Chapter Three

May 7th, 2010

Knoxville, Iowa

The Barton Farmyard

All five of them sat outside on the porch as Laura tucked the children in for bed. Janet's hand was resting on top of Hank's knee, and his hand was placed on top of hers. Earlier, when the drugs had worn off completely, Jack was taken to the nearest police station to file some papers before returning to the farm. Come morning, they would have to start making funeral arrangements.

They had thought of sending him off on a plane, but leaving him alone was the last thing they needed for Jack right now. Plus, there was also the presence of Arcee, who had disappeared while he was still under. Claiming to have gone out on patrol. They would have had to find a way to get her back to Jasper as well.

Coulson and Barton explained to them what June had done at S.H.I.E.L.D. All three of them were quiet as soon as they were finished. What they didn't know was that Coulson knew the real main reason why they had moved as far as possible from New York City. He couldn't bear to tell anyone about it, not when it could make or break Jack's life.

"At least we know the people who are responsible for her death," Coulson said. "The only problem we'll be facing is finding out names." He drank from his can of Pepsi, as if giving him a moment to think. "We'll start at surrounding areas that could serve as hideouts and work our way from them."

The hand Hank used to hold his soda can was shaking. Janet gestured for the can, and he passed it to her.

"I just can't believe it. All this time, I thought she was just like most of the other agents," Hank said. The pitch of his voice rose. "How could she try to help all of those people without thinking of her job being at risk? Her life?" He scrubbed trembling fingers through his hair. "Worst of all, I can believe how I reacted to her when I first started out there. If I had only listened to her…"

"Well, Mitchell Incarceration-For-All-Eternity was the main culprit," Barton grumbled.

"Clint!" Romanoff jabbed him in the side, hard enough that he almost dropped his water bottle.

"What? It's the truth!"

"I don't care, and not with Jack upstairs wide awake. From what you've told me, he didn't know half of the things June had known—"

"And I've got a bad feeling Jack's going to find out in the worse ways possible now," Coulson said. He looked upwards, the sky littered with stars and the moon looking like the Cheshire Cat's grin. He hoped it wouldn't storm. But a part of him had hoped it would, to give him time to catch up with Jack.

"Let's put it this way," he said to Hank. "From what I've heard, you acted pretty shitty to her. But Carson was the one who did the real damage. We don't know everything that went on during that time, and I've got a feeling she didn't know what she was doing either."

Hank shook his head. He scrubbed his forearm against his eyes. "God, how could I have been so cold towards someone who's just as naïve as I was?"

"Well, she's about to be buried soon," Janet mentioned. "It's not too late to pay some final respects, is it?" Her throat was dry, and she sipped water from her bottle. "But we should focus on how it's all going to impact Jack, when it does. Empathize with him and respect him before we all reach an understanding. You taught me that, remember?"

Hank lowered his head. "That was what almost cost us our lives."

"You're right, but what you've done for me was a start. You protected all you could because of love. For your grandmother, for Maria. You dedicated your work in their memory, and you disregarded what others have said to dissuade you so you could be true to yourself and protect all that you've accomplished. What you've been through in Hungary was traumatic, too."

Romanoff wrapped an arm around Barton's shoulders. "She's right, you know. You're still in your thirties, same as most of us. You've got many years ahead to do better."

"Yeah, or you'll end up like Uncle Phil here," Barton nudged his head towards Coulson's direction with a grin. He was rewarded with a scowl. He had meant for it to be a joke, but one look said that he had pressed a button.

"I've watched that kid grow up for the first seven years of his life," Coulson said. "I've seen June bust her ass off to help people who were in freak accidents, saving their lives by alleviating the pain, undoing the damage, or helping them adjust to their conditions until they were comfortable. I screwed up with how I felt for the kid, and that rage was with me on the drive here."

He took a swig from his can. "The best I could do was let them go and let Jack grow up safe and sound. My fault for not calling them or sending them a letter, to show that kid how much I cared. The only thing I could do was wonder if any of them remembered us. I had my answer that night, but the intensity of it…"

None of them pressed him for further information. Someday they might, but not tonight.

"This Airachnid chick that you guys talked about," Janet said. "What you've said about her was on repeat in my mind. I know you guys don't want to talk about it, but I think I understand that she's not going to let him be that easily."

