Saphira fell asleep a few hours into the drive, Optimus reassured her that he would wake her when morning would arrive. She was feeling extremely happy at the moment, she hoped that she and Optimus could get more quiet moments now that she was going to be living near NEST. Though…she did not know how often that would be possible. Especially with how the missions were previously, she assumed they would be almost the same. She didn't want to think about that for now though. When she fell asleep, it was filled with good dreams, and she almost did not want to wake up from them. However, it would only be Optimus's voice that would bring her out of her dreams.

"Morning Saphira…" She shifts a little upon hearing his gentle voice. "Wake up, it is morning. I want to share today with you." Saphira yawned a little and opened her eyes, blinking and rubbing them as she sat up. Optimus chuckled softly through the speakers. "I hope I did not disturb your sleep too much."

Saphira yawned again and stretched her arms, arching her back as she did so. "Just a good dream…" She looked out the windows and froze for a moment before rubbing her eyes again and moving her hands away, gasping when she realized they were parked in front of a forest. "Where are we?"

He hums gently in response. "I will let you guess."

She grinned slightly before frowning. "Wait…forests usually have hiking trails and such…" She felt a little saddened as she knew Optimus's stance on his holoform. "I hope I won't be walking them alone. Are you still going to tell me it isn't necessary for you to use your holoform?"

Optimus knew she would ask about that, it was a little amusing to him. "Hmm…in this instance, I don't think it is wise for you to be without another to walk with you. Besides, you need someone to carry the picnic basket."

Picnic basket?

Saphira looked around with a frown and spotted the basket on the back seat. "Ooh…I didn't know you got one. And…how without any money?"

"Do not worry about that," Optimus responded gently. "Do you wish to get changed or remain in your current clothes?"

She glanced down at her clothes, she was wearing the same thing since the day before. However…Saphira felt a little self conscious about Optimus seeing her getting changed and it made her blush at the very thought of that.

"I think I'll be fine. I'll just fix my hair up." Saphira reached to her bag to grab out a brush to brush through her hair. "You surprise me a lot, Optimus. I don't know where we are, but I love being out in nature. There are many places in the US that are just beautiful."

"Does it compare to the emerald field?" He asked curiously.

"Of course not. That is because it will forever hold a special place for us." Saphira looked at herself in the mirror, smiling slightly as she saw she was still blushing. "That doesn't mean we can't enjoy it. I would love to visit Alaska at some point."

"That is up north, right?" Optimus asked curiously, she nodded silently. "Maybe that will be for a next time trip. What about any other place that you want to visit?"

She shrugs. "No idea…I guess that Caribbean…Tahiti…there are a lot of places out there. Though…if I am with you, I don't think it would matter too much to me. Being with you is more than enough for me."

She felt the seats heating up underneath her, making her grin widen. "That means a lot to me…I am glad you feel that way."

She watched her cheeks redden in the mirror as she began braiding her hair. "You are welcome. I hope you feel the same way about me too."

Optimus did not respond straight away. "Coming to Earth was the best thing that could ever happen to me. Being with you anywhere, anytime…it is very beautiful."

She took a deep breath, her heart was racing and she really couldn't wait to get out to start walking. Though she still did not see his holoform, it seemed like he was holding it off. She couldn't help but think he was teasing in someway, though it was hard for her to tell. She finished her side braid and sighed, satisfied with how she looked and looked out the window with a smile, the morning sunlight filtered through the windows.

"Alright…I guess we should go…" Saphira moved to open the door and climb down from the Peterbilt. "Whenever you are ready Optimus." She reached the bottom and turned to look at the forest, smiling and breathing in the fresh air. "This is already a very beautiful morning."

"Indeed, it is," Optimus said in a gentle voice. "What kind of spot should we stop at?"

"I wouldn't mind to sit by a waterfall of some sort," Saphira responded as she glanced around. "A forest like this is bound of have one. I hope it will be secluded though, I imagine there will be other people hiking here." She finally spotted a sign with the name of the forest on it. "Pisgah National Forest…that is in North Carolina. Asheville, right?"

