CHAPTER 10

Robbie sighed a bit as he laid in bed, he normally would be asleep by this point. However, at the moment, Robbie was still having problems. The nightmares were just as bad as Magnus had told him they would be, and then some. He sighed bit, sitting up, he turned the light on carefully. Carefully getting off the bed, he carefully turned off his alarm clock, as well as the alarms. Sneaking out of his room carefully he made his way into the hall, half hoping that Magnus was up. It had been his day off, and therefore hadn't had to be deployed out. Rather interestingly enough, Robbie had noticed none of the Autobots had been needed that day. Sighing as he entered the communication hangar, he sighed a bit. It was quiet, no one was around, to his dismay, even Magnus wasn't up.

Sighing a bit, he climbed the ladder onto the catwalk, seating himself near the edge with his legs dangling over the side. He practically jumped out of his skin at the loud footsteps. His head shot back, but was relieved to see Optimus headed in his direction. Noticing him, the mech gave a look of concern, knowing full well why his 'nephew' was currently up at such a late hour. "Good evening Robert." Optimus noted calmly, making his way forward "You're up at a very late hour, aren't you?" He questioned.

Robbie sighed a bit, feeling awkward right now. He had a strong bond with Magnus, but Optimus was very often busy. And as a result, he had never really had a relationship with him, they acknowledged one another, but otherwise, he never really knew him. He sighed a bit, looking down, then back at Optimus who was now standing beside him. "I can't sleep... I was uh..." He shook his head a bit, then stared at Optimus calmly "Well you don't really want to know, you're probably up because you have work right? Don't let me keep you." He added.

Optimus frowned slightly at this notion, at Robbie's assumption. He had actually been headed for recharge, when he had noticed Robbie up and about and became a bit concerned. He didn't know the human boy well, however, he would still soon be his nephew, he was family, and he looked out for what little family he did have. Sighing a bit, Optimus activated his holoform onto the catwalk, a large, extremely tall, muscular trucker like man, with short, spiked brown hair and piercing blue eyes like that of Magnus. Robbie instantly recognized the obvious family resemblance. Taking a deep breath, Optimus took a seat next to the boy carefully. "Robert, I came out here as I saw you up and about, it concerned me." He commented quietly "You're soon to be my brother's son, and as such, you are family." He added.

"I'm just..." Robbie closed his eyes slowly, looking at Optimus before opening his eyes "I was just looking for Dad, I uh... I had a nightmare, and I couldn't get to sleep." He commented, very carefully, nervously "I guess I'm scared that when I do someone's going to attack me or take me again." He shook his head a bit "Or that something else will go wrong, you know, like tomorrow I'll wake up and social services will take me away or..." Robbie shook his head a bit, looking at Optimus with a sigh "Sorry, I'm really rambling I know, I just... I don't know." Robbie grew silent at that point.

Optimus sighed a bit, looking the child over, he looked scared, as he knew he likely should be. He didn't blame him, the poor boy had gone through a lot over the course of a few days, and at a very young age to boot. He felt terrible that he couldn't have prevented it, especially as he had sworn to protect the humans. But he couldn't have prevented it in the end, they had obviously been baited away by the Decepticons, by drones of all things, so that they could make their move. In retrospect, the Decepticons had been smart to do this. Robbie was, in many ways, a good bargaining chip, considering he lived in the Autobots care, and not just NEST's.

"Robert... Robbie." Optimus corrected himself, remembering what the boy had asked to be called "I know exactly what you are going through right now. It is a very frightening experience, for not only you, but for an Autobot as well. Before I was named Prime, I experienced it myself, as a youngling no older then you as well." He told him quietly, Robbie turned his head, listening intently "I still carry the memories with me, but I use them to drive me. To keep me fighting, it was the moment I became aware of how horrible our kind can be. As that was long before the war even began." He added, looking at Robbie "Even if it was conducted by a Cybertronian who would one day be a Decepticon." He said, staring at Robbie.

"It was Soundwave, wasn't it?"

"Yes, Robbie, ironically it was. Soundwave had a begrudging attitude towards the mech that took care of and raised your Father and myself." Optimus began quietly, thinking back upon it "One day, he snatched me, hoping to strike a blow against him. He is a very cruel, cold, and sparkless being. I have no doubt that you went through much of what I went through myself." He added, shaking his head a little "Do you need to speak of this, Robbie? I'm sure I understand what you're going through better then anyone else." He commented.

