Chapter Text
Not even an astro-second after you left did Bumblebee get the longest lecture of his lifetime—and he was practically raised by Ratchet since he was a sparkling multi-millennia ago. Optimus was a just punisher and gave him cleaning duty for a week for not watching you closely and failing to alert the other Autobots you were missing. He was kind enough to not revoke his babysitting privileges which nearly had the yellow bot in tears—he would take any punishment if it meant he could still be trusted with you.
At least he wasn’t stewing in the misery of punishment alone since Sideswpe and Sunstreaker were paying their dues aswell.
“Hey Spike,” Bumblebee greeted his human friend as he mopped the recroom floor. “Be careful there, the floors are slippery.”
“Man, it’s raining cats and dogs out there.” Spike groaned.
“Animals are falling from the sky now?” Sunstreaker paused in his sweeping. Sideswipe stared a confused look with his brother while scrubbing the tables.
Spike chuckled and shook his head, “It’s just one of those weird human sayings. It just means it’s raining hard.”
A collective sigh of relief came out of every bot in the room.
“Oh, right, I was told to deliver this to you.” The human boy reached into his windbreaker pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper.
The minibot grinned recognizing the blanched paper from your sketchbooks. Spike unfolded it for him and handed it off to him. It was a drawing in crayons and markers of a yellow blob with horns with a big smile and a smaller stick figure in a field of flowers.
In bright blue crayon above the drawing was ‘I’m sorry for making you in trouble. Miss you. Love you.’
The bot smiled and stuffed the note into his subspace to hang with the collection on his wall.
“How is she?” Bee asked.
Spike shook his head, “As well as any child who got a concussion would be. She’s a bit cranky from being unable to do much. She got really car sick on the ride home and threw up in IronHide.”
The twins who were eavesdropping grimaced, one of them muttering an “ew”.
“Is Wheeljack in his lab? She wanted me to deliver a drawing for the Dinobots.”
“Yes, but I don’t think you can safely give it to the Dinobots right now. Yesterday they broke the hangar room door and escaped the Ark. Just this morning they escaped again and Grimlock nearly tore Prowl’s arm off in a fit.”
“What’s got them so rambunctious?” Spike asked.
Bee shook his helm, “I don’t know, I have a feeling it might do with her."
“She’ll be upset if I don’t deliver her letter…” Spike sighed, “I’ll hand it off to Wheeljack so he can give it to them at a better time. Thanks Bee.”
Spike made his way to the laboratory noticing a few cracked overhead lights and dented walls surrounding the labs doors. It looked like the aftermath of a riot or more like five robot dinosaurs rampaging through the Ark. He pressed the human doorbell outside and only had to wait for a moment before the doors slid open.
Spike stepped in surprised to see the laboratory hadn’t suffered the same fate as outside. The only difference was the hangar doors housing the dinosaurs were made of a newly built thicker metal.
“Oh, hello Spike!” Wheeljack greeted from behind the counter full of mechanical components, “You can come closer, I’m not working on anything flammable or explosive.”
Anything in Wheeljack’s hands was prone to suddenly explode or burst into flames but it was a risk Spike was willing to take as he approached the counter.
“How is your…uh, how’s bitty?” The mech asked.
Spike grinned, “My sister?”
“Yeah, that’s the Earth term.” Wheeljack mumbled with a nod.
“My Dad’s doing his best to keep her comfortable while she’s healing. She misses everyone but especially the Dinobots. They're all she talks about when she's awake.” Spike shrugged.
If Wheeljack was frowning behind his mask, the human boy was sure of it. “Bee told me they’ve been causing you guys some trouble, how come?”
The mech exvented like a tired parent raising an infant on no sleep. He pressed his servo to the side of his head, “Well…you see, the reason they’re misbehaving more is because they want to see their new friend. Other than Ratchet and I as their creators, I’ve never seen them so fiercely attached to anyone. They broke out of stasis just yesterday and nearly tore apart the entire Ark looking for her. However, Ratchet believes it is for the best to keep her away from them. They are known to be dangerous and unruly so he worries for her safety if anything goes wrong again like what happened a few cycles ago.”
“I see. Do you think-maybe it’s some type of separation anxiety?” Spike asked.
“Perhaps.” The scientist nodded, holding his finger to his mask like he was pondering.
“Oh right, I came here to deliver this to the Dinobots.” Spike pulled out another piece of folded up paper from his other pocket. On the back in crayon was the Dinobots' names mostly spelled correctly.
“What’s this?” Wheeljack asked.
Spike shrugged, “She wanted me to hand these drawings out to the ‘bots—this one's for the Dinobots specifically.”
“I see.” Wheeljack sighed.
“Maybe at a better time you could show it to them? I have to find Optimus.”
