Chapter 28- Summer.
One Year Later.
"Oh yes. Only a couple of weeks to go and then I'm done with school and studying for exams".
"Oh no you're not Sammy, don't you go thinking that going to college is going to be all parties and such like. No way mister, you're going there to work and work hard". Sam raised an eyebrow as he looked back at his mother, "Mom, do you have to spoil all my dreams?".
"Not at all Sammy, but as the first Witwicky to get into a proper Ivy League college, you are not going to spend all your time goofing off". Mikaela lifted her head from the book she was reading, smiling to herself as she listened to Sam and his mother arguing. However her smile slipped a fraction when she realised this would have been a perfect moment to share with Bee, and she couldn't help the pang that went through her heart as she realised once again just how much she missed him. He'd been called away on a scouting mission almost a week ago to investigate a suspected Decepticon sighting, which he'd worriedly explained to her before he went, had been becoming more frequent over the past few months; and although she knew it was part of who he was, it still didn't stop the hurt she felt at being apart from him, especially as he hadn't been allowed to come straight back home to her, as Optimus had asked him to join the other Autobots at the N.E.S.T base on Diego Garcia when his mission was over.
Hearing his best friends sigh, Sam looked over to where Mikaela was sitting in the shade of the garage, and Judy followed his gaze, her eyes softening as she saw the lost look in Mikaela's blue eyes, "She really misses him doesn't she?". Sam nodded, "Yup, its like there's a part of her missing while Bee isn't here. Kinda makes me feel a bit better about having to leave him behind when I head off to college though". Judy smiled at her son, who was growing up far quicker than she was prepared for. Sam saw the tears in Judy's eyes, and gave his mother a quick hug, "Come on Mom, I'll be fine. I survived a crazy alien robot war, how much harder can college be?".
"Hey 'Kaela, what you doing?". Mikaela looked up at Sam, and held the book up with raised eyebrows, "I have a book Sam. What do you think I'm doing?". Sam heard the thinly veiled sarcasm in her voice, and gazed back at Mikaela, "Okay so that was a dumb question I'll grant you, but from over there it looked like you were brooding again, not reading, so that's why I asked. I promised Bee I'd keep an eye on you while he was gone". Mikaela looked back at Sam, and lowered the book into her lap, before meeting Sam's concerned gaze, "Fair point Sam, maybe I was a little. It's just I miss Bee so much, this is the longest we've ever been apart since he was allowed to stay with us, and although I know the others will keep him safe, I can't help worrying about him". Sam quickly sat down, facing Mikaela so she was forced to look at him and she couldn't help the smile that sprung to her lips when she saw the serious look in his deep brown eyes as he began to speak, "'Kaela honestly he has Ironhide looking out for him. How much trouble do you seriously think the worlds most overprotective parent is going to allow his sparkling to get involved with?". Mikaela smiled back at Sam, "You have a point there. 'Hide would give your mom a run for her money".
"Yeah except my mom isn't likely to shoot the first person that harms her baby..". Sam paused for a moment and shared a wry look with his best friend, before continuing with a chuckle, "Yeah okay so maybe she would. Bad example. My point is, Bee will be fine. You only have a couple of weeks to go, as soon as we finish school, we have clearance to go visit everyone out in the sun". Mikaela knew Sam had a valid argument, she just hated being away from her Bee, it made her feel like there was a part of herself missing, and she was counting down the days til school was over so she could be reunited with him. She looked up at Sam, and he was relieved to see that her blue eyes no longer had the lost look in them from earlier,"So you feeling better?". Mikaela smiled at her best friend, "A bit. Not gonna feel completely right til I'm back with the big guy, but thanks anyway Sam for at least trying to make me feel better. At least you don't have the teary eyed look your mom does when she asks me if I'm okay". Sam chuckled, "Yeah about that, I think she's kinda projecting the college thing onto everyone. I actually caught her sobbing into Mojo the other day after I'd asked her a college related question". Mikaela laughed out loud at the image, and her chuckles increased as she imagined the disgruntled look that would have been on the Chihuahuas face, "Would have loved to have seen that Sam, really I would. Though you are still so lucky to have your parents the way they are, the way they would do absolutely anything for you". Sam heard the wistful tone in Mikaela's voice, "Things still not great with your dad?". Mikaela sighed, "Its a work in progress. Don't get me wrong it's great that he's out of jail, with a clear record and I can see him when I want, but its such hard work. He needs to realise I'm not his little girl anymore, I had to grow up fast when he got sent down.
