Come A Little Bit Closer

[Ratchet]

Wheeljack.. didn't want him to be sad?  Ratchet's optics widened as his Conjunx spoke, albeit into his thigh.  It meant so much to him that Wheeljack wished for his happiness, and wanted to do his best to make sure Ratchet was never sad again.  He knew full well that such a wish was impossible.. but it was the thought alone that made the medic's spark sing.

"As much as I love the thought.. I know that there's inevitably going to be some time down the road where I'm going to end up sad over something.  That means a lot to me that you want me to be happy, and I want you to be just as happy too."

Ratchet smiled once more, continuing to stroke the side of his love's helm, enjoying just how comfortable the mech was.  While he really wanted to lie down with Wheeljack, he didn't have the spark to move him either.  He'd just have to settle for leaning back while his beloved was comfortable, and that alone was perfectly alright with him.  Wheeljack's comfort came first, especially with the revelation of the newspark he was carrying.

"I honestly.. believe you can do it, and I promise I'll help you."  He squeezed Wheeljack's hand back in a comforting manner, making sure not to let go.  "You know.. they do say that newsparks always favor their carriers as opposed to their sires.  You'll have a unique bond with them that even I won't have.. and honestly, I don't have a problem with that.  As long as we're happy.  That's all that matters.  I know I'm.. probably not helping with your decision any, but.."  It was something he'd just wanted his love to know.  A part of him had worried maybe it was unfair to tell Wheeljack that.. but it had come out all the same.

It was just how he had worried that by keeping Wheeljack at the base to assist with his nights where he couldn't recharge that he would be trapping him there.

"The mine raids.. yes, but just for safety..  Staying at the base.. I don't know if even I could do that to you.  I know how much you love your freedom.  I know how much you like to get away, and even I would feel guilty keeping you there under strict supervision.  It would say.. that I don't trust you.  And I trust you very much.  I trust you with my life.. because I love you."  Once more he squeezed Wheeljack's hand, smiling sadly at him.  "I would be more than happy.. to let you have time to yourself.  Just like when you were hurt and I had to nurse you back to health.  And maybe.. we could go out sometimes.. enjoy a movie.  That is.. if.. you want to."

[Deleted]

“Y’sayin’ the sprocket’ll play favorites? Guess that wouldn’t be so bad.” Not that he wanted something that Ratchet didn’t have, of course, but the thought of having a link with the newspark was… nice, and it made him feel a little bit more optimistic about this whole situation. Still, even with his playful tone, he couldn’t help the niggling feeling that he didn’t deserve such a bond with the kid - especially when he wasn’t sure that bringing a kid into the mix was even a good idea.

Who was he kidding? This kid would make Ratchet unbelievably happy, and Wheeljack couldn’t bring himself to ever deprive him of that, even at the cost of his own comfort. They could make this work. It would all be fine. “Yer helpin’ me more than you’ll ever know, Sunshine,” The Wrecker promised, and gave his conjunx’s hand another squeeze.

Even though he knew Ratchet’s answer already, it still made his spark clench to have it confirmed that his freedom was going to get a lot more limited in the coming weeks. Wheeljack knew that a moratorium on raiding the mines for energon was for his own good and for the good of the sprocket, but a part of him still wanted to snarl and fight for the right to be able to get out and bust Con can whenever he pleased. Taking out energon mines was different from going for a drive, though, and he knew that he could sate his wanderlust in ways that wouldn’t put the kid at risk.

“I’m gonna try. Can’t make any promises about not goin’ stir crazy, but- I’m gonna try, for you,” He said, as much to himself as to Ratchet. “I think I’d like goin’ out again, especially watchin’ a movie with you. Get that urge t’just drive outta my systems so I don’t do anythin’ stupid.” And then, with a playful grin and a waggle of his browplates, he added, ”We can even get up t’some more steamy ceiling starin’... just as long as y’promise not t’spark me up again.”

Now that his spark rate had settled and he didn’t feel quite so overwhelmed, Wheeljack shifted and rearranged himself on the berth. “Wanna hold you, c’mere,” he murmured, tugging Ratchet gently down to lay next to him. The berthspace on The Jackhammer was never really intended for two, but by now they certainly had a lot of practice in making it work. He wrapped an arm around the medic, and settled his head next to his so they were face to face.

