Some notes before we begin: firstly, this is not part of my "Sparks" stories. It's a completely different take on the aftermath of "Predacons Rising."

Second: This is not, in any way, a slash fiction. I do not write slash, nor will I ever write it. As the reader, you're allowed to interpret it whatever you you want, but please know that I wrote this as a friendship, not a romance.
Ok, boring stuff aside. Big thanks to my friend journal129 for making the cover image. :) She's awesome. Now on to the story!

First Aid had heard the idiom "butterflies in your stomach." While he was sure that having organic insects in his fuel tank would feel much different than this, he still found the phrase appropriate for the ticklish anxiety he was now experiencing.

"You came at the perfect time," Ultra Magnus told him as they walked down the hall. First Aid had to jog to keep up with Magnus' long strides. "With the influx of refugees, our resident medic's been strained. Another doctor will be much appreciated."

"I'm not a doctor," First Aid said apologetically. "I'm just a nurse. And I'm not that good…"

"Nonsense. You have a sterling record; every one of your previous commanding officers has praised your skills. Even Ratchet was impressed."

First Aid's cheeks grew warm beneath his face-mask. "I-I'm just looking forward to working with him," he stammered. "It's an honor to get to study under Prime's own medic."

"Yes… about that." Ultra Magnus stopped outside a door. The glyphs on it marked it as the infirmary. "I'm afraid Ratchet has projects on Earth that he has to attend to. And as we need you on Cybertron in case of emergencies, you'll be training under our new medic instead."

"Oh." First Aid's shoulder's sagged, but he quickly shook off his disappointment. "Who's the medic?"

"An unexpected new recruit." Magnus frowned. He fixed First Aid with a gaze so heavy, First Aid felt pinned under its seriousness. "You should know he's on probation. Since you'll be working together, I want you to keep an optic on him—let us know if his behavior raises any alarms. Know that your safety is our top priority. If at any time you feel your health or well-being is threatened, alert me and we'll reassign you."

"Ooo-kay…?' First Aid said hesitantly. That was ominous. The butterflies in his stomach fluttered with renewed fury. Having dropped that bombshell, Ultra Magnus opened the med-bay doors. First Aid's professional mind automatically assessed it. It was much better stocked than the one he'd worked in before. Not only was there a full complement of medical equipment, but everything looked well-maintained and immaculately clean. His attention shifted to the mech in the center. His scarlet paint job stood out against the gray of the metal around him. He took no notice of the newcomers as he cleaned—wait, was that a buzzsaw? It was a buzzsaw, attached to his arm. Not something you'd expect to see on a medic.

Ultra Magnus approached him. "Knockout."

"Magnus." The mech—Knockout—didn't even look up from polishing his blade.

Ultra Magnus scowled. "My name is Ultra Magnus. And according to protocol, you should stand in the presence of a superior officer."

"Oh, but we're all friends here, Magnus. Why bother with formality?" Knockout squinted at his buzzsaw, examining the metal for any further blemishes. Apparently satisfied, he transformed it back into a hand and stood up. "Is this the new meat?"

"This is First Aid: a registered nurse and respected Autobot." Magnus put emphasis on "Autobot." As Knockout turned to First Aid, the nurse realized his optics were red. A shiver ran down his spine. Only Con's had red optics…

"—certified as a medic." Ultra Magnus continued. First Aid had completely missed everything he said but fortunately, he was talking to Knockout, not the nurse.

"Yes, yes, I'll teach him proper." Knockout turned his red optics on First Aid. He glanced over the new mech critically before holding his hand out—a hand with sharp, slender fingers like a hawk's talons. First Aid tried not to cringe as he shook it.

"Good to meet you, sir." He managed to mutter.

Knockout grinned in a way that did nothing to ease his nerves. "Welcome to my parlor."