Ratchet greeted me as soon as he opened the door, his voice gentle as I crawled in carefully with my crutches. I smiled and gave him a cheerful hello and closed the door. His engine hummed to life again as he drove off. I saw the other kids waving me farewell and I waved back briefly. I took a deep contented breath, letting it out slowly through my nose. He turned the corner and began driving out the small town of Jasper, soon coming to open road. My smile grew broader as I watched the sand woosh by.

"Do you have any place particular in mind?" he asked, the insignia lighting up as he talked.

I looked in his review mirror with a grin. "No, not really. We can go wherever."

I felt my seat heat up from under me, and of course my startled self jumped in surprise. After a moment, however, the warmth relaxed me and I leaned back on the seat with another happy sigh. I could feel him smiling in his alt mode, and I patted the seat fondly. I closed my eyes and let myself drift into my own calm thoughts as we drove, the soft hum of the engine and tiny tremors of the wheels hitting the gravel soothing me. As much as I said I had missed the talking, this was perfect. We didn't need to exchange words; there was no threatening, tense atmosphere now. Just calm and tenderness. I felt my head lag and started up, opening my eyes quickly.

"Sorry," I apologized quietly. "Did I fall asleep?" I scratched my cast again. Primus, that thing was so itchy!

He hummed a yes in response. "For a bit, yes. I don't mind. You have been through a lot the past few months."

I rubbed my eyes tiredly with a teensy, shy smile. "Yeah, I guess. I hardly regret any of it, though." I leaned forward, smiling at nothing in particular. "Where are we now?"

"We left Nevada a while ago," he told me. "I believe we are in California now."

So, what he meant by 'a bit' was a couple of hours.

"That's nice," I said quietly, looking out the window. We were on an open yet empty road, lots of plain around us. "It's really pretty out there." I looked up and saw the stars. It must have gotten dark while I was sleeping.

"Yes, it is," he said after a pause. I grinned at him and continued to look out the window.

After another short while, I turned and looked at his desktop. "Do you like music?" I asked.

He scoffed. "Definitely not Miko's disturbing choice of percussion."

I shrugged my shoulders and nodded in agreement. "Me either. I do like some upbeat, but rock is way too much. Unless I'm really in the mood."

I could almost see him cock an optic ridge. "I can hardly see you enjoying that."

"It's almost never," I chuckled, nodding. I leaned forward. "Do you have a radio?"

"I.. am not programmed with one," he admitted. "I made sure of that myself."

I chuckled slightly, waving my fingers a bit in dismissal. "That's fine. I didn't peg you for the music type anyway." I took my phone out of my pants pocket and flipped it open, pressing a couple buttons. "Do you mind, though? I can wait, if you want."

He paused for a moment, before I heard a sigh. "Alright."

I beamed happily, searching through my downloaded music when I saw something flash beside me. I ignored it, but then I saw another blinking light out of the corner of my eye. Confused as more dotted my vision, I turned to look back out the door window and gasped. Excited, I pressed my hands on the glass, which startled Ratchet, because he swerved ever so slightly.

"Has something caught your attention?" he asked, noting my wide eyes and gaping mouth.

I nodded enthusiastically. "Could you pull over?" I asked excitedly, practically bouncing up and down in his seat. He did as I asked, the vehicle mode bumping in the rock and grass as he slowed to a stop. I unhinged the door manually and pushed it open, gasping slightly at the sight in front of me.

Hundreds of little lights were blinking back and forth, flying all over us like fallen stars. The yellow white light glittered around us, and even though I hadn't even stepped out yet, I felt like I was in the sky. I was reminded of the dream I had had before, where all the stars were precious memories with my mother. Taking a deep breath through my nose, it felt like her presence was here now.

"Fireflies," I whispered in awe and wonder, still looking around. My butt was still firmly planted in my seat, and I was too entranced to really move.

I heard Ratchet chuckle before the engine abruptly cut off. I payed no mind to it, not until I felt something brush my shoulder. I stiffened when I heard my crutches moving, turning sharply as I felt the presence behind me move. A scream erupted from my mouth when I saw a man behind me, holding my crutches and was reaching out to grab my shoulder. Panicked, I thrust my arms forward and snatched his wrist, while the other hand squeezed his shoulder. He jumped, dropping the crutches, and his hand grabbed my wrist, prying it away from his shoulder. I screamed some more as I struggled against his grip, kicking while my body bent awkwardly. My stitched wound throbbed harshly, and my leg was burning with pain from the effort. I squeezed my eyes shut in terror as my strength slowly diminished and his grip hardened. Why wasn't Ratchet doing anything? Had he been breached? Was this MECH?

