I do not own any part of the Transformers franchise. Transformers belongs to it's sole producers, companies and franchises.

WARNING: For all you OptimusFanGirl's out there, this chapter is pretty rough! Just a mere warning for what you're about to read. But trust me, it will get better…this is jus the start of my fic! And I can't believe this is going where I wanted it to go from the beginning when I first thought of this fic…YAY! So, I know you are going to HATE ME for this chapter…but trust me…it will get better : )

PS: Minor swearing and violence…

Enjoy! All reviews are welcome!

XOXOX

It was the next morning when Carly woke up way before Optimus. She was sore and ached all over. When she physically got up out of bed, she could barely move. In fact, she had every notion to call in sick to work. She wasn't one to do that very often, but today…there was no way she was going in. There was no way she could handle sitting there and do all she did for 8 hours. There was absolutely no way, Carly couldn't help but to think as she some how managed to dial the downstairs phone.

"Good morning Carly." Dylan answered the phone, as he sounded a little surprised that Carly would call him so early in the morning.

"Everything okay?" He couldn't help but to add.

"Um, actually no…I'm not feeling very well. Would it be okay if I took today off?" She questioned nervously.

"Oh, of course you can. Take it easy, hope you feel better…"

"Thanks Dylan, I appreciate it!" Carly replied, relived that Dylan graciously gave her the day off.

"Not a problem Carly. I'll see you tomorrow." Dylan told her as he hung up the phone.

A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she placed the phone back on the charger while she heard the sound of Optimus walking into the kitchen that caught her off guard. It was just that she wasn't expecting Optimus to get up as early as she had. She couldn't help but to think as she met up with him at the kitchen table.

"You alright?" Optimus asked, concerned about why Carly had woken up so early.

"No, I'm not. I took today off. Everything is beginning to get to me Optimus. Suddenly turning into one of you, having the Matrix within me and learning how to transform last night is all beginning to get to me! I'm so sore Optimus!" Carly cried as she looked over into his blue eyes.

"I'm sorry Carly. I don't know what to do for you. I wish I could take it all away because I know this is all painful for you. You know I don't like seeing you like this…" He replied while taking her into his arms as he tried to bring some sort of comfort to her.

"I know…I'm just not used to everything yet. It's a lot to get used to…"

"I know, I know…although I would like for you to come with me back to NEST this morning." Optimus suggested, even though he could tell she wanted no part of his suggestion.

"Uh, Optimus…I would so much rather stay here where I'm comfortable! I know where everything's at and I can sleep in my own bed. Please Optimus, I'm sorry…but I truly don't want to go with you. If I get too bad…I can just drive there now. Please Optimus…don't make me go with you this time…" Carly begged.

Even though Optimus did not want to leave her alone, however….he could hear the pain in her voice as he decided not to make her come with him. He could tell that she was in a lot of pain and technically, he couldn't blame her. It was a lot to get used to he knew, and seeing and hearing the pain in her voice, there was no way Optimus could make her come with him. He couldn't help but to think as he still held her tightly in his arms as he did not want to leave her alone.

"I don't blame you for wanting to stay here Carly, its just that…I worry about you…" Optimus told her as he tilted her chin so that he could see her beautiful green eyes.

Carly hesitated before she answered him. It was just that, she's never had anyone outside her family and close friends be this compassionate towards her. She's never had a boyfriend. She's never been on a real date. Optimus has been the only one she's ever been with…EVER! And yet, he's exactly what she's been looking for, what she's wanted…even if he wasn't from the this planet…she didn't care. And to be quite honest, neither were half the guys on this planet, she couldn't help but to think. It was just that, she knew Optimus cared about her and loved her and that was all she's ever wanted. It was just that, even though she's known him for quite a few years now…she was still amazed at how much he just cared about her that sometimes she didn't quite know what to say or how to act in return. Carly couldn't help but to think as she just lovingly laid her head down on his chest.

"I know you are Optimus. But, I would really appreciate it if I could just stay here!..."

"Alright, if you wish…however…only under one condition…you come straight to NEST if you don't feel like staying by yourself." Optimus demanded.

"I will, I promise." She told him as there was no way she could argue with him anymore.

"Alright, get some rest. I've gotta be going." He told her as they stood up and made there way towards the front door.

Before actually leaving, Optimus couldn't help but to drag her into his arms as he truly was worried about her. Yet, he knew she was strong enough to be left alone. He knew she had enough sense to come to NEST if she felt too bad. He couldn't help but to think as he just seemed to draw her even closer to him as he just didn't want to leave her alone. It was just that, Optimus knew she was going through a lot…he just couldn't bare it if anything happened to her if he wasn't there. He couldn't help but to think as he titled her head and brushed his lips against hers.

And yet, even though he knew he had to get going, he just couldn't leave her alone. He wanted her now more then ever. He couldn't help but to think as he finally broke away from her while he cupped her face into the palm of his hands.

