Through Ash and Dust (ROTB)

Chapter 33

Saphira felt extremely, well rested when she slowly opened her eyes the next morning. She grimaced a little as bright light hit her eyes and she moved her arm slowly to cover her face. She took a deep breath and relaxed as she allowed herself to wake up. As she shifted, she felt herself laying against something familiar. She had expected to wake up laying on a pillow, as she knew she had laid against Optimus when she had fallen asleep. However, it took her a moment to think about what she was laying against before moving her hand and feeling the chin of a familiar autobot. Saphira opened her eyes quickly, though grimacing as the bright light of the sun was filtering through the window, and she sat up with a deep blush on her cheeks, turning her head to see Optimus's holoform sitting on the seats. She had not realized he had stayed like that the whole night.

Optimus was smiling at her, and she let out a small giggle, looking away as she brushed her hair from her face shyly and bit her index finger, seemingly nervous and shy that she had awoken to Optimus's holoform. Optimus had been amused by how she figured who she was resting against, as felt her touching him and then realizing who he was, was quite amusing to watch. And now she was awake, and blushing. The blush on her cheeks always made her look adorable, and Optimus enjoyed seeing her react that way.

"Merry Christmas." Saphira turned her head and smiled at Optimus when he spoke. "You were pretty clingy while you were asleep last night, Saphira. I didn't want to wake you by turning off my holoform." Her blush reddened, not realizing she had actually done that the night before. "And you seemed to be dreaming well, so I didn't want to wake you up. And I hope you feel well rested. It is Christmas morning now."

Saphira's eyes adjusted to the light quite quickly, and she looked towards the front, as she was wondering why there was a lot of light filtering into the cab. She saw that Optimus was actually parked by the river, and there was clear, blue skies currently with plenty of snow on the ground. She did not know when he would be moved, but it would have been when in the morning sometime, as the weather likely would have turned more pleasant. And she could see that it was definitely a more pleasant day than it was the day before.

She smiled as she stretched her arms and legs put, still waking herself up from her sleep. "I feel very well, thanks, Optimus." She rubbed sleep from her eyes and she smiled, noticing that it was just after ten in the morning. "It's already midmorning?!" She was surprised and she looked at Optimus. "You could have woken me up earlier. I wouldn't have been mad at you. I hope Mirage isn't being too impatient about opening the gifts."

Optimus was amused when she noticed the time of day. "I am sure you would not have minded, but as the day has turned out to be a nice day, I brought you to wake up by the ocean. I figured you would like that, even though you did miss a beautiful sunrise." She looked at the water, watching the light reflect from the waves and she smiled. She actually did realize it was very beautiful. And she was very happy. "And as you were wanting a nice, relaxing Christmas, this seemed like the best way to start it."

Saphira played with a strand of her hair, twirling it gently in her index finger as the thought that Optimus had put into this was actually very wonderful. She felt very flattered that Optimus had done this for her. "Yes...it is a wonderful way to wake up, Optimus. It is beautiful, even if I have missed out on the sunrise." She stared at the ocean for a moment and threw her arms around Optimus, surprising the autobot. "Thank you. I didn't ask for it, but I am grateful." She smiled happily before she realized she had hugged Optimus. She was blushing deeply again as she pulled back. "Uh...sorry..."

"No, it is okay. I do not mind the affection you show me." Saphira bit her lip for a moment before Optimus reached down to pick up something. "Also, I hope you don't mind, but I have a gift for you." She raised an eyebrow as she thought she would only get one gift today. "It isn't much, but I made it for you." He made it? Saphira was immediately intrigued by what he had made for her. Even if it wasn't necessarily good, she would certainly be very touched. He lifts out a small box. The box itself was cardboard, and well worn, but it didn't matter. "If you are curious, I was able to work on it when you were asleep. None of the others know about it as well."