Chapter 4: Meine Tochter willst Du…

Part II

Author: Thalanee

Verse: AU Bayverse

Rating: pg-13

Word Count: 7800 words

Disclaimer: Still not mine, sorry, I only write about them for the fun of it.

Other Characters: Blaster, Optimus, Twins, OC Specter

Warnings: none for this chapter

Summary: After finally admitting their feelings for each other, their troubles only just begin.

Author's Notes: Here's the promised second part of the fourth chapter… It took abysmally long and I'm still not entirely happy with this, but I hope the wait was worth it anyway. Thank you all for your patience!

XXXXX

Vorn Year

Orn Month

Deca-Cycle Week

Cycle Day

Joor Hour

Breem Minute

Klick Second

XXXXX

"…z, Jazz!" There was a short pause, before the speaker yelled even louder, uncomfortably close to one of the silver audios. "JAZZ!"

Flailing, Jazz jumped up to an impressive height, before whirling around to look at the offending mech. His optics were greeted with a very familiar looking red chassis topped by the very concerned features of his best friend. Looking a little closer he also noticed the traces of exasperated amusement in the other's optics.

Right now, the musician and the entertainer were supposed to go over the plans for the next cycle's banquet. For that reason they had retreated to the sound studio the court had equipped for that very reason and of course, to give the artists a place to practice and perfect their performances, tune their instruments and generally just hang out with each other. There as a large and well-lit common area with tables, chairs and sofas for everyone to sit comfortably, even an energon dispenser, a mixing room, a miniaturized theatre for the actors, a practice room for the dancers and acrobats, showers to get clean and even some small living quarters for bots who didn't have their own place in the city or were just on tour, with Iacon as a temporary stop on their itinerary.

Currently Jazz and Blaster were the only bots present and awake. Steeljaw was passed out on the couch and Eject and Rewind were… well, Blaster didn't want to think too closely about the mayhem the cassette twins were most likely causing at that very moment. Besides, Jazz behavior was much more concerning.

"You didn't hear a single thing, did you." It was clearly a statement, not a question. Blaster gave his friend a pointed look before snorting. "So, mech or femme?"

Jazz gave him a deer in the headlights look. "What?"

"The bot you're daydreaming about with that silly grin all over your face, is it a mech of a femme?"

"How did ya- I mean, what makes ya think I'm daydreamin' 'bout someone?" The entertainer almost literally flailed his arms around. He didn't think he'd been that obvious really. Besides, neither Prowl nor he had any idea how they were going to go about telling their families about each other (they hadn't even talked about it yet… but he was pretty sure they didn't want it to happen through the grapevine. His carrier would smother him!)

The musician tried hard not to laugh at his friend, yet he couldn't help smirking. "Ya space out at tha oddest of times grinning like a fool, ya give these sighs now and then, and after certain times of tha day when ya've probably been visiting your sweetspark ya have that dopey look on your face and walk around as if ya're high. In short ya're actin' like a love- sick mechano-puppy. And those are only tha most obvious signs. Shall I go on about tha ridiculously sappy love songs you've started ta write?"

Visor spazzing in different colours, Jazz sputtered wordlessly, before sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. Denial seemed a little pointless now. "Have I really been that obvious?"

"To someone who knows what to look for, yeah, ya have. Any ya still haven't answered ma question. Mech or femme?"

"Mech..." Jazz said before falling silent again.

Blaster leaned forward expectantly, waiting for more. When nothing was offered he stopped short. "Aw, come on, Jazz-man, tell meh more about him."

There was the smallest hesitation on Jazz's part, but he knew Blaster as his best friend would keep quiet without even needing to be asked. "He's smart, he's funny with that dry, understated kind of humor that has me in stitches and he can be really playful when he wants ta be," Jazz added, remembering their adventurous encounter with the head cook. "Sometimes he's really shy, but that makes him all tha more adorable. We share a love for music," true also, the silver mech loved to hear the Praxian sing and Prowl in turn couldn't get enough of Jazz's tunes, had even helped with some of his new compositions, "we dance and we care for his garden tagether. I could happily spend tha rest of my life wit'him." While he had known this all along, saying it out loud, made it feel all the more real. The fact that his spark was spinning in its casing at the mere thought of his doorwinger he chose to keep to himself.

"Sounds like ya met ya perfect mate. Congratulations, mech!"

And there was that silly grin again. Honestly, you had to be both dumb and blind not to realize that Jazz was helm over pedes in love. "I have, thank ya, Blaster."

"Do Ah know him?"

