Author's Note: Wish granted Musical Medli... Glad you continue to enjoy the story. Buckle up everyone, cause it's gonna get worse... Ya just have ta keep reading to find out what the future holds for Orianna and Prime...

Chapter 35: Retreat

Lennox P.O.V

Orianna took a step back away, shaking her head in disbelief. ''How did he find me?'' Her voice trembled as she was no doubt overcome with a slew of emotions. Several attractive women who had been dancing nearby sidled up to the handsome stranger that had just entered and began to dance suggestively around and against him in a bid to gain his attention. OC growled out loud as she clutched at my arm. ''Hide me, please!'' She tugged incessantly, hissing at me, ''I don't want to speak to him, I don't want to see him… I can't..''

Without a word, or waiting to see what happened with the women, I turned her about and guided her back past our table, threading our way as carefully as possible through the thinning crowd of revelers. We exited the building out the side, moving towards the makeshift fence that separated a small, grassed area from the front of the building. OC tottered along wordlessly before me, the shock of seeing Prime so soon after his painful rejection seemed to sober her up somewhat.

Reaching the fence, I grabbed hold of OC around the waist, lifting her up bridal style. A small gasp was the only sound she made as I carefully, yet quickly deposited her on the other side. I immediately cleared the fence myself, placing one hand on the railing and effortlessly jumping over it. Once again placing my hand on OC's shoulder, I guided her towards refuge.

''Black SUV, over the road. Move,'' I barked out to OC as I steered her across the road. OC nodded dutifully as her heels clipped along the road. We both noticed the imposing blue and red flame decaled semi-truck parked innocuously further down the road. /Needs to be nearby so he can use his holoform thing/. I unlocked the car and opened the passenger door; OC had just started lowering herself in when we heard it.

''Major Lennox!'' A deep baritone voice rang out across the road. It rose above the strains of music and off pitch singing drifting from the Brit Club. ''WAIT!''

OC's frame tensed as her eyes darted frantically to mine, a look of sheer panic and dread reflected in them. She shook her head as she mouthed the word ''PLEASE'' to me, a silent petition to save her from seeming further humiliation and heart break.

I closed my eyes and swore under my breath yet again as I firmly shut the door and locked the car. /Here we go!/. Straightening up I walked around to the other side of the car to intercept the tall, forbidding figure barreling determinedly towards me.

''Major Lennox,'' the voice was filled with confusion and laced with annoyance as Optimus Prime's holoform came to stand before me. Placing his hands on his hips, he drew himself up to his full height before me. ''Did you not hear me call out to you just now?'' His azure eyes narrowed at me momentarily in frustration before they darted behind me to the car. ''And where is Orianna? I know I saw her with you as you exited the building.'' His eyebrows furrowed as he looked between me and the car's tinted windows.

He moved to take a step towards the vehicle, and I exhaled deeply steeling myself as I stepped forward to intervene. ''Ahh, hey Prime. Yeah, OC's not here at the moment..''

''What do you mean ''not here'' Major Lennox?'' His voice rumbled darkly as he nodded at the blackened windows of the car behind us. ''I can see..''

''That it's time to call it a night wouldn't you say Prime?'' I reached out and patted his broad shoulders. ''We have an early meeting with General Morshower tomorrow so I'm going to get an early night,'' I tried to steer him away from the car. I might as well have been trying to move a mountain. ''And it might be an idea if you..''

Prime simply stared down at me, an eyebrow raised. ''Major Lennox..'' He folded his tree trunk like arms across his chest. ''Orianna. I know she is in there.'' An almost pained expression seemed to settle on his features as his voice lost some of its fight as he stared at the blackened windows of the car. ''Why will she not let me see her?'' He turned towards me. ''I simply want to speak with her.''

I sighed out loud as I rubbed the back of my neck awkwardly. ''Okay Prime, you're right. OC is in the car,'' I almost heard the mortified gasp from behind the windshield, ''however, she isn't feeling very well, and I am about to take her home to rest and recover.''

Prime's expression changed immediately to one of concern and worry as he returned his gaze to the car. ''Orianna isn't well? What happened to her?'' He once again began to move towards the car and my arm shot out instinctively as I firmly planted my hand on his chest. Prime stopped and looked down at my hand and then at me, a strange expression on his face.

''Look Prime,'' I moved once more to block his path and tried to keep my tone light and non-combative, though I fought back a wave of irritation at how he had handled, and continued to handle, this situation. ''I know what happened tonight between you two…''

Prime froze against my hand, his gaze softened as he looked away in seeming embarrassment and sorrow. ''Major Lennox. Please,'' his expression was remorseful as he raised painfilled eyes towards me, ''believe me when I say I never intended to hurt Orianna..''

