Honest Fact: I have a cousin who did what Zachary does when I was little. He now has his own little boy, who is around 4-5. He is not my basis for Benny. Benny acts more like Jackson...


I have no idea why I took so long on this chapter. I was forced to withdraw from my classes due to money issues, and am unable to work, so I have no excuse except writer's block and my PTSD and Autism.

Warnings: Spanking of an unruly three-year-old.

Songs used are: I Loved Her First by Heartland; Stealin' Cinderella by Chuck Wicks. Disclaimer in the first chapter (or second. I don't remember...)


"Normal Talk"

"Bee's Talk"

"Bee's Talk Holoform"

"Bee's Text-To-Talk"

"Other Side Over the Phone (Comms)"

'Thoughts'

~Bond communication~

~Telepathic communication~


Flower Girl Part 3

Half an Hour Later, Ratchet's POV

I step into the reception hall, carrying Mariposa on one hip. It's darker inside—the atmosphere almost looks orange—with several round tables scattered around the floor, and a large rectangular table off to one side with hor d'ourves and a chocolate fountain, and another one near the dance floor. Behind the dance floor, a DJ/MC is almost finished setting up his equipment, and is getting ready for a sound check.

"Dada, yook!" I glance to Mariposa before following her pointed finger to the ceiling to find orange cloth draped over the inset ceiling lights.

"I see, Sweetspark."

"Pwetty…"

"It is pretty." I turn back to the tables. All of them, save the one near the dance floor, have brown tablecloths and chairs with clear cubes filled with orange roses in the centers, surrounded by lit orange candles. The table by the dance floor has an orange tablecloth and the same brown chairs and centerpieces. Clear wine glasses are sitting on the tables, along with white plates and silver flatware. Tiny cards folded into tents are at each place.

I look closer at the first table's cards. The off-white card has orange borders, and writing in the center, also in orange. 'Ashley Rhodes… Huh. Name cards. Interesting…' I skim through the cards until I get to the last round table before the orange one, where a wooden high chair and booster seat are waiting. I check the namecard and nod before setting the bag Melody gave me on the chair.

I take Mariposa into the bathroom and change her before taking her out of her white flower girl dress and removing the wreath of roses on her head. I put the dress and wreath in a bag to take home, then dress her in a cap sleeved orange dress with gold flowers embroidered on, a full skirt, and a gold sash with an orange rose, then slip in an orange headband.

I take her out and put her in the high chair closest to the seat with my name at it, then move it closer. Its wooden, but painted pink and white, with gold and lavender trim and a tiara on the back.

"'Inky?"

I nod and slip the white and sunset colored pacifier into her mouth.

"'Ung'y, Dada."

I look around with a heavy sigh. "Hold on…" I look up before waving Sarah over to us.

She crosses her arms and glares at me. "What?"

"Cut the attitude, Missy." I sigh heavily. "I need to go find something for Mari to eat."

"Why don't I go get her some hors d'oeuvres so you can stay with her?"

I scoff. "Because she's only fifteen months! There's things up there she can't have yet! Stay with Mari." I all but storm to the hors d'oeuvers table. There's a fruit tray, a vegetable tray, and a cheese and cracker tray, with a chocolate fountain in the center of the table. I get a small plate and fill it with bite sized pieces of fruit: a piece each of watermelon, cantelope, and pineapple, a strawberry, a grape, and a slice of kiwi, then head back to the table with that and a glass of orange pineapple punch.

"Finally. Took you long enough, Pops." She huffs. "When will she go down for her nap?"

"She'll nap out here with me."

She scoffs before strutting away. I glare at Sarah's retreating form before turning back to Mariposa and fastening on her white and pink princess bib. I pour the punch into her bottle after tasting it to make sure there's nothing alcoholic inside, then cut the pieces of fruit into smaller pieces before setting them on her tray, then set the bottle beside them. Once Mariposa's eating her fruit, I turn to her diaper bag and pull out the sling I had Agent Fowler order. It's strong enough for a toddler, and therefore allows me to let Mariposa recharge while I enjoy the reception.

I sit beside her and watch her eat the fruit, then wash her hands and face with a baby wipe and take off her bib. I slip off her shoes and secure her into the orange ring sling I had brought with me on the off chance she wouldn't nap for Sarah. I pull out her usual energon bottle and hand it to her, then clip the pacifier to her dress sleeve with a white and pink princess clip, then simply wander around the room. I know the movement will help her get to sleep faster, and I'd like to try some of the human's fruit as well.

She yawns before looking up at me. "Yoves Dada."

