[ti]Ep 3[/ti]Brawler Season (Flux, Cintra)

[Starkrieger]

Week 3  Day 6
Early Evening

Energon Dispensary 

---

Rock, dirt, it was no match for him this evening. Starkrieger's field was running high, the Seeker apparently on a single minded mission to release the still pent up energy he'd accumulated in the mines. Vehicons could be fun, but they were meant for work, and it'd wouldn't have been fair to interrupt their industry or rest at the cost of production. Sure he had duties, but he wasn't a 'boss' anymore, and he would capitalize on that.

Cube in hand, he lingered opposite the dispensary unit. Taking a small sampling, he scanned what mechs and femmes were present. Fliers always took priority on his list of preferred 'enjoyable distraction', but Krieg was well aware that his emotions were elevated nearing mania. Disruptive, potentially chaotic, Starscream didn't need him engaging the other Seekers when he was in the mood to be this reckless. Order and discipline were paramount to commanding proper squadrons; and if things went sideways, the resulting tension might get in the way of formation and air support. Next down on the list? Brawlers.

Optics dimming, his focus sharpened over the top of his cube. Another slow sip taken, while his wings twitched, elevating briefly. Ah yes, there he was. The gaze shifted to rotary blades, then to the doors. Triple changer, huh? It'd been awhile since he'd gotten his claws into one of those... and that was an Autobot. Oh well, rust in peace whoever-the-Slag.

The flier hoped the guy didn't have a reason to turn around too soon. The view wasn't bad from where he stood and, well it was in his instinct be the pursuer. He waited for him to move a little away from the dispenser to avoid interruption by any famished Cons, before he moved. His approach was more fluid than usual, pace slowed to appear casual. Many favored an artful gait rather than the typical soldier's step. He'd wait till he was close enough it was unlikely the other mech would be able to mistaken that he was being addressed, regardless of his processing power or the direction he was facing.

"Guten Abend." He knew they were default to English amongst the human languages. His choice to deviate was completely intentional, as he slipped closer to his chosen target. "Do you mind if I join you?" His vocals purred out, as his tipped his head, neck arching subtly. Really though, it was the wings that told the story, secondaries angled wide, as the primaries spread slowly. Less obvious was that in addition to 'displaying the assets', he was focusing his sensors on the larger Con. Comrades had folded him a time or two because of this type of introduction, he'd try to not be caught too unaware. It was better to land few good strikes before his compatriot sent him through a wall. Waking up in the med bay with nothing worth remembering was rarely entertaining.

[Flux]

Flux had managed to find the rec room, which to most was… well, not hard at all. But to someone who found himself hopelessly lost in the frustratingly similar-looking corridors of Blackridge? It was quite a feat indeed.

Had he meant to come to the rec room? Not exactly, but now that he was here, he could at least have his ration for the day. He’d made a slow beeline for the Energon Dispensary, waited patiently for a Vehicon or two to get their cube, before getting one for himself.

Normally he would’ve made an immediate retreat, meandering his way back until he spotted something that he recognized and found something to do, but today he was content to linger. He had nowhere to be that he knew of (unless he did, and had forgotten) and so could take his time.

Now, how did he get here? It’d been … two lefts, and a right?

Sidestepping some from the dispensary as to not block it with his frame, he held up his free servo, slowly counting on his digits and trying to recall what steps he’d taken to get here, unaware that he was being watched. He made a point of keeping his back turned to the majority of the room, if only because he honestly felt silly in a way at trying to recount even the simplest of things.

Only to be thrown off his thought process by a voice that at first, he didn’t realize was directed at him. A slow glance over his shoulder to double-check revealed that it in fact was, and he’d glance slightly down at the Seeker before slowly turning to face him in full to be polite, rotors rattling some behind him as he moved.

He wasn’t quite sure what that first thing was, but the second part seemed friendly enough and he’d nod - offering the other mech a warm smile as he held up his Energon cube in an amiable gesture.

There was always the inward panic whenever someone spoke to him - not quite sure if he’d met them before or not. Without Cintra here to cling to his shoulder and whisper to remind him of anything important like designations, he had to wing it.

“Of course!”

He wasn’t the best at reading body language, although he did know that Seekers did seem to be rather full of themselves, and so took the posturing as nothing more than that- given Flux was so obviously a helicopter and probably not the fastest of fliers.

Another thing he failed at without Cintra, was small talk. The femme was so very chatty, normally asking a barrage of questions or getting a conversation going with practiced ease, but Flux was fumbling in the dark here and would awkwardly lift the cube of Energon, taking a sip before clearing his throat.

“So, ah- how’s it going?”

Questions were good, right?

