(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)

14. Couple's Therapy

The Seeker onlined to Breakdown getting out of berth, not remembering when the truck had joined them. As with every morning, he kissed Knock Out, told him he loved him, then walked out of the berthroom to deal with sparklings. Knock Out recharged through the ruckus of all the sparklings onlining and getting ready for school. At least most wouldn't be coming back as they would be picked up by their creators after school.

Knock Out onlined a couple of breems later, having an early shift, and climbed out of berth. Starscream followed him closely. Knock Out didn't say much as he got ready for the orbital cycle, then went downstairs.

"Morning, gorgeous." Breakdown kissed him, finishing up with giving all the sparklings their morning energon.

"Morning, beautiful." Knock Out smiled at him. "Think you can handle all of them?"

"I got this." The truck smiled. "Your energon is on the counter."

"Thank you, love." Knock Out trotted over and grabbed his energon, then handed the other glass to Starscream.

The Seeker took it and drank some. Breakdown walked over, whispered something to Knock Out, and kissed him again. Knock Out vented a sigh before drinking his energon.

"Finish up your energon and then we head out!" Breakdown called to all the sparklings.

"No!" Dead End protested, running to his carrier and hugging his leg. "I'm staying with carrier!"

"But you have to go to school sweetie." Knock Out replied.

"I'm too smart for school."

Knock Out snickered. "That you are. But you should still go."

"No!"

"I have to go to work."

"I'll come with you!"

"Carrier's work is boring."

"But you remove organs! I wanna remove organs!"

"Oh, gosh…"

"Dead End, you can't say that out loud." Breakdown spoke. "The cops will come and take you away, charge you with premeditated murder, or conspiracy, and you'll be locked up!"

"NOOOOO!" Dead End then used his magical power of crying on demand, the coolant soon flowing as he clung to Knock Out's leg tighter.

"Stop bullying my son." Knock Out grumbled.

Breakdown chuckled. "He's too easy."

"You're too easy." Wildbreak snickered.

"Too easy, what?"

Wildbreak shrugged as he walked away with his energon.

"Why my sons all sassy with me?"

"They learn it from me." Knock Out sagely nodded.

"He learned something from you alright." Breakdown grunted as he pointed at the still crying Dead End.

Knock Out rolled his optics.

Soon, Breakdown had corralled the sparklings, even Dead End, and marched them out the door leaving Knock Out and Starscream alone with Diesel. Knock Out made sure Starscream finished his energon, checked the Seeker's spark, and gave him his spark boost. He petted Diesel some before subspacing some energon cubes and walking to the door.

"I'm going to work. I'll be back later." The doctor said, almost reaching for the door.

Starscream ran over and grabbed him, pulling him away. Knock Out vented a sigh.

"You're fine. Grit isn't here, no Autobot is here. Breakdown will be home in like a breem. You're going to be fine." He explained gently.

Starscream whined, his spark pulsating faster, and broken wings drooping. He tugged the speedster's arm.

"Starscream, you have to let me go. I have to go to work. You can come with me tomorrow when you have your surgery, but for now you must stay." Knock Out tried to pry his arm free, but the Seeker wouldn't release. "Starscream, I'm serious." He said it firmly. "I have to go."

Starscream whined louder.

Knock Out yanked harder, then he shoved at the Seeker. Starscream dug his claws in.

"Ouch! Ow, Starscream!" Knock Out frantically shoved at him. "You're hurting me!"

Diesel began to bark, knowing his adoptive carrier was being hurt, but not sure what was happening.

"Starscream! You're safe! Let go!"

Starscream was beginning to panic now, grasping and pulling the speedster desperately to prevent him from leaving. Every time Knock Out was gone he was hurt… Grit, the prison, the gang bang, Megatron beating him… He couldn't take it anymore!

"Starscream, stop!" Knock Out yelped when Starscream's claws dug deeper, causing some energon to leak.

The doctor opened a subspace pocket, dug around, and pulled out optic irritant (Cybertronian pepper spray). He held it up to the Seeker's face. "Don't make me have to use this."

Starscream whined and dug his claws in even more. Knock Out turned his face away and gave the can a single press. Immediately, Starscream yelped as he leaped back, covering his faceplates as the irritant burned his optics. He blindly ran to the washroom and into the shower, turning the water on and frantically rubbing the spray off his faceplates and optics.

Knock Out vented loudly, subspacing the can. He wanted to go reassure Starscream, but the Seeker would just grab him again. He quickly ran out the door and locked it behind him. He looked at his arms, covered in scratches, tears, and some dried energon.

The emotions were building up, but he couldn't have a breakdown. He had a shift to begin. He swallowed, fighting back the need to cry and be overcome by everything happening with Starscream, Grit, everything…

He transformed and sped away.

Starscream finally got the irritant off his optics and faceplates, feeling so much better now. It was burning a little in the back of his throat, but not much he could do to stop it now. He ran out the washroom, not even bothering to dry himself, but Knock Out was already gone. Filling with fear, he ran to his room, but stopped. Grit had hurt him there….

He turned and ran up the stairs, ran into Knock Out's room, and hid himself in the closet.

Breakdown returned a little over a breem later.

"Starscream?" He called out, pausing for a response, but nothing. "Knock Out called me and said he had to spray optic irritant at you because you were hurting him. I'm not going to hurt you, he asked me to check on you and make sure you were alright." He walked to the Seeker's room and stepped in. "You here?" He walked around the berth, but there was no Seeker. He even looked under the berth, but nothing.

Breakdown went upstairs and first checked Fracture's room, then Wildbreak's, and finally Dead End's. But no Starscream.

"Here, Seeker-Seeker!" Breakdown called between clicking his glossa. Diesel wagged his tail, wanting to help but not understanding exactly what his sire was looking for. Breakdown walked into his room. "Come here, Seeker-Seeker." He clicked some more, followed by a whistle. "Where are you?" He looked in the washroom, then walked to the closet door. He opened it. "Ah, there is the Seeker."

Diesel walked right in to greet the Seeker, then wagged his tail and bottom as if it was he who found the jet. He proudly turned to his sire for a reward, and was given head pats.

"What are you doing here?" Breakdown grunted, still petting Diesel as he crouched. "Hiding from nothing? From shame? Scared I'd beat the slag out of you for scratching up my mate?"

Starscream swallowed, sitting in the corner, hugging his knees as his broken wings were as low and flat as they could get.

"I'm mad, but Knock Out told me to not show it to you. How are your optics?"

Starscream didn't say anything.

"Well, you're not writhing in pain so I'm assuming you're fine. Can you see just fine?"

Starscream managed a small nod.

"Good. Then I shall report to the mate that you are fine. I hope you learned a lesson… You have to stop being so clingy." Breakdown then stood up, closed the closet door again, and walked away with Diesel.

Starscream swallowed, not moving from the closet. And he stayed there all orbital cycle, listening to Breakdown cleaning, doing his hobby, and watching TV downstairs. He listened to Breakdown leave, then eventually return with Fracture, Dead End, and Wildbreak. Still, he remained.

But then he heard Knock Out come home. He leaped up, quickly exited the closet, and made his way downstairs, ignoring the mechlings playing their games on the couch.

"Hey, beautiful." Breakdown smiled as he was setting down the dishes he had been cleaning. "I missed you!"

"I missed you, too!" Knock Out smiled back as he held out his arms to receive his mate.

Breakdown neared, ready to hug and kiss the mech he loved so much, to hold him and tell him how much he loved him. But just before he reached the speedster, a Seeker appeared out of nowhere and grasped onto the small grounder like some parasite clinging to their host.

"Oh, hey." Knock Out grunted, not expecting Starscream to be all over him like this when he had to spray him earlier. "Calm down. Stars, calm down."

Starscream clung tightly to him, trembling, and whining loudly. Breakdown sighed loudly; his frustration obvious as his shoulders slumped. Knock Out gave him a 'relax' look before turning to the jet.

"Stars, it was Breakdown's turn. He wanted to go first. Just step back for a moment." Knock Out said it so gently, like he was explaining to a small sparkling.

Starscream whined louder, not letting go.

"Stars, let go." Knock Out pushed at him. "Please."

Breakdown stepped forward and pushed Starscream aside, then quickly pulled Knock Out over. He gave the Seeker an angry glare before lifting Knock Out's chin and kissing him on the lip plates. Knock Out kissed back, not appreciating that Breakdown had been rough with Starscream, but his mate needed time with him, too.

"I love you." Breakdown said between kisses, his arms wrapped around Knock Out.

"Love you, more." Knock Out smiled, his arms hugging around Breakdown's neck.

Starscream grabbed Knock Out's arm, whining loudly. The two kept kissing, trying to ignore him. Starscream started to press himself in, pushing at Breakdown to get him away. Breakdown tried to ignore him, turning Knock Out away. Starscream frantically reached forward and grasped onto whatever he did, and dug his claws in.

