My Little Ray of Sunshine

by Yami-Yugi3

G1 years after TF:M After the death of many of his comrades in the battle of Unicron, mostly the death of his old friend Prowl, Jazz changed. But one dark raining day, on the way back to Autobot City, something will change Jazz’s life for the better.

2. Chapter 2 The Name Game

Disclaimer: All Transformers characters belong to Hasbro. Any made up characters were created by me.

Summery: (G1 years after TFM) After the death of many of his comrades in the battle of Unicron, mostly the death of his old friend Prowl, Jazz changed. But one dark raining day, on the way back to Autobot City, something will change Jazz's life for the better.

blah – thinking
'blah' – Comm. Specking

My Little Ray of Sunshine
By Yami-Yugi3

Chapter 2

The Name Game

The next morning, the sparkling awoke. He smiled at the still sleeping Jazz and crawled up to his face. He patted on his nose to try to wake him up. He started talking in the Cybertronian gibberish and giggling. He stared at Jazz as his efforts fell in vain. He then patted Jazz's check somewhat hard, sternly telling him to get up. "…Wha…?" The sparkling cooed and giggled as Jazz's visor lit up and he looked at the small cause of his awakening. "So…it's time to get up then, huh?" The sparkling laughed and clapped. Jazz couldn't help but smile as he picked the sparkling up by the scruff of his neck and sat up with him. The sparkling giggled as Jazz plopped him down in his lap. "You're lucky you're cute," he smirked. The sparkling laughed, but then turned to pouting. "What? Was it something I said?" He just continued to pout and then a familiar feeling went through Jazz's body. "…I think I know. It's breakfast time." The sparkling cheered up a bit. Jazz just smiled and picked him up as he got off the bed. "C'mon then, little dude." Jazz sighed. "You need a name…" he thought as they walked to the Rec Room. The sparkling just looked up at him curiously, still a bit upset about being hungry. Jazz smiled down at him and rubbed his forehead, getting him to calm down a bit.

- - -

Once in the Rec Room, the sparkling's eyes widened and his crying went from calmed down to much worse. He hid against Jazz, shaking in added fear. "It's okay, it's just the guys. You're alright…" Goldbug shooed everyone away from Jazz as he tried to get into the kitchen to get the little one an energon bottle. He calmed down a little with everyone on the other side of the room. "There ya go. They won't hurt ya, I promise."
"He still doesn't trust anyone yet, huh?" Goldbug asked.

"…No…he'll warm up eventually I guess."

"I'm sure he will."

"…Yeah… Okay, little dude. Breakfast is served." He looked around warily before taking the bottle from Jazz and starting to drink it. Jazz smiled as he drank it slowly at a normal pace. "That's more like it. Enjoy it while you have it."

"He sure is cute. He looks a lot like Prowl too."

"Yeah, I know. I thought it might be a little Prowl clone. It's funny how I found him on Prowl's plaque."

"Yeah… Prime's still searching for any information on his creators."

"Find anything?"

"Well, they found a dead femme about a mile away. They just found her last night so they haven't been able to tell how long she was there."

"…Oh man… His mother must have been trying to get away from something. Sounds like it got her anyway."

"Yeah… You're all he's got so far."

"I hope they find out more. I want to make sure if he's got a father or not."

"…Me too. We'll find out when Prime reports in." Jazz just nodded and smiled at the sparkling as he looked innocently up at him. He turned him over and patted his back. He burped and hiccupped before cuddling on his shoulder and putting his thumb in his mouth. His tired little optics closed as he sucked his thumb.

"…Poor little dude…"

"You seem to be doing well with him," Goldbug smiled. "If he doesn't have creators, I know you'll at least take care of him. I think he's good for you. It's been a while since I've seen you smile, Jazz."

"…Yeah… He's a little blessing then, ain't he?" Goldbug just nodded with a smile. Jazz carefully moved him into a more comfortable and safe position in his arms. He smiled as the sparkling was still sucking his thumb. It brought back memories to when him and Prowl were growing up together. "It's like having a little baby Prowl."

"…Yeah…you could say that. I'm sure Prowl's happy that you're happy."

