CHAPTER 11
A New Life

Bumblebee stood before the man, Keller, and the other government officials nervously. This group, had of course included the man from the Child Welfare Department. Upon his arrival, Bumblebee had looked for Trevor, yet found him nowhere. No doubt, the official had left him wherever he was, alone. It made him flare up a little bit with anger, but he also understand not wanting to likely get his hopes up. "So, I'm just making sure I've got this right," The before mentioned CWD official, Carlton Rhodes, spoke up. "This giant robot wants to adopt a human being?" Keller nodded his head, crossing his arms. "And we're actually thinking of giving them what they want!?"

Optimus took a step forward, and looked at Keller. "Defense Secretary Keller, if I may?" Optimus questioned as the man motioned for him to "go ahead". "I understand your concerns about this matter. Trevor Ridley is, after all, of an entirely different species," He began, keeping his optics on the officials. "But he has also sacrificed much for us. It is only because of us that he even needs to be adopted." He went on to explain. "We want to thank our young human friend in some way that is meaningful. And there is no greater way we can thank him than by making him a part of our family."

"Your family?" One official spoke up, stepping forward. "Are you telling me you are all a family?"

Optimus shook his head, putting his hand on Bumblebee's shoulder. "No, but Bumblebee and I are," Optimus explained, rubbing his adopted creations shoulder. "I raised Bumblebee since he was the Cybertronian equivalent of ten years old. And while he is young, and still has much to learn. I can say without a doubt that he has come to care for the boy as if he were his own," He explained, his voice low. "I would accept responsibility for both of them. Both to watch over my creation as he enters parenthood, as well as to help him in raising Trevor."

Keller looked over at Rhodes silently, as the man tried to take all of this in. "Carlton, the boy is fifteen," Keller began, causing him to look over. "He's already been mostly raised by his parents. They're not asking to change dirty diapers, and feed someone from a bottle." Rhodes frowned at that, seeing what the man was saying. "They're asking to take legal responsibility for him so he doesn't grow up an orphan," The man was silent at that. "And if this military alliance goes through, then they will have human help."

"And what do we do until that alliance is formed?" Rhodes asked, raising his voice. "We can't just hand him over to a group of displaced alien refugees. He'd need somewhere to stay where we could keep an eye on him," He pointed at Bumblebee. "On them both. Since he'll be going through the adoption process in this time, which let me warn you now," He turned to the mechs. "Is a very long, and rigorous process."

For the very first time, the only human who was not an official spoke up. Bumblebee recognized Lennox almost instantly, but his confusion left him instantly. After all, he'd already been informed he'd been offered the head position in this possible new military alliance. "I can help with that," Lennox stated, his eyes locking with Rhodes. "My wife and I are registered foster parents. We've had kids ten to eighteen in our house before." He explained. "If you need someone connected to all of this to hold him until the big guy has legal custody of him. I'm sure my wife would agree."

"You're submitting to this insanity?" Rhodes asked, raising an eyebrow.

Lennox looked up at Bumblebee, then at the man calmly. "I saw the way Bumblebee treated Trevor. Both on the battlefield, and before it," He explained, shifting a little bit. "He already was acting like a dad to him. I mean sure, they're different then us in looks. But I don't think from what I've seen they're that much different in other ways," He added. "I say give him a chance to prove that he has what it takes."

Rhodes stood there for a long moment, deciding how to respond. After a moment, Bumblebee took a step forward, looking among them. "If I may?" Bumblebee asked, a nod from Keller told him he could proceed. "I only want what's best for Trevor. I don't want him to grow up in the system, but if that is the best possible option for him. I understand." He began. "I only ask I am allowed to stay with him. I promised his father I would watch out for him, and I owe his memory that much."

Rhodes opened his mouth, but closed it a second later. The mech had him with that comment, he was actually willing to give up on the endeavor if it was what was right for Trevor? How many people did that? Most would just keep arguing, and he'd never hear the end of it from the social workers. "This is insane," Rhodes commented, looking at Keller. "But it's ultimately your call, given they are your responsibility," He then added rather frustrated. "I won't say no, but I will say I think you're all nuts for buying into this."

