I did it! I updated all my stories during the vacation! But...school tomorrow...and I don't know when I'll update again. Pray for snow days!


Chapter 11:Torn Down the Middle

When Alexis woke up the next morning, her side ached so bad she thought she was dead. It nearly killed her to roll over so that she was facing Starscream…and she nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw Starscream already awake and looking down at her. And it was like he read the pain in her face when he asked with concern in his voice, "You alright?"

"It's just my side. How long have you been awake?"

"Just a few seconds…I woke up when you were in the process of rolling over," he explained, "Let me see your side."

She shook her head not fancying the idea of him looking at her ribcage…though she had shown him more flesh in the hot tub when she had just her undergarments on…it didn't mean she wanted to show him her side. She wasn't sure if she wanted to see it herself and said, "It's not that bad."

"Did you see yourself try to roll over?" he inquired and propped himself up on his elbow. With his free hand he pulled back the covers from Alexis and then pulled up her shirt…only to see a huge bruise in the shape of the beer bottle. It was green, purple, blue, and black…and Starscream sure didn't like the looks of it.

"He really hit you," Starscream said pulling her shirt back down, "Are you sure you don't have a broken rib?"

"Red Alert said I didn't…it's just a bad bruise."

"Well, you're going to go back to Red Alert if it gets any worse."

Alexis grinned softly not sure how a bruise could get worse unless she hit it again or something. Not too concerned about it though, she snuggled into Starscream's arms and decided to start the morning over as she sighed, "Good morning."

Starscream smiled as he looked down at her and replied, "Morning beautiful." He could tell she was in a good mood…despite the degree of pain she was in from the bruise.

It seemed whatever thoughts she had about Rad had vanished…at least for the moment. And with the news that he was going back down to earth when he was better was definitely enough to lift her spirits. Optimus had told them yesterday that he wanted them to go down to earth and turn in the divorce papers, and Alexis said that they would. Alexis still had knots in her stomach about Rad, she knew she would feel better when he was back on earth and the divorce was through, but there was still the matter of Carlos's death that hadn't been solved. Ever since Starscream had pointed it out to her, she was completely convinced that Rad had been the drunk driver who hit Carlos's car…and his motivation: loss of a promotion and alcohol. It was so tragic in Alexis's eyes…Carlos had been one of her only friends since the transformers had left ten years ago, definitely her closest. And when he died, that was when her world began to slowly rip apart. But now she knew that her world was slowly starting to come back together hopefully, now that she had found Starscream…now that they had each other in their arms. And for the first time in years…she didn't feel old…she didn't feel depressed.

"You hungry, Starscream?" she asked.

"I got to pee," he replied causing Alexis to chuckle, "Do humans have to pee every morning when they wake up?"

"Yes," she responded and decided to end the discussion by asking again, "So…are you hungry or not?"

"I suppose I am."

"Alright, I'll go fix you something to eat," she exclaimed and slowly started to get up from the bed, but Starscream held her where she was.

"I can wait," he stated nuzzling his forehead against hers.

Alexis smiled and knew he was so much better than Rad. Rad had been the superb husband at first…but things just kept getting worse and worse. She was so glad she had Starscream now. It was like a blessing, a prayer answered, a miracle. And she found herself praying that he would stay human…that a way to turn him back into a transformer wouldn't be found…because what would become of them if it did?

She felt a breathe catch in her throat. It was an obvious reality that one of these days…probably sooner rather than later that Starscream would return to his transformer self. And a relationship between her and him could never work then…when he was towering many several feet above her and a different species…a species gifted with limited immortality. They could still die if they killed themselves or someone else managed to kill them. But Alexis was a human…with the gift of mortality and death. She would grow old…she would die…and that definitely wasn't good for a relationship that was supposed to be forever.

Starscream noticed Alexis deep in thought…he felt a sting of pain in his heart when he saw depression creep its way into her eyes. He carefully tightened his grip on her and said, "There's something wrong. What is it?"

