Author's Note: Fair point you made MM, I shall note that in a future chapter. Fingers crossed our favourite Autobot Commander takes Ironhide's advice and orchestrates opportunities to make Orianna realise how she really feels.

This chapter is set a fortnight after lronhide and Optimus have their little chat. Orianna comes to visit Lennox at work and gets a surprise when she notices Prime in public - in his holoform! Watches with interest, and not a little jealousy, during the training session at how he is received by everyone – especially Olivia Winters.

/''Denotes recalled conversations''/

/denotes internal thoughts/

And cue the angst! Two little ''F'' bombs too...

Chapter 84: Green Eyed Monsters

Orianna P.O.V

I pulled up on the large grassy field behind Hanger 1, taking care to park the large, black SUV out of the way. Relda was in getting serviced, so I had borrowed Lennox's car for the day and had arrived to pick him up from the end of his shift. I clicked the security button and the lights dutifully blinked as a small beep sounded to let me know the vehicle was secure. My beige sandals scuffed and scrunched against the gravel as I crossed from one side of the small ribbon of road to the other.

Before me, in the centre of the field, stood the uniformed columns and rows of N.E.S.T soldiers in their army training fatigues. Their faces were red, their sand-coloured shirts had sweat patches on them, and their hair was damp from the exertion of whatever exercises or maneuvers Lennox had put them through. Yet they stood tall, feet angled apart and hands behind their backs at ease. Every set of eyes were carefully and diligently trained upon the handsome man that stood before them, gesturing as he spoke.

I came to a stop a respectable distance from them all, my khaki, linen maxi skirt ruffled around me in the gentle breeze as I leaned on some old railing. I was a civilian and had no business interrupting a military training session, regardless of whether I was dating the Major or not.

Resting my elbows on the railing, I leaned forward slightly, an appreciative smile spreading across my face. /Damn, Lennox looked hot in his uniform!/. His tanned skin glistened in the afternoon sun, his toned arms flexed and his short, cropped hair looked darker than usual damp with sweat. Without warning, images of a steamy, pleasurable afternoon spent in my apartment with Lennox earlier in the week, flashed through my mind and I dipped my head, blushing as the memory washed over me. I sighed out loud to myself and tried to ignore the heat that began to pool in my belly.

Raising my head, I resigned myself to quietly and patiently watching and waiting for Lennox to finish. My eyes flicked along and down the rows and columns of faces. Every now and then I would spy a familiar face and automatically smile at them from across the field. Moments later I rolled my eyes and internally chastised myself - they were not at liberty to respond in kind! I raised a foot to the lower railing and huffed softly as I continued waiting.

After a moment, I noticed my friend, Olivia Winters, one of the few females in N.E.S.T, standing two rows from the back and to the middle of the group. Her blonde hair and blue eyes, not to mention her feminine curves, stood out from the sea of burly figures and short cropped hair that surrounded her. I almost raised my hand to wave at her but stopped myself short.

Her eyes were focused intently on Lennox, her lips drawn together, a perfect statue of discipline. Until I noticed something. Her eyes. They darted to her left and widened almost imperceptibly before she looked forward again and repeated the action as subtly as possible. At the same time, her lips seemed to part slightly as if she had just gasped silently.

I scrunched my brows together in confusion and interest as I followed her line of sight. Something, or someone, had managed to derail her laser-like focus. /What or who on earth could possibly do that?/.

And that's when I saw him.

A very familiar, towering figure dressed in the same army fatigues had appeared from nowhere and was circling the group. His own hands were drawn behind his back, his broad, well-muscled shoulders and sculpted arms flexed and strained under the sand-coloured shirt he wore. His short black hair had lightly greying temples and his piercing blue eyes meticulously scanned those assembled, silently assessing and appraising.

An involuntary shiver ran through my body.

/What the fuck is he doing here – in his holoform no less?/. Optimus usually attended training sessions and assisted Lennox, especially in drills involving how to take down 'Cons. This was not an unusual occurrence. /But it was Optimus in his robot form that attended - not his human holoform! When the hell did that become a thing?/. I gripped the rails a little tighter as I leaned further over, trying to get a better view. A flash of annoyance shot through me at Lennox for not filling me in on this important development and I made a mental note to question him about it when the session was finished.

