Cameron POV
I'm half asleep and half watching an old rerun of Full House on TV while laying on the couch. I WOULD be hanging with Jazz or with Rachet, but there was some Decepticon action somewhere and Jazz had to go, leaving me with no way to get to the Autobot base. I jump awake when I hear a crash and I blink rapidly. What was that? I hear another crash and I get up quickly. I can feel panic starting to settle in as I try to figure out where the noises are coming from. Aha! The kitchen! I silently tip toe towards the kitchen and freeze in shock at the doorway. All I can do is stare at the small robotic thing with beady red eyes, hovering over my father's bloody body. It suddenly twists it's head up and we lock eyes. It starts jabbering and I fucking book it outta there. It's right on my heels and shooting some shit at me and I quickly run back into the garage, tripping over some shit and yelping as I skin elbows and feel all wet on my ankle and forearms. I quickly grab the first thing I see, a blow torch, and just aim and shoot. The thing screams in pain and I yell as I bring the torch closer. I can see the metal creature melting together and just as sudden as it came, it collapses. I let out short breaths, drop the torch, and quickly scoot away.
"Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod." I mutter, not taking my eyes off the dead creature. What the fuck i- It's a fucking Decepticon! My blood runs cold just at the thought and I dig in my pocket for my phone, ignoring the pain shooting through my arm. Once I find the name i'm looking for, I instantly call it. It rings a couple times and I don't notice the tears coming from my eyes until they answer.
"Miss meh already, baby girl?" Jazz answer smoothly and I quickly wipe them away.
"Cameron? What's goin' on? Cam?" He asks frantically.
"Jazz, ohmygod, I don't know what the fuck it was but I heard I noise and I checked it out an-oh shit! Fuck, fuck, fuck!" I exclaim as I realize what I left in the kitchen.
"No, no, no, no, NO!" I scream as I reach the kitchen. I choke on my sobs as I drop down next to my dead father, my only father.
"Da-daddy." I murmur and lift his head into my lap, hugging it tightly and swaying slightly. No! He can't fucking be dead! NO!
I don't know how long passes, but i've shoved myself away from the body and in a corner when I hear the roar of multiple engines. I try to make myself smaller when I hear metal shifting and shouting that I can't totally make out.
"CAMERON!" I hear Jazz yell but I still can't take my eyes off the body.
"There's someone in the house." I hear another voice, Rachet I think, say, and I hear footsteps running.
"CAMER-oh frag." I hear Jazz say from the doorway. I tense as arms are wrapped around me and i'm lifted, but I don't fight it. I cling to the front of his shirt instead and bury my face in his chest.
"C'mon, baby, let's get ya outta here." He murmurs softly and I feel him walking out of the house.
"I got 'er, Prime, but 'er creator weren't so lucky." Jazz calls up and I tighten my grip. The picture of him is still stuck in my head and I can't get it out!
"It seems to be Frenzy's doings. We found him in the garage." Another voice, Ironhide maybe, adds. I shut my eyes tiredly and try to squeeze out all the bad. It's harder to breathe and I faintly hear more talking, then yelling. My vision blurs and then just goes black.
I jump awake, hitting my head on something hard and groaning as I rub it.
"Slag, humans have hard heads!" I snap my eyes open just to jump back from the bright blue ones of Rachet's holoform. I raise an eyebrow curiously as he rubs his own head.
"Wha' happened?" I ask with a little bit of a slur to my voice and he gives me a concerned look.
"Depends on how much you remember..." He fades off and I glance around quickly. I'm in the back of, well, Rachet. Why? I furrow my eyebrows in concentration and it hits me hard. My dad...is dead?
"He, he was to far gone, wasn't he?" I ask quietly and shakily. Rachet catches my eye and I look away from the sympathetic look.
"I'm afraid so. I'm sorry, Cameron. I know how much he meant to you."
"You have no idea." I mutter and straighten up, pushing my own feelings away for now.
"Why." I state and he looks at me confused.
