Primus & Starscream Do Dinner

Primus:	Comms from Primus aren't exactly the same as the normal ones from normal mechs. It sounds a lot more like another voice in Starscream's head, and there's no Accept message - just Primus' happy voice cutting in to any and all thoughts: Dinner's ready!
Starscream:	jolts in place, optics shuttering rapidly back and forth ::...I'm on my way, Primus!:: And he is, /immediately./ Casual or not, a summons from Primus is not like a summons from Megatron, wherein arriving five minutes late just to piss him off is plain fun
Primus:	Primus' voice is still light, even though he knows exactly where Starscream is Take your time, no rush.
Starscream:	doesn't rush, /quite,/ but time-wasting is for people not about to have an DINNER WITH GOD ZOMG ::I won't...::
Primus:	is out of Earth's orbit, but he's made a cozy little parking spot just around the dark side of the moon, somehow not messing up orbits because he's a God, damn it
Starscream:	arrives! relatively soon, too! /Very/ soon; Starscream hates space travel and is willing to burn the fuel to get done with it
Primus:	mechanisms come to life and look, Starscream, there's a spacebay door opening for you! Big planet is big, but the bay doors are pretty obvious Go ahead and come on in, take the lift to the fourth level. he even sounds like he wants to tack a : ) face at the end of that
Starscream:	ah, spacebay doors, Starscream knows what to do with those! ::Thank you, Primus.:: obeys! Look, he's a Cybertronian, everyone /knows/ that the gods are planet-sized; he doesn't find anything odd at all at the thought of Primus having a lift inside him
Primus:	the bay looks pretty nondescript, really, considering whose bay it is, all dark and plain sleek metal - but once the doors shut and vacuum seal themselves, interior lights come on, lighting up the bay and revealing just how... massive it is. And more than that, there are a lot of ceiling lights that are shining in many hundreds of colors, no doubt wiring leading to different parts of the planet that is the Cybertronian god. The lift is to the back of the huge bay, framed in white and red lights like an emergency exit
Starscream:	Starscream transforms and walks very carefully, toes lifted to not even scratch the surface of the floor. He kind of resembles the worst rubbernecking tourist, actually, optics huge and awe-filled
Primus:	Not bad, right? Primus' voice explodes suddenly from all over the bay - not too loudly, but still a bit... booming Make yourself at home, Starscream, and take your time.
Starscream:	....thank you.... ...voice of Primus is big. Starscream suspects it might be a little bit heretical to compare this to being inside Skyfire only on a /grand,/ godlike scale, but nonetheless that's about where he's at. He still doesn't waste time, though, even as he rubbernecks. It's not like this is /Megatron/ or somebody.
Primus:	the inside of the lift is even pretty big, meant mostly for use by very* large mechs, lined with those multicolored lights and is that music... familiar, somehow? Maybe. Either way, the lift has a slow, easy rise and it's almost delaying itself a bit, as though someone is telling it they're not quite ready yet*
Starscream:	Starscream stares wide-eyed around it, his expression roughly like a sparkling that's never seen a lift before. He'd of course deny any such thing, but that's totally what he looks like. The lights are pretty...
Primus:	The lift finally draws to a reluctant stop and the doors open with a cheerful ding - right into what looks remarkably similar to a mech-sized, very retro, 50's themed kitchen, complete with black and white tiled linoleum and bright white appliances. It's in very good condition! And, considering Primus finds it rude to not attend to guests hanging out inside him personally, holomatter generators have been used to let the planet replicate his own mech form inside the kitchen, scaled to represent more of a Megatron height than a planetoid one. ...And the mech form may or may not be stuffing a pink fabric back into a counter as he turns to greet Starscream with a smile
Starscream:	Starscream stops dead; this isn't what he was expecting, if he had expectations. Fifties decor, okay, apron, okay. /Embodiment of your god smiling at you, less okay./ That's a distinctly shell-shocked look, right there. He thinks going to his knees or something might be appropriate, but they don't seem to be responding.
Primus:	Primus continues to smile at Starscream, before turning to grab a towel from the sink and wipe his hands clean I like cooking the normal way. I have processors dedicated to manufacturing energon and food, but organic recipes just need a personal touch. He drops the towel back on the counter and turns to Starscream, still smiling How are you, Starscream?
