Here is another chapter that will tie into the third story of the Kaceystar trilogy. Also, for you Megatron fans, he's not a total aft in this chapter. I had to give him a father son moment. It's important for a future chapter. When that chapter will be I'm not going to say!

a/n: please have tissues handy. you'll understand when you get there. other than that please enjoy.

Four weeks have passed since the humans arrived at the Autobot base. We begin with Megatron.

Megatron

Yet again, I returned to base in the foulest of moods. My slaves knew to get out of my way for fear I'd decapitate one of them or worse. And I would too as I have on many occasions.

For four weeks I've stalked the homes of the human scientists. For four weeks I've come up with nothing. The last location I obliterated the home out of spite. And in doing so discovered an Autobot scout.

He flew off and was too far for me to pursue. His departure confirmed my suspicions. The Autobots were protecting the humans. But protecting them where?

None of my scouts have found a clue as to where my brother has hidden the Autobot base. Without a ship to scan the surface I'm afraid I may never know. All is not lost. A new battle cruiser is being built on Cybertron. In time, I will learn the location of the Autobot base…and my brother.

For now I have other plans that need attending too as I've returned to base. One of them being my son, Venom. Oh yes, I had special plans for my sparkling.

"How is his development?" I asked standing in the doorway of Soundwave's lab.

My most trust Decepticon was busy with a physical exam of my son.

"Perfectly normal for a sparkling," he replied, keeping the little mech from falling off the table.

The sparkling grew still and stared at me as I approached. I now understand what my brother meant when he talking about how Kacey looked up at him with such affection. I've experienced it with my son. Venom has snuck into my spark in a way I had not intended. His red orbs stare up at me with such affection now. And I'm actually grateful for it.

"He has grown less afraid of you."

"I'm his father. I do not want him afraid of me all the time," I smiled proudly, extending my hand to the little mech.

Slowly, Venom reached for my hand. His optics never wavering from mine. I did nothing as he slowly climbed up my arm and onto my shoulder. His small hands explored the armor on my face.

"Thunderblast and the sparkling have been a good influence on you," Soundwave commented.

"Do not think that they have made me weak," I growled at him.

"On the contrary. You are more focused with your rage. You are…how should I say…not so out of control as before."

I glared at him.

"See, before you wouldn't have hesitated to take my head off for saying such a thing," he smirked at me.

I laughed. He was right. Friend or not, I would have killed him for speaking so freely against me. I wonder if becoming a father is now why my brother is more calm when we battle.

The sparkling chirps distracting me from my thoughts.

"Come here," I smiled, pulling him down and cradling him in my arms. "When can we precede with the growth stimulants?"

His tiny red orbs locked on mine intently. He even begins to purr.

"I would wait until he's at least an orn old. I'll know more about his projected growth by then. Enough to put the final touches on the growth stimulant."

"What do you mean, growth stimulant?!" Thunderblast questioned, storming in and taking the sparkling from my grasp. "What are you going to do to my son?"

I quickly nodded for Soundwave to leave. It was time to tell my sparkmate of my plans for Venom.

"First of all, he's our son," I replied softly, moving slowly towards her. "Second, I would not harm him in any way. I promise."

My mate trembled as she clung on to our child. I could see she was truly afraid for him. A part of me was as well which was why I made sure Soundwave had everything perfect before we would inject the growth stimulant into my son.

"Our son will be a vital key in shattering the Autobots resolve," I smiled proudly. "I know how much you despise the Autobots…including Elita."

"Yes, she killed my brother. I've never forgiven her for that."

"Then what better way to get back at her than with our son. I can imagine the look on my brother's face when he learns he's an uncle. He would be so unsuspecting of a youngling. And Venom…"

"Will make Elita suffer by harming her mate?"

I laughed. Her spark was as dark and malicious as mine when she chose to be. It was what I loved most about her.

"Exactly," I grinned.

Venom suddenly giggled up at us.

"I think he likes your plan," she smiled, tickling his chin making him giggle even more.

