(Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers; just Anwen, Liam and any other OC's I've tossed into the mixture :D)
(Authors Note: Hello again dearest readers, fellow writers, fangirls, fanboys, and TF fans of every shape, size, color and gender! I'm delighted to be presenting this latest chapter to all of you and I hope you've all been continuing to enjoy the story so far. Thank you all again for the continued support and as always, feel free to leave a comment, for I enjoy reading your reviews and I appreciate your positive feedback :) Until next time, stay safe, stay sane and stay awesome!)
(Warning: This chapter contains some smut and some rather graphic content during the flashback scenes. If you're squeamish, feel free to skip past the flashbacks.)
"English/French"
'Mental thoughts'
"Flashbacks"
'Sarcasm' (or emphasis)
{Cybertronian}
::Sparkbonds::
:Speaker talk:
::Comm. Link::
*:Phone calls:*
Chapter 31
-Friday-
Although Halloween wasn't for another twenty four hours, Anwen had decided to show her 'Spooktober' spirit by wearing her digital 3D skeletal leggings and matching long-sleeve shirt (both resembled real x-rays and had a front and back design to them). The rest of her ensemble consisted of her black ballet flats, smokey eyeshadow and black lipstick, while her hair was styled in an elegant half up/half down ponytail that exposed her adorable freckled ears and obsidian earrings.
Sure, she could have worn something else to work, but she wouldn't have looked as spooktacular as she did right now. However, the one downside to her outfit was that it was rather form-fitting and significantly enhanced her thin frame and desirable curves.
Oh well. She was fully-clothed and comfortable, and that was all that mattered to her at the moment. Of course, if any government officials were scheduled to come in, she was prepared to slip into the restroom and change into something more professional, as she had packed a spare outfit just for such an event. Thankfully, she and her coworkers were usually given advance notice before those poncy stuffed-shirts reared their ugly heads.
A small blessing indeed.
Glancing at the time on her computer, Anwen noticed that it was now 1120, to which she emitted a sigh as she focused back on her current task. No, she wasn't counting down the minutes/hours until her lunch break, but rather, she was counting down the time until Sideswipe's return. He had called her earlier this morning before she left for work and said that he, Optimus, Lennox and their fellow comrades were heading back to Diego Garcia. Of course, he couldn't really give her an ETA (estimated time of arrival) because at the time of his call, their transport was undergoing standard pre-takeoff inspections and maintenance. However, he did assure her that they'd be back home before midnight.
And so the waiting game continues.
With another sigh, Anwen finished compiling this week's report before double checking it over to make sure everything was present and accounted for. It was. As she was about to don her walking crutch and head out to deliver the report to Prowl, a sudden *kaplink* caught the young ginger's attention as a fun pack of Skittles landed on her desk. Looking up, she was met with a smile from her favorite Aussie:
"Trick or treat! I know Halloween isn't until tomorrow, but ya look like you could use something sweet at the moment."
"I suppose I could. Merci, Maggie."
"Of course." She then leaned over and quietly asked, "Have you heard from Sideswipe yet?"
She nodded, "Oui. He called earlier this morning and informed me that they were all heading back to Diego Garcia, but he wasn't able to give me an ETA. I'm hoping he'll call again soon and update me on their location."
"I'm sure he will. Knowing him, he'll make sure to keep you informed one way or another."
"I know; but that doesn't stop me from worrying about him and his teammates."
"Well regardless, don't stress yourself too much or else you'll have to deal with Ratchet lecturing you when he returns."
She fondly smirked at that, "I'll be sure to keep that in mind. By the way, are we still on for tomorrow?"
"Of course! Your brother is gonna stop by my flat after work and prepare the pork for the crock pot. Also, you're welcome to invite the twins over for our little Halloween get together," she gave her a knowing wink which made Anwen blush.
"I'll be sure to let them know. Merci."
"No worries. Also, if I remember correctly, your brother is scheduled to get his arm cast tomorrow morning, correct?"
She nodded, "Oui. Ratchet will be applying it himself, seeing as how Liam prefers his skills over the human doctors."
"Well, I don't blame him: he's an amazing medic."
"Je suis d'accord (I agree). He's also a great conversationalist and reminds me a lot of my Papa." *sigh* "But that aside, I should take this week's report to Prowl."
