Hidden Spark on Earth (TFP)

Chapter 34

He shakes his head. "It will do you some good, Saphira. When you get back, you may find you will have access to fresh air more regularly." She raised an eyebrow at him curiously and he simply smirked at her. "You better not keep the femme waiting. She doesn't have the same amount of patience as I do."

"Real funny, Optimus," Arcee responded in a sarcastic, snide tone. "I have plenty of patience. I wouldn't be able to deal with children otherwise."

"Hey!" Jack bit in shock, causing the femme to chuckle. "Ooh...you're just playing around. Not cool, Arcee."

The bot chuckled and Saphira followed her to the lobby. Saphira was most certain this idea was put onto Arcee last minute, but a ride really did sound like a good idea. Arcee grabbed Jack's helmet off a table and handed it to her before transforming into the bike. Saphira smiled and looked up at Ratchet looked at them with a questioning expression.

"We're going for a ride, Ratchet," Saphira said to him, knowing she needed to ease his mind. "I could use the fresh air. It will do me some good."

Ratchet said nothing before turning to face the console. "Just make sure you are careful. Arcee, keep a good watch out as well. Saphira shouldn't go into town yet, at least until her next shift tomorrow."

Saphira swallowed a little with worry about her next shift. She didn't really want to face it mostly because she worried what might happen. "We should be okay, Ratchet."

"I won't got anywhere near town. Saphira and I will just drive around the open roads for a little while, and have a little chat about something...maybe." Arcee's mirrors raise slightly as though she was shrugging. "Let's go while the day is still young."

She climbed onto the bike, placing the helmet on her head and placing her hand on the handles. "Let's burn some rubber, Arcee."

The femme did not need to be told twice as she drives away from the lobby down the tunnel to the exit. Saphira turned her head slightly to glance back at Optimus as he watched them leave. She wished she could go for a drive with him. She would most certainly enjoy it. That time will come, she just needed to be patient. Saphira winced a little as Arcee drove out as the doors open onto the road, glancing up a little at the sun.

"This is quite a beautiful day," Arcee comments as she drives steadily along the road. "It must feel a little dreary for you to be in the base all the time now. You humans aren't really that accustomed to staying underground as most of your homes seem to be above ground. And from what I understand, sunlight's actually necessary for your health."

"I actually prefer dark, cold spaces," Saphira said softly. "My favourite kind of days are the cloudy type, just before the rain hits and the beautiful smell of fresh rain filling the air, and nature's own air conditioner. It is a rare thing out here...but it is my favourite kind of weather."

"Somehow, that does not seem to surprise me."

"Don't take it as something dreary, Arcee. Even when my mother was alive, I preferred rainy weather. I always have, and always will." She smiled at the bot's side mirror. "Don't take it as because I have been in pain."

Arcee was silent for a moment as she processed the words, and seemed satisfied with them. "And yet, you still want that plot of land? Why is that, Saphira?"

"I see the potential of that property, that is why," Saphira responded with a smile. "You see, when I was little, I used to dream about owning a small cottage on an acreage with no neighbors for miles and miles around. Just me and the rolling hills. There, I would have a large garden and orchid to provide myself with the fruit, herbs and vegetables, I would own a chicken coop for eggs, a cow for milk and a horse or two to help pull loads of fire or harvests. I would have a couple dogs for protection, even donkeys to guard the animals from wolves and coyotes. My own little patch of heaven."