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"How close is Optimus to earth?"

Drift had activated his Holoform, leaning casually against his alt. mode. His eyes closed as his lips pursed.

"He said he is close to entering the solar system," he informed, crossing his arms over his chest.

I nodded. "I just hope he's back in time to join us to visit Sam," I sighed. I chewed on my bottom lip.

Drift looked at me closely. Placing a hand on my forearm, I tensed slightly. Never in the time that Drift has used his Holoform around me, had he used any kind of physical contact, friendly or otherwise.

"I believe Optimus is trying his best," the Asian-looking Holoform said softly. "He's returning to you and the Sparklings."

I gave Drift a lopsided smile. "I'm positive he's coming back for you guys, too," I said. "Right?"

"Of course," Drift chuckled. He gently patted my shoulder, the Holoform deactivating afterward.

Optimus POV

The Prime, as usual, spent most of his time thinking. His processors were filled to the brim with possible conclusions on what would happen upon his arrival. Drift told him about Desirée's plans to have her family reunion. In Optimus's optics, the idea of bringing back old companions and family members for a small time together seemed like a brilliant idea.

Optimus hoped, if he made it back to earth in time, he'd be able to accompany Desirée in her reunion. It'd been a while since he saw any of his old human companions. Certainly they wouldn't mind, right? If Desirée and the others were going to visit Sam in DC, Optimus Prime would be able to join in, right?

Feeling a rumble rattle its way in Optimus's chest, he tried to shake off the uncertainties he felt. It was as if his processors were purposely filling him with unwanted emotions, and it was beyond frustrating.

Desirée POV

Abby, Blossom, Rosalyn, and Mya had come by to visit. They had dropped by to help with the packing and to give the kids some time to spend together. The main problem for them was figuring out how to get the Autobots from Texas to DC. The idea of them driving all that way seemed a bit illogical, since we weren't staying in DC too long.

Drift wasn't much of a problem. Since he could transform into more than one vehicle, he could easily drop by DC in no time.

"How's everything been with you?" Blossom asked.

"Yeah! We haven't talked in a long time." Abby playfully nudged my shoulder.

Giving them a small smile, I chuckled. It had been a while since we were together and talking. It was quite some time since the children had gotten together and had just a good old time!

"Everything's fine," I said. "Just excited for the little trip."

"Is your shoulder OK?" Rosalyn asked.

During the past few months, when Ratchet wasn't helping Cade with his inventions, he was helping my shoulder heal properly. The bullet wounds ended up healing just fine, since Ratchet was able to find the right medications and bandages to use on the open wounds. Because of the medic Autobot's use of medicines, my shoulder ended up healing just fine. The skin healed up fine, the skin was a bit puckered from scarring, a bright pink in coloration as an after-affect. Scars aside, the only indication that I had been shot in the shoulder, was an occasional sharp pain that would shoot through my shoulder and arm.

"Better." I nodded slowly, trying to find the right words to explain. "Ratchet's done a good job at healing it."

A light pink glow lit up the Hispanic woman's cheeks. "That's good," she said, smiling shyly.

I refrained from smirking. Just mentioning Ratchet's name sent Rosalyn into a blushing fury.

"Are things with you and Ratchet good?" I asked innocently. I hoped that Rosalyn wouldn't catch on to my suspicions. It was painfully obvious she had deep feelings for him. A blind person would be able to see the attraction she had for the Autobot.

"Fine," she answered sheepishly. "He's been spending some time with the kids and I."

I nodded slowly. "That's good," I responded. "Do the kids like him? I would hope that they would like him."

"The kids adore him," Rosalyn exclaimed. "He really cares about them."

A smile spread across my face. I wouldn't have guessed Ratchet would have been good with human children. He did such a good job at being the gruff medic that it was hard imagining him as the kind of Autobot who would have patience to deal with someone's children! I wanted to see that side of Ratchet, that softer side, but I knew that would be impossible to see.

"Are you two an item?" Blossom asked mischievously.

Rosalyn's cheeks lit up. The woman's eyes immediately went downward in embarrassment.

"No," she said softly. "He hasn't shown any kind of interest in me."

"I bet he likes you, he's just really bad at showing it," Abby exclaimed.

"He's always been a gruffy old Autobot," I said with a scoff. "Don't get your hopes low; Ratchet's a nice guy once you get to know him."

Rosalyn's eyes looked at me skeptically.

"Don't give me that look," I said, smirking. "Just give it some time or give him the signs! He can be kind of oblivious when it comes to actual emotions."

"Let's leave her alone," Blossom said, chuckling lightly. "She's getting embarrassed."

"Mya, how's it going with you and Ironhide?" Abby exclaimed.

Mya's green eyes widened in shock. "Uhm, f-fine," she stammered. "Things have been good between Ironhide and I, so..."

"Hey!" I laughed. "Let's leave each other alone about our possible love life."

Rosalyn's and Mya's cheeks lit up bright red.

The continuation of the packing moment went on, all of us playfully teasing each other.

QUICKY A/N:

HERE'S THE UPDATE AND I'M SO, SO, SO SORRY THAT IT TOOK THIS LONG TO GET THIS CH. UP. BUT, IT'S HERE AND I'M HOPING YOU LIKE IT!

THE REUNION CH.'S WILL SOON BE COMING TO AN END AND THEN THE ELITA-1 ARC SHALL BEGIN!

I ALSO DO NOT OWN THE TRANSFORMERS MOVIES AND WHATNOT, NOR DO I OWN THE FOUR OC'S. THEIR OWNERS OWN THE OC'S...YOU GUYS KNOW THIS ALREADY, BUT I STILL TELL THE DISCLAIMERS.

STAY SNAPPY.

THANK YOU, ONE AND ALL.

READ, REVIEW, ENJOY!

YOURS TRULY,

~SMITHY