Author's note. Written by me and Mrs Bumblebee, a fun idea we came up with.
Enjoy and please review.
A small, stooped figure trudged down a dirty road, his shins splashed with mud from the puddles he found hard to avoid. This road had not yet been properly repaired, it still bore potholes that were relics from the Great War that had once consumed Cybertron. It had been savagely fought between Autobots and Decepticons but after so long, they had finally managed to find peace. Now the two sides were rebuilding Cybertron and for most, things were looking good.
But not for a still young solider from the Autobot side.
Bumblebee limped painfully along, he'd been badly damaged in the conflict but had only been roughly patched up. He did not have the credits to fix himself properly but he was too badly injured to find a proper job. He was living a very precarious life, barely surviving by begging and on the few credits he'd been given for fighting. His frame was becoming more and more starved and he was often very ill. His options were dwindling away and he was beginning to become desperate.
If he didn't find a solution and soon, he'd perish.
He couldn't continue like this. Looking up from staring at the ground and watching his pedes to make sure he didn't trip from anything in the road.
Spark sinking at the sight of the tall building that loomed ahead, the end of his long gruelling journey. The Guardianship agency. His last ditch effect to not end up as a dead hollow dusk in a ditch.
It had been set up after the War, a way to allow those who were destitute to find a new life for themselves. For those bots who were established, they could take on a companion and care for them, providing good fuel, a home and generally look after them. Bots like Bumblebee surrendered themselves to the Guardianship Agency and wait to be chosen by a guardian, someone they would allow to look after them and in return, provide companionship and obey their rules.
This could include taking care of the home while their guardian was out at work, perhaps helping them with their work and so on. It was heavily emphasised that they were not becoming slaves and that they would be periodically checked on to ensure they were not being abused. Guardians were vetted to make sure they weren't trying to get themselves a live in pleasure drone or something of that nature.
Still, it was a huge step for Bumblebee and one his pride had taken a little bit of getting used to but desperate forced him to put aside that.
And the thing that made his hesitate to go there for help was he had seen pairs of Charges and Guardians walked the streets with each other. He noticed the major size difference between them and it was mainly Autobots with Decepticons. Rarely did he see bots with bots or cons with cons.
True he didn't see any being mistreated but no one can see or hear behind closed doors. Bee knew that if he let himself be taken in by the Guardianship, he knew he was going to be taken and used.
His own body trembled but it wasn't just with fear. A virus had just ravaged his body and was only just leaving it. He wasn't contagious but it had left him in even worse shape than before. Not to mention, his old injury was acting up, he just wasn't getting enough nutrients...no, his situation was dire and at least those Charges had looked to be in good shape. Despite the potential risks going inside could entail, it had to be better than the slow deactivation that was awaiting him.
"Primus," groaned to himself, how had it come to this? He just hoped he had a kind master that would take away all the pain and hunger pangs away.
"Okay, no point delaying," he muttered hoarsely to himself. He trudged inside and heard the door bang behind him.
The sound sounded like the last nail to his coffin as he stood there trembling. He didn't have to wait long when a slick and slim mech walked out to greet him.
"Oh, why hello there. Are you in need of help little one?" The red mech asked as he walked up and knelt in front of Bumblebee who couldn't suppress his flinch away.
"Y-yes," he stammered, hating that he did that. "I...wish to become a Charge."
"Very good," the Mech said with a smile. "Do you know what that means?"
"Yeah, I've seen the holos," Bumblebee mumbled, his voice a little steadier. "I'm...prepared for it."
"Excellent," Knockout said. "The first thing we need to do if get a little fuel into you and clean you up. Then, we need to take your specs so the prospective Guardians can look over them. We were also need you to sign a legal document that makes it clear you are willing to do this and understand everything."
"Okay," Bumblebee nodded, some fuel sounded good. He'd feel a lot less unsteady on his feet.
Knockout saw him struggling to stay standing on his own two pedles and before the minibot knew it he was scooped up into the other mech's arms and being carried away, further into the building.
Bumblebee wanted to protest but was too weak and dizzy from the sudden change is position.
"Ratchet, we've got another one. I'm going to need help with this one," Knockout shouted, probably into his com link.