"Taylor!" I heard Ratchet yell. "Taylor, stop struggling! Agh!"

I gasped, freezing abruptly and opening my eyes. I was still shaking in fright, but I dared look up at the man holding me. I could have sworn that was Ratchet's voice.. When the man saw that I had calmed, he sighed in relief, his expression softening. His grip loosened on my wrist, but he didn't let go of me. I still had hold of him as well, and I wasn't letting go either. Something about his face and demeanor calmed me, and my body relaxed ever so slightly.

"Primus, Taylor," he groaned, looking at my awkward position.

I jumped; that was Ratchet's voice. The man was speaking like Ratchet. I cocked my head, mostly curious now. "R-Ratchet? Is that you?" I asked shakily.

He sighed again. "I should have expected this, honestly." He brought his head back up and looked me square in the eyes. "Yes, it's me. Well, in my holoform."

"O-Oh," I muttered quietly, another blush shooting up my face. It was definitely him. Those azure blue eyes were always his, shining bright and wise, just like the stars. Now that I really looked at him, he just seemed like Ratchet, in human form. His face was firm and his chin was squareish, just like it usually was in his normal form. He had the same bemused expression as always, this time with human lips thinned. I had to admit, it looked hot. His features only showed the slightest bit of age, but for some reason, it made my heart swim even more. He was wearing a white doctors coat, the clothes under him the familiar orange and white patterns. His hands were firm but gentle, perfectly strong and much larger than my own. His white hair looked like a hand had run through it so many times, it was permanently stuck backwards. It didn't looked jelled, it was totally natural, which was rather beautiful. It had a orange red streak in the middle of the head of hair, much like the design on his helm. I gasped lightly, feeling my heart pound in my chest wildly with conflicting emotions.

He looks just as amazing like this, too.

"Taylor?" he asked slowly, raising an eyebrow as he noticed my stare. "Is something the matter?"

I shook my head violently, waving away my thoughts. "No, no, I'm just surprised. I didn't know you could do this."

He let go of me and leaned back, sitting straight. "I was sure I had informed you of our holoforms. They are mostly used for emergencies, but I thought it would be easier to help you this way."

"Oh, is that why you changed?" I said, gaining some confidence back. "And took my crutches?"

He glanced away, a slight red rising to his cheeks, much to my surprise. "That... that is correct, yes." He cleared his throat as he bent over and took my crutches again.

I leaned down to help. "You really didn't have to do tha-" I stopped with a hiss through clenched teeth as pain flew up from my wound. Spots danced in my vision and I blinked several times.

He stiffened when he saw me freeze, rushing forward a moment later. "You shouldn't have strained yourself like that!" he scolded in frustration. I felt his arm slid under my legs while the other wrapped around my shoulders. He slid down the seat while I was still in his grasp.

"You scared me!" I protested in mock offense.

He rolled his eyes and scoffed as he slowly got out of the vehicle, holding me firmly. I blushed when I realized how close we were, then mentally slapped myself. This wasn't new for either of us; he had held me this close to his chassis all the time. Why was I getting so riled up? As he began to walk down the green plain, I glanced over his shoulder, back to his real body.

"What about my crutches?" I asked in a faint voice.

"You won't need them," he told me gently, still carrying me.

I smiled gently, raising my arm and holding on to his shoulder for better support. He twitched, but didn't say anything as he continued to walk farther and farther down. I gasped in delights as we passed hundreds and hundreds of fireflies. The little lights danced in the night sky, and I felt a longing to go and fly with them. I took in a contented breath, leaning my head on his chest. My heart immediately started pounding harshly, but I didn't care.

"This is extremely beautiful," I whispered fondly. "And really rare, too. It isn't even summer time."

The corners of his lips, human lips, turned up slightly, his eyes warm as he glanced down to me. "Yes, it is. Do you like it?"

I sighed again, closing my eyes as I snuggled his chest. "Yeah, I do." By some miracle, I was able to keep my face from flushing, which I was grateful for.

He kept walking for a few more minutes, and I leaned on him in relaxation the whole time. Eventually, he came to a stop, bending over gently and carefully sliding me onto the grass. I leaned back on my hands, looking up at the starry and lit sky. The little bugs danced around my head and I giggled. Ratchet smiled gently as he sat down next to me, doing the same thing. He watched the fireflies, and much to my enjoyment, he seemed to really enjoy them, too. I laughed when one landed on his forehead. His facial expression changed to one of surprise and disgust and he was quick to swat it off with an annoyed grunt. I giggled some more, playfully swatting his hair as more flew close to his head. He watched me with an unreadable expression on his face, before he glanced down to where my wound was under my sweater.

