A Few Orbital Cycles Later:
"Fracture, which do you want?" Breakdown inquired as he set down several firearms on the dining table.
"I'll take the M-45." Fracture replied as he selected an automatic rifle.
"What do you do before handling any gun?"
"Safety check." Fracture checked the safety making sure it was on. "Magazine clip check." He pulled out the magazine and set it on the table. "And pop the one in the chamber." He did so, the cartridge falling out.
"Good. Disassemble and clean it." Breakdown then turned to Wildbreak. "And which one do you want?"
"I want the automatic!" Wildbreak exclaimed, reaching for a semi-automatic machine gun.
"How about we go with one with less punch…"
"Fine… The 32."
Breakdown handed him the rifle. "What do we do?"
"Check safety… Check! Pop the cartridges… Check! And now disassemble!"
"Good. I'm so proud of you." Breakdown smiled at them.
"I want a gun!" Dead End exclaimed.
"You are too tiny. If I gave you one you'd fly off your peds when firing it."
"NO, I WON'T!"
Breakdown looked at him. "Fine." He grabbed a pistol, removed the magazine, popped the cartridge, and handed it to his son. "Hold that."
Dead End took it, but automatically dropped down. "It's heavy!"
"It is. That's why you need to be bigger to have one. You'll get there."
"But I want to go with you and shoot!" Dead End's optics filled with static.
"Dead End, you're going to stay here with carrier." Knock Out called over to him from the couch.
"But I want to shoot!" Dead End began to cry.
"Dead End, come over here! Come give carrier a hug!"
Dead End got up and ran over, climbing onto the couch and collapsing into his carrier's arms. Knock Out hugged him, stroking the back of his helm as he bawled his sorrows into his chassis. Starscream glared, jealous that the sparkling was now getting all of Knock Out's attention and not him.
"Are they clean?" Breakdown asked the older two mechlings.
"Yup!" Wildbreak proclaimed.
"Good. Assemble them, now."
"Babe, do you have to use the bullets? Use the laser guns. The bullets have too much kickback." Knock Out said in the way only a carrier could.
"They can handle the kickback. It's good for them to learn with the harder guns so when they learn to fire the laser ones it's easy."
"I don't want them getting dented or a shell to hit their face."
"Burning hot shells hitting your face builds character."
Knock Out glared at his mate who chuckled.
"I wish I could go…" Starscream grumbled.
"It's more fun to stay here with me and watch soap operas." Knock Out smiled at the Seeker.
"Still… I would like to get some frustration out and shoot at a picture of Megatron…"
"I don't think you're banned from darts. I can get you some and let you hang a picture of Megatron on the wall."
"I'd like that." Starscream smiled as he snuggled against Knock Out.
"We are going to the firing range!" Breakdown announced as he subspaced the guns and gear he was bringing. "Do you need anything while we're out?"
"I will just be missing you!" Knock Out said it so pathetically.
"Well, I'll miss you more." Breakdown walked over and kissed his mate on the lip plates. "Want me to stop by the store?"
"No, but if you could get my prescription…" He said it softer.
"Antidepressants or do you need more pain dampeners?"
"The antidepressants."
"I will get those for you, my love. If you need anything else just call me." He kissed his mate again. "Bye! Love you!"
"Love you, more! Miss you already!"
Breakdown opened the door and let the older mechlings out. "Miss you more!"
"No, I miss you more! Bye!"
"Bye!" He then closed the door behind him.
Knock Out turned to Dead End and hugged his youngest close.
Starscream perked his wings. "Pain dampeners?"
"It's nothing."
"Clearly it's something if you need medicine…"
"Sometimes my spark flares up. It's just something from the miscarriage. Nothing to worry about."
"Have you gotten it checked out?"
"It's fine, Starscream. It's gotten better. You're the one with the bad spark. You better be taking your medicine every orbital cycle still…"
"I do. I never stopped." Starscream hugged the speedster.
"Stop!" Dead End shoved at Starscream.
"It's okay, Dead End. You can share carrier." Knock Out kissed his son on the cheekplates. "Everyone needs cuddles from me."
"No, only me!" Dead End hugged his carrier selfishly.
Knock Out smiled, hugging him back. "I love you."
"Do I get any love?" Starscream grunted, annoyed that the sparkling was winning.
"Diesel is right next to you. Hug him."
Starscream looked at the cyberdog recharging on the couch beside him. "I rather not disturb him."
"Well, then you have to wait until Dead End is done."
Dead End stuck his glossa out at Starscream, knowing he was winning. After all, he was his carrier's favorite.
Starscream flicked his wings and narrowed his optics. The absolute insolence from this sparkling! He was about to be 6 stellar cycles old and acted like a rich adult who could afford an attorney. Starscream did not see why he was so cherished by Knock Out.
Starscream made a rude gesture at the sparkling, making sure Knock Out didn't see it. Dead End knew what that meant and did it right back. That pissed off the Seeker. He flicked his wings before shoving the sparkling off Knock Out's lap.
"Starscream! What the hell!" Knock Out shoved back at the Seeker before quickly picking up his crying son.
"He was mocking me!"
"He's 5!" Knock Out held his son tightly.
"He knows what he was doing!"
Knock Out growled his engine and glared at Starscream. The Seeker quickly lowered his wings, realizing that Knock Out had engaged protective carrier mode.
"I'm sorry. What I did was wrong." The flier quickly apologized, keeping his wings low and looking down to show submission.
Knock Out didn't look at him, simply focused on hugging his son and babying him. Dead End wiped at his optics, looked Starscream right in his, and smirked before flashing a rude gesture at him.
Starscream never thought he would want to punch a sparkling, but he did. His wings flicked, his fist trembled at his side, but he remained still. He would have his revenge…. May not be this orbital cycle, may not be for a few stellar cycles, but one orbital cycle… He would have his revenge…
So long as Knock Out didn't murder him…
Knock Out poured energon into several glasses as he prepared the mid orbital cycle refueling for the mechlings. Starscream stood by not to help but rather to stay close to Knock Out.
"I was going to do that." Breakdown said as he walked into the energon room.
"Well, I'm doing it now." Knock Out shrugged, placing small bowls of energon goodies next to each glass of energon.
"I rather you rest. You need to actually not work on your orbital cycles off."
"It's just fueling the mechlings. I'm not exerting myself making sure my sons are given a proper meal instead of the junk you sneak them." Knock Out grunted.
"I don't sneak them junk." Breakdown took a goodie from one of the bowls and ate it.
Knock Out noticed. "Don't. That's not for you."
"I know." He reached for another.
Knock Out slapped his servo before he could touch the energon. "Will you stop it! You're constantly eating their energon. The additives are going to make you fat."
"I'm already fat." Breakdown made a face like Knock Out should know better.
"You're not fat..." Knock Out grumbled, mixing additives and oil into the energon.
"Yes, I am. That's why you joined me." Breakdown got behind his mate and pressed his crotch into the speedster's aft before leaning over the smaller mech. "You like the big mechs."
"Don't…"
"You want all the power in these extra plates to be clapping these aft plates of yours! Mmm!" He humped a couple of times hard into Knock Out, pushing his mate into the counter.
"Breakdown! Stop it!" The speedster shoved back at him, but was now pinned.
"Aren't you glad you joined a big, fatty like me and not a skinny weakling like Starscream over there?" He had his arms wrapped around Knock Out's waist now.
"Let go of me before I spike punch you!" Knock Out stomped his ped right onto Breakdown's but the truck only chuckled.
"See the abuse I go through?" Breakdown asked Starscream.
"I do believe it's warranted." Starscream grunted.
"You're just jealous you don't have a big, fat guy like me kissing you." He then started to force kisses onto Knock Out's faceplates.
"Stop it! Breakdown! I swear to Primus I will stab you!"
"With what? You wanna frag your big mech?"
"Starscream, can you please kick him?" Knock Out pleaded with the jet.
"I'm on probation, remember? I can't use guns, kick, stab, kill or do anything fun for… infinity." Starscream said it with such annoyance.
Breakdown finally managed to kiss Knock Out on the lip plates, forcing it for a few astroseconds before he moved his face away. He chuckled as he reached over his mate, grabbed the large bowl of energon goodies, and started to walk away.
Knock Out wiped his faceplates and lip plates quickly, then slapped Breakdown on the aft, who simply giggled.
"You are such a pain." Knock Out grumbled. "At least take the energon to the mechlings."
"Why not call them down? They have legs?" The truck replied with a mouth full of energon goodies.
"Can you be civilized for once…?"
"Absolutely not. You joined this." He gestured to himself, making sure his abdomen plates were jutting out, his mouth still full of energon. "An' now you live with it!"
