One Day At a Time ✔️

Ch. 6 Two Months

Drift's P.O.V.
An hour passes before we hear a semi-truck. We know it's Optimus Prime. We go outside as his holoform steps out of the truck.
"You two need to return to base," he tells us more than ordering us.
"No, I can't see her," I reply sadly.
"Come back and see Ratchet's notes," Optimus suggests.
He wouldn't if there wasn't anything good, but I don't know if I can take seeing little progress, knowing it'll still be several months before Jamie wakes up.
"Even though humans are not sure, I believe you two being by Jamie can help her recover," Optimus tells us.
We agree to go back to the base with him, but I don't know if I'll be able to stay.

Ratchet did the tracheotomy while I was away. It hurts more seeing the ventilator tube at the bottom of Jamie's throat instead of her mouth. We sit on chairs by the bed before I end up crying.

Crosshairs' P.O.V.
I hate seeing this. All I can do to support Drift is rub his back. There are no reassuring words I can say at this point. Ratchet and Prime stand beside me, unsure what to say.
I wait a few minutes before getting Drift to stand up so I can hug him.
"She'll recover... but it's going to be a slow recovery," Ratchet tells us, but it's hard to hear over Drift's crying.
I assume Jamie gained enough weight and strength, but I don't feel any better.

Once Drift calmed down, I take him back to our room. We sit on the couch in silence. This helps Drift a little, but he's still crushed.

Three hours pass before we go to the cafeteria. Still not in the mood for food, but we have our Energon.
"I can't stay here," Drift whispers.
"No, stay here, please," I beg while grabbing his wrist, "I don't like this either, but I can't deal with this alone."
"Then come back to the cabin with me."
I know he's torn between staying, hoping his presence and voice can help Jamie, and leaving to try to ease his emotional pain; I feel the same way.

We tried to leave but got caught.
"You two are staying here," Prime orders.
"No, I can't!" Drift yells, but we can hear the sadness in his voice. It's also unlike him to disobey an order.
"I believe what Prime is thinking is likely; she needs to know you two are by her side," Ratchet explains.

Ratchet and Prime lead us to the medbay and have us sit by Jamie before Ratchet pulls out his notes. I know he notes every path Jamie might take, possibly with every change. I didn't think he calculated the likelihood of each outcome, nor do I understand why now is a good time to show us; only a 60% chance she'll recover and 85% she'll need care after leaving the medbay, but Ratchet can't be sure how long that would last. He shows us a test he's been running, an EEG. Her brain function is very strong; she will not need to be retaught any basic functions. Though the brief lesson about malnutrition and brain function didn't help, Drift and I know that's damn lucky. We both dread hearing the possible care Jamie will need on top of the poor mental state she'll likely be in. Even with all the years being involved in the war with us, seeing several Autobots die, and who knows how many people Jamie has watched die in her cross-dimensional travel, that so-called psychiatric hospital is likely the most traumatic experience for Jamie.
"... it's a rough road ahead." He concludes.
Neither Drift nor I want to ask when Ratchet thinks he can end the medically induced coma. We know Jamie was weak and likely wouldn't have woken up for days, but Ratchet is ensuring Jamie stays in a coma for now.

Drift's P.O.V.
I can't believe how much my sweetspark will endure. I don't know if it's better than letting Jamie go. All I can do is sit by her bed and wait.
"I love you. Please don't leave me."
I kiss her before sitting next to the bed and holding her hand, hoping I'll feel it move, but I know it will not happen.
"I'm sorry, I failed to protect you."
I end up crying.

Ratchet's P.O.V.
This is heartbreaking to watch. There's nothing I can do, and no one can convince Drift this isn't his fault.

Two more weeks pass; Crosshairs and Drift are struggling. Drift has nightmares about Jamie dying, even though she's improving, but she's not where I'd like her to be to end the coma.
"... two months, Crosshairs, I can't take it," I hear Drift sob, "Is this fair to Jamie?"
It's unusual for Drift to lose hope, to stop thinking positively. I don't think any of us realized how much he loves Jamie, well, maybe Crosshairs. I see Crosshairs hugging Drift, but I know he's not sure if this is right. I want to wait until I can take Jamie off the machines. She will still be distraught, and Drift's hugs help her. If I end the coma, I'd still have to sedate her.

I return to the medbay and look over Jamie. Crosshairs and Drift don't know about a device Wheeljack created to cease muscle weakness in a bedridden bot, and he quickly made a set for humans. His tests have shown promising results, but on a Cybertronian leg not attached to the body.
Please, Primus, let her recover.

The two mechs sleep on medical berths. I stay to see how badly these nightmares plague Drift. I didn't have to wait long. He cries in his sleep, and Crosshairs has difficulty waking and calming him down.
"She's gone," Drift sobs.
"It's ok, just a nightmare."
I didn't expect Crosshairs to wait until Drift fell asleep.
"How many times does he do this a night?" I ask.
"At least three times," Crosshairs sighs, "I worry he's going to think death is his only option."
Stasis will keep him safe, but these two need each other's support. Plus, Drift would still deal with nightmares. I hate this is just a waiting game now. It's a good thing they have no idea what today is. No one would want to celebrate Jamie's birthday while she's in critical condition.