Sitting in the familiar cab, Saphira was very excited to see where Optimus would take her next. She knew she was going to love it, already having spent half of the day at the national forest she just could not wait for the next surprise. She wondered what other things he had planned for the two of them, though it was one step at a time. He had not told her to close her eyes or anything, though she knew she would be surprised nonetheless. She could see Optimus was sticking to the road with open fields surrounding them, and she practically was looking all around for any sign of where they were going. The suitcases in the back were not there for nothing.

She soon feels Optimus slow down and turn onto a dirt road, she glanced at the sign and widened her eyes when she saw the name. "Wildberry Lodge? Ooh, I've never heard of this place. Sounds amazing!"

Optimus chuckled gently through the speakers. "I believe you will love it. It is right up our alley of simple enjoyment."

She was really excited as he drove further up the road, she could see they were approaching a shroud of trees again and the seclusion that the trees were hiding. "As long as it didn't cost a fortune to stay here, but it seems like it will be beautiful."

Optimus did not respond, though he definitely agreed with her. Soon the lodge ahead of them came into view and Saphira was still grinning from ear to ear. She placed her hands on her chest, caressing the back of them with her thumbs as she stared at the lodge ahead. She did wonder how people would react upon seeing a truck arriving instead of a normal car, though Saphira did not worry too much about that.

Optimus came to a stop and Saphira flinches suddenly as his holoform formed beside her in the driver's seat. "Allow me." The cab doors open and he grabbed the suitcases to carry down. "I hope you will enjoy our next few days here."

Saphira nodded, she was blushing very hard at the moment and she couldn't help but think of what else they both could do while here. She climbed out of the truck and breathed in the fresh air, looking around at the trees and the lodge around her. It was so very beautiful, and she was going to enjoy her time with Optimus.

Optimus had one of the suitcases in his hand, she figured the other would get used at the next locations they would go to. "Shall we go inside and check out our accommodation?" He extended his hand, Saphira grinned at him and gladly took it.

"Of course! I am so excited!" She skipped a little as they walk towards the lodge to reach the reception. "You didn't have to go through trouble just to do this for me, Prime. I would have been happy camping out somewhere. You know that."

"I am aware, but I want you to know that I want to make you feel special. And taking you to places like this is just the start." She looked down shyly, her cheeks were very red from blushing and she hoped she did not worry anyone around them as they arrive in the reception. "I will get us checked in, Lennox explained the process to me."

"If in doubt, I will do it." Saphira stood by Optimus as they reach the counter to check in and retrieve the room key.

She stayed silent the whole time while Optimus spoke with the receptionist. She raised an eyebrow when she noticed the woman was flirting a little, she was batting her eyelids at Optimus and leaning slightly so he could see her cleavage. Optimus did not seem to notice, though Saphira definitely did. Once he was given the key, Optimus kissed the back of Saphira's hand and guides her away from the counter to head up to their room. The woman gave Saphira the stink eye, making her shrug and turn away happily.

"I hope our room has a balcony that we can sit on and stare at the stars together," Saphira said as she walked with him to a set of stairs. "And maybe even watch the sun rising and setting, just being with each other like that is what I love the most. Nothing but just…being together."

Optimus looked at her with a grin. "There is, I made sure that we got one."

She hugged him slightly as they walk up the stairs. "You're amazing, Optimus. You are just keeping me so excited."

He chuckled softly as they reach the top floor and walked along the hallway, glancing at the doors for the right room. "I intend to keep doing that. Otherwise you might get bored of me."

"Pfft, as if." Saphira chuckled at him and glanced up at a double-entry door with Blackberry on a golden plaque. "Is this our room?"

He said nothing as he put the key into the door and unlocked it, pushing it open and gesturing for her to step inside. "Check it out. I quite liked the pictures I've seen of it, so I hope you will love it too."

Saphira stepped inside, widening her eyes at the large suite in front of her. It was beautiful! The wooden floors were polished, there stacked stone fireplace of the living room was lit and kept the room warm and pleasant. She walked around, loving the aesthetic of the room while checking out the full kitchen. Optimus looked around the room curiously, he found himself liking the room too. He hasn't really seen a human room like this, and it just had a feel to it that was different to the rooms he's seen so far.

