Had it not been for Azrael's internal alarm clock, she might have stayed hidden away in the soft sheets of Optimus' bed. Her alarmingly blue eyes creaked open slowly, a dull throb between her legs reminding her of the previous night's events. She smiled as she buried her face into the pillow that smelled like him. Metal and musk with small notes of pine. She knew that he could be tender and knew that he could be loving. She never anticipated that kind of constant praise and endless amounts of love pouring out of him. She'd never felt more cared about in her life. He was gentle and patient with her, cautious touches, tender kisses. She giggled softly as she rolled over in the bed.
Azrael's sleepy orbs lazily drifted across the floor and up through the entrance to the humble cabin to find the windows alight with a fiery glow. Initially, she had panicked and shot up in the bed. However, it properly registered that had there been any legitimate threat, Optimus would have woken her up long ago to take her to safety. She instantly relaxed, and perhaps she would have fallen back onto the fragrant bed had it not been for that fiery glow to entice her. Azrael moved delicately and took quiet, light steps as she softly leapt out of the luxurious bed. The dull throb between her legs seemed to be left behind as she dashed silently from the cabin and used delicate hands to stealthily open the passenger side door.

Her bare feet tentatively touched the solid ground below. Azrael wasn't surprised to find herself in a new location. Optimus hadn't liked the truck stop nor the people that prudently kept watching his alt-form. Now, they were pulled over in the large, empty parking lot but a few minutes' walk to Ocean Beach. She lifted her head into the perfumed air and drew in a long breath. She grinned as the harsh scent of the beach invaded her nose. She'd always dreamed of coming back to this place, and now she was here, with the only other person she could ever want by her side. She walked around the bend of Optimus' resting alt-form and peered out over the deep blue waters that awaited her. Azrael promptly let out a soft sigh.
A shiver passed over her skin as a hand splayed across her ample waist. Azrael groaned softly as a body of radiant heat was added to her side. She turned her head lazily to the side to find deep blue eyes looking back at her.
"You are awake early," Optimus' voice rumbled. She chuckled sleepily at how gravely it sounded.
"I could say the same to you," Azrael brushed off his comment as she leaned into the haloform's side, "Did you stasis well?"
Optimus nuzzled into Azrael's neck with a low grumble as he took in the scent of her hair.
"Very," his rumbling voice responded. His other hand came around and tenderly placed itself against Azrael's mid-section, "How do you feel?"
She grinned delightedly as she fondly recalled the sensual pleasure she'd been overflowed with. She couldn't help the small giggle that passed her lips. She turned her head to look at him. She found his cyan eyes eagerly awaiting her response.

"I don't really know how to describe it adequately," Azrael said softly, "But... I do know one thing about it."

"What is that, beloved?"

She leaned closer, "I wanna do it again."

The red tint that appeared on the Prime's haloform had Azrael rolling. She laughed loudly - perhaps the loudest Optimus had ever heard her laugh. He chuckled delightedly along with her.

"You are perfect,"

Azrael's infectious laughter stopped as her infectious smile fell. She turned away from Optimus.

"Don't say that,"

"No. Weather you see it or not, you are perfection to me, Azrael," he stated firmly. Optimus lifted his hand from her midsection to turn her head back toward him. She didn't object as she met his eyes reluctantly. "You are my world now and forever. I will always see you as perfection and never a thing less."

Azrael opened her mouth to argue, but quickly shut it. She knew it was pointless. She knew what his logical argument would be. Her father had no rule over her now and he never would again. Besides, it was only fair that if Optimus was so perfect to her, it would be possible for her to be perfect to him as well. She let out a slow breath.

"Alright," she whispered softly, "You are perfect to me as well."

"No argument?" Optimus inquired carefully.

"No, no argument."

The Prime was quiet as he looked over the human femme. Her breath was slow and even and her heart was calm. There was no doubt that her issue stemmed from her sire but she usually tried shutting it off. Was this a new approach or was she beginning to let go? Optimus wanted to press for more information while at the same time he only wanted to hold her there. He pressed a soft kiss against her temple.

