Optimus will have to admit he probably spent the least amount of time around the children. It was not any of their faults. He just never knew what was the right way to interact with such small and young lifeforms. Children were the human equivalent to sparklings. They were precious for the future and Optimus was unsure if exposure to an intergalactic war between two factions was the wisest.

Even with these worries from the start, the Prime could not hand the children over to their government. Humans had no guarantee that they could protect them so he took it upon himself to provide that protection. After all, they were the ones to cause the danger. Though this was his thought process at the moment, he thinks it would have been wise to send them back before they got attached. The bonds with the children formed faster than either side anticipated. They all had a connection that made the outpost feel like a home. A family that none of the bots thought they would gain while the war still transpired.

Hearing the children's laughter first thing after recharge was a gift. Mikos's music filled the room, bombarding, but a constant reminder she is being true to herself, though he has to admit quiet is also treasured in the base now. The awed looks he receives from Rafael truly humbled him. Watching the youngest made him often smirk. Rafael often tried to imitate Mikos's boisterous personality while they played. He looks up to Jack with awe only a younger sibling could. Young Rafael was learning how to fit in and his life has just started most interestingly.

Miko was often a bundle of energy and surprisingly 'bloodthirsty', as Rafael and Jack once joked about. She was always in the center of destruction and mayhem that all occupants on the base just rolled with the surprises. Miko has even compiled a scrapbook that is kept at the base. The one time he opened it he was shocked about the shots she took. They were labeled with dates and names for each fight. Some photos stood out as being from one of the bots processors that they offered to the child. It was an odd custom for him to understand. If the bots wanted to recall something they just checked their files. Humans did not work that way. They could not always remember everything as time went on so these albums were important.

He often wondered if he and the rest of the bots would be just as content if they had not met those three children. Their meeting was fate and Optimus thanked Primus for the gift, even if he does not know what to do to connect with them.

Thinking back he recalled Rafaels wish to see snow long ago. He has never understood the child's fascination but it was a promising idea to lighten the mood in the base. Deciding to do checks to see if they needed to do any maintenance Optimus got to work on planning their day. The children won't be arriving till an hour so he had plenty of time.

It took no time to gather the bots and discuss the plan. They all agreed almost instantly. Just like him, they hadn't the clue for their youngest charges fascination but they knew anytime sent with the children was worth the effort. He could hear Rachets grumbling about rust and frozen circuits from his position in the room. Though their medic complains he knew he was currently researching the best snow spots in the world for Rafael to have the most fun.

With little time to prepare they gathered the supplies needed. They had to bring Agent Fowler into their plans as well since they had no way to gather protective clothing for the children. He was surprised but just smiled and went to gain the objects. By the time the kids were being picked up they had a pile of supplies in the human's loft. They varied from snow clothes to sleds and hand warmers. The climate they were going to was very mild for the Autobots to handle but for the children, it will be a noticeable difference.

Hearing the rumble of approaching vehicles made his spark leap in anticipation. He was excited for the events of the day and the squeals of joy from Miko and Rafael were welcomed. The two were already rushing up the steps and sorting thru the pile of items. He looked around the room at the smiling faceplates of his fellow Autobots.

His optics caught the movement of Jack moving up the stairs at his own pace. The smile on his face was one of fond exasperation. Catching the Primes gaze he waved his hand and gives him one of his small smiles. By the time the oldest reached the loft, Miko and Rafael were already dressed and shoving Jacks' clothes into his arms. The next minute was filled with the twos complaints that Jack being slow and Jack replying he was going to take longer if they keep it up. The scene was comical as Bumblebee and Bulkhead got drag into agreeing with their changes and Arcee's steadfast defense of her partner. Rachet just shook his helm, but Optimus noticed the shy smile on his faceplate. Smokescreen butted in with suggestions but mainly watched.

By the time they were in the snow, everything was a blur. The children started their lesson. Snow could be very fun if you were shown how. He was resting against a dead tree outside of the action just watching. Miko had claimed they should make snow forts in preparation for the battles later so they were now split into three groups.

Miko had teamed with Bulkhead and had the largest pile of snow thanks to the wrecker's help. She was currently building a platform for her to walk on and a smaller wall to protect it while putting Bulkhead in charge of the larger wall.

Bumblebee was enjoying following Rafaels direction on building a castle-like fort with towers and surprising detail. They were going for looks versus size and durability but he could not say it was bad. The youngest of both groups were having fun and that sight warmed his spark.

Jack seemed to be having a war within his group as snowballs went flying between the two bots that were meant to be team members. He could see Jack's expression of absolute humor, he was shaking and that very second he bursts into laughter falling off the mound of snow he was on. He landed into the snow below, laughing up a storm that the other groups could not help but hear. His falling caught both bot's attention as they abandoned their battle to help their friend. They were both hoving over the laughing boy with worried expressions. Once they knew he was fine, the civil war halted and they got back to work on the fort. Jack was still smiling while he entertained both bots, keeping the peace.

Once the forts were completed, Optimus was joined by Rachet in watching the war commence. All sides were being pelted by snowballs and taunts were being flung haphazardly only increasing the fighting. It took him a click to realize Jack was sitting near his pede and enjoying the battle.

"Not going to join the fight, Jackson?" He question. The youth only chuckled and pointed to the brutal battle.

"And go and die from one of those lunatics, no thank you. I rather not have snow under my clothes." He said matter of factly. "I think I will just steal your warmth, joining you and Rachet in watching. Maybe even take some photos for the album, I don't want to forget this." He stated while climbing up his frame till he rested on his shoulder plating. The weight was almost notable but it was still warming to the old Prime.

He may never be sure if he made the correct choice in protecting the children himself, but he knew that these moments were worth their weight in Energon.