Chapter 24- Together.
"Ratch, get over here now. Bumblebee needs help and he needs it now". Bumblebee whimpered as he heard the faint hint of panic in Ironhide's gruff voice as it echoed across the deserted battlefield, as did Ratchets heavy tread as he ran towards Ironhide, who was cradling the injured Bee. "Its okay Bee, Ratch will have you fixed up in no time". Bee looked up at Ironhide, his optics dim with the pain that was coming from his crushed vocaliser, and from his other injuries, and he tried to reply to 'Hide. However once again all that came out was a stream of static, and Bee couldn't help the feeling of fear that coursed through his spark as he began to realise the extent of the damage to his voice. Ironhide looked down as he heard the crackle of sound instead of Bee's usually bright and cheery tones and he felt his own spark sink as he somehow knew Ratchet was going to struggle to fix this. Ratchet finally reached the two Autobots and when he looked at the twisted metal and wires that formed Bee's vocaliser, he shared a concerned look with Ironhide, before kneeling down beside Bumblebee, "Lets have a look at you youngling, see what damage you've done now". Ratchet placed gentle hands on Bee's throat but the flare of pain it caused as the exposed wires sparked against each other made Bumblebees body arch, and although it was distorted by static there was no doubting the cry of pain that accompanied it. Ironhide looked up at Ratchet as he soothed a now sobbing Bee, "Ratch, this isn't going to be able to be done here. We're going to have to put him in a stasis lock to get him back to base and work on him there". Ratchet looked at Ironhide and he could see how the young Autobots pain was making Ironhides spark ache, "I think its going to be the only way 'Hide". Ratchet bent down and knelt beside Bumblebee, who was still trembling both in pain and fear, "Bee, we need to get you back to base, so I'm going to have to put you in stasis". Bee trembled even more and shook his head wildly, looking up at Ironhide with wide, fearful optics; he hated the sensation of being put into stasis lock, the feeling of being unable to do anything and under someone elses control scared the young Autobot immensely, and although he knew it was the only way Ratchet could try to repair the damge, he still looked up at Ironhide with optics that pleaded, wishing there was someway he could communicate with Ironhide. Ironhide however could read the plea in his younglings eyes, and as Ratchet prepared the solution that would activate the stasis lock, Ironhide gently held the trembling youngling, "Its okay Bumblebee, I know you're scared but it's the only way Ratchet can try and fix the damage without hurting you anymore". Bee's trembling lessened slightly as he listened to Ironhides calming voice but he was unable to fight the feelings of panic as he felt Ratchet inject the stasis solution, and the last thing he remembered before the world went dark was hearing Ironhides voice pleading with him to calm down as he fought the heavy sleep that was overcoming his systems.
Bumblebee awoke with a start, his optics wide and his spark beating furiously as he recalled the images that had replayed through his processors whilst he'd recharged after Ratchet had repaired his injured legs. As he slowly dragged air through his vents to calm his spark, Bee looked over to where Ratchet was looking at him through worried optics, and he chirped softly at the worried medic, "Bad dreams in the night". Ratchet continued to gaze at the youngster, who he could tell was slowly calming down, "I thought as much. Your readings have been spiking the whole time you've been recharging. I was going to wake you at one point but I thought better of it". Bee chuckled, remembering the last time Ratchet had awoken him when he'd been in a deep recharge, it had been one of the few times Ratchet had needed to heal himself. Ratchet heard Bee's chuckle, and scowled at the scout, "Precisely, I didn't care to repeat the experience. Anyway I have repaired the injuries to your legs, and fixed up any other scratches you had". Bee chirped once more, and Ratchet sighed, "I've tried once more with your vocaliser Bee, and its working a little better, but I would still recommend that you stick to communicating as you have been". Although Bee couldn't help the disappointment that Ratchet still hadn't managed to fix his vocaliser, he did feel his spark settle into a normal rhythm as he swung himself round and sat up, flexing his legs and chirping a greeting to a resting Jazz in the next med-bay as he did so. Jazz looked at Bee, "Hey Shorty, you been in the wars again?".
