"Jack did what?!"

Third Person Perspective

>~<•>~<

That had not been the reaction Optimus had wanted. He was certainly upset at what Jack had done, but (Y/n)'s rage seemed a little more personal than just Jack's recklessness. Perhaps he should've expected this from someone with such a motherly personality, but glancing time to time at this hot headed woman, told him he should always expect more.

"...are we still stopping by the store?" Optimus' voice pulled (Y/n) from her anger and frustration. His voice immediately distracted her from her anger and she was quick to calm down.

"Oh, yeah. If you don't mind." She responds, looking toward the rear view mirror.

"I hope you understand that Jack and every autobot involved has been spoken to. And my autobots recon has been doubled for the week." Optimus spoke up once more.

"It is not Arcee or anyone I'm upset with other than Jack. I'm just upset that not only did he not tell anyone, but he gave into peer pressure. I know him to be better than that. But it's that stupid cheerleader that got him to do it." She scoffs. "She didn't even know his name until he won that first race."

Optimus quiets down for a moment, not quite certain of what she meant. He had heard nothing of a 'stupid cheerleader' when Jack explained what had happened. Only that Vince challenged him.

"What do you mean?" That seemed to set her off.

"He should know better than to let a pair of googoo eyes put his own life at risk! Especially one that didn't even know that he existed until he put his life at risk. And I get it, he's a teenager, it's not wrong for him to have crushes, but to be so reckless because of a girl who never gave a damn about his well-being or anyone's unless they make something of themself." (Y/n) explains with a scoff. "Just because she's pretty doesn't mean she's perfect. I thought I explained that thoroughly to him, but he didn't want to listen. B-but why would he?! You think you love a person and then they turn out to be horrible."

"I am not in the position to agree or disagree."

"I'm not asking you to, I'm just disappointed in him. And if I bring it up to him, he's going to get defensive and say I did it. So I'd be a hypocrite to be upset."

The ride went silent once more. Optimus was unsure of the information he was hearing. There were insecurities in her words, as well as the disappointment she had for Jack not listening, but also guilt.

"You have raced before?" Optimus asked, wanting to make sure that's what she meant.

"Yeah, but I didn't do it to impress someone, I did it in the hope I'd die or just have enough money to eat." It took (Y/n) a moment to realize what she said. "You know what? Just forget it. I have too much to worry about than to get worked up over an event I can't change."

She quickly got out of the truck before Optimus could say anything, storming into the store, visibly upset. Optimus wondered what he should do. He did not want to upset her anymore, but he was also upset at the situation at hand. (Y/n) also had not slept for 18 hours and her fading makeup was no longer hiding the bags under her eyes.

When (Y/n) returned she had about 6 bags and was a lot calmer. She loaded in the groceries carefully, trying to make sure the cold ones didn't cause Optimus any discomfort, which they didn't.

"I'm sorry about flipping out. I have no excuse. I know better than to flip out." She sighs.

"I am not upset. You are tired. You need rest." Optimus answers calmly. (Y/n) huffs as she sits in the front seat.

"Aren't you?"

"Pardon?"

"Aren't you tired?" She asks once more.

"I am fine."

"Ratchet says that too, you know." She retorts with a gentle laugh. "Tired doesn't have to mean physical exhaustion you know. Don't you get tired of keeping everything in?"

"I do not wish to concern those around me." Optimus answers.

"Confide in me then." She replies with a gentle voice. "Everyone needs somebody Optimus. I would be honored to be that someone for you, as you have been for me."

"You are raising your brother, you're focused on school, and you work endlessly all the while trying to keep yourself leveled with everyone prodding you to know you are okay." Optimus states, trying to make his point only to be cut off by (Y/n).

"And you are teaching your autobots through a mannerism that has become your prison. You're focused on the war, and you work tirelessly to even spend a moment with me." (Y/n) let out a breath. "Though our situations are completely different, Optimus, we are almost the same. We're both trying to make a better world for others while suffocating ourselves."

"(Y/n)—"

"Optimus."

"I thank you for your concern, but I don't believe sharing my stress will help either of us." Optimus says as they arrive at the apartment complex.

