(Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers; just Anwen)

(Authors Note: Happy New Year everyone! We survived the great TP crisis of 2020, YAY! So as I mentioned in my last chapter, this is my first movie verse FF for the Transformers. Hopefully you'll find it enjoyable and fun to read. I certainly have fun writing it and this has been a work in progress for almost a year now. I can't guarantee that I'll be consistent with uploading new chapters because I have other FF's that I'm trying to work on as well. However, I'll update as often as I can and whenever I have the time. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.)

Chapter 2

Keys clicked beneath her fingertips, the screen illuminated her face and the morning dragged on uneventfully; but shortly after 1050, Anwen was approached by her fellow coworker, Marcus Delaine. He was a sturdy man of 28 years with short brown hair, green eyes and a cocky smile. While he wasn't rude or aggressive, he was rather annoying in Anwen's eyes...most of the time.

"Hey there, Bleu cheese," he smirked when she rolled her eyes at the stupid nickname. "Why so pouty? Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Not really," Anwen answered in a neutral tone while continuing to focus on her work. "I'm still pissed at you for covering all of my office supplies, including my computer, in blue wrapping paper. It took me an hour just to unwrap everything and remove the tape!"

He chuckled, "Yea, watching you struggle was quite the sight. Your face was so red from frustration and anger, I swear it matched your hair color."

Glancing up from her computer, she narrowed her eyes at him and asked in a slightly annoyed tone, "What do you want?"

"Well, since you asked, I need you to deliver this week's reports to Lennox." He dropped the large manilla folder on top of her desk with a *thud* before casually leaning against her cubicle wall.

"Not that I'm complaining, but why do you always make me do it?"

A smug look appeared across his face, "Cause I can. Besides, I figured you'd like to stretch your legs."

"Riiight," she rolled her amber eyes before glancing through the folder's contents. "Everything is accounted for correct?"

"Sure is, Bleu cheese. Maggie compiled it all together earlier this morning."

"Oh good, that means I won't have to double check to make sure nothing was left out by mistake."

"What, you don't trust me to be diligent and organized? That wounds my pride, Bleu cheese."

*sigh* "I wish you wouldn't address me as Bleu cheese. I hate that stupid nickname."

"Aw, but it's cute; just like you."

"Je ne suis pas mignonne."

"You know I can't understand when you speak French right?"

"Well, excuse me for being a proud French Canadian! I can't help it if I like to go back and forth between English and French. It helps me to hold onto my heritage."

"Aw, that's a sweet excuse for deliberately confusing me. But in all seriousness, what'd ya say? You inadvertently piqued my curiosity."

She frowned but replied, "I said, I'm not cute."

"Sure you are. As a matter of fact, you're very attractive...for a ginger," he smirked, making her narrow her amber eyes in annoyance. "Honestly, I'd say you're a solid 7 outta 10. Maybe an 8 if you'd let me take you out on a date sometime. I promise it'd be worth your while."

At that, Anwen felt her face heat up in irritation, to which she stood up from her desk to properly address him, "I've said it before and I'll say it again: No thank you. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to deliver these reports before you pester me any further." With a huff, she then grabbed the manilla folder and made her way out of the office.

XXXXX

Upon entering the main hangar, Anwen skillfully weaved her way through the bustle of soldiers coming and going while keeping an eye out for her quarry. Finally, after a few minutes, she spotted Lennox atop the walkway speaking with Optimus and Ironhide. With a shy smile, Anwen approached and waved up at the group, "Bonjour, gentlemechs. I apologize for interrupting, but I'm here to deliver some paperwork to Colonel Lennox."

Said soldier peered over the walkway and smiled, "Hey Bleu, how's the weather down there?"

At his question, she playfully rolled her eyes, "Oh you know, soleil et arcs-en-ciel (sunshine and rainbows). That aside, may I speak to you for a moment?"

"Sure thing, I'll be right down." He then descended down the ladder and approached the young ginger, "What can I do for you?"

With an apologetic look, she presented the folder to him with a sigh, "I'm sorry to give this to you but I have this week's reports for you to examine."

He childishly frowned at the folder before reluctantly accepting it and giving her a smile, "Thanks for bringing these to me, Bleu." Noting her stance, he suddenly realized that she wasn't putting as much weight on her left leg/ankle, to which he asked, "Are you okay? You look like you're experiencing some discomfort."

"I'm fine. It's just a phantom pain that comes and goes here and there."

His smile faded as he looked upon the young ginger, "Bleu, I'm so…"

"Amoebien (Don't)…," she held up a hand to silence him, "I don't need you or anyone else apologizing for what happened to me in Mission City. It wasn't you or the Autobots' fault: It was the Decepticons. I don't want to be pitied, nor do I want everyone to treat me like a porcelain doll that'll break at any moment. I'm just a regular person like everyone else, and while I am now technically disfigured, my injuries have only made me stronger because they're a testament to my endurance. The pain I sometimes feel is just a reminder that I'm still alive and that I should be grateful for the second chance I've been given."

"Well, you are by far the toughest 19 year old I've ever known," Will stated as a matter-of-factly.

