Through Ash and Dust (ROTB)

Chapter 64

Saphira was still very excited as she could feel Optimus walking through the jungle to the location where the surprise would be held. Saphira did wonder if the autobots would actually celebrate her birthday today, even though it was tomorrow. She did not know the whole plan yet, but she was certain that once the autobots reach the destination, all will be clear. She knew at least what Optimus intended to do that night, and she was excited. Especially as she knew that she was going to become his sparkmate, and she could live for many thousands of years by his side. She knew of nothing better than that right now.

She could still feel the arms of Optimus's holoform around her and she enjoyed the comfort she was feeling from his at this time. He has not said anything to her about what he was seeing, nor did he tell her if they were getting closer to the beach, but the smile on his face right now was enough to tell Saphira that they were getting closer. She was trying to imagine what they had done. She doubted they built a massive structure or anything like that, but it would still be amazing, and she was sure of it.

She felt Optimus's lips kissing her cheek lightly and she turned her head to look at his optics while she blushed in response. "That was nice, Optimus. I love you too." His smile widened and both of them kiss each other. "Though we should make sure we don't get distracted. We both know Mirage will make a big deal out of it. This means a lot to him."

"I know. He put a lot of effort into this. And I cannot ask for anything better from him." Saphira nodded in agreement, even though she had yet to see exactly what he has done. "I imagine you think we will have the birthday celebration tomorrow, but it was decided to do that today. Tomorrow will just be you and I. Especially as you will be exhausted once we spark bond. According to Primal, it might take a few days for you to recover. But you will be in a sense of euphoria, same as myself."

Saphira shivered as she thought about it. "I guess it will be hard to know what it will feel like until it happens." Optimus nodded affirmatively. "I cannot wait. But I am also a little nervous. Especially given the type of spark bonding process that happened between Primal and Saywa almost killed her."

"To be fair, I am nervous about it too. Primal told me exactly how to bond so you can live longer. And the reason why it was extreme is because a partial part of the spark will be transferred from myself to you. It will be exhausting for myself, but it will marvellous when we do it, and things go well. But I do expect that if we do it, it will be the last thing we do before we rest tonight." Saphira was fully okay with that. She wouldn't expect anything otherwise. "Mirage did promise to not do anything that might exhaust you before tonight, but...I do not know what he has planned exactly. I only know the bare minimum."

Saphira giggled softly. "Knowing Mirage, it will probably involve something like dancing or something. I don't mind. I've never had a birthday party in my life, so I don't really know what to expect. I am not expecting gifts or anything like that. Especially since becoming your sparkmate is more than enough as a gift."

"I cannot confirm or deny if there are gifts waiting for you. I know just spending time with us autobots is enough as a gift for you as well. But I do think that it will be a wonderful celebration for you, Saphira." He kissed her again and caressed her back gently. "With everything we have been through, a celebration like this hasn't happened in many long years. It brings my spark joy to know we can do this today with you, Saphira."

Saphira took a deep breath as she was feeling very excited about the party, and she was starting to feel emotional as well. It was the first time in her life anyone put effort into her birthday, and she definitely did not want to waste the opportunity. She did wish the maximals would be there, but it was okay. Having her birthday celebrated by the autobots felt right. Besides, it would be her twenty-first birthday that would be the bigger celebration, as far as she was concerned.