Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The base was quiet, the team was on a mission, as they were. It was strangely tranquil when everyone was out, But that serenity came at the cost: Ratchet’s psyche, anything can and could happen to his team out there. He just hopes they’re safe and sound.

The medic received an emergency call from the prime, his message was hard to decipher from the blaster fire and static. He could only make up three words:

“Smokescreen 

…

is

… Hurt”

“We need an emergency ground bridge, Immediately!” The prime command was the only thing ratchet could guaranteed. he’d hoped it wasn’t terrible, but knowing the history of emergency calls like this, It wasn’t going to be well.

as the medic frantically activated the bridge, one thing was going through his mind “ by primus, be okay”

the bright green light from the bridge dimmed the silhouette of the prime. He was holding a wounded smokescreen, energon leaking from his head, as quickly laid him on the already prepared operation slab.

“What happened to him!?” ratchet shouted

“he was ambushed by soundwave, and fell as well” the prime explained “you need to fix him” he ordered, voice sounding surprisingly concerned, he never optimus like this since Bumblebee's voice box was ripped.

“I’m gonna!” the medic barked while wielding the giant crack on the speedster’s helm with his blowtorch; he knew it was a temporary seal, just to buy time for the team to get here and do proper help.

before the prime went back to exist the base, he turned around to report on the current situation 

“We have an advantage, We should return in a couple of hours” the prime stated, he took one last look at the patient before leaving.

he really hoped it won’t be the case, while yes he was “ fixing”  the young bot, he needed a surgery, who knows what damages to his processor was! they could be from a small crack to his motherboard to it being shattered! This welding was just to stop the energon leaking. 

It took him a second but the wielding was finished, after securing the speedster’s helm, the medic took to the rest of his patient’s frame. He had a nasty scar on his forearm, another at his torso crawling to his chassis, and waist down were all scratched up.

That sight made him frown, he knew decepticons are savages, But not to this extent. These injuries were something he’d seen at the height of the war.

He went to grab his tools, If the team were really going to take a while he should invest It in getting his young bot slightly fixed.

Ratchet had mended all of smokescreen impairments -that he could see- they weren’t severe as his thought, but that’s one minuscule victory as the team still weren’t back. He grumbled to himself “they don’t take this long for some energon-mine!” 

He debated doing the surgery one his own, but he couldn’t risk one this delicate without any assistance. last time he did that, It didn’t end well enough for his patient.

Surprisingly smokescreen wasn’t awake, so The medic took to his database typing diligently. He needed a refresher on processor anatomy, It's been a long while since he did one. The last time he did, it was on bulkhead and since it wasn’t necessarily damaged -and his processor was bigger in size- which made it easier.

as his optics were scanning, his processor was recalling bumblebee’s operation, the poor kid lost his voice. If he searched better, maybe set ego aside and took assistants, he could have been fine.

Ratchet was… stressed, he’d thought that being in this war for so long would get him num to the pain of loss, but instead it increased it ten-fold. losing a bot at such a young age, with so much potential, who haven’t yet experienced proper life outside of war…is horrifying.

but no time for self doubts, he needed to focus. If he couldn’t fix bumblebee to the best of his ability, he will fix his brother. Ratchet shook his head and narrowed his optics, and truly indulged himself in his studies.

his research was stopped however, when he heard a loud groan. from that noise, It can’t be good.

“smokescreen?” the medic rushed towards smokescreen “are you alright” he helped the speedster sit while holding up his helm.

“Ow-Ouch, what…happened? where am I?” smokescreen flicker his optics, rubbing at his freshly welded head

“you’re back at the base, back home” the older bot spoke slowly, the speedster just woke up from getting his head cracked opened, him even Recognising speech would be a miracle.

“my head hurts” the speedster muttered 

“that’s because you got hit there, or at least what optimus told” ratchet answered

the speedster grimaced at the pain he felt coming from his helm “I don’t remember anything ”

“do you at least remember anything before the fight?” the medic concerned, If he couldn’t remember anything , That means his memory-banks got damaged.

“well…yeah, optimus told me to flank the right and-“

“That's good, that’s good” the medic relaxed, It was just exaggeration “you need to save your strength now, you’re going to need it. it’s gonna to take a while” he instructed

“now?… why is that?” the speedster questioned

the medic sighed “You need surgery, and I need the team to come back for It” he explained 

“why?” the speedster asked

“I can’t give you surgery without any assistance, especially one this delicate” He took one of the speedster’s servos and gave it a light squeeze “you’re going be okay ” Ratchet comforted himself rather than his patient, he is going to be okay -or at least- that’s what the medic is hoping.

Smokescreen took a bit to process the last part “delicate?” he thought “what does he mean delicate” but if he knew anything from his father figure is that: the doc knows best ! he could sleep right now and wake all fine and dandy!

The young bot rested his helm on the medic’s body. It hurts a lot, and he felt like the back of his helm was scolding, but laying his helm made it hurt less. He closed his optics, everything will be oka-

“smokescreen!” the medic’s yell made him jolt “don’t- don’t do that” the medic’s voice was the most concerned smokescreen had ever heard him be 

“sleep?” the speedster vocalized 

“Yes! don’t sleep! you know how dangerous powering down after energon lost?” the medic howled

“but I’m tired” the speedster defended

“can you just hold on till the rest of the team come back?” the medic plead

the speedster nodded in responds, and sat himself up so he wouldn’t be tired. His helm felt heavy , and like if something from behind him was burning. but it shouldn’t take long before his noggin can get fixed… right?