"But we're working on it. Helps that he knows I'm here with you guys and he loves the fact that I've got a normal young man to look after me now". Sam looked at Mikaela with raised eyebrows, "Seriously he said that?". Mikaela nodded with a broad smile, "Yup. How Bee didn't cough up a spring laughing when we left I will never know, but its all good. At least he's got a steady job at the garage, and when I start my apprenticeship I can spend more time with him, and hopefully we'll be okay". Sam looked back at Mikaela and smiled, "Somehow I don't think you'll find it that difficult, if you can keep several large Autobot's in line then your dad should be a piece of cake". Mikaela raised a slender eyebrow, "Trust me Sam, I'd rather take the 'bots any day".
oOoOo
"Yo Bee.. Dude what's with the long face?".
"It's the only one he's got, so it aint gonna get no shorter".
Bumblebee glared at the two smaller 'bots that were looking up at him, and chirped at them irritatedly, "I was fine, then you two showed up". Skids looked at his brother and Mudflap shrugged, a grin on his metal features as he looked up at Bumblebee, before meeting his twins optics; "See now I know what da problem is here bro... He ain't getting no loving while he is away from his femme". Bumblebee took a deep breath through his vents to try to control the urge to slap the two smaller 'bots round the head, but as he heard their chuckles and Mikaela's name among the laughter, he couldn't help the way the way his spark burned with a sudden rush of anger.
"Hey Bee, dude... what was dat for?". Skids and Mudflap rubbed their heads where Bumblebee had banged their heads together, and looked up at the larger 'bot with optics that glowed with injured pride. However when they saw the fierce look in Bee's blue optics, they quickly lowered their heads and scuffed their feet on the floor, "Sorry Bee, only tryin' to make you smile". Bee continued to glare at them, "There are easier ways than bringing Mikaela into the conversation, so do not do it again. Either of you. Now go and find someone else to irritate please". The smaller 'bots nodded in union, before quickly walking away with their heads close to each other, occasionally glancing back at Bumblebee as they continued to whisper to each other. Bee continued to watch them til they were out of sight before he let out a long sigh through his vents, which was heard by a passing Arcee who smiled to herself when she caught sight of which 'bots were in Bumblebees line of vision; "Let me guess, you want to be added to the long list of Autobots, and humans, that wish we'd lost those two in space somewhere?". Bumblebee smiled at the small femme, her pink body plates reflecting the sun almost as brightly as his yellow paintwork did, "Not really. Yes they can be seriously irritating but I don't think they mean any real harm, they just speak and act before they think most of the time. I'm just not feeling up to them teasing". Arcee smiled up at the big yellow bot she thought of as her best friend, "Missing your sparkmate Bee?. Come on it's what two or three days left to go, and don't think I haven't seen your holoform sneaking off to play with the web cams. I saw you, Will and Epps looking all sneaky by the computer bay". Bee shrugged his shoulders, "Don't know what you're talking about Arcee. Wouldn't dream of doing such a thing, it's not allowed anyway". Arcee narrowed her blue optics, "Oh and since when have rules been oh so important?. Come on Bee, you were walking round like a sparkling that had lost its energon drops and then suddenly, you couldn't stop smiling. You had 'Hide and Chromia seriously worried, they thought you were coming down with something". Bee voiced a peal of laughter through his radio, "Really. Oh that's too funny". As he finally got his laughter under control, he looked back at Arcee, his blue optics glowing mischievously, "Okay so maybe we bent the rules a little bit, but it was definitely worth it to see the look on Mikaela's face".
