Jasmine's P.O.V.
I didn't think Ratchet would want to look for toys for Audrey. Most toys are for both her birth age and adjusted age. There are a few toys for four-month-olds that we're going to get, aware they might be too challenging for her. We'll be prepared for when she's ready for those toys.
Ratchet wants to come to the mall with me. How quickly the femmes decide it's a date rather than Ratchet joining us.
"We'll babysit," Elita-1 smiles as she takes Audrey out of her crib.
I suspect the terror twins will be here. Just hope there isn't an argument.
Ratchet isn't liking I want to go to McDonald's. I like going when I'm out. It's not like I go every day, though there's a McDonald's close to the base. Ratchet quickly realizes I'm choosing to go into crowds. The mall is more crowded than the restaurant we went to.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize it's been almost three months since we went on a date," he apologizes.
"It's ok, I've been distracted with how it's the holidays to think we haven't gone out."
"It's still not right. I didn't even think about movie nights in the lounge room while the terror twins watch Audrey. I'm sorry, I'm doing it again —."
"It's ok, you're dedicated to your job, and that's important as a doctor. Hopefully, I'll be working full-time with you soon. We'll have to work on planning weekends for Audrey."
I hug him before we get in line.
Ratchet wants to talk about a date next Saturday as we eat. He will not agree that I screwed up by not bringing up going on dates.
I suspect Compass is in his mind. I don't think it's wise to ask him what happened to her.
After lunch, and talking about next Saturday, we go shopping for presents for Audrey. Though I'm hoping to find something for my aunt for helping us. I call my uncle for suggestions. I watch Ratchet think he's sneaking away while I'm on the phone. I know he'll make an excuse, and I'll go along with it.
The shopping trip is a success.
When we return to the base, Ratchet goes up the stairs, not noticing I'm not following him. Something is troubling him. It's my chance to talk to Optimus.
"She was ambushed. We didn't get there in time to help," Optimus explains, "she was severely injured and only had enough strength to say goodbye to Ratchet. You don't get used to saying goodbye to soldiers who die in battle, but I knew Compass' death hit Ratchet differently."
"I worry being with me during this time, even if it's Earth holidays, is hurting him."
"Possible, even if he's watched Lennox with his family during this time of year. You both are dealing with someone important missing during this time even if it's Earth holidays."
I can't claim Ratchet didn't move on. I suspect he's thinking what if Compass came to Earth with him and wasn't killed by Cemetery Wind or the TRF? For him to not think this way just by seeing Lennox with his family is impressive.
Ratchet's P.O.V.
Even without the sparkache I'd feel if I didn't choose to move on, I can't stop thinking what if Compass was alive and we were experiencing Earth holidays together?
"Why now?"
"Ratchet?" I'm not sure what to think about Compass' spirit returning, "Ratchet, I know it's hard not to think 'what if we were together to experience Earth's holidays?' I also know you continue to have a hard time moving on."
"I should have been able to help you. I—."
"You know the unfortunate reality of war. I wanted to fight to stop Megatron," even as a spirit, she takes my hands, "you need to focus on your new family. I know you worry about Jasmine being a soldier, but I don't want you to prevent her from being a soldier just because of what happened to me. I will watch you and your family. I know you love them."
She kisses me before vanishing. I may have seen her for the last time.
"Ratchet?" Jasmine asks, "are you ok?"
I pull her onto my lap and hug her.
"I'm fine."
Audrey is asleep when we walk into the twins' room. No surprise, Sideswipe is playing video games. Sunstreaker isn't in the room.
"How's he a soldier?" Jasmine jokes.
"Hey, you haven't seen me in battle!" Sideswipe argues while pausing the game, "and she's been asleep for an hour."
With Audrey asleep, Jasmine and I go back to our room. It's been a nice long overdue day together.
The week flew by. Jasmine is still only working in the mornings. Some mornings it's after working out with Sunstreaker. She takes care of Audrey in the afternoon.
Jasmine didn't think I was planning an entire day out starting at nine in the morning. The terror twins are aware, and ready to take Audrey. Of course, I got a lecture from Sunstreaker about neglecting Jasmine.
I can't tell him Compass also lectured me, though in a nicer way.
We're not done shopping for Audrey. There's another store we want to check out. That'll take a couple of hours counting travel time.
We'll be done before dinner, but I know of a nice place to take Jasmine for lunch. First, we go get breakfast at Dunkin Donuts.
We bought more than toys at the store. The challenge was thinking about what we could buy now or that we need to wait to buy. Audrey could have a big growth spurt and no longer be tiny, or we're set for a while in terms of clothes and toys.
"She's spoiled," Jasmine laughs.
"I hope to spoil both my femmes."
I kiss her before we get into the car I'm borrowing. The soldier I'm borrowing from jokes I should buy the car from her.
I take Jasmine to the restaurant I took her on our last date. She tells me she likes this place. It's not as crowded as last time. Not that I was concerned about that. Jasmine has recovered aside from wondering if Jadin and Yazmine will return, which will not go away until both are dealt with. The last worry is if we can adopt Audrey. I'm worried about Jasmine's anxiety as that day approaches.
We see the terror twins and Roy on the stairs, playing with Audrey. I'm pleased seeing Jasmine not panic thinking Roy is looking to kidnap Audrey. Instead, she sits next to him. He passed the baby to her.
"Awe, look at that smile," Roy smiles.
"Still no laugh," Sunstreaker says.
"Even after giving you stink bombs to change?" Jasmine jokes.
We all laugh. Jasmine isn't a soldier yet, but everything is as it should be. I just hope this continues with us adopting Audrey.