Ratchet returned to his database. while the medic was doing that, something still lingered in the young bot’s processor:“ delicate ?” He'd heard horror stories in his boot-camp about processor damage causing memory loss, especially after surgery. 

But he knew he would be fine! ratchet never lost a patient or -at least from what he told- his record was clean as a whistle! so surely his processor would be fine! (maybe even better? he’d always struggle with bright lights and colors, or did that have to do with his optics?)

The medic lied, he would “sugar coat” the truth about every story he would tell, he lost patients, many patients, and not every patient would recover fully -bumblebee is a living example- he didn’t want smokescreen to be one of them. 

“Is the team okay?” the speedster quizzed 

“yes, why?” ratchet answered 

“they’re taking longer than they should” smokescreen commented

“they did lose a critical member, so they should be back in an hour” the medic told, he’s just saying anything to get his young bot at ease, and himself. 

a loud signal alerted the medic from his work, finally they showed up! That thought gave him relief, and dread. He didn’t hesitate to activate the ground bridge at the same coordinates.

“took you long enough” ratchet hissed

“hey! What do you want us to do? We lost a member!” Bulkhead defended 

“Is smokey okay? he got hurt badly” Acree concerned

“He's fine, for now. but he needs an x-ray, and we’ll go from there” the medic explained

‘ Can we see him? ’ Bumblebee peeked at medbay

“no” ratchet dismissed “optimus come on, let’s get this done” he didn’t make eye-contact with any of the team as they arrived, or will.

“smokescreen, how do you feel?” optimus queried 

“uh, okay? I guess? I feel tired My head hurts” smokescreen rubbed at his helm to Emphasise

“alright, first the x-ray” the medic stated

“really? always wanted to get one done!” the speedster Admitted

“I can remind ratchet to keep a copy for you” the prime offered

“I’d think copies x-ray scans are the least of your concerns. right now, you should be praying that your motherboard isn’t damaged” 

the prime hunched closer to the medic “ratchet, I think you should keep smokescreen at ease” he whispered

“how can I ‘ keep him at ease’ when I’m not?” the medic snarled 

“ratche-“ 

“YIP” the medic interjected “If you want him to relax, be my guest. But Get him to lay down while I’ll take his radiographs” he ordered

Optimus sighed “very well”

As the medic stormed to his scanners behind his patient, the prime did what he was commanded “smokescreen, can you lay down?” he asked, as much as a tender tone he could manage

“Well, I don’t want to sleep by accident” the speedster concerned 

“you won’t, I will keep you awake” Optimus reassured

the speedster took his word and rested his helm on the slab(maybe he’ll tell him some stories? that would stop him from getting tired), making sure not to get close to his Injury. he fiddled with the digits of his servo before getting to a Realisation:

…What happened after he got hurt?

“Optimus! What happened at the battle? did we win or did the con-“

“I think the result of the battle is the least of your concerns” realizing he dismissed him like ratchet, the prime pivoted “but we did capture the energon mine, however we did struggle with absence”

the speedster sighed “of course”

“You are a critical member of the mission, losing you was… disadvantageous, and losing you in any circumstance is extremely unfavorable”

“yeah It’s all because of that stupid soundwave decided to ruin my week!” smokescreen blurted

“As much as I have a strong distaste towards him as well, I should remind you that soundwave is doing what he’s ordered to” the prime expressed “but that doesn’t dismiss what he did to you. I believe that no autobot should be injured like this, especially you”

While the two were conversing, The medic got his scans, after examining them he knew his next step: stasis.

he turned to face his patient kneeled closer to him “Alright smokescreen, we are going to put you in stasis. By the time you wake up, you should fine”

“Yeah, you have this in the bag!” smokescreen gave a reassuring grin with a thumbs up

Unfortunately that gesture didn’t soothe ratchet, It stressed him even more so. But he didn’t bother to even think about anything, right now just activating stasis.

the medic got up turned towards the prime “here’s the scans” he held them up to Optimus “This crack is dangerously close to his mother-board, but luckily the only damages are at the helm and his internal fan”

“That’s good” he out-vented a sigh of relief “do you want me to get the rest of the team to help?”

“just get arcee, I don’t think bulkhead would do much, and bumblebee…wouldn’t want to his his brother like this”  

“as you wish, old friend”

It should be simple, really. just reopen the crack, fix the fan and properly wield it, he got this in the bag.

optimus and arcee are for fetching tools quickly, and maybe clean up if need be. they won’t do or should do anything, It’s just him and the injury.

Now he just has to pretend that this patient is just like any other patient. nothing more, nothing less, he will get fixed, and won’t have any side-effects(or at least what he hoped).

Chapter Text

 The two mechs were observing The medic, Arcee was preparing tools while Optimus was simply looming over the operation, not saying a word while having his optic ridges furrowed.

First is to pry smokescreen’s helm open again, Ratchet made sure to be as careful as the word can get- with gentle movements, his patient is truly prepared for the procedure.

assisting the situation, Ratchet concluded that the internal-fan of his patient is shattered, the blades were flakes, sprinkling the inside of the helm he’s working on. It became clear he needed to replace the it, he wasn’t really sure if they had a spare fan. If they didn’t… that won’t be good.

With careful plucking using tweezers Arcee has fetched him, The medic removed any remnants of the shards, and pivoted the main issue 

“Optimus” he caught the attention “do we have any spare internal-fans?” 

“I’m not sure” Optimus concerned 

“I’ll check the toolbox” Arcee chimed gesturing towards the toolbox

“don’t check here I know there aren’t any, check in the storage” ratchet sighed 

.

.

.

“Did you find any?”

