Author's Note: Just FIY OC is meant to be drunk in this chapter so there will be some spelling mistakes to reflect this... It is intentional... Or is it? :-)

Chapter 34: Drowning your Sorrows

Lennox P.O.V

''Oh Shit!'' I closed my eyes and growled the expletive out loud, my phone clutched tightly in my hand. I was just about to turn in for the night when I received the late-night text from OC. It wasn't good news.

Hey Lenux..

Jusd F.Y.I…

Crashed and burned…

Putting fire out wig alcohol…

Boddums up!

For a moment I hesitate as I stare at the message on the screen. Torn with indecision, I rub at my eyes to try and motivate some sort of thought process. I don't know whether I should I go and find her and try and console her, given I know how upset she will be, or whether I should give her some space as it was me who pushed her into doing this? /She probably hates me right now/. The thought runs through my mind, and I begin to lower my phone towards my bedside table. /But.. NOT as much as she likely does Optimus/.

Sighing out loud, I jump out of bed and wrestle on some denim jeans, a black t-shirt and grab a light jumper, my car keys and phone as I head out of my apartment in the Officer's Barracks.

Turning the engine on, I sync my phone to Bluetooth and punch in OC's number as I reverse out of the driveway and begin to drive slowly down the street. I unintentionally hold my breath as the phone rings – once, twice, three times... ''HEY LENUX!'' OC's voice erupts over the line. ''You'll neva guez what habbened to me tonight, hey.'' Her voice is slurred, and I smile fondly at the voice coming through my speakers.

''Hey OC,'' I try to sound as comforting as possible as I swing the car down another street in search of the woman on the other end of the line. ''I know what happened and I'm…''

There is a loud gasp as she reacts. ''You KNOW what habbened? How? Has he spogen to you alretty?''

I bite back a snigger of laughter as I reply. ''Ahh, YOU told me OC. You sent a text just a little while ago. Remember?'' There is a slightly teasing tone to my voice, though I doubt she would have picked up on it given the state she is in.

There is a pause as I hear some music thumping away in the background and the muffled sound of voices singing along and calling out. ''Thas right! I did too.'' She laughs out loud and hiccups. ''Whoops! Guezz I've had one too many shots hunh?''

I frown as I turn my car towards the place I figured OC was holed up in drowning her sorrows. It was just after midnight on a Friday. Loud music, people. Diego Garcia is a small island with not that many options for nightlife after midnight. /Jake's Place or the Brit Club seemed to be the best bets/. However, I had to be sure. ''I bet you have OC. Say, where is it you've been having those shots? Wouldn't be the Brit Club you're at, is it? Or Jake's Place?''

Another gasp. ''How did you know Lennox?'' A short silence as the slightly off pitched singing of someone belting out a karaoke classic came through the speakers. ''Did I text you that too?''

I did laugh then. ''No OC! Lucky guess.'' I steered the car past the Ship's Store, the downtown grocery store that was well supplied for a small island in the middle of nowhere and headed down towards Diego Garcia Yacht Club. ''Look OC, I'm coming to you, so stay put okay.''

She snorted out loud, ''Yeah right Lenux. Cuz Lisning ta you has been soooooo bloody helbful tonight!'' Another hiccup.

Even though OC was drunk, I cringed at her tone. She had a point. My advice had been less than stellar. ''Fair point OC. Either way, I'll see you soon.'' I hung up then as I did not want to get into a drunken argument over the phone. /Nah, of course not. Best save that for face to face, hey Lennox?/.

A few moments later, the Brit Club came into view. Despite the fact it was night, it was kind of hard not to miss. The faded British flag painted on the front by the entrance, the large, yellow metal poles and chains at the entrance of the building and the name painted on a large red scroll along the front wall all drew your attention as you approached. I quickly found a park and took a deep breathe as I exited the car, mentally steeling myself for whatever situation I was about to walk into.

The sounds of a thick bass beat and people singing and talking assaulted me as I headed towards the entrance. The ultraviolet lights inside over the bar and pool tables made any white clothing appear incredibly bright and distracting. Having gained entrance, I maneuvered my way slowly through the groups of people crowded around the games area and the bar. A few familiar faces of various off duty N.E.S.T soldiers sent me confused, yet friendly nods of acknowledgment, which I returned. Pausing for a moment, I surveyed the room, looking for a familiar face. There were less people standing and sitting around the tables over near the stage area to the right as I came in so I focused on that area.

