Red stood out against golden yellow as Ratchet wrapped the last of the gauze around his bicep. He winced a might, feeling where the posomorphic shot had grazed his arm. Lucky for him. Had he not moved so fast, he would've lost his whole arm.
"Clank?" The Lombax called, thick brow furrowing as he searched for his friend. It was late and the flat was uncharacteristically silent.
"Clank!" He called again. He cupped a protective hand around his wound, peeking into every room. His, Clank's, the bathroom, the kitchen, and the living room.
Lime eyes squinting, Ratchet stepped around the couch to the balcony and slid the glass door open with his good arm. Clank was leaning against the railing, head propped on the bars. With his back to Ratchet, he gazed over the drizzle-covered landscape, neon green eyes lidded.
"Hey buddy!" Ratchet breathed a sigh of relief, closing the door behind him and squatting beside his friend.
"Are you okay?"
Clank didn't move, his eyes sliding shut. He was clutching his shoulder, opposite to Ratchet's injured one. The blast had managed to hit them both, taking the tiny robot's entire arm off.
"The shipment of extra parts doesn't come until later." The Lombax had explained, irritable from his bloody gash.
Now he trained his eyes on his mechanic companion, pink nose wrinkled with concern.
"Are you okay, Clank?"
Ratchet reached out, his fingertips barely gracing Clank's metal body, when he spun around. While tears did not and could not spring from his metallic eyes, it almost looked like they would.
"Ratchet." He breathed, single fist curling up tight. "Ratchet, I am so very sorry."
The young hero was taken aback, blinking quickly in shock.
"What are you talkin-"
He could only watch as Clank ground his jaw in frustration, sparks jumping from his torn limb.
"I did not warn you." He seethed in anguish. "And for that, we both paid the price. You are badly injured and I. . ."
He gave a sigh that made his chest collapse, his shoulders slumping forward.
"I am sorry, Ratchet. I am sorry I have failed you."
The Lombax stood up, an intense look marring his smooth features. Before he could argue, the doorbell rang. With a quick glance at his friend, Ratchet threw the door open and strode to the door wrenching it open with force.
"Delivery!" The long, skinny bot held out the package.
Taking it under his arm, Ratchet signed the order with a flourish and watched as the bot smiled and dashed off.
The young man turned the box in his hands and a grin spread across his lips. Dropping the package on the living room table, he bounced to the balcony and grabbed Clank.
"Ratchet!" He gasped, kicking his tiny legs. "Ratchet, put me down!"
The Lombax acquiesed, sitting the robot on the table. In one smooth movement, he tore open the box and pulled out a screwdriver. Slowly, with unnatural focus and care, Ratchet repaired his companion, tightening evey bolt and screw snuggly, crossing all the wires that needed crossing, and adding any other feature he deemed appropriate. Clank stayed absolutely silent and perfectly still throughout the whole thing, watching the Lombax work with wide, neon eyes.
When he was done, Ratchet gave a heavy sigh and leaned back, regarding his work. He stretched the tiny robot's new arm, tugging it side to side and bending the joints carefully. He flashed him a satisfied smile and gave a gentle pat to the new appendage.
"Good as new." He beamed, going to put away his tools.
Before he could, Clank threw his metal arms around him, nuzzling his furry neck. He gripped the young man's back, holding fast and tight.
"Thank you, Ratchet."
Smiling affectionately, the mechanic reached down and hugged the bot in turn, gently stroking his round, metal head.
"No, Clank. Thank you."