Within the walls of the Ark, Daisy stood alone in a room, quiet and undisturbed. Below the humming monitors, she straightened the collar around her neck and sighed, studying herself. Using a handheld mirror, she observed her blonde hair before lightly adjusting her bun. It felt odd for her to not wear her flower headpiece or her usual overalls. However, her suit was firm and tight, tailored specifically for her as the liaison to bridge the gap between humans and Autobots. However, due to the size and shape of her body, she didn’t particularly seem like a woman but more of a girl trying to fit into adult clothes.
Itchy clothes, too.
Once she set her mirror on the counter beside her, her smile started to waver. She glanced around, still noticing how small she was compared to everything else. She looked down at her tiny, bruised hands and balled them into fists, reflecting on herself. Was she truly prepared for anything? A random attack? A city in ruins? Chaos between the U.S. military and the Autobots? Despite how often she asked herself, she always arrived at the same conclusion.
She was not.
Daisy sighed, troubled. Before she could think for another moment longer, however, the large doors to the room opened. Instantly, she swung her neck to the side and found Optimus Prime stepping inside, his frame hulking but controlled. She stumbled, trying to gather herself in her heeled shoes. After a few seconds, the leader’s attention shifted down, and their eyes met in surprise.
“Oh!” The human was the first to speak. “Optimus!”
The blue in the Autobot’s optics softened.
“Daisy.” He lowered his helm more, his voice soothing. “I…thought you left with General Flagg.”
For a brief moment, the woman’s eyes darted to the floor out of embarrassment.
“Well, I was, but…I’ve decided to stay here a bit longer…just try out my new clothes.”
Optimus blinked. And then, he nodded.
“Oh. Yes, I see.”
Another smile tugged at the corner of Daisy’s gentle lips. She folded her hands behind her back so he could receive a complete view of her outfit.
“I think it looks fine, but this material is a little itchy. I haven’t worn an outfit like this in a while.”
She laughed, shuffling and feeling her pants chafe against her legs. The Prime’s optics remained on her as he leaned down to be closer to her own level. He observed her carefully, so much so that it urged her to blush.
“Would you prefer to wear something else?”
Daisy shook her head, not wanting to seem ungrateful.
“Oh, no! I’m fine! Really.” She paused, her fingers returning to the front of her. “But I wouldn’t mind wearing something that’s more…durable.”
Daisy thought more, explaining herself.
“Not to say that I’ll be out in the field, but I want to be more prepared.”
She didn’t know how else to word it. The cybertronian above her paused, thinking just the same as she was.
“I understand. Perhaps we can find something that suits your needs better.”
Daisy chuckled, stepping closer towards him.
“Sure, but we can still keep this one for more professional settings.”
As she walked forward, Optimus reached out a hand for her. Without hesitating, Daisy took it, allowing her palms to feel the strong, metallic warmth of his digits.
“I’m a very busy woman now, don’t you know?”
Through his mask, Daisy noticed his smile, his optics brightening and curling.
“I’ve gathered just as much.”
With that, Prime turned his hand, and Daisy crawled inside of it. Although aware of her environment, she was no longer afraid of him or his size. In fact, she craved it. Slowly, she wondered to herself, wishing to ask something more.
“Can I…stay here for the night?”
Her voice was much quieter than before. However, it carried well. Optimus lifted her near his face, the blue glow of his eyes just as calming as ever.
“You are free to stay as long as you like, but I cannot promise that you will receive a good rest.”
She shrugged, unbothered by it.
“I haven’t slept in ages, Optimus. I’ll be fine.”
She spoke the truth, even before her planet went to hell. Still, Optimus continued with his gentleness.
“Perhaps, but I will try to ensure it regardless.”
Against his servo, Daisy could feel the steady sways of his body. As he walked, the woman tried her best to remain vigilant next to his face. However, the more she spoke of slumber, the more exhausted she became.
“Can you rest with me then?”
Her eyes closed during the pause. Before long, Optimus Prime’s digits rubbed so faintly against her back.