I could have sworn I heard a muffled snort of disdain from inside the car though I simply nodded my head towards the man stood before me. ''I know Prime. And I am sure, eventually, OC will come to understand that too.'' He nodded slowly as he seemed to peer imploringly into the car behind us, desperate to make some sort of connection with the woman ensconced inside. ''It's just,'' his eyes snapped back to mine, ''right now you gotta understand Big Guy, whether you meant to or not, you did hurt her. Big time.''

Prime seemed to crumple around my hand for a moment at my comment before he stepped back, silently, raising himself to his full height once more. ''That is why I have been searching for Orianna since she left me Major Lennox.'' His focus moved beyond me, to the shadowed figure in the car. ''I needed to talk to her, to apologise again, to try and explain and repair..''

I shook my head, my lips pulled together tightly as I interrupted him. ''That's just it Prime!'' He furrowed his brow at me in annoyance at my outburst. I sighed once more as I folded my arms across my chest and tried to adopt a relaxed stance. ''Now is not the time to do that with her.'' I sent him a small smile. ''Look, I don't know what it's like for you Transformers, and to be honest, I never really imagined you guys having…''

I shook my head as I realised I was derailing my own train of thought and possibly losing my audience. ''Anyway, for us humans, especially women, when we've had our heart stomped on, the LAST thing we want to do is have a conversation with the one who did the stomping.'' Prime's eyes seemed to take on a distant look as if he was processing what I had just said. I dipped my head towards him. ''You get what I'm sayin' to ya Prime?''

He nodded almost imperceptibly. ''I believe I do Major,'' his brow creased, ''Though I do not entirely agree with the course of action, I can support Orianna's decision – for now.'' He blinked at me as his fists clenched by his sides, his biceps straining under his shirt and for a moment I was thankful. Thankful that Prime was the level-headed type who could be reasoned with, otherwise this situation could have gone to hell in a hand basket. /And despite the fact I know how to handle myself, he likely would have made short work of me!/.

I unfolded my arms and reached out a hand to tap lightly against his right shoulder. ''Look Prime, I can only imagine how difficult this must be for you to process and accept because I know how close you two wer...are... but trust me on this okay.'' I smiled up at him as my voice took on a slightly teasing tone. ''Hey, normally you are the one that seems to have all the answers but on this occasion Prime, I'm the one speaking from experience.'' I winked at him.

Prime's look seemed to darken as he tilted his head at me interrogatively. My hands flew to the air as comprehension dawned on me and I understood his unspoken question, ''NOT with Orianna! Just - other women and being the one…'' I coughed as I looked away, trying desperately to marshal what remained of my ability to speak. ''Look, just trust me. Give her some time,'' I looked back at Prime who was staring fixedly at the car, ''she'll come around. Eventually.''

After an interminable moment, Prime nodded in acknowledgement. ''Very well.'' He tore his gaze away from the car and turned to face me. ''Good evening Major Lennox. I shall see you at briefing tomorrow.'' He then directed his penetrating gaze once more at the indiscernible figure hidden behind the windscreen, almost silently willing her to look at him - /if she wasn't already/. ''Please let Orianna know I hope she feels better soon and – when she is feeling more herself – I would very much like to talk to her as there are - things - we need to discuss.''

I smiled kindly at him as I began to try and usher him away. ''Sure thing Prime. No worries.''

Prime nodded at me, flashing a brief, thin smile before he turned and stalked towards his alt form. I half expected him to disappear before my eyes but given it was now 2am and people were milling about as they prepared to head home for the evening. /I guess he has to keep up pretenses until he is safely inside the cab/.

Only when I heard the throaty, rumbling sound of Prime's engine roaring to life and I watched the impressive blue and red flamed truck pull out onto the road and head back towards base, did I release the breath I had subconsciously been holding.

Groaning out loud, I unlocked the car and reefed the driver's side door open. Clambering inside I shoved the keys in the ignition and sat heavily in the seat, rubbing my face. I was tired, relieved, frustrated and a little angry, though I wasn't sure who with exactly – OC or Prime. /Maybe both!/. The cloying scent of OC's perfume she had been wearing, mixed with alcohol, enveloped me as I sat back against the seat, and I cracked the window slightly.

''I thought he would never bloody leave! Ya know, Prime's not as smart as I thought he was,'' OC's voice erupted beside me shattering the silence. ''Bit slow on the uptake hey Lennox?''

I scoffed out loud in amusement and irritation as I turned to face her. She leaned heavily against the doorframe; her eyes looked even glassier than before. Whether it was from the alcohol in her system or the fact she had likely been crying in here at some point, I couldn't be sure. ''You're one to talk! Perhaps it escaped your attention OC, but you realise you just asked me to hide you from someone who can sense your presence without ACTUALLY needing a visual on you?'' I placed one hand on the wheel and stared defiantly at her.

