Disclaimer : I don't own it.

Note : Sorry for those reviews I don't reply to. I've been SUPER busy lately. I have a new diet, and exercise plan, that has me outdoors more than usual. That, coupled with lambing season at the farm, and a lot of issues with that, not to mention appointments and going visiting family/friends... Yeah. LOL

(Normal POV)

"I still don't like this." He turned holographic eyes on the femme sitting in the passenger seat, only to have said eyes soften at the utterly content look on the little sparkling curled up in her lap like a lazy feline.

She shot him a look, before smiling down at Sunfire. "We agreed. Because we missed Chromia and Annabelle's respective birthdays, we're celebrating both together." However, there wasn't enough space and room for a real party. Not one a child could enjoy, on an island where robots roamed freely, and most of said island was at one point or another used as a training ground. "C'mon... At least I'm not alone." She smiled at him, batting her eyelashes in a way he supposed was considered 'sexy' to human males.

He grunted a little, then grimaced. I've been spending too much time around Ironhide. "I'm not considered one of the base's top fighters, you do realize."

"Neither are Rika and I." She shrugged a little. "But take into consideration, Jazz and Ironhide will be there, along with all three of the Arcee triplets, and Bumblebee because Mikeala would be there, meaning Sam and his parents would be going, because Annabelle will be there, meaning Will and Sarah will be there and they've supposedly become friends..." She trailed off, blinking out of a daze, and smiled. "We're all gonna be surrounded by bots. We'll be fine."

"It would still have been much easier to have the party on the base."

"Oh yeah." She rolled her eyes. "Happy birthday, Annabelle! Look out! Don't step on that land mine!" Giggling a little, she ran a hand over his holographic arm, which admittedly sent chills through his body. He felt her fingers trail lightly over the Autobot insignia on his shoulder, and suddenly, he found himself not wanting to go to this birthday party.

Well, more so than he had only moments before.

"You know, if you don't want to be there, you don't have to go on my account." She sighed, looking disappointed. "I'd love to have you there, but I know birthday parties aren't your thing. Hell, they're not even mine! I'm just going because..." She giggled again. "Well, Rika and I managed to talk Ironhide into an...amusing thing. You'll see." She waved a hand in dismissal.

"While there are more important things I could be doing, I also said I'd prefer if you didn't leave the base without an escort."

"Jolt or Sideswipe could have taken me."

He growled slightly, still more than uncomfortable with her even mentioning Sideswipe's name. "I'm more than happy to give you a ride."

Suddenly, she smirked evilly. Her organic optics shone with a light that made him realize he'd just said something he'd soon wish he hadn't. Even before he could groan in dread of what she was thinking, she tapped on the glove compartment, a signal for him to open it, and when he did, she popped Sunfire inside. He listened to her muffled, half coherent protests before he gently closed her in.

The protests continued a moment longer, in the form of muffled squeaks and whistles, before there was a little huff, and he felt her settle down.

Then Bella turned to him, her organic optics scanning the area around them before she climbed out of the seat and sat in his holographic lap. Once there, she gave him an evil smile and leaned in until her plump, soft lips were brushing ever so faintly against his own. "I'm sure you would, and if we had a little more alone time, I'd be more than happy to take you up on that offer."

He blinked a moment, confused. "But you are. You're inside me now."

"Honey, with the type of ride I'm talking about, it's not me that's supposed to 'be inside'." She used her fingers to create air quotes, before giggling madly, shaking her head, and brushing her lips against his own.

The move was slight, but amazingly distracting. Luckily they were the only ones on the road, so he could afford, for the moment, to have split attention. He even lost track of his trying to figure out her confusing words, as she pressed her lips to his.

The sensation was just like the first time she kissed him, yet so different. It was soft, sweet, and he found himself liking these kisses almost as much as the more passionate, intense kisses. He kissed her back steadily, thoroughly enjoying the feeling of her lips pressed against his.

Things are better. Much better. I'm happy I've finally properly expressed myself.

(Bella's POV)

I hadn't really had much of a chance to take it in the first time. His lips were amazingly real feeling, although I didn't really have anything to compare it to. I'd kissed Rika on the cheek once, due to a dare, but never kissed or been kissed on the lips before. This was completely new territory for me, but I found the hint of dryness to his lips such a perfect addition, making them even more real. It showed he wasn't as perfect as he looked.

