A/N: The chapter you've all been waiting for. :)

Thanks to my awesome beta, SIDEKICKS-ANONYMOUS, for working on this chapter!

...

CHAPTER 21
Forever Family

The next couple of months passed without much excitement, other than their impending date in court. Dylan calling Ratchet "dad" had made the adoption feel that much more official. Dylan had continued his testing of Ratchet though, even with the "dad" equation. A week ago, most recently, he'd been lectured about being out past curfew. It had worried Ratchet sick, but despite his frustration, he hadn't given him back. Just like he hadn't given him back when he'd hurt himself doing a stupid skateboarding stunt.

Nor had he when he'd run away so soon in his placement. Or when he'd questioned Ratchet about whether or not he really wanted him after the talk with Gloom. Or last month, when he'd thrown a fit over Ratchet still not letting him skateboard. Or, perhaps the hardest test of all: the one he couldn't control... The long nights he had trouble sleeping because of the fears his nightmares gave. No, Ratchet was passing all these tests, and showed no signs of ever leaving him before the adoption.

So he decided one last test would tell him for sure.

Dylan wasn't sure how Ratchet would react to him running away again. But all the same, he'd done it. He'd packed his bags, left a note, and hopped out the window. Ratchet would be recharging, he figured. And trusted him enough he'd probably not notice him gone until the next morning. But he'd also purposefully run somewhere he knew Ratchet would identify with them, and come to, reacting however he would.

So he'd made the long walk to the movie theater they frequented.

He knew that he couldn't exactly go inside, or break in. But his plan was to loiter in front of the theater until Ratchet found him. It wasn't a big deal, he figured, he'd give Ratchet about three hours after sunrise. After that, he might as well prepare to leave the home anyway. He'd just about settled in by the outdoor ticket booth when the shadow fell over the moonlight.

"How did you find me? How did you even know I ran away that quick?" Dylan breathed when he recognized the shadow.

Ratchet snorted, finding it amusing. The boy thought that after nearly eight months he didn't know him? He simply crossed his arms, and looked at Dylan. "Because I know my son. I knew you weren't done testing me. And the only thing you really hadn't tried, at least not in a while, was running away from home again. I had three spots picked out; this was stop number one."

Dylan stared at him; well, he was passing with flying colors so far. The thought that Ratchet knew him well enough now to know where he was going almost made him smile. But then came the question. "Am I in trouble?"

"Hardly. You didn't scare me, nor do anything I didn't know you would. That said, let's not make a habit of this, shall we?" Dylan nodded. "So, you were still having doubts this was going to happen? Even after all we've been through?"

Dylan looked down, guilt wrenching at his gut. He didn't mean to hurt Ratchet, but he had to be sure. He had to be sure that Ratchet wouldn't give up. "I just... I had to be positive, dad. We only have two weeks before my adoption." He explained. "I had to test you one last time. And if it helps, you passed."

Ratchet chuckled. As if he wouldn't pass—especially at this point. Ratchet couldn't imagine living without Dylan anymore. The kid had gone from some little punk who'd tagged him and he took pity on to… well, his entire world. "Dylan, in two weeks you're going to walk into a court room Dylan Elijah Logan. And leave there Dylan Elijah Chet. No amount of testing is ever going to change that." He told him as Dylan walked forward. "I need you to trust me about that. Because the thought of living without you scares me. I don't think I'd want that to happen."

Dylan hung his head it made him feel horrible when Ratchet said things like that. Ratchet really had made that clear so many times. But how many times could someone like him go through heartbreak? How could he not question things? "I'm sorry dad, I really am. It's just—I've been screwed over so many times. It's just a reflex. I can't help it." He muttered quietly.

Ratchet nodded his head, knowing that the boy was being truthful. "Well, the good news is you won't be anymore. Just two weeks, Dylan. Two weeks and this state, and the department of social services have no say in your life. No more heartache, no more testing." He explained. "You think you can hold out that long for me?"

Dylan nodded his head, picking up his backpack. He knew that he was going home, which was a good thing. But at the same time, he wished the adoption was sooner. That he could push his fears away quickly and never worry about this again. But unfortunately, that wasn't the way these things worked. It was simply the facts that he'd have to wait, and worry more and more...

