Freedom
Chapter 38: A Friend in Need
Starscream couldn't remember a time he had felt so…complete seemed the best word.
His and Optimus' fifth anniversary was by far their best.
The Seeker sat at his desk two months later, sorting through his paper work. Under his mask, there was a small smile present on his features. He would occasionally look up from his work to gaze fondly at his ring and he felt his spark swell with love and warmth every time he did.
Never once in his life had Starscream ever been as happy as he was now. He had no idea what he did to make him worthy of such a precious mech like Optimus. But he thanked Primus everyday for him.
Remembering that he needed to drop a few things off at Shockwave's office and retrieve a few files from him, the Seeker continued his work. Once he was sure he had all his data-pads and files the shape-shifter needed, he made his way toward his office.
As he walked down the hall, he read over another battle strategy he needed to either approve or trash; and hummed a bit to himself as he continued on his way. Because his optics were focused on the data-pad, Starscream didn't see when other Decepticons he passed stopped and gawked. They had never seen their Commander so…happy and content.
Deciding that the Pit had finally frozen over, they continued about their business and let the Seeker be.
Starscream knew this base like the back of his servo and so had no problem getting to Shockwave's office while reading the data-pad. When he stood in front of the shape-shifter's office door, he sub-spaced his data-pad and keyed in the access code.
"Got some more files for you 'Wave," Starscream stated as he stepped inside. He paused when he was Shockwave with his elbows on the desk and his face in his servos.
"Shockwave, are you alright?" Starscream asked as he placed the files in the other mech's "in" box and took the ones in his "out" box.
The other Decepticon groaned and answered, "Things aren't going well Starscream."
"What's wrong?"
Among the Decepticons it was rare for them to care about another's problems unless they benefited from it. But Starscream, and several others like him, including Shockwave, had ceased being normal Decepticons in order to survive in this new world. And Shockwave was a friend to Starscream now.
The shape-shifter sighed and looked up from his servos as he explained, "A few Autobots from Magnus' Rebellion came by and burned my home to the ground."
Starscream's optics widened and his spark dropped at hearing this. "Primus 'Wave! Are Bumblebee and Violet okay?"
"They're fine. They're staying here with me in my personal quarters. But I don't know how long I can convince Megatron to allow them to stay here until I find a new home."
Starscream, while never being in Shockwave's current position, understood his dilemma. To Megatron Autobots were only good for beings slaves or pets. He never like the idea of his subordinates bonding with their Autobot slaves and having sparklings with them, thus making Autobots their equal in a sense. And the sparklings, while having Decepticon blood in them, were nothing more than hybrid abominations to him.
Because of these beliefs, he felt Shockwave had betrayed him in a certain sense. So, while he was willing to tolerate Bumblebee and his and Shockwave's half Autobot, half Decepticon offspring for the time being, he wouldn't allow them to stay for long. Even if Shockwave was his third-in-command.
"Why don't you and your family stay with me until you find a new home?"
Shockwave looked at Starscream floored by the suggestion that had left the Seeker's vocalizer. Although they considered each other friends now, they had been at odds with each other for many vorns in the past; because of their loyalty, or lack thereof, to Megatron. He never would've expected the Seeker to offer his home to him and his family so willingly.
He shook his head once and said, "That's very kind of you; but I don't want to be a burden or cause trouble."
Starscream chuckled and countered, "It won't be any trouble at all. There's plenty of room for you and your family; and I'm sure Optimus wouldn't mind having Bumblebee around. And the twins haven't stopped asking me when they could see Violet."
Shockwave chuckled. "Thank you Starscream. I have no idea how I can ever repay you."
The Seeker shrugged. "You saved my life and now I'm keeping your family off the streets. I'd say we're even 'Wave. You can all move in whenever you have the time. I'll send a message home to Optimus to let him know."
Shockwave nodded his understanding. As the Seeker turned to leave, the shape-shifter quickly added, "Thanks again, Starscream."
Starscream chuckled and returned, "No problem." Then left the office.