Work Text:
“Starscream, are you sure you should be working?”
Starscream giggled as he allowed his worrywart of a conjunx help him carry his tools around the base. He was doing some maintenance on his personal exploration vessel’s computer system, and had been replacing parts and upgrading their security features as needed.
“I’m carrying, not fragile, my lord,” Starscream repeated amusingly for the nth time that day.
Megatron gave him a sheepish look before he leaned in for a kiss, which the seeker gladly reciprocated. “I know my actions are considered overbearing, but I can’t help myself.”
“No, I suppose not,” Starscream murmured against his lips, pulling back slightly to meet his partner’s gaze. He knew how protective sires can get over their sparkmates, and such protectiveness would only intensify further when their mates become the carrier of their sparkling. Ever since Megatron found out about his condition, he had barely left Starscream’s side, always making sure he was pampered and well-taken care of.
Without question, Megatron was a good sire, and Starscream felt very lucky to be able to share the joys of carrying with him—as well as the downsides. And slag, his mood swings were as unpredictable as a rust storm.
There was a time when he couldn’t stomach the smell of high-grade energon and polish. Or couldn’t stand the sound of machines squeaking. Another time he burst out in tears when he couldn’t keep up flying with Skywarp and Thundercracker.
...Or when he snapped at his conjunx when Megatron politely asked him for his report.
And who could forget the time the intimidating Jetfire cowered under Starscream’s lethal glare when he said he’ll handle the repairs of the machine they were working on all by himself. Starscream accused Jetfire of thinking he was incompetent, and then he went home raging with anger. A couple of hours later Megatron found him sitting and crying in the hangar.
Crazy mood swings were a normal part of carrying. But what amazed him more was Megatron’s tolerance. “My lord, I know I haven’t been the most pleasant being around lately,” he said sincerely, “but I want to thank you for putting up with me.”
Megatron gave him a smile so tender and warm, setting down the toolbox on the table to wrap his arms around him. “I like being with you—with both of you.”
“Hmm… Even though I get mad over the silliest things? Or cry for no reason?”
Megatron felt that the way Starscream pursed his lips and furrowed his brows when he asked him that was the cutest. “Doesn’t make me love you any less.” He leaned in and softly kissed his temple, letting his lips linger there, taking in his scent and warmth.
“How did I get so lucky?” Starscream whispered, soaking in the love and affection from Megatron.
“I’m the lucky one…” Megatron dropped soft little butterfly kisses over his cheek, his nose, working his way down to his jaw and neck. Primus, Starscream was so beautiful. Everything about him was stunning, radiant, and ethereal. Megatron couldn’t get enough of him, much the same way he wanted him constantly during the war. As he was taking sips of his lips, Starscream’s servos captured his face and seized his gaze.
Snapping out of the daze he’d been in, Megatron asked, “What is it?”
A soft blush tinged Starscream’s cheeks, even as those brilliant blue eyes shimmered with clear love and adoration. He giggled at him. “We have an audience.”
“Hope you won’t be putting on this show during dinner.” Starscream’s very colorful trine-mate, Thundercracker, leaned into the door frame with a slagging grin on his face.
Megatron had one servo around Starscream’s waist as he cleared his vocalizer. “You should have knocked, Thundercracker.”
“I did, but you guys were too busy being mushy.”
“Well, apologies for that. Your trine-leader is just too irresistible.”
Thundercracker’s expression twisted into something that can only be described as a look of revulsion, which was accompanied by a gagging sound. “Please don’t ruin my appetite. Dinner is coming soon, you know. Oh, and Skywarp got you those limited edition oil you’ve been craving so much, Star.”
Starscream perked up instantly. “Really? Thank you!”
“Seriously you and your intense cravings,” Thundercracker said with a vent.
“I can’t help myself,” Starscream teased. “It’s what the sparkling wants.” Recently, he had been having cravings for Premium Oils, and had been consuming energon sticks dipped in the substance. It was healthy and safe for the sparkling, so Starscream would always enjoy it with much gusto. Apart from the increased appetite, he didn’t really have any bizzare cravings, much to Megatron’s utter relief.
00000
Later that night, however, Megatron found himself purchasing bundles of K-juice, rust sticks, and coal truffles at the convenience store.
“Late night snacking, Lord Megtron?” the cashier said, noting that it was currently 2:26 AM, as he started ringing up the items.
Megatron simply vented out. “My mate’s having cravings.”