She looked up at him and gave a small smile…a faked smile and whispered softly, "I'm fine Starscream."

"I don't believe it."

"Ah, quit worrying about me and help me get out of this bed," she remarked moving to sit up.

"Hold still," he ordered in his raspy voice as he leaned forward and kissed her.

And Alexis melted into his kiss. She would never pass up one of his kisses, no matter how depressed she was. No matter how much she believed a relationship between her and Starscream wouldn't ever work out, she would never, ever reject one of kisses…something she had waited twenty years of her life for.

"If there's a God out there," she thought and prayed, "Please understand that Starscream is the one I love…the only one I ever will. Please understand that I can't live without him…please understand it would mean everything in the world to me if we could be together forever."

And her gem glowed briefly before its light faded away, unseen by either Starscream or Alexis.

Alexis sighed as the kiss soon ended…though it had lasted a couple minutes. Being able to have Starscream like this was Heaven to her. She wanted the rest of her life to be like this…but Starscream hadn't promised her forever…and that thought scared her. She knew that he knew she was going to die a long time before he did…and maybe he was just going to have this little fling with her before he returned to the decepticons…this could all be an act that he was putting on…but that didn't make sense…he had always been terrified of hurting her.

"Still need help getting out of the bed?" Starscream asked snapping Alexis out of her thoughts.

"Well, let's see here," she replied and slowly sat up, with some pain, but it didn't kill her, "I think I'm good."

"No matter," he responded and lifted her in his arms. He walked over to the bathroom where he set her down and said, "Ladies first."

She smiled and shook her head as she disappeared inside the bathroom, shutting the door behind her. She went to the bathroom, then washed her hands and brushed her hair before she exited and said, "You're turn."

He went in the bathroom and shut the door behind him. Alexis headed into the kitchen area of the room where she began to make a small breakfast for her and Starscream.


After breakfast, both Starscream and Alexis got dressed, separately, and then decided to head down to earth and to a family court in Alexis's town to turn in the divorce papers and hopefully end the marriage between her and Rad. In order to do so though, they had to tell Optimus they were going, even though he had already told them to do so yesterday. Thus Starscream took Alexis by the hand after she got the divorce papers and then said to her, "You ready to go?"

"I'm ready as I'll ever be," she replied and tightened her small hand around his.

They walked out of the room together and headed to the command center. Along the way they passed by Rad's room where shards of glass from the broken beer bottle still littered the ground. Alexis shook her head and sighed, "That's got to be cleaned up."

"Let Lori do it," Starscream responded.

"She'll probably cut herself," Alexis protested, not exactly sure how careful Lori was.

"Then let Rad clean it up since it's his fault," he explained and didn't let her stop to clean up the glass. He could tell that she liked to stay clean…possibly organized. Starscream wasn't much of a person for tidiness, so letting Alexis into his life might clean up his lethargic ways.

After they had left Rad's room in the distance, it wasn't long before they came upon the command center. The two giant doors parted as they got close and the two of them walked inside to see Optimus and some of the other autobots there. Not letting go of Alexis's hand Starscream suddenly piped up to get the leader of the autobots attention, "Optimus! We're heading to earth."

Optimus looked down at them and said, "Nice too see you too, Starscream. Alright, I'll see you two later…try to stay out of trouble."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Starscream asked and then saw Alexis smiling.

She exclaimed, "Let's just get going."

And her and Starscream left the room and headed towards the exit of the base. The decepticon second in command withdrew his hand from Alexis's and wrapped his arm carefully around her, wary of the bruise that was on her side and probably extremely tender to the touch. As they approached the exit, Starscream wondered, "Are we going to do anything on earth besides go to that family court place?"

"I hadn't made any plans."

"Good, then you're free," he smiled and then added, "We'll find something to do to keep ourselves away from these wretched autobots."

"Whatever happened to your respect for Optimus?" Alexis questioned.

