[G1 AU] Sparkpulse (part 6)

[nkfloofiepoof]

Title: Sparkpulse (co-written with okami_hu)
Arc: Sparklight
Rating: PG
Characters: Optimus Prime, Starscream
Summary: How might things have gone had it been Optimus who took Starscream under his wing before the war instead of Megatron?


Starscream dodged around students in the crowded halls of the Academy as he ran through the long corridors on his way back to his quarters, elated with the success of his project. With the scientist Wheeljack's help, he had easily figured out the problems with his weapon concept and was able to finish it much faster than he would have working alone, and Wheeljack also named it for him. It worked perfectly, and even Ironhide had to admit Starscream's null ray was brilliant. The Seeker was ecstatic and could not contain it despite his normally stand-offish and private personality.

His enthusiasm came at a price for a few of the unfortunate students he was passing though. He finally had to pause long enough to adjust his wings so they stuck out behind his back instead of to the sides because he kept slamming them into those he tried to squeeze past. After doing so, the Seeker happily continued on his way.

Optimus was heading perfectly unsuspecting toward his own quarters for a datapad he forgot in the rush in the morning. Things seemed to calm down around the Academy. First of all, Starscream finally had his fair share of attention. The null-ray worked out perfectly, and Wheeljack's presence did a lot of good to the Seeker's self-confidence. They both loved to tinker with small things, and they immediately tuned on the same wavelength. Wheeljack was a wonderful mech, enthusiastic, brilliant, and as kind as one gets. He never let himself be bothered by Starscream's usual manners - it peeled off of him like old paint. Optimus was happy that they became friends or, at least, partners. Maybe the young Seeker would find somebody... suited for him finally.

Well, alright. Prime couldn't help but feel some regret... Starscream really managed to find a way to his spark, but it was not done. Optimus was his teacher, and the leader of the planet. For a while after that... accident after Starscream showed him the half-done weapon and finally ended up working out the tension in the leader's shoulders, Optimus had some problems keeping himself in check, especially after the Seeker became a little more friendly. Not that he did anything drastic - but the small gestures, touches, smiles were nearly too much. After Wheeljack came into the picture, those little affectionate things ceased somewhat, and Prime felt thankful for that.

With a small sigh, Optimus turned on the corridor where the paths of the students and teachers usually crossed- and nearly halted. He should have expected the Seeker to turn up.

Starscream dug his turbine into the floor when he caught sight of a familiar combination of red and blue and skidded to a halt just a little past the Matrix bearer. He had not seen him for several orns and was eager to share the tale of his success.

"Prime!" the Seeker addressed as he spun to face him, his dark face lit up by how excited he was. It was rare that he was so happy about anything - he usually contained his emotions so much better barely a ghost of a smile passed over his face, but he could not hold it in now. "Ironhide approved it!"

"I know," Optimus smiled though it was only visible in his optics. "The news travels fast, and the whole staffroom was talking about it. Congratulations, Starscream. You really accomplished something."

The Seeker's wings tried to hike up as they usually did when he was pleased with something, but they could not from their current position and made a tiny whine in their attempt. Starscream reached out to take Optimus' hand in both of his smaller ones. "Thank you for prompting me to go to Wheeljack," he said, slowly forcing himself to calm down at least a little. "I don't know if I could have figured out what was wrong with it before graduation without him."

"That was the least I could do," Prime nodded and tried not to shudder from the conflicting feelings inside. "I'm glad that you're glad, Starscream. Just make sure you properly thank Wheeljack." Now, he was actually happy his face was hidden. "And prepare for the upcoming days. They'll want to know the details about the weapon, and as a new invention, you might have to check up with other specialists."

"Oh, I already thanked him - we celebrated last night," Starscream was not ashamed to admit. "I have to admit my processor's still pounding...I still can't hold my high-grade." This he said with a little embarrassment though the next statement placated him a little. "Though neither can he, it turns out." The Seeker shook his head and turned his gaze back up to Prime, his fingers tracing circles over the larger palm he still held. "I'm prepared for that - in fact, I was wondering if you would have time later to come give me your opinion on something else I started working on." While he could just ask Wheeljack, he knew he had been spending a little too much time with the other scientist lately and still valued Optimus' opinion highly. His infatuation had not dissipated at all, instead growing with the success of his weapon, and now that it was finished, he wanted to pursue his friendship with the Matrix bearer further.