“‘M still kinda scared,” Wheeljack admitted, after a moment of silence. “I dunno what the future’ll bring. Primus knows I ain’t the right bot for this, I was never meant t’be a carrier, but… I think I wanna keep it. The little sprocket’ll be our beacon of hope for the future, somethin’ to look forward to when things get dark. I wanna do this, though, and I’m glad that I’m with you while doin’ it, ‘cause… well, you’re good at makin’ me brave.”

[Ratchet]

Ratchet blinked in surprise.  He'd been afraid that he'd said the wrong thing, but in actuality.. it'd helped Wheeljack immensely.  He seemed to be much calmer about this whole thing now, and saying that he was helping added to Ratchet's relief.

"Thank you..  I needed to hear that, Wheeljack."

He was perfectly fine with the newspark sharing a special bond with his Conjunx that he would never know.  Sure, the newspark would love him too, but there was always that unique bond between carrier and sparkling that could never be replicated by anyone else.  The medic could only imagine the relationship those two would have, and knew that the two would be nothing but troublemakers if anything, but knowing that he was part of this wonderful family was all he needed.

Of course.. that depended on whether Wheeljack wanted to keep the newspark or not.  The medic knew that getting this attached early on was never a good sign.

"I know you'll try.. and I'll be there to help you.  Maybe.. and only if you're alright with it.. a small mine raid could happen if I tag along with you.  Not because I don't trust you, but being with you puts my mind at easy.  That and should something go wrong, I'm right there and can help."  Ratchet smiled, listening to Wheeljack before bursting out into laughter.  "I will definitely take you up on that, but it's actually good for the newsparks you know.  But all things aside, I would gladly take the next spark into my spark chamber."

Ratchet watched as Wheeljack shifted, smiling brightly as he was tugged down, wrapping his arms around his love.  Once the other's arm was around him, Ratchet nestled closer.  He was back in his safe spot, and he didn't want to leave it any time soon.  "I'll help you.  I'll help you become an amazing carrier, though.. I think you might be more attached than you think.  I love it how you call the newspark 'the little sprocket'.  Think it might be a good name?"  He leaned his helm forward, softly and intimately kissing Wheeljack on the lips.  Primus he'd missed the sensation, even though it'd only been a few days or so.

He shifted one of his arms, moving his hand so that it rest directly on top of Wheeljack's armor plating protecting both his spark and their child's.  He moved his hand up and down gently, rubbing carefully at it like one would rub the belly of a pregnant human.  "Hello, little one.  I'm your sire~."

[Deleted]

At the thought of Ratchet joining him on a mine raid, he felt a twinge of unease in his spark. This came as some surprise; under any other circumstances, Wheeljack would have jumped at the chance to take Ratchet along, but the idea of putting Ratchet in danger put him on edge. Risking his Conjunx to assuage his inevitable cabin fever by going on a raid was unpalatable - but so too was the idea of not being able to assert his independence and go out to steal the energon that the Autobots so desperately needed. He then felt shame. His first thought should have been for the newspark, and for protecting it and not putting it at risk.

The beautiful sound of Ratchet’s laugh brought him out of the confused maelstrom of thoughts, and he focused on it gladly. A genuine laugh of his own bubbled up from his chest. “Wait, wait, you sayin’ that it’s good for the kid? Doc, sign me up, I need a prescription!” Wheeljack grinned roguishly, but his grin softened at his beloved’s promise. “Oho, jumpin’ the gun, are we? Already plannin’ for the next one?”

With Ratchet safely tucked in his arms and nestled close, Wheeljack, funnily enough, felt more secure than before. “Kinda hard not t’get attached when this sprocket’s a part of you, Sunshine,” He murmured fervently, before taking a moment to ponder. “... Y’know, it does sound like a good name. Maybe we can add it t’the list- people are supposed t’make lists when they’re havin’ a newspark, right?” Soft lips then captured his own, and the Wrecker sighed happily into the kiss, pressing into it with a slow, lazy sort of delight.

He sighed happily again as Ratchet’s steady hand splayed across his chest plates, caressing it with a tender sort of love that left Wheeljack breathless. Beneath that hand and beneath the layers of armour, the product of their love pulsed and whirled and grew stronger with every passing moment. A tight feeling rose up into his throat, and, if one looked carefully, one might see coolant tears welling up in the corners of his optics, though Wheeljack would vehemently deny it.

