[Suggested by Steelcode]

(Sam's POV):

"Just a little higher!" Dad yelled up to me from the ground, while I was currently clinging to the top of a ladder leaning against the house. My focus was on the new satellite dish my dad had just bought, claiming he 'needed' it. And of course, he made me put it up.

"Alright dad!" I shouted back in annoyance, not meaning to be snappy, but it was a boiling day, I was tired and I was supposed to be at the NEST base already. With a swift movement I managed to slot the metal dish into position, which caused me to lean to far right and fall from the ladder.

I slammed into the ground feet first, a cry of pain escaping my lips as I held my ankle in pain. Great.

I pulled myself out of Bumblebee's vehicle form as we pulled up inside the Autobot hanger. He'd picked me up a few blocks from the hospital, where they'd told me I'd sprained my ankle pretty badly. Thankfully Bee hadn't noticed my slight limp. The last thing I wanted was for him to worry and start fussing.

Bee transformed and walked beside me while I did my best to walk normally, despite the fact each step sent flares of pain through my leg. I carried on and saw Optimus and Rachet up ahead. Trying to be normal, I plastered on a false smile and waved. "Hey guys."

Optimus turned his attention to me and gave a small smile. "Hello Sam."

Rachet said hello, but asked to excuse himself as he had 'official matters' to attend to. Bumblebee left to speak with Ironhide, leaving me alone with the Prime.

"How are you today Sam?" Optimus asked in an attempt to make small-talk. He's been doing it a lot recently.

Part of me wanted to tell him exactly how much pain I was in, but he'd make a big deal out of it. I really wasn't worth it. "I'm.. great." I lie.

Optimus frowns when he notices my hesitation to answer and kneels down to speak to me easier. "Are you sure about that?"

Shit. I think, knowing he's suspicious. "Yep. Of course." I say quickly, adding a small smirk.

Optimus releases a sigh and stood back up. "Come then." He said starting to walk. Proceeding to follow, I only got a few steps before stumbling over a tool box, hitting it with my injured ankle. I yelped and squeezed my eyes shut as I resisted the urge to cry out even more. Optimus immediately turned back and scooped me up gently in his palms.

"Sam, what's wrong?" He asked, insistent on an truthful answer this time. I sigh, knowing I couldn't hide anymore. Rolling up my jeans bottom reveals my swollen ankle wrapped in a crisp bandage. It was throbbing even more now.

"I sprained my ankle... from falling off the roof." I admitted in defeat, shifting in position slightly.

Optimus gave me a sympathetic look, with a twinge of hurt mixed in. "Why didn't you tell me Sam?"

"I didn't want to worry you guys." I replied, eyes adverting his gaze.

Optimus lifts me to his eye-level. "You can tell me anything Sam. I am always here for you."

I gave a small smile. "I know. And I appreciate it more than you know."

Optimus smiled back and headed to the medical bay, where Rachet was working on the Autobot holoforms. "Hello old friend."

"Rachet, Sam has an injury that needs looking at." Optimus explained and gently lowered me onto Rachet's palm. He gave my ankle an examination and frowned at me.

"You shouldn't be walking on this!" He said scornfully.

My ankle took around 3 weeks to heal properly, and the entire time I was with the Autobots Optimus carried me everywhere. Despite my protests he insisted, and made one of the others do it if he was unavailable. But the strange thing is, when he did carry me, I was reminded that he really did care. They all did.