The look on Ironhide's face said it all--a mixture of fear, concern and if Ratchet didn't know better, something between longing and adoration. The first mingled on the weapon specialist's features during the four hours it took to repair Optimus Prime, the last two only for an instant and that was when the medic finally told Ironhide that Prime would be fine.

"You're sure?" Ironhide asked, trying not to shake.

Ratchet raised an optic ridge. "Am I ever wrong?"

The big black mech gave the medic a look that would have left a lesser Autobot quaking. "Can I see him?"

"For a few minutes. He's still out," Ratchet said. "And when you're through in there, you're next. I know you took some heavy damage, and don't deny it."

Ironhide glared, but backed off, knowing Ratchet didn't have to give him that much. "Thank you," he said gruffly, shouldering past the medic to check on Prime.

Ratchet looked back over his shoulder, watching the weapons specialist as he checked over their prone leader. He shook his head in exasperation, allowing himself that much of a break before turning to get ready for Ironhide's repairs.

-----

The sound of metal grating on concrete brought Ironhide out of recharge. He went from being laid out on the surgical berth to upright with weapons ready in a split second, only to find himself offlining his cannons as he caught Optimus Prime before he hit the floor.

"What do you think you're doing?" Ironhide asked, trying to shove Prime back on his own berth, but the Autobot leader wasn't budging, much to Ironhide's annoyance.

"Wait a second," Prime said. "Hurts to move. . ."

"Then what are you doing up?"

". . .thought. . .thought I could. . .make it out of here," Prime finally managed.

Ironhide vented air, sighing in frustration.

"You need to stay, no matter how much you want out of here, and I will be right beside you," Ironhide said. "I'm supposed to stay here until Ratchet says it's all right to leave, and you'd do well to remember that, too."

He started to shove Prime back onto the berth but Ironhide suddenly found himself engulfed in a weak hug from the other Autobot.

"Always could count on you, old friend," Optimus said.

Ironhide hmphed as he helped settle Prime back on his own berth. They thought he was stubborn. . .

-----