"Argh!" Breakdown jerked his arm up, freeing it from the Seeker's claws, and in one swift movement swung his arm and struck the Seeker on the chest, causing him to fall back.

"Breakdown!"

"He hurt me!"

"Please, calm down!" Knock Out grabbed his mate's face and made him look at him. "Don't get mad. Calm down."

Breakdown growled his engine, giving the Seeker a sideways glare before focusing on his mate. Starscream swallowed, anxiously looking at the truck. He whined, wanting to be with Knock Out. He cautiously stepped forward and grabbed Knock Out's arm again. Knock Out ignored him, getting Breakdown to resume kissing him, trying to calm him down. Breakdown vented loudly, kissing his partner back. Knock Out purred his engine, encouraging Breakdown to focus on him and not the Seeker.

Starscream tried to squeeze himself between them, then pushed at Breakdown's chestplates. Breakdown broke the kiss, growling with gritted denta as he suddenly grabbed Starscream by the neck and viciously yanked him away.

"Breakdown! Stop! Don't hurt him!" Knock Out cried out, grabbing his mate's arm.

"I can't keep doing this, Knock Out!" Breakdown roared, still holding the Seeker's neck. "I want something as simple as kissing my mate and he gets in the way! I can't frag you in peace anymore! He's always there! He hurt you this morning, he has been a nuisance for stellar cycles! I had hoped you two becoming friends again would fix all the slag he was doing to you before, but now it's worse somehow! I brushed aside him attacking you twice because I know you care about him when I should have smashed his brain module out! I put up with his slag like I do with Grit's! Because you don't want me to smash! Now I also can't smash you!"

"Please, drop him." Knock Out begged frantically.

Breakdown did, causing the Seeker to collapse to the floor coughing. Knock Out glanced at him but stayed holding his mate's arm.

"Breakdown, I know you're frustrated. We all are. Starscream isn't well right now."

"He never has been." Breakdown growled. "All this slag was supposed to end when you two became friends again. But it hasn't. And I can't keep going like this. He needs serious help or he's out."

"I'm going to get him help! You can't hurt him like that. It'll make it worse."

"He can't get any worse, Knock Out. He always has been an idiot and now he's just… This!" He gestured at the Seeker who was still on the floor rubbing his neck.

"Can we talk about this upstairs?" Knock Out gestured at the mechlings who all were worriedly watching.

Breakdown growled his engine. "Fine."

Knock Out grabbed Breakdown's servo and pulled him towards the stairs. "Keep playing your games, sweeties! This is adult stuff. You're fine." He tried reassuring the mechlings as he passed.

Starscream watched them go up the stairs, then heard the door to their berthroom close. It was quiet for a moment before their muffled shouting could be heard.

Fracture got up from the couch and walked over to Starscream. "You okay, carrier?"

Starscream shook his helm, coolant pooling in his optics. Fracture grabbed his arm and helped him to his peds. He led his carrier to the couch and made him sit down.

"Just stay with us." Fracture said as he sat beside his carrier. "You're safe here."

"It sounds bad…" Wildbreak anxiously commented as he looked up the stairs.

"Grownups always shout. It's how they communicate." Fracture shrugged, needing to be brave for his little brothers. They weren't used to their creators fighting.

Starscream swallowed before hugging Fracture, clinging to his son. He didn't want to be taken away from him, again! He needed to stay with him… And Knock Out.

"It's okay." Fracture hugged his carrier back as the Seeker began to softly cry.

"That doesn't sound okay." Dead End was also looking up the stairs, scared of the very angry vocalizers.

"Come here." Wildbreak gestured his younger brother over.

Dead End climbed onto Wildbreak's lap, and they hugged each other. The mechlings jumped when they heard something crashing upstairs, whether thrown or smashed, they weren't sure.

Starscream wanted to melt into the floor and die.

Eventually, the shouting stopped, but they could still hear their muffled vocalizers. The mechlings resumed playing their games, and Starscream stayed with them on the couch. Knock Out and Breakdown never came out of their room.

The mechlings had to put themselves to berth. Starscream was brought upstairs by Fracture who made him stay with him in his berth.

The door to Knock Out and Breakdown's room was never opened.

Starscream swallowed, unable to hear anything now since Fracture had turned on the fan. He clung to his son, scared of what tomorrow might bring.

---

Starscream startled online the next morning to the vocalizer of Breakdown.

"Fracture, time to get up." The truck said so gently as he gave Fracture a careful shoulder shake.

"Mmm, hi, sire." Fracture groggily greeted the mech.

"Morning, son." Breakdown smiled at him. "Need to go to school." He kissed Fracture on the cheekplates before walking out of the room, ignoring the Seeker.

Starscream swallowed, his spark racing, scared of the truck coming back, but he didn't. Fracture got up, grabbed his school bag, and left the room. Starscream listened as Breakdown collected the mechlings, got them ready for the orbital cycle, and hustled them downstairs for their energon. Diesel followed them, having spent the night with Wildbreak.

They had their morning energon, and soon Breakdown and the mechlings were out the door and gone. It was silent, save for the sound of Diesel playing with one of his toys in the living room. Then, the Seeker heard Knock Out in his room. The doctor opened the door and exited, walking down the short hallway. He stopped at Fracture's room, checking on the Seeker.

"Want to come downstairs?" He asked softly, his vocalizer a little brittle, obviously from crying a lot the previous night.

Starscream quickly got up and walked over, grabbing Knock Out's servo. His wings were drooping as low as they could go as he followed the speedster downstairs. Knock Out didn't say anything while he grabbed his energon and gave the Seeker his. He silently drank, staring into space as he thought.

Starscream anxiously watched him, knowing something was wrong. He managed to only drink half of his energon before Knock Out was on the move again.

"You're coming with me." Knock Out said a little stronger. "You have your wing replacement surgery."

Starscream set aside his unfinished glass and followed Knock Out to the door. The speedster opened it and grabbed Starscream's servo. He started to walk out, but the Seeker stopped. Knock Out looked back, feeling the other mech trembling.

"You're safe, Starscream. I got you."

Starscream whined.

Knock Out gave his arm a tug. "Come on, Stars, please… I don't have time for this." Knock Out begged, clearly not mentally well at the moment.

Starscream swallowed, not wanting to upset Knock Out, but… Autobots were out there.

While the Seeker was distracted by a vehicle driving by Knock Out took his chance. He yanked hard as he simultaneously kicked Starscream's leg, causing the Seeker to lose balance and fall out the door. Knock Out quickly closed and locked the door before Starscream could get back up. The Seeker whined as he scratched at the door, but it wasn't opening.

"Come on." Knock Out yanked on Starscream's arm, but the Seeker only grasped the stoop's banister.

Knock Out kept pulling, trying to get the Seeker to follow, when someone transformed from behind. Starscream felt himself being grabbed by large servos and easily picked up. He looked up to see Breakdown, the truck grasping the Seeker's wrists tightly so he couldn't scratch or fight back. The truck threw him over his shoulders, holding his wrists with one servo and the other holding the ankles, and silently followed the speedster.

Starscream tried to struggle, but he couldn't free himself from those powerful servos.

And in such a humiliating position, the Seeker was taken to the hospital. Knock Out led Breakdown to a room where the blue mech dropped the Seeker onto the floor. Starscream quickly scooted away and to a corner, his intakes quickening, but then calming down. He remembered this room… It was where he had stayed when he was sick. He had been scared there before, but looking back… There were good memories.

Knock Out didn't say anything as he started to prepare something on the counter. Breakdown walked over and hugged the speedster from behind.

"I love you. I know you're upset with me… But I love you." Breakdown said so softly and lovingly.

Knock Out slowly nodded, not looking at him.

"Call me if you need me." He kissed the speedster before releasing him and exiting the room, giving the Seeker an annoyed look.

Knock Out swallowed, some coolant in his optics, but he held it back. He approached the Seeker with a syringe.

"This will calm you down." Knock Out's brittle vocalizer quietly informed as he got on the floor by the Seeker. "May I see your arm?"

Starscream was trembling, but… He trusted Knock Out. He slowly gave the speedster his arm, and the grounder injected the serum into Starscream's fuel line.

It wasn't immediate, but soon the Seeker began to feel tired… Then things started to go dark, and then….

He onlined his optics feeling absolutely exhausted. It took a moment for his optics to adjust to the bright light, but when they did he saw Knock Out wearing a mask, other people around him, and… The Prime.

The Seeker's optics widened before he jumped, only then realizing he was tied down to the medical berth. He began to tremble, his wings rattling…. His new wings. He noticed he felt… Amazing physically. Everything felt… New, and clean, and just right.

Clearly the work of a doctor who had repaired him a lot… And cared about him.

"You're alright, Starscream." Knock Out spoke, his vocalizer slightly muffled behind the mask. "Your surgery went well. How do you feel?"

