Wing Shift

Warnings: Somewhat depressed and lonely, Skyfire goes slumming. And runs into an interesting triple threat.

Pairing: Skyfire, Astrotrain, Blitzwing, minicon Breaker


Wing Shift


Chapter 12 Crossed Wires, Hot Sparks


Breaker made his way through the base on a mission. He had a secret meeting to attend with one of his insecticon friends Shrapnel. For the most part the insecticons mingled little and had few friends. Their ravenous and one dimensional natures made them difficult to relate to. Breaker had no such problem. His own desires (dictated in part by vibrator mode) were similar to those of his friends. Like his friends, he shared a great propensity for mischief.

Shrapnel waved at him near one of the bay storage rooms. Breaker dashed over to speak.

"Friend Shrapnel. Plan in place!"

Long antennae twitched. "Heerr...yes, Breaker, Breaker. Everrrything is prreparrred. Come, take a look and tell me what you think, think."

"Make mess! Everybody mix up."

Shrapnel buzzed in laughter and hit the door panel controls. "Ahh yes. Therre is much to do, do." they went inside the storage room. Breaker walked alongside his friend eagerly. Shrapnel was one of the few transformers only slightly taller than he was.

"Look there, therrre. The table to the left." Shrapnel pointed to a pile of ion candy.

The minicon examined the pieces closely. "Good size, Breaker see. Good Work. Where note?"

Shrapnel went to another desk and held up a data disk. "This will do the job, job. Bassic, and prrractical."

Breaker went over to see it up close. "Playback."

Shrapnel hit a small button on the disk. A soft melody played for five astroseconds before the message kicked in.

/Dear one,

I'm hoping we can get together in privacy. I'd come to your door directly but I'm hesitant that you won't be interested. Can we meet? I have much to say, my spark is strong for you. Please don't mention this note to anyone./

The message ended with another five astroseconds of music. Shrapnel grinned.

"Weeell. What do you think, think?"

Breaker snickered. "Is perfect. Make many for biggest bang yet."

The insecticon giggled. "Therre is much humping to be done. Weee will play Cupid. Besidess, it will be amussing to see the confussion and chaos, chaos. Asss they ssay, prrime the pump!!"

The minicon agreed. "Breaker like. Start chaos, everybody spark on floors!"

The two conspirators went skulking about the base slipping note disks tied with candy at several doors. They scampered into the shadows before being discovered.

"Call mee on private link later, later." Shrapnel was still giggling. "Wee can comparre notes."

Breaker nodded with a smirk. "No wait. Will be kisses and fights again!"

Giving each other a thumbs up they parted ways.

****

Thundercracker had moved back into his unit after the last blowup with Starscream. He barely ventured out except to perform his duties about the base. His mood was dark and full of reproach.

/I acted like a complete fool. Starscream will never forgive me after this. Whatever chance we had I threw it away, and I have no one but myself to blame. My stupidity has sent him straight to Skyfire!/

A slight shifting noise at the door caught his attention. /What's that?/ Curious, the blue seeker stared at something wedged under the panel. He opened the door and looked in the hallway, seeing nothing. A package of candy lay at his feet. Smiling slightly, he picked it up and went inside.


Dirge was polishing and buffing his faceplate when an odd noise gave him pause. /Someone at the door? I wasn't expecting any company on this cycle!/ He went to the door and stared at his package in wonderment.


Skywarp was relaxing in his bedroom, reading data disks on formation flying. At first he thought the tapping sound out front was Swindle. It didn't seem likely. They were on the outs recently, and Skywarp wondered if their relationship would ever smooth out. Curiosity got the better of him, however. A package was shoved under the door...


Astrotrain and Blitzwing heaved on the floor of their living room after their fourth (and most strenuous) interface. Blitzwing lit up a flashstick smoke.

"Mmm. Feels good to feel _good,_ Astro. Especially after that nonsense at the island."

"Nn." Astrotrain was bleary, stretched across his bondmate. "All that drama around Starscream, as usual."

"You hear something?"

"Yeah, wait." crawling over to the door, Astrotrain saw a package.

