Two days has passed since Saphira had gotten sick, and two days since she has wanted to eat. She ended up getting a bit worse even after getting the medicine, and she struggled to get up to even use the bathroom or drink water. Optimus was extremely worried for this human's health, as she seemed to be getting sicker, not better, as the days go by. He has tried to get her to seat, but she refused, and focused on sleeping. Getting her to the bathroom proved tricky, as she had weakness in her muscles currently, and it was hard for her to move. So the autobots located a public bathroom that was not used by humans much, and Optimus himself helped Saphira. The girl had refused at first, because she didn't want him to see her naked. It was most likely the trauma of what Transit had done. But she honestly felt shy with Optimus, but he insisted, and she didn't have the mood to even want to refuse him.
The autobots had also worked out how they would heat up the soup for Saphira when she wanted to eat. Now that it has been two days, Optimus felt that the answer no was not an option. Saphira needed sustenance, and she was losing more weight again, and he didn't want her to starve to death. Plus, her body needed the food in order to get well faster, and he wanted to make sure that would happen. Saphira didn't deserve to be sick for as long as she was.
It was midday currently, and there was a snow fall currently dusting New York, and Optimus was inside the wharf park at an angle looking towards the ocean. The other autobots were by him in their full forms as they all wanted to take shelter from the weather, though Mirage and Bumblebee were currently discussing things about Christmas, while Arcee kept a close eye on them. With Optimus preoccupied with Saphira, she's had to keep a closer eye on them. They were making it easy at least, as both Bumblebee and Mirage were worried about Saphira. They wished they could do more, but Optimus wanted to make sure that he was in charge of her care.
Optimus's holoform was sitting on the central console of the truck as he stared at the girl. Saphira was sleeping on her side with her back facing him while her cheek was resting on a pillow. She had several layers of blankets on as she had complained about being cold, despite her body temperature being quite high. Optimus was very worried for this girl, as she coughed and sneezed even while she slept. He sighed, knowing he would have to wake her up. She's been asleep for ten hours, and she needed to wake up. He knew she might want to use the bathroom, and he would take her there if she wanted to, but as she wasn't eating or drinking much, she doesn't really go much.
Optimus gently moved closer to the girl and placed his hand on her shoulder. Her trauma regarding Transit has made her sensitive when it came to any of the bots touching her shoulder to get her attention, so he knew she would wake from it. "Saphira, it is time to wake up. You need food, and some more medicine." Saphira grumbled and shifted, rolling back as her body flinched. But as she rolled back, she almost fell off the seat, causing her to fall into Optimus's arms, making her open her eyes suddenly in front. "It's okay, Saphira. You are with me, you are safe."
Saphira blinked several times before her cheeks blush upon realizing she was staring right up at Optimus's face. Her head was resting on his chassis, and she could feel her heartrate increase as she felt butterflies in her stomach. But that quickly faded when she began to cough loudly again, and Optimus gently helped her back onto the chair. Saphira placed her arm on the back of the chair to brace herself as she shifted while coughing. She grabbed a tissue, as Mirage had found a bunch of tissue boxes in a crate on the side of the road, though she didn't know where, but she didn't care. She blew her nose loudly with a groan.
"Optimus…you know I just want to sleep." She looked at him as he gave her an understanding expression. "Waking me up like that isn't really nice…" She sneezed and grumbled to herself for a moment. "Why did you wake me? I don't need to use the bathroom, and I don't feel thirsty…I'm going back to sleep if you woke me up for nothing."
Optimus rubbed her back gently, like he has been doing for the past two days. "You need to eat." She immediately frowned with a groan. "And I will not take no for an answer, Saphira. I know you do not feel like eating, but you need to. You haven't had any food for two days, and I am worried that you will starve yourself, Saphira." She was still angry he was going to make her eat, but she could also hear the worry in his voice, and it made her soften her frown. "I will have Mirage make a bowl with tomato soup for you, and I'll feed you. I know you will not want to do it, so I'll make you. Even if you do not eat all of it, at least my spark will be satisfied knowing you had something."
