TF(OC): Tracking on Through
Rating: PG
Series: G1
Summary: Tracer finally returns to the Ark after far too long spent tracking.
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: As per usual, the good things in life are not mine to have, but belong to someone else... in this case Hasbro, Takara and IDW and anyone else I’ve forgotten…
Authors Notes: For the 28s Meme - find the claim page here! This is Exhausted, requested by trunks_angel.
Feedback makes friends. Flames dealt with by the masters of paranoia and fire, Red Alert and Inferno.
She stumbled into the entrance of the Ark, pausing to give the security cameras a brief wave. She knew that Red Alert would no doubt be watching and would report her presence back on base to Prowl. Prowl… she needed to report to him, but all she wanted to do was refuel and curl up and recharge.
At the sound of footsteps heading in her direction, she attempted to stand up straight, but too many hours on the road tracking meant that she was at the limits of her reserves. With one hand braced against the wall for support, she looked up to see Optimus Prime round the corner. They both stared at one another for long moments, each wearing a guilty expression before Prime finally broke the silence.
“I wasn’t aware we had patrols running this late?”
“I wasn’t on patrol… sir.” She paused, briefly taking her hand away from the wall, wobbling slightly as her gyros tried to adjust before giving up and leaning back against the wall.
“I was tracking the Constructicons sir.”
“You look exhausted.” He made to step towards her to help her.
“I’m fine sir!” As exhausted as she was, her pride still wouldn’t let her accept help, especially from Optimus Prime. What was he going to do, carry her back to her quarters? She shuddered at the thought of being picked up and carried around like a sparkling. Unfortunately, he noticed and stepped towards her, laying one large hand on her shoulder.
“Let me at least make sure you get to the rec room safely?” She nodded, too tired to argue and at least he wasn’t picking her up and throwing her over his shoulder like Inferno or Kicker would have done.
Optimus Prime smiled behind his battlemask, his hand still resting on the Minibot’s shoulder as they walked down the corridor. He made sure to adjust his pace to her slow stumbling, knowing somehow if he made any other attempt to help her out she’d likely rip his antennae off!
To Tracer’s utmost relief, the corridors were deserted and as they approached the door to the rec room, Prime removed his hand, making it look as though they had just walked down together, nothing more. It didn’t surprise her when they entered to find Trailbreaker sitting at a table with a small pile of energon cubes. Red Alert was evidently still looking out for her after all this time! Resisting the urge to comm. him to tell him that she could take care of herself thank you very much, she sank into the seat opposite Trailbreaker, nodding her thanks as he pushed a cube towards her.
Prime allowed himself to linger a moment, watching the two of them before he made to leave. Just as he reached the door, Tracer called out to him. He stopped, turning to look at her.
“Thank you sir.”
“You are more than welcome Tracer.” He tilted his head and left, amused by the way she appeared to ‘blush’ and duck her head.