"Oh boy, Jazz was right. You do have it bad". Bumblebee smiled back at Arcee, her gentle teasing irritating his spark nowhere near as much as Skids and Mudflaps comments had done earlier, "Tease all you like, I'm happy with my girl". Arcee smiled up at Bee, her optics glowing a soft blue, "Good it's about time something went right for you. If any of the 'bots deserve a break, its you. All I will say is I can't wait to see her, and I know big sister one and two are equally as curious about her". Bee felt himself warming up but managed to keep his blushes under control as if Arcee saw that, the teasing would be merciless, "You haven't got long to wait now. Her, Sam and his parents, along with Epp's and Will's immediate family will be here soon". Arcee could hear the excitement in Bee's voice, and once again she marveled at how Bee had learned to use his radio in the way that he did. However her thoughts were disrupted by a loud clang in the distance, and she shared an amused grin with Bee, "Now why do I get the feeling the twins decided to go see Ratchet?".
"Because he's now throwing things at them". Arcee looked over to the hanger that contained the med bay, and sure enough the large green medic was throwing wrenches at the twins with disturbing accuracy. Despite the yelps of pain from the smaller 'bots, Arcee couldn't help the laugh that bubbled up in her vocaliser, which escaped when she saw Bumblebee bent over double, shaking with silent laughter. "Bumblebee, did anyone ever tell you there is an evil streak to your spark ?". Bee finally got his laughter under control, and he looked at Arcee with optics that still shone with amusement, "Hey I grew up with "Hide and your big sister. That's enough to corrupt anyones spark". Arcee smiled, and nodded in agreement, "Gotta agree with that call. Anyway guess we'd better go see what the twins did to Ratchet to make him start throwing things". Bee chuckled once more, and looked at Arcee, "I'm just glad Sideswipe and Sunstreaker haven't got here yet, I don't think Ratchets processor could cope with both sets of twins on base".
"With you there Bee, though they should be here soon. I heard Ironhide complaining about it to Chromia earlier". Bee smiled as he could well understand why Ironhide was complaining. Whereas Skids and Mudflap could irritate anyone and everyone, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker seemed to reserve the worst of their pranks for Ironhide, mainly because he always provided them with a reaction, generally involving him firing his cannons at them, "Oh this could be fun, I just hope Optimus has warned the humans on base that 'Hide will probably be even more grumpy than usual, in or out of his holoform. I'm just glad I'm going to be able to escape the worst of it when Mikaela gets here". Arcee shook her head with a smile as she saw the smile on Bee's face, "Yeah yeah, some 'bots just have all the luck don't you?. Think I can borrow Sam and escape too?".
oOoOo
Mikaela felt her spirits lift as she gazed down at the sparkling blue waters that surrounded the island of Diego Garcia, and she was unable to keep the smile from her face as she realised the blue of the water was almost the same shade as Bumblebees optics when he was pleased to see her. "Not long to go now 'Kaela", chuckled sam as he saw the smile on Mikaela's face, and his chuckles only increased when he saw the blush on her cheeks, "Seriously, you've been apart for what?. Six weeks at the most, and I know for the last two weeks you've been having web cam time with Bee. Anyone would think you've been apart for way longer than you have". Mikaela scowled at Sam, but was saved the trouble of replying as Sarah Lennox beat her to it, "If you love someone enough Sam, even being apart from them for one day can feel like forever. When you find the right person Sam, you'll understand exactly how Mikaela is feeling". Mikaela smiled at Sarah, who smiled back encouragingly at the young girl with whom she'd had several chats with on the journey to the island.
Sarah had heard all about Mikaela and Bumblebee from Will, and from Ironhide, and although she'd originally found the concept beyond strange; as she'd gradually come to know Ironhide whilst he'd been with the Lennox family, Sarah had quickly come to count him as family, and as soon as that had happened she realised just how easy it was to form relationships with them. Sarah had quickly guessed that Mikaela would find the separation difficult when she had first been told that Bumblebee would be needed on base; and when she'd first seen Mikaela, before they boarded the plane, Sarah had seen the tell-tale signs of a woman missing her man, or bot as the case may be. Sarah had felt exactly the same when Will had gone away on his first tour and again when he'd left after Annabel had been born, and although she was still desperately worried about him every time he left her, she knew she had to believe that each time he left, he would come back to her and this is what she had shared with Mikaela.