I smile down at her as she slips the bottle into her mouth and closes her eyes. "I love you too, Sweetheart." I run a finger along her cheek as she drifts off. Once I'm sure she's down, I settle into my seat with her and slip her now-empty bottle into the diaper bag before slipping her pacifier into her mouth. I then lean back and wait for the reception to start.


Jasper Park, Bumblebee's POV

I grin as I chase after Brandon. We've now abandoned our stick "swords" and playset "boat" for tag, and I'm "it".

"Can't get me!"

I know I can, but I don't want to make it seem like I'm inhuman—even though I am—so I hold back. Jack can keep up with me pretty well, but Brandon's a lot slower than the two of us. So are Jack's sisters, who have joined us in our game. I grin and swerve off to tag Jack instead.

Jack laughs happily as I tap him on the shoulder. Brandon runs to "Home base", which is the light post beside June. Jack runs after him and puts his hands on his hips. "1, 2, 3, get off my father's apple tree."

"4, 5, 6, I own this." Brandon sticks his tongue out and crosses his arms.

Jack laughs. "7, 8, 9, this tree is mine." He reaches out and tags Brandon before running away.

"Hey! No fair!" Brandon darts after Jack as June stands.

"Come on, Kids! It's time to go!"

Brandon freezes in his tracks. "Aww…"

"But Mom!"

"Come on." She smiles. "We're going to play some games back at the house."

I grin and run over to the van, getting there before anyone. I don't mind being in the war, but sometimes, I like being allowed to just be a kid.


Vegas, Ratchet's POV, 1:30 PM

"Rick?"

I look up at the soft voice to find the wedding planner leaning down to me. "They're getting ready for introductions. Where's Mari?"

I nod down to the sling with a soft sigh. "She's asleep…"

"No problem. I was going to have you carry her anyway." She smiles. "If you'll come with me?"

I stand, careful to not wake Mariposa. "Of course, but…" I sigh softly. "Where are we going?"

"The MC is going to introduce the wedding party now, and Mari's a part of it."

I nod quickly before following her.


The DJ/MC picks up the microphone and turns down the music to where it's almost unnoticeable. "It's time to announce our Bridal Party!" Everyone claps. "Amy Walters and John Mathers!" The two walk in as everyone claps again. They bow slightly at the center of the dance floor before finding their way to their seats at either end of the orange table. "Kate and Eric Walters!" They bow at the center of the dance floor as well, but continue to the same table where I left Mariposa's things. "The Maid of Honor and the Best Man: Melody Walters and Zachary Carter!" The two grin as they pause in the center of the dance floor, then continue like the first two to the orange table. "Our Ring Bearer, Benny Walters, being carried in by his new cousin, Sarah Carter!" Sarah twirls with a grinning Benny in her arms before stepping over to our table and setting him on the chair with the booster before walking over to where her namecard is and sitting down. "Our beautiful Flower Girl: Marianne Anderson!" I sigh heavily and walk out. "Where is our Flower Girl?" Madison leans over to the DJ/MC with a smile and whispers something. "Oh…" He turns back to the crowd with a soft laugh. "Marianne's asleep right now. This is her father, Richard Anderson." I nod and return to my seat with an audible sigh. "And now, the moment we've all been waiting for. I am pleased to announce the arrival of Isabelle and Jackson Carter!"

Everyone stands and claps as the bride and groom stop on the dance floor, grinning and waving. A contry song I am not familiar with starts playing as the two begin to dance. Everyone stares at the couple as they dance.

I watch silently as Benny scowls before sliding out of his chair and toddling toward the dance floor. I try to get his parent's attention without interrupting the dancing couple, but they refuse to acknowledge me.

I sigh heavily as he grabs his aunt's dress and tugs. She glances down to him with a longsuffering look, only for him to grab her hand and pull her toward our table. His parents don't even turn to the dance floor, but rather continue whispering to each other.

I shake my head and stand before darting to the dance floor and picking up the toddler, causing him to let out an ear-piercing scream. I carry him with my arms outstretched, with him now kicking as well as screaming, and set him in his booster. "Now, young man, you stay there this time, or you're getting a spanking."

"You will not hit my son."

I glare at Kate and shake my head. "Then keep an eye on him, because he just interrupted their first dance!"

"Our little angel wouldn't do that!"

"Your little "angel" is…" I shake my head as I notice he's about to tug on Izzy's dress yet again. I smirk. "Doing it again."

"He's what?" Kate turns and gasps before running over and grabbing Benny before sitting with him on her lap.

I stand and nod toward the toddler. "Hand him here."

