A/N: For those who have been waiting for Optimus to go protective grandpa on Galloway. You're welcome. :)

...

CHAPTER 25
Looming Darkness

"That was supremely uncalled for."

Trevor couldn't help but smirk at Galloway's aggravated reaction to Optimus hiring Morshower. The man looked mid-way between a conniption, and just flat out screaming at Optimus. Not that Trevor felt even a slimmer of sympathy for the man's loss of his second job. Galloway hadn't even gotten the news until it became official early the next morning. And as a result, Bumblebee was also there to watch the man's reaction. Yet, as usual, Optimus handled the situation calmly, as odd as it may have been. "We believed it to be in everyone's best interest, Mr. Galloway," Optimus spoke, his voice calm. "It is in no way personal."

"Like hell it's not personal," Galloway spat. "It's because I don't subscribe to being all sweet and sympathetic to the urchin you brought in, right?" He asked, his voice loud and angry. "You don't care about professionalism, only that you and your freaky little "family" is treated like royalty," Trevor grimaced a bit. "I got news for you, even with your annoying "grandkid"'s condition, I don't give respect to people who don't earn it."

Optimus seemed to stand there for a long moment, the air filled with tension. Trevor looked to Bumblebee, who looked ready to step forward and make a comment. But the Prime quickly beat him to it. "I see no "condition" worth pitying that you speak of," Optimus told him, straining to keep himself calm. "Trevor is a very healthy, and well functioning human being." He explained.

"You don't see the hunk of metal he uses for a leg? Or how slow he can be on the uptake?" Galloway asked with a snort. "Don't tell me you're daft. That's the only reason anyone here even puts up with him. They're just too scared to say it," He then added. "But he's not even the problem here, you are. With your uptight attitude, and rules. And your holier-than-thou way of talking down to me."

"Comment on my flaws if you must," Optimus replied. "But I politely ask that you take back the cold things you have said about Trevor," He added, his optics flashing somewhat with anger. "Trevor cannot help what disabilities he was born with. Just like you cannot help whatever you were clearly born with," Galloway's mouth gaped open a bit.

"I wasn't born with anything," Galloway snapped back. "Because I'm "normal", do you even have a concept of that?" He questioned, barely noticing the way Optimus clenched his fists. "Of course not, nothing about you people is normal. Between the freaky transformation thing you have going on, and your one-legged gimp of a mascot-." He added.

"I'd chose my next words very wisely, Mr. Galloway," Optimus warned.

"Why? Did I hurt your feelings?" Galloway snapped. "Are you machines even capable of feeling?"

He nearly wet himself when a fist slammed against the floor, and Optimus crouched, bringing himself face-to-face with Galloway. For a moment, Trevor wondered what exactly Optimus was going to do or say, but he didn't need to wait long. "I have more feeling in my little finger than you do in your entire body," Optimus told him, his voice dangerously low. "Which means I feel anger the same as any other sentient being may," He approached him slowly.

"S-So?"

"Your insulting of my men will end Galloway," Optimus told him, his voice growing angrier now as he poked the man's chest with a finger. "And your derogatory and otherwise disgusting comments towards my grandcreation will as well," He then added. "I have made a vow not to harm humans, and therefore I will not. But if you continue down this road, I may cease seeing you as anything human."

Galloway swallowed slightly, sweat dribbling down his face as fear etched into his features. It was clear that Optimus wasn't kidding, he was very serious, and without a doubt, very angry. "I'm sorry you can't handle a little dose of the truth," Galloway managed, he straightened his tie. "You might be able to change my control and power over things, Optimus Prime," He then added. "But it doesn't change the fact that I'm right about you, and your mechs," He then added. "Or about the boy, since you certainly can't change his issues."

"There is nothing to change," Optimus's tone was dangerously angry now. "Trevor is more than fine the way he is, thank you very much, Mr. Galloway," He then added. "I believe the way you treat people and act, it is you who is in need of the change," Galloway looked ready to speak again. "If I hear a peep out of you about him, his leg, or his learning disabilities, you will be out of both jobs," He explained harshly. "I believe in second chances, and so I will allow you that. But what I will not allow is the continual belittling of any member of my family."

