Hello, everyone! How're you doing? Hope you're ok.

So, we've arrived to the last chapter of this story. Honestly, there was going to be an Epilogue, but I've decided to publish it within today's part; so, this update will be a long one.

Guest: thanks for your comment! It makes me happy to know you liked the story!

Shadows of Samhain: to be fair, Starscream tends to be in a bad mood most of the time, and Jazz was a high ranked officer; so, I don't think it was too hard for him to get his hands on some Engex, when no one was watching XD Also, don't worry. The tension between the Seekers will now be resolved ;)

Game-Watch: I'm really happy that you liked Chromedome's cameo! There won't be other long scenes with members from the Lost Light, though... Only mentions of them, for having returned to Cybertron. Sorry.

Coira94: haha! You'll have your kiss!

Warning: English isn't my mother language, so there might be some grammar mistakes.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Transformers franchise, nor its characters. It is a registered trademark of Hasbro.

Starscream was staring at the ceiling of his hotel room, not moving, nor planning to.

He had to pack up, though; after all, they were returning to Cybetron that day. All but the Prime, who asked to stay back, hoping to start a new life on Earth. The Seeker couldn't deny that he was kind of happy for the big bot, considering how his life has been ever since the war started; nor could he deny that there was a bit of jealousy within his spark too. A small part of him wishing that it was so easy to start all over for himself, to leave the past behind. Maybe, that way, he would be giving a lot of things a chance in his life… For an instance, Windblade. Yet, whenever he thought about it, about starting a relationship of any kind with the Camien, an alarm started ringing on the back of his head, reminding him of all the people who left him down, plus all those he let down.

Sighing, the mech turned and looked at his bags.

He knew that, the moment they were back, things would become as they were before this last month: he would go straight back to his apartment, halfway across the city, while Windblade would go back to her tower. Somehow, he wasn't at all excited over the prospect… But he knew it was in everyone's best interest that he carried on with his original plan, and leave the lives of those he cared about. Otherwise, wherever he went, chaos was sure to follow ―Airachnid's payback was more than a proof.

If he really loved her, he had to stay away; there was no other option. No other responsible option.

Making his mind, the Seeker got to his feet and went to prepare his bags, only to get interrupted by someone knocking at his door. In his current mood, he did not even question who it may be nor what they may want, and simply went to open up, finding the blue figure of Soundwave standing right outside. Without a word, the commander simply let the door open, so his visitor could step inside, while he went to resume his packing.

The usually silent bot observed the scene attentively, and occasionally cocking his helm, as if attempting to solve a riddle. Or, maybe, he was puzzled as of why Starscream hadn't yelled at him, asking what he wanted. "Then again, he knows it's pointless to keep secrets from me" thought the mech with the red visor, before walking closer to his former second in command.

"The portals will be activated in ten breems" reported the grounder, analyzing the response.

"Fine for me" stated the jet, without looking at his visitor, and trying to keep his voice neutral.

Nevertheless, it was hard to keep anything from Soundwave; so it was no surprise that the communications chief picked up some random thoughts of his and immediately stopped his companion, by placing a servo over his shoulder.

"It's not too late yet." He reminded the Seeker, knowing he didn't need to specify his words. He had, after all, heard it all already.

"You should really stop nosing where you're not called." Starscream bit back, not looking at the other bot. However, his tense shoulders and his hissing were a clear sign of his distaste for this situation. He felt cornered, which was something he has always hated.

The other bot perceived this immediately, reason why he let go and started to walk away; alas, he stopped at the doorframe and spared one last glance at the flyer from above his shoulder. The cerulean jet kept packing, trying to ignore the leaving mech as best as he could, but his thoughts betrayed him… As they always did. "For someone who wants to be left alone, you sure hate the loneliness, Starscream" thought the telepath as he finally stepped out, leaving the room. "And the irony is that you finally found someone who wants to stay by your side; and, yet, you're pushing her away too", Soundwave's optics traced the Camien's door wondering whether to say something to her or not. He was, after all, aware of her own thoughts concerning the Seeker; however, it didn't entitle him to actually share said opinions with their recipient. Not without her permission, which ―he was certain― she would never give. On the other hand, he could tell her about the mech's feelings… But he also knew that Starscream would come after him as a result ―sure, he was more than capable to deal with another of the Seeker's tantrums, but he didn't feel like it, to begin with. "Ugh… I hate being the middle man" ended up thinking the blue bot, growling under his breath, as he went back to his own room, so he could pack too. But, instead, he ended up standing in front of the Prime's room when a thought entered his mind: the Autobot leader was staying here, on Earth. His proposition to remain as an ambassador was accepted, and he was currently planning how to ask his mate whether she would like to stay too… She would. Soundwave knew so, from the second he met her during the party last night. That pink femme liked it here ―mostly because Optimus was here, but, still; she wanted to stay wherever he was. "Hope they're happy. They've earned it" thought the communications chief, as he resumed his march. He was actually impressed by the loyalty and devotion shown by the red and blue mech. After all, everyone knew that the Prime could've moved on in his life at any point, considering it had been four million years; and, yet, he didn't. Because he genuinely loved her.

Entering his room, the blue mech couldn't help but wonder: in four million years from now, would Starscream display such loyalty toward the Camien? Everyone knew that guy for being a first-class backstabber turncoat, after all; his commitment to any person was, at best, shaky. There were always ulterior motives to everything he ever did… However, Soundwave couldn't help but believe that the commander would, indeed, keep true to this femme. Even if he wouldn't be a telepath, the blind leap that the Seeker took for Windblade, just to try and save her, spoke volumes. Especially because he had never taken such a risk before. For anyone. Not even his trine.

"Idiot" mumbled Soundwave, finally starting to pack his equipment.

Any bot would give anything, just to find someone who loved them in such a genuine way.

Starscream found it after an amount of struggle that would've broken anyone else…

And there he was… Ready to let it go.