"You would tell me otherwise, wouldn't you, Azrael?" he whispered against her skin.

"I..." Azrael stopped herself. She let out another slow breath. "I'll try, Optimus, but I can't... you have to understand that opening up is not easy. Especially about him."

"I understand. But when you are ready, will you be able to come to me?"

Azrael turned around fully in his arms, pressing her face into his neck. The extraordinary warmth he provided against the icy breeze that was cast off the ocean gave relief. She pushed herself as close to him as she could.

"I can only try,"

"That is all I ask,"

Optimus turned his eyes over to the dark waters lapping at the shoreline. The location wasn't exactly welcoming - it felt dark to the Prime. His tanks were unsettled just by being near the sandy shore. The waters seemed vengeful in a way he couldn't explain. The shivering woman in his arms told him she was in somewhat of the same position he was. Azrael refused to turn her eyes onto the ocean waters.

"Are you sure you want to remain here?"

Azrael looked up at him with wide, nearly fearful blue eyes screaming for him to take her away. Her trembling lip was enough of a clue that she wanted to leave.

"I would have thought you'd like it here," he pondered as he escorted her back to his resting alt-form.

"I-I..." Azrael gapped out, "My mother just... she flooded my thoughts and I... I just want to leave. Please, Optimus," she paused in her steps, "Take me far away from here, please?"

"Of course, beloved,"

Optimus pulled open his alt-form's door and let Azrael in first. She scrambled into the cabin and tucked herself away in the corner as she sat on the bed. She didn't cry nor did she scream or whale. She simply sat there as her blue eyes darted around in anticipation for her Cybertronian lover to make his appearance. Optimus rumbled to life and his haloform was shortly fizzling into existence before Azrael. He sat on the edge of the bed, waiting for her to join him. She slowly crawled out of her corner and easily slid onto his lap. Silence lapsed over the two as she studied his face, coming to recognize every little scar that was placed on his skin. Her hands ran through his dark locks of hair. She missed seeing him - his large form that glittered under the sunlight — the mammoth of metal that made her feel so small — the version of him that brought her the most comfort. Azrael desired to feel the warmth of his body under her fingertips.

"Where are we?" she asked softly as she broke the silence between them.

"No where at the moment," was his reply, "Is something wrong?"

It was idiotic of her to even ask. "No, Optimus. Not a thing is wrong."

Somedays, Azrael wished she wasn't so good of a liar.

He couldn't help but look at her as she snuggled into his seat. Azrael had long fallen sleep around the time they had crossed over the Nevada state line. She looked at peace while she slept, her eyes closed as her facial features relaxed into nothing but a blissful expression. Optimus had taken the liberty of locating a place for Azrael to sleep that wouldn't keep her cooped up in his cabin before they'd even left. He pulled into the parking lot while taking up several spaces. He activated his haloform. Immediately, he wanted to pull out of the parking lot and keep driving just to keep her close but the both of them needed rest. He hesitated before waking her until he made up his mind. It would be better for Azrael to be in a more human environment with things to meet her human needs.

Blue eyes fluttered open sleepily, and a yawn forced its way past her lips. Azrael groaned softly as she untangled her limbs from their bunched up positions to form a protective ball around her. She looked lazily to the side where she found Optimus' haloform watching her with what could have been the most endearing look on his face - even if it wasn't his actual body. The lacking rumble of his engine told her that they had stopped. She raised her head sleepily to peer out the window. She blinked several times and brought her hand up to wipe the sleep from her eyes. Azrael quickly looked over the name of the building in front of her. Eureka Gold Country Inn. She looked back at Optimus.

"I thought it would be best if you slept somewhere aside from my cabin," he said softly.

Optimus rose from his seat and unbuckled Azrael. In a swift movement, he swept her up in his arms. Azrael sighed tiredly as she wrapped her arms around Optimus' neck loosely and allowed him to direct her out of his alt-form. Everything was in a haze.

