Wing Shift

submission dated 5-2-08
author: FireCracker
(Italic copy bordered by_underscore_)
Archive? You'd better.
Warnings: None really, at least not here. My Transformers are overall less blocky than the ones in G1, shaped more humanoid but still with plates. Makes for easier sex scenes to imagine. They can also reproduce via the spark principle, among compatible individuals. More on that later. And yeah, they have sex.

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

Pairing: Skyfire, Astrotrain, Blitzwing, minicon Breaker


Wing Shift


Chapter 15 Fast and Hard


"Mmm."

"Hmm..."

Soft, satisfied moans permeated the bedroom off the lab. Skyfire and Starscream were still tangled in a sticky heap, unwilling to break contact. The red seeker was practically wrapped around his jet in bliss.

Endless, lazy kisses trailed everywhere in afterglow. Wings flicked erratically in drowsy pleasure as the two murmured in pillow talk.

"Remind me" Skyfire purred, "never to go nine million years without you again."

Starscream nuzzled. "You wouldn't dare. I'd eat you up first!"

Soft smile. "All of me, or just the best parts?"

_"Every_ massive inch of you! Up and down, side to side...in...and...out..."

"Sounds nice."

"Feels even nicer."

"Definitely. I _knew_ I missed your oral talents. Not to mention those nice, moist-"

"My _my,_ aren't we in a mood? Maybe I'll probe some...soft spots myself."

A deep chuckle. "I need to walk normally, if you don't mind."

Sleek fingers teased armor creases. "Just fall on someone. I'm sure you'll find a willing mattress or two around here!"

A lick on an audio receptor. "Deep and long, seeker...you know how I like it."

Starscream snickered softly, teasing pale lips with tongue plate. "I know how you give it, too. I don't call you _titan_ for nothing!"

A white finger trailed along Starscream's body, touching his front and rear port. The smaller jet shivered at the contact.

"You're so beautiful, Star." a hard kiss, lazy stroking of wings. "I just can't get enough of you!"

Starscream sighed sweetly. "You know, we have to leave this bedroom _sometime, _ Sky. I'm surprised Megatron hasn't sent someone to look for me."

"The door's locked." Skyfire rolled over his bondmate, effectively pinning him. "Now open up." the deep voice was thick with lust.

Equally hot optics gazed up defiantly. _"Make_ me, titan." a silky purr in challenge. "But be careful. I might _bite!"_

Loud beeping interrupted their love play. Breaker had been resting in sphere mode by the mattress. _"Hot pop!_ Breaker join booty fun?!"

_"No!!"_ both lovers shouted, glaring over at him. The sphere rolled their way slowly.

"Breaker good. Everyone say so!"

_"You're a hopeless, idiotic protoform!"_ Starscream shrieked.

The sphere crackled with energy. "Lucky you Breaker understand. Nine million years long time!"

Skyfire groaned in frustration, his pleasure unit aching. "It's beginning to feel like nine million more. We want _privacy,_ Breaker!"

"No need shout. Breaker horny, but understand honeymoon. Go elsewhere." the sphere rolled to an open air vent and plopped in. The clanging echo faded rapidly.

Starscream wrapped his legs around. "Now, where _were_ we?"

****

Skywarp and Thundercracker walked about the base, wondering where their second in command had disappeared to.

"Strange, to say the least." Skywarp wondered as they went along. "It's a good thing Megatron got distracted by that small fire in the generator room. Any other time he'd be scouring the base for Screamer."

"I've got a feeling there's another fire going on somewhere." Thundercracker groused.

"You mean with Skyfire?"

"Who else? No one's seen him for breems, either. And the lab door is locked!"

Skywarp squeezed his arm in concern. "Hey. I thought this was over."

_"It is!!"_ Thundercracker bellowed before covering his optics. "Sorry, 'Warp. I know it's over in my head. But..."

The purple seeker embraced him briefly. "But the spark won't let go. It'll get better with time, Cracker. I was the same way about Swindle even after we broke up."

"You make me feel so warm." the blue seeker ran a thumb along Skywarp's wrist.

A slow smile. "Is that an _invitation,_ Thundercracker?" the tone was soft. "Give me a word, any word."

Thundercracker returned the grin. "I still have to finish things with Starscream. You know me, I hate loose ends."