Then again, the Seeker also knew how to be unpredictable when he wanted to, so, maybe, he would pull another one of his big surprises. Deep down, Soundwave knew they were all hoping that would be the case; but only time could tell.

For now, he would just leave them alone.

…

It took them the whole morning to pack up and then share their goodbyes with the human committees, plus the protocol for these sort of events; but, finally, shortly after lunch, they were on their way to the space-bridge, and ready to go. Optimus followed the group, even though he wasn't going with them. Soundwave could tell the leader was having a hard time… He was sad for cutting all ties with Cybertron, and was aware that this was an unspoken exile for him, reason why he may never see his friends again; yet, he was comfortable here, on Earth, and his mate had been feeling off on Cybertron too, since it wasn't the planet she remembered anymore. The red and blue mech was hoping for this to become a fresh start for both of them.

As they arrived to the portal and transformed, Ironhide didn't hide his sadness for leaving his friend behind; but, nevertheless, he congratulated him for his (inevitably) upcoming bonding ceremony and wished his former leader all the luck in the world. The taller mech thanked the good wishes as he patted the other Autobot's shoulder, dedicating him a few nods to stress. Then, the veteran was replaced by Bumblebee, who shared a hug with his former leader and friend, thanking the guy for everything. Ratchet was silent, simply placing a servo over his friend's shoulder… But Soundwave's telepathy let him hear all the laments running around his processor as clear as a silver chime… The medic wasn't the emotional type, and he wasn't about to start now; however, he couldn't hide his sadness, nor keep calling him 'Pax' or 'kid' within his mind. It was clear that Optimus would be greatly missed by all those who once followed him; yet, none of them would ever try to convince him of coming back with them… They knew. His life as military chief was over. He had to move on… He wanted to move on. And he had a chance to do so on this planet.

"We'll miss you" stated Windblade, smiling and approaching the imposing mech, as it was her turn to share her goodbyes with the former leader. "But, I can't be sad about you leaving, knowing the reason behind it." She said, reaching out her right servo for him to shake, while dedicating a look at the pink two wheeler behind the Prime. "Still, don't forget about Cybertron… Stay in touch." She asked.

"You know I will" assured the mech, taking the offered hand and giving it a firm shake. "Try to keep the planet in one piece. Trust me… It's harder than it seems…" He added, a joyful (yet tired) gleam in his optics.

The Camien chuckled and promised to do so. Then, with a final goodbye, she stepped through the vortex, followed by the others; in the blink of an eye, their optics were seeing the metallic gleam of Cybertron's walls, and their audios caught the cheering of their people. The first in line to greet the returning ruler was a pair of Camien femmes, one of fuchsia and golden armor, while the other was cerulean and blue; Nautica and Chromia, the later seemingly pissed off over something, considering her crossed arms and glaring eyes. One would even think she was mad at her friend for some reason… However, that was promptly proven wrong, as the red figure of Ironhide stepped into the room.

In less than a split second, the former bodyguard had pounced on her sparkmate, jabbing his chest plates with an accusing digit, already lecturing him for keeping from her the reality of why he was leaving for Earth ―apparently, all he said was that Starscream found out some 'Cons and needed help capturing them; but he never, once, said that Windblade got hurt.

Meanwhile, the red femme was being hugged by her other Amica Endura, who was happy of seeing her again… They were clearly ignoring the arguing lovers, as they quickly started talking about what happened on Cybertron while the Camien was out; however, Windblade did turn around to check on Starcream. Only to find that he wasn't moving… Instead, he was looking into the nothingness, completely spaced out, which made her arch an optic ridge. It almost looked like the Seeker was depressed of coming back home.

Then, much to the red and black femme's confusion ―and slight amusement―, Soundwave, who was standing close to the cerulean jet, sighed and smacked him on the back of the head. It was enough to make the other bot come back from his personal dreamland, snarling at the communications chief for the hit. Nevertheless, one whisper after, the former second in command was locking gazes with the Camien, silently wondering if there was something wrong; meaning that the grounder told him that she was staring… As quickly as she could, Windblade dedicated him a soft and friendly smile, which was returned. However, as the femme turned away, the mech silently questioned Soundwave with a single arched optic-ridge and an obviously lost expression.

"She caught you drowning into your pointless idea, and was wondering if you were ok" answered the blue Cybertronian, in his monotonous way.

"Idea? What idea?" asked Bumblebee, popping in between the two, suddenly reminding everyone that he was present too.

Starscream was two seconds away from telling the yellow mini-bot to forget it, that it was nothing important, nor of his concern; but, as usual, the former third in command beat him to it, thus informing the Autobot of his intentions of keeping the Camien off his shadow. Thanks to it, the Seeker found himself in the receiving end of an almost comical glare… True, he knew the yellow bot was actually pissed off and trying to make his point, but given his overall roundness and short stature in compare to his own, it was rather funny. "Never tell him this, Soundwave. Or I won't hear the end of it…" thought the cerulean mech, then, eyeing the other former Decepticon who simply shrugged. Of course, he didn't care…

"You can't shove her off like that! She's your friend!" burst out the Autobot, gesturing toward the femme in question, while glaring at Starscream. "One of the few, by the way…" He added, then, narrowing his optics and arching both eyebrows.

The Seeker growled and turned to leave.

"Wow… Thanks for rubbing that in, Bee." He stated without looking at his companions, as he started to walk away.

"Not to mention that you fancy her" added the unusually talkative Soundwave, staring at the flyer's retrieving back. However, as expected, upon this comment, the guy stopped, wings tense, and turned to look at them with a deep scowl. "Again: after your last stunt, it's no secret anymore… The fact she doesn't seem to notice still astounds me" chided the blue bot, regarding the Delegate with one quick glance.

"And we'll keep it that way. Am I being clear?" Starscream growled in a menacing tone, gritting his teeth, before turning once more; finally, he left the other two mechs behind.