She hears a chuckle behind her, Saphira did not turn to face him. "It didn't get past you. I believe I know which trail will lead to a secluded waterfall. Shall we get going?"

Saphira turned curiously, she had not heard him transform as she somewhat expected him to do, however she widened her eyes once she locked eyes with his holoform. He was smiling gently back at her while holding the basket in his hand. She eyed him from top to bottom. Optimus had very broad, strong shoulders, ones that Saphira wanted to hang onto. His face had a strong jawline with a silver goatee on his chin, his hair is shoulder length with dark blue hair and she swore she could almost see his holoform face like his full form. He wore a tight dark blue shirt with a red trim, she could see the muscular arms with visible battle scars that he has received during all his battles, though it did not bother her one bit. She could see his abs, his chest was protruding slightly in the shirt which made her want to run her hands along to feel his strong muscles. His pants were blue with red flame and wore a black belt with the autobot badge as a buckle. His boots were black and shiny. She couldn't see the muscles of his legs, though she could quite imagine them in her mind right now.

"So? Is my holoform okay?" Optimus asked curiously, he was observing Saphira's reaction. He could see her eyes were wide and looking over him, he didn't know how she was feeling, but he sensed the excitement from her.

She smiled at him, looking at his bright, glowing, blue eyes. They looked a little bit like his optics blended with human eyes, making it obvious he was not a human. "Your holoform…I must say…I like what I see." She lifts her hand to fiddle with her braid shyly, placing her other hand behind her back as she blushed. "I definitely can see that your holoform is quite the copy of your full form, one that I can definitely appreciate a lot more."

"That is good." Optimus seemed relieved and she giggled a little. "The few times I've used my holoform, people stared at me. I didn't know if I was doing anything wrong."

"You were not. You should take it as a compliment…although…" Saphira thought about women staring at Optimus, though she shrugged as he only had eyes for her. "Never mind. But I am really glad…" She paused as she caught a whiff of an aroma coming from the bag Optimus was holding. "Mnmm…cinnamon…we better get going." She widened her eyes when she felt her stomach growling loudly. "I'm very hungry."

Optimus grinned with a nod. "Walk with me, I will bring you to where you want to go." He extended his hand and Saphira was quick to take it.

She widened her eyes slightly, his skin was so warm! Warmer than any human she has known. She smiled slightly, that was another giveaway that he wasn't a human. At least it was a pleasant warmth, not like a fever warmth that can be felt when someone is sick. Saphira still had some questions, she had seen Optimus's holoform before. She knew she saw the back of him on the ship…but…she still felt like she had seen him before that.

"Hey Optimus, can I ask you something?" Saphira asked as they walk along a trail.

"Of course you can." Optimus looked at her with a smirk. "You don't need to ask me permission for ask a question."

"I suppose that depends on the kind of question I want to ask." She giggled a little, glancing around at the trees around them. "I know you came into my room on the ship. Were you worried about me?"

"I was. I wanted to make sure you were not sick due to the storm. Though, it brought me happiness when I saw you were asleep." He hoped that it did not bother Saphira in a bad way, he didn't mean any harm checking on her. "I didn't scare you, did I?"

She shakes her head. "No. I think it was very sweet. You did not need to be afraid to show me your holoform, you know? Anyway…was that the first time I saw your holoform? I feel like I have seen it somewhere else."

Optimus chuckled gently at her question. "You don't remember? You fell asleep studying in your own garage at the desk, I moved you to your bed."

Saphira widened her eyes, she did remember that, though it didn't occur to her straight away that it was Optimus. Ratchet did confirm it afterwards though. "Ooh! I almost completely forgot about that, that explains how I feel like I've seen your holoform before."

"Indeed it does." Optimus caressed the side of her hand with his thumb as they walk along the dirt path. "I…I apologize for not using my holoform sooner. I suppose I did not feel the need to use it."

"It's fine. You only missed out on a few things, but we still managed to get around that choice and have a good time together." Saphira took a deep breath and smiled at the forest around her. "I love forests. The air is so fresh and cool here! Did you know that trees are Earth's filters?"

The commander looked at her in surprise. "No, I did not. What does that mean, exactly?"