And when I really took it in, he didn't look perfect, which I loved. He was slightly more rounded than the Richard I'd known before. Not really overweight, but not the same flat washboard stomach. There was a faint hint of stubble you could feel on his cheeks, but not really see. His eyes were bright blue, with different shades shining in their crystalline depths, and like I'd already mentioned, his lips were faintly chapped.

That made everything all the better.

I felt him kiss back, his hands coming around my waist, and I had to smile at Sunfire's sense of being disgruntled. Finally, I pulled back, leaning my forehead against his and staring into those beautiful holographic eyes. The funny thing was, I wasn't seeing Richard anymore. Ratchet, yes, but not Richard. I felt bad for Richard's sake, almost feeling guilty for not seeing him anymore, but I had to take comfort in the knowledge... He wasn't there. He wasn't there when...whatever brought me here did so. That meant he probably hadn't been affected, and could move on with his life.

Hopefully.

Ratchet suddenly made a face and began to chuckle. "Sunfire really isn't happy."

"Wonderful." I sighed and leaned in, kissing him lightly and feeling a new sense of contentment overwhelm the annoyance coming from my sparkling. "A Cybertronian temper tantrum." Pulling away from him, I suddenly smirked, remembering Ironhide's reaction when I kicked him between the legs. I had no idea if they made their holographic forms anatomically correct or not, but I wiggled my butt in his lap, and laughed delightedly when he groaned loudly, bucking his hips up and me off him.

He shot me an evil look as I sat down, clutching at my stomach as I laughed, before turning up front and placing his hands back on the wheel. Well, they obviously can feel. If they can feel pain there, it stands to reason they can feel pleasure, even if there was nothing there to excite.

That didn't mean I didn't see the blush in his cheeks, feel the heat inside the cab, or see the physical reaction I didn't think he had the equipment to give. Hm, apparently they make their holographic forms anatomically correct to human standards. Interesting... Raising an eyebrow, I stared for a long moment, before hearing him clear his throat. Considering Autobots didn't get phlegm, I blushed and looked away, realizing I'd been caught staring. Hm, wonder what's under there. I bit my lip, even as I felt the corners tugging up.

"Sunfire's getting rather impatient."

"Better let her out then." I sank my teeth into my lip as I pulled my unhappy sparkling from the glove compartment. Sitting her in my lap, I locked eyes on her and kept that one eyebrow raised. "And what're you so unhappy about?" I tickled her antennai.

"Mah."

I blinked a moment at the total gibberish spewing from her, before I realized that wasn't a whirl or a click, but a humanoid sound. "What was that, baby?" I took her tiny hands in mine and played with the itty bitty fingers.

She glared at me with her bright blue optics, and if I didn't know any better, I'd swear she was pouting. Of course, they didn't really have the flexibility in their lips for that, but still...the effect was somehow remarkably similar. "Mah!"

I couldn't help but start laughing. "Meh? Maw? Mom? Mommy?" I shook my head and leaned down, rubbing my nose against hers and getting a little giggle as her annoyance faded. "You are just too adorable for words, little girl."

"We have arrived." There was a certain reluctance to Ratchet's tone, and I looked over, patting his arm before leaning over and pecking his cheek a little. He made a face, and when I glanced outside, all the bots there were currently milling around, and Ironhide was shooting me perhaps one of the darkest looks in the history of dark looks. "Do I dare ask what it is you 'convinced' him to do?"

I smirked and patted his arm again, remaining silent as I climbed out of the Hummer, only to squeak and shuffle Sunfire quickly before I was glomped in one of the tightest hugs in history. Feeling Mikeala's arms around me as she giggled, I smirked, one hand sliding down her back and to her ass.

With a rather loud squeal, Mikeala darted back, both hands cupped over her ass, and a pretty shocked look. Behind her, Sam had spewed his drink right into holographic Bee's face with shock, and I raised an eyebrow at Rika, who was leaning against Jazz with the force her of sudden laughter. Looking at everyone, I waggled my eyebrows suggestively. "I've had Mikeala's ass, and now I want more." I giggled as Sam leaned heavily against Bee, laughing his ass off, and Rika was nearly being carried by a laughing Jazz.

Her face flushed, and I felt horrible for the simple fact she didn't realize what she'd walked into. "Sorry, 'Keala. It's just a joke, but ask Ri why she wasn't the one to glomp me like that."

Said Ri was still giggling hysterically, Moonfrost pressed against her chest. "Oh Lord! That's why I didn't glomp her like that, she always goes for my ass!"

