Author's Note

Hello, my lovely readers! And holy frag. Do you know what day it is? DO YOU KNOW WHAT DAY IT IS? And, no, I'm not talking about it's the day before Transformers 4 comes out on DVD, although I'm excited about that too.

Happy anniversary!

Yep, it's been exactly one year to the day since I posted the first chapter of this story. Honestly, I can't even believe I've been writing this for that long. Thirty-eight chapters. Holy, frag, and it ain't even over yet. I don't know if there will be another thirty-eight to this story, but whatever is left, I hope you all have fun riding it out with me. And for those of you who have been with me since one year ago. Thank you. All of you. You honor me with your loyalty.

And I'm sorry but I'm going to be selfish. As an anniversary gift to myself I'm not going to do reviews. Plus I need to get to a club meeting. Sorry! XD

Go onward and enjoy!

Fallout

Ari meets Director Fury down in the lobby, a room with concrete walls and floor, giving it an institutional, almost prison-like feel. The sunlight filtering in through the glass roof is a nice effort to make it seem more cheery but fails. This is a place of business, a place where some of the world's most guarded secrets are kept, a place where the people working here risk their lives every day in order to keep the world safe. There's no room for color in a place like this because everything they see is in black and white and shades of gray in between. Fury stands in his black leather trench coat in the middle of the hustle and bustle right next to a metal statue of the S.H.I.E.L.D. logo, an eagle with wings outstretched as if it's ready to protect all those who seek refuge underneath its feathers. His one good eye roams over all of the passing agents causing those who fall under his gaze to straighten their postures and walk just a little bit faster. When he sees her he nods approvingly. "Romanoff sure made quick work of you."

She glances over herself. These business clothes feel so foreign on her body like she's a kid playing dress-up in adult clothing. "Yeah, she sure did. Phil was right though. I'm not sure if I regret her help or not." She self-consciously pulls up on the open part of her shirt.

"In any case, you look good. Ready for this?"

"Not really." She takes a deep breath, releases it slowly. "But I'm going anyway."

Fury leads her to the bank of elevators on the side of the lobby opposite the escalator leading to the dorms. When one arrives they step inside, a quick glance from Fury keeping any other agents from following them. There's a holographic screen built seamlessly into the wall to the right of the door making the metal look like it's glowing glue. As they enter their names appear on the screen but there are no buttons for floor numbers. Fury turns with his back facing one of the three glass walls with his hands curled around the handrail and says, "World Security Council."

"Arianna Lennox does not have clearance for this level," a disembodied voice says, a female voice that sounds slightly artificial.

"Director override. Fury, Nicholas J."

"Confirmed." Their destination appears on the holographic screen and the elevator doors close as they begin their ascent.

"What was that?" Ari asks, eyes searching the ceiling, almost expecting the elevator to be a Cybertronian even though she's never heard of such a thing.

"It's an artificial intelligence that runs the building. The elevators and rooms are biometrically controlled to keep people from going where they're not supposed to."

"What security clearance do I have? Agent Romanoff said that the Autobots and everything is level five."

"She's right, but you have unique circumstances. You may know about Cybertronians and N.E.S.T. but that doesn't automatically make you level five. You're not allowed to know about anything above level one."

Well, that's kind of disappointing. Ari was hoping to learn more about the sort of secrets this organization has been keeping from the world. "And what can I know as a level one?"

"That S.H.I.E.L.D. exists." The elevator stops and they step out into a hallway where Coulson is waiting for them.

I wonder how he gets around this building without people freaking out about seeing ghosts.

He nods in greeting. "Director Fury. Ari." A small smile tugs at his mouth when he looks at her. "I see things went well with Romanoff."

Oh, yeah, things went real well with Romanoff. She wants to give Coulson a piece of her mind, Fury too actually, but now is not the time. Instead she just thanks him and says, "Where is everyone else?"

"I have agents debriefing them as we speak," Fury says. "The Council is only interested in speaking with the three of us."

Ari gulps. So she has to do this by herself? She was hoping Sideswipe, or at least Will or Optimus, would be with her. All of a sudden it's a little harder to breathe, air shuddering through her lungs, and her palms are sweaty. Considering everything that's happened, is the Council even going to be interested in actually hearing her out, getting their side of the story? Or is this meeting just a formality?

