If anyone has any suggestions please let me know or if you want a specific something to happen. Again thanks for all the reviews they definitively help me write and update faster. Sorry that I haven't updated in over a month. Until next time.

Disclaimer: I don't own Transformers.

Chapter 6

I groggily woke up. I stretched my arms out and snuggled back into my pillow.

" Jess wake up! " Annabelle nudged me awake. I looked up at her through half open eyes.

" Why? " I groaned.

" We're packing up. Trip's over. "

" Alright, I'm up. I'm up. " Annabelle left so that I could change. I looked down at my pajamas...those weren't my pajamas. I had an extremely large NEST hoodie with yesterday's pants on. Why did I have a Nest...? Then last night all came back to me in a flash. The storm. Crying. Ron. Sleeping together. I groaned in embarrassment. I won't be able to look at him in the eye when I see him.

Pushing those thoughts aside, I put on a pair of loose Nike shorts, a sports bra and my favorite blue sweater. Grabbing my runners, I made my way outside. Will was cooking some bacon and eggs on the grill over the fire while Anna and her mom were putting some things away. I looked around for Ron around the campsite. I sighed once the coast was clear.

" Need any help? " I asked. Will looked up and smiled.

" Sure, you can grab some plastic plates and forks. "

We all ate breakfast quickly and packed our things. As the last of our things was getting put into the van, my aunt turned to me.

" Would you mind getting Ron? He's just went off towards the cliffs. " Of course she would send me of all people. I inwardly sighed.

" Sure thing. Be back soon. " I didn't miss the teasing smirk Anna sent my way before leaving. I stuck out my tongue at her before walking the trail that led to the cliffs. It was still dark enough outside and the sun was to be out very soon.

I suddenly got nervous nearing my destination. What if he thinks I took advantage of him? Does he think I'm a coward? I mean this is the second time I cried in front of him and I've only known him for a month. My mind was swirling with questions.

Up ahead of me I could see Ron sitting on the edge of the cliff. I paused for a minute to look at him. His blue eyes were gazing off the coast while deep in thought.

" You don't need to stay standing. You can join me if you'd like. " I squeaked in surprise. How did he know I was there?

I sat down beside him.

" We're ready to go. "

" You're lucky. "

" What? "

" I said you're lucky. To have such a loving family to take you in. "

" You talk like you're an outsider or something. "

" I technically am. You're all family by blood. " I was surprised he thought that.

" The way everyone talks about you says otherwise. "

" I suppose I just miss my old home. " He gazed out at the sunrise. The horizon was orange with a little bit of pink and purple. Most of the sky was still dark blue from the night.

" What was it like? Your old home I mean. "

" It was the most amazing place. I worked with everyone back from base. Not everything in my past life was perfect but I was happy. "

" Do you like it less here? " If he missed his home so much, he might try to leave to rebuild it or something of that idea. The thought of him leaving so sudden left me sad.

" Yes and no. I don't like all of your pesky insects. Everything is so small. " I laughed. " However it's the inhabitants that make it worthwhile. " He turned his head to look at me when he said that. I smile knowing I couldn't hide the blush that was most likely taking place on my cheeks.

" We'd better be heading off then. " I said. He nodded in agreement and we got up to join the others.

In no time at all, we were back home.

A few more days passed without incident. I was walking down the driveway back from my run that I got an idea. Knowing he'd most likely be in the garage, that was the first place I headed.

" Hey Ron? " His head lifted up from his work.

" What? " He grunted. He didn't look very happy to have been disrupted. I just hoped he'd agree with what I had in mind.

" Just hear me out okay? I've been training a lot this past year but it's been more or less focused on my stamina. So I head the idea that... um... you could... maybeyoucouldtrainme. "

" What? " He looked at me confused. I sighed.

" I was hoping that you could train me in battle arms and whatnot so that I'm more prepared for when we get to base. I know that there's less than two weeks until- "

" We start at 5. " I looked at him incredulously. He had actually agreed?