Saphira listened to him while she rests against the chair, feeling his hand rubbing her back gently. Despite his holoform feeling completely solid like his full form, she quite liked his metal fingers running along her back. It really gave her a lot of comfort. But as she listened to him, she could hear in his voice how much he wanted her to eat so that she could get better. She didn't feel much different to when she was awake earlier, and she didn't feel like eating. But she did know she had to. He was right, she shouldn't need to starve herself because of the sickness.
She took a deep breath. "Fine…I'll try to eat." She looked at Optimus who seemed pleased by that, and she saw Mirage approaching the truck, as it seemed that Optimus had given him the greenlight to come over. "I can't promise how much I will eat, Optimus…even having water can be a bit of a struggle for me. But I will try." She didn't even know if she would feel nauseous or not, but she would find out. "Um…" She placed her hand on her forehead, feeling the temperature of her fever on the palm of her hand. "I guess I'll take more medicine." She was surprised when Optimus held out the medicine and bottle of water to her, making her smile. "Thank you."
Optimus watched Saphira take the box and grab out one of the lines of medicine tablets to get them out. He said nothing as she placed one tablet on her tongue and drank the water to swallow it down. She did the same with the other one, and Optimus was relieved. "At least this does help you to feel better for a little while, and make it easier for you to sleep." She nodded in agreement as she did feel a bit better after taking the medicine. "Mirage should be done in a moment."
Saphira felt him move his hand from her back and watched as Optimus moved to climb to the passenger side seat and open the door. She didn't know how Mirage was heating the soup, and where they would get the water, but that didn't matter. But she knew they have been using their holoforms more often lately, now that Optimus was comfortable using his around her all the time. Mirage probably used his holoform to get the soup nice and hot for her, though she was not sure. She heard Optimus say something to Mirage, but she wasn't paying attention as she had the urge to just lay down and go back to sleep.
Saphira yawned and placed the bottle down for a moment and rubbed her eyes as she felt the need to go back to sleep. Optimus looked towards her with a concerned look before he looked back out the door to reach out. Mirage heated up the soup, simply by heating up the engine just enough so when the bowl is placed by it, the soup would heat up quickly. Mirage passed a tray with the steaming bowl, and a plate with a single slice of bread so that Saphira could eat the soup with it. Optimus thanked Mirage before he carefully moved back to Saphira. He saw she was watching him curiously, and she sniffed the air as the aroma of the soup filled her nostrils.
He placed the tray down for a moment before looking at Saphira. "Allow me to ensure you don't fall while you eat." Saphira looked at him curiously before she jumped as Optimus gently lifts her by the waist, making her blush slightly before his holoform moved to sit behind her and he sat her down on his knees, making Saphira's blush deepen, and her heartrate sped up. Sitting on his knees felt…she didn't know how to describe it. Optimus reached to move the tray closer and he looked at Saphira curiously. "You won't mind if I place the tray on your knees, will you? I'll keep it balanced so it won't fall and cause a mess."
She shook her head. "Um…no…" She grimaced and she began to cough, covering her mouth with her hands. Optimus guessed that maybe it was not a good idea, since as she coughed, the tray might fall. He lifts the tray before the head of part of the chair lowered down suddenly in front of Saphira before he placed the tray on it. She smiled as that was better. "Sorry…my coughing and sneezing won't make it easy."
"It is not your fault. We will take small steps to ensure that you get what you need." Optimus shifted a little to ensure that Saphira was comfortable, but she was still in a sense of disbelief at the moment. She had not expected him to want to do this, as he used to be revolted by humans just weeks ago. Now she was, essentially, sitting on his lap. Focusing on that seemed to make her not notice her fever much, only that she was not sure how she felt about this closeness to him. Optimus broken the bread into small pieces before picking up one of the pieces to dip into the soup and lifting it up and bringing it to Saphira's lips. "Here you go, let's see how you go with one little bit."
