I took so long to update this. x.x I was busy, and then I had writers block. I dunno if it's exactly edited to a point where I'm satisfied with it, but I decided that I had procrastinated on updating long enough.

So here it is, finally!


My eyelids fluttered open, and I groaned as sunlight that was reflected off my mirror bounced directly into my eyes. I put my hand up to cover my eyes as I sat up slowly, my muscles protesting with soreness.

I sigh softly, lowering my hand, blinking to adjust to the brightness of the room. I turned to look at the clock on my wall.

July 1, 6:30 A.M.

I sighed again and ran a hand through my disastrous looking hair before clambering to my feet, leaning against my dresser. I had multiple bruises from the beating I had acquired last night, and my right wrist was an ugly shade of purple as well as being slightly swollen.

Great. I thought grimly, pressing my lips into a tight line. I was going to have to ice that later….If I got around to it.

Memories of what transpired last night flashed before my eyes, and I squeezed them tightly shut to try to block it out.

Pain shooting up my arm as fingers dug agonizingly into my wrist.

The lashes of the leather striking my flesh, leaving stinging, glaring red marks.

Glowing, concerned crystal blue eyes staring down at me.

I gasped and jerked out of the memories, grasping the dresser to remain steady. I struggled to steady my breathing and calm my racing heart.

What was that?

Had I imagined that unknown figure standing over me? A hallucination caused by the amount of pain I was in?

Quite possible, but I haven't the slightest clue.

All I knew now was that I would have to ponder more about it later. For now, I needed to find out where my father was at, and if I needed to enact the plan formulating in my mind ahead of schedule.

I changed into an old black t-shirt and wore the same mid-thigh ranged shorts. I would shower later, since I planned to be working on the lamborghini if all went well.

I darted downstairs, taking care to be relatively quiet as I stopped at the base of the steps. The stillness of the house was unnerving, and the quiet seemed to ring in my ears.

"Dad?" I called out nervously.

I was only greeted by silence.

Puzzled, I scoured the house for any sign of my father. His truck wasn't in the driveway, nor was it in the garage. He wasn't outside or upstairs, and he most certainly wasn't on the ground floor.

He wasn't here.

That's strange. Normally he's here in the mornings…

I shrugged it off. I would worry about his lack of presence later. Right now, I had something else in mind.

I raced outside to the shed, hurriedly unlocking it, and skipped inside all the way to the car. I unlocked and threw open the giant doors of the shed behind the lamborghini to let some natural light in. The blue tarp was yanked off the car by me with a flourish, blue light dancing briefly around the room as the tarp fluttered through the air and settled upon the dusty concrete floor.

I scurried about the shed, gathering tools and cleaning supplies for the lamborghini as I got to work.


Several hours later, I took a step back to survey my hard work with pride. The red lamborghini was freshly vacuumed out, newly washed, the dents all buffered out, and the new paint positively gleaming under the morning sunlight.

It looked…

Beautiful.

I knew I couldn't dwell on the pleasing appearance of the car for long, but I allowed myself a moment to appreciate all the effort I had put into renovating it.

Sighing, I finally tore myself away from the sight of the car, sprinting to the house. I would have to hurry - I had no idea when dad was going to be back and I wanted to be long gone by then.

The clock in my room read 11:30 A.M. as I grabbed a fifteen minute shower, changing into a blue t-shirt, black knee-length shorts, and put on a black basketball themed sweatshirt. I scrambled about my room, packing clothing and other personal belongings into a suitcase. I was going to have to leave a lot of things behind, but it was worth it if I was getting out of this hell hole.

Honestly? I had been saving up money for the past three years.

I had tried this once before, when I was 15. But I never succeeded, mostly because I knew what I wanted to do, but the idea of actually doing it scared the hell outta me. I kept thinking about it, and eventually freaked myself out to the point that I lost the nerve to go through with it.

So this time, I kept busy, not allowing myself to dwell on what it was that I was doing.

I had to get out of here. I couldn't deal with this anymore.

If I stay, I'm going to kill myself.

This is the only way.

I had to keep telling myself that as I carried my suitcase downstairs and headed into the kitchen to make some food for myself to eat for lunch whilst packing food to take with.

I made sure I had plenty of money in my wallet, and I had no qualms in taking money from my father's room. Perhaps I should have felt guilty for taking something from my father, but, a girl's gotta be prepared.

At this point it didn't matter, considering all the shit that he had put me through.

I checked the cupboard. Thankfully, dad hadn't moved my phone. I promptly pocketed it along with my wallet, gathering the rest of my provisions, and proceeded to haul it out to the lamborghini. Once I had gotten there, I set it down on the floor as I popped open the trunk, arching an eyebrow at what I saw.

