Chapter Twenty-Six

The movie ended, the bowl of popcorn finished, and Sam blubbering about how he hated his new roommate. Apparently Sam's roommate was an alien fanatic, believing the whole Mission City incident was a government cover up to hide the fact that aliens were here to visit. Which wasn't entirely wrong on his part. But I saw Sam's concern. The guy literally had no idea what he wanted to know. It wasn't exactly all that amazing.

"I mean, he has an entire website tech team in the dorm right next to ours. Doesn't that seem like a total nut case? I tried switching but the dorm leader said I couldn't get a new roommate," Sam sighed, taking the final sip of his soda. Prime was still with me, leaning against the wall of the room on the bed. He was given an extra 2 hours to visit, but that time was almost up. By the school's rules anyways.

"I'm sorry, Sam. I wish I could help," I said, patting his back.

"Don't worry about it. We can't room cause you're a girl. Even if I told them you were a family member," Sam added the last part, crushing his can and tossing it into the trashcan. He got up at that moment, right when there was a knock at the door. He opened it, giving a nod to our dorm leader before going to his room across from mine.

"Alright, Mr. Prime. Time's up," she gave a sing songy voice, wiggling her fingers in his direction. Prime gave her a nod, getting up from the bed. I followed suit, noticing she didn't move from her spot at my door. I guess she wanted to make sure he left.

"Thank you, Ms. Lomeli."

"Oh no problem. Just hurry up. I have to make sure you leave," she turned her back, her hands behind it. Prime looked over at me, stepping close to my form and cupping my face.

"You'll do fine. And I won't be far from you should you need me."

I grabbed his hands, my face clearly begging for him to not go. But I could see out of the corner of my optic that Ms. Lomeli was watching us. She had a rather wishful look on her face that made me frown in frustration. So, I sighed as Optimus hugged me, giving me a quick kiss before he headed to the door. But before he did, he gave me a wink as I tried to hide my smile. I recognized the mischievousness of it, knowing I wouldn't be alone for long.

Ms. Lomeli waved at Prime as he walked down the hall, disappearing from sight. As soon as he did, the dorm leader grabbed my arm, taking me by surprise. She had a dorky smile on her face as I smiled back, trying my best to remain relaxed under her scrutinizing eyes.

"How, pray tell, did you land that….sexy soldier? You must tell me your secrets!" she giggled. It was then that I noticed several other doors opened, all types of girls looking at me. They had the same hopeful looks, each asking how such an ordinary person somehow managed to land a model like him. I couldn't control my uncomfortable feelings as I replied with an, "I don't know," before shrugging off Ms. Lorelai's grip. I said I would think on it, having never given it much thought before shutting my door, letting it be known that they were quite literally scaring me.

My forehead landed on the door, resting against the coolness of the hardwood. It was a nice school, but it was becoming overwhelming for me. Even on the first day, I was beginning to question my choice. I wasn't sure if I could do it, being alone at a college campus surrounded by girls who envied me. And honestly, I was scared. I didn't want to be away from Optimus. I didn't want to be at college without Mikaela even though I had Sam. Sam would do his own thing. It's just how his personality was. He would do his own thing, trying to discover himself.

"It's okay," I felt arms circle my waist as I was removed from the door, my optics misting over in sudden sadness. Optimus smiled at me gently, pulling me close as I started to cry, my brave front coming apart in front of him. I just didn't feel ready for this. Any of this as he just held me, using one of his hands to wipe away the tears.

"I'm sorry. I just…I know I need to be strong but things are just so hard anymore. I don't think I can do this, Optimus. I don't think I can do this," my hands tightened in his shirt as he held me, listening to my words. I felt his arms squeeze me only once, before his hand tilted my face. His lips softly caressed my cheek in a comforting way.

"You never have to be any stronger than you are now. You have faced the Decepticons head on and even accepted your heritage with no hesitation," Optimus watched as my optics opened, my tears sliding down my face. "You are brave. Now, why don't we watch something on TV?"

"Like what?"

"Well, what do you want to watch?" Optimus released me and turned, reaching for the remote to the television. But I didn't want to watch anything. I wanted to spend my last moments with him. He would have to return to the base tomorrow, to check on the things he had missed. It was something I couldn't avoid. So I wanted to just enjoy the moments and cherish them for now. And I wanted to remember the way he kissed me, knowing I couldn't get any for quite some time.

Without warning (and making up my unsure mind), I rushed Prime, immediately turning him around. I could see his confusion as my hands landed on his face, pulling it toward my own. I didn't hesitate to crush my lips against his. I felt him tense, his hands landing on my upper arms as if to push me away, but he didn't move. Didn't even do what he would have. Instead, he pulled me closer, our bodies melding into each other. One of his hands ended up in my hair, the other pressing me ever closer to his body, as if he was trying to absorb my very essence. Our tongues battled for dominance over each other before he broke the kiss, our foreheads touching.

