Takes place about one month after the main story. These will be in a various order, a series of chapter that didn't quite make it into the main storyline. I know I was going to be posting the Halloween special but this bunny popped into my head first, and just had to be written.
First Snow: Tales of Winter
Flashbacks
Insomnia
By Steph
A month had passed in a blur and just like that the Christmas vacation was over which for many meant the return to school after the seemingly forever long blissfulness of winter, it was unavoidable, students minds were soon thrusted back into the realities of the real world. The long hours of being cooped up against their will in the dingy classrooms of education ready to be shaped and moulded into what society wished them to become. It was a rather rude awakening. On top of the agenda being forced down upon him for one particular student was exams, lots and lots of them. Sam was sat at his desk with a pencil firmly lodged in his mouth in his bedroom attempting to study for three exams at once as well as trying to juggle an assignment. It was no surprise that tempers were beginning to flare, in particular, his own.
The young teenager had been awake pretty much all week non stop, no doubt relying on one of the oldest myths in the 'how to pass your exams' handbook, no sleep and lots and lots of caffeine and sugar, it certainly wasn't doing what it said on the tin. Often Sam would find himself drifting off to sleep at his desk only to wake up and realise hours had passed, it wasn't just at home ether. Sam developed a rather disturbing habit of walking into objects, whether that be a lamppost or a door and was now covered with various bumps and bruises from his head on collisions. Now sleep deprived and cranky Sam was up studying for his biology final or rather sleeping. Just earlier today Sam had walked straight into Bumblebee's open passenger door with barely a hint of recognition until he had seen his own blooded up head in the bathroom mirror. It was this that had being the final straw; Sam's health was clearly suffering which meant Bumblebee had to intervene.
Night had finally settled in the city of Tranquillity enveloping the land in darkness. Scanning the neighbourhood to ensure no one was around Bumblebee transformed, the familiar yellow camero was soon replaced by a bipedal mechanical robot, blue artic optics lit up in the darkness. Bumblebee hesitated for a moment, quite unsure how to proceed, Sam had never had any serious issues regarding his own health before, and Bumblebee had never had to really confront Sam regarding this issue, until now. Bumblebee sighed to himself; it was all the part of being a guardian. Carefully Bumblebee padded over to Sam's bedroom window, the darkness camouflage the mech's humanoid shape, raising one finger Bumblebee tapped the glass.
A loud bang filled the room causing Sam to jolted awake, his body jerked upwards hitting his already injured head on the desk lamp just above him, the teenager hissed loudly feeling the familiar oozing sensation of something warm and wet run down his skin. Wincing Sam looked over towards the window feeling his eyes widen as his gaze came to meet the familiar dabs of blue light of Bumblebee's optics, Sam put one hand towards his head putting pressure on the cut to perhaps try and stop the blood flow, he walked towards the window and in one smooth motion the hatch swung open leading to the outside world. Bumblebee optics widened when he spotted the gash upon Sam's head, the yellow mech shook his head to himself, and he turned his gaze to meet Sam's eyes.
"What is it Bee?" there was a bitter twinge to the human's words causing Bumblebee to jerk back slightly, a low moaning sound his vocalizer, he blinked his optics in the darkness squaring his metal shoulders before replying.
"I am concerned for your wellbeing Sam, you have had little if any sleep and are covered with injuries, from various accidents. Accidents which could have being avoided if you had properly slept." The mech's patronising tone irked Sam; he was more then old enough to take care of himself.
"That's my problem Bee, not yours, I have to pass these exams, and I don't care how I do it." Bumblebee sighed, humans… so illogical and stubborn. A fan of blue light swept across Sam's body causing the human's hairs to stand up on the back of his neck with the tingling sensation.
"Quit scanning Bee" he growled a clear warning that his temper was beginning to wear thin, the blue light faded away into the darkness as quickly as it had appeared. An eerie silence filled the room. Sam took in a deep breath to calm himself; hesitantly Sam turned his gaze back to Bumblebee, a lump formed in the human's throat at the pained expression on the mech's face plating. Sam sighed, his previous felt anger melting away.