It was very spacious, rather unusual for this type of car.

Maybe it was just the model of the lamborghini?

I shook my head. Whatever, I don't know shit about cars.

I shoved my suitcase and other provisions inside, pausing before closing it again. I glanced over at the buffer and extra red paint that I hadn't used.

"Ah, what the hell?" I muttered, snatching both off the workbench and placing them in the trunk as well, closing it once I had done so.

Never know when you might need it.

Besides, I didn't want to leave any clues as to my method of escape.

I haltingly made my way to the driver's door, cautiously opening it before slipping in. I took a deep breath, closing my eyes briefly as I leaned back into the chair.

"You can do this," I told myself, opening my eyes and reaching out to close the door. Since I didn't have any keys for the vehicle, it was going to have to be hotwired.

James had taught me a long time ago how to hotwire cars, mostly because he had some free time and we were both bored. During that time, he also taught me to drive. Convenient, but I mean, what else do you expect me to do when I live a life within' parameters set by my oh-so-loving father?

Suffice to say, my dad doesn't know I can do either of those things, but these skills were finally coming in handy.

My breathing was unsteady as the engine rumbled to life. My stomach flip flopping with excitement, I straightened in my chair and gripped the steering wheel firmly with both hands.

"Time to get this show on the road."


I had been driving for a very long time.

I wasn't sure how long, but it was long enough that the sun had dipped below the horizon a great deal of time ago. My eyelids felt heavy and I could feel myself keep nodding off, each time I jerked upwards, shaking my head and blinking furiously in an attempt to wake myself up.

The highway I was on was less populated, fortunately, so I wouldn't have to worry about running into any police officers. But it didn't help with the fact that I was dead tired and trying to navigate a highway in the dark.

It's getting harder and harder to keep my eyes open, but I gotta keep moving…

I couldn't stop now, not while I was still this close to Queenstown. I had to get far away, out of state if I had to.

I stifled a yawn and stared hard at the road, struggling to make out road signs.

I'm so tired…

I blinked slowly several times, and despite my best efforts, my eyelids finally slid closed.


Sunlight was glaring against my closed eyelids, so I screwed them tightly shut, refusing to subject my eyes to the harshness of the invading light.

I was so warm and cozy...

I snuggled down into my seat more, sighing contentedly as I tried to go back to sleep.

Wait a second…

Seat?

I wasn't in bed, and dad's truck had never been this comfortable.

Wasn't I driving?!

It was as if I had suddenly been given a shot of pure adrenaline as my eyes snapped open and I jolted forward, being stopped by my seatbelt. If it wasn't there, I probably would have flung myself into the dashboard.

No steering wheel..

I was sitting in the passenger's seat.

How did I get over here? And more importantly, if I'm sitting here, then who's driving?

Panic seized me, and I almost didn't want to look at the driver's seat.

However, my curiosity won over relatively quickly, and I reluctantly twisted to look.

I'd like to say I handled the situation pretty well.

I did what any sane person would do.

I screamed.

Loudly.

It was reminiscent of a caged banshee.

I fumbled to unhook my seatbelt whilst grasping wildly at the door so that I could hurl myself out of the car once I had it opened.

"Calm down!" Yelped the caucasian male sitting in the driver's seat. He glanced between me and the road, reaching out to stop me but I just shrieked again and struggled to get away from him. I couldn't get the door open.

"Who the fuck are you?!" I demanded. The damn seat belt wouldn't unhook either! Instead, it just seemed to tighten around my body, as if the car had a mind of its own and was attempting to keep me from struggling.

The question seemed to confuse him since he just opened and closed his mouth several times, as if he didn't have an answer for it.

"This is my car," he said finally.

I stopped struggling to narrow my eyes at him. He hadn't answered my question, but I changed the subject. "How did you get in here?"

"You fell asleep at the wheel."

"No shit, Sherlock. I mean why is this car not a totalled mess because obviously, if I had fallen asleep, I would have crashed."

"Your foot came off the accelerator." He explained, but he sounded a little unsure of it.

"Sure," I said flatly.

He glanced at me but said nothing, and my attention was drawn to his eyes. Mainly since the sunlight that was streaming in through the windows seem to make his crystal blue eyes glow.

Wait…

I immediately did a double-take.

Glowing?

He looked like...

Maybe it wasn't a hallucination.

The man noticed my shaken expression. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah," I frowned, still staring at him with wide-eyes at his stunning resemblance to the unknown figure.