‘This is really happening. We’re havin’ a kid.’

Wheeljack swallowed hard, and then placed his own hand over that of his Connjunx’s. “Hear that, kiddo? This one here’s your papa, and I’m your daddy, and… we love you so, so much. Nothin’s every gonna harm you when we’re around - and when you grow up, you can be whoever y’wanna be.” It was emotional and sweet enough to rot dentae, but there was no other person in the universe who he’d share such uncharacteristic sentimentality than Ratchet. He then blinked, slightly embarrassed, and added, “... but you get a better allowance if you be a Wrecker. Just sayin’.”

[Ratchet]

It took Ratchet a good moment to even realize how Wheeljack had interpreted his words.  He blinked idly a few times, letting it all sink in.  He said he would take the next spark, and it just didn't even dawn on him that he was more than willing to have more sparklings with Wheeljack.  "Oh, you.. hush."  The medic grinned, a small playful chuckle emitting from his vocalizer before promptly kissing Wheeljack on the cheekplates.  "However.. It really is good for them.  The extra energy, I mean.  It helps them grow stronger.  Granted.. you don't have to do it that way, but some bots do.  I honestly don't mind, and.. I want to.  If you want to."

The medic let out a contented sigh as he nestled closer to his Conjunx, happy to be in his safe place and be near one of the most important mechs of his life.  It was strange having a little one on the way, and one that was actually his and not an adopted child.  It didn't mean he loved Strongarm any less, of course.  This was what he'd always wanted, and he was happy to finally be getting it.. even if the timing was oh so wrong.  "Some keep a list of names, but.. I do like the name Sprocket.  We can always think of other names and see if something better comes up.  I think Sprocket will be a special name, especially since it came from you."

A smile crossed his faceplates and Wheeljack covered his hand with one of his strong, Wrecker hands.  He loved it when they touched, and together they now touched the barrier that separated their hands from both Wheeljack's spark and their precious newspark.  While he didn't notice his love's watering optics, Ratchet's very own began to tear up as his Conjunx spoke to their child.  It was a happy, beautiful moment for the two.

And naturally he had to toss a joke out towards the end.  The Autobot CMO simply shook his helm with a slight huff, his smile unchanging.

"He's right, you know.  You're free to be whoever you want to be, and we'll love you no matter what.  You're our little one.  Our little baby.  We'll protect you and keep you safe and warm.  Nothing will ever change that.  Your papa loves you~."  Ratchet ducked his helm down, pressing it towards the Wrecker's chassis before letting his optics close.  Right now he couldn't be happier.  He began to hum quietly, smiling as he allowed his EM Field to stretch out towards Wheeljack.  He didn't know if the little one would be able to feel it or not, but he wanted the both of them to know just how much he loved them and how happy the two of them made him.

"When you're up to it, Wheeljack.. I can give you some additives to put in your Energon.  It should help ease the nausea as well as the vertigo, but you should still take it easy for a little bit.  Give yourself time to regain your strength."

[Deleted]

The sight of Ratchet pressing his helm to his chest made Wheeljack’s spark swell all the more. ‘This kid is gonna be so loved. They’re so loved already, and we only just found out about ‘em.’ He would be lying if he said that his previous unease and fears had completely left him. No matter how hard he tried to convince himself otherwise, those thoughts still lingered within his mind and kept trying to resurface - but having Ratchet here at his side, already so enraptured by the newspark that they had created together and ready to help him in any way helped ease his mind greatly.

Wheeljack sighed happily at the pleasant sound of Ratchet’s humming voice, his delight mirroring that of the medic’s that came across loud and clear over his EM field. “I dunno which of us is the bigger protector, y’know. I mean, I can handle myself just fine, but you and your wrench-throwin’ skills... “ He teased, intertwining their fingers together. “Something tells me the little sprocket’s gonna have impeccable aim, with a blaster and with thrown objects.”

With any luck, good aim wouldn’t be the only thing they inherited, but it wouldn’t do to get ahead of himself. The kid was still just a little newspark next to his own spark, and there was still a long ways to go before it would bud away and be ready for a protoform.

