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A Love Out of Reach
TFG1 OPxJ
Is it Love?

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Jazz sighed miserably as he sat in the med bay. He didn't want Prowl to notice what kind of mood he was in so he like he did back down at the Energon bar he worked at in the slums he forced on a smile and said nothing. When the Beta Enforcer asked Jazz just shrugged and said nothing was wrong. Prowl didn't seem too convinced but if Jazz didn't want to talk about then he would wait until he was ready to talk about it. He had brought him to the med bay because Ratchet had called him and demanded that he bring Jazz in for a check up. At first Prowl just thought that this was the medic's excuse to see Jazz and try something on him. However the medic told him to relax and said that Wheeljack was with him. Knowing full well that Ratchet wouldn't dare flirt with another mech whilst his Bondmate was around Prowl guessed he was being serious...for once.

However when they arrived they found him, Ironhide and Wheeljack drinking high grade Energon whilst telling each other funny stories. The moment they saw Jazz they all began to cheer and said things like "the cutie has arrived" and other silly things. Prowl then got angry and began to accuse them that they just wanted Jazz here so they could have perverted thoughts about him. He freaked out a little when Ironhide said they weren't talking about Jazz but the red fighter was actually telling a little joke Ratchet dared him to do. In the end Prowl ended up drinking with them after getting interested with the card game they were playing. The young Gamma was invited to join them and Jazz decided to go along with it even though he wasn't really in the mood.

As the Beta mechs around him talked about random things like how the Twins tricked some Alpha's or how Wheeljack almost destroyed his lab once again, Jazz began to think about what Optimus Prime was doing right about now. He must be sitting in the garden with Hot Rod who must of reveled his true feelings to Optimus by now. They were probably holding each other right now...telling each other how much they cared for one another...maybe they were even kissing. The thought made Jazz's Spark ache once again and he found that his optics were beginning to water up. Thankfully he was wearing a visor so no one could see. However Ratchet seemed to be able to tell what mood the young Gamma was in.

'Is something wrong Jazz? You seem down in the dumps.'

The young Gamma looked up to see that they were all staring at him with some concern. He didn't realize that he had a depressed expression on his face and quickly tried to change it. Ironhide just chuckled a pushed a cup of high grade over towards him.

'He just needs to down a few of these and then he won't care what's bugging him anymore.'

'Ironhide why do you always recommend drinking to help solve problems?' sighed Prowl.

As the red mech laughed Jazz took his advice and nearly downed the entire contents of the cup. Something took over him when he saw the strong drink placed in front of him and he grabbed it instantly and forced it all down his throat. He wasn't much of a drinker even though he worked in an Energon bar but he had grown used to the fact that strong Energon helped drown out your problems. However the high grade Energon was a little too strong even for him and he began to choke on the after taste. Ironhide laughed even more whilst Prowl began to pat Jazz on the back. Ratchet just sighed and folded his arms after watching the Gamma trying to down a strong drink.

'OK something must be bothering you if you're trying to get drunk like that.'

After recovering from the strong taste of the high grade Jazz just forced on a grin and shook his head.

'O-oh no...nothing wrong with me! I'm cool! Really!'

Ratchet riased an optic brow whilst Ironhide downed another class of high grade.

'Ah let him be Ratchet. He'll end up singing after a few more swigs of this stuff!'

'You'll end up singing if you keep drinking like that,' laughed Wheeljack.

The medic didn't seem to convinced and he gave Jazz that look which demanded to know what was wrong. The young Gamma sighed and tried to look away but that only made it more obvious that he was hiding something. Should he tell them? That seeing Optimus with another mech was making him hurt inside? That even after he gave some advice to the younger and prettier Omega Supirior who obviously wanted to tell Optimus that he loved him was now making him regret that he did? That he couldn't bear to see Optimus with someone else? That...these strange feelings...when he thought about Optimus...were starting to grow and grow until the exploded within his Spark only to hurt him more? Could he tell them...these Beta's who grew up in a world where they could love a mech within their own rank...could he tell them that he...a Gamma...the lowest of the low...was starting to fall for an Omega Supirior?

Ratchet muttered to himself when he noticed the troubled look on the young Gamma's face and stood up. He walked over to him and forced to him his feet. Before Jazz could even ask what was going on Ratchet began to drag him away from the other Beta's. The other mechs watched as he dragged the confused Gamma towards the back of the med bay and out of sight.

'Ratchet? Where are you taking him?' demanded Prowl.

'I'm just going to talk to him. Nothing more.' answered the medic.

'Yeah well...if I come over there and see you two making out I'm going to rip your Spark out of your chassis and kill you!' snapped Wheeljack.

Ratchet just chuckled at Wheeljack's death threat as if it meant nothing and lead Jazz to an area where they couldn't be seen or heard. At first Jazz thought Ratchet got a little too drunk and was going to attempt to make out with him right there. However Ratchet just offered the young mech a seat as he leaned against a wall. He obviously wanted to talk with him.

'C'mon lil cutie. What's the matter? You've been slagging misrable ever since you came in here. Did something happen in the garden?'

Jazz sighed. Should he tell him? Will he just laugh? Would he report it? Will he just call him an idiot? Would it help at all? He looked up at the medic who just looked back with a calm face. Even though he acted like a violent perv half the time he did appear to be the type that was a good listener. Knowing he couldn't get away he sat down and lowered his head as he tried to explain.

'W-well...everyone's been saying that Optimus and that younger higher up are perfect together.'

'You mean that hottie I saw not too long ago? Yeah I heard all that talk too. What about it?'

The young Gamma glanced up at Ratchet and he felt his Spark pulse painfully in his chest.

'W-when I went in the garden...they were all talking about Optimus bonding with him...that they were meant for each other. His own creator even bragged about how he could produce healthy Sparklings. He even had the nerve to insult me right there in front of everyone...but Optimus...he said nothing...he just sat there and did nothing.'

It sounded stupid but Jazz had grown used to Optimus defending him. To have him him not defend him made him wonder if he even cared about him anymore. Ratchet allowed him to continue for he knew that the young mech had more to say.

'Then the young higher up left after saying he needed some air. I was asked to check on him and when I did...I found out that something was troubling him. So we talked and he told me that he wanted to tell Optimus how he felt about him but he couldn't say it. So I gave him some advice...left him on his own...and when he came back he said he wanted to speak to Optimus in private...and...and even though I should be happy for them...I'm not...I...just...I just feel so-...'

'Jealous?'

Jazz looked up to see that Ratchet was just gazing at him with a gentle look in his optics.

'Well as a medic and one of the best medic's on Cybertron...I believe I should diagnose you with...jealousy...regret...pain in the Spark...and being in love with a mech who happens to be the Prime.'

The young Gamma suddenly went bright red with what the medic had said and began to shake his head in denial.

'N-NO! I-I-I don't feel that way about him! I can't feel that way about him! They are perfect for each other! I-..'

Ratchet raised his hand to stop him. He then folded his arms and gave him a small smile as he gave Jazz his own version of the theory.

'Jazz...trust me...I have seen mechs who are so in love they can't even think straight...to be honest at first I thought you saw Optimus as a meal ticket. However as time went on I noticed that you love having him around more than you enjoy eating those cheap oil cakes. Your Spark pulses quite fast whenever he speaks to you and even when he's not around you talk about him like he's Primus or something. Heck you're even upset he's with another mech he barely knows. Prowl may think it's nothing but a small crush but I know that you have fallen hard for our dear Optimus.'

The young Gamma said nothing and looked at his feet. Could he be in love? Was it love? He had never fallen in love with anyone before but when he was around Optimus he felt things he had never experienced before. He felt happy around Optimus. His Spark would pulse with joy when he saw him coming. He felt hot and fuzzy when Optimus called him by name. Could it be that these feelings that he felt for Optimus...was it love?

Ratchet smirked as he knelt down to Jazz's optic level. It was true. When he first heard about this young Gamma living up here in the great halls to help promote Optimus Prime's campaign he thought that he was only in it for the free Energon and a comfy place to live. However after seeing him a few times with Optimus he noticed how happy he looked. Like a Sparkling who was in an Energon sweet store. He had seen it before in many mechs and femmes optics when they were in love and even back in the day when he and Wheeljack were dating. Jazz was in love with Optimus. That was now a plain fact.

However he knew why Jazz was in denial anout it all. Jazz was a Gamma and Optimus was an Omega Superior. Because of the current law that stated that mechs and femmes could only Bond with someone within their own class and the fact that Jazz was the lowest of all ranks, it was no surprise that he would find these feelings wrong and unnatural in fear that Optimus might reject him or if he did admit his own feelings he would get into trouble. But he also knew that, even though he refused to admit it, Optimus did indeed have feelings for the young Gamma. The reason he couldn't admit it was because...deep down...Optimus was afraid...afraid of repeating past mistakes. But the medic knew that if Optimus just opened his Spark again then maybe he'll finally leave the past behind and move on. Maybe Jazz was the one who could help him move forward with his life.

