A Priori, A Posteriori

003. Dark -- First Aid, Protectobots, Ratchet -- Rating PG


First Aid whimpered, curling in on himself tightly. There was a storm outside, and a lightning strike to the Ark had overloaded circuitry necessary for illumination. That was how Perceptor had put it. All he knew was he was alone, in the dark.

It was ridiculous, he knew he was safe! He had been the only one in the supply closet when the lights were on, taking inventory for Ratchet, he was the only one there now that the lights were off.

The door was opened and he dropped to his knees with a terrified keen, trembling in fear. Four arms wrapped around him, two on either side.

“Oh Aid,” It was Hot Spot’s voice and he turned burring his face in his brother’s neck.

“I’m sorry, I don’t like the dark.” He trembled, now that his brothers were there he could feel them clearly through the bond. Hot Spot and Groove were with him and he could feel that Blades and Streetwise were on their way.

“It is ok Aid, we’ll be your light.”


Ratchet went by to check the supply closet once the lights were turned back on. He knew First Aid was afraid of the dark and he hoped the mechling was ok. He opened the door and smiled at the sight of a Protectobot cuddle pile.

“Could you turn the light back off?” First Aid looked up and met his optics.

Ratchet frowned a little confused, “I thought you were afraid of the dark Aid?”

 He spoke quietly to keep from waking his brothers, “The dark isn’t as scary with brothers, Ratchet Sir.” He shifted a bit, squeezing Groove’s servo, “And I don’t want to wake them.”

“I’d imagine it isn’t Aid. I’d Imagine it isn’t.” He smiled and  flipped the lights off, “Good night.”

“Goodnight Ratchet,” chorused five very tired mechlings and Ratchet smiled wider. Hopefully First Aid’s brothers would teach him not to be afraid of the dark any more.