Transformers Prime belongs to Hasbro.
Don't worry, y'all I ain't dead and I haven't forgotten about certain people's requests. There's just so much academic pressure a college student can take. I'll be having a little more free time this week so I'll try to get back to postings more stories. :)
This will be fulfilling two requests, for Julien Caeg and cheyannexshadow, since you both had similar ideas. Hope you guys like! Sorry this took so long! Now with extra fatherly fluff!
A Father's Promise
It was nighttime on Cybertron. Decepticon explosives rained down from above, causing the whole sky to be engulfed in a dark red-gray cloud. The sounds of explosives echoed for miles across the Cybertronian capital.
The small team of Autobots were currently hidden in a tiny underground bunker to shield themselves from the endless incoming explosives the Cons would not stop dropping.
It was silent in the bunker. Nobody said anything, since there was nothing to say in the first place. Despite all the tough confident looks that were plastered on every Bot's face plate, deep down inside, everyone was rattled with fear.
Especially the second youngest team member, Smokescreen. He was absolutely terrified. He didn't want to go back out there and fight another wave of Decepticons.
But if Optimus was going to go out there again, then Smokescreen would put his fear aside and fight alongside the Prime.
There was no way that Smokescreen was going to let his surrogate father fight an ambush of Cons alone. Even if he did feel scared inside, he would put on a brave face for everyone else, just like Optimus always did.
Smokescreen then suddenly found himself back on the battlefield, surrounded by numerous Decepticons. He was able to fight back easily, dodging the attacks by being quick on his pedes. But from the corner of his optic, he noticed Optimus having some trouble.
He saw Prime currently locked in a heated hand-to-hand battle with the rage filled Deception leader, Megatron. Things were becoming intense, especially for Optimus since he not only had to fight against Megatron in front of him, but also block numerous attacks from other Cons behind him.
Smokey couldn't bear seeing his surrogate father being beaten right in front of him. He wanted to help badly, but he currently had his hands busy with a Con ambush.
As the young Wrecker kept fighting, his attention snapped back to Optimus when he heard him cry out in pain.
A blast had struck his shoulder, and now the injured Prime was doubled over in pain.
That was the last straw for Smokescreen. He was about to go out there and help, but was suddenly held back by several Vehicons. They tried to pin him down to the ground, but he was able to quickly throw them off of him.
But within the next second, Smokey felt something wrap tightly around his arms and legs. He looked behind him to see Soundwave using his long, tentacle-like appendages to wrap around Smokey's limbs and hold him back.
Smokescreen couldn't break free from the silent Con's strong hold, and ended up collapsing onto the hard ground. He watched with horror as Megatron continued to beat up his surrogate father right in front of him, each blow making Prime weaker and weaker.
Smokey wanted to open his mouth and scream, but no sound came out. He was frozen in shock, and could only lay there and watch what was happening.
His spark pounded faster and faster as he saw the Decepticon tyrant slowly raise his sword above his head, ready to claim his victory by finishing off the Prime when—
"Smokescreen...Smokescreen! Wake up!"
Said Wrecker heard his name being faintly echoed from what felt like miles away. When he heard his name being said again, louder this time, and felt firm hands grasp and shake his shoulders, he jolted awake with a loud gasp.
"Smokescreen, calm down. It's me, little one. It's me."
The familiar gentle voice of Optimus Prime make the young bot snap out of his fearful nightmarish state. He could hear the heavy sound of his own frantic breathing, and cold shivers rattled his frame.
"Smokescreen, what's the matter?" he heard Optimus ask. "I heard you all the way outside, and thought you were in pain. Are you not feeling well?"
When Smokey finally found his voice, he quietly replied, "Sorry. I just...had a little nightmare."
"Are you all right?"
Smokescreen bit his lower lip plate. "Um, yeah...yeah I'm okay. A little freaked out, but it's fine."
Prime knew his little youngling was lying. "Little one, you don't have to lie to me. If you want to talk about it, I will be more than happy to listen to you."
For some reason, hearing him say that made Smokey want to cry. He didn't want to discuss his nightmare because it was about Optimus. All he wanted to do was forget about it, and try and get some recharge. "N-No, I'm okay. I really don't want to talk about it...I don't even want to think about it."
Optimus sighed a little. He squeezed the youngling's shoulder in a comforting manner. "Let me guess...your nightmare involved me."
Smokescreen's optics perked up a bit. "H-How did you know that?"
"Because I've seen this happen before with the rest of my team members," Prime answered. "Especially Bumblebee. The last time he had a nightmare, it was about me getting injured and him unable to save me. Is that what happened in your nightmare?"
Smokey lowered his gaze before nodding and quietly replying, "Mhm."
The youngling was suddenly pressed against the leader's huge chest as Prime wrapped Smokey in a tight comforting hug. Smokescreen happily hugged the leader back, enjoying the physical comfort.