Starscream looked over at the Prime, then at all the nurses present. He swallowed, not feeling safe at all.

"You don't have to speak. I know you are feeling much better. After all, I was the one who did the work." Knock Out superciliously commented, a gesture to himself that screamed he was the best. "My team also did their job well, so congratulate them."

The nurses all nodded and smiled.

"Your work is done. Leave me with Prime."

"Do you not want one of us to stay? I mean… He's an… Autobot…" One of the nurses asked slowly.

"I'm fine. I'll see you all later."

The nurses slowly filed out, giving the Prime one last glance, obviously wishing they could stay and listen to what was about to be said.

Optimus waited until the door was closed to speak. "You have done well, Knock Out."

"Save the flattery, Prime." Knock Out snapped, his vocalizer now filled with so much rage as he removed the mask. "He wouldn't be in here if it wasn't for your mechs. This is how much you owe me." He shoved a datapad into the Prime's abdomen.

Optimus slowly took it. "It will be paid for immediately."

"Mhmm. Leave a tip. My hospital is severely underfunded. It would be nice to have enough healing slabs for all my patients. Or some more medical berths. We also are low on sterilization products."

"I am more than happy to financially assist your hospital."

"Oh, are you? Because you have neglected us since we got this place up and running, without your help. We don't even have doctors for our carriers or creations. You took them from us for your hospitals." He snapped.

"Then let us speak about that."

"Mhmm, you're scared about my case against you."

"Knock Out, I am just as angry as you about-"

"No, you're not! Don't compare me to you, Autobot! You put Starscream in that prison where he almost died! He was raped and beaten! Look at him! He doesn't even talk anymore! He has to recharge in my berth every night or else he panics! You took a Decepticon warrior and made him into a beaten cyberdog!"

"That was not my intention. I-"

"You never thought he would be attacked… Uh huh… Because throwing a Seeker in an Autobot prison run by grounders couldn't possibly go wrong!"

"I received your petition to become Starscream's guardian." Prime said, trying to change the subject. "I have accepted it and moved it to the next phase."

"Thank you and frag you." Knock Out grunted with his arms crossed.

"I am sensing much hostility…" Prime almost grumbled, becoming tired with the speedster. "I will take my leave, then."

"My lawyer will be in contact." Knock Out mockingly smiled at him.

"I will be ready to receive his letter." Prime palmed the door open.

"Don't let the door kick you in the aft on the way out." Knock Out cheerily mocked with a small wave. The smile vanished once the door closed behind the Autobot leader. He then approached the berth. "How are you?"

Starscream didn't answer immediately. "I feel better…."

"I bet you do. If I untie you you won't run away, right?"

Starscream shook his helm.

"Alright." Knock Out then carefully removed the straps tied around the Seeker's ankles and wrists. "Take things slow, your frame is still getting use to all the new parts."

Starscream slowly sat up, perking his wings as he looked back at them. He faintly smiled, so happy to see his wings restored to their former glory. He fluttered them, and moved them around to test, making sure they were working just fine.

"You'll stay here as I finish my shift. I'll take you back home once I get off. Tomorrow, I'll paint you. Does that sound good?"

Starscream nodded. "How long will I be here…?"

"Just a few more joors. No one will bother you in here." He paused as he studied the Seeker. "I'm sorry about last night."

Starscream bit his lower lip plate, his wings drooping. "Is Breakdown… Mad at you?"

"He's mad, but it's not your fault."

"I didn't mean to make him mad…"

"I know you didn't, Stars. Sometimes… Couples argue, and they get very emotional… and say some hurtful things…" He swallowed, his vocalizer starting to become brittle as he remembered what was said last night. "But I know he loves me and was just reacting…"

"What did he say…?"

"Nothing you need to worry about." Knock Out forced a smile before giving Starscream a hug. "You're not going anywhere, I promise. You're safe with me. But we are going to make a few changes. Not bad changes, good changes that will help everyone." He released Starscream to step back and hold the Seeker's servos. "I am getting guardianship of you, so nothing can happen to you without my permission first. I am also getting a professional to come in and help you with your anxiety, so you aren't on top of me constantly making Breakdown get pissed off."

"Will Grit…. Come back?" The Seeker asked so nervously.

Knock Out didn't speak immediately. "I don't know what I'm going to do with Grit, but I won't let him near you ever again. If he ever visits me, I will make sure you are not around. But I don't know when that would even be… I'm still thinking about things."

Starscream wished he had said Grit was gone. He slowly nodded, now scared of what might happen in the future. But at least he knew he wasn't being kicked out of the house. He would still be around Fracture.

"If you need anything just press this." Knock Out handed him the remote that called a nurse to the room. "Tell them to find me. They are Decepticon nurses, they won't hurt you. Got it?"

Starscream slowly nodded.

"I'm in the hospital, I will be with other patients. I have not left you. Okay? Do you understand?"

The Seeker nodded again.

"Here, I have books for you in this." He handed the jet a datapad. "Read while I'm working. And rest. Is there anything you need from me before I go?"

Starscream hesitated before holding his arms out for another hug. Knock Out obliged, giving him a tight squeeze.

"I'll be back soon. Love you, Stars." He let go of the Seeker.

"Love you, too… Knock Out." Starscream quietly replied.

Knock Out smiled at him before he exited the room and closed the door behind him. Starscream swallowed, feeling so alone. But Knock Out was still in the building, he had a way to call him, and there were only Decepticons in this hospital. He had been well cared for last time he was here. He'd be okay.

He laid on the berth, turned on the datapad, and concentrated on reading one of the books.

---

Starscream was relieved when Knock Out picked him up from the medical room and led him out of the hospital. The Seeker held onto the speedster for the entire journey back home, and continued holding him even as they walked inside.

"Carrier!" A chorus of excited sparklings all exclaimed as they ran over.

"Hey, sweeties." Knock Out smiled, holding his arms out for them.

They all hugged him, leaving Starscream alone to the side. The Seeker lowered his wings, feeling left out.

Knock Out kissed the mechlings on their cheekplates, nuzzled his olfactory sensor against theirs, and told them each how much he loved them. His usual routine when seeing his sons. Fracture then went over and hugged his real carrier after receiving his attention from Knock Out. Starscream managed a faint smile, his wings perking as he hugged his son back.

"You look a lot better." Fracture commented.

"I feel better…" Starscream quietly replied so only Fracture could hear.

"That's good. Come see what I did in school!" Fracture gave the Seeker's arm a hard tug.

Starscream hesitated, glancing at Knock Out, then at his son. He swallowed, pushing himself to follow the mechling. That was his own offspring, after all. He was safe with Fracture. Fracture led him to the couch and sat him down, then grabbed his school bag. The mechling pulled out a datapad as he sat beside his carrier, and soon was showing him what he had been working on.

Knock Out was still getting his snuggles from his biological sons and Diesel when Breakdown descended the stairs. Starscream swallowed, his wings lowering.

"Hey, beautiful!" Breakdown smiled.

Knock Out didn't say anything. Breakdown's smile dissipated.

"You're still mad at me?"

Knock Out looked at Dead End who he was hugging tightly. "Sweetie, can you tell your sire that carrier is currently unavailable, and he needs to call back at another time?"

Dead End giggled, leaping from his carrier's arms to run over to his sire. "Carrier says you stink!" He laughed before running back to his carrier.

"Duly noted…" Breakdown grunted. "Well, tell your carrier I love him, and I would hope he would be open to my feelings."

Knock Out still didn't look at his Conjunx Endura. "Dead End, tell your sire that he should be open to the idea of only being with his servo for the foreseeable future."

"Okay!" Dead End ran back over to his sire. "Carrier says you're dumb!" He laughed before returning to Knock Out.

"You know I can hear what your carrier is actually saying and how much you modify the message." Breakdown grunted.

"I deliver it exactly as I was told!" Dead End shouted, furious that he had been accused of altering anything.

"You're right… Your carrier is thinking what you're saying… Well tell your carrier I love him no matter how angry he gets with me."

"Tell your sire-"

"Knock Out, come on, I'm right here." Breakdown snapped; his optics narrowed.

Knock Out didn't respond, simply walked to the energon room and opened a cabinet, Dead End staying right next to him. Breakdown approached the speedster.

"Sweetie, please use your words. Don't act like this in front of our sons."

Knock Out ignored him, grabbing a glass and giving himself some energon. Dead End hugged his carrier's leg, staying as close to him as possible.

"Knock Out, this silent treatment is immature." He paused, waiting for his mate to say something, but Knock Out still ignored him. The truck's optics narrowed more so, done with this. He grabbed Knock Out by the arm and yanked him over. "If all that's going to happen is us fight because of Starscream, then I want him out! How many times have we argued because of him!?"

"Let go of me!" Knock Out shoved at the truck.

"Not until you actually talk to me!"

