A Barricade of Stone

by Freya2Xana

Dagny was a human, working for N.E.S.T. and the Autobots. Barricade was a Cybertronian and a Decepticon scout. They were supposed to be enemies. They were supposed to hate each other; so why couldn't they bring themselves to do so? They say opposites attract, but that's just a silly, old wives tale..or is it? Perhaps they were simply destined to find one another.

9. Chapter 9

(Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers; just Dagny, Anwen, and any other OC's.)

(Authors Note: Hello my dearest readers, fellow writers, fangirls, fanboys, and TF fans of every genera! First off, I am so sorry for not posting this chapter sooner, but life has been keeping me busy and I've gotten distracted with writing/uploading content for my Treasure Planet FF as well as working on my TMNT FF's (which I've yet to upload because I've been busy with other things). Regardless, I appreciate all of your patience and hope you all enjoy this latest chapter.)

(Another Quick Note: Yes, there was a memorial service for the fallen soldiers and civilians who dies in the attack, and their remains were sent off to their families. I just didn't bother adding it because I originally forgot and now it's kinda pointless. Meh, it is what it is :) Anyways, happy reading!)

"English/French/Italian"

'Mental thoughts'

"Flashbacks"

'Sarcasm' (or emphasis)

{Cybertronian}

::Sparkbonds::

:Speaker talk:

::Comm. Link::

*:Phone calls:*

Chapter 9

-December 24-

After some gentle encouragement/persuasion from Anwen Bleu, Dagny decided she'd emerge from her stupor and accompany her to the Christmas party that was being held in the recreational center. Having shut herself away to recover from her amputation, she figured that it was time to socialize for a little while. That, and she loved the holidays and didn't want to spend them alone, nor did she feel like Skyping with her family as she was saving that particular call for tomorrow.

At the moment, the two women were in her (Dagny's) apartment getting ready for the party. While Anwen was already finished with her makeup and hair, she was currently helping Dagny with hers as it was rather difficult for her to do with just one hand. While the young brunette didn't like relying on others for such menial tasks (as she felt like a burden), she was grateful for the help Miss Bleu was offering.

Once her hair and makeup were done, Anwen assisted Dagny with her clothes as she had quite a few articles for this particular ensemble. While synching up her corset, the young ginger curiously asked, "Do you dress like this for every holiday?"

Glancing back at her with a smile, she curtly nodded, "Pretty much. I like wearing more traditional-looking gowns to parties and holiday events. Of course, having a knack for sewing, I make my own costumes."

"Wow; I wish I had those sorts of skills," she admitted as she finished synching up and tying Dagny's corset, "I mean, I know how to mend tears, but I've never been good at making garments."

"Well, I'd be happy to teach you sometime."

"Vraiment (Really)," she asked, surprised.

At that, the young brunette gave her a nod and smiled, "Sure. Personally, it'd be nice to have someone to craft with."

"Merci (Thank you)."

"No problem," she shrugged and sat down while Anwen helped her with her stockings and garters before instructing her to stand back up so she could help her adorn the bustle and gown. Sure, all these accessories may have seemed a little excessive, but it was all necessary to complete the look she was trying to achieve.

XXXXX

Nearly an hour later, Anwen (and Kenobi) entered the recreational center with Dagny by her side, to which everyone stared at the brunette in shock. Having scarcely interacted with anyone (other than a small handful of people) since the attack, she wasn't surprised by their reactions to seeing her with only one (complete) arm. Of course, they could also be staring at her lack of glasses or her attire, as she looked like she time traveled back from the 18th century. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, while her gown was floor-length with a top and asymmetrical skirt, flared sleeves and an adjustable ribbon design in the back. Color wise, the outer layer was white with a red floral pattern, while the inner layer was red satin. Aside from the dress, she also wore a pair of baroque style gold and pearl earrings and a matching ring upon her (remaining) hand.

As for Anwen, she looked equally stunning in her blue gown, black flats and pearls. Unlike Dagny, she opted to leave her hair down, but had a section of it pinned off to the side. Glancing over at the brunette beside her, she softly asked, "You okay?"

With red cheeks, she lightly shook her head, "Not really. I'm clearly overdressed and everyone is staring at the void that is my right forearm."

"Well, I think you look beautiful," she replied honestly. "Besides, I'm not exactly casual myself," she gestured to her own attire with a knowing smile.

"I suppose not, but your ensemble is lovely nonetheless."

"Merci (Thank you)."

"Of course. By the way, thanks again for styling my hair and helping me with the lacing."

"Well, what kind of amie (friend) would I be if I didn't lend a helping hand, uh, no pun intended," she awkwardly replied with a bright blush, to which Dagny emitted a chuckle:

"It's fine; I take no offense. Though, I got to hand it to ya: that was an amusing pun, even if it was unintentional."

"Oh mon Dieu (_ my God)," she smirked and shook her head while Dagny emitted a chuckle at her own joke and self-burn. Sure, her current disfigurement was no laughing matter in all seriousness, but she often used humor as a coping mechanism and was simply doing her best to make light of her current situation.

