Hold On Before It's Too Late Ch 3 It's Party Time, a transformers/beast wars fanfic

//Oh, if there is one thing I hang on to that gets me through the night. I ain't gonna do what I don't want to. I'm gonna live my life. Shining like a diamond, rolling with the dice. Standing on the edge, I'll show the wind how to fly. When the world gets in my face, I say, Have a Nice Day.\\

Have a Nice Day – Bon Jovi

Sorry for taking so long. Part of the delay has been the massive fire that's been burning out of control nearby! Scary and smokey! Also, I'm being careful to not rush the chapters like I've done before. Sometimes I get too anxious for you guys to read something. Thanks for your patience and I hope you enjoy chapter 3. Oh and yeah, it's another fraggin long chapter!

Also, I've put a pole up regarding the length of my chapters. I'm going to let the readers decide if they're too long or not. Keep in mind if I do make them short I promise you I am not going to sacrifice content! Each chapter will just have fewer POVs, if you the readers decide on shorter chapters.

Next on the agenda, for those who are interested, please check out the fabulously, awesome drawing of Kaceystar by LyricaBelachium. The link is on my profile page. Also, you can just go to deviant art and search by Kaceystar to find it that way. So check it out! It's so cool! Thank you girl for taking the time to draw Kacey!

Third, I want to give special thanks to bunnylass for taking the time to do some edits and allow me to corrupt her brain with ideas for this chapter! Lol. Thank girl!

Author's notes: '…' bond talk, //…\\ denotes music playing

Playlist for the party (this is the order they appear during the party): Till All Are One, Stan Bush; Let It Rock, Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne; Have A Nice Day, Bon Jovi; Cotton Eye Joe, Rednex; Paralyzer, Finger Eleven; Hysteria, Muse; Rhythm of the Night), Corona; Tonight is the Night, Le Click; everytime We Touch, Cascada; Get Ready for This, 2 Unlimited

Thanks to Bunnylass and phantomprincess94 for the song suggestions. Also, please do not hesitate to send me any songs love songs or whatever. If I like it enough I'll make it work. You can PM or just leave it in the review. Please include artist with the song title so I can look it up. Thanks!

Roxsolid aka Rox

I wandered down the hallway towards the recreation room alone having left Starbreeze behind to get some rest. She had a long tiring day and wanted to get some recharge before joining the party later. Besides, she didn't want to sit around with the guys and listen to us talk about fighting 'Cons, comparing battle scars, or interfacing.

"Hey Rox," a voice said from behind me. I turned to see my best friend, Sockets and sighed. Frag, I really owe him an apology for how I acted after what happened last week. "Listen, I'm really sorry about dropping that bomb on you like that. If you don't want to be friends with me anymore I'd understand."

"No. It's me that should do the apologizing. We're buds and I was being a jerk. You just shocked the slag out of me!"

"I was over energized and feeling a little…lonely."

"Well, it was kind of a processor blowing way to find out my best friend was attracted to mechs. I mean it's not everyday I get a full on hot kiss from my best friend," I smirked, trying to make him less embarrassed than he already was. It worked as he suddenly appeared shocked, making me laugh. I put an arm around his shoulder. "Come on. You're still my best friend. All I care is that you're happy and that you're getting some."

"Oh are you going to start hooking me up?" he questioned raising an optic ridge.

"I might," I smirked, making him laugh. "Although one of the femmes might be able to help you better."

"That's true. Kacey has pointed out a few possibilities. I still can't believe you finally gave up on her."

"I didn't give up."

"Ok I'll rephrase that, you've settled for Starbreeze. I know you care for her as a friend and that your spark isn't in the relationship. You're only going to hurt her in the long run if you don't face the fact that you're still in love with Kacey."

"So what if I am. I'll never be good enough for her. I finally realized that Kacey, though she is probably a part of lot of mechs' fantasies, deserves a mech more honorable than myself."

"You're a good mech," he sincerely said.

"I'm a good mech wrecker," I corrected. "Kacey is the future Prime. Mechs like Magnus, Ironhide, Prowl, Jazz, Optimus…you know mechs in a class of their own. That's the kind of mech she deserves."

"Kacey is going to pick a mech regardless of his status in the ranks. You still have a chance with her, if you want it."

"Kacey doesn't see me that way."

"Then make her."

"Pfft!"

"Rox, let me tell you something you don't know about Kacey…you've got two things she likes most in a mech…a cute aft and doorwings."

"Are you making a pass at me again?" I asked narrowing my optics at him.

"All I'm saying is that sometimes things change. And I know for a fact that Kacey doesn't know what she's really looking for in a mech so there's still a chance if you want to take it."

"How do you know that?"

"On our slow days in medical bay Galen, Ariel, and I often talk. And Ariel talks about Kacey freely with Galen and I. But Kacey told me about the cute aft and doorwings as the two things that catch her optics. I have to admit, I have an affliction for them as well."

"Aft!"

"Sorry," he giggled.

"So, did Kacey say anything about…me?"

"No, she never really tells me or Ariel what mechs she looking at. I'm not sure if Kacey's looking because her interface systems are still offline."

"That sucks," I said, shaking my head.

"Hey guys!" Derail shouted as we entered the recreation room. He was waving us over to where he was sitting with Nitro, Saberon, Hawk, and Dozer.

"Looks like a couple of them have started way early tonight," I chuckled as we headed over, pushing aside my thoughts of Kacey at the moment. This knew insight needed to be addressed but not tonight.

"It is our last chance to party since most of us have tomorrow off and we'll be moving into our new home soon," Sockets smiled.

"We'll make it one to remember," I grinned, patting him on the shoulder. "Hey Nitro, where's your femme?"

He glared at me over his cup of high grade before responding, "Firestar will be out at the party later. Where's your femme?"

"Rox doesn't have a femme…he has Sockets now!" Derail joked.

"You're just jealous he didn't kiss you," I countered, making the guys laugh except for Derail who glared angrily at me as I sat next to him. I ignored him, not wanting to get into another argument with him. Instead, I took my drink and turned my attention to Nitro. He was always more fun to tease. "So, Nitro. How's patrolling with your mom?"

Again every laughed.

"Haha, laugh all you want," he smiled smugly. "I've been re-assigned. Kacey and I are teaming up with Prowl."

"Oh slag! Rock on!" Hawk and Saberon congratulated.

"Wow, that's great," I agreed.

"And just so you know, my mom can kick the skidplates off any Decepticon when she chooses to."

"And yours," Sockets added.

"And mine," Nitro grimaced.

We erupted in laughter. Slag, even I knew not to mess with the elite femmes. Elita and Chromia were as brutal as some mechs.

"I thought Kacey was coming," Derail suddenly commented to Nitro.

"She'll be here," Nitro smiled, taking a drink of his high grade.

Derail nodded then drained his glass. My optics narrowed at him. He's been acting odd for the past several months since his break up with Zym. He has had nothing but contempt for me ever since I started dating Starbreeze a couple of months ago. For frags sake she got tired of his slag a long time ago, shortly after Kacey started going out on missions.