"…Yeah… You know what? I think I found your name little dude. From now on, your name is Trooper. You're one tough little guy and you remind me a certain cop I knew."

"That's a great name for him," smiled Goldbug. "I'll let ya be. Gotta assemble the Throttlebots and get onto the day's duties."

"Alright, catch ya later GB." He watched Goldbug leave before getting a cup of his own energon and carefully sitting down with it. Trooper, as he was now known, slept on in the safety of Jazz's arms. He smiled down at the cute bundle in his arms. "I guess it's just you and me, Trooper. I hope yer havin' a good dream cycle," he said as he set down his now empty cup. He carefully got up and put the cup away before heading back to his room.

- - -

Once there, he tucked Trooper into his recharge bed and watched him for a little while. He got some tunes to listen to and some work to work on as he watched him sleep. He smiled and checked on him from time to time. This was the start of a great bond between adoptive protector and sparkling.

- - -

The next morning, Trooper woke up Jazz in the usual way. Jazz smiled and picked the sparkling up by the scruff again. "You need to find a better way of getting me up, Trooper," he half scolded. Trooper just giggled and clicked happily. Jazz still just smiled at him as he got up off the bed and took Trooper into his arms. "You love annoying me, don't you?" Trooper smiled mischievously and nuzzled against Jazz. He just sighed. "Sometimes, you're lucky you're cute." He just clicked happily in reply, huggling against Jazz.

- - -

Once in the Rec Room and headed to the Kitchen, Jazz was met with Optimus Prime. He had a data pad of reports in his hand and he looked solemnly at Trooper. "Prime? Is something the matter?" Jazz asked.

"I'm afraid so, Jazz. It concerns the little one."

"What is it?"

"I want to discuss it with you privately. The little one should not hear this."

"Oh..." Jazz noticed Goldbug coming over. "Hey Bug, could you look after Trooper for me?"

"Yeah sure," he smiled in reply. Jazz smiled and went into the kitchen to get Trooper his morning bottle. He handed it to Goldbug.

"Trooper, I have to talk with Prime now. My buddy Goldbug is going to hold you and feed you okay?" Trooper looked unsure as he looked up at Goldbug.

"Hey there, fella. I won't hurt you," Goldbug smiled as he held out a finger. Trooper looked back at Jazz. He only smiled.

"Its okay, Troop. I have to talk alone with the boss bot alright?" Trooper huggled against him before letting Goldbug take hold.

He gave Goldbug his bottle as well. "Hungry, Trooper?" Goldbug smiled as he succeeded in distracting the sparkling. Goldbug smiled happily as Trooper drank from the bottle. Optimus took Jazz into the kitchen to talk.

"What is it Prime?" Jazz asked again.

"...We found out who his creators were. His mother...was found dead three miles from the graveyard. She was running away from his father."

"But why? Unless..."

"...She was unwillingly mated with a Decepticon... She took three hits to her spark compartment... First Aid was able to recover her memory files. She went to the academy with Prowl when you were young. She had what the humans call a 'crush' on him for a while. The last hour of her memory showed her at Prowl's plaque. She had run away there. That's where the sparkling was dumped before she died."

"Oh... She was hoping someone visiting Prowl's plaque and would find Trooper there."

"Yes...she knew the sparkling would be found and be safe if she left it there."

"So...who's Trooper's father...?"

"..."

"Prime? Who?"

"…He's dead now…but it was one of the seekers…"

"Which one?" Jazz almost growled. He wanted to take revenge himself, but it was no use now that the Decepti-creep father was dead.

"By analyzing the marks and the trace of his spark, it was Dirge." Jazz clenched his fists angrily. He knew the seeker was dead, but what he did was still wrong. "She's been laid to rest in a proper tomb. You're all Trooper has now."

Jazz nodded and calmed down at the thought of the little sparkling. "I'll be the best protector he ever had." Optimus couldn't help but smile. "Thanks Prime. I'll tell Trooper what happened when he's old enough to understand."

"You should get back to him. I'm sure Goldbug will be having trouble by now."

"Yeah." Optimus let him leave the kitchen first. Jazz couldn't help but laugh when he got out to the Rec Room. Trooper was loose and crawling all over Goldbug. He was giggling and clicking happily.

