Author's note. Thanks for all the great reviews so far.

Since I've gotten some great Sparkling names and can't choose between them, I'm going to do something sneaky and use them all. How you may ask. Hee, you'll need to read on to find out.

Thanks to 9aza, AuroraFerreri and Jovianokamigirl for their suggestions.

Suggestions are welcome.

Sorry for short chapters, that's why I need suggestions. I will try to make them longer.

Enjoy and please review.

Chapter three: Ironhide Parental.

When Optimus was summoned to the Med Bay, he knew something was up. Ratchet never called him unless it was something important or involved him personally. Apparently in this case, it was the former and he was very curious as to what it could be.

As he approached the Med Bay, he became aware of strange sounds coming from within. He could hear laughter and was that...gurgling?

"Ratchet?" he called just before he entered, he needed an explanation.

And stopped dead at the sight of his Security Officer tickling a chortling Sparkling on a examination berth. Wheeljack and Ratchet were standing nearby, looking very amused at what Ironhide was doing.

Oh yes, he really needed an explanation.

"Ah, Prime, you're here at last," Ratchet said briskly as the Sparkling stopped giggling and stared at Optimus.

Optimus almost chuckled at the sight, the small one was sucking a fist. But now wasn't the time for jokes.

"Ratchet, what is going on?" he asked sternly as Wheeljack suddenly looked sheepish.

Ratchet sighed heavily and said.

"Long story short, Wheeljack's latest invention turned Spike into Sparkling."

It was only long yorns of experience that kept Optimus from reacting. Not to mention he was wearing a mask to hide his dropped jaw. He then gathered himself together to look sternly at Wheeljack.

"It wasn't meant to do that," the inventor protested, then seeing Optimus's stern gaze, added.

"There was an accident and it fell of the table and broke, otherwise, it wouldn't have done this. I was so close to perfecting it."

Optimus sighed heavily.

"Can you fix this Wheeljack, that's the most important thing right now?"

"I...," Wheeljack began uncertainly, glancing at the little Sparkling who was watching him.

"It'll take time," he said finally.

Optimus nodded.

"You'll have time."

He turned to Ratchet and Ironhide.

"In the meantime, we need to work out who's going to look after young Spike."

"Ah'll do it," Ironhide offered, rubbing Spike's back. "Ah don't mind looking after the little fellow."

"That's a kind offer Ironhide but I think we'll need to talk to his father about this first," Optimus said gently.

"Oh blimey, I forgot about Sparkplug," Wheeljack said, rubbing a hand over his forehead.

"What do you think he's going to say?"

Optimus briefly thought back on the conversation he'd had with Sparkplug not long ago. About Spike growing up so fast. Though this wasn't likely to be what he had in mind when he wished he could return to Spike's Sparkling years.

"I'm sure he'll understand," Optimus said gently. "Just as long as he can have his boy back."

"I'll do everything I can to make it right," Wheeljack swore, again glancing at Spike.

"I'd better get to it, I don't want my invention lying around like that."

"Good idea," Optimus agreed as Wheeljack quickly rushed off.

He then smiled down at Spike from behind his face mask.

"Hello Spike, do you recognise me."

Spike mentally growled, of course he did. Unfortunately, his scowl looked like he was simply scrunching up his face, meaning Optimus thought he didn't. The Autobot leader chuckled and patted Spike's head.

"Never mind Spike, it'll come."

The Sparkling blew a raspberry at Optimus in response to this statement. They all burst out laughing at this.

"Aw, cute little guy," Ironhide said fondly before asking. "Where is Sparkplug?"

"He went home some time ago," Optimus said softly. "I will contact Bumblebee and ask him to bring Sparkplug round. Then I will explain what's happened."

He shot Ironhide a look that showed he was smiling.

"In the meantime, I'm sure there's no reason you can't look after him, old friend."

"Thanks Prime," Ironhide said with a grin as he gently lifted Spike into his arms.

"Ah think ah'll take him for a small walk if that's okay?"

Ratchet smiled.

"There's no medical reason why you shouldn't. Optimus?"

"Yes, you can have a wander," Optimus said before adding. "But I'd stay within the Ark for now, until we've got the details worked out."

"Right you are," Ironhide set off with Spike tucked firmly in his arms.

Optimus and Ratchet watched them go with small smiles.

"That old trigger finger always did like kids," Ratchet said softly. "You know he was a big help when the twins were young? And he still takes time to help Bumblebee and Bluestreak out."

"Indeed," Optimus said warmly. "He'll take good care of young Spike."

Ratchet now looked thoughtful.

"Should we rename him, while he's a Sparkling?" he asked and Optimus considered this.

"That's seems like a good idea, it will help everyone distinguish between the two. But we'll have to ask Sparkplug first, we won't if he's totally against the idea."

Ratchet nodded.

"I really do wonder what he'll think."

"So do I, Ratchet," Optimus said softly. "So do I."

Meanwhile.

