Author's Note: Arcee thinks she is in love with the Autobot leader and goes to tell him such but could she have been mistaken?

''Denotes recalled conversation.''

/Denotes internal thoughts/.

Chapter 3: ''Unimportant'' – Arcee & Prime (also Springer & Elita)

I had always had good instincts.

They had saved me from getting scrapped on more than once occasion. They had stopped me from making a fool of myself and they had helped shaped me into the femme I was now.

And yet, lately, my instincts – like me – were in utter confusion.

I groaned out loud as I stalked about my meagre lodgings in the training barracks in Iacon. At this point I was the only femme in here and I was meant to be ''enjoying'' some precious recreation time between training drills and patrols. Yet all I could do was pace agitatedly around the spartan accommodation as I wrestled with my problem.

That problem happened to be about 30 feet tall and none other than the Autobot Commander – Optimus Prime. I ex-vented softly as I came to a halt in the middle of the room and shook my helm. Lately, I had noticed whenever Prime was around I felt – different. My systems heated up, I felt awkward and clumsy and not a little shy, finding it difficult to talk. I felt a scowl form on my face. /You are not normally like this! Why now? Why with him of all bots?/.

I looked out the window of the barracks towards the imposing Command Tower that overlooked the Autobot training facility in Iacon. I felt a weird sensation in the pit of my tanks. /He is probably in there right now, over seeing some important strategy/. Almost immediately a flash of fear and worry coursed through me. /Perhaps he is reviewing the progress reports of the new recruits. Reviewing MY progress report!/. My servo flew to my dermas. /Perhaps he is displeased with my efforts. I can be a little stubborn and hot headed at times. Rachet has reprimanded me about that before patching me up in the Med Bay/.

I walked over to the window, leaning against the frame as I bought my arms up to wrap around me. I allowed my helm to dip forward and press against the cool surface of the glass as I continued to stare at the Command Tower. I closed my optics and replayed the first interaction I had with the great Prime when I first arrived to join the Autobot cause a few stellar cycles ago.

''Arcee I believe isn't it?'' the impressive blue and red mech raised an optic ridge at me as he looked over the data pad before him.

I nodded my helm giving a brief smile of acknowledgement. ''Sir, yes Sir. That is my designation.''

Optimus had smiled down at me, his brilliant blue optics shining as his deep voice washed over me. ''Easy soldier. While I appreciate the enthusiasm, you need not address me in such a manner. Please, call me Optimus or Prime.''

I dipped my helm in embarrassment before craning my neck to look back up at him. He did not look down at me as though I was stupid. He had a kind and welcoming expression on his face. I had heard a lot about this Prime amongst the recruits. They said he was very different from the other Primes. I was beginning to see why. ''Sir… I mean, yes Prime. Of course.''

He nodded his helm, his optics seeming to smile at me. ''Well, welcome to Iacon Arcee. I appreciate your support and trust that you will settle in quickly. We are lucky to have you.'' He had nodded his helm once more and then continued along the line of new recruits.

I watched as he greeted each one personally and welcomed them. Giving each of them some of his precious time. I could not stop the small smile from curving the corners of my dermas. /Different from the other Primes indeed/.

I removed a servo from my waist and placed it on the glass as I continued to stare. Without realising my other servo had come up to lay across my spark as I had become lost in the memory. /What is with YOU? You are acting like some spark struck youngling!/. I mentally chastised myself. I allowed a groan of irritation to escape my dermas as I pushed off from the window and stormed back to my berth.

As I sat down unceremoniously, I found myself ex-venting to try and calm my systems. ''This is slagging stupid 'Cee. He doesn't even really know you exist. I mean – he's the Leader of the Autobots for frag's sake!'' I hung my helm feeling dejected and frustrated. ''I mean what are you to him? Just a soldier – nothing more.''

At the thought my spark ached a little and I felt a cold heaviness try and settle about me. I growled out loud in frustration and shoved myself to my pedes, striding determinedly to the door. /I needed to head to the sparring room to try and get over this - whatever it was!/. Focusing on fighting, on taking out an opponent, always helped me to centre and forget such distractions. /You need to channel your energy into more useful and achievable tasks 'Cee/.

Approaching the door to the sparring room, I punched in the code and headed to the large mat at the back of the room. There were not many other femmes or mechs around. /They were possibly out on patrol or drills or putting their down time to good use. Not pining away over mechs that don't even know they exist!/.