"What do-"
"Why was that little piss-bot at my house? And why'd he kill my dad?" I ask fiercely and Rachet's holoform sighs.
"Come sit up front, Optimus will be able to inform you better." He finally says and disappears, just to reappear in the drivers seat. I clamber into the passenger seat, grimancing as I feel the tight bandages on my arms and leg rubbing my wounds.
"Optimus, Cameron has awoken and would like to know why she was targeted." Rachet states clearly and I glance at him, alarmed. Targeted me? What?
"I was targeted?" I ask and watch his expression show his mistake.
"Cam-"
"I wanna know why that lil' frickin' slagger was after me, and you betta' frickin' tell me." I hiss angrily and he swerves slightly before looking away from me. I can be pretty damn scary when i'm mad.
"What we think is that the Decepticons think that you may be valuable. I am not sure why, though." Optimus sighs through the radio and I clench my ripped, dry-blooded, pants in my hands.
"We left Ironhide, Prowl, and Mirage to watch your mother, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker are watching your oldest sister and her family, and Bluestreak is following your other sister on her way to your mother's. They should all be safe if any Decepticons try to make a move." Optimus adds and I nod once before realizing he can't see me.
"I mean, okay. Thank you, for keeping them safe."
"It is not a problem. We, uh, DO have some more bad news for you, though." I frown at the dash and spare a glance at Rachet but he's not giving anything away.
"Umm, okay?" I reply hesistantly.
"Colonal Lennox and Sergent Epps explained what happened in detail to your mother when she got home and she was quite adamant that you not live there anymore. Mikaela and Jazz grabbed what they thought you would need and I give you the choice of staying at the base with the Autobots. It will be much safer and easier for us to keep you safe." I let the information sink in a bit before letting out a large sigh and running a hand through my hair.
"Thank you, for being honest with me. And for letting me stay with you." I reply and get a grunt in response.
"You don't seem surprised that you aren't wanted at your home. No offense." Rachet quickly adds and I laugh dryly.
"I'm not. She's been lookin' for an excuse to kick me out for ages. We've never really gotten along the best."
"...Care to elaborate?" Now i'm surprised. I glance at him to catch him waiting and I turn my gaze back to the scenery.
"We've always argued. She says i'm too stubborn and don't think of others. I say she's a stuck up bitch who is way too pathetic. She yells at me, I stay at a friend's house for a couple days, and when I come back she's fine."
"That doesn't sound like a good mother." Rachet says annoyed, almost angry, and I let out another dry laugh.
"She's not that bad, compared to other humans in the world. Since she was like that, I spent all my time with my dad." I sigh and press my forehead against the cool glass.
"It's not your fault, you know, right?" Rachet asks gently and I shake my head.
"It wanted me and got him instead. Let's just leave it at that. How long 'til we get to base?"
"Another couple of hours." I nod in acknowledgement and we fall into a comfortable silence.
This time, I don't smack my head when I wake up. Whoever woke me up was smart enough to get out of the way.
"Aww, c'mon, babe. Don't go back ta sleep!" Jazz begs and I scoff.
"I can't with you breathin' in my face." I reply smartly and climb out of Rachet's cab shakily.
"Whoa, baby girl. Ya lost a bit a blood earlier so keep it coo'." He scolds softly and slips my arm over his holoforms shoulder and his own around my waist.
"You jus' wanna excuse to touch my fine body."
"Slag, ya too smart, babe." He jokes right back and we both laugh.
"Where are you bringin' me?" I ask as he starts leading me away from Rachet as he transforms and starts grumbling about who knows what.
"Well, we gotta get ya'll situated in yo new room, don't we?" I roll my eyes as the door to his alt mode pops open and he helps me in, which I could totally do by myself, thank you very much! He appears in the drivers side and pulls out of the big room and down a hall.
"So, how you doin'?" He asks after a bit and I look away from his concerned gaze and shrug.
"I ain't a big mess of emotional breakdown yet, so that's a plus." I say. Instead of the laugh I expect, I get a sigh.