Spike was beeping, giggling, whistling and generally making many other Sparkling sounds as Ironhide strolled through the Ark's corridors. Ironhide was glad for this, he hated it when Sparklings were unhappy because it made him feel so depressed. So of course, a happy one lifted his spirits.

He thought it was perhaps better that Spike couldn't remember being a human teenager. It would make life as a Sparkling much easier. He vaguely wondered if Spike would recall being a Sparkling once he was back to normal.

Well, they'd have some stories to tell for sure and no doubt some good photos.

"Heh, just need a name for ya, little guy," he chuckled as they walked along.

Spike looked up at this. He wasn't sure how he felt about that. He wasn't totally against it, it was just that he had a name. But perhaps it would be a good idea, otherwise when people said his name, they'd think Sparkling.

A new name would mean he could separate the experience from his normal life. And it would be kind of cool.

So he chirped happily having realised they thought he had no knowledge of being human. It seemed best to go with it, rather than wasting his breath trying to convince them otherwise.

"Thought you'd like that," Ironhide said with a big grin.

"Hmm, let's see. How about...Orpheus?"

Spike wasn't sure about that one, it didn't seem to grab his attention. So he didn't respond to Ironhide.

"No, eh? Shame, it's not a bad name. Now, what else could we call ya?"

"Don't ask me, I can't talk," Spike thought ruefully.

"No worries," Ironhide now said cheerfully. "We'll think of somit."

"Hey, Ironhide."

Ironhide turned to see Jazz and Prowl walking over to him. His back was to them so they couldn't see the little form in his arms. Jazz as always looked causal but surprisingly, Prowl also seemed relaxed.

"Good afternoon Ironhide," the SIC said polity upon seeing Ironhide.

"Afternoon Prowl, Jazz," Ironhide said with a smile, still half turned away from them.

"What ya got there, Hide?" Jazz asked with a big grin.

"A Sparkling," Ironhide said, turning so they could see it.

Jazz's grin became wider while Prowl raised an optics brow.

"Ironhide, where did you get him?" Prowl asked as Spike waved a fist at him.

Ironhide chuckled.

"Ya can thank Wheeljack, he's the reason he's here."

Prowl expression got grimmer in a flash. Ironhide was quick to explain.

"Ya know he'd been working on a new invention?"

Both Mechs nodded.

"Well, he had a little accident and this Sparkling was the result."

"You mean he created a Sparkling out of nothing?" Prowl said disbelievingly as Jazz chuckled.

"Nah, his gadget turned Spike into a Sparkling," Ironhide said casually.

Prowl's optics twitched. And then in an almost peacefully motion, he crashed to the floor. All three stared down at him and then Spike giggled.

"Oops, didn't realise that would happen," Ironhide said sheepishly as Spike clapped.

"Ratchet's going to kill me."

"Nah, he'll just throw stuff at you," Jazz said cheerfully as he bent to make sure Prowl was okay.

"Don't worry, this looks pretty mild, he should be up and about in no time."

He got to his feet again, brushing dust off his knees.

"So, he got a name or are we still calling him Spike?"

"Ah think he'd be better off with a new name," Ironhide said as Spike rested against his chest.

"But ah haven't thought of anything yet."

"Hmm, how about Shockburst?" Jazz suggested with a wink towards Spike. "He sure gave Prowl a shock."

"Heh, ah'll think on it," Ironhide said softly as he tickled Spike's tummy making the Sparkling squeal with laughter.

"Are you going to be looking after him?" Jazz questioned as Prowl groaned on the floor.

"Hopefully," Ironhide said. "But ah gotta talk with Sparkplug first, it's his decision."

Jazz nodded his understanding as Prowl sat up, rubbing his head.

"Hey Prowler, feeling better?" Jazz asked, offering a hand to his friend.

"Urgh, I think so," Prowl groaned as he got to his feet.

His optics fell on Spike and though he gave a small shudder, didn't crash again.

"Does Prime know about this?"

"He does," Ironhide said with a nod. "Ah was just taking him for a walk until his father can get here."

He held Spike out to Prowl who backed away.

"Isn't he cute?" Ironhide asked with a grin as Spike happily dangled in his hands.

"Ironhide, you know I'm not good with Sparklings," Prowl said sternly as Ironhide tried to get him to hold him.

"We just don't mix."

"Aw, don't say that, Prowler," Jazz laughed as he carefully took Spike into his arms.

"I think you'd make a great dad."

"Thank you Jazz," Prowl said stiffly as he suddenly incepted a comm.

"Excuse me, Prime needs me,"

And with that, he turned on his heels and walked away.

"Don't mind him," Jazz said to Spike who was sucking his fist again.

"He still remembers when the twins were Sparklings, so it's sort of put him off."

Spike just giggled.

"Come on young'un," Ironhide now said. "Let's carry on with our walk."

And so the two Mechs set off cheerfully with a happily gurgling Sparkling. Little did they know that little Spike was about to cause an uproar.

Author's note. What happens in the next chapter? You'll have to wait and see, until then.