“I only found two, one is rusty, the other half broken” Arcee held up the two fans, barely any light was reflecting on them, a true sign they were useless.

“this won’t do, alright, acree get agent fowler and go get a fan!” ratchet ordered

“any fan?” Arcee skeptically asked

“No! one that’s big enough in size!” barked 

“take the ones you have to agent fowler as a reference, he should hopefully be of swift assistance” Optimus instructed 

“this whole operation is going terrible, I didn’t even step up the right equipment, I am-

“ratchet” Optimus interjected “you can’t have doubts in your skills at this moment. you are an experienced medic, and right now smokescreen is in of this experienced medic to focus” he emphasized the current situation 

“right, right” ratchet sighed “I’m sorry”

“You don’t need to apologize, just take a deep breath”

ratchet in-vented and held it in for while before huffing out the air “alright, get me a small screwdriver”

 Arcee and agent Fowler Went out on their hunt, and ratchet took the opportunity to further Inspect the helm’s condition, considering Smokescreen apparently had a history of helm injuries; the time he fled the base knocked-out, and how he even got to earth with the escape pod. who knows how terrible those thrashes on his helm before this surgery, could cause all types of side-effects if they add up like this.

His helm looked dented , how did he fail to notice that? guess he was too indulged in the main issue. He'll need a hammer for that.

While the operation was on going bumblebee was peeking from a corner, he couldn’t help himself, the little bot was worried. Bulkhead stopped the prying optics of bumblebee however with a “Bee! don’t look! you’ll stress out ratchet!”

after a rough operation, fiddling with adequate tools, working in what essentially is the small part of a bot with the biggest tool in a toolkit, and fighting nerves of doubts. 

 It was successful.

“alright, now we wait for him to wake up” Ratchet spoke

“you did great ratchet” Optimus comforted 

“Yeah, I don’t know why you needed us for the whole thing. You did everything” Arcee acknowledged 

“Regardless, We should hope he’ll be okay” the medic sighed

The three waited, till arcee was called by bumblebee and bulkhead to pick up the kids from school. leaving Ratchet and Optimus wordlessly observing the patient.

“I know he’ll be fine, But I can shake this feeling” Ratchet expressed 

“you feel uneasy” Optimus placed a servo on the medic’s shoulder

“yes, I don’t want him to suffer at all” ratchet huffed

“I share the same sentiment, But I think it would be best for you and him to be relaxed. And for me as well” the prime calmly spoke

“I’ll try, But I can’t Guarantee it” Ratchet held the servo on his shoulder

“I am worried about him, too. a young bot getting hurt Is not something a wish for… especially one like him, nor a member of the team” Optimus voiced

“same here” 

As much as Smokescreen was a “ new ” member, his days of joining became weeks that turned into months. He made his presence known with that time, bickering with the humans, playing with bumblebee and the wreckers, or listening to stories intently from the other members, especially ratchet optimus. To say they got attached was understatement. 

His giggles and snorts would be heard across the base, especially at this time. so It being replaced with unusual silence…was unpleasant . maybe It's good he’s asleep, smokescreen needs a recharge since he nearly fell asleep before the operation.  

After what felt like eons, the speedster was awake, the two catched him up on what happened the past two hours in the operation. He didn't seem to have any issues, he was responding normally, and had a smile on his faceplate while at it, Though he did mention he’s helm hurts, and felt dizzy.

Smokescreen was laid on the operation slab, while Optimus was sitting on the end of it, letting the speedster rest his pedes on his lap. while Ratchet was standing above the two, looming over them.

“So you did all that while I was sleeping? dang It felt like two minutes!” he paused for a second “So you did have It in the bag?” the speedster smirked 

“That is correct, He did ‘have it in the bag’ ” the prime affirmed 

the medic held back a smile “Yes, yes. Now for what’s going to happen: you will need to under my watch for a week” he pointed a servo digit at smokescreen 

“reasonable” he nodded 

“And you’ll need some medicine, pain killers to be exact” the medic continued 

“But how will you get those? no offense but there’s no pharmacy that sells bot medicine on earth… Or is there?” Smokescreen pointed out

“Ratchet can make them, there’s enough resources on earth for them to be manufactured” Optimus chimed in

“Whao! really?” the speedster blurted

“Yes, But It’s going to take a while. Let’s just hope you won’t get any headaches until then” ratchet acknowledged “I think it’s best for me to start now then?”

Chapter Text

Ratchet was working on his makeshift pain-killer formula, grumbling about behind smokescreen who was laying down on the operation slab next to Optimus. Optimus had to bid however -he was needed for important things- Before that he felt obligated to comfort smokescreen, he recalled from the many media he had to consume: human caregivers often would kiss the injuries of their young to heal them quicker. 

While it seemed improbable for such a gesture to help with cybertronians, he placed a little kiss on the young bot’s forehead -slightly above where his scar from the operation was but was careful as to not get near It.

“I believe humans do that to ask to ‘heal the pain of one’s injuries faster’ I hope that rumor is true” optimus explained, to which ratchet glare at the far-fetched defense 

“Yeah? well, It better be!” smokescreen giggled

never in his life smokescreen would’ve thought he could be seeing optimus in the metal, let alone even talking to him! and now he has him as a father-figure! He was living the dream!…if only that didn’t cost his helm.

As the rest of the team returned, they went to check up on smokescreen, while Ratchet was at work with energon and chemicals to get medicine done. The faster they’re done, the better his patient’s can recover.

