Everybody learns from *somebody*

[lordmegatron]

Passing the doors into the library, Megatron was pleased he had gotten the schedule correct as he saw who was sitting at the desk. If it had been completely necessary due to his own schedule, he'd have come here when he could. But since he didn't have to...

Ignoring the faint itch interfacing hadn't properly gotten rid off, Megatron approached the librarian at a lazy, casual walk. It was a pity he hadn't seen any signs at all that the surprisingly fine-lined truck-alted mech had the inclination he was looking for. Things would have been a lot easier (and, really, pleasing) if he had.

As it was, since there was no one left in the current arena circuit that he trusted with what he had to hand over, perhaps he would have to avail himself of one of the clubs. It made an irritable twitch slither down the treads on his shoulders, the thought that he'd have to do that.

It was ages since he'd had to go to an open venue like that to simply get his needs properly taken care of.

And he really would have preferred the librarian. Orion Pax - it hadn't taken anything to find out the designation when to found the schedule - was witty, somehow diplomatically argumentative and didn't give in if he knew he was right or wanted to stand for his opinion, actually had some smarts to go with said use of words and Megatron wanted to know more.

More, and more personally (most of the earlier he'd simply learned over the few times he'd been in the library when the mech was, but hadn't actually approached him). So this time, he decided to actually use the librarian's assistance in what he was looking for... and perhaps get something more out of it.

"Excuse me?"

Comments

[lordmegatron]

Optic ridge arching a little at Orion's reaction as he actually began to relax, Megatron smiled faintly. Whatever else happened, he could certainly enjoy having Orion blind to what he was doing and have the mech enjoy it, if the reaction he was feeling and hearing was any indication.

Sensory deprivation was something he himself had some issues with, actually, but he was well-used to obeying orders that contained them and trusting his dom to take care of him - it still wasn't something that, in itself, would do much for him.

The trust he had to lay in his dom's hands, yes, but not the sensory deprivation. It was nice to see Orion liked it better than he did.

With a chuckle and just to add an edge to the last half breem that was left, Megatron lifted a foot and stretched his leg out, putting his foot on Orion's thigh, not quite touching his interface panel.

Just. Close.

Just a few more moments left.

[ichooseboth]

Orion had no real concept of trusting 'his dom'.

But he did trust Megatron, and that was enough. He continued to relax and purr, a faint smile making his lips twitch. The larger mech's foot ending up on his leg was something of a surprise, and he jumped faintly, mouth opening to grumble before he cut himself off.

Hrmph. Tease.

At least he had stopped watching the clock with impatience, instead resisting the urge to tilt his hips to the left to get that foot properly on his interface panel.

[lordmegatron]

He had to resist laughing at the jump, since even if it was faint he could feel the tension and twitch under his foot... and the tension of Orion almost tilting his hips forward and resisting it.

Yes, he was absolutely a terrible tease, but it amused him... and distracted Orion further, though at least not enough that he didn't forget to keep quiet... or actually move into the touch.

As the kliks slid down to seconds, Megatron leaned forward again and, as the two breems were up, brushed his lips against Orion's crest while he slid his foot forward enough to actually press against the interface panel.

"There. We're done." Straightening back up, Megatron held out one hand for Orion, the other lingering on his shoulder. Despite the very... tame two breems, Megatron stayed alert for whatever reaction Orion might have.

[ichooseboth]

'Oh, thank goodness.' as his first, instinctive thought, confirming the time through his internal chronometer.

Despite his tentative enjoyment of the last few moments and teasing touches, Orion let out a vent of stifled air, tension flowing out of suddenly sore shoulders as he onlined his optics.

Freeing himself of the orders was an honest relief. He hadn't realized how tense Megatron's field and orders had made him, and he leaned back to regain his footing almost immediately.

"...Well then. That was..." Standing up once more, Orion frowned, unsure of how to describe it.

[lordmegatron]

"Rather not do it again?" Megatron asked, voice dry and a slight arch to an upper optic ridge as he shifted back on the couch and then waved a hand at the opposite end of it, wordlessly offering Orion a seat.

Though, if he preferred to sit down elsewhere, that was all right too, but sitting down in general was probably a good idea for the discussion they needed and were going to have now.

Orion standing up also reminded him of tucking back his field to a more regular, social space instead of the widely flared width of a dominant's... or a gladiator in the ring.

It wasn't hard to see Orion had been tense the whole two breems, and Megatron could guess that no matter if they kept trying it this way or not, Orion would probably never relax.

It was a good thing they weren't necessarily going to keep trying this way, then.