"Dangerous move, little one," he spoke softly, a smirk taking over his features. I wrapped my arms around his neck, a smile tugging at my lips as I hummed. I knew that I could have made the great leader snap, but I didn't mind it so much this time.

"I can't help that I want to get my fill before you really have to go," I whispered to him. Optimus never released me. We just stood there, forehead to forehead, with our eyes closed. It just felt like a sweet moment, our bodies close, and our sparks beating as one…rather rapidly.

"You know," I started playfully, looking up into his eyes, "the human body burns 6.4 calories just by kissing."

"Is that so?" Optimus had a boyish grin on his face as he lifted me up, my legs wrapping around his waist. I laughed as he carried me to the bed, dropping us both down on the cheap sheets, his body covering my own.

"Mm hm, so I have a question," I added as he watched me, a chuckle escaping him while he waited for the question. "Do you wanna work out? Or are you scared?"

"One, that is two questions," He added before he kissed me, separating for just moment to say one simple thing. "Challenge accepted."

~XXXXXXXXXX~

The Next Day….

The homework due was beginning to pile up on my desk as I actually went through, trying to study and understand my basic courses. Everything was the typical high school crap, with English, Math, and even some grammar studies. The one class that had me interested was my Astronomy class, but the professor deflated my excitement. He believed he was a good looking man, all the college girls practically drooling over him. I was rather annoyed and at times, really wished it would end quickly.

The only good thing was the fact that Sam would visit me periodically throughout the day, to escape his roommate. I haven't met the guy quite yet, but I kept hearing the stories Sam gathered during the day and my fears of him would escalate. He seemed far too intelligent of all things that were "classified." He did his research with his tech team, hacking computers that had any sort of alien information. I made sure to give a call to Lennox to have my computer encrypted. Just in case.

I heard my phone ring, which immediately put a smile on my face as I reached for it without looking up from my work.

"Princeton morgue. You bag 'em. We freeze 'em. What do you need covered up today?"

"That's a bit morbid, Zyn," Prime chuckled at my answer, which gave me a reason to pause in my studies.

"But it is the truth. We need bodies for our medical department. Got any?" I shivered, giving a halfhearted laugh. "Okay, maybe that was a bit much. How are you big guy? Any new developments since yesterday's concern?"

I could practically see Prime rubbing the back of his helm at my statement, knowing that I was pointing out his main concern. He kept his word on calling me but so far it was all day, ensuring everything was okay. And he would ask if I had any problem people that needed to be dealt with, which told me he was wanting to know if any boys were hitting on me. He was predictable on that note.

"No, it is all the same here. Decepticon activity has dropped a bit, but it has not given the government the reassurance it needed. Plus, the shard has been stolen. I am to speak with the board today."

"I see. How was the shard stolen?"

"Decepticons infiltrated the location and retrieved the shard. The exact details are still unknown," Optimus sighed, which told me he was exhausted and he felt guilty. He was with me all night before disappearing this morning. I felt sorry for him. Things were becoming more and more hectic for him while my life has slowed down.

"Optimus, if you need me, then I don't mind-"

"Dear, we have gone through this before. You do not need to leave school. It is safer for you there," he cut me off. I had been trying to leave school, being so worried for him. And honestly, school was being a pain in the ass. I wanted to just quit. And it was only my first official day!

And yet, the real reason was the fact that I missed Optimus. I had felt lonely this whole time. It was an unbearable emptiness so I spent most of my free time today locked away in my room. Sam said I was becoming anti-social quickly, but it wasn't just that. I felt different from everyone. They all worried about parties and boys and trying to get alcohol (by all the conversations I heard today). Yet, I was busy trying to figure out how to do homework and worrying about my spark mate.

My dorm room door suddenly opened, forcing me to turn abruptly. Standing in the doorway was Sam and his roommate, watching me. I sighed. This had to be the most inopportune time for Sam to visit, but I forgot that he was going to introduce me to his roomy today. To spread around the craziness so he wasn't alone.

"Is everything okay, Zynith? Do you need me?" his baritone filled with concern and alarm, forcing me to shake my head.

"I always need you, Optimus," I said. "But no, I just have a visitor. Someone Sam wants me to meet."

"Very well. I am here if you need me. Goodbye, Zynith."

"Bye," I clicked end, turning around to face my family member and his headache. I could see his roomy was looking through my room, inspecting every inch of the room with his eyes. It quickly landed on my computer, seeing the abstract art on my background before connecting with my optics. I reached over without breaking eye contact from him, effectively turning off my computer to give him a silent message.

"Hey, Zynith. How's it going?" Sam rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the tension in the air. I sighed, still remaining in my seat with my arms crossed. I think he got the hint.

