Optimus was smiling at the newest sparklings that his mate Starscream had sparked. They were precious. Optimus was glad that they would never know the world before Primus had set the bots free. The little ones slept as Optimus watched, before being interrupted by the two younglings.

"Dad…" Taurus uttered softly.

Optimus smiled softly, "Yes son?" Optimus replied before leading them away so they wouldn't wake up the little ones. "How can I help you?"

"Well, Sunbolt and I…we want to know more.."

"More about what? The past?" Optimus asked, hoping he didn't have to dredge up how really dark it really was.

"More about sparkmates and spark bonds" Sunbolt answered, seeing the worried look on Optimus' faceplates.

At that, Optimus smiled with relief. That he could handle. "Well, it goes like this…" Optimus told them and explained in detail much of what bonding was like, spark mates, how to find a spark mate, and the work a bond took to maintain it, as he didn't want them to walk into one blind.

"Wow" Taurus replied, amazed and in awe.

"That sounds so wonderful" Sunbolt echoed, his sensitive coming forth.

"Be careful with your choices, boys" Optimus stated as a warning, "as not all bots are good."

Both nodded, as they had seen it. They had seen things that they never wanted to see again when they were growing up. "We understand." Optimus smiled and hugged them tightly, glad to have found them. They weren't quite sure about this hugging thing, but it felt good, and so they returned the hug.

Meanwhile, Viper left her parents. Stinger went with her, feeling like he needed to this time. HE had sensed she was between two bots to pick as a sparkmate and he wanted to make sure she chose well.

The two mechs were close by each other and one was the son of a former con – Lugnut and his mate, while the other was the son of a former Autobot – Prowl from when Prowl had been a pleasure bot and had faced with Soundwave. Stinger looked at the two and one seemed much better than the other.

Bolt, the son of Lugnut, was arrogant and proud, boasting much about his skills. Ramble, the son of Prowl, was quietly working hard. It was easy to see who really cared about things.

Viper approached the two. "Hi boys" she called out, wanting to see their reactions.

"Hey baby" came the cat call from Bolt.

"Hi, Viper. How are you today?" Ramble quietly spoke. Stinger already liked the smaller quiet bot better with that greeting. "And I see you have a friend today. How are you sir?" Ramble asked, having never seen the bot before.

Stinger responded, "My name is Stinger. I am doing well. What is your name?"

"I'm Ramble. If you'll forgive me, I have to get back to work" Ramble mentioned and then got back to work.

Viper just watched the interactions. She wanted to see what her twin thought of the two. She and stinger left shortly after the formalities.

"Viper, I think you should pick Ramble" Stinger said.

"But why? He is so small?"

"Because I think he will treat you better" Stinger replied, just like a protective older brother.

"I don't know…it's so hard to choose"

"Remember what mom and dad said, bonding is for life so one must choose wisely" Stinger stated. Viper nodded, still unsure who she should choose. Why was this so tough? She thought. She hoped Primus would guide her to the right bot.