Of course at that time I had no idea Starbreeze broke it off with Derail in hopes of catching my optics since Kacey was off base most of the time. It was Sockets who pointed it out to me a few years ago. Then once I realized Kacey and I weren't meant to be I went to Starbreeze. I knew exactly how she felt pining for someone who didn't see them that way.

Starbreeze is beautiful, she's an attentive lover but her beauty does not compare to Kacey's. After Starbreeze's first experience in combat she called it quits. Quit is a word that doesn't exist in Kacey's vocabulary. Kacey was most everything I wanted in a femme and Starbreeze wasn't. And a part of me was now wondering why I was even with Starbreeze after what Sockets just told me about Kacey.

I did know one thing, Derail was not the kind of mech for Kacey. And if he knew what was good for him he'd back off now before he did something stupid.

"Anyone need another drink?" he asked, rising to his feet.

Just about everyone at the table said yes.

"I'll help you get them," I said, moving to follow him. I waited until we were away from the others. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Getting drinks."

"You know what I mean Derail," I growled in a low voice getting close to him. "Stay away from Kacey."

"She's not your femme. She's any mechs femme."

"Any mech except for mechs like us. And especially not for you."

"Frag you."

"I know why Zym left you, fragger. The next time I hear you mistreat a femme I will personally rip your aft apart. I promise you. And stay away from Kacey."

I didn't give him a chance to say much after that, marching over to get a few drinks. My foul mood quickly evaporated when I heard a familiar femme's voice. Primus, that voice…my spark always lifted whenever I heard it.

Frag! I didn't know what to do. On one hand a part of me did love Kacey. On the other hand, I did have strong feelings towards Starbreeze. Both femmes were dear friends to me. I honestly wanted what was best for both of them.

As I headed back to the table, I decided to think about it later and just enjoy the evening. Soon or later I was going to have to have a talk with both of them.

Nitro

It was a typical evening with the guys. Rox was telling us about his latest fight with a couple of Decepticons last time he was out on patrol with Magnus. Saberon and Hawk talked about how boring their monitor duties in the command center were. But that's the life they chose since they're in special training for the next few years – Saberon in special operations and Hawk as a long range sniper.

Sockets didn't talk about what he did. He didn't need to. He was kind of like Ratchet I found out. Never boasted about his work and when he talked about it he only talked about the ones he couldn't save. Still, the mech was an excellent medic and we were all gratefully he is since he's worked on each of us at this table at least once.

I was nursing my high grade slowly, listening to them all. We all were loud and boisterous, looking forward to the party tonight. Yet, we were all tight lipped about it as well. Each mech at this table didn't want to feel Kacey's wrath for ruining the party, especially when tonight's initiations were her brothers and it was the last hoo-hah we were going to have for some time.

"Speak of the pit spawn," I chuckled to myself as my optics caught a glimpse of Kacey as she sauntered into the recreation room. I honestly don't think Kacey realizes just how provocative her walk is when she's relaxed and off duty. And that smirk always on her faceplates. It's like she's up to no good which only adds to her beauty.

Yup, she's one dangerous beautiful femme who has been a topic amongst us mechs on a number of occasions when our femmes and Kacey weren't around. It's all talk. Nothing dirty or obscene. More like, admiration and respect. She's not only a beautiful femme but a formidable warrior who, when you narrow it down, is just like one of the mechs at this table because she lives to enjoy life.

"Hey fellas!" Kacey grinned looking radiant, refreshed, and ready to rip, roar and have a good time.

"Hi Kacey," most of the guys greeted her back before going back to their conversations.

"It's eleven thirty, you're late," I smirked at her.

"I was responding so some emails regarding the Charity Race next month," she replied, taking a seat beside me. "You're still racing in the truck event, right?"

"Of course, I got to see if I can beat my dad!"

"And me," Rox said, sitting on the other side of Kacey and giving her a cup of high grade. "I won last year's race."

"Only coz I wasn't there," I countered, taking my fresh cup of high grade for myself. "And I heard you cheated by running Magnus off the road."

"I didn't cheat. He tried to slam into me and missed when I slowed up. Then he slammed Ironhide off the road," Rox chuckled. "Your dad was pissed coz he was going to win!"

"I know, I had to hear about it for a month," I groaned.

"So Kacey…when are you gonna settle down with a real mech?" Rox asked, wrapping his arms around her shoulders, not even bother so hide the fact that he was flirting with her. Oh Primus, he was doing that again! I thought he finally figured out that Kacey was out of his league.

"When he shows up, make sure to point him out," she joked before taking a long drink. I immediately noticed she didn't shrug him off. I hope she's not that desperate for a mech to go out with Rox!

"How are things with Starbreeze?" I asked, grinning innocently.

He moved his arm off Kacey, growling at me.

"Rox, be a gentlemech and get me another drink," Kacey smiled, patting him on the leg.

"Sure thing, babe," he eagerly grinned.

"Here, you can have mine. I didn't even take a drink from it yet," Derail suddenly said, leaning across Rox, knocking Rox back in his seat, and putting the cup in front of Kacey. I wanted to punch Derail. He had too much to drink already. I felt Kacey's elbow subtly nudge my arm and I refrained from punching him in the face. I'd back off, for now.

"Ok, thanks, Derail," she smiled politely. It was a forced smile. I could tell. Kacey had that tone like she was being overly polite which she did when she felt uncomfortable or annoyed.

I glared over at Derail who winked at me before he trotted off to get more high grade for himself.

"Is it just me or has Derail been acting odd lately," I commented.

"Don't worry, I can take care of myself," Kacey said. "No fights tonight, please?"

"Ok," I sighed.

"He's up to something though," Rox admitted, not looking to happy either. He was glaring in Derail's direction as well. Funny, for the first time we actually agreed on something.

"Forget about him for now," Kacey grinned. "Are things ready?"

"Yeah, the supplies are already at the site," I answered.

"Should be enough high grade to last all night and then some," Rox chuckled.

"Mirage wanted to make sure his debt to you was paid in full," I said making Kacey laugh.

"Well, we can go any time," she said after finishing her glass. "I've got the new play list Jazz made for me. Said it was good for partying all night long. So I do hope you guys are going to be dancing this time."

"We can't all be as gracefully sexy as you, Kacey," Rox smirked.

"Oh for frag's sake!" I groaned.

"Nitro stop being overprotective and Rox, you're with Starbreeze so stop flirting. I want us to have fun tonight. It's our last party like this. I want it to be memorable…if anyone will be able to remember! Now, who's helping me with my brothers?"

"Rox, Sockets and myself," I answered.

"Good, let's head to my family's quarters. The rest can start heading to the designated coordinates. Remember be discrete. I assume the other femmes will be joining us there?"

"Yeah, Starbreeze wanted to get some rest," Rox answered. "She and Firestar are gathering the others now to join us shortly."

"Shall we?" Kacey asked holding up her glass for a toast.

We all followed suite.

"Till all are one," we said and then downed what was left of our drinks like we always did after our toast.

Funny, much like when we were younglings, Kacey was still our ring leader. That had never changed over the years. Our closeness, our bond as friends had only been fortified during those brief hours when Kacey assumed her place as Prime to save Optimus. We each knew then, that we'd lay our lives on the line for Kacey whether she asked us to or not.

