Title: Shield
Author: raisedbymoogles
Rating: PG
Warnings: none
Word Count: 273
Summary: Optimus visits Ironhide in the medical bay.
Prompt: Transformers (G1), Optimus Prime/Ironhide: friendship turning into something more - "you're my man of war"
A/N: They had to pick yesterday to be all Manly at me. *scoff*

The moment Ratchet allowed it, Optimus was in the medbay, brushing his old friend's arm with a tentative hand. "Ironhide?"

Ironhide's optics lit at once, though he didn't try to move off Ratchet's worktable. "Hey, chief. Why the long battle mask?"

"I just wanted to make sure you were all right."

"Aw, wingnuts." Ironhide made a dismissive gesture. "I'm fine."

"Good." Optimus straightened. "Then you're in a condition to tell me exactly what you thought you were doing out there!"

The Prime's outburst stilled the bustling medbay for a few tense seconds, letting everyone hear clearly Ironhide's protest: "Whaddya mean what I thought- My job, that's what!"

"Your job, Ironhide, does not entail taking such foolish risks!" the Prime thundered. Ratchet ushered his underlings quickly back to work, returning the ambient noise to a dull hum as Optimus continued. "I can't understand what possessed you-"

"If I hadn't jumped in front of Menasor, your parts would be litterin' half of California right now!" Ironhide interrupted angrily.

"And having you so near permanent deactivation is so much preferable?" Optimus demanded.

Ironhide set his jaw stubbornly. "To me, it is."

Optimus glared down at him, a mighty tower of righteous indignation, then knelt and gripped his arm. "Not to me, Ironhide," he murmured urgently. "Not to me."

They stayed like that a moment, then Ironhide sighed and covered his Prime's hand with his own. "Sorry, Optimus."

Optimus's only response was to bow his head a fraction and untense his shoulders. He remained there, silently holding on to his friend, and though he was in the way Ratchet didn't have the heart to kick him out.