15

Desirée's POV

As the day went on, I actually found myself enjoying my birthday. I was happy everyone went out of their way to throw me such a lovely party. They gave me beautiful presents, we had an amazing "birthday breakfast" and spent a great day at the house, not worrying about any work or what we had to focus on in the near future. It was nice.

The one thing I really treasured, though, were Saoirse's and Eden's presents. They made their own presents, which I found very endearing. Eden's present, for one, I found to be the most interesting. It was some little mechanical device she said she made herself―where she'd gotten the metal, I wasn't entirely sure (though I had my suspicions)―but there was something about it that really caught my attention.

It felt as if it were giving off a slight Energon Signature, though I was having a hard time detecting it.

"How're you enjoying your birthday?" Tessa asked, throwing a smile my way. She and Shane were in the kitchen, washing the dishes from breakfast. I offered my assistance, but they refused to let me do anything.

"It's really nice," I said, smiling at her. "I appreciate you guys doing all this. You didn't have to."

Tessa shrugged in response.

Looking over at where the kids were playing, I couldn't help but smile. They all looked like they were having fun. Rosalyn, Blossom, and Abby brought their kids over and it was honestly refreshing to see them having so much fun.

After all the time that's passed, maybe this is our life now. It was a pleasing thought, and I hoped it continued to be the way it was.

I smiled.

Yeah...maybe this is our life. Finally.

Soon the day was half finished, and we were all lounging in the living area, the television had been turned on for the kids (after they had a long morning of playing) while the rest of us had a moment to enjoy a little quiet.

"How do you think Optimus is doing?" Cade asked, taking a sip from a beer he got.

"He's probably doing fine." I tried for a smile, but I was certain it looked a little more like a grimace. Since he departed again into space, I found myself wondering if he was OK, if he was thinking about us―since we're Sparkbound, you'd think it'd be easy to know what the other was doing, but I couldn't keep up with most of the things Optimus had in that noggin of his―but I knew he needed to keep himself focused on his task at hand. He'd come back when it was time.

"Prime's fine," Ironhide scoffed. "He'll be able to handle anything thrown his way."

There were a few murmured responses after that.

"I'm just happy we're actually having some peace," Tessa said, crossing her legs while she sat on the sofa.

"It still must be weird for you guys," Cade exclaimed, taking another sip from his beer. In a sense, after five years of running and hiding, the peace was still settling over those of us who had to deal with Cemetery Wind the longest; but we had adapted to it all nonetheless. If it meant giving our children a better life.

"It's easier now," Blossom said, leaning back from where she sat.

"We've adapted." Bee gave a single nod, as if reassuring himself.

"It's nice to just settle down," I sighed. "I feel like I should've done this after Saoirse. I don't think she had the childhood I wanted her to have. Neither did Eden."

"They're getting that chance now," Sideswipe said. "It's their second-chance at it."

I hadn't really thought of it like that. Saoirse's and Eden's childhood had been difficult because of Cemetery Wind, but with them being gone, it was easier for them to adapt and grow the way they should. I was grateful Orion was being given the opportunity to grow up normally, and I hoped that nothing would happen to change that.

Looking back at the kids, I felt a warmth spread across my chest. They were enjoying themselves, having fun with each other. It was what I wanted for them, but had neglected doing after so many years.

They'll be fine, I thought. Just keep doing what's best for them, make sure they're happy. That's the important thing.

"I think I should get started on the cake," Tessa said, going to stand up.

"I'll help," Abby said.

"It's gonna have to be a big cake to feed everyone." There was a chuckle in Tessa's voice.

I smiled at that. "I could help if you'd like."

"Desirée, it's your birthday," Tessa exclaimed, looking almost exasperated but also amused. "I want your cake to be a surprise."

Sighing, I gave her a halfhearted smile before she went into the kitchen with Abby in tow.

Conversations started up after that.

QUICKY A/N:

HEYA, EVERYONE! I KNOW THIS CH.'S A BIT SHORT, BUT I'VE BEEN TRYING TO THINK OF SOME WAY TO MAKE DESIRÉE'S B-DAY ARC GO ON FOR JUST A LITTLE LONGER BEFORE I WRAP IT UP! ALSO―HEY! IT WASN'T A LONG TIME BETWEEN UPDATES! I'M REALLY PROUD OF MYSELF FOR NOT MAKING YOU GUYS WAIT MONTHS FOR ONE STINKING CH.! ANYWHO, LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU GUYS THINK.

NOTHING IN THIS FANDOM BELONGS TO ME. ALL I OWN ARE MY CHARACTERS AND THE HOUSE I LIVE IN.

I'VE GOT SOME IMPORTANT NEWS FOR YOU GUYS! IN THE NEXT THREE/FOUR DAYS, I'LL BE GOING ON A VACATION FOR THE NEXT WEEK AND A HALF/TWO WEEKS, WHICH MEANS I WON'T BE ABLE TO UPDATE DURING THAT TIME. MOSTLY BECAUSE I WON'T HAVE MY LAPTOP WITH ME. I GUESS I COULD UPDATE FROM MY PHONE OR IPOD, BUT CHANCES ARE I WON'T. IT'S A FAMILY TRIP, AND IT'S THE FIRST TIME IN EIGHT YEARS WE'VE DONE SOMETHING LIKE THIS, SO I'M GOING TO TRY AND ENJOY THAT. ANYWAY, I THINK YOU GET THE POINT!

BUT IF YOU'VE GOT IDEAS ON SUBPLOTS OR ANYTHING ALONG THOSE LINES, LET ME KNOW. I KNOW I'VE GOT SOME I NEED TO WRITE IN, AND I'LL GET TO THOSE SHORTLY.

I'LL WRAP UP THIS AUTHOR'S NOTE BEFORE IT GETS TOO LONG.

STAY SNAPPY.

THANK YOU, ONE AND ALL.

READ, REVIEW, ENJOY!

YOURS TRULY,

~SMITHY