Saphira stared at the piece of bread drenched in tomato soup. She really did not want to eat it, but she lifts her hand and touched the back of Optimus's hand gently as she opened her mouth. He placed the bread into her mouth, and the flavors of the tomato soup danced on her tongue. She chewed gently and she felt her stomach growl suddenly as she took her time with the bread. She lowered her hand and saw that Optimus's fingers were clean. She knew he would clean his hands once they were done, but he at least didn't need to worry about that right now.
Optimus observed as Saphira chewed on the piece of bread he had placed into her mouth. He was glad that she didn't resist eating the food, as he wanted her to be satisfied. She didn't seem to be revolted by the bread, and she relaxed a bit as well. He hoped that by giving her food, her hunger had been awakened, and she would now want to eat the food that had been made and given to her. If she ate the whole thing, that would be excellent.
Saphira swallowed the bread piece and turned her head to side eye Optimus with a smile. "My stomach isn't rejecting the bread and soup at least. I could have a few more pieces." Optimus was visibly relieved to hear that, and he picked up another piece of bread. She watched as he dipped the soup curiously. "By the way, how did you know that we dip pieces of bread into soups? I never told you that, Optimus."
"Mirage and Bumblebee told me humans do that. Bumblebee has a human friend, and he said he saw her do that. I am still sure he sees her when I'm not paying attention." Optimus lifts the next piece gently to Saphira's mouth and she opened her mouth to let him place the piece inside. She let out a light sigh, and Optimus guessed it must have tasted alright, since she seemed to be enjoying it. "I assume as the bread soaks the soup up, it makes it easier to eat and enjoy the soup, correct?" She nodded as she chewed on the piece slowly before grimacing and covering her nose. "It's a shame your coughing and sneezing hasn't eased much to allow you time to relax."
Saphira didn't respond as she swallowed the piece in time before she began to sneeze. She sneezed several times with a groan. This flu was not making it easy for her to eat, even though Optimus wanted to feed her. It still hasn't actually sunk in yet that he genuinely wanted to do this. It wasn't that long ago that he wouldn't have done this. She guessed it showed how much he cares for her now, and she honestly did not mind. But she really did hate being sick.
She sighed and leaned back against Optimus's chassis as she got over the sneezing. She expected to be coughing next, but she didn't feel that urge yet. "I think it will be a few more days of this before any changes can be noticed, Optimus. I can't predict when I'll get better, but I can sort of predict when I might start to feel better. I've had the flu before, and I usually have it for about two weeks." She grabbed a tissue to blow her nose with a light groan. "Ugh…I probably should have said that so you guys had a rough idea of how long I'd be sick for."
Optimus didn't know if that would help, given that she wouldn't have been as skinny as she was now. Though it did help give a bit of an idea, but Optimus did fear that the flu could last longer than she believed it would. "That might be an estimate, but I think the lack of nutrients in your system from the last week could make it last longer." He picked up the spoon and began to stir the soup. "I do fear you could be sick for longer than you are used to, Saphira. If things don't improve by the end of the week, I will bring you to a hospital. We are not human doctors, and we can only do what us in our power without being caught by your leaders."
Saphira believed him, even though she didn't really want to go to hospital. She felt that she would not need to, but Optimus was right. They were not doctors, and would not know a thing about the human body, aside from the basic needs humans have. Saphira watched Optimus lift the spoon from the bowl, bringing it to her mouth. Saphira sipped the soup off the spoon, licking her lips at the rich flavor of the tomato soup with a smile.
She watched him dip the spoon back into the bowl and lifts it back up. "At least I have you and the other autobots looking out for me, Optimus. Now that I have known you guys for this long, it makes me feel grateful that I bought that Porsche." She chuckled lightly as she sipped the next spoonful and Optimus picked up another piece of bread to dip into the soup. "You know, with Christmas coming, there is more to it then just pretty lights, presents and food. Family, hope and love are all the most important parts of Christmas."
Optimus tilts his head slightly as he had thought that Christmas was a vain time of year, based on how he has observed humans when it came to shopping. "I don't believe I had realized that. I guess that means the decorations, gifts and food are simply just part of all of that. And are not the true essence of Christmas." Saphira nodded as she accepted the next pie e of bread. "Hmm…I guess that is nice to know. But why are you bringing that up?"
