Notes: Does any one still care about this? I know it's been a million years and a day since I updated it, and it's taken me MONTHS to write this part. But...Well, real life sometimes gets you sidetracked. Anyway...More story.

Going out with Jolt became a somewhat regular occurrence for Mudflap.

He wasn't sure why or how, but something had changed between the two of them since that day he hit that girl at art class and, suddenly, they were almost friends. Or something. It was one of those things Mudflap tried not to question - he didn't have many friends, after all. But he really couldn't help being curious about it nonetheless.

It had been strange, the first time Jolt appeared looking for him. He'd turned up in the doorway of the twins' room, an uncertain expression on his face. Skids hadn't even bothered to look up from the comic he was reading; he just mumbled a "whatevah it is, we didn't do it."

But Mudflap had glanced up, curious, and met Jolt's electric blue gaze. It was odd for the older Autobot to seek either of them out and even more peculiar for him to show up at their door and Mudflap had no clue what he might want, given that neither of them had caused any significant mischief lately.

"Come downtown with me."

Whatever Mudflap had expected to hear, it wasn't that. He blinked in surprise, momentarily stunned into silence.

Then he slid off the bed, tossing aside his DS, which landed somewhere among the numerous pillows and blankets Hoist was constantly giving them. Silently, he padded across the room towards his teammate, looking up at him suspiciously. "Why ain't Thidethwipe goin' wit' you?" He'd asked, brows drawn together.

Jolt shrugged a little, "He's busy." And he shuffled awkwardly, something Mudflap had never seen him do before, "C'mon. I'll get you another Mountain Dew."

And still, Mudflap hesitated, uncertain. Since when had Jolt wanted to spend time with him? Something about this seemed weird. Very weird.

But free Mountain Dew was free Mountain Dew…

"Okay." He finally agreed.

And that was the start.

Now, some months later, Mudflap was beginning to enjoy the excursions - and not just because of the free sodas the older boy provided. It was nice to have a friend who wasn't an adult -or Skids- and it was nice to have some one want to spend time with him, even if it was only once every few weeks or so.

And Jolt…was not quite as strange as Mudflap had thought. Sure, he was interfacing with grouchy, angsty Sideswipe, but he was also easy-going and philosophical and somewhat quiet. Sure, he talked almost as much as Skids, but his tone was low and even and Mudflap was starting to understand why he and Sideswipe suited one another so well. The youngster was also learning just how lonely Jolt was; his personality didn't really mesh well with those of the soldiers.

He liked to talk about trees and water and a lot of things Mudflap didn't always understand - But it was okay, because Jolt was easy to listen to. He was confident and sure of his convictions, his voice a soothing familiarity when they were out in the unknown, and Mudflap liked that. He liked knowing some one else was in control, so he didn't have to worry.

And in return, he found himself opening up and sharing his numerous fears and worries. He talked about how hard he worked at everything because he was "too dumb" to slack off. About how scared he'd been when Devestator had sucked him up. How it felt to share everything about himself with some one else, yet struggle to still be seen as an individual. He'd never expected to talk about those things with any one, not even Hoist. But he found himself wanting to tell Jolt, who just listened and nodded and didn't act like any of those things were unusual.

Hoist worried about it - Jolt had a bit of a reputation as a troublemaker himself, though he was more quiet and subtle about it - and the friendship caught him by surprise. Jolt had never seemed to like Mudflap before; in fact, it seemed like he couldn't stand him. And then all of a sudden, they were hanging out together. It seemed like a bad idea; what if they got each other in more trouble?

But they both seemed to be having fun, and Mudflap was happy, Grapple pointed out, and neither of them had gotten in trouble for some time. So until something actually happened to warrant worry, why bother worrying?

Hoist had to admit, it was a good point.

And, of course, neither of them had any way of knowing just how much worry the unlikely pair of friends would cause.

"…An' no one really geth it…It ain't fair, ya know? All them tholdierth t'ink we juth one mech, but I ain't that much like Thkidth…"

It was a Tuesday afternoon and the streets were fairly deserted, therefore making it the perfect time for wandering. Mudflap still had a difficult time staying still for any reason, so the duo usually wound up traipsing around town with their beverages, browsing through little shops, people watching and loitering around the park. Sometimes Mudflap got distracted playing with little kids in the park and sometimes Jolt got to lecturing people about littering and sometimes, they got strange looks for being themselves - there was a lot they still didn't understand about being human and sometimes this was very obvious.

