It had been now a year that Starscream had been free and he was glad every moment he was. He didn't want to take it for granite and then wish he hadn't as something happened to him or his loved ones. No he was enjoying it this time. Being with his family as they grew was the best freedom he could get—at least they were all happy.
Their son, Starscream, had been growing up quite a storm in the past year as he turned 1, but so had his mother seeing how had turned 19 now. She still had a bit of growing to do as he developed into a full woman. Each day she grew more beautiful to Starscream and now she reached just a little above his shoulder then before how she reached to just his chest at mere 17 years.
Little Starscream was born only a few days after Alexis' birthday and so they pretty much celebrated their birthdays together, but it would stop once he grew older for she knew all children like having a special day to themselves and it was good to have one either way. Even though she enjoyed celebrating with him and he her she knew it'd all stop once he hit 8 or so. Growing up and becoming a mech would change him quite a deal but she knew he'd always love his mother.
His speech had improved a lot as well. Not only had he said 'mama' or 'dada' but he could say 'uncle Oromus' now and many other words. Though they are still furled on his glossa he can still make out phrases. This made his parents so proud and happy that he often spoke words unheard of, but he just spoke to see them smile.
He was a smart sparkling—just like his father. Alexis was glad he had so many features as her bonded. She wanted this, but then again she could see some of her own in him as well. It was only a matter of time until more came out of him.
As Starscream watched him grow a thought occurred to him . . . he still had not his daughter Alexis promised to him after their son. As he gazed at Alexis taking care of their mech he wondered if she'd want one so soon or ever again. He remembered her telling him her pain in giving birth to him and how he nearly deprived her of her own life.
At that he grew afraid. Would Alexis want another that may finish the job her brother started? Would Alexis want to deal with the immense pain again just to please her husband? At that Starscream knew she would. If he asked she would because of their bond.
He would not dare ask her this, not yet at least. He didn't want to lose her and spend the rest of eternity without her; nay he'd rather leave this world with her and spend rest of forever with her in the afterlife whatever lay beyond. This he feared because of the complications Alexis had with their first.
Soon, just watching Alexis move with full spirit he couldn't help but smile. She seemed to be up for the job and if it ever occurred he knew she wouldn't mind or have any second thoughts. He also knew she'd very well give up her own life so that their daughter might live. That was something he didn't ask for, but Alexis would gladly give for their child.
Starscream sighed and relaxed his body. Hopefully he wouldn't have to worry about that yet. No, he'd give a millennia or two until they tried again, but these humans seemed to be able to impregnate quite often so he'd have to be careful—for her sake. He thought of this no further seeing his family smile and live in peace for once.
As he looked up into the skies he realized that his spark still felt something was missing. He had then remembered about the first time he asked Alexis to come with him—it was to partake in a journey of traveling and seeing new things. His spark still longed for this didn't it? He was so unsure—until one day as they dined with Oromus.
"So Starscream," said Oromus digging into his steak. "Have you any more need to travel the stars with your family?"
Starscream looked at him in thought. He really didn't know. He knew if he did it'd only be another adventure, but then again there might be more sparkache and he didn't want that—it wasn't fair to his family.
"I'm . . . not sure," said Starscream inkling his head in thought.
"I see," said Oromus glancing at Alexis who glanced at Starscream in a bit of confusion. "Then may I ask if you wish to settle down here? Tis a nice place, at least I believe so. If you and Alexis wish I can build you a house out in the country to raise Starscream."
Alexis was still silent as her eyes were cast upon Starscream waiting for him to make the decision. She had made up her mind to not interfere in Starscream's plans. It was what she had done once she said 'yes' to come with him on this adventure of a lifetime.
"Now you see," said Starscream casting his optic gaze on Alexis and Oromus. "There's the problem. I thought I was happy—I am but I feel as if something is missing. It may be a home to raise my family but then again it may be to travel the stars once more. I can't tell yet."
"Well you have plenty of time to think," said Oromus with a kind smile.
Not too long after that Starscream realized where his spark wanted to be. He saw it as Alexis presented his son with a new toy to play with. His face lit up with so much delight and he reached out for it just wanting to touch it and hold it in his little hands. That was exactly how Starscream felt about new worlds. That's what was missing—he wanted to explore once again, but . . . would Alexis want to . . . again?"
"Alexis," came Starscream to Alexis one evening before Alexis went to get little Starscream ready for bed.
"Yes, what is it?" asked Alexis turning to him.
"I have something to tell you," he said.
"What is it?" asked Alexis finding a nearby bench in the hallway to sit on.
"Well," sighed Starscream sitting by her. "My spark—still longs to explore."
"I see," said Alexis casting her eyes down.
"You are disappointed?" asked Starscream seeing her expression. "I see—you wish to stay here and I don't blame you."
"No, it's not that," she said casting her gaze on him once more. "It's just . . . I thought we were actually going to settle down—you know—together."
"I'm afraid you've made my spark too restless for that," said Starscream with a light chuckle in the back of his thought. "Have you seen Starscream's optics when you present him with a new toy."
"Mhm, why?" asked Alexis.
"That's the way I am when it comes to seeing new worlds. Once upon a time I think you were the same," said Starscream with a heavy sigh casting his optics down.
"I still am," said Alexis taking her hands and wrapping them around his. "It's just what about our son? It's not fair to him. Going from one place to another how will he know who from who or what from what?"
"Alexis," said Starscream placing his hand on the side of her face. "Do you remember when I first asked you to come with me?"
"Yes," she said with a little blush.
"I said I'll take care of your needs," said Starscream with soft optics. "That still stands and it goes the same with out son."
Alexis only sighed and shook her head. She gave Starscream a smile and a light peck on this lips and she tilted her head to the side and said—
"I trust you to take care of us."
"Thank-you Alexis," said Starscream with a smile as he took hold of her shoulders and pulled her into a deeper kiss.
The very next day Starscream wished to leave. It was sudden, yes, but they had begun to get used to it. Oromus wished they would have stayed seeing how Starscream was taking away his 'sister' but she was in good hands and this he knew.
As Alexis picked up her sparkling and walked over to Starscream as he readied to take off Oromus stepped forward and said—
"It was good to have you—both, and Starscream I have adopted Alexis into my family so you better take care of her or else you'll have one cranky brother-in-law."
"Will do," said Starscream with a half smile.
"That goes for my nephew as well," he pointed. "And the niece that may come. I've heard from Alexis that she is expected so you be a good father to them all."
Starscream only smiled and shook his head. This was probably the last time they'd see this place again. Alexis had to hug Oromus one last time before departure. She smiled and inhaled saying—
"Thank-you Oromus—for being the brother I always wanted."
"And thank-you for being the sister I always wanted," he said with a kind smile. "Now be off with you and take care."
Alexis kissed him on the cheek as she backed away to Starscream saying—
"You too."
At that Starscream wrapped his arms around Alexis and their son and took off. It was the first time little Starscream had been off the planet, but—just like Alexis and Starscream—he'd get used to it.