Holy cow! Another chapter! Ok, this one is all from Elita's POV. There's a scene in it where she and Optimus talk about kissing and groping in the office. That scene is the Magnus fic that ties into this story. Otherwise we pick up where chapter 36 left off.

One more thing, plenoptic wrote this totally awesome Kaceystar/Prowl one shot. Sort of an AU to my Kacey universe. I gave her permission. It's called You Who Has Healed My Spark. It's a good read. I'm trying to weasel another chapter out of her for it. Like a said its AU to the Kaceystar universe and will not be part of my trilogy. But it's a good AU oneshot and a good read.

I want to thank all those who have been reading Kacey's incredible journey. Please, don't be afraid to review! My muse loves reviews. They keep her happy. If she's happy then she writes more. Cranky muse means I get headaches. LOL.

Ok enough groveling, on with the show.

Elita

I sat in the passenger area of the shuttlecraft, allowing Firestar to co-pilot with Chormia. I was pleased with the young femme's progress and thankful we had time to train her properly. Optimus, the officers, and myself decided it best to nurture and continually train our young warriors until fully mature or thirty years of age, a luxury that had been lost when the war started.

Younglings were literally baptized by fire once they got their armor during the war. A week in training then thrown into the mix whether they were ready or not. We couldn't afford to wait. Now, we had time to properly train them and test them. Although, I know Kacey will be the exception to the rule. She has made it abundantly clear that once she has her armor back she is not going to wait.

Not that I'd blame her. She's experienced battle and the enjoyment that comes along with transforming. To have all that stripped from her in the way she did was…cruel. But I cannot dwell on the past. Primus must have some purpose for my Kacey for there are times I swear he is watching over her.

"What are you doing?" I asked quietly when I felt Optimus' arm wrap around, pulling me closer.

"Nothing," he whispered into my audio receptor, his nose nuzzling the side of my head. "Can't a mech just cuddle with his femme for a short bit?"

"Usually said mech wants something when he does that," I countered, meeting his optics with my own.

"That's not always the case," he frowned, removing his arm.

"Optimus, will you never learn?" Ironhide chuckled from his seat across from us. "The femme doesn't like that in public."

"Shut up," Optimus grumbled, glaring at the weapon's specialist.

'Optimus?' I questioned over our bond.

'It's nothing.'

'It's not nothing. I've upset you. Now tell me why.'

He exhaled slowly, his head bowed down and his optics dimmed slightly.

'I love you Elita. I love you so much that there are some days I cannot contain that love. And sometimes…sometimes it hurts to not have an outlet for it. We're not in constant battle like on Cybertron. We have so much more time for just us. And…I don't see anything wrong with public display of affections like hugging or even an occasional kiss.'

I sighed within. Old habits die hard. In our past, during the beginnings of our relationship, I never allowed anyone to see our affections and would only allow such things in my quarters or Optimus'. I honestly can't remember why anymore. I only remember that it took a great deal of restraint for Optimus to not hold my hand or give me a hug while in public.

He's a very affectionate mech. Our sparklings are just like him. None of them care if others are watching. It's quite common to see Optimus carrying any one of our children, kissing them on the forehead, or even hearing them purring loudly as he caressed their back. They often return such gestures of affection with so many hugs and kisses. I too allowed them to show their affection for me while in public only because they're so young.

My spark sank upon realizing what I was doing. I honestly didn't realize I was doing that. Allowing my sparklings to show how much they love me while at the same time denying my sparkmate of the very same thing.

"I'm sorry," I said to him, taking his hand in mine.

"You're forgiven," he smiled, putting his arm back around me, the warmth of his love spreading over our spark bond. "You've gotten much better at this."

"I'll say," Ironhide butted in. "On several occasions you nailed him in the crotch plate for daring to kiss you in public, Elita."

"Ow, don't remind me," Optimus winced, leaning back a bit.

I allowed myself to be enveloped more by his embrace, enjoying the heat his form generated. Yes, I'll have to make a concerted effort to allow more of these moments. At least I know he won't start groping me inappropriately in public as Ironhide and Chromia enjoy doing. Those two have no shame.

