(COMMISSION) A Speedster and His Seeker

by The Robotic Dragon

Starscream is accidentally sparked by Megatron, which leads to him being kicked out. In desperation, he moves in with his old friend, Knock Out. But after putting his son in danger, Starscream finds himself in a nasty custody battle with Knock Out over the sparkling. Good friends become nasty enemies, which leads to pain and drama for the both of them. (THIS IS A COMMISSION)

12. The Prison Stay

The vehicle took him to the prison, and the guard escorted him out, the Prime not following. The Seeker was taken inside, searched once more, and then his information taken down.

"Seeker Starscream of Vos." The prison guard booking him chuckled. "Look how the mighty have fallen. What's with the hideous paint job? Have you been trying to hide who you are?"

Starscream flicked his wings. "Just take me to my cell, Autobot."

"Don't be so eager, Decepticon. You won't have any fun while here."

Starscream was shoved through a doorway and led down a hallway. Every so often they would have to stop by a door and wait for it to be unlocked remotely, then walk through, only for the door to lock behind them. They passed by cells filled with Decepticons, large ones, beast mode ones, and tanks. Eventually, they opened an empty cell and pushed the Seeker inside. His manacles were removed, and the door locked. He flicked his wings before sitting on the berth.

He looked around his cell, noting it didn't even have a window. There was only one berth, a waste disposal, some metal circles high on the wall, a small desk with a chair, and a sink. Nothing else. It was barren, without even paint on the walls.

He vented a sigh and lay on the berth. He would just recharge as much as possible to pass the time, and when he was online he would remind himself it was temporary and he'd be back with his son, soon. He could do this! Megatron had locked him up a lot before. This would be no different. Recharge, focus on the positive, and maybe do reading if they allow him any books.

He would get through this and never attack Grit or any other stupid grounder ever again. Simple.

He offlined his optics and made himself fall into recharge.

---

Starscream was startled online. He checked his chromosome, noting it was late the next morning. He managed to get through one night just fine. His wings perked when he noticed why he had been startled online.

"Starscream of Vos." A guard smirked as he stood outside the door. "You miserable slagheap."

Starscream flicked his wings. "Frag off, Autobot." He growled.

"You don't even know who I am. Of course, you don't. You don't care about anyone." The Autobot grounder grunted. "I'm Ricochet."

"Ricochet…? The short, yellow one?"

"No, that's a different Ricochet." He snapped. "I'm the Ricochet that you murdered my brother in cold energon in front of me. A red mech designated Roulette."

"Never heard of him."

"I know you haven't. You don't care. But I do. And my brother will have his revenge." He said ominously.

"I don't believe your Prime would approve of you disobeying his orders. I am simply to remain locked in this cell, not tortured." Starscream flicked his wings.

"Yes, that may be what he said… But he never comes by and checks on what we do here. Prowl does."

Starscream swallowed. The Autobot's evil smile grew.

"Starscream, we are going to have a hell of a time!" He laughed while holding up the energon meant for Starscream and drinking it himself.

The Seeker flicked his wings, his engine growling. He watched as the Autobot walked away. His spark began to pulsate faster. What would a hell bent on revenge Autobot do to him? Probably beat him… Starve him… But surely nothing more, right? These are Autobots after all. They were all… Pathetic and dumb. Nothing should be too… Sadistic, right?

Right?

---

It was a few joors later when Ricochet returned with another Autobot. They opened the door, entered, and grabbed the Seeker. Starscream struggled and fought back, but they overpowered him. They threw him to the ground, got his arms behind his back, and put manacles on his wrists. Then, they grabbed their batons and began to rain down vicious blows all over his body.

He cried out, trying to kick them, trying to get away, but he couldn't. He was kicked hard in the abdomen and back, then stomped on repeatedly.

Just as quickly as the assault began it ended. The two Autobots walked out of the cell laughing, leaving the Seeker still tied on the floor, dented all over and leaking energon.

Starscream slowly managed to sit up, trying to calm down his racing spark. He swallowed, then grimaced as his spark filled with pain. His optics widened realizing he hadn't had his spark boost. He took his medicine every morning and it was already late afternoon. He whined as his spark filled with pain, his entire body also burning.

He focused on his cycling, trying to calm down. He offlined his optics, thinking about Fracture, Knock Out, and everyone else in that house, even Diesel. He wanted to be back there with them… To cuddle Knock Out and hug his son…

It was just a beating. He could do this. He could survive.

---

"I want to see him! This is slag that you won't let me visit him!" Knock Out snapped at the front desk guard.

"Sweetie, please calm down." Breakdown said softly.

"No, I will not calm down! This miserable, spiking sucking slagheap Autobot can not deny me my right to visit a prisoner!" He jabbed his claw at the Autobot behind the desk. "Where is your supervisor?!"

"The warden…?" The Autobot asked slowly.

"Bring his fat aft down here right now!"

"He doesn't mean the insults." Breakdown said peacefully.

"Yes, I do!"

"The warden is a very busy mech. He doesn't have time to visit with Decepticons." The Autobot grunted.

"Oh, is that it? Because I served in the Decepticon Army I'm not worth this cog's time?!"

Breakdown grabbed his mate's arm and pulled him away. "Sweetie, I think we should rethink our strategy." He said it so democratically.

"NO!" Knock Out shrieked. "This idiot will let me see Starscream or else I am harvesting his organs!"

"Babe, threatening an officer in a prison is not the wisest of decisions. Let's take a deep intake…" He waited until Knock Out did so. "Deeper. Okay, now slowly let it out… Without the snarl. There, feel better?"

"I feel like murder." Knock Out growled.

"Another deep intake. There you go. Let it out slowly… Okay, now how do you feel?"

"Like I'm going to harvest your organs…"

"There, better already! Now, my beautiful, perfect, lovely, and not-quick-to-violence mate, what is another approach to this situation?"

"I murder."

"No."

"I… Seduce him."

Breakdown gave him such a done look. "No. Try again."

"I commit arson and get myself thrown in jail."

"Knock Out…"

"Fine! I guess I can be nice!" Knock Out rolled his optics.

"There's a logical suggestion!" Breakdown smiled, so proud of his mate.

Knock Out turned back to the desk and walked over. He smiled at the Autobot. "Listen, what I said was out of anger. I apologize. If you would be so kind as to explain to me the reason why I am not allowed to visit one of your prisoners so I may petition for my right to do so with your supervisor, that would be incredibly appreciated."

The Autobot raised an optical ridge. "Well, as stated before, Starscream of Vos is in solitary confinement. Those in solitary are not permitted visitors as they are not allowed to see anyone for the duration of their stay."

"Surely, there is an exception?"

"No, no visitors. Sorry."

Knock Out vented angrily, then a sly smirk spread over his handsome visage. He salaciously leaned over the desk until his abdomen was resting on it, a single claw reaching over and lifting up the Autobot's chin. "You sure there's no exceptions? Perhaps you are misremembering the rules?" He then lowered his claw to trace along the Autobot insignia on the mech's chest. "How about I help you remember?" He purred, his digit then going lower. "When was the last time you had your spike sucked?"

"Nope!" Breakdown grabbed Knock Out's wheel on his back and yanked his mate back. "I am terribly sorry for my mate's inappropriate behavior." He held Knock Out behind him to shield him from the Autobot's view. "When would we be able to possibly speak to the warden?"

"Never." The Autobot grunted, so tired of them.

"What if I offered to recharge with him?" Knock Out piped up, only to have his mouth covered by Breakdown's servo.

"Then we will reach out to Optimus Prime." Breakdown grunted. "Have a good orbital cycle."

The truck then dragged out his mate who flashed a rude gesture at the Autobot.

"Why the hell are you trying to seduce Autobots?!" Breakdown snapped as he continued dragging his mate out of the prison.

"Seducing always works! You shouldn't have stopped me! We could be seeing Starscream in a breem if you had just let it happen!"

"I'm not letting my mate whore himself…"

"It's not whoring… It's getting what I want."

Breakdown rolled his optics. "There's better ways to go about it."

"Says you…."

"Just don't try to seduce the Prime…" He grumbled.

"I can't make such a promise."

---

Starscream yelped as he was thrown down and kicked. Two Autobot guards beat him with their batons, laughing at him as he cried out. He tried shielding himself from the blows, but his wrists were handcuffed in front of him.

He wasn't sure how long the beating was before a third guard walked in.

"Hey, timeout for a nanosecond!" This new Autobot shouted.

"What?" One of the other mechs demanded.

"He's on medication. He hasn't been given it in three orbital cycles."

"So?"

"So, if he dies we will get in trouble." The third Autobot pushed them aside as he held up the spark booster. "At least try to keep your toys alive." He grumbled, forcing Starscream's chestplates open rather roughly.

Starscream yelped when the charge was delivered rather harshly to his exposed spark. He quickly closed his plates, not wanting them to attack his spark.

"There. Now you can get back to it." The Autobot grunted as he stood back up.

"A spark boost?" The second Autobot raised an optical ridge. "He could just spark bond!"

"I don't think they are the same…" The first Autobot said slowly.

"They are." The second Autobot grabbed Starscream by the arm and yanked him to his peds. "I'll show you."

He shoved Starscream against the small desk and held him there with a servo on his back. Starscream's optics widened, realizing what was about to happen.

"Let go of me!" He pushed back, struggling to get free, but the Autobot was stronger.

The Autobot opened his codpiece and let his spike out. He began to stroke it to harden. The first Autobot walked over and grabbed Starscream by the wing and arm, helping to hold him down.

"I'll tell the Prime!" Starscream desperately shouted. "I'll tell him what you have done to me! I have direct contact with him!"

"Sure, you do, Decepticon." The second Autobot grunted as he got his spike hard, then pried at Starscream's codpiece.

