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A Love Out of Reach Part 10
TFG1 OPxJ, a little HxM
A Gamma Surrounded by Love

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Mirage walked down the hallways heading towards the room where Jazz was staying. He had felt bad that after the Gamma had covered for him he got into trouble for something that didn't even happen. Well something did happen Jazz just told a different story. So after Sonata calmed down and went to relax in his chambers Mirage had Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, who at the time were taking a break from teaching mechs how to fight with Ironhide, and asked them to go down to the Delta levels and get some plain oil cakes. After Prowl told him that Jazz couldn't stand the plain oil cakes they got up here he thought it would be best if he got him some cheap and plain ones from below. By the time they returned Jazz had already gone to his room to rest so he decided to wait till tomorrow.

It was early in the morning and the Alpha walked down the hallways to the room where Jazz was staying. Nobody was up yet so Mirage thought this would be the perfect time to meet with Jazz and thank for what he did yesterday. When he arrived outside Jazz's door he heard strange noises from within. It was still early so he wondered if he was still asleep. To be on the safe side he knocked gently.

'Jazz? It's me, Mirage.'

No one answered and Mirage could still hear those funny noises. Looking around and making sure that no one was there he opened the door and peered in. It was dark inside but Mirage could make out the sleeping form of Jazz on his berth. However he wasn't at all at peace. He was moaning and whimpering out loud. He tossed and turned until he was tangled within his sheets. It didn't take a genius to figure out that the poor thing was having a bad dream. Mirage quickly stepped in and closed the door behind him. He placed the oil cakes on the table and quickly made his way to the edge of Jazz's berth. He had never tried to wake anyone up from a nightmare before so he hoped what he was about to do would help. He gently took a firm grip of Jazz's shoulders and began to gently shake him.

'Jazz? Jazz it's OK! Wake up!'

Jazz continued to moan and whine so Mirage tried even harder to wake him.

'JAZZ WAKE UP!'

That did the trick. Jazz's optics suddenly onlined and sat up so fast Mirage fell back and landed on his aft. The young Gamma scanned the room he was in quickly as he puffed out hot air from his vents. His whole frame was hot and he was trembling like mad. After his CPU established where he was and what had happened he was able to calm down. It was just a dream. That horrible place was just a terrible dream. He gasped out loud and rested his helm on his knees. What was that he saw? Optimus came into his room, started to kiss him and then tried to strangle him. His face melted off and he started to say strange things until his whole body went up in flames. He told Jazz that he would love him forever and not to cry. And then he fell...fell into darkness. What was that all about?

As he tried to make sense of what had happened something made a noise. It sounded like a grunt. Looking up and scanning the room again he noticed that someone was sitting on the floor near his berth and rubbing his aft whilst wincing in pain. Taking a closer look he found, to his surprise, Mirage sitting there. What was he doing here? Switching on the lights he climbed off the berth to help him up. Mirage seemed to be smirking as Jazz pulled him up.

'Remind me to never wake you when you're having a bad dream again,' he chuckled.

Jazz widened his optics in surprise.

'I knocked ya over?' he whimpered.

The first he told everyone that it had been a lie and he had gotten into trouble for it. Now he really had knocked him over by accident and he could only dread what Ultra Magnus would do if he ever found out. After Mirage was up from the floor and wiping the dirt off him he smiled gently as Jazz looked at him in a worried manner.

'Don't worry I'm not going to tell anyone. I atcully came here to apoligize for what Sonata did...and to thank you. I brought oil cake from the Delta levels.'

That made the Gamma look interested and he suddenly spotted the small parcel with the oil cakes inside. Mirage giggled and both he and Jazz went to sit down to enjoy them. As Mirage opened the parcel Jazz looked out the window to see that city lights were just going out and the gentle glow of the new born sun on the horizen. He didn't realize how early it was. That dream was still haunting him. The sun's glow was like a fire and that fire reminded him of how Optimus burned before him. What did that all mean? Why did Optimus tell not to cry? Jazz never cried in his whole life.

'Are you OK Jazz?'

Jazz looked back to Mirage to see that he was looking a little concerned.

'I'm sorry man...I had one weird dream last night...'

Mirage tilted his head in curiosity but with the expression Jazz was pulling he decided to drop the subject. Instead he handed him an oil cake which Jazz took eagerly. Taking a bite he moaned in delight as the plain but delicious flavour filled his mouth. Mirage was glad that Jazz was enjoying the snack and he was quite curious what they tasted like. Picking up a small one he took a small nibble he winced as the not so rich flavour filled his mouth. He was so used to the stuff he ate up here that it didn't really surprise him that he found this plain oil cake disgusting. Jazz just smirked as he watched Mirage trying to swallow it.

'Thanks for the snack man...I don't know how ya can't eat all that sweet crap.'

The Alpha just smiled as he placed the oil cake down.

'Well I suppose since we came from different backrounds it's not that surprising that our tastes are different.'

Jazz smiled as he finished the rest of the oil cake and reached for another one. He noticed that Mirage was looking a little edgy and he shifted on his chair every now and then. It was like he had something to get off his chest. Did it have something to do with yesterday? Was it something to do with that Delta he saw? The one called Hound. He didn't want to bring the subject up but something inside him told him to do so.

'So...that Delta yesterday...was he a friend or yours...or something?'

Mirage looked up suddenly at the mention of the Delta. His face began to glow a shade of red and he his hands began to twitch. His lips began to twitch and he looked down the floor. At first Jazz was beginning to regret what he had just said but Mirage looked up at him and took a deep breath.

'That Delta...Hound...he's...he's my...well...I...I love him.'

Jazz almost spat out the rest of his oil cake when Mirage uttered those words. The Alpha himself was now blushing bright red and small smile began to show on his femmine face. He loved a Delta? An Alpha who was already engaged was in love with lower class mech! Was he still dreaming or had the world turned upside down over night?Mirage looked up from his blushing and smiled again.

'I know you probaley think it's strange that I, an Alpha, have fallen for a Delta but...Hound...he's different...I mean...he's sooo...well...I can't describe it.'

The young Gamma watched as Mirage began to stutter and blush like mad as he spoke about this Hound. He could almost hear his Spark pulsing in his chest and his body began to heat up like crazy. Was he really in love? Was this what being in love was like? Mirage looked so happy as he spoke about Hound in such a manner. Much happier than he was when he was around Sonata. Plus that Hound fella did look like dependable mech. He didn't look like the type to take advantage of young and sad Alpha. Mirage just looked so happy as he talked about him.

'You know you're the first mech who knows about this. I am so sorry you had to see that yesterday and I am so sorry for what Sonata did. But I am truly greatful for what you did and if you need anything I will help you...and I-I was wondering if...you could please keep this a secret...p-please?'

He looked at Jazz with those large golden optics that were practically begging for him. It seemed to be working for Jazz couldn't find it in Spark to betray him. Unlike the other Alpha's he had met Mirage was the only one who treated him like an equal. Heck he was even in love a Delta. He wasn't like the others. He was kind and caring not snobbish and rude. He smiled back at Mirage and leaned back in his chair

'It's alright man...I won't sell you out...as long as ya promise to give me more of these sweet oil cakes!'

That made Mirage look up with a hopeful expression.

'Really!' he almost cried.

Jazz smirked and nodded as he watched Mirage jump up and down on his chair with joy.

'I gotta ask ya though...how did meet him?'

Mirage smiled and he got all giddy.

'W-well...it's a long story but...you see ever since I was little I hated the fact that I knew that one day was going to end up as Sonata's bondmate. I hated it when he would tell me how our future would turn out. He'd tell me how our ceremony would play out, what our Sparkling would be called and even told me where we would live together. It got me so mad that I wanted to escape. I couldn't leave the grand halls but I wanted a place where even he couldn't find me. That's when I got the idea to have a hunting simulator complex built for me. You see I don't know why but I love firearms...I love blaster's and weapons and it gave me such a thrill to use one.'