"We all know Kacey's going to be like Optimus," Ironhide continued. "She had no problem kissing Nitro…OW!"

Optimus' long leg with that big foot at the end, extend and kicked Ironhide hard in the shin.

"What about Kacey kissing Nitro?" Firestar immediately asked.

I groaned covering my optics. This was bad. Optimus told me what happened. It was in fact a harmless kiss, one friend helping the other.

"It was nothing," Optimus said.

But I could see the damage was already done. Firestar was a femme. And a fuming one at the moment.

"Firestar, I'm sure they have an explanation," Chormia insisted, the shuttle on approach to the base. She knew why Nitro kissed Kacey and thought it was cute of her mech to do such a thing for his femme. But she also knew there'd be consequences. "Nitro loves you. He'd never betray that. I've taught my son to know better unlike some mindless oafs who don't know when to keep their mouth shut!"

Ironhide cringed. It was a rare and funny sight. Rare because Ironhide wasn't afraid of anything except a pissed off bond mate and funny because said femme was the only being in existence who could make him cringe!

"Firestar, Nitro was planning on explaining everything to you," I said, noticing the young mech was indeed waiting as we entered the shuttle bay. Kacey was there to, obviously to support her best friend as always. "See, he's here for you. Let him explain things then you can beat the slag out of him."

The femme didn't respond. Not even a nod. Frag, was she pissed as she moved from the co-pilot's seat to the shuttle door. Her face plates were a fury red that matched her armor. No way was I going to get in her way. I felt bad for Nitro. He was going to get it!

"Best that we stay out of it," Optimus said to us, glaring at Ironhide. "They need to settle this between themselves."

And so it began. The shuttle set down. The back door opened. One fuming femme marched down the ramped and slugged Nitro right in the mouth just as he opened it to speak to her. The young mech fell onto his aft, dejected, hurt, and tears in his optics.

"Stay away from me, Kacey or I'll do worse to you!" Firestar growled then stormed off.

Of course, my daughter wasn't going to tolerate this one bit. Kacey chased after Firestar, tackling the femme to the ground. Fists were flying. Legs were kicking. It was quite vicious. Although, Firestar was throwing all the fists and feet. Kacey just blocked them all. And we stayed out of it.

"Stay away!" Nitro yelled, smacking his father's hand away. "You had to open your big mouth! Didn't you?!"

Chromia knelt down and Nitro turned into her open arms. The young mech was spark broken. His father looked equally spark broken. I know Ironhide only means well. He loved his sons deeply. He'd do anything for their happiness.

"No, Ironhide," Optimus said, grabbing the mech and holding him back. "They must settle it on their own."

"Have faith in Kacey," I said watching as Kacey appeared to have the upper hand. My daughter had Firestar's arms pinned behind her back and was making her walk this way. "I think we should leave."

"Nitro, Firestar is listening now," Kacey panted, keeping a firm hold of the still fuming femme.

Chromia helped Nitro to his feet and then slowly moved away, dragging Ironhide with her. The four of us slowly moving away, but still listening in on the younglings.

"I only did it because I love you Firestar," Nitro explained, holding his head high with his chest puffed out proudly. "I wanted our first kiss to be perfect because you deserved the best. Kacey tried to talk me out of it, said I was crazy. I am crazy but only for you. I know I'm not the smartest mech but I'm yours, now and always."

"You really love me?" she asked quietly, her body relaxing enough that Kacey released her.

"With all my spark, nuts and bolts."

Kacey gestured something to Nitro. I wasn't sure what it meant. Obviously the young mech did because he didn't hesitate to lean down slightly, taking Firestar in his arms and kissed her…deeply.

"Now that all is right in the universe, I'd like to go see my sparklings," I smiled, watching the three friends smiling and laughing at each other now.

"Me too," Optimus grinned, pulling me closer to his side.

Ironhide and Chromia were already far ahead of us, both whispering and smiling happily each time they glanced back at their son. I was proud of Kacey able to take control. She's so like Optimus, doing her best to fix any problem that needs fixing but understanding when to butt out and let others deal on their own.