"Ari," Coulson says but she doesn't really listen, her worry and nervousness buzzing around loudly in her head drowning everything else out. "Ari. Ari, look at me." His hand grasps her shoulder, pulling her out of her thoughts and her eyes focus on him, burning with desperation. "Ari, you're going to do great. And we'll be right beside you."

She grasps his hand with hers, taking comfort from his words and presence. She can do this. Just breathe in and breathe out. Don't panic. Speak clearly and politely. Everyone trusts her to be able to do this. If she has all of these people at her back, then everything will be okay. No matter the outcome. With her fear contained Ari gives the two agents a nod and she follows them through a door at the end of the hall.

The room is long with bright fluorescent lights making the wide open space seem even emptier than it is. Twelve empty chairs take up the center of the room, spread out into a large circle. The back wall is made entirely of windows with the magnificent view of D.C. spread out before them. They must be at the top of the tower, or very nearly. It reminds Ari of an emperor's palace situated on a mountain, allowing him to gaze down on his domain. And standing at the window with his back to them wearing a crisp new suit is Galloway.

"You're late," he says, his voice clipped, biting. Ari can't suppress a flinch as they move into the center of the circle. She knows that tone from Ron, whenever he ordered her to clean the house or some other chore.

Fury glares at the back of Galloway's head, clasping his hands behind his back. "Check the clock, Mr. Galloway. We're actually a few minutes early."

Galloway turns around to face them, his eyes narrowing when they land on her and Coulson. "Well, at least someone can follow orders."

"Now is not the time for childish accusations. Last I checked, we're all more mature than five-year-olds." Fury walks over to a computer sitting in front of a huge glass screen depicting a map of the world. The computer has a glass monitor and a table with a holographic keyboard just like the elevator. He presses a few keys and one by one curved sheets of glass rise up out of the floor to stand in front of the chairs. A fuzzy light appears on each glass, almost like T.V. static. When the static clears, a person appears on each glass, men and women with varying ages and ethnicities, and if Ari looks at them just right it looks like they're sitting in the chairs.

The World Security Council. And this time their faces aren't obscured in shadow. Whether it's because they're more comfortable without the presence of aliens or because this line is more secure without the threat of others hacking the connection, Ari isn't sure. Either way, she now has a clear view of their indignant faces. She gulps but her mouth is dry. They look like they already made up their minds about her and Coulson and everyone else. And it's up to her to convince them that what she and the others did was right.

"Thank you for coming," one of the members begins, an older man, early to mid-sixties, with thinning white hair. The wrinkles on his forehead and the permanent frown lines around his mouth makes her think he does a lot of scowling. It's the American member from the first time she spoke with the Council. He wanted to experiment on her when she told them she contains the AllSpark and the memory makes her chest tighten. He can't get to her, she knows, Optimus made sure of it, but she can't help but wonder what would happen if things go wrong today.

Fury nods to her, giving her the go-ahead to take the lead, and she takes in a slow breath through her nose. There's no point in worrying about that now, so she puts on a polite smile and says, "Thank you for allowing us to clear things up about the past couple days."

He gives her a patronizing look. "I'm not sure there is much for you to clear up. Hostile aliens attack cities around the world, asking for you as ransom, and you evade custody. Then the N.E.S.T. team disobeys direct orders to travel halfway around the world, forcing our representative to jump out of the plane, all so they can aid you, a wanted fugitive."

"It was my idea to force Galloway from the plane," Coulson speak out in her defense. "Neither Ms. Lennox nor N.E.S.T. are at fault. I take full responsibility."

"We will get to you in a moment, Agent Coulson," the American says dismissively.

All twelve pairs of eyes focus on Ari as she stands in the middle of their circle, turning so she can stare back at the Council apprehensively. This feels very much like a witch hunt. They are laying all of the blame at her feet, no matter her innocence, and they are ready to drown her. But she can't let them. She has to change their minds, manipulating them just like Romanoff told her to. Her eyes catch with Coulson's and he gives her an encouraging nod.

"Let me get this straight," Ari says, voice surprisingly clear and steady. "You are upset with me because I evaded custody?"

"Yes," the American snaps as if he's speaking to an ignorant child.

"And your intention, once you had me, was to use me as a bargaining chip to get the Decepticons to leave Earth?"

"Yes," Galloway says, stalking closer to her. "We could have tried to reach a diplomatic solution that would have kept the Decepticons from attacking us ever again."

