Hidden Spark on Earth (TFP)

Chapter 39

Ratchet was not surprised Saphira would tell him that, he knew she would admit it, though he had not known how she truly felt about Optimus. "I know. And he loves you as well. Optimus has cared deeply for you since the day we have met. I will never understand it...but, I also realize that I can't stop it."

She almost wanted Ratchet to take her back to base, but she wanted to go into town to get something, and to have a short break from the base. "Yeah...and I'm being stupid. I just...I just have been...thinking so deeply about everything. My relationship with Optimus, the threat to this planet of the decepticons, the threat to my life and...my friendship with all of you autobots...I guess I've just been trying to figure out what balance I could have and I felt like walls around me are closing in. I didn't mean to make it seem like I was avoiding Optimus...I just...feel like I need a break already. That is why I escape to the little piece of land as often as possible."

"You should tell Optimus that, Saphira. If you are struggling, we can give you the time and space you need. I understand you are still training those defensive moves Fowler has taught you." She nodded to Ratchet and he seemed happy with that. "And when you bought that TV, you have been doing...what is it called? Uh...Zumba is it?"

Saphira giggled softly at Ratchet, he was as amusing as ever. "Yeah...well...Zumba's a fun way to stay in shape while dancing to some great music. I only started it yesterday, and I'll probably do some more later. Besides...it helps me feel happier as well."

"I heard the music last night, at least you don't make a huge racket like Miko does. If it will do you some good, I say go for it." Ratchet went silent for a few minutes as he processed everything before he spoke again. "I apologize if it seems like I am overbearing at times, Saphira." She looked at the dash in surprise of the apology. "When I get worried, I overthink things. I say things that I don't mean. I know you get annoyed at me sometimes, and that is okay."

Saphira smiled at the bot and shakes her head. "I don't think I can get mad at you, Ratchet. You have annoyed me in the beginning...but...now you are kind of like my...not sure how to put this...I haven't had anyone to rely upon until I met you autobots. Though I am not sure what to call you. Someone to talk to I guess...maybe a best friend aside from Optimus."

"That brings me some relief," Ratchet said in a happy tone. "I actually wanted to give you something. Over the glove box, I put it there so you can grab it." Saphira was surprised, a gift from the autobots. She reached over to the glove box and opened it, inside was a silver box and she grabbed it out. "I felt I needed to make something if ever something was to happen."

She opened it and widened her eyes when she saw a watch starring back at her. A large, round watch to be exact. She lifts it out and placed it on her wrist, only for it to clip around her wrist almost immediately. "A watch?"

"Not just any watch, you will be able to send out a distress signal and communicate directly back to base if you ever get separated from us," Ratchet explained. "I know...your father gave you a watch to track you. But this watch only does that if you press the blue button on the right. If you cannot reach back to base, it connects directly to Optimus's com link. He will be able to track you."

She felt happy about it, at least this watch was actually a better fit for her need than what her father had given her. "I love it, Ratchet. Did you tell Optimus about it?"

"Actually, it was his idea in the first place. I thought it was foolish after the watch your father gave you, but he insisted on it. Only to use as a safety measure for you in case of an emergency. I finished the watch a week ago, I just wasn't sure when or if there was ever a good time to give it to you. I hope you won't think less of us."

"Not at all! I think it's a wonderful idea!" Saphira wished she could hug Ratchet right now, but they were almost in town. The best she could do was lean forward and kiss the dash in front of her. "And I am going to apologize to Optimus for my behaviour when we get back. You bots treat me so well." She felt tears in her eyes and let them roll down her face, she felt so lucky, and still felt like she didn't deserve them. But, she would not change anything now.