Disclaimer: We do not own Transformers Prime or its canon charas. We do however own our OCs. Dream'sRealm owns Darkstorm, Skybreak, Drift, Shiv, Jolt, Blackout, Air Raid, Caliber, Speedway, and Jetfire. Blondie-moyashi owns Skye Shelsher.

Theme Song: Falling in Love by Falling Up

The Autobots worked tirelessly to try to locate the Nemesis and their comrade, Ratchet, but with no luck. Everyone seemed to be on edge and their anxiety was only furthered by the fact that they knew a battle was coming. A battle that could perhaps be their very last.

And so, it made the day that came all the more sweeter.

Miko had informed all the mechs about it, suggesting that they use it as an opportunity to cheer themselves up and their femmes. Though the tragedy was still fresh in everyone's processor, they welcomed the release. Many of them wished to move forward and to live at least one cycle, pretending that it never happened. Their dampened spirits longed to be lifted.

Valentine's Day might do the trick.

Darkstorm awakened early, as usual, and left her berth. Her charge was still deep in recharge. Smiling softly with a tinge of sorrow, she moved towards the doorway. Her spark ached that her charge had to see such destruction. It was worse enough that Darkstorm's innocence was stolen at such a young age. Should her charge meet the same fate?

Venting, she opened the door and gasped in surprise. "What in the name of the Allspark?" she whispered as she beheld various datapads and floral arrangements outside. She delicately stepped over them before picking a few up.

They were from her friends… Drift and the others. Her brother, Dre'wan, Raf… Her spark warmed at the sight.

Dear 'Storm, I just wanted to say… Thank you for everything… You changed my life… I'm lucky to have you as a sister. I mean, hey, who else can seem to put up with me?... You never lost hope for me, even when I hurt you deeply. I am proud to see the strong femme you have become. I love you, Dar'sain.

Darkstorm read a card off of a sky blue floral arrangement and her smile widened. To Dar'sain: The best Autobot guardian a girl could have.

"Oh, Ski'ri… You little darling. You shouldn't have," Darkstorm said.

Being as quiet as possible, she placed her gifts inside her room near her berth before stealthily placing her present to her charge near her to open when she awakened. After all, Valentine's Day was for love, pure and simple. Who said it needed only to be for sparkmates?

Seeing that that was done, she headed towards the base's exit. She would try to get a quick flight in before Bumblebee awakened and she could properly thank him and Raf. Her thoughts were interrupted however as she spied Bumblebee himself waiting for her.

"Bee," Darkstorm said, slightly surprised. "Why are you up so early?"

"Maybe I just wanted to have some alone time with you before the others got up," Bumblebee winked and replied playfully.

Darkstorm chuckled, cooling fans subtly activating, before rolling her optics. "Always the charmer, my beloved scout."

"Would you want me any other way?"

"Touche," Darkstorm laughed.

She was pleasantly surprised yet again however as Bumblebee held out a present wrapped in purple and black. "Happy Valentine's Day, 'Storm… I… umm, hope you like it."

Darkstorm smiled and gently took it from his servos before beginning to unwrap it. Sensing his nervousness, she sent her reassurement and love through their bond. If it is anything from you, I will cherish it always.

The open package revealed a large organic datapad. A book, she believed they were called, large enough for Cybetronian servos. The cover was a deep blue and the edges of the pages were dusted with silver. It reminded Darkstorm of Earth's beautiful stars. She gently opened the book and saw beautiful portraits of Earth's skies. Various colors painted during sunsets and sunrises. And a few during midday where white, whispy clouds sparkled as sunlight streamed through them.

Bumblebee was surprised at how much love he felt from her. But even then he knew, she would have been content with a rusted bolt. The gift was from him and the love and care that was put into it was worth far more to her than the material thing itself.

"Bee… I… don't know what to say."

"It's alright, 'Storm. You don't have to say anything. I… already know," Bumblebee smiled as he wrapped his arms around her. I'm glad you love it.

Darkstorm wings twitched slightly as she laughed. I told you before, if it is anything from you, I will cherish it always. Her expression slowly calmed into smile as she raised her helm and kissed him. Bumblebee's optics offlined and his grip tightened slightly. He truly was the luckiest mech in the world… He thanked God for giving her to him because she was an angel, one of the best things he had in his life.

