Title: Little Wonders

Summary: A frightening accident leaves a certain F-15 fighter jet as a baby sparkling and Optimus has taken him in to raise him. Of course, Megatron finds this to be a perfect opportunity to mold the perfect soldier…

Author's Note: I did this when I was reading this other fanfiction about Inuyasha and Sesshomaru turning into little pups. I just got giddy at the idea of my beloved Starscream turning into a babe. I'm excited about this!

Edit: Some grammatical errors fixed, OOCness fixed and other stuff…enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers.

Chapter 1: Baby-sat

How could have this happened?

It appeared no matter how hard he tried, Prime couldn't sway any narrow Decepticon's mind.

Starscream was stubborn and neurotic when it came to this exact point, and had no intention of leaving even a drop of the precious energon energy behind. Of course, Starscream was never the kind to ever be reasoned with; nevertheless, Optimus found himself getting more irritated and losing his normal persona of a cool, calm leader. What did he think was going to happen? That he, Optimus, would reach opportune levels with that single block of energon (of course, they'd be one step forward) of achieving the ability to defeat Megatron? It was ridiculous – childish, really, to quote the humans. Although Optimus should've known better, he couldn't help but find himself become aggravated by such behavior.

Even after Optimus had shot the Decepticon down (leaving a rather nasty cut on his side) Starscream refused to let Optimus keep it, even for the sake of his own health. For a – once again, everyone – single block of energon. Would it have killed him to leave it behind? He probably would be killed by trying to retrieve it again. The other Autobots were all the way still at the oil rig that Megatron and his cohorts were still occupying; Optimus, Sunstreaker, and Sideswipe had gone after Starscream for the sake of the energon. If they could have the amount they stole, then it would be a serious advantage to their proceedings to get off of this planet and protecting the humans. Skywarp and Thundercracker were already far ahead of their seeker brother; did they not care for their own?

"Let go of this energon, Starscream!" Optimus urged as he pulled.

Unfortunately, Starscream didn't seem to care.

"You let go of it, you slagging pathetic excuse of a leader!" he retorted, jerking the cube back.

"Release it, Starscream!"

"You let go!"

"Never!"

"Slag you, Optimus! It's MINE!" he cried, giving it a final yank.

Optimus grunted it was snatched from his grasp, receiving a surprised Starscream as he collapsed backwards. A flash of light suddenly blinded both of them, illuminating the entire environment for a moment, while forcing Optimus to cover his eyes and for Starscream to drop the energon cube. It spun in the air in almost slow motion, going, going, going… and then, both crimson and sapphire optics watched as it tilted and began descending upon a stunned Seeker.

This was going to hurt.

--

Optimus opened his optics to the sound of a child's wailing.

He had been unconscious for an unknown amount of time, but it was no doubt very short, considering he still felt the desert sun heating up his thick armor, the hard ground beneath him still as uncomfortable as it was hitting it. Moaning painfully, he rose to a sitting position that allowed him to see the surrounding area better. A cloud of dust lay like a blanket over the flat plains and was clearing steadily; no doubt the cause of that energon impacting Starscream and the ground. That had been odd…what was the light beforehand, though? Starscream at this point of time could not be seen, but that sound…

Rising to his feet, Optimus rubbed his head somewhat in an aching gesture. Sighing at the thought of having a wounded Decepticon on his shoulders, he simply decided that if he assisted the young one, it would not settle on his spark forever that he refused to help out someone in need. Funny how Autobot leaders turned out that way. Swiping the dust from the air, though doing as little good as it did, Optimus strode to the place where he had left Starscream last. There appeared to be a rather large dent in the earth, resulting from Starscream's incompetence, and in the middle…

Oh, sweet Primus.

Optimus had something akin to a short circuit the moment his optics settled upon the Decepticon.

Or, should he say, sparkling Decepticon.

The youngling glanced up, bright blue optics – not at all evil or a malicious red, rather as if they had just opened from birth – stared up at the Autobot leader. Optimus felt like he moved in slow motion as he dipped into the crater, all the while keeping locked visual contact with the sparkling. The little one said nothing as he approached, perhaps a bit apprehensive, but did not run away or cry as the blue and red Transformer settled before him. Optimus almost couldn't believe it. Starscream…had been transformed into a sparkling. Uncertain as to actually how, but he had. And one can't deny that he looked so cute! Though the moment was reserved for non-leaders only, Optimus spared it. Starscream had turned into a little sparkling.

For the sake of it, since the little seeker said nothing, Optimus asked softly, "Are you alright?"

