Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers. I only own three OCs in my Fanfiction which will be put on the profile


A/N: on my tumblr, please check out the Autobots human holoform. I actually had a lot of trouble who I did picture up for a long. I felt like also throwing in a Will Lennox and Ironhide friendship bromance.

Note: I corrected to the best of my ability and also, my second OC name is changed to Cyrus Novak.

Feel free to follow me on MrsTransformersFanfiction. Thank you to those who also follow me on ArchiveOfOurOwn same username there.


Blood Brothers

Chapter Three

~ [Transformers: Stand By Me] ~

Will Lennox drank his bottle of water and shove a couple of panadol in his mouth. He swallowed. It had been a very long day, particularly a long discussion with Esther's mother that he won't soon forget. His door knocked a couple of times. He was actually in the middle of packing his essentials. He had his luggage pack with his clothes. Tiredly, he went to the door to opened.

"Come in!" Will called out.

He quickly took out his gun and pointed at the stranger in his room entrance. When the new comer in his room, the pair of them struggled, and Will was close to firing wrongly at a guy he known for a year.

It was almost a close mistake because he should have been informed and the gun could have also accidentally injure Will in the process. The unknown soldier punched his gun away from him. Then, head locked him which Will realised who the person was and was very startled.

"Hold your fire, Will! It's me, Ironhide! God dammit. You shoot first and ask questions later?" The familiar voice said in the room.

"Ironhide, is that you?"

"Yes!" Ironhide laughed. "Though, I did love a good fight with you brother. You forgot your guardian that easily?" He teased.

"Holy shit, Ironhide! What the hell! You want me to personally shoot you by accident? I could have taken your head off!" Will stared at him, his arms stretched out and waved widely, clearly completely taken aback.

"I know. I should have told you." Ironhide looked apologetically at him.

"Why the hell didn't you send me a text?" Will raised his eyebrows at him.

"You'd forgotten you're compromised?" Ironhide reminded him sharply.

"Right. Right. Slipped my mind. Yeah Optimus did mentioned on working with human holoform. You took me off guard for a whole minute there." Will let out a sighed and finally relaxed.

"I need to see you anyway." There was urgency in his voice. He was in his usual gruff tone as always.

Ironhide handed him his gun back and Will put it back at his holster. "Yeah. Sure. Nice to see you too. So, when the hell did this happened?" He looked delighted.

"Optimus's orders. Yeah, we got the human holoform working. Save this talk for later. Shut the fuck up for a moment because I really need to talk to you about Esther." Ironhide cut him off without so much of a hello. So typical of him.

Will looked surprised then shrugged his shoulders. He gestured for Ironhide to sit down. But, Ironhide chose to remain standing for now. Ironhide leaned against the wall and folded his arms against his chest. Will had a feeling one of the Autobots was going to talk to him about his student especially the latest incidents that occurred at the NEST military base.

"Sorry. I been a bit paranoid since we learn our files was hack. What do you want to talk about Esther?" Will accepted his gun back and put it in his holster. He rubbed his eyes tiredly with his palm.

"You look like shit, Will. When was the last time you recharge?" Ironhide studied him when Will constantly tried to stay awake this week.

"Recharge?" Will stifled a yawned. He wasn't wrong.

"I mean sleep." Ironhide corrected and cleared his throat. "Look. I can come back tomorrow in the morning." He offered.

"No. Sit your ass back down, Ironhide. I'll sleep on the flight back to Hawaii." Will snapped sternly at him. He wasn't going to coddle his guardian that night and especially after a really stressful day he'd rather forget.

Ironhide looked taken aback. Will could use some good brotherly company for sure. "Whoa! Easy there, tiger. Okay. Okay!" Ironhide withdrew away from the doorknob. He almost left. "Stressful day?" He said conversationally breaking the awkward tension between them.

"Very... Don't worry about me. I'm fine it's just the usual shit." Will admitted with a vigorously nod.

"Fair enough."

"It's not too much trouble she's staying at the Autobot quarters? She didn't do anything wrong right?"

"No. No. Nothing like that, bro." Ironhide raised his hands up casually. "She's always welcome with the Autobots."

"Okay? So, what is it? I sensed there's a but." Will said in a slow questionable tone at him. He gave him a look and hugged his own pillow close to his chest.

"I got a couple bone to pick with you in regards about her Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. What the hell, Will?" Ironhide stretched his arms out wildly at his human buddy. "I never seen anything like it. She had more than a few episodes this week at the base."

Will sighed. He looked at Ironhide and rested his hands on his pillow before he looked at the ground; absent-minded and nodded in agreement. "Did she have another mild episode today?"

Ironhide scoffed. He raised his eyebrows and waved his hands in the air, before he looked away from Will, grumbling under his breathe. He didn't want to tell on Esther. Shit he was worried about his new student just like he is for the Autobots. Today's episode incident freak the shit out of him. He wasn't scared of Esther. He was scared for her mainly for her well being. Everyone was. That was fact.

Ironhide hesitated to even give him an answer. He regretted but knew it was the right choice at the same time of what his actions did tonight. Then, swiped his own face with his human hand. Ironhide remained sient and looked at Will in the eye. The way she snapped at him and being on the roof top was one thing. That wasn't even normal but very dangerous what Esther did this afternoon.

That's why he was here in the first place so it never happened again for her own safety. He wanted to desperately understand the kid. So he always calls her that whenever she's around him. Many bots did. He grimaced at his question.

"Do you really have to asked me that?" He muttered underneath his breathe, clearly reluctant, mumbling more so to himself as he put his own hands against his hips.

"Yes or no, Ironhide? I won't asked you again. A simple answer will suffice." Will demanded fiercely.

He raised his hand lightly at him and like Ironhide, he was also scared for his student, knowing she did changed 360 degrees when she came back home to NEST and the Autobots. Ironhide grunted in answer. Deep down, he does admired her with much respect. He clearly didn't want to destroy a good soldier's career either. He crossed his arms firmly and tapped on his foot on the ground.