Sensing his feelings through the bond, Darkstorm internally smiled. I am the lucky one. Even when I was a stranger and a Decepticon, you seemed to see me for who I really was. You saw me as something wonderful, even when I felt like anything but. You and God never gave up on me… I can't thank you enough.

No, I can't thank you enough, my light. I love you so much… It hurts for me to imagine a life without you.

Thank God you will never have to live one, Darkstorm smiled as she pulled away, caressing her scout's facial plating. Now care to release me long enough for me to give you my gift?

Well, if I'm forced to then… Bumblebee pretended to pout.

Darkstorm giggled and kissed him quickly before moving to get his gift. When she came back, she handed him the present. He smiled wildly as he unwrapped it and found a human ornament to place on his rearview mirror in his alt mode. It was a beaded chain with a disco ball and a bumblebee attached. Aw, 'Storm. You know me too well. How'd you know I loved disco? He grinned as he began to dance a few moves, "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees playing on his radio.

"We're bonded," Darkstorm smirked. "It's my job to know. But… I am glad that you like it."

Bumblebee smiled. "If it's anything from you, I'd cherish it always…." His smile morphed into a mischievous smirk. "And now that we're alone…"

Darkstorm's cooling fans activated as Bumblebee pulled her closer to them, a soft love ballad playing in the background. "When's the last time that we danced?"

"Our wedding, I believe," Darkstorm smiled, remembering.

Bumblebee began to lead her in a slow dance. "Then let's relive the glory days, shall we?"

"It would be my pleasure, my beloved scout," Darkstorm replied softly before leaning her helm against his shoulder plating. She wrapped her arms around his neck as they both swayed to the music.

Dreadwing paused in front of the door to Moonracer's quarters, inwardly steeling himself. He had been informed that the day was a human holiday that was dedicated to love. He had yet to sort out whether his strong feelings towards the young turquoise femme were romantic or no but he knew that he cared for her.

He knew that she was childish, brash, and less than graceful. Not exactly the type of femme he'd ever picture himself doting upon. But her bright demeanor never ceased to warm his spark. And he admired her inner strength. Her skill with a weapon. The strong determination that at times shone through her uncertain gait.

And… she seemed to care for him, as well. Despite the fact that he was previously a high-ranking Decepticon. A commander of an entire Seeker fleet at one point. She even dared to weep for him when he was injured. He had only ever expected his little storm to do that.

Dreadwing vented, staring once more at the metal. A part of him wished to do this while another was furious at the fact that Skybreak and the human known as Miko had goaded him into doing this. The fiery red femme had found out and promptly lectured him with various curses and threats before hinting exactly what he should get her in her usual brusque manner of speech. The very fact that she allowed him to come near her best friend surprised him but he knew better than to push his luck where she was concerned.

He had followed her advice but still could not help but feel the nervousness that was slowly encompassing his frame. He offlined his optics, chastising himself. There was nothing to fear. She was just a femme and he was simply honoring her on this human holiday.

Dreadwing onlined his optics, they suddenly widening to a large degree. But, what if she-?

Before the large mech Seeker could change his mind, Moonracer's door had opened of its own accord. Dreadwing hid his gift for her behind his back as the femme stared at him in surprise. Her cooling fans activated. "D-Dreadwing…. Hey. Umm, is there something you need?"

Dreadwing cleared his throat. "May I… enter?"

Moonracer nodded, nearly tripping over herself as she backed up to make room for him. "Sure thing. S-Sorry it's such a mess. I d-didn't know I'd be having visitors." She rubbed the back of her helm nervously. "Are you… feeling any better?"

Dreadwing entered and nodded slowly. "I am. Dar'sain is a capable medic."

"Well… that's good then," Moonracer half smiled. "I was… worried you weren't going to make it for a nano-klick there."

"I spent a great deal of my life in Kaon's gladiatorial pits. It would take much more than that to cause me to offline." A small smile danced across Dreadwing's features. "But I thank you for your concern."

Moonracer smiled widely before her gaze met that of the floor's again. "So… what brings you here?"

"I… had been made aware that this cycle was a human holiday dedicated to honoring femmes. And so I decided…" Dreadwing trailed off, fighting to find the right words to say.

Why was it that whenever he was around her of late, all of his eloquence vanished?