“I heard the news. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“How far along is your partner?”
“He’s at the point where he can’t stand the sound of my drinking. I’ve been refueling in the living room.”
The cashier chuckled. “Ah, the joys of being a sire. I have a little girl myself.”
“A girl would be nice. We can’t confirm the gender yet, though.”
“Where are you with names?”
“Well, if it’s a girl, my conjunx likes Starquartz or Luminous.”
“Both sound great— Okay, here’s the total price.”
Megatron tapped his card on the device to pay up. “Let me ask you a question… When your child was born, were you nervous?”
“Oh, extremely.”
“Did you feel qualified? Like you had any idea how to operate a sparkling?”
“I was… a complete mess,” the cashier replied with a chuckle as he started packing the items into bags. “I literally pieced it together as I went along. It was a constant mix of ‘I’ve got this’ and ‘what the pit am I even doing’. There’s no manual for this kind of thing. But let me tell you… seeing your child’s smile makes it all worth it.”
Megatron smiled, comforted and motivated by such words. “My sparkling’s not even here yet and there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them.”
“You’ll do fine,” the cashier assured him. “Lord Starscream will, too.”
“Thank you.”
“No, thank you for stopping by. Have a good night, Lord Megatron.”
Megatron reached for the bags. “You as well.” With that, he walked out of the store, transformed, and headed home.
00000
The nursey was far from complete—just bare walls and fresh scent of paint—but the atmosphere inside was already full of promise and heavy with anticipation. Megatron stood in the doorway, datapad with the room design in servo as he watched Starscream wander around the room, envisioning how it would look once it was done. He eagerly looked forward to decorating the sparkling’s room.
“We need a crib. Maybe one of the new ones that can mass shift. A table could go there, maybe a carpet right here…” Starscream mused before he turned to Megatron. “Since we’re leaning towards a celestial theme, perhaps some decals of constellations?”
“That sounds wonderful.”
Starscream stroked his forge gently, smiling radiantly. “What about you, little one? Do you like the idea?”
Megatron walked over to him, placing his own servo over his, trapping his warmth against his middle. “Do you think they can hear us yet?”
Starscream rested his helm against his arm, closing his optics. “I think they hear everything… And they can probably sense how excited we are for them.”
The idea of a charming life with their sparkling beckoned them as they dreamed of sweet snuggles and comfort. Though the idea of navigating the uncharted seas of parenting and caregiving was daunting, they were willing to embrace the challenge with dedication. Even the impending dread of recharge-less nights and unpredictable moods could not dampen their tremendous excitement to tackle the horizon of parenthood.
They spent the next hour deciding on the perfect colors and shade for a celestial theme. Both envisioning a space of wonder and calm, filled with soft colors and cosmic accents, ethereal blues and galaxy gradients. It was such a heartwarming activity for them, filled with laughter, conversations and dreams.
“Oh!” Starscream paused, his servo flying instinctively to his forge, his optics widening in delight.
Megatron looked over with immediate concern. “Is everything all right?”
A wide smile lit up Starscream’s face. “I just felt the sparkling’s EM field flicker!” he exclaimed, his voice full of excitement.
Megatron rested his servo where Starscream’s still lay. The room was quiet as he waited. After a moment, a distinct little jolt fluttered and zipped through their touch, faint yet undeniable.
“Did you feel that, my lord? They seem so happy.”
Megatron met his gaze, his optics twinkling with joy. “This… This is amazing,” he whispered, blissful and proud. “This is really our child... our precious child…”
They stayed like that for another klik or two, taking pleasure in feeling the life they were creating, the product of their love.
00000
“And that’s checkmate.”
Draped in the soft, red sheet Megatron had fetched from their room, Starscream, who was still in the early stages of Term 2, was sitting cozily on the sofa in front of the parlor holographic fireplace, the hologram chess board situated between them.
Megatron shook his helm in disbelief. “That’s 2 out of three. You win.”
Starscream smiled confidently. “I hope you’re not just letting me win because I’m carrying.”
Megatron chuckled. “Oh, I would never.”
One wing gave an idle contented twitch. “What shall we do now?” Starscream inquired, drawing the red sheet more securely around him as he shifted. “It’s too early to go to berth.”
“Rematch?”
“Hmm… Let’s do that tomorrow,” Starscream said, leaning back, satisfied. “I intend to savor my victory tonight.”
