A/n: Written for an anon request over on LJ

Warning: Intimacy, kissing, slash

Courtship

Optimus had watched from afar since that very first moment they'd met. The ninjabot had seemed so fiery, so unapproachable, so very, very alluring, mysterious. Sighing softly the young Prime rested his chin against his palm, his free hand idly poking at the computer console. At the very most he would call Prowl a friend but the stubbon 'bot made it so difficult to get close to him, to have a conversation with him. Sometimes it was just too much effort to suade him to come down from his tree, but a mech could dream right?

Dream Optimus did. He dwelled on the long chats they'd had, they were few and far between but when they happened, Optimus didn't want them to end. He always felt torn when it came to Prowl, the mech had a knack for causing problems amongst his team. He'd found himself playing peace keeper between the ninja bot and Bumblebee more times than he'd like to count. He still, despite the acts of disobedience, the arrogant attitude and aloof nature, believed there was more to Prowl.

Having only caught glimpses of the deeper side of Prowl, Optimus truly felt that the mech put up a front. Those fleeting glimpses made him want for more, more of Prowl the mech, not the ninjabot. Oh how he wanted to get to know him, to share interests with him, simply spend quality time with him and would it kill the mech to smile?

He poked a little harder at the console in frustration, so far, Prowl had barely looked his way. They'd had a particularly difficult few days, tension was rife throughout their small team. The Elite Guard had arrived and their claims of Decepticon attacks were now under scrutiny and suspicion. It didn't help that Sentinel was one of the ones who'd come planet-side but that wasn't Optimus's biggest concern.

He'd tried so hard since they'd arrived on Earth to get close to Prowl, get the mech to open up and that ninjabot had done it in a matter of days. Optics narrowed as his mood turned sour. That white mech was everything he wasn't. Cool, sociable, suave, sexy... Jazz...

He flicked through the various monitors they'd set up throughout Detroit, with more venom, checking for any sign of trouble, anything that would distract him from his frustration. What chance did he have against that kind of competition? At least out there, helping the humans, he was useful, he knew his place. The computer whined at the force he was flicking through and chose that moment to fritz and fade to static.

Optimus scowled and glared at the screen. What chance did he stand against that? He'd literally cornered Prowl after their defeat of the wayward police drones at the Sumdac factory and the two of them hadn't been seen since. He really didn't want to think about what they were doing. "I should just order him off base... I'm the Prime around here." He groused sullenly.

"Order who off base?"

Optimus's optics went wide at the smooth voice and he casually glanced over his shoulder at the white mech, managing to disguise his irritated surprise. "Oh, Jazz it's nothing. Just talking to myself."

"Right." Jazz smirked and headed over. "SP givin' y' a hard time, I take it?"

"No more than usual."

The white mech perched on the edge of the console with a soft chuckle. "Well we're set to disembark soon, so you'll be clear of him in no time."

Optimus gave him a wry, faint smile and nodded absently. "Did you need to see me, Jazz?" He hoped it didn't sound too curt, in truth he really had nothing against the guardsmech, he'd only waltzed in and stole away the only mech who'd ever caught his optic, who made his spark flutter in his presence, whose voice alone could send shivers down his backstruts. Nope he had nothing against the mech, what so ever.

Jazz sighed softly and he tilted his helm at the awkward Prime. "I wanted t' give you somethin'."

"Excuse me?" Optimus's optics snapped up in surprise. He hadn't been expecting that one.

Removing something from his subspace, Jazz placed a tattered old Cybertronian bookfile on the console. "I've seen the way you look at him and I figured you could use a helpin' hand."

"I don't know what you're ta-"

Jazz laughed and clapped his shoulder as he stood. "Y' can't fool me OP, been around too many 'bots t' know the signs. You got it bad..." He shook his helm. "Read that, I guarantee it'll help. I was given it by a friend when I was training, I reckon they thought it was funny."

Optimus hesitantly picked up the book file and his mouth parted in astonishment. Rituals and Courtship practises of the Cyberninja. "I don't know what to say..." He murmured sheepishly, clutching the book file tightly, feeling as if Jazz had dropped the All spark in his lap.

"Just say you'll try...? He's a stubborn mech, but he's got a good spark... worth a chance."

Optimus smiled and nodded feeling rather humble that he'd misjudged the white mech. "Jazz, thank you."

Jazz shrugged lightly casting him a crooked grin. "No problem, OP and for the record, we ain't done nothin' but train." His visor winked at him as he turned to leave.

"Jazz...?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you think... well is it possible that Prowl will see anything, in a 'bot like me?"

That knowing visor brightened in surprise and Jazz regarded Optimus with a genuine smile. "OP, you're one of the best 'bots I know." His smile widened. "He'd be a blind fool t' not be interested in you, mech. Damn if I didn't know you were so hung up on the 'bot, I'd come knockin' at your door myself."

Optimus stared at him, his faceplates flushing, his mouth unmoving, gobsmacked at the casual admittance. Jazz laughed warmly and gave him a wave. "Be seein' you OP, stay groovy alright."

He could only nod as the ninjabot left him alone with the book file. Glancing back down, his previous sullen mood was now completely eradicated by that flare of burning hope in his spark. His finger tapped lightly and the book file activated.