They Recited the details of the battle he…unfortunately couldn’t fully participate in, apparently the second Smokescreen was out of the fight the rest were there to “avenge him” (as bumblebee put it), and how they got control of the fight, and after a struggle managed to be victorious.

“dude! you should’ve seen optimus and the guys! they went ballistic after you got knocked out!” bulkhead laughed

“Really?…wow! I’d never think you guys would be that upset” smokescreen sheepishly told

“Of course we’d be, your family. I’d say we didn’t go hard enough ” acree stated

‘so! what do you want to do?’ bumblebee beeped

“I dunno take a nap probably? Hey ratchet! can I take a nap?”

ratchet turned his helm from the work he was tranced by “Can you just stay awake? for just a couple hours?” he plead

“Why can’t he sleep? he’s fine right now” bulkhead defended

the medic glared at the wrecker, a stare going straight to his spark, (If looks could kill they say) .

“Okay, Okay. smokey how about… we get the humans to hang out with ya’ for a bit, Huh?” he suggested 

“oh yeah, they’ll love that” Arcee mentioned 

‘Yeah! Raf has been asking about you!” bumblebee 

Three mechs placed the humans gently atop smokescreen. There wasn’t any place they could put them to have a proper conversation without yelling, and smokescreen was already laying down so It’s a win-win! Bumblebee, Arcee and bulkhead were tasked by Optimus for ‘manual-labor’ , leaving the kids to their own devices.(as much as bee protested to stay)

the humans have never been close to any Autobot in their root-mode, in a way of them chilling with one instead of them getting picked up away from danger.

In the meantime the medic was the one looking after them, he glanced at towards the group that was behind, they were making more noise than a nest of scraplets. hopefully they won’t give the young bot a helmache, he sighed “Now don’t overwhelm him you three”

“we won’t!” miko shouted 

“we promise!” raf backed up

The three humans observed the huge scar at the speedster’s helm, It was small compared to a bot. but for a human it was huge . but his grin distracted any worries about it, he seemed laxed about It, so why shouldn’t they?

“So! how do you feel about your sick scar?” miko quizzed 

“Proud! But between you and me: I wanted my first one to be in my arm” smokescreen admitted “nice!” the rascal exclaimed 

“Do you feel okay?” raf concerned 

“Yup! but a bit tired” the speedster told

“Do you wanna hear about the guy who spilled ketchup all over his face in my class?” jack chimed in with a light laugh

Smokescreen's face had an even wider grin on his faceplate “Do I!” if there’s any stories he loves to hear the most; Optimus's tales, and human comedies.

As the kids were giggling and telling the stories to each other, something felt off. smokescreen was less and less chatty by the minute, the only two who noticed were: ratchet and jack. 

“Hey ratchet, a second?” jack gestures a hand to get the medic in a less loud and Reserved from the group(like they’d even notice)

Ratchet held out a servo for The human to hop on It, and set him on the table he’s been working on.

“Is it just me, or is Smokey getting tired?” he whispered “ very tired” he Emphasised

“You’re not the only one to notice that, He’s been getting less talkative” Ratchet acknowledged

“You think he’s okay? or?”

“well we can’t know for sure unless we ask-”

“HEY SMOKEY!” Jack got the attention not only of smokescreen, but everyone in the base. realized his impulses, Jack hushed his voice to continue “Do you feel okay?”

“yeah?” smokescreen answered 

“Of course he's been talking with us all day!” miko affirmed 

“It’s actually been an hour” raf corrected

“nerd, but yeah he’s been fine!” the rascal commented 

“well, my head still hurts” the speedster added

“how much? you can’t be vague about these thing” the medic pressed

“It got… worse” he admitted 

ratchet sighed “of course” he picked up a small glass cube “sit up, It’s time”

The speedster cupped his two human siblings with one of his servos as he adjusted himself.

“time for what?” raf queried 

“time for his medication, painkillers. you have those here don’t you?”

“Smokey, start praying those taste bad!” miko instructed 

The medic gave the small cube to smokescreen, the young bot examined it. It was filled with what seemed energon, It had the glow of it, but it was tinted teal, and half-full. 

he sloshed it around before gulping it whole. after finishing he tasted the tang, It was bitter. barely could call it energon! The unpleasant flavor made smokescreen wince, making the three humans giggle.

“It’s not the best tasting but it will do, you should feel it’s effects after a couple of minutes” ratchet assured 

“Uh Huh, that’s good to know” the speedster 

the medic took a glimpsed at him, before noticing some of the energon dripping from his chin “you got some of it spilled” he mentioned to him

“really? where?” the speedster’s optics scrambling to find the the dribble

“Right here” ratchet took his thumb and cleaned the young bot’s chin, to the kids chuckles.

“yeah, yeah, very funny” smokescreen shrugged off

“so, do you think you can play strat ball with bee and bulkhead later? I wanna be the judge again!” miko shouted

“YIP! he is not” the medic cut-off 

“what!?” miko and smokescreen said in unison

“but I’ll be fine! It won’t hurt if I just play a little bit!” the speedster justified 

“yeah! Bulk could go easy on him!” the rascal excused

“No, Nope, never” ratchet shut down they're pleas.

The two had a back and forth, with Raf and Jack occasionally backing up. Till Smokescreen gave up and thought of something else to entertain himself, he had been reading the saved archives in the base, so he could do that to ‘get his processor jogging’ as alpha-trion used to say.

“Alright, fine” the speedster accepted defeat with a sigh “but do you have some archives I haven’t read yet?”

