Story AU: Tiny Trouble The command center was unusually quiet, except for Jazz’s soft humming as he cradled a tiny, red-and-black sparkling in his arms. Baby Sideswipe, quiet and cuddly, clung to him like a cyber-puppy, his optics wide with wonder.

Strongarm sat off to the side, fidgeting nervously. “I said it was an accident!” she blurted. “I didn’t know the ray gun actually worked!”

Ratchet shot her a glare sharp enough to pierce armor. “It wasn’t supposed to be touched at all! You’ve turned a perfectly functional Sideswipe into… this!” He gestured at the sparkling, who let out a soft coo.

“Ratch, you’re actin’ like that’s a bad thing,” Jazz teased, smirking down at the little bot. Baby Sideswipe giggled, patting Jazz’s shoulder with his tiny servos. “Look at him—he’s harmless! Kinda nice, actually.”

“That’s not the point!” Ratchet snapped, his servos clanking against his console. “I have no idea how to reverse this yet, and the longer he stays like this, the harder it’ll be!”

Baby Sideswipe hummed softly, his tiny frame snuggling deeper into Jazz’s arms. “Ja-zz,” he babbled, his voice light and innocent. Jazz chuckled, stroking the sparkling’s helm.

“Aw, come on, Ratch. How am I supposed to let go of him when he’s this adorable? He’s like a mini energon dumpling!”

Ratchet grumbled, “You won’t have to hold him forever if you let me work! And Strongarm, you’re on med-bay duty for a month!”

Strongarm flinched, mumbling a quiet apology as Jazz grinned. “Don’t stress too much, doc. For now, me and baby Swipe here are just gonna chill.”

Sideswipe let out a happy chirp, nuzzling into Jazz’s chest. Despite the chaos, Jazz smiled, holding the tiny mech close. Whatever came next, this was a moment to savor.