[Starkrieger]

Oh, did his optics sharpen, his smirk widening as his focus zeroed in on his poor frontliner. He was one of those sorts was he? The sweetspark didn't seem to be picking up what he was putting down, at least not yet. He allow his expression to mellow, raising his own cube with a slight nod of his head. No reason not to be polite. If the Brawler had been small and cute, he might have stood a chance of escaping, as his Pipchen had. Her innocence had invoked his kinder side, not so with the brawny triple changer. He only tickled that part of Krieg's processor that equated this game with the chase he was designed for.

"Well enough I suppose. Though it could be better." He toyed with the idea of exchanging designations, each possibility having its benefits. Optics wandered, this time appreciating the mech's front. He broke up his admiration with another sip at his cube, showing no outward sign of being bothered by the way the he seemed unsure of just what to do with him. "I couldn't help but notice your unique frame. It isn't often I'm able to 'engage' your kind. Perhaps you would consider indulging me in a 'training exercise'" Extra purr to emphasize those euphemisms, while his optics latched onto the big guy's, looking for further signs of confusion, or maybe he would merely take the words for granted.

It was no matter, the Seeker actually swirled his cube a little, before taking a more substantial gulp. It'd be a pity to waste rations, but the greater shame would be to pass up on the opportunity at hand. His wings shifted, stretching and spreading slowly.

"Traffic will be picking up" Disappointment, feigned and artful, setting up a need for escape from the congregating Con's. "Walk with me?" It was a request, but the arrogant brat didn't sound like he doubted He would be followed. Starkrieger's field kicked up a notch without his consent, presenting his back during a chase went against his flight instincts. As he passed, he lowered his wings, arching to raise his chassis, slipping around the target as the tip of the nearest wing nearly brushed against his armor. It was a risk, even a clueless mech could become hostile when his space was encroached upon, or if he felt mocked. The flier's looked back, the corner of his left optic seeking the other's gaze as he raised an optic ridge in silent question.

Come on big boy, let's get you away from these pesky reinforcements, shall we? Wings, still casually low, twitched higher. Any Seeker worth his function would have known exactly what he was up to, but Krieg was willing to bet this one wouldn't figure it out so quickly.

[Flux]

Could be better?

Instantly Flux’s processor jumped to the idea that something was wrong. That he’d met this mech before, and there was an issue. Yet, the Seeker didn’t show any outward signs of annoyance, nor did he seem particularly angry.

“Oh? I’m sorry to hear.”

Maybe that would result in some sort of clue as to the meaning of the phrase. He was almost positive he hadn’t encountered this Seeker before, yet his processor could not be relied upon for details such as that. So he would remain neutral, hoping that if he had done something wrong, he would find out soon enough.

The wandering optics were not lost on him - it was very hard not to notice; however it still hadn’t really clicked what was going on here. He wasn’t used to that kind of attention, preferring to be in the backdrop to get on with whatever task he’d been assigned, not wanting any of the spotlight on him.

As such, he lowered his arm after taking a sip. He wasn’t quite sure what to do with his other servo, easing it onto his hip plating just so it wasn’t dangling awkwardly at his side. He tried to mask whatever mild confusion may be sneaking through, looking over the other mech and trying to be as casual as possible about the whole thing.

“My frame? Oh, uh- thank you.” that explained the staring, or at least, he thought it did.

The second portion of the sentence caught him a little off guard, and he’d quirk a brow. He was all for sparring and honing one's skills, and it’d been far too long since he’d gotten to have a decent throwdown. He’d play nice, of course he would- not wanting to absolutely cripple someone during a friendly match, but he perked up considerably once he’d mulled it over.

“Sure. Now?”

The euphemisms were unfortunately lost on him. Maybe when he tried desperately to recall this conversation later on, things would click- but for now, he was taking it for what it was.

As Starkrieger took a bigger gulp of Energon, he would copy the motion- chugging down the rest of his ration and wiping the back of his servo across his mouth.

He was still listening as the Seeker spoke, although would slowly turn to dispose of his used cube. He was nothing but polite, and had respect for his surroundings. Turning back in time to hear the question, he would nod.

“Of course.”

Wasn’t like they could spar in here, after all. Then again- where did sparring and training happen here? He was sure there were dedicated rooms for that, yet hadn’t even begun to memorize everywhere in the base so unfortunately had no clue. Even the location of his own quarters were a mystery, which reminded him he probably should’ve asked Cintra to doodle a map on his arm before he ventured off on his own.

Ah well, maybe Krieg would lead on.

The shift in the other mech’s field was puzzling, and the movement was- uh, a little too close for comfort, but he figured it was simply because he was trying to get around him, nothing more. As such, there was little to no reaction. A gentle glance down at himself before he looked over to the Seeker, meeting his optics.

Then, he would move forward. He was not the fastest of mechs, but would do his best to keep up, assuming Krieg would know which direction to go, meaning he would follow without question.

