Starscream's Oath

Selena's Promise

Here's another familiar one. This one will be short.

Sorry for being gone so long. Work picked up and I get more hours now.

xxx

(Minutes Earlier)

Voices. On the other side of the door. A heated conversation based on the agitation. Footsteps were heading for the door. They're getting closer. The shadows darted in opposite directions. Bodies pressed to shadowed crevices. Breath was held. The doors opened. Knockout and Selena sauntered out of the decontamination bay. Bluest of artificial optics narrowed. Murder and shock locked to the floating girl with Knockout. The smile she wore. Sincere, hidden contempt, compiled with a warmth. Warmth once solely reserved for three children - now marked for death - was again shared with the blight of the universe. Tin teeth nibbled titanium lips harshly.

How, Selena...The hidden Arcee clenched a fist. How can you...care about the ones...who want to destroy everything? A foolish question. Especially after her everything was already taken.

"Figures Megatron's sick little mind would conjure up a lethal bio weapon..." Selena's scoff faded as she and Knockout vanished down the hall.

Arcee and Bumblebee stepped out of hiding, watching until Knockout and Selena were completely gone. "She looks good for a headcase." Arcee hissed. She couldn't understand it. Do the Decepticons truly make her that happy? What if it's not happiness, but a syndrome tying her to them? Or is it...they help her forget the pain she's enduring?

"Arcee! You and Bumblebee must hurry!" Ratchet broke her focus. "Optimus is running out of time!"

"Right!" Arcee sprinted for the lab. Bumblebee watched her back, blasters charged for the slightest enemy presence.

xxx

(Present Time)

Selena released a languorous sigh. Starscream looked up from leaning on Megatron's lifeless husk. Arms and legs crossed, floating aimlessly on stagnant air, wrenches orbited her head. A very unflattering expression soured her normally charming brow. "Having second thoughts?"

"How can I?" She groaned, her brow knitting sharper. She shot him a contorted glare. "You've yet to explain to me how we're going to convince the faceless one himself to go along with this insane plan of yours."

"A plan you and Knockout willingly agreed to help me initiate." He tauntingly reminded her.

"Call it an injury related oversight." She knocked on her skull. She has faith in Starscream's ability to lead. If not questions his arrogance and pride every step. Nonetheless, it was because of him she began to feel whole again. "It's because of Soundwave's insistence we bothered hooking Megatron up in the first place. We wouldn't be required to construct this subterfuge if he just stayed dead in space."

"Is that a stab at me?" He growled. After all, technically, it is because of Starscream's bungle Megatron lying on the examination table. Yanking the Dark Energon from the gaping hole in Megatron's chest should have ended him. Should have. A failed attempt to send him to Gun Mettle Grave where he would spend the rest of eternity.

"It's a stab at all of us! You and I especially!" She snarled. She was offended he rested blame on only himself. "You and I are at fault for setting him up for the plunge!" Luring Megatron to the volatile Space Bridge to meet his end. "Shortly after, he's discovered alive and kicking! And now," She stomped on the tube to Megatron's spark chamber, boring murderous eyes into Starscream, "For fear of angering Soundwave and the other followers, we have him lying on the examination table! Trying to revive him!"

Starscream released a tired breath. "No need to shout..." He lifted a flat palm to her, "I was there for the whole grueling experience." He edged her back.

Selena resisted the strong urge to break his hand. She moved it aside, nibbling on her lower lip. "Did you ever stop to consider what Megatron will do when and if he wakes up?" No one stays in a coma state forever. One day - tomorrow, a month, or ten years from now - Megatron will walk off that table. "What if, by some miracle, he knows what you did?" She pointed at the dark energon Starscream pitifully hid under the table.

"We shall deal with it when we come to that juncture!" Starscream frothed. Selena rolled her eyes at the half baked response. That meant he was holding onto blind hope Megatron would stay in his sleeping death. One look in his eyes conveyed it loud and clear. He's terrified for the day Megatron rises of that table.

"You know I have your back. From now until the years catch up with me." No matter how many times she says it, she feels it's never enough. "But, Scream, as Lord you need to have the next five moves planned, and five more after that. Any that have supported you are in danger of feeling his wrath, or being...tossed back in the gutter where they were found."

Starscream's eyes widened at her edgy tone. "I would never allow him to touch you." He sternly swore. He meandered around the table, guiding her off the deathless corpse. "Not Megatron, nor one of his mindless followers." He spat at the ground. Ne'er shall his lieutenant...his...companion...be harmed under his watch. "I will see myself is dismantled and used for scrap before allowing any harm come to you." Never again. He traced a finger to the scar from his strike. "It is because of my irresponsibility you've been injured to the brink of death thus far. I'll not have you battered for what is my sole blame."

"But...Starscream..."

"I'll not argue." He curled fingers under her chin, luring her in close to his face. "I'll hear no more protests. It is...non negotiable." He lowered his voice to a husky whir. A pink shade flushed her cheeks. Her eyes twinkled in a dream. That sound...bump-bump...bump-bump...is my heart pounding. "As your Lord," He ran his thumb over her lower lip, "I ask for your faith. Your support. And your steadfast loyalty. Can you do that? For me?"

"But…I..." The pincers at her chin halted the protests she was forbade from saying. He stroked the back of his fingers on her cheek. Deep crimson pools beckoned her answer. She closed her lips, and gave a simple nod.

"Good." A passionate gratitude beamed in his eyes. "I can always count on you. Always..." He trailed off in a whisper. Selena's face heated to cherry. Her heart was aching again. Not in sadness. Something else...entirely. Her thoughts crashed to a halt when fingers pulled her in close. She looked up. Her eyes widened. Cold yet surprisingly warm steel lips met hers, enveloping her in a rapture long forgotten.

Till next time