"You got it... though at least I stayed til the end". Jazz raised metal eyebrows at Bee's teasing tone, smiling as he replied, "Oh you gonna argue with 'Hide?". Bumblebee shook his head, his blue optics dancing with amusement, "I'm not that brave". Jazz looked back at the youngster, "Oh I wouldn't say that from what I've heard, standing up to Megatron again". Bee chirped and looked away, not wanting Jazz to see the scared look that Bee knew had crept into his optics when Jazz had mentioned the Decepticon, especially with the replay of his memories still fresh in his processors, as he thought to himself, "When will it stop hurting?". Bee sighed deeply, burying the memories once again, before he slowly got to his feet to stand, wincing as the pain lanced through his newly repaired joints but the pain was tempered with a definite sense of relief that he was able to stand again. Ratchet saw the grimace on Bee's metal features, but resisted the urge to ask him how he felt, as Ratchet sensed the young Autobot needed to regain a little of his self-confidence. Bee looked over at Ratchet gratefully, pleased that Ratchet wasn't bombarding him with questions as he usually did but just allowing him to go at his own pace. As he slowly but steadily made his way across the med-bay, Bee felt more settled than he had for days; however there was just one last thing he needed before his spark would settle completely. Turning round he chirped questioningly to Ratchet, ignoring the chuckle he heard from Jazz as Ratchet answered with a smile, "Last I saw of Mikaela, she was in the main hanger with Sam and his parents". Bee chirped happily, and headed off in the direction of the main hanger, ignoring the chuckles of the two older 'bots as he heard Jazz call out, "You got it so bad Shorty. That girl has your spark well and truly wrapped round her little finger".
oOoOo
"Oh my god, Sammy you're okay". Sam rolled his eyes at Mikaela before being crushed in a hug by his mother, and Mikaela fought back her chuckles as she heard his whimper of pain as his mother squeezed him tighter and tighter. "Er Judy, you may want to let him go now". Judy looked at her husband, and reluctantly let go of Sam. However she then caught sight of Mikaela, and pulled her into a tight hug too, "Oh Mikaela you're okay too". Mikaela worked her way out of Judy's arms and looked at the older woman with a smile, "Yes we're fine. How are you guys?". Judy shared a look with Ron, before she launched into the speech she had been running through her head ever since she had been bundled into the back of the SUV's, "Thank you for asking Mikaela, I'm fine now. Though I have to say I am less than impressed with being bundled in the back of a truck, dragged here away from you two; and then when I ask whats going on, nobody tells me anything, so some answers now would be nice please?". Sam shared a look with Mikaela, who shrugged her shoulders, "I'm guessing we can tell them, nobody has said we can't". Judy and Ron shared a confused look as Sam gazed at them with a serious expression, "Right if I tell you everything, you have to promise me you will not share it with anyone, and I mean anyone. Everyone who knows what I am about to tell you is here somewhere on the base, so its kind of top-secret". Mikaela chuckled as she saw the way Judy's eyes had lit up as she heard the words 'top secret', and she settled onto one of the sofas as Sam began running through the tale of the All-Spark, the arrival of the Autobots and the subsequent events, although he glossed over some of battle details, much to Mikaelas relief as she didn't fancy another of Judy's bone crushing hugs. However that didn't stop the ear-splitting squeal when Sam finally finished the story, causing the rest of the group to wince and a sleeping Mojo to lift his head curiously. Judy apologised before looking at Sam with a puzzled expression, "So your new car, it's not a car really, it's a giant robot?". Sam looked back at his mother with a smile, "It's a little difficult to explain Mom, maybe it might be easier if I just take you to meet them". Judy looked unsure; but Ron, whose inner nerd had been awoken and was jumping around excitedly, nodded, "That might be best Sam. Give us an idea of what we're dealing with". Mikaela hid the smile that Ron's excited tone caused, but when Sam raised his eyebrows as if to say 'See where I get it from', Mikaela could hide her laughter no longer.
