Disclaimer: All Transformers characters belong to Hasbro. Any made up characters were created by me. Has a slight Yaoi.

Summery: (Set sometime after 2007 movie) A sentient being from Cybertron, was once part of six, now five Autobots, in the search of the All Spark. Had got separated from the others and thought to have parish. But soon the being crash lands on Earth, and since gotten there, he's first experiencing of Earth is a bad one.

AN: I'm not going to give out the name of this Autobot. Not just yet anyways. If any of you like to guess then go right ahead.

"blah" – Normal human speck
"blah" – Cybertronian speck
blah – thinking
blah - flashback

Never Surrender
by Yami-Yugi

Chapter 9

Once back at base, Optimus went straight to Medical Bay with Ratchet following. "Ratchet, can we put Prowl in his body now?" Optimus asked.

"Yes. It's prepped for him. Let's hurry." Optimus nodded and gently lay Prowl down the berth.

"Just rest and take it easy, Prowl. You're safe at base where you belong."

"...I'm...s-sorry..." Prowl whimpered.

"Shh... Don't keep saying that. It wasn't your fault." Optimus said gently.

"Starscream did this to you, now rest. I promise you'll be okay when you wake up," said Ratchet.

Prowl looked weakly up at Optimus. "It's okay. I'll be right here when you wake up." Optimus said gently.

"You can trust me, Prowl. I've known you since you were a youngling." Prowl was unsure for a bit before recharge soon decided to take over for his already hurt body. "Easy, youngling," Ratchet said as patted Prowl's chest. He carefully opened his processor and hooked it up to the new one in the new body. He kept tabs on Prowl's vitals as he waited for it to finish. It wasn't long until Prowl finally fell into recharge. Ratchet smiled solemnly at him. "Poor kid... First those scientists...and now Starscream... He just hasn't a very good time on this planet." The processor transfer completed so Ratchet carefully opened Prowl's chest. He took the spark and carefully placed it in new, exact copy of Prowl's cybertronian body. "There we go. He'll be back to normal when he wakes up. Comfortable in his own body," he said as he carefully closed everything up.

"Thank you, Ratchet." Optimus said.

He nodded, carrying the old body back into the storage closet. "I'll scrap that for spare parts later. For now, I'll let Prowl rest. You can stay as long as you need to. I want to check you for injuries anyway." Optimus nodded and took a seat in a near by berth.

Ratchet came over and looked him over. "You check out fine, as always. I recommend you get some rest. You're spark readings are a little weak. I can tell you've been under a lot of emotional stress from Prowl. Stay here with him and rest."

"Thank you again, Ratchet."

Ratchet smiled a bit. "That's what I'm here for." He retreated into the back where his office was so he could get his own rest. Optimus glance over to where Prowl was resting. He smiled, happy that everything will be alright now with his mate. He sent the joy and content to Prowl's spark. He was answered back with calm as Prowl moaned in his sleep.

Optimus didn't know how long he had been asleep, but smiled to see Prowl still resting. He decided to get up and let Prowl be. He found the Medical Bay empty. Ratchet was no longer in his office. He smiled at Prowl one last time before heading out. He was soon greeted by Ironhide and Gadget. "How is he, Optimus?" Ironhide asked.

"He's going to be alright, isn't he?" Gadget asked worriedly.

"He's fine. He's resting in Medical. He's back to normal, in his own body."

"That's good." Ironhide said.

"I'm so relieved," Gadget sighed. "I was worried because Ironhide and I got in some pretty good shots."

"Everything is fine now." Optimus said.

Gadget smiled with a nod. "The 'Cons are pretty quiet. I think Starscream will lay low for a while now." Optimus nodded.

"I'm off to find Bee and the others. No doubt Speed is causing trouble." Gadget left. Ironhide followed her.

"I'm going back to the farm. Annabelle worries when I'm missing for a few days."

"Tell the Lennoxes I said hello then." Optimus said.

Ironhide nodded. "I will." With that Ironhide left the base. Optimus took a deep breath. He decided to get some air. He walked outside of the base and stood on an outcropping of land. He smiled as he watched the scenery.

