Strongarm walks into Med Bay to find Thunderhoof there with Metalsound already. Ratchet and Knock Out are still working on mending her injuries, "How is she?"

"Ripjaw did a real number on her, but they said that she'll make it."

"She's tough, she'll be just fine," Strongarm tells him with a smile before looking over at Fixit, "Fixit, can you take a quick look at my leg?"

"Sure thing," Fixit replies as he rolls over to her.

"You got hurt too?" Grimlock asked her.

"Yeah, by Amberblade."

"Those two really need to be stopped."

"I agree," Strongarm says as Fixit finishes bandaging up her leg.

"You're good to go, just don't get back onto the battlefield yet. Go back to your quarters and get some rest."

"I will, Fixit."

"So what's going on out there?" Grimlock asked.

"Ripjaw and Amberblade managed to get away so the others went to find them," Strongarm replies.

"Do you know where they're going?"

"They were last seen heading toward the lake so I believe they're gonna start there," Strongarm says before looking at Thunderhoof. "Tell Steeljaw I'm in our quarters when he gets back."

"Will do."

Grimlock let out a sigh wishing he was with the others but he didn't want to leave Bumblebee. "I hope they'll be alright," Bumblebee said concerned for his team.

"I'm sure they will be. How are you feeling?" Grimlock asked.

"A little better but still feel like scrap."

"Do you need anything?"

"Could use some Energon."

"I'll get it," Grimlock offered as he headed out.

Grimlock was on his way to get the Energon when he noticed the other Autobots coming back, "Did you guys find them?"

"No, they got away," Sideswipe sighed.

"Are you going back out to look?"

"Some of us will once we get some rest," Arcee replied as she stretched her arms, "How's Strongarm and Metalsound?"

"Metalsound's in really bad shape but she should survive. Strongarm is doing good, Fixit bandaged up her leg and she went to her quarters."

Without a word, Steeljaw left to be with his mate.

"Can I come with you guys next time you go out after Ripjaw and Amberblade?" Grimlock asked.

"Sure," Arcee nodded, "I'm sure Steeljaw's going to want to stay with Strongarm to make sure she's okay."

"Were you getting some Energon?" Sideswipe asked.

"Yes, I'm getting some for Bumblebee."

They went to the Energon storage and Arcee picked up two cubes and handed one to Grimlock, "I'm going to check on Wheeljack and Seajumper, let me know whenever you're ready." Arcee walked off to see her family.

"Alright, Arcee."

Grimlock headed back to see Bumblebee. Bumblebee saw Grimlock come in with the cube of Energon and smiled, "Sorry I took so long I ran into the others," Grimlock said as he handed Bumblebee the cube.

"Oh? Did they catch the two 'Cons?"

"No, they're taking a break before they head out again. I'm gonna go with them when they leave."

"OK, just be careful," Bumblebee says as he drinks the Energon.

"I will," Grimlock replied softly as he watched Bumblebee.

"How many are going?"

"I know Arcee is going but I'm not sure who else is."

"I already know Steeljaw won't be going out again today, he never leaves when Strongarm is hurt. I have to admit he's really proven himself worthy of her."

"I know, Thunderhoof isn't going to leave Metalsound any time soon either. They have come a long way from when we first met them."

"Yes, they have. All thanks to their mates."

"Yeah. Um, Bumblebee?" Grimlock looked to the floor feeling shy all of a sudden.

"Yes, Grim?"

"A-are we mates?"

"What brought on that question?"

"I was just wondering since Steeljaw and Strongarm became mates by... you know." Grimlock felt his cheek plates heat up from embarrassment.

"Oh. That only works with Wolf-Cons and Predacons, Grim, so no we're not mates. The only way we become mates is by sparkbonding."

"Ohh, okay."

"Do you want to be mates?"

Grimlock slowly nodded, "When I didn't know what had happened to you I was really worried. Seeing you like that scared me, I really care about you, Bumblebee." He held the lieutenant's servo as he spoke.

