EPILOGUE
It's A Good Life

SIX MONTHS LATER

The morning of Tony's first day at Collinwood High School was one of the most exciting of Ironhide's long life. It was the first "First Moment" that Ironhide had ever had the chance to share with Tony. Needless to say, he wouldn't have missed it for the world. His holoform waited impatiently for him, leaning against his real form and dressed for work. Work, now that was something that was part of his new peaceful existence that Ironhide wasn't sure he'd ever get used to. Fittingly he was building weapons for the Military, but it was still bizarre, after spending so long firing weapons, he was now helping to build them.

"Tony, hurry the frag up kiddo, I have to get to work!" Ironhide groaned "Don't make me fire my warning cannon!" He added.

That was all the warning that fifteen year old Anthony Dale Hide needed. Making his way out the front door, dressed like your average teenager, and wearing his hair shorter, he grinned at Ironhide. "Patience, my dear Father, is a virtue." Tony teased gently, Ironhide rolled his eyes a bit "You gonna let me take the wheel today? Or are you still refusing it until I get my license?" He teased.

"Your permit says DAYLIGHT hours, it's not light out yet." Ironhide winked as his passengers side door opened "Get in, you little punk, or you'll be late for your first day.' He chuckled.

Tony only muttered something under his breath as he climbed into the car calmly. Unlike before, he was now full of life, smiling, happy, all fear he'd ever had was gone long ago. They drove down the road in silence, Ironhide got the feeling his son was really trying to keep awake, being it was only six o'clock at the moment. Ironhide of course, didn't entirely like getting up early, there was nothing really good about it other than viewing the sunrise. He drove on calmly, and finally made his way into the parking lot.

"Alright, this is it." Ironhide stated, feeling his gears grinding "You have your lunch? Supplies? Books?" He began.

"Dad, relax, I've got everything." Tony smiled, he threw his backpack over his shoulder calmly "Come on it's not like the school is going to randomly transform into a Decepticon or something." He added.

Just to be certain that was true, Ironhide did a quick scan on the building if only for satisfaction. Taking a deep breath, Ironhide brought his son in for a hug. "My baby boy's growing up. Can you blame me?" Ironhide stated with a chuckle, kissing the top of Tony's head before releasing him "Now... You be good, alright? I'll be here to pick you up at one." Tony opened the door calmly "I love you little one." He noted.

Tony turned to Ironhide, he smiled a bit, and nodded. "Love you too, Dad." He told him.

Ironhide watched silently as Tony climbed out of his alternate form. Tony himself gave a glance back at him, and waved calmly. Six months ago, he would have probably been terrified to go into the school. But today? Tony was convinced he'd be alright. But, as though for reassurance to them both, he stepped back over, and gave Ironhide I light kiss on the hood before he rushed towards the front doors. An arm wrapped around his, and he turned finding Annie right beside him, still his girlfriend even now. "I see Ironhide finally let you go." She smiled.

"Yeah, he did." Tony stopped in front of the school "Whoa, it's... A lot bigger than I expected it to be." He muttered.

"Are you scared?" Annie asked.

For a moment Tony tensed up, he nearly turned around, just nearly. Yet Tony smiled, and with a deep breath of confidence, shook his head. "Nah, not at all." Tony replied.

For the first time, excitement, rather than fear entered him at the thought of something new. He took his first steps into the High School, with a new level of confidence, knowing that no matter how scared he was. Nothing could be as scary as what he faced, and survived six months ago. Life was good, that was for sure, and he was certain of that.

...

Ironhide was more than happy to get the day off. Of course, he had wished that his 'boss' had called, but Ironhide convinced himself not to get angry, he was working on his anger issues, at least, as best he could. Yet, nothing could prepare him for what awaited him as he made his way back to the Lennox home that morning. He saw the car, he recognized the social worker, and then, he saw him...

A young boy of about fourteen, Sarah's arm gently wrapped around him. Ironhide had never even been told Will and Sarah had planned to take another, not so soon. As he'd frozen in place, Will started to make his way over. Perhaps Will would make sense of this madness. "Will, who is he?" Ironhide asked, confused, a little nervous, even afraid all at once.

"Oh, him? This is Tommy, our new Foster Son." Will explained, Ironhide felt his processor breaking already "Doug brought him by because he knew how well he'd done with Tony. He's fourteen, kinda comes from the same background, no Father, Mom died." Ironhide remained silent, and Will remained completely oblivious to the fact that Ironhide was completely flipping out inside "Hey Tommy, meet Ironhide, our family Guardian-" He turned to motion for Ironhide.

But by that point, Ironhide had floored the gas, taking off for the home. The only thing that either Wil or Sarah could hear was a muffled "Not again! Not again! We just FINISHED THIS DRAMA!" being shouted from several feet away.

Sarah turned to Tommy, who looked extremely confused by this point. She smiled as widely and as friendly as she possibly could. Of course, she was convinced Ironhide would get over his freak-out soon enough. "I think he likes you." Sarah told him, as Tommy only stared at her, knowing at least for now, that that was very untrue.

As for Will, all he could do was stand there, rubbing the back of his head, and shaking his head with a deep sigh. Here we go again. He thought to himself.

...

A/N: You see I could have gone with a 'message' at the end. But in the end, I thought the funnier ending I'd ALWAYS had in my head fit better, and made for a happier/funnier ending to all of this drama. :) I really want to thank EVERYONE who has followed, read, reviewed, and favorited this story. It was such a pleasure sharing it with you, and I hope the ending has satisfied you. Thanks for reading!