They shared goodbyes and Spike hurried out to find the Autobot leader. The mech tried to return to his work but his optics kept drifting to the folded piece of paper. He carefully opened it and saw it was a drawing of a stick figure with the dinosaurs playing ball together with hearts all around.
The mech felt his gastric tanks unsettle. It was evident you really loved the Dinobots and he didn't need the drawing to know. Wheeljack heard your obsession with dinosaurs echo throughout the base and even was directly told by you all the facts you knew about them. IronHide had asked why he had yet to let you see them, but the simple answer was they were much too dangerous for you. With prior experience they were often careless around humans and it took them a while to see Sparkplug and Spike as acquaintances, so what difference would it make if a younger human met them?
Only, it did.
Wheeljack had reviewed the security footage from Red Alert and saw they had shown interest in you and were incredibly gentle when with most Autobots they usually were rather brash or attacked when disinterested. Grimlock of all the Dinobots known for being the most aggressive one, giving you a friendly and gentle nuzzle was astonishing to see on the cameras.
They had called you a friend, their little human, their favorite human, and spoke your name instead of spitting it as if it was a poison. His creations he made with his own hands and the mentality of a cybertronian youngling, had found a dear friend they considered one of their own.
Was seperating them permanently really the right decision?
Spike gently rubbed your back as you fussed and whined laying on your side on the couch beside him. A bag of ice was pressed to the bruising on your head where the small cut was healing.
Even after looking you over Ratchet still suggested you get looked over by the human doctors in case he missed a major detail. Thankfully they only repeated it was a minor concussion that would heal in a week or so. Until yesterday you hadn’t vomited or fussed about feeling sick which meant you were on the bend. The terrible headaches and fevers were still lingering but not as severe as they once were. Even though you were “grounded” (not like you could go anywhere) Spark and Spike were trying their best to keep you happy.
Not even chocolate chip cookies or a new dinosaur plush animal could make you smile—the latter only a reminder of your forbidden friends. Sparkplug was sure the dinosaur onesie that you refused to take off was probably done as a protest.
“I miss my friends…” You whined, your eyes closed to keep out as much light from the TV softly playing.
“The Autobots?” Your brother asked.
“Dinobots.” You corrected in a groan.
Spike frowned, “You really like them, huh?”
“They didn’t mean to hurt me…we were just having fun.” Your voice cracked with tears, “They just wanted to be friends with me. They seemed so lonely…”
Spike had a feeling he knew what to do.
He waited until your father headed back to work to set his plan in motion. Sparkplug wasn’t so sure about leaving you but the boy reassured him over and over again that he could handle you. Your father gave him one last reminder to call his workplace if he needed anything before he left. It wasn’t long before Bumblebee pulled up just as Spike asked him to do.
“Bee!” You squealed excitedly, seeing the familiar yellow beetle. He quickly transformed into his root mode and knelt down with his arms wide open to greet you in a tight hug. His engine purred happily, his spark warmer than ever. How he missed you so much.
“Hey there bitty, it’s felt like a century since I saw your smile.” The bot teased, gently tapping your nose.
Spike, who was watching from the side, felt his heart melt at the sight. It could’ve just been a trick of the light but it seemed like Bee was glowing. His servo gently petted your head when you confirmed you were feeling better.
“You feelin’ better enough for a joyride to the Ark?” The young bot asked.
“Yeah!” You cried happily.
Bee jumped up and transformed mid-air (something he loved to show off to you) and landed on the ground with a squeak of protest from his suspension.
“Well then let’s start our journey.” He opened his door and you eagerly climbed into the back.
Spike threw your blanket and usual play date backpack with you. “Are we breaking Daddy’s rules?”
“Bending them more like it.” You two shared the same reckless Witwicky grin.
As soon as you both were buckled in, Bee took off for the Ark.
He was careful to take it easy during turns and avoid as many potholes and cracks as possible to not jostle you around. The less he avoids another M&M's incident, the better. You still were complaining about feeling a little nauseous but otherwise you didn’t get sick and fell asleep.
“Are you sure this is a good idea, Spike? I mean your Dad and Optimus might be upset if they find out you brought your sister to the base when she’s supposed to be home.” The minibot asked.
“I know but she’s been asking everyday to see the Dinobots because she considers them friends; says they’re lonely and just need someone to play with. Call it a hunch but I feel like maybe she can help mellow out the Dinobots, maybe all they needed was a friend their own age? Wheeljack isn’t sparkless, he considers them as his own children so I’m sure if we can show him how they are around her he will let them interact.”
“You sound so sure.”
“I am sure.” Spike nodded looking over his shoulder. You were nestled in the blanket out cold in the backseat, “Even if I wasn’t, she’s stubborn enough she would find a way to them.”