Yup, all was right in the universe or so I thought.

"WHERE IS SHE?!" Ratchet's voice echoed across the shuttle bay.

"Well, maybe the universe isn't quite right yet," Optimus chuckled as Ratchet came into view. "What happened now, Ratchet?"

The CMO didn't respond, his aid Red Alert was running after him. Optimus and I shared a puzzled look. It wasn't often that Ratchet ignored Optimus. Together we watched curiously as Ratchet and Red headed straight for Kacey.

"Don't blow a gasket," Kacey told him, her arms folded defiantly across her chest. "I was…hey, that wasn't…"

Optimus and my own optics widened in surprise as Ratchet jammed one of his favorite type of injectors right into Kacey's neck. My daughter was out in an instant, her limp form plopped directly into Red Alert's expectant arms.

"Like father like daughter!" Ratchet grinned smugly as Red Alert carried my daughter away. "She loves to learn things the hard way. Strap her down good, Red and post a guard. She's not leaving the med bay until Prowl says she's released from custody."

"I'm afraid to ask what happened or why Kacey is even in custody," Optimus sighed, pinching his nose.

"Prowl arrested her for that stupid stunt she pulled and for involving Orion, Leo and Galen! Although it is still unclear as to how they're involved. The little fraggers are all claiming it was their idea but are refusing to tell us what was going on. Since Kacey is the only one of age, Prowl arrested her and let the others go with a warning. And all we know is Kacey had a high velocity impact and knocked her processor around and whatever toy she built exploded."

"You matures can be so dense at times," Nitro commented, Firestar at his side, their hands intertwined. "What is the one and only thing Kacey loves to do when she's outside?"

"She was trying to fly," Optimus frowned.

"Prime!" Prowl called, running over towards us with Wheeljack right behind him. "Sorry, Optimus I meant to be here when you landed but I was…delayed."

"Just tell me what Kacey built."

"Quite ingenious actually," Wheeljack smiled. "She built a glider that she could stand on. It flies too. I found her design specs for it in the lab. She just made a miscalculation in the thickness of the lining protecting the power source from the engine. As a result, the engine overheated the power source."

"It must have explode when she was in the air," Prowl concluded.

"That would explain her injuries," Ratchet said. "She crashed."

"How badly damaged was she?" I asked.

"A few contusions and a concussion," the CMO answered. "I would have released her sooner except she had to pull one of Optimus' best moves and left my med bay!"

"I was going to put her in the brig once Ratchet released her," Prowl said. "If she was alone I would have let it slide. But three younglings were out there who shouldn't have been. I kind of admire them for not telling on her. Leo and Orion I knew would be protective but was shocked at how adamant Galen was. Still, someone had to be punished and Kacey insisted it be her."

"I'm sure Kacey learned her lesson and won't ever involve them again," I said, thinking the brig was too harsh a punishment.

"As do I but I will abide by Prowl's decision since he was in charge of the base during the incident," Optimus said. "I think over night in the brig will suffice."

"I concur," Prowl nodded. "I'll see to it personally, Prime."

"Mom! Dad!" Orion shouted, racing towards us.

"What now?" I moaned, seeing the worried look on my eldest son's face as he ran as fast as he could.

"Whoa, slow down!" Optimus ordered, kneeling down and catching Orion as he fell forward.

"I was looking for Ratchet. Red said he was here," Orion panted. "It's Leo. Something's wrong with him. He's in his bed and doesn't want to move. He keeps moaning. I think he's hurt."

Optimus and I didn't question him further. We just sprinted as fast as we could through the halls with Orion held tightly in his father's arms and Ratchet not far behind us. When we arrived, Ariel was in the open door of our quarters, crying her optics out.

"It's ok," Optimus cooed to her, lifting her up into his other arm. He turned to me, concern in his optics. "I'll calm them down."

I quickly nodded then hurried down the hallway into Leo's room. My spark twisted in aching knots upon hearing his moans and seeing the obvious distress he was in. My brave little mech was in so much pain but trying not to cry.

"Mom," he rasped.

