Title: Walk Away
Rating: PG
Summary: Silverbolt goes to visit Trailbreaker
Silverbolt grasped the paper lunch bag tightly in his servo, trying to shake off his nerves. It had been a few orns since Skydive had returned to them, and life had gotten horribly worse since. Air Raid wouldn't talk with any of them, Slingshot constantly stormed out and could not be found for cycles, and Fireflight was downright upset with Skydive for reasons that the oldest shih tzu was certain had to do with the slagging kittycon that had knocked him up.
The two shih tzus couldn't even be in the same room anymore...
Their anger put both them and the sparks they carried at risk.
Everything was just piling up and Silverbolt felt that he was at his final breaking point. He didn't know anymore how he was going to keep his family together, let alone safe and happy. What he really needed right now was a friend to talk to.
Sparking puttering weakly as he neared the mechanic's shop, Silverbolt attempted to put on a smile to greet Trailbreaker with. He ignored the frequent glances being shot his way as he rounded the building's front, heading for the fenced off backyard. The shih tzu felt overjoyed to find the karelian out back, hauling heavy crates from one side of the yard to the next.
For a klik, he deliberated calling out the other autodog's name, but the multi-coloured mech was saved the effort when Trailbreaker turned around; his visor looking up and catching sight of Silverbolt. Smiling a little brighter, the shih tzu started to raise his servo in hello but froze as the karelian simply turned away and headed to the farther side of the yard.
Dumbfounded, Silverbolt stood there, his servo slowly dropping back down to his side. Shuttering his optics blankly, he turned and walked away from the mechanic's shop, pretending he didn't feel the heat glazing his optics thickly or the penetrating, jeering stares of the other villagers.
Title: Turning Point
Rating: T
Summary: It's time
It had been a horror when they heard the water splash on the ground in the middle of night. Slingshot was up first, having been in the same room with Fireflight to begin with, grabbing the woozy sparkling and laying him gently him back into berth. "Silverbolt! Silverbolt, Skydive!," he shouted, "He just peed all over the floor!"
The two older mechs rushed into the room, Air Raid following groggily behind. "Move aside, Slingshot," Silverbolt ordered, dropping to his knees beside Fireflight's berth. He patted the sparkling's helm, pushing him back down on the sheets when the smaller shih tzu tried to push up.
Skydive sat on the end of their brother's berth, grabbing Fireflight's legs and spreading them. "He's broken his water," the blue mech informed tersely, prying off the other's shorts with quick determination. "He's going to need something to bite down on so he doesn't bite his own glossa. Air Raid, go to the washroom and fill a basin with hot water please. Grab a wash clothe as well. Slingshot, stay back please."
"W-wait," Air Raid stuttered, snapping fully awake at the orders, "Y-you... you're not g-going to s-seriously d-deliver a sp-sparkling here are y-you?! Y-you don't e-even know what you're d-doing!"
"Do you expect us to go to the hospital?," Silverbolt snapped, turning away from the now whimpering Fireflight and glaring at the two younglings. "Aside from the fact that the nearest hospital is at least several miles away, you know how they'd react if we brought Fireflight in. What would be the point of everything that we're doing, if we allowed the system to find out about Fireflight?"
The words were a slap in the face. Gritting his denta, Air Raid turned away from the door, to go and get the basin as ordered. Angry and uncertain, Slingshot stood in the corner of the room, watching as Silverbolt and Skydive huddled around Fireflight; petting and stroking his helms and servos, telling him to breathe, that everything would be okay, push, they were all there for him...
The sparkling sobbed in agony, tossing his helm back and crying to the ceiling as his frame gave a little spasm. "V-vor... vortex!," he croaked, keening brokenly as he clenched the oldest shih tzu's fingers.
The name brought out various reactions from all occupants in the room, but for Slingshot -who had flinched at the wail- he did not see the effect it had on his brothers. All he felt was the rage rise up in him like a demon, until he wanted nothing more than to scream at Fireflight. Even in the very depths of pain and despair, he was still calling for that mech? Why? Why was he calling for the monster that had done this to him?! But though yelling might have made Slingshot feel better... the grey mech resolutely remained silent.
