nova-prrime

[nova-prrime]

Nova Prime rolled his optics, before crossing his arms as he continued to pace back and forth with his gaze downcast. “I..” he began, before clearing his throat again as he leaned against the wall of his building.

“They..” he gestured weakly to the severed helm a lil ways away. “They deserve a proper burial..as do the others within..the collection..” Nova whispered slowly, trembling as he began rocking slowly. “They deserve apologies that will never make up for what happened to them..for what I did to them..”

nova-prrime‌:

Nova trembled, coughing and wiping his mouth before latching onto Megatron tightly. He buried his face in his shoulder, hiccuping and shaking his helm as he tightened his hold on him. “I..I don’t..I don’t belong in this new world, Megatron..” he spoke quietly, before pulling back and standing as he wrapped his arms around himself.

“I..Don’t want..I’m not hungry..” Nova mumbled, pacing back and forth nervously.

Megatron tensed at the contact but made no move to pull away. Nova needed a friendly touch, close contact not born from pain, and he was (hesitantly) able to offer it. Slowly he moved closer, preparing to pull Nova into a proper hug, before the other pulled away. A surge of relief swept through Megatron’s circuits - followed by something like regret. A part of him wanted to get past the initial awkwardness of them being reluctant friends. 

“Then neither do I,” Megatron scoffed, though his words - his tone - held no true bite, “My future was set. I would battle you in some climatic final showdown. We’d both go down together and Cybertron would rebuild in our absence. But here you are - and here I am - and we’ll have to find our place.” 

He hadn’t admitted as much to anyone. Not even to Starscream. But somehow it felt like Nova would sympathize - and Megatron didn’t care if he judged him. 

Nova’s reluctance to refuel was understandable, yet Megatron’s stubbornness was not so easily broken. “You should clean up first. Afterwards you might scarf down a single Rust Stick. I’ll settle for that.” 

[nova-prrime]

Nova trembled, coughing and wiping his mouth before latching onto Megatron tightly. He buried his face in his shoulder, hiccuping and shaking his helm as he tightened his hold on him. “I..I don’t..I don’t belong in this new world, Megatron..” he spoke quietly, before pulling back and standing as he wrapped his arms around himself.

“I..Don’t want..I’m not hungry..” Nova mumbled, pacing back and forth nervously.

nova-prrime‌:

Keep reading

[nova-prrime]

Nova had fallen to his knees, his tanks emptying themselves as he panted and tried to hold back tears. When there was nothing else to bring up, the mech knelt there as he dry heaved with tears mixing with the emerging on the ground.

He finally fell back, his chassis rising and falling rapidly as he stared blankly up at the sky. His servos clenched into tight fists, and he suddenly rolled over as he dry heaved again and choked on his sobs.

nova-prrime‌:

Keep reading

Keep reading

[nova-prrime]

[because of what is coming up]

Nova nodded slightly, servos clasped behind his back as he walked up a flight of stairs and towards his former bedroom. However, he had froze in the doorway, his hands shaking as his lips parted and he began hyperventilating quietly.

He turned, rushing away from the room and back down the stairs and out of the building as he covered his face and choked back a sob.

What had he seen?

One of Optimus’ prized possessions, of course. The head of the first Decepticon he had killed in the war..including the emerging that stained the shelf it sat on.

nova-prrime‌:

“I wouldn’t put it past you to get sexual pleasure from pain..” he muttered jokingly, before the smile dropped at his next words and he nodded as he cleared his throat. “I..If it makes them more comfortable..I could go into exile and leave the planet completely..” Nova mumbled, scratching the back of his neck nervously.

Megatron carefully refrained from responding to the earlier comment. Instead, quirking an optic ridge, he considered Nova’s offer. Prime’s absence would make matters progress smoother - yet the thought of sending away every problem Cybertron encountered wasn’t appealing (and set a precedent that Megatron wasn’t comfortable with). He shook his helm violently. “No! That isn’t an option. Not for me. However the choice remains yours. If you would prefer to leave, I won’t make any attempt to stop you. But Cybertron remains your home. If you’re willing to fight for it, to etch out your existence, I will give you my full support.” 

