Who Guards the Guardians? (TFP/Bayverse crossover)

Secrets

"Wait, wait, wait... So you're telling me that the 'operation' you received.... was an experiment with one of their hearts?" Jack asks, pointing at Optimus, who was currently standing beside the three humans. Each were now sitting down, but they were still outside on the roof. Fowler had said the place was secure enough to allow the bots to walk on the roof, but the Prime was still keeping his optics alert.

On the ground, Rachel nods her head. "Whatever they did to 'save my life' was merely for their uses. I was nothing more than a broken shell... And that's how I got these cool powers as well." She raises her hand and waves it. Small sparks emit from her finger tips before her index finger ignites a small flame at the tip. Rachel stares at it, shocked, and Jack gasps. Shaking her hand, the flame disappears and she turns back to Jack.

"And that's been the story of my last four months..." She falls quiet and pulls her knees up to her chest. "I just hope Raf is okay... And Sam..." Jack sighs and scoots over to her side. He lays his head on her shoulder. "Don't worry, sis. I'm sure they are fine... And if Raf is who I think he is, he's too smart to get caught."

This makes Rachel turn to her brother. "You knew him?" Jack laughs. "Knew him? He was my best friend until he graduated early and left for college a few months before you did." Rachel lets out a soft laugh. She knew he was young, but not that young.... It impressed her, honestly. 

William finally decides to speak, after seeing the two finally calm down. "Jack, as much as it pains me to say this, we can't allow anyone else to know that we are here." The ground shakes as Optimus walks closer. "We will have one of our Autobots assigned as your guardian, ensuring your safety. However..." His optics fall on Rachel and she sighs.

Jack turns to her, and she gazes at him with sadness. "We can't tell mom."

"What?!"

Quickly, Rachel pleads. "Trust me, Jack! If she knew any of this, she would try to take into her own hands and.... She could get hurt." Her eyes drop and Jack can feel her worry flowing off her. "I-I don't want her to get hurt...." Jack lays a hand on his older sisters shoulder, and she turns to look at him. "I promise I won't tell.... but you have to promise to drive me home." Rachel starts to protest, but even Optimus agrees with Jack on this one. "It would be easier to explain his absence... And I am sure she would enjoy seeing you once again."

The Prime gazes down at Rachel and gives her a soft smile. She gives him a huff before returning the gesture. "I'll need a ride home, boss bot." Rachel hears a chuckle in her mind, and she smiles as Optimus' optics widen. His face seems to sadden for a moment, and guilt slightly flares in Rachel's spark. "S-Sorry...." She mutters. "It's alright, Rachel." The Prime replies. He turns to make his way towards the lift, but as he hears no movement behind him, he turns his helm. Rachel smiles at him and holds up one finger. "We'll.... be right behind you. Just, give us a minute."

Optimus merely nods before stepping into the large lift, and William sighs before following. Last thing he wanted to do was intrude on family privacy... No matter how much he felt like an older brother to her, he barely knew her. The Prime seems to sense this and gazes down at the human by his peds. He says nothing, but his spark holds worry. He feared that what they were speaking of dealt not with William...

But with himself.

The moment the lift doors close, Jack turns to Rachel. He looks over her carefully, and with one nod, he sighs. "You haven't told him, have you?" He says, and Rachel shakes her head. "It would only make him feel more guilty than he already does. I... I don't want that." Jack huffs and walks over to her. "Not telling him leaves an opening that could... well..." Rachel takes in a deep breath. "I know, Jack. It's just... not the right time."