"Are you still in pain?" he asked quietly, as if not wishing to disturb the gentle silence.

I shook my head, grinning in assurance. "No, I'm fine. I feel a lot better, actually." I yawned. "Just a bit tired." My eyes drooped tiredly and I rested my head on his shoulder. I was surprised when he let me without any kind of reaction.

"Good," he affirmed, nodding his head.

I looked up at him. "Hey, do you mind if I play that music now? I know the perfect song."

He blinked, thinking it over, before shrugging with a grunt. Smiling, I pulled out my phone again and clicked through my tunes, searching and searching until I found exactly the one I was looking for. My smile growing wider, I pressed play, and I fun, yet calm, tune filled the crisp night air.

You would not believe your eyes
If ten million fireflies
Lit up the world as I fell asleep

'Cause they fill the open air
And leave teardrops everywhere
You'd think me rude but I would just stand and stare

I'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems

I giggled and sang along quietly, watching the little bugs dance like in the lyrics. Ratchet didn't say a word, listening to the words and the tune intently. Slowly, as the song went on, he smiled and closed his eyes, his head leaning down.

'Cause I'd get a thousand hugs
From ten thousand lightning bugs
As they tried to teach me how to dance

A foxtrot above my head
A sock hop beneath my bed
A disco ball is just hanging by a thread

My eyes eventually closed as well as the tune sung itself into my head. My breathing turned even and my body started to slack. I leaned the rest of my weight on my guardian tiredly, still smiling.

"Hey," I muttered to him quietly.

"Hmm?"

"Thank you for this," I told him, nuzzling my head on his shoulder slightly. I opened my eyes again as I beamed at him. "I really needed it."

I felt him shift from under me, and then I felt a firm hand rest on my arm, holding me steadily but gently. His lips turned up into a real, genuine smile, soft and sweet. I knew I was blushing madly at the sight of him like that; at the moment, I didn't really care. The giddy feeling was perfect as I felt my tired body start to give way to sleep...

Ratchet

My spark felt light as I watched those ocean blue eyes sparkle from the light of the fireflies. Slowly, they started to droop closed, and I heard her mumble something quietly before her body went limp on my side as she fell asleep. I felt my holoforms lips gently raise, and I realized I was smiling. Somehow, this human brought out the best of me. Her quiet demeanor was soothing, and despite all she had gone through, she was still so kind to me. To everyone. She made sure everyone's needs were before her own, even in the small things. She made us all feel special, and I could tell even Optimus was fondly touched by her.

I sighed, surprised with myself, and brushed some silver bangs out of her face. I remained there for a bit longer, watching the fireflies fly back and forth with their little lights. I had to admit, it was entrancing. With another small smile, I allowed the small beauty to touch my spark, before I slowly turned, careful to not wake her. As I slid the holoform's arms under her legs and shoulders, she sighed in her sleep, a small smile playing her own lips. I only froze for a moment before lifting her up, holding her in the same position I had before. I took her phone from her hand and turned the interesting song off, which took longer than I intended. Once finished, I looked back down to my young charge. Her head leaned on my chest, but she didn't weigh that much. Taking a breath, I walked through the grass again until we reached my true body. She didn't stir as I opened the door and slid her onto the seat, making sure I positioned her so that it wouldn't hurt her wounds and yet remain comfortable.

Once satisfied, my holoform disappeared and my engine roared to life. It felt good to be back in my own chassis, but the time with her in my holoform had been sweet. Turning on my headlights, I drove back onto the road and started to drive back. I didn't really know if I was heading in the right direction, but I could always call for a GroundBridge later. For now, I didn't mind it being just like this. It was very calming, and after recent events and a lifetime of war, it were little things like these that I needed.

"Thank you, Taylor," I whispered, my review mirror resting on the sleeping girl. "I needed this, too."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I know, this chapter was so cheesy. Sorry not sorry I only cringed a bit. (Like when I came up with the song for it. I'm sure you all know it. Fireflies by Owl City.)

I imagine that Ratchet had a rough time turning the music off 🤣🤣

Anyways, this is how I imagine him in his holoform, at least the closest thing to what I see in my mind.

(Just ignore Optimus standing there.)

Oh, and take away the glasses.

Enjoy the story you guys!

*waves*