Starscream kicked back at him, flicked his wings, and tried everything he could to get away. His codpiece was pried open, and he felt the Autobot penetrate him. He whined, still kicking and struggling, but the one Autobot simply grasped his hips and began to thrust.

"Ahhhh!" Starscream screamed, not giving up as he fought back.

"Shut up!" The first Autobot snapped, still holding the Seeker down.

"I honestly expected him to be looser. The whore is surprisingly tight!" The second Autobot chuckled, never ceasing his humping.

Coolant filled the Seeker's optics, but he refused to stop kicking. He wouldn't give them the satisfaction of him giving up! He would fight them at every turn he could.

"Get his chestplates open."

"No! Stop! Ahhh!"

But his cries were ignored as his chestplates were torn open and his spark exposed. The Autobot humping him removed his own chestplates and leaned closer. Starscream whined when he felt the Autobot's spark energy connecting with his. He flicked his wings, he kicked, he tried pushing back, he did everything he possibly could, but it was futile.

He cried out when he was sparkbonded, feeling the Autobot release his transfluids inside of him. He trembled as the excess energy from the overload surged through his frame. His spark was burning, and he growled in pain from the awful sensation.

"See? No different!" The second Autobot exclaimed.

"Let me try!" The first one piped up.

Starscream kicked and managed to push himself off the desk but was only shoved back down. The second Autobot held him down as the first one prepared to penetrate the Seeker.

"Stop! Let me go!" Starscream kept screaming, but his cries fell on deaf audio receptors.

He whined when he was penetrated again, and the thrusting began. He fought back his coolant tears, not wanting to cry in front of these Autobots. He was tiring, the lack of energon, his weak spark, and the fighting becoming too much for him. He had to just stand there, lying over the desk, as he was raped.

He wanted Knock Out. That's all he could think about. He wanted Knock Out there to protect him. To sic Breakdown on these Autobots, and they cuddle and be together.

He wanted his best friend…

"Ahhh! Ahhahha!" He cried out when he was forced to sparkbond with this other Autobot, feeling him climax inside of him. He whined, gritting his denta as his spark flared in burning pain.

"Doesn't feel that strong." The Autobot grunted.

"Yeah, he's on spark medication for a reason." The third Autobot said it like they should know better. "You're going to kill him. Stop with the sparkbonding."

"What are you, his doctor?" The first Autobot demanded.

"No, I'm the guy trying to keep you idiots from getting in trouble. If he dies, it's all over for us. Keep him alive." He paused. "Have you given him energon?"

"Not yet…"

"Do so."

With that, the third Autobot walked out of the cell. The other two simply shrugged and resumed raping the Seeker several more times. Starscream could only cry and moan, too weak to fight back.

When they finally finished with him they gave him some energon, then left. Starscream finally allowed himself to cry as he curled up on the berth, his wrists still tied together.

He wanted Knock Out…

---

"Can I at least send over a gift?"

Optimus looked up at Knock Out as he sat at his desk. "You may send him a book to read. Nothing else."

"Surely, I can send him something else. Energon goodies?"

"Fine. You may also send him treats."

"And movies?"

"No movies…"

"Why not?"

"Because I said so."

Knock Out glared at the Prime, then smirked. He leaned over the desk until his abdomen plates were lying on it.

"You sure you won't change your processor? What if I… convinced you otherwise?" He purred as a single claw tapped the glass on the Prime's chest.

"Nope!" Breakdown grasped his mate by the wheel on his back and yanked him off the desk.

"Were you trying to seduce me…?" The Prime said slowly, taken back by this.

"He was not!" Breakdown pushed Knock Out towards the door. "We will send Starscream over books and treats only! Thank you Prime!"

He dragged Knock Out out of the Prime's office, down the hallway, and then spun him around to face him.

"Are you serious!?"

"I had him!" Knock Out snapped. "You saw how he was looking at me!"

"He was looking at you like you were an idiot!"

"Idiots love fragging me!"

"Are you implying something?!"

"No, why would you say that?" He gave his mate a quizzical look.

"Oh my god, Knock Out! You just tried to have interface with Optimus Prime!"

"As if you wouldn't." Knock Out crossed his arms.

"No! I wouldn't!"

"Everyone wants to frag Optimus!"

"Not me!" He paused. "Do you actually want to frag Optimus?"

"Well, duh. He's hot." He waved a servo dismissively.

Breakdown growled several curses under his breath as he grabbed his mate by the arm and dragged him away.

---

"Here's your energon, Seeker." A guard threw an energon cube through the bars of the door, making it land on the floor.

Starscream slowly got off his berth and picked up the cube. He sat back down, hesitated, and ate it. He hadn't been getting much energon. They either "forgot" to fuel him, or didn't give him enough energon. Probably trying to keep him weak so he was easier to hold down and rape, or hold down and beat…

He finished his energon, then lied back down, hoping to get some more recharge in before the beating would begin for the orbital cycle. It was a joor later when another guard approached the door.

"You got a goodie bag, Starscream." The Autobot held up a box.

The Seeker sat up, his wings perking.

"You got…" the Autobot reached in and removed a bag of energon goodies. "Some energon goodies! Ah, blue. That's my favorite. So, I'll just keep those!" He subspaced them before reaching back into the box. The Seeker lowered his wings. "Oh, more goodies. Well, Ricochet likes the red ones, so I'll save these for him." He subspaced those. "And a datapad. Hmm, let's see what it says." He onlined it. "'Starscream, I am so sorry you were taken away and put in that horrible prison. Know I am not mad at you. I miss you dearly and have tried visiting you, but these damn Autobots won't let me. I can't wait to pick you up and take you home. Until then I hope the books on this datapad keep you company. I found as many Vosian and Seeker stories that I could, and included some from my home planet that I think you would enjoy. I also included a few pictures of Fracture and the family so you can still have us with you in some way. All my hugs and love, your friend, Dr. Knock Out of Navitas, Velocitron.'" The Autobot made a face. "Who is this, your mechfriend? So sappy!"

"Can I please have the datapad? You can keep everything else." Starscream vented.

"What if I want to read these books?"

"I highly doubt you can read…"

The Autobot glared at him. "You want the datapad? Stop fighting when we have fun with you, and I'll give it."

Starscream flicked his wings. "Your Prime will find out about what you are doing to me."

"No, he won't." He smirked. "I'll be back, Seeker, and if you behave, I might give you this datapad."

Starscream flicked his wings as he watched the Autobot walk away. He didn't want to submit to these disgusting Autobots, but it might be the only way he'd survive…

Why did everyone hate him...?

---

Starscream swallowed when the Autobot returned with Ricochet and another guard. His wings lowered, watching them approach him with evil intentions.

"Remember what I said, Starscream." The one Autobot said as he held up the datapad. "Behave and you get this."

Starscream flicked his wings, but didn't otherwise fight them when they grabbed him, yanked him off the berth, and then shoved him against the desk. He stayed there, listening as the first Autobot removed his codpiece, then felt the servos on his body. He whined when he was penetrated, grasping the desk with his manacled servos. He whimpered and moaned as he was thrust into, behaving so he wouldn't be hurt.

"Stupid Seeker."

He swallowed, trying to ignore the horrible things they said about him, how they kept talking about his body like it was an object, and taking turns fragging him. He didn't move for any of it.

When they were finally done, he closed his codpiece and backed himself into a corner, keeping his wings low.

"Good job, Decepticon." The Autobot said it so mockingly as he held up the datapad. "Keep up the good behavior or else I'm taking that back."

Starscream snatched the datapad from him and watched them leave his cell satiated and laughing. He quickly sat on the berth and onlined the datapad. Coolant filled his optics when he saw Knock Out's letter and that perfect signature of the doctor's. He scrolled through the files until he found the pictures and opened them. A picture of Fracture smiling at the camera was the first image. He scrolled through them, seeing more pictures of the mechlings and Knock Out with the mechlings.

He found himself crying, missing them so much. He even missed Breakdown! And that sparkling that was his enemy, Dead End.

He wanted to be with his family.

---

"Stupid Seeker!"

Starscream yelped as he was punched to the ground and then kicked. The guards, including Ricochet, beat him with their batons, one tazed him, and they all shoved him and punched him. He was thrown against the berth and held there as the guards took turns raping him. He fought back his tears, but during the sixth overload he finally couldn't hold it in anymore and began to cry.

"You're crying?!"

"What a sparkling!"

"Shut up!"

He cried when the batons began to rain down on his head, wings, and backplates, all while someone else entered him and began to hump.

They kept beating him and fragging him until they were satisfied. Ricochet grabbed the Seeker and pulled him to his peds. He shoved the Seeker against the wall and tied Starscream's wrists to a metal circle above his helm, stretching his arms above him.

"I don't think you need to lie down, Decepticon." Ricochet sneered. "Stand here and think about what a pathetic slagheap you are." He then spat mouth lubricant on Starscream's face.

The Seeker was too weak to speak or fight back. He just looked down, optics barely online, wishing they would just leave him.

"Guess we should give him some energon, so he keeps something on him!" One of the guards said as he gave Starscream's aft a hard smack.

"Look forward to beating you tomorrow, stupid Seeker." Another spat.

Starscream listened to them mock him, touch him, and then leave. He broke down, crying, wanting to be out of here so bad.

---

Starscream found himself being yanked out of his cell and led down the hallway. He was exhausted, having spent the last five orbital cycles hanging from the wall, being beaten and repeatedly raped for joors each orbital cycle. He hadn't been able to get much recharge in and wasn't given enough energon.

"Where are you taking me?" He asked weakly, having trouble standing.

"Shut up!" A guard smacked him in the face with a baton. "You do not speak! Got it?!"

Starscream flinched back, energon leaking from his olfactory sensor now. He was shoved forward and forced to keep moving. Soon, they arrived at a large cafeteria filled with at least a hundred inmates. His optics widened, realizing what was happening.