“Then savor it with something sweet. Wait here,” Megatron told him, launching himself to his pedes. “Shockwave handed me something earlier at work, said it’s for you to enjoy.” He returned a moment later, carrying a box containing premium edition coal truffles.
“By the matrix, these are hard to come by,” Starscream said in awe, sparkles in his optics. “They only sell limited boxes each day.”
“He pulled some strings to get it.”
“I only mentioned it in passing…” Starscream looked like he wanted to cry. “I didn’t think he’d actually get it for me.”
“He wants you and the little one to be happy.”
They sat shoulder to shoulder on the sofa in companionable silence. When Starscream opened the box and bit into his first truffle, he made a sound of satisfaction that put a smile on Megatron’s face.
“It’s so delicious!” Starscream displayed such an exuberant smile, adorably sparkling-like, as if he’d just made a fascinating discovery in science. “Remind me to thank Shockwave the next time I—Oh?” He touched a servo to his forge and giggled. “Seems like our little one loves it too.”
Megatron’s expression softened, and an affectionate gleam entered his optics. He rested a servo against the forge, the gentle movement brushed the back of Starscream’s digits where they felt the sparkling inside. “I can’t wait to meet you, little one.”
When the sparkling responded with a flicker of static, they both looked up in surprise. They hadn’t expected the jolt that had travelled up their arms and ripped through their frame. Their gazes locked for a moment before let out their laughter.
“Someone’s as excited as we are,” Starscream said happily, rubbing his forge.
Filled with such pride and joy, Megatron gently pulled Starscream closer to him, letting him lean his helm against his side. “Have I ever told you how proud I am of you for carrying our sparkling?”
“Only about a thousand times, but who’s counting?”
00000
Embracing the desire to be unshackled and unbound, a flier’s yearning to be one with the sky ran deep in their core. It was written in their programming, as instinctual as breathing for humans. Now at a point where his body was preparing for the eventual emergence, Starscream could no longer transform into his vehicle mode and when he did take to the air, he could neither climb as high nor streak as fast as he once had.
It had not been easy for the seeker to adjust. Megatron would often catch his mate gazing longingly at the sky, optics tracing the open sky with an ache he made no attempt to hide. Wings would flex restlessly at his back, his frame taut with restrained motion.
And such moments only grew more frequent with the due date approaching. Though Megatron may not understand what it was like to carry a sparkling, as a flier himself, he understood just how much his conjunx wanted to fly again without a care in the world, pushing his limits and breaking the sound barrier.
So when he found Starscream staring at the sky again that night with a wistful look in his optics, Megatron knew what he had to do. Stepping out on the terrace of their home, which overlooked the city below, he walked up to him in a few strides and held out a servo. “Shall we go flying, my dear seeker?”
Starscream blinked at him, caught off-guard by his offer, before his expression relaxed with a smile. He lifted a servo to his mate’s, giggling, as he replied, “I would love to, my lord.”
And so, they took to the night sky, soaring through the celestial expanse, servo in servo, their wings and thrusters carrying them effortlessly on the gentle current of the wind. Every twist and turn through the clouds felt connected, their sparks entwined in the joy of motion, as the world below them unfolded like a breathtaking tapestry.
Yes, Starscream may not be able to transform or fly at great speed at the moment, but he can still enjoy the pleasure of a leisure flight above the city. And Megatron was there to make sure he’d be safe while doing so.
In a moment of profound peace, as they remained suspended between heaven and land, they held each other close, servos entwined and gazes locked. Before long, they closed the remaining distance and kissed. The stunning contact was all glowing and sparkling warmth, every sensation packed with deep commitment and passion. It was the kind of kiss that made time stop. Nothing moved but their mouths, nothing existed but the warmth between them.
It was almost as if nothing could break this moment, but then their little one’s EM pulsed with exhilaration.
Starscream felt it.
Megatron felt it.
They looked at each other, astounded by the sensation, and soon burst into laughter.
Not even out and the little one’s already cutting into their parent’s lovey-dovey moment.
“For future reference,” Starscream teased lightheartedly, “let’s make sure they don’t walk in on us doing the deed.” He gave him a playful wink.
Heat rushed to his faceplate, flushed by the possibility of that happening in the future, as he pressed his palm against his forehead, shaking his helm in dismay.
“Unless you wants us to never do it at home while the little one’s there?”
Megatron peered at him through the gaps in his digits, mortification all over him as the faint pink glow beneath his plating deepened to into an obvious red.
