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Description
Miko jerked awake from something that was vibrating against her shirt. Picnicked, she scrambled away only to accidently fall off the bed in the process. Both her head and back hit the floor hard while her feet where left sticking up in the air against the side of her bed. "Owww." She moaned, slowly she got up and rubbed her head.

She grumbled to herself when recognized the sound of her phone vibrating. Glancing over at her clock, she blinked a few times as she tried to make out the numbers while she fumbled around in the mass of blankets for her phone. Her eyes widened 6:12 am! Whoever the heck was calling her better have a good excuse or she was going to hunt them down and make their life a living nightmare!

As soon as her hand touched the plastic case, she snatched up her phone up and flipped it open "I don't know who you are or where your from but if you don't have a vary good reason for calling me at six a clock in the morning! I will find you and I will kill you." She threatened angrily.

It was silent on the other end of the phone for almost a minute. Bulkheads voice finally spoke up "Uhhh maybe I'll call you back..." At first she was confused but then her eyes widened as yesterdays events came rushing back to her. The fight, Autobots, and most importantly Bulkhead.

Rubbing her eyes tiredly and flopped back down on the bed with a small smile "Oh Bulkhead, its you. Whadaya want?" She yawned.

Bulkhead was silent again for a few seconds "...Well...I just wanted to tell you that Optimus ordered Bumblebee to pick you guys up after school and bring you back to base...That wont problem will it?"

Her eyes brightened excitedly and she felt some of the drowsiness fade as she hoped up off the bed. Bumblebee hu? Unforchontly she couldn't understand anything of what he was saying unlike Raff. If only Bulkhead would be the one to get them instead...Oh well! Beggars cant be choosers. "No, no! That would be ok!...Wait...How did you know about school?""

"Raff mentioned it Bee last night while he was taking him home." Bulkhead replied simply.

She grunted in annoyance, leave it to Raff to talk about the most bring thing on the face of the earth to an alien the first chance he gets.

"Are you sure that's ok?" Bulkhead questioned "After yesterday...Well I'm assuming you probably got into a whole lot of trouble. Will you get into more trouble if you do?"

Miko sighed "Yeah I did...but they said I could still go out so its good..." She glared at the door and grumbled to herself about the unfairness of it all. She couldn't stop herself as another yawn came on.

Bulkhead spook up over the phone when she was done "You don't seem like much of a morning person. Where you still recharging when I called?..." Bulkhead nervously asked.

"Recharging?" She questioned tiredly, not quite connecting the dots. "Sleep! I meant sleep! Sorry, I'm still getting use to human earth terms." He quickly corrected himself.

Miko smirked "Yea you did...And I also fell out of bed too, no thanks to you." She giggled to herself.

Bulkhead apologized regretfully "Sorry about that."

"No biggie." She replied with a smile even though he couldent see it.

"So...See you guys later?" He asked. "You betcha!" She said. "Promise you wont blow my helm off when you see me?" He teased her.

Miko laughed "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my...Wait where the heck did I pick that up from!...Never mind I can worry about that later! Yes I promise, even though I have no clue what a helm is."

"A helm is your head." Bulkhead chuckled. "See you at base." He disconnected.

Miko grinned excitedly as she put her phone on her bedside table. Today she would get to talk to the Autobots some more! She glanced over at her clock, 7am. She had an hour and a half until school. No use in going back to bed when she was this excited. Quickly, she got dressed and got her school bag together. Her teachers would probably be less than happy with the report she had thrown together yesterday morning, but as long as she got at least a B she didn't care.

She reached out to pick up her phone again but she paused. If her host parents caught her with it, it was bound to get taken away...She couldn't stick it in her pants pocket, the outline of it would show...And she couldn't seem to possessive over her backpack, that would be to suspicious since all it was suppose to have in it was schoolwork...Looking around, her eyes landed on her guitar case. Perfect! Quickly she put her phone in the bottom of the case and then placed her black and white guitar on top. Her host parents wouldn't be expecting that, she was way overly possessive of her guitar so they shouldn't suspect a thing.

Once she had all her things together, she carefully opened the door, cringing when it squeaked. Slowly she poked her head out and looked around. No one was around it seemed. Just in case, she listened for any sign of activity, when she didn't hear anything she creped out. It shouldn't be to hard sneaking out since the place she was living at could almost be described as a small mansion. Her real parents where letting her host parents use the house since they where 'helping' her while she was living here.

As quietly as possible, she tip toed out and down the hall, making sure not to make any of the floor boards creak. Sometimes she hated living in such a large house but it had its perks at times, like right now. She used the back staircase just in case and was about to walk into the kitchen when she heard Toms and Catherine's voices coming from the room she was about to enter. "-might have been to harsh on her." Catherin was saying.

Carefully, Miko suck up to the doorway. "I know I was, but you know how important it is that we see some progress soon." Tom replied. "Her father is asking more questions now and he wants to hear some good news soon! Its been three months now. What do you expect him to do if he finds out we haven't made a dent in this all this time?!"

Miko stood there shocked. Her dad had been calling her host parents to get a report on her progress and not once had asked to speak to her?! She didn't know weather to feel angry or sad! Catherine continued so she listened further. "I know! I know! I'm just worried that things will get worse if we try to hurry this along to fast."

"What do you expect me to do?! Tell him the truth? We would be in real trouble then!" Tom said sounded worried.

