Ten Months Later…
Saphira sat on the edge of the dock of her dam wearing a black one-piece bathing suit with a smile as she covered her face after Bumblebee's holoform had run by her and canonballs into the water. She giggled loudly as she wiped the water from her face, looking at the water as she watched Barricade's holoform playfully splash Bumblebee, making the bot cover his head and splash back at him. She and the autobots had been spending time at the dam this morning as the weather was warm, and so they knew it was a good idea for Saphira to cool off. And she had only gotten out of the dam five minutes ago, but the autobots had be insisting on splashing her with the water from the dam.
Saphira shook her head at them while she heard the footsteps of another autobot walking along the dock. "They really need to be more dignified, and allow you to dry of, young Saphira." She looked and smiled at him. The autobot looked at her and held a towel out to her. "I believe Ratchet has prepared something for you for lunch. Frozen yogurt and fruit salad. It is nearing noon soon, I believe. And the sun is strong at this time of day."
Saphira stood up from the dock, taking the towel from him. "Thank you, Drift. It is very nice to have another calm autobot around her." She grinned at the holoform. The holoform appeared to be of Asian appearance with tidy, black hair and a lean body. Drift happened to be a recent arrival to this planet, along with two others, and Saphira took to them very quickly. "Frozen yogurt sounds nice." She walked along the dock and looked back to shout at the other two autobots. "I'm heading up to the house for some lunch. You boys can keep splashing around if you want."
Bumblebee just chuckled before his holoform disappeared and she heard the rev of the camaro up on the bank. He opened his door for Saphira and she chuckled and ran over to him. "Your chariot awaits, madam."
She chuckled at Bumblebee's choice of words through the radio. Though she appreciated the short ride up to the house. Saphira kept the towel around her as she was still a let drenched from the water splashing, but it was okay. Saphira looked out the window with a smile as she waited for Bee to drive back to the house. She came back to Texas ten months ago, and she and the autobots had decided to not leave. She didn't want to do anything crazy, and took the time to fully recover.
And Saphira has mostly recovered now. The injuries on her face, shoulders and back were healed. There was a bit of scarring leftover, but nothing that was terribly noticeable. Her reproductive system needed a lot more healing. Saphira actually hated it a lot. Especially when she was on her period during the earlier months. The cramps were worse during those months, and she honestly stayed in bed for the whole week because of it. Optimus did not complain once during those times, and stayed by her side.
As she had promised, she and Optimus had built a small garden as a reminder for their lost sparkling. The garden was horseshoe shaped, with small trees that would blossom with white flowers, and bees made a regular stop to gather the nectar and pollen. They planted many different white flowers in the bed. White roses, dahlias, cosmos, sweet peas and chamomile flowers decorated the bed with a stone bird bath in the center of the shoe. Saphira had found it at a local nursery, and bought it. The column of the bath had been shaped into two angels holding up the plate. It felt right. She also placed solar powered lights in the garden, and it always looked magical each night.
She smiled as she spotted the black and blue Bugatti transforming by the house. Drift was smiling as Bumblebee drove closer to the house. Aside from Drift, two other autobots arrived on Earth two months after they returned to Texas. Luckily, the government allowed them asylum as long as they stayed with Optimus. They were all too happy to stay with Optimus and the other autobots, as they had been travelling to Earth for a while before they landed.
"I see the young lady is ready for the midday meal." Saphira turned her head, spotting a green autobot sitting on a pile of her. He was grinning as Bee came to a stop and let Saphira step out. "Hound and Ironhide are both having a wrestling match out in the south paddock. Maybe you should bring your lunch so we can have a bet on who would win."
Saphira snorted in amusement. "I think Ironhide would outshine Hound, Crosshairs. Nice that you have confidence in your friend." She walked towards the house, turning her head as she noticed Bee's holoform following her. "I dare hope you aren't thinking of dunking me in the pond when we go back this afternoon."