He turned and face the wall. His arms rested on the wall. His head rested against his arms. His looks confirmed Will's answer he was seeking. Ironhide nodded his head in response.

"Yes. She did. A fair few episodes..."

"What happened, Ironhide?"

"I was on patrol duty like always, this afternoon and made sure no one was left outside the base. I found Esther on the rooftop. What I'm worried about is not just a one time incident today too."

"What the hell was she doing up there?" Will asked with the edge in his voice. His eyes widened in shocked.

"Hmph. Who knows. All I got out of her was: leave me alone mood. She wouldn't give me a straight answer nor do I know how in the AllSpark she managed to end up there." Ironhide shrugged his shoulders.

Slowly, he sat down next to his human partner ally.

"Don't take it personally, Ironhide. She'll come around." Will placed a comforting hand on his arm.

"I know. I know." Ironhide paused and looked directly at Will very thoughtfully. There was also a sorry look in his eyes which made his partner tensed up a little. "I don't know how to tell you this, Will. You and I both know she's not getting any better. I know you love her very much."

He returned a comforting hand on his shoulder and ignored his protest. Because there was a lot of truth in what Ironhide confronted Will directly about his student. The older man looked very taken aback at his last remarked. He felt very hot all of a sudden in the room.

"Ironhide. She's young enough to be my daughter." Will said dismissively on the topic he set out. He cleared his throat nervously and remembered the tension and moments he had with his student back at his office.

Ironhide smiled in agreement. He removed his hands off his shoulder and rested his hands on his kneecaps then clasped it like a prayer.

"That is certainly your business, not mine. In fact, I have a lot of respect for you and Esther. Therefore, it is certainly not my business because it is yours alone only. However, do not think of me as stupid. I am your guardian. Therefore, it is my job to know everything when it comes to your safety and don't be a fool to even try to lie to me or deny it to yourself is the worst. Accept the truth is better. Trust me or it gets the better of you more than you would like." Ironhide advice him.

Right then, Will felt Ironhide wasn't just a brother to him but a counsellor advisor and never knew this bot had so much wisdom in him. He was right once more. Often, Ironhide never steer him wrong and so far had been right. Will opened his mouth once. Then, close it again repeatedly. He felt his own voice swim away from him. He wasn't even sure what to asked or even what to know. Will looked defeated at this moment.

Will pressed his eyes with his hands. He nodded in agreement and didn't argue about it. Then, managed to find his voice once more.

"Who else knows?" Will demanded, feeling a little annoyed about his own personal matter should be kept on a lid tightly lock away from everyone.

Ironhide sighed. He put his arms around him and patted him on his back. "Listen, Will. It is not my intention to make you feel uncomfortable. I don't want you to feel you have to carry everything by yourself. I want you to know I'm also there for you as a friend and family. You have to figure this shit all by yourself. Whatever decision you make, just remember, I will be there for you one thousand percent. I cannot decide for you because is not my life but yours. Anyway, I needed you to see this too."

"Thank you. You still haven't answered my question." Will said appreciatively.

He watched Ironhide took out a demo practice paper that belong in the shooting range.

"That's because I want to be sure before I give you my answers. I had a fair guesses too. Let me find out first. I promised you will have your answers you want." Ironhide promised him.

"Is this Esther's practice?" Will was relief to find his own voice was back to normal.

"You didn't hear it from me. Let me ask you something, Will. Who the fuck takes that type of shot?" Ironhide gestured at the demo practice paper. It was from the training room that morning.

The paper demo practice had a lot of bullet holes on it. Will Lennox saw on the target practice the shot was very accurate. But what alarmed the teacher was: one aim on the head, on the shoulder, on the stomach, the knees and lastly to the worst: the groin.

Esther never takes the shot there. Will understood Ironhide at once. He definitely didn't need to elaborate on that one. There was no doubt that Will was very sure Esther was angry at Megatron with all the right reason. This time, Will knew it was more than just personal to her.

Will nodded his head in agreement. He bobbed it for awhile. He understood Esther at once. He had heard her cries. Her pain. Her fury. Perhaps everyone at the base did. Her nightmares woke everyone up to the point she prefers to avoid everyone or deflect the topic the moment she was confronted.

He sighed and felt for her. He even felt heavy about it. Will wished nothing more to get rid of her own nightmares for her.

"Okay. Okay. I see it, buddy. No. She never take that type of shot. It's fucking accurate. One hell of a shot too." Will smiled proudly about it about his student. "Yes. I agree is very out of character and way too many close shave last week. We knew she would be very different when she came back home to us. I'll speak with her." Will promised him. He felt his heart is very heavy.

Ironhide groaned in answer and shook his head in disapproval. He rested his own hands against his elbows and placed his human hands over his face. He felt his own spark just died when he heard Will said all that. Though, a hidden smile wasn't missed when Will paid her a compliment. There was a hidden smirk in Ironhide's human holoform mode. At the same time, there was also a soft smile written on his face approvingly to his human leader. Will blew out another sighed.

"Will." The Autobot guardian said in a respect tone. His voice was gentle. One that Will rarely heard that he looked up to his close friend. "She's more than just... different. She's not getting better. She's in a world of pain right now. How many times this week she wakes up screaming in her sleep or have one of her episodes this week at the base? Megatron changed her completely. I feel she feels obligated to helped everyone that she'd forgotten how to asked helped from all of us."

"She will come around, Ironhide. I'm worried about her too. You know she's close to me and Optimus. She might not be close with you for now. But, eventually, she will go to you when she is comfortable. How do I say this?" Will rubbed his own neck with his hand and lie back down comfortably on his own bed. He stared at the ceiling, stretched wildly until he accidentally hit his guardian on the face. "Sorry!"