Until that dotted line was signed, he knew he had to.

...

Shawn and Scarlet teased him about it the next day at school. Scarlet pointed out to her boyfriend they had done much worse. She, herself, had stolen money from Ironhide and headed for a bus station. Shawn admitted that after a huge fight, he had, in an unplanned way, thrown a fit and broken a lot of stuff in his room. Compared to those two "tests" before their adoptions, Dylan guessed he had given it to Ratchet easy, like they said.

Scarlet explained that it was probably because he knew that he was loved. That though he still had paranoia, his heart knew the way Ratchet looked at him. Dylan had simply laughed her off, and flicked a fry at her in response. It had taken him a long time to know Ratchet was looking at him in a soft manner, after all. But then again, maybe Scarlet was right; he'd come to learn since they started dating that she usually was.

Before long though, that conversation and event were a distant memory.

Dylan woke up the morning of May twenty-first rather nervous. He'd been waiting for this day for a while; both fearfully and excitedly. He noted that Ratchet looked like he'd hardly gotten any recharge. But he figured his father wouldn't; after all, he'd hardly slept himself. He knew they were both nervous as could be at the thought that in four hours they'd be in court. Making this all official, and bringing an end to Gene's hold over him forever.

Ratchet insisted he dressed as nicely as he could for the judge. Dylan hated it. The suit he was given made him feel weird. But he knew if he fought the mech on it, he'd be throwing more stress onto Ratchet, so he decided not to.

Of course, about two hours after they were up, First Aid came over. He'd immediately swooped Dylan into his hands in excitement, acting like he was the one doing the adopting. But then again, he supposed in a way he was. He was gaining a nephew; and Dylan, in turn, was gaining an uncle. An uncle, a dad, godparents, a whole support system. Dylan could feel the knots forming in excitement and nerves at the thought.

Finally, Ratchet entered his bedroom where he'd retreated to gather his thoughts and announced it was time for them to go to the court house. The drive was filled with nervousness, and neither of them really said anything. But once they'd entered the court house, Ratchet finally spoke up. "Nervous?"

Dylan nodded his head quietly.

"Don't be. Which is a little hypocritical of me I suppose. I'm scared out of my wits. I haven't been this scared since my own adoption hearing."

Dylan looked at Ratchet. Why was he nervous? It wasn't like Dylan had anywhere to go. He wasn't going to back down—if anything, Ratchet had the reason to say no. He kept quiet until after Ratchet had gone over to Reese, who had met them there, and was signing them in.

"You're scared? Why? Was it something I did? Seriously, dad. I thought you'd be excited." He felt his heart pounding.

Ratchet chuckled, looking over at Dylan. "Not like that, kiddo. Just... Now that it's happening the weight of it all is falling on me. It's probably a lot like how you're feeling. We're taking the next and last great big step into an adventure. I'm about to have a legal son." He paused. "For so long I never thought that I'd have a family like this. And now, to have it happening..."

"I know." Dylan replied. "It's strange."

He suddenly found Ratchet's holoform beside him, taking his hand. It was a gentle squeeze, but one that sent some relief into Dylan. "It's going to be good, though. We're gonna be family, Dylan; real, legal, no-questions-asked family. Doing this is scary, but the end result is what matters." He explained. "Think of it this way. What's the worst that happens? You're stuck with a miserable old grump for another four years. At eighteen, you can move out."

Dylan blinked. "Why would I?"

Ratchet chuckled, pulling him a little closer. That was what he liked to hear. After all, parenting wasn't just an eighteen year job. It was a lifetime commitment that he greatly looked forward to.

"Aw come on Ratch, your son loves you. Like he'd ever do that." First Aid pulled an arm around his brother's shoulders and grinned. "Just take a deep breath, both of you. In a couple of minutes he's gonna be yours. We'll go to Ironhide's house and celebrate, and Dylan will never have to worry about anything ever again."

Dylan nodded his head, knowing he was right. Ratchet on the other hand, took a deep breath. "I suppose you have a point. And I'm sure if our adoptive families were here they'd say the same thing. But I'm not going to relax until that dotted line is signed." Ratchet admitted. "I wish they would hurry it up. I knew I should have brought Ironhide along. He knows how to calm me down best."

