Chapter Five:

Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers in any way, shape, or form.

Yeah, so I've neglected this story and quite a few others…

Ironhide has some serious ball bearings and Chromia is easily distracted. :)

Chromia was chattering excitedly, tugging Ironhide along as they dodged other mechs and femmes, younglings, and the occasional vendor. Ironhide let an amused smile cross his face. Chromia was downright adorable when she was excited – the way her optics shone, the smile on her face, and her soft laughter. He was brought out of his reverie at the sound of soft conversing.

"Well, hello there, Chromia. Back so soon," asked the elderly mech in the ticket booth. Chromia nodded, grinning at him.

"Yes, I am," Chromia said sweetly. The elderly mech took her hand in his and patted it gently, smiling at her.

"Good, good. And who is this, Chromia? Another friend of yours," the wizened mech asked, squinting up at Ironhide. Ironhide nodded, but Chromia surprised them both.

"Not exactly, we're here on a date," she said. Then she realized what she said and her optics widened – she hadn't meant to say that aloud! Ironhide cocked his head – did she really say that? It wasn't like he minded or anything, but the femme had specifically sworn off mechs. After an astrosecond, Ironhide dared to wrap one hand around her waist. She offered no resistance as he gently pulled her against his side. The vendor nodded, giving her a sly wink.

"Remember what I told you, little lady," the mech said, waggling a finger in her face. Chromia laughed nervously, avoiding optic contact with Ironhide. She began to dig through her wrist compartment. So engrossed and distracted was she that she did not notice Ironhide slyly slip the mech the payment and a wink.

"Don't worry about it, Chromia. Just go on in," the old mech said, winking at her and waving her through the gate, "Enjoy your date."

"But…"

"No, Chromia. Don't argue with your elders," the mech said, waving her a bit more impatiently, "Go on in."

Chromia looked as though she was preparing for an argument, but Ironhide's warm hand gently pulling her from the ticket booth silenced her. She shot the mech a look that promised a verbal lashing later on. The mech only chuckled and turned to the next customer. Chromia gazed up at Ironhide nervously. The mech was observing some sort of tree-like plant intensely. She looked away quickly when he leaned back from examining the plant. The silence that followed was a bit awkward.

"So…a date, huh?"

Chromia winced slightly. She had been praying that he didn't ask.

"Yes," she finally said, pushing away her embarrassment.

"Really now," he drawled out, tugging her closer. She squeaked when she found herself squashed between his arm and torso.

"Yes. Now let me go," she said, her voice a bit muffled by the thick armor pressed against her face.

"I never asked you on a date," he continued, loosening his grip on her. Chromia shoved him away gently, rubbing at the side of her face. Then she glared at him.

"I say it's a date and what I say goes. Now be quiet and look at the flowers," Chromia said, crossing her arms over her chest plate.

"Yes, ma'am," he shot back, giving her a slow smirk that sent her spark into a fluttering frenzy. After a second, though, he wrapped his arm around her once more. Chromia gave him an acidic glare, but leaned into him, sighing gently. The various species of plants loomed overhead, blocking out most of the sunlight. Ironhide checked his internal chronometer. They had less than an hour before darkness fell. The rest of that hour passed by quickly as they discovered new plants and various small insects tucked away in secret pockets of forest land. The path was illuminated by the soft blue glow of guide lights. The trees sighed softly in the artificial breeze, making Chromia shiver in the eeriness of the scene. Ironhide drew her closer instinctively, trying to shield her from the cold.

Chromia's fuel pump was racing. Normally, any mech that dared to get so 'friendly' with her usually ended up with something unpleasant shoved in his exhaust. Ironhide was different, though. How, she did not know. Her spark fluttered happily when he drew her closer and she shivered again, but for completely different reasons. She could feel the restrained power in his gentle touch, the obvious and delicious masculinity that radiated from him. Chromia had never really registered him as more than Prime's friend, but now that his arm was wrapped around her, and they were alone in the miniature forest…her computing center was running rampant of ways to see if the rumors of his superior interface skills were as true as they were common. His fingers flexed a little on her waist, making her shudder again.

"Are you cold, Chromia," he asked, glancing down at her. He was surprised by how dark her optics were. He hurriedly grabbed one of her hands and drew her closer.

"Are you low on energy," he asked, placing a hand on her cheek, "Your temperature is elevated. Slaggit, I knew I shouldn't have dragged you out here."

"I'm fine, Ironhide. I'm just cold," she said, and as an afterthought, hurriedly added, "I'm kind of hungry, though."

Ironhide nodded, a worried frown creasing his features. Chromia mentally sighed in relief. If it were up to her, they'd be back at the apartment and in her berth by now.

"I think we should leave…I don't want you to be ill."

"I'm fine, Ironhide. Let's go enjoy that exhibit and we'll leave right after that, alright?"

Ironhide bit his lower lip before nodding slowly.

"Alright, but we're leaving right afterwards," he said, rubbing her arm softly. Chromia managed to repress the shudder that threatened to run down her spinal relay. Ironhide was faring no better than she was.

The exhibit was made up of imported bioluminescent plants and organic creatures. Since these plants were so delicate, they were contained in a mirrored room. They entered the exhibit. Chromia was unable to hold back her exclamation of surprise and wonderment. There were strange vines covered in glowing white flowers, trees with golden leaves, and innumerable types of flowers. Odd, many legged-creatures scurried through the vegetation, their coats and eyes aglow. Chromia gazed around the room, her optics wide with delight.

Ironhide smiled at the look of astonishment on Chromia's face – he was just as intrigued as she was, but his computing center was more interested in the femme than the plants and creatures – and he gently pulled her closer. She offered no resistance and even leaned her head against his shoulder, mesmerized by their surroundings.

Ironhide bit his lower lip. Would he really be able to pull off what he was about to do without having his interface port blown to smithereens? Chromia shifted slightly and gave him a soft smile. Ironhide steeled himself, he could do this! Ironhide gently pulled her to his chest, stroking her cheek plate with his thumb.

Chromia allowed him to pull her closer, almost close enough for her to bury her face into his neck. She wondered vaguely if he really was about to do what he was planning. If he was, he had some serious ball bearings. Ironhide caressed her back gently and nervously, praying that Chromia was subdued enough for him to try and woo her.

Chromia shot him a slightly questioning look, her mouth upturned into the slightest of knowing smirks.

Frag it all to Pit – If I die tonight, at least I'll get a kiss from a pretty femme, Ironhide thought, shuttering his optics and leaning closer. Chromia giggled quietly and put one finger on his lips.

"What makes you think I kiss on a first date," she said sternly, watching as he drew back. Ironhide smirked at her suddenly.

"This isn't a first date, Chromia," he fairly purred, "Remember when I took you out for dinner with Elita and Optimus?"

Chromia quirked one optic ridge at him.

"I never said that was a date," she shot back, planting her hands on his chest.

"But I say it was," he said, ignoring her good natured protest.

And with that, he lowered his lips to hers and kissed her.