Knock Out stomped on Breakdown's ped hard, but the larger mech only grabbed both of the speedster's wrists and squeezed. Knock Out struggled, but Breakdown easily brought him down to the floor, flipped him over, and pinned his arms against his back.

"Are you going to stop attacking me?" Breakdown demanded.

"Get off of me!" Knock Out tried kicking him, but Breakdown knew how to take control of his mate, leaving him powerless.

"Not until you stop acting like a brat!"

"Let go of him!" Dead End kicked and punched his sire.

"Dead End, this is between me and your carrier. Go play your games." Breakdown pushed Dead End away.

"Sire, please let carrier go." Wildbreak pleaded, coolant in his optics, scared of them fighting like this.

"I will, I'm making sure he calms down." Breakdown grunted.

"I am calm you slagheap!" Knock Out shouted furiously, still trying to get out of Breakdown's grip. "Let me go!"

"I will when you're calm. I am not repeating last night."

Fracture ran over and shoved at Breakdown's shoulder. "Leave carrier alone!"

"Fracture, I'm not hurting him." Breakdown held up his servo to prevent Fracture from reaching the speedster.

Starscream had his wings drooping, feeling so anxious. They were fighting over him, and he just knew he would end up being kicked out and homeless on the streets. That was always his luck, after all.

"I'm calling grandcarrier!" Fracture shouted, grabbing his communicator.

"Fracture, there's no-whatever." Breakdown rolled his optics. "Are you going to keep trying to bite me or act your age?"

Knock Out snapped his denta again. "Me act my age? Says the one who lives on cake and goodies instead of actual sustenance!"

"If it fuels me it's sustenance." He grunted. "You can't keep this up forever."

"You will tire before I do!" Knock Out kept trying to kick him.

"You're already tiring. If I let you go will you be an adult or do I need to take you to your room?"

"Dead End! Your sire's weak spot is the plate seam just under where his fuel pump is located. Stab a metal rod there and he'll go into instant stasis lock!"

Dead End saluted. "Yes, sir!" He then ran in search of a metal rod.

Breakdown rolled his optics. "Don't teach our sons how to harm their own sire."

"Let go of me and I'll call him off!"

"Dead End doesn't scare-ow!" He growled when Knock Out managed to finally kick him in the abdomen. He quickly put a knee on Knock Out's legs, holding them down better. "You are being such a pain right now." He paused before slapping Knock Out hard on the aft.

"Ouch!"

"Stop struggling!"

"Apologize first!"

"I have nothing to apologize for!"

"Then I won't stop!"

"Carrier, I found this!" Dead End proclaimed as he ran back with a toy sword.

"Dead End, put that back." Breakdown grunted.

"No!"

"You are upsetting my sons! Wildbreak is crying!" Knock Out shouted. "Let me go!"

"I will when I know you won't hit me!"

"I'll do more than hit you!"

"Then I'm not letting you go. Why are you so hostile? You're not carrying, are you?"

"No!" Knock Out tried kicking him again. "Am I not allowed to be angry?! I can be angry and not be sparked! Maybe you're sparked! Sparked with a demon, alien sparkling!"

"Yeah, and it's in his aft!" Dead End added.

"Exactly!"

Breakdown rolled his optics.

Fracture walked to the front door and opened it, turning off his communicator as he did so. Opulentus and Pulchra immediately walked inside…. With Grit.

"Sure, this is a fight and they just aren't being kinky?" Grit laughed.

Starscream backed himself into the corner of the couch, his wings so low and trembling.

"Released my son at once, you filthy beast!" Opulentus shouted at Breakdown.

"Call me your son-in-law and I will." Breakdown snapped.

"I will do no such thing!" Opulentus said it like he had been asked to cut off his own head.

"Seriously, sire?" Knock Out gave him a hurt expression. "Your pride over my freedom?"

"Just do it." Pulchra snapped at her mate.

Opulentus glared at her, then turned to Breakdown. "Fine… Release Knock Out…. Son…. In-law." He said it like he had swallowed poison.

"Was that so hard, pops?" Breakdown then got off Knock Out and released him.

Knock Out quickly got up and backed away from Breakdown, glaring at his mate.

"Oh, sweetie, what happened?" Pulchra was all over her youngest, checking him for injuries before hugging him.

"I'm fine. Breakdown and I have just been arguing since last night." Knock Out hugged his carrier back.

"What about, my sweet mechling?" Pulchra cupped the cheekplates of the red speedster.

"Let me guess!" Grit raised a servo like a school youngling. "You were arguing over him sticking it in your aft, or you were arguing over legs over there!" He pointed at Starscream before laughing.

Starscream flinched back despite Grit being so far away from him.

Knock Out glared at his brother. "I don't recall welcoming you back into my house after you took advantage of Starscream."

"He wanted it! Didn't you, sweet plates!?" He laughed while looking at Starscream.

Fracture noticed how scared his carrier was so walked over and sat beside him. Starscream hugged Fracture tightly, needing that comfort. Wildbreak grabbed Dead End and pulled him to follow Fracture, wanting to keep distance from the angry adults.

"Don't look at him." Knock Out growled his engine, his denta bare in a snarl.

"Or what? You gonna make Breakdown turn me over his knee? Too much of a pussy to take me on yourself so you sic your dog on me."

"Oh, I'll take you on." Knock Out got in his brother's face. "I'll tear that stupid smirk off your faceplates and shove it so far up your waste pipe you'll taste your own engine grease!"

Grit never stopped smiling; his arms crossed. "Kinky. So, mouths on waste ports is what you're into now? Is that the whole reason for you two fighting? You wanted to eat aft and Breaky denied you?"

"You're beyond disgusting. Get out of my house!" Knock Out pointed a claw at the door.

"Do not speak to your brother like that." Opulentus snapped. "He isn't the one having an affair with a Seeker."

"I am not fragging Starscream!" Knock Out screamed at his sire. "I am only with Breakdown!"

"Grit saw you-"

"He saw Starscream cuddling with me on the couch! Why are you so worked up about cuddling when this slag eater raped Starscream!" He jabbed his claw at Grit.

"How dare you accuse me of rape!" Grit's smile was completely gone, his optics narrowed. "I always wait for consent!"

"Starscream didn't want you on him and Breakdown had to remove you!"

"Breakdown would say anything to please his master! He's as stupid as a boat!"

Breakdown made a confused face.

"Don't you dare insult my mate!"

"The mate you cheat on?"

"I do not cheat on him! At least I have a mate and don't go around whoring myself like some homeless circuit user!"

"Look who's talking!" Grit then evilly smirked. "Hey, sire and carrier, guess who almost flunked med school because he was always high!" He pointed at Knock Out. "It was this brat!"

Knock Out clenched his servos in tight fists. "SHUT UP!"

"Did you do circuit boosters...?" Pulchra covered her mouth, her optics widening in shock.

Grit laughed triumphantly. "He snorted them, injected them, ate them, and even fragged for them! Want me to tell them about your other lovers?"

Knock Out punched Grit in the faceplates hard. Breakdown instantly grinned, feeling himself turning on seeing his mate being so hot. His cooling fans began to whirl as he felt himself stiffen below.

"And now you behave like the brute you joined…." Opulentus grunted, watching Grit rub his hurting jaw.

"Yeah…" Grit smirked, but it was not his normal smirk. "That was a good one, little bro. Been a while since I reminded you who is the stronger sibling, hasn't it?"

"You will not fight." Pulchra got between them, holding her arms up to ensure they kept their distance.

"Aw, but carrier, it's just brothers being brothers." Grit chuckled darkly. "Come here, Knockers, and let me beat that pretty little face into a pile of scrap." He growled the last part with gritted denta.

"You will do no such thing!" Pulchra barked. "You two are brothers, not ruffians on the streets."

"I'll fight Grit." Breakdown piped up. "I SO want to fight Grit. I would pay you to fight him. I would interface a random hobo and contract an ITV if it meant I could beat the stupid out of Grit. I would sell my spark to the devil, even!" He gestured at Opulentus.

"This is between me and Knock Out, fatso." Grit snapped.

"Anything concerning Knock Out concerns me, pipsqueak." Breakdown snapped right back.

"Despite being angry with my Conjunx, I concur. I want to see him and Grit fight." Knock Out nodded. "I will happily have interface with a hobo and contract an ITV if it makes it happen. I will do it with two hobos."

"Mech, the hobos will be having it good tonight." Grit replied. "Fine, I'll do it if I get to see Knockers get gang banged by hobos."

"No one is fragging any hobos!" Pulchra exclaimed in exasperation.

"Cock blocking the hobos now? That's harsh." Grit grunted.

"You two are acting like hobos!" Pulchra furiously shouted. "Apologize to each other!"

"Absolutely not." Knock Out crossed his arms.

"I'll apologize when he frags those hobos." Grit crossed his arms as well.

"How about you go frag some hobos. You already smell like one." Knock Out sneered.

