TMWolf: I'm back again! Sorry it took so long, but I have some good news! My co-worker is back so I'm going to be getting days off and no more full shifts, so I'll have a lot more free time until this one week where she's away! :D Sooo that should mean a little bit faster updates. Hopefully. Anyways, thank-you for your patience guys! So. You ready for a revived Catherine and meeting Carly! 'Cause that's happening this chapter.

And today DJ TMWolf is bringing you 'Only the Young' by Brandon Flowers, whose music video I recommend watching. It's a good song!

Now for reviews to my fantabulous reviewers who are just too good to me... although they apparently want to kill m,e too! :D;;

Angel897: Indeed, indeed... which means I have to make something bad happen then, mwahahahaha~

Autobot-Bre: Darn right math sucks, but I think I did okay ~3~;; Unfortunately not as much connection this chapter, but there is come in there :3

Beronos: I'm just hoping people will enjoy it- especially with what I have coming next! :D

Coka Cookie Cola: First off, thank-you sooooooo much for your review! Ones like yours really, REALLY boost my day, so thank-you. Second, on Mikeala. Yeah, that's basically what I figured. I could explain out my entire reasoning... but that would be a really long paragraph xD;; And, uh thanks again, and you can look forward to more fluff for them in the following chapters ;)

Crystarium: It's all good my friend. I've had video game addiction days myself- I dare say I had one the first few weeks back from college. I played the hell outta AC and Journey *^* You play God of War you say? AWESOME. I've never actually played, but it always looked cool! xD DUDE. KORRA SEASON FINALE. HOMP. I love it, although I thought it went by to fast like most of the season. Granted, I know it's because they weren't planned for a second season until they got all the ratings, but still xP Aaaand I find it feels a little like a Soap Opera at the end there with the whole "brother" thing, lol xD And yes, mucho feels for those lost :c Jazz's sass will always be missed. I've gone so many chapters without it now ;^; And oooh yeah, she was depressed a long time, but, she would have eventually gotten over it... though maybe not as well as she would have with Sam's help here. Sam gained 3000 exp- Sam leveled up! What Sam is evolving? Sam involed into- super-awesome-best-friend! Yeah. I did that. :P And of course Sideswipe would accept her! They're lovers. Ha ha, but no, seriously, he's taken many lives himself and while they weren't hatchlings, he's still taken lives, so he understands and he could never hate her. Ever. Oh, and about Gallodouche... he'll be back eventually. Sorry! :P

Fictitioushero: YOU SHUT YOUR DIRTY MOUTH. TC IS FRAGGING AWESOME. DON'T YOU READ THE COMICS? HE'S MY FAVORITE CON UP THERE WITH DREAD WING AND KNOCK OUT SO SHUSH. D: But uh- AHEM. Thanks, for letting off, ha ha xD Ecology? Homework? Ew. Read my story instead ;) Yupyup. I have a reason for most everything that happens in this story, and don't worry- I got what you meant! :D Uh, yeeeah... we don't have letters for our school except for Kindergarten, which is "K", but the rest are numbers for years going 1-12 xD;; Then it's college. Good luck with it all, by the way! I hope you do well! :) Dude, I know EXACTLY what you mean by the shower thing. I've had that happened to me sooooooooooo much. That's actually where the whole Jazz talking to Sideswipe about thinking about being her spark mate, but ended up as a brother conversation popped into my head! xD And, uh, yeah, study first then leisure! And I'll be happy to help if you need/want want! :) Indeed, indeed, although there are things I never want to try, ha ha~ Yupyup! Sam FINALLY matured a lot! Uh, er- Mikeala broke up with him, actually, not the other way around. He wanted to stick with her, but she broke it off :/ And I understand how ya feel about Carly. It didn't help her actress was considered just a "replacement" for Mikeala, but I intend to remedy that with my Carly! And I did kind of enjoy her actually. She seemed to be less... I dunno... annoyed by some of Sam's antics, I guess. I mean, Mikeala would have been better, but Megan left sooo... yeah. LOL do I need to get you a mop to clean yourself up then? :P And yes, you may have more fluff at the end of this chapter~ And yeah, I suffered from it. I didn't even realize I was depressed until I finally got "over myself" and stuff. I was definitely depressed, though, and it was not fun... My last year of high school sucked big time, but it's all good now xP Mine isn't hardwired for Math, either. I am COMPLETELY a right-minded thinker. And oooh dang! So many languages! Good grief! You'd do well in businesses being multi-lingual! So jelly over here :P And, eh, I've met Asians ad dumb as rocks so I don't worry about the stereotypes xD;; And no, no, it's all good! It's fun talking with you! :D I try to be a fun person, so there we go, ha ha! GOD DAMMIT. STOP. -munch- MAKING -munch- ME -munch- FAT. I DON'T HAVE TIME TO GO JOG IT OFF ;^;

