A/N: So you'll get to see some seeds of how ROTF is going to change in this chapter! ;) Some minor set-ups for changes afoot. Some for DOTM whenever I get there as well. ;) Also note, in this AU the Autobots already know who The Fallen is.

...

CHAPTER 32
An Eventful Return

Optimus and Elita were waiting to greet them upon their arrival, which made Trevor smile. Optimus's scanners fell on him right away, and he could tell his optics were focused on his throat. Once he was satisfied the marks were gone, he smiled widely and strode forward with Elita. "I'm glad to see your travel home to us went well," Optimus told them, looking between his son and grandson. "I hope you are feeling better than you had with the... Rather unsavory parts of your trip, Trevor."

Elita snorted, looking at Optimus. "What your grandsire really wants to ask is that whether I need to go stateside," Elita began, slamming a fist against an open palm. "And beat that Michael Field creep into submission."

Trevor smirked, but shook his head quickly. Not that he hadn't expected that to be their first concerns. But luckily they had heard about their only encounters with the man that was biological father. "No grandma, he left us alone after that," Trevor stated tiredly, putting his hands in his pockets. "I heard gramps over here blew a hole through a wall though," He stated, looking over at Optimus. "That's pretty epic."

Optimus crossed his arms, trying not to smirk. "I suppose the man is just lucky I did not come on the trip," He commented. "I am a calm, kind, and peaceful mech. But when you touch my family," He paused a moment, then spoke up. "Well, no more of that. I'm simply glad to have you and your father here again. The base has felt empty since you left," He admitted. "Without the twins too."

"Awww," Sideswipe rolled up towards Optimus from the side. "Did you really miss us boss bot?"

Sunstreaker was next, circling until he was facing the Prime. "Seriously? I'd think you'd be enjoying the peace seeing as you older 'Bots complain a lot," Trevor laughed at that, rolling his eyes. "Maybe we should go away more often Sides. We could get promoted!"

Elita rolled her optics, and crossed her arms slightly at her nephews. While Optimus carefully picked Trevor up, and deposited him on his shoulder as he often did when they were together. Trevor smiled, feeling happy to be on his grandfather's shoulder again. "Well, Ratchet has been a little bored, though he'd never admit it," Optimus jested calmly.

"Really? I think he'd enjoy the peace and quiet with all of us off base," Bumblebee put his hands on his hips and stared up at Optimus in surprise. "Slag, if he even missed the terror twins then I'm wondering if he was body snatched," There was universal laughter at that. "Well, he'll get that wish whether he likes it or not I guess. Think we should go pay him a visit?"

Trevor shook his head, quickly getting the feeling it would involve a check up. After a moment, Optimus eyed him, as if he felt that bit of nervousness. After a moment, a smile slowly moved across his lips. "I see that you have finally established a bond with Trevor," He stated, looking at Bumblebee, then at Trevor. "Or am I imagining that small feeling I felt leak through mine?"

Bumblebee smiled, having kept it a secret up until now. "Yep, Trevor let me make it with him about four days in," He proudly told Optimus and Elita. "He's still learning to work it, hence the leak," He explained. "But yep, it's all done, and if you're shocked it worked with a human... Well, you can join the club," Trevor snorted at that.

"Well then," Elita stated. "We'll have to teach you how it reaches out to us," She explained. "So we can be your other lifelines when you need it."

"Don't worry," Trevor was surprised as Optimus's voice entered his head. "It will be easier than you think."

Trevor smiled at the mech, feeling a warmth reverberating into his bond with him. Yeah, he could definitely get used to all the love-sharing this bond created. He leaned against his grandfather's plating, and relaxed. Yes, it was also very good to be home, as much as he missed Tranquility at times. "I missed you guys," Trevor told him as they walked towards the inside of the base. "I mean I love Tranquility, but home's you guys now, I guess. Considering you're my family."

Optimus smiled fondly at his grandson, and nodded. He had to admit, it would be hard for him to feel that way in some ways. But then again, he knew just as they were thankful for Trevor, Trevor was thankful for them. Without them, there was no telling where he'd be right now. Perhaps with the Witwicky's or with Nick, but Optimus shuddered to think if the government hadn't allowed that. If someone with such bravery, and compassion in his heart had been left in the foster care system. It was especially sad to think about when one considered how much he had come to love his little grandson. Which was on a level that any grandparent would be expected to, and then some.