Knock Out rolled his optics, questioning why indeed did he join that… Right, because he was cute… And he felt bad for him…
"Fine, I'll call them down…" The speedster walked to the bottom of the stairs before shouting. "Fracture! Wildbreak! Dead End! My sweet mechlings, come get your energon before your sire eats it!"
That elicited a flurry of berthroom doors opening and the three sparklings racing down the stairs and running to the energon room.
"Hey, Fracture." Starscream smiled at his son.
"Hey, carrier one." Fracture said quickly, grabbed his energon, and ran back off to his berthroom.
"Why is everyone in their rooms this orbital cycle?" Knock Out inquired of his eldest.
"I'm playing with my friends!" Wildbreak grabbed his energon and also fled back to his room.
"Right. Online friends. When I was your age, I set transport vehicles on fire instead of stayed locked in my room all orbital cycle…" Knock Out grunted, then paused. "No, you're right. What you guys are doing is better…."
"I'll set things on fire with you, carrier!" Dead End exclaimed.
"Awww!" Knock Out placed a servo over his chestplates. "You're my new best friend. Where should be commit arson first?"
"THE SCHOOL!"
"Okay, back to your room." Breakdown ordered the youngest as he handed him his energon. "I don't need you getting your carrier thrown in prison…"
"What are you doing in your room?" Knock Out raised an optical ridge at Dead End.
"I'm watching my show!"
"Right, of course. The dramas of a 5 stellar cycle old are very suspenseful and intense. I can't watch it. That's why I have to watch the watered-down rated R stuff."
Dead End broadly smiled as he snickered. He knew his carrier wasn't as brave as he was when it came to TV.
"Don't spoil anything!" Knock Out called after his youngest as he bravely marched away with his energon.
"And like that they are gone." Breakdown grunted. "You'd forget they lived here with how much time they spent in their rooms…"
"I could teach them how to commit arson and get away with it."
"This is why you and Starscream get along." Breakdown grunted.
"For the record, I never committed arson until after becoming a Decepticon." Starscream piped up.
"The best time is when you're a teen and are underage drinking, and have the fear of angry creators on top of the fear of being arrested." Knock Out smirked.
"Did you ever get arrested?"
"Several times. Why do you think I like being handcuffed? Reminds me of the good times."
"Two reasons I don't tie him in berth." Breakdown grumbled as he raised two digits. "I like to feel him squirm and be unable to escape me," He lowered a digit. "And last time I put manacles on him he said, 'harder, officer, and I'll get you an energon donut.'"
"Don't tell him that!" Knock Out slapped Breakdown's arm. "Primus, he doesn't need to know everything we do or have done."
"The more I learn about Knock Out the more shocking it is that you two mated…" Starscream grunted.
"He used to have piercings." Breakdown said quickly.
"STOP!" Knock Out punched his mate in the codpiece.
"Oof! Gah, why...!?" Breakdown fell to his knees as he cupped his injured groin.
Knock Out rolled his optics, then turned to the counter and began to clean things up. "He doesn't need to know everything. He already knows enough about my interface life he doesn't need to know anything more."
"Do you have pictures of him with these piercings?" Starscream asked as his wings perked.
"I do…" Breakdown moaned in so much pain.
"I think I need quality alone time with Breakdown." Starscream smirked.
Knock Out glared at him. "No. Breakdown, don't show him anything. Or else…"
"Or else what, my darling love?" Breakdown looked up at him, pain still in his vocalizer.
"Or else I'll punch your spike again."
"Maybe that's my new thing." He managed a small chuckle before groaning in pain.
Knock Out vented a sigh before crouching in front of his mate. "I'm sorry. But you gave me no choice."
"And I'd do it again." Breakdown smirked, still holding his mechhood.
Knock Out gave him such a disappointed look with a slight helm shake before standing back up. "Don't stay on the floor. I need you to not be dying."
"Yes, dear. I know this is the only way you show me love." Breakdown slowly stood up.
Knock Out rolled his optics again. "Stop trying to convince everyone I abuse you. You're the bully of the relationship."
"Hey, Starscream, which is the bully? The one who constantly gives kisses, or the one who just punched me in the spike?"
"Oh, totally the one who committed arson as a teen." Starscream nodded.
"Ha! Your friends have turned on you, too!" Breakdown triumphantly exclaimed as he pointed at his mate's back.
Knock Out only rolled his optics as he continued to put away dishes.
"I expect apology interface."
"Can it even work after taking a hit?" Knock Out inquired in such an uncaring manner.
"Oh, it can work whenever I see you lying on that berth. You one smoking hot carrier!" He slapped Knock Out on the aft.
"Ow! Breakdown!" Knock Out spun around and held up a fist. "I am about to make you recharge on the couch!"
"Stop threatening me. You upset the sparklings."
"They aren't here!"
"How could you say such a thing?! Our son is right there!" He pointed at Diesel who was lapping up his energon trying to ignore the idiocy of the people he was forced to live with.
Knock Out growled in frustration. "Why are you testing me? What do you want?"
"Your unconditional love."
"I already give you that."
"I demand more."
"I'm not fragging you more."
"I wasn't suggesting it but now I do want that. I know you want it too. You want these big, fat hips clapping your aft into the next dimension!" He thrust his hips forward.
"Oh my gosh…."
"Starscream agrees with me."
"Yeah, totally." Starscream smirked.
"You both are afts. I'm-" Knock Out stopped when the door chime went off. "Oh, thank Primus…"
Starscream perked his wings. "I didn't realize company was coming."
"Oh, sorry. I forgot to tell you." Knock Out shrugged as he walked towards the door.
Starscream watched the speedster, ignoring the truck behind him taking advantage to sneak in a slice of cake. Knock Out opened the door and held out his arms.
"Hey, Grit!"
Starscream's wings flicked, his engine began to growl, and his optics narrowed.
"Hey, Knock Out!" Grit walked in and hugged his brother. "How is my little brother doing?"
"I'm well." Knock Out let him go to close the door. "How is everything with you?"
"It's good." He looked up. "Hey, Breakdown! Have you been keeping my brother out of trouble?"
"He is the trouble." Breakdown grunted as he was busy stuffing cake into his mouth.
Grit giggled. "That's why you gotta keep beating his aft!"
"Stop…" Knock Out gave his brother an annoyed look, but he only laughed.
"And how are you, legs?" Grit smirked at Starscream.
The Seeker only flicked his wings and growled his engine louder.
Grit kept his smug smile as he shrugged. "Gonna keep holding a grudge, I see. Sucks to be you, sweet thighs."
Starscream flicked his wings again, then stomped over to Knock Out. "Does he have to be here…?"
"He's my brother, Starscream." Knock Out gave him a hard look, but then lowered his vocalizer so only Starscream could hear. "I know he hurt you, but he's still important to me." He paused, seeing the pain in the Seeker's optics. "Hey, Stars, you want to cuddle?"
Starscream nodded, his wings lowering now.
Knock Out took the Seeker's servo and led him over to the couch. Grit ignored them as he went to the energon room to help himself to some of the cake Breakdown was getting into. Knock Out sat on the couch and Starscream quickly sat beside him. The Seeker wasted no time snuggling firmly against the speedster, wrapping his arms around him, and practically becoming one. His wings stayed low, and his engine softly purred, already feeling better.
"You're so silly." Knock Out pecked a kiss to Starscream's cheekplates before grabbing the remote. "What should we watch?"
"I don't care. Whatever you want."
"Okay, let's see." He turned on the vidscreen and began to flick through the channels.
Starscream vented a sigh, hating the fact that Grit was currently in the house with him. He tried to snuggle closer to his best friend, but he physically couldn't. He then pressed his faceplates against Knock Out's, vented a sigh, then kissed Knock Out on the cheekplates. Knock Out raised a servo and cupped Starscream's cheekplates, reassuring him that he was alright. Starscream fluttered his wings a little, then kissed Knock Out again. This time the doctor turned to him and nuzzled his faceplates against Starscream's while smirking. Starscream smiled back as he nuzzled as well, his engine purring louder now. Knock Out pecked a kiss to his cheekplates, and the Seeker was quick to return the gesture. Starscream took Knock Out's servo in his, wanting to hold that as well.
"The frag are you two doing?"
The Seeker and speedster looked up to see Grit standing there in front of them, looking a bit shocked, but also angry.
"We're cuddling." Knock Out replied like it was perfectly normal.
"Cuddling? Like that?" Grit raised an optical ridge. "You look like you're about to frag."
"Why would I frag my friend?" Knock Out narrowed his optics.
"You do nothing but frag your friends. Breakdown was your best friend."
"He's still my best friend, but that's different. I have Breakdown and past mechfriends I've fragged. This is Starscream. He's just a friend."
"A 'friend' who lives with you and is getting all intimate there with the kissing and touching." Grit crossed his arms.