[Starkrieger]

Lead he would, cube not emptied, and ready to use as an impromptu weapon. Though, as he dealt with the triple changer, a violent outcome seemed less likely. It would almost be be a pity if he did manage to provoke rage in such a decent mech. It was rare to find one willing to take the intentions of others for granted. That wasn't going to dissuade him from the game of course, they were too far in. Besides, it wasn't like he planned on sticking a knife in the guy's back.

Krieg slowed his pace, shifting his wings into a low position, hugging his backstrut. Harder to grab, and it made them less likely to draw attention as a target.


"I do hope you'll bear in mind our difference in frame types? I'd rather you didn't cause permanent damage" Just because Flux still hadn't gotten it, didn't mean he had qualms about digging him in deeper.  In fact, it was that naivety that made it more satisfying. The time would come when he would no longer be able to stay in the dark.  "Still I suppose the 'exercise' would be worth it. A mech of your caliber is no doubt built for stamina." He should feel guilty, but he had more important matters than to question his own twisted sense of amusement.

The Seeker's gaze scanned the halls. Whoever they might encounter wasn't as pressing on his mind as the presence that went unseen. While, he didn't intended to refrain from making an impression on the Spymaster, this wasn't the sort of thing one flaunted before an audience. Problem, could anyone really be safe from the eyes and ears of the Decepticons?

"You know, however it turns out... I won't take it personally", he evened out his tone, dropping most of the purr, to allow for sincerity. Even as he spoke, his processor remained occupied with the disruption of Soundwave's omnipresence. It was one thing to have the Spymaster catch him in a moment of honesty he would have shared with the mech anyway. It was quite another for him to indirectly witness the hunting of his comrades, and the possible outcomes.

Oh slag it all. There probably wasn't an unmonitored location in base, aside from officers' personal quarters, and he was tired of drawing out the chatter to give himself a click to process. Optics took in a side passage, less traveled, as he paused, turning his helm to observe their surroundings. His wings would have twitched in sync with his claws along the edges of the cube, if he hadn't restrained them. A digit from his free servo dipped into the remaining energon, stirring it.

The only question, which way would the plating cracked? Spinning on his heel, the Seeker faced the brawler, cube still in his left servo as the stirring of the claw slowed. 

[Flux]

With heavy thrummed footfalls, the Triplechanger would follow the Seeker. Flux normally took things at a fairly languid pace, but when following others? He made a conscious attempt of trying to keep up as best he could, even if it put somewhat of a strain on his systems to do so. It never came with any sort of complaint, the bulky mech far too polite to voice his concern or have others ease their own pacing just because he was slower than normal.

Yet he found himself weirdly relieved when the other mech seemed to slow on his own, and he in turn would match, keeping behind just a few short paces, yet remaining close enough to hear what was being said, and more importantly? Talk without raising his own voice.

He took note of the body language of the other mech, namely the shifting of his wings- hard not to, really, when he was directly behind him. His own rotors were pulled in tightly by default, flush against his back almost, yet would clank gently against his frame as he moved. Not quite so easily taken advantage of like wings, yet would still be an easy enough target - a cheap one at that - in a spar.

“Huh? Oh, I will be careful. Or, at least I’ll try to be. I know you Seekers are fragile.”

Permanent damage? From a spar - while it did happen sometimes when folks got a bit too rambunctious, he knew his own strengths and wouldn’t do anything on purpose to hurt someone in a friendly match. During the war, spars and play fights were a way to kill some downtime, and as such he’d trained with many different frame types, Seekers included. He was fairly positive he could hold himself back just to get the point across and have a decent fight, without crippling the other mech in the process.

At the mention of stamina, he would shrug.

“I suppose. It’s been a while since I’ve done anything like this, so hopefully I can keep up.”

He honestly couldn’t remember the last time he’d had a really good brawl. The spar just five days earlier with… who even was it… had been decent, but more of a training exercise for Cintra than anything, at least from what he could recall. But to go solo and really throw his weight around? Well, he was all for it, even if he was sure it wouldn’t take more than a well-aimed punch to have the other mech tapping out.

“Yeah? We’ll see about that.” he chuckled. He doubted somewhat the other mechs claim, knowing that most Decepticons - at least ones he could remember meeting - took losing horribly. Heck, even he did sometimes. Not that he was very competitive, but he did like to pride himself on having an edge on others.

He was already trying to imagine just how the Seeker would move in a fight. Would he be quick and evasive, dodging and weaving with pure agility trying to wear the Triplechanger down? Or would he be more cautious- trying to protect his wings, luring Flux into an attack only to sidestep and lash out?

It was this unknown, this excitement at getting to see for himself that made him space out briefly, not noticing the fact the other mech had suddenly turned.

