Chapter Twenty
Friday again and the semester is officially over XD!! I've got a little over a month of free time before I start soccer tryouts for the team at the college. I'm excited. Now, here's the 20th chapter of To Catch a Thief, please let me know what you think.
Title: To Catch a Thief
Rating: T
Characters: Prowl, Jazz, others
With a sigh, Prowl got off the berth and walked over to the shelf next to his desk to pick out a book file. It had been a long time since he had been able to just sit down and read for pleasure. After picking out a couple, he subspaced them and headed to the rec room. When he arrived, he saw Bluestreak sitting with Sunstreaker and Sideswipe. With a grimace, he walked over and Bluestreak noticed him when he got close.
“Prowl, did Jazz go to see you?” asked Bluestreak hopefully.
“Yes, he did,” said Prowl and Bluestreak smiled. “I’m sorry if I worried you Bluestreak.” Bluestreak shook his head and pulled out a chair for Prowl to sit.
“It’s alright, I’m just glad you’re okay,” said Bluestreak and Prowl still felt a little guilty. Bluestreak noticed his slightly drooping door-wings and nudged his brother. “It’s alright, really.” Prowl merely nodded before turning to the twins who were watching him warily.
“I believe I owe you two an apology as well. I apologize for losing control like that. I could have hurt both of you and that is unacceptable,” said Prowl and the twins looked at him, shocked before looking faintly uncomfortable.
“Nah, you shouldn’t apologize. We were out of line,” said Sideswipe quietly.
“Yeah, we shouldn’t have pried,” said Sunstreaker and Prowl smiled faintly.
“Even, then?” asked Prowl and the twins nodded, smiling. “Well, I’m going to read.” Prowl walked over to the couch and made himself comfortable before pulling out one of the book files.
“We’ve got to go on shift now, so we’ll be going,” said Bluestreak and Prowl nodded. “Smokescreen should be here soon though.” He and the twins left the rec room and Prowl began to read. As he read, he ignored the mechs that came in and out of the rec room, most staring at him with wide optics for several moments wondering if they were really seeing him relaxing. Smokescreen finally came in and got himself a cube of energon before sitting down next to Prowl.
“How long have you been in here reading?” asked Smokescreen.
“Since shortly before Bluestreak left for his shift,” said Prowl and Smokescreen nodded.
“I’ve got to go out on patrol, but you’ll still be here right?”
“Most likely.”
“Alright, then I’ll be going.”
“Good luck.” Smokescreen nodded and left the rec room. Prowl never talked much when he was reading.
Jazz stretched when he set down the final report of the day. He was finally done and it was already getting really late. He’d normally be in his quarters already, but with Prowl’s work, it was much later. He was amazed that Prowl could get so much done and still get some recharge. With a sigh, he got up and headed to the rec room to get some energon before he went to recharge. The lights in the rec room were dimmed when he stepped through the door and wondered why. His thoughts were answered when he spotted Prowl recharging on the couch with a book file resting on his lap.
With a smile, he walked over and bookmarked the page Prowl had been reading before turning off the data pad. Prowl looked so peaceful recharging and he was completely relaxed. He figured that the mech must have been exhausted dealing with all his emotions and all that had happened during the orn when he hadn’t gotten a very good nights’ recharge the night before. Jazz walked over and got a couple cubes of energon before returning to the couch.
“Prowler,” Jazz whispered, gently shaking the mech. “Hey Prowler, ya gotta wake up mech.” Prowl’s optics flickered online and he looked up at Jazz drowsily. “Ya fell inta recharge in the rec room. Figured ya might want ta head back ta your quarters.”
“Huh? Oh, yes, thank you,” mumbled Prowl.
“Here, have some energon,” said Jazz as he handed Prowl a cube. Prowl quietly thanked him again and sipped the energon. “Ya been in here for a while then?”
“I came in here shortly after you left my quarters,” said Prowl, a hint of sleepiness still in his tone.
“Well, I finished all the work for today. I’m not lookin’ forward ta what I find on my desk tomorrow,” said Jazz and Prowl chuckled. Both finished their cubes and Jazz held out his hand to Prowl. “Let’s get ya to your quarters so ya can go back ta recharge.”
“You need to recharge as well Jazz, it’s late,” said Prowl.