"Starscream is a Seeker. You know they are very physical creatures."
"Yeah, I know he kept trying to touch me like that when we were fragging." Grit's engine softly growled. "You are fragging him to get back at me, aren't you?"
"What? No! I'm not fragging Starscream!"
"You are!" Grit pointed his claw at his brother as he took an aggressive step forward. "I know you, Knock Out. You are still pissed at me for fragging the stupid Seeker so now you're fragging him to get back at me? Are you going to gang bang him with my friends, too? Are we doing Crusher all over again?!"
Knock Out swallowed. "Can you please not talk about Crusher…"
"Oh, stop it, you were a sparkling then and you're still a sparkling about it, now! Sire calls me a whore when you're the whore! And you're joined! Or are you having threesomes since you want to have so many spikes in you at once again?"
Knock Out bit his lower lip plate, not wanting to argue. Starscream flicked his wings, his engine growling, glaring murderously at Grit, but he need not defend the doctor. Like a furious beast of death, Breakdown stomped over, his engine growling loudly. He looked like he was about to tear Grit apart for yelling at his mate, everything about his body tense, ready to strike, and filled with unadulterated fury.
"Breakdown, stop." Knock Out said it so softly as he raised a servo, but despite his quiet vocalizer the furious monster immediately stopped. Breakdown stood there, so close to Grit, ready to defend his mate.
Grit looked back at Breakdown with such an unimpressed expression, as if he thought lesser of Breakdown for obeying his brother. "Good, dog." He grunted before turning back to Knock Out. "Guess I'm a little surprised that he still simps for you despite you being unfaithful."
"I'm not fragging anyone but my mate!" Knock Out cried out. "Why are you being mean?!"
"I'm not being mean! You've always been a slut, Knock Out! But to now frag a guy you were angry with?! A guy who threatened you!?"
"You fragged him! You fragged him when you knew he was hurting me and threatened me, a-and was stressing me out! You fragged him and didn't care! And kept fragging him when I told you to stop!"
"I'm not mated! You're the problem, Knock Out! You've always been the problem! From getting arrested constantly as a teenager, to the porn, to the circuit booster use… And now this! Why did you even get involved with him?! Ever since you took Fracture there's just been more slag I and the rest of the family have to deal with from you! Carrier and sire haven't been able to move back to Velocitron because of you! You're always putting your needs above everyone else!"
"They won't move back because they refuse to give me space, not because of me! Sire is feeding you slag as usual."
"Wait until he hears about this."
"I'm not fragging Starscream! You're being stupid and paranoid."
"Stupid and paranoid? Yeah, was I 'stupid and paranoid' when I protected you from Ripcoil? Or saved your aft from sire a million times when you had snuck out at night to underage drink with your friends? Or helped you hide the circuit boosters so you wouldn't have been arrested and kicked out of medical school? Oh, here's a story you haven't heard before, Starscream! Knock Out is such an idiot that he took so many circuit boosters while in med school he disappeared for FOUR ORBITAL CYCLES and was found across the city too fragged out of it to even remember who he was! And I had to help him make up an excuse to keep him from being expelled! I had to pay people off to make them help keep the lie going so when sire investigated we had 'witnesses' who testified the story I told them too. If I wasn't around this moron would have not only been kicked out of med school but shunned by the family! And he wouldn't have met Breakdown! So, you're welcome for being the reason you found that stupid truck!"
Breakdown was barely staying in place, not because of what was said about him, but because he saw coolant pooling in his mate's optics.
"Please… Don't Grit." Knock Out said it so quietly.
"Don't what? Be honest with you?! I've always been there for you! From keeping you out of prison! From the circuit booster slag in med school! From slag during the war! From your stupid miscarriage!"
Grit immediately stopped when that final sentence left his mouth, realizing he went too far, his optics widening. Knock Out's optics widened too, his spark pulsating faster, the coolant suddenly pouring out as he began to tremble.
Breakdown lost it.
"Knock Out, I'm sorry." Grit said quickly, his vocalizer entirely different now, a normal, worried vocalizer. "I-I didn't mean that. I'm sorry! I-"
But he couldn't get another word out. Breakdown had grabbed him by the throat, tightly clenched his digits, and dragged the speedster away as if he was a bag of garbage. Grit grasped at the servo choking him, desperately trying to get away, positive Breakdown was about to murder him. The truck palmed open the door, grabbed Grit's thigh with his free servo while still holding his neck with the other, and easily lifted him up before throwing him out the door. Grit hit the ground hard and rolled a ways, his intakes gasping for cooler air.
Breakdown slapped the door closed and locked it, then looked out the window to make sure Grit was leaving. He then walked back to Knock Out, his optics still narrowed and looking like he was going to murder several people.
"Knock Out? Hey, it's okay." Starscream cooed the speedster, trying to calm him down best he could.
Knock Out couldn't calm down. His spark was pulsating faster, his intakes quickening, he was crying harder, and beginning to tremble all over. He kept a servo over his chestplates, his spark pulsating so fast it was beginning to hurt. His intakes were so fast and hard now he couldn't even speak, succumbing fully to his panic attack.
"I don't know what to do." Starscream said quickly as Breakdown neared. "Should I get energon?"
Breakdown pushed the Seeker aside without uttering a single word, or even acknowledging him. He picked up his mate bridal style and walked away. Starscream lowered his wings as he watched Breakdown take Knock Out up the stairs, call for Diesel to follow them, and heard the door to their room close. He sat there, wringing his servos, not sure what to do. He wanted to be with Knock Out, but Breakdown was in some primal rage and might murder him. But… He really wanted to make sure Knock Out was okay…
He vented a sigh, stood up, and swallowed. He would just have to risk his life. Knock Out was his friend and he needed all the support he could get. And if Breakdown murdered him… Well, there are worse ways to die.
The Seeker ascended the staircase and walked to the master berthroom. The loud sounds of videogames came from the closed doors of the mechlings' rooms. No wonder they didn't hear the shouting…
He hesitated, then palmed open the door, his wings staying low. Knock Out was sitting on the berth in the center, lying back on pillows stacked against the headboard. He was hugging Diesel, the poor cyberdog trying to make Knock Out happy by licking his faceplates, wagging his tail, and even making excited whines, but Knock Out couldn't stop crying. Breakdown was beside him, saying something softly to him when he noticed the Seeker.
"I-I just want to help." Starscream blurted quickly as he raised his servos peacefully. He slowly approached, got onto the berth on the opposite side of Knock Out, and gently curled against his friend.
"Hey, Knock Out. I'm here." The Seeker hugged him best he could with the dog there. "I got you."
Knock Out didn't look at him, his intakes were still too fast and he was having trouble calming down. Breakdown got off the berth and walked towards the door.
"It's time for the big guns." He grunted.
The truck walked to one of the other berthroom's doors and palmed it open.
"You come into my space?!" Dead End looked up at his sire as he lay on his berth watching his vidscreen. "The audacity of it all!"
"You need to see carrier." Breakdown replied.
"Time is Shanix. Take my time and I take your Shanix." He then raised his servo for said Shanix.
Breakdown didn't even know what movie his sparkling was quoting this orbital cycle. "Carrier is having a panic attack. He needs you."
Dead End's faceplates instantly became serious. He leaped off his berth and ran to the master berthroom, knowing exactly what his mission was. He climbed onto the berth, crawled over Starscream, and got right onto Knock Out's lap.
"Carrier! I love you!" He exclaimed as he hugged his carrier, squeezing Diesel who was between them, still on Knock Out's lap.
Knock Out hugged his youngest, holding both him and Diesel. His intakes finally began to slow down, and his spark started to pulsate less. Knock Out held his son tightly, Diesel slipping out so he wouldn't be crushed. The doctor kissed Dead End on the cheekplates, and concentrated on his sparkling.
Starscream vented a sigh. Of course the sparkling who hated him was the only one who could instantly stop Knock Out's panic attacks. He had more reasons to be at war with this 5 stellar cycle old…
"You need to stop crying." Dead End told his carrier in a firm, but gentle vocalizer.
"I'm sorry, sweetie. Someone said something very hurtful to me and it just… really hurts." Knock Out swallowed, taking the cloth Breakdown offered him and used it to wipe at his optics.
"Who said a hurtful thing? I'll beat them up!" Dead End's optics narrowed, serious about it.
"I just need you to stay with me."
"I will." Dead End hugged his carrier again.
"Do you want energon?" Breakdown asked his mate, his vocalizer back to its soft, loving self.
"I'm fine… I-it was just a panic attack… I'm okay…"
"I won't let him near you again." Breakdown's deadly vocalizer returned.
"H-he was just angry… People say slag all the time when angry…"
"He's always being a slagger. I am done with him hurting you."