The purple seeker kissed his cheek. "Get some closure, okay? Then forget it and move on." he tickled Thundercracker on the nose.

"Well if _this_ don't take the ion cake." a familiar voice said.

Startled, both seekers turned in surprise. Runabout and Runamuck stumbled their way, wearing leg braces.

Thundercracker was incredulous. "What in Primus happened to _you?"_

The brothers glanced at each other. "We went to a private party the other cycle, and...things got a little out of hand."

"A _little?"_ Skywarp couldn't believe what he was seeing, staring down. "What are those things for?"

Runabout flexed a knee slowly. "Just braces to support our groin struts and cogs for a few breems. They got hyperextended."

Thundercracker exploded into laughter. "Slagging _fools!"_

Skywarp didn't get it. "What?"

A black hand pointed at the battlechargers. "These dopes got plowed by a gestalt! No one else is big enough to damage groin struts and cogs like that!"

Skywarp's optics went round as plates. "You've got to be kidding me."

"It...it ain't funny!" Runamuck balled a fist. "We're just kinda sore, not damaged. Everybody ain't built all angular like you seekers."

Skywarp sniggered at them. "Yeah, it figures with those boxy afts!" he erupted into giggles.

"You think it's funny, don't you!" Runabout shouted, moving at him.

"Come on!" Skywarp's optics were nearly leaking. "Don't start something you can't finish."

Thundercracker finally collected himself. "So...so which one was it? Bruticus, Devastator or Menasor?"

"We ain't saying." Runabout griped.

Skywarp nudged Thundercracker. "Bet it wasn't Bruticus. He likes pretty bots-"

"Who says we ain't pretty?!" Runabout shouted.

A shrug. "Whatever. Point is, Bruticus is pretty straight with his stuff."

"Brutal is more like it, from what I hear." Thundercracker added. "They say he's the _worst_ lay in the galaxy."

"Well it ain't him, anyway!" Runamuck snapped. "You can guess all cycle for what it's worth."

"That leaves Devastator or Menasor." Thundercracker laughed again. "One will tear you apart and the other might eat you afterwards."

"Oh shut up. We're goin' back to our unit." The battlecharger brothers stumbled away slowly. Runamuck looked back and pointed. "And don't think we didn't see you just now!"

At that, Skywarp went over to them. "You'd better keep your mouths shut. Or you'll need braces for your _heads_ next!"

"S'matter, got something to _hide?"_ Runabout teased foolishly. "Crap, Starscream's bed ain't even cold-"

Thundercracker stalked over and stomped on their feet, making the brothers howl.

"I'm generous today." the blue seeker growled. "Now beat it, before I get mad."

"Okay, _hotshot."_ Runamuck snarled, rubbing a sore foot pod. "I guess it's tit for tat, huh? You're a little late."

Crimson optics narrowed. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

Runabout snickered. "Well I _said_ Starscream's bed ain't cold. _Get it?"_

Thundercracker raised a fist. "Yeah, and now _you're_ gonna get it-"

Skywarp held him back. "Come on, Cracker. Let's go. If we're found brawling in the halls Megatron will put us in stasis."

"It'll be worth it. I can't stand geeks!"

Runamuck pulled his brother along. _"You're_ the geek, Thundercracker. Do you know where your sweetheart is?" the battlechargers laughed as they made a wise exit.

The blue seeker stared after them, fists balled. Skywarp stroked his wings gently. "Don't listen to them, Cracker. They're just trying to burn your processor."

Thundercracker tilted his head, thinking momentarily. /Hardwire designation Thundercracker. Probability of random disappearance by Starscream, 2%. Probability of shared location with Skyfire designation bondmate, 98%./

Skywarp shook him. "Stop it! I know what you're doing, and this won't help."

The dazed seeker blinked to awareness. "That _sleazy, loose afted skag._ He couldn't even wait for us to break up!"

"You don't know that. Stop relying so much on that inner voice!"

"It's never led me wrong, Skywarp. Never!" Thundercracker shook with rage.

"Okay, enough." Skywarp pulled him to a corner. "What does your precious voice say about _me?"_

Thundercracker stared in confusion. /Designation hardwire Thundercracker analysis. Skywarp./

The purple seeker was smug. "I'm so hot you're totally speechless. Right?"

More staring. /Skywarp analysis. Trinemate, common dna platform. Shared ancestry 93%, decepticon origin. Complementary companionship probability, 86%. Potential bondmate status 94%. Spark compatibility 98%./

"Are you done admiring my gorgeous body?"