"...I should try again..." he said as he looked to the sky. Back in the medical bay, someone was slowly waking up. Prowl looked around and wondered where Optimus went. His memories were back to normal. He remembered everything from human to being used by Starscream. He smiled at the familiar Medical Bay, happy to be back with his fellow Autobots in a real body. He slowly got up from the berth just as Ratchet came back.

"I see you are wake. How you feel Prowl?"

"Much better. I'm glad to be in my own body again."

"Good." He came over and gave him a basic check. "Everything's in order now. I suggest you stay in protoform for awhile. You still need to adjust and get used to being in a normal body. Once you feel comfortable enough, let me know and we'll talk about getting you an alternate form."

Prowl nodded. "Where's Optimus?" he asked.

"I'm not sure. I've been working with Wheeljack. I'm sure you'll find him," he smiled.

"I'm sure." Prowl said as he got off of the berth. Ratchet watched him leave with a smile.

Optimus stood outside looking up at the sky, sending the same message. He was so busy doing that he didn't notice someone coming up behind him. "Many are strong." a familiar voice spoke after he finished with his message "They will come."

Optimus slowly turned to the voice behind him. There stood the familiar mech and the familiar small non useful wings. He smiled happily. "Prowl." he said as the said mech came closer so he could wrap his arms gently around him "Why are you still in protoform?"

"Ratchet suggested to wait until I get used to my systems again." the mech spoke as he nuzzle his face plate into Optimus's chest "I wanted so much to hold you like this again. I wanted so much to tell you how much I missed you...How much I love you."

"I know Prowl." said Optimus gently as he caressed the sensitive part of Prowl's prominent red chevron. Prowl leaned into the touch.

"Optimus..." Prowl sighed happily. Optimus smiled and pulled him into his arms.

"...I thought I'd lost you..."

"I'm here now..." Prowl said.

Optimus rested his head on top of Prowl's helm. "I know..."

"...I love you..."

"I love you too." Prowl nuzzles into Optimus again. The Autobot Leader smiled and held Prowl close. "Let's head back inside." Optimus said. Prowl nodded. Optimus smiled and lead his mate back inside the base. Prowl sighed happily, glad to be walking in his own body. Many of the Autobots saw them and wave to them as they pass.

"Aww, man... The Cop Bot's back..." whined SpeedDemon. "Now I have to actually LISTEN to him..."

Jazz ran up and hugged him, almost knocking him away from Optimus. "Nice to have ya back, Prowler."

"Thanks Jazz."

He just smiled. "Can't wait ta start draggin you outta the office again," he smirked.

Optimus smiled. "I'm sure you won't have to worry about that Jazz." He said.

"Oh yeah... YOU'LL be pulling him out of his office too."

"Yuck! Mushy stuff!" Jazz smirked at Speed. She looked up at him. "What?"

"Nothing." Jazz said.

She stared up at Optimus and Prowl. "You two 'love birds' seen Gadget around?"

"She must be with Wheeljack." Prowl said.

"Okay. Thanks!" she called as she ran back down the halls. Jazz just smiled after her.

Prowl sighed. "I'm not looking forward to keeping her in line."

"I'm sure you will do fine."

"Sides, that's Gadget's job anyway," smiled Jazz. Prowl just nuzzled into Optimus. "Well, I should probably leave you two alone," Jazz smiled as he walked off.

"Well I guess we should get ourselves reacquainted in my quarters?" Optimus asked with a smile.

"I agree," smiled Prowl. Optimus lead Prowl towards his quarters.

Once inside the leader's quarters, Optimus led Prowl to his berth. Prowl cuddled into him happily. Optimus smiled and wrapped his arms around Prowl. "I love you Optimus."

"I love you too..." Prowl smiles.

"I guess this is our home now with the Allspark destroyed." Prowl said.

"Yes."

"I guess we should make the best of it." Optimus caress Prowl's chevron.

"This planet has become more and more like home as the years have gone by."

"I guess you have to show me everything." Prowl said with a smile.