And that's when I saw her.

She was standing at a large wooden table made from an old cable reel. The first thing I noticed was what she was wearing. Dressed in a knee length dark coloured dress that accentuated her curves, her hair flowing about her shoulders and her full, red lips were pursed together. She was overdressed for the Brit Club for a Friday night, but she was beautiful, and, despite the situation, I felt an appreciative small smile form on my lips as I walked towards the bar. A smile which quickly turned to a frown.

OC was leaning in to try and listen to what some handsome, young man was whispering to her. His hand was on her upper arm, rubbing in slow circles as she grasped a shot in her hand. I narrowed my eyes as I quickly ordered a beer for myself and a water for OC in a large tumbler with ice.

Clutching the drinks firmly in my hands, I made a bee line towards OC and her ''friend'' whom I had since been able to identify as I got closer. /Chase Ryder/. One of the better guys in N.E.S.T but right now, he was in the way. Placing the drinks on the table I coughed to get his attention. He didn't hear me, /or chose to ignore whoever was muscling in on his territory/. I tapped him on the shoulder, and placed my hands in the pockets of my jeans as I fought off rising irritation.

He rounded on me, a deep scowl on his face as he shaped up to me. ''Hey! What's your problem pal, can't you see I'm busy talk…'' As his eyes angrily swept my face, recognition seemed to dawn upon him who I was. His scowl changed to a somewhat embarrassed, contrite expression and he took a half step back from me and the dark look upon my face as I stared down at him. ''Ahh… Major Lennox. Sorry about that.''

OC had followed his gaze, a small spreading across her face as she seemed to waver on her feet. ''Hey Lennux! I was jus talkging to you! How did you get here so fast?''

''I have my ways Orianna,'' she scrunched her face up as I referred to her by her full name. My gaze never left Chase's face.

He looked between me and OC. ''Ahh, she with you Major?''

I nodded my head as I moved to stand beside her. Chase moved dutifully aside. ''In a manner of speaking, yes Chase. She is.'' I eased up a little on the guy, sending him a quick smile, ''Thanks for looking out for her until I could show up.''

Though clearly confused, Chase nodded and started to back away. ''Ah, yeah, sure. Of course, Major Lennox.'' He turned once more towards OC and flashed her a smiled. ''It was nice to meet you Orianna. Maybe I'll get the chance to talk to you again another time?'' Grey-green eyes looked at her hopefully.

OC smiled at him as she held her shot up to her mouth. ''Hey, yeah Chase. You seem nice.'' She downed the shot, using the back of her hand to dab at her mouth before she shouted out across the table to him. ''PLUS, YOU'RE A MAN! Not an alien…''

''OKAY Orianna!'' I interrupted as I handed her the water cocktail, ''have another drink. Enjoy your evening Chase,'' I sent the confused man a look that clearly ended the conversation and he nodded, walking off into the crowd. I rolled my eyes in relief and annoyance as I turned to face OC.

She was holding the drink up before her eyes, inspecting it. ''What is this Lennux? Is this vodka or something?''

I scratched the back of my head. ''Ahh yeah. Sure OC. It's vodka.''

She nodded, shrugged her shoulders, and downed it in one gulp. I shook my head at her as her eyebrows crinkled and a look of horror descended on her features. ''Urgh! That vodga is VERY watered down Lennux.'' She held the glass to her face as she peered into it. ''In fact, it tasted suspishusly like water! I don't want that drink again.'' She started to move away, swaying on her high heels as she did so.

I reached out and grabbed her arm. ''Hey OC! Where are you going?''

''To ged another drink Lennux,'' her brow was creased in confusion as though I had just asked the most redundant question. ''I'm at a bar. It's a Friday night and all in all it's been a pretty shit day, so I thingk I've earned one!'' She tried to shake my arm off, ''Ya want one?''

I shook my head as I held her tighter and tried to carefully guide her back towards the table and my side. I held my beer up with my other hand. ''Nah I'm good OC. Here, I got another one for you.''