Heather Tobotua de Cybertron: Well, I'd hope it was better considering things are much better for the characters now, ha ha xD;; She and Sam have been good friend-wise for a while, but it was more so to show Sam's growing up and learning from his own mistakes. This story is a bit about him, too. It is sad Jazz is gone :/ I miss him a lot already... and Sunstreaker will show up in a handful of chapters. It won't take TOO long, but I have to introduce some new story things first, but don't worry- he'll show up. :)

Iceshadow911247: Definitely not as much CAPS this time. Probably because no one died. I guess I should have randomly put a death in there or something, ha ha xD;; And yeah, I figured. BUT IT HAD TO BE DONE. Dude. LOL. That would have been hilarious. I mean, getting punch isn't, but imagining it was, ha ha. Sarah Lennox is scarier. She's a mother with two children. She's like a Mama bear. You don't fuck with Mama bear's cubs. Ha ha, I bet it would have been fun to see xD;; Lots of gasps and silence, that's for sure. SO MANY FEELS, heh. :P And, uh lol on the Disney part? I guess it depends on which songs? xD;; YOUR FRIEND MUST BURN. KILL HER NOW.

Lovely Rain Dancer: Ha ha, it's awesome magic that's what it is! xD Shall I buy you a box then? Tee hee, I'm so bad, I know :P Thanks and glad it's relaistic! It's what I strive for! Okay... how to explain it... Okay, yes, Sideswipe and her kids can still feel the bond, but it's very difficult and generally only works when she's within a certain vicinity, which is one of the reasons why her kids have been acting up. Sideswipe is within that "vicinity" and he's had WAAAAAAAY more experience with bonds, so he knows how to find it. Her kids don't, so they have more trouble, but the BOND IS THERE. Catherine can't feel hers, though, because she's human and doesn't have a spark, so while the "signature" part was exchanged, she has no "spark" to access the bond. The others- Prime/Ratchet/Ironhide don't feel anything because their bonds weren't like the others, so it's like nothing's changed. That's basically what's going on, anyways. As for her power loss... you'll see int he next chapter, actually. And no problem, my friend! :)

Megan666: She was in the depression for so long because she, frankly, hated herself. She honestly believed she was the cause of all the deaths- her kids; Jazz; Slingshot; David; Alexander; the other soldiers and Autobots, even though they weren't. She also hated herself for what she did on the Nemesis, which was killing off a LOT of hatchlings, which are Cybertronian babies, essentially, and basically tainting her powers as the Primes put it. She was just so full of shame and hate for herself that she got stuck in this downward spiral that lasted for about two months until Sam came along. In regards to a time skip- there's just one more chapter and then there's a time skip :)

Mercedes Wolfcry: -hands tissue- Sorry for the tears, but, yes, it's going to be okay :) DUDE. LOL. Oh, Tom Kenny and your voice... I counter with, UMMMMM... JAMES EARL JONE'S VOICE. That man has like the best voice ever. Of all time. And he was Mufasa. MUFASA.

NightMaskedFemme: Hey. It's a perfectly good writing excuse. Kinda. I accept the forgiveness, but I'm afraid I must decline the sentence- I'm afraid I'm immune to such things when I have some of the most bad-aft instrumental music EVER on my itunes playing ;) Just go search "Immediate music" and "Audiomachine" on Youtube and you'll know what I'm talking about.

Spark of the Forgotten: LOL That, right there, got a good laugh outta me, ha ha xD And yes, DARN YOU SUNSTREAKER. But he will get here. Eventually. Give it a couple of many chapters and he will... and we'll see how people dig him then :P

StarBee20: Yeeeeah! :D Yes they are, tee hee~ AND NOW THEY CAN LOVE EACH OTHER LIKE A GOOD COUPLE. Finally. Took them long enough! D:

Starscream's Prime: LOL I'm sure you would have thought of something xD;; Wesker is a good man then, ha ha. And prepare for more fixed-ness and tiny bits of fluff! :D

Szynka2496: Ha ha, yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeah... It went a lot faster than I thought, too xD;; I guess it's 'cause I write so much in one chapter, heh heh. It was my assumption she dumped him because of that, too. Actually, she just sent him Bonecrusher and Wheelie. Brains happened another way... I figure she dumped them because she didn't want anything to do with Wheelie. I don't know about Bonecrusher, though... eh. And ooh, you'll see Carly :D

WulfLuvr22: First: TEE HEE c: Second: U mad bro? Third: Well, while I do apologize for killing off all of them, it was important to the story and had to be done, unfortunately :c But hey, I did give you THIS chapter to cheer everyone up ;) I accept your love as well and thank-you very much for it. Your words let me know I'm doing my job right. -thumbs fist against chest back- You're welcome, my friend!

Oh so just to make you guys REALLY happy: The latest chapter I wrote (remember that I'm a few chapters ahead of the next to be posted) had Sunstreaker in it ;)

LET'S DO THIS.


LII. Only the Young


"I feel ridiculous," Catherine frowned, tugging at the navy blue edge of what she referred to as a "women's suit". While it was much better than a dress, she still felt awkward in the material. It was the most form-fitting thing she'd ever worn, and she was fairly certain if she so much as thought of flexing, the top would rip. She seriously missed her shorts and pants and loose shirts.