"I would love to," the Prime smiled. Prowl cuddled into him again. Optimus just smiled at him. "I will show you everything when you get your alt mode." Prowl just sighed happily.

"I would like that." he finally said. Optimus kissed Prowl on the forehead and started to move down his neck. Prowl moan happily. Optimus moved down from his neck to his shoulders.

"You taste, so good." Optimus said.

Prowl started to kiss him back. "So...do you..." he said in between kisses. Optimus wrap his arms around him. Prowl nuzzled into him. Optimus started rubbing around his door wings. "Optimus..." Prowl moan in content.

"I missed you, Prowl... Missed doing this..."

"Same...here..." Optimus started moving down to Prowl's lower back and pulling him closer to him. "Optimus..."

"...I want to love you...to make up for all those years..."

"...I'm not stopping you..." He smiled and pulled Prowl closer, rubbing more than cuddling. Prowl moan happily. "...Take...me... I...love you..." Prowl smiled. Optimus reached out to him powerfully with their spark bond. Prowl rested against Optimus happily. Optimus obliged him. He was just about to open up and start them interfacing when he noticed Prowl had fallen asleep. His deep breathing was the only sound he made in reply.

Optimus couldn't help but smiled. I guess we can do it later. he thought. He pushed away all his desires and just held Prowl close to him. "I'll always love you, Prowl... I'm here with you now..." He kissed him on the forehead again before covering him with the thermal blanket. "Sweet dream cycle." Optimus then watched him until he went into recharge as well.

When Optimus woke up again he looked down at his mate in his arms. He thought back to the day when Prowl confided in him how he feels. It was a couple of breems after Elita's death when Prowl came into his office that day. He had asked him how he was faring after the loss. "...He...He killed her right in front of me... Wh-What could I do...?" he said, letting tears fall. He knew he couldn't hide his emotions.

"She...would have like you to move on sir..." Prowl had said slowly.

"...But..."

Prowl came up to him and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "It's what she wanted. She wanted you to be happy, sir..."

"...We...we were going to have a sparkling someday... I...I can protect a base full of Autobots...but...but I can't protect the one I love!"

"...She's...she's not the only one that loves you sir..."

"...What...?"

"...She's wasn't the only one that loves you..." Prowl said as he slowly turned away.

"...Prowl...what are you saying...?" he asked, curious more than upset.

"...I-I have had feelings for you sir..." Prowl said "...I just didn't want to come in between you and Elita..."

"...You...You had...feelings for me?"

Prowl nodded. "I...I still do sir..."

Optimus smiled at him and took his hand into his big ones. "Prowl...thank you, for being honest with me. I know how hard it must be to confess something like this, especially to a superior. Prowl...I'm sorry but I have to turn you down. I'm not ready for a relationship right now. My spark needs time to let Elita go and heal. I would appreciate a friend to help me."

"I...I understand sir..."

"If I reciprocate your feelings, I want it to be with my whole spark and not with a partial, wounded one."

Prowl nodded. "I understand sir. I'll...do what ever I can to help you..."

"I would appreciate that, Prowl. I really need a close friend more than a lover. Don't take it too hard."

"I won't sir. I'll be ready when ever you are."

Optimus smiled and let go of Prowl's hand. "I'm glad you understand. You're dismissed for now."

"Very well sir." Prowl said as he turned and started to head towards the door. "Sir... Are you sure you'll be alright...?"

"I... I just need some time alone right now. I'll let you know if I need anything."

"Very well sir. Try to get some recharge, it will help."

"I know. I'm sure Ratchet will be in to check on me as well."

Prowl nodded. "Jazz and myself will take care of the base for you." Optimus only smiled as the SIC left. Optimus smiled down at Prowl, who was still fast asleep. We've come very far since then. You helped me, Prowl... I'm determined to give you every ounce of your love back to you. Prowl cuddled into him more as he sleep. Optimus was tempted to caress Prowl's helmet but he was unsure if that will wake his mate up or not. He settled for a gentle kiss on his forehead. Prowl moaned happily, wrapping his arm around him. Optimus couldn't help but smile. Prowl started to moan, remembering when he first came to the planet. Optimus, worried something was wrong, gently caress Prowl's helmet. "It's okay Prowl." he spoke gently.