Not unwavering - it was far too soon for that - but Megatron’s words rung true. He grinned sheepishly and set about inspecting the windows. “Perhaps I’d simply prefer having you here. If Primus or Unicron attempt to influence you, I don’t want you wreaking havoc on innocent planets. And…perhaps I believe even you are capable of redemption. Naive as that belief may be.” 

[nova-prrime]

“I wouldn’t put it past you to get sexual pleasure from pain..” he muttered jokingly, before the smile dropped at his next words and he nodded as he cleared his throat. “I..If it makes them more comfortable..I could go into exile and leave the planet completely..” Nova mumbled, scratching the back of his neck nervously.

nova-prrime‌:

“Isn’t it a bit early to be making sexual innuendos?” Nova retorted easily, glancing at him at his white paint gleamed in the morning sun of Cybertron. However, he just nodded and continued on his way as he wandered up to a building that had nothing more than a few shattered windows and a broken door. “Ah..home..” he murmured, brushing a digit along the exterior of the building before walking inside slowly.

“Is it?” Nova’s rebuttal - his quick quip - had Megatron’s EM-field flaring out in amusement. “We spend four million years at war, dancing around one another and getting hands-on, and you consider simple TEASING to be a step too far?” 

He snorted, not entirely serious, before he allowed himself to inspect their surroundings. There was a poetic irony to Prime’s habsuite remaining standing. Their planet burned down around them and, somehow, Optimus retained JUST enough sanity to keep his home in order. 

“I’ll comm Sounders and ask him to bring over an extra door,” Megatron remarked, "Hopefully, there’s enough functioning windows around to replace yours. You’ll be able to move back in tonight and contribute to Iacon’s restoration full-time.” 

Spinning back around, Megatron watched Nova wearily. There were still enough traces of Optimus - both in his frame and manner - to warrant caution. “I am taking a risk in allowing you to stay. Many will call for your deactivation and, while the decision doesn’t fall solely to me, I can use my influence to call for mercy. Because, Nova Prime, I don’t want to snuff your ember. I want all Cybertronians to find a middle ground. To know true peace. That can’t happen by simply removing you from the equation. And I would rather deal with you than bargain on Rodimus’ flimsy whims.” 

[nova-prrime]

“Isn’t it a bit early to be making sexual innuendos?” Nova retorted easily, glancing at him at his white paint gleamed in the morning sun of Cybertron. However, he just nodded and continued on his way as he wandered up to a building that had nothing more than a few shattered windows and a broken door. “Ah..home..” he murmured, brushing a digit along the exterior of the building before walking inside slowly.

nova-prrime‌:

“The records should not be tampered with..we should wait until the restoration is complete before we go near there..” he mumbled, even though the real reason was that he was scared. The hall of records was where he had been the day that he was twisted into that maniacal beast.

“Perhaps there is other areas we could visit..I want to see if my old living quarters still stand..” he hummed out calmly, walking in the opposite direction.

Megatron glanced back at the Hall of Records, quietly wondering why Nova continued to avoid them, but he knew better than to ask. Instead, silently following the other’s lead, he allowed Nova to steer their path. He’d never been privy to Optronix’s living situation beyond his position as a librarian. It stood to reason that the other had a habsuite nearby - and, for a moment, Megatron wondered how much Nova still considered to be his. Just how far the tentative connection stretched. 

“Isn’t it a little EARLY to take me back to your place?” Megatron continued his friendly banter, remaining teasing in the hope of keeping the atmosphere light. It was difficult given their history but, surprisingly, he found a part of him actively enjoyed it. He wanted to see how Nova would respond. “Your home should stand. And, if it doesn’t, I’ll help you fix it up now. I…don’t have many plans this evening beyond finishing a mathematical theory on societal restoration.” 

[nova-prrime]

“The records should not be tampered with..we should wait until the restoration is complete before we go near there..” he mumbled, even though the real reason was that he was scared. The hall of records was where he had been the day that he was twisted into that maniacal beast.