"Valentine's Day," Moonracer said with a slight smile. "I heard. But I thought it was only for sparkmates so… you don't have to waste your time with me." After all, how could a polite, gentlemech like him ever fall for a klutz like her?

Dreadwing immediately noticed the sorrowful tinge to her voice. Frowning slightly, he said, "Not always but…" He cleared his throat once more. "I admit, I… do care for you greatly, Moonracer."

Moonracer's cooling fans activated loudly as she scrutinized the Seeker in blatant disbelief. "Y-You…? W-What? But I-I…"

"You are a femme like no other," Dreadwing smiled and handed her his gift. "Happy Valentine's Day."

Moonracer slowly accepted the present, she too scrutinizing it with disbelief before smiling softly. "Thanks." She unwrapped it and her soft smile slowly widened into a bright grin. It was a giant teddy bear with a dashing bowtie around its neck.

Dreadwing chuckled as she squealed, jumping up and down in her excitement, before nearly tackling him in a hug. Dreadwing happily returned the embrace. "Thank you so much! I love it! It's just… so adorable!" She pulled away and her grin was still present though her voice softened. "No mech's… ever done anything like that for me before."

Dreadwing bowed his helm regally, a servo over his chassis. "Then I am honored to be the first."

Moonracer had always been told that she was useless, a failure… especially by her sire. She could still remember verbal and physical abuse at his servos… Her carrier's hopelessness and pain that resonated across their small dwelling even after she offlined. Her own desperation when she ran away and later joined the Autobots. Even in the army, she wasn't viewed as anything more than an immature youngling who didn't belong, despite her apparent skills with a weapon.

But Dreadwing… This prince charming viewed her as beautiful and he treated her like a queen, despite how she often felt. It never ceased to amaze her.

"Thank you, Dreadwing… a-again," Moonracer smiled as her shyness took over. "You see me as so much more than I really am and I… really appreciate it."

Moonracer gasped slightly and her spark began to hammer within her chassis as one of Dreadwing's servos cupped the side of her facial plating. Time seemed to slow as his piercing crimson optics met her green-blue. "You are a beautiful and talented femme that has much to offer. Do not think so lowly of yourself. I… would have you be happy."

"Sometimes it's hard to continue to be happy," Moonracer found herself saying, overcome with emotion at his kind touch.

"Then allow me to be of assistance."

Dreadwing surprised himself when he leaned forward, his lip components meeting Moonracer's. Moonracer too was surprised…. She had never thought to get such a response from the mech. But she happily returned the embrace all the same.

Dreadwing offlined his optics, lost in his own world full of bliss, full of her. However, he soon caught himself. With wide optics, he chastised himself. He pulled away slowly. Moonracer could practically feel his pounding spark. "Forgive me… I did not mean to-"

"There's no need to apologize," Moonracer giggled giddily before fanning herself. "Though I do forgive you for getting me this flustered." She shyly smiled. "Thank you, Dreadwing. For everything…. This certainly is the best Valentine's Day I've ever had. I-I mean, it is the only one but…"

"You are most welcome, Moonracer," Dreadwing smiled softly.

Elita One slowly onlined her optics, stifling a yawn with her servo as she shifted on the berth. She smiled softly. Optimus had never once moved. He lay there right beside her, an arm draped around her mid-section, holding into her as if to a life line.

She knew what she was getting into when she became his sparkmate. When the war came and the Council elected him as the next Prime, she knew that he could never be the shy librarian that she once knew. Likewise, she knew that she could no longer be Ariel, the unconventional, rebellious daughter of Alpha Trion. Dear Orion needed her. He needed help with the large burden that he carried.

It saddened Elita to see the toll it had taken on him, especially the last few cycles. She knew he was only trying to save the humans by interrogating Soundwave. No one blamed him for his actions, no matter how foolish they might have been. But that still did not change the fact that he blamed himself for the deaths of those innocent humans and miners.

And this General Bryce and his associates at the Pentagon certainly had not helped her sparkmate to feel any better in the least. Why they even had the gall to claim that they were the enemy and threatened to withdraw their support. Of course, Colonel Lennox and Special Agent William Fowler aided in making them understand what had happened but... Elita could feel Optimus' turbulent emotions. It took every ounce of his being to remain strong that cycle.

She vented and frowned slightly when she felt his grip on her tighten. His brow was furrowed and he looked distressed, as if he was caught in the middle of another bad dream. Dearest Orion... she caressed his facial plating. No leader is perfect. Only God is... Please, learn to forgive yourself. No one blames you for what happened.