“archives? ugh, that sounds lame!” miko pouted

“hey! Reading is fun!” raf defended 

“for you! and smokey apparently! you two are nerds!” the rascal proclaimed 

“what? no!” smokescreen deflected 

“I actually like being a nerd” raf confessed 

“yeah yeah, miko do you wanna check on the others? I think they finished doing whatever” Jack suggested 

“Heck yeah!” miko(finding an excuse to leave the nerds ) took the offer as the young bot held a servo to place her down.

“So which ones do you want? optimus lore or more ‘medical stuff’?” ratchet quired 

Smokescreen took a pause before answering “well, since raf’s here: medical stuff” he shrugged 

“good choice” the older bot smirked 

raf climbed closer to smokescreen shoulder to take a peek at what ratchet was typing, he couldn’t make out any text from the angle he was at “Wait, you like that too?” he asked

“yeah! well kinda, Why do you think I hang out with ratchet so much? besides learning optimus stuff of course” The speedster explained 

“I guessed you two were playing scrabbles, or something like that” raf told

“scrabbles? Is that a game or something?” ratchet asked

raf hummed in affirmation “It’s a word game! you and other players get points by putting lettered tiles to make…well- words!” 

“Is there a cybertronian sized scrabble then?” smokescreen lit up when he hear it was a game, and It sounds like he could easily play it while recovering, so he was enthusiastic 

“I’m not sure, maybe we can ask fowler to make one?” raf suggested 

“yeah absolutely!”

“No, agent fowler is far too busy make silly games for your entertainment” the old mech shut down

The day went by, nothing much changed about the usual team routine, besides smokescreen couldn’t help with tasks. It was normal-ish. came and noon went, and as dusk hit base, the team had to settle for recharge.

except ratchet, he was looking after the speedster. still in the corner they call medbay, smokescreen had to sleep there for his well-being.

smokescreen rested on his side, staring at the main room he got familiar with, before asking about a thing that was lingering in his processor for a while “aren’t you going to sleep?”

“I can’t, I have to prepare your next dose” ratchet voice sound exhausted

“But I feel fine right now! can’t you just sleep now and do it tomorrow?” smokescreen plead 

“for now yes, But you will probably need a dose next morning, or worst, in the middle of the night” the medic explained, to himself rather than smokescreen

“alright. but you aren’t gonna be grumpy tomorrow, right?” the young bot tried levity the mood 

“No, This isn’t the first all nighter I pulled” ratchet chuckled a bit

“I feel you should still sleep, you always warn us about not sleeping” smokescreen concerned

“and you should sleep then” ratchet pivoted “good rest results in good recovery, do want me to bring your blanket?” an item smokescreen had adapted for his recharge, thanks to the many human media he’d consumed. He found one large enough so he could sleep with, and forced the rest of the team to also get blankets.

“nah, I’m fine without it” the speedster waved off

“very well, rest well” 

“you know, actually, I do want it”

Chapter Text

Smokescreen woke up to a bright light blinding him, he completely forgot where he slept. his helm felt heavy, like it had been slammed on the floor before he awoke(maybe because it was). his intake felt dry like it was filled with dust, his vision was hazy, and his whole body felt sluggish.

He never felt like that when he woke up. It was strange, But that’s not going to stop him from starting his morning.

The speedster lifts his body, and finally his optics cleared. He rubbed at them before taking the view, seeing Ratchet tinkering at the same corner he saw him before recharge.

he wanted to look a bit more before announcing his presents, he glimpsed at Bumblebee rushing through the base for something , arcee was simply talking with jack, and bulk was doing another something he couldn’t catch with miko.

“uh, morning?” he muttered, ratchet flinched at the sudden sound, before relaxing when he set his gaze from where it came. “Do you feel alright?” he cut to the chase, his optics searching the speedster’s helm to find any damages, “mostly? my helm-” Smokescreen knocks on his twice “still hurts” he shrugged, which earned a grimace from the medic.

“I can’t prescribe you a dose first thing after your recharge, so unfortunately you’re going to have to endure it.” his faceplate softed a bit “if it’s not terrible that is” he furrowed his optic-ridges.

“no, it’s fine just thought it might be less after recharge” The speedster attempted to stand, grabbed ratchet’s hand for help. he felt wobbly, nearly tripping over his pedes, luckily his superior supported his weight(with one servo suprisely) 

“perhaps, you did sleep for 6 joors, 12 human hours”

“12 hours!?” smokescreen gawked “and you didn’t think to wake me up!? I missed the whole cycle!” he pouted, attempting to cross his arms before realizing they’re Occupied and needed the support.

“it’s better for you to rest than sit there and do nothing” The medic spoke matter of factly “but still! I could’ve talked to the rest of the team!” Smokescreen frowned “whom were busy, trust me you didn’t miss out on something of your interest.” 

smokescreen let out a long, exasperated sigh at the response, knowing at the back of his processor he’ll might guilt the medic (or get an entraining reaction from him), but nothing was of note. and seeing he wasn’t at his quarters -he thought his whole starting routine was out of the window.

He just stared at His medic working tirelessly, all because soundwave broke his head.

or was it his fault?

he didn’t flank properly, and he forgot his phase-shifter.

his train of thought stopped however when a familiar chirp was heard, calling his name ‘smokey!’

“bee!” Smokescreen exclaimed, relief washing over him knowing the fun they’re going to have with him around. Bumblebee gestured with his servos to lower their voices, so quickly they turned their backs against the older bot.

‘So you can’t get out?’

“not unless I bet my spark against grumpy” smokescreen felt a bit bad from that jab, however it was too late ‘well maybe we can do something’ The yellow bot tapped his chin in though.

“oh hey! like binging every archive with Optimus’s name in it again!” Smokescreen suggested.