"Not really, no." Was it his imagination or had Jazz sounded slightly evasive? Why wouldn't he want to talk about his sweetspark?

"Where did ya meet him then? Out in tha city?" Blaster was determined to find out who exactly had managed to snare the elusive jester. Of course he had his suspicions, but he wanted to be sure he was right.

Jazz really didn't want to lie to his friend, but he knew, and he knew that Prowl would agree if asked, that they needed to plan carefully before telling their, or more accurately Prowl's family, about each other. "No, we met in his garden kind of by accident."

"What'cha mean by accident?"

"I kind'a went where I'm not supposed to go and ended up in that walled garden, that belongs ta him."

Jazz had never seen Blaster look so puzzled before. He sounded the part too. "How the frag do ya accidentally break into someone's home?"

"I didn't break into his home, I accidentally got into the garden."

"Wait, back up, you mean one of the palace gardens?!" Squirming Jazz nodded, causing Blaster to lean back and stare at his friend in apprehension. "Tha garden ya were going ta look for a couple of deca-cycles ago?" Again, the only answer was an embarrassed nod. "So, I guess that's why ya still haven't told me his name, because he's a noble right?"

"Yes, he is."

"…Frag."

"Come on, he's not like those other nobles, whose egos are so big they hardly fit into tha palace, he's… different. He doesn't mind hard work or gettin' dirty, he doesn't frown at anyone just because they were born into another caste. He dislikes tha caste system as much as I do, and where he comes from it doesn't even exist-" Jazz stopped himself from rambling on in defense of Prowl.

"Ah'm takin' that for granted, ah know ya well enough ta know ya wouldn't fall that hard for some arrogant snob, but Iacon is Iacon. Even if he wasn't born here, he lives here, so Ah'm guessin' he's got family in Iacon?" Waiting for Jazz to confirm this with a short gesture he continued. "If they're typical of Iacon, they're neva gonna accept someone like ya as their creation's mate. Ya've seen how religiously they stick to tha caste system, an' in their optics, ya're not just one caste lower, ya're from the other end, mech. They'll prolly do anything ta get ya ta leave him alone. The least they'll do is just separate tha two o'ya, if ya're lucky."

"I know, Blaster." Jazz growled uneasily.

"They could have ya thrown inta jail or exiled from the realm, mech!" He didn't mean to decry this for his friend, but Jazz had to know what he was getting into. Friends had to look out for each other.

"Ya think I don't know it's not gonna be easy?" Jazz burst out, pacing around in agitation. Just the thought of loosing Prowl to something as random and unimportant as an accident of birth (and that was what the caste system was) made his spark clench in pain. There was no way he was going to let that happen! "But he's worth the trouble and he wants this as much as I do. I won't leave him, no matter what anyone says or thinks."

Raising his hands in a gesture of surrender, Blaster tried to placate him. "Ah wasn't tryin' ta convince ya ta break it off wit'him, Ah just want ya ta be sure 'bout this. Ya're ma friend."

"I am sure." Blaster could see the steely resolve in the other's visor, in his whole posture. No. Jazz wouldn't back down from this no matter what happened, that much was obvious to anyone who cared to look.

"In that case, Ah'll help ya, just say tha word."

"Thanks, Blaster." Relieved, Jazz enveloped Blaster in a crushing hug, which the red mech returned without second thought. He would help his friend, because if his suspicions were correct and Jazz was after the mech he thought he was (there weren't that many nobles from places without the caste systems who lived in Iacon, had their own private garden and more importantly, were constantly being not so surreptitiously gazed at by Jazz whenever he appeared in court), the silver mech would need all the help he could get…

XXXXX

Blades of grass rustled as the turbofox darted through the underbrush of the forest, knowing exactly which way he had to run to make the most of the little edge he had. His deceptively slender legs and paws propelled him forth at surprising speed. Every now and then his orange and white armour could be glimpsed before he vanished from view again.

Someway behind him the bigger and stronger cyberhounds stayed on the wild-bot's trail despite all the animals attempts at shaking the pursuit. While the fox was faster, the hounds had been built for stamina and sooner or later they would catch up with the unfortunate animal. Even if he dodged the hounds, the hunters following in the wake of the pack would try and catch him regardless.

Still the fox soldiered bravely on, putting all his effort in trying to reach one particular spot in the forest, a large crevice, carved out of the metallic ground by a small river, too large to jump over and impossible to cross but for the fallen branch of a near crystal tree balancing over it precariously. It was just sufficiently big for the fox to cross over, but not strong enough to carry the weight of a larger mechanoid being. The versatile animal had escaped predators before by using this trick, and it would do so again. Up ahead he smelled the tang of the river's water and he picked up speed to the baying of the pack alerting their masters to the trail, only to stop short.