"I—"

"If you don't remain consistent in discipline, he will continue to misbehave, Kate. He was told he would get spanked if he continued to interrupt their first dance, and he did so."

She sighs heavily before standing. "I'm coming with you, to make sure you don't hurt him."


We step into the empty hall, and Kate sets Benny on the ground. I sigh and go down on one knee before smacking the toddler on his behind three times, hard enough for him to feel, but not so hard it'll bruise. I then set him down and crouch in front of him before gently lifting his head so I can look into his eyes. "Benny, do you know what you did wrong?"

"Noffin'…"

Kate sighs softly. "Benny, you can't keep trying to pull Auntie Izzy away from Jackson. They're married now."

"Bu' she my Aun' Izzy…"

I smile slightly before wiping the tears off his face with a thumb. "The best part of love is that it's always growing, Benny. Izzy's never gonna stop loving you. No matter what happens, she'll always be your aunt."

Kate nods. "Rick's right, Sweetheart. She's not going to forget about you." She picks him up before turning to me. "How did you know what to do?"

I shrug. "I raised a couple kids before I got Mari."

"Really? How old?"

I smile slightly. "My niece is twenty now, but I took care of her for six years, and I just adopted a ten year old boy whom I've raised for the last five years." I shrug before turning toward the door. "Disciplining a toddler always hurts the parent more than it does the child. Remember that. You never hit hard enough to bruise them, just hard enough for them to learn."


I return to my seat and glance down to make sure the noise didn't wake Mariposa before settling in to listen to the toasts. Mariposa isn't supposed to wake up for another hour and fifteen minutes, which means I'll get to enjoy myself for a while.

I wind up nibbling on the fruit through the speaches. I had been too rushed this morning to get any energon, so it won't cause any problems if I decide to enjoy some human food today.

It's not long before they announce that Dinner is served. I glance down at Mariposa nervously before glancing around. Izzy stands and starts toward a table I hadn't noticed before. She pauses and leands down to me before whispering. "It's a buffet. I made sure there were things Mari and Benny would eat." She straightens before smiling at me, then she continues toward the table.

I glance down at Mariposa again before starting up to the table. I guess I can get her something now, and keep it covered until she wakes up.

I get the two plates—mine almost full, while hers barely has anything on it—and set them at our places before heading back over to the fruit tray on the hor d'ourves table. I get a couple pieces of pineapple and a couple strawberries, and cover them in chocolate from the fountain before getting a couple pieces of watermelon as well, but leave them chocolate-free.

I return to our table and set the watermelon pieces on her plate before setting the plate of chocolate covered fruit beside the other, then turn back to the first plate and tear the chicken into small pieces. I then turn to my own plate and start eating slowly. I've never really tasted human food before, save the cake from Mariposa's and Jack's parties, and I have to say, humans have it better than we do sometimes.


Vegas Golf Court, 3:00 pm, Ratchet's POV

I look down when I feel something shift against my chest, and smile at Mariposa's sleepy smile. "Hey there, Sweetheart. How was your nap?" I take off the sling and set her into the high chair and fasten her bib back on before setting the plate with the pieces of chicken, a small scoop of macaroni and cheese, and the watermelon in front of her. She starts eating it using her fingers, getting it all over her face and hands in the process. She's usually able to use a spoon, but I didn't put one in her bag, and the ones here are far too big for her to use.

I feel a tap on my shoulder and look up to see Izzy with something small and silver in her hand. She holds it out with a smile. "I almost forgot we ordered this for her."

I take it from her and see that it's a silver spoon that says "Little Princess" on the handle. "Thank you." I take out a baby wipe and use it on her hands, then hand her the spoon. She gives me a grateful cheesy smile and squeals as she waves it in the air. I cringe at the thought of her throwing it across the room, but she thankfully doesn't, and starts eating her macaroni and cheese with it instead of her fingers. Her chicken's gone already, but she still has her watermelon, and I haven't fed the chocolate covered fruits to her yet either—I plan to do that myself.

She giggles and holds a spoon by my mouth. "Dada ea'!"

I laugh softly and shake my head. "No thank you, Sweetheart. You eat that."

"Dada no ea'?"

"I already ate, Sweetheart. Now it's your turn."

"Oh…" She sets the spoon down and looks at me with a small smile. "No 'ung'y?"

"Yep." I pick up her spoon and try to feed her the last bite of macaroni and cheese.

She reaches for the spoon and whimpers. "I do!"

