Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Are you serious?

this is the greatest day of my life!

I get to work for the government!”

These words rang In B-127 audials as he approached the tall building of Iacon, he will be calling it home(work place? he still doesn’t know where he will recharge) with his two best friends.

He glanced at them, seeing how tall they were would be intimidating(especially Orion)for the untrained optic, but they’re the kindest bots around! this is great! he was so excited, he nearly sheathed his blades(Knife-hands) to open the door quicker.

When they entered, It was huge .

And it was filled with hundreds of bots celebrating them, shouting out their names in praise. Everyone was happy there! optics sparkling with joy!

A couple of a red colored mech and a blue with accented yellow actually lifted B-127 up on their shoulders plates, and pranced around with him on top, he wanted to know the names of them so badly.

Elita was receiving compliments from other mechs, who were gushing over her. She didn’t even feel arrogant, she simply said “Oh yeah, I know”(like always! primus, she’s so humble!)

but Orion was static -smiling, but static. his ever soft, yet clear commanding voice spoke.

“please everyone, I know you are excited -And I am too. But first we need to settle in our new missions. with megatron” he stuttered saying the name “and The Quintessons at large, we need to plan our next move.”

The bustle died down, as everyone here seemed to know where to go. somehow disappearing in the maze of lifts(like a reverse trash shoot) that were previously obscured by the mechs who were cheering them, still needs to get their names -all of their names, could be future best friends.

As they entered one of the lifts, and later went on a long stretching hallway, Bee stayed right by Orion’s side, glued to his hip. He always knows what to do, and he’ll give him a task when needed.

task.

like how they started being friends, he needed to do a task with him.

which they got from alpha-trion… and how they got there was because of:

Steve!

“Oh my primus Orion- we need to fix Steve!”

Orion slowed his pace and looked down at him, a visible confusion dusting his faceplate.

Did he forget who Steve is? no wait-

He’s not Orion anymore.

“I mean Optimus! Optimus Prime!” B-127 stammered his correction.

“Who’s Steve?" Elita-one chimed in, such as confused as Optimus.

“my old pal from my stomping grounds, well was- he died” The yellow bot forced a giggle. “but it’s fine! I can make a new Steve anytime! right Ori- err” he bit lip “Optimus?” he nailed it.

“right,” Optimus didn’t show eye contact “But in the meantime, bee; welcome to your new place” he gestures towards the door in front of them. 

The yellow bot didn’t realized were it was till the colored wall promptly opened revealing; a slightly bigger sub-level 50 sized room, with a non-Conveyor belt berth, a mirror on a table cast on the wall, said table was filled on one side with energon, and some sort of poster of the Iacon-5000 printed on it.

“this is perfect! oh!- you know what we need do? a sleepover!”  squealed. 

“no” Elita deadpanned, peering inside while resting her helm on the archway.

“yeah- no maybe another time?” Optimus scratched the side of his neck, “is that okay?” he almost sounded like he was nervous.

“oh no I get it you’re busy, but maybe another time?” the yellow bot suggested, shrugging.

“of course” The prime’s face faceplate lit up in relief. “I second that” Elita added, a smirk creeping on her.

“Alright, I guess we will be heading out.” Optimus ducked under the entrance, and exited out.  “if you need anything, let us know bee” The pink bot followed The prime, leaving B-127 alone with his new living arrangement.

this is great!

he took the time to explore his place, to the close minded processor it was an; empty, dry, maybe baren… which is true, but he’s going to fill it with so much stuff -he will make this into the greatest room ever!

First was the berth, he laid his back and it was the comfiest berth ever! Big enough to fit him and his best friends at the sleepover, but not too big that he’ll need a map to get out when he wakes up.

Then he hopped off to look at that table full of energon, It’s been awhile since he refueled(like 5 cycles?) and this energon looked especially tasty since it was from the fresh source instead of the mines.  

He took one to shove into his intake before stopping when he senses movement.

it was the reflection, nothing dangerous, It’s just himself-

he started at the reflection.

it started back.

…is that what he looks like? 

He took a servo and gently grazed over his cheekplate.

he couldn’t believe it.

all the times he did anything, this bot was doing it, too.

every word he spoke.

every breath he invented.

every thought he thunk!

he looked weird, he doesn’t remember the shattered glass from the garbage reflecting that face.

or maybe he does, it doesn’t look foreign to him. but it feels foreign, alien even.

