Chapter 7

The group of humans and Autobot turned humans entered the large sliding doors leading into the mall. They walked in and reached a fountain where the former Autobots started to look around, staring in awe.

There were 3 floors in total, escalators leading up and down on different levels. Stores were placed all over the sides and small stands stood in the middle of the floor, advertising their new products.

"Wow" Arcee said. "I've been here a couple times but never inside."

"I must admit, you humans have a very good sense of construction and interior designing" Ratchet pointed out, looking at the shape and curves of the walls.

"So what are we going to do first? Lunch or shopping?" Miko asked the group.

Suddenly Bulkhead's stomach started to growl which startled the Autobots and made them get into a defensive stance, again. The three original humans laughed as the former Autobots scanned the area, looking for any signs of trouble.

"Relax guys, Bulkhead is just hungry" Raf said, calming the startled Autobots down.

"Great, this happened last time too" Bulkhead mumbled to himself, scratching his head.

"Well, food court it is!" Miko said heading for the escalator leading up to the second level with the group not too far behind.

Eventually they reached the food court where they looked at all the different shops and restaurants.

"What is that Jack?" Arcee asked, pointing at a restaurant where the waiter was serving a couple their meal in a dish.

"That's an Italian restaurant which means it serves food from Italy" Jack answered.

"Are you saying that there are different foods for different countries?" Ratchet asked, bewildered at how there could be so many different kinds of food.

"Yeah, depending on where you live, there will be different foods. Although here in America, we have foods from everywhere." Raf said.

"You know Ratchet, the pizza we had last night was Italian. The only difference was that it was an American company that made it." Jack explained.

"Interesting" the medic complied, scratching his chin and thinking about the new information he was told.

"Stop talking about food and let's go get some, I'm starving" Bulkhead stated, rubbing his stomach.

Wheeljack laughed at his buddy's antics. "I'm pretty sure if we don't get Bulk some food, he's going to die."

"Well, that's a pretty good Chinese vendor over there, or you can have some Mexican food over there" Jack said, pointing at two different places.

The group argued over what to eat for a moment before they all decided to have some Chinese food. They ordered their food and stood in line to pay while the cashier counted up the total.

"Paper or plastic?" she asked Arcee who was talking with Jack.

"Huh? Are you talking to me?" Arcee asked, spinning around to face the cashier.

"Yes, paper or plastic?" the cashier asked again.

"What kind of question is that? I thought we were buying food? I'm not eating paper or plastic!" Arcee stated, a little annoyance in her voice. Jack heard what she said and started to chuckle.

"Arcee, she means what are you going to pay with. Paper means cash and plastic means credit card" Jack whispered into her ear. Suddenly Arcee realized her mistake and started to blush in embarrassment.

"S-sorry, I'll be paying with my credit card" the former two-wheeler said, pulling the card out of her pocket.

A few moments later, the group found a seat at the table and they were still laughing about the earlier situation. Arcee sat down with attitude and pouted, showing her displeasure to the group.

"It's not my fault I don't know Earth terms" she said, crossing her arms.

"Why'd you give her so much sass?" Wheeljack laughed, holding his stomach.

"i didn't like her attitude. Paper or plastic?" Arcee answered, using a fake voice to mimic the cashier's voice. Her acting made the group laugh again until Miko and Raf came over with bags of food. They divided the food up in nine and quickly dug in.

"If I may ask, what is this called?" Optimus asked Jack after he swallowed the food in his mouth.

"Chinese food Optimus, and what you're eating is called noodles." Jack pointed at string like food in the Prime's box. "I've got fried rice here and if you'd like a taste, there's plenty more in the bag."

"Thank you, this food is truly amazing, nothing I have ever experienced before." Optimus said before returning to his food.

After a couple minutes, they finished off the last bit of food and cleaned up their area.

"Where to next?" Bumblebee asked as they walked out of the food court.

"Well, we do some shopping of course!" Miko exclaimed. "You all need to buy new clothes, but you have to make sure they match your style."

"And what does that mean?" Ratchet asked, puzzled at what 'style' meant.

"It means that the clothes you buy match your personality or something you like. Don't worry; we'll help you find some nice stuff." Raf answered.

The group found a map of the mall and looked it over while Miko and Raf pointed to different stores they should go to. Once they went over their plan of action, the group started towards the first few stores on their list. Big names like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger were places where they bought most of Optimus and Ratchet's clothes. Those were followed by other stores such as American Eagle and Nike where they got clothes for the rest of the gang. The mall was almost as big as an outlet, with the same big companies scattered across the property and the large advertisements pointing to different stores. It was one of the few locations in Jasper, Nevada that was very well designed. There was even a movie theater connected to the shopping center and a supermarket down the street.