I glanced about. There was no one around to spar with. Feeling annoyed I was about to storm out when a voice called out behind me. ''I'll take you on.'' I spun about and noticed a green, gold and grey mech staring at me with a small smile on his face. His optics quickly darted over my frame, coming to rest back on my face. ''If you're game.''

I felt my optics narrow at the smug mech. ''Oh, I am game..?'' I raised an optical ridge questioningly at him.

Stepping up to me he nodded his helm, ''Springer, name's Springer.'' He walked out into the centre of the mat and turned to face me as I strode towards him, a determined look on my face. ''I was watchin…..''

I struck at him with a series of hooks and punches. ''Hey! I wasn't aware we had started!'' He managed to block most of my punches, but a stray right hook landed squarely on his jaw and sent him stumbling back a few paces. He raised his servo to rub at the place I had struck him.

I smiled teasingly at him. ''Oh, it started the moment you said ''I'll take you on.'' I relaxed my stance a moment, placing my servos on my hips and tilting my helm towards him. ''Unless of course you have had second thoughts – Springer.''

He removed his servo and a large, cheeky grin spread across his dermas. His optics flashed mischievously as he gave a low chuckle, ''Not at all….?'' He quirked his own optic ridge as he sought my designation.

I smiled sweetly at him. ''Arcee, the name is Arcee.''

Springer nodded his helm in acknowledgement. ''Well, Arcee. I would gladly take you on any day.'' He took up a fight stance and gestured for me to initiate an attack again. ''I'm ready for you this time!''

I threw my helm back and laughed out loud. ''Famous last words.'' I immediately launched into a counterattack, darting at him quickly. Feigning a round house kick before dropping low to the ground and sweeping his pedes out from under him. Springer toppled backwards, landing heavily on the mat before he rolled quickly to his pedes again, a determined look on his features. As soon as he regained his pedes, I was on him immediately. I gave no quarter.

We exchanged a series of punches and kicks. Both blocking and advancing several times. It was a dangerous dance but Primus, how fun! I felt my spark pulse strongly, my optics shone brightly, and I felt free. Free of my worries and problems. Free from thinking about….

CLANK! The sound of metal hitting metal hard rang in my audials and I felt myself thrown back several metres, landing roughly on the ground at the edge of the mat. I shook my helm to clear the fog and started to sit upright when I felt a large, strong pair of servos wrap themselves around my arm and shoulder, supporting me gently as I found my pedes again. I looked up expecting to peer into Springer's smug face only to be met by – him!

''Arcee!'' I closed my optics as my audials drank in the deep voice. ''Are you alright?'' There was a tone of concern in the Prime's voice as he addressed me. He was knelt down beside me, his servos remained on my arm and shoulder. Their weight and heat both unsettling and comforting.

I ducked my helm to avoid his gaze, feeling that familiar heat flash through me. ''I… I am fine thanks.. S… Optimus.'' I picked a spot on the floor and spoke to it. ''I am tougher than I look. I was just careless.''

''Arcee! Are you alright? I'm so sorry,'' Springer had come rushing over to stand on the other side of me. He seemed to ignore Optimus for a moment, more concerned about my wellbeing. /Kind of sweet really/. ''I was so sure you'd block that kick, but I guess you got side-tracked by something.'' He seemed to notice his Commander then and stood to attention. ''Optimus Prime,'' he nodded in acknowledgement. ''Arcee and I were just sparring, and she had me on the run until…'' he shrugged his shoulders.

''I could see that Springer. I was watching as I entered the room just now.'' I felt his right servo brush along my arm as he removed it. A coldness set in where his warmth had left me, and he gently squeezed my shoulder before releasing it. I dared to glance up at him quickly and my spark twisted painfully in its casing at the smile he gave me. ''I was very impressed with Arcee's skills. Ironhide has reported you have shown remarkable skill in melee fighting and marksmanship Arcee. I shall have to keep on optic on your progress.''

I felt myself heat up at his praise and stepped back away from him, flashing him a quick smile before dipping my helm in thanks. ''Thank you, Optimus Prime, though I am sure both Springer and Ironhide exaggerate.'' I darted my optics away feeling exposed under his gaze. ''However, I am grateful for your praise, and I shall do my best to deserve such esteem.''

Optimus Prime seemed to regard me for a moment more before a low chuckle rumbled from his chest. ''I am sure there is no exaggeration, I saw with my own optics how you deftly attacked Springer.'' He leaned down towards me, bringing his helm towards mine and I felt my spark cease pulsing. ''I noticed you hesitated momentarily while Springer was on the ground.'' I forced myself to look at him, nodding my understanding. I could not talk. ''One word of advice, do not hesitate. If an opportunity presents itself to achieve your goal, take it.'' He smiled down at me.