He usually imagines himself as a disembodied voice with yellow arms. It was bizarre attaching a faceplate to his actions, every breath he took was linked to that mech. 

but as he flexed his digits, and the mirror mimicked back.

it really was him.

a question flew into his processor: is that how everyone saw him?

this guy?

No He wasn’t this, well he can be this but it doesn’t make sense he would have a face.

he tried doing expressions, pouted,(forced)smiled, frowned, and that frown stayed.

Though, It would be distributing if he didn’t have a face, but he doesn’t want to see that. It feels unnatural to imagine this mech speaking with his voice.

an energon cube fell, its glowing blue shined next to his pede, he crouched down to pick it up, until an avalanche of cubes hit his helm.

the cubes scattered around him, as he fully sat and just stared at the mess. Part of him didn’t want to clean it, if it meant standing up and looking at that.

himself.

he shook his helm, and grabbed the nearest cube and just stared at it. His faceplate faintly reflected as a blobby blur, that’s what he thought he looked like.

hastily he collected all the falling energon cubes one by one, and hesitated on the last one before he reminded himself what Elita would think if she sees his new room like this.

cluttered one cube atop another, forming a shaky mountain(deliberately)in front of the mirror, he doesn’t want to look at him.

that can’t be him, B-127 wasn’t a mech. He was -But he was him, that faceplate was his, with his voice, with his body, with his mind.

It feels confusing.

There's a difference between Him and B-127; he was Orion’s(Optimus) and Elita’s best friend(…D-16 too?) 

B-127 was a guy -on the mirror, yeah. 

Now that makes more sense.

and he was also B-127…

“Is everything okay, Bee?” 

Before The yellow mech could process the question, Elita entered, her voice hinted with concern.

there was a pause. Then B-127 spoke:

“I’m doing great.”

Chapter Text

“You’ve been here for a while, we thought you slept” Elita explained, leaning against the doorway.

B-127 leaned against the table with his elbow, resting his helm on his first “how much is a while ?” he forced a smile. maybe that way she won’t press him.

“5 joors” Elita told, she frowns slightly.(does she know what she looks too? did she accept it?)

“oh, I’m fine! I’m fine! uh, how about we go…do something?”

she sighed, “come on, I have something to show you”

Bee follows his best friend’s lead, going through hallways and around corners he can’t even dream of remembering, let traversing them without help.

they managed to enter an entrance of sorts, where Optimus prime stood. a smile reaching his optics showed(he knows what’s the deal with his face, does he practice?)

He was in front of some other mech with a blue visor, and he was holding up something with both arms.

“Bee, I would like to formally reintroduce you too..”

the prime didn’t need to step out to reveal who it was, but the frame of his first best friend behind assured him in shouting the name of:

“ steve! ” And he was alive! “You’re good as new!”

“not just him” Optimus spoke, gently grabbed the yellow bot’s arm and tugged it in a direction.

“AA-tron and EP-508!” It was so great to see them! He was going to explore Iacon with them, share laughs with them, have sleepovers with them- wait.

sleepover! 

It’s a perfect time for that! 

“This is the Best, Best day ever! alright, let’s get them inside, and then we can have that sleepover!” B-127 excitedly bounced on his pedes, carefully grabbing AA-tron’s helm and laid it on his shoulder plate, lifting her up by the pedes and carrying her.

“Oh! yes.” Optimus seemed surprised by the sleepover mentioning, but his previous smile returned after a click. the prime picked up Steve and hurled him over his shoulder plates, he winced hearing Steve’s neck creak.

Elita-one carried EP-508 under her arm, putting her free servo on his helm.

Optimus bent over to get on bee’s level, and whispered “Aren’t you going to introduce them to Elita?” 

Bee gasped “OH MY PRIMUS WHERE’RE MY MANERS!” he looked over to the pink bot that had her optic ridge raise, an intrigued looking shown on Faceplate(she has it all figured out in the face department)

“Okay! What you have is EP-508, I’m holding AA-tron,” he waved her arm “and Optimus is holding Steve!" 

Elita-one tilted her helm “oookay?” She was puzzled but content with it, (awesome!)

It wasn't long before they reached His room, But reality hit him like a train. when His best friends enter…they’ll see the mirror.

Hidden with a mountain of energon.

he just hopes nothing comes of it, they’ll just ignore it…!(yeah, they will understand!)

They would be too busy with Steve and the gang and-

“what is this all about, bee?” 