"I-I'm supposed to remain in solitary!" He said quickly, weakly pulling against the Autobot that held his arm.

"I said shut up!" The other Autobot spun around and struck him several times in the face with the baton, eliciting a cry from the Seeker.

Starscream whined as he was shoved into the cafeteria, manacles still on his wrists, having never been taken off since he first arrived.

"Hey!" The Autobot with the baton shouted. "Listen up, you slagheaps!"

The prisoners all looked up at him, many Autobots, some Decepticons, all looking like they were there for mass murder.

"You all remember Starscream of Vos? Megatron's right servo?" The Autobot paused. "Don't be fooled by the poor paintjob. This is Starscream, everyone!" He pointed at the Seeker. "He is paying us a visit for the next decacycle! If you promise not to kill him, I'll share him with you! But no killing! No stabbing or tearing his limbs off! Everything else is up to you!"

"No, please, don't leave me-Ah!" The Seeker cried out when he was struck in the face again by the baton.

"How many times do I have to tell you to shut up!" The Autobot roared. "Let him go."

Starscream was shoved forward so hard he fell to the floor. He looked up to see the guards walk out of the room and close the door behind them. He turned around, his wings lowering. The other prisoners were all watching him. Then, several started to approach him.

"No…" He weakly whined when he was grabbed and yanked to his peds.

"Starscream? You're the reason my home was bombed, and my mate killed." A particularly large Autobot tank growled.

"I-I didn't-" But the Seeker couldn't finish what he was saying as he was suddenly punched in the abdomen.

He cried out as the mob descended upon him, punching him, kicking him, throwing him against tables, and using chairs to beat him. He could only scream and cry as he was savagely attacked until everything went black.

He onlined joors later, tied to the metal hook in his cell, dangling by his wrists. He was so weak he couldn't move, his entire frame dented and burning from pain. His spark hurt as it slowly pulsated. His valve hurt the most, obviously having been used while he was offline.

He cried, too weak to even move his helm, feeling the coolant leak down his cheekplates.

---

The Seeker was still hanging by the hook, weak and sick from the constant beatings and fragging. He read the alert on his HUD, informing him his waste tank needed to be emptied. He looked over at the door seeing a guard nearby.

"Guard...?" His vocalizer was so quiet.

The guard looked up. "What is it, Seeker?" He growled.

"I… Need to make use of the… Disposal."

"I'm not untying you."

"Please, I just…"

"You don't need to use the disposal, Decepticon. You've been recharging, refueling, and living chained up. You can release your waste chained there, too."

Starscream swallowed. "Please…"

"Release it, Seeker! Or do I need to beat it out of you?!"

Starscream felt the coolant filling his optics. He trembled, painfully opening his plating. He felt the warm waste running down his legs, feeling so humiliated and filthy.

The Autobot laughed. "You're disgusting." He then walked away still laughing.

Starscream cried softly.

---

The Seeker screamed as he was thrown back to the general population and beaten, thrown around, and raped by many. He was having trouble standing, his frame overheating from the constant overloads, his fuel tank sick from being punched so much. He vomited several times before falling into stasis lock.

He was onlined joors later and beaten. He was left constantly chained to the wall, and only taken down to be attacked by the general population. Every orbital cycle the guards and other prisoners beat him, raped him, and even poured their waste on him. He was beaten if he spoke, he was beaten if he cried, he was beaten if he struggled. He was denied showering, living covered in the waste of others, their transfluids, and their mouth lubricants from spitting on him. He barely got any recharge and couldn't walk for most orbital cycles.

He was positive he was going to die.

But then came the orbital cycle he had been waiting for.

The Seeker was dragged out of his cell, thrown into a washroom where he was hosed down with cold water, and then force fed energon so he would have enough strength to walk before being led out.

Knock Out stood by Breakdown as they waited inside of the prison's entry way. The guard Knock Out had attempted to seduce was there at his desk trying to not make optic contact with the speedster.

"Do you think I should have gone with the other bouquet?" Knock Out inquired as he held a large bouquet of crystal flowers, their colors being red and white.

"No, Starscream doesn't need a bouquet costing 30… The 20 is too much as well..." He grunted.

"I'm the one with the Shanix making job." Knock Out looked at the bouquet. "I should have gone with the larger one."

"He won't care."

"Maybe Fracture should have taken school off so he could be here…?"

"No, he doesn't need to come to a prison. He can wait a few joors to see Starscream."

"I should have brought more energon."

"Knock Out, it's a short drive to the house. You need to calm down."

"I won't! He's been isolated for so long. I have to spoil him."

They both looked up when they heard the door opening. Knock Out's face brightened as he smiled, ready to hug his friend and take him home. That smile soon vanished.

"Starscream…?" His optics widened, dropping his bouquet. "Oh my gosh, Starscream!" He ran over and grabbed the Seeker that was covered in dents, optics barely online, and wings so beaten they didn't even look like wings. "What did they do to you?" He turned to the guards. "What the hell did you do to him!?" He stepped in front of one of the guards. "ANSWER ME! WHAT THE FRAG DID YOU DO TO HIM?!"

"Step back or else you'll be arrested, Decepticon." The guard snapped.

"Ohhhhh, you miserable, fat fragger, I will be speaking directly to the Prime about this! What is your designation?" He poked a claw angrily at the Autobot's chest.

Breakdown approached, holding the bouquet he had picked up. "Knock Out, we need to get Starscream home. We will call Prime once we get Starscream safe."

"You will be hearing from my lawyer, you miserable, cock sucking Autobot!" Knock Out grabbed Starscream's arm and gently pulled him to Breakdown. "Carry him."

Breakdown handed Knock Out the flowers before picking up Starscream bridal style. Knock Out quickly handed Starscream the flowers before turning back to the guards.

"You all will be cleaning waste and living in dumpsters when I'm through with you!"

"Looking forward to it, Decepticon!" The other guard laughed.

Knock Out followed his mate outside, already calling his carrier.

"Carrier, hey, you've sued a bunch of people. I need your lawyer's contact info. Yes, I have a good case. Oh my gosh, carrier, they tortured Starscream almost to death! He's awful looking! I'm suing these slaggers and the Prime! Yes, I'll take sire's lawyer's number, too."

Breakdown set Starscream down once they reached the house and opened the door for him. The Seeker slowly entered with Knock Out holding his arm. The jet stopped, seeing the large banner hanging on the wall reading, "Welcome Home Starscream!" There were balloons and more crystal flowers all set up around a cake on the dining table.

The Seeker looked at it all, coolant filling his optics.

"I want you to sit down on the couch for a bit. I need to make a phone call." Knock Out said as he led the Seeker to the couch.

Starscream sat down, still clutching the bouquet of flowers he had been given.

Knock Out made a call on his communicator. "Hey, Flatline, are you off work? Okay, great. When you get off, I need you to grab me some rape kits. Two would be fine. Yeah, and bring them to my house." He paused. "Starscream was released, I just picked him up. He's in bad shape. I'm worried he was assaulted. No, he's not talking. That's why I fear he was, you know. Okay, see you in a bit, thank you."

The doctor hung up and walked back over to the Seeker. "Hey, I'm going to take some pictures of you, okay? I need to document this. You don't have to look at the camera. I won't share these with anyone but the people who need to see it so we can get you justice. Okay?"

Starscream didn't say anything, just sat there hugging the flowers as he trembled.

Knock Out sighed, then began to take the pictures. He made Starscream stand, taking pictures of every dent, cut, and other damage. He took full body images and images of just limbs, including the wings. And even a video detailing all injuries to the Seeker, even his mouth as denta had been damaged from being struck. He made the Seeker lie down, opened his plates, and took pictures of the insides, showing damage to the organs and inner plating.

Starscream didn't resist him at all.

Flatline eventually arrived.

"Here you are." The large doctor said as he handed the speedster the rape kits. "How bad is he?"

"Really bad. I took photos and video evidence. He does have transfluid on him. I documented what was around his codpiece, valve, and even found some in his mouth."

"Have you called Prime yet?"

"Not yet." Knock Out opened one of the kits, then made Starscream lie down. "I am trying to calm down some before I do as I am seething."

Starscream whined and began to tremble harder when Knock Out opened his codpiece, then his valve covered.

"Shhh, it's okay, Stars. I'm going to be very gentle." Knock Out cooed, getting the kit ready.

Flatline walked over and stroked the top of Starscream's helm, trying to help calm him down. Knock Out then carefully inserted the swab. Starscream whined louder, more coolant leaking from his optics when he felt it.

"And that's done. I got it. It's all over." Knock Out said as he finished up. "I'm going to take a few more samples in your mouth and insides, okay?"

He then inserted another swab inside of the Seeker's mouth, one inside of his abdominal plating, and the last one around the spark casing. He sealed and labelled all of the samples before handing them to Flatline.

"Get these to the lab for me."

"Absolutely." Flatline took them. "Do you need my help with anything?"

"Be my witness?"

"Done. Save the security footage." He gestured to the camera in the living room.

"I am. Thanks so much, Flatline. You're seriously the best."

He beamed. "I know I am. Call me if you need anything. I'll make a report to Hook for you. And if you need me to take your shift tomorrow I can."

"Thank you, so much!" Knock Out gave him a quick hug. "I will call you if I need anything."

"Mhmm, keep me updated!" Flatline looked at Starscream. "Get better, commander."

Breakdown escorted Flatline out of the house as Knock Out turned to the Seeker.

"Hey, let's get you into the bath." Knock Out took the bouquet from the Seeker and placed it on the couch. "Come on, Stars. I got you."

He carefully led the Seeker to his washroom, helped him into the tub, and then turned on the water. He got on the floor next to the Seeker and held his servo. Coolant was leaking from the jet's optics, but he didn't otherwise make a sound.