Trouble? Why would they be in trouble? And what did Tom mean by telling her Dad the truth? She wondered. What exactly where they talking about? Catherine sighed "Yes, I suppose your right but I just don't want to ruin this opportunity-" The phone rang, cutting off whatever it was Catherine was about to finish saying. Quickly before she was caught she ducked into a closet and heard Tom and Catherine walked past.

As soon as she was sure they where gone Miko slipped out. Quickly she ran though the kitchen to the back door. She made sure to shut the door quietly behind her so as not to be found out. Her mind was reeling with questions as she ran out the back gate and out to the sidewalk. What was going on? Why had her Dad called Tom and Catherine? Was he realy consurned about her? After the way they had sent her off she had thought that they dident care anymore. Had she wrong? Her stumic suddenly growled and she relized she had forgotten breafask when she had rushed out. She looked around and found that she had been walking around amlesly.

Luckly there was a Hardis near by so she hurried towards it. Wonderful smells meet her nose as soon as she walked in the door. It was a little crowded as she waited in line impatiently. Finally she was able to ordered a stake n' gravy platter with a medium coke. As soon as she got her meal and drink she found a seat and chowed down. The meal was almost demolished in a few munities, she didn't relies how hungry she really was. Actually now that she thought about it, she had missed dinner last night too.

Her plate cleaned, she headed out the door with her coke in hand. Just when she turned the corner she ran into someone, causing half her drink to go flying. "My drink!" She gasped.

"My suit!" She looked up at the man who now had soda all over his suit and tie. He sputtered angrily as he looked down at himself "Great! Just great!" He said as he pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket. Grumbling to himself, he tried to wipe the stain off. "One day things seem to be turning out right and before you know it blam, Uncle Freddie left the gas stove on and your aunt lit a match."

Miko looked at the man oddly. "Uh?...I guess I should say sorry then?...Is there anything I can do?"

He turned his glared to her. His eyes quickly skimmed over and he sighed "I doubt it kid. This suit would probably cost a year of your allowance and then some." Really dude! Miko thought as she bristled. My allowance is probably your whole yearly paycheck!

"Hopefully the drycleaners can take care of it...Just try not to do anymore damage to anyone else alight? Now I got to run. I'll be late for my meeting this afternoon if I don't get a move on." He said hurrying into Hardies.

She glared at the man as he walked away "Some people are just so rude!...Well at least I don't have to pay for anything." She reasoned. It didn't take her long to make her way to school. When she was walking up the sidewalk Jack and Raff pulled up riding on/in Arcee and Bumblebee. Miko fround, if Jack and Raff had gotten a ride to school why hadn't she?...Maybe Bulkhead was buisy for some reason. Still she couldent help but feel put out.

Jack and Raff where saying there goodbys as she walked up to them. As they all headed inside she grinned "Hay Jack, Raff! Hows it hanging?"

They glanced at each other with a uncomfterable look. "Uh, good. Thanks..." Raff replied uneasly.

Miko blinked in confusion. Why was Raff acting all nervous? She looked down at herself as she asked "What? Something wrong? Did I put my shirt on backwards?"

"No!" Jack protested a little to quickly. She looked back up and raised an eyebrow at him. He nervously stammered "I-I mean, no you dident. We - ah We where just wondering if you~?...Had any plans of going back to the base with us after school?!".

"Well duh! Who in there right mind would skip out on hanging with the bots?!" She put her hands on her hips. "Besides aren't we suppose to stay with them until this whole Decepticon thing is over?"

"Yeah your right." Jack laughed nervously. "Oh look, here's our class! Don't want to be late! See you latter Miko!" Jack said as he pushed Raff into the class room.

Miko was left dumbfounded as she stood there blinking. What in the world was that all about?! She shook her head. She could find out later. Right now she needed to get to class before the bell rang...Speaking of, the bell started to go off. Quickly she ran down the hall and slid into class just before it ended. Her teacher looked at her unamused. "Sorry Mr. Marko." She grinned goofily. He nodded at her and began the class.

It was the same old routine she went thoughout the day with bouncing from class to class. Teachers tried to make the boring lessons seem exciting and the ones who thought she wasn't paying attention scolded her. Tests and homework where handed out like usual. She caught a glimpse of Jack and Raff in a few of her classes but didn't get a chance to talk. At lunch they avoided her witch made her feel upset. What had she done? Nothing that she could think of. She was detriment to confront them about it the after school. Finally, after what felt like hours of waiting the bell rang much to her relief.

As quickly as she could, she gathered her things and raced out the door. Her eyes darted around the halls angrily while looking for Jack and Raff. Unfortunately she didn't see either. With a sigh she gave up, and headed to her locker. At least she could confront them later at base. She grabbed her guitar case and was about to leave when some scuffling sounds and familiar voices caught her attention. She followed the sounds to a closed off hallway. No one was suppose to be down there since the sealing was falling down from the burst pipe that happened a few days ago.

She stuck her head around the corner and instantly saw Raff being bullied by Vince and his gang. The other two kids, Don and Rick, where throwing Raffs glasses around while Vince was shoving Raff into an empty locker. As angary as she felt with Raff and Jack for advoiding her she just couldn't let the poor kid be bullied like that. He had enough confidence issues as it seemed.

