(Disclaimer: I do not own Transformers; just Anwen and my other OC's)

(Authors Note: Bonjour again my darling readers, fellow writers, fangirls, fanboys and Transformers enthusiasts! Yes, I know I said I was going to work more on my other FF's but dammit, I couldn't resist posting another chapter for this one. It's just too distracting! :) I have too many thoughts racing through my mind for this particular story and I just had to express them. Also, my sister hasn't had her baby yet, so I've been fretting about that still and when I fret, I either play video games to de-stress or I write or knit...or do all three, but not at the same time...yet. Anyways, I hope you all will enjoy this new chapter cause I had a lot of fun writing it. As you may have learned from my previous chapter, I finally introduced you all to her big brother, Liam; so naturally, this chapter is going to be featuring him in it :) I apologize for delaying his appearance, but it was necessary for the continued plot of this story. Suspenseful, but necessary. I just hope you all will come to like him as much as I do. Anyways, thank you all so much for the continued support and reviews which I absolutely love reading and drawing inspiration from. Until next time, stay safe, stay sane, stay hydrated, and stay awesome!)

"English/French"

'Mental thoughts'

"Flashbacks"

'Sarcasm' (or emphasis)

{Cybertronian}

::Sparkbonds::

:Speaker talk:

::Comm. Link::

*:Phone calls:*

Chapter 25

"Liam!"

With tears streaming down her freckled cheeks, Anwen ran across the massive room while ignoring the searing pain in her left foot. As she neared the medical berth, the soldier stood up to his full 6'5' height and picked her up in his one (uninjured) arm while she wrapped her own arms around his neck and cried against his shoulder.

"Lottie! Ma chère petite soeur (My dear little sister)," he hugged her close and kissed her hair while she continued to cry out of pure joy.

"Tu m'as tellement manqué (I missed you so much)!"

"Tu m'as manqué aussi (I missed you too)."

She then looked into his green eyes and frowned, "Why didn't you contact me?! You were gone for nearly five months, yet during that time you couldn't have called or sent a letter to reassure me that you were still okay?! Why?! "

*sigh* "Lottie, there's nothing I wanted more in this world than to call you up and hear your voice or see your face on the computer screen, but I couldn't risk my calls or messages being intercepted by enemy forces. Had that happened, our location would have been discovered and our mission would have been compromised. Not to mention, your security would have also been at risk."

She emitted an annoyed huff but decided to drop the subject for the time being. Right now, she was just glad to have him back. Nuzzling his shoulder she sniffled against his dirty uniform and whispered, "Tu pourrais utiliser une douche (You could use a shower)."

Even though they were trying not to eavesdrop on their conversation, Ratchet and Bumblebee couldn't help but smirk at that, to which Liam emitted a chuckle, "Oui, I know. I have every intention of doing just that, but the good doctor here ordered that I receive medical treatment first."

Ratchet finished popping the last dent out of Bee's leg before answering, "It was necessary that I tended to your injuries first. Your arm will have to remain in a splint for a few days until the swelling goes down and I am able to cast it. For now, you should take some time to rest."

"That's easier said than done," he casually replied before gently setting Anwen down, to which she emitted a pained yelp:

"OW!"

"Lottie! What's wrong?! Are you hurt?"

She shook her head and waved it off, "I'm fine. It's probably just my implants giving me fits again."

Ratchet discharged and shooed Bumblebee out of the Med Bay before transforming and activating his holoform, to which he approached the young ginger, "Mind if I run a quick scan over you, young one?"

Anwen gave him a nod and sat on the medical berth while he examined her. "Like I said, it's probably just my implants acting up," she stated while trying to ignore the throbbing pain.

"Hmm, well according to my scans, you have a small metatarsal fracture in your left foot. Mind telling me how that might have happened?" He knew she couldn't have gotten that injury from just her short sprint through his Med Bay, but he still needed to hear her explanation.

*sigh* "...After I was dropped off, I was in such a rush to see my brother that I sprinted all the way here...but that shouldn't have caused my injury. I couldn't have fractured my foot that easily. Could I?"

"No," he assured with a slight shake of his head. "What likely happened was that you've been inadvertently exerting too much force or pressure on that particular area over a lengthy period of time and your sprint through my Med Bay was, as you humans say, 'the straw that broke the camel's back'."