[ichooseboth]

"...really rather not, no," Orion agreed with a huff. As Megatron's field retreated, his own flared out briefly, unconsciously reasserting, before both it and he relaxed a degree further.

Weight shifting from foot to foot as he shook the tension out of his limbs, the librarian couldn't help but feel restless and unsettled in the aftermath of their 'experiment'. He eyed the offered seat for a moment, before slowly shaking his head.

"...I'll stand, thanks."

Even if it was just a polite suggestion, he was suddenly quite determined to do as he wished, the point of being contrary if need be.

[lordmegatron]

Optics flickering, Megatron stared for a moment and then shook his helm. He wouldn't laugh. That would be rather terrible to do. But, it raised a question...

"Preferring to remain standing because you'd rather not be close to me currently, because I suggested you sit down, or because you're feeling restless... from what just went down?" Cocking his helm, there was no accusation in Megatron's voice, merely curiosity and maybe faint amusement.

And he hadn't missed the little flare of Orion's field either and he wouldn't be too amused over that either. He would be... well, all right, as patient and understanding as he could be and not laugh at the poor mech, at least.

But the brief little flare had him shifting in his seat slightly.

[ichooseboth]

"...the second two." Orion said hesitantly, as he slowly worked it out for himself.

He certainly wasn't following any more 'orders' or even suggestions today. Not to mention that standing allowed him to start to pace in front of the couch, burning off some of the tension and restless energy that had left him feeling itchy and unsettled.

Arms crossed over his chest and unaware of how much his audials were flicking back and forth, Orion eventually settled on circling the couch, field flaring occasionally.

[lordmegatron]

"That's---" He cut himself off and scrubbed a hand over his faceplate, having to mentally rearrange what he'd been about to say, while Orion started to pace. "Even if it had been the first that would have been understandable and... really, nothing wrong with that. I'm rather relieved it's the latter two, however," Megatron said with a grunt, unable to completely hide the disgrunt at the thought of it being the first.

What he wanted to do was stand up and... perhaps embrace the mech, but he wasn't sure that was the right action. He felt rather annoyed at not knowing how to properly do this part.

Following Orion's pacing, Megatron decided that remaining sitting might just be the best course of action - at least to start with.

"Orion, decide what to do with the field, please." He wouldn't usually use 'please' but perhaps it was just as well to do that now. The flaring was doing... itchy things with his plating and frame of mind, especially so close to having put himself into the dominant role. The constant back and forth challenged as much as made him want to kneel. "You're going to have to talk to me. I am not actually a mind reader."

[ichooseboth]

Orion glanced back at Megatron from behind the couch, frowning faintly. When he thought about it, the source of Megatron's worry was understandable.

He'd probably be worried in his place. Especially given the gladiator's already stated preferences.

He paused outright at the request, however, trying not to bristle. Again, it was reasonable, and at least he said please.

"...Fine."

But the fact that he asked for something at all immediately made him decide to leave his field flared out, letting it settle with a snort.

"Talk about what, exactly? Not sure what to say yet."

[lordmegatron]

Optics flickering as Orion's field settled, Megatron shifted in his seat, back going slightly straighter even as he shifted his shoulders and relaxed them, consciously letting go of tension, readjusting threat-assessment and going through a very light reboot to flush his current frame of mind a bit.

He twitched, and then settled, his field stopping trying to push against Orion's and instead settling just beyond it, not quite touching or mingling the energies.

"Comparisons from your research and this, perhaps. But otherwise, I might start and say I forgot something." With a grunt, Megatron resisted the urge to lean back and sprawl out in his seat, and instead rested one arm on the armrest and slung the other over the back of the couch.

Not quite completely relaxing, but not keeping a stiff posture either.

"Nothing that would've impacted what we just did, because you wouldn't have been ready for that, but I should've brought it up either way. What's acceptable disobedience and what is not, garnering punishment whether or not it was accidental or wilful." Not looking back at Orion, Megatron chuckled. "Had it been me in your position, my dom would've had to pause for punishments quite a few times."

He hoped phrasing it as if it had been him there, and not mentioning Orion at all would let Orion think of what he was saying and not feel... threatened? as if it was him that was meant? Something like that, either way.

[ichooseboth]

Relieved by Megatron's own field settling in place outside of his own, Orion simply nodded.

"Forgot what?"

He circled back around to the front of the couch, hands falling to his hips.

"...what? Why?" Orion made a face, incredulous.

"I followed all your instructions!"

