Love in the Stars

Chapter 3

Cassie sat alone on the edge of a platform at the Autobot base, her legs dangling over the side as she watched the distant horizon. The sun was beginning to rise, casting a golden light over the sprawling landscape. She had grown used to waking up early, finding peace in these quiet moments before the day's inevitable chaos began. Yet, despite the stillness around her, her thoughts were anything but calm.

Jetfire.

Ever since he had started watching over her, Cassie couldn't stop thinking about him. There was a pull she couldn't explain, an unspoken connection between them that went beyond gratitude for saving her life. Was it just because he was so protective of her? Or was there something deeper? The question had been gnawing at her, and every time she caught him glancing at her or standing just a little too close, it made her heart race.

She didn't have to wonder long, though, because, as if summoned by her thoughts, Jetfire approached. His heavy footsteps were unmistakable, and his massive frame cast a long shadow over her. He stopped beside her, glancing down with a smile.

"Morning, Cassie," Jetfire greeted, his voice warm.

Cassie smiled back up at him, her heart doing its usual flip. "Hey, Jetfire. What's up?"

Jetfire sat down beside her, surprisingly gentle for someone so large. His legs hung off the platform, mirroring hers. He looked out over the horizon with a soft expression. "Not much. Just thought I'd check in on you. You doing alright?"

Cassie nodded, though her gaze was distant. "Yeah... I'm fine. It's just been... a lot. Everything that's happened."

Jetfire's optics softened as he turned his attention to her. "I get that. It's not easy being caught up in all this, but you're doing great. You're stronger than you think, you know?"

Cassie blushed slightly, her cheeks warming at his words. "Thanks, Jetfire. It's just... I don't know. I feel like I don't belong here. I'm just a human in the middle of this massive war."

Jetfire frowned and shifted a little closer to her. "You do belong here, Cassie. You've helped more than you realize, and you've got people—well, bots—who care about you. I care about you." The last part came out a little quieter, almost hesitant.

Cassie's heart skipped a beat. Was there more to what he was saying? She turned her head to look at him, trying to read his expression. He seemed genuinely sincere, but there was something deeper in his tone that she couldn't quite place. Did he feel the same pull that she did? Or was he just being protective?

Before Cassie could respond, their moment was interrupted by the sound of an alarm blaring through the base. Jetfire's calm demeanor immediately shifted, and he stood up, ready for action.

"Looks like duty calls," Jetfire said with a grin, though it didn't quite reach his optics this time.

Cassie sighed and stood up as well. "Be careful out there, Jetfire."

Jetfire gave her a small salute before running off. "You got it, Cassie. I'll be back before you know it."

Later that day, the base was buzzing with activity. Hot Shot had challenged Jetfire and Smokescreen to an arm-wrestling match, which was quickly becoming the highlight of the day. The kids gathered around to watch, excited to see the two Autobots face off in a friendly competition. Rad, Carlos, Alexis, and Cassie were there, cheering on both contestants.

The energy in the room was infectious, and even Optimus, still recovering, watched from a distance, his face showing a rare smile.

Jetfire and Smokescreen were locked in a fierce struggle, their massive arms straining against each other. Jetfire's usual grin was plastered on his face, while Smokescreen looked more focused, trying not to let his pride get bruised.