Chapter 1

This is my first fanfic. I welcome any reviews as long as they're not horrible. Thank you in advance for reviewing. Constructive criticism is also welcome. I don't own Transformers Prime that credit goes to Hasbro. I also don't own any characters except mine. "Bumblebee speaking", 'thinking', dreaming or flashbacks. I'll get out of your metal lol :-). And I'm rating this T just because I'm paranoid. It has a bit of Optimus/ Jack fluff. If it seems a bit rushed, I apologize.

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Everyone in base was doing their own thing. Miko and Raf had already gone home after school because Optimus thought they should spend time with their human families. Ratchet was sitting on one of the big metal crates, cleaning his tools. Optimus was in his quarters. No one asked him what he was doing. At his house, Jack was looking in his bag to make sure he had everything for when he spent the weekend at base because his mom was at a three day conference and she didn't want him to be alone for three days. After seeing that everything was in order, he went outside, set his bag down, and lay down on the grass waiting for Arcee to come pick him up since Ratchet wanted to do a quick checkup of her systems. He was laying there enjoying the sun and the rare breeze when he heard an engine pull up. It didn't sound like Arcee's so he looked and was surprised to see Optimus' vehicle mode there. He got up and got his things, and then in his haste he banged his shin on the running board. "Ow, sorry Optimus, I guess I'm a little excited." He said sheepishly. "It is alright, Jack, how is your leg?" Jack chuckled. "Oh, heh, not the first time I've bumped it on something. My mom keeps warning me about getting too excited and rushing, but I guess I'm still working on it." Jack said casually. "Anyway, where's Arcee? I thought she was picking me up." Jack inquired as he got in. "Ratchet has ordered her to rest. She has been working herself too hard lately. Bulkhead and Bumblebee are with Miko and Rafael at their homes. So I came to pick you up. Since Ratchet was also busy." Optimus informed as he started driving down the street.

"Do you need to stop somewhere?" Optimus asked. "No …, wait yea. Can you stop by the store? I'd like to get some stuff for meals while I'm at base." Jack asked. The prime didn't answer but he pulled up to a store nearby. Then, to Jack's surprise, he activated his holoform. Optimus' holoform wears a white T-shirt, red and blue jacket, blue jeans that overlap his black boots, and his auto bot symbol is on the shoulders of his jacket. He has jet black hair that is faded a little grey. He is well muscled. He has the same electric blue colored eyes as his robot form. He looks to be around mid30's or early 40'sand stands at about 6" feet tall when he's standing up straight. Jack got out of the Semi cab, but when he looked, Optimus was beside him in his human form. "I wish to help you get fuel." Optimus stated. "Uh, okay let's go." Jack replied before Jack turned his head and stopped in his tracks staring at something in the distance. Optimus' eyes narrowed in confusion and concern. "Jack?" All he got was silence. Optimus looked to see what had got the teen to suddenly stop like that. All he saw were some teenagers having fun around a bonfire in the front yard of a house near the store. Optimus put a hand on Jack's shoulder. "Jack?" He tried again, but he was met with silence again. His eyes narrowed more. He went around in front of Jack; put both hands on his shoulders and shook him gently being careful as he did. "Jackson! What is wrong?" He asked. Jack's response confused him even more. Jack jumped, and stumbled back into Optimus' alt, which was right behind him at the moment, in fear. He then shook his head and looked up at Optimus. "What?" He asked. Optimus walked up to the teen and put a hand on his shoulder and replied, "What is the matter Jack?" The prime asked in concern. "N-nothing's wrong. I just got lost in thought is all. Sorry, didn't mean to delay us." He said quietly. Optimus knew he was lying, but didn't mention it. "It is alright, Jackson." Optimus said.