Of course right now he had to stop Jazz feeling so upset about what had happened with this morning in the garden. He had heard the same story from Prowl whilst they were drinking. That Alpha Trion had brought a younger and prettier Omega Superior from Kalis to become Optimus Prime's Bondmate. He knew why Optimus was acting different around the visitors and why Optimus couldn't defend Jazz against the senator's rude insults.

'Now look Jazz...Optimus is a political figure and therefore he is tied to political binds. If he were just an average mech like you or me it wouldn't be a problem but he has to take caution with everything he says and does. I'm not sure if you know about this but Iacon and Kalis aren't exactly best friends and Alpha Trion has been trying to get them on a stable level of friendship. He has also been trying to find a suitable mate to make his sons happy. I guess he was trying to kill two petro foxes with one stone. Optimus must of known that and he must of forced his feelings for you out of the way as not to offend his guest. Sometimes political matters take priority over friendship and sadly that is the fate of mechs and femmes involved in politics. But I do know that Optimus will come after you once they're gone and I know he'll do everything in his power to make it up to you.'

To hear the medic say that made Jazz feel sort of relieved. Even though he acted like a perverted drunk half the time what he said did make more sense of the situation. Optimus Prime was indeed a political figure and a very important one. He had many duties and tasks to take care of before being able to have some time to himself. It reminded him of when they took that walk in the city together. When Optimus began to say how he would miss sitting in the crystal gardens or to go on little adventurous walks he made him realize that being a Prime meant that Optimus would have to give up having a normal and carefree life all together. He would never have any time for his friends. Never have any time for relaxing in the gardens. Never had time to be himself.

Maybe that was why Alpha Trion was searching for a mate for him. He wanted someone to be there for him. Someone to make him feel like himself again. Someone that made him forget that he was Prime for a day. Someone who could make him happy. Seeing Optimus happy made Jazz feel happy. It made him feel like everything was right with the world. And if Hot Rod who did have strong feelings for him were to make him happy...then that would make him happy too. Optimus had done so much for him. It was only fair that he would wish him happiness with a mech that could make him feel happy. Looking up at the medic he smiled a little.

'Ya know...for a perverted drunk like yourself...ya sure do know what to say...thanks Ratchet.'

Ratchet stood up and shrugged.

'Well you're more cuter when you smile. C'mon...I don't want my Wheeljack thinking I cheating on him in the same room.'

Jazz rolled his optics at the remark and stood up to follow him back to the others. At least he was feeling a little better. Upon returning the pair of them found that they were in the middle of a popular card game and the pair of them were invited to join. Wheeljack gave Ratchet an accusing glare but Ratchet just smiled sweetly and nuzzled him on his mask, making the Engineer blush before returning back to the game. The Gamma had never played before but he did his best. They all began to talk and laugh at stupid jokes whilst drinking away. The mood was certainly helping Jazz forget about Optimus and the younger Omega Superior. Right now they were probably proclaiming their love to one another. The thought did hurt but Jazz mentally shouted at himself that this was the way it should be...no matter how badly he wished it wasn't.

As the game went on and bad jokes continued to make them laugh there was a sudden commotion outside. All four mechs looked at one another before looking towards the entrance of the med bay where the shouting was coming from. They heard shouting and screaming along with the pleading voice of the femme receptionist who was outside. Ratchet sighed and stood up to go check it out. It was probably an Alpha having a panic attack about something stupid again. Also it was his chance to act heroic in front of his receptionist and quite possibly get a reward from her later. The mechs watched as he disappeared to find out what was causing all the ruckus. A few clicks went by and the shouting only got louder. Then all of a sudden a very angry looking Omega Superior burst in and scream,

'WHERE IS THAT SLAGGING GAMMA! I'LL KILL HIM WITH MY BARE HANDS!'

Prowl, Ironhide and Wheeljack all suddenly looked at Jazz who just stared back confused. Had he done something to offend someone? Jazz had been careful with the way he acted ever since the incident with Mirage. However it appeared that he did indeed do something to offend someone...but what? Looking at the mech who had just entered the med bay he suddenly recognized him to be Senator Xion only this time he was looking very, very angry. His optics were burning with rage and he was venting out hot air at rapid rate. When he suddenly spotted Jazz he snarled with anger and charged forward. The young Gamma suddenly felt afraid but Prowl stood up and tried to block the enraged senator's path.

'Sir please, this is a med bay not a-...'

'GET OUT OF MY WAY YOU DAM BETA!'

Jazz watched in horror as Xion suddenly pushed Prowl with such force he landed on the table and crashed into both Ironhide and Wheeljack. Before Jazz could even think about helping them he suddenly felt a pair of hands grab his horns and pulled him right off the ground. He winced in pain and looked up to and found himself staring into a very angry pair of optics.

'YOU FRAGGING PIECE OF SLAG! YOU'VE RUINED EVERYTHING!'

Jazz yelped when he was suddenly smashed into a wall head first. The impact was so hard his visor cracked and his face was dented. He winced in pain as he felt the hand that gripped his helm push him harder against the wall and he almost cried out in pain as he felt that hand slowly crushing it. What had he done to make him so angry like this? he had been so careful up till now with what he said to the higher ups. Senator Xion howled with rage into his audios.

'BECAUSE OF YOU I AM NOW DISGRACED! I WAS GOING TO GAIN FAME AND GLORY WITH THIS EVENT BUT YOU RUINED EVERYTHING YOU SLAG EATING PILE OF SCRAP!'

The young Gamma cried out again as he smashed against the wall again. His visor had cracked completely and he couldn't see very well. Then all of a sudden he was flung across the room and he smashed into a cabinet filled with medic tools. The glass and the tools fell around him as he tried to get back up but he froze with horror when he saw that Senator Xion had a chair over his head and was prepared to smash it down at him. The young Gamma braced for impact but before the enraged Omega Superior could deliver the fatal blow another mech appeared and pulled him away.

'Wait! Please it's not his fault! It's my fault! Leave him alone!'

Jazz recognized that voice and looking up through his cracked visor he was able to make out Hot Rod who was desperately trying to hold his creator back. What had happened? Why was the senator so angry with him? He had said nothing offensive towards him? Or could it be that he said something to Hot Rod? In fact what was Hot Rod talking about? His fault? His fault about what? Senator Xion snarled at Hot Rod and to Jazz's horror he smashed the chair over Hot Rod's helm. The young mech fell to the floor and laid there almost lifeless. How could he do that? To his own child?

Before he could even think about making his way over to the youth to check if he was alright there was another voice booming around the med bay. Looking up Jazz saw a very pissed off Ratchet striding towards them whilst holding his suddenly damaged left optic. Fresh Energon blood trickled down his hands but he didn't seem to care about his injury. He only seemed to care about beating the living slag out the Omega Superior who was trashing up his med bay and, possibly, the one who gave him that injury.

'WHO THE FRAG DO YOU THINK YOU ARE COMING INTO MY MEDBAY, TRASHING UP THE PLACE, PUNCHING MY FRAGGING OPTIC OUT AND BEATING UP HELPLESS MECHS!

Prowl had managed to get back up after rolling off Ironhide and Wheeljack. His red chevron had been bent, a few of his fingers were limp and his right wing was now bent at a strange angle. Like Ratchet he didn't care about his injuries. His top priority was to hold back the crazed Senator from doing anymore harm. He also had now stop Ratchet from attacking him. Thankfully Ironhide had got back up and was now trying to hold the very pissed Ratchet back whilst Wheeljack was now trying to tend to the fallen youth.

'WHO GIVES A SLAG IF HE IS A SENATOR! I'M GONNA KILL THAT SLAGGER! NOBODY TRASHES MY MED BAY AND GETS TO FUNCTION!' howled Ratchet.

'Ratchet for the love of Primus calm down!' wailed Ironhide.

As the mechs struggled to keep the two angry mechs under control some more mechs entered the med bay. The first was Alpha Trion who was terribly confused as he tried to calm his old friend down. The next one was Kup but instead of running over to stop Senator Xion he ran over to see what had happened to Hot Rod. After him entered both Optimus and Ultra Magnus and the brothers were in shock to see what was happening before them. Prowl was trying to hold back a crazed Senator Xion, Ironhide was holding back a furious Ratchet, Wheeljack and Kup were tending to the injured Hot Rod and Jazz was trying to get out of the way but with his cracked visor it was very hard for him to see. Alpha Trion was now standing between the two enraged mechs trying his best to calm down the enraged Senator.

'Xion please calm down! We can discuss this back in-...'

'Discuss what Alpha Trion! I trusted you and now you and your blasted son has thrown it back in my face!'

'You're over reacting Xion! Please try to calm down before-...'

'No! I have been humiliated and you think a little talk is going to make me feel better?'

'Senator Xion your son needs medical attention!'

'Silence! If your son hadn't brought that foul and disgusting Gamma up here none of this would've happened!'