Robbie stared at Optimus thoughtfully for a moment, considering it. He was almost stunned to hear all of this from such a big, strong, powerful mech, that something from his childhood had affected him. Sighing a bit, Robbie felt the tears that ran down his cheeks long before he began to speak. "He would hit me, or Ravage would every time I tried to sleep when I wasn't supposed to. They gave me bread to eat, and because I didn't have to go the bathroom, they wouldn't even let me eat the next day." Robbie felt a chill go up his spine, biting his lip "Soundwave wanted to make me his frickin' pet, collar and everything." Robbie felt the tears going down harder "Shit, I was so scared for my life I was almost ready to let him do it, just hoping he wouldn't kill me." He added.

Optimus felt anger building up, coupled in with sympathy. The poor human had been through an even harder time then he had imagined, he couldn't even imagine the fear that had gone through Robbie's head. He sighed a bit, awkwardly, he moved his arm, and put it around Robbie's shoulders. The teen shifted uncomfortably, but didn't move, Optimus knew he needed the comfort. "It's alright Robbie, what matters is that you're safe now." He said quietly, looking down at the boy "If you ever need to talk to someone, and your Father isn't around. I will gladly listen, given I am not at work as well." He stated calmly, looking at Robbie "But you need to sleep." He commented.

"I know." Robbie nodded his head slowly "Thanks for listening Optimus." He commented, standing up slowly.

Optimus smiled standing up as well, his holoform disappeared. Optimus smiled down at the young man, holding out a hand, Robbie looked down upon it. He stared back up at Optimus slowly. "How about an escort to your bedroom? Would you feel safer?" He questioned.

Robbie nodded slowly, climbing onto Optimus's open palm. Optimus smiled a bit carrying the boy in his palm, he was all too reminded of the nights he carried Bumblebee to bed. Of course, that had been his own adopted child, but regardless, he was happy to comfort Robbie. He was his nephew, or at least, he hoped he would be, if only because he made Magnus happier then he had seen his younger brother in a very long time. Sighing a bit as they reached his room, Optimus made a careful scan of the interior before setting the boy down on the ground, he smiled a bit. "Have a good evening little one." He told him calmly.

Robbie bit his lip, unsure of what to say he took a deep breath, looking up at him calmly. "You too Uncle Prime, and thank you, for listening... And helping." He took a deep breath, forcing a smile to his lips, even if he felt awkward after calling him his Uncle.

Optimus smiled back as Robbie headed for his bed, the boy climbed into his bed, flicking his alarms on. Optimus made a double scan, just so Robbie would feel secure that the alarms were active, he nodded calmly, closing the door on his way out. He nearly found himself nose to nose with Magnus, who had been secretly watching from a bit of a distance. "You're really good with kids, you know that?" Magnus noted to his older brother, chuckling "I owe you one for what you did for Robbie. I've been having a hard time handling the whole.. Trauma." He added.

"I know, which is why I went to him this time." Optimus admitted calmly, crossing his arms "You have a good youngling Magnus, and one that looks to you for help." He commented, smiling a bit, he put his hand on Magnus's shoulder "All you have to do is be there for him, that's all he needs, someone to be there." He commented, tightening the grip a bit "Goodnight Magnus." He commented, as he turned to leave.

"Night Prime."

Magnus sighed a bit, activating his holoform, moving to the doorway, he carefully leaned against it. For a moment, watching the now finally sleeping form of Robbie. He smiled a little at how peaceful Robbie looked, it was actually rather cute in his eyes, and it had been since he had come there. It was not the first time he took a few moments to watch his future son sleep and it wouldn't be the last. Taking a deep breath, and watching for a moment longer, he smiled a bit. "Goodnight son, love you." He whispered quietly as he gently closed Robbie's bedroom door.

He could only hope that eventually, Robbie could get past this. But he knew it would take time, and comfort. Both of which Magnus had plenty of, and would definitely provide.

...

Ah it was nice to take a little break from Magnus and Robbie's relationship for a chapter. Felt his relationship with the other members of his new family should be showcased. Not sure when he'll meet Bee quite yet though.