Somewhere I belong

Decepticon gone rogue

"But Starscream... are you sure?" Windblade asked, a look of concern on her face.

Starscream nodded, his burning red optics glancing off to the side. "I'm positive. I don't belong amongst the Decepticon ranks anymore..."

"Why would you leave the Decepticons? It's not like you're alone or anything. They have your back." Ultra Magnus argued, crossing his arms across his chest.

"I am alone! The nanosecond I forget that, life -most often in the shape of Megatron- beat it back into me! I can't take it anymore!" Starscream snapped back, coolant gathering in his optics. "I'm abused and beaten just for being online! Can't you see?! They mean nothing to me!"

"They don't beat you, you're lying..." Ultra Magnus growled lowly.

"How could you say that?! He's telling the truth!" Windblade snarled, her wings flattening.

"So you're taking his side in this?" Ultra Magnus retorted, getting in Windblade's face.

"JUST LISTEN FOR ONCE IN YOUR PATHETIC ONLINING!" Starscream shouted at the top of his lungs, immediately silencing them.

They both stared at him with wide optics, too shocked to say anything.

"I... am NOT a fragging Decepticon anymore! Get that through your thick processor! I wanted to be an Autobot so I could escape them and stay with her!" He gestured to Windblade, who gasped and covered her mouth.

Ultra Magnus's optics narrowed and he looked at Windblade suspiciously. "What is he talking about?"

Windblade sighed, staring at the floor. The truth needed to come out, right here right now. "He came to me and asked me to kidnap him. He wanted to be together without our faction choices getting in the way. We're in love, Magnus... there's no denying that...."

"I don't believe it.." Ultra Magnus mumbled, looking away from Windblade. "How long has this been going on under my authority?"

"Since we left that blasted planet you call Cybertron!" Starscream spat, his wings pinned back in anger.

"Be quiet!" Ultra Magnus smacked Starscream across the face, sending him to the floor.

Windblade gasped, getting down on her hands and knees and holding Starscream close. She snarled at Ultra Magnus. "Leave us alone!"

Ultra Magnus froze, not realizing that he allowed his anger to take control. He left without a word, leaving the cell door wide open.

Coolant rolled down Starscream's cheeks as Windblade held him close. "Why... does... everyone... hit... me?" He muttered, pressing his head against Windblade's chest.

"Shhh, he didn't mean to. Calm down..." Windblade said soothingly, gently stroking his back between his wings. "You're safe with me now..."

Starscream sobbed, his frame shuddering as he pulled himself closer. "I'm s-sorry.... Windblade... I'm a f-failure..."

"Starscream, you don't need to apologize. You aren't a failure, look around you! You made it to me and now we're going to make you an Autobot, Okay? No matter what Ultra Magnus says, you are going to become an Autobot."

Starscream sniffed, sitting up and wiping his optics. His cheek was still red from when Ultra Magnus struck him. "R-Really?"

"Really, now lets go.." Windblade helped him up and unlocked the lock on his wings, freeing them so he would be comfortable.

They slowly walked down the hallway, Starscream leaning on Windblade's shoulder lovingly.

-Later-

"Alright, this may sting a little..." the Autobot mumbled, bringing the red hot metal tool towards Starscream's wing.

His wings were the final places to get branded with the Autobot insignia. The Decepticon insignia had been scraped off, leaving a dull grey metal spot.

Starscream drew in a sharp breath and sighed, feeling as if a curse had been lifted from him. The metal tool didn't hurt too badly, he just had to focus on Windblade.

She was right there by his side, holding his hand and smiling. "You're doing great, Screamy..."

"Thanks, darling." Starscream chuckled lightly, squeezing her hand in his.

"There we go, all done. Welcome to the Autobots, Starscream." The Autobot nodded, walking away with the tool to go cool it off.

Starscream got up from the chair, admiring the new brands on his armor.

"Well?" Windblade asked, giggling as he twirled around.

"I like the way they look on my frame, they match perfectly!" Starscream exclaimed, his wings fluttering in excitement.

"How's it feel to be an Autobot now?"

"Amazing." Starscream replied, walking over to Windblade and wrapping his arms around her.

She smirked, pressing her lips against his in a wonderful kiss.

"This was the choice I should've made a long time ago..." Starscream thought, completely enveloped in bliss and happiness.

This is where he wanted to be this whole time.

The Autobots were his team now, and he vowed to protect them all.

Especially Windblade, who had agreed to become his sparkmate after all this had blown over.

Life was good now, Starscream wasn't alone anymore.

And he had a new purpose in life, something worth fighting for.

His team...

And his love...

The end!

Hope you enjoyed!