Jazz was in complete shock. Not because of his injuries but because of what the Senator was saying. His son was lying there with Energon blood seeping out of his helm and all he could care about was shouting about how angry he was, how he had been humiliated and that this was all Jazz's fault. Jazz had grown used to being called filth, vile, disgusting and other horrible names but...compared to this senator he was a saint. His mind wandered back to what Prowl had told him...that some Omega Superior's use their offspring as tools to gain fame and glory. Since his tool was no longer of any use to him why should he care if he bleed to death? How could he use him like that? Why didn't he care? How could he call Jazz filth when he was clearly lower than filth? Not even Jazz would treat another mech like that.

The young Gamma gasped as he tried to stand. Everyone else was too busy squabbling and panicking over the two angry mechs to notice. Jazz winced and grimaced when he moved a limb slightly. The smash to the helm must of done something to his internal systems but he didn't care. Supporting himself against the wall he glared angrily at the Senator and, not even caring that both Optimus and Ultra Magnus were in the room, suddenly said what was on his mind.

'You think I'm low and disgusting? You think Gamma's are the lowest of the low!'

The Senator suddenly turned to face Jazz who was still glaring at him with optics burning with rage.

'I may be a Gamma but even I wouldn't do anything to hurt my own Sparkling even if he wasn't created by my own Spark! You treat him like a tool, don't care about any ones feelings but your own and when something doesn't go your way you act like a spoilt brat! If I'm lower than dirt than you're lower than Gamma's you monster!'

Silence followed after that sentence was uttered. Everyone stared at Jazz in either surprise or horror. It even calmed down Ratchet who just laid back in Ironhide's arms. Even Ultra Magnus looked surprised. Jazz just stood there as he heaved out hot air to keep himself cool. Senator Xion just stared at Jazz with a slacked jaw. It was like someone had just slapped him across the face with a baton. For a moment he just stared at him unable to say anything. Then his left optic began to twitch and his mouth began to slowly form a snarl. He began to tremble out of rage and before anyone could do anything he suddenly grabbed an Energy Scalpel that fell to the floor earlier and suddenly activated whilst lunging for the young Gamma.

'NO ONE TALKS DOWN TO ME YOU DISGUSTING ABOMINATION!'

There were sudden gasps of horror filling the room. Alpha Trion tried to grab him but Xion moved fast. Jazz couldn't move at all and even if he could he had no time to escape from the crazed mech. He was almost on top of him with that dangerous tool in his hands ready to strike. At first Jazz thought he would regret what he had said to the higher up...and even thought that Optimus would be upset with him...but he didn't. He said what he had wanted to say to a higher up for a long time and it...felt really good. It was like a heavy weight had been taken off of him and made him feel better. In fact he almost didn't care that he was about to be stabbed with an energy scalpel. He closed his optics and tried his best to shield himself from the attack. Xion roared out as he thrusted the energy scalpel towards Jazz in a murderous way.

Jazz winced when he heard the sound of the Energy Scapel penetrating the metal armour that covered his body. He heard the sound of gasps and shrieks of horror. He heard the sound of Energon blood trickling down and dripping onto the floor. However he felt no pain. He didn't feel the burning sensation of the Energy Scalpel piercing through his arm and melting his circuitry underneath. Was it because of the shock? Or maybe his arm had been numb after getting smashed against the wall earlier. Carefully opening his optics to see what had happened, he saw something that almost made his Spark stop pulsing.

Somehow Optimus Prime managed to make his way over to them and stood between him and the crazed Senator Xion. He had not stabbed Jazz but instead had stabbed Optimus in the arm that he had raised in a defensive manner. He looked down at Xion with a deadly glare in his optics and didn't seem to care that he was bleeding. Everyone else however looked horrified. Ironhide almost dropped Ratchet, Prowl's jaw went slack and even Ultra Magnus looked like he had seen something grotesque. In fact the Supreme Commander suddenly didn't look too well as he watched the Energon blood drip to the floor. The sight of it even made Jazz feel weak. Senator Xion just stared up at Optimus horrified at what he had done. There was a small silence before Optimus finally spoke and no one could detect any sound of pain in his voice.

'Senator Xion. I have treated you as a highly respected guest within the grand halls. Yet after Hot Rod had explained the situation to you, you suddenly throw a pathetic tantrum and attacked my staff and even your own child. You even tried to fatally injure my good friend here after he reveled to you what you really are. Not only have you dishonored me but you have dishonored your title and your rank! The Council of Kalis shall hear of what you've done here today and I promise you this...you will regret raising yours hands in violence towards my friends and loved ones.'

That speech alone made Xion tremble in fear and he stepped back, letting go of the scalpel that was still embedded deep in Optimus's arm. Everyone else were still in shock after what had happened. Jazz just stood there suddenly regretting what he had done. If he hadn't said those things to Senator Xion then he wouldn't have attacked him and Optimus wouldn't be standing in front of him taking an attack meant for him. Also Xion was going on about something being his fault earlier on. What had he done? Everything that had happened up till now was all his fault!

Everyone in the room was still in shock after what happened but thankfully Ratchet was able to snap out of it. He had four mechs with minor injuries, one mech that was unconscious and a Prime with a stab wound in his arm. Also his left optic was damaged so repairing all these mechs by himself was going to be a challenge. He was going to need back up if he wanted to fix them all. Jumping out of Ironhide's arms he straightened himself out and suddenly took charge.

'Prowl call First Aid and Perceptor. Wheeljack prepare my emergency tools. Ironhide call the Twins so they can clean up in here. Kup take the sleeping beauty to a berth. Ultra Magnus please escort Alpha Trion and Senator Xion out of MY med bay. Jazz go lie on that berth. Optimus Prime please come this way.'

The moment Ratchet barked those orders everyone came to life and did exactly what he said. Ultra Magnus didn't argue and quietly escorted both Alpha Trion and Senator Xion out. Hot Rod was carried over to a berth whilst Wheeljack started setting up some equipment. Both Ironhide and Prowl were making calls whilst they tried to clear up as best they could and Ratchet began to escort Optimus over to a secluded area where he can remove the scalpel. Jazz watched them go feeling dread in his Spark. Was this all his fault?

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Many cycles had passed since the incident in the med bay. Two other mechs who were experienced in the medical field were summoned to assist a half blind Ratchet and a panicking Wheeljack. Hot Rod was still unconscious but he was functioning at a stable level. Kup had stayed to help but then left to give Senator Xion a piece of his mind. The med bay had been cleared up as best as it could by a pair of Delta mechs who Jazz guessed were the infamous Twins. Both Prowl and Ironhide had their minor injuries repaired as well as Jazz's. As for Optimus...Jazz hadn't seen him since Ratchet led him away.

As he laid on his berth with his repaired parts coming along nicely he couldn't help but think what he had done to cause this whole mess. He had done something to upset the Senator from Kalis which caused him to go on a wild rampage. He then hurt his new friends and his own child out of anger. Then out of his own anger he shouted things at him that caused him to get even more enraged. He tried to attack him with a scalpel but instead of stabbing him he stabbed Optimus in the arm. Optimus had stood in to defend him when this whole thing was his fault. It was his fault that everyone ended up injured. If he hadn't been here none of this would of happened. It was all his fault.

Staring up at the ceiling in despair he detected someone coming towards him and looked up. It was Ratchet who's left optic had been successfully replaced and the welding scar was healing up nicely. He didn't look angry or annoyed but bore a calm expression.

'I see you're healing up nicely. Quite a mess he made back there. I heard that he had short fuse but I thought they were just kidding.'

Ratchet had meant it in a joking manner but it didn't make the young Gamma feel any better. It was his fault this whole thing happened in the first place. The medic winced when he realized what was up and tried something else.

'Look it wasn't your fault. He was the one who over reacted and decided to turn my med bay into a scrap yard. Besides everyone is doing OK, including Optimus.'

Jazz looked up when the medic mentioned the Prime's name. Ratchet smirked and cocked his head to an area in the med bay that was hidden from view.

'You can go see him if you like. He was really concerned about you.'

Concerned about him? He was stabbed with a scalpel by a crazed Senator and he was concerned for him? Even though he was the one who caused this whole mess. Ratchet sighed when he noticed Jazz didn't look so keen to go.

'For the last time it wasn't your fault! Just go see him.'

'B-but...I was...he got hurt because of me...I...I don't think I-...'

Ratchet had heard enough and pull Jazz off the berth and pushed him in the direction of the enclosed area. Before Jazz could even tell Ratchet he couldn't he got a little freaked out that he was glaring at him and pointing in the direction of the enclosed area. Sighing and trying to force his legs to move the young Gamma slowly made his way over to where Optimus was resting. Peering round the wall he saw that Optimus was sitting on the edge of his berth stretching and rotating his newly repaired arm. There was a faint scar but that could easily be removed. He looked well and didn't seem to be in any pain. Still...if he hadn't opened his mouth Optimus wouldn't be sitting in here resting after getting his arm repaired. He was the one who caused all of this. If only he had kept his mouth shut. Look what it had done. A friend that he cared for deeply had been injured because of him. Before Jazz could even think about retreating Optimus spotted him and looked up with concerned optics.

'Ah Jazz! Are you alright? You weren't hurt gravely were you?'