"I'm..." Thundercracker composed himself. "An idiot."

Skywarp was amused. "Why do you say that? You're one of the sharpest deceps on base."

The blue seeker laughed at himself. "You know, maybe I should have analyzed Starscream to begin with. Would have saved myself a lot of grief!"

Skywarp snorted. "Don't tell me, you got caught up in the good stuff."

Thundercracker rubbed his head sheepishly. "Hell, yeah. It was like rocketworks and firecrackers, you know?"

"Yeah, well...you wouldn't be the first to chase a hot mainframe."

"No."

Skywarp pulled him along. "Thundercracker, you could have anyone you want. Why settle for someone who can't give you what you need?"

"You've got a point there." he touched Skywarp on the cheek briefly. They stopped in front of his private quarters.

"So tell me what you think." the purple seeker was earnest, taking Thundercracker by the hand.

"I _will_ be back, Skywarp. We've got a lot to discuss." Thundercracker glanced about the halls. "But not here and not now."

Skywarp smiled. "You gonna be okay in the meantime?"

A vigorous nod. "Oh yeah. Let's just say the latest developments have me stoked. And a certain loudmouth is gonna get taken down a peg."

****

Exhaustion finally claimed the bondmates as they stretched lazily on the floor. Dopey grins and slow strokes were all they had strength left to do. Three consecutive sparkings had strained their limits.

"Titan, I think you've pushed my cogs out of alignment."

"Mm. I do good work."

A sleek blue hand tapped along expanses of white. "However, I don't think you'll be walking quite upright for a solar day or two."

Blue optics barely opened. "Your revenge, of course."

"Of course." Starscream rolled over his lover, looking about. "This room is wrecked. What do you plan to do about it?"

Skyfire turned his head against the floor. The bed was crashed against a large dent in the wall. Pillows and bedsheets were everywhere. Not to mention their own, personal mess...

A groan. "Maybe I can have my droid fix everything. It won't understand or care anyway."

"Mm." Starscream flexed his ports. They were sore and squishy. "I _swear_ you're messy as ever, Sky. Maybe I should hook up with an old, dry husk of a bot. Someone who's easier to clean up after!"

"But infinitely less satisfiying." the big jet was smug. "You're pretty sloppy yourself."

A snicker. "We could _lick_ this place clean, but I think it would take too long." a blue finger scooped up copulation fluid.

Skyfire grabbed the finger and sucked it off.

Crimson optics were warm and teasing. "You're _insatiable,_ Skyfire. A greedy, aft eating, cog sucking nightmare."

Sleepy blue optics were slits. "Guilty as charged. Try being in ice for nine million years!"

A raspy chuckle as Starscream cuddled. "I must admit that would make any decepticon horny as hell. It's a miracle you didn't go around grabbing the first mainframe you saw."

"This one will do." Skyfire pinched Starscream on his leg struts.

A quiver of red wings in response. "Ahhh. I'd better go, Sky."

Skyfire managed to peer over at the chronometer. "You're right. I think we've been missing for twenty breems."

_"Twenty!"_ Starscream tried leaping to his feet and toppled. Skyfire caught him.

"Easy, love. Neither of us are in any condition for quick moves right now."

"Ugh. Point taken." the red seeker crawled away to the bathroom. "I'm going to take a quick soak in silicone. At least that will get me moving again."

****

Breaker sat between his two friends, Astrotrain and Blitzwing. They were smoking flashsticks in bed after sharing a steamy interface.

"So" Blitzwing picked up the conversation casually. "are you taking care of Skyfire for us, Breaker?"

The minicon puffed his flashstick. "Breaker good. Big Sky happy, spark heal."

"How long were you there when they started?" Astrotrain wanted to know.

"After first big bang, Breaker leave. Sky hot, yell for privacy."

Astrotrain leaned back and dragged on his smoke. "Yeah, he must have been celibate for awhile. Sucks."

Blitzwing agreed. "You think any of the autobots tried for it? Some of the younger ones are pretty wild, I hear."

"Possible. Maybe those loud afted twins said something. The others are midgets, ugly or old."

"Think Optimus Prime?" Breaker asked.

Blitzwing waved it off immediately. "No. That match doesn't work in my mind at all. Besides, Optimus was still seeing Aleta One."