Optimus continued to rub Smokey's back and helm to comfort him even more, but he saw how the youngling's door wings were still pinned flat against his back. Prime hated seeing any of his team members so upset, especially his younger members.
But luckily, having the experience in raising a youngling did have some advantages and gave him some wisdom. Smokescreen tilted his helm up with confusion when he felt the comforting hug start to tighten. But before he could ask, he suddenly burst out giggling when he felt fingers digging and wiggling against his sides.
"Ah! Ha-ha-ha-ha! O-Optima-ha-ha-has! W-What are you doi-hi-hi-hing?!"
Optimus adjusted his grip on the youngling as he felt Smokey try to squirm free. "What do you mean?" he asked innocently. "Why, is something wrong? Why are you so jumpy?"
Smokescreen buried his already blushing face against Prime's chest. "Optimus, sto-ho-ho-ho-hop! I know tha-ha-ha-hat's you!" He tried to squirm free again, but couldn't escape the tight tickle hug.
Smokey shrieked and jolted when the wiggling servos moved higher up towards his underarm joints. Instinctively, he brought his arms down to his sides to protect himself. "AH! S-Sto-ho-ho-hop i-hi-hi-hit! T-This isn't funny, Optima-ha-ha-ha-has!"
"What was that?" Optimus asked playfully. "I can't hear you over the sound of your giggling."
"C'mo-ho-ho-hon, Optimus! I-I'm—hee-hee-hee—I'm serious! EEEEEEEE! W-WA-HA-HA-HA-HAIT!" Smokescreen squealed loudly when the wiggling fingers moved behind to stroke his door wings.
"Now, Smokescreen. I can't just stop and let you recharge uncomfortably with such an unpleasant dream," Prime said as he continued to tease the sensitive door wings. "I have to make sure you're feeling much better, even if I have to stay here making you laugh all night long."
"NO! PLEA-HEE-HEE-HEE-HEASE! HA-HA-HA-HA-HA! I-I'M HAPPY NOW! I SWEA-HE-HE-HE-HERE! Y-YOU CAN STO-HO-HO-HOP NOW!"
"Are you suuure?"
"AHHH! YES! YE-HE-HE-HE-HES! I-I PRAMI-HI-HI-HI-HIS!"
"All right. I believe you. But first..." Optimus quickly leaned down to blow an unexpected and loud raspberry against Smokey's metal belly, which made him scream.
"AAAAAHHHHH! AAAAAHA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA! OKAY! OKA-HA-HA-HA-HAY! O-OPTIMUS, I-I GET I-HI-HI-HI-HI-HIT!" Smokescreen violently squirmed reflexively, and actually managed to roll off his berth.
Optimus helped the gasping young bot up. "Are you all right, little one?"
"Yeah...Yeah I'm fine. Thanks, um...Dad," Smokey shyly responded. He emitted a happy squeak when Optimus wrapped him in a tight hug again. "You always know how to make me feel better, don't you?"
"Of course. It is my duty," Prime responded. "What kind of leader would I be if I am not there for my team mates whenever they are struggling? Are you sure you will be all right for the rest of the night?" Smokescreen nodded. "Good. Because if not, then I would have to spend the rest of the night making you feel better." He playfully winked at the youngling, who knew exactly what he meant by that and gulped in response. "Well then, good night, Smokescreen. Recharge well."
"You too. 'Night, Dad. Love you."
"And I love you, too."
Two Days Later
This cannot be happening. This...This is not happening! No! It can't be! This has got to be some crazy dream, right?
Smokescreen was frantically thinking in fear as he crouched for cover. Earlier, Team Prime had been ambushed by a massive Decepticon aerial attack. The attack was unexpected and this time, the Bots were outnumbered way more than their previous battles.
They had no choice but to scramble for some cover. Temporarily. They found refuge in a crack shaped opening of a nearby canyon. The Bots all managed to squeeze in, and Optimus shielded the wide opening by partially covering it with a massive boulder the inside of the canyon so thankfully offered.
"There's too many of them," Arcee whispered. "There must be like, what? A hundred?"
"Two hundred. At least," Bulkhead whispered back. "Looks like Megatron's been busy cloning some more metal head freaks."
"Optimus, are we really going to hide in here forever?" Bumblebee beeped nervously.
"No. I am formulating a plan," Prime answered calmly. "I just need to get a hold of Ratchet."
As the leader was attempting to communicate with Ratchet through a private comm link, Smokescreen cowered down in fear. He, out of the entire team, was the most terrified although he tried his hardest not to show his fear. What he was experiencing at that moment was exactly how his nightmare began; first, the team was outnumbered and they had to scramble for safety inside a crevice.
Calm down, Smokey told himself. Nothing's gonna happen. We'll all make it out of here safe and fine. Just...don't think about that night. It won't happen. It won't happen.
"Hey, Smokescreen? Kid, are you alright?" Wheeljack asked, nudging the young bot in the shoulder.
The light touch made Smokey snap out of his fearful state. "Huh? What was that?"