"So, are we still on for that trip in a few weeks too?" Trevor asked, to which Optimus nodded. "Sweet, I can't wait for that either. A whole two weeks in London? It's going to be awesome."

"Are you ever satisfied?" Elita teased.

"I'm totally satisfied," Trevor smiled. "I just have a taste for adventure."

Optimus looked over at Bumblebee for a moment, then looked at his holoform, which had grabbed Trevor's bags. He sighed a moment, then looked his adopted creation in the eyes. "Bumblebee, now that you are back," Optimus began. "Would you like to have Trevor's help in taking his belongings to his room, or might I speak with him?"

"Well, I guess I could bring his stuff to his room," Bumblebee replied. "Everything okay, boss bot?"

"Everything is fine," Optimus nodded. "I simply need some time alone to speak to my grandson about private matters." He explained.

Trevor couldn't imagine why they had changed the topic so suddenly. What did Optimus have to say to him? Had he done something wrong while he was away? All of these questions ran through his head as they started off from the rest of the group.

...

"You mean Diego Garcia isn't a permanent base anymore?"

Optimus stared down at his grandson as they sat in his office, his optics looking down upon him. He shook his head slightly, and placed his hand on the edge of his large desk. "No, we speculate that by the end of the normal "school" year," Optimus explained, and Trevor nodded his head slowly. "We will be moving to a mainland base of our choosing. This will still serve as an overseas base of operations, and we will spend weeks here when needed," He explained. "But as the Decepticons movements have been on the mainland, your leaders have decided it best to keep us stateside."

Trevor shifted in his seat a bit, wondering what it was that Optimus was getting at. The other half didn't care, as the thought that by next summer he'd be back in civilization permanently made him rather happy. "So, why did you call me in here to tell me this, grandpa?" He questioned. "Or did you figure I missed civilization too?"

"That was one reason," Optimus nodded. "The other is to discuss what this means about your education," Trevor's eyebrows cocked up in surprise. "What is your opinion of your private tutoring with Ratchet?" Trevor opened his mouth, but it quickly shut. "Be honest with me, Trevor. Remember you are family, there will be no judgment from me."

Even so, Trevor was quiet. How did he like Ratchet's tutoring? To tell the truth, he liked Ratchet himself more than he liked learning from him. If only because, at the end of the day, most of his attempts at teaching human ways seemed to end in aggravation on the medic's end. And Ratchet had enough stress as it is, to be frank. "Ratchet's cool, and he does his best," Trevor explained. "But it's hard to have things broken down for me when I don't have a processor like an Autobot's."

"Do you also miss the friendship of your fellow peers?"

"Yeah, as long as they weren't jerks," Trevor shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Grandpa, where are you going with this?"

Optimus looked at his grandson for a long moment, considering things. He nodded his head, and put his hands on his hips. "We will be discussing this with your sire. But after much talk your grandcarrier, Ratchet, and I believe... Given the circumstances," He began. "That starting with the next school year, it is best that you return to human schooling," Trevor perked up a bit. "I warn you, given the circumstances, it will be one we choose very carefully. And could change depending on if any dangers arrise."

Trevor's eyes lit up in excitement, he'd be able to go to an actual school again for his senior year. He'd have a prom, a graduation, the works. He knew Bumblebee would most likely agree to that, with some conditions, and so his heart began to beat faster. "Are you sure that's safe?" Trevor asked. "I mean, with the Decepticons out there and all..."

"We will figure out a schedule," Optimus explained. "One that will allow us to be stationed outside of your school at all times," Trevor relaxed a little at that, smiling. "Do not get us wrong, there will be rules in place. But this is something that will happen, especially considering how happy you appear," Trevor's smile widened. "Are you alright with attending a school in what will undeniably be a new city?"

Another fresh start, Trevor tensed at that quietly. But then again, he knew he was in for this, it was not unlike other military families, and there was no denying he was in one. "Yeah, I can handle it," He nodded. "But do you think dad will be okay with it?" Trevor asked, uncertainty in his eyes. "I mean, I think he will. But you know how protective he is with me, especially with Barricade still out there," He explained.