"We're brothers… We argue… I-it's normal."
"Knock Out, I'm about to murder him."
"I don't want to talk about this right now…" Knock Out didn't look at his mate as he hugged Dead End tighter.
"Has he made you cry before?" Starscream perked his wings.
"He's made Knock Out cry a lot over the vorns…" Breakdown grunted.
"I thought you said he was a good brother?" Starscream gave the speedster an annoyed look.
"He is! H-he has helped me a lot… A-and he does care about me…" Knock Out swallowed.
"Sometimes jerks can do good deeds…" Breakdown grumbled.
"Please, stop…"
Starscream didn't want to upset Knock Out further so simply cuddled closer to him, purring his engine softly. Knock Out didn't cuddle back, instead focusing on Dead End who was determined to hug his carrier as tightly as he could. Breakdown sat beside Knock Out, then put his face in his mate's.
"Hey, Knock Out." He said softly before a small smile crept on his faceplates. "What did the doctor say to the rocket ship?"
"Oh gosh…." Knock Out almost whispered, steeling himself for the pun.
"Time to get your booster shot." Breakdown's smile grew, but Knock Out only rolled his optics, clearly having heard this one too many times. "Hey, Knock Out. Did you hear about the guy who lost his whole left side?" He paused, but Knock Out didn't say anything. "He's all right now!"
"Why do you torment me…?" Knock Out still didn't look at him.
"Knock Out, why is a doctor always calm?" He poked his mate in the arm. "Because they have a lot of patients!"
Knock Out faintly smiled at that one, but still didn't look up.
"How did the doctor cure the invisible mech?" Pause. "He took him to the ICU!" Another pause. "A patient says, 'doctor, doctor, I'm addicted to brake fluid!' And the doctor said, 'Nonsense, you can brake anytime!'"
That earned a soft snort.
"Want to hear a joke about construction?" He poked his mate. "I'm still working on it."
"If you're going to torture me at least use new jokes." Knock Out finally looked up at his Conjunx.
"What do racers eat before a race?" Pause. "Nothing, they fast." He kissed his mate. "How do you tell if a doctor is a fake?"
"How?" Knock Out asked softly.
"They have good handwriting."
Knock Out rolled his optics.
"Did you hear about the obstetrician who became a standup comedian?"
"… No…"
"Apparently, it's all about the delivery for some people."
Knock Out's smile grew, but not quite the reaction Breakdown wanted.
"I had a nightmare last night that someone hit me with their muffler. I onlined exhausted."
Knock Out finally giggled, his smile larger now. Breakdown grinned, then kissed his mate on the lip plates.
"You're so beautiful." He pressed his brow against Knock Out's. "Want me to keep going?"
"Please, no, have mercy on me. You love me."
"I love making you laugh." He looked at Starscream. "Starscream wants to hear more!"
"I really don't…" Starscream grunted.
"Then everyone is in favor! Even Dead End."
"No…" Dead End shook his helm.
Breakdown ignored their pleas and continued with his terrible jokes.
A Few Orbital Cycles Later:
"Intake deeply." Knock Out ordered.
Starscream did so, his wings perked as he sat on the couch beside the doctor.
"Let it out slowly."
The Seeker slowly exhaled, watching as the speedster monitored his spark. Knock Out looked at the scanner he held, then looked up at the Seeker.
"Your spark is doing well. The medicine is working. So long as you continue doing as I say you will continue to live."
"I intend to do that."
"Good." Knock Out put away his scanner, then turned back to the Seeker. "It still isn't cured. Remember that."
"Yes… I'll have difficulty conceiving as well…. And won't be able to fly like I used to… No more high altitude flights for me…"
"Or racing." Knock Out took the Seeker's servo. "But you're still here, you're doing well, and you're no longer plotting my demise."
Starscream lowered his wings, not looking at his friend, upset about their rough past. Knock Out leaned forward and pecked a kiss to his cheekplates.
"You're fine. It's in the past now." He paused. "So… Breakdown and I are going on a date tomorrow."
Starscream looked up at him. "Yeah?"
Knock Out smirked as he nodded. "Yeah, I need some time alone with the big guy. It's been far too long since we had a night to ourselves. Breakdown has it all planned. He won't tell me it, but… I know it's going to be amazing."
"I hope you have fun."
"I know I will." Knock Out's smile faded. "But… Due to our agreement with the Prime… I can't leave you alone with the mechlings. Someone is coming over to sparklingsit them. You do not need to interact with this person, you can stay in your room. I just want you to be aware that he will be here."
"Who is it? One of your friends?"
Knock Out was silent a moment, not looking at the Seeker. "It's Grit."
Starscream's wings instantly flared as his optics narrowed. "You're letting that jerk back after what he said to you?!"
"That 'jerk' is my brother."
"He made you cry!"
"And he's going to be sparklingsitting my creations, and you will behave yourself." Knock Out said it sternly as he glared at the Seeker.
"Why can't you get someone else?"
"I have no one else. I don't trust most people, especially not with my sons."
"Fracture is my son and I don't trust Grit to be around him."
"You lost custody of Fracture for a reason, Starscream. Your judgement in mechs lacks greatly."
"Don't you dare bring what happened with Megatron into this." Starscream flicked his wings.
"I will because it's the entire reason you're not legally allowed to be left alone with your own son. Fracture is in my custody. I treat him as my own creation. And he will be watched by my brother, and you will keep your mouth shut." He said it in such a firm, harsh manner, his processor clearly was not going to be changed.
Starscream flicked his wings again as he growled his engine. "I get no say? I thought we were friends again?"
"We are friends, Starscream. But you do not get a say when it comes to certain topics, such as how I raise the sparklings under my care. Fracture likes Grit. Grit is a good uncle. If you misbehave I will tell Optimus. Got it?"
Starscream swallowed, lowering his wings. He felt hurt, but Knock Out never liked being told what to do. Of course he would never listen to anyone about how to raise his mechlings, or the mechling he took.
Knock Out was silent a moment before speaking. "Starscream, I'm not trying to hurt you. I'm doing my best for Fracture. He is safe around Grit. Grit would never harm a sparkling. I know Grit has been an aft to you, but he would never be one to Fracture. Let Fracture have an uncle. When he's an adult he can learn about the infighting." He pecked another kiss to the Seeker's cheekplates. "I'll bring you something. Wherever Breakdown is taking me there's going to be a lot of desserts. I'll bring back some just for you. Okay?"
Starscream slowly nodded, wishing he hadn't done so many things so he wouldn't be in this position. He should be the one making decisions who Fracture could be around, not Knock Out. He didn't want his son around that aft.
"Well, now since you're upset with me, I'll give you some space." Knock Out released the Seeker's servo and stood. "I need to go pick up Wildbreak from his friend's house. Breakdown should be home soon with Fracture. We'll speak more later." He paused. "I love you."
Starscream took a bit before he quietly muttered back. "I love you, too…"
Knock Out patted the Seeker's shoulder, then walked over to where Dead End was playing with toys. He took his youngest's servo and led him out the door. Once the Seeker was alone did he finally allow the coolant tears to shed.
"Hey, big guy!" Grit smiled, holding his arms out as if he would receive love from the one he was addressing.
"You apologize to my mate first or else I'm throwing you out a window." Breakdown snapped in the coldest, most stern vocalizer.
"Yes, sir." Grit said quickly, hesitated, then entered the house. He walked straight over to Knock Out who was at the dining room table helping Wildbreak with his homework. Grit stopped beside his brother and got down on one knee. "Knock Out, I'm really sorry for what I said. Especially about the… You know what. I was angry and said things I didn't actually mean. I love you. You're my favorite little brother and I'd do anything to protect you. Can I hug you?"
Knock Out vented a sigh, then held out his arms. Grit smirked, quickly standing up and hugging his brother.
"I love you, too." Knock Out said softly. "Please, behave while I'm gone."
"I will." He released his brother and turned to Wildbreak. "Hey, little mech! What are you doing?"
"Science homework." Wildbreak grunted.
"Heesh, sounds boring. Need help?"
"No, carrier helped me."
"Good! Because he's better with that slag than I am." Grit looked across the living room and noticed Starscream on the couch with Fracture, the Seeker helping his own son with his homework. He turned back to Knock Out. "Sure everything will be alright?" He asked quietly.
"I've told him to behave. Should he act up just call me." Knock Out stood up and tucked the chair back into place. "They will need their dinner. Please, give Dead End a bath. He played in puddles today… Wildbreak and Fracture are almost done with their homework and then they can do whatever they want. Diesel has been taken care of. I gave him dinner and he hasn't touched it yet so just leave it. He'll get to it eventually. Make sure everyone goes to recharge on time."
