Pairings: Prowl/Jazz, Skywarp/Thundercracker if you squint
Warnings: The author gushing over sexy cars?
Disclaimer: As per usual, the good things in life are not mine to have, but belong to someone else... in this case Hasbro, Takara and IDW and anyone else I've forgotten…
Authors Note: Written for the prowlxjazz Christmas challenge, which is based around the four candles of advent. This one is for Peace. And the quote screamed Beachcomber at me… hence his appearance. And I'm waxing lyrical about car forms… If it weren't for the Transformers, I wouldn't be a car freak… :)
This could be seen in the same series as the Hope set
Feedback makes friends. Flames dealt with by the masters of paranoia and fire, Red Alert and Inferno.

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas" – Calvin Coolidge

"Come on, let's get out and take a drive!" Jazz whined too close to Prowl's audios.

"Jazz!" Although Prowl hadn't jumped at the sound of Jazz's voice, it didn't mean that he wasn't annoyed. The saboteur had been whining all day, lack of action beginning to fray at his nerves. "You are almost as bad as Sunstreaker."

"Am not. Just need to get out."

"Fine. I'm not going to get any peace unless I do am I?" Prowl immediately regretted his words at the hurt look that flashed briefly across Jazz's faceplates. Even with the visor, Prowl had gotten adept at reading his partner's emotions. "I'm sorry Jazz." He reached out and placed his hand on Jazz's arm by way of an apology.

"S'okay… gonna need snow tires though." Prowl vented air in a sigh.

"The things I do for you Jazz." He muttered, his smile taking away any sting in the comment.

&&&&&&&&&&&&

Jazz practically flew down the corridor, narrowly avoiding tripping over Beachcomber.

"Hey, chill man. No need to rush. Take your time." The Minibot called out after him.

"Beachcomber…"

"Hey, it's nothing Prowl, not even a scratch."

"Still, I do apologise on his behalf. He's just overeager to get outside."

"This is the time to just take your time. It's all a state of mind really."

"Indeed." Prowl watched the Minibot saunter down the corridor before shaking his head and hurrying after Jazz.

He stepped outside into the frosty air to find Jazz already transformed and waiting, engine revving impatiently.

"There was a reason I instigated that rule about no running." He commented idly before transforming, ignoring the excited rev of Jazz's engine. As soon as Prowl started his engine, Jazz roared off, tires scrabbling for traction on the snow-packed ground before gaining purchase. Had he been in mech form, Prowl would have shaken his head. As he couldn't, he settled for shifting on his tires before taking off after Jazz at a more sedate speed.

It didn't take long for him to catch up with Jazz and if he were honest, Prowl would say that it was more to do with Jazz slowing down for him than it was Prowl being extraordinarily fast. Prowl deliberately stayed behind Jazz, close enough so the saboteur knew where he was, but far enough behind to get a good view of Jazz's alt form. Which Prowl found rather pleasing to the eye; the flashy spoiler blending perfectly with Jazz's style and attitude. He knew his alt form was less pleasing to the eye; the Patrol markings serving to show his officer status and as many would say, rather reminiscent of his attitude and bearing. It was sleek and served his purpose, but occasionally, he caught himself wondering what it would be like to have a far sportier alt mode. It certainly seemed to garner plenty of attention for Sunstreaker and Sideswipe. Although, he had gained his fair share of admirers. It would seem that part of the human population had a fascination with uniforms. Something he wasn't entirely sure he understood.

So fixed on staring at his partner's aft (which he would later deny) he almost didn't hear the sound of jet engines racing across the skies above them. He braked hard as soon as he saw Jazz's brake lights flash, sliding to a halt at the saboteur's side.

"There is a ceasefire in place." He muttered, almost furious that Red Alert might actually be right. Scanning the skies revealed Thundercracker and Skywarp chasing each other through the heavy grey clouds. Jazz transformed and watched them with barely concealed awe.

"Dang, they make it look so effortless!"

"It is effortless for them." Prowl reminded him dryly, neatly sidestepping the retaliatory nudge.

"C'mon, you know what I mean. Just watch them." So Prowl did. He watched the way they cut through the air, twisting and turning with ease, coming so close to one another there was barely an inch between them before breaking off and diving away from one another.

"Man they are definitely puttin' on a show."
"Indeed."

Engrossed, they didn't notice the bad weather that closed in quickly around them. The first indication they had was the flash of lightning that brightened the dull sky for an instant. This was quickly followed by another and the Autobots could do little but watch as Thundercracker plummeted towards the ground, smoke trailing from his wing. Before Prowl could say a word, Jazz had transformed and was already racing towards where Thundercracker must have crashed. Biting back a curse, Prowl transformed and hurried after him.

They arrived to find Skywarp cradling an offline Thundercracker, a helpless look on his faceplates. He started as they rolled to a stop and transformed, eyeing them warily before relaxing.

"You were watching?" He asked flatly, returning his attention to Thundercracker.

"We were. And we saw him go down. Damn good show up 'til then." Prowl allowed them to talk, stepping back so he could radio the Ark for assistance. Trying hard not to wince as he heard Ratchet's response to his request, he closed the transmission.

"Ratchet will be here shortly." He said, kneeling down to see if there was anything he could do to help Thundercracker until help arrived.

"Huh?" Stereo surprise from Jazz and Skywarp.

"Thanks." Skywarp managed to stammer out, realising that Prowl wasn't joking.

"Tis the season and all that." Prowl replied, grimacing at the exposed wiring in Thundercracker's wing.

&&&&&&&&&&&&

An engine roared in the distance, announcing the arrival of help.

"Here comes the cavalry." Jazz quipped, standing back to allow Ratchet access. The CMO transformed and knelt at Thundercracker's side, muttering curses under his vocaliser.

"Thought there was a ceasefire on?" He growled.
"There is Ratchet. Thundercracker got struck by lightening."

"Well, all I can say is it's lucky you were near and could get me. Too much longer and he wouldn't have been more than a standard jet 'plane." Skywarp blanched at the realisation his trine-mate had been so close to deactivation.

"I… I had no idea…"

"Doubt you did." Ratchet returned, looking up to give Skywarp a reassuring smile. "He's going to be fine. But I need to get him back to the Ark."

"Are you sure?"

"Unless you want to try and take him back to your ship?" Ratchet ground out, transforming and ordering Jazz to help Skywarp load Thundercracker in. "I am not going to let an injured mech go offline if I can help it, Decepticon or no."

"That's the spirit Ratchet!" Jazz commended.

"Oh and Prowl? You get to explain this to Red Alert." With that, he started his engine and made his way back towards the Ark, trailed by Prowl and Jazz. Skywarp was left to ponder the mercifulness of the Autobots in honoring the ceasefire and helping their enemies, before he too transformed, soaring gracefully into the sky, sensors diverted between Thundercracker and the storm raging around him.