CHAPTER 46
Speculation

"Look dude, I don't know how many times I have to say it."

Jeff faced the social worker with a look of both utter distaste and frustration, taking a deep, inward breath. He hated social workers, but this one he particularly hated for giving him the hard time he was. He wasn't certain of how many times he'd have to tell the man how well he was treated, or how much he liked it on-base. It was as if the man was looking for every reason he could think of to take him away from Prowl and the Autobots and it definitely struck a chord. "I love it here." Jeff explained "They treat me like family, and are the best "family" I've ever had." He explained.

The man looked at Jeff with an expression that was nearly impossible to read. "Listen, kid." Dustin Winters spoke up "These aren't exactly the usual suspects when it comes to 're talking about titans big enough to step on you." He explained, barely keeping his calm "We just want to be sure this is the best placement for you. Rather than it being a bad idea." He then added "There are plenty of human families out there..." He began.

"None of them would love me like Prowl does." Jeff insisted.

It was a true statement, after all, none of them would have the bond they shared. Prowl had made it very clear that that was a bigger sign of love than any human could likely share with their child. "I get it, kid. They explained the bond to me." Dustin sighed a bit "But at the same time, that doesn't mean this is what you want." He stood a bit "If you didn't have the bond, would you want him to adopt you?" He questioned.

"I'm the one who asked him to!" Jeff scoffed.

To say the least, had Prowl not insisted on him being on his best behavior he might have popped the man in the jaw. The prejudice the man felt towards the Autobots was oozing off of him, and to say the least, Jeff hated it. To say the least, even though Jeff had felt it at one time what seemed like ages ago, he hated seeing it in others now. "And this other mech, Ratchet?" Jeff peered up at the man again "He's going to be your "secondary guardian" in the cases that Prowl is on missions or overseas." He noted "You agree to that as well?" He questioned.

That part Jeff had had some hesitations about, given Ratchet's usual attitude. But the longer they got to know each other, the more he'd come to realize next to Prowl, Ratchet was the mech that had taken to him most. Smirking the tiniest bit, he stared at the man and with a good amount of snark, replied. "As long as I don't have to start calling the old doc bot, "mom"." He explained "Now, are we done yet? I'm hungry and I could really go for that burger they're serving up in the mess hall." He added.

The look on Dustin's face was so priceless that the young man genuinely wished he had a camera. Dustin sighed, standing up from his seat, he looked about ready to throw his clipboard at the young man. But finally allowed himself to relax, taking a deep breath, he shook his head. "Sure, get out of here." Dustin nodded "I need time to talk to Prowl about my findings." He added.

Jeff nodded, he stood to his feet slowly, a limp still slightly present from the spider bite. "Listen..." Jeff sighed, gaining his composure "I know I might not be coming across the right way. But I really do love it here." He then added "They may be "titans" like you said. But have you ever heard of the term "gentle giant"? Spend just five minutes with them." He explained "You'll find there's no reason to take me away from here. Because that's what they are: gentle giants." He added.

From the corner of his eye, he noticed Prowl in the doorway, smiling at the sentiment. Stepping over to Prowl, Jeff patted the mech's leg as gently as he could. "I'm gonna go grab some grub, dad."

Prowl watched the young man leave before turning to Dustin himself. The man seemed to be deep in thought, clearly having been given a mouthful to think about. Setting his clipboard down, Dustin stood to his feet and relaxed himself, staring up at Prowl. "You have some kid on your hands." Dustin found himself noting "Well, your home study does check out. And frankly, you check out pretty well as well." He noted "I'm surprised by all the charity work you've done." He admitted.

"I've made it a note given what our race has done to our species..." Prowl began "To make absolutely certain that I help to give a little back to you." He took a deep, inward breath "I just ask you allow me to do so further. It is, after all, my fault that Jeff has no family left." He added "The very least I can do for him is to give him a loving home, is it not?" He questioned.

Dustin seemed to consider the mech's all too true words for a moment. But kept his face unreadable, professional, Prowl knew how that was, and decided it better not to pry. "I think we will have much to consider, Prowl." Dustin explained "I'll be in touch within the next month to tell you whether or not you have passed on to the next step." He added.

For once, Prowl felt as if he was the one being talked down to. And to say the least, the second-in-command didn't like it one bit. But as Dustin left there was nothing he could do, nothing he could say. He'd just have to go with whateverthey said, and hope at the end of the day, he would have a son, and not have to give him up simply because these people believed it to be in Jeff's "best interest".

...

"Frankly, he was just a stiff."

Jeff stared up at Prowl as the mech stood in the doorway to his bedroom later that night. To say the least, the mech wasn't too happy with the attitude he had given his social worker. And who could blame him? His smart assery was something Jeff was supposed to be working on, and while he was, he almost wanted to remind the mech he couldn't change overnight. "He's also the man that is going to help to decide your future, Jeffrey." Prowl insisted "You need to show him much more respect if you do want to live here." He added.

"Why should I?" Jeff questioned "He treats me like I'm five years old. Acting like at sixteen years old, I don't know what I actually want." He scoffed quietly "The only reason that they even want me in a human home is because Chicago has become too paranoid." He shook his head "Why don't we just move states? Go somewhere else where they're more accepting of you adopting me?" He asked.

"My work is here, Jeff." Prowl explained "With the rest of the Autobot elite." He added.

"Then quit the war!"

Prowl understood what had brought all of this on with that one statement. Fear. This was Jeff's way of showing that he was genuinely afraid that Prowl wouldn't get custody of him. "Jeffrey..." Prowl stated gently as he moved into the room "We both know that is not an option. Even if I did quit being a soldier, I have too many enemies now." He crouched to him "I'd likely be putting you into even more danger as a civilian." He added.

Jeff grimaced, and turned over on his side. He hated it when Prowl was right sometimes, logic and all. "I just don't want to go to another family again, dad." Jeff said quietly "I know that you guys would find me a good one. Probably the best." He explained "But I don't want to have to adjust or settle again." He added "I want to live here with you guys."

Prowl knew that he had to approach his next words very gently. "Jeff, we have to accept that it may happen, however." Prowl told him calmly "I will do everything in my power to keep you here. Primus knows I have promised this time and time again." He explained "But I ask you, for the sake of my stress levels and yours you keep an open mind in your current situation." He tilted his head "Can you do that for me?" He questioned.

Inside, Jeff wanted to scream out "no!", but at the same time he had no choice. This was Prowl he was talking about, and the mech most likely was going through enough stress as it was. Slowly, he nodded his head as calmly as he could, biting back his fears. "Just tone yourself down, son." Prowl explained "Everything will be okay, I promise you that." He told him gently.

"Yeah..." Jeff muttered "Goodnight dad."

Prowl simply took another deep breath, allowing himself to relax. Though he knew Jeff was frustrated and scared, something in his spark told him that everything would be okay. "Goodnight son." Prowl rubbed Jeff's back gently with a finger in parting "When you wake up tomorrow, I am most certain you will feel better." He noted.

As Prowl left, Jeff continued to stare at the nearest wall, his gaze distant. Even though he had been ready to run a few days ago, Jeff knew his fear was warranted. What if he did leave there? What if at the end of the day they just couldn't keep him? He slowly closed his eyes and attempted to bring himself into sleep, to end the fear that swarmed through his brain and consumed his thoughts.

But he knew the fear would never go away.