"Yes, Venom," I said, taking him in my and holding him high. "You will be the key in the destruction of the Autobots. You will not disappoint me either. You will make me proud."

Prowl

The past month had been exhausting for me between ensuring the humans remained in their secure habitat, dealing with the Decepticons wreaking havoc across the globe, monitoring Megatron's movements, and chasing Mojo around the base.

It was funny the first time he lubricated on Ironhide. Since then the creature has made it his personal mission to seek out Ironhide on a daily basis. I had half a mind to let Ironhide blast the dog just to save the headache my processor felt when I chased after him. But then I reminded myself of the inevitable report I'd have to give to Optimus: Mojo killed while escaping due to momentary lapse of second in command's judgment. I didn't want that on my record.

Yesterday I finally received word when Mr. Keller came to visit. The US Government has secure locations set up and the families can now start being relocated. The first three families ship out tomorrow afternoon. I'm glad to see them go. Not to make my life easier but the humans are getting a little tired of being so confined. Most were very understanding. It was the children we had the most difficulty with. Thankfully Kacey had been able to entertain them enough to make their stay more pleasant.

I have to laugh. Optimus tried to limit Kacey's time with the humans to no avail. The child's fascination with them made it difficult. Then he didn't want to discipline her harshly for disobeying him. This was a rare opportunity for her, one that would most likely not occur again. She took full advantage of it! I noticed how she spent the majority of her time with Dr. Spielman. I often saw the two talking excitedly about things my processor couldn't even calculate.

I also noticed Mr. Simmons didn't care for Dr. Spielman. I had witnessed the two arguing on a number of occasions. At one point I thought it was going to come to blows as Major Lennox physically stood between the two men and forced them to go their separate ways.

When I asked Major Lennox's opinion of both men he was honest. He didn't care for either man. Simmons was a bit to by the book and didn't give room to breathe. Spielman was and I quote, 'an arrogant son of a bitch'. But of the two, Lennox mentioned that he'd trust Simmons over Spielman. I asked him why. He said it was just a feeling he had.

I'm cautious by nature. I don't trust either of them when it comes to the safety of this base. I cannot afford to be lax when the safety of so many relies on my judgment. For this reason I always had Kacey watched whenever she was with Dr. Spielman. She never knew of course. Bottom line, she is the daughter of my commander and I would do anything to keep her safe.

"Prowl, this is Huffer."

"Go ahead."

"Kacey has activated her cloaking device."

"Was Dr. Spielman with her?"

"Affirmative. In fact, she picked him up then activated her cloaking device."

"Very well, you may stand down. I'll take it from here," I ordered as I typed in several commands on my computer console.

I frowned at the monitor. Kacey activated her defense systems as well. I can't track her. She has been implanted with a new tracking device but one that she can activate or if her systems reach a certain power level activates on its own.

On a hunch, I got to my feet and headed for the base's main entrance. It was dark outside. The season's first snow was falling lightly and had been all day. My optics adjusted to the night and I scanned the snow covered ground for tracks. Even though Kacey would be cloaked she still left tracks. If she was walking that is.

I sighed when I spotted the trail leading to the trees. Of course, I followed it. Within a few minutes my suspicions were confirmed.

"Thank you, Kacey. I really needed some fresh air."

"We can't stay much longer, Jim. Too long and we'll be discovered."

"I'm afraid it's too late for that," I said, coming out into the clear where they were.

Kacey dropped her head. She knew what she did was wrong. But it's not my place to punish her. She still is only a youngling. Once she's mature only then will I be able to punish her as I would any other soldier.

"I would suggest you head straight to your quarters, Kacey."

"I understand, Prowl."

"I am going to have to tell Optimus."

"Yeah, I figured that," she sighed then started for the base, dragging her feet.

"No, I will escort you back Dr. Spielman," I said as the human tried to follow her.

The man stopped and looked nervously up at me. I watched and waited until Kacey was out of sight.

