Archive of Our Own ^beta

Earth

What a strange and unique planet.

Bumblebee didn’t understand it. More than half of the surface was covered in liquid. What even was “water”? It seemed like an odd planet to reside in. 

He had done his research, it was at least ten times smaller than Cybertron. Also, the organic life forms were called “Humans”. Strange, fleshy creatures that made even a small mech like Bumblebee look huge. Optimus constantly reminded Bumblebee to be respectful and open-minded to any other organisms from different planets, but Bumblebee couldn't help it. It was safe to say he didn't like the look of the planet he might be spending the next hundred vorns on.

The thought made his spark sink with dread. He was a mix of many feelings. Pride, fear, confusion, excitement, he was lost in the whirlwind of emotions that repeated again and again through his processor. 

Even with all the complicated emotions, Bumblebee knew one thing. 

He didn't want to leave his family. 

The Autobots had raised him since he was a youngling. They weren't his team, they were his family, and he needed them. Maybe Bumblebee was too mature to be thinking this, especially since he had just hit the Cybertronian adulthood age a few stellar cycles back, but it was just how he felt. No one knew how long he’d be gone, searching for a sign of an ancient but very important artifact that somehow made its way to the most random planet in the universe. 

He was proud that he was chosen for the mission he was. The Autobots called him the best scout in the ranks, and even without a voice he could easily scrap with the best Autobots and most dangerous Decepticons. Bumblebee couldn’t complain, it was an honor. 

An honor with a really big burden that made Bumblebee sick to the bottom of his tanks. Primus, he couldn’t bear to leave all his friends. He couldn’t leave Optimus.

Optimus was his caretaker, his guardian, the one mech who understood him like no one else did. Bumblebee saw him like the sire he never had and always needed, and even their artificial spark bond couldn’t provide the same comfort as the Prime’s protective embrace when they were lightyears apart. 

He was torn between fulfilling his duties as an Autobot scout, and his place here with the rest of his team.

 Prowl had explained it all to him a while back, he was set to stay on Earth and track the lost All Spark to save Cybertron, and hopefully end the war. No one knew how long it would take for the All Spark to show up, but all their trust was in Bumblebee (and Hot Rod) to use his well-known ability to locate irretrievable items. It was a lot of pressure, to say the least.

When Bumblebee put it into perspective, it didn't matter if he didn't want to go in the first place. He couldn't refuse a role like this, and even if he did, it would have been awfully selfish. Optimus and all the others on the team were so proud to see their young mech grow into a refined scout, and Bee knew he couldn't let them down..

His raging thoughts were abruptly stopped when the hologram in front of him flickered, before returning to its image after a blink of an optic. Bumblebee's doorings twitched as he recollected his surroundings, glancing around the desolate space.

He was within the holo-room, slumped on a bench in front of a projection display. He seemed to have zoned out as he watched the transparent hologram of the foreign planet, “Earth”. It had a mix of Green and blues, scattered across the surface with no general pattern. The entire surface was organic, unlike Cybertron which had its Energon that ran through the planet like veins, fueling every bot on the planet and every structure. This world was very colorful. Very full of life. Which only meant it would be harder to stay hidden as intended. 

Bumblebee shook his helm, trying to physically rid of the overbearing thoughts. No. He couldn't worry about the mission, that would only set him up for failure. He had to focus for the Autobot's sake. This was his moment… 

Although deep down he knew he hated this whole situation. In the back of his mind, he wished he had picked any other scout. Any other mech. It just felt unfair to the plucked away from your family after growing up with them. He couldn't bear it- 

“…”

Bumblebee froze. Something had stirred in his spark. It wasn't just his own, it was the spark bond forged between him and Optimus so many vorns ago. It wasn't anything significant, but he could feel the slight presence of Optimus somewhere across the ship, within his quarters. He had awoken. 