One of the hunters stood directly in front of him, between the little animal and its path of escape. Baring its small but sharp teeth at the large bot in preparation of the inevitable fight, the fox flared its armor to appear more threatening.

But the hunter didn't react. The black and white just looked at the crouching wild-bot, at the branch and then back at the woods, where the sounds of the hunting party drew closer. Then, slowly and deliberately, he stepped aside until the path was free. Warily, the fox looked at the unmoving form. He was now far enough away that the fox could dart up the branch and get away without getting caught, if he acted fast enough. Growling once more for good measure, the small animal moved into the direction of the branch cautiously, never letting its eyes stray from the black and white mech.

Once it was close enough, it picked up speed and was on the branch and soon reached the far side of the chasm, preening in triumph, before vanishing into the bushes, while back on the other side Prowl leisurely kicked the loose branch into the chasm, destroying the bridge and thus eliminating the chance of the fox's scent being picked up. The trail would literally vanish into thin air.

Wings fluttering in satisfaction Prowl settled down to wait for the rest of the hunting party and allow the twins to catch up with him, before anyone noticed that he had slipped away once again.

If there was one thing Prowl disliked even more than having to listen to Councilor Swiftwind sing his own praises, it was to attend hunting parties. What was the point in gathering in large numbers and driving out into the small crystal wood near Iacon, there to converge on one hapless mechanimal and hunt it for joors, before finally catching the poor thing and even worse, kill it? At least when he was younger, he had often been able to convince Sentinel of setting whatever animal had fallen into the hunters' clutches free again (it was remarkable how quickly the great Sentinel Prime had caved when confronted with the large watery golden optics and drooping wings of his young charge… it hadn't taken Prowl long to perfect the kicked puppy-look and wield it with devastating effects), while now he had to resort to sneaking around and freeing the prey himself and mislead the hunters. Of course he could still use The Look, but it was hardly dignified. Also he had promised his brother not to abuse his powers…

He had yet to be caught in the act thanks to his battle computer and ability in tactics.

To the black and white it would have been preferable to just wander around the woods for a while and revel in the peace and quiet the surroundings offered to anyone who was willing to take the time to enjoy it. This was why the prince was always on the lookout for an opportunity to slip away, much to the aggravation of the twins, who stepped out of the woodworks as if Prowl's thoughts had summoned them.

"You know the Prime will have our heads if he realizes you always sneak around the woods without your bodyguards?" Sideswipe piped up, stepping closer to stand behind the prince and make it look as if they had been with him the whole time. When Prowl threw him a withering look, the silver twin grinned back completely unfazed. He was one of the very few bots who weren't left quacking in their pedes from the Looks the black and white prince had perfected despite his young age.

"He has not yet found out and he never will, unless you tell him," Prowl pointed out, cocking an optic ridge in the direction of the silver warrior, who still remained completely unimpressed, at least if the cheeky grin on his face was anything to go by.

Sideswipe raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, as the trio started walking in the direction of the ever increasing noise heralding the arrival of the rest of the party. "Just sayin'. Aren't you the bot who always tells us that even with the perfect plan something will go wrong sooner or later."

"Indeed, and it is gratifying to see that you were actually listening." The dry remark prompted a snort from Sunstreaker, who was walking in front of the bickering duo, always ready to be the first in line in the event of an attack on their charge.

Indignant, Sideswipe puffed up his armor slightly in a show of fake wounded pride. "Give me some credit. And you haven't answered my question yet."

Prowl had to work to keep his expression carefully neutral as he watched the hunters' confusion over the mysterious disappearance of their prey, puzzling over the reason the hounds all milled around a single spot near the chasm instead of following the fox's trail. "Now why would I tell you all of my trade secrets? Besides, having you worry is keeping you on your toes, Sideswipe." There was an unmistakable glint in those golden optics, even though his face gave away nothing.

Sideswipe wasn't fooled in the slightest though. He knew the enigmatic prince too well to be deluded by the apparent lack of reaction. He didn't know what Prowl had done, but he was willing to bet good credits that the black and white was somehow responsible for the absconded animal. "Trying to keep up with you is plenty enough to keep me on my toes."

No one impeded the group as they made their way to the centre of it, where the current and the future Prime were deep in conversation. The court's hunters and the dogs' handlers were still preoccupied trying to recover the lost track but to no avail, since the dogs couldn't get over their fascination with that spot and returned to it, whenever they were signaled to follow the trail. Idly Prowl wondered how long it would take anyone to notice the tell-tale scrape marks the crystal branch had left behind when he had kicked it into the chasm. "Not plenty enough, if Ironhide's curses yesterday were any indication."