The ivory one glanced up at him, big cerulean optics turning over Optimus' spark, before bringing his gaze down to his side in which he clutched tightly with an arm. Uh-oh. Optimus had hit him there in order to drop the energon…and now he was wounded. Cursing himself for such violent methods, Optimus reached over to pry the little one's arm off his side. Vital lubricant seeped out of his body, which still maintained its F-15 Eagle jet form, and Prime closed Starscream's arm around it again. Ratchet would need tending to this, if anything. Opening his arms, the Autobot leader gestured for the Seeker to come to him and said, as gently as he could muster, "Come with me, Starscream. It's okay…I won't hurt you. I'm going to make your scratch feel better."

Though Starscream seemed hesitant at first, shifting his gaze all around the scenery, as if looking for someone, and then turned back to Optimus. Pursing his lips, he meandered to his feet and allowed himself to be taken up by the larger Transformer, not giving a peep of objection or even a grunt. Straightening, the leader walked from the crater before making his way back to the base. As he did so, however, he contemplated why and how Starscream hadn't made a sound thus far. He was a child – children were prone to making sounds in order to show their emotions and the beginning stages of communication. Starscream, thus far, had remained nothing but silent.

"Here, look up for me," Optimus said thoughtfully.

Starscream complied, despite seeming a bit worried, and Optimus leaned forward to check to his if his vocal processor was working. It was, as a matter of fact, perfectly. Not a scratch or even a chip that might've caused it to go offline. So, he was choosing to be mute. But it just didn't make sense. Perhaps it was because he was frightened, which would be understandable. Maybe it was even because of who Optimus was. Though Starscream appeared to remember nothing of their confrontation, or even their relationship, Optimus decided to just risk it by asking, "Do you recognize me, Starscream?"

Turning from staring and holding his side, the toddler gave the other a strange look. It seemed knowing, as if it was just on the edge of his vocalizer, and Starscream bit his lip in thought. Finally, he used a free hand to point to Optimus' Autobot sign.

"Yes, I'm an Autobot," Prime affirmed. Starscream then pointed to his Decepticon symbol, and from that (with a mental sigh) replied, "Yes, and you're a Decepticon."

Starscream nodded slowly, but still looked a bit puzzled. It appeared that he recognized his faction, but that was all it went past as, for he settled his head on Optimus' shoulder with a sigh and went into recharge. For a few moments, things were silent as Prime made his way back to camp. It was broken, however, by the familiar sound of two certain Lamborghinis rushing up behind him, and he turned at Sideswipe and Sunstreaker's approach. They rushed to a halt, transforming as they arrived at his presence. Of course, they were stopped by short by the toddler asleep in his arms, clearly connecting him with Starscream.

Two mouths gaped as they finally came up to him, Sunstreaker saying, "Optimus, is that…?"

"Starscream, yes," the Autobot leader finished for him. "A very young, tired and hurt Decepticon."

"Where is he wounded?" Sideswipe asked, moving closer.

"Right here, on his side," Optimus replied, shifting and allowing the red Autobot a better view. "It's pretty bad, we best go quickly."

The three set off in haste, thankful for the flat terrain for once. Starscream didn't wake the entire time there, despite the fact that Optimus was running. It disturbed him, and he hoped that he hadn't killed the poor thing. It was hard enough that he should leave any person there to die, but having to have it be a sparkling…that was something that would rest on his spark forever and would grant him no respite. At last, however, they arrived at the Autobot headquarters, and Optimus took no hesitation in dashing like the pits to the medical bay. Ratchet was there, thankfully, working on some other ridiculous project when they arrived. Optimus lay the wounded Starscream on the metal bed, receiving a flabbergasted expression from the doctor.

"Ask questions later, Ratchet, he needs help," the red mech requested, gesturing to his wound.

The chief medic didn't take much hesitation either, dropping what he was doing to assist the injured sparkling.

Two hours and whole lot of tension later, Starscream lay bandaged and alive under the bright lights of the medical room. Adolescent optics flickered for a moment, taking in Optimus before they shut down again, once more taking the opportunity to go into recharge. The Autobot leader sighed, smoothing a hand over the little one's head before he murmured, "I don't think he remembers us. Only that we're of different sides, not necessarily enemies."

"We should be thankful for that, I suppose," Ratchet spoke just as softly as he wiped his hands. "I don't think I would like to see Starscream that young and remember us."

"With his attitude? No kidding," Sideswipe remarked, settling his hands behind his head.

"It's very odd, too," Optimus continued, "He's chooses to not speak, even when I ask him questions. He just responded by hand and head gestures."

All three Autobots gave their leader an abnormal look. "That is odd," Sunstreaker added, turning his attention to the toddler. "That doesn't seem like him at all."