Jazz felt his Spark ache as Optimus began to ask about his health. Why? Why was he asking if he was alright? It was all his fault that he got injured. It was all his fault that the relationship between Kalis and Iacon were never going to work out. It was his fault that everyone got hurt. Everything was all his fault...and yet here he was asking him if he was alright. He didn't know when they began to fall but already tears were begining to fall down his white cheeks. He tried to stop them. Tried to wipe them away before Optimus could spot them the taller mech had already seen them.

'J-Jazz! What's wrong?'

Optimus suddenly got up and walked over to try and comfort him as the young Gamma finally started to cry. Everything that he had been holding in since he got here finally came crashing down on him and fell from his optics in the form of tears. His small sobs weren't loud enough to alert the others in the med bay but it was loud enough to make Optimus worry. The taller mech didn't think that Jazz was the type to suddenly cry like a little Sparkling. The whole image of the young Gamma being a tough street bot went right out the window. The Omega Superior looked around in a panic since he wasn't very experienced with this sort of thing. The only thing he could do was pull Jazz into a small embrace and pat his back gently whilst offering soothing words of comfort.

'Jazz please calm down...what's wrong? Please tell me!'

The poor Gamma continued to sob and whimper even with his head buried in Optimus's chest. He couldn't help it. Everything that he had been trying to ignore and prevent were now coming back to flood his memories and remind him of what he was. A Gamma. The lowest of the low. Something that shouldn't be up here in the splendor of the grand halls alongside Optimus Prime. Yet here he was causing him all sorts of problems. He was nothing but bad news for anyone who dared cross his path. But what hurt him the most that he was causing problems for a mech he believed...he was falling in love with.

Optimus sighed gently and lead Jazz over to the berth where he sat down next to him and began to wipe away the tears that stained his white cheeks. Jazz was now sniffling slightly and a few tears trickled down every now and then as he tried to calm down. He didn't want to embarrass Optimus any further but here he was crying like a Sparkling when Optimus might be concerned about the condition of his future Bondmate or the problem that Iacon was going to have with Kalis. He was just causing him and everyone here problems. The taller mech leaned down and cupped Jazz's chin so he was looking up at him.

'Jazz please...I can't help if I don't know whats wrong.'

Jazz looked up in Optimus's concerned blue optics. He was indeed worried about him but would he get offended with what he might tell him? That he believed that he was the reason that every thing up here was getting messed up? The only thing that he could think of saying suddenly blurted out through his lips.

'I'M SORRY!' he wailed as he leaned forward and wrapped his arms round Optimus's waist, sobbing into his chest.

The confused Omega Supirior looked down at the crying mech that clinged to him.

'Sorry? What are you apologizing for? You've done nothing wrong.'

Jazz shook his head and looked up with teary optics at the kind Omega Supirior.

'B-but if I wasn't here...then none of this would have happened. No one would've got hurt if I wasn't here...and...and you wouldn't be hurt if I'd kept my dam trap shut!'

The poor mech continued to sob and spill tears down his cheeks. He truly did not wish to cause anyone any harm but it had happened whether he wanted it or not. Optimus sighed as Jazz continued to cry and he pulled him in closer whilst patting his back in a gentle manner.

'Jazz...listen to me...none of this was your fault. Senator Xion just...over reacted with what I had to tell him.'

Over reacted? To what? The young Gamma looked up at Optimus puzzled with what he had said.

'You see...Hot Rod admired me...but he did not wish to be my Bondmate. To him I was sort of a fatherly figure that he looked up to. He had been so afraid of telling me how he felt in fear he would hurt my feelings. However after everyone left he was finally able to tell me and he was relieved that I too felt the same way.'

Jazz blinked in shock. Hot Rod didn't love Optimus? Optimus didn't love Hot Rod? They didn't want to Bond? Was that what the young Omega Supirior was trying to say? His true feelings? Although he felt a small pulse of joy emitting from his Spark he also felt extremely guilty since he was the one who told Hot Rod to be true to himself and tell Optimus how he felt. The Omega Superior continued to explain.

'He then asked if we could go and explain the situation to Senator Xion. I agreed and we went to face him together. Xion, unfortunately, didn't take it very well. At first he starting blaming Hot Rod and called him a coward...then he starting blaming Kup for forcing stupid nonsense into the young one's audios...and then he decided that it was all your fault and believed that when you went to check on him you said something to throw him off the whole Bonding thing. He then ran off to find you. We all chased after him and...well you know the rest.'

Optimus wiped the remaining tears from Jazz's face now that the young Gamma had stopped crying.

'To be honest I'm glad that I'm not going to Bond with Hot Rod. I will admit that he is a charming young mech but...he just isn't my type...that and he is a little too young for me. Also I was rather pleased that I was finally able to shout at Senator Xion. After what he said back in the garden I wanted to hit him but I couldn't because of what my Creator was trying to do for our cities. Believe me I wanted to do more than scream insults at him. That glory hound only cares about himself and I felt so good when I screamed at him.'

That made Jazz smirk a little. Optimus seemed a little pumped as he went on about how he wanted to beat the living scrap out of Xion for what he said to Jazz and how he treated his own creation. It made the Gamma realize that Optimus did indeed care for him. That he did want to protect him. However because of his status as Prime there were certain things he might not be able to protect him from. Like Ratchet had said he was tied down with political binds and there were some things that he was unable to do even if he wanted to. But knowing that he did indeed care for him...made Jazz feel happy deep down. Optimus noticed that Jazz was no longer crying and he smirked down at him.

'I also have to commend you with what you said to him. There are a lot of high classed mechs who wouldn't dare insult Senator Xion in fear he would kill them. And don't worry I doubt Ultra Magnus would discipline you.'

Jazz blushed at the comment and scratched his helm.

'W-well...he was a big time jerk...mechs like him should be thrown down into the slums and see how they like it.'

That made Optimus laugh and he patted Jazz on the helm.

'Well I'm just glad that you're smiling again. My Spark pulses with joy seeing your smiling face everyday.'

The young Gamma suddenly looked up blushing whilst Optimus realized what he had just said and started to flush like crazy as he tried to rephrase the sentence.

'I-I meant that I-I...that you...w-well...oh dear.'

As Optimus began to stutter and hid his face behind his hands Jazz began to laugh out loud. It almost felt like every thing was back to normal or as normal as it could get up here in the grand halls with a Gamma walking around. As Optimus tried to recover and Jazz started to tease him Ratchet watched from a distance and smirked.

'Couple of lovesick lovebirds that's what they are,' he chuckled as he went back to check on everyone else.

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Senator Prixus sat within his temporary chambers looking out at the bright city before him. He had planned to stay a little while longer since he had some other business to attend to. To be honest he wanted to return to his city of Kaon since the bright lights of Iacon displeased him. He let out a frustrated sigh as he took a sip of his high grade Energon. This day had been rather dull but when he heard the news about what had happened with Senator Xion and Optimus Prime he thought it was incredibly funny. He had heard that poor Ultra Magnus looked horrified like a little Sparkling all alone when he saw his brother getting stabbed. Possibly relieving some memories that he had been trying to forget. He had also heard that apparently it was all the cause of the young Gamma who said something to make the short fused Senator lash out.

The Kaon Senator smirked when he thought of Jazz. Even though he looked like a Gamma he still had a charm. A charm that made the cruel Senator think of horrid ways that he could torture him for his own pleasure. He just wanted to tie him up and make him scream, cry and beg for his mercy. He wanted to see tears drip down his face and hear his pathetic whimpers of pain and misery. The very thought got Prixus aroused at some point. If Optimus couldn't get this law to pass he wouldn't mind taking Jazz off his hands and take him back to Kaon as a pleasurebot. He would look so perfect tied up in his chambers as a beautiful decoration that only he could touch. And this time he won't run off with some other mech. He almost broke his glass when an angry memory flashed through his optics.

When he first saw the young Gamma he thought he had seen a ghost. The pair of them looked so similar to one another with a few different body parts here and there. Their voices almost matched except with the manner of how they talked and the way that they moved about and smiled was also incredibly similar. If it wasn't for the fact that he was a Gamma he would of assumed that he was seeing someone he thought had disappeared long ago. Maybe that was why he found him attractive. Maybe this was why he wanted him. However to be sure his assumptions were correct he sent his aide to go and dig up some paperwork. It didn't take too long and already his aide had returned to his side with the information he wanted.

'Sir. I have gathered all that I could about the Gamma known as Jazz. There wasn't a lot I'm afraid.'

He held out the data pad to his supirior who snatched it from him and began to read it. Like the aide had said, there wasn't a lot of information about him since he was a Gamma but Prixus saw the parts of the report that he needed to know. Putting them all together it could mean that his assumptions were true but he had to be sure. Giving the data pad back to his aide he issued him a new order.

'Excellent work...now go to him once this business with Senator Xion has calmed down and invite him to attend the Lady Melodia's Memorial with me...as an apology with the way I acted...if he refuses just tell him I'm reconsidering my interest with the Prime's plan to change Cybertron.'

The aide saluted and left leaving the cruel Kaon Senator alone to finish his Energon and to dwell on his thoughts about the young and pretty Gamma.

