I do not own Transformers, only my OC's.

Big thank you to all my reviewers! :) You guys give me the drive to keep working when I'm sleepy (which happens a lot these days actually because I have very busy days)

Seven and a quarter pages for you all to read :) A little later than I wanted it to be, but it's here now and it's long :)

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My nap turned into a long sleep only disrupted by the need to board a plane in the early hours of the morning. I had not wanted to get up.

At the very least my dizziness had subsided. All the same Ratchet stalled long enough to look me over, not that it had produced any tell-results. He was frustrated afterwards.

The medic sat next to me the entire trip home and would occasionally check my pulse and other 'vitals'. It wouldn't have been so obnoxious if he wasn't utterly ignoring everything else. Not once had he spoken up when Uncle questioned my intentions for dating Ironhide nor did he even blink when the soldiers whispered crassly about my relationship. I know Uncle was keeping his questions pleasant at this point, but the soldiers weren't and it was upsetting.

After all, it wasn't just me they were ridiculing.

Perhaps it wouldn't have seemed so bad if Ironhide had been with me, but he wasn't. He had been placed aboard a different plane with Optimus, Chromia, the elder twins and Grimlock. I knew the reason for it. The Dinobot was out of control and it only made sense to have the skilled fighters stationed with him, but it left me on my own to deal with this madness.

By the time we landed in Washington State I was exhausted, frustrated and miserable. So much so I accidently snapped at Ironhide when he came to take us home. On a better day I would have apologized but right now I wasn't in the mood to be anything but tried and cranky.

I only gave Aunt Sarah and Annabelle a brief 'hello' and 'sorry for worrying you' before retreating to my room and passing out.

XxXxXxXxX

Sometimes I had to wonder why I even bothered getting up in the morning. I had scarcely been awake an hour before I was directed towards an over flowing pile of homework Aunt Sarah had taken the liberty of collecting for me.

Two weeks' worth of work. Great.

I almost wished it weren't the weekend so I could escape the house, but the idea of having teachers ream me out for being absent so much was nearly as frightening as the pile of work they had sent.

In the end I decided to procrastinate and do something I wanted to… alright, so I wasn't totally procrastinating because it was a tech assignment, but it still wasn't anywhere near as important as, say, English. It was perhaps the most relaxing school-oriented thing I could do.

I locked myself in my bedroom with a cell phone, pad of paper and a few sharp pencils. I had no idea what I wanted to do. All I knew is I wanted it to be fun. Chatting with Jessy and crew certainly helped the time and ideas flow steadily.

Before I knew it mid afternoon had struck and I had countless pre-school looking sketches with tidy notes jotted next to them. Some were broken down into individual parts and others were less thought out. Now I was stuck trying to pick which project I wanted to do.

Ironhide and Uncle returned home by the time I had narrowed it down to the top two. They were back early.

I was determined to ignore their arrival or at least Uncle's as I was still upset with him for the plane ordeal, but when his voice floated up the stairs bearing my name I knew I could not delay the inevitable.

"Gotten your work done?" was the first thing he asked me.

I looked at the untouched pile of books and papers resting on the living room table. "If you give me a few clones and a time machine I might have it done by Monday."

He smiled and shook his head. "Do what you can."

I sighed heavily. I was not looking forward to any of it.

After supper I was planning to step out and see Ironhide but was beaten to the punch. Ron stepped in through the door just as I finished washing the dishes. He looked exhausted.

"Hey," I tried to sound as chipper as possible. "Long day?"

"You have no idea."

Not surprising given the new recruits. It made my work load look infantile in comparison. "Make sure you get plenty of rest tonight."

He only grunted.

Something about the common sound made me smile. It felt good to hear again. "It'll be alright." I wanted to hug him, but the memory of Uncle's declaration the other day made me resist. The last thing I needed was more negative chatter.

I set to work attacking the villainous pile in the living room as Ron played with Annabelle, not that I think he had intended to. Anna kept running up to him with toys and demanding they play and there was no way to refuse without having her crying. It was hard to argue with a baby.

Eventually she was stolen away for a bath however and Ron virtually collapsed onto the sofa next to me. "Lost the rest of your energy?"

He grunted. Couldn't say I blamed him.

I let him be and continued on with my work. Uncle sat in the neighboring room on his computer, more than likely to keeping an eye on us. It was irritating and made me feel as if I were untrustworthy. He was being far more protective than I could imagine my parents being and yet I could not bring myself to say so.

