1Disclaimer: I don't own them, please don't sue

Author's Note: Sorry it's taken so long to update this stuff guys. College has taken over my life the closer term gets to Thanksgiving break and End of Semester. It'll all be over soon, so I should be able to update more once the peak of my workload gets finished ( three essays and a test or two) have this while I got it.

Summary: Wheeljack didn't want to get left behind.

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Man and Machine

Chapter 5 (College)

Wheeljack & Jason.

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Wheeljack sat there in Jason's driveway idling. This was the fourth time he'd been in the Mason's driveway. The family was currently packing boxes in his back seat. Excitement was in the air... but none of it belonged to him. He was not excited, not one bit.

Jason was leaving for college.

That was scary to him on all levels. He wold not be there to protect him. Jason would not be there to chat with. Jason would forget about him. The two of them had been inseparable since they'd met. Jason filled his loneliness in Bluestreak's wake and made Wheeljack activate his protective programming early. Normally, that would have been saved for when he was raising his sparkling, but really... Jason needed to be protected and loved and...

Primus he was really going to miss the kid.

' But humans are constantly changing, I should have formulated this outcome.' he told himself as Jason bound out of the garage with another box. He was so happy though, to be going on his own. So, Wheeljack remained silent. Jason noticed and promised himself that he'd talk to his guardian about it later.

~*~*~

The drive to campus was a quiet one. Jason could tell that Wheeljack was sulking about something. He didn't want to bring it up if they would end up fighting. The campus was small, about 2000 making up the student body. Jason would be staying in a campus apartment with two other freshman boys. He pulled up out front, his Dad's truck right behind.

"Pop the back 'Jack." he pat the steering wheel and the Hummer did as asked.

"You okay buddy?" No answer. " 'Jack?"

"Your parental units are approaching." came the clipped tone. Jason gave the steering wheel a look before climbing out. Wheeljack was a very.. Laid back mech, snapping like that wasn't like him at all.

Wheeljack sulked the entire time until Jason appeared out of the apartment with his parents.

"Be good sweetie, write and call." his mother kissed his cheek and gave him a hug.

"Don't worry mom, I will."

"Good grades... and take good care of that Hummer, I don't want a call from the state police telling me you wrecked him." That caught wheeljack's attention. Was he not going home with the parents?

"Promise, he'll be the best cared for vehicle around campus ever." and Jason waved away his parents. When they were gone, he turned a glare on Wheeljack.

"What the FRAG is your malfunction?!"

"Language Jason."

"You totally have been sulking all damn day! And you snapped. You never snap." Because Wheeljack was normally level headed. Now he was just confused.

"I do not understand."

"Understand what?!"

"Why I was not taken home."he replied.

"Hom–What? You are home. With me." Wheeljack would have blinked if he could.

"I don't understand. You are in college now. Your life is changing... Do you not normally leave behind old for new?" Jason's arms were crossed.

"Um... yeah?"

"Then why was I not taken back to your house?" and suddenly it dawned on the boy... Wheeljack was afraid...

"You're worried I was going to leave you behind?" The Hummer shifted.

"You thought I'd move on and forget about you? And get another car?"

"Yes..." Came the small reply uncertainly. Jason belted out a laugh.

"'Jack! You're more than just a car. Do you really think I would leave my best friend behind?" He laughed again.

"I'd assumed–."

"To assume makes an ass out of u and me. 'Jack, everybody grows up. Most of us go off to college... But we don't leave precious things behind that mean a lot to us." he smiled. " I'd NEVER leave you behind."

Jason moved and stuck a college parking sticker to Wheeljack's bumper and the scientist warmed. His boy still needed and wanted him. Jason still needed him for love and comfort.

"Thank you..." he said and the 18 year old pat his side.

"Love ya 'Jack." and with the Autobot feeling better, he walked back into the apartment.

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If I were a sentient robot car that had come to care deeply for my driver, I think I would be afraid of being left behind too. Poor 'Jack... but everything's all better now, and he get's to stay with Jason. Amy and Jason meet next time ^^ Reviews are appreciated.