Hidden Spark on Earth (TFP)

Chapter 39

Ratchet was surprised by the kiss, but he guessed because she couldn't hug him, it was the best she could show her appreciation. He did not mind, seeing her happy about the watch made him glad it was thought of by Optimus. "If I find Optimus still moping about in his berth room, you will hear about it. The others are talking about it too, especially Arcee."

"Optimus did mention Arcee used to be interested in him. Does she still have feelings for him?"

"It is possible. Arcee has closed herself off from feelings before...though I would say it is more likely she is attuned to know when an autobot might have fallen for another. She was there when Elita was still alive, so I imagine she hasn't exactly forgotten how Optimus behaved with her."

That made sense. Saphira didn't know if Arcee knew Elita. She couldn't help but think how awkward it would have been...but than again, there were a lot of humans on the planet who would fall in love with someone, and that said person would find someone else. And jealousy was often revealed when that happens. She hoped that Arcee would not be jealous when the truth does come out about her and Optimus.

"Optimus and I haven't really come to an agreement on when to tell the others," Saphira said softly. "I guess we are still in the stage of...getting to know each other...I think..." She shrugged a little as she wasn't so sure on that. "Or at least, a little beyond that stage."

"And I promise to not reveal it either. It is your relationship the two of you have made for yourselves." Ratchet did wonder what Saphira wanted to do in town as he reached it. "Where did you want me to take you?"

Saphira almost forgot the reason why she wanted to come into town. However, she remembered and smiled at him. "Just to the mall, there's something I want to buy that will make cooking a little more fun."

"Oh? That'll be interesting. I remember watching you make up that lasagna the other night. It was quite fascinating to watch. Even if Optimus kept asking you questions about it." Ratchet let out a light chuckle as he thought about it. "And to think, you weren't able to eat stuff like that just a short time ago."

"I know, it's fantastic!" Saphira exclaimed happily. "And I feel a lot stronger than I ever have before. It's an achievement I will always be happy about."

Ratchet felt the same. Saphira did look a lot healthier now than when they first met her. And it was something that he could say he was proud of as Ratchet did take part in encouraging her and ensuring she recovers. Saphira's mental recovery was still being worked on, but at least she wasn't trying to jump off a cliff again. That was something Ratchet won't ever forget. He did fear she would try suicide again, though he hoped it won't ever happen.

Ratchet arrived at the mall and Saphira got out with a smile, walking away from the bot to head into the mall. He was glad Saphira finally admitted that more had gone on the night Makeshift attempted to find their base with Wheeljack's disguise. He didn't plan on going back to Optimus about it, deciding it might cause more damage than good.

Saphira walked into the mall feeling quite guilty. She didn't realize she had been hurting Optimus whenever she left the bots and kids to their conversations to be deep in thought. She knew in her heart it wasn't meant to cause any distress. And yet...it did. She knew now it must have been confusing for Optimus for her to avoid him during the day, but welcome him into her room at night to talk and kiss.

You're an idiot Saphira. You should know that you were avoiding Optimus.

Saphira went to one of the electronic stores in the mall to pick up a slow cooker. She had saved enough to buy one as she needed it. Saphira looked forward to all the different foods she could make with it, and she luckily had been able to buy some food for herself. Even though Fowler dropped off some vegetables a couple days ago to help her out, she was glad she will be able to grow her own food soon.