Saphira was feeling very happy at the moment. It was Christmas Eve, and she was excited. She had finally gotten over the flu officially, and she was able to finish the paintings that she wanted to gift the autobots. She had finished them a couple days ago, and she had them hidden away from the autobots in gift bags, and she hoped that they have not taken a peek of their gifts, even though she knew they would appreciate them anyway. She did know that Mirage has spoken about gifts for her too, but she wasn't sure what to expect. Which was good, because the autobots had to be creative like she was when it came to Christmas presents.
She did wish she could make gingerbread cookies and such, but she was the only one who would even be able to eat them. She knew Mirage spoke about finding a stove for the factory so that she could use it, but she was fine with the single, stove top that she had. It was enough to ensure that she would have a hot meal. Especially as it was very cold at the moment. Even though she was out of the window, Saphira had been staying within the autobots, or by the fireplace that Mirage and Bumblebee built, which she was grateful for. The cold weather made it hard for her to enjoy looking at the tree.
Despite the cold in the air, Saphira was excited for Christmas. She was sitting with bundles of blankets around her body while sipping a mug of hot chocolate. The autobots had gone on patrol, and Saphira decided to stay behind. She had Christmas songs playing quietly as well to keep her company, but also because it was already dark at this time. She didn't want a random person to show up because they heard music.
Saphira was glad that she was able to feel excited about Christmas for the first time in a long time. She had a family who she could genuinely say care about her. Sure, it took time for that bond to build up, and she was okay with that, but she was very happy that she could genuinely enjoy Christmas. She also couldn't wait to celebrate New Year's Eve with them. Especially as there were plenty of events that occur on New Year's Eve, and Saphira may get to watch them from the comfort of a freightliner cab.
Sipping some hot chocolate, Saphira heard familiar engines approaching the building. She smiled. She knew they would inform her if something would change. As Saphira has not once taken the ring off, she knew they would speak to her through the device if something changed. It actually would be remarkable if that were to happen, as none of them were expecting anything to happen. Especially in regards to Cybertron.
She looked towards the door to see Optimus driving through first, and she smiled at him while sipping some more hot chocolate. She watched him transform as Arcee, Bumblebee and Mirage drive in from behind, and they began to transform as well. "Sorry for taking a little longer than expected, Saphira. The whole city is busy." Saphira wasn't surprised, as people tend to act crazy when shopping for Christmas. "Even though we have been here for a few years, I don't think I will understand why humans act the way they do at this time of year."
"You aren't wrong, Optimus. I used to avoid the malls over the Christmas period, because I knew that it would all settle down in the new year, and I could buy something that I want at that time." Optimus walked over and sat down by the couch she was sitting on. "And when it comes to food, I would only go get some if I really needed it. Otherwise, I just stuck with what I had at the time, and wait until after Boxing Day."
"Told you that not all humans act that way, Optimus." Mirage walked over with a big grin on his face. "Sure, I will admit, I was kind of amused when I saw two, grown women fighting over something outside of a store. I think it was a toy for a child or something." Saphira chuckled as she could easily picture that. "But the fact Christmas seems to being out immaturity for some people, it is just ridiculous! But at least you aren't like that, Saphira. You already have your gifts ready for us tomorrow, and there is enough food for you too."
"I know. I guess I am glad that I can enjoy Christmas now the way I want to. And I don't need to buy dozens of everything, so that is probably why I feel that way. Besides…" Saphira turned her head to look up at Optimus with a smile. "Christmas isn't about the food or gifts anyway. And people sometimes make Christmas all about that, if I am honest."
"And I look forward to experiencing it with you, Saphira." Optimus looked at the tree with a smile. The lights were on, as Saphira found a generator by accident a few days ago after tripping over it when she had to use the public shower. She didn't know why it was there, and it was kind of suspicious, but the generator was in good condition and had power points, so the lights could on. Saphira just had to get gas for it, which didn't cost much at least. "And I noticed you are enjoying some Christmas music."