Sam recognised the look that the two women shared as one he would never ever understand, and he soon realised that all the women on the plane were giving him the same sympathetic look. Sam looked over at his father in appeal, "Come on Dad, help me out just a little here ?". Ron smiled back at his son, and shook his head with a laugh, "Oh hell no. You're on your own son, I'm not getting involved. First rule of a happy relationship is to never question whether the woman is right or wrong, just agree with them. Makes life far easier Sammy". As Sam saw the approving looks his father was getting, Sam sighed in defeat, "Well gotta say thanks for the back up there Dad". He then glanced back at a laughing Mikaela, "Oh I am so not talking to you right now, as whatever I say is somehow going to come out wrong". Mikaela patted Sam on the leg, "You've had the same problem since kindergarten Sam, and yet I still love you as you're my best friend, doofus or not. Though I'm pretty sure that little old heart of yours will be missing my best friend by the time we get back to Tranquility". Sam flushed a bright red and mumbled something under his breath, causing Mikaela to laugh delightedly as she returned her gaze to the ever nearing island, her heart feeling lighter than it had done for weeks the nearer she got to her Bumblebee.
oOoOo
"Oh just land the damn plane already".
"Easy Bumblebee, the plane will be landing shortly. You do not have much longer to wait until you are reunited with Mikaela". Bumblebee turned and looked at Optimus who was looking at him with amused optics. Bumblebee huffed a breath out as he watched the circling plane, his spark all but crying out for Mikaela, who he could now feel just as strongly as he could when she was with him, and when he heard Jazz's chuckle Bee turned and glared at the Pontiac, "Something to say?".
"Hey don't bite my head off Bee. Take it out on Optimus, he's the one who made you stay here". Bee glared at Jazz for a moment longer, before smiling lopsidedly at the smaller 'bot as he heard Optimus grumble under his breath, "Oh he has don't you worry, as has Ironhide". Jazz laughed as he heard the disgruntled tone of their Primes voice, "Oh that's just unfair boss, the little guy and his big bad guardian ganging up on you, no wonder your processors have ached". Optimus looked down at the two smaller Autobots, the amusement still shining in his deep blue optics, "No it has not been pleasant but as I informed both Ironhide and Bumblebee, keeping all the humans safe from the threat of the Decepticons is the most important thing". Bumblebee chirped loudly, and Optimus looked at him, "I know Mikaela is important but so is the rest of the human race Bumblebee, though I wish I could have kept you together, as i understand how it hurts to be apart from those you care about".
"Though not anymore hey Optimus". Jazz wiggled his metal eyebrows, and as Bee's radio played some romantic music; Optimus regarded the two of them with narrowed optics, amused though he was, "Enough both of you. Yes I am more than pleased to have Elita back, though I am sure you do not tease Ironhide and Chromia". Jazz shook his head, "No way hose, one near death experience is quite enough". Bumblebee however just chuckled, and Optimus knew then that at least one Autobot on base was brave enough to tease the couple.
"Aircraft landing on Runway One... Aircraft landing on Runway One".
The tannoy announcement ended the Autobots conversation, mainly because Bumbleebee had transformed far quicker than either Optimus or Jazz had ever seen before and was racing away towards the runways, plumes of smoke coming from his back tires as his Camaro alt-mode hit the gas. Jazz looked up at Optimus, who looked back at Jazz with a matching smile, and commented in an amused tone of voice, "I think Bumblebee needs to be somewhere don't you".