Bumblebee grinned at her and shrugged. "Mmm…that would be an idea…but no, no. I think it would be best not to do that. I think Ratchet was still very clear. No rough housing with you just yet. He said your body is not quite ready for that. So if you want to jump, you'll have to face Ratchet."
She giggled as she was fully aware. Ratchet had done a wonderful job of keeping track of her recovery, and he was really serious about his job too. He made sure every autobot know not to be rough with Saphira. And Optimus was made aware too, but they both weren't in a hurry to even be intimate. They spent more time doing small things. When it was winter several months ago, Saphira and Optimus managed to build a snow transformer. It was not the best looking autobot, but Saphira had decided to try and do that. And it was a reasonable effort on their part. But while snow was on the ground, Optimus found a hill where there were so many icicles, that he brought Saphira to see them. But he had also brought fairy lights, and connected them to him to light up the trees. Making them extra beautiful, using the moment to embrace on another.
And when Christmas came around, she was able to spend it with all of them for the first time. And Saphira did not ask for much. But the autobots actually put on a feast for her. And Optimus made it a point to get her under a mistletoe to kiss her. She thought that was extremely romantic, even if she didn't need a cliché reason to kiss him. She just loved him for who he is. Especially since Optimus was almost always there when she wakes every morning with breakfast.
But recently, Optimus took the wreckers, Dino and Sideswipe with him about three weeks ago. He stated that there was something that they had to do. Saphira did question what it was, but Optimus did not tell her. He simply told her that they would be back, and she would know exactly what they had done. She did worry that Optimus had been contacted by the government, but if that were true, all of the autobots would have gone with him. Not just a few. She had absolutely no idea where he has gone, but he did call every day just to make sure she could hear his voice. But it still was not the same.
Saphira walked into the house towards the dining room. She smiled as she saw the middle-aged man at the table setting up a plate for Saphira. He looked up and smiled at Saphira. "I see you have come back from you swim. I dare hope there was no jumping involved on your part."
She shook her head. "No. I don't need to have another few months added onto my recovery, Ratchet. I am not that stupid." She chuckled softly as she took a seat the table. "But of course, Bumblebee and Barricade were very insistent in cannonballing into the dam. So they made sure that I was drenched." She looked at the fruit salad in front of her. She could see strawberries, currents, gold kiwi, watermelon, pineapple and pear mixed together with honey. "That looks good."
Ratchet grabbed a container of frozen yogurt from the freezer and walked over to her. "I figured you would enjoy a little bit of cooling down with some fresh fruit. Especially since this is turning out to be very warm this time of year." She nodded in agreement as she spooned out the amount of yogurt she wanted before she began to eat it with fruit salad. "Plus, all these seemed to have been really good. You have certainly enjoyed them."
Saphira nodded in agreement. She did love her fruit. She ate the fruit and yogurt happily, looking up at the window before she looked at Ratchet. "Has Optimus reached out to you by any chance?" Ratchet pressed his lips together and he shrugged. "Come on, Ratchet. My birthday is in three days. I had hoped Optimus would be here now. I turn twenty, and…I would like him to be here."
"I know. But Optimus is still doing what he needs to." She rolled her eyes as she focused on the food in front of her. "It will be all right. He will be here before you turn twenty." Ratchet rubbed her back gently, even though she was frowning deeply. "He hasn't forgotten your birthday yet, Saphira."
"Oh, you are saying he might down the track?" Saphira asked the medic with a smirk, and he shrugged a little. "Well…I suppose when he does reach an age considered to be old, maybe that will be expected. But Optimus is still very healthy, Ratchet."
"I am fully aware." Ratchet chuckled as he walked away to the kitchen. "And don't forget to take your supplements. They are helping your body heal a lot faster, Saphira." He grabbed out the containers with the tablets in them and walked back over to grab out the right number of tablets for her. "I noticed you skipped them a couple times this week."