"Cam-"
"Don't, 'Cameron', me. I'm already sick of hearin' it an' I've barely talked to anybody! I'm fine, let's leave it at that." I snap and rub a hand over my face when I realize how harsh I was.
"I'm sorry, that was tota-"
"It's coo'. I get it. Yo jus' real fragged off right now, with all tha's happened. I would be, too. But jus' so ya know, we're all here for ya." I look over to him as he speaks and my lip tugs up in a small sideways grin.
"Thanks, Jazz." I say softly and he grins right back at me.
"An' the offer's always open if ya need some private 'tention. Take that how ya wanna." He adds on slyly and I throw my head back and laugh.
"I'll keep that in mind, Jazz-hands." I shoot right back and his holoforms eyes sparkle with mirth. We shoot dirty jokes back and forth for a little longer before he stops outside of a door and I climb out, grabbing the two bags thrown in the back seat.
"Thanks for grabbin' my stuff. I 'preciate it." I say and he transforms into his robot form.
"No problem, baby girl. See ya tomarra?" He questions and I smirk.
"Can't get rid of me that easy, Jazzman. Since i'm gonna be here for awhile, I need somebody to cart me around 'til I can tell where i'm going."
"Well, i'd be happy to. See ya then!" He calls after a small bow that leaves me laughing. Seriously, how many times can you say you've seen a 14 foot tall alien robot BOW? The door's unlocked and I find a couple keys for it on the bedside table. This place makes me feel like i'm in a hotel! Sure, the room doesn't look as homey but it has it's own bathroom, a queen sized bed, a good sized dresser, and a small desk. I'm gonna have to ask Jazz where I can get some grub and entertainment around here! For now, I drop my bags down next to the dresser and drop down on the bed, drifting to sleep easily.
My first week staying at base goes quite well. Jazz usually picks me up in the morning to bring me to eat, then he brings me to learn from Rachet with Mikaela-who i've gotten to hang around and get to know more- then we either chill out in the lounge room with whatever bots are in there or even play some video games! But today, is different. Instead of Jazz knocking at my door, it's Mikaela with a couple chocolate donuts and some Mountain Dew. While I eat, she makes sure she has all the clothes for me to where to the funeral. Yep, my dad's funeral. At least i'm not going alone. I guess quite a few military personal around here knew him so they will be going, some Autobots for protection in case of a Decepticon attack, and Mikaela and Sam, too. I allow Mikaela to put a little bit of make up on me and then she shoves me into the bathroom to get changed. I frown at the black dress but get into anyway. It's a little higher than knee length but not bad for a formal occasion. As soon as I step out of the bathroom, i'm being dragged oer to a chair again.
"Will you stop dragging me? I feel like a puppy of something." I complain and she rolls her eyes at me as she hands me a couple shiny braclets. I shove them on and before she can put anything else on, I jump up and start digging through the pockets on a pair of pants on the floor. My fingers grab the old chain and I smile as I pull the old necklace out and hold it in my hand. I smile fondly at it, remembering that my dad gave it to me when I was little. It has an old key to some type of Ford on the discolored chain and I hold it up in the light.
"My dad gave me this when I was little. It was just an old key he found lying around so he went and bought a chain to put it on, just for me." I reminise, rubbing a little bit of dirt off of it. I let Mikaela silently take it out of my hands and fasten it around my neck.
"You look good. Ready to go?" She asks after standing back and looking at me and I nod and grab my purse and phone before slipping into old, black, enginner boots and letting her lead the way. She loops her arm with mine and we share a smile, althoughy it's not as happy as it should be. She told me earlier that her mom had died when she was younger and that she loved her father dearly, even if he had done some bad things. I learned then just how strong Mikaela really is. Sure, she can't shoot cannons out of her arms or beat the shit out a Decepticon, but she can hold herself together amazingly.
"Do you wanna ride with us or Jazz?" Mikaela asks when we almost reach the hangar and I shrug.
"I don't care. Whoever can put up with my awkward silence and death glares." I joke and we share a grin before entering the huge room with bots and some humans. I glance around at the good sized group and Optimus catches my eye and motion for me to come over.
