Third Person Perspective

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A tension grew in (Y/n) as they neared the base. Her brows were furrowed and a frown was stuck on her lips. It bothered Optimus, but he could really only ask what was bugging her. He couldn't solve her problems.

"What's wrong?" He questioned, the mountain holding the base coming into view.

"Oh, it's just... that stupid PTA meeting got me all out of sorts and I feel like there was no progress made and... ugh. I have work tonight and the new manager seems like a jerk." (Y/n) took a deep breath and let it go. "And I already snapped at Karen, but if I snap at my boss I'm going to get fired. It's just— it's just ridiculous and I'm tired."

"It's alright (Y/n). You said you'll speak to the teacher, so you could make your own personal list of suggestions. You can sleep at base and if I can drive you to work, you can continue to rest on the way." Optimus offered.

"You're sweet Optimus, but I have to get ready and feed Percy and do this and that. And you don't have to do that for me. I can drive myself." She said, placing her hand on his holoform's arm.

"It's perfectly fine. If I could be of any assistance to you, I'd like to assist you." He replied with a gentle smile. (Y/n) bit her lip with a small smile and nodded. She then looked away and out the window, clearing her throat before slightly turning back to him.

"I hope Percy had fun, because we have to leave right after we get back." (Y/n) said, an uneasiness in her voice. Optimus noticed, but he wasn't quite sure what it was for.

"Of course. I'm certain Percy enjoyed himself."

"Yeah, he seems to like everyone. Things are different here and it's strange. But at least he knows that people treating others nicely is something normal." She replied with a nod to no one in particular. The rest of the ride was silent before (Y/n) called Percy down and before anyone could say hello or goodbye, they were back out of base.

"Why are we leaving so early?"

"Because I have work tonight and then I have two paid leave days to spend with you guys." (Y/n) announced with a smile to Percy, booping his nose, earning a giggle. "What would you like for dinner tonight?"

"Dino nuggies!"

"Of course." She answered with a playful eye roll. It wasn't long before the three were at the apartment complex. "Thanks Optimus."

The two siblings exited the vehicle, but before they could leave, Optimus' holoform followed them out.

"(Y/n), would you mind if I came inside with you?" Optimus asked, scratching the back of his head. She tilted her head with a small smile and nodded.

Percy let out a small cheer and held Optimus' hand (much to his confusion) and Percy lead him into the apartment with (Y/n) laughing behind them. She almost missed the elevator, Percy was so excited.

The small enclosed space made the two adults nervous. Sure, they've been in an enclosed space before, but with Percy in front of the number pad, trying his best to read whatever sign the building manager had put in the elevator this time, the two stood rather close to each other, brushing shoulders every now and then and exchanging small smiles.

"Sooo... is your offer to drive me to work still available?" (Y/n) asked, feeling flustered and usually affectionate, though she didn't do anything to express that.

"As long as no problems arise, then yes." Optimus answered, watching Percy so he could avoid (Y/n)'s gaze. But as soon as he glanced back at her he found himself caught in her stare and smiling dumbly despite having nothing much to smile about.

With the ping of the bell, (Y/n) motioned the two out before playfully chasing Percy down the hall.

"Percy!" The woman laughed. "No running in the halls!"

(Y/n) smiled and without a second thought, grabbed Optimus' wrist to chase Percy down the hall. Optimus couldn't help but smile, jogging alongside the woman as she playfully chased the boy. She would make a wonderful carrier.

"I gotcha!" She exclaims, picking Percy up effortlessly and spinning around with him.

"No!" He laughed and flailed, accidentally hitting (Y/n) on the cheek.

"Oh! I've been hit!" She exclaims as Percy 'No'ed once more. (Y/n) pretended to stumble and faked a fall, trapping Percy in her arms above her. "You're too strong, Percy. You've turned to the dark side... you know what that means."

"No— hahaheheha!" Percy began to laugh as (Y/n) began to tickle him. She eventually stopped and laughed along with him. Percy got up and Optimus helped her off the floor.

(Y/n) got her keys out and unlocked the door. Percy ran off to find his favorite toys to show off to Optimus.

"I'm sorry about that, I know I said I needed to hurry up but I only get to spend so much time with him—" before she could continue to ramble on, she was cut off by his smile.

"There is not need to apologize. I understand." He stated, he watched as her lips curled up in a smile and she lead him inside.

The apartment wasn't as big as he thought it would be. One bed, one bath, a small living room and a kitchen. This was not enough for two people, but he was not there to judge. He just believed they deserved more than this.

However, judging by the content look on (Y/n)'s features as she entered the kitchen, she didn't have a problem with it. Soon, Optimus' attention was entirely to Percy as he showed off his favorite toys and asked the leader to play with him. Optimus obliged, of course confused on how to do so, but it was worth it to see the smile on the child's face, and the find look on (Y/n)'s face.

A few beeps later, (Y/n) had disappeared from the kitchen and the sound of water running could be heard. Percy ignored it and continued to play with his toys, but event got distracted by the tv, coincidentally after the water turned off.

Optimus wandered into the bedroom, looking around. On the dresser were photographs of a younger (Y/n) holding a baby, one was even more present of Percy standing in front of the "Welcome to Nevada" sign. The third was the least dusty of the pictures, clearly this one was looked at a lot.

In the picture was a woman with long (d/h/c) (same as Percy's) hair and (e/c) eyes. She had a bouquet of flowers in her arms and bruises all over her skin, yet a smile of red.

"Optimus." (Y/n) addressed, surprised to find Optimus in the room. "That... that's my mother."

"My apologies, I did not mean—"

"No, it's alright I was just surprised you were in here." (Y/n) sighed, adjusting the towel on her body, stepping forth and taking the picture from his grasp. She stared at it momentarily before setting it back down on the dresser. "Sorry if this is taking too long, but Percy still has to eat and then bathe and I got to get him to bed and finish getting ready."

"It is alright, (Y/n). I am rather impressed by your time management skills. We could have used more individuals like you back on Cybertron." Optimus said with a smile, (Y/n) could only assume that he meant that as a compliment.

The two stood in a comfortable silence, both unaware to the fact they were holding each other, that was until the contact turned into a hug. (Y/n) could feel her tears pricking her eyes. The feeling so foreign and yet so familiar as she clung to him like if she let go she would die. She couldn't stop her tears before they started. It felt so nice to be held for once in her life.

A quiet sob left her as she began to tremble and cry softly while hugging him. This was so nice. She didn't want it to go away. The two wound up in the bed, (Y/n) on his lap as she rested her forehead on his shoulder.

"Thank you so much, Optimus."

"For what?"

"Giving me a reason to keep fighting."