Jazz had just started to relax.

The chaos had finally settled.

Ironhide, Lennox, and Epps were hanging around, but at least they weren't actively making Jazz's life miserable. Harry was busy tinkering with an engine, which meant he wasn't causing immediate trouble.

Things were finally calm.

Which, of course, meant something had to ruin it.

And that something came in the form of a very familiar yellow Camaro sneaking around the side of the shop.

Jazz twitched.

"Bumblebee."

Bumblebee froze, one foot still lifted mid-step, optics wide like a child caught sneaking into the cookie jar.

The entire lot went silent.

Then—

Epps wheeze-laughed, doubling over. "Ain't no way—he sneaked out?!"

Lennox, choking on his own laughter, slapped a hand over his face. "Oh, Optimus is gonna kill him."

Ironhide just stared, completely perplexed. "How did you get away?"

Bumblebee beeped something way too smug, finally stepping forward like he hadn't just committed a crime.

Jazz groaned, rubbing his face. "Bee, you're gonna get yourself grounded."

Bumblebee ignored him, beeping sweetly as he turned to Harry, who had already set down his tools and was looking at him with pure delight.

"Oh my god," Harry cooed, stepping forward immediately. "Did you sneak out just to come see me?"

Bee chirped and nodded.

Jazz glitched.

"You're encouraging him," he snapped, desperate, but Harry was already back to spoiling the little menace, running his hands over Bumblebee's plating like he was some pampered pet.

"Who's a sneaky bot?" Harry crooned. "Huh? Who's my sneaky, rebellious little speedster?"

Bumblebee purred.

Jazz vibrated with frustration.

"Primus fraggin'—Bee, stop soakin' it up!"

Epps, crying from laughter, barely managed to choke out, "I can't—he's purring!"

Lennox was on the ground, wheezing.

Ironhide, who had been watching this entire thing unfold, finally shook his head. "I don't get it."

Jazz whirled on him. "You and me both, Hide."

Ironhide squinted at Harry. "How the hell do you do that?"

Harry grinned, still patting Bumblebee's helm. "What? Love him? Appreciate him? Give him the affection he deserves?"

Bumblebee beeped happily.

Jazz screamed internally.

"Bee," he growled, "get your aft back to base before Optimus comes lookin'."

Bumblebee made a small, sad beep—full-on puppy eyes engaged—but finally sighed and transformed.

Harry gave the hood of the Camaro a fond pat. "See you soon, Bee."

Bumblebee revved happily and took off.

The moment he was gone, Epps fell back against the shop wall, still gasping for breath. "Oh my god. That was the best thing I've ever seen."

Lennox, wiping tears from his eyes, shook his head. "Bee snuck out like a teenager breaking curfew. I can't."

Jazz scowled. "I hate everything."

Harry slung an arm around his shoulders. "No, you don't."

Jazz groaned. "I need a fraggin' vacation."

Ironhide, still looking confused as hell, muttered, "I still don't get it."

Jazz threw up his hands. "Nobody does, Hide. Nobody does."