with @wizzos, optimus and bumblebee. — he has a tendency to hover, to be too close, to want to get as close to the action as he can. it puts him waddling behind optimus like a duckling. when he stops a little too suddenly, it's too late for bee to be able to do anything about his own force of motion. knocking into the back of autobot, he back peddles, with a series of apologetic beeps.
optimus takes ownership in the loss of bumblebee's voicebox. he blames himself for that mistake, for his soldier's struggle with communication and seemingly-permanent inability to communicate beyond beeps and cues. the earth language, as well as the radio signals that come with its atmosphere, have benefitted the scout greatly. through that, through recorded sounds and earth dialogue, he's managed to conjure communication in crucial times. still... it is not cybertronian, and it is not what the autobots are accustomed to. adaptation takes time, but isn't that what they're all about? transforming... changing to blend in. bumblebee has always been skilled at that.
bumblebee accidentally bumps into his leg when backing up, which causes the scout to beep and whir with apology inferred. his blue optics peer up at the leader, and optimus, in return, peers down with a fatherly warmth. "it is all right. ratchet and i have finished our discussion about ironhide's repairs. it may take some time, but he will be fighting with us soon." optimus dips his head. "you have adapted to earth well, bumblebee. and your alt form... the humans seem to appreciate your chosen design. are you satisfied with it?"