Chapter Text
Grimlock long since noticed Bumblebee's recharge schedule. Or lack there of. He's not as dumb as one might think, thank you very much. He saw how sometimes Bee went on night patrol right after everyone turned in for recharge, how on occasion he even swapped shifts with Sideswipe, who happily went with opportunity to relax. He saw how, after particularly difficult missions, Bee pushed himself even harder for some time, allowing others to rest, his frame would be especially stiff for days on end.
However, evidence became extremely clear in this last week. It began with increase of Steeljaw's team's attacks. It was as if they had a newfound strength, and even worse, autobots had to cover more territory. Either way, after the fight Grimlock felt himself ache more than usual. Though it were two younger bots that looked like the slightest breeze could shatter them.
"You two get a rest, I'm gonna cover today's patrol." Bumblebee ordered them, and, though they obviously wanted to argue, both were too worn out to do so.
And if Grimlock thought that was rough day, boy wasn't he ready, as the whole following week things just kept happening: a new decepticon attack, malfunctions in guard system in the middle of the night, which was blaring untill way past midday, and even routine patrol in city became a rescue mission, as some house near the edge of it was caught on fire. Although Bumblebee was the only present for the last one.
Point is, this week was absolutely taking it's toll on the team, yet if he had to choose who took it worse, Grim would undoubtedly take their leader, who took double shifts, after attacks started happening.
And it came to a boiling point, when at the end of the week, late at night Grimlock witnessed Bee tripping over nothing and falling face first into the ground. What surprised dino bot, was how, instead of picking himself up, the autobot just sighed defeatedly and turned his helm, facing the other side, all while his body sunk deeper into the ground.
Uncertain what to do, Grimlock made his way to the yellow bot, careful to make his steps a tad bit softer.
"Uh, you okay there Bee?" At this said bot turned his helm his way and blinked.
"Grim?" He squinted for a moment, before responding. "Yeah, fine and dandy."
Bigger bot could only stare at him, confused.
"What does it have to do with flowers?"
"What?" Now it was Bee's turn to look confused, until it dawned on him. "No, no, it's an Earth expression, it's like-" he stopped himself mid sentence, wich was weird as well. It wasn't rare for him to explain some things about Earth to other Cybertronians, but Bee never cut himself off. "Nothing. I'm fine, just- need a moment, I guess." At this he closed his eyes. "You can go, Grim, I'll be fine."
Grimlock seriously doubted that, as autobot looked like he desperately needed rest. And Grimlock could provide him with that.
"Hey, Bee, can you turn over?"
"What? Why?" Bumblebee looked incredulous.
"Just turn over, come on, it's not that hard."
Yellow bot only sighed, but obliged and soon was laid on his back plate.
"Happy?" He asked sarcastically.
Instead of answering, decepticon bent over and scooped autobot, servos secure under back plate and pedes.
"What are you doing?" Bee asked dryly.
"Well, remember how you told me to rest, so I could help team better? I'm just doing the same for you." Grimlock grinned, which only earned him a tired sigh in return.
"We don't have time for this." Bee argued halfheartedly.
"We do, actually. Nothing is going to happen if you'll recharge for a change."
"Fine, whatever." Apparently seeing a losing fight, Bee accepted his fate and only leaned in closer, shutting his optics.
With handful of yellow bot now, Grim carefully made his way to his usual spot of recharging, hoping it'd be comfortable enough for Bee to rest.
As Grimlock came closer to their destination he felt Bumblebee fidgeting.
"Look, Grim I appreciate the effort, really, but... I can't recharge now."
"Huh, why? You look tired." Former decepticon replied concerned.
"It's just going to be a waste of time, trust me." Autobot sounded almost dejected.
It made Grimlock quite for a moment. He didn't even consider a possibility of recharging being difficult. Maybe Bee didn't like loud noises? Wait, no, they were always loud and yet autobot did rest sometimes. Maybe he didn't like resting at night? No, that's not it either, Bee never rested during the day. Then what was it?
"Are you...scared of something." Tried Dino bot hoping that, if anything, it'll make the other talk
"I...I just- can't right now, is all." Grimlock felt that it wasn't the whole truth, but found himself suggesting a distraction.
"Distraction?"
"Yeah, you don't have to recharge, if you don't want to. We can just sit and talk, or..." Grimlock trailed as the idea came to him.
Changing directions, he headed further into the forest, scrape yard becoming smaller and smaller as he went on. Bumblebee was surprisingly quiet during the walk. 'He must be exhausted' Grimlock thought, as he came to a cliff. It was well past midnight, so dino bot knew it wouldn't be long before sky would be littered with bright colours.
"There," Grimlock announced proudly, after coming to edge and gently lowering Bee, before sitting himself. "Sunsets are pretty from here, so it's a nice place."
"Yeah," Bee agreed softly as he gazed at the city below, lights creating a beautiful picture, as if someone used paint. "it is."
They sat there for a long time, in silence, enjoying the view. As the red and pink broke the sky signifying the beginning of sunrise, Grim was captivated by it's beauty.
"You know," he addressed smaller bot "if you ever feel like this again, we could come here or go and punch some-" he cut himself off, when he felt additional weight on his side.
Looking down he saw Bee, who slumped against him, optics closed shut and face plate completely lax.
Grim couldn't help soft smile creeping on his face plate, as he lifted a servos on Bee's shoulder pad to let the other rest more comfortably.
And there, bathed in early morning sunlight, autobot looked prettier than any sunrise. Grimlock finally teared his gaze from him, giving yellow bot a quiet rest he so obviously deserved. Dino bot was sure, others could survive a day without their leader's interference.