" Wait did you say 5? " Hoping he meant in the afternoon.

" Yes as in 5 in the morning. Now stop wasting my time. You should rest up to be ready for tomorrow. " His military persona came out. It would be a lie if I said it didn't make him more attractive.

" Yes sir. " I mock saluted. He grunted in reply. I ran back in the house before he could get another word in. Tomorrow couldn't come any sooner.

I spent the rest of the day with Annabelle playing with the dogs. They were getting better at not peeing on the carpet an more on the hardwood or outside. It was slow but progress is progress. I also mentioned to my cousin about my new workout routine.

" You know I heard a lot of things about his training. " She said.

" Like what? " I hoped he wasn't that bad. I mean he wouldn't make me pass out from exhaustion in the middle of a drill would he?

" Dad says all the new recruits train with him. Said that everyone's afraid of him. He's pretty hardcore. Doubt he'll go easy on you. " I gulped, realizing what I got myself in.

" Well might as well head to bed. See you tomorrow. Maybe. " With that I headed to my room to welcome sleep.

My alarm woke me up. I glanced at the demon machine that glared back 4:30 AM. I sighed knowing I might as well get up now. I was careful not to stir Maisy awake while I got dressed. I put on my grey sports shirt, grey shorts and my Nikes. I quickly brushed out my hair and put it up before going downstairs to look for food.

I decided on an orange and a croissant. When I finished I ran back upstairs to brush my teeth. I looked at the clock and it read. 4:52 AM. I filled my water bottle and headed out to the garage.

I kept thinking about what he would make me do and prayed to god that I wouldn't make a fool out of myself.

" You're early good. " Ron came out from behind his truck in another NEST sweater and track pants. I forgot to give back his other sweater. I blushed at the thought that he didn't say anything about getting it back, implying that I could keep it perhaps.

" We're gonna start off with a warm up. You're gonna do a hundred of each. Doesn't matter which order. I want to see you do push ups, crunches, jumping jacks, burpies, triceps dips and plank tapouts. Then you'll do some drills and an obstacle course. You'll finish off with your usual run. " At least I got to run. " But this time I'm adding 5 pounds on each leg and you'll be running twice as far. " Nevermind thinking I wouldn't pass out. I think I'd die from exhaustion. Might as well get started.

Most of the morning consisted of finishing the warm up which wasn't too bad but my joints were quite sore. Ron had me do the beep test and other drills to see what needed to be worked on. I didn't complain once as to not show any kind of weakness. The obstacle course was quite interesting. Part of the field was used for it. There was the usual tires, beams and nets I had to jump and climb. I did that for about an hour.

Ron finally let me take a five minute break before I started my run. I practically drained my water bottle in one huge gulp. My legs were about to give out and my arms were screaming in agony. My breathing was fast and heavy as I tried to control it.

" Alright get up. I expect you back in two hours. If you're not, things won't be pretty. " I nodded my head in understanding. I refilled my water bottle one last time before draining it back again. How on earth did he expect me to run back in two hours? It usually took me an hour and a half if I hurried. But this time I'd be running twice the distance. I'd be surprised if I didn't drop dead within the hour.

I took off running at 2 o'clock. Now all I had to do was keep running at a fast pace. Easier said than done. By the time I was half way done it was already 3:15. Great. I decided to start sprinting until I couldn't stop. I didn't want to disappoint Ron. I had to show him I could do something right. That I wasn't a coward. That I wasn't weak.

I turned down the road back home and looked at my watch. 3:58. Crap. I bolted back to the house. Praying that I'd make it back. It usually took me ten minutes to walk it so fingers crossed. Sweat was sticking to my skin as I rushed down the driveway. The seconds were counting down. 10... 9... 8... I was almost there. 7... 6... 5... I could see the house. 4... 3... 2... I finally reached the garage. 1...

I fell to my knees and hands as beads of sweat rolled down my back. I could hear someone's footsteps grow closer.

