TFP Ratchet x Reader Oneshots

I couldn't think of a good title XD

When y/n is assigned an Autobot guardian, they are paired with Ratchet- the team's grumpy and reluctant medic. Ratchet is less than thrilled, believing he has no time or patience to deal with a  human. Y/n makes the best of the situation and stays enthusiastic despite his cold shoulder. Their moment to prove themself then comes unexpectedly when they help the bots with a mission.

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You arrived at the base with Jack, Raf, and Miko. It was your first time here- the base of actual aliens, in the form of massive sentient robots from another world.

Optimus Prime stood tall while the others stood around the children. Bumblebee, Arcee, Bulkhead and Ratchet. You couldn't help but smile, nervous but giddy.

He told you some quick history about why they were on Earth, and the war on Cybertron. You got to watch as the bots went on a mission to look for a lost friend of theirs, which didn't bring the news that they were hoping. 

As much as you wanted to learn more about them, it was getting late. You and your friends needed to head home, but your safety was priority after encountering the Decepticons. So, Optimus assigned each of you an Autobot guardian. 

Bulkhead was assigned to Miko first, then Bumblebee to Raf, and Jack to Arcee. 

You glanced around, and noticed the last bot lingering at the back- Ratchet. He stood a the medical console, analyzing new data from the mission, his optic ridges low in what looked like a permanent scowl.

"And Ratchet," Optimus continued, "you'll be responsible for y/n."

You saw it before he even said a word, in the way he turned to the leader, then to you with a sort of look of.. disgust towards the idea. 

"Optimus, surely you're not serious."

The tone was sharp, edged with disbelief and exasperation.

Optimus remained calm. "I am. Your knowledge and analytical mind make you well suited to guide and protect y/n. This decision is final."

Ratchet sighed- a sound more like a engine venting steam than any human breath. "Very well," he muttered. "But I will not be held responsible for any human-related accidents."

Your heart sank just a little. So.. it wasn't that he didn't like you- he just didn't want to deal with a human at all.

Still, you weren't about to let that stop you.

"Hi!" you piped up, stepping toward him with an awkward little wave. "It's nice to meet you... Ratchet, right?"

He barely looked at you. "Yes. Now, don't touch anything." And with that, he turned back toward the console, already typing something in.

You stood there, cheeks warming. That could've gone better.

To say Ratchet was distant would be an understatement.

While the others got to ride in their respective bots, zipping around highways and getting fast food and learning about Cybertronian culture, you were politely escorted to the glowing green vortex at the end of every day- your ride home being the ground bridge.

"Is it always going to be like this?" you muttered one evening, watching the green portal open. You weren't sure if he heard, but he didn't reply.

Still, you showed up each day, trying to offer a smile or a comment. Sometimes you stood by the consoles and asked about what he was doing. He usually waved you off with a "this is complex technology, you wouldn't understand." 

But you didn't give up. There was something about him, something behind that cranky persona. A quiet grief? Or maybe.. just someone who didn't know how to connect.

One week later (a bit off script from the original cannon, but were gonna go with it)

Another Decepticon energon mining operation had been discovered. The Autobots huddled around the large screen, schematics and satellite images glowing brightly. You stood to the side, watching. You weren't supposed to interfere, but as they discussed strategies, your eyes locked onto something on the map. It was a tunnel on the side of the schematic no one had mentioned.

"If they go in from the front.. " you thought, your fingers twitching.

Ratchet was already commenting, "Their entrance is fortified. I suggest we breach the south entrance."

Optimus glanced down at you, catching your hesitant look. "Y/n," he said. "Do you have a suggestion?"

You froze, glancing quickly at Ratchet. He gave you the look- the one that said why are you even here, child.

"I... it's probably nothing," you muttered.

"Please. Share it," Optimus encouraged.

You gulped. "There's.. that tunnel. There. Near the north entrance. See it?" You pointed. "It's a drainage tunnel, probably not guarded. If you sneak in through there, you can get to the energon storage from beneath instead of fighting through the front lines."

Silence.

Then, a scoff.

"Hmph. Drainage tunnels. That's ridiculous." Ratchet turned back to his monitor, but he paused.

You watched as he zoomed in on the map. His optics narrowed as he ran a few simulations.

"That.. might actually work."

You blinked. He wasn't looking at you, but his tone had changed. He had a moment of realization- respect maybe?

"Your plan shows promise," Optimus said with a small nod. "Well done."

You felt your chest swell. Ratchet didn't shoot down your idea for once.

And to say the least, it actually worked. The Autobots got in, made it safely to the storage unit, and returned with minimal damage. You waited nervously in the base as Ratchet bridged them back.

When they returned, Ratchet finally turned to you and spoke.

"Your plan was.. effective," he said, pausing as if the word tasted strange. "Good work."

And that night, you were ready to head into the ground bridge again. But to your surprise, Ratchet wasn't putting in the coordinates like he usually did. 

"I'll take you home."

You blinked. "Wait, what?"

"Get in."

You stood there, stunned, as he shifted with the familiar whirring, clicking sounds into a sleek, medical vehicle, pristine white with red accents.

It was your first time seeing his alt mode. You walked around him slowly before opening the passenger door and hopping in.

"Woah," you said. "You look really cool like this."

There was a pause. Then the symbol on the steering wheel lit up as he spoke.

"...Thank you."

You smiled. It was the first time he sounded unsure.

As the road passed by in a blur of headlights and moonlight, he finally spoke again.

"About earlier," he said. "I owe you an apology."

"For what?"

"For the way I've been treating you. I... was reluctant to be assigned a human. You are small, fragile, and impulsive. But... perhaps I've been too quick to judge."

You blinked, touched by his honesty.

"I still have a great deal to learn about humans," he continued. "But I promise to take better care of you.. As your guardian."

You smiled softly, resting your hand on the dashboard.

"I'd like that."

The rest of the drive was quiet, but it wasn't awkward. It was comfortable. You leaned back in the seat, watching the stars as Ratchet drove you down the quiet streets of Jasper.