Knock Out waited until the tub was full, then turned off the water. He grabbed a washcloth and soap, then began to wipe clean the Seeker's face. He then worked his way down, cleaning Starscream's shoulders, arms, servos, chest, thighs, and legs. Starscream didn't say a single word as he was washed, just sat there, coolant leaking from his optics, and occasionally trembling.

It was while Knock Out was cleaning Starscream's wings and back plates when Breakdown walked into the washroom.

"Babe, Prime is on the phone." He held up his communicator.

Knock Out quickly stood up, dried his servos on a towel, and snatched the communicator from his mate.

"What did your mechs do to him?!" He shouted into the communicator. "No, I will not calm down! Your mechs tortured him! He is barely recognizable! He was raped! His spark is barely keeping him online!" He paused. "Oh, don't you dare tell me I'm exaggerating. You get your so called 'holy' aft over here immediately and see him for yourself!"

"Sweetie, don't anger the Autobot's god…" Breakdown pleaded, but Knock Out ignored him.

"NOW, OPTIMUS! I WANT YOU TO SEE WHAT YOU ALLOWED TO HAPPEN TO HIM!" He then hung up.

"Sweetie, you did not just give Optimus Prime and order."

"I don't care." He growled, handing Breakdown back his communicator before returning to Starscream.

Breakdown vented a sigh. "I'll let you know when he gets here." He said before walking out.

Knock Out resumed cleaning Starscream. He helped the Seeker get out of the tub once done and dried him off with a towel. He led Starscream to his room and helped him get on his berth. Starscream looked around the room, noticing Breakdown had moved all the flowers and cake to his desk, the bouquet now sitting in a vase on a shelf. There were bars over the window now, and the lock on the door had been upgraded, but only to lock it from the outside. Knock Out was serious about locking him in here when Grit was visiting…

"I'm going to get you some energon. I'll be right back." Knock Out pecked a kiss to his cheekplates before turning to leave.

"Knock Out…"

The speedster turned around at the weak whisper. Starscream looked so pitifully up at him, coolant beginning to leak out anew, his arms slowly reaching out for the doctor. Knock Out walked back over and hugged the Seeker, feeling those weak arms grab onto him with what little strength they had.

"I'll be right back. You know you're safe here. You're home, Starscream. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you ever again. You're never leaving me again. And if they dare try to take you away, I will kill them." He kissed the jet's cheekplates again. "I'll be two nanoseconds. Promise."

He removed Starscream's arms from around him and quickly trotted out of the room, hearing the Seeker whimpering behind him. He went to the energon room, grabbed a couple of cubes and filled a glass of energon, then hastily returned to his former superior. He sat on the berth beside the Seeker, then grabbed the glass of energon.

"Open." He lifted Starscream's chin as he held the glass to his lip plates.

Starscream trembled, more coolant leaking out. He whined pathetically, then looked up at Knock Out.

"What's wrong, sweetie? It's energon. Look." He took a sip from the glass. "See? Safe, yummy energon. Do you want to hold it?"

Starscream hesitated, then slowly pulled the glass closer to his face as Knock Out still held it. He sniffed it, then calmed down some before slowly sipping it. Knock Out's optics narrowed, knowing something involving the Seeker being forced to drink something happened… And if it was the smell…

"Starscream…" He said after the Seeker managed to drink half of the energon. "Did they force you to drink waste?"

The Seeker didn't look at him as the coolant began to pour out anew, his servos wringing, looking so ashamed. Knock Out's engine growled.

"I'm not mad at you. I'm mad at these damn Autobots." He growled before kissing Starscream on the cheekplates. "You did nothing wrong. I'm going to do everything I can to make sure those slaggers are punished for what they did to you."

Starscream didn't say anything, just kept looking down at his servos.

Knock Out's engine growled when he heard the front door open. "Stay here." He said it sternly as he set the glass down on the nightstand and stood up. The doctor stomped out of the berthroom and towards the Prime who had just entered the house with his guards. "You miserable slagheap!" He shouted, causing the guards to raise their weapons, but the Prime gestured for them to stand down. "YOU SENT HIM TO BE TORTURED BY YOUR SICK FRAGGING WORSHIPPERS!"

"Calm down, Knock Out." The Prime ordered sternly, not appreciating the Decepticon's tone.

"I WILL NOT CALM DOWN! THEY MADE HIM DRINK WASTE! THEY BEAT HIM! THEY RAPED HIM!" He pointed back at the room Starscream was in.

"Let me see him." The Prime said in the same stern vocalizer.

Knock Out's engine revved as he glared at Optimus. He turned and stomped back to Starscream's room with the Prime following him, the guards staying close.

"LOOK AT HIM!" Knock Out bellowed as he stood beside the berth gesturing at the Seeker. "He can't even walk on his own! I'll have to reconstruct his wings from scratch! And this is him after a bath! He was filthy and had transfluid all over him and waste! Look at the bath water I left you! It's black!"

Optimus slowly approached the Seeker, eyeing the extensive damage. Starscream trembled as he looked up at the truck, his wings rattling against the berth. This was the mech who had sent him to the hell hole…

He carefully took Starscream's servo and raised the Seeker's arm, inspecting the Seeker in more detail. He released him and took a step back.

"I am terribly sorry about what happened to you, Starscream." The Prime said softly, and yet firmly. "I will investigate this personally and punish those responsible."

"Yeah?" Knock Out glared at him, his arms crossed. "You do that while I'll sue you, the prison, and this damn city!" He jabbed a claw at the Autobot leader. "I'll sue you for everything you're worth!"

"Knock Out, don't threaten the Prime." Breakdown said quickly.

"SHUT UP, BREAKDOWN!"

"Yes, dear…" Breakdown bowed his helm as he quickly backed off, knowing nothing he said or did would stop his mate.

"Knock Out, I can assure you I will-"

"No, Prime! This isn't an isolated incident! You damn Autobots have been attacking us Decepticons, throwing us in prisons, and killing us! I see it every orbital cycle in the hospital! Starscream is just the latest victim of your bigotry! I AM NOT STANDING BY AND LETTING YOU POLICE YOURSELF! IF STARSCREAM WAS KILLED THOSE MANIACS WOULDN'T BE IN TROUBLE AND THEY WON'T BE AFTER DOING THIS TO HIM!"

"You're right, there is excessive provocation between Decepticons and Autobots resulting in shootings and assaults, and I have been working on addressing this issue."

"More political lies!" Knock Out snarled at him. "You treat us like lesser beings! And what happened to Starscream is just more evidence! He was supposed to be in isolation and yet he looks like a mob attacked him! Do not utter another word, Prime." He growled. "I will see you in court."

"If that is your wish." Optimus replied calmly, understanding the speedster's rage.

"You will pay for all of Starscream's treatments and care. And I'm filing a petition to be his legal guardian. You will not take him from me ever again!"

"We will speak more later, when you have calmed down."

"I'll calm down when you pay me the three million I'll sue you personally for." Knock Out spat.

"I will gladly cover Starscream's medical costs. Forward me the bill. I will leave you now to care for Starscream and begin my investigation."

"Uh huh." Knock Out growled his engine as he sat on the berth beside Starscream. "Breakdown, show the Prime the door, and make sure it doesn't kick him in the codpiece on his way out."

Optimus Prime turned and walked out of the room, heading to the front door.

"I am so sorry for my mate's behavior." Breakdown said quickly as he walked beside the Autobot leader. "He's just upset over Starscream, that's all!"

"I understand his reasoning and am not angered by his actions." Optimus replied. "I will reach out to you during the course of my investigation."

"Yes, of course." Breakdown opened the door and watched the Autobots walk out of his house. He closed the door and sighed. "Oh my god, Knock Out…" He face palmed as he leaned against the door. He then returned to the berthroom. "You are trying hard to get your aft thrown in prison, you know that?" He grunted.

"Let him throw me in prison. I'll kill those guards myself." Knock Out snapped, concentrating on the optic liner he was now applying to Starscream's faceplates.

Breakdown sighed. "Are you really going to petition to be his legal guardian?"

"I am." Knock Out replied firmly, still not looking at his mate. "Starscream wasn't able to care for himself before this happened because of what that slagger Megatron did to him. He's not going to recover from this…" He vented loudly. "He needs me…"

"I know he does. Just… Don't do anything stupid. I need to you, too, and so do the mechlings."

"I won't."

Breakdown leaned over and kissed his mate on the cheekplates. "I need to go pick up the sparklings. Call me if anything happens."

"I will. And don't tell them anything. I want to speak to them."

"Yes, sir." He kissed Knock Out again before leaving.

Knock Out finished up putting the optic liner on Starscream then subspaced it. He lifted Starscream's chin, so the Seeker was looking at him.

"I'm going to get you justice, I promise. You're never leaving me again." He paused. "I know you don't want to talk about what happened… But if you are okay with maybe writing it down, at least some of it, it will help me know what to say. Help me help you. You don't have to do it right now, but at some point, I will need you to. Okay?"

Starscream slowly nodded, his servos wringing.

"I'm going to start repairing you, okay? Tell me if I hurt you." He then began to unsubspaced his medical equipment.

Starscream just lay there, coolant leaking from his optics as the doctor worked on repairing tears, removing dents, and covering him in healing slabs.

---

Breakdown opened the door and the mechlings all ran inside, tossing their school bags on the ground. Dead End, without preamble, ran for the stairs screaming for his carrier.

"Where's carrier one?" Fracture inquired of his sire.

"He's in his room. Wait, your other carrier wishes to speak to you first."

"Why?"

"He'll tell you. You're not in trouble, don't worry."

Knock Out stepped out of the berthroom and closed the door behind him. "Fracture, come here."

Fracture walked over. "What's wrong?" He asked slowly, knowing something had happened.

Knock Out vented loudly. "Starscream was attacked while at the prison. He's hurt very badly. He's going to be okay, but he's very scared right now and isn't talking." He paused. "If you don't want to see him like this I understand. I just want you to be aware that he does not look good, and he is not acting like himself."

