Boys, Meet my Truck
A/N: I've been asked about Ironhide and Annabelle's relationship. It is STRICTLY a familial relationship (Uncle/Niece). Just to be clear if anyone was looking at Ironhide's behavior as that of a jealous boyfriend. It's just the "protective father" scenario.
Boys, Meet my Truck
"Age 19: A Kiss and Graduation"
By Leah Wood
A couple weeks before graduation…
A honking outside in the Lennox's driveway instantly made Will gather up the two big suitcases.
"There's our ride." he announced, making his way to the door.
Sara threw one last item in her purse and gathered up the smaller bags and all of the hanging outfits for the trip while Annabelle helped her.
"Our numbers are on the fridge and we left you some checks just in case. Don't go too nuts." Sara explained, heading for the door.
The young woman smirked sarcastically, "Aww, and I wanted to buy a yacht while you and daddy were gone!"
Will and Sara had been invited to a big military gala at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas to commemorate the soldiers sent overseas. Mostly it was a formal reunion the military hosted to talk, wine, and dine with the big wigs of the government—a real honor. Will was only excited about seeing his comrades in arms again in a non-business setting and Sara was going to support Will. As for Annabelle, she opted to stay home since she wasn't so keen on spending nearly two days with a bunch of high-roller, government types she didn't know and being under 21 in Las Vegas was like being too short at a theme park—no fun at all.
"We'll be back in a couple days." Sara continued, stuffing the rest of the bags and clothes in the transport vehicle the military sent.
Both Will and Sara hugged their daughter, "Be safe."
She laughed and said quietly, "With Ironhide here? I'm safer than any teen on this planet."
Sara smiled, "Unless Ironhide takes you, we'd prefer it if you'd stay home while we're gone. Ok?"
"Ok." the teen consented. With her charm and methods of persuasion she could probably get Ironhide to take her to the edge of the galaxy if she wanted to.
After a few good-byes the family separated, leaving Annabelle on the farm with Ironhide parked in front of the garage.
The teen patted the side panel of the truck, "Guess it's just you and me big guy."
….
Later that night…
Annabelle was up in her room watching a movie on the new TV her grandparents had sent her as a graduation gift. Technically it was for when she went to college in the fall but having a TV in her room was a new luxury she'd never had before. As she lost herself in the movie she heard the faint sound of an engine approaching. At first her mind thought Ironhide, but it wasn't deep enough or loud enough to be her guardian. Last she knew he had retired to his building to clean his cannons or something like that.
Annabelle paused the DVD and stared out her window on the second story. A single light was coming up the road and she smiled. It was Paul on his motorcycle. For the past few months they'd gone out on quite a few dates and developed a brand new boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. Annabelle wasn't sure how serious it was but Paul did spend a lot of time with her but they still hadn't kissed.
Her smile suddenly faded. If SHE could hear Paul's motorcycle, Ironhide could definitely hear it. She opened the window and poked her head out, scanning the farmyard. No sign of her black guardian. Maybe he was in recharge and couldn't hear it. Ironhide could sometimes be difficult to "wake" when he was recharging. Annabelle hoped that was the case.
Paul pulled up to the driveway fence and waved up at Annabelle, "Hey Belle! What's happening?"
The young woman waved back, "Just holding down the fort. What are you doing here?"
He shrugged kicking down his kickstand and pulling off his helmet, "It's the weekend and I thought I'd come visit you."
"It's 11:20." Annabelle mentioned.
"Will I wake your folks?" he lowered his voice a bit.
She shook her head, "Actually they're on a trip. It's just me."
"Oh. I see. Planning any wild parties before graduation?" he joked, showing off his dimples.
Annabelle shook her head with a whimsical smile, "Not really. Afterwards, maybe." She leaned on the window sill, "I baked some cookies earlier, want to sit on the porch and have some?"
Nodding eagerly, Paul removed his helmet and dismounted his bike. Before long the couple was on the front porch swing munching on some sugar cookies.