Optimus had since come to a stop at the front and off to the side of those assembled. I could not help but smile at how he commanded attention – regardless of what form he was in. It was at that moment Prime noticed me. He did not smile at me, but he sent the briefest of nods in my direction before turning back to survey the people stood before him. Eyes focused, arms folded across a broad chest tapering down to a narrow waist and muscular thighs. He was a pillar of masculine perfection.

I noted with amusement the various expressions on those assembled, albeit guarded, given the close watch on them by both Lennox and Optimus. Their eyes as they skimmed over Prime's figure, the crinkling of a brow as they fathomed how that very human like male could possibly be a twenty-eight-foot robot in human ''flesh''.

Out of the perfectly arranged sea of soldiers, I noticed that cute young man I met that night I got drunk at the Brit Club, Chase Ryder, and I watched with interest as he tilted his head, sizing up whether he could ''take'' Prime in a one-on-one fight. I chuckled to myself as he exhaled softly and ever so slightly shook his head in resignation. /Nah! - I doubt it too mate!/.

The smile stayed on my lips until my gaze fell once more on Olivia Winters. She was eying Optimus very keenly. Her blue eyes travelled subtly up and down his form appreciatively as she completed her own private assessment of Prime's figure. The slight curve of her lips and the way she seemed to puff her chest out that little bit further, as if seeking his attention, wiped the smile from my face.

Without warning, a flash of jealousy coiled in the pit of my stomach like a poised serpent preparing to strike. I ground my teeth together, shifting uncomfortably on my feet as I clenched the rail with palms that had suddenly become sweaty. I knew I had no right to be feeling this way. I was with Lennox; I had chosen him. I should not be concerned by anyone flirting with Optimus Prime as he was not mine to protect. And yet, as I watched Liv ogle him, I suddenly felt very protective toward him indeed!

I shook my head and internally berated myself, forcing myself to fix my attention on Lennox. /Get a grip OC! It's Prime. There's more chance of him sprouting wings than there is of him taking an interest in Olivia Winters/. I smiled to myself, somewhat mollified by my own reasoning. /He's not interested in humans like that/.

All at once, the memory of Prime's lips moving against my own as he held me firmly against his body, the need and lust that shone in those incredibly blue eyes as he looked at me, drew a startled, sharp gasp from me and I stood bolt upright. /Then again - maybe he could be/.

A moment later, Lennox barked an order at everyone. They had been dismissed. My eyes flicked from Lennox, to Prime as they had a brief conversation and then to Olivia. She was removing her hair from the tight bun atop her head, running a hand through it as it fell in damp, golden waves about her shoulders. My eyes widened imperceptibly before they narrowed in a serpentine like fashion, as I watched her make a beeline towards Optimus who stood alone. She was smiling sweetly and flicking her long, blonde locks out of her face as she extended a hand towards him.

Optimus had watched her approach with interest and smiled warmly down at her, reaching out to take her hand. Every muscle in my body tensed and a red-hot wave of irritation rolled over me slowly, soaking into every pore, as he grasped her hand and pumped it in greeting several times. I could almost feel the warmth and calloused palm of his skin against my hand.

Reaching out, I grabbed the railing tightly in my hands, as if it were Liv's throat as the pretty blonde held Optimus' hand longer than necessary. I held my breath as her fingers brushed along the back of his hand, causing Optimus to shift his gaze from her face to their hands. His body seemed to tense as she took a step closer to him. But he did not take a step back, nor did he seem to mind her proximity to him.

''OC?'' A confused voice interrupted my concentration. ''What are you looking at?''

I growled as I snapped my head up, giving the disembodied voice a cursory glance. ''WHAT?'' My expression of annoyance immediately gave way to embarrassment as Lennox stood looking from me to Liv and then Prime. /When did he get over here so quickly?/. I shook my head and chuckled nervously. ''Ahh, what is it Lennox? Sorry, I was..''

''Distracted?'' He frowned down at me as he placed his hands on his hips and looked back to where Liv was placing a hand on Prime's forearm as she chatted away. ''Yeah. I noticed.'' His tone was flat.

I ducked my head but kept an eye fixed firmly on Liv and Prime. Mercifully she had relinquished Optimus' arm and was now combing her right hand through her locks, the blonde waterfall cascading over her shoulders. I gritted my teeth and almost swore under my breath as she licked her lips seductively and beamed up at him. /My God! She is practically eye humping him/. ''Ha! Pathetic!'' I muttered to myself.

