Ruby (TFP)

Chapter 5

“As long as it is within reason, Cliffjumper.” Cliff looked at Optimus in surprise before he smirked in amusement at his leader. “We can’t push her. She’s only new born.”

Cliffjumper chuckled lightly while raising an eyebrow. “Hmmm...I guess being a mother to a little dragon already suits you, Prime.” Optimus smirked slightly and looked back at Ruby. “We don’t yet know what limits we can do with Ruby, Prime.”

“That does not mean that we should be reckless.” Optimus did know that he might already seem protective of the dragon, but he also knew that Ruby was extremely fragile right now. She didn’t know yet right from wrong, and it was their response to do what is right by the little dragon. “So when you do think of something to do with Ruby, make sure you are gentle.”

“I was not plan on being foolish with her, Optimus. I am thinking of what to do with her that is gentle and fun for her at the same time. She will be fine. Though I am sure you will be hovering over to make sure.” Optimus said nothing as he would, but he knew Cliffjumper would not have a problem. “We know at least she likes warm water and soft toys, but I am not sure what else she will enjoy yet.” Cliff turned his head as he heard the blender going off as Fowler was mixing up Ruby’s food. “Are you able to give tips at all, Fowler?”

Fowler pondered as he watched the mixture blends within the blender cup before stopping it and pouring it into the cup. “Hmmm...that isn’t easy to answer. Young dragons usually play with whatever is within their environment, but this place isn’t the safest for her so making sure that she is safe when she plays will be important. I can get more toys, but that will only give her a little bit of entertainment. Especially as she may grow quite quickly.” Fowler filled the blender again with more milk and added some banana and blueberries before he mixed it. “Something she can chase around will be a start...but...I can’t think of anything here...except for some old pipes and string...though we can avoid the pipes, I think.”

Optimus nodded in agreement as anything that was heavy or solid should be avoided. He also doubted that rope would be good as well due to the fact it was old and probably would fall apart easily. But it was something to think about. “I suppose having her interact with us would also be something she can do.”

“Yes, she would probably like that the most, Optimus. You will just have to be creative with how you entertain her. I suspect that she will be awake for a couple hours at least.” Cliffjumper chuckled as Optimus widened his optics as he realised just how long he would need to entertain the dragon. “Though don’t encourage high energy entertainment right after she has eaten. Otherwise she may regurgitate it.”

“I had suspected that. I will think of something.” Optimus smiled as he watched Ruby place her paws on the tap facet and shook her head as the water sprayed against the dragon’s head and she giggled as she did it again. Optimus already felt bad that he would need to turn the water off soon to feed her, but he hoped she was hungry. “It will be a shame to interrupt her fun.”

“I know...oh, maybe we should do something. Since she might be semi aquatic, I might work with Bulkhead to build something for Ruby. Some kind of pool that is shallow for her to play in, and maybe teach her some swimming. If we can.” Optimus looked at Cliffjumper in surprise at the suggestion, but he also liked the idea, so he didn’t protest or react negatively. Cliffjumper could tell Optimus was intrigued by the idea and he was happy. “It probably won’t be built until after the important things are set in stone. And that Ratchet is happy, but it might be something we can do for her. Especially since she is a long way from flying.”

Optimus let out a low hum as he was very thoughtful about the idea. “It is a good idea. We never planned on a baby dragon living here, but making accommodations that might be good for Ruby is what we should do.”