"I don't care if it was your idea or Kacey's," I started. "But you will abide by the rules like everyone else and remain on the base. It is for your own safety as well as ours. If you are caught breaking those rules again I will not hesitate to turn you over to your Government. Is that understood, Dr. Spielman?"

"I understand."

"Good, let's get back inside," I ordered.

Bumblebee

It was evening. I was going for my ritual walk with Sam through the base after he had dinner. Mikaela usually comes with us but today she wanted to spend time with her dad. I was going to have to thank Optimus for allowing me to remain on the base even though I was scheduled to leave on patrol with Sunny and Sides last week.

They should still have fun. Magnus took my place. He's even crazier than the twins are! At least they got to meet Sam and Mikaela even though the brothers totally embarrassed me in front of my human friend.

"What's up with Kacey? I've never seen her so down?" Sam suddenly asked.

Concerned I looked up ahead to see her walking with her head down. A sigh escaped me. I hated to see her like that. I had a feeling she did something she wasn't supposed to. She had that look like she was kicking herself in the aft for fragging up.

"Let's go find out," I suggested then headed to intercept her with Sam at my side. "Kacey, are you ok?"

"I'm fine, Bumblebee. Prowl sent me to my quarters."

"Oh," I simply said.

"Afraid of what punishment Optimus will give you?" Sam asked.

"No," Kacey sighed. "My punishments are never severe. It's the fact that I know I've disappointed my father when I've done something I shouldn't have."

"Dads love their kids no matter what. Trust me."

"But your father isn't the leader of a people, Sam," she countered nearly in tears. "Everything I do is a reflection upon my father. Everything. Including my mistakes."

I signaled Sam to be quiet. Like her father, Kacey's mind would not be deterred. And like her father, she wasn't afraid to face her punishment.

"I'd better get going. I know father isn't going to be very happy with me when he finds out what I did."

I gave her a gentle pat on her head as she walked by. I couldn't help but watch her, my spark ached to take her pain away. My processor berated me for having feelings for her when she was still only a youngling.

My optics lingered a bit too long as Sam gave me a peculiar look.

"Bee, you got something to say?"

I frowned, glancing at Kacey one last time then to my friend.

"Not here…my quarters."

"Sure."

We weren't far from my quarters. But we walked in silence. Sam needed an explanation. And I need to tell someone my secret. I couldn't tell anyone here. Especially not my best friends. Sunny and Sides mean well but cannot keep a secret to save their afts. Besides, no one would understand how I felt. I'm not even sure Sam would.

I closed and locked the door, then indicated where I'd like Sam to sit.

"What we talk about stays between us," I told him, taking a seat on the floor near him. "I want your word or I say nothing."

"You have my word, Bee. I swear it."

"Something happened to me a couple of years ago after Mission City. Something I was not prepared for. My optics laid eyes on the most beautiful face I had ever seen. That face awakened something deep within my spark. A yearning. It took me a few months to realize what my spark was telling me. But every time I see her face, my spark flutters in its chamber. There is only one spark out of many that my spark longs to bond with. And I am willing to wait for ever how long I must."

I leaned forward, taking in a deep breath.

"You see Sam…I'm in love with Kacey. I know she is only a youngling. I know she only sees me as her uncle. But from the moment I saw her…I knew…I just knew we're meant to be. I can't explain it. I just feel it…right here in my spark."

"Wow, you've got it bad," he chuckled at me.

"Tell me about it," I replied, actually feeling good that I shared my deepest most intimate secret.

"I suppose you can't tell her about these feeling yet."

"Primus no! I can't tell anyone! She's still only a youngling. I feel guilty enough as it is having these feelings for her now! I have to wait until she's a mature femme before confronting her."

"So how long do you have to wait?"

"At least until she's at least thirty years old."

"That's old!"

"Not by our standards. She won't be a mature femme until then. We are considered younglings until our interface systems come online which isn't until at least thirty years old."

"Oh. Are you going to be able to wait that long?" he asked seriously. "You seemed to be having a hard time waiting now."