Optimus said, propping Steve on the wall. while his full attention was on the mirror b-127 deliberately covered. he reached his servo to clear up the table before the yellow bot yelled out:

“NO!” he sounded exasperated.

Everyone inside looked at him, surprised.

he never felt more helplessly insecure in his entire life .(Imagine that bot in the mirror shouting like that…)

“Don’t-“ The yellow bot switched his tone “do that- it’s- you don’t have to tighty-up on my behalf!” he forced a giggle.

“uh- sure, I mean- if I were you I would want to see my face all the time!” The prime peered at his reflection about the clutter.(he has to be joking)

“you do look alright, after all. maybe even cute” Elita commented.(they were not joking…)

B-127 dropped AA-tron next to the freshly placed EP-508, a loud clack echoed through the room.

Did he do it on purpose? not really, but anyway to get them to change the subject.

The two exchanged glances, silently communicating(they’re just flexing at this point) And pivoted to b-127.

“Whatever you say, bee” The pink bot spoke. her and Optimus’s optics glistening with remorse. 

good, that’s good! maybe.

“Alright then, let’s get this sleepover started!”

Chapter Text

Bee was acting strange , Optimus noticed that.

His Optics Were frantically darting when he spoke, away from himself and Elita to the table piled with energon to his right. 

why?

Is he scared of something ? would explain why he shouted earlier…

wait , maybe he’s not used to this place. B-127 has lived at a level that was a myth. Him fearing Ordinary objects(wouldn't that be comparing him to an unworldly creature ?). He’ll have to discuss it with Elita at a later date, she would've noticed it clicks ago.

“Bee, What’s wrong?” Elita-one’s voice rang out, through (both it seems) of their trances. Optimus hadn't noticed His Yellow Companion was clinging to The two makeshift friend’s arms, and burying himself under Steve’s body. His Optic’s were jittering almost, and his mouth was pursed in a thin-line.

The prime kept his quiet, not to stress his little friend with the many accusations(Elita Can handle this).

B-127 gluped, and shook his helm “ WH- what’s”- he chuckled “What’s wrong? Is she serious?” his question was directed at AA-tron, and with a laugh pointed a thumb towards her. 

“I’m being serious” The pink bot’s addition left him stopping the facade, and intently silent, pondering.

“You’ve been acting strange” took the words right out of his mouth “are you okay?” she softened her voice at that question.

“She’s correct, Bee. If there’s something troubling you do not hesitate to reach out” Optimus chimed in, plastering a smile. Elita nodded her helm “yes, we’re your friends, bee”  

“we have your back” Optimus promised (a promise he’ll make sure that won’t break).

“okay” B-127’s frame relaxed, peering up at his friends through Steve’s helm dangling above him. “I’ll keep it in mind” he flashed a smile, “in the meantime, do you want to know what each type of garbage would act like if it was a mech?”

After that, he ranted about how Steel beams would be like “a supportive guy”, Metal plates are “hard fellas with big sparks”. He went on and on with the list, It was oddly endearing for Optimus(wonder what Elita thinks, she would probably share the same sentiment)at glass shards his tone shifted- “would be way more different than you would expect” but he returned to his tempo immediately after, “And pipes are the fun guys you find drinking High-grade and cracking jokes”

A couple joors passed, and they Exchange stories about anything really. Elita told bee how Orian spilled a cart filled of energon, resulting in the carts behind him doing the same and stopping the whole row he was in and getting Elita to work overtime(ah, good times). Optimus explained each and every trait of the primes in such glee even he was taken aback, his audience didn’t seem to mind however.

B-127’s optics fluttered shut, mumbling something long, and incoherent. Understandable since he must be exhausted, and speaking of: Elita seemed to doze off as well, helm resting on her hand and was laid next to her friend. 

The prime took the liberty of removing the other friends out of the way, placing them somewhat in a row on the wall. Only keeping Steve so he can rest atop of himself, the least he could do for Steve for his help. Besides, his jaw was the perfect thing to fidget with as he snoozed to sleep.

He nestled at the foot of the berth, and let his legs dangle downwards. Pulling Steve closer himself to not disturb his slumbering companies, He noticed how surprisingly glossy clean his “optics” are, with a few scratches here and there(Bee must’ve took good care with tiding his group)

taking a glance at his yellow pal who was stuff talking while he was sound at recharge, a question kept gnawing at his processor: what was scaring him so bad? Bee isn’t used to the world outside the sub-level 50 , It would make sense that he’s getting confused and stressed out being thrown into the most lavish place in Iacon. but he wasn’t that frustrated with the customs , maybe he’s scared of someone… (Megatron?) 

he’ll have to figure it out with Elita-one later.