"...Optimus..."

"It's okay, I'm here, Prowl."

"...-moan-...I... I don't want to be in this body.. Optimus...help..."

Optimus now knew he needed to wake Prowl up. "Prowl, wake up."

"...Optimus...I need you..."

Optimus gently shook Prowl. "Prowl? Come on wake up."

"...Op...Optimus...?" he yawned.

"You were having a bad dream." Optimus said.

"...I...I was remembering when I first came here." He nuzzled closer to Optimus.

"Well you are okay now, and with me." Optimus said as he kiss the top of his helmet.

"...I know... And I know the humans were only trying to help." Optimus smiled at him. "I love you, Prime..."

"And I love you, Prowl. Shall we get up?"

"...No... I want to enjoy just being together," Prowl said as he nuzzled as close as he could to the Autobot Leader. Optimus couldn't help but smile. Prowl smiled back, falling back asleep. Optimus smiled before he slowly fell back asleep himself.

Prowl slowly woke again and smiled softly to himself when he still found himself in Optimus arms. "...Morning..." Prowl looked a bit surprised to see Optimus awake and looking at him.

"How long..." he started to ask.

"A few minutes." Prowl couldn't help but smile and nuzzled into him more. Optimus smiled.

"How long have we been in recharge?"

"Most of the morning."

"We should get some energon then..." Prowl said with a yawn but didn't move from his position from Prime.

"Yes, we should..." Prowl just cuddled into him more. "Prowl? We should get up."

"...But...Optimus... I...I'm comfortable..."

"But it won't get our energon any faster." Optimus said with a smile.

"...Alright..." Optimus gently kiss the top of Prowl's helmet. Prowl was the first up. Optimus followed after him. They arrived at the rec room and saw some of the other Autobots was there.

"Look who finally decided to come online." Ratchet said with a smile when he saw them.

Optimus smiled at him. "Ratchet." Prowl just gave the medic a nod. Optimus went to the dispenser to get cubes for himself and Prowl.

"Ratchet...?" Prowl asked.

"Yes Prowl?"

"When will I be able to get an alternate mode?"

"How're your systems doing?"

"Better."

"How about after you have your energon come to my medical bay and I can run a system check?"

"Alright." Optimus came over with the cubes. Prowl smiled and took one. "Thanks, love..." Prowl said. Optimus just smiled at him. Prowl smiled back at him before he started to drink his cube. Prowl smiled after he took a sip of his cube. "It's been so long to feel the taste of energon again." He said with a content sigh. Optimus just smiled at his mate as he drank his cube.

After both finished their cubes they followed Ratchet into his medical bay. "Okay take a seat, Prowl." He said and allowed said mech to sit upon the medical berth before he came over and started running scans. Prowl sat as still as he can be as Optimus watched near by. When the scans beeped Ratchet looked at him.

"Well?" Prowl asked.

"Your systems are doing fine." Ratchet said "You can scan an alt mode now and get back on duty."

Prowl smiled at him. "Thanks Ratchet." He said as he got off the berth.

"It's good to have you back, Prowl."

"It's good to be back." Prowl then walked over to where Optimus was waiting.

"I know a perfect place to get you an alt mode." Optimus said with a smile.

Prowl smiled back. "Remember, you promised to show me around afterwards." He said.

"I didn't forget." Ratchet watched with a smile as he saw the two mechs hold hands before they walked out of his medical bay.

Optimus led Prowl outside of the base. Optimus transformed. "Come on, I know the way."

"Okay." Prowl said. Prowl climbed into Optimus's trailer as it hitched up to him. Optimus happily drove off with his precious cargo out to the place he first landed. Optimus sighed happily from the memories as the country highway came into view. Optimus stopped at where they could not be seen by the passing cars.

"Okay Prowl, you can come out now."

"Are you sure it's safe?" Prowl asked from inside.