Description
A Love Out of Reach
TFG1 OPxJ
Is it Love?

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Jazz sighed miserably as he sat in the med bay. He didn't want Prowl to notice what kind of mood he was in so he like he did back down at the Energon bar he worked at in the slums he forced on a smile and said nothing. When the Beta Enforcer asked Jazz just shrugged and said nothing was wrong. Prowl didn't seem too convinced but if Jazz didn't want to talk about then he would wait until he was ready to talk about it. He had brought him to the med bay because Ratchet had called him and demanded that he bring Jazz in for a check up. At first Prowl just thought that this was the medic's excuse to see Jazz and try something on him. However the medic told him to relax and said that Wheeljack was with him. Knowing full well that Ratchet wouldn't dare flirt with another mech whilst his Bondmate was around Prowl guessed he was being serious...for once.

However when they arrived they found him, Ironhide and Wheeljack drinking high grade Energon whilst telling each other funny stories. The moment they saw Jazz they all began to cheer and said things like "the cutie has arrived" and other silly things. Prowl then got angry and began to accuse them that they just wanted Jazz here so they could have perverted thoughts about him. He freaked out a little when Ironhide said they weren't talking about Jazz but the red fighter was actually telling a little joke Ratchet dared him to do. In the end Prowl ended up drinking with them after getting interested with the card game they were playing. The young Gamma was invited to join them and Jazz decided to go along with it even though he wasn't really in the mood.

As the Beta mechs around him talked about random things like how the Twins tricked some Alpha's or how Wheeljack almost destroyed his lab once again, Jazz began to think about what Optimus Prime was doing right about now. He must be sitting in the garden with Hot Rod who must of reveled his true feelings to Optimus by now. They were probably holding each other right now...telling each other how much they cared for one another...maybe they were even kissing. The thought made Jazz's Spark ache once again and he found that his optics were beginning to water up. Thankfully he was wearing a visor so no one could see. However Ratchet seemed to be able to tell what mood the young Gamma was in.

'Is something wrong Jazz? You seem down in the dumps.'

The young Gamma looked up to see that they were all staring at him with some concern. He didn't realize that he had a depressed expression on his face and quickly tried to change it. Ironhide just chuckled a pushed a cup of high grade over towards him.

'He just needs to down a few of these and then he won't care what's bugging him anymore.'

'Ironhide why do you always recommend drinking to help solve problems?' sighed Prowl.

As the red mech laughed Jazz took his advice and nearly downed the entire contents of the cup. Something took over him when he saw the strong drink placed in front of him and he grabbed it instantly and forced it all down his throat. He wasn't much of a drinker even though he worked in an Energon bar but he had grown used to the fact that strong Energon helped drown out your problems. However the high grade Energon was a little too strong even for him and he began to choke on the after taste. Ironhide laughed even more whilst Prowl began to pat Jazz on the back. Ratchet just sighed and folded his arms after watching the Gamma trying to down a strong drink.

'OK something must be bothering you if you're trying to get drunk like that.'

After recovering from the strong taste of the high grade Jazz just forced on a grin and shook his head.

'O-oh no...nothing wrong with me! I'm cool! Really!'

Ratchet riased an optic brow whilst Ironhide downed another class of high grade.

'Ah let him be Ratchet. He'll end up singing after a few more swigs of this stuff!'

'You'll end up singing if you keep drinking like that,' laughed Wheeljack.

The medic didn't seem to convinced and he gave Jazz that look which demanded to know what was wrong. The young Gamma sighed and tried to look away but that only made it more obvious that he was hiding something. Should he tell them? That seeing Optimus with another mech was making him hurt inside? That even after he gave some advice to the younger and prettier Omega Supirior who obviously wanted to tell Optimus that he loved him was now making him regret that he did? That he couldn't bear to see Optimus with someone else? That...these strange feelings...when he thought about Optimus...were starting to grow and grow until the exploded within his Spark only to hurt him more? Could he tell them...these Beta's who grew up in a world where they could love a mech within their own rank...could he tell them that he...a Gamma...the lowest of the low...was starting to fall for an Omega Supirior?

Ratchet muttered to himself when he noticed the troubled look on the young Gamma's face and stood up. He walked over to him and forced to him his feet. Before Jazz could even ask what was going on Ratchet began to drag him away from the other Beta's. The other mechs watched as he dragged the confused Gamma towards the back of the med bay and out of sight.

'Ratchet? Where are you taking him?' demanded Prowl.

'I'm just going to talk to him. Nothing more.' answered the medic.

'Yeah well...if I come over there and see you two making out I'm going to rip your Spark out of your chassis and kill you!' snapped Wheeljack.

Ratchet just chuckled at Wheeljack's death threat as if it meant nothing and lead Jazz to an area where they couldn't be seen or heard. At first Jazz thought Ratchet got a little too drunk and was going to attempt to make out with him right there. However Ratchet just offered the young mech a seat as he leaned against a wall. He obviously wanted to talk with him.

'C'mon lil cutie. What's the matter? You've been slagging misrable ever since you came in here. Did something happen in the garden?'

Jazz sighed. Should he tell him? Will he just laugh? Would he report it? Will he just call him an idiot? Would it help at all? He looked up at the medic who just looked back with a calm face. Even though he acted like a violent perv half the time he did appear to be the type that was a good listener. Knowing he couldn't get away he sat down and lowered his head as he tried to explain.

'W-well...everyone's been saying that Optimus and that younger higher up are perfect together.'

'You mean that hottie I saw not too long ago? Yeah I heard all that talk too. What about it?'

The young Gamma glanced up at Ratchet and he felt his Spark pulse painfully in his chest.

'W-when I went in the garden...they were all talking about Optimus bonding with him...that they were meant for each other. His own creator even bragged about how he could produce healthy Sparklings. He even had the nerve to insult me right there in front of everyone...but Optimus...he said nothing...he just sat there and did nothing.'

It sounded stupid but Jazz had grown used to Optimus defending him. To have him him not defend him made him wonder if he even cared about him anymore. Ratchet allowed him to continue for he knew that the young mech had more to say.

'Then the young higher up left after saying he needed some air. I was asked to check on him and when I did...I found out that something was troubling him. So we talked and he told me that he wanted to tell Optimus how he felt about him but he couldn't say it. So I gave him some advice...left him on his own...and when he came back he said he wanted to speak to Optimus in private...and...and even though I should be happy for them...I'm not...I...just...I just feel so-...'

'Jealous?'

Jazz looked up to see that Ratchet was just gazing at him with a gentle look in his optics.

'Well as a medic and one of the best medic's on Cybertron...I believe I should diagnose you with...jealousy...regret...pain in the Spark...and being in love with a mech who happens to be the Prime.'

The young Gamma suddenly went bright red with what the medic had said and began to shake his head in denial.

'N-NO! I-I-I don't feel that way about him! I can't feel that way about him! They are perfect for each other! I-..'

Ratchet raised his hand to stop him. He then folded his arms and gave him a small smile as he gave Jazz his own version of the theory.

'Jazz...trust me...I have seen mechs who are so in love they can't even think straight...to be honest at first I thought you saw Optimus as a meal ticket. However as time went on I noticed that you love having him around more than you enjoy eating those cheap oil cakes. Your Spark pulses quite fast whenever he speaks to you and even when he's not around you talk about him like he's Primus or something. Heck you're even upset he's with another mech he barely knows. Prowl may think it's nothing but a small crush but I know that you have fallen hard for our dear Optimus.'

The young Gamma said nothing and looked at his feet. Could he be in love? Was it love? He had never fallen in love with anyone before but when he was around Optimus he felt things he had never experienced before. He felt happy around Optimus. His Spark would pulse with joy when he saw him coming. He felt hot and fuzzy when Optimus called him by name. Could it be that these feelings that he felt for Optimus...was it love?

Ratchet smirked as he knelt down to Jazz's optic level. It was true. When he first heard about this young Gamma living up here in the great halls to help promote Optimus Prime's campaign he thought that he was only in it for the free Energon and a comfy place to live. However after seeing him a few times with Optimus he noticed how happy he looked. Like a Sparkling who was in an Energon sweet store. He had seen it before in many mechs and femmes optics when they were in love and even back in the day when he and Wheeljack were dating. Jazz was in love with Optimus. That was now a plain fact.

However he knew why Jazz was in denial anout it all. Jazz was a Gamma and Optimus was an Omega Superior. Because of the current law that stated that mechs and femmes could only Bond with someone within their own class and the fact that Jazz was the lowest of all ranks, it was no surprise that he would find these feelings wrong and unnatural in fear that Optimus might reject him or if he did admit his own feelings he would get into trouble. But he also knew that, even though he refused to admit it, Optimus did indeed have feelings for the young Gamma. The reason he couldn't admit it was because...deep down...Optimus was afraid...afraid of repeating past mistakes. But the medic knew that if Optimus just opened his Spark again then maybe he'll finally leave the past behind and move on. Maybe Jazz was the one who could help him move forward with his life.