Sideswipe flinched subtly. "You heard that?"

"Sideswipe, everyone in the family wing heard that. Everyone in the palace heard that. Might I suggest that you do not cut your timing as close as that next time? Had you been delayed in any way, your prepared alibi would have been for naught, because you would not have been back in time." A smug flutter of his doorwings accompanied the piece of advice

"How did you know that?!" The look on Sideswipe's face was one of comical horror. Sometimes Prowl couldn't help but wonder if Sideswipe exaggerated his own reactions on purpose for the amusement of others.

"Haven't you realized yet, that he knows everything?" Sunstreaker drawled, finally entering the conversation.

The other twin pointed at Prowl accusingly, ignoring his brother's smugness for the moment. "But you were busy all the time, you had private lessons and later you were holed up in your garden. How could you have found out about that?"

Prowl smirked. He was going to reply, when a movement at the corner of his vision attracted his attention. Another mech was approaching the trio and it looked as if he would reach them before they reached the Prime. Not bothering to hide his scowl the prince accelerated his pace, having no wish to be in the new mech's presence. But it seemed he had used up all of his good fortune for this cycle already, for no sooner had he veered off to avoid the newcomer he had to stop in order not to get run over by the pack of hounds whom their caretakers had finally lured away from the escarpment, which allowed the blue and white mech to catch up with the prince.

"Your highness, what a pleasure it is to be in your presence," the bowing mech all but purred in a manner that was probably meant to be complimentary, but that had Prowl's plating crawling in more than mild disgust. He was never more grateful for the presence of the twins than he was right then.

"Specter." As court protocol dictated, Prowl acknowledged the greeting with a slight nod, as it would not do to embarrass his Prime by forgetting his manners, but he would not give the noble any more than that. If Swiftwind was irritating, Specter was downright dangerous. The tall blue and white mech was far more intelligent than his fellow noble and far too good at getting what he wanted for his own business. What he could not get by manipulating others or outright tricking them, he acquired with his wealth. Privately Prowl suspected that not everything the noblemech's business methods were not exactly legal, but so far nothing had been proven. There had been accusations of course, but after investigations and the odd process or two, Specter had always come out of it above reproach.

And as if this wasn't bad enough already, the noblemech seemed to concentrate all of his efforts and resources on one thing: arranging a bonding between his own son, Mirage, and Prowl. Or between himself and Prowl. Sometimes the Praxian wasn't quite sure which.

To Mirage's defense, the young mech seemed to be of a different make than his creator, yet that didn't mean Prowl would ever consider bonding to him. Much to Prowl's relief Sentinel was just as leery of Specter and his attentions as Prowl himself was and so had dismissed any overtures. That still didn't deter the bot from trying though.

"Your presence was sorely missed during last orn's festivities. We were sorely disappointed to hear that you would be unable to come."

"Matters of the state always take precedence, as I am sure you understand," Prowl replied in a level voice, his wings flicking sharply just once. In response to the gesture and the discomfort behind it, the twins inched closer to frame the smaller mech between them.

Specter bowed his head in acknowledgement. "Of course, you sense of duty to our state is only to be commended, your highness. Praxus shall count itself lucky to have you as its Lord."

The prince cocked an optic ridge at the statement. "That remains to be seen." While it was highly likely that he would ascend to the throne of High Lord, it was not written in cybertronium yet.

"You are referring to the trials? Such a quaint custom, to test the rightful leader before he claims the throne, as if it was their place to deny the rightful claim of the heir." The mech waved his hand in clear dismissal of an idea he obviously considered preposterous.

However the prince did not take well to the condescension directed toward a place and a people he had come to love during his visits there. "It is a custom that has served my home city well by ensuring that only those worthy of the title in every sense can lay claim to it. It would behoove a mech not to belittle what he does not know." Prowl's voice was colder than the ice poles of Cybertron as he rebuked the other.

His charming demeanour wavering at the thinly veiled rebuke, Specter bowed extravagantly once again. "I assure you, your highness, I meant no offence and I apologize sincerely for incurring your wrath."

:: I'm surprised he actually recognizes tha term:: A very welcome voice suddenly erupted from his comm channels, audible only to Prowl himself. Though he was adept at not letting bots see what he thought, hiding how badly startled Prowl was, took some doing.