She smiled as she had not been aware that Ratchet had been watching her. "Sorry. I guess I have been distracted with Optimus not being here, that I haven't paid attention to the small things." He placed a glass of water down and she sighed as she decided to take the tablets now. And Ratchet watched her like a hawk until she swallowed them. "You don't need to be too upset, Ratchet. You said I should be fully healed by next month. So I doubt a few missing tablets will do anything negative."
Ratchet shook his head at her. "You might think that, but I know you are looking forward to being fully healed, Saphira. That way we can truly relax." She nodded as she returned to eating her food. "And I understand about Optimus. But I do believe you will be fine. He will be back before you know it."
Saphira hoped he was right. She was genuinely worried that Optimus would miss out on another birthday. She has hated it when they missed her previous birthdays, and she did not want it to be a usual thing. And she would likely stop expecting him to be there if this were to continue on into the future. But she did know that the other autobots seemed to know something that she did not, so she trusted Ratchet's word.
Wheelie and Brains were in the living room watching some Star Wars currently. Saphira didn't quite understand their interest in the science fiction movies and shows, considering they themselves were alien. But it seemed that they just really enjoyed the movies and shows like anyone else. She did also see they happened to be a fan of Marvel too, which was interesting to her again. Brains and Wheelie often seemed more like kids to Saphira at times.
After Saphira finished her fruit salad and yogurt, she took her plate over to the sink to rinse it off. As she did so, Saphira paused as she realized she could hear multiple engines approaching. It took a moment before she recognized them. She gasped as she placed the plate down in the sink quickly and ran out of the door to the porch. She leaned a little to look down the road and she smiled when she saw him. She saw Optimus, Sideswipe, Dino, Leadfoot, Topspin and Roaster buster driving towards the house.
Ratchet must have known he was coming!
"Optimus!" Saphira ran towards the peterbilt without any hesitation. She felt happy tears in her eyes as she watched him transform before he even got close to the house. The autobots behind him drove around him and came to a stop. She giggled as she watched Optimus remain on one knee and lower his hands to her. "You're back! You're back!" She practically ran onto his right hand, surprising Optimus before he lifts her up and she threw her arms around his neck. "I thought you weren't even coming."
Optimus smiled at her and felt her kissing his metal lips. "I apologize for causing you some anguish. But I promise that it has all been worth it." She hoped so as she kissed him again, and he hummed in amusement as he gently rubbed her back with his metal fingers. "And now that I am back, I have something to tell you." She immediately became worried, and he smirked in amusement at her. "It is not bad news. Go and back a bag with enough for at least a week."
She blinked and shook her head in surprise. "Pack a bag?" She glanced around as she noticed the other autobots standing around with grins on their faces. They all knew something was up. "Why would I need to pack a bag? Are we going somewhere?"
"Yes, we are. But the destination of where I will take you is a surprise." She raised a curious eyebrow at him as she was very curious now. "You had best pack it now, and get changed into something more comfortable for the road, Saphira." He stood up and walked towards the house. "We need to start travelling as soon as possible."
Optimus's lowered Saphira to the ground, and she placed a hand on her hip. "And what hints do I get? I need to know what I should pack, that way I'm not packing for every single season."
Optimus chuckled softly as he knew she was trying to dig for information as well. "Pack a swimsuit and a towel at least, and you should also pack jeans, some shirts and maybe, light jacket in case it does get cool. And make sure to bring some enclosed shoes. That is all the information you will need."
Saphira was still trying to figure out what exactly Optimus had planned. It certainly seemed to be specific, but he definitely was not going to tell her. So she just nodded. "Okay. And are we going camping?" Optimus did not respond, nor did anyone else. "I'll take that as a no. Alright, I'll go and pack." She turned on her heels and ran into the house. She looked at Brains and Wheelie who were still watching TV. "You guys might want to stop. Apparently, Optimus has some road trip planned."
