Hidden Spark on Earth (TFP)

Chapter 38

As Optimus drove closer to the base, he reflected on the night's events, replaying them in his mind. He had thoroughly enjoyed his time alone with Saphira, and he too wished for more chances to be alone with her. But...this may have been their only chance. He felt guilty for causing a moment of fear in her, he hoped that he can melt that fear away from her so they could complete what he knows they are meant to become. While interfacing was an important step, becoming true sparkmates required a deeper level between them, to bond and become proper sparkmates. Optimus desired that, even if it meant waiting for her to grow in her wisdom and strength. Ratchet already told him to be cautious...and Optimus intended on it.

Saphira remained sleeping within the cab as he entered through the door into the base. He had no idea what has transpired in the past hours since he and Saphira left the base. Though, as he returned to the lobby, he saw Miko sitting on Bulkhead's shoulder with a big smile. She was talking to both Bulkhead and Wheeljack. Optimus still had not forgotten what that bot had said to Saphira, however he knew they were just words at this time.

Ratchet turned away from the ground bridge console, looking at the commander with an expression that told Optimus something had indeed happened. "Welcome back, Optimus. I am afraid to report some news to you of something that happened during your brief absense."

Optimus transforms and glanced at his hand, Saphira stirred as the transformation had unintentionally jolted her body. He looked at Ratchet as the medic took note of Saphira sleeping in Optimus's presence again. "Was there a decepticon disruption?"

"You might say that," Wheeljack responded gently with a sad smile. "I must apologize for all the trouble my doppelganger caused after I was captured by Starscream just before Bulkhead showed up to bring me back here."

Optimus looked at the warrior in surprise, just as Saphira opened her eyes slowly, rubbing them and listening to the conversation. "What do you mean, Wheeljack?"

"The Wheeljack you met earlier wasn't Wheeljack," Ratchet explained softly. Saphira sat up slowly, glancing between the bots with weary eyes. He glanced at the girl in Optimus's hand and smiled at her. "You both were lucky that you were not here. Poor Miko was almost squished."

Saphira widened her eyes a little, glancing at the girl who shrugged like it wasn't a big deal. "What happened?" She asked before she yawned softly and stretched her arms. "I didn't even...realize I fell asleep."

Ratchet looked at them curiously, though he did not say anything at the moment. "Where did the two of you go anyway?" Arcee asked curiously. "You well and truly missed out on a big party."

Optimus smiled at the bots as he kept an eye on Saphira in case she swayed too much. "We settled between a couple mountains, Saphira lit a fire and we had a silent party." Arcee smirked at Optimus's light sarcasm as he responded. "She told me numerous adventures she used to have with her mother..." Saphira smiled, not looking at Optimus as he told them an alibi that sounded right. "And the things her mother had taught her. She even told me a little of her own adventures before she was...harmed."

She nodded and yawned again. "It was a lot of fun. I wish I brought my guitar to play some nice music. But we had a good time. Oh! And we saw a falling star, and I made a wish."

"Ohhh, what did you wish for?" Miko asked in delightful curiosity.

"I can't tell you, or the wish will never come true," Saphira responded with a giggle. She glanced at Wheeljack as he looked at them with a raised eyebrow. He definitely was not the same Wheeljack they met earlier. "We're getting a tad off track. I'm sorry for interrupting...though, you do seem different to the Wheeljack we met earlier."

The bot huffed in delight as Saphira could see the difference. "The fact I've never met you, and you are able to tell between myself and ugly is quite impressive for a human. And I've never met a human until now." He glanced at Prime and gave him a respectful nod. "It is a pleasure to officially meet you, Optimus. Even if this might be considered a second time around in a way."