"Okay, so the usual slag. Got it! Well, you have a wonderful night, have fun, stay out of trouble, and I'll see you later!"
"Thanks, Grit. You're a good brother." Knock Out gave him another hug. "Sweeties, carrier is leaving with sire, now! Listen to your uncle, go to recharge on time, and I'll be back very late tonight."
"I don't want you to go!" Dead End stomped his ped down.
"I'll be back later, my love." Knock Out crouched to hug his youngest. "Mmm! You know I can only leave because you're here to keep the peace, right?"
Dead End giggled. "Yeah."
"Make sure everyone behaves and report to me if they don't." He kissed Dead End on the cheekplates. "I will check on you when I get home even if you're already recharging. Okay?" He cupped his son's faceplates.
"Okay, carrier! Love you!"
Knock Out smiled. "Love you, more, my sweet mechling." He kissed him on the brow, then stood up. He lifted Wildbreak's chin and kissed him on the cheekplates. "You be good. Love you."
"Love you, carrier!" Wildbreak smiled up at him.
Knock Out patted his helm, then walked over to Fracture and Starscream. "Love you, sweetie." He cupped Fracture's faceplates and kissed him on the brow. "Be good, don't start any fights, and call me should anything bad happen. Got it?"
"Yup!" Fracture nodded. "Everything will be fine. Go on and do your date thing."
"I will. You're so handsome. You are growing up to be a sparkbreaker."
"He gets it from me." Starscream smirked, so proud that he made that.
"Mhmm." Knock Out nuzzled Fracture's faceplates with his before releasing him. He turned to Starscream. "I better not hear that you caused trouble. Understood?"
"I am perfectly behaved. You don't have to worry about anything."
"Mhmm." Knock Out started to turn to leave when Starscream spoke up.
"Do I not get a farewell kiss?"
Knock Out turned back to him and raised an optical ridge. Then he leaned over and pecked a kiss to Starscream's cheekplates, eliciting a loud engine purr from the Seeker.
"Behave." Knock Out grunted before walking over to Breakdown who was by the door.
"Farewell, rugrats!" Breakdown waved to the sparklings. "We are leaving you and never returning! Enjoy your new life with Grit! You'll soon learn to appreciate everything you had with me."
"We won't miss your terrible jokes!" Fracture shouted.
"You will miss those the most!"
"No, we won't." Wildbreak shook his helm.
"Yeah! We won't miss them!" Dead End exclaimed; his fists balled at his sides.
"And this is why I am dumping you all with Grit! No appreciation! It's not easy being the only funny person in this house!" Breakdown said it with such fervor.
"You're funny alright… Funny to look at." Fracture giggled, causing the other two to giggle.
"I'm damn handsome is what I am, and you wish you got my looks instead of taking after your carrier. Look at you all… Got the faces only a carrier could love…"
"CARRIER DOES LOVE US!" Dead End screamed.
Knock Out rolled his optics. "Sweetie, you can annoy them later. Let's go."
"Wait, one more." Breakdown turned back to the mechlings. "You wanna know my biggest joke?"
"…What?" Fracture grunted.
"You three are my biggest joke."
Knock Out punched his mate's arm, who only laughed. "Stop it."
"Booooo!" Wildbreak gave a thumbs down.
"I'm not a joke, you are!" Dead End screamed.
"Lame!" Fracture exclaimed.
"Tough crowd." Breakdown grunted as he stepped out of the house.
Knock Out vented a sigh. "We'll see you guys later… If he doesn't kill me with his bad puns…." He blew kisses to the mechlings before closing the door behind him.
"And they are gone!" Grit proclaimed. "Finish homework, you two, and then we can party!"
"YEAAHHHHH!" Dead End threw his fists into the air.
Starscream flared his wings, not looking at the speedster as he resumed working on Fracture's homework. He could do this… Just avoid the idiot grounder…
"So, do you have the answer?" Fracture asked his carrier.
"Yes, here's the solution." Starscream showed his son the work he had done.
The Seeker glanced back, watching as Grit over saw Wildbreak finishing his homework. Wildbreak soon finished his homework and put away his datapads. Fracture was next, and also put his homework back into his bag for school. Starscream no longer had something to hide behind.
"Alright, homework is done! What are we doing?" Grit smiled at the mechlings as they gathered around him.
"Dart guns!" Wildbreak proclaimed.
"Yeah!" Dead End seconded excitedly.
"And what's your vote, Fracture?" Grit inquired.
"I'm fine with darts." Fracture nodded.
"Okay, teams!" Grit pointed at the older two. "You two against me and Dead End."
"Carrier, do you want to play?" Fracture called over.
Starscream vented a sigh. "I'll sit this one out…"
Grit shrugged. "Okay, Wildbreak and Fracture, how about we do capture the flag. Dead End and I will start with the flag. If you can get it and manage to make it to… The energon room, you win. Back yard and downstairs only. No going upstairs and shooting. I don't need Knock Out mad at me that we broke something in his room. And no running outside the fence or going through the front door. Got it?"
"Yup!" A chorus of vocalizers excited shouted.
"Good! Go get the dart guns!"
Starscream stayed on the couch as the chaos ensued, Diesel sitting beside him. Grit was merciless as he shot Wildbreak and Fracture many times with darts. And when they were down Dead End would run over and shoot them repeatedly at close range in the aft. It was the worst war crimes Starscream had seen in a long time.
It got worse when eventually the dart guns became waterguns, and soon everyone was slipping and sliding as they got soaked.
After nearly 2 joors of their war, Grit finally had the mechlings exhausted and sitting on the couch.
"Fracture, you want goodies or cake?" Grit asked from the energon room where he was preparing their dinner.
"Cake!" Fracture called over, smiling, so happy to have his uncle over.
"Wildbreak?"
"I want goodies!"
"Dead End?"
"BOTH!"
"Why not!" Grit giggled. "Just don't tell your carrier!"
Grit eventually walked over with trays and handed them to the mechlings, allowing them to eat their energon as they watched TV. Starscream perked his wings, surprised by how much care Grit had taken in preparing their individual meals, even making sure the presentation was perfect. The goodies were arranged around the main energon to be decorative, the cake was so carefully cut, and even the energon had been arranged to be in a rainbow pattern.
Not something the Seeker would ever expect from Grit. He thought their meals would just be dumped on the plates and carelessly thrown together. Like a feeding trough.
He even brought over trays that had legs so they rested over the mechlings' laps. He clearly had done this all before.
Grit also knew exactly which movie to put on to keep them entertained and happy as they ate their dinner. They were enthralled, never looking away, and laughing a lot.
While they were distracted, he cleaned up the house of darts and water, put away the water and dart guns, and fixed furniture. It soon looked like nothing had transpired in the house.
He had his energon sitting on the couch next to Dead End, the three mechlings and Diesel all that separated him from Starscream. The Seeker kept glaring over at him, not trusting him at all.
"Okay, take the trays to the energon room and put dishes on the counter." Grit ordered once the movie was one.
The mechlings did so, and then Grit took them upstairs to help them get ready for berth. Starscream stayed on the couch, listening to the sounds of Grit giving Dead End a bath, and the older mechlings playing in their rooms. Soon, berthroom doors were closed, fans turned on, and it was silent upstairs. Grit walked back down the stairs, petted Diesel who was making his way up the stairs to be with Fracture, as he always recharged with one of the mechlings, and walked over to the couch. The speedster sat down, cautiously eying the Seeker who didn't look at him. He smirked as he leaned back.
"Whatcha watching?"
Starscream only flicked his wings, glaring at the TV now. Grit crossed his arms.
"So… Why are you fragging my brother?" Grit blurted out almost as if he was talking about the weather.
Starscream flicked his wings again, engine softly growling. "I am not fragging Knock Out." He growled.
"Oh?" Grit cocked his helm some. "Then why were you two so touchy and kissing each other?"
"I'm a Seeker. We are like that with those we care about, whether they be friends or family. It doesn't mean we are interfacing."
"Rrrrrright. Is that why you were all touchy with me when you were fragging me? Looks like you're doing the same thing to my sparkling brother as you did to me." He paused. "You got a fetish for speedsters? Is Breakdown in on it or does he just watch?"
Starscream glared at him. "Do you always speak so disrespectfully about your brother?"
"Not being disrespectful. I just want to know what you do to him. Because if you're hurting him…"
"You're worried about me hurting him? After what you said to him?"
"Oh, like you have been any better. You have threatened him and mocked his miscarriage so many times, and meant it."
"I never meant it. I was mad at him and said stupid slag. I apologized to him about it all."
"Uh huh… Sure. At least I was there for him when he had the miscarriage."
"I really don't care what you have done for Knock Out. You're a bully and manipulative. You hurt him and then fake apologize to make him think he's safe around you. It's sickening."