"What the slag is this?"

Starscream stared at displays of military installations around earth on his private screen. He found himself desperately wishing for a vacation. It wasn't possible, of course. Honed seeker senses noted something nearby. Glancing down across the room he saw a package neatly stuffed under the door.

"Ridiculous. A prank, maybe?" he went to pick it up.

Ramjet had barely finished taking an oil shower when he heard a thump at his door. As a rule, he didn't like petty annoyances. But having true decepticon curiosity he went into the living room to check it out.

Now who in Unicron would leave me a package like that?

Skyfire was in the lab, wondering where his minicon had gotten to. A shifting noise below made him turn in surprise.

"Who put that under the door?"


****

The next two cycles got stranger. Sudden visitations were followed by brazen declarations of affection. Confusion ran rampant among the deceptions. Just who wanted to spark who?

Thundercracker came out of his self imposed hiding. His mood was considerably better after eating the candy. /As crazy as it seems, maybe Starscream had a change of heart. We could...start over, maybe?/

Before he could continue on, Skywarp stopped him. The purple seeker welcomed him warmly.

"Cracker! I'm so _glad_ to see you." he pulled the blue jet into an embrace.

Thundercracker stopped suddenly, surprised by the display. "Um, yeah, 'Warp. I'm glad to see you too."

Skywarps' optics practically glowed over his smile. "I was wondering...no, _hoping_ you'd come around! Unicron take it, miracles do happen!"

The blue seeker blinked. "Ah...what?"

A nudge. "I get it, you're playing things cool." Skywarp was suddenly serious, his voice soft. "Thundercracker, I know you're stuck on Starscream. But he's not the only one around here that could make you happy. Just saying."

Thundercracker was still trying to follow. "I'm...glad. It's always good to be wanted."

Sleek black hands traced blue wings gently. "I can make you forget all about him, TC. All the love, and none of the stupid drama. Why you waited so long to say something is beyond me."

/What?/ Thundercracker found his voice. "Skywarp, I thought you were bonded to Swindle-"

Bright optics dimmed briefly. "No. It's been a disaster." the proud head dropped.

Thundercracker put a hand on his shoulder. "Sometimes it's just not meant to be."

"Don't get me wrong, TC. We _thought_ our sparks would burn. But when they touched, nothing happened. He resented me and I was angry with him. Then the relationship went downhill."

Thundercracker thought carefully. /Like me and Starscream. This is too similar./

"But I'm not here to talk about Swindle. There was never the special thing going on, it was just warm. But with you...I _know_ it would be different." a gentle stroke on the blue seekers' cockpit.

To Thundercrackers' amazement, his entire mainframe warmed and vibrated. _"Skywarp!"_

"You see?" the purple seeker gazed in affection. "Stop being so fixated on Starscream. Come to _me."_

"I..."

They both turned at a sound. Runamuck was standing at the end of the hall, watching.

"What the hell are _you_ looking at, buckethead?" Thundercracker snapped.

A snicker. "Nothing, TC...just passing through."

"Then keep moving!"

Runamuck shrugged innocently. "Hey, it's an interesting cycle. What can I say?"

Skywarp retracted a hand and pointed with an arm. _"I_ say a cluster bomb clears the hallway."

The white decepticon put his hands up. "Okay, okay...sheesh. Don't get sore." he moved quickly away.

****

Thrust had to admit he was surprised. He assumed he'd have no chance with Starscream once the red seeker hooked up with Thundercracker. But they were on the outs, so...

Smiling to himself, he couldn't believe the luck. _Perhaps things will turn for the better. And I never miss a golden opportunity. Starscream appears to have come to his senses._

Steeling himself, the jet pressed the door ringer to Starscream's quarters. The decepticon second in command immediately appeared.

"Yes, what is it, Thrust? I'm rather busy."

The excited jet smiled. "Only a moment or so of your time, illustrious one."

Starscream stared at him oddly. /What on Cybertron?/ All right, just a moment."

Thrust stepped inside. "I must say, you still have excellent taste. Your unit is well furbished."