Starscream giggled sweetly, obviously charmed by his embarrassment. “Worry not, my lord,” he added with a grin too smug for Megatron’s comfort, “it just means we’ll have to get creative.”
His cooling fans staggered a bit, systems momentarily scrambling as Megatron lowered his servo at last. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”
“Oh, absolutely,” Starscream replied, leaning in close enough to make Megatron’s spark stutter. “That’s because you can be so cute at times.” He brushed a chaste kiss along the edge of Megatron’s cheek before pulling back, clearly pleased with the effect he had on his husband.
Megatron’s optics dimmed a fraction, fluster giving way to something warmer. He ex-vented, tension easing from his frame, as he reached out, offering his servo to his beloved. “Let’s head back?”
Starscream smiled, slipping his servo into his, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Yes… back to our home.”
Side by side, servo in servo, they glided toward home, the starry sky carrying them as silence settled comfortably between them.
00000
Walking into the bedroom, Megatron was treated to the beautiful sight of his conjunx cradling his forge and humming a soothing tune to their little one by the window. It made Megatron’s spark melt seeing how happy Starscream was with carrying their child.
Megatron came up to him, asking “How’s our little one today?”
At his partner’s voice, Starscream looked up to see Megatron approaching and smiled. “They’re quite active today. EM field is getting stronger.”
“Maybe they’re excited for the checkup today?”
“I believe so.”
“Didn’t the doctor mention that we may be able to confirm the gender today?”
Starscream grew thoughtful at the idea. “I’m excited to find out, but… I think I want it to be a surprise.”
Megatron grinned, sharing his conjunx’s sentiment, wrapping his arms around his waist and resting his chin on his shoulder. “Which would you prefer to have, by the way? Mech or femme?”
“Gender matters little to me. I would be fine with either.”
“I feel the same way.”
“Oh, but Thundercracker and the others are having a betting pool about our sparkling’s gender, though…”
Megatron let out a vent. “Of course, they are…”
“A lot of them are leaning towards femme.”
“A daughter would be a lovely addition to our family, but a son would be just as wonderful.”
“I want them to be strong and valiant as you, my lord.”
“And I wish for them to be as beautiful and as intelligent as you,” Megatron whispered, his voice filled with profound affection, as he nuzzled his lips down his bare cheek to his audio receptors. Starscream giggled, relishing in his love and warmth.
None spoke for a while, content and relaxed in each other’s presence, until it was finally time for them to head to the doctor for Starscream’s regular check-up. Since Starscream was already too heavy for flying, they got Astrotrain to be their ride to the hospital, which the Triple-changer didn’t mind at all.
Arriving at their destination, they were not at all surprised to see Thundercracker and Skywarp there. The two seekers were a pair of excited uncles-to-be and have been very involved throughout Starscream’s carrying process, always making sure their trine-mate was comfortable, healthy, and safe.
Starscream could imagine them being great parents in the future. However, while the two remained united in marriage, they were fairly divided when it came to the sparkling’s gender.
“For the last time, the gender will remain a mystery until the emergence,” Starscream insisted.
“I’m still fairly positive I’m going to have a niece,” Thundercracker asserted, opening the can of energon juice he got from the vending machine.
Skywarp quickly argued back. “Nope! My nephew is definitely inside Starscream right now. I can feel it in my chassis.”
Thundercracker snorted at his conjunx. “Hmph. We’ll see about that.” He took a sip of his drink.
Their exasperated trine leader looked at them both with a deadpan expression. “Why don’t you two go make your own child instead,” Starscream suggested, his tone as dry as the desert, “and bet on that?”
A stunned silence fell.
“Wha–What?!” Thundercracker choked, nearly dropping his drink. “N-No! We haven’t–!”
Skywarp had already turned bright crimson. “Completely inappropriate suggestion, Star!” he uttered, waving his servos as if trying to erase the idea from the air of the waiting room. “We’re conjunxed, yeah, but–!!”
“It’s too soon for us!” they both blurted out at the same time.
Silence once more, followed by the unmistakable sound of suppressed laughter.
“You know,” Starscream started casually, “Your commander’s sparkling is going to need a trine-mate.”
Skywarp buried his faceplate in his servos, while Thundercracker looked away, mortified. Both of them wished the floor would open up and swallow them whole.
