Author's Note: This chapter takes place the morning after Prime tells Orianna he knows about Lennox. Lennox and Prime have an awkward chat. Thanks MM for continued comments and support -even though this is not the story line you were hoping for. Just remember, twists and turns. 😊

Also, welcome aboard to any new follows and favs. Thanks for checking out my story. Hope you stick around!

Chapter 78: An Understanding

Lennox P.O.V

The sun was just peeking above the horizon, bathing the tarmac and hanger in a warm glow as I exhaled roughly and took a sip from my cup of coffee. The hot caffeinated liquid providing a small amount of comfort to frayed nerves as I swallowed a large mouthful.

I looked down appreciatively at my dwindling cup and scrunched my eyebrows together in thought. /You're likely gonna need quite a few of these today!/. ''Especially seeing as any moment now you are gonna apologise to a 28-foot-tall sentient being from another planet for basically stealing their girlfriend!''

A wave of guilt washed over me as I recalled the events of last night. Orianna had arranged to meet Optimus on that small beach over near the Med Bay. She had intended to tell him about us before he inadvertently heard it from anyone else. As it turns out, she didn't get the chance to. Optimus already knew. /Of course he did! He doesn't miss a bloody thing!/.

I shook my head and groaned before I downed the remaining liquid and placed the mug heavily on my desk. Giving a cursory glance at my watch, I took a deep, steadying breath. ''Quarter to seven. The Big Guy should be arriving any minute for our 7:30am meeting.'' I grabbed the stack of reports from my desk and headed towards the catwalk.

Given all that had transpired between Optimus and OC, even if he didn't love her, it'd still be tough to witness that. To feel so betrayed. He'd have every right to be upset with me. I pinched the bridge of my nose. I hadn't slept much last night knowing I'd have to see Optimus first thing this morning and I wasn't sure how that would go. I removed my fingers and sighed out loud, whispering to myself, ''Then again, having known and worked alongside Optimus for almost three years now, I know he's a fair minded and forgiving mech who understands and accepts that everyone makes mistakes.''

I stood at the base of the stairs, idly flicking through the papers - waiting. /I just hope he sees his way to accepting my apology and forgiving me on this occasion/. Moments later I heard the unmistakable sound of heavy pede falls as something very large approached and a towering red and blue flame decaled figure appeared in the doorway.

/Here goes!/.

Optimus' keen optics detected me almost instantly and for a moment he seemed to hesitate in the doorway, his dermas drawn into a thin, tight line. A sinking feeling began to take hold of me. /Okay. Perhaps his famed patience has finally reached an end?/. I rose to my feet and smiled awkwardly up at him.

Prime nodded curtly at me in acknowledgement before he moved to enter the hanger and made his way towards his usual position in the middle of the catwalk. ''Major Lennox,'' in three strides he had covered the distance and came to a stop before me. He shuttered his optics as he regarded me silently for a moment. ''Good morning.''

''Morning Optimus,'' I called out to him and began to quickly scale the stairs to be closer to him. What I wanted to say was for his audials only. ''I ah… I wanted to have a quick chat to you about something before the meeting started if that's okay?''

Prime's chest seemed to rise and fall with a deep, measured exhalation of ''breath''. ''Major Lennox. I believe I know what it is you wish to speak with me about and, I assure you, there is no need.''

I reached the top of the catwalk and, grabbing the paperwork in my right hand, I placed my left hand on the railing and leaned forward conspiratorially towards him. ''Ah, yeah well. With all due respect Optimus, I feel there is a need for me to give you an apology about how…''

Prime took a half a step towards me and leaned forward so we were only a few metres away from each other. Though I had spoken to Prime like this numerous times before, doing so under the current circumstances felt somewhat intimidating and I swallowed nervously. The way his mouth plates somehow shifted and moved to convey what appeared to be annoyance was unsettling. ''Major Lennox,'' though his voice was lowered to try and maintain privacy, I could not help but feel the beginnings of frustration and anger creeping into his tone. ''While I appreciate your offer of an apology, it is unnecessary. As I explained to Orianna last night, I have no claim over her. She is, and always has been, free to give her heart to whomever she deems worthy.''

