CHAPTER 36
Returns and Worries

"Dad, you're back!"

Bumblebee scooped Trevor up as he ran out to greet him in the main hangar the next morning. He smiled widely and held his son to his chestplates, grinning, and gently nuzzling him with his helm. "I know, I wasn't supposed to be back until this afternoon," Bumblebee chuckled. "But we actually ended up leaving early, so we arrived late last night," He grinned. "I missed you bud."

"Missed you too," Trevor stated as his father cradled him. "Okay dad, you're getting mushy. Soldiers are staring."

Bumblebee only grinned wider as he noticed that some of the soldiers were indeed staring. Oh well, wasn't it a known fact parents were supposed to embarrass their children sometimes. "Who cares, I'm just happy to have my little buddy back," He told him with a purr of his engines. "I know it was only one week, but it felt like a year," He commented.

Bellow them, Lennox smiled a little, glancing at Epps. "You know, it's kind of adorable," He admitted with a chuckle. "Guy definitely doesn't take his time with his kid for granted," He then added. "I can't wait until I can hold Anna up like that again." He then pointed up at Bumblebee. "Never take that for granted Bee, embarrass him all you can."

"Not helping, Will," Trevor snorted.

"Believe me, I won't," Bumblebee noted. "I plan to do it a lot more."

And to be fair, Trevor didn't really mind as much as he said he did. He loved his dad, and he loved the way that he cherished him. After all, for someone who spent his first five years in the care of a man who hated him he more than appreciated it. It reminded him of just how loved he was. "I guess that's not SO bad," Trevor noted as Bumblebee slowly deposited him on his shoulder.

Bumblebee held him close for another few moments, purring gently before setting him on the ground. Oh yes, it felt good to have his dad back, that much he was certain of. "So, did you guys bag any of the Decepticons?" He questioned, punching at the air playfully. "I bet you kicked a lot of aft, right dad?" He questioned, peering up at him with a grin.

Bumblebee grinned, his doorwings fluttering a bit at his son's excitement. "Oh you know it," Bumblebee told him with a wide grin. "Saved a family too, which made that victory even sweeter!" Trevor grinned back at his father. "And we got ourselves a prisoner who I think we're going to enjoy interrogating. He's a real fragger, no conscious or moral code. I want you to stay away from the brig unless I'm with you until we're done with him, okay?"

Trevor wasn't sure who the Decepticon was, but he was not ignoring Bumblebee's advice this time. Last time, he'd lost his father, and being he was the grandson, this time, it could be him going down. "So, you're pretty sure they know about... Me now?" He asked with a gulp.

"They know, Breakdown even mentioned you," Bumblebee shuddered. "Don't worry though, so far there's nothing to suggest they're after you. At least, we don't think so," He then stared forward, holding up a hand. "Isn't that right, Prime?"

Trevor turned as Optimus approached them, a gentle smile on his face. Trevor immediately ran up, and gave his grandfather a gentle hug around the foot. "I hear you had quite an eventful day yesterday," Optimus noted, and Trevor frowned slightly, even as the mech cupped him with his hand in a hug. "Your grandmother said she was very disappointed," Bumblebee blinked, knowing he'd have to hear this story either. "But your father is right, there is no reason for us to believe they are after you. Not yet, at least."

"Yeah, sorry about that grandpa," Trevor chuckled quietly. "It's good to see you," He added. "Especially with that bit of advice."

Optimus smiled before standing back to his full height, and looking at Bumblebee. He crossed his arms, and looked towards the end of the main hangar. "The fact of the matter is, I am not worried about Trevor," He explained. "Jazz has just spoken to me about becoming Trevor's full-time main bodyguard. While Jolt will be taking responsibilities with the Witwicky family if he so choses, should you approve."

"Of Jazz?" Bumblebee snorted. "You kidding? He's got the gig."

"We'll have to find out about Jolt soon though," Trevor commented.

"We will," Optimus nodded at him. "The point remains however, you are surrounded by protection. What I worry about is who Breakdown's "new master" is," Trevor swallowed a little at that, definitely not liking the sound of it. "What's more, I worry about what we should do with him. I do not condone executions, but we cannot let him go free," He explained.

"What are the humans saying?" Bumblebee asked.

"They might house him in a secret government base," Optimus explained. "It's in Nevada and functions as a government test sight for the most part. But they have modified some old government experiments to work as a cell for him."

"Area 51?" Trevor looked up. "Ha, I guess there really will be aliens up there now."

Both the Autobots gave him a blank stare, unsure of what the boy meant. "Yes, well, I suppose they will," Optimus paused a moment. "But we must get going if we are to interrogate him before he is sent there," He then added. "And I believe that you'll find that Ratchet is waiting for you to begin your extra chores," Trevor groaned quietly. "We'll find you later, Trevor, but for now, you must."

"I know, I know," Trevor grunted. "Galloway so deserved that crap either way though."

