(Please see all previous disclaimers)
While bee and his mate continued watching Peacekeeper and Flasher while the other minibots watched the other sparklings, Mirage soon woke after the session he and Optimus had had, and found himself wrapped in the loving arms of his mate. Optimus seemed really tired and his spark seemed to be filled with worry, at least as far as Mirage could tell. Mirage tried snuggling close to his mate, but Optimus didn't rouse. Mirage was worried, but he wanted to see if Optimus was in trouble or just deep in recharge.
Mirage tried a few different techniques to try and rouse Optimus, but all of them failed and the large bot didn't wake at all. Mirage tried scanning his mate. While not trained like Ratchet, Mirage could at least see if there was anything of concern. Thankfully there wasn't, as far as Mirage knew. Mirage wasn't sure what to think, as he didn't realize that his mate was once again inside the Matrix of leadership. Hoping it was the right thing to do, Mirage snuggled next to his mate, awaiting for Optimus to come back around.
It was several more hours before Optimus finally came out of the Matrix induced deep slumber that he had slipped into. Mirage was right next to the Prime attempting to rest, but Optimus could tell something was greatly bothering Mirage. "Love?" Optimus asked suddenly, startling Mirage, who had been dozing.
"Yes, beloved?" Mirage answered, worry obvious in his voice. Not being able to have roused his mate earlier was still bothering the illusionist. Mirage had forgotten that Optimus could do such a thing.
"What worries you so, my sweet?" Optimus asked, wanting to know. Mirage told of what had happened when Mirage tried to wake Optimus several hours ago and how it made the illusionist feel. Optimus felt bad when he heard what Mirage told the Prime. "Love, I had gone into the Matrix for wisdom about rebuilding our world. I am sorry I worried you, my love. I just wanted to make sure I make good decisions regarding the rebuilding of Cybertron."
Mirage listened as Optimus spoke and now realized what had gone on and most likely why Optimus was worried. "I forgive you, my love. I know you only want what's best for everyone." Mirage then snuggled close. Optimus embraced his mate closely, happy to have not lost his mate to yet a different virus. Both seemed to realize that they had time before they needed to round up the little ones. For now, they would enjoy this precious and rare time with just each other.