I smile weakly and hand her the spoon. She puts the bite in her mouth and chews it as she smiles up at me. I'm not too worried, since her first molars are in—those were miserable for both of us. She finishes her watermelon quickly, then reaches for one of the chocolate covered strawberries. I smile at her as I pick it up for her, and let her take a bite. Her little face lights up at the taste of the chocolate covered fruit, and she quickly chews it before looking up at me, eyes begging for more. "All right." I smile and hold out the berry again. This continues for at least five minutes before the two strawberries and pineapple slices are gone.

The DJ/MC steps up and holds up the microphone with a smile. "It's time for the Bride to dance with her father." He steps back and starts playing another country song, but this one, I recognize. It's called "I Loved Her First", by Heartland. The bride and her father step onto the dance floor and start dancing slowly.

Time changes everything
Life must go on
And I'm not gonna stand in your way

I can tell Bob doesn't want to let his daughter go. I can't imagine it'll really be easy, I mean, I've only had Mariposa for less than a year, and I already can't imagine losing her.

From the first breath she breathed
When she first smiled at me
I knew the love of a father runs deep

I smile slightly and run a hand over Mariposa's head gently, causing her to look up to me. "You'll always be my little princess, won't you?" She grabs my hand and giggles as I run a finger over her cheek.

We both turn toward the dance floor when we hear the music stop. The DJ/MC grins into the microphone. "Now, before we open the dance floor, we'd like to see all the dads with daughters on the dance floor with their daughters for a special father-daughter dance."

I glance to Izzy for a moment before taking Mariposa out of her high chair and starting up with the other fathers. Bob's still out, but he's got Amy now, rather than Izzy. Jackson's dad has Sarah, and there's another man with two little girls: one on his hip, and one in front of him. The toddler is wearing a lace and tulle sundress, while the preschooler is wearing a satin sundress, both in a pale orange.

The music starts, and a country song called "Stealing Cinderella" starts to play. Of course, dancing with a toddler is a lot different than dancing with an adult, since you're either holding the child, or letting her stand on your feet. Having her on my feet is awkward, to say the least, so I choose to hold her instead.

She was playing Cinderella
She was riding her first bike
Bouncing on the bed and looking for a pillow fight
Running through the sprinkler with a big popsicle grin
Dancing with her dad, looking up at him
In her eyes I'm Prince Charming
But to him I'm just some fella
Riding in and stealing Cinderella

"I can't wait to watch you do all those things, Little One." Mariposa giggles up at me. I smile down at her gently. The song ends within a few minutes, and Mariposa and I head back to our table. I set her on my lap rather than putting her back into the high chair.

The DJ/MC picks up the microphone again. "We're now opening the floor for free dance."

I watch the couples flood the dance floor before glancing down to Mariposa to find her looking up at me.

"Dada? I go?" She points to the dance floor. "Wan' p'ay."

"Not too far, Sweetheart. I still have to see you."

She slides off my lap and drags me by the hand toward the dance floor before stopping at the edge. "I p'ay. You s'ay."

I nod, and simply sigh heavily. "I'll be right here, Mari."

"Who's spoiling their kid now?"

I glance to my side to find Kate, and answer while never taking my eyes off the toddling princess. "You were withholding discipline. I am watching her closely, while still allowing her freedoms. I have rules she is never allowed to break, but she is still a baby in many ways, and has yet to learn what a consequence is."

Kate crosses her arms. "Meaning you don't spank her."

"She hasn't given me a reason to yet, so no, I haven't. That doesn't mean that I won't when she gives me a reason. She just…hasn't done anything I wouldn't expect a child her age to do."

"And how would you know how she's supposed to act?"

"I may be a field medic, but I'm a doctor too. I saw many children before I went into the military, and I know what they'll be prone to do that might be annoying, and what is misbehavior that needs corrected. Mari's wanting to play on the dance floor is normal—she sees the others having fun, and wants to join in. allowing her prevents a tantrum, and keeping an eye on her prevents injury, so she's allowed to enjoy herself."

"What about that?"

I look up to find Mariposa spinning on the dance floor and giggling. "She isn't doing anything wrong."

Suddenly, Mariposa stops spinning and staggers into Zachary's legs. He feins losing his balance and plops onto his butt before giving Mariposa a startled look, causing her, as well as Benny and a few other young children to giggle.

"What about that?"

Mariposa gives me a dizzy look and giggle before smiling up at me. "A toddler being a toddler, and an adult being a kid."

"Fine. Whatever. Let your daughter run around like a maniac, and punish my perfect little angel." She scoffs before walking off to find her husband, leaving their toddler with Sarah.