Astrotrain gave a sick laugh. "Well at least that leaves the moronic dinobots out."

_"Please!"_ Blitzwing nearly coughed on his stick.

Astrotrain kept going. "Can you imagine the intelligent conversations they would have? Skyfire would talk about universal theory and Grimlock would say..."

"ME GRIMLOCK NO UNDERSTAND BIG WORDS." Breaker mocked, beeping wildly.

All three mechs cracked up hysterically.

"Okay, enough of the stupid matchups." Blitzwing wheezed. "Now what's this buisness with Dirge?"

"I don't know, that came from nowhere." Astrotrain was thinking. "He always did like the young stuff."

The minicon beeped. "Breaker surprised. Not know Dirge hot for Sky."

"Yeah, well. A lot of this mess got started with notes and candy." Astrotrain looked suspiciously at Breaker.

The minicon appeared innocent. "Why look? Breaker not know."

_"Never_ try to trick a triple changer, little buddy. Now who sent all those notes out?"

Breaker shrugged. "No idea?"

"You know we don't believe you." Blitzwing was also suspicious. "But I must admit, it was a stroke of genius. At least we know who the players are on the field! Those notes and candy drew them out of hiding."

"Maybe not everyone." Astrotrain poked the minicon. "Spill it. Who else is interested? With all the stupidity going on around here I'm sure you picked up something."

A quick beep. "Much interest, not all serious. Some want cluster fuck only, others bond."

Blitzwing snorted. "The cluster fucks I could care less about. Those come and go. Now tell us who's serious!"

"Dirge serious. Ramjet curious, not as serious. Skywarp also curious, but love Thundercracker."

"A typical mess. Go on."

"Runabout and Runamuck curious only. Want hot pop, wonder Sky size."

Astrotrain guffawed. "They barely survived a gestalt attack, and now they want Skyfire? Morons!"

"They _do_ have an obsession with size." Blitzwing grinned. "It will be the end of them one day!"

Breaker continued. "Soundwave want hot lay, compare. If Megatron out of picture. Comparison shopping."

Blitzwing made a face. "I'm not concerned about some old aft queen."

"Octane see holo picture of Sky. Think hot."

"Fortunately he's off base right now. Who else?"

"Rumble and Frenzy admire. Like Sky, know banging not likely. Wonder if sex as team."

"What _is_ it with midgets and big bots, anyway?" Astrotrain wanted to know. "No offense, Breaker."

The minicon beeped smugly. "No offend. Breaker special skills. Not care about cassette play. If try to bond, Breaker bust!"

"Hmm. Protecting the territory, I see."

Breaker dragged on his smoke again. "Cassettes stupid, loud. Not subtle like Breaker. Play all want, not try for it."

"I seriously doubt Skyfire's interested in them that way."

"No. Sky not, got better taste. Hardwire program cleaning well."

Astrotrain lit up at that. _"Really?_ I'm surprised, given the amount of taint there."

Blitzwing tapped his bondmate on the headstripe. "I know that devious mind, Astrotrain. And I _also_ know that you still managed to do something to a certain jet's spark."

Breaker giggled, visors bright. "Astrotrain sneaky."

A silvery purple hand covered his head. "Quiet, dinky. Stop instigating!"

"Patch trick." the minicon was muffled.

"I knew it." Blitzwing accused. "It's a good thing I stopped you when I did!"

Astrotrain was nonchalant. "Come on, Blitzy. I was just putting in a little _insurance policy."_

"Such as!"

"Well...Skyfire may be bonded to Screamer, but that relationship will be hotter than a bomb. There's bound to be..._down_ times between explosions. The tender care of friends will be needed during those times."

Blitzwing snickered evilly. "You're so _wicked._ Now when will this link activate?"

"That's the only part I can't control. However, it will insure that we get what we want. I had no intention of letting Starscream get his hands on Skyfire uncontested."

Blitzwing smoked his flashstick in satisfaction, easing back. "You know he'll be pissed when he discovers his spark's been tampered with."

"Probably. But pleasure will burn his anger away. The best traps are laid softy, Blitzwing. And no one does it better than _me!"_

"What about the shrieking one?"

Astrotrain held up fingers. "A four way play, Blitz. One can never be too hungry or greedy."

Breaker beeped excitedly. "Make _five_ for best deal yet! Satisfaction guaranteed, no waiting in line!"