She was still chuckling as her and Sam led his parents from the small lounge area into one of the larger hangers where they could see both Optimus and Ironhide in their alt-modes, but her chuckles died off as she could still see no sign of Bumblebee. Sam caught her searching the hanger, and squeezed her hand reassuringly, "I'm sure he's fine 'Kaela. Remember Ratchet said it might take him a while to recharge after he fixed him up". Mikaela nodded as she looked at Sam, the disappointment warring with concern in her eyes, "I know Sam, but this is the longest we've been apart since all this kicked off and I miss him". Sam gave Mikaela a swift hug, which she returned before they headed towards the resting Autobots. "Hey guys, we've brought someone to meet you, so could you do the honours please". Sam then turned to look at his parents who were inspecting the vehicles, "Er Mom, Dad, you might wanna move back a bit". Judy and Ron shared a look, before they complied with Sams request. Seconds later they were glad they had as the two vehicles were now standing in front of them, gazing at them curiously. Optimus was the first to speak, "Mr and Mrs Witwicky, I am Optimus Prime, and this is Ironhide. We are very pleased to meet you". Judy continued to gaze at the giant robots, her expression equally curious, but Ron reached out a hand, which Optimus shook gently as he had seen humans do before. Judy then did the same, although Mikaela noticed it was with a little less enthusiasm than her husband, before she began to speak, "Just one question, just how prepared were you to keep my boy safe, seeing as it is down you that he got dragged into this". Ron and Sam both winced at the tone of Judy's voice, but Optimus gazed back at her steadily, "We were fully prepared to give our sparks, or as you would say our lives, but due to your sons bravery, and Mikaelas, this was unnecessary. However it still stands that we will keep him safe from any harm as long as we are able to". Judy continued to gaze at Optimus, before a small smile crossed her lips, and she nodded at Optimus, "Correct answer. Now where are the rest of my new family members hiding". Sam, Mikaela and Ron all shared an incredulous look as Optimus introduced Judy to Ironhide, and to Will and Epps who were also nearby, before he explained that Ratchet was still with those Autobots that had been injured in the battle. Ironhide looked over at Mikaela, "Its okay girlie, Bee's doing just fine". Mikaela blushed, embarrassed that she'd been quite so obvious in her worry, "Thanks Ironhide. I did look in on him earlier but he was still recharging". Judy looked confused, "Bee? That's the one that's your guardian right Sam". Sam nodded and looked at his mother, a wide smile on his face as he looked over at a still blushing Mikaela, "Yeah Bee's coming home with us, it's just him and Mikaela are rather attached to each other". Ron looked confused but Judy caught on, smiling over at Mikaela, "Well that's just lovely. It means Mikaela will be a real part of the family". Mikaela looked over at Judy gratefully, before slapping Sam on the arm. "Ow what was that for?".
"Er, for telling your parents about me and Bee". Sam looked back at Mikaela, "Oh come on 'Kaela, you saw how pleased she was. Plus it might be kinda difficult to explain when you're more than likely gonna be living at ours when we get back".
"Oh Sam, that's a wonderful idea". Sam looked back at his mother, a confused look in his brown eyes, "Whats a good idea?". Judy looked over at Mikaela, her blue eyes warm and accepting, as she looked at the young girl who had been a part of her son's life for so long, "Mikaela, now I know you're in that house you live in all on your own aren't you?". Mikaela glanced at Sam accusingly, which Judy noticed, "Now don't you blame Sammy, he's not said a thing. Now as I was saying you're there all on your own, and it's just not right. You don't have to explain the where's and why's but I know your dads not around. So what I'm trying to say is now you and Bee are together, and he's obviously going to be staying with us, why don't you come live with us. We have a spare room and all, and it'd save you being apart from each other". Mikaela looked back at Judy, her brain trying to comprehend the offer of being in a home where she wouldn't be alone all the time, and where she'd be able to stay with Bee. Looking at Sam, who was beaming at her, Mikaela looked back shyly at Judy, "If you're both sure that would be okay, I'd love to. Thank you so much". Judy enveloped Mikaela in a hug, ignoring the few tears she felt soaking onto her shoulder, "Its okay sweetie. It's about time you had someone to look after you for a change". Mikaela sniffed, and wiped her eyes as she moved away from Judy's comforting arms. As she turned around she saw that Sam was smiling broadly, "You gonna be okay sharing with your bestie". Sam grinned, "Oh I think I'll get used to it, after all if I can share my car with you, I think I can cope with sharing the bathroom". Mikaela grinned widely, and as she turned to look at Ironhide and Optimus, her grin increased as she saw Bumblebee standing in the doorway of the hanger, his optics shining brightly as he gazed back at her.
oOoOo
Bumblebee watched as Mikaela ran towards him, and as she reached him he knelt to meet her, his spark jumping as he felt the warmth of her skin as she stroked his faceplates with gentle hands, not realising just how much he'd missed her until that moment, "I've missed you so much beautiful". Mikaela looked up at Bee, her blue eyes meeting his optics, "I've missed you too big guy. You all fixed up now?". Bee nodded, "Yup all good, Ratchet's sorted all the problems".