I step over and carry Mariposa away from the dancing crowd to a quieter place where she can run without breaking anything. She's not down for very long before I hear a terrified sounding scream from the closest corner. I turn quickly, scared that Mariposa's being taken, and my eyes land on a familiar red monster leaning against a flower pot. "Primus, no…" I run for the toddler who is now howling loud enough to be heard over the music, and alerting several anxious parents—and one well-trained social worker—to the terrified child. I reach Mariposa at the same time as Izzy herself, and scoop her up before turning her so she can bury her face into my chest. "Shhh, Little One… Daddy's here…"

"No 'Mo… 'Mo 'cawy…"

"I know, Little One. I know…" I turn to Izzy and smile weakly. "Sorry about this…"

"Don't be." She lays a hand on my shoulder. "She's been traumatized, Rick."

"Still…"

"Don't." She smiles gently. "Take her out so you can calm her down. I'll take care of the doll." She scowls. "Ash's been asking for this for a long time now…"

"Thank you." I grab her bag and rush into the hall before she can disrupt anymore of the reception. I quicky find a spot to sit with her, and set her on my lap were she can see me. "It's okay now, Sweetspark…"

"No 'Mo?"

"No more Elmo." I pull out the doll her Great Grandmother sent her.

"Baby!"


Inside, Third POV

Izzy storms over to where Ashley is dancing with her husband while her five kids run wild. "Ash!"

"Iz! I'm trying to have some fun here!"

Izzy pulls her off the dance floor, and over to the Bedtime Elmo doll beside the flower pot in the corner. "What the hell were you thinking?! Mari's terrified of Elmo!"

"What the hell was I thinking!? Why the hell did you choose some random military baby over my daughters!?"

Izzy sighs heavily. "Your daughters have never behaved themselves around me, and you know it. Mari's behaved."

"Until now."

"She panicked because she saw your kids Elmo dolls! She's got PTSD, Ashley! I was specific in my invitations to keep anything Sesame Street away from the venue for Marianne's security!"

"What was I supposed to do? Let Ella and Eli throw a fit because they couldn't have their dolls?"

"Hire a babysitter and leave the twins at home!"

"You care more about that army brat than your godkids, don't you!?"

Izzy bends over to pick up the Bedtime Elmo doll and holds it out to her between two fingers. "Either put the dolls away, or take the kids home, Ashley. Marianne is my first case, and she is highly traumatized, not to mention her father is a good friend of mine. We've barely seen each other since college!"

Ashley huffs. "Fine!" She walks over to where her husband is waiting with their kids. "We're leaving!" She turns to Ashley. "And don't be surprised when you don't get invited to anymore birthday parties!"

Izzy shakes her head and sighs heavily. "It's worth it, Iz. No sense crying over spilt milk. Ash has always thought she was better than everyone else, and she never deserved a friend like you to begin with…"


Hallway, Ratchet's POV

Izzy steps into the hall on the opposite side of the venue. "Rick?" She crouches beside the duo and lays a hand on his shoulder. "How is she?"

"Better, thank God." I sigh and stand before moving Mariposa to my hip.

"'Zy, yook! Me baby!"

"I can see her, Sweetheart. She's pretty." She smiles, and holds out her hands to Mariposa. "Can I carry you?"

She giggles and throws hersef toward the agent. "Yay! Go 'Zy!"

Izzy smiles down at her and turns for the door. "I'll take care of her, Rick. Go ahead and relax for a few minutes."

I nod, and settle back into the chair, choosing to take solace in the silence out here rather than return to the party just yet. I know Mariposa will be safe with Izzy.

I choose to head back inside before too long, mainly because I'm worried about how my daughter is handling being with someone other than me.

The first thing I notice is that, once again, no one is watching Benny. The three-year-old ring bearer is playing in the chocolate fountain, getting his hands and face smeared with the substance in the process. Before I have the chance to stop the toddler, he runs toward the dance floor—and his parents—still covered in chocolate. I sigh heavily and follow the messy toddler.

"Mommy! Mommy!" Benny waves his chocolate covered hands excitedly as he reaches his mother and starts reaching for her skirt. "I pway chocowate!"

"No, Benny!"

He reaches for her skirt again. "Bu' I pway chocowate!"

"No! You're covered in chocolate! Don't touch my dress!"

"Wanna pway chocowate!" The three-year-old then throws himself on the dance floor, kicking and screaming worse than Mariposa had done because of her panic attack.

Izzy sighs heavily and passes Mariposa to me, then hands Kate a wet napkin. Kate quickly wipes off his hands and face, then carries him, still kicking and screaming, into the hall.

