"Prime. The High Counsel requests your presence."

"What?" Ratchet looked up from his work, a frown appearing. "What do you need now?"

Ironhide seemed to brighten. "Doctor Ratchet! Just the 'bot I was looking for! We need you too." Ratchet blinked, exchanging glances with Optimus. "It must be important," the Prime mumbled.

"Optimus Prime... Bow before your brothers."

Ratchet watched from a distance as Optimus leaned forward on one knee.

"Arise."

"Sir, Optimus Prime. I come bearing pardon for Commander Medical Officer Ratchet and myself."

"Very well. We have received a call from Warrior Bumblebee reporting from Planet Earth. He says he needs you there at once."
Optimus nodded. "Of course. We shall leave right away."

The Prime turned and joined Ratchet out the door. The medic stopped him there, a servo in the air. "What was that all about?"

"Bumblebee had requested my assistance back on Earth."

"Already?"

"Ratchet, be nice. He needs us." Ratchet froze. "Well now, hold on just a second. What do you mean 'us'?" Optimus blinked. "I assumed you'd be accompany me."

"We just got back!" Ratchet growled. "Perhaps, but I do not feel as welcomed here as I once was. This provides a good excuse, while still serving our duty as Autobots," he responded grimly. "Welcomed? Optimus, this is our home. We're welcomed here just as much as everyone else is!" Ratchet yelled. "Bumblebee can handle his own issues! Why can't we just stop and enjoy our lives while we have the chance?"

"Because while Cybertron is now capable of surviving again, we are still Autobots. There is still danger lurking in the shadows," Optimus retorted. "I don't care!"
Ratchet shook with anger, his frame overheating. "I just want a normal life! It's no fair!"

"I did not say you had to come."

"So? Even if I didn't, I'd still be upset that you're leaving! Optimus, we're mates. Mates don't leave the other behind. For years, I've slept in a cold berth, crying myself to sleep. I can't live like that anymore! Then finally, when I get you back, you say you have to go again." Ratchet buried his face in his servos. "I don't want you to leave me alone again."

"Then come with me," Optimus murmured, laying a servo on the poor medic's shoulder. "You don't have to be alone." Ratchet felt his spark sink. "I don't want to. I want to stay here." Optimus sighed, thinking silently for a few moments. "Ratchet,you are my moon, my sun, my star. You're my land, my sea, my sky. You're my hope, my love, my courage. Where ever you go, I'll follow-"

"And there will be nothing that stands in the way," Ratchet finished. The medic relaxed as he repeated the speech that Optimus used when the Prime had asked Ratchet to be his mate. He closed his optics and counted to twenty, shoulders relaxing and frame-plates loosening. "Thank you," he whispered. "But I can't join you. My home is here. I will await your return."

Optimus nodded slowly.

"As will I."

End.