CHAPTER 12
"I genuinely do not see the appeal of these movies."
"OK. But I love them. So pretend to, for me?"
Optimus wasn't sure he could ever pretend he enjoyed this movie Dylan had called "Friday the 13th". But still, Dylan had been very adamant that they watch a "horror movie" for some bonding. They were something Dylan proclaimed he love, and he wanted to share with the mech he was beginning to accept as a father. But... Why did it have to be so gruesome? "I am trying, Dylan. But everyone in this movie lacks common sense," Dylan side-eyed him. "Why do none of them question the absence of their fellow counselors? And why do they constantly check on mysterious noises? Their survival tactics are very lacking."
Dylan snorted, but had to reply. "I mean, if they were smart, it wouldn't be an interesting movie, Prime!" He explained honestly. "Aren't you the least bit interested in who the killer is?"
Optimus was not. Mostly because he had looked up the film prior to watching, not that he'd told Dylan that. But he definitely had anted to be sure that it wasn't completely inappropriate. As it was, it was borderline in his opinion. "You don't have to watch if you don't like it," Dylan offered. "We can watch anything as long as it isn't a documentary. They're boring as hell."
"Language," That earned him an eye roll. "But it is fine. I have shown you many things I have enjoyed so far. I want to learn of things you also enjoy... However juvenile."
Optimus did have a question. "I thought this movie was about babysitters however. I do not understand."
"That's "Halloween" big guy," Dylan replied, deeply amused. "The one where the mean girl from Carrie gets the axe - again."
Optimus wasn't sure what Carrie was, but something told him that he wouldn't enjoy this much more. Mirage, on the other hand, as he and Bumblebee had joined in the movie night... "Ohhhh, right in the throat! That's nasty! I love it!" Of course Mirage did, Optimus thought. "And they made a bunch of these? I call a marathon!"
Optimus was already annoyed by the idea, whether he wanted to see the things his son enjoyed or not. Still, Mirage didn't seem to notice the look he gave him, typical. "Why don't we find a happy medium? I wouldn't mind something less... Aggressive," Optimus explained. "And more age-appropriate."
Dylan looked surprised. "Optimus I'm fourteen."
"I'm aware, and I don't mind you watching them as long as they don't contain too much sexuality or violence," Optimus explained. "But there must be some films you like that we all can enjoy."
Dylan scrunched his face in thought, though Optimus would oblige if nothing else came to mind. Dylan crossed the rec room to the pile of VHS' Noah leant him. Rummaging through he mentioned something... "I guess you wouldn't want to watch Child's Play either then..."
"Ew, no Chucky movies! He creeps me out!" Mirage seemed to hate the idea.
Did Optimus even want to know? Somehow he doubted it, if it scared Mirage it was definitely not anything he wanted to associate himself with. Dylan however frowned and decided to crawl over and pick one up: "Gremlins. They're cute and demented little... Monsters." Of course Dylan wanted to say something else. But was smart enough not to. "C'mon Prime; one more horror? It's not as gross I promise!"
Optimus resented, and this time... Did enjoy it. While it was rather silly, it did make him entertained. What surprised him more, however, was mid-way though when Dylan had moved to lean into his armor plating. Was he looking to cuddle? Optimus had read that human children often did. And while Dylan was not a normal case, he did think on it before cupping his hand against his back and gently rubbing his side with a finger.
Dylan just snuggled deep, and Prime felt an overwhelming feeling of joy.
It was the first time Dylan had initiated any of this, a vulnerability which showed trust was being created. Optimus decided to take it a step further, carefully scooping the boy up and resting him against his chest plate. Again, Dylan didn't seem to mind, and could get a better view. The rest of the night was... Uneventful, as Dylan fell asleep toward the end and Optimus excused himself to carry him to bed.
Not for the first time as he laid him down, and tucked him in, Optimus watched him.
Why he had been blessed with the opportunity like this he'd never know. So many Autobots had lost their children, but it had been him that Dylan had found his way too. A part of it made no sense to him, but he thanked Primus for it without hesitating. Dylan was a gift from him - that much he'd decided on. Regardless of if he had come to them as a means to discover the Transwarp key.
Optimus had been about to leave when a small hand gripped his finger.
It was then that Dylan told him something he hadn't seen coming. "Optimus? Thanks... For trying for me," Dylan murmured. "You're a good dad."
It might have been the first time Dylan had called him his dad, and it may have been while he was half-asleep. But Optimus felt his spark swell at it. Of course; when he woke up, Prime was sure the boy would go back to calling him Optimus. But the thought that Dylan at least started to see him in such a way? That meant the world to him.
Reminded of a parting gesture he'd been told about. Optimus belittled all of his strength to lean down, and press his metallic lips on top of Dylan's head in a kiss. Such an action wasn't common among their kind and seemed almost alien. But the look of surprise and the small smile on Dylan's face made the gesture worth it.