I shake my head. "That kid…"

"I couldn't agree more…" Izzy sighs. "I just wish I'd had another option for ring bearer, so I wouldn't have had to use him…"


5:00 pm, Ratchet's POV

"It's time for the bride and groom to cut the cake!"

I look up from where I'm teaching Mariposa to play patty-cake while she sits in the high chair they provided.

"Dada?"

"They're getting ready to cut the cake, Sweetspark."

"Ca'e? Dada! Wan' ca'e!"

"I know, Little One, but you have to wait a little bit longer, okay?"

"Otay…" She smiles up at me sweetly.

I nod, and turn toward the cake. It's three tiers, and white, with orange scrollwork and ribbons around the base, and four white roses on the top. I watch as they cut out a small piece each before feeding it to each other. 'That's sweet.'

"Dada!"

I sigh softy and turn to the toddler. "What's wrong, Little One?"

"Wan' ca'e!"

I turn back to the cake, and smile when I find them starting to slice the cake into actual slices for their guests now. "I'll go get some, all right?" I wave Sarah over.

"What now?"

"I need someone to sit with Mari while I get some cake for us."

She huffs angrily. "Fine." She flops into my chair and starts playing a game on her phone.

I shake my head and head over to the cake table. If Mariposa needs something, she'll call me. I grab two slices of the white cake before carrying them over to the toddler and cranky teenager.

Sarah stands and looks at the two slices of cake. "What did you get me?"

I simply scoff and set the plates on the table before crossing my arms. "Nothing. You have legs, and arms. Get your own cake." I set one of the slices on Mariposa's tray before handing her the silver spoon Izzy had given us.

"Me ca'e? I ea'?"

"Yes, that's your cake. Go ahead and eat it, Sweetspark."

She squeals and digs the tiny spoon into her slice of cake before putting it into her mouth, and giggles. "Num-num!"

"You like it?" She nods and giggles before returning to her cake. I can't help but smile as I turn to my own slice.


"Dada? Wan' p'ay." I turn to Mariposa to find her looking up at me. "Dada! Wan' p'ay!" She points over to where Zachary is playing with Benny and a few other toddlers near the dance floor. As I watch, he pick Benny up and flips him upside down. The toddler squeals, but quickly starts giggling. "Go p'ay?"

I nod, and start cleaning her up. "You can go play." I set her on the floor and watch her toddle toward the Best Man and the surrounding toddlers.

She stops by Zachary and smiles up at him. "Up?" Zachary turns to her with a huge smile, and picks her up before flipping her head-over-heels. She squeals in surprise before giggling. She pouds at him as he flips her right side up again. "'Gain! 'Gain!"

Zachary glances over at me. I sigh heavily and shake my head. She just ate, and I don't need her purging. "Sorry, Cupcake, but your Daddy says no."

"Dada! Wan' 'gain!"

I shake my head and turn as she runs to me. "Sweetheart, you just ate." I take her tiny hands in mine and lean down to her level. "You have to wait a little bit before you can play like that, okay?"

She whimpers, but looks up at me. "Do 'gain…"

"I know you want him to flip you again, but you'll have to wait until later." I glance up and smile at Zachary, who nods before walking away. "Smells like someone needs a change."

Kate steps over. "Seems like things are winding down…" She nods down to Mariposa. "You getting ready to leave?"

I shake my head before standing with Mariposa. "Nope. She's still in a good mood, and it's not too close to her bedtime for me to be worried."

Kate sighs before falling into step with me as I carry Mariposa toward the bathroom so I can change her. "What was that?"

"Excuse me?"

"What were you saying to her?"

I scoff before laying Mariposa down so I can take off her dirty diaper. While we were getting Bumblebee's school supplies, I got the new slip-on diapers, which makes it easier for me to change her, but I still have to lay her down to clean her up. "I was telling her why I can't let Zachary flip her right now. I would have allowed it to keep going, but she just ate, and I don't want her getting sick."

"Babies puke, Rick. It's going to happen one way or another. You have to let them have their fun. They're only young once."

"I am more aware of that than you think, Kate." I set her on her feet and pull on her clean diaper before sitting her down so I can put her tights and shoes back on, then pick her up and start back to the table. "But she also needs to learn at an early age to listen to me. With everything she's been through, the sooner she learns to listen, the better."

She squirms before trying to fling herself out of my arms. "Dada down! I do!"

I shrug and set the now-squirmy toddler on her feet. "I'm not going to hold her back too much, of course." I grab her hand before she can get too far away. "She'll still get to be her own person, but I want to protect her where I can. She's only fifteen months, Kate."

"Benny was eating dirt and running us both ragged when he was her age."