"I think he got used to me, Jazz." Goldbug said.

"Y-y-yeah..." he laughed. Optimus just smiled. "Trooper, stop climbing on Goldbug now." He clicked happily and sat on Goldbug's shoulder. He gave him a cute little kiss on the cheek.

"O.O?"

"That just means he likes ya," Jazz smiled. Trooper giggled and reached out for Jazz.

Goldbug smiled. "You are so cute."

"Well, I have to get to work now," Jazz smiled. He took Trooper into his arms and headed to his office.

- - -

Once there, he sat down at his desk with Trooper in his lap. He looked through the data pads of work. He was behind on his reports. He had always been behind since Prowl died. The tactician had always playfully harped on the saboteur to turn his reports in ON TIME. Most of the time he would turn them ten minutes late the next day just to spite him. They were such good friends. Jazz helped Prowl to lighten up and Prowl helped him keep up on his responsibilities. He smiled as he thought about Prowl's reaction right now. Jazz! There're reports here that should have been done 6 months ago! Why are you so far behind! Primus Jazz! You lazy snail-bot… Always putting your new 'groovy tunes' before your work… He sighed sadly, missing the tactician he called friend. Trying to work on the reports only led him to think about his friend more. He was startled out of his thoughts as curious clicking and pouting met his visor. "Worried about me, huh Trooper?" He nodded, still pouting cutely. Jazz just smiled. "I'm just missin' an old friend, little dude." Trooper nuzzled against him, talking in affectionate gibberish. "I love you too, Troop. Thanks for cheerin' me up," he smiled. Trooper giggled, glad he made Jazz happy again. He clapped happily and smacked Jazz playfully on the nose with a giggle. "Wise guy huh?" He just giggled. "Oh…yer asking for it!" He gently forced the sparkling onto his back and started ticking him profusely. Happy clicks, whirs and giggles were heard. Jazz laughed as Trooper squirmed under his tickle attack. "You can't beat me...I've got ya into submission…" he smiled. Trooper just giggled and tried to break free. He managed to find and opening and grabbed Jazz's finger, biting down HARD. "YIIEEEE!!!" he cried, quickly pulling it away. "Hey! No biting, you little cheater!" His visor glared angrily and hurt at Trooper. His little lip started to quiver and his optics filled with water. "…Oh…no… H-hey…don't be like that… It's okay. I'm alright…I didn't-…"

"WWWAAAAAHHHH!!!!" Jazz winced as Trooper screamed with all his processor and started sobbing.

"Slag…" Trooper continued to wail, upset that he had made Jazz mad and hurt him. "Hey…it's okay… I'm alright…It's alright…calm down, Trooper… Please?" He held the sparkling against him and tried rubbing is back to get him to stop. "Hey man…it's okay… C'mon Trooper, calm down…" He hiccupped and sobbed, the crying a bit quieter, muffled against Jazz. "C'mon… I'm sorry I yelled. I'm okay. My finger doesn't hurt that bad…" He still cried, slowly calming as Jazz held him. "…Look…it doesn't hurt… See?" Trooper weakly titled his head with a sniffle as he was shown the bitten finger. There was a small dent across it, but it wasn't too badly damaged. He took a shaky intake and weakly kissed it. He said sorry in gibberish and nuzzled against Jazz again. He just smiled. "That's better…" He hiccupped and sniffled as he curled up close in Jazz's arms. He put his thumb in his mouth and tired optics slowly closed. "…See? You've gone and worn yerself out, Troop. I won't yell anymore…" he smiled. "If you promise no more biting," he added with a smirk. There was a weak, sleepy nod. He just smiled more and continued to rub Trooper's back until he fell into recharge. "I'll probably get more work done with you takin' yer morning nap anyway." Trooper fell immediately into recharge, sucking his little thumb. Jazz smiled at the little sparkling in his arms and gently moved him to a more stable position as he worked on getting caught up with those reports.

- - -

Jazz sighed as he finally finished all the reports in four breams. He smiled to see Trooper still asleep. "…Man…you must be one tired little dude, Trooper."

