You Get Mistaken As A Family Part 2

You get mistaken as a family Part 2

Bumblebee 

The diner was a small one, located just outside a little town in the middle of nowhere. It had seemed like the perfect place to stop and grab something to eat. When Bumblebee pulled into the parking spot, he felt something shutter through his systems, a bad feeling settling in his tanks. So, despite the low energon reserves, he switched on his holoform and insisted he go inside with both you and Raph. 

“Hello, dears,” the older waitress smiled as the three of you entered. “Just take a seat anywhere, and I’ll be right over.” The silver-haired woman went back to talking to a young man in the booth. You scanned the small building. You found a booth with a large window and ushered the two boys to the seats. 

Bumblebee made a humming noise as he slid into the seat next to Raph and across from you. 

“It’s the perfect seat,” Raph replied, pointing out the window, “We can see you and the front doors from here.” The scout let out a content hum as he looked out to the open dining room. Though he was in disguise, he was a soldier, and his instincts told him he needed to take stock of his surroundings. Make sure his friends were safe. 

“What do you want, Raph?” You grabbed a menu off the little stand by the window and looked over to the 12-year-old, 

“Can I have a burger and fries?” The boy genius bounced a little in his seat, causing Bumblebee to move in place as well. 

“Sure, buddy, but I’m going to order you some veggies too." 

*

The food ended up tasting better than you could have hoped. You and Raph shared a plate of broccoli, much to the boy’s disdain and Bumblebee’s delight. The bot laughed at the face his young friend made when the broccoli plate was put down. To remain inconspicuous, he had ordered water, with some help from you. 

He hummed, eyes looking at the leftovers on the plate. 

"No, I don’t think we can eat anymore.” You pushed around the last few bits on your plate. 

More humming, 

“No, bee, we don’t need to take it. I don’t want food in your cab.” Raph looked between the two of you before he pulled out his phone. 

“We’re still a few hours away from our destination. Can we grab some things for the ride?” Raph looked up to Bumblebee, who affectionately ruffled his hair and hummed in approval. Shifting out of the bench, the two began talking about grabbing some bottles of water and goodies from the convenience store across the street. 

“Bee, please don’t get messy food.” The young bot smiled his human face looking more mischievous as he nodded in acknowledgement, “And don’t let him get a soda.” You handed a twenty to the pair. “I’ll pay the tab and meet you outside.” Bumblebee hummed at you over his shoulder and followed Raph out. 

“Thats one sweet family you’ve got, dearie.” You turned to look at the waitress and another older woman at the table next to you. Both had a broad smile on their faces. The waitress continued, “Your little man really takes after his daddy.” you froze, eyes a little wide at the comment.

“no-ah-we-" 

The older woman began flapping her hands near her face, "I have to admit you snagged a cutie, even if he’s a tad odd.” You could tell the comment wasn’t meant to be harmful. Still, her insulting Bumblebee didn’t sit well with you. 

“What do you mean, odd?” Your voice had a slight edge. 

“Oh, dearie. Alison didn’t mean anything by that.” The waitress smacked the silver-haired woman’s wrist. “She was nosy about his humming, that’s all.” You shifted to sit taller, still frustrated with Alison’s comments. 

“He’s in the military. He… lost the ability to speak in a battle.” You began fiddling with the fork closest to you. “We met after his accident. There was too much damage done to his vocal cords. We’re lucky he can still speak the way he does." 

"Oh, Kathy isn’t that just-.” Alison placed a hand over her heart, her other lightly touching Kathy’s arm. “I really meant no harm; I didn’t realize your husband had been through so much.” The waitress smiled, stepping closer. 

“So, how old’s your little one?”

“Raph isn’t mine.” you went to pull out your credit card. 

“Doesn’t make him any less of your son, dearie. I saw the way those two looked at you.” Kathy began clearing up the used glasses. “A loving husband and adoring step-son is still a perfect family in my book.” you didn’t know what to say. Was it really worth the trouble trying to explain you and Bumblebee weren’t married? “You know what, don’t worry about the tab.” You looked back up at Kathy, “Lunch is on me, my dear." 

"I couldn’t.”

“It’s the least I can do, that husband of yours gave up his voice in a war, I can cover one lunch.”

“Really, I can-”

“Nope, we don’t want to hear it.” Alison held out her hand, “Now help an old lady up and walk her outside.” Kathy walked away, and you went to help the old woman, opening the doors and walking her out. Bumblebee and Raph were heading back, each carrying a plastic sack.

“Now, you kids have a safe trip, you hear?” She turned and pointed to Raph, “Be a good boy and mind your parents.” and with her final say, she hobbled to her car. 

Bumblebee hummed, his head tilting to the side and his brows furrowing. looking between you the woman and Raph.

Raph shared his look, “And what did she mean by, ‘mind your parents?’" 

You chuckled, shaking your head, "just get in. I’ll explain on the road.”