Kiaora tātau! Hi! Sorry for the late update, school's been hectic:( I had fun writing this! it's a bit of a filler/bonding chapter as the start of steadily built relationships. I'm trying to keep everyone in character so please tell me if anyone is out ^^

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You lot know the drill… I don't and never will own Transformers, all rights go to Hasbro… However I do own my Oc's^^

"Cybertronian" (if any)

:Comm link:

"Sign Language"

*Written*

Chapter 4:

For a girl who had recently found out that an advanced alien species was currently bunking in the Hoover Dam, Mal was rather calm. Infact she was having an absolute bawl! Mostly because she was currently seeing how much she could annoy Ratchet.

"Can I move now?" The red lines continued to pass over her body, the feeling leaving behind the memory of her Dad tickling her with leaves in the Fall. He shook his head.

"Now?" Her nose scrunched as the strange feeling coursed through her.

The large and clearly agitated bot pinched his, nose? Do alien robots have noses? Well whatever he had, he was pinching in a highly human manner.

"Mallory, for The last time, Don't move. There's only one more." Irritably, she huffed, watching a strand of flaming hair fly silently from her face. A grin spread over her lips. The crooked sort of grin that made her teachers narrow their eyes and place her at the front where they could see her. She started tapping her fingers to some unheard beat. Hitting the hard metal surface with her short, blue painted fingernails. Not knowing exactly how loud the taps were growing as she increased the tempo. Clearly frustrated, Ratchet yelled something, throwing his hands up in the process. Mallory glared, scowling at him and crossed her arms. Ratchet looked at her expectantly. Mal continued to stare. Raising an eyebrow, she pressed her finger to her ear. Her blue eyes bore a striking resemblance to electric current, the kind moray eels used to paralyze their victims.

"Mallory-"

"Don't worry about it. It's fine everyone forgets at some point. Can I go now?" A curt nod.

"Just take it easy with that arm, no heavy lifting, I don't want you pulling those stitches."

Walking out the door, something silver caught in her peripheral vision. Ratchet had his back turned. Mal clapped once.

"Yes" She pointed to the large silver objects and shrugged.

"What's that?"

"Jazz. A fallen comrade. I'm hoping to revive him with the Allspark shard."

"You can bring people back from the dead?" Maybe, just maybe if it could bring this Jazz fellow back, it would work for her dad. She would see his goofy smile, laugh at his jokes, he would know his second child.

"In theory. However it's unlikely, and it would only work for a Cybertronian." Instantly, Mal's heart crashed into her stomach, figuratively of course. A tear dribbled from her azure eyes as she started walking towards -where she hoped was- the cafeteria.

She never saw Ratchet stare after her in worry, nor did she hear his soft sigh.

0o0

I could've sworn it was around here somewhere. Mal wondered around the halls, ignoring the many stares she got from passing soldiers, trying to find the cafeteria. A blue metal foot came into her peripheral vision. "Mal, are you lost Little One?"

A sigh,"yeah, I'm looking for the cafe." He lowered large hand, the message was clear. 'Get on.'

Squealing, Mal clutched his large thumb, his fingers curled around her in a protective manner, still allowing her to see. It was only now did Mal truly appreciate just how tall Optimus was. Mirth twinkled in his eyes and strong vibrations ran through him. He was laughing. She could see everything from here! God was that how small humans looked for Optimus? It was a miracle he hadn't stood on someone. As they traveled down the hallways, Mal was left to her thoughts. One good thing about being deaf was silence wasn't often awkward, she simply turned and sat cross-legged.

They made it to the cafeteria within no time.

Optimus set her down ever-so-carefully, much to her mum's relief. She looked like she may have a heart attack.

"I would never had let her fall Mrs Donnelly."

"Mum, it's so cool! You can see everything!." Rachel gave a soft smile at her daughter's antics. "Is there many others taller than you?"

"There were a few, but I know not if they are still online." Making an 'oh' face, Mal proceeded to drag her mother towards the food.

0o0

*You mean he tipped all his spag bol on the general?*

"Yep, gave us all a good laugh, even Moreshower." Grins were seen from the three of them, exchanging stories about Pat Donnelly like he had never passed.

Mal and Epps had taken off immediately. Most people Mal met took her deafness as a weakness, that she was fragile, uncertain of her to treat her. It was Mal's pet hate. However Epps and Will, took it in their stride. Mal liked them already. As it turned out, they had a few silly tales of her dad.

Mal pushed her last mouthful of pie into her mouth. "Damn kid, where did you put all that?" Grinning she drummed her stomach. Rachel rolled her eyes.

"You haven't seen the half of it Epps. Oh Mal sweets, Sky called, she was making sure you're okay."

"What did you tell her?"

"We're staying with Granny for a few days."

"Does that mean I don't have to go to school on Monday?"

"Yes Mal you do. I talked with Optimus, he or one of the others will drop you off and patrol the area to make sure you'll be okay." Mal groaned. "Don't give me that Miss, you have to go."

"I know." silently -so to speak- she added, I just have a bad feeling about this. And not just because of the Decepticons.

Sorry it's short, I may have had fun writing this, but I didn't have much spare time to. Particularly between this and my TMNT fic. Any chance you want some Rachel/Optimus pairing eventually? Tell me your thoughts!

Aroha nā,

The Silvernote.