"Oh, that's real mature." Grit glared back. "You cranky because the mediocre interface with Breakdown isn't enough? I'll find you a hobo who can actually satisfy you. One who really likes sadism."

"Talking about me or you?"

"You know what, I can just beat your aft myself. I have some chains and whips at my place that will help you learn some respect."

"Careful, I might like it." Knock Out stuck his glossa out.

"I know I'd like beating you, you little slagheap." Grit started to stomp towards his brother, but Pulchra stopped him.

"Grit, stop threatening your brother." Pulchra ordered harshly.

"You're lucky carrier is here to protect your scrawny aft. I will beat the slag out of you, and you won't see it coming."

"Of course, you'd have to surprise me because you can't take me head on." Knock Out snarkily replied.

"Nah, I can take you on. I just don't want carrier or your dog getting in the way. And I'll beat the slag out of you worse than what Crusher ever did to you."

"At least Crusher had a big spike to put in me afterwards."

"What?" Pulchra gave him a horrified expression.

Knock Out ignored his carrier. "And Crusher actually had friends! You just have those junkies you hang out with!"

"I don't hang out with junkies!" Grit snapped.

"That's enough!" Opulentus raised his servos to silence them. "We are obviously not getting anywhere tonight… We will continue this conversation when you two aren't threatening each other."

"Oh, I'm not threatening him, sire. I'm making a promise." Grit growled.

"Attack me and you won't ever see your nephews again." Knock Out hissed, his denta bare and engine growling.

"You can't deny Grit seeing his nephews." Opulentus snapped. "He is your brother, and you will respect his rights."

"And they are my sons! He has no right over them, only I do!" Knock Out shouted at his sire.

"Watch your tone, Knock Out." Opulentus glared at him.

"I watch my tone?! You do not tell me what I cannot do with the sparklings I carried and raised! You watch how you speak to me or else you won't see them!"

Knock Out did not expect the slap across his faceplates, especially not how hard it was. He almost fell, taking a couple of steps back, a servo touching his stinging cheekplates. He saw energon on his digits and felt the warm liquid dripping on the side of his faceplates.

The mechlings who had been watching stared in shock that their grandsire had just struck their carrier. Pulchra wasn't surprised, immediately going to comfort her youngest, while Grit began to laugh. Breakdown didn't hesitate. The moment he saw the slap he was upon Opulentus, grasping his neck and yanking him away. His other servo grabbed Grit by the neck as well, and he dragged the two speedsters to the front door. With startled squawks, the speedsters were thrown outside, the door slamming shut and locking behind them.

Breakdown's engine was revving, his denta barred and gritted, as his servos clenched and unclenched. Knock Out just stood there, coolant pooling in his optics, so many bad memories returning to his processor.

"Don't cry, I'm here." Pulchra said it so lovingly, only the way a carrier could to her precious sparkling. "Let me see."

"Why did grandsire hit carrier?!" Dead End demanded.

Starscream couldn't take it anymore. The shouting, the furiously pacing Breakdown, the fighting… He quickly got up and ran upstairs, needing somewhere to hide before he became a victim once more. He ran into Knock Out's room and hid in the closet. He had been here before and was safe, he would be again.

"Let's go upstairs and talk." Pulchra whispered to her son as she cleaned the four gashes on his cheekplates left behind by his sire's claws.

Knock Out slowly nodded, a couple of coolant tears managing to escape and flow down his cheekplates.

Pulchra grabbed her son's servo and walked him to the stairs. "Fracture, watch your siblings. I'm sorry you saw that. I'll be back to talk to you three in a bit."

Pulchra then led Knock Out up the stairs and into his room, closing the door behind them. Starscream shrunk back, hearing people entering the room. The closet door was closed, so he couldn't see what was happening, only listen.

Pulchra sat beside her son on the berth and took his servo in hers. "What's going on, Knock Out? Why were you and Breakdown fighting?"

Knock Out didn't answer immediately. "It's about Starscream. He's been… Very clingy to me ever since he was released from the Autobot prison. They tortured him in there. I just replaced his wings and other damaged plates earlier this orbital cycle. He was beaten and raped, and who knows what else. He's so scared and traumatized he won't leave my side. And because of that… He panics when away from me. He has scratched up both me and Breakdown when I've tried to leave for work. He panics so much that… Breakdown and I can't even have… Intimate time alone. And Breakdown has become very irate over it."

"Irate how?"

"Yesterday he got really mad, and I thought he was going to hurt Starscream. He grabbed him and was shouting, and… I was scared. I only see him that mad when I'm threatened. And I know how he treats people who threaten me, and I was scared Starscream would get that same treatment. I managed to get him to drop Starscream and come to our room to talk… Well, argue. And we did argue… And things were said that… That hurt."

"What did he say?"

Knock Out wiped at the coolant tears leaking out. "Just that… He's tired of all the drama with Starscream and that I was constantly being a brat when it came to Starscream. He said I should have never gotten involved with Starscream during the war, and that if I had been better with the custody stuff a lot of the slag that happened with that would have been avoided. And he said how he only fought to keep us from fighting and ignoring how Starscream did attack me was because he knew I cared about Starscream… Just… A lot of that old slag. But then he said… He said it's getting to the point he wasn't sure if I loved Starscream more than him. And of course, I love him more than Starscream! But it hurts he said that."

"Why do you think he would think that? You're not interfacing Starscream, are you?"

"Of course not! I'm not doing anything with Starscream! H-he likes to snuggle so I let him. Seekers are like cybercats. They just are very… affectionate."

"I believe you." Pulchra spoke so calmly. "I know you and Breakdown love each other. I didn't approve of your wedding when I found out he was a truck… But he proved he truly cares about you during the war. And as a carrier, the most important thing for me is that you are safe and loved, and happy. And Breakdown has given you all of that."

"He has…" Knock Out slowly nodded.

"I think he's jealous. He's had you all to himself for so long and now he has to share you with your creations and Starscream. And while it's obvious a spouse needs to be shared with creations, a friend is a different matter. Why should Breakdown have to share you with Starscream?"

"I get it… I understand he's selfish about me. It's adorable. But… Starscream needs me."

"Why is Starscream so important to you? You complain about him constantly."

"Because…. He is my friend. One of my few friends that hasn't exploited me for… Interface or something else."

"How many of your friends have you interfaced?" Pulchra raised an optical ridge.

"Quite a few…."

"Why did you never tell me about these people?"

"Because you would have been angry with me."

"I am very upset you interfaced so young and out of wedlock. It's shameful and dangerous." She paused when she noticed Knock Out make a slight optic roll. "Are you proud of it?"

"No…"

"Then why did you do it?"

"Because I was young, and stupid, and scared, and manipulated… And I do regret it. I was hurt by many of those people. And I was too scared to tell you about it, and so I've been stuck holding it in for so long…"

"We can talk about it now." She placed a servo on his knee. "I'm here for you."

"I don't want to hear sire telling me his opinion…"

"Just us. We will have time together to talk and I won't tell him anything. I know your sire is… stubborn."

"Understatement of the vorn…"

"Yes, well, he does care about you."

"And this is how he shows it." He pointed at the cuts on his cheekplates.

"I agree he needs to find better approaches for showing his emotions… And so does Breakdown."

"He doesn't hurt me."

"Not physically, but he has hurt you emotionally." She paused. "We will talk about your past mistakes another time. Just you and me. Right now, let's focus on Breakdown and what we will do with Starscream. So, besides telling you that he feels like you love Starscream more than him, what else did he say?"

"He said… That I should be 'considering Starscream being moved to a facility for further care.' Whatever 'facility' he is hinting at, I don't know."

"Such as a facility for those with mental illness?"

"I don't know. He was all yelling at me."

"Why would a facility like that be a bad idea?"

"Because Starscream needs me. H-he doesn't trust anyone else, and it's my fault he's in this current predicament!"

"How is it your fault?"

"Because I left him home alone with Grit when I know how horrible Grit can be, and how Starscream reacts to certain… Pressures. And Starscream was only with Grit to hurt me because of everything with Fracture…"

"It's not your fault what happened in the prison. He was supposed to be just kept in solitary confinement. That is the Autobots' fault."

"Still…"

"Still, it's a good idea he be cared for by people trained to handle mental illness."

"But he depends on me."

"He's an adult."

"He's my friend."

"He needs professional help."

"He's Fracture's carrier. I-I separated them enough… I hurt Starscream enough…"

Starscream bit his lower lip plate.

Pulchra was silent as she thought. "Well, if we can't take him to professionals… Then we'll have to bring one to him."

"How? Therapy? He won't talk to anyone but me and Fracture. And then that's barely anything."

"No, I was thinking something else. Think of like… An adult sparklingsitter, but for people with severe mental illness. A nurse that comes to your home. A social worker."

"Are those even still around?"

"Yes, quite a few survived the war. Not everyone in the medical field joined the war. Many fled to colony worlds or remained hidden. I still have some of my old contacts. I'll make some calls."