"Says the creep who sucked Megatron's spike during the entire war despite how he beat you for fun."
"You have no idea what happened between me and Megatron." Starscream snarled, his wings flicking.
"I know you took your one stellar cycle old son to be present while you fragged Megatron and he beat that little sparkling. And now my sparkling brother has custody of your offspring." He paused. "Hurts, doesn't it? That someone who used to have to take orders from you now has full control of your son. And there's not a slagging thing you can do about it."
Starscream growled his engine. "I may have lost custody of Fracture, but at least I commanded an army and was Megatron's right servo, while you were a grunt no one has ever heard about."
"You were Megatron's frag toy and a joke of a leader."
"At least I did lead."
"Yeah, led yourself to being homeless, having your sparkling taken away, and so desperate you frag a mated mech."
"I am not fragging your brother!"
"You frag everyone. You're a slut."
"You frag everyone!"
"I hookup, I don't prostrate myself to just anyone who walks by. You were gang banged and put in the hospital because you're such a slut."
Starscream clenched his fists at his side. "You have no idea what happened to me."
"I know enough. You're a slut and a Seeker. Seekers are just… Like you."
"You sound like your creators."
"They aren't wrong about everything."
"They're wrong about me."
"Are you fragging my brother in hopes of trying to get custody back that way? Because that's not how it works… You're a bad creator." He dryly chuckled. "You're as bad at being a creator as you are at everything else in your life! Bad at leading, bad at living independently, bad at not being a whore… Not even good at interface!"
Starscream glared at him. "What the frag? I am good at interface!"
"You just lie there like a corpse!"
"I do not!"
"Oh, you do. If it wasn't for your screaming it would feel like an actual corpse…" Grit grunted.
"You're not good at interface." Starscream flicked his wings.
Grit's smile grew. "You loved how I fragged you. What did you keep saying? Right, 'you can do anything to my body.'" He said it in a bad impersonation of Starscream's vocalizer. "Or the, 'don't ever stop! You are amazing!' And then how you always threw yourself at me, begging for me to keep fragging you, or beating your aft, or playing with your valve…" He paused. "Do you miss the taste of my spike?"
Starscream snarled at him, flicking his wings harder, banging them against the couch. "Shut up." He growled through gritted denta.
"You miss me fragging you, but are too arrogant to just ask me to get back in you. So, you are now fragging my brother in hopes of the same experience. Is that it? You could just ask, Starscream. We can do it on the couch right now. The question is, do you want me in your valve or port?" He chuckled.
Starscream turned away, his engine still growling.
Grit stood up and approached him. He leaned over, getting his face so close to the jet's. "I won't tell Knock Out. The mechlings are recharging and won't hear anything." He grabbed Starscream's chin and made him look up at him. "You didn't refuel. How about you eat my spike, and then I will frag you senseless and remind you why you couldn't keep your servos off me."
Starscream stood up and pushed Grit away, his wings flaring. "Do not touch me." He snarled before stomping away.
But as he was walking away Grit slapped his aft hard. The Seeker stopped, his fists slowly unclenching. Before Grit could react, the Seeker spun around and swung his claws slapping them across Grit's faceplates, leaving several deep cuts.
"Ack!" Grit stumbled back, a servo touching his cheekplates. He looked at his claws, seeing them covered in energon. "You miserable slut! Are you fragging insane!?"
"I'm not a slut!" Starscream lunged at him, blinded by his unadulterated hatred of this grounder.
Grit's optics widened just before he leaped to the side, barely avoiding the Seeker. But Starscream stayed on him and quickly tackled him. Grit punched back as the flier clawed his faceplates and chestplates, furiously shrieking as he did so. Grit managed to get a solid punch on Starscream's face, allowing him to get out from under the Seeker and run. Starscream chased after him, but Grit got to the dining table, grabbed a chair, and smashed it across the Seeker's face. Starscream fell to the ground, energon leaking from his shoulder and helm where the chair had struck him.
"Stay down!" Grit roared, holding a broken chair leg at the Seeker.
But Starscream was only angrier now. He got to his peds, almost falling back as his helm was a little dizzy now. He looked at the decorative vase on the table filled with crystal flowers and grabbed it.
"Don't you dare. That's from our grandcarrier!" Grit shouted.
But Starscream didn't care. He threw the vase at the speedster, who tried catching it to save it, only for it to hit his face and shatter on the floor.
"YOU BASTARD!"
Starscream lunged again and grabbed the speedster by his arm and shoulder, then shoved him into a window so hard it shattered. Grit cried out, grabbed a large shard of glass, and swung his arm back, stabbing the shard into a cable on Starscream's abdomen. The Seeker cried out, loosening his grip enough for Grit to elbow Starscream in the faceplates, and then get out of his hold. He ran to the energon room knowing where Breakdown kept one of his guns. Starscream knew exactly what he was doing and chased after him. Grit opened the cabinet and reached up for the gun at the top shelf, but Starscream grabbed him, yanked him back, and slammed his helm against the counter edge so hard it dented his helm. Grit cried out, energon now oozing from his own helm. Starscream was back on him, his servos around Grit's neck, and claws tearing into his neck cables. Grit grasped his wrists, trying to pry his servos off as his legs kicked up at the Seeker. Starscream concentrated, needing his claws to penetrate as deeply as possible so that he could tear off Grit's helm.
Grit's intakes were cut off, he kept looking up at the gun so close to him, needing to just get up and grab it. He pulled with everything he had to get those claws off of his neck, but the Seeker was using his entire body weight to stay in place. Grit looked at those red optics, filled with so much hate and fury.
Starscream flicked his wings, snarling at his victim, looking forward to seeing those optics go offline permanently. Grit slapped his face, and the Seeker pulled his helm back, his optics then catching the drawings of the mechlings' on the cabinets. He saw the drawings Fracture had made of all of them, smiling, and being a family.
His optics widened, realizing what he was doing. He would lose Fracture. If he killed Grit he would lose Fracture, his entire life would be over. He couldn't lose his son when he had finally gotten him back.
The Seeker immediately released Grit, got up, and ran for his room. He slammed and locked the door, trembling, his wings drooping. His spark was pulsating so fast. He had attacked someone. He was going to be in trouble! He could lose his sparkling!
He slid to the floor, a servo over his spark that was hurting now, and coolant began to leak from his optics. He had fragged up big time. He was going to lose his son!
Grit got up once the Seeker had released him, grabbed the gun, and kept it aimed at the now closed door. His spark was pulsating, not knowing if the deranged Seeker would come out and finish him or what. He gritted his denta at the pain in his body when he started to walk, never lowering the gun. He positioned himself on the couch, using it as a barrier between him and that door, ready should the beast come out and try anything.
It was almost a joor later before the front door opened.
Breakdown walked in carrying Knock Out bridal style, the two passionately kissing, servos all over each other, their lust obvious. Breakdown went straight for the stairs, taking his mate to their room for whatever intense interface they had planned.
"Can I see my doctor brother for a moment?"
Breakdown paused, looking down, his optics widening. "What happened?!"
Knock Out quickly looked down as well. "Oh my gosh! Grit!" He shoved at Breakdown until he was placed on the floor. He ran around the couch and quickly started to check over his brother. "What happened?!"
"Starscream attacked me." Grit set down the gun. "He almost killed me. I don't know why he stopped, but he locked himself in his room. Ah!"
"I got you." Knock Out said quickly as he pulled shards of glass out of his brother's frame. "How long have you been like this?"
"Almost a joor."
Knock Out unsubspaced some medical tools, cleaning solution, and cloths. He began to clean the wounds, then grabbed the welder.
Breakdown reached over, grabbed the gun, and approached the door to Starscream's room. He knocked.
"Starscream, open the door." He barked, his vocalizer firm.
There was nothing for a few astroseconds, then the door slowly opened. Starscream stood there, wings low, covered in his dry energon, coolant staining his cheekplates. He swallowed, noticing Breakdown holding the gun.
"March out." Breakdown snapped.
Starscream did so, following the gestures of the truck to go to the couch and sit down. Knock Out continued working on his brother, welding the cuts, and cleaning them. He finally looked over at the Seeker.
"What the frag is wrong with you!? Why did you attack my brother?!" He shouted angrily; optics narrowed.
Starscream flinched. "I'm sorry…" He said softly.
"That's all you have to say?!"
Starscream swallowed, his servos wringing.
Knock Out turned back to Grit, seeing to his head injury now. He worked in silence until he had his brother patched up, then gave him a cube of energon. He finally sat by the Seeker and began to repair his wounds.
Starscream couldn't even look at his friend, feeling so ashamed and scared. He winced, Knock Out not being gentle with his care at all.