"Yes." Starscream stood impatiently. "You didn't come here to admire my furnishings, Thrust. Now get on with it!"

Thrust dropped to a knee. "Command me and I am yours, Starscream. Forget Thundercracker! He's an obsessive fool!" he grabbed Starscream by the hand.

"Ech?!" optics wide.

"I realize this seems...brash, but I must declare myself. A thing of beauty such as yourself shouldn't be bound by that blue clod."

Starscream stuttered, staring down. "What are you _talking_ about?"

"In fact, my will is so strong I will _sing_ to you!"

"That _won't_ be necessary!"

"I must admit a bit of surprise." Thrust squeezed the hand he held. "You are prone to moods. Still, there are other options besides Thundercracker. Better ones! I'm glad you came to that realization."

The red seeker attempted to pull his hand free. "Have you been drinking sim energon? When have I ever said-"

"You do have a way of teasing. I don't mind, really." Thrust chuckled. "In fact, I find it quite charming."

Starscream counted to ten. "Thrust, would you please get on your feet?"

"For you, anything." the amorous jet stood. He still didn't release the blue hand he held.

Starscream gawked, still trying to make sense of it all. "You...have felt this for some time?"

"Naturally. If you still want Thundercracker, I'm flexible. Provided we aren't all together at the same time."

A screech. "That's _absurd!"_

"I agree, lovely one. But don't worry. I will warm your every electrocell!"

A scratchy cough. "Ah, yes, of course."

"Endless cycles of excitement and passion. You could have asked earlier, you know. I would have understood!"

/That makes one of us./ "Would earlier have been more appropriate?"

Thrust patted the blue hand reassuringly. "I hated fighting you earlier...but you know Megatron's order rules."

"Thrust, for now my life is too complicated. And I _don't_ feel like dealing with any more episodes!"

The searcher nodded pleasantly. "Do you still find my golden optics lovely? You used to say so."

Starscream spluttered. "That was a long time ago, and-"

Smooth lips kissed a shining hand. "I will let you think this over. Meanwhile, know that I am waiting in the wings." and with that, Thrust floated out of the room.

Starscream stared after him, holding his head. "And they call _me_ crazy."

****

Skyfire meandered around the lab, unable to focus. The note and candy had captured his attention to the exclusion of everything else. He wondered if his bondmate was finally done playing with Thundercracker. And to make matters worse, his minicon assistant was missing again.

/Now where could Breaker have gotten to?/

A buzz at the entryway gave him pause. He hit the release button from his station. "Enter."

A highly polished Dirge walked in, grinning. "Greetings and good cycle, Skyfire. I trust I'm not disturbing anything."

"No, not really. My assistant is loose somewhere, and I can't seem to focus on work anyway."

"I know the feeling." Dirge walked about, tracing fingertips along panels idly.

"Can I be of assistance?"

"That depends." the deep voice held amusement. "I just wanted to say I regret the incident at the island."

"You were just following orders. No hard feelings."

"Yes. Perhaps one day there will be other things to consider besides warfare."

"Hopefully if my research is a success everyone can do just that. It's time to start living for a change instead of getting shot up all the time."

"My sentiments exactly." Dirge moved forward, optics glittering. He stood in front of the white jet, glancing up. "I must say, you're quite tall. But to a seacher like myself that is no handicap."

"Ah, Dirge? I'm not certain I-"

"Your optics speak intelligence and thought. And unlike these simpletons who call themselves decepticons, _I_ have an appreciation for subtlety and strength. Not to mention beauty." he took Skyfire by the hand.

The valkryie jet stared in shock. "I erm, didn't know you were interested-"

"Do you find me attractive?"

"You features are quite striking, Dirge. But I'm at a loss for words here."

"Don't be alarmed, youngster. I often use fear as an intimidation tactic. But to those special ones I favor, my attentions are more...pleasant. I found myself somewhat distracted watching you during the fight."

"I'm surprised anyone could see anything with all the shooting and crashing."

Dirge laughed, a low rumble. "I like to play tactical table games. You must join me in a few sometimes."

"Gladly."