"Starscream needs a flier…."

"I'll make the calls and see what I can get, Knock Out. He may have to settle for a grounder."

Knock Out slowly nodded. "Thanks, carrier."

"Of course, my little sparkling. That's what carriers are for." She smiled.

"But if we get this social worker… H-how will that solve Breakdown being pissed at me? He wants Starscream gone."

"Does he want Starscream gone or just to have space?"

"He's mad at Starscream… And not having alone time with me…"

"Well, if Starscream gets better he will allow you two to have your alone time. Breakdown wasn't mad about Starscream being around prior to prison, correct?"

"He never said anything…"

"Then I think the issue is simply Starscream not giving you two space. Here, let's bring him in and we will talk about this." Pulchra said before standing up. She exited the room and walked to the top of the stairs. "Breakdown! Come upstairs and bring a chair!" She shouted before going back into the berthroom.

Breakdown soon walked in carrying one of the dining room chairs and set it down. Pulchra closed the door and directed Breakdown to sit on the berth as she took the chair, facing them.

"Now, let's talk about you two and what's going on with the Seeker." Pulchra crossed her arms and legs as she eyed them.

Knock Out gestured at Breakdown for him to go first.

"Alright…" Breakdown said looking at his carrier-in-law. "I have been feeling neglected, pushed away, and not as… loved ever since Starscream came back from the prison. Now, I understand he's traumatized. I get it. But it's ridiculous that a guest in my home is getting constant attention from the mech I joined with and have creations with. It's not fair, I'm very agitated by it, and I would like to be able to kiss my mate without a whiny-aft Seeker scratching my face."

"Knock Out, how do you feel about what Breakdown just said?" Pulchra asked gently.

"I feel… I-I understand that Breakdown is upset." Knock Out said slowly, not looking as his mate as he scraped his claws against each other.

"But how to do you feel, sweetie?" Pulchra nudged him.

"I feel…. Sad, and… Upset that I have made the mech I love so angry." Coolant was pooling in his optics. "I love you, Breakdown." He finally looked up at his mate. "I love you so much. I don't want to hurt you. I-I've hurt you so much already, and I keep failing as a mate."

"You're not failing as a mate." Breakdown replied softly. "Why do you keep thinking you're so bad at being a Conjunx Endura?"

"Because…" Knock Out wiped at the coolant leaking out now. "I-I killed your son, a-and now I've upset you because I-I want to help Starscream."

"You didn't kill our son, Knock Out. Miscarriages happen. I am very sad over losing him, but that was not your fault. I was never mad at you then, and I'm still not mad at you over it."

"But I hurt you! And I'm still hurting you!"

"I'm hurt that you have been choosing Starscream over me as of late. You are all I have left, besides the mechlings. I don't have my creators, or cousins, or anyone from before the war. I lost my family. I lost my friends, I lost my home, I lost… Everything. The only thing I have not lost is you." He paused, feeling his own coolant wanting to leak out. "And I'm sorry if I'm selfish, but I can't lose you, too. I would die without you. I want you all to myself. You're my home and my family."

Knock Out swallowed, trying not to break down crying. "You're my everything, too. And I don't want to lose you. I just… I don't want to lose Starscream, either."

"Why is he so important? Just tell me why?"

"I've lost enough, too. I can't lose anyone else. The miscarriage hurt too much, Breakdown. Please, don't make me have to lose more."

"You don't want Starscream to go because you think you'll lose him?"

"I-I don't want to lose anyone. It hurts too much."

Pulchra motioned for Breakdown to be silent. "This is good." She said in the same gentle vocalizer. "A significant loss, such as losing a creation, can trigger intense emotional responses. Often, hoarding is a symptom. The psychological toll of having to depart with even trash can cause someone who has experienced significant loss and spark break to overthink and therefore overreact. Losing Starscream can be very difficult for Knock Out because of his fears of loss."

"But he wouldn't be losing Starscream. We would just send Starscream somewhere that he can get the help he needs and they can still visit and call each other." Breakdown grunted.

"To you that's a simple request, but to someone who has experienced something so painful, it's not that simple."

"But I lost a son, too."

"Everyone experiences loss differently. And Knock Out also is the carrier. It's different for us. We actually carried our creations inside of us. There's that intimate connection, the programs, everything is different for a carrier than for a sire. And to have that suddenly ripped away before the development of the sparkling can cause more lasting complications." Pulchra paused. "Breakdown, have you really talked to Knock Out about the miscarriage?"

"I mean… I was there when it happened. And he has told me he feels like it's his fault."

"But has he explained in detail how he truly feels?"

"Sad…? I know he's really upset by it. And he said he thought I wanted to divorce him over it and hated him. We talked about going to therapy but… Couldn't find a therapist we could agree on."

"Knock Out, do you want to tell Breakdown what you've told me?"

"What hasn't he told me?" Breakdown raised an optical ridge as he looked at his mate.

Knock Out was looking at his claws again. "I-I didn't want to tell you because you freak out…"

"I won't freak out. I promise."

Knock Out was silent a moment before speaking. "I-I've thought about… suicide after losing the sparkling… A-and I planned it out, I just never acted on it. I have been so hurt from losing him… A-and thinking you hate me…." Knock Out swallowed, trying to keep from bawling. "And I was fighting with someone who I always considered a good friend… And I thought everyone, especially you, would be happier if I wasn't around."

Breakdown didn't say anything, his optics filling with coolant. He reached over and pulled Knock Out onto his lap and hugged him tightly.

"I could never hate you." He said softly, his vocalizer becoming brittle. "I love you so much, Knock Out. And if having Starscream here makes you happy, I can compromise. I just want time with you."

"I'll make sure we have time. Promise. Carrier and I were just talking about a professional coming here and working with Starscream to help him and we have time to ourselves again." Knock Out wiped at the coolant, feeling better by simply being in his mate's arms.

"Yeah… That sounds good." Breakdown wiped at his optics. "I can do that."

"I do love you more than him. I always will."

"I know you do. I'm sorry I got mad at you."

"I'm sorry I bit you last night… And hit you… And threatened to cut off your spike…."

"I know you never would." Breakdown faintly smirked before kissing Knock Out on the lip plates. He paused, studying the gorgeous faceplates of his mate, his smile slowly growing. "Since we're being all open and dramatic already… Can we talk about our next creation?"

Knock Out swallowed. "I'm scared… I can't handle another miscarriage. I can't Breakdown, I can't…!"

"You won't have another one. No matter what happens, I will be here for you. I would kill myself before I would ever leave you or hate you. Even if you have…. A thousand miscarriages I would still love you. You're my everything, remember?"

Knock Out slowly nodded. "Maybe… Soon."

"Very soon or far away soon…?"

"Let me take care of Starscream first… And then we'll talk. I promise."

"Then, let's take care of Starscream. Because I really want to have another with my beautiful mate." He smiled broadly. "My sexy, perfect mate I love so much." He kissed Knock Out again.

"I think my work for the orbital cycle is done." Pulchra said as she stood. "Have your apology interface and talk things out."

"Ew, carrier!"

"It's worse for me knowing my little sparkling is interfacing…" She grunted as she grabbed the chair and headed for the door.

"Don't worry, he loves it!" Breakdown giggled, earning a glare from Knock Out.

Pulchra exited the room and closed the door behind her. Breakdown then turned to his mate.

"I'm going to destroy you."

"The mechlings are online." Knock Out gave him a look.

"They are playing their games. You can hear the vidscreen from up here! They won't know."

"Okay, but nothing crazy."

"I don't need to be crazy to make you scream." He giggled as he picked up his mate so he could stand.

"We still need to talk about Starscream."

"We will after apology interface. Doctor's orders."

"My carrier hasn't practiced in forever… Oof!" He grunted as he was dropped on the berth. "Be gentle with me…."

Starscream swallowed, wishing he was out of this closet as he listened to the sounds of Breakdown kissing Knock Out, pleasuring the speedster, and then finally the sound of Breakdown's hips pounding against Knock Out's aft. Knock Out couldn't moan much with Breakdown kissing him madly on the lip plates.

Starscream had to just sit there hearing this, then finally the sounds of their chestplates parting. They overloaded with growls, then were quiet for a moment as they panted. Starscream heard them whispering to each other before Breakdown spoke in a normal vocalizer.

"You are amazing. I love you! Want a second round?"

"I guess. No more than that. I'm tired." Knock Out replied.

"Here, let me grab something."

Starscream heard Breakdown approaching the closet.

"No pain." Knock Out grunted.

"I'm not going to hurt you. I was grabbing the blindfold." Breakdown chuckled as he opened the closet door. His optics landed on the Seeker.

Starscream looked up, faintly smiled, and gave a small wave, knowing his presence was not welcomed. Breakdown's optics narrowed.

"What the hell!?"

"What? What is it?!" Knock Out jumped up, scared of the sudden change in his mate's mood.