Brains and Wheelie were quick to stop the movie and jump off the couch to head outside. They also seemed to know what was happening. Saphira was curious, but she ran up the stairs to her room to grab a duffle bag. She did not know what else she should bring aside from the clothing items Optimus had listed. She grabbed two swimsuits, as she wanted to show off some skin to Optimus to tease him. She had been doing that a lot, and he's been amused by her teasing.
She threw the swimsuits into the bag and grabbed a towel. She assumed there would be a towel where they were going, so she only packed one. She did consider what pyjamas to take, so she just took a spring set of pyjamas and a long sleeve shirt in case the nights were cold, and threw them into the bag. She grabbed three pairs of jeans, and a several shirts before folding them and placing them in the bag. Finally, she grabbed a light jacket and she also threw in some bug spray and sunscreen, just in case.
With the bag packed, Saphira got out of the swimsuit and changed into jeans and a pink singlet, deciding that's all she would need. She grabbed a few pair of socks before she forgot, and put them in the bag before she put her shoes on. She knew she wouldn't need to pack the shoes as she will be wearing them. She fixed up her hair a bit too, and packed only the basic toiletry necessities, like toothpaste, a toothbrush, dry shampoo and a small travel shampoo.
The very last things that Saphira did grab were two items. A seemingly, plain, golden bracelet with a woven design that was designed to sit high on her arm above her elbow. And a gold necklace with a teardrop, emerald pendant. Both of these were gifted to her by Ironhide several months ago. The bracelet wasn't a weapon of any sort, but rather a distress signal. There were small, golden plates that Ironhide has shown to her, that when pressed the bracelet would send out a single signal to alert the autobots of her location. She would need to press it multiple times to send multiple pulses. The signal would not be detectable to human technology, but it would be detectable to the decepticons. So the singular pulse was all that was needed, unless Saphira was desperate. The necklace though was indeed a weapon. It could transform into multiple weapons. It could turn into a gun, a longbow and a sword, all of which Saphira has practiced with. She has made sure to take great care in keep these so she would not lose them.
Satisfied, Saphira picked up the bag and made her way downstairs. She thought about packing food, but she didn't know if that was already planned for. She did make sure to bring her purse, as Saphira was fine with paying to eat at a restaurant or get takeout, so food certainly should not be a problem. Plus, Ratchet has been insisting that she takes supplements, even though she did feel he was overdoing it as she was healing fine with a good, healthy diet.
She walked out the door, and frowned as she saw all the autobots lined up ready to leave. She saw Brains and Wheelie hanging out of the GMC window, they were waving her to come over. Only Optimus was not in his vehicle mode. He was crouched by the patio waiting for her patiently. Now she knew that Optimus and the autobots had all planned something, and she was very curious to know what it was.
"Are you ready to go?" Optimus asked her with a smile. "Did you make sure you went to the bathroom. I am happy to pull over, but you should probably go before we leave."
Saphira gasped as she realized. "No, I haven't actually." She walked over to Optimus holding out the bag to him. "You can hold this while I make a quick toilet trip." Optimus took the bag gently before he transformed, opening the door for her so she could climb right in when she was ready. "Wow, you are really ready to roll."
Saphira was definitely very curious. This was obviously a birthday surprise, and Saphira was excited to know what they had planned. She ran into the house to make quick use of the bathroom. She definitely did not want to be the one to say she was fine, and then say she needed the bathroom as soon as they leave. Especially since that she was now thinking that the reason why Optimus has been absent was that he had been setting something up.
It has been so long since Optimus decided to take me somewhere special. This so exciting!
Once she was done with the bathroom, Saphira made sure to lock the house before she ran over to the peterbilt and climb into the cab. Once she was seated, Optimus closed the door as she put the seatbelt on and the autobots began to drive forward. Saphira was grinning excitedly as she looked ahead, not knowing where they were going. She did not even know how long it would take to get there too.
"So how far are we going?" Saphira asked as she looked at the dash in front of her. "Is it a few hours? Maybe a day of driving? I am very curious about where we are going."