Vince slammed the locker door on Raff, locking him in. He and his goons laughed as Miko slipped around the corner unnoticed. "All right guys, brake it up." She said as she waltz up to them. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way." They all froze staring at her for a minute. Don and Rick looked at Vince to see what he would do as Miko held out her hand in front of her. "Leave Raff alone and hand over the glasses Vince. Then promise I wont send you flying on your but like I did last time."

Vince's two buddies snickered at him at her remark. Vince clinched his fist, making his musicals bulge, as his face turned red in anger and embarrassment. With an angry scowl he leaned down to get in Miko's face trying to make her flinch. "That was just a lucky shot you got back then twerp! If I hadn't been distracted, I would have wiped the floor with you!" He snapped at her. He though the glasses to one of his buddies who fumbled to catch them. Miko looked back at him unimpressed as he cracked his knuckles and smirked at her. "In fact, I think its time for a little payback for what you did to me that day."

Miko ducked when she saw the fist come flying at her head. She had to admit, he was fast, but not as fast as she was. Quickly she ducked again, this time to the side and though a punch at Vince's side where his kidney where. Him double over growing and she didn't miss a beat as she knead him in the face. Trent howled in pain and stumbled back while holding his face. There was a bit of blood dripping from his nose as he tried to wipe it away. One he could talk he yelled at her angrily "You little freak! You broke my nose!"

"Yeah I did!" She snarled back standing in a fighting position "And I can do a lot more than that if you ever decide to pick on Raff again! Now give me the glasses!"

Vince looked over at his two goons who looked between themselves. They began to circle around her, trying to get into position. Miko was ready for them! When Don charged at her from behind, she step out of the way and stuck out a leg for him to trip over in the proses. Before he could fall she grabbed onto him and used his own momentum to slam him face first into the lockers where he slid to the floor growing. One of the locker doors was knocked open in the process and papers, cloths, and trash went scattering to the floor.

Rick needed up getting a hold on her. He held her arms pend down in a bare hug so that Vince could come up and punch her. Unfortunately for Vince she kicked him right un the stomach with both legs as soon as he got close enough. Before Rick could react Miko raked her boot down Ricks leg and then hit him in the groin with her hand, earning a yelp from him. As soon as Ricks hold loosened, she slipped out and through a hook punch to his face, knocking him over.

Someone, who could only be, Vince slammed into her from behind. They fell over to the ground and that was when Miko knew she was in trouble. The ground was the worst place to be in a fight. She flipped over onto her back to face Vince as he tried to get on top of her to punch her face. He kicked her in the side making her cry out and he jumped onto her. Just when Vince pulled his arm back to punch her someone yelled "What in the world going on here?!"

They all froze and looked up at the teacher. Ms. Andrews was fuming as she stared at all of them. She looked around at the dent locker that Don had gotten thrown into, all the papers and junk scattered about, and also the bit of blood on the floor. "All of you get up right this instant!" She ordered.

Quickly they scrambled to their feat, Vince shoving Miko in the proses. She glared back at him but didn't say anything. "I want to know who is responsible for this!" She gestured around.

"It was Miko!" "It was Vince!" They spoke at the same time. They glared at each other before trying again. "Stop lying you heartless jerk!" She snapped. "Your the jerk! You pathetic peace of-!" He snarled "Pathetic!" She screeched."I don't think so! I would have beat the-"

"Enough!" Ms. Andrews fumed. She pulled out a peace of paper and began writing something down. "I don't care who started it anymore! Vince go get your nose taken care of its still bleeding. Afterword's head to detention where the rest of them will be." She handed the note to Miko and pointed to the hallway leading to the detention room "But-" Vince tried to protest. "Now Vince!" Don and Rick tried to sneak off but Ms. Andrews turned her flaming eyes on them "That means you two also!" Miko gave Vince the most hateful glair possible as she began stomping down the hallway. It was all his fault! Vince was always getting her into trouble! She shouldn't be the one getting dentation all the time because of him! If he hadn't been picking on Raff in the first place...Raff! Oops he was still stuck in the locker wasn't he?...Oh well, better than detention. Hopefully the teacher got him out...

Opening the door, they plied into the room. The teacher assigned to detention looked up from his crossword puzzle. Miko marched over to him and handed him the note. He quickly read it and gestured to the room where only one other other kid sat. "Chose a seat. You get out in an hour."

Grumpily she stormed over to a random seat and sat down. The ticking of the clock was the only thing that made noise and it seemed to be moving at a snails pace. She laid her head on the table and closed her eyes. This was going to be a long hour...After awhile she heard the door open. She didn't think anything of it until she heard the chair beside her screech. She froze...Slowly she lifted her head and opened her eyes. Vince was sitting next to her with a smirk on his face. The only satisfaction she got was that he had a stupid looking wad of gauze taped across his nose. She groaned, her head banging the table as she slumped down onto the desk once more. Perfect! Just perfect!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bulkhead -

Bulkhead grunted as he adjusted his hold. Ratchet was making modifications to the ground bridge. Unfortunately the place Ratchet needed install the new components was underneath half the equipment so when Bulkhead had walked by he had been the lucky bot to get chosen to hold it up.

Warily he watched as Bumblebee came racing into the bunker, sliding to a stop like he usually did. Jack and Raff jumped out and Bumblebee took off to go on his shift of patrol. Surprised that his charge wasn't with them, Bulkhead instantly asked "Where's Miko?"