Starscream:	...I'm okay... He's okay. He can handle this. He can way handle this. As it so happens, he can even /step into the kitchen./ Huh. Linoleum feels distinctly odd to his feet. This kitchen is really pretty retro, isn't it. OH SWEET PRIMUS HE IS /INSIDE PRIMUS./ ...no, no, he's okay, he can handle this. He can way handle this... ...uhm... ...and - you? This is the right thing to say, isn't it? Probably? Is it the same kind of politeness if it's your god?
Primus:	That's good, that's good! I'm glad you're okay, after all you've gone through. Primus moves to the oven, bending down to open it and pull out the chicken enchiladas he had promised Starscream I'm well, thank you! Make yourself comfortable, there's highgrade in the fridge - you all still drink highgrade, right? He's already starting to dish up enchiladas onto fiestaware
Starscream:	Yeah... It's an automatic answer, but moving to open the fridge seems to galvanize Starscream back into some state of normalcy. Well, sort of. /Normally/ he wouldn't be actually polite, but that's a small sacrifice to make when you're facing YOUR GOD. Do you want one?
Primus:	Oh, yes, thank you. Once there's ample servings of enchilada on both plates, Primus goes to the already set dinner table - also very fashionably 50's - and puts the plates down.
Starscream:	Starscream takes a couple of cubes of highgrade from the fridge and trails after Primus. Probably best not to remark on any residual lost-puppy traits, though he's trying to get over himself.
Starscream:	Though in /this/ case, he'd just be embarrassed at being called out on acting like a lost puppy (kitten?), rather than violent, which is always a good sign?
Primus:	Primus waves to the chair opposite the one he's already pulling out for himself. He's not about to bring anything up regarding Starscream's general attitude at the moment - it's actually a bit nice to see that some* of his children still have some respect for him.* Sit down, Starscream, and tell me how things are down on Earth.
Primus:	No need to rush into more serious talk about the Decepticon himself - not with enchiladas waiting to be eaten.
Starscream:	They're pretty good, I think. Not as many incidents as I'd expect, which probably means I need to sit down and shake them out of people... Prime and Megatron declared joint rulership, essentially; that's /definitely/ going to scuff some wings. sits, obediently, and hands Primus a cube of the highgrade
Primus:	He accepts the cube with a smile and a nod of thanks, looking pleased as he takes a sip - so what if it does nothing for him with the holo; it's only polite! Wonderful. I had been wondering when this spat would be over... It's been a long time since you all shared close quarters together, and I'm glad to see you've all been so mature about it. Yeah, he sounds like he's talking about some very, very young children sharing toys together at recess, but what do you expect?
Starscream:	I don't know about /mature.../ That's our Starscream, puttin' some sarcasm in all his religious experiences. He trails off, not sure about honorifics, but bravely sallies forth again. But at least nobody's dead yet. ...again. Whatever.
Primus:	Far more mature, trying to get along instead of fighting. I was so sad when you started turning on one another... He frowns very briefly, before smiling again and working on the food in front of him with real enjoyment. It's good to see you all trying to work things out. I like seeing that. He's even taking his time with his current bite, chewing and swallowing dutifully before adding in a more sympathetic tone, I am sorry about what happened to you. And for having Genki do the job of getting you back. chuckles She's very energetic. But, it seems to have all worked out... There's a slight look in Starscream's direction that indicates, if it isn't, you better say something now!**
Starscream:	Starscream perks up /Yeah./ Pr - uh - /slag,/ it's so /warm/ being alive; so - easy; you can actually really /rest./ I'm /not/ taking /that/ for granted again... ...except... He pauses, almost nervous and a little lost, and ducks his head, tapping his forehead where the tiny Decepticon sigil once rested. I'm not - complaining or anything - but... ...why did you -? What do I /do/ now? He's sadly forgotten both the enchiladas and the cube in his uncertainty.
Primus:	Primus tilts his head to look at the blank spot for a long moment, before sighing and putting down his fork to take a drink from his cube. ...Like a lot of things I have to handle, it's... complicated. And do? quirks an optic ridge in curiosity What do you mean, do?
