1. Guardians (A TFP Fanfiction Story)

Chapter 15

My eyes opened lazily, the base quiet. I smiled lightly and rolled over, bringing my hands to my chin. The silence was calming, and I was still relaxed from my dreamless sleep. My eyes were happy with remaining only half open, but my mind slowly began to wake up. I realized that the base was nearly empty; this had to mean that the children were either going to school, or already there. I sighed, partially because I was already missing them, but also because I was happy for the quiet. As my eyes finally opened all the way, I realized my bed had been moved. I craned my neck upwards to see, and found that I had been wheeled closer to Ratchet's console. I groaned slightly, closing my eyes again and plopping my head back down. I could practically hear Miko saying "you're welcome!" She had definitely been giving me teasing stares as of late.

I heard the a small but heavy thump beside me, and opened my eyes again. I sat up slowly, looking up to see Ratchet's helm turned slightly, his optics gazing at me over his shoulder plates. I started slightly, but then the corners of my mouth turned up into a smile.

"Good morning!" I beamed, waving a little.

He harrumphed and turned back around. "At least you actually woke up in the morning this time," he grumbled.

I swung my legs over the bed. "I did? That's good!" I noticed a bag on the end of the bed and took it in one hand. "Hey, they left me breakfast!" I pulled out a wrapped breakfast burrito, relishing the smell.

"Indeed, Bulkhead said Miko insisted on getting up early to get you something," Ratchet said. "Even though she was already up late talking with him last night."

I giggled as I bit into the burrito. "So are we.. the only ones at base?"

"Optimus is here," Ratchet said, and as if on cue, the Autobot leader towered in. He nodded to his old friend, who in turn nodded back.

"Hi, Optimus!" I said cheerfully. I was feeling a lot better and happier today.

The corners of his mouth turned up into a small smile as he walked over to me, leaning over. "Hello, Taylor. How are you this morning?"

I smiled, scarfing down the last of my breakfast. "Doing good! I feel a lot better."

He smiled just a teensy bit brighter. "That is good to hear. It seems your recovery is nearly over."

I nodded. "I sure hope so.. I don't really like sitting around all day." I looked down for a moment, wondering if I should say the next thing that came into my head.

The Prime noticed that I was considering something. "Is something the matter?"

I wrung my hands a little. "Um... well, I-I.. I was wondering..." I took a deep breath, hoping to calm myself. "I know.. that for right now, I can't leave the base... and I won't be going to school for a little longer... but.. am I going to get a guardian?" I blurted finally, looking up at him with pleading eyes.

He blinked, leaning down closer to my level. " I hadn't considered.. I am sorry."

I deflated, a little disappointed. "Oh. That's okay. You've been busy with other stuff, and I don't exactly fit the whole 'charge' expectations..."

Optimus tilted his helm slightly. "Would you like one?" he asked, almost playfully. Like he was asking if I wanted a toy.

Nonetheless, I looked up excitedly and hopefully. "Yes!" I blurted, before settling back down, embarrassed. "I mean... I would, yeah.."

He stood straight again. "The only other options would be myself and Ratchet.." he pondered.

"It doesn't have to be you!" Jeez, why was I blurting so much? "I mean.. you're kinda busy all the time..." I said quieter, fiddling my fingers.