Mirage suddenly had a dangerous but playful look as his face and mimiced his hand into a gun.

'Sometimes I like to pretend I shooting at a certain someone but just pretending didn't feel good enough for me. So I decided to have a hunting complex built for me so I can let loose. A place I can escape to. A place where I can be myself. They hired Delta's for me to build it and I just couldn't wait for them to finish it. Once they finished one sector I went in there and just went wild! I felt free for the first time in my life. It was my perfect haven. But...but...as time went on Sonata wanted to get involved. He started telling me that I should how I should have it built. Starting yelling at the Delta's. Wanted me to do things his way. It was then I realized that no matter where I went in the grand halls I would never be able to get away from it all.'

The poor Alpha looked so sad as he spoke how he hated his perfect life up here in the grand halls.

'One day the stress just got to me and I ran off into an unfinished sector and cried. I was just so sad with what was going on. I hated my creators, I hated Sonata and I hated the grand halls. I was so upset that I didn't notice that one of the construction workers was there...and that was how I met Hound.'

His sad expression changed slightly.

'I was a little embarrassed when he walked in on me like that. I was expecting him to apologize and run off but instead...he just walked over and asked me what was wrong. At first I didn't want to tell him. I wanted him to go away and that nothing was wrong but he just laughed and said if nothing was wrong I wouldn't be crying. I calmed down after that and I did tell him what was wrong with me...and he listened. He sat there and listened to me and it felt nice. It felt nice that someone was actually listening to me.'

Mirage was now smiling a little.

'It made me so happy that I went back the next day to thank him but we ended up chatting again. Soon I found myself going back nearly everyday just to speak with him. I was so happy being with him. Soon we started talking about all sorts of things like his life and my life. At first I was suspicious of him because he was a Delta and I was told that Delta's loved to exploit mechs...but he was so different. He was so nice to me...he even told me his own problems and secrets. He became my best friend and I enjoyed his company so much. He made me forget about my life with Sonata. He made me forget about my stressful life in the grand halls. As time went on my hunting complex was almost complete and I spent one last evening with Hound to thank him for his support. I bought him a bottle of high grade Energon to thank him. We sat under the stars and drank together whilst talking about all sorts of things. I told him how I treasured his friendship and he told me how he used to think all Alpha's were cruel monsters until he met me. We laughed and talked all night..and then...and then...'

Jazz noticed that Mirage was blushing slightly and a small smile had appeared on his face.

'He...he kissed me...at first he got embarrassed and apologized over and over...but after he kissed me I felt something I had never felt before. When Sonata kissed me I felt nothing but when Hound kissed me...I felt a warmth within me...I thought my Spark had exploded and I felt so wanted...so...so I kissed him back...and then...well...you get the idea.'

He began to blush some more and Jazz felt his cheeks flush up as well.

'I had never felt so loved before. I felt like my life had meaning again. The time I spent with Hound was the happiest time in my life. He would tell me how much he loved me and how wonderful I was...how unique I was. I told him how I thought how creative he was for he was the one who designed the artificial plants in the complex. However as time went on the hunting complex was finished and the Delta's were no longer needed. I think I cried when they left...I cried my Spark out. I even went wild in the hunting complex till I killed nearly every turbo fox they had in there. I wanted to see him so bad...so I came up with a plan to get him to come back. I decided to have an extension built on the hunting complex with the same Delta group who built the first one for me. When I saw Hound again I just dragged him into the deepest part of the hunting complex and...I think I went crazy. I was so happy to see him again I cried in his arms. He told me he missed me so much and I had never felt so happy in my whole life.'

As Mirage gazed off into the distance Jazz began to take in what he had just told him. Jazz had been dreaming of meeting his one true love one day but he had no idea what love was like. Listening to Mirage's tale and seeing how so in love with this Delta he began to wonder if this was what love was like. It seemed so beautiful and wonderful. He had just been dreaming and hoping but he had never known what it was really like. To see a mech who was truly in love made him wish he too could be love with someone who could love him back. Mirage looked so happy and he didn't seem to care that this Hound was a Delta.

'I want to be with him forever but I knew that even if I tried to run away with him Sonata would track me down, put me in a rehab centre and have Hound thrown into a smelting pit. But when Optimus told me what he was going to do about chaging the laws with the classes so we could visit places we weren't allowed to visit and even bond with other classes if we wished to...so if he does pass this new law then I would be able to break my ties with Sonata and be with Hound.'

Jazz didn't realize that this law that Optimus was trying to change would not only effect the Gamma's but the Alpha's as well. It meant that they could choose who they wanted to be with not end up with mechs they didn't know or hated. He didn't realize that this new law would effect everyone on Cybertron. Mirage looked so hopeful. Would this new law really bring him happiness with Hound? After a moment or so the Alpha sighed and looked back at Jazz with a smile on his face. He looked like he wanted to change the subject.

'So is there anyone you got your optics on?' he asked with a giggle.

The young Gamma blushed as for some reason Optimus Prime holding him suddenly popped into his head.

'N-no...not really,' mumbled Jazz as he tried to hide his embarrassment.

Mirage smirked and he leaned forward.

'Really? No one in the grand halls you find attractive?'

Jazz shook his head as more and more images of Optimus Prime began to flood his CPU. Why was he appearing in his mind like that? Why was his spark pulsing like mad every time he thought about him? Why didn't Prowl or Ratchet appear? He did admit that Optimus was attractive but he knew he was way out of he league. So why was a small part of him still wishing and hoping? Mirage just sighed and flopped back in his chair pouting.

'Aw c'mon I told you my biggest secret...I know there is someone in the grand halls you like and I bet I already know who it is!'

That made Jazz look up in shock. Mirage just smiled innocently.

'It's Prowl isn't it?'

Jazz blinked as Mirage suddenly sat forward after taking a wild guess who it could be. As Mirage waited for an answer Jazz just smirked and chuckled a little.

'Look...Prowl may have one handsome face but he is no where close to be being my type. He's too serious and...and...well...he just ain't my type.'

Mirage sighed and flopped back on his chair.

'I was kind of hoping it would be Prowl. I've been trying to set him up for deca-cycles. Not just me either...Ratchet has been trying, Ironhide has been trying and even the Twins joined in.'

'Twins?'

'The Twins. Ironhide's assistance's...they're Delta's too. Apart from the construction team they're the only Delta's who ever been inside the grand halls. Prowl can't stand them though cause they're always causing trouble. They've heard about you and they want to see you so watch out.'

Jazz wasn't sure if he should take that as a warning or not. He was a little surprised that Mirage, Ratchet and these Twins were trying to set Prowl up. Did Prowl have bad luck getting a date or something? He was a handsome mech and all but Prowl was just too serious for him. Plus for some reason Jazz didn't really found the Beta's appealing at all. Mirage shrugged and then stood up.

'Well I better go. If Sonata finds that I left my room without him knowing he'd blow a fuse. I hope we can chat like this again...and if Sonata tries anything like that again I'll deal with him for you OK?'

The young Gamma watched as Jazz watched as Mirage walked off heading towards the door. Mirage turned to give him one more farewell look before leaving and shuting the door behind him. It did feel nice to have an Alpha like Mirage come and offer him his apology and some oil cakes. It made him feel better. At least there were a few mechs up here who didn't give a dam about what rank he was. The conversation he had with Mirage made him wonder though about many things. Like how this whole thing with the changing the laws would effect everyone and not just the Gamma's. Like how not all Alpha's weren't so bad. Also...like how he started to feel about Optimus. Those feelings he got whenever he looked at him and when he accidentally fell on top of him in the med bay. His Spark would speed up like crazy and he would feel hot all over. What was wrong with him? He had already told himself that he could not be with Optimus...so why was he feeling like this?

