Chapter Text
"You- you can't just leave", Bumblebee said removing his hands. Ratchet tried to keep it together, but it was getting harder.
"The Council themselves gave me a mission. I really can't disobey them, now can I?" Ratchet spoke back, and Bee gave a frustrated little sound.
"Can't they give it to someone else?"
"No, Bumblebee, I have to do this-"
"Who do they think they are, naming themselves members of the Council like that and bossing us around??"
"Bumblebee! Don't take down your anger on them, they are trying their best- Someone has to lead-"
"If Optimus was here-!"
"IF HE WAS, he'd agree with me!"
Bumblebee stopped talking when Ratchet barked at him. Bee didn't take it personally, he knew Ratchet was right but he just didn't want to admit it. The yellow bot frowned and looked down from Ratchet's optics.
"I know he would", Bumblebee mumbled silently. Ratchet's strictness softened away from his face, replaced by a sad frown.
"I'm sorry, Bumblebee. I didn't mean to yell", he started facing Bee, who faced him back.
"I just..." Ratchet started, but stopped and stood quietly for a moment.
You can do this, don't break now, don't explode. Don't let Bumblebee see you like that- they need you as their bedrock. They need you on your strongest-
Bumblebee could see a dramatic change on Ratchet's face, something he had never seen before. It ached his spark and mind, Bumblebee felt hearbroken. If they were human, Ratchet's eyes would be holding back the tears of anger, sadness, strong emotions which literally explode in such hard times.
"I just..." Ratchet repeated and his breath cracked. Bumblebee wrapped his arms immediately around the old bot, who raised a hand on his mouth and leaned his head against Bee's shoulder. His legs gave up and he dropped down on the ground on his knees, Bumblebee lowering down with him. He never let his grip loose, he held Ratchet tight and close for as long as he needed. Ratchet wrapped his free hand around Bee's shoulder.
Ratchet's breathing was cracking. The old bot clearly hadn't truly accepted what had happened, he didn't want to. Bumblebee wouldn't want to accept it either, but denying it would only make things worse. Optimus Prime was gone. He had sacrificed himself for the greater good, for the resurrection of Cybertron. Their home. But it wasn't home for Ratchet. His home was gone. He didn't have one.
His home was with Optimus. Now that he's gone, where does Ratchet belong to? Clearly not on Cybertron, if asked from the Council... There was always the Prime Team, but since they are scattered around the planet, there's nothing to belong to.
After a moment Ratchet was able to rise up on his feet, Bee following him. Bumblebee let him go, leaving his hand on Ratchet's arm. Ratchet was staring down at the ground. Bumblebee told him: "I miss him too, terribly." Ratchet turned his optics to meet with Bee's.
"When are you leaving?"
"I'm not certain... In a few days, I presume", Ratchet answered Bumblebee with lowered voice. He wasn't at his strongest right now.
Bumblebee hummed with a nod. He let his hand drop from Ratchet's arm.
"Well... I hope to hear from you. I don't want to say goodbye. Not again, not so soon", Bumblebee spoke with steady, leader-like voice. This surprised Ratchet, he straightened his back and faced Bumblebee. His words, they gave some kind of courage to the old medic bot.
"I won't be saying goodbye. Hey, I might get to come home in a few weeks", Ratchet said and chuckled. He knew he won't be back in a few weeks, or even months. He might be on his trip for the rest of his life. But he couldn't tell Bumblebee that. Besides, if he's hunting down war criminals, they have to be shipped back to Cybertron, right?
"In case I won't be seeing you before you depart", Bumblebee started, offered his hand for a shake and wore a proud, wide smile.
"Safe travels, Ratchet."
Ratchet was able to return him an honest smile. They didn't need to talk about Optimus anymore. That moment they just shared was all they needed. Ratchet will never find peace, but he's not alone. He can always count on his former teammates. Besides, he'll see Optimus one day. If not earlier, in any kind of form, then he'll meet him when he'll become one with the AllSpark.
"Never slow down. Lieutenant Bumblebee", Ratchet answered him and shook his hand. The hold was firm and warm.
"Lieutenant, I might never get used to that!" Bee chuckled and placed his hands on his hips.
"You better, you might one day become a leader of your own team! I wouldn't be surprised. You had the best of teachers, warriors and role models", Ratchet told him and knocked his shoulder lightly with his fist. Bumblebee smiled proudly.
"Thank you, Ratchet, for everything. I'll miss you when you're gone", lieutenant Bumblebee thanked Ratchet, who snorted.
"You or the others better not cry after me. I won't be away forever", Ratchet answered him. Yeah, he won't. He is sure, he can almost feel it. Someday everything will get clear and better, someday he'll be able to return to Cybertron. And someday he'll find his way back home.
The Council may want to erase Optimus from history, but the Prime Team and many other Cybertronians will always remember him. Remember him as the great leader he was. He'll be remembered for centuries.