A/N: oh my goodness! So many reviews O_O you guys are amazing. Thank you! Just to clear up a few questions. This story follows the Aligned Continuity starting with the games War for Cyberton and Fall of Cybertron, the novels Exodus and Exiles and the animated version as well in case you were wondering where I got some of the backstory. I highly recommend reading the novels by Alex Irvine as well as the IDW comics. Again thank you so much for your kind words, favorites and follows!

The snow was coming down thicker. Big fat flakes splatting on the concrete just beyond Wheeljack's headlights as he sat in the parking garage. June sat on the ledge next to him looking back toward where she'd parked the wrecker. Optimus was recharging again, which suited her fine right now. Looking out at the snow coming down she was glad they'd found the parking garage. It was cold but at least Wheeljack and Optimus weren't totally exposed to the elements. She pulled the blanket closer around her shoulders.

"He seems different . . ."

"He was barely conscious. You're lucky you got anything out of him."

It was silent for a long moment, the snow seeming to muffle even the noise from the road.

"I have a car cover, do you want it?"

"You . . . Really?"

"Yes, it's in the truck, do you want it? I saw it at the automotive shop and thought it might come in handy."

"Umm, yeah sure I guess."

June smiled and hopping down off the ledge patted Wheeljack's hood. "Be right back."

It felt better to be doing something rather that just sitting around knowing that Wheeljack was cold. She at least had the blankets she'd found at the army surplus. Grabbing the tarp and a snack she paused looking at the covered Prime. There was a rhythmic movement near his chest. With a start she realized it was his fingers, or rather servos, he was drumming his fingers on his chest plate. Her heart clenched and looking toward Wheeljack she wondered what to do. Optimus was obviously awake again and hadn't said anything. Patiently waiting for one of them to check on him. Part of her wanted to just leave him there but another, larger part, knew he was upset and in pain. She couldn't let that continue any longer than necessary.

Heading over to Wheeljack she unfolded the cover and tugged it down over him, securing the fitted corners under his bumpers. She didn't let herself dwell on how awkward it was, though she was reminded of tucking her son into bed.

"Is that alright?"

"It feels weird . . ."

"Think of it like wearing clothes. I'm going to go check on Optimus, he's awake."

"I can go-"

"No, I want to talk to him. I need to apologize."

Not wanting to give an explanation she got up and with a soft pat on Wheeljack's hood left the bot to recharge.

Climbing up on the bed of the truck she pulled back the tarp covering Optimus' head. His optics were closed but his fingers were still tapping out a rhythm. It reminded her of a nervous habit common for humans. "Optimus, are you awake."

Blue optics opened. "Hmm, oh . . . yes. What can I do for you Nurse Darby?"

"June."

"June."

"You can tell me how you are feeling."

A frown crossed his faceplate, the optical protectors over his eyes nearly coming together in a way that reminded her of human eyebrows creasing. He always had such an expressive face for an alien. Especially his eyes. Even as alien as they were she found them beautiful and fascinating. Right now they were full of pain and uncertainty.

"Honestly June, I do not like being restrained like this."

"Its for your own safety."

"Because of my injuries?"

"Yes."

Optimus' gaze shifted away from her to a spot somewhere overhead. She watched, concern tightening a knot in her stomach as he remained silent. She'd seen this before with some trauma victims. Survivor's guilt. Even though the other Autobots had escaped and were safely away from Megatron, Optimus seemed determined to feel responsible for them.

"Optimus . . . I just want to let you know that if . . . If you need someone to talk to . . . About what happened. I am here and I'm sorry for being so short with you earlier."

Blue optics turned back to her, widening slightly. "There is no need to apologize and I would not burden you June."

"Optimus, I think I can handle it." She reached down and brushed away some dirt that had gotten trapped behind his mask. She didn't miss the slight tremble that went through his frame. Maybe she just needed to give him some time to come to terms with what was happening. It was difficult enough for her to comprehend. "Are you alright? Stupid question . . . Are you at least comfortable? I didn't get a chance to change your bandages."

"I am fine."

"You are also a terrible liar."

He blinked several times. "I don't lie."

June smiled. "Of course you don't. You are the upstanding leader of the Autobots. Now tell me the truth. If you don't tell me I can't help you."

"You've been more than helpful June. There really is nothing I require at this time."

"There you go again. Optimus, you really are stubborn aren't you."

"I'm afraid I don't follow . . ."

June shook her head. "I'll be right back, you feel even colder than before. I'm not sure how your physiology works but I know you guys are susceptible to extreme temperatures and humidity."

"It is nowhere near cold enough to affect me Nur-June."

"Maybe not when you are healthy, but you have to consider your current state. I don't want to risk anything right now." She climbed down and opening the cab of the truck pulled out all the blankets she'd brought. Stolen. Whatever. She wasn't about to develop a guilty conscience over it. Not when they were most likely at war. It took her several minutes to arrange the blankets over his arms and torso. The entire time she could feel his optics following her every move. It gave her a feeling she hadn't had in years and one that surprised her. I'm not a giddy teen anymore and he's not even human.

