The week passes without incident. Saphira had Optimus help her remove the damaged garden bed as it was better to get rid of it than to just leave it there. She enjoyed her time with the other bots. She showed Sideswipe, the twins and femmes some of her skills after Optimus allowed it. He still thought it was dangerous, however Sideswipe thought it was great and he even began mimicking the driving as well. Saphira thought it was hilarious, though she could only show her skills once since they had to leave. Saphira was sad by that. She knew she would need to have a talk with Bumblebee soon about college too.

But right now, Saphira was gathering the camping gear she had been getting ready in the past week. When she told Optimus that they both should camp at the emerald field, Bumblebee sulked a little bit when he realized he wasn't coming. But he was happy for them. Even though Saphira herself just enjoyed being with him as a friend. Although, she was having a hard time convincing herself that he was just a friend in her heart.

She carried the tent and sleeping bag out of the house, humming softly as she approached Optimus. "That looks heavy," Optimus said as he watched her dump the bags on the ground. "Do you need Bee to help?"

"No thanks, I just need to get my duffel bag and the cooler, and we are all set." Saphira had a big grin on her face. "I didn't over pack or anything, but camping does take a bit of gear."

Optimus carefully picked up the tent and sleeping bag. "Alright, if you say so. I would feel bad if you hurt yourself over this."

Bumblebee watched as he sat on a rock nearby in his bipedal mode. He looked at Optimus and spoke through the radio. "She's not the only one happy about this is she?"

Optimus looked at Bumblebee. "Of course I enjoy spending time with her."

"Gazing at the stars, sunset and admiring her when she wears the necklace, I know what it is." Bumblebee chuckled as the commander rolled his eyes and looked away from him. "Just don't hurt her."

"I am still not even sure I want to get involved with a human," Optimus said softly. "However…I cannot refuse when she wants time alone with me. II don't want to hurt her…I also don't want to go further than friendship."

Bumblebee simply nodded and looked at the house as Saphira walked out with her duffel bag over her shoulder and carrying a large cooler by her side. She made sure that the cooler would work properly, so she could cook up meat, potatoes and other things when at the field.

"Alright, I am all set." She turned to look at Bumblebee. "I hope you are not mad that I won't be here the whole week. But we will have more time together when I get back."

"I can't be selfish, so I will be okay," Bee said, shrugging with a grin. "I think you will get even closer together."

Saphira wasn't sure what he meant by that and shrugged. "Well, as long as you are not mad." She looked at Optimus and saw he was holding the tent and sleeping bag. "We can probably go now. I have everything I need."

Optimus smiled at her. "If you are sure, we will go." He transforms into his at form and the cab door opens for her. "The sun will set the longer we remain."

Saphira giggled as she walked up to the Peterbilt and Optimus's side suddenly reached out with his hand. She was surprised, but she watched him take the cooler and duffel bag and placed them inside the cab. She chuckled as she thought it was really sweet of Optimus to do that. She climbed into the cab and got herself comfortable in the seat.

"Thanks for the hand Optimus," She said jokingly as the engine roared and felt the truck drive away from the house towards the road. "This is going to be a great week. I even brought my swimsuit to swim in the lake."

"I will be fascinated with how you can go without the things in your house," Optimus said through the speakers.

"Humans didn't always have technology, Optimus." She smiled and earned on the window, looking out as the world rolled by. "Before the time we are in now, humans often had to use the resources around them to survive. From clay and straw, fiber and wood, stone and mud…we didn't have what we have today. Even my tent would be considered luxury back then."

"I suppose I don't know much about human history…" Optimus didn't have a great knowledge about human history, but it still intrigued him. "What about warmth, food and water?"

"Humans relied on fire pretty much for everything. Fire not only provides light and heat, but it also cooks food and boils water to make it safe to drink. Without fire, humans would have had a harder time to survive." Saphira was going to show Optimus how humans started fires later, she was looking forward to that. "Humans had to learn about what was safe to eat. They hunted animals, fished fish from the ocean, lakes and rivers, and foraged fruit, roots, nuts and leafy greens that were safe to eat and use for medicinal purposes. These days, we do not know what it truly means to survive on our own. But, humans have come a long way from nothing."

"Seems that way. It would be fascinating to watch honestly, because we autobots have never had to do that, but at the beginning we definitely had a more primitive life than we had now. Things have definitely changed."

"At least camping kind of reconnects that part in a casual way. But, being disconnected from the word like that can be quite refreshing." Saphira leaned back with a smile. "Especially when there is nothing but yourself and the nature around you. It is very awesome."

"That explains why you want to do this. Although, you are not totally disconnected if you're with me."

She chuckled softly at him. "Maybe, but it will allow you to disconnect from the world yourself Optimus. It isn't just for me, it is for you as well. Especially after all the decepticon hunting you did in the last year."