Mudflap had already finished his drink -a disgustingly colored frozen blue beverage- and was trotting along, tossing and attempting to catch a quarter and complaining about how some random human was constantly mistaking him for his twin. Jolt was only half-listening -this complaint was nothing new- and savoring his vanilla bean espresso when a disgruntled yelp from the youngster startled him back to attention.

The quarter had apparently escaped Mudflap's clutches and rolled in to an alley, only to be retrieved by a small, scruffy-looking human who leapt out of nowhere, pouncing on the coin and snatching it up.

"That'th mine!" Mudflap screeched, scurrying after the smaller figure as it disappeared back in to the alley, "Give it back!" With that, he leapt at the other boy, making a grab for the coin, but the smaller, more nimble human dashed aside and clambered atop a closed dumpster, the quarter clutched tightly in his hand.

"Honestly, Mudflap." Jolt sighed in exasperation, following the two down the alley and trying to be heard over Mudflap's disgruntled shouting, "It's a freakin' quarter. I'll give you another."

"Ain't the point!" Mudflap huffed, making a jump and trying to reach the wiry human and his precious quarter, "That'th mine an' I want it back."

The strange person sitting on the dumpster, however, had frozen at the sound of Jolt's voice and was staring down at the two of them, a low growl issuing from somewhere deep in his chest. Jolt glanced up at the sound, cocking his head.

This human, watching them through narrowed red eyes, was no normal human.

Something about the way he was looking at them and the sound he was making caused the hair on the back of Jolt's neck rise. This wasn't right at all. Normal humans didn't have red eyes. They didn't have pale, silvery hair when they were this young. And they certainly didn't roam the streets without wearing any outer coverings.

Jolt took a step forward, placing himself between the dumpster and Mudflap, who had suddenly become very quiet, and Jolt couldn't help wondering if he'd come to the same conclusion.

At his advance, the odd little human tensed, the growl becoming a warning hiss.

"Jol'…" Mudflap began, but his voice faltered and he backed away a little. Then "Jolt," He tried again, "Let'th get the thlag outta here…"

"No, wait." Jolt didn't turn; didn't break gaze with those burning red eyes, for fear of being attacked if he moved. He wasn't quite sure what this creature was, but he had his suspicions. "You still have that candy bar in your pocket?"

"…Yeah."

"Give it to me."

For once, without a fuss, Mudflap obeyed, wordlessly rooting in his pocket for the slightly melted Snickers bar and handing it to his friend. Jolt tossed it with little ceremony up to the tense figure crouched on the dumpster, who immediately snatched it up. He tore through the wrapper with sharp teeth, sniffed at it, then crammed it in his mouth, practically swallowing without chewing.

Jolt waited.

When the candy bar was gone, Jolt reached behind him, "Give me your sweatshirt, too." He still didn't turn, just held out a hand, blindly groping behind him for the aforementioned article of clothing.

Mudflap almost -almost- protested at that, then remembered the eerie red eyes fixed on them and unzipped the orange and grey striped hoodie he was wearing. Hesitating for a second -this was his favorite hoodie- he glanced up at the strange organic on top of the trash receptacle.

From somewhere beneath a curtain of silver hair, wary red eyes were watching him, studying him to see what he would do next. The little body was still curled defensively, shoulders hunched, knees drawn up. But even though his frame was tense, Mudflap could see he was shivering too, and suddenly understood why Jolt had asked for the hoodie.

He slipped it off and passed it to Jolt.

"You look cold." Jolted commented mildly, "Internal temperature regulators are different for humans. Come down and you can wear this; you'll feel warmer. And, if you come back with us, we can keep you safe and warm and give you more fuel." He paused, "Better fuel."

There was a long, tense silence.

Still, the little creature didn't move, just watched them, gaze darting back and forth between the two Autobots. Mudflap fidgeted a little; this was turning out to be kind of boring. He'd expected more from a Decepticon, even if it was a human one.

"How long have you been alone?"

Jolt's question both broke the silence and startled Mudflap, who jumped at the sound of his friend's voice. Jolt, however, just gazed seriously up at the silver-haired human, who's hands slowly rose, spreading wide in a gesture indicating a large amount of time. When he moved like that, it was easy to see just how frail and thin he was, and exactly how much he was shivering.

Jolt felt a pang of sadness at the sight; this Decepticon was clearly young. It looked as if no one was taking care of him -of course it crossed Jolt's mind that this might be some kind of trap- because he was dirty and scrawny and sorely in need of some clothing and the soldier seriously doubted they would so severely mistreat one of their young just to lure in a few Autobots.