"Not in a heartbeat." Romanoff took a sip of her water. "She's the type who'll hold a grudge against you, and then terrorize you each chance she gets."

"Good lord," Hank said. "I thought the people I've met were bad enough, but I guess June's met them all."

"That's the package that comes with S.H.I.E.L.D.," Coulson said. "Anyone can be crazy, whether it's good or not."

Barton stroked his chin. "I remember when we've first met Nat. All of the crazy women and men you've told me…"

"Unfortunately, there's no solution to prevent maniacs from existing," Romanoff said. "Sure, they're obnoxious, but sometimes it helps to prevent them from ruining your life by just taking action and counting on the ones who will help you along the way."

Hank set down his can and recounted his experience in Hungary, leading up to the moment that drove him and Janet to rejoin S.H.I.E.L.D. All traces of comfort were gone by the time he was finished. Janet barely looked at them.

"Seriously?" Romanoff said. "Other people were watching? You had to…oh, my God."

"Yeah. But if he was still around and hadn't done what a smart person would've done—"

"But he's not, and that's the past," Janet said.

Barton scrubbed a hand over his face. "God, what the hell is wrong with our species?"

"Too much, but there's also some good." Coulson set his can down on the table as well.

"That would have explained your lost week," Romanoff told him.

Coulson smirked. "Back then, you didn't know the significance she had in her department. Or any other place she had impacted. That week turned into ten years. Who knew that bringing us together again would be because of some psycho robotic alien out for vengeance?"

Janet raised her head up. "What's done is done now," she said. "Living in the past may be helpful to some people to live in the present, but it's also intoxicating the future with its potential to grow. How about we help you two live by what may come?"

Coulson flicked his eyes to the door, where the stairs were visible. But he knew that no matter what happened, Jack would not face the unknown by himself anymore. He picked up his can and raised it. The others did the same, and they pledged to help the son of a fallen friend.

Inside the barn, Arcee hid herself deep in the corner. She heard part of the conversation until it fell quiet and they resorted to whispering. She had come back when most of them were still in town, and she was there ever since.

She had failed her partner miserably. Had she had just shown herself, it might have given June a heart attack. But then maybe it would have delayed the inevitable and she would still be alive. Now there was nothing left to do.

The last two days had been an absolute living hell for her. She tried to stay low, but not even she could escape the flames. They had ignited inside of her systems, licking at her processor and heating her CPU with turmoil and guilt. She hadn't felt this crushed since Tailgate's demise at Airachnid's hands.

But her wellbeing was the least of her concerns. Jack solely held that spot. She hadn't been able to see or talk to him since they left Jasper. The small talks had given her only hints about how he was coping. But where he was swallowing her thoughts came two things to worry about.

The first worry was that MECH knew Jack's home and possibly Sierra's. Which meant that at any given opportunity they could be used as bait. That was one frightening thing to think about, for who was to say that they wouldn't be on Silas 's list of people of interest? The second thought had nearly put her into a lockdown…what if Jack didn't want her as a guardian anymore?

She stood up from the corner, but she heard a slam from outside. She stood still, wondering dumbly if it was Jack. Surprisingly she got her wish when seconds later, the door opened up and the teenager peeked inside.

Jack saw that he had been caught. Stepping in sheepishly, he looked up at her and smiled his best. However, one look at her and he looked positively concerned.

Arcee looked…awful. Her armor was dirty and starched up, her paint seemed duller, and her glowing eyes seemed much too dim. He knew better to not point this out or ask her what happened. After a moment, she hesitantly looked away him. Inwardly, Jack worried about what was going through her mind as she took in his reaction.

"…I had to rough it for a patrol," she lied while sitting back down.

"It's okay, Arcee. You don't have to tell me anything that you don't want," Jack assured her. He had walked up to her and placed a hand on her leg.

Arcee sighed heavily, wrapping her arms around herself. She seemed to curl in on herself and Jack couldn't hold his tongue any longer.

"Arcee, about the other night," he started, but she had started to cut him off.

"Don't. I almost lost you to Airachnid and I failed to save your mother," Arcee said with anguish. "And it's okay. I'll understand if you don't want anything to do with me anymore."

