CHAPTER 28
Making Mistakes

Robert Epps had seen a lot of things in his life, too many things to count of which could be deemed "crazy". He could now add a guilt-ridden and angry Autobot storming through his backyard to the list. Prowl was mostly angry at himself, angry that he had been stupid and brought the plane down, knowing that Jeff would be hurt in the process. He had forgotten logic for a moment in favor of rage and Jeff was now hurt, however minorly, as a result. "Prowl!" Epps finally shouted as the mech turned his head towards him "Man, you need to chill." He attempted calmly.

"Chill!? CHILL!?" Prowl shouted loudly "I hurt a boy I care about more than anything pulling a stunt I knew I shouldn't do." He took a deep breath in "I could have killed Jeff and I know that, but I did it anyway!" He shook his head, holding his hands to his helm "What was I thinking, Epps, what was going through my head? I want to be this sparkling's father and I can't even make smart decisions about him!" He heard chuckling "What's so funny!?"

Epps got control of his laughter, looking down and shaking his head slowly. "Prowl, that just means you're starting to think like a father. Your kid was in danger, and when that happens they are always your first concern." He shook his head "You saw the one way to get him back and you took it. I would have done the same thing, any parent would." He paused "Logic doesn't always come first when it's our kids we're talking about." He explained.

"But I hurt him!"

"And if the 'Cons had gotten hold of him? What would have happened then?"

Prowl was silent, though he knew the answer: torture, murder, use as bait. Jeff most likely would have come out far worse if they had gotten a hold of him and he knew it. Epps put his hands on his hips. "Exactly, man. He would have been dead, or tortured for whatever he knew about you all." Prowl hung his head a bit "So stop beating yourself up. Sure, it wasn't the best way to go about it. But you're new to this man, I mean you haven't even told him from what you said when you came in and he was out of earshot." He shook his head "Give yourself some time to get in the swing of things."

Prowl was silent, his optics looking down at the man thoughtfully. Seating himself on the grass, he rested his arms on his knees. "So I'm not a failure as a guardian?" Epps shook his head in response to that "Primus, I've made a fool out of myself, haven't I?" He leaned his helm against his knees, and sighed "I suppose this is a feeling a father should get used to as well?" He questioned.

"Oh yeah, being a parent doesn't make you perfect man." Epps shook his head "You're gonna feel like you failed him more times than now. I can't even count how many times I feel like I've let my kids down." He shook his head a bit "Listen buddy, you're gonna learn that a lot, especially if you do adopt this kid, so just relax. Learn from your mistakes." He then added "And most of all, man up."

"I don't see how I can become human."

Epps reminded himself inwardly to tell Bumblebee to teach Prowl some more Earth slang. Getting to his feet, the man stared up at his large friend and nodded his head a little bit. "Well, Jeff's recovering in bed, he'll probably be out from the painkillers until the morning." Epps told him "Theresa's put him up with the twins, but they won't bother him, they know better." He paused "You gonna be okay recharging out here? The garage is open if you need it." He added.

"I'll be fine, Robert, I'd rather be out here. I can keep a better optic out for Decepticons." Prowl explained "And I still need some time to calm myself as well." He nodded "Please, get some recharge, but thank you for talking this over with me." He replied, smiling a bit "You are as kind and friendly as my comrades have claimed in the past." He added.

"No problem, big guy. You get some recharge too."

"Doubtful."

As Epps headed inside his home, Prowl stood to his feet again, watching the skies quietly. He thanked Primus that they were both safe, at least for the moment, and moreso was thankful that Jeff was recovering. A silent moment passed, and he slowly transformed, driving around to the front of the home. He knew that the sight would be still strange, but no stranger than if he had stayed in the backyard. He quietly settled in for the long night ahead of him, and no doubt, the next few days that would follow.

...

