Thundercracker woke with a start, the sound of thrusters having a purpose walking into Skywarps small resting room, their click, click, click sounding extremely loud in the silence.
Lifting his helm to see who the newcomer was he was face to face with his Air Commander and he instantly straightened from his slightly hunched position over Skywarp.
He felt reluctant to release his grip on the black and purple seekers servo, but knew he had no claim on the comatose seeker, the Air Commander however had in more than one way.
Lowering his gaze to the floor he blushed slightly.
"Air Commander." He managed to mumble.
Narrowing his optics, Starscream studied the other intensely.
Thundercracker could feel the tension grow in the room as Starscream remained silent and he fought to not lower his wings in submission.
He had done nothing wrong.
Sure about that? An annoying voice in his mind asked smugly. You have been neglecting your duties the last few orns hanging around your crush. A crush, mind you, that belongs frame and spark to your dear Air Commander.
The words said by his subconscious voice stung.
It was true.
He had no right at all to stake any claim on Skywarp even if the black and purple seeker had showed just a slight of interest. It was all up to Starscream to decide who should finally complete his trine formation. The spot on the Air Commanders right had been open for hundreds of vorns, every candidate found unworthy or unable to keep up with BOTH Skywarp and Starscream.
Starscream silently chuckled at the blue seekers inner turmoil.
Then he let his gaze travel the prone frame on the berth, his servo gently caressing a black wing.
"Come back to me Sky. Please." The Air Commander breathed too low for anyone to hear and he fought to hold back the tears fighting to burst from his optics. It didn't do to fall into pieces in front of ones subordinates.
His optics returned to study Thundercracker again, mapping out the blue seekers large sturdy frame.
"Thank you." Starscream finally addressed the blue seeker.
When Thundercrackers helm shot up, Starscream felt his spark throb painfully as their optics locked.