Babysit 4

Perceptor bounced happily on Ratchet’s lap, who was holding a holo-picture of a femmebot.

“Mommy!” Perceptor tried to grab the mini femme, but his fingers brushed threw; he clicked in confusion.

“It’s only a picture, she’s not really there.” Ratchet said, hoping he sounded happy even though the sparklings sadness was seeping through. Desperate to grab something, Perceptor continually reached out, his optics welling up, until Ratchet placed the holo-picture down and held Perceptor closer.

“I’m sorry… she’s gone. But I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.” As if to prove his point, the holo-picture turned off, the femme disappearing. Bewildered, Perceptor quickly faced Ratchet and saw him still there.



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Ratchet was never one to believe in something as trivial as miracles; he believed in coincidences, but not miracles. Until the bouncing sparkling Perceptor entered his life.

Never really like the outdoors, Ratchet would barricade himself in his apartment or medical office unless he was called out for something important. Perceptor, on ‑­
the other hand, loved it outside. Everything out of the stuffy apartment was new and always changing. His favorite area was this small park where the only organic life grew. It was small, barely noticeable, but Ratchet had made it one of his stops whenever he was out with Perceptor. If not, the sparkling would sulk and would not talk (or click) to Ratchet.

“Perceptor be careful.” called Ratchet as the sparkling toddled off.

He reached his usual spot, a bush with bright blue flowers blooming. Perceptor gently touched one of the pedals; the flower closed and Perceptor squealed in excitement. He was suddenly drawn away by a strange sound; Perceptor found a slowly running river. Curiosity rising, Perceptor reached forward to touch the surface. Slowly… slowly………….. slowly………………….. Perceptor lost his center of balance and started falling in. His arms getting wet, nose brushing the top, Perceptor was picked up.

“Don’t you dare scare me like that again.” said Ratchet, a bit more harshly then he meant to. Perceptor welled up, whimpering, and buried himself in the crook of Ratchet’s neck.

“Ratchet hate….” Perceptor sobbed silently, shoulders shaking, Ratchet’s own shoulder becoming wet. Ratchet walked back to their seating area. Perceptor was laid in Ratchet’s lap, tears still streaming. Ratchet let him cry it out, rubbing the back of Perceptor’ helm.

“I couldn’t hate you, don’t you ever think that.”
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“Ratchet hate?”

“Never, you’re a living miracle….”



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Perceptor snuggled closer to Ratchet and continued with his afternoon recharge. Ratchet, however, was wide awake, reading a data pad. Normally said pad would contain medical reports; but today, Ratchet was reading a letter that was with the package.

Ratchet,
I’m thankful to Primus for having delivered my son to someone like you. I’ve heard of your many achievements and I thank you for caring for Perceptor. I’m sorry if my friend scared you, his is a bit intimidating, but I need to tell you this. I’m unable to tell you who I am but, yes, I am Perceptor’s father and I’m very much alive. Do not think badly of me for not coming to receive Perceptor, but now is not the best time. As you know, the war has hit a critical time and I am needed. I’m no warrior or medic but I’m still valuable to the Autobot cause. I left my family shortly after Perceptor was sparked, but I hoped to take the war away from them. Unfortunately my wish did not happen. I ask, no, beg you to care for Perceptor until I can get him. I will provide for as much as I can. The holo-picture is from me, consider it a sparkday present from me. I sent it early so he would have it and I need you, if Perceptor asks, to say I’m deactivated. I will send gifts for him but say it’s from you since you will be playing the role of father for him. I don’t need him coming out to try and find me. I thank you again and I will “check in” from time to time to see how Perceptor is doing.
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Ratchet heard Perceptor wake and start clicking for his caretakers’ attention.

“Hungry.” Perceptor pointed to his stomach, Ratchet laughed.

“Yes, I think some energon will do us both some good.” Ratchet placed the pad down and carried Perceptor, hoping life wouldn’t become to complicated.