HELLO BOYS, I'M BACK!
Trials, Tribulations and Transformations
III
Autobot Outpost Omega One - Afternoon
"YOU DID WHAT?!"
Ratchet was beside himself with anger upon hearing the collective, unpleasant news of today's events.
"Ratch...I thought he had hurt Miko."
"SO YOU ATTEMPT TO RUN HIM DOWN?! A HUMAN CHILD?! AND AT A PUBLIC HUMAN SCHOOL NO LESS?!"
Bulkhead held up his servos. "Whoa...wait...I wasn't...well...I did stop short."
Arcee frowned as she stepped in. "Only because Miko stepped between you and him."
"I was angry...and scared for Miko."
Ratchet's features softened as he sighed.
"Then you should've acted with greater caution Bulkhead."
Arcee put her servos on her hips. "We were all worried about Miko Bulkhead. And you heard what Ratchet said, the cuts on Miko's arms were self-inflicted and none of them were life-threatening. The blood you saw was from Miko's cut reopening after it rubbing up again those dumpsters she was hiding behind."
Bulkhead lowered his head and sat down onto a metal crate.
"It doesn't make it any better. Besides, this Vinny or whatever is the school bully. What was I supposed to think? Her blood was literally on his hands."
"Bulkhead, from what Jack has told me, Vince does not have a reputation for targeting girls," Arcee said. "Also, both Jack and Raf assured me and Bee that Vince hasn't been bullying that much lately. Besides, he did help find Miko."
Bulkhead looked up and scoffed.
"So what? Are you saying Vince is all nice all of a sudden?"
"I wouldn't say nice Bulk," Arcee said, dismissing the idea. "Just that he's pretty much stopped picking fights with those weaker than him."
"When did this happen?"
"Remember when Vince got taken by the 'Cons?"
"Yeah, but He was unconscious the whole time, he couldn't have...hey, wait a minute," Bulkhead stood up, giving Arcee a cross look. "Are you implying Miko's weak?"
"I didn't say that."
"But you were thinking it!"
A firm voice rang out. "Enough!"
Both Arcee and Bulkhead halted in their quarrel to turn towards the one who spoke.
Optimus Prime entered the main room of the base and all three Autobots stood at attention.
Bulkhead spoke up first. "Optimus, I..."
"We'll speak about this later Bulkhead," Optimus said sternly. "But for now, Miko's well-being takes priority."
Optimus turned to Ratchet.
"Ratchet, can you clarify Miko's condition?"
Ratchet opened a compartment on his arm to reveal a miniature computer screen which consisted of certain medical reports in Cybertronian text. Ratchet opened his most recent medical report.
"Miko's condition is inconclusive, but overall she is medically healthy. The puncture wounds on both her arms are self-inflicted and quite fresh."
Every Autobot, except Prime, flinched.
"I estimate that it must've happened within 24 earth hours ago, perhaps sometime last night."
Optimus closed his optics sighed as he took this in. "Where is Miko now?"
"She's at Jack's. June is watching over her," Arcee said.
"I assume Bumblebee is guarding them?" Optimus inquired.
Arcee nodded.
"Then Rafael is with them as well?"
"He is. Both Raf and Miko's parents have been notified."
"Very well. Arcee, join Bumblebee on curbside duty. Once Bulkhead gives me his side of the report, he'll join you, but take great care to not appear conspicuous."
Arcee raised an eyebrow. "More conspicuous than usual?"
"Yes, the presence of two or more unfamiliar vehicles in that particular community and appearing to be together no less, could attract unwanted attention. Therefore, you must maintain distance from each other in order to maintain your cover."
Arcee nodded, transformed, initiated her hologram and then departed from the base.
Seeing that Arcee had left, Optimus turned towards the former Wrecker.
"Bulkhead, meet me in my quarters," Optimus said sternly but not unkindly. "And Ratchet-"
"Yes Optimus?"
"Keep in contact with Nurse Darby and see what you can learn in order to help Miko's condition. It has now become necessary to learn how to treat the human condition. This must now become one of your top priorities. Do you understand?"
Ratchet, slightly unnerved by Optimus' firmness, nodded.
"Perfectly."
Optimus nodded in acknowledgment and then walked out of the room for his personal chambers, with Bulkhead following in tow, who did so while nervously twiddling his digits, not just for what would undoubtably be a scolding from Optimus Prime but also for the health and safety of his young charge.
Darby Residence - Evening
"Now, this may sting but these cuts need cleansing."