"Why was he attacked?"

"Some very bad people were at the prison and they… They hurt him. I'm still trying to find out the details. He's too scared to talk so I don't know exactly what happened. But I will find out who did it and I will ensure they suffer for it. I just need you to be very gentle with your carrier, and understand he needs time to heal. Don't feel discouraged if he doesn't talk, or wants to be alone. When people have been hurt very badly they behave very differently. They hide, they avoid interactions, they don't communicate…"

"Like a scared cyberdog."

"Exactly. He is acting like a scared cyberdog. Do you want to see him, or do you want to wait until he feels better?"

Fracture bit his lip plate as he thought. "I want to see him."

"Alright." Knock Out took Fracture's servo before he opened the door and led him inside the room.

Fracture stayed close to the doctor as they approached, his optics widening when he saw the Seeker. He looked up at Knock Out with a mixture of shock and confusion, then back at his carrier.

"Starscream, Fracture is here." Knock Out said gently as he stroked Starscream's helm.

"Hi, carrier." Fracture quietly spoke, giving a small wave.

Starscream looked over then weakly held out his arms for his son. Fracture didn't even hesitate to climb the berth, lie down next to his carrier, and hug him. The Seeker clung to his sparkling, coolant leaking from his optics.

"I'll give you two some space." Knock Out said before walking out of the room and closing the door behind them.

"CARRIER!" Dead End screamed as he raced over.

"Hey, my love." Knock Out smiled, hugging his youngest. "I need all your hugs."

"I'll give you all of them!"

"Thank you."

Breakdown approached. "How is he handling it?"

Knock Out didn't look at his mate. "He's handling it well. He'll be okay. It's Starscream…"

"He's strong. He'll overcome this."

"I know he will…" Knock Out looked at the truck. "I am exhausted, and the work has barely begun…"

"Well, you were screaming a lot…"

"I'm going to need some you-know-what tonight…"

Breakdown smirked. "Glad to give it!"

Fracture snuggled against his carrier, listening to the jet's engine softly growling. The Seeker wouldn't say anything, just held the mechling and stroked his cheekplates.

"So, in class we did this experiment where we mixed two chemicals and they made a lot of white smoke! It was cool. My friend Thrasher, he's in like three of my classes, said that before the Great War Cybertronians would have these illegal fighting rings and even would fist fight organic aliens. It was all done for gambling. Have you ever gambled? Other carrier says it's bad. But did you know Lilleths mate for life and if a mate is killed the other one will sometimes never find another partner? That's sad. But the chicks often stay with the parents for vorns and raise big families so at least they have their family with them. What eats a Lilleth? Do turbofoxes eat them? No, because that would be hard to catch… Well, packs of turbofoxes can eat a zap pony… Maybe they can catch a lilleth. I don't know. I like animals. Have you ever held a lilleth before? I want one. Or a zap pony. I want a zap pony. I hear they are easy to care for. I'll have zap ponies, and lilleths, and Diesel, and I'll get more cyberdogs. My school does a volunteer program with the shelter. I'm gonna sign up for it. The rescue Diesel is from also is asking for volunteers. They also save cybercats! I want to play with the kitties. You want to volunteer with me? We can play with kitties together! I also want to pet an Astro-turkey. They make funny sounds." He giggled. "They go like, 'gob-gob!'" He giggled again.

Starscream just held his son, listening to him go on and on about everything. His simple presence and sound of his vocalizer was enough.

It was a few joors later when Knock Out opened the door and walked in. "Hey, Fracture, I don't want to interrupt, but it's late. You need to get some recharge."

"Right now?"

"Yes. I'm sorry. Starscream will be here tomorrow needing your love, don't worry. You need to rest so you have the energy to keep giving him love."

Fracture vented a sigh as he got off the berth. "Night carrier one! I'll talk to you, later!" He waved as he walked away.

Starscream swallowed, whining softly. Knock Out walked over and cupped the Seeker's faceplates with a servo.

"He'll be back. You know he lives here." Knock Out said softly. "You need to recharge, okay? I'm upstairs if you need me. Don't hesitate to knock on my door. You still have energon here," He pointed to the nightstand which indeed had two energon cubes on it. "And if you want to lock the door you can. I'm here for you, always." He then kissed Starscream on the cheekplates.

The doctor walked over to the closet, grabbed a blanket, and covered the Seeker with it. He then turned off the light.

"Night, Stars."

Starscream watched his friend close the door behind him, leaving him alone in his room. He swallowed, looking around the dark room, suddenly feeling so anxious. He had lived in this room for a while and felt safe in it. He liked this room and had decorated it the way he wanted it to be. He felt like it was his home. But now… He just felt alone…

He bit his lip plate when he heard the muffled moans of Knock Out above him being fragged, the berth creaking rhythmically. Normally, he didn't care that he would hear them together. Knock Out was his friend getting some with his mate, and he was glad he had such a great relationship with Breakdown. But now hearing it… He just kept thinking about what those Autobots had done to him… The creaking of that desk in the cell he was held down on as they raped him… the creaking of the tables in the cafeteria when the other prisoners raped him…

Coolant filled his optics as he rolled onto his side, pulling the blanket to cover more of him. He offlined his optics, reminding him that it was just Knock Out, he was in Knock Out's house, and he was safe. They had a security system, they had a dog who would bark, and Breakdown was loaded with guns. If any Autobot tried to break in to hurt him, they would be stopped. Breakdown was very strong and very scary when defending his family. He would protect him.

He tried to fall into recharge but couldn't. He just lay there, listening to the muffled sounds above him until they finally stopped. He heard them get into berth, some talking, and then silence… He tried to fall into recharge some more, but still nothing. It was past midnight when he heard Diesel walking down the stairs, through the living room, and lapping his energon in the energon room. Then he listened as Diesel made the trek back up the stairs to be with whichever sparkling he was recharging with tonight.

He heard something outside, probably some animal scavenging, but that put him on edge.

He tried clearing his processor and just focus on positives.

It worked as he finally was able to fall into recharge. But that didn't last long. His processor replayed the memories… The guards grabbing him, holding him down, beating him… He felt them inside of him again. He screamed, begging for them to stop. He pushed back at them, he clawed, he was struck in the face. He screamed from the pain of the mech thrusting into him… He cried out when he was struck with a baton… He shrieked when he was electrocuted with a taser. He cried, coolant pouring from his optics, feeling someone grab him, shake him, and then…

"Starscream!"

He onlined mid scream, suddenly finding himself looking up into the glowing optics of Knock Out. He startled, hastily looking around him, realizing he was in his room and no one else was around. He looked up at the speedster, then began to cry as he trembled.

"It's okay, I'm here." Knock Out cooed, releasing the Seeker's shoulders to cup his faceplates. "It was a nightmare. You're safe. I'm here."

Starscream reached out for him, still crying as coolant leaked from his optics. Knock Out climbed onto the berth and lay beside the Seeker, letting the flier cling to him desperately.

"I'm not leaving. I'm here always. You can cry. You were hurt and can cry as much as you need to." He nuzzled his faceplates against the Seeker's. "Look, I'm going to recharge with you. No one can get you when I'm right here. Right?"

Starscream slowly nodded.

"That's right. You know I'll kill anyone who tries to hurt you. You're never leaving my house ever again." He snuggled, hugging the Seeker. "You can recharge. I'll stay with you all night. Promise."

Starscream slowly nodded, wiping away at the coolant. He hugged Knock Out as tightly as he could, feeling so much calmer now. He offlined his optics and managed to fall into recharge very quickly.

It was joors later when he onlined, seeing Breakdown giving Knock Out a kiss on the cheekplates, the doctor still there in berth with him. Just as he said he would be.

"Love you, beautiful." Breakdown said so lovingly to his mate. "Recharge well, I'll be home later." He kissed Knock Out again, who was smiling in his recharge, then walked out of the room.

Starscream swallowed, watching Breakdown leave, and then listening to him get the mechlings ready for the orbital cycle. Dead End came into the room to confirm his carrier was there before walking out. The usual morning chaos was happening, and somehow Knock Out was recharging through it.

Eventually, the mechlings and Breakdown had their energon, the bags were packed for the school orbital cycle, and everyone was out the door. Diesel walked around the living room before going back up the stairs to steal someone's berth. And then there was silence.

Starscream snuggled against Knock Out and fell back into recharge. He onlined three joors later to Knock Out still recharging and the sound of Breakdown cleaning upstairs.

The Seeker checked his chronometer, surprised he managed to get as much recharge as he had. He felt so much better. He looked at the doctor in front of him, wanting to get attention. The jet nuzzled the speedster, then kissed him on the cheekplates. Knock Out smiled in his recharge, then quietly giggled as he slowly onlined.

"Mmmm, Breakdown… I love you." He sleepily moaned; optics still offline.

Starscream nuzzled his olfactory sensor against the grounder's. Knock Out giggled again, then kissed him on the lip plates. Starscream was surprised, his broken wings trying to perk.

Knock Out's optics slowly onlined. "Oh!" They widened. "I'm so sorry! I-I thought you were Breakdown." He rubbed over his faceplates. "I haven't onlined with another mech since before I joined him… I'm sorry."

"It's okay…" Starscream said barely louder than a whisper. "I-I don't mind."

Knock Out smirked. "You 'don't mind.' You flirting with me?"

Starscream swallowed.

"I'm joking, Stars. I'm not mad." He paused. "How are you?"

"Tired…"

"Yeah, I imagine. I'm going to get some energon. Want to come with me or stay in berth?"

Starscream snuggled closer.

"Well, if you want to snuggle you gotta come with me. Where's my mate? I need him to come pamper me."

Knock Out slowly sat up, then got off the berth. Starscream weakly sat up and reached for the doctor. Knock Out helped him get out of berth and held him as they walked out of the room together.

