Transformers Prime *The Decepticon Femme* Optimus Love Story

Ch. 34 Shadows of the Past

NightWave's POV

I stirred awake to the soft hum of the base, my optics slowly focusing on the familiar surroundings. For a fleeting moment, the weight of everything disappeared, no battles, no pain, no Megatron. But then the ache in my side pulled me back to reality. Everything came rushing back like a tidal wave, yesterday's battle, the taunts, and...

... the unbearable loss of my unborn sparkling.

My spark ached in ways I couldn't even describe. I winced, sitting up slowly. The quiet of the room felt suffocating as I tried to shake off the remnants of sleep. Optimus wasn't beside me, but I could sense his presence somewhere in the base. My body felt stiff, my wound still tender despite Ratchet's best efforts to patch me up. But it wasn't just the physical pain that lingered. It was the overwhelming weight of yesterday's events that gnawed at me from the inside. The hollow ache of loss, the loss of something I hadn't even fully come to terms with, made it hard to breathe.

I stood, trying to compose myself as best as I could. My mind wandered to Halo. I wondered if he'd slept well, if he had any idea just how much his presence had kept me going. But how much longer could I keep pretending that everything was fine, when inside, I was falling apart?

I left the quarters, stepping into the main room. I was greeted by the soft hum of the base, and I could see the others already awake, scattered about. Ratchet was muttering to himself at his station, Bumblebee and Smokescreen were chatting, though Smokescreen seemed more upbeat than anyone had the right to be after everything. Arcee stood nearby, her expression distant, lost in her own thoughts as she stared at the monitor.

And then there was Halo, still asleep on the couch, curled up under a blanket. His small, peaceful form was such a contrast to the chaos and destruction surrounding us. I quietly walked over and sat on a nearby crate, just watching him. He didn't deserve this life. None of us did, but him least of all. And yet, here we were, stuck in a war with no end in sight.

"He's strong" a familiar voice said behind me, gentle but deep. I turned to see Optimus standing in the doorway, his frame casting a long shadow across the room. His optics softened as they landed on Halo, a look of admiration and concern in his gaze. He walked over and sat beside me, his presence as steady as always.

": Yeah, too strong for his age:" I murmured, looking back at Halo, ":He shouldn't have to deal with any of this. It's too much for him... for any child:" Optimus nodded.

"It is not fair. But he is not alone. He has you, NightWave. And that is more than most could hope for in these times" He said, with his voice laced with sympathy. I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure, but a wave of nausea rolled through me, and I had to bite back the sudden urge to cry. Optimus must have sensed it, because his hand found its way to my shoulder, his touch gentle yet grounding.

"NightWave, are you alright?" He asked, his voice filled with concern. I nodded weakly, but my voice betrayed me.

": I-I'm fine, Optimus:" I whispered, though I could feel my emotions fraying, ":I just... I wonder... what if I can't protect Halo? What if something happens, and I'm not there?:" His optics met mine, steady and unwavering.

"NightWave, you are stronger than you know. You have faced more than most could endure, and yet you are still here. Still fighting. Halo knows this. He trusts you, just as I do" He stated. I let out a shaky breath, feeling the guilt and fear clawing at my insides.

": I'm scared, Optimus. Scared of losing him. Scared of losing you:" the words slipped out before I could stop them, my vulnerability exposed. Optimus's expression softened even more, and his servo gently moved to rest over my shoulder.