He had to.
It was not in his nature to be so cruel to his baby brother in this darkest moment.
Air Raid slammed into him on his way into the berthroom, sloshing water on the smaller youngling. Slingshot only snarled at the action, but did not comment on it when the red shih tzu pushed on ahead, without an apology given.
"H-here!," Air Raid said, putting the basin on the floor beside Silverbolt. He leaned over the other's shoulder, slipping a knotted dish towel in Fireflight's mouth. It stiffled the sobs and whimpers only slightly. "W-what now?"
"Now we wait," Silverbolt answered grimly, grabbing the wash clothe with his free servo and wiping it along the sparkling's damp brow. "Skydive... can you deliver the sparkling?"
The blue mech trembled between their little brother's spread thighs, rubbing his belly in what he hoped was a comforting manner. "I... I don't know, Silverbolt," Skydive snapped testily, "We're talking about delivering a b-bornling! I h-have no training for this; just theory! I-if... if something goes wrong..."
"We'll worry about it then," Air Raid quickly cut in. He looked at each of his brothers in turn, before turning his determined optics to Fireflight. "Fireflight's tough. He can pull through this- I know he can! You hear me, Firefly? Keep on fighting," the red autodog cheered, smiling as best as he could so his littlest brother could see. "T-the pain, it's only going to last for a little bit a-and then it'll all be over. Give it all you've got; keep on pushing. You're going to get through this, okay? We're all here for you, so... so, just don't break down yet. Alright?"
Fireflight only shuttered his watery optics at Air Raid, before he offlined them entirely; helm tossing back as he screamed weakly around the towel in his mouth.
Title: Special
Rating: T
Summary: Air Raid checks in on his little brother
Several hours later, everything was quiet. Three frames were passed out on the couch, but a fourth tip-toed across the room silently, heading for one of the berthroom doors. Quietly, Air Raid pushed the door open, peeking inside. At the gentle sound, Fireflight awoke from his light sleep, looking up at his brother with bleary optics.
"Hey...," the red mech whispered softly. He walked into the room, closing the door behind him. "I brought you some water... How you doing?"
The older autodog helped Fireflight up into a sitting position, handing him the glass before scooping up the little bornling that lay beside the sparkling's side. "Wow...," Air Raid breathed, looking down into the hybrid's sleeping face as he sat down, "He certainly is special, ain't he?"
Fireflight lowered his cup slowly, turning his face to the bigger shih tzu. "Y-you're... you're not mad?," he asked softly, almost afraid. The red mech looked at Fireflight surprised.
"Why... why would I be mad, Firefly?," Air Raid asked worriedly.
The sparkling gripped his cup tightly as tears came to his optics again, his voice cracking as he answered. "B-because, b-because everyone e-else l-looks so a-angry a-and I d-don't know w-why... I-i, I do-don't want t-them to b-be angry! I d-don't want th-them to h-hate m-my bor-"
The older autodog quickly reached forward, cupping one servo behind Fireflight's helm and pulling his baby brother to him. "Ssh... ssh, ssh...," he hushed gently, kissing the sparkling's helm. "It's alright, Fireflight. Ssh... don't cry... The others aren't angry, they're just... they're worried, Firefly. You w-went through a very painful experience, now and before, but Silverbolt, Skydive, Slingshot... None of us are mad, Firefly, just worried."
"But look," Air Raid continued, tipping Fireflight's chin up and gesturing to the bornling tucked securely in his arm still, "Look at this lil' one... Even from something so bad, came something so good."
The older shih tzu gently put the bornling into his brother's arms then, watching as Fireflight's optics slowly dried and a happy smile came to his face. "Don't let anyone tell you that he isn't special, Fireflight," the youngling added, stroking the sparkling's helm tenderly, "No matter how this bornling came to be, he is still yours now. I know you'll give him all the love he deserves."