"Well, you know oxygen is what we breath in right?" He nodded, Optimus had a very curious expression on his face. Saphira grinned as she continued explaining it. "I am sure you have wondered where oxygen comes from. You see, when we breath out, we breath out carbon dioxide and we cannot breathe that back in. For plants, they need water and sunlight to grow, but they also need carbon dioxide to produce food for themselves. They draw the carbon dioxide into the leaves to perform what is called photosynthesis. Basically, plants combine sunlight, water and carbon to create sugars they need to survive, and in the process they release oxygen back into the world."

"Ah, I see." Optimus looked at the trees around them, it had never occurred to him that plants were very critical to this planet's survival. "It seems I will appreciate the plants of this world a lot more. Without them, you would die. That means if the Fallen succeeded…"

"Yep. Everything would die." Saphira knew that the stakes at the time were high, but they did not need to worry about that now. "I would not worry about that now. We saved the world, and there is no need to be worried about the plants dying due to no sunlight."

Optimus nodded with a light hum. "Thank you for telling me about it, Saphira. This world keeps surprising me. I am glad that it does. Cybertron had no plants…just…it was beautiful in its own way, but it couldn't compare to a forest like this. It makes me wish our world could have plants. But every world is different and unique in its own right. Our world was unique, and so is this one. There is no way one can compare to the other."

"I agree. I know you showed me what Cybertron had looked like during the war. Honestly, I thought it was still cool. It may not have had plants, but the fact transformers were alive on it means that it was a special planet." She moves her hand to his arm to rub gently as they continue walking together. "After all, you would not be here if not for Cybertron. I have no idea what my life would be like right now. Probably stuck at college counting down the days to my eighteenth birthday and racing cars several times a week. Looking at it…it sort of sounds boring to me now."

"You will be racing cars again at the base, will that bore you?" Optimus asked curiously.

"I don't think so. That is different, it is defensive driving." She could see how it would seem familiar, she would be pushing vehicles when practicing, so naturally it looks like racing. "I won't be speeding to win anything with that one. Oh, they are going to have me learn how to drive trucks defensively."

The bot looked at her in surprise and chuckled. "Really? Are they going to ask me to help you with that?"

"Sorry, no." She shakes her head with a slight grin. "But I am going to be driving a Peterbilt, I think they are getting one so I can practice with. I am kind of looking forward to it. I have wanted to see what I can do with a truck for a while."

"Would you take up the offer if I allowed you to take the wheel?" Optimus asked curiously with a smirk.

"I think I would be too nervous to do that, plus you might feel tempted to take control if you feel it is unsafe. Thanks for thinking of it, but…I will prefer not be restricted." She was grateful Optimus still offered, though she knew how he was as well. "Maybe after you've seen how I drive, we can try."

Optimus chuckled softly. "Who knows, I may even get some ideas and practice myself from observing you."

She giggled in response to him and looked up when she caught the aroma of freshwater, and the sound of a waterfall ahead of them. She still wondered how Optimus got a picnic basket, but Lennox did tell her not to ask too many questions. She guessed maybe he had something to do with it, but she didn't know what exactly. She decided trying to work out how Optimus does things like getting a picnic basket together was not worth thinking about. She would allow him to treat her with these surprises.

"Sounds like we are nearly there," Optimus said as he picked up the sound of the rushing water as well.

"About time too, I'm starving!" Saphira looked to her right and she was able to just make out a running river and she hoped that no one else would come by. "I hope being this early we won't be disturbed by anyone."

Optimus nodded in agreement, he too did not want anyone to bother them. He was aware this forest though was open to all visitors, so it was possible for someone to come along. He hoped that they would have enough time to themselves before that would happen. They kept walking until the waterfall came into view, a rock formation with a gentle waterfall and water running over rocks towards a river. It was very beautiful, and Saphira already fell in love with the place.

In front of the waterfall is a large, smooth rock they could sit on. Perfect to set up the picnic. Optimus walked over to it and placed the basket down, opening it to take out the soft blue blanket to unfold and place onto the stone. Saphira watched while glancing in the basket curiously. Inside she saw fruit, croissants, danishes, cinnamon bun, apple juice and chocolate, she smiled as it was a nice assortment of food. She looked forward to it.

