Becoming Prime

Difficult chapter to write, I hope that I have gotten Ironhide's early character, I have written him as a member of the warrior class, (they become the Decepticons in Alliance/Defiance canon) I just thought that fit his character, Optimus is obviously Autobot but the typologies are not defined in this story.

Secrets and Lies

Optimus had insisted that the training start as soon as Ironhide was available. This had proven rather simple for Ironhide. His public role of instructor to the growing warrior army was only carried out in the morning, with occasional drills in the afternoons for new recruits. He came up with an effective lesson plan for his newest student. Being a leader, Ironhide had decided Optimus required a much more thorough instruction than the ones he gave the warrior mechs. Despite having prepared himself thoroughly over the last cycle, he found himself feeling nervous as the time of his first lesson approached.
He paced the grounds just outside the Central Palace. Optimus was late. Ironhide did not approve. He appeared at the doorway just as Ironhide had decided to go and get him; he did not appreciate anyone wasting his time.

“You’re late.” He managed to state without growling. Optimus looked contrite. “Yes, I apologise. I was... detained.” Ironhide frowned at the curt response and decided not to push his curiosity further.
“If you are to be trained by me there are a few rules you must abide by.” Optimus waited expectantly.

“First you turn up on time. Second you practise what I teach you and third you do everything I tell you to do in my lesson. Am I understood?” Ironhide was unsure of how firm he could be with the leader, but to his gratification Optimus nodded respectfully. Ironhide smiled. “All right, follow me.”

He led him to the outskirts of the city, close to where they had first met. Transforming from their vehicle modes Ironhide waved his arm across the landscape. “This is home for the first solar cycle of your training.” He looked upon the site with pride. Optimus followed his gaze, a long barren area littered with shards of metal and other such debris. At the far end there were stacks with targets on them and near to Ironhide there was a varied collection of weapons. He raised his brow in surprise this was no standard designed shooting range. Ironhide glanced at him. “Ever fired a weapon before?”

“No it’s never been necessary. I haven’t even held one.” Optimus now felt slightly inadequate. Ironhide huffed gruffly. “Excellent means you have no bad habits that I have to beat out of you.” He picked up the smallest of the weapons, which still looked big to Optimus. “This is a standard issue laser rifle. Only meant for one shot. Can be used for sniper shots. It is not good for close range. Packs a bit of a punch but is tame compared to the others. I will demonstrate then you will have a try.”

Ironhide walked someway before taking position, he went very still as he aimed the weapon carefully. Optimus watched in awe has he primed his weapon. The weapon whined as it powered up, within seconds it was ready. Ironhide fired. A red crackling beam shot from the barrel, precisely hitting the target in the distance. Ironhide lowered the weapon and gestured Optimus to follow him. They reached the target; it had a burnt hole through the middle. Ironhide was smug. “That is where you’re aiming for. Now the weapon has a bit of recoil so don’t worry if you don’t hit it first time.” He explained as they headed back. Optimus was impressed by the accuracy.

“Right stand here.” Ironhide ordered sternly. Optimus obliged as Ironhide handed him the rifle. He felt his hands tremble very slightly as Ironhide guided his hands and arms to the correct position. Nobody had stood this close to him, or dared to touch him apart from Megatron. Optimus found the contact slightly unnerving, he tensed. “Fire.” He squeezed the trigger, missing the target completely as a combined result of his tension and the recoil of the weapon. It blasted into an abandoned metal building in the distance with a flash of red. Optimus winced. “Sorry.” He muttered. Ironhide merely shrugged. “It happens, try again.” This time Ironhide stood closer and rested his hand gently along Optimus’s arm, guiding his aim. “You have to relax.” He said suddenly, placing a hand behind his shoulder. Optimus was rigid with tension. “Fire.” This time he hit the target, off centre, but he hit it with Ironhide’s help. His small success spurred him on to try again.

This went on for some time as Ironhide went through the collection of weapons he had at his disposal. He was pleased that Optimus was a fast if slightly tense student. He had noted the tension in his frame when he’d had to touch him, this concerned him a little. A tense ‘bot with a weapon usually resulted in a dead ‘bot. After a while of practising he called it a day. “Tomorrow return here, we will continue your training, you are to understand every detail of the weapons you are ever likely to use. You need to be able to take them apart, put them together and repair or modify them if necessary. You did well for your first lesson but you really need to relax. You are using live weapons, if you’re too tense you could get us both killed.” He was firm. “Any questions?”

