DAYUM! Here's chapter 4! Thanks for all the reviews/rates/etc. I LOVE YOU ALL SO FRACKING MUCH!
Enjoy loves ~
Eyes wide, mouth ajar, and heart in my throat I slowly slunk down to the dampened earth, crestfallen. I heard orders in what I remembered was Cybertronian screeching across the darkened sky, soldiers and Autobots alike were being drug from the flaming wreckage. I ran to some of the soldiers, checking to make sure they were okay – most were fine other than some singed skin. I looked at my Autobots to see Ratchet hard at work, his skilled hands fluidly wrenching and welding his brothers back together. I looked around to try to find Optimus but couldn't seem to locate him – he must still be inside. I ran to Ratchet and tapped his leg,
"Where's Optimus?"
He shook his head, "I don't know, I think he went inside searching for E-Elita." Ratchet tripped up on Elita's name, almost as if it were a curse.
My heart dropped as I looked to the still enflamed building, and before I knew what was going on I felt my legs dragging me to the building.
"Optimus!" I screamed as I moved around the scorching wreckage, I had to find him.
Moving through what was left of the hangar, I scanned the entire room and there was no sign of him. I started to the next room when I heard a crack, and suddenly a large metal beam slammed to the ground in front of me, sending sparks flying my way. A scream ripped itself from my throat as some of them landed on delicate skin, burn marks left in their wake. I screamed for Optimus again, and this time I heard a soft wail. I followed the noise into the next room, around the white-hot beam, and found the Autobot leader bent over a mangled pile of wires and armor. I ran over to him only to be stopped as more of the ceiling fell in front of me.
"Optimus! You idiot – we have to get the hell out of here! What're you doing?!" I yelled over the roar of the flames.
However, Optimus did not look my way, I only heard him hum Elita's name as if he were lost in a trance. I looked around to try to find a way to him, but the pieces of the ceiling were too large, I couldn't go around but maybe I could go through. I searched for a hole large enough to fit me, and finally I found something I might be able to jump through. I swallowed a lump of fear and tied my hair back, this is it. I took a few steps back and charged, running through the flaming metal, but my sleeve caught on one of the stray pieces, causing a long scorching gash to run down my forearm. I hissed as pain erupted through my entire appendage, it was sensitive to the touch. C'mon Delyia, ignore the pain. I told myself as I trudged to Optimus, his optics focused on the now deceased Autobot. I touched his leg, but his eyes never left her form.
"Optimus! Please!" I cried, slamming my hands down on his thigh.
"She betrayed us," he mumbled, still holding her close. "- she betrayed me, Elita." He choked back a sob and I could hear his fans going into overdrive.
"Optimus if we don't get out of here we'll both die! Get up you piece of scrap metal!" I yelled slamming myself against any part of him I could get my hands on.
He seemed to notice my presence then, his optics widened and I felt his spark rumble.
"Delyia what in Primus' sake are you doing here?! You're going to get yourself killed!" He howled, his optics glaring down at me.
"What was I supposed to do – let you die? I'm not going to let that happen!" I cried and attempted to pull him; of course I knew he wasn't going anywhere if he didn't want to.
"Yes you are! I do not deserve to live any longer!" he cried out, putting his head in his hands.
"Optimus you suicidal maniac! How can you say that?! Your Autobots need you – what would they do without you? How are they supposed to win this war without your leadership? Your guidance? You're the wisest being I've ever met in my life – granted you've made mistakes but no one is perfect. I've made so many mistakes in my life… too many to count but I'm not going to go kill myself over one! Would Elita – the Elita you used to know, not this imposter or whatever she is, want you to end yourself like this?" I sucked in a breath and started coughing as the smoke thickened around us. "Optimus, we all need you alive. We've already lost you once and I can't imagine loosing you again. Please, please let's both leave this place. I – I need you to live, I –" I was cut off by my hacking cough, and I slowly fell to my knees.
I remembered, vaguely, in grade school they told us to get as close to the ground as possible, because smoke rises and all the oxygen would sink. I don't know if it was my words, or if the gravity of the situation finally hit him, but Optimus stood grabbing me in his large cool hand, and charged out of the building. I felt him run as fast as I've ever seen him, breaking any wall or debris in our way. When he finally burst outside, he stopped a few yards away in time for us to see the entire building collapse in on itself. The fire trucks finally arrived and were hosing down the remains of the N.E.S.T base, ambulances, EMP's, and police were scattered about the area, attempting to help the many wounded soldiers strewn across the field. The heat had made my eyes heavy, and I felt my mind clouding up as sleep blanketed me in its warm embrace. As I faded out, I could've sworn I heard my name being called but sleeps sweep warmth was too intoxicating to pass up, and so I fell to the darkness.
