Ch. 249

It had only been a couple days since the Insecticons had appeared and been defeated. Starscream had no complaints when Optimus insisted he rest, which they both did, in response to the seeker insisting he didn't want to return to the Ark. He wasn't ready, just not yet. When Optimus awoke from recharge on the second day, he was surprised to see the smaller mech by the trailer, putting things away.

"Starscream?" Optimus called gently as he sat up, "Are you alright?"

The seeker paused to smile and stand, nodding, "I was hoping to be done before you got up."

"You are packing."

Starscream went to the larger mech and helped him up, "Yes, I assumed we would need to do that when we were ready to leave. How's your side?"

"It is still sore, but it does not hurt as much," Optimus smiled, "We are leaving? When did you decide this?"

The seeker took a few seconds to answer, his optics gazing out over the lake, "I was... hm... I think I was ready after that whole thing with the Insecticons if I'm being honest. But I wanted to be sure it was something that I wanted and not something I felt just... had to be done..." he looked up at the taller mech, "You know what I mean?"

Optimus nodded, "I do indeed. And I am happy to hear that you considered your decision so carefully," he had an expression of sadness that washed over him, "But I am sorry this trip away has not been what I had intended. This was supposed to give you time to reflect and find peace."

Starscream smirked, "Oh, it's been that, Optimus. And yes, it had its exciting bits but I was still able to reflect, wasn't I? And I was able to find peace when it was available."

The Prime walked steadily towards the trailer, being mindful as the seeker followed, "I suppose it has. But I had hoped that it would have lasted longer and been left uninterrupted by the likes of Decepticon activity. Are you certain that you are feeling well enough to return to the ship?"

The smaller mech hummed, "Hm, yes," he began simply, "and I think it was always at the back of my mind to return quickly. It's almost like I just needed a day or two to let some of these darker feelings subside... I want to work on things with my support around me. And Optimus," he almost chuckled, "when do you ever think we'll get a chance to do anything uninterrupted by the Decepticons until after the war is over?"

"A fair point, Starscream."

Starscream shrugged, "Not quite fair, but I guess obvious. Both factions have always been somewhat privy to the other's activities should they have left the base. ... Optimus?" the seeker asked more quietly, "Um... will it be- do you think it will be an issue? Me returning after everything that happened?"

The Prime set his servo on the smaller mech's shoulder, "I would like to say 'no', but I believe there will be a period of time that requires adjustment. Will this be something you are willing to endure?"

Starscream seemed unsure as he crossed his arms and looked to the ground, "I don't know... I want to say that whatever happens happens, but at the same time my mind is racing with the thousands of different interactions I could have with-" his wings seemed to ruffle, "... I want things between myself and... and Ratchet to go back to the way they were. I want him to know that... while I don't understand everything that I can do, he can still trust me because I'm just as cautious of these outlier abilities as he is..." he rubbed the side of his helm, "I don't know. I thought, maybe, he and I could talk once we get back? But he was so upset before. And he didn't even say 'good bye' in the first place... I don't want to go back if... if he still fears me..."

Optimus nodded, "Have you COMMed the ship yourself?"

Starscream grumbled, "Haven't even turned it back on since Smokescreen called me in the middle of fighting the Insecticons. Oh, Miko is going to be livid when she finds out I caught you mid-air and then flew you into battle."

The Prime smiled, "I am sure you can give her many details and she will be likely to draw you a picture."

Starscream's wings fluttered, "Hm, oh, that would be nice. Alright, how about... I turn on my COMM," he planned aloud, turning on his COMM unit, "and you help me pack the last of the med kits we left out-"

Both of their COMMs beeped in unison and the pair froze. Optimus activated his first and Starscream hesitated to follow. The line stayed open yet silent for a few seconds.

"... Hello?"

Starscream felt his spark fluctuate in a feeling he was unfamiliar with. It was Ratchet, and while everything in him struggled with deciding on being happy or angry or sad, his most prominent emotion was fear. And he felt more assured when Optimus's servo on his shoulder tensed in its grip only slightly.

"Hello, Ratchet," Optimus responded.

"Hello..." Starscream said a little more meekly.

The line was quiet for another long, few seconds, "... I'm glad I caught you both. I have something I want to tell you... I..."

Starscream felt his spark sink with the uncertainty wrapped around this. He had been hoping for this at some point, to talk, but this felt so soon. Was he ready for whatever was said? Was Ratchet reaching out because he had something important to tell them? He didn't know they were planning on coming back yet; would it be better to tell him to wait until they were there to talk together?

Starscream felt some courage returning and shakily pulled his voice together despite his trembling servos and racing spark, "R-Ratchet," he cleared his throat, "I just wanted to say-"

"You two ruined everything."

The seeker's voice was gone. His whole frame went rigid and he felt Optimus's grip on him increase. Starscream's optics widened as he struggled to process what he had just heard. What he was hearing now.

"It took me a long time to accept that Starscream was just simply 'aware' of all this precognitive knowledge and we had to deal with all the mistakes he made manipulating everything to his liking... but you defended him, Optimus. You went along with it. You defended his behavior and commanded patience for a mech who never deserved it. He knew we could have gone home. He could have gotten us there ages ago. All the time we wasted on him, all the time we were struggling to fight back and give ourselves an edge, Starscream knew how to get us all out of it and just get us back to Cybertron. But he didn't."

Starscream was struggling to intake properly and his legs felt shaky. Optimus's optics were narrowed but he could feel the raging storm of turmoil within himself.

"We were forced to follow him because he dangled false hope in front of us. And where did that lead us? So many vicious battles, torment beyond belief, and left with an enemy that can't even provide false mercies even if it would give him the benefit. Everything got worse. He wasn't supposed to even be here. None of this was supposed to happen. And you're still going to defend him, aren't you Optimus? You're still going to say that he needed time and patience and all of that, aren't you? If that's how you feel, then don't bother coming back. We don't deserve that; you don't deserve to come back to this."

The COMM cut suddenly. The silence became the final stab into both mechs and Starscream's rapid intakes became a loud wail as he finally crumpled to the ground. Optimus collapsed beside him and pulled the smaller mech close as he allowed him to cry. There was nothing he could say, nothing he could do to explain the hostility, the anger. All the Prime could do was hold the seeker. It was all he was able to offer.

AN: Hello everyone. As this story only has two episodes and then a lengthy movie to go before it is finished, I wanted to announce a couple things. I have both an Instagram and tumblr account under the same 'megadoomingir' username. The reason why I mention them is that after the posting of the next two episodes but before the installation of the movie, I am hoping to host a live Q&A and general talk about 'Stop Me' on my Instagram account for about an hour our so before posting the whole of the movie. A DATE HAS NOT BEEN SET FOR THIS. RULES HAVE NOT BEEN SET FOR THIS. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ADD ME ON INSTAGRAM TO SEE IT. But it may be a good idea to check in with either of these social media accounts once in a while to see if a date does become set, as I will not be posting that information on the story. Also, my tumblr is a good place to ask me questions directly and see other 'Stop Me' related art. This message will be altered accordingly and removed from this chapter to move to the end chapter of the next episode after it has been posted, so I hope it helps serve as a reminder to those who are interested.

~MDG