"I asked if you were okay," Wheeljack repeated. "Are you? Because you're breathing kind of loudly and frantic."
Smokescreen didn't even realize that he was panicking in front of everyone. And now having everyone stare at him with concerning optics was making him feel more uncomfortable. "Um…n-no. I'm okay. It's nothing, really."
"Are you sure? Because you—"
"I said I'm fine." Smokey interrupted firmly. He instantly regretted answering in an annoyed tone. He didn't mean to respond so sharply. He was feeling upset because of his nightmare which now seemed reality, but he yet he refused to confess about it.
Fortunately for him, Optimus changed the subject. "Autobots, ready your weapons and prepare for evasive action. Despite the fact that we are outnumbered, we still have a fighting chance. But we will all need to cooperate and work together. Initiate Operation: Gamma. Understood?"
The Bots all nodded and readied their weapons. Smokescreen's fuel tank did flips as he set his plasma canons to their highest settings. He took one last deep breath to calm himself before sliding his battle mask on. Just relax. It'll be over before you know it. It'll be over...before you even notice...
Back at Autobot Base
Smokescreen winced in pain as Ratchet was finishing up patching a open wound on one of his door wings. "Ow! Careful, Ratchet! That hurts!"
Ratchet gently rubbed the sore spot. "Apologies, Smokescreen. But I needed to patch up that wound. You were losing too much Energon. Just make sure you avoid moving your door wings around too much for the next few days, okay?"
Upon returning to their base, Ratchet was shocked to see how badly injured the whole team was. Every Bot had sustained some kind of bad injury, along with other injuries all over their metal frames. Because of the team's injuries, Optimus made the executive decision to postpone patrol for the next five days to give his team—and himself—the chance to recover and heal. Although he was unsure about making the decision at first because he thought so much could go wrong without his assistance, Ratchet and Agent Fowler assured him that they would be there to help while the team was temporarily benched.
After finally finishing patching up the last of the many injuries, Ratchet then dismissed the Bots so they could all return to their berthrooms for some well deserved recharge. Smokescreen was the first one to rush out the med bay as soon as he heard they were dismissed. He couldn't stand spending another minute trapped there in the med bay with everyone else around him. He just wanted to be left alone.
The next few days were very uncomfortable to get through for the young Wrecker. The most annoying thing of all for Smokey was the fact that his door wings still ached as they were not completely healed. Every now and then, without thinking, he would stretch or move his wings out of habit and immediately regret it as every little movement sent a straining pain through his wing's wiring. He had to keep reminding himself not to move his door wings.
On top of that, everyone else seemed to get on his nerves. They kept asking him if he was feeling okay or if there was anything that was bothering him or that he needed to talk about, since he appeared to look troubled according to the rest of the team. The repeated question annoyed Smokescreen every time, and he always snapped back in response that he was fine and he didn't need to talk about anything. He used his still injured door wings as an excuse for accidentally snapping at the team, saying that the pain in his wings was making him a bit moody. The team believed him and asked no more further questions, much to Smokey's relief.
Optimus Prime, however, was not so easily fooled. He knew Smokescreen well enough to know that something was, in fact, troubling him. The only problem was, the youngling was trying to hide his true feelings by masking them up behind his injuries. Prime had tried to talk to Smokescreen to get some answers or hints about what could be troubling his youngling but every time he tried to get Smokey to talk, the little Wrecker would quickly get upset and refuse to talk any further. Optimus decided not to push Smokey to talk. He reasoned Smokescreen would eventually open up when he was ready to talk.
Optimus wasn't the only one who noticed Smokey's strange mood change. Bumblebee picked up on his older brother's moodiness and was starting to become concerned for him. It wasn't like Smokescreen to suddenly go all quiet and stay mad for a few days. The longest he'd seen Smokey go without talking to anyone was a day and a half.
The thing that concerned and actually saddened Bee the most was Smokescreen's refusal to communicate. He just didn't want to talk to anyone. Not to his little brother, not even to Optimus. What was going on?
The little scout decided he couldn't wait any longer and let Smokey stay mopey forever. He was going to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible. He was going to help his older Bot brother whether he wanted it or not.
The next day
Smokescreen woke up from recharge feeling the same as he'd been feeling for the last few days: glum and annoyed. Even the fact knowing that he woke up early was enough to annoy him already. He got up, stretched, and quickly checked his door wings by moving them, slightly. They still felt sore, but they didn't hurt as much as before. He could now move them and flutter them a little as long as he didn't overdo it.
He thought about staying in his room for a while longer since he wasn't in the mood to socialize today, but went against it because he was expected to show up for another maintenance check from Ratchet and a light training session from Optimus. He was just glad that he wasn't going to have to do much for today's training session so he would be out of there quickly. All that the Bots were going to do that day was some light stretches to help wear out the stiffness in their sore wiring and joints.
