As far as cousins go, Gadget and Ricochet were (and still are) goals.

Seeing as neither of them had any siblings, they spent most of their time together. Which went well.. most of the time.

Also, living quite close to each other had it's benefits.

While their dads worked or just talked, Gadg' and 'Che played. At 4 years old, there was certainly no lack of imagination. Like sometimes they'd pretend that they were in an immense battle, running around Ratchet or Ironhide's house with 'Che's toy guns shooting at the imaginary 'Decepticon scum'.

Don't be mistaken. Even at this age Ironhide had per-cured real guns small enough for his daughter and nephew to use, but he kept them locked up when not in use. And hidden from Ratchet, as this whole weapons-training thing was still a secret. So unfortunately, it had to be play with toy guns, or nothing.

It was still fun for them though.

Since little Gadget aspired to follow his father's path when he was older and become a medic, he managed to convince Ricochet to let him practice on her. He had one of those cute little doctor's kits kids have when they're little, full of 'vital medical supplies' as Gadg' put it.

Gadget definitely was no medic at this point. Because when he called Ratchet and Ironhide to come look, they found Ricochet sat on the floor, wrapped from helm to ped in bits of cloth, looking like a mummy. 'Che squirmed and wriggled around in an attempt to get free, which only made her fall over to the side. She was trying to say something, which couldn't be understood considering her entire face was covered in cloth. Gadget was beaming with pride sitting beside her.

"Gadget.. what have you done to your cousin?" Ratchet asked in confusion as he went over and uwrapped 'Che's face while Ironhide chuckled lightly. From his perspective it was rather funny.

"Stopping an Energwon bweed." Gadget answered innocently and grabbed more cloth, tying around Ricochet's left leg. Ratchet smiled slightly at his son's enthusiasm as he freed 'Che's arms and legs. It was cute that he wanted to practice at this age.

"Is that so?" Ratch' said as he freed the other sparkling, who was still squirming. "'Che stay still."

Ricochet complied and just as her uncle was about to remove the last bits of cloth, Gadget picked up a toy welder and approached his cousin. "Now I gotta weld ya together." Ricochet's optics widened fearfully.

"NO!" 'Che screeched and ran around the back of her uncle Ratch', then jumped on his back and clung on for dear life, whimpering quietly. Ratchet jumped himself in surprise and tried to reach around and pull her off. Ironhide was laughing now, and unknown to Ratchet, recording the whole thing.

"'Che please let go." Ratchet pleaded when she hung onto his neck.

Ricochet shook her helm. "Don't let Gadgy weld me!.."

Gadget looked quite offended while Ratchet just sighed in defeat. He wasn't gonna get her off.

Later that day, Ironhide had to go to work to help with an emergency, so 'Che had to stay at Ratchet's with him and Gadg'. It was fair to say little 'Che really didn't want to. She was a daddy's girl. She hated not being with him.

"Daddy, don't go.." little Ricochet said tearfully and hugged 'Hide's leg tightly.

Ironhide sighed and gently prised her off his leg. "Ya know I gotta 'Che."

'Che gave him wide, puppy optics. "Pwease daddy.."

'Hide simply shook his helm and handed her to Ratchet. "I'll be back later 'Che. Your uncle will look after ya." With that, he turned and left, leaving his girl. 'Che hugged Ratchet sadly and was already counting the moments until her dad came back.

Turns out, 'Hide had to work later than expected.

Ratchet made up a makeshift berth on the floor in Gadget's room and lay 'Che down once she fell asleep in the living room. She was hesitant, so Ratchet made Gadget promise not to weld her in her sleep. He put Gadget to bed and retired himself.

Not soon after, 'Che woke up, and realised her dad still wasn't back. She whimpered slightly and got up, going to the nearest berth she knew. Carefully she climbed in and cuddled up to Gadget's back, his presence comforting her somewhat. Gadg' woke halfway and turned sleepily to see his cousin next to him. But he didn't kick her out or disturb her. He just cuddled up to her and drifted back into recharge.

COUSIN FLUFF!

The adorable Gadget belongs to Ice-Ninja

Ricochet belongs to me