A squeeze on Skyfires' hand. "Are you still bonded to Starscream?"

Skyfire was annoyed at the question. "Is that public knowledge or something?!"

"Sensing bonds is easy for our kind, if you concentrate enough to notice." Dirge shrugged. "Meanwhile, we should get to know each other better."

/The hell?/ So my bond with Starscream isn't an issue for you."

"Why would it be? Don't get me wrong, he's pretty. But I like more...substantial bots. Nice, solid mainframes." he patted Skyfire on the side. "Something for me to work with!"

"Right." Skyfire moved back suddenly. "I'll keep everything you said in mind. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to find my assistant. He's long overdue."

Dirge pecked the palm of his hand. "Of course. Continue on." the searcher turned abruptly and left.

Skyfire leaned against a table and put a hand over his optics. "I could use some Sim Energon about now."

****

Skywarp felt lighter than air. Relaxing in his quarters he couldn't help but smile.

_At last, TC. Maybe we'll have the spark we both deserve._

A tap at the door made him turn. He almost didn't feel like answering it. "Who is it?"

"Ah, uh, it's me, Skyrwarp. Motormaster."

"Huh?" Skywarp answered the door. "What's up?"

"Got a minute?" the thick decepticon practically forced his way inside.

Skywarp frowned. "Sure, what's going on?" he followed Motormaster inside.

"I don't know how to tell you this...but I'm already taken. Don't you know?" the hollow voice was stressed.

Skywarp blinked. "Say what?"

Motormaster patted him on the wing. "Look, Bombshell and I are tight. Don't get me wrong, I think you're really cute. But it can't work out. Didn't you get the hint the other night? You should hook up with Thundercracker, anyway. He and Starscream are practically history."

Skywarp stuttered, optics wide. /Is he crazy?/ "Wait, you think...I mean...I've already _talked_ to Thundercracker!"

"Oh, you talked to him already? Great, then things are cleared up."

The purple seeker went blank. "It is? And how did you know I'd talked to Thundercracker?"

Motormaster shrugged. "I didn't, not really. But you'd make a really nice couple. Even if we did make a go of it, Bombshell would get jealous and send his clones after you. I wouldn't want that."

"No, of course not." /What the slag is going on around this joint?/

The thick decepticon gave a thumbs up. "Good luck, Skywarp. I think he'll make ya happy."

"Ah, yeah, sure. Right." Skywarp stared as Motormaster took his leave. He saw Runamuck lingering in the hallway again.

"Don't you have anything better to do?!"

A snigger. "Naw, just hanging around!" Runamuck raced off.

****

Starscream walked briskly through the complex, wondering if everyone had blown brain circuits. He still had no idea who'd sent him the candy and note. Could it be Skyfire, he wondered?

The red seeker stopped in his tracks. Around the turn he saw Dead End passionately exclaiming his love to Soundwave outside of his quarters. The communications officer hummed musically and held his hand. Glancing in the other direction he saw Runabout peeping at the other two. When he saw Starscream staring his way, the dark gray decepticon turned and raced down another hallway.

Starscream clutched his head and moved away. /Everyone's gone ditzy./

****

Skyfire sketched some notes for possible disk alloys. He still had no idea where Breaker was.

/Crazy minicon. I could use his calculations about now./

He was so preoccupied at his desk the doors opened unnoticed.

Still thinking. /The disks need a stable molecular structure. I have some alloys in mind that might work-/

"Put down the notebook, Skyfire. Come play!"

Startled, the big jet turned in his seat. Blitzwing and Astrotrain were grinning at him crazily.

"I didn't hear you come in!"

"You seemed engrossed in something there." Blitzwing indicated the notes. "But it can wait." he put a hand over a white shoulder.

"I...see. So what's going on?"

"You are!" Astrotrain snerked. "And we are _most_ pleased."

"What?"

Astrotrain tapped his nose playfully. "You're very charming. How's your spark doing?"

Skyfire glared at the triple changer. "Just fine, despite your attempt!"

"Attempt?"

"Don't act innocent with me, Astrotrain. You tried to bond me while I was unconscious!"

