CHAPTER 25
Decision

Prowl was exhausted, his processor on overload as of late. Though few Autobots could blame him, he'd had a lot put on his mind between Jeff and his work, which only seemed to pile given the situation with the Predacons. Thus, letting Jeff have the day off again was the perfect way to allow him to clear his head, and think over his own feelings towards Jeff and get some actual work done. He made his way down the hallway, taking a stop into Optimus's office with a collection of data pads. "Hey Prime, I've got those data samples you've been asking for." Prowl spoke up as he entered "It seems that things are quiet, no sign of any of the rogue Decepticons beyond the two incursions a few weeks ago." He noted.

"Have they returned?" Optimus questioned.

Prowl had to admit, about that, he wasn't certain. Their oddly half-biological signatures made it hard to pinpoint if they had been in the city at all, or if his readings were incorrect. "If they have, they haven't come quite as close to our base as they did a few nights previously." Prowl shook his head a bit "I still worry for Jeff's safety, however. My recommendation is that we don't get his family involved until we properly know what we are dealing with." He noted.

Optimus nodded his head silently, standing to his feet. "Which may be a problem." Optimus spoke honestly "As I believe I have found a living family member within the boy's maternal relatives." He explained.

Prowl could feel his own spark sink at the thought of that. Jeffrey had living family? Normally, Prowl would have been elated that Jeff had family out there, but deep inside, it was quite the opposite. Prowl knew that he was biased, that much was obvious, but for once, he didn't openly care. "Prime, how close of a relative are we talking about?" Prowl questioned "I think both of us can agree he needs one that is actually going to do their job in protecting him. Otherwise, he and whoever he lives with are sitting ducks." He explained.

Optimus nodded in agreement, his optics meeting Prowl's as he noticed the open concern the Autobot was showing. Optimus knew his second-in-command well, and it was rather obvious that the two were becoming very close. Yet, if the boy had family, they had no choice but under human law to give him over. "Indeed, Prowl. But this is also the legal thing to do, especially with our relationship with human authorities wearing thin." Optimus explained "The man was her brother, he was adopted when they were children, so it's unlikely Jeff ever knew him." He paused "We're looking for contact information so that we can fill him in on the situation, and hopefully-" He began.

"And what if someone on the base wanted him?" Prowl found himself questioning.

Optimus nearly dropped the data pads he was holding at the question, staring at Prowl. It took him no time to process the reasoning behind the question, but coming from Prowl, it was quite the bombshell to drop. "Prowl... I understand your closeness to Jeff." Optimus spoke quietly "But are you certain that is something you want?" The mech stared down "Prowl..."

"If the man turns it down, I want him." Prowl spoke firmly, his processor making it up "I've been thinking this over during the last two months, and I planned to further wait. But I don't find it fair to Jeff to keep waiting." He paused quietly "So if this man, his uncle, does not want Jeff, I'll take him." He explained "That way, if he says "no", Jeff won't need to be hurt again by rejection."

Optimus's gaze lingered up at the mech quietly. He could tell, without a doubt, that Prowl was serious, though he hadn't denied it. He carefully tapped the side of his desk, and looked upon Prowl quietly. "Very well, should negotiations fall through, you may take custody of Jeff for the time being." Optimus replied, with a deep sigh "You do realize, however, the possible ramifications adopting a human child may bring you?" He questioned.

"I do, sir." Prowl replied "I'm prepared to handle whatever backlash I may receive from Charolette Mearing. All that matters to me is that Jeff needs a home, and I think despite my job, I can provide one." He put his hands on his hips slowly "If it is alright with you, sir." He added.

Optimus seemed to take a deep, labored breath. "Very well, Prowl. I'd suggest you prepare yourself, however. Taking a child is no easy task, believe me, I speak from experience." He shifted a little and stared back up at him "Also bare in mind that this relative may very well want to take custody of his nephew. And should he want such a thing, it is out of my hands unless Jeff is in direct danger with him." He added.

"I want to meet the man first." Prowl grunted.

"Very well, you will." Optimus replied "Now, I believe you have much more work to get done, as do I." He was silent a moment "Everything will be alright Prowl, I know this for a fact."

As Prowl turned and headed for the door, he had to bite back replying that there was no way of knowing. He stopped in the doorway, his optics scanning the area around him as if it was of some interest. "Prime?" Optimus stared up again as Prowl turned his head a bit "Do you really believe in me so much that you'd allow me to do this?" He questioned "Or is it merely because you know I would argue otherwise?"

Optimus's silence grated Prowl's nerves for all of several seconds. "I believe you truly do love this boy as a son, Prowl." Optimus spoke honestly, his optics staring him down again "As a mech who calculates as much as you do, I know you have gone over the risks of this. And it is that reason I am allowing this to be the case." He shook his head "I have faith in you, moreso than you may have in yourself."

Prowl was silent at that, though he allowed himself a small fracture of a smile in response. "Perhaps you do, Prime." Prowl spoke softly "And perhaps it is time I did place more faith within myself." He admitted.

As he left the room quietly, Optimus was left to stare at the data pads. All of which would seal the fates of Jeffrey Devlin, for the good, the bad, or the utterly terrible. After a moments pause, Optimus dialed the phone number internally and waited for the answer. When it came, he nearly didn't reply, but after several seconds, his reply came. "Yes, I'd like to speak to a Mr. Peter Felton."

...

A/N: Blah, short chapter I know, I just think this scene is better as a stand-alone chapter for some reason, so I'm going with my gut. LOL Hope y'all enjoyed it despite it being short. :) Reviews make my day.