"…Jazz?" came a knock on the door.

"What is it?" he asked, carefully taking Trooper back into his arms and walking towards the door.

"How is he…?" Optimus asked as he looked at the sleeping sparkling.

"Trooper's fine. He's sleeping," Jazz smiled.

"I was going to ask you to go with Blaster on a mission."

"It's cool. If you don't mind watching him."

"You know I can't, Jazz. He'd be in too much danger in the command room."

"…Right… Well, I'll need a sitter."

"You sure you want to go?"

"…Yeah… I could use some air… I just finished all those reports…"

"…Finally starting to let go?"

"…You could say so, Prime…"

He smiled. "It's taking me awhile too." Trooper stirred and cuddled back up in Jazz's arms. Optimus smiled at him. "I'm glad you found him. He really seems to like you. Having a sparkling around the City is good."

Jazz smiled. "Yeah…"

"Well, we should go if you're going to come on the mission."

"Right."

- - -

"Of course I wouldn't mind watching the little guy," smiled Wheeljack.

"You are to stay in the Recreation Room or your quarters."

"Stay out of that hazard of a lab with Trooper!"

"Okay okay, I will. I promise on my spark. No lab while I spark-sit."

"Alright. I trust you, Wheeljack." He just nodded and smiled.

"If there is even one little thing wrong with him…"

"He'll be fine." Jazz sighed and gave Trooper over to Wheeljack.

"Wheeljack is gonna watch ya while I go do some important stuff okay?" Trooper looked unsure.

"You'll be alright. Wheeljack will keep you safe…Or else!"

"; "

"Be good Trooper. I'll try not to be too long," Jazz smiled. Trooper waved as Jazz left with Optimus. He started to cry, missing him already.

"He'll be back, don't worry," Wheeljack said with a smile as carefully cradled the sparkling in his arms. He still whimpered and pouted, tears falling from his eyes. "It'll be okay. Jazz will be back…" Trooper pouted up at him, letting out a cry. "Don't cry, Trooper. It's alright. Calm down, he'll be back…" Trooper stopped crying and blinked. "What?" He giggled and clapped. "Was it something I said?" He grabbed at Wheeljack's ears as he talked. "Hey…" Trooper just giggled and clapped, grabbing the edge of his left ear. Wheeljack laughed as he realized what had gotten the sparkling's attention. "So, if I just keep talking…" Trooper nodded, happy clicks and whirs coming out as he clapped. Wheeljack just laughed and carried Trooper into the Recreation room so they could play.

- - -

After four breams of playing and keeping Trooper out of mischief, Wheeljack sighed. "Just how long will they be gone?" he asked curiously. Trooper giggled, finding fascination in Wheeljack's ears again. He laughed at the little sparkling. "You never run out of energy do you?" Trooper just giggled and told Wheeljack he wanted down. He gently set the sparkling down on the Rec Room floor and watched him carefully. He stifled a tired yawn. He just wasn't that young anymore and Trooper was taking his toll on him. He watched the sparkling with tired optics. A ball hit his leg and he startled to attention as Trooper looked over at him. "More games of catch?" Trooper clapped and giggled in agreement. "…Alright…just one more round. I think it's time for another short recharge for you." Trooper pouted briefly at the mention of a nap, being too interested in his new playmate. Wheeljack just sighed, trying not to yawn again. He rolled the ball on the floor towards Trooper. He giggled as he caught it and rolled it right back. Wheeljack pushed it back with a yawn. I forgot how taxing sparklings are… Doesn't he EVER get tired? How does Jazz do it? He rolled the ball back and fought to keep his tired optics open. Trooper laughed and rolled the ball back again. Wheeljack sleepily pushed it towards him as he lost his battle and fell into recharge. Trooper happily pushed the ball back and waited for it to roll back. When it didn't he looked over at Wheeljack. He clicked curiously and walked over to him. He stared at the sleeping older bot. He climbed up to his lap and pat him. He slapped his arm and got no response. He sat there and stared at his sleeping playmate. He yawned and gave up trying to wake Wheeljack. He curled up in his lap and slowly fell asleep. He gave a final yawn as he fell into recharge.