After the quick medical check, Smokey slowly shuffled towards the training room where everyone else was already there and beginning their stretches. He quietly joined in, not saying a word or even greeting the rest of the team as soon as he walked in. The team paid no attention and continued stretching. Bumblebee, however, decided to take this opportunity to try and talk to Smokey.
He scooted close to where Smokescreen was standing and chirped very friendly-like to get his attention. Smokey weakly smiled back in return. "Hey, buddy. What brings you here?"
"Oh w-well um...I-I just wanted to talk to you about something...i-if that's okay."
"Okay then. About what?"
"Well...um..." Bee wasn't sure how to bring the subject up without angering his brother. There didn't seem to be any way to sugar coat it. He had to say it. "Okay, here's the thing. And—please don't get mad, b-but um..." The scout twiddled his servos nervously. "I-It's about your attitude."
Smokescreen was taken back. He slightly glared at Bee. "What about my attitude?"
"W-Well y'know...as in...w-why has it been s-so bad these past few days?"
Smokey stopped stretching, turning his helm away. "What are you talking about? I'm fine."
Bee reached out to lay a hand on his shoulder, sighing when Smokescreen pushed his hand away. "No you're not. I've known you long enough to know that you're never quiet for this long, and that you never shut everyone out unless something's bothering you. So...is there something bothering you?"
Smokescreen shut his optics tight. He wanted to say the truth, but something was holding him back. He suddenly grew agitated when he felt a hand comfortingly squeeze his shoulder plate. He roughly pushed Bee's hand away again. "Stop touching me!" he cried out. "I already said I'm fine! Just—leave me alone, would ya?"
The scout pulled his hand away in both shock and fear. Smokescreen had never spoke to him in such a harsh tone like that before. And to be spoken to in such a way unexpectedly was starting to frighten Bee. Before he could say another word, Smokescreen had stormed off to the furthest corner of the room, turning his back towards everyone.
Bumblebee was about to walk over to his brother's side, but was stopped when a larger hand held him back by his shoulder. He turned around and saw Wheeljack giving him a sad smile. "Look, Bee," he said in a low voice. "I think you should just give Smokey some space. He really doesn't want to talk to anyone at the moment."
"But that's the problem," Bee whispered back. "Smokey's been quiet for practically the entire week, and I don't even know why. He's just been shutting everyone out. Including me...I just want to talk to him, find out what's wrong, and make him feel better. He's my big brother, after all."
"I know kid, but—I don't think he'll want to talk. You might accidentally upset him further if you do. Believe me, we've all tried to talk to him but he still refused. Just...give him some time and he'll come around when he feels like it. Okay?"
"B-But...But it's not right! I can't just leave him hanging, feeling miserable for who knows how much longer. I gotta help him ASAP." He pulled away from Wheeljack's grip.
"Bee, wait—!"
Bumblebee walked up behind Smokescreen. He hesitantly reached out to tap Smokey on the shoulder. Smokescreen sharply turned around. "What do you want?" He growled.
Bee recoiled his hand back quickly. "Um, w-well...I was wondering i-if—"
"If this is about my 'attitude or whatever', I don't wanna talk about it," Smokey interrupted sharply. "I already asked for you to leave me alone. Why can't you just respect that?" He turned his back to the scout again, facing the wall.
"C'mon, Smokey," Bee pressed. "Why won't you just tell me what's up with you? You can tell me. I'm your brother, remember? Look, if you don't want me to tell the others, I won't. It'll just be between you and me, okay? But...seriously, bro. You gotta tell me what's bothering you. You can't just shut everyone out, hiding in your room all day, sulking like if that'll fix your attitude."
Smokescreen shut his optics tight as he felt tears prickling in the corners. He wanted to feel better, but hearing his brother acting all friendly and coaxing him to talk just seemed to irritate him even more. He wished everyone would stop trying to pry him to open up and talk.
He suddenly snapped, spinning around to glare harshly at the scout. "For the love of Primus, do you ever stop talking?! Don't you understand the phrase, 'leave me alone?'. Seriously, why can't you guys just understand and respect my wishes of wanting to be left alone? First Optimus, and now you!" He jabbed his servo not so gently against Bee's chest, pushing him back a little. "Now you just keep bothering me, annoying me to no ends just like everyone else has! Look, if you really want me to feel better, you'll leave me alone!"
Bee was at a loss of words, which seemed a bit ironic considering the fact that his vocal cords were damaged and he could only communicate through sounds. When he finally found his voice, he softly responded, "Smokey...but—I-I just want to help you. I want to make you feel b—"
Smokescreen cut him off again. "Help me? You wanna help me? Well here's a newsflash for you, Bee!" With every word he spat, Smokey took one intimidating step after another, forcing Bee to back up and cower in fear of his older brother. "I don't need your help! I don't need anyone's help! You think you can help me? Well you can't! And you never will! So get this through your thick helm already: I don't need you or your help. And I never will!"