After about two hours of walking around, the group finally reached their last few stores. Most of the group has already finished with their shopping. They had gotten so many bags Jack and Optimus had to make two trips back to their cars to put the bags down. Now, the only two who still needed a few more sets were Bumblebee and Arcee.

"Hey Jack, I'm going to take Arcee somewhere else" Miko said as the rest of the group entered GAP. "The rest of these stores are mostly for Bumblebee and the stores Arcee needs to go to are on the other side of the mall."

Jack didn't want to leave Arcee to wander around the mall without him, and he definitely didn't want Miko accompanying her.

"Don't worry babe, I'll be fine" Arcee said, reading his thoughts and giving him a quick peck on the cheek.

"Well alright, meet us in front of the theaters in..." Jack looked up at the digital clock on the ceiling. "...let's say an hour?"

The two girls nodded their heads and started towards their stores on the other side of the mall. Suddenly Miko turned around and winked, mouthing 'she's going to look great'. Jack didn't quite understand what that meant since it was Miko, which was exactly why he started to worry.

"Great..." Jack mumbled to himself, heading into GAP to join the others who were picking out a shirt for Bumblebee.

...

An hour has passed and the males were waiting in front of the theaters, talking about the things they had bought today.

"Nice jacket Jackie" Bulkhead said, admiring Wheeljack's white and black sports jacket he had gotten from Nike. The former green wrecker was wearing a red t-shirt and shorts that he really liked.

"Thanks Bulk but commander over here deserves most of the compliments" Wheeljack answered, pointing at Optimus. The Prime wore a collared gray t-shirt with light brown pants. On his left hand was a nice Fossil watch that he had gotten with a golden trim on the side. In a sense, Optimus looked very handsome.

Next to him stood Ratchet, checking out his phone that they had gotten earlier. The scientist has just gotten it a few hours ago and was already tinkering with the technology, upgrading it to fit his use. Ratchet wore a normal white t-shirt and a pair of khaki shorts.

Finally, there was Bumblebee who was donning a long sleeve, rolled up to his elbow. The former scout's clothing resembled Raf who was busy telling him all about the different video games they can check out if they have time.

"Hey Jack, where's Miko?" Bulkhead asked.

"She went to take Arcee to some stores for woman's clothing. They should be back at any moment." Jack answered, although he was slightly worried about what Arcee would be wearing when she came back.

As if right on cue, Miko walked up to the group with a crouching figure behind her, obviously Arcee. Although, the way Miko was blocking their view of what Arcee was wearing made Jack really nervous about what he was about to see. If he knew Miko, Arcee was probably wearing some black shirt with a skull on it.

"Gentlemen" Miko greeted, getting their attention. "Allow me to introduce, the one, the only, Sadie Prime!"

Miko stepped to the side revealing Arcee's new outfit. Jack flinched in preparation of something horrible but when he saw his girlfriend's outfit, he relaxed. In fact, he not only relaxed but his mouth dropped open and he stared in awe and amazement.

Arcee was wearing an outfit that resembled her Autobot form. She had a pair of black leggings that showed off her long slender legs and black boots with a little heel to them. On top she had a white shirt that was only visible at her stomach because of the jacket that matched her dark blue color. Her entire outfit hugged her body and only then did Jack notice her hourglass figure and many curves. Her blonde hair glistened in the light and Jack could only think of one thing.

I am so lucky.

"So what do you think babe?" Arcee asked, twirling around to show him the entire outfit.

"Wow..." was all he could say as he watched her hips sway back and forth as she came closer.

Arcee smirked when she saw that she had him in a trance. She wrapped her arms around his neck and playfully kissed him on the lips which snapped him out of his staring.

"I thought you would like it" she said quietly, giving him another kiss in which he gladly returned the favor.

"I told you she'd look great" Miko said as she and the rest of the humans watched the couple smile at each other.

"So, what's next on our list?" Arcee asked the group, still holding onto Jack.

"How about a movie?" Raf said, pointing at the theater behind them.

"What's a movie" Wheeljack questioned, not knowing what the word 'movie' meant.

"A movie is a film that the humans enjoy spending their past time watching. I must admit, I've always been curious to see one of them" Ratchet explained, scratching his chin. "What do you think Optimus?"

The Prime thought for a moment before nodding his head. "I believe if we wish to stay hidden while we are human, we should learn of their leisure activities."

"Ok, give me a sec while I put these bags in the car" Jack said, taking the bags from Arcee's hands. Jack also grabbed Bumblebee's bags and went straight for the parking lot. A moment he returned, swinging the keys on his finger.

"What movie are we going to watch?" he asked and the group went over to the posters promoting the movies that are showing.

"Neighbors 2?" Miko suggested but Jack shook his head.

"They wouldn't understand the jokes."