"Me? Would I do something so unscrupulous and _wicked?_ I'm wounded." Astrotrain made an exaggerated gesture of pain at Blitzwing. "And to think we're here to warm him properly."

"I'm warm enough!!"

"We say otherwise." Blitzwing grinned. "Skyfire, you _romantic._ At last you've come to your senses about Starscream."

"What are you talking about? Starscream has nothing to do with this!"

"Dump him, he can't satisfy you in the long run."

Skyfire snorted. "He's my bondmate. Where do you get off telling me to dump him!"

Astrotrain shrugged. "Old memories make cold beds."

"Maybe. But I plan to heat things up. My way!"

A very warm hand rubbed Skyfire on the arm. _"We_ will be there when _he_ is not." crimson optics glittered. "Our offer stands, as always."

Skyfire gawked. "You're putting me on, right? Or this is a nightmare, and I'll wake up soon."

"You're welcome to wake up with _us."_ Blitzwing persisted, optics roaming everywhere. "Our kisses will burn, our touches heal. There is no need to be shy, considering what we've shared."

Skyfire held his head in dismay. "I'm not shy, but my brain circuitry is shorting out. Where's all this coming from?"

Blitzwing touched his chest. "One could say straight from the spark. We want you to come with us, now."

"You'd better get in line."

"Say what?"

Skyfire threw his hands up in confusion. "Dirge was here earlier. I didn't even know he noticed me! He just showed up out of nowhere."

Astrotrain was annoyed, turning to Blitzwing. "Figures he'd try to cut in!"

A sigh. "I appreciate the offer, really. But I plan to persuade Starscream."

"Admirable, Skyfire. It hardly matters, we can be patient." Astrotrain nodded at his bondmate. "In any case, when it doesn't work out you can find us."

Skyfire was sarcastic."Thanks for the vote of confidence-"

They turned at the loud swoosh of doors. Starscream stood in the entrance, and he _wasn't_ happy.

****

"So." Ruby red optics narrowed on the triple changers. "Back again for more, are we?"

Skyfire ignored the taunt. "Starscream, what brings you here this time of cycle?"

The red seeker stalked into the lab, pointing. "I want to know what's going _on_ in this Unicron forsaken base!"

"There's nothing going on." Blitzwing shrugged. "We were just standing here when you burst in."

_"Really?"_ Starscream chirped. "I thought I overheard a bizarre proposition just now. And a suggestion that Skyfire join you in _private activities._ I'll have you know it displeases me to hear this!"

"Whatever, Starscream. We aren't on the clock now." Astrotrain was defiant. "So go command someone else. This is personal!"

"Perhaps I'll report you to Megatron!"

The triple changers cracked up, leaning into each other.

"What are you going to tell him?" Blitzwing razzed, still laughing. That we asked Skyfire to pay us a visit?"

Skyfire shook his head in amusement. "You'd look pretty foolish, Starscream."

Starscream sniffed. "Oh, shut up. I didn't ask _you!"_

"Has something happened?" Skyfire wanted to know.

The decepticon leader gestured wildly. "What _hasn't_ happened? Thrust shows up at my quarters unannounced and wants kisses. Dead End is proposing to Soundwave in the halls. And now I come here to see these deviants hitting on you. What else?"

Astrotrain was insulted. "Yeah? You're kinda off center yourself, Starscream. Takes one to know one!!"

A screech. "How dare you speak that way to your commander?"

Blitzwing sighed, dragging his mate along. "Come on, let's leave before our audios start leaking. Skyfire can decide in his own free time."


****

Starscream watched them go. "Good riddance."

Skyfire didn't say anything. Cool blue optics flickered on his seeker.

/You came./

Starscream turned back abruptly. "What are you grinning at?"

Lip components curved into a smile. "You. I love your jealousy."

A gasp. "Wha...I wasn't jealous!"

"No?" a white hand reached out. "Come here."

"Again with that?"

Skyfire held his hand out stubbornly. "I won't wait forever. Make up your mind!" blue optics narrowed to icy slits.

Starscream tapped a foot in annoyance. "Skyfire, I've had a bizarre cycle already. I don't need another!"