"Then I am very much looking forward to it," Optimus said in a cheerful tone.

Saphira hoped it would be a good week. Just nothing but her, Optimus and their emerald field. She did not really know what they will end up doing, but she would figure that one out. They soon arrive at the beautiful field and Saphira smiled, she was so glad to be here.

When Optimus stopped, she opened the door and jumped out, running a few feet from him and taking a deep breath. "Warm, fresh, air." She smiled as she looked at the beautiful field and heard Optimus transform. She turned around to look at him. "It's a beautiful day. I was thinking of setting the tent by the pond."

Optimus nodded in agreement and stood up to walk down the hill towards the pond "It definitely is a very beautiful day. Everyday has been beautiful since I came back."

Saphira looked at him in surprise. "Really? I am glad being with me somehow makes the day beautiful for you."

Optimus said nothing as he felt a little embarrassed by what he said. They reach the bottom of the hill and Optimus sat down, reaching into his chassis to pull out the tent. He hands it to Saphira and placed the bag down to begin unpacking it.

When Optimus saw the side of the tent and the connections for the tent, he was shocked. "That looks complicated. Will you need my help?"

"I will be fine, if I need help I will ask it," Saphira responded as she began to slide one of the connections through the loop of the tent.

Optimus watched curiously as Saphira slowly put the tent up. She did ask him to hold a few points a couple times, which he gladly obliged and she soon finished off the tent by hitting the stakes into the ground to hold the rope of the tent to keep it upright. Saphira was pretty happy with that, and she grabbed the sleeping bag and her duffle bag to take inside the tent. Optimus wasn't able to see inside without laying down to peer through the door, but he was okay with that. He could hear her moving around inside the tent as she unrolled the sleeping bag and unzipped the duffle bag to take out something. Once that was done, Saphira stepped out and Optimus gave her the cooler and she placed it inside the tent to keep it out of the sun.

She smiled happily once that was done, breathing in the fresh air. "Such a glorious day…" She giggled softly and glanced around at the pond. "I might get the firepit ready. There are plenty of rocks around here, would you mind helping me gather some into a pile?"

Optimus hummed softly before he nodded, stepping closer to the pond and scooping up a handful of rocks. He carefully placed them in a pile by the tent. "Rocks like these?"

Saphira nodded as she began to pick up some rocks too, she picked up some smaller, smoother rocks and inspected them. "Yep, just like those. I think I found some flint too."

"Flint?" Optimus looked at her curiously before he scoops another handful of rocks. "What is that?"

"It means I can use it to start a fire by hitting a rock against it to get a spark," Saphira explained with a smile. "It is one of the ways to start a fire without any technological methods. Or even, transformer methods."

Optimus chuckled softly as he poured the handful on the pile. "I am definitely interested in that." He looked at the pile of rocks. "Is that enough rocks? Perhaps I should gather wood instead."

Saphira looked at the pile and nodded. "Yeah, that is enough, thanks. I can start building the pit while you get firewood. Just make sure you only pick up dead brands and logs, don't rip up a healthy tree."

The commander nodded before he stood up and walked away to get the firewood. He also made himself remember that Saphira wasn't strong enough to pick up huge logs, he would need to break them for her to use. Saphira herself was feeling very excited, she didn't get to camp very much. But it was always refreshing to just disconnect completely. It was one of the many reasons why she wants to grow her own food and raise animals, it would be another way to disconnect from the world and feel like she is doing something that actually matters.

Saphira began to position the rocks into a circle after finding a patch of dirt where there was no grass. She did not want to ruin the field at all. She knew that she was unlikely to cause a wildfire because of how green and damp it was, but she knew to be careful anyway. As she carefully piled the rocks, she made sure they would not tumble as she made the wall. She wasn't going for a very high pit though, just enough to keep the wood and fire inside. Plus, she found some large, flat rocks she could use to sit a pan, pot or kettle on it without having to have the utensils directly over the fire. Though she would get that set up once Optimus came back with the firewood.

Saphira soon finished so she sat on the grass waiting for Optimus to return. She closed her eyes, listening to the gentle wind around her, the birds that were singing, the bees that were buzzing around the flowers and take in the fresh aroma from all around. It took her a few minutes to notice the scent of chamomile flowers. She sniffed and opened her eyes, standing and glancing around curiously. She spotted a cluster of the wildflowers and smiled, that was good because she brought an infuser kettle to use with the tea leaves and honey she had brought. And now, she had wild chamomile to use as well. That was nice.

She heard his footsteps approaching and she glanced up with a big to see him with his arms full. She chuckled softly as she saw the amount of wood Optimus had in his arms. There was more than enough to last the week, and she was happy with that.