Bee pulled into the Ark and tucked into a hidden corner of the main entrance room to let you both out. Spike held you in his arms while you shielded your sore eyes from the fluorescent overhead lighting and metallic walls. Dressed in your dinosaur kigurumi if no one was looking close enough they’d think he was carrying a dinosaur stuffed animal.
The yellow minibot returned to his bipedal mode, crouching down, “Optimus isn’t here but Prowl is. Usually he stays cooped up in his office but sometimes he comes out for emergencies or to get energon. We should avoid him or he’ll get suspicious and report you to Optimus.”
Bumblebee led you down different backways carefully avoiding any other Autobots. Your disappearance was noticed, felt, across the Ark and of course questions arose. Only a select few knew the truth and could be trusted with it, but through the vine the gossip spread that you got badly hurt and were home bound because of it. A betting pool broke out across the base about who the bot was that could’ve hurt you. Nothing thankfully came out of it other than a few arguments turning into near-physical altercations.
When they arrived to Wheeljack’s lab Bumblebee dialed in the buttons to the key lock. The twins had known the previous passcode to set up their prank that went wrong earlier. The scientist since changed the password but somehow Sideswipe and Sunstreaker had gotten a hold of the new code. With a bribe of offering to do both their extra tasks for a day they gave it to him. The doors slid open revealing the unpopulated laboratory still in dim lighting.
Spike set you down on the floor and you looked around excitedly, “Are we seeing my friends?!”
The boy nodded. “Yep.”
Bee pushed the button for the hangar and you rushed in. The Dinobots were standing stock still with dim optics.
“Dinos wake up! Wake up! It’s me!” Their eyes slowly lit up and their engines started humming as they came out of stasis.
Grimlock lowered his snout to nearly the floor to get a good look at you. “New tiny Dinobot?”
You giggled and pulled back the hood of your pajamas, “Tiny human friend!”
An eruption of excited noises filled the room as they very gently nuzzled you with the snouts and beaks, grumbling and purring. They were like a group of big dogs excitedly welcoming a new puppy.
“I’m so happy to see you guys again!” Your voice cracked with tears of happiness.
“Dinobots happy to see friend.” Swoop cooed.
“Grimlock very sorry,” The trex mumbled, “Tiny human very hurt…”
“It’s okay Grimlock, it was just an accident. We just have to be careful next time we play, okay?”
“Snarl wanna play now!” The robot declared.
Spike opened his mouth to intervene but you beat him to it, “I’m sorry Snarl, I can’t play with you guys right now. I’m still healing.”
“Friend still hurt?” One of the Dinobots gasped under a chorus of whirring and growling.
“It’s okay, I’ll be better soon. Then we can play!” You beamed.
“We better get going before Wheeljack comes back.” Spike warned.
“I'm afraid it's a little too late for that, Spike.” Everyone turned their optics and eyes to the hangar opening.
The scientist blocked the way out with Optimus beside him. Both wore battle masks that covered most of their faces but it was evident neither were happy. However while Optimus was clearly upset by the way his servos were resting on his hips, Wheeljack's finials were drooped, almost saddened.
“Wheeljack, Optimus I-“ Spike sputtered but he knew it was too late to say anything.
“Scrap.” Bee mumbled under his fans.
“Bitty, come over here.” Optimus gently ordered.
When you didn’t make a move Optimus spoke your name with a bit more sternness. You shook your head taking a step closer to Swoop who was the nearest Dinobot to you.
“No! You’re just gonna take me away from my friends again!” You whined.
Swoop gently nudged you closer with his beak, shielding you from prying eyes and optics with his wings like a brooding hen.
“Little one-“
“No! I’m not leaving my friends again!” You cried.
“Mean Autobot upsetting my tiny human!” Grimlock growled, stepping forward as another barrier.
The others followed forming a fence between you and the Prime growling and snarling angrily.
“Optimus, please, wait a moment,” Spike ran over to him, “The Dinobots aren’t going to hurt her. See? They're protecting her.”
"They are too reckless to be trusted with her safety, Spike." Optimus shook his head.
"Prime, please, they just want to play." Wheeljack's voice spoke directly from his spark, "The Dinobots are not fully developed cybertronians like us—they're like sparklings who just want to play with someone like them. We know that they can be trusted to be gentle. With further observations and supervision I can prove to you that they can be trusted around Bitty without harming her."
There was a long pause as Optimus turned his helm back to the Dinobots. His optics settled on your glare peering from Swoop's cautiously lowered wing. The fierceness of your gaze would unsettle even Megatron.
“Very well, I am glad that they wish no intentional harm to her, but how about us? How do we safely free her from them without any harm befalling anyone?” Optimus asked.
“Easy, we cut them a deal.” Spike said.
“What kind of deal?” Optimus rumbled nervously.
