Beware the awkwardness!

"Are we going to question her?"

Prowl, Jazz, and Optimus sat in the Prime's office to discuss the matter of their new human roommate. While Optimus opened his doors to her for safety, he'd be lying if it wasn't also a failsafe. That fragment could have done a number of things without her knowing. He wanted to find out if anything was transmitted to her. Other humans have encountered such pieces of the Allspark but they were much smaller in scale and ended up hospitalized due to side effects. So why was this Magnolia not affected in the same way? She had a larger fragment.

"It is too soon; she is incredibly frightened of us."

Yeah, their interaction with her proved that much. Even when she put on a brave face, her pulse told a different story.

"So then why don't we try and get her comfortable around us?"

Both Optimus and Prowl turned to look at the second in command. They knew of his fascination with humans and while it was strange, they could see the benefits.

Prowl crossed his arms with a frown, "So you are going to try and befriend the human?"

"Yeah?"

"And you honestly think she will accept you?"

Jazz smirked, "Jealous?"

"…Of what?"

"Of me having to take time away from you to demand the attention of a beautiful woman?"

Alright, within Team Prime there was a sort of running gag. Everyone knew that Prowl and Jazz weren't the best teammates. Being an Intelligence Officer, Prowl was pretty serious. Jazz on the other servo was an easy going and likable mech. So, that meant he bothered his serious teammate every chance given.

"Stop being an idiot, Jazz."

"Don't worry pumpkin, I'll try my best to give you a smile or two."

Seeing Prowl's optic twitch, Optimus cleared his vocal cords and raised a servo to silence them.

"Jazz, you are busy with many duties. Will you have time to watch over the human female?"

"Course I will! You know me Prime, good at balancing duties."

It was true.

"Optimus you're not really considering Jazz for this?"

"Would you like to take his place?"

"NO!"

Optimus smirked, "Then the matter is settled. Jazz will watch over her until it is safe for her to return to her normal lifestyle."

"Normal lifestyle? Boss what human who's ever encountered us has had a normal lifestyle?"

Well to be fair, they have never met a civilian before, at least not one so close. Remember, interactions with humans was STRICTLY forbidden unless they belonged to certain military groups.

"We've never had any contact with a civilian, Jazz."

"Technically I have- well Bee and I have. At that place we located the signal. Lots of human interactions… Anyway, think of what we could learn?"

"We're here to get information about the Allspark fragment out of her, nothing more."

The second in command waved the Intelligence Officer off with a shrug before turning back to Optimus. A grin plastered on his faceplate.

"What should I wear?"

"Hey Daddy!"

Lennox groaned as he heard the chirpy voice of Magnolia next to his ear. Opening his eyes, the soldier turned his head to see his cousin on the phone. After their high expired they continued to lay in bed and talk nonsense before knocking out. While Mag took the pillows for herself, Will decided to use her stomach as a headrest. It's what they did when they were kids.

"Your boobs are always in the way."

Flicking them for emphasis, Lennox hissed in pain when a hand crashed upon his forehead. Magnolia glared down before turning her attention back to the phone. Her father had called after two days of not hearing anything. It was surprising since he hardly called her unless it was to make sure a performance was set up or that he needed her to travel for another gig.

"Sorry I didn't call after the show. I was feeling ill and decided to stay with cousin Will."

Fun fact: William and his uncle did not really get along. Why? Because they always rammed heads when it came to Magnolia. He hated the way that man used her as a cash cow while not giving a damn about her otherwise. Man wasn't a terrible father as he always gave the woman what she wanted of asked but it was merely to keep her on a leash.

"Yes sir. I should have said something sooner but doing show after show for 3 months straight has drained me daddy. I-I understand that weakness is unacceptable, but my lungs and body need a break!"

Another fun fact: Magnolia was terrified of her father. He was a powerful and wealthy man, able to buy off anyone or buy whatever muscle he needed to keep competition out of the way. Now, the man was no gangster (at least as far as anyone knew) but there have been suspicious moments where one could assume he was.

"Don't give me a time frame, please! I never say no to you. Never. I'm just asking for time away from the spotlight. No, nothing like a year. A few months at least."

At this point, Lennox was getting pissed. Magnolia worked her ass off to make her father content and it was true that she never said no to him. Girl never complained about her work even though he knew she hated it. Keeping that asshole flowing with cash.

"Tami can take over the gig until I am able to get back! Oh, daddy she too can sing. Look, she's the best candidate or just hire extras like dancers. You've been meaning to set up Burlesque dancing for a while, right? This is the perfect chance to get some talent and have them shine. It'll attract a lot of clientele."

Damn, kind of places did that man have his daughter singing at?