"That's a good question. It must have died along with me."

Alexis looked up at him with a stern look in her eyes, "Don't even joke about that."

Starscream avoided her gaze and knew she was right. It hurt her to hear him joking about his death…especially since twenty years later she still hadn't gotten over it…despite that she had Starscream in her arms right now. She rested her weight against him, hoping that she wasn't too heavy to knock him over, but he stood tall, without wavering. Sometimes she felt so weak compared to him. Sometimes she wished that she could be just like him…do whatever she wanted without a care in the world. But she was Alexis. Twenty years ago she had had a spitfire attitude and was fearless, spoke her mind, was bright, friendly, and kind…now she was terrified…a pushover, weak…and she didn't know what to do. And it was all she could do to keep herself from bursting into tears right now…all she could do to keep walking and waking up in the morning…all she could do to keep herself alive. And other than Starscream, she wasn't sure what else was willing her to live, other than possibly her friends.

Starscream heard Alexis sigh suddenly and he could tell that depression had its strong grip on her again. Whatever was bothering her, he could tell she didn't want to talk about it. Somehow, he wasn't sure how, but he had to get her to tell him everything that was bothering her. It ate at his heart not knowing what was troubling and what was causing her to feel so depressed. All he wanted to do was help her…save her…love her. And he couldn't help her or save her if she didn't open up to him…perhaps she didn't trust him. Starscream turned that thought over and over again in his mind. Perhaps she didn't trust him as much as he thought she did. Obviously he was a decepticon, but what else had he done to not fully gain her trust? He had given her comfort and protection from Rad, he had kept her from the decepticons, he had taken her flying, he had loved her…but what else did he need to do?

They arrived at the exit of the base and Starscream knew immediately what they were going to do after they went to the court. He turned to Alexis and said, "Are you ready to end whatever it is you had with Rad?"

"Oh like you wouldn't believe."

He smiled and opened a dimension gate. Alexis stepped through first, and Starscream followed after her. They ended up inside her home on earth…the house Alexis now loathed to pieces and wished the condemned building would just burn. Starscream followed her out of the house and into the garage where there was a silver car. Alexis pulled out some car keys, which Starscream hadn't seen her grab and was prompted to ask, "Just how far away is this place?"

"Not fair, but too fair to walk," she explained opening the driver's door and climbing behind the wheel.

Starscream hesitated outside the front passenger door. He had never ridden in an earth vehicle before…let alone a car. It was either warping or a spaceship…never anything that didn't involve flight. Slowly he opened the door and sat in the seat. He shut the door and glanced over to Alexis who was frowning.

"What?" he questioned.

"We're not going anywhere until you put on your seatbelt."

"You mean it doesn't come down automatically?" Starscream questioned looking for the seatbelt.

"Nope," she answered and watched as Starscream continued looking for the seatbelt. She then realized he wasn't looking for some leather strap, but a metal restraining bar. Holding back a chuckle she said, "Here." And proceeded to lean over him and grab the seatbelt that was meant to buckle him in. She froze when she felt his hot breath on her neck.

A hand found her waist and then an arm slid around her, pulling her against the humanized decepticon. She felt her breath catch in her throat when she felt a hand nudge her to look up at Starscream…only to see his thin, pale-pink, and beautiful lips curl into a smirk before they met hers.

Starscream made the kiss a powerful one right away…and he demanded entry moments after their lips had touched. Alexis didn't deny him and let his tongue glide through her parted lips into her mouth where he tasted everything. He ran his tongue over her teeth, as far back into her throat as he could, he cheeks, the roof of her mouth, under her tongue, everywhere. And then his tongue lashed out against hers in a ferocious dance for dominance…and it stayed that way until both were satisfied and pulled away.