Optimus chuckled lightly, and she looked at the driver seat as Optimus's holoform formed on the seat. He looked at her with a grin on his face. "The driver will be at least a fifteen hour drive from here. We don't plan on stopping anywhere for the night. But if you need something to eat or need the bathroom, we are more than willing to pull over and allow you to do what you need to do, Saphira."
Fifteen hours?! I wonder where we are going. Seems like we're going to the other side of the country.
"A day and a half, huh? I guess we could call this a birthday road trip." He nodded in agreement and Saphira leaned the backrest further back so she was more comfortable. "I do not know what you have planned, Optimus, but I am very excited. And to travel with you is fine with me. I am home whereas we go together."
Optimus's holoform crawled over the gearshift and leaned down to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders as they kissed passionately. Saphira smiled as heard the sound of his exhaust releasing steam and she pulled away. "We can't get too carried away. Ratchet will have your head, Optimus."
"I am fully aware." He kissed her again as she giggled in amusement. "I am just so glad that you are home with me, no matter where we are. And I feel the same way about you." He kissed her again, and Saphira rubbed his cheek as they kiss. "I am making sure that your twentieth birthday is as special as every birthday moving forward. And I look forward to showing you the much-needed joy and love for your birthdays."
"I am going to hold you to it." Saphira and Optimus chuckle before they kiss each other again.
Saphira did try to think of places where the autobots might be taking her on this road trip. There were many places on the west coast of America that they could all go to and not be seen by regular people. But it was hard for her to picture which place Optimus would pick for her to celebrate her birthday at. There was just so many to consider.
As they had left her farmhouse in the middle of the day, Optimus knew that they would reach their destination it would be roughly morning. He was really looking forward to seeing Saphira's reaction when they arrive at their destination. It was a place they had been before, and he intended on taking Saphira back to it for her birthday.
The road trip itself had gone very smoothly. Saphira and Optimus spent the afternoon of the road trip talking about things. Saphira and Optimus were mostly reminiscing about the first road trip Optimus had taken her on. The decision to take Saphira on the road trip was definitely a desire that he had at the time. He had wanted to get to know her better, and it was the only way he knew how at the time. Obviously, he did that due to the fact he and Saphira had died for each at that time.
Saphira did not make the autobots pull over very much as they drove along the road through the different towns and states. Saphira still had yet to work out where they were going. But after they had stopped for her to grab some fast food, she ended up falling asleep after she had filled her belly with hot food. Optimus made sure she was tucked in on the backseat of the truck so that she was warm and comfortable, and that she was secured in case he would have to break suddenly.
The autobots drove through the night to reach their destination while she slept. Saphira would sleep deeply as being within Optimus's cab was like having him holding her in her mind. His warmth, scent and spark pulse that she could still hear with her ear on the seat was enough to keep her in a deep, restful sleep. She was very happy to just he here with him. She wouldn't exactly care about where they would be when she wakes, as long as she is with Optimus.
When it was dawn, they had reached their destination. But Optimus did not park at their destination. He was close, and the other autobots drove ahead of him so that way they could finish off the surprise. Optimus was parked on the side of the road, waiting patiently for Saphira to wake up. He would not make her wake up as he knew that it would be unfair of him to do so.
When the sunlight filtered through his windows, Saphira began to stir with the light touching her eyes. She groaned as she shifted before she stretched out her limbs. She yawned and opened her eyes, smiling as she saw Optimus's holoform by her side. She could feel he was not moving at the moment, but she was not concerned. She could guess they were there.
"Morning, Optimus." She yawned and arched her back as she stretched again. "Oh, man...I must have been in a deep sleep...I feel like I am forcing myself to wake up right now."
Optimus grinned at her in amusement. "You were in a very deep sleep. I made sure that you were not disturbed while we drove through the night to reach our destination."
Saphira slowly sat up with another yawn. "I am going to guess we are here."
"Almost."
Almost?