"You don't have to be alone any more. But you do need to come down if you want to get warm and clean and have more fuel…" Jolt didn't wonder about it too much. Clearly, this Decepticon had been separated from his comrades when the Change occurred; clearly no one had found him yet. He must have done what he could to survive, which was why he had no clothes, no home, no food.

He was probably scared, though he probably would never admit it.

'Are you crazy?' Mudflap didn't need to ask it; the question was clearly written all over his face. He was itching to ask it anyway, but in a rare moment of rational thought, decided to keep that particular thought to himself. Instead, he folded his arms across his chest, glancing back up at the naked 'Con. "Are you comin' down or what? We ain't got all day."

Mudflap, in all honesty, was a bit scared himself - this was a Decepticon Jolt was inviting home, after all - but it was second nature to put up a tough front in the face of fear.

Still, he skittered backwards when the wiry body leapt from the top of the dumpster, as the Decepticon landed neatly in a crouch before them. Then he rose, frame still tense and defensive, though the shivering and his short stature took something from his intimidation factor, now that he was on the same level as them.

The top of his head came to about Mudflap's nose -and Mudflap himself was fairly short, as human males went. The borrowed sweatshirt covered everything that needed to be covered; Mudflap liked his shirts baggy, and since the Decepticon was smaller, it hung on him. He pulled the hood up, his long tangle of hair spilling out from under it, effectively hiding his face from view. It was clear he had no pants on, but what were they supposed to do about that?

He looked better, but still strange.

How the slag will we pull this off?

Jolt was slumped in the last seat on the bus, effectively boxing the strange little Decepticon against the window in the seat next to him. Mudflap was twisted around backwards in the seat in front of them, bright gaze trained on their "captive." Of course, if he really wanted, the 'Con could have slithered away under the seat -he was small enough, after all- or busted out the window or just shoved one of them out of the way, but he seemed uninterested in that. He just curled small in the seat, arms around himself, face hidden behind the orange-and-grey striped hood, a small rumbling sound issuing from somewhere in his thin chest.

Other patrons on the bus were beginning to give them odd looks.

Jolt closed his eyes for a moment, leaning his head against the back wall of the bus.

This day had become very strange.

He wasn't sure why it was so very important that he drag this Decepticon along with them. He had no idea what any of them would say when they arrived home with him, or what they would do to him, but he had to try anyway. He thought again on how young the little 'Con appeared to be; by human standards, he was a mere child. And no human child was meant to be left on their own on the streets.

It all boiled down to the fact that this smelly, filthy, uncivilized and naked little Decepticon deserved a better life, even if he was their enemy.

Well, that was how Prime was likely to see it, anyway.

Jolt started, thoughts drifting back to the real world when something suddenly fell heavy against his shoulder.

He looked over to see the Decepticon slumped against him. It seemed as if he'd held out as long as he could, fighting exhaustion in order to remain alert and ready to defend himself if need be, running on pure adrenaline for Primus knows how many days. And now -perhaps lulled by the gentle rumble of the bus?- he had crashed, unable to resist sleep any longer.

How many days had it been since this small boy had properly recharged?

Why weren't his people looking for him?

"What're you gonna thay to every one when we get back?" Mudflap's gaze never left the shivering form of the Decepticon; even asleep he was still a threat, "It ain't like you jutht gonna march in there and thay 'Thurprithe! Look what I bringed home!'" He paused, sparing a second to glance at Jolt, "Are ya?"

Jolt was quiet for a moment, his own electric blue gaze sliding over to rest on the small body beside him. "We have to see Prime before any one else spots him. He'll know what to do." He frowned a little, considering what their teammates might think of this new development. He knew some of them would think he was incredibly stupid for not only engaging a 'Con unarmed, but bringing him home as well. He also suspected that a few of them would demand the 'Con be locked up simply because he was a 'Con.

And he knew -he knew- that Sideswipe would be positively murderous over this. His brooding partner held absolutely no emotion other than hatred in regard to Decepticons, for reasons even Jolt didn't understand. There was no compassion, no empathy, no nothing, save for absolute loathing, and that troubled the younger soldier. Sideswipe would be angry, and not just at the Decepticon.

He would be angry with Jolt, too.

But what could he do, other than explain himself? He still wasn't even sure why he had to bring this Decepticon back to base. Maybe it was due to their suddenly shortened lifespan. Maybe it was because he knew the race was dwindling and they all had to band together.