Bee was in the verge of tears at this point. "B-But Smokey, I—"
"No! You don't understand! And you never will! You'll never understand me! You'll never understand how I feel! You think you've got problems?! Take a look at me! Just—leave me alone! Get out of my sight!"
"Smokey—"
"I said leave me alone!!" Without thinking, Smokescreen yanked his arm that Bumblebee was holding back and gave a hard shove at the scout's chest, pushing him to the ground. The hard force of the push sent Bee crashing to the ground on his back, landing right on top of his door wings.
Within the next second, Smokescreen snapped out of his raged-filled state when he heard a piercing cry. His optics widened in horror when he saw his little brother on the floor, crying and screeching in pain from the hard fall that reopened the wound on his door wings.
Hearing the commotion, Arcee, Bulkhead, and Wheeljack quickly rushed over to Bee's side to see what was wrong.
"Bee? Kid, are you okay?" Wheeljack asked worriedly.
The scout shook his helm, tears dripping from his tightly shut optics. "N-No. It—It h-hurts...really bad." His whole frame trembled and shuddered as he slowly turned to lay on his side to avoid putting more pressure on his already damaged wings.
"Arcee, run and get Ratchet! Quick!" Bulkhead urged the fem bot. Arcee nodded and rushed out the door.
Both Wreckers knelt down beside the injured youngling, who know began to tremble as more tears ran down his metal cheeks. "Here, let's sit him up," Wheeljack instructed to Bulkhead. "It'll take the pressure off his wings."
Bulkhead nodded and carefully slipped his hands under the scout's arms. "Be careful with him. He's still in a lot of pain."
Being as careful as possible, the two Bots slowly helped Bee to sit up. Bumblebee then hunched over, clinging tightly to the Wreckers as if his life depended on it. His door wings quivered with pain, and Energon was starting to leak from his reopened wounds. He emitted hoarse buzzing sounds of pain. "Guys..? I-It still h-hurts."
"I know, kid. I know," Wheeljack said, gently rubbing the scout's shoulders in an attempt to calm him down. "Just hang tight. Ratchet will be here any moment to help you."
While the two Bots were occupied comforting the injured scout, Smokescreen stood across from them in shock. He slowly backed away until his back hit the furthest corner of the room. He stared at his own hands in horror. D-Did that just happen...? Did I just do that? N-No...No! Why did I do that? I...I just hurt my little brother!"
Smokescreen didn't even notice Ratchet and Optimus rushing in a moment later. The next few minutes were filled with loud commotion. Ratchet quickly examined Bee's injured wings and brought a hover med berth to assist him to the med bay. Optimus and the others were crowding around the little crying scout, trying to calm him down and help him onto the hover berth.
Hearing his little brother cry and whimper in pain was tearing Smokescreen apart internally. He felt like crying, too. Not just because Bumblebee's pain induced buzzes and sobs were spark-breaking to hear, but mainly because he felt extreme guilt for what he just did.
He couldn't take hearing the pained cries of his brother anymore. Keeping his helm down, Smokey sprinted out of the training room. He just needed to get away. From everyone. Right away. He didn't bother turning back around or even halt when he heard the distant shouts of Optimus or Ratchet, ordering him to come back.
When he reached the front entrance of the base, he transformed into vehicle mode and sped off not caring how fast he was going or even where he was driving off to. He just wanted to get away from the base as fast and far away as he could.
I'm so sorry, Bee. I'm so, so sorry. I don't know what I was thinking. I actually wasn't thinking, honestly. You were just trying to help me, and I kept pushing you away. I never intended to hurt you. I'm so sorry, little bro...
Bumblebee whimpered and twitched in pain as Ratchet carefully sealed up the open wounds on his door wings. "Bumblebee, I know this hurts but I do need you to stay still for this to go much faster."
"I'm trying! It just hurts too much to—OW! Careful, Ratchet!"
"I am being careful!"
"No you're not!"
"Easy, little one," Optimus gently chided to his uncomfortably squirming youngling. He squeezed the scout's shoulders in a comforting manner and rubbed his helm to soothe him while he was getting his wings fixed. And also so Bee wouldn't try to run off. He already attempted to escape twice so Prime even had to grab a hold of the scout's shoulders to keep him in place. "I'm right here. This will be over quickly, all right? Just keep your optics on me and try to hold still for as long as you can." Bee nodded and quietly obeyed.
The Prime sighed and turned his attention to Ratchet. "I just do not understand what could've prompted Smokescreen to act this way. He's never done anything like this before."
Ratchet's gaze saddened. "Nether do I, Prime. Perhaps Smokescreen has been feeling...troubled lately, and accidentally took his emotional distress onto Bee. I'm sure you'd understand why some Bots behave that way, Optimus."
Optimus nodded slowly. Of course he'd understand. He saw this kind of thing and knew it all too well from his once closest friend, Megatronus. "Perhaps, but...I've never seen this sort of behavior come from Smokescreen."