"Perhaps not when he was this age," Sideswipe suggested.

Ratchet nodded. "If what Optimus says is true, then he doesn't know any of his present enemies or allies. Megatron or his fellow Decepticons might've changed him to make him the way he is."

Optimus said nothing for a moment, suddenly feeling pity towards the young one. He must've met Megatron when he was very early in his life; the Autobot leader knew well that the silver Decepticon was as ancient as dirt, Cybertron dirt (that's old, mind you), and it wouldn't have surprised him to try and recruit to the youngest age possible. However, seeing Starscream as he was right then, Prime found it hard to believe that anyone would want such bad intentions with someone so innocent and inexperienced. He didn't even look like he'd reached his tenth vorn…

"Are we going to keep him?" Sunstreaker asked, examining the Seeker as if he'd never seen anything like it.

"I can't imagine giving him up to the Decepticons," Optimus replied, "He's just too…"

"Innocent," the other three said in unison.

"Yes, exactly…"

A sudden noise from outside the room distracted them briefly, loud stomps echoing in the halls, loud enough to startle the little one awake. Starscream jolted, shooting his hand over to Optimus' that was on the metal table. Smiling, the Autobot leader enfolded his hands around the little fingers, finding such meaning in the moment. That was, until Bumblebee burst through the door, causing the infant to hurdle into the elder's arms in shock.

"We have injured! Bluestreak, Hound and Prowl! We have…euh…?" he asked dumbly, discovering the certain odd factor in the room. "Who's…? Oh my, is that…?"

"Starscream," Ratchet replied.

"Be more respectful, Bumblebee," Optimus scolded as he held the trembling sparkling, "Ratchet, see to it that we get our warriors healed up."

"Will do, Prime," Ratchet replied with a nod before starting off with a surprised, and rather confused, yellow Autobot.

"We should get him something to sustain him," Sunstreaker then suggested after a moment, "like energon or something."

"Good idea," their leader replied. "Do you think you could find that for me?"

The twins nodded before dashing out of the room, leaving the child and the other by themselves. Starscream was still quivering somewhat, offering Optimus to settle him down by patting his back and crooning to him. He'd never done such a thing to anybody before, lest a child – sparklings were so rare anymore, it almost seemed like a miracle that Starscream, among all his Decepticons, would end up being the one just at the right time (or whatever the circumstance) to become the Cybertronian equivalent of an infant. And Primus, Optimus couldn't deny how cute it was (never mind awkward) that he was holding this little one so close, after he had gotten so startled.

Starscream eventually pushed back on Prime's shoulders, however, and stared up at him, those huge blue optics taking over the leader again. A small hand touched the elder's cheek, as if in recognition, before turning to his Autobot insignia again. Was he trying to figure out where he was? Or who he was with? Maybe…

"You can ask me anything you'd like," Optimus offered, patting him on the back as a reassuring gesture. "I won't scold you or be angry."

The little one paused a moment, continuing to stare while he bit his lip in thought. He then opened his mouth, as if attempting to begin something, when the door clicked open again. Frustrated, the Prime glanced to see who it was when the twins reentered. A cup of purple, glowing liquid was held in Sideswipe's hand, with his brother holding a larger mug of it.

"This is as much as we could take, but it think it'll be enough," Sunstreaker added, coming up to the table.

Starscream, to Optimus' surprise, looked actually relieved and pleased when he saw the familiar neon fluid. Holding out his hands expectedly, the golden Autobot gave the energon to the young one. He gulped it down as if he would never have any again, looking more parched than he had the entire time Optimus was with him. Once done, he held out the cup again, and Sideswipe refilled it, watching with just as much interest as his leader and brother. By the time the little one was sated, he had taken four cups and gently placed the beaker on the table before turning over on his hands and knees, crawling into Optimus' arms. There, he lay against the larger one's shoulder once more, quietly falling asleep.

"Wow, he really likes you," Sideswipe noted while sitting beside the table.

"Yes…" the leader replied as he held the smaller one close, "Which I find to provoke my thoughts."

"What kind of thoughts?" Sunstreaker asked as he took the cup to wash it out.

"Just of how he had become such a neurotic, malicious Decepticon," Optimus stated while stroking the Seeker's back.

"We're not born evil," Sideswipe mentioned as he twirled around in a swivel chair, otherwise amused besides the amazing transformation of Starscream. "I just think that since you're the one who offered him shelter and, indirectly, healed him up, it wouldn't be much of a surprise that he should find you to be a guardian. Don't you agree?"

Optimus nodded, settling back with the little one on his chest. "It still just…baffles me."