"Alrighty, I'll let you get to it then," she then disappeared behind the cubicle wall, leaving her young companion to her current task.
XXXXX
As she walked down the long hallway, Anwen soon approached a large Autobot-sized door with a smaller human-sized one next to it. With a confident sigh, she knocked:
"Come in," a stoic voice sounded from the other side, to which she turned the handle and stepped into the large office that was designated for the Autobot SIC and TIC. Prowl sat at his large desk and was glancing through a data pad when his optics focused on the small femme before him. "Good morning, Miss Bleu, how are you today?"
"Je vais bien, merci (I'm well, thank you). Et vous (And you)?"
"Better, now that Prime and the others are on their way back."
She smiled and gave him a knowing look, "I imagine it's been rather quiet without Jazz to converse with."
He emitted a rare chuckle at that, "Indeed. Although, he still talks to me through our bond."
Anwen was one of the few humans who knew that Prowl and Jazz were actually sparkmates. It's not that they had anything to be ashamed of, but rather, they knew some humans weren't as accepting of such pairings. Many of the government officials still didn't see the Autobots as living, sentient beings with feelings and emotions; so trying to explain Cybertronian relationships to them would be like trying to explain physics to toddlers.
Impossible.
"Could you explain to me how a sparkbond works? S'il te plaît (Please)? Ratchet has told me a bit about it, but I'm curious to hear your explanation."
He gave the young ginger a nod as he leaned forward on his desk, "A sparkbond is escientally a permanent joining of two, or in rare cases, three individuals. Their emotions are linked to one another to where if one partner is feeling happy or sad, the other will share their experience regardless of the distance between them. Their life forces are also bound to one another: if one partner is offlined, the other(s) will soon follow. The reason for this is because the pain of losing a sparkmate is the most agonizing experience a Cybertronian can endure."
As he spoke, Prowl suddenly thought of the time he nearly offlined because of the agony he felt when his link with Jazz was nearly severed:
-2007-
The SIC and his small group of Autobots were en route to Earth when he suddenly felt a horrible, intense pain along his midsection, which caused him to emit a strained groan as he hunched over in his seat while his frame trembled. His comrades voices were barely audible as his spark began palpitating within his chassis and his sparkmate's voice reached out to him through their bond:
::..P-Pr..owl...I'm...s-sorry…::
::Jazz?! Jazz, what's going on?!::
::...I'll s-see...you...on the o-other...s-side.::
::No! Dearspark, stay with me! Don't leave me! Primus, please don't leave me!,:: he pleaded through their bond while noting how weak it was.
::..P-Prowl...I...love...you.::
::Jazz? Jazz?!::
{JAZZ!} He screamed as his spark violently thrashed about within its casing while his optics heavily leaked fluids. He faintly heard Bluestreak's panicked voice before he suddenly fell into a self-induced stasis-lock.
-Present-
The SIC lightly shuddered and shook his helm at the memory as he focused on the young human femme. "Apologies, Miss Bleu; I was lost in thought."
"Were you thinking of what happened in Mission City," she asked in an understanding tone, knowing that's where his processor was at the moment.
He vented a sigh and gave her a nod, "I was."
She frowned and approached him, to which she then wrapped her arms around his lower leg (or, the parts she could reach) and hugged him. "I'm sorry if this violates any protocols, but you needed this."
Prowl momentarily froze in surprise before returning the kind gesture by gently rubbing the top of her soft, curly head. "...Thank you," his voice slightly trembled as his emotions threatened to overtake him. It was clear that he didn't express his feelings often as he always felt that it was uncharacteristic of his position as SIC.
At his response, Anwen smiled up at him, "Bien sûr (Of course). You may be my superior and the Autobot Second In Command, but you're still a living being like everyone else, and you have feelings that need to be expressed. I just want you to know that I'm here for you and your fellow Autobots."
"Your assistance is greatly appreciated, Miss Bleu. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Remembering her reason for being here, she presented him with the manilla folder, "I almost forgot to give you this week's report."
Accepting the file from her, Prowl gave the young ginger an appreciative look, "I'll be sure to examine this soon. Thank you for delivering it to me...and thank you for stopping by."
