The powder throwing amongst the family had died down. This was because of two factors: the powder ran out and everyone became tired.

The old woman, Saanvi, gave you a hug goodbye. “Thank you for everything. It was an amazing experience.” You let go and take her one hand in both yours as a sign of gratitude.

“Thank you for making this such an interesting Holi. It was the most fun I had in years!” Saanvi smirked. “And you must tell that husband of yours that he is a very good dancer.”

You blush. “Sadly, he isn't my husband…” you shy away a bit. What was Starscream to you?

“Are you ready to go (Y/N)?” Starscream, almost unrecognisable due to his layers of colour, stood behind you and patiently waited for you to finish saying your goodbyes.

“Yeah, let's go.”

He nodded and started his way to the spot where you originally came through the groundbridge. As you went to follow, a wrinkly hand grasped your shoulder. “Before you go, I want to give you this.” Saavi untwisted her orange and yellow scarf from around her neck and placed it in your hand.

You stared at it in disbelief. “Saavi, I can't take this.”

“Yes you can. That is the scarf I wore when my husband asked me to marry him. I was planning on giving it to my daughter, but it turns out that she did not need it.” Saavi looks over your shoulder to where Jiya, her daughter and the woman who originally invited you along with the man, was kissing her husband's purple cheek. “Perhaps it will give you some luck with that one,” she gestured to a slow walking Starscream.

You simply smiled. “Thank you Saavi.” The old woman grinned and bumped you towards the man you came with. You jogged up to Starscream's side, folding the scarf around your neck as you did.

“Where’d you get that?” Starscream slowed down for you to catch up.

“Saavi,” you replied simply.

“Ah, well…” He turned his eyes to his front. “You pull it off well.”

“Thanks Star.” You look away, cheeks glowing. Perhaps the scarf's magic would work after all… “Where are we going now?”

“Where I originally wanted to take you.”

--------------------------------

You hiked up the broad mud trail through the forest. Along the way, Starscream pointed out some rock formations or flora which he had studied at some time in his search for energon. At one point you came across a troop of monkeys. Their sudden appearance had the seeker jumping ten feet and into your arms (and had you laughing your behind off).

The journey, as fun and insightful as it was, had nothing on the destination.

It was when you reached the very top of the hill you were treading that you saw just why Starscream wanted to show you this place. With overhangs of red dirt and stone; thick forests of dark green tropical trees; and a large sun enveloping it all in its golden, late-noon splendor had you in wonderment.

A wind blew overhead, making the trees’ leaves ripple. Starscream breathed in the thick, moist air.   

“It seems like there is rain coming. Strange…” He takes hold of his chin in thought. “It's not exactly rain season for another three months or so…”

You giggle. “Starscream, you've been science-ing ever since we started our hike. Can't you just shut down your brain for a little while? Just let go and feel.”

“Who says I don't feel when I'm science-ing?” He furrowed his brows. “In fact, what does that word mean? It doesn't even exist.” He smiled and set an arm around your shoulders. “You had to use your brain to think that slag up. I refuse to allow you to be such a hypocrite, telling me not to think to feel yet obviously you can feel and think at the same time…”

“What have I done!?” you groan playfully.

Starscream's dark red-brown eyes softened. “So much (Y/N). You’ve done so much…”

Your laughter died down until nothing was left but a smile. “Like making a deal with a Cybertronian seeker in the desert of Nevada in order to save my own aft?”

“And how fortunate are we not that you were such a little opportunist,” he joked, letting go of your shoulders and moving to your front where he rubbed a thumb over the tip of your strangely covered nose.

All chatter and jokes ended after that. Suddenly, you became all too familiar with everything around you. The rustle of the leaves; the pebbles crunching beneath your feet where you stood; the calls of animals; the smell of rain; the soft touch of Starscream's fingers on your skin; the beat of blood in your ears...

And you felt this all the while looking deeply into the red orbs of the man- the mech- that you have grown to love. The one who, despite not knowing or forgetting how to love truly, tried for you. Who succeeded for you.

The sun had just disappeared, the world losing its golden cloak to receive something even more spectacular. The skies turned as colourful as your bodies. The last bit of yellow barely peeked over the summit. It gave way to a bright orange half circle. The orange turned rose, the rose leaked into a pastel magenta and, higher into the ether, it all faded into violet.

For a little while, both of you admired the beautiful spectacle, unaware of the clouds approaching. An abrupt gale blew. It was so strong that it ripped the scarf from your neck. You gasped as it swept it away towards the edge.

A hand shot out and managed to grab the thin material just as it was about to whisk beyond reach.

Starscream held the fiery silk for a moment, admiring it. The fine material wove through his fingers.

Your neck felt cold. The warmth of both the scarf and of Starscream was too far away. Your eyes stayed on the fabric- on the man holding it.

As if sensing your discomfort, the seeker comes back. His steps were unbearably slow. It took everything within you not to make a grab for him.

The rustle of the leaves turned deafening; the pebbles crunching beneath his feet with each time consuming step got louder.

Until his warmth was near you once again.

The glowing wrap was brought up and over your head. The touch of Starscream's skin against your own as he placed it around your neck gave you goosebumps.

His face was so close to your own. He was looking at you; appreciating you; memorising everything about you. From the way you had to look up at him a little, to the way your eyes curiously watched him, to the way your powder coloured lips stayed slightly parted as if ready to allow words to pass.

Oh, how badly he wanted those lips.

“(Y/N)...

His hands moved up to cup the sides of your neck.

The tenderness had you drawing closer to him.

He rubbed small circles under your jawline.

The empty space between you disappeared…

And Starscream wrapped his arms around your shoulders, bringing you in for a hug. “A storm's coming. We should go back to the Harbinger…” His words echoed as if from out a dream; one you were forced out of.

His body heat warmed your own, but your soul still ached from the cold.

“Yeah,” you pulled away. “Let's go.”

'The scarf's luck seemed to have run out.’