Jack and Raff walked over to him "Back at school." Jack answered. Raff looked downcast and said in an upset tone "It was all my fault! If I had just gnaw strait out to meet you and Bee at the parking lot-"

Jack placed a hand on his shoulder "Hang on, none of this was your fault Raff. Its Vince's fault for bulling you in the first place. Maybe Miko was just trying to help...Surprisingly." Bulkhead raised his optic ridge at Jack. Why wouldn't Miko help? He would admit that her personality seemed a bit ruff but he could tell that she had the best intention at spark.

Bulkhead felt his gears began to strain so he shifted his footing. "Stop moving!" Ratchet snapped. Thank Primus that Ratchet couldn't hit his helm from under the equipment. He looked down at Raff and Jack who where still talking. "She's probably fine! You said she just got sent to detention, not the nurse like Vince did."

Wait what? Bulkhead blinked "Wow now hold on! Miko's being detained?! And why would she have to go see a human medic?!"

Jack and Raff looked at each other then burst out laughing. "Not detained, detention." Raff laughed. Jack tried to explain "It's more like a punishment where you have to stay after school for an hour or two. Usually you can only study if you have your books with you. And as going to see the Doctor, well..." Jack looked at Raff knowingly.

Raff nervously fiddled with his glasses "Vince, that's a bully at our school, and his gang took my glasses and shoved me into a locker. Miko must have seen what happened because the next thing that I heard was her demanding that they stop bulling me and give my glasses to her. After that there was a lot of nose and a fight must have broken out."

Bulkhead felt a flash of concern when he heard this. "She should known how dangerous that is! Miko should have gone and gotten some human that could handle the situation for her."

Raff frowned "I agree but I don't think she's the kind of person to back down from a challenge..." Raff giggled making Bulkhead feel confuse. "Besides I don't think Vince and his gang stood much of a chance against her. As far as I could tell she was winning." Bulkhead couldn't keep from smiling when he heard that.

"Anyway" Raff continued "The fight didn't last to long. A teacher discovered them and sent Miko, Vince, and his gang to detention. I tried to get out of the locker to explain but the door was stuck tight...It wasn't until Jack came looking for me and found me stuck inside there that I got out. By then there was nothing we could do for Miko."

Bulkhead felt a bit of pride that Miko could stand up for someone else like that...Now if only she had the same confidence with herself she would realize how strong she really was. But that Vince guy...He might have to keep an optic out for him. "That Vince guy better hope he doesn't ever cross my path..." Bulkhead growled as he stared off into the distance.

Looking down at Jack and Raff he said in a lighter tone "You said she should get out in an about an hour?" He asked. "Yeah?" Jack replied. Bulkhead continued "So then whos going to pick up Miko then? Bumblebee has patrol and Arcee and Optimus are out getting supplies from Agent Fowler."

Ratchet slid out from underneath the equipment. "Don't ask me. I have enough here to do as it is...You can put that down now." Quickly he set the equipment down, sighing in relief and rotating his rotator couplets around.

Bulkhead looked from Ratchet to Jack and Raff. They all gave him an expecting look that finally made him roll his optics. "All right, all right. I get it. I'll go pick her up."

Ratchet smirked "Well you are her guardian after all."

Bulkhead grumbled to himself, lucky him. He had no idea how to take care of Miko if she was hurt and he couldn't help but feel concerned. Trouble just seemed to follow her around. He quickly transformed and raced out of the base. Her instructors wouldn't send her to detention without getting repaired right? Ratchet better know what to do if she was damaged he thought. He could hardly have his charge injured while in his care...As tough as she tried to be he chuckled.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Miko -

Finally after what felt like forever Miko raced out of the building like it was on fire. "Finally! I'm free!" She yelled at the top of her lungs. She panted, setting her stuff down. Bumblebee was no doubt long gone by now and she had no clue how to get to the base. She was about to walk home when a large familiar green hummer revved it's engine loudly at the end of the parking lot.

She grinned and walked towards Bulkhead quickly. Her pace slowed though, Was he mad at her for missing her ride to the base with Bee? He must have had to drop whatever he was doing to come back to get her. Bulkhead opened his door for her and she crawled inside nervously. He didn't say anything to her as she though her guitar and school bag in the back seat. Nervously smiled "Hay Bulkhead, You would not believe the day I had today."

"I bet I know more than you think." He said sounding smug. "So detention huh?" She raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"Wa? How did you know that?!" Miko asked in shock. Bulkhead slipped the seatbelt over her and they began to drive off.

He chuckled making his engine rumble "Raff explained how you rescued him."

Miko blinked "So wait...Your not mad that got detention and missed my ride with Bee?"

"What? Why would you think I would be mad about that? It wasn't your fault that you got detention. If anything I should be proud of how you stood up for your new friends." Bulkhead replied.

She felt shocked, Bulkhead was proud of her? Even though she didn't really consider Jack and Raff her friends yet, his comment still made her smile. That was completely opposite of what she had been expecting. "Thanks Bulk...So we heading back to base?" She asked as they drove out of town. "Yup" Bulkhead reapplied as he navigated along some steep hills trying to get to the bottom. Miko grinned mischievously "Well~ do you think that we have some time for some fun as we head back to base?"

"I suppose...What kind of fun are we talking about?" He asked suspiciously.

Bulkheads tire hit a large rock in the road making her bounce in her seat. Her grin widened "Oh nothing much." She laughed as she looked out the window at steep hillslope. "We could just have some fun taking a little shortcut is all." She replied with a smirk.