Starscream:	Do I just... sit around until Prime asks me to get him a taco or something? plaintive I know how to be a Decepticon, and if you don't want me to be /that,/ then I don't know /what/ to be...
Primus:	blinks "Be" a Decepticon? Is there a difference between you and the Autobots?
Starscream:	stares at, just for a few seconds From living apart for so long. We... identify differently, act differently, slagging well /think/ differently. Still Cybertronian, but you can tell the difference between us.
Primus:	Ahh... Hm. looking thoughtful I've always thought of you as just... my children. I suppose I should have expected things to change! chuckles, more from the actual planet than from the holo, and takes another bite, chewing thoughtfully I'm sorry, then. It was... Necessary at the time. I didn't realize it would lead to such... "drama." a sip, then- Do you want to be a Decepticon?
Starscream:	I can't imagine being anything else. attempts both the highgrade and an enchilada, in that order This is really /good.../ Not surprised, though! It's from Primus; therefore it must be good.
Primus:	Thank you! smiles briefly, before working a bit on his own dinner Well... If you still want to be a Decepticon, I don't see why not. So long as you listen to Optimus when he gives specific orders and do your best to be good, there shouldn't be much problem. Can you do that?
Starscream:	I'll try... tries not to bolt the enchiladas, fortunately having enough sense to not bolt the /high-grade/ I'm not very good at being good, though.
Primus:	smiles You're better at it than you'd think. You are with that nice Skyfire boy, after all. sometimes it's hard to tell how much Primus actually knows**
Starscream:	Yeah. He's probably why I've been trying much at all, really... Starscream is self-aware, at least! Though really, he's discounting the formidable likes of Sarah Lennox and the Aerialbots
Primus:	Trying is the most important thing, Starscream. You can't do wrong, so long as you try your hardest. As far as Primus is concerned, his children just need the occasional fine tuning every once in a while, to keep them on track.
Starscream:	...okay. I'll try harder. Starscream doesn't sound all /that/ enthused about having to, because somebody doesn't really /mind/ doing bad things, but somehow that's not the kind of defense you trot out in front of your god. He noms more on his enchiladas as he resigns himself to trying to be a good person. ...well, a less morally-blackened person.
Primus:	That's all I ask of you, Starscream. Well! That clears that up. Is there anything else you'd like to ask, while you're here?
Starscream:	Is Primus sure he wouldn't rather the moon or something? Because that's easier... No, I'm good... I'm just... Thank you for answering. And... pauses, awkwardly waving one enchilada a little as if to explain For... being there. That's not exactly what he means, but this is /Starscream./ Is he going to say 'for loving me anyway, despite my being horrible vicious Unicron-spawn'? Even to his god? Not a chance in hell.
Primus:	Oh, Starscream. Primus reaches over the table and puts his hand over the Seeker's, smiling warmly at him. I'm always around when I'm really needed.
Starscream:	...slaggers need to quit their bitching about that. We have attained a state of 'defending one's own:' GG, Primus.
Primus:	He laughs, giving the hand under his a light squeeze before pulling his hand back to pick up his cube Oh, I don't really mind. I know better than to heed every call of my name. And you all do so well on your own, you hardly need me.
Starscream:	I dunno, I think a lot of mechs can be pretty slagged up if somebody doesn't tell them what to do. Then again, that's probably what Prime's for. Starscream believes in telling people what to do!
Primus:	I think you've all done very well, on the whole. After all, if you hadn't been, you'd be used to seeing me. Chuckling, he polishes off his plate - hey, he likes enchiladas! - and steeples his hands casually on the table. I prefer to let my children deal with their problems themselves. My helping them whenever they asked me to would simply breed compliancy and laziness, and you all have so much more talent and ability. I would hate to hold you back.
Starscream:	What's the point if you don't do it yourself? Or at least make somebody else do it for you. eats more slowly, but with just as much enjoyment - also likes enchiladas! these particularly!
Primus:	laughs I don't have anything specific I need you to do. I didn't create you to do my bidding.
Starscream:	nods, filing that away You mean all of us, right? I mean... Starscream trails off, because that sentence really /should/ end with 'because I'm a slagging spawn of Unicron and you didn't actually create me but you for some reason love me anyway'.
