Carnival Town - Al Johnson

When you see "=======", start the music.

The mech decided to surprise you with yet another of his interesting outings.

At first you weren't sure if you wanted to go, but after some persuasion from his part, you accepted.

Apparently he already had everything planned. He even took some time off from work.

And so you found yourself waiting for him as he entered coordinates into the groundbridge. As soon as it whirled to life, your mech joined you. He offered you his hand, which you happily took, and lead you through the vortex...

================================

Your senses were immediately overwhelmed by the vibrant colours and loud music surrounding you. Purple, gold, green and many other saturations blurred together as people shouted and jigged to a trumpet and bass which made some rhythmic noise on a small stage.

"WHERE ARE WE?" you questioned Megatron above the commotion.

"A PLACE YOU HUMANS CALL 'NEW ORLEANS'," he yelled his answer. Making sure your hand was still securely clasped in his, he started to lead you further into the thick crowds.

Some people wearing colourful, feathery costumes and beads pressed past. You smiled. "ARE WE AT MARDI GRAS?"

Megatron returned the smile, though much more subtly, and nodded. It then became clear to you that he was steering you to the front of the throng. Other attendees were forced to make way as the warlord slipped past- his big size creating a large path, allowing you more than enough space to walk. When the man decided you were far along enough, he helped you to his front so you could see.

You clung to the metal barricades in excitement. The music picked up. Everyone cheered as a carnival float made its way down the road, followed by many more. They all varied. One had a ginormous purple and yellow jester head on its front; another had a girl wearing springtime flowers on her head; furthermore there were some that looked like mythical creatures...

Costumed creatures tossed handfuls of pieces of plastic jewellery out to the crowd. Joining with the cheers, you reached out above you, hoping to be lucky enough to catch one. Megatron did the same behind you, wishing to grab it for you. Some people on the floats flung some beads your way...

...which hit Megatron against the head.

You clasped your hand over your mouth as a flurry of giggles escaped. The man growled, but picked the purple beaded necklace up anyway. Recomposing himself, he held the jewellery out to you, asking permission to put it on for you. You nodded your consent.

Megatron lifted the beads over your head and gently placed it around your neck. His calloused fingertips brushed aside some hair; the feeling of his touch remaining even after his hands returned to his sides.

"Thank you," you mouthed when facing him. He responded with a silent "You are welcome".

The parade continued for another twenty minutes. Each time a float would go by, you would silently hope to receive more beads. This is where Megatron obliged. It was most likely due to his tall stature that he was spotted by the people giving out the necklaces. Soon you had five, each one a different colour or with a different styled bead.

As the event drew to a close, the crowd became thinner, allowing you to move away much easier than when you made your way to the front. Just as you were about to move out to go explore the rest of the festivities, you spotted a young girl. Her face was downcast- disappointment all emotion you could see as she held her mom's hand. Megatron noticed as well. Both of you silently agreed to go see what's wrong.

"Hello," you greeted the pair.

"Hello," the mother smiled. "Are you here for the celebrations too?"

"We are. It is our first time at... Mardi Gras," Megatron confirmed.

"Well, welcome! We've been coming here each year for the past five years. We enjoy the parades, don't we Carla?" The young mother looked down to her daughter who bashfully shook her head.

"I like it... I just wish I could get a necklace too..." She shuffled her little feet on the ground, "but I'm too small. They don't notice me." You felt a small pang in your heart. You had so many...

Crouching in front of the girl, you gave a gentle smile. "Well, I am lucky to have a really tall person with me." You pointed a grin at Megatron who gladly smiled in return. "And he was able to get a lot of attention, so we got a bunch of them. So much, that they're too many for me to wear." You then took one of the necklaces from around your neck and placed it around Carla's.

Neither you nor Megatron ever witnessed such joy before.

"Thank you!" She gave you a toothy smile whilst playing with the string of beads that hung all the way to her tummy.

"You're welcome." You stood up. Carla's mother also gave you a look of gratitude as she took her daughter's hand again and lead her off. As they left, you couldn't help but chuckle at how the girl excitedly kept on asking her mother to look at her necklace.

'It must be nice to have a daughter like that.'

"Not only do you have have a strong will, but a very kind heart." Megatron placed a hand on your shoulder.

"Yeah?" Your eyes never left the spot Carla and her mom stood.

"Yes. They are some of the reasons I fell in love with you."

You immediately turned around. "What?"

The man beamed at you in silence for a moment, then turned around and started walking to some of the nearby French-styled buildings. "I wish to go explore the streets. I hear they have a pastry called 'King cake'. Care to join me?"

You rolled your eyes. Of course he was going to go seek out the sweetest things to eat. "Only if you're buying." You quickly cought up to him.

Megatron smiled and placed an arm around you, making sure that nothing could take you from him. "I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't planning on treating you, my sweet (Y/N)."