Bumblebee gave him a look, and knowing better than to say it out loud, Trevor told him over the bond. The young scout's face contorted, as if he were trying with all of his might to suppress laughter. It didn't succeed, as he quickly burst into laughter. "Oh Primus," Bumblebee chuckled. "Why did I have to miss that!? It sounds epic!" He added, to which Optimus gave him a "look". "But," He straightened his face forcibly. "But totally immature, you should uh, not give in to peer pressure or something."

"But seriously," Bumblebee said over the bond. "Fragger had it coming. Two thumbs up over here."

Trevor only gave a knowing smile before backing up. "Alright, I guess I'll catch you guys later," He replied. "It's good to have you guys back. I missed you," He smiled a bit. "Love you both."

"Love you too, kiddo."

"I love you as well, young one."

As Trevor headed off, Optimus gave Bumblebee another look. But the mech only shrugged his shoulders slightly. "What? It's not like Galloway didn't have it coming," Bumblebee told him honestly. "And besides, it did sound seriously hilarious." He pouted up at Optimus a little, his optics widening. "I can give him props for that, right?"

Optimus sighed, and shook his head. His son, without a doubt, had a lot to learn about parenting.

...

Trevor was exhausted by to the point of nearly collapsing by the time the afternoon rolled around. Thankfully, it was around that time that Ratchet finally allowed them to stop working. He nearly collapsed against Jazz at that point, moaning a bit as his friend chuckled deeply. "Heh, I don't think ya will find me a very comfortable pillow, shorty," Jazz snorted slightly. "Ya want me to carry ye?"

"Please," Trevor groaned. "My legs are dead from carrying all those boxes from the storage area." He admitted.

Jazz grinned, picking his young friend up carefully. He deposited Trevor onto his shoulder, and rolled his optics underneath his visor. He shook his head, and looked towards him with a half amused expression. "And that wasn't even that bad, little man," Jazz told him. "Ya want bad? Once ah had t' scrub the entire base with the equivalent of a toothbrush," Trevor gave him a look, shock in his eyes. "Ah may have gotten into 'Hides weapons stash once or twice."

"I'm his protege, and if I did that, he'd use his power as my great uncle to ground me," Trevor snorted. "He's beyond worried kids will get into that stuff, isn't he?" He asked.

"Yeah," Jazz told him with a nod. "But then again, yah got that sick-aft gun he gotcha for yah birthday anyway," Trevor nodded with another wide grin. "So, yah pops is back. Ya want me to take ya to see if they're done with the interrogation."

Trevor nodded, he was definitely curious to see how that was going. He relaxed as Jazz made his way towards where they knew that Breakdown would be being interrogated. They arrived to Ironhide's arm blocking the way, much to both of their annoyances. "Sorry, but I can't let ye go in there," Ironhide noted. "Prime doesn't want him within sight of shorty. And frankly, I don't want him to be either."

"What is with you guys and calling me short?"

Ironhide snorted, an amused look in his optics. He shrugged his shoulders, and pointed to him a bit. "You're a human Autobot, kid," Ironhide told him. "I say "shorty" in a loving way, if it helps," Trevor shrugged, figuring that wasn't bad at least. "Either way, I can't let you through. Jazz you can go in if you'd like, but Trevor stays out here with me."

Jazz gave Trevor a look, and slowly lowered him to the ground. Trevor crossed his arms, and frowned, but the mech looked down at him. "What? I missed out on the action in Washington, I'll be back before you know it," He waved a bit before starting off towards the interrogation room.

Trevor stared up at Ironhide with a groan, a little annoyed. Ironhide looked at his great nephew with a small smirk, and nudged him with his foot. "What? I just kinda hate being babied like this," Trevor explained to him. "I held my own in Mission City, 'Hide. I'm not afraid of Breakdown," He explained calmly. "I get that I'm a kid, but I'm tough."

Ironhide nodded, knowing what Trevor said was true. But it didn't mean that they didn't worry about him, or his well-being and safety. The burly mech shifted, and crouched low enough that Trevor could see him eye to optic. "We know that, Trevor," Irondhide explained. "But yer also precious to us. And family to quite a few of us," He then added. "If he got his claws on you, he could force us to do a plethora of horrible things, if he so chose."

Trevor blushed, having not thought of it that way before. But what the weapons specialist said certainly made a great deal of sense. "I'd hate to see you guys get put in a tight space because of me," He breathed, nodding his head a little. "I can't imagine they'd get you to do much for me though, right? The fate of the world matters more."

"Ye kiddin'?" Ironhide questioned. "I've got a special cannon all ready for the first 'Con that touches ye."

Trevor chuckled, still surprised by how close he and Ironhide had started to become. He still remembered very vividly how rough their beginnings were, but that had certainly changed for the better. "You ever find it funny? How we didn't use to get along?" Ironhide cocked an optic ridge. "And now here you are, threatening anyone that hurts me and actually being concerned."

