Transformers Prime AU (Book 1) (Wattys 2017)

Chapter Twenty

Optimus sighed in frustration and looked at the cut on his lip again. He glanced at the gash on his head and winced when he touched it. He furrowed his brow as he noticed a car parked in front of his house. He pulled to the sidewalk and quickly turned off the car before jumping out. He walked faster as he saw Mrs Johnson and the social worker dragging the kids out of the house.

"DAD!!" Bulkhead yelled as the social worker drug him to the car. Arcee ripped free from her grasp and ran to her father, she latched on to him as he walked towards the house.

"What is the meaning of this?" He demanded angrily as his boys ran to him. His children held on to him for dear life as he stopped a few feet away from the two women.

"We're trying to help them." The social worker said as she reached for Smokescreen. The boy screamed in fear and Optimus stepped back. The children hid behind him and they held on even tighter, knuckles turning white. The father glared at the woman as he set an arm around the children at his side.

"They aren't safe with you and obviously aren't being taken care of." She said as she gestured to them. Bumblebee jumped and buried his head in his fathers jacket. He tightened his grip on his children and glared at the women.

"Just let us take them to someone who... is able to care for them." Mrs Johnson said. "We know they can be overwhelming and we're concerned for them." She looked at the kids and they cowered behind their dad.

"Stop trying to take my children away from me." He said angrily, voice rising as he narrowed his eyes.

"But-"

"Just because I'm not raising them the way you would, doesn't mean I'm a horrible father." He said as he clenched his fists. Anger boiling inside him.

"Stop being selfish and think about what's best for your children." The social worker said. His face softened as he looked down at Arcee and Bumblebee who were at his side. They stared up at him and gripped his jacket tightly as tears ran down their faces.

Was he being selfish? No he loved them. Should he let them go, so they could have a better life?

He looked at Smokescreen and Bulkhead who were on his other side. Smokescreen stared up at him as tears filled his eyes. He tightened his grip and buried his head in his jacket. Bulkhead gripped his fathers sleeve and pleaded with his eyes. He knew his father would only let them go because he loved them, and didn't want them to get hurt. The oldest locked eyes with his father, he slowly shook his head and if possible tightened his grip. Optimus smiled ever so slightly and tightened his hold on them. He glared up at the two women.

"Stay away from my family." He said angrily and firmly. The women looked at each other in surprise.

"You can't possibly think they're going to be safe with you." Mrs Johnson said. "I mean look at you!" She gestured to his bruises and cuts. He narrowed his eyes then turned to his children.

"Go inside." He said gently. They looked up at him but didn't let go. "Don't worry, it'll be alright." He said softly. They hesitated before Bulkhead led his siblings back to the house.

"You can't be serious!" The social worker yelled as she motioned to the kids. "You have no right to take them from a better life!" He shot her an angry look then walked up to them.

"Leave. My family. Alone." He said through gritted teeth. The woman involuntarily stepped back. Mrs Johnson sighed in frustration.

"Optimus please -" he glared at her then walked back into the house. He slammed the door behind him and leaned against it as he stared at the ceiling. He sighed forcefully and closed his eyes.