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Summary: Ratchet was the cranky, slightly arrogant, temperamental medic bot, he showed his emotions when he was frustrated or angry. Optimus didn't...Miko usually hated it when Ratchet had to "watch" them, but she didn't fight this ordinance from the Prime, not when she saw Optimus cry.
"Maybe you should step outside"
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"Ratchet, watch the children."
Prime had said that very statement dozens of times, to the point where Miko could almost tune it out completely. She would ignore Prime's command to the medic, Optimus non-verbally signally for the humans to stay put, and then Miko would somehow get into trouble.
This time, Ratchet was just about shaking, whether in rage, disbelief, or pure sorrow...the Japanese girl couldn't tell. All the bots were edgy, frustrated...sad...and just plain tired of this war.
Miko turned slightly as Optimus shifted on his feet at Fowler's suggestion, the agent's tone seeming peeved and near exasperation.
"Ratchet, watch the children."
The deep brown eyes didn't miss the dark azure ones as they blinked a little too rapidly, something glinting of the glass or plastic or whatever material lenses made up an autobot optic.
A tear, or actually tears.
Optimus must have still been running pretty hot under his armor, the liquid dried in seconds of slipping from his optics, that or shame and grief was heating the large mech's face plates.
For a split second, Optimus' optics met Miko's eyes, she gave a barely perceptible nod, she'd stay put, this wasn't the time for games...it never had been since the 'cons had kidnapped her.
The last Prime seemed to cool down a bit, taking a slightly deeper intake of air, armor flexing before he and the rest of the autobots headed to the lift.
The medic didn't meet the humans' gazes after that, merely turning to rapidly fuss over the system controls of the monitors.
As the lift rose, Miko glanced over her shoulder at the huge figures she'd known to call Kazoku...family...Gokazoku...her family.
Family is honored, cherished, and loved.
But also mourned, fought, and grieved.
Miko prayed it didn't come to that.
It was bad enough all the struggles they'd had to fight through, but this war...besides not happening...shouldn't drive boss bot to tears.
Family, while worth dying for, wasn't meant to actually cause deaths...or even tears.
Spur of the moment thought while watching Darkest Hour.
I hope you like this!