****

Starscream dried himself off quickly, in a hurry to get back on shift. When he returned to the bedroom he saw Skyfire making a vain attempt to clean up.

"I'd stay and help out, Sky. But-"

The big jet leaned wearily on an electro mop. "Go on, I understand. This is going to take time, anyway."

The red seeker rushed to a quick kiss. "I'll be back later."

A white arm ensnared Starscream before he could leave. "You'd _better."_ Skyfire dropped the mop momentarily and crushed lips.

/sexy seeker/

/hot titan/

They pulled up reluctantly. "Later." Starscream winked before making his exit.

****

Thundercracker nearly felt his pump seize as he rounded a corner. He saw Starscream burst from the lab in full motion, pausing briefly to feel his wings out.

/Easy, Thundercracker. Keep your cool. Stick to the plan./

As he suspected, his once lover was back with his bondmate. He wasn't sure if it was the wisest thing to head towards the lab, but his hardwire directed him and so...

Starscream continued to flex his wings carefully at the lab entrance. /Sore as hell, but I should still be able to fly./

And then he sensed someone.

Looking around a turn he saw the familiar form of Thundercracker standing stock still and staring, optics hard.

/Primus.../ "Th...Thundercracker?" a squawk of shock.

The blue seeker paced forward, his movements stiff. "Shut up." more staring.

//Hardwire designation Thundercracker. Analysis Starscream.//

"What are you _looking_ at?!" the nervous Starscream shrieked.

//Starscream analysis. Trinemate, common dna platform. Shared ancestry 89%, decepticon origin. Complementary companionship probability, 79%. Potential bondmate status 41%. Spark compatibility 28%.//

"Stop that!! I don't like it."

"Too damn bad, Starscream. I should have looked at the truth long ago."

"You...you have no right to judge me!"

"No?" the deep voice was rough. "Let's find out." he traced fingertips along silvery red wings.

Starscream gasped, moving away. "Stop!"

"What's wrong? Do they hurt?" Thundercracker demanded. "Why is _that,_ you suppose?"

"Listen, Thundercracker. Let's talk, but not here."

Crimson optics flared to flame. "It's over. I don't hate you, but we're done."

Starscream spluttered in disbelief. "How can you walk out what we had?!"

Thundercracker gripped him close. "Always so much _drama."_ a hiss. "I won't make a scene here. And I guarantee that bit won't work twice!"

"You _dare-"_

"Save it. I've found someone else. Someone _better!"_ he released the red seeker suddenly. "Enjoy yourself. I know _I_ will!"

Starscream was redfaced with anger. "You can't walk out on me. _Nobody_ walks out on me!!" screeching.

Thundercracker was cool, smiling. "Then call me Nobody." he strutted off, leaving a fuming Starscream in his tracks.

****

Megatron called a general assembly sixty breems later in the conference area. He outlined the attack on a Nevada oil rig that was rumored to have tapped a huge deposit vein.

Periodically his presentation paused with glares at Starscream. The seeker fidgeted and attempted to portray calm.

Meanwhile, silent drama simmered in the decepticon ranks. Agitated sparks and hot mainframes made tempers short. The candy notes had everyone in a state of anticipation of future (or past) lovers. More skirmishes and fights broke out around the base. Confusion ran high.

Megatron addressed these issues after covering the oil rig attack. He rumbled in tones of thunder.

"It has come to my attention that sparking is running rampant on base. I don't care about gossip or who jumps which mainframe. But when the discipline of this base is compromised, I _will_ get involved." he glared around the assembly for effect. Spend more energy for the decepticon cause, and play in your own free time. Anyone caught brawling in public areas will be put in carbon stasis for one solar day. Do I make myself _clear?"_

The decepticons grumbled assent. Megatron continued.

"Also, there have been several reports of attacks by gestalts. Because of this, all formation groups are forbidden from combining on base. _No exceptions!"_

More murmuring, most notably from the combiners.

"And another thing. When off shift, all warriors are to remain in their private quarters until the following cycle, barring emergency or attack. If you are somewhere you shouldn't be, then _stay_ there until your shift starts. No wandering around in the halls!"

Grousing about "curfews" in the crowd.

_"Silence!_ Take your lover's quarrels to the bedroom, not the battlefield. I'll have no more incidents like what occurred at the island. Understood?!"

