The next week was a slow recovery for the medic, although it could have been slower if he didn't know what he was doing. It was another day before he could actually sit up on the berth, and another two before he could get up. After that, things went a lot smoother, though I could tell the strain was painful. He was getting frustrated that he couldn't do as much as usual, getting exhausted quicker because of his injury. The other Autobots and kids had to cope with a medic who was more grumpy than ever, at least towards them. Much to my surprise, he was exceptionally gentle to me, though he would sometimes complain about how annoying his recovery was.

Miko took notice of his newfound attention towards me, and loved to tease me about it to no end. Jack and Raf were quiet about it, much to my relief, but I would still get awkward or silly glances every now and then when I was with him. It was a little easier to ignore at first, but now both me and Ratchet were starting to get annoyed at how much Miko pursued, though only the latter gone on to her about it. Along with some of the other Autobots.

Today, I was sitting on the couch reading a book that Rafael had given me. It was rather intriguing, even though I was literally living a fantasy now. Miko, bouncy as ever, jumped onto the couch next to me, Raf and Jack following behind her.

"So, how's school going for ya?" she asked, swinging a bit of her bangs out of her eyes.

I looked up and grinned, glad she was talking about something other than Ratchet and I. "Pretty well, as far as the first days of school go."

"Even better since Ratchet actually picks you up, right?" she smirked, wiggling her eyebrows.

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. This was one feeling I knew I wasn't enjoying. "Yeah, he surprised me."

"He surprised all of us!" said Raf, plopping down next to me. "I'm glad you're getting along with your guardian, too."

I gave the smaller boy a side hug, before a thought came to my mind. "So you're guardians.... what are they to you? Like, relationship wise?"

Oh my word, that sounded stupid.

The three kids looked at each other before getting lost in their thoughts. Raf piped up first, turning and beaming at me.

"Bumblebee is like a brother to me," he explained. "He's family!"

Miko nodded, looking lost in thought for once. "Yeah, family. I wouldn't say a brother.. but definitely family. And the best rock buddy ever!" she exclaimed, throwing up her hands.

I shuddered, thinking of the loud music she had been playing lately. It was rather... disturbing.

Jack scratched the back of his head, a nervous habit. "Well, we're partners. But.. family seems to suit us, too.."

The other two turned and gave him a look. He held up his hands. "Do not tell Arcee I said that." They shook their heads, holding back their laughter.

I listened to them all in awe and wonder. Family. I had to say, that sounded like them. But were me and Ratchet like that? Close as family? Or just as friends? I was happy with either one, but...

The other three must have read my thoughts. Miko squished me into a hug while Raf patted me on the back.

"Aw, don't worry about Ratch!" Miko said cheerfully, letting go. "He'll come around!"

"If he hasn't already," Raf added.

Jack shrugged. "I gotta say, he's closer to you than any other human."

"Out of four," I retorted, holding up that many fingers.

"Five, if you count Agent Fowler," Jack responded. "Still, I think you get my point."

I did, but was too embarrassed to admit it.

Miko's gaze suddenly hardened, glaring at my shoulder. "Hey, what's that on your arm?"

I glanced down to where she was looking just as the others all turned in curiosity. "Oh! That's a scar. Mom said I got it when I was a baby, but never really explained how I got it."

"It's a funny looking scar, I'll tell ya that," Miko snorted, examining it closely.

I shrugged. "What else is new?" I joked.

The three of them looked a little shocked for a split second, before bursting into laughter. It turned contagious, and I went right along with them.

Family.

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It was getting really hot. I was considering calling Ratchet, but I didn't want to be rude. School had gotten out nearly an hour ago, and the others had all already left. They had been just as surprised as me when they found Ratchet void of the parking lot. I shrugged it off and assumed he was busy with something back at base. I wasn't upset, but I was getting anxious. Almost everyone else had left already, while I was still standing out on the sidewalk. I had expected it to get cooler, but I was actually sweating. I pulled my backpack up my shoulders more and shuffled my feet.

"Are you by yourself?" asked an unfamiliar voice behind me.

I turned sharply, startled, to find a middle aged man standing on the sidewalk behind me. He seemed normal enough; a white T-shirt, a dark red jacket, clean cut jeans, nice black shoes. His expression was neutral, his chin nice and lean, silver hair greased back. His eyes were a sharp green, but looked rather bored and gentle. My heart was still fluttering nervously, though; something about this seemed off.

"Y-Yes," I stuttered, taking a step back. "My ride is late, that's all."

He smiled, a warm one, non threatening. "Is that so? Mine is, too."

I cocked an eyebrow. "Are you a teacher?" I had never seen him in school before.

He shook his head. "No, I work just down the road. My son, who goes here, usually comes to pick me up after school."

"But it's an hour after school let out," I said, still wary.

He could tell, and smiled broader. "He usually hangs out with his friends for a little while, normally go get a bite to eat or something. Just times about right to come pick me up from work."

I relaxed a little, still watching him as he walked next to me with his hands in his pockets. "Oh. That's convenient."

He shrugged with a smirk. "I guess so. What's your excuse?"

"Oh, uh," I stuttered, flustered. "M-my dad. He sometimes gets busy with stuff.. and loses track of time. It's okay, though, he should be here any minute."

He nodded. "That's good. Not safe to leave girls your age waiting at a time like this."

"Y-Yeah, I guess..."

He smiled again. "Sorry, am I bothering you? You seem kind of... tense."

I threw him a weak grin. "Sorry.. I'm not used to talking to other people... they usually just avoid me.."

"New to school?"

"Yeah.. it's not so bad, though. I'm talking about before."

"Before?"

"Yeah," I answered quickly, ending it there. I didn't want to go into details why. Especially not to a stranger.

Ratchet, please hurry up.

The man shrugged again and looked back out to the road, just as a van with blacked out windows pulled up and honked. The man straightened, grinning.

"Ah," he said, turning to me. "I believe that would be our ride."

"Our?" I asked nervously, suddenly feeling very scared.

His grin turned sinister as he reached out, a cloth in his hand. "Oh, yes, I thought it would be nice to give you a ride myself."

I was about to scream and run, but he caught me to quickly, shoving the bad smelling cloth into my mouth and nose. I tried not to breath it in, but I could already feel its affects. I slowly fell limply in his grip, my mind starting to shut down.

No.. not again...

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MWAHAHAHAHA!!

Soon, you will finally learn the last of my OC, readers. Be prepared.

MWAHAHA!!