(Please see all previous disclaimers)

After a few good hours of recharge, Aquaformer slowly stirred. She wasn't exactly sure what woke her at first, but she soon felt a large presence next to her. Fearing who or what it could be, Aquaformer shot up, got out from the grip that seemed to hold her down, and aimed her weapon at the presence. But as she did that, not only did she realize it was only her mate, but also, Optimus woke, as she had moved, alerting his systems that he had set. Aquaformer wasn't sure how to feel about all of this. She was glad her mate was home, but she still hurt from what he had done. She lowered her weapon and turned away, her indication that she was feeling hurt and slighted. She wanted love and support from her mate, but he seemed to be just fine without her. Without realizing it, she pulsed this over the bond.

Optimus felt the confusion and hurt as it crossed the bond. He hadn't realized that his actions had hurt her and affected her so deeply. He also realized that this didn't have to do with her being sparked. This had to do with how she perceived his actions, actions that she had perceived that he didn't support her and her needs. He carefully got out of the berth and went to her.

"My love" Optimus started.

"Yes, sir?" She answered, figuring he was just going to kiss her and then leave. She had grown to expect it since he was leader.

Optimus wanted to sigh, but didn't. He figured it would just add to her hurt. "I am not your leader right now, my love. I am your loving mate" Optimus replied, before gently wrapping his arms around her. He didn't pull tight, as he figured she would feel trapped.

Aquaformer at first wanted to squirm at the gentle hug, but this was what she had badly wanted and needed this. She snuggled into her mate. "It's just so hard. You seem so busy. Are you sure you have time for me and our little ones?"

Optimus was glad that she had decided to snuggle into him, but the question she had asked hurt. "I would stop the world for you, my love. Megatron is gone, and your love has saved me more than once. If you are willing to forgive me and give me another chance, I would love to be your loving mate in addition to your leader."

Aquaformer listened carefully. She wanted her mate and she wanted his love, as he was the first bot outside of her family that had ever cared about her or loved her. She knew she could be difficult at times, but even then, Optimus still loved her. She knew what she needed to do. "I forgive you, love. And since you have given me so many chances, I can do no less than give you another chance, as I will need your help when the little ones come along."

Optimus was relieved. "So how are the little ones?"

"They are growing strong" Aquaformer replied.

"They?" Optimus asked, having forgotten that Aquaformer had mentioned earlier she was carrying multiples.

"Yes, they are healthy. Remember, my love, I told you I was carrying more than one" Aquaformer gently reminded her mate.

"Right. I guess I just forgot as I was so focused on getting rid of Megatron because of what he has done that it slipped my mind" Optimus admitted, pulling Aquaformer close. Aquaformer snuggled back, happy to finally get love, attention and time from her mate. Optimus, in this moment, realized what he had almost lost and he was determined not to come that close to losing it again.