Chapter Text
Drift woke to a warm hand holding his and he blinked his eyes open to stare at the Mer beside him. “Am I dreaming?”
“That’s the second time you’ve asked me that.” Ratchet squeezed his hand and gave him a small smile. “And the answer is still no. Sick as you are, you swam across half the planet and found me in Praxus.”
“I found you.” Drift smiled, and let his heart feel as warm as it wanted to. When his father had made him leave Ratchet behind after the death of their hatchling, he thought he’d never smile again but just seeing his beloved healer again brought it right back to his face. “I am never leaving you again.”
“That’s flattering, but I don’t think you’re well enough to be making that sort of decision right now.” Ratchet reached up and stroked the top of his head, soothing his heart and mind.
Drift let his eyes slide closed again at the touch. It felt so nice to have Ratchet’s hands on him again. “We can talk about it later, then.”
“Yes, we can.” Ratchet squeezed his hand again. “Rest more, if you feel tired. You need it, to recover from your fever.”
“Yes, Ratchet.” Drift smiled and squeezed his healer’s hand and let Ratchet’s gentle petting soothe him back into sleep.
They were together again, and that was more than enough for now.