"Whoever created those fraggin' seekers", Jazz thought, "should be ejected into the nearest available entrance to the Pit."

With that in mind, the Porsche practically dragged himself into his quarters; unceremoniously plopping down at his desk to begin filling out the required mission review report. Although, he speculated whether answering the data pad would even matter; considering his fellow, battle-scarred revelers around, all of whom endured a similar day to his.

Now, don't get him wrong, the mission was a success, and no way did anyone say being a soldier would be easy…but for Primus' sake, couldn't they catch a break at least once? In the beginning, even Prowl-Mr. Tactics himself-had made the plan plain and clear: go in, free the scientists the Decepticons were holding hostage, and get out.

Simple enough, right? Insert dummy laugh here.

With only Rumble and Frenzy on lookout, getting into the laboratory was easy enough-getting out was the problem…especially when one had five scientists to protect in the middle of a shoot out. Thankfully, the tactician had come up with another "simple" plan-distract the 'Cons while one Autobot snuck the hostages out of the fight and out of harm's way. But unfortunately, two lessons would be learned the hard way.

One-just because you look like a car, doesn't mean you're totally incognito.

And two-never use the flashy, sports car as your get away van!

The saboteur never expected his speed to be both a blessing and a curse, but he couldn't contradict his friend's logic-he was the fastest 'Bot present; therefore, he'd have to transport the scientists to safety. But even when spying is your specialty, think before racing off into the desert as a noticeable Porsche with precious cargo in the seats.

And let's not forget those three, aforementioned Pit-spawns, better known as Starscream, Thundercracker, and Skywarp, who took devious pleasure in making Jazz their shooting gallery. The saboteur would've fought back, had it not been for the mission of guaranteeing the scientists' protection. (And of course, five humans inside him created some…um…transforming problems.) So, regrettably, the Autobot was forced to put the pedal to the metal and zig-zag across the hot, desert landscape, with three jets ensuring him no amount of peace.

Only when the city came on the horizon and only when the group finally found sanctuary in an underground parking lot did the chase finally end…but not until the Porsche had been run ragged before hand.

Needless to say, Jazz was tired…very tired…very achingly-unbelievably-extremely-tired…

All he had to do was fill out the report, and then beddy-bye…until…

"Heard Jet Screamer and his dummy patrol had it out for ya'," called a familiar voice.

The saboteur sighed in relief; not having to think twice about who it was, and merely looked down to see Kayla standing a few feet away from his desk-a clear indicator he was on the verge of collapse, for he didn't even hear her enter his quarters. Never the less, he smiled warmly; happy to come home to his best friend…if she was visiting, his day was going to get better for sure. After a moment of regarding her statement, he finally spat, "Let's jus' say he's outta' ma' will-I mean it dis' time."

The teenager chuckled at his dry sarcasm, before replying, "Just came to see if you were okay."

It was during the short exchange that the Autobot scrutinized the girl a tad closer. Her sunglasses were gone for once, revealing a pair of rather blood shot, baggy eyes. She was also leaning forward a bit; resting on her cane slightly, as if her body were ready to collapse on its own weight. With her looking no less worse for wear, it was enough for him to turn in his chair and lean in-elbows on his knees for support. On a more concerned note, he shrugged, "I'll live…not sure I kin' say da' same fer' you. Ya' look exhausted."

His suspicions proved correct, for the red head gave a tired nod; rubbing her unseeing, but never the less, sore eyes, "I didn't sleep too well last night…" A short yawn later, she mumbled, "And all the runnin' around didn't help at all."

His interest perked, the saboteur tilted his head, "Care ta' share?"

Kayla shifted on her feet and sighed, before explaining, "That fight you were in drove Teletraan-One and Red Alert up the wall…so you can imagine what that was like." The Porsche rolled his optics at her choice of words, knowing how panicky the Security Director became in such situations. But to be trapped with that mech all afternoon? And he thought he had a rough day…but before he could comment, the girl ticked off on her fingers, "Calls from the government-jammed communications-status reports-injury reports…" She then shifted again, slouching, "I've run the 100 yard dash up the hallways more than I can count."