"Shh," she snickered, covering her mouth as we stepped into the main living room.

"You over energized already?" I whispered.

"No, just buzzed," she answered. "I was thinking about how oblivious my father's been about Ariel and Galen. They're in her room right now."

"Oh really!" Rox exclaimed.

"Shh!" I chastised him. The last thing we needed was to wake Optimus and Elita. More Elita than Optimus! The femme has been scary lately because of the pregnancy. I even found my mom hiding from her the other day!

"How do you know they're interfacing?" Sockets asked.

"I just know," she giggled. "Just kidding. Ariel told me they were ready to help us if necessary."

"Oh slag!" I yelped, tripping and falling into Kacey's back as we were standing right in front of Optimus and Elita's bedroom door. Rox grabbed hold of me to keep from knocking her over completely. And Kacey was agile enough to keep her footing.

We all held our collective breaths and watched the door for several seconds.

"That was close, let's hurry," Kacey whispered.

Once inside Orion and Leo's room the operation went smoothly. The brothers never woke up. Kacey injected them with the sedatives. Then they were heft up and carried out. Kacey had Roller in the Command Center and was telling her when we could move through the hallways or who was coming down a particular hallway. So with relative ease we reached the base's exit.

There was Firestar waiting with the others, smiling and laughing.

I sighed taking in her beauty.

Her red armor only accentuated the sensuous curves of her legs, and aft. I lost count of how many times my arms wrapped around her petite waist, clutching her close for a hug or while interfacing. Her breastplates looked especially inviting tonight and I made a mental note to myself to give them much need attention later.

But of all her feminine attributes, her face was what always made my spark flutter wildly. Because every time I looked at her face, I saw the love she had for me. She never hid it, unless she was mad at me. And I swear her face seemed to brighten even more when her optics locked on mine.

With a knowing nod, I had Hawk take my place at holding up Orion. Firestar didn't hesitate to come to me.

"You have a nice evening?" I asked, kissing her tenderly.

"Not as much as you," she smiled. "How much have you had to drink already?"

"Enough," I grinned, sliding my hands down her back slowly.

"Let them slide below my waist right here and we're not interfacing later," she warned.

My smile widened.

"But at least we are interfacing," I said, nuzzling her nose with mine.

"Fiend!"

"Femme!"

"Shh, it's almost time!" Kacey said and we all grew silent and still.

"Once the door opens you all know the drill," she said to us. Leo's left arm around her shoulders while his other was around Sockets. I resumed my position with Orion and Rox on the other side in a similar position.

The door's locked beeped and flashed green. Firestar opened it and we all quickly filed out and raced for the tree line. Once there we knew the camera wouldn't pick us up. Then it was fun and laughs as we strolled through the trees under the moonlight.

Our destination was a hidden alcove about a mile from the base.

It was our place. The first place we went when Kacey snuck high grade out of the base when we were younglings and all got sick from drinking too much high grade. It was the place where Sockets came up with the idea of initiation ceremony when we had a surprise party for Kacey after she got her armor. We even had a party for each mech or femme, in the order they're transformation systems came online, who had already had their armor so they wouldn't feel left out.

And my personal favorite, on one late romantic night it was the place where Firestar and I had our first interface after my interface systems finally came online. It was the only place I knew where we'd be alone without fear of anyone watching us. Or so I thought until Sunny and Sides showed me the incriminating pictures.

To this day, Firestar does not know they exist! And I plan on keeping it that way.

But it made me think, just how many outrageous photos the twins might have secretly collected from our supposed secret parties. We were anything but reserved at our parties!

Jazz

My shift ended. For once the evening was uneventful. No Decepticon activity. No twins wreaking havoc on the base. No Kacey pulling some insane prank on Ratchet. Although I was kind of hope for one. She did a good one a month ago to Prowl super gluing all his datapads to his desk and to each other. I still giggle thinking about it as I had been there, watching him try to pry the datapads off his desk. I thought he was gonna blow a logic circuit!

Alas, nothing so interesting tonight. I was actually bored for the better part of the evening in the command center except for a brief visit from Prowl. It was only for a few minutes to retrieve a report from me but it had brightened my dismal evening.

As usual, I found my beloved in his office. I quietly leaned against the doorframe, crossing my arms across my chest, and watched him. His optics were intensely focused on the datapad in his hand but I know he noticed my presence. He simply chose not to acknowledge it yet.

That's ok. It gave me time to appreciate the mech I call my bondmate.

Call me a voyeur, but I love to observe Prowl in whatever he does. Working, talking, recharging…it didn't matter. And I must admit he looked sexy in his simple black and white armor. The chevron, he'd always sported when in his Cybertronian armor, was even more prominent in his new armor. Red wasn't a color I figured Prowl to ever don since the color seemed too flashy for him. Yet there it was proudly displayed and ever so tempting to kiss.

His optics were still as intense as ever when he was on duty. Then they were invitingly warm whenever he was off duty and alone with me. Those never changed. Ever since my comeback, Prowl's optics still glowed with such emotion whenever we were intimate. I literally lost my self to their fiery passion, their enduring love and affection he held for me when we'd make love.

Perhaps what I enjoyed most about observing my Prowl was the display of his doorwings. He had something similar in his Cybertronian armor but nothing so spectacularly displayed. They were white on the front side, black on the backside. But from the front of him the white contrasted nicely with the rest of his armor which was black, except for his face that was silver.

But his doorwings, which were more prominently displayed than Bumblebee's doorwings, were optic catching. I heard Kacey say she patterned hers like Prowl's because of how magnificent they looked. Prowl blushed at the comment. For all his complaining about what a pain in the aft they were, he enjoyed teasing me with them. A flutter of the left wing here. A twitch of the right wing there. I was mesmerized and hooked. Ok, I was obsessed! But who wouldn't be when he teased me with them constantly.

"Ready to call it a night?" he asked, putting his signature on the datapad, his optics still not acknowledging my presence.

"Yeah, was hoping you'd be done when I came by to collect you," I sighed pushing off the doorway, my arms falling to my side as I slowly entered his office. "Did you get your energon this evening?"

"I'll get some when we get back to our quarters," he smiled warmly at me. I could swear he was up to something with the way his optics glowed as he finally looked at me.

A rap on the door behind me interrupted me before I could question him.

"What can we do for you Mirage?" Prowl asked, looking past me, the mysterious look in his optics gone.

"You didn't hear this from me and I was never here," he said, moving into the office. "The 'gang' is having one of their parties tonight. It starts at midnight. Just thought I'd let you know."

"I was wondering why I saw Roller head over to keep Hound company," I commented. "Hound was monitoring the security feeds. Roller must be giving Kacey the drop on when it's clear."

"Like I said, you didn't hear it from me," Mirage smirked.

"Thanks Mirage," Prowl smiled, leaning back in his chair, optics back on me.

"And I thought my evening was going to be totally dull," I chuckled after Mirage left.

"Are you suggesting we be the ones to keep an optic on Kacey and the others?"

"Why not? We're up and we both have tomorrow morning off."

