New Orleans

...

A little over a month passed since Ironhide came to say goodbye that night. Spring was in full bloom and with it came Aria's twenty fifth birthday.

The day started off like any other day, she got up, hung out with Wheelie while he watched old CSI re-runs. Horatio was about to do one of his one liners, so Aria threw off her glasses looked Wheelie dead in the eye. Then, in perfect sync with the television show, she put her glasses back on and began head banging to the opening music. Okay, so she was in a good mood.

Wheelie shook his head.

It took a few weeks for her to get over the overwhelming feeling of loneliness. Even now when she stopped to think about the Autobots, it would return. At least she still had Wheelie. With him around she didn't feel like they completely abandoned her. He did however like to push his boundaries as much as possible.

…

She looked over at the remote controlled truck from the spot she was currently mopping. It buzzed around zipping in between people's feet as they walked around the Write Brother's original aircraft.

A couple weeks ago Wheelie started complaining about never being able to leave the property. At first she told him there was nothing she could do about it and that he'd just get sent back to the base if he was caught. But then one day when she was out shopping she caught sight of a cute lilac backpack on sale and couldn't help but buy it.

Next thing she knew she was back home asking Wheelie to jump in to see if he fit. The little bugger was heavy, but he did fit even with her work cloths in the bottom. Now he came to work with her at least twice a week.

Eli ended up being the closest thing she had to a friend now, well human friend. He finished his training with her a while ago, so they would stop to chat when they cleaned the same area and often got lunch at the local food trucks.

Turned out Eli was twenty two, and when she told Wheelie, he immediately suggested she should go out with him. Sure, he was cute, but he just wasn't her type. Wheelie asked, "Why, cause he's not grumpy and made of metal'?

Yeah, right.

Aria did end up starting French lessons. Her teacher, a lady from Paris was quite the woman. She did not hide her distaste for Aria's poor pronunciation and openly gaped the first time Aria sung in French, not in awe, but horror. She was appalled that the Opera would allow Aria to sing such a beautiful song with such an atrocious accent.

Madame Bardot was one of the best, Aria had to constantly remind herself. Not to mention her French was quickly improving. Apparently Wheelie hadn't been the greatest teacher.

Another impulsive decision Aria made was to get a part time job singing at a local club. She rationalized it was a good idea to get accustomed to singing on stage, not to mention some extra cash to help pay for French lessons.

It was nerve wracking at first, but hearing the people cheer really helped her confidence. In fact, she would be performing that evening.

And incoming buzzing sound brought Aria back to reality. She glanced downward at Wheelie fast approaching. She quickly scanned the area to see if anyone was looking. Thankfully everyone was more interested in the aircrafts on display. Wheelie ran straight into her leg. His tire caught her pant leg allowing the front of the truck to roll up slightly before she could kick him off again.

"Oh my god Wheelie, get off of me!" she hissed, looking everywhere but at the small Autobot truck.

She walked back over to her cart a few feet away only to have him ram into her shin again. This time she whipped her head down ready to threaten bodily harm but he quickly distanced himself and did a few spins.

Aria tilted her head trying to figure out what he was getting at. Perhaps he wanted her to see something? She put the mop back on the cart and placed a 'caution wet floor' sign on the ground. Glancing around a final time, she began to follow Wheelie doing her best to maintain her distance without losing him in the crowds.

She let him lead her to one of the main atrium's where she first witnessed the eternal glory that was Jetfire. She missed the old coot.

Sure enough he lead her straight to the replacement SR- 71A Blackbird that they bought from the Science Museum of Virginia, for probably lots and lots of money. Coming up around from the back of the large and insentient aircraft, she saw Wheelie run straight into another person's leg.

Yep. She was going to kill him.

As she rounded the jet, she heard a familiar voice. "Wheelie?"

Finally seeing who it was, Aria couldn't help but yell, "Sam!"

The confused boy looked back up at her for a moment before recognition dawned on his face. "Aria!"

Beside him was a beautiful blonde woman wearing a tan figure hugging dress, and a pair of black—wait were those Christian Louboutin's? Alright, this woman was perfect.

Aria closed the distance between them and gave Sam a quick hug. She shot Wheelie a look that sent him off and out of view. From the corner of her eye she saw Eli cast the truck an irritated glance from where he was sweeping. Mark had recruited every staff member to try and catch the small Autobot, and Eli was among the many who had finally given up.

