CHAPTER 13
A Tough Day

As it turned out, Bumblebee was given his holoform on the very day that Trevor's parents were to be laid to rest. It was perfect timing, given Trevor and the Lennox's were getting ready in the Witwicky home as Ratchet installed it. Lennox had kept his promise, and not said a word to Trevor about the holoform until that day. But he still hoped nothing had slipped when he arrived at the Witwicky home around noon. He activated his holoform for the first time since he had tested it out for Ratchet. The man was the human equivalent of his age: thirty-four. He had thick blonde hair with black streaks in places, clean shaven, and had startling blue eyes. And today, he made the projection appear to have a suit, given the occasion.

He knocked on the door to the home quietly, and waited patiently. He was thankful that Lennox was the one to answer, as, after being around him long enough, he recognized him right away. "Whoa, Bee," Lennox grinned a bit, looking him over. "You really look, wow. Ratchet sure did a good job making this work." He reached forward, and held onto Bumblebee's arm. "And we can touch you guys and everything."

Bumblebee shrugged his shoulders a bit. "Ratchet is good at what he does. And besides, as he put it, he wanted me to get to spend proper "human" time with Trevor," Bumblebee told him, putting his hands in his pockets. "It's made up of nanomachines which is why it's so solid. Pretty wicked right?" Lennox nodded, appearing to be in awe even though he'd known about this. "How's he doing, Will?"

Lennox stepped to the side and let the holoform in silently. He crossed his arms, looking up the stairs. "He won't talk to anyone, even Sam," Lennox told him with a quiet sigh. "He needs his dad, Bee." He said, making it clear he meant him.

Bumblebee nodded his head, his real form scanning over the home. He quickly found Trevor to be on the second floor, in Sam's bedroom. Bumblebee frowned, he could tell that Trevor was crying, and it killed him to see that again. Yet, he also knew this is why he wanted his holoform in time for the funeral. Because Trevor needed this, desperately. His holoform carefully made his way up the stairs, and down the long hallway where he found Sam at the door. "Sam," Bumblebee nodded, as Sam looked up. "Don't worry, it's me, Bee," He commented.

"But you're human," Sam observed, confusion in his eyes. "What's going on?"

"A new invention of Ratchet's," Bumblebee replied with a small smile. "It's supposed to be a surprise, as far as Trevor's concerned," He explained, and Sam nodded his head. "You mind going downstairs or something? I think I need to be the one to handle this," He explained.

Sam sighed, nodding his head in agreement, though he frowned. He gave a "good luck" look up at the mech before walking off, leaving Bumblebee standing there. After a moment, he quietly knocked on the door to Sam's bedroom. "Trev?" There was silence on the other end. "Why don't you open the door, and let me in?" He questioned.

For a long moment, there was silence. But Bumblebee expected the shock and curiosity would at least get him to open the door. He was relieved to be right, as the door gently opened and Trevor looked out. "Bee?" He asked quietly, his voice hoarse. "But you're human, I don't understand," He pushed the door open. "You can't be Bee."

"In the flesh - er, nanobots," Bumblebee replied with a chuckle. "Ratchet developed this, calls it a holoform. It's a hologram, but nanomachines make it solid, so you can touch it, and all." He paused a moment. "It was supposed to be a surprise for you. In time for the funeral so that," He was cut off when Trevor's arms wrapped his arms around his body.

Already, Bumblebee could feel his nanomachines getting wet. And with a timid motion, he placed a hand on Trevor's back, rubbing it gently. "This is amazing, it's like," Trevor whispered quietly. "I just, I can't believe that you're actually here, like this." He muttered quietly, snuggling into the holographic man's chest. "Bee, I don't want to go down there, I can't go down there." He stated as he trembled.

Bumblebee gave a small whine, rubbing the boy's head. He carefully led him to Sam's bed, where he seated them down at the edge. For a long time, he held the boy silently as he sobbed into his chest. Probably letting out much of the grief he'd tried to internalize since they found his home destroyed. "You have to go down there, y'know," Bumblebee told him, trying to reason with him. "They were your sire and carrier - your dad and mom," He offered.

"And I miss them," Trevor muttered. "I don't want to be burying them Bee. I want to be home with them, I want it to be like when you came," He muttered, laying his head against him. "I know you're adopting me, but it isn't the same. I want my mom and dad, I want them back so bad."

Bumblebee shook his head, trying not to be hurt by that. How could he though? He wasn't his parents, he was going to be a parent to him. But he would never be the one that raised him from day one. "Yeah, I know, I know I'm not them, Trev," Bumblebee replied. "Maybe this was a bad idea. I thought maybe my holoform would help but maybe," He paused. "You'd probably be happier with a human parent and family."