As we pulled away from each other a light pink dusted our cheeks, our breath now ragged. We were locked in each other's embrace for what seemed like a blissful eternity until we felt the ride shake as it stopped. We looked around and noticed we were at the top of the Ferris wheel. My lips were tingling and moist from Optimus's, and I unknowingly brushed my fingers against them. I was snapped out of my trance when I felt a hand brush some stray hair from my cheek. My eyes snapped up to Optimus's and he too seemed to be lost in thought. My chest felt tight as I sucked in a deep breath. This got Optimus's attention, as his eyes looked me over seeing if I was okay.
"Where did you learn all of this?" I asked - breathless.
He chuckled, "So I assume my human interaction was satisfactory for you?"
The mention of the word satisfactory took my mind to other places and a blush slowly heated up my cheeks. I could only nod as I found that my voice was failing me. ~~
I felt my heart beat fast against my chest as Optimus brought me close to him.
"How are you Boss?" I asked while placing a delicate hand on his metallic cheeks.
I could hear his engine whirr and grind,
"I am fine Delyia. How are you my sweetspark?"
I raised a brow, "Alright. -" ~~
"Delyia," He whispered my name as he closed the space between our bodies.
His hands found their way to my cheeks, holding my face mere inches away from his own. I could smell his scent, heavy on the holoform's clothing.
"Delyia, you have given me an experience I had not shared with anyone else in my lifetime. You satisfied a need I did not know I had, and I wish to return the favor." He huskily whispered to me.
I found that I had lost my will to speak as his lips crashed down onto my own, stoking the fire deep within my body. He removed himself from me, and his eyes seemed to pierce my soul as he asked me,
"Would you wish for me to – "
"Yes." I interrupted him, hungrily grabbing him and leading him into my room.
With a groan I slowly opened my eyes, the room around my blurry and bright. Another groan escaped my lips as I covered my eyes with an arm, I felt wires fall on my face; jolting my arm away I saw an IV attached. My heart quickened as I looked at the all white room, the monitor beside me beeping along with my heart rate. Beside me on the table I saw many bouquets of flowers, all with little white cards buried in them. I was so confused – how did I end up here? I thought back to yesterday and all that happened: Sam and Carly, Mikaela and Sam, us going to the Autobot base, talking with Optimus, the base up in flames – oh my God. I felt panic bubble up as I saw no one else was in the room with me, I ripped the wires from my arms and swung my legs around the edge of the bed. As I tried to stand I felt them wobble from my weight and I stumbled to the side a bit before catching my balance. I then slowly made my way to the door and reached for the handle, just as I was about to turn it, the door flew open and I wobbled back in surprise.
"D, you're awake!" I heard Sam's voice as he grabbed me and pulled me into his arms.
I hugged him back and leaned against him for support. He looked at me in worry as more people filed into the room: Mikaela, Carly, Lennox, and Epps. Not too long after every one had hugged me and forced me back into bed did some of the Autobot's pour in – in their holoforms of course. Bumblebee and Jazz walked in first, followed by Sideswipe and Suns (surprisingly), Ratchet, Ironhide, and even Arcee walked in, all of them patting me on the shoulder and giving hugs. I teared up all the love I felt coming from all of the beings I was surrounded by.
"You guys, I love you. I don't know what I'd do without you all."
"Humans are so mushy." Ironhide grumbled, folding his big arms.
I smiled at him, I knew he appreciated my words and cared for me to an extent.
"What exactly happened though?" I asked, still confused on how I got here.
"Well, all we know is that Optimus flew out of the base just in time with you curled up in his hand. You passed out soon after and we had to rush you to the hospital. Apparently, according to Ratchet, Elita was the cause of the explosion. We're assuming the Decepticons had something to do with it but we're at a loss right now." Jazz explained, he sat to my right with a hand on my arm.
My brow furrowed, "Why would Elita do such a thing?"
"Well, we aren't entirely sure she was aware of that." Ratchet grumbled from his corner. "I would explain but I have a feeling none of you would really understand."
I nodded, feeling a surprisingly amount of pity for her.
The rest of the day remained uneventful, the crew hung out with me for most of the day. We all returned to normal, ignoring the events of yesterday as we laughed and joked about anything and everything. Soon the sun started to set and everyone began to leave one by one, minus Sam and Mikaela. Sam had sent Carly home, saying he'd be along soon but he wanted to spend a little extra time with me. Mikaela held my hand with a small smile on her face as she talked about how Sam and her started getting along. Finally, I thought to myself with relief.