Fireflight sighed, holding his bornling closer. "My bornling...," he whispered warmly, nuzzling the slumbering hybrid's helm softly, "My little Breakdown..."
Air Raid smiled, overjoyed to see some sort of happiness in his baby brother after so long. Unknownst to them both, Silverbolt stood outside the berthroom door, leaning against the wall as he had listened in to the younger shih tzus' exchange. Hugging himself, he looked out the window, to where light was blooming over the horizon, lost in silent contemplation.
Title: Stranger
Rating: PG
Summary: Is this the end of their running?
"Have a good day. Hello, and welcome to Green Pasture's Groceries..." Silverbolt greeted his newest customer flatly, unable to even force a smile. Not that the other 'bot cared. None of the villagers really cared or wanted the shih tzu's politeness.
Shuttering his optics quickly to push back the rising scream that wanted to burst out, the multi-coloured mech continued scanning the customer's items through; bagging them and tapping rapidly at the terminal to finalize the sale. "That'll be sixty-four credits and twelve chips, please," he said, turning to face the other autodog.
Again, Silverbolt found his thoughts wandering as he waited for his customer to count through their change. They would have to make a trip to the next closet town, he realized. Fireflight's delivery had come earlier than expected; they were unprepared for a bornling. They would need bottles, and diapers, clothes... They were making do with what they had right now, but it would not be enough soon. Swallowing back his sigh, Silverbolt took the customer's credits, tapping the amount into the register and giving the 'bot their change back.
The shih tzu supposed the only good thing to come about was the fact that Breakdown was a very quiet bornling. He didn't seem to make any fuss, as long as he was kept near his carrier. It would be quite difficult otherwise to keep both his and Fireflight's existence a secret, if the bornling was a screamer.
"Hello and welcome to Green Pasture's Groceries," the autodog repeated as the next customer stepped up in line.
A young mech came running past the store windows, screeching to a stop outside, before turning sharply and slamming through the grocer doors. Panting, he ran up to an older femme waiting in line a couple registers over. "Gran, you must come quick!," he said in a hoarse wheeze, "Some kittycon drove into town! Uncle's seen him go into the ol' Wilksons' place and he-"
Customers gasped, in outrage and surprise, as Silverbolt leapt over the counter, wrestling his apron off and running for the doorway. He broke into a desperate sprint as soon as he hit outside, hurrying down the little town to his apartment. He ignored all the shouts and cries thrown at his backstruts, optics tearing up and spark pulsing erratically as the shih tzu drew closer and closer to his home. Fireflight, his processor whimpered weakly, servos clenching in fear.
Silverbolt was still a block away when he saw the stranger descending the stairs, a tiny mech cradled in his big arms. The sight spurred him to go faster as the kittycon headed for the van parked in front of the shop.
Title: Meeting
Rating: T
Summary: He meets for the first time the littlest shih tzu
"Who exactly are y-ack!" Skydive jumped to his pedes as Air Raid was suddenly shoved off to the side, his book dropping from his servos as he watched Onslaught duck a little under the doorway, walking into the tiny apartment. Cupping his bulging belly, the blue mech slowly backed away, his legs hitting the couch.
"O-onslaught...," he gaped fearfully, "W-why... y-you're not supposed t-to be here! Wait! N-no! Please, d-don't go in there!" Skydive hurried as best as he could in his state, grabbing the kittycon's arm and attempting to tug him back from Fireflight's berthroom door. The green mech only paused momentarily, gently grabbing the shih tzu and pushing him a few metres back, before he turned and opened the door.
Air Raid growled, having gotten back up on his pedes, rushing for Onslaught. He was forced to stop when Skydive threw his arms out, blocking the youngling's path. "W-wait...," he begged softly, turning his teary optics to the berthroom, watching as Onslaught shuffled awkwardly into the tiny room.