She emitted a groan, "Great...just when I thought I was starting to make some progress with all this damn hardware in me, this happens."

Ratchet placed a hand on her shoulder, "Anwen, don't blame yourself: it's quite common for injuries like this to occur. But usually the implants come loose or break; however, yours are holding up perfectly fine as my scans have shown no signs of faulty hardware."

"Well, at least I won't need surgery. Right?"

"Correct," he assured with a smile. "Now, I'll have to ask that you remove your shoe and sock so that I may treat your injury. While I do that, Major Bleu," he addressed the soldier sitting beside Anwen, "..the human medical ward will have a washroom with some spare clothes for you to change into."

"Merci Ratchet," he then addressed his sister, "I'll be back soon."

"You promise?" She asked with wide, hopeful eyes, to which he smiled and kissed her forehead:

"Je promets (I promise)."

Anwen watched as he got up from the berth and headed out of the Med Bay before removing her shoe and sock, to which she then laid herself down. Meanwhile, Ratchet retrieved some medical supplies and began treating her injury before casually asking, "So, young one, would you care to explain how you received all those marks along your neck and why you've gone to such amusing lengths to hide them?" There was a slight smirk in the corner of his mouth that implied that he was fully aware of her relationship with the two frontliners.

At his implication, Anwen felt her cheeks turn a bright shade of crimson. 'Why did I not think he'd notice?! Of course he'd notice! Ratchet notices everything.' With a sigh, she answered, "...They're a result of a rather heated moment between myself and the twins...I mean, I should rather say 'moments', because they were two separate events...but still…" she fidgeted with the hem of her flannel sleeve while Ratchet listened and continued to treat her fracture. "...Are you going to turn them into toasters or a panini press?"

"Hmm, now there's an idea," he pondered with an amused smirk, "But no; I won't turn them into culinary appliances...At least not yet."

*sigh* "I'm glad to hear that because I would be quite peeved if that happened."

"Is that so?"

"Oui."

"Well then, I'll be sure to give you a proper notice before I make any sudden or drastic changes to their appearances," he jokingly replied which brought a smile to Anwen's face:

"Merci Ratchet."

"Of course. Now, with that being said, feel free to come to me if you have any questions regarding Cybertronian courtship and copulation."

Her face heated up as her eyes widened, "...I'll be sure to keep that in mind."

He gave her a knowing smile before finishing his task and handing her a cold compress, "There we are: I've made a temporary splint to keep your foot immobilized while we wait for the swelling to go down. However, you'll have to stop by tomorrow morning for a follow-up examination before I can treat you further. In the meantime, I want you to rest and keep that foot elevated."

"But I've got to get back to work," she whined, to which Ratchet shook his head:

"I've already contacted your superiors and informed them of the situation. As of right now, you're off duty. Also," he added with a small smile, "...they wish to give you tomorrow off as well so you can spend it with your brother."

"Ah bon (Really)?"

"If you don't believe me, you can call them up and ask," he replied with a chuckle as he dismissed the holoform and transformed back into his bipedal form.

"Oh no, I believe you. I'm just surprised." She then looked around and asked, "How come Liam was the only one in here when I came in? Where's the rest of his team?"

"They're being treated in the human medical ward. Liam was offered to be treated there as well, but he refused and opted that I see to his injuries instead."

"Huh..Any particular reason why he favors your medical care over a human doctor? Not that you don't know how to treat humans: I know you do. But I'm still curious."

"Apparently he had a feeling that you'd check this ward first," he smirked, making her playfully roll her eyes while a small smile graced her void colored lips.

"Astucieux (Clever)."

XXXXX

After ten minutes, Liam returned to the Med Bay completely clean and refreshed. His face and skin were now free of dirt and grime, his hair and beard were clean, and his clothes had been changed while his arm remained in its sling. Instead of a wrinkled/dirty uniform, he now wore a pair of red basketball shorts, a grey t-shirt and a pair of tennis shoes. Noticing a distinct difference in color between what she could see of his upper and lower body, Anwen couldn't help but snicker: his top half was tanned but his legs were abnormally pale in comparison. In fact, they practically matched her own (base) skin tone.

"Oh mon Dieu (_ my God)...The beacons are lit! Gondor calls for aid!"