“Yes, why have we started with weapons?”

Ironhide grinned. “I like weapons.”
****
He continued to train Optimus for many solar cycles, moving on from weapons to armed conflict. To hand to hand combat and self defence, Optimus learned quickly and the two mechs built up a rapport and over time this grew into an unlikely friendship.

They circled each other slowly. Optics working out any weak spots. Ironhide beheld a confident air about him as he lunged at Optimus; Optimus shifted his weight and clipped his helm as he stumbled. Ironhide growled. “Getting tired?” Optimus teased. “Never too tired to put your aft on the floor.” Ironhide quipped lightly. He twisted swiftly as Optimus made a grab for his throat to get him into a lock. Optimus found his right arm locked as Ironhide spun him round landing a firm kick into his mid section. He grunted as Ironhide dropped down and lifted him off his feet to flip him onto his front. He landed with a muffled groan onto the hard surface. Ironhide stood and chuckled, helping Optimus to his feet. “You still have a lot to learn youngling.” He goaded amicably. Optimus returned his smile. “I’ll get there.” His demeanour suddenly changed. “I have to go Ironhide. I’m sorry to cut this lesson short. I need to debrief Megatron upon his return from Vos.”

Ironhide frowned at this statement. “He’s coming back to Iacon?”
“Yes, in fact he should have already returned.” Optimus eyed Ironhide curiously. “Why?”
“It’s just, I thought that he would be there longer, from what my students have told me... I ah... it’s probably nothing. I more than likely misheard.”

Optimus was puzzled. “I shall see you tomorrow Ironhide.” He left Ironhide to his thoughts. Ironhide had not misheard. Lord Megatron was supposed to be staying in Vos for the time being. Some of the warriors that Ironhide taught were quite close to the Lord High Protector and were ranked highly among his task force. They had whispered things to Ironhide in passing, things about the energon raids and the attacks, they knew more about them, Ironhide suspected, than they had revealed to him but he knew for certain that Megatron was currently needed by them for some mission and should not have been returning. He transformed and headed off to find his fellow warriors, they trusted him and he them; they would tell him all he needed to know if he asked them.
A pair of narrowed red optics watched him leave.
****
Optimus was late. This was only the second time in the couple of stellar cycles he had been teaching him. He was slightly irritated as he had not had any enlightenment from his fellow warriors; in fact they had been rather tight lipped for a change. It hurt Ironhide’s pride a little, bad enough he wasn’t on the task force but to now seemingly not be trusted by the other warriors. The thought annoyed him further. Where the frag was Prime, he would not stand with having his time taken for granted like this. He stormed through the corridor, his temper starting to flare.

Heading towards Optimus’s living quarters after failing to find him anywhere in the council chamber, Ironhide was now thoroughly annoyed. He passed a small room with its door slightly ajar, something caught his audio receptors; he slowed his pace as he heard voices coming from the room. Glancing silently into the dark room he noticed two shadowy figures against the far wall. Feeling like he’d intruded in on a private moment he ducked back out to continue on his way, then he heard his voice.

“No... Get the frag off me!”

Ironhide froze. ‘Optimus.’ He thought. ‘What is he doing here; just what the frag is going on?’

Megatron’s instantly recognisable tone, snaked out of the room.
“You have more fight in you I see... mmmm... that’s only going to make this more enjoyable for me you know.”

Ironhide slipped into the room unseen and hid himself expertly in the shadows. The small window at the other end cast a faint eerie glow on the two mechs.

“When will you learn Megatron, this doesn’t work, you can’t get what you want.” Optimus snarled angrily. Ironhide had never seen Optimus angry. Megatron laughed coldly before shoving Optimus hard against the wall with a force that made Ironhide wince. “How do you know that this isn’t all I want?” He licked his ear finial making Optimus gasp and try with renewed effort to get out of the lock that Megatron had over his throat. Megatron merely purred at the effort. “If you think you can choose another over me...”

“Megatron... ack... I have no ... idea what you’re talking about!”
Megatron growled. “I know about your lessons Optimus.” Optimus went still and glared at him defiantly. Ironhide felt his capacitor skip. “Do you think me stupid or blind that I wouldn’t find out about you and my warrior?”

His warrior? Ironhide was appalled by this.