- - -

Wheeljack was rudely awoken by screams of terror. "WHAT IN PRIMUS!" he called jumping out of recharge and looking around frantically for Trooper. He was no where to be found. "Oh slag…Jazz is going to kill me…" He searched all over the Rec Room, trying to find the little sparkling. "Trooper? Trooper where are you? Are you playing Hide and Seek?" He cursed inwardly as there wasn't any sign of him at all. He then became aware of the horrible screeching. "Oh no… Jazz is gonna have my spark if he finds Trooper's in trouble." He ran off towards the sound and soon found it. There, outside the kitchen was Trooper. He was in A LOT of pain and would not stop crying. Wheeljack picked him up and tried his best to calm him. He tried different holding positions and tickling him. The tickling only made him screech more. "Okay okay, that's not funny…" He carried the sparkling back towards his recharge bed in his quarters. "You tired Trooper? Is that it?" Trooper just wailed. Wheeljack was becoming VERY worried now. He tried to put the distraught sparkling in his recharge bed and get him to sleep. He struggled and kicked, not wanting to sleep at all. "Alright…so you're not sleepy. Then what is it?" Trooper just wailed and reached to be held. Wheeljack picked him and held him over his shoulder, patting his back. "Calm down, it's okay…" He stopped for a bit. "There…see?" He felt and heard the expulsion of warm liquid and lifted Trooper away from his shoulder. There was unprocessed energon dripping on his shoulder and from Trooper's mouth. He pouted and spit up again, returning to the wails and cries of pain again. "Slag…" Wheeljack cursed as realized the sparkling was sick. He headed towards Med Bay and a hopeful solution.

- - -

On his way, he ran into Jazz and Blaster. "Hey 'Jack, what's-…"

"What's wrong with Trooper!" demanded Jazz.

"…Uh…slag… I don't know. All I know is he's sick. He's in pain about something. I'm headed to Med Bay right now."

"What did you do to him!"

"Nothing! I swear on my spark! I found him going crazy outside the kitchen."

"…You better hope First Aid can help him!"

"…I'll just…go report to Prime…" Blaster said, leaving the uncomfortable situation. Jazz wrenched Trooper out of Wheeljack's arms and tried to calm him.

"…Easy, Trooper, it's alright…" He just continued to wail, getting sick again. "Hey, man! You don't feel good do you…?" he spoke concerned. Trooper just wailed. Jazz held him close in his arms and spoke softly to him. Wheeljack pounded on the Med Bay door.

"Hey…I'm coming…I'm coming…" First Aid came to the door and held his audio receptors. "What's wrong with him?" he winced.

"We need YOU to find out, or I'm in a slag of trouble…" Wheeljack sighed. He just nodded and let the three of them in. "Try to get him to lie on the table." Jazz nodded and continued his efforts to calm the hurting sparkling. He gently set him down on the table and rubbed his forehead, still speaking softly and playing soft music. "…It's alright Trooper…" He continued to wail and scream, his processor getting horse. First Aid did a detailed scan and sighed in relief.

"He's fine. He's just sick. What has he eaten lately?"

"Well…I gave him breakfast…" Jazz answered.

"I didn't give him anything. Though…I did find him outside the kitchen…"

"Has he had any regular energon today?"

"No… Wheeljack…"he spoke dangerously.

"I didn't give him anything!"

"Well…he had to have gotten a whole cube of regular energon somehow."

"WHAT!!" Trooper screeched more at Jazz's outburst.

"…I didn't do it!" Wheeljack protested. "I… I did fall asleep… I guess he got into it when he was in the kitchen… No wonder he was so upset when I found him there…"

"PRIMUS WHEELJACK! CAN'T YOU EVEN WATCH A SPARKLING!"

"…Jazz…calm down…you're scaring him…" First Aid said. He took a few deep intakes and turned back to Trooper, still in much pain. He went back to trying to soothe him.

"So what do I do?" he asked.

"You'll have to force all of the energon out. Push on his stomach in an upwards motion until he expels it all." Jazz nodded and gently took Trooper into his arms, laying him in his lap. He firmly, yet gently pushed on Trooper's stomach in the prescribed motion to get him to empty all its contents. He sobbed between expulsions, not liking it at all.

