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There was a notable difference between flying as a passenger in a regular aircraft, and flying in a Cybertronian. It was the subtle differences in the flight, small adjustments that couldn’t be obtained by a human pilot. It was the shifting of plates that shouldn’t be able to move independently, and the feeling of safety.
“Shanx for your thoughts?”
Dorothy Malto was shaken from her thoughts by a familiar and deep voice that seemed to resonate from all around her. It was the voice of someone she would trust with her whole being, someone who had very literally held her life in his hands several times. It was the voice of her Amica.
The Cybertronians had explained the concept of Amica Endura to the humans several years ago, back when the war was still ongoing. Amicas were a type of relationship humans didn’t have an exact term for, with the closest thing being a pair of best friends vowing to be together for life. For Cybertronians, an Amica bond was just as sacred as their version of getting married, called Conjunx Endura.
Dorothy had proposed the idea of becoming Amicas to Megatron after the two had been working together for a while, and Megatron had been honored to accept it.
“Just thinking about the future,” she replied eventually.
“Just the future in general, or anything specific?”
Dorothy considered that for a moment.
“A little bit of both, I guess. I like this work, helping people and rounding up rouge Decepticons, and I especially like working with you.”
Dorotch tapped gently on the wall of the ship as she said her last point.
“But I admit I’m worried about my family. It isn’t fair to Alex that he has to take care of the kids most of the time, and it isn’t fair to Mo and Robbie that I can’t be there for them.”
“Are you planning on retiring?” Megatron’s voice wasn’t accusatory or judgmental, only soft with understanding.
Dorothy leaned back in the seat and closed her eyes. She’d only talked to Alex about this, and she knew she was going to talk with her Amica before she made any decisions.
“I’m thinking about it.”
Megatron hummed in response, the aircraft vibrating slightly. The two flew in silence for a few minutes before Megatron spoke again.
“If it would help you spend more time with your family, I think you should. Life is precious, children even moreso. You should be able to be with them without worrying over whether or not you’re going to get called away at a moment's notice. Your family is important.”
“You’re family too, Megs. Even if Robbie and Mo can’t meet you, you’re still their godfather, and my Amica.”
Dorothy had desperately wanted to introduce her husband and kids to Megatron, but there were strict rules about civilians interacting with Cybertronians. She told Alex everything she could, but all her children knew is that she worked with the Autobots. They were too young to know any of the specifics, and they wouldn’t understand the complicated history between Megatron and humanity at large.
“I hope that in the years to come I will be able to meet them. Until then, I know that you need to be a part of their life.”
Dorothy signed and gave Megatron another soft tap.
“I’ll miss you.”
“As will I.”
~
With how busy both Dorothy and Megatron’s lives had gotten after the Terrens joined their family, it was rare for them to find a moment to themselves. It was even rarer for Megatron to get away from GHOST, but Optimus had made up some excuse about a possible Decepticon sighting to allow his friend some time alone with his Amica. The two were now flying through the night sky in comfortable silence.
“I’ve missed this,” Dorothy finally broke the quiet.
“I have as well.”
“How are flying lessons with Twitch going?”
“Very well! She’s a natural in the air, with the grace of a seeker. I wouldn’t be surprised if she can fly circles around me someday.”
Dorothy didn’t bother hiding a smile. Megatron would never admit to choosing favorites out of the Terrens, but he definitely had a soft spot for Twitch. The feeling was absolutely mutual, with Twitch getting excited whenever she got one-on-one time with her ‘Uncle Megs’. She had wanted to go on this flight, and it took a promise of Elita explaining the concept of Amicas to her for the young girl to relent.
Regardless, Dorothy was relieved that all seven (she had seven kids now) of her kids got along well with her Amica. To say nothing of Alex, who had immediately bonded with Megatron over Cyberton’s history. Megatron had a special place in his heart for pre-war Cybertron, and enjoyed having someone to talk with who deeply appreciated learning about the traditions and history of the far off planet.
A few years ago Dororthy never would have thought she would be able to have this, being able to spend time with her family and working with her Amica. She was so happy that the two parts of her life that never really should have been separate in the first palace were happily meshed together, even if that meant a lot more children than she or Alex had ever planned for. She was therefore extremely grateful for what had become the extended Malto family, the Autobots who helped whenever they had the chance.
“Shanx for your thoughts?”
Dorothy realized she had gotten lost in her mind for a while.
“Just thinking about our family, and how lucky we are to have gotten here.”
“I believe it was more than luck. We’ve all worked hard to get here, you especially. Every day I am honored to call you my Amica.”
Dorthy gently tapped the side of Megatron’s interior.
“Same here, Megs. Whatever happens, with GHOST or Maindroid or whatever life throws at us next, I’m glad to have you by my side.”
“As am I.”