Behind him, the yellow and blue mechs exchanged a knowing look: they both knew neither of them was planning on doing as the jet told them; they both were plotting to step in, case the Seeker wouldn't take the leap by himself. The Autobot followed the commander with his optics, frowning and crossing his arms. A similar chat with the Seeker was coming to mind, back when the guy was struggling with himself, refusing to help Windblade, whose processor was being under Vigilem's attack. Back then, the former commander was, again, rejecting any chance of another Cybertronian to, maybe, be part of his life; he even gave him some grand speech about how he had always been alone, and how he would be forever alone. "Speaking of self-fulfilling prophecies…" thought the yellow bot, huffing and pouting angrily; his optics tracking down the Camien, now. The femme was too engrossed in her friend's reception to notice that her bodyguard was leaving the building already ―not even Ironhide, who assigned him to this mission, seemed to give too much of a thought to it; probably because the job was over and the Delegate was back home.

Bumblebee turned again, searching for the former Decepticon second in command, but there was no trace of him anymore. He was gone.

"I'll give them a quartex" declared the Autobot, not looking at Soundwave, though aware that he was listening. "If neither of them has done anything about it by then, I'll have no option but to-…"

"Meddle where you're not invited?" supplied the telepath, arching an optic-ridge behind his visor, eyes on his companion.

"No…" dragged the shorter mech, finally locking gazes with the taller mech. "Not 'meddle'. Meddle is a very strong word…" Bumblebee said with an almost too innocent pout. "I was simply going to say, that I was just going to gently nudge them in the right direction." He finished, shrugging and closing his optics for effect.

"Translation: you'll pester Starscream until he either confesses, flees the planet, or terminates you." Soundwave shot back, crossing his arms and staring down the yellow bot.

"You've got any better ideas?"

The blue mech dedicated a quick glance towards the Delegate, before going back to the Autobot, whose optics were yet demanding an answer. The communications chief cocked his head to the side, considering his words carefully:

"One quartex. If no advances are made, we corner Starscream with the only thing we know he can't resist…" He stated.

It took Bumblebee a minute or two to decode the blue mech's words; but, once he did, a wide grin broke into his face. With a nod, both bots agreed on their plan.

For now, however, they would let both jets do as they pleased… Or as they were obliged to do, given their occupations.

Shortly after their return, the two flyers fell back into their old routine in which Windblade spent most of her time at the office, or her condo, dealing with new reports from all over Cybertron; each day she was meant to regard the current status of the Cybertronian race. Among other things, there was the fact that the population of the colonies had to move in, which brought the issue about the slow-moving rebuilding of their cities into the spotlight, thus leading to lots of afterhours for her, and for the other representatives at the Council of Voices. They attempted to make the recently returned Rodimus a participant of these meetings… Only for the guy to quickly appear the next time in the company of Ultra Magnus, stating that he 'needed the backup of someone with far more experience in these things' ―which was translated by the blue bot as: 'he just hates long meetings, or speeches… or anything that requires his undivided attention for an extended period of time'.

Whenever any of the Delegates, including Windblade, had a free moment, they went to hang out at Blurr's bar, since the former racer had reopened his pub as soon as he had the chance. However, he was yet rebuilding the place… But most of the tables were back there, and so was the usual company.

"If you're here, you're not on duty, 'Blade" mocked the cerulean Autobot, as he cleaned a glass.

The jet, who was at the counter going over a data-pad, chuckled and dedicated a cheerful smile at her friend. It was enough to make him chuckle too, right before he got called from one of the tables, reason why he grabbed a bottle and mixed another drink before going over. Ever since reopening, Blurr had been looking out for helpers, but, so far, nobody showed interest in the job… Thus, the cerulean mech was putting his well-known speed at use once more. "Everything's back to normal" mused the Camien, before taking a sip from her own cup, her optics tracking the data-pad once more. A warm smile made its way to her lips…

Ever since making him ambassador on Earth, Optimus was true to his word, staying in touch and sending daily letters and reports on how things were going there; also asking how they were doing on Cybertron. Some cycles he wrote on official businesses, others he was simply checking in with his friends, commenting how his personal life was. And, to be honest, those were the letters Windblade enjoyed the most. Over the past few weeks she has learnt a lot about the Prime, and about his mate, who was now good friends with the Camien; they tended to talk about anything ―literally anything, going from the two-wheeler's new job at Little Cybertron's new academy, to their current love lives and/or self-care routines. Even Chromia had started to participate in these talks. "She's getting bonded too" remembered Windblade when her optics read the part where Optimus happily announced his friends of his engagement with his beloved Ariel; all of which ended with a picture of the two. Big, blue hands engulfing smaller silver ones, while the mech gently leaned his forehead against his mate's, who was laughing in delightful happiness.

"It's still hard to believe the old boss had a girl all this time" commented a voice that made the jet turn over her shoulder, quickly finding Blurr returning from the table he was attending moments ago.

The Camien smiled and gave another look to the picture.

"Oh, c'mon… He's not that old…" She chuckled, going to take another sip of her drink.

"You know he's over nine million, right?" The former racer pointed out, arching an optic-ridge.

The femme couldn't help herself as she chocked on her drink, almost spitting it out on the poor cerulean mech's face; finishing in an undignified coughing. Blurr immediately dropped what he was doing in order to help her out, patting her on the back.

"Nine million?!" She repeated, once she was capable of talking again.

"More or less, nobody was really too sure…" answered the other with a nonchalant shrug. "Only point of reference was that he was somewhere between Ratchet and Ultra Magnus." He admitted, looking up and away as if trying to remember the old rumors that used to go around among the troops. There were some referring to his friendship with Kup, who always treated the Prime as some sort of guardian would treat his sparkling… Nevertheless, nobody had proven too accurate when it came to try and calculate their leader's age.

"He doesn't look like it…" Windblade commented, optics on the picture once again, almost as if trying to see anything that would indicate how old the mech in it really was.

"Of course not! With the damage he used to receive? Ratchet has had to practically rebuild him from scratch more times than either of us can count, girl." Blurr dismissed with a lopsided smirk, while waving a servo. "I think we all look older than him by now!" He finished, chortling at the idea.

