Disclaimer: *Rummages through mail* Hmmm…nope, still don't own Transformers. They seem to be taking their time with the whole transaction :)
Jaime's leg bounced in excitement, she was nearly quivering in her seat. Epps, who was sitting across from her in the cafeteria, snorted into his coffee.
"Jaime, chill. You're going to wear a hole in the floor." She rolled her eyes at him.
"If it can withstand the weight of Optimus Prime, I'm sure my foot won't damage the floor," was her comeback.
"Why did I hear you mention Optimus Prime and your foot in the same sentence?" Will asked as he plopped down next to Jaime on the bench, breakfast tray in hand. Epps opened his mouth to explain, but Jaime beat him to it.
"Epps thinks my foot can do more damage than Optimus Prime," she said casually, as if commenting on the weather. Will choked on his cinnamon roll.
"What about Epps' foot and Optimus Prime?" Asked a soldier as he sat down next to Epps, who scowled at the new arrival.
"Not my foot man. There's no damn connection between my foot and the boss bot," Epps grumbled.
"Why are you threatening to kick Optimus?" asked Eddie, who settled next to Jaime on her other side.
"Kick Optimus?" the sergeant sputtered. "That's the last thing I'd think of trying on the Prime."
"Then what are you considering on trying on the Prime?" Eddie asked with a suggestive smirk. Will shot the man a look before glancing at Jaime. Luckily for Eddie's well-being, the implication seemed to have soared right over the girl's head.
"Okay, why do I feel like I chose the worst possible time to enter this conversation?" a confused, if not also disturbed voice piped up.
"Ricky!" Jaime shot up from her seat. Epps, having given up on clearing all the misunderstandings, simply buried his face in his hands.
"Hey Jaime," Ricky smiled. "You're not excited are you?"
"Where is he?" she demanded, not to be deterred by his teasing.
"He's waiting for you in hangar four," he chuckled. Seconds later, the girl had disappeared, her form blurring into the corridor.
There was a moment's pause.
"Seriously though," Ricky broke the silence. "What the hell were you guys talking about before I came?" The others—minus Epps—all snickered in amusement. Epps looked up long enough to see a smirk blossom on Will's face.
"Not you too!" he groaned. "C'mon man, back me up here." Will's smirk grew.
"You always bring these kinda things on yourself." Epps scowled at the lack of sympathy from his so called best friend. Ricky rolled his eyes at his comrades' antics.
"—and the inside of the plane was huge! I've never seen a plane that big before! It was so cool! And I got to see where the pilots sit! And dad says I might get a headset during the return trip to listen to the air chatter if I'm good on base. I really want to hear what the pilots say when they're flying, so I promised I'd be good. Mommy says that I'm always a good boy. She wouldn't say that if she didn't mean it because she wouldn't do that. But she always smiles a little when she says that. I think it's because it makes her happy because I'm a good boy. So I always try to be good for her. Daddy too because he's the bestest!" Jaime finally reached hangar four to find Ironhide straining to keep up with the constant stream of dialogue. Prowl seemed to be faring better, like he had experience from understanding continuous talking with no definite pauses. The source of the chatter was a six year old boy with light brown hair and baby blue eyes.
"Are you going to spend your whole time on base in here?" Jaime asked. "I was hoping to give you a tour." The boy cut off in the middle of a sentence—Ironhide shot Jaime a grateful look—and spun around to face the girl.
"Jaime!" he shouted, joy shining on his adorable face and he charged her, arms spread wide. Jaime braced herself with long practice for the inevitable tackle hug.
"Hey Charlie!" she grabbed him and spun him around. Or at least tried to. "Jeez you're getting heavy," she grunted. Her comment didn't damper his spirits. Instead, they only seemed to stoke them.
"Mommy says I grew four whole inches!" he beamed and puffed his chest in pride.