Bumblebee raced across the base, and as he neared the runway area he could see Will and Epps already resting against Ironhides alt-mode. As the Camaro stopped just behind them, Ironhide nudged the two humans who moved away so he could transform. Bumblebee too quickly transformed to his bi-pedal mode, and looked at Ironhide with excited optics, causing the weapons specialist to chuckle, "Steady youngster, or you'll have Ratchet to contend with if your spark is racing as much as I think it is, and somehow I don't think you want to be stuck in the med bay right about now". Bumblebee looked at Ironhide, the chirp he voiced making his feelings quite clear as did the swift message to 'Hides comm-link, "If Ratchet so much as tries it, he's going to be the one needing the med bay, trust me on this". Ironhide looked at the young Autobot and smiled, "Though I would love to see it, not even I am brave enough to stand between you and your femme, as I'm quite sure Mikaela is just as capable of doing harm if she is not immediately reunited with you". Bee nodded in affirmation, a smile crossing his metal features as he remembered the way she had dealt with Frenzy the first night they had met. Will looked up at the two 'bots, as did Epps, smiles on both their faces as Will spoke to Ironhide, "Almost time to see the family again guys, you ready for the onslaught 'Hide?". Ironhide tried to scowl but Bee knew the rough, tough and decidedly grumpy older 'bot had a soft spot in his spark for the Lennox family, especially their young daughter Annabel, even if it meant he had to put up with the indignity of pink car accessories when he was with them. Will saw the hidden smile in Ironhides optics and patted the metal leg beside him, "I know how you feel 'Hide, I've missed them too".
Moments later, both human and Autobot heads turned excitedly as the sound of an aircrafts engines powering down reached them, and the plane containing their loved ones rolled to a stop a short distance away. Bumblebee felt his spark leap excitedly as the door of the plane opened and there was his Mikaela standing at the door of the plane, her blue eyes instantly finding him. As their gazes met, Bumblebees spark finally settled back into place and he quickly knelt so he was almost level with her when she sprinted across the tarmac towards him. As he held out his giant palm, Mikaela all but leapt into it, and Bee quickly brought her up to the side of his face where he nuzzled her affectionately as she clung tightly to him, her own heart relieved to have found its mate once again. "Oh God Bee, I have missed you so much". Bee moved his palm so Mikaela was in front of him, "I've missed you too beautiful, I hate being apart from you. It hurts me here". Bee tapped a finger against his chest plates where Mikaela knew his spark lay, and she couldn't help the sudden tears that sprung to her eyes as she looked up at Bumblebee, tapping a finger against her own chest, "It hurts me here too". Bumblebee pulled her closer to him when he saw her tears, causing Mikaela to sigh contentedly as she rested against the warm metal of Bee's chest, breathing in the smell of leather and metal that was unique to Bee. Bumblebee was doing much the same, and they were both completely unaware of the rest of the greetings going on around them until Sam called out to them both in an amused tone of voice, "Hey saviour of the world down here, could I get a moment with my guardian if its okay with you 'Kaela?". Mikaela and Bee both turned to look at Sam, and Sam smiled as he saw the amusement in the blue eyes and optics of his two best friends in the whole wide world. Mikaela placed a quick kiss on Bee's cheek, before quickly climbing up onto her spot on his shoulder, "Okay he's all yours Sam". Sam grinned up at Mikaela, and at Bee, "Its okay I'll keep it short, I know you two wanna go kiss and make up for lost time". Sam laughed as he saw the both of them blushing, "Ha got you. Anyway you been okay big guy, the mission go okay?". Bumblebee looked down at Sam, "It went as well as can be expected, and I am much better now I have my girl back, and of course having seen you, oh great one". Sam chuckled, and shared a high-five with Bee, "Of course it was me you were missing really. Anyway the parents wanna say a quick hello, and then I've been told I've gotta leave you two so you can have some alone time". Mikaela chuckled as she recalled the lecture Sam had ben given by his mother on landing, and when Bee chirped curiously, the two teens answered together "Mom lecture", causing Bee to chuckle knowingly. However as Judy and Ron neared him and they greeted him happily, Bee once again felt his spark jump happily now he was back with his family, even though he'd been apart from them for far less time than the other bots had.