“Eh, y’didn’t say anything about takin’ additives, this is inhumane…!” Wheeljack groaned, making a face, but it was more for show than anything else. He’d quite happily take whatever Ratchet gave him if it meant keeping the newspark strong… and getting rid of the nausea and the vertigo. Didn’t stop him from kicking up a fuss, though, just to tease his Conjunx. With a dramatic sigh and a wink, he added,“-But I gotta follow doctor’s orders an’ all. An’ I don’t mind, ‘cuz the doctor ain’t so bad as his reputation paints him t’be.”

He’d never been so happy in his life. It was a strange thing to realize, but the joy he felt now had no precedent. How in the universe had he gotten so lucky? “... Love you, Sunshine,” he murmured, bringing Ratchet’s hands to his lips, pressing gentle kisses to each of his knuckles. “Love you so, so much.”

[Ratchet]

Ratchet smiled as he pressed his helm against Wheeljack's chassis.  It made him feel even safer, but also happier because he had two right there with him that he deeply loved, both Wheeljack and their little Sprocket.  'It's funny how that works sometimes, but I would love any child of ours.. adopted or otherwise.  The love they get from me comes straight from my love with you.'  He wasn't afraid of what was to come, though he knew that would change once Wheeljack grew further along with the carrying.  He'd worry for the both of them, and he was determined to do everything in his power to keep them both safe.

"I think the both of us are, but to be honest.. I think that it's you.  I'm not built for fighting.  Sure, I can handle myself when need be, but I couldn't take on an entire group of Vehicons on my own.  Not easily, anyway."  The medic chuckled to himself, lifting his helm back up to stare right into his Conjunx's optics.  "We'll be the best teachers.  You in terms of teaching our little one to defend themselves, and I could teach them how to take care of injuries.  More advanced first aid.  I don't think there would be anything they couldn't tackle with the both of us around."

The idea of their child becoming a Wrecker was a somewhat worrying thought, but he would never dismiss it if that's what the little Sprocket wanted to do.  It was their life.  Their choice.  Let them have the choice that he had never had before the war.

"Relax.  It will keep our little one healthy, and I wouldn't give you something I know you couldn't handle.  You just have to take it with the medical grade for now just so it's easier on your fuel pump since you've had trouble keeping it down.  Once you're fighting fit again, you can start to use it with regular Energon."  He flushed as Wheeljack complimented him, especially after bringing up the medic's bad reputation.  It's true that he'd been quite the force to be reckoned with when it came to the health and safety of the Autobot crew, but his love had been able to see the more sentimental side that most never got to see.  "You managed to get that out of me, but I wouldn't do anything to harm you.  Not intentionally."

He smiled lovingly as his hand was brought up to the Wrecker's lips, a soft yet contented moan emitting from his vocalizer as his optics closed once more.  "And who were you saying was the copycat?"  Laughing softly, Ratchet shifted in order to move closer to Wheeljack.  "I love you so much.  I love you like you would not believe and I always will.  You're the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I want you to always know that.  I don't care how many times I have to say it."

[Deleted]

(OOC: insert wheeljack browplate waggle here))

“Only medical grade? Sunshine, yer killin’ me here, you’re sayin’ I can’t have the good stuff anymore? I’ve been savin’ it for a special occasion!” For all his bluster, his fussing was all for the sake of maintaining an appearance. When it came down to it, Wheeljack would do as he was told and take whatever potions and concoctions Ratchet gave him. He’d do anything the little sprocket in his spark chamber. “... I know y’won’t ever do anythin’ t’hurt me… at least, nothin’ permanent.”

He wondered if Ratchet knew that he held the honor of being the only bot Wheeljack would ever actually listen to. He then grinned to himself: Ratchet had him wrapped around his finger already, whether he knew it or not, and Wheeljack found he didn’t much mind.

The contented sound he got out of the medic was absolute music to his audio sensors, and he lavished more slow and sensual kisses upon Ratchet’s hands. “I ain’t ever felt like this ‘bout anyone before, Sunshine. Yer the best thing t’happen to me, too, and I ain’t gonna get tired of- this. Us. How real this is, y’know?”

Try as he might, though, no words could ever truly express the love he felt. Wheeljack reached out through their bond, throwing it wide open to lay himself bare and show Ratchet what words could not. ”I love you,” He whispered across their bond, vulnerable and raw and earnest, and there was no other person in the universe that he’d trust in seeing this vulnerability than his Conjunx.