The femme soon found herself joining her friend on the laughs at the notion, although soon realizing he was right about it, despite the jokes. The old Prime sure looked much younger than he actually was… However, part of her knew that she should've seen this coming, considering that Ironhide and Ratchet were his best friends; and none of them were exactly younglings anymore.

"I hope she'll make him happy, though" mumbled Blurr, suddenly as his hands absently cleaned a stain on the counter. "After all he went through, I really, truly, hope Optimus finds some calm and happiness…" finished the mech, looking at his friend with tired optics.

She had to agree with Blurr on his hopeful wish. Nevertheless, she couldn't help herself from stating that the former leader wasn't the only one who deserved such thing, all the while dedicating a warm smile to the cerulean bot. Chuckling, he went back to work stating that he was happy where he currently was, back home, with his friends and with the job he always wanted for his retirement from the racing tracks; so, as long as another war didn't hit the planet, he would remain happy.

Later that day, the Delegate was back at her office, theoretically finishing her last reports and documents… Alas, her mind seemed to have other plans as she soon found herself staring at the picture sent by Optimus and Ariel, for the umpteenth time that cycle. It was as if she couldn't look away, for some reason. To make things worse, Blurr's words now circled around that image, repeating themselves over and over again. "After all he went through" there was no doubt he was thinking about the war against the Decepticons…

Being a Camien, Windblade didn't know much of the conflict, only what was written on the historical files. True, she had the Autobot's brand too, though… Something that Starscream always proved to resent. The thought made her remember the earlier times of their alliance, back when they hated each other's guts; only so her mind would fast forward to the Seeker's sacrifice, in order to prevent Unicron's victory… And, then, their most recent conversations, during their time on Earth…

Just as before, they've lost all contact after their return. Many times she considered to call him, only to check in; and, just as many times, she desisted. It had nearly being a quartex now…

Sighing, lost in these thoughts, the fem-bot eyed the holo-communicator on her desktop with a small conflict in her optics. Part of her wanted to simply dial the code and say hi to the former commander, yet another kept thinking that he may not even pick up; plus he was a law enforcer, so the chances for him to be out, patrolling the city, where high. Then again, she could just call Ironhide and ask whether the Seeker was available or not… But, then, the red bot would tell Chromia, and then she wouldn't hear the end of it… The cerulean two-wheeler would, most likely, do everything in her power to make the Delegate tell her why she was so suddenly interested in the former Decepticon. And the last thing she needed, especially now, was her Amica Endura's mocking.

A knock made her snap out of her musings, as she told the visitor to come in, while quickly putting away the Prime's letter in an attempt to look professional.

It was all pointless, though, as she found out when Soundwave walked through the door, bringing in some new documents for her to review. At a gesture from her, the mech walked up to the desk and left the data-pads on it, before bowing and turning around to leave.

She sighed…

"I know you heard all that, Soundwave" called the Camien, tiredly, pointing the communications chief that she was aware. He stopped walking. "You always act a bit stiff when you happen to pick my thoughts wavelength."

"If you're beginning to read my body language, then I'm losing my touch…" He said, turning to look at her, crossing his arms.

"Or we've just spent too much time together." She retorted, leaning her chin against her left servo's palm, optics on her companion's visor.

"That too" acknowledged the blue bot, nodding. "I practically live here, now." He added, glancing at the door, but meaning his new office which was right down the hall.

After Unicron and the diplomatic mission on Earth, Windblade offered him a new job where he could use all his informatic's knowledge to help her best run the planet, while keeping in touch with Little Cybertron. Considering his expertise as Megatron's communications and security chief, Soundwave felt like in a playground; not to mention that the Camien allowed his remaining minicons to come and go as they pleased, even letting them pay her sporadic visits at her office. By the end of the first deca-cycle, the two of them had come to speak as live-long friends…

This also meant that he usually knew whenever something was bothering the femme; and, as she pointed out, he was aware of whom had been rounding her thoughts in a nearly constant way. "According to Bumblebee, it's mutual…" Soundwave thought, remembering one of his last conversations with the short yellow bot, who stated that Starscream had been behaving oddly. Apparently, the Seeker's mood hasn't been his usual one, but rather gloomy; as if he was always lost in some personal reverie of his, whenever he wasn't focusing on the duty at hand. The blue mech didn't need to actually read the former commander's thoughts to know what'd gotten into him, as of lately. He knew.

Visor back on his companion, who was now reading the data-pads he just brought in, Soundwave considered his next move carefully. It had been nearly a quartex already, and it was obvious that none of the two jets has done anything about this already ridiculous situation… Maybe it was time for him to interfere?

Trying to find any excuse as to stay out of it, the mech focused on the Camien's optics. The cheerful gleam she usually had on them had been a bit dull ever since they returned from Little Cybertron, and, if his telepathy wasn't tricking him, other people was starting to notice too. "It's always up to me, isn't it?" cursed the bot, mentally, shoulders sagging and shaking his head in disbelief.

To Windblade's surprise, instead of leaving, as he usually did after surrendering his deliveries, Soundwave pulled up one of the chairs across her desk and sat on it. Slightly interested on what triggered this behavior, she put down the data-pad and gave him her undivided attention.

"You're acting like a sparkling" spat the former soldier, without missing a beat.

"O-kay…" dragged out the femme, optics wide. This wasn't the first time he was brutally honest with her, but, still… He had never called her childish before.

"You fancy Starscream. You know it, I ―unfortunately― know it, and, quite possibly, Chromedome knows it after pocking around in your head." He said, straightforwardly, accompanying his words with waves of his servo. Then, a foreign thought made him cock his head. "So, Ariel and Optimus knows it too, huh?"

No place to hide, Windblade chuckled and scratched the back of her head, remembering the conversation she had with the pink bot at the farewell party.