"Ok, but I'll have to meet you out there," Prowl said, getting up on his feet. I gave him my best pout face, the one he could never resist. "I need my energon and to drop these off for Optimus."

"Fine, but don't take too long," I smiled. "Kacey knows how to throw a party!"

"Yes, I wonder where she got that from," I retorted, narrowing his optics at me.

I chuckled nervously and then ran out of the office.

'Don't think you're off the hook!' he said over our bond.

'Catch me…I dare ya!'

Laughter and warmth filled my spark. Our love for each other wasn't always visible to others, but it was always there even if we weren't in the same room. Unlike now as I trotted to the base exit, I couldn't feel Prowl within my spark anymore. Nor could he feel me. It was always that way whenever we played a game of cat and mouse. We'd silence our end of the sparklink to not give away each others positions.

Of course when I exited the base the 'gang', as we affectionately called Kacey and her friends, were no where to be seen. Not wasting a moment I headed for the tree line. From there I took an alternate route to a vantage point that overlooked the alcove of their so called secret party place.

We just let them think it was secret. With the Decepticon threat ever present we couldn't risk them being unguarded. Optimus allowed them to party because he knew Kacey would do it regardless of orders or not. Plus, the alcove worked for us officers too whenever we wanted a private evening under the stars alone with our lovers or bondmates or just us mechs wanting to get over energized while reminiscing without fear of femmes getting angry.

The alcove had an energy dampening field that Kacey created with Wheeljack's help. Already a good leader, she knew how to have fun but she also knew how to protect herself and the others.

Still we felt it wise to keep an optic on them in case they got to over energized and couldn't make it back to base. Which did happen two years ago for Nitro's sparkday. Ironhide said his son was purging his tanks all the way to the medical bay. The others all had to be escorted back to their rooms as they were either passed out or too drunk to walk.

"Hm, looks like a few of you started celebrating a bit early," I whispered to myself looking down at the group as they were now just gathering in the alcove.

Oh boy. From the looks of it so far, it was going to be one to remember. Half of them were already over energized as they laughed and wrestled with each other while Kacey was trying to organize them for the initiation ceremony. Of course she was laughing herself and got tackled by Nitro after she set had Leo and Orion in position.

"Rox, you dope, what are you doing? That's not how you win a femme's spark," I spoke softly when he purposely joined in, laying on Kacey, looking like he was going in for a kiss. I noticed Starbreeze wasn't too happy. Nitro knocked him off before anything happened. "Good mech, Nitro."

A sound in the trees behind me captured my attention. For a moment I forget about the commotion some fifty yards away. My extra sensitive audio receptors listened for Prowl. He should be turning up any moment.

Crouching down, I slowly slinked through the trees, heading towards the small rustling noise. I narrowed my optics, using my visor's vision enhancements to see if anything was there. An animal from what the thermal scan picked up. Disappointed, I returned to my post, constantly listening for Prowl.

Where the frag was he?

As if to answer, I suddenly felt a shift in the temperature behind me and my systems started buzzing the familiar humming energy of another form standing behind me. I'm not sure how he does it but he's the only mech who could ever sneak up on me like that!

"You were aptly named," I chuckled softly, at the sudden feel of my lovers arms wrapped around me from behind. "You could have been on heck of a special ops agent with that stealth."

"Nah, I just tread quietly and patiently," he sighed, resting his chin on my shoulder, his arms pulling me even closer. I relented and leaned into him.

"Amongst a few things."

"How's the party?"

"Just getting started. Leo and Orion haven't woken up yet."

"OW! FRAGGER!" Leo growled loudly.

"Never mind, they're awake," I snickered.

Music suddenly started playing. It was s long into to one of the 'gang's favorite songs, their anthem so to speak. Not one I put on the playlist I made for Kacey however.

"Oh, I heard Optimus humming this song the other day," Prowl said. "He said he heard Kacey singing the lyrics and with Leo singing the chorus with her."

"Prowl, Kacey doesn't just sing. She feels the music," I corrected.

"Sorry, I just don't get the singing and dancing thing," he commented dryly. "As you so aptly pointed out, I have to left feet and can't find a beat if you drummed it on my aft."

"Just watch her. The femme knows how to show off."

"Odd, Optimus or Elita don't show off."

"Pfft, pull your head out of your aft. Optimus does like to show off, when he thinks only Elita's watching him."

Prowl chuckled softly, tightening his hold around me, pressing his cheek against mine, one hand caressing my chest tenderly. He enjoyed getting me all riled up like that at times. I wasn't going to argue at the moment. He was in a particularly cuddly mood this evening.

//In a cold, far away world. A battle is raging between evil and good. From the stars, they came here to Earth. Caught in their struggle through the whole universe. Robotic warriors give it their all. Fight in disguise, 'til the victor stands tall.\\

//Transformers. Defenders of truth, robots who fight in disguise. Transformers. When the battle is through, only the strong will survive. Till all are one.\\

//Unknown soldiers fighting the war. Used the power and wisdom from those gone before. Leads them on to victory. Lights their darkest hour. Their one destiny. Truth has its moment and right always wins. Prepare for the fight, let the battle begin.\\

//Transformers. Defenders of truth, robots who fight in disguise. Transformers. When the battle is through, only the strong will survive. Till all are one.\\

By the second verse I don't think Prowl was paying much attention. My processor was in a too much of a befuddled state to even hear the lyrics either as my lover's hands and lips were being tantalizing distractions! But as the final chorus died down and the next song started, I noticed something in the trees approaching the alcove. The prospect of it being a 'Con was minute but enough for me to refocus my attentions.

My optics quickly zoomed in further and I immediately recognized the shape of the mech on thermal scan. I re-adjusted the vision range on my visor to a different frequency to get a clearer look, wondering why Bee was even here and why he was being so sneaky.

Then I spotted the longing look on his faceplates, the desire in his optics. Oh Primus, he had it bad!

"Well, well, well. What do you know," I chuckled watching as Bumblebee slowly appeared near the gang, but just stayed out of sight. His optics intently focused.

"What?" Prowl asked, his lips moving slowly along my shoulder.

"Remember the other day when I told you Bumblebee was hiding something and you told me I was full of slag."

"Yeah, I remember you pushed me off the couch for saying it too," Prowl grumbled.

"I think I know what he's hiding. I can't believe I never noticed before. The clever fragger."

I watched as Bumblebee finally made his appearance known. Kacey was all smiles, Nitro handed Bee a drink whether the scout wanted it or not. I immediately noticed the subtle odd behavior Bumblebee exhibited. That wasn't the first time I noticed how his optics flickered nervously for the briefest of moments or his hands fidgeted briefly as his sides. And I just realized who he always did it around!

"Oh Primus!" I laughed. "I wonder if he knows he's in way over his head!"

"Are you going to clue me in or do I have to guess?" Prowl asked, sounding a little annoyed. Even his hands stopped roaming over my chest.

"Bumblebee is in love. And I'm not talking infatuation. I'm talking, full on, deep, passionate love here. Like what we have together."

"Hah!" Prowl scoffed. "If he was in love the twins would have blabbed it all over the base."

"Haha. I'm telling you he's in love."

"Ok genius, who's he in love with?" he asked.

