Chapter 18
The school week leading up to spring break has been a rough one, especially for Jack.
First, ever since the party last Friday, word had gotten out that he and Arcee had become very intimate in their spare time. While technically it's true that they did have their fun on the weekend, the school was talking about what Arcee had told the girls while she was drunk. The former two-wheeler started to babble about their rides they used to have when she was an Autobot but obviously, the girls had taken the word 'ride' into the wrong context. They had spread the word and since they had the weekend to do it, the whole school knew about Jack and Arcee when Monday rolled around. The couple hated the attention since it wasn't true, but as much as they dismissed the idea, people just didn't believe them. More than five times a day would Jack get a congratulatory high-five or a fist bump from a guy telling him how lucky he is. As for Arcee, girls looked at her with newfound respect and while she noticed Sierra starting to back down from going after her boyfriend, others have sprouted, looking for the opportunity to be with an 'experienced' guy.
Probably the most annoying thing from the entire situation was the fact that the other Autobots, along with Miko and Raf heard about the rumor and it was a lot harder to convince them that it was fake. Since the 'bots lived with him, they started to piece together why Arcee had acted exceptionally happy that morning, along with any other times the female started to act 'strange'. While Jack and Arcee knew that they did get one of them right, they weren't about to tell them about it and continued to stick to their word. Now Miko was another story and no matter what they told her, she shot it down. She's been bugging him for the entire week, cracking lame jokes about the bedroom or asking him sexual questions. Jack hated it and he could tell that the Japanese girl was doing the same thing to Arcee.
Now the other thing that's been bothering Jack was the news about him beating up Vince and snapping his arm. The bully had been in the hospital for a couple days getting his arm back in place, and as soon as he came back to school, he started to spread the rumor that Jack had attacked him. Of course, everyone knew that Vince was always full of shit and didn't believe him one bit, even telling Jack how great it was to see that he was beaten up again. However, a hand few of Vince's followers did buy his story and started to target Jack, mocking him and pushing him around. Jack had made many new 'friends' but also many new enemies. Lucky for him, Jack's friends jumped to his aid, trying to stop Vince's rumor from going around any further. They stuck to their word, completely forgetting about the situation and they chalked it up as an emotional breakdown. Jack was thankful that he had a family like them who would stick by his side no matter what.
...
"Hurry up babe, we're going to be late."
"I'm coming!"
Jeez, even from another planet girls are still extremely slow at getting ready.
Jack heard Agent 000 laugh. Downside to having a girlfriend?
Eh... maybe. But whenever she takes her time like this, she looks amazing afterwards.
Guess we'll see kid.
Jack looked up at the stairs when he heard small footsteps coming down. Slowly, Arcee turned the corner, showing off every part of her outfit. She had a nice white dress on that reached down to her knees with her entire backside exposed. She didn't wear stockings like last time, but her legs were still emphasised by her dress. Once again, she smirked and walked down the rest of the stairs, moving and swaying her hips.
Jack was watching her closely, mesmerized by her beauty. Although, this time around, he didn't freeze up like usual. He had gotten used to seeing his girlfriend were clothes that astounded him and had learned to control his shock. Nonetheless, she had once again pulled off another amazing look; a bit fancy but just enough to still look hot.
"How do I look?" She asked, twirling around.
Jack put his hands on her hips and pulled her in. "Amazing."
Arcee giggled and smiled. "Oh Jack, I can't wait to tell the others about what we're planning. I wonder what they'll say."
"They'll probably be fine with it. After all, I did take care of everything."
"I'm so excited. Just you and me, it's going to be so romantic."
Jack smiled and gave her a playful kiss. "Let's go."
He led her out the door, holding her hand as they headed for the car.
...
June laid out the final plates of food onto the nicely decorated table. She put her hands on her hips and sighed in relief as she looked at her handiwork.
Originally when her son had asked if they could have a family dinner, she thought he meant at a restaurant. Instead, here she was, in the Autobot base, setting up the final pieces for their dinner.
She had to admit, she was quite excited for this. This was going to be the first time their entire 'family' got together and celebrated their victories. Not only that, but Jack had said that he had some exciting news to share with everyone.
"This is very nice June" Optimus said walking over.
"Thank you Optimus, but the real thanks should be for Jack. He's the one who organized all of this."
The Prime nodded and smiled. "I will remember to do so."
Optimus was wearing a nice collared shirt with a matching tie, along with a pair of dark brown jeans. Jack had mentioned that everyone should wear semi-formal and June was excited to see what everyone would wear.
Suddenly, the sound of a honk filled the room and the three of them looked over to see the Audi pull up. A second later, the two wreckers, Miko, Bumblebee, and Raf popped out, happily chatting away with each other.
"How are you all today?" Optimus asked as they came near.
"We're fine Optimus. Has Jack and Arcee got here yet?" Bulkhead said.
"No, however I believe they will be arriving shortly."
"Did we invite Agent Fowler too?"
