(Please see all previous disclaimers)
After hook had left, Optimus stayed close to his mate. Optimus was worried. Megatron's systems were much older and carrying spatklings for the older mech was even more dangerous than a young bot sparked for the first time. Optimus also felt guilty. If only he hadn't spark merged during their last session, then Megatron wouldn't be in this precarious position. Optimus failed to realize his worry was pulsed over their bond.
Slowly, Megatron came to, feeling the guilt and worry pulsing from his mate's spark. "My sweet Optimus" Megatron started in a raspy soft voice, "why are you so worried?"
Optimus looked to his rousing mate and realized that Optimus had unintentionally pulsed his worry and guilt over their bond. "I…I worry about you. Your systems are not as young as mine and carrying is more dangerous for you. We almost lost you the last time you were sparked. If I had known this would happen, I would have made sure we interfaced without a spark merge" Optimus answered, seemingly unaware that this was exactly what Primus wanted.
Megatron listened carefully. While worry and guilt solved nothing, Optimus did have some valid concerns. "I understand your concern, my love. I really do, but I feel that this was Primus' doing and so there is nothing different we could have done to change this outcome. As you have said, Primus does as he pleases. And if this is of him, there is nothing we can do but accept it."
Optimus looked to his mate, surprised by the wisdom. "If what you say is true, then I must be the best mate I can be and help you through this. Hopefully, after this, if Primus wishes to bless us with more precious ones to love, he will choose to use my slightly younger systems." Megatron just smiled and drew his mate close. Feeling that, Optimus just snuggled up to his mate, both hoping that this would not leave their sparklings as orphans. Only Primus knew the answer to that and he wasn't saying anything at the moment.
Meanwhile, Starshooter was up and about. Granted, he wished he could fly but having been medically banned, he settled for helping with things around the quarters. He was mostly happy with the compromise that he and his mate had made with one exception. Starshooter wanted to go out on his own to see his adoptive parents but Orion had prohibited that today, as Iacon was very busy and Orion didn't want his mate hurt. Starshooter felt trapped. Little did he know Orion had a surprise in store.
Starshooter was moping when he heard a knock at the door. Starshooter answered and saw it was Garnet and Topaz. "What are you two doing here?" Starshooter asked.
"Orion asked us to come and help escort you to mom and dad's so you won't have to go alone" Garnet answered and Topaz nodded.
It was only then that Starshooter smiled. He realized that his mate wasn't isolating him but was trying to keep him safe but still allow freedom. "Let's go" Starshooter answered, glad to be seeing his adoptive family today. The three made their way to the other quarters. Starshooter knew he would have to talk to his mate, but that could wait. For now, Starshooter would enjoy being with his family.
