Transformers Movie-verse: "Gaining Perspective"
Fandom: Transformers movie(s)
Pairing: Megatron/Optimus Prime
Title: Gaining Perspective
Author: me!
Rating: PG-13, but will push R at some points. Those chapters will be marked.
--
It took them about two weeks to get to the small outpost of a town near where Sam and his family had decided to go camping, the two having resigned themselves to being stuck with the other after their confrontation.
“At least there will be a place to rest that isn't the ground,” Megatron groused as they walked down the street.
“With all the money we don't have,” Optimus drawled, although he silently agreed. His back was one mass of pain from sleeping on the ground with no protection, and he was looking forward to experiencing a bed.
Megatron hissed his displeasure while glaring at Optimus.
“There are other things we have to worry about, first,” Optimus told his companion.
“Oh?” Megatron asked, incredulous.
“Clothing, specifically. Then we can find a place to rest.”
“Why does that matter more?”
“Because we look terrible and no place will give us lodging or food if we appear this way.”
“That's incredibly superficial.”
Optimus shrugged. “A failing of the race, but nothing major.”
The two walked in silence, Optimus idly noting that they were getting pretty bad stares.
See why I think we need new clothes? People won't look twice at us, then.
Megatron merely made a noise of acknowledgement.
Optimus eventually found what he was looking for and nudged Megatron towards the shop.
This will have what we need, Optimus told the Decepticon.
What is this place? Megatron asked, obviously curious in spite of himself once they had entered.
A consignment shop. We should be able to get clothes on our...limited...resources here.
Megatron gave Optimus an utterly incredulous look. If you say so. How do we know what will fit us?
Trial and error? Optimus replied and went over to a rack that was clearly marked 'men'.
Trial and error it ended up being, as they wrestled with sizes and numbers until they found what would fit them, earning more than a few odd looks as they struggled. Optimus wasn't quite sure how people explained their behavior away, but from how no-one actually said anything, Optimus didn't bother to think on it too much.
As it was, he was fascinated by the different textures of clothing. Some were soft, others were rough, and a great many had textures he was incapable of describing because, well, he might know the human words, but because he didn't know what they represented, that was all they were to him-words. The lengths and cuts and colors, and how they were combined and interacted, were all equally fascinating
Eventually, Megatron decided on a few lightweight, long-sleeve tops (“I refuse to walk around with this shell visibly flaking off of me.”) and equally light-weight, long pants, most in solid colors-although black looked the most striking on him, for obvious reasons. He also bought a baseball cap to keep the sun off of his face, and to perhaps hide his striking garnet-colored eyes.
Optimus found himself leaning more towards patterns and designs on the shirts that he picked out, and was partial to jeans of varying lengths and weights.
Underwear and socks were also acquired when they stopped by a CVS, as well as a few other items necessary for their well-being and acceptance into society. However, the greatest amount of time was spent in the food aisle.
What is all this? Megatron asked, slightly astonished. Can they eat all of this?
It's not a good idea, but theoretically, they can eat most of this stuff.
Fascinating...Megatron murmured and picked out a package labeled 'popcorn'.
In the end, Optimus had to drag Megatron out of the snack food aisle. All that stuff isn't good for you.
But it's cheap and looks...interesting, Megatron protested.
We can find cheap, interesting, healthy stuff elsewhere.
Megatron scowled as he waited for Optimus to pay for everything that they had decided to buy. They exited the store and both sighed in unison before giving the other a glare.
“Where now, Prime?” Megatron drawled, obviously annoyed.
“Don't call me that aloud,” Optimus growled quietly.
Megatron rolled his eyes.
“For now, I think we need to find temporary lodging so we can clean up and change into the new clothes we bought.”
“Cheap temporary lodging, correct? So, a motel or something?”
Optimus nodded, again filing away the random bouts of information Megatron seemed to have for later pondering.
The two of them meandered until they found a rather sketchy-looking affair that was cheap and asked no questions, which was a small relief. The room was small, cramped, and dark, but after sleeping on the ground, the beds felt like heaven. They both collapsed on the separate beds and were out like lights.
Optimus woke a few hours later and stretched, every ache in his back screaming for his attention, making him wince. He heard the tiny shower in the dirty bathroom running and smirked faintly. Megatron had obviously woken before him and was washing himself using the cleaning supplies they had bought.
Optimus looked up at the ceiling, his hands laced together over his chest.
It was funny, thinking that he had been human for two weeks. He was personally surprised that he had survived this long at all-if the situation had been posed to him when he was still Cybertronian, he would have bet that he wouldn't have lasted a week, let alone this long with Megatron.
Perhaps it was because of Megatron that he was still alive. Afterall, neither of them wanted to appear weak in front of the other, and dying before the other had a chance to kill them would have been disgraceful and distasteful. So they both pushed themselves to the limit of their newfound bodies, figuring out all the nuts and bolts that humans tended to grow up with. It was a small blessing that they had both, to an extent, lived with them, and so weren't starting entirely from scratch.
'Nonetheless, there is so much to learn. We know the basics, but very little else.'
At that moment, Megatron walked out of the bathroom, toweling his hair dry, fully clothed. “You can make it warm,” Megatron murmured and picked up a small device that was resting next to their obviously run-down television before he plopped down on his bed.