"Doesn't it for all of us," Sunstreaker said. "You have to admit, though, he is a pretty cute sparkling."

"I was just thinking that," his brother added.

"I thought that when I first saw him," Optimus remarked.

They all laughed softly, finding the thick irony of the situation. Silence then hung over them, three pairs of optics watching the tiny mech in Optimus' arms. Even in his sleep he was soundless, which didn't ease the leader's worry for the child whatsoever. He had to find a way for Starscream to talk, even if it took him a little while. It was somewhat a frightening subject on Optimus' behalf, since he had never handled sparklings before, and he had to get to the bottom reason to why Starscream was too scared to speak. What could've frightened him so bad to make him take a vow of silence at such a young age? The leader couldn't bring up the answers, unless he was abused or, in some way, taught to not talk.

Thoughts were broken, however, as the door opened quietly again, a yellow head poking through. Blue optics stared dumbfounded, obviously Bumblebee, as he walked in again and noiselessly shut the door behind him. "Starscream…" he whispered, walking up to Optimus. "How'd he get like this?"

The twins rested their attention on Prime at this, before the leader sighed. "I…I don't honestly know at this point, Bumblebee. We were practically playing tug-o-war with a block of energon until I let go and he fell back. There was this strange flash of light, then, and the energon exploded…and when I woke up, he was like this. I was actually the one who had hurt him before in his adult body, and he retained the injuries, unfortunately…"

Bumblebee nodded as he continued to stare at the little guy, his interested undivided. It truly was a miracle—he was an attractive baby, and would no doubt receive a great amount of attention from all the Autobots. Would they raise him to be good? Or would the evil planted in him still remain, even though he was turned into a youngling? Optimus begged to Primus to make that not so. Especially not if the leader would become so attached to him…he didn't want to go through the heartbreak to see such an innocent child turn into something so…diabolical.

"Can I hold him?"

The voice once again shook Optimus of his thoughts and he stared at Bumblebee for a moment, seeming to be disinclined to do so, before nodding. If he got too attached, either by keeping the little one for himself or not allowing the other near him, then he would be earning some serious complaints from the Autobots. Opening his arms, the yellow Autobot took the tiny form into his body and held him there, looking comfortable with the infant in his limbs. The picture was actually quite adorable, the two of them and all, and Optimus couldn't help but want to take a still life for the sake of looking back on it later. The idea, however, dismembered when yet again the door opened and a white face poked through.

"Optimus, I know you're busy with the sparkling, but could you help me for a second?" Ratchet asked, his face a bit smudged with lubricant.

The Autobot leader nodded as he rose to his feet, giving one last reluctant look to Starscream before exiting in the hall. Following the doctor down the corridor, Optimus noticed at the end three Transformers leaning against the rock wall as their wounds took a toll on them. The Decepticons had seriously done their damage this time.

"There's a new virus associated with Prowl," Ratchet explained, "I wanted you to check it out before I proceeded to remove it."

"From the Decepticons?" returned the leader.

"I'm…not quite sure. It could be from the organic environment of the planet, but it's something I want you to check out before I resort to sticking my hands into the wrong places," the medical office replied.

Prime nodded as they entered the main control room, reaching the three wounded ones. They sat in front of Prowl, who groaned at them in recognition, before taking a look at his infected leg. It was as if something had managed to melt and score the metal, leaving it wide open and continuing to rust. Optimus stared at it in alarm, realizing that this could very well be a spreadable disease and, therefore, nodded at Ratchet. The doctor filled in the space where the Autobot leader was sitting beforehand, and went to work on his problem.

A wail suddenly cracked the other offending noises, sending a jolt through the room as thoughts were shattered like glass.

Whirling back around to face the hall, Optimus realized a very petrified Sideswipe zooming out of the door and down the corridor. Prime himself was already very aware of what had just occurred, and the Autobot leader took no hesitation to run back to meet them, Bumblebee finally emerging from the medical bay with a very upset Starscream in his arms.

"What did you do?" Optimus asked desperately.

"I did nothing! You left, he woke up and started crying! I swear, I didn't do anything!" the yellow one cried, lifting the poor sparkling up.

Optimus reached out his arms and Starscream immediately reacted, nearly jumping from Bumblebee to the other. Trembling, sobbing, he took hold of the bigger Autobot as if he were just going to just poof into thin air. Guilt immediately weighed on the leader, once again cursing his unknown knowledge for children. Optimus held the little one, cooing and rubbing his back, before Starscream managed to calm down to the point of sniffles, but his clutch on Optimus did not recede.

"What's wrong?" Optimus asked softly, attempting turn the little one's face towards him.