Author note: Cyberninjas love the thrill of the chase, the rush of being caught and being treated with respect. Remember these three rules and courtship will run smoothly.

Step 1: Catching a Cyberninja's attention.

Display interest and curiosity about their interests and hobbies. A Cyberninja is a 'bot too not just a ninja.

Display interest, Optimus smiled and nodded, sounded simple enough. He furrowed his brow as he thought about it some more. What was Prowl into? He liked his tree, okay there wasn't much he could do with that. He enjoyed nature programs but rarely watched them with anyone else as he'd gotten too irritated by the fact noone remained quiet while they were on. That was no good. Optimus pinched his nasal bridge and groaned, he was stuck at step one, perhaps this wasn't going to be as easy as he first thought.

The weeks flew by and Optimus did everything he could to engage Prowl, despite the ninja's stubborn, elusive nature. He had tried to sit in on a nature program with him but Prowl had vacated the room when Optimus had taken to asking one too many questions. Instead he took the time to learn what the ninjabot did in his down time, from afar. The guide book repeated over and over throughout its many pages; 'Watch and learn.' This was precisely what Optimus decided to do, having gotten no where with the mech himself.

It had revealed a few surprises that shone a new softer light on a side of the ninjabot that Optimus hadn't been aware of before. Prowl would volunteer to help out Captain Fanzone whenever the police Captain was short of staff, he also – much to Optimus's amazement – maintained a small, yet beautiful garden hidden away on the warehouse roof.

When Prowl had gone on patrol one evening, Optimus made the discovery. He'd always wondered why Prowl would spend long periods on the roof of the warehouse, even when the weather was bad and now he knew. He stared in awe at the modest garden, taking care to step on the specially laid out stones as he ventured through the foliage. Purple flowers sprang up from the ground, framed with smaller white flowers shaped like drops of rain. Optimus could only smile at the sight, his blue fingers gently, ever so gently brushing over the green leaves and red petals of a rose bush.

A glimmer of light caught his optics and he gazed down on the small trickle of fallen rain water following a small series of grooves through the plants for irrigation, so delicate and so very fragile and so very Prowl. A rush of hope surged through him, this would do nicely.

Prowl arrived back at the base after a long and tiring patrol with Bumblebee. The yellow 'bot had him so wound up that he felt as though he would snap at any moment. All he wanted was to climb up into his tree and meditate away reality in his tiny little reclusive haven. Sighing softly, he made his way in silence through the base. He would get a good view of the moon tonight. He did quite enjoy stargazing on the clear winter nights, even if Ratchet would blow a gasket at the fact he spent hours sitting in the cold.

Refueling quickly, he leapt into the ancient tree and climbed out onto the quiet, serene roof. A small smile graced his pointed, serious features and all the tension from the evening's patrol melted away when he sat in his humble garden. Optics dimming with relaxation, Prowl let out a gentle sigh. If only others of his kind could enjoy the fragile beauty of this planet like he did, then maybe he wouldn't feel quite so out of place with them.

The gentle repetition of his name filtered through his audio and his sharp visor brightened as his head jerked towards the hole in his roof. Someone was in his room, looking for him. Maybe if he stayed very quiet they would leave him be, he really did not want company.

"Prowl, are you up there?"

Optics narrowed behind his visor. Why would Optimus be looking for him, it was late and the Prime by this point should have been recharging as he had an early patrol. He shifted slightly, venturing closer to the gap to peer into his room. Creeping through the tree with all the stealth of a shadow, Prowl watched the tall mech hesitate at his door. He held something in his hands, optics constantly darting down fearfully; as if afraid it would shatter in his hands.

"Mustn't be back yet." Optimus muttered to himself. Sighing softly, he – after a moment's deliberation – made his way across Prowl's room and placed his little gift on the empty berth. "Hope you don't mind surprises, Prowl." The Prime spoke softly to himself, fingertips brushing over the tiny plant.

Prowl peeked through the foliage of his tree, invisible against the backdrop of the night. His intakes stalled when Optimus glanced up into the tree on his way out. Those piercing blue optics seemingly looked straight at him before the mech lowered his gaze and vacated the room. The ninja waited a few moments, ensuring he was along before leaping from the tree, landing with barely a whisper of sound. His dark helm tilted at the small green plant on his berth and he knelt beside it. His mouth parted in a faint and incredulous smile while grey fingertips caressed the tiny delicate leaves.

It was a small budding plant with broad, oval shaped leaves and a single stem rising from its centre, crowned by a beautiful pearlescent bud at its peak. Ever so gently lifting the plant to inspect it further, Prowl shook his head. Optimus had tried extremely hard to be so very subtle with his approaches. He'd tried sitting, watching a nature program with him, asked him questions about himself, his past, shown an interest in him as a mech and not as a ninjabot. It was… flattering to say the least and Prowl was rather touched by the fact Optimus was going to such efforts to reach out to him.

Sitting on the berth, cradling the small plant in his lap, Prowl pondered over the situation, something about the gesture seemed strangely familiar, like the remnants of a story he'd once been told.

