Things were quiet in the small room, save for the soft hum of electricity…small by Autobot standards. The area was a tad farther off the beaten path the Ark's residents usually traveled; its only occupants being a table and chairs, a computer console, a couch…and a red haired teenager sitting on it.

She was plopped down in the middle of said couch; her legs dangling off the edge, motionless. Her body was noticeably hunched over; her long hair beginning to hang in front of her face. The sunglasses that usually laid to rest on her nose had long since been stowed away, revealing pale blue eyes-now strongly bloodshot due to sleep deprivation…and…there was that misty feeling again…

The girl quickly drew in a sharp intake of air, then slowly exhaled…but it was a bit shaky. Never the less, she attempted to stiffen her face…no…she wouldn't let that tear fall. She couldn't be weak…she wouldn't…she just had to gather herself is all. There were enough close calls already, especially with the run-in's with Sideswipe and Bumblebee. Her hands balled into fists as another urge shot through her…she was captured by Decepticons; she helped the Autobots…she was tougher than this. Don't show weakness…don't lose it…toughen up, because crying isn't going to help-his duty to the country taught her that…

…Dad…

Shut up, shut up, shut up…she wouldn't make her Mom any better if she saw her like this, and neither with the 'Bots…get it together…she'll survive…don't be a bother…don't become a worry…don't-
"Kayla?" asked a voice from behind.

The teen didn't move, except to check her jean pocket to find her communicator tucked away…he must have tracked the signal. With the rich, deep voice giving the person away, she answered, very quietly, "…hi, Optimus…"

There then came the sound of heavy footsteps approaching her. Both the noise, and the vibrations along with it, followed around the couch, then suddenly stopped. The pause signaled that he must have been regarding her a moment. But soon, there came the sound of creaking metal, and her body jumped slightly as he sat down beside her.

But the girl was so focused on the leader's actions, that she barely noticed the noise of a similar occurrence to her right, causing her another jump as another mech sat down on the other side of her. There was a long pause before an all-too familiar voice replied, slowly, "I, um…think ya' dropped dis'…"

Jazz…there was a rustle of paper, and something light tapped her shoulder…oh no…but with a sigh, she reached up and took back the note; sliding the remaining piece of her father back in her pocket. A moment of silence, and then, "…thanks…" Didn't matter how it got loose, or how they found it…there was no way out now…

The two Autobots looked up at each other briefly; both silently noting the red head's shaky hands…this wasn't going to be easy…then again, it never was. Their attention was then brought back to her as she drew another breath. Leaning forward ever so slightly, Optimus looked her over once more, then asked very gently, "Is there something you want to tell us?"

The tension was thick as the mechs awaited her answer. The teen barely moved a muscle, but her head drooped even more as her unseeing eyes blinked a few times. Another bout of silence, before she finally managed out, above barely a whisper, "…you read the letter…didn't you…?"

"Yeah…" was all the saboteur could say at the moment. He stared long and hard at his best friend; his frown deepening and spark sinking even more in utter devastation; knowing that her whole world was falling apart…and she said nothing to them. With a hand starting to inch toward her prone body, he finally asked in a soft, concerned tone, "Kayla…why didn't ya' tell us…?"

That voice…the care, the…pain behind it…it made her eyes get that misty feeling again…so she shut them…not now…not in front of them…not in front of Jazz. She'd just explain, and that'd be the end of it…but the words were hard in coming. However, the two flanking either side of her seemed to have all the patience in the world. It took a few sniffs and awkward starts, but eventually, the girl finally, after days of withdrawal, quietly began to talk.

"W-well…" she stuttered, "…y-…y-you-guys've-been in a war…for so long…seen so much…I-didn't think that…this would-be…make any-difference…to you…"

The teen fidgeted slightly; knowing the 'Bots were staring at her. The misty feeling was growing stronger, causing her to shut her eyes tighter. Taking a sharp breath, she began twiddling her fingers, but pressed on; voice still on the mumbling level, "A-and…I mean…you-know already that…I hate it when people-take pity on me…bad enough I-have a-handicap…I-don't need anyone-waiting hand and foot on me…"

It was getting harder to hold back…she thrust her hands in her lap in a vain attempt to hide how much they were trembling…and still, her two mech audience said nothing. Were they angry? Mad that she didn't tell them? She wouldn't be surprised…but she didn't plan on them finding out. The red head pressed her lips firmly together; trying to intake a shaky breath unnoticed. But when she finally spoke once more, nothing could hide her voice cracking a little, "It's not that I don't confide in you guys…I just…d-didn't wanna' be a-worry…all these-'Con attacks and…y-you have enough-trouble as it is…y-you don't-need me adding things to the plate…"