‘or maybe, maybeee that thumb-war?’ 

“eh too boring” the speedster dismissed.

‘okay then…’ Bumblebee furrowed his optic ridges ‘ what do you want? archives don’t count!’ he held his digit threateningly.  

“ ughhhh I wanna race so bad! but I can’t” he whined, In hope that it will generate an idea.

‘thennnn maybe we can sharpen our skills like Arcee wants’ bumblebee suggested, a playful look glinting his optics.

“How so?” Smokescreen tilted his helm, the same smug look slowly creeping his faceplate.

‘you know! like throwing things from afar!’ the yellow bot gleed.

“how yeah, yeah!” The speedster grinned “you set up everything and I’ll try to convince Ratchet!”he bounced his on his pedes, with a proud thumb on his chassis. 

“sooooo ratchet, ratpal, ratdad” Smokescreen spoke, a grin clearly heard from his voice alone.

Ratchet grumbled “what is it” 

“cannnnn I leave?” he asked, with his servos politely together, like he wants to appear even more precious.

he sighed “and to where?” The medic question, raising an Optic ridge.

“At the hub! nothing else!” the speedster raised his servos in defense.

“Really now?” The medic said “yeah! don’t want my pedes to rust, and besides, bee will watch over me. sooo” Smokescreen trailed off, hoping it would coax his superior into caving in.

“fine” 

As Smokescreen and His brother were bumbling about, Ratchet couldn’t help but remember how The speedster slept.

He was whimpering, and flinching every click. Like he was in a constant fight he was forced to watch. Nothing seemed to calm him down, soft words, closed light, total quiet were all not enough. Ratchet even considered waking him up if he was practically suffering asleep. But when he grazed a servo on the side of his cheekplate, he relaxed. He went silent, no movements besides his rising and lowering if each vent. That peace came at a cost however, The medic’s servo was compromised. Every attempt at escaping the young bot’s grip was met with him get tugged closer, until he caved and sat on the operation slab. 

that cost him hours of work he could’ve put into the medicine he was brewing(maybe he could’ve gotten another ‘bot to comfort him) but that moment pf peace, he wouldn’t have traded it, it was the first time ratchet felt like he didn’t have to rush or else somebot would die .

Chapter Text

Bumblebee set up the ultimate test of skill, which consisted of six steel beams standing, straight with empty energon crates planted atop of each. The two would get three to knockover using the given wreckers’ strat-ball with courtesy(since their blasters were banned because the humans were staying) and would stand a good distance away, in a best of five. Raf was keeping time to see who’s faster, Miko and Jack were cheering for their prospective Bot champion with their phones recording, Arcee and Bulkhead(even Optimus!) were being an audience for this, and Ratchet was… glaring with tools fiddling in his servos.

‘older first!’

“hey!”

Bumblebee threw the ball at the middle target, hitting it, and causing it to topple in 3 seconds according to Raf.

“How are you timing this, again?” Smokescreen asked, picking up the rolling ball.

“when the ball is thrown ‘till the box falls” Raf answered.

‘good luck!’ The yellow bot patted his competitor’s shoulder plate.

“Thanks, But I got it” Though he muttered an I hope so under his vent.

Smokescreen Hurled the ball at the steal beam support, knocking down the other two targets as well.

“Woo!” He started doing a victory dance, switching from heel to heel with his arms bobbing up and down in a rhythm.

‘wicked!’ his competitors joined in the ballad.

“Isn’t that cheating?” Jack asked, holding back a laugh at the sight.

“Maybe, but this is fun!” Miko answered, putting the loudest song she had in her playlist and giggling. Raf tried to announce the time of 3.5 seconds but his voice was too muffled by the noise around him.

The two went at this for the evening, going back and forth fixing the targets and dropping them, though less celebrating due to them starting to focus more. Their audience dwindled, leaving only Raf and Miko watching.

This was their last round since they got bored, however Bee seemed he was already bored two rounds ago. Since they’re left at a tie, it was a match point.

Smokescreen procrastinationed picking up the faraway ball, he pouted “can we just call it there?”

“no! you can throw in the towel with a tie!” Miko shouted, doing her best scary face with furrowing her brows(too bad he didn’t know what a throw in towel was). “She's right, it would be anticlimactic” Raf chimed in.

“Okay, okay” The speedster accepted, walking (purposely) slowly towards the ball. grabbing it with the intention to throw at his brother, knowing he would catch it.

then.

then.

He slipped on a pipe, it was right in front of him! he was just going to walk over it! but he fell on his chin instead! this is embarrassing for him, he shut his optics and prayed no one is making a scene.

But that hope is in vain when he hears “SMOKESCREEN!” echo through the base from Ratchet.

he was lifted up by (assumed) was Bumblebee beeping ‘are you okay!?’ and ‘can you see!?’ while the humans were dead silent.

“I knew this would happen!” Ratchet’s voice was dripping with anger, Smokescreen really doesn’t want to even see his faceplate that’s probably twisted with a scowl. He was carried to medbay, and he sat on the berth.

“Smokescreen! talk to me!” he sounded… scared, The medic lifted his chin to examine the damages while fiddling with something he couldn’t see.

great, now he’ll give him a spark attack! add that to the list of things he inconvenienced Ratchet with!

“I’m fine! I’m fine! I just tripped and fell and it’s all good!” he finally spoke, jerking his helm and looking towards the scattered junk still unkempt.

Just before he could lift himself, the older bot shoved him down with a glare he could feel.

“no! you are banned from leaving here until your recovery! no exceptions!” he snarled.