"Carly, this is my friend Aria," Sam introduced. "Aria, this is my, uh, friend Carly?" he finished lamely.

Oh good, Sam was on a date.

Carly ignored Sam's awkwardness like the perfect woman she was, and held out a hand. "Nice to meet you," she said with a beautiful British accent.

Aria returned her greeting and shook her perfectly manicured hand. Was this the plot twist of her life? Was she in love? Aria hoped she wasn't gawking as obviously as she thought she was.

Sam looked around. "So uh, is Wheelie your guardian or something?"

Aria rubbed her temples. "Yeah, something like that," she confirmed. "I'm guessing Carly knows about…everything?"

"Yeah, I was just telling her about what happened in Egypt actually."

Aria raised her eyebrows. "Yeah, that was an adventure."

"You were there?" Carly interjected, a disbelieving look overtaking her gorgeous features.

Aria glared playfully at Sam. "You didn't even tell her about me?"

"I wasn't at that part of the story yet!" Sam's lips formed a smirk. He turned to Carly, "I didn't officially meet Aria until we were on the aircraft carrier leaving Egypt. But she apparently followed us outside the museum with Jetfire, managed to get teleported with us and was abandoned in the middle of the desert after we left to find the Matrix. Every time I saw her after that she screaming like a crazy person."

He must of thought of something else funny because he stopped to laugh. "The best part was when we were introducing her to the Autobots, Ironhide actually snuck up and scared the crap out of her. You should have seen it, she practically ran to the other side of the ship screaming." he wiped an amused tear from his eye.

Aria let out an unamused "ha ha" while the two laughed. No point being offended, she would have laughed if she saw someone else in that situation. Her chest began to feel heavy and her smile fell despite the light hearted atmosphere. Ironhide, she thought. She would never see him again.

Sam must have seen the pained look on her face. "I didn't mean it, I was just teasing."

"I'm not allowed to see them anymore," she blurted.

Sam looked taken back at her sudden statement. Carly was as well, she seemed confused more than anything. There was a lot she still didn't know.

"What, why?" Sam said. A look crossed his face as he put two and two together. "They didn't want you to become a target."

"Pretty much," Aria confirmed. "My lunch break is in a couple minutes, do you guys want to go to a café or something? I can get you back into the museum after."

"I saw an Italian bakery down the street," Carly suggested.

"That's the one I was thinking of." Aria smiled. "Alright just wait here a minute, I'll be right back."

Aria grabbed her cart and wheeled it back to the storage closet. She then took her bag to the woman's washroom and took off her jumpsuit. Under it she wore a white dress with a pale pink floral design. She undid her shoes and slid on the pair of heels she chose for that day. Putting her shoes and uniform back in her bag, she exited the stall. Joining a few other women in front of the mirrors, she took out her hair tie and ran her fingers through it.

Aria made her way back through the crowds to Sam and his new lady friend. On her way she saw Eli emptying a garbage.

"Hey Eli," she said, approaching him.

Eli tied up the bag and smiled at her. "What's the occasion?"

Aria gave a playful smirk. "I'm just going for lunch with my friends so I won't be able to try the new crepe truck with you today."

"You have friends?" Eli raised his brows in mock surprise.

Aria crossed her arms. "Oh go to hell, Eli." She turned to leave.

"Already there!" he called from behind her back.

She laughed and sent him a backwards wave which he returned.

…

At the café the three of them ordered sandwiches. Aria got an iced mocha to drink, and Sam and Carly each ordered different kinds of Italian soda. They sat at a small wood table by a sunny window. Aria sat across from the pair.

"This is such a charming place," Carly commented, still looking around.

"And their coffee is the best," Aria added holding up her drink for emphasis.

The three of them ate and kept the conversation light. Carly complimented Aria's style a few times and asked Sam why he's never mentioned about her before. She seemed genuinely offended at Sam's nonchalant shrug. They laughed.

Sam and Aria then started talking more about their adventure in Egypt, and finally Aria told them all the events she's gone through since.

"So the Nest base is right in Washington?" Sam gaped in disbelief.

"Yes, and don't you even think about telling anyone I told you that. I'd probably go to prison for the rest of my life." Aria replied sharply pointing a finger at the boy.

"That's amazing that they came to visit you all the time," Carly practically had stars in her eyes.

Sam nearly interrupted her. "Yeah and that Ironhide was your personal chauffeur," he chuckled. "God, I thought he hated you!"