The speedster led the Seeker to the energon room and got them both energon. Starscream hesitated before sipping a little, but not drinking too much. Knock Out quickly downed his, used to always being in a rush between his work and caring for sparklings.

"You can sit on the couch and relax." The grounder said as he set aside his now empty glass and unsubspaced his work datapad.

Starscream shook his helm.

"Whatever you want. I'm going to see when I can get you in my schedule to get your new wings." He scrolled through the datapad.

Starscream looked up when he heard Breakdown coming down the stairs with a happy Diesel.

"Late morning to my beautiful mate!" The truck smiled. "You onlined as sexy as ever."

Knock Out purred his engine, his own smile growing. "Hey, my sexy mech. What are you up to?"

"I cleaned out the rooms of those mechlings we keep around. Fracture likes collecting trash and not emptying out the bin. I have no idea who he gets that from." He grunted before kissing his Conjunx Endura on the lip plates. "What are you doing?"

"I'm scheduling Starscream for wing replacements. Why am I such a busy mech…?"

"Because you are good at your job and need to make that Shanix so I can stay fat." He giggled, getting behind Knock Out, pressing his codpiece into Knock Outs aft, and then firmly hugging the speedster.

"You, those mechlings, Diesel, and Starscream." Knock Out grunted, still looking through his schedule, not reacting to the hug, so use to the constant affection from his partner.

Starscream watched wishing he was getting a hug…

"You got any time in your schedule for a date?" Breakdown kissed Knock Out on the cheekplates.

"Unfortunately, not. They scheduled me for so many surgeries… Why are all these people needing surgery? Can't they stay not broken? Look, I have a fuel pump surgery tomorrow, immediately followed by three engine surgeries. And on top I have a cosmetic surgery."

"Oh? What kind?" Breakdown nuzzled his faceplates against Knock Out's nape, still refusing to cease his hugging.

"Nothing fun… Just injury repair. For once I'd like a breast plate enlargement surgery…"

"I can agree on that." Breakdown chuckled, grasping his mate's breastplates.

Knock Out rolled his optics. "You know what I mean. All these injuries and people dying… I want it to be when people weren't always being attacked and have enough Shanix to waste it on cosmetic surgery… You know how long it's been since I did cosmetic surgery on an aft to enlarge it? Not since the early parts of the war."

"I'd love your aft to be enlarged." Breakdown snickered in Knock Out's audio receptor, his servos lowering to holding his mate around the abdominal plates.

"My aft is perfect." Knock Out finally looked back at him.

"Yeah," Breakdown moved one servo and grasped the said aft, giving it a hard squeeze. "Perfect for me… But still could be bigger."

"Watch what you say if you want to get laid." Knock Out looked over at Starscream. "He's the one who needs a bigger aft. Don't you, Stars?"

Starscream didn't say anything, looking from Knock Out to Breakdown with such sad optics, wanting attention but too scared to ask for it.

"Starscream, what's wrong?" Knock Out asked gently.

The Seeker didn't even look at him, still holding his full glass of energon.

"Come here." Knock Out gestured him over.

Starscream hesitated, glancing at Breakdown, but complied. Knock Out hugged him with one arm, his other servo still holding the datapad.

"You're okay. It's just me and Breakdown. Look," He held up his datapad. "I can give you your new wings in six orbital cycles. Right here during this slot." He pointed at the time slot. "Right between a knee replacement and a new servo surgery. Does that sound good to you?"

Starscream slowly nodded.

"Make sure to schedule a time for me to destroy that valve. Make it a recurring event." Breakdown chuckled, kissing mis mate on the cheekplates.

"You're terrible." Knock Out grunted. "Okay, Starscream, you're now on my schedule." He put it in and then subspaced the datapad. "Let me take a look at your spark before I head to work."

"Me first." Breakdown turned Knock Out around, then passionately kissed him on the lip plates.

Knock Out offlined his optics as he purred his engine, wrapping his arms around his mate's neck. Breakdown held the small of Knock Out's back, soon forcing his glossa into Knock Out's mouth. The speedster giggled, pushing his glossa into Breakdown's mouth, a muffled squeal sounding when Breakdown gave his aft a firm smack. Finally, Breakdown broke the kiss, smiling at his mate who was looking up at him like a teen crushing, biting his lower lip plate.

"You are the most amazing, beautiful, and sexy mech to ever be born. I love you." Breakdown said so lovingly, his optics locked onto Knock Out's.

"And you're the cutest, chubbiest, and best mech to ever be born. And the best fragger ever. I love your spike." Knock Out giggled, his wheels spinning for a moment.

"And I love your valve, and your face, and your body." Breakdown gave him one more kiss before releasing him. "Damn, I scored with you!" He laughed.

Knock Out playfully shoved at his mate before turning to Starscream, ignoring the slap on his aft from his Conjunx.

"You get a hug, too." Knock Out then hugged Starscream. "Mmm! Love you, too, Stars." He released the Seeker. "Finish your energon. I'm going to get ready for work, okay?"

Starscream didn't say anything, just took Knock Out's servo and held it.

"You want to come with me as I get ready?" He paused as Starscream nodded. "Okay, you can come with."

He then gently led Starscream all the way upstairs and to his washroom. He released the Seeker's servo as he grabbed his paint and other beautifying products.

"You need to finish that energon. I'm going to check your spark once you're done with it." He gave the Seeker a look. "Please, Starscream. Drink it all."

Starscream swallowed, looking at the energon. He wasn't hungry despite his HUD telling him to refuel. He sipped it, watching the speedster do his optic liner and his entire routine to ensure he looked gorgeous for his patients.

Starscream managed to get himself to drink all his energon by the time Knock Out finished. The doctor put away his products, then turned to the flier.

"Okay, sit on my berth. I am going to scan you."

The Seeker did so, and Knock Out held the scanner over him as it scanned. He looked at the results for a moment before speaking.

"Spark is very weak, but not at the point you need immediate medical. I'm going to give you a boost. I'm also going to pick up something from the hospital for you." He then rummaged in his closet until he found what he was looking for. He returned, opened Starscream's chestplates, and gave his spark an energy boost with the device he held.

"Feel better?"

Starscream slowly nodded.

"Good. If you need anything let Breakdown know. I'm going to work now." He pecked a kiss to Starscream's cheekplates, then walked out the berthroom.

Starscream quickly followed, staying right on his friend. Knock Out kissed Breakdown on the lip plates, then walked to the door. Starscream grabbed him, whining loudly.

"Stars, I'll be back. I promise." Knock Out said so lovingly, like he was talking to one of his sons. "Call me if you need anything." He palmed the door open, but Starscream held him tighter. "Breakdown, could you-?"

Breakdown approached, grabbed the Seeker, and easily picked him up, prying him off the speedster.

"Thanks, love. See you two later!"

"Bye, babe!" Breakdown waved until the door closed behind his mate. He waited until the sound of Knock Out speeding off faded before setting the Seeker back down. "If you need anything just tell me." He grunted before walking to the couch and sitting down.

Starscream whined loudly, his broken wings flicking. He looked out the window for Knock Out, but he was gone. He trembled, wanting Knock Out back. Desperately, he looked around, but the only ones there were Breakdown and Diesel.

He slowly approached the truck who was now watching TV, Diesel curled against him. The Seeker hesitated, then sat on the opposite side of the dog. He flinched when Breakdown wrapped an arm around his shoulders and pulled him close, not even looking at him.

It didn't feel out of love, more like he wanted Starscream to just relax and enjoy TV with him. The Seeker felt himself calming down, but he still wanted Knock Out.

The Seeker didn't pay much attention to what Breakdown was watching. The truck liked it, as he kept laughing. Some comedy show with grounder humor… Weird things grounders thought was funny…

After a few more joors Breakdown stood up.

"Gotta go get those mechlings. Do you want to watch?" He held up the remote.

Starscream shook his helm.

"Alright." The truck turned off the vidscreen and set the remote down on the small table in front of the couches. "Do you want to come with me or stay home?"

Starscream looked away, his servos wringing.

"Okay, stay home. I won't be long." The grounder started for the front door, but the Seeker jumped up and ran over. He grabbed Breakdown's servo and held it. "What? You want to come?"

Starscream wanted to say something, but he only whined. He didn't feel as comfortable around Breakdown as he did Knock Out. He wanted Knock Out…

"Then you don't want to come...? Okay, then let go of me." He raised his servo to get the Seeker to release, but he didn't. "Starscream, I need to go get my sons… One of which is yours. Remember? I won't take long." He pushed the Seeker away but Starscream only whined louder and grabbed at him. "Starscream… You either come with me or stay. Which is it?"

Starscream didn't say anything, just pathetically looked up at him.

Breakdown pushed him and walked to the door, but Starscream got in front of him. Breakdown's optics narrowed.

"What do you want?" He snapped, making the Seeker swallow. "You want Knock Out? He'll be back tonight."

Starscream whined louder, but didn't move.

"Here, I'll call him." Breakdown unsubspaced his communicator and called Knock Out who answered quickly.

"Hey, sexy, what's up?" Knock Out's vocalizer sounded, which elicited perked wings from the Seeker.

"I don't know what Starscream wants. I need to leave to get the mechlings but he's trying to keep me here. Can you calm him down?" Breakdown grunted.

"Yeah, am I on speaker?"

"You are."

"Hey, Stars. Can you tell me what's wrong?"

Starscream opened his mouth to say something, but looked up at Breakdown. He quickly closed his mouth, feeling so anxious with the much larger grounder there, with his annoyed expression, and everything about him just…. Intimidating. Instead, he loudly whined, servos wringing, and optics filling with coolant, so frustrated with himself that he couldn't speak.

"He's just whining." Breakdown grunted.