"Whatever."
Nurse Darby gave Miko an annoyed look before she took a spray bottle containing an anti-bacterial solution and applied to the puncture wounds on Miko's right arm, which looked like they were beginning to fester.
Miko flinched, but barely. Then Nurse Darby moves on to the next arm. She then applied an antibiotic ointment to the wounds before dressing them both in gauze.
"Now," said June, as she removed her sterile gloves. "Those wounds are quite deep Miko, you'll have to keep them clean and dry for the first 24 hours after dressing."
Miko nodded curtly without looking at Nurse Darby.
"Can I count on you to come to me tomorrow so we can replace those bandages Miko?"
Miko sighed. "Sure," she said in a bored tone.
"Miko, I mean it," June said firmly. "If these cuts are going to heal properly, they must be tended to properly."
Miko sighed, brought her legs up unto the couch, brought her knees into her chest and rested her head in them.
June scooted over to Miko.
"Everyone was really worried about you today Miko," said June sadly. "Especially Jack."
Miko flinched upon hearing his name. June noticed but showed no sign that she did.
"Arcee told me how he ran throughout the entire school to find you when you didn't turn up for pick up. I even got a call from the assistant principal about Jack running through the halls after school got out."
Miko said something but it was muffled due to her face being hidden behind her knees.
"Say again?" said June.
"Did he get in trouble?" Miko said a little louder.
"No, but he was warned by the assistant principal to not run the halls and to go to him or a teacher if a student goes missing."
"Right," Miko said softly.
June paused for a moment before she continued. "Miko, he was really worried about you."
Miko said nothing.
"Miko, I know I'm not your mother or even your host mother, but I want you to know that you can talk to me about anything," June said as kindly as she could.
Miko made an effort not to show any sign that June's words were getting to her, but her attempt to avoid eye contact did not go unnoticed.
She's starting to break, but I must tread carefully now.
June knew that if she did not choose her next words carefully, she could risk aggravating Miko's mental and emotional state and end up pushing her away.
"Hungry?" June said finally.
At that, Miko turned to look at June.
"Starving."
Outside the Darby residence, two Autobots were posted on curbside duty. Arcee remained in the garage as usual, while Bumblebee was parked on the driveway just outside the closed garage.
While awaiting the arrival of the former Wrecker Bulkhead, the two Autobots were locked in conversation to pass the time.
"Yes, Yes, very impressive Bee."
"Wrrrrrtttooooeeep?"
"Yes Bee, you've told me that story, like three times already."
"Wheeeep."
"Don't remind me. If it wasn't for the fact that you, Optimus and Sideswipe managed to break nearly every Autobot out of Kaon Prison, including me, I'd ask you to never mention that time again. Getting caught is one thing, but being a prisoner in that horrible place...," Arcee said shuttering at the dreaded memory.
Bumblebee, from his parking place on the driveway, sent a sad whirr to Arcee.
"Don't be. It was one of our proudest days as Autobots, and one of our most tragic."
"...Boooopwhiiiireeeepwheee!"
"Yes Bee, I haven't forgotten about Air Raid and how he rescued you and the team at the last second," said Arcee with displeasure.
"Wrrrrt."
"Yes well, dramatic entrances should've been the last thing on his mind if that rescue mission was to be successful."
"Eeeepzrrrrttt...woooop!"
"Bulkhead's here? Sooner than expected."
"Zeeep-ooooop?"
"I'm sure Bulk is doing as well as either of us if our charges was depressed and possibly suicidal," Arcee said grimly. "Just be supportive with him, alright?"
Bumblebee gave an affirmative beep.
From a distance, Bulkhead parked just a few meters away from the Darby house, right next to a curb which occupy any private property, per his instructions to keep a low profile.
"Hey guys," said Bulkhead through his communicator.
"Breeeeeep?"
"I'm ok, I guess," Bulkhead said. He did not bother to hide the sullenness in his voice.
"Optimus really let you have it huh?" Arcee asked.
"Sure did. How's Miko doing?"
"Me and Bee have been keeping an optic on her as well as monitoring her vitals. She has not shown any signs of great distress and now she seems completely at ease," Arcee explained. "Say what you will about June, but she knows how to handle kids."
Bulkhead said nothing.
Arcee sighed.
"Look Bulk, I know it's hard. Really I do. I know what it's like to see a partner...hurting," Arcee said.
"Well at least you didn't see Airachnid coming," Bulkhead said bitterly.
"Wrrrrzzzrt?"