The name made Bumblebee perk up. Ratchet, Ratchet was here?
Knockout listened to the reply and then chuckling.
"Get my aft moving, indeed," he chuckled before glancing down at his charge.
"Know him?" he asked curiously, he was going to reassure the newbie but that hopeful, slightly eager expression told a different tale.
"Yeah, used to," Bumblebee managed to say, still feeling faint. "Is he really here?"
"Well, if the Ratchet you knew was a grumpy old red and white Medic, then yes," Knockout laughed, relieved this one knew his superior. The Head Medic was excellent at what he did but could be rather off putting at times until you got to know him.
"And it's good that you know him. It'll be less stressful for you then. Ratchet will explain things to you better than I can. But don't worry, the Guardianship isn't bad. We make sure all mechs that come through are guaranteed to keep you happy and comfortable," Knockout explained and reassured.
They walked for a little longer before the red medic turned into a room that looked like to be a medics office room.
"Here we go," he said cheerfully. "Ratchet will fix you up in no time, he just wants to assess you first and then we can get started."
Bumblebee nodded, not so upset now. Surely if Ratchet was involved, this place couldn't be that bad?
"Alright," came a familiar voice as he heard footsteps approach. "What have we got?"
"See for yourself," Knockout said with a grin as Ratchet stomped through before halting in shock. "Bumblebee?"
"Hi," Bumblebee greeted weakly but warmly, it was indeed the Mech he'd known.
"Oh Primus Bumblebee!" Ratchet breathes in disbelief was he ran to Bee and knelt down in front of the frail looking mech.
"Bumblebee what...what happened to you?" Ratchet asked as he looked over the battered and filthy bot, spark churning at his former comrades condition.
Bee smiled up at Ratchet and tried to look happy and cheerful like he used to.
"Hey Hatchet. It's great to see you."
"Oh yes, you two definitely know one another," Knockout smirked.
Ratchet gave him a glare which was ignored before turning back to Bumblebee. "What happened?"
"Just...stuff," Bumblebee said with a painful shrug. "Couldn't get a job...didn't have enough creds to get fixed up...everything just...didn't go my way."
"That's an understatement," Ratchet said in half exasperation, half worry. "Bee, was there no one you could turn to?"
Bumblebee frowned and shook his helm.
"No, no one. Bulkhead went back to his family's farm, Optimus is working with Megatron to make sure Cybertron stays functioning. Other than them there's...no one," He whispered.
Ratchet's facial plates softened and his shoulders lowered in shame and guilt. "Oh Bumblebee, why...why didn't you..."
"I didn't know where you were. Don't blame yourself Ratchet. It's not your fault."
"It is," Ratchet argued. "I should have kept in contact, I knew you'd been injured...I just...argh.."
He rubbed his face, mumbling. "It was such a mess when it all ended. I got caught up, there was so many wounded..."
"It's okay," Bumblebee said, reaching a hand out towards his friend. He didn't like seeing Ratchet distressed. "You had too many to worry about, I know that. I thought I'd be okay but...nothing went right but that's not your fault. Anyway, you'll make he feel better right?"
Ratchet looked at Bumblebee and looked him over and sighed.
"I...I'm not sure I can fix you completely Bee. I can repair the surface damage and help you with any infections and viruses you may have but your...war injuries maybe far too far old for me to repair," The medic explained sorrowfully.
"Oh," Bumblebee said with great disappointment. He'd hoped to get back to his old self. "Well...it'll still be an improvement, right?"
"I'll do everything I can for you," Ratchet assured him. "You can have some medical grade Energon and then I'll see what needs done."
Bumblebee nodded, trying to stay positive. At least this was a medic he knew well, Ratchet might grumble but he would give Bee the best care he could and do it well.
"If you don't need me, I'll get some things organised for his official registration," Knockout now said. "Once you're patched up, I'm sure we'll find you a placement quickly."
Ratchet nodded in acknowledgment, not taking his optics off Bee as he stood up and gently ushered him to the back of the room.
"Let's get you clean first before I start patching you up," He said as he pulled back a curtain to reveal a wash rack.