''What did ya say OC?'' Lennox scrunched his face up as he shifted on his feet. ''You talking to me or what?''

I coughed out loud and shook my head, half turning to face him. ''No! Sorry babe.'' I stepped forward and placed a kiss on his cheek. I shrugged my shoulders as I stepped back again. ''I guess I kind of got a shock to see Prime parading around in public in his holoform.'' I pointed over to the being in question.

A green film descended over my eyes as I watched Liv jut her hip out and somehow manage to puff her ample chest out even more in a bid to show off her assets. I couldn't be sure, but I thought Optimus flicked his eyes appreciatively over her figure before he smiled warmly down at her and leaned forward to say something to her.

A deep scowl formed on my face as seconds later Liv burst out laughing and reached out to playfully pat Optimus on the shoulder. My blood boiled and I felt a sneer tug at the corners of my mouth. ''Thanks for the heads up about that by the way Lennox,'' I growled over my shoulder to him, giving him a pointed look as I folded my arms. ''Appreciate it.''

He scoffed as he reached out and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, drawing me towards him for a hug. ''Would it have made a difference?'' I simply burrowed into his damp chest, trying to ignore the unsettling display unfolding before me. ''Besides,'' Lennox sighed out loud as he kissed my head and began to steer me away back towards the car, ''I had about as much warning as you did.''

Annoyance-tinged Lennox's voice as I begrudgingly moved to follow him. ''Clearly Prime's holoform and parameters around its use and function are way above my pay grade!'' He sighed out loud and shook his head. ''I only found out he was going to be making an appearance at this session in his 'human suit' five minutes before training started.''

I snorted at the interesting description, giving a small chuckle as we approached his car. Lennox peeled off to go around to the driver's side. 'Human suit'. Nice.'' The sound of the car doors being unlocked provided me with a temporary distraction to turn back around and chance one more look.

Liv was handing Optimus a folded piece of paper as she flicked her golden tresses back behind her shoulder and smiled sweetly up at him. My heart ceased beating for a moment and my fingernails dug painfully into my palm as I waited with bated breath to see what he would do. /Surely Optimus will decline. Surely he will politely wave away the proffered item and kindly tell her he is not../.

He took it.

/He fucking took it!/.

The sound of a car horn beeping loudly right beside me, and my name being yelled out in both frustration and confusion, caused me to jump from fright. Seconds later, embarrassment enveloped me as both Optimus and Liv whipped their heads in our direction. Caught off guard I did the only thing I could think of.

I waved at them.

/I fucking waved!/.

Whipping back around, I reached out and fumbled for the door handle not waiting to see if they responded in kind. I slid into the car and wrenched the seatbelt across my chest, clicking it roughly into place.

''Jesus OC!'' Lennox growled as he put the car in drive and took off at pace. ''What took you so damn long?''

I shrunk down in my seat and bit back a snarky reply as I folded my arms sullenly across my chest. ''Look, can we just go home please Lennox?''

''I thought you wanted to go to Jake's Place for burgers?'' I could hear the mixture of disappointment and confusion in his tone as he quickly glanced across at me.

I huffed as I leaned my head against the window. ''I did, but I just don't feel very well all of a sudden.'' An uncomfortable silence fell between us as we rolled along the road back towards Hanger 1. I watched with some delight as Liv walked away from Optimus – alone. Sitting further up in my seat, my eyes were fixed firmly on the tall, imposing figure with cropped black hair and piercing blue eyes. He was looking from the piece of paper up to the woman walking away from him and back again before his eyes caught sight of our vehicle passing by.

I sighed out loud as I watched him send the tinted windows of our car a smile and a wave. Seconds later, he pocketed the offending item and turned to walk in the opposite direction. He was heading towards the large, flame decaled truck I had somehow failed to notice as it sat tucked away behind the building. The paintwork glinted and gleamed in the fading afternoon sun and for some reason I felt even more miserable at the sight.

I turned towards Lennox and sent him a small, apologetic smile. ''I'm sorry Lennox.'' I reached out and patted his arm as he furrowed his brow. ''Rain check?''

There was a moment of silence before Lennox gave a loud sigh of resignation. ''I guess we can stay in tonight babe.'' He took his eyes off the road for a second. ''Maybe we can order in from Jake's Place later if you're feeling better?'' He raised a hopeful brow at me, and I felt the familiar twinge of guilt assail me.