"Hmm, really?" Jaime took a moment as she pretended to look for the height gain. Charlie posed accordingly. "I don't see it." The boy sputtered. "Just kidding," she grinned and mussed his hair.
"Jaime," he whined.
"Oh fine," she huffed with a smile. "C'mon, let's go." Charlie perked up and followed her eagerly.
Charlie stared at the two mechs in front of him, his mouth agape. Sideswipe tilted his head in confusion, worry creeping onto his face plates as the boy continued to show no signs of a further reaction. Sunstreaker's scowl remained firmly etched on his face plates as he did his best to ignore the two humans in front of him on one of the many catwalks in the hangar. Jaime watched Charlie, secretly amused, but she didn't give any outward reaction, waiting to see how long it would be till Sideswipe would crack. Any second now...
Prowl strolled into the hangar, attention directed to a datapad in his servo. Sensing the somewhat tense situation, he glanced up. His sensors homed in on the most likely candidates at the source of whatever was going on.
"Sideswipe," he began.
"I didn't do it!" he jumped, helm whirling to Prowl's location.
"Sideswipe," he frowned a warning at the mech.
"But I didn't! I didn't even touch him!" he nearly wailed. Jaime barely withheld a snicker. Charlie was just beginning to come out of his stupor. Prowl's gaze, searching for a more coherent explanation, focused on Sunstreaker.
"He somehow broke the human," the frontline warrior gestured at the still-awestruck Charlie. Prowl's reaction was immediate. Within a matter of seconds, he had strode across the hangar and was a mere meter from Charlie's face, searching for any hint of injury.
"Charlie?" he asked gently. The boy blinked at the close proximity.
"Uh…yea?" Prowl tilted his helm, sensors still attuned to the boy's status and movements.
"Are you damaged?" he asked, completely serious. A bewildered Charlie glanced back at Jaime who was suspiciously biting her lip with more force than recommended.
"Er…no?" what should have been a definite answer came out as a question, due to Charlie's disorientation caused by the strange situation he had somehow found himself in. Jaime, unable to restrain herself any longer, burst out laughing. Prowl frowned in confusion, but did halt his examination of the boy. If the youngling's self-appointed guardian was not concerned about his well-being than the boy's safety was likely not in jeopardy at this moment in time.
"What's so funny?" a confused Sideswipe asked.
"It's just…you guys overreact all the time," Jaime explained as her chuckles subsided. "Charlie's fine, just a little…star-struck at the moment." Upon noticing Prowl's twitching optic she elaborated. "It's a human expression. It means he was overwhelmed with awe." As if to emphasize the point, Charlie was gazing up at the twins once more. Sideswipe swore he could see stars shining in the youngling's eyes.
"Don't tell me," Prowl rubbed his helm in frustration, "that he's excited to meet those troublemakers?"
"Pretty much," was Jaime's amused reply.
"Jaime's told me all about you!" Charlie cut in, unable to stay silent any longer in the presence of his heroes. He didn't notice the way Sunstreaker's optics darkened at his comment. The boy continued on, oblivious to the hot-tempered mech's reaction.
"You're the best Autobot fighters ever! Well, except Optimus, but he's the Prime. No one's better than him. But you guys are so awesome! You kick butt and make the Decepticons run away! And the seekers are scared to face you because of your jet judo! And Sideswipe has an awesome jetpack! Where is it by the way? Do you not wear it on your back? Do you use it for pranks? Jaime says you're known for your pranks. I think they're awesome! And Sunstreaker helps with them sometimes right? Can I help too? Jaime says I'm really helpful, and so does my mom!
"Jaime's…told you stories about us?" was Sideswipe's intelligent reply.
"Uh huh!" Charlie nodded very enthusiastically. "You're amazing fighters. And really brave! You guys aren't afraid of anything!"
Prowl noticed Sunstreaker blink in what seemed to be surprise and his gaze flickered to Jaime, whose attention was on Charlie. She didn't notice the considering look he gave her. The SIC wasn't given much time to ponder just what that reaction meant before Charlie's voice pierced his thoughts.