"It's about time you two stopped acting like idiots around each other." I snickered. Now if only you'd admit your feelings to one another, I thought wistfully.
Sam shrugged as he came around to sit at my left, Mikaela at my right.
"Well, I decided to be the bigger person and apologize." Sam chuckled and Mikaela shot him a look.
"Oh whatever Samuel. I was the one who came to you remember?"
"That's not how I remember it all."
"Of course it isn't." Mikaela mockingly rolled her eyes, a light smile on her face.
"So, what happened with Optimus, D? We obviously never got to hear about your conversation." Mikaela asked, her face full of curiosity.
"Well," I sighed and brushed my hair back with my now clammy hand, "it didn't exactly go very well. I ended up getting into a fist fight with Elita before she – ya know – blew up the base."
Sam and Mikaela's eyes bugged as they took in the information.
"Wait wait wait. How did you get into a fight with an Autobot?" Sam asked.
"She was actually in her human form when we fought, I guess because Optimus was also so she must've just transformed too." I shrugged, "I don't really know what happened –"
I told them everything that he had said, and everything I had done. They both listened carefully as I explained from the letters up until last night. When I finished, they both remained silent with thoughtful expressions on both of their faces. Sam was the first to speak,
"Well Elita definitely got what she deserved D." that brought a smile to my face, of course he'd – "But, I think you're partly doing this to yourself Delyia." I looked at him incredulously. "Especially since Elita is gone now, I think you should've tried to figure something out. Instead you just ran away from the problem, and look where its gotten you now: you drank your liver away for a year, then slutted it up for another, and now you're somewhat balanced but you've let yourself get torn apart in the process. Granted, I understand why you initially ran away from it – it's a lot to handle. Shit, I don't even know if I could've handled it. But, by now I think you should've tried to, ya know make an attempt to be with him. It's obvious you love him – " I shot him a look and he laughed, "C'mon it's totally obvious. A stump could tell that you got the hots for him."
I scoffed and looked out the window, "Not like it matters, he's wrapped up in Elita. Probably still is even though she's now officially dead."
Mikaela squeezed my hand reassuringly; "I seriously doubt that D, I mean he wrote you for a year – without any reply! A thirty-foot guy with hands bigger than some cars had someone write to you even though he never got a letter back. If that doesn't say something then I don't know what does. Even though things won't be okay right away – doesn't mean you shouldn't try with him. Only if you do still care about him like I think you do though." Mikeala finished with a grin, soon followed by a yawn.
The sun had long since fallen behind the horizon, the stars shining out in the darkened sky. I nodded at the two of them,
"Maybe, I'll think on it. You two –"
I was interrupted by a knock on the door. The three of us looked around in surprise,
"Are you expecting someone?" Sam wriggled his eyebrows.
I snorted and shook my head, chuckling.
"No Sam, I honestly wasn't expecting anyone to come much less all of you."
"Come in!" Mikaela called.
In walked a six foot three well built man, his hair dark as a raven's feather, stubble lined his sharp jaw, and his electric blue eyes shone against the moonlight.
"Sam, Mikaela, Delyia." The way he spoke my name sent chills through my spine.
He pulled out a small bouquet of daisies from behind his back and hesitantly handed them to me. I took them gratefully and took a quick sniff. A small smile found its way to my lips as I looked at my daisy bouquet.
" I uh – " he coughed awkwardly standing stiff, "I came to see how you were and if the hospital is taking care of you."
I nodded, but before I could respond Sam and Mikaela shot up.
"Well Mikeala I'm feeling a little tired aren't you? Do you need a ride home?"
Mikaela nodded and they both hugged me, "Yeah Sam let's get out of here, I think I'm about to fall asleep standing! Bye D, we will both be by tomorrow around noon okay? Rest well." She smiled as the two of them walked out together, leaving Optimus and I alone.
This time I couldn't run away, seeing as I was stuck in this hospital bed. Optimus came around and sat in the seat Sam had once been sitting in, leaning with his elbows on his knees. I shot him a small smile and set the daisies next to me.
"The hospital's treating me just fine. But you know what they say about hospital food."
"I am afraid I am unaware." Optimus frowned.
I cracked a smile at the confused expression on his face.
"Hospitals are known for terrible food."
He nodded, "Oh I see."
We fumbled into an awkward silence as we both didn't know what to say next.
"I –"
"Delyia I –"
We both stopped and waited for the other to continue, earning a shared laugh. I urged him to start.
"Delyia, I wanted to thank you. Without you I'm sure I would have let myself perish in that building."
I waved my hand, "I doubt that Optimus, I'm sure you would've gotten yourself out of there in time. All I did was push you along a little, that's what friends do."