"Looks like Bossman Numeral One wants to talk. I'll catch ya later, alright?" I call to Mikaela and she grins and heads over to Sam and Bumblebee as I head over to Optimus.
"Sup, Bossman." I call up to him. He holds his hand out and I very carefully sit down in it, making sure no one can get a free show under my dress.
"I was wondering if you would like to ride with me there. I have some things to discuss with you and I thought it would be the best time." He states and I shrug.
"Sure thang, Optimus. I'm ready when you're ready, I guess." I state firmly, ressuring myself inwardly. He sets me back down and I take a couple steps back as he transforms. The passenger door pops open and I chuckle a little as I climb inside.
"What's funny?" His holoform asks and I shake my head.
"Just that i'm showing up to a funeral in style. Who else can say they rode in a huge semi, followed by a group of expensive, shiny cars?" I say and he smiles along with me. I glance at him, noticing his attire changed from jeans and a t-shirt to more appropriate clothing. Optimus is freaking tall even in human form and just like i'd always thought, he has short brown hair and bright blue eyes. But then again, all the Autobots' holoforms have blue eyes.
"So, whaddya wanna talk ta me 'bout?" I ask as we take the lead and pull out into the sunshine and he clears his throat.
"Well, I had the thought that your family needs to be protected but I thought of an easier way than having them stay in their own homes.-"
"So you're saying you think it's best if they come stay here?" I interrupt and he nods.
"...Well, if you think it's for the best." I say after a bit of silence.
"I do. Since your brother was in the military before your oldest sister had children, Will thinks that he could go back to that to keep some type of income for the family. And it's up to you if you want them all near your living space or away." He adds quickly and I nod again.
"Yeah, you should totally have 'em come. I don't know about the whole 'being close' thing, though. It'd prolly be for the best if I was away from my mom." I respond and he nods silently. I facepalm and groan annoyedly at his next, innocent, question.
"...So, how are you holding up?"
As soon as we pull up in front of the church, the door pops open and I easily jump down from the high cab. In an instant Optimus's holoform is at my side as I look for the new, black, Raptor that signifies Bobbi Jo's arrival and Amy's blue Explorer. I find them, right up front, and let out a sigh. I feel a hand on my shoulder and I turn to Optimus with a forced smile.
"Do you want us to come in with you or after?" He asks sympatheticly and I shrug.
"I don't care. Let's just get this over with." I reply as Mikaela, Sam, a couple soldiers, and the other Autobots' holoforms catch up to us. I don't really know the soldiers, but I can point out Ironhide, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker, Rachet, Bumblebee, and Jazz. The latter of the group stands beside me and for once, we're both totally serious.
"Ya gon' go talk ta yo family?" He asks and I nod once in confirmation.
"Ya want meh to come with ya?" He asks softly and I look up at him. I bite my lip, getting a bit of blood, and nod hopefully. He gives me a small smile before turning to Optimus and speaking so lowly that I can't hear. After they're done talking, he turns back to me and motions for me to lead the way. I nod in acknowledgement and we shuffle ahead, leaving the others to wait outside while we go to talk to my family. As soon as we enter the church doors, I let a small smile come on my face as the two young boys arguing, one in Keith's arms and the other holding onto his hand while he tries to get them to be quiet. I hear my boot-clad feet his the wooden floor and they all look up, Mom, Bobbi Jo, and Amy's whole family. I notice my mom's bloodshot and puffy eyes gazing at me and I look down. I don't even realize i've stopped until Jazz pulls on my hand and tilts his head toward the group. We walk over to them in silence until I come to a stop beside Bobbi Jo.
"Hey, Cameron." Bobbi Jo pipes up instantly and I squeeze my eyes shut tight. No nicknames, no comments about the man next to me, nothing.
"Hey, Bobs." I reply and I feel pressure on my empty hand and look down to see Blake squeezing it. I smile down at him and let go of Jazz's hand to kneel down in front of him.
