Author's Note: Been a minute since I have updated this story. I found Miko another character hard to write, something that added to the hiatus of this story. Hope you enjoy and open to constructive feedback for future Miko writing.
/denotes internal thoughts/
Chapter Seven – Miko P.O.V
The moment the Big Guy rumbled Raph's name in greeting I knew everything would be alright. ''The Big Guy remembers us! Woo hoo!'' I jumped up and down I couldn't believe it; Optimus and his memories were back!
I almost cry as Prime pats Bulk's shoulder and I watch as Bulkhead's face reflects the shock, happiness and pride he feels at Optimus' praise. I know how badly Bulkhead wants the Big Guy to be proud of him, to know he meets his approval on some level.
As Bulk smiles up at Prime, and Optimus nods his helm in acknowledgement, it looks like Bulk finally realised he had it all along. I sniff and turn away for a moment, wiping at a stupid tear that came from nowhere.
''You okay Miko?'' Raph's hand tugs at my shirt and I quickly swipe at my eyes, batting his hand away.
''Duh! Of course I am. Must have got some dust or something in my eye.''
Raph frowns at me. ''You know, it's okay to cry Miko. It's been a tough time for all…''
''I am NOT crying Raph.'' I glare at him. A tremor runs through the ground between us as a large blue and red figure makes its way towards Raph. I hadn't even noticed that Prime had finished speaking with Jack and was now making his way to talk to Raph and me.
''Hello again Raphael.'' The Big Guy's voice rumbles down, washing over us and Raph removes his glasses, cleaning them as he blinks several times. ''I apologise if I startled you, is everything alright?''
As Prime shutters his optics and waits patiently for Raph's response, I silently step away. As much as I love gossip and getting the juicy details, this is Raph's moment to share with Optimus and I can respect that.
I catch a glimpse of Jack out the corner of my eye and he smiles at me and nods towards Raph, giving the thumbs up. I grin and give the thumbs up back to him. The kid hero worships the Big Guy and no doubt being given such attention by a being as important as Prime is a HUGE deal for him.
All at once my smile began to fade.
While I'm happy to have the Big Guy back, I suddenly realise of us three kids, I'm the one who has spent the least amount of time with him. I'm the one who has not really bothered to try to get to know him because he was always so serious and not much fun to hang around. /Not like Bulkhead/.
/Will he even want to talk to me? What do I even say…/
''Hello Miko,'' that same deep voice rumbles down to me – me! That same pair of bright blue optics stares directly at me.
''Ah, hi there Optimus,'' I wave almost sheepishly up at him. ''How've you been Big Guy?'' As soon as the words were out of my mouth, I cringed.
Yet, he smiled – he actually smiled. ''Well, Miko, in all honesty, I'm not sure. I can not recall all that transpired during my absence, though suffice it to say what I do recall makes me even more grateful for being reunited with all of you again.''
That smile of his stays in place as he looks down at me. I can't help but think how looking happy suits The Prime much better than being so serious all the time. I return his smile as I fold my arms across my chest. ''What, you're even happy to be back here with us kids – including me?''
Optimus nods his helm. ''I am especially happy to see all of you kids again. Even you Miko.'' His optics seem to shine brightly and his smile curves into a smirk of sorts. ''You all played a vital role in helping return my memories and, despite your size, your bravery and loyalty know no bounds.''
My arms move to hang limply by my sides and that same grateful, yet embarrassed smile I saw on Bulkheads dermas, finds its way to my own lips. /The Big Guy missed me. He thinks I'M brave!/.
''You are a true Autobot Miko, and I am glad you are on my team,'' that deep voice rumbles down and seems to envelope me.
For a moment I can't speak, something that doesn't normally happen to me. No one has ever given me such praise before. No one, expect maybe for Bulkhead, has ever wanted me on their team. A quiet gratitude fills my heart and all I can do is smile brightly up at the towering leader.
/He's no Bulkhead, but he really is pretty cool/.
Prime nods his helm once more and rises to his pedes again, moving off to finish his greetings.
''Oh damn!'' I groan out loud as Optimus kneels before Agent Fowler.
''What Miko?'' Raph asks looking concerned as he comes to stand beside me again.
''Forget something?'' Jack teases as he too comes over to join us, his arms folded across his chest.
I rolled my eyes as I smacked my forehead. ''Yeah dah! I totally should have snapped a shot of Prime walking out of the spacebridge all cool hero like…'
Raph shrugged his shoulders. ''I'd like to say, 'maybe next time' Miko, but I'm sure I speak for everyone here when I say I'd really rather we NEVER have to go through being without Optimus like that again.''
I simply grunted in reply. ''Yeah, but it was a totally awesome shot, Raph.'' He grinned at me before he walked over to 'Bee.
Feeling a hand rest on my shoulder, I turned to see Jack standing beside me. He smiled down at me, and I frowned at his hand. /Rubbing it in I guess?/. ''Well, Miko,'' he gently squeezed my shoulder, a huge grin on his goofy face. ''I guess there are some moments better captured with the heart.''
A disgusted snort escaped my lips as I shook my head, shrugged his hand off my shoulder and grabbed my phone out of my pocket, flipping the screen open. ''Urrgh.'' I rolled my eyes. ''Ya know, that is one of the lamest things I have ever heard Jack Darby.''
He simply shrugged his shoulders and laughed. ''Maybe Miko.'' He nodded over towards the Big Guy and the other Autobots. ''But it's true.'' Without another word he began to walk over towards Arcee, who greeted him with a smile and a nod.