“Perhaps there is other areas we could visit..I want to see if my old living quarters still stand..” he hummed out calmly, walking in the opposite direction.

nova-prrime‌:

The silent drive was much appreciated, but when Megatron spoke again, the Prime gave a quiet sigh as he transformed and began walking rest of the way to Iacon.

“Democracy does not always work, but in the case of the people, it may be our best chance at normalcy after the war..we can hold elections and allow the people to choose who they want in charge..” he began, his hands clasped behind his back as he walked.

“As for the restoration of the surface? Perhaps we could allocate most of our resources to one area..create a grid system and work on one square of the grid at a time..it avoids confusion and ensures that there is enough building materials to rebuild things..that way we do not have a half finished skyscraper marring our view..” he hummed calmly.

“Some of my best friends are half-finished skyscrapers.” Megatron deadpanned, not giving any indication of teasing, before he burst into a loud guffaw. Shifting back to root-form before he fell into step beside Nova. “I kid. Your ideas are valid ones and deserve thinking about. In truth I decided on city-wide restorations for those who carry the bulk of Cybertron’s damage - Nyon and Kaon. But a smaller focus could lead to faster living-spaces.” 

Megatron hummed in turn, mimicking Nova, fully aware of the many pitfalls of democracy. But he would still advocate for it - and ensure everyone was informed enough to make a proper decision.

The Hall of Records - Iacon’s archives - loomed ahead. The structure itself remained unsteady and, propped up with a few pillars, at risk of crumbling in upon itself. Yet it had once been Optronix’s home. It might hold the same nostalgia that Polyhex did for Megatron. He gestured towards it with a tilt of his helm. “Do you want to head inside? We could probably squirm our way free if we’re trapped under layers of metal. Or books. PROBABLY books.” 

[nova-prrime]

The silent drive was much appreciated, but when Megatron spoke again, the Prime gave a quiet sigh as he transformed and began walking rest of the way to Iacon.

“Democracy does not always work, but in the case of the people, it may be our best chance at normalcy after the war..we can hold elections and allow the people to choose who they want in charge..” he began, his hands clasped behind his back as he walked.

“As for the restoration of the surface? Perhaps we could allocate most of our resources to one area..create a grid system and work on one square of the grid at a time..it avoids confusion and ensures that there is enough building materials to rebuild things..that way we do not have a half finished skyscraper marring our view..” he hummed calmly.

nova-prrime‌:

“I want to see it..” Nova answered once more, his voice faintly echoing the scary and commanding tone he took with his troops when he was still that..monster.

He transformed into his own altmode, revving his engine slightly before taking off down the street at a relatively reserved pace so he wouldn’t cause a panic to those still unused to the idea of his new self.

“I want to help in the restoration efforts, Megatron.” His voice came across the comm system, his mirror tilting to keep an eye on the mech as he drove.

:: I’m aware, Nova, and I’m certainly not opposed to you pitching in. You care about our home and, in helping to restore it, many will learn your true intentions. :: Megatron simply hoped that Nova’s change was a permanent one. A small part of him worried that he was being naive. That a part of Optimus Prime continued to lurk in Nova Prime’s coding. Yet the larger part of him, the one that believed in giving others second chances, rejoiced in the possibility of helping his former enemy. In fixing a previous failure and NOT getting through to Optimus.

For the rest of the drive Megatron remained silent. He didn’t want to risk the fragile friendship they were building. But, as Iacon came into view, he found himself curious once more.

:: You’re part of the new society you’re building. You must have thoughts on how we proceed. How do you feel about a democratic leadership? What are your solutions to restore the planet’s surface? :: 

[nova-prrime]

“I want to see it..” Nova answered once more, his voice faintly echoing the scary and commanding tone he took with his troops when he was still that..monster.

He transformed into his own altmode, revving his engine slightly before taking off down the street at a relatively reserved pace so he wouldn’t cause a panic to those still unused to the idea of his new self.