"He wasn't always mean... he used to be really nice," she mumbled drunkenly.

The Prime's attention was suddenly turned on her. Azrael giggled as if she'd had one too many to drink when it had been at least two years since her last drink.

"He called me 'Sugar Plum' because I was born on Christmas Eve," she giggled again, "He was silly back then... but then he changed," and her face grew sour as her brow puckered, "He came home with Uncle Manny and they started drinking... and drinking... and drinking..."

"Azrael, it's alright," Optimus said as he adjusted the partially limp girl against his side. "You don't have to talk anymore."

"And he never stopped... Mom started to go out more and take me with her. Many of them liked spoiling me... all of them were better than him... but then he found out... and he got worse and worse and then..." her sorrow tone didn't match the anger building on her face, "Mom was gone... and I was alone..."

"Relax, beloved. You need rest," Optimus soothed, "Let us get you inside."

Azrael nodded slowly and leaned against Optimus. It didn't seem to cause him any trouble to support her body weight and get through the doors. There was an older woman at the counter. Azrael looked her over, unable to read her as she normally would have. She snuggled closer to Optimus. He smiled down at the dark-haired woman before he turned his attention to the woman at the counter.

"Hello," he greeted with his usually rumbling voice. He noticed the woman's heart picking up out of surprise. "There should be a reservation for Orion and Azrael Pax? We're a bit early but..." he looked down at Azrael again, "She ha had a rough few days."

"That's no problem, dearie," the woman smiled kindly. "Give me just a moment..." she typed furiously on the keyboard, "There it is right there! Let me get your room key."

She knelt down and picked up the slim red card. She slid it over the counter to Optimus. He easily picked it up with his free hand and nodded in thanks to the woman.

"I just have to tell you, she looks absolutely precious," the woman commented.

"She'd argue with you on that, but thank you,"

Optimus easily walked down the hall with Azrael leaning against his side. He felt something in his chest swelling - what he assumed was his haloform's 'heart'. He couldn't find the words to explain the feeling that was coming alive inside of him. This woman was his everything - everything he wanted to protect and keep safe. He wanted everything he could get with her and more. He felt the need to step in front of everything brutal in this reality and shield her from it. Optimus hated how selfish it seemed and at the same time he wouldn't change it so long as Azrael was the source of his selfishness.

With a quick flick of the card against the door lock, Optimus pushed the door open with his arm and quickly moved Azrael inside of the room. He shut the door quietly, careful not to disturb any of the other attendees or Azrael. The practically asleep woman pushed off of Optimus' side and stumbled over to the bed, falling down onto the white and red sheets. Optimus chuckled at the long groan that came from her. Azrael rolled over and motioned for him to come closer. The Cybertronian watched her curiously but moved closer nonetheless. When he was a foot away, Azrael pushed herself up and placed her arms around his neck. Her sleepy azure eyes stared up at him with that little twinkle of something unreadable.

Her plump lips were on his, soft and coated with her taste. Naturally, Optimus leaned into her for more. It seemed so natural for him to do. He wanted her - all of her - even if it seemed like their bond wasn't meant to work. Size didn't matter to her and slowly, it was beginning to become trivial to him. Azrael yanked him down so he was on top of her. His processor was fogged with the clouds of her natural perfume.

She needs rest.

Optimus knew he had to listen to that voice. He pulled away and Azrael gasped for air. She leaned up to meet him again. Optimus pushed her back down gently.

"You need rest,"

"I need to stay with you," she mumbled in that same drunken voice.

"I will be with you," he assured. His hand brushed against the bare skin over her chest where her heart laid, "In here."

"But I want you here," Azrael mumbled pleadingly, "Please don't leave?"

It took everything Optimus had to resist her. He would have stayed - he would have if he didn't know how much she needed the rest. He turned his head away from her as if it would help not to look at her eyes. However, her small, soft hands cupping his face forced him otherwise. Optimus braced himself to break. On the contrary, he found patient eyes awaiting his gaze.