"She was just guessing, that's all…" The Delegate shrugged it off. "And, besides, she got it all wrong. Starscream and I are just-…"

"Before you even dare to say 'friends', allow me to remind you that I've been hearing your every musing for a very long time now; so, if you're going to try and lie straight to my face, you should find a way for me not to read you like an open book first…" interrupted the masked mech.

And, thus, the femme deflated in defeat, head meeting the top of the desk with a sigh.

"Has anyone told you that you're very annoying?" She groaned.

"Multiple times, actually. Not my fault being a deviant" retorted the blue bot, a shadow of amusement lingering on his voice at that come back, as he lazily accommodated on his chair. "So, for, both, your spark's and my mental sanity's sake, I ask: what're you going to do about this mess?" He finally said, intertwining his digits atop his waist, and crossing his legs. Optics never leaving his companion's figure.

Slowly, picking herself up from the desktop, Windblade considered her options, while measuring the words of the communications chief with care. Deep inside, she knew he was right, and that she has being running from the problem; refusing to acknowledge its existence, mostly because she was unsure of the outcome… But, if she had to be completely honest with herself, then the fem-bot had to admit that she couldn't live with this indecision any longer either. So, smiling, she thanked her friend for his honesty, and asked him to clean her schedule for the rest of the day; then, as she walked out of her office, the red and black femme decided to call Bumblebee. She needed information.

… … …

Starscream was sitting at his couch, drinking some Energon and relaxing after a long day in which he had patrolled the borderlines of the city several times, and, also, made a few arrests. In his hands he was holding a commendation from Ironhide, who was considering him for a promotion. It would be a lie to say he hadn't been striving to get it, however, it would also be a lie to say he expected it so soon… Maybe it was due to his performance back on Little Cybertron. The red veteran said he was impressed by it, after all…

Either way, he was content with this. His life was finally settling into place, even recovering his friendship with his former trine brothers, who now had stayed in touch with him ―Thundercracker even stating he wanted to make another movie about his life, to which he refused greatly, reminding him of the colossal mistakes on the first one. Probably the only hardship he had being forced to endure was the return of the infamous Prowl, who decided to get out of his retirement now that his processor seemed to have regained some sense of normalcy… Plus, Rung cleared him for duty a few cycles ago. Nonetheless, the former second in command of the Autobot army was less than impressed when he found himself working next to the former Decepticon second in command… Some even believed the Praxian would glitch out.

He didn't, but he gave Ironhide an earful in return.

Gaining that guy's trust would take a while, no doubt; but Starscream was fine with it. He had all the time in the world to prove to everyone that he has truly changed, and that he wasn't planning to reverse to his previous self any time soon.

Leaving the data-pad and the cube, the Seeker stretched his back and checked his chronometer. It was about time to go and catch some overdue recharge. "I have the morning shift tomorrow" thought the mech, groaning. They still were understaff at the station, reason why everyone was multitasking… He included. So, as if flying around the city all day wasn't enough, he, then, had to spend the rest of his afternoon filing up reports and getting through some paperwork ―all the while being corrected by Prowl from time to time, about the proper form for each type of document.

Yes. He needed this recharge…

Unfortunately, as he started walking towards his bedroom, his doorbell rang across the apartment, making him stare at the entrance quizzically. He wasn't expecting anybody. "Then again, Bumblebee tends to literally sprout out of the ground sometimes" growled the Seeker, already sensing that the yellow bot just decided to make him one of his impromptu visits again. Usually, he would allow it; but this particular evening he was simply too tired for this, so Starscream went to open the door, decided to send the Autobot away… However, the moment in which he looked outside, his voice-box was unable to mutter a single word.

Right there, standing at his door, was no other than Windblade, smiling and all. For a moment, the former commander considered the possibility of him having fallen asleep at his couch, and all this being just another crazy dream; and, yet, he knew it wasn't the case. He was very much awake, and the Camien was very much at his place for some reason. His processor soon found itself in override, trying to find any explanation as of why she would come all the way here; thus, completely missing when she greeted him. It wasn't until the femme waved a servo in front of his optics that Starscream came back to reality.

"S-sorry" apologized the mech, shaking his head as to shoo some thought. "I'm kind of tired, that's all…" He lied, stepping aside. It was a silent offering for her to enter, which the fem-bot understood and accepted immediately.

"You used to lie better, you know?" She mocked him, scanning the living room as she walked by.

"Bah, I've got a bit rusty." He shot back, closing the door. "Give me five minutes, and I'll be back at the top of my game, Cityspeaker." He added, then, smirking at her from above his shoulder, playfully.

She got the message and grinned back, crossing her arms and arching an accusatorial optic-ridge.

"Hey, show some respect to the Supreme Ruler of Cybertron."

"Oh, no need for such formality. Lord Starscream is fine" retorted the mech, intertwining his digits behind his back and straightening to his full tall.

In a split second, both of them were laughing at their banter. None of them could believe how much they needed this, nor how long it had been since they saw each other last; Starscream, especially, was now aware of his own willpower, for it was hard for him to believe that, in all these weeks, he had prevented himself from reaching out for the Delegate. It all but reminded him as of why he cut ties with her to begin with, thus making his laughs stop. Nonetheless, he couldn't help his smile, as she kept chuckling in front of him.

"So… How exactly did you find where I live?" He wondered, crossing his arms and arching an eyebrow, smirk on place.

"A little bee told me." Windblade shrugged it off, going to explore the living room some more.

"I'm dismantling that runt…" was the Seeker's mumbled grunt. If it would've been Ironhide, he wouldn't have minded it half that much since Chromia was the veteran's mate, and she may've told the Delegate; but, since it was the former scout… And considering he had been pestering him about don't pushing the Delegate away…

"Please, don't. He's my friend too" asked the femme.

Huffing, the Seeker agreed with a vague 'whatever' before going to the kitchen, saying he was going to pour some Energon for them.