"Bien sûr (Of course). Now, I better head back before I'm missed. I'll see you later, Prowl."
"Take care, Anwen." With that, he watched as she exited his office before placing the report on his desk and leaning back in his chair with a sigh, ::Hey, Jazz?::
::Hmm?::
::I just wanted to tell you that I love you and I'm looking forward to your safe return.::
::Aww, I love you too, Prowler. Prime thinks we'll be back before 1800 your time; so until then, be sure to keep that engine runnin' for me.::
::Only if you do the same.::
::Don't I always?::
::Yes, but I like reminding you every now and then.::
::Hmm, I know ya do, an' I love it.:: He then sent him a warm, comforting pulse through their bond, ::I can't wait to see ya again. It's been rather lonely without you by my side.::
::I know the feeling,:: he replied as he sent a loving pulse to his mate. ::The office has been feeling rather empty and quiet without you here.::
::I imagine the berth has been rather empty as well.::
::That too; however, your scent is still present, so it's at least tolerable to some extent.::
::Aww Prowler, ya really do miss me,:: there was another obvious smile in his tone, to which the SIC lightly smirked.
::Of course I do. You make it rather difficult for me to not miss you.::
::The same can be said about you, dearspark.::
::Is that so?::
::Mhmm. I love ya, Prowl."
::And I love you, Jazz.::
XXXXX
Keys clicked beneath the young ginger's fingertips as she typed on her computer and answered another work-related email. She didn't necessarily mind them, but she honestly believed some of them could have easily been answered in person rather than through the computer. Nearly half of the emails she replied to were from her coworkers. 'How hard is it to walk fifteen feet and ask me for assistance,' she mentally questioned as she finished responding to her latest message.
Upon sending the email, Anwen glanced at the time and noticed that it was now 1159. "Parfaite (Perfect)," she smiled as she logged out of her email and clocked out for lunch before shutting down her computer for the time being.
Standing up from her chair, she then adorned her walking crutch, backpack, and shades before heading out of the office with Maggie by her side:
"So, I was thinking I'd make some Nanaimo bars for tomorrow."
"Oh please do; they're freakin' delicious. You have to give me the recipe sometime."
"Oui, I'll have to remind myself to write it down later. If I fix them right when I get home, that'll still leave me with plenty of time to hang out with the twins tonight...Assuming Sideswipe returns before I head off to bed. If not, it'll just be me and Sunstreaker."
"Oh? Are you going out on another date," she winked which brought an adorable blush to her freckled cheeks:
"Actually, we're just going to visit with each other and watch some movies."
"Aaaand partake in some K-I-S-S-I-N-G," she teased while Anwen gave her a playful shove, causing her to emit a girlish laugh.
"Tu es terrible (You're terrible)."
"Nah, I'm bloody brilliant," Maggie smirked and dramatically flipped her hair as they continued on their trek to the chow hall.
XXXXX
Sitting amongst a group of soldiers, Liam waved his sister and her Aussie companion over as they made their way across the dining area. "Bonjour, Lottie et Mademoiselle Maggie (Hello _ and Miss _)."
"Bonjour, grand frère (Hello big brother)."
"G'day, Major Bleu." She instantly took notice of his freshly shaven face and shorter hair. 'Holy shit, did he get even hotter overnight?' Regaining her composure, she asked, "Did ya get a haircut?"
He gave her a charming smile as he lightly ran his fingers through his ebony locks, "Oui je l'ai fait (Yes I did). Do you like it?"
'Fuck yea,' she mentally noted before replying, "It suits you rather nicely. Of course, if you had asked, I would have gladly cut your hair."
"I'll be sure to keep that in mind the next time I need a trim. I just figured I'd get it done seeing as how I was grossly overdue for one."
At their exchange, Anwen couldn't help but smile as she casually took a sip of cranberry juice. 'They're so cute,' she mused to herself.
XXXXX
-1610-
Seeing as how Sunstreaker was currently patrolling the island, Anwen had to ride the shuttle bus home. In truth, she didn't mind it; however, she'd always prefer riding with the twins or using her blades. But due to her injury, she couldn't skate at this time.
