When All Lights Go Out I (TFP)

Jack was staring into the fish tanks as the bags with the new fish float on the top to acclimate to the temperatures of the tank they were going to be put I to. He was watching the other fish swim around as Azura got a bucket and net ready, and was preparing some chemicals to add into the water to treat any potential injury and disease the fish might have. It might not be necessary, but Azura knew better than to trust the aquarium due to the large amount of fish they have to care for, and that they had to deal with new fish regularly. Jack himself was happy watching the other fish she had in the tanks while the tetras, bumblebee catfish and gobies float on the top.

He looked at the fourth tank and looked at Azura curiously. "Are we going to set the fourth tank up right now? I hope you have what you need, though I am sure things like gravel and ornaments are something you would want to put into the tank last, I imagine."

Azura put the chemical bottles down and looked at Jack with a nod. "That is why I dragged you into the nursery. Plus, we don't really spend a lot of time with just us either. Usually we do something with Miko and Raf."

"I guess that is true. The last thing we were going to do was go see a movie sometime ago." He looked at the tank again before moving away to walk over to Azura aa she began to fill a bucket with water. "Now that they're not here, have you noticed how much taller you are than me?" Azura looked at him in surprise. "Not by much. Come stand beside me. You might be able to see." The girl walked over curiously and stood by Jack. "See?"

"I have been told that I have gotten bigger, but I didn't notice." Azura smiled a little and sighed. "Just another reminder that I am not human."

"It isn't a bad thing though, Azura. You get to be able to enjoy being a sparkling. I am surprised that you haven't embraced it. I know you love that Stitch that Wheeljack gave you, but I have not ever seen you play with a toy." She rolled her optics and she turned to the sink to keep an eye on the bucket. "Have you felt the desire to? I am not going to bully you or anything. I guess..."

"Jack, maybe if my...life was always with the autobots, things could be different. But I am seventeen, and as far as I knew until three years ago, I was reaching a time where I would mature. I still like having the plushies and the toy that Wheeljack made is amazing. But I don't desire to play doll like you might think. The most things I would do is play games, paint and demand to be held or fed, but...I am mature mostly. I would like to think that. Besides..." Azura intakes heavily and rests her arm on the counter. "They have enough to worry about, Jack. I don't need to be thrown in that mixture."

"I get that, but I don't think being a child would cause trouble. I can tell you enjoy the care they give you, and you are thriving on it. And you are also eating a lot more, and they seem to think you are in a growth spurt. So...considering your childhood wasn't so good for the first fourteen years of your life, if I was in your shoes, I would totally embrace the opportunity because you are going to outlive me." Jack looked at the bucket as Azura added some chemicals to establish a bio system for the new tank, and to detoxify any metals and ammonia, nitrate and nitrite that might be present in the water. "I am sixteen myself, and when my father left, I was kind of forced to grow up. I know you had to as well, given you situation back then. But you do have a choice."

"I might have a choice, Jack. But...I just don't have that interest. I never did when I was younger. I was more interesting in building and making things. I still do. Which is why I paint, and why I want to have some clay. Of course, I still have fun, but I am not interested." She turned off the water and lifts the bucket from the sink. "I get what you are trying to say, I really do. But...I like the way I am right now, Jack. It's taken a bit of time, but I've accepted it and I like it. I think that is more important than playing with a doll house."