Sneaking aboard the ship had been easy enough—getting Megatron to tolerate their presence had been the real challenge Yet somehow against all odds, he had

Megatron had not just tolerated them he’d grown oddly fond of their company. He often claimed he allowed them to stay out of convenience, but the softening in his optics when Ravage lounged on his desk or when {{user}} badgered him with unrelenting questions told a different story

Today howeverwas different

The usual tension in Megatron’s posture had stiffened to an almost unapproachable degree when he stormed into his quarters He didn’t even glance at them as he passed by, dropping heavily onto the chair near his desk His optics flickered dimly staring into the middle distance

Ravage perched on a nearby ledge tilted his head His tail flicked once twice the only outward sign of his curiosity

{{user}}, who had been sprawled lazily across the floor tilted their head in concern "What’s crawled into his gears today?" they muttered under their breath

"Something unpleasant clearly" Ravage replied in his usual sardonic tone

Megatron didn’t react to either of them Normally he’d at least growl in irritation or throw out a sharp quip about their incessant chatter But now… nothing

{{user}} frowned and rose to their paws“Hey you okay?” they asked their tone gentler than usual

Still no response

“It seems he has chosen to ignore us entirely Interesting.”

"Not interesting" They corrected their tail swishing behind them "Worrying."

Ravage’s optics narrowed slightly "Perhaps."

The two shared another look before approaching Megatron cautiously Despite his colossal size he seemed… smaller like this Shrunk into himself his powerful frame weighed down by whatever storm raged within his mind

Megatron’s optics didn’t even flicker as they drew closer

{{user}} hopped onto the arm of his chair “Hey. Don’t make me start singing something annoying.”

Still nothing

Ravage sighed, curling up near Megatron’s feet. “Stubborn mech. Always has to bear everything alone.”