Hope's Return

Secrets

Stretching her arms over her helm, Hope worked out the kinks from a solid nights recharge. She really needed to get out for a while, even it was just for a drive or flight.

Walking through her door, she was greeted by Epps in casual uniform holding a large package.

"Oh, I beg your pardon. Can I help you with something?"

"Package Commander Hope for you."

Taking it carefully from him, she noticed there was no return address.

"Who is it from Epps?"

The dark man just grinned. "A secret admirer mam.  I'm not at liberty to say."

She raised an optic brow at that but opened the package. Looking inside, she gave a soft expression of delight. In the box was a metal flower engraved with Cybertronian etchings. Holding it up to the light, the cut metal reflected like a prism, sending hundreds of rainbows around them.

"It's beautiful  but who sent it? It's obvious that someone worked hard on it. Are you sure you can't give me a hint?"

"Sorry mam. All I can say is that the mech in question said that even the beauty of the flower can't hold a light to your own beauty and grace."

A blush covered her face plate but she managed to thank Epps and send him on his way. Idly she wondered whom the sender was but no answer was forthcoming from the flower. Sighing, she laid it on her desk and ventured out. Perhaps another clue would come to her later but for now, the skies beckoned.

********************

Epps wandered into Ratchet's office once he saw Hope leave the base hanger. He was immediately barraged with questions from the doc. Holding up a hand to slow the questions, he laughed.

"Calm down Doc, you're talking faster than Miko."

"As if that's possible.  Come on, tell me. Did she like it, what did she say?"

He grinned at the doc's impatience. "I'd say she loves it. Her voice went all soft and she treated the flower like it was spun glass. She wanted to know who sent it but your secrets safe for now."

Ratchet sat back in his chair in contentment.   His spark filled with warmth,  she had loved it.

"So what are you going to do next?"

"Knowing Hope, she'll want to figure out who sent it on her own. Let's give her a little time to think."

"Still working up the courage to tell her yourself?"

The soldier dodged the wrench thrown in his direction and ran out the door, his laughter echoing behind him. Ratchet just shook his helm and returned to work, Hope on his processor.

****************

Hope returned from her flight, her thoughts occupied by the mysterious gift giver. Who had the skill to make such a beautiful flower? A loud boom sounded in the distance and she turned towards Wheeljack's lab.

Could he be her admirer? He was certainly skilled enough to create one. No, if it was him, then the gift would have been a weapon upgrade or bomb in disguise. Besides, the mech tended to avoid her after the last time he had angered her. One does not forget a furious dragon easily.

"Something on your mind Hope?"

Startled,  Hope glanced down to see Jack and Arcee.

"Jack! I was wondering when I would see you and Arcee again!"

"We were out on the other side of the country tracking down energon when Miko called and said you had returned. It's good to have you back."

"I think the base is just happy Galloway isn't in control anymore."

A snort came from the motorcycle as Arcee transformed and embraced Hope.

"Are you here to stay? I don't think some of us could handle you leaving again."

The quick glance towards Ratchet's office didn't go unnoticed and Hope vented before nodding her helm yes.

"I may leave for occasional missions but other than that I intend to stay."

Her optics slid towards Ratchet who was leaving his office and walking towards Ironhide. Softly she added,

"I believe I'm meant to be here."

Jack looked mystified by her words but Arcee understood and changed the subject.

"Did we interrupt your thoughts earlier?"

"Hmm? Oh...yes actually. I received a gift from an admirer but I don't know who sent it. Well, at least not yet but I may have an idea."

"What was it?"

"A beautiful metal flower with Cybertronian writing on it. Very delicate work. I was thinking WheelJack for a moment but it doesn't fit his usual M.O."

Shaking her helm, she smiled at them.

"I must attend to a few matters. Welcome home."

Turning, she headed off to her office leaving a bemused Arcee and confused Jack who looked up at his partner.

"Why didn't you tell her that Ratchet makes delicate art like the flower she described?"

"I may be a soldier but I'm also a femme and that's the look of someone who's in love and doesn't realize it yet. Give her time, she'll figure it out."

Jack quirked an eyebrow at her and asked,

"Betting pool?"

Arcee chuckled and transformed.

"Let's go find Jazz and set it up."