There was an unfamiliar noise in the hangar.

New signatures. New engines. Heavy footsteps.

The Autobot Elite Forces—a reinforcement unit from Cybertron—had arrived at the base.

Optimus stood up front, greeting the squad leader.

Nearby were Ratchet, Bulkhead, Bumblebee, Prowl… and you.

You stood a little to the side, arms crossed, calmly assessing the new arrivals.

Just then, one of them stepped forward.

Tall. Confident. Too confident. Dark blue armor with gold accents. An elite unit insignia on his shoulder. His optics lingered on you a split second longer than on the others.

"So, this is the fembot they were reporting," — he said with a slight grin.

"Fast. Effective." And, by the looks of it... very attractive in combat.

He came closer. Too close.

"Captain Weyrloc," — he introduced himself, extending his hand.

"I hope we can work together. I think you and I could have... excellent synchronization."

At that moment, Prowl took an almost imperceptible step forward.

*No one but you noticed.^

His shoulder plates tensed. His optics grew colder.

"She's already integrated into the tactical structure," — Prowl said dryly.

"No need to change partners in combat."

Weyrloc slowly turned his head toward Prowl.

"Oh? You're her commander?"

Prowl paused for a moment.

"No," — he replied curtly.

"I'm her partner."

Weyrloc looked at you again.

"Then I suppose she'll decide for herself who to work with."

He leaned toward you slightly.

"What do you say, beautiful? Will you show me what you're capable of?"

At that moment, Prowl clenched his fist.

Quietly. Almost imperceptibly.

But you were close enough to hear his servos tense.

His voice, when he spoke again, was even. Too even.

"She needs no demonstration. Her effectiveness has been proven."

A pause.

"And she's not the object of judgmental comments."

Tension filled the hangar.

Bulkhead raised his eyebrows. Bumblebee froze. Ratchet glanced quickly at Prowl. Optimus turned his head slightly at Prowl's tone.

And you—you stood between the two.

And for the first time in a long time... You clearly felt:

Prowl is jealous.

Not as a strategist.

But as someone who fears losing even before he's confessed.