Dear Brother (TFP/RID & Reader)

Chapter 9

It took her less than an hour to finish packing her suitcase. Some clothes, a couple of books, and all personal things that she might not find there are now packed inside there. Just as she zips it close and tight, the familiar ringing from her laptop is heard. (Y/n) walks over to her bed where her laptop sits, smiling at the incoming video call request from Jack.

"Hey! How's the packing going?"

"All good." (Y/n) answers. "A bit of a hassle picking stuff to bring for a few months, but it'll be worth it."

"Yeah, I can imagine—oh, got something to show you."

Her eyebrows rise in curiosity as she watches Jack going off the screen. However, the moment he appears again with a piece of paper in his hands, (Y/n) can see the proud, boyish grin on his face. She squints her eyes to read whatever is written on that paper, and a gasp leaves her lips.

"You're officially a doctor, congratulations." (Y/n) grins happily at Jack. "I wish I could be there with you to celebrate. You totally deserved it."

Jack rubs the back of his neck shyly. "Thanks a lot for your support, I really appreciate you being there, always." He replies. "I'll only be a few hours' plane ride away, I can come to you anytime."

(Y/n) nods, the reassurance is enough to let her know that she's making the right decision for herself.

"Whoops, I gotta go." She glances at the clock on the laptop, realizing that it's only a couple of hours away from her flight time.

"Safe flight. Text me when you've arrived."

—

(Y/n) leaves her suitcase to her father who walks over to his truck with it. Standing there on the front door with her mother is probably one of the hardest things (Y/n) has done. For 15 years, she had never known any other home than this—her parents', for whom she is forever grateful. Elita rests her hands on (Y/n)'s forearms, giving her a reassuring squeeze, though her glistened eyes don't go unnoticed.

"I hope the path will be easy for you, so you can find him and come back home to us."

She goes in for a hug, inhaling the familiar scent that clings to her mother, knowing that she will miss it for some time. It lasts for a few seconds before (Y/n) lets go, smiling at Elita.

"I'm going, mother." She says. "Wish me luck."

"Always, darling. Always."

—

Songs playing from the radio fill the silence inside the car. (Y/n)'s eyes are lingering on the highway road ahead of them. Once in a while, she would steal glances at the older man behind the steering wheel, focused on driving. Her mouth opens to speak, but she clamps it shut again, not finding the courage to pour the doubts in her mind that surfaces out of nowhere.

"What is weighing your mind?"

She sighs. The question that comes from Optimus is expected somewhat: she just thinks that his focus is fully directed on the road.

"I'm having doubts, father." (Y/n) admits despite her hesitance, knowing that holding it back will just make it fester in her head. "I told myself I'm ready, but I'm not so sure now. What if I failed? What if I can't find Smokescreen?"

Instead of giving her an answer directly, Optimus ponders on it. (Y/n) has her eyes fully on him, noticing some strands of gray that start to appear amidst his blue locks. His eyes never leave the road, yet (Y/n) can still see that stern yet kind gaze in them.

"You must believe in yourself, (Y/n)."

His answer doesn't really give (Y/n) any sort of comfort nor resolution—not until he continues with his next piece of advice.

"Thinking things through is wise, but overthinking is not. If you believe what you are doing is right, the world will help you in ways you will never expect."

(Y/n) looks down to her sneakers, closing her eyes for a moment. "I know, it's just," She mutters, "I'm afraid that I missed him, and he's just ... no longer there."

Then, she feels a hand on her shoulder, familiar and warm. A smile appears on her lips as she reaches to squeeze Optimus' hand, knowing that it's his way of offering some comfort.

"Smokescreen will be there." He says with confidence, in which (Y/n) nods without much protest. "And I know you will be reunited with him again."

In an hour, they arrive at the airport. The father-daughter pair walks side by side towards the departure hall. The crowd doesn't give them a lot of room to navigate the area, but it's enough for her to look up at the electronic flight schedule board to check her flight. Just then, an announcement rings loud all over the hall, (Y/n) notices the flight number easily.

"That's me." (Y/n) says to Optimus as she takes over the luggage. "Drive home safely, father."

The embrace they share is short but warm, just like how it was with her mother earlier.

"Safe flight, (N/n)." The nickname Optimus addresses her with makes (Y/n) smile. "We will be with you every step of the way. Good luck."

"Mhm, I know." She nods before turning around. "Thank you, father, I'll call when I land."

(Y/n) watches Optimus disappear amidst the crowd, feeling a little lonely now she's in her own company. Her grip on her luggage handle tightens a little while trying to calm down the beating of her heart. With a deep, silent breath, (Y/n) walks over to the security checkpoint, gathering all her courage and remembering the support given by those she loved.

This is it, (Y/n), you're not going back until you find Smokescreen.