She slowly and shakily let out a soft sigh; apparently, that was the end…of the explanation, anyway. Her body noticeably tensed up as she now awaited her friends' response. For a long moment, all was silent as the two Autobots looked at each other, then back to the girl in utter disbelief. The whole time she spilled out her reasoning, both their sparks winced (Jazz most notably) as if they'd been stabbed, at each of her points. There was no question it was becoming increasingly difficult for her to even speak, but when she did, they were floored…mainly because she didn't tell them, not so much out of pain, but more because she was concerned for their well being. How long did she stay like this? Keeping everything bottled up like that…it must have made her sick…

Jazz was now leaning in closer to her; mouth starting to hang open. Optimus did the same, but it was he who spoke first. After the long, uneasy pause, he began in a very concerned, gentle voice, "Kayla…what in Primus' name could possibly make you think we wouldn't care?" He lightly patted her back as he continued, "When any one of my comrades have problems, they're always important…and they always come first and before my own." The red head twitched at his mention of perceiving her as a comrade. He let his hand drop as he went on, "And we know very well you're a strong, independent, young woman…but you should never be hesitant in asking for help…or more importantly, for someone to talk to-because we're always here to."

The teen remained quiet, but shuttered a bit…the pressure was building. Both her eyes and lips were now pressed as tightly as they could go…especially when Jazz started to speak. Picking up where his leader left off, he slowly drawled in a most caringly, almost spark-broken tone, "Yeah…if ya' keep it all inside ya', it hurts even more…don't ever do dat'-ya' made me worried; worried all've us." To that, he gave her a light pat of his own, "I thought I lost ma' friend fer' a while der'…I care 'bout ya'…" He let his hand drop as he finished in almost a whisper, "Afta' all…we're all one big ol' family."

The two Autobots sat still; watching her intently…for a brief moment, all was quiet…

…and then Kayla's shoulders began to shake…

…and she began to cry…

When the news of her father's passing first came, it struck her in such a way that made her go numb to everything…like walking in a dream-hoping to wake up…but now, the reality of it all, coupled with the care and concern of her friends, made everything drop down ten fold. She tried so hard…but her heart just couldn't take it anymore. All her strength, all her defenses, and all her barriers melted away; unleashing every ounce of pain, sadness, and grief she bottled up for nearly three weeks.

The sobbing had started off soft, with her body twitching; her back hunching over even more, and her breaths hitched. But when her shaky hands moved to her face, in order to cover up the obvious, it only made things worse…and gradually…the hard, increasing sobs…turned into very loud cries…very heart-broken…desperate cries…

Optimus had noticeably twitched; his spark breaking at the mere sight…but his hand hovered over her; not quite sure how to even begin to console her.

Until Jazz moved in…

His spark felt like it had been torn in two, and he himself cringed at the unfairness of it all; his best friend going to pieces over something he could do nothing about…but there was one thing he could do. In his most gentle voice, he whispered, "Heeaay…c'mere…"

Without another thought, his enormous hands slowly scooped themselves around the girl's frame. Her own hands wet with tears, they flew to her sides at the sudden movement; resisting for only a second. But in just as quick a movement, her body went limp, and she let herself be gently pulled over to his side. Her cries never decreased in volume, but it hardly mattered anymore. Such was this that she immediately burrowed into his leg-heaving the deepest sobs.

The saboteur looked down at his charge; her body shaking with a great intensity with each hitched outburst. Keeping both his hands protectively cupped around her, he used his thumb to slowly stroke her back; trying to soothe her in any way possible. As he began the massage of sorts, he lulled in a comforting tone, "Der', der'…it's gonna' be okay…"

It sure didn't seem that way to Kayla, who couldn't stop herself from wailing even more. Her very soul was tearing apart; she clung to him like a lifeline, and yet, wanted to get away-to not let anyone see her in this state. But the Porsche made it clear she wasn't going anywhere, by the way he held her, much like a mother hen. Lifting her head just a tad, she sputtered out, between exasperated gasps and hiccups, "B-b-but…I…I c-I c-c-can't…" Her voice cracked and trailed off when she coughed out another cry.

But Jazz already knew what she was trying to say, and put her fears to rest, "Yeah, ya' can…der's no shame in cryin'." He continued to rub circles across her back, which was still trembling…and the heaving, moans, and tears were still coming strong. But his optics never left her as he hushed in a soft, soothing voice, "Ssshhhhhh…jus' let it aaallll out…"

Optimus watched the whole scene in a saddened silence. Whether it was God or the Matrix that humans went to after death, he whispered a prayer that her father had made it without any trouble. He only wished he could do more…he had consoled many of his soldiers before, but upon learning of the girl's tragedy, he knew, without a doubt, that Jazz was the better mech for this. The two held a special bond, much like Chip and Prowl, and Spike and Bumblebee…he prayed it was strong enough to help her healing.