"Hardly anyone but other delivery drivers drive down this road."

"Okay..." Prowl said as he slowly got out from the trailer. Optimus smiled as he watched him. Once Prowl was out of the trailer he walked over to where Optimus was transformed. "So...how can I scan an alt mode then if only delivery driver use this road?"

"Others drive here as well." Optimus crouched down out of sight and Prowl copied. "Just observe the other cars going by."

"Okay." Optimus smiled as he watched Prowl. Prowl patiently waited for a car to drive by.

Soon sirens could be hard nearing them. Prowl look towards the sound and saw a police cruiser nearing them going to an emergency. Prowl couldn't help but smile as he quickly scanned it before it drove off. Optimus couldn't help but smile. "It suits you." He said.

Prowl turned and smiled back at him. "You think so?"

"Definitely," he smiled widely. Prowl smiled again. "Well? Aren't you going to try it out?"

"Are you going to help me?" Prowl asked with a smirk. Optimus was confused for a moment. Prowl flushed and looked down, door wings drooping. "O-oh...you...you meant...to transform..."

"What you thought I meant?" Optimus asked.

"...Never mind..."

Optimus only laughed, the romantic side of him understanding. He put an arm around Prowl and patted his shoulder. "Maybe later," he whispered. Prowl blushed more. "Okay, give it a try." Prowl smoothly transformed into the police car. "How does it feel?"

Prowl move a bit on his tires. "Good."

"Ready to head back?"

"I thought you were going to show me around?"

"Oh, I forgot, sorry." Prowl couldn't help but smile a bit at that. Optimus transformed and started to drive off. "C'mon."

"I'll go where ever you go." Prowl said as he drove off after him. Optimus smiled and led Prowl around the area.

"This planet is quite lovely..." Prowl said "Even more so when I'm with you."

Optimus "smiled". "Yes, organic life has a very unique beauty to it."

"I like your alt mode...its makes you so...sexy."

"Are you flirting with me Prowl?"

"You don't want me to?"

"Maybe not right now."

"...Oh..." Prowl sighed. "...Lets go back then..."

"Okay." Optimus said then led him back to base.

Once they got back, Prowl headed straight to what was now his office. "Prowl?"

"...Sorry sir..." Prowl said "...I need to get to work, since I'm so far behind and this base needs to be in order."

"Prowl, there is no need..."

"Ratchet said I am fit for duty. Excuse me." Prowl said as he then step in the room and shut the door. Optimus was quite confused by the abrupt seriousness. He barged into the room and walked over to Prowl.

"Prowl what in Primus is the matter? Just a couple of seconds ago work was the farthest thing away from your processor."

"Nothing is the matter, sir. I just thought since I was gone so long..."

"You never called me sir when we were alone."

"...I...You...You said...you didn't want me to flirt with you. So...I... I'm catching up with my work instead."

Optimus could only laugh out loud. "You silly mech." He got in Prowl's face and smiled at him. "I didn't want us flirting out in the open while I was touring you around. I wanted you to observe your surrounds and I didn't want us to draw attention to ourselves."

"Oh...I see. I guess my processors miss the signs. Some tactician I am."

"No, you're the best." Optimus said with a smile again. Prowl leaned up and stole a kiss from Optimus. Optimus couldn't help but smile and deepen the kiss.

"We wouldn't be like this if Elita was still alive, huh?" Prowl asked.

"...No...it would be Elita in your place...but that's the past. She would want us to be like this now. She is with Primus now."

Prowl nodded. "Do you...ever regret it? Being with me and all after her death?"

Optimus pulled away from him. "No... I could never regret it. I chose you because I love you."

Prowl couldn't help but smile a bit. "That's all I needed to hear."

"Don't ever believe I don't love you. I've let her go. My spark is yours now."

"I never doubted it, I was just making sure." Prowl said "But...but what if she came back? Like she wasn't really dead like you thought I was when the Ark blew up? What would you do?" Optimus paused a moment, his spark conflicted. It pulsed happily at the thought of her being alive, but the rest of it was in conflict. Prowl waited patiently.

