Junebug Jeanne

very long time.

But, well, things with Star never can be easy.

Although the beginning was very horrible for Bee, having support and understanding was what made the rest of her pregnancy go well, and in the end, she had no regrets.

The baby is adorable, and Bee loves her very much. It's a shame Star won't see either of them for a very, +

She breastfed shortly after. It was somewhat painful, but she didn't mind. Bee could only gaze in wonder at her baby.

The girl was named Eve, a human name.

And although Bee knew it was going to be very difficult, she also knew it was totally worth it.

so perfect had really come out of her.

Bee made skin-to-skin contact with her baby immediately. As soon as she emerged, without cutting the umbilical cord, they adjusted her gown so the baby could lie against her mother's bare chest.

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had been a success, which sparked a small but joyful celebration.

Bee's baby was born the day after her mother's birthday: a beautiful girl with black hair, brown skin, sharp features, and eyes like Bee's. "She is beautiful" Bee repeated over and over, delirious, as she asked Ratchet if something+

toys. Bee cried tears of joy, once again.

The next day, Bee had contractions. She called Ratchet immediately, Optimus carried her to the infirmary, and everyone else waited for a long five hours outside until the baby cried. After a while, the medix came out to announce that the birth +

premature labor. That's how Bee ended up resting.

She turned 16 in bed. They brought her cake, which she didn't eat until the next day, and everyone celebrated, bringing her things for her baby: clothes, blankets, stuffed animals, and other human' helpful items like baby monitors and colorful +

would have to go.

Bee promised to always return alive to take care of her baby and not leave Ratchet without hers.

At the start of her ninth month, Bee was put on bed rest. Although she had been very active throughout her pregnancy, Ratchet suspected that too much movement now could cause a +

Bee understood. She, too, was afraid of returning to the battle eventually, but they both knew it was their duty. Bee would have to go at some point to help their cause.

Although she promised to stay away as much as possible, they also accepted the fact that if they truly needed her, she +

She taught Bee more so she could help there.

She told her, in the end, that she didn't wanted her going back to the field, not even long after having her baby. She didn't want to put her at risk, not with Star still out there, not with a baby to raise. She couldn't bear to lose her, she repeated. +

It made her feel safe.

By the time she was eight months alongside, she was round and her breasts had grown. Her hips had even widened, and she had gained weight in addition to the baby. Now she had more flesh on her body.

Ratchet checked on her daily; they practically lived in the infirmary. +

At the five months, Bee was already big and sleepy. She often fell asleep on the sofas or even on the floor, folding the uniforms and clothes they assigned her. Whenever Optimus saw her like that, she would carry her to her room and tuck her in.

Sometimes, Bee slept next to Ratchet and Op. +

she had primarily taken care of Bee herself. But the others helped too; in the end, they had all raised her.

Sometimes it was really difficult. Bee knew it would be hard when the baby arrived, but she wasn't afraid. She trusted herself and the preparation she was receiving.

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The bump appeared shortly after the two-month mark and grew slowly but steadily. Bee grew fond of stroking it, of talking to it. It made her happy, remembering that she carried a living being inside her. Her baby.

The classes about babies started soon after. Ratchet, more than anyone, since +

was strong, brave, that they would be there for her.

Having so much affection made the expecting period, honestly, even sweet. Peaceful.

As her pregnancy progressed, Bee began to show early. She was a very thin girl, with small breasts and a flat stomach, so the change was noticeable soon. +

little bed, or walk silently like a zombie, lost in thought, only snapping out of her trance to run off and vomit somewhere.

But eventually, she moved forward. Ratchet was very supportive, as was Optimus. Arcee, Mirage, Wheeljack, Jazz, they were all by her side. They reminded her that she +

delivering reports, taking notes, or acting as a messenger between sectors of the base—Ratchet always kept her close, in sight.

At first, it was hard and painful because of Bee's heartache. How ashamed she felt, how foolish, how gullible she thought she was. Sometimes, she would stay crying in her+

She gave her a dietary plan to keep her healthy, removed her from all off-base missions, and more.

Bee spent her entire pregnancy clinging to Ratchet like a limpet. She was always near her—in the infirmary, in the hallways, even during her duties, simple things like distributing energon, +

Sometimes she would cry from gratitude.

After discovering her condition and announcing it, Ratchet dictated Bee's life while she was pregnant. She immediately moved her to a room next to her own, small but accessible, unlike her former medium-sized room in the other wing of the base. +

they didn't blame the baby.

Nor did they stop loving Bee. Even those who weren't happy eventually came to offer their support, remembering how they had done the same when Bee first arrived, and how much she had brightened their lives.

Bee greatly appreciated the support. +

the future of their people.

Although some weren't very happy, no one was angry with Bee. No one confronted her. No one made her feel bad. Although some regretted her situation and openly wished she had been more careful, less naive, they didn't blame her for it. And most importantly, +

but that it was all in the past. She said the pregnancy would continue, that the baby would be raised by the mother, and that she hoped everyone would open their hearts as openly as they had the day little Bee arrived, to welcome this new baby, who was nothing less than a life, a light, +

Optimus hugged her tightly and told her she would always be there for her. Then Ratchet came in and they talked more.

At noon, Optimus informed the rest of the base about their scout's condition.

She said that Bumblebee was expecting, that she had been tricked by a cruel and manipulative Con, +

if there had been coercion, if she was sure about continuing, if she wanted to keep the baby after having it, or if she needed time to make her decision.

Bee answered everything. No, she hadn't been forced, she was fine, she wanted to continue and keep the baby. She wanted to be their mother.

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by her side no matter what. She repeated it many times, assuring her that everyone at the base would understand, that they would be there for her, they would help.

It was comforting. Optimus didn't pressure her as much as Ratchet, but she still asked her questions. If Star had forced her, +

When Bee woke up, Optimus was already there, sitting beside the bed, silently stroking her golden hair so gently, as if she might break.

Bee had started crying again then. Optimus had hugged her and promised she wasn't angry with her, that everything would be alright, that she would be +

She would explain everything later, but she couldn't bear to see the face of the woman who had found her as a baby and brought her to the base to protect her, upon realizing the mistake she made.

Ratchet left, leaving her to sleep. +

She put her to sleep in the infirmary, for a long time. She told her she had to tell the rest of the base, no matter what, quickly. Bee could only decide whether to speak to Optimus herself to give her the news, or send Ratchet first.

Too tired, Bee asked Ratchet to break the news to her. +

always be one.

Ratchet gave her a complete checkup that night. She was really early, barely more than a month. Bee could still make a decision.

She didn't wanted the option offered. She couldn't do it. Ratchet, though stressed, eventually accepted it.

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Ratchet told her she was disappointed. But she wasn't going to leave her alone, she could never do that. She held her and cursed Star for touching the explorer, for using her, for abandoning her.

She was so young, she kept saying. She had barely stopped being a child, and in her eyes, she would +