"Oh, it suits you just fine," Sarah Lennox spoke up from behind her while she struggled to get Annabelle to sit still long enough to pull a dress over her head. "This is a very important meeting and you are going to look your best."

The redhead huffed, and her adoptive mother sighed as she rolled her eyes. She smiled seconds later, though, and Annabelle giggled as her Sunday dress was finally fitted over her head. While the young woman was being difficult, it was that very behavior that made Sarah happy. It seemed like forever since her adoptive daughter had showed any signs of her old self, and she was just glad that the depression that had taken a hold of her was gone. Whatever Sam had done a few weeks ago, it had worked, and now they were in Washington D.C. about to meet with the President—far away from home—and she was complaining about wearing some fancy clothing!

"If only Will was here to see you," Sarah chuckled, and Catherine looked back at her like she was crazy.

"He would take a picture and show the others and they would laugh, so I, for one, am happy he is not here," she barked back. "Ugh. It's just so—so… ridiculous!"

"You already said that, Catherine, and it's only for a few hours. You need to look nice and professional for when you meet the President. Then we'll have dinner with the Witwicky's at which point you may change if you'd like. Honestly—you're nineteen, but you still act like a teenager!"

The redhead grinned, "You love it, though."

"Only sometimes," Sarah smiled back. "Just try not to rub off on Annie, alright?"

"Oh, you don't need to worry. I'll make sure she's only naughty for her daddy."

"Ah, well that's good to know. Anyways, now that I've got her all set, we can get going."

Catherine looked herself over in the mirror once more before sighing in defeat. She slipped on her—thankfully—flat shoes, which Sarah had bought for her recently when she refused to wear open-footed or heeled anything, and once the blonde-haired woman had purse and baby in hand, they headed off to the hotel's elevator.

It had barely been two weeks ago that'd the redhead had finally contacted NEST in her prolonged "vacation", as she preferred to put it, and got in touch with Lennox, Prime, and Morshower. They had been happy to hear from her—particularly her adoptive father and Prime. There wasn't too much that could be said over the phone, but they made it clear she would be welcome back as soon as she felt she was ready. They'd also informed her of something Sam had forgotten to; that the President wished to award him with a medal. It wasn't to be a public event, too, and, while she wasn't going to receive a medal—the higher ups still wanted to keep NEST low key—she would be going to finally meet the President in person, which was why she was wearing the "suit". It was figured it might do some real good if she did, and she agreed at once.

And so, two weeks later and she, Sarah, and Annabelle were making their way through the lobby of the hotel they'd been staying at and out to the parking garage where Sideswipe's sleek form was waiting. The Autobot had been kind enough to drive them the whole way, acting as escort and protector, and hadn't caused any trouble or made any complaints despite being cooped up in his alternate form. They could have honestly gone by army escort if they wished, and it had almost seemed that way when her teleporting kid—Air Raid—popped out nowhere and effectively surprised her and Lennox's cousin whom had arrived to work on the farm. That had been an awkward conversation, and the Seeker was heavily berated for his careless actions. Granted, he seemed to enjoy the "attention" she was giving him more than anything else, seeing as they had not been able to see her in a long while, but he did eventually go back. In the end, they decided it was better that Sideswipe took them; otherwise her Seekers would probably start fighting to be the ones to take them to the White House.

"Rise and shine, 'Sides. It's time to get rolling," Catherine hummed as she touched the silver car's hood. It thrummed to life at once and his doors opened for all three. The redhead took the driver's and Sarah the passengers, and then they were off.

"I gotta say… its weird seeing you wear that,"the silver mech laughed, and the redhead made an exaggerated "that's what I said" gesture with her hands while looking at her adoptive mother. Sarah just sighed while rolling her eyes, although she was smiling as she did so.

"I'll be back in my usual clothes after this meeting," Catherine hummed, but paused as she thought of something. "I did put that bag with clothes in your trunk, right?"

"Yeah, it's there taking up space."

"Good. Anyways, where did they say we're supposed to park, again?" the redhead inquired of the blonde-haired woman.

"Actually, they're aware that we'll be arriving with Sideswipe, so they'll allow us onto the White House grounds. You'll have to remain in vehicle form, of course," she replied, finishing with a look at the silver mech's dashboard.

"Figures,"he huffed. "At least Bumblebee is there. He's already raving about how it's just like all the media said it was."

"Well, there you go. I'm sure 'Bee will be happy to have company."

"Easy to say when you guys get to walk around."

"Oh, I know you don't like it, but we are very grateful for your help, Sideswipe, and I promise we'll head home tomorrow where you can walk around all you'd like," Sarah smiled softly, and the vehicle's engine thrummed a little softer—his very own version of a purr.

"Let's just make sure we get there on time," Catherine chuckled. "It'd be bad if the Autobots' and NEST's representative was late for her meeting with the President."