"Hey, Blakey-Boy. Didja hear 'bout your new, awesome, temporary, home?" I ask upbeatly and he grins big and wide.
"Yeah! Dad told me that there's gonna be cool robots there! Is that true?" He asks and I just about laugh at his excited face.
"Umm, kinda. I dunno if they fall under the 'robot' category but they sure are cool." I send a grin up at Jazz who returns it easily.
"Cool!" He runs back to his father's side and I stand again, just to be engulfed in a hug.
"Ames?" I question and my eyes widen in shock as I hear quiet sobs coming from her as she squeezes me tightly.
"Hey, hey, hey, it's all cool. C'mon, cheer up, will ya? Ya don't wanna do this right now..." I beg awkwardly and she pulls away and drys her eyes.
"You're right. Thanks, Cam. I know you were closer to dad than any of us." She returns and I look away, forcing my expression to go blank. Mom still hasn't said a word to me.
"It's all ready to go. We should head out." Mom says loudly but with a crack in her voice and we all nod simulitanously. When we're out the doors, Bobbi Jo jerks me away from Jazz's side to whisper in my ear.
"Who are all these people?!"
"Our new housemates and some of Dad's old military friends. They wanted to pay their respect and the Autobots came for the same, plus extra protection." I whisper back and she 'oohs' in response.
"So who's the hottie with ya?"
"Uhh, remember that car Dad got me?" I ask, wincing slightly and she nods in encouragement. After a bit, her jaw drops in shock and I almost laugh at the surprised look on her face. I wink at her before scooting back over to Jazz who's glancing around worriedly. The worry disappears when we meet each other's gaze and I allow him to wrap his arm around my waist and pull me closer. I sigh and close my eyes when I see the coffin, all ready to be buried six feet under, and lean into his side. I stay quiet during the whole ceremony, my thoughts away from the words of the preacher and the sobs I hear every once and awhile. I think about my father's life before he got married and had children. How did he even get involved with the Autobots? And why did that damned Decepticon kill HIM of all people? I sniffle slightly and rest my hand on Jazz's chest when he pulls me close in a comforting hug. I watch in silence as they put the coffin down and turn away when they start putting dirt in the hole. As soon as the preacher dismisses us, i'm out of Jazz's arms and quietly but quickly making my way back to his alt mode. I ignore all attempts from family friends and other people to talk to me, only focused on getting the hell out of here. The door pops open for me and I immeadiately slide in. The seatbelt fastens around me and Jazz appears next to me as the car strts up and pulls out. I see all the sad people as we leave and I let out a large sigh.
"You okay, Cameron?" Jazz asks worriedly and I rub my hands over my face.
"Ca-can you just take me away from here? Anywhere, please." I muffledly mutter and the engine revs in response.
We drive for about an hour before we stop out in the middle of nowhere. We just sit in silence for a little bit, before I realize just how uncomfortable this fucking dress is. I dig through my big purse until I find the pair of blue basketball shorts and black tank top I threw in there earlier.
"You peek and I'll rip out your optics." I threaten as I crawl into the backseat to change and the car shakes with laughter and the holoform fizzles out. I just toss the hated clothing articles out the window as I strip, the car shaking with what I think is laughter but some of these 'bots don't have the cleanest of processers. When i'm done, I crawl out and lay on the hood with my back pressed against the windshield.
"Ya want some company?" Jazz asks from the holoform standing next to the car and I flip over on my side and nod. He easily lays down beside me and I curl into him, laying my top leg on top of his, wrapping my arm around his toned stomach, and placing my head on his chest. He tenses at first but then wraps his own arm around my shoulders and I close my eyes at the comforting feeling of fingers running through my hair.
"You gon' be okay?" He asks worriedly and I nod against his chest. I smirk when both holoform and car shudder and the comforting touch on my head freezes momentarily. I chuckle and after a bit, he joins in. I gotta say, I laugh even harder when my head bumps around on his vibrating chest. Somehow, I forget the whol day just by spending a couple minutes with one fun 'bot.