Optimus figured that was as much recognition of his wakefulness he would get, and pushed himself to his feet, picking out an outfit for himself before entering the bathroom. The set-up was nothing particularly elegant, but Optimus wasn't about to be picky. There was a sink, a toilet, and a shower/bathtub combination. The slightly-cracked mirror was still misted over from when Megatron had taken his shower and the shower-head was dripping sporadically. Optimus regarded everything before him before sighing and stripping himself of the torn, dirty, abused garments that had been his covering for the past fortnight.
He gingerly stepped into the basin of the bath and discovered what Megatron's comment meant when he fiddled with the knobs set into the wall, which, when turned, caused water to come out of the shower-head above him. He jumped in surprise when the water first fell on him from above, but as his body slowly relaxed under the unsteady torrent of water, he came to appreciate hot water.
He stood for a long moment before picking up what they had eventually decided was used to clean the patch of overgrown fur on their skulls and looking at it. He turned it over and read the directions on the back, and made a mental note not to get it in his eyes or mouth. With the hand that was holding the bottle, he turned it over and squeezed a small dollop into the palm of the other, before carefully setting down the bottle. He looked at the viscous liquid resting in his palm before bringing it carefully up to his head and using that hand as well as the other to rub it into his scalp. He was surprised when he felt the texture change into something more...more...there was no Cybertronian word for the sensation, for they did not feel in the way humans did-much as they could not taste as humans did. Sure, they could see and hear and sense things no human ever could, but there was something to be said about feeling shampoo turn to suds as it interacted with friction and hot water.
He let the water rinse the shampoo from his short, wiry, oddly-colored hair, watching as it traced patterns down his body. Since that first day of adapting, he hadn't really taken the time to observe his own physicality, and now that he had a moment where he didn't feel that he had to watch his back constantly, he did. As far as he could tell, he was of muscular build, and from how close he was to the shower-head, it meant that he was probably taller than average. He knew already that his coloration was far from normal-typical african-heritage coloration was all shades of brown-but he had hoped his height wouldn't be another distinguishing trait. He already stood out as it was. Megatron was perhaps even worse, with his silver and red coloring. He was fairly sure that they made quite the sight, as out of place with each other as in society.
He picked up the poof-he believed that was what it was called-with one hand and used the other to pick up the body wash they had bought. It was a little harder to manipulate, but Optimus was proud when he didn't drop anything. He rubbed the liquid into the poof and found himself smiling as it sudded up. He heated slightly in embarrassment, even though no-one was around to see. He would have to learn to take such things for granted, but for now...
His sense of balance was unfamiliar with what he was doing, especially when he went to wash his lower legs while standing. He had to brace one hand on the wall to get himself entirely clean, grumbling quietly about how he still hadn't figured out balance entirely.
As he cleaned his genitalia a spike of...of...something raced through him, making him jerk in surprise. It wasn't a bad feeling, but, again, clearly different from anything he had ever felt while a Cybertronian.
'It hadn't felt like that when simply-oh, what's the word?-peeing. But, at those times, the contact was never extended...'
Optimus had the gut feeling that he was treading into dangerous, entirely unknown waters, and it was unnerving. He hadn't gotten where he was by being careful, though, so he felt it was something to be explored, if cautiously. This was yet another example of how different human and Cybertronian bodies could be, even though they appeared superficially similar.
Optimus thought for a long moment, fingers ghosting down the length of his penis, sending small shivers of...what was the word for this sensation?...something through his body. As he had listened to the male soldiers, he remembered a lot of crude talk had revolved around their genitalia, whether from jokes or otherwise was unimportant.
He also knew a great deal about the biology and function of the male reproductive system, but it was all academic. It had no application to him, so while he had filed it away as information, he hadn't bothered to give it a second thought.
Now he wished he still had the limitless data retention of his former body, if just so he could review what he had discovered, remember the conversations.
'Again, driving blind,' he thought morosely.
He shivered involuntarily when a particularly strong flush of the sensation curled through him, and he reinforced the barriers between he and Megatron, not wanting the Decepticon to ask questions he didn't feel like answering.
He became aware of a change in the particular part of his newfound anatomy that he was exploring that accompanied the lazy swirls of sensation. It was lengthening and darkening...
Optimus blinked and then pulled his hand away quickly, embarrassment burning through him. It had taken a little while, but little pieces of information had congealed in his mind, telling him what was happening. He shifted awkwardly on his feet before reaching out and turning the hot water off.
He bit back a yelp as the water turned bitingly cold, and he was all too glad when his erection faded. He turned the water off entirely and stood in the shower for a moment, watching the water drain around his feet.
“Primus,” he muttered as he stepped out of the shower, annoyed with himself.
He picked up a towel and briskly dried himself before figuring out boxers, applying deodorant (he and Megatron both had an intense dislike of the smell they emanated when unclean), and shoving himself into his new clothes.
Megatron was obviously engrossed in the television when Optimus finally made his way out of the bathroom, as he adjusted the belt around his waist.
“What are you watching?” he asked.
Megatron jumped at Optimus's voice and hissed in displeasure. “Don't startle me like that!”
“Then pay more attention to your surroundings,” Optimus said archly, making the Decepticon scowl. “Again, what are you watching?”
“Why does it matter?”
“Megatron.”
The Decepticon remained stubbornly silent, which made Optimus sigh. “Fine. Come. We should go to the library to get the information we need.”
Megatron grunted in agreement and stood, stretching, a soft groan escaping his lips. “I hope to never spend another day sleeping on the ground like that.”
“I'm afraid you might have to, given what I have seen of the armed forces.”
