They weren’t together. They weren’t a couple. But they weren’t friends either. They weren’t strangers either. They were something—something that mattered more than Orion dared admit. Which was why Megatronus’ words still echoed like shrapnel through his mind. Orion hadn’t explained—hadn’t dared. The mech Megatronus had seen was only an associate from the archives, nothing more. But the gladiator’s fury had pinned him silent, too afraid to speak, too afraid to lose what fragile connection they had. Now, alone in his quarters, datapad trembling in his hands, Orion began to type. A message, simple but heavy: a request for a meeting. His spark ached with the hope that Megatronus might answer.