Thinking that Optimus was still deep in recharge, she expected no response. However, it seems that her voice through the bond awakened him from his night terrors. He slowly onlined his optics and Elita's spark wrenched when she saw the helplessness and sorrow in them.

They should blame me for what happened. It was under my leadership that Soundwave was brought into our base and under my leadership that innocent lives were lost... I have betrayed the trust of our allies and our team.

Elita desperately tried to comfort him through the bond. Orion, that may be true but you were only trying to aide in saving them. No one could have predicted what came next. You have betrayed no one... Our allies and our team still look to you.

No matter what she tried, Optimus still seemed sorrowful. It caused coolant to well in her optics. He always was hard on himself, especially when the war started. He strived to be the perfect leader everyone wished him to be and loathed himself whenever he made the slightest mistake.

Ariel, God once told me that He chose me as Prime for a reason. I don't know what that reason is anymore.

He chose you because He looks at the spark. He knows that you are kind, humble, and have a servant's spark. All the traits of a true leader. He saw what I see when I look at you. Do you not trust that He made the right decision?

Optimus vented heavily. I know that He is wise, Elita. But... I at times cannot help but feel that some other mech would have done a more sufficient job in my place. Perhaps then we would still have Cybertron and more innocents would still be alive.

Orion, if you focus on the 'perhaps' you will never be able to truly live or learn from your mistakes. Does it not say in that Bible that you showed me that 'All things work together for good'?

It... does.

Then trust in exactly that promise and know that God loves you and forgives you, as I do. Please, Orion. I would have you celebrate this cycle, not mourn.

Elita One smiled as she felt Optimus' spark brighten, to at least some small degree. But it was enough for her. He kissed the top of her helm.

What would I ever do without you, dearest Ariel?

I often ask myself the same question.

Optimus chuckled slightly and Elita's smile brightened. There's the Orion I know. Now, if you don't mind, I have something for you.

Optimus looked at her in slight shock. A gift? But, Ariel-

No buts. Elita gave him a playfully stern look. Remember what I said about celebrating?

Very well, Optimus reluctantly conceded.

Elita One smiled before going to get her gift for him. When she returned, Optimus was surprised at what she saw. It was their datapad...

"Remember this?" Elita asked softly.

Optimus gently took it from her servos and smiled. "How could I forget, dearest Ariel?"

Ariel waltzed through the large hall of Iacon records, feeling a bit overwhelmed. Her father was busy with political matters and he had sent her to grab a few of his supplies. But, where oh where could they be? She felt like a scraplet in a maze.

She walked forward, gazing at a particular large case, filled to the brim with datapads before she felt she had bumped into something hard. She looked up to see a young mech, staring at her curiously. One of the librarians, perhaps? she mused, seeing his servos full of various datapads.

"May I help you, Miss?"

"I guess you can," Ariel chuckled. "My sire, Alpha Trion, sent me to grab some of his supplies that he had left here overnight. Care to take me to them?" She smiled warmly. "If it's not too much trouble, that is. I am sure you must have quite a bit of work to do, keeping this place up and running."

"It is no trouble at all," the mech shook his helm with a slight smile. "I simply need to put down these-" He gestured with his helm to the datapads. "And I can lead you to his office."

"Thank you," Ariel conceded before noticing that Orion was having difficulties. The mech's optics widened when he felt her servo wrap around the stack, brushing up against his arm in the process. His cooling fans activated.

"Miss, t-there is no need-"

"Oh, please. I'm stronger than I look," Ariel successfully took half the pile and placed it on a nearby table. She smiled triumphantly at the mech. "Besides, you looked like you had your servos full."

"Thank you." It was Orion's turn to say. Ariel smiled at him before noticing a particular datapad on the metal table.

"Through the Optics of a Stranger," Ariel mused. "One of my carrier's favorites." Optimus immediately the faraway longing look in the femme's optics. Her carrier had offlined several voors earlier. The disease was terminal and the medics could do nothing to stop it. Ariel and her sire, Alpha Trion, accepted this, knowing that it was her time to join the Well but... she missed her dear carrier all the same.

"If you wish," Orion said slowly. "You can have it."

Ariel turned towards the mech, surprised. "But-... Truly?"