OC's lopsided grin faded, and her face slowly drained of colour as relisation of what she had just done slammed into her. I chuckled. ''Prime knew exactly where you were, even if he didn't understand why you were hiding in here.'' I tapped the steering wheel. ''NOW who's not as smart as they think they are?'' I shook my head as I turned the key in the ignition. ''You're welcome by the way.''

OC's ashen face snapped towards me as she sent me an icy glare. ''Lennox. You and Prime can both go and get fu…'' All at once her face scrunched up tightly and she clutched at her mouth as she madly fumbled with the doorhandle. Wrenching it open frantically she leaned out, clinging to her seatbelt, as a loud heaving sound was torn from her lips, and she vomited.

Beside her, I closed my eyes, pinched the bridge of my nose, and silently counted to three – several times over. I felt a trembling hand grab my right arm for support and a pained groan, followed by a series of gasps, forced me to take in the forlorn sight beside me. I opened the glove compartment and grabbed some tissues, shoving them roughly into her hand.

OC, who was usually so collected, so sure of herself, now looked utterly wretched and miserable. A small sob escaped her lips as she dabbed at her mouth and face. ''Lennox, I'm.. I'm so sorry…'' She sobbed again, sniffing as she did her best to wipe her face. ''For everything.'' She pulled the car door shut and leaned her head against the window, her shoulders shaking with silent sobs as she covered her face with her hands. ''I'm such a fucking mess!''

I sighed in resignation and reached out a hand to gently pat her shoulder. ''Well, won't argue with you there OC, but nothing a quick shower, some aspirin and water won't fix. You'll feel a whole lot better soon.''

Satisfied she wasn't going for a repeat performance, I pulled the car out from its spot and headed back towards downtown Diego Garcia and OC's apartment. She sniffed loudly as she wiped at mascara-stained eyes. ''Oh Lennox! I don't think I'll ever feel better again.''

I chuckled lightly beside her, steeling quick glances at the miserable and crumpled figure beside me. ''Sure you will. You'll feel like shit tomorrow and possibly the day after,'' I snorted, ''God alone knows how much you drank OC,'' she groaned in recollection, ''But give it a couple of days and you'll feel better.''

We drove along in silence for a few more minutes before OC turned her head to look forlornly at me. Her beautiful brown and gold flecked eyes were swollen and red from crying. Streaks of mascara ran down her face and a few bits of vomit clung to strands of her hair. ''That's not what I meant Lennox.'' She tapped the place above her heart twice. ''I mean in here. It feels broken, bleeding.'' She closed her eyes as fresh tears streamed down her face and she clutched at her chest. ''Lennox it hurts so much.''

My heart broke for her, and I placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and squeezed it as we pulled up out the front of her apartment. ''I know baby. I know.'' And I did.

She shook her head as she gulped in air, sobbing uncontrollably. ''I want it to stop! I don't want to love him anymore Lennox but I… I…just…''

I unclicked my seatbelt and slid towards her, wrapping my arm around her shoulder, I held her tightly against me. ''Shh...shh… shh….'' I tried to soothe her as I rubbed her arm and placed my head upon hers. /Vomit be damned/.

OC burrowed in against me as a fresh wave of sobs consumed her. Her whole body shook as she struggled to contain her grief and humiliation, gasping again between sobs, ''I just… I just…Love him so damn much…'' the last was blurted out in such haste, with such force, as if the effort to say the words out loud cost her dearly.

I simply held her. There was nothing I could say to her in this moment that would bring her any real comfort. No words or false platitudes would take this pain away from her. She had to experience it. She had to taste it, let it weigh her down, engulf her, consume her because in the end, owning your pain, confronting it, dealing with it, is what helps you overcome it. And I knew she would – eventually.

Suddenly, OC pulled back away from me, desperate, tear-filled eyes sought mine. ''Lennox, please don't leave me alone. PLEASE!'' She shook her head as her hands snaked around my right arm. ''I can't…. I mean... I don't want to be…'' she seemed to struggle putting her feelings into words.

''Alone?'' I supplied for her with an arch of my brow.

The smallest of smiles ghosted her lips as she sniffed and nodded. ''Yeah,'' she exhaled deeply, ''Your words work too.'' I smiled softly down at her as I chuckled. Biting her lower lip, OC raised hopefully eyes towards mine. ''Stay with me?''

I carefully brushed some hair that didn't contain vomit behind her ear as I gently kissed her forehead. ''Of course OC.''