The Camien thanked him, meantime was rounding the couch, smiling in content. She was happy to see that the mech had been living in such a place ever since he was rebuilt; it was a nice, ample place. Soon, her optics found the discarded data-pad; one word calling her attention. "He's being promoted" read the Delegate, grabbing the tablet and reading the commendations from his superiors. It all made her really happy. His life was truly making a turn for the best!

The pad was suddenly snatched out of her servos, thanks to which Windblade became aware of the cerulean mech standing next to her, optics narrowed in annoyance.

"Sorry…" She muttered, smiling awkwardly, as he tossed the object onto the couch and handed the femme one of the two cubes he was holding on the other arm.

"Never liked when people goes through my stuff" remarked the mech, taking a sip from his own drink.

"Sorry…" Windblade repeated, looking at the glass between her servos, wings dropping behind her back. "But, congratulations on your promotion." She added, smiling at him.

For a moment, the Seeker simply blinked and stared at her.

"Thanks." He finally said, averting his optics and smiling too. "I wasn't expecting it so soon."

"You deserve it, after all you did at Little Cybertron-…"

"What I did back there, wasn't to get a better position" interrupted the Seeker, suddenly scowling at her. "And I would rather not discuss it."

The red and black femme, however, had other plans. Soundwave was right; she needed to know… Especially now that he said there weren't professional reasons behind his past behavior, reminding her about Optimus words during the farewell party: the Prime stated that the Seeker saved her because he cared for her. Even though, she never heard him say it out loud…

Now or never.

Leaving the cube on the small glass table next to her, the femme took a vent to calm her nerves.

"I… I actually wanted to talk about it." She admitted, not looking at her companion, focusing on keeping her emotions in check. "About what happened back there… All of it." She said, finally staring into his optics.

Starscream seemed taken aback, wings tensed up behind him; almost as if caught in headlights.

His processor was actually screaming him to scram. To find an excuse ―any excuse― and run. He wasn't ready for this. In fact, he had being doing everything in his power to avoid this. He needed to think about something; and he had to do it fast. So, he looked away once more, mind already fishing for any explanation remotely believable; only for his train of thoughts to get off the rails when Windblade called his attention by grabbing and putting away his cube of Energon too.

"I only want an honest answer, Starscream" said the Delegate. "You did, exactly, what you told me not to; right after you purposely stood behind to fight the Combaticons ―don't think I didn't notice about that." She stated, optics never losing his. "And, then, you dropped off the grid again… I just want to know why."

He was once known as the great schemer… Megatron's lackey; a true Decepticon at spark, someone who could lie at your face without missing a beat. And, yet, as he looked into Windblade's optics, the Seeker soon found himself unable to come up with anything… Thanks to it, he only had two options: either tell the truth, or say he just couldn't stand her company anymore. "I can't do that…" told himself the mech, sighing and closing his optics, head tilting backwards in despair at the realization… This femme had become too precious to his spark. He could not even dare to say anything potentially hurtful to her…

"Everything I did was because I honestly care about you… About your wellbeing. Because you're one of the very few who has ever truly cared about me, going to insane lengths to save my skid plate. I couldn't lose that… Lose you…" confessed the mech, lowering his optics.

"Then why go radio-silent on me?" Windblade demanded to know, taking a step forward.

"Because, like it or not, I was Starscream, second in command of the Decepticon army, right hand of Megatron, and former ruler of Cybertron; plus all what those titles means." He answered, scowling at her optics, but without any trace of malice sent on her direction. The hate… It was all meant for himself. The femme could see it easily by simply staring into his optics. "I wronged a lot of people in my life, and many of them would love to settle scores with me for it. Take Airachnid for example!" The Seeker exclaimed, optics wide, and gesturing with both servos to his side, almost as if the beast-former was standing there. "She got to know I was still functional, and, somehow, found a way to get to Earth, just to have her revenge on me!" Then, a sour chuckle and smirk made its way to his face. "And all I did to her was send her sorry aft to prison… I've done worse, and half the universe knows it!" He cried, rolling his optics and opening his arms, ranting.

Then, calming down, he placed his servos atop the femme's shoulders.

"Everyone close to me is in danger. Not to mention that you're now our ruler, and if anyone suspects there's any association between us, they may think of you as my puppet…"

"But I-…"

"Megatron's second in command. The great schemer, remember?" interrupted the mech, sadness finally reaching his optics. "Look, you can do a lot of good to Cybertron and its population; especially with me out of the picture. I'm-…" Sighing, he let go of her. "This is the only way I can keep you safe…"

Becoming bold, the Camien grabbed one of the mech's hands, taking him by surprise.

Staring, first at their intertwined servos, then at the femme, whose optics were everywhere but on his at the moment, the former commander awaited for some sort of answer.

"We've dealt with worse before… Even back when we despised each other" reminded Windblade to the Seeker. "We can face whatever is sent our way, if we stay together." She assured, locking gazes with him and smiling with confidence.

"How can you be so sure?" He deflated, instead.

"Huh?"

"Every single time I tried to protect you, I utterly failed. Don't you see? You can't rely on me!" He snapped, unconsciously grapping her hand like a lifeline. He didn't want to, but he had to do it… He had to send her away, as much as he hated the idea. It was the only way he could ever keep her safe…

"Starscream, I still have my memories because of you!" retorted the femme, taking another step toward the mech and placing her free hand over his chest-plates. "You kept me safe after all."

He wanted to rebuke, but soon found himself unable to. Some part of his spark actually felt better after hearing that… After knowing that, finally, he protected someone who was dear to him… So, in the end, all he was capable to do was admit to himself that, now, there was no way for him to let go. The bridges he tried to take down for so long were still there… Stronger than ever. And all of them guided him back to this femme.

His free servo placed itself over the one that the Camien was keeping atop his spark-chamber.

"Stay…" He found himself asking her in a barely audible voice.

It was one of his greatest fears, if he had to be honest… To be left alone forever. His most vulnerable self… It was something he always hid behind great amounts of anger… But, again, he didn't feel the need to do so when she was around. He could drop his masks, his barriers, and be himself. She has seen all of his faces, and, yet, was still there… She was still trying to reach for him; trying to help him… And he utterly feared to lose that. To lose her.