"It is difficult. And gets harder as each day passes to be so near her and yet so far from her. However, I must wait. I can't risk losing her before I even have the chance to confess my true feelings for her."

"Torturing yourself can't be good. You know what I think you should do? I think you should come back with me when our family is relocated. You can always come back to the base and visit Kacey. This way you'll be away from her without the risk of revealing your feelings for her too soon."

The idea sounded appealing. Only I didn't know what was worse. Living here with her beauty and not being able to do anything about or living without seeing her beauty all together. Both sounded like torture to me.

I looked down at my friend. I have missed him and Mikaela. It would be nice to return to my role as guardian. On the other hand, I would miss Kacey, my friends.

"I don't know what to do," I frowned, my shoulders sagged in defeat. "I'm not even sure Optimus would allow me to leave. Our numbers are still fewer than he'd like. Many of our patrols are spread too thinly as it is around the world."

"Well," he started, moving across the room. He rested his hand on my shin. "I'll respect whatever decision you make. If you come, I can give you pointers on how to treat a lady. If you stay, I expect you to call me and let me know what's going on."

"You got a deal," I laughed.

Optimus

My duties were finally done for the day. I made a point to stop by the Med Bay on my way to my quarters. Ratchet had cancelled my scheduled maintenance check up. He's never done such a thing. Never! In fact, he usually sent Ironhide to drag me at gun point to the Med Bay for my exam if I didn't go freely.

I grew concerned when I saw my friend sitting at his desk and staring blankly at the nearby wall. I've never seen him like this.

"Ratchet, is everything ok?" I gently asked, standing in the doorway not wanting to intrude too much.

He slowly looked at me. He did not speak. I started to move towards him and was about halfway across the room when he spoke quietly.

"Moonracer…she…uh…the little spark didn't have the energy to sustain itself."

I gasped. Then I moved without hesitation, wrapping my arms around him as he's done to me so many times when I need comforting. It was all I could think to do. I certainly didn't know what to say.

"I'm so sorry, Ratch."

"It's ok. These things happen," he sighed, turning his face away from mine.

"Get a room you two," Ironhide snickered from the doorway.

"Ironhide, show some fraggin respect!" I snapped, keeping a hand on Ratchet's shoulder.

"I'm just saying. Primus, you two look like someone died!"

"Show a little tact instead of letting that glitch of a vocal processor run itself!" I snarled at him.

Ironhide blinked his optic covers at me. Then he looked at Ratchet. He realized something was really wrong.

"What happened?" he asked.

To my surprise, Ratchet broke down in tears. I had never seen my guardian do such a thing. It totally caught me off guard.

"Moonracer lost the spark," Ratchet sobbed.

Ironhide didn't hesitate to coral Ratchet away from me. My feelings were a little hurt that Ratchet didn't care to breakdown like that for me or that I was being shut out a bit as he was being lead away from me. But then, Ironhide and Ratchet were as close as brothers I couldn't interfere with them.

Still, I stood there, feeling like a youngling unsure of what to do.

"I've got him," Ironhide spoke softly to me. "Prowl needs you in the command center."

"Ratchet, if there is anything you or Moonracer need just ask me. Elita and I wouldn't even mind watching Galen to give you both some alone time."

"I don't think she can bear to let Galen out of her sight at the moment," he sniffled, wiping his face. "But I appreciate the offer, Optimus. Thank you."

I was going to say more but Ironhide nodded for me to leave. Once again, I felt hurt for being left out when my friend was hurting. Once again, I felt like the youngling they worked together to raise.

It was with a heavy spark when I arrived at the command center. I did my best to conceal my grief. It was not my place to share such information with my fellow Autobots.

"What is it, Prowl?"

"One of the humans was outside the base a short while ago. But he wasn't alone."

"Kacey," I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Yes, she was with her friend, Jim. I thought it prudent to keep an optic on her and him. The two talk constantly about things that are beyond my basic programming. In hindsight, it was dark and the clouds filled the sky. I doubt he could figure out where he was or where the base was located."