After that little incident, they went into the store. They got everything and went to the counter where a boy about Jack's age or older was manning the cash register. His face lit up when he saw them. "Hey, Jack, you okay? I saw you stumble into that truck outside. I haven't seen you around much. Who's your friend? Is he your mom's boyfriend? Is he a-…?" "Jeff, Jeff breathe. You're gonna pass out if you don't take a breath. You already did once. Please don't make it be again. Jack commanded patiently. "And to answer your questions, yes, I'm fine was just clumsy. I've been working a lot lately. This is Orion Paxton. No, he's not my mom's boyfriend. He's a family friend who is visiting for a while until he gets a delivery to make for a company." Jack said gesturing to Optimus' semi-truck alt mode outside. "Oh, sorry got excited again hehe. Well, it's nice to meet you Mr. Paxton. What company do you work for if I may ask?" Jeff asked out of curiosity as he rung the items up. Optimus, who until then was quietly listening, was a bit surprised to hear his old name. "It's nice to meet you as well, Jeff, but call me Orion. And I haul for anyone who will have me deliver within reason." "Ah, that's cool. Here's your stuff and I hope to see you around more Jack. We gotta hang out sometime." Jack grabbed the bags after he paid and nodded to Jeff. "Yeah, we should, but I don't know when. Maybe one weekend. I'm almost done with finals, so I should be able to hang out around then. I'll let you know. You have my number? Good. But we have to go get this stuff in the fridge. It was nice seeing you again. And I'm glad you finally got a job." Jeff nodded not really paying attention because he was helping a customer, but he waved to them when they left.

Optimus followed close behind Jack. When they got to the truck they both put the groceries in the cab. Then they got in. Optimus kept up appearances and didn't deactivate his holoform. "Optimus, I'm sorry if the name I picked upset you. I just didn't know you holoform's name." Jack said sheepishly rubbing his arm. Optimus looked over at the boy and saw that he was nervous. He got a little concerned when Jack kept scratching his arms. "Do not apologize, Jack, I did not have a name for my holoform because I did not take the time to look up earth names and choose one. So I should thank you, Jack. I was surprised, but not upset." Optimus admitted. "Oh, ok. That's good". They rode in silence for a while. They were almost at base when Optimus broke the silence. Jack, May I ask you something?" Jack looked at the dash since Optimus' holoform had fizzled out. "Sure, Optimus, anything." Optimus pondered how he would word it. "Did you know someone at the bonfire you were looking at earlier?" He asked in curiosity. "Oh, yea, they were some kids from school. I was just looking cause I remember back when my brothers and I were small, we would have bonfires with our dad. I was just remembering." Jack said fondly as he remembered better times when he was very young. "Mom said I shouldn't be able to remember those times because I was only two, and it is fuzzy, but I remember, and I'm glad I do."

Silence fell between them again as they neared the mesa that housed the base and its occupants. "Your creator (Father) and brothers sound like good men." Optimus said after a few minutes. Jack snorted, confusing the prime. "My brothers are good men, but my dad is nowhere near good." He said before he could stop himself. "Why do you say that, Jack?" Optimus asked. "Dad left all four of us and got arrested or detained soon after I turned four." Jack said not giving details and being mindful of Optimus possibly not knowing the term 'arrested'. "I am sorry, Jackson," The prime said in a solemn tone. Then they entered the tunnel that led inside base. "Oh, it's fine Optimus. I got over it long ago. I hardly remember him anymore. Anyway, let's get these groceries put away." "Alright" was the prime's reply as they came into the main room, but instead of let Jack out and transform, Optimus continued driving down the hallway to the kitchen area, much to Ratchet's confusion until he saw the groceries.

When they were done, Optimus transformed and they walked back into the main room. The only one in the room was Ratchet. "I wondered what was taking you so long. Come on, Optimus, time for your checkup. Jack, There is a pillow and blanket in the human area courtesy of Agent Fowler." Ratchet said dragging Optimus off for his checkup. Jack nodded and went and got his stuff. He unpacked his folded clothes and put them on the table. He brought out some lotion that he strangely hid under his bag so no one would see it. He turned around and laid the sheet over the couch, put the pillow against the armrest of the couch, and set the folded blanket on the couch alongside him.