"Please." He added, then, his servo going to cup the side of the femme's face.

One smile, and she promised to do so; to stay with him, if he would promise to stay with her. A promise which the Seeker swore to keep for the rest of his days; one he wouldn't dare to break, under any circumstance…

One he sealed with a kiss.

Soon, both jets forgot about anything else as they deepened the contact. Windblade's arms wrapped themselves around Starscream's shoulders, while he embraced her with all the care in the world, almost as if he was afraid she would either break or vanish into thin air; one hand behind her head, the other on her waist. His full spark bared for her. For the first time in a lifetime, he wasn't hiding anything; no ulterior motives, no secret agenda… Only he, showing his companion how much he loved her; just as she was showing him.

"I love you…" whispered Starscream when separating from the femme.

A blissful smile appeared on the Camien's red lips at that declaration.

"And I love you, my sparkmate." She answered, before connecting them in another kiss.

They knew, as did their sparks, that from that moment onwards, they wouldn't be able to be apart again…

… … … … … …

… … … …

… … …

… …

…

Windblade was sitting at the tower's roof, reading Ariel's latest letter in the company of Chromia, who had reinstalled herself in the security business; though not as the Delegate's bodyguard ―position that has been covered by Starscream for the past ten vorns, ever since he got his promotion; only two vorns after he bonded the Camien femme. The two friends were both laughing over the pictures shared by the pink fem-bot, in which they could see the usually serious and stoic Optimus Prime… dealing with an hyperactive cerulean mechling named Orpheus. Also known as 'the product of his union with Ariel'. Ever since the little one's hatching day, the pink two wheeler has sent pictures to her new friends on Cybertron to keep them posted about her new child… and to mortify her mate, who knew how to deal with an entire army, but was completely lost when it came to raise a kid. On the other hand, he was putting his million-years-honed reflexes to good use, since both creators seemed to have developed a sixth sense that allowed them to know whether the little one was doing something he shouldn't ―like climbing the furniture, which they've surprised the sparkling doing thrice… in a day.

"They sure have their hands full!" Chromia laughed, watching the most recent picture, where they both Ariel and Optimus caught their son red-handed… In a literal way. Apparently Orpheus found where his sire kept the spare paint to fix himself up from time to time, and decided to give himself a makeover.

"Sparklings are always running in hyper speed" conceded the other Camien, rolling her optics. "You'll know some day…" She added dedicating a sly smirk at her Amica Endura, who grimaced at the notion, knowing what she was pointing.

"Don't go there… Please." The blue bot groaned, covering her face with one servo and bending over her knees as if trying to disappear for a moment.

Windblade did nothing but chuckle at the reaction.

"What? You've been bonded to the mech for three vorns now. It could happen!"

"Oh, Solus, no…" begged the blue femme. "Ironhide and me? Creators? There're easier ways to destroy a planet, 'Blade…" She joked, smirking.

And, as such, both friends were chortling once more, as they started imagining what such a kid may look like or do ―both of them agreeing that, taking after their parents, the sparkling was more than doom to become a warrior-class. However, suddenly, the Delegate stopped and stood up while walking up to the wider side of the roof without saying much of a word, and, thus calling Chromia's attention; at least, until a loud propellant was heard in the distance. "Incoming…" thought the warrior, smiling and getting up too.

Indeed, two forms appeared nearing the building; one of which was a cerulean and white jet with red detailing and amber-colored glass at the cockpit. The second one was a much smaller aircraft of black and blue paintjob, with white detailing, and cerulean glass; this last vehicle was flying a few microns in front of the large one, and started speeding up as the red and black femme became visible. Nevertheless, and noticing this, the larger vehicle hurried up to reach the landing pad before the other, and transformed as soon as there was ground beneath himself; thus, Starscream landed on his two feet and awaited for his companion. As if he would've known what would happen, the former commander got in position and caught the second bot, who transformed before being ready, and, thus, would've come down crashing against the floor; this way, the cerulean Seeker, at least, softened the hit.

Windblade, however, gasped in alarm and ran up towards the two.

"Are you ok?!" She asked, utterly worried.

"Carrier!" yelled a red and black sparkling with white detailing, and big, round, blue optics, who was now on top of Starscream's chest, and waving his arms up, indicating he wanted a hug. "Did you see?! I was faster than yesterday!" He kept saying, either ignoring or oblivious of the adult mech underneath him.

"Yes, I'm proud, darling" answered the femme in a hurry, kneeling beside the two. "Are you ok, Starscream?" The Camien, then, asked, focusing on the mech.

"Bah, I survived a war, and the Talisman… A kid crashing on me at several miles per hour it's a breeze…" commented the Seeker, looking at his bondmate, although still sprawled underneath the little one. "We gotta work on your landings, though, buddy." He, then, added, looking at the child in question.

Sighing in relief, the Camien femme made her offspring get off the mech, allowing him to sit up.

"Flying lessons already, huh?" commented Chromia walking up to the couple, hands behind her back. "Hi, Skyrunner!" She greeted the sparkling who waved and greeted energetically at his carrier's best friend.

Skyrunner, much like Orpheus, was a complete surprise for his creators. Up until a dozen vorns ago, nobody on Cybertron knew that reproduction was achievable… Until Windblade, shortly after her bonding with Starscream, started feeling ill and went to the clinic for a checkup.

… … …

She could still remember being under the scanner, believing they were going to find some bug within her systems or, maybe, tell her that she wasn't consuming enough Energon ―lately, the femme had felt the need of refueling all the time―, or that, perhaps, she wasn't recharging enough… Only for First Aid to drop everything he was holding and ran out of the room calling for Ratchet, saying that he needed to see the results.

The old medic had entered the consulting room, not too sure as of what could've been the cause of such ruckus, nor what could've possibly surprised the other medic (especially after practically seen it all onboard of the Lost Light…). Alas, as soon as he got a glimpse at the results, his jaw unhinged, optics slowly going to stare at the Camien as if she had managed to sprout a second head on her own.