Megatron placed a servo on the small of Starscream’s back, guiding him toward the doctor’s room, leaving the two flustered seekers behind to stew in silence. “That was quite clever of you,” he murmured, genuine amusement in his optics.
Starscream simply beamed with a proud smile.
00000
The gentle cascade of notes from Soundwave’s console wrapped around Starscream like a warm blanket. He felt tired and swollen, like a vessel filled brim and could burst at any moment, but the music found its way past the discomfort, promising peace and serenity that resonated deep in his spark. In the soft light of the quiet quarters, the music provided a welcome respite, a moment of calm from the underlying thrum of anxiety.
From the sanctuary of his berth, Starscream opened his optics and looked across the room at the ever-so-reliable communications officer. “Your music is truly godsend, Soundwave.”
“Always happy to please, Star,” Soundwave said, cheerful as always.
“And thank you for keeping me company.”
“Consider me on duty until boss-dude returns. Need a refill on that low-grade, by the way? Or perhaps a massage?”
“Hmm… Maybe later. I’m just glad to have you here.” Starscream stroked his forge affectionately, feeling the gentle pulse of his child’s EM field. “I feel extra tired lately…and heavy… So, so heavy.”
“You still look great, though.”
“Of course I do,” Starscream said smugly.
There was an obvious grin behind Soundwave’s visor and mask. “Hey… Think the little one’s coming out this deca-cycle?” he asked, keeping his voice casual.
“I hope so, because I’m looking forward to not being swollen and aching all the time.”
Soundwave chuckled. “Truly a test of patience, huh?”
“The waiting can be exhausting.”
“Hear that little one? Your carrier’s ready to clock in.”
Starscream paused, his expression turning thoughtful. “It almost feels surreal… The sparkling’s coming soon,” he murmured, more to himself than to Soundwave. He was excited for the sparkling, of course, but he was also nervous. He was going to be a parent, and the weight of that reality settled heavily in his chest-plate.
Ever observant and astute, Soundwave paused the current track and moved closer to where Starscream rested, kneeling beside him. “Looks like serious contemplation is happening.”
Starscream clenched at the sheet. “I just hope I’m ready for how real it’s about to get.”
“Hey,” Soundwave said, his voice soft but firm, as he placed a servo on Starscream’s shoulder. “You’ve got this, Star. You’re strong, you’re intelligent and very capable. You never back down from a challenge. That sparkling is very lucky to have you as their carrier. Besides, boss-dude’s going to be with you every step of the way. And hey, I’ll be here with energon, music and a shoulder to cry on whenever you need it.”
Starscream gave him a sincere smile, grateful for the kindness and wisdom. Though the fear was still present, he already felt a growing sense of calm. “Thank you, Soundwave. Coming from you, it means a lot.”
“Anytime,” Soundwave stated, happy and proud. “Now let’s get you some oil and rust sticks. Gotta keep the little one happy, right?”
“And some more of your music please?”
“Gladly!”
00000
The meeting was taking forever.
Seated at the head of the metal table, Megatron remained composed, shoulders squared and servos linked with unquestionable calm. His optics followed the ebb and flow of conversation, tracking holographic presentations of figures and data, and absorbing the endless political platitudes offered by the foreign dignitaries. To all who were there, he was truly focused.
And yet a part of him stayed elsewhere.
With Starscream.
He could almost feel the passing of time in his spark with agonizing clarity. Emergence was imminent. Hook, the doctor in charge, had said so. The seeker had dismissed his own contractions this morning as ‘false alarm’, and Megatron had conceded only because his mate had promised to monitor his systems and contact him if the contractions were progressing.
A dignitary continued speaking, voice droning on about ‘mutual benefit’, oblivious to his worries.
Megatron nodded at appropriate intervals and responded when addressed, his tone steady and authoritative. Still, each pause in conversation felt longer than it should have, and every silence left space for anxiety to simmer. He had faced wars, the collapse of worlds and planets, even deceptions and betrayals, and yet this waiting was worse than any battlefield. It was a variable he could not control.
Was Starscream in pain?
Were the contractions progressing?
Was he calling out for him?
Soundwave was there, standing silently by Megatron’s flank. If there was news or any changes, he would deliver it immediately. Until then, Megatron had to remain there, even though his attention was fracturing with every passing moment as the talks droned on.
Just then, Soundwave’s optics flickered. A private transmission scrolled through his HUD, and for the first time since the meeting began, his stillness broke. He leaned toward Megatron, voice barely above a whisper. “Sorry to interrupt, boss-dude, but the emergence had begun. Star’s already en route to the hospital with Jetfire as transport.”
