Unknown Territory (TFP)

32.

"Hi..." she wearily, giving them an awkward smile. Optimus stepped forward and knelt down to her level. He cleared his voicebox before speaking, optics not looking at her as he quietly spoke.

"I'm sorry."

"Huh?"

Optimus sighed inwardly before looking up to her. "I...I'm sorry Ioa. I didn't mean to offend you by not believing you, I was merely thinking of your recovery but I understand my words were... inappropriate. For that, I sincerely apologise. Know that we will never doubt your senses ever again." He said. Ioa was silent before wrapping her servos around him, surprising everyone as she gave him a hug.

"It's okay big guy, I'm sorry for yelling too. I must have scared you guys, haven't I?" she said, Optimus suddenly went rigid as he felt his system lock into place, unable to move.

"Er..." he fumbled, making Ioa release him and quickly apologise. His processors finally caught up to him as he snapped out of it and stood up, but not before giving Ioa a thankful nod.

"DID YOU JUST HUG HIM/OPTIMUS?" Everyone said to Ioa, making her blush as she tries to explain the situation.

"I-I... Guys! It's not like that!"

"Like what?" was their reply as Ioa continue blushing furiously. She sent a pleading look to Optimus who seem to look amused.

'That cheeky slag-'

The bots gave up on taunting her when Ratchet spoke, hushing everyone in a flash.

"Ioa, it seems that although Light- I mean Shadowglyde is skilful in combat, your body cannot handle such stress. It is wise to train yourself in hopes that you can match up to her ability." Ratchet advised her. Ioa stopped for a moment before speaking, choosing her words carefully.

"The cause of my shutting down is not only due to that..." she began, garnering curious looks from the team, "I was trained in the Decepticon, remember? I know how to fight. It's just that," she stopped abruptly before shifting to her alter ego, the blue and white femme continuing.

"We used up a lot of energy on finding your signal Ratchet. Adding that along with opening the portal and battling Megatron made our energon level dropped significantly, resulting in a self-induced power down. Though, I must say Lightblade was indeed mad enough to fight the protocols just to patch Ratchet up AND gave you all one pit of a nagging." Shadowglyde said, making everyone looked down like a child getting caught stealing candies.

Bulkhead rubbed his neck cables meekly as he spoke, changing the subject. "Ha... right...About that...You were quite the mad femme Shadowglyde, you held your grounds even with Megatron! Heck, you won the fight!" he said in awe as the team nodded along.

:-You kicked his tailpipe hard man!-:

"If I wasn't there I would never believe them, but I was and it was something alright!"

"Aww man! That's so cool!"

Shadowglyde sat still on the berth as she saw her teammates gushing over her, unused to this situation, she calls for help from Ioa through the bonds.

'Light...I'm...unfamiliar with this...'

"Don't worry they are just proud of your feat! I sure am, you were absolutely badaft!"

'It was just protocols...'

"SEE?!"

Shadowglyde only sat still before switching back to Lightblade, the latter muttering a 'hey!' before coming back to them, smiling sheepishly.

"She's ... shy." She laughed lightly, and soon the whole base was filled with laughter, a happy laughter.

They all finally come down and Ioa spoke, hope in her tone as she begged Ratchet to let her go out for a drive.

"Ratchet? May I go out for a drive? I'm feeling much better now!" she pleaded.

"No."

"But-"

"Ep Ep Ep! Doctor's orders!" he scolded, making her puff her cheeks in annoyance.

"But I'm a doctor too!" she said.

"Still a no." the medic said, making her sigh in defeat, but Optimus suddenly spoke up.

"Perhaps a drive would be good for rehab old friend. I will accompany her to ensure her safety." He suggested, making Ratchet look at him before sighing and nodding along. Ioa smiled as she hopped of the berth only to receive another earful from him.

"Don't overstress yourself!" he warned as Ioa only nodded and transformed into her Maserati, honking excitedly as she finally could go for a drive and relax after so many stressful incidents. Optimus gave one last look to his team before transforming into his vehicle mode and drove off after her.

The base was silent for a moment before Miko spoke, garnering snorts, chokes and muted laughter.

"I ship it!"

A/N: YEAYY EVERYONE'S HAPPY! This chapter was to like...idk to ease the tension cus we gotta have the explanation chappy you know! Leave a comment down below on what ya think about Optimus and Ioa's dynamic. As always, thank you for reading, voting and commenting! Stay safe and healthy! Enigma signing out!