"I'm here, Leo," I smiled sitting on one side of the bed while Ratchet was on the other. "Can I hold his hand?"

"Sure," Ratchet nodded. "Where does it hurt, Leo?"

"All over," my son grimaced. "It just started a short while ago when I was playing on the floor with my toys. But it's worse now. Please, tell Ariel not to cry. She's so scared."

"Your father is taking care of her now," I smiled, caressing his forehead. "Try to relax so Ratchet can make you all better."

"I heard that Prowl was going to send Kacey to the brig."

"Yes, it's her punishment for involving you, Orion and Galen," I told him.

"She just wanted to fly," he whimpered softly, closing his optic covers, his small hands balled into fists, his back arching in pain.

"Ratchet, what's wrong with him?" I asked, barely able to hold back my tears.

"He's fine. He's just going through some growing pains," Ratchet smiled reassuringly. "I'll give him something for the aches and pains but I want him confined to his bed for the rest of the evening."

"Growing pains?" I questioned, raising on optic ridge.

"Yes, typical for mechs," he answered, injecting Leo with the inhibitor. The relief was nearly instantaneous as his face and body relaxed. "Optimus had some of the worst growing pains I'd seen. So I'm not surprised Leo would have them. Orion may get them too from time to time."

"Growing pains? You mean I'm growing?!" Leo asked excitedly.

"Unfortunately," Ratchet joked, rubbing Leo's head.

"How is he?" Optimus asked from the doorway, two teary opticed younglings in his arms.

"He'll be fine…growing pains," Ratchet answered.

"I don't miss those," Optimus retorted, setting our twins on the floor.

"Call me if the pain returns," he said as he made his way to leave.

"Thank you, Ratchet," I sighed, pulling my youngest into my arms.

"You're welcome," he smiled then left.

Leo snuggled against me, curling up much like he used to when he was a sparkling. Only he's a bit heavier now. Our optics locked and a warm smile spread across his face.

"I missed you, mom."

"So did we," Orion said as he and Ariel climbed up on the bed, both of them getting as close as they could to me.

"I missed all of you too."

I hugged them all as best as I could, giving them my love through our bond. I did miss them so much. Every moment that I had to myself during Firestar's training mission was spent thinking of my precious sparklings and my sparkmate.

"Where are you going, dad?" Ariel asked as Optimus made a move to leave.

"I have a short meeting with Prowl, I'll be right back," he smiled.

"Don't get too mad at Kacey. Watching her fly was fun."

"Ariel!" Orion hissed.

Leo groaned rolling his optics.

This dragged Optimus right back into the room.

"Alright, one of you spill it right now," he ordered and he meant it.

My younglings all looked at one another, obviously talking to each other over their bond. But it was Leo who spoke up. He was never hesitant to speak his processor, protect his siblings, or be brave. My little mech, he was just like his father. He resembled his father closely and even had the same facial expressions as Optimus.

"Kacey built a glider, so she could fly again. You know how much she loves to fly, she really misses it. And she was going to take us to watch. We tried to make Galen and Kayla stay behind but he wanted to come. Honestly, he's so wrapped around Ariel's finger he can't be away from her for too long."

"Shut up, Leo!" she snarled at him.

"Ariel hush, Leo, focus and continue please," Optimus said, putting a stop to the griping before it got out of hand.

"We all went outside to watch Kacey take the glider for a test ride. She made us stand near the tree line, way out of harm's way. Galen even made Kayla close her optic covers and take her optics offline so she wouldn't see anything bad."

"Then Kacey was having problems when she came in for a landing," Orion continued. "She told us to get back inside the base. But as usual, Leo had to go all noble and brave. Ariel and Kayla made it back inside, while Galen and I chased down Leo. Then Kacey crashed, yelled at us to get out of there and that's when Prowl and Magnus showed up. We hid behind the trees and made our way back to the base but Magnus happened to look back and spotted us."

"I told Prowl Kacey ordered me to stay in the lab but I snuck out to watch her," Leo added. "And that I didn't know Orion and Galen were out there until I was running away."