Eventually he too retreated for the night, but not before telling me to behave. I didn't quite get the point of the comment. Ron hadn't moved for nearly four hours and I sure as hell wasn't going to wake him up just because we were alone. He needed the sleep.

I was even considering going to bed myself. The words of my English essay were beginning to blend together by the time the first hour of morning rolled around. Rubbing at my eyes only did so much when the yawns were beginning to dominate.

I only ended up lasted another half hour because I switched subjects. Then it became ridiculous. I was fighting to stay up but I was fighting more than I was working. Rather counterproductive if you asked me.

Ron was still fast asleep beside me. I really had to wonder how he found the position comfortable. His legs were only half on the couch and his head was lolled to one side. Had it been me I would have been awake hours ago.

Quietly I closed my books and stood. Even with the heat on there was a slight chill in the air. The weather here was so different than Texas. I missed the state already.

Biting back another sigh I gathered up a blanket and draped it over the Autobot. He groaned softly and turned his head further into his shoulder, but otherwise remained asleep.

"Good night," I whispered before placing a gentle kiss upon his brow.

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I virtually flew out of bed at eight in the morning. Anna had managed to get in my room, take the cap off her sippy-cup and dumped her juice all over my face. Needless to say I had a mini heart attack.

Anna thought it was hilarious until her mother came in and swatted her bottom. It hadn't even been a hard swat, but the fact it was rarely done left it a shocking experience for the toddler. She was taken to her prison cell, otherwise known as her playpen, as I whipped myself dry and proceeded to take the covers off my bed.

"Welcome home Melry," I muttered to myself. I couldn't be angry with the child however. She was just a baby after all and kids were known for doing stupid things. They didn't know any better.

Still, I could have done without the jump start.

Aunt Sarah took over the clean up when she returned and I was ushered off for a shower. I didn't bother take my clothes off before jumping in. They were as sticky as I was.

By the time I emerged and descended to the first floor a plate of steaming pancakes were waiting for me at the table. I finished my English essay as I ate.

The rest of my work was awaiting my attention when I finished. Had I not known any better I would have sworn it was taunting me. There was just too much. How on earth was I going to be able to complete all this and all the homework I would be getting once I went to school tomorrow?

What a pain.

I lost track of time as I crunched away. Vocabulary work, done. Questions sheets for a book I had thankfully read a year ago, done. Pre-calculus worksheets… murdered what remaining brain cells I had. I think I should have called the police about it, but they would have probably locked me up in a padded cell. After all, who would believe in a math killer?

The work really would have been a million time easier if Starscream hadn't destroyed my graphing calculator. Ron's not-so-little formula couldn't work on these sorts of equations, not that I remembered it anyway.

Sighing heavily I closed the textbook and rose from my chair. I needed a break.

I nearly crashed into Ron as I opened the door. I don't know who was more startled, him or me. "Hi," I said lamely. What was he doing back so early?

"Morning," he stepped in and closed the door. "Where are you heading?"

"To get some air. Homework is murdering my soul."

He quirked a brow, "admitting defeat so easily?"

"Yes, yes I am. I'm stupid and useless with math."

A frown stole his lips, "you're being too hard on yourself."

"So says the one who thought my lack of formula based knowledge was appalling."

"I never said that."

"But it was inferred."

He pushed my head down. "Quit putting words in my mouth brat."

"Who you calling a brat?" I tried to get out from under his hand, but he had me wrapped in a hug before I could make a move of my own.

"Someone woke up on the wrong side of the stasis block."

"I have to be in stasis to wake up on the wrong side," I poked his chest.

He rolled his eyes. "At least I don't talk in my sleep."

A blush erupted within my cheeks. "I do not."

"Keep thinking that."

I buried my face into his chest and groaned. Curse my vocal cords!

A soft chuckle rumbled up through his chest as he patted me on the back. How embarrassing! I had always known I muttered in my sleep, but having him tell me was mortifying. What had I said?

Ron placed a kiss upon my hair. "Do you want help with your work?"

That would have been amazing had I not felt the need to lock myself in a closet at the moment. "Later," I said. The chilly outdoors sounded really appealing at the moment, but Ron blocked my path when I tried to step around him.

"Stay inside."

"Why?"

"You're immune system is still faltering. There is no sense in battering it further."

I frowned. What was he going to do tomorrow? Tell me to not attend school? I had a coat on, there were gloves in my pocket and it wasn't as if I were planning a long hike. I just wanted to go for a walk to cool my face and clear my head. "Didn't we talk about this leech syndrome?"

Ron rolled his eyes. "Am I not allowed to speak around you?"