"He still is." I sigh softly and slide into my seat before setting Mariposa on my lap. "And Mari has her moments, Kate. I'm not going to punish her for being a toddler. I will, however, punish her for lot listening, or breaking a rule."

"Inky?"

I nod and slip the pacifier out of my pocket before handing it to her, and watch as she slips it into her mouth before turning back to Kate. "As I said before, I have a set list of rules, one I may or may not have to add to as she gets older, but for now, they'll do."

"And you won't punish her for a tantrum?"

"Toddler behavior." I shrug. "Punishment if she hits or bites, or throws something—time out, because she can't really help it, and even then, sparingly—and not giving into her wishes."

"So you're not going to spank her?"

"No, I am going to spank her when she breaks a rule, not when she is out of control and scared."

"Let's have all the unmarried ladies on the dance floor for the bouquet toss!"

"Oh-ho! This is gonna be good!" Kate smirks and turns to watch the group of women and girls on the dance floor. Izzy turns her back to the crowd of girls and tosses her flowers over one shoulder. Sarah, who had been standing closest to us, catches it.

Sadly, she's standing right in Mariposa's line of sight. "Dada… Me wan'…"

"Mari…"

She starts reaching for the bouquet in Sarah's hands. "ME WAN'!"

Sarah glares at the baby, still holding her prize close to her chest. "What the hell does she want!?"

"Language, young lady! There's a baby right here!" I sigh heavily. "She wants the bouquet, Sarah."

Sarah huffs. "Well, she's not getting it! I caught it fair and square!"

Kate laughs as Mariposa starts screaming in my lap. "First tantrum?"

"Not by a long shot. Third or fourth in the last two days." I sigh heavily. "Keeping in mind that she has PTSD, and she hasn't been sleeping well." I turn Mariposa to where she's facing me. "You can't have that, Little One. It's Sarah's now."

"DADA!"

I pull her to my chest and hold her, letting her cry out her frustration. After a moment, I stand, and carry Mariposa into the hall before pacing the length of it in an attempt to calm her down. She does after a minute, thankfully, but I keep walking, hoping to keep her that way, and savoring the feeling of the warm child cuddled into my chest, and the tiny head resting on my shoulder.

"Rick?" I look up to find Izzy walking over toward us. "Is she okay?" I nod. "I should have done this before the bouquet toss, but the whole fiasco with Ashley threw me off."

"Done what?"

She sighs softly. "I had the florist make a bouquet for Mari." Mariposa sticks her head up when she hears her name. "They're fake, but I figured she wouldn't mind…"

She turns to Izzy and squeals when she sees the orange, leaf-trimmed bouquet of roses in Izzy's hand. "Mi'e?"

"Yes, Sweetheart. This one's yours."

"Pwetty…" Izzy hands it to her before laying a hand on my arm. "Think she can handle the last five minutes?"

I nod, then smile at the toddler who is now playing with one of the leaves on the bottom of the bouquet in her hands. "I think we can handle that…" I start for the door before glancing over my shoulder. "And Izzy?" I wait for her to turn to me. "Thank you. You didn't have to get her a bouquet."

"I wanted to—as a reminder of her first time…"


I stand near the dance floor with Mariposa in my arms, watching the last dance while bouncing her gently. She babbles softly, supposedly talking to the bouqet she got from Izzy.

The music ends before we're really ready for it to, and Mariposa and I join the rest of the crowd that's now throwing rice and birdseed at the newlyweds, who are trying to climb into a white limozine covered in orange and white streamers. I watch in confusion as the vehicle pulls away, then glance back to Mariposa. "Come on, Sweetheart. Let's get you changed."

"Come on, Benny."

"Aun' Izzy go bye-bye…"

"Yep." Kate smiles. "She'll come back to visit, just like always, Buddy." She bends over and picks him up. "Come on, it's time to get you changed."

I look over at her as she follows me toward the family bathroom. "He's still in diapers?"

She shrugs. "You'll be able to tell when they're ready, Rick. Some kids aren't ready until they're four or five." She lays him on the changing table before changing him, then dressing him in an orange polo and jeans before moving so I can get Mariposa ready to leave. "I hope I'll get to see you and Mari around, Rick…"

"You too, Kate." I nod to her before turning and laying Mariposa on the changing table. Once I have her changed, I dress her in a white sundress with a red, orange, and yellow floral print and a green waistband, a green denim jacket, white tights, and the white Mary Jane shoes Izzy had put on her this morning, then start outside to my vehicle mode. Once I have Mariposa secured, I comm back to base for a bridge.