"Starscream, Breakdown needs to leave. If you don't want to go with him you can stay in your room. I'll be home late tonight. I'm sorry I'm not there. You know I have to work."

Starscream reached for the communicator, which Breakdown handed over. He held it, coolant now leaking down his cheekplates, wanting Knock Out to be there and he feel safe… That he could talk to him, but he wasn't. He whined, his servos trembling.

"I hear you. It's okay. I know you're scared and upset and want me there. It's okay to be scared and sad. But you have to tell yourself that you are safe in that house. Those Autobots have no idea where you live, there's security cameras, Diesel is there to bite anyone who may try to break in, and Breakdown will be back very quickly. You know he never takes long."

Starscream bit his lower lip plate, just feeling more anxious.

"Starscream, you're brave. You can do this. I know so much happened to you, but you can pull through. Okay?" He paused. "Hey, Breaky, I have to go. An emergency just came in. Love you, bye!" He then hung up.

Breakdown took his communicator back. "Why is everyone always having an emergency when I'm having an emergency…?" He growled, subspacing the communicator. "Okay, Starscream, move aside." He waited, but the Seeker didn't move. "Alright."

Breakdown pushed him aside a little roughly, but the Seeker only grasped onto Breakdown's arm, his claws digging in.

"Ah!" Breakdown glared down at him. "Know what, I'm done being patient."

He grasped the Seeker tightly by the arm and pulled him across the living room and to the jet's room. He shoved Starscream inside and closed the door, locking it. Starscream spun around, clawing frantically at the door, whining loudly, but the truck ignored him as he walked to the door. Starscream listened as Breakdown left the house, leaving him in silence.

The Seeker began to tremble, feeling like he was locked back in that jail cell. He began to cry, frantically looking around, but there was no way out and certainly no Knock Out. Then, he felt a panic attack coming.

It was a couple of breems later when Breakdown returned home with the mechlings.

"Where's carrier one?" Fracture inquired after he had looked around the living room.

"Oh, he's in his room. It's locked. Use the code 4343." Breakdown replied, ignoring Dead End who was demanding Knock Out be produced immediately, refusing to accept his carrier was at work.

Fracture trotted to the door, put in the code, and walked in. He looked around, not seeing a Seeker, but heard metal rattling. He walked around the berth to find his carrier on the floor, squeezed between the wall and chest of drawers, trembling as he tried to calm down.

"Hey, carrier." Fracture sat on the floor next to him. "You okay?"

Starscream shook his helm, wiping away at the coolant.

"You need a hug?"

Starscream nodded, then held his arms out. Fracture scooted over and hugged his carrier.

Despite how much he tried coaxing him out, the Seeker wouldn't bulge. Eventually, Fracture left him to do homework and play games. Starscream didn't move from his corner, listening to everyone else in the house play, walk around, have energon, and eventually go to berth. The house was dark and quiet, not even Diesel was walking around.

He sat there in the dark for joors until he heard the front door open. The familiar pedfalls sounded, and coolant began to leak from his optics. They neared, then the door was pushed open wider. Starscream looked up to see Knock Out circle around the berth over to him. He whined loudly, feeling such shame, and still his anxiety, and also some relief that Knock Out was back.

"Hey," Knock Out said softly, sitting on the berth in front of Starscream. "Come join me." He patted the berth next to him.

Starscream hesitated, then slowly got up and approached. He sat beside the doctor, then hugged him tightly, trembling all over.

"I'm glad to see you, too." Knock Out hugged him back. "Breakdown said you stayed in your room even after Fracture got home. Why? You know you're safe here. You know Breakdown won't hurt you. He said he got frustrated with you, and I know he can be a little rough when he gets frustrated… But he didn't mean to scare you. He needed to go pick up the mechlings." He paused to see if Starscream would say anything, but the Seeker kept hugging him in silence. "What do I need to do to make you feel safe?"

"Stay…" The quietest, saddest vocalizer whispered.

"Sweetspark…" Knock Out vented a sigh. "You know I can't stay home all orbital cycle. I have to work. I have to provide for you, the mechlings, and Breakdown… If I didn't work… Breakdown is not someone who… He doesn't have the skills to make the kind of Shanix I make. He didn't even finish university…" Knock Out grunted the last sentence. "You know I have to go. You know my routine." He gently pushed Starscream away enough to look him in the optics. He then cupped the Seeker's faceplates to keep him looking at him. "You need to fight this fear, Starscream. You're not in that prison. You're safe, now. I know it's not easy to fight trauma, but you have to try your best. If you need to hide in your room when I'm gone, that's fine. But don't prevent Breakdown from leaving." He paused. "Don't provoke him. He's a kind, good mech, but he has his limits. Don't grab onto him, don't get in his way, don't piss him off. Understand?"

Starscream swallowed, but nodded.

"You're safe. Say you're safe in this house."

"I'm… safe in this house…" He whispered.

"Louder."

"I'm safe in this house."

"Normal vocalizer."

Starscream hesitated before trying again. "I am safe in this house." He managed to say in his usual pitch.

Knock Out smiled. "There's my Seeker. You will always be safe in this house, or any house I move you to with me." He then hugged the jet for a moment before releasing him. "I am exhausted. I will speak to you more in the morning. Recharge well, Stars." He pecked a kiss to Starscream's cheekplates before standing. "Let me know if you need anything, I'm upstairs."

Starscream watched him walk out of his room and listened to him ascend the stairs, then go into his berthroom.

The Seeker lay down on his berth, tired and wanting recharge, but he couldn't fall into recharge. He lay there, trying to relax, trying to not feel so scared, but he couldn't.

After a joor he got up, walked out of his room, and quietly went upstairs. He hesitated outside of the door to Knock Out's room, then slowly opened it.

"Knock Out...?" He so quietly spoke into the darkness.

Dim, red optics onlined. "What's wrong, Stars?" Knock Out whispered, trying not to online Breakdown.

Starscream approached, hesitated, then climbed into berth. He lay down next to the doctor and snuggled. Knock Out exhaled loudly, letting the Seeker cuddle.

"Silly Seeker." He whispered.

The doctor reached down and removed Breakdown's servo from his waist. He pulled on it and placed it on Starscream's waist. Breakdown groaned in his recharge, loudly snored, then pulled his arm close, dragging the Seeker with it. Starscream's optics widened some, suddenly finding himself squeezed against the doctor. Knock Out quietly giggled, being slightly crushed between his mate and friend.

"You just entered the safest zone in the galaxy." Knock Out whispered. "Minus the snoring, this is the best place to be."

Starscream faintly smiled, already feeling safer. Knock Out nuzzled his olfactory sensor against Starscream's, then settled for recharge. Starscream watched Knock Out offline his optics, then listened to the soft purring of both of the grounders' engines. The peaceful setting was occasionally interrupted by the grisly, loud snores of Breakdown, and at one point him incoherently muttering about something before grumbling "more energon." Starscream startled a little from each snore, but soon got used to it. He offlined his optics, pressed his brow against Knock Out's, and finally fell into recharge.

Starscream onlined the next morning to Breakdown getting up. The truck paused, confused why there was a Seeker in his berth. He grumbled something under his breath before kissing his mate on the cheekplates, eliciting a faint smile from the speedster.

"Morning, my beautiful love." Breakdown said softly and so lovingly. "Online soon so I can hold you some more."

He then got out of berth and went into the washroom.

Knock Out didn't even online, use to his mate always onlining before him. His smile soon faded and he must have resumed his dream as his digits returned to twitching. Starscream listened to Breakdown using the washroom, then heard the truck walk out. He walked out of the berthroom and soon the sounds of onlining mechlings filled Starscream's audio receptors. It was louder upstairs than what he heard downstairs.

Dead End marched into the room, climbed onto the berth, and pushed at Starscream. The Seeker was confused as the sparkling got between him and Knock Out, then snuggled against his carrier. He offlined his optics and resumed his recharging, now in his carrier's arms.

The Seeker did not appreciate that. But, it didn't last long as Breakdown eventually walked back into the room, picked up the sleepy sparkling, and carried him away.

Knock Out still didn't online.

Starscream snuggled against the doctor again, glad that the sparkling was gone. He couldn't fall back into recharge while hearing all the morning rush downstairs. Mechlings getting their energon, running around, Breakdown talking to them, and Dead End arguing with his sire over the fact Breakdown didn't make his energon exactly as carrier did.

Starscream didn't understand why they kept Dead End… He was a nuisance.

Finally, they left the house, and it was quiet. Starscream felt calmer, and like he could recharge. He did startle when Diesel suddenly hopped onto the berth, and then lied down against Knock Out's back, but once the dog was settled, he could relax.

He fell back into recharge, snuggled against his best friend. It was a few joors later when he onlined to Knock Out moving. The doctor groaned as he onlined, then smirked at the Seeker.

"Hey, Stars. Who's on my back?" He reached back, hearing the clanging of Diesel's tail against the berthtop. "Ah, Diesel. I always have attention whores on me. I'm not sure which one needs my attention more, Breakdown or you." He poked Starscream on the olfactory sensor.

Starscream didn't react, not sure if being an attention whore was meant as a joke or criticism.

"I'm going to get up. You can stay in berth if you want. But I have work because I am never allowed a break." He said as he slowly sat up. "Where is Breakdown?" He looked at Diesel. "Where's your sire?"

Diesel only grunted before rolling over onto his back and displaying his belly.

"You're a useless sparkling." Knock Out rubbed the belly for a moment before scooting off the berth.

Starscream quickly got up and grabbed Knock Out's servo, not wanting to be alone. Knock Out led the Seeker downstairs where they found Breakdown cleaning in the energon room.

"There's my sexy mate!" Breakdown smiled, putting dishes away. "Do you need kissies?"

"I need all the kissies!" Knock Out giggled as he trotted over to his mech and held out his arms.

Breakdown embraced his mate and the two began to passionately kiss on the lip plates. Starscream made an annoyed face, wishing they would stop being so… Icky.

