A/N HardyGal: My deepest thanks to Jules Cardy, Sidekicks-anonymous, NovaShifter15, Hitoro, and Scheherazada for reviewing - you all keep me going! I know I say that a lot, but it's true! Good GOSH, it's true! :3

Happy New Year, guys! MAN, it's been an interesting one.

26.12.16

This Isn't Over!

Bumblebee had been feeling uneasy all week, and sleep hadn't been coming easy. Frustrated and tired, he decided to go for a short drive. He didn't get far; the uneasiness that had been plaguing him all week attacked in full force, and he transformed, reaching slowly for his Hunter.

Then, he stopped himself. 'Ugh, don't be so paranoid. Nothing's out there.'

"Hello, Bumblebee," said a familiar voice.

He froze. "No..."

"I told you this wasn't over."

Bumblebee spun around, just in time to see a pair of yellow eyes glaring at him from the darkness before they leapt at him.

27.12.16

Versus

"Slag." Bluestreak lowered his rifle. "Sunstreaker's watching the flag."

"We need a diversion," Sideswipe muttered. "'Bee, make yourself a target."

"What?" the youngest Autobot exclaimed. "Why me?"

"You're loud, you're noticeable, and you 'killed' Jazz. If we could stand to lose anyone, it would be you."

"I'm sorry, I'm just not that great a shot!"

"I'll add that to the list of reasons we could stand to lose you."

"I'm not gonna give myself up to Suntreaker!" Bumblebee hissed. "He takes the game way too seriously!"

"Yeah, me too."

"Who died and made you leader, anyway?"

"Jazz. After you 'killed' him. Now get out there!"

28.12.16

Take Your Optics Off 'em For One Second

The little femme stomped her pede. "No! I don't wanna watch a movie!"

"Well, tough luck!" a sparkling Sideswipe retorted. "Grim n' I wanna watch one!"

"Ok, enough!" Bumblebee sighed, calming himself. "Sides, you and Grim may watch a movie. Strongarm, you and I can... play a card game or something. All right?"

This seemed to satisfy everyone, including Strongarm, and soon Bumblebee had Sideswipe and Grimlock sitting glued to the TV.

"Ok, Strongarm. What do you-?" He froze. The little femme who had been at his side not three seconds ago was nowhere in sight. He groaned. "Slag this..."

29.12.16

Survivor

"A fight. Hand-to-hand combat, just you and me. If you win, then I'll let your friends go." The warrior indicated to Grimlock and Strongarm's unconscious forms. "If I win, well..." He shrugged, chuckling. "I'm sure you've read by rap sheet. Use your imagination."

Bumblebee lowered his weapon. "Deal."

"So eager! I admire that." His opponent loosened his joints confidently. "I should warn you though, I was a gladiator - a survivor of the Pits of Kaon. Consider that."

"And I've faced a few gladiators in my time. So far, I'm still standing." Bumblebee raised his fists readily. "Consider that."

30.12.16

Dilemma

"You're old enough. Remember the War?"

Bumblebee's optics flickered to the bot's armed blaster as he replied. "Yes, I remember."

"Then you know how brutal the 'Cons are. How much those slaggers just love bringing destruction and misery wherever they go." The bot approached Bumblebee, optics pleading for him to understand. "You know why I'm doing what I'm doing!"

Bumblebee vented deeply. "I of all bots know how... brutal the Decepticons can be. But the War is over. And Primus, I know that doesn't make anything that happened better, but we can't go around killing other bots because of it. Not anymore."

31.12.16

Pretty Good Year

Bumblebee sighed as he overlooked the ruins that used to be Autobot Outpost Omega One. The memories came easily, and he smiled. Casting one last look at the old base, he requested a groundbridge.

As soon as he arrived back at the scrapyard, he was met by an excited and somewhat impatient team. Within minutes, they were all gathered around the TV, ready for Russell's movie marathon. They nudged and pushed each other, fighting for the best seat even as the movie started.

Bumblebee smiled widely.

"You know what?" He sat down alongside his team. "I'd say that this has been a pretty good year."

01.01.17

Seize the Year

Bumblebee sighed, smiling. "There's something I love about the first day of the new year."

"Eh." Sideswipe shrugged. "Feels just like last year. Only more boring. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this year turns out exactly like last year."

"Well, I think that we will be much more productive this year compared to last year," Strongarm countered. "After all, we have been improving as a unit. Wouldn't you say, sir?"

Before Bumblebee could reply, Grimlock cut in enthusiastically. "Well, if more productive means I get to punch more bots this year, I think this year is gonna be awesome!"

26.12.16: Set post-Robots in Disguise Season 2.

27.12.16: Set pre-series and pre-Tyger Pax. To anyone who's confused about Sideswipe's presence, I subscribe to idea that the Sideswipe featured in the Aligned novels and games is a different Sideswipe featured in the RiD cartoon - two different bots, same name.

28.12.16: Kind of a continuation of 'Sparklings!' from Week Eleven.

29.12.16: Set sometime during Season 1 or 2 of Robots in Disguise.