Keller regarded both Optimus and Bumblebee for a long moment. It was clear that he wasn't totally sure about this either, not that any sane human would be. If they did this, they were taking a gamble, a major one. Especially if this went all too wrong, and they had no clue what they were doing. "I say we give him a chance. We will have time to make quarters for him. After all, we already know that if this deal happens, we will be sending them to Diego Garcia," He explained, nodding his head slowly. "In the meantime, we will watch how Bumblebee handles things at Lennox's home."

"And then what?" Rhodes asked.

"If he proves trustworthy, and Trevor's accommodations on Diego Garcia prove satisfactory," Keller began, he chewed his lips slightly. "Then we give Bumblebee and Trevor a court date, and let them adopt him," He explained. "In the meantime, as part of our treaty, we will be certain it is written... That Trevor Ridley is under the protection of the Autobots. Regardless of how this goes, I doubt that they will waver on that." He then looked at Optimus. "Am I right?"

Optimus nodded his head slowly. "We will take responsibility for him in any way we can," Optimus replied. "Even if it ends up being that we will not have a hand in raising him the rest of the time."

Rhodes sighed, looking at Bumblebee, and then at Lennox. "Well then, you both have some paperwork to get done," He looked up at Bumblebee and grimaced. "We'll have to figure out an alternative in your case. But you cannot get around it, if you're going to try this, at least." He motioned them away, and began to walk away from the hangar.

Bumblebee stared over at Optimus, who patted him on the back gently. Without a word, Bumblebee nodded, and followed Lennox and Rhodes away. After several moments, Optimus looked back down upon Keller. "Well then, Mr. Keller, now that we have that out of the way," He began calmly. "Shall we get back down to business?"

There was, of course, still much to discuss.

...

Trevor hated waiting, especially in a situation like this. He sat silently at the table in the large room quietly, tapping his fingers along the table. The man hadn't even said two words to him before he was called away, so he still felt very much in the dark. That had been hours ago, and now he was simply stuck there, frustration in every pour of his body. He sighed, it was now one in the afternoon, and his stomach was growling. So it was to his relief that the door opened to Rhodes and Lennox about ten seconds before he had planned to leave and hunt them down. "Alright, son," Rhodes made his way over to Trevor. "This is how it's going to go."

"Foster care, I know," Trevor shook his head. "Can you at least tell me where?"

"Vaughan, Texas," Trevor stared at Lennox, who spoke up. "It's a really small town, and there's not much to do there, but that's the point. Because where I live, it's going to be easier for Bumblebee to transform without being noticed." Trevor looked at the captain with surprise and confusion. "You want to explain what's going on better?" He turned to Rhodes, who sighed, and nodded.

At this point, they both took seats, Lennox next to Trevor, and Rhodes on the other side. The man grumbled something as he messed around with a stack of papers in front of him. "The Autobots, as part of the treaty currently being outlined by Optimus Prime, and John Keller," He began, looking at Trevor. "Wish to take legal responsibility of you from here on out." Trevor's face lit up in surprise. "Your alien friend, Bumblebee, should he prove himself capable would become your legal guardian."

"Bee wants to adopt me?" Trevor asked, catching on.

Rhodes nodded his head, looking the boy in the eyes. "He does, but we are not just going to allow it. Rather, we are going to give him temporary guardianship of you and see how this plays out. This is where Captain Lennox comes in," Trevor looked at Lennox, who leaned back with a smile. "He and his wife are registered foster parents, and as far as uninformed government officials, and everyone else. They will be your foster parents." He explained. "While Lennox watches Bumblebee's treatment of you closely, and helps us determine if he is capable of taking care of a human child." He then added. "And you too, will report to us on your feelings on the placement. As is only customary in a possible adoptive situation."

"And then?" Trevor asked questioningly.

"It will take six months to prepare Diego Garcia, which they'll be using for a base, for the Autobots, and you," Lennox took over, locking eyes with the boy. "If Bee proves himself to me, and to the government before then, you two will get a court date. And you won't need me, or my family anymore. You'll be in his custody." He then added. "I know, it sounds like a lot of waiting. But if you two can get this close in two days? Imagine what six months could do."

Trevor nodded his head slowly, relief filling him. It wasn't a guarantee that things would go perfectly. But he also knew that it was a first step to a guarantee, and that he could deal with. "Okay, so Bee and I would be on our own?" He asked, slightly worried considering Bumblebee was still new to this. "Is Prime going to be okay with that?" He questioned.