Of course right now he had to stop Jazz feeling so upset about what had happened with this morning in the garden. He had heard the same story from Prowl whilst they were drinking. That Alpha Trion had brought a younger and prettier Omega Superior from Kalis to become Optimus Prime's Bondmate. He knew why Optimus was acting different around the visitors and why Optimus couldn't defend Jazz against the senator's rude insults.

'Now look Jazz...Optimus is a political figure and therefore he is tied to political binds. If he were just an average mech like you or me it wouldn't be a problem but he has to take caution with everything he says and does. I'm not sure if you know about this but Iacon and Kalis aren't exactly best friends and Alpha Trion has been trying to get them on a stable level of friendship. He has also been trying to find a suitable mate to make his sons happy. I guess he was trying to kill two petro foxes with one stone. Optimus must of known that and he must of forced his feelings for you out of the way as not to offend his guest. Sometimes political matters take priority over friendship and sadly that is the fate of mechs and femmes involved in politics. But I do know that Optimus will come after you once they're gone and I know he'll do everything in his power to make it up to you.'

To hear the medic say that made Jazz feel sort of relieved. Even though he acted like a perverted drunk half the time what he said did make more sense of the situation. Optimus Prime was indeed a political figure and a very important one. He had many duties and tasks to take care of before being able to have some time to himself. It reminded him of when they took that walk in the city together. When Optimus began to say how he would miss sitting in the crystal gardens or to go on little adventurous walks he made him realize that being a Prime meant that Optimus would have to give up having a normal and carefree life all together. He would never have any time for his friends. Never have any time for relaxing in the gardens. Never had time to be himself.

Maybe that was why Alpha Trion was searching for a mate for him. He wanted someone to be there for him. Someone to make him feel like himself again. Someone that made him forget that he was Prime for a day. Someone who could make him happy. Seeing Optimus happy made Jazz feel happy. It made him feel like everything was right with the world. And if Hot Rod who did have strong feelings for him were to make him happy...then that would make him happy too. Optimus had done so much for him. It was only fair that he would wish him happiness with a mech that could make him feel happy. Looking up at the medic he smiled a little.

'Ya know...for a perverted drunk like yourself...ya sure do know what to say...thanks Ratchet.'

Ratchet stood up and shrugged.

'Well you're more cuter when you smile. C'mon...I don't want my Wheeljack thinking I cheating on him in the same room.'

Jazz rolled his optics at the remark and stood up to follow him back to the others. At least he was feeling a little better. Upon returning the pair of them found that they were in the middle of a popular card game and the pair of them were invited to join. Wheeljack gave Ratchet an accusing glare but Ratchet just smiled sweetly and nuzzled him on his mask, making the Engineer blush before returning back to the game. The Gamma had never played before but he did his best. They all began to talk and laugh at stupid jokes whilst drinking away. The mood was certainly helping Jazz forget about Optimus and the younger Omega Superior. Right now they were probably proclaiming their love to one another. The thought did hurt but Jazz mentally shouted at himself that this was the way it should be...no matter how badly he wished it wasn't.

As the game went on and bad jokes continued to make them laugh there was a sudden commotion outside. All four mechs looked at one another before looking towards the entrance of the med bay where the shouting was coming from. They heard shouting and screaming along with the pleading voice of the femme receptionist who was outside. Ratchet sighed and stood up to go check it out. It was probably an Alpha having a panic attack about something stupid again. Also it was his chance to act heroic in front of his receptionist and quite possibly get a reward from her later. The mechs watched as he disappeared to find out what was causing all the ruckus. A few clicks went by and the shouting only got louder. Then all of a sudden a very angry looking Omega Superior burst in and scream,

'WHERE IS THAT SLAGGING GAMMA! I'LL KILL HIM WITH MY BARE HANDS!'

Prowl, Ironhide and Wheeljack all suddenly looked at Jazz who just stared back confused. Had he done something to offend someone? Jazz had been careful with the way he acted ever since the incident with Mirage. However it appeared that he did indeed do something to offend someone...but what? Looking at the mech who had just entered the med bay he suddenly recognized him to be Senator Xion only this time he was looking very, very angry. His optics were burning with rage and he was venting out hot air at rapid rate. When he suddenly spotted Jazz he snarled with anger and charged forward. The young Gamma suddenly felt afraid but Prowl stood up and tried to block the enraged senator's path.

'Sir please, this is a med bay not a-...'

'GET OUT OF MY WAY YOU DAM BETA!'

Jazz watched in horror as Xion suddenly pushed Prowl with such force he landed on the table and crashed into both Ironhide and Wheeljack. Before Jazz could even think about helping them he suddenly felt a pair of hands grab his horns and pulled him right off the ground. He winced in pain and looked up to and found himself staring into a very angry pair of optics.

'YOU FRAGGING PIECE OF SLAG! YOU'VE RUINED EVERYTHING!'

Jazz yelped when he was suddenly smashed into a wall head first. The impact was so hard his visor cracked and his face was dented. He winced in pain as he felt the hand that gripped his helm push him harder against the wall and he almost cried out in pain as he felt that hand slowly crushing it. What had he done to make him so angry like this? he had been so careful up till now with what he said to the higher ups. Senator Xion howled with rage into his audios.

'BECAUSE OF YOU I AM NOW DISGRACED! I WAS GOING TO GAIN FAME AND GLORY WITH THIS EVENT BUT YOU RUINED EVERYTHING YOU SLAG EATING PILE OF SCRAP!'

The young Gamma cried out again as he smashed against the wall again. His visor had cracked completely and he couldn't see very well. Then all of a sudden he was flung across the room and he smashed into a cabinet filled with medic tools. The glass and the tools fell around him as he tried to get back up but he froze with horror when he saw that Senator Xion had a chair over his head and was prepared to smash it down at him. The young Gamma braced for impact but before the enraged Omega Superior could deliver the fatal blow another mech appeared and pulled him away.

'Wait! Please it's not his fault! It's my fault! Leave him alone!'

Jazz recognized that voice and looking up through his cracked visor he was able to make out Hot Rod who was desperately trying to hold his creator back. What had happened? Why was the senator so angry with him? He had said nothing offensive towards him? Or could it be that he said something to Hot Rod? In fact what was Hot Rod talking about? His fault? His fault about what? Senator Xion snarled at Hot Rod and to Jazz's horror he smashed the chair over Hot Rod's helm. The young mech fell to the floor and laid there almost lifeless. How could he do that? To his own child?

Before he could even think about making his way over to the youth to check if he was alright there was another voice booming around the med bay. Looking up Jazz saw a very pissed off Ratchet striding towards them whilst holding his suddenly damaged left optic. Fresh Energon blood trickled down his hands but he didn't seem to care about his injury. He only seemed to care about beating the living slag out the Omega Superior who was trashing up his med bay and, possibly, the one who gave him that injury.

'WHO THE FRAG DO YOU THINK YOU ARE COMING INTO MY MEDBAY, TRASHING UP THE PLACE, PUNCHING MY FRAGGING OPTIC OUT AND BEATING UP HELPLESS MECHS!

Prowl had managed to get back up after rolling off Ironhide and Wheeljack. His red chevron had been bent, a few of his fingers were limp and his right wing was now bent at a strange angle. Like Ratchet he didn't care about his injuries. His top priority was to hold back the crazed Senator from doing anymore harm. He also had now stop Ratchet from attacking him. Thankfully Ironhide had got back up and was now trying to hold the very pissed Ratchet back whilst Wheeljack was now trying to tend to the fallen youth.

'WHO GIVES A SLAG IF HE IS A SENATOR! I'M GONNA KILL THAT SLAGGER! NOBODY TRASHES MY MED BAY AND GETS TO FUNCTION!' howled Ratchet.

'Ratchet for the love of Primus calm down!' wailed Ironhide.

As the mechs struggled to keep the two angry mechs under control some more mechs entered the med bay. The first was Alpha Trion who was terribly confused as he tried to calm his old friend down. The next one was Kup but instead of running over to stop Senator Xion he ran over to see what had happened to Hot Rod. After him entered both Optimus and Ultra Magnus and the brothers were in shock to see what was happening before them. Prowl was trying to hold back a crazed Senator Xion, Ironhide was holding back a furious Ratchet, Wheeljack and Kup were tending to the injured Hot Rod and Jazz was trying to get out of the way but with his cracked visor it was very hard for him to see. Alpha Trion was now standing between the two enraged mechs trying his best to calm down the enraged Senator.

'Xion please calm down! We can discuss this back in-...'

'Discuss what Alpha Trion! I trusted you and now you and your blasted son has thrown it back in my face!'

'You're over reacting Xion! Please try to calm down before-...'

'No! I have been humiliated and you think a little talk is going to make me feel better?'

'Senator Xion your son needs medical attention!'

'Silence! If your son hadn't brought that foul and disgusting Gamma up here none of this would've happened!'

