Author's Note: Here we go people... Orianna gets to meet Optimus in the flesh... so to speak... God bless those holograms and God bless Rachet!
And God Bless people who post reviews! Thank you again Musical Medli, much appreciated.
Chapter 11: That's Impossible! And yet….
Orianna P.O.V
As I sat with my head resting on Prime's steering wheel, desperately trying to muffle my sobs, I was at a loss as to why coming back to this cove affected me the way it did. It was so stupid to react this way, especially when we had been having so much fun together. I was not prepared for the myriad of emotions visiting this place again would unleash within me.
This was the place Prime and I had had a very confronting conversation where we laid bare our hurts and demons. We had both sought and received forgiveness and from that night, we developed a strong bond that grew into a deep friendship. A friendship, on my part anyway, that had grown into love.
I closed my eyes tightly as the realisation slammed into me again. /And that's all that will ever exist between us!/. I stifled a mournful groan as my head lay against Prime's steering wheel. The closest thing to physical contact I could get from him. I knew I felt more for him, I knew I wanted more from him, but I also knew he did not feel what I felt for him. Would likely never feel that way, and in truth, that was part of the reason I had reacted the way I did.
Prime was blissfully and ignorantly unaware that actions such as this only served to make me fall in love with him even more. /Not his fault OC. You just have to deal with it and get over it ya bloody idiot!/. I absentmindedly ran my hands over his steering wheel as I tried to console myself.
''Guess again Orianna.'' His deep voice, despite being almost a whisper, filled the cabin. It sounded near, as though he were right beside me, which was ludicrous.
''Hunh?'' There was a slight tone of irritation in my voice as I lifted my head. ''What do you mean ''Guess again'' Pri…'' I had turned to face the direction his voice had come from and had frozen, clutching his steering wheel in a vice-like grip. My eyes went wide, my face turned ashen, my heart ceased beating and my mouth fell open.
There, sitting opposite me inside the cabin was a man. A very handsome man in a dark blue, slightly unbuttoned shirt, with the sleeves rolled back to the elbows, a pair of black jeans and tan suede combat boots. I blinked owlishly at the vision before me who had somehow spoken in Optimus Prime's voice. Whilst I almost screamed and brought my fists up to protect myself from this mysterious intruder, something made me stop.
/His eyes/. He had piercing blue eyes that looked both hauntingly familiar and almost unnatural. A keen intelligence and a quiet, self assured authority shone within them as this handsome stranger regarded me so intently. I was frozen in place against the door as my mind raced to process what, or who, I was looking at.
The man blinked once and smiled softy at me as he slowly slid his massive frame across the seat to close the distance between us. The only thing I could hear was the sound of my heart beating rapidly and my blood pumping in my ears, like a muffled hurricane.
He raised his muscular left arm up, reaching out towards my face and an errant lock of black hair that had fallen across my cheek. ''I mean, Orianna,'' I hissed slightly at the sound of my name coming from this man's lips as he spoke slowly and calmly in that familiar voice. He raised a thick yet sculpted brow in amusement at my reaction as his fingers grasped the lock gently, ''that you may be incorrect in assuming I am unable to hug you.'' He tucked the lock of hair back behind my ear, his fingers grazing my ear and neck as he did so. Where his hand had touched my skin, a burning sensation was left in its wake before an icy shiver of pleasure tore through me and I bit my lower lip as my body responded to the oddly intimate touch.
I had remained frozen. Only my eyes moved as I watched him withdraw his hand and my heart began to pulse rapidly as my eyes darted to his handsome face again, desperately seeking the answer I sought. As he moved his hand away, he spoke again in that voice. That deep, rumbling voice that could only belong to one being in the universe and I felt my stomach tie itself in knots. /NO! It couldn't be… HOW?… I FELT him../.
''Orianna. I know this must be…''
I surged forward, dropping my cardigan on the floor as one of my own hands darted out to grab his. It felt warm and calloused and wonderful and - REAL. ''Pri… Prime?'' My voice was hesitant and tremulous as I continued to hold his hand, my fingers prodding and poking at his ''skin'', running along the length of his thick and tanned forearm. The man nodded silently as his eyes were drawn to the motions of my fingers and hand, watching them intently. His smile fading slightly as he focused on the sensations I must have been causing. /Clearly, he can also feel!/.