"These are really good, Belle." Paul commented through a mouthful of soft cookie.
"Thanks. They're my grandma's recipe."
He smirked, "They're almost as sweet as you."
Annabelle felt herself blush but snorted, "Man, that's cheesy."
"Yeah I know. But hey, cheese is good in small doses." he shrugged comically.
The young woman laughed quietly and took another cookie. She held it up, staring at Paul. Slowly she leaned over and held the treat near his mouth with an encouraging smile. Showing his dimples again he gently bit the edge of the cookie, chewing slowly while staring at her. Before she could react, Paul leaned in and planted a quick kiss on her lips. She froze, blushing.
"These are really good cookies." he replied.
She playfully swatted his shoulder, "You sneak."
Annabelle stiffened when a flicker of light caught her eye near Ironhide's shed. Looming around the corner of the building was a big dark shadow and one big glowing cannon.
Paul's face obliviously scrunched with confusion at the girl's change in expression, "What?"
Just as the boy turned to look, the dark shadow darted behind the building, taking the light with it. Paul squinted, his shoulders hunching forward.
"Did you see that?" he asked his voice almost scared.
Of course she did.
"What are you talking about?" Annabelle lied convincingly.
Paul stood up and jumped off the porch, taking a step in the direction of the shed, "I could've sworn I saw something move behind that shed."
"Stop trying to scare me Paul."
"I'm not! Honest! I seriously saw something over behind that shed." the young man protested, taking another step through the gate.
Annabelle stood up too, trying to come up with a way to distract him, "It was probably just a coyote or something."
But Paul's curiosity could not be deterred, "Hang on. I'll be right back."
Briskly, he trotted across the farmyard, almost sneaking toward the shed.
"Paul! Paul don't!" Annabelle objected, fear in her voice.
He turned back calling, "Don't worry, Belle. If it's a coyote I'll scare it away."
Annabelle jumped off the porch, "Paul!" But it was too late as Paul was already slinking around the shed wall. She held her breath.
"Oh, crap."
…
Paul peeked around the dark corner of the shed, his eyes trying to adjust to the darkness. He saw a sleek dark form in front of him and he paused, trying to ascertain what it was. Quite suddenly a blindening light exploded in his vision and he held up a hand to shield his eyes. Through the glaring light he made out the two headlights and the red GMC logo nested in the center of a high set grill. Paul recognized the black Topkick instantly but didn't know who was behind the wheel. The engine roared to life with all the growling potency a diesel engine could produce. Black smoke puffed briefly from the chrome smokestacks. Paul stepped back and quite suddenly the big black truck lunged forward, revving its engine.
"SHIT!" Paul cried, scrambling around the shed.
…
Annabelle's jaw dropped open in shock as Paul came tearing around the shed and across the farmyard, Ironhide in hot pursuit. The big truck spun its tires and revved its engine loudly, but it truthfully wasn't moving very fast. Not like Paul who flew across the ground and finally bailed over the front yard fence like a solider diving in a foxhole. The black truck ceased its intimidating chase and calmly skidded to a halt in the driveway. Paul gasped for breath a second and peaked over the fence. The engine rumbled.
"Who? Who the Hell?" he pointed at the truck.
As if to answer his question the door popped open and out stepped the big man Paul had only seen from a distance—Annabelle's Uncle Hide.
"What's the matter boy? You scared?" the man asked with a deep laugh.
Paul was at a loss for words but Annabelle wasn't.
Putting her hands on her hips she scolded the pepper haired man, "Uncle Hide! That was SO mean! What are you doing here?"
Shrugging casually the big man said, "Well your dad did tell me to keep an eye on you while he was away." His glance slanted over to Paul, "I uh…wasn't aware you had company."
"Paul, this is Uncle Hide. He's a very close family friend." Annabelle motioned to the man despite her irritation. "He likes to drop by and scare visitors."
