TRANSFORMERS: Bumblebee's Boy

A GROWING RELATIONSHIP

A/N: So, new type of chapter this time around! The first of the very few Bee-less chapters this fic will have. I felt that it was time Optimus and Trevor had a chapter to themselves to show some growth in their relationship. I hope you all enjoy the change of pace.

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CHAPTER 24

A Growing Relationship

Months went by on Diego Garcia with barely a blink of an eye, or batting of an eyelash. Trevor continued his studies, training with Ironhide, and, with a license in hand, also continued on practicing with his racecar. And all the while, the Autobots continued their good fight against the Decepticons. Trevor fell into a routine and became better used to seeing his father, grandfather, and the other Autobots going off to fight without feeling too tense about it. None of it was helped by Galloway's constant mockery however, and often Trevor was still tempted to pop him in the mouth.

But Galloway didn't get much time to mock him these days. Not when he now spent much of his time around Optimus and Bumblebee, now that he had come to fully embrace them as his family. Today, he was mostly spending time around Optimus, given Bumblebee was out on a scouting mission at the mainland. Most days like that, he would go to hang out with Jazz or Ironhide, but Optimus took a chunk of these days to spend time with him. He was surprised by how many people still looked in shock and awe when they saw him riding the Autobot leaders shoulder, and couldn't see why. Given Optimus and Bumblebee were, by far, the gentlest of the Autobots.

Yet there he was, yet again, his hand on his grandfather's shoulder as he spoke to a leader in a teleconference. He recognized Defense Secretary Keller, but that was where the recognition of those in it ended. "Trevor," Trevor turned his head. "I believe Defense Secretary Keller was addressing you," Optimus motioned.

"I'm sorry, sir," Trevor shook himself out of his spacey state. "What did you say?"

Keller leaned forward on screen, and gave a small smile. "I was curious what you make of NEST so far," Keller repeated himself politely. "Given you're the only recognized human member of the "Autobot" faction, I wanted your take on it." He explained, now leaning back a little.

Trevor looked at Optimus, as if to ask how much detail he could go into. But Optimus only smiled, and nodded at his grandson, indicating he was free to say his mind. "Well, it's great for the most part," Trevor admitted, uncertainty in his voice. "But that Galloway guy, the liaison we got? He's totally abusive to the 'Bots and to me," He explained. "It's been causing a lot of tension that just doesn't need to be there."

Optimus, none to his surprise, came to his aid. He usually tried to back him up when he made a point that the Autobot leader knew was true. "My grandcreation is right," Optimus explained very pointedly, as if to affirm how serious an issue this was - given Trevor was family. "Theodore Galloway continues to say unkind remarks to us all. It has gotten to a point at which we do not let Trevor be alone in the same room with him," The boy nodded a bit. "Is there any progress on getting a replacement liaison?"

Trevor's eyes widened at that. So he had asked for a new liaison? That made him feel more relaxed than he had been by far. "We're trying, Prime," Keller shook his head. "Problem is the president likes him. And the only other candidate we have is Charolette Mearing, and, well," He paused a moment.

"Let me guess, they hate each other?" Trevor groaned.

"Oh yeah, full out blood feud."

Trevor shook his head, and rubbed the temples of his forehead in a way that made him realize he was doing an Optimus mannerism. A fact that almost made him laugh a little. By the amused look on Optimus's face, he had noticed too. "Very well, I appreciate your continued efforts, Defense Secretary Keller," Optimus nodded. "Shall we wrap this up then gentlemen?"