"What did you come here for, then? I'd assumed you'd changed your mind."

The red flier stumbled over words. "I was...that is to say, things have been odd. Everyone's acting lovesick all of a sudden."

"A decepticon can't live on war alone." Skyfire insisted, his voice hard. "Now come here!"

Starscream kept his distance. "I wanted to ask you about the _candy!"_ shrill.

"Tasty, I must admit. The note was fabulous." Skyfire grinned wickedly.

"Yes, it was." Starscream said absently. "I wasn't certain if..." the seeker twitched suddenly.

"Starscream, are you alright?" Skyfire was concerned, rising from his seat.

Lips tightened in a grimace. "Echk..." blue arms wrapped around in pain. Skyfire went to him.

"It's your spark, isn't it? Tell me!"

"Don't understand...why now." Starscream let himself be led to a seat. "Everything was fine until...until after the island fight..."

"Is it over between you and Thundercracker, Starscream?" Skyfire put an arm around.

A desperate head shake. "I don't know anything anymore. Except that our relationship was always stormy."

Skyfire leaned his head against a silver cheek. "I think you _do_ know what's going on with your spark. Are you going to tell me?"

There was a pause. "My interfaces with Thundercracker supported my spark after you and I separated. During our relationship there was no pain. Likewise, it helped him as well. His spark was satisfied for a time, but not after he fell in love."

"No, it couldn't be...his spark would crave yours for a bond."

"Yes." Starscream looked down. "Our sparks were sated less and less the more we interfaced. And when Thundercracker declared himself as I knew he would...I pulled away."

"Not...meant for each other." Skyfire murmured, as if to himself.

Starscream tipped Skyfires' face down to meet his. "I can still sense the damage in _your_ spark." he nearly whispered.

A nuzzle. "It's there. My patches will work for awhile. I have no idea how long."

Starscream glanced at the broad chest, placing a hand over it. "I should...heal you, Sky." his voice lost the scratchy tone.

The sleek blue hand was engulfed in a white one. "We should heal each other." the deep voice purred softly.

"Yes." glowing red optics gazed longingly into blazing blue ones. They leaned in for a kiss...

A loud clang interrupted them. A bouncing sphere appeared out of nowhere. "Breaker back! _Spark party here?"_

Both jets stared in shock at the beeping minicon as he rolled to them.

Skyfire still held Starscream on the bench. "Breaker, where in Primus have you been? I was expecting you breems ago!"

"Breaker all around. Useful everywhere."

Starscream pointed at the minicon. "And just where did you come from, nosey? The doors were closed!"

"Breaker in airshaft. Go in all places, right size."

Starscream spluttered, easing out of Skyfire's embrace. "The stinkball was eavesdropping!"

The sphere beeped loudly. "Breaker no eavesdrop. Know this movie, seen before."

Skyfire pointed at a storage area. "Breaker, if you don't mind?"

The sphere spun crazily like a top. "Breaker get it. Booty time!"

The big jet glared. "The only booty will be _yours_ if you don't leave. Now we want to be _alone!"_

The minicon stopped spinning. "Can help. Will cluster, tickle sticky!"

"What part of _leave_ don't you understand, you ditzy minicon?" Starscream abruptly picked up the sphere and tossed it down an air intake. "Now go tickle something _down there!!"_

Breaker's voice echoed as he clanged down the vent. /Breaker pissed. Baby gonna knock you OUT, Starscream!/

Skyfire stared over at the vent. "I don't think you should have done that."

Starscream shrugged carelessly. "He'll get over it."

Skyfire sighed, pulling his seeker close again. "Starscream." he nodded towards the bedroom, optics smouldering.
Starscream felt the heat rise in their cores again. Warmth pulsated through their bodies where they touched, tempting sparks to union. His ports ached with need, a familiar sensation.

"Sky...I..."

"Star. _Come."_

Starscream pulled away reluctantly this time. "I need to do one last thing, Skyfire."

"What?"

"I have to make peace with Thundercracker. If it's over between us, we both need to know."


to be continued