EPILOGUE

"Happy birthday Mark!"

Four months later, that was the echoing chorus that resounded when Hound and Mark returned from court. Indeed, his fifteenth birthday, and his adoption date had fallen on the same day. And for that matter, what better birthday present could one ask to receive? The showering of gifts from both Autobot and human alike was nice, that was sure. But nothing compared to standing in that courtroom as Hound crossed the T's and dotted the I's on his adoption papers, making his adoption and integration into the Autobots official.

As for regular life, it had returned to the closest thing to normalcy the Autobots had. The base had been rebuilt, bigger and better than ever, and with few precious possessions lost in the process. Mark had returned to school after a week off to rest off his injuries, with Alexis now as his (rather serious) girlfriend. They still took it slow and steady, much to Hound's pleasure, but Mark was almost certain that this girl was the person he was meant to be with. And to put it lightly, he wouldn't have it any other way either.

Even now, she was sitting in his lap amidst the partygoers, who were mostly pooped, and sprawled out in the rec room. More than half of them had been mocked by Mearing for having drank a lot, with a reminder that they'd be back to work in the morning. "So, Mark Savoy," Alexis teased, poking him in the chest. "You've just officially been adopted, and spent the best hours of your life partying," She jested. "What are you going to do now?"

"Before, or after he crashes from the sugar high?" Sideswipe laughed from his seat right beside them. "How many pieces of cake did you have Mark? Four?" Mark held up five fingers at that. "Primus, how are we not picking your puke up off the floor," He then added. "I bet Alexis would find that REALLY hot," Mark laughed, shaking his head.

Mark simply threw the pillow beside him at Sideswipe, laughing lightly. "At least someone finds me hot, Sides, people are getting over Corvettes," He joked very bluntly. "Pretty soon I might have to trade-up to a cooler model," He then added. "Which would be super easy if someone hadn't turned sixteen," Alexis whistled lightly. "I still have no idea how you talked Mirage into being your guardian."

Alexis shrugged, laying back against her boyfriend's chest. "Easy, he was impressed by me back in Dallas," Alexis shrugged her shoulders a bit. "And he isn't that antisocial once you get to know him. He's just rough around the edges, and a hard aft."

Sideswipe pointed at Mark. "Sounds like you're stuck with me, punk."

Mark stuck his tongue out, even if he didn't really mind that at all. After all, Sideswipe was still his best, and closest friend. "I can live with that, as long as you're willing to stick around me," He then added. "And teach me to drive, considering I am now old enough to get my permit," He grinned wickedly.

"Thank Primus I will not have that job," Mirage stated as he headed over. "No offense, mon ami," Mark held up a hand, waving him off. "You ready to get home girly? I need to get you home before your papa gets worried," He then added. "It's getting late."

Mark pouted, but Alexis merely looked over at him, smiling and kissing him on the lips. "He's right, Mark. It's almost eleven," She explained. "Spend the rest of the time with your dad, have fun," She patted his chest slightly. "I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"

"You got it," Mark gave her a kiss this time. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight boys."

"Night Lexi."

"Sweet dreams, Alexis." Hound stated as he stepped out of the group he was with. "Well then," He stated, picking Mark up. "I have the same question for you, Markus Savoy. What are you going to do now?" He questioned, depositing him on his shoulder.

Mark crossed his arms, not totally sure what to do. Most of the last year had been focused on staying with the Autobots, and defeating the Galvatron/Coulton threat. Now that part was over, Optimus was back and in-command, Galvatron and Coulton were dead, and most of all, Mark was adopted. He had a family again, and above all else, he now had all the support he needed on his hopes and dreams again. "I don't know, dad," Mark questioned. "I think I'm just going to take the peace time to spend more time with my new family," He explained. "Between the two of us, I'm sure that time's going to be awesome."