"Look, I'm sorry Bee, it's just I've been so stressed this past week, school has being a nightmare, there's just so much work to do." he trailed off the words falling into silence along with the human's voice. Sam's eyes gazed shamefully down towards the floor.
Bumblebee lifted his metal head towards Sam and took another step closer to the window; understanding and compassion clearly alit in the yellow mech's optics. A small questioning chirp escaped the yellow scout it soothed Sam's previous felt tension, there weren't many things that could do that. There was an audible click from the yellow mech making Sam jump slightly; he turned his gaze from his bedroom floor to Bumblebee's optics.
"Your body is showing signs of stress Sam, you need to rest." Bumblebee said softly.
Sam sighed deeply, shivering slightly as the chilly night air ruffled the human's clothing.
"I know, Bee."
Bumblebee fell silent for a moment, the gears upon his head whirring softly in the night, an idea filled the yellow mech. Carefully the yellow scout held out a hand towards Sam causing Sam to blink slightly in surprise. It was a clear invitation.
"Come with me, I think I might be able to help you, Sam"
Sam stared at Bumblebee's optics and then his pile of work on the desk, he sighed deeply, what did he have left to lose? Carefully Sam climbed upon the sleek yellow metal, feeling Bumblebee lowering him to the ground. Sam stepped onto the grass watching as Bumblebee stepped away and begun to transform into his alt form in one fluid motion that never ceased to amaze the young teenager. The driver's door popped open of it's own accord and Sam trudged forward, the stress of the past week weighing heavily on the young teenager, he gingerly climbed into the open door and settled back upon the familiar leather seats. The door shut behind him and Bumblebee's engine rumbled to life as the autobot backed out of the drive way and disappeared into the night.
The dive to the overlook was quiet, nether human or mech making any effort to break the calm silence, it wasn't until they were nearly there, did Bumblebee speak up.
"Why have you been fighting sleep Sam? You're clearly exhausted, this isn't like you."
Sam eyed the dash once, saying nothing, he just pressed his face up to the cool glass of the window, breathing out softly. Causing the smooth clear surface to become cloudy with water vapour. Bumblebee waited, knowing Sam would talk when he was ready.
A sigh, and then another.
"I don't know Bee, I guess it's because I'm so desperate to make the grade this year, it's just dawned on me I have only this year to get it right."
A cool breeze ruffled lightly through Sam's hair from Bee's vents, the autobot's equivalent to a sigh. The seatbelt wrapped around Sam's body tightened for fraction of a second.
"I understand Sam, but putting your own wellbeing at risk in the long run, will only cause more harm then good. You're not a machine."
Sam sat up, leaning his head against the back of the seat. "I know that, but honestly Bee, I don't think I can sleep now. I mean it's like my body shies away from the entire concept."
Bee thought about this for a moment. It was no doubt a side effect of Sam not sleeping properly for so long, his body had become accustom to not sleeping, so if he tried to actually fall asleep he just simply couldn't. He wouldn't have usually resorted to this, but Sam clearly needed rest.
"I think I may be able to help you Sam."
Sam stared at Bumblebee's rear view mirror, grimacing when he saw the dark deep purple bags that now hung under his eyes. He sighed once more.
"How Bee?"
Bumblebee spoke carefully, watching Sam's reaction. "It would involve me making your body sleep, similar to anaesthesia if you will."
"You're going to gas me?" Sam squeaked, his hand unconsciously reaching for the door handle. Bumblebee quickly engaged the locks, sealing his cab shut. He spoke softly, trying to calm Sam's hysteria down.
"No, of course not, I know how afraid you are of that. Please believe me when I say Sam, I would never do anything to violate your trust."
Sam shuddered, memories still afresh in his mind.
After the dire events in Mission city, Sam had not slept; this had gone on for over a week. Bumblebee had been wracked with worry, not knowing what he could do about it, he had gone ahead and used a form of anaesthetic gas. Without Sam's knowledge, he had flooded his cab with the narcotic after Sam's sixth day of continued sleepless nights. The morning Sam had woke up, he had suffered bouts of sickness, after been unconscious for over eighteen hours. Sam had not spoken to Bumblebee for an entire week after the incident, only breaking the silence after forcing his guardian to swear he would never drug him again without his expressed permission. Afterwards, Ratchet of course intervened, diagnosing Sam with Post traumatic stress disorder and after a course of sleep medication and some 'talk therapy' with Bumblebee, Sam's sleep pattern soon returned to normal.