"And Rohan will answer," he replied with an amused smile across his bearded face, to which they both started laughing. Upon composing himself, Liam wiped the joyful tears from his eyes, "...Ah Lottie, I'm glad your humor hasn't changed."

"Same with you," she giggled to herself as he then began to playfully ruffle her curls before glancing up at the Autobot CMO:

"Merci for bandaging her up."

"Of course," he curtly nodded. "By the way, she was given the rest of today and tomorrow off, but I want her off that foot for the rest of the day. Can you see to it that she keeps it elevated and iced?"

"Oui, I can manage that."

"Excellent. Now, that advice applies to your injury as well," he gestured to his arm.

Liam gave him a nod and a respectful salute, "Oui, monsieur."

"Good. Now, I suggest you two head out and rest up for a bit." He then retrieved a set of crutches for Anwen, "As primitive as these are, they'll have to do for the time being; however, this presents me with an opportunity to craft you something more practical."

"Like what," she curiously asked the Autobot CMO.

"Patience, young one; you'll see soon enough," with that, he gently rubbed the top of her head which brought a fond smile to the young ginger's face."Also, I've taken the liberty of messaging Maggie to retrieve your belongings from the office and meet you both outside of the Med Bay."

"Merci Ratchet," she fondly replied with a smile.

"Of course. Now, you two enjoy your reunion."

"Oh, we will." With that, Anwen glanced up at her brother, "What do you say, Liam? Splint Siblings," she held her fist out towards him, to which he gave her a knowing smirk:

"Splint Siblings," he then fist-bumped her before helping her off the medical berth. "Pouvez-vous gérer avec ces béquilles (Can you manage with those crutches)?"

"Je vais devoir le faire pour le moment. Pourquoi (I'm gonna have to for the time being. Why)?"

"Eh bien, je pensais te sortir d'ici (Well, I was thinking I'd just carry you out of here)."

"Avec un bras (With one arm)?"

He shrugged, "Pourquoi pas? Vous pesez environ quoi... deux sacs de riz (Why not? You weigh about what...two bags of rice)?" A fond smirk lined his face as she pursed her lips together in mock irritation:

"Très drôle (Very funny)," Anwen stuffed her sock and cold compress in the pockets of her flannel, to which Liam took a hold of her shoe in his left hand before turning around and allowing her to grab onto his shoulders as he hoisted her up. With that, he then grabbed her crutches in his right hand and took off for the exit while Ratchet fondly chuckled and shook his helm before stepping over to his desk and updating some medical files.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, Maggie exited the office with Anwen's blades and backpack in hand as Ratchet had asked her to retrieve them and bring them down to the medical building where the Bleu siblings were currently located. As she stepped into the hangar, she spotted a familiar pair of mechs standing nearby:

"Afternoon, Sideswipe, Sunstreaker," she politely smiled while being cautious around the golden twin.

"Hello, Maggie. Where's Ani? And why do you have her belongings," Sideswipe curiously asked with a tilt of his helm.

"Oh, Ratchet contacted me and asked me to bring them to her. She should be waiting for me outside of the Med Bay right now."

"Why is she there," Sunstreaker finally spoke. His voice was gruff, but laced with concern for the redheaded woman who held his and Sideswipe's very souls.

The Aussie looked up at him and replied, "She's visiting her brother who just recently arrived on base with his fellow teammates and some of your Autobot comrades. From what I understand, nearly everyone was injured and required some form of medical attention, hence why she's over there right now."

"Would you like a lift? Sunny and I would be glad to accompany you over there."

Her eyes widened, "..I...Really?!"

"Of course. Besides, it's much faster than walking," he smirked before he and Sunstreaker transformed, to which he then opened his passenger door for her to enter his alt form.

With that, Maggie slipped into the silver Lamborghini and closed the door behind her before buckling up while he drove onto the tarmac with his brother following behind them.

Within less than two minutes, the three of them arrived at the large medical building and entered, to which they rolled down the massive hallway until they stopped outside of the Med Bay where Anwen was supposed to meet them; however, she was nowhere to be seen.

::I thought you said Anwen was supposed to meet you here,:: Sunstreaker's voice sounded through Sideswipe's speakers, via Comm. link.

"That's what Ratchet told me. Maybe she's still inside."