Sideswipe complied, though kept within the speed limit and drove smoothly for Annabelle, per Sarah's request. Thankfully, the hotel they had been financed for was close to the White House, so the drive wasn't more than a few minutes. They spotted it soon enough and were careful as they approached the drive way. They were greeted by the security guards, whom, after scrutinizing the ID's they picked up from the nearest NEST base, they were allowed in with an escort. Sure enough, Bumblebee was waiting where they parked, and blurbs of music and quotes came from the mech at the sight of them. Anyone nearby was surprised by the action, but all three of them enjoyed it and greeted him before following their escort inside.

The White House really was how the media showed it, and Catherine could hardly believe how big it was. It was essentially a mansion, although she didn't have much to say for the décor or the seemingly random choice of colors for the rooms. She did find the portraits of presidents and paintings nice, but nothing compared to the sight of her best friend and second family, whom all greeted her, Sarah, and Annabelle warmly. Sam, of course, mocked her choice of attire, and she did the same in kind, noting at least hers was for a job and not because her mother had to dress her. He complained, but let it go, and they all sat to wait for the President, whom was still preparing for their meeting.

"So, how you holding up?" Sam asked her from their spot on their couch, the adults and Annabelle on the other. She and the young man were both leaning back, relaxed, and looking wholly unprofessional besides their clothes. She was actually surprised how well Sam's attire made the cut, though it did lean more towards a job interview. She vaguely recalled it being stowed in his parent's closet.

She hummed thoughtfully, "To be honest… not bad. I still get down a few times, but otherwise it's good. In fact…I'm already getting ready to head back to NEST and get my job back."

"Aw, no way!" he grinned, perking up. "They're really going to let you get it back? Even after all that stuff that happened and then that Galloway guy?"

"Well, that ass—er, jerk, is on a 'sick leave', and the new guy doesn't really want his job. If it was Marissa it would probably be better, but she's off on some secret business. Anyways, both Optimus and General Morshower already made it clear they want me to be their liaison, so I'd be surprised if they said no," she replied, rubbing her chin as she went on.

"Well, you are the best they've got. I mean, you know them best and they all like you, and I'm pretty sure all the NEST guys do, too, so, y'know, yeah."

She nodded, "I just gotta convince the President. You, on the other hand, have it much easier. You just need to smile for your Mom's camera and then go back to college."

"You make it sound so easy," he scoffed and let his head roll back. "Be happy you don't have to deal with college. Leo's just awful right now—all he ever wants to do is talk about is the Autobots. His site's exploded, too, now that everyone knows the Autobots are real. And then you don't have to study for exams and all that crap. Oh, and people still sometimes ask me about the whole thing that happened and being wanted by the FBI. It sucks."

"Aww, poor baby," she cooed, patting his head. "Well, once I get my job back I'll see about making things easier."

"Aw, lay off, I'm fine. Just worry about you, alright? Granted, you've got Sideswipe looking out for you… Oh, you owe me seventy-five bucks, by the way," he replied, and grinned when she raised a brow. "Yeah, I still remember our bet. You can pay me whenever."

"You cheeky bastard," she murmured low enough so that, should Annabelle been listening, she wouldn't have heard. Sam laughed a little this time.

"Again, it figures. I really should find it freaking weird, but I don't. I guess it's what I get for having you for a best friend."

"It's not all that weird. I mean, yeah, he's a giant, alien robot, but they're pretty human-like. You should know that just from 'Bee," she replied, looking over at him.

He hummed, "Yeah, I guess. It'd be hard to argue with you. I mean, sometimes I forget he's actually from another planet. It's weird, but good weird, y'know?"

"Yeah, I know…," the redhead smiled, but then, after a pause, frowned. "I just hope the public will think the same. I finally got around to reading the internet… and it looks pretty heavily divided between supporters and protestors. It's like a message board for a comic or show movie adaptation."

"I saw some of it. Leo's and his friends have been looking into it, too, and doing what they can to show the Autobots as good guys. I think Simmons—you know, the sector seven guy? Yeah, I think he's helping, too."

She chortled, "Agent Simmons? Really? Man, I don't even remember seeing that guy since… no, wait—I think I remember seeing him on the ship and at the base. Is he done the whole 'turned into a good guy' thing?"

"You could say that. Don't worry about him too much, though."

"If he calls me up to bother me… I am going to kick your butt so freaking hard."

The young man laughed again, but it was cut short as a female attendant emerged from the doors to the oval office and approached them. They all stood and followed her in at once, and Catherine had to admit—it was pretty freaking cool to be in the Oval Office. It was bigger than she imagined, and looked like a leader would sit in it. That leader in question stood before the lustrous desk, a bright smile on his dark-skinned face, and he stepped forward.

"Welcome, all of you," he spoke kindly, and, though Catherine didn't necessarily agree with his policies or his recent actions—or any of the politicians' actions—he had an air of kindness and welcome about him. It made him easy to approach and to shake his hand. "I believe the United States and even the world owes you two its gratitude."

Security guards stood at the exits, but otherwise the room was empty save for the furniture. There was no press, no cameras, no nothing; just people. She supposed it was necessary considering what they were being thanked for. While it was public news now, it was best kept low-key until the public got more acquainted with the idea, else it gave potential for pandemonium.