“I want to help in the restoration efforts, Megatron.” His voice came across the comm system, his mirror tilting to keep an eye on the mech as he drove.

nova-prrime‌:

“I would like to see my home..” nova whispered softly, a smile cracking at the glossa being stuck out. After a moment, he focused back on his treat and finished it before wiping his chin.

Megatron’s next question shocked him, and he he inhaled softly as he brows furrowed and he shrugged slightly. “I’m not comfortable..but I’m not uncomfortable either..” he trailed off, trying to figure out the best way to put this.

“I’m just..there, I guess..”

There was something comforting in the knowledge that Nova was feeling matters out. That Megatron wasn’t alone in his reservations. Finishing up his ice-cream, Megatron fluttered his wings and beckoned for the other to follow him. Iacon was a thirty-minute drive away and they had to set out immediately.

“Do you mean that in an existential sense or simply around me?” Megatron teased, wincing slightly as his frame shifted into his tank-alt. He hadn’t taken the form for three-million years. But, not wanting to leave Nova alone, he deemed his jet-mode inappropriate. “You don’t have to answer that. Are you quite sure you’re ready to see your former Imperium? Iacon, while being restored, is still heavily damaged. I don’t want to tempt you more than you ALREADY are.” 

[nova-prrime]

“I would like to see my home..” nova whispered softly, a smile cracking at the glossa being stuck out. After a moment, he focused back on his treat and finished it before wiping his chin.

Megatron’s next question shocked him, and he he inhaled softly as he brows furrowed and he shrugged slightly. “I’m not comfortable..but I’m not uncomfortable either..” he trailed off, trying to figure out the best way to put this.

“I’m just..there, I guess..”

nova-prrime‌:

“They are quite delicious..” Nova mumbled, licking his own treat without realizing that he had gotten it all over his chin.

His optics turned to Megatron, and he gave a slightly goofy smile as he blinked slowly. “I want to thank you, Megatron…for having faith in me even if I don’t deserve it..”

When words of the planet’s restoration sounded, he nodded and continued to lick his cone, still unaware of the mess on his chin. “And..And Iacon..?”

“Everyone deserves a second chance, Nova.” Megatron was quick to assure him, his wing-tips twitching in something faintly close to delight. “Even you. Especially you. I believe in saving others with kindness not KILLING them with it.”

Megatron took another lick from his cone, stuck out his glossa playfully at Nova, then glanced around to see if anyone noticed. Luckily Skywarp was too busy tending to other customers - who were all eagerly crowding around him. 

“Iacon’s restoration is slow. We can circle around if you want, though I would recommend waiting. It might bring up some difficult memories and, well, you mentioned already struggling with those.” 

Then, because he couldn’t stop questioning, Megatron took the plunge. “Are you comfortable in my company? With my presence? We both have reason to shun one another.” 

[nova-prrime]

also if you’re cool with pre-established relationships/dynamics where we skip all the awkwardness of starting to roleplay with someone new and jump straight to plotting a little and tagging each other in stuff hmu

[nova-prrime]

“They are quite delicious..” Nova mumbled, licking his own treat without realizing that he had gotten it all over his chin.

His optics turned to Megatron, and he gave a slightly goofy smile as he blinked slowly. “I want to thank you, Megatron...for having faith in me even if I don’t deserve it..”

When words of the planet’s restoration sounded, he nodded and continued to lick his cone, still unaware of the mess on his chin. “And..And Iacon..?”

nova-prrime‌:

“energon-cones?” He repeated, seeming genuinely confused as he stood as well and stretched his back to ease the tension within. “I have never had one of those before..” Nova murmured, gaze falling to his pedes as he shuffled nervously.

He seemed embarrassed about invading the mech’s space..even if it was unintentional and meant as a thank you.

When he got over it, his helm lifted and he stared at Megatron as his optics glowed with a newfound passion for life itself.

Megatron watched Nova intently, something vaguely warm and affectionate present in his gaze, before he led them both away. Falling back to discussing work - Cybertron’s restoration - to avoid more awkward topics. “Our Energon reserve stocks are sufficient and, Starscream informs me, that we’ll have the means of restoring the Rad Zone soon. Steady progress on all fronts.”