I smiled back at him as I removed my hand and looked out the window, watching the large semi-truck as it rolled away towards the Autobot Hanger. ''Sure. Maybe.'' I stifled a protracted sigh as I brushed some hair behind my ear. I really didn't feel very well. My stomach felt as though it was twisted in knots, and I felt cold and clammy despite the heat of the afternoon sun glaring through the window.

I had not been expecting to witness that. The image of Optimus smiling down at Liv as she placed her hand on my…. I closed my eyes and squirmed uncomfortably on my seat. /He is not your anything OC! Apart from friend that is… YOU were the one who saw to that/.

As we left the base and drove along the road past the Brit Club, I swallowed deeply and rolled my head back against the headrest, trying to keep my tears at bay. Things were going well between Lennox and me. He was thoughtful, kind, attentive and sweet to me, yet we still teased and wound each other up as we used to. I was satisfied in every way and yet I wasn't. There was something. I wasn't sure what it was until I watched that stomach turning display between Olivia and Optimus.

/Pure jealousy!/.

I was jealous. Jealous and fearful that someone would come along and win Optimus' spark when I had failed to do so. I rolled my lips between my teeth and closed my eyes tighter as if I could somehow squeeze the ugly emotion out of me. I had no right to be jealous. I had no reason to be jealous. But there was no denying it - I was.

The image of Prime reaching out to take that piece of paper from Liv flashed through my mind once more and I almost groaned out loud. The way their fingers brushed together, and the way he folded it and put it in his pocket sent a new wave of flickering, green flames rolling over me and I gripped the seat until my knuckles hurt.

/''You are not mine. I have no claim on you''/. That intoxicating deep voice sunk into me, haunting me as the sting of hot tears prickled my eyes, and I recalled Prime's voice that awkward night, he truly realised I was with Lennox, had been with Lennox.

I started as I felt a hand suddenly brush against mine. ''Easy Babe!'' Lennox soothed as he squeezed my hand tightly. I squirmed on my seat as I flashed him a quick smile. ''You, okay?'' He looked across at me, as he rubbed his thumb reassuringly on my hand.

I squeezed his hand back and raised it to my lips to give him a kiss. ''Yeah, yeah.'' I looked out the window and tried to ignore the tidal wave of guilt that crashed down on me. ''Just a million miles away.''

Lennox squeezed my hand once more before he raised it to his lips, mirroring my gesture, and kissed it gently. ''Well, come back to me! I miss you.'' I turned back towards him, and he sat staring at me, a massive smile plastered on his face.

I wanted to breakdown crying, apologise and beg for forgiveness and scream all at once, and yet all I did was smile brightly back at him. ''You know babe, I think maybe we should go to Jake's Place after all.''

''You serious?'' Lennox burst out, his face alight with pleasure before his grin slowly faded. ''But, I thought you didn't feel well? You sure?''

I shrugged my shoulders. ''Guess I'm starting to feel better.'' I released his hand and sat up in my seat exhaling deeply.

''Well, I'm glad to hear of that babe. If you're sure, I'm definitely down with going there!'' He slowed down and indicated to head back the way we had come. ''Man, I can almost taste that double bacon, cheeseburger,'' Lennox slapped the steering wheel in anticipation as he spun the car back around and took off towards our favourite place to eat.

I chuckled at him. ''You are such a big kid William Lennox!''

''Guilty as charged OC!'' He turned and winked at me, his eyes shining with mirth. ''And that's Major to you.''

I laughed at his teasing comment. ''Major pain in the arse more like it!''

He pouted in mock hurt before he smiled broadly again. ''Well, guilty as charged of that too I guess.''

I shook my head at him. He always knew how to make me smile when I needed to the most. /You really don't deserve him!/, the poisonous, self-deprecating accusation whispered through my thoughts like a puff of smoke. I clamped my mouth shut and stared out the window again.

/''You are not mine. I have no claim on you''/. The words echoed through me again and I closed my eyes, breathing out through my nose, in a steadying, calming breath as I fought to ignore that voice. The trouble was, despite Optimus' words that night, despite my best efforts to move on and let him go, after watching someone else try to claim him for their own today, one thing became painfully clear to me.

He did have a claim on me.

An unspoken, indelible claim upon my heart that would either lead to my rescue or my ruin. As I turned to silently watch Lennox humming and drumming happily on the steering wheel as we neared our destination, I couldn't help but feel like it would somehow be the latter.