Breakdown reach down and grasped the Seeker by the neck before yanking him out and holding him up to the speedster.

"What is he doing in our closet!?" Breakdown roared. "I can't get any privacy! He was listening in on everything we said and creeping on us fragging!"

"Breakdown, he probably hid when Grit came over! Put him down!" Knock Out frantically shouted, reaching for the Seeker.

Breakdown dropped the Seeker. "I'm going for a drive before I do something that'll piss you off." He growled with gritted denta before stomping out of the room.

Knock Out swallowed, taking a moment before crouching down and checking on Starscream.

"You alright?" He softly asked.

"I'm sorry, Knock Out." Starscream quickly apologized, his wings drooping. "I-I didn't mean to snoop. I just-"

"It's okay… I know you didn't mean anything…" Knock Out took the Seeker's servo and helped him stand up. "I-it's between me and Breakdown, that's all…" He quietly said, not even looking at the jet.

"I'm sorry…"

"There's nothing to be sorry about." Knock Out wiped at the coolant threatening to leak out. "I'm going to check on my mechlings."

Starscream watched the speedster walk out of the room, then he followed him. The doctor went downstairs and to the couch where the mechlings were playing their videogames. Without a word, he sat beside Wildbreak and hugged his eldest.

"What's wrong?" Wildbreak asked, setting down his controller to hug his carrier back.

"I just need a hug." Knock Out tried to keep his vocalizer from sounding too upset, but it was obvious he was trying not to cry.

"Do I need to punch sire?" Fracture inquired.

"No…. You don't need to involve yourself in adult drama." Knock Out replied as he squeezed Wildbreak harder, feeling coolant leaking down his cheekplates now. "Sire and I are just… bickering. It'll pass soon."

Fracture scooted over and hugged Knock Out from behind. Dead End put down his controller and ran over, climbed onto Knock Out's lap, and hugged his carrier. Knock Out did his best to try and hug all his sons at once, feeling more emotions hitting him as he was reminded how much these young beings loved him.

"Don't cry carrier." Wildbreak said as coolant filled his own optics. "If you cry, I'm gonna cry, and then we all will be crying."

"We need to all shun sire." Fracture said resolutely. "He upset carrier and must be punished."

"No, don't punish your sire. This is between us." Knock Out said quickly.

"It's too late. You're upset, we're mad at sire, and we will make sure he knows we're upset."

"Yeah!" Dead End piped up. "Sire will be punished! I'm taking away his cake!" He then hopped off Knock Out's lap and ran for the energon room.

"I love you three so much." Knock Out kissed Wildbreak and then Fracture on their cheekplates. He was silent a moment before speaking. "How would… You guys feel about…. A little sibling...?"

"What do you mean?" Fracture raised an optical ridge.

"I mean… How would you feel if…. If I got sparked… And you got a new little brother or sister?"

"Are you getting sparked?" Wildbreak asked as he gave his carrier a suspicious look.

"I… Don't know… Your sire… Wants another sparkling. And I want to know if you guys also want a sibling."

"Only if they aren't like him." Fracture pointed towards Dead End who was climbing onto a chair to reach the counter.

"I can't make promises." Knock Out stroked the top of Fracture's helm.

"I'm okay with another sibling." Wildbreak smiled. "I can help out with them!"

"You help out with Dead End."

"Yeah, but better this time. Like, I can carry them, and teach them things!"

"Why do you want another sparkling right now…?" Fracture inquired. "Aren't we dealing with enough slag?"

"How do you know how much slag we are dealing with?" Knock Out looked at his son with a quizzical glare.

"Well…." Fracture gestured at Starscream who had sat on the opposite couch. "Second carrier, first carrier, whatever! He's a mess! We're all still in school. There's fighting going on in the family… And you and sire are fighting!" Fracture's optics widened briefly before glaring at Knock Out. "That's it, isn't it. You two are fighting over having a sparkling!"

"That's not it."

"It is! Sire wants one and you don't and so you two are fighting!"

"Busted!" Wildbreak piped up.

"No, that's not why we're fighting…" Knock Out rubbed over his faceplates.

"Then why are you fighting?" Fracture demanded. "Because of him?" He jabbed a digit at Starscream.

Knock Out glanced over at Dead End who was carrying a cake away, going somewhere with it. He vented a sigh. "Yes, we are fighting over Starscream."

"Because he won't give you space?" Wildbreak prodded.

"Yes…. And some other stuff."

"So you want to fix the problem by having a sparkling! Like they do in the movies!" Fracture concluded victoriously.

"Not… Like they do in the movies…." Knock Out gave his adopted son a look.

"I cracked it." Fracture snapped his digits around Knock Out's face like a sassy queen.

"I… Yes, you did. We are fighting over Starscream, and your sire really wants another sparkling, and I am debating letting him have his way and have another one to make him less angry at me because I am so done with all this slag I want to… I'm not saying it to you guys, but I am about to explode from the stress and just everything piled on top of me right now."

"Do you need a vacation?" Wildbreak innocently asked.

Starscream perked his wings as he watched Dead End carefully go up the stairs with the cake, Diesel following closely behind him.

"I do feel like a vacation is warranted, but that won't solve my problems." Knock Out replied.

"But a sparkling would?" Fracture raised an optical ridge.

"I sometimes wish you guys weren't so smart…" Knock Out grunted.

"We get it from you." Wildbreak giggled. "Well, not Fracture. He had to learn it from you."

Starscream made a face as he gestured at himself, but was ignored.

"Nothing is forged in metal yet." Knock Out said firmly. "I… Am not sparked and may not be ever again. I don't know! I am just… Keeping my options open."

"What do you want?" Fracture demanded.

"I want… There to be no more fighting. I want… To move back to Velocitron with all of you, and have an even bigger house and yard, and have Starscream live in an upstairs or basement apartment. And for you guys to go to the best schools, and get the best education, and live better lives than I did."

"But do you want another sparkling?" Fracture demanded.

Knock Out vented a sigh. "Yes. Yes, I do. But I'm scared."

"Why are you scared?"

Knock Out swallowed, feeling the coolant tears returning. "Because of what happened to your brother… The miscarriage. I'm terrified of it happening again. I can't go through that again." He quickly wiped at the coolant leaking out. "It really hurt losing him. It still does. And I can't handle that pain again. I am scared that should I become sparked again I'll have another miscarriage and I'll be so sparkbroken over it… I'll hurt myself."

"Why not adopt?" Wildbreak asked. "You adopted Fracture. Why not adopt another?"

"I am open to that idea. The problem is, right now, there's not a lot of sparklings available. Because of the war and how it messed everything up… There's not a lot of sparklings sitting around needing families. It may be forever, a vorn or more, before I could get one. And since the Autobots are pretty much in power… I am not first on the list for one. I was only able to get Fracture because of how close I am to his carrier. And a lot of drama…."

"Do we need to talk to sire for you?" Fracture asked.

"No, sweetie, you don't. This is an adult conversation. I need to think about this…"

"Don't do anything that will upset you." Wildbreak added as he hugged his carrier.

"I won't." He hugged both of them. "You two are everything I could have hoped for in sons. Thank you for being the best."

"It's easy being the best." Fracture smirked.

"Yes, I know that feeling." Knock Out kissed them both on the cheekplates. "I love you two."

"And we love you!" Wildbreak proclaimed cheerily.

"Thank you for all the advice. I appreciate it so much. I really do."

Starscream silently watched the three hugging, only glancing up when he heard a platter fall on the floor and Dead End yelling at Diesel to "stop eating it."

---

Starscream spent the rest of the evening with Fracture, giving Knock Out some space. He was in berth with Fracture when he heard Breakdown return home. The Seeker tensed, listening to Breakdown ascend the stairs and go into the master berthroom where Knock Out was. He swallowed, positive he would hear Breakdown beating Knock Out and yelling at him. After all, that's what Megatron always did to him when he was mad at him!

Starscream flicked his wings, not sure if he should run in and save Knock Out or if that would make things worse. Breakdown was very strong and the Seeker didn't have his weapons, only claws. He listened, determined that should he hear Knock Out cry out he would race in with whatever he could grab, but there was only silence.

And it remained so for a couple of more joors until the Seeker finally fell into recharge.

He onlined to Breakdown gently shaking Fracture awake. He froze, scared that Breakdown would turn on him, but the truck simply onlined the sparkling, and then walked out. Fracture stretched, gave his carrier a hug, then climbed out of berth. Starscream watched his son grab his school bag and walk out of the room.

He stayed there, listening to the usual morning rush, waiting until Breakdown finally left with the mechlings. Once they were gone, the Seeker got out of berth and made his way to the master berthroom. He startled when Diesel was suddenly beside him, but the dog had the same idea of visiting Knock Out.

Starscream entered the room, seeing Knock Out still recharging on the berth. He crept over, wings perking as he studied the speedster for any injuries, but there were none. Weird. Don't angry partners always beat their mates...?