"Deadpool?"

The two looked over at Raf and Bumblebee and realized it's probably best if they don't watch it. Miko scanned the rest of the posters before one caught her eye.

"Oh my god! We have to watch that one!" she exclaimed excitingly and pointing at the poster.

Jack and Raf took a closer look at the poster and their eyes widened.

"Wow, I can't believe I never made that connection." Raf said, laughing a bit.

"I think they'll get a kick out of it" Jack said pointing at the former Autobots.

"What movie are we watching Jack?" Arcee asked, curious to see what the three were talking about.

Jack looked at the original humans and chuckled before answering.

"Transformers."

The Autobots raised an eyebrow and gave him a funny look.

"Come on, you'll find this movie really weird" Miko laughed as she pushed the group inside.

They paid for their tickets and bought their food before heading into the respective theater. The lights went dark as the movie started, projecting onto the large movie screen.

...

About two hours later, the group walked outside. The Autobots were deep in thought, thinking about what they had just watched.

"H-how?... What?" Ratchet said, more shocked than anything. "I have so many questions to ask."

"Wait, so does humanity know that we... exist?" Arcee asked, also a little dumb-founded.

The three teens laughed before responding.

"No, this was just a movie, an idea that was created and filmed. We found it funny because it turns out you guys really do exist!" Raf answered.

"Yeah, Michael Bay has a really weird mind" Jack added.

"Optimus, what do you think about the movie?" Ratchet asked the Prime who was in his own thoughts.

"Well old friend, the idea of a movie that relates to us surprises me. However, I believe it was only a coincidence that such an idea closely resembles our lives." Optimus answered.

"The entire movie was preposterous!" Ratchet exclaimed. "There were so many facts that never existed. A cube that created Cybertron? Primus created Cybertron, not some magical cube. Not to mention that I was green! Green of all colors!"

"Hey, at least you had a part in the movie" Arcee said, Bulkhead and Wheeljack nodding in agreement. "Even Bee got a role."

"And I was awesome!" Bumblebee playfully joked, punching the air as if he was fighting an invisible being.

"What was real in that movie Ratchet?" Raf asked, curious to see if anything actually happened.

"Well Rafael, the only things that truly exist are the Autobots and Decepticons. In fact, if my memory is correct, Ironhide and Jazz escaped Cybertron and are somewhere in this universe." Ratchet answered, shuddering at the scene where Megatron ripped Jazz in two.

"Wow really? So there are more of you guys?" Miko asked.

"Oh yeah Miko, tons of us are out there, hopefully still online. During the war, Ironhide was a wrecker along with Jackie and me. You remember big old Ironhide don't you?" Bulkhead answered, turning to his fellow wrecker.

"How could I not? That big hunk of metal took out squadrons of 'cons with his blaster and saved my backside plenty of times." Wheeljack answered, remembering the times with his fellow wrecker.

"And what about Jazz?" Jack asked about the funny silver Autobot.

"Jazz was a brave soldier, one of my many Lieutenants and was a dearest friend." Optimus said, remembering his old friend. "Unlike how the movie portrayed him, Jazz survived the war and escaped with Ironhide on one of our ships. I am unsure of where he currently but I believe he has not yet joined the AllSpark."

"Jazz was a war veteran and when I was in training, he was my mentor." Arcee added. "He was a funny guy and loved to joke around. I learned a lot of my moves from him."

"Which of the 'cons managed to survive?" Jack asked, thinking back on all the Decepticons who showed up in that movie.

"Well, all of them have existed. However, I am unsure of whether they escaped from Cybertron or if they have joined the AllSpark." Ratchet said.

"Actually Ratchet, Bonecrusher is gone since us wreckers took down Devastator in the battle of Mount Haul." Wheeljack said.

"And I took out Frenzy a while ago when he tried to sneak into our headquarters" Bumblebee added.

The former Autobots went quiet, thinking about their time on Cybertron and the battles they witnessed. They remembered their fallen comrades, their fellow Autobots who escaped, and the Decepticons they off-lined.

"It's too bad the other Autobots aren't here on Earth. Otherwise this war would be a lot easier" Miko said, breaking the silence.

"Why don't you just send a message out to contact them?" Raf asked, also thinking that if there were more of them, they would have a much easier time.

"When we first arrived on Earth, Optimus sent out a message for all Autobots to head towards Earth. While the signal brought us reinforcements such as Arcee and Cliffjumper, it also brought reinforcements to the Decepticons. We cannot risk becoming even more outnumbered than we already are." Ratchet explained.

"Well too bad there aren't any more Starcreams out there" Miko joked, earning a laugh from the group.

"Enough moping around, we should get going" Jack said. The group nodded in agreement and started towards the door.

