Through Ash and Dust (ROTB)

Chapter 37

"Good idea. I doubt you would want to lose that." She shook her head immediately. "I am curious, why are you suddenly interested about Peru?" Saphira tensed a little, though she just listened to him. "I assume it was something that one of the museum staff said."

"No, actually, it was something in the museum that made me intrigued." She smiled at Optimus as she gazed at the dash for a moment. "And I kind of want to go to a library and do some more research into it, because it is a culture that is pretty intriguing. I would like to know more about it, so I want to delve deeper."

"Would you like to do that after you have been to the bank?" She nodded. "Very well. I am curious about what it is about Peru that has you so intrigued, but I am sure you will share it with me if you want to." Saphira's smile faltered a little as she did not yet want to tell him about it, but she would. "If you ever wish to go to Peru, there might be a way for us to take you."

Now that was a surprise. She did not know how Optimus would be able to do that, but she was immediately intrigued. "Um...and how would you do that? I don't have a passport, so I can't go through an airport."

"You won't need one. Our good friend, Stratosphere, will be able to transport us. And Wheeljack has been residing in South America for a while so..." Saphira frowned in confusion for a moment before realizing these were other autobots on this planet. "Have we told you about them yet?" She shook her and folded her arms. "I see...I deeply apologize. I am afraid that information has not been given to you because we have failed to inform you of their existence."

"I see." Saphira hoped it wasn't because they still lacked trust in her. "So how would this Stratosphere help?"

"Because he can transport all of us to Peru with no problem." That meant this autobot was big. Saphira was trying to imagine how large he would be, but she wasn't sure. "Stratosphere kind of keeps to himself. He explores the world quietly without disturbance. Wheeljack landed in South America when we arrived on Earth, and he has said he likes the location. So he did not want to join us, even when hunting for Transit."

Saphira tapped her fingers on her arms thoughtfully. "Hmm...well...I must say I am surprised, Optimus. I really thought I knew every autobot on this planet. Are there any other autobots hiding on this planet that I should know about?"

"No, sadly, no." Optimus could tell that Saphira was curious, and he understood. "Do not feel burdened by this knowledge, Saphira. I can tell you are thinking we did not inform you due to lack of trust. It is not the case." She flinched as his holoform formed beside her. "It was a genuine mistake." He smiled as he shifted closer and leaned to kiss her cheek, making her blush and look away from him. "It seems the weather will be nice tonight with a full moon. I have an idea of making this up to you."

Saphira raised an eyebrow as she was instantly curious. Clear weather with a full moon...the fact he said that was his way of hinting something romantic. And she already wanted to figure out what it was exactly, and she could not wait. But she also knew that knowing this, she probably would not tell him about the sculpture until tomorrow. Mostly because she didn't want him to be thinking about something else if he ends up getting very distracted and wanting to know more.

Ugh...I already feel like I am put in a difficult place. If I don't tell him, I'll feel guilty about it. If I tell him, I probably will regret it if it leads them to a way home. This really makes me feel like I'm in a tug-o-war where I am in the middle with no way to win.

"Can I get an idea of what you have in mind?" Saphira asked him curiously. "Like...location...or perhaps..." He hummed in amusement as he listened to her questioning. "I am just very curious, Optimus. We haven't done anything romantic...so...I am very curious."