"I guess I bring it up because I would like to believe you have not given up hope on returning to Cybertron." Saphira looked at the window, gazing at the water as she was happy Optimus positioned himself so that the true faced the ocean. "I am sure a part of you feels that, and I don't blame you. I am not sure how I would feel if I were in your position. But there could be another way."
Optimus appreciated her thoughts, even though he felt differently. "That is nice of you to say, Saphira. But…with no ship, and no other means of leaving this planet, it is hard to have hope. Your technology isn't the same as our technology, and while I am sure that your technology will reach a point that we can use to get home, I am afraid it will be too late. The decepticons will likely take control completely, and destroy our world." Optimus shook his head and picked up another piece of bread. "Though it is somewhat inspiring that you carry that hope for us, Saphira. It actually is very humble, despite how I treated you." Optimus sighed and Saphira felt the brush of warm air on her neck when he exhaled deeply, making her shiver lightly.
I wish Optimus would stop doing these little things. It's making me feel…ugh…I don't know how to describe it. My feelings for him are deepening, and it's honestly a little alarming at how quickly I am falling for him.
"I guess I just feel sorry for you mostly. I don't know if it is out of humbleness or not, but I really just want to have hope for you. Even if it turns out to be ridiculous." Saphira accepted the next piece of bread and she was really glad that Optimus had enforced that she should eat. She probably would have just gone back to bed if he did not insist. And her body seemed to be quite happy for the food. "Maybe since things have happened the way they have, would it bother you if I find another job? I would like to get back to work, Optimus." Optimus seemed surprised by the question, but he also did not seem bothered by it. "Though I had considered going to college for a degree, even though I have a lot of work experience behind me. I am not sure if I should put it on my resume, even though I was the one who had been wronged."
Optimus had not thought about the possibility of letting Saphira go back to work. While he was hesitant, he also knew it would be cruel. This human needed to live like other humans, not as a prisoner of the autobots. Optimus picked up the next piece of bread to dip into the soup to feed to Saphira. "I haven't considered it. But I believe it is in your best interest to live a normal life like other humans. Maybe…now that Transit is no longer a threat, it might be something to consider. I believe now in my spark you will not reveal our secret, just as Bumblebee's human friend. But we will not hold you back, Saphira. If you choose, you are also free to go once you are well."
Saphira turned to stare at Optimus's optics in shock. She didn't know how to feel over the fact that Optimus just gave her the permission to leave. It showed how much trust he had with her now, and he believed she would not tell a soul about the autobots. But the fact that he wanted her to have a normal life, without them, it kind of hurt. Saphira was fine with getting a job, and finding a house with a large enough garage for the autobots to shelter in and stretch their legs, but she didn't want to be parted from them.
She bit her lower lip lightly before she spoke again. "I must say…I did not expect you to say that. Um…especially…" Saphira ran her hand through her hair as she thought about it. "Optimus, I don't have anyone else." She gazed into his optics as his holoform stared back at her, softening his expression as he listened to her. "I have no family. They wanted to…do something so vile, that it would have destroyed everything about me. I would have become a shell of pain and suffering, and there would be no way out, until someone decides to put a bullet to my head. At which point, it would be mercy." Optimus did not know who Saphira's family were, but hearing the way she had been treated, it bothered him. Especially as it seemed like they had targeted her on purpose for their evil ways. "And then…I thought I found a place where I could be successful. Then Arthur turned out to be no different to my parents. He was just using me. He got what he deserved, I wish my family did as well. But now…" Saphira paused for a moment before looking away from Optimus. "I know that we started off on the wrong foot, but meeting you is probably the best thing that could happen to me. There aren't many humans in this world who could say they have met autonomous robotic organisms, and…it makes me happy, because I have felt out of place. But you guys make me feel whole, and I can't explain why. Especially with…" Saphira paused as she stopped herself from saying the next word, making her cheeks heat up for a moment. "Well…all of you make me feel whole."