"Well, well, well. Look who it is? Shouldn't you be working at that dup of yours Darby?"

Jack groaned, recognizing the voice and turned around. Walking towards them was Vince along with four other guys who make up his 'gang'.

"What do you want Vince?" Jack asked, not wanting to stick around for much longer.

"Well I couldn't help but notice you and those two dweebs hanging out at the mall. This place is for cool people so if you want to hang out somewhere, I'd gladly show you to the junkyard." Vince sneered, his group laughing at what he said.

"Go and be a jerk somewhere else, we're about to leave anyways." Jack responded, holding in his anger.

Vince was about to respond when he spotted Arcee. He looked her up and down and let out a cat call. "And who do we have here? A smoking hot chick like you shouldn't be hanging around this loser. Come on, ditch the dweeb and I'll show you around."

Arcee recognized Vince as the bully from school who loved to pick on Jack. He was also the one who called her ugly before and challenged her and Jack to a race. She never liked him and sometimes she had to stop herself from transforming and punching him in his smug look. Now he was hitting on her and she knew just what to do.

"Babe let's go" Arcee said, moving over and holding onto Jack's arm while giving Vince a glare. "These guys aren't worth our time."

"Babe? Hah! There is no way Darby has a girlfriend like you. How much is he paying you for you to keep up this act?" Vince laughed and his gang joined in.

"Jack isn't paying me anything. He's sweet and kind and maybe you can learn something from him" Arcee responded. Jack looked down at her and gave her a smile that warmed her heart.

"Hah, yeah right. Darby here is the biggest loser in town, working at that dump he calls a job and riding that crappy motorcycle around like he thinks he's cool." Vince said, making his friends snicker.

Jack knew that Arcee had a temper and quickly put and arm around her shoulders, keeping her close and not letting her do something that she would regret.

"Nothing to say Darby? Aww, don't cry. Maybe you can get mommy to buy you some candy to cheer you up." The bully stated.

Jack ignored him and started to go towards the door, still holding onto Arcee; not just for her but so that he can contain himself. The group followed him as the wreckers gave Vince a glare.

"Leaving so soon Darby?" Vince asked sarcastically. That's when he saw Optimus and immediately thought of another way to piss off Jack. "Hey Darby! Did your dad finally come back? He probably felt bad for your sorry ass and decided to pay you a little visit."

Jack heard him and stopped, letting go of Arcee and standing with his back turned to the bully. Vince laughed at his joke but his friends didn't.

"Woah man, that was a little too far." One of them whispered to Vince who merely waved him off.

"What are you going to do Darby?" Vince challenged.

Jack just stood there, not moving an inch. He appeared to be deep in thought, not just about his current situation but about what Vince had mentioned earlier.

"Come on Jack, ignore him" Arcee comforted her boyfriend. She knew that his dad was a touchy subject that even she didn't know much about. All she knew was that he left when Jack was young and that was it. Clearly there was another reason to his disappearance which Jack kept to himself.

Jack broke out off his thoughts when he heard Arcee and took a deep breath. He decided to do what she said and left, walking out of the double sliding doors. He walked into the parking lot but not before he heard Vince call him a coward. He and the group walked to their cars in silence.

Once they got into their respective cars, Jack remained outside, staring out into the distance. Everyone decided to give him some room and Arcee spotted a single tear trickle down his cheek. She felt a wave of guilt hit her even though she knew none of this was her fault. She was his girlfriend and it was her responsibility to comfort him in his tough times. That was something she failed to do countless times.

Arcee got out of the passenger seat and walked over to Jack, wrapping her arms around his waist and gently rubbing his neck with her cheek.

"Jack I'm here ok? I know there are some tough things you've been through but I'm here and you can tell me anything you want" Arcee comforted him quietly, kissing him on the cheek.

After a moment of holding him, Jack finally turned around and smiled at his girlfriend. She was still his entire world and he loved her with his life, but he knew he couldn't tell her that, not yet.

"I know I can, Arcee" He said quietly. "

Arcee gently wiped away the tears forming and stared into his loving eyes. She leaned forward and kissed him passionately, slightly catching him off guard but eventually calming him down.

They held the kiss until they needed to breathe. They looked into each other's eyes and saw the love inside of them.

"Let's go" Arcee said, gently pulling him over to the car. Jack wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close. She lover the feeling of being held, especially when she knew it was Jack; someone who she loved and will never let go.

They got into the car and drove away, holding hands as they did.

...

Author's Note: Hey guys, this story is finally taking its path and the intro is almost over. Yes! Anyways, I was debating with myself for whether or not I should have them watch Transformers. I thought that it might create a paradox and would be unexplainable but eventually I just said 'screw it' and did it anyways.

Hope you guys enjoyed and please leave a review. That would be awesome.