:: Jazz? Where are you?:: Only his strict self- control kept him from scanning his surroundings in order to locate the errant jester he just knew was hiding somewhere close. Apparently his talents lent themselves to stealth very well.

:: Look behind him, Sparkles:: Doing as instructed Prowl sought for the familiar play of light on silver armor and found it. In the crystal trees. High up in the branches of one of the tallest and thickest crystals the jester hung upside down from a branch, merrily waving at him once he was sure that Prowl was looking at him.

:: How can you even hear what he is saying?::

:: My audios are sensitive, real sensitive, I can hear ya both as clearly as if I were standin' next ta ya.::

Unaware that he had lost all of the prince's attention the noblemech continued to drone on. "Surely there is no doubt that your Highness will master these trials, you are a very capable mech after all. If I can be of assistance to you in any way, you need only ask and my every move is yours to command, though I am confident that such will not be necessary. Still it would please me greatly to have been of service to the future High Lord of Praxus."

:: Ya know, if ya put your mind ta it, I'm pretty sure ya could make him sit up and beg.:: Prowl couldn't actually see it, but somehow he knew there was a wicked grin plastered on Jazz's face.

The doorwinger couldn't suppress the ghost of a smile the image Jazz had painted just evoked. Unfortunately Specter took it to mean his advances were welcome, and spouting another courtly phrase took Prowl's servo in order to press a kiss to it.

Instantly the black and white snatched the appendage back, hissing at the noble mech as his armor and wings flared aggressively. "You presume too much, Lord Specter."

"It seems I must apologize once again, your Highness. I am deeply sorry to have offended you."

:: Oh, he ain't sorry yet, but he's gonna be!:: Jazz snarled over the comm. It was hard to tell from so far away but Jazz's visor seemed to be black with anger.

"Your apology is accepted. Please, do not let me detain you any longer." Pointedly turning away to look toward another part of the clearing, Prowl dismissed the other from his company.

Specter took it with a certain equanimity, bowing extravagantly once again. "By your leave, your Highness." He recited the courtly phrase with a flourish many other bots admired and envied him for. To Prowl it rang false.

A tiny breath of relief escaped him as soon as the other noblemech departed, but the twins didn't relax their tense stance.

:: Are ya alright or do I need ta break out the pink paint?::

:: I am fine as you very well know. I shall take a few breems to reassure the twins before I can sneak away to meet you.::

:: I'll keep myself occupied.:: A certain amount of mischief directed at Spectre was conveyed along with the glyphs. Prowl knew better than to try and dissuade the jester when he was that determined, but if Jazz got into trouble they would not be able to meet, so despite his own desire to see what Jazz would do he asked him to wait, not relenting until he had the silver mech's word.

Now that their protective instincts had been aroused it had been difficult even for the tactically savvy Praxian to ditch his bodyguards, but with a host of experience and his ingenuity to draw from he soon left the two behind. Again.

Whilst the twins were busy scouring the camp for their charge, the black and white was getting farther away from the camp with every klick soon joined by a silver mech.

"I was beginning ta think ya wouldn't be able ta get rid of tha twins at all." Jazz was advancing on Prowl, trying to hug the other to him, only for Prowl to dart away staying just out of reach. Jazz looked at Prowl imploringly, one of his hands reaching for him.

"Thank you for your vote of confidence, Jazz," Prowl deadpanned, silently challenging Jazz to catch him if he could.

Never one to dismiss a challenge the jester grinned and did his best to get his hands on the subject of his desires. Laughing like a couple of younglings they raced around the clearing, only having optics for each other.

Little did they realize that they were being watched.

XXXXX

Optimus relished this moment. It was only rarely that he had the time to be alone with himself and his thoughts and enjoy the scenery in peace. Step after step led him away from the hunting party and deeper into the woods. A light breeze moved some of the lighter crystal clusters to rustle, causing a musical tinkling sound. The scent of the wild crystal trees and bushes was invigorating. Somewhere off to the left a flock of turbobirds was warning away the intruder. It was invigorating.

Watching the play of light and shadows around him Optimus resolved to take Elita with him soon, so they could enjoy the tranquility together. He knew she would enjoy it as much as he did.

Busy planning their future outing Optimus returned his attention to what he was actually here for: looking for his younger brother. Somehow Prowl had, very true to his name, snuck away without anyone the wiser as to where he was going. No one had realized yet, and Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, after pinging Prowl's comm. signal had only resulted in a very politely phrased version of "Leave me alone" as an answer, had felt the need to tell someone. Theoretically they should have informed the Prime first, not the crown prince, but telling Sentinel would probably have resulted in trouble and lectures, and that was the last thing the three wanted for Prowl right now. The black and white seemed to have enough on his plate already.