Ironhide watched the Witwicky family, and Mikaela, with his youngling and he felt himself smiling as he watched them all interacting. Sarah looked over in the same direction, and smiled up at the large black 'bot who was now as much a part of her family as Bee was to the Witwicky's, "So you happy now your boy is back with his girl?". Ironhide looked down at Sarah, "Of course I am, is that not what any parent wants for their youngster?". Sarah looked over to where Will was holding Annabel, and to where three very determined children were climbing all over Epps, and Jazz who had come to join the arrivals, much to the amusement of Epps wife, before looking back up at Ironhide with a fond smile, "For sure 'Hide, for sure".
oOoOo
A short while later, Mikaela and Sam along with the rest of the Witwicky family, Sarah Lennox and Monique Epps, watched as a new array of vehicles transformed in front of them and the two teens shared a smile as they recalled the first night they had met the Autobots, and when they heard the quiet chirp from Bumblebee, they knew he was thinking the same thing too. Optimus waited until all the vehicles in the hanger had transformed until he began introducing everyone. Firstly he indicated towards the three smaller Autobots that had been motorcycles, "This is Elita, Chromia and Arcee, as you can probably tell they are sisters. They were some of the first to arrive here at the base". Mikaela heard the affection in Optimus's voice and looked back at Bumblebee questioningly, who returned her look with a smile before he crouched down beside her, "Yes Elita is Optimus's sparkmate, and Chromia is Ironhide's". Sam looked at Bee with amused eyes, "Ironhide is all loved up?". Bumblebee smiled and looked at Sam, "Are you really brave enough to tease him about it?". Sam shook his head, "Hell no, though I am allowed to find it amusing".
Mikaela then looked over to where Optimus was introducing a pair of small Autobots, along with a taller blue 'bot, "Skids and Mudflap are our first set of twins, they have been here for just under six months along with Jolt. Our second set of twins, Sideswipe and Sunstreaker, have only just arrived recently". Sam heard Ironhide grumbling to Ratchet, and then turned to see Bee chuckling to himself. Mikaela also turned, "Whats so funny big guy?".
"Lets just say, Ratchet doesn't get on well with the little twins, and Ironhide seems to be the main target for Sunny and Sides' pranks, so they aren't overly keen on them". Mikaela chuckled, "Surely they should know that teasing either of them will end badly". Bee nodded, "They've known it for years, but they aren't likely to stop now".
Sam looked over at Optimus and the other Autobots, "Hey have all you new guys got holoforms like these guys?". Elita nodded, and looked down at the young human, "We do indeed Sam, now you have seen our true forms, we would be happy to show you our holoforms". All the Autobots transformed down to their vehicle modes, before activating their holoforms, Bumblebee included. Mikaela smiled as she saw Bee's holoform and happily accepted the gently kiss he placed on her lips with a smile, before whispering "Missed you too". Bee smiled back at Mikaela as he wrapped his arms around her, "I've missed this too". Sam sighed and rolled his eyes, though he was unable to hide the smile as he saw the happiness in both sets of blue eyes that looked back at him, before they all headed over to where everyone was being introduced to each other.
"Hey Bee, you never told me Mikaela was this good-looking. Damn wish I'd headed down to Earth first". Bee glared at Sideswipe, though Mikaela just chuckled and pressed closer to Bee's side, "Sorry have to say I far prefer tall blondes".
"Hey I'm tall and blonde. Just call me Sunny". Mikaela looked over to where Sunstreaker was heading towards them, a wide grin on his tanned face, before looking back at his brother. She noted that there were slight differences between them, the main one being that Sideswipes holoform had reddish blonde hair, as opposed to Sunstreakers true blonde hair, which was in keeping with the colour of their alt-modes, "Sorry guys, Bee here is all the Autobot I need in my life". As she turned to look at Bee, she saw the wide smile on his face, and she couldn't help but note the disappointment on the faces of the twins. "Will you two troublemakers please go find someone else to irritate?". Sideswipe turned to look at Ironhide, as did his brother, "We haven't done anything 'Hide, take a chill pill". Ironhide growled at the pair of them, "You haven't done anything yet, though I'm sure you and the little twins will soon find some new ways to make my life a misery". Mikaela hid her smile, as did Bee as Sides and Sunny saluted to Ironhide before running off across the tarmac to join Skids and Mudflap who were talking to Sam and Jolt. Ironhide glared at the group with narrowed eyes, "They are most definitely up to something and they do not need to get Samuel involved with it". Mikaela was about to answer that there was no chance of that while Judy was on patrol, but a warm female voice cut across her, "Easy 'Hide. You don't need to start shooting at them til they've done something". As he heard the surprised intake of breath from Mikaela when she saw the blue haired female wrap her arms around Ironhide, Bee leant down and whispered in her ear, "Thats Chromia. Her and Ironhide have been sparkmates for way longer than I know of, they were together when I was younger".
