Heart of a Prime

Chapter 23

The rest of the week passes by slowly for both Saphira and Optimus. They revel in each other's company and a couple times they both came close to admitting their feelings, and even kissing. Well, Saphira almost kissed his lips while they were in the pond together and she had slipped onto his neck when climbing onto his chest. It was almost an impulse moment on her behalf and she was embarrassed with herself. Saphira realized her feelings for Optimus were growing. How he has been treating her was the main reason she felt an attraction to him. He is so gentle, understanding and they both have gone through life with pain that they seem to relate to, even if it was very different.

They decide to return to the home a day early, Saphira and Optimus had agreed that Bumblebee should return to NEST with Optimus to work with the military alongside the other autobots. Saphira didn't really want to break it to Bee, but she knew he was suffocating just babysitting her...at least that is what it felt like. Optimus had been reluctant at first, but Barricade had left LA while they were at the field, so his presence was no longer a concern at the time. Though it could change if the decepticon returned.

"I have to admit, leaving the field felt like I was leaving home," Saphira said softly as she stared out the window as Optimus drives along the road. "I miss it already and want to go back."

Optimus chuckled through the speakers gently. "I feel the same way, Saphira. This entire week has been a blessing for the two of us. I hope that we are able to return to the emerald field soon. I will miss it terribly while I go on my missions."

Saphira was glad he felt that way too. She thought about the emerald heart she had in the home, she decided she would give it to Optimus before he left so he had something of her and the field with him. "At least you have the memories. That is something you can enjoy when you have a quiet time...if there is ever such thing as a quiet moment as a soldier."

"There is, it is far and few between, but it is well cherished among warriors." Optimus did wish he had longer with Saphira, but he was a warrior. There were other decepticons to track down and kill, to keep her safe meant he had to leave. As much as it pained him. "I suppose it will be the same when you go off to college."

"Yeah...pretty much..." Saphira nodded slowly. "I'll be buried in my studies that thinking about the field and you autobots will be in the small, spare moments. I guess I will just wonder what you guys are doing in the moments I think about you. And if we are nearly rid of the decepticons in the world."

"Those are definitely reasonable thoughts. At least I know you will be safe. The decepticons don't know where you will be studying, so they won't be able to find you." Saphira was not so sure about that as it was pretty easy to locate people these days, but she wasn't going to let Optimus know that. "I hope I will be able to visit you at some point."

"You would need to be in your holoform to do that," Saphira said with a chuckle.

"I suppose that is true..." Optimus knew she would keep asking about his holoform until he shows her. He has only used it a few times on Earth, he has been reluctant to use his holoform since Elita's death. "We shall see when the time comes."

The Peterbilt turned onto the dirt road leading into the property up to the house. Saphira smiled as she saw the two-story building. "At least Bee hasn't destroyed anything."

Optimus chuckled softly through the speakers. "That is a definite positive. Of course, Bee would not do anything to cause you grief, so I expect he simply has been recharging this whole time or going out on patrols in the city. He probably has been bored ever since we left. Coming to NEST will do him some good, even if he will miss you terribly."

Saphira would miss him too. It has been great having a big brother around. "I will miss him too. The house is going to feel a bit lonely until I move to Princeton."