Ensconce Transformers Prime AU (Book 2) (Wattys 2017)

Chapter Thirty Five

The hospital room was quiet as the father hugged his son. The other two children had slowly arrived during this time. Smokescreen sobbed silently as he held on to his father tightly.

After a few minutes he cried himself to sleep, too weak to stay awake. Optimus didn't let go and just held his son close as he stared blankly at the wall. How could he have forgotten his children?

Bulkhead was strong, loyal and full of courage. Arcee was stubborn and spirited, yet caring towards her family. Smokescreen was fierce, determined and at times reckless. Bumblebee was kind, brave and full of life. The cop stopped suddenly as it dawned on him. He remembered the youngest child's name.

He very carefully set Smokescreen down and made sure he was comfortable. He then stood up and looked at the others in the room. He stared at the youngest then walked over and hugged him tightly. Bumblebee blinked in surprise and looked at the others with confusion.

"I'm sorry..." he mumbled as a tear fell down his face again. Bumblebee was still confused and just hugged him back. The other two hugged their father in turn, wanting to comfort him. They knew he was filled with regret and sorrow.

After a few minutes they spoke with him as they sat by their injured brother. The father gripped his sons hand as he slept and watched him intently. He suddenly furrowed his brow and looked at them.

"Who is this?" He asked with a worried expression. Bulkhead stopped talking and stared at his father for a moment. It broke his heart that he struggled with this and had random episodes. Though Smokescreen was a little hard to recognize with the scratches all over his face, and the slight swelling.

"That's Smokescreen." The eldest son said patiently and gently. Optimus blinked a couple times then looked at the unconscious young man.

Brooke watched them and furrowed her brow with confusion. How did he forget who he was? Smokescreen was his own son for crying out loud.

"Why is he hurt?" Optimus asked as he gripped his hand gently. "What did they do to you?" He mumbled to the young man. Bulkhead hesitated then gently gripped his father's shoulder.

"Dad... we already explained what happened." Arcee said and frowned with confusion. "He got hit by car after he found you at the facility." She muttered. Optimus looked at her and stared blankly for a few minutes. He noticed her slight irritation and looked at his hands as he realized he forgot.

"I... I apologize..." he mumbled and hung his head a little. He felt the shame again and wondered if he should be here.

"Don't be." Bulkhead whispered and gently hugged him. "It's not your fault and we don't blame you." He muttered then gave his sister a look. She stared at the floor as she felt bad again. The other two walked over and hugged him as well.

None of them were aware of a man watching from the doorway. He stared at them then smirked darkly before quickly disappearing. He easily made his way out of the hospital without being seen by anyone. The man walked across the street and around the corner as he waited for his ride. A black unmarked car pulled up and the man got in before they drove away.

"So... Optimus is alive." He muttered and narrowed his eyes. "Odd that Soundwave never told us." He snapped a little.

"Strange that Blitzwing couldn't do one job." The drive said in a monotone voice. The other didn't respond and glared out the window.

"Leave my brother out of this. It was your idea to send him into that place." Steeljaw growled lowly.

"Obviously it was a mistake. Considering he can't perform the simplest task." Shockwave said seriously. They got back to their hideout and went to the office at the top. A man sat in a chair with his back to the door. He was chained to it and trying to get out of it. He panted quickly as he looked at the two that came in.