Ironhide waved his apology aside. "Don't worry about it. Like I said, you look like shit."

Will chortled and smiled at him in response. Ironhide fixed his gazed on the floor. He does care. But the right hand bot to Optimus was feeling very cheesed off with the way his student acted. Will knew he does have a soft side and he rarely showed his side of compassion.

He might be hard as a steel, indestructible. But Will knows his own spark was soft like a pillow. He always knew there was a heart in him somewhere even though Ironhide looked all tough, be a drill sergeant mode most days. But where was his love? Will always did wonder if his own guardian have a partner. Maybe he did back home. Will wasn't sure about it.

"Hmph!" Ironhide complained rather rudely per usual.

Will sighed and smiled at him.

"Listen. I know the kid better than anyone on NEST and even before she became a soldier. I do love her very much. But please. Keep that quiet. I trust you, Ironhide." Will said painfully, regretfully opening up to his guardian.

Ironhide chuckled. He returned a genuine smile to him. He actually put his arms around his shoulder. "You don't want to hurt the people. I understand, Will. I got you, son. I got you. I hope you do realised age doesn't matter. Daughter or not. I seen the way you look at her. How long have that been going on?"

He patted Will's cheek rather playfully, now, personally gloating at him. Will tensed up a little bit at his words, wondering or not if he should continue to open up to his guardian or if he was a nosy type that he doesn't need right now. He shoved his human holoform hand away. No, Will didn't mind him swinging his arms around his shoulder.

Will just shrugged off his comment. The thought of his own wife currently pains him and there was no mistake there was bitterness hidden in his voice. "Most times I do feel that way with her and there are things you can't explain. Don't get me wrong. I do love Sarah and Annabelle. It's just... there's a lot I really don't know right now. What is it you want to hear, Ironhide? Complicated...?" He mumbled, more words tumbled out than necessary.

"There's a lot I simply want to understand. But, I do realised what you both have in common too." Ironhide smirked.

'Here it comes.' Will thought warily, feeling drained and being interrogated by his own personal Autobot protector.

He didn't say anything but he does like Ironhide's company and the bromance dynamic relationship between them both only pulled them both closer was what Will realised. It was a nice changed.

"Listen. I truly understand. You're comfortable with Esther. She sleeps well when she's with: you and you sleep well with her. Other than of course alongside with: Optimus, Jazz and Bumblebee. For one, don't take me as the coddling type neither is old doc Ratchet. We don't suit well for that. We know her nightmares wakes all of us up." Ironhide ignored Will when he rolled his eyes at him. Will disrupted his reasons and interrupted him.

"Ironhide. You're patient with my daughter, Annabelle. You just won't admit it to anyone but I seen the way you are with children. You may have a temper like all men do. But deep down we know you're a damn softie." Will complimented him.

"Shut up!" Ironhide lightly shove his partner to the right side. He wouldn't admit he loved his little girl as if she was his own even though Annabelle is human not a Cybertronian.

Will smirked at his reaction. He had witnessed one time Annabelle accidentally called Ironhide daddy and forgotten to call him Uncle Hide by accident before she burst into tears. There was also many moments between Annabelle and Ironhide. For instant, when Will and Sarah fought, Will found her hiding in his truck in his alt mode.

She was too scared to be inside the house when they were yelling at each other. She refused to leave the truck when Will came out to see his daughter on the last holiday he had with his family. Annabelle cried at the backseat. She was just three years old and often; she would run to Ironhide instead of her parents and even hide behind his big metal legs when she refused to go inside until Ironhide successfully persuaded her softly to her a fair few times and held her close to his spark.

And often in her sleep, Ironhide heard her cries which pains the old mech more and heard her innocent voice said; "Daddy in pain." She even hide all the way down at the floor sit, only her brown hair could be seen. That moment, Will knew exactly who to put in his will should anything happened to him or his wife, Sarah, knowing his job was dangerous, with too many close shave with the Decepticons, he will personally appoint Ironhide to look after her. That was how much he trusts Ironhide to that extent.

Will raised his hands in surrender mode. Then had his arms rested against his eyes tiredly. "This is way too weird, Ironhide." He muttered more to himself than to Ironhide.

"I'm sorry." Ironhide said genuinely. He pulled a face at him. Then he lied on his bed to be close with Will. "I know you're also going through a rough time. Therefore, personally I don't mind you at all being close with Esther. So long the both of you are healing with each other. I know you're also having nightmares too. Don't think I don't know. All warriors do. War changes everyone." Ironhide sat up. He leaned his elbows on his bed.

Will remained silent for awhile and wasn't sure how to answer to his last comment. He noted the look in Ironhide's eyes. Those blue eyes that often twinkle kindly at him and there was something about his human holoform eyes that was very comforting to him. All Will did in response was sighed. Then hide his own face with his pillow by pressing it.

Ironhide slowly pulled the pillow off him. Will's face was stricken with tears. He was actually crying silently in pain with no words out or even noises that seemed to be trap in his lungs. There was so much truth in what he said today. So much truth that Will wanted to throw the truth against the wall and didn't really want to embrace yet because Will wasn't ready to make the truth as his own reality.

His guardian wasn't wrong one bit. Will stiffened completely. His body shook slightly at his words and from a distant. He can still hear Megatron laughing sinisterly in his ear. Those red eyes he often sees in his dream loomed over him. Without a word, Ironhide pulled Will very close to his chest and rested his chin on his head.

Will rested his head against his arms and allowed his own tears to pour down. Stress was written all over his face. There was a lot of unsaid words in the room right now and Ironhide understood him. He merely fixed his gazed on the floor. Will held in his crying in his chest. But the crying...threatened to burst from him. This was worst to Ironhide. He hated to see his brother in pain.