Description
Miko jerked awake from something that was vibrating against her shirt. Picnicked, she scrambled away only to accidently fall off the bed in the process. Both her head and back hit the floor hard while her feet where left sticking up in the air against the side of her bed. "Owww." She moaned, slowly she got up and rubbed her head.

She grumbled to herself when recognized the sound of her phone vibrating. Glancing over at her clock, she blinked a few times as she tried to make out the numbers while she fumbled around in the mass of blankets for her phone. Her eyes widened 6:12 am! Whoever the heck was calling her better have a good excuse or she was going to hunt them down and make their life a living nightmare!

As soon as her hand touched the plastic case, she snatched up her phone up and flipped it open "I don't know who you are or where your from but if you don't have a vary good reason for calling me at six a clock in the morning! I will find you and I will kill you." She threatened angrily.

It was silent on the other end of the phone for almost a minute. Bulkheads voice finally spoke up "Uhhh maybe I'll call you back..." At first she was confused but then her eyes widened as yesterdays events came rushing back to her. The fight, Autobots, and most importantly Bulkhead.

Rubbing her eyes tiredly and flopped back down on the bed with a small smile "Oh Bulkhead, its you. Whadaya want?" She yawned.

Bulkhead was silent again for a few seconds "...Well...I just wanted to tell you that Optimus ordered Bumblebee to pick you guys up after school and bring you back to base...That wont problem will it?"

Her eyes brightened excitedly and she felt some of the drowsiness fade as she hoped up off the bed. Bumblebee hu? Unforchontly she couldn't understand anything of what he was saying unlike Raff. If only Bulkhead would be the one to get them instead...Oh well! Beggars cant be choosers. "No, no! That would be ok!...Wait...How did you know about school?""

"Raff mentioned it Bee last night while he was taking him home." Bulkhead replied simply.

She grunted in annoyance, leave it to Raff to talk about the most bring thing on the face of the earth to an alien the first chance he gets.

"Are you sure that's ok?" Bulkhead questioned "After yesterday...Well I'm assuming you probably got into a whole lot of trouble. Will you get into more trouble if you do?"

Miko sighed "Yeah I did...but they said I could still go out so its good..." She glared at the door and grumbled to herself about the unfairness of it all. She couldn't stop herself as another yawn came on.

Bulkhead spook up over the phone when she was done "You don't seem like much of a morning person. Where you still recharging when I called?..." Bulkhead nervously asked.

"Recharging?" She questioned tiredly, not quite connecting the dots. "Sleep! I meant sleep! Sorry, I'm still getting use to human earth terms." He quickly corrected himself.

Miko smirked "Yea you did...And I also fell out of bed too, no thanks to you." She giggled to herself.

Bulkhead apologized regretfully "Sorry about that."

"No biggie." She replied with a smile even though he couldent see it.

"So...See you guys later?" He asked. "You betcha!" She said. "Promise you wont blow my helm off when you see me?" He teased her.

Miko laughed "Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my...Wait where the heck did I pick that up from!...Never mind I can worry about that later! Yes I promise, even though I have no clue what a helm is."

"A helm is your head." Bulkhead chuckled. "See you at base." He disconnected.

Miko grinned excitedly as she put her phone on her bedside table. Today she would get to talk to the Autobots some more! She glanced over at her clock, 7am. She had an hour and a half until school. No use in going back to bed when she was this excited. Quickly, she got dressed and got her school bag together. Her teachers would probably be less than happy with the report she had thrown together yesterday morning, but as long as she got at least a B she didn't care.

She reached out to pick up her phone again but she paused. If her host parents caught her with it, it was bound to get taken away...She couldn't stick it in her pants pocket, the outline of it would show...And she couldn't seem to possessive over her backpack, that would be to suspicious since all it was suppose to have in it was schoolwork...Looking around, her eyes landed on her guitar case. Perfect! Quickly she put her phone in the bottom of the case and then placed her black and white guitar on top. Her host parents wouldn't be expecting that, she was way overly possessive of her guitar so they shouldn't suspect a thing.

Once she had all her things together, she carefully opened the door, cringing when it squeaked. Slowly she poked her head out and looked around. No one was around it seemed. Just in case, she listened for any sign of activity, when she didn't hear anything she creped out. It shouldn't be to hard sneaking out since the place she was living at could almost be described as a small mansion. Her real parents where letting her host parents use the house since they where 'helping' her while she was living here.

As quietly as possible, she tip toed out and down the hall, making sure not to make any of the floor boards creak. Sometimes she hated living in such a large house but it had its perks at times, like right now. She used the back staircase just in case and was about to walk into the kitchen when she heard Toms and Catherine's voices coming from the room she was about to enter. "-might have been to harsh on her." Catherin was saying.

Carefully, Miko suck up to the doorway. "I know I was, but you know how important it is that we see some progress soon." Tom replied. "Her father is asking more questions now and he wants to hear some good news soon! Its been three months now. What do you expect him to do if he finds out we haven't made a dent in this all this time?!"

Miko stood there shocked. Her dad had been calling her host parents to get a report on her progress and not once had asked to speak to her?! She didn't know weather to feel angry or sad! Catherine continued so she listened further. "I know! I know! I'm just worried that things will get worse if we try to hurry this along to fast."

"What do you expect me to do?! Tell him the truth? We would be in real trouble then!" Tom said sounded worried.