XXXXX

Despite the invasive questions from her colleagues, Dagny was having a nice time and enjoying the party; however, she soon felt the need for some fresh air as she didn't enjoy being among large crowds of people for extended periods of time. Discreetly slipping out of the recreational center, the young brunette casually began to walk outside and take in the evening air. As she strolled along, she suddenly thought about the Decepticon prisoner and wondered how he was fairing. 'Why am I even thinking about him,' she mentally questioned as she found herself walking towards the brig. 'Fuck it. I guess it wouldn't hurt to check in on him and act civil since it's Christmas Eve,' she reasoned with herself as she continued on her trek.

Reaching into the (hidden) sewn-in pocket of her gown, Dagny removed her I.D. and used it to enter the detention center. Afterwards, she then took the (human-sized) elevator down to the brig where she casually walked along the large corridor until she reached Barricade's cell. Upon stepping into the large room, she was greeted by the intimidating sight of Sunstreaker as he stepped out in front of her, blocking her from approaching the holding cell:

"What are you doing down here, human?"

Unphased by his irritated tone, she simply answered, "I'm here to speak with our 'guest'. Is that a problem?"

"Yes, it is. You don't have permission to be down here at this hour."

*sigh* "Look, I don't plan on staying long. All I want to do is have a civil conversation with the detainee. Please?"

He rolled his optics and emitted a grunt of annoyance, "I'm only doing this because I find your getup slightly amusing." He then stepped aside, to which she politely bowed her head:

"Thank you."

*tch* He averted his gaze, but gave her a curt nod. In truth, he was only being nice because she was Anwen's friend. Had she been anyone else, he would have tossed her out like yesterday's garbage.

Approaching the fortified/electrified cell, Dagny softly cleared her throat to get the Decepticon's attention, to which he turned around and narrowed his crimson optics: "Come to gawk at me again, human?"

"No. I actually came down here to see how you were fairing. Is that not alright?"

"I don't need some puny human checking up on me like I'm a bitlet."

"Well that's too bad, because I actually care about your wellbeing, unlike most of my colleagues. Yes, you helped bring about death and destruction upon our base, and while your actions contributed to my disfigurement, you're still a living being who feels emotions like everyone else."

Taken aback by her statement, he vented out a huff, "You're a strange little femme, but I can respect your tenacity and courage; however, you will be disappointed to know that I'm not in the mood for conversation at this time."

"I figured you weren't, but that doesn't mean I came here to interview you. I actually came because I wanted to extend my hand and offer you a metaphorical olive branch of peace in light of the holiday season."

Hearing this, the Decepticon raised a brow, but remained silent as she turned to leave; however, before she exited the brig, she turned back to look at him with a neutral expression lining her face:

"Merry Christmas, Barricade."

XXXXX

Upon returning to the recreational center, Dagny slipped into the lounge where she spotted a few of her coworkers participating in a game of '20 Questions' with several soldiers and Autobots:

"Okay Anwen, if you could bring back one ancient animal species from extinction which one would it be and why," a soldier by the name of Oliver Newton asked as he sat back in his chair and sipped his Christmas punch.

Tapping her chin and taking a moment to think about her answer, the young redhead replied, "Well, I think I would have to go with Aurochs (*Bos primigenius: an extinct cattle species, considered to be the wild ancestor of modern domestic cattle*) because like many of the endangered animals of today, humans hunted them to extinction and I believe our forests and wildlands would greatly benefit from their presence. Since they were a wild species of cattle, they wouldn't require our constant aid in order to survive, unlike their modern descendants."

"Ooh nice," Maggie stated as she rested her head on Liam's shoulder.

"Merci."

"What about you, Dagny? What ancient animal would you bring back from extinction," the Aussie asked as the brunette sat herself down in one of the human-sized chairs.

"While I've always wanted to see a live Allosaurus, I know bringing back dinosaurs is a terrible idea, despite how amazing it sounds; so my second choice would have to be Atlas Bears. They were the only African bear to survive on the continent into modern times, but went extinct in the 1870's."

"Interesting choice."

"Thanks, but to be honest, I'd still prefer the Allosaurus," she joked as a small smile appeared across her face. Although she was enjoying the game, a part of her wished that she was still in the brig with Barricade. She couldn't understand why, but she found tonight's encounter with him rather pleasant. Yes, it was a strange concept to willingly visit a Decepticon and to wish him a Merry Christmas, but she was feeling festive and wanted to show him some dignity and respect, despite his alignment.

(Another Authors Note: Okay, so I know the holidays have obviously passed, but I really wanted/needed to include this bit because I had the idea of Dagny visiting Barricade in her holiday gown and wishing him a Merry Christmas scrolling through my mind and I needed to write it out. Also, I'll be including her Christmas Skype call with her family in the next chapter, so be prepared for holiday stuff :) Now, I'm also working on content for my other stories, but it's a slow process as I've been busy with life in general. Regardless, thanks for taking the time to read this latest chapter and thanks for your continued patience and support.)