Chapter 27 – A Prime Problem

Since that day Chase had definitely relaxed around the Autobots, even Prime, who did eventually make good on his promise and spend some time with us on occasion, either at the range, the training hanger or, on the rare occasion, on a drive to one of the many pretty beaches and inlets for a bit of RnR.

It was during these times when I had my two best ''men'' with me that I felt happiest. Prime never stayed too long with us citing he had business to attend to or that he didn't want to intrude on our time together. Still, I was grateful that he made the effort. It meant the world to me that he accepted our relationship.

One ordinary evening, I stood in our kitchen finishing the dishes after our dinner. I was lost in thought when I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around my waist and pull me close. ''Hey gorgeous girl, need a hand?'' Chase kissed my neck.

''Hey babe, grab a tea towel and do the drying if you don't mind,'' I smiled at him. We stood there in companionable silence and carried out the mundane chore. It was in little moments like this that I knew we were going to make it. Most of my ''relationships'' in the past had never felt this comfortable, especially when doing the little things and to me it's the little things that add up and can make a huge difference in a relationship.

While it is wonderful to have someone tell you they love you, and it is important to both say and receive such affirmation, I have always preferred someone showing me they love me through thoughtful and selfless actions. Something as simple as asking if I needed a hand doing the dishes, wordlessly cooking dinner after a long day at work, valiantly removing any frogs from the bathroom (I had a legitimate fear about them), making sure there was always cold Pepsi Max in the fridge. Chase did these things. He not only told me every day he loved me, but he showed me, and to me – that meant the world and I fell deeper in love with him every day.

''He really cares for you, doesn't he?'' Chase's voice broke into my reflections.

''Hunh? Who really cares for me?'' I asked with genuine misunderstanding as I finished wiping down the sink.

''Prime. He really does care for you and is concerned about your welfare,'' Chase repeated.

I paused for a moment, ''Well, yeah, I guess he does. After all, I am part of his team and Prime always looks out for those under his protection, part of the job description.'' I smiled up at him.

''No,'' Chase countered. ''It's more than that,'' he replied, finishing the last dish and putting it away. He stood opposite me with his arms folded over his broad chest. ''I can tell by the way he looks at you, interacts with you and you with him, there is genuine affection and concern between you both.''

I looked at him carefully, my head slightly tilted to the side, a habit I had picked up from the subject of our odd discussion. ''Well, yes Chase. I DO genuinely care for and have affection for Prime, he has become a very dear friend of mine these past few years, even before I was lucky enough to find you.'' I paused a moment. ''I am not sure where this is going?'' I studied his face for a moment, the thin line of his mouth and the way he shifted from foot to foot. It dawned on me. ''Chase! Are you jealous? Do you think that I LOVE Prime or that he loves me? That there is something going on between us?'' I couldn't help but speak in an incredulous tone.

Chase did not respond immediately but simply took a deep breath and levelled me with a serious stare, ''No… I guess not.'' Then very timidly, ''D… do… you?''

I actually laughed out loud, ''Chase I do not know what has brought this conversation on but let me assure you Prime and I are NOT in love and there is nothing going on between us, apart from being very dear friends. Yes, apart from YOU, he is the being I trust the most and turn to for advice and comfort but since you arrived on the scene YOU have taken over that role.'' Chase seemed to visibly relax somewhat at that announcement.

I paused for a second to let what I was saying sink in. ''For Christ's sake he isn't even the same species as me, he is made of metal and is as tall as a building, don't you think that poses just a FEW problems even IF there was some sort of feeling there?'' I tried to reason with him though at the back of my mind the thought came unbidden, /I wonder if I should tell Prime about this conversation, the look on his faceplates would be priceless, he'd think it as preposterous and laughable as I do/.

Chase started to nod his head in agreeance. ''I guess so. It does seem a little bit silly now you put it like that,'' he had the grace to look a little sheepish at his outrageous accusation. ''I'm sorry OC, I guess I just got a little jealous.'' In a soft voice, barely a whisper, he said, ''I don't want to lose you. I love you.''

I walked over to him, wrapped my arms around him and, standing on my tippy toes, gave him a kiss, which he returned. ''Oh Chase, you're not going to lose me. You have had my heart for quite some time now and believe me when I say, I love YOU too.'' I kissed him again, deeper to show him the truth of my words. Once again, he returned the kiss with equal desire and need. I sighed. ''I don't know what brought this on tonight, but I am glad we talked about it. I don't ever want us to have any barriers up, total honesty and trust. I demand it and you should too,'' I looked into his beautiful grey-green eyes searching for a response.

''Me too OC, and yes, I agree with you 100%. Total, heart wrenching, soul searing, gut tearing honesty,'' He started to smile.

''Yew! Bit full on but yes, that is the general gist of it,'' I gave him another quick kiss and started to move off, but he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back into him.

''Where do you think you are going?'' he asked me in a serious tone.

''Umm, to get ready for work tomorrow, it's Friday, and to send Bee, Sam and Mikaela a quick message to confirm when they are arriving for their visit on Saturday,'' I replied slightly confused. School had ended for the academic year and Sam was off to college in the September. To celebrate and catch up, they had all arranged to come for a visit for a week or two.

''No, you're not,'' was his quick reply. I tilted my head unsure what he was talking about. ''OC, we have just had our first ''fight''. We need to ''make up''. He started to smile seductively and pull me closer to him.

I giggled and wrapped my arms about his neck. ''You classify that as a fight?! Wow, clutching at straws Chase, but hey, I am more than happy to make up with you anytime,'' and to prove a point I grabbed hold of his shoulders and leapt up to wrap my legs around his waist and capture his lips in a kiss. ''So, where shall we say ''sorry'' to each other,'' I laughed as I rained light kisses over his face.

Chase didn't reply, he just started walking towards the bedroom, pushed the door open and said in a raspy voice, ''Let's start here shall we. Then - we'll see.''

I laughed out loud again, ''If you wish my dear,'' was all I had time to get out before his lips were devouring mine and I once again lost myself in his arms.