"I look forward to our next movie night," Optimus replied as he stood back up. "Goodnight, Dylan I love you."
Dylan didn't respond, he never did yet. But Optimus would ride the high from these baby steps for the next several hours.
"I'm sorry, he did what?"
Optimus felt his happiness replaced with anger after the call from CPS the next day. He was thankful Dylan was at school, given he didn't truthfully enjoy showing anger in front of the boy. Especially with his history. But sincerely they could not be saying what they had to him on the phone... It was insane, preposterous.
They assured him that even if Dylan's father had come looking for him, he could never. Ever. Put his hands on him, not with the rights termination or restraining order. But the mere thought the man was looking for his son made his armor flare. Dylan had just started to put his faith and trust in him, the thought he may have to tell Dylan about this... It made him angrier than ever.
It helped knowing that Bumblebee was his guardian, and knew his face and name. He knew well enough that the trusted young mech would always put himself between Dylan and Gene. But he still was thankful when Noah appeared a few hours later so that he could talk to him, a trusted human on his options.
When he'd been done, Noah looked somewhere between disgusted and pissed himself. "I mean do we know where this creep is?" He asked immediately. "I know you told Mirage no. But I could get a few JOE buddies together. Make him scared to even leave his house."
Optimus shook his head. "I'd like to resolve this with little conflict. I don't want you or my men to land yourselves in trouble."
Noah shrugged. "Too bad, Scarlet and Duke would probably have a field day with the guy."
Optimus didn't know who Scarlet or Duke were, having not worked too closely with the JOE's yet. But the way that Noah looked at him made him wonder if he should have said no. "Look, you're willing to go out and slaughter Scourge. But this guy threatens your kid and now you're all about peace?" Noah asked honestly, "If I were you I'd go postal. Kick his sorry ass..."
Optimus frowned at the reminder of his attitude a year ago. Sure, he had been under great pressure and also devastated, but he was not typically someone prone to that level of violence. "As much as I want to, it is not my way. Nor do I want to make Dylan afraid of me," It looked like Noah hadn't thought about that. "His father was an abusive, barbaric man. If he sees me in a state of such violence..."
"... Yeah, that wouldn't be too good."
Optimus was at a loss, if his closest human ally was at a loss, what did he do? He could sit down the boy and tell him - but Dylan would probably panic and lose sleep. "I got an idea," Optimus' optics shot to a new voice. "Sorry to interrupt was just stopping by."
Optimus smiled at the arrival of Elena Wallace, after all, she too had been integral to helping in Peru. And as such had become the second of his most trusted human allies. "Hey babe," Noah greeted her with a kiss. "Thought you were in England for another week?"
Elena blushed, their relationship still new enough she felt a bit shy about PDA. But she collected herself. "Conference ended early. I missed y'all," Elena admitted. "Now, I'm not going to pretend I know what this guy did. I'm out of the loop - still wrapping my head around the human-Autobot family thing..."
"But?" Noah questioned.
"But, if Optimus adopts him, that means he's legally and blindingly his dad. Dylan's "dad" couldn't even have visitation without your say so," Elena explained, her eyes turned to Optimus who stepped back a moment. "Look, I know it's sooner than you wanted... And I'm sure Noah's boss'll have to pull more strings..."
Noah was quick to bring up. "That's a tall order, Optimus has had him for a couple of months," Noah asked. "We owe the Autobots a lot, we could probably do it, but that's asking a lot of Optimus..."
Optimus looked thoughtfully at Elena. As usual she spoke some staunch truths. But would doing it so soon jump the gun? He and Dylan were getting closer, but Dylan still had a long way to go... "It's not like it'd happen right away. It takes months," Elena reminded them. "But if you officially petitioned to adopt him. That puts wheels in motion."
Noah chewed his lip. "I don't know, what do you think big guy?"
Optimus felt his spark twist as he tried to think of his response. Elena was right, it was just a petition, but if he did it he'd have more sway. And yet, was he ready to officially commit to it? Optimus had to mull over such a question...
And: "I'd need to speak with Dylan. It changes things," Optimus explained. "I wouldn't do it if Dylan is not ready to accept me in such a manner."
Noah gently laid a hand against Optimus' leg, comfortingly. "Just be up front with him. Make sure he understands," He explained. "I promise I'll back you up with Hawk."
Optimus looked between his friends, and hoped that he wasn't about to make a huge mistake when he called Hawk to discuss things.
Dylan felt like he'd been sucker punched with Optimus' news.
His dad was out, and he was looking for him? He could feel his head and heart pound, and his usual calm demeanor crumble. Suddenly he was once again the little kid in the attic... Not the fourteen year old with a giant robot posse. What would he do? What would they do?
Then Optimus hit him with the punchline: "General Hawk, Noah, Elena, and I came up with a solution that might help," Dylan looked up from his seat on the couch. "One that we could expedite - but requires much trust in me on your part."
