Hello Dear Readers! spottedpath here! Welcome to my newest story-thing. This will be a collection of one shots stemming from my main story, Freedom. There will be no exact upload schedule and each story will be published as it comes to me. That also means they might not necessarily be in a specific order. For newer readers I will post what chapters of the regular story must be read in order to properly understand these one-shots.

Enjoy!

This short story takes place after chapter 20.

It's Not Meant To Be

Corporal Dann Robbins strut though the hollow halls, brimming with confidence. He was well prepared. Groomed but not overly so. He'd played out every possibility in his mind. No matter how she reacted, he would have a witty or charming response. He definitely had an edge over the other men in her vicinity. She was surrounded by Privates and Specialists, but her toned military demeanor best fit a man of more experience, and experience he had. As a member of the Team Prime, like her, he worked directly alongside the autobots. So he paid little heed to their intimidating stature. Thus, he had no qualms in walking through the autobot hanger.

He would be ready for whatever she agreed to. Chilled beers were already sitting in his quarters in case she wanted a private setting. Some was also hidden in the human rec room should she agree to a more casual meeting. And should she want something intimate, there was a blanket laid over an outcropping of rocks overlooking the sea. Among the jagged stones was a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. All three settings could sit as long he needed. After all, she may not be immediately available, though he did check her duty roster just to be safe. He was prepared for anything.

One had to be, when asking her out. She was considered untouchable, but Robbins believed he could get to her. Yes, she acted cold towards the men on base, but she had to maintain a tough outlook to survive the pool of testosterone she lived in. All he had to do was honor her grit. And the Corporal was a man who admired strength in a woman, and she had plenty to spare.

Would wouldn't want to be with such a confident and intelligent woman? And she was certainly a sight for sore eyes. Robbins had overheard some of the men pointing out her scars and, as a ranking officer, he quickly dispersed them with various duties which suddenly required attention. Yes, her scars were noticeable, if one looked hard enough. But the fine, pale lines could easily be missed or become entirely invisible in dim lighting.

Robbins himself had a far more significant map of battles across his body. And should she be into scarred men, he would tell her about the large one spanning his chest. It came from the shrapnel of a decepticon's bullet. If, however, she felt ashamed of her own image, he'd assure her of her own beauty and share his understanding and admiration. He would explain that, to him, scars are a sign of everything a person has overcome. That would surely put her at ease, and raise her confidence, should she have any hidden uncertainties.

Robbins rounded the corner to the rec room. She was supposed to be there with Sideswipe. Just a few yards from the entrance, she stood in the middle of the wide, open space. A data pad rested in her hand and she ran a free finger across it as she pointed something out with an air of importance. Kneeling directly over her, with his helm above her shoulder, was Sunstreaker. Not one to notice humans, his attention was entirely fixed on the data pad and whatever she was saying to him.

The man's arrival , however, had been noticed by her. She glanced over to him, no doubt curious of his purpose for being there. Not many soldiers came by this area of the base. With her, came the attention of the mech. His azure optics set on Robbins. So, with a straight back and calm expression, he proceeded to turn around and leave as quickly as possible.

There would be no date tonight.

So, I was wondering... What do you think Erin looks like? I would love to know! All we've really established is that she is female, has blue-grey eyes, and faint scars (where they are openly visible). Any guesses? Feel free to post your ideas in the comments!