Through Ash and Dust (ROTB)

Chapter 66

Saphira had no idea how long she had been asleep for. It could have been a day, or it could have been a week, but as Saphira stirred from her deep slumber, Saphira opened her eyes slowly to see Optimus's cab around her. She knew she was on the back seat currently, and the warmth of the blanket was wrapped around her body. Even though she felt like she had been asleep for more than a day, she felt extremely content. There was an energy she could feel within herself that was new, but it was like a gentle feeling that gave comfort. She had no doubt this was from the fresh bond that she had with Optimus. She didn't know if he was recharging currently, but she didn't feel the need to wake up if he was in recharge. It wouldn't be fair.

However, as she arched her back and stretched out her legs, Saphira flinched in surprise as Optimus's holoform formed suddenly next to her and she couldn't help but giggle while blushing and pulling the blanket over her face, feeling flustered and happy at the exact same time upon seeing him. She felt a greater sense of happiness, though she didn't realize yet it wasn't from her, and she giggled as Optimus poked at her nose through the blanket. He hummed in amusement as she kept herself face hidden from him.

He leaned down and gently grabbed the tip of the blanket to pull back slowly to see her green eyes looking up at him. Her eyes were sparkling with joy and love right now, and he could see a tiny bit of his essence reflecting in her pupils. He leaned down and kissed her lips gently, and Saphira let out a soft moan, lifting her arms to wrap around him and he gently sat down. She felt the weight against her, but she didn't mind at all.

He gently moved her hands from the blanket so she wouldn't be holding it. He then moved his hands to her cheeks, gently cupping them as they kiss, and their kiss slowly turns passionate. Saphira rolled onto her side a little to hug him easier and he hummed softly as he felt her shifting on the chair. He still could not believe she was his sparkmate. It was still a surreal feeling.

He gently moved his lips away. "Happy birthday, Saphira. I am happy you have awakened to see the rest of the day." Saphira widened her eyes slightly and his smile widened. "It is the afternoon currently, Saphira. You have slept very well, and I am unsurprised. I did think you would sleep through until tomorrow though. You were exhausted after I bonded with you. Though I guess you are probably hungry." Saphira nodded as she felt her stomach growling. "Good to know. Mirage came by this morning with food Saywa made. I am sure you will like it." Saphira couldn't help but look for the food, and Optimus hummed in amusement. "At least you haven't lost any appetite. I hope you are feeling good, aside from your hunger."

Saphira watched as Optimus turned away to picked up a plate that had a grill fish on it, which was likely recently fishes from one of the rivers. There was also some vegetables on the plate with it. Saphira shifted to sit up as he brought the plate to her. "I feel...well...I don't feel terribly tired. My limbs feel funny, but I guess that will go away. But I feel...amazing...that it's the only way to describe it. I feel happiness and love that is not mine though. Is it yours?"

Optimus nodded affirmatively. "Now that we are bonded, we now share our emotions, pain and have telepathic communication. You will have also gained some strength through the bond, which will be necessary as the months progress." He unwrapped the cling wrap from the plate and held it to Saphira for her to take. "And, if necessary, sharing our sight with each other is possible as well. Only if needed."

Saphira giggled softly as she began to break up the fish to eat. As the village didn't use utensils like what Saphira was used to, she could only use her fingers to tear things apart. But the food was always cooked well enough to be pulled apart easily. "That sounds pretty useful. Would have been useful if we were sparkmates when Transit held me hostage, but we can't dwell on that."

"Definitely not." Optimus sat beside Saphira as he watched her eat the food, and he could tell she was really hungry by how she was eating. "I am glad that I listened to Primal. I know you wouldn't have known, but your body almost seizured during the middle of the bonding..." Saphira looked at him in surprise and his smile faltered slightly. "I almost lost concentration due to that. I am glad that I listened though. I could see why Primal and Saywa had a scare when they bonded."