Lookit, it's ficcage *gasp!*
Title: Shattered Glass: Serenade of Sympathy (1/1)
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Implied Violence, implied mental and physical abuse, some angst and fluff.
Pairings: Hinted Megatron x Starscream. Past kinda sorta Optronix (Optimus Prime) x Starscream.
Characters: Starscream, Megatron. Mention of Optimus Prime.
Summary: Consumed by guilt Starscream is determined to find a way to defeat Optimus Prime, no matter the cost. Megatron refuses to just sit and watch Starscream work himself to an early grave.
Notes: I had this terrible craving to write Megatron x Starscream fluff, and I finally gave in and let the bunnies feast on me. Also, because Fun Publications' writers are screwing me over, this should be considered somewhat AU now. Not too happy with this one, but then again when I am happy with these now days?
Not Beta'ed so, feel free to correct me.
He watched silently from the threshold of the lab doors. So engrossed Starscream was with his work, that he had failed to hear the sound of the doors as they opened. Megatron watched the primarily white flying mech hunched over a series of pads and a couple of vid screens, typing away, witting down, complex calculations and equations came and went, and the scientist never stopped.
Megatron tried to recall just how long past the supposed end of Starscream's shift was now. Frowning, the Decepticon leader strode into the room, his soft foot steps did not manage to disturb the working Starscream, a sure sign of just how engrossed he was with his work.
Megatron appreciated Starscream's efforts, he appreciated his dedication to their cause, and how hard he worked to help thwart Optimus Prime's scheme of domination over Cybertron, and eventually the universe at large.
What he did not appreciate was how easily Starscream threw his life away, working himself to exhaustation in attempts to rid the universe of Optimus Prime's threat. Sometimes Megatron felt Starscream considered everyone else was slacking off and took it upon himself to work harder for the success of their rebellion.
However, Megatron knew his troops were not slacking off, the Decepticon triplets, Smokescreen, Prowl and Bluestreak, worked diligently --granted, Smokescreen was far less enthusiastic about it than his brothers, but when it came down to it, fewer mechs could do reconnaissance as good as Smokescreen. Shockwave and Soundwave were also very dedicated in their efforts. No Decepticon took their rebellion lightly. Yet, Megatron knew his mechs needed some time off, what little rest and reprieves they could take in a civil war that was sending them straight into extinction. In a war where the next cycle could very well be their last, they deserved what little rest and enjoyment they could get.
Starscream didn't allow himself such luxuries, and Megatron knew why, at least in part. When Starscream was found at the brink of death in the remnants of Crystal City, he babbled incoherently, calling for everyone to find out two mechs, Thundercracker and Skywarp. When Shockwave relayed they had not found a single survivor other than Starscream, the jet's cry of anguish had managed to send a frightening cold coursing through Megatron's ember.
Starscream didn't speak much about that after his recovery, he made passing comments about the other mechs being his trine mates, vaguely implying closer ties between them. Siblings perhaps?
Starscream didn't like to speak about it because he hated to be reminded that at one point in his life he had been infatuated with Optronix. He admired his resolve, his bright mind, his skill and his determination, and even if he didn't embrace his preaching and ideals, he still believed him to be a mech worth of admiration, and perhaps of his affection. Thundercracker warned him once to stay away from him, perceiving perhaps things that Starscream could not see. Skywarp, who was usually very encouraging of Starscream's endeavors had remained uncharacteristically tight-lipped about his trine mate's infatuation.
Sometimes Starscream wondered if Skywarp had 'visions' of what was to come. He would avoid the subject all the time, never saying anything pro or against it, unlike the outspoken Thundercracker.
Starscream attended to many of Optronix's speeches, standing quietly on the background, and although he listened to every word and admired his critical mind and evident intelligence, Starscream couldn't find himself agreeing at all with him. In his view, science and technological development should be used for the well being of the population at large, to ease pain, to help make life a little easier, to bring great things, not to harm others.
