Author's note: This chapter is set about a week after Orianna and Lennox first sleep together. Prime gets to spend some unexpected time with Orianna. Yay!

Chapter 81: Best Laid Plans

Prime P.O.V

I had finished my rostered patrol duties for the day and, wanting to keep myself busy, decided to drop by Hanger 1 to see if my assistance was required with anything.

As I made to enter the cavernous hanger, I immediately regretted my decision. Orianna had her arms wrapped possessively around Major Lennox's neck, her body pressed against his. Her face was nuzzled against his neck as she appeared to be whispering something in his ear, her lips brushing lightly against his skin.

I recalled the the feel of those soft lips against my ''skin'' and the heat of her breath, and I came to an abrupt stop as the ghost of sensations flooded my systems. I ground my denta together to ride out the wave of pure jealousy that rolled through me, yet I remained silent. However, as Major Lennox moved to seize Orianna's lips, I announced my arrival. ''Orianna. Major Lennox.'' I all but barked down at them, my servos on my hips.

Two sets of eyes darted towards me rapidly and they both stepped back out of each other's embrace. I tried to ignore the small amount of pleasure that rippled through me. ''Oh, hey Optimus,'' Orianna smiled up at me brightly, though a crimson blush stained her cheeks as she looked from me back to the Major.

''Prime,'' Major Lennox sent me a tight-lipped smile as he reached out and drew Orianna by his side. Orianna obliged, albeit with a quick apologetic smile as she ran her fingers through her hair. Lennox squeezed Orianna gently as he smiled up at me. ''Sorry we can't stay and talk, but we were just about to head out for dinner.'' Tucking the strands behind her ear, Orianna worried her lower lip as her eyes took a sudden interest in my pedes.

I shuttered my optics as I looked from the Major to Orianna. ''No apologies necessary Major Lennox. I shall not detain you both any longer.'' I began to transfer my weight from one pede to another, preparing to move past them to the catwalk when a voice rang out from above.

''Major Lennox!'' The young communications and networks operator on duty burst forward and waved down at the Major.

Lennox's shoulders slumped before he turned about and barked back. ''What is it?'''

The tone in Lennox's voice did not go unnoticed and the young man's face contorted into an apologetic grimace. ''I'm sorry Sir, but your presence is required immediately.''

I felt a sympathetic biting sting of irritation course through me as I recalled all the times, I had been the one called away from far more enjoyable prospects. I fought back a smug grin. It was refreshing to be the one overlooked to solve the problems of the world.

Lennox looked at Orianna and squeezed her hand. ''I'm sorry babe. Just give me a sec.'' She nodded though I could feel her disappointment.

''Sure, no worries.'' She flashed him a quick grin. ''Duty calls and all that.'' Lennox rolled his eyes and tore off up the stairs leaving Orianna and I alone in each other's presence.

Orianna swayed awkwardly on her feet as she clapped her hands together and turned to face me. ''So! Optimus,'' she took a few steps forward, her high heels clicking on the concrete floor. ''How was patrol tonight? I assumed that's what you were doing before you called in here?'' She raised a brow at me.

I smiled down at her. ''Affirmative Orianna.'' I tilted my helm at her. ''How did you know?''

Orianna chuckled knowingly as she folded her arms across her chest. ''Oh Optimus! Give me some credit.'' A fond smile spread across her painted lips as she momentarily became lost in a memory. As my optics flicked from her up to the catwalk, I could sense the Major's rising irritation. ''You know, there was a point I think I had all your routines memorised back when I was in lo…''

I snapped my helm back towards her, my optics focused intensely upon her as her voice trailed off and she shuffled on her feet. Her mouth moved soundlessly for a moment as she desperately tried to change the subject. A moment later she smiled up at me. ''Anyway,'' she waved her hands dismissively, ''you don't look irritated and exasperated so you can't have just been talking to 'Sides or the Twins.''

I chuckled in amusement as I shook my helm. ''An astute observation Orianna.''

She wagged her finger up at me as she paced about. ''And you don't look frustrated or exhausted,'' she cast a quick teasing grin up at me, ''well no more than usual, so you can't have been talking to Ironhide or Rachet.''

I folded my arms, a delightful warmth flowing through my circuits at the long absent banter between us. It felt good, so very good to have this with her again. ''Another valid and plausible observation.''

She raised both her hands up in the air. ''It's a Thursday afternoon so the only logical conclusion is you are returning from patrol.''

I was smiling fondly down at her when I noticed the faded scar running along her left arm. I furrowed my brow as I recalled that arm being bandaged up for sometime after we returned from the events of Egypt. I had intended to ask her about it, but I became swept up in the aftermath, not to mention the ensuing bombshell of Orianna and Lennox, and I had neglected to ask her. /Perhaps now is a good time?/.