"Just because I'm in holoform mode does not mean I have gone deaf Bumblebee, though he is correct. Me and 'Hide have been together for a very long time, I'm almost used to his grumpy exterior by now". Ironhide just rolled his eyes, "Yes and I've almost grown used to your incessant moaning about it. I'll leave you to introduce yourself as I can see your sisters heading this way, and I am in no mind to listen to the three of you interrogating poor Mikaela here". Mikaela shot Ironhide a glare, "Thanks for the support 'Hide. There was me thinking you liked me". Ironhide smiled back at Mikaela, "I do. However I enjoy the peace and quiet of my firing range even more. I will see you later". He quickly squeezed Chromia's hand before heading out of the hanger, stopping only to talk to Will and Sarah. Chromia gazed at Mikaela, "So you are the young femme who has captured my youngling's spark then". Mikaela felt Bee squeeze her tightly in reassurance, before she answered shyly, "I guess so. Hope I get the seal of approval". Chromia's blue eyes glowed softly, as she gazed at the girl before quickly meeting Bee's worried blue eyes, "Of course you do. Anyone who is willing to fight for my boy as hard as you did instantly wins my seal of approval, and I know you have impressed 'Hide and that is no easy feat, so welcome to the family Mikaela".
oOoOo
A few hours later, Bee and Mikaela were finally alone and they were making the most of the time alone after all the introductions, and the tour of the base earlier in the afternoon. "Bee, this view is beautiful". Bee rested against the hood of the Camaro and smiled as he saw Mikaela looking at the view out over the ocean, "It's not as beautiful as you". Mikaela blushed as she walked back towards Bee, "Oh shush, it's far prettier than me. How on earth did you manage to find such a wonderful spot?".
"I wanted somewhere i could feel close to you and according to Ratchet, this is the closest point to home. So when i was really missing you, I'd drive out here and it helped ease the ache I felt in my spark". Mikaela wrapped her arms around Bee, pressing herself close to his chest when she felt his strong arms wrap around her, "Oh Bee, I wish I could have come with you. I hated being apart from you".
"I didn't like it anymore than you did beautiful, but you had to finish school, and while you were there you were safe. I don't ever want you to be in danger from the Decepticons again". Mikaela heard the worried tone in Bee's voice and pulled back so she could look up at him, "What aren't you telling me Bee?". Bee sighed deeply, "Before I went on the mission, I told you that there had been a suspected Decepticon sighting. Well we couldn't find any definite proof but there has been more suspected sightings since and Optimus is concerned about the safety of the All Spark shard that is being kept here, as he is worried that it is that which is what the increased activity is focusing on". Bee saw the worried look in Mikaelas eyes and stroked her cheek reassuringly, "Please don't worry beautiful, I have every faith in Optimus and you've seen the protection the shard is under. I'm probably just over thinking things as usual". Mikaela smiled at Bee, and rested her hand over his, "Lets hope so, I like it when things are calm. Calm is good. It means we get to spend time together like this, though I am still pissed that Optimus stole you away when I wanted to take you to prom with me. I had to go with Miles". Bee grinned at the injured tone of Mikaela's voice, "Oh that can't have been fun". Mikaela shook her head vigorously, "No it definitely wasn't, especially when both my best friends were playing smootchies all night". Bee chuckled and pulled Mikaela closer to him, stroking her hair with gentle hands, before an idea popped into his head.
"Mikaela?". Mikaela leaned back and looked up at Bee, frowning slightly as she saw the excited look in his eyes, "Yes Bee?".