“I know mech, believe me,” said Jazz dryly making Prowl chuckle. Prowl took Jazz’s hand, letting the silver mech help him to his feet before picking up his book file and walking with Jazz out of the rec room. They walked in a comfortable silence until they reached Prowl’s quarters. “Good night Prowler. I’ll stop by in the mornin’ and we can get some energon before I go back to work.”
“Alright, rest well Jazz,” said Prowl as he stepped into his room. The door shut behind him and Prowl walked over to his berth. It didn’t take him long to go back into recharge. The next two orns passed much more smoothly as Prowl had taken to avoiding situations that would most likely cause him to lose control. He spent much of his time in the rec room reading and Jazz would stop by every once in a while to get some energon and they would talk for a little while before Jazz had to go back to his office. On the morning of the third orn, Prowl made himself comfortable on the couch of the rec room once again, but he barely started reading when Ratchet stepped into the room. Jazz, Bluestreak, and Smokescreen, who had been sitting nearby chatting before they went on their shifts, all looked up curiously.
“Here you are, I’ve been looking all over for you,” said Ratchet a little annoyed as he walked over to the couch and stood in front of Prowl with his hands on his hips.
“You could have just called me on the com-link,” said Prowl and Ratchet glared at him.
“I thought you would like to hear it from me face to face that I’ve finished repairs on your battle computer,” said Ratchet.
“It’s repaired?” asked Prowl eagerly, a smile lighting up his face. Ratchet shuttered his optics, not used to seeing Prowl looking so excited.
“Yes, and if you come with me, you’ll have it back in your helm before mid-orn,” said Ratchet and Prowl readily jumped to his feet. Jazz, Bluestreak, and Smokescreen all got to their feet as well and Ratchet glanced over at them before sighing and allowing them to follow them to the med bay. Jazz watched Prowl walk with a skip in his step and his door-wings flutter happily. He was glad his friend was finally going to be at 100% and that he was happy, but he couldn’t help but feel sad that he’d, in a way, lose the mech he had gotten to know the last couple of orns. “Alright, on the berth.”
“Um…Ratchet,” said Prowl, a little nervously and Ratchet looked at him, curious at the sudden change of attitude, but he couldn’t help but feel apprehensive at the sheepish look the black and white mech was giving him.
“What?” he asked, dreading the answer.
“After I get my battle computer back…I might crash,” said Prowl. Ratchet narrowed his optics and Prowl quickly began to explain. “You know my battle computer is constantly feeding me plans and courses of action depending on what’s going on and what I’m doing, but I’m so used to it that I barely even notice it at all. The thing is, when my battle computer is down for some reason, and then it comes back on, it goes through all the memories that it was offline for and gives me plans and courses of action that would have been better in the situation. It happens fast and it gives me a processor ache from the Pit when it finally stops, but I’ve never had it offline for as long as it’s been under repairs, so…my reaction could be extreme.” Ratchet was tapping his foot with his arms crossed over his chest and a scowl on his face when Prowl finally finished his explanation.
“I’m beginning to hate all the upgrades you have,” said Ratchet and Prowl smirked.
“Blame my creators, I already do,” said Prowl.
“Prowl,” said Smokescreen sternly and Prowl merely shrugged with a flick of his door-wings.
“I still think that fragging thing is too much trouble for its own good. Do you really want it back?” asked Ratchet with a raised optic ridge.
“Yes!” cried Prowl. “It’s part of who I am Ratchet, and it’s somewhat thanks to my battle computer that we’ve been able to fight the Decepticons off like we have. I’m just glad they didn’t attack while I didn’t have it.”
“Alright, alright, I get it,” muttered Ratchet. “Alright, lie back and we’ll get started. You three, out. I don’t need you in my way while I’m working.” Jazz, Bluestreak, and Smokescreen all dashed out of the room when Ratchet brandished his wrench and waited outside the med bay. It was almost mid-orn when Ratchet opened the med bay door and motioned them inside. Prowl was still unconscious on the berth but the energon drip and sedative had been removed so he would wake up soon. “Let’s just hope he doesn’t crash. I don’t need that after putting that fragging thing back in his helm.”
The four mechs watched carefully as Prowl’s systems began to power up and come online. They tensed as Prowl’s optics flickered online and he carefully sat up, his expression calm and collected once more.
“How do you feel?” asked Ratchet carefully.