::I'll check.:: Both Maggie and Sideswipe watched as he transformed and entered the Med Bay before his voice sounded through the speakers once more, ::She's not in here, but apparently Ratchet needs to speak to us for a moment, Sideswipe.::

:Alright, I'll be right there,: he then opened his passenger door for Maggie to exit, to which she unbuckled the seatbelt and stepped out of his alt form before he shifted into his bipedal form once more. "I apologize for all this."

She smiled and waved it off, "No worries. I'll just wait out here for the time being. Hopefully Anwen will pop up soon," she winked, making him chuckle.

"She will," he assured her (and himself). In truth, he had a sense of worry niggling at the back of his processor; however, he couldn't understand why. Shaking it off, he left the Aussie woman to her thoughts as he stepped inside the Med Bay where his brother and Ratchet awaited within.

With a sigh, Maggie set Anwen's blades and backpack on the floor before sliding down the wall and sitting upon the flat surface. Taking out her cellphone, she decided to pass the time by playing a game of Solitaire, only to have her peace interrupted:

"WHAAAT?!"

'Well that can't be good,' she thought to herself before spotting a familiar redhead walking down the hallway with a pair of crutches underneath her armpits. "Flamin' Hell, what happened to ya?!"

Anwen sheepishly smiled as she slowly approached, "I got a small metatarsal fracture in my left foot as a result of inadvertently applying too much pressure and force on that particular area over a lengthy period of time following my recovery."

"But...I don't understand...you were fine earlier," she replied in a shocked tone.

"Well...I may have overdone it when I ran all the way from the entrance and into the Med Bay to see Liam...Ratchet said that was what broke the camel's back...apparently it had been building up for the last few months and that final sprint was what did me in."

"Shit...Your boyfriends are in the Med Bay right now, likely hearing the same explanation from Ratchet."

At that, said mechs emerged and upon spotting the young ginger, they knelt before her and vented sighs of relief that she was okay, despite her current condition. "...Primus, Ani...we're so, so sorry you sustained an injury. Had we been here at the time, perhaps it could have been avoided."

"Hey now, I don't want either of you blaming yourselves for my mistake," she stated in a firm, yet loving tone. "It was my fault for running down the hallway when I should have walked, and it was my fault for pushing myself so harshly when I should have known better. I've now learned from this mistake and will consider my actions more carefully from now on. But in the meantime, I'm glad you two are here."

"As are we, sparklight," Sunstreaker replied as he tenderly caressed her cheek.

Anwen relished in the warmth of his servo and emitted a contented sigh before turning her attention to their current situation, "Oh, I almost forgot! My brother, Liam, is here! I'll have to introduce all of you to him."

"Umm Anwen, as much as I want to meet him, I have to ask: will he be okay with you dating these two," Maggie gestured towards the twins, to which the young ginger's face paled at the reality of the situation: she hadn't informed her brother that she was in a committed relationship with not one but two Autobots! How would he even react? Would he be disgusted? Angry? Disappointed? As her mind reeled, she suddenly felt a gentle servo on her shoulder:

"Sweetspark, you don't have to say anything right away," Sideswipe assured with a kind smile and a warm glow to his optics. "Sunny and I want to prove to your brother that we're deserving of your heart and affections before he casts judgment on our relationship."

"And I want him to see how wonderful you two are and how happy you both make me feel."

"I think we can manage that," he winked, which brought a warm blush to her cheeks.

(Another Authors Note: Hello again dearest readers! I hope you enjoyed this chapter because I've still got plenty of ideas up my sleeve. I hope you all liked seeing some father/daughter banter between Anwen and Ratchet because I just love their conversations. He's such a great parental figure to her, it's freakin' adorable! :D While she hasn't called him 'Dad' (yet ;) ) she does in fact see him as a Father figure, and for his part, Ratchet sees her as a daughter...so naturally he'd want to dismantle the twins if they ever tried doing something to upset her. It's only natural :D Although, we should at least be glad that he's on board with this whole developing sparkbond thing they've got going on. He knows the three of them are perfect for one another, and like a good Dad, he only wants what's best for Anwen. With that aside, I hope you also enjoyed Anwen and Liam's banter and I'm sure you guys can't wait for his introduction and interaction with the twins :) Until next time, stay safe, stay sane and stay awesome!)