She can see the logic in it. Giving up one person for the sake of the entire planet. Doesn't keep it from stinging, though, their complete willingness to turn her over to the Decepticons. But she shoves it down deep, stepping closer to Galloway so they are glaring at each other eye to eye. He's a good head taller than her and he tries to use the height difference to intimidate her. She just raises her chin and gives him a small, smug smile. Worry crosses over his face before he can school his features, and she can tell he knows: she has them right where she wants them.

She turns away, eyes passing from member to member, ready to take out the strongest voice of opposition against her. "Do you know why the Decepticons wanted me?"

They look at each other but no one says a word.

"They wanted me," she clasps her hands behind her back, pacing slowly around the circle, "because I had something that they wanted. Information on the location of a certain Cybertronian artifact that was hidden here on Earth thousands of years ago."

"And how did you come across this information?" the British councilwoman says, her light brown hair cut to a bob and critical hazel eyes. She was on Ari's side last time. Perhaps she will be again.

Ari's eyes narrow at Galloway and then flicker to Coulson and Fury uncertainly. "It is something I wish not to discuss while among certain people present."

"Answer the question, Ms. Lennox," Galloway growls. "That wasn't a request."

"No, Mr. Galloway. According to the Non-biological Extraterrestrial Species Treaty, I have every right to refuse. I get to choose who knows my secrets and I do not choose you."

Oh, Primus, focus, Ari. You may be nervous but now is not the time for Pokémon jokes.

Anger boils beneath Galloway's skin, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. "As part of this Council I demand to know!"

"Actually, Mr. Galloway," one member says, an Arabian with tanned skin, dark hair, and glasses perched on his nose, "you are not a member of this Council, strictly speaking. You are our representative. And since we are able to speak with everyone involved directly, at the moment, you are not needed."

Galloway tries to oppose, mouth stuttering to form a sentence, but he's cut off.

"Good day, Mr. Galloway," the British woman says definitively. "We have your report. If we need anything else from you we will let you know."

For once Galloway is knocked down a few pegs. Firmly on his aft, even, mouth and eyes wide with disbelief that he's being dismissed so offhandedly and probably wondering how things got so out of his control so fast. But then he composes himself, straightening his jacket, and storms out of the room without sparing her a glance.

Primus, that felt good.

The American watches Galloway leave a little bleakly as well but lets it go with a sigh. He turns his attention to Coulson and Fury. "Director, agent, you will need to leave as well."

The two men turn to leave but Ari steps towards them. "Wait." They turn back and she takes a moment to study their faces, deliberating. They've helped her a lot over the past two years, especially Coulson, but Fury has proven he has her back, especially over the past couple of days. Her right hand raises to her left arm, fingertips skimming over where the AllSpark marks are. It's hard to see through their masks but then they drop them, only a fraction, only for a split second, but she sees enough. "I-I want them to know."

"Very well then," the British woman says as Coulson and Fury return to stand beside her in the circle again. "Please, continue, Ms. Lennox."

She nods, some of her nervousness coming back as she wonders how well the two men beside her are going to handle the truth about her, but she presses on. "I know we haven't had a chance to update you on my status as the AllSpark, so I will briefly do so now." Her eyes shoot to Fury and Coulson, some surprise and confusion seeping through, and she knows by the look in Fury's one eye that she's going to need to sit down with them when this meeting is over and explain a few things. "I have acquired three new marks since the AllSpark transferred into me in Mission City. They are knowledge, healing, and life. It is because of the knowledge mark that the Decepticons were after me."

Ari gives them a quick rundown of what's happened, from first receiving the riddle to the Fallen's defeat, leaving out a few choice moments of course. Her and Sideswipe's developed relationship is still so new and different to her. Others…she's not sure they'd understand. Especially not these people. But there is one thing she makes sure they understand. That if they had handed her over, the Decepticons would have gotten a hold of the Matrix, used it to turn on the sun harvester, and the world would have frozen over. The Decepticons will never negotiate with "insects".

When the American starts to hum thoughtfully to himself, though, hand rubbing over his chin, Ari's muscles tense up, ready for a fight. "That is some considerable power you have there, Ms. Lennox," he says. "If you would only allow us to examine you we could-"

"No." Director Fury steps close beside her placing a protective hand on her shoulder. "According to the treaty she is not to be touched under any circumstances."

