i will be taking zero questions, eat your food.
this is my official apology for Back to You, warning though, I have NEVER been good at writing happy things.
He had done it, Starscream had betrayed Megatron, betrayed the Decepticons-! He doesn't know how to be an Autobot… but maybe he can learn.
It’s been two Deca-Cycles since he betrayed the Decepticons. He’s sitting inside the Autobot headquarters, the others have begun to look at him with something other than suspicion or outright hatred.
Starscream doesn’t know how to feel about that. When was the last time anyone had looked at him.. truly looked? Saw what was underneath the red blue optics?
…he could look at himself in the mirror again.
Optimus Prime was the first to trust him after his betrayal. Gave him a habsuite on the Ark, let him roam the halls freely. Skyfire was second, happy to reconnect after so many Vorns apart. He was the main reason Starscream was allowed in the lab, though Ratchet and Wheeljack kept a close optic on the ex-Decepticon.
It was calming, methodical, the research work. He had forgotten how much he enjoyed it…
He wishes he wasn’t afraid to go outside. Wasn’t afraid of him. That every raised hand, every loud noise, every hiss-
“Are you alright, Starscream?”
He flinches, spinning around quickly with a sharp glare and a snarl on his lips, only to freeze, because it’s Optimus Prime standing there, a worried look on his face. He doesn’t step forward, but Starcream sees his hands, the small movement like he wanted to reach out.
He steps back in response, and Optimus- those optics look at him, like he understands-
“You were shaking, friend.”
Friend? They were enemies not one Orbital Cycle ago.
“I’m fine Prime, nothing you need worry about.”
He thanks the large mech in his head, for snapping him out of his thoughts. A small part of him hopes the Prime keeps worrying about him. That he won’t be tossed away when he loses interest.
It’s been 3 Stellar Cycles since his betrayal of Megatron. His optic ridge furrows. When did he stop fearing his name? He’s not sure when it happened, only that it had. He shakes his helm, going back to observing the insect in front of him. A Butterfly that Bumblebee had brought in to him, asking what species it was.
Starscream knew he had told him before several Orbital cycles ago, but humored the smaller bot anyways. An Emerald Swallowtail, native to Southeast Asia.
The smaller bot smiled, thanking him, before leaving his corner of the lab, humming something Starscream couldn’t quite name. He vented a quiet laugh, but before he could get back to the datapad in his hand, a knock sounded.
His wings fluttered lightly and he fought back his smile. Even now, the Prime made sure to announce his presence, always slow to move.
He almost hated how it made his spark jump.
“I passed Bumblebee in the hall. What did he show you this time?”
“An Emerald Swallowtail, looked to be a young adult.”
He turned, sweeping a look over the larger bot.
“Didn’t he already bring one to you, Star?”
Star, and if that didn’t make his spark beat faster, his cooling fans kicking on.
“Yes, a few Orbital cycles ago, I find it hard to believe he’s forgotten so quickly.”
And Optimus smiles, not the one he shows after a powerful speech, or when talking to his friends. Something softer, something Starscream has only ever seen directed his way. He’s still not sure if he’s ready to talk about it, as the larger mech sits in the seat next to him- his seat.
He’s not sure he ever will be, as he takes the Prime's hand, talking about the data Skyfire had sent this morning.
