My mind was boggling and my heart was pounding wildly. Not only out of anticipation for the mission, but for the idea that had just sprung into my head. It was foolishly dangerous, and I knew that. Yet, at the same time, the urge to do it was so strong, so powerful. I felt compelled to help them, do what I could to get this done. This seemed like the least I could do. Plus, I would just be the last resort back up. There was no way I could tell Ratchet, though. For one thing, he was already at the SpaceBridge, awaiting Jack and Arcee's arrival. For another, if I did tell him, there was absolutely no way he would consent to it. None of the others, except probably Miko, would allow me to either. And Miko would probably just tag along, so I couldn't tell her either. So that meant I had to keep the plan to myself.

Am I really going to do this?

I took a deep breath through my nose, doing the best I could to convince myself that it would be fine. At the same time, I felt completely foolish, and a lot like Miko. Much too daring. But what if they needed me? I exhaled, finally deciding to go through with it.

I could vaguely make out the conversation between Jack, who was suited up and ready, and the others, who were bidding him a brief farewell. I was hiding under the GroundBridge, awaiting my moment. My heart beat wilder and wilder, scared that I would get caught. (And also how Ratchet would react when he found out. Which wouldn't be long, if all went as I'd hoped.) I heard Jack begin to head through the GroundBridge.

Alright. Let's do this.

Taking another deep breath, I tensed my body, bending my legs. Hardening my gaze to focus, I leapt up, using my arm to grab onto the edge of the GroundBridge walkway and propel myself up. I landed on one knee, my other leg extended out, my foot holding me up. I used my other arm to push myself up again. I heard cries of surprise from behind me, and glanced only once at everyone's shocked faces. On instinct, I smiled apologetically as I turned my head sharply. I spilt second, I was racing down the walkway, my feet clanging against the metal. As I sped into the swirling mass of color, I felt my stomach do a complete somersault, but I set forward in determination.

I'm going to be here for this. I'm going to be with Ratchet.

Part of it was because I wanted to make sure everyone made it back safely, unharmed. Deep inside, however, I knew it was more than that. I knew that my feelings were Ratchet were also in play. I wanted to be with him always, and that desire was growing. Just as I started to get dizzy from the portal, I teetered into my destination. My vision swam and I doubled over, breathing heavily.

Jack turned sharply, surprised. "Wait, Taylor?! What are you doing here?" he cried.

The Autobots, just ahead of him, turned their helms to me, each of their expressions the same one of shock. I looked up, still panting, and waved nervously. Great, my cover had been blown straight away.

"I thought for sure you were Miko!" Jack exclaimed, putting his hands on my shoulders.

"T-Taylor?!" my guardian finally sputtered, taking a step towards me and the teen boy. "What in the name of the AllSpark are you doing here?!"

I took a few more much needed gasps before I stood straight, smiling awkwardly. "Uh... hey, guys."

Seriously? That was the best I could come up with?

Ratchet immediately rushed forward, causing Jack to quickly move out of the way. The medic bent over on one knee plate, his servos extended. His faceplate was exasperated and worried. "Taylor, this is a dangerous mission, not a game!" he scolded. "What are you thinking?"

I understood his worry; so far I had been a lot, and they hadn't been good things. I had been nearly killed several times, and had been kidnapped and tortured. Before that, I had lost the only family I had ever known as a girl. Now I had a new family, one that was always putting themselves in danger. One that I did not dare lose, because I was too afraid to be alone. Cowardly, lonely, and selfish, but I didn't care. It had only been a short while, but they meant so much to me. He meant too much to me.

I smiled up at him, my face full of fondness and love that he was surprised. I couldn't help how much I cared for him, I realized that now. The best thing I could do now was stay close to him, do my best to protect him, and the others. I stepped forward and hugged one of his outstretched servos, closing my eyes but still grinning like an idiot.

"I know it's dangerous, Ratchet," I said calmly, not letting go or moving. "And I can't say I'm not scared out of my wits. That would be a complete lie. But.. I just can't let you do this alone."

"W-why not?" Jack asked in confusion. Ratchet was silent, perhaps still surprised over my earlier facial expression to say anything.

I opened my eyes and looked seriously at the teenage boy. "For the same reason you can't. And because.." My eyes wandered from Jack to the other Autobots, and finally rested on Ratchet. "Because I'm a part of this family, too, now. I want to be here. I have to." I realized how spoiled that sounded, and started to regret it, my face turning red with embarrassment.