Trevor shook his head slowly as Bumblebee began to move away. After a moment, Trevor laid his head against his lap, pinning him there. "No, no, not like that Bee," He told him, as Bumblebee looked down at him in surprise. "You're great at this, you've been a good... I guess foster dad?" Bumblebee shrugged, uncertain of his status himself. "It just never felt so final until now. That my parents are really gone, that I'm really getting adopted out, that," His voice became distant. "That they're never coming back."

Bumblebee was silent, that was a hard thing to grasp. Especially when you were far too young to be losing your parents. "Yeah, it sucks," Bumblebee nodded his head. "But I'm gonna drive you there, and go in with you. Prime and the others will all be there too," Trevor looked up at him. "They're here to get you through this, Trev. You don't want to disappoint them."

"What if I can't take it?"

"Then we'll get out of there and drive," Bumblebee offered. "We'll go wherever you want, and you can scream at the world," He then looked down at him. "Though you might look a little weird if you screamed at everyone who passed by," That earned a small bit of laughter from the human. "There's the smile, yep. The one I like so much."

Trevor laughed a little, slowly sitting up and wiping the tears out of his eyes. Though his face fell again (clearly this was not going to go away easily), he nodded his head. "A-Alright, but I need to get dressed," He managed very quietly. "I'll be down in a couple of minutes, okay?" Bumblebee stood, and looked at him. "I'll be okay, Bee. Or at least I'll try to be."

"Alright, I'll be downstairs when you're ready."

Trevor watched as Bumblebee left with a deep sigh. This was going to be the worst day of his life, with Bumblebee's new form by his side or not. But he knew he'd have to get out sometime, and face the music. And today, unfortunately was that day.

...

The service was attended by more people than Trevor had expected, a sight which made him happy. His father's co-workers at the garage were there, along with some police officers, who seemed almost out of place there. To one side, most the Autobots, in their respective holoform's sat. While the Lennox's and Witwicky's sat directly behind him. To one side, Bumblebee sat, keeping a hand on his own hand the entire time. To his right, Optimus sat, and easily stood out from the rest. His holoform was tall, and broad shouldered, a military buzz cut to his black hair, and soft, worn blue eyes to him. He dressed in full military attire, and bore the expression of a man that was confronting his demons.

Some of those who didn't know him had asked who Bumblebee and Optimus were. And though at first, Trevor had panicked, they explained it easily. The story was, surprisingly mostly the truth. While he lived with the Lennox's, and they were his "foster parents" (the only falsehood in this being they weren't really), Bumblebee, or "Ben" was looking to adopt him. While Optimus, or "Orion", was Bumblebee's father and therefore also a part of the family that was looking into adopting him. Luckily, they seemed to buy that they had simply come to support Trevor at the funeral, and suspected nothing.

To his surprise, Optimus himself was very kind in his treatment of him. The tough mech he had seen in Mission City had mostly disappeared. He was still strong, firm, and serious in nature, but he was also softer, and sweeter. Having even greeted him with a firm hug when they first arrived, something which had surprised him. He focused on all of these small details as a preacher spoke about his parents, their accomplishments, and especially, their love for "the son they left behind". "And now," Trevor's head shot up. "Joseph and Marie's son, Trevor, would like to say a few words."

As those words came out of the man's mouth, he felt Bumblebee squeeze his hand for support and comfort. Trevor didn't want to say anything anymore, he didn't want to talk about any of this. But he knew that he had to be as strong as he possibly could be in this situation. His parents deserved the words of someone that loved them, and knew them best. He carefully stood to his feet, letting Bumblebee release his hand as he stepped up in front of each of his parents graves. "M-My parents," Trevor chewed his lip slowly. "Were the two greatest people I ever knew. They were hard-working, trustworthy, loving," He looked over at the graves for a moment. "I know I fought with my dad a lot. Over stupid stuff, and when he left, I did a lot of thinking about that."

He felt tears already beginning to escape him, and sniffled a little bit. "And if you're watching me right now, dad, I'm sorry. I should have just forgotten the racing, and all that dumb stuff," He choked out a little. "And mom... I'm sorry. I'm sorry I wasn't at home helping you that day, I should have been... I didn't... I didn't even get to say goodbye, not like I did dad," He muttered. "I hope you went quickly, because you didn't deserve that cancer, or a slow death." He muttered. "And I hope you're happy... Like when we'd fix those cars together dad..." He started to break down into choked sobs. "Or when you used to play airplane with me mom... I hope, I hope I can make you proud wherever you are," He continued.

Knowing that he wouldn't get through the remainder, he simply unclenched his teeth and breathed. "And I hope if you're watching me from now on," Trevor managed. "That someday, I'll be able to make you proud." He then added, with a firm demeanor. "Just like how proud you made me to call myself your son."

