Author's note. This was written for fun by me and Prowlsgirl. It should be noted though, that later chapters will contain slightly more serious content, just so you're all aware.

This chapter contains slash, don't like, don't read.

Ratchet is probably a little OC in this story but I hope you can all still enjoy it.

Enjoy and please review.

Ratchet wearily headed for the Med Bay. Another day, another cycle of mending idiots who had got themselves injured. It really was depressing the number of times he had to treat bots that didn't have the sense to take more care of themselves. Didn't they realise how it affected him so? Of course not, he was Ratchet, he had no emotions other than anger, he could never felt pain.

First Aid hummed tunelessly as he powered up the Med bay for the day. As usual, he was there before his mentor, Ratchet. He had been apprenticed to the older medic for about two weeks so far, and, though he had learned quite a bit from the other Mech, he was still so clumsy when it came to repairing things. He was desperately trying to impress the other Mech by getting there earlier, even if it meant he was tired.

With a heavy sigh, Ratchet pushed open the door to the Med Bay and it gave a loud creak as it shut. He groaned, he really needed to get that seen to, he was driving him nuts.

He saw First Aid who was there before him once again. It occurred to him that he should be the one arriving first but he just didn't have the energy to do that. Instead he said.

"Hi, First Aid."

First Aid jumped when he heard Ratchet; he'd been so busy he hadn't heard the Mech come in. First Aid spun around quickly and yelped as he knocked a bunch of wrenches to the floor. He was very glad for his mask as his face was burning hotly.

"Hi, Ratchet," First Aid mumbled as his shoulders hunched.

Ratchet barely noticed the others embarrassment, he simply went over to a chair and flopped into it, idly twirling a wrench.

"Do we have anything on today, First Aid?"

First Aid hurried to the computer.

"Nothing major so far. Just a report to Optimus and Prowl about the Autobots who were damaged in last week's battle with the 'Cons."

Ratchet groaned, he felt a processor ache coming on already. But of course it had to be done.

"Alright, we'd better get that out the way, you tell me who and what injuries they received and I'll write it down."

"Yes sir," First Aid said. "Well first there was Bluestreak. He received the worst damage; all the circuits in his right arm were blown and they all had to be replaced. Bumblebee took a shot to the cranial unit and was just kept in the Medbay overnight to be sure of no permanent damage, of which there was none."

"Anyone else?" Ratchet asked, he had treated everyone but they needed to go through this together.

"Yes sir, only two others. The twins were doing their Jet Judo, and were shot off. They fell about five stories and both had minor dents and scrapes. Only one cut on each actually bled and those were easily fixable. The dents in their helms were fixed a day after they were, err, received."

First Aid shifted nervously. "That's everyone sir."

Ratchet growled slightly

"First Aid, you will learn as you progress with your career that there are certain Mechs you will be forced to endure. I swear those two are the bane of my existence. Maybe Primus is punishing me for a past life, well I hope I enjoyed it."

First Aid bit his bottom derma plate to keep from laughing as he went over to wrenches on the floor and started to pick them up. He neatly sat them in a row on the table then bent down to pick up the rest. All the while he didn't say anything; he was a very shy Mech and didn't really like to make conversation.

"I'm just going to get this done First Aid," Ratchet said, finally getting to his feet and going over to his office. "I won't be long, you just see what we've got to cover and barring any visitors, we'll do that."

First Aid nodded, "Yes sir."

As soon as Ratchet's office door slid closed, First Aid let out a sigh and relaxed. He really was a loner at spark, and being around other Mechs for a long time made him rather nervous. He never had been social, even with his own team, and they were a bonded gestalt! First Aid was just going to sit down when the door to the Med bay slid open to reveal two very loud, very angry, and very dirty twins. First Aid could see Energon leaking out of several large cuts on both of them.

"Fraggit Sunny, this was your fault!" Sideswipe yelled.

"No way, you're the one who wanted to race, dumbaft," Sunstreaker snarled back.