"I hate to leave you Carly, considering you don't feel well…"

"I'll be fine Optimus…stop worrying, please! You know I'll swing by NEST if I feel any worse. Just please stop worrying…"

"Alright Carly, alright….I love you…" Optimus told her as he grabbed the doorknob, twisted it and walked through the front door as he made his way down to the street.

Carly closed the door behind him as she moved over to the front window to see Optimus off. However, before he transformed into vehicle mode…he couldn't help but to look back at Carly through the window. Even though Carly insisted that she would be okay, he just didn't trust it. It wasn't that he didn't trust her, it was just that…he just had this feeling that he couldn't explain.

However, he just wished it would go away as he flashed the lights to say goodbye to Carly.

XXX

And, as the day wore on, Carly slept on and off as she just didn't seem to feel any better. She hated to admit it, but eventually she thought it would be best if she went over to NEST. Even though she still didn't want to, she felt bad enough that she didn't want to be alone anymore. She knew if she went to NEST, she at least knew Ratchet would be there to look her over if anything was really wrong. And with the thought of Ratchet sweeping through her mind, that was the only thing, besides Optimus that made her want to go. And, after contacting Optimus to tell him that she was on her way, she gathered a few things, climbed into the Mercedes (because she still didn't know how to "drive on her own") and started to make her way for NEST.

However, while on her way there, she had been driving normally when she caught a glimpse of a suspicious looking vehicle following behind her. At first she didn't think anything of it. But then, it just seemed to follow her everywhere she turned without missing a beat. It was then that she started to worry, panic even just by the look of the truck. And through out the many times that she constantly looked back in her rear view mirror to see why they could be possibly following her, she started noticing different odd things about the truck.

Like first of all, for being a 10 wheeler rusted out Mack truck that didn't look like it could go another mile…the thing drove behind her with unbelievable speed. In fact, it followed Carly so close and so fast that she seemed to be paying more attention to the truck, then to what she was doing. She even found herself driving faster. Faster then the posted speed limit on the highway she was on. However, when in reality…she was no longer driving anymore. She was so focused on the rusted out Mack truck following her that she didn't even feel a difference in the way that the Mercedes handled.

He had taken over when he realized Megatron proceeded to follow him.

And, as they came to a dead end in between three buildings with no where to go, the Mercedes quickly came to a screeching stop with the other truck following closely behind. Scared, Carly stayed in the Mercedes as she did not want to get out of the car alone with this strange, rusted out Mack truck that followed her to this dead end.

There was no way she was going to get out alone.

However, that changed as Megatron made himself present as he pried opened the Mercedes's door to get Carly out of it. Carly tried to escape, but there was no way she could have tried to escape Megatron.

I'm dead! Carly couldn't help but to think as Megatron grabbed her with only two fingers as he proceeded to slam her on the ground on her back. And just so Carly couldn't go anywhere, Megatron jammed his sharp little claws into the ground around Carly so that she couldn't escape.

"Carly Miller…Optimus's human pet…" Megatron replied as he knelt down while bending his torso so that he could get even closer to her.

"What do you want! Who are you!" She questioned as she has never really seen or met Megatron in person.

"You don't know who I am and yet, your Optimus's pet! I am Megatron, leader of the Decepticons. And what do I want? Hmmmmm, I think you know I want…in fact…you have what I want!" Was all Megatron told her while he brought his other hand down to Carly and proceeded to trail his index finger down the center of her body.

It was cold to the touch and she could feel the pointiness of the sharp piece of metal that touched her. Now that she knew who was following her, of course she knew what he wanted. The Matrix was what he was after. For what reason, she had no clue…but that could have been the only thing Megatron was after. Carly couldn't help but to think as she continued to feel Megatron's touch as his finger trailed off her body.

"Forget it Megatron! Optimus will stop you!" Carly cried as Megatron proceeded to laugh at her ignorance.

"I hope…" Carly silently thought to herself while Megatron continued to laugh.

"Optimus, yeah…right! He's not going to lay a hand on me once he knows I have you within my grasp!" Megatron bellowed.

Then, without having any time to say something back to Megatron, Carly caught a glimpse of the blue Peterbilt flying down the street towards them. Luckily for Megatron, he couldn't see him…but Carly did.

"I'M COMING FOR YOU!" Carly heard Optimus cry as he transformed in mid-chase and hurled towards Megatron.

Within a blink of an eye, Optimus had thrown Megatron against the side of the building and away from Carly. How did Optimus even know she was in trouble? Carly couldn't help but to think as she tried to protect herself as she watched Megatron and Optimus severely battle each other.

"Are you trying to protect your pet Optimus!" Megatron questioned as he proceeded to slam Optimus on the ground single handedly.

"If you lay another hand on her Megatron, by the Allspark…I will rip your spark out!" Optimus vowed.