"I really care about you too."

Grimlock looked into Bumblebee's optics, "Do you want to be my mate?"

"Yes."

"When you get better can we bond?"

"I'll be looking forward to it."

With a smile, Grimlock gently placed a passionate kiss on the smaller mech's lips. Bumblebee kissed him back.

"Hey, Grimlock, you ready!?" Wheeljack's voice called.

Grimlock pulled back from the kiss, "Yeah, I'm coming!"

"Come back safely," Bumblebee chuckled.

"I will."

Grimlock gave Bumblebee a loving look before he headed out to meet with Wheeljack and Optimus. They all head out with Arcee and Sideswipe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ripjaw lifted his helm quickly when he realized that he had fallen asleep. I can't believe that I fell asleep. He growled to himself as he looked over at Amberblade. But Amberblade wasn't there, there was just an empty spot, "Amberblade!" He called out in fear and worry. He got to his feet and searched frantically in the cave.

"What's wrong Ripjaw?" Amberblade asked as she came into the cave with some Energon.

"Where did you go?" He asked as he transformed and ran up to her.

"I went to get some Energon."

Ripjaw looked down at the Energon and then back to Amberblade, "You idiot," he muttered as he wrapped his arms around her in a tight embrace.

"What did I do wrong this time?"

"I thought they took you," he told her, not noticing that his body was shaking with fear.

"I would have woken you if they were here."

"You should have told me if you wanted some Energon. I would have gotten it for you."

"I got the Energon for you, I wanted to show you my thanks for saving me."

Ripjaw was shocked, "Thank you," he spoke softly.

"My pleasure."

"How's your back?"

"Still hurts, but at least I can move around."

"Come sit," he gently pulled her down with him as he sat down.

She sits down next to him, "Am I really your girlfriend?"

"You heard that?"

"I was wounded not knocked out."

"Sorry. But yes I do consider you to be my girlfriend. If that's okay with you."

She wrapped her arms around him and embraced him lovingly, "Of course it is." With a small smile, he wrapped his arms around her, "I love you, Ripjaw."

"I love you too, Amberblade," he purred softly.

"I can't believe I'm your girlfriend now, I've dreamt of it ever since I met you."

"Really? May I ask what it was about me that attracted you?"

"I like that tough bad boy attitude you got and your sexy body."

"Is that so?" He chuckled as he licked her neck.

"Yes. What do you like about me?"

"That you care so much about me, and your beautiful body," he whispered.

"None of the other femmes cared about you?"

"They did but I didn't care for them as I care about you." She smiled as she began to blush, "You look so adorable when you blush," he purred as his servo traveled up and down her arm. Slowly he started kissing her neck, he could already feel his spike hardening. "Seeing you like that is quite the turn-on."

Amberblade giggled, "I'm glad."

Pulling her onto his lap he gently rubbed her back as he kissed down her neck.

"Are you sure this is a good time to frag? What if the Autobots find us?"

"I can't help it, my slagging heat cycle is hard to ignore. It's difficult for me to control myself. Why don't we go deeper in the cave, that way they won't find us so easily."

"OK." Picking her up bridal style he carried her deeper into the cave, "How do you feel about mating?"

"I've never given it much thought."

"Oh, okay." She started blushing like mad feeling embarrassed by her question. Why did I ask him that? Of course, a Dinobot like him wouldn't consider mating.

"Why do you ask?" He gently settled her on the ground and sat beside her.

"No reason," she replied trying to give a convincing smile as she started blushing even more.

"Tell me," he told her softly as he pulled her back onto his lap.

"I-I was just wondering."

"Do you want me as your mate?"

Feeling too embarrassed to say anything she just nodded.

Ripjaw smiled, "I want you as my mate as well. But I need a good frag first, otherwise, I'll try to frag you while we're bonding."

"I know," Amberblade felt very happy that he said he would bond with her, it's what she wanted ever since she joined his team.