Optimus woke to a strange whimpering sound. He groaned, raising himself up and trying to work out what it was. First thing he realised was that Megatron's large arm was gripping him and he grumbled in annoyance. But that sound was not coming from Megatron, he was sleeping soundly, and he didn't even think it was in this room. And then it hit him.
"Bumblebee!" he gasped.
Without hesitation and spark stricken with panic, Optimus threw Megayron's arm off, shot up out of the berth, and a mad dash through the private quarters to get to the room that held the tiny fragile sparkling.
"Bee, I'm coming," he called, terrified that someone might have gotten in and was hurting the helpless yellow bot.
However, when he entered, he saw that there was no one else there but there was no time for relief. He instantly saw what the problem was, Bumblebee had been trying to get out of his crib but had not only failed but had caught one of his little arms and was crying in pain. Rushing over, he bent and freed said arm.
"Shh, shh, it's okay," he said, lifting Bumblebee out and cradling him against his chest. "I'm sorry Bee, I just woke up, don't fret."
Bumblebee, unable to speak only continued to scream and cry from pain he felt in his arm. Taking pity on him, Optimus held Bee up closer to his face and started to nuzzle, whisper comforting words, and gently rub his arm to try and help smooth the pain away.
"Oh Bumblebee, I'm so sorry," Cuddling the sparkling closer.
"I promise that won't happen again, I shouldn't have left you all alone," he whispered as Bee continued to cry.
Trying to think what would help, he saw the rocking chair he'd sat in the previous evening. Getting an idea, he went over and sat down before releasing his chest plates.
"Here, this might help," he said soothingly, letting his pouches fill with sweet Energon and gently placing Bumblebee against a nub.
Bumblebee hiccuped and sniffled for a bit before instincts kicked in and he closed his mouth around the nub and started suckling.
"Good boy," Optimus said, wiping away the tears as Bumblebee settled down and fed. Bumblebee would need to see a medic, that arm was damaged and having a feed would not fix it sadly. But hopefully, it would help with the distress and pain. He looked over at the crib, it was designed so it's occupant could not escape but not quite well enough to prevent accidental injury. He was sure Bumblebee was going to try again, he might have done so because he was hungry and no one was around.
Perhaps it would be better if they were much closer to Bumblebee.
Unknown to Optimus and Bumblebee at the moment, Megateon had woken up when Optimus jumped out of the berth. At first he believed he was making a run for freedom but when the door to the room opened and allowed more of the sound of a sparkling in distress to reach him did he understand Optimus's frantic run.
He followed him quietly to the room and had watched silently from the doorway and had even called for his personal medic Hook to come see him right away and to bring supplies for a sparkling. Optimus still hadn't noticed him, he was too busy rocking Bumblebee and trying to take his mind off the pain. His face was creased in concern and concentration, something Megatron found rather cute.
"A medic is coming," he said softly, causing Optimus to start in surprise.
With a gasp, Optimus jumped and looked up from Bumblebee to finally notice Megatron was there.
He glared at the other for startling him but didn't pay it much mind since his main concern was for Bumblebee.
"That's good. It looks like he hurt himself pretty badly," The prime voiced softly as he stroked and rubbed the injured limb tenderly.
"I can see that," Megatron stated, looking surprisingly concerned. It was true that Megatron had been referring to Bumblebee as a son...but it was still odd to see that he might care for another being, especially a former enemy.
"I don't know if he was hungry or was just trying to find me," Optimus stated as Bumblebee let out another small whimper but continued suckling. "A shame I can't ask him..."
Megatron ignored the pointed remark, saying. "You did the right thing feeding him, he'll be in a better state to receive Hook."
Optimus stared at Megatron as he watched him for a bit before his attention was to Bumblebee who start whining and whimpered again while he nursed.
With a concerned frown Megatron walked up closer, noticing Optimus tense up from his getting closer but ignored him while he knelt down in front of him. Being sure to go slowly and not frighten the sparkling, the dark mech reached up to touch and rub the little ones sore arm.
"Shh little one, shh." Megatron softly hushed.
Optimus was at a loss what to do while he watched the leader of Decepticon's comfort the minibot.