Aria's chest tightened at his comment. "Yeah, I though he did too…" she looked out the window and took a sip of her drink.

"Ow!"

Aria looked back at the duo to see Carly glaring at Sam. The beautiful blonde then turned her attention back to her, "I'm sure they all miss you, Aria," she gave her a smile, "especially Ironhide."

Aria felt her cheeks heating up and Sam suddenly became very interested in the surrounding décor.

"Thanks, Carly."

The two girls smiled at each other.

…

That evening Aria sat at her vanity putting on the final touches of her makeup. Her hair was already curled and her gown already picked out. She always waited till she made it to the club before changing. Too much attention wearing one on the way there.

She loved going for the old Hollywood vibe. Winged liner and red lips were her go to. The gown she was wearing tonight was red as well, so she did her best to match the lipstick to it. Her glasses were left on the table in favor of contacts. This was as good as she was going to get.

She went down stars and found Wheelie in his usual spot on the couch. A part of her wanted to be mad at him for his little stunt early today, but she couldn't bring herself to.

"You coming tonight, Wheelie?"

He turned off the TV. "Duh."

"Then let's go."

Aria put her bag on the floor and Wheelie transformed and backed in. She slung it over her back and folded the dress bag back over her arm. With a quick check to make sure Sirius still had water in his bowl, she left.

The club was especially busy that evening. The round tables were crowed with coupes on dates and groups of men and women who enjoyed the finer things. The venue itself was dimly lit by old chandeliers, under them were about forty tables, a small dace floor, and a modestly sized stage with red curtains.

As Aria walked in, the elderly man named George, played jazz on the antique grand piano that was placed on the edge of the stage. Aria preformed with him all the time, he was an amazing player and a very nice man.

Tonight was jazz night and Aria would be doing a couple of songs with a local jazz group. They only rehearsed a few times in the past, but there was so much improvising that all she really had to do was memorize the song and just go with the flow. It was quite different than the Opera.

She changed behind a divider in one of the small dressing rooms back stage while Wheelie crawled out of her backpack that was placed in the corner.

"Ya know, since you don't seem to like Eli, maybe you should try picking up one of the guys here."

Aria rolled her eyes despite Wheelie not being able to see her. "Would you drop the whole 'I need a boyfriend' thing?" She stepped into her dress and shimmied it up her waist. "Plus you can't just pick up random guys, they have to like you back you know."

"Lots of guys here like you," Wheelie stated.

Aria pulled the straps over her shoulders. "Like like, not just like. Though I don't expect you to know the difference."

"I live with you, of course I know the difference. When you like like someone, you act like a moron."

A burn for a burn.

"Hey-"

Wheelie cut her off. "Look, Aria, there's a guy at the back table that's always here to watch you sing or whatever. You should try talking to him."

"What, no! He sounds like a creep." Aria came out from the divider and sat on the vanity bench to put on her heels.

"Come on, dating a guy would distract you from the Autobots more than French lessons and you know it."

"Alright, alright. Where does he sit? I'll see if he's a creep or not myself," she said, standing up.

"Back corner, in front of the big window."

Aria nodded and rolled her eyes at him again. "God, you're a pain."

"You're welcome!" he called after her as she left down the hall.

Aria joined the other performers back stage. There was the jazz band she was playing with, a couple soloists and a few other singers. She joined in the general chatter until it was her groups turn to perform.

It was about eleven when she walked out onto the stage. She was always nervous about tripping in front of the large crowd of people. Making to the microphone, she already started to scan the tables for the man in the back corner. The stage lights were blinding, making it exceedingly difficult.

The trumpet began to play to her right, drums and guitar behind her, and a clarinet to her left. She immediately began to sway to the music, still keeping her sights on the back tables.

"Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans

To miss it each night and day"

As she sung, her eyes better adjusted to the lights and she could start to make out the people in the back tables. There were a few groups of two or three men, and one of four women.

"Miss them moss covered vines, the tall sugar pines

Where mockin' birds used to sing."

Beside the women was an empty table. No, it wasn't empty, there was a man sitting by himself. He looked maybe in his mid to late thirties, short dark hair and an overall rugged appearance. Even from the distance she could tell he worked out, maybe he was military?

She made eye contact with the man, it wasn't unusual for her, she made eye contact with lots of customers while she sang. Unlike the other customers though, his eyes widened like a deer caught in the headlights before hastily looking away.