"What's up..?"

Starscream looked down, seeing Knock Out was slowly onlining. "Nothing." The Seeker said quietly.

"Have you refueled?"

Starscream shook his helm.

"Need to refuel." Knock Out slowly sat up and stretched his arm joints. "You doing okay?"

Starscream lowered his wings. "Are you?"

"I've been better… But I've been worse. Did you recharge alright?"

Starscream slowly nodded.

"Do you recharge better with me or Fracture?" Knock Out scooted to the edge of the berth before sliding off.

Starscream shrugged. "I… Breakdown isn't mad at me when I'm with Fracture."

Knock Out looked at him. "Don't worry about Breakdown. I'm dealing with him." He paused. "Let's get you some energon. Then, I need to go to work. When I get back I'm going to give you a new paintjob. Sound good?"

Starscream nodded.

Knock Out smiled. "It's a date, then. Come on." He grabbed Starscream's servo and led him downstairs.

Starscream got his energon and stayed with Knock Out, sipping it as he watched the doctor prepare for work. Knock Out gave him a kiss on the cheekplates before walking out the door, leaving the Seeker alone.

Starscream whined, but tried to remain calm. He went upstairs to Fracture's room, closed the door, and lied on the berth. He was safe in Fracture's room. Grit never came in here, Megatron didn't know where this house was, and Breakdown only ever came in here to online Fracture! So long as he kept the door locked and stayed quiet he would be safe.

And that's what he did. He read from his datapad as he stayed in his son's berthroom for the whole orbital cycle.

He only got up when Fracture got home and needed back in his room. Then, he just stayed with Fracture, hugging his son tightly as Fracture did his homework and when the mechling was trying to play videogames on the couch. Fracture didn't mind as it gave him an excuse to make Wildbreak get up and get him things.

The Seeker perked his wings when Knock Out finally got home. He wanted to run over and hug Knock Out, but refrained from doing so, hugging Fracture tighter.

"Hey, gorgeous." Breakdown greeted, kissing his mate on the lip plates.

"Hey, sexy." Knock Out kissed him back. "How was your orbital cycle?"

"It was fine. Uneventful. You?"

"Eh, nothing exciting. Only thing worth mentioning is I had a patient who had… Tried to get frisky with a cargo lift. I've removed spikes from many holes but that one…" Knock Out rolled his optics. "It had to hurt so much going in… Why are people so stupid?"

"Because they aren't all you."

"This is true." Knock Out looked over at the mechlings. "Why am I not getting a hug from you?"

"I'll hug you!" Dead End ran over and into his carrier's arms.

"I'm stuck!" Fracture exclaimed. "You have to come to me for hugs!"

"Since you have to come here to hug Fracture I'm waiting for you to just hug me on your way." Wildbreak giggled.

"You are becoming lazy." Knock Out kissed Dead End on the cheekplates before making his way over to the older two. He hugged and kissed Wildbreak, then pulled Fracture away from Starscream long enough to also hug and kiss him. Then, he turned to the Seeker. "Hey, commander. Want to get your paint done?" He asked gently.

Starscream nodded.

Knock Out took the Seeker's servo and helped him to his peds before leading him upstairs. The speedster took the jet into the shower and turned on the water. He helped clean the Seeker, ensuring he would have no dirt on him that would ruin the paint. He dried off the Seeker, then covered the berth with a protective sheet. Starscream laid down on it, watching as Knock Out set out several paints before his former boss.

"Okay, pick the ones you like. Remember, no old paint schemes. Not until we can move far away from these damn Autobots…" Knock Out grumbled the last part as he set up his air brushes.

Starscream looked at the paints, debating what he should have. A nice red never could go wrong, but what to go with the red? Yellow? No, that was too much warm colors. Maybe a lighter silver than what he used to go with. And some black to avoid too much of his frame being silver.

"This is what you're thinking?" Knock Out asked as he noted the paints Starscream had pulled out of the box.

Starscream nodded.

"Okay, you want red to be the primary? Yeah? Okay, sweetspark, I got it. Just relax." Knock Out put on gloves to keep the paint off his servos, then began to prepare the paint in one of the air brushes.

Starscream offlined his optics, focusing on relaxing as he felt Knock Out cover him with a primer, and grind down any rough spots. It was very relaxing, having his plates treated so carefully like this. He felt himself dosing off from the caressing servos knowingly preparing his body for paint. Then, he felt the first layer of paint being applied to his chestplates. It was a little cold, but the soft purr of the air brush was like a gentle fan lullabying him to recharge.

His optics onlined to Knock Out chuckling, suddenly realizing that much of his frame had been painted over.

"You fell into recharge there, silly Seeker." Knock Out smiled at him, working on the jet's legs now.

"I'm sorry…" Starscream swallowed.

"Nothing to be sorry about. It's good. Means you feel safe around me." The doctor looked over at him. "So, I know you heard me and my carrier yesterday while you were hiding in my closet. I spoke to her more during my break. I have some numbers I'm going to call and set up some meetings. You don't have to worry about anything. I'll handle everything."

Starscream didn't speak immediately. "You think… This person can actually help me?"

"It's worth a try, isn't it? If it doesn't work out then we will try something else."

Starscream bit his lower lip plate. "Send me to a mental institute…?"

Knock Out gave him a look. "No. I'm not sending you away, Stars. I've neglected you enough. If I had made you stay with me you would have never gotten sick, or been with Grit, or so much… I should have abducted you the moment the peace treaty was signed… Tied you up and taken you far away from Megatron."

"… Then I wouldn't have had Fracture…."

"No… No, you wouldn't have had Fracture… But you wouldn't be like his, either."

Starscream was silent, watching as Knock Out painted his legs. Finally, he whispered, "I rather have Fracture…"

Knock Out looked up. "I understand."

Starscream remained silent as Knock Out finished painting his front, then had him flip over and worked on his backside. Knock Out primed the back plates and wings, then painted over them. He flipped the Seeker back over and waxed and polished his front plates, then flipped him over again to do the same to the back.

Once his body was finished, the speedster sat the Seeker up and carefully painted his faceplates, giving him his nicest optic liner.

"And there is my beautiful Seeker." Knock Out smiled, holding a mirror up for Starscream to see himself.

Starscream fluttered his wings, seeing himself looking so fresh and amazing. He hadn't been properly painted in stellar cycles. Last time was before the war ended. Knock Out knew how to make sure a mech looked stunning.

"So?" Knock Out smiled, pressing his cheekplates against Starscream's so he could see exactly what the Seeker saw in the mirror. "What do you think?"

Starscream smiled. "I love it."

"Of course you do. I did it." Knock Out kissed him on the cheekplates. "I love you."

"I love you." Starscream whispered back, still looking at his faceplates in the mirror.

"It's late. You should go to recharge. I need to as well. You can keep the mirror."

Starscream looked at him. "Thank you, Knock Out… For everything."

"No need to thank me. Seriously. I care about you Stars. Even if you drive me up the wall sometimes, you're still my friend. And without you I wouldn't have Fracture. I owe you a lot."

Starscream slowly nodded. He stood and walked out of the room, still looking at himself in the mirror. He went into Fracture's room and sat on the berth. He had a really good friend with Knock Out… He wished he could repay him somehow for all the kindness he had so freely given him. Him and his son.

---

Sorry for taking a bit to post this one. I've been busy. Got a new litter of tiny kittens! And still dealing with shit from my stalker...

Anyway, poor Breakdown. He doesn't like sharing his waifu. He wishes Starscream wasn't so clingy so he can be clingy to the Knock Out instead.

And what good babies Knock Out has! They defend their momma no matter what and will steal Breakdown's cake to avenge their momma!

I know you all love Grit SO MUCH. My friend also loves him. :P

And Starscream deserved the pepperspray. He hurt Knock Out, after all!

I know my friend is like "I don't care about Knock Out and Breakdown, only Starscream," but it's important for us to see how their lives are being effected by Starscream's presence/struggles. Knock Out clearly cares for Starscream, but it's hard to have someone who is so traumatized and dependent living in your house. And in order for other things to happen that my friend wants, there needs to be some conflict between Knock Out and Breakdown. Also, see more of how messed up Knock Out is from his miscarriage which makes him so desperate to keep Starscream, and the rest of his family, close to him.

As someone who has lost daughters, that feeling of loss and not wanting to lose again is extremely hard. I've been fighting to not become a hoarder. It's easy for some things, but others it's... I don't know how to explain it best, but you just start remembering the painful losses. And given how I was abused as a child, I never had any solid foundation to lean on. That was my daughters, and with their loss... And the constant things being destroyed by my parents my entire childhood... Yeah, loss hurts.

And for Knock Out he lost friends and family during the war culminating in the loss of his baby, and he can't take it anymore. So he will keep Starscream close to him no matter how much drama there may be. He can't lose anyone else.