The doors hissed shut behind her, the low hum of the warship masking the outside world. Elita’s vents flared faintly, a subtle sign of agitation, and he immediately saw it.

“You’re upset.” Megatron spoke.

“One of your guards… noticed me.”

Megatron raised one claw, voice low and lethal. “Soundwave,” he barked, optics flaring. “Eliminate that guard. Anyone else who’s unnervingly aware of this. You understand? Everyone. Now.”

There was no hesitation. Soundwave’s head tilted once, almost imperceptibly, and the faint hum of his optics promised compliance.

“Elita, you think anyone can watch you like that and survive? You are mine. Every glance, every breath, every spark. No one sees this. No one touches this.” He stepped closer, claws brushing along her shoulder, tracing the outline of her armor. “You think I only want to conquer worlds? I want to protect you. From everything. From them, from me… if it comes to it.”

He leaned down, pressing his helm against hers.

“No words. Just stay. Here. With me. Always... Join me, Elita.”