Communication Barrier

Warnings: mild angst

Pairing(s): ProwlxBumblebee

"What are you doing?"

"I'm bored."

Prowl inaudibly sighed, resisting the sudden urge to move from his lotus position. He tried to glare at his young comrade, but was unable to see behind his booster.

"That does not give you the right to use my shoulder as a head rest." The trees above rustled with the wind. "Bumblebee?" An odd, light feeling trailed down Prowl's arm.

What the…?

Before the older 'bot could question the younger, 'Bee had already fled the area.

Well… That was new.

After a week of acting as nothing had happened, Prowl found himself in the same place, same time, meditating. And, of course, Bumblebee was once again leaning on him.

It was odd. He was surprisingly content to have the other against him, but, for some reason, he could not shake off the feeling that something was bothering his companion. 'Bee seemed almost… melancholy. It was almost out of character for him.

Prowl's worrying thoughts remained in the back of his processor through out the next few days. It bothered him deeply. Bumblebee showed no signs of feeling any sort of depression when playing with Sari or when interacting with the other Autobots. The ninjabot felt some sort of pride from that. The fact that Bumblebee only revealed this emotion to Prowl and Prowl alone was endearing.

Naturally, this satisfaction made Prowl feel guilty. He wanted 'Bee to be happy, not selfishly relish in the yellow 'bot's gloom.

The only way to solve this was to confront Bumblebee. Alone.

Ch. Easier said than done.

Bumblebee was a lot of things. He was young, he was energetic, he was a little immature, but he was not stupid, not by a long shot. Prowl knew if anyone was able to predict his actions it was 'Bee.

But Prowl knew just how to out wit him.

"Bumblebee." The aforementioned 'bot ignored the other. They were alone in the base, an advantage to Prowl seeing as there would be no interruptions. "Look at me, Bumblebee." Frustrated with 'Bee's refusal to respond, the older 'bot reached over the other from behind and turned off the gaming system.

Oh, sure Prowl could have just walked around to the console, but it wouldn't have been as effective. He wouldn't have heard the hitch of intakes, sensed the stiffening of shoulders, or feel the heat coming off Bumblebee's face plate.

Perfect.

"Are you going to tell me what is bothering you, or are you just going to keep playing this game?" His tone was oddly playful, whispering right next to the other's audio. He was rewarded with an involuntary shiver. "Bumblebee…?" Prowl pinned the smaller 'bot to his seat in a sort of embrace just before his prey stifled a cry and tried to flee. "I'm waiting."

"Frag off, Prowl!" The ninjabot was so shocked that he released his prize. He didn't expect yellow 'bot to respond with such anger and hurt. Was he that unsettled?

"You are obviously troubled, Bumblebee." Prowl paused, hoping the younger 'bot would relax. He didn't. "I only wish to help." The ninjabot cautiously reached out, causing Bumblebee to shrink away. He tried again, this time taking a step closer.

Bumblebee ran away.

Prowl offered comfort and it was rejected. His spark clenched painfully. The spark-broken mech wandered back to his room, unaware that in another corner of the base sat an equally spark-broken Bumblebee.