''Optimus?'' Orianna was looking at me funny. ''You okay?''

I nodded. ''I am.'' I pointed towards her arm. ''Forgive me Orianna, but that scar on your left arm.''

Her whole body went taunt with tension as she replied in a clipped tone, ''What about it?''

I took a small step towards her. ''My apologies Orianna, but I was wondering where did it come from? I noticed that injury when I first saw you in Egypt the day you revived me,'' Orianna flinched and closed her eyes. For a moment I hesitated in pursuing this line of questioning, but my curiosity and concern demanded I continue. ''I had intended to ask you about how you acquired that injury,'' I looked away somewhat embarrassed by my actions, ''but I became distracted by all that followed.''

''It's fine Prime.'' For the first time since we had been conversing, her attention was drawn up towards the catwalk as she impatiently eyed Major Lennox. A moment later he began to descend the stairs. She moved towards him and shrugged her shoulders, as if the action alone were an explanation. ''I was just clumsy. No big deal. Just forget it.''

'Forgetting it' was the last thing I intended to do, but clearly now was not the time. I cast my gaze from her, up to the approaching Major, and back to her again. ''Very well Orianna,'' I replied in resignation.

Major Lennox stomped back downstairs towards us, a deep scowl upon his face as he came to a stop before Orianna, reaching out and grabbing her hand. ''I'm sorry babe, but I gotta stay back for a while and go over some new intel we just received.'' He squeezed it gently, ''Looks like our dinner plans will have to wait.''

''Well, that sucks!'' Orianna huffed in annoyance as she squeezed Lennox's hand in return. ''I was looking forward to spending time...'' Her voice trailed off in disappointment before she smiled in begrudging acceptance at Lennox and then at me. ''Oh well. Part of the job I guess.''

I lowered myself towards them, kneeling. ''Is my presence required Major Lennox?'' Perhaps I could be of assistance?''

Lennox released Orianna's hand and ran a hand through his hair in that familiar gesture of frustration. ''I wish Prime, but not this time. Though no doubt we'll need your assistance soon enough.'' His voice took on a hard edge. ''I have a feeling we're gearin' up for another round with the 'Cons.''

I nodded my helm. ''Very well Major.''

''So, um, how am I going to get home then Lennox?'' Orianna questioned as she looked out the hanger bay doors. Leaning in towards Major Lennox, she dropped her voice slightly. ''You were my ride home babe.'' Lenox groaned and swore under his breath. ''I mean I could wait around for you..''

''Major Lennox?!'' A voice called out from above as the communications and networks operator on duty once again summonsed the Major. ''Sir, your presence is required now.''

Lennox ignored the request and shook his head, groaning as he pinched the bridge of his nose. ''Nah. I don't know how long I'm going to be held up here.'' He exhaled roughly. ''I guess I could ask Epps to..''

''If it would be acceptable to you Major Lennox,'' I interjected, turning to look directly at Orianna, ''I would be happy to offer Orianna a lift home.'' A faint blush began to spread across her cheeks before she cleared her throat and directed her attention back to Major Lennox, awaiting his reply. ''My services here are not required at present and I will ensure that Orianna arrives safely at her destination.'' I looked back expectantly towards the Major.

He was looking from Orianna to me. The lines of his jaw were taught with tension as he folded his arms across his chest and exhaled loudly in defeat. I could tell he was not particularly happy with my suggestion, yet he began to nod reluctantly. ''Yeah. Sure. Thanks, Prime.''

I nodded in reply, trying to contain the smile that threatened to form on my dermas. I was about to spend some unexpected time with Orianna. /Alone/.

As if he could somehow hear my thoughts, Major Lennox stepped towards Orianna and, grasping her head in his hands, he kissed her deeply. I felt that jealous wave of anger wash over me yet again and I clenched my dermas a little tighter, though I did not look away.

As Lennox pulled away, his eyes locked onto mine. I did not need my scanners and readings to decipher the inherent warning within them even as he smiled up at me. ''Thanks again Prime.'' He looked back at Orianna and brushed her cheek with his thumb as he began to peel away from her. ''Sorry babe. Gotta go. I'll see you later tonight.''

''Hope so!'' Orianna called out after his retreating form. I could hear a soft sigh escape her lips as the Major began to jog briskly up the stairs. I focused my attention back on the lone figure before me.

Orianna huffed out loud and turned back to face me. Though I could tell she was disappointed, that emotion began to dissipate as she walked towards me. ''Oh well. Best laid plans hey Prime?'' She smiled brightly up at me.

I chuckled softly at her. ''Indeed Orianna.''

She shrugged as looked up at me earnestly. ''At least the night is not totally ruined. I get to spend some time with you Optimus.''