Chapter Twenty-Seven – For the Femme

Bumblebee's Perspective

Taking her by the hips, I gently lifted Arcee from the crook of my lap, setting her on the metal berth as I rose to my feet, grabbing my shirt off of the edge. I slipped it on quickly, keeping my now angered electric blue eyes fixed on Hot Rod. He glowered back, and in return, my eyes slitted.

Like two lions, we began rotating in a wide circle, keeping good distance between each other. I released a heated purr, clicking my tongue afterwards as I grew bothered of just his presence – Of that third spark that interfered with the bond between Arcee and me.

How it butted its ugly pulses into ours.

That made me disgusted.

"How did you know where she was?" I growled, pausing in mid-stride.

He took a few careful steps toward me, his fists tightening at his sides.

"She and I have a bond, too, y'know," he said, moving closer. "I've learned to use it, to follow it. I can find her that way..."

My eyes narrowed more. He came forward and as I tried to step back, he came at me, pressing my back hard against the metal wall. I let out a short grunt, feeling his hands press hard into my shoulders. Pains shot all along my sides and back, making me lean my head back. Arcee gasped, huddling up in a corner.

I thrusted my hands against his chest, and his eyes flashed, his hands coming around my throat. I immediately bowed to my knees, coughing. He squeezed harder, and I looked up at him, keeping my eyes as cold as possible.

Arcee's whimpers and cries were in the back of my mind.

"What did I tell you about Arcee?" Hot Rod growled. "Huh?!"

I couldn't respond. Not with his hands around my throat. I only choked out a cough.

He released my throat slowly, watching me take in several deep breaths, clutching my spark. He snickered, towering above me with a look of pure disgust and anger. "You just don't learn do you, Bumblebee?" He sighed, taking a step closer. "I don't enjoy doing these things, but it seems you just don't get it."

He shoved me into a corner and my shoulder hit the wall hard. I shook it off and stood, turning to face him with a heated fire in my eyes. He cornered me into the part of the room, setting his hands on his hips. His face moved inches away from mine and we glared, features hardened in detestation.

"You can't say I didn't warn you," he said with a smirk.

He was so cocky.

"You're really no threat, Hot Rod," I told him, returning his arrogant smile. "You don't scare me, and if you attempt to hurt me again, I will report you to Optimus."

I thought I heard Arcee make a silent cheer. I smiled at him smugly.

"So, I think it'd be best if you just stopped," I grinned.

He stuck out his chest, letting out a deep breath. "Sure, tell on me like a little sparkling."

I smiled. "I'm only doing what's right, my friend," I said. "What a true Autobot would do."

He shot me a look, then looked over his shoulder to Arcee. He looked back at me.

"You just…stay away from her," he growled in a low whisper. "For good."

I scoffed. "Do you not understand that telling me this will do nothing?"

"Make it do something then," he muttered angrily.

"I can't help it that her spark is torn between two mechs," I told him calmly. "The decision would be hers, Hot Rod. And until her decision is made, I cannot stay away from her."

He growled. "I don't see why not…"

I sighed. "Our sparks, they need to be near each other's daily. Just like hers needs yours on a day-to-day basis as well. But, she can't love two mechs at once, of course. Her spark needs to discover whose spark it favors more, and from there, she'll know which mech will be her true sparkmate."

Hot Rod crossed his arms, glowering harder. "I bet her spark will want mine."

I gave him a look, cocking my head slightly. "After what I just did to her before you showed up, the decision could go in either direction." I gave him a smile. I chuckled shortly when his eyes widened, his cheeks turning a light cherry red. He cleared his throat, and killed the look of shock, shaking his head.

"Very funny, Bumblebee," he murmured. "What're we to do while we wait?"

I looked past him to Arcee, then walked to her. "One moment…"

Her baby blue eyes looked into mine, staring with such an innocence. I leaned down, setting my hands just above my knees. I smiled at her.

"Return home with him until your spark's decision is made," I cooed.

She nodded slowly, lifting her fingers to my spark. Her shoulders slumped.

"I think it wants yours, Bumblebee," she sighed, talking only loud enough for me to hear.

My spark fluttered under her hand, and I smiled. I reached my hand out to her hair, running my fingers through the strawberry blonde mane slowly. We smiled at each other.

"You need to be completely sure," I whispered to her. "Take your time…Sleep on it."

Arcee nodded. "Yes, I will. I only hope its decision will be one that brings me a great future…"

"Pray to Primus," I told her. Smiling, I added, "He will certainly help a lovely femme such as you."

She blushed, moving her hand away. "Thank you, Bumblebee."

"You're very welcome."

In the silent moment, I turned meeting the eyes of Hot Rod again. I nodded and he moved over to Arcee, taking her hand in his to elegantly lift her from the berth. And, without a word, they both departed from my quarters. I moved over to the door and set my hands on it, about to shut it, but halting as my eyes fell on her again.

I watched her depart slowly down the hall, their voices quiet and indistinct murmurs in the silence of nightfall. My eyes drooped adoringly at the lovely femme…

Who knew? In a few days, her spark's decision could make her my femme.

My first – The one I'd had my eyes on for hundreds of years.

Arcee, my sparkmate.

The sound of that was simply beautiful.