Dylan had to admit, he was glad that Ratchet hadn't. The idea of being the center of attention was scary enough. But to add several different people to it? That was nerve-wracking.

"I think the small fry might have been a little worried about that. Beside, he'll be there to celebrate, right?" First Aid winked at his nephew.

Ratchet had been about to answer when someone came out of the chamber doors. "Ratchet and Dylan Logan?"

Ratchet tensed but looked at Dylan, letting his holoform disappear. After a moment, Ratchet hefted a breath. "Here we go, kiddo. We're up." He looked up. "That would be us!"

Dylan didn't say a word as they entered the empty court room. Being here was new to him, as he'd never been in enough trouble with law enforcement to be in court. But if this is how you felt when you weren't in trouble, he never wanted to know how it felt when you were. The judge sat at a podium—an Autobot, much to Dylan's surprise. As a result, Ratchet carefully scooped him up, and set him on his shoulder, allowing him a better look at the mech that would be overseeing his adoption.

He was a tall, stout mech with a big beer belly. Two appendages like spectacles sat at the bridge of his nose, and made his blue optics look large by comparison. "Alright then, we are gathered here today to oversee and finalize the adoption of Dylan Elijah Logan. Who I am guessing is you, young man?" Dylan nodded his head shyly. "A pleasure. Is the boy's social worker, Reese Cunningham present?"

Reese looked up with a smile he'd had for a while now. Dylan wasn't sure if he was happy to see him adopted, or happy to have him out of his hair. But either way, the man shifted some papers in his hands and nodded. "Yes, your honor. Present and accounted for."

"Perfect. My name is Judge Cornerstone." The mech, Cornerstone, greeted. "Now, before we go any further. I wish to confirm some information. The boy's biological father, Eugene Logan, is out of prison, but has had his parental rights completely severed and has no bearing on the child's adoption."

Reese nodded, his eyes narrowing a bit. "Yes sir. Eugene Logan's rights were terminated years ago, after it had been discovered Dylan had been molested by him. As such, he has no right to interrupt this adoption, given we have looked into his current state and have found he is still unfit to ever put a hand on this child again."

Ratchet snorted, unable to control himself. "I'd love to see the creep try."

Cornerstone nodded, pushing his "glasses" further up the bridge of his nose. "Very well, and that makes the mech before me Ratchet. It truly is an honor, sir. I have heard a many great things about your exploits in the war. And to be overseeing the adoption of your son brings me great joy." Dylan seemed to take a deep breath at that. "My first question goes to the young man. You're nearly fifteen, Dylan. So my question is simple: Do you wish to see this adoption go through? Are you happy in his care, and are you prepared to spend the rest of your life as his child?"

Dylan hadn't expected to be asked such a thing. He felt his chest tighten, and his blue eyes turn up at Ratchet. He wasn't sure he'd ever wanted anything more in his whole life. And in that moment, he felt a great deal of feelings. Excitement, nervousness, uncertainty... Where did life go from here? It was a big question mark, but one he was ready to face, and he knew it.

"Yes sir. I think you'd have to take me away fighting tooth and nail." Dylan chuckled. "I also want to take the last name 'Chet.' I don't know if you know that... But I want that. I want a totally fresh start."

Ratchet's optics gleamed at that, even if he knew that the judge was aware. Cornerstone smiled a little, nodding his head. "Yes, I have that down here in my notes. You've actually saved me a question today." Dylan blushed quietly, whistling to himself. "Alright then, my next question is for you, Ratchet. By taking Dylan, you know that you are taking full responsibility. You will no longer get a check from social services. You will be required to love, provide for, and take care of him as you would any child of your own energon..."

"Is that all? Sounds an awful like what I'm doing already." Ratchet put his hands on his hips, and looked at his son. "Yes sir, I'm very aware of what this means. I've waited for the pleasure of such responsibility, and I welcome it with open arms. At first sight, I may not seem to be the type of mech who would be in this position. But it is my greatest pleasure to call this boy my son." He finished before turning his attention back to the judge.