As if he was waiting for the perfect opportunity to enter, Agent Fowler stepped out of the lift.
"Prime! When we eating? I'm starving" the agent yelled, walking over.
"It is nice of you to join us Agent Fowler. We are waiting on Arcee and Jack." Optimus answered.
"I think I might know what they're doing" Miko said knowingly, making the other kids laugh.
The group of Autobots and humans chatted away, complimenting each other on their outfits. June couldn't help but gawk over Bumblebee and Raf who were wearing little tuxes.
"You two look so cute!" She exclaimed, tussling their hair, much to their dismay.
An engine was heard in the hallway and the group turned to see the black Honda Civic drive in.
"It's about time" Wheeljack quipped.
Jack got out of the car, smiling to them before going to open the passenger door for Arcee.
"You're such a gentlemen" she joked, giving him a peck on the lips.
Jack led her to the others, holding her hand as they did.
"Well, why are we standing around here for? Let's eat!" Jack said, earning woops from Bulkhead and Agent Fowler who quickly rushed over to get a seat at the table.
Arcee moved to go talk to June about her dress, which the mother was ecstatic to know where she got it from. Jack watched the two woman talk, smiling that they had become so close over the course of the month. He felt a tug on his shoulder so he spun around, seeing a smirking Miko behind him.
"What's up Miko?"
"Had a good time with your girlfriend before you got here?" she teased.
"What? No, it's not like that. Arcee was jst taking a really long time to get dressed." Jack countered, not wanting to here more from the Japanese girl.
"Uh huh, ok whatever you say."
Miko gave another smirk before heading to the table, leaving Jack standing there. He sighed and realized that she was never going to let it go.
Arcee walked over to him, grabbing his hand and leading him to the others where they got seats right at the head of the table.
"Wow, look at all this food" Bulkhead exclaimed, scanning over the wide arrange of meats and vegetables in front of him.
"Did you make this all ?" Ratchet asked.
She shrugged. "It was easy really. Just a little something here and there."
The group quickly grabbed some food and put it onto their plates, talking about how good it looked. Bulkhead was especially happy that there was enough to go around so he didn't have to worry about taking too much. Once they had their meals in front of them, drinks were passed around. Wheeljack, Bulkhead, and Arcee eyed the beer and gave it a sneer, quickly passing it down to the next person. Jack laughed and told them that it was for the adults and they relaxed. When everyone was settled and happy with what they got, they looked to Jack to start it out.
He cleared his throat, standing up and looking at the nine other faces gleaming at him.
"Well, we're here, all of us together. I'm sure you're wondering why I organized this dinner today but I think it's pretty obvious. Tonight, we celebrate our victories. We've been through everything together, thick or thin. No matter what the outcome is, we always manage to stick together and fight to the very end. And even though the war isn't over, we should dedicate this time to us, to our wins and to each other. I am proud to call you my family, whether Autobot or human, we are together and we stand together. To us!"
The group cheered, standing up and lifting their cups.
"To us!" they said in unison, banging their cups together, celebrating everything they've been through.
Arcee turned to her boyfriend and smiled.
"To us" she said quietly, kissing him on the lips.
"To us" Jack repeated, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer.
Eventually, the group quieted down and looked at Jack and Arcee still standing up.
"Jack, what's the news you've been waiting to tell us?" Wheeljack asked, everyone nodding their heads, also thinking the same thing.
Jack smiled and looked down at Arcee, bringing her in even more. She hugged his chest, looking to everyone and smiling.
"Arcee and I have decided that we're going to spend our spring break in San Francisco" Jack announced.
"Yes! Road trip!" Miko exclaimed, standing up. Some of the group snickered at her sudden exclamation.
"No Miko, just Jack and Arcee" Bulkhead explained.
"Wait what? Only you two?"
"Yup, that's right. We'll be spending the next two weeks together, away from all the commotion and stuff" Jack answered, still smiling.
His mom stood up and gave him a worried look. "Are you sure about this Jack? You've never been out of town before, nonetheless by yourself. Besides, there's a lot of planning that you have to do and things you have to book."
Jack held up a hand, stopping her from continuing. "Mom, it may be my first time out of town but I'm not alone, I have by beautiful girlfriend to keep me company."
He reached and took Arcee's hand, giving it a squeeze before continuing.
"I've also taken care of all our reservations and packed our stuff earlier. We'll be staying at a couple hotels and a resort right next to the beach. Everything else is taken care of as well so there's nothing to be worried about."
His mom still had a worried look but it eased up a little. "All right then... Optimus, what do you think about this?"
The Prime thought for a moment before answering. "Arcee has been fighting for almost her entire life. She has been a fine warrior and one of my most trusted second-in-command. I believe that she has earned the right to take a vacation from the conflict and enjoy life as it should be."
Arcee smiled and nodded to her leader. "Thank you Optimus."
