Come What May

by Phantom (phantom1313 at tfrid dot com)


Chapter Five

Time passed, more quickly than either of them wanted. Both of them wanted to reach out, to seize the moment and hold it, but it slipped through their fingers like sand. They were questioned often about their relationship, and to everyone but their closest friends, the answer was the same: they were just good friends, having become close after the cave-in. That was all anyone needed to know. It was none of their business, anyway.

They looked forward to each date with much enthusiasm, using the opportunity to explore new places. They each took turns choosing their destination. In this, at least, they could be equal. It was difficult for both of them to put such a distance between them in their professional lives, but it had to be done. It had also become difficult for them to find time to see each other. Optimus had all kinds of responsibilities, and Andromeda had her tube project, but somehow they found the time to be together. They made the time.

One day, Optimus surprised her in her quarters, taking her on an impromptu trip to Earth. He wouldn't give away any other details of their trip, and she was hard-pressed to restrain her excitement. Where could they be going?

Finally Optimus found a small clearing and touched down, creating only a small bump of a landing. Andromeda sprang out of the shuttle as soon as the hatch was open. She froze as she tried to focus on… a roaring sound? “What is that?”

“You'll see.” Even behind the mask, she could tell that Optimus was grinning. She allowed him to direct her, and soon an amazing sight came in to view. She saw liquid, masses and masses of it, surging up in waves to lap at a grainy surface. “Oh!” she gasped. She had never seen such a thing before! Water was a preciously rare substance on Cybertron. The only rain that occurred on their planet was acid rain.

“It's called the beach,” Prime's rumbling bass voice explained. “That large body of salt water is an ocean, and that grainy substance is sand. Let's go closer – there's more I want to show you.”

She barely noticed as he took her arm, helping her over the shifting sand. As they approached the shoreline, she noticed quite a few small… things… on the sand. “What is this?” she asked, picking up one of the objects.

“That is a shell. There are many kinds on the shore here, but most of them are broken. There are many creatures in the ocean that use shells for protection. When they are no longer needed, they wash up on the shore.”

Andromeda was astounded. “You mean this was once a creature's home?”

Optimus laughed at her surprise. “Yes. The Earth is home to many varieties of life, and a good deal of them live in the ocean.” His gaze grew sad. “For the most part, the lifeforms on Earth live in peace. We are the only species on Cybertron, and we cannot even keep peace amongst ourselves.”

“Now don't go getting all philosophic on me!” she scolded. “It's too beautiful out here for that!”

“You're right!” Optimus took her arm once more, and they walked in companionable silence. She occasionally asked a question, or he pointed out something of particular interest.

“You know,” he whispered, “I've never shown this place to anyone. You're the only person I've ever taken here.”

She was speechless. This place was special, and she was so touched that he wanted to share it with her! Only her!

They continued on, wrapped up in the moment. Suddenly a movement caught the femme's eye. “What's going on up there?”

Optimus looked up, and in front of a high dune sat two humans, passionately making out. He chuckled, “I think they are initiating a mating ritual. Come, let's leave them in peace.”

They both lost track of time as they walked along the coast, listening to the roar of the surf and watching the water lap at the sandy shore. “I can't believe all of this,” she murmured softly. “It's all so beautiful.”

Optimus smiled down at her. “Not as beautiful as you.”

She turned to him in surprise. He thought she was beautiful! His hand caressed her cheek, and her optics flickered. The moment was perfect, and how she wished he would kiss her! She leaned forward slightly, wishing for it with her whole body, but it didn't come. Eventually he pulled his hand back, and she couldn't help but feel disappointed. Wasn't he ever going to kiss her? She would gladly kiss him, but she didn't want to move too fast, and besides, that infernal mask was always in the way!

“It's time to go.”

She sensed a note of regret in his voice. She didn't want to go either, but they both had a long day ahead of them. She just wished that she knew for sure how Optimus felt about her!

