A/N: Hey, guys. So sorry for not posting yesterday. The husband and I went down to visit family, and it completely slipped my mind that I was supposed to be posting the next Chapter. But it's here now, for you to enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers. I only own the story and any and all OCs in said story. If there's someone you're not familiar with, it's probably an OC.
PLEASE COMMENT! I NEED CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM TO MAKE MY STORIES (PRESENT, FUTURE, OR OTHERWISE) BETTER!
Delta lays on the berth, arms behind his helm. It was dark in the room, but he didn't notice it. They had talked for so long about all that happened to him, it ended up getting too late for him to travel back to the base. So, his parents had insisted he stay the night. He'd hesitantly agreed, offering to take the couch. He didn't mind. Besides, it would give him the chance to leave without waking any of them in the morning—he'd already overstayed his welcome. They refused, saying that they could get the spare room set up for him.
So here he was, lying on the berth in the house his parents were in, as well as…Primus, he had a brother. It was so weird to think about. Solarstrike was a pretty curious youngling, waiting patiently for a break in the conversation to ask a torrent of questions he tried his best to answer. In a way, he kind of reminded him of Miko.
And his parents…they had been understandably skeptical when he told them everything, not quite wanting to believe him about being Primus's vessel. At least, until he brought his powers to the surface, a small ball of energy forming in his servo and the outline of his wings appearing behind him. After that, there was a little more openness.
Talon rumbles from his spot next to him. The sound brings him out of his thoughts, making him jump slightly.
He chuckles, placing a servo on the panther's back.
"Alright, alright. I'll get some rest."
A purr is his answer. He turns onto his side, facing the door. Sighing, his optics close, and he welcomes darkness.
Something touching his shoulder jolts him awake. Shooting upwards, his combat knife is in his servo and he's ready to spring forward. He stops.
Solarstrike is standing near the berth, his optics wide. His doorwings are pulled close to his body, armor clamped tightly to his frame.
"I-I'm sorry! You weren't waking when I knocked a-and the door was unlocked. I-I wasn't thinking, honest!" the poor youngling looked so close to tears.
Delta relaxes, before sighing. He gestures to Solarstrike, the youngling clambering onto the berth. Delta fiddles with his combat knife, the blade glinting in the dim lighting.
He rubs his optics, "Look, Solarstrike, it's fine. I've just…been through a lot, and someone touching me without warning never goes well. It wasn't your fault—it's mine. I should've told you guys before something like this happened. I would've hated myself so much if I hurt one of you."
Solarstrike nods in understanding. Then, his attention is taken by Talon, the panther emerging from the thick bedding with a stretch. He lets out a cavernous yawn, showing off his razor-sharp fangs. The younger Mech perks up, his optics brightening.
"You have a panther Mech?"
Delta chuckles at the excitement.
"Yeah. His name's Talon. He's my Symbiote. Go on—his favorite spot is right behind his audio."
Even though he basically gave him permission, much to his surprise Sol simply lifts his servo, allowing Talon to sniff it. With a rumble, Talon rubs against the digits, arching his back into Sol's side. The golden Mech takes that as permission.
Delta smiles, "Looks like someone's made a new friend."
Dawnstrike sighs as she hears Sol's excited voice explaining how all of his little gadgets worked to Dusk-….Delta. He preferred Delta now.
Her shoulders slump. She thought she was open to his changes, but…she would be lying if she wasn't worried her son was gone. She missed his carefree smile, his need to help those around him no matter the consequence. None of that was there anymore—he was closed off, mistrust in every single movement he made.
"Dawn? You okay?"
She nods, not bothering to turn as her Sparkmate walks into the kitchen.
"Yes, Barricade. I…I'm fine."
A clawed servo gently takes hers, making her lift her helm. She meets her Sparkmate's vibrant red optics, concern shining in them.
"What's wrong, Sweetspark? Is it Delta?"
She nods.
"I know it's been a long time, and I'm relieved that he's alive and well, but there's something different about him. It's like…like he's ready for combat at every turn. Last night, when we were done talking, and we insisted he take that spare room, he looked ready to fight us about it. It was like he had already made up his mind that he didn't belong here and wanted to get out of here as quickly as soon as possible."
Barricade places a servo on her shoulder.
"Dawn, remember what I was like after I finally retired from the force? I was the same way—besides, it's been years since we last saw him. He's been through a lot, and we just need to be patient. Yeah, he's not the same kid, but he's still our kid."
Dawnstrike nods, placing her helm on her Sparkmate's chest, taking comfort in the steady beat of his spark as he wraps his arms around her. He rests his chin on the top of her helm.
"Besides, if anything, he acts out and we have the perfect excuse to slap him."
The turquoise Femme lets out a very un-ladylike snort, causing him to chuckle. He releases her, taking her servo once more.
"Now, should we go rescue Delta before Sol blows him up with his gadgets? I don't think that would make anyone very happy."
Smiling, Dawn follows the black-and-white Mech out of the kitchen. They head to Sol's room, where the two are sitting on the ground, looking over the plans of some kind of invention of the younger Mech's design. Much to their surprise Delta is giving the golden youngling pointers on the design, their younger son listening attentively with shining red optics.
Sharing an amused look, the two leave them to their planning. If it went well, then great. If not…
Well, at least the two were bonding.