"Sam… Witwicky, am I right?" the President continued, and Sam's eyes widened a little—if only because the Commander in Chief actually got his last name right.

"Y-yes, Mr. Obama, er, sir, uh, I mean," the young man stammered, but the President only laughed warmly and clapped his shoulder.

"I've got something for you, Mr. Witwicky," the Presidents stated and turned to his attendant, whom stepped forward with medal in hand. The young man's eyes just about bulged out of his head, and already his face was beginning to flush as was common for when he got excited or nervous. Catherine could only smile as she watched his hands shake when they reached out to grasp the colorful metal decoration held fast by its blue-velvet patched, wooden frame. His excitement continued to sky rocket as the President shook his hand and his Mom squealed for a picture. She was, at first, denied, but her wiles were finally given into and Sam and the President poised for a wonderful, comedic photo—the comedy brought on by the boy's ridiculous smile.

The Witwicky's were then ushered out, leaving Catherine, Sarah, and Annabelle to receive their thanks. They were given the same, warm welcome, and a bit more was given to the blonde-haired woman, whose husband was one of the leading powers in the battle. For that, she was presented a medal, too, and she accepted it in the place of Will. Sarah accepted the complement on her child as well, and then it was Catherine's turn. She, too, was to receive a medal, much to her surprise, and she did so humbly. However, she had more in mind than just the acceptance of a decoration and praise for her actions. She was surprised yet again, though, when it was the President who beat her to it.

"So, Ms. Wolf… General Morshower tells me you would like your job back," he smiled, and the look in his eyes suggested to her he intended to grant that request.

She smiled back, "He speaks correctly. Although, he might have left out a certain detail: I don't want to be just the Autobot's liaison. If possibly, I would like to be instated as NEST's official liaison—for both Autobot and humans. No second liaison; no Galloway."

"That is a fairly… bold request," the President hummed, linking his fingers together in front of him. "Especially considering your… previous circumstances."

"If it helps—I am willing to explain everything that's happened, and I can assure you that it, in no way, affects my abilities. Furthermore, I can guarantee I am the best choice."

"Many of my associated would disagree—particularly Galloway."

"Well, Galloway and I never did see eye to eye," Catherine hummed, not bothering to hide the annoyance that seeped through his name. "However, Mr. Galloway is inadequate for the job. He refuses to work with Prime or General Morshower or Commander Lennox. He's only made things difficult for NEST, and I'm fairly certain he has painted us in a bad light."

"And you believe you are the right person for this job? This is no ordinary defense program," the President pressed, though a smile tugged at his lips.

"I believe and know. Both the Autobots and NEST trust me, and therefore I can guarantee better communications and greater efficiency for the program if I become the liaison for both races," she replied, her gaze firm.

"And 'trust' is what will do this?"

"Mr. Obama," she began, meeting his eyes directly, "it is trust that could had prevented the battle in Egypt. It is trust that could have prevented many causalities of this war. It is trust that will help keep the Earth and its people protected from the Decepticons. I can give that trust."

The President looked right back at her, his dark-colored eyes never leaving hers. She knew he was watching her, checking for any lies or weaknesses. While she still suffered scars, she knew he would not find any breaks or cracks in her wall. And certainly, he did not, as he shifted and held out his hand, smile as warm as ever. She shook it.

"I look forward to working with you, Ms. Wolf."

-O-

Catherine breathed a sigh of relief once the white, wooden door closed behind her, sealing off the Oval Office. Sarah embraced her with her free arm, noting how she did wonderfully. The redhead merely nodded and took is deep breathes of air. She could barely believe she had actually done that—talked to the President like she did. It almost seemed like it had been a figment of her imagination, and the thought came to her more than once as she stood there, recuperating. It was completed with a crash; one which came from a fallen lamp. The reason it fell made her grin and raise a brow, and also caused her more mischievous side to spark.

The girl looked about their age, and would be considered pretty darn high on the "scale" for beauty-as in, a whopping ten for ten. She was a dirty blonde, although most likely not natural, but her eyes were definitely a natural sky blue, which glowed behind her glasses. The redhead had to admit, the chick looked a little nerdy with the thick, black rims and pony-tail going on in the back, but it was a professional kind of nerdy with the tanned suit and clipboard she held. Her lips were a little too lush for Catherine's liking, but she could tell at once Sam was more than intrigued by the young woman. In his eyes, she could see the same sparkle he'd always shown Mikaela—the same look she had once been jealous of. This young woman had caught her best friend's interest, and being a single man, he was more than available.

"Oh, God, I'm so sorry. Oh, shit, shit. Oh God," she could hear Sam bumbling as he tried to help her scrape together the pieces.

