Starscream flinched violently and quickly looked away from Steve. "...Carry on, soldier." He said offhandedly, though his voice held emotional and physical pain.
Steve's whole frame started to shake, he wanted to break down for not being with Starscream to watch over him. There was no doubt that it was Megatron who had inflicted such scratches to the beautiful Seeker. "S...Starscream!" Steve ran up to him, and held him. "W-what happened? Knockout, Breakdown, help!"
Starscream swallowed thickly, wincing slightly in pain. "...I'm sorry, Steve... I didn't want it... Not from him..." He weakly attempted to pull away from the Eradicon, whimpering softly.
Steve was confused, not knowing the assault yet. "W-what do you mean? He always beat you, of course you wouldn't want it! Has he lost his mind? He's already broken your wing-why did you order me to come here?" Steve was heartbroken, and angry.
Knockout and Breakdown came out, helping Starscream into the medical bay.
"I wanted to be sure you... weren't hurt." It was the truth. He sent Steve to the sick bay to get looked over for injuries from his fight with Arcee. Starscream sat on the berth and winced again, his ankle dangling almost uselessly, his snapped wrist close to his torso.
Steve couldn't control himself and slapped Starscream out of worry and frustration, he choked at the tears that fought to escape his optics from under his mask.
"You slagger!" He screamed, surprising the medics in the room. "It's yourself you should be worried about; look at you! I should have been there, to take your place!" Then upon realizing that he had raised his voice and inflicted harm on his Commander, Steve sobbed, "I-I'm so sorry, Commander! I didn't... mean..."
But all the Seeker did in response was smile at him. Knowing Steve was worried made him happy. "I've been through far worse, love... I'll be alright..." Tears fell from his eyes. But he still wore that smile. A sad, pained, knowing smile.
"K-knockout and Breakdown will fix you, you'll all be better by tomorrow." Steve sniffled, "Y-you'll see. I'll be right here, I won't leave at all." He reassured as Knockout got straight to work, asking Starscream to lie down as he plugged him in to go to stasis.
Starscream nodded and took Steve's hand with his uninjured one and lay back on the berth, closing his eyes as he relaxed. "If Megatron comes by, leave and return later... That's... An order..."
Steve went to shake his head, but ended up nodding and squeezing Starscream's hand. He just wanted the Seeker to get some rest and get better.
Starscream's chest began to rise and fall slowly, indicating that he was in stasis. Now and again, he would flinch in pain.
The next morning, Steve found himself somewhere he didn't expect to be; at the bridge sitting on a chair in front of the controls. When he stirred and tried to get up, Soundwave stopped typing on the panel and faced him. Steve made a squeak and stayed sitting. "I-I must've been sleep walking, err, officer Soundwave. It won't happen again."
"Don't mind him, soldier. I asked him to bring you here..." That voice, the voice that only belonged to Megatron. Oh no, what's happening? He looked at his wrists, finding them free from any straps. That was strange; what's going on?
Starscream stirred and groaned, sitting up with a wince. "Steve...?" He murmured, looking around. Panic filled him when he noticed the Eradicon's absence. "Steve?"
One of the Eradicons standing by perked up from his post and stepped into the sick bay, "He's at the bridge sir, along with the rest of the Commanders."
Starscream jumped off the berth and pushed the Eradicon aside, running towards the bridge.
"It seems that we've come across a problem," Megatron turned the chair to face him and Steve sunk into it.
"P-problem, my lord?"
"Yes, a problem."
The bridge door opened and the Seeker bolted in, freezing when he saw Steve in front of Megatron. "Wh-...What's going on here?" He snarled, trying to sound confidant.
Megatron turned to face the Seeker with a frown. Pulling Steve to his feet, he pushed the Eradicon towards Soundwave, "If you had been present earlier then you wouldn't be asking any questions. Bring the weapon." He told the other guards who hurried off.
Knockout pulled Starscream back, "Wait, listen."
"Knockout what's going on?" He hissed at the red mech. "Please tell me it's nothing serious..." Was Steve in danger?
Knockout tugged him back again, whispering, "Just look. Look, Starscream."
The weapon was brought in, the artifact that Steve had retrieved from the fight yesterday. The Eradicon stared at it as Megatron said, "Pick it up."
Steve looked at Soundwave, then at Megatron and shook his head. "I-It's not my place to hold such an artifact my lord-"
"I said pick. It. UP!" Megatron snarled, and Steve jumped, picking up the weapon. "Now activate it." The tyrant ordered, and when Steve refused, he barked it again.
Steve held it at arms length and the relic transformed. "I... I don't understand." The Eradicon said.
Starscream was still afraid. "Why..." Something nagged at him but he tried to calm down, praying nothing bad would happen.
"You are not meant to." Megatron snatched the relic away and tried to transform it himself, but it wouldn't budge. He growled and dropped his arm that was holding the artifact and frowned up at Steve. "How is it that you have the ability to activate this relic and I cannot?"