It didn't help and she found herself smiling nervously as she tugged the last blanket into place.

"This really isn't necessary June. I'm just fine."

"Well at least let me feel like I'm doing something to help."

"I'm sorry."

"Oh don't start that." She smiled at the shocked look. "You don't have to apologize for anything Optimus."

He frowned at that, the well of hurt in his eyes deepening to levels she'd not thought possible. What had she said?

"Optimus . . . What's wrong?"

He refused to meet her gaze after that, turning his head to the side. His chest rose and fell rapidly and for a moment she had the wild thought that he was going to break down. Did giant alien robots have emotional break downs? She would completely understand if that was the case. How many humans could go through what Optimus had and still be as calm and collected? It was almost unnerving in a way. She was so lost in thought she almost missed the softly spoken word.

"Everything." A pause. "Everything is wrong."

Hearing the despair in his voice June got down so she could see his face. His blank stare tore at her heart. Reaching up she stroked the side of his face.

"It will be okay Optimus. We'll get you to Ratchet and he will repair you. You'll be as good as new."

He closed his eyes. "No . . . That's not it."

"Then what is it?"

"Something no one can fix."

He refused to say more and she didn't press the issue. She stood there, hand resting on his cheek until he fell back into recharge. The cycling of his vents steady and even.

"You poor thing. You take everyone's burdens as your own don't you. You seem like the type of leader who would even take the death of an enemy hard. You are a good, kind and noble person Optimus. Please don't forget that." Climbing back up on the truck she nestled down in the space between his arm and side. She knew she should probably sit in the cab of the wrecker, but something told her that Optimus needed the company.

###

When Wheeljack woke it was dark. Then he remembered the cover. Transforming he pulled it off. It was still dark, the light from the streetlamps muffled by the falling snow. There was a good six inches and the stuff was still coming down thick as ever. Thankfully the parking garage was still as deserted as when they'd first arrived. Going to the wrecker he peered into the cab, frowning as he failed to spot June. Where was the little femme? Maybe she'd had to go get something or go to the restroom again? Though he hoped she hadn't decided to walk anywhere in this weather.

Venting softly he looked over Optimus. The big bot was still in recharge, that was when he noticed the blankets carefully arranged over him. Looking closer he nearly tripped over himself in surprise seeing June huddled up against Optimus' side. She was obviously in recharge and he hoped that she wasn't cold, though she seemed comfortable.

He debated on waking her up, but decided against it. There was a ping on his private comm line.

"Wheeljack?"

"Ratchet, what's wrong? Why are you contacting me so soon?"

"I just wanted to check on your status. How is Optimus?"

"Not great. He's in recharge more than not."

"It's to be expected if the damage is as extensive as you say."

"He's taking everything pretty hard."

"He's Optimus, of course he is. Are you doing alright?"

Wheeljack found himself smiling. "Yeah, June patched me up, almost as good as you, doc."

A short bark of laughter. "As if."

"Well I do have a nice scar to show off now."

"Other than that things are alright? Are we still set to meet in three days time?"

"I hope so. Though right now we are stuck in the middle of a snowstorm."

"The weather here is not cooperating very well either. I got sleeted on this morning. Horrible stuff. Its like rain but it freezes into little pellets of ice that are even slicker than snow. I've never been so glad to have a sturdy altmode."

"Yeah how do you think I feel?" Wheeljack teased. "Who knew water came in so many forms?"

"Exactly! Oh and watch out for when they treat the roads. My undercarriage is a mess."

"I can imagine." Wheeljack smirked at that embarrassed sputtering from the other end of the line. "Don't worry, doc we'll all get cleaned up once we meet and get this situation figured out."

"You got that right. You haven't heard from the others have you?"

"No, just you."

"I'm sure they are fine."

"They should be, I mean you sent them all over the place."

"Well Optimus was pretty adamant that we needed to split up to avoid capture. I've never seen him so . . . Despondent, though I don't think I helped. Once they told me what happened on Cybertron-"

"Why? What happened?" Wheeljack had a sinking feeling that he really should not be asking.

Ratchet was silent for so long Wheeljack thought he'd lost the signal.

"Optimus destroyed the Omega Lock."

It was as though someone had just gutted him, ripping his spark out of his chest. "What . . . But, but that was the only way to restore Cybertron."

"Yes I know. And so did Optimus. But you saw Megatron's fortress right? He was going to use the Omega Key to cyberform earth."

"So it was let Cybertron remain a lifeless husk and save this planet or doom them all to a horrible death just to save ourselves."

"Basically."

"No wonder big bot is depressed."

"He's what?"

"He's not exactly been the same bot since he regained consciousness. But with what you just told me everything makes a lot more sense now. Don't worry, doc I'll keep an eye on him."

"I know. Just Wheeljack . . . Please be careful."

"Is that concern I hear?"

"Oh shut up!"

Wheeljack chuckled and after saying goodbye broke the connection. Speaking of being careful he needed to do a sensor scan just to make sure they weren't being followed. He just hoped Ratchet was taking the same precautions. He couldn't bear the thought of the grumpy medic getting himself into trouble.