Bumblebee looked at the washing rack like a man in the desert without water.
"Come in Bee, in you go. The sooner you wash the sooner we can get you patched up and administer some pain reliever."
"Aw man," Bumblebee whispered, a warm wash at long last. With pure, clean water and solvent that wasn't full of grit.
Ratchet gave him a gentle nudge, saying in his gruff voice. "Make sure you wash everywhere, kid."
"I will," Bumblebee said eagerly, heartened by the familiar interaction with Ratchet, this was going to be so wonderful.
Ratchet let the wash rack curtain fall back, giving Bumblebee some privacy. He probably wouldn't get much of that in the near future and this allowed Bumblebee to do something for himself independently. He sighed, he never expected to see one of his friends turn up in this state but clearly, a lot of bots had just fallen through the cracks.
Or even have to come to this to where he must make a contract and allow himself to be taken into someone else's home and let them care for him. He knew Bumblebee must have been really struggling with himself to finally allow himself to come here. In a way Ratchet was relieved but also very ashamed.
If he had been there, he could have helped him and maybe even kept him from making this decision but...it was in the past now. Bee was here and not offline in a ditch.
Ratchet had agreed to work for the Agency partly because only the most desperate came here and they nearly always needed fixing up. But also to ensure that this system did not allow bots to be abused, he'd been rather suspicious to begin with, especially because most of the Guardians tended to be Decepticons. Call it bias but he couldn't help himself. Over time, he'd come to realise that it was mostly Decepticons signing up because they had an innate desire to protect and provide.
Still, he wasn't going to allow himself to become complacent and he'd look over the one taking on Bumblebee very carefully.
Glancing over his shoulder back at the wash rack, listening to the running water and steam rolling out as his friend finally for a descent wash. Only able to imagine how dirty the water was probably turning as it streamed down Bee's frame and carried away all evidence of where he's been.
The poor bot looked like he hadn't had a decent wash in a long time...or meal. Ratchet went over to a dispenser and typed in some commands, Bumblebee required a very nutrient rich fuel to combat the starvation his frame had gone through. With a good wash and fuel in his tanks, his newest patient would feel so much more relaxed.
As soon as Bumblebee was out, he'd document what needed to be done.
In the wash rack Bumblebee was savouring the amazing feel of hot water running over his body, soothing his aches and pains that's he's suffered from for so long. It was almost heavenly compared to the cold water he'd be lucky to find and use.
Shaking his helm to rid some of the falling water, Bee looked around inside the rack until he spotted a bottle of cleaner sitting on a shelf.
Taking hold of it, he popped it open and sniffed it.
"Scented," he said in amused wonder. "Wow."
Now this was something he hadn't had in forever. It was a fairly neutral scent, neither a Mech nor Femme specific smell but he liked it a lot. Would he be able to get more of this when he was a Charge? He rather hoped so, he'd hated stinking of slime, spilt fuel and various other horrible substances.
Squirting some into his servo, he lathered it up into thick subs before rubbing it all over himself. He giggled at the long forgotten feeling of bubbles tickling his seams and circuits as he wash himself thoroughly.
Literally turning himself into a suds monster.
Ratchet started a little at the sound of giggling but quickly relaxed as a familiar scent wafted towards him. Looked like Bumblebee found the pine fresh scent, a little import that was quite popular. He'd found that things like that really helped his patients relax.
"Enjoying yourself, Bumblebee?" he called.
"I sure am!" was the response. "Do I have to come out?"
"No, just take your time," Ratchet called back. "Unless you're feeling dizzy or anything, then just let me know."
"Okay I will!" Bumblebee called back, sighing deeply as he relaxed under the stray once again.
Ratchet smiled with a chuckle when he heard how in content Bee was to take a wash so willingly. Back during the war, he had to drag the young mech to get washed himself.
Times had certainly changed he mused, here he was working with a former Decepticon among others. It was good to see Cybertron at peace but there was a lot of repair work to be done and not just on the planet itself. Many bots like Bumblebee needed help putting themselves back together.