“This isn’t about that... and you know it Megatron.” Megatron released his grip a little and seemed to calm. “You’re right of course Optimus.” Optimus was not prepared for what came next. Megatron punched him hard in his head, sending him stumbling backwards. Ironhide had completely tensed and found himself silently urging Optimus to fight back. Optimus seemed to hear him, in a surprising twist he launched himself at Megatron who grunted with shock as Optimus sent him crashing to the floor. They fought viciously neither seeming to get the upper hand, until Optimus managed to pin Megatron beneath him, his fist raised. Ironhide felt a slight swell of pride as he recognised the technique he’d used.

Megatron smiled as Optimus hesitated in striking him, using the brief window of opportunity, he lurched violently sending Optimus off balance. Climbing on top of him, he pressed him into the ground his hand covering mouth; he pulled out a small staff, Optimus’s optics widened with fear as he tried to escape.

“Now I always keep this with me, just in case. I am impressed by your efforts to resist me, but it’s simply not good enough Optimus.” Megatron sneered.

Ironhide watched in horror as the electricity clawed its way over Optimus’s frame, his body went stiff beneath Megatron and his cries were muffled as Megatron held him fast. Megatron’s voice was seductive as he dropped the staff to one side. His hand reached up and stroked Optimus’s face. “If I can’t have your desire, I will take your humiliation.” His voice became menacing, dark. “Remember to whom you belong.” He whispered into his ear finial. Optimus moaned faintly as Megatron’s glossa probed his neck and his hands flew to his interface cover.

Ironhide clamped a hand over his mouth, pressing the back of his head against the wall as hard as he could, shuttering his optics as Megatron reinforced his domination over the young leader. He stayed absolutely still, trying to shut out the sounds of Megatron’s pleasure as he overloaded into Optimus. Trying to ignore the pitiful, soft whimper of defeat and desperation that escaped from Optimus. Ironhide was beside himself with fury and shock. He opened his optics to see Megatron standing over Optimus, his face a mixture of desire and contempt. He crouched beside him with that staff once again in his hand. “I’ll let you have some small release Optimus but not in the way you desire.” He pressed the staff to Optimus’s head, Optimus’s body locked painfully as he cried out with pain, his hands reaching up in a feeble attempt to push him away. Megatron eased the pressure and Optimus fell limp onto the floor.

Ironhide remained where he was for a short time after Megatron left. Gathering his courage he made his way over to the unconscious mech. Ironhide now understood why Optimus was so insecure; well he understood part of it anyway. Megatron was a warrior; Optimus would never have been able to defend himself. He cursed himself for not seeing it sooner as he bodily lifted the larger ‘bot and carried him to the corridor. Making sure it was clear he headed to Optimus’s quarters.
****
Optimus was surprised to find himself on his berth. He sat up gingerly, pain shot through his cortex, un-recycled energon cycled slowly around his systems. His interface module continued to ache desperately. With practised self control, he managed to ignore it. Pushing the need to the darkest places in his mind. He glanced about his quarters. How had he ended up here, more worryingly, who had found him?

A familiar face came into view. Ironhide gave him a thin smile.

“Good to see you’re online I was concerned.”
“How did you... what... um?”
“I came looking for you when you didn’t show up for your lesson.” Ironhide tensed. “I found you unconscious, brought you here.” He finished quickly. He sat beside him. “Are you ok?”

“Yes.” Optimus lied. His circuits felt like they were on fire. Residual electricity trickled through him.
“Anything you want to tell me?”

Optimus frowned as he sat himself up and stood, taking a few paces away from Ironhide, his back to him. He hated lying to him. “No.”

He heard Ironhide sigh. “I saw... I saw what he did...” Ironhide couldn’t finish. Optimus spun round and without warning grabbed Ironhide’s collar bringing them face to face.

“You saw nothing!” Optimus commanded fiercely. Ironhide was stunned. Optimus released him quickly, guilt flashing over his face. He shook his head and bolted from the room leaving Ironhide staring after him.
****
Ironhide found him at the shooting range, blowing the hell out of some targets. He could tell he was angry. He paused, watching him a while before making his presence known. This almost got his head blown clean off as Optimus whirled around and pointed the gun straight at him. His battle mask was up his optics were hard.

Ironhide moved closer, gently he laid his hand on the weapon, never taking his optics from Optimus’s, he put a little pressure on the gun. He felt Optimus resist slightly, his whole body shaking with rage and humiliation. He moved closer, forcing Optimus to lower his weapon. Optimus’s stance changed from defensive to defeated as he let the weapon drop to the floor.