Jasper, Nevada, Ratchet's POV

Once we're in the base, I pull straight out, not stopping to get Mariposa out. I need to get Bumblebee before I fix Mariposa's supper.

I pull up outside June's house, and smile when I find the five kids, plus a boy I haven't met before, playing on the driveway while June watches from the steps. "Bailey, your Dad's here!"

Bumblebee starts toward my vehicle mode with a grin. "Thanks, Mrs. Darby! I'll see you guys Wednesday!"

I wait until he's inside before addressing him. "Did you have fun?"

"Yes!" He grins. "Jack, Brandon, and I played pirates at the playground, and June made cupcakes for us! She taught us some really cool games, too!"

"Glad you had fun, Bee." I sigh softly. "I need to get Mari home and get her supper ready so she can get to bed. After she's down, we can see if Optimus still wants to have a sparring session."

"Thank you!" He sighs. "Primus, I'd almost forgotten what it was like to be a kid."

"I guess it's a good thing I've got you in school, then. You'll get the chance to be a kid, and have all the problems that come along with it."

"Aw, come on, Ratch!"

"Nope. You wanted this." I pull into the base and let him and Mariposa out before transforming with a chuckle. "Berthtime at eight, youngling. I'd better find you in berth by that time." I take Mariposa and allow him to return to his normal form, then carry Mariposa into our room and set her into her high chair before turning to get her supper ready. Tonight she gets chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, and carrots out of a Graduates package, and apple juice in a bottle. Once she's eating, I turn to unpack her diaper bag, and hang the garmet bag holding her flower girl dress in the closet. I get an overnight diaper and her pajamas laid out, then look her over before sighing. She doesn't need a bath tonight, but I'm sure she needs to sleep.

"Dada! I dum!"

I turn to her with a soft laugh. "That's done, Sweetspark."

"I dum! Wan' dow'!"

I shrug, and take her out before washing off her hands and face with a wipe, then change her into the overnight diaper and a white sleeper with a blue and periwinkle butterfly print and blue collar and cuffs. I then carry her into the bathroom and brush her teeth with her banana-shaped toothbrush and flavored toothpaste, then settle in the metal rocking chair Bulkhead built. The mech may drive me nuts most days, but he's amazing when it comes to construction.

"'Towy? Wan' 'inky."

I nod, and slip her a new white pacifier with "Flower Girl", then pull out the datapad Bumblebee gave her, and choose the story about the Star Healer's first mission. "Tonight… The Star Princess is facing her first battle with Sentinel."


I slip out of the room and close the door quietly before joining Optimus and Bumblebee in the main room. I sigh softly before sitting on the lower part of the platform.

"Is Mariposa down for the night, Old Friend?"

"Yeah…" I sigh heavily. "I just hope she stays down for a while…"

Optimus turns from the computers. "Hard day?"

I nod and shift to where I'm leaning on my knees. "Who knew one human sparkling could be so exhausting?"

"The internet?" I look up to find Arcee walking in from the hall. She stops in front of me and crosses her arms. "Don't complain about human sparklings until you've dealt with a human newspark, Ratchet. I've joined a few parenting groups online using my holoform designation, and they're always telling about their newsparks waking up every two hours to be changed and fed. Not even Electro woke up that often."

I sigh heavily. "I bet those parents are really jealous of you…"

"Yeah. He's already recharging through the night, and I'm sure Sunset has been too."

I hear Optimus walk back into the room. "For the most part. She wakes once in a while from nightmares of her Sire." A steaming cube of medium grade appears in front of me. "Though she is not the only one with a traumatizing past involving Megatron."

I take the cube and give Optimus a grateful smile. "Thank you." I drink about half the cube before glancing over to Bumblebee with a sigh. "Bumblebee was wondering—"

Said mech bounces on his heels excitedly. "Would we still be able to spar tonight? Please? I won't get to much after Wednesday!"

"If your Carrier will allow it."

"Ratch?"

"Go ahead, but remember: berth time is no later than eight. I'll be in to check."

"I will make sure he is in berth on time, Ratchet. You look like you need to head to berth yourself."

I finish the rest of the cube and stand. "I appreciate it, Optimus, but he is my son."

"I can help out for one night. After all, I am his Guardian." He nods toward Bumblebee with a smile. "Come. We only have half an hour before your berthtime."


I step back into my berthroom with a soft sigh before slipping into my berth. I don't know if Optimus put something in the warmed energon he gave me, or if it's just the warmth of it that's lulling me into recharge. I only hope Mariposa doesn't wake up during the night. We both really need the recharge.