Checking out the bedroom, the bed is king-sized with thick, round wooden columns on either corner of the bed and the carpet in the room cushioned her feet as she walked around. She looked out the window that leads to a balcony, she smiled as she could see the rolling hills with the trees and distant mountains. It was so beautiful. She sat on the bed to test it, and boy it was comfortable. Optimus walked into the room, placing the suitcase down and glancing around at the room Saphira would be sleeping in. He was impressed by it. He knew she would be well rested here.

Saphira sat on the bed thoughtfully, she considered checking out the bathroom, but she turned her head to look at Optimus instead. "You did a good job picking this place." She knew Ironhide might had told Optimus about it, it was still a great place for him to pick though. "I am really going to enjoy it."

"I am thrilled to hear that. I'd say we take advantage and go for a hike, this place has some good trails we can walk along." Optimus looked out the window. "This is a beautiful day for it."

Saphira somewhat hoped he was going to talk about taking advantage of their alone time, though she just kept that to herself. She figured maybe Optimus wasn't ready. Hell, she didn't know if she was ready to take the plunge. The urge to lure him to the bed was there, but she didn't want to push it. She was sure Optimus felt the same, after all, they were both in love with each other and were still building on the relationship, and he probably wanted to enjoy her body too. Saphira felt a little excited at the idea of losing her virginity to him. She doubted he knew what that was, though she didn't know if she wanted to ask.

"Good idea…we are just sitting around before." She glanced down at her clothes. "Although, I might change my clothes." She stood up and walked over to the suitcase, laying it down to unzip it. "I may as well see what kind of clothing I was gifted. It's a little weird since no one has bought me clothes for a long time."

"I hope they are up to your standard," Optimus said as she opened the suitcase. "I am very unfamiliar with clothing."

Saphira did not response as she went through the clothes. Thankfully, they were all decent and nothing really out of place. She grabbed a fresh pair of jeans, underwear and a cute, red elbow-length shirt with rose patterns on them. She stood up and walked into the bathroom, gasping when she saw the large bathroom with a large shower for two people and a beautiful, large spa. She was definitely going to take advantage of this place. She felt she was being well pampered.

Once she had changed, she met Optimus out in the living room and the two of them walk out of the large lodge to hike a trail. Optimus held her hand as they walk, enjoying the quietness around them as they walk along the dirt trail. As the lodge did not have a great many rooms, there were not many people on the trails. And that was perfectly fine.

"We should do something like this when I turn eighteen. I don't want any big birthday party…just a nice time with you." Saphira looked at Optimus, he had his head turned to her slightly as they keep walking along the path. "I will ask Lennox for some time off for us at that time."

"I intend to ask the same…though it is not up to him, even though he has progressed a lot in his career," Optimus said softly. "I do not want to miss out. After all…once you turn eighteen…I fear things will change."

"How do you mean?" Saphira was surprised he would say that and she frowned. "Do you think things will change between us?" He frowns a little and she stepped in front of Optimus, grabbing his shoulders which surprised the autobot. "Listen, Optimus, I don't want anything to change. I don't think I could ever live without you. Otherwise, there is no reason to breath."

His eyes widen at her admittance because softening. "Saphira…"

"Don't Saphira me…I love you Optimus." She stepped forward, wrapping her arms around his strong, holoform, body tightly and kissing him passionately, she felt his arms around her body shortly afterwards. "Just because my grandfather left me with his legacy, something for me to continue, won't change anything between us. I won't allow it. So don't talk like that, please." She rubbed his cheek gently as she looked into his blue eyes. "I don't want to feel like this is dragging on only for both of us to be hurt."

"That is not what I meant, I apologize for upsetting you," Optimus ran his hands up her sides, making her shudder slightly, before cupping her cheeks with his hands. "I meant that once you turn eighteen, I fear this legacy will draw more danger to yourself. Especially if the decepticons have some idea about it."

"I would be surprised if they do…" She suddenly felt stupid for assuming Optimus felt their relationship would change and she felt tears in her eyes. "I am sorry…I thought…"

"I know." He smiled at her, kissing her gently and pulled her in for a tight hug, rocking gently as she sniffled. "I probably should have worded things better. That was my fault. But I am glad to hear you say that. I will make sure I pick better words from now on…if that helps at all of course."

