The day had fallen to cold night. The cool breeze whistled through the trees. The cabin looked frozen but on the inside was one small light emitting. A fireplace.

Zoe had yet to go to bed, for good reason. She was terrifed of the new stranger. She sat behind her computer tiredly at the table next to the living room and would occasionally glance at him through the window.

Mirage didn't pay attention.

He was quite bored and the only thing to intrest him was the snow around him.

It glistened as the sun went down but now it merely looked like a dark grey sheet spread out on the ground. The trees and the cabin were covered with it.

Zoe bit her lip as she hugged her knees at the table. She felt guilty  for leaving him outside where it only got worse in temperature. He looked distant, staring at his shoes as he leaned against his alt mode. She figured the engine must have froze or something. But the red Ferrari looked just fine.

With a defeated sigh (and yawn), she got up and slid across the floor in her fuzzy socks. Hesitantly, she unlocked the door and opened it.

"Come in before I change my mind." Zoe mumbled harshly. Mirage looked up, an expression of relief crossing his features. He walked inside, his wet shoes carrying the snow with him. Zoe sighed and shut the door.

"Have a change of heart?" He asked teasingly as he rubbed his hands together as he attempted to 'warm up'.  Zoe huffed.

"No. It's cold outside. You're obviously not leaving and I've been taught to have a least some manners." Zoe muttered as she sat back down at the table. She pretended to look bored as she scrolled through the pictures on her computer.

Mirage hummed quietly, confused at her defensive behavior.

He noticed many things wrong with the cabin that may be the cause but he never mentioned them. His eyes flickered to the pictures in frames. He spotted a few of them turned over. Cars were missing from the house and a mysterious large bark of wood was sticking out of the ground nearby.

Mirage was definetly concerned. Something was wrong in this cabin.

Mirage leaned against the counter of the kitchen, looking to her as he crossed his arms.

"Where are your parents?" He asked gently.

"Sleeping." Zoe said firmly, glaring at the computer screen. She tried to make no room for further questions. It didn't work.

"I don't believe you." He said just as firm. Although his posture seemed intimidating, his expression was soft.

"Sounds like a personal problem." Zoe said in a casual manner.

"It's not. Where are your parents?" Mirage asked again.

"Stop asking me." Zoe clenched her fist, trying to remain strong.

"Not until you give me a straight answer." He shook his head.

"You're not getting one." Zoe snapped, hugging her knees tighter.

"Yes I am. I came to ask questions so I can receive answers." Mirage told her.

"Stop it! Just stop it!" Zoe glared at him, her anger and grief surfacing to cover her fear. "They're dead, okay!? Is that what you wanted to hear Mister Fed?" She looked away as tears formed in her eyes.

Mirages expression softened as he began to feel guilt.

The room filled with an awkward silence, the occasional cracking of the fire and a sniffle from Zoe intruppting the quiet.

Mirage unfolded his arms from his chest.

"Little one, I'm so sorry." He whispered as he got up, going towards her. "I can get you a real hom-." He began gently but was cut off.

"No. Just...just stop. Please." Zoe looked away, flinching. Her hands shook as she held on her to legs tightly. "I don't want to go into foster care. I...I have an Aunt. She's just...gone right now. She'll be back." Zoe whispered, tears falling down her face.

Mirage paused in his footing, his expression falling but he nodded. "...alright. I'll stop asking questions," He promised. "I'll even be gone by morning." He told her. He could've left right there but something told him to stay. The child needed comfort. She was lonely, upset, and obviously not doing well on her own. Her hair was messy from lack of getting brushed. She was still in her PJs and her face seemed worn and tired.

Mirage felt pity for her. He wanted to help.

But...he was a soldier. An Autobot. What could he do?

He lowered his head and walked to the counter, sitting on one of the stools. "You should get some rest." He suggested gently.

Zoe tensed and wiped her tears. "N-no. I'm okay. I'm not going to bed as long as you're here." She mumbled, grabbing her computer and going to the couch stubbornly. Mirage sighed softly.

"Alright. If that would make you feel safe." He said as he remained at the counter. She plopped down on the couch, giving him a glare.

"No duh." She said before going back to scrolling, leaning against the couchs arm. Mirage rolled his eyes and leaned against the counter, watching her scroll curiously. Her eyes were red from crying and exhaustion. His spark clenched a little at the sight.

A twelve year old...alone...

"Primus.." He whispered, rubbing his forehead.

...

As Starscream wandered through the forest, his optics settled on a small house up ahead. He crept forward, his red optics blazing brightly through the darkness. His pedes crunched the metal beneath him as he approached. He smirked a little as he saw it was a cabin about 2 football fields away.

"My, my, this does get better." He mummured before he was suddenly knocked out.

A/N: Another shout out! Thank you Shadowjumper3 for helping me keep developing Zoes character. She needs a lot of work and you're really helping me. Thank you, I appriecate it! :)