Bumblebee's watery optics stared at the large Decepticon but apparently, he was so distressed, that he welcomed the offered comfort. He leaned into the gentle touch, making more whimpering noises that invited comfort.
"We won't let it happen again," Megatron assured him. "Once your arm is fixed, you can have a warm bath with your carrier, how does that sound?"
Optimus was amazed, when did Megatron get so gentle?
"That does sound nice doesn't it little one?" He purred softly.
Bumblebee slowly pulled away from the nub he was suckling, finished feeding but snuggled his face into the soft and warm pouch. Mehatron smiled and chuckled softly from the affection his was showing before leaned closer and whispered.
"Do you love your new carrier as much as I do?"
Bumblebee instantly nodded, he really like feeding from Optimus and cuddling against this soft pouch. And just being with him was so good, he'd always felt safe with the boss bot, he'd protect him from mean bots. Megatron was delighted with the positive response.
"See that?" he asked Optimus who hadn't missed a thing.
"I see," he said softly, feeling rather strange. Was Bumblebee really seeing him as a carrier?
But then Optimus realised what Megatron had said earlier and blushed. The other mech noticed the facial colour change and smirked.
"What is wrong my sweet?" He teased.
Optimus tensed up from being caught blushing and grimaced before finally answering.
"You don't love me," He said lowly.
"Mm, not completely," Megatron admitted. "We don't know each other well enough for that but I do love a lot of things about you. I love your looks, your bravery, your loyalty, you have so many good qualities, my sweet Prime."
Optimus didn't know what to say to that, he felt too embarrassed. He definitely didn't love Megatron but...there were things about him he liked. He did have a very handsome frame, he was a magnificent warrior, an inspiration to his people and those old speeches he used to watch...wow.
Megatron saw Optimus's embarrassment and found it endearing.
"What do you think, little Bee?" he asked the sparkling. "Is your carrier very loveable?"
Bee eyed Megatron suspiciously before chirping and nuzzled Optimus again. Smiling at this the older mech looked at the prime.
"I will take that a yes."
"Oh Bee," Optimus couldn't help but chuckle, stroking the little yellow head.
"Ah," Megatron suddenly said. "Hook is almost here, I'll go and let him in. Look after your carrier Bee."
Patting the sparkling's head, Megatron straightened up before heading away. Optimus was left alone with Bumblebee and he sighed.
"I don't know what to make of him," he told Bumblebee who was much calmer now. "He's done so many bad things and yet..."
He broke off, lost in thought.
Not long after Megatron returned with a lime green mech following him. Optimus looked up to watch them come in and walk over to him.
The mech stepped around Megatron and smiled at Optimus kindly.
"Hello, my name is Hook. I'm Megatron personal medic and you must be young Optimus," The medic introduced himself.
"Yes, that's me," Optimus agreed with a small nod, this Mech didn't look too bad. Far less creepy than Knockout anyway. "Bumblebee hurt his arm trying to climb out of his crib."
"Hmm, Megatron told me about that," Hook acknowledged. "If you hold him, I'll examine the arm."
"Um o...okay," Optimus replied and gently pulled Bumblebee back from his hiding spot but not too much to upset him so Hook could see.
"Let's see," Hook said softly, carefully looking over the arm before gently touching it.
Bumblebee made a whimpering sound and Optimus quickly shushed him, telling him everything was alright.
"Your arm will feel better soon," he said gently.
Bumblebee and tried to pull his arm back, not liking this new mech touching it. But instead of being irritated, Hook only smiled gently.
"Shh, it's alright. I'm going to make it feel better," He cooed as he reached into his subspace to pull out what he'll need.
"Don't worry son, he's a medic," Megatron stated. "He'd never hurt you."
"That's right and your carrier is right here to make sure I don't," Hook added, seeing how Bumblebee clung to Optimus.
"Now then let's see," Hook leaned closer and hummed as he looked over the damage.
As gently as he could, the medic lifted Bee's arm and started messing with his tiny fingers. So far they were still moving all on there down. He then moved up the arm to Bee's shoulder joint and hissed when he found it looked like the little sparking had pulled his arm parity out of its socket.