He'd had mechs and femmes show interest in him before, but he'd either driven them away or they hadn't pursued their interest for whatever reason. Now that someone was, Prowl found he was re-evaluating his position. Optimus was a Prime with a great deal more potential than confidence at this point. Prowl couldn't help but feel somewhat guilty at how he'd treated Optimus in his early days with the team. It was a wonder the mech still wanted anything to do with him. Yet something about the situation didn't sit right, a niggling thought at the back of his processor left him uneasy. His grey faceplates creased suddenly into a scowl.

"Alright." He spoke softly, his rich voice drifting through the silence of his room as if he was replying to an unseen companion. "Now just how did you know this would be an appropriate gift, Optimus?"

What else had the mech learned about him without his knowledge? Being pursued, Prowl could deal with, having his privacy breached, leaving him feeling exposed, was something he was not going to tolerate, no matter what the underlying intentions were.

Optimus stared blankly up at the grey ceiling of his quarters. Hands laced over his middle as he lay, unable to recharge on his berth. The book instructing him how to win Prowl's affections sat like a lead weight in his subspace. He'd completed the first two steps, shown an interest and pursued it with a display of his affection. The peace lily seemed so very appropriate to the sort of individual Prowl was. He hoped that it was something Prowl would appreciate and not take offence to. Now he was doing as the book has suggested. Waiting.

'Step 3: Having made your interest and affection known, step back and wait. Ninjas do not enjoy being backed into a corner. Do not press the issue. Let the ninja make his choice. If your interest is returned, you will be given a sign attributable to the unique personality of your ninja.'

His mind raced. How would Prowl react, what was he supposed to do if he did respond. There were so many things he hadn't considered when he'd started this pursuit. His spark fluttered with the welling up of nervous anxiety. Did Prowl even realise he was interested, what if he'd been too subtle? Sitting up with a start, Optimus slapped a palm to his face with a low groan of despair. "How could I forget?" How was Prowl going to know the gift was from him, he'd left no message, no sign that he'd been in there. It was not like the ninja could read minds! Optimus felt mortified at that thought. If Prowl knew the sorts of – far from innocent - daydreams and thoughts he'd been having about his sleek black and gold self, Optimus would more than likely not stand a chance with him.

Flopping back onto his berth, Optimus removed the book from his subspace and flicked through it. Already resigning himself to failure, he let the book fall out of his hand dropping it down off the edge of his berth. It landed with a clatter on the hard, cold floor and remained there, discarded with regret as the now forlorn Optimus turned away, slipping into dissatisfying recharge.

"How could you do this? What gives you the right to go snooping into our private spaces, how long have you been spying on me?"

The angry voice echoed down the corridor, prompting Ratchet to poke his head out of the med bay with a scowl. Bumblebee's soon followed and he headed over to the frowning medic. "What the frag is going on, Ratchet?"

"Hey guys, what's up?" Sari mumbled sleepily, rubbing her eyes and blinking at the racket.

"Hmpff, I don't know, but I'm damn sure going to find out." Ratchet grumbled and set off down the corridor, the shouting got louder the closer they came to Optimus's room. The small band stopped in their tracks, jaws dropping to the floor in disbelief as the sight of the normally stoic, silent ninjabot, shouting at their Prime, greeted their optics.

"Prowl?" Sari dared to speak first, prompting the ninja to clamp his mouth shut mid rant, his glare still fixed on Optimus. "What's going on?"

"Yeah mechs, some of us are trying to sleep here." Bumblebee butted in, receiving glares from everyone for his trouble. "What?" He shrugged and muttered, "We are…"

Prowl folded his arms and pursed his mouth. "Optimus doesn't seem to believe that a 'bot is entitled to his privacy."

"Now, Prowl, really it's not like that, I—"

"—how else is it? You just fell into my room and decided to poke your nose in where it didn't belong for old time's sake, did you? Or is it that you just don't trust me?"

"Why don't you let the kid finish, Prowl?" Ratchet interrupted, trying to placate the angry ninja.

"I don't need to let him do anything, he's already done enough!"

"Prowl, I'm sorry, I didn't mean t—"

"—I don't want to hear it. You maybe our leader here, but that does not privy you to our private lives. What did you even want that you couldn't have asked me for?"

Optimus visibly wilted, faceplates flushing furiously at the tirade and now the added humiliation of having an audience. His helm bowed low, his voice a quiet murmur, barely audible. "I wasn't spying on you, Prowl. It's hard to explain… please can we just talk about this… in private…?"

The plea was lost on the ninjabot, whose pointed glare had the contrite Optimus shrinking in on himself. "What is there to talk about? That you don't trust me? That you feel the need to snoop around my quarters? Please let everyone hear it, seeing as my privacy clearly doesn't matter to you."

Ratchet had had enough, stepping in between the mortified Prime and fuming ninjabot, he jabbed a stubborn finger into Prowl's chest plates. "Alright, you've said enough, go meditate or whatever the frag it is you do and don't come back until you calm down!"

"Ratchet, there's no need, he's right…I shouldn't…"

"And you…" Optimus tensed, his words cut short as the medic whirled around to face him. "I want you in the med bay on the double."