The medic shrugged as he continued to patch up Bee's doorwings. "Maybe something happened that got him really worked up. If I remember correctly, Smokescreen has started acting quiet and distant since our recent battle with the Decepticons. I understand how Autobots are highly trained to handle battle with Cons, but even with such training it can still scar the individual."
"I understand that, Ratchet. Even I am not prone to nightmares of previous battles. For the meantime, I will go find Smokescreen and talk to him. He needs to straighten things out with Bumblebee after what he did." Optimus looked down when he heard said Bot let out a whine.
"But Optimus, I don't think Smokey really wants to work things out. What if he tries to break my doorwings again if you try to get him to talk to me?! Or worse, my face?!"
The Prime couldn't help but chuckle at the scouts childlike paranoia. Sometimes his little one could be so adorable with the things he said. "Do not fret, little one. I won't let Smokescreen hurt you. But I do expect him to make things right between the two of you, and for you to allow him to. Understand?"
Bee sighed and pouted. "Fine...but only if he doesn't try anything."
"And done. You can sit up now, Bumblebee. But take it easy!"
Bee slowly sat up. His door wings felt heavy and sore, even as he lightly fluttered them to rid the stiffness.
"Go on and rest up in your berthroom," Ratchet instructed. "And be sure to lay on your side to avoid putting pressure on your doorwings." The scout nodded and walked off to his room."Optimus, are you going to need any assistance in bringing Smokescreen back?"
"I don't think so. The only help I will require from you is to open a ground bridge for us once I've found him."
Ratchet nodded. "All right then. And you're in luck, Prime. It appears Smokescreen hasn't disabled his locater chip which means you should have no problem tracking him."
"Yes. Thank Primus for that. I only hope he hasn't strayed too far from the base, or has wound in any trouble."
Miles away from Autobot base
Smokescreen angrily wiped more tears from his face. He slumped against the rocky wall of the volcanic crater he was currently hiding out in. He had wanted to drive further away from base, but ended up pulling over in a nearby barren desert crater because he couldn't hold back his tears.
The guilt of what he did was eating him inside. He hated the way he lashed out on Bee. He didn't mean to; his built up emotions just made him unintentionally snap without realizing it. And after what he did, he doubted his little brother would want to be near him anymore.
"Aw man...this is so jank! I fragged up real bad this time..." Smokey mumbled to himself. He pondered about whether he should return back to base and apologize to Bumblebee and everyone else for the way he acted towards them for the past week. But the fear of not being forgiven made him decide against it.
"Even if I do apologize, what's going to make the others think different of me from now on? Especially Bee...he'll probably be scared of me for the rest of his life." Smokescreen sighed heavily, wiping another tear from his optic. "Why didn't I just tell the others what was going on? None of this would've happened if—if I would've just talked about how I was feeling. Dang it! But I'm never good at that kind of talk! I always screw up when it comes to those kinds of conversations!"
He sighed again, lowering his helm and hugging his knees to his chest. He stayed curled in that position for a while. It wasn't until he heard the sound of a vehicle engine from a distance that he jolted upwards. Panicking, Smokescreen quickly sprang up and transformed into vehicle mode. Scrap! he cursed to himself. I should've known humans would be around here. Just gotta lay low for a bit.
Smokescreen waited a few minutes until his side view mirrors perked up when he saw the all-too familiar vehicle form of Optimus Prime. He hesitated to transform back as his leader towered over him.
"Smokescreen, I'd like to have a word with you. Please transform back."
The youngling let out a small whine. After transforming back into Bot mode, he quickly hung his helm to avoid Optimus' gaze. He also didn't want his leader to see the tears that flooded his optics once again.
"I was worried you had gone further away from the base and gotten into trouble," he heard Optimus say with father-like concern. "But I am thankful that I found you safe."
Smokescreen kept his gaze glued to the ground. He wanted to open his mouth and speak, but no words were formulating through his processor.
"Smokescreen, look at me please." The young bot hesitantly lifted his helm up, his optics still damp with tears.
"H-How's Bee?" he quietly asked.
"Bumblebee is recovering fine, thankfully. Fortunately, the damage to his wiring was not too serious so he should make a full recovery by next week. However, he will need to be on recovery probation for the time being."
"Oh..." Smokey sighed heavily and shut his optics. "He hates me now, doesn't he?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Bumblebee. And the others. They all hate me now, don't they Optimus? After what I did."
"Now I would not say they hate you. Hate is a very strong word. But may I ask, why did you react in such a way Smokescreen?"
Just tell him. It's okay if you can't exactly explain every little detail. At least explain as best as you can. Smokescreen took a deep breath and hugged himself. "Okay, first of all, I swear I didn't mean to hurt Bee. I swear on my life! I was just—I-I've just been so—so scared, I guess. With...everything that's been going on."
"Is this about our recent encounter with the Decepticons?" Optimus guessed.
"No. Well—kinda? That's...part of the reason."
"Then what is the full reason?"
The youngling twiddled his servos, anxiously rubbing one servo across a scar on his hand. A habit he picked up whenever he was nervous. "Um...w-well..."