"It's partially dislocated," he told the worried adults. "Looks like he got it stuck and fell, causing this injury. I'll need to give him a mild sedative because I'm afraid this will hurt when I put it back in place. And he'll need to have his arm in a cast to keep it from being jarred, that place near his shoulder will be weak for a while."
Optimus almost felt his spark stop, his poor Sparkling. This was going to be terrible for him to go through.
"Primus. How long will it take?" Optimus asked in worry and looked down at Bumblebee in concern.
"The procedure it's self shouldn't take long, I know what I'm doing," Hook said reassuringly. "It's more the after effects that can be difficult. The arm will be very sore and he will feel quite woozy from the sedative. Because of his age, I cannot make it too strong so I'm afraid this will be hard for you and him. It will be distressing, but the sooner this is done, the better."
"O-okay," Optimus said nervously, looking down at little Bee. "I'll be here for him."
Hook nodded and shot Optimus a comforting smile.
"Don't worry, he'll be fine." He reassured as he pulled out a prepped syringe and begun to clean an area on Bumblebee's arm to inject it.
"You'll be brave for me, won't you?" Optimus asked Bumblebee. "I know you won't like it but you're a strong little bot, you'll get through this."
Bumblebee looked up at him and Optimus smiled before gently placing Bumblebee's cheek against his chest. He didn't think it was a good idea for Bumblebee to see the needle, he'd probably react worse if he did. Hook saw what he was doing and nodded, it was a good move. As soon as the area was clean, he didn't waste any time sticking in the needle and pumping it's contents into little Bee.
And surprisingly the sparkling acted like he didn't even feel it, all his attention on Optimus who smiled and whispered comfortingly down to him.
"That's a good. Just keep looking at me baby."
Megatron was very concerned for his son, even though Decepticons prided themselves on strength, this was a hard thing for sparklings to bare. However, he was exceedingly proud of how Optimus was coping and mentally reminded himself to let him know later. Hopefully, they'd be able to settle little Bee for a sleep and then they could talk.
He didn't speak, he didn't want to draw Bumblebee's attention away from his carrier, not when things were going so well. His attention was them drawn to Optimus who as well was giving all of his to Bumblebee as he concentrated on distracting and comforting him.
A proud smile pulled at Megatron's lips. Primus how did he come into possession of such a natural and beautiful mech as this one?
He promised that somehow, he would show this talented young Mech that he wasn't a cruel monster and that he could be a worthy mate. He dearly wanted Optimus to love him some day but he knew it would take time. For now, he wanted to earn his respect and convince him to work with him and the other Decepticons to build a proper society for all Cybertronians.
"Okay, I'll going to set the arm, are you ready?" Hook asked Optimus who nodded.
Changing his hold around Bumblebee so he was held more securely and less chance of him squirming free.
Once he was ready Hook reached out to place one hand against Bee's shoulder and circle his fingers around his tiny arm. Optimus and Hook's optics met before they nodded to each other before Hook without any warning jerked his arm up and shoving the little arm in.
A sickening pop was heard before Bumblebee started to wail.
"Shh, shh, it's okay," Optimus instantly said, hugging Bumblebee close, feeling tears in his optics because of the pain his sparkling was in.
"You did well, little one," Hook said soothingly as he continued working on the arm. "The worst part is over, your arm is back where it belongs."
Megatron saw the distress his mate was in and moved behind him, bending to squeeze Optimus's shoulder while placing another hand on Bumblebee's back. Optimus looked up at Megatron when he felt him touch his shoulder before looked back Bumblebee and continue trying to hush and comfort him.
Megatron joined in and stroked Bee's back and offered his own soft spoken words.
"Everything will be fine, Bee," he murmured. "The pain will pass soon, you're safe with us."
Feeling very emotional, Optimus almost cried at those words. Thankfully, Hook continued working as though Optimus and Megatron weren't saying anything, Optimus didn't think he could have stood it if the Medic had made snide comments or stared. It was hard enough going through this.
Not able to hold back his tears, Optimus leaned down and nuzzled his head against Bee's.
"Oh Bumblebee I'm so sorry. I should have protected you more, better. It's all my fault," He hiccupped and scolded himself.
Bumblebee was still crying but he nuzzled into Optimus, his good hand curling around a piece of armour and holding tight.