"But there is so much we could learn-"

"The last time we messed with something alien it brought Loki and the Chitauri knocking down our door with the threat of invasion." Ari's eyes latch onto Fury with surprise, wondering what they could have been messing with to bring an alien army down on New York, but he doesn't elaborate. "The AllSpark is best left in Ari's capable hands and out of our reach. Yes, we could learn a lot from it, but this isn't just some cube. It's a human life, a life we should be protecting, and not just for her sake, but to keep the AllSpark out of enemy hands."

Quiet mumblings drift around the circle as the council members discuss among themselves and Ari takes the moment to nod to Fury gratefully. If she still had doubts that he would have her back knowing her secret they are gone now. He nods back and drops his arm back to his side.

"Alright," the British woman says, "we have made a decision. Though under duress, the decision to detain Ms. Lennox in order to turn her over to the Decepticons in the hopes of achieving peace between our two species was made, we admit, too hastily without all of the variables being considered. Therefore, we have come to the conclusion that the actions of Ms. Lennox, Agent Coulson, and N.E.S.T. were justified and N.E.S.T. will be allowed to resume operating as normal." The American makes a grunt of disapproval and a few other members don't seem all together pleased, but they all nod. "Now there is just one more thing we need to discuss."

"Like what?" Ari asks cautiously. She thought she just made it out of the storm but maybe all they did was just pass through the eye. What else does she have to beat back?

"Containment. The one you call the Fallen broadcasted the existence of Cybertronians to the entire world. Already people are starting to panic and if we do not get ahead of this it will only get worse. People are looking for answers. We need to figure out what to tell them."

"And you want my help in deciding that?"

"You have already proven yourself quite capable today," says the Arab councilman. "If you still wish to become Autobot Ambassador, these are the kind of decisions you will be in charge of making."

She nods to herself, already feeling a tremendous weight being dropped on her shoulders, and today is only a taste of what she wants to do as an actual career. It will be up to her to figure out the best course of action when it comes to the protection of the Autobots and all Cybertronians. What secrets that need to be kept and what they need to be honest about. How is she supposed to know that though? She licks her lips nervously. One step at a time. "Exactly how bad is it so far?"

"We've been monitoring all forms of communication since the broadcast," Fury says, walking over to the computer again and typing something into it. The screen with the map changes until several news stations and internet articles pop up all over. "Right now, people are still in debate on whether or not it was a hoax, but the signal was broadcasted to every device in the world, from T.V.s to cell phones. Any computer expert could verify that the footage wasn't faked and it's already starting." He touches the big screen, bringing a particular window to the center and enlarging it. "This is a blog run by a Mr. Allen Maxwell. We've had our eyes on his site for some time now, ever since Mission City. Apparently, his wife was one of the civilian casualties caught up in the battle. He was out of town at the time on a business trip. He started his site not long after."

Ari's heart clenches. She knew there had been some people who died during the battle but she's never heard much about them. A wave of guilt turns in her stomach. If she had just been faster or stronger that day, then maybe this man's wife wouldn't have died. "I take it he doesn't cast Cybertronians in a pretty light?"

Fury shakes his head. "Not at all. He mostly posts videos and photos trying to prove Cybertronians exist, a lot like your friend, Ms. Spitz, but instead of focusing on how the government is keeping secrets he's trying to convince people that the aliens are a threat that needs to be eliminated. His site didn't get very many viewers until the Chitauri attacked New York. Once it became apparent that we're not alone in the universe people started to believe him a bit more. But after the Fallen's broadcast, his viewers skyrocketed to the thousands. By our calculations, he could have well over a million viewers by the end of the week. That broadcast went a long way in showing people he may be right, that Cybertronians do exist and that they are a threat."

"So, Ms. Lennox," the British councilwoman says, "what do you believe should be done?"

Ari wipes a rough hand across her face, staring at Allen Maxwell's blog. There is a lot of hate bleeding through his words. And people are believing him. Why shouldn't they though? All they've seen is death and destruction caused by aliens. The Chitauri, led by Loki, tried to take over New York and would have taken over the world if the Avengers hadn't found a way to stop them. And Cybertronians, people have seen them fighting, have been trapped in the middle of their battles, for years. But they don't know that there are Autobots and Decepticons, good guys and bad guys. They just see aliens and aliens equals fear.

So what they need to do is prove everyone wrong. "We tell the truth."

"I beg your pardon?" the British woman says, voiced filled with shock.

"We need to tell everyone the truth." Ari turns back into the circle, looking at each of the Council members in earnest. "Keeping this a secret, burying it again, it's not going to work. At this point, it's only going to make everyone suspicious. You can tell them a lie, but they won't believe it. They already know that aliens are real and now Cybertronians are out in the open. There's no sweeping them back under the rug this time."