The word friend caused my heart to sour a little, but I was allowing more than a few days ago. His lips turned upwards as he listened, causing my heart monitor to beep just a little faster. I saw him subtly glance at the machine before turning his attention back to me.
"I also, wanted to sincerely apologize again. I know I have not been acting to the best of my character these past few years. All of the treatment you've given me has been equally deserved and I am so sorry that I caused you so much pain. I –"
"There's no reason to apologize Optimus, not anymore. Though I do appreciate it I can't fault you, you love her and –"
"No." he interrupted me, grabbing my hand. "I thought I did. I truly thought I did, but as the earth days passed, and with you no longer in the base, I found my thoughts travelling to you more often than not. When I'd sit and talk with Elita, I'd be picturing you in her place. I would think back to the nights we spent out looking at the stars, and I'd explain Cybertron to you, or you'd be explaining earthly sayings to me. I would think back to the night I went to an earth bar, and when I had found you dancing. Or when we went to the beach, the way the sun seemed to set your skin aglow, or the way your water droplets glistened in your beautiful dark hair. I would think on these memories often, especially the night that we shared together, and I would feel my spark swell with this feeling of possessiveness and innocent love. Delyia, when I think of you I experience that emotion in its truest and most raw form. I realized in the years that you were gone that you are the reason why I am fighting to save this planet. You are what keeps me going when faced with impossible odds. You are – words cannot express what you mean to me. When Elita was there, I think she could sense it and it sent her constantly on edge – if that even was her. I think she could sense that my spark gave itself up to you and it could never have another. Even if you do not accept my feelings Delyia, I will forever be completely intoxicated with your essence. Whether its your smile, your laugh, or the way you pass gas – I adore every moment I spent with you and I will cherish those memories until the day I offline." Optimus finished with a sad smile on his pink lips, his blue eyes lit with a fiery emotion.
I could only stare back into his emotional eyes, stunned by the lengthy confession he had given. I love him, I thought to myself, that much is true. But do I trust him? I asked myself that question over and over during the years apart, and every time my heart had answered back the same. Though I tried to convince myself of otherwise, I had forgiven him of everything the day I received his letter in the mail. I felt my lip tremble as an overwhelming feeling of tenderness and warmth spread through my chest. Optimus frowned as he saw a few tears spill over.
"God, Optimus I am so sorry, I've been such a cry baby recently." I laughed through a sob as I wiped the tears away – only to be replaced by new salty droplets.
"Even when I tell you I love you, I still make you cry." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Optimus, it's a happy cry." I mumbled as I reached for his hand.
He looked at me in shock then his brow furrowed, "What is a happy cry?"
"Some humans, when they feel an emotion so powerful within themselves, they can't help but cry. Whether the feeling is positive or negative it doesn't matter." I squeezed his hand in my own.
"I see." He nodded as he pondered the information.
I sucked in a breath and exhaled in an attempt to calm my nerves.
"Optimus," I started, but paused as his eyes pierced my own. My monitor bing'd faster as I thought about my own confession.
"Are you okay Delyia? Your heart rate is accelerating."
"Damn that thing." I sighed and attempted to calm myself down.
"Look, I – well… We've both made mistakes in the past few years. Me not writing you back at all was a very rude thing of me to do, not to mention juvenile. I made you a promise to be by your side, friend or more, and I plan on keeping that promise. However," I swallowed the lump in my throat, "I love you, there is no denying that now. I was a fool to deny it before, but two very special people whipped me into shape. So, I think for us to remain friends is not an option."
Optimus nodded, his eyes trained on my visage.
"I am willing to move on from this. I'm willing to try to make this work with you because whether I like it or not I've given my soul to you and there's no way for me to take it back. Though between you and me, I don't mind if you keep it." I winked and giggled as Optimus' lips spread into a wide smile.
"Delyia may I –"
I held a hand up to stop him, "I don't think we need to talk anymore do you?"
I wriggled my brow at him, and he seemed to get the message. I sat up and he scooted closer to me, leaning in I closed my eyes and after what seemed like an eternity, I felt his soft lips upon my own. As we kissed, I felt the scars on my heart slowly mend themselves and the pain I didn't know was there slowly faded out of existence. I had forgiven him, I had forgiven myself, and I finally had back the one person that made me who I am.
"I love you Optimus Prime."
"And I love you as well, my sweetspark." He placed another kiss on my forehead.
"Will you stay with me until I fall asleep?" I asked, suddenly the idea of being alone was the last thing I wanted.
He nodded, "I will be here till you fall asleep, and when you awaken. I promise."