While they had been moving at a casual pace, Flux still needed some time to come to a complete stop, and this unfortunately did not happen as he continued on, walking - and colliding - straight into the Seeker with a hefty thud of crashing plates.

[Starkrieger]

The resounding clang of solid plating crashing together rang through the halls.

He'd misjudged. He knew it the click the sight of the brawler in motion triggered an instant recalculation of velocity and deceleration. There wasn't time to evade, a single pede moving back to half steady his stance. Flux's mass was considerable, even braced he would fall.

There was no panic, optics narrowing rather than widening. Staying oriented during plummet was vital to a flier. One of his first lessons, prior to basic training, was drilling instinctive fear of it out of him. That didn't mean he was going down without a fight.

Claws lashed out, quick and sure. Regardless of where they closed in, the other's armor was undoubtedly sufficient to prevent them from causing injury, hopefully he wouldn't reciprocate before recognizing the absence of danger. Either wrapping those claws around edges in his frame, or wedging them into plating, his arms tightened, to stop the momentum. A gamble. Was he as stable as he seemed? Thankfully physics were on his side, and he didn't end up with a Triplechanger crushing him into the floor. Movement halting sharply mid way, the flier released a out-vent he hadn't realized had stalled, grip tight on the Con, while he shifted his pedes in an attempt to regain his footing and support his own weight. How delightfully awkward.

Where had the cube and it's last swallows of energon ended up? A not so pleasant seeping through the seems of the armor of his chassis was the best indication. In the pause there probably should have been tension, rising anger from a fussy Seeker. How dare the lumbering oaf walk right into him, and spill energon all over him? Wasn't that what any Decepticon would expect?

His derma parted and he issued a freer laugh than he had in ages, ignoring the ach of internals, provoked by the energy transfer from their abrupt joining. Though his hold remained true, his frame shook with mirth, his wings twitching, eager to rise, despite their continued restraint. How could he not find it funny? Did the guy think he was a lunatic for hanging on to him, at his mercy, nearly belting out from the hilarity in the middle of the hall? Krieg didn't give a frag, times like these one had to seize on any opportunity to enjoy function... and speaking of seizing opportunities.

Wisdom dictated that he back off, compromised as he was, but looking up at the potentially deadly mech, Krieg saw the possibility of a brewing storm. It challenged him to push forward, to dare to navigate its overwhelming force. He wasn't about to pass on the thrill; his spark energy spiked and turbulent, feeling like it was churning in its chamber.

"Well, well.. eager aren't we?", he purred, hints of the more appropriate humor still tinted the tones. If the Con didn't wind up being too disgusted or angered, he'd owe him for that at least. Ah, there, he had his legs properly under him again, not that he would retreat. Left claw tightening, he was mindful of its purchase, not wishing to cause damage. Leaning in closer he stretched to try to angle for the larger mech's nearest audial, mentally preparing himself for the fallout as he lowered his volume to a sultry whisper.

"Shouldn't you take a 'fragile' Seeker to berth first?" If Flux didn't move quickly, he might very well be the recipient of the slow drag of the primary digit from his freed right servo along the side of his face plate, the disrespectful glitch pulling away just enough to meet his optics, full of fire and challenge.

If Krieg's next memory was onlining to a smug, sassy medic wanting details, it would be worth it.

---

Puppetting grabbing Flux and  not getting turned into a pancake  Seeker approved  by  Ren.  Thank you ^^

[Cintra]

"THERE you are Flux!"

Abrupt words, strained and stilted. Barked out not very far away from the duo. The statement pitched up with a sort of forced joy at the end, excitement at having found the larger Cybertronian after some scouting.

A short distance down the hall, a femme stood, her frame planted down in the middle of the walkway with peds placed out from one another. Her hands were crooked up, clapped solidly over the hooked arch of her hip paneling, while her spine was post straight, helm held high on its mounting. Her color scheme was a shocking contrast to the rock and limestone halls, a burst of neon pink that flashed like a beacon in the darker confines. Etched yellow and teal flashed across accent points, while etched lines of green bio-lights made rings along joints. Around this lighting within the darkened hall, some luminous shapes ghosted along her colored armor, a sort of reaction to UV light.

Her frame was rather petite to the other two, short in stature, lighter built. Other than color there was not anything drastically special about her, except for one major feature. Branching from the back of her helm and shoulder blades was a long extrusion of a tendril, its form conelike, tapering with seams hooking down it lengthwise. This shape whipped some from side to side in a slow jerky motion, it not at all smooth as if it couldn't fully decide which way it wanted to go. At the end the honed edge of a blade occasionally sheened.

"I was scared you got lost, but it seems you found a friend."