The American snorts. "We can't just tell them a secret of this magnitude."

"You did with the Chitauri."

"That case was completely different."

"You're right," Ari says, voice getting louder and louder, "this isn't the same as it was then. It's worse now!" She pauses. Takes a calming breath. "All everyone knows right now about aliens is that they attacked our cities and hurt and killed thousands of people. That was true of the Chitauri, but it's not true of Cybertronians. Cybertronians have hurt and killed, but there are also those who defended us, who we would have all died without. Right now, humans believe all aliens are evil and they will never know the truth unless we show it to them. Keeping this secret will only do more harm than good, will only cause more fear and hatred. I suggest we introduce the Autobots to the human race and show them that, yes, we are not alone in the universe, but we don't have to be afraid of everything that's out there."

The Council members murmur amongst themselves as they deliberate again and Ari stands still, muscles tense, as she waits for their decision. Coulson comes up beside her and asks, "Do you really think it wise, full disclosure?"

Ari looks back at the screen where Allen Maxwell's blog is still showing. "I don't see how we have any other choice now." Things like that blog are only going to grow and fester like a boil until one day they explode. And it will be the Autobots who will pay for it.

"Ms. Lennox." Ari turns her attention to the British councilwoman. The corner of the woman's mouth tilts up ever so slightly. "You have shown a lot of wisdom for such a young age. You are right. The existence of aliens from other worlds is a fact among society now and we must learn to accept it. If we are to do that, then we need to help the world realize, just as you say, that we are not alone but neither do we stand alone. Director Fury." Fury's chin raises slightly in acknowledgment. "If the Autobot leader agrees, prepare a press conference so that the Autobots may be introduced to the people of the Earth."

"And who will present them?" Fury asks.

Her smile widens. "We will leave that up to our Autobot Ambassador. You are dismissed."

And just like that all of the screens blink out and the glass descends back into the floor. Ari takes her first full breath of air since waking up this morning. She did it. She actually did it. She made the Council see reason and they're all free and clear. Her legs turn a little wobbly with the sudden relief of the tension and anxiety, but she stays on her feet because she did it. If anything, she stands just a little bit taller.

But she also has to give a press conference to the entire fragging world. She gulps slightly. Another worry for a time that isn't right this second.

"Congratulations, Ms. Lennox, you just survived your first encounter with politics," Fury says with the first real smile she's ever seen on his face. "And you weren't too shabby."

Her cheeks warm with a slight blush. "Thank you, Director, but I'm not sure they would have given in without you giving them that final push."

"I have no doubt you could have found the push on your own, but I wanted both them and you to know on which side I stand. And it was you who convinced them to tell the world the truth."

"Well, thank you anyway. I really appreciate it." She looks at the floor, a little doubt trickling in. "Do you think it was the right decision? So many things could go wrong with the Autobots out in the open."

"What does your gut tell you?"

She thinks it over for a moment and then looks back up at him. "That more things would go wrong if we don't"

He nods. "This organization was built to act as a shield against all of the dangers of the world, no matter how strange or otherworldly. The thing is, secrets can also be harmful, and part of keeping the world safe is knowing when to keep a secret and when to let it go."

Ari lets that sit on her mind, thinking of the secret Fury and Coulson are keeping about Coulson's "death". Would telling everyone he's alive really cause more harm than good? She doesn't know. But hopefully they'll be able to figure out when to let that secret go as well. As for this one, yes, she believes it's time.

"So," Coulson says, brow wrinkled in curiosity, "can we go back to the part where you're the AllSpark?"

Ari chuckles nervously. This is going to be fun. But after that stressful meeting there is only one thing she wants. "Only if we talk on the way to the others before another paint bomb goes off."

Fury casts his eye to Coulson. "I thought Barton was away on mission?"

"I wasn't talking about Agent Barton, although I would love to hear that story. I was talking about Sideswipe and Sunstreaker."

"They better not," Fury says, voice taking on the hint of a dark tone that's probably used to scare new agents out of their pants, "or else they'll be cleaning every painted surface clean with a toothbrush, just like Barton did."