Bang

"Is it too much trouble for me to get one moments peace around here," Ratchet roared as his office door banged behind him. He spotted the twins and snarled.

"You two. What have you gone and done this time?"

First Aid jumped at the second bang; the twins were stunned to silence.

"W-well, sir, Sunstreaker said something about a race..." First Aid stuttered then fell silent.

"Argh, never mind, something stupid as usual," Ratchet groaned before gesturing at two berth.

The twins instantly went over to them while Ratchet stomped over.

"Have you any idea how much vital supplies I waste patching up you two idiots with your silly injuries? How many times do I have to ask Prime for more..."

And so Ratchet ranted on.

First Aid watched as Ratchet began patching the twins up. It was amusing to say in the least to watch the twins squirm around as Ratchet was, none-too-gently, working.

Finally, Ratchet finished working on the twins from hell. Giving their helms a good whack, he sent them on their way, swearing that this was the last time he treated them outside of a battle.

"Go on, get," he said, sending a wrench their way as they didn't exited fast enough for his liking.

First Aid gave a little chuckle as the wrench smacked into Sideswipe's head, making both twins yelp and move even faster to get out of the Med bay. It really was amusing to watch Ratchet interact with the twins, whether it was with a prank the twins pulled on Ratchet or the medic fixing them up in the Med bay.

First Aid walked over and picked up the wrench that Ratchet had thrown then headed over to put the other tools away. He made sure to keep it organized; it wasn't good if you were looking for a tool while trying to save someone's life. That's why all medics were picky about where their tools were.

Ratchet smiled as First Aid did this. He really was starting to think the Protectobot was the best assistant he had ever had.

"Thanks First Aid, that's a big help,"

First Aid blushed and kept his head down as he replied.

"I-it's nothing, Ratchet. Just doing my job."

"And a fine job your doing of it," Ratchet said with a smile. "I really do appreciate having you here, helps a lot that i have something to share the load with."

First Aid smiled, "I-I...Thank you. I've just been trying my best."

"Of course you have," Ratchet said with a smile. "Don't mind me, I'm just old and grouchy."

First Aid smiled, "You're not grumpy or old. You're just tired and overworked."

Ratchet chuckled.

"Thanks First Aid. I'm afraid this is one of the things you have to look forward as a Medic, especially with this War.

Ratchet sighed and rubbed his face, War more than anything else had aged him beyond his years.

First Aid looked up. "Oh! I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you, Ratchet."

Ratchet waved his apology away.

"You didn't upset me, you're just concerned and I understand why. Don't worry about it."

First Aid sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. He wasn't really sure what to do. They'd been busy every day since he was apprenticed. He'd never had a non-medical conversation with Ratchet, or any bot for that matter. He was extremely shy around other bots, he couldn't even talk to his own gestalt.

Ratchet was just picking up an odd spanner when he noticed First Aid's silence.

"Something wrong Aid?"

"Huh? Umm, no. I-I just don't converse with others very well," First Aid was very glad for his mask. He often was; he got embarrassed so easily.

"I've never noticed a problem when you've been diagnosing aliments and telling Mechs what's wrong with them," Ratchet pointed out.

"I-I'm fine if it's medically related, but personal conversations, I'm just no good at. I-I never know what to say." First Aid kept his head down.

Ratchet smiled sadly.

"As long as you can listen, that's fine. But you don't want to become like me, who never has a social life. A young one like you should be enjoying life when he isn't studying."

First Aid snorted. "I've never had a social life. I've always been different. I've always been lonely, even as a sparkling."

First Aid froze and pressed a hand to his mask as if to cover his mouth; he never meant to tell Ratchet that, he'd never told anyone that.

Oh Aid," Ratchet sighed, knowing that the younger Mech hadn't meant to blurt that out.

He then looked thoughtful and said.

"How are you different Aid, I've always found you to be very likeable."

