Transformers Prime AU (Book 1) (Wattys 2017)

Chapter Twenty Five

The children quickly overwhelmed their uncle by telling him about everything that they did. He quietly listened and led them up to his apartment, forgetting about work for a moment. They all gathered in and sat down as they continued to talk to him. The doctor was only half listened as he tried to get over the surprise. He still wasn't sure they were really there. Optimus set a hand on his shoulder and smiled slightly to reassure him.

"I just... can't believe..." he trailed off as he looked at the children. He'd missed them more than he realized. Their bright eyes, their glowing smiles, they seemed to make life a little more bearable.

"You have no idea, how much they missed you Old Friend." Optimus said as he smiled slightly. He knew the doctor missed them, even if he didn't want to admit it. The doctors mouth twitched upward ever so slightly.

"Um... Dad." They looked over at the children again. Smokescreen fiddled with his fingers.

"Um.... do we have a house?" He asked quietly. Optimus furrowed his brow a little as he remembered what had happened to the house.

"Yes actually." Ratchet muttered as he smirked slightly. They looked at him with surprise.

"Did... you..." Optimus wasn't sure what to ask as he gave him a look.

"Oh hush." He muttered as he walked out of the apartment.

The little family followed and got in the car. They followed the doctors car and he drove out of town. They traveled for half an hour and ended up deep in the country side. They drove up a dirt road and to a farm house. They stopped and got out. The children stared in awe. Ratchet chuckled softly as they looked at him.

"Is... this our... house?" Arcee asked hesitantly. The others looked at the doctor waiting for an answer. He smirked and handed Optimus the keys.

"It is now." He said as he smirked a little more. Optimus stared at the keys.

"Ratchet... I can't-"

"Ep ep ep! I bought the house, I'm giving it to you." He muttered giving him a serious look. "And you're not allowed to argue..." he mumbled. "Because it took forever getting your things inside." He said seriously. The kids looked at their dad then at their uncle. Optimus kept staring at the keys.

"Well. Go inside before the spiders take over." He said as he smiled slightly. The kids grinned and ran inside. He watched them for a moment then looked at his friend, who hadn't moved. He wasn't sure what the man was thinking.

"Optimus... I know you must be feeling-" The father hugged him tightly and the doctor just stood there feeling awkward.

"Thank you Old Friend." He muttered and walked to the house. Ratchet continued to stand there and blinked a couple times. He stared at the ground and put his hands in his pockets as he fought a smile. He was glad they were back.

~

Optimus returned to the police station a few days later. He had gotten the kids registered for school and made sure they were ready for when it started the next day. He headed out to get settled back into the department. He was devastated when he found out the chief had been killed in action. He was hesitant to meet the new chief and quietly walked into the building. People greeted him happily and he relaxed a little as he went to the office.

"Optimus!" He turned just as someone hugged him tightly. He grunted quietly as he smiled a little. The man set him down and gripped his shoulders firmly.

"Thats unprofessional Ironhide." Ultra Magnus muttered as he walked over to them. Optimus chuckled quietly as Ironhide rolled his eyes.

"Is it my fault I missed this guy?" He asked as he slapped the father's back playfully. Magnus gave him a disapproving look, then shook his friends hand.

"It's good to have you back sir." He said seriously and looked at the other man. Optimus chuckled quietly and wondered how they did while he was gone.

"Are you Optimus?" A man asked seriously. The father turned and looked at the new chief. He nodded slowly and the man motioned for him to follow. He was asked to sit and he took the empty chair. The man was quiet for a few minutes as he read a few things.

"You've been through a lot." He said quietly. The father didn't respond as he tried not to think about it. The man looked at him and tried to read his expression.

"I swore to protect this city and my family." Optimus said seriously as he looked at him. "I intend to do that." The room was quiet for a few minutes.

"I know." The man smiled and stood up he held his hand out. "Thats why they tell me you're the best." He said. Optimus stood and shook his hand firmly.

"I'm just trying to bring down Megatron and the Decepticons, they've plaqued this city for far too long." He said with a serious look. The man nodded in understanding.

"You're not alone." The man said just as serious. He grabbed a few papers and handed them over. "Welcome back Optimus." He said and the father nodded once before heading out. He stopped at the door and looked back.

"Thank you chief...." he trailed off realizing he didn't know his name. The man smiled slightly.

"Burns. Charlie Burns." He said. Optimus smiled slightly and nodded once before walking out.