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It was nice to see that Prowl wasn't at all upset by his punishment. In fact he had told Jazz he didn't really mind it just gave him something to do in his spare time. That made Jazz wonder why Mirage and a few others were trying to set him up. He was a dedicated workaholic. Probably the reason he never got a mech or femme. However it was still nice of him to take him down to a Beta level where Prowl was intending to purchase a Harmonia-Stella for Jazz to use. When Jazz asked about the old one Ratchet had Prowl answered by saying,

'Trust me...you don't want that one.'

Jazz decided not to ask and allow Prowl to get him a new one. He did however feel a little guilty about having Prowl buy him one though. In the slums Jazz wouldn't accept anything from anyone unless he bought it himself. He did have a few credits but after seeing a few things at some stalls and their prices he realized that he was as poor as a broken down mech from Kalis. He did remember that High Councilman Trax suggest he get a trial job up here but he wasn't really good or qualified for any job they had up here unless they too ran sleazy bars.

Prowl had taken him to a merchant area where hundreds and hundreds of stalls stood around in giant plaza. The Enforcer captain told Jazz this is where they sold cheap stuff and he rarely came here because he hated watching poor suckers get swindled. He was sure however that they would find someone who sold a good second hand Harmonia-Stella here somewhere they just had to be careful who they buy it from. Prowl had advised Jazz to stick close for even though he had a valid pass he was still a Gamma and not a lot of Beta's liked Gamma's. Even though Jazz considered himself tough he was in a Beta city level not in the slums. He was a walking target for these mechs.

Upon entering the bazar Jazz was already getting merchants coming up to him trying to sell their wares. They didn't seem to care that Jazz was a Gamma or not. Truth be told they only cared about the credits he was carrying. Prowl shooed them away and flashed his Enforcer badge at them. As if it were a charm to ward off evil they withdrew quickly as they came. Merchants and Enforcers didn't mix very well and that was a well known fact. Prowl sighed as he looked around.

'Just watch where you shop OK? These merchants here only care about the credits in your subspace.'

Jazz nodded and followed.

'So where should we start looking?'

'I've been told that further in they sell all sorts of odds and ends.'

The young Gamma suddenly looked concerned.

'Is this your first time here or something?'

Prowl looked over his shoulder at him and blushed slightly.

'W-well...I don't like areas like these...I can't stand merchants.'

Jazz sighed and hoped they wouldn't get lost in here. There were so many stalls and it was a very big plaza. The further they walked in the more merchants tried to catch their attention. They stopped at a few when Prowl saw a few Harmonia-Stella's but the moment he touched them they fell apart. Others wouldn't right and many of them didn't work. The merchants themselves would panic when Prowl approached their stall in fear he was there to bust them or something. That and Prowl did look rather scary with his stern and serious expression. They went from stall to stall trying to find a decent Harmonia-Stella but so far found none. As Prowl scanned a stall that they were browsing Jazz decided to look around for himself.

It was then that he saw a stall not too far from where they were standing called Blue's Bargin Bin and it was there he noticed a good looking harmonia-stella. Leaving Prowl's side without him knowing Jazz walked over to get a better look. It didn't look that bad and there were a few scratches here and there but it was in a good condition. Even the price looked alright. Picking it up with care Jazz examined it further. As he wondered if he could actually play a good tune on it he heard a voice addressing him.

'Something caught your optic?'

Jazz looked round until he found the source of the voice. At first he thought he was looking at Prowl but after getting a better look at him he realized he was just talking to another Beta mech who had a similar design to Prowl. He was younger than the Enforcer captain and he looked pretty compared to the handsome Prowl. Even his horns were smaller than his. His colour scheme was dark grey with red and he had a pair of large but adorable blue optics. Jazz took a wild guess that he was the owner of this stall.

'Um...yeah I saw this Harmonia-stella and-...'

'Are you a Gamma? Wow you don't see many Gamma's up here that's for sure. I mean of course not they all live down in the slums. I've been down there once to try and sell my stuff but I wasn't allowed to cause the city guards said that it wasn't allowed for some reason. Isn't that stupid? I could make tons more credits if they let me sell my stuff to them. Hardly anyone up here buys my stuff. That's why I sell it so cheap. Still doesn't work though. So are you visiting or something? I've never seen a Gamma like you before. Are you a new model or something? I've seen a few Gamma's before and none of them look alike. Maybe that's why you all live down there. Oh I'm not trying to be rude and all but...'

The fact that he was still talking made Jazz feel surprised that his vocal processors haven't given out yet and he wondered how long he had been standing there listening to him. He just went on and on asking more questions and never giving Jazz the chance to answer. He must of been built with a powerful vocal processor or something for even Jazz could talk this long without giving his vocal processor's a chance to cool down. Thankfully he stopped talking finishing his long conversation with,

'So do you want to buy that?'

Jazz waited a few clicks just in case before answering.

'Er yeah...I just wanna know if it's in good condition.'

'Do you like musical instruments? I tried playing it before but I can't get it to sound like beautiful melodies they play on the broadcast. That doesn't mean it doesn't work I'm just not a very good player. Do you listen to the broadcast? That Blaster is a hoot! He's got a great taste for music. I tried speaking to him once when he was taking calls but I never made it through. Doesn't mean I'm not going to stop trying! So anyway that Harmonia-stella is in perfect condition it's just not very clean. I would clean it but I'm so busy with work and...'

Jazz sighed as the young Beta went on and on with no sign of stopping. He was quite the chatterbox and it made Jazz wonder if this mech atcually got any customers at all. A few merchants going on their break passed by and when they saw Jazz with the chatting merchant they all began to snicker and talk agmonst themselves.

'Looks like that poor mech fell right into lil Blue's talking trap.'

'His audios will go out any click now.'

He took a wild guess that this merchant was well known for his endless chatter. However apart from the chatting he didn't seem that bad. He knew Jazz was a Gamma but he didn't seem to care. Or maybe he was just so caught up in his talking that he didn't have time to shout insults or something like that. Thankfully the chatting Beta stopped talking once more after finishing his conversation with,

'It's about 500 credits! That's a bargin since they sell for 2000 credits.'

The young Gamma winced. He only had 400 credits. He had wanted to buy one with his own credits even though Prowl had offered to help his buy one. Before he could try and negociate another price Prowl had finally noticed that Jazz had wandered off but thankfully not too far. The Enforcer captain grumbled in frustration and made his way over to where Jazz was standing with the young merchant.

'Jazz could please stick close? I don't want a reapeat of-...'

'Oh my are you an Enforcer Captian? Cool I've never seen any Enforcer of your rank around here before. So can I interest you in my wares? Oh I'm sorry I'm dealing with another customer right now so if you just give a few clicks I'll be right with you! I'm not ignoring you but...'

Jazz rolled his optics and wondered if Prowl would order him to shut up. To his surprise Prowl just stood there listening to him and looking at him with open wide optics. Was he just surprised to see this talkative merchant chatting away at him without caring that he was an Enforcer? As the merchant went on and on Prowl just stared at him as if he had just been slapped in the face. When the merchant had stopped talking Prowl just stood there not saying anything. The young Beta just looked at the Enforcer confused.

'Are you alright sir?' he asked.

That had to be the shortest thing he said. Prowl just stood there unable to speak. Did he malfunction on the spot or something? Concerned a little Jazz stepped forward and snapped his fingers a few times in front ot Prowl's face until he finally blinked and spoke.