Chapter Text

B-127 didn’t even realize where he was when he opened his optics, but he did know how he felt.

weirdly cold.

Elita-one was resting on his side and Steve on the other, with Optimus(Orion pax) at their pedes.

yet he felt cold.

and an eerie feeling of being watched.

it was him.

that “bot” who shared his name.

he somewhat missed The furnace’s warmth and quiet hum. It was better than this.

in a way.

but having more friends was a net positive so he’ll muster through all his silly fears.

Yes, they were silly!

he doesn’t need to bother his friends because they have bigger threats, exactly!

like Megatron! He's worse than the guy in the mirror!

…but D-16 wasn’t a threat, he was a friend. He even helped him out of the fall from the train they were on.

Primus, he missed their journey together.

where he didn’t have to worry about sides and doing the right thing in a right way.

just a simple destination! just a simple time! no fear of it ending!

Maybe Bee was thinking a lot about it, just like how he talks, too much!

but maybe they feel that way, too.

He doubts it.

Elita noticed how B-127 was acting, very unlike himself. Well, the self she met a couple of cycles ago. She hates to admit it, but she grew attached to the yellow bot very quickly unlike her other peers she had to claw above them in rank and new recruits working under her.

They were walking in the hall where Jazz ran from behind them and swung his arms on the shoulders with a wide grin of his faceplate.

“Hey’a commander and Beebot! say’ Since we’re all cogged up and livin’ life in Iacon, how about we take a flick together? for the memories?” Jazz grin grew wider as he extended his servo with the camera he had.

Elita couldn’t decline a memorial between friends, she’s going to ask for a copy, but Bee seemed a little nervous about it, he didn’t outright deny it however.

The pink bot gave a gentle smile, before the bright light flashed, and the whirls of the camera were heard that the data-pad with the photo printed out into her branched servo.

“Aint it nice?” jazz chuckled.

“It would look better if we get it framed, wouldn’t you say bee?” Elita glanced over to her friend. who was distraught looking at the photo.

his optic ridges were shot up, his faceplate was twisted into a grimace, as he stood there. 

motionless.

“Hey, you okay bud?” jazz asked.

“What's wrong?” Elita questioned.

the yellow bot was static for a click, he just stared at it longer before shaking his helm.

“oh! no! I’m totally fine!” He stated with a smile too forced.

The two others exchanged a glance of worry and a frown from jazz until Elita spoke.

“Are you sure?” her voice laced with concern she wished was kept to herself.

“yup! all good with this bot! anyways, see ya’ later jazz-o!” Bee said, grabbing The pink bot’s wrist with strength rivaling Megatronus Prime, tugging her into a direction.

“Uh- you too?” the sliver mech frown deepened, while Elita shrugged as he weakly waved farewell.

B-127 found it harder and harder keeping this “paranoia” to himself as the cycle went on, he feels his body reacting whenever he thinks of that.

It was stupid, silly! 

So why didn’t it feel like that?

It was just a reflection, but the only ones he was used to seeing were shattered pieces and rippled color placements he can make a puzzle out of. 

never this, and It frustrates him! 

That bot wasn’t ugly, wasn’t beautiful or handsome and wasn’t something he didn’t want.

he just didn’t want to have a faceplate!

because it felt so.

so.

So weird being a person.

But Bee hadn’t realized it till his limbs were sprawling on the floor that he had fallen on the faceplate he was conflicted about.

his joints weren’t the best -he’d joked the furnace melded them. but he didn’t trip like that!

“Are you alright?” Optimus prime gasped with worry in his tone, was he always here? or did he get summoned here when something inconvenienced The yellow bot?( seems like it sometimes)

“yeah, just tripped -heh” he lifted himself slightly, and rubbed at his jaw, muttering a small ‘ouch’.

Optimus grabbed him and held him with both arms, like a weird hug from the back that left bee’s pedes dangling in the air.

it wasn’t the first time(and hopes it will never be the last) he’d carried him like this, it was very fun! but the air of tension made it less enjoyable. and his thoughts left unthought.

they were seemingly going to a room -his room, from the vague route he can recall. and just before they entered The prime spoke: 

“This isn’t an intervention per se, but more of a… friends’ advice talk.” he gave a gentle squeeze. “Trust me, Bee. This is for your own good”

Oh boy.