"Kacey," I replied confidently.

Prowl laughed quietly, letting me go, "I think the rest of us would have noticed that, especially the twins! They would have made an announcement all over the base. And this is Bumblebee we're talking about! He's not that far different from Sunny and Sides."

"Laugh all you want," I shot back, turning to face him. "I know Bee. I helped raise him. I trained him to be a good scout. I'm telling you he's in love with Kacey. I recognize all the signs. He's gotten really good at covering them up so he must have been in love with her for a long time. It takes practice to be that good!"

"I'm not that blind. Bumblebee has been a good uncle and friend to Kacey, nothing more. I think I would have noticed if he was in love with Kacey. I've see them together many times."

"Wanna make a bet?"

Prowl raised an optic ridge at me.

"Afraid?" I teased.

"Pfft," he scoffed. "What do I win?"

"Me, I get to be your sex toy for a full day to do whatever you want to me. And if I win you get to be my sex toy for a full day."

"That's not very fair, Jazz. You win either way! And don't give me that look. I know you'd enjoy it either way; top or bottom makes no difference to you. If I win, it has to be something you're not going to enjoy but I am." Prowl suddenly had the almost evil grin on his face. "Ok, if I win you have to do the requisition orders, read reports, and sign off on them, turning them in on time to Optimus for a day!"

"That's your job!"

"I know, but I'd enjoy watching you do it like you stand there watching me," he smiled fondly, pulling me close.

I raised an optic ridge, feeling the intense vibe I was getting from my mate. I can't recall the last time he was so…forward. I could literally feel his heat press up against me.

"Alright," I drawled out, wrapping my arms around him. "But no one knows about the bet. It's just between you and me. And neither of us can help. I can't influence them into getting together and you can't do anything to keep them apart, on purpose I mean. If I win you're my sex toy and if you win I'm your office slave."

"Deal," he said, sealing it with a deep, passionate, spark fluttering kiss.

"Wow," I gasped after our lips parted. "What'd they put in the energon today?"

He simply smiled at me for a brief moment before kissing me again. I eagerly gave in to his desire. Such a spontaneous need from my sparkmate didn't come along all that often as I was always the spontaneous one. So I certainly was going to enjoy it for as long as possible.

"Remember…try not to be so loud," he whispered, his face hovering above mine so closely while the rest of his body pinned me down. The sound of the party suddenly sounded so close to us. I swallowed hard, wondering if I should deactivate my vocal processor. It'd be the only way for me to keep quiet during an interface. "And you can't deactivate it. I dare you to be quiet."

I raised an optic ridge. Ok, so he was going to play dirty! Well two can play at that game!

Bumblebee

I heard the music first as I slowly approached the alcove. Then I heard her voice. I stopped in my tracks, listening to her sing. It wasn't the first time I've heard her sing. But each and every time my spark fluttered wildly in its chamber when I heard the sweet, sultry, melodic, timbre of Kaceystar.

Music to my audio receptors was an understatement.

Kacey's voice had matured and settled into a deep feminine tone similar to her mother's yet distinctly all her own. If Kacey wanted to she could easily bewitch a mech and get him to do anything just by sweetening the tone of her voice.

But her voice wasn't enough to satiate the secret desire I felt coursing through me. So while they sang the final chorus of the song, I crept closer, my optics narrowing as I peered around the trees. A quiet step here, another soft step there, and I leaned one way until finally…my spark stilled, and the world faded away except for the femme my optics locked on.

I sigh escaped my systems.

There stood Kacey, smiling, laughing…looking as beautiful as ever. Her deep cobalt optics, which matched her father's in more ways than one, always glowed with an intensity of the moment. Be it having fun, being mischievous, or in the midst of battle, one knew right away what kind of mood she was in just by her optics.

Kacey may not be able to hide all emotion in her optics yet, but she has the best and loveliest poker face in the galaxy. One I never minded losing to time and time again. Perhaps my favorite face she made was always when she laughed and smiled, especially when she held that warm, angelic smile more than that mischievous, devilish smirk. I think it's the way her cheeks lifted and tempting lips curved whenever she smiled that made her more beautiful, in my optics at least.

Then if you weren't enamored by her face you were a melted pile of titanium from that attractively, gorgeous, curvaceous figure of hers. Although she did not have Elita's height, Kacey's slender arms and legs still looked long. Even her neck seemed long above her shapely lean, yet distinctly feminine torso. Small flat abdomen, arched back, petite waist, and…dare I say…prominently budding breastplates.

And the way her armor appeared to hug her form in all the right places only accentuated her elegant femme features and made her tantalizing to gaze upon as she danced some ten meters from me. The way her hips and body gyrated, the way her arms swayed with the music, how her feet moved in perfect rhythm.

Frag it to pit! She was hot! And I was getting hotter temperature wise just watching her!

It's become exceedingly difficult to not notice her beauty and then she does things like this which make it even more difficult for me to hide my feelings for her. And tonight was going to be another night where I couldn't tell her how I felt because one, she's over energized and two, I might overload on the spot!

It's not like I haven't tried to come up with a plan to calmly approach her. It's just that every time I imagine myself alone with Kacey, expressing how I feel about her the image of her rather large and intimidating father always shows up and starts shooting at me. I've actually had a few terrifying nightmares of a fully armored, battle masked and cannons blazing, Optimus chasing me through the base while I was in my mere vulnerable protoform!

A branch suddenly snapped underneath my foot, breaking my trance. The roar of music came thundering back slamming into my audio receptors, base booming so loud that I felt it in my frame!

//Because when I arrive, I…I bring the fire. Make you come alive. I can take you higher. What this is, forgot? I must now remind you. Let it Rock. Let it Rock. Let it Rock.\\

Before one of them actually saw me, I stepped out from my hiding place and revealed myself. They all kept dancing and it was Kacey who spotted me first.

"Bumblebee! You made it!" Kacey shouting, grinning, obviously buzzing and well on her way to what Sunny liked to call a 'mega' hang over!

I chuckled. They all were! Lucky for me as it took me another moment to compose myself after Kacey called me over. They never noticed a thing. Frag, I doubt they'd notice if a Decepticon walked right into the party.

"Here!" Nitro said, putting a cup of high grade into my hand. "You need another one Kacey?"

Kacey nodded, handing him her empty cup. Then she put a hand on my shoulder and steered me away from the others who were just dancing and drinking.

"Thanks for coming on short notice, Bee. I know Leo will appreciate it."

"No problem Kacey. I had a feeling you'd be calling me once I learned Leo's transformation systems came online. Just didn't realize it'd be so soon. You organize a party fast!"

"With so much left to do between now and the next week or so, I figured it best to have the party sooner rather than later. How'd you know about it?"

"Come on Kacey, you know the officers always find out about these things," I smirked, and then took a drink of my high grade.

"Just don't tell them that. They still think this place is secret," she commented, indicating the 'gang'.

"Pfft, you know there are no secrets on this base," I snorted.

"True. Don't worry, we won't keep you long. I know you're getting up there in years and you need to get your beauty recharge," she snickered, giving me a hard shove.