Well, what I could see of the unknown figure, anyways.

How many people had crystal blue eyes that looked like they were glowing?

"Where are we going?" I asked slowly, as if saying the wrong thing might cause his calm demeanor to do a 180.

"Out of South Carolina," he paused, "unless you'd like to stay here." He added. "I noticed that you have some stuff in the trunk, so I assumed that you're headed outta state, or at least outta town."

I nodded silently, but internally I was making faces.

Who the fuck finds their long lost car with a random chick unconscious in the driver's seat, and thinks to check the trunk?

People who are tryna make sure I'm not a drug lord or a wanted outlaw?I don't fuckin' know.

"My name's Samson," the man in the driver's seat said finally, glancing at me. "Samson Stoll."

I snorted, "so now you tell me your name. Couldn't have led with that?"

The newly dubbed 'Samson' rolled his eyes, "I was trying to ease your….concern. This is my car."

"Riiiiiiiight," I replied, "and what makes you think I believe that? Anyone would claim ownership of a fucking lamborghini."

Samson heaved a sigh, running a hand through his hair, which was close shaven on the sides and longer on top. His roaming fingers disrupted the neat, combed look, and instead made it appear disorderly. "Primus, femme, must you be so difficult?"

"Primus? The hell is that? And yeah, I'll be as difficult as I please." I gave him a defiant expression.

He looked thoroughly exasperated, perhaps a little tired. "Would you mind at least telling me your name?"

"Maybe I shouldn't," I crossed my arms and stared straight ahead. "You didn't tell me your name straight off the bat."

"Suit yourself," he replied with a shrug, but a mischievous expression overtook his face, highlighting his slightly pronounced cheekbones. "Unless you'd like me to give you a name."

I made a face, "oh God. That would be so much worse."

He smirked, "so?"

"Angelica Hollis," I relented, turning my attention back to him.

He nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. "You get called 'Angel' much?"

"No one's called me that and lived." I warned.

Samson grinned, "that's good. I like a challenge," he winked.

A sound of disgust emanated from my throat, and he started snickering.

"Alright, Angelica, are you heading somewhere particular?" He asked once he had collected himself.

I shook my head, "not unless you want to drop me off somewhere to be rid of me."

Samson shook his head, an amused smile crossing his face briefly. "Nah, I'm not that cruel."

"What about you?" I questioned, turning so that I was facing him completely. "You said you were headed out of South Carolina, but you never specified where."

He stared ahead at the road, as if he was concentrating hard on driving. He said nothing for several moments, his chiseled jaw setting in a grim expression, and I feared I wouldn't get an answer. "I'm trying to find my brother."

"Did you two get separated or…?" The words tumbled out before I could stop them, and I quickly tried to amend them. "I mean, that's none of my business, you don't have to answer. But you could if you wanted to." Samson arched an eyebrow and I fell silent, looking at my lap as embarrassment flooded me. I mentally kicked myself.

Stupid… Can't you just talk for once without fucking something up?

Samson laughed. It was a deep, rich sound. "You're not very good at conversation, are you?"

Heat rose in my cheeks as I fiddled with the ponytail on my wrist, and I was glad that my hair had fallen into my face so that he couldn't see. In a way, his words had slightly pissed me off, mostly since I knew his statement to be true.

So much for giving off the impression that you're a confident, sassy badass.

"Hey," he reached out and touched my arm gently. "There's nothing to be embarrassed about."

Oh, hell no.

Samson retracted his hand hastily when a gasp escaped my lips, and I recoiled violently as if I had been burned. A look of mild concern crossed his features, and I gave him a warning glare.

Don't.

He wisely changed the subject, but the confusion as well as concern that was plastered on his face did not dissipate. I pretended to take it as him being concerned for the well being of his brother. "We did get seperated, and I'm trying to find him. I'm worried that he's hurt or in some sort of trouble, that's why it's so important to me."

"That sucks," I said lamely as I looked back at him.

He nodded, unsure of how to respond, and I directed my gaze back to the window.

Maybe I should help him, I did have his car after all, and it probably delayed him…

I frowned. But it's not my brother, and I don't know this guy, so it's not my problem, right? He shouldn't have left his car out in the alleyway if he needed it to find his brother. Honestly, he's lucky I found it and not someone else. He might not have even found it again.

But I don't know what to do…

I sighed and tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. "Do you know where you're going to start in order to find your brother?"

Samson shrugged, "I dunno. I'll go where it just...feels right." He looked at me, "you probably don't understand what I'm talking about."

I shrugged. "What's he like?"