"Of course you two won't be alone," Rhodes shook his head. "The Autobot weapons specialist, Ironhide will accompany you. He too, will monitor Bumblebee's actions, and help to protect the Lennox family." He explained, making Trevor nod slowly. "Bumblebee will be given a good of a chance as any would. And if things do not work out the way one would hope. Well, we will discuss your options from there." He then added. "But lucky for you, we have already agreed that either way, the Autobots will be protecting you. Whether as a family unit, or simply as guardians."

"So either way, Bee's staying with me?"

"So it would seem," Trevor sighed with relief as the man said that. "Now, Captain, I suggest you prepare him for the flight. Your transport leaves in two hours," Rhodes explained, then looked Trevor in the eyes. "Good luck, either way, I'll be seeing you in six months."

And then, Rhodes left, leaving Lennox and Trevor alone. "So you're probably wondering why I did this, huh?" Lennox asked, Trevor only nodded his head. "I lost my parents when I was fourteen. Car accident, a drunk truck driver rammed them off the road," Trevor cringed slightly. "Never got adopted either, I was an older kid, and most people thought I was troubled." He paused a moment. "I wasn't about to see them turn down someone who wanted to take a kid in a similar situation to what I was in. Not without a proper chance, at least."

Trevor nodded his head, a smile crossing his face. He knew there was something about the captain he liked, and he kept proving it the more he talked to him. "I wish I could thank you in some bigger way than words," Trevor managed, looking Lennox in the eyes. "So, your wife's okay with this then? I'm not going to be some sort of surprise," Will nodded his head a bit. "Good, that's good."

"Just so you know," Lennox began. "We have another kid in the house. Our bio kid, Annabelle. I haven't met her yet, since I've been overseas." He explained, meeting Trevor's eye. "Can I trust that you're at least okay with kids? She's only four months old, so..."

"I love kids," Trevor's face brightened. "I used to babysit for extra cash. I handled some babies, so it shouldn't be too hard," He smiled a little bit, and then nodded. "So I promise you, I can probably handle her," He explained. "When you need me to, or if you do. I won't overstep-."

"Trevor, you're fine," Lennox patted his arm. "Now I'd say go pack your stuff. But I guess this is all you have, huh?" Trevor nodded solemnly, thinking about his home and his father's auto garage. "Don't worry about everything at home. We'll get it all figured out. We'll get you and Bee settled in first," He explained. "And then we'll go down and make sure your parents are laid to rest. And whatever else needs to be done down there."

"I can't afford a funeral," Trevor admitted. "We were pretty poor, and they probably couldn't leave me much."

Lennox nodded his head, and then shook his head. "The government will definitely pay for that. And if they don't, I will," He told him, standing to his feet after a long moment. "Now come on, I'm pretty sure there's a couple of people you want to thank."

Trevor stood to his feet as well, looking ready to argue with Lennox. After all, he didn't want him to feel responsible for the funeral, but by the look in the man's eyes, he didn't want him to. So instead, Trevor gave a half-hearted smile, and let Lennox lead him out of the room. Maybe his life would be okay after all, and he did have people to thank for it.

...

Bumblebee was stunned when Trevor came out of the room, and wrapped his arms around part of his leg. He didn't know what he'd expected, but such a reaction was not among the options he had come up with. Bumblebee's engine purred a little as he picked the boy up. "I can't believe you did that," Trevor breathed, his eyes raising to look into his optics. "Bee, I just... Why? When? Did you just decide today?"

Bumblebee smiled a little, shrugging his shoulders. And yet, he could see the shock in Trevor's eyes, and all the relief that came with it. It was clear that the boy had been scared about what would happen to him. But now he didn't have to be afraid, because Bumblebee would do everything in his power to make sure that he stayed with him. "Prime already wanted you in our custody," Bumblebee admitted. "But I wanted to make sure I got to be your guardian. Because slag, we're a team, kid," He told him, putting him on his shoulder. "And if I get to be the adoptive sire of an awesome kid like you, then I consider myself lucky."

Trevor smiled, leaning against the crook of Bumblebee's neck. It was hard to think about being adopted, that much was for sure. In fact, despite the smile, he still felt his heart break at the fact that he wasn't going home to his parents. But if he was getting adopted, at the very least he was going to (hopefully) be adopted by someone he knew would take care of him and treat him well. He knew that was all that his parents would want, too. "Lennox said he or the government will handle mom and dad's funeral by the way," Trevor spoke up, his voice a little low now. "You'll come with me when that happens, right?"