He dragged himself back to his seat, as he heard the preacher finish up and begin a prayer in their honor. Bumblebee again took his hand, and smiled over at him. He knew that this would take time, and today would be the hardest of it. But he also knew that Trevor would be okay, he'd get through this, that was something he'd make sure of. After several minutes, the service ended, and several people were invited to the Witwicky's for a small party after. One that Trevor knew he'd have to sit through a thousand more condolences at.

And so he silently approached the graves again, for a silent moment by himself. He didn't want to hear any of that yet, he wanted a moment alone, just the three of them. And no better time than when others were leaving, some touching his shoulder gently as they went. He looked down between the graves, trying to keep himself calm. "I thought you'd like to know," Trevor turned as he saw Optimus approach him. "We have given your friend Nicholas the funds to keep your father's car garage running," He smiled a little. "In his honor."

"You guys did so much for them," Trevor muttered. "The funeral, the graves, everything."

"And you did much for us," Optimus replied, honesty in his voice. "From what the man said, they sound like very wonderful and compassionate beings. Two that are very worthy of remaining in the memories of those they left behind," Trevor nodded his head, he could agree with that much. "I am only sorry I never got the chance to meet the two people who gave such a brave and kind human life."

Trevor smiled a little, pushing some of the tears away from his eyes. Optimus definitely had a way with words, that much he was sure of. He put his hands in his pockets, and sighed a little. "You actually remind me a lot of my dad," Trevor admitted, looking at him. "I mean he was a race car driver, farmer, and then an auto mechanic, but you guys kinda act the same." Optimus chuckled. "Ironically, it was my mom who was the fighter though."

"Your mother?" Optimus queried in surprised. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised. My bonded - my wife is much the same way."

Trevor chuckled, and nodded, then turned his head back to him. "Yeah, you wouldn't have known it later in life. You know, because of the cancer," Trevor admitted, shaking his head. "But before she got really sick, mom was a police officer. She worked directly beside the chief," He chuckled a little. "The cops were in the back, I don't know if you noticed. But that's why they were here," He explained quietly.

"There was quite a procession of your law enforcement," Optimus agreed. "Your carrier must have been much beloved."

"She was," Trevor nodded.

For the first time, Bumblebee, who had been silently watching from behind set his hands on Trevor's shoulders. He looked down upon the graves and began to mutter his own prayer to Primus, before looking down at them. "I think I have not just big, but huge shoes to fill," He observed, rather quietly. "I promise," Bumblebee spoke quietly, as if speaking to just Trevor and the headstones. "He will be loved, and protected."

Trevor looked up at Bumblebee with a small smile, hoping that both parts were true. After a moment, he chewed his lip, and spoke up. "Uh, Bee, Optimus?" He spoke up quietly. "Can I, you know... Have a little bit of alone time? Just the three of us?" He asked.

They gave no reply, only walking away quietly as Trevor stared down at the headstones. After a moment, he crouched down to them, looking between them quietly, as he tried to control himself. "I'm sorry you guys couldn't be here," Trevor muttered, his voice low. "I'm sorry that it had to end like that at all," He swallowed a little bit. "I promise I'll visit as much as I can. Bee says he'll take me whenever he can, and I'm gonna take him up on that offer," He paused. "I love you so much."

He rested his head against each headstone quietly, patting them as well. As he finally stood to his feet and turned around, he headed towards Bumblebee and Optimus slowly. As he made the approach, he allowed Bumblebee to put an arm around his shoulders. "We don't have to go to the house, you know," He told him very patiently. "We can go for a drive for a while."

"No," Trevor sucked in a breath. "I can do this, Bee. I think... I think I have to do this."

Bumblebee nodded, feeling relieved that the boy felt that way. Trevor was still hurting, but at the very least, he was able to handle the situation better now. And hopefully, with him by his side, it would only get easier as time went on. "We'll be going to the home for a short time as well," Optimus spoke up. "So we shall see you soon, then."

As Optimus's holoform vanished, Bumblebee's real form drove up beside Trevor. The boy sighed, taking one last look back at the graveyard. Back at his parents, or at the very least, their grave sites. And then, hopped in, thankful that the hardest part of the day was over at the very least. "Hey Bee, can you play some Good Charlotte?" He questioned. "They usually put a smile on my face."

"You got it, bud."

Trevor was thankful to hear the sounds of "Hold On" as they drove down the street, and towards the Witwicky home.

...

Bumblebee didn't make Trevor stay much longer than after the party. After the party, and after everyone who didn't know Trevor's real situation had left, they did too. They drove down the highway now, headed back to Texas with Ironhide and the Lennox's not too far behind. Bumblebee now had the wheel as Trevor napped silently in the backseat, no doubt exhausted from the long day. To tell the truth, Bumblebee was very glad that the day was over himself. He'd seen his hopefully soon-to-be son cry more in the last several hours than he ever wanted to see again.