They didn't have a chance to see each other until the following week. Andromeda opened the door to her quarters to find Optimus standing there. “Come with me!” he exclaimed. “There's a meteor shower – I've got private seats! It's going to start in just a minute!”

“What the--? Slow down!” she exclaimed as Optimus half-dragged her through the corridors to the top of one of Iacon's spires. He opened up a door, and they emerged on the roof of the spire. There was enough room for both of them to sit, but not much more.

Her attention was quickly drawn to the starry sky, now laced with streaking meteors. “Oh, wow!” she gasped. She had seen plenty of meteors in her time, but each time it filled her with a sense of awe.

“Beautiful, isn't it?” he murmured, putting an arm around her. She snuggled against him and watched the display of nature's fireworks.

They sat in companionable silence, watching the awesome display. Optimus found his gaze drifting from the sky to the beautiful female beside him. He'd rather look at her any day! He heard her sigh in contentment and settle back against him. His spark swelled with affection. Primus, he was really falling for her! He felt a wave of emotion so strong that it shook him to the core, frightening him with its intensity.

Nervously, he reached up and removed his battle mask with a shaking hand. Only a select few had ever seen his face. He had first worn the mask to disguise his emotions and confuse the enemy, but soon he had come to depend on it. It gave him a small measure of privacy that he clung to. Now, finally, he was ready to share his true self with the femme that he cared about.

Andromeda felt a touch on her shoulder, and she turned to find her lips captured in the sweetest, gentlest kiss she'd ever experienced. She froze for a second in shock, gasping against his mouth, and he began to draw back, fearful that he'd gone too far, but she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him back into the kiss. The entire experience was amazing – his lips were gentle and so warm, pressing against hers ever so slightly. He tasted like sweet Energon, and she found that she could not get enough of him. She sensed a shyness in his kiss, a fear that she would pull away, so she pulled him closer, deepening the kiss, assuring him that she wanted more.

At last they broke apart, panting slightly, drawing in air through their auxiliary intakes. “Wow,” Optimus whispered. He had forgotten how powerful a simple kiss could be.

A slim hand reached out to touch his face, and he flinched, forcing himself to not draw back. He sat stock-still, trembling inside, as her fingers traced the planes of his face, down to his strong jaw.

She was amazed at how much he resembled Rodimus without the mask. “You are so handsome,” she whispered, and he breathed a giant sigh of relief.

“I was so afraid you think I was ugly.” He looked down in embarrassment.

“Why would I think that?” she asked, staring at him in surprise.

”I don't know. It's not like I take this mask off for everyone. Maybe they couldn't bring themselves to tell me I was ugly.”

She giggled and slapped his broad chest. “You can be so silly, Optimus! But you really are handsome. I could look at you all day and never get tired.”

“Awww,” he muttered, looking away bashfully. She wasn't having any of that, so she pulled him in for another planet-shaking kiss.

Later, Optimus found himself wandering down the corridor, humming to himself. He laughed softly as he pressed the door chime. A moment later, Rodimus answered the door. He took one look at his friend's beaming face and knew that something exciting had happened.

“Are you alone?” Optimus asked.

“Yup! For once,” Roddy replied. “Come on in already! Don't keep me in suspense!”

Optimus whooped and grabbed his son in a bear hug as soon as he was in the door. “Whoa, man! Don't crush me!” the younger Prime exclaimed.

“I did it, Roddy! I finally kissed her!” Prime's face was aglow with happiness.

“Really? No slag! About time! So, what did she think?”

“She must have liked it. She kissed me back!” Optimus ducked his head. “And she said I was handsome!” He wandered through his friend's quarters and flung himself onto the large recharging berth, grinning at the ceiling.

“She'd better say that!” Roddy laughed. “I've got your face, you know!” He was so happy for his friend. This was just what Optimus had needed for so long. Roddy wished them both the best in the world.

end of Chapter Five

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