"Of course," Bumblebee nodded his head slowly. "I'm sure the others will come to support you too." He explained. "Since the others other than Ironhide appear to be staying here the next six months. And Tranquility isn't that far away."

Trevor nodded, and leaned back. "Is it stupid that I'm still a little scared?" He asked quietly.

Bumblebee shook his head, looking over at the boy slowly. Truth be told, he was scared too. Even if the world would think the Lennox's were Trevor's foster parents, they'd know the truth. This was his trial run, there was no turning back now. In fact, he didn't want to turn back now. What he wanted was what he got, a chance. A chance to do for another kid what Optimus did for him. "Don't worry, I am too," Bumblebee told him, leaning back against the wall. "I've always been "the kid" on Optimus's team. And now, I'm going to be a caretaker, temporary or permanent." He explained, looking up at the ceiling.

Trevor nodded, understanding how this would be a big change for him. It was a big change for both of them, considering Trevor was leaving behind everything he knew. To begin a new life, first in Texas, and then in this Diego Garcia, wherever that was. "You don't have to do this, Bee," Bumblebee looked over at him again. "I know you think you owe something to my dad, I get that," He told him quietly. "But you can do that in some other way. It doesn't have to include taking me in."

"But I want to," Bumblebee replied. "I know we haven't known each other long," He began, his optics turning to look at him again. "But I like you, I like talking to you. And I like being around you."

Trevor nodded, but gently stroked his prosthetic leg. Taking a deep breath, he looked down at it. "But I'm not just a kid, Bee. I've got special needs," Trevor replied, shaking his head. "I was born without a leg, Bee. Sometime I might need a wheelchair if my prosthetic breaks," He explained, stammering through his words. "I just, I don't..."

"Trevor, we'll make it work," Bumblebee told him gently. "So take it easy, relax. You're not going through this alone, I won't let you." Trevor nodded his head slowly, his lips curved into a faint smile. "Come on, we should go see Prime before we leave. He wanted to talk to you," He commented.

Trevor could only guess what Optimus had to say to him. It could be any number of things now that, as far as everything was concerned, they could be family within six months. It was an odd feeling, knowing that the mech he had met may become his grandfather. He'd seemed younger, in his forties at the most, so Trevor at the very least knew he'd be a young one. But then again, who was he to judge? He figured it simply meant that he had been a young "sire" as well. He was dragged out of his thoughts quickly when they entered a large hangar in the base, where Optimus waited.

At once, Optimus stared at Bumblebee. "Bumblebee, I wish to speak to him alone, if I may," Trevor swallowed a little, his stomach going into knots. "Do not fear, Trevor. If all goes well, you are to be my grandcreation. And you can ask Bumblebee, that means you would know if you were in trouble." Optimus gave a small chuckle.

"It's true, y'know," Bumblebee told him, as he set Trevor on the ground. "He's one tough mech when it comes to that stuff," He turned around. "I'll go find Ironhide, so we can go check out our transport," He nodded. "Make sure that it's safe."

Optimus nodded as the young mech walked off, then stared down at Trevor quietly. After a few moments, he crouched down to his level, and stared at him. "I guess I should really be thanking you," Trevor broke the silence first. "You didn't have to make that part of your treaty, y'know. That I was under your guys' protection, you could have just let me go-."

"You are a brave young man, Trevor," Optimus shook his head. "And that will make you enemies. Your actions have very likely already made you enemies out of ours." Trevor nodded his head slowly, understanding. "What's more it is my fault that you are not safe at home with your family. I owed you this much for what you have done. Even if Bumblebee cannot get custody. At the very least, our newfound team will fund you for the rest of your life," He explained. "Your schooling, and whatever else you may need."

"You did that for me?" Trevor breathed. "I, uh, I don't know what to say," He breathed. "Thank you."

Optimus nodded his head, but by the look in his optics, was far from done. Looking Trevor in the eyes, he gave a small smile. "I ask only one thing in return for this, Trevor," Trevor nodded his head slowly. "Be good to him. I know this is much to take in, especially after you have just lost your creators," Trevor's eyes lowered to the ground at that. "But Bumblebee has grown quite fond of you. And as such I must ask if this does not work out, you do not lie to him." He then added. "We want what's best for you Trevor. And if that is for us to help you from afar, or directly, we will understand."