" You made it. Good. Finish off with some stretches and you're done. " Ron said as I laid down on my back. My chest rose high as I attempted to catch my breath. He was gonna be the death of me.

When I finished stretching, I headed straight for the shower. I made sure to put the water colder than warmer. My body was like a furnace. As I stepped in, my body gave out a few shudders at the sudden drop of temperature. I'll probably have to get used to cold showers it seemed.

I changed into some sweat pants and a loose shirt. I put my damp hair in a French braid then heading downstairs for supper.

" So I heard you trained with Ron today. How'd that go? " Will shot me a smirk. I glared back at him.

" It went well actually. It was too easy in fact. " He looked at me surprised. I smirked at his reaction. That last thing it was was easy. But I wasn't gonna let my uncle have all the fun.

" Really? Too easy huh? " I almost spit out my water. Of course. Ron had to walk in as soon as I said that. " Well in that case I suppose I'll have to make it twice as hard tomorrow. You know, so that it's not too easy for you. " I slumped into my seat. Will chuckled at my expense and nodded to Ron. Did they plan this? Was my uncle hoping I'd say something like that so that I'd have to work even harder? It looked like it. I glared at the both of them. I officially hate them both.

If the first day seemed bad it was nothing compared to the second one. When Ron said he'd make it twice as hard he really meant it. He made me do my warm up twice as much. So instead of a hundred of each it was two hundred. My arms and legs were in so much pain from the day before. It was a surprise that I was able to get out of bed. Nevertheless I did my warm up, drills and obstacle course with no complaint.

It was when it came to running that I felt defeated. My feet hurt and my legs were about to give out under me.

" Alright this time, you're gonna be wearing 15 pounds on each leg. " I groaned at the idea of it. He gave me a not - so - impressed look. I shut up after that. " If you return within two hours, we'll go back to regular training. If you don't, you're gonna be doing this type of training till we get to base. Understood? " I nodded. It seemed that my throat was too dry to use.

I put on the weights and headed off. I was so unused to it. Having excess weight made it harder to run at a constant speed. Some time went by until I came back on the road to the house again. 3:55. I bolted once more and made it in record time. I slid down the garage wall. Ron was already waiting for me.

" Not gonna lie. Didn't think you'd make it back in time. We'll go back to regular training tomorrow. You did good. " I soaked in the compliment since it seemed it didn't happen often.

" Thanks. " I croaked.

" Drink some water before you pass out from dehydration. " He said as he passed me my water bottle. After I finished it off, I felt a little better.

Supper came and went. I trained with Maisy some more. At the moment, I was thinking about what living on the base would be like. I pictured it to be somewhere hot. Even hotter than where we are now. I looked out my window to see the stars out.

My father and I used to stay up at night and stargaze during the summer. It was one of my fondest memories with him. My mood became sad when I realized that I would never be able to do that again. Opting to change my mood, I grabbed Maisy and headed outside.

I settled us under a big tree where the grass was soft. Maisy laid down beside me. I could point out a few constellations. I hadn't done so in years.

" What are you doing out this late? " I jumped at the voice. Ron came out from around the house.

" I'm stargazing. Is that a crime? " I retorted. He scoffed.

" Just didn't peg you as someone who'd enjoy that. "

" Did you think I was obsessed with British boy bands and social media? " I glared up at him.

" No. " He glared back. " But I had more a feminine idea in mind. "

" Sexist. " I muttered under my breath.

" That's the last thing I am little one. " I glared back at him again. I stood up to defend myself.

" I'm not so little you know. " I stepped forward so that I was face to face with him.

" I'd beg to differ little one. " I was seething. We about a foot apart and angry. I looked up at him. He was in fact about six inches taller than me. But height was just a number.

" Sorry I forgot how old you actually were grandpa. " I smirked. His eyes narrowed in irritation.

" Watch yourself Jessie. " I absolutely despised that name. He was definitively not going to win after saying that.

" Aren't you like 40? Or is that too young? " If looks could kill, I'd be a goner.