"It's not your fault," Megatron murmured, still stroking Bumblebee's back. "I hate seeing him like this too but you're doing a good job."
But Optimus shook his helm, holding Bumblebee closer.
"No, no, I shouldn't have allowed him to be alone," He argued.
"He needs to be with us tonight, I can't leave him alone again," he continued, kissing the top of Bumblebee's head.
Megatron glanced at Hook, he had assumed that Bumblebee would be fine in his own room while he and Optimus...well, he'd hoped they could have mated but that would probably take some time. His medic gave him a nod, indicating that it was fine to have Bumblebee with them.
"If it makes you feel better, he can stay with us," Megatron stated with a half sigh. It was going to be even more difficult to convince Optimus to interface with him with a sparkling around.
Nodding Optimus started to rock Bumblebee in his arms.
"I'm not letting him out of my sight again," Optimus declared.
Hook hid his smile at the look on Megatron's face, the big lug would get over it. A new carrier like Optimus was always very overprotective of their offspring but he would relax eventually. Better that his leader work on his relationship with his new family than trying to rush things.
"He's calming down now," he said conversationally. "Once the pain is gone, he'll be groggy so I'd recommend taking it easy today."
Optimus nodded and looked up at the medic.
"Thank you," He whispered before going back to hugging and cuddling his sparkling.
Seeing his mate was calming down, Megatron looked at Hook and decided to change the subject some.
"So Hook, how have those Autobot twin fliers coming along?" He questioned.
"Very good my lord," Hook stated. "They are very energetic little things and while they miss their friends, it's easy to see that they are enjoying being around other fliers."
"Of course," Megatron agreed, he sometimes wondered how the young things had managed previously.
"Are you talking about Jetfire and Jetstorm?" Optimus asked, the word 'Autobot' had caught his attention.
"Hmm yes. As naughty as they are they both are the sweetest Sparklings I have actually met. All though they do have to recharge next to someone's spark. They were deprived that when they were first sparked and that is why I believe they talk the way they do and had to be told what to do or how to do things" Hook answered while he reap led his supplies.
Optimus's optics widened.
"They've been reformed too haven't they?" He whispered.
"Yes they have. They were actually the youngest sparks we have ever found in mech forms," Megatron answered.
He looked into Optimus optics and said. "I know you're still not happy about that love but believe me, in their base, it was most assuredly the best thing that could happen to them. They deserve the chance to develop properly, the forms they were in were too powerful for such young sparks."
"I would agree," Hook added. "The only reason they coped was that they had each other's, there would have had a lot more problems otherwise. If you have a chance to meet them Optimus Prime, then I think you will understand."
Optimus frowned, Hook seemed completely honest and if they really were that young...he still wasn't sure about it. Poor Bumblebee wouldn't be in pain right now if he hadn't been reformatted.
"Will...will I get to see them?" Optimus questioned, first looking at Hook for the answer and then to Megatron.
Megatron thought for a bit before smiling.
"I do not see why not. In fact I believe it will be good for them to see you and maybe even get to see and play without little one as well," Megatron answered proudly.
"That would be nice," Optimus murmured, Bumblebee would probably enjoy the company. "Do they know what's happened?"
"Yes but because of their young age and mental state, they are adapting very easily to the change," Hook stated. "They are enjoying being able to play, cuddling with their caretakers, enjoying treats, everything sparklings should get."
It really was sounding like the twins were better off being reformatted but Optimus would still reserve his opinion until he'd seen them. Bumblebee was lot calmer now and Optimus was feeling a little less strained.
"Thank you for treating him," he told Hook warmly.
With a smile, the medic nodded.
"It was no trouble, I look forward to see Bumblebee and the twins meeting," Hook replied fondly.
Straightening up, he said.
"That cast will protect his arm, he might try to scratch at it or pull it off but it should hold. Be careful it doesn't play with it too much though," he said, beginning to gather his things. "If there are any other problems, you can call me."
"We will Hook," Megatron said, pleased with his top medic. Hook was calm and professional, something that helped with both Autobot and Decepticon patients.
With a nod Hook stoop up and let himself out to give the family some privacy.