'I-I beg your pardon I was admiring your wings...I mean wares! I was admiring your wares!'

The young merchant looked a little surprised at the sudden comment but then giggled as his wings began to twitch. Jazz looked back and forth between Prowl and the merchant. Prowl looked like he was day dreaming as he stared at the young chatterbox and the young merchant just went on and on about his wings.

'They're a bit big I know but lots of mechs think they just make me look cuter. What do you think? I was going to have them removed but I thought against it...'

Jazz blinked as the two just stood there talking and ignoring him completely. Then a small but sly smirk grew on his face when he remembered that Mirage was trying to set Prowl up with someone. Did Prowl like this mech or something? He looked like he was checking him out and he had heard that many Beta's who had wings looked for other mechs with wings because it was attractive for them. They went on talking and Prowl didn't seem to care that the merchant was so chatty. Knowing this was dragging on he made a loud cough to grab their attention.

'I'm sorry but I would like to buy this,' chuckled the young Gamma.

'Oh I'm terribly sorry! I'll give you a discount for wasting your time like this...how does 350 credits sound?'

Before Jazz could reply Prowl suddenly said,

'We'll take it.'

'Glad to serve you. My name is Bluestreak by the way nit Blue. Everyone calls me Blue for short. I don't know why my creators called me only part of me that's blue are my optics. So what are your names? I always like to ask my customers their names so I make them feel welcome. Everyone thinks I'm weird for doing that but...'

He carried on as he began to wrap up the harmonia-stella. Even though Jazz introduced himself Prowl just continued to stare at him in a dream like state. Even as Jazz paid for it finishing the transaction he just stared at him. Even though they had got what they came for the Enforcer Captain didn't want to leave. Bluestreak just stared at him a little confused.

'Are you OK sir? You're not sick are you? I know a medic who lives nearby. Well I know a few medic tricks myself but I'm not as great as the real medics.'

Jazz smirked and rolled his optics. He quickly gave Prowl a slap to the back knocking him out of the trance he was in. The moment he did Prowl staggered on the spot and said in a very high pitched voice,

'My name is Prowl.'

Bluestreak blinked in surprise but giggled.

'You're funny.'

Now that had to be the shortest thing he had ever said all day. Prowl just chuckled nervously as Bluestreak continued to giggle.

'So...er...how long have you been working here?' asked a flushing Prowl.

'Oh about a few stella cycles. I used to work in Tyger Pax but the business there went downhill after a while.'

Jazz decided to leave the pair of them alone and browse some more by himself. He didn't wander too far off and he checked over his shoulder every now and then to check on them. He knew that Mirage would be overjoyed to see Prowl taking an interest in someone. Plus it was nice to see Prowl looking and acting relaxed all of a sudden. He was normally tense and stiff. As he watched them from afar he suddenly thought of Optimus all of a sudden. Did he have someone he liked? Someone that made him act funny when he was around them? The young Gamma sighed and sat down as more and more of these questions filled his head but he was unable to answer them. He felt funny around Optimus. He was excited when he was around and his Spark would pulse at fast levels. Clutching his chest as his spark began to pulse rather fast again he began to wonder...did he like Optimus?

'Don't be stupid Jazz...he's the Prime and you're just a Gamma...it wouldn't work...plus...I'm not sure if he even likes me that way.'

Optimus acted very friendly around him, acted concerned when he looked ill and defended him whenever he was in trouble. But was he like that with everyone? Was he just another friend to him? Did he even like him that way? Sighing miserably he suddenly a very loud booming voice.

'...and that's the news in Kalis! Now this just in! Optimus Prime, our new leader, hasjust annoced that he will be changing Cybertron for the better!'

Jazz looked round wondering where that voice was coming from. He noticed a few mechs were looking up and pointing so he followed their gazing optics to see a large floating machine that had four screens on it pointing in four different directions. Upon the screen a femme was talking about Optimus Prime and in a smaller screen in the corner of the large screen was a video of Optimus with Ultra Magnus and another Omega Superior standing next to him talking to media mechs. Jazz watched and listened in.

'That's right our new leader has announced that he will be changing the law on the ranks and classes of Cybertron! He stated that he wants a world where Delta's can work as Enforcer's if they wanted to, where Alpha's could marry Omega Superior's if they wished it and where Cybertronians all over could live and work together without being divided by their rank! Truly an admirable act but how will the rest of Cybertron will react? Our reporter who is live at the media press where Optimus Prime is answering questions regarding the new law change has this to say. You're on Kage!'

'Thanks Amma...it's true! Optimus Prime wants a world where any Cybertronian no matter what the rank can do as they please, get the jobs that they want and bond with the mechs that they love. When asked why did he want to do this?, he replied that after visiting the slums of Iacon where the Gamma's are forced to live he was angered that they weren't given the equal rights that every other rank has and that he wants them to live alongside us in peace.'

'Wait...are you saying that our leader Optimus Prime went down there?'

'Yes he did. When asked why he just said that he was looking for someone who had wandered down there by accident and that was all he had to say about that.'

'Interesting. By the way Kage we have heard rumours that a Gamma is living there in the grand halls with him! Is this true?'

'That is also true! Apparently whilst down in the slums a Gamma who had no idea who he was offered to help him in his search and the Prime now considers him a good friend. When asked if we could meet with him he replied that the Gamma was feeling ill at the moment and could not be reached. He will however be present at tomorrow's function where Optimus Prime plans to gain support from Sim Fur and Kaon.'

'Thank's for that Kage! Having Gamma's living amongst us in exchange for freedom? How will that effect Cybertron? Please send us your opinions via our broadcast link! Next on the news...'

Jazz watched as the floating screens floated away to tell the rest of the city the news. Looking at the other mechs who had just watched he heard some of them talk about what they had just heard.

'Well it would be good for business I guess.'

'Plus I always wanted to date that Delta femme.'

'I could work as a pro Merchant and be allowed to become a CEO of my own company!'

'Keep dreaming pal.'

'Yeah but do we really want the Gamma's up here? I heard that they are vile robbers and beggers!'

The young Gamma sighed as he heard that even though they liked the idea they weren't so keen on having Gamma's up here. Did they even know what a Gamma looked like? he was sitting not too far from them but they didn't even look at him as they talked about it. Would this idea really work? Will Gamma's one day be allowed to walk around these levels without getting jeered at and insulted every click? As they carried on talking Prowl had finally returned from talking to that young merchant and noticed that troubling look on Jazz's face. He had also heard the news announcement and had hoped it would please Jazz but he didn't look too happy.

'What's the matter?'

Jazz looked up and sighed.

'Oh it's nothing...I just didn't realize how big this would be...I guess I'm feeling a little scared that's all.'

Prowl smirked and pulled Jazz to his feet.

'If you want I can get Track's to buff you up again.'

That made the young Gamma chuckle.

'Er...no thanks...by the way I thought ya hated merchants...ya looked like you were interested in that chatty one back there.'

Prowl blushed but nodded.

'W-well..he has a nice set of wings...and he's kinda of cute...'

Jazz had to stop himself from laughing as the strict and stern Prowl began to blush like a giddy young femme going on her first date. As they headed back to the grand halls Jazz told himself that he had to make a good impression at that function. he had to so that Gamma's would be allowed to walk with other ranks and prove to them that they weren't as vile and cruel as everyone thought that they were. Not just for Gamma's either but for everyone other rank on Cybertron. For Hound and Mirage who wanted nothing more than to be together and other mechs who had dreams they couldn't reach because of what they were. Also he wanted to do this for Optimus. He was the first higher up he met who treated him like an equal. He had to do this and he knew that he could. For all of Cybertron.