Megatron growled in displeasure as they walked out of the room, locking the door behind them as Optimus slipped the key to the room in his pocket, since he had paid for more than one night. They headed off into the town proper after Optimus was sure their room was secure.
It wasn't a particularly large town, so they found the public library fairly quickly.
Do you know how to read their languages, Megatron?
What kind of question is that? Came the annoyed reply. Of course I can. How would I have been able to peruse their internet otherwise?
Point, Optimus admitted as they entered the building.
The library was cool and quiet and had the most interesting smell to it. Optimus was amused to observe that Megatron had unconsciously slowed down his walking pace, and had seemed to try and quiet himself.
I will explore the internet. It will be a ...unique...experience to browse it from this position.
Very well. I will go through the printed material.
You do that, Megatron told him dryly as he peeled away to examine the computers.
Optimus shook his head, went to the periodicals rack, and took out the latest issue of a number of national news publications. Might as well get caught up on current events before going through scientific texts-not that he suspected there would be many manuals on 'how to be human'. A lot of it would be conjecture and trial-and-error on his and Megatron's parts. It was sure to be a frustrating learning experience, and even though they both learned very quickly, going from being a Cybertronian to a human wasn't going to be an easy task.
Optimus had the bad feeling that it would take years to grasp the full complexities of the society, but they would have to have the basics down before applying to be in the armed forces.
'But what would be the best way to figure out these things?' he wondered as he idly flipped through Time magazine. 'There are so many levels to society, so many different sets of expectations ranging from class to age to gender.'
Optimus sighed softly and wished desperately that he had a users manual for the situation he found himself in. Instead, all he had was his intellect, observational skills, and luck.
'Perhaps movies that are set in present time? And popular fiction novels? Even television programs? Then there's always observing how others interact.'
Optimus felt a headache building behind his eyes and closed the magazine, running his fingers along the glossy cover.
'Might as well see what Megatron is up to.'
Optimus stood and searched until he found Megatron perched at a computer terminal.
Megatron, what are you doing? he asked, making Megatron look at him out of the corner of his eye and shrug.
I have discovered a site on the internet called 'Wikipedia'. It's...fascinating.
What're you reading about?
There was a surly pause before Megatron spoke: If you must know, I started out researching the United States Army and have now ended up reading about something called Star Wars.
Optimus did a poor job of smothering a grin. Sam has spoken about Wikipedia before. I wouldn't trust it entirely.
Megatron quirked an eyebrow. I only trust what I have personally experienced. Everything else is more likely than not a lie.
A very Decepticon thing to say.
A very true thing to say.
Optimus sighed and put a hand on the back of Megatron's chair. Have you put any thought into how we are to get accepted into the armed forces? If we can't act convincingly human-and we don't know half as much as we should in order to do so-they won't take us. Probably will believe that we're insane.
And that would hinder our plans. Very well, Prime-what do you suggest we do about our lack of humanity? Megatron's tone was dry and made Optimus give him a mild glare.
We watch what they do. We can also use popular culture as references. Not very reliable ones, but they will give us some idea of how people behave in certain situations.
Oh? What kind of references?
Movies. Television. Books. And, of course, the internet. But, I think we'll be better equipped to deal with all that if we're in a larger city.
Megatron scowled at the computer screen. I do not like that idea.
It doesn't matter-we're going to have to do it whether you want to or not.
Megatron's lip curled in a silent snarl. I am going to kill you in your sleep one day for daring to order me around.
Optimus couldn't help the small smirk that formed on his face. You will try.
Megatron bristled.
But that is neither here nor there. You want your revenge, I want to return to my companions. To do that, we need to work in tandem. You have seen me copy your actions-I only ask that you do the same, occasionally.
Megatron's eyes narrowed, but he seemed to calm slightly. So. What large city are we near and how will we get there?
Optimus hesitated and thought. I believe we are closest to New York city.
And just how to you plan on getting to said city?
Optimus paused. I suppose a combination of hitch-hiking and public transportation.
Why don't we just take a car?
Do you really want a criminal record?
Oh, right. Doing that would be breaking one of their stupid laws.
Just because you have no respect for rules...
Even if we take one from a junkyard that no-one wants?
Yes, Megatron, we'd still be stealing.
Megatron almost pouted, which made Optimus suppress a snicker.
Come. I have paid for today and tomorrow at the motel. We can use the time to watch the cable they provide and do some reading. Then we will head off to New York City.
Megatron sighed. Very well, Prime. We will follow this plan of yours-for now.
For now, Optimus agreed. If there was anything he knew, it was that plans had a bad tendency to change at the last moment.
You find your books. I intend on finding appropriate television programming.
Optimus nodded and left Megatron clicking idly at Wikipedia, obviously not looking up TV shows. Optimus shook his head and headed into the fiction section, picking out books at random.
By the time they were kicked out of the library, Optimus had read through a dozen or so books. He had been astonished by the variety in writing skill and subject matter, and felt that a larger library might have even more to offer him. The books he had read had offered him more than just a look into the collective human psyche, some had also been fascinating.
'The creativity of humans is astounding,' he thought to himself with good humor.
You are smiling, Prime. What has you so pleased?
Optimus jerked slightly at Megatron's voice and he looked to his side to see the Decepticon regarding him with an unreadable expression on his face.
I've found out why some of the soldiers 'kill time' by reading novels. They're...very entertaining. Human capability for creativity is to be commended.
Mm-hm, Megatron murmured, the smallest of wry smirks forming on his face. As a species they are...Megatron paused, as if trying to find the right word,...contradictory, he finally settled on.