"But, Ratchet, I'm fine…"

"Just get…" The medic insisted, ignoring Optimus's confusion. "And Prowl…" He turned to give the ninjabot a piece of his mind about being more discreet about his grievances but the black and gold mech had already vanished. Sighing, Ratchet shook his helm. "They never learn…" He muttered, rubbing his faceplates wearily.

"Learn what, doc bot?" The cheery booming question had the small group groaning and shaking their heads, before ducking back into their rooms to try and reclaim some sleep. Bulkhead looked around at his retreating friends and stole a sheepish glance at the still frowning Ratchet. "Was it something I said?"

"What did you do?" Groused the medic, none too sympathetically at the taller, considerably flustered, mech.

"Me?" Optimus's optics brightened and Ratchet almost had to stifle a snort of laughter. The Prime made a good impression of a frightened petro-rabbit caught in headlights.

"Yes you." He prodded Optimus squarely in the chest. "Prowl maybe many things but he's not a loose cannon and wouldn't explode at you for no reason. Certainly not to accuse you of spying, unless it was warranted or he has a serious glitch that I should be made aware of."

Optimus turned away, faceplates flushing. "It's nothing; my own fault… shouldn't have thought I had a chance…"

"A chance? With what?" Ratchet paused, his brow rising in realisation. "With Prowl?"

Optimus could only rub his faceplates and groan at Ratchet's surprised exclamation.

"Kid I hate to tell you this but spying on a ninjabot ain't the ticket to getting into favour with him." He softened his tone, he was well versed in matters of the spark, including spark break and it pained him to his friend going through such turmoil.

Perching on a berth, Optimus's shoulders slumped. "I was following advice…" He replied quietly, sighing in weary defeat.

"Well you need to check your sources, because fragging Prowl off probably wasn't the best idea you've ever had." Despite the critique, Ratchet's voice was filled with understanding.

"Tell me about it." The red and blue mech responded. "A guidebook, I was using a guidebook."

"A Guide-?" Ratchet stared for a moment; Optimus couldn't really be that green could he? "Prime, the only way to obtain anyone's interest and if you're looking for it, their affections; you have to be yourself. I hate to say this but… if Prowl isn't taking the bait…"

Nodding, Optimus finished his sentence. "I know I should cut my losses." Sighing heavily, he pushed up from the berth. Retrieving the guidebook from his subspace he stared at it for a few seconds, saying nothing.

Ratchet shook his head as Optimus took his leave. It had to be one of the more absurd things he'd heard in a while and he truly felt for Optimus who was quite clearly smitten with the prickly ninjabot. Milling about his med bay, Ratchet felt a sharp stab of sympathy for the Prime when he spied the abandoned guidebook on a berth. Picking it up, he frowned, it wasn't fair to be so harshly shot down when all he wanted was to get closer to the object of his affections. Ratchet would put money on it that Prowl had no idea the lengths he'd really gone to, just to get his attention. Such an endeavor could be soul destroying if not reciprocated. Mouth pressing into a thin, grim line, the medic left the med bay, the infamous guidebook in tow.

Somewhere along the line – and he wasn't going to question the powers that be at his age – Optimus had developed feelings for Prowl and as far as Ratchet was concerned, it was about time the 'bot learned a little something about sensitivity.

Everything seemed to slow down when he meditated, his spark felt at peace, content, in tune with the world around him as he attempted to commune with the All spark. Well that was usually the case.

Prowl let out an uncharacteristic snarl of frustration, meditation wasn't happening and he couldn't recharge. Contrary to popular opinion, the ninjabot wasn't cold, wasn't emotionless. He felt like every other 'bot, cared just like every other 'bot, it wasn't in his nature to give too much of what he was feeling away but right now, with guilt eating away at him, it was near to impossible to hide.

He hadn't needed to yell at Optimus, it had probably been a little harsh in hindsight but privacy was something Prowl insisted upon. It was bad enough that Bumblebee chose to invade his personal space whenever he got bored, he hadn't expected his leader and supposed friend to do the same. The reasons as to why Optimus chose to act as he did were lost on the ninjabot for the moment, his gift sat in the corner of his room, out of the way, unnoticeable.

Sighing, Prowl decided to head back into his room, getting ahead of the incoming rain. Slipping agilely through the branches he dropped silently to the ground, straightening up to come face to face with the perturbed glare of Ratchet.

"You're an aft you know that?"

Visor flickering at the off-hand insult, Prowl frowned. "I may have acted rashly but that does no—"

"—You acted like an aft."

"I see there will be no reasoning with you."

Quirking an optic ridge, Ratchet folded his arms at the dry comment, making it clear to Prowl he wasn't going anywhere until he'd had a chance to speak to him. "You should apologise to Prime."

"I don't see how that's any of your business."

"He is our leader, no matter what he did or didn't do to upset you, you don't start shouting at your superiors in front of everyone else."

Prowl pursed his lips, optics narrowing with irritation. "We are not the Elite Guard. I do not hold a rank."

"Yes, but he is our leader, unless you completely lack respect, he still holds the rank of Prime."

Prowl didn't argue the point, as a mech and what he stood for; Prowl respected Optimus. He exuded more nobility than the majority of the Elite Guard put together and he was trustworthy. Proud stance wilting somewhat, Prowl sighed. "What do you want from me, Ratchet? I got angry, I reacted. In hindsight it wasn't the wisest thing I've ever done, but I won't apologise for being angry."