“You shouldn’t be ashamed of your anger.” Ironhide spoke quietly. Optimus turned away and lowered his head. “I should not be Prime.” He whispered. Ironhide pulled his arm gently, turning him to face him. He boldly took Optimus’s face in his hands, his fingers curling around the back of his neck, pulling him in closer. “You are Prime.” He spoke firmly, staring at him, daring him to argue. Optimus seemed to lose all his energy and slumped to the floor dejectedly. His helm resting in his hands.

Ironhide dropped down beside him. “You should not allow him to treat you like that.”
“What would you have me do?!” Optimus insisted. “He’s a warrior Ironhide, I am not.” His voice trailed off quietly. Ironhide frowned. “Neither are you helpless. You will learn to fight back.”

“I don’t want to be like him.” Optimus replied softly. Ironhide smiled, “That isn’t possible Optimus I think you know that. Slag, you couldn’t even hit the glitching, power hungry overlord back! How can you possibly think you’d be like him?”

Optimus shook his head, not having any real answers. He glanced at Ironhide.
“How much did you see?” Ironhide straightened slightly.
“Everything.”
Optimus hung his head and sighed.
“How long?”
Optimus laughed shortly, “Long enough.” Ironhide frowned at him. “Stellar cycles.” He answered simply.

“I’m not going to let it happen again.” Ironhide stated determinedly. Optimus looked at him faint amusement in his optics. “No offence Ironhide but what are you going to do about it?”

“I’m going to teach you how to fight back, you fraggin’ idiot.” Ironhide clipped him lightly, affectionately round the helm. Optimus allowed himself a faint smile at this as he ducked his head. He felt Ironhide’s hand lift his head to face him. He was closer than Optimus had realised, his capacitor fluttered at the closeness. He felt the warmed air cycled from Ironhide’s face plates as his tone became more serious, he tensed.
“You don’t deserve to be treated that way Optimus. You need to believe in yourself.”

Ironhide had let go of all boundaries between student and teacher, commander and soldier as he brought Optimus’s face close to his own. He felt the younger ‘bot tense at his words before responding.

“I have known no other way.”

Ironhide was stunned by this confession. Without thinking he placed his other hand around the back of Optimus’s helm, pulling him into him. Their labia plates touched, Ironhide was gentle as his glossa probed curiously into Optimus’s mouth. He felt Optimus’s tentative touches in response, sending tingling signals through his circuits. He pressed more firmly, bringing Optimus to a full kiss. His glossa wrapped around Optimus’s, caressing it, urging him to give in. He felt a low rumble deep within Optimus’s chest as he let out a soft moan.

Ironhide pulled away, ducking his head. He cursed his impulsiveness. “I’m sorry Optimus, I shouldn’t have... I...”

He felt Optimus grasp his helm he glanced up, he was staring at him intently a silent yearning in his optics. Nervously Optimus pulled Ironhide into him returning the kiss.

He was passionate, Ironhide noted with pleasant surprise as he felt Optimus’s glossa wrestle seductively with his own. He allowed himself to relax into the kiss, feeling his whole body start to heat up at the gentle touches, lifting his hand he gently stroked a finger down one of Optimus’s ear finials causing him to gasp. He smiled at the positive response. They were locked in their embrace for what seemed like an age, before he felt Optimus pull away. They sat awkwardly for a few moments in the wake of their brief transgression.

Ironhide smirked as the young leader ducked his head shyly. “I apologise if I over stepped my bounds Ironhide.” He spoke softly. Ironhide felt something wash over him as he observed Optimus’s tender submission. He pushed it aside, now was neither the time nor the place. Right now Optimus needed a friend.

He grinned as he stood up offering his hand to Optimus.
“Apology accepted. Now are you going to sit on your aft all day or are you actually here to learn something useful?”

Optimus returned his grin, his demeanour returning slowly to that of the leader Ironhide knew and respected.
“Think you can keep up?” Optimus teased lightly. Ironhide growled faintly at the friendly dig.

“The day I can’t keep up with you youngling is the day I hand in my canons.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” Optimus smiled.
“Quit your back talk. You have a lot to learn.” Ironhide scolded him half heartedly.
“Yes Sir.” Optimus replied with sardonic amusement as the two ‘bots got ready to spar.