Optronix did notice him at the public speeches, and it was hard not to. Starscream was a renowned scientist after all, and when Optronix became Optimus Prime he sought Starscream to join his Autobots. Outraged at the devastation Optimus Prime was inflicting, he refused him, claiming he'd sooner be deactivated than join him. For his defiance, Optimus Prime ordered the obliteration of Crystal City and all of its citizens, whether or not any of them wished to join the Autobots.
Starscream had been beaten within an inch of his life, and then, while still conscious, he was forced to watch as the city was decimated, taunted all through the process. Halfway into unconsciousness, he heard familiar cries, Thundercracker and Skywarp coming to his aid. He never got to see them coming, just Skywarp's voice calling for him to hang on, to not give up. Thundercracker's angry words cursing every Autobot present and even those who weren't and then he slipped into a silent darkness.
The next time he woke up, strangers were tending to his injuries, guarded by a couple of mechs heavily armored, just like the Autobots, ready to take down anyone who threatened the mechs tending to him. Unlike the Autobots, they wore a red emblem and their whole demeanor was completely the opposite.
Through the haze enshrouding his processors he asked for his trine mates, reluctantly one of the mechs lacking a face and with only one optic admitted Starscream was the only survivor they found. He didn't hear himself wail and scream in anguish, but he could tell by their reactions his scream had to be frightening and sorrowful.
Maybe if he had listened to Thundercracker... Maybe there had been something he could have done different so his trine mates and his beloved city would've survived. Maybe it was his fault. Maybe...
He met the mech leading the group that had saved his life, and even through his anguish he saw in this imposing mech, big and strong, and with a mind as sharp and brilliant as Prime's; he saw in his blue optics the calm and gentleness this mech possessed. Megatron had been like a ray of light thrown in his hopeless darkness. He had the means to put up the fight, he had the determination, he had the vision and the courage to stand up against the tyrannous Prime.
Starscream was inspired by Megatron, a mathematician that knew eventually this would happen, and had his warnings been heeded, maybe things would have been much different. Still, Megatron did not dwell in the 'what ifs' and the 'maybe', he knew action was required and he was willing to take the fight, creating the technology that allowed him and his troops to transform their bodies into something else. Starscream offered whatever he could give to the cause and became a warrior like everyone else.
But, even now he couldn't find himself capable of leaving behind all those 'what ifs' that plagued his processors. He worked endlessly, trying as hard as he could to come up with something, anything, that'd tip the balance towards their side. He owed Thundercracker and Skywarp that much, and he would stop at nothing.
"Trying to work yourself to stasis again, I see." Megatron's voice caught Starscream by surprise, prompting him to jump and let out a little squeak.
"I'm sorry, I did not mean to startle you." Megatron smiled, but even his smile carried a little amusement.
"It's all right." Starscream looked back to his data pads, choosing to ignore Megatron's previous comment.
"Starscream."
"Yes?" Starscream's shoulders slumped, in the short time he had known his now leader, he learned Megatron was tenacious and once he bit into an issue he didn't let go until he was satisfied with the outcome.
"You don't need to do this, you know?" Megatron's black hand came to rest on Starscream's shoulder, squeezing it gently.
"I do." the white, red and black mech shook his head but didn't look back at the taller mech. "It's all I have left, Megatron."
Megatron's optics narrowed a little. "It's not." He forced Starscream to turn around gently, resting both hands on his shoulders to steer him. "I don't know exactly what they meant for you, but to live like this would be a waste of their efforts. You have to stop existing and start living, you survived for a reason, Starscream, don't let it go to waste."
"I'm not letting it go to waste. I work hard for this!" Starscream raised his voice, looking away as he tried to collect his thoughts and rein in his emotions. Why did he survive when his trine mates did not? Why?
"And so does everyone else, Starscream." Megatron frowned and brought a hand to the side of Starscream's helm forcing him gently to look back at him. "Everyone here has lost something thanks to Optimus Prime, their home, friends, family, a previous life that is now gone. But they keep going and they keep on living, to merely exist fueled by remorse or a wish for revenge will lead to no where in the end."
Starscream powered down his optics and sighed heavily. "What else can I do?" He asked in defeat.
Megatron smiled again. "How about start getting some rest so when you are required out there in the battle field you'll be at full capacity?"