"Yeah, sorry. Um, anyways," Sam motioned for me to get up. I rolled my eyes at his request but did so, holding out my hand to the newcomer.

"Name's Zynith. I know it's weird. I don't care what you have to say about it. And I know your obsessed with aliens, so don't get me started," I put on my best "don't fuck with me" smile. But the curly hair boy seemed unaffected by my hints…which told me he was either uncaring or a complete ditz.

"Leonardo Ponce De Leon Spitz," he tried to do some sexy eyes toward me, which made my stomach churn. I definitely couldn't tell Optimus about this or he would probably punch this kid in the face. Probably breaking a jaw or cheekbone.

"I have a boyfriend, thanks," I added, removing my hand from his. He tried to kiss it, but he stopped, taking my warning to heart. He just smiled though, before looking at Sam.

"So, she's your cousin?"

"Sister."

"Ah, well, is she coming with us tonight?"

"I'm right here, Spitz," I pointed out, causing the boy to finally look at me.

"Leo. Anyways, it's a frat party tonight. First one. You coming?"

I paused, looking at Sam as I threw my hands up in frustration. He knew I wasn't one to go to parties, especially when I refused to accompany him back when we first started hanging out. Plus, the Autobots (particularly a specific flamed semi) would have a hay day should I do something that would expose my Cybertronian build.

"Sam!"

"Oh come one, Zyn. Loosen up. And it's just this one. Please?"

My optics literally felt like they were flashing in anger. Sam was also trying to get me to go to a damn party. I couldn't believe my fucking processor.

"You have to go to the first one. It sets up your reputation, especially with the ladies. Except you, but you could help us out," Leo added, moving his hand between him and Sam. "You know, make friends and tell us how to win their hearts."

I crossed my arms, shaking my head again at his stupidity. I really felt sorry for him, this Leo guy. He seemed highly immature and very weak, trying to be something he totally wasn't. What a douche.

"What about Mikaela? I thought you had a date with her tonight? You know," I crossed my arms again, leaning toward his form, "the chat date you promised."

"Oh shit! That's right, um," Sam turned toward my door, debating. I quickly shoved him when he hesitated to take a step, forcing him to walk.

"I'll go to the fucking party if you do your online date! Now move your ass, Sam!" I screamed, making the teenager move his ass. Sam yelled thanks before going to his door, slamming his door shut. I knew Mikaela would be pissed after their chat. Sam would make it quick, making an excuse of doing homework. Which would make me tell her the truth. My brother was in for a rude awakening here soon.

"So you have a boyfriend?"

I jumped, forgetting that I wasn't alone in my dorm. Leo was watching me before his eyes glanced down at my neck. I immediately moved my hand, placing it over the mark he noticed. I needed to remember to slap Optimus whenever I saw him again because the over possessive bot had left a hickey on my neck. How the hell metal can manifest a hickey is beyond me but apparently it does. In fact, I had one on my neck and another just below my collarbone. He was getting a little to frisky.

"Yeah, I do. He is in the U.S. military. He is away on duty right now," I added. Again, that uncomfortable tension returned, which worried me. I really didn't like being alone with this Leo guy and with him constantly looking at my hand, it made it harder to keep from blushing. And remember? I blush blue.

"That's cool. And Mikaela? That's Sam's girl, right?"

"Yep."

"Cool, cool…..Cool," Leo added the third one a little late. He looked back at their dorm door, watching it rather impatiently. I didn't move from my spot, staring at my floor. It was a nice carpet actually. Very soft and clean. I ended up picturing Optimus vacuuming. That was a funny image.

"Okay."

I heard a door open, seeing Sam walk into my room. He looked very frustrated, his face all flushed which told me Mikaela didn't by his lie. And it answered the one question I had, which was wondering if Sam would lie about the party. Yep, I was right.

"You ready to go, Zyn," Sam broke the silence, watching me expectantly. I sighed before looking at my attire, seeing the tank top and jeans I wore. I debated on changing into something a little more…college like but I shrugged. I had no one to impress. Why not look like myself?

"Let's get this shit over with," I responded, grabbing my dorm key before nodding at Sam. He smiled at me, grabbing my arm in excitement. Leo threw his arms in the air, hooting and hollering in joy and expectations. I really felt my frustration increase tenfold by the two idiots' behaviors. This was going to end horribly. And I mean horribly.

~XXXXXXXXXX~

A/N: So here is the next chapter. What do you all think? I find it rather interesting and I am totally starting off with the next movie. YAY! Anyways, I couldn't find the name of the Dorm chicks name, so I made one up. If you can tell me what her name is, that would be great. I typed this chapter out by memory so hopefully this isn't too off. Sorry for the update being like forever away. I've been working like a mad woman and haven't really had time to type out any chapters at all. Sorry!

Enjoy the story everyone and have a wonderful time. Love you all!