Ratchet settled even closer, and Wheeljack gave a thoughtful hum. “Y’know…” he murmured, leaning closer with hooded optics, “I seem t’remember you givin’ me a certain ‘prescription’ I think we’d both enjoy right now.”

[Ratchet]

"I know..  You only have to take the medical grade just so your tanks can recover from the purging, and then you can move back to regular Energon.  I just can't let you have 'the good stuff' as it can actually harm the newspark."  True, it had it's worst effects after a newspark was placed into it's protoform, but Ratchet didn't want to take any chances.  This was one of the first new lives after losing Cybertron, after all.  Last thing they needed was for the newspark to be like a froggy, ferny cabbage and be unnaturally green.  "Of course I wouldn't hurt you.  If anything, it would hurt me to know I hurt you."

To be honest, Ratchet never realized what kind of honor he held when it came to Wheeljack.  He had always just assumed there were others out there he would listen to, but if he were to realize he were the only one?  He'd be incredibly touched and flattered.

The medic sighed with a soft chuckle, smiling as Wheeljack continued to kiss his hands so sensually.  "I haven't either.  I never imagined that this could feel so good.. being with you.  I don't even care about going back to Cybertron now.  So long as I'm with you..?  I'm home, and that's where I want to be."

He blushed as he felt his Conjunx's feelings, sending all the love back in his direction as well.  'I will love you until the day we offline.. and even past then.  I want to be with you even when it comes time to go to the Well of Allsparks.'

Ratchet pressed his helm against Wheeljack's as they both moved settled in closer to one another, his loving smile taking a turn for an adventurous one.  "So you're saying it's time for me to 'give you your medication', huh?  I think I can do that for you.  Then we can get some rest before heading back to base.  I don't want to rush you back, so let's take all the time we need."

Besides.. he was home, right now.

[Deleted]

“Yeah, I am tellin’ you it’s time for my medication,” With hooded optics, Wheeljack’s grin took on a more suggestive quirk of the lips. He leaned in to claim a slow, sensual kiss from his conjunx, letting his EM field stretch out to caress Ratchet’s just as his fingers caressed his plating. “But who said anythin’ ‘bout goin’ back t’base?”

Well, things were still cramped on the berth, but by now they’d certainly gotten a lot of practice. An expansion certainly seemed in order, especially now with the sprocket coming… but that thought would have to wait for later, because Wheeljack had other plans on his mind.

And after, when they lay tangled together in an inelegant heap with vents roaring and engines still rumbling pleasantly, Wheeljack settled closer to Ratchet, gathering him into his arms. After a moment of hesitation, he tucked his head against his beloved’s shoulder, and took a moment to simply bask in this feeling of safely he felt. Ratchet was safety, and home, and everything good in the universe.

“Love you, Sunshine,” He murmured into the medic’s neck, before leaning up to press a surprisingly chaste kiss to Ratchet’s cheek.

[Ratchet]

"I'm glad to hear it.  Just one dose for now, but if you're not feeling up to code in a few hours we can get you second dose."  Ratchet chuckled to himself, smiling in a calm manner as Wheeljack's EM field surrounded him.  It felt so warm and calming, and to be honest the medic wasn't sure if he could be more relaxed than he was at that moment.  "We'll have to at some point.  I mean.. I'm needed at the base, but I honestly just want to be with you right now."

Even with the size of the berth, Ratchet had no trouble at all getting comfortable.  Sure the extra room would be nice, but he'd make it work.  Besides, there were worse ways to sleep.

The CMO blushed fiercely with a smile as he lay there with Wheeljack.  He kept his arms wrapped around him, keeping him close.  Cerulean optics gazed at the Wrecker as he suddenly shifted to tuck his helm into his shoulder.  Ratchet couldn't help but smile, planting a soft kiss on his audio.

"I love you so much, Wheeljack.  Nothing is ever going to change that, no matter what happens."  He chuckled at the kiss before shifting to look lovingly into Wheeljack's optics.  "Why don't we get a little rest before seeing how you feel?  I think the both of us could use it."  With a contented sigh, Ratchet closed his optics, burying himself against his Conjunx.

There was no one in the world that could make Ratchet feel as loved and as safe as Wheeljack could, and he wasn't afraid to admit that simple fact.