Orion smiled softly and nodded. "We have thousands of copies here. One will not be missed."

Ariel slowly smiled, cradling the datapad to her chassis. "Thank you." She turned towards the mech. "May I ask the designation of the mech that has been so kind to me?"

Orion's helm lowered, his cooling fans steadily growing in volume. "Orion Pax."

"Well, Orion Pax, my designation is Ariel."

"I thought it was lost during the early days of the war," Optimus whispered to himself.

"I've kept in all this voors when I waited for you to return. And now, I give it to you," Elita One replied softly. "To help you remember how much you truly mean to me."

A few drips of coolant escaped Optimus' optics. "Thank you, Ariel."

Elita One smiled softly and kissed him, sending as much love as she could through their bond. Anything for you, dearest Orion.

When they finally pulled away, Optimus presented Elita with his gift to her. It was a large bouquet of pink roses. "I have heard that it is customary on this planet to give flowers to the femme that you love... Their beauty reminded me of you."

Elita took the flowers gratefully and smiled tearfully. They were even more magnificent than the Helix Gardens. "Thank you..." She caught him in another embrace.

Now that we're together again, let me see if I can't help you out of this melancholic state, shall we? And don't you even think about stopping me or saying that you deserve it. You know how stubborn I can be.

I would not have you any other way, my Ariel, Optimus silently replied as he kissed her again.

Arcee stood outside the military base, reveling in the quiet of the morning. All of the human soldiers were on holiday, either partying in town with the Vehicons and miners or at home with their families.

It's true that she cared about her team and their allies but she didn't feel this holiday was for her. All the love in the air threatened to make her purge. Guess she and Flareup agreed on one thing, at least.

She vented softly, wishing that she could be met with the familiar site of Cliffjumper's memorial. But it was destroyed when the Decepticons bombed their base... She knew she wouldn't get to see it again which saddened her. But, she supposed she should move on. She had a family that cared for her. Isn't that what mattered?

"Morning," a gruff voice met her audial receptors. She turned around to be met with Wheeljack.

"Wheeljack? What are you doing out here?" she raised an optic ridge, slightly surprised at the mech's presence.

He shrugged nonchalantly. "This human holiday ain't really for me. So I figured I'd come out here or take a drive."

"Figured I'd do the same. It's a bit disconcerting, seeing my teammates making out in corners so I wanted to get some air." Arcee smiled wryly and turned to the Wrecker. "Care to join me?"

"It a date then?" Wheeljack joked with a smirk.

Arcee rolled her optics and chuckled. "Call it whatever you want, Wheeljack. As long as it gets me out of the base."

"Whatever you say, 'Cee," Wheeljack chuckled before transforming. Arcee followed suite.

Wheeljack immediately sped down the road. "Let's see if you're as speedy as your charge says," he called out to the femme.

"Pfft. Bring it on."

Screaming . . . He's loose! Stop him, he's going after Ratchet-be at peace, my brother-

Skye tossed and turned as she relived the horrors of the attack in her sleep, the one place she couldn't find refuge. She was released from it, however, as she tossed-and-turned herself off the bed.

She hit the ground on her right side, a grunt and metal contacting the ground echoing around the area. Still in shock she sat up, panting as she looked around the room. It . . . it wasn't real . . .

She ran a hand through her hair before hugging her knees to her chest, taking in reality. She was safe . . . she was with the 'Bots-

She gasped as a realization hit her. She was 20.

In all the confusion and chaos lately she had completely forgotten her own birthday . . . not that she had ever planned on doing much. She'd gone back and forth about telling the others, but considering all that had happened lately, it didn't seem appropriate to say "by the way, my birthday was a few days ago."

"Are you alright?" She turned to find Smokescreen peeking in, only his head visible in the small opening.

He activated his holoform and jogged to her on the ground.

She looked away before accepting his help up. "I-I'm fine . . ."

"But?"

She looked at him, somewhat surprised, before shaking her head slightly. "No 'but.' Just . . . a nightmare is all."

"'Just' is the same as 'but' here." The jokingly stern tone in his voice evaporated almost immediately, as though he needed a moment to absorb what she was saying. "About the attack?"

She swallowed, though it fought her all the way down. Skye bowed her head slightly and nodded. "Screaming, shooting . . . it's only pieces but-"

"But it still happened." She all but fell into his arms as they wrapped around her. "I am sooo, so sorry. You shouldn't have seen that."