Primus:	There's that warm smile again All of you. Your lives are your own. It could very well be that Primus knows exactly what Starscream keeps wanting to add, but he's not about to bring it up when Starscream doesn't want to himself I do ask for favors once in a while, but on the whole, you're the ones in control of what happens next. Do you really think a god like Primus would have triggered a war?
Starscream:	Somehow Starscream doubts it. He nods, smiling back - still a little shy, and that's not a word anybody else would probably /ever/ see in conjunction with him.
Primus:	If you ever do get in over your heads, I'll help. But none of you truly need my intervention. You'd be surprised at how in-control you are, Starscream!
Starscream:	Probably, yes! Starscream nods again, absorbing divine wisdom and enchiladas at the same rate. No matter how much those slaggers bitch.
Primus:	Children do tend to want the easiest solutions to their problems. But life isn't easy... He sighs and takes a long drink from his cube, leaning back to look up at the "ceiling" of the kitchen. It does hurt to know I can't coddle them when I want to, but I know what will happen if I do. Joy feels so much better when you've experienced grief as well. All happiness, all the time... It begins to feel hollow, after a while.
Starscream:	And it makes it even harder when slag happens anyway, because Pr - um - it always does. He takes a bite out of his enchilada, eyeing it studiously
Primus:	It also gives you something to fight for. Life is about balance, after all. Too much happiness and you can't stand the trials that may come your way, but too much sorrow and there seems to be nothing worth living for. He smiles at Starscream, very aware of how much the other is paying attention to his words. He appreciates it! It does get slightly awkward.
Starscream:	I guess. But you don't really... orchestrate all that, so... Starscream looks up again from his enchiladas, the moment of awkwardness basically gone.
Primus:	I'm afraid I enjoy happy endings too much. Normally, mortality causes enough problems for you all to make things taste sweeter. There's not much more to do for any of you, in any case. Primus has no problem meeting Starscream's gaze, still smiling.
Starscream:	That smile is /infectious./ It really is. That's the reason Starscream keeps smiling back, shyly. Well, it's not like we're /sparklings/ anymore. Theoretically we should be able to suck it up and deal by now.
Primus:	Theoretically. Primus repeats it in an amused tone
Starscream:	In reality, most mechs are a bunch of whiny slaggers that act like sparklings anyway. So says /Starscream./
Primus:	Starscream may be right! Primus laughs and tilts his head in a half-nod, looking highly amused So they may seem, sometimes. But I love them all the same.
Starscream:	Even the adopted ones. That slips out before Starscream can even think about it.
Primus:	Even you, Starscream. You're still my child, even if Unicron... I'll have words with him about that whole... fiasco. This is annoyed Primus! Always trying to upstage me.
Starscream:	Slagger can't even upstage /Megatron,/ much less you. brings his wings up with - well, /relief,/ even as he pours scorn into his voice
Primus:	Unicron is... trails off with a sigh and shakes his head, replacing his annoyed frown once more with a smile Thank you for the vote of confidence. And, speaking of Megatron... Could you do me a small favor?
Starscream:	blinks Sure.
Primus:	Could you tell him that he's welcome up here to discuss any of his issues at any time? I'm afraid I don't extend the offer often enough to make it obvious.
Starscream:	I can do that. Pr -- um -- Megatron doesn't have issues, he has slagging /subscriptions./ Pot. Kettle. Starscream.
Primus:	Oh, what a cute pot Starscream is. Primus could only wish some of the others would be like this around him. I'd like to hear them from him. It makes things easier when we can talk face to face, instead of over journals. I would arrange more meetings, but really... I don't think many need them, really.
Starscream:	I'll let him know first thing. nods, all brisk and businesslike for a few seconds
Primus:	Laughs You can take your time. You'll both be around.
Starscream:	grins a little, and noms his enchilada Yeah, but I want to see his face.
Primus:	thoughtfully I hope he doesn't take it as an order. It's more of a polite suggestion. ...read: order with cookies involved
Starscream:	nods, still grinning around his enchilada. It's only a /little/ bit full of unholy glee? I'll make sure he knows.