"Allow your grandcarrier and I to talk to him," Optimus replied. "We will convince him that this is a wise decision," Trevor was mentally screaming and jumping up and down at that. "Now, until we have moved our bases, you will still be tutored by Ratchet," He explained politely. "I expect you to continue to give him respect as your teacher, as he has done his best."

"Of course, gramps," Trevor grinned, then his brow furrowed. "You know, you got me thinking... Are you sure that's a good idea, moving with the last shard of the Allspark and all of that to a city?" Optimus himself frowned slightly. "Don't tell me it's staying here without Autobot protection. You guys all said that it still has energy in it, and well... We're screwed if someone uses it, right?"

Optimus was silent for a long moment, his head turning to face the wall. Trevor didn't like the look of concern that Optimus gave, and he had a feeling he shouldn't be. "Wherever it is, we will be on the very edge of the town or city," Optimus explained. "But I agree, it is a dangerous proposition. Yet, one we must make if we are to strike the Decepticons where they seem to have taken up residence," Trevor nodded slowly in understanding. "As always, your concerns are valid, but trust me when I say we will figure all of this out."

Trevor nodded, and stood to his feet, getting the feeling he was going to be leaving soon. "Believe me, if there's one thing I've learned to do," Trevor replied. "It's to trust you guys. You usually have a pretty good idea of what you're doing," He looked up at the leader. "Is that all you needed me for, grandpa? Or was there anything else...?"

Optimus shook his head, and smiled at him fondly. "Nothing I can think of, little one," He replied. "You are dismissed now to go and "catch up" with your friends," He then added. "And once more, it is good to have you and your sire back," He nodded his head.

"Good to be back," Trevor nodded.

Optimus watched his grandson leave silently, his optics staring out his office window. Of course, Trevor had thought the same thing he had. Was it worth the risks to go to the mainland? Sure, the Allspark shard was safer here, but the general human population needed a defense force closer to home. The answer was obvious, as he had promised to protect humankind from this Primus-forsaken war at all costs. But even so, he could not push the overwhelming sense of dread that loomed over him away.

Only time would tell if such fears were warranted, or if he worried for nothing.

...

That night, Trevor and Elita got their first real "alone time" since that first time they met. A meeting had been called for Optimus, Bumblebee, and Ironhide to attend, while the others were allowed to do their work. As a result, Elita had taken it upon herself to watch her grandson until Bumblebee was out. Not that the boy needed much "watching" at sixteen years old, but rather, "watching" him was more of an excuse to continue bonding with him. Just like both Bumblebee and Optimus took that, and the other Autobots as well.

Currently, the boy was preoccupied with an assignment that Lennox had tasked him with. Fixing one of the NEST government-issued motorcycles. It wasn't a new task for him, the boy told her. Considering he'd been learning little by little how to work on fine tuning the military motorcycles. The young mechanic (taught by his father) wanted to graduate to other military vehicles, but of course, was not ready for various reasons. "You're pretty good, you know," Trevor looked up at Elita as she crouched. "Are you already done?"

"Just about," Trevor wiped sweat from his brow. "And "already"? It's been three hours."

"It should have taken longer by my calculations," Elita pointed out, to which Trevor gave a triumphant grin. "You know, your great-grandsire on my side was a type of "mechanic". He was the first mech to build the modern "spaceship" as you know it," Trevor's mouth gaped open in amazement. "I know, pretty cool, right? I suppose Optimus and Bumblebee have told you a lot though."

Trevor shrugged, having only heard bits and pieces. He knew that Optimus, although having only been christened a Prime later in life, was the direct descendant of one of the thirteen original Prime's. The very first Prime: Prima, to be exact. He also knew that he was raised by a hard working, working-class couple, and worked as an apprentice in the Hall of Records before the acting Prime: Sentinel, took a shining to him and took him under his wing. As he recounted what he knew to Elita, she nodded her head slowly. "That's kinda what set Megatron off, wasn't it?" He asked. "He kind of knew grandpa was destined to be a Prime because of that."