To that, Jazz shook his head; no wonder she could barely stand up…poor girl, having to deal with just as big a mess as he did…a long, trying day for both of them, he presumed. But luckily, he knew the cure for that. "Well…" he started; taking the accursed data pad between two fingers. Giving it one, final glance, he tossed it aside-choosing to save the stupid report for later. With a push on the knees, he slowly rose from his chair; brushing himself off as he sighed, "I'd say we both could use a nap, den'."

For once, the teen couldn't agree more; letting loose a huff, "I'd say you're right." With a lazy stretch, she turned on her heel; beginning to take her leave, "I won't keep you then."

The Autobot stared at the musician for a long moment; watching in silence as she slowly trotted towards the door-her cane barely sweeping the floor. But soon, his pity for her exhausted state grew more and more, and before he could think twice, he found himself crouching down-gently scooping her into his massive arms. She twitched at the sudden grab, but her only response was a soft, "Wha-?"

Jazz instantly went into brother mode; cradling her with a caring hand and smiling innocently, "Where ya' goin'?"

Despite her blindness, Kayla's eyes darted around; confusion written all over her face, "Um…to rest?" She then motioned towards the door, "The human quarters-"

"-are on 'da other side've da' Ark", he finished in a low, soothing tone, "If you're tired too, why go all dat' way when ya' kin' chill 'ere?"

The red head just shrugged; finding no way to argue with that logic…and too tired to argue, anyway. With nothing else said, the saboteur trudged over to the other end of his quarters-best friend in arms. In the back corner, near his stereo system, sat a small, red-orange couch (small by Autobot standards). Granted, the soft, furniture piece wasn't always there, but when the rec. room succumb to a few changes, and certain pieces had to be removed, the 'Bot offered to give the couch a new home.

It was upon this three-piece cushion that the Porsche set the girl down; giving her a glance before side-stepping over to a closet on the far left. Tired, but still cheerful, the mech whistled a tune in his wake; producing two items upon which he hurled over his shoulder to land next to his charge. Her curiosity aroused, the teen quickly retracted her cane and stored it away, before reaching out to examine the mysterious objects. Both of them were soft-that was certain, although the one item seemed to suck in her hand the more she pushed; getting a taste of cotton between her fingers. However, the other object was a lot thinner, but most definitely fleece in material.

There was a short pause, and then realization dawned, to which all she could reply was, "A pillow and blanket?"

"Yep", the 'Bot nodded.

Confusion mounting, the girl raised an eyebrow, "I thought you guys didn't sleep with this stuff?"

"We don't", he answered simply as he walked over, "But ya' know me; always wonderin' 'bout Earth culture n' stuff. Jus' wanted ta' try it out fer' myself."

The teen merely shook her head; that part, she understood…but how the heck did he acquire bed clothes that size? The inner debate lasted only a second, and she decided not to ask…maybe certain mysteries were best left unsolved…

But as she was contemplating the matter, Jazz had picked her up once more in order to sit down in the middle cushion. Holding her in one hand, he used his free hand to fluff the gigantic pillow of which took up almost half the couch. Then, just as carefully as he lifted her, he set the girl back down upon laying down himself; setting her next to him to ensure she'd receive adequate pillow space too. Finally, came the blanket, with which he covered himself up to his waist, making the red head get covered all the way. "Der', now", he replied with a satisfied smirk, "Ain't dis'cozy?"

Well…Kayla had to admit, the enormous bed of sorts was pretty comfy. Her exhaustion beginning to seep in more, she smiled slightly as she snuggled deeper into the giant pillow. Feeling as though her body was being nestled in a cloud, she wearily answered, "Mm-hmm…thanks…"

The saboteur had to be careful where he layed his arm, but finding a comfortable position, he sighed, "Don't worry 'bout it…" His head sinking deeper into the material, his sentence was slowly cut off by a loud, deep yawn; ending with a mumble, "…we both need it…"

From then on, all was quiet; save for the hum of machinery, as the musical duo layed there-content to lose themselves in their own thoughts as they entered a relaxing bliss. For a long time, there was silence…

…until the mech's gentle humming began to fill the air. The girl was surprised for only a second, but soon fell to listening to the lulling tune. What she heard was utterly beautiful, for this wasn't a song she'd ever heard before…no…this was a cybertronian melody-something she'd never heard before. What had caused her surprise was his singing…his real singing…his real voice of which he'd been created with…what Cybertron really sounded like…and for the first time, she was hearing it all. At first, it sounded computer-like; like the mixers used to make techno music…and yet, it wasn't…mechanical, but not…almost as if a human and machine was singing in tandem with. His real voice was nothing short of wonderful; adding beeps, clicks, and whirrs every so often-rising and falling in pitches humans couldn't dream of imitating. And although she couldn't understand the words, the general message still got through-that she was cared for and protected…music is deemed a universal language for a reason…