Stepping up to grab them two cones, Megatron found himself unsure once more. Blue optics flitting back to watch Nova’s every reaction. Did he recall their former battles? Did he hate Megatron every bit as much as Optimus Prime claimed to? 

Megatron licked his treat morosely - fighting the urge to simply ASK. 

“Delicious, aren’t they? Skywarp adapted these from, I believe, a snack humans call ‘Ice Cream’.” 

[nova-prrime]

“energon-cones?” He repeated, seeming genuinely confused as he stood as well and stretched his back to ease the tension within. “I have never had one of those before..” Nova murmured, gaze falling to his pedes as he shuffled nervously.

He seemed embarrassed about invading the mech’s space..even if it was unintentional and meant as a thank you.

When he got over it, his helm lifted and he stared at Megatron as his optics glowed with a newfound passion for life itself.

nova-prrime‌:

Nova seemed to get emotional for a moment, before turning his helm away and nodding as he placed a hand over his mouth. He didn’t understand why Megatron wanted to help after everything, and he honestly thought he deserved no sympathy..and yet, here he was..getting help from the one who had been his greatest enemy for so long.

He hesitated, before leaning over and giving him a quick hug and then leaning back as he cleared his throat. “I..Perhaps, we should go for a walk instead of sitting here, with our shoulders weighed down..?”

As Nova leaned in, Megatron’s first instinct was to grapple with him. To keep his former enemy AWAY from his sensitive wings, which had been used against him on several occasions. The hug - physical contact between them that didn’t end in with new scars - was disorienting. Megatron’s processor stalled and, once more, he tensed up. Closing himself off from the other. 

“Mind my boundaries, please.” Megatron requested in turn. “I’m happy to have you at my side. To not constantly be working against you. But, given our recent history, I’m prone to expecting the worst. My battle-protocols are demanding that I defend myself.” 

Megatron climbed to his pedes, fluttering his wings sheepishly in response. “Seeing us walk together would boost morale. There’s a new park just down the road. I’ll treat you to one of those Energon-Cones Skywarp’s been making.” 

[nova-prrime]

Nova seemed to get emotional for a moment, before turning his helm away and nodding as he placed a hand over his mouth. He didn’t understand why Megatron wanted to help after everything, and he honestly thought he deserved no sympathy..and yet, here he was..getting help from the one who had been his greatest enemy for so long.

He hesitated, before leaning over and giving him a quick hug and then leaning back as he cleared his throat. “I..Perhaps, we should go for a walk instead of sitting here, with our shoulders weighed down..?”

nova-prrime‌:

“I’m speaking to you because you’re a leader..the others would not understand..” he whispered, flinching away from the touch before suddenly zeroing in on him as he blinked rapidly.

“If I ever seem like I am reverting back to my old ways…I want you to extinguish my ember once and for all.”

There was no hesitation within his voice, and his hands had clenched into tight fists as he stared at the other mech.

Another long, tense silence fell. Megatron could not take such an oath lightly - and the knowledge that he’d have to kill Optimus was never something he could make peace with. Yet Nova’s request made sense: Megatron was the only one who COULD stop him should things come to worst. 

…And, in so doing, he’d drag Megatron down to his level. With a heavy sigh that spoke perfectly of the weight settling upon his shoulders, Megatron finally inclined his helm. “I agree but only as a final resort. If we have no other options available. Unicron gave you a chance to start over, Nova Prime, and to redeem yourself. I would prefer to assist you towards that endeavor rather than actively watch for any corruption.” 

[nova-prrime]

“I’m speaking to you because you’re a leader..the others would not understand..” he whispered, flinching away from the touch before suddenly zeroing in on him as he blinked rapidly.

“If I ever seem like I am reverting back to my old ways...I want you to extinguish my ember once and for all.”

There was no hesitation within his voice, and his hands had clenched into tight fists as he stared at the other mech.

nova-prrime‌:

“Of what I did, Megatron..” Nova answered cryptically, staring at his hands as his ember beat nervously. “I..I have recurring nightmares of one particular event..” he trailed off, his shoulders starting to shake.