All there is he could see was just tears that rain down on Will's face. He was suffering silently to himself without opening up to anyone. Will wiped his own tears with the palm of his hands. He tried to prised Ironhide off him but all he did was held him firmly around him, knowing Will was in pain from everything else. Ironhide knew he needed emotional support.

Will took awhile to settle down. He breathe in and out to calm his own nerves. Then, managed to find his own voice. A couple of times he cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, Ironhide. Really... don't worry about me, big guy. I don't need to be hold. But, I appreciate your support." Will said in a feeble voice careful not to hit his sensitivity. He thumped lightly on his arms to let Ironhide know is all okay.

"You have nothing to be sorry for; and if you like: you're welcome to stay with the Autobots too other than Esther." Ironhide invited openly to him.

He finally took his grip off Will and smooth his back lightly. Will didn't mind that. It was actually a nice change and felt as if he was massage, as if he was pampered, to be appreciated by somebody than his own love for someone like Sarah not to be tossed away so easily.

He had been very sore in his own body for awhile, as if a sword had pierced right through his very own heart. And...it had been a very tough week. There was no doubt that Will felt his whole world was falling apart right now even though he automatically denied to Ironhide to tell his brother he's fine when he's really not. Ironhide noticed his human partner relaxed completely and less stiffened. He continued to smooth his arms. Will gave him a smile.

"Honestly, buddy. I'm really fine. It's just a lot to take in... I'm sorry I didn't go to you or talk about what happened last holiday back home... I just...I didn't know how to tell or what to even talk about let alone I wanted to find answers for myself too." Will explained meaningfully. "Thanks for the offer. But, I'll have to take a pass on that."

"Will," Ironhide said very carefully. He placed a comforting finger under his chin; which made Will look up to him reluctantly. "What happened that day? Talk to me." His voice was a whisper and he didn't break eye contact with him either.


Will looked up to him in pain. His eyes was red and puffy. There was sorrow in his eyes which said it all wasn't at all good was the obvious statement his face was printing out. Other than exhausted was etched on his face. There was a long silence as Will pondered in his answer and he felt his voice was constricted once more. He looked into those blue Autobot human eyes and was thankful on his company.

And... The both of them knew they were thinking on the last holidays at the Lennox residence was not exactly the way both males expected. It wasn't a restful or fun holidays when Will took his leave of absence from work just to see his family. There was also regret in Will's eyes. There was also a look in Ironhide's eyes and there was also a begging look that Will understood very well. There was also a knowing look in his eyes.

Will knew then Ironhide didn't want to pushed him away at all. Ironhide wanted close to him. Ironhide searched his eyes, scanning, ever so watchful, a different brother that Will never had in his whole life profoundly...The last time they was in Will's home was when he thought he saw his partner on the couch, crying himself to sleep each night was torture to Ironhide's spark but let him be for the first few days. This did enraged the old black mech warrior.

Will's marriage was currently unspeakable. Technically is falling apart the last time he was home and arguments shook the house that even made Ironhide very tense up. The fights had woken Annabelle up crying endlessly and hide under the TopKick truck when her parents yelled at each other. Few days after that incident, Ironhide noticed Will had his own blanket and pillow, moved all the way to the living room.

For one wild night, his personal guardian caught him sleeping outside the backyard on the floor which was even out of character for him. That was when Ironhide put his foot down, drag his human partner to sleep in his alt mode. Instead, went on his commando style and made him sleep in his alt mode. They never spoke about his marriage because deep down, it was one big mess and was beginning to be a huge headache to him.

Ironhide knew he was stress out. He knew what kind of pain Will was currently experiencing and the worst pain of all: the crying without any noises pain was exactly what was going on with the leader of the soldiers. There was a clear beaten up hurt in Will's eyes, almost as if a betrayal mark and pain written on his face.

Furthermore to add, Ironhide thought Will looked like he was stabbed in the back when he limped out of the house. He knew he was also coping with mild Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which was earn thanks to his time in Mission City. Will knew he was a different man. This was actually what pulled Will close to Esther and why they became a little bit something more without meaning to...and accidentally, Will fallen in love with his very own student and the love was way too powerful.

Many times, Will wanted to bury his love, throw it down a lake and never speak on the forbidden love that was happily stewing with a mocking laughter in his heart. He was always happy whenever he was around with Esther, and very tempted to distance himself from her to protect the friendship. But, he couldn't stay away. It was as though it was fate that drew them close together. A very complicated love between Esther and Will. It was as though a magnet love pulled them together unexpectedly.

Never once, Ironhide didn't allow him to be alone and was always there for him like a brother when Will fell through a deep hole in the darkness. He thought he caught Will crying silently to himself, twice outside, drank beer on his own and several times; Ironhide smashed his beers and took it right out of his own hands to stop himself from being drown into the wrong decisions. Ironhide felt strongly he doesn't deserved it.

No matter how many times Will walked away from his Autobot defender to deal with it all, Ironhide always pushed to the strongest limit to an extend and never gave up on him, just like he never given up on Esther. He loved Will. That was clear to even both of them. No matter how many times Will lost his cool at him away, to be left alone and stew in those dark thoughts that was beating the shit out of him, Ironhide was always there to pick him up from his own personal hell hole Will suffered those days.

Neither of them will forget it and it seemed to Ironhide was determined to give him a wake up call to snap him out of it to the best of his ability. Will knew he will never give up asking and knew he had many burning questions. Ironhide clearly gave him a lot of time until today was the day that he will claim his own answers.

For the first time in ages, Will told Ironhide everything and his words skated out from his mouth like a pen. But he spoke rather audibly, holding his tears back, holding his sobbed back tightly when he spoke about his wife that was close on the brink to the way of divorce stage. Will used the pillow like a child and covered his face with it. His voice was raw when elaborating everything and he struggled in between sentences when he poured his heart right out to Ironhide that very moment.