Dylan tried to hide his tears, but knew they were there. Every time Ratchet said something like that, it reminded him that this was no dream. Today, he was getting a forever family. And no amount of his testing was going to change that.

"Well that is the answer I like to hear. It always warms my spark." Cornerstone spoke up. "Now then, Mr. Cunningham, do you have the paperwork?"

"Right here your honor."

Dylan watched as the mech's holoform took the paperwork. And then Ratchet himself activated his own one, taking some steps forward. Dylan watched nervously as papers were signed before finally, the real form looked up. "Well then, with my fondest wishes of luck to you. I hereby give full legal custody of Dylan Elijah Logan to Ratchet, who hereafter this court, and our nation, shall recognize as his legal father." He then added. "I also approve the name change. So that this court, and our nation shall recognize him as Dylan Elijah Chet from this moment forth. Congratulations to you both."

Dylan couldn't believe that after all that time, it was so easy. But the sound of the gavel banging echoed through the room. And within seconds he was off Ratchet's shoulder, and held to his chest. Dylan couldn't control the sobs, the relief... It was done. He'd never again have to worry about where he'd sleep, what roof he slept under... Or about being taken away again.

He had a home; he had a family.

"There you go, youngling. No more worrying, huh? You're mine, now and forever." Ratchet chuckled, trying to calm Dylan's crying.

"It feels good... It feels really good." Dylan muttered. "I love you, dad."

"I love you too."

They stood there, hugging (Dylan to the best of his ability) for a long time. First Aid stepped up, putting a hand on his brother's shoulder. "What am I, chopped liver? Can't I give my nephew a big hug?" Ratchet smirked, handing the boy over. First Aid held him to his own chest. "Oh buddy boy, I'm so happy. I've got the best nephew around."

"Uncle Aid, you're crushing me!"

"Oh, sorry." First Aid laughed. "I'm just so happy to see this happen."

Again, a long hug followed before they lowered him to Reese. He'd only had Dylan as a case for a little over a year. But if there was one thing Dylan would never forget, it was that unlike his previous social worker, Reese had never give up on him. He'd fought to find him a home, and finally, he had. He'd convinced him that Ratchet was the right fit, even when at first he hadn't been so sure.

As a result, he found himself hugging the man first. It surprised Reese, but slowly, the man returned the hug. "Thanks for not letting me say "no" that first day." Dylan told him quietly. "And thank you... For not giving up on me. Not like my first social worker did."

"You're welcome. It was my pleasure. You're a good kid. And these guys are going to take care of you." Reese told him, tousling his hair a bit as Dylan smiled. "Just promise me when I hear about you from First Aid it'll be all good things. No tagging, or giving them too much trouble."

"Yes, sir."

"Now, why don't you all get together for a picture?" Reese spoke up, taking out a camera. "Your first photo as a family is always the most important, right?"

That first picture turned into a dozen or so pictures. Some of them were with just Ratchet and Dylan, some with the two of them and First Aid. Eventually, they added in Reese, and then the judge, before having a picture of all of them done by an assistant and calling it a day. After that, Ratchet led Dylan outside the court house. Away from the court, away from social services, and away from the life he'd struggled with forever.

So ended his life as Dylan Elijah Logan; and so began his life as Dylan Elijah Chet.

...

On that same day, Eugene Logan got the news.

His friends in low places had found his son at last. He didn't know much about where Dylan was, but according to some paperwork they'd uncovered, he was somewhere in Nevada. Which left many cities, but also gave him excuse to get out of his crappy little apartment. He knew he could get a bus down to Nevada, as far as he knew. And then, slowly, he'd make his ways through the cities.

Ask enough questions, and eventually you'd get an answer.

He looked over the picture that had come with the information with a sick smile. The boy had grown up, that much was true. But he knew his boy, he knew he'd be easy to sway back to his way of thinking. And even easier to get back into that docile manner he'd instilled in him.

He hoped the boy had enjoyed his freedom; because it was soon coming to an end.

...

A/N: I know, I'm evil. Dylan's officially Ratchet's. But Gene's on the way. We'll get the adoption party next chapter though. So at least there's that to look forward to!