''Hunh, yeah. Whatever.'' I grunted after him as I raised the screen up. The Big Guy was now kneeling and talking to Jack's mum. I smirked as she began to flip her hair over her shoulder and smile coyly up at the Big Guy.
''Ha! Gotcha, June.'' I felt my finger hover over the button to snap the shot. ''Blackmail!'' Then I froze.
I hadn't noticed it before, but I did now. Everyone was smiling, and I mean everyone! Even Agent Fowler and the Doc Bot looked happy. I mean, Rachet was smiling! ''Ha, that's photo worthy itself!'' I muttered as I pointed my phone at him.
I frowned again as I looked from my screen to the scene unfolding before me. All at once, I snapped the screen shut and shoved the phone in my pocket. My hands flew to my hips, and I grunted as I stared at Jack. Though I would never admit it out loud to anyone, Jack was right.
I shoved my hands in my shorts pockets and scuffed my boots on the cement floor. /Still lame, but I guess it was true/. Sometimes you just gotta live in the moment.
''Hey Miko!'' Bulkhead's voice called out. ''I think this occasion calls for some music.'' My head snapped up in my best friend's direction.
''Bulkhead!'' Doc Bot was trying to send a warning glare at the Wrecker. His smile began to fade.
''Well now Rachet,'' The Big Guy had stood to his pedes again and walked over to the pain in the aft medic, placing a servo on his shoulder, much like Jack had just done to me. ''While I share your – concern – for being exposed to Miko's dubious taste in music..''
I folded my arms across my chest, ''Hey!'' I couldn't help but pout up at him. ''I know what that word means Optimus!''
The Big Guy seemed to ignore my protest and continued. ''This is indeed a special occasion and I think we have ALL earned the right to celebrate being back together again – as a family.'' He turned and smiled at me as Rachet muttered something.
''You serious?'' I yelled back at him. ''Like for real?''
Optimus folded his arms over his massive chest. ''Miko, I am a Prime. I am always serious.''
Bulkhead gave a loud shout, and I jumped up and down and pumped my fist. ''YES! Alright!'' I raced up the stairs to the platform that served as our human rec room. I grabbed my electric guitar and bass, switched it on and strummed the strings. A heavy echo reverberated around the room and sent a wave of excitement washing over me. Everyone, except Bulkhead – grimaced.
''Hey,'' I smirked triumphantly down at the humans and bots that were indeed like a family to me. I raised my pick in the air in preparation. ''The Boss Bot gave us the go ahead everyone, so NO complaining! Now, any requests?''
''None that I'm at liberty to say in front of children Miko!'' Rachet called out in irritation. The Big Guy sent him a sideways look that silenced the medic. I almost laughed out loud at the image of the grumpy, old mech pouting in defiance – but biting his glossa.
/Damn, we really have missed having Optimus around/. He can be such a wet blanket sometimes and he's so boring compared to Bulkhead and even 'Bee, but you gotta hand it to the mech. He knew how to command respect and, I guess it's tough keeping everyone in line and safe all the time. /Especially me!/. I chuckled to myself.
''How about that song 'Chaos Ensued' by that band you like, 'Slash Monkey?'' The Prime requested as he placed his servos on his hips. ''That song is perhaps the least – '' he tilted his big metal head at me, like he was trying to delicately select his words, ''concussive – of your repertoire Miko.''
A huge smile broke out on my face and all at once, I felt a newfound respect for the Big Guy. I truly was so glad he was back with us. I felt a warmth bubble up within me as I looked from Rachet to the Prime. He had the smallest of smiles on his dermas as he looked from me to everyone else gathered in the room. /Perhaps he really had missed us almost as much as we missed him?/.
''You got it Boss Bot! One kick arse, mind melting song coming up!'' There were several groans and cheers, but no one stormed off. I smiled brightly down at everyone.
''WAIT A MINUTE EVERYONE!'' I yelled out. ''HOLD ON!''
''What NOW Miko? Rachet groaned in exasperation as he seemed to pinch his nose.
My hand flew to my pocket, and seconds later I produced my trusty phone. I flipped the screen open and held it up before me, waving it about. ''Photo op people. Come on gather round. Don't be shy!''
Jack was shaking his head but smiling at me. I shrugged my shoulders almost apologetically at him and turned around. My back to the group below, I held the screen up.
Behind me, Arcee lifted Jack up to perch on her shoulder. 'Bee did the same with Raph, Bulk grabbed Agent Fowler, who began to protest but then accepted the inevitable and stood sullenly on his shoulder. Optimus stooped down and offered his servo to Mrs Darby, who blushed as she climbed aboard and held his thumb tightly.
Shifting the screen around until I had somehow managed to fit everyone in, I hesitated a moment. I simply stared at the screen and the faces – both flesh and metal – peering back at me, and I was suddenly struck by an overwhelming sense of gratitude. I don't know how I managed to become a part of this weird, almost dysfunctional family – but all I knew was my life was better because of them. I was better because of them. Allof them.
I shook my head. ''Alright everyone. Say ''Amnesia!'' A chorus of laughter and groans broke out as I clicked the button several times capturing the moment.
As I shoved my phone back in my pocket and raised my pick in the air, preparing to rock out, I laughed out loud simply because I could and because since the Big Guy had been lost, it had felt like forever since I had.
Some moments may indeed best be captured with the heart, but sometimes – sometimes you need a photo too.
Just in case we forget….