"Hey!" I shouted when she hurried off and joined with the group, dancing as the next song started.

//Why, you wanna tell me how to live my life? Who are you to tell me if it's black or white? Mama, can you help me try to understand. Is innocence the difference between a boy and man. My daddy lived the lie, it's just the price that he paid. Sacrificed his life, just slavin' away.\\

I shook my head and laughed. I must say only one mechanism can out dance Kacey and that's Jazz. If he was here, I know he'd be right in the middle of the group too!

"Fire cut the music, it's time," Kacey suddenly shouted, waving me over. "Rox! Bring the initiates here! Here Bee, these are for you."

"Did Orion decide on his?" I asked as the music stopped. I gently held the Autobot insignia and small medical welding torch in one hand.

"Ariel is going to do it," Kacey answered, taking her fresh cup of high grade from Nitro.

"I didn't get to ask, how you doing after today?" I inquired, just making small talk as things were being set up. "You did well out there."

"Thanks," she grinned. "I'm good. Pfft, better than good at the moment."

"Oh and congratulations on your new assignment," I smiled. "Although, I'm not sure who to feel sorry for, you or Prowl."

"I'm really looking forward to it actually," she seriously said.

"Good, because Optimus originally wanted to put you on my team but realized that you could use more discipline, not encouragement from Sunny. And according to Chromia her son is a bit gung-ho and needs to learn how to settle down. So hopefully Prowl will discipline you both enough to settle."

Kacey laughed, "Nitro's just trying to be like his dad. And Sunny is a bad influence on me, but in a good way. Oh, that reminds me. Sunny signed you up for the Charity Race next month."

I groaned, rolling my optics.

"You're coming, right?" she asked and I thought if I said no she'd be spark broken from the look in her face.

"Sure," I relented with a warm smile.

"Great! Call Sam, see if he and his family want to come out for it and I'll get tickets for them," she exclaimed, her face brightening up. "That leaves a few spots open for any of the new Autobots who arrive. I thought it'd be a good way to help them get used to how we do things on Earth."

"They're still on schedule?" I asked, having been out on patrol and out of the loop a bit.

"According to the last coded data transmission we received two days ago. They're set to arrive week after next. Now if we can just finish up the new base. Between mom's pregnancy and dad going ape shit over the long list of glitches Hoist and Grapple's team repair each day it might take a miracle to complete Autobot City in time for the new arrivals."

"Everything's ready Kacey," Nitro said, looking curiously at my cup. "Are you too good for our high grade? That's top notch slag."

"Go frag your femme," Kacey teased, playfully shoving Nitro away. "I want Bee to have a steady hand. I can't have him accidentally burning my baby bro!"

"WHAT?!" Leo yelped as he and Orion were brought over, both blindfolded with stasis cuffs on, keeping their hands behind their backs.

"Chill out Leo. Bumblebee has excellent hands!" an all too familiar voice chimed in from not where.

"Sunny, what in the pit?! Do you fragging smell high grade from miles away?" Kacey questioned as we turned to see the twins emerging from the darkness of the trees into the small camp's light.

"No, we followed Bee," Sides answered and then immediately received a smack from his brother. "OW!"

"It's ok, Kacey we won't be staying long once the ceremony is over," I said, staring Sunny and Sides down. They of all mechs knew tonight's party was special, meaning by invitation only, which meant only the 'gang' would be here. Kacey's generation was not of the same generation the twins and I belonged to. Most of them grew up on Earth and only learned about Cybertron through their lessons or the stories Kacey told them.

Kacey finally nodded and turned to the others, "Form the circle around the initiates. Bumblebee, Ariel come stand by me. Leo, Orion, just stay still. You will be fine."

Both mechs nervously nodded. A couple of moments later, I noticed they relaxed probably from Kacey talking to them over their bond. She was close to her siblings, all of them often sharing jokes with each other over their bond. It was quite common for one of them or all of them to giggle every so often even when no in the same room with each other.

I internally sighed.

I've been wondering what that's like a lot lately, to be bonded like to, to have that closeness within. I've never shared a physical bond with anyone and I've been having thoughts of bonding with a femme whose spark has proven to be exceptionally strong. My parents were killed only days after I was born. Thankfully I was spared the pain as they were off planet and too far for me to feel them. But to this day, I can't even remember what it felt like to feel them within my spark.

"We are gathered here this evening to welcome Orion and Leo to the first day of the rest of their lives," Kacey smiled, holding her glass up. Everyone followed, raising their own. "Today is one of the proudest of my life. To see my little brothers…yes Orion, you're still little in my optics even though you're taller than me. Anyways, to see them standing here before me now as real mechs…well slag, it makes me fraggin happy I don't have to clean up their crap anymore after a waste dump!"

Everyone laughed and I think Orion was actually blushing!

"Seriously, I love you both so very much. And I'm really proud of you," she said, nodding to me and to Ariel. The two of us moved forward.

"Leo, retracted your chest armor a bit," I told him, which he did so without hesitation. I noticed Orion did the same thing to my right. If I know Kacey, she already told her brother's what the ceremony was about even though this was their first time in attendance because I saw a smile form on Leo's face.

"Orion, you've been the Autobot's voice now for the past seven years," Kacey continued as Ariel and I started welding the Autobot insignias on. "You have eloquently spoken on our behalf, always managing to balance the needs of the humans with our own. And I know father appreciates not having to be Prime and play diplomat at the same time because of you."

"Leo, my baby brother, that day you've been dreaming about is almost upon you. Soon, you and I will be fighting side by side. You're strength and your courage will serve you well. Remember that, always. I know each 'Con you face in battle will regret fighting you."

I stepped back indicating I was done. Kacey nodded. The blind folds and stasis cuffs were removed. Leo had a big slagging smirk on his face as he looked down at his Autobot insignia. Orion was more like Optimus, stoic and reserved in his response, yet he stood a bit taller than before. Both they're armored chests were proudly displayed for Kacey's inspection.

"You're Autobots now," she smiled, patting them on the shoulders. "But remember, honor and respect is earned, wisdom is learned. Do right by following our principles and you will do well. Until all are one."

"Until all are one!" we all toasted then drank down our high grade.

"Let's Rock!" Kacey shouted and the music blared back to life.

//If it hadn't been for Cotton Eye Joe. I'd been married long time ago. Where did you come from, where did you go? Where did you come from, Cotton Eye Joe?\\

"Yeehaw!" most of them shouted.

Orion and I both made a move to vacate the dance area. I just wasn't into dancing tonight. Too afraid that if I danced with Kacey I'd lose what little control I had left. However, Orion didn't make it far as Ariel and Kacey grabbed his hands and dragged him back.

I laughed at the look on his face. Priceless! He never had a chance with his two sisters!

The mech didn't cut loose like Kacey, Leo, or Ariel when it came to parties. But he wasn't so shy that'd he'd lock up when coerced. It just took Orion a while to loosen up. Of course, high grade helped!

"You think they'll get Orion over energized?" Sunny asked as he and Sides came over. Sides handed me a fresh cup of high grade.

"Well…" I started as Kacey, Ariel and Leo were practically pouring high grade down Orion's throat.

"Yeah," the three of us laughed together.