Trouble? Why would they be in trouble? And what did Tom mean by telling her Dad the truth? She wondered. What exactly where they talking about? Catherine sighed "Yes, I suppose your right but I just don't want to ruin this opportunity-" The phone rang, cutting off whatever it was Catherine was about to finish saying. Quickly before she was caught she ducked into a closet and heard Tom and Catherine walked past.

As soon as she was sure they where gone Miko slipped out. Quickly she ran though the kitchen to the back door. She made sure to shut the door quietly behind her so as not to be found out. Her mind was reeling with questions as she ran out the back gate and out to the sidewalk. What was going on? Why had her Dad called Tom and Catherine? Was he realy consurned about her? After the way they had sent her off she had thought that they dident care anymore. Had she wrong? Her stumic suddenly growled and she relized she had forgotten breafask when she had rushed out. She looked around and found that she had been walking around amlesly.

Luckly there was a Hardis near by so she hurried towards it. Wonderful smells meet her nose as soon as she walked in the door. It was a little crowded as she waited in line impatiently. Finally she was able to ordered a stake n' gravy platter with a medium coke. As soon as she got her meal and drink she found a seat and chowed down. The meal was almost demolished in a few munities, she didn't relies how hungry she really was. Actually now that she thought about it, she had missed dinner last night too.

Her plate cleaned, she headed out the door with her coke in hand. Just when she turned the corner she ran into someone, causing half her drink to go flying. "My drink!" She gasped.

"My suit!" She looked up at the man who now had soda all over his suit and tie. He sputtered angrily as he looked down at himself "Great! Just great!" He said as he pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket. Grumbling to himself, he tried to wipe the stain off. "One day things seem to be turning out right and before you know it blam, Uncle Freddie left the gas stove on and your aunt lit a match."

Miko looked at the man oddly. "Uh?...I guess I should say sorry then?...Is there anything I can do?"

He turned his glared to her. His eyes quickly skimmed over and he sighed "I doubt it kid. This suit would probably cost a year of your allowance and then some." Really dude! Miko thought as she bristled. My allowance is probably your whole yearly paycheck!

"Hopefully the drycleaners can take care of it...Just try not to do anymore damage to anyone else alight? Now I got to run. I'll be late for my meeting this afternoon if I don't get a move on." He said hurrying into Hardies.

She glared at the man as he walked away "Some people are just so rude!...Well at least I don't have to pay for anything." She reasoned. It didn't take her long to make her way to school. When she was walking up the sidewalk Jack and Raff pulled up riding on/in Arcee and Bumblebee. Miko fround, if Jack and Raff had gotten a ride to school why hadn't she?...Maybe Bulkhead was buisy for some reason. Still she couldent help but feel put out.

Jack and Raff where saying there goodbys as she walked up to them. As they all headed inside she grinned "Hay Jack, Raff! Hows it hanging?"

They glanced at each other with a uncomfterable look. "Uh, good. Thanks..." Raff replied uneasly.

Miko blinked in confusion. Why was Raff acting all nervous? She looked down at herself as she asked "What? Something wrong? Did I put my shirt on backwards?"

"No!" Jack protested a little to quickly. She looked back up and raised an eyebrow at him. He nervously stammered "I-I mean, no you dident. We - ah We where just wondering if you~?...Had any plans of going back to the base with us after school?!".

"Well duh! Who in there right mind would skip out on hanging with the bots?!" She put her hands on her hips. "Besides aren't we suppose to stay with them until this whole Decepticon thing is over?"

"Yeah your right." Jack laughed nervously. "Oh look, here's our class! Don't want to be late! See you latter Miko!" Jack said as he pushed Raff into the class room.

Miko was left dumbfounded as she stood there blinking. What in the world was that all about?! She shook her head. She could find out later. Right now she needed to get to class before the bell rang...Speaking of, the bell started to go off. Quickly she ran down the hall and slid into class just before it ended. Her teacher looked at her unamused. "Sorry Mr. Marko." She grinned goofily. He nodded at her and began the class.

It was the same old routine she went thoughout the day with bouncing from class to class. Teachers tried to make the boring lessons seem exciting and the ones who thought she wasn't paying attention scolded her. Tests and homework where handed out like usual. She caught a glimpse of Jack and Raff in a few of her classes but didn't get a chance to talk. At lunch they avoided her witch made her feel upset. What had she done? Nothing that she could think of. She was detriment to confront them about it the after school. Finally, after what felt like hours of waiting the bell rang much to her relief.

As quickly as she could, she gathered her things and raced out the door. Her eyes darted around the halls angrily while looking for Jack and Raff. Unfortunately she didn't see either. With a sigh she gave up, and headed to her locker. At least she could confront them later at base. She grabbed her guitar case and was about to leave when some scuffling sounds and familiar voices caught her attention. She followed the sounds to a closed off hallway. No one was suppose to be down there since the sealing was falling down from the burst pipe that happened a few days ago.

She stuck her head around the corner and instantly saw Raff being bullied by Vince and his gang. The other two kids, Don and Rick, where throwing Raffs glasses around while Vince was shoving Raff into an empty locker. As angary as she felt with Raff and Jack for advoiding her she just couldn't let the poor kid be bullied like that. He had enough confidence issues as it seemed.

