Through Ash and Dust (ROTB)

Chapter 13

Saphira was sitting in her apartment as she slowly packed bags with the things she owned. Mostly clothes she has not worn in years. She had considered donating her clothes to a thrift store, but she also did not feel like doing much. It has been a week since Arthur fired her from his company, and a lot has happened since then. Nicholas and Arthur were no longer a couple, and Nicholas kicked Arthur out of his house. Arthur did own his own condo, so he wasn't homeless by Amy means. But Arthur tried to stay with him, because they had been together for so long. Unfortunately Nicholas no longer considered Arthur trustworthy, and he needed him out of his life. Saphira did feel sad because it was a result of her being fired, but it was Nicholas's choice at the end of the day.

As promised, Nicholas brought Saphira the best lawyer in the city to take on the case of charging and suing both Dylan and Claudia, and suing Arthur and his company. This ended up on the news, and companies working with Arthur's business began to remove themselves from him. And the promised international relations were now shattered. They did not want to be associated with a business who fired an employee who was assault by another employee. This led to businesses reaching out to Saphira to apologize and even offer her a settlement as they felt they played a part in her firing. Saphira rejected their offer of money, as she didn't feel right taking something from companies that were not at fault.

Saphira had a court date now for both charges, and with the help of Nicholas, the court date was rather soon. The police gave Saphira and her lawyer the evidence they were able to find in their investigation. Including witness statements. And Nicholas also hired an investigator, which helped to gather additional evidence against Dylan and Claudia, and even Arthur. There were things uncovered about the man that both Saphira and Nicholas wish they did not find out. She honestly wanted to be done with it.

The autobots have not given Saphira a hard time about it. While Mirage and Bumblebee have actively tried to comfort Saphira, and Arcee also said a few kind words to her about it, and some snarky words about Arthur, Dylan and Claudia, Optimus has remained silent. He has not said anything harsh or kind regarding it. However, when he did first hear about what happened, he gave her a sympathetic expression, but it was brief. He still insisted she sleep within his cab, and she honestly was okay with that. She didn't feel at home in her apartment anymore, and Optimus's cab provided a sense of safety for her.

But Saphira felt awful about herself. She has cried herself to sleep each night, even though she's tried not to so she would not get tears on the seats. Her childhood had been awful. Her parents made it no secret she was unwanted, and she had once believed that she could find people who did want her. But while Nicholas was willing to help her, she still felt like she has been unwanted again. Especially since Arthur was the one who essentially saved her a few years ago. She wouldn't even be here if it weren't for him. That is what hurts the most. She didn't care about the money she will most likely receive, she cared more about an emotional connection. She was now fearful of allowing herself to have any kind of friendship. Which has made it hard for her in regards to Mirage.

"Hey..." Saphira flinched a little when she heard Mirage's voice through the communication device. She looked down at the key, slightly irritated that he was reaching out to her. "I know there's no point in me asking, but I was thinking that maybe we should go and do something. I know there aren't many places that we can hang out like buddies, but...I found a few places. Maybe you can bring some ice cream, chocolate or cake, that way you can eat some sweet, comfort food while we enjoy the sunlight."

Saphira grimaced a little. She has barely eaten anything over the past week, and she was losing weight as a result. The stress had been really getting to her. "That is not something that I want right now, Mirage. I am just focused on clearing out my apartment. I only got one more week before I leave...so I might as well make it count."