I don't OT3 them as much as I see Arcee and Ratchet "sharing" Optimus, but that doesn't mean they can't have a moment or two to themselves.
"You've been avoiding me."
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
She scoffed and looked to the side of the berth. It was the first time she had been in their quarters for days. She spent her nights at the Darby house. He didn't even know why she was here now.
"Arcee, I'm sorry."
She glared at him. "I don't want to hear it."
"I had no right to bring him into it."
"You didn't." She rose and walked to the furthest corner of the room away from him. Her arms were crossed over her chest, her servos balled into fists.
"I didn't mean to hurt you."
"No, you meant to hurt Optimus. You just didn't care if anyone else got hurt."
There was nothing to be said. She was right. He turned to leave.
But one step and he staggered. She was by his side in an instant.
"Ratchet?" Her hands were on his arm, offering support. Her optics searched his. Something pressed into his plating.
"I'm fine," he gasped, his right leg joint giving out.
"The frag you—sit down!" She led him to the berth with surprising command for one her size. "Why are you even up in the first place?!"
"I saw you come in." That was answered with another scoff. The object that was in her hand fell and activated as he himself fell onto the berth.
"Easy," she almost crooned. The light of the hologram was painful to his optics.
The room continued to spin around him. She helped him lie down as he groaned in pain. He looked away once and she was gone from his side.
He turned his head to watch her collect the hologram emitter. The image of Cliffjumper and herself vanished. She placed the device on the large crate that served as a table for their Spartan dwelling. She saw him watching.
"I'll go get Optimus." Her voice was soft despite herself. Ratchet reached out and grabbed her wrist. She looked at him, her face a blank mask.
"Arcee, I'm sorry..."
"I know." She removed his hand and placed on his chest. She instead rested hers against his arm. "I just...I need some time."
They stared at each other for just a beat too long, before Ratchet nodded. She stepped away again, and he didn't stop her.
"I'll get Optimus," she repeated quietly. She turned to find Optimus already there, watching quietly from the doorway.
"Hey," she greeted, a tense smile on her face. He got down on his knees for her.
He placed a hand on her shoulder, his eyes boring into hers. "Will you be staying?" he asked gently. I want you to stay, was unspoken but made known regardless.
She turned to see Ratchet propped up, staring at her with almost pleading eyes. She turned back to Optimus.
"No. But soon."
Optimus nodded, then pressed the crest of his helm against hers. On the berth, Ratchet lay on his back with a sigh. They stayed that way for a few moments, before Arcee pulled away. Optimus rose and made his way to Ratchet. She turned away just as he sat down. Before she stepped out the door she looked back to see Optimus rest a palm against the medic's cheek.
"I'll see you both tomorrow."
She left, but it would be a few hours before she made her way to the Darby garage. She had some thinking to do.