Optimus turned, extending his hand to her. "We may not sit and enjoy the nature around us. I hope you will enjoy the food."

She took his hand and stepped onto the rock before sitting down onto the blanket with a smile. "I am sure I will. I caught the smell of it before. Plus, with how hungry I am, I may eat all of it and regret it later."

Optimus did not know what she meant by that as he sat down, reaching in to grab out a plate and glass. "I hope that will not be the case. I would feel terrible if you regret it later."

"Don't worry, that usually means I might be on the toilet for a while," Saphira said with a smile, making the bot raise one of his slim eyebrows. "Eh…probably not something you need to know."

"Humans...you are such strange beings sometimes," Optimus said as he poured the juice into the glass. "I apologize, this is not wine, but from my understanding, you are not of the age to have it yet."

"That is correct. Plus, I don't mind." Saphira grabbed the glass when Optimus finished filling it and offered it to her. "I am here with you, and even if you brought just water, I would be very happy."

Optimus was smiling as he listened to her. He filled the plate with a blueberry danish and cinnamon roll before handing it to her. "That makes me super happy to hear you say that."

Saphira held the plate on her lap as she began eating the pastries, she felt so happy right now. She looked at Optimus, he leaned back with his hands relaxed either side of him as he looked at the waterfall. She smiled before shuffling closer to him until she was leaning against him. He glanced at her in surprise, he saw how happy she was and he wrapped his arm around her waist, making her blush in response to his touch. She had no idea what more was planned for today, but Saphira did not really care at the moment. She would go wherever he went.

"What was it like when you first became a Prime, Optimus?" Saphira asked curiously, getting a surprise expression from him. "It must have been quite the transition from going from Orion Pax to Optimus."

He pondered on her question and nodded at her. "It was a big change for me. Did you ever wonder what the reason was for Primus to choose me to become a Prime?" She nodded silently, biting into the danish as she listened to him. "It was a few weeks after finding out Megatron had become the leader of the decepticons, he had tried to convince me to join him multiple times. He had been told when he became leader he would be given good things, I don't know if that happened or not. After that, he told me that Cybertron needed more energon and they would do anything to get it. I didn't realize what he meant at first…"

Saphira wanted to interrupt him, but she didn't want to. She had no idea what ideas were driven into Megatron's head about becoming the leader of the decepticons, he knew Megatron used to be a very nice bot. But it seemed he had been manipulated, and now he was too deep to return. At least, that is what it seemed to her.

"I found out shortly after that the decepticons were kidnapping bots and literally draining the very energon for them to feed their growing army," Optimus continued, making Saphira gasp when he told her how they were doing it. "I found out by accident. I wanted to speak with Megatron, so I went to his fortress that he had built, I was welcome there so I was in no danger. But, I didn't find him and looked around. I heard screams coming from one of the hallways, I followed it and I stood in the shadows in horror at what I saw. Not only was it a bot, but it was a young bot, barely just old enough to work that they were draining energon from. And Megatron…he was gloating." He closed his eyes, she felt his body tensing slightly as he remembered what happened. She placed a hand on his arm to comfort him as she listened. "I remember hearing him saying that the hatchlings they were producing will be well fed, and all the weaker, less worthy bots will be feeding them. At the time, I was included. I feared I would be next."

"That sounds horrible…" Saphira herself knew there were a lot of dark moments in human history as well. She could go on and on about it as well. "I suppose…I am not surprised…"

Optimus turned his head, looking at her with sad eyes. "Saying that now…I guess it is understandable. But back than…I had absolutely no idea he had a totally different side to himself. I left that place without being seen, thankfully. And I gathered the autobots, Ironhide, Bumblebee and Ratchet were unaware of Megatron's actions at the time. There were other bots I gathered too, I knew there were bots inside Megatron's fortress who needed to be rescued. Sentinel Prime, the leader of that time, was furious about Megatron's actions. I was able to figure out where the bots were and we slipped in to rescue them. The decepticons were unaware of it, and Megatron was not there when we freed them. But when he found out I was the one who orchestrated it, he realized I had found out what they were doing. I stopped calling him brother after that. Megatron nearly killed me that day, if it was not for Sentinel I would not be here. But that was because Megatron tried to take a sparkling to drain energon from, and I got in the way." Saphira felt tears in her eyes as she listened to him, but she does not interrupt. "I went offline after that, I thought I had died. But when I was offline…Primus came to me. I saw his ghostly figure in my dream, he told me that by putting the lives of others before mine and fighting for what is right, I would be ascended to Prime."