Emitting a sigh, she casually watched the scenery as it swiftly passed by. Out of the corner of her eye she suddenly noticed a familiar golden Lamborghini turning down an adjacent road and driving eastward, which brought a fond smile to her freckled face. Leaning back in her seat, she allowed herself to fall into a slight doze as she waited for this ride to be over with.
After almost ten minutes, the shuttle finally stopped outside of the apartment building with a noticeable *pssshhh*, causing the young ginger to snap to attention. 'Sunstreaker and Sideswipe are much quieter when they break,' she noted to herself as the other passengers began filing off the bus. Upon standing up, Anwen donned her walking crutch and backpack before exiting the shuttle and stepping into the lobby. 'Of course everybody wants to use the elevator at the same time.'
While she had no immediate problems with elevators, she didn't like riding in them with a bunch of people. 'Maximum capacity is a warning, not a challenge,' she mentally stated. Sure, she only weighed 104 pounds, while her clothing and gear added an additional fifteen pounds. Regardless, she stood by her decision to not ride the elevator when it was crowded. That, and being in such close, confined quarters with half a dozen or more people at once was unsanitary.
No thank you.
With a sigh, Anwen headed over to the stairs with other like-minded people who either didn't want to wait for the elevator, or who just preferred getting their steps in for the day. Regardless of their reasons, they headed up the stairway while the young ginger stayed off to the side for the time being. Having to use a walking crutch, she would only hold up the group, so it was easier to wait a few minutes before starting the long ascension up nine flights of stairs.
Thankfully, she didn't have to wait long as there weren't too many people taking the stairs. Others preferred waiting for the elevator as they either detested walking up stairs or they lived on the upper floors and had little stamina to spare. While she would rather not use the stairs, Anwen's dislike of overcrowded elevators was greater.
Pushing onward, she began her slow ascension and mentally noted how much easier having this walking crutch was than just hoofing it. This handy device took the pressure off her injured foot and allowed her a wider range of mobility than standard crutches. Even if her appendage wasn't fractured, she'd still be experiencing jolts of pain from her implants as they often gave her problems when walking up and down stairs.
XXXXX
Meanwhile, Maggie had taken the 1630 shuttle with Liam and was currently riding the elevator up to her apartment. Had they taken the stairs, they would have seen Anwen currently on the fifth floor and making her way up to the sixth.
As the doors opened to her floor, the two of them exited the elevator and approached her door where she unlocked it and entered with him following suit. "Thanks for offering to fix dinner for tomorrow. I really appreciate it."
"Ce n'est pas un problème (It's no trouble)," he replied with a charming smile. "Of course, the crock pot will be doing most of the work. All I really have to do is prepare the meat and shred it up once it's finished."
"Well, I'll be happy to assist you with all that. I mean, not that you aren't capable, it's just that I can't imagine trying to do all that will be an easy feat to accomplish with just one functioning arm."
He emitted a slight chuckle at that, "Bon point (Good _). It'll be even more difficult once Ratchet applies the cast tomorrow morning...assuming he's back on base by then."
"Oh, I'm sure he will be," she reassured with a smile as she set her purse and keys aside. "By the way, can I get you something to drink? I've got both alcoholic and non-alcoholic choices to select from."
"I could go for a rum and coke if you have those."
"I do, actually," she stated as she opened her fridge and pulled out two cans of Coca-Cola before rinsing them off and setting them on the counter where she then opened up one of her cabinets and pulled out a bottle of Bacardi. Afterwards, she retrieved two crystal whiskey glasses and filled them halfway with ice before mixing the rum and coke together. "Here ya go."
"Merci, Mademoiselle Maggie (Thank you, Miss _)," he graciously accepted the drink and raised his glass to her, "Tchin Tchin (Cheers)."
"Cheers," she clinked her glass with his before the two of them took a sip of their drinks, to which he then casually asked:
"So, how long have you been with N.E.S.T.?"
"Oh, I've been here since the beginning. The U.S. Defense Department recruited me before it was officially founded, but after Mission City, Lennox offered me and my friend Glen a job with N.E.S.T.. Who was I to turn down such an amazing opportunity? I understand you were in Mission City and served with the Colonel back when he was still a Major."
"I was and I did," he confirmed. *sigh* "I still can't believe Lottie was there when all that happened. When I saw her injuries, I honestly thought she wasn't going to make it."