Optimus placed a comforting hand on top his young comrade's shoulder. "Little one, you know you can tell me anything that is bothering you. I can help you with whatever is going on. You've got to believe that."
Smokescreen felt like tearing up again. "I-I know...I guess I was just...afraid to say what was really going on with me."
"So will you at least tell me now?"
Smokey sighed, quickly wiping his optics. "Okay, well...the day we had fight with the Cons—actually, the night before—I had a freaky dream. It actually seemed more like a nightmare 'cause when I woke up, I was overheating. Well, after you talked to me, I started to feel better about the whole thing. But then...the next day when we were fighting Cons, I-I started to panic because...because that encounter was just like m-my nightmare. A-And it was like everything was coming true, and I guess...that's why I-I was being so mean to e-everyone. Including Bee. I'm...I-I'm really sorry!"
He quickly hung his head as more tears dripped from his optics. Smokescreen hugged himself as his chassis trembled with muffled sobs. He expected to have his audio receptors lectured to no end about how unacceptable and inexcusable his behavior was. But his sobs were cut off when the leader embraced him in a tight hug.
Smokescreen hesitated at first, but then gave in and hugged his father figure back. "A-Aren't you...mad at me?"
Optimus simply hugged him a bit tighter. "Although I am not entirely happy with your actions, I am glad that you finally told me."
Smokescreen suddenly wiggled and squirmed free from the hug. "But...but what about Bee? A-And the others? They all hate me now! Don't they? I hurt Bee and now because of me, he won't get any better! He's gotten worse because of me!"
"Smokescreen, relax," Prime interrupted a bit firmly. "I already said Bumblebee would recover just fine. So do not discourage yourself too harshly. I know you did not mean to hurt him intentionally. But most importantly, do not feel like you have to keep such plaguing thoughts to yourself. If something is truly troubling you, please do not hesitate to tell me. Especially the others. You know you can go to any of us when you are in need of help or guidance."
Smokey sniffed and quietly mumbled, "I know..." It seemed he often forgot about that part whenever he was feeling upset over something, so he usually kept his thoughts to himself.
"I'm...I'm really sorry for everything," he said after a moment of silence. "I know I should have said something, but...that dream felt really real. A-And then the next day, i-it also felt like—" He choked on another sob.
"Like if your nightmare had become a reality," Optimus finished for him.
Smokescreen nodded. "Yeah. I guess...I just didn't want that to happen. Especially to you." He looked like he was about to break down in tears again so his leader quickly hugged him again.
"Smokescreen, don't ever think that such horrific dreams could ever happen. No matter what happens, I will always be there for you. I am not going anywhere, little one. Nothing will ever happen so do not worry about me. If anyone should be worried daily, it should be me. Having to keep my team, my family, safe from the Decepticons. And especially having you and Bumblebee fight in this war. You both are just kids, younglings in fact." The Prime's gaze saddened. "I shouldn't even have to force a couple of younglings to fight in a war against our own kind. What if something happens to you both? But even with that fear in the back of my processor, I do not let such a thought tear me apart. I've seen how you two have grown, and I know better than to constantly be worrying about you both since I know you two have gotten better at your training."
Smokey smiled at the compliment. "Well thanks, Optimus. But I still feel like I'm kinda behind being on the Wreckers and the team itself."
Prime comfortingly squeezed the youngling's shoulders. "Do not doubt yourself, little one. You have great potential in you. And although you may not see it, the others around you can."
Smokey's gaze suddenly saddened. "The only thing everyone else will see in me is a monster. Optimus, are you positively sure the others don't hate me after what I did? Especially Bee?" He shrugged sadly. "Cause I wouldn't be surprised if Bee suddenly started avoiding me like if I'm some kind of Con."
Optimus gave him a little shake, hoping to knock some sense into his self-doubting youngling. "Smokescreen, please do not say such things about yourself. I assure you, the others do not hate you. They all knew something was troubling you. And as for Bumblebee, I promise you, he does not think of you in such a way. In fact, he's more worried than angry with you."
Smokescreen perked up with surprised optics. "R-Really? He is? But...why?"
"Because he's been worried about you all week. And even after you ran off, he's been scared that you'd never come back. And worse, he thought you were the one who's mad at him for trying to help you."
"Aw man..." Smokey facepalmed. "I didn't think he'd be freaking out about all this! I-I've got to go back and apologize to him! And the others!" He pulled away from Prime's hug again and ran off in the opposite direction to get back to base.
It only took two seconds for realization to hit Smokescreen, and have him suddenly turn around and walk back up to Optimus with a sheepish smile. Prime smirked and chuckled. "Do you need a lift to get back home?" Smokey nodded.
Back at Autobot Base
After being ground bridged back, Smokescreen gathered the members of Team Prime to apologize. He teared up while giving his heart-felt apology but in the end, the team forgave him and wrapped him in one big cuddly group hug.