''Yes Si.. Optimus. I shall,'' I paused a moment as I digested what he had just said. ''I shall take what you have said into consideration. Thank you for your advice ad wisdom.''

He nodded his helm once more and smiled brightly at me before gracefully rising to his full height. ''You are welcome Arcee.'' He turned to acknowledge Springer. ''Springer,'' another smile graced his dermas as he looked towards the field commander. ''I shall leave you to it then.'' Turning on his pedes he proceeded to walk out across the room stopping briefly to talk to Ironhide who had just entered with Chromia. I felt myself heat up again as he appeared to tilt his helm in my direction as he spoke with his weapons specialist.

''So,'' Springer's voice snapped me back to attention. The mech had the grace to look a little apologetic. ''Up for round two? Or,'' he looked away for a moment, his voice cracking slightly, ''perhaps you I might interest you in a drink back at the Rec Room?'' He smiled at me hopefully.

I glanced from him back to the direction I had seen the Prime leave. He had since departed as Springer spoke to me and I felt a brief flicker of annoyance that I had missed seeing him leave. I ex-vented softly, trying to dispel that minor irritation. ''Ah, thanks Springer but I have to politely decline both offers at the moment. I ah,'' I looked towards the door Prime had walked through moments before. ''I have some other business to attend to.'' I sent him a quick smile before I started to head off in the same direction.

''Oh, yeah, sure. Maybe another time?'' He offered hopefully.

I cast a glance back over my shoulder, ''Yeah, maybe.'' I strode purposefully towards the exit and my destination. Optimus' words echoed in my processor. ''A word of advice. If an opportunity presents itself to achieve your goal – take it!'' The smile spread confidently across my dermas as I recalled the feel of his servo on my arm and shoulders. /Perhaps an opportunity just did present itself!/.

Reaching the Command Tower, I punched the floor number I was seeking. I had only been in here a servoful of times, and I felt like I was being watched. /Well, you are! Heavy surveillance on every level and the exterior. Not to mention Jazz and Prowl's optics keeping a watch over proceedings!/. Still, I felt like I shouldn't be here as the lift reached its destination. /Perhaps you shouldn't!/ came the self-depreciating thought.

Before I knew it the large pair of polished silver doors with the Auotobot insignia gleamed before me. /Too late now, you're here. Take your opportunity. Nothing ventured nothing gained ''Cee/. I took a steadying ex-vent as I announced my arrival by knocking on the doors. A spark beat later, that same deep baritone voice called out from the other side of the door. ''Come in.'' At the same time a green light lit up allowing the doors to open. I had been vetted and allowed entrance into the Prime's office.

As I stepped inside the room, I felt several emotions whirl around inside me. /Awe, trepidation, uncertainty and…. Love?/. I could not be sure. How else could you explain what I felt when around him! I stepped over the threshold and came striding up to his desk, a serious expression on my faceplates. Prime's voice rolled across the room to greet me. ''Arcee! I did not expect to see you again so soon. What can I do for you?'' He had stood up from his desk and come to stand before it, leaning back against it and folding his arms across his massive barrel like chest.

/Primus but he is so …. Huge!/. I came to stand before him, my servos clenched by my sides as I fought the urge to turn on my pedes and scurry from the room. ''I ah, I wanted to speak with you about something Optimus, Sir.''

He smiled down at me, his optics shining with mirth. ''I told you before Arcee, there is no need to address me so formally.'' He started to circle back around behind his desk to sit down and gestured I do the same. ''Please, sit.''

I shook my helm rapidly as he made to sit down. ''No!'' I bit out a little more forcefully than I intended. ''I… ah… I would rather stand if you don't mind S… Optimus.''

Prime paused a moment, choosing to stand beside his chair instead. ''Very well.'' He studied me closely. His gaze seemed to see right through me to the point I thought he might know what it was I had come to speak to him about. I waited for him to burst out laughing.

But it never happened.

''Arcee. Is there something wrong? Did Springer do or say anything….'' His optic ridge had furrowed at the thought I may have been mistreated in any way by the mech.

''NO!'' I once again yelled out more forcefully and emphatically than was necessary causing the Prime to tilt his helm at me in concern. I cast my gaze to the floor for a moment. /Primus why is this so hard!/.

''Okay Arcee. But I must ask you to please tell me what is wrong. You seem, agitated about something.'' He paused a moment his voice dropping to almost a whisper. ''Is it something I have done or said?''