Knock Out finished repairing the damage on Starscream's body before grabbing the Seeker's chin and making him look at him. His optics were filled with so much fury, annoyance, and shame. Starscream looked away.
"Why did you attack him?" Knock Out growled, working on the injury to Starscream's helm.
Starscream didn't answer immediately. "He… Called me a slut… A-and tried to get me to interface him… I'm sorry."
Knock Out then turned to Grit. "Did you?"
"Yeah, I did." Grit grunted. "But that's still not an excuse for attacking me!"
"I didn't say it was. I was confirming if he was speaking the truth." The doctor turned back to Starscream. "Did you almost kill him?"
Starscream bit his lower lip plate.
"You know I have to report this to Prime, right?"
Starscream's spark felt like it had been punched. "Please, Knock Out…"
"Starscream, you attacked my brother all because he was his usual stupid self."
"Hey….." Grit gave his brother a look.
"I'm sorry." Starscream said quickly. "I-I made a mistake! I won't do it again! Please, I can't lose Fracture!"
"Starscream…" Knock Out vented a sigh. "I'm not kicking you out. But I have to report this to him. You are on probation and if I don't tell him the truth I will get in trouble. And if I get in trouble I risk losing my job. The job keeping Fracture fueled and safe. You understand?"
Starscream felt coolant pooling in his optics, but he understood. Grit would snitch regardless. It probably was better coming from Knock Out than that miserable aft.
"Grit, how do you feel?"
"Better now."
"Can you drive home?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine…" Grit stood up. "I'll leave you with the psychotic Seeker…"
"Be safe." Knock Out watched his brother head for the door.
Grit stopped and looked back. "You have to stop fragging him and kick him out. That Seeker has been trouble since orbital cycle one."
And with that, Grit walked out the door.
Knock Out rolled his optics and finished up with Starscream. "Breakdown."
"Yes, sweetie?" Breakdown said still holding the gun.
"Lock Starscream in his room. We will deal with him in the morning."
"Yes, sir." Breakdown then grabbed Starscream by the arm and forced him to stand. He led Starscream back to him room and pushed him in. "Recharge, Starscream."
Starscream watched as the door was closed and listened to it being locked from the other side. His wings low, his fuel tank feeling twisted, and coolant in his optics, he sat on his berth. He didn't know what to think. Grit deserved it, of course, but now he was at risk of losing his mechling! What if Knock Out did kick him out!? What if Prime took away everything?!
The Seeker could only cry, scared of what tomorrow would bring.
Breakdown turned to his mate once the door was locked. "So… We still having interface?"
Knock Out rolled his optics.
Starscream onlined the next orbital cycle and remained in his berth. He listened as the mechlings got up and got ready for school, then the sounds of Breakdown taking them out. It was silent, save for the lapping of Diesel eating his energon, then his claws loudly clipping as he walked to the couch and hopped on it. A few breems passed before he heard Knock Out come down the stairs.
The Seeker swallowed, not wanting Knock Out to come over. He couldn't face his friend.
The doctor went into the energon room and refueled. Starscream could hear that, then Knock Out talking to Diesel about the house needing to be cleaned. Diesel said something back to him, but Starscream didn't understand cyberdog.
Then, the pedfalls of the speedster approached the door. Starscream tensed. The door was unlocked and Knock Out opened it.
"Morning, Starscream." He said softly, entering the room.
Starscream didn't look at him, his wings low, hugging his pillow. Knock Out walked over and sat on the berth. He then held up a small box.
"As promised, I got you some dessert." He placed it on the nightstand. He reached over and stroked Starscream's wing, knowing how it relaxed the Seeker. "Now, we need to talk. I know you don't want to talk, but we need to." He paused. "Did you at least get some recharge? I hope I wasn't too loud… Breakdown was quite eager after our date." He smirked, but the Seeker still didn't look at him. His smile dissipated. "I sent my report to Prime." He noticed the Seeker's optics filling with coolant. "Starscream… I know Grit is an aft. I know he is… Ridiculous to deal with. I've been dealing with him literally my entire life. He's six stellar cycles older than me. He has been harassing me since even before I was born. I understand you getting pissed off at him. I just don't understand why you didn't lock yourself in your room the moment he started to be an aft. You can not be getting into fights with people, especially not my family members. We aren't in the Decepticon army anymore. We're civilians now. We follow laws and are arrested by police, and have court systems. It's no longer a commanding officer who makes the rules and decides who is punished and who isn't. It's a jury, now."
Starscream still didn't look at him.
"Stars… I am mad at you. Especially that you almost killed Grit… If you had… I would have had Breakdown unload in you. You're my friend, but Grit is my brother." He paused. "I can't trust you. For now on, when Grit or any of my family is over you're going to be locked in your room. Understand? I'm not kicking you out. You are still going to live with us, but you are not going to interact with my family. You will simply be locked inside of here." He stroked Starscream's helm. "And I'll have Breakdown install some bars over the windows to ensure you don't try anything stupid. I hope I won't have to chain you to your berth. Please, don't force me to do that."
Starscream still didn't look at him, just continued to hug the pillow, but coolant was pooling in his optics.
"I know it's been hard for you to transition to being a civilian. I know you're filled with so much trauma, and anger, and feeling like everyone is out to get you… I know you're struggling. I'm trying my best to help you." He paused. "I've been thinking about moving back to Velocitron. I don't know when or if that will happen, but I'll take you with me. You can start fresh there. Fracture will remain in my custody, but you'll live with us so you won't be separated. I might be able to get a bigger house. I could give you an entire level to be yours. Your own room, living room, energon room… You'll never have to interact with us. Your own apartment in my house. Does that sound nice?"
Starscream slowly nodded, but still didn't look up.
Knock Out leaned over and kissed him on the cheekplates. "I am going to look for a therapist for you. You need someone to talk to. I know Prime made you see one for a while. Did you like him? I'll pay for it. I want to help you Starscream. I care about you. You just need to stop attacking people."
"I-I don't know why I did…" Starscream said it barely louder than a whisper.
"I know… I know you're struggling a lot, Stars. That idiot beat you so much he caused so much damage to your processor… We need to find out exactly what damage he did besides severe trauma. I'll look for a psychologist. Maybe we can do some processor scans… I'll get you the help you need, promise." Knock Out then lay over the Seeker and hugged him. "But you need to promise you'll also try to do better, and you'll listen to me, and trust me. Alright?"
Starscream slowly nodded. "Yeah… I promise…"
Knock Out cupped Starscream's cheekplates and made him turn his helm to look up at him. "Do you trust me?"
Starscream bit his lower lip plate, then slowly nodded. "I do…"
"Then listen to me, do as I say, and let me help you. If you do that, and try your best to behave, I won't ever abandon you. Okay?"
Starscream nodded. "Okay…"
Knock Out gave him another hug before sitting up. "I am going to get you some energon. You should shower." He then held up his communicator. "Prime will be here tonight to speak to us."
Starscream felt his spark drop at that.
Starscream sat on the couch next to Knock Out that evening. Grit was there as well, sitting on the second couch, glaring at the Seeker. Starscream didn't look at him, simply concentrated on Knock Out's servo he was holding, his fuel tank feeling like something was flying inside of it.
The mechlings were upstairs in their rooms playing their games, oblivious of what was going on.
Breakdown walked to the door when the chime went off. Starscream felt his spark dropping, clutching Knock Out's servo tighter. Knock Out patted the Seeker's thigh with his free servo, comforting him best he could.
"Evening, Prime." Breakdown greeted as he opened the door for Optimus Prime and his two guards.
"Evening, Breakdown." Prime inclined his helm at the blue truck before walking over to the couches. "Evening, Knock Out."
"Good evening, Prime." Knock Out replied, feeling Starscream beginning to tremble. "Please, have a seat."
Optimus did just that, sitting on the L shaped couch so that he could look at everyone. Breakdown walked over and sat beside his mate, the two guards staying by the door.
"Grit," the Prime addressed the speedster. "Relay your experience of the event."
"Well," Grit adjusted himself so he was sitter straighter. "I had just put the mechlings in berth and came downstairs to sit here on the couch. Starscream was also sitting here. We started to talk… And it was about the drama. H-he's recharging with my brother."
"He is not." Knock Out interjected.
"Well, I don't believe that." Grit grunted. "They have been very… Cuddly and kissy… But I was telling Starscream I don't appreciate him recharging with my brother, and he is an aft, and asked if he is just trying to get back with me. And he got really mad and lunged at me… We started to fight… I hit him with a chair, he threw me into a window, I ran for the gun Breakdown keeps in the energon room, and Starscream tackled me. He tried to rip my head off! He had his claws around my neck and was tearing them into my wiring. I couldn't get up. Then he just got up and locked himself in his room. I got the gun and waited until Knock Out got home with Breakdown."