First Aid shook his head. "I don't know how to socialize," he said sadly. "I never have. Even my gestalt thinks I'm strange. I've heard them talking when they think I'm asleep or not listening."

First Aid's hands tightened on the counter as hurt washed through him.

Ratchet came over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"It's difficult being the odd one out," he said softly. "But you still know how much they care about you, their probably just worried."

First Aid growled suddenly as he jerked out of Ratchet's grip. He froze a few feet away; he had never been inclined to do that before. Violence was something he just didn't participate in, but Ratchet was making him so uncomfortable.

Ratchet frowned.

"Aid, what's gotten into you?"

First Aid shook his head again. "I-I don't know, Ratchet. It just...hurts to talk about that."

"In my experience," Ratchet began gently. "It hurts more to keep it all bottled up. You need to get this off your chassis."

"I don't understand why I'm so different. I-I've tried to be normal, but...it never works."

"In what way do you feel you're different?" Ratchet asked carefully.

"I-I've always been an outcast!" First Aid screamed.

"Aid, calm down," Ratchet said firmly, stepping forward and catching him by the shoulders. "This isn't like you, tell me what's wrong, please."

"I'm a freak! I don't like fighting, I have no social life, and I'm an orphan!"

"That doesn't make you a freak, Aid," Ratchet said quietly. "You'd be surprised how much that description fits many of the Mechs you work with."

"Really? Tell me which Mech has no social life besides me. I mean, even Prowl has Jazz! Optimus and Ironhide are best friends! So tell me, who?"

Ratchet smiled humourlessly.

"How about me."

First Aid opened his mouth to reply, but realized pretty quickly that Ratchet was quite right. The only friend Ratchet seemed to have was Sparkplug, and the human hadn't visited in quite a while. First Aid hung his head.

"I'm sorry."

Ratchet shrugged.

"That's alright, I told you it's a hazard of the job especially as I was the only Medic with this team for a long time..."

His voice trailed off and he suddenly sighed.

"Someone has to keep this crew going, fix them when they fall. I have to be strong especially for Prime, he carries so much on his shoulders as do the others."

First Aid sighed and leaned on Ratchet's chest.

"I don't know what came over me."

"Probably stress," Ratchet said as he causally held First Aid to him.

"We've been fighting an awful lot recently and it's bound to have an effort on you. You'll learn to cope in time."

First Aid sighed, "Like I've always learned to cope. With everything, and everyone."

Ratchet sighed again.

"It shouldn't be like that, you shouldn't have to just cope, that's no way to live."

Ratchet considered for a moment, and then said.

"What I think you need is a close friend, someone who can go to when you're feeling like this. Who can listen and make you feel better."

First Aid pressed into Ratchet's arms. It felt good to just be held like this, though First Aid was a bit uncomfortable.

"Is there anything I can do for you, Aid?" Ratchet said after a moment, still holding. "I know what's it's like, maybe I help you find someone to talk to."

First Aid sighed. "I'm not really comfortable talking to anybot. I guess I'm a little shy."

Ratchet chuckled.

"Nothing wrong with being a little shy, unless you're someone like Jazz or Blaster, it's always hard meeting new bots."

First Aid snorted, "I'm not just 'a little shy.' I find it hard to talk to my own Gestalt! And I'm bonded with them!"

Ratchet considered that before saying.

"Well, you don't seem to have a problem talking with me."

First Aid went really quiet. He was surprised to find that Ratchet was right. He'd never spoken to anybot this long.

Ratchet smiled and gave the younger Mech a hug.

"There you go, you have me even if I am the most grumpy bot on the base."

First Aid pulled back slightly and playfully hit Ratchet's chest. "I told you already, you are not grumpy!"

"Thanks Aid," Ratchet said softly. "That's very nice of you to say. Makes me feel much better about myself"

First Aid chuckled then paused. "You know, it is really easy to talk to you. I've never had a conversation for this long before."

