When All Lights Go Out II (TFP)

Chapter 1

"Yeah...I am still surprised I can hear him over the pulse of your spark, daddy." Azura shifted again within him and she relaxed after a moment. "You stopped him from sitting on your stomach. I remember that so well."

Optimus was a bit embarrassed by that. But ever since he began to carry Azura, he's found the surface of his abdomen to be extra sensitive to touch. So anyone else, aside from himself, touching him caused irritation. Ratchet said this was normal, given that Optimus's body hasn't carried before, and this was due to the fact that Azura was growing within him as well. So his body was needing to provide additional protection for the sparkling, whilst also causing slightly irritation over the surface of his frame.

So two weeks ago, Jack had decided to try and interact with Azura by reading to her. When Optimus confirmed she could hear him just fine, Jack had tried to sit on Optimus's abdomen while the mech was seated by the platform. And Optimus had unintentionally snapped at the boy for it, which he apologized for profusely right after. He was not used to sudden changes in his mood, but he knew it was expected. And from that point forward, no one, but Ratchet, has been allowed to touch him.

But Optimus has enjoyed listening to Jack read stories to Azura. The boy has been a very good friend to Azura for years, and he could really see how much he cared. And the fact he took the time to read to her, even though he could not see her right now, was very sweet of him. Jack has even played the harmonica for her. Optimus had recorded the music to play for Azura from time to time so she could fall into recharge. Especially when it was night, and he needed to rest. So it has been really good that Jack's been attentive, even though Optimus never asked him to be.

"I would prefer that to not be brought up again, Azura. I feel horrible for snapping so suddenly. I know I scared you as well." Optimus intakes heavily and rubbed his back a little before he backed away from the sink and made his way towards the door to leave the room. "At least you and I can both be assured that this is not going to last very long."

"I think it will feel longer for me than you, daddy. I see nothing but wires around me. I dream sometimes, but I am bored."

"I am afraid I am unable to assist you with that, Azura. Entertainment within a gestational chamber is...really limited." Optimus watched the doors open and he stepped into the hallway to make his way towards the lobby. "But you should try to daydream a bit, Azura. That will help pass the time."

"I have been doing that. But I guess I get distracted when you talk to one of the autobots or kids, as it is one of the only other things that give me something to listen to. Though it is not all the time, I guess. I've been kind of hoping my dreams would take me to the dream world I had a while ago. Maybe I could stay in recharge the whole time."

"Unfortunately, it would not be possible. Recharging the full three months would be nearly impossible, even for a sparkling, Azura. I understand your feeling regarding this, but we both just have to be patient, and endure this carrying." He caressed his abdomen gently as he walked towards the lobby. "I have enjoyed carrying you these last four weeks, Azura. It has given me a lot of joy and satisfaction."

"Yeah, I know." Azura chuckled softly, making Optimus hum softly as he heard her laughter through the link. "I am curious, though, it has been four weeks. And nothing has happened on the decepticon's end. Why would that be?"

Optimus grimaced a little at her question. It has been true that the last four weeks, the decepticons have been quiet. As far as they know. He knew it could be Megatron's doing. Megatron would have seen how weak Azura was when the autobots returned to base, and he knew that Starscream was in deep trouble when they had left. He did not know if Starscream was still alive after that incident, because when Megatron did try to help, it showed to Optimus that a part of Megatron cared for Azura. And he was not entirely surprised, given maternal bonds and instincts were hard to ignore. But he had first thought that Megatron would never have cared for Azura. But he showed that he did. But Megatron still would likely continue to fight the autobots.