Without realizing it, I began to visibly relax, exhaling the breath I had been holding. Optimus shuttered those brilliant blue optics as I shifted on my feet, loosening my grip on the rail. ''You are a good, honourable man Major Lennox and you have been lucky enough to capture Orianna's heart.''

''Well, ah. Thanks Optimus. That's really…'' I began to reply to Prime's kind words when he continued on.

''And I hope you endeavor to be worthy of that great gift you have been given and do your best not to break it.'' He took a step back from me all the while his optics fixed firmly upon me, a silent warning lurking within them.

I grunted indignantly at his comment. While I am always ready to accept responsibility for my actions, I was not about to be lectured on the very thing Prime himself managed to do to Orianna – knowingly or not! ''What?'' I snapped tersely at him. ''You mean like you did Prime?'' I goaded as I stalked towards the centre of the catwalk. Stopping in front of the array of monitors, I stared down in irritation at the Autobot Commander.

One of Prime's optical ridges raised briefly at the accusation, and he physically bristled as the words hit their intended mark. A dark, cold look flickered across his features, and he began to lean menacingly towards me. I did not back down, nor did I fuel the fire anymore.

A second later, Prime stopped himself short. Blinking his optics rapidly, he stood once more to his full height, backing up a pace as he did so. His expression had morphed from one of anger to deep remorse. His voice had lost that hard edge to it when he next spoke. ''Though it was never my intention, as you well know Major Lennox, Yes. Like I did.''

I ran my left hand through my hair and exhaled roughly to try and dispel the mounting tension between us. ''Look, I'm sorry Prime. I shouldn't have said that to you.''

He blinked at me. ''Perhaps not. Though I should never have given cause for you to say it Major Lennox.'' Prime nodded and began to turn towards the catwalk. /It was clear this conversation was about to end/. Suddenly he paused and turned back to face me once more. ''Though believe me Major. I shall not make that mistake again.''

For a moment we both simply stood there eyeing one another in silence. Prime had seemingly both given his blessing and a warning. A threat and a promise all rolled into one. I set my jaw firmly in his direction. ''No. I believe you wouldn't Prime.'' I leaned forward and grasped the rail firmly. ''I shall do my best not to break Orianna's heart Optimus.'' He nodded his helm in agreement. ''And I hope she extends me the same courtesy.''

At my words Prime's frame stiffened momentarily before he inclined his helm once more, the faintest of smiles tugging at the corner of his dermas. ''I am sure Orianna knows her own heart Major Lennox and will remain true to that.'' A flicker of concern raced through me at his words, though I dismissed it. /She chose me. She wants to be with me/.

Prime folded his arms across his massive chest and tilted his helm towards the monitors behind me. ''Major Lennox, perhaps we had best bring this conversation to a close? Our meeting with General Morshower will commence shortly, and we need to focus our energies and attentions on other matters.''

I smiled down at Prime and stepped back from the rail. ''Of course, Prime. Agreed.'' I tapped the rail. ''Anyway. I think we both reached an understanding, didn't we?'' I raised a questioning brow at him. ''We're cool?''

Prime chuckled softly as he unfolded his arms and brought his servos down by his sides, lightly curling them into fists. ''I believe we did Major Lennox.'' His optics flashed brightly, and he smiled in kind back at me. ''We are as you say, ''cool'' with each other.''

I nodded and called out to the communications operator behind me. ''Alright Wortho! Get us that secure line to General Morshower ASAP!''

''Sir, yes sir!'' The young man barked back keenly in reply. ''Establishing secure link to General Moshower. Stand by.''

As I stood there waiting for the familiar image of the General to flicker to life, I tried to focus on the upcoming meeting but one of Prime's comments kept resurfacing. /''I am sure Orianna knows her own heart Major Lennox and will remain true to that.''/.

It was both comforting and concerning at the same time.

I chanced looking over my shoulder at Optimus. His optics were fixed on the monitors ahead and he gave no outward sign he registered my interest at all. If he too was perturbed by anything I had said, he certainly didn't show it. He was once again Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots. He had removed any emotion from the situation and was ready to get on with things.

I gritted my teeth and turned back to face the monitors just as the image of General Morshower sprung to life on the screen. ''Good morning General Sir. Good to see you again.''

/It was time I did the same/.