Chapter 3: Wanting

Prowl was more than happy to see her again the next day, which he of course blamed on the mysterious virus. Virus or not, though, he could not – or rather, would not – tear himself away from her. She was the new center of his universe, which before had been predominately his work and career. Day after day they refueled together, sharing interests, opinions and experiences.

Although from a distance she had seemed quiet and antisocial, Prowl found that she had rather much to say if one simply encouraged her a bit. He learned that she had been trained at the Autobot Academy as a soldier, but her main function around the Iacon base was an engineer. One of her creators had been an engineer and taught her much of what she knows about the subject. The Autobots would need many soldiers if the Decepticons were to launch a full scale attack, but until then she was instructed to work mainly with Wheeljack and Perceptor.

"Well, I should be getting back to work. Wheeljack is having me assist him with a new project of his." She quickly finished off the rest of the energon cube in her hand and set it down on the table.

"Really? I did not know he was working on a new project…Are you sure it's authorized? Wheeljack has a habit of 'forgetting' to get proper approval of his projects before starting them. And I wouldn't want you getting hurt," Prowl's level of concern jumped now that he knew she was working with Wheeljack on one of his projects, most of which were potentially dangerous.

She smiled, apparently reading Prowl's worry as if he were a data pad. "Yes, it's authorized. I received the authorization codes from Commander Optimus Prime myself." She laughed a little. "He also warned me about Wheeljack's habit of forgetfulness when it comes to project approval."

Prowl visibly relaxed. Without realizing it he had tensed the joints in his door appendages until they were held rigidly vertical. He now eased them back to their regular comfortable position. "So what is this new project?" Prowl asked as they both stood and brought their used energon cubes to the recycling unit.

"He's designing a shield system for Iacon that would be erected around the city if it were to come under heavy Decepticon attack. We're in the simulation process now, testing different designs and how efficient they are using computer simulations. So basically, you don't have to worry about anything blowing up for the next few days," she smirked as she said the last sentence. Prowl smiled back at her, his optics lingering in contact with hers, not able to look away.

"I'll see you later, Prowl." The most beautiful femme in the universe turned to leave.

After a moment's hesitation, Prowl spoke. "…Why don't I walk with you to Wheeljack's lab?"

She stopped and glanced back at him.

"It's en route to my office anyway," Prowl took a few steps to catch up to her, hoping he wasn't creating an awkward situation. He just wasn't ready to leave her yet. He never was, but if he could postpone their separation for a little longer, he would.

"Okay, I'd like that." Lucky for Prowl she smiled and didn't seem to mind at all.

During their walk down the wide halls, Prowl found himself constantly wanting to wrap his arm around her waist and hold her close to him. The hall was busy with mechs going to meetings, offices, or the refueling lounge. Several of them were fresh recruits from the Autobot Academy, like she was, and a few times she exchanged short greetings with mechs she must have recognized. Prowl did not know any of them, and he felt something quite unusual – was it…jealousy? – when the unknown mechs smiled or waved or said hello to her.

He couldn't help but wonder how she would react if he reached out and held her hand. This would be an absurd thing to do, of course, but he wondered none the less. He sighed internally. This is the most unusual virus, he thought. She has the right to have other friends. Why should I feel so…possessive?

They reached their destination much too soon, even though the lab was on the opposite side of the building from the refueling lounge. Prowl looked into her stunning optics once more as she said good bye.

"Well, thanks for walking with me."

Her optics are so lovely… "No problem."

"I'll see you tomorrow!"

So is her smile…and her lips… "Yes, tomorrow."

Prowl was slowly becoming overwhelmed with an emotion he did not recognize. As he got lost in the depths of her optics and beauty of her face, their surroundings in the hallway seemed to diminish around them. He no longer heard the sounds of mechs passing them by in the halls talking with one another, or the gentle hum of the ventilation units on the ceiling. It was only him and her. He leaned closer to her face, so close…

He didn't really realize what he was doing, but before he knew it his lips were pressed lightly against hers. Slowly lifting a hand to caress her face, he deactivated his optics and savored the moment. His fingers trailed lightly against her soft, smooth facial plating, and eventually reached behind her helm to gently bring her in even closer. She kissed him back, her pleasantly supple lips enticing him to press on. As he continued to kiss her, he reached up with his other hand and rested it on her hip, brushing his fingertips alongside the curve in her frame. He subtly touched the front of his frame to hers. He wanted more of her, so much more, but then…

He was snapped back to reality as his best friend Jazz came up behind him and slapped him on the back.

"Hey buddy! How's it goin'? Haven't seen ya in a while!"

Prowl was still in a trance. The kiss had not happened, much to his dismay. The femme of his dreams had entered the lab and the entrance had slid silently shut behind her several seconds ago. He had imagined the whole thing.

"Hey, what's up Prowler? You look like you just saw a ghost!"

"Uh, hi Jazz. No, I was just...thinking."

"You think too much Prowl, it ain't good for your health. Look at you, just standing in the middle of the hallway thinking. Common, why don't you call it a day and join Blaster and me for a little high grade? It could do ya some good to relax."

"Um, not this time, Jazz, I think I need to…um…" Prowl was looking around the hallway, still a little appalled at what had happened, what he had thought. Jazz had also caught him off his guard – something that would never happen under normal circumstances. These circumstances, however, were far from normal. "I think I need to see Ratchet. It's been a while since my last full systems check."

"Prowl, Ratchet can check your systems after you get wasted with us," Jazz said with a smile and another pat on the back. "With all your new responsibilities, we haven't spent hardly any time together!"

Prowl shook his head. "No, I should see him now. I don't feel like I'm functioning optimally right now."

"Oh, you feelin' sick? Think you got a virus or somethin'?"

"I don't feel sick, just not…normal. Not like myself. It probably is a virus of some type."

"Well, okay then buddy, but there's no way I'm letting you get away next time. Catch you later! Hope you start feelin' like yourself again." Jazz said with a wave of his hand, and then started off down the hall.

Prowl turned and started slowly walking to the diagnostics bay, lost in thought. What was happening to him?