Optimus sighed. "There's a possibility I would go back to her. We were together for a long time, long before I became Prime. There would need to be some discussion and an agreement by all parties involved. Prowl...if she really were alive... I wouldn't just go racing back to her. I would consider your feelings." Prowl nodded again before he gave him a kiss again. Optimus smiled, his spark at ease again. " Why do you ask?"

"It was just something that was on my processor, that's all." Prowl said.

Suddenly the door opened again. "Oh there ya are...oops, did I am interrupting anything?" Jazz asked.

"...Let's...take this somewhere private, Prowl."

"Yes..." Prowl said before looking at Jazz "Was there something you need Jazz? If not..."

"Don't worry I got the hint. The two of ya need some alone time. It can wait."

Prowl smiled at his friend and got up from his desk. Jazz moved out of their way when the two headed out the door. Jazz just couldn't help but smiled. He started to remember the first time when Prowl told him about his secret. "Jazz...can we talk?" Prowl asked him one day in the rec room.

"Yeah sure, what's up, Prowler?"

"I need some help..."

"Help with what? Yer second in command, under Optimus."

"That's just it...it's something I can't tell Prime..."

"It can't be that bad."

"It is Jazz...it is..."

"I'm sure Optimus will understand."

"No, I'm sure he won't...he might put me in the brig just because I think it..."

"Prowler, yer not making sense."

"...I...I have a crush on Prime..." Jazz laughed outright, thinking Prowl was joking. "This isn't a laughing matter Jazz! I'm peds over spark in love with our leader!"

Jazz shut up quickly and stared Prowl in the optics. "Yer serious, mech?" Prowl nodded, sensory panels lowering a bit. Jazz grinned VERY widely and clapped Prowl hard on the shoulder. "Nice score, Prowler."

"No it's not Jazz... Prime is bonded to Elita..."

"...Oh...I had a glitch for a moment... So...ya need my help to do what? Ya want to confess yer feelings even though he's already bonded?"

"No...it won't be right..."

"Then whatcha want me to do, Prowler?"

"Forget I said anything Jazz..." Prowl said sadly as he stood up to leave.

Jazz grabbed him and put an arm around him. He led him down the hall towards his quarters. "Nah. I'll tell ya what I'll do. I'll keep it a secret, lock it away tight. I'll help ya fuel yer crush into somethin else. I'll help ya mellow out and forget ya ever liked 'im. I've done it a few times before so I know what I'm doin."

"You sure you can help me forget?"

"Yeah. I've had to forgo lotsa pretty femmes before. I'll help ya get yer mind on something else, then I'll get ya dating somebody else."

"Somebody else?"

"Yeah just try it."

"I guess I can..."

Granted Prowl did try, but now Jazz was glad it never fully happen because now his friend was so happy. I'm happy for ya Prowler. he thought.

Optimus pulled Prowl into his quarters and let the door slide shut. He locked it and the two went deeper into the living quarters. "Now where were we before Jazz interrupted us?"

"Making out I believe." Prowl just smirked and dog piled onto Optimus, snuggling into him as he kissed him. Optimus couldn't help but kissed his mate back. The kissing started getting heavier.

"Optimus..." Prowl moan happily.

Meanwhile, someone did hear Prime's message the night before and started to make their way to Earth. The life form sent out a special pulse that only one other being could sense. Optimus had stop making out with Prowl when he felt something in his spark. "Optimus? What's wrong?" Prowl asked, still overheating from their make out.

"It's nothing Prowl."

"It can't be nothing."

'Prime, the computer is picking up an Autobot signal.' Ironhide's voice spoke through the comm.

"It can't be..." Optimus said aloud, not meaning to.

"What can't be?" Prowl asked.

Optimus tried to hide the excitement in his spark. "It's nothing, Prowl."

"Stop saying it's nothing." Prowl said.

'Prime?'

'Get Ratchet and go ahead. I'm with Prowl.'

'Sure thing. Ironhide out.'