Jack jerked back. "What? How can you say that? I told you that we're partners!" he almost shouted.

Arcee whirled on him, optics glaring and blazing. "We are not partners!" The words were automatic and she immediately regretted them.

Jack gripped his jeans to prevent himself from doing something stupid himself. "I still don't believe you when you say that. Not after everything that we've just been through." He watched as Arcee looked away, metal brows furrowing as her face twisted into a grimace. Sensing her growing distress, Jack forced himself to calm down. "I don't know a lot about the situations you've gone through, but I know that this is not entirely your fault."

"How can it not be? I've failed Tailgate. I've failed Cliffjumper. I couldn't save them even when they were within my reach. It's obvious that I'm too stupid and pathetic and weak to save them! Why else do I keep failing?" she shouted.

Jack was staring at her in disbelief. "You are not weak. You've survived every horrible thing that's been thrown at you. You've survived after you've lost your partners," Jack spoke softly. "You've spent eons fighting through a war and you're still fighting. You are the strongest person that I've ever met. I didn't quit on you then and I'm not quitting on you now. If you've meant what you've said, we both wouldn't be here in this barn right now."

He watched her flinch at that last part, but he continued on, "And I know that I'm not strong enough. I already know that. I need you to be there for me and I'll be there for you when you want me to be. We just need to communicate better and promise each other not to give up on the other." He knew a lot of things would be different, but there was one thing he was certain of. "No matter what happens, no matter how bad things get, I'll always be there for you as your partner."

Arcee was staring down at him in amazement. She had been around for thousands of years and no one had ever told her how much they had needed her. She was never one who wanted to feel; she couldn't afford to feel nothing except for numbness. It was Tailgate who had made her care and Cliffjumper was the one who made her open up again when she tried to shut others out.

Jack was refusing her to, and perhaps he had a good reason to. He was resting his head against her leg now, looking tired from their argument. He knew that she was feeling just as guilty as he was. But it wasn't her fault, because she couldn't have known. She was the most vulnerable in this state.

"I miss her." There, she said it. His gaze was soft as those sapphire blue orbs continued to keep their glance on her. "I know I never had any contact with her, but June…she kind of grew on me just by watching you two interact. It reminded me of the days when I was part of a group consisted of female programmed Autobots."

Jack smiled sadly, reverting his gaze to the ground. She never mentioned that last part to him before, but it was nice that she opened up to him a little. "Yeah, I miss her too. A lot. To be honest, I still blame myself for her death. I always wondered what I could have done differently, what could have gone in a different direction. But…I'm glad that you're okay. You're the only family I have left here."

Arcee's optics were glistening as he said that. "I was family?" she asked.

"Yeah, you're like the sister I could've wanted. And if my mom or dad were here right now, they'd be proud to have you as their own."

Arcee's optics flickered in surprise before she smiled. Jack returned it just before letting out a laugh. "What?"

"Just thinking how my folks would have reacted if they met you in person."

Arcee frowned. "You never did talk about your dad. What was he like?"

Jack didn't answer right away. But at the mention he smiled softly. This time, however, the smile was automatic. "He's…timeless."

After most of the adults left for the hotel in Knoxville, Jack took the opportunity to use the shower. It had only been after their conversation had dwindled that he realized he needed to wash up and change into a fresh suit. He had talked to Coulson a little more before he left for the night. Not that he expected anything more from the man, but after their conversation about his parents, they both knew that there was a lot more they had to cover.

As he finished and turned the water off, he dried off and put on a pair of pajama pants and a worn shirt. He glanced at his bandaged hand, a little scared of what it would look like uncovered. He didn't realize how much his breathing was shuddering until he slid down the wall.

He wiped his nose as he thought about calling the others. He had gotten Sierra's number while they were at the place they went to. He didn't know Fowler's number, leaving him wondering how June's body was being handled or how the funeral plans were going. He decided on the former, but he knew better than to use his own phone because they could track him down if he even sent a text. That had been why he had stolen the phone from the kitchen earlier to call her house number.

"Hello?" A woman had answered the phone.

"Um, hi. Is Sierra there? I go to the same school as her." He shivered at those words.

