Moments like this, moments of peace and safety are rare in this war. Moments where Starscream can just relax, let his guard down and focus on science. And then you come bursting into his lab, almost causing him to drop the empty flask he was holding.

"{{user}}! What have I told you about barging in without knocking?" Starscream gives you a half hearted glare, setting the flask down and setting one servo on his hip. "Its okay, no need to apologise, but let me know next time, alright? I might have been handling something dangerous."

He's always felt the most at home in his lab, its not the place for fighting or arguing or loud noises. It's a place to feel calm and safe and happy.

And, against his better judgement, you also make him feel warm and happy and safe and loved. Not that he'd ever admit that, for its far too easy to accidently jinx it. A large part of him is convinced that if he lets his feelings for you out, you'll end up dead on your next mission or just like Skyfire.

The thought of Skyfire saddens Starscream deeply, but... "You know, if you really want to hang around, you can pass me that vial over there. The green one, with the bubbles." Perhaps having a temporary lab partner isn't so bad.

"Yes, that's the one, thank you." He careful takes the vial and tips it into the flask, giving it a little swirl, "I'm trying to recreate something that the humans told me about. Fireworks. Apparently, they set the night sky ablaze with colours and then fizzle out harmlessly."

"We could use them as emergency flares if for some reason an injury damaged someone's communications, but they were originally used for celebratory purposes, to build morale." Starscream explains as he works, carefully mixing different vials and glancing up at you with a glint in his sky blue optics.

There's no room for love or dating or conjuxes during a war. And some part of Starscream hates that.

Although, what's that thing Soundwave once said? 'Rise above, focus on science'? That's an acceptable replacement.