"They're all gonna be hurting tomorrow," Sunny chuckled.

"I don't think they care," I smiled, watching the four siblings dance together.

"It seems like yesterday they were just sparklings, now they're all grown up," Sides commented, draping his forearm on my shoulder.

"Leo's grown up to be quite the mech," Sunny added. "He's gonna give the three of us fits if he has any of Kacey's speed."

"I hear he's a triple changer too," I remarked.

"Perfect!" Sunny cheered. "In case Kacey can't be our look out when we go racing we've got Leo now!"

"Guys, no way Elite, Optimus or Kacey are going to let Leo out for racing yet," I said. "He's technically still a youngling and still has a long way to go with his training."

"Maybe," Sunny mused, smirking over the rim of his cup. "They won't stop him from his first interface. That's a mech's personal business. And I got a femme lined up for him."

I laughed, "I thought you said that was a mech's personal business!"

"What he does behind a closed door with the femme is his business," Sunny countered as the song ended and the new one started. "Oh, I love this song!"

I rolled my optics. I swear Sunny as the transformer's version of A.D.D. at times!

//I hold on so nervously. To me and my drink. I wish it was cooling me. But so far, has not been good. It's been shitty. And I feel awkward, as I should. This club has go to be. The most pretentious thing. Since I though you and me. Well I am imagining. A dark lit place. Or your place or my place.\\

As I took a long, slow drink my gaze drifted past the rim of my cup and was unexpectedly met with another's - one Kaceystar smoldering stare. Was she looking at me? My optics widened so fast I felt them pop! Oh slag! She was looking at me because she suddenly started dancing…hips swaying so sensually, graceful legs propelling her so melodically my direction.

//Well I'm not Paralyzed. But, I seem to be struck by you. I want to make you move. Because you're standing still. If your body matches. What your eyes can do. You'll probably move right through. Me on my way to you.\\

I froze, literally. My right antenna involuntarily twitched as her agile body arrived right next to mine, moving so close but not touching, teasing me with her energy. I swear to Primus my spark must have jumped up into my throat because I found it hard to swallow a mouth full of high grade.

//I hold out for one more drink. Before I think. I'm looking too desperately. But so far has not been fun. I should just stay home. If one thing really means one. This club will hopefully. Be closed in three weeks. That would be cool with me. Well I'm still imagining a dark lit place. Your place or my place.\\

Kacey suddenly winked, flashing a devilish smile.

I swallowed…hard. Then I started coughing on my high grade because it hurt going down! Sunny and Sides laughed. Kacey even laughed.

"Come dance with me, Bee," she smiled, holding her hand out.

"Uh…" was all I could say, my mouth hanging open slightly.

Holy frag! Where's a Decepticon when I need one? I'm serious. I'd rather face Megatron instead of this beautiful femme at this moment. Honestly, what was I supposed to say to that - yes I would love to dance with you so I could totally lose control, then probably kiss you and then maybe interface with you there on the spot!

"Don't be so surprised Bee. The femme's all grown up!" Sunny complimented and took Kacey's hand. "I'll dance with you, Kacey. I'm a better dancer than Bee anyway."

"Think I'll join them," Sides grinned, patting me on the chest.

My systems hissed in relief as they moved away. Oh Primus that was close! I quickly finished my drink and started to head off.

"Leaving already?"

I turned to see Leo there a few feet away.

"It's for the best Leo. I have to."

"Why don't you just tell Kacey how you feel?"

"I can't. Not right now. She's over energized and it's not exactly private here at the moment."

"You can always make it private," Leo smirked.

"Leo," I sighed rubbing my forehead. "It's not so simple."

"But…"

"Kacey is too important to me to rush this! Please, understand I have to find my own way," I pleaded with the young mech and then walked away.

Once I was out of sight I took off running, hoping that would calm my systems down. Only it didn't and I ended up going for a drive once I reached the base. My processor raced as my tires tore across the pavement.

Frag, why does this have to be so complicated?!

Orion

//This is the rhythm of the night. The night, oh yeah. This is the rhythm of the night. This is the rhythm of my life. My life, oh yeah. The rhythm of my life.\\

My processor was buzzing and throbbing in rhythm with the music. Even my vision was a little fuzzy. When I started to get dizzy, well that's when I decided to head off to the side away from the others while they danced. I knew I had to sit down before I did something embarrassing like fall down.

Primus, I'm such a light weight! I've never drank so much high grade before! I just hope it didn't look like I was staggering too badly. And I was grateful Sunny and Sides left a while ago. They wouldn't hesitate to make fun of me in my current condition since Leo, my little brother can hold his high grade way better than I can.

"Oh slag!" I yelped, falling forward and crash landed…on my face. "Ow."

I'm not sure what hurt worse, my pride or my face, as I laid there listening to their cackles. I think it was my pride as I wanted the ground to just open up and swallow me so I could disappear. On the other hand, I'd never landed on my face like that before. It fragging hurt!

"You ok, Orion?" Kacey asked, her worry and concern filtering over our bond.

I groaned, opening my optics to see she was kneeling beside me. The same worry and concern on her face.

"I'm fine, just humiliated is all," I sighed, getting to my hands and knees.

"Take it slow," she said, helping to guide me to my feet.

"Is he ok?" a mech asked from behind.

"He's fine Nitro. Keep an optic on Leo for me. He's had way too much to drink. Ariel and Galen are in their own little world right now!"

I glanced over my shoulder to see that Ariel and Galen had their arms wrapped each other as they danced slow in contradiction to the base booming, rapid beat of the song currently playing. I could literally feel the base thumping through my frame – thank you so much Jazz for introducing Kacey to the joy of the subwoofer!

"Here, sit down," Kacey ordered, turning me around so I could face the party.

"I'm not a sparkling," I grumbled as she helped me sit down. "I can take care of myself."

"Yeah, you looked like you could there, tripping over your own big feet," she sarcastically remarked.

"They weren't that big before."

"You've got armor now. Thanks to father, you and I seemed to be cursed with over sized feet. I've had Decepticons laugh at me when I've tripped during combat."

I giggled uncontrollably at the image. Frag. I was really over energized. I don't normally giggle!

"Yeah, keep laughing lugnut. I promise you this won't be the first time you trip. Father's rather graceful out there too and even he still trips from time to time. I know, I've seen it and Ironhide never hesitated to tell me stories about father on the battlefield falling flat on his face before we'd recharge for the night when on patrol."

I was still laughing.

"I'll be right back. I need another drink if you're going to be silly," she remarked stalking off.

I stopped laughing, apologizing over our bond, thinking that I'd upset her. She wasn't really mad winked at me, dancing as the new song started. No sooner than Kacey danced off for more high grade, Zym came over and sat right beside me. I suddenly felt nervous and flustered. No femme ever that close to me before that wasn't my sister or mom!

//Tonight is the night, is the night of love. Forever and ever is never enough. Tonight is the night, is the night of love. Together forever I can't get enough.\\

"Are you ok, Orion? I saw that fall."

"I'm fine," I answered politely, making optic contact as I was taught while at the same time discretely trying to move away from her just to put a little more space between us "Just my big feet getting in the way. You know how it is."