“..I..I tortured an..an innocent Decepticon because I thought it was /fun/…”

He trailed off again, wiping away the solitary tear that slipped down his cheek as he inhaled shakily. “I’m..I’m scared that..that I’ll become that mech again…”

Megatron remained silent, uncertain - unsure - what he could say in response. Did he point out that Optimus Prime tortured several Decepticons? That even his own Autobots feared his presence? How much of that did Nova recall? And, more worrying, did Megatron WANT him to remember those memories? 

There was something to be said for remembering former actions, for learning from past mistakes, but Nova was fragile. Memories of Optimus could act as either a warning or a trigger that spiraled him down a darker path.

With a grimace, Megatron reached out to awkwardly pat Nova’s shoulder. “Our choices shape us. You aren’t him anymore - and you have the option to fight against old influences. To actively choose to be better. I can’t promise it will be easy, or that past slights will be forgiven quickly, but…you’re not alone.” 

Because Megatron blamed himself, in part, for never getting through to Prime. With Nova he had a chance. 

“Is that why you’re speaking to me specifically? Do you want me to keep an optic on you? To step up if I deem you’ve crossed a line?” It would be a difficult burden. One Megatron did NOT want to take upon himself. 

[nova-prrime]

“Of what I did, Megatron..” Nova answered cryptically, staring at his hands as his ember beat nervously. “I..I have recurring nightmares of one particular event..” he trailed off, his shoulders starting to shake.

“..I..I tortured an..an innocent Decepticon because I thought it was /fun/...”

He trailed off again, wiping away the solitary tear that slipped down his cheek as he inhaled shakily. “I’m..I’m scared that..that I’ll become that mech again...”

nova-prrime:

“I..” he cut himself off when his voice came out weak and filled with his static, his optics darting away in shame.

Clearing his throat, the mech inhaled softly and continued to speak slowly as if afraid that the weak tone would return. “I..had a thought that upset me and I’ve..come to realize through my transformation that talking about it helps ease the pain..if only slightly..”

Of course, Nova had valid reasons for his thoughts upsetting him. But after everything, he was moreso scared that if he let his thoughts target him again..he would return to that horrible person he had once been.

“Oh?” Megatron inquired - both as a response to Nova’s admission and, in truth, as an exclamation of his surprise. Several of Prime’s Autobots remained still, most having given up their badge to take on their new role as KNIGHTS OF UNICRON. Megatron deemed any one of them would prove a better confidante.

Seeing that Nova chose him, Megatron gave a shaky ex-vent, scooting towards the side of the bench before he beckoned for Nova to join him. “We’re all still adjusting. However I imagine your situation is unique. I don’t know what I might say that would help, but I’m willing to listen if you’re willing to speak.”

If nothing else Megatron was thankful that they avoided a climatic final battle. That he didn’t have to extinguish Prime’s ember - or have his own crushed in turn. “What kind of thought?” 

[nova-prrime]

“I..” he cut himself off when his voice came out weak and filled with his static, his optics darting away in shame.

Clearing his throat, the mech inhaled softly and continued to speak slowly as if afraid that the weak tone would return. “I..had a thought that upset me and I’ve..come to realize through my transformation that talking about it helps ease the pain..if only slightly..”

Of course, Nova had valid reasons for his thoughts upsetting him. But after everything, he was moreso scared that if he let his thoughts target him again..he would return to that horrible person he had once been.

[for @nova-prrime ] The mech was silent, standing nearby and quietly fidgeting with his digits as he tried to think of what to say to the other. After a while, he gave up on formal words and just stepped forwards before giving him a simple tap on the shoulder, stepping away politely.

Megatron’s entire frame tensed as he noted the touch to his shoulder. His wings going completely rigid as he fought the urge to pull away. While he welcomed Optimus’ redemption - Nova’s existence - old habits were hard to break. Still, managing a weak grin, he spun around to face the other fully. Tilting his helm to the side. 

“Did you need something, Nova?” 

They were ALLIES now, Megatron reminded himself, he shouldn’t constantly remain on guard.