Jazz was in complete shock. Not because of his injuries but because of what the Senator was saying. His son was lying there with Energon blood seeping out of his helm and all he could care about was shouting about how angry he was, how he had been humiliated and that this was all Jazz's fault. Jazz had grown used to being called filth, vile, disgusting and other horrible names but...compared to this senator he was a saint. His mind wandered back to what Prowl had told him...that some Omega Superior's use their offspring as tools to gain fame and glory. Since his tool was no longer of any use to him why should he care if he bleed to death? How could he use him like that? Why didn't he care? How could he call Jazz filth when he was clearly lower than filth? Not even Jazz would treat another mech like that.

The young Gamma gasped as he tried to stand. Everyone else was too busy squabbling and panicking over the two angry mechs to notice. Jazz winced and grimaced when he moved a limb slightly. The smash to the helm must of done something to his internal systems but he didn't care. Supporting himself against the wall he glared angrily at the Senator and, not even caring that both Optimus and Ultra Magnus were in the room, suddenly said what was on his mind.

'You think I'm low and disgusting? You think Gamma's are the lowest of the low!'

The Senator suddenly turned to face Jazz who was still glaring at him with optics burning with rage.

'I may be a Gamma but even I wouldn't do anything to hurt my own Sparkling even if he wasn't created by my own Spark! You treat him like a tool, don't care about any ones feelings but your own and when something doesn't go your way you act like a spoilt brat! If I'm lower than dirt than you're lower than Gamma's you monster!'

Silence followed after that sentence was uttered. Everyone stared at Jazz in either surprise or horror. It even calmed down Ratchet who just laid back in Ironhide's arms. Even Ultra Magnus looked surprised. Jazz just stood there as he heaved out hot air to keep himself cool. Senator Xion just stared at Jazz with a slacked jaw. It was like someone had just slapped him across the face with a baton. For a moment he just stared at him unable to say anything. Then his left optic began to twitch and his mouth began to slowly form a snarl. He began to tremble out of rage and before anyone could do anything he suddenly grabbed an Energy Scalpel that fell to the floor earlier and suddenly activated whilst lunging for the young Gamma.

'NO ONE TALKS DOWN TO ME YOU DISGUSTING ABOMINATION!'

There were sudden gasps of horror filling the room. Alpha Trion tried to grab him but Xion moved fast. Jazz couldn't move at all and even if he could he had no time to escape from the crazed mech. He was almost on top of him with that dangerous tool in his hands ready to strike. At first Jazz thought he would regret what he had said to the higher up...and even thought that Optimus would be upset with him...but he didn't. He said what he had wanted to say to a higher up for a long time and it...felt really good. It was like a heavy weight had been taken off of him and made him feel better. In fact he almost didn't care that he was about to be stabbed with an energy scalpel. He closed his optics and tried his best to shield himself from the attack. Xion roared out as he thrusted the energy scalpel towards Jazz in a murderous way.

Jazz winced when he heard the sound of the Energy Scapel penetrating the metal armour that covered his body. He heard the sound of gasps and shrieks of horror. He heard the sound of Energon blood trickling down and dripping onto the floor. However he felt no pain. He didn't feel the burning sensation of the Energy Scalpel piercing through his arm and melting his circuitry underneath. Was it because of the shock? Or maybe his arm had been numb after getting smashed against the wall earlier. Carefully opening his optics to see what had happened, he saw something that almost made his Spark stop pulsing.

Somehow Optimus Prime managed to make his way over to them and stood between him and the crazed Senator Xion. He had not stabbed Jazz but instead had stabbed Optimus in the arm that he had raised in a defensive manner. He looked down at Xion with a deadly glare in his optics and didn't seem to care that he was bleeding. Everyone else however looked horrified. Ironhide almost dropped Ratchet, Prowl's jaw went slack and even Ultra Magnus looked like he had seen something grotesque. In fact the Supreme Commander suddenly didn't look too well as he watched the Energon blood drip to the floor. The sight of it even made Jazz feel weak. Senator Xion just stared up at Optimus horrified at what he had done. There was a small silence before Optimus finally spoke and no one could detect any sound of pain in his voice.

'Senator Xion. I have treated you as a highly respected guest within the grand halls. Yet after Hot Rod had explained the situation to you, you suddenly throw a pathetic tantrum and attacked my staff and even your own child. You even tried to fatally injure my good friend here after he reveled to you what you really are. Not only have you dishonored me but you have dishonored your title and your rank! The Council of Kalis shall hear of what you've done here today and I promise you this...you will regret raising yours hands in violence towards my friends and loved ones.'

That speech alone made Xion tremble in fear and he stepped back, letting go of the scalpel that was still embedded deep in Optimus's arm. Everyone else were still in shock after what had happened. Jazz just stood there suddenly regretting what he had done. If he hadn't said those things to Senator Xion then he wouldn't have attacked him and Optimus wouldn't be standing in front of him taking an attack meant for him. Also Xion was going on about something being his fault earlier on. What had he done? Everything that had happened up till now was all his fault!

Everyone in the room was still in shock after what happened but thankfully Ratchet was able to snap out of it. He had four mechs with minor injuries, one mech that was unconscious and a Prime with a stab wound in his arm. Also his left optic was damaged so repairing all these mechs by himself was going to be a challenge. He was going to need back up if he wanted to fix them all. Jumping out of Ironhide's arms he straightened himself out and suddenly took charge.

'Prowl call First Aid and Perceptor. Wheeljack prepare my emergency tools. Ironhide call the Twins so they can clean up in here. Kup take the sleeping beauty to a berth. Ultra Magnus please escort Alpha Trion and Senator Xion out of MY med bay. Jazz go lie on that berth. Optimus Prime please come this way.'

The moment Ratchet barked those orders everyone came to life and did exactly what he said. Ultra Magnus didn't argue and quietly escorted both Alpha Trion and Senator Xion out. Hot Rod was carried over to a berth whilst Wheeljack started setting up some equipment. Both Ironhide and Prowl were making calls whilst they tried to clear up as best they could and Ratchet began to escort Optimus over to a secluded area where he can remove the scalpel. Jazz watched them go feeling dread in his Spark. Was this all his fault?

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Many cycles had passed since the incident in the med bay. Two other mechs who were experienced in the medical field were summoned to assist a half blind Ratchet and a panicking Wheeljack. Hot Rod was still unconscious but he was functioning at a stable level. Kup had stayed to help but then left to give Senator Xion a piece of his mind. The med bay had been cleared up as best as it could by a pair of Delta mechs who Jazz guessed were the infamous Twins. Both Prowl and Ironhide had their minor injuries repaired as well as Jazz's. As for Optimus...Jazz hadn't seen him since Ratchet led him away.

As he laid on his berth with his repaired parts coming along nicely he couldn't help but think what he had done to cause this whole mess. He had done something to upset the Senator from Kalis which caused him to go on a wild rampage. He then hurt his new friends and his own child out of anger. Then out of his own anger he shouted things at him that caused him to get even more enraged. He tried to attack him with a scalpel but instead of stabbing him he stabbed Optimus in the arm. Optimus had stood in to defend him when this whole thing was his fault. It was his fault that everyone ended up injured. If he hadn't been here none of this would of happened. It was all his fault.

Staring up at the ceiling in despair he detected someone coming towards him and looked up. It was Ratchet who's left optic had been successfully replaced and the welding scar was healing up nicely. He didn't look angry or annoyed but bore a calm expression.

'I see you're healing up nicely. Quite a mess he made back there. I heard that he had short fuse but I thought they were just kidding.'

Ratchet had meant it in a joking manner but it didn't make the young Gamma feel any better. It was his fault this whole thing happened in the first place. The medic winced when he realized what was up and tried something else.

'Look it wasn't your fault. He was the one who over reacted and decided to turn my med bay into a scrap yard. Besides everyone is doing OK, including Optimus.'

Jazz looked up when the medic mentioned the Prime's name. Ratchet smirked and cocked his head to an area in the med bay that was hidden from view.

'You can go see him if you like. He was really concerned about you.'

Concerned about him? He was stabbed with a scalpel by a crazed Senator and he was concerned for him? Even though he was the one who caused this whole mess. Ratchet sighed when he noticed Jazz didn't look so keen to go.

'For the last time it wasn't your fault! Just go see him.'

'B-but...I was...he got hurt because of me...I...I don't think I-...'

Ratchet had heard enough and pull Jazz off the berth and pushed him in the direction of the enclosed area. Before Jazz could even tell Ratchet he couldn't he got a little freaked out that he was glaring at him and pointing in the direction of the enclosed area. Sighing and trying to force his legs to move the young Gamma slowly made his way over to where Optimus was resting. Peering round the wall he saw that Optimus was sitting on the edge of his berth stretching and rotating his newly repaired arm. There was a faint scar but that could easily be removed. He looked well and didn't seem to be in any pain. Still...if he hadn't opened his mouth Optimus wouldn't be sitting in here resting after getting his arm repaired. He was the one who caused all of this. If only he had kept his mouth shut. Look what it had done. A friend that he cared for deeply had been injured because of him. Before Jazz could even think about retreating Optimus spotted him and looked up with concerned optics.

'Ah Jazz! Are you alright? You weren't hurt gravely were you?'

