(Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers; just Anwen, Liam, and any other OC's I've added to the mixture :))

(Authors Note: Hello my dearest readers, fellow writers, fangirls, fanboys, and fellow Transformers fans of every genera, faction, and gender! First of all, WOW! 40 Chapters! That's insane! I honestly didn't think this story would receive as much love as it did/does because I didn't jump right into the NSFW stuff like I did with my Skyrim FF LOL. Don't worry, that stuff will eventually surface, but I'll be sure to give a proper warning first ;) Anyways, I'm glad you guys have been enjoying this story as I've certainly enjoyed writing it for all of you. Thank you all so much for helping me reach this wonderful milestone.)

(Note: I apologize for not uploading this chapter sooner, but I've been rather busy working on my other FF's lately. The latest one I've uploaded is based off the movie 'A Monster In Paris' and I honestly cannot believe that I haven't heard of that movie until a few months ago. It's absolutely wonderful in my opinion. Anyways, if you've heard of that movie, then feel free to check out my story for it. As always, your support is always appreciated :) On another note, I'm going to be returning to work out at sea soon, so I'll be sure to let you all know when exactly that happens because I know you all know that I try to be consistent with uploading new chapters, so I don't want to make you all worry if I'm suddenly offline for five months or so. In the meantime, I hope you all will enjoy this adorably sweet chapter and feel free to leave a comment because I love reading your inspiring words. Until next time, stay safe, stay sane, and stay awesome!)

"English/French"

'Mental thoughts'

"Flashbacks"

'Sarcasm' (or emphasis)

{Cybertronian}

::Sparkbonds::

:Speaker talk:

::Comm. Link::

*:Phone calls:*

Chapter 40

Two weeks after returning from Quebec and coming down with the flu, Anwen was now fully recovered and feeling better than ever thanks to the twins. They practically waited on her hand and foot, determined to speed up her recovery and ensure that she was getting plenty of rest. Once Moonracer had given her a clean bill of health, the three of them had started talking about when they would like to perform the sparkbond.

In the end, they decided that it was best to wait until Friday night after she was through with work. In this way, she could stay with them throughout the weekend while Liam and Maggie looked after Kenobi. That, and neither Sunstreaker nor Sideswipe were scheduled for patrol duty this weekend.

Although it was Thursday, the three of them were practically counting down the hours until tomorrow night. Despite trying to act all secretive about it, they may as well have been screaming their plans to the world. The very air around them was charged, and those closest to them could feel it. But they didn't care. It was a wonderful, nervous, and exciting feeling that made them all warm and bubbly inside.

Despite the fluttery, warm, anxious feeling she had, Anwen didn't let that distract her from her job. She was currently sitting at her desk typing a reply message to one of her emails while Kenobi casually laid in his (recently purchased) doggie bed beside her and chewed on his nylabone.

Yes, he was currently with her inside the office.

Colonel Lennox and Optimus Prime had officially given Anwen permission to bring him to work with her as a means of providing morale to her fellow coworkers and the soldiers of N.E.S.T.. This, of course, was after she had brought him over for a visit during the weekend when she stopped by the Med Bay for a wellness exam. Since then, everyone was completely smitten by the young pup as he was so well-mannered and affectionate. Even the Autobots enjoyed his company, and he, in turn, loved the additional attention.

To everyone's surprise, even Ironhide liked having him around. Whenever Kenobi was in the same vicinity as him, he'd transform and activate his holoform in order to properly scratch him behind the ears or along his belly.

This pleased Kenobi greatly.

Of course, following his 'employment' into N.E.S.T. the little pup had been issued his own photo I.D. badge, which Anwen had clipped onto his harness alongside his dog tags. This was so he could accompany her anywhere on the base grounds and so that everyone knew he was permitted to be there.

An agreeable solution indeed.

Upon finishing her email response, Anwen glanced at the time and noticed that it was now 1155, which meant she could clock out for lunch and take Kenobi out for his potty break before dropping him off with Moonracer. The medic absolutely adored the little furball and insisted on watching him during her lunch breaks so she could either spend time with the twins, or eat without worrying about her furry baby getting into mischief.

Upon clocking out for her break, the young ginger donned her rollerblades, helmet, shades and backpack before hooking Kenobi's leash to his harness and asking, "Êtes-vous prêt à sortir (Are you ready to go outside)?"

The little pup happily wagged his tail and pawed at her blades, to which she emitted a fond chuckle and led him out of the office and outside to a grassy area behind the building.

Once he was finished and was given a treat, she disposed of his mess inside a nearby trash can and brought him over to the Med Bay where Ratchet was finishing examining his sparkmate as she casually sat upon the medical berth.

Seeing the young redhead enter the vicinity with her pup trotting beside her, he gave them a smile, "Good afternoon, young one. I trust you're feeling well?"

"I am," she replied with a nod. "What about the both of you? Is everything okay?"