"Nope. I think I might just like the silent type. The rowdy, gruff, over protective sort are completely out of style."

He kissed me.

"Oh, hello Ironhide."

We both snapped to attention. Aunt Sarah entered the kitchen with an empty sippy-cup. She eyed us carefully but if she had seen anything, not that there was anything to be ashamed of, she kept her comments to herself.

"Will's not with you?" She asked after placing the cup in the sink.

Ron shook his head. "I came to retrieve Melry if she was far enough through her work."

"For…?" Her brows rose suspiciously.

"Ratchet," the answer was short and sweet. Uncle must have filled her in on everything that had happened in Texas because she seemed to understand.

"I'm surprised Will didn't come back with you."

Ron shrugged.

I couldn't tell if she was uncertain about our relationship or if she was genuinely surprised based on how uptight her husband was about it. "Seeing as I've barely dented the pile I'm obviously not going anywhere but for a walk."

"Not even that." He again positioned himself to be in the way.

"What? Is a Decepticon on the loose or something?" His actions certainly made me think so.

He was momentarily startled. "No."

"Hm-m."

"I don't see the problem with her going around the block," Aunt Sarah spoke up. "Unless you're hiding something from us."

The Autobot sighed and shook his head.

"If it'll make you more comfortable 'Hide, you have my permission to accompany her."

"Wasn't the point," he muttered. I doubted my aunt heard it, but I sure did.

What the heck was up with him? I cast a glance back at Aunt Sarah, who smiled and waved. Apparently she didn't have a clue either.

Shrugging it off I stepped into the chilly Autumn weather and… nearly fell down the porch steps. "What in the blazes did you do to yourself?"

Ironhide's sat in the driveway looking as if he had gotten in a fight with a trash compactor… and lost. There were sizable dents littering his entire body, a lengthy crack marred the windshield and a tiny stream of black fluid trailing down the driveway.

"Grimlock," was all I needed to hear to understand. That crazy Dino seriously needed to be catapulted back into space.

"Why didn't you have Ratchet patch you up?"

"My condition doesn't warrant his distraction at the moment."

"That," I gestured to his actual body, "isn't bad?"

"Inconvenient but not hazardous. I've had worse."

That I did not doubt, but still. He was a mess as far as I was concerned. "Sometimes I really think you have a screw loose."

"More than one."

I rolled my eyes. Should have figured he would answer literally. "Is this why you didn't want me to come out?"

He didn't comment.

"What would you have done had I been far along with my work?"

There was a long moment where he contemplated his response. "Ratchet didn't ask me to retrieve you."

My eyes narrowed. "So you lied."

"Partially. He wanted someone to check in on you."

"Preferably you?"

"Have a problem with that?"

"No, but what was the point in lying?"

He shrugged.

Knowing Ron as I did I was sure he had a reason, even if he didn't want to share. "Next time stay and get repaired. I'm happy you came but seeing you like this really worries me." Doubly so because I knew he would never tell me if he were seriously injured.

He didn't stop me as I stepped up to his vehicle form and traced my fingers over the damaged panels. If they could be compared to human injuries they were seriously nasty bruises.

"Here," Ron handed me a wrench.

I couldn't help but stare dumbly at it. "What am I supposed to do with this?"

"Patch me up."

"Are you crazy!"

He covered my mouth, "quit yelling and just do it."

"A wrench doesn't take dents out." I looked at the armor plating, "it can cause them though."

"You lack the muscle to cause or repair that."

Had I not been so relieved at the aspect of being spared such an arduous task I might have been upset at being called weak.

"If you haven't noticed I'm leaking lubricant."

It was a little hard to miss. "I can't help you're not potty trained."

He grunted and rolled his eyes.

"And why'd you give me a wrench? Do you have a loose part or something?"

"No idea."

"Well that's helpful."

He frowned. "Are you able to detect every vein inside your body?"

I paused, blinked and then said, "yes. Yes I can." Damn him and his logic. "But why are you asking me? I know absolutely nothing about your body structure. Can't you do it yourself? You're certainly small enough in that form to get under there."

"I'm a weapon's specialist, not a medi-bot."

"And I am?"

"Your understanding of mechanics is solid enough."

"Since when?"

"Little me."

It took a moment for me to understand. With all the craziness going on I had completely forgot about Little Ironhide. "That was simple human mechanics. This-" I gestured at his behemoth body, "is beyond my comprehension."

"That toy wasn't child's play."