I closed my optics and ex-vented deeply. /Not something you have done so much Optimus as something you are!/. I began to gather my courage about me and tell him how I thought I felt about him when I heard the unmistakable sound of another femme.

''Oh! I'm sorry Optimus. I didn't realise you were busy. I can come back later if you like?'' I whipped around to see a pretty pink and white femme much taller than I standing in the doorway. She was smiling at Optimus in a way that made my energon boil for a second.

''Perhaps that might be a good idea Elita.'' He smiled back at her warmly, his optics shining brightly as he took the sight of her in. ''Arcee here,'' he nodded almost perfunctorily towards me, ''had something she needed to speak to me about.''

I looked at Elita One carefully. She had taken on the role of training the femmes along with Ironhide and I had had some dealings with her. She seemed fair minded, fierce in battle and a good fighter. There was talk amongst the other femmes she was seeing an important ranking officer on the base.

I tracked the interaction between them as they gazed at each other across the room. Suddenly, I felt my processor freeze and my spark skipped a pulse. I felt the heat of embarrassment tear through me as I realised WHO it was Elita One was seeing! I closed my optics and wished that a massive sink hole would open up beneath me and swallow me whole. /How could you be SO stupid! How could you not realise that HE would be seeing someone such as HER!/.

''Okay, I shall come back in a joor or two to go over…'' Elita started to reply to him.

''NO!'' I inwardly winced as for the third time in a row I burst out in such a fashion. /So far, my conversation with him has almost solely consisted of the word NO!/. I felt myself cringing, yet I was determined not to let my true emotions show. Elita One was staring at me with a puzzled look and Optimus Prime had an indecipherable expression on his face. ''What I meant to say is,'' I continued, ''no need to leave on my behalf. Please stay. I am sure you have far more important matters to discuss than I.''

I nodded my helm at Prime and then Elita. ''I am sorry to have disturbed you Optimus Prime.'' I turned about to exit the room, feeling my energon both freeze and boil at the same time.

''Arcee!'' Optimus called out as he began to walk around the desk towards me. ''What was it you wanted to say? It seemed important.''

I glanced between them again as Elita came to stand beside Prime. I smiled at him, though I felt like my spark was breaking. ''No. It's unimportant Prime. Nothing I need to burden you with, as it turns out. Thank you for your time.'' I sent both a quick nod of my helm and turned swiftly on my pedes and strode from the room, feeling their confused gazes on my back.

/I want to die! Dear Primus, what the slag just happened?/. I stared at the ground as I made my way hurriedly downstairs. I had to get back to my barracks. I had to be alone. /How could you be SO monumentally stupid?/. I was so lost in my own thoughts I did not see where I was going until it was too late. For the second time in the space of a joor, I found myself sent flying to the ground.

''I'm so sorry I…'' A familiar voice started to apologise before there was a small laugh.

I felt a spike of irritation flood my systems as I began to sit up. There was the same green, gold and grey mech form the sparring mat smiling down at me. /Springer!/. He extended his servo. ''Arcee isn't it? I seem to have a habit of ''sweeping you off your pedes.''

I took his proffered servo and allowed him to help me stand up, flashing him an irritated look but at the same time I had to bite back a laugh. He brushed his digits over my servo gently before releasing it. /He doesn't give up does he?/. I found my irritation giving way to amusement. ''Perhaps, Springer, it is a bad habit you should avoid getting into.''

He laughed. His voice was not as deep or commanding as Optimus Prime's, yet it was not unpleasant. There was something about him. ''Well, Arcee, I already have a few bad habits, what's one more?'' he winked at me and smiled brightly.

Despite my better judgement I found myself smiling back at him. ''A few hey? Such as?'' I stared interrogatively at him.

He looked around quickly before he smiled back at me. ''Perhaps I might be inclined to tell you about them over a cube of energon. If you are interested that is?''

I stood there in silence for a moment, mulling over his offer. My spark and my ego were still smarting from the blow that had been unconsciously and unintentionally dealt by Prime and Elita. While I still felt embarrassed, sad and annoyed, mainly at myself, I also felt some excitement and some curiosity as I stared at the mech before me. ''If an opportunity presents itself to achieve your goal – take it!'' His words rattled through my processor yet again. While I was unsure what my end goal was exactly, I knew an opportunity stood before me. /Are you willing to take it 'Cee?/.

I found myself nodding my helm slowly as a smile spread across my dermas and a warmth filled my spark. ''Yes. I think I'd like that very much Springer. Thanks.''