53 - the next day
"The Sparkling is developing nicely." Ratchet had me laying on a smaller metal berth in the med bay, performing a special kind of ultrasound. The screen showed the baby, still kind of blobbish but the features were starting to form. Optimus sat beside me, looking at the screen in calm curiosity. I couldn't help but look at the screen in wonder, I was helping this grow. "How are you feeling, Desirée?" Ratchet's Holoform looked at me expectantly.
"Fine," I said with a smile. "Just a little tired."
Ratchet nodded slowly, typing into a keyboard. "That's all for today, Desirée."
"Thanks, doc," I said, pulling my shirt down. I got some help from Optimus in climbing down the metal berth. "See ya tomorrow!"
Ratchet grunted, not looking away from screen.
"Lennox said that he does not mind you getting new clothes," Optimus said. He had dismissed the Holoform and had transformed into his true form. I stood on the metal walkway, my hand placed carefully on my swelling stomach.
"Really?" I looked at Optimus warily. "He didn't say anything else?"
"Lennox meant it," Optimus rumbled. "He had one condition."
"What?" I asked.
"I accompany you." Optimus's forefinger gently cradled me; he looked at me adoringly, his blue optics showing so many emotions. I gave him a small smile, leaning into the large, metal finger.
"I don't mind that," I said with a laugh. "I'm surprised you haven't gotten bored with me."
Optimus's expression became a little more confused. "Bored with you?"
"Ever since finding out I'm pregnant, you've been spending time with me nonstop." I gave him a pointed look. "It's been a month and I have a feeling the Decepticons are going to be coming out of hiding soon."
"Rogue Decepticons, maybe," Optimus rumbled. "Without Megatron to lead them, there is nothing for them to gain."
"They can still get a feeling of accomplishment just by causing destruction," I pointed out. "World domination doesn't have to be their number-one priority."
Optimus took an intake cycle of air, his optics shuttering close before he released the compressed oxygen. His face became solemn. "Decepticons will always desire the domination of other worlds," he rumbled. "Yes, they cause destruction in their wake, but their goal is to enslave and destroy the lives of others."
"Which is why you should start spending more time with your soldiers," I scolded softly. "Your men come first. You guys need to train; we've gotten plenty of new recruits since Egypt, and I haven't seen you train anyone in a long time. Don't tell me the great Optimus Prime is getting soft." The last part came off playfully; Optimus gave a rumbling chuckle. He gently nuzzled my form before pulling away.
"After this, I will start training again," he rumbled.
"Good," I giggled.
"The only reason I'm allowing you to go is because Optimus is going with you." Lennox gave me a slightly irritated look. "I don't want you leaving base, but there aren't many people who would be able to get you the things you need."
"I'll be fine," I said. "Optimus will keep an eye out for me. Stop being such a worry wart."
"I'm going to be a 'worry wart' as long as Decepticons are out there," Lennox said in a sharp tone. "Now they have an even bigger reason to take you out."
"The last time the Decepticons came after me, it was for the symbols in my head," I said coldly. "They didn't exactly win that battle."
"They were going to dissect you," Lennox exclaimed. "Quite with the easy-go-lucky attitude and look at the big picture, Desirée! You're an easy target for the Decepticons!"
"I am looking at the big picture, Lennox," I said in a low tone. I tried keeping myself calm; I didn't need any added stress. "I've been looking at it since day one. If you actually knew me, you'd know I'm more observant than you give me credit for. I've had my life in danger since I became friends with the Autobots; since Optimus and I became a couple and since I got knocked up with his kid. I am completely aware of what's going on. Don't you go lecturing me on what I already know."
Lennox looked at me for a minute before running a hand through his hair; sighing in frustration. "I didn't mean to get you upset," he grumbled. "The 'copter's waiting for you."
Without a single goodbye, I turned and left.
The ride to Mission was rough for me. I got nauseas and got a horrible headache. Luckily I didn't throw up or get a nosebleed. Optimus rode in alt. form, and I could tell he picked up on my discomfort; he activated the Holoform and tried comforting me.
Once we landed, Optimus dismissed the Holoform and opened the driver's side door for me. I climbed in and he tried to carefully roll off the helicopter and onto our old base. After the helicopter flew off, Optimus began his careful drive to the nearest mall.
"Are you feeling nauseas still?" Optimus asked.
"Only a little," I mumbled, my hand gently on my stomach.
"How much further to the mall?"
"We're about halfway there."
I was relieved when we finally reached the mall. I had to make Optimus pull over because I ended up throwing up on the side of the road. That raised a concerned flag for Optimus. I told him vomiting was normal for pregnancies, though that was the first time I had thrown up the entire time.
Optimus activated the Holoform, grasping my hand in his and holding it firmly.
"You OK, big guy?" I asked, my voice a little hoarse.
"Yes," he rumbled.
I giggled. It was obvious the hand-holding was for possessive reasons. The mall was filled with all kinds of people, but mostly consisted of teens and attractive looking older men. Though I already had a man to call my own.
"I do not like the looks these disgusting males are giving you," Optimus growled, low enough for me to hear.
I bit my bottom lip to suppress a smile. Definitely possessive. He moved his and to my waist, his arm wrapped around and bringing me closer to his side.
"Well too bad for them," I said with a smile. "I've already got a sexy boyfriend and a baby on the way."
Optimus gave a rumbling chuckle.
We managed to find a clothing store and I found the section in the women's part for expecting mothers. Optimus stood next to me, looking a little awkward and sheepish. I giggled.
"You're not having fun?" I teased.
He chuckled and looked at me adoringly. "As long as you get the things you need."
I laughed. "Said like a true man."
After purchasing all my clothes, I decided to do some window shopping. I went to the baby section of the store and looked at all the cute baby clothes.
"Maybe I should get a few of these," I murmured distractedly.
"Do you have enough money to buy more belongings?" Optimus rumbled.
"I brought my credit card just in case," I sighed. "I wish I knew what gender the baby is. I could always get neutral colors." I looked up at Optimus. "What do you think?"
"Whatever makes you happy," he rumbled.
I smiled and stood on my tiptoes; he leaned down and I pecked him on the lips. "You're such a laid back old robot," I murmured.
I saw the smile grace his lips. He tried to turn his head, not wanting to reveal that gorgeous smile. I giggled quietly.
Before I could even take a look at any of the baby clothes, I heard someone call my name. Turning my head, my eyes widened and I felt my blood run cold.
QUICKY A/N:
CAN YOU GUYS GUESS WHO IT IS?
~SMITHY
