“Oh! No wonder he was so damn pissy when we came back”, Megatron turned to face Optimus, “I swear, those terrors are gonna rule the seas one day. I can see it now, ‘Twitch and Thrash, rulers of the seven seas.’”
Optimus chuckled warmly. “I wouldn’t be surprised, especially with you teaching them everything that I couldn’t.”
“Oh please, there’s plenty that they can learn from you”, Megatron pointed out, “Hell, there’s a shit ton that I could learn from you.”
“Same here”, Optimus smiled.
“I guess that makes us the perfect duo”, he smiles back, playfully nudging Optimus’ shoulder with his own.
A semi awkward silence washed over them as they looked out over the water. Optimus looked to be deep in thought. Had he overstepped? He probably did. Fucked it up, like he did with almost every social interaction that didn’t involve violence.
He hasn’t taken off the outfit, Megatron realizes. Not that he was complaining, it was hot. That royal blue and deep red looked amazing on him. Like royalty. He certainly looked the part. Primus knows he deserves it. Hell, it was practically given to him. And yet, Optimus had traded that comfortable, domestic life for crime and danger and even risked death for no other reason than to break the monotony.
As for Megatron, he had no other choice. He would have risked it all to trade places with Optimus. He knew he didn’t deserve it like Optimus did, that had been made abundantly clear. All the labor, the blood, the sweat, the tears, all of that and he got nowhere.
“I’m sorry tonight was a bust”, Optimus spoke out of the blue, his voice showing that he truly was sorry.
“Come on, man, that was the most fun I’ve had in ages. Especially with you there.” He just couldn’t learn his lesson could he? “Minus the fire and screaming but it was still fun. Although, it did make me realize that I’m not built for that kind of life.”
He pulled his tatty piece of silk from his pocket to admire it in the moonlight. All these years he’s had it, and it was still unfazed by Megatron’s hand.
“What’s this?” Optimus inquired, genuinely curious.
“Just an old gift from my father”, he sighed, “Isn’t worth much now, for how long I’ve had it.”
Optimus hummed. “Sometimes the old things are the best things. May I?”
Megatron was reluctant to let go, but he trusted Optimus. He grasped the silk with a certain care that Megatron couldn’t fathom nor be capable of.
Folding it gingerly, Optimus placed it in his shirt pocket. Megatron turned towards the light of the full moon. It practically glowed.
“Look at that”, Optimus said softly, “You wear fine things well.”
Megatron’s breath hitched in his throat, threatening to reveal how he felt.
“Okay”, his voice definitely cracked, “Good night.”
“Night”, Optimus replied.
Good god that was awkward.
They went their separate ways. But Megatron couldn’t help but snag one last look at Optimus.
He was looking back. That smile made Megatron’s heart throb. He wanted nothing more than to show Optimus just what effect he had on him. How he was so caring and pure yet dangerous in ways he wouldn’t expect from a gentleman.
Megatron had to constantly remind himself, he didn’t deserve Optimus.