(More spoilers! Sorry! But yah, it's like the whole chapter! If you don't want it spoiled it's Season 2: Episode 4)

• ~ (Y/n)'s Perspective ~ •

Not too long after the two bots left, Bumblebee arrived at base. He saw me sitting there and looked to the groundbridge.

He gave me a wave and activated the groundbridge and left. I barely waved back because he was already gone by the time I could even react. Plus, the groundbridge was still open and that kind of scared me, but I didn't know what to do. I kind of just sat there.

I decided I'd just continue to busy myself with work and if they asked, I'd pretend like I hadn't payed attention. Work was barely a distraction as I wondered what was happening that Bee had to leave so quickly. Maybe something bad had happened.

A few minutes pass and I see the three entering the base once more. I wondered what had happened as Ratchet quickly shut off the groundbridge. My voice got caught in my throat as I see what I assume is the relic. Bumblebee handed it to Optimus with a few beeps and buzzes.

"Thank you, Bumblebee." Optimus replied with a nod. I stood up and walked over to the rail.

"What is that?" I ask in a more quiet voice. Not a whisper, but slightly quieter than an inside voice.

"It's a spark extractor. A weapon that could easily kill all Cybertronians." Optimus described... lacking much description but I think I understood. He then walked away to put it about.

"Bumblebee, you should head over to pick up Rafael, school's almost over." Ratchet addressed to Bumblebee, giving him a small nod. Bumblebee returned the action and quickly transformed and drove away.

"That didn't take as long as I thought it would." I commented, just trying to start a conversation, though I knew I didn't sound very enthusiastic about it. Maybe my eyes said more that I was upset than the tone of my voice.

"My apologies for leaving so suddenly." Ratchet said. I could feel his gaze on me.

"You don't need to apologize, things happen." I said, giving him a small smile to reassure him I'm fine. Then I went and sat back down and buried myself once more. The desire for a conversation quickly left and not long after so did he.

His footsteps soon became distant and I dropped my head. I felt my eyes water once more and that terrible feeling struck harder. It burned in my chest and it felt hard to breathe.

'Get over it! There is nothing wrong! Things happen! You're just being selfish! Calm down!' I internally scold. I wipe my eyes with my arm and let out a shaky breath. 'You're an adult. So handle it like one.'

I take another deep breath and try to do what I do best: find a distraction. I worked and worked. I had eventually moved to the coffee table so I'd be more comfortable. I didn't feel like sitting on the couch, so I was just sitting on the floor.

"(Y/n)." I heard Optimus' voice address. I turned my head to look at him.

"Yes?" I replied, giving him a small smile. I was kind of surprised when he returned it.

"I just wanted to check on you to make sure you were alright and recovering well." He said, his voice softer than usual, but still very stern. I smiled and think back to my injury.

"I'm fine, thank you for your concerns. As for my injury, it's healing fine. Thank you." He nodded and then walked back into the hall. I was slightly confused, but just shrugged it off.

(Here's something new :3)

~ • Ratchet's Perspective • ~

I pace slightly, waiting for Optimus' return. Something is up, I could feel it. I had consulted in Optimus that something seemed wrong with (Y/n). And, of course, Optimus being Optimus decided to go see for himself. Maybe he would be blunt or just be casual.

'This is ridiculous! Why am I so concerned about what a human feels about me?!' A frustrated growl escapes my derma. I tap my pede repeatedly on the ground, worry filling my spark.

"Ratchet." Optimus suddenly addressed. I look up at him in response.

"Did you figure out what's wrong?" I quickly asked. He frowned and shook his head.

"No. However, I can only assume that she is worried about you."

"But why?"

"We are at war, Ratchet. She is as concerned as the other humans are. You are her charge and I am certain she cares about you." Optimus concludes. I wanted to say something else, but what would I say? I give in and nod. Maybe he's right. I thanked him before leaving back to the computer to get some work done before the children returned.

When I did, I saw (Y/n) had moved and was now at the small table and sitting on the ground. 'She must be upset with me... she's even moved away from where I'm stationed.'

'Nope. That's ridiculous. Would she really be so petty? Is she really even upset...?' I wonder, taking a glance at (Y/n) before indulging into work. A part of me was distracted with the idea (Y/n) was upset with me.

"Hey Ratchet, can I—" (Y/n) was interrupted by the children speeding in. The three got out/off of their charge's and made their way up. This upset me more than usual as (Y/n) was about to ask me something that might've cleaned up the sudden uncomfortable atmosphere between us.

"Hi Ratchet!" Rafael's bubbly voice greeted. I muttered back a hello and continued to work. The children did their thing and (Y/n) greeted them as per usual.

"Why weren't you at school today?" Miko asked, hopping into the couch. A part of me wanted to answer for (Y/n), but I didn't want to violate her trust by saying something that was personal to them.

"I wasn't feeling good this morning, but I'm doing better now. I'll be there tomorrow." (Y/n) replied calmly.

"My teacher almost got me put in detention again today." Miko said with a huff. (Y/n) hummed.