"Everything's fine, sweetie," Moonracer reassured. "Ratchet was just giving me a standard system's check. It wasn't really necessary, but he wanted to be sure everything was working properly. Or so he says," she glanced over at her mate with a smirk while he innocently shrugged:

"What? You were due for one."

"Uh-huh," she playfully rolled her optics at him before Kenobi's little bark interrupted them.

"Hmm, seems like someone's itching for attention," the CMO noted as the wee pup was turned loose and ran over to them.

"Oh bitlet, did you miss me," Moonracer cooed as she slipped off the medical berth and knelt down to pet him, while Kenobi happily licked her digits as she gently began scratching his belly.

"From the way he's wiggling, I'd say so," Anwen giggled.

"Is that so? You missed me? Who's a good little bitlet? Is it you? Is it you? Yes it is."

He whined and fiercely wagged his tail at the attention she was giving him, to which Ratchet couldn't help but shake his helm in amusement. "Well, he's certainly not lacking in affection." Glancing back down at the young redhead, he gave her a fatherly smile, "You go on ahead and consume your afternoon nutrient intake. Moon and I will look after the little nipper."

"Merci. I'll be back soon," she then politely bowed her head in thanks before rolling out of the Med Bay and over to the chow hall for lunch.

XXXXX

"Soooo, are you excited for tomorrow," Maggie playfully asked the young ginger as she seated herself across from her.

Swallowing a bite of her enchilada, Anwen blushed and gave her a nod, "Je suis (I am). Although, I have to admit that I'm also a bit nervous, but I suppose that's normal."

"I reckon it is. I mean, it's basically like a marriage, right?"

"Oui, but it's much more complex and personal than that," she fondly stated as she thought about the twins.

Seeing her friend so happy, Maggie couldn't help but smile: she knew Sunstreaker and Sideswipe meant the world to Anwen, and she, in turn, was their universe. While many would obviously look down on their unusual pairing, she was very supportive and wanted nothing but the best for them.

Placing her hand atop of hers, she gave her an affectionate squeeze, "You know, since meeting you, I've looked to you like a little sister. You were just this adorably witty, curly-haired sheila, and I was immediately drawn to your kind nature and personality. But over these last few months, I've watched you grow and blossom into the radiant young woman that you are now; and I am so proud of you."

Feeling her eyes starting to water, Anwen gave her a tearful smile, "Merci Maggie."

"Of course," she then leaned across the table and whispered, "And just so you know, if you still need some pointers for 'that', I'm here for ya."

Feeling her face heat up as she was sure it resembled a strawberry, the young ginger gave her a nod as she felt her legs slightly tremble at the thought. Not that it was a bad thing: she was just really nervous, yet excited at the same time. "..Merci." Of course, now her head was filled with questions: could they even 'do it' in the traditional sense? Her mind raced as she pondered the possibilities, but they were suddenly interrupted when Liam approached and sat down beside Maggie.

"Bonjour Lottie et ma belle déesse australienne (Hello _ and my beautiful Aussie goddess)."

Even though she only understood half of what he said, the blonde woman blushed at his greeting. "And hello to you too, my bloody handsome maple warrior."

He chuckled at that, to which they then shared a kiss while Anwen playfully rolled her eyes and sipped her cranberry juice. "So Lottie, I've been meaning to ask you something in regards to your 'plans' for this weekend..," Liam stated as he casually mixed his rice and beans together. "Est-ce que vous et vos petits amis allez utiliser une protection (Are you and your boyfriends going to use protection)?"

At the sudden shock and bluntness of his question, Anwen ended up shooting her juice out of her nose, to which she then began coughing. Of course, Liam felt terrible and regretted not waiting until after she was done drinking. He and Maggie ended up abandoning their lunch in order to help her while other N.E.S.T soldiers and personnel looked on in confusion and concern, which they promptly explained that they had the situation under control.

While Miss Madsen cleaned up the mess, Major Bleu escorted his sister into the bathroom, not caring if he wasn't supposed to be in there because of his gender. "Oh mon Dieu, Lottie, I am so, so, so sorry."

She coughed and threw up a little in the sink before facing her brother with teary eyes, a snotty nose, and red cheeks, "I can't believe you made me spew cranberry juice out of my nose!"

"It wasn't my intention," he admitted with a shrug.

"But still...you could have at least waited until I was done with my drink before you asked 'that' question," she replied in an annoyed tone before rinsing out her mouth, trying to rid herself of the vomit taste.

As she did that, Liam unzipped her backpack and pulled out her small toiletry/cosmetic bag and handed it to her. "I realize that now, but I didn't think of it at the time."

With a slight roll of her amber eyes, Anwen retrieved her toothbrush and toothpaste, and began brushing her teeth while also glancing at the state of her attire: it was awful. She had cranberry juice splattered all over the front and parts of the sleeves of her Sailor Moon shirt. Spitting out her toothpaste, she rinsed off her toothbrush and gestured to herself, "Look at this, I look like I stepped off the set of a horror film."

"Well, you're welcome to borrow one of my shirts."

