2. Charge (A TFP Fanfiction)

Chapter 4

I sat huddled in the edge of the couch, hugging my knees and sniffing every so often. It had been nearly twenty four hours since Ratchet had shouted at me and Raf. He still hadn't said another word to me, and I was getting kind of depressed. Bulkhead had taken me to school that day, skeptical about why, but didn't ask. I had been too upset to really concentrate of course. As had the other kids. We were all still worried over Optimus, and so far, nothing had come up. Now I had two bad things to think about, which wasn't really helping much. I sighed, staring up at the ceiling and trying my best not to well up in tears again.

I only perked slightly when I heard the rev of an engine, and Bulkhead drove in, immediately transforming into his biped mode. He waved hastily at me before rushing over to Ratchet to report. 

"No sign of Energon spikes," he said grimly. "Arcee or Bee find the SpaceBridge?"

"They haven't yet reported back," my guardian replied. The utter exhaustion and sadness in his voice was enough to make me turn and look at him for the first time that day. My heart sank as I realized sadly that Ratchet had definitely pulled an all-nighter earlier, and was still upset over everything that had happened. I couldn't help but feel it was partially my fault... he had taken what I said the wrong way. He had felt judged. That's not what I had meant at all, but I had hurt him. 

Was he still angry with me?

Maybe he's right to be. 

"Ratchet," Bulkhead said worriedly. "You alright?"

"Hm?" Ratchet said, looking up from his work for the first time that day. His optics looked half opened and his shoulder pads were hunched. I couldn't help but feel horrible and worry over him, even though I was hurt.

These stupid feeling make it hard for me to be mad at him at all.

Bulkhead caught my staring and raised an optic ridge, and I blushed a bit in embarrassment. He seemed to realize something was up and turned back to the medic, leaning in to ask him something inaudible. Ratchet flinched back at whatever he said, but nodded grimly. I could only wonder what they were talking about as Bulkhead gave him a look, one similar I had seen Optimus give him on occasion. 

My thoughts were interrupted by a loud beeping, which my guardian immediately turned his attention to. Bulkhead leaned over his shoulder pad, curious. My own curiosity got the better of me and I got up from the couch and walked over to the rail by the monitors, leaning as far as I could so I could see better. I also saw Ratchet quite visibly cringe at my arrival, and tried to calm the pang in my heart. 

"What is it?" Bulkhead asked. 

Ratchet's optics widened. "A high frequency signal. For me!"

My eyebrow perked upwards at this, a rare show of sarcastic curiosity. Bulkhead held back a snicker, but the medic didn't see.

"Optimus?" the wrecker asked hopefully.

"Starscream."

My chest sank at the name of the former commander of the Decepticons. I had never seen him, or actually met any Con for that matter, but from all the things I had been told, he could sometimes be worse than Megatron himself. The others, too, immediately curled up their derma in disgust at the thought of him. Apparently, he was also annoying.

"I have obtained information regarding your leader," Ratchet read, his voice perking up. "Bring medical kit. Come alone."

The two bots looked at each other straight away, only a moment to think before they both nodded. They really had no other choice, considering they couldn't find any leads. Bulkhead patted the medic's shoulder plate, giving him a glare that said, "I'm going." Ratchet only shrugged it off, sighing in reply. The green mech walked over to the Bridge, ready to leave. Ratchet turned to find his kit. 

With a deep breath, I reached out as far as I could over the rail, stretching my fingers. I was still a long ways from touching him, but fortunately, he noticed. He paused for a moment, considering, before leaning over to me with a sigh. I forced my cheeks to stay normal as he his faceplate came close to my head. Had he always come this close..?

"What is it?" he muttered quietly. His voice was a bit snappy, but also gentle, if that was even possible. Maybe I was hoping for too much.

"Could you... keep your commlink open?" I asked in a whisper, afraid of what Bulkhead might hear. The wrecker did keep glancing over at us. 

My guardian raised an optic ridge. "Why?" he asked skeptically, sounding more agitated now.

Now my feelings were more hurt, and for once, I was starting to get annoyed. "Because I want to know about Optimus, too! You're not the only one worried about him," I hissed. 

He flinched at my tone, and I realized that that had probably stung. I immediately calmed down, my face softening. I reached up slowly and playfully tapped the bridge of his imaginary nose.

"And.. I just want to be sure that.. you know, Starscream doesn't hurt you..," I muttered quietly, glancing away. And OF COURSE my stupid cheeks were blushing. "I do worry about you, too... you've gotten hurt before..."

He listened with surprise, his optics blinking a couple times. Slowly, his expression softened, his servo lifting and resting on my head very gently. My eyes went back up, shining hopefully as the corners of his derma went up the smallest bit into a tiny smile.

"And I remember you didn't take either of those experiences very well," he relied gently. His digits tussled my hair a bit as he rubbed my head, instead of patting it. I gulped down a happy squeal, but I could do nothing about my beet red face. "I will do as you ask. However, please do not say anything."

I cocked my head as his servo lifted from my hair. "Why?" I asked, not because I was offended, but I was curious.

"If the Decepticons, former or no, learn that we are over the watch of another human, you could become targeted," he explained, his expression turning to that one of worry. "After what MECH did to you, I do not think it would be wise. And who knows if I would be able to protect you.."

I smiled, overjoyed to know that he was concerned. He didn't seem angry anymore, and I wanted to bound up in relief and happiness. Instead, I forced myself to just nod and smile.

"Okay, I won't make a peep," I teased, putting a finger to my lips. 

He nodded, saying nothing more as he stood up and joined Bulkhead. Inside, I was a little disappointed that we couldn't talk some more, but I knew that they had more important things to do then chat. Bulkhead once again said something inaudible to Ratchet, who in return scoffed and rolled his optics. Bulkhead snickered and slapped him on the back playfully, which made the medic protest. I giggled at their 'playfulness' and Bulk looked back at me. He grinned widely and threw me a thumbs up. I blushed, even though I didn't completely know what he meant, but Ratchet's reaction said enough. My guardian, too, had a slight flush on his faceplate.

I smiled to myself as the two mechs walked through the portal. I sighed, the chest much lighter, and looked over to the screen. Almost immediately, a whiny, annoying voice filled my ears.

Well, I can see why Megatron has tried to murder him before, I thought with disgust.

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Yay, another chapter!!! Thank you guys for the inspiration, I was encouraged by my amazing followers to continue this. I wasn't writing much cus I was so busy and tired. I still am, but I made an exception for you guys! Enjoy this story!

Also, you all agree that Starscream is whiny and kind of annoying, right?

*waves*