"Well. Not everyone is very nice or understanding. If he was holding you back again, then he is abusing his power over you. You need to just start leaving. Or you can try talking to the principal, he's nice." (Y/n) replied, her voice sweet and soft— it was really nice to listen to.

"My other teacher said to talk to the guidance coun—"

"No. If you need to talk to an adult about something you come to me or to the principal. That lady insults disability and tells everyone about children's problems." (Y/n) interrupted with a very serious tone in her voice that I had never heard before. In fact I was a little taken a back and glanced over at her.

"You really don't like that lady huh?" Miko said, smirking a little.

"I don't like anyone who makes fun of disabilities or the less fortunate people in society. I used to volunteer at a nursing home. Those elders were either the abuser, the abused, or the bystander. From either perspective what happened to the victim is terrible: disability or no disability. It is not ok to disrespect and abuse those who need help."

"Well, as always, you have your morals straight." Jack piped up, trying to calm things down, since (Y/n) had a bit of a glare and a rage in her voice.

"Sooo... besides that was it nice to help in a nursing home?" Raf asked, trying to steer away from this new, slightly scary side of (Y/n).

"Of course. It's interesting to hear other people's experiences and it was a great learning experience on how to take care of people. There were a lot of sad things like the elderly passing or being neglected by their families. I also accidentally got in a lot of people's wills and upset a lot of families..." (Y/n) paused. "If you don't mind I need to focus on this."

The kids quickly turned their attention away and Bumblebee started retelling what he did back on the mission. I got back to my work. Quickly after turning back, I found a beacon on the relic we— well, Bumblebee, retrieved from Megatron.

"The source of the frequency has been detected." I announced to Optimus who I had called over before announcing.

"An Autobot homing beacon." Optimus announced.

"What's an Autobot locator doing on that?" Arcee asked, Optimus went on to explain how things worked back at Iacon. My focus was slightly on my work and slightly on (Y/n) as she had turned to look and listen to Optimus with curiosity in her optics. A weird feeling sparked within me, that I ignored and focused back to my work.

I saw (Y/n) frown as Arcee asked if this was something Optimus had revealed to Megatron whilst he was once more Orion Pax. She then turned away and sighed, clearly trying to distract herself, being the overly caring person I've learned she is. I instead was the one to comfort my old friend.

"Optimus, Megatron clearly took advantage of your amnesia; but for all we know the spark extractor is only the extent of it. Have you stopped to consider that he might have suggested otherwise merely to plague your thoughts?" Maybe it wasn't entirely comforting, but it seemed to get the job done.

It wasn't terribly much longer before the others were sent out on their scouting missions. It left the children, Optimus, (Y/n) and myself alone once more in the base. I was hesitant to make conversation, due to having still so many people around. Not to mention, Jack and (Y/n) talking.

A part of me was jealous they got along so well, but I knew that was only because (Y/n) had helped raise him. It felt strange to feel so caring over a human that I had heard the children talking about for a week and known for only 4 days; and yet it felt like I've known her for years.

It could've been her welcoming aura or the small, yet sensitive, bits of personal information she has revealed to me. She seemed to trust me as if I had been her friend for a while, but not like I was going to be her friend for a lifetime. Maybe I just wasn't used to it. I only had so many friends back on Cybertron. I helped people, that was it. I had also befriended Orion Pax, but he was one of the few.

Now that I think about it. This is entirely ridiculous. I'm overreacting over someone I met 4 days ago. She's just helpless and friendly and weak, but she has plagued my processor with even more worry than I give to the children. Not to mention I got Optimus involved in something so minuscule and ridiculous.

There is just this overwhelming feeling of comfort when I'm around her. A comfort I only felt at home. Even though I've seen her at her worst, I have also seen her, momentarily at her best. A part of me was excited to see the day she was at her best all the time.

Either way, I have to get her off my mind. I have work to do and I'll be able to talk to her later. Especially if I get my work done.

"Ratchet?"

'Dear Primus...'

"Yes?"

"Can I speak with you? Privately?" (Y/n) asked. I blinked confused, but complied. I put my servo out and she got on. We then went into the other room.

She looked a little upset, a part of me wondered if I had done something wrong. I was admittedly a little scared.

"I have a friend coming over tonight. I just wanted to warn you. You're still welcomed to stay as you've been doing, I just thought I should let you know beforehand." (Y/n) said, rubbing her arm awkwardly.

"It's alright, (Y/n). It's your home not mine. I might just drive you home tonight. I believe I'm currently needed here." I explained. (Y/n) nodded.

"Alright. I-I just wanted to let you know either way." She said, I then nodded and was about to head back to the main room with her when I got an idea.

"Would you like to take this opportunity to learn a few things?" I asked, it might've not been the best idea, but when she smiled all that worry flew away.

"Sure." She replied, sounding like she was trying to hide her excitement. It was strange how these humans want to learn about us. Even when we— or really, me, didn't really want to do the same. But after Rafael's injury... I've felt obligated to learn things.

In the middle of our lesson, Bulkhead called through the comm link. Though annoyed he interrupted us, I answered, knowing it could and most likely was important. I was right.

"Yes Bulkhead?"

