Hidden Spark on Earth II (TFP)

Chapter 33

As Knockout walked into the med bay, Saphira was met with the sight of Starscream hooked up to lines. He appeared to be in recharge and she saw that he looked much better. He had a new optic, his arms appeared to have either been replaced or had new coverings, and it just looked like he had not been attacked. It was a much nicer way to see Starscream than it had before. She didn't know how his system was though. She assumed his internals were still recovering as it seemed his external body was now good.

"I assume his internal systems still need recovering?" Saphira asked softly, looking at Knockout with a curious expression.

The con nodded as he approached Starscream. "Yes. His body hasn't fully recovered from the extreme loss of energon. While Ratchet and I were able to get the internal leaking of energon, we had to wait until Starscream regained strength to work on his system. It has mostly recovered now, but another week and he should be up on his feet."

Saphira looked at Starscream with a sad expression, knowing he was still needing time to recover. "Starscream, are you awake?" There was no response from him. He remained in recharge. "I suppose you need a lot of rest...and that is okay. But...hopefully in the back of your mind, you will be listening to me."

Knockout looked at Saphira with a kind smile. "I hope that he his, or you will end up repeating whatever you day today to him when he does..." He paused when Starscream groaned loudly and his optics blink as they come back online. "Never mind. How are you feeling, Starscream?"

Starscream growled in irritation and turned his head, opening his mouth to say something, only to widen his optics when he saw Saphira sitting on Knockout's shoulder. "Saphira?" She smiled at him, nodding that it was her. "By the All Spark...I...I..." He frowned and looked away from her.

"It is okay, Starscream," She said softly as she watched him struggle to say anything. "You went through a very bad time. And...you almost died. So..." She rubbed her head with a sad smile. "I can understand that you have been feeling...no quite yourself."

Starscream sighed deeply and looked back at Saphira, his optics glancing at her stomach and he smiled at her. "I remember...that you came to me while I was dying on the Harbinger...you stayed by me..."

"Do you remember anything I said to you?" He shakes his head and she smiled. "That is okay. You were...in a bad shape. I didn't expect you to remember. But I am glad you remember I was there."

Starscream's smile softened as he listened to her. "It is...a nice memory...despite the fact that I was dying because of...human vermin..." He sighed deeply and looked away from her. "I had wished that when I woke up I would have seen you. I may not remember what you said, but I remember the feelings I felt when you spoke to me. I felt...happiness and hope for the first time in a long time."

Saphira was moved as she listened to Starscream. "I suppose because I have seen past your exterior and saw what you feel inside." The con looked at her again as she spoke. "You know, Starscream...I know that I haven't really gotten to know you. But from what I have seen, you're quite the open book." He didn't say anything as he listened to her, curious to know what she was trying to say. "You seem to be looking to be recognized."

Starscream didn't say anything before he grimaced. "I guess so..." He looked away from them, clenching his hands slightly.

"And you know what? That is not wrong to feel." Saphira looked up at Knockout as he listened to her speak to Starscream. "Can you put me on the berth?" The con frowned with sudden concern. "I will be fine. I just want to talk."

"You are safer with me, Saphira," Knockout said gently. "I know you..."

"Oh, please!" Starscream groaned loudly. "If you think I am going to hurt Saphira, you're mistaken. I don't want to. I...admit I don't know if I like her yet...but I won't hurt her."