Saphira nodded. "Yeah. I actually can enjoy the songs this year. Often, I would groan when I hear the songs. Probably because I couldn't enjoy the holiday the way the songs would often describe the holiday. But now, I appreciate them a lot more." She sipped some more of the hot chocolate, and she was almost finished it. "Hopefully the weather will be a bit nicer than it is today. The snow hadn't stopped falling, and the wind has still been getting through the windows."
"It is supposed to clear up tomorrow, but it may not." Mirage hummed as he thought about Christmas. "I suspect you were thinking of what to do tomorrow. But it is winter, and it tends to be unpredictable at times, from my observations."
"Well, I was. I was kind of hoping to find some place outside the city that was away from prying eyes to do things like building snowmen, have a snowball fight and so on. That would be fun." Saphira sipped the last of the hot chocolate and placed the cup down before rubbing her hands together. "But I guess we can do something else tomorrow. After unwrapping the gifts…hmm…I'll think of something, even though there really isn't much here to do."
"We will find something." Bumblebee's chosen response sounded as though he was taking a challenge, and she could not help but chuckle a little. "But one thing is for sure is that you can sleep in. After all, I know people get up early from excitement, but we don't mind letting you just relaxing for the day. And it should be a relaxing day for you."
Saphira was planning on it. She already knew what she planned for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which will be easy. If she had to stay indoors all day with the autobots due to the weather, a quiet day was more than enough for her. Plus, she was hoping to spend a bit of time with Optimus. She knew that she enjoyed each day with him, but it might feel different being Christmas. She didn't know why she was feeling that way, but it didn't matter.
"At least I only to feed one person. Christmas can be quiet the stressful time when it comes to cooking." Saphira tightened the blankets around herself as she thought about the rest of the night. She turned to Optimus with a curious expression. "I don't suppose we could go to a nearby ice skating rink by any chance?"
Optimus looked at her in surprise. "Ice skating? Um…I am not sure."
Mirage chuckled as he knew that Optimus did not know what that was. "Maybe if the weather gets better, Saphira. Do you even have any skates?" She nodded. She did have a pair, she just never brought them out. "I hope you are good at skating, because I hope you know that we won't be able to join you. If we find a private, frozen lake though, that may change."
Optimus was immediately curious about it. "I have not seen ice skating. I'd it something humans enjoy? And are you able to do it?"
"Yeah." Saphira smiled proudly as she heard the curiosity in his voice. "It is also a sport. A lot of people perform on ice skating rinks, and many people compete as well. And they often go to a rink that is indoors and keeps the ground cold enough for them to skate and practice on." Optimus seemed to be trying to picture it and Saphira chuckled softly. "I'll show you when we can, Optimus. I don't want to go out right now. If the weather gets better, I do enjoy skating under the winter moon. It is a nice feeling."
"It also sounds kind of pretty," Arcee commented with a smile. "I've seen the rinks myself. It's kind of funny to watch the inexperienced people on the rinks." Saphira nodded in agreement. "The way they wobble as they try to get their balance made me laugh more than once."
"So…" Mirage leaned down a little and placed his hands on his thighs, looking at Saphira curiously. "Does this mean that you know how to roller skate as well?"
Saphira nodded. "Yeah. But I don't have them anymore. They broke, and I just never got around to replacing them." She looked towards a window, and shivered as a loud whistle sounded through the air as a gush of wind blew through the factory suddenly, and even almost blew out the fire. "Brrr, that was cold!" Saphira shivered and looked at Optimus. "I know it's kind of early, but…" Optimus opened his chassis immediately. "Thank you…brrr, I am starting to freeze, even though I am bundled in so many blankets."
Optimus lowered his hand as Saphira stood up, keeping the blankets around her body, and moved to sit in his palm. "I suppose you are also too used to living in a place where you did not have to feel the chill of the wind often."
"Actually…that's not true." Optimus tilts his head in surprise by Saphira's admittance. "When I was with my birth family…um…the place I was forced to live in had no warmth. Winter was always bad. If anything, this is actually better than what I went through. I'm honestly surprised I never froze to death with how cold it was."