Optimus gave him a curious look.
I spent my time on the internet. While I most certainly don't trust all that Wikipedia contains, following the related links to other pages lead me to some...strange...topics.
Oh?
Megatron shook his head. It is...complicated. I have read about human popular culture, of their history, current events, scientific advances, medical procedures and diagnoses, laws, diseases, industries legal and not...Megatron fell briefly silent. They are twisted for such a young race.
They have made mistakes, but they are not beyond hope.
Optimus, please. They are not noble by any stretch of the concept. They have enslaved each other for no reason other than the color of their skin is different, killed each other in mass numbers in such a brutal manner that it's almost shameful, are ruthless to enemies and allies alike...Optimus, they are beasts.
It is nothing we ourselves haven't done, Optimus pointed out sadly.
Megatron glowered at the sidewalk as they made their way slowly towards the motel. They exploit each other. Some use addictive natural-and some not so natural-substances to make another human completely dependent upon them. Without something they call a 'drug', it is entirely possible that an 'addict' may die. There are entire industries around sexual exploitation, organ harvesting, illegal activities...they do things to each other that no Cybertronain would ever consider.
Megatron paused and a smirk flitted across his face. But, as you say, they are capable of great creativity and kindness-although by no means nobility. Some of their most renowned leaders were great peace-makers, although it has only been recently that peace has become a common goal among the creatures. They can be very, very shallow.
Silence fell as they walked before Optimus's stomach growling in hunger broke it. Megatron gave the Autobot a toothy grin. Food?
Food.
Finally something other than granola bars and trail mix
Optimus couldn't help but silently agree. He was looking forward to trying other kinds of food.
They changed destinations and stopped in what Optimus recognized as a food store. It was only through sheer willpower that neither of them stared wide-mouthed at the selection.
It's possible to eat all this?
Theoretically, Optimus replied distractedly, taking in all the edible things of varying shapes, sizes, colors, and prices. Oh, sure, he might know all of what he was looking at intellectually, but...
He caught Megatron's hand before he could squish what Optimus recognized as a tomato by squeezing too hard, earning a glower from the Decepticon, who yanked his hand away.
Stop touching me!
Then stop making it necessary for me to do so!
That was only the beginning of the silent argument that flew between them as they bickered over what to buy as they walked down the aisles.
In the end, they exited with a sandwich each and one bottle of iced tea and one soda, a surly silence between them.
They walked onto the street and began a leisurely trip back to the motel-it wasn't as if they had a set deadline. It gave them time to observe the architecture, the people, the businesses-everything that made the small town what it was.
Our coloration really sets us apart, doesn't it? Megatron mused over their connection. We are acceptable otherwise-clothed, clean, etc. This means that how we appear color-wise is truly that remarkable, Megatron commented when he caught a passer-by staring.
It is, Optimus affirmed. Which will undoubtedly make life difficult.
They are not very tolerant of difference, Megatron drawled.
Optimus snorted as they turned into the motel parking lot, headed to their room. The Autobot fiddled with the key, letting them back into the room they had temporarily secured for themselves.
Megatron retrieved the soda and one of the sandwiches, and set about figuring out how to unwrap the food item, sharp-nailed fingers making quick work of the plastic surrounding it. Optimus took a little longer to figure out how to open it, and the wave of surprise that flooded him from Megatron over their connection made him wince.
“What?” he asked perhaps a little too sharply, looking over at the Decepticon. What he saw made whatever temper he had fade entirely.
Megatron was looking at the sandwich in something close to pure astonishment. Optimus had never seen such an unguarded look on the Decepticon's face and it both baffled and amused him.
“This is...” Megatron started, but appeared lost for words.
Curious, Optimus finished opening his own sandwich and took a tentative bite.
He found out why Megatron was caught off-guard. The trail mix and granola bars had been good enough-filling for stomachs unused to food-but this was completely different. The textures were different, from the vegetables, to the cheese, meat, and bread. Then each of those components had their own flavors...it was almost a sensory overload for Optimus.
'But I must learn to not behave in this manner,' he thought sadly. 'I hate knowing I have to become jaded to this experience.'
He chewed carefully, and was almost sad to swallow, but at least there was more of the sandwich to look forward to. There was also the iced tea to consider as well-all he or Megatron had drunk before was water. Optimus set aside the sandwich gently and twisted off the cap of the plastic container ('bottle'). He took a tentative sip and was unable to restrain a surprised sound. He had thought the round, colorful bits they sometimes found in trail mix were sweet, but this was even more so. It was slightly tart, but incredibly sweet-almost too sweet.
He heard Megatron coughing and looked over to find the Decepticon giving the bottle of soda ('Mountain Dew') a wary look.
“What's wrong?” Optimus asked.
“It's...” Megatron sighed in frustration. “Here. Try it,” he said and held out the bottle to Optimus, who took it suspiciously. “I have not had time or resources to poison it,” Megatron said dryly when Optimus looked it over, considering the object. Optimus smiled faintly before taking a sip of the soda.
He found himself sputtering slightly as well and gave the bottle of fluid a purely incredulous look. “It says it's 'carbonated'. Does that account for the...the...effervescence? Bubbles?”
“It's very strange,” Megatron commented and took the product back from Optimus. “But not objectionable,” he finished in a murmur as he took a small sip.
Optimus shook his head and turned his attention to his own food.
Megatron finished before he and picked up what Optimus now recognized as a remote control and turned on the television.
Soon, the only sound in the room as the two watched the television with rapt attention was what came from the electronic appliance.