Will felt there was a lump in his throat, clogged up when he spoke freely to his Cybertronian brother. Tears fall down freely and he rested the back of his hand against his face. His face looked furious at the thought of his own marriage, at the mention of his current wife. He allowed his tears to fall onto Ironhide's human holoform hand. When he did speak to Ironhide about it all, he felt a little lighter than usual because he had it all trapped in him for a long time and back then, he was too stunned on the truth.


"Uh..how do I say this...I think my marriage is pretty much done for good... I might even lose my own daughter into the divorce...I dunno man...we have been rocky for ages and we admitted to each other we have fallen out of love for awhile now. I also never expected her to sleep with her own boss who'd happened to be her long time ex..."

Ironhide looked taken aback, shocked written on his face. "Isn't he the man that came around to teach Sarah all about computer work and she said he was there to fix the house?"

Will nodded several times to him. "Yeah...that's the one..."

Ironhide snorted. "You should have given me permission to blow up a cannon to his face before he stepped foot into the damn house. I would have gladly showed myself to him and put him in the hospital."

Will rolled his eyes at him. While he was thankful Ironhide was on his side, it was so typical of his guardian to make a threat at anyone that come across him or Annabelle or even to Sarah.

"What, and let you end up in a federal prison unnecessary? Ironhide. What would the neighbourhood thinks if they see a 25 foot tall robot from space running around the damn empty road?" Will scolded him.

Ironhide thought for awhile and now he could see the whole scenario that painted in his mind. He chuckled in response and definitely would make anyone on the streets panic especially if children capture videos of him running then would have to asked a high technician to scrubbed off the conspiracy website. He grinned at Will and laughed about the likely scenario.

"All right. All right. Fair point. But can't I kill anyone? I just want to use my cannons just this once." Ironhide grumbled at Will.

This was good for Will and Ironhide knows it. Will was adamant he would never let them happened to any of his Autobot allies. They were too important to him and the NEST team no matter what any other humans may have argued about them. He gave him a look.

"You don't like anyone much, Ironhide." Will contradicted him.

"That's true. So?" Ironhide said nonchalantly, longing for Will to continue in a business tone. "So, who's the asshole?"

"His name is Cyrus Novak. He's a high school best friend and long time lover to Sarah... he was a techie. He's a plumber before he became a techie. A damn good one. He became the best hacker in the world...and became her own boss...So..one night, when Sarah was in the shower: I went to answer the home phone and unexpectedly, I heard it was her boss at the end and ...h-he even called her baby...he did hung up when he heard it was me..."

"I'm sorry man." Ironhide sighed.

Will looked defeated about the whole discussion. All Ironhide did was put his arms around his shoulders and soothe his back in response with his own hand. He let the man before him continued to elaborate his problems out in the open. There was a sympathetic look written on Ironhide's face and he understood why he was distant with him on the last holiday.

The human man continued to speak nervously, as normal as he could muster in his voice to Ironhide. Will leaned into his embraced and Ironhide looked very annoyed at what he just said. He looked like he was about to throw a temper and even looked worked up about it.

"Me too...Sarah and Annabelle was the best thing that ever happened to me. Hey, thank you for staying with my daughter when me and Sarah fought. I really appreciate you keeping Annabelle company." Will looked regretful at what his own daughter had to put up with and wasn't fair on her.

"I will always be there for the Lennox family. If you don't mind me asking, why did she do what she did?" Ironhide vowed to him.

"She told me I was a different man when I came home once in the family. She freak out when I woke up from my nightmares and doesn't want to deal with my mild Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. That it was too tiring for her to deal with...That since I came home...I noticed she was spending a lot more time with her boss...and yes, that was when things fell apart between me and Sarah. S-She also said I was a complete stranger to her and I was difficult to deal with when I came back home."

Ironhide looked very pissed off when Will said the last sentence which made him looked very ticked off right off the edge now. He slammed his fist against the wall. Will was grateful he was actually in his human holoform because he was very sure there would be a hole that signature Ironhide's fist completely. Anger burst through his spark. Will was alarmed at his sudden temper that flared up in his blue eyes.

"You - are - never - the- problem, Will! What - the - fuck! Is she kidding me right now?" Ironhide was shaking with clear rage. He spat out each syllabus like a punch in the gut. "What kind of a wife will bail out on her own husband and leave for another man?" He hissed at him furiously. "What shit does she know about war, huh? Nothing!" He snapped hotly.

Will shook his head and placed a hand in return on Ironhide's shoulder. A mark to say shut up in silence mode more like. He even merely shrugged his shoulders in response. Ironhide was breathing through his nostril very hard about it and highly disapproved of her actions towards him greatly. There was a strong surge of hate boiling from his guardian and Ironhide was beyond angry at what he had found out.

"Ironhide...this is why I didn't say anything...I knew you take it badly...and I didn't want to make my problems yours. I also needed a lot of time to myself to understand what really happened... because I knew you would react like this...and she did sleep with Cyrus while I was away...she admitted that to me when I told her he called the house..." Will told him honestly.

"I'm going to have words with Sarah." Ironhide growled menacingly in a threatening manner.

"What?!" Will looked horrified at his last statement. He definitely didn't expect Ironhide will take it this bad. "No! Don't you dare! It is my problem!"

"Is this why you have been distant with me, boy?" Ironhide was practically nose to nose with him. "I begged you. Please. Don't do another Esther on me. Don't pushed me away like she did because it fucking hurts and feel like I'm failing for the people I care about." He admitted boldly to Will.

"I..." Will was shocked. There was guilt in his eyes that pretty much answered his question completely. "You think you're the only one who feels that way?" He asked in a low voice, clearly defeated. He even looked like he lost all hope. "Look, Ironhide...I didn't mean to pushed you away... that's not at all my intention. I'm really sorry..."

"You can't ask me to stand down what you told me about what Sarah told you." Ironhide said hotly. "I cannot let that go. Even if you didn't tell me, I would still want to be kept up to date about your mental health." He was too fierce to be reason with right now.

