(Y/N) and Ironhide can't go on this mission together. (Y/N) thinks she's keeping busy by helping Mirage and organizing for an inspection but this turns into a distraction that includes neglecting herself.
Ironhide's P.O.V.
I was not pleased with being stuck on Earth and calling this planet my home. Add working with humans — even if it's a few — until I met (Y/N). There's something about her that got us close, from friends to sparkmates. I'm glad we're able to go on missions together most of the time — except for this time. I hate how (Y/N) can't come with me and the terror twins on this mission.
"You think you'll be fine without me for two weeks?" I joke.
"Oh no, what will I do without you?" She jokes.
We enjoy one last make-out session before I leave. I don't know why I feel like (Y/N) will not be ok while I'm gone.
(Y/N)' s P.O.V.
I go see what I can do around the base like I always do when Ironhide is busy, and I can't help him. I discover Mirage's office is a mess, and he's ok with me organizing files for his cases. I think he took out every single file and folder, looking for one file or folder. It's not like I don't have the time to help. This won't take two weeks, but definitely a week. I work a little before we go get dinner. I decide to watch a movie before going to bed.
Now that I can organize all day rather than three in the afternoon, I should get more done.
"... inspection next week, and you know how grumpy Galloway is," I hear Lennox.
Shit, not. I really have to organize Mirage's office and help make sure everything is in order around the base.
Mirage's P.O.V.
I knew (Y/N) would want to organize everything in my office, but I didn't think she'd refuse to take a break. I let it slide — until we're arguing about her refusing to take a break for the next three days.
Four days helping me and not eating. I worry she's not sleeping much as she'd still working when I leave. Then I find out she's been organizing more than my office. She's exhausted, which isn't good for her, and if she messed up her own organization system, then she's doing all this work for nothing. Ironhide will be pissed if (Y/N) gets sick and will blame me.
"You need to take a break," I tell her while she's organizing files.
"I'm fine," she replies tiredly, "I have to make sure everything is in order for the inspection."
I hate to do this, but I have to inform Lennox and Prime.
"I don't think she's eaten in three days — or enough to not pass out — but she clearly hasn't slept," I explain.
"I'll talk to her. Go inform Jolt and Ratchet what's going on in case things get serious."
I know what he means, and that's scary to think we'll see (Y/N) that sick.
Optimus walks out of the room to find (Y/N).
(Y/N)' s P.O.V.
It's almost inspection day, and I have so much to do. I run down the hall with files in hand, not paying attention to my surroundings and tripping over someone's leg. I look to see Prime in his bipedal form. Oh, boy, to trip over that sized leg...
"Are you ok?" He asks.
"I'm fine," I have to make sure everything is fine for the inspection."
Optimus Prime's P.O.V.
I can tell (Y/N) is shaking from exhaustion. It's been almost two weeks since Mirage let her help him.
"Y/N), everything is going well; we Are prepared for the inspection. You need to rest. That can't be the only reason you're doing all this."
She knows I will not let her go until she answers me, and it's easier to catch her in my bipedal mode.
"And I want to keep busy because I miss Ironhide, and I want to make time go faster."
"You know Ironhide would be very disappointed if he knew what you've been doing."
I activate my holoform and try to catch her. (Y/N) is still fast, but this is not how fast she can normally run. Jolt and Mirage try to catch her but also fail.
"We must find her," Jolt urges.
(Y/N)'s P.O.V.
I found an office to hide in. I set the files on the desk, watching my hands shake as I try to catch my breath.
Ok, (Y/N), a five-minute break and back to work.
The break turns into a thirty-minute break. I rush out of the room with the files - running into Jolt as I turn the corner.
"I'm sorry," I pant as I gather the files.
"You need to come to the medbay," he insists.
"I just ran down the hall; I'm fine."
I walk back a little to walk the other way, but I bumped right into Mirage, who grabs me.
"Stop, we are worried about your health. You are stressing yourself out for no reason."
I'm trapped; all I can do is cry, "no, don't make me stop. I want to please everyone."
Jolt and Mirage lead me to the medbay.
Ratchet's P.O.V.
Optimus told me Jolt and Mirage would bring (Y/N) in. I worry about how she'll be. I think I'd rather see her put up a fight than unconscious.
I didn't think she'd be crying as they lead her in and on to the nearest bed. I smell her hormones increase; she's panicking, and it's not long before she passes out. Mirage finally gets the files from (Y/N) and leaves as Jolt, and I examine her.
"Severe dehydration and early stage of malnutrition," I conclude, "and of course exhaustion and stress."
"So, get the restraints?"
"She's not mentally unstable, but it seems she thinks she's failing us or something."
I start an infusion of fluids, but we hold off on the nasogastric tube until (Y/N) wakes up.
Ten minutes pass before (Y/N) comes around.
'You're ok," I assure her and take her hand, "what's wrong? This isn't like you."
Tears roll down her face before she says anything. "I miss Ironhide and have been trying to stay busy. I knew I'd miss him, but not like this."
"You should have said something. Now you're sick and need to stay in medbay for a few days."
Unfortunately, we can't help by calling Ironhide. (Y/N) would have done that herself if she could have.
Five hours later
Ironhide's P.O.V.
"What do you mean by medbay?!" I ask as I talk to Prime in the hanger.
I rush to the medbay, not liking what I'm seeing. My sparkmate is unconscious and pale.
My mind thinks the worst, and I feel weak. Ratchet has me sit by the bed, and he explains what happened. Not the worst, but still shocking.
I don't have to wait long for (Y/N) to wake up. She smiles, happy I'm back.
I kiss her forehead, "nothing is worth overworking, baby."
I shouldn't have said anything; now (Y/N) is trying to get out of bed and back to work.
"I have to finish," she insists.
"Stop," I beg, "you're too weak."
I hate watching Ratchet inject a sedative, been if it's a small dose. (Y/N) is asleep quickly.
Sure enough, today is the day of the inspection. Ratchet gave (Y/N) a dose of sedative to keep her calm but not asleep.
We didn't think the general would come to her room in the medbay.
"Young lady, you realize no amount of work is worth getting sick over?" He asks, "However, I must commend your hard work and dedication., but don't neglect yourself for your work."
He gives her a metal, but it's not one the military gives out. I'm not sure if I should be happy or feel like he's rewarding bad behavior.
Optimus comes in a little later and tells me I have a week off, and Ratchet adds (Y/N) will be released in two days.
"I know how to relieve that stress," I joke, making (Y/N) flush.
"I DID NOT NEED TO HEAR THAT!" Ratchet yells.
We both laugh as he leaves the room, closing the door behind him.