Ironhide vented out some air as he slowly stood to his feet. He looked as though he was almost embarrassed by the fact that he had acted that way. He crossed his arms, staring down at the human with a smirk. "Well, ye grew on me, what can I say?" Ironhide noted. "Yer natural trigger finger gave us something to bond over," He then added. "And besides you're my great nephew, and therefore my family," He then added. "I knew I would warm up to you eventually."

"True," Trevor nodded. "So, when do I get to call you uncle 'Hide?"

"Whenever ye want to," Ironhide shrugged, then turned his head, optics widening. "Back already?" Trevor turned as well, watching as Optimus made his way out of the interrogation room. "What did the shrew say? Do I need to get in there and give him my own form of interrogation?"

Optimus's optics immediately fell on Trevor, who looked at him curiously. The mech vented out, already knowing that his grandson was not about to leave. He was curious, and with good reason to, this was the first Decepticon they'd captured since their arrival. "Very little," Optimus admitted. "He will not give up who is new master is," He explained. "Nor what he has planned. Only that all will be revealed within another years timeframe."

Trevor felt a chill run up his spine as he chewed his lip. "I don't know about you gramps," He began. 'But I really don't like how ominous that message sounds."

Optimus nodded his head glumly, agreeing fully with his grandson's sentiment. The more ominous a Decepticon was, the more dangerous the plan usually was. The last time he had felt this nervous, it had meant the doom of Iacon itself. "Nor do I, young one," Optimus inhaled deeply. "But we cannot live in fear, that is something I will not allow. So we will imprison him until the day he no doubt cracks." He paused a moment. "Do not worry too much about it Trevor, this is something we must handle ourselves."

"I'm an Autobot too," Trevor told him. "So I'll help in any way I can."

Optimus wanted to tell him he shouldn't get involved in it. But another side of him had a feeling that Trevor had a role to play in coming events. Events that may very well be defining for them all. "I have no doubt that you will, my grandcreation," Optimus told him gently. "For now, we must not dwell on it too much. The time will come to face whatever we must face," He explained. "But for now, there is nothing we can do."

And that was what worried them most of all.

...

"You don't think all hell will break loose again, do you?"

Bumblebee stared down at his son quietly, shifting on the couch he was seated on. It was that night, and the two of them had sat down to watch a movie in the rec room. Trevor was rested on his leg, just near the bottom of his chest plate, and leaning against said chest plate calmly. Bumblebee put a hand over him gently, shrugging. "If it does, we'll handle it, we always do," He assured him. "I'm not worried at all, kiddo, and you shouldn't be either. Unless I start to worry, then I might."

Trevor nodded, leaning into his arm and snuggling into his armor. He'd missed things like this, watching movies, and playing video games. Even if it had only been a week, it had felt so much longer. "By the way, I love the dream catcher you brought me back," He told him, holding up the little trinket. "But you do know that you don't have to always bring me something back."

Bumblebee smirked, shrugging his shoulders. "I figure I get to travel so much, it's only right I do," He explained politely. "I get them because I love you, and some things just call out to me as being meant for you," The boy nodded his head in response. "Listen, Trev, I was thinking... With all that's going on, are you sure you want to go stateside with your grandcreators?" He asked.

Trevor shifted a bit, and looked up at Bumblebee. "I'll be fine, dad," Trevor explained. "We're going out there to scout locations for the new NEST base. Plus we'll get to hang out and spend time together," He added, looking up at him. "You're worried about Barricade, aren't you?" He asked, to which Bumblebee made a face. "Dad, I'll be with grandma and grandpa the whole time. There's nothing to worry about."

"If he gets his hands on you," Bumblebee began. "I'd never forgive myself. That mech is out there, and apparently on Earth still according to Breakdown," Trevor looked up at him. "He'd do anything to get his hands on you. And when he does," He shuddered, purring slightly. "I just don't want to think about it. Especially not about the things he would do to you."

Trevor ran a hand over Bumblebee's armor plating, smiling. "I'm a tough kid, and I should be. I have Ironhide and Chromia for a great uncle and aunt, the Prime and his bonded for granparents," Bumblebee smirked a little. "And the world's biggest badaft for a dad," He then added. "I'm going to be okay. And besides that? I won't even be going before Thanksgiving, by the time that's over, he may have given up."

Somehow, Bumblebee doubted that very strongly. But another part of him wondered if perhaps he was just overly worried, and he'd come to realize that, laugh about it even when Trevor was home. But at the same time, he could not push back the fear, one which he would probably always have, whether he liked it or not. "I hope you're right," Bumblebee commented, before turning his attention back to the movie. "Heh, this Mater guy is a real numbskull, isn't he?" He chuckled lightly.

"I know, he was the best part of the movie!" Trevor commented. "And Larry the Cable Guy is the best."

As the topic quickly turned, Bumblebee hoped it would get his mind off his worries. After all, as far as he could tell, they were just that: worries. And fears that would hopefully never be realized.