Will bit his retort and let it be. He decided to continue what did trouble him. After all, Ironhide deserve all the answers when he had been with him the most. "I just needed time and answers for myself... that's all. I'm sorry, Ironhide... I didn't mean to hurt you... it's certainly not my intention on that..."

"Then please, let me in. Don't shut me away. You're not helping yourself or anyone else by pushing people away, Will. You don't have to handle everything on your own. You're not on your own. You're never alone, not now, not ever and never ever." Ironhide said valiantly. He promised him.

Will felt joy in his heart when he heard those words. He remembered the first time he came back home was when his own wife pushed him away with her hands on his chest. He discarded that thought. He merely nodded his head and bobbed his head lightly.

"I won't...you said you wanted to know why Sarah did it...we have been feeling out of love for awhile now because I spend more time with work and of course, she at work with her own boss... My PTSD was affecting the marriage -" Will was cut off when Ironhide looked daggers at him about it.

"Will, that is the worst and a very fuck up excuse I have ever heard. I will certainly not accept at all! By the pit, anyone will face my wraith for saying shit like that." Ironhide said aggressively. Spits was flying out from his lips right now. He looked ready to kill too rather than bullet holes at this stage.

"There's no need, Ironhide... it's done...the marriage is done...you know I wasn't the same man after the war in Mission City." Will was absorbed in his own thoughts.

"I don't buy that bullshit, Will. She doesn't know nothing about war nor does she understands anything about it." Ironhide snapped flatly about it. "Don't you dare fucking defend your wife!"

"Ironhide..." Will said calmly in a soft finality tone. The lieutenant colonel rested a hand on his shoulder. Ironhide looked at him. He understood why he acted out like that.

Ironhide stopped and fully respected his wishes. He reluctantly nodded in agreement. "Did she really tell you she doesn't love you anymore?" He asked incredulously.

"...Yeah...she told me the night when Cyrus called the home phone, looking to tutor her... And he also apologised...when Sarah told me she slept with him..." Will rested his eyes in his palms.

"Do you believe him?" Ironhide glared about the man, slowing his temper down and said in a casual tone.

Will looked up to him. "No." He replied instantly. "I always wondered why he made the call and whether or not he did it on purpose for me to find out that he was having an affair with my wife."

"I'm sorry, Will." Ironhide grasped onto his shoulder and smooth his back.

"Thanks man...me too..." Will replied more relaxed than he was earlier.

"Do you still love Sarah?" Ironhide said bluntly as always.


Will gazed at his own wedding ring and played with it by rotating it around with his fingers carefully. Ironhide noticed he had been doing that a lot over the past month whenever he was by himself. He knew it was a prize treasure that meant a lot to his war soldier buddy. The colonel leader looked back at Ironhide with full of doubts in his eyes clearly.

His answer was neither a yes or a no. Will didn't give him a straight answer but very vague and very personal answer Ironhide never heard before in his own voice. Will isn't deflecting the answer because he was still searching for himself and where his heart really belong.

"We have been married for twelve years, Ironhide. Sarah was the whole wide world. I thought she was the best damn thing that ever happened to me. Then, Annabelle came to my life. The next best thing that ever came to my life. My whole world. I don't think there's anything to save...to be honest, I feel like a coward sometimes, Ironhide." Will admitted to him.

"Stop, just stop and listen. Time out for a damn minute here. I known you for years, Will. I seen you on the field with your men and you always put them before yourself first too. Sounds like somebody we know right?" Ironhide gestured his human holoform hands wildly about it.

"Esther." Will nodded. He clasped his owns hands together like a prayer.

"Exactly! Never in a million years I won't see you as a coward." Ironhide said approvingly. "Why do you think you yourself is a coward?" He stretched his arms wildly at him and gave a questioning look at him.

"Would I be a coward to Sarah and Annabelle if I tell you I fallen for Esther?" Will was most reluctant to admit this to Ironhide and was hoping to hold it off longer than he meant to.

Ironhide scoffed. He rolled his eyes. "Did you ever do what Sarah did to you?" He retorted harshly than he meant to

"No!" Will replied instantly in a defiant tone. He shook his head in response instantly. A discomfort look written on his face. Fury flared in him on the thought of his own wife had an affair.

"Then you're not a coward and better than Sarah!" Ironhide reminded him. "You kept your loyalty no matter how strongly you felt for Esther. You may have many moments with your student; Will, but you never broke your loyalty to Sarah and she betrayed you. Where the hell was she when you were coping on your PTSD and she called you difficult?"

"I still don't think is a good idea for you to talk to Sarah. Leave it, Ironhide." Will said sharply at his Autobot guardian. "There are a million reasons why I will never cheat on Sarah -"

"Maybe you should. You deserved better, Will." Ironhide meant it.

"I can't. I never will for a thousand reasons." Will said in a protective manner when comes to Esther. "I got a daughter to think about: Annabelle. No matter how strong my feelings are for Esther and most likely always will be for the real love I felt for a long time like I had for Sarah -"

"Sarah doesn't deserve you or your love -" Ironhide said cuttingly. He was very angry Sarah would hurt Will like this. Out of everyone, his very own brother.

"Ironhide. Can you please sit down? You're kind of making me bit nervous." Will was very aware of his temper flying to the roof top at this stage.

Ironhide complied and sat back down again, right next to him. "If Sarah thinks she can take Annabelle all by herself, she's damn wrong. The last damn thing I will do is fight for Annabelle without question. I don't want you to be ever alone in this and never will be."

Will smiled. "Thank you, Ironhide." He felt very light at his words and felt very touched at his words. "I really appreciate it." He said in a small voice.

Ironhide grasped onto his wrist with his hand in response. "It's not wrong to fall for Esther."

"I thought you disapproved!" Will nudged him lightly with a bumped.