"And you then treated both of them for their injuries, correct?" Prime inquired of the doctor.
"That is correct. I sent you the notes of the placement and causes of the injuries I treated." Knock Out said.
"Yes, I reviewed your notes. Starscream, is everything Grit said accurate?"
Starscream swallowed, too scared to look up. "Grit called me a slut and slapped me on the aft when I was trying to walk away… He wanted me to interface him… I didn't want to…"
"But did you strike first?"
"… I did… I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to lose control! I-I just…" I looked up at the Prime with such pitiful optics.
"Well," Prime held up the datapad he had. "I am glad you at least were honest with me, as Knock Out sent me the security footage."
Starscream swallowed, having forgotten that Knock Out had installed cameras everywhere in his house since he had tried to abduct Fracture when he was a sparkling.
The Prime played the footage, making sure everyone could see the datapad's screen. "This is a significant attack, Starscream." Optimus said firmly once the video had ended. "You attempted to kill Grit. I understand Grit said some very hurtful words to you, and acted in a very unprofessional, immature manner, but you must practice restraint. Grit is no longer your inferior in the Decepticon army. He is a civilian just like you and you must obey the law."
"I understand… I'm sorry…" Starscream swallowed.
"Do you understand that I should deny you visiting rights for Fracture as this clearly shows you are not safe to be around?"
Coolant filled the Seeker's optics. "Please, don't. I-I won't ever attack anyone again! I promise. I'm sorry!"
"Starscream, I had hoped that after you and Knock Out stopped being enemies this would all resolve and you could actually be a safe guardian for Fracture, but after this… I don't believe you will ever be safe. You have greatly failed to convince me."
Starscream felt his spark drop, like someone had grabbed it and yanked it out of him. "Please, don't, Prime. I-I won't ever do this again! I promise!" He got up and then down on his knees in front of the Autobot leader. "Please! Please, don't separate me from my son!" Coolant was pouring out now, his vocalizer becoming brittle. "I'm sorry! I'll do anything! Don't take me away from my creation!"
Knock Out spoke up. "Optimus… If I may… Starscream and I talked this morning. I believe simply locking him in his room when guests are visiting would be best to ensure everyone's safety. Starscream, as you're more than aware of, does suffer severe PTSD after what Megatron did to him. He is naturally defensive when put in any stressful situation. And my brother put him in a stressful situation. I understand Starscream, and he trusts me. He is best with me who can help him recover from his traumatic past and ensure he doesn't have access to the public. With me he doesn't need to work or run errands which put him in direct contact with others. And should anyone come to my house he will be locked in his room. He is no threat to me, the mechlings, or Breakdown. He is safe with us."
"I understand that, Knock Out, and I appreciate your selflessness in caring for not only Fracture, but Starscream as well. But unfortunately, this is very significant. I can't ignore what has happened."
Knock Out paused. "Then let me punish Starscream. I agree that this shouldn't be ignored, and so I will punish him for it. Let me be his caretaker. I already am providing for him and have started to look for a psychiatrist for him. It is fitting I also be in charge of punishing him for lesser crimes."
"Unfortunately, I do not believe you will be as effective at punishing him." Optimus replied. "I am willing to give him another chance should you ensure he has no contact with anyone outside your household until he has received proper treatment. I also want the information on whatever psychiatrist that he sees."
"Yes, sir."
"In the meantime, Starscream will be punished." He paused as he thought. "Two decacycles in prison, solitary confinement, should be fitting."
Starscream's wings trembled. "Solitary confinement...?"
"Optimus," Knock Out spoke again. "Starscream has claustrophobia. I do not believe that would be best for him. And being isolated from me and his son would only harm his mental progress even more. I can punish him, he stays here where he can continue to get support, and he is not separated from Fracture."
"How would you punish him?"
"Since I know him all too well…. He does learn best with a firm servo. A few lashes with a cable or energy whip would… Be a better punishment. Breakdown wielding them is… Not a pleasant experience. Starscream will be punished, it will be quick, and he can be with Fracture and me immediately afterwards."
"I do not believe beating him would be best. I am not Megatron."
"It would be nothing like what Megatron did to him. But isolating him is far worse for him. He will regress greatly if he is taken away and kept isolated. He will regress if he is kept far away from me or Fracture for a prolonged period of time. I do not like the idea of causing him physical pain, either, but he has an easier time bouncing back from that than he does with isolation."
"I don't believe in physical punishment."
"What about community service? He can clean the streets and be back with me after only a few joors each orbital cycle."
"Solitary confinement for two decacycles isn't going to cause him to regress."
"But, Prime-"
"I've made my decision, Knock Out." The Prime said firmly. "Arrest Starscream."
Starscream felt his spark sink again as the two guards marched over, grabbed his arms, yanked him to his peds, and then placed manacles on his wrists. He looked back at Knock Out, fear in his optics.
Knock Out stood up and walked over, cupping Starscream's faceplates. "Hey, it's going to be alright, Stars. Shhh, don't tremble. You keep your helm low, you don't cause trouble, and you'll be fine. I'll be there to pick you up the moment they release you. Okay?"
"I-I don't want to go. Please, I need Fracture!"
"Open your subspace." One of the guards ordered.
Knock Out vented a sigh. "I know… I know you do. Open your subspace for them. I'll keep your things safe."
Starscream swallowed, then did so. The guard reached in and began to dig around, removing Starscream's property. It wasn't much, just some datapads, a medical kit, and items from his past he kept close to him.
"After this, we will work with a psychiatrist, okay? We will get you better and you'll never have to worry about this ever again. I'll take you with us to Velocitron, and you will be so happy there away from all the Autobots and no Megatron anywhere around." He used his thumbs to wipe away the coolant leaking down Starscream's cheekplates. "You're brave, Stars. You can do this. I love you."
"L-love you, too." Starscream's vocalizer was so brittle now, his wings trembling.
"I'll be there for you. I promise."
"Come on." One of the guards pulled Starscream's arm, forcing Knock Out to release the Seeker.
"Where are they taking carrier?!"
Knock Out look back to see all the mechlings sitting on the steps watching everything unfold. Fracture quickly got up and ran down the stairs.
"Why are they taking him?" He demanded as he approached Knock Out.
"Starscream is going to jail for a little while." Knock Out said softly.
"But why? What did he do?!"
"He made a mistake and the Autobots are harsher on him because of his past." The doctor grunted. "This is why I am moving back to Velocitron…" He grumbled.
Fracture ran over and hugged Starscream. The Seeker bit his lip plate, wishing he didn't witness this.
"When will you be back?" The mechling asked worriedly.
"Two decacycles…" Starscream answered softly. "Fracture, I'm so sorry. I-I made a mistake. Please, don't hate me."
"I don't carrier. I don't understand what happened…"
"I'll explain later." Knock Out said as he gently pulled Fracture away. "Say bye, Fracture. We'll pick Starscream up when he is released."
Fracture looked up at his carrier. "Bye, carrier. I'll get you something!"
"Yes, we will get you presents for your return. Stay safe."
Starscream swallowed. "Bye, Fracture… I love you."
"Love you, too!" Fracture called as the guard led Starscream away.
Optimus stood up and walked to the door. "I will speak with you later, Knock Out, about moving forward with Starscream."
"I will be awaiting that call eagerly, Prime." Knock Out said in a monotone vocalizer, trying to hide his fury with the Autobot leader.
Starscream didn't remove his optics from his son until he was finally pushed out the door and down the front steps. He was taken to a transport vehicle and loaded in. His spark was pulsating faster, more terrified now since Knock Out wasn't there, nor his sparkling. He started to tremble harder, trying to not break down and cry. It would just be two decacycles. He could do this. And then he'll be back, and he'll never leave Knock Out's side ever again!
He could do this.
Starscream getting in a fight with a child is just who he is. Let him be that petty!
Some foreshadowing going on with the whole Grit thinking Knock Out and Starscream are fucking, don't you think? :P
I had suggested to my friend that Starscream probably should get in a fight with Grit because of all the tension between them. And Grit simply doesn't know when to shut up. But since Starscream is on probation for life and is like... under so many rules due to being Decepticon brass, anything he does the Autobots will be very harsh with punishing him over. So, he would be in prison. And my friend, being a cold-hearted monster that she is, said she wanted him in prison and bad things happen. So, yeah. Blame her. Y'all thought I was mean?! Nah, this woman is cruel!
We all know Grit is her favorite alongside Megatron and Bedlam. :P
She also wanted Starscream to overpower Grit. Which, I guess when you're filled with so much rage, sure. I feel like Prime Starscream is evenly matched with most speedsters, seeing how he smol and skinny.
What fresh, new drama awaits our overly dramatic mean girls?! Read on to find out!