Now another conflict bubbled up inside him. Did he let Optimus find him, or keep to himself? Bumblebee couldn't help but prefer the initial idea. In the back of his processor, he craved some comfort from his leader. He kept his side of the spark bond open, allowing Optimus to acknowledge his presence. He fidgeted with his digits impatiently as he focused on Optimus’s approaching spark. The silence was heavy within the room as he causally waited, staring into the planet's hologram before him. He knew Optimus, and he knew Optimus would instantly notice Bumblebee's aroused spark, and try to figure out what kept his charge up. It was just how Optimus was, always thinking of his team (specifically Bumblebee) first. He couldn’t even count on two servos the number of times Optimus had caught Bumblebee in a bad mood, and every time he made it better. 

The thought made his spark ache with self-pity, but he immediately tried to push it away, hoping Optimus didn’t sense it. 

But by Primus, Optimus was the most perfect leader ever. He could only wish to be as compassionate and loyal as him one day. Optimus would take a role like this and fulfill it to the best of his ability, without any doubts or a second of hesitance. His despair was replaced with guilt, and he patiently waited for Optimus to come.

Eventually, the Prime did arrive, making his presence known with a small knock, but both of them knew that action of his was unnecessary. Bumblebee shifted his frame to look at the door, unaware of his doorwings that fluttered with slight contradiction at the thought of Optimus being there with him. 

The door slid open with a low click, revealing the familiar red and blue frame of Optimus Prime. His glowing blue optics had a gentle look to them at the sight of Bumblebee, his irises which were usually cold and unreadable, had a soothing thoughtfulness to them as he stepped into the room. His digits brushed against Bumblebee's back as he walked behind him, a silent gesture of his consideration for the young spark's distress. 

The bench let out a strangled creak as Optimus sat down beside Bumblebee, keeping a comfortable but respectful distance from the younger mech. None of them spoke, but the silence shared more than words ever could. The sparks between them intertwined, making both of them relax with just the one beside the other.

Optimus relaxed by the bond and Bumblebee cherished it. He knew he wouldn't feel this safe for a long time after that night, so this moment meant more to him than anything else in that moment.

Bumblebee didn’t even notice he rested his helm on Optimus’s shoulder until Optimus wrapped an arm around his back, securing him and pulling him closer. Bee melted into the touch, suddenly feeling at ease for the first time that night. They both watched the hologram before them, the quietness never awkward between them. 

However, Optimus eventually spoke, unable to hide the slight worry in his spark. His scout was never this affectionate, especially since he grew older. It was clear in his frame that he was dealing with something internally.

“Little one… something is troubling you. I can feel it.”

Optimus mumbled softly, tilting his helm to look at Bumblebee. He didn’t receive a response, but he expected one either. He let the silence hang before speaking again.

“Is this…” Optimus stopped and glanced at the hologram of planet Earth. “About your mission?”

Bumblebee felt an unfamiliar clench in his chassis and hesitantly nodded. He didn’t meet Optimus’s gaze, nervous of his reaction. Why was he so scared?

Optimus let out a thoughtful hum, his digits rubbing Bumblebee's back in a soft circular motion. He had a suspicion of Bumblebee's dread on his new mission, but he didn't know it was this bad. He mentally berated himself, wishing he didn't wait until the very last moment to talk about it. 

“I see.”  Optimus sighed and shifted his position to be a bit closer to Bumblebee. “Well, clearly you're nothing more than nervous about it.”

Bumblebee let out a pitiful yet soft whine. Of course he was. At that moment he wanted to be annoying and cling to Optimus, insisting that he’d never leave no matter what, but he pushed that silly idea away. He was not a sparkling anymore. 

“Hm? Maybe I can guess why?”

Optimus murmured softly and lightly pinched Bumblebee's side, making the smaller mech move away and snicker at the contact. He quickly recollected himself and let out a heavy vent and nodded, leaning back towards Optimus as he waited for him to start their little guessing game. 

Optimus tapped his chin in thought before making his first guess. 

“Is it the organic lifeforms?”

Bumblebee shook his head no. The humans were remarkably inadequate in his opinion, though he'd never admit it out loud. He watched as Optimus went back to brainstorming, waiting for him to get it right, an amused but worn-out look in his light blue optics. 