He looked at the clock. 'Hmm, 6:30pm, Will they mind if I went to the top and watched the sunset? Probably not.' With that thought, he went to the elevator. When he got to the top, he went and stood by Cliffjumper's grave, staring at it solemnly. He softly patted the rock on top. "I wish I could have met ya, pal. Arcee says we would have been good friends. I believe her. She blames herself for your death. So can you do me a favor? And reassure her somehow. Tell her it's not her fault. She needs to hear it from you. Oh! What am I doing? asking favors from the dead?" Just then a soft breeze suddenly blew in his face. He closed his eyes and smiled. "Thank you", he murmured. Then he continued to the edge of the mesa and sat down with a foot dangling. "Well, if Cliffjumper heard me maybe he can. Okay here goes. *deep breath* Joshua, if you can hear me, I'm sorry for what happened to you. I miss you and I love you, brother." Jack whispered to the wind, a few tears slipping down his face unbidden. He sat there until the sun went over the horizon and it got cold.

Back in the Med bay, Ratchet was almost done with Optimus. After a few minutes, Ratchet announced he was done. Optimus stood to his full height, nodded his thanks, and started to head to his quarters when he paused. "Ratchet, where is Jack?" Confused the medic came out and looked around the room. "I don't know Optimus. I think I heard the elevator earlier." Optimus' optics narrowed as he went to the ramp that went up to the top. He had just stepped out of the door when he thought he heard Jack talking to himself. He came a little closer not wanting to startle the boy. When he got closer he heard Jack say," …I'm sorry for what happened to you. I miss you and I love you, brother," and to see a few tears escape. Optimus chose that moment to make himself known. "Jack?" Jack whirled around and quickly whipped his eyes, even though the prime had already seen his tears. "O-Optimus! You startled me. How long have you been there?" Jack asked nervously. "Not long. I was wandering where you went." He said hoping to know why Jack was out here. "Oh, I was out here watching the sunset. I usually get up on the roof of the house and watch it, so I thought this would be a good place to watch it, and it was probably more so than my house." Jack answered. Optimus nodded," I liked the sunsets as well." Optimus suddenly looked to the opposite horizon and frowned. "There is a storm coming. We must get inside." He stated. So they went back inside.

Ratchet had just shut the ground bridge down for the monthly systems check. He was about to start tidying up when he saw Optimus come into the room. "Did you find him?" He asked not noticing Jack beside the prime. Optimus went to respond but was cut off by Jack. "Yep! I'm found. Glad to see you care. Don't worry, I won't tell you anyone." Jack said jokingly with a laugh, whispering the last part. Ratchet huffed as Jack continued on to his makeshift bed. Optimus smiled and put a hand on the medic's shoulder making him look up. "Do not worry, old friend. There is no shame in showing you care." And with that Optimus went over to a metal crate and sat near the human area, grabbing a data pad to read something on as he did. Ratchet just smiled at how close Optimus was sitting to Jack. 'Hmm, He's watching over Jack, I suppose'. He continued to his quarters once he made sure everything was where it should be.

Optimus was reading on his data pad when he heard some grunting and shuffling from the human area. He looked over at the human area and almost dropped his data pad in shock at what he saw. Jack was standing with his back to him shirtless. But all over boy's back and arms were horrible burn scars. 'How did he get those horrible scars at such a young age?' He couldn't help but think. The boy was currently trying and failing to get some white cream stuff on his back burns. Optimus shook himself out of his shock and activated his holoform so he was directly behind Jack. "Do you need assistance, Jackson?" Jack jumped and dropped the lotion bottle he was trying to squeeze some out of onto his hand. Optimus, still in holoform mode, caught the lotion before it could hit the floor and make a mess. "S-sure you can if you want to. My doctor said that I have to put this on my scars to protect the skin. He said to do it before bed. I'm sorry you had to see them, though. The only people who have was my mom, and brother, Michael. I don't like showing them to others." Jack said "There is no need to apologize, Jackson. I have helped Ratchet take care of many soldiers during the war, and, as such, have seen my share of battle scars much worse than this." Optimus assured as he rubbed the lotion on the scars. Jack visibly relaxed at his words. After he was done, his holoform flickered out and went back to reading his data pad.