"I said I followed her out, without her knowing to see what she was up to," Orion said. "And same thing, that I didn't know Leo or Galen were out there. I never said anything about Ariel or Kayla because Prowl never asked."

"Same for me," Leo said.

"And you'd better not," Optimus said to my surprise. "If Ratchet finds out Kayla was out there he will dismantle all of you. Now, I'll be back shortly. I need to check in with Prowl."

"Don't be too long," I suggested. "I want to check on Kacey before recharge tonight."

"Got it…boss lady," he smirked, making our youngling giggle hysterically.

As usual, Optimus and I had different definitions of 'don't be too long'. I didn't complain too much. I was in a good mood after spending several enriched hours with my children. Although Leo was having growing pains again. Another shot from Ratchet helped and Leo ended up falling into recharge on my lap while I watched Orion and Ariel playing.

Optimus came in just as I was settling them into their beds. Like on every night before, I stood back and watched him interacting with our little pit spawns. I enjoyed watching Optimus the father. He's attentive, funny, affectionate, stern but not too stern, and always tells his sparklings how much he loves them. Makes me love him so much more.

"What?" he asked, following me down the hall into the main living room of our quarters.

"You're such a wonderful father and I enjoy watching that side of you."

"Really, are you hinting at having another sparkling?" I leered at me.

"Don't get your reproductive systems in an uproar! I think the four we have is enough!"

"Ok, what about a good interface then?" he asked, pulling me close.

"Maybe later," I mused, my finger tracing along the flame pattern on his ribs. "I am still looking forward to picking up where we left of when Magnus walk in on us in your office. You grope so well when you kiss."

"Thank you," he beamed proudly.

"I won't be long," I sighed, leaning into him. "I just want to check on her."

"She was still out from Ratchet's injection when I saw her. The fragger did strap her to a med bed. But during my meeting with Prowl, Magnus moved her to the brig."

"Then I guess I'm off to the brig. Don't work too hard," I said, nodding towards the stack of datapads on the desk in the corner. Those weren't there earlier so he must have brought them back from his meeting with Prowl. "I want you ready for some extra curricular activities in the recharge bed when I get back."

"Yes, boss lady," he saluted, then slapped me on the aft as I walked away.

"Perv!"

"Love you too," he chuckled.

It was late. The halls were mostly deserted as I made my way to the holding cells. All were empty except the one Kacey occupied. She was in deep recharge on the bed within. The injuries she had were completely healed.

I sighed, deciding not to wake her. She had a big training day tomorrow and needed her rest. So, with that in mind, I slowly turned to leave.

"No…no! Father…please!"

"Kacey?"

Looking in I could see she was still recharging but my sensors indicated her spark rate was up. Her head moved slightly, arms and legs moved in agitation.

"NO! FATHER! DON'T LEAVE ME!"

I punched in my override code to lower the cell's force field and hurried in.

"Kacey, honey, wake up," I said, shaking her slightly. I could feel the dream was not a very pleasant dream. I hated it when she had bad dreams. She had so many during her recovery after being kidnapped and tortured by that human.

"Mom?" she questioned groggily, her optics came on dimly.

"Yes," I smiled, caressing her beautiful face. "You were having a bad dream."

"I was dreaming about dad," she frowned.

"Want to talk about it?"

Kacey shook her head.

"Come on," I said, getting to my feet, holding out my hand. "I think you've spent enough time in the brig. Optimus and I will decide how to punish you later."

My daughter happily got to her feet, allowing me to hold her close as we walked out of the brig. She was quiet the entire way back to our quarters, yawning every so often. I tried to get her to talk but she was too tired. So tired that by the time we reached her room, Optimus had to help me get our daughter into her bed as she was practically walking and recharging.

"Optimus!" I whispered after he picked me up into his arms just after I managed to get Kacey covered.

"You said to be ready," he replied, taking me to our room, making sure to lock the door. There he gently laid me on the bed, snuggling against me, his lips so close to mine, that wonderful fiendish smirk of his plastered all over his face. "Now, where were we?"

Sorry, no hot steamy scenes in this story. I'm saving them all for the love story. :)

Up next: Venom is going through his own growing pains.