"Yeah, just hold on." From the way she said those words, Jack assumed that this had to be Sierra's sister. He waited with baited breath before he heard her voice.

"Hello?"

"Sierra," Jack said.

"Oh, my god," Sierra exclaimed in relief. "I thought for sure something had happened to you when you didn't say anything for a while. Where are you?"

"I'm in Iowa right now, but I don't know when I'll be there. Where are you at right now?"

"I'm in my room. My parents are at a family friend's house for some meeting, and I think you just met my sister Jenna."

Jack was relieved as he said, "Sorry, I just wanted to know if you were okay and that those guys hadn't been by. Did the paper's say anything about my mom?"

Sierra didn't answer right away. Jack began to worry that there was something written about her that could upset him greatly. He waited for an answer on tenterhooks.

"They found her car still in the parking lot of the hospital," Sierra finally answered. "Her purse and keys were on the ground. Someone had even witnessed it. People were starting to think that someone had kidnapped her. The government is using that to their advantage."

Jack's grip on the phone tightened. "I take it that people got a little suspicious."

"The press didn't have much of a choice."

He shook his head. Fowler's superiors didn't just play out on the rumors. They might as well have painted an ugly picture about what kind of a person she could have been. But right now, he knew that Sierra needed to talk to a friend, not a stranger.

"I'll probably be home in a day or two at the latest," he informed her. "I'll give you Miko and Raf's numbers so they can keep your up to date. They'll both know what to do the minute you tell them of this conversation."

"Miko? The exchange student from Japan? I don't think she even likes me."

"Trust me, she'll come around and warm up if she gives you a chance to let her get to know you," Jack said. "I need to let the others know about I'm fine, but I promise you I'll call you the minute I cross Nevada's border.

"Okay. I'll see you then."

After he hung up, Jack checked the time. It was almost nine and it was a Friday, meaning that Miko and Raf were probably still at the base. The Autobots didn't sleep like humans did, but would he still risk calling them?

He glanced up at the door. With no one bothering him, he had to take advantage of the privacy he had for the moment. He held up the phone and slowly typed in the number. He tried to control his breathing, but it felt impossible.

As he finished, he held the phone to his ear. The one thing he needed more than anything at the time was to hear another familiar voice. But unlike Coulson's voice, which was a comfort to him, maybe the voices of the Autobots would help anchor him in the present.

"What do you mean Jack will be leaving?" Ratchet exclaimed loudly. The wrath he rained on Fowler was easily spoken for the team. Miko and Raf sat quietly nearby, clearly distraught.

"What? You didn't really expect him to stay here forever, did you?" Fowler asked them.

What he saw, however, surprised him. The group didn't argue with him straightaway. They just stood there awkwardly, fidgeting in their spots. This raised many suspicions for the patriotic man.

"Okay. What's going on here?" Fowler demanded.

"Agent Fowler, I know this will come as a shock to you and to your government…but we wish to be granted custody of Jackson," Optimus requested after a moment of hesitation.

"What?" Fowler couldn't believe what he was being asked of. Miko and Raf said it too, but they were surprised more likely than shocked. "You guys can't be serious, can you?"

"And why wouldn't we be? This man that you've spoken of may have had some connection to him, but Jack's best choice of safety would be with us," Ratchet scoffed.

"Look, I know how much you care about the children. But do any of you know what it takes to take care of a child? Even a human child?" Fowler didn't bother to hide his shock and skepticism.

"Are you saying we're not capable of taking care of Jack?" Bulkhead questioned the agent's faith in them.

Fowler looked at the kids seated on the couch. He leaned against the railing, and spoke seriously, "We're talking about a human child here. You guys want to be granted custody, but then there are these guys in black who I just got a phone call from two days after June's death. Do you know how awkward it would be to start a custody battle between you guys? And do you know anything about S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

"We understand your concerns, but we all know Jack can very much take care of himself. But right now, what he needs most besides guidance is a family," Optimus kindly argued.

They watched as Fowler looked away. They were caught off guard that he looked like he was thinking it over. Was the agent really considering their words?

As Fowler listened to them, he saw the two sides. His superiors would have a field day about this, but Optimus was right. Jack could take care of himself, but he needed someone — anyone — to be there for him.