In a fog and dazed, Alexis fumbled with Starscream's seatbelt and finally heard it click. Relieved when she did, she sat back in her seat and with a shaky hand managed to buckle her own. She paused briefly to let some of the effects of the kiss wear off before she put the car in reverse and backed out the garage and into the street. Putting the car in drive, she headed down the street towards town. Starscream sat back, rather enjoying the ride and being able just to sit back and do nothing for once…but his moment of piece was interrupted a few minutes later when Alexis pulled into the driveway of the family court building. Alexis looked to Starscream and asked, "You want to wait here, or do you want to come in with me?"

"I'll come."

"Alright then," she exclaimed and then unbuckled her seatbelt. She was just about to step out of the car when she asked, "You can unbuckle yourself can't you?"

Starscream smirked and pressed the button on the buckle and the seatbelt slide along his torso diagonally until it was back up above his seat. Alexis found it hard to peel her eyes off him…but managed to and climbed out of the car. Starscream got as well and shut the door behind him. Clearing her throat to ward away any lumps that might possibly form, Alexis took out the divorce papers and started to the front door with Starscream by her side. She was so thankful to have him with her at that moment.

The decepticon second in command held the glass door open for Alexis as she stepped inside and then followed her through. Together they walked over to a desk where a female receptionist was seated and she asked in a friendly voice, "Good morning, how may I help you?"

"I have these," Alexis said handing the papers to the receptionist.

The receptionist glanced at the papers for a few moments and then looked up and gestured to Starscream before asking, "Is that Rad, because if it is, I don't blame you."

Starscream frowned and Alexis said, "No, he's not here."

"Oh…sorry then," replied the woman and proceeded to sign a couple things on the papers before she said, "Alright, we'll put this into the court, it should be through in two to three weeks. Then both you and Rad will have to stop down here to sign a couple more things, and the divorce will be finalized. Sound good?"

"Yes, that's fine."

"Alright, we'll give you a call so you can stop down."

Alexis nodded, and after a brief, "Have a good day," from the woman, her and Starscream left and headed back to the car.

"I have a question," Starscream piped up as the two of them got back in the car and buckled their seatbelts.

"What's that?" Alexis asked as she pulled out of the parking lot and turned to head back to her home.

"How the heck are we going to get Rad to sign the papers without dragging him in kicking and screaming?"

"I don't know…maybe we can bribe him somehow…or you can beat him up again."

"I could pose as him…forge his signature."

"Maybe…but one, that's against the law, and two, it wouldn't feel like we really divorced."

"I guess not. Let's just get back to Jungle Planet."

"Alright," Alexis replied.

The two of them went in silence back to her house where Alexis parked the car and turned it off. She and Starscream then got out, Alexis shut the garage door and her and the decepticon went back into the house where Starscream opened a dimension gate to Jungle Planet. The two of them stepped through, only to end up at the clearing from the night before last. Alexis crossed her arms and looked to Starscream accusingly before she asked, "Just what's going on?"

Starscream smiled innocently before wrapping and arm around her shoulders and saying, "Let's go for a walk."

"Why?"

"You and I need to talk."

Alexis felt tears prick at her eyes and her heart nearly stop…from movies, television, and real life experiences she had figured out that whenever someone said that, it meant a breakup. So slowly…she prepared herself for the worse. "Talk…about what?" she choked out.

"What's been bothering you lately. I've figured out that you don't want to talk about it, but you are now."

Alexis sighed heavily, in relief and angst. She knew she had to open up to someone at some point…but she wasn't really sure how to put her emotions and thoughts into words…explainable words…to let everyone understand just how she felt. And that was the thing…she wasn't sure if anyone would understand. She had been through so much, just who would understand the amount of pain she felt? All her life everyone had viewed her as the one who never let anything stand in her way…who never let anything bother her. But that's not who she was…not anymore…and it hurt so much not to be who she was anymore. Rad had taken her and destroyed her…and she didn't know how to find herself again. She found herself asking in her mind, "Alexis…Alexis where are you? Everyone misses you…including me…yourself."