"Vain, arrogant, an absolute pain the aft." He smiled wistfully, "but he's still my brother, and when you really get to know him… He's a big teddy bear."

"Rough exterior, soft interior, huh? Sounds like a real charmer."

Samson snorted, "hardly."

I rolled my eyes, deciding to change the subject. "So you really don't know where you're headed?"

"No," I shook my head, "I'm just trying to get as far away from Queenstown as I can."

He looked between me and the road several times, "why's that?"

I shrugged, "nothing for me here. I need to start a life of my own, see if I can get into a college that has what I'm looking for. Then I'll figure out my career from there."

My answer was partially true - there was a little more to it than that, but he didn't need to know about it. Especially since I had just met him roughly ten minutes ago.

Samson remained silent, as if he was mulling my answer over, attempting to decipher if it was the truth. "Alright, I feel like there's another reason," he glanced hurriedly at me, noting my guarded expression. "But it's none of my business," he finished rapidly. "If you want to talk about it-"

"I'm fine," I said through grit teeth.

Samson frowned, but didn't pursue the topic further, opting to stare intensely at the road.

I turned my head to stare out the passenger window. I didn't need people prying into my life when they wouldn't understand what it was that I was going through.


He wished he had led with an alias when asked about his identity.

He hadn't thought fast enough, however, as he had been taken aback by her panicky reaction when she had first awoken.

Quite unlike him.

The prolonged distance from his twin was getting to him, he decided.

Sideswipe glanced over at the human femme with interest. She was quite unusual, and seemed rather guarded about her life in general. She also didn't seem to know or even care where it was she was going as long as it was away from her hometown.

What is it that caused her to be like this?

His processor went over the events of the other night. When he had seen her, she had several red marks, possibly from some form of rope, and several areas of her body were beginning to bruise.

What were those marks from?

The femme had seen him - he was sure of it. He saw the brief moment of recognition cross her face before she appeared as if she had seen a ghost.

He could feel how tense she was, and he remembered how she had reacted when he had briefly touched her. It had been mildly concerning. He saw how her blood pressure spiked, breath hitching, eyes widening, and her entire body jerked away from him, almost as if…

He shook his head. No, that couldn't be it.

She wasn't afraid of him, was she?

Sideswipe frowned. Maybe she wasn't afraid of him so much as she was afraid of what he might do to her.

Had someone abused her?

The answer seemed plausible enough considering he suspected that she was incapable of causing those marks by herself. It appeared as if someone might have been striking her.

But maybe she just didn't like physical contact, or was uncomfortable when people demonstrated concern for her wellbeing.

He noted that she kept tugging at the end of her sleeves. She was wearing a sweatshirt afterall, so perhaps she was just cold.

His sensors showed that her body temperature was at the correct level, and she wasn't shivering.

How strange…

He mentally scolded himself. He shouldn't speculate so much, not when her actions in the past couple minutes might just be her personality, and not reactions due to a past occurrence.

Still, why had she left her dwelling in such a hurry, expeditiously gathering supplies to take with her?

She might have just been eager to leave, to start a new life somewhere else.

Or...

Or she might be running from something, or someone.

He decided that the second option was more plausible, seeing as she was indecisive of her final destination.

If that was the case, then whatever she may be running from, she was most likely terrified of.

He feared by traveling with him, she was going to discover another thing to dread.

The Decepticons.

They were close, and he didn't like it.

Sideswipe glanced warily at the femme, who seemed to be lost in her own little world.

Where could she go that she would be safe?

Would she even be safe from the Decepticons now that she had encountered him? Was that even enough to make her a target?

They were essentially in the middle of nowhere, and he sincerely doubted that she had many contacts outside of her hometown. If she did, she would have given him a location, or at least an approximation of where to take her.

She was stuck with him, whether she liked it or not.

He had to protect her for now, until he had a better idea of what may happen to her.

Optimus wouldn't be pleased now that another human had fallen into the crossfire in the seemingly never-ending dispute between the two factions. But the femme remained blissfully unaware of the true situation, and he would have to find a safe area for her.

One where she would be safe from any potential harm.

Unfortunately, that meant he would have to find his brother as well as locate the Autobot base before he could safely relocate her.

It would be tricky…

But by then, she might be identified as a target, and it will be too late…

He shuddered.

It was his biggest concern, and he hoped it wouldn't come true.


Whaddya guys think thus far? I'm all for constructive criticism, and reviews give me life. (Not so subtle hint, I know)

But seriously, if you see something I should fix, just lemme know. This is my first time writing Sideswipe's character and I want it to be as accurate as possible.

Thanks!

~TheQueenofBlades343