"You wouldn't be able to fire me!" Galloway snapped.

"Keep talking about my grandcreation that way. I'd love to test the theory," Optimus stood to his feet, and continued to stride towards Galloway, who backed up more and more. "Trevor, and my mechs have no issues to speak of. No one but you have a problem with them. Many even worked to make our base wheelchair accessible should something happen to Trevor's leg," Galloway tried to sputter out words. "And if you have a problem with him or any of my other Autobots, you can kindly pack your bags and get off of my base." The last part was said in a tone that sent Galloway cowering a bit.

There was utter silence following those last words. And Trevor could barely believe how much Galloway had angered Optimus. And what's more he could hardly believe that he had stuck up for him like that. This man was a government official, making him angry could cause trouble. But Optimus didn't seem to care, he only cared that the bullying from Galloway stopped. "My superiors, will be hearing about the way you just treated me," Galloway breathed. "You'll be hearing from them very soon."

"I'm sure they'll be interested to hear how you're treating the child on this base."

The look on Galloway's face at the prospect made Trevor wish he had a camera on him at that very moment. But without another word, the man had stormed off, practically blowing smoke out of his ears. "Something tells me he won't be bothering you for a long time," Bumblebee chuckled slightly. "I'll give the man this, he is the dumbest man I have ever met."

"Me too," Trevor shook his head. "I think I'm gonna go thank him."

"Don't, he doesn't do it for the "thanks"," Bumblebee shook his head. "Family doesn't have to thank each other for defending their loved ones," Trevor gave a small smile. "C'mon, let's go get a betting pool started on how soon after this Galloway quits," He joked.

"You're such a big kid," Trevor shook his head.

"Yeah, I know," Bumblebee smiled innocently. "And that's why you love me."

As Optimus approached however, Trevor did look up at him. The mech stared down at him, a warm look in his optics. "I know I probably don't have to do this," Trevor told him calmly. "But thanks, y'know, for everything you said back there."

Optimus nodded his head, his optics twinkling. "I merely spoke the truth," Optimus replied.

As Bumblebee started off towards the rec room, Trevor stood there for a long moment before following him. After all, he definitely wanted to get in on that betting pool, with the distinct hope the answer was "soon".

...

Trevor woke up in a deep sweat again early the next morning. Given the fact there was no sign of Bumblebee, he realized he had not screamed, which came as a relief to him. He had woken him up far too many times with his nightmares, but now he could slip out of bed and take a walk alone. The base was mostly quiet, besides those that took the latest shifts on the base possible, so he didn't mind being seen in his pajamas. Though he'd only made it so far before the familiar sight of a yellow Autobot grabbed his attention.

Trevor's eyes widened in surprise as he saw Bumblebee still wide awake in his room. He had an energon in his hand, and looked like he had just gotten out of recharge, much to his shock. "Dad?" Bumblebee nearly jumped off of his berth as he looked over at Trevor. "What are you doing up so late?"

"... I know I'm still new to this whole parenting thing," Bumblebee paused. "But shouldn't I be asking you that?"

Trevor frowned, knowing that Bumblebee was avoiding the subject. Just like the mech knew him well, Trevor had come to know him well too. And the distant look in his optics definitely gave away the fact that Bumblebee was avoiding something. He slowly approached Bumblebee, who scooped him up and onto his knee. "I had a nightmare," Trevor replied. "But you don't have dreams, so I'm guessing that's not your excuse."

Bumblebee was silent as he stared down at his son. Reaching a finger forward, he gently rubbed the top of his head, and took a deep intake. "It's okay, kiddo," He told him gently. "A lot just happened on our scouting mission the other day and it kinda bothered me," He tried to act a little more upbeat, though he quickly failed. "There was an attack, and a small family was almost killed in the crossfire... If I hadn't barely intervened."