"Oh. It sounds as if you had a wonderful time together." Optimus was baffled by his own reaction - for a fleeting nanosecond, he wanted to grab those red shoulders, pull the other close and demand to know what exactly they did last night. Lately, his mind was playing tricks on him - conjuring up images, forging false sensory input while he was recharging. He saw the slender Seeker in the throes of passion, writhing in sweet agony, or on his knees, pleading to him sweetly. Those were embarrassing images indeed though they seemed to tame Prime's longing. Starscream was a friend, and he obviously wanted nothing more. And Cybertron's leader would NOT force his desire upon any of his people.

"Sure, if I can help you any way, I'd gladly come over," he replied to the question. "We haven't had the chance to talk for a while." Yes, talking was nice. Optimus managed to strike a deal with the Seeker, sort of - he convinced him that if he had a problem with a teacher's methods, he should first rant about it to Prime. It helped the leader to see how Starscream's mind worked, and sometimes, he was actually right. Then, Optimus' diplomatic skills and gentle manners ensured that the teacher got to know about the problem and thought about correcting it.

In fact, Prime was thinking about utilizing Starscream's keen observation skills in the future... but that could wait.

Starscream's wings made another tiny whine of protest when they tried to lift again, pleased at Optimus' acceptance. "I'm free for two orns, so whenever you want to come by is fine with me," he stated. His quarters were actually in decent shape this time and fit for company. He had spent the better part of the time he awaited Ironhide's approval cleaning in a neurotic frenzy as an attempt to keep himself occupied.

"Alright. Maybe tomorrow then? I have a few classes in the morning, but after that, I'm free as well. An hour after midday?" There was no way to make Prime schedule this meeting in the evening. Absolutely none. No matter how lovely Starscream looked, so worked up and happy and smiling brightly.

Starscream nodded and gave Optimus' larger hand a squeeze before he finally relinquished his hold on it though he let his fingers linger a little as he did, the tips almost casually tracing over Prime's palm and down his own fingers before the Seeker finally let go. "I'll be waiting - thank you for everything."

***

The back end of the student housing wing was quiet unlike the first meeting. Starscream was putting the finishing touches on tidying his quarters, having had the time and opportunity earlier to do all of the necessary cleaning to make it presentable. While his invention was being reviewed by Ironhide, he had nearly gone mad with boredom and anticipation and had rendered his quarters spotless three times over in an attempt to keep himself occupied.

Now though, the Seeker just needed to kill a little more time until Optimus Prime came knocking again. He set his next invention on his small table and frowned at the small room for a moment, sensing something was missing. He stepped over to his desk and pushed aside a pile of data pads to uncover something he had buried a long time ago when it was still too painful to look at. Now, he decided it was time to bring it back out so the ghost of his friend could look upon him and his success.

Skyfire would be proud of him. Starscream knew that, and that knowledge made it much easier to take the old sketch of the two friends and place it on the wall just by his table. It was old, but it was the only picture he had of both of them. Skyfire stood proud with one massive fist on his hip, beaming like a sparkling, and Starscream sat in the palm of the enormous mech's other hand, his legs and arms crossed and his dark face turned down in an annoyed scowl as if he believed the whole situation to be a waste of time - which he had. Starscream remembered being impatient to return to his project, but Skyfire had insisted on getting the picture made just in case they ever parted ways. The irony was nearly painful.

The Seeker took a moment to look at the picture, remembering his departed friend fondly, before he shook his head and sat down to await the Matrix bearer's arrival.

Optimus managed to distract himself enough with his early classes, and by the time he targeted Starscream's room, he was perfectly calm. If the Seeker wanted to get involved with Wheeljack, fine. He was in absolutely no position to lay claims on him; he was a dear friend, but he obviously didn't want to be more, and Prime was not about to let his own lust get in the way. He could reign it, he always managed. He was not a pink-opticed youngling anymore who stammered when Elita smiled at him or couldn't keep his revving engine down when Megatron pulled closer and placed a hand on his front grill. Those times had passed.

Concentrating on finding the right corridor and wondering about what kind of invention Starscream would surprise him with this time, he reached the right door and knocked. They would talk like good friends, discuss things, then go on with their lives. It was easy.