"Still, she disobeyed the rules. She knows better. I'll discipline her appropriately. Is there anything else?"

"No, Optimus."

"Then I'll see you in the morning, goodnight Prowl."

"Night, Prime."

I made my way quickly and quietly to my quarters. As suspected, Kacey was already awaiting her punishment as she got to her feet the moment I stepped through the door.

"What made you decide to take Jim outside? Did he coerce you in anyway?"

"No father. I took Jim outside for a walk on my own accord. But I only did so as it was dark and there wasn't a star in the sky. I know how we need to keep the base's location secure. He's my friend…it's my only excuse, father."

"Still, you do not sneak a human out like that. Ask permission. It's not your decision to make, understand?"

"Yes, father," she replied, dropping her head down.

My spark ached for my friend, for his loss. To lose a spark in such away. I cannot bear to think of my life without even one of my four little sparklings.

"I love you, Kaceystar," I whispered, lifting her up and holding her close.

I sensed her confusion at my sudden affection. I quickly hid my feelings of grief well aware of how acutely aware my daughter was of what I felt in my spark.

"I have no punishment for you," I said, putting her back on the ground. "But ask you not to do it again. Now, I want you to go to your room. Your mother and I will be there in a couple of hours to tuck you in."

Kacey took a few steps towards the hall then stopped.

"Is everything ok, father? You seem…sad. And not because of what I did."

"Everything is fine, my child. Now go, please."

Her beautiful blue optics held my gaze. At times she seemed to peer into my very spark.

"Go on," I smiled at her.

She flashed her bright smile, sending me her love before heading off. Once she was out of sight I dropped onto the couch, rubbing my faceplates.

I couldn't help how I felt. I cared for all the Autobots. Each one's pain was my own. But some did affect me more than others. If anything happens to each of my closest friends it affects me deeply.

'Elita,' I called through our bond.

'What's wrong?' she immediately asked in response.

Her time on Earth has brought us much more closely together than I couldn't have imagined when I first bonded with her. We are so in tune with each other's feelings even if we try to hide them now.

'My sparklings…'

'I'm coming with them now.'

As promised, a few minutes later my beloved came through the door, a worried look on her face. She turned my sparklings loose on me. They seemed overjoyed to see me in our quarters. It was rare that I was here before my family as my duties kept me busy until late in the evening.

I scooped all three up into my arms, nuzzling each of their small faces with my nose. For once they were quiet as they enjoyed my affections. Leo actually started purring rather loudly making me smile.

"My sparklings, how I love you all so much," I cooed to them.

'What's wrong?' Elita asked over our bond.

'Moonracer lost the spark.'

Elita covered her mouth in shock. Before our sparklings noticed, she quickly composed herself and sat down beside me. Leo immediately made his way into her lap.

'Ratch is taking it hard. I wanted to help him but Ironhide turned me away.'

'Don't be too hard on yourself. Ironhide and Ratch go way back. And they tend to see you as the youngling they helped to raise, not a friend.'

I looked at her, her words giving me no comfort.

"I'm sure he appreciates your intent," she smiled caressing my face. "Give him time. In the meantime, Chromia and I will take care of the sparklings until Moonracer's ready to go back to sparkling duty."

"The Med Bay should be relatively quiet this week as the humans are to be relocated."

"I heard. Prowl actually showed a bit of excitement about that news. How long will it take?"

"According to Keller's schedule all of them should be relocated to their new homes within the next ten days."

"It's going to be hard on Kacey. She's attached to the children. She'll never be able to see them again."

"Then there's her friend, Jim," I sighed, watching Orion and Ariel snuggling in my arms, their optics slowly fading as they headed into recharge. "I'm not sure how she's going to handle that. I haven't told her yet…he's scheduled to leave the day after tomorrow."

"Tell her tonight. I'm sure she'll want to spend as much time with him as possible."

"In a little while. I need to hold my sparklings a bit longer."