"What I'm talking about Bee is that I saw the signs. I knew something was up but I dismissed it as an awkward human phase."
Bulkhead was clearly trying his hardest to maintain his composure but the distress was clear in his voice.
"Not only did I let Miko get hurt, hurt herself, I almost blew my cover and her's."
"Eeeeepzzrrrtoooop?"
"How? Well, just before I was about to ram Vince, Miko steppes in front of him and screamed at me to stop. She used my name."
Bumblebee gave a whistle of alarm and shock.
"Yeah, that was pretty bad," Arcee said. "So...what did Optimus tell you?"
"I'm going to be banned from the school for a while. At least until Agent Fowler gives the all-clear."
"Fowler?"
"Yeah, he's got to make sure Vince and the school keeps quiet."
"Whoooeeep?"
"What's he going to do? Who knows, maybe he'll wipe his memories. That'd be a hoot," Bulkhead said chuckling.
"I don't think they do that Bulk. Besides, human technology isn't advanced enough to do something like that," Arcee said.
"Wrrrrrrp."
"Yes, and it would be unethical too. Thanks Bee."
"Uh huh," Bulkhead muttered, as moving on from the topic. "So what's going on in there? What's Miko doing?" Bulkhead asked.
"Let me check," Arcee said.
Per the Autobot Code, the Autobots were not permitted to spy on others unless it were under severe circumstances, such as if they were acquiring information from an enemy source or if the safety of an innocent life was in question.
In this case, it was the latter.
After a moment, Arcee spoke up.
"Looks like June is giving her something to eat...and she seems to be enjoying it."
"Weeeeeep."
"Huh, yeah. That is a good sign," Bulkhead said with relief.
_
"Mmm. Oh my God."
"I told you," June said smiling.
In the Darby kitchen, Miko was sat down at a table eating scrambled eggs with pan fried toast while Nurse Darby was tending to the stove making another batch of scrambled eggs.
"These are so...mmmm," Miko said, very much delighted as she ate another morsel.
"When was the last time you ate?" June asked.
"Well...uh...last night I guess," Miko said.
Nurse Darby shook her head.
"Miko, have you been eating ok?" she asked.
"I haven't had much of an appetite lately," Miko said, playing with a stray egg on her plate.
"If you don't eat Miko, you'll get sick," June said firmly but gently.
"I don't care about my health."
"But I do," June said.
"You're just saying that because you're a nurse," Miko said with a surly tone.
Then she felt a hand lay gently on hers. Miko looked up to see June sitting next to her, looking intently at her.
Taken aback by this action, Miko was not sure what to make of this.
"I'm saying that because I love you Miko."
Miko froze upon hearing those words.
"Wha...what?" Miko said, not sure she heard right.
"I love you Miko, really I do," June said.
Miko bowed her head, clenching her eyes to keep tears from falling, but it wasn't enough. Her tears flowed freely down her cheeks. She covered her mouth to prevent any sobs from escaping her lips, but even muffled it was quite plain.
Then Miko felt something else. Even unseeing, she could detect a pair of arms wrapping themselves around her being and held her very gently, like she was a precious, fragile object.
At first, Miko did nothing but just sit there, as Nurse Darby hugged her, rubbing her ever slightly.
Then finally, Miko returned the hug, laid her head into Nurse Darby's shoulder, and held back her tears no more.
Miko sobbed quietly and held onto Nurse Darby for dear life. Miko was as surprised as June was by how hard she was holding on to her. She couldn't help it. She felt like her heart was shattering.
For a few minutes, neither of them spoke. They just continued to hold each other. June continued to rub Miko's back, whispering comforting words as she continued to cry into her shoulder.
"You're not a liability Miko," June said.
Miko stopped crying and immediately lifted her head to look at Nurse Darby.
What?
"And you're not a burden either," June said.
Miko was a loss for words. How could Nurse Darby know what was weighing on her heart? She never told anyone, not even her parents, her real parents. Not even Bulkhead.
Bulkhead. Did I hurt him too with what I pulled today?
Miko gasped, choked and hiccuped. Her sobbing subsided but still had quite bit of weight on her shoulders.
"Easy Miko, it's ok. It's ok," June said soothingly.
"How...how did you-?"
"Call it a mother's intuition," June said simply.
"So...what else do you..." Miko whispered through sniffles but trailed off.
"Well," June answered. "Is it true that you adore my son?"
Miko could've sworn that her heart stopped.
"I..."
"It's ok Miko. Your secret's safe with me," June said with a smile.