*sigh* "Merci. I just hope I'll be able to get these stains out later," she noted as she put her toiletries away before rinsing off part of her shirt, hoping to get some of the juice stains off.

"Come on. We better head over to the barracks so you can change. I'll call Maggie on the way out and let her know what's going on."

"Okay," she nodded as they headed out of the bathroom and exited the chow hall. While Anwen wasn't mad at her brother, she was a bit annoyed at him. Not only did he ask her such a personal question out of the blue, but he inadvertently made her shoot juice out of her nose in front of all those people. Right now, all she wanted to do was crawl into a hole and stay there for the rest of eternity.

XXXXX

Stepping into Liam's unit, Anwen set her backpack, helmet and lanyard aside while he stepped over to his small closet and pulled out a long-sleeve shirt that was dark gray in color and proudly displayed the Canadian flag across the chest. "Will this work for you?"

"Oui, that's fine. Merci," she grabbed the shirt and stepped into the small bathroom where she slipped out of her current shirt and donned his. It came all the way down to her knees and made her look like a child wearing her dad's clothes.

Upon seeing his sister emerge from the bathroom, Liam couldn't help but chuckle, "Aw Lottie, tu es si mignonne (_, you look so cute)."

"Hey, it's not my fault your shirt makes me look like I'm wearing a tent. Regardless, thanks for letting me borrow it."

"De rien (You're welcome)."

She then donned her backpack, lanyard and helmet once more before the two of them exited the barracks and met back up with Maggie:

"Hey Anwen, how are you feeling?"

*sigh* "I'm fine, but my head hurts from projecting juice out of my nose," she replied as she narrowed her eyes up at her brother.

"Why do I get the feeling that you're going to hold that over my head for the rest of my life?"

"Because I will," she smirked, to which he shrugged and emitted a chuckle:

"I guess that's fair. Although, I did say that I was sorry."

"Oui, oui."

"Well, seeing as how we didn't exactly get to eat, do you guys want to head back inside for lunch," Maggie asked with a smile.

"You two go ahead. I'm going to politely pass on that offer."

"Are you sure?"

She nodded and emitted a sigh, "Oui. No offense, but after that horrible experience, I don't really feel like eating at the moment."

"No worries, I understand."

"Merci. By the way, Liam: I forgive you. But if you ever make me shoot juice or any kind of liquid out of my nose again, I'm going to shove my rollerblades so far up your ass, you'll have skid marks on your intestines."

He chuckled and tousled her hair, "I'll hold you to that threat."

"Oh, it's not a threat; it's a promise," she answered with a neutral expression lining her face. Yes, she absolutely loved her brother, but she also made good on her promises. Of course, she knew he wouldn't deliberately do anything like that to her again, but she still wanted to ensure it nonetheless.

XXXXX

-1955-

Although earlier had been rather crappy and the day itself was more or less uneventful, Anwen was optimistic about what tomorrow would bring. Of course, she was also quite nervous because the events that would take place tomorrow night would ultimately alter her entire future. It was a lot to think about.

Leaning against the back of the tub, she closed her eyes and submerged her shoulders underneath the warm water. Of course, she mentally whined at the fact that she couldn't see the twins until the ceremony tomorrow. It wasn't like she couldn't 'see' them, but rather, she wasn't supposed to physically interact with them for twenty four hours prior to the ceremony. Ratchet and Moonracer had explained that it was an old Cybertronian tradition for the couple to refrain from seeing each other for at least a day or two before the sparkbond took place. While she knew many human cultures practiced the same tradition, she still found it rather touching that Sideswipe and Sunstreaker wanted to incorporate some traditions into their ceremony, especially since the three of them weren't exactly a 'traditional' couple.

As for her, she too wanted to add some traditions into the mixture, but those would have to wait until tomorrow. For now, she was content to unwind in her bath..

*SPLASH*

"Kenobi," she gasped as the little pup happily began splashing around, flinging bubbles and suds all over the walls of the tub and onto the toilet and floor. Of course, she couldn't be mad at him: he just wanted to be with her and join the fun. "You ornery little thing. You startled me," she stated as he waded over to her and began licking her face while wagging his tail in the water, causing small waves in the bubbles. *sigh* "Why are you so damn cute?"

At her question, he tilted his head to the side and licked his nose, which brought an amused smile to her freckled face.

(Another Authors Note: Hello again! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and before you ask, yes, the next chapter will have Sunstreaker and Sideswipe in it. I deliberately kept them out because I felt that it was necessary for this particular chapter. There's a method to my madness. However, chapter 41 is going to focus primarily on Anwen and the twins as I'm sure you all can guess as to why ;) Yes, I understand cliffhangers are often horrible, but they do leave you eager for more content. I know this feeling all too well whenever I read one of my manga series, webtoon comics, or even a chapter from one of my favorite FF's on this site. The anticipation is strong, but the writers/release dates are slow. Alas! Anyways, until chapter 41, stay safe and stay awesome!)