[lordmegatron]

"You did. The spirit and the letter of them," Megatron agreed easily, helm tilting to meet Orion's optics as he considered how to explain. "Especially as I forgot to bring it up prior to start. But, Orion... in general, the obedience expected wouldn't include hesitating before doing as told or being... clever with what one thinks of the legitimacy of it." He smirked then and spread his hands, unable to contain the dry amusement - not at Orion's incredulity or annoyance, but of him doing the same.

"Forget the last two breems as they pertain to you, Orion, and merely focus on the little disobediences." Hands falling back on the armrest and the back of the couch, Megatron drummed his fingers against the material. "I give my dominant the right of control, to any and all decisions... as such, any questioning of that authority without use of the safe word is considered a breach of contract."

Questioning which he'd done deliberately sometimes, but also unintentionally or through ignorance. A good dominant would know which was which and how it was supposed to be dealt with.

"Even if it's an accident or unintentional. The point is, whatever the reason is for the disobedience, it's still disobedience. A breach of the agreed-upon terms which is supposed to be redressed." Looking Orion down and up, meeting his optics with an arch look, Megatron's helm tilted again. "Some submissives deliberately test their dominant's ability to keep control and enforce the rules. They trust you to put them right, so that the control given over isn't misplaced. Going back to you none of that would apply, because this was just an attempt to show you, in general the power you would have, and the trust you have to hand over."

[ichooseboth]

Orion huffed, shaking his head. He didn't think he'd done too badly - he'd been remarkably tolerant of it, all things considered!

"Sounds a lot like being too picky and peculiar about the details to me."

Frowning, he crossed his arms over his chest, unconsciously defensive.

"What would have been in the details, if you hadn't forgotten?"

[lordmegatron]

He can't help but chuckle at that, shaking his helm.

"Yes, that's the point. Details are important, and only what's been allowed should be acted upon." Pausing and eyeing Orion's rather defensive stance, Megatron rubbed his chin and then laid his arm back over the back of the seat, stretching one leg out to press against the nearest foot.

"I'm not sure I should have added anything more, given everything, but probably something about keeping your cheeky reactions to yourself," smirking, Megatron winked at Orion and then shook his helm, "with no penalty if you hadn't. I doubt I'm... the best at introducing somebody to this, Orion, so I might already be doing things somewhat... lopsidedly. You'll have to forgive me if that's the case."

The confession and apology came of somewhat haltingly and definitely reluctantly, with Megatrons expression going quite displeased for a brief moment. He didn't like admitting to faults, weaknesses or wrongdoings.

[ichooseboth]

"There are details, and then there is being too detailed." Orion huffed out a sigh. He wasn't sure if he would enjoy that sort of particularity at all, even from the 'other side'.

But at least he wasn't pacing any more; the tension was seeping out for his frame at last.

"But honestly, I'm glad you did forget. I wouldn't have tolerated any more rules and restrictions, I can tell you that much for sure."

He rolled his optics at the mention of his 'cheek', happily giving Megatron another taste of it to prove his point.

"I'm sure we'll figure it out?"

[lordmegatron]

"I suppose that's a thing we'll have to explore," Megatron admitted with a tilt of his helm, the glow from his optics briefly softening. "But details are also important... think of it as a possible learning experience?" he couldn't quite help the chuckle that slid out, but since he wasn't laughing at Orion, he hoped the mech wouldn't mind too much.

At least Orion had relaxed, which, really, was the most important goal after that little 'mini-session'. He wasn't the most care taking individual on Cybertron which, really, was another added point against him being a good as well as suitable dom. You needed to not just pay attention to what might be needed, but want and feel comfortable with caring for someone else, especially after scenes.

"I noticed that, yes." He just smirked at the roll of Orion's optics. "And you might be right that it's better it came up after instead of before we started."

Hopefully they would figure it out. If it didn't... well, at least it looked like this wouldn't destroy what they already had, which was all you could ask for, really. Not that Megatron might not have been prepared to fight for it if things had (or might still) gone worse.

[ichooseboth]

"I figured you might. But still."

Slowly, he wandered closer toward the couch, giving Megatron's ankle a return tap as he went by.

"If I'm going to try this myself I don't want to be obnoxious about it."

He grinned dryly down at Megatron for a moment, before finally consenting to plop his frame down next to the larger mech on the couch.

[lordmegatron]

Giving a grin in return, Megatron shook his helm and contained the pleased flare when Orion sat down beside him. All in all, he'd settled quickly enough after that, though Megatron was both surprised and very much not that Orion hadn't expressed his discomfort by wanting physical closeness.

"I doubt you could ever be obnixious about it. Especially not with your concerns for me and about the sub's position and freedom in general," Megatron said, a touch dryly but his expression was fond. "Would it help if I say that I'd expect it, as far as you find yourself able to do it?"