Still, Prime knew he needed to say something…so, with careful movement, he reached over and placed a hand on their embrace. He then muttered in a pained voice, "I'm so sorry…" The leader would never forget when the saboteur entered his quarters and handed him that forsaken note he'd found. He was sorry…not only for her loss, but that someone her age had to put up with all the hardships she'd gone through…no one deserved this-especially not her. Hopefully, the Autobots would be able to help-they'd all experienced a loss before, so everyone could relate. He hoped it'd be enough…

The teen's cries could still be heard, but thankfully, she'd noticeably calmed down a tad. It was then that she slowly turned in her seat and felt around. The black and white 'Bot eased up a bit on his grip to let her move, and it wasn't long before she found Optimus' hand. A river of tears continued to pour down her reddened face as she gave the enormous, blue hand a hard squeeze. The red head said nothing, but both mechs understood the gesture; it was both a "thank you", and a desperate way to try and gather strength…from someone; anyone. Without even thinking, Prime curled his thumb and index finger around her hand in a gentle squeeze of his own. But a minute later, her arm flopped back down, as if there were no feeling in it, and she merely remained still-gasping and shuttering all the while.

Optimus slowly withdrew his hand, while Jazz closed his grip around her once more. He continued to look down at his crying friend; feeling distressed and utterly helpless that he couldn't make it all go away. This girl…his soul mate practically…so young…his spark was literally aching-so badly-at seeing her suffer…that a single, trickle of blue optic fluid leaked down from under his visor. Prime's own optics widened as his gaze shifted upwards to his Special Ops. Agent, and he watched as the saboteur let go of his charge-for only a second-to wipe his face…he couldn't afford to break down right now; not when she needed him most.

A few more tense moments passed, with the saboteur caressing and consoling the girl in hushed tones. Eventually, the moans and heaving calmed a bit more, and she tiredly leaned against her friend; shedding quiet tears all the while. Without turning, she muttered, very softly, "…Optimus…?"

The leader, who was sitting in mournful silence, watching her, leaned in, "Yes?"

Another pause, and she sputtered out, "…t-the others…gonna' h-have to know…or they'll start askin'…"

"I understand", Prime finished with a nod of the head, "I'll tell them."

Kayla let out a sniff at Optimus' generosity of sparing her the pain of giving the explanation all over again. She didn't want him to be the bearer of bad news, but his gentle but firm tone made it clear he was doing it-no arguments. To that, all she could muster, above barely a whisper, was, "…t-thank you…"

With another pat of consolement, the leader rose to his feet, uttering, "I'll check on you later". He then gave her one more glance, then slowly walked towards the door…better to tell everyone now than to hold it off.

But just as he was about to leave, Jazz's voice sounded from behind, "Sir?" The Porsche's addressing made Prime turn; he always called him by his first name-it had to be extremely serious if he called him "sir". The leader locked optics with the saboteur, and said mech continued, "Code lock da' door…she-we need time…"

Optimus nodded in understanding…he knew this was going to take a while, and it wouldn't help matters if everyone started barging in. As the 'Bot took his leave, and the doors swished shut, the faint beeps and clicks of the security lock could be heard shortly after; ensuring their privacy.

The black and white 'Bot turned his attention back to his fellow musician as she sniffed and wiped the tears from her face as best she could. With a tired huff, she squeaked, "…Jazz…?"

"Hmm…?" he hummed in inquirement.

Before she said anything else, however, he carefully picked her up, and with quick, precise movements, he was soon, gently cradling her in his arm. He knew, deep in his spark, she needed this, and he did it as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

But the distressed girl had other thoughts. No sooner did he have her, she rolled to the side and attempted to squirm away. She knew she couldn't get down by herself, but she hoped the movement would tell him to put her down. Her voice teary and cracked, she muttered, "…you don't need to…"

But the saboteur would have none of it, and merely used his free hand to gently push her back into the crook of his arm. "Yeah, I do…" he soothed, "It ain't right ta' leave a family member 'lone."

A few more tears streaked down Kayla's face as she hiccupped and her unseeing eyes went wide at his words. Had the situation been different, Jazz would've laughed at her expression-he cared for her; what was so shocking about that? Knowing she was beat, the red head released all the tension in her body; leaned into his chest plate, and continued to sob. Now that she was at least semi relaxed, the 'Bot leaned back on the couch, then shifted his grip a little so she could snuggle closer. With his freehand, he gently began to stroke her head; whispering as many words of comfort as he could.

The two remained that way; one giving every last drop of his compassion and sympathy; the other being embraced in the loving hold of her fri…older brother…

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AN: After all this time of Kayla being the one who comforts the 'Bots, the roles have now reversed...