Love in the Stars

Chapter 12

The atmosphere in the Autobot base was unusually still. The usual bustling activity was subdued as the Autobots processed the recent battle with Megatron. But in Jetfire's quarters, all that mattered was Cassie—resting peacefully, recovering from the ordeal she had been through.

Jetfire sat beside her, his optics trained on her fragile form. Her breathing was steady, and Red Alert had assured him that she was stable, but Jetfire couldn't shake the lingering fear that gnawed at him. He had almost lost her. The thought was unbearable.

As he gently reached out, brushing his fingers across her hand, Jetfire felt the faint pulse of their bond. It was still there, a steady connection between them, though quieter than usual. He could feel her emotions, her presence, but it was distant, as if she was still far away.

Cassie stirred slightly, her eyelids fluttering open. Her gaze was unfocused for a moment before it settled on Jetfire, a soft, sleepy smile tugging at her lips. "Jetfire..."

Her voice was barely a whisper, but it was enough to make his spark leap with relief. He leaned closer, his optics softening as he cupped her face gently. "I'm here, Cassie," he said, his voice low and filled with emotion. "I'm not going anywhere."

Cassie smiled weakly, her hand reaching up to rest against his. "I thought... I wasn't going to make it."

Jetfire's optics flickered with pain. He hadn't been able to protect her from Megatron, and the guilt weighed heavily on him. "I'm so sorry, Cassie," he murmured. "I should have been faster. I should have stopped him before he hurt you."

She shook her head slightly, squeezing his hand. "You saved me, Jetfire. That's what matters."

Jetfire closed his optics for a moment, letting her words wash over him. But the fear and guilt still lingered, no matter how much he tried to push them away.

"Just rest," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "We'll talk later when you're stronger."

Cassie nodded, her eyes drifting closed again as she settled back into the bed. The quiet hum of the base was comforting, and with Jetfire beside her, she felt safe.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the base, Optimus Prime stood in the command center, staring at the screens showing the aftermath of the battle. His hands were clasped behind his back, but his usually calm demeanor was fractured with anger. Megatron had crossed a line by taking Cassie—someone who was more than just an ally, someone who was like a daughter to him.

He clenched his fists tightly, his optics narrowing as he thought about the next steps. Megatron would pay for what he had done, and Optimus was determined to put an end to this war once and for all.

The door behind him slid open, and Red Alert entered, looking grave.

"How is she?" Optimus asked without turning around.

"She's stable," Red Alert replied. "Physically, she's healing well. But the trauma she went through... it will take time. And Jetfire—he's holding up, but you can see how much this has affected him."

Optimus nodded, his gaze still fixed on the screens. "Jetfire loves her. It's something deeper than I've seen from him before. He's always been so focused on duty, on his rank, but with Cassie, it's different."

Red Alert folded his arms, leaning against the console. "They're bonded now, aren't they?"

Optimus finally turned, his expression softening slightly. "Yes. It's something I've only seen a few times in my life. Their connection... it's powerful."

Red Alert frowned, his optics filled with concern. "That bond makes her a target, especially with Megatron. If he finds out just how much Cassie means to Jetfire..."