Jeff stepped out of the home that morning looking beat to a point that Prowl cringed as soon as he had transformed. His arm had been splinted in a cast, though it was only a sprain and probably would heal quickly, it still concerned him to see the boy that way. "Are you feeling okay, Jeff?" Prowl questioned, crouching onto one leg in the backyard of the home "I am so sorry for what happened yesterday. I wasn't thinking straight, I-" He began.

"Prowl, it's okay. I don't feel that bad, just a little sore." Jeff winced as he stepped forward and stared up at the mech "It was still pretty awesome what you did yesterday..." He added.

"And dangerous."

Jeff could see the regret in Prowl's eyes and frowned silently. There was no doubt that Prowl was right, and it was dangerous, but he also knew it had been done with good intentions. "Yeah, I nearly crapped my pants." Jeff chuckled "But still, I can't believe you'd go that far just to make sure I was okay. I didn't think any of you cared that much." He explained.

For a moment, Prowl wasn't certain how to respond, his gold optics scanning him over. He knew of at least five members of the Autobots other than him that would have gladly fought to keep him safe. Reaching forward, he rubbed Jeff's cheek with a large finger, belittling his obvious strength. "What have I told you already? You are very important to me, I will never let harm come to you." He shook his head slowly "I need to find a better way to protect you, however." He admitted.

"You mean other than nearly getting yourself hurt?"

"Other than hurting you as well." Prowl smirked "But I will learn." Prowl was silent for a long moment after his comment "Though I fear that if this relationship lasts, this will not be the last time I encounter someone wishing to use you against me." He shook his head a little "We will need to find some course of action should it happen again." He added.

"Maybe I need my own com link?" Jeff questioned.

Prowl didn't doubt that it was a good idea, but did know it would be easily found. "Something more discreet will be required." Prowl finally spoke, staring down upon Jeff "We can talk about this manner once we're back. I've received word from Optimus, we will be here a good four days." He explained "You'll have to miss school, and will be making up the work." He then added "And you are not allowed off the grounds of the home." He added.

"Are you serious!?" Jeff questioned.

"Jeff, do you not understand what happened last night?" Jeff stared at Prowl, the blank stare being all he needed as an answer "It is very likely the Decepticons after you have a bounty on your head. Which is why they attacked, why he wan't interested in me." He pointed towards Jeff slowly "They wanted to use you against me, of that I am certain." He shook his head "But they likely knew of you long before they knew of our relationship."

Jeff's face fell into a look of pure terror, shaking his head. "Which means?" Jeff questioned.

"I don't know, kid." Prowl shook his head "It could mean a lot of things, and none of them are good." He stared down upon the boy slowly "Don't worry, however, we'll keep you safe." He then added "All of us."

Jeff looked uncertain of how to reply to that. One side of him felt fear at the thought that he could be being hunted by more than one group, all of whom were looking to give him to "Waspinator" no doubt. The other half, however, knew that Prowl was going to protect him, as would anyone that truly cared about him in the Autobot ranks. "Prowl... I'm scared." Jeff admitted slowly "What's going to happen to me if they get me to that freaky bug guy?" He questioned.

"That won't happen." Prowl spoke gently "You have my word."

Jeff didn't have an answer for Prowl this time, he was too shaken. Yet as the mech continued to stroke his cheek, he found himself relaxing. The mech may not have been his father, but he knew that Prowl was determined to protect him more than anything. "Jeff?" Jeff turned as Theresa Epps stuck her head out the door "Breakfast is ready!"

"Be right there."

Jeff turned to Prowl, who simply stared down at him with a small smile. "Go, let me do the worrying today, kid. It's my job to worry about keeping you safe." He explained, his optics firmly on him "Nothing bad will happen to you as long as I'm here, and my spark is still beating." He then added "Go eat, you need your daily nutrients."

"Yes, sir."

Jeff made his way towards the house, leaving Prowl to his thoughts. Without a doubt, this complicated every situation they were involved in. But at the same time, he could quietly hope that thing would not get worse. Though he couldn't see how they possibly could.