AN- I'd like to thank my few reviewers for their lovely comments. Sorry this is a bit later than i wanted but my computer was glitched. I swear its a 'con sometimes. lol :) Anyway I hope you enjoy. Beware this was written at 1 am because i couldn't sleep. Not as fluffy as i wanted it but it works. Please point out errors so i may fix them.

I DON'T own TF. If i did Ironhide and Jazz would still be alive.

Note- all dates are labeled from the kidnapping. not the time previously mentioned.

~~~~~~Chapter 10~~~~~~

Three Weeks Later-

Injuries' still healing slowly, Annalina was confined to med bay until Ratchet said so. No official time just when he said so. She was okay with that though. Even as her physical ailments were fading, the psychological were coming on strong. She didn't want anyone to see her. She was afraid of them. As of right now not even Optimus was permitted to see her.

"Ratchet?" she asked quietly to the mech working at a counter across the room. He stopped what he was doing to turn to his only patient.

"Yes Anna?"

"Do you think I'll ever get over this? I mean, I can't even let Optimus near me and I know he would never hurt me. It's hard enough to let you do what you have to." She sniffled a little. She didn't want to be afraid of everyone.

"Of course I do." He stepped calmly over to the frayed woman. "Annalina, you are a strong person. It is that sometimes hidden strength that attracted Optimus. He believes in you just as everyone else does, just as you should believe in yourself." He smiled gently at her, knowing to still keep some distance.

"Thanks Ratch." She smiled gratefully at him and then laid down for some more rest. She barely heard Ratchet's last words as sleep claimed her.

"Any time Anna. Optimus sure knows how to pick 'em. You'll be right as rain sooner than you think."

4 Months Later-

She had just been released from the med bay. Her body was completely healed and, thanks to tender ministrations from Ratchet and Optimus, her mind was headed on the same path. Her fears were lessening and soon, she believed, she would be able to handle everyone together again.

Optimus had been, internally of course, ecstatic the day Ratchet had called him down to the med bay two months ago at Anna's request. He had missed her greatly and was worried about her. But when he walked in and saw her smile up at him tentatively, he couldn't have imagined anything better. Now she sat on his shoulder as the exited the Hatchet's Lair. Her small hands grasping onto his armor for security sent tingles of pleasure to his spark. Too long had those beautiful eyes of hers been dull and lifeless. He would fix that as quickly as possible, even if it was for his own personal gain.

"Optimus," Anna called from her perch. He was instantly alert.

"Yes?" He asked as they continued down the hall toward her new quarters next to his. He would have preferred her staying directly with him, but she said it would help, so he obliged.

"I just wanted to thank you. If it weren't for you, I would probably still be in the med bay, hiding from the world." She stepped onto the hand he had placed in front of her so she could enter her new room. As soon as she was down, Optimus transformed and turned on his holo to follow her.

"Anna, you have nothing to thank me for. I am happy to be of service to you." He sat down on the bed next to her. Her room was spartan but for the bed and desk. It had a bathroom connected and a lovely walk-in closet already filled with her possessions. "You know I would do anything to help you. I love you." He finished carefully.

"I know you do. I love you just as much." She said softly as she gave him their kiss since everything happened. One thing was for sure in Optimus's processor, he would never forget that one kiss, that one action that showed how truly strong their love for each other was.

9 Months Later-

By this time, she was almost fully recovered mentally. She had begun relaxing in the rec room with the others. Mikaela couldn't believe how quickly she was out and about again. But when she questioned Anna about it, everything fell into place.

"Anna, how are you doing this already? I mean, it's just shocking I guess…" Mikaela cut off, not sure how to finish.

"I know Mikaela. It's a bit surprising to me as well. But then, look around me. I am surrounded by support; people who have helped me recover in any way possible these past nine months. I couldn't have done anything like this without everyone here." She looked around at those present in the rec room at the time. Optimus was sitting with Ironhide and Lennox talking about something. Skids and Mudflap were talking with the even more newly arrived Sideswipe. Those three newbies had taken an instant liking to Annalina, and did their best to help. Though, Skids and Mudflap's help usually involved pranking Ratchet. Their antics brought a smile to her face even as she thought about them.

"You know, Anna. That makes perfect sense." Mikaela let out a small laugh of appreciation. She was happy for Annalina, that she was able to recover at all from such an ordeal. But then again, how could one not recover from anything with Optimus Prime by their side?

