Transformers Prime AU (Book 1) (Wattys 2017)

Chapter Thirty Five

A few days later Optimus waited at the airport as he watched the people. He was slightly worried as he waited for his son. There had been another storm and they lost contact again. He tried not to think of the worst case scenario, but that didn't work. He checked the clock again for the hundredth time. The others were at work and he had gotten some time to pick up his son. If he came.

He didn't know why he was still worried about him making it back. Was it just what parents did? He sighed quietly and rubbed his face. He looked around and paused as he saw someone across the room.

He narrowed his eyes as he focused on the man. He stared for a moment and the man smirked. Optimus' eyes widened as the man turned to leave. Megatron.

"I'm just saying it would have been more fun if something blew up." Wheeljack said as they walked over. Optimus jumped and looked at them for a moment. He looked back only to see Megatron wasn't there. Did he imagine him being there?

"Hey Dad." Bulkhead said and hugged him tightly. Optimus snapped out of his thoughts and hugged his son. He let go and looked him over to make sure he was okay.

"I'm glad you're home." He said seriously as he looked at them. Bulkhead chuckled softly and smiled at him.

"Me too dad. Though I wouldn't mind going back." He muttered and looked at Wheeljack.

"Yaaa. I think he wants to adopt some kid he met in Japan." He chuckled as he rolled his eyes. Bulkhead gave him a look. Optimus shook his head slightly as he chuckled softly.

"I'm sure you could in due time." He muttered and walked to the luggage claim. Bulkhead smiled slightly as he thought about it. Maybe.

When they got home Bumblebee hugged his brother tightly and grinned happily. Bulkhead chuckled quietly and hugged his little brother.

"I missed you too Bee." He said as he smiled. "Did you and Smokescreen stay out of trouble?" He teased as the others walked in.

"When do we ever get in trouble?" Smokescreen asked as he smiled mischievously. Bumblebee rolled his eyes and let go of him.

"Should I answer that question?" Optimus asked as he walked into the kitchen. The boys smiled at each other as their older brother laughed.

"It took you long enough to get home." Arcee muttered as she walked in and rolled her eyes.

"Cee!" Bulkhead said and hugged her tightly. She grunted in protest as he squeezed her. "How ya been little sister?" He asked.

"I was good... ugh! Until you hugged me!" She grunted and he laughed before letting her go.

"Cliffs being good to you isn't he?" He asked seriously and gave her a look.

"Yes Bulk." She muttered and rolled her eyes as she smirked. Optimus smiled slightly as he watched his children. It was good to have them home.

A little later Cliffjumper came by and they talked for awhile. The boys kept teasing Arcee and doing what they could to embarrass her. Arcee walked over and grabbed Cliffs arm.

"Okay we're leaving now." She said as she pulled him to his feet.

"Aw come on Cee. It was just getting good." He said as he laughed.

"Thats what I'm afraid of." She growled and walked out with him. Smokescreen smiled mischievously and ran to the door.

"Don't kiss my sister!" He yelled and the others laughed hysterically.

"Dang it Smokescreen! Shut up!" Arcee yelled as she turned bright red. Cliffjumper laughed as he got in the car and they drove to town.

~

Once in the city they parked somewhere and just started walking around. They didn't really have a destination and just wandered down the street. Arcee quietly apologized for her obnoxious brothers.

"They're fine Cee." He laughed quietly as he nudged her. "It's nice to have siblings." He said and she gave him a look. She was about to respond when someone stepped out of an alley.

"Well well well. What do we have here?" Starscream purred as he stood in front of them. They glared and moved to attack him.

"Ah ah ah." He said and pulled out a gun. "I have the high ground." He sneered. Cliffjumper narrowed his eyes and stepped in front of Arcee to protect her.

"Screamer. It's been awhile." He said as he gave him a dark look.

"I'm putting an end to your carrier. You two have caused enough trouble, hunting down our men, and putting them away." He growled angrily.

"Well if they did what they were supposed to." Arcee muttered and tried to get around Cliff. He wouldn't let her as he glared at the con.

"Consider this a warning to back off." He sneered as he smiled wickedly.

The man fired twice and the air went quiet as the gun shots echoed off the buildings. Cliffjumper grunted and fell to the ground as the man took off running. He looked at his chest and felt his side. He inhaled sharply through gritted teeth, and rested his head on the sidewalk. He gasped and tried to stop the bleeding with his hands. Arcee stared eyes wide as her friend lay on the cold cement. Her breathing quickened and she knelt by his side.

"Cliff?" She asked hesitantly. He looked at her for a minute and they locked eyes. He opened his mouth to say something, but it came out as a strained groan. He clenched his teeth and squeezed his eyes shut.

"Stay.... with me." She said as she set a hand on his cheek. He gasped again and winced in pain. He looked around as he gripped her shoulder tightly, knuckles turning white.

"Cliff." She said as tears formed in her eyes. He choked as his own tears rolled down his face and he looked at her again. Blood leaked out of the side of his mouth, and he choked again. She carefully lifted him up and held him close. He choked and gasped as he rested his head against her shoulder. He looked into her eyes and tightened his grip.

"Cliff... stay with me." She said sternly trying not to panic. He tried to say something as tears ran down his face. He winced and closed his eyes, his hand dropped to the ground as his body went limp. The air went silent and her eyes widened.

"No, no, no, no." She said and carefully held his head to her shoulder. She saw his blood soaked shirt and she started to panic as her mind registered what had happened.

"Cliff?" She choked as she looked at his face. "Cliff!" She yelled. He didn't respond.

"Say something!" She practically screamed. Silence met her ears and she gently touched his face. She silently begged for his eyes to open.

"Please.... say something...." she pleaded. Her tears started to fall and she heard sirens in the distance. She buried her head in his shoulder as she cried.

"Don't leave me." She sobbed as she rocked a little. She hugged him tightly as she cried and kept begging him to wake up. The sirens got closer.

"I love you..." Arcee sobbed as she held him and rocked slowly.