"... You thought about mine?"

Bumblebee nodded, shuddering a little. Trevor frowned, so they were both up thinking about the same thing. That was a change, a big one at that. After a long moment, Trevor looked up at Bumblebee. "It wasn't your fault, you know?" Trevor asked. "I used to think it was mine, but you convinced me it wasn't," He then added. "But that doesn't mean it was yours either."

Bumblebee was silent, though Trevor could tell he wanted to argue that. How could he convince him otherwise? It would always be Barricade who had killed his parents when coming after him, after all. "Thanks bud," He began to rub circles in Trevor's back. "I know it wasn't entirely my fault. But it does weigh pretty heavily over my helm," He admitted. "Especially once you started calling me "dad". I just kinda wonder sometimes if I really live up to the name."

"You've been a great dad to me," Trevor rubbed Bumblebee's leg. "You're probably the coolest and most loving one I could ask for. Right alongside Joseph," He figured it was easier to use his stepdad's name to differentiate in this situation. "I mean, how many dad's knowingly take on someone like me."

Bumblebee raised an eyebrow, and jabbed him in the ribs gently. "Are you kidding me? A kid like you would have had a line of potential adopters out the door," Bumblebee shook his head as he said that. "But this is exactly why I tried to keep this time to myself. When it happens I don't want you to feel guilty," He admitted, feeling frustrated.

Trevor sighed, and leaned against his father's armor quietly. He understood what Bumblebee was saying, it did make sense after all. Bumblebee was in a war after all, and he probably had things he dealt with at night. It was probably why there would be times of the night where he'd absently feel a gentle stroking along his back. "It's okay, dad," Trevor commented. "I know that hurt you too, it must have. That was kinda part of the reason this even happened, right?"

"Yeah, of course," Bumblebee purred. "I mean, seeing you break that day killed me," He explained. "I'm not sure I ever actually said this, but I'm sorry I couldn't save them," He shook his head. "I know I keep them off your mind but I do think about them every day."

"You tried."

"And failed," Bumblebee sulked a bit. "My first real mission and I failed miserably."

Trevor shook his head, and gave Bumblebee a look. "Hey, don't sulk on me dad," Bumblebee's optics widened. "You helped find the Allspark, you did your job of protecting me and even Sam," The scout blinked, surprised by this. "And what's more you're still keeping that mission up. Because you said it yourself, your mission became protecting me. And you did, by adopting me."

Bumblebee was silent, Trevor really though his mission was a success? Even now, a part of him had really thought that it had been a complete bust. But when he thought about it, protecting Trevor had become his real mission, and it was a mission he was succeeding in. "I guess you're right," Bumblebee finally replied, his optics lowering towards him. "Though I wouldn't call helping get the Allspark destroyed a "successful" part of the mission."

"I kinda think it was meant to happen," Trevor admitted. "If you had got it, you would be gone. Off in space somewhere."

Somehow, that left an empty feeling in Bumblebee's spark. The idea that he would have never seen Trevor grow up, or get a chance to be a dad. Trevor was right, maybe it had all really been meant to be. He hummed, and carefully moved Trevor onto his chest as he laid on his berth. "I don't think I'd even want to think about a world like that," He admitted. "Who knows what I'd do without my little partner in crime."

"Probably would have ended up with Sam if not on Cybertron," Trevor shrugged. "Which isn't so bad."

"Nah, Sam's cool," Bumblebee replied. "Not totally sure I could deal with how hyper he is though."

"There are so many hypocritical things about that statement," Trevor teased.

"Mmmm, I can ground you for mouthing off to your father."

Trevor chuckled as Bumblebee covered him body with a hand. It was clear they were both getting drowsy, and more relaxed as they talked things out. Bumblebee smiled as Trevor turned over onto his side, and he ran fingers along him. "Do you think this will get easier for us someday, dad?" Trevor asked, his voice low.