This was it.
In one smooth motion Megatron rose to his full height, the chair scraping enough to silence the chamber. Every set of optics turned toward him in question.
“My apologies, I am needed elsewhere,” Megatron declared, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Soundwave here will conclude negotiations in my stead. Any objections will be addressed at a later time.”
“Leave it to me, boss,” Soundwave assured with a slight bow.
One dignitary stood up to speak. “But Lord Megatron, we still have much to—”
Soundwave immediately cut in, his tone firm and final. “Just as he said, negotiations will continue under my supervision.”
Megatron did not look back as he marched to the balcony attached to the room. Without a second to waste, he transformed into his flight mode and flew off, leaving a dozen bewildered diplomats staring after him. He moved through the sky with speed and purpose that made even the battle hardened seekers on patrol scramble out of his way.
Before long, he arrived at the hospital. He moved through the white corridors with a single-minded purpose, ignoring the startled looks of staff until he reached the door to the delivery room.
Jetfire loomed a short distance away, his arms crossed tight. Thundercracker stood near by the door, his posture tense but controlled, while Skywarp paced in short, restless burst.
They all turned as Megatron approached.
“He’s inside,” Thundercracker said, gesturing toward the sealed doors, “waiting for you.”
Megatron inclined his helm, giving them his acknowledgment. “Thank you for bringing him here safely.”
Jetfire shrugged. “Just get inside already. You’ve got a child to welcome into this world.”
Megatron smiled before he turned his full attention to the doors. He took a brief moment to compose himself before finally stepping inside. The brightness of the room hit him instantly. The air hummed with activity—Hook and his medical team moving with practiced precision, layered with the steady, insistent beeping sounds of the monitors.
And then he saw him.
There on the medical berth lay his conjunx, his frame taut, wings drawn close, and faceplate etched with pain and a strength he’d always admired.
Their optics met, and in that instant, the tension that had wrapped tight around Megatron loosened. A wave of profound calm washed over him. The fear was still there, yes, but it was eclipsed by the eagerness to see his child. He was exactly where he needed to be.
He started walking toward Starscream, his servo reaching for his.
Starscream’s grip was immediate and fierce, his vents flaring as another contraction passed, but his blue gaze never left his lord’s, his determination persevering through the pain. “M-My lord…”
“I’m here,” Megatron said gently, voice firm with promise. “You’re not facing this alone.”
00000
After what seemed like hours, Megatron finally came out of the delivery room, his face a blend of exhaustion and incredible joy. “It’s a mech!” he announced with the biggest smile he had ever worn on his face. “A fine, healthy baby mech!”
Everyone cheered, the sound echoing briefly in the quiet wing of the hospital. The tension that had held the fliers captive for the duration of the labor finally dissipated.
“Congratulations are in order then,” Jetfire stated.
“We’re really happy for you and Star,” Thundercracker added.
“Speaking of, how is he?” Skywarp asked eagerly. “Is he all right? I hope no complications.”
“He’s fine. Tired, but fine,” Megatron replied, easing the Trine’s immediate concern. “He did so well. I’m so proud of him. And the sparkling… He’s wonderful, just absolutely wonderful.”
“Can we see them?”
“You’ll see them soon enough,” Megatron told him. “They’re just cleaning him up right now.”
Thundercracker clapped a supporting hand on Megatron’s shoulder. “Then you should head back in and be with your conjunx.”
“TC’s right,” Skywarp said with a cheeky grin. “We’ll just wait here for our turn to spoil our nephew rotten.”
Truth be known, Megatron almost expected Skywarp to boast about his win to Thundercracker. But the two new uncles were so happy about the sparkling that they didn’t even bring up the matter of the bet.
Megatron offered a grateful smile to the fliers before he pushed the doors open once more. Inside, Starsceam was lying back against the pillows, looking exhausted but still unbelievably radiant, as he held the small, swaddled precious bundle close to his chest plate. A nurse nearby was quietly gathering the last of the equipment.
“My lord,” Starscream called out to him, his voice barely above a whisper.
He crossed the room, drinking in the sight of his beautiful mate and sparkling, and took a seat beside the berth.
“He’s perfect,” Starscream beamed with pride and joy. The little sparkling was sleeping peacefully, small servos curved near his chin. He had a dark helm shaped like Megatron’s.
