Addie's head was lolled over onto my shoulder, and I was absently humming and stroking her hair back out of her face. The news was on, but I hadn't been watching it. I was tired, and just wanted to rest. I didn't want to hear about the shootings and robberies that had happened nearby. I didn't want to hear about the random acts of terrorism against the country(or rather, against humans). I didn't even want to hear about the weather front that was coming in. I just wanted to sit in my little bubble of happiness with my family forever.
However impossible that would be.
'Hide was on my other side, and he had his arm thrown over my shoulders.
"The 'Cons are getting more active," he said quietly, his tone grim.
"I see that," I responded, but refused to look at the television, afraid of what I would see. Because I knew it would be only devastation. Ironhide quietly got up and took Adelaide from where she was tucked under my arm. Suddenly, I felt very alone and very empty.
'I'll be right back. I'm just putting her to bed," came from 'Hide, through the bond. And comfort and love came with it. Only a few minutes later, 'Hide returned, and swept me up in his arms before plopping back down on the couch.
"I'm going to have to be gone a lot more-more often, and for much longer. It'll be dangerous," he said. I nodded, trying desperately to keep my emotions squashed down.
"I know," I whispered.
"I'll be careful. I won't do anything reckless. There may be more of them, but they're stupid and careless," he explained softly, tightening his arm around my shoulders.
"I know," I repeated, my voice breaking.
"I love you, Ramona," he whispered heavily, "I love you."
"I know," I said, "I know. I love you, too. I love you, 'Hide." I burried my face in the crevice of his neck.
"Hey, hey. I'll be okay. With Optimus as our leader, how could I possibly fall? He's the best we could ask for," he reassured me, "And beside that...how could I possibly leave you behind? I love you-both of you-far, far too much to die now."
"God, I love you too, 'Hide. I thank Primus every day for bringing you to me," I whispered, harshly, sobs coloring my tone dismal shades of grey and blue.
"I'm the luckiest person in the world, Ramona. I have gorgeous, perfect wife and a beautiful, even-more-perfect daughter. You've made me the happiest man and 'bot in the world. Ever. I hope you know that," he said.
"I don't know what I did to deserve you," I whispered, "Please, please don't ever, ever leave again," I begged, "Please. Please, I can't live without you here, 'Hide!"
"Shh," he whispered, "It's okay. I won't. I won't," he lied, "I'm right here. I'll always be with you, Ramona. I love you both too much to leave."
"Don't leave us, Ironhide. We love you. I-I love you more than I could ever tell you," I cried.
"I can't," he said, "I can't leave you. I can't."
But he was crying, too.
~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~.~
Very much nearing the end of this story...fair warning.