--
Pairing: Megatron/Optimus Prime
Title: Gaining Perspective
Author: me!
Rating: PG-13, but will push R at some points. Those chapters will be marked.
--
It took them about two weeks to get to the small outpost of a town near where Sam and his family had decided to go camping, the two having resigned themselves to being stuck with the other after their confrontation.
“At least there will be a place to rest that isn't the ground,” Megatron groused as they walked down the street.
“With all the money we don't have,” Optimus drawled, although he silently agreed. His back was one mass of pain from sleeping on the ground with no protection, and he was looking forward to experiencing a bed.
Megatron hissed his displeasure while glaring at Optimus.
“There are other things we have to worry about, first,” Optimus told his companion.
“Oh?” Megatron asked, incredulous.
“Clothing, specifically. Then we can find a place to rest.”
“Why does that matter more?”
“Because we look terrible and no place will give us lodging or food if we appear this way.”
“That's incredibly superficial.”
Optimus shrugged. “A failing of the race, but nothing major.”
The two walked in silence, Optimus idly noting that they were getting pretty bad stares.
See why I think we need new clothes? People won't look twice at us, then.
Megatron merely made a noise of acknowledgement.
Optimus eventually found what he was looking for and nudged Megatron towards the shop.
This will have what we need, Optimus told the Decepticon.
What is this place? Megatron asked, obviously curious in spite of himself once they had entered.
A consignment shop. We should be able to get clothes on our...limited...resources here.
Megatron gave Optimus an utterly incredulous look. If you say so. How do we know what will fit us?
Trial and error? Optimus replied and went over to a rack that was clearly marked 'men'.
Trial and error it ended up being, as they wrestled with sizes and numbers until they found what would fit them, earning more than a few odd looks as they struggled. Optimus wasn't quite sure how people explained their behavior away, but from how no-one actually said anything, Optimus didn't bother to think on it too much.
As it was, he was fascinated by the different textures of clothing. Some were soft, others were rough, and a great many had textures he was incapable of describing because, well, he might know the human words, but because he didn't know what they represented, that was all they were to him-words. The lengths and cuts and colors, and how they were combined and interacted, were all equally fascinating
Eventually, Megatron decided on a few lightweight, long-sleeve tops (“I refuse to walk around with this shell visibly flaking off of me.”) and equally light-weight, long pants, most in solid colors-although black looked the most striking on him, for obvious reasons. He also bought a baseball cap to keep the sun off of his face, and to perhaps hide his striking garnet-colored eyes.
Optimus found himself leaning more towards patterns and designs on the shirts that he picked out, and was partial to jeans of varying lengths and weights.
Underwear and socks were also acquired when they stopped by a CVS, as well as a few other items necessary for their well-being and acceptance into society. However, the greatest amount of time was spent in the food aisle.
What is all this? Megatron asked, slightly astonished. Can they eat all of this?
It's not a good idea, but theoretically, they can eat most of this stuff.
Fascinating...Megatron murmured and picked out a package labeled 'popcorn'.
In the end, Optimus had to drag Megatron out of the snack food aisle. All that stuff isn't good for you.
But it's cheap and looks...interesting, Megatron protested.
We can find cheap, interesting, healthy stuff elsewhere.
Megatron scowled as he waited for Optimus to pay for everything that they had decided to buy. They exited the store and both sighed in unison before giving the other a glare.
“Where now, Prime?” Megatron drawled, obviously annoyed.
“Don't call me that aloud,” Optimus growled quietly.
Megatron rolled his eyes.
“For now, I think we need to find temporary lodging so we can clean up and change into the new clothes we bought.”
“Cheap temporary lodging, correct? So, a motel or something?”
Optimus nodded, again filing away the random bouts of information Megatron seemed to have for later pondering.
The two of them meandered until they found a rather sketchy-looking affair that was cheap and asked no questions, which was a small relief. The room was small, cramped, and dark, but after sleeping on the ground, the beds felt like heaven. They both collapsed on the separate beds and were out like lights.
Optimus woke a few hours later and stretched, every ache in his back screaming for his attention, making him wince. He heard the tiny shower in the dirty bathroom running and smirked faintly. Megatron had obviously woken before him and was washing himself using the cleaning supplies they had bought.
Optimus looked up at the ceiling, his hands laced together over his chest.
It was funny, thinking that he had been human for two weeks. He was personally surprised that he had survived this long at all-if the situation had been posed to him when he was still Cybertronian, he would have bet that he wouldn't have lasted a week, let alone this long with Megatron.
Perhaps it was because of Megatron that he was still alive. Afterall, neither of them wanted to appear weak in front of the other, and dying before the other had a chance to kill them would have been disgraceful and distasteful. So they both pushed themselves to the limit of their newfound bodies, figuring out all the nuts and bolts that humans tended to grow up with. It was a small blessing that they had both, to an extent, lived with them, and so weren't starting entirely from scratch.
'Nonetheless, there is so much to learn. We know the basics, but very little else.'
At that moment, Megatron walked out of the bathroom, toweling his hair dry, fully clothed. “You can make it warm,” Megatron murmured and picked up a small device that was resting next to their obviously run-down television before he plopped down on his bed.
Optimus figured that was as much recognition of his wakefulness he would get, and pushed himself to his feet, picking out an outfit for himself before entering the bathroom. The set-up was nothing particularly elegant, but Optimus wasn't about to be picky. There was a sink, a toilet, and a shower/bathtub combination. The slightly-cracked mirror was still misted over from when Megatron had taken his shower and the shower-head was dripping sporadically. Optimus regarded everything before him before sighing and stripping himself of the torn, dirty, abused garments that had been his covering for the past fortnight.