Hound rested his cheekplate against Mark's own cheek, and smiled. That was, without a doubt, the same thing that he was looking forward to. "Mmm that definitely sounds good to me," He explained. "I certainly look forward to that, now that this is official," He explained. "Without social services breathing down my neck." He explained.

Mark nodded, he felt him there. Dana had been a great social worker, whom they'd even invited to the party. But he looked forward to just settling down and living forever on the NEST Base, what he'd wanted since that day. "Dad?" Hound looked down at him. "I know I don't say this enough. But thank you. If it hadn't been for you, I'd still be sitting in that old theater," Hound frowned. "You never had to do, well, any of this."

Hound sighed happily, and stared at Mark. "No, Mark, thank you," He told him gently. "I never thought I'd get the chance to do... This again," Mark smiled. "I can't thank you enough for being my son."

Sideswipe smiled at the two from beside them, as did the other Autobots, who were nearby. The two of them definitely had a lot to be thankful for, but most of all, they would always be thankful for each other. And for that matter, the fact that fate itself seemed to bring them together. Hound smiled, and held him to his chest slowly before carefully placing him on the ground.

Unknown and unseen to all present, just off to the side, a trio watched on as well. A large, kind looking femme, and her teenaged creation, who held hands, and finally, a tall man with grey hair, and the broadest smile of all three. James Savoy looked between the Aquastrius and Coldsteel with a smile. "Well then, I guess the big man and Primus can call this a mission accomplished," He explained, putting his hands in his pockets, and hiding the tears that seemed to enter his eyes. "I really, truly hope that your "bondmate" gives Mark the life he's seemingly started to."

"He will," Aquastrius nodded her head slowly. "They're meant to be together. If they weren't your God wouldn't have sent you down to talk to Mark at all," She noted.

Savoy nodded his head, but still slowly made his way towards the duo. Still unseen, he carefully put a hand on Hound's legplate, he stared up. "You take good care of him, big guy," He explained. "He's all yours now," And then, he turned to Mark, his eyes glistening with tears, he carefully wrapped unseen arms around his body and whispered into his ear. "I love you, son. And I will always be with you." As he laid a kiss on top of his head, Mark seemed to show a look of surprise and disbelief before smiling widely.

Both Aquastrius and Coldsteel also made their way over, stopping before Hound. Coldsteel, who had been mostly silent, turned to his young human brother with a smile. "You take good care of my sire too, okay?" He crouched low. "He's a crazy old mech, but he's the most awesome sire in the world," He explained. "You're lucky," And then slowly, he turned to Hound, giving him a salute, and his own hug. "Take good care of each other," He reaffirmed.

When it finally came Aquastrius's turn, she said nothing. Everything that she wanted to say to Hound he already knew. That she loved him, and would have most certainly have loved Mark as well. And when all was said and done, she too, would always be watching over them both. Slowly, she kissed his cheekplate, with the gentlest of kissed, to which, as if realizing she was there, slowly raised his hand to his cheek. "I love you, Hound," She stated. "Forever and always."

And with that, all three yet again turned to walk away very slowly. Now, certain they had left the loved ones they left behind were in good, and loving hands. With a flash of light, all three were gone as quickly as they had appeared, leaving the new family alone. For a moment, both exchanged a knowing smile, as if knowing somewhere in their heart and spark, their loved ones were at peace more than ever. "Well then," Hound shifted a bit. "May I have the honor of tucking my new son into bed?" He questioned.

"I'll race you there!"

Hound only chuckled, chasing after the already jogging boy. This was, undoubtedly the start of a long, and wonderful life as father and son.

...

A/N: And there we go! The ending of A Matter of Fate. I'd like to thank each and every person that read, reviewed, Favorited, and alerted this story. What started as an idea watching Age of Extinction has undoubtedly become one of my favorite stories I have shared with you all. And I am very thankful to see so many people seemed to read and enjoy it. I will not say anything on a sequel, as I am at this point not sure whether there will be one or not. But I will say, keep an eye out. You never know. :3