"I'm not asking you to. I'm telling you to apologise to him for the embarrassment you caused him."

"Embarrassment?"

Ratchet shook his helm in frustration, some 'bots really were oblivious. "Are you glitched? Do you even know why he tried to find out more about you?"

"Doesn't trust me, clearly."

"Oh come off it, Prowl! We're not your enemies, we're your friends. We're not here to find out your deep dark past, whatever that is, frankly we don't care. You're here with us now. You, whether you like it or not, are part of our team and for some reason, Prime – in a moment of temporary insanity I'm sure – seems to have gotten attached."

Prowl ducked his helm, avoiding Ratchet's glare. "That's not my problem…"

"Oh, I see… so you think the best way to let him down easy is to get angry at him do you? Tear out his spark with an audience?"

"I didn't –"

"—you didn't think, is what you didn't. Here." Ratchet grabbed the guidebook and thrust it into Prowl's chest, catching the ninjabot off guard. "Maybe next time you'll not be so paranoid and jump to conclusions." He turned to leave, grumbling to himself, leaving a rather stunned and sheepish ninjabot in his wake.

Shirking from obtuse questions and keeping himself distracted had proven to be more difficult a task than he'd anticipated. Optimus had no idea whether Prowl had tried to contact him, he'd switched off his comm. in his down time and avoided everyone as best he could without being rude or negligent. Heading back to his room, the young Prime wanted nothing more than to lock the door behind him and forget the day had ever happened. He hoped it would blow over that they'd all forget he just wanted things to be back to normal.

Normal… the very term was relative. The days were rarely average by Cybertronian standard. What was it the humans said? 'Tomorrow is another day.' Something that Optimus hoped had a sliver of truth in it.

Closing the door behind him, he crossed the room and fully intended to fall straight into recharge. Just as his aft made contact with the berth, there was the gentlest of knocks at his door. Shoulders drooping, Optimus stood and went to answer it, swearing to himself that if it was Bumblebee asking another inane question, he would have the mini-bot doing the midnight patrols for the remainder of the month.

The door slid open and Optimus was greeted only by the cool air of the warehouse. Frowning he peered out into the corridor. Had he really become such a mockery to his team that they had taken to pulling pranks on him? The very thought made his spark plummet. He'd worked so hard to get his team to gel, to work as a team, only to throw it all away for a ridiculous infatuation. Heading back inside, his optics flicked over a small object lying at his feet. The infernal guidebook had returned to haunt him. Only this time, there was something else.

Turning the small vid file over in his fingers, Optimus disappeared back into his room. The guidebook had been opened and a particular section had been highlighted;

'Step 3: Having made your interest and affection known, step back and wait. Ninjas do not enjoy being backed into a corner. Do not press the issue. Let the ninja make his choice. If your interest is returned, you will be given a sign attributable to the unique personality of your ninja.'

Helm tilting curiously, Optimus plugged in the vid file to his personal computer. A shaky image appeared on the screen. A close up shot of the plant he'd given to Prowl came into focus and his spark seemed to freeze in his chest. Was this further punishment he had to endure? Could Prowl really be so callous? His fingers twitched over the off button, he didn't really want to have his stupidity rubbed in his face.

Something stilled his hand over the switch, his optics fixed as the image zoomed out from the plant. Optimus's mouth fell open in surprise. The screen now displayed the image of a quaint yet beautiful garden and sitting in pride of place at its heart was his peace lily. Optimus really felt at that moment like a mechling. His spark fluttered in his chest and a shy smile tugged at his lips. Prowl was reaching out giving him a sign. It could only be Prowl, a myriad of messages with that one vid file. It wasn't an open invitation but it also wasn't a rejection.

He picked up the guidebook once more and scrolled down to step 4. His laughter rang through the corridor at what he read.

Step 4. Now that the lines of communication have been opened, take the next step. Nothing too forward, a ninja appreciates subtlety. Do something original, forward thinking, surprise your ninja with a gift or a gesture. Do not be too obvious; ninjas prefer those who can use their initiative. Be creative.

'Here's an original thought. Come and speak to me, before I have to get creative with this book file. I can assure you it will not be pretty.'

Prowl's neat, well-practiced Earth handwriting stood out amidst the solid block of Cybertronian text in the old box file. Not so much on the subtle side of things but it showed Optimus that Prowl did actually know him well. Prowl had left no room for deliberation or doubt, which if given an opportunity, Optimus would have latched onto just to make things easier.

As it was the ninja was offering a way in and a chance to get closer. Optimus exhaled slowly, nervousness slamming into his spark like a ship on a collision course and set to ramming speed. His intakes hitched, did this mean that Prowl was interested? What did that mean? Everything he'd wanted to tell the ninja disappeared from his processor, covered by a haze of anxiety and just a smidgen of dread. He'd never been this forward before! What had he been thinking? Dropping his helm into his hands, Optimus inhaled deeply a few times. Calming himself down simply wasn't working, there was nothing for it. There was no way he would recharge now.