"Thanks for the help Optimus, it would have taken me all day to gather that," Saphira said with a smile as Optimus lowered the wood onto the ground. She walked over to looked at what he gathered. "Great selection. Logs for a longer burn, and branches for kindling, this is going to be great."

"It already is great." Optimus smiled at her as he watched her pick up one log and carry it to the pit. "I made sure to break the logs so they are more manageable for you."

"I see that, thanks." She saw the logs were crudely broken, but she did not mind if she was honest. It was better than nothing. "I'll just set it up at the moment anyway. I won't need to use the fire until later. Are you sure you don't to use your holoform? It will be more fun if you do."

"I am sure," Optimus responded with a chuckle. He glanced at the pond with a smile. "I was thinking of relaxing in the pond."

"That was my idea. Although, you might sink…if you try to lay on your back, that is." Saphira didn't know how heavy he was, though water was a powerful force so he could probably float.

"I would, but the pond is shallow enough for me to lay on my back and not be completely covered by the water," Optimus said softly, and Saphira immediately liked that because she could sit on his chest in the middle of the pond. "Water does not cause rust on our bodies thankfully, a lack of energon does if we don't have enough in our system."

"Ah, that makes sense," Saphira said as she looked at the two logs in the pit before she dragged branches over to fill the pit, she made sure to break off the leaves to cover the bottom of the pit before she was finished. "Thankfully, I have my swimsuit. I'll go and get changed."

Optimus didn't know what a swimsuit was, but he was curious, so he patiently waited as she walked into the tent to get changed. He glanced at the small firepit and smiled, he looked forward to spending the week with her this way. He let out an exhale through his vents, he pondered at the idea of living this way normally with her for as long as he could. This way of life felt very different, and yet he liked it. Slowing right down to the point of having nothing but time on your side. It felt very good and different.

His mind was interrupted when he heard the tent door being pushed open and widened his eyes slightly when he saw Saphira wearing a dark, purple one-piece swimsuit. "Alright, I am ready to get into the water. It looks so inviting, and I love how the emeralds glitter at the bottom of the pond." She smiled at him and ran towards the water.

Optimus said nothing, he watched with joy as she ran into the water and dived into it. He watched as she swam under the water, touching the bottom of the lake and enjoying the warm water around her. He did not approach the water just yet, he did not want to accidentally step or sit on her when he does get into the water. However, he watched how hair flowing in the water, the motion of the strands was magical and it didn't matter if they got messy. Saphira pushed herself to the surface, she took a gasp of air and wiped her face, she looked at Optimus with a smile.

"So, what are you waiting for?" Saphira asked, gesturing for him to get in. "Come and sit in the water. It is so nice and warm!"

Optimus grinned and stood up. "I'll make sure I do not sit on you." She chuckled at him as Optimus walked into the pond. "Ooh, it is definitely warm!"

Saphira moved to give Optimus space as he turned his back to the rocky wall surrounding the pond and sat down into the water before laying back. She watched in amazement as he really did not get water covering him except his hips, legs and arms. She swam closer to him with a smile. Optimus glanced at her and watched her swim closer to his shoulders and pull herself up. He saw she was climbing up to his chest, he lifts his hand to help her so she did not slip and she laid on his chest with a sigh.

Optimus felt his spark warming up as she was laying right on top of it. "Hope you don't mind. I figured this was comfy, and it certainly is."

"I do not mind at all," Optimus said, relaxing his head back and gazing up at the clouds.

"At least there are plenty of clouds out," Saphira said, she moved her hands behind her head as she looked up at the sky. "You can pretty much make out many different shapes in the clouds, and it is very entertaining."

"I have never really paid attention to the clouds," Optimus said softly.

"I guess you are about to know what kind of magic that is," Saphira said with a chuckle. She points towards a cloud that was shaped like a rabbit. "That cloud there, for example, looks like a rabbit. Probably the Easter Bunny. He looks like he is holding an empty basket, oh well, no eggs for this year."

Optimus did not know what that meant, but he looked at the cloud she pointed to and it intrigued him. This was how they spent some of the day, Saphira pointed out different things in the clouds and she often found herself telling stories to Optimus about them. The commander found himself thoroughly enjoying it. It was simple, yet again, it was enjoyable.

When the sky began to dark, Saphira sat up and stretched her limbs. "I guess I better get the fire going." She shrugged and stood up, smiling at Optimus. "I had a good time…we wasted time…but it didn't feel like it at the same time."

"I agree." Optimus lifts his head and moved to sit up. Saphira was startled, though he grabbed her gently with his hand and she smiled at him. "I got you, I won't let you fall."

