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Tessa and I spent a majority of the rest of the day together. I told Tessa what was bothering me, and she listened silently. I didn't want to overwhelm her, and it felt like I was.

When I finished, Tessa just stood there; her eyes were looking down. I felt my heart drop, guilt clawing away inside me. I didn't really like telling people about what worried me too much; occasionally I'd tell Optimus, but with everything that's happened, shoving more problems on him would be unnecessary and selfish.

"That's a lot to worry about," she said softly. Her eyes looked at me almost sadly. "I don't know what to tell you. I never would've thought you'd have all that built up!"

I shrugged, not really sure how to react. "I feel bad for putting all of this on you," I said uncertainly.

Tessa shook her head, biting her bottom lip. "You're not putting anything on me," she responded. "If you felt like this, why didn't you tell anyone?"

"I didn't want to start anymore problems." I rubbed over my face, wishing all the pointless drama and unnecessary stress would just vanish. "There's already too much to worry about and adding one more would be crossing a line."

"If this Elita lady is making you uncomfortable, then you should tell Optimus," Tessa exclaimed. "You shouldn't feel as if you're adding more stress or drama or whatever on anyone! If she tries anything on Saoirse or Eden, everyone should know ahead of time."

I looked at Tessa. She looked back with a fierce expression.

After I finished talking to Tessa, I just thought over what she had told me.

If I were to tell someone about how I feel about Elita, would they think I'm being overdramatic? They'd understand what I'm trying to say, wouldn't they? What Tessa said was right though - if Elita's making me uncomfortable, or I feel as though she's threatening Saoirse and Eden, I'd want everyone to know ahead of time what's going on before something actually happens.

I gently rubbed my stomach, chewing on the insides of my cheeks nervously. I wanted to get out of bed and go to Optimus, telling him how I felt. I wanted to like Elita - I wanted to have some sort of friendship with her, to show that I accepted the one person - Cybertronian - in Optimus's past who shared the kind of love I felt for him.

Would Optimus be upset if I told him? She made me uncomfortable, she made me feel very unsafe. Optimus wouldn't be upset...would he?

Optimus POV

The Prime awoke from his slumber. Desirée's emotions were filling him to the brim and it was getting difficult trying to stay in recharge. He hadn't used the Holoform in a long time, but he wasn't sure whether it would be appropriate.

But that didn't mean he was unwilling to try.

Optimus entered the Yeager home, looking at everyone tiredly. They all greeted him; Saoirse and Eden hugging him excitedly. He embraced his daughters tightly, kissing them on the tops of their heads.

"How's Desirée doing?" Optimus asked Cade, looking at him exhaustedly.

Cade gave a partial shrug. "Tessa said something's bothering her," he answered. "You'll probably have to ask her what's wrong."

Giving a single nod, Optimus embraced his daughters one last time before he went to find Cade's daughter.

"She feels really uncomfortable around Elita," Tessa explained. "Desirée said that Elita said something that made her feel almost threatened; especially when she started talking about Saoirse and Eden."

Optimus's eyes narrowed a bit. "Elita spoke about them?"

Tessa nodded. "She didn't go into great detail, but she said she thought Elita was threatening them."

Optimus's lips pursed. His Spark rattled angrily at the thought of Elita possibly threatening his Sparklings. It didn't matter what their history was, if she was truly threatening the lives of his family, then he'd have to have a serious talk with her.

Optimus gave Tessa his thanks, and went to go to Desirée's room. His Spark rattled with anger and frustration. While he was grateful for the information Tessa had provided him, but he wanted to hear it from Desirée. If she truly felt threatened by Elita, then he needed to have it settled. And soon.

When he entered Desirée's room, she was asleep. Not even the door opening awoke her from her slumber. Optimus's gaze softened when he saw the sleeping form of his Sparkmate - his wife.

He quietly walked over and sat on the foot of her bed, not wanting to wake her up. For once, she didn't look so exhausted, so worn out. The time Optimus had spent with her, he noticed she looked...washed out, was it called? Her skin was paler than usual; her eyes were surrounded with dark circles; her eyes were bloodshot. If Ratchet wasn't helping her medically, Optimus feared something terrible was happening.

Optimus would have to thank Ratchet for being such a great help for the Sparklings! If it weren't for the medical Autobot, then who knows what would have happened to Optimus's children.

Sighing, Optimus gently put a hand on Desirée's stomach. It felt firm, almost hard in a way. Desirée shifted under his touch, her face scrunching before she relaxed.

He didn't want to wake her up yet. She desperately needed her sleep.

Removing his hand from her stomach, Optimus stood up from his Sparkmate's bed. Before he had a chance to leave, he heard a sound come from Desiree. Turning, he saw her eyes flutter open, looking at Optimus.

"Optimus?" she mumbled tiredly.

"Yes," he responded quietly, going back to sit on her bed. She smiled at him, her arm lazily stroking the Holoform's stubbled cheek.

"What're you doing here?" she asked tiredly, yawning.

"I just want to talk to you," Optimus said, giving her a soft smile.

QUICKY A/N:

SORRY THIS UPDATE WAS SO LATE...AND SLOPPY! JUST LET ME KNOW HOW TO FIX IT AND I'LL DO IT.

I DON'T OWN THE TRANSFORMERS FRANCHISE NOR DO I OWN THE FOUR OC'S.

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY, FRIENDS!

STAY SNAPPY.

THANK YOU, ONE AND ALL.

READ, REVIEW, ENJOY!

YOURS TRULY,

~SMITHY