Dylan's eyes moved to meet Optimus. What kind of solution? As he shook, Optimus seated himself down, and looked at him. "... If I formally adopt you now. I would have full custody of you," Dylan looked up in surprise. "As a private adoption, we would have your adoption records sealed. He, nor any of his "friends" would be able to reach them."
Dylan's heart pounded in his chest. What was he asking him? They'd only been together close to three months. And he was willing to do something like that? "I can't ask you to do that. No. No. Adoption is big, Optimus," Dylan explained. "I know this is a trial run, I would never ask you to do that... We'll figure out some other way. I don't want to force you into anything..."
The mech fell silent, his optics softened and when he next spoke it was quiet and sincere. "Dylan, if adopting you would protect you from this man. No one would have to force me," Optimus explained with genuine honesty. "I meant what I said a few weeks ago. I love you. You are my sparkling as far as I'm concerned and I will do whatever it takes..."
Dylan felt tears sting his eyes. Why did this guy care so much? This would scare so many people away. But Optimus continued to combat his pessimism with... Love? Understanding? "You'd adopt me... Even with all of this?" Dylan asked. "I've been nothing but trouble to you between the Decepticons and my dad... Why would you want to be stuck with me?"
This time, Optimus scooped him into his hand and held him close to his face. "Dylan Elijah Logan. I love you. I would not be stuck with you. I'd be putting to paper what I already know," Optimus said, as if making a solemn vow to him. "If you do not want me to, I will accept your wishes. But you cannot talk me out of it by suggesting I do not mean my words."
Dylan felt the waterfall coming now. He wanted to? And he kept saying those three damn words. Why did he keep doing that? What game was he playing? When Dylan found his voice he managed. "It takes months..."
"General Hawk agrees with the circumstances, he can pull strings. It'd still take time," Optimus explained. "But you'd be free of that man forever by the end of the month... If you truly want this."
"What if you change your mind?"
Optimus looked at him a moment, then thoughtfully, he added. "Because we will adopt you by my species culture as well," Optimus explained. "If you agree, we will make it official before our god, Primus. And act out our rites of adoption..."
Dylan shuffled. "Like... Recognizing it in both cultures?" Dylan asked. "Are you... Sure? That seems like..."
"I am sure," Optimus replied. "Say the word. And we will perform it now."
Dylan hesitated, nerves fully growing in his stomach. What if Optimus wasn't serious? What if he set himself up for heartbreak? "... How do we do it?"
Optimus smiled, as he opened his chest cavity to reveal a large ball of light - or was it energy? Dylan was amazed, eyes widened. "We shall see if this works... It has never been attempted on a human before."
Optimus cleared his throat, and held Dylan close. "Dylan Elijah Logan. I, Optimus Prime, first of his name, barer of the Matrix of Leadership... Recognize and claim you as my progeny," If was a rough translation of Cybertronian prose. "I lend you this piece of my spark... So that we may be forever bonded - one soul to another."
Dylan nearly jumped back as a piece of the ball of energy floated between them. Optimus smiled, the relief in his optics showed it appeared to be working. "Repeat after me, Dylan," Optimus offered. "'I, Dylan Elijah Logan accept this piece of your spark. And bind myself to you, Optimus Prime - one soul to another."
Dylan swallowed. But after a moment of great hesitation, he spoke the words.
All at once the small spark fragment jettisoned into Dylan's body. Practically knocking the wind out of him, he heaved, and choked... And then felt... A new warmth inside, as if he'd been joined together with... Had it been literal? "Did it work?"
Dylan jumped, Optimus' words were spoken, but his lips didn't move. How was that possible? "You... How?" Dylan asked.
As Optimus closed his chest up, he began to explain. "I have created a "creation bond" between us. For Cybertronians, the spark is the very essence of who we are. It connects us to our mates, and to our children," Optimus explained. Dylan's eyes widened. "I have now given a piece of it to you. Effectively recognizing you as my son... In the eyes of Primus, and in the eyes of my species."
Dylan clutched his chest, in disbelief. Optimus hadn't just adopted him, he'd made him as good as any biological son of his. "Optimus, you didn't have to..."
"It is done, not because I had to, but because I chose to," Optimus explained as he set Dylan back on the ground. "You now hold inside you a piece of my essence... And my legacy. I know I have chosen to place those with you well."
Dylan broke. He cried harder than he'd ever done in that moment. Where others had faltered, Optimus had just done something he'd never expected... He'd embraced him... And now he was connected to someone in a way thicker than blood.
"I don't know how I could ever thank you..." Dylan finally managed as Optimus again embraced him. "I don't deserve this."
"Do not thank me, it is my pleasure."
And they sat there for a long minute in this moment. After all, the field day Hawk would have with their new bond could wait for tomorrow.
A/N: Ugh I've been waiting to do this chapter, and get Elena in there, forever! I hope this is as sweet on paper as it was in my head!