“Much better,” said Prowl. He was still bringing his different systems online carefully, preparing himself for the backlash he was about to receive. “Here we go.” Ratchet tensed and suddenly, all the input from Prowl’s battle computer sent him on his back, his back arched slightly as his hands clenched into fists. Jazz, Bluestreak, and Smokescreen cried out worriedly as they ran to his side and called his name, but he didn’t respond. Ratchet kept an optic on all his vitals and continually scanned him to make sure nothing was wrong. After several moments, Prowl’s frame went limp and his intakes were working fast because of the stress.
“Prowler!” cried Jazz.
“That…was much worse than I expected,” muttered Prowl as he brought a hand to his helm, rubbing the side as his optics narrowed. “I knew it would be bad, but…not that bad.”
“Prowl, are you alright?” asked Bluestreak worriedly.
“I will be in a moment Bluestreak,” said Prowl.
“Well, other than that little…episode, everything seems to be in order,” said Ratchet. “Do you want some painkiller for your head?”
“That would be appreciated,” muttered Prowl. Ratchet gave Prowl the painkiller and stood back.
“I’m not letting you back on duty until tomorrow. Take today to get your head back in order,” said Ratchet as he poked the side of Prowl’s helm. Prowl gave him a dry look before sitting up. “Go get some energon first.”
“Thank you Ratchet,” said Prowl as he got to his feet. He looked at the three worried mechs around him before fluttering his door-wings reassuringly and giving them all a small smile. “I’m fine, let’s get some energon.” He strode out of the med bay with them right behind him, watching him. “You act as if I’m going to break. I’m fine.”
“Ya gotta admit Prowler, it has been a crazy last few orns,” said Jazz. Prowl merely nodded as he stepped into the rec room. The four got their energon and sat down at one of the tables. Smokescreen quickly finished his energon, noticing the slight tension in Prowl’s frame towards Jazz. He figured it was best that they sort out whatever it was between them before Prowl went back to work.
“Hey Blue, we gotta get on shift,” said Smokescreen as he stood.
“But…” said Bluestreak hesitantly, glancing at Prowl.
“He’s fine Blue, plus, Jazz is with him. Come on, let’s go,” said Smokescreen, hauling his little brother to his feet and towards the door. “We’ll see you later guys. Jazz, don’t let Prowl go to work, ‘cause you know he’s tempted.” Jazz smirked lightly and nodded while waving to the pair.
“Jazz, I would like to speak with you privately,” said Prowl as he stood up. Jazz looked up at the black and white mech curiously before nodding and following him out of the rec room and to Prowl’s quarters. Prowl punched in the code and allowed Jazz inside before locking the door behind them.
“What’s up Prowler?” asked Jazz.
“Don’t, not right now,” said Prowl, irritation coloring his tone and Jazz looked little surprised.
“Prowl?” asked Jazz hesitantly.
“I’m not very happy with you right now Jazz,” said Prowl as he crossed his arms over his chest with a stern expression.
“What? Why?”
“You took advantage of the fact that I didn’t have my battle computer. You knew I had very little control over myself but you continued to press me.” Jazz looked faintly confused.
“Prowl, ya were upset. I was jus’ tryin’ ta help.”
“Help? You made things worse.”
“How did I make things worse? Ya seemed ta feel better at the time.”
“Key words Jazz, ‘at the time’.” Prowl couldn’t help but feel Jazz had taken advantage of the situation, but he couldn’t really explain why to Jazz. If he did, the silver mech would figure out just how much Prowl cared for him and he couldn’t afford to do that, not with the war the way it was. He wasn’t going to risk it. “I can’t do this now.” He pinched the bridge of his nose and offlined his optics.
“Prowl, I’m sorry,” said Jazz as he stood in front of Prowl. “I didn’t mean ta do anythin’ ta make ya upset. I jus’ wanted ta help and I was worried about ya.” Prowl brought his optics back online and felt a little guilty at being upset with the silver mech when he looked so down and worried. Prowl sighed and took Jazz’s hands in his own.
“I appreciate that, I do. I just…” Prowl couldn’t continue. Jazz gave him a questioning look and Prowl shook his head. They remained silent for several moments, neither was sure of what to say or do next. Jazz seemed to steel himself and he straightened up before pulling one hand out of Prowl’s grip. Prowl tilted his head to the side curiously as Jazz reached up and pulled off the visor he had worn since the day they had split up. Prowl’s optics widened at the sight of Jazz’s bright, glittering optics roiling with all the emotions he kept hidden from everyone else. The one that stood out the most to Prowl was the care he had for the black and white, and dare he hope…love.