However, as he was so wrapped up in protecting Carly, he made one wrong move that probably just coast him this fight with Megatron. After slipping up while throwing his body in front of Carly, Megatron grabbed Optimus's hand, twisted it behind him and grabbed his other hand and twisted it behind him as well. With Optimus a prisoner in Megatron's grasp, all he could do was look over at Carly who looked horrified while Megatron had Optimus singlehandedly.

"Not if I rip yours out first!" Carly heard Megatron whisper to Optimus.

Then as there was nothing Carly could have done, Megatron brought his free hand behind Optimus…and, with one blast of his fusion cannon…Optimus fell to the ground.

"OPTIMUS!" Carly cried as she ran towards him.

"I'm sorry Carly…I-I-just want you to get out of here. Just drive Carly, get to safety! I-I-I-I-l-l-l-l-o-o-o-o-v-v-v-v-e-e-e-e-y-y-y-y-o-o-o-u-u-u…" Optimus barely said before his once bright blue eyes dimmed.

No! This was all my fault! If he never would have met me, he wouldn't risk his life to protect me! Damn it! By the Allspark…I will revive you! I don't know how…I don't know when…but by the Allspark…I will fucking revive you! I won't let you go! Carly cried on the inside as she leaned against Optimus before Megatron brought her back to the ground.

"What now! You killed Optimus, now what could you possibly want!" Carly cried up to Megatron.

"Ha, Optimus was just a mere trophy! This…is what I've been seeking!" Megatron explained as he brought his hand over Carly, held it there and proceeded to force the Matrix out from within Carly.

"You BASTARD, that's what you've wanted all along! What could YOU possibly want with the Matrix!" Carly questioned.

"Ah, in time…you will figure out that answer." Was all Megatron told her as he transformed back into his vehicle mode and drove away without ever looking back.

While on the other hand, Carly couldn't help but to collapse against Optimus after she just had the Matrix forced out of her. With her head buried in her knees, she somehow managed to call Lennox and explained what just happened.

Somehow, someway…she explained it to him.

And, she could tell in the background that the Autobots and the rest of the NEST team did not take the news well.

They all knew that the Decepticons were back. For what reason this time, they were unsure. But they all knew they were back…

XXX

"What is the meaning of this! You dare get Optimus killed! I should rip you a part!" Iornhide screamed as him and the rest of the Autobots, all except Sideswipe pulled their weapons towards Carly, as she stepped out of the Mercedes along with Lennox while a rescue vehicle dropped Optimus off at the building that secretly held the NEST team.

"PUT THE WEAPONS AWAY NOW! It's not Carly's fault Optimus is dead. Megatron would have got him with or without Carly sometime or another…you all know that. PUT THE WEAPONS DOWN!" Sideswipe ordered.

The Autobots hesitated before they lowered their weapons because they could not have disagreed with Sideswipe. He was right. They knew it was only a matter of time before this actually happened. Even though the rest of the Autobots never wanted to think about it. But Sideswipe was right, it wasn't Carly's fault at all. And actually, he was truly pissed at them for raising their weapons towards her.

"I'm sorry Carly, are you alright?" Sideswipe questioned as he moved so that he could kneel down to get closer to her after she hide behind him as the Autobots drew their weapons towards her.

"I'm alright. And I do have to disagree with you Sideswipe! This is all my fault! If I never would have met Optimus, this never would have happened for he was trying to protect me…"

"I know that. But he loves you Carly, he would have protected you regardless. He would have done the same for any of us…Please don't think it's just your fault." Sideswipe replied as he tried to make her feel better.

But, he could still tell Carly felt guilty.

"I swear…with all of you standing here, and I swear by the Allspark…I WILL REVIVE HIM!..."

"But how, you don't have the Matrix anymore! That's the only thing strong enough to bring back our spark!" Iornhide replied, confused as to how Carly was going to revive Optimus.

"I don't know how, I don't know when…but by the Allspark…I will bring Optimus back…"

"Carly please, its been a long day. Why don't I bring you home where you can relax?" Sideswipe suggested as Carly looked up at him, then over to Optimus, then back to Sideswipe once again.

"Alright…" Was all Carly said while she looked at the ground heavy heartedly after she looked back at Optimus one more time.

How could she leave him? How? How could she do that? But, then again, she knew there was nothing she could do right now…at this time. She even hated to admit it, but Sideswipe was right. She should go on home, what was she going to there besides have weapons being drawn at her? She didn't want to, but she let Sideswipe take her home.

"Alright Autobots…its evident that Carly needs to be protected from the Decepticons! Major Lennox and I will look after her as we try to figure out what the Decepticons are doing here once again…If Megatron was after the Matrix, well…it can't be good…Take it easy tonight, as we are uncertain what lies ahead…" Sideswipe replied as he transformed into vehicle mode while Carly stepped inside and Major Lennox stepped into the Mercedes to take Carly back to her house.

And, that was just it…with the Matrix and Optimus now gone...there was nothing more that the Decepticons could have been after….or so they all thought…

PS: I'm sorry for this chapter…but it wouldn't be a story without a plot. Trust me…it will get better! : )