A/N: Prowl's views on the film in this part are not my own at all. I personally am dying to see this movie. This is just how I imagine his reaction.

...

CHAPTER 17
Adventures in Sparksitting: Part 2

"This film is DISGUSTING."

"It's awesome though, right?"

Prowl's holoform peered over at the young human at his side, then back up at the movie in question. The "Evil Dead" as it was called was indeed inherently grotesque to the point that the mech could not see the appeal whatsoever. So far, the film seemed to be one brutal attack after the other, and as a solider in an already horrific war, he was done. "No, not awesome. It over glorifies death, it's filth." Prowl finally pressed the stop button "Filth a teenager like you does not need to be exposed to." He noted.

"I was in the Battle of Chicago, nothing compares to that." Jeff rolled his eyes.

"No one sawed off their own arm in the Battle of Chicago." Prowl commented as he took the disc out "Jeff, I said I would give your films a try. But this is something I will not sit through, my apologies." He commented "I do not approve of someone your age watching it either." He added "Is this all this horror genre even does, over glorify death?" Jeff shrugged "Primus, the youth of today." He groaned.

Jeff could only chuckle at Prowl, who raised an optic ridge in response. He didn't see the humor in his reaction, nor did he find the movie amusing in the least. "Look man, you take this stuff too seriously." Jeff replied, his eyes moving to the television "Listen, you need to get out of this stiff mood, Prowl. You're awesome, I like hanging out with you. But I'm starting to see why most people don't." He added.

Prowl nearly wanted to haul off and whack Jeff for that one, quietly noticing that Jeff was now testing him. He slightly wondered why he would need to be tested, though he was fairly certain that all of the Autobots on base were tested by him at one time or another. "I still refuse to allow you to watch it." Prowl replied, finding another movie in the pile he had rented for the night on the way back "Here, I found this one among the movies I found to be less violent in nature. Free Willy." He noted.

Jeff could feel his left eye twitch at the mere mention of the movie. Not that he hated the movie, as he didn't, but the fact it was the only one Prowl was suggesting. "Prowl, look up the premise of the movie on wikipedia." Jeff grunted.

The moment Prowl saw the fact that it was about a foster child whose mother had abandoned him, the film was thrown back in the pile. The second-in-command sighed, literally wanting to kick himself in the aft at the moment. He had tried to explain he was a terrible choice of spark-sitter, and he felt as though every second that passed only served to prove that. "And what about this film?" Prowl questioned "It's one of my favorites." He added.

"What is it?" Jeff questioned.

Prowl only smiled a bit, and popped in the film, pressing play on the television. The film that began to play was "August Rush", which Jeff was not all that surprised that Prowl enjoyed. It was about an orphan, which Jeff had to grimace at, but as the story went on, and the magic grew and grew, he could only blink. "How is this one of your favorites?" Jeff questioned "There's nothing totally exciting in it, it's just a simple story..." He muttered.

"No violence, and though realistic, it gives one a sense of hope." Prowl's optics shuttered slightly "I often find solace in the "feel good" films of your kind. As they are an escape from the own horrible war going on around me." His holoform crossed his arms, looking thoughtfully towards the screen "You must understand, Jeff, that though you too, are a victim of war, I am as well. I enjoy peace." He closed his holoform's eyes slowly "You will understand once you are older."

Jeff nodded his head a bit, shifting a little, he found an arm gently around his shoulders. Jeff wasn't sure that Prowl had meant to put it there, but subconsciously, he found himself leaning into it. Jeff didn't return the one armed hug-like action, but he did admit it was a nice feeling. Prowl hadn't even noticed his action himself until, by the time the movie was over, the dead weight of the sixteen year old boy became apparent. Jeff was sound asleep, and with good reason, as it was nearing midnight.

Prowl took in this moment silently, he had never had another being sleep against him before. The second-in-command found himself almost worried to move or startle the boy in any way. He took in his trust in Prowl, something he hadn't expected. Even if Jeff was still guarded, it was clear that in some way, he was getting through to this boy moreso than others on the base. Shifting slightly, he leaned against the couch's cushions as his real form headed towards his berth room.