He gingerly stepped into the basin of the bath and discovered what Megatron's comment meant when he fiddled with the knobs set into the wall, which, when turned, caused water to come out of the shower-head above him. He jumped in surprise when the water first fell on him from above, but as his body slowly relaxed under the unsteady torrent of water, he came to appreciate hot water.
He stood for a long moment before picking up what they had eventually decided was used to clean the patch of overgrown fur on their skulls and looking at it. He turned it over and read the directions on the back, and made a mental note not to get it in his eyes or mouth. With the hand that was holding the bottle, he turned it over and squeezed a small dollop into the palm of the other, before carefully setting down the bottle. He looked at the viscous liquid resting in his palm before bringing it carefully up to his head and using that hand as well as the other to rub it into his scalp. He was surprised when he felt the texture change into something more...more...there was no Cybertronian word for the sensation, for they did not feel in the way humans did-much as they could not taste as humans did. Sure, they could see and hear and sense things no human ever could, but there was something to be said about feeling shampoo turn to suds as it interacted with friction and hot water.
He let the water rinse the shampoo from his short, wiry, oddly-colored hair, watching as it traced patterns down his body. Since that first day of adapting, he hadn't really taken the time to observe his own physicality, and now that he had a moment where he didn't feel that he had to watch his back constantly, he did. As far as he could tell, he was of muscular build, and from how close he was to the shower-head, it meant that he was probably taller than average. He knew already that his coloration was far from normal-typical african-heritage coloration was all shades of brown-but he had hoped his height wouldn't be another distinguishing trait. He already stood out as it was. Megatron was perhaps even worse, with his silver and red coloring. He was fairly sure that they made quite the sight, as out of place with each other as in society.
He picked up the poof-he believed that was what it was called-with one hand and used the other to pick up the body wash they had bought. It was a little harder to manipulate, but Optimus was proud when he didn't drop anything. He rubbed the liquid into the poof and found himself smiling as it sudded up. He heated slightly in embarrassment, even though no-one was around to see. He would have to learn to take such things for granted, but for now...
His sense of balance was unfamiliar with what he was doing, especially when he went to wash his lower legs while standing. He had to brace one hand on the wall to get himself entirely clean, grumbling quietly about how he still hadn't figured out balance entirely.
As he cleaned his genitalia a spike of...of...something raced through him, making him jerk in surprise. It wasn't a bad feeling, but, again, clearly different from anything he had ever felt while a Cybertronian.
'It hadn't felt like that when simply-oh, what's the word?-peeing. But, at those times, the contact was never extended...'
Optimus had the gut feeling that he was treading into dangerous, entirely unknown waters, and it was unnerving. He hadn't gotten where he was by being careful, though, so he felt it was something to be explored, if cautiously. This was yet another example of how different human and Cybertronian bodies could be, even though they appeared superficially similar.
Optimus thought for a long moment, fingers ghosting down the length of his penis, sending small shivers of...what was the word for this sensation?...something through his body. As he had listened to the male soldiers, he remembered a lot of crude talk had revolved around their genitalia, whether from jokes or otherwise was unimportant.
He also knew a great deal about the biology and function of the male reproductive system, but it was all academic. It had no application to him, so while he had filed it away as information, he hadn't bothered to give it a second thought.
Now he wished he still had the limitless data retention of his former body, if just so he could review what he had discovered, remember the conversations.
'Again, driving blind,' he thought morosely.
He shivered involuntarily when a particularly strong flush of the sensation curled through him, and he reinforced the barriers between he and Megatron, not wanting the Decepticon to ask questions he didn't feel like answering.
He became aware of a change in the particular part of his newfound anatomy that he was exploring that accompanied the lazy swirls of sensation. It was lengthening and darkening...
Optimus blinked and then pulled his hand away quickly, embarrassment burning through him. It had taken a little while, but little pieces of information had congealed in his mind, telling him what was happening. He shifted awkwardly on his feet before reaching out and turning the hot water off.
He bit back a yelp as the water turned bitingly cold, and he was all too glad when his erection faded. He turned the water off entirely and stood in the shower for a moment, watching the water drain around his feet.
“Primus,” he muttered as he stepped out of the shower, annoyed with himself.
He picked up a towel and briskly dried himself before figuring out boxers, applying deodorant (he and Megatron both had an intense dislike of the smell they emanated when unclean), and shoving himself into his new clothes.
Megatron was obviously engrossed in the television when Optimus finally made his way out of the bathroom, as he adjusted the belt around his waist.
“What are you watching?” he asked.
Megatron jumped at Optimus's voice and hissed in displeasure. “Don't startle me like that!”
“Then pay more attention to your surroundings,” Optimus said archly, making the Decepticon scowl. “Again, what are you watching?”
“Why does it matter?”
“Megatron.”
The Decepticon remained stubbornly silent, which made Optimus sigh. “Fine. Come. We should go to the library to get the information we need.”
Megatron grunted in agreement and stood, stretching, a soft groan escaping his lips. “I hope to never spend another day sleeping on the ground like that.”
“I'm afraid you might have to, given what I have seen of the armed forces.”
Megatron growled in displeasure as they walked out of the room, locking the door behind them as Optimus slipped the key to the room in his pocket, since he had paid for more than one night. They headed off into the town proper after Optimus was sure their room was secure.
