Unspoken

Chapter 9: Bonds, Battles, and Revelations

Skifira slowly stirred from her sleep, feeling the weight of exhaustion pressing down on her limbs. The previous night's events had left her utterly spent, and as she blinked her optics open, the faint glow of morning filtered into Optimus's quarters. She shifted under the soft sheets, trying to move, but her body ached from the intensity of the night before.

Across the room, sitting at his desk, Optimus was already awake and immersed in his work. His towering frame, even in moments of quiet, commanded an air of authority. But as he heard Skifira stir, his optics flickered to her, a faint smile pulling at the corner of his lips.

"You're awake," Optimus said, his voice teasing and filled with affection. "How are you feeling?"

Skifira groaned softly, struggling to sit up, her body protesting every movement. "Exhausted," she admitted, her optics half-lidded as she tried to shift her weight. "I can barely move."

Optimus chuckled, rising from his seat and walking over to the bed. He handed her an energon cube, his teasing smirk not lost on her. "I'm not surprised," he said, his tone playful. "You were quite... enthusiastic last night."

Skifira's face flushed at his words, her optics narrowing slightly as she tried to glare at him, though it was difficult with the fatigue weighing on her. "Don't act so smug."

Optimus raised a brow, the smirk never leaving his face. "I'm just observing the results, Skifira. Besides, you seemed to enjoy yourself."

Taking the energon cube, she sipped from it, feeling the energizing warmth spread through her system. Despite her sore body, there was a part of her that relished the memory of the night they had shared. "I'll get you back for this," she muttered, though her voice held no malice—only affection.

Optimus chuckled, brushing his fingers lightly against her cheek. "I'm looking forward to it," he teased. "But for now, I need to head to the command center. Blurr and I are meeting to discuss some updates on Cybertron's defenses. Rest up, okay?"

Skifira gave a small nod, watching as Optimus gathered a few datapads before heading out. As the door slid shut behind him, she lay back on the bed, her mind drifting between the present and the memories of the previous night. Despite her exhaustion, there was a lingering warmth in her spark—a connection to Optimus that was undeniable.

Flying Combat Training with Jetfire

A few hours passed, and Skifira finally felt some of her strength returning. The energon had helped, and though her body still ached, she decided to make the most of the day. After all, being back on Cybertron meant she had opportunities she hadn't had in years—like the chance to fly combat training with Jetfire, just like they used to when they were younger.

She made her way to the training grounds, where Jetfire was already waiting for her. His red and white frame stood out against the backdrop of the metallic landscape, and as soon as he spotted her, a broad grin spread across his face.

"Ready for some flying, sis?" Jetfire called out, his tone playful but eager.

Skifira smirked, stretching her wings slightly as she approached. "I hope you're not too rusty, Jetfire," she teased.

Jetfire laughed, his optics gleaming with excitement. "Let's find out."

The two of them launched into the air, their wings spreading wide as they soared above the training grounds. Memories of their past training sessions flooded back as they looped, dodged, and weaved through the air, executing complex maneuvers with practiced ease. For a moment, it felt like they were back on Gaia, carefree and full of energy.

Jetfire called out commands as they practiced aerial attacks, and Skifira responded with precision, her combat instincts honed over years of battle. The bond between them, though not as intimate as the one she shared with Optimus, was strong—like that of siblings who had grown up facing challenges together.