Matter of fact. Straightened limbs would crook then as she broke her stance, walking forward towards the two. As she did so her peds would place carefully one in front of the other, a stiff movement that was a bit unnatural looking on the best of days. As she drew closer, the corner of purple painted lips would crook back, a broad smile that eked past dental plating to show a little streak of the mountings that held onto them.

Cintra's gaze locked fiercely, looking at how this unknown Seeker was straight up HANGING off Flux. It was one thing however to simply hang off a larger Cybertronian for balance, it was another to do what this individual was. While Flux may be ignorant and dense to the situation, Cintra most certainly was not, the phrasing of his words and sickly trail of a finger down the triplechanger's face... his tone that nauseating flirty purr that snaked out disgustingly so like toxic sludge.

She would walk right up to them.

"Well, hello! I don't believe we have met!"

Sharply, Cintra's hand would jut out at Starkrieger, perhaps a bit too aggressive in the way it snapped up at him. The elbow was pin straight; all her triangular fingers splayed in a way with a slight crook at the disk joint almost as if 'nails' were being hooked. The underside of each finger was a matte black, evidently some stiff rubber coating, while the palm itself had round edged rectangles that repeated inward with multiple suction cup like bands.

Cintra's limb was held steady, no waver or tremble to it, eyes fiercely staring up at him paired with the same twisted smile from before that may have tweaked up a bit further on one side than the other. Her eyes were unblinking, challenging, orange and magenta optics locked into Starkrieger's own without the faintest of falter or nervousness to be seen. The small lens plates in the center were contracted sharply, pale pinpricks that almost seemed to try to bore into the Seeker's actual soul to try to spear it in half.

The cheerful voice from before continued, yet remained just as disjointed and alien as the rest of her friendly movements.

"I am Cintra! And you seem to be an AWFULLY friendly individual, aren't you?"

[Flux]

The crashing of plates quickly snapped Flux back into reality, and it took him a flicker of a second to realize just what’d happened. Even if he had been paying attention, there was absolutely no way he could’ve stopped himself in time. Walking into the Seeker had been almost inevitable at how quickly he’d turned, and he wondered if the other mech had turned on purpose because he somehow knew.

A gentle twinge of discomfort was felt, and as such, Flux’s gaze would shift downward, and it was then he noticed the claws that’d eased some into his frame. His thick armor plating meant that it was nothing more than a mere annoyance at most, yet he showed no outward signs of agitation, nor did he lash out in retaliation to something that would’ve been instinct from the other mech to stop himself from falling.

He would remain still, a stumbled, muttered stammer escaping his mouth, although no words were said. An attempt at an apology, maybe? This was his fault, after all, even if the other mech had turned suddenly, he’d been the one to walk directly into him.

...Uh.

Why wasn’t he letting go? Why was he laughing at what’d happened? Flux was mortified to the point he couldn’t even begin to find words, how could he begin to apologize if he didn’t even know the other mechs designation? Things like this he would’ve normally backed off in an instant, apologized - or maybe even got annoyed at the other for their role in it - yet there was nothing.

“I- what? No! I just…”

Eager? That didn’t make a whole lot of sense. The left claws tightening against his frame drew his attention, briefly, only for the other mech to ease up and lean in- Flux snapping his gaze back, optics darting to look at the Seekers faceplate, mentally trying to process just what the fuck was happening. Had there been some kind of mistake?

The purred words made him quickly realize just what was going on here. Systems churning as they whirred to life, a rumbled hum of annoyance sounding deep within his chassis. Krieg would not get far in his attempt - the instant the clawed digit was raised and eased forward to the point it made contact, Flux would flinch his arm out almost as if to strike him away.

Only for a cheery familiar voice to catch him off guard.

Any attempt to shove the other mech was quickly forgotten, and the triplechanger seemed to freeze in place, almost as if he’d been caught by Megatron himself. Arm still held awkwardly up, he would slowly lower it to his side, and it was then he would try to distance himself from the Seeker, taking a slow and careful step back, then another. Should Krieg hang on to him during this, however, there would be no attempts to pry him off, nor push him away.

His movements were almost as awkward and stiff as Cintra’s as she made her way closer, and he’d snap his attention to her as she closed the distance between them, wordlessly peering down at her.

He could tell by her overly cheery tone and disjointed movements that something was very wrong here, yet would remain silent - letting the other mech explain things.

Or at least, try to. He was probably dead either way.

[Starkrieger]

The frantic edge to his confusion was, frankly, a nice mix of adorable and amusing. Ah, but finally, there it was, the brawler got it. The Seeker smirked, but didn't entirely disregarding the rumble of annoyance, his digit pausing shy of touching, close enough the warmth in his faceplates registered, so tempting. His claws remained in contact with the Brawler's chassis, but disengaged their grip in his plating. If he was observant, Flux might note the shifting of the flier's weight away, a pede moving back to claim better control of his movements in the click it would take to discover the degree of aggressive that raised arm aspired too. Regardless of their lowered position, his wings twitched, restless, ready.

