Ratchet felt his spark beginning to beat rapidly in panic seeing Taylor waiting there. She looked up in surprise when they came through, her eyes widening when she saw the orange and white medic. Her hands left her arms, and for a moment the two just stared at each other as the GroundBridge closed behind Ratchet.

Optimus watched them, worry flooding his chest chassis at the silence. He looked over to the young girl, who was quickly wiping away the tears and straightening herself.

Ratchet was the first to take a hesitating step forward. "Taylor... please, don't be frightened.."

Taylor fidgeted, looking down at her feet before glancing up again. "I... just want to know. Are you really the Ratchet I know?" she asked, her voice light and slow.

Optimus was taken back when he saw a tear of lubricant escape Ratchet's good optic. "If course it is," the medic choked, his faceplate twisting. He got down on one knee plate, holding out his servos before taking another shaky vent. "Listen. If you don't want to be around me anymore, I understand. I'm just glad you're alive. Whatever happened to you, I am so sorry. I should have done more to protect you.." His voice cracked and he glanced away, bringing his mangled servo to his faceplate.

Taylor brought her hands to her mouth, stifling a sob while fresh tears filled her eyes. "Ratchet!" she cried, sobbing as she rushed over to him quickly. She nearly tripped over her own feet before reaching him, throwing her arms around his digits and bursting into a fit of crying.

The medic's faceplate lifted, fresh lubricant leaking from his optic as he reached down and picked her up with his mangled servo. She sniffed, sobbing and wiping her eyes as he lifted her up to his faceplate.

"You're not... afraid of me?" he asked slowly.

She shook her head violently. "No! I'm so sorry! I must have hurt you.. I was just so afraid.. I'm sorry!" she rambled, reaching out with her arms like a baby.

Ratchet smiled brightly, bringing her closer and letting her hug his faceplate. "It's alright," he whispered as she sobbed into his warm metal. "It's alright," he said again, his optic warm. He was also reassuring himself, Optimus could tell. The Prime smiled at his friend, his spark lifting to see something good happening for once.

Ratchet's optic turned to Optimus, a smile on his derma. He mouthed a small 'thank you' as he hugged the human girl. His friend nodded in welcome, his optics soft at the scene before him. 

"I.. I didn't know you two knew each other.." came a nervous voice of in the distance. They all turned and saw June peeking around a corner nervously. "Sorry.. I followed Taylor after she ran out this morning. I didn't know what she was doing and got worried..."

Taylor, who had let go of Ratchet with a look of embarrassment, gave the nurse a nervous smile. "Uh.. yes, we do," she muttered with her tiny voice. "He was always making sure I was alright.."

Ratchet looked at the girl sadly, setting her down on the ground. "I thought keeping you away from the other would protect you, but you got hurt because of me anyway," he said, standing up. "Maybe I should have stayed away.."

Taylor looked back up at him, hurt and worried. "No! I was happy! I wanted you to come!" She ran over and hugged his pede. "Don't leave me again!" she shouted fearfully. June came over and took the girl's shoulder comfortingly.

Ratchet glanced back down to her. "Are you sure..?"

She let go and nodded, wiping away tears once more. "Please, I love you. Stay with me."

The medic flushed slightly, his faceplate turning to one of surprise and relief. He bent back over and let her crawl into his good servo, lifting her and putting her exactly in the place she had been in the picture Optimus had seen; between his helm and shoulder plate. Taylor smiled and leaned on his helm, closing her eyes and relaxing. Ratchet smiled warmly as well, stroking her hair gently with his digits.

Optimus took a step forward. "I am glad the two of you had the chance to meet again," he said, his derma up slightly.

Taylor opened her eyes quickly and flinched when he approached. Optimus instantly froze, while Ratchet noticed and gave a worried glance to the girl leaning on him. She took a shaky breath, her eyes eventually wandering up to the Prime. They were fearful, but determined. Optimus straightened ever so slowly, raising his servos up slightly to show he meant no harm to her. She breathed in again through her nose, nodding a little.

"Taylor, don't be frightened," Ratchet assured her. "This is Optimus. He is my leader, and my oldest and most trusted friend."

Optimus gave a nod to the medic, glancing over to the girl again. She cringed, but straightened her back as she sat and lifted her head. Keeping one hand on Ratchet's metal cheek, she waved at him a little with the other.

"H-Hello..," she muttered, forcing a tiny smile.

The Prime ushered up his own small, calm smile as well. "Hello, Taylor. I hope you understand that I would never try and harm you."

She nodded lightly, swallowing. "I-I know," she said slowly. "I just.. have to take it in slowly, that's all. I'm sure... I'll be okay in time." She turned to Ratchet and hugged him again, smiling brightly. "As long as you're with me."

The old doctor grinned back, his optic cheerful. "Thank you, Taylor."

June's lips turned up at the young girl on the Autobot's side shoulder. "Do you wish to go with them, honey?"

Both of the Autobots and the girl started. None of them had thought about that. Ratchet looked back to Taylor, then to Optimus. The latter was blinking at June in surprise. She was entrusting her to them? He had honestly expected her to never wish another human to remain with them again, considering what had happened to her son. Taylor was still in shock, thinking about what she had said for a few minutes. Eventually, she let out a shaky sigh and gently rubbed Ratchet's faceplate.

"I want to go with you," she said simply, her face serious. 

The medic blinked at her. "Are you absolutely certain?"

She nodded, closing her eyes and leaning on his helm. "I know that I want to be with you."

He blinked again, before his faceplate melted and he hugged her with his servo. There were no more words between them as he squeezed her gently, before placing her on the ground next to June. The girl sniffed and jumped forward, hugging the nurse tightly. Mrs. Darby held her back, closing her eyes and letting some tears fall. When they let go, she looked up to the two Autobots seriously.

"Protect her, please," she begged silently, wiping her eyes.

Optimus nodded whilst Ratchet picked Taylor back up. He turned to the nurse with a serious look in his optic. "With my life," he said grimly, using his mangled servo to hover over her body like a shield.

Nurse Darby nodded, smiling up at the girl. "Take care, honey. Feel free to come visit."

Taylor sniffed, still crying. "Okay," she whimpered, waving her goodbye as the medic began to open a portal.

Optimus knelt over to June, reaching out with his servo. "I am very grateful, June," he said, using her first name. "Thank you."

June smiled, hugging his digit a little. "This isn't goodbye. I'll see you soon."

The Prime nodded and stood back up, following his old friend through the GroundBridge. As he walked back into base, he tiredly went back to the berth. Mostly to get some rest, but also to let the two friends have some time alone.

Please, he prayed as he laid down. I don't want to see any more death.

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I cried again. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.

Well, I'm not gonna stay up late this night. I have work tomorrow morning.

NIGHT PEEPS!