"Merci. But honestly, I don't think of myself as tough but rather optimistic and humble," she then cheerfully glanced up at the Autobot leader, "I strive to be an 'Optimist Prime' rather than a 'Negatron'."

That comment got Optimus to genuinely chuckle while Ironhide and Will looked on in surprise: he NEVER laughs! It's not that Prime wasn't one to show emotion, but he was rather selective about it; especially when it came to humor. "Your positivity is enlightening to me, Miss Bleu. I haven't expressed such mirth in quite some time. Thank you for brightening up my day," he replied with a kind smile.

"Of course! Aside from the work I do here, my purpose is to bring joy to others in some form or another. After everything you guys have done for me it's the least I can do for you. By the way, I also wanted to let you all know that you're appreciated and that I care about you."

"Aw, Bleu, that's literally the nicest compliment I've heard in a long while," Will stated.

"I try. But, that being said, I should probably head back to the office seeing as how I've already taken up enough of your time as it is."

"Nah, you're fine." He then noticed that she seemed troubled, to which he asked, "You okay?"

*sigh* "This is off topic, but before I forget...have you, by chance, received any information regarding my brother, Major Liam Bleu? I know he served alongside you in Qatar and was part of your team during Mission City, but I was curious if he had sent you any notifications to his current whereabouts."

At that, Lennox shook his head and gave her a sympathetic look, "I'm sorry, Anwen, I don't know what happened to him. After Mission City, our team was split up. Half of us remained in the states to clean up the aftermath of the Decepticon attack while the rest were deployed back to Qatar. I lost contact with Liam a few months ago, but he's a strong, capable soldier and one of the bravest men I've ever served with. If anyone has the will to survive it's him. Rest assured, I'll inform you if anything pops up."

A slight nod was her response before she softly replied, "I'd appreciate it."

"If your brother is as headstrong and fearless as Lennox claims he is, then he must still be alive out there. I doubt he'd want you thinking the worst," Ironhide gruffly spoke as he crossed his arms and casually leaned against the wall, "You humans may be squishy, but you're tougher than we give you credit for."

The young redhead allowed a small smile to appear on her lips at his words, "Merci Monsieur."

He tilted his helm and smirked in amusement, "Sir? What kind of slagging designation is that? Please, squishy, call me Ironhide if you're gonna be formal."

"Only if you call me Anwen or Bleu if my first name is too froufrous (frilly) for you to say."

The weapons specialist emitted a slight grunt as he looked upon the small femme, "Sounds fair; though I prefer squishy: It suits you."

"Well, if you're set on not using the names I provided you, then why not call me gingembre (ginger) or freckles? At least then you can tell me apart from the other 'squishies' running around the base."

"Very well, 'ginger squishy' it is," he smirked, causing her lips to purse in irritation while her amber eyes narrowed. Seeing this, Ironhide lightly chuckled at the young femme before kneeling down and placing one of his digits under her chin, to which he then donned a serious expression, "Look Anwen...Don't give up on your brother. Don't allow yourself to fall into the Pits and succumb to despair and doubts. If there is hope, you mustn't lose it."

She looked into his stern yet caring optics with glassy amber eyes and a small smile, "Merci Ironhide."

"Hey now, I don't do waterworks." He stood back up and crossed his arms with a smirk, "Well go on; get outta here, ginger squishy."

She rolled her eyes and smiled before waving goodbye to the group and heading back towards the office. Once she rounded the corner and was out of sight, Lennox glanced up at the weapons specialist with a smirk, "Hide, you big softie, when did you suddenly start giving pep talks?"

He narrowed his optics at the Colonel's comment but answered in his usual gruff tone, "I don't unless I feel it's necessary." He then glanced over towards the hallway Anwen had ventured down before looking back down at Lennox, "I read her file the other day. Apparently, her brother is the only family she has left. If he's out there, I hope to Primus that he's not offline...The thought that little femme completely alone and distraught makes my spark ache."

At his statement, Optimus placed a servo on his shoulder plate and gave a look of understanding, "We've all lost family and friends in this thankless war; but I agree with you, old friend: it would also weigh on my spark to see her in such dismay."

XXXXX

As soon as the clock read 1200, Anwen powered off her computer for lunch and adorned her rollerblades, helmet and sunglasses. Afterwards, she rolled out into the hallway and made her way through the massive hanger. By this time, there were Autobots and humans going about their business as usual. While skating, Anwen kept close to the walls so as to avoid traffic, but as she was about to turn and exit outside, she nearly crashed into a familiar silver Lamborghini. With quick reflexes, she skidded to a stop and let out a startled gasp, "Sideswipe! I'm so sorry for nearly running into you...again."

There was an amused chuckle before the silver Lambo transformed into the Autobot frontliner. "You know sweetspark, there are better ways of getting my attention than throwing yourself at me," he winked, making her blush a deep shade of crimson.

"Umm...well...I didn't exactly 'throw' myself at you. We both just weren't paying attention."

"Well, regardless, we should find an alternative way of running into each other that doesn't result in a near-trip to the Med Bay," he smiled at her before asking, "Where you headed? I can give you a lift."