"Does it take energy out of you to be in your holoform?" She asks, getting out and grabbing the bags.

"No, why?"

"Come up to the apartment with me." She asks, holding all the bags. Optimus animated his holoform and walked over to her side.

"Can I help you with those?" He offers.

"I'll be fine, just get the doors for me." She says before the two make their way up to the apartment, Optimus placing a hand on her shoulder to make sure she was steady.

(Y/n) hands two of the bags to him so she can open the door. Once it was unlocked, she motioned for him to stay quiet. The two of them set the groceries down before quietly putting them away.

Once away, (Y/n) peaks into the bedroom to check on Percy. After, she motions Optimus to follow her and pulls out the couch bed.

"(Y/n), what is the meaning of this?" Optimus asks, skeptically.

"Lay down with me."

"I—"

"That's an order Prime." She says with a wink, bringing a blush to his face. When (Y/n) laid down, Optimus copied. The distance between them made (Y/n) unsure, but she would try anyway. Scooting closer, she was able to put her head on his shoulder.

"Be honest with me Optimus..." he raised his head to show she had his attention. "Do I make you uncomfortable?"

"No. This is just... unusual."

"Remember yesterday? Before my breakdown?"

"Yes."

"Well, confiding in someone doesn't have to be verbal, it can be an action. I gave you a hug... granted I should have asked you if it was ok first, but I hugged you. Did that make you uncomfortable?"

"No... I enjoyed it. But what did a hug confide to me?" Optimus asks, sitting up. (Y/n) did as well.

"That I trust you." She answers softly, looking at him with a gentle smile. "I'm sure you didn't know this, but physical contact is a strange thing for me. Percy only communicates anxiety through his actions because, as a child, he's unafraid to verbalize his affection. The last time I'd actually hugged someone was my mother and that was years ago."

"You are telling me that you lack comfort?"

"I lack touch. It's a little odd to say aloud, but it's true. But it's also not true for everyone, but it doesn't hurt to try." She says softly.

"You want me to embrace you?" Optimus questions.

"Only if you're comfortable. You don't have to. I know it's weird." She quickly says, completely back tracking as her cheeks turned red. Optimus gave her a gentle smile. He hesitates, but hesitantly wraps an arm around her.

"I will have this confide my appreciation." He states firmly. When he looked back at her though, he found her passed out, resting in his embrace. Optimus couldn't help but smile, happy to be of service.

<~>•<~>

When Optimus awoke, he found that (Y/n) was no longer by his side. When he looked around, he found her in the kitchen. No longer was she wearing her dress, but a long sweater and leggings. He stood up off the bed and folded it back in, before walking over to the kitchen.

"I have only rested for 3 hours, I'd assume you've only rested for two." Optimus states, looking over to the woman he once held.

"I never got to finish making Percy's lunch. Not to mention I have to make breakfast and get Percy ready. School is only an hour and 30 minutes away. Granted, Percy's doesn't start until two hours, but I'm not being late today. I have too many tests and I still need to study."

"I can help Percy get ready while you make breakfast and study." He suggests.

"That'd be nice. His clothes are on the edge of the bed. He knows what to do."

Optimus enters the bedroom to find a sleeping Percy. Going up to the side of the bed, he speaks softly and firmly, nudging him softly.

"Percy, it is time to wake up." The child slowly awoke to the sound of Optimus' voice.

"Mr. Oppy? Why are you here?" He asks, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.

"I drove your sister home. I was not needed at base, so I decided to stay here and help your sister. I offered to help you get ready." He explains, watching Percy get out of bed.

"I can get ready myself! She just meant to make sure I was awake and getting ready." Percy explains, entering the bathroom with his change of clothes before closing the door. "Are you and sissy dating?"

"What is dating?" He asks, standing outside the door.

"When two people who care about each other very much spend time together and kiss and stuff... ones usually the girlfriend or the boyfriend or they both are." Percy explains. Optimus pauses, recognizing the terms. (Y/n) had used them about the assumptions people would make of the two of them while they were there.

Then he remembered her speaking of her ex. That pang of jealousy going through his chest, thinking back to what she said. He knew he had no right to be jealous. He was a different species after all, he'd out live her, not to mention their war.