“He truly is,” Megatron agreed wholeheartedly. He reached out a digit, gently tracing the curve of the sparkling’s cheek. The little one stirred, making a small, soft sleepy noise.
“We made him.”
Megatron looked at his mate, their eyes locking in a silent exchange that spoke volumes about their journey and the love they shared for the tiny life currently slumbering between them.
After the nurse excused herself from the room, Starscream held the baby out to Megatron. “It’s your turn to hold him, my lord.”
“Me? Hold him?” Megatron hesitated, of course, given his size. What if he held him wrong? What if his servos applied too much pressure? “I don’t think I can. I might break him.”
“You’ll be fine,” Starscream assured him, his smile kind and gentle, his optics full of trust.
Megatron’s massive servos gently reached out, carefully accepting the tiny mech from his carrier. The little one was light and surprisingly warm, fitting snugly in his servos. A surge of protectiveness washed over him.
“See? You’re a natural.”
For a moment, Megatron just stared at the sparkling, whose tiny engine hummed with sleepy contentment. His plating held a soft ethereal sheen that seemed to glow with a silvery luminescence, reminiscent of a polished pearl under a full moon.
As the little bundle stirred, Megatron froze, every circuit tensing. Small, blue optics blinked online, briefly fuzzy and unfocused before settling on his sire’s silver face. The sparkling cooed a happy, gurgling sound, and a smile, as pure and luminous as the moon against a starlit sky, touched his tiny lips. The sparkling’s small servo had wrapped around his sire’s massive thumb, a delicate grip that tightened its hold on Megatron’s spark.
Megatron wasn’t just holding a sparkling; he was holding his son. This tiny, vulnerable life was now his responsibility, and he would do everything in his power to protect him. “Our precious little one…” he whispered. “He carries the gentle strength of the moon and the steadfast spark of the stars…”
Starscream leaned in, his features alight with warmth and fondness. “Lunarstar…” he whispered, the name rolling off his vocalizer so naturally.
“Lunarstar…” Megatron said it softly, testing it, feeling it, loving it. It was a name that suited their son perfectly. “Welcome to the world, Lunarstar.”
00000
“I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this sight.” Starscream came into the room, admiring the sight of his conjunx on berth, reading a datapad, with their tiny son curled against his massive frame. It was a moment too precious to disturb.
Orbital cycles had passed since Lunarstar’s arrival, and life for them had shifted in ways no one could ever imagined. By the time they got used to an infant’s sleep-wake-fuel cycles, their sparkling was already spending more time awake during the day, allowing them longer nights. The little bundle that used to rest easily in their arms became a crawling machine, able to move everywhere around the house.
Starscream walked over to the berth. “Busy day, my lord?”
“He was trying to get to my study for the fifth time,” Megatron informed him, his deep voice carrying a fatherly tone of exasperation. “I managed to distract him with some Energon treats. An hour of crawling in circles later, he was out cold.”
“Your study is the most interesting thing for him, apparently,” Starscream said with a chuckle as he looked at the sleeping mechling. He reached out a servo, gently running it over his small wings. “He was quite fascinated by the vector analysis and graphs you had displayed there on your board. We might have another mathematician in our midst.”
“A promising prospect,” Megatron agreed. “He certainly has an aptitude for observation. He can also become a scientist like his carrier.”
“Of course, if he wants to.” Starscream settled beside him, leaning against his partner’s formidable frame. “If he wants to be mathematician, a scientist, a diplomat or even…” He paused, a playful grin gracing his lips, “a DJ?”
Megatron chuckled at that. “Soundwave would be thrilled.”
“He’ll be over the moon.” A soft whir of contentment escaped Starscream’s vent as he leaned his helm fully onto Megatron’s shoulder. “No matter what path he chooses for himself in the future, we’ll support him.”
“Unconditionally,” Megatron affirmed.
“Hmm... He’s got your chin, though,” Starscream teased.
Megatron tilted his helm slightly, examining the delicate lines of his son’s tiny faceplate. “Does he now?”
“Definitely,” Starscream declared, gently cupping Megatron’s strong jawline, “and it suits him perfectly.”
“But he has your slender frame,” Megatron pointed out, a hint of mischief in his blue optics, as he leaned into the touch. “I suppose he’ll be as elegant as his carrier, won’t he?”
“And as handsome as his sire.” Starscream’s voice was soft but inviting, igniting something deep and warm within Megatron’s spark.