"Thank you" Jack said softly as he put an old T-shirt on and was in some shorts (not boxers). Optimus looked up and nodded. Jack combed his hair and put the lotion away. He then proceeded to stretch and yawn. "Optimus is it alright if I turn the light off?" Jack asked suddenly. "Of course, as long as the glow from my data pad does not disturb you." Jack smiled and shook his head "no" before flipping a switch by the couch on the table for the humans to turn the lights off. Then the only light in the room was from Optimus' optics and the softly glowing data pad.

"Uh, aren't you going to sleep er recharge?" Asked Jack after a moment. Optimus looked up and his optics shown on the boy. "Not yet, Jack, I must finish reading these data pads for my reports with Agent Fowler." It wasn't a total lie, but he just wanted to watch Jack for a while to make sure he was truly alright. "Oh, did I keep you from work you were supposed to do this evening?" Optimus shook his head. "No, Jack, I was planning to do these tonight." Jack shrugged and nodded. Then went and laid down snuggling under the covers. "Goodnight, Optimus." He said half asleep. "Goodnight, Jackson," was his quiet reply. Jack then promptly fell asleep.

000 Dream/Flashback 000

There was a small boy running in fright of the man chasing him. He had many burns and scratches on his arms and legs. The man caught the boy just inside the living room and was preparing to strike him when a smaller squeakier voice cried out," STOP, daddy don't hurt him pwease." The man smirked and back handed the boy he was chasing. Then he turned to the little three year old boy that was holding the hand of his scared twin brother, Joshua, who was looking at the scene with scared brown eyes. "Oh? And what are you gonna do, Jack? You're three. What can-… oof!" He was interrupted mid question when little Jack ran up to his father and kicked him in the shin hard for a three year old.

His father's eyes widened, then narrowed. He turned ice blue eyes on his middle son. "You will regret that, boy!" With that he left the room to find something for a suitable punishment. Michael, who was now beside his little brothers, looked down and said, "I'll distract him. Jack, mom taught you how to call 911, right? Good, go do that. Go! Come on Jack go!" Jack suddenly stomped his foot and shouted," NO! I will not leave you to him. You call them I'll distract him. Daddy want me not you! You go. Take Joshua." Michael sighed heavily knowing he couldn't change his brother's mind. "Please, stay safe, Jackie. Come on Joshua." Michael said as he picked up Josh and ran to the kitchen just as Jack's dad came back. He came back with matches and an orange jug with some strange smelling stuff in it that Jack didn't know what was in it.

He tied Jack to a chair and gagged him. Jack struggled to get his hands free. His father then proceeded to pour the stuff all over the house. Then he went to the front door lit the match, threw it, and ran. The room went ablaze in an explosion of fire coming right at Jack and it would have burned his face if not for him turning and shielding himself with his back. He suddenly heard a whimper from beside him. He looked over and almost fell over in shock, for Joshua was there cowering and curling up in a ball crying in front of the growing flame. He struggled harder and harder. He didn't know where Michael was, but he knew he had to get to his brother before he got burned. Soon he was free and he jumped over his brother just as an explosion of fire shot out and got him deep in the arms, shoulders, and all of his back. He screamed in agony. His brother cried from pain and fear, too, but was mostly protected by Jack. He buried his head in his head in brother's chest. Jack coughed and looked up when he heard somebody calling their names. "Micheal?" He squeaked. Micheal who had been trying to get to them from the kitchen finally found a pathway through the fire.