"Me and Bee need a groundbridge. Bumblebee can't transform." I paused, shocked. I put my hand out to (Y/n) and she got on.

"I'll send a groundbridge and get the medical bay ready." I ended the comm link. I took (Y/n) back to the couch and set her down. Then, I went and sent a groundbridge to their coordinates. While they were coming in, I got the med bay ready.

Bulkhead and Bumblebee entered through the groundbridge. Once they were through, I shut it down.

"Bumblebee, lay here." I ordered, Bumblebee quickly doing as told. I then began my scan, everyone gathered around.

"You can fix Bee... Can't you?" Raf asked, sounding worried. I shook my helm.

"Bumblebee was hit pretty hard. The stun blast may have fried his t-cog." I tell him before taking another scan.

"Is that like a t...bone?" Miko questions. I rolled my optics, but thankfully, Arcee answered.

"Not exactly. It's the organ that allows us to scan vehicles and transform." Arcee explained to the humans. The scan finished and my optics widened.

"By the all spark... Bumblebee's t-cog isn't damaged: it's missing." The room fell silent with shock. Jack was quick to pipe up though.

"But the Decepticons transform too, why would they steal that?"

"Megatron may have raised zombies but he's no ghoul." I say, pondering the possibilities.

"If Megatron wasn't the one behind this then who was?" Raf asked. Bulkhead furrowed his optic ridges.

"The ones who cannibalized Breakdown." He growled.

"And tried to gut me." Arcee added.

"Mech." I finish. "And it appears their knowledge of Cybertronian biotech has grown more sophisticated."

"But why would they want Bumblebee's pet?" Raf asked, clearly confused. Though the solution seemed quite clear.

Bumblebee shot up, upset and enraged. He has been robbed of something that was very important to him after all.

"Bumblebee please. You are not presently equipped to handle this." Optimus eased his scout. Bumblebee made his reply about losing a pet of himself and Optimus replied calmly. "You are mistaken my friend. I do know what it's like to lose a vital part of oneself, and, as a result, I know the strength of putting faith in the ones around you. We vow to do everything in our power to make you whole again."

"And if not—" Miko started. "Ratchet can just make you a new... cog thing! Right?" Bumblebee groaned, even more upset. "What'd I say?"

"Miko." (Y/n) piped up. "I think you missed the part where Arcee said 'organ' and Ratchet said 'biotech'. It's not so easily replaced and is only made new when there is a whole 'nother being. Like you can't just make a new heart if yours stopped."

"Miko, if it were that easy do you think I would've replaced Bumblebee's voice box by now?" I asked, annoyed. Bumblebee put in his input once more. I frowned and placed my servo on his shoulder plate.

"You're not useless Bee!" Raf comforted. Bumblebee sighed.

"Alright alright! I say none of use transform until Bumblebee gets his cog back!" Bulkhead tried to resolve; though he clearly didn't think that through.

"Your sparks in the right place Bulkhead, but I don't think now is the best time to be limiting ourselves." Arcee said.

"Not with Megatron seeking other doomsday devices. And I fear, not while MECH uses Bumblebee's t-cog for their own sinister purpose." Optimus growled.

Just as quickly as everyone had gathered, everyone had left. Except the children, (Y/n), and, of course, Bumblebee. I got back to work and (Y/n) and Raf tried to talk things out with Bumblebee. Raf more or less just being a translator.

Despite their efforts, Bumblebee refused to listen and remained upset. Soon turning to pester me.

"Optimus and Bulkhead haven't reported in yet... Bumblebee! I will let you know the moment I hear something!" Tap, tap, tap. "Oh for Primus sake... Will someone keep him occupied so I can get some work done!?"

Raf was swift to my rescue. (Y/n) made her way over to me and sat down in the rolling chair by the computer. She watched from a distance with a frown. I ignored it though, just trying to focus.

Raf soon was trying once more to comfort Bumblebee, but his comforted mood quickly shifted when Jack and Arcee came speeding into base.

"Bumblebee!" I address, noticing Bumblebee beginning to storm off. "Where do you think you're going? ... You can't just go for a walk! We are robots in disguise; leaving the base in this form increases the risk of being seen! And of us being discovered! You'll just have to remain in the silo until— ... Yes Bumblebee... until I can fix you."

A wave of sadness fell over me. The feeling of disappointment in myself was over baring and guilt built up inside of me. (Y/n) approached me worried.

"Ratchet? Are you alright?" She asked, voice calm and quiet.

"Yes... I'm fine. Just fine." I say, getting back to work.

"I-If you don't mind, Ratchet. I'm ready to go home. Taking the groundbridge will be fine." She said, clearly acknowledging my usual craving to be alone. Though she seemed hesitant with that last comment, I knew she had company and also didn't want to upset Bumblebee with me driving her home.

"Sure thing." I said, a hint of disappointment in my voice. One of the few people who've I've managed to find comfort is is leaving. That's alright though. She needs a break from things.

"Goodbye Ratchet. Have a good night..." She said before walking through the groundbridge.

The disappointment continued to run throughout me. The guilt and sadness. I'm nothing but a disappointment to this team.

I'm nothing but a burden to her.