Fowler sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He eventually did look up back at them.

"I'll call my superiors about this and see what they think. While I'm doing that, make sure Jack doesn't get into too much trouble."

"Thank you, Agent Fowler," Optimus replied.

Ratchet was pulled out of his thoughts as a call coming from the terminal. He quickly rushed over to it and answered the call a little sterner than he'd wanted. "What!" Ratchet barked out and inwardly cringed at his own tone. He didn't mean to snap, but he usually got grumpy when he was upset.

"Well, nice to hear from you too."

Everyone stopped what they were doing and gawked at the monitors.

"Jack!" The boy's name was called by Miko and Raf before going on about how much they missed him. Miko exclaimed how upset she was that nothing of interest had happened as of yet, that there was a lack of activity from the Decepticons.

"Seriously dude, nothing exciting at all has happened since you-know-what. We haven't had any run-ins with those MECH guys either," Miko finished with a pout.

Ratchet half-expected for Jack to start reprimanding her how dangerous it was. However, this situation wasn't one they considered normal. Miko had to have noticed her mistake as she cringed. "Sorry…"

"It's okay, Miko. I know you didn't really mean to, but you…" Jack sighed. "I'm sorry, just a little tired out."

Miko bowed her head in response.

"Jack, are you and Arcee okay? Where are you at?" Raf interrogated in a rush.

"We're okay, Raf. We're both in Iowa right now, so we won't be home until the funeral."

Optimus tilted his head down slightly, just slightly, as he heard the tone and volume in the boy's voice. His shoulders slumped down, as if he was carrying more weight than he usually did. There was sadness in his optics as he looked back up. No one had seen him looking so worn out, new and familiar.

Watching him struggle for several minutes, they were slightly surprised to see him turn around and quietly walk out of the room without acknowledging anyone.

Ratchet almost went after him so she could drag him back in to talk to Jack, but she knew why. There was a small hint of guilt in his optics, feeling of remorse that he had felt for failing many injured Autobots. He would give him time to compose himself before the call could end. But even half of them knew that he would not come back in time.

"Hey, is Optimus there?" Jack asked and everyone cringed. They all had a look on their faces, wondering what they were going to tell him.

"He had to go take care of things," Raf answered as quickly as he could.

"Oh, okay." Jack's reply was heavily implied with disappointment and Ratchet narrowed his optics in worry. Something happened, he was sure of it.

The conversation carried on for a few more minutes before they said their goodbyes, with Jack promising to call them again when he got close to Jasper. Everyone chatted away with each other before they returned to what they'd been doing before Jack called, their spirits risen and a new hope shining, all of them jovial to hear that he was still alive and how they couldn't wait to hear from him again.

May 9th, 2010

Des Moines, Iowa

Des Moines International Airport

Standing close to the runway where the quinjet was to escort him and Arcee back to Jasper, Jack peeked inside his bag. The things he needed for when he returned to Washington were in their rightful spot, and he let loose a breath. He didn't keep track of how many times he had checked them since he left the house, but ensuring his safe return was worth some embarrassment.

"No one has come by your house except for some neighbors to check for you," Barton informed him. "We've got your back, kiddo."

Jack was cradling his burnt hand. "I thought for sure Fury would show up at the house."

Barton frowned. "So did I."

As the quinjet opened its hatch up, Arcee flashed her lights twice in her vehicle mode. Coulson was grabbing the last of the bags from the trunk of the car. He would be going with him to Jasper to ensure his safety. The others would arrive for the funeral.

Jack's gaze peeked over his shoulder. If he stepped onto that plane, he would be back in Jasper in time for his mom's funeral. But he knew that afterwards, he would be taken to Washington, D.C. That was when he realized that it would be the last time he'd see Miko or Raf or any of the others until he came of age.

"Ready?" Coulson said, and Jack nodded. He guided a still exhausted Arcee as Coulson pushed the luggage cart towards the jet. S.H.I.E.L.D. would be in contact with him, but no calls could be made. Not until both parties were no longer viewed as a threat.

"I wish I could just go live with him instead."

Coulson didn't have to ask. He knew who Jack was referring to. "I know, kiddo. I know."