The resentful group mumbled a response.

"And one last thing. If the uncontrolled sparking continues, I _will_ have salt energon distributed at regular intervals."

The room went dead silent.

The decepticon leader was snide. "Excellent. You understand the need for some semblance of control."

Skyfire stared at the angry mob. /Killing libido with salt energon? Megatron, you're the biggest fool I know./

He saw Starscream smile vaguely his way. /The worst of fools, Sky. Unfit and ridiculous. You and I will rule to glory, not ash!/

The arrogant leader continued, unaware of the exchange. "We attack the oil rig at dawn. Assigned strike team members will be notified at that time. Soundwave?"

The communications officer spoke from alongside. "General announcement will be made 2000 astroseconds prior to attack. Be prepared to receive transmission via personal comlink at 0800."

Megatron waved a gesture. "Dismissed. Go to bed, all of you. Preferably your _own!"_

****

A stream of angry decepticons dispersed to their quarters. Conversations weren't pleasant around the base. One such conversation occurred in Thundercracker's quarters. He'd recently moved his things back and found some difficulty settling in. Skywarp accompanied him inside.

The blue seeker dropped on a bench in the living room. "You'd better not stay too long, Skywarp. Who knows, the schoolteacher might report us for _busting curfew!"_

Skywarp snorted. "Wasn't that the stupidest set of commands you've ever heard? What's with Megatron, anyway?"

Thundercracker was sarcastic. "Maybe he blew some logic connectors. I don't get half of what goes on around here anymore."

A gentle stroke on his wing. "You talked to Starscream, didn't you?"

"Yeah, you could call it that." the proud head dropped.

"Hey." Skywarp sat close, wrapping an arm around. "I know it must have been difficult."

"I still love him, 'Warp. I'm sorry, it's going to take time."

"Give me a little credit, Cracker." the purple seeker tried to lighten the mood. "It's not like I told you to pretend he never existed!"

Small smile. "Yeah, guess I'm acting like a sap."

"Yeah, but a hot sap. Means you're a good lover."

Thundercracker stared in surprise and sadness. "Yeah...maybe not good enough."

Smooth black fingers touched the pale face. "You are. Just let your feelings settle down, okay? There's no hurry."

Thundercracker leaned his face into the caress. "Your touch feels so _good,_ Skywarp."

"Thundercracker." Skywarp whispered, staring into optics as fiery as his own. The two jets sat in silence, appraising each other openly.

Skywarp trailed his hand down over Thundercracker's cockpit. The blue jet shivered, his spark rattling with ache and hunger. Hunger for _Skywarp._

Skywarp was clearly affected the same way, hitching and flicking his wings. "Primus...I have to _kiss_ you."

Thundercracker couldn't help but respond, hooking his fingers into purple vents and tickling. Skywarp's optics were nearly slits as he twitched in pleasure. He pulled Thundercracker even closer...

And then they kissed. A hard, slow kiss that had their sparks pulsing with need.

At some point Thundercracker managed to pull up. "I think...you'd better go." his voice was husky and low.

Skywarp nodded, rubbing noses. "I think you're right. We'll talk later?"

Thundercracker stood, pulling Skywarp to his feet. "Tomorrow."

****

Two prominent triple changers discussed the meeting in their quarters.

"Well? What do you think after this latest display?" Astrotrain nibbled on a bowl of proton chips.

Blitzwing picked one from the bowl. "I think he's lost his mind, quite frankly. Telling decepticons to stay close and _not_ have sex? Then add insult to injury by telling us we'll be force fed some wretched salt energon?"

"What does he think we are, sparklings at recess?"

"His command grows more absurd by the vorn."

"Huh. Did you see Skyfire staring at Megatron like the moron he is?"

A snicker. "I noticed. So did a few others."

Astrotrain pulled his bondmate into the bedroom. "I watched the crowd and made a mental note of the reactions. Dissention is high, despite the appearance of unity."

Blitzwing stretched out on their bed. "Dissention that is ripe to take advantage of."

****

Starscream entered the lab in a subdued state. Skyfire turned from his computer station to greet him. In silence, he held a hand out. The red seeker took his hand and sidled into his lap with a sigh. Comforting arms wrapped his bondmate.

"I sensed your conversation with Thundercracker. Are you alright?"