Jazz felt his Spark ache as Optimus began to ask about his health. Why? Why was he asking if he was alright? It was all his fault that he got injured. It was all his fault that the relationship between Kalis and Iacon were never going to work out. It was his fault that everyone got hurt. Everything was all his fault...and yet here he was asking him if he was alright. He didn't know when they began to fall but already tears were begining to fall down his white cheeks. He tried to stop them. Tried to wipe them away before Optimus could spot them the taller mech had already seen them.

'J-Jazz! What's wrong?'

Optimus suddenly got up and walked over to try and comfort him as the young Gamma finally started to cry. Everything that he had been holding in since he got here finally came crashing down on him and fell from his optics in the form of tears. His small sobs weren't loud enough to alert the others in the med bay but it was loud enough to make Optimus worry. The taller mech didn't think that Jazz was the type to suddenly cry like a little Sparkling. The whole image of the young Gamma being a tough street bot went right out the window. The Omega Superior looked around in a panic since he wasn't very experienced with this sort of thing. The only thing he could do was pull Jazz into a small embrace and pat his back gently whilst offering soothing words of comfort.

'Jazz please calm down...what's wrong? Please tell me!'

The poor Gamma continued to sob and whimper even with his head buried in Optimus's chest. He couldn't help it. Everything that he had been trying to ignore and prevent were now coming back to flood his memories and remind him of what he was. A Gamma. The lowest of the low. Something that shouldn't be up here in the splendor of the grand halls alongside Optimus Prime. Yet here he was causing him all sorts of problems. He was nothing but bad news for anyone who dared cross his path. But what hurt him the most that he was causing problems for a mech he believed...he was falling in love with.

Optimus sighed gently and lead Jazz over to the berth where he sat down next to him and began to wipe away the tears that stained his white cheeks. Jazz was now sniffling slightly and a few tears trickled down every now and then as he tried to calm down. He didn't want to embarrass Optimus any further but here he was crying like a Sparkling when Optimus might be concerned about the condition of his future Bondmate or the problem that Iacon was going to have with Kalis. He was just causing him and everyone here problems. The taller mech leaned down and cupped Jazz's chin so he was looking up at him.

'Jazz please...I can't help if I don't know whats wrong.'

Jazz looked up in Optimus's concerned blue optics. He was indeed worried about him but would he get offended with what he might tell him? That he believed that he was the reason that every thing up here was getting messed up? The only thing that he could think of saying suddenly blurted out through his lips.

'I'M SORRY!' he wailed as he leaned forward and wrapped his arms round Optimus's waist, sobbing into his chest.

The confused Omega Supirior looked down at the crying mech that clinged to him.

'Sorry? What are you apologizing for? You've done nothing wrong.'

Jazz shook his head and looked up with teary optics at the kind Omega Supirior.

'B-but if I wasn't here...then none of this would have happened. No one would've got hurt if I wasn't here...and...and you wouldn't be hurt if I'd kept my dam trap shut!'

The poor mech continued to sob and spill tears down his cheeks. He truly did not wish to cause anyone any harm but it had happened whether he wanted it or not. Optimus sighed as Jazz continued to cry and he pulled him in closer whilst patting his back in a gentle manner.

'Jazz...listen to me...none of this was your fault. Senator Xion just...over reacted with what I had to tell him.'

Over reacted? To what? The young Gamma looked up at Optimus puzzled with what he had said.

'You see...Hot Rod admired me...but he did not wish to be my Bondmate. To him I was sort of a fatherly figure that he looked up to. He had been so afraid of telling me how he felt in fear he would hurt my feelings. However after everyone left he was finally able to tell me and he was relieved that I too felt the same way.'

Jazz blinked in shock. Hot Rod didn't love Optimus? Optimus didn't love Hot Rod? They didn't want to Bond? Was that what the young Omega Supirior was trying to say? His true feelings? Although he felt a small pulse of joy emitting from his Spark he also felt extremely guilty since he was the one who told Hot Rod to be true to himself and tell Optimus how he felt. The Omega Superior continued to explain.

'He then asked if we could go and explain the situation to Senator Xion. I agreed and we went to face him together. Xion, unfortunately, didn't take it very well. At first he starting blaming Hot Rod and called him a coward...then he starting blaming Kup for forcing stupid nonsense into the young one's audios...and then he decided that it was all your fault and believed that when you went to check on him you said something to throw him off the whole Bonding thing. He then ran off to find you. We all chased after him and...well you know the rest.'

Optimus wiped the remaining tears from Jazz's face now that the young Gamma had stopped crying.

'To be honest I'm glad that I'm not going to Bond with Hot Rod. I will admit that he is a charming young mech but...he just isn't my type...that and he is a little too young for me. Also I was rather pleased that I was finally able to shout at Senator Xion. After what he said back in the garden I wanted to hit him but I couldn't because of what my Creator was trying to do for our cities. Believe me I wanted to do more than scream insults at him. That glory hound only cares about himself and I felt so good when I screamed at him.'

That made Jazz smirk a little. Optimus seemed a little pumped as he went on about how he wanted to beat the living scrap out of Xion for what he said to Jazz and how he treated his own creation. It made the Gamma realize that Optimus did indeed care for him. That he did want to protect him. However because of his status as Prime there were certain things he might not be able to protect him from. Like Ratchet had said he was tied down with political binds and there were some things that he was unable to do even if he wanted to. But knowing that he did indeed care for him...made Jazz feel happy deep down. Optimus noticed that Jazz was no longer crying and he smirked down at him.

'I also have to commend you with what you said to him. There are a lot of high classed mechs who wouldn't dare insult Senator Xion in fear he would kill them. And don't worry I doubt Ultra Magnus would discipline you.'

Jazz blushed at the comment and scratched his helm.

'W-well...he was a big time jerk...mechs like him should be thrown down into the slums and see how they like it.'

That made Optimus laugh and he patted Jazz on the helm.

'Well I'm just glad that you're smiling again. My Spark pulses with joy seeing your smiling face everyday.'

The young Gamma suddenly looked up blushing whilst Optimus realized what he had just said and started to flush like crazy as he tried to rephrase the sentence.

'I-I meant that I-I...that you...w-well...oh dear.'

As Optimus began to stutter and hid his face behind his hands Jazz began to laugh out loud. It almost felt like every thing was back to normal or as normal as it could get up here in the grand halls with a Gamma walking around. As Optimus tried to recover and Jazz started to tease him Ratchet watched from a distance and smirked.

'Couple of lovesick lovebirds that's what they are,' he chuckled as he went back to check on everyone else.

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Senator Prixus sat within his temporary chambers looking out at the bright city before him. He had planned to stay a little while longer since he had some other business to attend to. To be honest he wanted to return to his city of Kaon since the bright lights of Iacon displeased him. He let out a frustrated sigh as he took a sip of his high grade Energon. This day had been rather dull but when he heard the news about what had happened with Senator Xion and Optimus Prime he thought it was incredibly funny. He had heard that poor Ultra Magnus looked horrified like a little Sparkling all alone when he saw his brother getting stabbed. Possibly relieving some memories that he had been trying to forget. He had also heard that apparently it was all the cause of the young Gamma who said something to make the short fused Senator lash out.

The Kaon Senator smirked when he thought of Jazz. Even though he looked like a Gamma he still had a charm. A charm that made the cruel Senator think of horrid ways that he could torture him for his own pleasure. He just wanted to tie him up and make him scream, cry and beg for his mercy. He wanted to see tears drip down his face and hear his pathetic whimpers of pain and misery. The very thought got Prixus aroused at some point. If Optimus couldn't get this law to pass he wouldn't mind taking Jazz off his hands and take him back to Kaon as a pleasurebot. He would look so perfect tied up in his chambers as a beautiful decoration that only he could touch. And this time he won't run off with some other mech. He almost broke his glass when an angry memory flashed through his optics.

When he first saw the young Gamma he thought he had seen a ghost. The pair of them looked so similar to one another with a few different body parts here and there. Their voices almost matched except with the manner of how they talked and the way that they moved about and smiled was also incredibly similar. If it wasn't for the fact that he was a Gamma he would of assumed that he was seeing someone he thought had disappeared long ago. Maybe that was why he found him attractive. Maybe this was why he wanted him. However to be sure his assumptions were correct he sent his aide to go and dig up some paperwork. It didn't take too long and already his aide had returned to his side with the information he wanted.

'Sir. I have gathered all that I could about the Gamma known as Jazz. There wasn't a lot I'm afraid.'

He held out the data pad to his supirior who snatched it from him and began to read it. Like the aide had said, there wasn't a lot of information about him since he was a Gamma but Prixus saw the parts of the report that he needed to know. Putting them all together it could mean that his assumptions were true but he had to be sure. Giving the data pad back to his aide he issued him a new order.

'Excellent work...now go to him once this business with Senator Xion has calmed down and invite him to attend the Lady Melodia's Memorial with me...as an apology with the way I acted...if he refuses just tell him I'm reconsidering my interest with the Prime's plan to change Cybertron.'

The aide saluted and left leaving the cruel Kaon Senator alone to finish his Energon and to dwell on his thoughts about the young and pretty Gamma.