Ratchet and Optimus have always cared about (Y/N) since she accidentally ran into the battle as she ran from her abusive stepfather. They allow her to visit at the base. Since it's winter, and (Y/N) can wear bulky sweatshirts and pants without being questioned, no one knew she was physically abused by her stepfather and her mm, until one night. They step in to save her and, with the help of Lennox and his wife, become her new family.
Warning: Physical abuse

(Y/N)'s P.O.V.
I spend most of my time at N. . The Autobots and soldiers think I just like spending my time here. It's half true, but the other half of the truth is they are my family more than my actual family. I'm glad it's winter; I can wear sweatshirts and pants to cover my wounds without being questioned about my clothing choices.
Everything was great until dad died five years ago. Mom remarried two years ago to a guy with two daughters. My life is almost like a Cinderella story, but instead of endless chores, it's endless abuse, and mom goes along with it. Now saying I was a mistake. I am younger than my stepsisters. It's like mom thinks she didn't remarry, as if that aft is my biological father.
Meeting the Autobots was a happy accident three months ago. I was running away from home for the millionth time but accidentally ran into the battle.

Flashback
"Get back here, worthless trash!" My stepfather yells as I run out of the house and down the street—my arm bleeding from the deliberate knife wound. I ran into the woods. I hear metal clashing, but I didn't know which direction the noise came from until I ran into the battlefield.
"Decepticons, destroy the Autobots!"
Oh shit, I found the transformers.
I'm so focused on the battle and don't realize one of them picked me up until they touch my arm.
"Young Human, do you not know not to get in the middle of a battle?" the mostly yellow bot scolds, "you've gotten yourself hurt."
I cry in pain as they look at my arm. His silver face is showing disappointment.
"Ratchet, get the human out of here!" One of the others yell.
Ratchet runs into the woods before putting me down and transforming.
"Get in!" He orders.
I get in, and Ratchet drives into what looks like a portal that just appeared.
I quickly learn all this time, the transformers have been close by in the city.

Ratchet explains he's going to activate his holoform before a man appears in the driver's seat.
"Let's take a look at your arm."
We get out of the ambulance, and I follow him to the medbay.

Ratchet thinks my wound is from stupidity walking into the battle, and I will not correct him. Ratchet has me stay in the medbay until his leader returns.
I quickly learn s little about the Autobots and am allowed to come here. Thankfully I don't have to tell them much about my family, and they continue to believe I got hurt from my stupid decision. I am given Ratchet and Prime's numbers to call. It's so interesting how much they're trying to live like us m, even getting cell phones. It's the beginning of my new life.
End of flashback.

In a way, this is a new life, but I still have to go home to my horrible family. What can they do to help me? Even if I told Lennox? Who they going to believe; I or my parents, who likely have lies prepared if people question why I always have bruises and cuts. At least I have a lie prepared for if my stepdad decides to break my arm. It's winter; I slipped on the ice.
I sit on the Autobot-sized counter, watching Ratchet work in the medbay when my stepdad calls. Ratchet is distracted; I rush out of the medbay.

"Why aren't you home!?"
I look at the time and realize I'm late for my afternoon beating. Yes, this aft beats me several times a day for no reason, not just when I do something he feels is unacceptable.
It's hard to keep the tears from rolling down my face as I find Optimus to take me home.

Optimus Prime's P.O.V.
(Y/N) asks me to take her home. I assume it was due to it being four in the afternoon, and they are supposed to be home for dinner.
I don't ask (Y/N) why she doesn't tell her parents they're at a friend's house for dinner, but something feels off; like (Y/N) is too afraid to tell her parents they're staying at a friend's house for dinner.

"Thanks," (Y/N) says as she gets out and closes the door. I watched her walk into the house before driving away, turning onto the next street, far from the house to be seen, but close to see if (Y/N) runs out of the house.
:: Ratchet, I fear (Y/N) is in danger. ::
:: I'm on my way. ::

Ratchet took the other road to avoid passing (Y/N)'s house to get to me. I stand next to my alt mode, waiting for him.
"Why do you think (Y/N) is in danger?" Ratchet asks.
"I could smell their fear. Now, why would she be afraid to—."
We're interrupted by a scream.
"That's (Y/N)!"
We go see what's going on, but I tell Ratchet not to do anything.

We rush into a horrifying scene as (Y/N) is on the floor, in a pool of blood; covered in serious wounds.
"SOMEONE HELP ME!" (Y/N) screams as their dad cuts her leg with a knife and her mom whips their back.

