Chapter Eleven

Shadow found herself glued to the med bay counter once again and it wasn't something she was use doing. She normally was planning to pull a prank or helping in the medical facility but since the dreams, she couldn't bring herself to even smile. Something was wrong and it was driving her close to insanity.

The doors to the med bay opened and she looked up, spotting Ratchet walking in with Ironhide. Hide was complaining about a malfunction in his cannons, his one true love. Ratchet, on the other hand, was ignoring Hide's complaints as he tried to focus on a data pad.

"Ironhide, according to these charts, there is no malfunction. You simply missed," Ratchet said. Not many dared to say that the great weapon's specialist missed a target. Ratchet wasn't one of them.

"I didn't miss!"

"Yes, you did. Now unless you have an actual medical problem, go practice," Ratchet watched as Ironhide stomped away, shaking the floor and letting other unfortunate people in his path know that he was coming. Ratchet shook his head, frustrated and a little amused.

"He is such a child sometimes," he said out loud.

"That's Ironhide for you," her voice had him turn and look at the counter. He hadn't realized Shadow was in the room and it didn't make any sense as to how she managed to get on the counter but that wasn't his concern. Her sad eyes made him realize something was truly wrong.

"Shadow?"

"I'm Ambre, aren't I?" her words made Ratchet freeze, his eyes suddenly going dark. He wasn't sure how to respond to her observation. And he was confused. He wasn't sure how she discovered about Ambre.

Silence stretched between them as Ratchet processed all sorts of explainations. But he failed, knowing that lying to her would destroy their relationship. But he had to know...

"How do you know of her?"

Again, silence stretched between them. He watched as she looked up at him, a sad smile on her face. But the tears betrayed her feelings, betrayed her decision.

"Ratchet, I am her reincarnation. I have her memories. That's why I can't sleep at night. I remember everything!" he scanned her body as she spoke, watching as her anger increased, "And I can't believe you never told me that I looked like someone! How can I be sure that you love Shadow! Me! Instead of Ambre!"

"Shade, I care for you. Ambre died many years ago and during that time, I have healed."

"But how can I be sure?"

"Shadow, I -"

"You're even hiding things from me! And you've been flipping sexual like a dog in heat! Now tell me what is going on!"

Ratchet watched her for a moment before huffing air through his vents. He rubbed the back of neck before transforming, his holoform appearing next to her. She watched as he collasped on the counter top next to her, removing his glasses from his face and rubbing it.

"Shade, I know your upset and doubtful. I would be as well, seeing how you look almost like her. There are some small differences but," Ratchet looked at her, "it doesn't change anything."

"Damn right it doesn't!" Shadow screamed as she grabbed two fistfulls of hair. Ratchet grabbed her hands in turn, gently prying them from her head. He hugged her, shushing her as he also tried to keep her from ripping her hair out.

"Shadow, there are things about us Transformers that we try to keep hidden. If I told you that we had certain seasons in our cycles, then you might panic or "freak out" in your human terms," Ratchet whispered to her. Shadow's eyes widened as she remained frozen in his arms, her mind trying frantically to put things together. Everything in her mind began to make strange accusations. Even one that somehow made Shadow want to laugh as she pictured Ratchet dancing around a pole.

Finally, something clicked and she felt her mind reel in shock. It was the only thing that could make sense. The only reason why Ratchet was acting so weird.

"You guys have a mating season?" Shadow watched as Ratchet leaned back, his holoform's face a bright red.

"Which is why our attitudes are a little...sexual. And why Ironhide missed the target."

Shadow began to laugh but she stopped and shuttered with the images of Ironhide thinking sexually. So not what she wanted to picture. But it did explain Ratchet's behaviour.

"So what do you guys do when you don't have a partner?"

Ratchet stared at her, raising a brow. Shadow had a feeling her quesiton was going to be answered in a more unwanted fashion.

Ratch slowly moved foward, his lips brushing along her cheek. Shadow didn't move an inch as he whispered into her ear, "If you really want to know, then I can show you."

"I don't think I want to know," Shadow's face flared up again as she slowly scooted away from him. Ratchet chuckled at her reaction, finding it cute. But he understood her fear. She was still innocent. But he was worried that his type of mating would be to much for her. That is if she wanted to do so.

"So," her voice trailed off as he watched her hug her knees, taking on a very childish manner, "what theories do you have about human/cybertronian mating techniques?"

Ratchet felt his spark jump in excitement but he knew that she was just researching for her own curiousity. It wasn't right for him to immediately assume that she would be willing to experiment with him. Plus he wasn't sure how to prevent conception.

"If you decide to mate with me, Shadow, then it would be best for my holoform to participate. For now, until I know exactly how to prevent pregnancy in my real form," Ratchet explained. Shadow nodded in agreement, knowing that he was trying to watch out for her. And she knew it would be best to get comfortable with a human body before the other.

Ratchet felt his insides quiver, knowing that he shouldn't be this excited, but Shadow was silently agreeing to the decision. But he knew that he couldn't hold back much longer. He would have to do something about it before he lost his mind.

"Well," Shadow watched as Ratchet looked over at her, his eyes reflecting his confusion. She smirked as he studied her face before seeing a decision he hadn't expected in her eyes. And it caused excitement to fly through him in a surprising strength.

"Oh hell yes!" he tackled her, pinning her to the top of the counter, kissing her with all the might he could muster. He felt her body mold to the holoform he was using as he kissed his way to her ear, whispering, "I'll be gentle but I promise you, you'll like it."

"I'm sure I will doctor. Your treatments are the best," her smirk grew in size as he chuckled at her. Shadow felt anticipation and butterflies fill her stomach as he looked at her, a mischievous glint filling his eyes.

"You have no idea."

~WWWWWWWWWW~

"Prime, have you seen Shadow?" Ava scurried down the hallway, meeting Prime halfway to the medical bay. Prime quickly scooped her up into his hands, carrying her the rest of the way.

"No I have not. Ironhide, however, says that she was in the med bay," he answered her. Ava sighed in relief, her fear about Shadow's past memories haunting her friend floating off her. It was painful to admit that she wanted Ambre back but Shadow was nearly like her and in some ways, Shadow was better.

A surprising sound assaulted Ava's ears and she looked up, seeing that Prime had stopped. He was staring at the med bay doors and Ava did the same. She heard a familiar voice calling out a name in a heated fashion and quickly felt her face flare up in surprise.

"Are they..."

"I believe they are," Prime acknowledged her trailed off words as they slowly backed away from the doors. Embarrassment took over them as Prime quickly walked away, sending a comm to all the Autobots, warning them to stay away for an hour. Or least be scarred for life.

~XXXXXXXXXX~

Boti: Had to add the last part. It was funny and it was bugging me to be added. Hope you liked. It's a bit longer. I am trying my hardest to make it longer and I am trying to keep the story moving. So, with a heads up, Decepticons will be coming in the next few chapters. Finally getting a move on. Finally.