" 26 actually. If you must know. " I looked at him surprised. I hadn't thought he would actually tell me his age. But that didn't change anything. I wasn't giving up that easily.

" 26 mentally but physically 50. " We both knew I was lying but that didn't stop from angering Ron even more.

" Alright that's it. I've had enough of your attitude. " He picked me up and placed me on his shoulder. Sparks ran between us from the contact.

" Let me go! " I looked back at where he was taking me to see that we were heading straight for the pool. " Ron no! Let go! Please I'm sorry! "

" Really? You're sorry? " He asked sarcastically.

" Yes please just let me go. "

" Okay as you wish. " With that he let me go and I dropped in the cold water. I resurfaced pissed off.

" What the hell was that for?! " I yelled up at him.

" You know very well what that was for. Oh and tomorrow you get the same training as today. " He smirked down at me. Well two can play at that game.

I pretended to chatter my teeth and shiver.

" Can y-you at least h-help me out? M-my arms hurt t-too much to get o-out. " He gaze softened as he extended his hand to aid me. I slipped my hand in his. Before he could help me out however, I smiled devilishly at him and tugged him in the water.

When his head shot out of the water he was boiling in anger. I couldn't help but giggle at him. Soon those giggles turned into full out laughing. He gazed at me for a moment before chuckling himself.

" Seems that I underestimated you. " I hummed in agreement. " Don't worry it won't happen again. " He smiled at me. Things seemed to get a lot better after that. Days flew by and training got easier. My stamina was getting even better thanks to Ron.

Time didn't slow down and before I knew it, it was September 2nd. The day we leave for base.

All of my things were packed and ready to go. Ron was putting all of our things in Ironhide while I double checked my room. I didn't know when I was gonna be able to come back. It felt like it was only yesterday that I arrived here.

I made my way downstairs to say my goodbyes,

" Bye Ron. " Annabelle was engulfed in a big bear hug by Ron. I glanced over to my aunt and uncle. They kissed each other goodbye with exchanges of love. Annabelle turned to her father for a hug. I embraced my aunt in return.

" Stay safe. " She whispered in my ear. I nodded. I stepped out of her arms to be embraced by my cousin.

" Call whenever you can. I want updates on you and Ron. " She giggled. I rolled my eyes at her antics and hugged her back fiercly.

We got in the Toppick and drove out of the drive way. I waved back at my family. We reached the airport within the hour and were rushed into a military plane that could carry the truck. Since it was military we'd reach the base a little faster than a usual plane. The duration still sucked. 18 hours. At least I had Maisy to occupy myself.

We finally reached our destination faster than I expected. The plane landed in Diego Garcia. Stepping out, I had to block the sun from my eyes. Once my eyes were used to the light, I gazed out to the horizon. It was absolutely beautiful. There was lots of forests and beaches that touched the ocean.

We were ushered back into the truck to get to base. 5 minutes later I could see the many buildings ahead of us, most of them connected in some way. And let me tell you, they were HUGE. At least 50 feet in height along with hangars. And some were even bigger. It was like a city. Wow.

We stepped out and carried our things inside. Will gave me a small tour showing me the mess hall and training room.

" Over there is the med bay but I wouldn't go in there unless it is absolutely necessary. " I understood at once remembering Ron's description of their medic, Ratchet. " And on this side is the Autobots' section. Not many solders go in there. So only go if you're with Ron. " I nodded. We walked down a few more corridors. Will pointed to a big metal door not far explaining that it led outside so that I could bring Maisy outside to pee.

" Here's your room. " I opened the door to see 10 foot ceilings. There was a plain double bed with a side table, wardrobe and desk. Against a wall held another door.

" Bathroom? " He nodded.

" Well I'll leave you to it. You're probably tired after that trip. The other recruits should arrive within the next two days so training won't start till Monday. " It was Friday night at the moment.

Sleep came easy as I snuggled in bed with Maisy.

Things seemed to looking up for me. I smiled as I drifted to a dream induced sleep. A dream of blue.

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