Universe: Prime
Characters: Miko, Optimus Prime, Ratchet, and Bulkhead.
Rating: PG
Warnings: None
Plot: Optimus sees a new side to Miko.

10

Optimus Prime walked down the halls, making his way to the main room. He had just finished his rounds around the base. He looked over and saw Jack and Raf on the couch. Jack was laying down on the couch, watching the TV with tired eyes. Raf was typing away at the computer, his back pressed against the front of the couch. Optimus then frowned deeper. Where was Miko? He looked around the room. With Bulkhead, perhaps. He found Ratchet at the monitors and walked toward him.
"Ratchet, where is Miko?" Optimus asked. "She is not with the other children." Ratchet huffed and looked up.

"Thought I saw her heading toward the elevator. Not sure though." Ratchet shrugged and went back to his work. Optimus hummed.

"Is Bulkhead here?"

"Don't bother asking him. He's on patrol." Ratchet spoke up. Optimus nodded and began walking to the elevator.

"Thank you, Ratchet." He received a grunt in response. Optimus opened the door and rode the elevator up to the roof. What was Miko doing on the roof so late? Did she know that she had to go home soon? The doors opened and he stepped out. Miko was sitting on the edge, her guitar lazily laying on her lap. Her head was tilted upwards at the stars. Optimus made his way over and sat down next to her. He noticed her fingers were dancing in small notes but she made no effort to play anything as loud as she usually did. Optimus was confused at the new tone of the music. Optimus then looked at the horizon.

"Optimus? Can...can I ask you a question?" She asked quietly. Optimus almost didn't hear her from her quiet tone. But the question took him a step back. Did she just ask permission to ask him something? That was unusual. Normally she would bark any inquire at anyone when she felt the need. He simply nodded.

"You may." Miko sighed and looked down at her guitar.

"Do you guys not like me? Do I look like a screw-up?" She whimpered. Optimus frowned.

"And where did you get this from?" He questioned.

"Just...answer. Please." She pleaded weakly. Optimus took in a breath.

"No one on base dislikes you. And if you are referring to when you 'sneak onto missions' as a screw up then I would have to say no to that as well. You're merely curious." Optimus hummed. Miko sighed but didn't lift her gaze.

"My...bio parents called today. I..." Her eyes squeezed shut as a tear fell from her eye and down her cheek. The caked makeup disappeared as the tear brought the truth of her face. "I think I'm going back to Japan." She muttered, her voice raspy as she tried to prevent it from cracking. Miko's fingers stopped and hovered over the strings. "I heard my host parents talking to them. I've been 'disappearing' and getting into detentions a lot. They talked about sending me back early," her eyes watered quickly and she swallowed. "I don't want to." She whispered. Optimus then realized something about Miko. His gaze lowered to her. She wasn't asking just to ask if they liked her. Her next statement proved his theory. "I don't mean to be trouble and have people hate me. Just my life sucks and I hate it. Here is the only place I can have some freedom. And Bulkhead..." She then whined as she broke. The guitar slipped from her grip and slid onto her lap, the strings facing the sky. Optimus furrowed his optic ridges in concern. She leaned forward and covered her face as she cried.

"He was the only true guardian that you felt like would want to keep you. You see Bulkhead as ..." Optimus paused as he struggled for the right words.

"As my dad? Yeah. I do." Miko murmured. "Is it weird?" Optimus heaved a sigh.

"Miko...I think it's very important you have someone lead you to the right direction in your life. Now you seem to be very rebellious but that is not all your fault," Miko lifted her head and looked upward at him, teary eyed. "No matter what species, what race, everyone deserves a great life ahead. Bulkhead won't let you go that easily no matter where you are." He spoke a rumble escaping his chest. Miko bit her lip.

"But, you have missions? Right?"

"Yes, but he cares about you. Bulkhead is very loyal and cares deeply about his friends and I suppose in this case...about as close as a daughter can be." Miko smiled slightly and wiped her tears.

"Yeah...thanks, Optimus. I just would hate to leave everyone here. Even Ratchet." she laughed lightly. Optimus smiled for a moment before it faded.

"You are always welcome here Miko. No matter where you are we will be waiting for you," Optimus told her before rising to a stand. Miko wiped her face and chuckled lightly. "Now I believe Bulkhead will soon be ready to return from patrol to take you home."

"You're probably right." She sighed and grabbed her guitar. She stood and threw her guitar over her shoulder, the sling bulging into her shoulder. He offered his servo and she climbed on and sat, looking up at him. Optimus merely nodded and headed toward the elevator. The doors opened and led them downstairs. When the doors opened Bulkhead turned. He let a breath of relief escape him.

"Miko! I've been worried! What were you doing on the roof?" He asked, concern crossing his feature. Optimus looked toward Miko then to Bulkhead.

"She merely needed air. Here she is," Optimus said. Bulkhead held a servo outward and she walked onto his.

"I'm right here. Don't worry Bulk. I'm not going anywhere." She smiled. Bulkhead blinked in confusion as Optimus smiled and walked away.