Fireflight, sitting up in bed quietly, shuttered his optics as the stranger walked into his room. Neither spoke as the serval slowly lowered himself onto the other berth, resting his arms on his knees. Their staring contest continued for a few more, silent astroseconds before the kittycon held his servo out toward the autodog. Shyly, Fireflight glanced down at the bornling cradled in his arms, before he shifted across the berth, placing Breakdown delicately into Onslaught's servos.
Venting softly, the bigger mech leaned back, lifting the hybrid up to his face. Little optics shuttered slowly, showing a small glimpse of brilliant purple, before the bornling gave a tiny whimper. "...my grandson," Onslaught mumbled, cradling Breakdown in the crook of his arm as he stroked under the little chin with one, large finger. The bornling made a face before grabbing the digit and clutching tightly to the kittycon's fingertip.
When Breakdown had settled down again, Onslaught pulled his servo back, glancing quickly at Fireflight. "Come," he ordered quietly, holding his servo out for the sparkling again.
Air Raid and Skydive watched as their little brother stood up in berth, looking at the kittycon fearlessly, even allowing the green mech to pick him up and cradle him to his chestplates as well. Taking his bornling back from the stranger, Fireflight rested his helm easily on Onslaught's shoulder plating, rocked gently as the serval carried him out of the room and into the living room. Air Raid rushed to block the front door when he headed for it.
"Where do you think you're going?," he growled, "You're not taking my brother, you fr-"
"Air Raid," Skydive cut in, circling around and looking at the youngling imploringly, "P-please..." Confused, the red shih tzu paused, servos clenched at his side uncertainly. Slowly, the older autodog turned, facing Onslaught.
"O-onslaught...," he started, searching the kittycon's face desperately, "You... you're not taking Fireflight away from us, a-are you?"
The serval looked almost hurt at the question. He stepped forward, cupping Skydive's cheekplate with his free servo and kissing the surprised shih tzu. "...I'm taking you all away with me," Onslaught answered, pulling back slowly. "I love you, Skydive, and I do not wish to lose you either. I take full responsibility for all the troubles you and your family have had to suffer needlessly, and I can promise you all security... So, please, say you'll come back and be my bondmate..."
Skydive looked from the serval to the sparkling clutching the green mech's shirt, who was staring back at his brother with calm, bright optics. Returning his gaze to Onslaught, the blue autodog was unable to hold back the whimper that rose, burying his face deep into the kittycon's chestplates as he was pulled into a one-armed hug. Air Raid looked on, optics dimmed anxiously, as Skydive finally pulled away, sharing another kiss with the serval.
"Skydive...?" His brother turned away from Onslaught, grasping his servo and squeezing gently.
"It's alright, Air Raid," Skydive assured him gently, turning the red mech's helm back to him when the youngling looked to watch the kittycon walk out the front door. "We'll be okay now. Trust me, please...?"
Swallowing sharply, Air Raid looked straight into the older autodog's optics; sighing after a few astroseconds. Clenching his fists, the youngling bowed his helm for a moment before turning a small smile up at Skydive. The sight of it caused such choking relief to spread from the blue mech's spark that he almost cried as he hugged his younger sibling suddenly. Patting Skydive's backstruts gently, Air Raid turned them to the doorway, taking the lead out of the apartment and down the staircase.
Title: Choice
Rating: T
Summary: He has a decision to make
"What do you think you are doing?!"
Skydive quickly clambered back out of the car as he saw Silverbolt came running up behind Onslaught, attempting to take a swing at the kittycon's helm. The older mech was faster though; he pulled out of the van, dodging the poor fist and grabbing the shih tzu's wrist before he could try again. Growling, Silverbolt shook himself free, taking several steps back.
"S-silverbolt, please!," the blue mech begged, circling around the car and standing weakly before Onslaught. "It's alright! Onslaught doesn't mean any harm!"
"On...Onslaught?," his brother mumbled, rubbing his sore wrist. He stared in horror as the kittycon gently grasped Skydive's shoulders, turning the younger mech to the side.