For that reason Optimus had sent Ironhide and Kup, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker out to quietly look for the errant prince and bring him back before the Prime realized he had disappeared on his own. Optimus himself had struck out on his own, too. Maybe he would be lucky.

Ruefully chuckling to himself, the red and blue mech had to admit that if Prowl didn't want to be found, he really knew how to stay under the radar. So far he hadn't found plating nor paint of the black and white doorwinger.

He was ready to give up on searching in this direction when his audios picked up a faint sound. Deciding to investigate Optimus turned into the direction it came from and soon came to a clearing. Abruptly he stopped, not believing his optics. He rebooted them and looked again, but the scene hadn't changed at all.

Optimus had found Prowl.

But the Praxian wasn't alone.

There was another mech, with a silver frame and a blue visor, chasing after his little brother. His first instinct was to charge into the clearing and come to the black and white's aid, but all processing ground to a halt as he realized that Prowl was openly laughing. Not just smiling that barely there smile of his, but outright laughing with the silver mech running after him. He recognized the action for the game it was, especially when Prowl finally decided that enough was enough and slowed just a little so the taller mech could wrap his arms around him.

The mech was holding Prowl in his arms, stroking his cheek. Whatever the mech said, it made Prowl smile and sink into the embrace even more, not resisting when the taller mech leaned down to kiss the prince. And Prowl didn't turn away, instead he looped his arms around the others neck and returned the kiss. Transfixed, Optimus watched the two. Prowl was openly smiling, his doorwings fluttering. He had never seen his younger brother so happy.

So this was the mech that had captured Prowl's spark.

He appeared friendly enough, Optimus concluded after watching the couple interact for a few moments, and also somewhat familiar. Soon enough he realized he had seen the other mech before, at court to be precise, but not among the nobles. It took him only a second until he remembered where exactly he had seen the silver mech before and immediately felt like hitting himself. So he was what had Prowl so distracted at that court dinner before that fateful visit to medbay.

Unwilling to disturb the couple, Optimus silently melted back into the underbrush, settling in to wait for as long as it took. He would talk to Prowl later, once they were back at the palace. But first he had to corner a certain silver mech…

While Optimus retreated a few steps to give the couple some privacy (still staying close enough to intervene should the silver mech decide to overstep some boundaries, that was his little brother over there in the clearing after all), the two oblivious bots kissed on.

XXXXX

Reveling in each others' presence and closeness, neither of them wanted to be anywhere else. Even so, their time together was limited, which made those moments all the more precious to them.

Prowl couldn't help the way his wings fluttered when he was being held. It felt nice to be able to let go, not to have to be in control of himself and his surroundings all the time, knowing there was someone who would catch him, shield him, cherish him even when he couldn't be perfect.

A sound from the distance shattered the peace. It was a signal from the royal hunting party, bidding all its members return to the camp.

Reluctantly they parted from their embrace, but both knew that Prowl would have to return now, so his absence would not raise any suspicions. As much as they wanted to be together, if they were discovered now, Sentinel would not hesitate to separate them at once.

"Will I see you in the garden again this evening?" Prowl asked, his voice conveying how much he craved to be able to meet again. Jazz could not understand why some bots called the prince emotionless or stoic to the point of being cold. If one listened or watched closely, his emotions were there to see in the movements of his wings and in the sound of his voice.

"As soon as practice is over and I can give the others the slip I'll be there, Sparkles, I promise. Wouldn't dream of missing it." The jester sealed his promise with a playful kiss to the tip of Prowl's nose, almost laughing at the adorable expression on the other's face. But then everything about Prowl was adorable to him… Primus, he'd really fallen hard for the black and white.

Stepping away slowly, they held onto each other with their servos until they absolutely had to let go, before Prowl turned and walked to the edge of the clearing.

Grinning happily Jazz watched every one of Prowl's movements, waving enthusiastically when Prowl turned back into his direction once and smiled upon seeing the jester watching him. He waited until the black and white was completely out of sight, before he readied himself for his return to the city. He was already late for his practice with Blaster, but the prospect of spending some time with Prowl was well worth a little hurry.

A song on his lips he turned into the direction he had come from only for the melody to cease abruptly when he came face to face with another mech. Jazz froze, instantly recognizing the other mech for who he was. It would have been hard for him not to know the other's identity. Everyone in the kingdom knew the imposing frame and distinctive blue and red paintjob with its unique flame decals. Calm blue optics gazed at him knowingly as if their owner knew every facet of the silver mech's personality.