"No?" Ratchet chuckled as he let go of First Aid and led him over to a berth. He sat him down and then went beside him, drawing out a couple of cube from sub space,

"Here, why don't we share a drink?"

First Aid smiled beneath his mask. "Yeah, I didn't get a chance to refuel this morning."

He took the cube from Ratchet.

Ratchet shook his head, smiling as he clicked First Aid's cube.

"You need to remember to always refuel, we can't have you collapsing if there's an emergency."

First Aid snickered, "Coming from one of the Mech's on the Arc who is caught collapsing from lack of energy."

First Aid was still chuckling as he reached up and unfastened his mask, setting it aside and taking a long draught of Energon.

Ratchet blushed but he had to laugh, First Aid was right.

"It's one of the hazards of the jobs, I'm afraid. You need to learn good habits while you're new, don't copy my bad ones."

As Ratchet said this, he suddenly noticed how good looking First Aid was without his mask. This made him pause slightly as he sipped his drink.

First Aid hummed. "Oh Ratchet, this is good Energon. Is it homebrew?"

First Aid looked over at Ratchet and noticed the Mech was staring at him. He sat the Energon down and tilted his head.

"Is something the matter Ratchet?"

Ratchet blushed and looked away.

"Sorry, got a bit lost in my thoughts,"

He coughed and then smiled again.

"Yes, it is homebrewed, the Energon that is."

First Aid Smiled.

"Might I say it is an amazing mix, I….."

First Aid froze. He suddenly realised that he'd taken off his face mask. His hands flew up to cover the bottom half of his face as his cheeks heated up.

"What's wrong?" Ratchet said in surprise before seeing that First Aid's cheeks were flaming.

"Oh Aid, it's alright, I am a Medic after all," he said wryly.

First Aid blushed even more.

"I-I…My face. N-Nobody's seen my face in ages. I-I, "First Aid groaned.

"It's fine Aid," Ratchet said gently. "Don't be afraid to show me your face."

"B-but..." First Aid whimpered.

After a minute, First Aid slowly lowered his hands to his lap, his face still bright red.

"There you go," Ratchet said, taking his hand and giving it a squeeze. "That wasn't so hard, was it?"

First Aid wouldn't look up at Ratchet. His shyness returned full force.

"Aid?" Ratchet said softly, rubbing his hand. "Don't be afraid, your my friend, my student, I don't want you to be shy with me"

"I-I can't help it," First Aid said quietly. "I-I just start s-stuttering and can't seem to t-talk to others."

"Shh, calm down," Ratchet said softly but firmly. "Just take a deep breath and blow out, you'll feel better."

First Aid obeyed, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly.

"I still feel like I can't look at you."

Ratchet leaned forward and gently embraced him.

"There, is that better?" he asked, rubbing First Aid's back.

First Aid hummed, "Yeah. A-a bit."

"That good," Ratchet said. "I don't want you to feel shy with me, sometimes it feels like your my only real friend."

First Aid smiled. "Same here. I-I feel more comfortable with you than anybot else."

"Thanks," Ratchet said with a sad smile.

First Aid didn't answer. He just picked up his cube and took another drink, humming at the wonderful taste. Ratchet smiled, pleased that the younger Mech was relaxed. He really was a different bot when he was hiding himself away. First Aid noticed Ratchet looking at him, and he couldn't help but look away from the mech.

Ratchet quickly looked away, not wanting him to become nervous again. There was a slightly uncomfortable silence.

Ratchet glanced at him and chuckled.

"I was trying not to make you uncomfortable."

First Aid looked startled.

"Really? Nobot's ever done that for me before.""That's what friends are for, Aid," Ratchet said with a smile

First Aid smiled. "Thanks Ratchet. I-I've never really had a friend before."

"Well, you've got me Aid, and you always will," Ratchet said gently with a smile on his face.

And First Aid believed him.

To be continued.

Author's note. Find out what happens between Ratchet and First Aid in the next chapter. Until then.