Description
A Love Out of Reach Part 10
TFG1 OPxJ, a little HxM
A Gamma Surrounded by Love

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Mirage walked down the hallways heading towards the room where Jazz was staying. He had felt bad that after the Gamma had covered for him he got into trouble for something that didn't even happen. Well something did happen Jazz just told a different story. So after Sonata calmed down and went to relax in his chambers Mirage had Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, who at the time were taking a break from teaching mechs how to fight with Ironhide, and asked them to go down to the Delta levels and get some plain oil cakes. After Prowl told him that Jazz couldn't stand the plain oil cakes they got up here he thought it would be best if he got him some cheap and plain ones from below. By the time they returned Jazz had already gone to his room to rest so he decided to wait till tomorrow.

It was early in the morning and the Alpha walked down the hallways to the room where Jazz was staying. Nobody was up yet so Mirage thought this would be the perfect time to meet with Jazz and thank for what he did yesterday. When he arrived outside Jazz's door he heard strange noises from within. It was still early so he wondered if he was still asleep. To be on the safe side he knocked gently.

'Jazz? It's me, Mirage.'

No one answered and Mirage could still hear those funny noises. Looking around and making sure that no one was there he opened the door and peered in. It was dark inside but Mirage could make out the sleeping form of Jazz on his berth. However he wasn't at all at peace. He was moaning and whimpering out loud. He tossed and turned until he was tangled within his sheets. It didn't take a genius to figure out that the poor thing was having a bad dream. Mirage quickly stepped in and closed the door behind him. He placed the oil cakes on the table and quickly made his way to the edge of Jazz's berth. He had never tried to wake anyone up from a nightmare before so he hoped what he was about to do would help. He gently took a firm grip of Jazz's shoulders and began to gently shake him.

'Jazz? Jazz it's OK! Wake up!'

Jazz continued to moan and whine so Mirage tried even harder to wake him.

'JAZZ WAKE UP!'

That did the trick. Jazz's optics suddenly onlined and sat up so fast Mirage fell back and landed on his aft. The young Gamma scanned the room he was in quickly as he puffed out hot air from his vents. His whole frame was hot and he was trembling like mad. After his CPU established where he was and what had happened he was able to calm down. It was just a dream. That horrible place was just a terrible dream. He gasped out loud and rested his helm on his knees. What was that he saw? Optimus came into his room, started to kiss him and then tried to strangle him. His face melted off and he started to say strange things until his whole body went up in flames. He told Jazz that he would love him forever and not to cry. And then he fell...fell into darkness. What was that all about?

As he tried to make sense of what had happened something made a noise. It sounded like a grunt. Looking up and scanning the room again he noticed that someone was sitting on the floor near his berth and rubbing his aft whilst wincing in pain. Taking a closer look he found, to his surprise, Mirage sitting there. What was he doing here? Switching on the lights he climbed off the berth to help him up. Mirage seemed to be smirking as Jazz pulled him up.

'Remind me to never wake you when you're having a bad dream again,' he chuckled.

Jazz widened his optics in surprise.

'I knocked ya over?' he whimpered.

The first he told everyone that it had been a lie and he had gotten into trouble for it. Now he really had knocked him over by accident and he could only dread what Ultra Magnus would do if he ever found out. After Mirage was up from the floor and wiping the dirt off him he smiled gently as Jazz looked at him in a worried manner.

'Don't worry I'm not going to tell anyone. I atcully came here to apoligize for what Sonata did...and to thank you. I brought oil cake from the Delta levels.'

That made the Gamma look interested and he suddenly spotted the small parcel with the oil cakes inside. Mirage giggled and both he and Jazz went to sit down to enjoy them. As Mirage opened the parcel Jazz looked out the window to see that city lights were just going out and the gentle glow of the new born sun on the horizen. He didn't realize how early it was. That dream was still haunting him. The sun's glow was like a fire and that fire reminded him of how Optimus burned before him. What did that all mean? Why did Optimus tell not to cry? Jazz never cried in his whole life.

'Are you OK Jazz?'

Jazz looked back to Mirage to see that he was looking a little concerned.

'I'm sorry man...I had one weird dream last night...'

Mirage tilted his head in curiosity but with the expression Jazz was pulling he decided to drop the subject. Instead he handed him an oil cake which Jazz took eagerly. Taking a bite he moaned in delight as the plain but delicious flavour filled his mouth. Mirage was glad that Jazz was enjoying the snack and he was quite curious what they tasted like. Picking up a small one he took a small nibble he winced as the not so rich flavour filled his mouth. He was so used to the stuff he ate up here that it didn't really surprise him that he found this plain oil cake disgusting. Jazz just smirked as he watched Mirage trying to swallow it.

'Thanks for the snack man...I don't know how ya can't eat all that sweet crap.'

The Alpha just smiled as he placed the oil cake down.

'Well I suppose since we came from different backrounds it's not that surprising that our tastes are different.'

Jazz smiled as he finished the rest of the oil cake and reached for another one. He noticed that Mirage was looking a little edgy and he shifted on his chair every now and then. It was like he had something to get off his chest. Did it have something to do with yesterday? Was it something to do with that Delta he saw? The one called Hound. He didn't want to bring the subject up but something inside him told him to do so.

'So...that Delta yesterday...was he a friend or yours...or something?'

Mirage looked up suddenly at the mention of the Delta. His face began to glow a shade of red and he his hands began to twitch. His lips began to twitch and he looked down the floor. At first Jazz was beginning to regret what he had just said but Mirage looked up at him and took a deep breath.

'That Delta...Hound...he's...he's my...well...I...I love him.'

Jazz almost spat out the rest of his oil cake when Mirage uttered those words. The Alpha himself was now blushing bright red and small smile began to show on his femmine face. He loved a Delta? An Alpha who was already engaged was in love with lower class mech! Was he still dreaming or had the world turned upside down over night?Mirage looked up from his blushing and smiled again.

'I know you probaley think it's strange that I, an Alpha, have fallen for a Delta but...Hound...he's different...I mean...he's sooo...well...I can't describe it.'

The young Gamma watched as Mirage began to stutter and blush like mad as he spoke about this Hound. He could almost hear his Spark pulsing in his chest and his body began to heat up like crazy. Was he really in love? Was this what being in love was like? Mirage looked so happy as he spoke about Hound in such a manner. Much happier than he was when he was around Sonata. Plus that Hound fella did look like dependable mech. He didn't look like the type to take advantage of young and sad Alpha. Mirage just looked so happy as he talked about him.

'You know you're the first mech who knows about this. I am so sorry you had to see that yesterday and I am so sorry for what Sonata did. But I am truly greatful for what you did and if you need anything I will help you...and I-I was wondering if...you could please keep this a secret...p-please?'

He looked at Jazz with those large golden optics that were practically begging for him. It seemed to be working for Jazz couldn't find it in Spark to betray him. Unlike the other Alpha's he had met Mirage was the only one who treated him like an equal. Heck he was even in love a Delta. He wasn't like the others. He was kind and caring not snobbish and rude. He smiled back at Mirage and leaned back in his chair

'It's alright man...I won't sell you out...as long as ya promise to give me more of these sweet oil cakes!'

That made Mirage look up with a hopeful expression.

'Really!' he almost cried.

Jazz smirked and nodded as he watched Mirage jump up and down on his chair with joy.

'I gotta ask ya though...how did meet him?'

Mirage smiled and he got all giddy.

'W-well...it's a long story but...you see ever since I was little I hated the fact that I knew that one day was going to end up as Sonata's bondmate. I hated it when he would tell me how our future would turn out. He'd tell me how our ceremony would play out, what our Sparkling would be called and even told me where we would live together. It got me so mad that I wanted to escape. I couldn't leave the grand halls but I wanted a place where even he couldn't find me. That's when I got the idea to have a hunting simulator complex built for me. You see I don't know why but I love firearms...I love blaster's and weapons and it gave me such a thrill to use one.'