Okay, now she really wants to know more, about Barton and Romanoff both, but she has priorities. She'll get Coulson to spill his guts to her later. Right now she just wants to get back to her…boyfriend? No, that word doesn't feel right. It feels too…juvenile, and Sideswipe is definitely not a boy. Significant other just sounds ridiculous. Maybe there's a Cybertronian word for it? But no, there wouldn't be. When two sparks find and recognize each other they would soon bond and become sparkmates. So where does that leave them?

Ari shakes those thoughts away. She loves him and he loves her. That's all they need to know.

She plasters on a smile. "So, shall we go before any madness gets started?"

Fury leads them out and back towards the elevator, taking it a couple of floors down as Ari fills them in on her own secret. She worries that they won't believe her, few people do when first hearing her story, but they don't look at her skeptically at all.

"I assure you, Ms. Lennox," Fury says, stopping in the middle of the hallway at a door that looks no different than any of the others they've passed, "this is not the craziest thing we've ever dealt with."

"Seriously?" she asks. "What would be the craziest?"

"Well, we've met the Norse god of thunder," Coulson answers. "Turned out to be an alien."

Ari's mouth snaps shut, wondering if he's serious about meeting Thor, although the name Loki would certainly make a lot of sense then. But before she can ask he grabs the door handle and swings it open into the room. Inside is a scene she's familiar with, reminding her of their time at the S-7 base after Mission City. There's a long conference table in the middle of the room, the chairs filled with N.E.S.T. soldiers and, unlike last time, the Autobots' holoforms. A small smile lifts her face. Autobots and humans together. It makes her happy to see that S.H.I.E.L.D. is more trusting than Sector Seven was.

She looks back at Fury. "What about the press conference? When and where are we going to have it?"

"We'll probably have it here in D.C.," he says, "before you all head back to Nevada. But we'll take care of the details. You just spend some time with your friends and family."

"Thank you. Both of you."

The three of them part ways and Ari slips into the room unnoticed as her eyes roam over the occupants. All of the soldiers are laughing and talking, sitting and relaxing for the first time in days. Since there aren't enough chairs most of the Autobots stand around them, joining in. Will and Rob are seated near the far end, an empty seat next to Will, and on the other side of that seat is Sideswipe. He's slouched in his chair with his arms crossed in front of his chest, a sour look on his face that makes a bubble of laughter build in her chest. Sunny is next to him, both of them silent, probably talking through their bond, and Sunny doesn't look very happy either. Ironhide stands behind them and is the first to see her. He smirks and then smacks Sideswipe in the back of the head.

"Ow!" Sides glares at Ironhide, rubbing his head. "What did you do that for?"

Ironhide jerks his chin towards her. "Your femme is here."

Sideswipe's head snaps up, his eyes automatically finding hers with an intensity that sends pleasant tingles all the way down to her toes. Before she even knows it she's walking towards him and he's up out of his seat walking briskly towards her, eyes analyzing every inch of her with every step he takes and she knows he's making sure she's okay. Because she doesn't even have to ask what he's thinking about to know it's the same thing she's thinking about, how last time they were separated like this against their will had been filled with uncertainty and fear. But as she wraps her arms tightly around his chest, arms curved up around his shoulders with her face buried in his shirk, and he wraps his arms securely around her, one around her waist and his other hand cupping the back of her head, they both know that everything is okay now. For now, the worst is behind them and together they breathe a sigh of relief.

"You okay?" he asks, chin propped on the top of her head. "They said you were meeting with the World Security Council and they wouldn't let any of us go with you, not even Optimus."

"Yeah, I'm fine," she says. "Actually felt kind of good once I got past the whole freaking out part. I got to stick it to Galloway which was especially nice."

A chuckle vibrates through his chest. "Really? I would have liked to have seen that."

"Come on." She pulls back, slipping one of her hands into one of his and pulling him back towards the table. "I'll tell you all about it."

"Hey, Ari?"

"Hm?"

"I really like what you're wearing." She looks back at him and he's wearing a devilish grin that causes a blush to spread all over her face and down her neck. But she can also see so much love in his eyes. For her. A different kind of nervousness fills her now. She has no idea what's going to happen, especially with them and their relationship, but whatever does happen she's going to enjoy it as she falls.

Author's Note

Ari sure has come a long way in the past year, hasn't she? So, I'm having the Autobots come out in the open. We all know it happens between the second and third movies, so I figured I'd do my take on how it would have gone down. It certainly isn't going to be easy though. But I'm sure Ari can handle it. :)

I'll try to get in more fluff next chapter, promise!

Hope you enjoyed, PLEASE REVIEW, and see you all next time!