As with their collision, Starkrieger knew he'd have himself to blame if the fall out overwhelmed him, but similarly, he would not simply resign himself to fate. Where was the fun in that?

A sudden, strained set of vocals sliced through the relatively silent halls. It wasn't just Flux that was distracted, head turning towards the source, he didn't move, not immediately, as he judged distance and her demeanor. The surprise addition sobered the Seeker, and not by a slight margin. The winds had shifted. his field cut off with a snap, nearly as sharp as the narrowing of his optics as they darted along the form of this unknown variable.

There was nothing subtle about this femme. The boldness of her color scheme was only matched by the obvious signals she was giving off. His Instincts likened her to a missile, armed and locked on. Easing his touch from the other mech, Krieg made it that much easier for Flux to put space between them, as he also stepped back. Seamlessly angling to face the new threat, he kept his former target in the corner of his optic. Absently he noted a soft clink at the heel of his right pede, the previously lost cube.

He showed no hint of shame at being 'caught'. His wings slowly rose to a proper height, but remained drawn behind, providing his more valued anatomy some protection. What uncertainty they potentially conveyed was negated by the straightening of his posture, chassis and helm held high with every ounce of Seeker arrogance he shouldn't be able to summon, given what he'd been suggesting to a 'lesser' flier a moment ago. The energon that'd spilled over his abdominal segment certainly should have stifled his sense of pride and yet, Starkrieger had cast the trivial matter aside.

Her strange, conical apparatus moved irradicably, indicating her agitation, hinting at lethal flexibility. The gleam of its armaments were not missed, and prompted an subconscious twitch of his left claw.

Who was this femme?

Small frame, light looking armor, probably specialized in agility. A ground-pounder, he figured, but something else was hinted at in her structure. If he'd come up against anything like her before he might have identified it, but she was too unique. All he knew, he couldn't count on standard tactics with this one. Then there were the spikes, guarding weak points, a deterrent for servo-to-servo engagement.

When she spoke, her tones and words screamed 'woman scorned', the saturation of the 'sweetness' in her voice serving to put him on notice as to how far into the pit he'd sunk himself. He came up with three possibilities a protective friend, someone pursuing heavy-hitter that was offended by possible competition or... the mech's Conjunx. Optics squinting, his derma pressed in a thin line, as his focus shifted to the triple-changer to get a read on him. Clearly, they were familiar, but how familiar?

"I can be." Hints of suspicion slipped into his otherwise conversational tone. She was offering her servo, but he didn't trust it.

If they were Conjunxed, then he was woefully in the wrong, and aiming to provoke her further would be shameful.  Krieg took a short step closer, reaching to accept the gesture, despite the tension starting to bleed out, courtesy of his waning hold on his field. With the shorter range, he kept his arm bent. He likely owed her, but if she intended to pull him into an assault, he was going to make it difficult. His left claw flexed again, the digits methodic in testing the joints.

"He belongs to you?", he asked softly, prioritizing the business between them over reciprocating an exchange of designations.

[Cintra]

Oh Flux... so nervous, trapped in a bad spot... caught red handed flirting with some filthy degenerate with low enough morals to court so bluntly on first meetings... if you could even call such thing 'courting' to begin with. Oh, he had to be innocent! Flux wouldn’t CHEAT on her! He BETTER not cheat on her! He knew better than that and she could forgive his forgetful little ignorance if this slimeball was trying to manipulate! He was sweet as can be! And was backing away knowing he was in a bad spot. Not even a single word was uttered to try to protect this stranger flyer, or explain what happened to diffuse things.

Good.

He was smart.

Cintra's hand flexed a bit further as Starkrieger reached his out, before firmly grasping hold as if trying to assert herself for some business dealing. Her grip wasn't the strongest, she certainly wouldn't do any damage, but it was clear she was making an effort to really squeeze down on it. This lasted but a moment however a fleeting second, before her left hand then whipped around violently, clapping over the back of the other mech's. The suction cup that was attached to her palm would engage on the slapping impact, the smaller inner circle clutching down solidly into a quite aggressive hold. This was paired with fingers almost lacing as well, trying to cage and restrain.

Twisting features, a shift from forcibly polite to something else... Narrow brows pulled down into a fierce scowl, while the corner of Cintra's mouth had been tugged up into a smile, now swung down into an angry sneer that could not be mistaken for anything but violent ire. Her teeth were grit together, and the finials on either side of her helm pulled sharply back with a slight scraping sound as they sheered against one another like the blade of scissors.

A fast retreat on Starkrieger's part wasn't exactly on the menu.