"I'm just so sick of it Bee, I just need to pass these exams. And I can't do that if I can't even get myself to just shut my eyes for a couple of hours." Sam put his head between his hands.
Bumblebee chirped softly, and as he so often did resorted song.
You don't how you met me, you don't know why,
You can't turn around and say goodbye
All you know is when I'm with you.
I make you free, and swim through your veins like a fish in the sea.
Follow me and it will be allright
I'll be the one to tuck you in at night.
Sam looked up, his lips tugged with a hint of a smile. He glanced at the dash, laying a hand on the smooth surface.
"Thanks Bee."
The radio fell silent, and crackled. "You're welcome Sam."
Sam removed his hand, looking around assessing their surroundings. Bumblebee had come to a steady stop at the edge of the dusty trail. Glancing out of Bumblebee's windshield, Sam spotted the familiar oak tree that looked over the city. He waited, half expecting Bumblebee to open the driver's door, so he could freely transform. When nothing happened, Sam spoke.
"Why are we here Bee?"
Bumblebee radio whirred to life, "the surroundings here are peaceful, I thought that might help with what I was going to attempt."
Sam fidgeted, he was nervous at what Bumblebee wanted to try, but then again another night of not sleeping, that wasn't really an option. He needed help, or all his exam results could suffer, denting his chance at getting into university.
"Sam." Bumblebee said, so softly, it came out as a whisper. "Trust me."
Sam nodded slowly. "I do trust you Bee. Whatever it is, I'm willing to try."
Carefully he warmed Sam's seat, the fabric beneath rippled in an up and down motion across Sam's back. The effect was almost instantaneous, Sam's breathing slowed, his head rolled forward. Sam stared at his hands whilst the petting sensation continued, leaving a curious warm trail across the back of his neck and shoulders.
"What... what, are you doing Bee?" Sam asked, his voice slurring as the warmed fabric pressed against the middle of his back.
"Shhh, just try and relax Sam."
Bumblebee lowered Sam's seat into more of a laying position, continuing the rippling wave along Sam's body.
Sam's eyes drooped as the warmth crept deeper into his tense muscles. Classical music in a wave of pianos and violins played from the mech's speakers, filling the cab with soft, soothing sounds. Bumblebee monitered his charge's heart rate, Sam's heart was slowing, his breathing becoming deeper and more slower.
Bumblebee concentrated the warming sensation just at the base of Sam's skull, lightly feathering the small, unknown pressure point there. Sam's head flopped sideways, his eyes having completely closed. Bumblebee dimmed down the rippling of the fabric to a small hum, scanning Sam's form, his brain EEG scan showed strong theta waves, indicating he had finally succumbed to sleep.
Sam snuggled further down into Bumblebee's smooth leather seat, unconsciously adjusting his position so he was closer to the mech's warm fabric. Bumblebee mentally smiled at his charge, re-starting his engine, beginning the short drive back to Sam's house. The drive back was quiet as it was uneventful, the night was calm and clear as Bumblebee pulled up in the Witwicky driveway, killing his engine, the yellow scout could hear his charge's soft breathing and feel the heat of his breath upon his seats. Sam was finally sound asleep, Bumblebee settled further down on his tyres in relief, he sealed his cab from any noises that could disturb Sam's much needed slumber. The night air was so peaceful, Bumblebee found himself drifting off, as the mech's systems began to power down.
"Sleep well Sam." Bumblebee whispered, as he joined his charge for a much needed recharge.
Hope you have all enjoyed, the Halloween special is currently in progress. I was lucky enough to see Dark Of The Moon on Wednesday the 29th, it was action packed from start to finished, and I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline. I highly recommend you go and see it when you can. I enjoyed it so much I'm going back for a second helping but in 3D. R&R.
Sapphirebee x