This is written as a companion story to a wonderful fanfic called Diego Diaries written by arctapus. I encourage everyone to read that story for the fun, humorous, heartfelt plot plus the frequent updates. Well worth the journey to read all the chapters to current date. It has brighten many of my days to see an update posted.

I've tried to avoid most spoilers but the timing of this story in that universe will have a few. I hope that readers will enjoy this mini story and then read the inspiration it was born from.

There are some sad parts in this story because of the background of the original characters, but also hope and happiness. I welcome comments so I continue to hone my writing.

Chitin gently cradled the wounded sparkling, rocking slowly from one pede to the other.

The latest coughing fit had eased, but the sparkling looked worse. He grasped Chitin's servo weakly, helm resting against Chitin's chassis. Chitin didn't know what his Ada called him, so he was just sparkling.

Stingray called him over the bond, :Devisplex has an announcement, Only One.:

Chitin strode from the berth room, feeling as ill as the sparkling he carried. The injured Metrotitan class Cybertronian they inhabited could be bringing them good news or terrible.

Stingray pulled them into his lap, his arms circling Chitin, :How is he?:

:Getting weaker. He's barely keeping the little energon I can coax him to drink down. It's breaking my spark,: Chitin pressed his navy face to Stringray's shoulder, closing his blue optics against the pain sweeping him, :It is like with Heltron.:

A slurred voice spoke, making Chitin look up, "Attention. We approach the space where our Prime's message originates. Please standby for entry."

"I have to go," Stingray kissed Chitin, "Ours is the only functioning ship."

Chitin whispered, "You have to come back. If you...I couldn't stay."

Stringray smirked, his black and orange markings sharp against the blue and deep green of Chitin's body, "I'm coming back. For this family."

He nuzzled Chitin, then brushed a kiss on the helm of the sparkling.

Letting Chitin up, Stingray walked out, his weapons stowed in subspace. Beside a picture of his bond holding their first sparkling. The one who'd died before the Diaspora.

Alarms rang out, making the sparkling in Chitin's arm tense and silent. It broke Chitin's spark the sparkling made no noise.

As if his Ada instilled silence as vital to survival.

Subbing his gun, Chitin prepared to fight. To defend the sparkling from danger. From the monsters who cut away most of his armor.

Through the bond, Chitin felt Stingray fighting, blasting enemies.

A snarl curled Chitin's face, his body tensing for the upcoming fight.

No mech would hurt his sparkling. They'd die trying.

:He's yours now, is he?: Stingray's amusement soothed Chitin.

:I...yes,: Chitin admitted, tears threatening his optics, :This doesn't mean he's a replacement.:

:Never. He'll be his own mech,: Stingray dispatched another enemy ship, :However, he's going to need a lot of care. Are you up for that, Only One?:

Chitin looked into the sparkling's tired and frightened optics, :With you, anytime.:

Surprise flared through Stingray, then a tamp down of the bond.

Chitin put his back to the wall, gun pointed at the door. He'd make the enemy work for every step.

Calm descended, shaking Chitin with it's suddenness.

:What happened?: Chitin demanded.

:You won't believe what just came through a space bridge,: Stingray flashed a grin through the bond, :Hundreds of seekers, two Supremes, twenty battle shuttles and another Metrotitan.:

:You aren't pulling my pede, are you?: Chitin frowned, trying to figure out if he was being pranked.

Devisplex's voice echoed, "Prime has sent reinforcements to support our entry. Medics and techs will be among you shortly."

Chitin blinked tears back, :Medics?:

:Yep, Only One. I heard Ratchet is on one of the Supremes. He'll come over with other medics. I'm sure he'll help our little sparkling.:

Subbing the gun, Chitin smiled, relief flowing through him, stealing his strength, :I hope we can get some decent energon for him. He needs to grow up strong.:

:If you see Ratchet before me, tell him I still owe him one. I'm going to be debriefing with the leadership so don't worry, Chit.:

Happy to hear the nickname, Chitin replied, :You tell them to wait on any brig time until I've had my say, Ray.:

Laughter chased through the bond as Chitin sat, waiting for a medic to come to him. His legs weren't steady enough to carry him to them, the emotional ups and downs taking their toll.