Me: Ok, all the Autobots are depressed, Megatron isn't talking to me after I almost gave him Optimus then snatched him away, and Starscream's had his turn, so, will you do the disclaimer, Knockout?

Knockout: Sounds fun. Darth's Daughter doesn't own Transformers Prime or its characters. She only owns that paint job-ruining, finish-scratching traitor Joanna.

*Optimus Prime*

It is the day Joanna gets back from the hospital, and Arcee and I have set up a small party to welcome her back. Jack has food, Raf's made a disk of all Joanna's favorite songs, and June is driving Joanna to Base. I'm very worried. Joanna's bound to be very depressed, and I don't even like seeing her unhappy about a resturant getting her order wrong! I'm incredibly aprehensive as June drives into the Base. She hops out, gets a collapsable wheelchair from the back of her car, and helps Joanna out of the passenger seat into it. I'm shocked by how much she's changed since the accident. Her beautiful, long hair has been chopped short, she has grown thin and pale, her eyes have become dull and glassy, and there is no happy smile on her face. I kneel before her. "Welcome back Joanna."

She looks up at me. "Hey Optimus..." She gives a sad smile.

Now I'm really worried. She looks happy to see me, but still incredibly depressed. The kids run up, Jack with Joanna's favorite food, french fries smothered in cheese, jalapeno peppers wrapped in bacon, steak pieces, and hot sauce. "Hey, Jojo, we got you your favorite food for you," Miko says hopefully, a huge smile on her face.

"No thanks... I'm not hungry... thanks for the thought though..."

Raf bites his lip. "But Jo, you're always hungry. You're always snacking on something."

"Sorry, guys. Not now, ok?"

The kids back off and June motions me aside. "Optimus, I'm worried. I think Joanna feel if she can't fight, she can't contribute as much to the Autobot cause. Could you talk to her? She listens to you."

I nod and go over to where Joanna is still sitting. "Joanna, I need to speak with you. Alone."

Joanna looks up at me. "Ok, sure. Just one thing." She gestures to her wheelchair. "Can we leave this thing behind?"

I nod and carfully lift her out of th wheelchair, setting her gently on my shoulder, her favorite spot. I go to the roof of the base and seat her on a rock. "Joanna, I have many things to tell you. Firstly, do not think your inablility to walk diminishes you usefulness to the Autobot cause."

"Oh sure, nothing useless about not being able to fight," she snapped sarcastically. "Sure, I can't help scout Energon or smash 'Cons, but I'm not useless."

"You aren't!" I kneel so I can look into her eys. "You can still help crack the formula for Synth-En, you can help Rachet when someone needs medical attention, and even if you couldn't I'd still want you here! The kids adore you, the other Autobots are very fond of you, and I-" I take a deep breath. I have to tell her now, or I'll never be able to. "And I love you, Jay Jay."

She looks startled. "Optimus... I wish you'd told me that before." She grins suddenly. "I never would have gone out with that loser if I'd known!"

My spark warms. "Really?"

"Really. Because I love you too, Optimus."

I am surprised, but incredibly happy. My Jay Jay loves me back. Cautiously, careful of the size difference, I press my lips to her forehead. "I love you very much, Jay Jay. Nothing will ever change that."

"I love you too, Optimus." Now she seems back to her old self again. She is grinning, and that hopeless, depressed look is gone. I'm also glad she allows me to use that nickname, one she has forbidden everyone else to use because her father had called her that. "Let's get back to the party. I'm starving!"

I smile and lift her back up to my shoulder. Suddenly, everything is perfect.

*Joanna Black*

I'm so happy as Optimus and I return to the party. My Optimus loves me! I've never been happier in my whole life, although scarfing down those french fries sure doesn't hurt! I'm enjoying myself immensly, telling stories of all the funny things I did to the Decpticons, including the time I photoshoped a picture of Megatron so he was in a frilly pink dress, heels, makeup, and a cute little tiara, then sent it to every Decepticon computer! He was so pissed off! I pinned it on Starscream. He was the one I usually pinned things on, since no one would believe him over Commander Black, Lord Megatron's second in command. Suddenly, Ratchet approaches. "Joanna! I've got great news!"

I'm surprised. It's not exactly common for Ratchet to get so excited. "What is it, Ratchet?"

"I think I know a way you can walk again!