"I..." Starscream's optics flickered as if he were blinking. "Well, yes, that makes sense."
Megatron couldn't help it and laughed. "I'd say," he stroked Starscream's helm gently and released him. "We might be in a war, but doesn't mean you shouldn't try to live a little. Otherwise you'll go with even more regrets."
Starscream mulled over the words the other mech had just spoken, coming to terms with the fact Megatron was right. He couldn't help but think about just how powerful Megatron was in ways so similar and yet so different from Optimus Prime, and the differences only made Megatron the more admirable for Starscream.
"Let's get you some energon and then off to that berth with you."
Starscream nodded and turned around just enough to save his progress and turn off his terminal. He hadn't realized just how tired he was and he needed to refuel and get some actual rest if he wanted to be as his best to continue his investigation.
Both mechs left the lab and headed towards the nearest common room to refuel, walking in a companionable silence.
"Megatron?"
"Mm?"
"Do you think we'll win this?" Starscream asked and looked up at his leader, reading his expression as the other pondered the question.
"Well, Starscream, you know I used to be a lecturer at the Academy in Polyhex, right?" Starscream nodded.
"I'd much rather be doing that now and I am as stubborn as they come, so we'll win this, no matter what." Megatron paused and rested his hand on Starscream's shoulder again, giving him a playful smile. "I want to go back to teaching and lecturing, and Prime's slagged if he thinks he's gonna take that away from me forever."
Starscream smiled a little, bringing a hand up to the shoulder where Megatron's hand was still resting. White fingers brushed lightly against black before Starscream's hand enclosed over Megatron's. "Perhaps some day I can go back to using my knowledge for peaceful purposes again."
"We'll fight for that, Starscream." Megatron's knuckles brushed a little against the white palm laying over his hand. "Peace will come for all Cybertronians."
-----------------
Notes x 2: Yes, that is Megatron's profile quote, like Prime's 'right of all sentient beings' thing. Also, Thundercracker and Skywarp were taken prisoners by the Autobots and eventually Starscream will find out and Megatron will authorize a rescue attempt. Whether it succeeded or failed or if they survived or not I am leaving it to interpretation.
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Implied Violence, implied mental and physical abuse, some angst and fluff.
Pairings: Hinted Megatron x Starscream. Past kinda sorta Optronix (Optimus Prime) x Starscream.
Characters: Starscream, Megatron. Mention of Optimus Prime.
Summary: Consumed by guilt Starscream is determined to find a way to defeat Optimus Prime, no matter the cost. Megatron refuses to just sit and watch Starscream work himself to an early grave.
Notes: I had this terrible craving to write Megatron x Starscream fluff, and I finally gave in and let the bunnies feast on me. Also, because Fun Publications' writers are screwing me over, this should be considered somewhat AU now. Not too happy with this one, but then again when I am happy with these now days?
Not Beta'ed so, feel free to correct me.
He watched silently from the threshold of the lab doors. So engrossed Starscream was with his work, that he had failed to hear the sound of the doors as they opened. Megatron watched the primarily white flying mech hunched over a series of pads and a couple of vid screens, typing away, witting down, complex calculations and equations came and went, and the scientist never stopped.
Megatron tried to recall just how long past the supposed end of Starscream's shift was now. Frowning, the Decepticon leader strode into the room, his soft foot steps did not manage to disturb the working Starscream, a sure sign of just how engrossed he was with his work.
Megatron appreciated Starscream's efforts, he appreciated his dedication to their cause, and how hard he worked to help thwart Optimus Prime's scheme of domination over Cybertron, and eventually the universe at large.
What he did not appreciate was how easily Starscream threw his life away, working himself to exhaustation in attempts to rid the universe of Optimus Prime's threat. Sometimes Megatron felt Starscream considered everyone else was slacking off and took it upon himself to work harder for the success of their rebellion.
However, Megatron knew his troops were not slacking off, the Decepticon triplets, Smokescreen, Prowl and Bluestreak, worked diligently --granted, Smokescreen was far less enthusiastic about it than his brothers, but when it came down to it, fewer mechs could do reconnaissance as good as Smokescreen. Shockwave and Soundwave were also very dedicated in their efforts. No Decepticon took their rebellion lightly. Yet, Megatron knew his mechs needed some time off, what little rest and reprieves they could take in a civil war that was sending them straight into extinction. In a war where the next cycle could very well be their last, they deserved what little rest and enjoyment they could get.