"Oh, umm, I was actually heading to the chow hall for lunch. I'd gladly take you up on your offer, but as you know, I've got my own set of wheels," she gestured towards her rollerblades.

"Well then, would you like an escort? I'd be happy to accompany you."

Another blush dusted her freckled cheeks as she looked up at him, "I don't want you to feel obligated to escort me."

"I'm not obligated; I'm merely requesting to skate with you. If that's alright?"

She gave him a polite nod, "Of course!" She then rolled out of the hanger with him gliding alongside her. Sideswipe did a couple tricks as a means to show off, to which she responded with a few tricks of her own.

After several minutes, the two of them reached the chow hall and slowly skidded to a halt outside the doors. "Well, this is my stop. Thanks for skating with me, Sideswipe."

He cheekily smiled, "Anytime, Ani. If you ever feel like tearing up the asphalt with me sometime, give me a holler."

Anwen made a slight laugh and gave him a nod, "I'll keep that in mind." She then waved goodbye to the silver Autobot and disappeared inside the chow hall.

Upon her departure, Sideswipe remained outside for a few minutes with a fond smirk lining his face. The warm tugging on his spark continued to make its presence known which caused him to emit a 'hmm' of contentment before leisurely rolling back towards the main hanger.

XXXXX

"Anwen is everything alright?" Maggie stated in a concerned tone. She was like a big sister to the younger woman and was always trying to look out for her well-being.

The young redhead blinked owlishly for a moment before facing the Aussie with a bashful smile, "Pardon (Sorry), I guess I spaced out for a moment."

"Uh huh. Were you thinking of something...or someone," she gave her a devious wink, to which Anwen simply rolled her eyes:

"I was just wondering: You know Sideswipe, correct?"

"Well yea; I know all of the bots on some level. Why?"

She shrugged, "No reason. I was just curious." Her hand gently rubbed the center of her chest as a smile graced her lips, "He and I nearly crashed into one another a couple times today and he offered me a ride over here, though I politely declined seeing as how I have my own set of wheels..."

"Wait, wait, wait...He offered you a ride," she asked, shocked at how casual that notion seemed to her. "He's a freakin' Lamborghini, and you didn't take him up on a ride?! Do you know how many people on this base would kill for a chance to ride in his alt form?!"

Anwen resisted the urge to laugh but gave a slight smirk in response, "I know; but I'm perfectly capable of getting around on my own. Besides, I'm not entirely sure how comfortable he'd be with a human sitting in his lap...er, whatever part of his body that contorts into a car seat. I'd hate for him to feel uncomfortable."

The Aussie woman laughed, "Well, when you put it like that, I suppose it would be awkward to some extent. So, what happened after you refused his offer?"

"He asked to skate with me instead. We rolled from the main hangar to here, and then we departed ways for the time being. He said he'd be happy to tear up the asphalt with me again sometime if I was up for it."

A warm smile spread across the blonds face, "Sounds like you've made a new friend." Her expression then turned serious as she looked at the young redhead, "Just be careful of his twin. Sunstreaker isn't known for his kindness towards humans...I don't want you to get hurt."

Anwen gave an understanding nod, "Je connais (I know). I'll be sure to keep my distance." She took a small bite of her food before staring into oblivion once more.

Seeing this, Maggie gently placed a hand on her arm and asked in a caring tone, "You okay?"

*sigh* "I was just thinking about my brother. I haven't heard from him in months and it's not like him to go so long without contacting me." She picked at her food in thought, "I'm trying to stay positive and hope that he's okay. But...I just want to know what happened to him."

"Colonel Lennox served with him, correct? Maybe he has an inkling to his whereabouts."

"I already asked...He hasn't received any recent information regarding Liam's status or location."

The Aussie then gently grabbed Anwen's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze, "Hey now, your brother is a fighter. He'll make it back to you one way or another."

She sighed as she continued to stare down at her tray, "Je connais (I know)...but it's not like him to go months without contacting me. Ever since he joined the military, he's either called, e-mailed or wrote to me every other week just to check up on me and tell me that he's okay. I haven't physically seen him since I graduated college and I'm worried something happened to him."

"Anwen, look at me," she placed a hand on her cheek and gently tilted her head up to face her, "Whatever the outcome may be, Liam wouldn't want you to give up. He wouldn't give up on you; so don't give up on him. Just keep calm and think positive."

A small nod was her response before she emitted a sigh, "You're right...I'm sorry for worrying so much, but I can't always help it. For years, all Liam and I had was each other. We've always been close and this sudden lack of contact has been unbearable. Here, I have my work to keep my mind distracted, but when I'm not working or doing something productive, my thoughts turn back to Liam."

"Sounds like you could use a distraction from all the stress."

"What do you have in mind," she curiously asked.

Maggie gave her a smile and gently squeezed her hand, "I was thinking of a girls-night-in this weekend. Tomorrow, after work, you pack an overnight bag and pop over to my unit around 6ish while I make us some spag bol (spaghetti bolognese). Afterwards, we can give each other makeovers and do our nails before continuing our MST3K (Mystery Science Theater 3,000) marathon. How does that sound?"

A small smile made its way across the ginger's face, to which she gave her a nod, "That sounds wonderful. Merci."

"Of course."