Standing, face solemn, Optimus nodded to himself. He would tell Prowl it was all a mistake a misunderstanding. Outright rejection really wasn't something he wanted to handle right now.

The stars were deep-set in the velvety black sky. Prowl sat serenely gazing out from the warehouse, Detroit's twinkling lights in the distance. The warehouse was far enough away that it wasn't bathed in city lights and allowed enough darkness to see the stars clearly, weather permitting of course. The air blew cold over his frame and the plants rustled in the breeze. His helm bowed a faint smile on his face. "I wasn't sure you'd come."

"I wasn't aware there was an option..." Optimus replied softly, stopping a short distance away from the seated ninja.

"You always have a choice." Prowl sighed and unfolded his legs, gracefully standing to turn and face the young Prime. He was a good deal shorter than the red and blue mech yet held his gaze with a sincere one of his own. "We all do."

Optimus nodded and gave a little shrug. "Prowl I'm sorry for-"

"-No."

"No?"

Taking a couple of steps closer, Prowl hesitated, struggling with words he was not familiar saying... to anyone. "Optimus, it's not you who should be sorry, it's me. I need to apologise to you."

"Prowl.."

"Please let me..."

The taller mech opened his mouth to protest stopping only when the gentlest of touches brushed his arm. He glanced down, finding Prowl's slender fingers, curled lightly over his plating.

"I haven't treated you with the respect you deserve. Despite everything you've kept this group together, treated us as equals and..." Bowing his helm, Prowl sighed with regret. "You made me feel welcome. I should never have blown up at you like I did. It was unwarranted..."

"Prowl, I put you in an awkward position, overstepped my bounds."

Letting out a soft laugh, Prowl turned away and walked to the edge of the roof, glancing over his shoulder, past a fin with a crooked smirk. "We could keep going round in circles, or... you could come and sit with me."

Optimus couldn't help but smile and made his way beside Prowl, who sat easily on the roof, his severe visor, gazing up into the heavens. Sitting down, he followed his gaze.

"Thank you for the gift..."

The soft show of gratitude wasn't lost on Optimus, who couldn't keep the smile from spreading across his face. "You're very welcome." He murmured back, optics glancing over at the still 'bot next to him, taking in the sleek curves, the black accentuated with gold trim. The smoky face adorned with a crystal blue visor, he was a vision and it was only when Prowl caught his gaze with a quirked optic ridge, did Optimus realised he'd been staring. "Sorry…I…"

"It's alright."

"No, Prowl… it's not alright. I acted inappropriately it was wrong of me and I regret making you feel uncomfortable, I didn't mean to." He paused, avoiding the black and gold mech's curious head tilt and softly glowing visor. "It won't happen again."

"Oh?"

Glancing down at his fidgeting hands, restless in his lap, Optimus nodded. "It was a mistake and I'm hoping not an irreparable one." He stole a quick hopeful glance at Prowl, who for the moment was unreadable. "I don't want to damage our friendship."

Prowl was silent for the longest time after he finished speaking. Optimus resisted the urge to prompt him, make sure he hadn't fallen into a waking recharge. Finally his battered spark had had enough. "I should go."

"Stay."

Optimus stalled at the quiet instruction. Prowl looked at him, his face thoughtful.

"Please… stay."

He gave a small nod and a grateful smile, not wanting him to leave was a good sign for their friendship at least.

"I'm sorry."

Optimus frowned in confusion. "Prowl you've already apologised you don't have to keep saying it."

Smiling faintly, Prowl cast him a sidelong look. "I'm sorry I gave you the wrong impression. Let you think I wasn't interested."

Optics blinking, Optimus mouthed wordlessly for a few seconds. "Oh…" He managed to utter in slight surprise. "So… what now?"

Prowl's smile spread into something warmer and after a moment's hesitation, he reached over to rest a hand over Optimus's, stilling their nervous movements. "Be yourself."

Matching his smile, Optimus peered down at their hands and shifted one of his own bringing it to rest over Prowl's, clasping it in his as those slender fingers subtly squeezed. "I think I can manage that."

They sat for a while longer, comfortable in the quiet, hands remaining entwined for the duration before they parted ways, succumbing to fatigue.

Elation coursed through Optimus's spark over the next few days. Prowl wasn't obvious in his interest, but he had started seeking him out more often. He was often subtle in his advances, the slightest of touches, a look, a smile. It wasn't a lot but for Optimus it was enough, for now at least.

Days turned into weeks and Optimus was beginning to mull over how he could progress things a little further. Prowl had started to warm up to the attention. He could still be elusive and occasionally cold with him but Optimus tried not to take it personally, it was just Prowl's way. Besides the times when he was affectionate definitely made up for the times that he wasn't.

He only looked through the guidebook one more time. Thumbed through the next steps on how to woo a ninjabot. Maybe there was something useful, some snippet of information that would help him move things along so to speak. He wasn't an impatient mech by nature but he wanted to get things right, sweep Prowl off his feet, make him feel cherished, special. Something he imagined Prowl hadn't been made to feel very often, if at all. He found many steps, instructions as he glimpsed its many pages but it was only when he reached the very last page that he found a glimmer of hope.