:Bumblebee,: Bumblebee was thankful that Optimus used the comm channel not synced up to his radio. :Status report? Have you and Trevor made it out of California safely?:

Bumblebee's holoform smirked a little at that. Of course, after all these years, the mech still worried about him. Especially now that he had his one and only "grandcreation" with him this time. :All good here, boss bot,: Bumblebee assured him. :I've got Trevor asleep in the back seat and we should arrive at our motel for the night in four hours,: He explained. :Once the Lennox's, Trevor, Ironhide, and I are settled in, I promise to give you a call.:

:I'll be waiting for one,: Optimus replied. :Prime out.:

At the sound of groaning, Bumblebee looked back to see Trevor's eyes slowly opening. He smiled a little, looking back at him. "You nap well back there?" He questioned, then motioned. "Sit up and buckle in if you're waking up for a while," He added. "Traffic's killer, and you know how I like to avoid traffic." He explained.

"By making Ironhide and Will panic we're both gonna die?"

Bumlebee chuckled a little at that, watching Trevor sit up before pulling his seatbelt over him. "Exactly," Bumblebee jested, causing Trevor to chuckle himself. "How are you doing back there? Need a little more Good Charlotte? Maybe Coldplay?" He asked, Trevor simply shook his head. "Good, that tells me you're at least feeling better."

"I've had better days," Trevor muttered. "But I felt much better with you and Prime there."

"I'll com Ratchet when we hit the motel if you want to thank him," Bumblebee told him politely. "He was making these already. But he double timed it so that I could be there for you," He explained, and Trevor nodded slowly. "Still some bugs he's going to have to fix over the next few months too." He commented.

Trevor simply smirked, and nodded his head. "Still pretty wicked," He told him. "Thanks, Bee. I mean, you know, for being there." He looked down. "I know that you could have just gone in spirit, and it means a lot that you cared." He explained, leaning against the door.

"Of course I care," Bumblebee teased. "You're my... Well, you're my kid," He explained, something which made Trevor frown a little. "I'm sorry, was it too soon to talk like that?" He asked, a little embarrassed. "I should have known to find another way of putting it on a day like this."

Trevor didn't know how to reply to that, biting down on his lip. It had been a little soon for that, even if it was a nice thing to think about. The last thing he wanted to think about that day was being anyone else's "kid". Answering questions of where he was living had been hard enough. "It's okay," Trevor managed. "I just have to get used to it, I guess."

"No you don't," Bumblebee shook his head. "From now on, I'll call you my charge. Until you're ready for the whole "kid" or "son" thing," Trevor smiled, sighing in relief at Bumblebee's understanding. "I keep jumping the gun, especially since there's still five months to go," He explained, then added. "Primus, can you believe it's been a month?"

"Why did it take that long to bury them?"

"Prime's insistence," Bumblebee replied honestly. "You'd been through so much he thought putting a funeral on you too soon... Well, he thought it would probably destroy your spirit," He shrugged his shoulders. "He wanted to make sure you had ample time to grieve before they put you through this."

Trevor crossed his arms, nodding a little. He supposed that made enough sense. Considering the number of things he had actually gone through in those two days. "You know, Optimus is a pretty cool guy," He spoke up, looking at Bumblebee. "He looks out for just about anybody he comes across, doesn't he?" He asked with a chuckle.

"Not quite that easy," Bumblebee laughed. "But if you prove yourself worthy of his friendship? Oh yeah, he takes good care of you."

Trevor nodded, his eyes threatening to close again. He rubbed them quietly, wishing that he could keep up. It was, after all, only around eight-thirty, and on any other night, he'd still be awake. "You think we can finally relax a little?" Trevor asked. "You know, after all of this is done?"

"Between my classes? Learning? Your school?" Bumblebee asked.

"You're right," Trevor laughed. "I'm this close to just counting the days until we're on Diego Garcia. And all this crap is over," He admitted.

Bumblebee's eyes twinkled, so Trevor was looking forward to Diego Garcia? It meant, in his processor, that he was looking forward to being there with him. After all, he could have just said "when this is over". But instead, he mentioned the option in which he was adopted, and came with them to their base. He quickly calmed himself, trying to hold back his enthusiasm. "Yeah," He replied. "Me too, Trev."

When there was silence, Bumblebee looked back to see Trevor had fallen back asleep. He sighed, deciding to keep himself more silent this time, and let him sleep. After all, with this long day behind them, he was going to enjoy recharging himself. He was pretty sure they would all need it.

...

A/N: Blergh, that was a tough one to write! :( But I'm glad to have gotten it out of the way. Hope it turned out good, even though it's a sad one.