She readjusted herself slightly in his embrace, though he didn't move at all. "Why, because I'm a human?"

She moreso felt than heard him sigh. "Because you never signed on for this war. The rest of us did. And I should have been able to protect you from it."

She shuttered. "You couldn't have done anything more."

Her throat clenched as she could feel his remorse, his guilt, just through his body language and breathing. And how he tensed, even if he tried to hide it. "Maybe, maybe not."

She sighed, knowing trying to convince him to feel otherwise was a losing proposition. She instead opted to change the subject, hoping to at least make them forget the incident for a while.

"Hey, you know what?" Skye stepped back, forcing a smile as she looked up at him. "Today's Valentine's Day . . . I just remembered." She finished with a light laugh, which brought one to Smokescreen's face. "I haven't celebrated it in . . . wow, it's been years." Her brow creased as she thought. "I must've been . . . twelve? So it's been seven years-Eight."

He tilted his head slightly and his face showed confusion. "I thought you mentioned you were 19."

She froze. Way to go, Skye. Don't make it blatantly obvious or anything. She smiled nervously and scratched the back of her head. "I was . . . until a few days ago." Nervous laughter worked its way into her sentence.

Smokescreen's eyes widened. "You mean, it was your creation day? Why didn't you tell anyone?"

She averted her eyes. "With everything that was going on, it just didn't feel right . . ."

Smokescreen frowned subtly before sighing. "I know a lot's been going on but, Skye, it's your creation day. You could have at least told me or 'Storm."

Skye bit her lip. "I know. I just . . ." Her eyes shifted to his. "I'm sorry."

"Hey, no need for that. We can always celebrate it today," Smokescreen smiled encouragingly, catching her in an embrace.

She returned it, a smiling returning to her face as she leaned into him. "Thank you."

This caused Smokescreen's smile to widen. He eventually pulled away from the femme. "Now, I'll be right back," he said with a grin. Before Skye could question where he was going, he had already left. He came back a few moments later with a wrapped present. He handed it to Skye. "I… guess this'll have to count for your creation day, too."

She looked at him inquisitively before accepting it. She unwrapped it, revealing several Within Temptation CDs. Her face lit up as she turned them over and her hand covered her mouth in pleasant surprise. "Thank you!" Her excited gaze turned back to Smokescreen before she leapt to wrap him in a hug.

Smokescreen chuckled and happily returned the embrace. "I'm glad you like it."

She looked at the CDs again. "I love it. Hopefully as much as you'll like yours." She turned, looking around as she tried to remember where she'd hidden her present for him. She went to her bed and knelt, retrieving a small gift from its hiding spot. She stood and turned holding it out to him. "I admit, I was at a bit of a loss as to what to get, but I hope you still like it."

"Aw, I'm sure I will," Smokescreen grinned. He gratefully took it from her and unwrapped it to reveal some alternative rock CDs and a "Get Out of Jail Free" card. He stared at the card in slight confusion. "Get Out of… Jail Free?"

She smiled somewhat nervously. "It's from a popular human game. Basically it means that if you get in trouble-sent to Jail-you have a free pass. I thought you may need it against Skybreak."

"Something tells me I'll be needing a lot more of those," Smokescreen laughed before kissing her cheek. "But I love it. Thank you."

She giggled. "You're welcome. It's not a fancy date or anything, but I hoped you would appreciate it."

"Well, of course I would," Smokescreen smiled. "It's from you."

Smokescreen paused however, seeing something metal glistening underneath Skye's bed. He raised an eyebrow and picked up the vintage package wrapped in decorative gears, cogs, and wires. It was from Darkstorm, addressed to Skye. It must have fell when Skye was having her nightmare. He smiled and handed it to her. "Look what we have here. Another one."

She bore a somewhat confused expression as she accepted the gift. She smiled however as she saw that it was from Darkstorm. She carefully opened the present to reveal an intricately designed steampunk corset. She chuckled to herself as she read the note that accompanied it.

Dearest Ski'ri, Thank you for all the kindness and companionship you have shown me. I could not have asked for a better charge. And this Valentine's Day, I thought it only appropriate to show you how much you truly mean to me, how much I truly love you. I care for you with all my spark and I hope you realize that. Nothing you have done can change that. Happy Valentine's Day.