Her eyes widened as she stepped back towards me and the proffered beer. ''Well, done Lennux! Good man.'' I was loathe to give it to her as God alone knows what else she had drunk tonight, but perhaps I could convince her to leave after this one? She grabbed the drink from my hand and brought it to her lips, pausing momentarily. ''A toast to all the one's who have crashed and burned before me! To the Icaruses!'' She yelled as she raised the glass and took a big swig, before slamming it down on the tabletop.

I had no idea what the hell an Icaruses was, but I placed my hand on her shoulder in sympathy regardless. ''I'm so sorry OC. Truly I am.'' I gave her shoulder a squeeze. ''Do you wanna talk about..''

''Lennux who the fuck kisses someone back, only ta then tell them they don't love them?'' Her face was scrunched up in utter confusion, though a quiet fire flickered within her glassy eyes. ''Answer me that!''

/I'll take that as a yes?/. I grimaced as I exhaled loudly, ''I wish I could OC but..''

''An arsehole would be tha correct and only answer Lennux!'' OC took another quick swig of her beer before she drilled a manicured finger into my chest. ''Optimush Prime, the Autobutt! That's who!''

I bit my lower lip as I quickly looked away, desperately trying not to burst out laughing at her choice of description for the stoic Autobot leader. OC dropped her voice as low as she could trying to mimic the supposed culprit of this evening. ''I care so very deeply for you Orianna,'' she snorted loudly in derision. ''HA! I CALL BULLSHIT LENNUX!'' She swayed backwards at her impassioned declaration, and I grabbed her elbow to steady her. ''Why the fuck would you act like Prime has tawards me these pasd few months, if you only CARED for someone as a friend?'' She snorted out loud again contemptuously, ''I mean puh-lease! You saw how he tushed me and spoge to me..'' Her eyes narrowed towards me as she raised her finger and her voice accusingly at me. ''AND YOU'RE THE ONE WHO TOLD ME GUYS DON'T TOUCH WOMEN THAT WAY UNLESS…'

A few heads had turned our way at OC's outburst and comment, and I leaned forward, ''I KNOW!'' I barked at her. ''You have no idea how sorry I am said that to you OC, or that I suggested you tell him how you felt. I also thought from his actions that he was into you.'' I shrugged my shoulders and exhaled in shared frustration, ''I guess we were both mislead there!''

''See!'' she slapped her hand on the tabletop and pointed an index finger at me again. ''Even YOU get it!''

''Thanks.'' I raised an eyebrow in mild irritation but let it slide.

OC's shoulders slumped and she exhaled deeply. ''Or, maybe he doesn't realise he loves me yet cause no one's told him they love him since Elita!'' I pinched the bridge of my nose. ''And maybe he's just really weirded out cause I'm a human and he..'' OC continued to try and reason her way out of the dark hole she was in.

I grabbed her shoulders gently but firmly, demanding her attention. ''OC!'' She slowly turned her head towards me, her glassy, bloodshot eyes trying desperately to focus on me. ''Or maybe it is as simple as Prime isn't right for YOU,'' I grunted softly, ''for a whole host of reasons.'' OC began to scowl at me and I continued quickly, ''but I know there is someone else out there that is far better for you.''

I began to rub her shoulder with my left hand as I brought my right hand up to move a strand of errant hair from her face. ''Someone who will love you for all that you are, your kindness, your bravery, your loyalty.'' My expression softened as I gazed down at her. OC was looking up at me intently, her own hands had moved to clasp my broad shoulders. ''Even your sense of humour, questionable as it is sometimes.''

''HA!'' She burst out, ''At least my sense of humour is the only thing queshtinuble about me, the list is endless with you!'' She had arched an eyebrow at me, a challenging smile spreading across her full red lips.

I burst out laughing. ''See! That right there. Somewhere OC, there is a man who would LOVE your antagonism.'' She opened her mouth to rebuke me, but I brushed my hand gently down the side of her face, smiling warmly at her. ''You just have to give them time to find you. But they will.''