"Hey! You're just as bad!" I protested, looking over my shoulder when I heard the tell tale clanks of a transforming robot. Once Ratchet was done, I smiled up at him, and leaned against his toe plates.

"So, was it good?" Mikeala recovered quickly, and was standing tall and smug, waggling her own eyebrows. Sam stumbled behind her, looking like he could hardly believe the banter coming out of her lips.

I grimaced. "Better than ours." I shook my head. "Girl, you're gonna have to show us what exercises you do to get those buns of steel."

She shook off her remaining hints of shock and shook her head with a laugh. "As opposed to your buns of...what? Titanium?"

I laughed and nodded. "So where's the birthday girl?" I looked over to see the purple femme and raised an eyebrow. "The other birthday girl?"

"She'll be here shortly, just don't go grabbing her ass." Mikeala made a face as she turned around, her hands still firmly fixed to her ass cheeks, and her other cheeks bright red as she walked over, shooting Sam a dark look, before doubling over laughing at Bumblebee's put out glare and handing him a napkin for the juice-covered face.

I took a good look around, choosing to ignore her last comment. We were a ways outside of any city, and a fair distance from any roads, hidden behind massive mountain ranges so the Autobots could transform without being seen. There were a few large cacti, and a lot of the bots had already gone and removed the spines from them at the humans' level so no one would get hurt.

How they did it, I had no idea, but it looked like they had, if Epps leaning against one of them big as he pleased was any indication. The cacti provided shelter for the humans to take refuge under, but it was also a cooler day today, without the ultra bright sun shining, and a cool breeze.

Most of the present bots were milling around brightly colored boxes, and others were looking around at the occasional decoration, or the table topped with junk foods. Instantly, as soon as I lay eyes on that table, I tapped Ratchet's foot sympathetically, knowing he'd begrudgingly agreed to allowing these treats, considering this was a celebration, and feeling bad because I knew his instincts would be screaming to stomp the tasty looking treats into the sand.

Finally, the sound of a roaring engine caught my attention and I turned. I could make out Jolt rushing our way, with Will and my guess was Sarah in the front seats. I wasn't sure what to expect with Sarah Lennox, but I wasn't as worried as I was sure I should have been. I mean, I'd read a lot of fanfiction before coming to this world, and in all of the stories, she was genuinely a nice woman, if at times stern. I hadn't seen many where she was an outright bitch, and I reminded myself I'd have to watch my language around Annabelle.

As the Chevy pulled to a stop, I watched as the duo piled out. Will was dressed casually for a change, with a grey t-shirt that hugged his form snugly, and a pair of faded jeans. Sarah was dressed in a dark pink and purple flowered sundress that fell to her knees, with sandals on underneath and her long blonde hair flowing in lose waves in the breeze.

She seemed to take a moment to take everyone in, and I tore my eyes from her before she got to me, not wanting to seem stalkerish or weird for staring. I looked down at Sunfire, who was gazing at them curiously, then heard more clanking, looking up to Jolt transforming as Sarah held a tiny baby in her arms.

As they walked over, I was aware of movement at my side, and the slightest nudge of a foot against my back. I leaned against Ratchet's foot, knowing he wouldn't leave if I did so -not without knocking me on my ass, anyways- and felt him move it ever so slightly again, even as I looked over to Rika as she leaned against both me and the foot, Moonfrost curled up in her hands.

"That's the Sarah Lennox." She smiled a little. "She looks even nicer in person."

I had to agree. Though looks could be deceiving -just look at us!- she did look incredibly friendly. She waved to the group, before spotting us. She did a double take, and before either of us could blink, she was making a b-line towards us, a huge smile on her face and her eyes locked on the sparklings with the familiar look of motherly awe.

"Oh my God, they're so sweet." She stared down at the girls with wide eyes. "Who-What...?"

I giggled. "My name is Bella, and this is Sunfire, my little girl-uh femme. That's Rika-" I nodded to her, as she was too busy giggling to respond. "-and her little femme, Moonfrost." I smiled a little. "And don't worry, they're sweethearts." I laughed. I could admit to being a little nervous, hence the nervous laughter, but what do you expect? She was the big motherly figure around Annabelle, and we were only just meeting her.

Spotting something behind her, I felt my eyes widen and my jaw drop before I slapped my forehead with my free hand and groaned. "Oh Primus! I told him to do it when they were alone!"