"All the problems?". Bee heard Mikaela's question, and shook his head slowly, "Not quite all the problems beautiful, that's still a work in progress". Mikaela gently rested a hand on Bumblebees cheek when she saw the sad look in his optics, "Its okay Bee, I kinda like the way you use the radio. To me that is your real voice, its the one I fell in love with". Mikaela chuckled as she felt the sudden warmth radiating from Bee, who was smiling back at her shyly, as once again she surprised him with her ability to wipe away his worries. As he held out his hand so she could make her way up to her spot on his shoulder, Bee knew his spark was well and truly lost to Mikaela, and no matter how much teasing he got from the others, he wouldn't have it any other way as he'd finally found the one who made his spark complete. Lost in his thoughts, Bee was unaware of Mikaela talking to him until she tapped him on the side of the head, "Hey dreamer, I was talking to you".
"Sorry beautiful, what were you saying?". Mikaela chuckled as she heard the apology in his voice, "I was saying shall we go over and say hi to the parents". Bumblebee looked over and saw the two humans standing beside Sam, and he instantly recognised them as his parents, and he couldn't help the feeling of concern that ran through his spark, as he turned his head to look at Mikaela, "But what if they don't like me?. I was the one that led Sam into this mess".
"Its okay Bee, Optimus has already sorted that one out and the parents are fine with you guys. In fact Judy, that's Sam's mom, has already made you all honourary Witwicky family members". As he listened to Mikaela's words, Bee felt a weight lift from his spark as he crossed over to the rest of the group.
Sam looked up as he saw Bumblebee approaching them, grinning as he saw Mikaela tucked up against his shoulder, "Hey Bee, good to see you up and moving again". Bee looked down at Sam, once again thanking Primus that Sam was the one who the fates had singled out for his protection, and chirped happily. Sam then looked over at his parents, "Mom. Dad, I'd like you to meet Bumblebee, my guardian, and Mikaelas new squeeze". Judy looked up at Bumblebee, and smiled when she saw Mikaela, "Hello Bumblebee nice to meet you. I'm Judy and this is Ron, and somewhere round here is Mojo, our dog". Bee chirped a greeting, before slowly replying in his own voice, "It's nice to meet you too. Sam is a credit to you both". Judy looked over at Ron, and then at Sam who was blushing bright red, "Aww well aren't you just the sweetest. Oh and on the subject of you and Mikaela". Bee chirped worriedly, and Mikaela gently patted his shoulder, "Easy let her explain". On hearing the calm tone of Mikaelas voice, Bee frowned and turned his attention back to Judy, who continued speaking, "Sammy here told us how much Mikaela means to you, and as we have a room going spare at our house, we thought it'd be best if she moved in with us, so you two could be together". Bee felt his spark beat faster as he realised he wouldn't be parted from his girl, or from Sam, and he chirped excitedly as he looked at Sam and then at Mikaela with glowing optics, before he looked down at Judy and Ron, "Thank you". Judy smiled up at the robot who would soon become a part of her family and smiled, "Its okay Bumblebee, Sam told us what you did to keep them safe. It's only fair that we return the favour". Bee sent a questioning chirp to Optimus, and the Autobot leader looked over at Bumblebee, his metal features smiling back at the youngster, "Permission granted Bee. You could do with stretching your wheels". Bee smiled excitedly and Mikaela swiftly climbed onto his hand, and then down to stand beside Sam, as Bee swiftly changed into his Camaro alt-mode, his engine rumbling. Judy and Ron shared a confused look as they gazed at the gleaming new Camaro that was very different to the one that Ron had bought only days before, and Sam smiled at them, "He gave himself a makeover", as he jumped into the driver's seat, Mikaela already tucked into the passenger seat. Once they were both inside, Bee revved his engine, "Where to guys and girls". Sam looked at Mikaela, and they both nodded to each other with a smile as they both thought of the same place, and answered Bee's question in unison, "Home Bee. Lets go home"
oOoOo
A/N: Hey guys, hope you all had a good New Year :) Anyway have an update to start the new year off! Got this one out a bit quicker as had a couple of days off, yaaay :) This is pretty much the end of the film storyline, so I'm gonna be onto my own ideas for a while before we pick up on the ROTF storyline! I hope you all like what I've done with my favourite couple and I'm hoping you'll like what I have planned for them in future chapters. Thank you all for your lovely reviews, and to all of you who've got it on follows or favourites LOVE YOU ALL! Hang on tight for the rest of the ride xxxx