"No, it's okay. Don't worry about it, it's alright," the young woman spoke with a rather authentic British accent. Catherine glanced around, but the room was empty save for a few security guards—their parents having already returned to the Autobots. So, grinning, she came up behind Sam and waited until he stood, flushing madly with embarrassment, and put the shattered pieces on the table. Then she casually draped an arm across his shoulders, surprising both the young man and woman, whom revealed a flash of confusion and disappointment. Thankfully for her, Catherine was not Sam's girlfriend but his best friend ever and unofficial sister, which meant she had every right to both help and embarrass him at the same time.

"Well, now, Sammy-boy. How about you tell your best friend in the whole wide world the name of the lovely young lady whom has caught your eye?" she purred, still grinning, and Sam balked while the dirty blonde smiled again.

"I'm Carly Spencer," she laughed lightly and then turned a soft gaze onto the dark-haired young man. "So you're name's Sam? That's a cute name."

Sam's flush deepened, "Oh, well, uh, ah, um, t-thank-you, uh…"

"Oh, don't mind, Sam, Carly," Catherine spoke up, patting her friend a little too roughly. "He gets like that around girls he finds reeeeeally pretty. Anyways, I take it you work here?"

Carly nodded, "Or, well, I work for the British Embassy, but I'm stationed here unless they call me back, of course."

"Oooh, Sam, she's a smart one. And British. You have good tastes," the redhead hummed, elbowing her friend gently, whom gave her a "look", but still had trouble talking and—at the moment—meeting Carly's eyes. "I don't suppose a British Embassy worker has time for dinner?"

"I get off in a few minutes, actually," she replied and then looked specifically at Sam. "Am I right in guessing that's an invitation?"

Catherine could feel her friend stiffen beneath her arm, and she had to roll her eyes as she elbowed him again. He looked at her, confused, and she gestured at Carly, mouthing for him to answer her. He swallowed and rubbed the back of his head as his gaze fell from his shoes to the dirty-blonde's face and to the floor again.

"Ah, well, that is, um, uh, y-yeah. Y-yes. Yes!" he spoke up, a little too loudly, but Carly's smile widened all the same.

"I'd love to, then, Sam, Catherine."

"Good! I'll just go talk to the parents then and let them know we've got another guest," Catherine replied and turned to leave, but paused to look back. "Ever hung out with an Autobot before, Carly?"

The dirty-blonde's blue eyes widened, "No."

"You're going to find out then. And Sam?" she paused to wait for him to look back. "The babbling is cute, but if you want to impress her, you do need to form a normal sentence."

With a laugh-nearing-cackle, she spun around and headed off, a cheeky grin on her face.

-O-

"So, Carly, what got you into the embassy business?" Catherine inquired as she took a bite of her burger.

Beside her, Sam continued to hide his nervousness behind his cheese fries and diet coke, and also the redhead's shoulder. Carly, meanwhile, sat across from them, picked at her fries while she finished the latest bite of her grilled chicken sandwich. Their parents were nowhere to be found, but they weren't worried. The redhead had talked to them hours ago, and had gone separate ways: the Witwicky's drove themselves, Sarah, and Annabelle to a fancy eating, while Bumblebee and Sideswipe had driven them to a local burger joint Carly had suggested. Already they had learned the basics about one another—names; ages; why they were there that day; so on.

The dirty-blonde smiled in return, though a hint of sadness was in it, "For my brother, actually. He, ah, joined the military, and, well, I've never been cut out for the physical activities, so I tried my hand at politics."

"Do you ever get to work with him or help him out?" Sam managed to squeak, and immediately regretted it as the young woman pulled her hands into her lap.

"He… He died recently, but before that I did," she spoke softly.

The young man's eyes widened, "Oh my God—I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean—"

"It's alright, Sam. He died protecting the country, so I'm proud of him. Don't worry about it," she force-smiled back, and then glanced out at the two Autobots waiting silently in the parking lot. "But, um… so what can you tell me about your friends?"

Catherine followed her gaze, "Sideswipe and 'Bee? Well, as you know, they're Autobots."

"How did you two get involved with them, anyways? I can't even begin to imagine how," she breathed, her previous demeanor replaced with curiosity.

"Uh, well, 'Bee sorta… well, he saved us, actually, and, um, they were after my ancestor's glasses, which, uh, I thought I had, but really Catherine did, and then, uh, well, it's kind of a long story," Sam replied, chuckling nervously all the while.

"Brilliant," Carly breathed. "So they were involved with Mission City, right? Everyone knows about the battle in Egypt and there were rumors about what caused the destruction in Nevada…"

Sam glanced at Catherine who glanced back and answered for them, "Well, we're technically not supposed to tell, but it's going to come out eventually, sooo… yeah. The battle in Mission City was when they first came down and the whole Allspark search went on. Autobots fought Decepticons-the bad ones, beat them, saved the world, you know the drill."

"Oh! Oh… I won't ask too much then. Still—I can't believe I'm meeting people involved with the Autobots or that I rode inside one! It must be fantastic to be around them all the time!"

"Well, that's up for debate," the redhead laughed, and Sam shared it with her. "They can be real pains in the asses, let me tell ya."

"Yeah, she, uh, has to, um, work with them n' all," the young man added with a grin, and Carly's eyes widened with a sparkle.