“Is it teaming up with Hot Rod? He’s an immature but loyal bot, you know. I think you two complement each other well.”

Bumblebee let out a weak shrug and shook his helm once more. He didn’t know Hot Rod that well, but he seemed trustworthy enough to be stranded on a planet with. Although it wasn’t Bumblenees biggest concern at that moment. 

Optimus watched the Bumblebee’s expression, his softening. It was apparent he had pinpointed his internal conflict.

“Is it going on your own?”

The Bumblebees’ lack of reaction was enough to answer for Optimus to realize he guessed right. Bumblebee's optics flickered with remorse, unable to make himself nod to his answer, so he just sat there, his gaze downcast.

Primus, he felt pathetic.

Optimus’s gaze grew tender, able to feel Bumblebee's guilt, nervousness, and dread all at once, and he instantly knew the situation. His young Autobot scout was scared to leave the ship and all the Autobots, which was more than understandable for a mech like Bumblebee who didn’t have a family growing up. Optimus couldn’t deny that he was worried for his sake, as he didn’t want Bumblebee to leave so soon either. To have the bot that he raised so far away from him… no one knew or noticed, but the reality was eating him up inside. He trusted Bumblebee, and maybe he was being an overprotective helicopter parent, but he wasn’t ready to see him go. Not yet. 

But the war came first. He knew the yellow scout would be homesick, but there were thousands of innocent sparks at stake, including the future of Cybertron. This wasn’t something you could push back because they didn’t “feel like it”, and Optimus was well aware that they both knew this. It was a painful but true reality, and it was bound to happen sooner or later. 

“Bee… listen to me.”

Optimus rumbled softly, putting a digit under Bumblebee's chin and trying to get him to look at him in the optics. Bumblebee hesitantly followed his gesture, his spark aching as he met Optimus’s sympathetic gaze. The older mech sighed, his servo never leaving Bumblebee's shoulder as he spoke in a soothing voice.

“You’ve made me so proud, Bee. Watching you excel at your studies and become one of the best Autobots we have. Your talent makes you the best for this mission, and I have no doubt you’ll fulfill it wholeheartedly. I know it’s a big adjustment. You’ll miss everyone and I’m sure they miss you dearly too, but this isn't goodbye.”

Optimus ran his hand over Bumblebee’s helm, offering him a sad but reassuring smile that made the scout relax… just a little. 

“You’ll carry out your mission and head to Earth, and I know you’ll do just fine. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and just do what you’ve always done. We’ll reunite later in the future, I promise.”

And Optimus gently tugged on Bumblebee, pulling him in for one last hug. Optimus’s large frame practically swallowed Bee, but he couldn’t care less. He buried his helm in Optimus’s chest, shutting his optics tightly. He could feel the soft touch of Optimus on his lowered doorwings, his circular motion on them taking him many vorns back when Bumblebee was just a youngling struggling with nightmares. As always, Optimus managed to fix Bees' problem. Of course, he was still nervous about leaving for the mission, but he now understood it was necessary. If completing the mission meant he would get to reunite with Optimus and his whole team afterward, then he would fulfill the assignment to the best of his ability.

Bumblebee sent him a gentle wave of reassurance through their spark bond when he felt Optimus’s slight dread. He could tell his father figure was anxious and worried for his sake, but he didn't want to scare him more than he most likely already was. Bumblebee squeezed Optimus reassuringly, trying to show that it would be okay. In response, Optimus lifted a large servo and placed it on the back of Bumblebee’s head, massaging his thumb into it soothingly. 

Bumblebee tried not to tear up at the touch, as did Optimus. 

The two mechs held their embrace for a long time, both just soaking in the silent succor of each other. It was a moment of peace amidst the stressful situation, but both had come to terms with it now. 

No matter what would happen on Earth, or after, Optimus and Bumblebee would be forever connected. Connected within their sparks, their minds, and their spirits. They were forever linked over the bond of genuine love forged from a horrifying war, and neither of them would ever let it slip away, no matter the distance.