Chapter Text
Starscream woke up in the med bay with a flashlight blinding his optics. Ratchet was looking him over. Warlock was standing to the side worried about Starscream and Moonlight to his left. “Is Starscream going to be ok, Ratchet?” Moonlight asks,
“His vitals are fine, he is just low on energon and tired.” Ratchet said, backing off slightly. Starscream groaned as he woke up and sat up slowly. Ratchet supported him as he leaned forward. “Starscream…are you feeling alright?” Ratchet asked as Starscream sat fully up.
“Just very tired. I flew for a long time to make sure I wasn't followed. I just need some rest.” Starscream said, sounding very tired.
“What happened after? I woke up, and you and Knock Out were gone.” Warlock said,
“Knock Out?! Why were you talking to Knock Out?! He’s a Decepticon!” Ratchet said in shock,
“Look I’ll explain let…Starscream rest, clearly he’s too tired to report what happened.” Warlock pleaded, Starscream was struggling to keep his optics open. Ratchet sighed and waved them off demanding a full report from Warlock by tomorrow. Warlock turned back to the tired seeker and picked him up bridal style and carried him back to their ship.
Skywarp and Thundercracker rushed over asking what happened, Warlock explained most of the situation with Moonlight, Breakdown’s ghost, and Knock Out well…knocking them out. Starscream was fast asleep as Warlock brought him to their room. He placed him down on their berth as Starscream moaned softly as he touched down. Warlock smiled, it was very cute to see such a sleepy seeker all nestled in their berth. Warlock climbed into the berth and immediately before Warlock could get comfortable even asleep Starscream could sense when cuddles were upon him. He grabs Warlock and pulls himself close to the scientist and instinctually nuzzles against him.
Warlock chuckled as Starscream’s head was buried into his neck, hoping to avoid the helm spike from poking into his optics. Warlock pulled Starscream close to him as Starscream wrapped his long slender arms around Warlock under his wings and around his torso. Warlock did the same just gently stroking the jet turbine adorned to his back. Starscream moaned slightly as he nuzzled more. Warlock lifted his head and noticed 3 sets of optics staring back at him. “Uh…can I help you guys?” Warlock was confused why Moonlight, Thundercracker and Skywarp were all staring at the two seekers. Each one had a mischievous look in their optics as they all pounced and climbed into Warlock’s oversized berth.
Skywarp wrapped himself around Starscream’s back, Thundercracker wrapped himself around Warlock and little Moonlight wiggled her way in between Starscream and her sire. A big seeker snuggle pile was formed and everyone laughed. Starscream began to come as he heard the laughter and yawned, “Wha?” Was all he managed to get out as Skywarp hugged his brother tighter. Moonlight’s little face near his, “Morning, Starscream!” She said happily, hugging him too.
“What is everyone doing here?” Starscream asked, noticing Thundercracker’s head poke out from behind Warlock. “Seeker cuddle pile!” The three said, causing Warlock and Starscream to laugh at their antics.
“It is customary in Vos for trines and squads to spend a decent amount of time together to strengthen their bonds…So cuddles are culturally necessary.” Thundercracker explained raising a digit into the air to emphasize his point.
“And we have centuries of bonding time to make up for.” Skywarp added wrapping his arms around Starscream’s tiny waist. Thundercracker rested his head in the crock of Warlock’s neck and shoulder.
“Plus cuddles are nice when people don’t feel good.” Moonlight added as the adults laughed.
“She is correct, cuddles do make people, especially seekers feel better.” Warlock chimed in and kissed the top of his daughter's helm.
Skywarp began to massage Starscream's wings, Starscream hummed approvingly. Thundercracker did the same with Warlock’s wings as the two hummed happily. Moonlight took the time to hold onto one of Starscream’s long digits and one of her sire’s large digits and just began talking about her day and how Smokescreen and her played some games with the humans.
Skywarp and Starscream would switch places and Starscream broke Moonlight’s hold on him but they altered positions and the two were sitting up. Moonlight then climbed into Skywarp’s lap and continued. Skywarp then looked down at Moonlight and gently began to massage her little wings too. He avoided the spider-like appendages but gently massaged the sparkling's wings as she hummed happily.
Thundercracker was still working on Warlock’s wings because they were slightly larger than the trines’ wings. Once done the two followed Starscream and Skywarp’s lead and swapped places. Thundercracker moaned appreciatively at Warlock’s massaging of his wings. The seekers were enjoying pampering each other. Moonlight got up from Skywarp’s lap and went over and hung onto her sire’s back while he massaged Thundercracker. “Oof. Moonlight!” Warlock said in surprise and Moonlight giggled hanging onto her sire. The other trine giggled at the affectionate gesture.
This was a spark-warming moment. Starscream just relieved some rather uncomfortable memories when Megatron invaded his mind, but this more than makes up for it. Megatron was wrong, he wasn’t worthless, he had people who cherished him and wanted him around. Skywarp moved over and plopped himself into Thundercracker’s lap and laughed at the disapproval on his brother’s face. Starscream just looked over at the big cluster of seekers with a warm smile. His trine, his lover and their child, his new family in a sense. People he would fight to his dying breath for, well somewhat dying breath for.
Starscream joins the seeker cluster by lifting Moonlight and getting on Warlock’s back and placing the sparkling on his shoulders. Anyone seeing this would be confused as hell but to the seekers, this was an important way to bond and be close.
This to Starscream was worth more than anything. He had people who loved him…he had people who cherished him, he had his family back… this was worth more than anything.
They all flopped back onto the berth with laughter. Starscream climbed over Warlock to nestle into his arms. Skywarp and Thundercracker took the cue and looked at one another. “Hey Moonlight, want to watch that Earth movie about the singing mermaid?” Thundercracker asked, Moonlight popped up behind her sire and gasped, “The one with the talking crab and fishies?!”
“Yup! I got a copy we can watch on the bridge. Skywarp, want to grab some cubes for us?” Thundercracker asked, turning to his brother who nodded as the trio left the room.
“Seems Skywarp isn’t the only good wingman.” Warlock jokes, kissing Starscream’s helm. Starscream yawned, “My brothers are very observant.”
Starscream’s wings press against his back so Warlock can fully cuddle him. He gently strokes the top of his wings and winglets as the seeker hums approvingly. “I love you, Warlock.” he mumbled nuzzling into Warlock’s neck.
“I love you too, Starscream.” Warlock said back,
“I’m glad my brothers’ were able to take Moonlight and give us some time together.” Starscream’s optics were feeling heavy as he was ready to recharge. “Especially in the future when we can have more…”
“Have more what? Starscream?” Warlock asked but Starscream fell asleep and left Warlock confused by what he meant.