"On the contrary now that I know everything, I do approved. I wished you came to me sooner." Ironhide said gravely about the matter.

"You're not late. Trust me. I didn't want to make my problems yours. Anyway...I still won't do it, for a lot of reasons, Ironhide. Firstly: because I don't want to destroy the good friendship I have with Esther. Friendship is very important to me too and so is yours. Hell, I don't know when I fell for her or why. You know my relation with her." He felt very awkward about it.

Ironhide chuckled. There was an understanding smile on his face. "All I'm seeing right now between the two of you is: teacher and student. She may see you as a father. I believed you fell for her when the two of you were commiserating when you both were diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I feel soon she won't see you as a father. She sees Optimus as a father. A father she never have."

Will nodded in agreement. "To be honest with you, Ironhide, I want to love Sarah again. But, the problem is we don't love each other anymore. Tell you the truth, I feel so damn guilty with myself for having feelings for Esther when she can have somebody better than me. Somebody suitable for her age and somebody she really deserve."

"Be sure with what you want in life, William Lennox and what makes you truly happy. At the end of the day, the spark wants what it wants." Ironhide told him wisely. "I don't think you should feel guilty for even having feelings for Esther. What's meant to be is meant to be. What else do I need to know about Esther?"

"She's...not the type that likes to confide personal life story particularly to people she's not comfortable with and the way she is now, also is from her own childhood."

"Sounds familiar." Ironhide snorted.

Will rolled his eyes at him. He wasn't going to take Ironhide's bullshit today. That's for sure.

"Esther had it with people whom she relied on left her. You can't expect her to open up instantly to you. She needs time especially what she went through." Will explained to him openly.

"Fine. Fine. I got the gist." Ironhide sighed and rubbed his own neck, subconsciously while lost in his own thoughts from far. "You and I both know that. I honestly don't know how to say this...Let me ask you this, is she really ready for the field work? There are no second guesses when it comes to the field. It's not that I don't want her back. I do want her back on the field more than anything. It's just realistically: for NEST and the Autobots."

There was silent in the air that stretched between them. Will looked doubtful. He always have full confidence to Esther. She was one of the best candidate he had ever seen. For the first time in ages, he wasn't sure how to answer Ironhide to his current question and made a lot of valid points about the current circumstance.

"I don't know..." Will said truthfully.

"Take your time on your decision, Will. This is also for her well being too and everyone else's. We cannot second guess when comes to the field. We both know the risk and we know the job better than anyone. I want you to be absolutely sure and not with I don't know." Ironhide recommended bluntly to him. "I got your back one thousand percent." He assured him with full confidence.

Will nodded in agreement. "Thanks. I appreciate that. Yeah. I'll speak with her. You know we can't stop her episodes that comes out of the blue and yes I still want regular updates about it so I can monitor closely."

"I know. But, I'm not giving up on her. Are you even planning to hide her PTSD from her own family, particularly her mother?" He pointed out.

Whoo, shit! That was one conversation Will definitely won't fancy at all and something not to be taken lightly for sure. He already had an ear blast from her protective overbearing parent and he feels sorry for Esther. In a way, Will also felt she was like a second daughter to him, personally and to have actual feelings was really weird. That's why he also felt guilty. Will sighed and paused at his question before giving his answer then rubbed his own forehead with the palm of his hand.

"I don't think that's the best idea, Ironhide. You don't know her mother." Will groaned into his own pillow and buried his own face in his pillow.

He sounded stressed out about the matter and felt his head was going crazy right now.

"What are you suggesting: lying to her own mother?" Ironhide looked disbelief about his decision. "Will!"

"Don't Will me, Ironhide!" Will snapped crossly at him. "I'm well aware know what I'm doing! You want to deal with her mother? Then, be my guest."

"No! You listen up, Will and you listen good! God- dammit! I swear to God you're twice as stubborn as Esther! You cannot keep the truth from her mother forever. What are you planning to do, hide Esther around when she sleeps?"

Ironhide waved his arms airily around.

"I know!" Will stood up suddenly and threw his pillow at Ironhide angrily. "What did you think I spend my day doing today? You think that didn't cross my mind? I haven't forgotten and I'm damn well aware of it, Ironhide. We both know what her nightmares are about and is that fucking dickhead, Megatron!"

Ironhide scowled at him. He rubbed his own head and picked up the pillow before he threw it back at Will who pointed a finger at him in a strictly manner when he spoke to his guardian. The Autobot weapon specialist didn't blame him and Will does look like shit today that's for sure. He had eye bags creased on him and close up to, Ironhide noted the white hair on him but lost count when they were now face to face to each other.

"Chill the fuck down, Will. Jesus Christ with lack of recharge is getting to you. If you have any ideas how to deflect from being interrogated by her family, then, I'm all ears, man. I'm happy to help and all in. I just don't know how long the truth will be kept from her mother. I take it you met her mother before?" Ironhide deride at the matter.

Will took a deep breathe and sighed. He didn't mean to blow up at Ironhide. "Sorry mate. It's just been a really tense this week."

"You're not the only one you know." Ironhide convinced him. "It's fine. I did say you look like shit probably look like hell too."

At this, Will laughed lightly and appreciated his comment. "Thanks."

"That's why I wanted to see you to make sure you're still standing. Yes, I was worried about you how much toll it was taking on you. I didn't mean to push you. That's not my intention. I'm being a realist that's all." He said honestly with him.

"Yeah. I know what you mean. No, seriously, Ironhide. Don't worry about me." Will massaged his own chest. He had been getting a lot of his own heart squeezed tightly than normal this week.

"Have you been looking after yourself lately?" Ironhide asked perceptively.

"Yeah." Will shrugged his shoulders.

"You're a bad liar." Ironhide argued watchfully at him.

"Don't worry about me. I'm fine. Let's just focus on Esther. Okay?" Will felt his heart clenched very tightly and felt as if there was a needle poking his heart.