"So you are the mech who has captured my brother's spark." It was clearly an observation, not an inquiry. The smooth deep baritone of the blue and red mech had a compelling quality to it when he finally spoke.

Completely unashamed, Jazz answered honestly, returning the future Prime's gaze. "Yes, your highness."

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't have your silver aft thrown out of the city to separate the two of you permanently." A note of steel rang in the future Prime's voice as he regarded Jazz with narrowed optics.

Jazz bristled at the words, his visor flashing dangerously. "'Cause it would hurt Prowl if ya did. I love him and I won't let anyone hurt him like that." His claws flexed in an unconscious movement.

Optimus had caught the subtle movement and was looking at the smaller mech pointedly. "Prowl is a grown mech and a capable warrior. He hardly needs you to protect him, jester."

Jazz sniffed. "Prowl may not need a protector, but he needs someone who accepts and loves him for what he is."

"And what is he to you?" Optimus inquired calmly.

The answer came without thinking, without pause. "The other half ta my spark, the one I'd do anythin' for. I know he appears cold sometimes, but that ain't who he is at the core. Prowl's one of the most caring bots I've ever met even if he doesn't like to show it. Thanks to that combined wit' his keen sense of duty and discipline ya have a very self sacrificin' mech who'd do anything ta keep the ones he loves safe no matter tha personal cost. He's reserved to the point of bein' shy, which only makes him even more sweet, and he's possibly the smartest bot on Cybertron." A smile softened the expression on Jazz's face before it hardened again with resolve when he stepped closer to the tall mech, to make sure the other knew he meant every word. "The hardest workin' to. He deserves ta be happy and I'm gonna make sure he is, even if I have ta get past ya and the whole of Cybertron."

Optimus nodded, if not in agreement, then at least to acknowledge the mech's speech. "Personally I am inclined to believe you, but I am a bot and bots err. There are many who would like to call Prowl their bonded just because of his status and titles."

"I don't care about that. Ya Iacon bots are so stuck in yar caste system, that ya've lost all sense of proportion, of what's really important. Money doesn't buy me happiness, and social status doesn't get me real friends." He pointed toward his chestplates. "Spark is what counts. So wit' all due respect, your highness, but what happens between Prowler and me ain't none of your business. We're both grown mechs and we love each other, rank and politics ain't got nothing to do with it."

"And in the event that Prowl would fail at the trials…" Optimus' voice trailed off meaningfully.

"I'd still stay with him. I'll follow him wherever he goes, Praxus or not." What would it take to make the future Prime see that he meant what he said? There was an air of white dignity about him that even his father could not pull off. Something about him drew Jazz in, made him wish for the other's approval. Despite his misgivings about Iacon society, Jazz felt that this was a mech he could follow. Maybe Cybertron's was about to change a lot.

His facial expression remained stern, unrelenting. "So you say, jester."

"My name is Jazz, your majesty. I know that nothing I can say will convince ya if ya choose not ta believe me. But even if ya never do, even if no one does, I'll stick wit' Prowler as long as he wants me around. The only one who could send me away is him."

Finally Optimus smiled at the smaller. "We are in agreement then. That was all I wanted to hear. Still, should I ever get so much as an inkling that your sentiments are false, that you are hurting my brother, be assured that I will not hesitate to take steps." His voice never rose in anger, remaining steady and calm, though there was no mistaking the threat contained in it. Jazz could respect that wish to protect, since he more than shared it. Nodding, he accepted the warning.

For a moment it looked as if Optimus was going to say, but once more the sound of a horn rent the air and a more forceful ping rang along broad band comms of the area. To Jazz's everlasting astonishment they parted with a handshake, a greeting between to equals, instead of Optimus just turning and leaving.

Well, it seemed as if he and Prowl would have at least one supporter if he read Optimus right. The mech was still cautious, but at least he was open to the idea that Jazz wasn't just after Prowl's titles and wealth.

Meanwhile, on his way back to the camp, Optimus went over his conversation with Jazz again. He would make some discreet inquiries to be safe, but he had a feeling, no he was sure they would prove not to have been necessary. There had been no deception in the jester's field or optics. He might not have the matrix yet, but he trusted his intuition and it told him the silver mech could be trusted.

Yet it also told him that their troubles had only just begun.

XXXXX

They were a study in contrast, but each impressive in their own right. Where one was streamlined and sleek giving the impression of speed even when he was driving slowly, the other exuded power thanks to his bulk and strong lines. Even their colour schemes couldn't have been more different: one simple and elegant in black and white with the occasional red or gold highlight, while the other's red and blue colouring seemed designed to draw attention. Never were those contrasts between the two princes more obvious then when they drove side by side like they did then.