Nervously, Paul reached over the fence to shake his hand. Mr. Hide stared at the boy's hand a moment and eventually gripped it with measured pressure, but the hands didn't exactly shake.
Licking his dry lips, Paul managed a smile, "It's…it's good to meet you, Mr. Hide." He glanced back at the truck, "That was…that was a great scare prank."
A grin narrowed the man's blue eyes and he pulled him closer a moment uttering quietly, "Just keep telling yourself that boy."
Paul swallowed hard, giving a very wary stare. Mr. Hide's smile broadened and he chuckled deeply as he released the boy's hand. Was he still joking? Paul wasn't quite sure.
"I just brought the truck for you to use this weekend if you need it Annabelle." Mr. Hide told her.
"Thanks Uncle Hide. Bye Uncle Hide." Annabelle waved, motioning for him to leave.
Nodding the man gave Paul one last smirk, "I'll be working in the shed if you need anything."
"I'm sure we'll be fine." Annabelle assured as the hologram climbed into the Topkick and drove it over to the shed, opened the door, and parked it inside.
Annabelle could see a tiny glisten of sweat on Paul's temple; whether it was from the running or fear she wasn't sure.
"I'm sorry about Uncle Hide, Paul. He's just overprotective is all." she apologized.
"No. No. It's ok." the boy didn't sound so confident. "I'd probably better go, it's late anyway."
Annabelle nodded, "Yeah." Slowly she followed him to his motorcycle.
Then she took his hand and turned him around. She gently gripped his shoulder and stood on her toes to give him a kiss of her own. This time they held the kiss, gently moving their lips over the others. Paul touched the side of her face and she touched his in return. After a moment they pulled away, staring at each other, skin tingling.
Paul coughed, "Um. I…I guess I'll see you later next week."
"Uh huh." the young blonde nodded almost dreamily.
After gearing up, Paul's motorcycle roared to life and sped down the road. As Annabelle watched him go she knew then and there that there was something between them, something she'd never had with a boy before. Her lips were still crackling. It was the first really nice kiss she'd been given.
For an instant she wanted to tell him the secret about her black truck, but she knew she couldn't. It was the family secret, a secret too big to share voluntarily with a new boyfriend. Besides, she'd made the promise to Ironhide and the other Autobots to keep their secret unless they gave explicit permission to do so.
Marching out to Ironhide's shed, Annabelle opened the door to see him sitting at his work station, forever meddling with his cannons. Annabelle bet he spent half of his existence cleaning and adjusting those monsters.
He propped one of his elbows on the work ledge and gave her a look.
"You just don't know how to be nice do you?" Annabelle shook her head and crossed her arms.
"And he doesn't know how to ask a femme if she wants to mouth interface or not." he replied.
Annabelle burst out a laugh, "Kissing, Ironhide! It's called kissing." She raised a suspicious eyebrow at him, "Didn't YOU ever steal a kiss from a girl Autobot?"
Ironhide made a grinding noise in his chest and sat up straighter, "WELL…I um…Cybertronians don't really kiss but…HEY! Stop changing the subject!"
Giving an open mouthed smile, Annabelle pointed at her guardian, "You DID didn't you?"
"Once…twice…" he grumbled, gesturing funnily.
"Liar. You probably did it ALL the time! Fess up!" Annabelle beckoned with her hand.
He snorted, "Hey! This isn't about me!"
Annabelle giggled uncontrollably and then regained her composure, "Fine. Don't tell me. I'm sure Ratchet will if I ask him."
"RATCHET IS A LIAR! He'd say anything to make me look bad!" Ironhide thundered.
"Then I'll confirm it with Optimus. He doesn't lie." she lifted her head smugly.
Ironhide growled and drummed his fingers against his cannons, "All right, fine. You win. I admit it."
Annabelle leaned against the shed wall in a fit of giggles. When she finally calmed down she waved her hand scoldingly, "Then you have no right to judge Paul for stealing a kiss."
"Did I do ANYTHING to stop him? No!" Ironhide grumbled, leaning forward.