"Oh yes," Elita nodded slowly. "Your great-uncle always wanted power. And he wasn't about to let your grandfather, his "little brother" take it from him," She shuddered a little bit. "It's such a shame, too. When we believed that The Fallen was the only one behind it, and Sentinel went missing... He was named Lord High Protector under your grandfather," She paused a moment. "And he still betrayed him."

Trevor shook his head, the whole story of the war sounded beyond disturbing. All the betrayal, all the backstabbing, he shuddered a bit. "Man, that war sounds like hell," He muttered to himself as he finished off the last touches on the motorcycle. "Grandma, can I ask you a question?" Elita nodded her head slowly. "Grandpa said he was adopted too. So I'm just curious... Why are so many people..."

"Adopted?" Elita questioned, as Trevor nodded slowly. "Well, your grandsire was adopted because his family was wiped out by The Fallen. Just days after he was brought into the world at that... When the war was just starting, and he decided to try and wipe out the families of any former Prime's. It was an attempt to destroy Sentinel's resolve, as his own family was killed too," She then added. "So he was given to a working class family to raise in secret alongside Megatron. At least, that's what his adopted kin said," She then grew a little sad. "And as for your grandsire and I... We tried for our own sparkling once," She spoke sadly. "I became sparked about a vorn before we met Bumblebee," She explained. "It was going to be a little femme, named Firerose," Trevor waited for the catch, and his grandmother's optics became sadder and sadder. "Then one day, I was heavily damaged in battle, and... There were complications..."

"You lost her?"

"Unfortunately, we did," Trevor frowned, upset by the idea. "And no matter how hard we tried, we couldn't merge again. The damage to me was too great and did something to me Ratchet still can't identify," She sighed quietly, but then let a small smile creep over her face. "Like I said, about a vorn later, your grandsire comes in with a little yellow youngling with the biggest blue optics I'd ever seen," She then added. "He'd found him foraging through the trash for whatever meager Energon he could find. And then... Well," She shook her head. "It was love at first sight for me. A blessing from Primus in return for the loss of my little one."

Trevor smiled, he supposed all was well that ended well. But at the same time, it definitely made him sad to know they had left their biological daughter. "So you guys just... Adopted him?" Trevor asked, and Elita nodded her head. "I guess that makes sense. I mean, if you see a little kid digging around in the trash for something to eat... You're not just going to leave them there."

"Exactly," Elita replied. "And though I muse on what could have been, I'm thankful for what is," She explained. "I have a wonderful creation, who has gone and adopted a creation of his own," She explained, putting a gentle finger on his shoulder. "Something which made me happy, as he gave back a little of what we gave him," Trevor nodded his head. "And for that matter, I am very proud of him. I couldn't ask for a great creation than I have."

Trevor nodded his head. "Yeah, you raised a pretty awesome son."

"And he seems to be raising an equally "awesome son" himself, from what I've seen," Elita mused, to which Trevor looked up in surprise. "It amazes me that with all the adversity, and all the harsh cards life's dealt you... You're just as optimistic as he is," She hummed slightly, rubbing his shoulder a bit. "It makes me proud to be your grandcarrier, even if we don't know each other all too well."

Trevor smiled, it made him feel good to hear that. He never thought of himself as "awesome", or thought of his toughness in that light. But just to think that anyone else did was a rather cool thing to behold. "Well, I hope I can keep making you proud of me," He finally replied, taking a deep breath. "I know I have a lot to live up to in a family like this. I mean, I knew that coming in," He explained. "But sometimes I worry that with my race car driving dreams-."

"Hey," Elita shook her head. "If you live a happy and fulfilled life. And continue on the path you're on for that matter," She explained. "I'll be proud of you."

Trevor kept the smile on his face a moment before standing there in silence. He wasn't sure he wanted to continue more of the family history lesson right now, but he was sure he wanted some more time with Elita. "So I should tell Lennox that this stuff is done," He explained. "Then I'm maybe going to watch a movie. You wanna join me?" He asked.

Elita smiled, and nodded her head slowly. "It would be a pleasure."

And so, Trevor lead the way, barely taking note of the warm smile on Elita's face. But still knowing that their relationship was starting to slowly, but surely, form.

...

A/N: Woo, I know that last bit got a little dark. But I thought it was time to show the enhanced backstory I had in mind here with the AU bits in-tact. XD