Vince slammed the locker door on Raff, locking him in. He and his goons laughed as Miko slipped around the corner unnoticed. "All right guys, brake it up." She said as she waltz up to them. "We can do this the easy way or the hard way." They all froze staring at her for a minute. Don and Rick looked at Vince to see what he would do as Miko held out her hand in front of her. "Leave Raff alone and hand over the glasses Vince. Then promise I wont send you flying on your but like I did last time."

Vince's two buddies snickered at him at her remark. Vince clinched his fist, making his musicals bulge, as his face turned red in anger and embarrassment. With an angry scowl he leaned down to get in Miko's face trying to make her flinch. "That was just a lucky shot you got back then twerp! If I hadn't been distracted, I would have wiped the floor with you!" He snapped at her. He though the glasses to one of his buddies who fumbled to catch them. Miko looked back at him unimpressed as he cracked his knuckles and smirked at her. "In fact, I think its time for a little payback for what you did to me that day."

Miko ducked when she saw the fist come flying at her head. She had to admit, he was fast, but not as fast as she was. Quickly she ducked again, this time to the side and though a punch at Vince's side where his kidney where. Him double over growing and she didn't miss a beat as she knead him in the face. Trent howled in pain and stumbled back while holding his face. There was a bit of blood dripping from his nose as he tried to wipe it away. One he could talk he yelled at her angrily "You little freak! You broke my nose!"

"Yeah I did!" She snarled back standing in a fighting position "And I can do a lot more than that if you ever decide to pick on Raff again! Now give me the glasses!"

Vince looked over at his two goons who looked between themselves. They began to circle around her, trying to get into position. Miko was ready for them! When Don charged at her from behind, she step out of the way and stuck out a leg for him to trip over in the proses. Before he could fall she grabbed onto him and used his own momentum to slam him face first into the lockers where he slid to the floor growing. One of the locker doors was knocked open in the process and papers, cloths, and trash went scattering to the floor.

Rick needed up getting a hold on her. He held her arms pend down in a bare hug so that Vince could come up and punch her. Unfortunately for Vince she kicked him right un the stomach with both legs as soon as he got close enough. Before Rick could react Miko raked her boot down Ricks leg and then hit him in the groin with her hand, earning a yelp from him. As soon as Ricks hold loosened, she slipped out and through a hook punch to his face, knocking him over.

Someone, who could only be, Vince slammed into her from behind. They fell over to the ground and that was when Miko knew she was in trouble. The ground was the worst place to be in a fight. She flipped over onto her back to face Vince as he tried to get on top of her to punch her face. He kicked her in the side making her cry out and he jumped onto her. Just when Vince pulled his arm back to punch her someone yelled "What in the world going on here?!"

They all froze and looked up at the teacher. Ms. Andrews was fuming as she stared at all of them. She looked around at the dent locker that Don had gotten thrown into, all the papers and junk scattered about, and also the bit of blood on the floor. "All of you get up right this instant!" She ordered.

Quickly they scrambled to their feat, Vince shoving Miko in the proses. She glared back at him but didn't say anything. "I want to know who is responsible for this!" She gestured around.

"It was Miko!" "It was Vince!" They spoke at the same time. They glared at each other before trying again. "Stop lying you heartless jerk!" She snapped. "Your the jerk! You pathetic peace of-!" He snarled "Pathetic!" She screeched."I don't think so! I would have beat the-"

"Enough!" Ms. Andrews fumed. She pulled out a peace of paper and began writing something down. "I don't care who started it anymore! Vince go get your nose taken care of its still bleeding. Afterword's head to detention where the rest of them will be." She handed the note to Miko and pointed to the hallway leading to the detention room "But-" Vince tried to protest. "Now Vince!" Don and Rick tried to sneak off but Ms. Andrews turned her flaming eyes on them "That means you two also!" Miko gave Vince the most hateful glair possible as she began stomping down the hallway. It was all his fault! Vince was always getting her into trouble! She shouldn't be the one getting dentation all the time because of him! If he hadn't been picking on Raff in the first place...Raff! Oops he was still stuck in the locker wasn't he?...Oh well, better than detention. Hopefully the teacher got him out...

Opening the door, they plied into the room. The teacher assigned to detention looked up from his crossword puzzle. Miko marched over to him and handed him the note. He quickly read it and gestured to the room where only one other other kid sat. "Chose a seat. You get out in an hour."

Grumpily she stormed over to a random seat and sat down. The ticking of the clock was the only thing that made noise and it seemed to be moving at a snails pace. She laid her head on the table and closed her eyes. This was going to be a long hour...After awhile she heard the door open. She didn't think anything of it until she heard the chair beside her screech. She froze...Slowly she lifted her head and opened her eyes. Vince was sitting next to her with a smirk on his face. The only satisfaction she got was that he had a stupid looking wad of gauze taped across his nose. She groaned, her head banging the table as she slumped down onto the desk once more. Perfect! Just perfect!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Bulkhead -

Bulkhead grunted as he adjusted his hold. Ratchet was making modifications to the ground bridge. Unfortunately the place Ratchet needed install the new components was underneath half the equipment so when Bulkhead had walked by he had been the lucky bot to get chosen to hold it up.

Warily he watched as Bumblebee came racing into the bunker, sliding to a stop like he usually did. Jack and Raff jumped out and Bumblebee took off to go on his shift of patrol. Surprised that his charge wasn't with them, Bulkhead instantly asked "Where's Miko?"

