"So, it is as much about the battle as it is about...showmanship?" Orion asked, openly surprised.

"I had no idea." He paused, glancing at the mech looming so closely over his shoulder. Normally, he would not have given the close, nearly intimate proximity any thought; Megatron was a friend and one he trusted at his back, nothing more.

But now... Now he had reason to consider their interactions far more closely. Had he missed other signs? Was he previous oblivious, or was Megatron simply restraining himself? The touch itself was surprisingly pleasant, and he gave Megatron a smile before stepping down toward the arena floor.