Grabbing a container, he opened it and pinched some of the purple powder within, sprinkling it into the Energon for Bee. Not only would this give his immune system a boost, it had the added benefit of having a rather pleasant flavour. How often had his team complained about his medical Energon mixes? Ha, well, he'd learned a few things and he knew Bumblebee would let him know if it tasted good or not.
The old medic chuckled at the old memories that surfaced while he worked on adding another pinch of powder before storing it all together. He was tempted to taste it himself to see if he got the mix to a way he knew Bee would happily drink but convinced himself not to.
Ratchet walked over to the examination table and placed the cube down on it before going to the cabinet to find Bee a towel to dry off with one he was finished.
It took a while but finally and rather reluctantly, Bumblebee decided he'd better finish his wash. His armour looked so much better, even though he still looked battered and a little misshapen. But he was beginning to feel a bit tired and did not want to fall asleep in the shower so he pulled aside the curtain and stepped out.
"Here you go," Ratchet said, holding out the warm towel to wrap Bumblebee up in.
"Thanks Ratch," the yellow bot said gratefully, looking considerably more yellow than before.
The little boy wrapped the towel around himself and used the edges to pat away the leftover water droplets that still clung to him. The towel was so big compared to his size that it was like trying to dry with a blanket. But he didn't mind. Bee took the time to enjoy and relish in the warmth and softness it brought him.
Ratchet watched him for a bit before gently guiding him over to the examination table and ordered him to climb on so they could start.
"Okay Bee, I'm going to take down some measurements and then you can have a drink," Ratchet told him briskly. "I need to see how you're handling fuel and ensure there's nothing wrong with your tanks."
"Nothing wrong except they're empty," Bumblebee joked but Ratchet couldn't even smile about that. He just patted the yellow bot's arm and began some scans, wanting to get this done quickly so Bumblebee could have a drink. Judging by how sleepy he looked, it wouldn't surprise him if getting a decent meal sent him into recharge but he could deal with that.
The young Mech needed a chance to recover his strength.
Running multiple scans and diagnostics over the minibot, Ratchet found, repaired, or removed all problems he came across. Well all but the majority of Bumblebee's crippling injury. It had been so left in treated properly for so long that Ratchet's spark sank into his tank when he realized it was hopeless.
Bee noticed the grim look the medic was making and frowned.
"What's the tests saying Doc?"
"Well, there's the obvious that you're undernourished and need a good period of refuelling and rest," Ratchet began. "Luckily, your tanks are functioning so I don't need to operate on them but you may feel nauseous the first few times you ingest proper fuel. But that's normal and will pass."
"Okay," Bumblebee said slowly, that sounded alright but it was clear there was more. "And?"
Ratchet sighed, he couldn't hide the truth.
"Your leg is in pretty bad shape," he said softly. "I'm...I don't think I can fix it. Not properly anyway."
Bumblebee's bright blue optics widened at what Ratchet said and after a while it all sank in.
"You...you mean..."
"Yes, you'll still have trouble with it. The injury is so old that even with repairs it will still cause you trouble. I'm sorry Bumblebee," Ratchet regrettable explained.
"S-so I'll never run or walk properly again?" He questioned, spark sinking in dread.
"No," confirmed the medic. "I'll do what I can for it but...I just can't fix it."
Bumblebee sniffed loudly, trying to keep his emotions in check but it was very hard.
Ratchet frowned in sympathy for his friend and fellow war mech. He wished to Primus he could do better or even heal Bee back to the way he once was. But all he could do was help him and make him as comfortable as possible and give him support.
"I'm sorry Bee. I can't tell you enough how much I am," The medic apologised again while he stepped up closer to the table to wrap his arms around his distressed friend.
"S'not your fault," he said thickly, fluid rapidly forming over his optics.
He hiccupped a couple of times before managing to ask.
"Will it still hurt all the time?"
"No, I believe I can take away the worst of it. I can prescribe you a painkiller to take to keep it from bothering you if there are any," Ratchet pulled away.
Suddenly the door to the room opened to show Knockout walking in carrying a small fresh cube of Energon.
"Thought the little guy would appreciate a real cube of fuel," The red mech stated, walking over to stand beside them and offered it to Bumblebee.