"Optimus," Prowl said in a demanding tone. The Prime sighed and put his hands on Prowl's shoulders.

"...Don't get upset, but...I...I think she's coming here."

Prowl got a bit confused. "Who?"

"...Elita..." he said mostly to himself so Prowl couldn't hear.

But Prowl did hear. "...But...how?" he asked, slowly pulling away from him.

"I don't know. I just started feeling her a few minutes ago," he said, pulling Prowl near him again.

"It could be a trap...by the Decepticons..." Prowl whispered "It has to be. We all saw what happen that day..."

"I don't know... I have to find out." Prowl pushed him away. "Don't. I won't go if you don't want me to."

"No...go..." Prowl said.

"I can always find out later. I don't want to hurt you."

"No, it's okay..." Prowl said "You need to find out."

Optimus sighed heavily. His spark rejoiced for its long lost mate, but it ached painfully to know he would be losing another. He kissed Prowl's cheek. "I promise you, we'll sit down and talk this over. I won't leave you or hurt you." With those words, he left his quarters and went to meet the CMO and his weapon's specialist. Prowl sat there a bit, sighing sadly, his door wings lowered a bit. He then got up and went to find Jazz.

Said mech had sensed the changes in his best friend's spark and had gone to find him too. The two nearly ran into each other in the hall. "Prowler?"

"...S-She's back Jazz..."

"What's wrong, Prowler?" he asked, making sure he heard right.

"...E-Elita...s-she's back Jazz..." His door wings were quivering.

"I had a feeling that was it. I'm sure Prime's gonna sort it all out. He's not just gonna come right out and dump ya. I know 'im. He ain't like that."

"...B-But what if he does...?"

"Elita's gonna understand, trust me. I'm sure the three of ya are gonna talk it all out and see what's best for everyone." Prowl was unsure.

At the same time, Optimus watched as his long lost first mate land near by. His intakes were shaky as a conflict of emotions raced through him. For the first time in his life, he didn't know what to do. How could he choose between the two loves of his life without hurting either one? "Optimus." the femme said once she transformed and raced towards him, quite happy to see him.

"...Elita... But how...?"

"Ultra Mangus and his Wreakers found me afterwards."

"The Wreakers?"

"The warriors you left on Cybertron."

"...Yes...I know... So...they were able...to save you...?"

"Yes, Optimus," she smiled as she cupped his face. "What's wrong, Orion? You're distracted."

"...I'm sorry... It's just a lot to take in..."

"Something else is troubling you. I can tell. Be truthful. I love you and nothing you tell me could upset me."

"...Well...after you "died"...I...I kind of found someone else..."

He closed his eyes and tried to look away. He prepared himself for an angry outburst. "So...you bonded to another?" she said more curiously than angrily. "Optimus...please look at me," she said as she pulled his face towards hers.

"...Y-You're not mad?"

"No. I couldn't be mad. You were only doing what I would have expected. If I had died that day, I would want you to find someone else to mend your spark."

"But you're not..."

"No...but that's alright. I can't ask you to pick up right where we left off and throw away your bondmate like nothing happened. I know you wouldn't expect the same of me. That's what love is. It's understanding, letting go, moving on, and it's about accepting change. Now, who is the lucky object of your affections?"

"Prowl..."

"Your second in command?"

Optimus nodded. "He...He confessed to me that he had fallen for me shortly after you died."

"Oh?"

He nodded again with a heavy sigh. His spark was very troubled now, an inner war raging within it. Elita One took his hand and held it tightly. "Come then. We must talk with him and put both your sparks at ease." Optimus just couldn't help but nodded again.

She turned and led him back inside. "Hey! Wait a minute! I haven't even checked her out yet!" Ratchet chastised as he turned to follow them.

"You can check me out later." Elita said "This needs to be done now." The CMO sighed heavily but did not argue.

The pair walked through the halls, surprising most of the others to see Elita alive. They had found Prowl in the rec room with Jazz. "Prowl," called a femme voice. Optimus was too nervous and distraught about the situation to respond. Prowl slowly looked over, he saw how the two were holding hands and thought of the worse. "Come along with us somewhere privately. There are important personal matters that must be discussed."