Hardly a flickered second after Cintra got her grip, she would swing her entire body backwards with a violent heave, aiming to pull the other Cybertronian's bent arm taunt in the process. The moment the joint snapped straight, permitting her weight to pull against the Seeker, the long extrusion from her back would slam down with a violent impact onto the ground. This was not a threatening gesture, but instead was a means to jump herself up into the air, heave her body off the ground and away enough to meet Starkrieger eye to eye.

Then she dropped.

Using the other mech's arm as a 'rope swing', Cintra's legs would snap up and she would aim to ram all of her mass into the front of Starkrieger's knees, and if she couldn’t? She would be happy to hit shins or ankles. Her goal was to keep him from being able to step forward, allowing the momentum from her fall to combo nicely so that he would take a nice violent tumble into the ground.

While one of lighter armor should probably be mindful about being landed on, Cintra didn't really care at the moment, believing their size difference wasn't enough to pitch a fit over. Besides, if he happened to fall atop her during all this? Well, she was pokey enough to make it memorable, and it would be satisfying enough to accept the dents and ache. In an ideal world however, he would strike above her and roll forward from momentum, but life seldom went along the 'ideal' path.

Suffice to say, she didn't give his question the time of day.

((Permission gotten to slightly manhandle))

[Flux]

Flux felt like he should probably warn Starkrieger of what was about to happen. Well, not that he knew for sure, but he did know Cintra. The outstretched servo, that creepily cheery demeanor… yeah, she was pissed. A slight overreaction, but it wouldn’t be Cintra if there wasn’t some sort of flying off the handle over practically nothing.

She was tiny compared to the both of them, yet that did not stop her. Absolutely fearless, and ominously confident - Flux knew what was going to happen. Which was why he knew he should probably try to stop things before they escalated, and yet…

Eh, this would be fun to watch for a bit.

He noted the lack of response to Starkrieger’s question, quirking a brow. A gentle easing of his weight as Cintra’s finials pulled back. This was where he should probably step in if he were going to do so, scoop her up and carry her under his arm and depart, or lift and swing her around so she had no choice but to sit up on his shoulder. Get her out of harm’s way, out of a possible range of a retaliation strike, but he hoped his presence alone would be enough to deter anything too vindictive or rough from the other mech.

Cintra’s movements, her reaction to this whole incident hopefully answer enough to the question that’d been asked - as over the top and completely unwarranted the response was, anyway. As they’d not been here in Blackridge long, he didn’t really want to get off on the wrong foot with folks, yet here they were.

He watched, quietly. A rumbled hum of a vent escaping him as he watched Cintra make her assault on the Seeker. A large servo lifting to smear tiredly down his faceplate. An indication no doubt that he’d laid witness to many an attack on someone by the tiny femme. Some for similar reasons, others for even less. Lowering his servo back to his side, he would flex his squared digits before curling them loosely.

He wouldn’t step in, nor say anything - not yet, anyway. If this turned into a full-blown fight he would absolutely move in to break them up, but for now, he was quiet, watching Cintra defend his honor - or protect her ‘property’ (he wasn’t sure) - even if it wasn’t entirely needed.

[Starkrieger]

Krieg’s sparkpulse spiked, along with the tension in his frame. It was likely a trap. He was so certain that when she didn’t immediately act, he had to override an impulse to get the drop on her first. It wasn't his style to attack without reason, and pointedly dominant handshakes didn’t qualify. Anticipation weighed heavy on him, his optics narrowed, focused on spotting hints of what she would do, until finally she acted.

He didn’t move as she lashed out, even as contact was made.

What in the Pit? What did that accomplish?

It took the Seeker less than a click, a twitch response from the slap was just enough for him to register it. She was stuck to him. His left servo stilled, poised, ready to see how far the little femme intended to take this.

Except he wasn’t.

Pulled by her momentum, the reflexive choice was to step forward. Only for the slam of that appendage to flip the playing field. Mere clicks to decide. Forward and he might contain her, but be at mercy of the Brawler. Could he bet on the big guy staying out of this if things got dicey? Would a side step create a potential for her to swing round and close in on his flank? His back potentially exposed to her, or definitely exposed to Flux, time to gamble.

Plan B, the Seeker slid to his left as Cintra closed in. His arm tensed to try to reduce her speed, as he pivoted. It'd probably dislocate the joint, reinforcing for that direction of strain never a priority. A small price to pay. His wings snapped down tight against his backstrut, trying to avoid a collision as she swung inward.

Not enough time, she clipped his shin, adding to the spin while forcing his weight to one side. Shifting on a single pede, he tried to slide with the turn, struggling for control. Losing his balance, he bent a knee, dropping to it to stop his movement. His left palm hit the floor flat, claws grating against stone as they vied for purchase to restrict the strain to his chassis. His remaining leg slid behind with the natural momentum, useless unless maybe she fell over it. If Cintra didn’t change directions, a sharp intake and a slip of strained vocals would accompany the abrupt halt of his overextended limb . It’d pop out alright.