"As for you Jack, you have shown us countless times your courage and bravery. You are a very responsible young man and I see true potential inside of you. I chose you to wield the key to Vector Sigma for a reason and if anyone was fit to accompany Arcee, it would be you."
"Thanks Optimus, means a lot." Jack said.
"I'll need coordinates to groundbridge you to your destination so I suggest we have that taken care of before you leave" Ratchet said.
"Actually Ratchet, Jack and I are going to drive there" Arcee answered. "It's about a 10 hour drive there but we'll be stopping and checking out things on the way. We'll be leaving tomorrow morning."
"Hmm, very well."
"A say we toast, to Jack and Arcee's trip" Wheeljack said, standing up.
"To Jack and Arcee" they said together, clanging glasses once more.
"Let's eat!" Bulkhead said happily when everyone sat back down. The former wrecker dug into his food like a lion, taking huge bites while everyone laughed along.
...
"An excellent dinner Mrs. Darby, you truly have a skill in cooking"
"Please Ratchet, there's no need for compliments. I'm just happy to contribute."
The medic nodded and helped June and Jack clean up the table. The rest of the group was talking with each other, suggesting ideas for the spring break. They had finished eating about an hour ago and spent the remaining time telling stories about their adventures. They had all enjoyed the celebration and even Optimus joined in, putting in his own tale of fighting with Megatron.
"Well, I should probably get going now, thanks for the invite." Agent Fowler said.
"No need for thanks Agent Fowler, you're part of this family and you will always have a place at the table" Jack said.
"Thanks son, have a nice trip!"
The agent left, taking the lift up to the top where his jet was waiting for him.
"We should probably get going too" Miko said. "My foster parents are going to freak if I'm not home soon."
"Same here" Raf added.
"I'll take you guys home" Wheeljack said, taking out the keys and twirling it around his finger.
The two kids and three said their goodbyes before jumping into the Audi and driving away. Jack turned around and gave them a wave, folding up the table covers into a nice little square.
"Jack, may I have a word with you?"
He looked up and saw Optimus motioning for him to head towards the hallway so he quickly put the cover into its bag and ran over.
The two of them walked further into the hallway before they were alone and out of earshot from the others.
"What's up Optimus?"
"Jack, I pulled you over because I have a matter to talk with you about."
Jack raised an eyebrow, confused at what the Prime was talking about.
"Go ahead Optimus, I'm listening."
"Very well. First, I would like to thank you for everything you have done for me and our family. I understand that the transition has been tough but you and your mother have helped us through these times and for that, I thank you."
"Hey, anytime. Family has to look out for one another."
Optimus nodded. "Wise words Jack. You truly are worthy of the future that lies ahead of you. As I have mentioned before, I chose you to be the wielder of the key to Vector Sigma for a reason. I sense a great potential inside of you, and in time, it will lead you towards the right path. However, I also sense a strong darkness, a force that is building up every day."
Jack started to get nervous. He didn't want Optimus to find out about his dark secrets and especially not now.
Scrap, what do I do?
Just blow it off kid. Optimus is smart but he doesn't know all the answers. There's also no way that he knows about the recent events so his sense must be just a guess.
Alright then.
"Sorry Optimus, I appreciate the kind words but I'm not quite sure of what you're talking about when you say 'darkness'. I'm fine and I haven't felt any changes inside of me so I'm not sure what you're referencing."
Optimus kept quiet, giving him a face saying that he is pondering his words. The Prime looked to be deciding whether or not he believed him and Jack knew that this would not end well if he did think he was lying.
"I believe you Jack. If you say that you haven't felt and difference, I will take your word for it. Just know that if you ever have anything to talk about, you can come to me."
"Thanks Optimus."
"You are very welcome Jack. I wish you the best of luck on your trip and I hope you will take care of Arcee."
"Don't worry Optimus, I'll watch out for her, just like she will for me."
"I do not doubt you for a moment Jack. You two have a strong bond that is hard to come by. While I had doubts about your relationship with her at first, I see now that perhaps you are the one for her. You both have my blessing."
Jack smiled and nodded but secretly he started to feel guilty again. He just lied to Optimus about the force inside of him and now he just got his blessing for his relationship with Arcee. He felt like he was going against his back but there was nothing he could really do about it.
The two men walked back to the command center where the others were preparing to leave.
"Hey babe, what did you talk about with Optimus?" Arcee asked, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Oh you know, just stuff about our vacation." He lied.
"That's Optimus, always looking out for everyone. Well, I say we go home, get ready for bed, and then we'll take it from there" Arcee said, smirking when she was done.
"Sounds good" Jack said, leaning in and giving her a kiss, slightly brushing his tongue across her lips as a little hint of what's to come."
"Now I really want to get going" she said quietly.
Jack laughed and led her to the car, driving away from the Autobot base and into the town of Jasper. In a couple hours, it would only be him, Arcee, and the wide road ahead of them.
He just hoped that nothing will happen on their trip.
...