With Love, Dar'sain.

Her eyes widened however as she read the post script.

And Happy Birthday. Don't you dare think I've forgotten. I understand that these past few cycles have been far from ideal for celebrating a creation day and I understand why you hesitated from telling everyone. But, in the future, you should remember that is hard to keep anything past me, my darling.

Skye laughed as her eyes started tearing up. She was certainly lucky to have stumbled across Arcee in the woods what felt like so long ago, but it was all made only better by her guardian. No simple "thank you" could suffice.

"Aw, no fair," Smokescreen pretended to pout. "How come she found out and I didn't?"

Skye smiled. "I'm fairly certain Dar'sain is part ninja."

"Must be," Smokescreen chuckled. "Maybe I should learn a few things from her. You know, for next time." He said jokingly.

She shrugged. "Not that there will necessarily be a next time, but I guess you never know, right?"

"I hope not," Smokescreen smiled. "Just remember if there's anything on your mind, I'm always ready to lend an audial."

She nodded as her smile softened. "Thank you. I guess it's just easy to think we're in this alone."

"Well, you'll never be alone," Smokescreen's smile too softened as he gently pulled her closer to him. "Not as long as I'm still online."

She blushed slightly as she leaned against him. "And you'll have me nagging you about staying safe and the like until I'm old and gray and bedridden."

Smokescreen leaned down and kissed her softly. "Sounds like a plan."

Darkstorm smiled when she and her scout finally went back inside the base, seeing Skye and Smokescreen. "Well, hello there. I take it you two have been enjoying yourselves?" She said the question with a hint of mischievousness in her voice.

On cue, Skye assumed her embarrassed appearance with wide eyes and a red face. "W-well, did you and 'Bee enjoy yourselves?"

Darkstorm chuckled. "Yes, we did." She smirked. "But, that did not answer my question, Ski'ri."

Skye huffed. "We weren't planning a wedding or anything if that's what you mean."

Bumblebee turned towards Smokescreen with a similar mischievous air. "You mean, you didn't propose? Aw, Smokes…. Tsk tsk."

Smokescreen's cooling fans loudly activated. "B-Bee! We're not… She… I… We…. It's not like that!"

Bumblebee smirked and crossed his arms. "Sure seems that way to me."

"I can't help but agree," Darkstorm chuckled.

Skye tried to form words, but they came out as just mixed sounds. "I-is this pay-back for every time I teased you?"

"That and this is quite amusing," Darkstorm grinned.

Smokescreen crossed his arms and glared at Bumblebee. "I am so going to get you back."

Bumblebee raised his arms, elbows bent. "Come at me, bro."

Darkstorm laughed. "Come now, boys. You can even scores another cycle."

Everyone's attentions were diverted however as a drove of automobiles, painted in black and camo arrived back at the base. A familiar red and orange two-wheeler was also among their company. All the Vehicons and miners deactivated their holoforms.

Moonracer ran forward to greet her best friend. "Flare! You would not believe the cycle I had."

Flareup nearly fell backwards as Moonracer caught her in a hearty embrace and chuckled. "Oh, I can imagine. Glad to see you this happy, Moon." She smiled at her before turning to Dreadwing.

"She'd better have been taken care of," she said lowly as she crossed her arms.

"My honor would have allowed me to do nothing else," Dreadwing replied, optics narrowing subtly.

Flareup glared up at the Seeker before slowly smirking. "Glad we understand each other. Now, I think I'll take a drive." She stretched before gesturing to the Vehicons and miners. "These bozos have kept me busy nearly all cycle."

Darkstorm bit her bottom lip component to keep herself from chuckling as she Jolt come up to Drift and Shiv in a daze. "She gave me her number… She actually gave me her number," he said in a dreamy voice.

Shiv raised an optic ridge. "Who did?"

"Monica…." he whispered, servos over his spark.

Drift pinched the bridge of his upper facial plating and shook his helm. "Considering the number of femmes who nearly beat you to a pulp today, I'm surprised."

Darkstorm shook her helm amusedly before turning to Flareup. "I trust you were busy keeping them out of trouble?"

"You have no fragging idea," Flareup rolled her optics. "And some of those human mechs are just as bad. I think I've had enough with this holiday." She smirked, turning to Moonracer. "Call me if there's an emergency?"