Mirage suddenly had a dangerous but playful look as his face and mimiced his hand into a gun.

'Sometimes I like to pretend I shooting at a certain someone but just pretending didn't feel good enough for me. So I decided to have a hunting complex built for me so I can let loose. A place I can escape to. A place where I can be myself. They hired Delta's for me to build it and I just couldn't wait for them to finish it. Once they finished one sector I went in there and just went wild! I felt free for the first time in my life. It was my perfect haven. But...but...as time went on Sonata wanted to get involved. He started telling me that I should how I should have it built. Starting yelling at the Delta's. Wanted me to do things his way. It was then I realized that no matter where I went in the grand halls I would never be able to get away from it all.'

The poor Alpha looked so sad as he spoke how he hated his perfect life up here in the grand halls.

'One day the stress just got to me and I ran off into an unfinished sector and cried. I was just so sad with what was going on. I hated my creators, I hated Sonata and I hated the grand halls. I was so upset that I didn't notice that one of the construction workers was there...and that was how I met Hound.'

His sad expression changed slightly.

'I was a little embarrassed when he walked in on me like that. I was expecting him to apologize and run off but instead...he just walked over and asked me what was wrong. At first I didn't want to tell him. I wanted him to go away and that nothing was wrong but he just laughed and said if nothing was wrong I wouldn't be crying. I calmed down after that and I did tell him what was wrong with me...and he listened. He sat there and listened to me and it felt nice. It felt nice that someone was actually listening to me.'

Mirage was now smiling a little.

'It made me so happy that I went back the next day to thank him but we ended up chatting again. Soon I found myself going back nearly everyday just to speak with him. I was so happy being with him. Soon we started talking about all sorts of things like his life and my life. At first I was suspicious of him because he was a Delta and I was told that Delta's loved to exploit mechs...but he was so different. He was so nice to me...he even told me his own problems and secrets. He became my best friend and I enjoyed his company so much. He made me forget about my life with Sonata. He made me forget about my stressful life in the grand halls. As time went on my hunting complex was almost complete and I spent one last evening with Hound to thank him for his support. I bought him a bottle of high grade Energon to thank him. We sat under the stars and drank together whilst talking about all sorts of things. I told him how I treasured his friendship and he told me how he used to think all Alpha's were cruel monsters until he met me. We laughed and talked all night..and then...and then...'

Jazz noticed that Mirage was blushing slightly and a small smile had appeared on his face.

'He...he kissed me...at first he got embarrassed and apologized over and over...but after he kissed me I felt something I had never felt before. When Sonata kissed me I felt nothing but when Hound kissed me...I felt a warmth within me...I thought my Spark had exploded and I felt so wanted...so...so I kissed him back...and then...well...you get the idea.'

He began to blush some more and Jazz felt his cheeks flush up as well.

'I had never felt so loved before. I felt like my life had meaning again. The time I spent with Hound was the happiest time in my life. He would tell me how much he loved me and how wonderful I was...how unique I was. I told him how I thought how creative he was for he was the one who designed the artificial plants in the complex. However as time went on the hunting complex was finished and the Delta's were no longer needed. I think I cried when they left...I cried my Spark out. I even went wild in the hunting complex till I killed nearly every turbo fox they had in there. I wanted to see him so bad...so I came up with a plan to get him to come back. I decided to have an extension built on the hunting complex with the same Delta group who built the first one for me. When I saw Hound again I just dragged him into the deepest part of the hunting complex and...I think I went crazy. I was so happy to see him again I cried in his arms. He told me he missed me so much and I had never felt so happy in my whole life.'

As Mirage gazed off into the distance Jazz began to take in what he had just told him. Jazz had been dreaming of meeting his one true love one day but he had no idea what love was like. Listening to Mirage's tale and seeing how so in love with this Delta he began to wonder if this was what love was like. It seemed so beautiful and wonderful. He had just been dreaming and hoping but he had never known what it was really like. To see a mech who was truly in love made him wish he too could be love with someone who could love him back. Mirage looked so happy and he didn't seem to care that this Hound was a Delta.

'I want to be with him forever but I knew that even if I tried to run away with him Sonata would track me down, put me in a rehab centre and have Hound thrown into a smelting pit. But when Optimus told me what he was going to do about chaging the laws with the classes so we could visit places we weren't allowed to visit and even bond with other classes if we wished to...so if he does pass this new law then I would be able to break my ties with Sonata and be with Hound.'

Jazz didn't realize that this law that Optimus was trying to change would not only effect the Gamma's but the Alpha's as well. It meant that they could choose who they wanted to be with not end up with mechs they didn't know or hated. He didn't realize that this new law would effect everyone on Cybertron. Mirage looked so hopeful. Would this new law really bring him happiness with Hound? After a moment or so the Alpha sighed and looked back at Jazz with a smile on his face. He looked like he wanted to change the subject.

'So is there anyone you got your optics on?' he asked with a giggle.

The young Gamma blushed as for some reason Optimus Prime holding him suddenly popped into his head.

'N-no...not really,' mumbled Jazz as he tried to hide his embarrassment.

Mirage smirked and he leaned forward.

'Really? No one in the grand halls you find attractive?'

Jazz shook his head as more and more images of Optimus Prime began to flood his CPU. Why was he appearing in his mind like that? Why was his spark pulsing like mad every time he thought about him? Why didn't Prowl or Ratchet appear? He did admit that Optimus was attractive but he knew he was way out of he league. So why was a small part of him still wishing and hoping? Mirage just sighed and flopped back in his chair pouting.

'Aw c'mon I told you my biggest secret...I know there is someone in the grand halls you like and I bet I already know who it is!'

That made Jazz look up in shock. Mirage just smiled innocently.

'It's Prowl isn't it?'

Jazz blinked as Mirage suddenly sat forward after taking a wild guess who it could be. As Mirage waited for an answer Jazz just smirked and chuckled a little.

'Look...Prowl may have one handsome face but he is no where close to be being my type. He's too serious and...and...well...he just ain't my type.'

Mirage sighed and flopped back on his chair.

'I was kind of hoping it would be Prowl. I've been trying to set him up for deca-cycles. Not just me either...Ratchet has been trying, Ironhide has been trying and even the Twins joined in.'

'Twins?'

'The Twins. Ironhide's assistance's...they're Delta's too. Apart from the construction team they're the only Delta's who ever been inside the grand halls. Prowl can't stand them though cause they're always causing trouble. They've heard about you and they want to see you so watch out.'

Jazz wasn't sure if he should take that as a warning or not. He was a little surprised that Mirage, Ratchet and these Twins were trying to set Prowl up. Did Prowl have bad luck getting a date or something? He was a handsome mech and all but Prowl was just too serious for him. Plus for some reason Jazz didn't really found the Beta's appealing at all. Mirage shrugged and then stood up.

'Well I better go. If Sonata finds that I left my room without him knowing he'd blow a fuse. I hope we can chat like this again...and if Sonata tries anything like that again I'll deal with him for you OK?'

The young Gamma watched as Jazz watched as Mirage walked off heading towards the door. Mirage turned to give him one more farewell look before leaving and shuting the door behind him. It did feel nice to have an Alpha like Mirage come and offer him his apology and some oil cakes. It made him feel better. At least there were a few mechs up here who didn't give a dam about what rank he was. The conversation he had with Mirage made him wonder though about many things. Like how this whole thing with the changing the laws would effect everyone and not just the Gamma's. Like how not all Alpha's weren't so bad. Also...like how he started to feel about Optimus. Those feelings he got whenever he looked at him and when he accidentally fell on top of him in the med bay. His Spark would speed up like crazy and he would feel hot all over. What was wrong with him? He had already told himself that he could not be with Optimus...so why was he feeling like this?