Starscream answered the door quickly and gave Optimus one of his small smiles as he greeted him. "Thank you for coming, sir," he said before stepping aside so the larger mech could enter. Once Optimus was inside, Starscream closed the door behind him and turned to face him.

Prime smiled and let his faceplate retract. "No more 'sir'. Sometimes, I get tired of it. I'm glad to have a few friends who call me by my name." He looked around, and his optics immediately registered the picture on the wall though he decided not to ask just yet.

The Seeker laughed at the reprimand. "Excuse me, Optimus," he corrected himself, amused. He turned his head and noticed Prime's gaze falling on the picture. "He was a monster, wasn't he?" Starscream asked fondly. He always teased Skyfire about his size, especially about how the hallways of the Academy were just barely big enough for him.

Prime stepped closer to inspect the picture. "You're sitting on his palm..." He wondered with a smile. The Seeker was so adorable pouting like that. And he changed so much ever since... And, most of all, it seemed he finally let go of the grief and was able to remember the fond memories without being bitter. "Indeed. He was a handsome young mech. His smile is so open and honest, he surely made a wonderful friend."

"He didn't have a mean circuit in his body. It could get very annoying sometimes." Starscream shook his head and approached the table to run his fingers over the large lump of metal and circuitry he had set out on it. "This was what I wanted your opinion on."

Optimus turned his attention to the table. "And what is it this time?" He was curious, really. Starscream's mind worked slightly differently than most; it was fascinating to listen to his ideas. And having something to focus on kept Prime from eyeing the sleek wings.

"It's not much right now," Starscream admitted as he turned it over in his hands. "I'm getting input from Professor Soundwave for it. Skywarp's upgrade works perfectly, so I had an idea for an upgrade for his friend Thundercracker since they're constantly together and probably will be even after graduating." He held up the ugly, unfinished device. "If it does what I want it to, it should emit a localized sonic boom. In battle, it would daze if not temporarily disable an enemy soldier."

"I see," Prime nodded. "Not a bad concept - I see it's a bit similar to your null-ray in effect. You said Soundwave is helping you...?" Soundwave was known to be very quiet. He was a good teacher, but some used to nag him that he had barely any contact with his students aside classes. He seemed a bit distant... not cold, just... more like focused on something else.

Starscream nodded. "Yes - since it involves sound, Wheeljack recommended him to me." He gave a one-shouldered shrug. "I thought about just making another pair of my null rays for Thundercracker, but when I let him try them on to test them, something in his systems rejected them as incompatible, so I thought of this instead."

"You let him try it?" Now, that said a lot. The three Seekers obviously were growing close. Prime hoped they would end up as friends - Starscream was in need of a few more. "I mean, it's a good thought. I hope he was not injured. And if you have Soundwave's help, the project will have good chances. Wheeljack directed you to the best mech." Indeed, when it involved sound, Soundwave could handle it.

"Well, I needed to test it before I handed it over to Ironhide, and Thundercracker asked if he could. It fried a few connections in his arm during the rejection, but it wasn't anything serious." Starscream snorted as he remembered the purple Seeker's reaction to that. "Skywarp said it must not have liked him." He left out Thundercracker's own quip about how it must have had Starscream's disposition.

The red Seeker shook his head and looked up at Optimus. "So it's a worthwhile endeavor?" he asked, wanting the Matrix bearer's approval.

Prime shrugged lightly. "Especially if Thundercracker would like it - I say go for it. If you keep this up, you'll be supplying the whole army with weapons," he added jokingly. "Wheeljack really grew on you, didn't he?"

Starscream flickered his optics in a blink and tilted his head to one side quizzically. "We've become good friends, yes," he answered, wondering where he was going with this. "He's a lot like Skyfire."

"I'm glad you decided to open up a little." Optimus laid a hand on the red shoulder. "I've always wished you happiness, and I'm glad now that you seem to be finding it finally." Yes, he was happy. He could ignore the pain... later, some high-grade would numb it effectively.

The Seeker gave him a small shrug. "He's so much like Skyfire, I can't see him as anything more than a good friend," he admitted. "Skyfire and I were never anything more than that either. Wheeljack and I work too well together to muck it up with emotion. I am very thankful to you for introducing us though."