Smokescreen felt relieved that the team forgave him despite his cold attitude that he projected onto them for the last week. But he still needed to apologize to one more bot: his little brother.
Carefully sliding the berthroom door open, Smokey peeked inside and felt some relief to see that Bumblebee was awake. Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside and softly said, "Hey, Bee. Um...you f-feeling any better?"
Hearing the voice of his big brother, Bee's optics perked up and glowed with happiness. The little scout propped himself up on his elbows. "Yeah. Just feeling a little sore, but Ratchet said I should recover quicker with more rest and this pain-killer stuff he's giving me."
"Oh..." Smokey sighed and walked over to kneel down next to the scout. "And...you're okay? Like, you sure you don't wanna tear off my wings after what I did to you?"
Bee let out a tittering chuckle. "No. I know you didn't mean to hurt me and I know that wasn't very nice of you when I was only trying to help, but I can't hold a grudge against my own bro forever, can't I? I'm just glad that you came back." His voice suddenly grew softer. "I-I was worried you wouldn't come back and still be mad at me for...for trying to help you."
"Are you kidding? Dude, I thought you'd be the one to hate me for infinity after what I did!" Smokescreen gave a sad smile and rubbed the younger bot's helm. "But I'd never leave you. And I'd never stay mad at you if the same thing happened to me. You were just trying to help me, and I kept pushing you away. But still...it's nice to know that I've got a brother who's got my back always no matter how much I try to resist."
"Of course. We gotta have each other's backs. What kind of brother would I be if I didn't try and help you if you were going through something? Even if you refuse and try to snap my door wings off like twigs."
Smokescreen chuckled nervously. "Uhm about that...uhh you know I-I didn't mean to—"
"Don't worry, Smokey. I'm not mad. Honest."
"So...we cool?"
"Cool as an ice planet." Bee's opticsshined happily.
The two young bots hugged it out for a while until Smokey broke the silence. "Hey, you know what? I still have to make good on my promise regarding my apology."
"What promise?"
"On my way back, I promised myself I would make you feel better about what I did. And, you're kind of in luck since you can't move much 'cause of your wings. But that doesn't mean I can't have some...fun."
Bee detected a hint of playfulness in his brother's voice and it made him slightly nervous. "Um w-what exactly do you mean by that?"
Smokescreen smirked. "Do you remember what I did to you that one time when we were hanging out by the sand dunes with Optimus on Father's Day?"
Bee thought back to that day. "A lot of things happened that day, Smokey."
"True. But there was that one moment when I got you to squeal like a sparkling for practically the rest of the day." The Wrecker chuckled, remembering that particular moment.
Realization dawned upon Bee. He knew exactly what Smokescreen was referring to. "O-Oh! Um...y-you're talking about that thing, huh? W-Well uh—" The scout swallowed thickly. "Y-You know what, Smokey? It's gettin' really late a-and I should probably go back to recharge and recover so—" He quickly pulled his thermal blanket over his helm.
Smokescreen swiftly yanked the blanket back. "Oh no, don't try to hide from me now, dude. You knew this was coming. And this is part two of my apology for you, which means you have to accept it." He grinned.
"B-But—But Smokey!" Bumblebee nervously squeaked. "You know I can't move much because of my wings! That, and also you know I won't be able to take it!"
Smokey gave a reassuring smile. "One: I promise, I won't do anything to make you squirm too much since I don't wanna hurt your wings even more. And two: of course you can take it! You've battled Cons and fought in numerous battles, and now you're telling me you can't take a little teasing?" To emphasize, Smokey began wiggling his servos and inching them closer to Bee's already trembling body.
Bumblebee immediately covered his face and whined through clicking giggles as a result. "Stohohohop it, Smokey! You know I-I cahahahan't handle the teasing!"
"Well, sucks for you 'cause I'm not going to be stopping anytime soon until you forgive me!" Smokescreen teasingly ran a servo down Bee's side.
Bee squealed at the soft touch and curled up on that assaulted side. "B-But I already tohohohold youhoohoohoo! I forgahahahahave you alreadyheeheehee!"
"Maybe, but you were pitchy when you said that sooo...I don't believe ya." Smokey smirked again.
For the next hour, Smokescreen continued to playfully torture his little brother with wiggling servos and soft teases. He knew better than to engage in an actual tickle fight when Bee was still recovering so he kept his touches soft; little pokes to the scout's sides and tummy, light flutters against his neck and pedes, and soft careful strokes against his door wings and back.
In the end, poor Bumblebee was a mess of giggles and squeaks. He had tired himself out by his own giggling. And when Smokescreen saw the sleepy puddle that he made his brother become, he decided to make himself comfy next to the tired scout. Wrapping one arm around the now sleeping scout, Smokey pulled him close so that could sleep cuddled up against each other.
And although Smokescreen couldn't see it, a soft smile formed underneath Bee's yellow mouthpiece as they both fell into a peaceful recharge.
THE END :)