"I'm afraid that is complicated, Percy." He responds before he hears the apartment door open. Optimus steps toward the bedroom door to listen in.

"Hey Mr. Wright. Thanks for coming over. I know you just got home." Optimus heard (Y/n) welcome.

"If I told you once, I'll tell you again: call me Joe." A man's voice chuckled.

"Gah. Sorry, Joe. Just so used to hearing everyone call you Mr. Wright." She apologizes.

"You're alright, kid. You need any help over there?"

"No I'm alright. Even if I did try to take myself away from this I'd just end up going back to doing it. Stuck in a procedure I guess." He heard (Y/n) laugh. "Anyway... thank you so much for agreeing to watch Percy. I'd ask my other friends but their schedules are all weird and they haven't known Percy as long as you have. I don't mean to coddle him, but I don't want him to have a mental breakdown if I'm not there."

"Hey, hey! It's all good. You're a doll, (Y/n). You help my ma with her groceries even though you don't have to. Heck, Janet was gobbling off about how you saved her cat and helped tutor her son free of charge." The man's voice softened with sincerity. "Not to mention what happened at the meeting—"

"I'm sorry if you had to deal with that, I know you're friends with Wesley and—"

"Hey! That's not what this is about. I'm proud of ya (Y/n). You came here as this terrified young lady with her brother to a strong, independent woman with a boyfriend now I hear."

"That wasn't— what? B-boyfriend?!"

"Yeah, you been holding out on me, doll! Any gal blushing the way you are has to be smitten over a fella." Joe laughed. "Thought you were scared of dating after what happened with your ex?"

"I am terrified. Which is why I'm not dating anyone. I mean there are other reasons—"

"Other reasons- (Y/n) you deserve to be with someone who makes you happy."

"There are many things I deserve, Joe. But what he deserves is different than what I deserve. Our worlds don't align like that."

"Then make em!"

"Joe, please. It's complicated. I don't even know. I don't want to know because if it complicates things that might mean I lose him and right now he's the only person I have."

"Only person?"

"I hate to sound weird but I can't touch you. I can't relate to you, I can't breathe you in and the world fades away."

"(Y/n)."

"I didn't get closure after him, Joe. And now the closest thing to closure I get after that is just a hair away from disappearing. A-a-and it's selfish and I'm exhausted. I just want to be his friend right now. I don't want to hear it from you or anyone else."

"Alright. Alright. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to push. Just... what your ex did to you was wrong. Don't let him do the same thing." Joe says, patting her on the shoulder before heading toward the door. "Oh. And don't get pregnant."

"Joe!"

"Sorry not sorry!" He laughs before he leaves. (Y/n) shook her head and grasped it in her hands.

"What am I going to do?" She sighs, turning back to finish packing everything.

Silence filled the apartment as Optimus went back to Percy's aid, watching him leave the bathroom. Percy grabbed his backpack and stuffed a book inside of it.

<~>•<~>

"There's my beautiful niece and nephew!" A woman squealed before Percy cheered and rushed over to her with a big hug.

"Thank you for the ride Optimus, but I think you should leave." She says to the truck, muttering an apology. Optimus shifted his mirrors and pulled out of the parking spot and left. He understood that she'd need a moment.

"(Y/n)! Don't ignore me! Come show me your new apartment!"

<~>•<~>

"Optimus? Are you alright?" Ratchet asks, finding Optimus lost in thought once more. Optimus glances toward Ratchet and nods.

"I'm alright, old friend." He answers, before watching Ratchet glance around the room and back at him.

"This is about (Y/n), isn't it?" Optimus froze at his question, but, not wanting to lie to his dear friend, nodded. "What happened?"

"I overheard a conversation I was not supposed to." He answers, thinking back to the conversation, only one part repeating in his memory. "Something about what her previous boyfriend did to her being wrong."

"Well... I don't want to assume anything, but she does have a scar on her side. Could that be it?" Ratchet questions, considering Optimus spent more time with the girl than anyone else.

"No, I was told about that. She told me everything was fine between her and her previous boyfriend. I don't want to ask, she's already going to court over some things." He states. "I just want to make sure she's alright."