“I really care about ya Prowler, ya know that right?” asked Jazz softly, almost a whisper. Prowl could only nod. “Ya mean more ta mean than anythin’ in the world. Seein’ ya these past couple orns, it was like I was seein’ what ya were really like without all the blocks on your emotions. I know it’s just a part of who ya are, and I care about every part of ya, ‘cause no matter what ya show, you’re still you. I admit ta feelin’ a little selfish, and happy, that I’m one of the few you show who ya really are ta, but…I miss it. I want ta see more of ya, not just what tiny bit ya show.”
“Jazz…I can’t,” whispered Prowl, pained.
“Prowler please, ya don’t have ta show anyone else, jus’ me. I know what ya do is hard on ya, but ya gotta trust me. Ya gotta trust that I’ll be here ta catch ya, ta help ya get back on your feet, ta stay with ya.”
“I do trust you.” Prowl was trembling, his door-wings visibly shaking and Jazz wrapped Prowl in his arms. Prowl was fighting several emotions strong enough to bypass the block he had; joy that Jazz cared for him the same way Prowl cared for him, fear of dealing with emotions that he was no good at handling, worry about a relationship with Jazz in such tumultuous times where either one could die in battle, and a few others that were difficult to identify.
“Then let go around me. Let me help ya.” Prowl merely hugged Jazz back, remaining silent until his trembling slowed and he could think clearly again. “Prowl?”
“Jazz…I…” Prowl hesitated. “You promise?” Jazz looked faintly surprised before smiling.
“I promise.” Prowl sat down on the berth and Jazz plopped down next to him.
“Alright…a compromise then,” said Prowl and Jazz raised an optic ridge. “I create a code that allows me to essentially ‘turn on and off’ the blocks on my emotions. When I work, I’ll have the block so my decisions aren’t influenced or affected by my emotions, but around you…only you, I’ll remove the blocks.”
“All of ‘em?” asked Jazz and Prowl nodded.
“Gradually, yes. I can’t just unblock them all at once, unless you want me to crash of course,” said Prowl wryly and Jazz grinned.
“I think I can agree ta that, but…”
“What?”
“What about us?”
“Us?”
“Yeah, ya can’t deny that there’s somethin’ more between us than jus’ bein’ best friends.” Jazz’s tone was soft and Prowl shifted uncomfortably.
“No…I suppose not.” Prowl looked away. “But we’re in the middle of a war Jazz. We have our duties and so many mechs rely on us. I can’t afford to be distracted by a personal relationship…no matter how much I want to.” Jazz’s expression turned sad and a little disappointed, but there was still a light of hope in his optics.
“I can kinda understand that, but…what happens if one of us is killed? Don’t ya think we should enjoy the time we have together while we still can?” Prowl could see the logic in that, but he still was worried.
“I can’t Jazz…at least not yet,” whispered Prowl and Jazz leaned into him.
“I’ll wait for ya Prowler. I’ll wait forever if I have ta,” Jazz said.
“Maybe…when things aren’t so dangerous, we can see where this leads us.” Jazz smiled with a nod. They sat in silence as Prowl began to write the code that would allow him to turn on and off the blocks on his emotions as well as the code for the blocks themselves that would deteriorate gradually allowing Jazz to see all of who he was when he wasn’t working.
“Hey, what about the coding Ratchet did before?” asked Jazz, remembering the incident in the med bay and Prowl smirked.
“Like Ratchet said, my battle computer is very complicated. I have learned that when it shuts down, it tends to reset so any modified coding disappears and I have to rewrite any new codes I created,” said Prowl.
“So even the code Ratchet created got wiped?” said Jazz with a grin and Prowl nodded, smirk still on his lips. Jazz started laughing. “I bet the Hatchet won’t be happy when he finds that out.”
“If he finds out,” corrected Prowl and Jazz laughed harder. “I tend to avoid the med bay if I can help it. Ratchet and I never really did get off on the right foot and I feel he’s had it out for me since.”
“Yeah?” asked Jazz curiously and Prowl nodded. When Jazz had first arrived, he had told the silver mech what he had done, but only generally. He figured he might as well tell how he had first met Ratchet. For the rest of the orn, they told each other how they had met certain mechs on the base.