Optimus' health was still fragile even after several joors (days). Ratchet had finally allowed him to leave the Med center. On one condition. He stayed with another Autobot. And Ironhide, after asking Chromia, had offered. He was currently waiting with Bumblebee in his arms for Optimus. Ratchet had wanted to run a few more tests to make sure Optimus wouldn't suddenly collapse the moment he stepped outside. Once satisfied, Ratchet walked with Optimus to where Ironhide was trying to be patient and wait. "He should be fine. Just make sure he isn't out too much, and he gets some Energon. Both of you, contact me if something's wrong. Got it?" Ratchet asked. Both mechs gave a nod. Ratchet turned and left while Ironhide and Optimus headed to Ironhide house.
Chromia greeted them at the door. She had been close friends with Elita, and since her sparkmate had been close friends with Optimus, she knew him rather well. She was glad to see Optimus with the fact that he had been at the Med center since Elita was admitted. "Optimus. It's great to see you again," she greeted. Optimus smiled at her briefly before letting it fall.
"Same for you," he replied. Chromia held the door for Ironhide to enter before grabbing onto Optimus' wrist.
"I'm so sorry. I can't even imagine how you're feeling. I don't know if I could survive without Ironhide."
"You're strong, Chromia. You don't have to worry for now anyways," Optimus said. Chromia easily noticed the tired tone he used. She motioned for Optimus to go inside once her servo fell to her side.
"At least you have Bumblebee," she mentioned. She did catch sight of the faint smile on his faceplates. Ironhide pulled Optimus to sit on the couch. He then handed the sparkling back over. Optimus instantly started stroking Bumblebee's back softly, and his optics gained a far away look. Chromia grabbed Ironhide's arm. "Do we have a crib anywhere?"
"Yeah. In storage," he replied. At his bonded's reaction he added, "Don't ask." He left the room, and she shook her helm. Sitting down beside the new sire, she hummed a song lightly. It gained Optimus' attention though. She ignored him for a moment and continued to hum. Bumblebee purred as he snuggled into Optimus more. Chromia looked up and caught Optimus' optics asking silently for permission. He gave a nod and she started to rub Bumblebee's back in tiny circles. She then took Optimus' servo and repeated the motion a few times with it. When she removed her servo, he continued to do it. She gave him a grin, and noticed that the blank expression was slowly slipping away to reveal the Optimus she had known before. The patient kind mech that her best friend had fallen for. She stood when Ironhide reappeared in the doorway with the crib he had spoken of. He placed the crib by the door and watched Optimus for a few moments. Before they knew it, Optimus was slipping into recharge. Ironhide looked to Chromia.
"Leave them be. They're fine where they are," she whispered to him. Ironhide smiled before pulling her into his arms. He captured her lips in his before guiding her to their berth room.
The next morning Bumblebee woke to find himself staring into bright red and blue armour. He looked up to Optimus' faceplates that were relaxed as he recharged. He chirped, trying to gain his sire's attention. It didn't work. He clicked and whistled some more. His sire finally stirred and looked down at him. "Morning Bee," Optimus greeted. He looked around before his optics narrowed and he sighed. Gathering his son into his arms, he stood and walked over the table. It was still rather early, meaning Ironhide and Chromia more than likely weren't up yet. There was a thump, followed closely by a groan before the door to their quarters slid open to reveal a rather cheery Chromia.
"Why, good morning Optimus Prime, sir," Chromia said bowing for a moment and walking over. She rubbed a servo over Bumblebee's helm and walked into the kitchen. "Do the two of you need Energon still?"
"Yes, please," Optimus replied. He sat down at the table with Bumblebee in his lap.
"Your sparkling might not take Energon from a cube. You might have to feed him yourself," Chromia informed him. She heard a sigh in response and smiled. "Its not that bad. Have Ironhide help you when he drags himself off the floor."
"Do I want to know why he would be on the floor in the first place?" Optimus asked. There was a laugh. "I take that as a no." It wasn't long before Ironhide walked in, rubbing his helm. "Morning Ironhide," Optimus greeted. Ironhide shot him a glare before sitting down beside him. Chromia told him what she wanted him to do over the bond. He sighed.
"Optimus, give me one of your servos," Ironhide ordered. Optimus held out his right one. Ironhide felt the wrist and pulled out a cable. He attached to an opening in Bumblebee's wrist. Optimus felt energy travel down the cable and into Bumblebee. "There. That's it. You leave it in him until he's energized." Ironhide stood and got his own cube of Energon, and tossed one to Optimus. "How are you feelin'?"
"Better. Thank you," Optimus replied. Chromia wrapped her arms around her sparkmate's waist.
"I need to talk to you for a second. Alone," she whispered. Ironhide nodded and together they left the room. Optimus removed the cable and put Bumblebee in the crib.