The hunting party was on its way back to the palace, everyone driving back in vehicle mode. The convoy consisted of several smaller groups of vehicles in all shapes and sizes. One such groups was made up of Optimus and Prowl, with their respective pair of guards surrounding them to make sure that if anyone tried to reach the princes, they would have to go through the warriors first. Their group had fallen back a little, since both princes were determined to enjoy the drive for as long as they could. They also had no desire to be drawn into the rather lively discussions going on over who was the best hunter, whose hounds were the fastest and fiercest, etc.

It also allowed them to talk to one another without any bot eavesdropping on their conversation, whether on purpose or by accident. The future Prime opted not to wait longer and drove closer to his brother.

"I had a very interesting encounter while I was looking for you, by the way." Optimus spoke up. Somehow he felt that what he planned to talk about needed the weight of actual words, not signals over a comm. Because however this conversation ended, it was important.

"You did?" Prowl's tone of voice was perfectly neutral.

"Indeed. I met a mech from court in a clearing. I think you know him." The older brother prodded gently, making sure their voices were pitched so they were only audible to the two of them, but drowned in the sound of their engines, or rather Optimus', since Prowl's ran very silently (there was a reason the Praxian was named Prowl, after all).

"There are many mechs in this hunting party I know from court. All of them, to be precise. You will have to elaborate, Optimus." Not even a hint of the apprehension Prowl was beginning to feel was to be heard.

"He was silver in colour, and among his more memorable features are a dark blue visor and spiky helm fins…"

Was it the blue and red mech's imagination or had Prowl swerved slightly on the road? "Optimus-,"

Now his younger brother had sounded rather off, so he rushed to reassure him, before Prowl could become too upset. Unfortunately his battle computer was very good at coming up with worst case scenarios among other things. "Don't worry, Prowl, I do not wish to get you into trouble. I just want to know why you didn't tell me about the mech you obviously love."

There was a pause before Prowl responded, clearly astonished. "How do you know?"

Had they been in mech form, Prowl would probably have been gaping. The thought made Optimus chuckle. "That you love him? I saw the two of you in the clearing and I talked to Jazz after you were gone. He rather impressed me, I have to admit. I was fully prepared kick his aft to the pit, but having met him, I can see why you fell in love with him."

"You are not angry?" Did Prowl even realize how plaintive he had sounded in that very moment? Most likely not. In addition, the truck was to some extent appalled that his brother thought he would resent him for falling in love with someone who was not of a noble caste. He would have to make sure Prowl understood that he would be there for him.

"Angry? Why should I be? You found your sparkmate, little brother, this is an occasion for rejoicing. Though I have to admit I'm somewhat disappointed that you didn't tell me." It stung a little, but he could understand why Prowl would be careful.

"I wanted to, but I was afraid you would not understand. After all, he hails from a much lower caste than we do."

"Do you really think I would have judged you both so harshly?" Optimus was slightly aghast. "You know I share your views about the caste system. It's rubbish, for Primus' sake!"

"My behavior was illogical, I am aware of that, but… " the smaller mech made a move to continue several times, but he paused every time, as if unsure what to say. Optimus knew that talking about emotions was a difficult subject for the other, who was more inclined toward logic and reason. He had a feeling he knew what bothered Prowl the most though.

"You feared to be separated, didn't you."

Prowl's engine whined almost imperceptively in distress. Swiftly and gently Optimus extended his own field to touch Prowl's and comfort him as if wrapping him in a soothing hug. He was gratified when Prowl sidled up closer to him and answered with a pulse of his own, returning the gesture. Neither of them made a move to separate from the other, Prowl enjoying the fact that he didn't have to hide from his brother anymore, and Optimus basking in the fact that the black and white was letting him fuss. The doorwinger was usually so reserved and self sufficient that he rarely sought out comfort anymore, as he had done when he was still a sparkling.

Checking his sensors he made sure that no one had seen or heard anything. Optimus went over what he had learned that day. There was only one thing left to be done really. "I don't know what I can do, but whatever happens, should you need my help, you need only ask."

"Thank you, brother." Prowl whispered, conveying his gratitude over their connection.

Content that they had resolved what they could, Optimus drove on. One small detail kept niggling at him though. "So how are the two of you going to tell father about this?"

"Beats me."

To Be Continued

Author's Notes II: The conversation between Jazz and Optimus is still not entirely right, but it's the best I could do for now and this already took long enough.

So what did you think?