"Thanks," Bumblebee said hoarsely, quickly wiping away the fluid in his optics and accepting the cube.
"My pleasure," the red Medic stated with a smile. "You should do very well in the program, a cute thing like you will be snapped up very easily."
"Knockout," Ratchet huffed, he could tell Bumblebee was still nervous.
"I don't mean in a bad way," the other Medic defended. "The guardians want to look after bots and he probably fits expectations. They'll love seeing him improve under their care."
Bee didn't say anything as he begun to sip from his cube, his tongue exploding from the delicious taste of fresh rich Energon entering his systems. It almost made him drunk from being deprived for so long. While he fuelled, Ratchet turned to Knockout to explain Bumblebee's situation.
"Bumblebee has a bad leg from an injury he received in the war," he said softly. "There's only so much I can do for it, I can't fully fix it."
"Ah, I see," Knockout said sympathetically. "He must have been in a lot of pain."
"He still is. From the scans I'm surprised he was able to make it this far without being bedridden. And unfortunately I can't fix all the damage that's been done. He's going to be stuck with it from now," Ratchet sighed, glancing over at Bee who was still enjoying his Energon before looking back at Knockout.
"After I finish fixing what I can, I hope you'll be able to help him be more presentable before we take his profile pic."
Now Knockout grinned broadly, he specialised in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery which was part of the reason he worked at this clinic.
"I can definitely do that," he stated, rubbing his hands together. "I will just get my tools and the right paints."
"You do that," Ratchet said with a nod, he was sure Bumblebee would feel a lot better about his future if he looked better.
Ratchet watched Knockout leave to gather his supplies and turned to smile down at the minibot.
"Would you like another?" He asked while he gestured to the now empty cube Bee was now holding in his lap.
Bumblebee sighed in contentment and as much as he'd love to have another he knew that it would only end with him purging it back up. Shaking his helm, he declined.
"It was really tasty," he assured his friend, he hoped he'd have some more another time.
Ratchet smiled, it was a nice condition, the flavour wasn't too strong otherwise it could overwhelm previously starving bots.
"Perhaps in a bit you could manage a small amount of medical Energon?" He suggested.
Bumblebee nodded and patted his belly.
"I think I can handle that."
Ratchet chuckled. "Good."
Turning to his work table to gather a couple things.
"Lay back in the table. I'll get started on your repairs."
"Okay," Bumblebee said obediently lying back. He was glad it was Ratchet going this otherwise he'd have been nervous then the procedure would have taken longer.
"What's Knockout like?" He asked curiously, the two medics seemed to get in well.
"A bit full of himself but alright," Ratchet told him. "Makes too much fuss about his paint job but does an excellent job of making bots 'beautiful' as he likes to say."
Bumblebee chuckled at how Ratchet described Knockout.
"He sounds like a character."
A smile rugged at Ratchet's lips before returning to his concentration scowl as he begun to work. First starting on Bee's damaged armour and exposed wiring.
Bumblebee was pleased that Ratchet got on with his colleague, especially since Knockout had once been a Decepticon. Knockout didn't seem to have any trouble interacting with his friend, there was no underlying malice, no snide comments or dark looks. It made him feel good.
"This'll feel strange," Ratchet warned as he dealt with Bumblebee damaged wiring, removing some of it before reaching for replacements.
Bee grit his teeth and hissed at the sting of the wires being removed. But other than that it was bearable and he didn't complain.
The process continued with the medic removing and replacing wires and other important parts that needed repair or replacement. It took about half an hour for a bit his size.
"Why don't you have a sip of energon?" Ratchet suggested once he was finished.
He was wiping his hands on a cloth, a data pad beside him with notes on Bumblebee condition. Feeling a bit worn after the procedure, even though it hadn't taken long, Bee sat up and reached for the cube.
"Thanks Ratchet," Bumblebee said tiredly.
Having been able to lay in a spot for so long, comfortable where he was and clean was close to putting him a very much needed recharge. But he couldn't recharge yet until they were done.
Seeing how tired the young yellow mech was, Ratchet said.
"You'll be able to rest soon Bee, I promise."
