Title: Through the Years

Rating: K+

Disclaimer: I own nothing but Starshine, Sunny and Sides belong to Hasbro.

Decided to post chapter 4 up here for you all to enjoy.

DECA-CYCLES = 3 WEEKS


"NO DON'T… Never mind," Sideswipe sighed. He groaned at the mess the small sparkling Starshine made. He cursed himself for not watching her better and now Sunstreaker was going to blow a gasket when he got home.

Starshine had somehow managed to crawl into her brother's studio, getting hold of the paints. Already one painting was completely ruined and she was working her way on another. The little femme herself had different colored paints on her, including on her back.

With a soft curse, he went into the studio and picked her up, as she clapped and chirped. Some of the wet paint on her hands splashed onto him and he groaned. Pink paint so did not clash with his red paint.

Sideswipe didn't have much time to dwell on it, because at that moment, the door to the apartment opened. He turned and saw Sunny stepping in, looking around a little.

However, the yellow mech's optics narrowed dangerously as he took in the sight of his twin. The sparkling clapped even more when she spotted her big brother, not even understanding the dangerous situation the two were in.

"Sideswipe," his brother spoke calmly. Perhaps, a little too calmly for Sides concern.

"Yes Sunny," gulped the red twin, pulling Starshine closer to his chest. She seemed to understand now that she was in trouble, clinging to her brother tightly.

"Do you remember the rules I had set up?" the yellow mech asked, still very calm. Sides nodded his head. "Then why did I come home to find her inside of my studio?"

Starshine whimpered into his neck, having never been exposed to this side of Sunstreaker before. Heck, even Sideswipe was a little afraid of his brother at the moment. Sunny only got this way when he was really pissed.

"What was the one rule I had asked you not to do?" Sunstreaker now growled taking a dangerous step forward.

Sideswipe knew it was time to move as he sidestepped out of the studio. His and his brother's room was right next-door, though it didn't have a lock on it. His optics darted towards the room, and then back to the mech, who was closing the distance slowly.

Another growl from Sunny and Sides took off as his brother lunged forward. He didn't look back as a crash was heard before slamming the door shut behind him. He then went and shut himself in the bathroom, clutching Starshine to him tightly.

When Sideswipe was sure his twin wasn't going to blast down the door did he look at the femme. She had her head out of his neck and was looking up at him innocently.

He groaned. "You've only been here what, two deca-cycles and already you're getting me into trouble."

Starshine clicked patting his face gently and getting paint onto his cheek.

Shaking his head he turned on the water, stepping under as she clicked away madly. Bath time was the one time she was happy to be good without any fuss. Sideswipe wished she would do it all the time.

Since Sunstreaker allowed her to stay, she had been getting into trouble frequently. Most of the time he, Sideswipe would take the punishment his brother gave out. She was still a little to young for understanding. But he did wish she were just a few stellar cycles older.

He grumbled softly as he grabbed a cleaning cloth and began scrubbing the paint off. She clicked back at him like she was talking.

Sides had taken her back to the medic to get her first upgrade. It had gone perfectly and that she would be learning to talk soon. Both brothers had tried to get her to say their names, but only clicks seem to come from Starshine still.

Although the clicking was okay, what the two of them really wanted was to know what she was saying half the time. Especially, when it came time for feeding.

Starshine would continue to cry when she was hungry, but it would be nice if it didn't hurt their audios so much.

Speaking of food, it was getting close to her feeding time, Sideswipe realized. It seemed that she realized it too, for she was looking up at him with those blue optics.

He quickly rushed to get rid of the paint, that was still on her, not even bothering with his. Sides scooped her up and toweled dried her off and rushed out of the bathroom.

The bedroom door was still closed, which in Sideswipe's opinion was a good thing. Opening it, he saw that the coast was clear to the living area, with the studio door shut.

He looked down at Starshine, who was starting to show signs of grumpiness. Pulling air through his vents he stepped out and headed instantly for the energon dispenser.

Even though she still wasn't old enough to process regular energon, he grabbed a cube. With her in one hand, he began to make her formula as she watched him carefully. He had come to realize that she was as picky about her energon as she was about getting her bath.

Sides had just about finished up her drink, when the studio door opened and an angry Sunstreaker stepped up.

He had only taken a few steps forward, when a small voice squeaked. "Sunny."

The yellow mech froze, optics wide as Sideswipe swiveled his head to stare at Starshine.

She had a hugh smile on her face and was clapping. "Sunny," she spoke again, adding a giggle at the end.

"Sides."

Sideswipe flinched as his twin came up next to him. "Yes Sunny."

The yellow mech tilted his head, as Starshine did the same, though with a smile. "We need to get her a berth." Sideswipe looked at his brother, who had yet to look away from Star. "Also, some more toys, since blocks aren't going to keep her entertained forever."

"Where exactly are we going to put the berth? If you haven't noticed, there isn't exactly room out here," indicating to the messy room the three were in.

Sunstreaker shot him an annoyed look. "Who says it was going to be put out here?"

Sideswipe looked confused, before it dawned on him and he looked at Sunny surprised. "Who are you and what have you done with my brother?"

Sunstreaker snorted reaching out for Starshine who was eager to crawl into her brother's arms. "Just because I act mean, doesn't mean I always am."

Sideswipe raised an optic, but didn't comment, since it would end with him having a dent. Instead, he watched Starshine as she repeated Sunny's name over and over again.

Sunstreaker looked towards him and then towards the femme. He pointed a finger at his brother. "What's his name?"

She blinked her optics a few times at the red twin, before another smile enveloped her face. "Fragger."

Both brothers sputtered, just staring at the giggling femme. Then ever so softly a chuckle came from the yellow twin, before it grew into laughter. Starshine clapped and giggled, at her brother's happiness.

Sideswipe growled in annoyance, crossing his arms over his chest and pouting. "Your just a little bundle of joy aren't you?" The only answer he got back was another giggle and his brother's laughter.

Author Notes: Starshine is just to adorable and already picking up her brother's cursing habits. Please review!