"Mmmm! My handsome mech." Knock Out smiled, cupping Breakdown's face after kissing for a million vorns… Well, it felt that long to Starscream at least. "I love you so much."

"I love you even more, my beautiful, sexy Conjunx Endura. I could kiss you all orbital cycle."

"I know you could." Knock Out kissed him again. "But, alas, I must go to work and put stupid people back together…"

"I shall cry every moment I'm away from you."

"I'll cry more!"

"No! I'll cry more."

"Why must you always do more than me! You love me more, you cry more… For once let me be the more!" Knock Out whined.

"Fine… You cry more."

"Yay!" Knock Out kissed him again.

Starscream was positive he would be sick.

"Mmmm!" Knock Out broke this second long, disgusting kissing session with their glossas all flailing in each other's mouths. "Don't forget we have guests tomorrow."

"I have not, my love. I bought plenty of goodies and other treats and will make sure everything is cleaned."

"Thank you, my sexy mech." Knock Out smiled.

"Do I get interface as a reward?" Breakdown smirked.

"Ugh, you're always horny… I'm getting home super late tonight…"

"Tomorrow?"

"Yeah, we can frag tomorrow. Only if you don't embarrass me…"

"I'll make sure to embarrass you extra!" He chuckled.

"You're the worst… Give me energon."

"Yes, sir!" Breakdown released his mate and turned around to do just that.

Knock Out spun around to face the Seeker, who gave him a quizzical look. "Oh, forgot to tell you. Some friends of Fracture and Wildbreak are coming by tomorrow. Just a playdate. You can hide in your room if you want."

Starscream bit his lower lip plate, his servos wringing.

"It's nothing bad. You don't have to interact with anyone. Okay?"

Starscream walked over and hugged Knock Out, feeling more stress over the thought of people he didn't know coming over.

"It's okay, Stars. There's nothing to be scared about." Knock Out hugged the flier back. "I have tomorrow off. I'll be there. Okay?"

Starscream didn't react.

Knock Out vented a sigh. "You are so scared… What did they do to you…?"

Coolant filled Starscream's optics, but he still didn't speak.

Breakdown handed his mate a glass of energon, which Knock Out took. "Thanks, dear. Don't forget Starscream. He's our newest adopted sparkling."

Breakdown rolled his optics, but did as his mate ordered. He handed Starscream his own glass of energon, giving the Seeker an annoyed look. Starscream apprehensively rook the glass, pressing himself harder against Knock Out.

"Drink all of it." Knock Out gently commanded before drinking his own energon.

Starscream hesitated before sipping a little energon. Knock Out quickly downed his and handed the empty glass to Breakdown.

"I'm going to get ready for work, then check your spark. Want to come with me?"

Starscream quickly nodded. The doctor took his servo and led him back upstairs and to his own washroom. Just like yesterday, the speedster got himself ready for his work orbital cycle, checked the Seeker's spark, gave him a spark boost, and made sure the Seeker finished his energon.

He then brought the jet back downstairs where Breakdown was trying to teach Diesel to play dead.

"He's never going to listen to you." Knock Out grunted.

"He'll listen to me! I just gotta keep giving him treats." Breakdown huffed as he kept feeding Diesel energon goodies.

"He's supposed to do the trick and then get the treats."

"I'm making him love me so much he'll do as I say."

"That's not how positive reinforcement works."

"Says you. You make me love you and I do as you say."

"You do as I say in hopes of positive reinforcement in the form of interface…"

"Ew, I'm not interfacing Diesel…"

"That's not what I meant…"

"Watch. Diesel, play dead!"

Diesel only looked at the truck, then at his servo for more treats.

"Oh, he's not happy enough. We'll get there!" He then handed the dog more energon goodies.

"If he vomits it'll be your fault…" Knock Out grunted. He then turned to the Seeker. "I need to go to work. You're going to be fine. Just hide in your room if you must. But don't bother Breakdown, okay?"

Starscream slowly nodded.

"I'll be back late tonight. Love you." He then pecked a kiss to Starscream's cheekplates before walking over to Breakdown and kissing him on the lip plates. "Love you more than anything, handsome."

"Love you even more, my love."

"Stop giving Diesel so many treats. He's already looking ill."

"Don't tell us fatties what to do!" He turned to Diesel. "Don't listen to your carrier. He hates fat people. We're the superior race."

Knock Out rolled his optics as he patted his mate on the shoulder. The doctor waved to Starscream as he headed for the door. The Seeker whined loudly, but refrained himself from chasing down the speedster. He didn't want Breakdown to lock him in the room again. He went to the window and watched Knock Out drive away, leaving him all alone.

"Ah, dammit…."

Starscream looked back to see a sick Diesel vomiting. He swallowed, taking the distraction as a chance to quickly sneak by the truck and go into his room. He didn't close the door all the way, not wanting it to be locked. He sat in the corner on the floor, hiding from Breakdown.

And that's where he stayed all orbital cycle. Even when the mechlings came home he stayed there. Fracture tried to coax him out, even he and Wildbreak tried to pull the Seeker out as a team, but the Decepticon Air Commander refused to bulge. The mechlings eventually gave up and ran off to play games and message their friends. They didn't have time to deal with an adult Seeker.

And so Starscream was left alone for joors more, listening to everyone eventually fall into recharge and the house go quiet.

Then Knock Out came home.

The Seeker got to his peds and quickly trotted out of his room. He practically glomped Knock Out before the speedster got to the stairs.

"Yes, I'm home." Knock Out hugged him back. "You're okay. Did you have energon while I was away?"

Starscream shook his helm.

"Stars, you need to refuel. Come on." He pulled Starscream to the energon room and poured him a glass. "Drink all of this and then we can snuggle."

Starscream took the glass, hesitated, and then began to drink it. Knock Out patiently waited for the Seeker to finish before taking him upstairs and going into his berthroom. He raised a digit to his lip plates to signal to the Seeker to remain silent, as Breakdown was peacefully recharging. Slowly, the speedster climbed into berth, and without needing to do anything, found himself being hugged by his mate. He gestured for Starscream to get in berth with him, which the Seeker did.

Starscream snuggled against his friend, feeling so much safer now. Knock Out nuzzled his olfactory sensor against Starscream's, then offlined his optics, exhausted from his long shift. Starscream studied his friend for a bit before he reached down and grabbed Breakdown's servo and lifted it up. He moved it to his waist, just as Knock Out had done the previous night, and then felt himself being pulled closer. It felt so nice having that large, strong servo holding him. Knock Out quietly giggled, knowing why the Seeker did that.

"Silly Seeker." He whispered.

Starscream faintly smiled.

---

Hey, don't look at me. My friend wanted this! I suggested Starscream go to prison, she loved it, she said to do it, and she asked for the worst to be done to him. To really make him suffer. So, blame her, not me. I'm innocent!

So, yeah, after that extreme abuse in the prison, right after he had the gang bang, being sick, custody battle, almost losing his son, and of course millions of years of abuse from Megatron, basically his mind as snapped. He already was in a bad place mentally BEFORE prison, and now he just lost it. He only wants to be with Knock Out and Fracture, he can't trust anyone else, he's petrified of everyone. And when you have bad PTSD, even when someone is being normal, your PTSD tells you they hate you, you're going to be hurt, etc. So Starscream is scared of Breakdown thinking he hates him. It doesn't help that Breakdown is very... He's easy to make grouchy. He's a selfish boi who only wants Knock Out and to have his space. When you're a normal person it's easy to be around Breakdown. You let him have his waifu, you don't annoy him, etc. But when you have PTSD and are clinging to that waifu... It's going to annoy Breakdown.

So Breakdown is not... The bad guy. He's just tired, annoyed, and frustrated. He wants things to be normal. Knock Out and Starscream be friends, he gets his time with his waifu, the kids are happy, and that's it. But all this constant drama... It's a lot for him.

And Knock Out of course is angry about Starscream being hurt, mad he can't be there for him because of his job, and having to focus on so many other things. He has babies to care for, he has a stressful job, he has his family, etc. And now he has this disabled adult with serious mental health issues he is trying to care for. It's not easy.

I have told my friend this, but Knock Out is the back bone of this story. He is the one who cared for Starscream in the beginning and now. He's the one who had to make the hard decision to take Fracture away to save him knowing it would make Starscream hate him. He has to work the full time job that supports Breakdown, the kids, and now Starscream. He also is now the one caring for a disabled adult while also dealing with suing Optimus Prime! Like, without Knock Out basically Starscream would most likely have died on the streets, Fracture would certainly be dead from Megatron or something else Starscream ran into while he tries to live on the streets, and of course there would be no house with kids and Breakdown there. Knock Out is just as much of the main character as Starscream.

That's why it's called a "Speedster and HIS Seeker." Because he's the strong, independent, responsible mother taking care of two adult children, Starscream and Breakdown, as well as actual children, and is the one who made the babies, and works the job. He's a good momma!

Also, I wanted Knock Out to be the mom because not only would he because he wouldn't trust Breakdown to be healthy during the pregnancy, but mothers can have their babies and work jobs, etc. Sadly, the abortion industry wants to sell the lie that women having babies mean we will be stuck at home and all our education, dreams, jobs, etc. is instantly lost and NEVER will come back to us. This is so not the case. We can have our babies and our dreams, too. We can go to school, have jobs, and live happily while pregnant, breastfeeding, and raising our young. And so Knock Out shows that as well. He has been pregnant 3 times at this point, he has stayed working at his full time job, and he has a supportive husband who is the stay at home parent. Because men can be stay at home dads and be able to care for the kids, the house, and be happy. Women don't have to be at home. Support stay at home dads! Especially good ones like Breakdown who are responsible despite hiding cake from the wife.

That being said, who enjoyed Knock Out trying to seduce Optimus Prime?