Starscream refused, ducking his head into the elder's neck to hide in complete fear. His grip on the elder was strong, quivering, an obvious sign that he probably thought that he was in a dangerous situation with the leader gone. Odd, such a reaction was certainly unexpected…but what could've possibly…? It suddenly dawned on him.

"Bumblebee, you opened the door too hard and you scared him," Optimus then scolded, "Now I understand why he was so afraid."

The yellow one started, attempting at his defense, only to then drop his head in defeat a moment later. "I'm sorry…"

Optimus sighed, glancing at Starscream who gazed up slightly from his hiding place. Optics moved to where Bumblebee was, just over his shoulder, and the yellow Autobot noticed this, saying gently, "I'm sorry, Starscream. I didn't mean to scare you."

The little one said nothing, simply staring at him for a moment before he gave something akin to a nod and set his head back down on Optimus' shoulder. Well, that offered only more questions…most of them coming from the Autobots who hadn't already met the sparkling as he was. Turning to them, Optimus made a quieting gesture from their abrupt chattering that silenced them immediately, shock springing to their faces as they realized the child was a Decepticon. Sighing and realizing he should just get it over with, brought the little one into the view of his colleagues. They stared, baffled, the first one to speak was Sideswipe. "Isn't he cute?"

Collective nods, some of them distant from distraction, came from around the room as Optimus knelt in the middle. Starscream glanced around warily, looking at each and every one of them with apprehension. Why was he so afraid of them…? Did he recall that at one time they may have wanted to harm him, and that's where he received such fear? Perhaps, but the statement couldn't be backed up, for Starscream opened up a little, simply resting on Prime's lap as he took in all the blue optics around him. He said nothing, his optics still a bit moist from the earlier encounter, but still seemed to be curious, if not a little wondered, about the Autobots around him.

"Do you recognize them, Starscream?" Optimus asked, wondering if he would find the same connection of all of them being apart of the same group.

The sparkling paused a moment, taking a glance around before he gazed back at the leader, once again pointing to the sign of the Autobots. Then he moved a pointed finger all around the room, and then once again moved his attention back to the Autobot signal. Prime nodded with a smile. "Yes, they're all Autobots. Good job."

At this, a smile suddenly brightened the baby Decepticon's features, and in turn made Optimus beam back as well. Then, all to their surprise, Starscream wiggled from the leader's grasp, walking proudly over to a few empty metal boxes. Tapping his lip in thought, the little one then pushed three boxes before the group, grabbing Sparkplug's marker (before running away from the humanoid, of course) and placing a '1' on the largest box, and '2' and '3' on the smaller ones. With his finished work, Starscream then clambered onto the largest box and pointed at Optimus.

"Leader," Bluestreak suddenly piped up. "He knows you're the leader."

"Or a father," Wheeljack added.

Starscream nodded enthusiastically, clapping his hands together for emphasis. From there, he then took his place on the second box, pointing at himself.

"And he's the second-in-command!" Hound exclaimed. "Or, er, the son…"

Once again, the little one clapped and nodded, obviously enjoying how they were able to understand him quickly. Finally, he leaped down upon the third box, shifting a hand so that it took in all the rest of the Autobots.

"Ouch," Sunstreaker muttered, "We're last."

From his reaction, Starscream then returned with a soft laugh, smiling as he did so. All the Autobots jumped in surprise, as they were used to Starscream's evil chortle rather this sweet, gentle laugh. Optimus smiled deeply from his reaction, thinking of the possibility that he was more for showing his intentions and emotions rather than speaking of them. It was an interesting concept, but Optimus didn't find himself regretting it. "You're very intelligent, Starscream," he said instead, opening his arms, "You did wonderful."

The sparkling laughed again, running to his arms and giving the leader a huge hug. A collective 'awwww' sounded in the room, adding for yet another sweet moment. How could such a malicious Decepticon come from this lovable, expressive little one that seemed to enjoy other's happiness rather than scold on it, which his adult figure once did? Optimus almost didn't want to find out. Half of it was no doubt due to the war. This little child, thrust into a situation of death and pain and hurt, despite his lectures on how 'exciting' it was. Did he want to sacrifice happiness, and love and joy for the sake of 'excitement'? Optimus couldn't find himself believing that.

At least for now, he could trust himself to enjoy these moments. Children are what brought the beauty into this world…

"Hey… What should we do when Megatron finds out about this?" Ironhide suddenly brought up.

Oy vey.

--

A/N: This turned out really well for a first chapter! Read and review, please!

A big thanks to my beta reader, Jason M. Lee. He's such a big help! I would probably die without him. :nods: Much hugs!!