Steve shook his head, "I-I don't know. May I please go n-now? Oh!" He was picked up and thrown onto the control, pain coursing through him as he took Megatron's hand that was forcing him down out of habit. "M-my lord, please..."
"You're hiding something, aren't you? Hm?" Soundwave stood by and watched.
Starscream couldn't stand by and he lunged at Megatron, pulling his arm back. "My lord stop! Please!"
Soundwave tore Starscream away from their master and struggled to keep the Seeker down, trying to force the Second in Command to his knees.
Megatron who was paying no attention nor did curiousity strike him as to why Starscream would be a saving a simple drone, kept at his attack, demanding to get an answer. "Only a Prime can wield the ancient weaponry of the Thirteen if they even existed, and you know something!"
Steve kept shaking his head, catching Starscream's optics at his desperate attempt at escape. "I don't know! I don't-" the pressure wasn't leaving and he blurted. "Ancestor!"
Starscream's optics widened. Ancestor? He glared at Soundwave and jerked away from him, stepping up to Megatron as silence settled around everyone.
So the Primes existed, and Primus, Steve even had trouble believing it. His parental units have always warned him of his ancestors but he never listened and now, well, he may pay the price since they were obviously real.
Megatron's glare disappeared, but his voice was still stern and demanding. "Which one?"
Steve whispered something.
"I can't hear you, drone."
"... Solus Prime."
Megatron let Steve go then and the Eradicon fell to the floor, looking up his master. Megatron stared. "The weaponsmith."
Starscream dropped beside Steve and glared at Megatron heatedly, wishing his glare would cause the Decepticon leader to combust in a rain of metal and energon.
A moment later, Megatron returned the glare after his daze. "You are to watch over this drone, my Second until I can coordinate a strategic plan to eliminate the Autobots. And don't get any ideas while he is under your watch." Megatron scoffed, and strode off. Steve stood and quickly left, refusing to look at Starscream.
The Seeker raised a servo and reached for Steve before standing and following after him, throwing the relic at his leader before he left. "Steve!"
Steve shook his head and turned down another hall, wanting to get away from the world. What must Starscream think of him now? He was even more of an outcast now.
Starscream grabbed Steve's arm and pulled him to him. "I was... so worried..."
"Were you?" Steve snatched his arm back, angry at himself. "You must think I'm a spawn of some monster now! If I hadn't touched the weapon... hadn't chased after that femme, this wouldn't be happening. I'm a monstrosity!"
Starscream shook his head. "No... No you're not... I was terrified Megatron was going to kill you... I could care less if you're a Prime's descendant!"
"... You don't." Steve stared, and at that he pushed Starscream against a wall and kissed him.
Starscream grunted softly and returned the kiss, wrapping his arms around the Eradicon.
They fought lovingly with each other, Steve cupping Starscream's face and forcing his way into the Seeker's mouth. He gave a moan, and grinded himself against the Commander.
His claws traced the plating of Steve's back, humming softly as his fans cycled slowly.
"Q-quarters... your quarters." Steve whispered, pulling Starscream in the general direction and never breaking the kiss.
Starscream reluctantly pulled away and quickly entered his quarters, slamming his door shut.
Steve stumbled back onto Starscream's berth, pulling the Seeker on top of him, careful to not let his servos brush against the still healing wing.
Starscream groaned quietly, lowering his helm to kiss and bite Steve's neck.
Steve instinctively wrapped one leg around Starscream, never having been bitten at his neck so lovingly. He let out a broken gasp, and arched his back.
"Steve..." He purred affectionately, kissing him again. He felt so happy with the Eradicon.
Steve clicked open his mask and get the plating aside, wanting to see the face of his lover without the visor. "Starscream...?" Would it be too soon to ask? He wanted to know.
"Y-yes?" He murmured in reply, nuzzling him lightly. "What is it, Steve?"
Steve tried to keep his voice as serious as it can be, but the fear was also there; fear of being rejected and that would be the end of his relationship Starscream. He placed one hand on the Seeker's chest, "I... I want us to become one... only if you want t-to."
"You..." His face flushed darkly. "You.. wish to bond with me?" He never thought he'd want to give such a thing to a foot soldier. But he smiled. "Yes... I want to..."
Steve suddenly panicked, despite Starscream's consent. "W-we don't have to... I was just asking... I just..." He stared into the Seeker's eyes and said, "I love you." He always did; but he never said it until now.
Starscream felt his spark race. "I... I love you too... I want it. Please... Bond with me, Steve..."
"A-and your wing... we'll struggle, and I... I don't want to hurt you. You're still recovering." Steve was beginning to get worried, his spark pounding by now. Starscream loved him too, and Steve loved Starscream too much that he was afraid of harming the Seeker himself.
"If you want... We can wait until my wing heals completely... Only a few days..." He suggested, embracing the Eradicon.