Daring a glance, I watched as Sarah turned, her own jaw dropping open even as Rika's hysterical giggles reached me. "What in God's name is he...?"

"I talked him into it." I looked up at Ratchet. "You might need to protect your femme in a few, hon. I have a feeling Ironhide's gonna wanna turn me into a toaster even more than usual when this is over with." I glanced back over and bit my lip as Ironhide sauntered over to Chromia, seeming oblivious to the stares and laughter he was getting.

Then again, the giant cardboard 'birthday cake' on his head didn't help any.

He smirked at her and nodded a little. "Happy birthday, femme of mine. Now blow me out."

"Oh Primus!" I shook my head, slapping a hand against my forehead as I laughed loudly.

All those who hadn't been laughing already doubled over. Will even had to take Annabelle from Sarah, she was laughing so hard, and I felt fingers wrap around me to support me when I started laughing. When I could finally breathe again, I slapped Rika a high five and patted the fingers wrapped around me, feeling almost disappointed as they moved and Ratchet straightened.

I don't know if Chromia got the joke or not, but she was too busy laughing at Ironhide and his obvious episode to even answer him. Ironhide was growling, even as Will handed Annabelle back to Sarah, who was wiping ears from her eyes. That whole thing couldn't have gone more wrong, if the Chevy twins themselves had tried it, but by the look on the faces of certain bots, I had a feeling that would be spoken about for some time to come.

Sarah turned to me then, as I began to chalk my prankster reputation up another notch, even if that wasn't meant as a prank. "You talked him into this?"

When he glared down at me, I held up my free hand. "Hey! I did say to wait until you were alone to do it! Not my fault you can't take instruction!" I laughed again as a breeze came along. "Well, at least you got blown out." I doubled over laughing again, along with many others, as the cardboard hat went flying.

Not long after that incident, we all got down to business. The bots milled around as the humans gave Annabelle and Chromia gifts, even if the latter didn't understand what was going on, and the former really couldn't properly appreciate the thought. I found myself talking to Sarah a lot, showing her Sunfire and advising her in scritching the antennae, and then changing babies, taking Annabelle gently as she took Sunfire.

Even Rika got in on the action. She allowed Sarah to sit cross legged on the ground with the sparklings, who were far more gentle around her, understanding her skin wasn't as tough as ours. The only difference was, Rika refused to take Annabelle, insisting that she was too worried about hurting the little human baby.

Despite being larger than the sparklings, Annabelle was a lot lighter. But then again, she wasn't as densely made up. Her skin wasn't as warm as I'd expected, but I also knew that the energon in my 'veins' tended to run hotter, making me seem warmer than most normal humans. I'd figured that out some time ago, coming into physical contact with hugging Mikeala, or bumping into the occasional soldier. I spotted a shadow looming over us and looked up to see Ironhide leering down, protectively. I waggled a finger for him to come closer, then I gestured for his hand. I checked with Sarah to make sure it was ok, before placing little Annabelle and the sparklings in his grasp.

Both Sunfire and Moonfrost stared at the almost startled baby in front of them. They both clicked at each other, before incredibly gently reaching out and touching her, as if she fascinated them. I was about to reach out and snatch them back, feeling like a total moron for not realizing they'd be curious about her, and worrying about her safety, but their actions made me pause. If they were gentle with Sarah, Annabelle was made of the most fragile glass to them. Their fingers barely even brushed her arms, causing her to giggle, and me to as well.

"I suppose some things they just know." I spoke quietly, not wanting to startle the sparklings who were now running their hands through her hair. "Careful girls." I glanced over to see Sarah looking both apprehensive and amazed.

"Sparklings know much before they are even birthed." Ratchet's own voice was quiet as he crouched behind us. "They simply need to learn to convey their feelings out loud. Just because they cannot yet speak, doesn't mean they don't know things."

I had to nod, having seen it for myself. I was just lifting Sunfire back into my arms, along with Rika and Moonfrost -neither of us wanted to take a chance with curious sparklings and a two year old baby human- when a loud, shrill whisle caught everyone attention, and abruptly, Annabelle was almost dumped into her mother's arms.

Even as we all began protesting Ironhide's admittedly rough handling of the girl, and were about to give him a piece of our minds, a loud cry caught us all off guard.

"DECEPTICONS!"

Written : Feb 6, 2010

Hope you like it.

R+R Please

Thank you

Tenshi