“Anytime she visits the base she can see them and play with them. They’ve all developed a huge attachment to each other, it would make them sad to split them apart forever.”
“That could explain why the Dinobots were more rambunctious than usual this past week.” Wheeljack rubbed his mask where his chin would be.
“Is that what you wish, little one?” Optimus asked.
You poked your head up from behind Swoop’s wing and gave him a nod with a solemn expression.
“Very well, However, you must be supervised while visiting. Will that suffice?”
You thought about it for a moment before nodding. “Yea.”
“Very well. Dinobots, you may see your friend whenever they choose to from now on—as long as no further harm comes to them.” Optimus declared.
Rumblings of happiness and joy erupted with tails wagging and celebratory stomps. You whimpered, clutching your ears at the loud noise aggravating your head. Swoop squaked and they all settled down as he gently rested his head against your side.
“Tiny human hurting…” He reminded the others.
“Eh, Sorry, tiny human…” Snarl said.
Spike started walking towards you but the Dinobots growled and snarled at him. Wheeljack stepped forward with him, “It’s okay my sparklings, we just want to make sure she’s OK.”
The scientist pushed forward and they split their barrier for him. Swoop willingly let Spike under the cover of his wing where you had sat down from dizziness. Spike scooped you up and cupped the back of your head as you pressed your face into his shoulder.
“Tiny human OK?” Sludge whimpered.
Wheeljack nodded his helm assuringly. “She’ll be okay Sludge, being noisy can make her helm hurt very badly.”
“We should get you home to rest,” Spike sighed, rubbing your back.
“No…” You softly whined.
It was so unfair that just as you got permission to see your new friends you had to leave. The throbbing was growing worse under the lights and your stomach churned. Speaking was growing too hard for you to handle.
“I know you want to stay with your new friends but it’s okay. We can see them again in a few days and you can play with them. How’s that sound?”
“…Ok.” You reluctantly mumbled.
“Will miss tiny human friend.” Slag whined nudging your back.
“I’ll miss you guys too. I love you all so much.” You pouted.
"Grimlock declare, tiny human offically Dinobot." The robot dino laughed haughtily like a proud father.
Spike could feel you smile against his shirt, "She's very happy, thank you Grimlock."
"I'll take you guys home." Bumblebee quickly declared transforming into his alt mode.
"Bumblebee." Optimus said in a warning tone.
"Yes, Prime?" The yellow bot laughed nervously.
"We will discuss how you were able to get into Wheeljack's lab at your return."
"Aww nuts and bolts." The bee mumbled.
The wind howled loud enough to be heard throughout the Ark.
"Prime announced any scheduled patrols has been postponed until we are no longer in a hurricane warning." Prowl announced.
"Thank Primus, those dastardly winds nearly swept me off my tires! I would have gone flying into the sky!" Gears complained.
"You'd be like Mary Poppins!" You said excitedly from Jazz's shoulder.
The grumpy Autobot frowned, "What is a Mary Poppins?"
"Not a what, she's a who. She's a nanny who flies with her umbrella and her magical bag to make children happy."
"What do they allow human children to watch on this planet?" The minibot grumbled shaking his helm.
"Jazzy, I wanna watch Mary Poppins with the Dinobots." You declared.
"It's a bit late for ya bitty, are you gonna stay up and watch the whole thing?" The Autobot asked.
You nodded.
Sparkplug finally came back from the closet with Brawn carrying an armful of "emergency sleepover supplies"—a stack of blankets and pillows and an air mattress. The mattress was for Sparkplug after the last sleepover he woke up from a restless sleep with a sore back. Thankfully he already had the air mattresses he bought for a camping trip that never happened.
"Jazzy, down please?" The autobot carefully set you down and you rushed over to grab your blanket and a pillow.
"Daddy, I'm going to watch Mary Poppins with the Dinobots, okay?"
Sparkplug glanced at his wristwatch, "Are you sure that's a good idea? It's almost an hour until your bedtime."
"I'll come back when the movie's over." You insisted, already taking off.
Sparkplug shook his head, "Her and those Dinobots…you'd think they're inseparable."
A crack of thunder woke you up from your peaceful sleep.
Half asleep you yawned and took in your surrounding behind blurry eyes. The room was dim with the only light source coming from Teletran I playing Mary Poppins as she and Bert led the children through the chalk drawings. For being a gorgeously cinematic scene it seemed no one else in the room was awake to watch it. The dinobots were curled up around you in their dino modes in one big pile of tails and snouts. Your pillow was propped up against Grimlock's snout with Swoop's bent wing draped over you and Grimlock's head like a tent cover. With another yawn you pulled your blanket up to your chin and rolled over to go back to sleep.
The storm raged on outside but you slept undisturbed dreaming about playing with your dinosaur friends when you woke up.