Trevor looked Optimus in the optics again, understanding what he meant. They wanted to help him, in any way they could. But this was still his adoptive son they were talking about, he did not want to see him hurt. "I care about him too, Prime," Trevor replied, honesty in his eyes. "I owe him a lot, more than enough to be honest with him about this," He commented. "But to tell the truth, I'm relieved it's him. I wanted to stay with him, I feel safe around him." He paused a long moment. "I don't know, when I was around him after my parents died, and he took care of me, it felt right."

Optimus nodded his head a little, understanding fully. After a long moment, he placed a finger onto Trevor's shoulder, belittling his strength. "If this goes well," Optimus began, a gentleness to his voice. "It will be my honor to call you a part of my family." He then added, with a nod of his head. "And as for things back in Tranquility..."

"Lennox already told me," Trevor nodded.

"Keller will fund the burial himself," Optimus told him. "He will call Lennox when they have arranged a date." Trevor nodded his head, a deep sigh of relief escaping him. "Until then, this is our farewell, Trevor." He stood to his feet slowly, then stared down at him. "Once again, I thank you for your courage, and bravery." He added.

"Don't mention it," Trevor replied. "Thank you for everything you've done."

"It is my honor," Optimus replied. "Now if you'll excuse me, I must talk to Bumblebee before you depart."

As Optimus left, Trevor took a deep, inward breath. As he looked around the hangar, he took in all that had just happened. He thought of what was going to happen, what his new life would be like. Would Lennox and his wife treat him well, even though he wasn't really their foster son? Would Bumblebee be allowed to adopt him? Would they even be compatible for it? Deep inside, he knew there was only one way to find out.

...

They arrived at the Lennox Farm late in the afternoon, with Ironhide driving Lennox and Trevor. Trevor had wanted to ride with Bumblebee, but Lennox had insisted he ride with him. Given the fact that his wife would want to meet him sooner, rather than later. Even so, he had insisted on waiting quietly in the topkick. Watching from some feet away as Lennox reunited with his wife, Sarah. When he held his baby for the first time, however, Trevor lowered his eyes, trying to calm himself. "Tough to watch?" Ironhide asked.

"Memories," Trevor muttered. "My dad used to look at me like that," He explained, his voice cracking. "I-I don't know if I can do this, Ironhide. It may be too hard, seeing this... Remembering stuff," He paused. "I don't know."

Ironhide shifted a little on his wheels, taking this in quietly. "Don't forget, you have a family too," Trevor looked up a bit, smiling a little. "Bee's your temporary caretaker now. And as the Autobot assisting him, that makes me family too," Trevor's smile grew a little wider at that. "This may be a new life you're entering, kid. But you sure as pit aren't entering it alone."

Trevor took a deep breath, knowing that Ironhide was right. He was surrounded by people, even with his family gone. People who wanted to help him. People who didn't want him to feel alone like he had when he first lost his parents. After a moment, he looked up to see Lennox motioning towards Trevor to join them. "Well, moment of truth, I guess," Trevor muttered. "If I get out of you right now, my old life really is over."

Ironhide was silent, wishing that Trevor had ridden in Bumblebee. Knowing that he would have been better at encouraging him in this situation. "Go on, kid," Ironhide popped open the door. "You're going to be spending the next six months living with them too. You gotta get out there sometime," He explained.

Slowly, Trevor took his advice, stepping out of the truck. But it was not to the family that he approached, rather he moved towards Bumblebee. He looked over towards Lennox, who seemed to give an understanding nod. "Promise me you'll still be out here when this is done," Trevor muttered. "I think I'm about ready to puke."

"I'll be right here," Bumblebee offered. "Go on, Trev."

Taking a deep breath, Trevor forced himself to walk. Looking back, he only got Bumblebee driving forward a bit to get him moving. He knew what he was saying: he had to trust these people. Especially if he had any hope of staying with Bumblebee. And so, he took his first steps towards the farm house, towards the future, and into his new life.

...

A/N: Whoa, two chapters exceeding four thousand words! I may just do with this fic what I wanted to, which is writing longer chapters for it. :D So yay!

Anyways, from here, we move into the "filler chapter" arc. Basically, the next several chapters will take place over the next six months. Because frankly, if I skipped over those, it'd feel like a huge chunk of Bee and Trevor's relationship was missing! So expect that before we move back into what I consider the "main story".