"No! Are you joking? What about you, Sam?"

He rubbed the back of his head again, "Oh, um, uh, no, I, uh, don't… I'm in college, actually."

"But he has been a major key in helping save the world—twice. And he and 'Bee are the tightest friends you'd ever find. Well, not as tight as we are, but close," Catherine added quickly, and the dirty-blonde looked at the boy with a look of admiration and interest. The young man flushed and, fidgeting, excused himself to go the bathroom. The redheaded snickered at her friend's discomfort, and then met Carly's gaze, which was looking her over, although not in a threatening or scrutinizing kind of way. It was curious, more than anything else, and it wasn't long before the question came.

"So… you and Sam… are family?" she inquired carefully, and Catherine nodded with a grin.

"Uh-huh. Not by blood, though. Y'see, me n' him have been friends basically since the womb. Lived just down the street from each other; had sleepover and tea parties, you name it; went to the same school; got involved with the same aliens. The list goes on, but it basically comes down to this: me n' him are best friends for life and we're like brother and sister to each other… so you don't have to worry about me getting in the way of anything," she replied, adding a wink at the end. Carly blushed only a little as she looked down with a smile.

"Sam likes you by the way. A lot. Haven't seen him like a girl like he does you since Mikaela," she added, carefully concealing the mischievous glint in her eyes.

The dirty-blonde held back a raised brow, "'Mikaela'?"

"His previous girlfriend. She left him after the Egypt battle, and he took it kind of hard, but he's finally moving on… as I'm sure you noticed."

"I get the feeling you're trying to hook us up," Carly laughed, and the redhead shrugged.

"You seem like a nice, smart, and pretty girl, and the instincts like you. And being that I'm Sam's keeper it's up to me to make sure he does okay and that he doesn't miss chances like this."

"So you're his best friend, sister, and keeper? He's a lucky guy," she smiled, and Catherine shrugged again.

"I look out for my own. Oh, and his other not-as-best-friend Bumblebee is part of the deal, so, y'know, if you take a liking to Mr. Witwicky, you will get some Autobot perks. You'll find it's nice to have a sentient robot disguised as a car driving you around, although mine happens to be an idiotic jerk at times."

Carly's smile widened, "It's very tempting. I'll have to think about it, though. I prefer to learn a little about what I'm getting myself into first."

"Reasonable, and smart. You make it very easy to like you, Ms. Carly Spencer. I think you and I will be able to get along just fine… although," Catherine began and leaned forward, peering meticulously at her. "Flats or heels? Thoughts on video games? And what do you like most about Sam?"

"I wear heels if I have to, otherwise flats, I've played a few games and enjoy them, but not a big 'gamer', and I find his shyness and stammering adorable. Oh, and his 'cockiness' when we first met was cute, too."

"Oh, yeah. We're going to get along just fine, Carly. Oh, and the stammering will fade once he gets used to you or when his confidence kicks back in. Let me give you his number, by the way. He's probably going to get too nervous to remember."

The dirty-blonde laughed as the redhead grabbed a napkin, but had to borrow the writing utensil from the young woman. Once handed over, she made sure to have Carly swear to secrecy on this event, and it was agreed to with another laugh.

"He really is lucky to have a friend like you," she smiled at the redhead.

Catherine smiled back, "I could say the same, to be honest. Like I said—it takes time, but his confidence will boost in, and then it's hard to find a guy better than him."

"I'll take your word for it," Carly mused, and then looked thoughtfully at the redhead. "Tell me, Catherine. What's your role in all this? I mean, Sam seems like the kid in a Hollywood movie, but what about you? What do you do?"

"Well, again, I'm not supposed to really say, but I'm probably going to have go public soon, sooo," she began, biting at a few fries. "I happen to be a liaison for the Autobot, and, hopefully, for the human part of NEST, too. Been that way since a few months after Mission City, I think. And I guess you could say I'm like the 'second' hero in the whole save-the-world thing."

The dirty-blonde raised a brow, "Are you serious?"

"Yeah, yeah—seems impossible, right? Well, there's plenty of reasons, but just know it happened and I get to work with Sideswipe over there and everyone else. Pain in the ass, though," she laughed, though Carly didn't look completely convinced. Catherine didn't notice it, however, and the dirty-blonde wasn't able to question further as Sam returned from the bathroom looking refreshed, his face splashed with water. He acted better, too, sitting down with the same cheeky confidence he had when they'd first met, only not as prominent. He still stuttered a little as he spoke, but he was definitely better and even managed to crack a few jokes that caused the dirty-blonde to laugh. Catherine joined in whens he could, but mostly watched as her friend took the initiative and showed what he could really do.

They stayed in the diner for hours, and only left when it was time for closing. They did so still laughing, as they had been for a while now, about some antic Bumblebee or Sideswipe had done. Carly was intrigued by it all, and every story or joke or laugh made her look upon Sam with more and more affection. Oh, it was nothing serious just yet, but the dirty-blonde was definitely interested and would most likely use that number hidden in her pocket to contact the young man. Even better was the fact Carly was already determined to be in the United States for a few years now, which would give them plenty of time to get to know another. Furthermore, she was pending getting a different job since her brother had died and, well, she was opting for something to keep her from being reminded of him; something in the United States and out of politics.