Jim

The Autobots were clever enough to not allow any local stations to be viewed by us and they denied everyone internet access. I had a suspicion it was the same reason why they wouldn't allow us humans outside the base. They didn't want anyone to know the base's location.

However, through subtle hints I was able to get Kacey to voluntarily take me outside. It wasn't hard to take advantage of her eagerness to help a friend. She trusted me completely. It's not like I was going to harm the Autobots. But on the chance that I need to collect data with better equipment it would be helpful to know where to find them.

It had been pitch black and I couldn't see a thing except for what her headlights showed me. Not that any of that mattered. I only needed to be outside to get a GPS lock on my location. The walls within the base block all human electronic devices such as GPS locaters and cell phones.

Luckily I didn't need to remove the GPS locator from my pocket. I knew how to operate it without looking at its controls. Kacey never suspected a thing as it was cold and she understood my hands needed to remain warm.

And I wasn't at all surprised when Prowl showed up. He didn't trust me. I can't blame him. As second in command there are probably few outsiders he would trust. His concern for Kacey is apparent. Everyone's concern for her is. She's the daughter of their leader and watched very closely. Kacey never even noticed she was being watched. But I noticed we were under constant surveillance when together.

It's not the first time I've been under scrutiny. I recognized all the signs.

Honestly, I'd rather have the Autobots watching me. Simmons watches me like a hawk whenever I'm in the habitat. The only place I have privacy is my tent. It's the only place he doesn't hound me or harass me.

And thank God! I've been able to write the new programs without disruptions within the confines of my tent. The only problem is I need the computer in my lab to run simulations to test their viability. Talking with Kacey gave me some good ideas and I've been anxious to test them.

"Jim!"

I groaned inwardly hearing Simmons call my name as I headed towards me tent. I was almost there too!

"What now?"

"You should start packing up soon. You head out the day after tomorrow," Simmons smirked.

I did my best to contain my excitement.

"I'm sure you had something to do with getting me out of here quickly."

Simmons just narrowed his eyes at me.

"Not quickly enough," he responded then marched off without even a backward glance.

Inside my tent I smiled. I had reason to be happy. By the end of the week I could be in my lab running preliminary diagnostics and simulations.

I pulled the GPS locator from my pocket and read the coordinates. My smile got bigger.

"Jim, you in there?"

I quickly shoved the locator under my pillow and turned around.

"Yeah, what is it Kacey?"

She gently pulled open the tent flap. I immediately noticed she was crying.

"I take it you heard about me leaving soon," I said, moving out and caressing her face.

The kid nodded and sniffled.

"I won't see you again."

"Yes you will," I told her. "I'm going to give you my private cell number. No one but a select few knows it. All you have to do is call me when you need me. Ok?"

"Ok."

"Come here, kid," I smiled, giving her a hug as best as my small form could. "You're a good friend, Kacey."

"As are you, Jim."

Elita

The ten days flew by all too quickly for some and not quickly enough for others.

The human exodus was as eventful as their arrival had been. Only there were many tears this time. Especially from the children. It was apparent that they were all attached to Kacey when they said their goodbyes. I was proud of my daughter for she made it a point to see them all off even knowing she was probably never going to see them again. And she did so with such poise.

However, as Optimus and I suspected Kacey didn't take Jim having to leave so soon very well. After she watched his shuttle leave she stayed in her room the rest of that day. Not even Optimus could console her.

Then she hasn't spoken to anyone since yesterday when she found out Bumblebee was going to leave with the Witwicky's once their new home was found. The young mech was a little taken aback. I don't think anyone was prepared for the way Kacey reacted when she yelled harshly at him then ran off crying her optics out.

Primus, poor Bee looked like his spark was broken. I had to console him while Optimus chased after Kacey. Bumblebee is more than an uncle to Kacey. He's like Nitro and Firestar, they're the best of friends.

Her happiest times were often spent with Bee, Sunny and Sides. I know they sneak off the base and go racing. I know Kacey often goes with them. I say nothing to Optimus as I know those three mechs would each give their lives to protect my Kacey.