"Yah, well, you know what the humans say…about big feet and…you know…" she smirked, her optics flicked downward as she snuggled up against me. I felt the heat rush to my cheeks and my interface systems. "You a big mech Orion?"

"…"

//Hold me, Hold me. You squeeze me, squeeze me. Yes come and ready loving. Cause you know it's not easy.\\

//Hold me, Hold me. Yes love a me, love me. Yes come ready music. Come we see nobody.\\

//Yes run come give me lovin'. Come give it to me. But a when you give me lovin'. Give me physically.\\

//And anything we do. We do it naturally. Say come and make me do it. Then we see no party.\\

"Um…whoa! Hey!" I yelped pulling her hand off my thigh as it slid way too close to my groin.

"I was just trying to get to know you a little better," she purred.

"Mechs and femmes usually have a civilized conversation for that!" my vocal processor managed to squeak out. My body was responding to her in a way I was so not anticipating!

"Zym, you little nymphomaniac!" Kacey snapped as she returned. "No way am I letting you break in my brother like you've done to a few other mechs! Frag off!"

Zym defiantly glared at Kacey. Then Kacey let out a low growl that made me shake! Zym left quickly after that and Kacey took her seat.

"Here, you could use it," she said, handing me a cup of high grade. "You're lucky I arrived when I did."

"Oh, I don't know," I mumbled, shrugging a shoulder. "Depends on one's perspective."

My optics flicked to one side to catch her reaction, knowing what I just said would get my sister all riled up as she was very protective of Leo and myself. And the shocked look on her face was exactly as I'd imagined.

I smirked at her before taking a drink.

"You aft!" she shouted, slapping my shoulder. "I can't believe you said that, even as a joke!"

"I love you too," I smiled, wrapping an arm around her shoulder, pulling her in for a quick hug. "Thanks for coming to my rescue."

"I don't know, Orion. Next time I might have to let you suffer a little bit for being sneaky!"

I laughed, hugging her tighter.

"Yeah, yeah, I love you too," she responded, sending her love over our bond.

I reciprocated my love for her as I've always done since I could remember. Moments like this with Kacey were now rare because we're both so busy – Kacey on the battlefield and me often away from base dealing with the UN, with an armored escort as always. Yet we always cherished our time together, strengthening our family bond and growing up as individuals.

I think the growing up part was hard for Kacey when she realized Leo and I didn't always need her like we used to when we were younglings. Leo more than me because Kacey was closer to him than me. So earlier when she said how proud she was of us, I could feel how much she meant it. Because even though Leo and I were gaining our independence, her love for us would never diminish.

"Hey Kacey, can I sit here?" Derail asked, pulling me from my thoughts. I looked to see the big mech hovering near my sister.

Kacey sighed but nodded. At first I didn't think anything of her reaction. Kacey was simply being polite to a friend, and Derail was a friend. A very over energized one as he fell on his aft when he aimed it to sit right next to Kacey. For the longest moment we sat in silence, listening to the music and drinking our high grade.

//I still hear your voice, when you sleep next to me. I still feel your touch in my dreams. Forgive my weakness, but I don't know why. Without you it's hard to survive.\\

//Cause everytime we touch, I get this feeling. And everytime we kiss I swear I could fly. Can't you feel my heart beat fast, I want this to last. Need you by my side. 'Cause everytime we touch, I feel this static. And everytime we kiss, I reach for the sky. Can't you hear my heart be slow. I can't let you go. Want you in my life.\\

As the listened to the words I felt a pang of sadness from Kacey deep within my spark. I don't think I ever realized just how lonely she was until that moment. I found it odd for she was always with her friends or family; there was rarely a moment where she was ever alone. Then quite suddenly, those long looks whenever I found her watching mother and father, Nitro and Firestar, or even Ariel and Galen, now suddenly made sense.

//Your arms are my castle, your heart is my sky. They wipe away the tears that I cry. The good and the bad times, we've been through them all. You make me rise when I fall.\\

"You touch my doorwing, one more time, I'm going to re-arrange your face," Kacey said in a low threatening tone, catching my attention.

Glancing to my side, I saw Kacey had on hand balled up in a fist and I noticed how tense she was. Her armor rose up slightly as if preparing for an attack. I couldn't see her face but I imagine it reflected what she was projecting through her tone.

"You know I didn't mean anything by it," he grinned, putting his arm around Kacey's shoulders, leaning heavily against her. I didn't need to share a spark bond with her to know she was aggravated.

"Derail, I think you should back off," I informed him in stern tone, maybe not like my father's but I had my own voice that mechs, femmes and humans listened to.

"What, are you going to stop me?" he smirked. "Besides, Kacey's a mature femme and you're not her keeper."

"Don't talk that way to my brother," Kacey growled. "And get your fragging arm off me before I rip it off."

Oh, she was pissed but she was doing her best to stay under control. I didn't the best thing I could do in that instance.

'Leo!' I called over our bond, rising to my feet, bringing Kacey with me. Of course Derail followed.

"Go play read a datapad geek," he said to me before focusing on my sister. "Come on Kacey, even though you're interface systems aren't on line doesn't mean we can't have a little fun."

"She said to frag off!" I yelled, shoving him and calling Leo more urgently this time.

"Fragger!" Derail snarled, trying to go for me only to get held back by Kacey.

Leo rushed in suddenly and tackled Derail to the ground. Following him was Nitro and Rox. The music stopped. Kacey was shouting, trying to break them apart. Then I'm not sure what happened after that as I got knocked over flat on my back. Or I fell over. I wasn't too sure as I was still felt dizzy.

"Leave the fighting to the wreckers," Leo said, grabbing my hand, helping me to my feet.

"What kept ya?"

"Give me a break, I'm fragging drunk," he laughed.

"How's Kacey?"

"Pissed, Nitro and Firestar are calming her down while Rox and Saberon give Derail a lecture. Kacey wanted to make sure you where ok."

I glared, "Like I told her before, I'm not a sparkling. I can take care of myself."

"Sure you can bro," he smirked, patting me on the chest. "Like I said, stick to fighting in the conference room with all your fancy words. Leave the physical stuff to Kacey and me."

"Hey, have you noticed…Kacey's kind of down lately?"

Leo frowned, "Yeah, I noticed. Not much we can do about at the moment. But don't worry. I've got a strong feeling it will all work out."

"How do you know that?"

"I just know," he smiled.

"Y'ALL READY FOR THIS?!" Kacey shouted before I could question Leo and the music came on louder than before.

The brief scuffle all forgotten by all as the party raged on. Even my over energized little brother started bouncing with the others in time with the music. Against my more logical reasoning and better judgment, I drank some more high grade.

Sure in a while, I knew I'd pass out. I was beyond the point of caring anymore. I just wanted to have fun with my brother and sisters.

Up Next: We head back to Prowl and Jazz and see what they're up to. Sorry, no rated M yet folks. That's reserved for the special moment for Kacey and Bumblebee. I think they should get first dibs on it.

AN: If there are any major errors please let me know. FFN wouldn't upload the document so I cheated by pasting it over a prior chapter still sitting in my documents.