Bee smiled as he took a sip of Energon, it didn't taste as bad as he remembered. Maybe Knockout had a good recipe for it.
Ratchet typed on his tablet as he begun Bumblebee's description for his profile for Guardians to go over. But what Ratchet knew and Bee didn't was that there weren't many Guardians that wanted a charge that was going to need extra care. There were some but it wasn't a daily thing to see one come to claim an injured charge. He prayed to Primus that Bee found someone soon and not left waiting and believing he's unwanted and slip into depression.
So while he didn't hide that Bumblebee was crippled, he also put in as many positive attributes as he could. Such as Bee's bubbly personality, his friendly demeanour and his enthusiasm for trying new things. If only Bee could find the right bot to take him in, he could do so well.
"How long do you think it'll take?" Bumblebee suddenly asked and Ratchet looked at him. "What?
"Getting a...Guardian," Bee said softly.
"Well, once you're ready, we'll upload your profile," Ratchet explained. "But I think we should keep you for a little while before we let anyone take you. You need to get your strength back, this'll go smoother for everyone if you aren't half starved."
"Oh okay. Whatever you say doc," Bee chirped and went back to sipping his Energon, making Ratchet smile at how his happy nature hasn't been lost.
"I'm back?" Knockout sung playfully as he entered the room with an arm load of his supplies he was going to need to polish and pamper the little mini with.
This made Bee giggle, the fashionable looking Mech was much more cheerful than Ratchet was. The older Medic could come off as very off putting until you got to know him, he doubted Knockout had that effect on bots.
"All ready?" Knockout questioned as he came over.
"Yep, you can get started on him," Ratchet agreed before looking at their patient. "Bee, once he's finished, we'll take a picture to upload for your profile and then you can get some rest. We've got a nice little room you can relax in, it's got some data pads to read or a station to watch things on. But you aren't to use it until you've gotten a proper nap."
"Okay Ratchet. Thank you."
Ratchet smiled with a nod before stepping back to give Knockout room to step up to the table and place his tools out beside it.
"Alrighty darlin. Are we wanting to keep the bright yellow you're sporting now or would you care to try a new coat?" Knockout asked, opening a large case that was full of different colours of paints.
Bee glanced at them before looking back up at the candy apple red mech.
"I'd prefer to stay yellow please."
"Alright, no problem," Knockout said, he enjoyed his own red colour far too much to give it up. Colours really became a part of a bots identity. Such a shame Megatron had always insisted on that gun metal grey, it was so unflattering. Purple probably would have suited him better...
"A nice bright yellow, yes?"
"Yeah," Bee smiled. "I like to stand out."
"Oh we both think alike?" Knockout smirked.
Gently tinks and clanks from the case sounded that Knockout was digging around in it until he pulled out his paint kit and his best choices of paint of yellow.
"Now then. Let's get you a nice fresh coat of paint and then we'll give you a nice long pooling to make you really shine. Oh I almost forgot. I need to run the grinder over you some to remove all that chipped paint you have still clinging to you."
Bee glanced down at his body, he certainly looked battered. It would be nice to look a bit more like himself again, even if he never would be a hundred percent the old Bumblebee.
"Don't worry, I've got a gentle touch," Knockout assured him. "Just raise your arms for me."
Bumblebee did as he was asked and Knockout switched the grinder on. He hadn't been lying, he did apply the grinder very gently to Bee's armour as he got rid of all the old, battered paint. Bee relaxed under his ministrations.
Knockout hummed a happy tune while he worked, carefully moving the grinder in gentle circles over his chassis. When he moved to his sides Bumblebee squeaked and dropped his arms, hugging himself as he giggled.
Knockout and Ratchet watched him as he calmed down.
"I'm sorry. I...I'm really ticklish there," Bee blushed.
"You are?" Knockout asked in delighted surprise, how adorable.
"I almost forgot," Ratchet stated fondly.
Bee rolled his optics with a smile. "Bet you didn't forget Prowl tickling me for interrupting his meditation or whatever it was."
"No, I remember that clearly," grinned Ratchet.
Bumblebee giggled at the fond memory and bowed his head as he remembered his time with Prowl. He missed the ninja.
