Complex Robotics

Introspective

I was far from fine, but at least if I'm out here in public surrounded by humans, there was less of a chance that Sunstreaker could find me. 

"Are you sure?" Lennox inquired, his gaze turning serious.

I nodded, "I'm fine, I just...um, wanted to come by and thank you for giving me that letter. I really needed that."

Lennox's facial expression morphed into sympathy, "You miss them, don't you?"

"Like you wouldn't believe." I mumbled.

He sighed, "I'm sorry this happened to you. If I could, I would just send an Autobot back to protect you in Washington."

I perked up at the idea, "You can?"

He shook his head, "I wish I could, but I can't. There's a hell of a lot of Decepticons as it is, who outnumber the big guys already. As easier as it would be to just send all the civilians here back with an Autobot, they need to be here. Together, so they can respond to a Decepticon attack fast."

I nodded lamentably, "I understand."

Lennox sighed again, "You did the right thing, believe it or not."

I glanced up, "Huh?"

"Leaving them. I know it was hard...but it was the right thing to do. I have a wife, and a daughter that I had to leave behind back in Pennsylvania," He said, his tone turning wistful, "I think about them all the time. And I always try to Skype them whenever I can. And I know it never feels like enough, but you also have to look at it this way. If any of them ever got caught up like we were, you wouldn't be able to forgive yourself."

I sighed, nodding reluctantly, because I knew he was right. As much as it killed me, I couldn't do it. I'd much rather sacrifice my own life then let them endure the horror I went through with the Decepticons.

"Sometimes, when you love someone, you have to leave them. To protect them, as well as yourself." Lennox added, a few minutes later. He was called over by someone, so he gave me a comforting pat on the shoulder, before leaving.

___________________________________________

It was dark; the moon was out along with all the glittering stars, the view was so much bigger from here than it was back in the states. A gust of wind blew my hair around my face before I tied it back in a lazy ponytail. I sat on a large crate, staring up at the stars which were very pretty tonight. I suddenly wished I was back in my Dad's garage, either tinkering around or sketching out designs for an automobile with my large sketchbook. 

I pulled my knees up to my chest, and lest my chin rest on my tucked arms as I stared out, not bothered by the strong gust of wind. There was a distant sound of an engine approaching, and it was only getting louder and louder until I could see a sleek figure coming in from the distance. It was a car, an Autobot, no doubt, but I was surprised when it slowed down and stopped not very far from me, and that's when I noticed it was a silver Corvette. 

Oh no.

He transformed with elegant grace, and my muscles stiffened. His pale blue eyes landed on me and a sly grin appeared on his face, "Hey schlemiel."

Sunstreaker's warning flashed before my eyes. Immediately, I sprung up from the crate, and quickly jumped down, heading for inside of the closest hangar. But a warm, metal hand wrapped around me and lifted me off the ground and towards his face, "What's up with you? Why are you so jumpy?"

I struggled to get free, "Sideswipe, put me down!"

"Charlie?" He questioned, his sly grin disappearing.

I struggled even more, "Let me go!"

"Not until you tell me what the pit's going on," His metal features morphed into worry, "Seriously Charlie, what's wrong?"

I tried to wriggle out of his grip, but when it became useless, I looked up at him. A sharp stab of pain washed over me when I looked into his illusory blue eyes, because I knew what I was going to say next was going to hurt him. 

"Sideswipe, leave me alone. I...I don't want to be around you anymore!"

It would've killed me to see the hurt looked on his face, so I kept  my stare down on the ground. But I could still hear the small, audible gasp that escaped his lips. "But Char-"

"Please." The edge in my voice was gone. I was practically begging him.

It was silent for a few moments, and my chest kept sinking deeper and deeper with guilt. Finally, I was lowered to the ground, and once my feet touched the pavement, I ran again, not looking back.

Here's a good dramatic chapter. Happy New Years!