Unknown to many, ninjabots are endowed with sensitive framework. In order to achieve absolute stillness and unity with their environment, they must blend in perfectly. This is only achieved by hyper-awareness. Their senses are trained to be sharp but those that wish to excel in the arts require a heightened sensitivity to sound, movement in order to achieve their true potential as a ninja. Music is a powerful stimulant to them and can be used to cause great pain or intense pleasure. A ninja is however reknowned for his chastity, first prove your restraint and selflessness and you will obtain your goal.

Blue lips pursing in thought, Optimus mulled over the information. Placing the guidebook to one side he decided to do some research. Prowl wasn't a goal or an aim for him. He cared about the mech and wanted to show him just how much he meant. It was more than obtaining a prize, it was about showing Prowl he could entrust him with his spark and more.

Much to Optimus's (pleasant) surprise, he discovered over the weeks that followed, that Prowl was sweet and attentive. He had a mischievous playful side that he kept well hidden from others, revealing it to just Optimus and even then only rarely. They hadn't gotten past holding hands in each other's private company and Optimus didn't want to push him but it was getting increasingly difficult to hold back. The more time they spent together, the more he wanted to hold the smaller mech close, feel his warm frame pressed against his own, let his hands wander over those sleek tantalising curves. Optimus's optics dimmed at the thought, mouth parting with a barely there moan of want. It wouldn't surprise him if Prowl was oblivious to how he made him feel either. What he wouldn't give to kiss those expressive, pert lips, slip his glossa between them, taste him…

"Am I disturbing you?"

Optimus started and almost fell off his chair in surprise. "Prowl! No… no not at all…I was umm…"

"Daydreaming?"

"Uhuh…"

"Mm… I can leave you alone if you'd like?" A faint sly, smirk appeared on Prowl's knowing face and Optimus ducked his helm with a sheepish grin.

"No, I'm sorry… I shouldn't…"

Prowl shrugged casually. "It's only natural and I fear that I have been keeping you somewhat at a distance.

Optimus drew closer. "I don't want you to feel pressured, we'll take things as slow as you like."

Visor flickering in surprise, Prowl canted his head. "I was about to tell you the same thing."

"We're a right pair." Optimus chuckled, taking hold of Prowl's hand gently. "I want to know you better… I want you to be comfortable with me."

Prowl looked away with a soft sigh. "I am comfortable with you, Optimus… more than but…when I was taken under Yoketron's guidance, I dedicated my entire life to becoming a ninja."

"I see." Trying very hard not to show his disappointment, Optimus fixed the fond smile upon his face. "That's okay, I understand."

Drawing a hand up to brush ever so lightly over the arch of his cheek, Prowl gazed up at Optimus. "No, you don't. I wanted to tell you that, it's just been a very long time for me but I do want to further our relationship… if you so desire…"

"I would like that very much…" The red and blue mech murmured, holding Prowl's gaze. The moment seemed to slow around them, he was so close. All he had to do was lean a little closer, his intakes stalled and he dared to shift his face, his lips closer to Prowl's. To his sheer delight, Prowl didn't pull away, helm tilted upwards, optics focusing on Optimus's. He leaned closer their lips almost touching, he could feel the warmth of his plating, could almost taste him…

"Ahem."

The two mechs, jolted back into reality tore apart and stared at the intruder. Ratchet quirked an optic ridge and huffed with mock disapproval, but said nothing. "Prime, you have Sentinel on the comm. he wants to speak to you immediately."

"Alright, I'll take it here… Prowl I…" He turned to the ninjabot, finding nothing but empty air. "Gah.. I hate it when he does that."

Ratchet simply grinned and gave him a pat on the back. "Better get used to it kid, I have a feeling Prowl is the sort that likes to keep a mech on his toes."

He hated dealing with Sentinel on any level, especially political. The mech just had a knack for rubbing him up the wrong way. It was more than likely a deliberate attempt to get a rise out of him. Optimus knew for a fact that Sentinel would give his right arm if it meant he could get Optimus on some sort of disciplinary. He'd never forgiven him for what happened with Elita and it didn't look like he ever would. Yet he always managed to squeeze it into the discussion if things weren't going his way. Subsequently it resulted in a weary and irritable Optimus making his way to his quarters. He'd already snapped at Bulkhead and Bumblebee for having their music too loud and he hadn't bumped into Prowl since Ratchet had walked in on them.

Prowl… just where were they going? Would the ninja have allowed him to kiss him? He wouldn't know now, the interruption had probably made the ninja back-pedal, reconsider. It wouldn't surprise him if he did. "Why would anyone even want to bother with me…" He muttered sullenly to himself, doors to his quarters sliding closed behind him.

"Has he always made you feel this way?"

Optimus's optics snapped online to stare at the calm ninjabot sat cross-legged on his berth. "Frag it, Prowl, do you have to keep doing that?"

Contrite, Prowl ducked his helm, his voice growing quieter. "I didn't mean to startle you."

Rubbing a hand over his faceplates, Optimus sat heavily beside Prowl. "No... In answer to your question, Sentinel and I used to be close friends. Now I think he just enjoys demeaning me whenever he can."

"Jealous no doubt."

Casting Prowl a dubious look, Optimus frowned. "Why do you say that?"