Saphira looked at him with a raised eyebrow before she leaned to look out the window. She frowned a little when she saw Optimus was parked on the side of the road. However, she felt like she has been here before. She frowned as it looked familiar and different at the same time. She couldn't quite put her finger on it. She wanted to climb into the passenger seat for a better look around.
But Optimus stopped her as he grabbed her arm gently. She looked at him in surprise, and saw he was holding out a cloth. "We aren't quite there yet. If I let you look around, you'll know where we are." She frowned at him as he smirked at her. "Put this on."
Saphira was very intrigued as she took the cloth for him. "Hmm...and somehow, I think I might know where we are already. But I can't put my finger on it. Alright, I'll put this on." She placed the cloth around her face, making sure she covered her eyes with the fabric. Once her vision was blocked, she leaned back in her seat. "I'm ready...OOHH!"
She squealed in surprise as she felt Optimus pick her up gently, and move her onto the front seat. She giggled a little as he put the seatbelt on for her before he began to drive away. He kissed her lips gently before pulling away, making her extremely excited and curious about where they were going. She was really looking forward to it. Especially since Optimus has taken the time to even prepare this kind of surprise.
"I don't suppose I can get a hint?" Saphira asked as she sat in the seat, not knowing where they were going.
"I can only tell you that you have been here before. That is all I can say."
I've been here before? That's a very broad statement as that could mean a lot of different places.
She just had to wait and see. It did not take long for her to feel Optimus make a turn and she heard him drive along a dirt path. She tilts her head curiously as she listened to his tyres drive over sticks and stones, and she heard the rustling of leaves as he drove close by some trees. She was really, really intrigued by where he was taking her. She still could not work out where they were going, but she was thinking about places where they've been with a road like this one.
After five minutes, Optimus drove off the dirt road and continued to drive. She could tell he still was not on a tarmac road, but the ground was smoother. So she guessed her was driving over grass, maybe. Though there was only one place that she could think of. And she gasped as she began to suspect. She honestly did not know if she was right, but she felt her excitement grow when she realized the possibility.
Optimus came to stop and she was smiling. "We are here." He unclipped her seatbelt for her. "Keep that blindfold on for a little bit longer, Saphira. I'll help you down." She nodded as she understood as she heard the door open and he picked her up. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders as he carried her out of the peterbilt and walked a few steps from the truck before placing her feet on the ground gently. "Alright, you can take it off now."
Saphira wasted no time in ripping off the blindfold excitedly. She grimaced a little from the morning sun, but she gasped loudly as she saw where they were. Green, rolling hills with a pond in the middle. Evidence of excavation scarred some of the hills, showing that a mine had been here once upon a time. Saphira smiled as she knew exactly where they were. But now there was a large, stone gondola that had been built near the pond. Wrapped around the frame of the gondola appeared to be lights, but they were actually emerald fragments that were glittering naturally from the light of the sun. A table was set with a white table cloth with flowers and silver tableware prepared for use.
Beside the gondola was a large, white tent. Fairy lights adorned the top of the tent, connected to a solar powered battery, making the tent look like a mystical getaway. And there was a stone, raised garden bed that had clearly been recently built. Planted in that garden was primrose flowers that were blooming. The petals and leaves were covered in dew, just the grass around her was covered in dew. The droplets glistened in the sunlight, creating a beautiful, magical atmosphere.
Saphira stared in disbelief. "I can't believe it. You brought us back to the emerald field! And you've done so much! This is amazing! Thank you, Optimus!"
She turned and threw her arms around him, kissing him passionately as she hugged him tightly. Optimus smiled as he kissed her back, holding her against him as they kiss passionately. The other autobots were all parked by the gondola and they were all amused and very happy with Saphira's reaction to what they have done here. They were happy she was ecstatic that this was her birthday gift.
Optimus purred gently, moving his lips to kiss her cheek gently. "You are most welcome, Saphira. You deserve to have a magical birthday this week. We plan to be here for a couple days. Enjoy it to the fullest. I love you, little gem."