When All Lights Go Out II (TFP)

Chapter 11

Optimus had sat on the box in the lobby for a couple hours speaking with Azura and watching Bumblebee and Raf play their computer game. Optimus found it to be very endearing that Bumblebee could have a lot of fun with the human child. Raf and Bumblebee's relationship was strong, and Optimus was glad that one of the humans were able to understand him, even though they did not know how it was possible. But as Rafael never really questioned why Bee speaks differently than the others, the friendship has been natural. It was good, because Bee often feels down about not having a true voice.

When Bulkhead finally returned to base after Miko's detention ended, Miko and Bulkhead joined both Raf and Bumblebee. Though Bulkhead generally preferred watching over playing, but he was still thoroughly enjoying himself. And all the while, Ratchet was keeping himself busy with other things in his lab and Optimus was able to do a little more focus on trying to understand Azura's dream, but as she was awake, it was harder to concentrate and that was okay.

Optimus did get uncomfortable enough sitting down that he just began to walk around the base as he really needed to stretch his legs. Caressing the swell of his abdomen, Optimus felt a bit better as he walked through the hallways as he spoke with Azura. His daughter was still refusing to fall into recharge despite only having a couple hours of rest. Optimus knew he could not force her, but he was still trying to encourage the sparkling to recharge for longer. Especially as he knew that when she does get rebirthed, he would be expecting to be tired from lack of recharge.

"You could go for a drive, daddy. I know that seems to be nicer on your body. I wish being inside this gestational chamber did not cause you discomfort." Azura has done her best to not move around so much as she knew it sometimes causes discomfort. "I know I have a few weeks left before I get to emerge again, but I honestly feel bad."

"I know, and I keep telling you to not worry so much, Azura." Optimus smiled as he knew she wished to give him more comfort. "The next few weeks will go by quickly. I know you might not agree, given you feel like it is taking a long time due to being within me with nothing to do but talk and recharge, but I know it will pass quickly. As uncomfortable as I am, I enjoy having this experience, even if it is short."

"I guess. But I am sure you will be eager to get me out the closer we get." Optimus couldn't deny or agree with that comment, so he said nothing. "What about taking a shower? I know you normally have one when you need to clean up after a fight, but it is also very relaxing. I don't know how much warm water affects your system, given you are much larger than me. But I always feel relaxed when I have a bath...which you already know."

Optimus knew that very well. The many times Azura has fallen into recharge during a bath was more than he could count on his fingers. It was a good idea, and he could really use that relief. "That does sound like a good idea, Azura. My body is just not used to carrying a sparkling, and it never was meant to. The warmth from the water and general scrubbing of my limbs will help."

"Too bad you can't get anyone to massage your back. I know it is annoying you." That part was definitely true. But Optimus had no choice but to endure it as even a massage may not help. Especially as parts had to be shifted towards the back in order to make room for Azura, and her growth has forced them back some more. A massage may not alleviate anything, aside from the brief comfort it would bring. "I will say, with how the procedure is, you will recover pretty quickly, daddy. I am no medic, but...it's not like a c-section humans go through for some births."

He agreed that he would definitely recover a lot faster than a regular Cybertronian who goes through the natural birth, he knew it would still take a bit of time to get through. And he would have to endure the pain before his body would even be ready, but he would be in the base when that happens at least. "I might not have anyone to do that, Azura, but I assure you that I am okay. Pain in my back is not going to kill me or severely injure me." Turning right into another hallway leading to his berth room, Optimus intended on taking his time with the shower. "Do not worry, if I need to do something about the pain, Ratchet will assist me with it. I will recover very quickly after your rebirth, so you do not need to worry. My main concern will always be what Megatron will do during that time."