Starscream didn't allow himself such luxuries, and Megatron knew why, at least in part. When Starscream was found at the brink of death in the remnants of Crystal City, he babbled incoherently, calling for everyone to find out two mechs, Thundercracker and Skywarp. When Shockwave relayed they had not found a single survivor other than Starscream, the jet's cry of anguish had managed to send a frightening cold coursing through Megatron's ember.
Starscream didn't speak much about that after his recovery, he made passing comments about the other mechs being his trine mates, vaguely implying closer ties between them. Siblings perhaps?
Starscream didn't like to speak about it because he hated to be reminded that at one point in his life he had been infatuated with Optronix. He admired his resolve, his bright mind, his skill and his determination, and even if he didn't embrace his preaching and ideals, he still believed him to be a mech worth of admiration, and perhaps of his affection. Thundercracker warned him once to stay away from him, perceiving perhaps things that Starscream could not see. Skywarp, who was usually very encouraging of Starscream's endeavors had remained uncharacteristically tight-lipped about his trine mate's infatuation.
Sometimes Starscream wondered if Skywarp had 'visions' of what was to come. He would avoid the subject all the time, never saying anything pro or against it, unlike the outspoken Thundercracker.
Starscream attended to many of Optronix's speeches, standing quietly on the background, and although he listened to every word and admired his critical mind and evident intelligence, Starscream couldn't find himself agreeing at all with him. In his view, science and technological development should be used for the well being of the population at large, to ease pain, to help make life a little easier, to bring great things, not to harm others.
Optronix did notice him at the public speeches, and it was hard not to. Starscream was a renowned scientist after all, and when Optronix became Optimus Prime he sought Starscream to join his Autobots. Outraged at the devastation Optimus Prime was inflicting, he refused him, claiming he'd sooner be deactivated than join him. For his defiance, Optimus Prime ordered the obliteration of Crystal City and all of its citizens, whether or not any of them wished to join the Autobots.
Starscream had been beaten within an inch of his life, and then, while still conscious, he was forced to watch as the city was decimated, taunted all through the process. Halfway into unconsciousness, he heard familiar cries, Thundercracker and Skywarp coming to his aid. He never got to see them coming, just Skywarp's voice calling for him to hang on, to not give up. Thundercracker's angry words cursing every Autobot present and even those who weren't and then he slipped into a silent darkness.
The next time he woke up, strangers were tending to his injuries, guarded by a couple of mechs heavily armored, just like the Autobots, ready to take down anyone who threatened the mechs tending to him. Unlike the Autobots, they wore a red emblem and their whole demeanor was completely the opposite.
Through the haze enshrouding his processors he asked for his trine mates, reluctantly one of the mechs lacking a face and with only one optic admitted Starscream was the only survivor they found. He didn't hear himself wail and scream in anguish, but he could tell by their reactions his scream had to be frightening and sorrowful.
Maybe if he had listened to Thundercracker... Maybe there had been something he could have done different so his trine mates and his beloved city would've survived. Maybe it was his fault. Maybe...
He met the mech leading the group that had saved his life, and even through his anguish he saw in this imposing mech, big and strong, and with a mind as sharp and brilliant as Prime's; he saw in his blue optics the calm and gentleness this mech possessed. Megatron had been like a ray of light thrown in his hopeless darkness. He had the means to put up the fight, he had the determination, he had the vision and the courage to stand up against the tyrannous Prime.
Starscream was inspired by Megatron, a mathematician that knew eventually this would happen, and had his warnings been heeded, maybe things would have been much different. Still, Megatron did not dwell in the 'what ifs' and the 'maybe', he knew action was required and he was willing to take the fight, creating the technology that allowed him and his troops to transform their bodies into something else. Starscream offered whatever he could give to the cause and became a warrior like everyone else.