"And you're really good at swords right? And you're so amazing because you make such a great team! Because you can talk to each other without saying anything aloud! That's so cool! And I just can't believe you're here and that I'm actually meeting you! This is the third best day in my entire life ever!"
"Third?" Sunstreaker frowned in annoyance. Jaime was barely able to keep her mouth from dropping open in shock. That was the first time she'd ever heard the golden frontliner speak English. His voice seemed much less harsh when he spoke English than his usual Cybertronian. He didn't come across as menacing. He was more approachable. Not so much a prowling lion just waiting to rip her head off. He was still dangerous of course, but not so…wild.
"Well," Charlie rubbed his neck. "First was when I was finally adopted. Second was when I met Optimus Prime." His grin was so wide it was a wonder that his face hadn't cracked in half. "When did you arrive?" Sunstreaker didn't seem eager to answer the question, but Charlie didn't really give him a chance to. "I heard that you didn't come together. They were worried that you got lost or something." Sunstreaker's dentas grounded together. Jaime tensed, fearing she would have to intervened, but Charlie kept going. "I'm glad you found your way here though." Any hostility Sunstreaker may have been planning on unleashing on the young boy was dampened by the pure genuineness on the young child's face that only a youngling could possess. Sunstreaker grumbled and shifted uncomfortably, deciding to not answer instead. Charlie didn't seem put out at all by Sunstreaker's prickly behavior. "That's okay. You don't have to say anything. We just met. You'd probably rather spend time with your brother since you haven't seen him for so long." He glanced at Jaime. He cut off any possible reply once more. "Well, it was great meeting you," he gushed. "See you later!" he gave them one more energetic wave before dragging Jaime out of the hangar, mentioning something that sounded like froyo.
Prowl's POV
Silence descended in the hangar after the two younglings left. Prowl studied the more irritable twin. Truthfully, he had expected the golden mech to react with more hostility towards the human boy, especially considering the animosity he had shown towards Jaime. But no, Sunstreaker's towards Jaime hostility was different, it was purpose driven. It was different from the general disdain all the human received from him. It was as if…yes, Prowl was certain now. Sunstreaker had taken an instant disliking to the young girl the moment he'd laid optics on her.
Computing possible reasons…
Recalling memory files…
Sunstreaker had not reacted with surprise upon learning of Jaime's connecting to the Allspark. He had been surprised when Charlie had apparently been informed of the twins' bravery and lack of fear. But how was that relevant? Wait.
Sunstreaker had not reacted with surprise upon learning of Jaime's connecting to the Allspark.
The lack of reaction implied that he had somehow known about the Allspark. But he hadn't known about Jaime…Had he been in contact with the girl without realizing she was a human girl?
Highly unlikely…Cybertronian must be within range to forge connection.
But Jaime could strengthen connections while at a distance. Sunstreaker had been held prisoner on a Decepticon ship in Earth's solar system. Was it possible that Jaime had been able to somehow forge a connection?
Impossible…Conduit required if close range is unavailable.
Sideswipe shifted uncomfortably. Prowl's gaze snapped to the red mech. He froze instantly, as a prey would freeze when in sight of a predator.
Sideswipe. Sideswipe was connected to Sunstreaker.
Viable conduit found.
Prowl's optics snapped back to the golden twin and his posture straightened, which shouldn't have even been possible.
"Sunstreaker." The ill-tempered mech frowned at Prowl. "I couldn't help notice…you did not seem surprised about Jaime's connection to the Allspark." Sunstreaker's brow furrowed in confusion. "When you landed on Earth," Prowl added, tilting his helm. The mech's confusion cleared.
"What do you want?" he asked.
"What gives you the impression that I want something?"
"Innocence isn't becoming of you Prowl," Sideswipe finally joined the conversation. "You never say anything without having a point." The SIC glanced from one twin to the other.