"Take your seat, Skydive," Onslaught said lowly, "You'll put stress on your body otherwise."
Skydive shook his helm violently. "N-no, no I can't! Silverbolt, please," he begged, turning to his brother, grasping his belly weakly. "You o-once let m-me go to f-find my h-happiness wi-with your bl-blessing... O-onslaught s-says he c-can take care of all of us. F-for our sake -for Fireflight's sake- d-don't we d-deserve n-not to have k-keep hiding and w-worrying?"
Silverbolt didn't know what to say. He looked from Skydive, to the kittycon standing behind him still, watching in a daze as the serval gently grasped the autodog's hip; Skydive turning and smiling shortly up at Onslaught. He felt another presence draw up to his side faintly, before a growl dragged him back out of his thoughts. Turning, the older shih tzu saw that it was Slingshot.
Onslaught looked blankly up at the other two autodogs at the threatening sound, before guiding Skydive back to his seat and helping the carrying shih tzu to buckle in beside his two younger brothers. Air Raid peeked out from the back seat window, his gaze nervous as he studied Silverbolt and Slingshot.
"You may choose to come or stay," the green mech informed shortly as he straightened up, looking at the others seriously, "I will not force you either way. But your brothers are now apart of my family, and I protect those who are part of my family."
Onslaught glanced at the crowd that they had started to create over time. "I'd be quick about your decisions though. There is somewhere else I have to be."
It was all like some bad dream. Silverbolt glanced at the gathering villagers, seeing them whisper and jeer behind their servos as they collected at different points of the streets; little femmes and mechs pressing their faces against glass to see what all the adults were fussing about. The shih tzu could almost see the animosity grow, highlighting all of the autodogs with a toxic colour as they continued their gossiping and their scandalized glares. This was certainly no place to set roots... and no place safe for Fireflight to be period.
Looking down on his younger brother, the multi-coloured mech sighed, before facing the kittycon again. He said nothing as he walked forward slowly. At his silent confirmation, Onslaught nodded, getting into the driver's seat. Silverbolt paused half-way to the vehicle, turning his helm to Slingshot. The youngling still stayed where he had been standing before, fists clenched at his side and fangs bared defensively. At his brother's strong gaze, the grey mech's mouth slowly closed into an uncertain frown, his optics studying Silverbolt curiously.
"Come on, Slingshot," the older shih tzu said, "Let's leave."
The youngling's ears lifted an inch in surprise. Hesitantly, Slingshot started forward before breaking out into a jog and clambering into the back seats behind Skydive. Smiling wryly, Air Raid shut the door behind Slingshot, leaving the only free seat up beside the driver. Mutely, Silverbolt climbed into the passenger seat, buckling himself in as Onslaught started the car and drove out of Yuss for good.
Title: Home
Rating: PG
Summary: They return to Iacon
The kittycon drove them all the way through Iacon, into the suburbs and onto a block of white, little houses. Pulling into the drive-way of one, Onslaught stopped the car, getting out and helping Skydive from the van. At the silent signal, everyone else clambered out too, following after the serval as he headed for the door. Skydive looked confused and, as he opened his mouth to speak, his brothers were soon to find out why.
"This... this isn't your place, Onslaught."
"No, it isn't," Onslaught agreed, pausing at the door. "It's now-"
"Yours," another mech said, as the door swung open. Blast Off stared down at the small congregation of autodogs, and they all stared up at him in turn, marveling at how tall he was even compared to Onslaught. His optics fell to the smallest shih tzu last, gazing silently at the little bundle in his arms. Fireflight's optics flashed in recognition as the siamese continued to stare at him, and he bounced forward quickly, smiling as he reached up for Blast Off's servo.
"Hello! I remember you," the sparkling beamed as the kittycon bent to be at equal height with him, "You're the one who took me to the train station. You told me how to get home to my brothers."