"Yes, I would rather wait." Steve smiled, returning the embrace and sighing, letting all of his worries wash away.
Starscream curled beside Steve, kissing him softly as he cuddled against him.
"How are you feeling," Steve stroked the slender claws that was Starscream's.
"Aching, but fine otherwise..." He replied, resting his head agaisnt Steve's chest.
"..." Steve was quiet as they continued to lay on the berth, until a knock on the door startled him. He looked at Starscream, and back at the door.
Starscream jumped and motioned for Steve to hide before standing and walking to the door. Once he made sure Steve was hidden, he opened the door.
It was Soundwave, and he was standing there silently. He cocked his head to one side and then the other, looking around Starscream's room. "... Heard: noise." He clicked.
"It was just me. I'm still in pain, Soundwave. When I laid down, I started aching again." He said with a straight face.
Soundwave remained where he stood, and played another message, "Eradicon: discovered." He let that sink in before saying, "Inform: Megatron."
Starscream panicked and grabbed Soundwave's arm. "No! Don't tell Megatron anything, please! I'll do anything you want, just don't tell him!"
Soundwave slapped the Seeker's hand away with his feelers, and he turned with a hiss. "Loyal: only to Megatron."
"Soundwave, no! Please!" Starscream followed after Soundwave, leaving Steve in his room.
Steve scrambled to get up when Starscream left, following the Seeker not far behind. Soundwave strolled down the hallway, ignoring Starscream's plea.
Starscream didn't want Megatron to find out. He'd kill Steve. Feeling he had no other choice, Starscream tackled Soundwave, digging his claws into the intelligence officer's shoulders.
Soundwave was caught by surprise and he writhed, feelers flailing about as he hit the ground. He couldn't deploy Laserbeak, and he knifed Starscream with one of his arms, wanting to be released.
Starscream cried out in pain but refused to let up, wrapping his hands around Soundwave's throat.
Soundwave actually panicked; as if he had enough accidents in his life time, one being his damaged voice box. Primus knows his voice strains everytime he speaks, but for it to be actually taken away. He jabbed at Starscream again, becoming aggresive.
Steve was quietly making his way into the next hall and was horrified at what he saw. "Sta-C-commander, stop!" He didn't want to blow their cover, and ran beside the officers.
Starscream winced and squeezed tighter. "Stand down, drone." He ordered, panic in his voice. He raised a claw and slashed Soundwave's mask, leaving five neat lines.
Soundwave whimpered. He could feel the Seeker's claws digging into his neck and damaging his voice box even further, maybe even beyond repair after this was over. "R-requesting: assistance!" He cried, looking for the drone.
No matter what he did, Starscream latched on even tighter. When the Seeker slashed at his faceplate, Soundwave let out a cry by his own voice and his servos went to his faceplate, air vents cycling rapidly, feelers falling limp as he whimpered. He couldn't see, Primus! He could not see!
Steve stared at Starscream in horror, "W-what have you done?" He rushed to them.
Starscream eventually released Soundwave and jumped to his feet. Fear made him run. He ran as fast as he could, away from Soundwave. Away from Steve. What had he just tried to do?
Starscream was gone before Steve could stop him, and the Eradicon quickly called for Knockout and Breakdown. The soldiers that were working nearby simply stared at the fallen officer and watched as Soundwave got up, feeling his way through the halls. He was too busy hurting to hold any grudges on Starscream.
Yet.
Just as Starscream thought he was free, Megatron stepped out from a corner and caught his arm twisting it while pushing the Seeker against the wall. "Just where do you think you are going? Certainly nowhere, not after you inflicted damage to my most loyal servant!"
Starscream hissed and panicked, his brain no longer processing friend and foe, merely running on instinct. His wings twitched wildly, his free hand lashing out at Megatron, trying to attack him.
Megatron reeled away from the claws and forced Starscream's other hand down, "Clearly you are malfunctioning, perhaps the hook will give you sometime to think." Taking the Seeker, Megatron dragged Starscream towards the brig.
Starscream kicked and fought, refusing to comply with his master. He struggled to flee, whimpering in terror.
The door slid open and the room was dark upon the first few steps of Megatron and Starscream, however, there was a static noise and the hook hummed to life, the empty cuffs whirling with electricity as if the forgotten torture device was delighted again to see its master.
Megatron fought with Starscream, and lifted the Seeker up, putting the locking the cuffs on his wrists and letting him hang there as he stood back. "After I finish tending to the mess you've left Soundwave as, I will come back to 'discuss' this unfortunate event. It was no doubt that Soundwave wanted to tell me something very important, otherwise you would have never taken such lengths."
The Seeker whined softly, trying hard to calm down once Megatron left him. He was trapped. He couldn't protect Steve. Starscream's spark pounded and he began to cry. He knew everything would fall apart when Soundwave told Megatron. It was over.