Prime's spark leapt up with joy. So... friends - they were really just friends! Ah, not that it mattered. "What I said still stands. I'm glad that you're happy. Come to think of it... Could you tell me more about Skyfire? And your exploration trips. I was thinking about it lately. You sure had a magnificent time, discovering those planets together."

Starscream looked rather surprised at the topic of choice but saw no reason not to indulge him. "This could take a while," he said with some amusement. He gestured to one of the chairs by his table for Optimus to sit. "What do you want to know?"

Prime settled down. "Anything, really. Adventures... Something worth remembering. You see," he made a soft gesture; "I'm an earthbound mech like half the population, and the concept of flying always appealed to me. At times, I envy those who are not tied to the ground."

Starscream sat in the chair next to him and turned it so he could face him. "Well, it had its ups and downs. Some planets were much more dangerous than others. There was one planet I remember clearly with three suns - night only fell there every half a vorn or so. There were flying monsters there though that could eat literally anything...they ate my wings before Skyfire could evacuate us from the planet."

The leader's optics widened. "That sounds bad... And creepy! Surely, there were nicer places you visited."

Starscream's expression went sour. "That would depend on if you want my opinion or his. There was one planet where we discovered several interesting species of organic creature, one of which had a lot of tendrils and tentacles which it proceeded to use to ensnare me and work into my systems in a rather embarrassing way. Skyfire was highly amused. I was less so even if it felt good at the time."

Optimus had to chuckle at that, feeling his faceplates heat up a little bit. Embarrassing, huh...? "Well, let's just settle with something you liked?"

The Seeker tilted his head backwards over the back of his chair as he thought about that for a klik. "There was one planet filled with debris and native sentient robots who called themselves Junkions. They were really strange, but they were interesting to be around and study."

Prime leaned forward a little bit. "You surely know... There are legends about times long past which say that our ancestors sent ships out toward faraway galaxies to explore them. We still find traces of them here and there... And the speculations say that there could be even transforming mechanoid races which originate from those explorers."

Starscream lifted his head back up. "I read about that," he admitted. "Never put much thought into it before we landed on that planet. They transformed into two-wheeled groundling machines just like we can, so the Junkions may be proof of that legend."

Optimus, for a change, let his imagination run wild. "Wouldn't it be amazing to discover another race like that? Our distant relatives... See how they live, talk to them..."

"We actually found a lead to another planet with a similar race while we were with the Junkions," the red Seeker stated. "But it was too far away for us to reach by ourselves. We fully intended to pull together a formal expedition to investigate, but you know how other things can get in the way...it never happened." He was actually very regretful for that. While he delved into all sciences, his passion was xenology, so alien life absolutely fascinated him. He would have loved to one day discover life elsewhere which had stemmed from Cybertron.

"Perhaps it's even better that you chose to take the military academy as well," Optimus pondered. "Now, you'll be perfectly able to defend yourself and your comrades on exploration trips... You can go either as a scientist, or as a soldier, watching out for the scientists."

"Well..." Starscream drawled reluctantly. "I'll be the first to admit that if I have a choice between one or the other, I'll have my face in a recorder taking readings and collecting samples first."

"Or looking around and pinpointing what's amiss, and rather loudly at that."

"But of course - you know me." Starscream could not help but grin at that accusation. "And for that, if you're around, I'll make sure to make it extra shrill."

"Do you think you could do that to... a larger scale?" Well, now was as a good time as any other, to come out with it. At least, Prime thought, he'll have time to find somebody else, if Starscream rejects the offer.

Starscream's grin faltered as he flickered his optics in a mixture of surprise and confusion. "What do you mean? My voice may be horrible, but it's not enough for a sonic weapon. And I've tried, believe me." He said it lightly, but he found himself wondering if Prime meant what he thought he did. He could not deny he had been attracted to the Matrix bearer for a very long time now, almost since the day they met, but he never dreamed that Optimus would ever feel the same way, and he had never shown any interest before.

"No, no, I didn't mean your voice," Prime laughed. "I meant that now you're here in the Academy, you see the faults here. But if you think you could do that for the whole planet…" He reached out for the Seeker's hand. "I value your qualities, Starscream. If you'd like to work for me, with me, inspecting certain territories of Cybertron, schools, sectors, whatever else, and then tell me what needs to be changed or renewed, then I'll gladly take you as my advisor. I'm mostly tied to here; I can hardly go out to see what might be wrong, so you could be my optics and audio receptors."