Optimus did not know how to respond as he moved Saphira into his chassis and closed it to ensure that she would remain warm and safe. Saphira has not yet revealed any deeper details regarding her childhood to the autobots. Anytime they ask, she immediately tenses and goes silent. Optimus has not pressed, as he knew that it was a trauma that Saphira had to deal with on her own. And if she wanted to tell them what happened, she would.
He at least knew that she would never get so cold again. Optimus looked at the Christmas tree, smiling as the lights glistened gently on the branches. Despite the gush of wind, the tree remained standing. And that was good. At least they would not be needing to fix it. But Optimus knew they would have to keep an eye on it, in case the wind managed to gush through strong enough to knock it over. Just as it was almost strong enough to put out the fire.
"That's much better." Optimus smiled as he listened to Saphira as she got comfortable on the seats. "Thanks, Optimus. I had wanted to enjoy Christmas Eve with everyone, but the weather is not having it. But today has been really nice. A nice day where I could just relax. Especially since I am no longer sick." She chuckled a little as she relaxed, and stopped shivering. "I was going to say we should go check out the Christmas lights again, but after what you said about the streets, we're safer here."
Optimus was amused by the girl as she was thinking about how things were outside the shelter of the factory. "That, and I think the weather will be unpleasant for the whole night. I don't expect it to improve until the morning, so it is best to remain. All of us are in agreement on that, Saphira, so staying here is okay. As long as we have no unwanted guests showing up, we should be okay."
"I suppose." Saphira grabbed her bag to look through it to find a sketchbook. She wasn't tired, so she needed something to pass the time. She pulled it out and flipped through it until she stopped at the sketch she was working on of the reindeer and Santa's sleigh. It was a cute drawing she had been working on, and it made her happy she felt comfortable enough to create a drawing of Christmas. "I hope that being in here does not hinder you on doing something else, Optimus. I know you will stay inside the building, but I am not sure if you want to do something."
"There is not much we could do, Saphira. I appreciate your concern." Saphira nodded as she began to sketch, and Optimus could see she was focusing. His holoform formed beside her, making her flinch a little in surprise, but she was happy that he did that. "That looks like another wonderful picture you are creating. When did you start drawing? And how were you able to use your creativity?"
"Ever since I was small. Drawing was a form of an escape. I needed it." Saphira grimaced a little as she thought back to her past. She sighed deeply as she moved her pencil thoughtfully. "Optimus, I know…talking about my past has been hard. It still is. I am haunted by my past." Optimus looked at her as he wasn't expecting her to say that. "Art became my escape, because when I was much smaller, I would be chained in the basement. I was made to stay there, even after school." Saphira felt tears filling her eyes. "The only decent thing that I ever got was a diary. And one pencil. That was all I needed. And I would draw so much. It would often be a brave person saving another from evil. Because that is what I hoped for."
"I see…" Optimus looked back at the image as he pondered. "It was a way to have hope. Kind of like what you are trying to give to us." She nodded slowly and he smiled a little. "At least you don't have to draw and paint to escape from danger now. You can do that now with happiness. I enjoy watching you draw. Some of it does not make sense to me, but that doesn't matter. You've used it to show a deeper understanding, I fully appreciate it."
Azura blushed as she listened to him. She enjoyed hearing him say that, and she felt butterflies in her stomach. She took a deep breath to keep herself composed. "I know that I am able to draw without fear over my head. Sometimes, I have thought about stopping. But there's no reason to do that. It will always be helpful to me."
"Indeed." Optimus knew that he and the other autobots were getting paintings as their Christmas gifts tomorrow, and he was really looking forward to seeing the masterpieces that she has created. "I remember seeing you paint the first time. I remember thinking that what you were doing was suspicious, until I saw it was just an image you were creating. I was surprised by how creative you were. And then you drew and painted images of myself and the autobots in such a way that you understood our position. I have to say it, but your gift of understanding is pretty special."