Starscream didn't know how to answer that. "I can't believe it. He dumped _me."_

A gentle kiss on an audio receptor. "The universe is full of miracles."

"Is that supposed to be funny?"

"No. His loss is my gain."

Starscream relaxed. "I deserved it, I suppose. I still...have feelings for him, Sky. Don't be angry with me."

"I'm not. My seeker is always emotional. And Thundercracker is worthy of love."

_"You_ would say that?"

"He's no threat to our bond, he never was. As I told you before I find him attractive."

Starscream gave a wry chuckle. "Well, that's chaos for another day. What did you think of our illustrious leader tonight?"

"A complete incompetent, Star. These regulations are ridiculous and ruin his credibility."

"To our gain, love." red optics blazed in anticipation. "I thought everyone would mutiny right then and there. He can still bully the youngest ones, though."

"He speaks as though we're mindless protoforms, not soldiers in this 'decepticon cause' he yammers about."

Starscream cackled. "Telling decepticons not to have sex is asking for calamity."

"Not to mention idiotic." a pause in thought. "Blitzwing and Astrotrain were watching me for some odd reason."

"I still don't trust them around you, Sky. My instincts tell me they've done something to your spark."

"You said that before, Starscream. Where's your evidence?"

"I've known them longer than you. They _desire_ you, in every sense of the word. Beware of their tricks."

"They aren't so bad. I actually kind of like them."

"I say again something is different. You can't sense it through our bond, but I _can."_

There was a sudden beep. Breaker rolled out from the bedroom in sphere mode.

"Starscream worried for Sky? Not necessary."

The red seeker glanced over. "I didn't ask you, stinkball."

"Breaker sense everyone healed in spark. Good."

"Yes, well..."

"Sex again? Breaker like."

Starscream slapped a hand over his optics. "Unicron save us from crazy minicons. _We haven't recovered from the last time!"_

Skyfire rubbed his head wearily. "And I stll haven't finished cleanup in the back."

Breaker buzzed. "Not problem. Can help clean."

"Now _that_ would be appreciated." Starscream admitted. He thought of something. "Why did you say I shouldn't be concerned for Skyfire?"

The sphere rolled to their feet. "Big Sky healed."

"Yes, I know that. I can _sense_ it. I also sense an alteration in his spark!"

Breaker went silent.

Skyfire tapped the sphere with his foot. "Is he right?"

"Spark changed because heal."

Skyfire tapped him again impatiently. "That isn't the question and you know it!"

The sphere spun like a top. "Not worry. Everyone happy now! Good times ahead."

The mechs looked at each other.

"Now I _am_ suspicious." Skyfire admitted, optics narrowing on the minicon. "What are you hiding?"

Breaker kept spinning madly. "Everyone play together. _Love doctor!_ Heal."

Starscream mumbled, still in Skyfire's lap. "I don't like the sound of that, Sky. Those triple faced tricksters have made a move!"

A white finger pointed at the whirling sphere. "Breaker seems happy about it, at any rate."

"What do you expect from a _vibrator?_ I swear, he should be a politician with those answers he gives!"

Skyfire held his bondmate closer. "We'll figure it out eventually, Star."

Starscream snarled, lip curled. "You're being too gracious, Sky. I may have to rip out some optics to get answers."

Breaker stopped spinning. "Stupid. Not overpower Blitzwing _or_ Astrotrain. Lose every time. Fight not goal."

"Physical strength alone doesn't win all battles." Starscream huffed. _"You_ should know, being a shrimp."

The sphere crackled. "Still run mouth, not learn. Breaker teach lesson!"

"Knock it off, both of you!" Skyfire held out his hand. "Were you trying to tell us something just now? What's this about fighting not being the goal?"

A brief spin by the sphere. "They want friendship, partnership. Package deal!"

Starscream and Skyfire gawked in shock. _"Package deal?"_

"Know attracted, want back. Will consider all offers in combination."

Starscream shook his head in amazement. "The whole joint's insane. We'll be locking up behind ourselves at this rate!"

Skyfire sighed. "Maybe Megatron's orders weren't so nutty after all."

"No talk. Much sex mess to clean." Breaker rolled away and bounced to the bedroom.

Skyfire stood slowly, pulling his seeker to his feet. "Come on, let's get on with it. Next cycle will be busy."

Starscream walked at his side in amusement. "Should we sleep in shifts?"


to be continued











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