(Please see previous disclaimers)
Aquaformer was still stuck in the med bay, though she was back online. She kept quiet and didn't say much, which to Ratchet spoke volumes. Not because he knew Aquaformer was a talker, because she wasn't, but Ratchet knew this silence meant something more. He just couldn't figure out what it meant, and for once, Aquaformer was grateful. She just wanted some time alone with her thoughts and just be left alone, and for now, that was exactly what she got.
Meanwhile, Ratchet went to speak with Optimus. "She survived, Prime" Ratchet stated, unaware that Optimus had been lost in his own thoughts and was a bit startled by Ratchet's sudden appearance.
After a bit, Optimus responded. "She did?" Optimus asked, wanting to make sure he heard correctly.
"Yes, she did" ratchet responded. Being a medic, Ratchet could tell the inner protocols were acting up in the Prime, but Ratchet dared not say anything just in case. "I think you should stop by and see her, to see if she is once again ready for duty."
Optimus sighed at that. He hadn't wanted to go see her again for fear she wouldn't make it. Now that she had survived, it was his duty to clear her for missions, once Ratchet said it was ok. HE wasn't looking forward to this, but a duty was a duty. "Fine" Optimus responded and followed Ratchet back into what passed for a med bay.
Aquaformer had moved herself to a far back corner of the room, which surprised both Ratchet and Optimus, as first of all, they didn't realize she was already up and walking and second of all, they hadn't expected her to move to that area of the med bay. She appeared like she was trying to hide, though it wasn't working.
"Aquaformer? What are you doing over there? I didn't say you could get up yet" Ratchet called, drawing the femme's attention, much to Optimus' chagrin.
Aquaformer turned and was going to spout off back to the medic but saw Optimus right behind and quickly thought better of it. "I can be up if I choose to be up" She responded, a little defiance in her voice, but not as much as had it just been Ratchet. Aquaformer could feel her spark react to Optimus but fearing she wasn't good enough, she turned away again.
Optimus was a bit stunned at the subdued reaction and how easily Aquaformer seemed to turn away from them again. This didn't seem to make any sense until he felt his own spark react, and he realized that she was indeed causing his spark to react. He wanted to walk away, just like she was trying to, but good old Ratchet was preventing that for both of them, for the sake of all the Autobots. Since the medic wanted these two to finally just get things over with, he blocked the exit, not allowing either Optimus or Aquaformer out until the medic decided to.
Optimus sighed. He didn't like this one bit, and he could tell Aquaformer didn't like it either, but Ratchet seemed to think that they needed this. And so, seeing little other choice or option, Optimus approached the femme. "You must be feeling better" Optimus stated, a standard statement if there ever was one.
"I am" Aquaformer replied flatly, trying to hide her own emotions about all of this, as she wasn't sure where this was headed.
"Seems we are trapped here, thanks to the medic" Optimus stated, obviously feeling a bit forced into this.
"It would seem that way" Aquaformer replied, still having her back to the Prime. She could feel her inner protocols kicking into high gear, but she still feared rejection.
As Optimus moved closer to the femme, he could not only feel his own inner protocols reacting, but thanks to the Matrix, he could also feel hers reacting to him as well. He also sensed and felt her fear of rejection. "It has been a long time since I have been with anyone, Aquaformer" Optimus stated. Aquaformer merely nodded. "I would be willing to try if you are" Optimus offered. Aquaformer wasn't sure what to say or do. She wanted this but she wasn't sure. She wanted to trust him, she wanted to follow her spark, but her fear still stood there. The question for her now was would she face her fears and accept the Prime's offer or reject him as she feared he would do to her. Optimus hoped she wouldn't reject him.