But, even now he couldn't find himself capable of leaving behind all those 'what ifs' that plagued his processors. He worked endlessly, trying as hard as he could to come up with something, anything, that'd tip the balance towards their side. He owed Thundercracker and Skywarp that much, and he would stop at nothing.
"Trying to work yourself to stasis again, I see." Megatron's voice caught Starscream by surprise, prompting him to jump and let out a little squeak.
"I'm sorry, I did not mean to startle you." Megatron smiled, but even his smile carried a little amusement.
"It's all right." Starscream looked back to his data pads, choosing to ignore Megatron's previous comment.
"Starscream."
"Yes?" Starscream's shoulders slumped, in the short time he had known his now leader, he learned Megatron was tenacious and once he bit into an issue he didn't let go until he was satisfied with the outcome.
"You don't need to do this, you know?" Megatron's black hand came to rest on Starscream's shoulder, squeezing it gently.
"I do." the white, red and black mech shook his head but didn't look back at the taller mech. "It's all I have left, Megatron."
Megatron's optics narrowed a little. "It's not." He forced Starscream to turn around gently, resting both hands on his shoulders to steer him. "I don't know exactly what they meant for you, but to live like this would be a waste of their efforts. You have to stop existing and start living, you survived for a reason, Starscream, don't let it go to waste."
"I'm not letting it go to waste. I work hard for this!" Starscream raised his voice, looking away as he tried to collect his thoughts and rein in his emotions. Why did he survive when his trine mates did not? Why?
"And so does everyone else, Starscream." Megatron frowned and brought a hand to the side of Starscream's helm forcing him gently to look back at him. "Everyone here has lost something thanks to Optimus Prime, their home, friends, family, a previous life that is now gone. But they keep going and they keep on living, to merely exist fueled by remorse or a wish for revenge will lead to no where in the end."
Starscream powered down his optics and sighed heavily. "What else can I do?" He asked in defeat.
Megatron smiled again. "How about start getting some rest so when you are required out there in the battle field you'll be at full capacity?"
"I..." Starscream's optics flickered as if he were blinking. "Well, yes, that makes sense."
Megatron couldn't help it and laughed. "I'd say," he stroked Starscream's helm gently and released him. "We might be in a war, but doesn't mean you shouldn't try to live a little. Otherwise you'll go with even more regrets."
Starscream mulled over the words the other mech had just spoken, coming to terms with the fact Megatron was right. He couldn't help but think about just how powerful Megatron was in ways so similar and yet so different from Optimus Prime, and the differences only made Megatron the more admirable for Starscream.
"Let's get you some energon and then off to that berth with you."
Starscream nodded and turned around just enough to save his progress and turn off his terminal. He hadn't realized just how tired he was and he needed to refuel and get some actual rest if he wanted to be as his best to continue his investigation.
Both mechs left the lab and headed towards the nearest common room to refuel, walking in a companionable silence.
"Megatron?"
"Mm?"
"Do you think we'll win this?" Starscream asked and looked up at his leader, reading his expression as the other pondered the question.
"Well, Starscream, you know I used to be a lecturer at the Academy in Polyhex, right?" Starscream nodded.
"I'd much rather be doing that now and I am as stubborn as they come, so we'll win this, no matter what." Megatron paused and rested his hand on Starscream's shoulder again, giving him a playful smile. "I want to go back to teaching and lecturing, and Prime's slagged if he thinks he's gonna take that away from me forever."
Starscream smiled a little, bringing a hand up to the shoulder where Megatron's hand was still resting. White fingers brushed lightly against black before Starscream's hand enclosed over Megatron's. "Perhaps some day I can go back to using my knowledge for peaceful purposes again."
"We'll fight for that, Starscream." Megatron's knuckles brushed a little against the white palm laying over his hand. "Peace will come for all Cybertronians."
-----------------
Notes x 2: Yes, that is Megatron's profile quote, like Prime's 'right of all sentient beings' thing. Also, Thundercracker and Skywarp were taken prisoners by the Autobots and eventually Starscream will find out and Megatron will authorize a rescue attempt. Whether it succeeded or failed or if they survived or not I am leaving it to interpretation.