To that, the teen couldn't help but harken back to that day in the med bay, only now on the receiving end. Getting sleepier by the second, she smirked and mumbled, "Your singing's really nice…"
By that time, the Porsche's optics were powered down and closed behind the visor; his body still, "Thanks, but dis' is jus' hummin'…"

The red head sighed; her unseeing eyes sliding shut, "It's still singing…"

The 'Bot smiled, "Gotta' always have music playin'…can't even recharge without it." He proceeded to explain; his voice gradually softening as he began to drift off, "When I was a sparklin', ma' creator used ta' ssssing ta' me 'fore I could play ma' own tunes." A pause, and then, "When der's nothin' on da' radio; gotta' make ma' own lullaby…"

The girl's eyes remained closed; her voice barely showing her interest as she asked in a tired slur, "Sssso…you ssssing yourself to sssleep?"

It took a moment for him to answer, "Sssssometimes…" With one final, tiny shift, he yawned, "…ya' know…ssself hypnosis…"

This time, there was no reply.
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The moment he was released from Ratchet's med bay, Optimus Prime made a slow, but steady beeline for his quarters. After a whole day of shooting, taking shots, chasing, and fighting, all he wanted was to just plop down his aching joints and recharge. He only hoped everyone would do the same-it'd been a long day for them all.

Speaking of which, upon turning the bend to the hall of commanders, it was then he came by the doors to Jazz's quarters. Harkening back to the battle, he couldn't help but be proud of his third in command for his success in protecting the hostages and getting them to safety. The leader only wished his alternate mode were faster so he could've gone in the Porsche's place-an 18 wheeler could take more of a beating than a sports car. That said, Prime decided to pay his friend a quick visit first; if anything, to see if he was truly okay.

Like any gentlemech, Optimus knocked first-no answer. That was strange…the saboteur clearly told him earlier he was heading straight for his quarters…why wasn't he answering? If he'd powered down for the night, his door would've been locked…but-seeing as how it wasn't, the leader reluctantly let himself in…he'd just poke around for a second, then go.

Stepping forward, the doors opened with a soft swish, and Prime slowly padded into the room; optics darting around, on the prowl for his friend. Thankfully, the lights were all on at full intensity, so he was in here-question was, where? Recharge birth-no. Stereo-no. Desk-no.

But then, suddenly, the leader's optics came to rest on the small couch that'd been moved not too long ago…and he distinctly heard breathing coming from it-bingo.

"Oh, Jazz-there you are", Optimus replied as he walked around the piece of furniture, "I just wanted to see if you were alri-" But as he rounded the bend, his words were instantly cut short, as he came to witness the most optic-widening sight imaginable…

Jazz and Kayla were cuddled together; sleeping peacefully under the biggest blanket, and snuggled into the world's largest pillow. With the 'Bot's arm draped over the edge of the couch, the two wore the softest smiles-giving off gentle snores as they breathed in tranquility.

For the longest moment, Optimus could only stand there-taking in the sight. But before he knew what he was doing, he slowly reached out and carefully prodded the Porsche on the shoulder, whispering, "Um…Jazz?"

The saboteur stirred slightly; smirking as he mumbled, almost inaudible, "…play dat' song…one more time…" He then went still again and sighed-showing no sign of leaving his dream (one that involved music, no doubt).

Not long after, Kayla let out a yawn, stretched, then rolled over-unintentionally wrapping herself in the blanket more.

With a shake of the head, Prime smiled under his battle mask; not wanting to disturb their peace. It was all the motivation he needed to carefully sneak out of the room, but not before dimming the lights (for Jazz's sake, anyway). However, before he left for good, the leader glanced back once more to make sure they were still asleep…they deserved the rest. With a sigh, he muttered, "Pleasant recharge, you two…"

Looks like the girl was sleeping over again.

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AN: Personally, this was my FAVORITE chapter in the whole book. I always wanted to do just an all out fluff story between Kayla and Jazz.