"Very well," his attention refocused on Sunstreaker. "Did you have contact with Jaime before entering Earth's atmosphere?" There was a long pause. "Answer me truthfully," he added softly with a touch of authority. Sunstreaker's nostrils flared at the order, his expression became half surly. Prowl remained impassive. Sunstreaker glanced at his brother who merely shrugged his shoulders.
"Possibly," he finally bit out.
"Then why did you—" Prowl began, but he was cut off.
"I didn't know she was some tiny pathetic organic!" he growled, optics blazing. Prowl couldn't help but frown. The mech sounded awfully defensive. But why? The volatile mech abruptly spun on his heel and marched out of the hangar before Prowl could continue to question him. The SIC didn't stop him. He merely watched as a touch of worry flashed across Sideswipe's face before the prankster hurriedly followed after his twin.
Autobot Sunstreaker made contact and forged connection with Jaime before arrival.
Autobot Sunstreaker reacts defensively when questioned regarding relationship with Jaime before arrival.
Autobot Sunstreaker was not aware of Jaime's identity before arrival.
Although they did not usually get along, he had known Sunstreaker—and by extension, Sideswipe—for a long time. They'd fought on the same side for vorns after all. And he'd known them before the war even broke out. He recognized the hostility that the mech had directed towards Jaime because he had seen it himself a long time ago. He had been on the receiving end of those seething glares, those scathing retorts, and those defensive scowls. Prowl could have smacked himself for not recognizing it earlier. But such behavior would not be appropriate for the SIC of the Autobots.
But he recognized that defensive behavior that Sunstreaker was exhibiting. The reason? Prowl had been present during one of the few times when the mech had been vulnerable. The black and white mech's battle computer whirled to life, computing theories for Sunstreaker's sudden repeat behavior. Had Jaime witnessed the mech's vulnerability? Prowl's optics widened.
Sunstreaker had been held prisoner on a Decepticon ship in Earth's solar system.
Sunstreaker had been held prisoner on a Decepticon ship. A ship that, apparently, had Shockwave on it…
If anyone beyond Megatron could make a mech feel vulnerable, it would be Shockwave. Prowl gave a sharp vent. So he had a logical explanation for Sunstreaker's volatile—well more than usual—behavior. But how to change it? Sunstreaker couldn't continue to lash out at Jaime when they'd likely be seeing each other quite often. And he could tell that, although she tried to hide it, the negativity Jaime received from the twin was wearing down on her. They needed to at least have a civil relationship. It was the logical action to take. And if a part of him was worried for Jaime, well, it was still the most beneficial decision all around. He realized, at that moment, that he'd become attached to the girl. Prowl pondered on that for only a moment. Well, that didn't change the problem at hand. But what could he do about it? He wasn't exactly the most knowledgeable when it came to feelings and emotions. Perhaps Prime could come up with a workable solution.
Ugh...I am so sorry for making you guys wait this long. This is just embarrassing really. I would've update earlier, like a couple months earlier, but classes are being merciless this semester. Seriously.
Me: Wait...What? Where did it got? Free time! Where did you go buddy!
Classes: Mwuahahaha! You think you can have a life? Think again! *devours social life*
Me: Noooooo! *drowns*
...erm...yea...so, if you did decide to read this chapter, let me just say THANK YOU! I appreciate all you readers who decided to stick with this story. Thank you also for all your reviews! Really! Your feedback gave me inspiration to escape the rut I found myself in. So to keep this story alive (I am NOT giving up on this gem *Classes gets pounded onto the floor* Look who's laughing now!) please continue in giving your wonderful feedback. A reader's support is the lifeblood that keeps an author going. Again, thank you for being awesome. Keep doing what you're doing.
~Hubero
P.S. Er...I know this chapter is a bit shorter than usual. But you deserved something after my long absence. Here's a little something until I put together another chapter...