"Mm, it's obvious to anyone who sees him interact with you. He's passive aggressive, has delusions of grandeur and quite clearly has authority issues." The severe visor, tilted at Optimus with sincerity. "To be more accurate, a need to assert authority over you. He's constantly competing with you, trying best you. You who have the loyalty of your team, the respect of Magnus and Sentinel's own subordinates. Do you not see it?"

"All I see is a mech who resents me, will never forgive me..."

"Tell me?"

Prowl waited patiently until Optimus graced him with a small smile. Beckoning him closer, the ninja settled back against the wall, Optimus's helm in his lap as they talked through the night. It was something Prowl had never had with anyone. Openess with another, that connection, the sharing of pain, the strenthening of trust. He lightly stroked the blue plating of his helm, listening, talking until Optimus had nothing more to say on the matter.

"Prowl..."

"Mm?"

"Will you... spend the night with me?" Optimus could barely believe the words as they escaped his own vocaliser. The hand gently stroking his helm froze. Spark pounding in his chest, Optimus sat up sharply, turning to look into Prowl's stunned optics. "I'm not asking for anything just... recharge with me?"

For the first time since they'd started their courtship, Prowl was overtaken with a bout of shyness. Optimus slid closer to rest his hand on the black and gold forearm, murmuring softly. "Do you trust me?"

Meeting his querying with a look of contemplation, Prowl gave a small nod. "Of course I do."

Without another word, Optimus slid his hand down Prowl's arm, taking gentle hold of his hand, shifting on the berth he lay down on his side, tugging Prowl to lay beside him. Their optics met with quiet regard and Optimus lifted their entwined fingers, bringing them to his lips to press the lightest of kisses to the smoky grey fingers.

Watching his actions with a bright visor, Prowl failed to prevent the increasing rate of his intakes, mouth parting at the tingling sensation in his fingers. When Optimus drew back, he shook his head. "Don't stop..." Came the needy whisper.

Optics blinking curiously, Optimus shifted a little closer. Their proximity caused his frame to gradually heat up, the ninjabot didn't know how tantalising he was. Glossa, wetting his blue lips he threw Prowl a nervous grin and leaned close to his audio, brushing against the smooth, dark plating.

Prowl tensed next to him as the first words slipped from his mouth. His voice was low, soothing as the softly sung melody rippled over the dark mech's audio.

"Come away with me in the night, come away with me and I'll write you a song. Come away with me on a bus, come away where they can't tempt us with their lies." Optimus smiled when Prowl shivered in his arms, a gentle heat emanating from his frame. The ninja let out the whisper of a moan and it was all Optimus could do to stop his own cooling systems from kicking in.

Drawing back, Optimus exhaled over a fin, continuing his gentle singing. "I want to walk with you on a cloudy day, in fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high, so won't you try to come?" He gasped when Prowl positively moaned, hands clutching at his broad chest, scraping over the glass.

Intakes hitched, Optimus felt the music come alive throughout Prowl's body, circuits crackling with building energy. Pressing a hand on Prowl's smooth chest, he took up the melody once more, lips pressing ever so lightly along the edge of a fin. "Come away with me and we'll kiss on a mountain top, come away with me and I'll never stop loving you."

"Opti-Optimus...!" Prowl shuddered and arched against the larger mech, intakes panting as the sound rippled over his frame. Sensor nodes alighted with pleasurable sensation, literally singing with electric bliss.

Optics brightening at the sweet sounds escaping Prowl's 'o' shaped mouth, he luxuriated in the other mech's pleasure. "And I want to wake up with the rain falling on a tin roof. While I'm safe there in your arms, so all I ask is for you to come away with me in the night. Come away with me..." He let the note fade as Prowl tensed and cried out and whimpered in his arms.

The red and blue mech, let his fingers dance over the sleek frame, electric energy tingling across his fingertips as the smaller mech rode out his climax, his overload sending shuddering waves through his already trembling frame. Prowl had never looked quite as beautiful as he did at that moment; lost in ecstatic bliss, relinquishing all control to him.

When light finally flickered in that pointed visor, Optimus had managed to calm down his own desires and he respectfully withdrew his hands from Prowl's heated plating. Before he realised what was happening, his mouth was claimed in a searing kiss, hands dancing over his plating. Keening into the hungry mouth, Optimus tugged Prowl to him, holding him flush, returning the kiss with equal fervour, relishing his tangy warm taste. He broke the kiss with a wanton gasp, resting his helm against the golden chevron adorning Prowl's helm as his intakes gradually calmed.

"...How did you...?" Prowl whispered shakily.

Smiling Optimus stroked his cheek. "I wanted to give you something, cherish you, you deserve to feel special."

"You stopped...what about you?" Came the quiet murmur.

"This isn't about me, Prowl." He gently stroked up and down Prowl's back struts, pressing a chaste kiss to the centre of his chevron as the ninja shifted closer.

Peering up at him with a dim visor, Prowl shook his head. "Nothing to prove to me..."

"I know, I wanted to do this. Care about you, I'm in no rush." Optimus held Prowl close, giving him a gentle squeeze as the smaller mech let out a sated sigh, slipping quietly into recharge. Optimus followed not long after as they lay, comfortable in each other's arms.