Son of a Glitch.

It had been a mistake, he knew it immediately. He should have taken a full fall on his back. The impact might have blinded him briefly, but his wings would have been guarded, a limb free to act. Instead his armament side was supporting him, his servo was still captured, possibly of questionable use. For a click he would be vulnerable.

[Cintra]

Orange eyes watched with unblinking focus as the crass Seeker was pulled forward, trying to pick up on how he was moving in order to piece together just where he was going to fall in some way or another. She had to be rather attuned to others movements to an extent out on the battlefield to try to avoid being barreled over in this war, and while it was no life-or-death stake right here, it wasn't something that was easily turned off. Thankfully, Starkrieger had sidestepped and tried to spin enough that he wasn't going to land on her at the cost of pain to himself, which had mixed results in her rage triggered processor.

Was he trying to save her!? Was he being all chivalrous to not fall on and hurt a small little femme!? That disgusting mech was looking down at her! How dare he pull his punches just because of what she was! She didn't need to be babied!

Yet, this was also very appealing. It meant she didn’t need to twist her hip some to try to aim the joint spear up, and it meant she wouldn’t have to deal with a minor injury. What was better than this though was seeing the aftermath of what she thought was a kind attempt and how it failed him. Awkwardly twisting like some kind of foolish startled animal...

Hearing the joint make an unpleasant noise as its range of motion bottomed out was the icing on top.

Keeping her suction-cupped grip, Cintra crooked her frame along with his fall to keep her front angled in his direction, while her right leg closest the ground slid up with a grate against the stone flooring. With a wrench of her hip, and a pull on his entrapped limb, the pink femme swung her mass up onto her shin, before pushing up and ramming her left ped down onto the ground with an angry thunk on his opposite side.

For a fleeting second she stood above him blotting out the light from the ceiling behind her helm, grin growing ever broader, creating an unsettling look of obsession when paired with her unblinking gaze that seared bright in the stone caged base.

"SO. What does the boyfriend thief say?"

The second after she asked this question, Cintra would heave her torso forward roughly, throwing her body weight into the other Cybertronian's arm to try to turn the unpleasant sound the joint made a moment prior into a REALLY unpleasant sound. This movement would also have the nice enjoyable boon of making him HOPEFULLY answer her question with what she expected would be a whiney cry of pain. It would be oh so satisfying to hear, and the aftermath would be so incredibly enjoyable. In her mind she felt that he would now KNOW to not look down upon her as a non-threat, and that he would then KNOW to leave her mech alone.

If he so much as glanced at Flux wrong from this day forward, she would be sure to try to remind him of the poor choice.

Overkill? Yes. But it would not be Cintra if she didn't take these things incredibly personally. She put her spark and soul into most of what she did, and when that combined with her horrifically vindictive, jealous, and aggressive self? It resulted in what was happening right here and now where she wanted to make an impression that STUCK. She just knew she had to act fast before Flux got all goodie-goodie stick up his tailpipe and tried to stop her from 'making a mistake' or 'being too mean' or trying to remind her that 'he was a teammate' or whatever other nonsense he tended to spit out in these situations.

[Flux]

Flux would remain standing where he was. Content to observe, this was not his fight - and while deep down a part of him knew Cintra was overreacting, he was sure that this would be over in a matter of moments.

Be that because the Seeker quickly put her into her place and he had to step in to protect her, or because Krieg backed down entirely at seeing how psychotic she was over something that was (he felt) so insignificant.

He watched curiously as the other mech seemed to be doing everything in his power not to attack back. He didn’t lash out in the defense, nor pull any weapons with intent to harm. While he was sure his own presence had something to do with that, after all what mech would be stupid enough? It was awkward to watch.

Fueled by rage, Cintra seemed faster - and stronger - than the mech she was attacking, and Flux could only wince as claws grated against stone as he lost his balance. The overextended limb angled awkwardly made an horrific noise that seemingly echoed throughout the stone corridor.

Surely Cintra would declare victory now, she’d hurt him, and usually that was enough to get her to stop. The gloating he expected.

What happened next? He didn’t.

“CINTRA!” a booming yell of frustration, he took a slow and steady step forward - closing the distance between them, though did not fully step in to wrench her away from the fallen Seeker. He did not get annoyed at the tiny femme often, even with her temper and mannerisms, yet she was simply going too far and he couldn’t stand and watch.

“You’ve made your point.”

While he was sure she would get angry at him for hopefully putting an end to her fun, there was no honor in any of this. Krieg wasn’t fighting back, he hadn’t even really done anything to deserve this, or at least Flux didn’t think so.

It was time to put an end to this, even if it meant dragging Cintra away.