Really, it was probably something more along the lines of 'this Decepticon is small and helpless and alone.'

"Pwime awayth knowth what to do." Mudflap agreed, nodding. He really believed that; their leader was still his idol. "An' I bet Hoitht'd know what to do, too. He'th good at figurin' out tough thuff." The youngster's eyes were fixed on their unusual companion once more, his mouth drawn in a firm line, "An' if any one ax…I'm gonna tell 'em thith wath yo' idea."

"Whatever." Jolt reached over the sleeping Decepticon to pull the stop cord.

Mudflap could hardly believe the way the scrawny Decepticon stood before Optimus Prime, head tilted up, chin jutting, the very picture of defiance. He was still clad only in the striped sweatshirt, but he'd pulled the hood back, ready to confront the Prime face-to-face.

He couldn't believe it, because he never would have had the nerve to look at Prime that way and they were on the same side. How was this punkass Decepticon not terrified?

As Optimus –crouched down to be at eye level- questioned the 'Con, Mudflap watched, not really listening. The atmosphere in the room was charged and every one –their plan to sneak in undetected had failed, of course- seemed to be waiting waiting waiting for the Decepticon to simply spring forwards in an attack.

Apparently, they hadn't realized how exhausted he was.

Prime's questioning was met only with stony silence, though that hardly deterred him. He would ask a question and wait as the Decepticon just stared at him, then proceed with the next question as if he'd received an answer. What was his designation? Where were his people? How had he been separated from them? Would they come looking for him? If not, would he like to stay with them? The whole time, the Decepticon regarded the Prime coolly, head cocked, gaze fixed on his weary face. And when the questions stopped…

His hand flashed out, so quick no one could anticipate the movement.

There was a stunned silence, the sound of the slap resounding through the room –or was it just echoing in their heads? Even though he was a Decepticon, none of them could believe this little punk in this frail, breakable body, had the audacity to strike the great Optimus Prime in front of his most trusted troops.

And Optimus –perhaps the only one not surprised- sank back on his heels, just looking at the Decepticon.

The room exploded in a wild chatter, outraged voices rising and trying to be heard:

"Punkass Decepticon needs to be put in his place!"

"Lock him up!"

"Forget locking him up; I say we frag him up!"

And still, the Decepticon stood tall and unwavering amid a crowd of larger, stronger bodies, crimson gaze darting around the room, from face to angry face. He kept his back straight, shoulders squared, as if daring them to come at him.

As if proud of what he'd done.

Mudflap stood there woodenly, his mouth hanging open, all words gone. He couldn't believe it…No, wait, he could. This was a Decepticon, after all! But still! To smack Prime! This 'Con musta had some kinda death wish or something, even though they were trying to help him and make things better. Probably because they were trying to help him.

"No one's locking him up!" Suddenly, Jolt was between the runty little Decepticon and the assembled Autobots, hands up as if that would keep them from rushing forward and simply pushing him aside to get at their foe. "He's a Decepticon and he's exhausted. Any of you guys would have reacted just as badly to the other 'Cons offering you a chance to live by becoming evil or something. It's not his fault he was created in to the 'wrong' faction or that he's probably just doing something he's been taught, so back off a little, wouldja?"

And Mudflap had just froze, unable to help, while some wicked, angry voice in his head told him just how useless he was; how, like always, he had failed to do anything to protect any one, while Jolt instantly jumped in, always knowing just what to do and defending the scrawny Decepticon in a way only he could manage.

Prime's keen blue gaze was wandering from face to face, though it never strayed long from the strange little figure of the Decepticon, who's face had become a blank mask as he peered around Jolt at his enemies. There was no telling what he was thinking, nor what Optimus was thinking, though his expression was more lax and thoughtful.

The room had suddenly become too quiet.

"Jolt." Unexpectedly, the Prime rose, breaking the eerie spell that had fallen over the room. He looked at his soldier, still standing tall in front of some one who probably would have shot him in the back, were the circumstances different, expression relaxing into something that was almost –almost- a smile. "I believe you did a wise thing today and for that I commend you."

"Thank you, sir."

"And now…" This time, a smile did flicker across Optimus' face, just for a moment, then it was gone. "it is up to you to prove it was the right thing."

It only took Jolt a moment to understand what that meant. It took Mudflap a bit longer, but as Jolt nodded solemnly, snatching the Decepticon by the hand and motioning for Mudflap himself to follow them out of the room, it dawned on him.

And all he could think was…'What the slag we gonna do with this freakin' Deception?'

[To be continued…Someday.]