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It was nice to see that Prowl wasn't at all upset by his punishment. In fact he had told Jazz he didn't really mind it just gave him something to do in his spare time. That made Jazz wonder why Mirage and a few others were trying to set him up. He was a dedicated workaholic. Probably the reason he never got a mech or femme. However it was still nice of him to take him down to a Beta level where Prowl was intending to purchase a Harmonia-Stella for Jazz to use. When Jazz asked about the old one Ratchet had Prowl answered by saying,

'Trust me...you don't want that one.'

Jazz decided not to ask and allow Prowl to get him a new one. He did however feel a little guilty about having Prowl buy him one though. In the slums Jazz wouldn't accept anything from anyone unless he bought it himself. He did have a few credits but after seeing a few things at some stalls and their prices he realized that he was as poor as a broken down mech from Kalis. He did remember that High Councilman Trax suggest he get a trial job up here but he wasn't really good or qualified for any job they had up here unless they too ran sleazy bars.

Prowl had taken him to a merchant area where hundreds and hundreds of stalls stood around in giant plaza. The Enforcer captain told Jazz this is where they sold cheap stuff and he rarely came here because he hated watching poor suckers get swindled. He was sure however that they would find someone who sold a good second hand Harmonia-Stella here somewhere they just had to be careful who they buy it from. Prowl had advised Jazz to stick close for even though he had a valid pass he was still a Gamma and not a lot of Beta's liked Gamma's. Even though Jazz considered himself tough he was in a Beta city level not in the slums. He was a walking target for these mechs.

Upon entering the bazar Jazz was already getting merchants coming up to him trying to sell their wares. They didn't seem to care that Jazz was a Gamma or not. Truth be told they only cared about the credits he was carrying. Prowl shooed them away and flashed his Enforcer badge at them. As if it were a charm to ward off evil they withdrew quickly as they came. Merchants and Enforcers didn't mix very well and that was a well known fact. Prowl sighed as he looked around.

'Just watch where you shop OK? These merchants here only care about the credits in your subspace.'

Jazz nodded and followed.

'So where should we start looking?'

'I've been told that further in they sell all sorts of odds and ends.'

The young Gamma suddenly looked concerned.

'Is this your first time here or something?'

Prowl looked over his shoulder at him and blushed slightly.

'W-well...I don't like areas like these...I can't stand merchants.'

Jazz sighed and hoped they wouldn't get lost in here. There were so many stalls and it was a very big plaza. The further they walked in the more merchants tried to catch their attention. They stopped at a few when Prowl saw a few Harmonia-Stella's but the moment he touched them they fell apart. Others wouldn't right and many of them didn't work. The merchants themselves would panic when Prowl approached their stall in fear he was there to bust them or something. That and Prowl did look rather scary with his stern and serious expression. They went from stall to stall trying to find a decent Harmonia-Stella but so far found none. As Prowl scanned a stall that they were browsing Jazz decided to look around for himself.

It was then that he saw a stall not too far from where they were standing called Blue's Bargin Bin and it was there he noticed a good looking harmonia-stella. Leaving Prowl's side without him knowing Jazz walked over to get a better look. It didn't look that bad and there were a few scratches here and there but it was in a good condition. Even the price looked alright. Picking it up with care Jazz examined it further. As he wondered if he could actually play a good tune on it he heard a voice addressing him.

'Something caught your optic?'

Jazz looked round until he found the source of the voice. At first he thought he was looking at Prowl but after getting a better look at him he realized he was just talking to another Beta mech who had a similar design to Prowl. He was younger than the Enforcer captain and he looked pretty compared to the handsome Prowl. Even his horns were smaller than his. His colour scheme was dark grey with red and he had a pair of large but adorable blue optics. Jazz took a wild guess that he was the owner of this stall.

'Um...yeah I saw this Harmonia-stella and-...'

'Are you a Gamma? Wow you don't see many Gamma's up here that's for sure. I mean of course not they all live down in the slums. I've been down there once to try and sell my stuff but I wasn't allowed to cause the city guards said that it wasn't allowed for some reason. Isn't that stupid? I could make tons more credits if they let me sell my stuff to them. Hardly anyone up here buys my stuff. That's why I sell it so cheap. Still doesn't work though. So are you visiting or something? I've never seen a Gamma like you before. Are you a new model or something? I've seen a few Gamma's before and none of them look alike. Maybe that's why you all live down there. Oh I'm not trying to be rude and all but...'

The fact that he was still talking made Jazz feel surprised that his vocal processors haven't given out yet and he wondered how long he had been standing there listening to him. He just went on and on asking more questions and never giving Jazz the chance to answer. He must of been built with a powerful vocal processor or something for even Jazz could talk this long without giving his vocal processor's a chance to cool down. Thankfully he stopped talking finishing his long conversation with,

'So do you want to buy that?'

Jazz waited a few clicks just in case before answering.

'Er yeah...I just wanna know if it's in good condition.'

'Do you like musical instruments? I tried playing it before but I can't get it to sound like beautiful melodies they play on the broadcast. That doesn't mean it doesn't work I'm just not a very good player. Do you listen to the broadcast? That Blaster is a hoot! He's got a great taste for music. I tried speaking to him once when he was taking calls but I never made it through. Doesn't mean I'm not going to stop trying! So anyway that Harmonia-stella is in perfect condition it's just not very clean. I would clean it but I'm so busy with work and...'

Jazz sighed as the young Beta went on and on with no sign of stopping. He was quite the chatterbox and it made Jazz wonder if this mech atcually got any customers at all. A few merchants going on their break passed by and when they saw Jazz with the chatting merchant they all began to snicker and talk agmonst themselves.

'Looks like that poor mech fell right into lil Blue's talking trap.'

'His audios will go out any click now.'

He took a wild guess that this merchant was well known for his endless chatter. However apart from the chatting he didn't seem that bad. He knew Jazz was a Gamma but he didn't seem to care. Or maybe he was just so caught up in his talking that he didn't have time to shout insults or something like that. Thankfully the chatting Beta stopped talking once more after finishing his conversation with,

'It's about 500 credits! That's a bargin since they sell for 2000 credits.'

The young Gamma winced. He only had 400 credits. He had wanted to buy one with his own credits even though Prowl had offered to help his buy one. Before he could try and negociate another price Prowl had finally noticed that Jazz had wandered off but thankfully not too far. The Enforcer captain grumbled in frustration and made his way over to where Jazz was standing with the young merchant.

'Jazz could please stick close? I don't want a reapeat of-...'

'Oh my are you an Enforcer Captian? Cool I've never seen any Enforcer of your rank around here before. So can I interest you in my wares? Oh I'm sorry I'm dealing with another customer right now so if you just give a few clicks I'll be right with you! I'm not ignoring you but...'

Jazz rolled his optics and wondered if Prowl would order him to shut up. To his surprise Prowl just stood there listening to him and looking at him with open wide optics. Was he just surprised to see this talkative merchant chatting away at him without caring that he was an Enforcer? As the merchant went on and on Prowl just stared at him as if he had just been slapped in the face. When the merchant had stopped talking Prowl just stood there not saying anything. The young Beta just looked at the Enforcer confused.

'Are you alright sir?' he asked.

That had to be the shortest thing he said. Prowl just stood there unable to speak. Did he malfunction on the spot or something? Concerned a little Jazz stepped forward and snapped his fingers a few times in front ot Prowl's face until he finally blinked and spoke.