Without a word OC lurched forward and grabbed my head in her hands, her fingers twisting in my hair as she pulled me desperately towards her. Before I could register what was happening, my lips were covered by hers as she kissed me. At once the pungent taste of alcohol filled my mouth, though I soon forgot about that as, warm, soft lips moved against mine. My eyebrows shot to the heavens and as I opened my mouth to question her actions, she took advantage of the opportunity and tasted me, moaning against my lips, coaxing me to deepen the kiss.

For a moment I hesitated, unsure why this was happening or even if I should return her kiss because she was drunk, but as she moaned once more against my mouth and pulled me closer towards her warm body, I could no longer resist and I gave in.

I closed my eyes as my hands flew to the side of her head, tangling in her long black and red locks as I pulled her firmly against me, kissing her deeply. My lips hungrily devoured her own as I gave in to a growing desire I had been fighting since that day at the beach.

As my tongue moved to dance with her own, OC suddenly removed her hands from behind my head. She pushed herself away from me, tapping my shoulders as she did so. ''HA!'' She burst out almost triumphantly as she swayed on her feet. ''That'll teach him!''

I stood there perplexed, mildly aroused, and confused. A strange concoction of emotions to feel at once. I blinked my eyes at her in utter bewilderment. ''Hunh? Wha… who?''

OC spun about on the spot, almost falling over, as she stabbed a finger in the general direction of Point Marriane, Hanger 1 and the Autobot Headquarters. ''Prime!''

A hot flash of anger and irritation burned through me as I ran my right hand through my hair. ''You gotta be fucking kidding me!'' I muttered under my breath. So caught up in the moment, the sensation of her lips on mine, I had forgotten the real reason why I had found myself here tonight with OC. I snorted disdainfully. /Clearly OC had not. That's why she kissed you. To get back at Prime, not because she had any feelings towards you/.

''One day you'll realise you missed out on your chance to love me, to be loved by me,'' OC continued in her drunken rant, oblivious to what her actions had done to me, ''You'll realise you blew it and, who knows, I might have moved on by then. Someone else might have taken your place in my heart.''

At that point, she turned back around to face me, grasping the edge of the table to steady herself. I stood there rubbing my eyes and pinching the bridge of my nose alternatively to stave the annoyance and frustration. All at once I felt her hand splay out across my chest, grasping at my shirt almost possessively and my eyes flew open. OC's eyes were travelling up my frame as she bit her lower lip, a lustful look on her face. ''Hey? How about you Lennux? You're single, handsome…''

''Hey OC! Slow down there!'' I gave her the ''time out'' signal. ''You're giving me bloody whiplash!'' I took a small step back from her, holding my hands up before me. At my reaction, OC wrapped her arms around her waist and looked at the tabletop, her glassy eyes almost seemed to fill with tears. Suddenly filled with remorse at my actions, I reached out and placed my hands on her shoulders, squeezing gently. ''OC, you're drunk and not thinking properly. I know you don't really mean what you're saying.'' I moved to pull her towards me for a hug. ''You and I...''

I didn't get a chance to finish.

''Yeah, you're right!'' OC brought her hands up to roughly shove mine off her shoulders and away from her, swaying precariously as she did so. ''Ya know I must be totally out of my bloody mind to be hitting on YOU!'' The corners of her lips curved up into a sneer.

I knew she was drunk. I knew she was hurting and in pain. I knew she probably didn't mean it. But her words hit me hard, and I bit back. /It's what we do/. ''Yeah?'' I placed my hands on my hips as I stared defiantly down at her. ''Well, you're not my type either.''

''Apparently, I'm no one's type tonight!'' OC's face crumpled in pain, tears welled in her brown and gold flecked bloodshot eyes and she let out a muffled cry as she turned on her heel and began to stagger her way towards the entrance.

Frustration and guilt washed over me and I immediately followed her. ''OC, wait!'' I reached out for her elbow, ''Please! Don't be like that. I didn't mean…''

All at once, OC stopped dead in front me, her gaze drawn to the entrance as her body seemed to tremble in either shock or fear. I moved to stand beside her, instantly following her line of sight. There, standing in the doorway, was a very familiar and unmistakable man. His piercing blue eyes scanned the room meticulously, no doubt searching for the woman standing right beside me. I swore under my breath.

A quivering voice beside me momentarily drew my attention. ''What's HE doing here Lennox?''