At least I know Kacey's going to be ok now. Just a couple of hours ago I saw Bumblebee talking to her in the recreation room. She was crying of course at first then was at least smiling later on when Sam and Mikaela joined them.

I was very glad to see Kacey turn down a sip of high grade when Bumblebee offered it to her. Of course, I felt bad too for she looked like she was nearly going to vomit up her waste tanks at the very sight of it. My poor child will probably never drink high grade, which isn't a bad thing in my opinion.

"I've been thinking," I said, looking over at my mech as he slaved over a stack of reports Prowl dumped on his desk an hour ago. "I've been cooped up her long enough. Leo's old enough now. I think Kacey can handle taking care of the sparklings for a couple of weeks. It's not like she'll be entirely on her own. She'll have lots of help."

"Sounds nice," he said not even glancing towards me.

I suspected that he didn't even hear a single word I had to say. So I decided to test him.

"I'm feeling kind of horny. Why don't we have some mad hot passionate interfacing on your desk?"

"Whatever you say," he responded.

I rolled my optics. At times, drastic measures need to be taken with my mech. I got up from my desk, walked across the office, and yanked the data-pad he had out of his hand. He'd been working too late as it was. I've already tucked our children into their beds.

"Elita, give it back to me!" he whined, reaching for it.

I kept it out of his reach, coming nose to nose with him a few times as he tried to maneuver to get it.

"I give up, what do you want?" he harrumphed leaning back in his chair, his arms folded across his chest, his face plates showing he was a bit annoyed with me. I refrained from laughing at him. Prowl must have been hounding him for these reports otherwise my mech wouldn't be so aggravated at the moment.

Still, our short lived game of keep away put me in a very playful mood. Only it was no fun if I had no one to play with.

"Nothing in particular," I mused, allowing my fingers to trace the flames on his forearms. "I just want to have some fun with my mech." I moved one hand and caressed his audio receptor and his antenna. Both were sensitive as I felt him tremble slightly beneath my touch. "When's the last time we bonded our sparks?"

"Too long, my love," he sighed as his optics slowly scanned my form.

Strong hands pull me closer. Ah, it didn't take too much to distract him from his work. Good.

"Have I been neglecting you?" he expectantly asked me.

"No, far from it. With as busy as we've both been the past month and a half we've managed to get in a few very pleasing interface sessions. I in no way feel deprived of your affections."

"But bonding is also a form of affection. It's been three months since our sparks last merged."

"We almost don't have time with the four younglings we have."

"Still…"

I kissed him, silencing him. He eagerly returned it with a passion equal to my own. Everything was revving up nicely until he suddenly stopped, holding me close.

"We'd better not here," he panted, his hands still moving up and down my back.

"Here is as good a place as any. We can lock the door."

"It's not that," he chuckled. "I'll never be able to get any work done in here if we interface or bond on my desk! My processor isn't strong enough to resist those kinds of thoughts when I'm bogged down with tedious reports."

"Oh," I smiled, wrapping my arms around his neck while sitting on his lap. "Is that a bad thing?"

"You are a wicked femme," he smirked at me.

"Yeah, yeah…let's go to our quarters and I'll show you wicked."

His optic ridge arched a little higher.

"The children…"

"All tucked in," I interrupted, rubbing my nose against his.

He smiled, his optic covers closed slightly.

"Do you remember the day we bonded?"

"I've never forgotten it," he answered, caressing my face with delicate fingers.

"If it will get your aft moving, you can carry me to our quarters like you did that day."

"Yes, Ma'am," he chuckled, rising to his feet with me in his arms.

Like on the day we bonded we had optics for only each other. We were both totally oblivious to the bemused optics that passed by us in the halls. And like on the day we first bonded I surrender completely to my love's affections as he did to mine.

Up next: It was bound to happen sooner or later. One of Leo's many escapes result in disastrous consequences that affects everyone on the base.