My mind raced, I felt lightheaded and overwhelmed as I breathlessly whispered. ''Bu… but how? How? It's impossible!'' I raised my left hand up towards his face, slowly hesitantly in a mixture of disbelief and awe.
''Prime'' reached out his other hand, capturing mine and bringing it towards his face in silent show of permission, placing it against his right cheek. ''And yet, here I sit before you Orianna. Well, a human looking version of me anyway. A hologram or holoform.'' His brilliant azure eyes seemed to almost glow and that crooked half smile graced his lips, his very real, very inviting lips.
I found myself inching forward towards him, my hands never leaving his face or arm. /If I let go, he might disappear/. I felt my brow furrow as I took in every detail of his face. My fingers gently caressing his skin, moving down along his jaw. His hair was a jet back colour, short back and sides, slightly longer on top. Grey hairs were peppered along his temples. His face was chiseled and tanned, though it had some wrinkles and lines across his brow and around the corners of his eyes from either years of worry or exposure to the elements or both. I could make out a few faded scars amongst the stubble that grew along his defined jawline and chin. His lips were drawn back in a curved smile.
Unable to contain myself, I moved my fingers gently over his lips and he closed his eyes momentarily, seeming to hold his ''breath'' at the intimate touch. ''But.. how? Why? How long have you been able to do this?'' I fired the questions at him as I continued to study his features. Muscled biceps, broad shoulders. I frowned, mildly annoyed. The man was utterly perfect in every way. /Then again, so was Optimus/. A warmth began to spread throughout my body, and I found myself licking my own lips as I stared at him.
A large, calloused hand reached out and took my wandering hand into his, cradling it against his lap. A soft chuckle erupted from those lips. ''Orianna, slow down! I can understand how this,'' he removed his left hand from my own and gestured to himself, ''could be, and is overwhelming for you, and I am happy to answer your questions as best I can.'' He paused a moment as he regarded me carefully. ''Are you okay Orianna? I have not frightened you or upset you, have I?'' He seemed to be studying me carefully, looking for any sign of discomfort or fear.
I felt a smile tug at my lips as I heard the concern in his voice. /It may not look like the Optimus Prime I am familiar with, but it is definitely him!/. I shook my head slowly. ''While I admit I am indeed – shocked – Prime, I am definitely not scared or frightened.'' /Quite the opposite actually/. I inched closer so I was practically sitting in his lap. Prime watched my advance with curiosity and interest. I could feel his presence, smell him. It was a heady scent of diesel fuel, leather, and metal. It was at once assaulting and comforting and I found myself subconsciously drinking in his scent.
Prime chuckled again and sighed out loud. ''I am glad to hear that Orianna. I would have hated to upset you when all I was trying to do was comfort you.'' He paused a moment, his eyebrows furrowing in thought. ''Which reminds me.'' He held up his arms towards me, that sexy half grin on his lips. ''I believe I owe you a hug?'' I hesitated. His smile broadened. ''Something I would very much like to do if you will let me Orianna.''
Without another word and a massive grin on my lips, I leaned forward into his open arms and nestled in against his broad chest. I felt his chin come to rest atop my head lightly and those strong, muscular arms wrapped around me, holding me tight. I sighed out loud and almost sobbed at the absolute joy that bubbled up inside me. I simply closed my eyes and relished the feeling of being held. I had not been held like this in so long. It's amazing how the absence of such a simple gesture can have such a significant impact on your wellbeing without even realising it. /I needed this!/. Fuck how I needed to feel the comforting embrace of someone who cared about me. /The fact it is PRIME…/. I snuggled closer and was rewarded with a chuckle and a squeeze.
''Is this what you needed Orianna?'' His voice was low and vibrated through me.
I bit my lower lip as a heat flared to life in my belly and pooled between my legs. I fought to ignore the dull throbbing sensation there as a primal need began to consume me. I nodded my head. ''Mmhum,'' I mumbled against his chest. I brought my left hand up to rest on his broad chest. A small patch of curly, dark chest hair protruded from his unbuttoned shirt, and I only managed to restrain myself from running my fingers through it.
He felt so solid, so real as if he truly were a human man holding me and yet, I knew that was not the case. Sighing out loud I dared to speak. ''So, Prime. How is this possible? I mean, I am so incredibly thankful you can do this, but how?''