Sideswipe froze as Bumblebee clung to him, his trembling frame pressed tightly against his chest. Optimus stepped closer, his hand outstretched and voice calm.

“Bumblebee,” Optimus said gently, “you’re safe. Let me help you.”

But Bee’s response was immediate. He shook his helm, letting out a small, broken whimper as he clutched Sideswipe’s plating tighter. His vents hitched, and his words came out as a desperate plea. “No… don’t take me… Sides, don’t let him.”

Sideswipe glanced down at the smaller bot in his arms, his spark twisting at the sheer panic in Bee’s voice. He looked back at Optimus, narrowing his optics. “He’s not ready, Optimus. You can’t just—”

“Sideswipe,” Optimus interrupted, his voice steady but firm. “This isn’t about you. Bumblebee needs to heal, and I—”

“Needs to heal?” Sideswipe snapped. “Look at him!” He gestured to Bumblebee, who had buried his face deeper into Sideswipe’s chest plate, his frame trembling like a leaf. “You think dragging him away is gonna help? He’s terrified!”

Optimus paused, his optics flickering toward Ratchet for guidance. The medic frowned, scanning Bee’s frame and the way he clung to Sideswipe with desperate strength. “He’s right,” Ratchet said after a moment, his voice quieter. “Forcing this will do more harm than good.”

Bee whimpered again, his small voice muffled as he whispered, “Don’t let me go…”

Sideswipe’s tone softened as he ran a servo along Bumblebee’s back. “No one’s letting you go, Bee. I’ve got you, okay? I’m not going anywhere.”

Optimus sighed, his normally stoic expression breaking slightly. “Very well. For now, Bumblebee stays with Sideswipe.”

At those words, Bee’s trembling slowed, though his grip didn’t loosen. Sideswipe shot a firm look at Optimus and Ratchet. “No one’s gonna push him faster than he’s ready for. Not while I’m here.”

Optimus gave a small nod, stepping back. Sideswipe glanced down at Bee and tightened his hold, his voice barely above a whisper. “You’re safe, Bee. I promise.”