Megatron’s optics traced the curve of the seeker’s lips, tempted beyond measure. Everything outside of this moment seemed to fade away, leaving only them and their son in a bubble of perfection. No words were needed as Megatron bridged the last distance between them, capturing Starscream’s lips with his own. It was a gentle kiss, a tender exploration, filled with love and promises.
When they parted, they looked at each other and smiled. Their servos finding each other to hold and link, the two Decepticons leaders simply sat there in the comforts of their berth, watching their little one slumber peacefully.
They had fought for a better world, for a better future, so everyone can live in peace—so sparklings like Lunarstar can grow up in a place where they don’t have to fight just to exist.
A world where he could smile and choose his own destiny…
The war that once engulfed their planet was simply thing of the past now.
=== Omake ===
“TC.”
Thundercracker’s focus remained on the datapad. “Hm?”
“TC.”
Something in Skywarp’s tone suggested worry, so Thundercracker finally looked up. “What?”
“Um…”
Thundercracker followed Skywarp’s gaze to an empty crib.
A moment of awkward silence hung in the air as they became vividly aware of the situation. Lunarstar was gone.
Thundercracker dropped the datapad, the sound of it hitting the floor echoed through the room. “Where… Where is he?!”
“I-I swear he was right there,” Skywarp stammered.
“You were supposed to watch him!” Thundercracker exclaimed as he frantically scanned the immediate area.
“I only took my optics off him for a nanosecond!”
“Are you kidding me?! I knew it wasn’t a good idea to bring him here,” Thundercracker groaned, servos dragging down his face.
“But he just learned how to crawl!” Skywarp clapped back. “How is he that fast already?!”
Thundercracker let out a shrug. “I dunno! Maybe he inherited Starscream’s speed! We better find him quick or we’re scrapped!”
They went down on their knees, scanning under the tables and consoles, behind storage crates, anywhere a tiny mechling could wedge himself into. The hangar felt enormous and panic was rising hard, coming in cold.
“Check the ventilation! The tool benches! Check everywhere!” Thundercracker roared, tearing through the hangar.
Skywarp teleported in frantic bursts, checking all the vents. “Not here! Not there! He’s not anywhere!”
“I knew we shouldn’t have brought him out here!”
“Lunarstar? Little moonbeam? Where are you?” Skywarp called, voice cracking.
“Please come out, little one. Don’t make us tell your creators we lost you, okay?” Thundercracker coaxed.
“Starscream’s gonna slag us.” Skywarp sulked, his wings drooping low. “He may never let us babysit Lunarstar ever again!”
“Warp, I swear to the Allspark, if you don’t find him soon—”
A faint metallic clink sounded from high above. Both seekers froze, optics snapping upward. There, perched atop a precariously stacked mountain of supply crates, was Lunarstar. He was sitting calmly, knees tucked, his bright, innocent optics gazing down at the two frantic seekers. He was flying a white jet toy around, looking so happy and utterly content.
Skywarp simply stared, his mouth hanging slightly open. “How in the pit did he even get up there?”
“Clever little rascal, isn’t he?” Thundercracker commented, amused and somehow proud of the sparkling’s achievement.
Skywarp ex-vented. “Why is he this clever already? Ah, wait, that’s Starscream’s fault, isn’t it? Can’t even walk yet and already a natural explorer.”
The relief that had just started to claim their sparks, however, immediately turned back into terror, as Lunarstar decided to adjust his position to get a better view of his uncles below him. The crate the sparkling was on tilted visibly, causing the lower crate to slip about half an inch with an irritating screech of metal on metal.
“No, no, no, no, STOP! Don’t move!” Thundercracker pleaded, his servos flailing with desperately. “Warp, quick!”
Skywarp didn’t need to be told twice. In a blink of an eye, he disappeared and reappeared a nanosecond later beside Lunarstar. “Gotcha, you little squirt!” He scooped the giggling sparkling into his arms and teleported once more, reappearing on the floor and nearly stumbling.
Thundercracker let out a massive sigh of relief. “Don’t you ever do that again, you little rascal!”
Oblivious to their worries, Lunarstar simply cooed at him.
Skywarp let out an awkward laugh. “How about we take moonbeam here back inside and pretend this never happened?” he suggested.
“Agreed.”
~0~END~0~
♡ ♡ ♡ Baby Lunarstar ♡ ♡ ♡