It wasn't a particularly large town, so they found the public library fairly quickly.
Do you know how to read their languages, Megatron?
What kind of question is that? Came the annoyed reply. Of course I can. How would I have been able to peruse their internet otherwise?
Point, Optimus admitted as they entered the building.
The library was cool and quiet and had the most interesting smell to it. Optimus was amused to observe that Megatron had unconsciously slowed down his walking pace, and had seemed to try and quiet himself.
I will explore the internet. It will be a ...unique...experience to browse it from this position.
Very well. I will go through the printed material.
You do that, Megatron told him dryly as he peeled away to examine the computers.
Optimus shook his head, went to the periodicals rack, and took out the latest issue of a number of national news publications. Might as well get caught up on current events before going through scientific texts-not that he suspected there would be many manuals on 'how to be human'. A lot of it would be conjecture and trial-and-error on his and Megatron's parts. It was sure to be a frustrating learning experience, and even though they both learned very quickly, going from being a Cybertronian to a human wasn't going to be an easy task.
Optimus had the bad feeling that it would take years to grasp the full complexities of the society, but they would have to have the basics down before applying to be in the armed forces.
'But what would be the best way to figure out these things?' he wondered as he idly flipped through Time magazine. 'There are so many levels to society, so many different sets of expectations ranging from class to age to gender.'
Optimus sighed softly and wished desperately that he had a users manual for the situation he found himself in. Instead, all he had was his intellect, observational skills, and luck.
'Perhaps movies that are set in present time? And popular fiction novels? Even television programs? Then there's always observing how others interact.'
Optimus felt a headache building behind his eyes and closed the magazine, running his fingers along the glossy cover.
'Might as well see what Megatron is up to.'
Optimus stood and searched until he found Megatron perched at a computer terminal.
Megatron, what are you doing? he asked, making Megatron look at him out of the corner of his eye and shrug.
I have discovered a site on the internet called 'Wikipedia'. It's...fascinating.
What're you reading about?
There was a surly pause before Megatron spoke: If you must know, I started out researching the United States Army and have now ended up reading about something called Star Wars.
Optimus did a poor job of smothering a grin. Sam has spoken about Wikipedia before. I wouldn't trust it entirely.
Megatron quirked an eyebrow. I only trust what I have personally experienced. Everything else is more likely than not a lie.
A very Decepticon thing to say.
A very true thing to say.
Optimus sighed and put a hand on the back of Megatron's chair. Have you put any thought into how we are to get accepted into the armed forces? If we can't act convincingly human-and we don't know half as much as we should in order to do so-they won't take us. Probably will believe that we're insane.
And that would hinder our plans. Very well, Prime-what do you suggest we do about our lack of humanity? Megatron's tone was dry and made Optimus give him a mild glare.
We watch what they do. We can also use popular culture as references. Not very reliable ones, but they will give us some idea of how people behave in certain situations.
Oh? What kind of references?
Movies. Television. Books. And, of course, the internet. But, I think we'll be better equipped to deal with all that if we're in a larger city.
Megatron scowled at the computer screen. I do not like that idea.
It doesn't matter-we're going to have to do it whether you want to or not.
Megatron's lip curled in a silent snarl. I am going to kill you in your sleep one day for daring to order me around.
Optimus couldn't help the small smirk that formed on his face. You will try.
Megatron bristled.
But that is neither here nor there. You want your revenge, I want to return to my companions. To do that, we need to work in tandem. You have seen me copy your actions-I only ask that you do the same, occasionally.
Megatron's eyes narrowed, but he seemed to calm slightly. So. What large city are we near and how will we get there?
Optimus hesitated and thought. I believe we are closest to New York city.
And just how to you plan on getting to said city?
Optimus paused. I suppose a combination of hitch-hiking and public transportation.
Why don't we just take a car?
Do you really want a criminal record?
Oh, right. Doing that would be breaking one of their stupid laws.
Just because you have no respect for rules...
Even if we take one from a junkyard that no-one wants?
Yes, Megatron, we'd still be stealing.
Megatron almost pouted, which made Optimus suppress a snicker.
Come. I have paid for today and tomorrow at the motel. We can use the time to watch the cable they provide and do some reading. Then we will head off to New York City.
Megatron sighed. Very well, Prime. We will follow this plan of yours-for now.
For now, Optimus agreed. If there was anything he knew, it was that plans had a bad tendency to change at the last moment.
You find your books. I intend on finding appropriate television programming.
Optimus nodded and left Megatron clicking idly at Wikipedia, obviously not looking up TV shows. Optimus shook his head and headed into the fiction section, picking out books at random.
By the time they were kicked out of the library, Optimus had read through a dozen or so books. He had been astonished by the variety in writing skill and subject matter, and felt that a larger library might have even more to offer him. The books he had read had offered him more than just a look into the collective human psyche, some had also been fascinating.
'The creativity of humans is astounding,' he thought to himself with good humor.
You are smiling, Prime. What has you so pleased?
Optimus jerked slightly at Megatron's voice and he looked to his side to see the Decepticon regarding him with an unreadable expression on his face.
I've found out why some of the soldiers 'kill time' by reading novels. They're...very entertaining. Human capability for creativity is to be commended.
Mm-hm, Megatron murmured, the smallest of wry smirks forming on his face. As a species they are...Megatron paused, as if trying to find the right word,...contradictory, he finally settled on.
Optimus gave him a curious look.