Miko didn't meet June's eyes at first, but when she did, she returned the smile, albeit it was a light smile.
"Thank you," Miko as she laid her head into June's bosom.
"You're welcome," June said as she held her.
They stayed there for a moment.
"Your son is awesome," Miko said.
"I know."
"No really, he's like the most amazing guy I ever met."
June smiled to herself, her heart filled with pride for her only child.
"Could you tell me why he's so amazing?" June asked.
Miko giggled. "Don't you know?"
"Let's say that I don't Miko. Please tell me."
"Alright...well...he's really nice," Miko started.
"Mmhmm?"
"He's super, super brave."
"I can certainly testify to that," June said, remembering her encounter with MECH and Airachnid.
"Haha, yeah," Miko said mirthlessly, not particularly of that memory when she was personally informed of that incident.
"And he's really smart and responsible."
"When he puts his mind to it, certainly," June laughed.
"And he's very, very...um," Miko said but she stopped short.
"Yes?"
"Uh...um...handsome," Miko said, feeling her face and ears go red hot.
June smiled and she held Miko close to her.
"So how long have you had these feelings for Jack?" June asked.
"Almost two years I guess."
"Two years?" June said surprised. "And you did not say a word to him?
"Say what? Jack, I love you and I want to marry you?" Miko said without thinking.
"Maybe not those exact words but...did you say marry?" June asked quirking an eyebrow.
Miko paused. And then she blushed even brighter.
Why did I say that?!
"Forget I said that."
"No."
"Please don't tell-" Miko said until Nurse Darby stopped her by placing a finger on her lips.
"I said your secret is safe with me didn't I?"
Miko took a deep breath. "Yeah you did."
"Alright. Now, why don't you finish eating and we can continue this in my room?" June asked.
"Why your room?" Miko asked.
"For privacy's sake and to make you more comfortable."
"We're really going to do this?" Miko asked, somewhat haughtily.
"You need help Miko and right now, I'm the best you got right now?" June said, quite serious.
Miko turned away, avoiding Nurse Darby's eyes.
"You could take your chances me or with a clinical psychologist and being under suicide watch."
Miko looked at June in shock.
"But I'm not suicidal," Miko said in a quiet, trembling voice.
"I'm sure you're not Miko but you harmed yourself, deliberate or no, and considering the potential severity of your situation, it would be irresponsible for me, as a nurse, to overlook this."
Miko looked down, biting her lip.
"I'm offering to help you Miko. As a licensed nurse and a mother, I'm in a position to help you through this. I've been specifically trained and prepared to counsel persons in your situation. You've trusted me enough to tell me as much as you have. Do you really want to stop here and let circumstances decide what happens to you next?"
Miko said nothing at first.
Sheesh, why didn't I get her as my host parent?
Miko recoiled at the thought. Did she really consider wanting 'helicopter mom' as a host parent?
I really am a mess.
"Alright, we'll do it your way," Miko said finally.
As soon as Miko finished her meal as well as her third helping (she was very hungry), she followed Nurse Darby to her bedroom.
The Darby residence was small but very well kept. Nurse Darby's room consisted of a queen sized bed, an arm chair, a dresser, a closet, a desk and chair, as well as a door leading to a small bathroom.
Once both Miko and Nurse Darby we're in the room, the door was closed and June set her armchair so it was facing the bed.
"Alright, shall we get started Miko?" June asked.
"Where do I sit? Or do I stand?" Miko answered.
"You could stand if it makes you comfortable, or you could lie down on the bed. I think you'll find it very comfy," June said, motioning to her bed.
"Seriously?"
"Yes, if you please."
Miko did as June said but before she got on the bed, June stopped her.
"Miko. The boots please."
"My boots?"
"No shoes, or boots on the bed," June said firmly.
"Oh."
Slightly annoyed, Miko wasted no time unlacing her knee-high boots. Given their size, it took considerably more time. Once they were off, she placed them in the closet, per June's instruction, and finally laid down on the bed.
Is this for real? Am I really doing this?
Miko turned her head to look at June, who looked back at her smiling. Miko did not see herself as the best judge of character but even she could see the compassion and love in Nurse Darby's eyes.
Miko sighed. It's gotta be better than my last therapy session.
"Are you ready?" June asked crossing her legs.
Miko nodded.
"Alright, now let's start with how and when you first developed feelings for my son."
To be continued...
Guess what folks? I'm not dead. Sorry it took over 4 years to get back to ya'll.
Love you guys.