Saphira's blush deepened, even though she was trying to hide it. Optimus did notice the blushing, and that she was starting to act shy, but she remained focused on sketching the picture. "Is it really that special though? Being empathetic isn't unusual, Optimus. I just happen to show it differently to other people, I guess."
"That might be true, but it seems it might go deeper. But you also have been in a horrible position before, so you might have a way of seeing things others don't, and even more so than some other people who are good at feeling empathy for others. That is what I have observed. And, admittedly, it took a while to see it." Saphira knew that, as Optimus had very strong opinions about humans before. He still distrusted other humans, but he trusted her. "But it is a wonderful talent." Optimus looked at Saphira, seeing that she was smiling while focusing on the drawing. "I am curious, when did you start ice skating?"
Saphira looked at him in surprise, though she immediately thought about it. "Um…when I first moved into my apartment, honestly. Because I no longer had anyone holding me back, I was able to do the things I've always wanted to do. I learned how to roller skate first, which I think helped a bit to learn how to ice skate, and my first winter here, I would go to the rinks on my days off and practice until I was good and confident. And I began to learn how to dance on the ice, and I made sure that I would go when there were not many people."
"Was there an inspiration to start?"
Saphira hummed as she had not really thought about it. She remembered when she would catch glimpses of ice skating tournaments on the TV as a child before she was forced into the basement. There was something about the sport that intrigued her. Especially the way the performers moved, it was like art, and it was amazing to her. And when she finally left the hell of her birth family behind, she got to watch the tournaments for the first time properly, and she fell in love with the sport. The same thing happened with roller skating.
"Probably because it is an art in itself." Optimus's smile softened as her response was not a surprise, but another addition to her interest in art. "I watched many ice skate performances when I was able to in the apartment, and I just fell in love with the sport. And it made me want to do it. Then I would watch roller skating, and the same thing happen." Saphira chuckled a little as she thought about it. "It…I don't know. It brought out something in me that was good. Roller staking and ice skating didn't feel like an escape as painting and drawing does, but it felt like a genuine hobby. And it made me happy."
"I see. Would it be something you would want to do as a career? From what I hear, it seems that it is possible." Saphira had not really considered it. She had been satisfied with her job at Arthur's company, and she didn't feel the need to go beyond that. She felt stupid for not having a backup plan. "Would you still consider it, even with us present?"
Saphira looked up from her drawing as she considered on how to respond to Optimus's question. She really did not know how to answer that. She didn't want to her life to change much now that she has the autobots in her life. They have become something very important to her. Mirage and Bumblebee were like her brothers, and Arcee was like an older, protective sister, and Optimus…well, Saphira knew that she still had to work out her feelings. And it seems he does too. But the past couple weeks have been interesting.
"I could do it professionally. But…I don't know if it would make me happy. It being a hobby is enough, I don't need to make money from it." Saphira moved the pencil around in her fingers as she thought about it carefully. "Honestly, I am happier when I am with you…" She looked at Optimus's holoform's optics as she said that. "I know I can get a job that might make me happy, and it might pay good money, but I have been happier with having you and the other autobots around me then anything else. So…yes, I might have the skills to ice skate professionally, but I don't want to pursue it."
Optimus pondered on her response as hearing her say she was happy with him did make his spark feel warm. And Optimus felt his emotions react to the way she said it too. The last couple weeks have been good, leading up to Christmas. Saphira has really enjoyed getting things ready for Christmas, and she has actively wanted to speak to him about different things. Optimus has learned more about the planet because of this.
During a few drives that he took with Saphira, she would spot couples out together as they would drive by restaurants and bars. She made mention about how she hoped to have what they have. And spoke about not knowing what the feeling of being in love felt like, because she felt confused about her own. That happened only one time though, and she has not said it again. But it has stuck with Optimus, because it told him that Saphira was not sure what she was feeling and she probably had something for him, but was not sure.