"You mean it? Thank you! Yes sir. I'll call regularly to keep in touch. Uh yes, I'll be staying with William. Thanks again! Love you!"

Hanging up the call, Magnolia released a heavy breath before dropping her phone on the ground. She was utterly shocked her father allowed her time off. While she was elated, she KNEW that repercussions would follow. After all, he always gave her what she wanted but it always came at a price.

"Got that loser to leave you alone?"

"Shut up Will, that's my dad. And yeah, I somehow convinced him."

"And he's my bastard uncle. I have a right to talk shit about him. I swear you do too much for that clown."

"Yeah probably. Doesn't matter, because of him I'm off the streets of France and was adopted into a wealthy family."

"So, you're doing this because he adopted you?"

Magnolia rolled her eyes as she sat up. A giggle escaping her slightly dry lips as Will's head fell into her lap. Looking at the clock on his nightstand, showed the time was 3:30 in the afternoon. Best to get up and hit the shower.

"I want to get clean."

"I hear ya. Let's shower up and head over to my place. Sarah and Annabelle will be so happy to see you."

"I cannot wait! Your family is too good for you."

"I know."

Getting off his cousin Lennox stretched for a moment while dreaming of a hot plate waiting back him. Sarah was making her famous Lasagna with extra cheese. God, he loved cheese. Cheese was…everything.

"Hurry up! I wanna get home quick!"

"I would be rushing if you weren't still in here."

"Why would I leave?"

"Cuz I have to get undressed!"

"Girl please, I have seen you naked plenty of times."

As weird as it sounded, yes Will has seen Magnolia naked on several occasions. Most of the time they were accidental views but there were moments where he has seen her due to injuries and other medical purposes. Never fully naked thankfully.

He never thought much of it but guess it would seem weird to others as they were family. Not blood relatives but Lennox always thought of Magnolia as the closest family he has.

"Asshole! GET LOST!"

Growling, Magnolia rushed toward Lex and roughly grabbed him by the ear. The sounds of his cries were loud as they reached the door. Why did that clown always have to say the most ridiculous things?

Opening the door, she threw her cousin out before slamming the door in his face.

"Ow! My ear. What the hell did I even say? Ugh that woman pisses me off sometimes."

Shaking his head, the soldier decided to head for a walk. Besides his ear burning like crazy, Will was happy that Magnolia was going to visit his beloved family. Anabelle needed her aunt in her life and his angel thought that psycho was the coolest thing besides Ironhide. Hell, his baby girl was now 3 which meant Mag had missed 2 birthdays.

Which reminded him.

Fishing in his pocket Lennox pulled out his own phone and speed dialed Ironhide. He should have been picked up Anabelle from daycare and taken her home so he'd be able to pick him up.

:Lennox:

"Yo Hide! Where you at?"

:In the main hangar:

"Of the base? Did you get Annabelle?"

:Don't be an idiot. Of course, I picked her up. She's home with Sarah waiting for you:

"You're the man Hide! Hope you don't mind but Mag is coming over for dinner so would ya mind giving her a ride too?"

:You're going to want to come. Spoke to Optimus a few minutes ago about your cousin:

"What do you mean? What's going on?"

:Just get over here:

Fuuuuuuuuck.

"What do you mean she can't go?"

Lennox stood on the human platform with his hands on his hips and a confused look on his face. He knew that Magnolia could be at risk but damn. While he'd never say it, Magnolia not being able to be in his protective sights was annoying. No human that wasn't part of NEST has ever stayed on base alone. Never. Hell, even Sarah voiced her concerns.

Ironhide, Prowl, Jazz and Optimus stood in front of the man. They had been speaking on the situation and decided it was too risky for now.

"Cons were sighted at that club she was at and Fowler's egg head found them snooping around her home."

"HER HOUSE?!"

"Yeah."

"Damnit, luckily Epps had em take her stuff into storage already. Can they track her?"

"Possibly but Ratchet will have a look at her."

"Fuck. So, dinner is cancelled then…not good."

"I apologize Captain Lennox but for the safety of your family, it would be best if she remain here with us."

Having Optimus voice reason was a bit comforting, but this was ridiculous. It was like she was under house arrest. Still Optimus made a fair point. If that the fragment caused her to have a tracking signal? No way in hell Lennox would put his family at risk.

"I don't want her to feel lonely."

Jazz stepped up, taking a bow in the process. "Which is where I come in! Been assigned as her guardian."

"Woah? Mr. Second in command Mag's guardian?"

"Only until it's safe for her to get back home."

Stank ass lucky bitch.

"You're second in command Jazz. Why play babysitter?"

The mech shrugged, "Why not?"

"Point taken. Guess I better let her know the bad news."

"I'll come with."

"Sounds good. You down Hide?"