'I-I beg your pardon I was admiring your wings...I mean wares! I was admiring your wares!'

The young merchant looked a little surprised at the sudden comment but then giggled as his wings began to twitch. Jazz looked back and forth between Prowl and the merchant. Prowl looked like he was day dreaming as he stared at the young chatterbox and the young merchant just went on and on about his wings.

'They're a bit big I know but lots of mechs think they just make me look cuter. What do you think? I was going to have them removed but I thought against it...'

Jazz blinked as the two just stood there talking and ignoring him completely. Then a small but sly smirk grew on his face when he remembered that Mirage was trying to set Prowl up with someone. Did Prowl like this mech or something? He looked like he was checking him out and he had heard that many Beta's who had wings looked for other mechs with wings because it was attractive for them. They went on talking and Prowl didn't seem to care that the merchant was so chatty. Knowing this was dragging on he made a loud cough to grab their attention.

'I'm sorry but I would like to buy this,' chuckled the young Gamma.

'Oh I'm terribly sorry! I'll give you a discount for wasting your time like this...how does 350 credits sound?'

Before Jazz could reply Prowl suddenly said,

'We'll take it.'

'Glad to serve you. My name is Bluestreak by the way nit Blue. Everyone calls me Blue for short. I don't know why my creators called me only part of me that's blue are my optics. So what are your names? I always like to ask my customers their names so I make them feel welcome. Everyone thinks I'm weird for doing that but...'

He carried on as he began to wrap up the harmonia-stella. Even though Jazz introduced himself Prowl just continued to stare at him in a dream like state. Even as Jazz paid for it finishing the transaction he just stared at him. Even though they had got what they came for the Enforcer Captain didn't want to leave. Bluestreak just stared at him a little confused.

'Are you OK sir? You're not sick are you? I know a medic who lives nearby. Well I know a few medic tricks myself but I'm not as great as the real medics.'

Jazz smirked and rolled his optics. He quickly gave Prowl a slap to the back knocking him out of the trance he was in. The moment he did Prowl staggered on the spot and said in a very high pitched voice,

'My name is Prowl.'

Bluestreak blinked in surprise but giggled.

'You're funny.'

Now that had to be the shortest thing he had ever said all day. Prowl just chuckled nervously as Bluestreak continued to giggle.

'So...er...how long have you been working here?' asked a flushing Prowl.

'Oh about a few stella cycles. I used to work in Tyger Pax but the business there went downhill after a while.'

Jazz decided to leave the pair of them alone and browse some more by himself. He didn't wander too far off and he checked over his shoulder every now and then to check on them. He knew that Mirage would be overjoyed to see Prowl taking an interest in someone. Plus it was nice to see Prowl looking and acting relaxed all of a sudden. He was normally tense and stiff. As he watched them from afar he suddenly thought of Optimus all of a sudden. Did he have someone he liked? Someone that made him act funny when he was around them? The young Gamma sighed and sat down as more and more of these questions filled his head but he was unable to answer them. He felt funny around Optimus. He was excited when he was around and his Spark would pulse at fast levels. Clutching his chest as his spark began to pulse rather fast again he began to wonder...did he like Optimus?

'Don't be stupid Jazz...he's the Prime and you're just a Gamma...it wouldn't work...plus...I'm not sure if he even likes me that way.'

Optimus acted very friendly around him, acted concerned when he looked ill and defended him whenever he was in trouble. But was he like that with everyone? Was he just another friend to him? Did he even like him that way? Sighing miserably he suddenly a very loud booming voice.

'...and that's the news in Kalis! Now this just in! Optimus Prime, our new leader, hasjust annoced that he will be changing Cybertron for the better!'

Jazz looked round wondering where that voice was coming from. He noticed a few mechs were looking up and pointing so he followed their gazing optics to see a large floating machine that had four screens on it pointing in four different directions. Upon the screen a femme was talking about Optimus Prime and in a smaller screen in the corner of the large screen was a video of Optimus with Ultra Magnus and another Omega Superior standing next to him talking to media mechs. Jazz watched and listened in.

'That's right our new leader has announced that he will be changing the law on the ranks and classes of Cybertron! He stated that he wants a world where Delta's can work as Enforcer's if they wanted to, where Alpha's could marry Omega Superior's if they wished it and where Cybertronians all over could live and work together without being divided by their rank! Truly an admirable act but how will the rest of Cybertron will react? Our reporter who is live at the media press where Optimus Prime is answering questions regarding the new law change has this to say. You're on Kage!'

'Thanks Amma...it's true! Optimus Prime wants a world where any Cybertronian no matter what the rank can do as they please, get the jobs that they want and bond with the mechs that they love. When asked why did he want to do this?, he replied that after visiting the slums of Iacon where the Gamma's are forced to live he was angered that they weren't given the equal rights that every other rank has and that he wants them to live alongside us in peace.'

'Wait...are you saying that our leader Optimus Prime went down there?'

'Yes he did. When asked why he just said that he was looking for someone who had wandered down there by accident and that was all he had to say about that.'

'Interesting. By the way Kage we have heard rumours that a Gamma is living there in the grand halls with him! Is this true?'

'That is also true! Apparently whilst down in the slums a Gamma who had no idea who he was offered to help him in his search and the Prime now considers him a good friend. When asked if we could meet with him he replied that the Gamma was feeling ill at the moment and could not be reached. He will however be present at tomorrow's function where Optimus Prime plans to gain support from Sim Fur and Kaon.'

'Thank's for that Kage! Having Gamma's living amongst us in exchange for freedom? How will that effect Cybertron? Please send us your opinions via our broadcast link! Next on the news...'

Jazz watched as the floating screens floated away to tell the rest of the city the news. Looking at the other mechs who had just watched he heard some of them talk about what they had just heard.

'Well it would be good for business I guess.'

'Plus I always wanted to date that Delta femme.'

'I could work as a pro Merchant and be allowed to become a CEO of my own company!'

'Keep dreaming pal.'

'Yeah but do we really want the Gamma's up here? I heard that they are vile robbers and beggers!'

The young Gamma sighed as he heard that even though they liked the idea they weren't so keen on having Gamma's up here. Did they even know what a Gamma looked like? he was sitting not too far from them but they didn't even look at him as they talked about it. Would this idea really work? Will Gamma's one day be allowed to walk around these levels without getting jeered at and insulted every click? As they carried on talking Prowl had finally returned from talking to that young merchant and noticed that troubling look on Jazz's face. He had also heard the news announcement and had hoped it would please Jazz but he didn't look too happy.

'What's the matter?'

Jazz looked up and sighed.

'Oh it's nothing...I just didn't realize how big this would be...I guess I'm feeling a little scared that's all.'

Prowl smirked and pulled Jazz to his feet.

'If you want I can get Track's to buff you up again.'

That made the young Gamma chuckle.

'Er...no thanks...by the way I thought ya hated merchants...ya looked like you were interested in that chatty one back there.'

Prowl blushed but nodded.

'W-well..he has a nice set of wings...and he's kinda of cute...'

Jazz had to stop himself from laughing as the strict and stern Prowl began to blush like a giddy young femme going on her first date. As they headed back to the grand halls Jazz told himself that he had to make a good impression at that function. he had to so that Gamma's would be allowed to walk with other ranks and prove to them that they weren't as vile and cruel as everyone thought that they were. Not just for Gamma's either but for everyone other rank on Cybertron. For Hound and Mirage who wanted nothing more than to be together and other mechs who had dreams they couldn't reach because of what they were. Also he wanted to do this for Optimus. He was the first higher up he met who treated him like an equal. He had to do this and he knew that he could. For all of Cybertron.