He went over to his brothers and helped Jack to his feet while picking up a crying Joshua. Micheal grabbed Jack's hand and dragged him along with him as best he could to the garage, which he knew was open for mom when she got home. Jack was whimpering and crying almost as much as Joshua was all the way outside. When they got outside, they collapsed in the grass coughing while paramedics surrounded them and assessed their injuries. The last thing Jack felt and saw before he blacked out was his mom's worried face above, Micheal's hand in his, a paramedic putting something over his nose and mouth, and Joshua passed out from exhaustion and smoke inhalation. He woke up a week later with his mom leaned over his hospital bed sleeping fitfully and Micheal on the bed hugging him. "You're awake! I thought you wouldn't make it, but mom said you were strong and she was right." Yes, I was right." June said hugging her sons close then continued, "I have to tell you something boys, and you're not gonna like it." Okay, mommy" they both said at the same time. "You're b-brother, J-Joshua, didn't make it. The doctors don't know what happened. His burns were minor b-but he got very sick and there was nothing they could do except make him comfortable. I'm so sorry, my sons." She said her voice breaking and cracking the whole time she talked. "No….Joshie can't be gone." Jack said with tears running down his little face. His mother merely nodded crying unable to speak. "NOO! It's my fault! I didn't protect him!" He wailed over and over again. Micheal buried his head in his mother's shoulder crying. Jack couldn't calm down. Not even June could soothe him. So she called the doctor in to sedate him, so he'd rest. Jack started feeling the effects almost immediately. He fell asleep to his mother's soothing words.

000 End of dream/Flashback 000

"AH", Jack shot up panting and looking around frantically. He sighed in relief; he was still in the base. He looked around slowly. The clock on the wall said 5:30am, and he knew he wasn't getting back to sleep after that dream, 'no memory' he corrected himself. He looked around again and saw that Optimus was gone, but he was confused because the lights were on and dim. He slowly got up from the couch. He noticed he was covered in cold sweat. So he grabbed some clean clothes minus his long sleeve shirt because it was warm in base. And as far as he knew Miko and Raf weren't supposed to come today, even though it was Saturday. He started towards a bathroom when a pede about stepped on him, so he jumped out of the way dropping his clothes as he did. "Whoa, watch it, Ratchet, human walking here." Jack said half joking , half-serious. "Oh! Jack! Are you alright? I didn't hurt you did I?!" Ratchet said startled, frantic and in medic mode all rolled into one," You don't have any cuts or bruises do you? Are you hurt?" He continued. "It's ok. I'm fine, Ratchet, really. The only damage is my clothes on the floor, but that's no biggie. Really, I mean it." He said when he saw Ratchet was going to ask questions again. Ratchet sighed in relief. "What are doing up anyway, I thought human younglings slept in when they don't have studies." Ratchet asked. Jack shrugged, "Bad dream. And I usually wake up early. Not this early, but maybe an hour from now, so I might as well get up now. I'm just gonna go change into my day clothes." He said as he turned to leave, but Ratchet's voice stopped him. "Where did those scars, Jack?" Ratchet asked curiously. Jack stopped, but didn't turn around. "I don't want to talk about it, okay?" Jack said in a quiet, but calm voice. "Alright. Uh, Jack, maybe you shouldn't tell Optimus about that back there. I'm not sure how he'd take it. "I won't Ratchet, but I don't think Optimus would be mad at you unless you did real damage. And I dougt it even then. At least not mad, but scolding, maybe. But, just the same, I still won't tell him." Jack said reassuringly. "Thank you, Jack". Ratchet said turning to go on his way. "No problem, Ratchet." Ratchet smiled as he went back to work.

"Ok, I'm back. What do you think of my new outfit? Mom picked it out last week just for something different to wear." Jack said as he went up the stairs. He wore a red T-shirt with no jacket, very dark blue jeans, almost black, and black boots. Ratchet turned and looked, "Yes, yes very nice". He said in his usual gruff tone again. Jack rolled his eyes and went back the couch and he played with his phone for a little while until it rang.

000 cliffhanger 000

Not very exciting one, but it gets the job done. No I don't hate Jack. It had to be that way to fit the plot. Anyway next chapter should be up soon maybe tomorrow. Depends. I have a lot of stuff to do tomorrow and Tuesday, but I'll try my best. See ya. Enjoy!