The stories and talk ended, however, once they were kicked out, but they did continue to share a few more when they reached the two Autobots, whose engines roared to life at once—no doubt very tired of having been forced to sit still for so long. Thankfully for them, the young adults could take a hint and they parted ways after more numbers were exchanged—Sam was not told she already his number, and both young women shared a silent laugh. Then, the young man played the gentlemen and vouched to take Carly home, whom accepted. With a friendly farewell from both and a horn beep from Bumblebee, they were off, leaving her to settle into Sideswipe's driver's seat.

"Aw, man, 'Sides. I have not been able to just chill like this for such a long time now," she laughed as she buckled in and the Stingray pulled out from the parking lot.

"I could tell. So, are those two—Sam and that new female—in love with each other and are a couple now or something? That's how your courting thing works, right?"he inquired, and Catherine laughed.

"No, no. They're not dating yet, but, from what I can see, they're definitely going to get together unless Sam fucks up or something, but I don't think he will. I guess you could say they 'like' each other. Love comes way later after they've been together a while and trust each other a lot."

Sideswipe hummed with confirmation as he turned onto the main street. They'd be back at the hotel soon enough, and Catherine imagined Sarah would have a lot of questions about her fun time. However, her adoptive mother wouldn't be the only one with questions.

"So… is… is what we have… 'love', then? We—Cybertronians, I mean, don't have 'love' like you call it. At least not in all the same ways... I mean... Er... I guess you know since you read on it,"he spoke up after a minute or two, and Catherine smiled softly.

"Well, to be honest, I'm not sure what it is. I think I used to know when I could feel the bond. Sometimes I think I still feel it, but it's more like a memory… but it's different from what I used to feel for Sam. I'm not sure how to explain it, but then I don't know if I felt for Sam was actually 'love' or whatever anyone wants to call it," she replied, and paused to wrap her arms around his steering wheel, which—thankfully—did not affect his driving. "Regardless if it's 'love' or not, I'd say we're a 'couple' and, I mean, even if I can't feel the bond… it still happened, so we're… were still Spark Mates, right?"

"Of course," he spoke quickly and earnestly. "Even if you can't feel a bond, it's still there. It's like with Sunstreaker—I couldn't feel him, but it was still there. We're still Spark Mates, and always will be."

Her smile brightened, and then she laughed, "Who knew you had such an adorable side to you, Sideswipe."

"Don't count on it happening too much,"he snickered back.

"Oh, I won't—it wouldn't be you if you weren't being a pain in my ass," she hummed as she leaned back again.

"True, and I think I do a good job of being your pain in the aft."

"Trust me, you do. Just make sure you stay my pain in the 'aft', alright?"

He purred, "Oh ho… Is that jealousy I hear?"

"No. That's a threat," she smirked back, and he laughed in return.

"Don't worry—I'm all yours."

"Good," she smiled again just as they turned into the hotel parking lot. She hugged his wheel for a goodnight, though she secretly considering just sleeping on his seats. However, she knew Sarah would get worried and so left, promising for a second time they would be leaving for home tomorrow, and then returned to her room. As she suspected, her adoptive mother put her through an interrogation of her fun time, but they did eventually get to bed, and she spent the last few moments of her wakefulness thinking of the silver mech before falling asleep with a smile.


LII. End


TMWolf: And so ends that chapter with FLUFF. I bet you all like that. Didn't you? DIDN'T YOU? ADMIT IT! Ha ha, just kidding, but yeah. There we go. You know where those two stand, and they only get closer as time will go on :) Also, I hope you guys enjoyed my version of Carly! I intend to flush out her character more like the novel did and to try and integrate her better! Helping with that is 'Cat whose playing match-maker for her best friend ever. Oh, 'Cat, you sly thing you! ;)

Anyhow... so YES. THE PRESIDENT IS NOW ON HER SIDE. Hurrah! No more bull crap! From the President, anyways. Except conflict from other areas, but know the President is behind her now. And that's he going to have a lot more work to do! :P She'll still have time for her bond mate and kids, though, don't you worry about that.

So. Not TOO much happens this chapter, and not in the next, either. I mean, there are smaller, important things, but yeah. Also, after the next chapter there will be a time skip again! This one is extra long- 2 years in fact! Also, instead of three years, I'm making it 4 years between ROTF and DOTM. I'll explain my reasons the next chapter, but I figured I'd give people a heads up before then. Oh, and expect a LOT of changes in those two years and a LOT more trouble for NEST and Catherine! :) Oh, and lots of "liberties" will be taken. I do plan to follow the comics.. a little. I won't be doing the "Initiative" arc at all since it kind of goes against what I have here, but there will be some darker secrets going on, so sit back and hold on to your panties! The road's going to get a little rough after the next chapter!