Smokescreen didn’t bother to protest, he just sat there. defeated. At least Bumblebee is beside him.

“Well. there goes our plans, huh?” he spoke.

‘at least you’re okay’ The yellow bot nudged him with his elbow.

Smokescreen gave him a grin he hoped wouldn't be too forced, and gave him a hug.

But bumblebee’s processor was a bit occupied…

That same grin reminded of the last battle he saw Smokescreen in, with a giant crack spouting bright cyan dripping down his face, all the way to his chin. While still mustering a smile and muttering “I’m fine” was a memory he wanted out of his banks and not be associated with His brother.

hopefully he could forget it, both of them could.

Chapter Text

Everyone knew about the biases ratchet and optimus had to the younglings they took under their wings. sure it wasn’t hurting anyone but it felt… Unorthodox to Arcee, if the cons’ knew about this they’ll have a field day(at their expense), who knows the hostage situations would go.

The others who also got this treatment(mostly by Optimus) were her and… cliffjumper , and he wasn’t fortunate to be here.

It leaves a bitter taste in her intank, they act like they moved on with him. But she knows better, they’re all pretending to be unfazed to not make the grief worse, or maybe they’ve gotten numb to all the deaths being the longest servers to the cause, she somewhat appreciates the support but it still felt wrong . 

no bot should bury their feelings like a corpse for the sake of another.

Bumblebee was the only one who shed tears besides her after the funeral. Optimus acted as his usual though he acted softer towards her, he comforted whenever there was a break, It helped a bit. But Ratchet? besides beating himself up secretly(it wasn’t hard to eavesdrop on him) just as Stern as ever.

She theorized it was some unhealthy coping habit, or maybe Smokescreen was just that endearing to them he is full of potential, just needs more experience) or maybe both.

Regardless, it felt weirdly odd when Ratchet didn’t laugh at a joke Smokey made to lighten the mood. Made the little bot even more glum, he doesn’t deserve this. no one does. no one should .

That’s why they’re fighting and getting hurt, to stop this. Yet that doesn’t change a thing that bots younger than her are at the front lines.

Arcee shook her helm, she ought to tell Bulkhead about this. He knows how to cheer a bot up.

Bulkhead approached the medibay with a smile you couldn’t say it was nervous if you didn’t know better. His two wheeler buddy told him the news, She said it wasn’t severe at all but his mood was in the dumps.

Ratchet plainly ignored him as he worked on something he didn’t bother prodding to understand, while Smokescreen perked up at the sight of him.

“My favorite rookie! I -uh heard what happened” He scratched the back of his neck. “oh, yeah. It’s fine, I didn’t get hurt” Smokescreen curled one knee to his body, rubbing at his chin and avoiding Optic contact.

“hey, let you in on a little secret” The wrecker hunched closer, wrapping an arm around him. “The way to recovery: is mentality. If you're always upset, well, you’re not gonna have a smooth one. Because it’s not your fault for it, at all ” he stated.

“heh, was that why you nearly hit me with the Apex-armor?” The young bot chuckled a bit. “Eh- sorry for how I treated ya’ way back kid, No hard feelings?” Bulkhead reached out his other servo for a fist-bump, which Smokescreen returned with- “Non taken”

“You still cost me joors in repairs” Ratchet chimed in, earning a quiet sigh from the wrecker. “and I’m sorry too ratc’ for breaking the… stuff ” the medic answered the apology with a groan.

“so, how long you’re gonna stay here?” Bulkhead asked, he knows far too well how it sucks to be stuck in here. “for as long as I see fit” Ratchet replied, sounding like a threat, “No offense, But I was asking him” The wrecker retorted, more rude than he wanted it to vocalize, “and I am his medic. So. My. Words. go.” The medic gritted every word with enough hate that could fuel his Unicron; stared at Bulkhead just long enough for the larger bot to shiver, and darted his attention, like Nothing happened.

Smokescreen was fidgeting with his thumbs while it unfolded, choosing not to be a part of that conversation.

The wrecker hunched even more closer to him, and whispered “control freak” that made the sliver speedster into a fit of giggles. If Ratchet heard that, he doesn’t care, it’s worth whatever glare he’s going-

smack!

with the biggest he could see, wrench at the back of his Helm.

Chapter Text

Smokescreen had taken in Bulkhead’s words, he really thought about them. His situation can be worse!

like destiny really clutched up. 

he could be getting needles, or in a coma, or mind controlled to be a Decepticon.

But how much time was bulk recovering? from what he remembered, not much time. Definitely not what he's taking right now.

he felt empty, he'd been there for a deca-cycle now. but every click of it felt like agony, seeing everyone running around being useful and going on missions while he was stuck there, in the base. He was only allowed to drive outside in the desert with Jack, and return in the same joor. 

maybe, Smokescreen was taking so long because:

he felt weak, or is weak.

he shouldn’t! and he isn’t!(right?)

Arcee appeared in front of him, snapping her digits to get his attention. holding a cube of energon, with a smirk on her faceplate.

“Hey, destiny’s child. You’re okay?” 

“y-yeah, I’m fine. Thanks by the way.” Smokescreen took the offered fuel, “don’t mention it” she replied.

"Where's ratchet?” the speedster asked, which the two-wheeler huffed a laugh.

“he’s fixing something in the ground bridge, I think he needed that” Arcee rolled her optics, and Smokescreen giggled.

“hey, you should fuel up ya’ know. You didn’t eat anything besides meds all cycle” her gaze fell on the counter in a Concern(as concerned as she can be).

“Okay.” sounded more defeated than he thought, and Arcee placed a servo on his shoulder.