Windblade arched an optic-ridge in, both, confusion and fear.

"Something wrong with me?" She asked, not truly knowing whether to prepare for bad news or not, and, in case of having to do so, not truly sure as of how to break it down to her newly mate. What if she had red rust or something?

Fortunately, Ratchet soon recovered his professional face and quickly discarded the notion of her being ill.

A relieved sigh escaped the femme's vocalizer…

"You're carrying" added the old mech, without missing a beat.

And the Camien couldn't help her confusion and worry, once more…

"Carrying?" She repeated, receiving a nod. "Carrying what?"

"A sparkling, what else?" shot back the medic, arching an optic ridge. "Well, a hatchling, to be more precise; the alloy has barely begun to solidify around the spark, but it's already there." Ratchet clarified, then, showing her the scan results. "So, congrats. Mom."

… … …

That was the last thing she could remember, before waking up again, this time with Starscream sitting by her, saying that he had been told by the medics… And that he had no idea such thing could happen either.

… … …

"You're impressively calmed, given the circumstances…" Windblade commented, suspiciously eyeing his poker face.

"Oh, no. I crashed" admitted the mech, looking away and nodding, as if accepting it happen. "Like, literally. I was in the middle of my patrolling." He clarified, looking back at his mate, who now noticed the chips of missing paint and dents in the mech's body. "I think my processor's still frozen, in fact…"

… … …

A few hours later, they were both back at their apartment, as Starscream's processor seemed to catch up with reality, accepting the idea of, somehow, having become a father. In fact, he was the first one in pointing out that they would've to change some stuff around their place; starting with rethinking one of the accommodations to become the little one's bedroom. Such a reaction and comments made her smile and calm down at the idea of having created a new life. "Shortly after that, Ariel called with the same news" remembered Windblade, trying not to smile out of the blue.

"His T-cog went active a couple quartex ago…" The red and black femme told her friend, while looking at her son.

"So, we decided to start teaching him how to use it" completed Starscream, dedicating a matter-of-factly glance at the cerulean Camien. "Thus far, taking off and actually flying around for a couple hours doesn't seem to be a big issue; now, when it comes to landing…"

"Miscalculations everywhere" finished Windblade, proving they were completely used to having to catch their child whenever he attempted to come back down to the ground.

Chromia was about to make a comment on that, but Skyrunner started talking excitedly about how fast he managed to go this one time, and about small maneuvers he accomplished ―which gained him a reprimand from his sire, who pointed out that he caught the little one trying to make somewhat of a loop; and, just like that, Windblade was scolding the sparkling too, reminding him for the umpteenth time that he wasn't yet ready for anything that complicated. So, smiling in contempt, the two-wheeler simply gave her farewells to the family, saying she had to go back to work and left the premises.

Meanwhile, Starscream got up and stretched his back-joints and wings, right as his mate sprung up to her full tall too and his offspring started asking when they could go flying again.

"How about we walk for a few breems? I need to go back to the office" negotiated the femme to her child, smiling with her hands loosely set on the sides of her hip.

"Oh…" pouted Skyrunner, dropping his wings. "But-…"

"Listen to your carrier" interrupted Starscream, frowning slightly, one hand on the side of his waist. His tone was strict, but not harsh; an ability that the former Decepticon had been forced to master, almost as soon as the sparkling learnt to walk… Or better said, speak. However, as usual, this resulted on his child giving him the puppy eyes. "You know it doesn't work on me, kid…"

"Yes, he knows…" Windblade muttered, making the mech turn to look at her, and notice that her wings were threatening to tilt downwards in empathic sadness. "Those are for me…" She added, unable to look away.

Groaning, the Seeker scowled at his child, and, crossing his arms, told the infant to stop coercing his carrier or the flying lessons of the next day would be cancelled. The way in which the sparkling's eyes widened and his wings flared up were enough indication that he got the message; especially after he suddenly agreed with his creators, and turned around, saying he would be inside, playing with Laserbeak and Buzzsaw ―the two minicons had come to like the little one, and were usually playing with him at, either, the hallways or at Soundwave's or Windblade's office. Starscream was sure glad that the former communications chief was so patient with young ones…

The Camien sighed, relaxing.

"Thanks for the backup" appreciated the femme, smiling at her mate.

He chuckled and passed an arm around her waist.

"At the slightest sign of puppy eyes, you melt to a puddle and give in" commented the mech, smirking and cocking his head. "Where's your famous strength of mind, Cityspeaker?" He added, mockingly.

The comment, however earned him a slap on the chest-plates.

"And what about you, and the Energon sweets' episode two-cycles ago?" She retorted, returning the smirk, while arching an eyebrow.

"In my defense, he can be very convincing…" Starscream said, averting his gaze.

"Oh? So, the great Starscream can be outsmarted by his eleven-vorns old mechling?" Windblade mocked her mate, arching both eyebrows as a sly lopsided smile, worthy of the Cheshire Cat, appeared on her face; arms crossed.

The mech's fans activated in embarrassment, which was enough to make his companion erupt in laugher, and him find the wall on this left pretty interesting. Truth be told, he just couldn't admit to have fallen for the puppy eyes once… Or twice. Nevertheless, he could say that he actually learnt from the experience and came up with strategies as to never fall for the same trick again ―especially after the candies' episode.

Windblade brought him back to reality with a peck on the cheek.

"Let's go make sure Skyrunner isn't chasing after Laserbeak in vehicle-mode" said the femme, smiling, as she started walking towards the stairs.

Starscream went after her, stating that if that were the case, they would be hearing a lot of screams, shattering glasses, and probable cries of joy of a hyper active sparkling; all of which made the Delegate chuckle and agree.

It was safe for the Seeker to say that his life was finally looking up… For good, this time.

THE END

That's all, folks. I hope you liked it.

Thank you, all, for having followed this story to its end.

See ya!