All attention was on Blast Off then. Even his sire was staring on in surprise. Venting softly, the siamese looked to the shih tzu again. "Thank you," Fireflight continued, smiling in shyness all of a sudden. "Thank you for helping me get home to my brothers. I had missed them a lot."
"...You are welcome," the kittycon answered, rising to his pedes again. "Come, let me show you to your room."
Blast Off walked inside, Fireflight still clutching his finger, leaving the others to follow behind. Onslaught frowned as he found the autodogs all peering at him curiously, as if holding him responsible for the siamese knowing their baby brother. "Apparently my sons knew more about your family than I had first thought...," the serval grumbled.
"In either case," Onslaught continued, clearing his throat nervously, "This..." He gestured to the living room and the dining room, all fully furnished to the shih tzus' surprise. "Is your home now. The mortgage has been paid off, bills taken care of for three years. You have a big backyard and a family bank account has been open for all of you. A nursery has been made for the bornling and all such Child Service records or search warrants for Fireflight have been erased. None of you will have to worry about being split ever again..."
Air Raid and Slingshot stared incredulously into each of the rooms, before sprinting upstairs, shouting and shoving their way to the top. Overwhelmed, Skydive hugged Onslaught's arm tightly, burying his face into the kittycon's sleeve as joyful tears filled his optics. Staring into their new kitchen, seeing all the shelves full of dishes and the fridge stocked with food, Silverbolt didn't know what to say. He turned, mouth open in disbelief as he faced Onslaught, a servo held to his helm as coolant started glazing his optics as well.
"H-how... I-i... why?," the oldest autodog asked.
Onslaught looked at him kindly. "Because of my family, yours has had to suffer. The mech who was once my son is to blame, but I can not undo what he has done..." Onslaught paused, turning his gaze to Skydive. "My happiness is in Skydive, just as I know a large piece of his happiness resides in you, his brothers. I never want to be apart from him again... but the only way I can atone, is to ensure that your family is well cared for in return. I only can hope you'll all accept my apologies."
Skydive smiled at the thoughtful words, reaching up and kissing the serval quickly, while Silverbolt watched, realizing how happy his brother looked. He truly was in love with Onslaught... Tears slipping down his cheekplates, Silverbolt gave a little sob, before collapsing in the nearest chair. Both Skydive and Onslaught turned to him in concern, but the multi-coloured mech only touched the table and chairs near him in wonder, before turning his weary smile to the serval. "T-thank you...," he breathed, "Thank yo-you, for e-everything."
Onslaught slowly nodded.
"HELLO HELLO HELLO!," a voice shouted exuberantly, a brown and mud-covered kittycon storming through the kitchen door. "More friends to play with! I'm happy to meet you and you and you, and I've got pretty flowers for everyone!"
"Brawl...," Onslaught sighed, slapping a servo to his face.
Silverbolt leaned back dangerously as flowers were thrust in his face. "SEE! Aren't they pretty? Don't you like them? I d-"
"Brawl!"
The younger kittycon turned away from the stunned shih tzu, facing his sire. His optics lit up and his tail swished merrily as he spotted Skydive. "AHH! NEW MOMMY! Hi new mommy! I hope you'll love me like I love you!"
"Umm, yes...," Onslaught sighed, gesturing to the serval now kneeling at Skydive's pedes, purring as the blue mech shyly patted his helm. "My second-oldest Brawl. I'm very sorry. He's just... very excitable..."
"N-no...," Silverbolt mumbled, slowly shaking off his shock. He looked at the brown mech, content to find Skydive smiling again as he accepted the freshly ripped up flowers from Brawl. "No, it's alright... I'm, I'm just happy," he confessed, a tear wavering at the edge of his optics. "I'm happy to see them all happy again."
The older kittycon's optics lit with understanding. "Agreed...," he replied, taking Skydive's servo into his own, slipping a small object into the shih tzu's palm. The smaller mech's optics flared ecstatically as he felt what it was. Onslaught watched, his spark swelling with pride and love as Skydive slipped on his engagement ring once more. "Agreed..."