One Year Later-

She couldn't believe it; heck neither could some of the others. One year had passed and not one more peep from the Cons. Not that anyone was complaining. But still, it was a bit weird. But for now, Optimus pushed his worries aside to focus on the lovely feminine form resting next to his on the beach. They had decided to slip out to have a bit of alone time. What better spot to go then a beautiful, secluded section of beach not far from base. He looked down at her and let out a sigh of contentment.

"Hey love," he caught her attention. She turned her head to look up to him.

"Yes, Optimus?" She trailed her fingers up his body until they ended on his lips. Anna smiled coyly.

"How would you like to take a short dip in the ocean? I've heard the water is lovely from the soldiers." He returned her smile with one of his own.

"Why not?" She responded happily as she stood up and looked down at him. "Last one in has to sing in front of everyone at base!" At that she raced toward the water. But Optimus was not going to let her win this one. He blew right by her and splashed in to the salty water. When she saw he was already there she stopped running and continued at a leisurely pace. Slowly she waded in next to him.

"You cheat." She whispered into his ear.

"No I didn't." He spun around and grabbed her waist. "I never have to cheat to get what I want." Anna let out a hearty laugh as she placed her hands on his broad chest.

"Oh really?" and with that she used him as a brace and flipped backwards into the water out of his grip. Anna began swimming into deeper water as she laughed at him.

"Oh no you didn't." Optimus growled playfully as he dove in to catch her. For half an hour they went on like that, one trying to catch the other. Both were laughing when Optimus finally caught up with her and wrapped his arms about her.

"See, you had to cheat. No human can hold their breath that long, well maybe David Blaine, but that doesn't matter." She spoke through all her giggles. She poked him hard in the chest.

"You cheated as well, so that justifies my cheating." He said defensively. She couldn't help it but burst out laughing yet again.

"That, my dear sir, is faulty logic. But I will accept it anyway because you are just too ridiculous."

"It is not faulty." He said, yet again on the defensive.

"Whatever you say, love. Whatever you say." She smiled up at him as she leaned in for a kiss. It was deep and passionate. Something that described all the feelings they had for each other. Optimus would never take any of their moments like this for granted after realizing how easily it could be taken from him.

"So what are you going to sing? I do recall that was the deal." He asked after they broke the kiss. Annalina glared at him playfully.

"Do I have too?" She fake pouted. "I thought you'd forgotten."

"I didn't and yes you do. If I might make a suggestion…" He leaned in to whisper in her ear.

Later back at base….

Everyone was gathered in the rec room. Anna was standing on a make shift stage of sorts. Then Optimus began.

"Everyone, do to Anna losing a bet of ours, She will now be singing for all of us. Now I give you, Annalina!" He finished with a flourish.

"Thank you for the lovely introduction, Optimus. Before I begin, I'd like to dedicate this to Optimus. Without him, I would not be here today. All right, let's hit it!" And the music began…

"Everybody told me he was a dream
Picture perfect like he stepped right off the silver screen
Said that he would sweep me off my feet
But I'm still standing no he didn't do it for me
'cause i don't go for all that wine and dine
With the ray ban fake tan never mind

I want a down home up with the sun rise man
A pick-up truck driving bull riding strong steady hand
I want the wranglers Stetson and all that stuff
I want the real McCoy
I want a cowboy

I'm tired of talking 'bout it wasting my time
On all the cheap talkers needing me feeding me lines
Give me somebody who's tender but tough
Simple and honest knows a thing or two about love
I've seen enough to know i know what i like
It's the hard working head turning rugged type

I want a down home up with the sun rise man
A pick-up truck driving bull riding strong steady hand
I want the wranglers Stetson and all that stuff
I want the real McCoy
I want a cowboy

I've seen enough to know you know what i mean
Ride me off into the sunset that's my thing

I want a down home up with the sun rise man
A pick-up truck driving bull riding strong steady hand
I want the wranglers Stetson and all that stuff
I want the real McCoy
I want the real McCoy
I want a cowboy
I want a cowboy a cowboy." She finished strong and everybody applauded as they laughed. Annalina joined in as soon as she was finished. "Optimus, come on up here." She called out to him. He walked up to her and she put her arm around his holoform's shoulders.

"Everybody, let's give it up for my cowboy." Annalina yelled into the mic. Then she kissed him deeply all the while stealing his new white Stetson.

AN-The song is I want a Cowboy by Reba Mcentire.