Optimus was not surprised. Saphira felt as though that he and the autobots had become her new family. His spark was warmed to know that she felt that way, and he could understand why she wouldn't want to leave. However, he was curious about what she was going to say before stopping herself. He had a hunch, but he would not prod. "If you wish for us to remain in contact with you, Saphira, I will allow it. You've built friendships with everyone here, and as you feel that we have become your family, I don't want to abandon you. But you at least know that you can go if you feel you are ready. We will outlive you, Saphira, so knowing you for a short time, will be like a blink for us."
"Which is why I will want to stay. I don't think I could live a normal life. I…I honestly did not want to get married because I fear that I'll just find someone who will hurt me." Optimus could not help but feel happy, as that meant she would not look for a human partner, even though her choice came from a place of pain and fear. "So having you four here makes things better. Because I see Mirage and Bumblebee like my brothers, Arcee is kind of like a mother figure and you…uh…" Saphira paused again for a moment as she took some deep breaths. "Um…I haven't figured that part out yet…because you are a protector, you are…um…you are a leader…I could go on, but I still haven't figured that part out."
Optimus felt warmth in his spark. Even though he had doubts that Saphira had deeper feelings for him, it seemed that she did. And she was in the same place as him. They both were not the same race, so it made no sense that the two would attract each other like a magnet. But as Optimus had his holoform seated on the seat with Saphira on his thighs while feeding her the food she needed to help her beat the flu, it felt right. And it hurt to tell her that she could go. She was free to go whenever she wanted. But she didn't want to go. It made him happy with that decision. But he did not believe their feelings were true. Maybe it was just a short phase, and they both would move on, and she might find a human to partner with. That would be ideal.
"If that is how you feel right now, Saphira. I will ensure we remain in your life. This world may not be a world we wanted to live in, but I am grateful one native being has welcomed us with open arms." Saphira smiled at him as he gave her the last piece of bread and picked up the spoon to feed her more of the soup. "I will admit, I don't know what a day would look like without you anymore, Saphira. So I look forward to the days ahead when the flu is gone."
Saphira almost wanted to cry because that really hit home. She felt a lot of happiness with him, and knowing that he could not see a day without her filled her stomach with butterflies. This really seemed to be happening, in terms of feeling. But Saphira was afraid to admit it. And she didn't think he felt the same, so she wouldn't tell him. She was just glad that Optimus was caring for her and comforting her due to needing the extra care. And with each spoonful of soup, Saphira was more grateful for his insistence on her having nutrition.
And Saphira ended up eating the whole bowl, which surprised Optimus. But by the time she finished, Saphira realized she felt exhausted. Maybe it was sitting up for too long, but she really felt tired once Optimus finished feeding her. He shifted from behind her and helped her to get comfortable again on the chair and tucked the blankets around her. He moved the tray away so it could be cleaned and moved to the door to give the tray to Mirage.
Saphira closed her eyes as she wanted to fall asleep. She heard his holoform moving back over to her, and she felt his hand on the side of her head, rubbing gently. She blushed a little and kept her eyes closed for a moment before she opened them to look at him. She noticed Optimus seemed to have been thinking about something, and he flinched when she opened her eyes. And she was silent as she stared at him, enjoying the gentle rubbing she could feel on the back of her neck.
Is he going to kiss me? I think I'll faint if he does…ugh…I think I'm being ridiculous now…he won't kiss me…
Saphira really was not sure what Optimus was going to do. She heard the sound of ocean waves filling the cab as the sound came through the speakers and Optimus lifts his hand gently. "Sleep well, Saphira. Hopefully when you wake, you will feel better after having that soup." With that, Saphira watched his holoform fade away, leaving her feeling a mix of emotions as she had not known what Optimus had been thinking, and the fact she thought he was going to kiss her seemed wild to her. She shook her head a little and closed her eyes to sleep.
I am being ridiculous. This flu is messing with my mind, I think. Once I'm better, I think things will be different and I won't be feeling or thinking stupid things. I think…considering I was noticing some feelings leading up to when Transit kidnapped me. But who am I kidding? He's an autobot, and he does not like humans. Why would he feel anything for me? I'm just a simple, lonely, disowned human living an invisible life in this world.