Reaching out with a foot again, Megatron rested it against Orion's ankle, offering a less... demanding sort of touch than if he'd reach out with a hand.

"Remember that regardless of position you should only do what you feel comfortable with, but also remember that you're free to push if and when you're the dom, Orion. I am fully capable to use my safeword."

[ichooseboth]

"Expect what? Obnoxiousness?"

Orion laughed. He didn't object to the touch; now that he had settled, the touch seemed welcome. Casually, he laid his own hand on the knee of the 'offending' leg, giving it a brief squeeze. He waved his free hand as he spoke, gesturing awkwardly.

"I'm going need more examples of these 'rules' either way."

[lordmegatron]

"I think you'll find I won't find that sort of behaviour obnoxious in the situation it'll be utilised in. If you tried it elsewhere I would, however." Letting go was one thing; another thing completely to be micro-managed by someone every second of the day.

Some might like that, Megatron didn't. He did have his limits.

"It'll depend on what you might want to set down as rules, Orion." Optics dimming, Megatron leaned back in his seat, simply keeping his foot against blue armour, not calling attention to it or making it distracting.

"The only other thing you might want to remember is that scenes might have an affect on the sub, which means that after the scene's over they might need aftercare. But I believe you know that from your research?"

[ichooseboth]

"...Yes, but further examples are still something I'd like to hear. Most I've seen so far don't really seem pleasant. I remember that part of earlier, ah, 'learning'." Orion made a face, looking away.

Some of the things he had seen in those vid 'scenes' were...far more intense than he was personally comfortable with just yet. He had no intention of treating Megatron - how he perceived it, anyway - so poorly.

But. Some of the 'aftercare' he had seen...left him with a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. In some of the more offensive vids, the aftercare had been the only part of the scene he had enjoyed.

"...I think I might be able to handle that bit."

[lordmegatron]

"I don't doubt you will be," Megatron said with laughter in his voice, shaking his helm. Sobering up, he frowned leaning sideways to rest his elbow on the armrest and hin chin in his palm.

"You might want to tell me what you didn't find pleasant of what you've seen and why, but I can take a guess and say you will not be much for the things that would involve a lot of pain inflicted on the sub, would you?" Tilting his helm, Megatron shrugged. "If that's not something you would wish to do, we won't do that, Orion. I am not overly fond of physical restraints, but I admit the effect and the after often has made it worth it, with a good dominant."

As he spoke, Megatron's optics darkened - not in anger or displeasure, more remembered (if reluctant) pleasure... and some still lingering awkwardness over the aftercare he'd needed.

It wouldn't surprise him if Orion would like to avoid physical punishments... or just exercises involving pain that weren't meant as punishments, just part of the scene.

Megatron didn't mind, even if some of it could fill a need in a way the arena didn't, but otherwise... well, his line of work worked right well. Though admittedly it both fed the need and had awakened it (maybe even created it) from the start.

[ichooseboth]

Frowning deeply, Orion shook his head.

"Pain is not something I'm interested in, for either party." He huffed, giving Megatron's knee another squeeze.

"Same for some of those things that seemed designed only to -ugh- humiliate or belittle. Not sure about...restraints or anything."

Carefully not looking at the larger mech, Orion shrugged, faintly embarrassed.

[lordmegatron]

"Didn't think so." And really, whatever else Orion might enjoy, pain hadn't ever seemed like one of the possible ones, even more so as he got to know the mech. The rest of it was interesting, however.

His amusement probably leaked through in his expression and warmly pulsing field, but he made sure he kept his voice as neutral as possible.

"Mm-hm. We could either find something more to watch to see if that'll help you decide, or we could explore that in real time, so to speak." And while physical restraints still wasn't, and probably would never be, his favourite thing, helping Orion find what he might like was an... attractive and even arousing idea... and he might not mind if Orion's potential bore out to be true.

"As for the others two things, it doesn't matter to me, so if you don't want to use that, all the better." He wouldn't admit that he found nothing exciting in being humiliated either, though a punishment or two he'd had to endure had had that effect unintentionally.

"Orion... remember that this helps me relax. Being able to let go, even during very precise orders and commands, because I trust the mech giving them lets off some tension. And, beside that..." trailing off, Megatron shifted forward, leaning over the distance separating them until his lips almost brushed against Orion's audial. "Having my self-control pushed until I can... almost... not take it, gets my engine going like nothing else. I trust you not to break it, Orion," Megatron murmured into the audial, lips pulling up into a grin as he spoke, the hand he'd had on the back of the couch having slip forward and just barely brushing the metal of Orion's back.