Bumblebee nodded, a smile widening on his face. "I think so, bud. It's just going to take time," He laid his head back slowly. "Think you can get some shut-eye with me if you sleep on my chassis?" He questioned.

"Maybe," Trevor muttered. "Can you play me some music?"

Bumblebee smiled, and began to play a soft, lulling, and lullaby-like tune. He didn't know what the song was, but it seemed to be doing the trick of slowly lulling Trevor to sleep. After a few moments however, Trevor looked up. "I know it's tough dad," Trevor muttered. "But I'm glad I met you, and..." His eyes slowly began to fall.

"I know," Bumblebee replied. "I love you too."

And he always would, even with those haunting memories.

...

He'd bee waiting a long time to make his move. It should have been easy, after all, it was just one human, a small human, a human with one leg. All of these, in the back of Barricade's processor, should have made him easy to acquire. And yet, he also realized the boy was on the other side of the world, far from California, and under close Autobot protection. But then again, could he expect anything less? He was now the grandcreation of the Prime, something which made him ultimately the most important human at the Autobot's disposal.

With a growl, he flicked a piece of garbage from the pile he sat on. He hated living in what the humans called a "dump", it was dirty, stupid, and left them too out in the open. But Starscream had insisted on it, claiming a warehouse or the like was too obvious. Of course, he had left him soon after, leaving him in charge of the small group of Decepticon forces they still had at their disposal. A fact he couldn't stand, not in the least. After all, as long as he had the boy, Trevor, Bumblebee was happy, and had his own little family. Something that Barricade once dreamed of for himself...

Something which, accident or not, Bumblebee had taken from him.

"Barricade," The mech looked up as a large, black and purple jet transformed before him. "Any word from Lord Starscream today?"

"What do you think, Skywarp?" Barricade spat back.

The mech, known as Skywarp, backed up a little bit at that. Most knew that though Barricade was not the strongest Decepticon, he was someone to be feared when angry. "I suppose that answers my next question," Skywarp chided. "The attempt to find a way to barrage Diego Garcia is going that well, is it?" Barricade snarled a bit. "What? This is your revenge plot, it's so ridiculous even I find it amusing."

Barricade snarled slightly, feeling the desire to rip the seeker's spark out. But unfortunately, knowing Starscream would far from approve of him killing one of his trine-mates. "If they would just take that little brat stateside, and leave him alone for five seconds," Barricade groaned. "I could be tearing away at his flimsy little flesh as we speak."

"Ewwwww," Skywarp gawked. "What the slag would you do with its skin?"

"Make a nice throw rug maybe," Barricade joked. "Send it to Bumblebee for that "Fathers Day" the internet talks about."

Skywarp cackled slightly at the mental image, though Barricade wondered if he knew he was serious. It wasn't like he'd keep the boy once he got his hands on him after all. At most, he may keep him in lure Bumblebee into a trap if he was feeling really evil. But either way, he would die, and Bumblebee would know the spark break he felt. "That's deliciously evil, Barricade," Skywarp chuckled slightly. "Maybe after that we can figure out a way to convert what's left of him to Energon."

"Now you're thinking the way I am," Barricade teased. "Now all I need is a way to get the pesky brat."

"Ohhhh can I help!?" Skywarp questioned, shrieking with delight. "Thundercracker and I would have fun with the squishy! I haven't gotten to have any real fun with them yet you know!" He added, still screeching.

"Shut up!" Barricade snapped. "Not yet."

"Why not?"

"You go near Diego Garcia and you're as good as dead," Barricade grunted. "For now, we will just bide our time. They will slip up eventually, you know the Autobrats, they always do." He explained. "Until then, I do have the bug I planted on Bumblebee during our last encounter," He mused darkly. "No doubt, it will be easy to figure out when to make our move on that alone."

Yes, even though his patience wore thin, he knew he would get his chance. And when he did, Bumblebee wouldn't know what hit him.

...

A/N: I thought it was about time we saw the Decepticon side of things again too. XD I hope that was a good enough tease of things to come.