Suddenly he felt a gentle hand in his helm and looked up to find Knockout watching him.
"You okay enough to continue or will I have to get Ratchet to hold you still?"
"Yeah, I'll be okay," Bee said quickly. "Maybe if you stop if it looks like I'm going to start squirming."
Knockout nodded and switched on the grinder again. Bee lifted his arms up and tried not to giggle as his sides were touched again. He really was sensitive there but his armour was built more for speed and stealth than fighting. He wondered if Knockout was also ticklish, he had the look of a speedster.
Knockout worked his sides and moved onto his arms and legs which didn't take them as long as a chassis did.
"There we are. Now onto the fun part," The mech announces, turning off the grinder to put it away.
He brought out his equipment for applying Bee's paint before selecting the right colour. Bee felt excited, he was finally going to look good again. Knockout gestured where Bee should stand and the smaller Mech instantly obeyed.
"Legs apart and arms held up," Knockout instructed.
Doing as instructed and closing his mouth and optics to prevent any getting into them. Knockout nodded in approval and begun to spray over Bee's old finish.
Ratchet watched the process, not in the least worried since he knew how professional Knockout was when it came to finishes.
He almost snorted as he recalled how Knockout had fussed over his own painting, saying it looked old and tired. Sure, next to Knockout's always shiny coat it did but Ratchet had felt it wasn't so bad. His co-worker had disagreed and insisted on giving him a fresh coat which Ratchet had only agreed to so he wouldn't be bothered about it.
The result had been quite nice although he had no intention of 'touching it up' as much as Knockout liked to do with his own.
He knew Knockout was itching to give someone a fabulous new paint job and that urge was now being taken care of with him taking care of Bumblebee. Pits he may even try to keep in touch with Bee when he finds a guardian just to keep in touch if Bee needed a new coat.
"Lovely," Knockout purred as he carefully sprayed Bumblebee's front, concentrating hard so he didn't miss even a tiny part of Bee.
He was soon moving smoothly to the side so he could cover a new part of Bee and so on. But once he'd applied the nice bright yellow, he grabbed some black, inserted it into his spray gun and started giving Bee a few black highlights, mostly near joints to break up the solid colour. There were no smears or smudges, the lines between black and yellow were completely smooth, you would easily think he'd used a stencil or cover to achieve that result.
He was just that talented and skilled.
A couple extra sprits over areas he worried may not have enough coating before he finally sealed it done.
"Perfection," Knockout purred in pleasure at the sight of work but he wasn't done yet.
Bumblebee opened his optics to look down at himself.
"Ahahah, no peeking," A silver servo covered his optics.
"Why not?" Bee asked with a pout.
"I haven't polished you yet," grinned Knockout. "I want you to see the finished product. "
The minibot whined and didn't argue and recluses his optics. Slowly Knockout pulled his servo away to make sure he wasn't going to try to peek again.
Turning to his case, putting away all his paint equipment and replaced it with his favourite choices in wax, polish, and buffer.
"Don't worry," he assured the waiting minibot. "This'll definitely be worth it."
Bee sighed but smiled, the cherry red Mech just sounded so enthusiastic, it was hard to be annoyed.
"Now just keep still," Knockout commanded, bringing his things over to the waiting bot.
Buffer working to life and duped with wax, knockout reached out and gently pressed the spinning buff head into Bee's chest.
The mech squeaked from the sudden tough but soon relaxed and smiled under the ticklish rubbing.
"Nothing like a good buffing," Knockout stated happily. "Feels nice, doesn't it?"
"Really nice," Bee confirmed. "I can't remember getting done up this well."
"Well you're in luck little mech, I'm all about giving the works," Knockout replies, gently moving the buffer around Bumblebee's chest, slowly making his way down.
"Just let me know if you get ticklish again," he added, now working on Bee's abdomen.
Ratchet smiled and turned back to his notes, Bee was looking really good. Surely that would make up for the fact he had an old injury? He wanted to find the best for his friend, he deserved someone to look after him and hopefully give him an education.
Author's note. Bumblebee settles into the centre and meets some new bots. How does that go? Find out next time, until then.