"Okay," her voice sounded more sober than before as she relented. Sad, but sober. "But you'll be back, right? You'll come back?"

"An astro-klik after you wake, my beloved,"

Optimus allowed her another kiss, soft and sweet, and enough to lull her into a much needed sleep. He moved her over carefully as to not awake the now sleeping woman he felt so bonded to. He pulled back the covers. In a fluid movement, he had Azrael laid down. Her head sank into the pillows and her body relaxed. Optimus peered down at her feet and without a second thought had pulled off her shoes and socks. He left it there even though he'd seen most of her body. He tensed as the memory came to mind.
She was so warm and soft. So soft. Just thinking of the night previous made him regret forcing Azrael into sleep and yet he knew it was right. He drew in an unnecessary breath and allowed his haloform to deactivate. He adored her - worshiped her. Every word he'd murmured tenderly to her that night had been true in every way.
Azrael Echolyn was a goddess in the optics of Optimus Prime.

Icky; nasty or unpleasant.

This was perhaps the only word Azrael could think to describe how she felt the moment she woke up - icky. She groaned as she sat up. She could remember exactly where she was: room 127 at the Eureka Gold Country Inn. Optimus had practically carried her inside because she was too exhausted to move. She could remember mumbling and whispering things that caused her to feel anger and sadness, but she couldn't recall a thing she'd said. Azrael made a mental note to ask what she'd said. However, she couldn't help the heat that blossomed across her cheeks as she thought of what she'd done. She remembered kissing him, and she remembered it very well.

"No, not right now, Azzie," she mumbled to herself, "Shower."

Azrael tossed herself over the side of the bed and practically into the wall. She was lucky enough to catch herself on the nightstand, finding balance as she came face to face with cream painted walls. Azrael let out a shallow breath.

"What on Earth?" she questioned as she looked down at her feet.

Ah, that's why. The last thing I consciously processed while standing was that I was wearing shoes... Optimus must have taken them off...

"What a sweetheart," she murmured thoughtfully. Azrael grinned as she felt that same heat beginning to blossom over her face again.

Her toes curled into the soft carpet below her. She couldn't help the small hybrid of a squeal and giggle that burst forward from her lips. Azrael released the nightstand from her grasp and walked along the wall. She found a wooden door pushed open just slightly - enough to reveal this was indeed the bathroom. Azrael entered the room, flicked on the light, and shut the door behind her. She locked it.

Old habits die hard... especially the ones that keep you from dying...

Azrael's lips curved into a frown. There were times when she wished she could forget those kinds of things but even so, they proved to be useful on more than one occasion. She sighed softly to herself. Azrael turned away from the door and avoided looking in the mirror. She turned toward the shower and quickly turned the water onto cold. It had been a long time since Azrael had enjoyed a warm shower. Cold water kept her awake and alert. She refused to give that up.
She couldn't help the quick glance toward the mirror as she pulled her shirt over her head. Azrael glared at the markings that littered her once smooth skin. She was covered in scars left behind from her father. Her eyes narrowed.

Why couldn't I be what he wanted? Why did I even fight...?

Questions like these had plagued her for years. Azrael didn't have an answer as to why she insisted on fighting against her father. She never knew why she fought. She didn't know what kept her going for so long until she finally ran away. No answer came to mind except for a picture of Optimus.
Ratchet had mentioned she was Optimus' Destined Conjunx Endura. She was crafted just perfectly for the Prime - would that have been why? There had never been anything that truly motivated Azrael to fight against her father aside from a deep seeded hatred to his quest for normality while living a double life as a drunk. He'd broken her over a thousand terrible times in over a thousand terrible ways, and she still fought. Every one of the dark scars forced into her skin was an instant flashback to her miserable childhood.

Every time I looked at my eyes, I felt a little less alone...

Azrael met her own eye in the mirror.

Because Orion was looking back...