"And there's one thing more, I miss the one I care for

More than I miss New Orleans."

…

"Hey, Cynthia?"

"Aria?" the waitress responded playfully.

"That guy in the back corner that sits by himself, have you talked to him before?"

Cynthia put her tray down on the table Aria sat at by the stage. She took the seat beside her. Currently George was playing the piano with another female singer.

"Yeah, he's kinda weird. Doesn't say much," she glanced back in his direction. "He always orders a drink but never touches it."

"So he is a creep?"

"Why you asking Aria, You like him?" She sung, wiggling her brows suggestively.

"Wha- no!" Aria gave the friendly blonde woman a playful shove on the shoulder.

Cynthia giggled, "No he's not a creep, just a little shy," she placed a shot in front of Aria from off her tray. "Go talk to him!" she encouraged.

Aria watched Cynthia get up and continue her rounds. Her eyes fell back on the shot glass probably filled with whiskey judging by the color. What the hell, it was her birthday after all. She picked up the glass and gulped it. Managing not to cough, she put the empty glass on the table, got up, and walked straight over to the guy at the back table.

Seeing him up close the first thing she noticed were his bright blue eyes. Honestly it was hard not to when he was staring at her approaching figure as if she were the angel of death.

Before she could open her mouth to speak, the man abruptly stood up nearly causing his chair to fall over. She stopped walking towards him, taken back by his reaction to her. Though his eyes were wide, his expression was otherwise blank. It looked unnatural. She stared at him and he stared at her, neither making a move.

He looked…familiar?

Then without warning, he turned and bee lined towards the exit.

For reasons Aria couldn't comprehend at that moment, she followed. He rounded to the entrance and out the door. Aria caught it before it fully closed again.

The cool night air brushed her hair back behind her shoulders while she searched for the man in the parking lot. But he was gone.

The sound of a revving engine passing by caught her attention, perhaps because it was otherwise quiet, or perhaps because it sounded familiar. She looked towards the street and felt her heart clench. She knew that black truck anywhere.

"Ironhide."

Immediately she stormed back inside and straight to the changing rooms. She poked her head into a few before spotting Wheelie playing on her cell phone under the vanity she sat at earlier. She closed the door behind her and marched up to the small Autobot.

"You knew that guy was with Ironhide!"

Wheelie came out from his hiding spot.

"He's a Nest soldier isn't he?"

Wheelie came out from under the vanity. "Don't be such a dolt, Aria!"

"I'm not a dolt, you are! What if I get arrested? I'm obviously not supposed to know about him!"

Wheelie slapped a hand over his face. "Oh my god Aria, that man is Ironhide."

Aria's mouth was already open to yell back at him, but she clamped it shut again. She brought her hand up to her forehead and sat down on the bench.

"What?" was the only word she could formulate.

"That man is Ironhide's holoform. Basically a 3D projection but with mass," Wheelie explained.

"As in it's made of matter? He can just create a physical human body? Why do I not know about this?" The more she thought about it, the more questions she had.

"Yes, yes, and it's a secret."

"I thought there was a zero secret policy between Autobots and the military."

"Yeah well this is the secret of secrets. It's a technology only a few of the Autobots have."

She couldn't believe that the Autobots would keep such a useful ability secret. It would make communication much easier for both them and humans. Were they hiding a weakness or perhaps their ultimate strength?

"Why would the Autobots let Ironhide use it then?" she questioned.

"Well duh, they wouldn't. The only ones who know about this is us three."

"How did you even know?"

Wheelie stood a little taller. "It was my suggestion."

Aria narrowed her eyes. "You're in contact with him even though you're not supposed to be?"

"I don't know if you've noticed this kid, but Ironhide kinda does what he wants."

"I take it by his reaction, you weren't supposed to tell me, were you?" Aria raised a brow.

"Nope," he stated.

Aria let her head fall back. "Great, I blew it. Now I'm never going to see him again."

"I don't think it's possible for him to stay away from you actually. I wouldn't be surprised if he was here for your next show," Wheelie reached up and patted her knee reassuringly. "Oh, and happy birthday by the way."

Was Wheelie right? Ironhide did in fact do what he wanted. But to go as far as this? To risk everything just to see her? Why did he care so much? She was just another human. And yet, Wheelie was sure Ironhide wouldn't leave her no matter what.

The spark in her soul reignited.

…