She knew that. She felt herself blushing and she glanced away from Optimus as he walked towards the bank and lowered her to the ground by the tent. She shivered a little as the air was getting cold, so she went into the tent to get changed into jeans and a jacket before grabbing a pan, a sealed, plastic bag with two sausages, a small pack of potato wedges and beans and a canister of spray oil. She stepped out of the tent and set the food onto the pan first before grabbing the flint and stone. Optimus leaned closer as he watched her sit and hit the rock against the flint.

It took a few hits before he saw sparks. "Oh…how fascinating," Optimus said in a low hum as he watched. She hits again and the sparks hit the dry leaves. She gently blew at the flame to try and encourage it to grow. It eventually spread to a branch where the fire licked the branch gently until it began to burn. "At least you will be able to cook your food."

Saphira smiled at him with a nod. "Yep, it will probably take a bit longer to cook, but that is okay." She grabbed a large, flat rock to sit on the edge of the pit, she made sure it would not tip when she placed the pan on it. "It is just part of the process of being without a stove."

She moved away from the fire and sprayed the pan with the oil before placing it on the rock and placed the potatoes and beans into the fry pan first before putting the sausages in. She hummed to herself, watching the fire spread slowly and emitting the warmth that felt lovely on her skin.

"What shall we do tomorrow?" Optimus asked curiously. "Sit in the pond again? Watch the clouds roll by? Make flower bracelets?"

"Not sure, I think not having a plan is the best plan at the moment," Saphira said softly, bringing her legs up to hug. "We are not here to do anything but disconnect, that includes thinking about plans. So…I think we just go with the wind."

Optimus chuckled softly at her. Her way of thinking was strange to him, yet Optimus was willing to try. He was used to having plans, and this was strange to him. Spending time with Saphira this way has been rewarding in more ways than he could describe. It made him want to open up his own feelings, but he kept them to himself.

Saphira was silent herself for a few minutes before glancing at him, she saw he seemed to thinking at well. "Do you think you can be back for Christmas this year?" He looked at her in surprise at the question. "I know my birthday is out of the question again, I'll be at college at the time. But Christmas I will have time off. I wouldn't mind spending it with you and the autobots. I presume you have been told what Christmas is."

"Yes, we have been told. It is a time of year where you give presents to friends and family," Optimus responded with a smile. "You decorate trees with tingle, lights and other decorations, you decorate your houses with lights as well and there is an imaginary person called Santa Claus. It is someone children want to believe is bringing them gifts around the world from the North Pole. Although, the most important meaning of Christmas is family. Right?"

She nodded. "And since I won't have anyone…I would like to have company this year. I don't expect Lennox or Robert to be there, they have their own families to spend time with. But…maybe you could see if he can convince the government to let you come back for that time."

"I will definitely consider it." He nodded to her as he wanted to be there. "Though, won't you have Bee with you?"

"Not this time. I won't be able to take him with me to Princeton." Saphira looked away from Optimus sadly. "I am sorry to say, but the guardian thing is done. He's chomping at the bit if I am honest. He's not a babysitter, Optimus. He's a warrior, like you. I can tell he yearns to be beside you as a warrior, and I understand he enjoys being with me. But, freshman are also not allowed cars on the campus so he can't come with me."

"Have you told him this yet?" Optimus asked curiously.

"No…I am finding it hard to. He wants to come with me, he thinks it will be fun. But it won't be." Saphira looked at the fire, she could smell the aroma of the food and rotated the sausages and beans with the tongs. "Maybe he should go back with you when you go."

"I don't know…" Optimus was hesitant on that as Barricade's presence made him want to keep Bee there as long as possible. "Maybe when it is closer to when you leave…"

"Which is at least four weeks after you leave." She knew he was thinking to the decepticon, but Saphira did not feel she was in danger. "Look, I know you want me to be safe. But…I am no longer involved with fighting the decepticons. That whole saving the world thing was a one-time thing for me."

"Indeed. I understand." Optimus himself believed she would be pulled in again, although he did not want to say that to her in case it would worry her. Although, he would prefer her to be out of the fight too. "If you wish to tell him, we should leave before the end of the week to speak to Bee about it. That way it isn't dropped on him at the last minute."

Saphira nodded in agreement. It wasn't something she wanted to do. Besides, she had the weapon Ironhide gave her, she had it on her wrist right now. Although…it wasn't exactly going to deter a decepticon. She knew it, so did the autobots. For now, she wanted to focus on her time with Optimus. She finished cooking the food and ate while speaking with Optimus until she felt sleep creeping into her mind. She crawled into the tent, leaving the fire to burn gently and Optimus kept an eye on it so it wouldn't spread. But he also found himself lost looking at the flames as his mind processed things. Especially on how he and Saphira were going to break it to Bee about college and the fact he might have to leave Saphira. It wasn't going to be easy, but Optimus understood it was necessary as Saphira was moving onto the next stage of her life.