Jack and Raff walked over to him "Back at school." Jack answered. Raff looked downcast and said in an upset tone "It was all my fault! If I had just gnaw strait out to meet you and Bee at the parking lot-"

Jack placed a hand on his shoulder "Hang on, none of this was your fault Raff. Its Vince's fault for bulling you in the first place. Maybe Miko was just trying to help...Surprisingly." Bulkhead raised his optic ridge at Jack. Why wouldn't Miko help? He would admit that her personality seemed a bit ruff but he could tell that she had the best intention at spark.

Bulkhead felt his gears began to strain so he shifted his footing. "Stop moving!" Ratchet snapped. Thank Primus that Ratchet couldn't hit his helm from under the equipment. He looked down at Raff and Jack who where still talking. "She's probably fine! You said she just got sent to detention, not the nurse like Vince did."

Wait what? Bulkhead blinked "Wow now hold on! Miko's being detained?! And why would she have to go see a human medic?!"

Jack and Raff looked at each other then burst out laughing. "Not detained, detention." Raff laughed. Jack tried to explain "It's more like a punishment where you have to stay after school for an hour or two. Usually you can only study if you have your books with you. And as going to see the Doctor, well..." Jack looked at Raff knowingly.

Raff nervously fiddled with his glasses "Vince, that's a bully at our school, and his gang took my glasses and shoved me into a locker. Miko must have seen what happened because the next thing that I heard was her demanding that they stop bulling me and give my glasses to her. After that there was a lot of nose and a fight must have broken out."

Bulkhead felt a flash of concern when he heard this. "She should known how dangerous that is! Miko should have gone and gotten some human that could handle the situation for her."

Raff frowned "I agree but I don't think she's the kind of person to back down from a challenge..." Raff giggled making Bulkhead feel confuse. "Besides I don't think Vince and his gang stood much of a chance against her. As far as I could tell she was winning." Bulkhead couldn't keep from smiling when he heard that.

"Anyway" Raff continued "The fight didn't last to long. A teacher discovered them and sent Miko, Vince, and his gang to detention. I tried to get out of the locker to explain but the door was stuck tight...It wasn't until Jack came looking for me and found me stuck inside there that I got out. By then there was nothing we could do for Miko."

Bulkhead felt a bit of pride that Miko could stand up for someone else like that...Now if only she had the same confidence with herself she would realize how strong she really was. But that Vince guy...He might have to keep an optic out for him. "That Vince guy better hope he doesn't ever cross my path..." Bulkhead growled as he stared off into the distance.

Looking down at Jack and Raff he said in a lighter tone "You said she should get out in an about an hour?" He asked. "Yeah?" Jack replied. Bulkhead continued "So then whos going to pick up Miko then? Bumblebee has patrol and Arcee and Optimus are out getting supplies from Agent Fowler."

Ratchet slid out from underneath the equipment. "Don't ask me. I have enough here to do as it is...You can put that down now." Quickly he set the equipment down, sighing in relief and rotating his rotator couplets around.

Bulkhead looked from Ratchet to Jack and Raff. They all gave him an expecting look that finally made him roll his optics. "All right, all right. I get it. I'll go pick her up."

Ratchet smirked "Well you are her guardian after all."

Bulkhead grumbled to himself, lucky him. He had no idea how to take care of Miko if she was hurt and he couldn't help but feel concerned. Trouble just seemed to follow her around. He quickly transformed and raced out of the base. Her instructors wouldn't send her to detention without getting repaired right? Ratchet better know what to do if she was damaged he thought. He could hardly have his charge injured while in his care...As tough as she tried to be he chuckled.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Miko -

Finally after what felt like forever Miko raced out of the building like it was on fire. "Finally! I'm free!" She yelled at the top of her lungs. She panted, setting her stuff down. Bumblebee was no doubt long gone by now and she had no clue how to get to the base. She was about to walk home when a large familiar green hummer revved it's engine loudly at the end of the parking lot.

She grinned and walked towards Bulkhead quickly. Her pace slowed though, Was he mad at her for missing her ride to the base with Bee? He must have had to drop whatever he was doing to come back to get her. Bulkhead opened his door for her and she crawled inside nervously. He didn't say anything to her as she though her guitar and school bag in the back seat. Nervously smiled "Hay Bulkhead, You would not believe the day I had today."

"I bet I know more than you think." He said sounding smug. "So detention huh?" She raised her eyebrows in surprise.

"Wa? How did you know that?!" Miko asked in shock. Bulkhead slipped the seatbelt over her and they began to drive off.

He chuckled making his engine rumble "Raff explained how you rescued him."

Miko blinked "So wait...Your not mad that got detention and missed my ride with Bee?"

"What? Why would you think I would be mad about that? It wasn't your fault that you got detention. If anything I should be proud of how you stood up for your new friends." Bulkhead replied.

She felt shocked, Bulkhead was proud of her? Even though she didn't really consider Jack and Raff her friends yet, his comment still made her smile. That was completely opposite of what she had been expecting. "Thanks Bulk...So we heading back to base?" She asked as they drove out of town. "Yup" Bulkhead reapplied as he navigated along some steep hills trying to get to the bottom. Miko grinned mischievously "Well~ do you think that we have some time for some fun as we head back to base?"

"I suppose...What kind of fun are we talking about?" He asked suspiciously.

Bulkheads tire hit a large rock in the road making her bounce in her seat. Her grin widened "Oh nothing much." She laughed as she looked out the window at steep hillslope. "We could just have some fun taking a little shortcut is all." She replied with a smirk.