*Joanna*

In a few weeks, my arm is healed and I'm back to missions. I take down a few Vehicons, as usual, and I manage to put a dent in old Starscream. I still hate woring at the shop (still no racecars, unfortunately) and we're still having no luck figuring out the rest of the formula for Synth-En, but that doesn't mean we'll stop trying. Stubborness is one thing Ratchet and I have in common.

I'm in my shop, waiting for closing time. Unfortunately, it's only one, and closing is at seven. A guy walks in with a dashing smile. He's actually kinda cute. Brown, curly hair, bright blue eyes, and the kind of reckless look Ratchet says he recognizes in me when I'm about to do something risky. "Hello, I'm Joanna. How can I help you today?"

He grins at me. "I'm Cedric. I was wondering if you could give my car a tune-up."

I look out the front window, and see a racecar! Finally! "Yeah I can!" I flip over the counter. "Get that beauty into the garage and I'll get started." When I see that baby in my garage, my heart speeds up. I love Optimus's truck alt-mode, but I'm nuts about racecars, especially this red-hot beauty! I run my hand over the paint-job, which rivals even pretty-boy Knockouts. "Hello beautiful!"

"I assume you're talking to the car." I blush, and Cedric laughs. "You must love cars, especially since you work in this profession."

I relax a bit and grin at him. "Yeah, I do. I never get cool racecars like this though. Most guys come in here with rust buckets or mini vans." I shudder. "In my opinion, mini vans are a crime against automobiles. They are not at all my speed."

Cedric laughs. "I know what you mean. I don't suppose there's a discount for bringing a racecar, is there?"

I laugh. "Nope, sorry." I get started. The car is in perfect condition, and I revel in its detail. I finish quickly and smile at Cedric. "Ok, let's go inside and I'll add up your total."

We go inside and I get my money. Before he leaves, Cedric smiles at me. "Hey, Joanna? Would you run me over if I asked you to dinner tonight?"

I must admit, I'm startled. No one, and I mean no one, ever asks me out. Ever. But hey, I'm 20, I need to get out more. Besides, maybe this could get me over my crush on Optimus! "Sounds like fun. The dinner, not running you over."

He grins. "Cool. Pick you up at your place?"

"This is my place. I live in an apartment upstairs. Pick me up at eight?"

"Sure thing. I'll take you to a really nice resturaunt, so dress up."

I watch him leave and go back to waiting for closing. I don't have many nice clothes, so I guess it's my black strapless leather dress with studs. When closing time finally comes, I go out to meet Optimus, but don't get in. "Um, Optimus, I'm not coming to base tonight."

I can sense how startled he is. "Why not? Is something wrong?"

"No, no, nothing's wrong." I gesture for him to follow me behind the shop so he can transform, which he does. "I'm just going out on a date tonight."

"WHAT?!" I actually stumble back at the force of his reaction. "Who is he?! When will he be here?!"

I'm surprised he's reacting so badly. "Calm down. His name is Cedric, and he's picking me up at eight."

"I don't like this. It could be a trap."

I smirk. "When did you turn into Ratchet? Trust me, if he tries anything funny, or it turns out to be a trap, I'll handle it. I am 20 years old, any normal chick would be on millions of dates or married by my age. Don't worry so much." I turn to my shop. "I'm gonna go get ready. I'll see you tomorrow, ok?"

*Optimus Prime*

Energon boils through my veins at the thought of Joanna going on a date with someone else. She is my Joanna, my partner, the woman I love! How dare this- this Cedric ask out MY Joanna?!

But she isn't YOUR Joanna, a small voice in the back of my mind reminds me. You decided NOT to tell her how you feel. She has every right to go out with that guy.

I shut that voice up. She's still my partner! I transform and park alongside the shop. I see the boy Joanna's spending her evening with and decide I don't like him, though Joanna looks very nice in that dress...

Oh Primus, I need help. Why can't I just get over her?! There are other femmes out there! Few, certainly, but others who are Autobots! I'm in desperate need of advice. Since Agent Fowler is scheduled to come by the base tomorrow, I decide to ask him. He knows more about humans and human women than anyone I know.

(AN: What advice will Fowler give Optimus? What'll happen with Cedric? Please review! Remember, the more you review, the faster I update.)