Optimus picked Sapphire up and cradled the pure blue femme against his still healing chest. He smiled at her, watching her tired optics droop. The day had been long, and Optimus didn't blame her for being tired. The date was January 22nd. Sapphire's creation date. She was a year old. All day, Sapphire had been the center of attention. The Autobots had fussed over her, because it had been such a long time since they'd been able to celebrate a sparkling's first year. She had been given a few toys at gifts to help keep her entertained. But there was one gift that Optimus had yet to give her.

The signal Optimus had been waiting for came to life on the screen, and he opened the groundbridge. He glanced over at Raf who gave him a thumbs up. Optimus nodded and walked over to where Ratchet was standing with Scarlet in his arms. The one month old sparkling had been recharging off and on all day. Several times, Sapphire had hushed one of the others to try to help Scarlet get more rest. A very cute thing to watch. Especially since she looked so serious standing guard over her sister.

Ratchet took Optimus' servo as they walked through the groundbridge. Using his laptop, Raf closed it behind them.

Soundwave raised his helm when the sound of the groundbridge opening reached him. He tightened his grip on what he held slightly, turning to the groundbridge as excitement began to grow within him. He watched Optimus and Ratchet leave the groundbridge and approach him. "Soundwave," Optimus greeted. Soundwave dipped his helm briefly in reply. Optimus let go of Ratchet's servo reluctantly, and stepped forward. He offered Sapphire to the black mech. Slowly, to avoid worrying Ratchet, Soundwave took Sapphire from Optimus. Her optics came online, searching her new surroundings. They seemed to light up happily she saw Soundwave. She reached up for Soundwave's face, and the black mech lowered his helm into her grip. Sapphire' fingers brushed the screen that made up Soundwave's face. He leaned into the familiar touch, seeking the comfort it provided. To know that Sapphire was safe from harm, even happy, made Soundwave's spark swell.

'Thank you for bring her here. Sapphire: safe in your care' Soundwave sent to both mechs. Optimus, who was used to the messages being sent over the comm link, merely smiled while Ratchet jumped in surprise.

"She is your daughter. It's the least we could do," Optimus responded. Ratchet gave a very slight nod, feeling very uncomfortable with the situation. He'd grown to love Sapphire, and having her in a Decepticon's servos, whether they were her creator or not, made him incredibly nervous.

Soundwave nodded once more to Optimus. He was quite aware of the fact that Ratchet had yet to actually relax in his presence. He nuzzled his daughter briefly, earning himself a giggle. He ran a finger over the many markings, reminding himself of why he'd given her up. The hardest decision he'd ever made, but it was the right one. Even as he watched Ratchet carefully shift his true daughter into Optimus' arms, Soundwave knew that he had not made a mistake.

"You won't just take her back?" Ratchet asked. Soundwave felt surprised for a moment before shaking his helm. He had no intention of ever taking Sapphire away from Optimus.

'Soundwave: gave sparkling to you knowing she would not be returned. Only desire: her safety.' Soundwave sent. Ratchet didn't jump. He caressed Sapphire's helm gently, though he did not touch Soundwave's arm. Being so close to Soundwave was enough to make Ratchet's spark beat several times faster. Optimus sent his reassurance over the bond to try to calm Ratchet down.

"I don't want you near her," Ratchet snarled. Despite the fact that the words hurt, Soundwave dipped his helm again as a sign of understanding. "I don't want you near Scarlet either. You stay away from them, or I'll carve out your spark. Understand me?"

'Soundwave: will remain at a safe distance from Scarlet and... Sapphire.'

"Not just a safe distance. You won't go anywhere near either of them!" Ratchet's voice rose, causing Sapphire to whine and move away from him. He forced himself to keep a cool tone. Scaring Sapphire was a waste of his time, and it was not his intent. Threatening Soundwave was.

'Requesting permission to give Sparkling Sapphire a small gift.' Soundwave's next message said. Ratchet looked back at Optimus.

"You may..." Optimus replied after a moment. Soundwave held out a small box in Ratchet's direction, urging the medic to take it. Reluctantly, Ratchet took the box. It was rectangular, and almost the length of Ratchet's servo. Engraved in the top was 'Sapphire' printed neatly in Cybertronian. Inside was a necklace. The design was simple. The chain was made of metal from Cybertron to make it stronger. The gem was a sapphire, carved in the shape of a heart. It was long enough to be able to fight the neck of a full-grown Autobot. A very sweet gift, Ratchet had to admit.

A sudden whimper from Sapphire brought the attention right back to her. She pushed against Soundwave's chest, trying to get free. Her whimpers were pained, and tears were filling her optics.

"Sire... hurts," she whined, struggling to get free of the source of her pain. Soundwave held her out, and Ratchet was quick to snag her from the Decepticon's arms. Ratchet rubbed the femme's helm in an offer of comfort. He wasn't quite sure what was happening with Sapphire, but as soon as they returned the base, he'd find out.

"Prime, we should head back," Ratchet said. Optimus agreed quickly and tightened his grip on Scarlet slightly when she stirred. Ratchet commed the base and moved out of Soundwave's reach, taking the now sobbing sparkling with him. The groundbridge flared to life near them, and Ratchet rushed through it as soon as he could to care for Sapphire. Optimus stayed behind for a few minutes, and for good reason. For a message appeared through his comm link. One that he needed to find out more about.

'Optimus Prime: There is something you should know... Concerning: Sapphire and her other creator.'

Well... a huge thanks to my many reviewers for following this story through to the end. I'll be posting the first chapter of the sequel as soon as it's finished. It's set around 14 years after this one, and is a fair bit darker, simply because of what the femmes go through. I hope you guys enjoy it and continue reading this. Let me know what you thought of Responsibility, and if you have anything you'd like to see. I'm going to be posting another 'story' where ChloeBee and I can BOTH put one-shots surrounding the characters and possibly plot of Responsibility and its sequel. This has been fun, and I look forward to working on the next chapter! AlexisPrime, signing off!