Silently, he let himself into recharge, he would deal with Jeff's sure-to-be-freakout in the morning.

...

Prowl was jostled awake by Jeff's struggles and crying. His holoform's eyes flew open in-sync with his optics, looking down at Jeff. The boy looked as though he was in a wrestling match, fighting, and clawing. It was not something Prowl understood, but could recognize as a nightmare instantly. "Jeff. Jeffrey." He shook him gently, slowly bringing the boy to his senses "Wake, Jeff, you're having a nightmare."

Jeff's eyes flew open quickly, his breath shallow and labored. The boy took several seconds to realize he had been asleep against Prowl, and quickly pushed himself off the mech's holoform. The mech was slow, carefully reaching out to Jeff, who was still shaking. "Don't touch me." Jeff muttered "W-What was this about? Why did you let me sleep against you?" He questioned.

"You fell asleep over the course of the movie. I did not wish to wake you." Prowl spoke calmly, staring Jeff up and down "You seemed so peaceful, that if I moved you I was afraid I would frighten you." He then added "Please, forgive me for whatever I have done to make you believe I would do you harm in this time." He added.

"I just... I don't like being held like that." Jeff turned his head away "I don't even know why I let you do it."

If Jeff were being quite honest, it reminded him of being held by his father. But he'd never admit it openly, nor the fact that it had made him feel good, it was something that he didn't want to make a bigger deal of than it was. Standing up from the seat, he peered towards Prowl silently. "I understand." Prowl commented "Perhaps I overstepped my boundaries as your friend." Jeff nodded his head a little "You're still shaking, are you alright?" He questioned.

"Fine."

Jeff could hear the own level of uncertainty in his voice. A moment passed, and he shook his head a little. "No, I guess fine isn't the right word." Jeff crossed his arms slightly "Every so often I dream about the Decepticons and it just scares me, that's all." He shrugged his shoulders a bit "But I know it's a stupid fear, so I'm just trying to write them off, y'know?" He added.

Prowl stood slowly, putting a hand upon Jeff's shoulder. "We all fear the Decepticons Jeff. Even those who protect you." Prowl shook his head slowly "They are a terrifying race, and I do not blame you for your reaction." Jeff turned around slowly, staring up at Prowl "But know this, as long as you are behind these walls, you shall not be brought to harm." He added.

"Funny, Sideswipe told me the same thing."

"Perhaps he is a wiser mech than I give him credit for."

Jeff nodded his head a little bit, his eyes latching onto Prowl's for a long moment. "Listen Prowl, I didn't mean anything by what I did there, okay?" Jeff finally spoke "I just... I don't think I'm ready to be that close to anyone yet." He shifted on his feet, and gave a small smile "You're a great guy, but... I can't just do that, it's not me... Not now at least." He added.

"I understand." Prowl replied "I am sorry for overstepping my boundaries. Let us simply forget this happened."

Jeff nodded his head a bit, chewing his lower lip a little, and taking a deep breath. "Yeah, probably for the best. It was really kind of you, though, Prowl. Don't get me wrong." Jeff smiled a bit "You're a good guy."

As Jeff disappeared into the room he had designated as his hours earlier, Prowl sat there silently. Though his actions had good intentions behind him, he had to take in Jeff's behavior. Within him processor, he made a silent reminder to be weary of how often physical contact was made with Jeff, to say the least. Yet the other half seemingly tried to rebel, as if he had enjoyed the moment, however short, they had shared together. It was a notion that Prowl could do no more than shake off and let roll down his back. If nothing else, he still considered Jeff as a friend, only a friend, not a son figure of any kind.

But deep inside, he could not ignore the fact that it had happened. He had felt this connection with the boy, however briefly, he had enjoyed it. And perhaps for the first time, Prowl was starting to look upon Jeff in a far different light.