The late winter snowfall had picked up in intensity as Hound wound his way along back-country roads towards the Ark. The wind had calmed and the temperature hovered just below freezing making for a pleasant late afternoon if one hadn't been out for several days in freezing rain and wind, which is how Hound had spent the last few days of his patrol. So the green jeep was glad to be heading home in spite of the improvement in the weather.
The dim light of the snowy afternoon had faded into a very black night when the glow of the Ark's entrance appeared through the heavily falling flakes. He braked carefully and halted a short distance from the bright light spilling out into the parking area. He listened as the soft impact of snow falling on his frame and the ground reached his audio sensors in a gentle rustling of sound. It was somehow comforting to pause in the dark and let the snow pile up on his hood and cloth top.
The silhouette of a Datsun appeared in the Ark's entrance and stood motionless. Hound scanned the shadowed Autobot gently and wondered what could have enticed Prowl from his office and why he just stood there watching him. Finally, the figure moved, stepping out into the snowfall.
"Are you coming in?" Prowl asked, raising his voice only enough to be heard easily by the sensitive scout.
Hound started his engine and drove towards the tactician. He reached Prowl's side and halted. "Yeah, I'm coming, but it's just so nice out here," he mused softly.
More figures appeared at the Ark entrance. Laughing boisterously, Bluestreak, Trailbreaker and Brawn shouted at Hound, "You're missing the fun."
He chuckled softly and drove under the gigantic engines that were the only reminders of the spaceship-origin of their home. He transformed and shook himself vigorously, spraying half-melted snow in all directions. The three Autobots howled and shrieked good-naturedly as they were pelted with the cold stuff.
Trailbreaker pounded Hound on the back. "You'd better get yourself cleaned up and dried off before showing your face in the rec. room. I don't think some of the boys would appreciate a cold shower."
Prowl silently watched the four friends disappear into the Ark, their laughter and bantering fading after them. He started to follow but paused and listened. The snow hit his frame in quiet little splats. A very soothing sound, he realized. Hound was right it was quite pleasant out here. He turned away from the Ark and walk a short distance from the light. He allowed the muffling snow envelop him and a small smile to touch his face.