"…I know I know…I'm trying to make it better…" he said softly. First Aid was mixing up a special medicine for him.

"Wheeljack…you can help by cleaning up the kitchen and yourself. Then, you should probably stay away from Jazz and Trooper for awhile. You should report to Prime about this too. Jazz won't be going on anymore missions for a bit." Wheeljack sighed.

"…I…I'm sorry Jazz…"

"…It might take me awhile to forgive you…" was his only reply. Optimus entered as Wheeljack left.

"Everything alright?"

"Wheeljack isn't. He wasn't very watchful and Trooper got into the energon in the kitchen."

"So…that's why he was so quiet… How bad is it?"

"…There…the worst is over now…" Jazz soothed as he went over to the Med Bay sink to clean him and Trooper off.

"A whole cube…"

"Primus…

"I instructed Wheeljack to clean up the mess in the kitchen. Might help him feel better about what happened."

"Maybe… Accidents happen… Trooper will be alright, won't he?"

"Yeah, just fine." First Aid walked over to a now clean Jazz and Trooper. He still sniffled and whimpered. "Jazz, give this to him. He'll need it every two breams until his bedtime at night. Then, start over when he wakes up. No energon until he's completely better."

"How long will that be Aid?"

"Four days, maybe five at the most," he said as he handed Jazz a small bottle of blue liquid. "I'll make sure to have more fine-grade energon around for him."

"I'll try to remember too. It's been awhile since we've had a sparkling," added Optimus. Jazz nodded and gave Trooper the bottle of blue medicine. He sniffled as he slowly drank it. Jazz smiled as he held him, still playing the soft music. First Aid came over to Jazz and held out a small cube of the medicine.

"Just give him a bottle full every dose." Jazz nodded and took the now empty bottle from Trooper.

"…There…that's much better, huh Troop?" He just sniffled and nuzzled against Jazz. He held him close, still soothing him. "Go on to sleep, Trooper." Tired optics agreed as he fell asleep in his protector's arms.

"I'll help you get back to your quarters to make sure he's alright," Optimus said as he took the empty bottle and the cube.

"…Thanks Prime," Jazz smiled as he left the Med Bay. Optimus followed.

- - -

Once at Jazz's quarters, Optimus set the bottle and cube down on the desk. He watched as Jazz tucked Trooper into the recharge bed. "I don't think you should go on anymore missions. At least not until the sparkling can care for himself. I'll ask around and try to get a better spark-sitter."

"…I…I hope I didn't…hurt 'Jack's feelings…"

"He'll be alright. He knows you were just being protective of Trooper. You might want to talk with him later, let him know you accept his apology."

"I will, Prime."

"I have to get back to command."

"Later, Prime." Optimus smiled and let Jazz's door close behind him. Jazz lay down next to Trooper, hugging him against him. "Sweet dreams, Troop." He fell into recharge with a gentle smile on his face.

Jazz was woken up a little later by Trooper crying again. His little stomach was still hurting him. Jazz smiled softly. Trooper didn't smile back. He wasn't happy. He nuzzled into Jazz, curling up tightly against his chest. Jazz rubbed his back and tried to comfort him. His cries only got louder as nothing helped make the pain go away. Jazz started to worry a bit, then he looked at a nearby clock. "It's about time for some more medicine. That might help." He carefully got up off the bed with him and went over to fix him another bottle. He tried to give Trooper the bottle. He shied away from it, not wanting to eat anything. "C'mon, Troop. I promise this will make it better. You have to." Trooper still tried to move away from it. Jazz sighed and forced his mouth open by tickling him. He wailed, not wanting to be played with and Jazz took the opportunity to gently force the bottle in. He started to drink it and felt better. "See, told ya." Trooper finished it and let out a burp. He made happy clicks and nuzzled against Jazz, happy the pain was gone. I'll be glad when this all over, Troop he thought. "C'mon. Let's go to Rec Room. It's time for me to get some energon." Trooper just nuzzled closer, making himself comfortable in Jazz's arms. He smiled at the sparkling as they headed to the rec room.