Optimus was mostly hesitant because she was a human, and her life would be a lot shorter than his. But he could not shake the feelings he was having. He knew that he felt happy being with her. He was happy being close, and that she was slowly opening up about parts of her past. And as Saphira has regained some of her weight again from being sick and from being a hostage with Transit, she was radiating something that Optimus never once thought he would think of a human. Beauty. And whenever she was asleep within his cab, he actually caught her saying his name a few times in her sleep. He did not know what her dreams were about, but they seemed to be of him. And they were good dreams.
"I am glad that you are content. I wish I could say the same." Saphira placed her hand on his cheek gently, surprising Optimus a little by her kind gesture as her felt her small hand touching the cheek of his holoform. She gave him a sympathetic expression. "I know I have accepted living on this planet with no way home. But that…I still feel like I failed. I am a leader. A leader who is meant to be the one to face the war, not let the other take the fall for me." Saphira caressed his cheek gently and she felt Optimus relaxing around her with a hum. She was glad he appreciated the comfort she was giving him. "I am happier than I was for a while, but I am not content. I don't know if I will ever be."
"I know." Saphira thought about the gift she was going to gift Optimus for Christmas. She hoped he would like it. Even though it might be a little bit of home. "And I think it is warranted to feel that way. It took me a long time to find contentment too. And I know it is because I met autonomous, robotic organisms from another planet, but I am happy with that. I can be more myself around you guys, and…and I feel like I actually am worth something. Which makes me happy."
Optimus placed his hand over her hand gently, thinking about the next day as he knew that it was going to be a good day. He smiled at her before his chassis opened suddenly, and Saphira pulled her hand away in surprise, not expecting Optimus to reopen his chassis suddenly. She saw he was carefully holding her mug in his palm, and she saw steam rising from it, and she caught the scent of hot chocolate, making her smile.
"I figured you would like another to keep warm. Mirage managed to make it for you."
Saphira peered out of the chassis, looking at Mirage with a smile. "Thanks, Mirage. I wasn't going to have another one, but I will never say no to one." She took the mug from Optimus's palm as Mirage smiled at them.
"Considering you are needing to be feeling a bit cosy, I kind of figured you would enjoy a hot drink again. And it's the only thing you got here anyway." Saphira sipped the hot chocolate and sighed happily. She looked at Mirage as the young bot winked at her. "I suppose Santa Claus is going to drop off some gifts tonight."
Saphira chuckled at him. "You already know he isn't real."
"Maybe not, but…well, you never know how many presents you are going to get." Mirage winked at Saphira, and she chuckled as she did not yet know what to expect. "But I will make sure that tomorrow will be the best Christmas you have ever had. No matter what the day is like."
Bumblebee nodded as he walked over. "It will be a Merry Christmas!" She giggled knowing it will be a good day.
"It sure will be." Saphira sipped some more hot chocolate and shivered again. "Can you close your chassis again, Optimus? It's cold out there." Optimus immediately closed the chassis for her. "Thank you."
"You are welcome, Saphira."
Saphira resumed sketching the image of the reindeer and Santa's sleigh while she enjoyed the hot chocolate. Optimus asked Saphira what her other artistic interests were, as he was curious about what she enjoyed doing. She did mention building things and creating scenes that people could admire and enjoy. She hasn't been able to do that yet, but she liked the idea of it, and she thought about getting the materials to do that. But as they do not have a secure location, she would not be able to do it. Optimus did encourage her that she could get a place for them all, even though she was somewhat reluctant to do that.
When Saphira finally fell asleep, she fell asleep quite late that evening. She had snuggled up against Optimus's holoform, and even when he transformed into his truck mode, she remained snuggled against him. Optimus was stuck on how to react to it, especially when she was against his holoform. Her cheek was resting against his chassis, and she looked extremely relaxed and content. She was relaxed, and she seemed to yearn for his touch. Especially when he tried to move away and gently move her to be comfortable, her arms would tighten instinctively, and Optimus left stumped until he heard her say his name again in her sleep. Optimus smiled, deciding it was good, as when he allowed himself to relax, he actually liked it. Knowing she wanted to be close like this was endearing, and cute. Optimus relaxed the full night as she slept, keeping holoform on, so that Saphira would sleep well, and not wake to wonder what happened.