"No."

"Don't tell me she still makes you blush-"

"I'll be in my quarters."

Will chuckled as he watched his guardian walk off with a huff. He wasn't ready to greet Magnolia just yet. Those two had a very strange relationship, a very strange one. While Mag has never known about Hide, he definitely knew her. Let's just say she's said some things while in his passenger seat.

Bidding farewell to the others, Jazz and Lennox made their way to meet the unfortunate woman. She was not going to be happy about this.

"She is going to be pissed."

"I think you're right."

It wasn't perfect but it would have to do. Still dressed in the outfit provided by Will from before, Magnolia placed her hair in a ponytail and called it a day. She looked like trash but what can one expect? Hopefully, Sarah would let her borrow a proper hair tie.

Putting on her heels she prepared to step out when a knock was heard.

"It's the police!"

With a roll of her eyes, Magnolia opened the door. She gave an uninterested look at Will before her sights caught a giant metal foot behind him. A shiver crawled through her back when she realized it was one of those robots.

"Before you start freaking out, this is Jazz. One of the bots that saved you?"

"How could I forget? Hello Jazz."

"Hey again!"

William took a step back and motioned her outside to which she hesitantly followed. The look that dreaded man was giving her didn't suit well. It was as if something terrible was about to happen.

"Ok, alright. Mag I spoke to Optimus and they don't think it would be a good idea for you to leave the base yet."

Cringing in fear of being hit, Lennox closed his eyes but when nothing happened, he opened them once more. Magnolia gave a dead stare while her hands played with the pockets of her pants.

"Try to understand, that fragment lured the cons to you, and we don't know if it somehow transferred anything to you. You've had that ugly thing for so long it could have had any number of effects on you. Ratchet just wants to take a look at you before you step out again."

She still said nothing, so he continued.

"Jazz here was elected to be your guardian. If you do need to leave the base in the future, he'll be the one at your side."

The second in command offered a sly grin but again there was no emotional response from the woman. Was she in shock? Perhaps.

"Epps and the gang are bringing all your stuff tomorrow. Mags?"

Finally looking him directly in the eyes, Magnolia cleared her strangely dry throat. "Do you have a kitchen here? For humans."

"Yeah? The mess hall. Not too far."

"Good. I need groceries."

"I-alright."

"I'll also need a few extras from my place. I will text you."

"Sure Mag, you good?"

"What do you think?

There was nothing he could say the answer was obvious. At least she was dealing with this well, not fits of anger or anything. It pained him as well to leave her here, not the first choice he had in mind.

"I'll send Hide back with some food from Sarah."

"Cool."

Looking at his watch, Will noticed it was getting later than expected and he didn't want to miss another evening with Anabelle.

"I better head out, chin up cuz! This is only temporary."

"Mhm."

Giving her a hug and kiss on the forehead Will set off to the main hangar so Ratchet could bridge him and Hide back home. Jazz watched the Captain head off before turning his attention back to the attractive human. She also eyed him, but this time showed no visible fear which was great!

"I'm sorry about all this too but we just wanna make sure yer safe."

"I understand."

"That's great. Um…"

It was rare Jazz was at a loss for words but right now he was nervous. This was an awkward situation since its crystal clear she isn't very happy right now.

He could change that.

"Wanna talk?"

"About what?"

"About you of course."

"I'm afraid I'm not too interesting."

"That I highly doubt."

"Why do you even care?"

"Ouch, my spark. If we're gonna be partners might as well know some stuff about each other."

Putting his servo down in front of her, the SIC made a gesture for her to move forward. A furious shake of the head and steps backwards gave him a 'Fuck off' answer.

"No need to be scared darlin, I won't hurt ya."

"…."

"You can trust me."

"No, I can't."

Wow. That genuinely hurt his feelings. Jazz was cool with rejection (even though he was hardly ever told no). Though, rejection from her stung a little bit and he wasn't sure as to why. Guess any male getting rejected by a beautiful female would normally hurt but…this just felt different.

Still, he recovered just as smoothly and stood once more. He wasn't mad or annoyed. It's understandable that she would want to maintain a distance from him. Hopefully over time Magnolia would learn to trust not only him, but all of the Autobots.

"I gotcha. Want to take a walk then? I can give ya the full tour."

Initially Magnolia was going to reject his second offer. Wanting to be alone was something she craved but this goon didn't seem like he was going to let her go. What was Will thinking, allowing them to just give her a guardian without consent? Who said she wanted to be followed about a BASE when she wasn't even allowed out?

Still, she needed to know the layout of this joint. No way in hell she was going to stay in some alien bunker. A breakout was inevitable. Fuck Will and fuck them.

"Sure, I'll be happy to join you."