"Come on now," Starscream prodded rather forcefully as they slowly stepped through the clearing, "What is it?"

Alexis sighed and leaned her full weight against him as she exclaimed, "Well…stuff."

"Elaborate please," he replied.

She sighed heavily again before she said, "There's Rad…my life…and you."

"Okay, we all know what Rad did, let's start with you."

And she slowly found the words to tell him how she knew Rad had destroyed her…turned her into what she wasn't. She told him how much pain she felt because of it…and she felt so selfish doing so…but Starscream listened, and he held her close as she did so. When she finished, Starscream kissed the top of her head and said, "I'm sorry."

She sighed, feeling tears on her cheeks. He noticed and wiped them away from her. And then they stopped walking and faced each other. Starscream drew his arms around her and held her close to him as he asked, "So…what is it about me that's bothering you?"

Slowly she rested her head against his chest as she asked, softly and slowly, "Starscream…when you become a transformer again…what's going to happen to…to us?"

Alexis didn't know what to think when Starscream suddenly tensed and pulled her behind him. She was just about to start crying thinking Starscream had gotten angry at her question, until she looked out from behind him and saw Megatron stepping through a dimension gate. Both she and Starscream watched as a cruel half-smile curled onto the decepticon leader's face as he exclaimed, "How's your human life been, Starscream?"

Starscream balled his fists and shouted, "Megatron, get out of here!"

"Now Starscream, have you forgotten your place in my ranks?"

The second in command grit his teeth not sure what to say, and seeing his hesitation Megatron walked over to them, and reached down and scooped them up in his hand. He took Starscream in one hand, and Alexis in the other as he explained, "See Starscream, all you had to do was cast your pathetic emotions aside in order to get this human."

"Let her go!" Starscream growled trying madly to reach into his pocket as Megatron kept a tight fist around him.

"No, I need a hostage," Megatron stated and then looked to Starscream and continued, "I'm just not sure how much I need you anymore."

Starscream glared at him and demanded, "You'd really cast aside your second in command?"

"Well, I don't have much use for you now that you're a disgusting human," and with that said, Megatron dropped Starscream from his hand.

Alexis cried out as she saw the one she loved falling to his death…but Starscream thought quickly. He took out the gem from his pocket, and not sure if this would work or not, he spoke urgently to it, "Make me a transformer."

He watched as the ground neared and he thought for sure his death was coming to him until a bright green light surrounded him, it expanded, revealing his familiar shape and form, and when it disappeared he was truly Starscream again. Glaring at his leader he stood up and said, "Megatron! Let her go, we can get the Cyber Planet Keys and the Omega Lock without her."

"Have you truly forgotten your decepticon ways?" Megatron questioned, "I can't believe you let your feelings for this pathetic human blind you once again!"

"Just let her go!"

"No, not until I have what I want…and don't bother coming back to the base," Megatron declared and disappeared through a dimension gate…with Alexis.

Starscream stood their, feeling his spark leaving with him as he watched the dimension gate disappear…he couldn't go after her alone, it would be suicide. He'd have to go back to the autobots…as much as he despised them and as much as Landmine would try to rip his head off for letting Alexis fall into the hands of Megatron. But refused to let himself lose her…he had died on her twenty years ago, and he'd be damned if she died on him this time…because there was no possible way he could get her back if she did.

Glumly he turned back in the direction of the autobot base.


Alexis cried out as Megatron threw her inside a cage and then roughly slammed the door on it. She felt like someone's pet…like a mouse…and she definitely hated it…not to mention she was terrified right down to the core…especially when he lifted the cage to his face and grinned evilly saying, "You and I my dear, are going to have lots of fun."

She couldn't find the voice to scream.


Alright...didn't get much of a chance to proof read this so I apologize for any mistakes. Also, I'm bumping up the rating of this fic to an M only cuz...well...you know. Don't worry, I don't plan on making it that descriptive...that is of course unless you want me to. Anywho, review please! I love you guys!