"You chased him across the farmyard!"
He held up a finger, "ONLY because he was sneaking around my shed. I was merely keeping a distanced eye on the two of you, but he caught sight of me. I had to improvise."
Annabelle tapped her foot, "You just enjoy tormenting him."
The black mech looked to the right a moment, smirking.
"Can't you give him a break?"
Ironhide rested an arm on his leg, "That boy has yet to prove himself worthy of you. Until that time, he will be under my scrutiny."
The young woman massaged the bridge of her nose. Maybe it was best if Paul didn't know about the real Uncle Ironhide.
…..
Weeks later on Graduation day…
A shower of blue and gold graduation caps rained across the football field coupled with a thunderous cheer of youths. Their early education was over at last! The recessional music began playing and the large student body began marching toward the end of the football field.
Mr. Hide was sitting next to Captain Will, asking question as he always did when it came to human customs and ceremonies.
"Does Annabelle have to go to this college now that this ceremony is over?" he asked as they waited for the newly graduated to complete their "exit".
The Captain shook his head, "Annabelle won't have to be at her college until August."
"Ah. Does this mean you will attend the college with her?" Ironhide inquired.
"No! No. We'll help Annabelle move up there but we'll still live at the farm." he clarified.
Mr. Hide's face scrunched with worry, "Then…you will be separated."
"Yeah." Will sounded sad as well.
The convincing hologram looked out at the sea of blue gowned humans, finding Annabelle, then he looked at Will again, "But…I thought a human family stayed together."
"It's just one of those facts of growing up. Annabelle is entering a new chapter in her life where she'll soon be completely independent of both Sara and I. Finding her own way in this world." the Captain explained.
The veteran Autobot had not foreseen this change. Annabelle wouldn't be living at the Lennox farm anymore? She would be far away at this college, preparing herself for the human workforce as a teacher of other human children. How was he going to protect her? Could he go with her to this college or should he remain and guard Will and Sara?
At last the students had left the field, ending the ceremony so family and friends could mingle and congratulate the graduates. Will and Sara moved about the crowd to find Annabelle, while Mr. Hide remained behind to think. Suddenly, Will bumped into Paul.
"So, you graduated, eh Paul?" Will eyed the young man in the blue and gold graduation gown before shaking his hand heartily. "Congratulations"
Funnily, Paul straightened his back like he was at attention, "Yes Sir."
Will smirked, "Loosen up kid I'm not going to make you drop and do twenty."
"Yes Sir." Paul relaxed.
"So what are your upcoming plans?" Will started up some conversation while Annabelle hugged her girl friends; all of them adorned in their graduation gowns.
Even though the young man had met Will a few times over the past few months the Captain still intimidated him—but he was getting better at talking.
"I'm…I'm going to get a business degree." he started, "That way I can run my own machine shop later on. But this summer I'll be working at the shop some more."
Will nodded, "Nice. Nice. Sounds like you've got a plan in life. Been accepted by a college yet?"
"Still waiting to see if I got in." Paul explained, sounding a bit down.
Clapping the boy on the shoulder, Will encouraged, "Don't worry. You're a smart kid. You'll get in."
"Thanks, Sir."
The Captain smirked, "You can drop the Sir, Paul. Just call me Mr. Lennox."
"Ok." the boy managed a smile.
At once a tall figure dressed in a black dress shirt and tie moved past Paul and Will toward Annabelle.
Meekly, Paul waved, "Hi, Mr. Hide."
The figure slowly turned, eyed the boy briefly, and grunted before focusing on Annabelle again.
The boy's hand dropped, "I don't think he likes me much."
Will snorted, "Hide doesn't trust very easily."
Paul seemed to grimace with worry but Will nudged him.
"He'll get used to you. That is, if you're still planning on seeing my daughter?"
"Oh yeah! Yeah. Of course. As long as it's ok with you Sir?"
Will shook his head with a bemused look, "Yeah. It's ok with me Paul."