"Of course, when I onlined, I was not a Prime straight away. I told Sentinel about it and he told me where to go. To the temple of Primes, where I was met by a very old autobot who had been expecting me." Optimus smiled slightly as he thought about that time. "He told me he knew who I was, and called me Optimus Prime even before I became a Prime. I admit, I was scared. I was still very young, I was angry at Megatron. But I realized I could do so much to try and help the other bots by becoming a Prime. It wasn't about me. It took a long time for me to even figure out my own leadership. But…I ascended to Prime that day. And Megatron…when he found out…he was angry and jealous. I guess he had thought he could be a Prime. But…all of his actions, he could not be one. Sentinel became my mentor from that day, he taught me everything I know and I am grateful for him."

He looked at Saphira with a kind expression. "That is why I hesitate to believe Barricade about what he says about Sentinel."

Saphira blinked in surprise. "What do you mean?" She knew what he was talking about, but acted like she did not know.

"Barricade told me that Sentinel and Megatron had made some kind of deal. I do not know if I believe him. Though…I doubt he has any reason to lie about it." Optimus exhaled loudly. "With what I have been through, the lessons I have learned…Sentinel had my back."

"I get it, he was like a father to you." He nodded as she spoke. Saphira finished off the pastries and reached into the basket to grab out a croissant. "I suppose…when you became a Prime, it must have been like trying to find a whole new identity. I imagine that was hard enough even with all the stuff you had to face."

"Yeah…it was. But…I still take it with pride. I would not change it now, I am still here and I have the chance to still save what is left of the autobots." He lowered his head slightly, Saphira moved her arm around his shoulder to hug him gently. "I know our numbers are so few…we still will be few once we are safe again."

"Yeah…" Saphira felt sad for them, it seemed like Optimus was almost speaking like transformers were a dying race. It made her sad for them and she lifts her hand to his cheek, turning his head towards her. "I wish I could do something to help."

He smiled at he, pressing his cheek into her palm gently, lifting his hand to lay over her hand. "I appreciate your concern, Saphira. However, I am afraid humans would not be able to do so. Even someone as beautiful and as lovely as you."

Saphira did want to ask about sparklings, but she figured maybe that was a question for another day. She leaned in and kissed him, feeling the soft, warm lips against hers as they kiss back passionately. She let out a soft moan as his arms wrap around her, his right hand ran down her back gently, stopping in the middle of her back. The feeling had made her shudder.

"Your hair is so soft…" Optimus played with her braid gently with his hand, pulling back from her slightly to look at her hair. "And so shiny…how long did it take for you to grow it this long?"

"Many years of TLC," Saphira responded proudly. "If I had it cut, it would take a long time to regrow."

"I hope you never cut it." Optimus kissed her again and pulled away. "I am glad I told you how I became a Prime. It isn't an easy thing for me to talk about."

"I understand." Saphira grabbed out the grape bunch and picked off one of the grapes to chew on. "Especially now that you've told me. It sounds like a horrible time you went through. Still…it never occurred to me that energon could be drained from you. It would be like draining all the blood from a human."

He nodded. "Thankfully, Megatron stopped doing that a long time…I think. He has bigger things to deal with now anyway."

Saphira knew that he definitely did. She didn't know if he still kept up that practice, though it was hard to know. She decided to steer their thoughts to happier things now. Saphira ate most of the food in the basket while Optimus spoke more about his time as Orion Pax. A few stories he told were hilarious, and she felt like she was really getting to know Optimus. It was really nice. They remained in the forest for several hours until Optimus felt they should leave, he had another surprise to share with her. Saphira was very curious about what he had planned for next.