-Mission City, 2007-
Major Liam Bleu was assisting a group of civilians when one of his comrades approached: "Major Bleu, Sir, Major Lennox wants you to report to his location at Fifth Avenue ASAP. I've been assigned to take over for you here."
"Merci. I'll head that way." He then drove the jeep to Lennox's location and saw two of the five Autobots helping soldiers to clear away debris from a collapsed building, while a small team of paramedics carefully made their way down into the depths to assist those trapped beneath.
Upon approaching the Major, he asked, "Sir, what's the situation?"
Will looked over at him with a grim expression lining his face, "Liam...it's your sister, Anwen. She was found pinned underneath that building. A crew's working to free her, but she's sustained severe injuries and has lost a lot of blood."
His emerald eyes widened upon hearing this information. "...Non (No)...Non, non, non...NON...LOTTIE!" He suddenly broke down and wept while Lennox pulled him in for a supportive hug: he couldn't even imagine what he must have been feeling. He hated having to be the one to tell him the disheartening news, but he figured it was better to hear it from a friend than a stranger.
Minutes later, the paramedics came up with a medical stretcher that securely held the near lifeless form of Anwen Charlotte Bleu. Seeing his baby sister being pulled from the rubble, Liam immediately rushed to her side:
"Lottie!" He knew better than to touch her at the moment, but he still wanted to be with her. Upon seeing her injuries, the poor soldier wept and nearly purged his stomach: her left leg was completely impaled by a pair of thick, metal rods while parts of her femur were sticking out of her torn flesh. Her ankles were nearly black from being crushed and broken, while her left shin was purple and bloody. Several large cuts lined both of her arms and her left wrist was discolored and bent in an unnatural angle. Bruises dotted the majority of her exposed skin while her hair was covered in dust and bits of debris.
Liam was in a state of shock: Yes, he had seen his share of blood and gore before; but this? This was personal. This wasn't some stranger being rushed over to the ambulance: this was his petite soeur (little sister). The redheaded girl who always had a smile on her freckled face and a light in her golden eyes; now bloody, broken, and lying motionless before him. She looked so helpless and frail; he couldn't even imagine how much pain she had endured and was still experiencing.
-Diego Garcia, Present Day-
"Liam? Are you okay? You spaced out there for a minute."
He looked over at the Aussie woman and gave her a nod, "Oui, I'm fine. I was just thinking about Mission City and seeing Lottie in such a horrible state. She's the only family I have left, and the thought of losing her terrifies me to no end." *sigh* "I understand there was no way of knowing what would have happened, but I wish I could have done more for her."
Wanting to bring some form of comfort to the soldier, she placed a hand on his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze, "You did more than most siblings would have at the time. From what I heard, you accompanied her to the hospital and even donated your own blood, which likely saved her life."
He lightly smiled, "I guess it's convenient that my blood type is O-."
"I'll say it is: you're a universal donor. I know your sister appreciates everything you've done for her."
"Oui; but I still wish I could do more for her."
"Liam, just being here has done so much for her psyche and well-being. Hell, she's happier than I've ever seen her, and I know you're one of the reasons for that."
"I'm guessing the other reason is this 'mystery man' of hers," he asked with a slight smirk lining his face while Maggie playfully rolled her eyes as she took a sip of her rum and coke:
"I'm not gonna comment on that. She'll have to be the one to tell you."
"Oh allez (_ come on), as her brother it's my duty to know who she's dating. I need to know if she's being treated right and if this guy is serious about being with her."
"Oh, he is," she assured with a knowing smile.
(Another Authors Note: Oh, so many feels... I about cried while writing this chapter and I don't know if that makes me a wuss or if I'm just sensitive to my characters emotions. Regardless, I hope you all enjoyed it :) Also, I couldn't help but pair Prowl and Jazz up together: I love their relationship and also have them as a couple in my (Cartoons) Transformers FF. They're just too cute! That aside, I wanted to give their relationship some attention and give them a little screen time. That being said, I also thought Liam deserved some attention. I also wanted to delve a little more into his budding relationship with Maggie. I think they're adorable together :) Anyways, thank you all for your continued support and until next time, keep being awesome!)