"It w-"

"Shut up Melry." My jaw clamped shut. "All I've been hearing out of you today are derogatory remarks. I know your comments about me are done in jest, but this downplaying of your own intelligence is uncalled for. You're a smart kid and fully capable of making the small patches I need. Even if the process is confusing you will learn. You can't back away from everything."

He was right, but still... I would be working on a living creature. Not just any living creature, but the one I loved. What if I screwed up? What if I hurt him?

"Ron, I -"

"Humor me," he sat himself down and crossed his arms. "Obviously I'm here if you have questions, but I can't guarantee I'll know the answer."

That was not reassuring. I'd only know if I did something wrong if he reacted and by then it would be too late because it would have already happened. Oh how the sisters of fate loved to torment me.

With my anxieties high I pulled myself under the truck and looked up at the array of interconnecting parts and pieces. There were so many! It hadn't been so intimidating in August when I thought I was working on an emotionless vehicle and even then I had only been prying out forest dander. This was just freaky.

I can do this… maybe.

There was a small leak somewhere to my right and another two to my left. I couldn't tell where the punctures were but the streams of black liquid were enough to indicate a general area. "I'll need a flashlight," I looked out at Ron who, unsurprisingly, wasn't even paying attention... at least not in that form. He seemed to have heard however because he got up and wandered off.

"What are you doing Melry," I muttered to myself as I ran a hand along the pipes and parts in search of clues. With my luck the hole would be the size of a pin prick. "Learning my aft," I stole a word out of the Cybertronian dictionary. Who told him to get in a fight with a brainless Dino anyway?

At least the metal was warm. A regular car would have been frigid and uncomfortable to work on in this weather. That however did not help me differentiate one part from the other or find these accused holes. "Can't believe I let him talk me into this," I banged my fist lightly against the under carriage. "Hear me you oaf?"

A soft chuckled surrounded me.

Whatever the lubricant was it had a light perfume and diesely aroma. Oil of some sort I was certain. Thankfully I had worn my ancient paint spotted jeans today because I felt no remorse in whipping my hands clean upon them. What were a few more stains?

Ron returned by the time my fingers grazed an almost undetectable bevel. "Here," Ron held out the flashlight.

I waved it off with a satisfied grin, "I need something to plug a hole."

"Found it?" He sounded amazed.

"With no help from you either."

I didn't bother look at his human form, but I heard him rummage through something. He must have brought back more than just a flashlight. He tapped my leg before holding out a strange white object resembling a toothpaste tube. "Use this."

Whatever it was had a rather unappealing aroma. In fact it smelled toxic, if one could put a smell to such things.

"Smear it on and keep it smooth," Ron explained.

"Am I supposed to be touching this stuff with my bare hands?"

"Don't lick your fingers," I could detect the humor in his voice.

Like I would be stupid enough to do that.

The stuff went on easily enough. It had the consistency of wet clay but was noticeably oil based. The smell sharpened as Ironhide's body heat warmed it up. "What is this stuff?" I croaked.

"You humans call it calking putty, but on Cybertron it's referred to as sealant."

That made me look out towards him. "This is Cybertronian?"

"Did you think humans were capable of making a formidable solution?"

Epoxy putty was pretty darn formidable, but I suppose his was right. I rather doubted epoxy could hold up to several tons of giant robot being slammed around.

"Don't let too much air into the tube."

Quickly I sealed it. I should have known better. Hopefully it wasn't wreaked.

The wrench came next. During my search I had come across more than one loose nut and bolt. Nothing dramatic, but since I was here I might as well tighten them.

They left my hands sore but now I was feeling stubborn. If I was going to admit defeat it was going to be because his body was too complicated, not because it was rough on my limbs.

Ron climbed under with me shortly after I returned to hole hunting. He would occasionally tap a part, but mostly he just watched.

"Enjoying this?" I only half teased.

"As a matter of fact, yes."

I wacked him, smearing oil on his arm. "Dirty old man!"

He didn't even look at me as he lathered his hands with the black oil. I was going to comment when he came at me with them. I squealed and cracked my knee against the undercarriage. It hurt like the blazes but didn't slow me down for a second. I wrestled with him, trying with all my might to push away his blackened hands.

He was laughing the entire time.

Ironhide did something no truck should. He lifted up on his haunches, allowing Ron to roll into me and bypass my defenses. In a matter of seconds my face was pitch black.

"Jerk," I whined. I didn't bother rub at my face. It was useless. I was oiled.

He laughed.

"You peed on me."

"Greased you up ."

"Peed."

"Lubricated."

For a long, strained moment we stared at one another. Then broke out laughing.

It was moments like this I was glad I had let my heart decide.

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