Ironhide crossed his arms and folded it against his shoulders. "Fine. What's your idea and how can we help?" He was going to belay that order regardless what Will said and he needed someone to look after him.

"I was thinking when everyone goes out sleeping, she can stay with Optimus for the night and he can take her out for a drive. I'll cover for her and she does have a driving test." Will explained.

Ironhide sighed. He tap his own chin with his fingers. "We'll give it a shot. What are you going to tell the family if they asked?"

"Out for a drive with Jazz." Will prompted confidently.

Ironhide nodded approvingly. "You got me convinced. All right, brother. That will work. I'm game."

"Please. Do not mentioned about her PTSD to her mother. You don't know how far a parent can go for their own children. That's all I'm asking from you. I beg of you. Esther doesn't need none of that. I don't need her mother to be on my case either and definitely nothing about the Decepticons kidnapped. You got that?" Will said in an authoritative tone.

"I got your back, Will. I got your back." Ironhide stood up." Ironhide snatched the demo practice paper and scrunched it all up before he tossed it in the bin. "You're not going to need that are you?"

Will shook his head. "No. What for?"

"Good. Now get some sleep." Ironhide patted him on the back lightly. He scoop him in for a tight hug. Will stumbled and smiled at his unexpected embrace.

"I knew you had a soft side somewhere under all that tin!" Will teased him. This made Ironhide let go of him quickly and he waved his hands in the air and shook his head in response.

"No, I don't!" Ironhide shot back.

"Whatever you say, hot shot. Who's going to Hawaii?" Will could imagine how many Autobots parked at Esther's residence.

Ironhide smiled at him. He paused at his door and turned back to him. "Uh...Optimus wanted the whole team. But for now is just me, Jazz and him."

"I'll speak to him. I know he's been worried Megatron will try for Esther again." Will sighed in answer. He patted Ironhide on his arm and chuckled.

"We all are and all we wanted is for the best for her. We're never giving up on her, Will and you're not the only one who cares about her." Ironhide sided with him in unity about the circumstances.

A smile curled up on Will. Yep. Ironhide does have a soft spot and he was quick to deny it. He was about to walk out from his room when Will stop his guardian.

"Hey Ironhide."

"What?"

"Did you ever have a wife?" Will wondered curiously.

"Wife?" Ironhide stared at him blankly, confused with what he meant.

"You know, like what me and Sarah used to be..." Will said a little bit uncomfortable.

"You mean conjunx endura." Ironhide made a mental note to ask Wheeljack to make a dictionary for the humans.

Will nodded eagerly at him, keen to learned more about his hot headed partner. He thought he was the only one that have a bad temper which amuses him.

"I did...a long time on Cybertron...you know, not many of us survived the war back home...she didn't make it..." Ironhide massaged his neck just like Will did and tilted his own head.

"I'm sorry." Will said genuinely. "What was her name?"

"Her name was Chromia." Ironhide's voice wobbled slightly. His voice lowered. "We all did have and had what you humans called wives."

It had been a damn long time since he thought of his sparkmate, of course, perished in Megatron's hands and slayed by the army of Decepticons.

"Including the big guy?" Will was shocked.

Ironhide smiled in answer.

"Yes, included the big boss and she is around. You'll be surprised, son." Ironhide laughed on the look of his face then patted lightly on his cheek fondly. "All of us did have wives."

"So does that mean Optimus is married?" Will looked baffled. He scowled, shoved his human hand away from his cheek.

"Another story for another day, Will. Get your ass to sleep, boy!" Ironhide rolled his eyes at him.

Will couldn't helped but to returned a laughed. A huge stupid grinned chisel on his face. He couldn't imagine Optimus having a wife. But he does seem like a husband material. Come to think about it: he only realised there are not many female Autobots he had seen around.

Gratefully, he climbed into his own bed. He was too tired to go to the cafeteria and grabbed some food to shove down a pitiful dinner. Maybe when he goes to the airport he will have a good meal on the way to Hawaii. He made a mental note in his mind.

"Hey, Ironhide." Will called out from his pillow. Ironhide moved towards him in a brisk way.

"Yes?" He said shortly.

"Thank you. I appreciate the talk today, buddy. I still reckon you have a soft side." Will turn over to look at him in the eye. "You look good, buddy. You look good."

"I do not have a soft side! The offer still stands, Will and you're always very welcome." Ironhide meant it. He was worried about him and noticed he hadn't been taking care of himself.

"Night, Ironhide. Love you, man." Will had his face pressed into his pillow peacefully.

"Good night, Will. Sleep tight, handsome man. Do me a favour. Don't shoot anyone you don't recognised. You might accidentally hurt an Autobot by mistake." Ironhide was of course way older than him though Will can see why he called him that even though he found it strange at first.

Now, he'd gotten used to his nicknames his guardian landed on him occasionally during their time at NEST together. Will snorted with laughter and another huge smile widen on his face.

"I won't. Sorry."

"I'm glad you didn't let your guard down. Now sleep. See you tomorrow."

The Autobot soldier actually tuck his human friend in without hesitation and draped a blanket gently over him. He rested a hand on his shoulder. Will actually gave his gun to Ironhide who placed it on his bedside table and he even took off his gun holster. A part of him wanted to stay with Will. He wanted to know if Will have his own nightmares too from the war.

He was reluctant to leave. But, he'd respected his privacy at the same time. Ironhide didn't want Will to feel alone and judging from his snappy retorts today in a commando bossy tone at him, Ironhide stood up. He finally walked out of his room. He is his war buddy. A brother he never had.

Will didn't leave his gaze. He watched his guardian quietly tiptoed out from his room, careful not to wake the other sleeping soldiers. Once the door squeaked, Will's mind wander what the other Autobots would look like in their human holoform and knew well now not to react rashly like he did to poor Ironhide; who could have swallow a bullet today...