Nightstreak: The Decepticon That Changed Everything (tfp fanfic)

Chapter 88 (Final Chapter)

Starscream's P.O.V.

I paced back and forth, hands behind my back. Many thoughts whirled around in my head as Ratchet and Knockout kept operating. I was deathly worried about her. Was the operation going okay? Would she still be awake when I saw her again? Would she ever fly again? Oh Primus, please let her recover from this....

"Starscream." I looked behind me, seeing Megatron approach me from down the hallway.

"I understand you're very concerned about Nightstreak. But I assure you, the medics are doing everything in their power to make sure she is better. I suggest you head back to your quarters and get some rest. It's very late." he said. I shook my head.

"No, I'm fine. I doubt I'll be able to sleep anyway. Not without a confirmation on Nightstreak's condition." he said. I continued to pace back and forth, attempting to keep my hands from shaking. I wish I had something to do, to keep my hands busy. As I am now, I feel anxious. Frostbite and Bloodsurge looked up from the floor, watching me be the nervous wreck I was. Megatron frowned, leaning against the wall.

"Very well. In that case, would it bother you if I accompanied you here until Ratchet and Knockout are finished?" he asked. I looked at him surprised, but shook my head. "No, I don't mind." I said. I finally ceased my pacing and leaned against the wall. Frostbite leaped up and I caught him in my arms. I smiled a little, stroking his head and back. 

Megatron and I stood side by side, staring at the medbay doors. I couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable. I haven't really been with Megatron alone since the treaty signing. I guess in a way, I was uncomfortable around him, even more so than before. If only because he was making this rapid change to be something entirely different than he was before. At least with the old Megatron, I could brace myself for his anger and abuse. But this new Megatron, with his kindness and compassion....it was hard to get used to. In the back of my mind, part of me thought it was all just some sort of act. So it was hard to entirely let my guard down, or to trust him.

I adjusted my grip on Frostbite and flickered my wings a little, making sure to not look at the Decepticon leader. However, I could feel his gaze on me.

"You're uncomfortable around me, aren't you?" he asked. I tensed up and cleared my throat.

"N-No! Of course not. Why would I be?" I said. Of course that was a lie. One that Megatron could read right through. "There's no need to deny it, Starscream." he said. His had a shameful tone to it, seemingly upset with himself. I finally looked over at him. "I....*sigh* I apologize. I didn't mean to be offensive, Mas- grr! Megatron." I said. That time I actually did facepalm.

"Ugh, why do I keep saying that?!" I hissed under my breath. "Because I made you call me that for many years." Megatron replied. I looked back at him. He looked to the floor, clenching his fists. 

"Megatron?"

"....I have been a terrible leader, Starscream. I've brought nothing but pain and terror to everyone. I've treated my own armada as if they are disposable scrap. I haven't done anything to benefit our kind. I've only made things worse...." he said. I turned to face him. "Megatron, I...." I said. I had no idea he felt this guilty about everything he's done.

"I believe I've mistreated you worst of all, Starscream."

That sentence made me freeze.

He looked to me, those usually scary optics filled with regret and guilt. "Despite you being my second in command, I hardly took any of your suggestions to heart. And I've done more than abuse you over the years. I look back at all the times I harmed you....and I regret it," he paused for a moment to give a sad chuckle, "it's no wonder you tried to terminate me so many times."