Lennox's P.O.V.
I'm a soldier, but getting a call to send help as Prime and Ratchet watch (Y/N)'s parents beating her is sickening. Ratchet gives me orders before hanging up.
" Bumblebee, Ironhide, and Prowl are with me."
I also have five soldiers come with us.

Optimus Prime's P.O.V.
I am not waiting for backup. I tackle the mom to the ground and tied her hands together with rope I found right by her.
What were they planning on doing with the rope?
I join Ratchet in beating the father unconscious. Unfortunately, while doing this, (Y/N) also lost consciousness.
"Get her to the base, now!" I order Ratchet.
I help him get (Y/N) ready for transport. Ratchet leaves ad the others arrive. I dread what I have to tell them.

Ratchet's P.O.V.
Damn it, not a good time to not have a human partner with me now or at the medbay. I can request blood sent to the base.
Damn it, Jolt, you should have joined us on our mission.

Y/N) is barely holding on by the time I get her into the operating room. This is now high risk, but if I don't do this, she will die. She may die during surgery. I don't think starting a blood transfusion before I start will help. A few doctors from the hospital are waiting in the medbay to help.

Optimus Prime's P.O.V.
Lennox tells me (Y/N)'s parents have been arrested, and the current charges are child abuse and child neglect. The chief of police is trying to add attempted murder to the list. I fear (Y/N) won't survive her injuries, and murder will be added to the list.
It's a long six hours waiting—Bee and Ironhide rage about (Y/N)'s parents and question why she didn't tell us.
"We'd probably know something was up if it was summer," Bee signs in frustration.

Ratchet walks out of the medbay, displeased.
"She survived the surgery, but I put her on the ventilator. S-she is still weak, and there's still a chance..."
We know he hates to say (Y/N) could die.
"It's late, and I suggest we all go to bed."

The next day

Ratchet's P.O.V.
Even though (Y/N) is still weak and could die, Optimus and I began to talk to Lennox about what will happen with (Y/N) being she's only fifteen. While she's three years too young to officially join the military, Prime and I ask if we could adopt her. Lennox isn't sure how this will turn out since we're not humans.

Lennox's wife suggests they fill out the paperwork for a better chance.
"...then full out papers allowing Ratchet to take care of her medically, so he doesn't have to wait for your permission. Papers for both to pick her up from school," she explains.
Lennox and his wife might need to step in for certain things, but (Y/N) would be Prime and mines.

It's a rough two months between court for (Y/N)'s adoption, her parents' trial, and watching (Y/N) struggle to recover. She spends six weeks on the ventilator. We've been worried why she isn't waking up the past two weeks, worried about long-term disabilities.

Ironhide's P.O.V.
I would have loved to best (Y/N)'s parents. A few soldiers tell me something interesting; it seems people who hurt roman and children get beaten up in prison. Perhaps at least (Y/N)'s father will get what he deserves.
"I worry she'll have long-lasting disabilities, Bee, and that's if —," I cut myself off as we walk into the room to see (Y/N) awake.
"Turn off the lights!" She cries.
I tell Bee to get Ratchet before turning off the lights and the door, leaving it open a little, and sitting next to the bed. (Y/N) tells me she has a throbbing headache before trying to get comfortable.
Please don't tell me this is a sign something is wrong with her brain.

Bumblebee returns with Ratchet and Prime. Ratchet gives (Y/N) medication for the headache.
"Why didn't you tell us your parents were beating you?" Prime asks.
"Does it matter? I'm a teenager, and you guys are an advanced alien race fighting a war."
"It does matter," Prime scolds, though not as loud as he'd usually be, "even back on Cybertron; we cared about each other and if someone is dealing with something. You're not the first one I've watched be beaten by ones they call their parents."
This is my cue to leave with Bumblebee.

(Y/N)'s P.O.V.
Something is wrong for Bumblebee and Ironhide to leave.
"Look, (Y/N), we love you and hate you've been getting beaten," Ratchet tells me.
I doubt they mean love as in romantically.
"Where are my parents?" I ask.
"The fake ones are in prison," Ratchet tells me.
"We are your parents now," Prime adds as they both pull out a piece of paper. Though it shows the Lennox's adopted me, everything is set for Ratchet and Prime to take care of me. I doubt it'll end once I'm eighteen. Now I'm curious if this means romantic love is out of the question?
The two mechs sit by the bed. I'm too tired to care I'm being watched.

Third-person P.O.V.
With (Y/N) asleep and both mechs not wanting to leave her, they choose to sleep right where they are.