The medic blinked at my words, and the others were all quiet for a few moments as well. Finally, I heard my guardian sigh and felt his shadow grow as he leaned over me. I felt his warm yet cool servos slid in front of me, his digits outstretched and his palm flat. I looked up hopefully to his faceplate, which had calmed. He still looked a bit agitated, and ever so worried, but he had relented. My eyes lit up and I excitedly jumped into his servos, instinctively clasping my hands happily.

"You seemed to have gained some confidence," he observed dryly as he stood.

I understood that that was praise, even though it sounded more like a sarcastic insult. I beamed brightly, smiling wide as he lifted his servos to the side of his helm. The others all grinned as I slid next to his shoulder plate, seeing the true meaning behind his words as well. They seemed happy at my growing relationship with my guardian, and were pleased that Ratchet was getting closer as well.

"If we come across any danger or issues," Ratchet said, his optics fixed on me as I sat down, cross-legged, "you're going to hide under there," he pointed under the console that he had stolen from the Decepticons and was currently in charge of, "and stay there."

I nodded, not at all surprised at the sternness in his voice. He was serious about my protection, and that made my heart flutter in excitement and hope. I didn't really mind being told what to do in this situation, but that did not mean that I wanted to stay out of it. I hated conflict, battle, or really any kind of scuffle. I had made it my goal as a young girl to stay out of fights. They scared me, and if I was involved, I always felt terrible about it later. Yet, my determination to protect and stay with my new family, no matter what, seemed to trump that fear.

I looked down to Jack as Ratchet typed away at the console. "Locking on to Cybertron," Ratchet said, his voice just the smallest bit grim. I could tell the mention of his homeland was probably saddening.

"You ready?" Arcee asked her charge, giving him a small smile.

The suited up boy reached over and took the key, staring at it. "Let's do this."

"I'll leave the SpaceBridge portal open in order to eliminate any communication lag over the great distance," Ratchet said, walking over to the back of the femme, " and make it easier to locate when you're ready to return."

"Easier to locate?" Jack pondered worriedly, his eyes skimming over to where I sat.

"Vector Sigma true location is shrouded in myth and rumor, Jack," I said kindly, feeling bad for him and hoping my smile was assuring.

"It is said that the Path of the Primes will lead you there," Ratchet added, nodding his helm once. "We must be confident that Optimus will guide you."

I smiled to Jack, who returned it nervously. He and Arcee said quick farewells, and after a moment of pep talk, Arcee transformed and Jack jumped on the sleek blue motorcycle. She revved her engine, doing a wheelie for a few short moments before the two disappeared in a flash of color.

The four of us held our breaths as we waited, and no doubt the others were doing just so back at base. I brought my hands together again and prayed silently for their safety. After a few more moments of radio silence, Ratchet grew anxious and tapped the console.

"Jack! Arcee!" He shouted agitatedly and worriedly. "Do you copy?"

The breath I'd been holding flew from my lungs in relief as I heard their responses. Over the intercom, I could hear the others at base cheering happily. Even though I was on the other side, I joined in with my own cheerful squeal and happy laughter, turning and hugging Ratchet's helm for a moment. He felt him stiffen under my grasp, before he relaxed, and I saw the corners of his derma turn up.

"Just keep the sightseeing to a minimum, huh?" Bulkhead said, but he was smiling.

"Indeed," Ratchet agreed. "We do not know if your journey ahead is five kliks or five thousand."

"Understood," came the femme's reply before she went silent, obviously ready to start.

I looked over to Ratchet and smiled, tapping his metal cheek to get his attention. His optics flew over to me before he even turned his helm. When he saw my happy and hopeful eyes, his expression softened and he threw me a gentle smile of assurance. My cheeks flushed and my shoulders hunched, but my grin went broader and happier as I leaned in. I nuzzled an imaginary nose with mine, suppressing a giggle and the exploding emotions in my chest. My guardian's faceplate lit up a light blue, Energon rushing to his cheeks. I quickly pulled away, mouthing an embarrassed "sorry", but I still couldn't stop smiling. My face was a red wreck, though. He let out a soundless sigh, reaching up and rustling my hair with his servos again. I closed my eyes in glee, feeling like a lovesick puppy being stroked. I tried to ignore the stares from Bulkhead and Bee, which I imagined Ratchet was doing as well.

I don't think these feeling will go away, even at times like this. Especially at times like this.

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Hey guys!!! I updated!!!!

FINALLY

Infinitywriter2000 , thank you for the inspiration and awesome chats!! I love this pictures, and it made me wanna write more Ratchet. You go, friendo!!!❤️❤️❤️

Thanks for reading guys. I can't believe the first book, Guardians, has reached over 2k views!! You guys are amazing! I hope you enjoy the second book just as much!