"Will do," Moonracer giggled and saluted.

Flareup smiled slightly, inwardly rejoicing at seeing her friend so happy, before transforming and taking off down the isolated dirt road.

Darkstorm too smiled, seeing Dreadwing and Moonracer so content, before turning to Raf. "Any idea where my brother went? I haven't seen him all cycle."

"He went to some rock concert and monster truck rally with Miko, Bulkhead, and Wheeljack. He probably won't be back for a while," Raf answered.

Darkstorm inwardly sweatdropped. Monster truck rallies… A bloodsport.

"Well, I say we have some fun of our own. How about a friendly race? You, me, and Bumblebee against Skye and Smokescreen?"

"That'd be awesome!" Raf grinned.

Skye smirked at the Seeker. "Oh, bring it on!"

Darkstorm too smirked as she activated her holoform, jumping into Bumblebee's alt mode along with Raf. Skye entered Smokescreen's.

"Eat my dust, Smokes!" Bumblebee jeered.

"Not before you eat mine!" Smokescreen replied as he followed the camaro down the road.

And, everyone could agree, it was the best Valentine's Day they ever had.

D/N: Well, there's our lovely Valentine's Day chappie. :3 We hope y'all enjoyed it.

To Super Shadic: It's perfectly fine! I only recently found out about it myself when blondie showed me the link.

To JC: Aw, well thank you :D We are so glad that you like our story! Sorry we made you cry though. *huggles encouragingly* As for the one-shot, I'm not that big a fan of Rescue Bots so I'm afraid I might write the charas OOC and I need to be inspired to write something like that. But if it's the Lord's will that I do it, then I will. :) He is the One that gives me my writing talents, after all. All praise, honor, and glory be His and His alone.

To Guest: Thank you so much! We will indeed try to update quickly and we hope you liked this chapter as much as the last one.

To Savvy Orion: Darkstorm: *gratefully takes the flowers* Thank you… They are greatly appreciated, darling.

And yes, it's because it's getting closer to the season finale aka the climax. We did try to make this chapter have at least some humor though so it wasn't all doom and gloom. Even in the darkest tunnel, there is always light. God makes sure of that. :) He never abandons His children or leaves them to wallow in sorrow without help. And of course! I cannot wait to read it. We thank you and Wheelie for reviewing this chapter and we hope to hear from you again soon.

(from P.S. God Loves You! By Connie Witter)

I know that you love Me because you trust and obey My Word. Therefore, I will deliver you in times of trouble. When you cry for help, I will answer. I will rescue you and esteem you. I will bless you with a long life and cause you to come through every trial victoriously.

"Because he loves me," says the Lord, "I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him

and show him my salvation." Psalm 91: 14-16

I know the troubles you are facing. Come to Me with confidence, because you are My beloved child. Then I will give you mercy for your failures and grace to overcome in your time of need.

"Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

And if y'all have time, please pray for my friend's brother that the school would have mercy on him and not expel him for a misunderstanding and that the Lord would reach out to him and help him learn a valuable lesson. And my college English teacher, as well. She has bronchitis and I desperately want her to get better.

As always, have an awesome day and may God bless each and every one of you!

Until next time, Dream'sRealm

B/N: *laaaaa* Aaaaand Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! Hopefully these feels are satisfying, whether you are spending the big day with a loved one or Han style (Solo, a little easter egg for fellow Star Wars fans ;D). And as we near the end of season 3, the drama is mouuuuntiiiiing x3 shouldn't be much of a spoiler, I'm sure y'all remember the "AMG FEELS ANTICIPATION ASJF;LH" parts of Synthesis and, of course, Deadlock. But those will come in good time, for now let's all just revel in these feeeeels x3 thank you guys for all the love you've shown us both when Dream did Across This New Divide all by her onesy and when I joined the crazy train for This Chasm Isn't Fixed and Mending the Void. It's appreciated more than words can say

To Savvy Orion: Thank you so much for teh compliments on the cover pic :33 it's actually done by yours truly - I've been meaning to do it for the longest time but alas, it seems my skills only recently said "yeah, let's go for it!" But yeah, it means a lot that ya like it ;u;

Completely random side-note, the initials at the bottom are KC instead of BM because on deviantART I'm knightchick, so when I finished this I was in art/dA "knightchick" mode rather than FF "blondie-moyashi" mode :'D