“Wanna know a secret?” her expression softened.

“oh?” 

“One time I broke on these” she flexed her doorwings “Had to lay on my face for deca-cycles, not the most pleasant time.” 

Smokescreen solemnly nodded.

“But it’s just time, You just have to wait it out.” she smiled, which the young bot returned.

But it didn’t ease his thoughts, he was just waiting but now with an energon he to drink.

And Besides that blip of hope, he was utterly bored, and that bored grew to him being inpatient.

Ratchet crossed his arms, as he reread through his medical diagnosis. Smokescreen’s vitals were fine, and his recovery is faster than he thought.

It was early in the night, everyone was in the corridors, and Smokescreen was recharging next to him.

Yet something in Ratchet just couldn’t rest.

Optimus appeared in his peripheral version, pede steps calm and calculated. He spoke “You’re paranoid, old friend.”

“Not better than you” The medic snarled, that came out more bitter than intended.

“He’ll be fine, Ratchet. You know he will.” Optimus placed a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“I hope.”

Smokescreen woke up abruptly and felt like his head was spinning, he was resting fine moments ago!

two firm servos grabbed him by the sides of his abdomen, then moved to Situate him upright as he sat slouch. He didn't bother opening his optics, can’t bear what is(probably) ratchet’s scowl digging at him. 

“Smokescreen, do you hear me?!” The mech in question called out, which he nodded to.

“Tell me what’s wrong so I can help you” ratchet sounded too much concerned, he really underestimated how much he was being a burden.

“I’m cold” he quietly muttered, he wanted to repeat it just in case Ratchet didn’t hear him.

“Just that?” Of course, he was too vague! didn’t ratchet tell him to describe what he’s feeling?

“shivering, dizzy” he slurred.

The same servos that supported him quickly vanished, as he heard a mixer of clicks and pops from the right of his audial(or what he assumed was right, the world was spinning).

A moment and ratchet’s voice was heard again “drink this, and pull your arm your getting a shot”

he hated shots, they jam into your softest parts with such a long metal and leave even worse.

he drank whatever it was, he couldn’t muster looking at it, nor taste it. 

“good, now give me your arm”

“I Don’t like shots” 

Oh he’s making ratchet’s life miserable, he could just mech up and endure it.

“I’m sorry, but that’s the only why I can stop those problems of yours. Now I repeat, give me your arm”

He felt something jam into his arm.

“does it hurt?”

the speedster hum’d in response(sounded more like a whimper)

“Well, can you just endure it? It shouldn’t take more than a click”

Smokescreen weakly nodded.

The medic continued, and Smokescreen winced of pain.

ow

Ow

OW

He wanted to run. back to his room and cover his helm with a blanket, but the only thing he can do is just grip at his knees and look at his dangling pedes.

Then the pain slowly stopped, and a clatter was heard.

Ratchet rubbed his arm “there, it wasn't so bad.” and Smokescreen kept silence for beat before he said “I’m sorry”.

“what?” the medic asked “what do you mean-”

“for this! ‘barely functioning! made your whole existence miserable…”

“it comes with the job even if I didn’t want to, I’ll still do help” Ratchet responded.

“but you shouldn’t for someone who’s a glitch…” and ‘like me’ felt unsaid.

“One, no language like that. Two, it’s especially when they’re a glitch like that” Ratchet put a servo on his hip.

“Smokescreen, If I was doing it for fun you would have seen me make concoctions that could melt metal be my hobby” The medic huff a laugh, “but it’s not, and believe it or not I don’t want it to be” his expression softened.

“how so?” the speedster questioned “because, I have formed a bond with this team, as sappy as it sounds.” Ratchet rolled his eyes “I want you, Optimus, Bumblebee, and Acree to be functioning and not suffering.” he stated.

 “But what about bulk and wheeljack, I know you don’t like them very much” Smokescreen shrugged. “those are my job, I’ll have to fix them even if I don’t want to”

Smokescreen took a moment to think, then he tried his best for his optic ridge not to fly from his faceplate from raising it “so, you’re just…biased?”

“correct” Ratchet blatantly answered.

“and for me of all mechs” The young bot asked.

“yes?” Ratchet responded with a hint of concern.

“Bumblebee I get -who doesn’t hate him, he got it basically figured everything out” The speedster put a digit on his chin in thought.

“wouldn’t say that” the medic tried to hide his smirk.

“Optimus of course he’s Optimus prime, you only hate him if you have a serious malfunction” 

Ratchet solemnly nodded “that’s true”

“Arcee, she’s snappy but she means well yeah?” Smokescreen stood up.

Ratchet nodded “correct on that”

“So then why me?” Smokescreen asked again.

Ratchet took a pause, didn’t help with what smokescreen’s nerves.

“Because smokescreen, you grew. I was just as skeptical as everyone when you first joined, but you showed courage, compassion-“ Ratchet chuckled a bit “yes yes all sappy but it’s true.”

“really?” 

“My spark can’t physically hate a kid who sacrificed his life for a cause. you’re like bumblebee in a way”

never ever in smokescreen’s dreams a scenario like this would happen, his idol practically being his father figure, and someone else would fill a void alpha-trion left.

The young bot tackled Ratchet for a hug, which he returned.

As another cycle came and went Smokescreen practically returned to his usual self, cracking jokes, running about, and finally getting back into missions.

Ratchet could help the smile on his faceplate seeing him talk with the team.

Neither did Optimus, whose smile was more smug than ever.

“I told you”

The medic huffed a laugh “yes, yes. and I should’ve known”