"We can have our own prom night here". Mikaela suddenly heard music coming from the Camaro's radio, "How do you do that? You're in your holoform mode?". Bee chuckled, "Ah that's my secret, if I told you I'd have to kill you, and as I've kind of sworn to keep you safe as well as Sam, that wouldn't be good". Mikaela smiled as she heard the laughter in Bee's voice, and she looked back at him, "You're serious aren't you". Bee nodded, and brushed a stray strand of hair from her face, his blue eyes glowing a deep blue, "Of course I am. I know how much you wanted to have that one special night and I couldn't be there, but I'm here now". Mikaela smiled up at her handsome Bee, and as she saw the starlight reflecting in his blue eyes, she couldn't help the smile that crossed her lips as she recognised the opening lines of the song that was softly playing in the background, as she took hold of Bee's outstretched hand, "Would you dance if I asked you to dance...".
Moments later as the song ended, Mikaela looked up at Bee and tilted her head to receive the soft kiss he gave her, before she looked at him with a smile, "Bee, can I ask you something".
"Yes beautiful ?".
"Can I please have a dance with my real Bee?". Mikaela saw the smile on Bee's face before she felt the static in the air, and as she watched the Camaro transform into the Autobot she loved with every fibre of her being, Mikaela couldn't help thinking back to that first night she'd seen Bumblebee transform. From that very first time she'd felt a pull towards him, even though she hadn't realised it until she'd nearly lost him. As she heard his familiar chirp, Mikaela smiled, "Hey big guy, you still up for that dance?". Bee held out his hand, a smile lighting up his metal features as she climbed into his palm, "Of course I am beautiful". As Mikaela felt Bee's palm gently wrap around her, she felt the same sense of security she always did when he held her, and she nestled closer to his chest plates as the softly playing music echoed around them.
As they swayed in time to the music, Bee gently ran his thumb down Mikaelas back, smiling as he heard her contented sigh as he did so; and he found that as she pressed herself even closer to his spark the sensation it caused chased away the lingering worries he'd spoken of earlier. Bumblebee knew deep in his spark that at some point the Decepticons would be back to cause trouble, that was a certainty while Starscream was still alive, but he just had to hope and pray that the security measures that were in place were enough, and that Optimus along with the humans that were now on their side would be enough of a deterrent, especially after their defeat in Mission City. However he couldn't help but feel this wasn't the end of their troubles, although at least Megatron was out of the equation. However the thing that worried Bee the most was that he knew that once again, both Mikaela and Sam would be targets from the beginning because of their links to the Autobots. Although as he heard Mikaelas softly whispered, "I love you", Bee also knew that he would give the last flicker of his spark to protect the girl he held in his hand, and although he would give the same level of protection to Sam if it was needed as he was still Sam's guardian, keeping his sparkmate was the most important bond of all. Bumblebee knew he was bound to Mikaela just as surely as any of the other Autobots were bound to their sparkmates, and although no one was quite sure how it had happened, it was a true bond between the both of them, and the young Autobot knew that as long as they were together, they could face whatever the future had in store for them.
oOoOoOo
A/N: AT LAST! Its okay, I'm still alive guys :) Sorry sorry sorry, I know I've taken forever to get this chappie done, but its by far the longest one yet, and as I've had the craziest couple of weeks, mainly due to my beautiful grandson arriving early but safely on Feb 12th, be grateful you've got it now (lol) though I'm not 100% convinced its my best but if I try to tweak it anymore, I'm going to go crazy!
Hope you like the fluff there at the end, and brownie points to any of you that recognise the song :) I had to use it as it is the song I had for our first dance at our wedding, so its kind of special one, plus I thought that first line really fit!
Anyway that my friends is the end for this part of Bee and Mikaela's story :( However do not fear, I'm going to carry it on with ROTF so it's all good though wanted to upload it as a separate story, like with the films! I would just like to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you who has reviewed, followed, favourited or just had a read as you have made me believe in doing something I have wanted to do for years, so once again thank you and seriously I LOVE you all xxxxxxx
Onwards we go...
Amanda :)