Prowl gulped. "It's okay Prowler, go on." Jazz said as he placed a hand on his shoulder.

"I understand this is very uncomfortable for you, but things must be dealt with. I promise you that everyone involved will have a chance to make their feelings known. Come on, now," she said as she extended a hand out to him. Prowl was unsure but he slowly got to his feet. Elita smiled at him and waited patiently for him to approach her. She took his hand and the three walked down the hall to Optimus's quarters. It felt odd to Prowl for the femme to hold his hand. "I promise I don't bite," Elita One chuckled, trying to ease the tension.

Once the three got into Optimus's quarters Prowl got even more worried. Elita led them to the couch and had them all sit in a small group so everyone could look at each other. Prowl took the chair facing the couch. Lots of scenarios came to Prowl's logic processors all a once. He tried to mentally push them away so he won't crash, something that hasn't happen to him in a long while and he didn't want to do it now. "I think the three of us need a talk." Elita said with a smile. Optimus sighed heavily and stared at the floor. Prowl fidget on the chair. Elita looked between them for a moment. "...Well...seems I'm going to have to start." Prowl gulped, worried that was it and he was going to be alone again. "It seems that things had changed since I was gone." Prowl gulped again.

"...I...I guess this is it...huh...?" Prowl slowly spoke.

"Prowl..."

"...You are going back to where it use to be...before..." Prowl whispered, his processor starting to hurt just thinking about it.

"Prowl, you're jumping to conclusions," said Elita One, taking his hand.

"...Wha...?"

"I cannot speak for Optimus," she smiled, squeezing his hand, "but -I- am not just going to pretend like nothing happened and go back to the way things were."

"...Really...?" Prowl looked over to where Optimus sat. Optimus cleared his throat and nodded, still not looking up from the floor. "...But...how will this all work...?" Prowl asked, still confused.

"That's why we're talking right now."

"Feelings need to be discussed," agreed Optimus.

"...I guess..." Prowl said.

Elita One squeezed his hand a little tighter. "Don't worry. Everyone will walk away with mutual understanding. No one is going to get hurt, at least, that's my goal."

"...Elita...I...I can't believe you're alive...that you're right here in front of me," Optimus sighed, pulling her towards him. He took her two hands into his. "It... It took me so long to heal..." Prowl watched, a little jealous but tried to hide it.

"...You two...been together for so long..." Prowl whispered "...I always thought it might never happen between Optimus and I..."

"Yes...we have been together for a long time."

"Since we were younglings," Elita One smiled.

"...I just met you after I joined the Autobots..." Prowl sighed again. Maybe I never did have a chance at all with Optimus in the first place... Prowl thought sadly.

"I'm so happy you're alive," smiled Optimus as the two met foreheads. Prowl thought maybe he shouldn't be here, to let Optimus have his space with Elita.

"I'm happy too," smiled Elita. "I'm glad you were able to find someone to love you as much as I do." The two didn't notice Prowl slowly getting up and heading for the door. Optimus just couldn't help but smile.

"I still love you...I do...I just..." That was all Prowl needed to hear. Prowl slowly open the door and let it quietly closed behind him.

"...I...I know...I...Prowl?" asked Elita as she noticed things were quiet. Optimus looked to where Prowl was sitting and noticed the chair was empty.

"...Oh no... I think...he got the wrong idea..." He stood up to go after him.

"Wait, Orion. Don't. Saying something to him now will only upset him more. He needs to calm down by himself for now. Besides, I want to hear everything about him. I want to get to know the one who has taken my place," she smiled.

"Are you sure?" Optimus said. He knew how hard Prowl can take news and take things way too seriously.

"I'm sure. I know you still love me and I still love you, but we need to sort through our feelings and come to a choice. We need to do this now so when you DO talk to him, it's the truth."

Optimus sighed. "I hope you're right."

"So, tell me about how you met and the details of your relationship. Tell me what's happened since I've been gone." Optimus sighed again and started from the beginning.