I spent my time on the internet. While I most certainly don't trust all that Wikipedia contains, following the related links to other pages lead me to some...strange...topics.
Oh?
Megatron shook his head. It is...complicated. I have read about human popular culture, of their history, current events, scientific advances, medical procedures and diagnoses, laws, diseases, industries legal and not...Megatron fell briefly silent. They are twisted for such a young race.
They have made mistakes, but they are not beyond hope.
Optimus, please. They are not noble by any stretch of the concept. They have enslaved each other for no reason other than the color of their skin is different, killed each other in mass numbers in such a brutal manner that it's almost shameful, are ruthless to enemies and allies alike...Optimus, they are beasts.
It is nothing we ourselves haven't done, Optimus pointed out sadly.
Megatron glowered at the sidewalk as they made their way slowly towards the motel. They exploit each other. Some use addictive natural-and some not so natural-substances to make another human completely dependent upon them. Without something they call a 'drug', it is entirely possible that an 'addict' may die. There are entire industries around sexual exploitation, organ harvesting, illegal activities...they do things to each other that no Cybertronain would ever consider.
Megatron paused and a smirk flitted across his face. But, as you say, they are capable of great creativity and kindness-although by no means nobility. Some of their most renowned leaders were great peace-makers, although it has only been recently that peace has become a common goal among the creatures. They can be very, very shallow.
Silence fell as they walked before Optimus's stomach growling in hunger broke it. Megatron gave the Autobot a toothy grin. Food?
Food.
Finally something other than granola bars and trail mix
Optimus couldn't help but silently agree. He was looking forward to trying other kinds of food.
They changed destinations and stopped in what Optimus recognized as a food store. It was only through sheer willpower that neither of them stared wide-mouthed at the selection.
It's possible to eat all this?
Theoretically, Optimus replied distractedly, taking in all the edible things of varying shapes, sizes, colors, and prices. Oh, sure, he might know all of what he was looking at intellectually, but...
He caught Megatron's hand before he could squish what Optimus recognized as a tomato by squeezing too hard, earning a glower from the Decepticon, who yanked his hand away.
Stop touching me!
Then stop making it necessary for me to do so!
That was only the beginning of the silent argument that flew between them as they bickered over what to buy as they walked down the aisles.
In the end, they exited with a sandwich each and one bottle of iced tea and one soda, a surly silence between them.
They walked onto the street and began a leisurely trip back to the motel-it wasn't as if they had a set deadline. It gave them time to observe the architecture, the people, the businesses-everything that made the small town what it was.
Our coloration really sets us apart, doesn't it? Megatron mused over their connection. We are acceptable otherwise-clothed, clean, etc. This means that how we appear color-wise is truly that remarkable, Megatron commented when he caught a passer-by staring.
It is, Optimus affirmed. Which will undoubtedly make life difficult.
They are not very tolerant of difference, Megatron drawled.
Optimus snorted as they turned into the motel parking lot, headed to their room. The Autobot fiddled with the key, letting them back into the room they had temporarily secured for themselves.
Megatron retrieved the soda and one of the sandwiches, and set about figuring out how to unwrap the food item, sharp-nailed fingers making quick work of the plastic surrounding it. Optimus took a little longer to figure out how to open it, and the wave of surprise that flooded him from Megatron over their connection made him wince.
“What?” he asked perhaps a little too sharply, looking over at the Decepticon. What he saw made whatever temper he had fade entirely.
Megatron was looking at the sandwich in something close to pure astonishment. Optimus had never seen such an unguarded look on the Decepticon's face and it both baffled and amused him.
“This is...” Megatron started, but appeared lost for words.
Curious, Optimus finished opening his own sandwich and took a tentative bite.
He found out why Megatron was caught off-guard. The trail mix and granola bars had been good enough-filling for stomachs unused to food-but this was completely different. The textures were different, from the vegetables, to the cheese, meat, and bread. Then each of those components had their own flavors...it was almost a sensory overload for Optimus.
'But I must learn to not behave in this manner,' he thought sadly. 'I hate knowing I have to become jaded to this experience.'
He chewed carefully, and was almost sad to swallow, but at least there was more of the sandwich to look forward to. There was also the iced tea to consider as well-all he or Megatron had drunk before was water. Optimus set aside the sandwich gently and twisted off the cap of the plastic container ('bottle'). He took a tentative sip and was unable to restrain a surprised sound. He had thought the round, colorful bits they sometimes found in trail mix were sweet, but this was even more so. It was slightly tart, but incredibly sweet-almost too sweet.
He heard Megatron coughing and looked over to find the Decepticon giving the bottle of soda ('Mountain Dew') a wary look.
“What's wrong?” Optimus asked.
“It's...” Megatron sighed in frustration. “Here. Try it,” he said and held out the bottle to Optimus, who took it suspiciously. “I have not had time or resources to poison it,” Megatron said dryly when Optimus looked it over, considering the object. Optimus smiled faintly before taking a sip of the soda.
He found himself sputtering slightly as well and gave the bottle of fluid a purely incredulous look. “It says it's 'carbonated'. Does that account for the...the...effervescence? Bubbles?”
“It's very strange,” Megatron commented and took the product back from Optimus. “But not objectionable,” he finished in a murmur as he took a small sip.
Optimus shook his head and turned his attention to his own food.
Megatron finished before he and picked up what Optimus now recognized as a remote control and turned on the television.
Soon, the only sound in the room as the two watched the television with rapt attention was what came from the electronic appliance.
--