Saphira chuckled a little, looking up at his eyes again. "I am sorry for misunderstanding…I guess I'll have to…not overreact like that." She huffed a little and laid her head on his chest. "This is my first relationship…serious relationship ever."

"Oh? Now I am curious, did you have a boyfriend before you met me?" Optimus asked curiously.

She shakes her head. "I had crushes…but I stopped liking them once I realized how much of an asshole they were. You would not believe how many cute guys there were in school who were not even worth the time of day. They only had their looks. I found myself liking the quiet guys, they were genuine and they actually would be successful."

Optimus raised an eyebrow. "I am not a quiet person, I guess I must be quite special."

She grinned at him. "You definitely are special." She kissed him again, pressing herself against him and rolling her hips slightly. "I could never replace you, Optimus. Nothing ever would replace you."

Optimus tensed slightly when he felt Saphira rolling her hips against him. He knew she would want to try something with him, though he did not want to hurt her. "Same with you. I kind of wished I met you first…though…then you would be dead like Elita…"

She chuckled a little. "I guess so. But…I would rather you did not think like that."

Optimus nodded. "Shall we keep walking?"

She glanced around and shrugged. "Sure, we have a little way to go I guess. But I am glad we are here."

He kissed the back of her hand and kept hold of it as they walk along the path. Saphira really did feel stupid for her assumption. She would definitely make sure she was careful to listen to Optimus properly from now on. She sighed and hugged his arm as they walk, Optimus glanced at her curiously and saw the guilt on her face. He smiled and kissed the top of her head, he knew she felt bad about it. He did not want her to focus on it though, this was a time to be happy.

"Cheer up Saphira, we are surrounded by nature. Do not worry about what just happened. Please, I hate not seeing a smile on your face." She looked up at him and smiled at him. "There is it, that is what I love to see."

Saphira giggled at him and nuzzled his arm gently. "You are right. I'll make sure to keep my brain on track."

The autobot commander laughed out loud at her comment. She giggled along with him, she was glad they both were able to make a sour moment turn to gold. They both really knew how to work each other now, or at least, they were learning to. Saphira felt that when they return to NEST, their bond will have strengthened so much, and she hoped it would stay strong.

They return to the lodge fifteen minutes later, their hands had remained linked this entire time and everyone who were in the lobby of the lodge had seen them. Including that receptionist who had been flirting with Optimus earlier. Saphira and Optimus ignored everyone as they make their way back up to the suite. Upon entering, Saphira quickly noticed something on the dining table. She widened her eyes when she saw multiple bunches of daisies laid out on the table with a plate of strawberries dipped in dark chocolate, a bottle of non-alcoholic wine and a charcuterie board with cheese, fruit, baguette, cold meat and crackers. Saphira glanced at Optimus, he winked at her and she threw her arms around her, kissing his cheek.

"This is a lot of food, Optimus," Saphira said with a chuckle. "I already had a big breakfast. Though…it looks delicious, and I feel hungry after walking off the breakfast."

"Think of it this way, if you don't eat all of it now, you can have it later for dinner. I was told this is considered simple and romantic…I hope I am doing it right." She nodded and kissed him again. "I am glad you approve."

She thought it was so cute that Optimus was second guessing himself with things like this. She walked over to the dining table and grabbed the bottle of the non-alcoholic wine, looking at it to see it was pear, apple and cinnamon. She was eager to try it and poured some into a glass before grabbing one of the strawberries, biting down on the fruit and tasting mix of the fruit and chocolate, making her moan at the delicious taste.

"I feel sad that I cannot join you and enjoy the meal together," Optimus said as he takes a seat at the table, looking over the floral decorations and food. He had not realized there would be a lot when he had ordered it. "Our holoforms are not able to ingest energon…mainly because it is a system fed by our main form."

"I know." Saphira sat on a chair beside him, taking his hand into hers. "But…if we do get the chance to eat together, we should still do it. Even if you are in your full form and I am sitting on your knee. I think that is romantic to me."

He smiled at her. "You really do take those things for granted…" He shakes his head with a slight chuckle. "What happened to that girl with that snappy personality? I sometimes miss her."

She giggled at him. "She grew up…sort of. I am not an adult yet."

"You sure have. And I could not be more proud." He leaned in and kissed her cheek. "I have considered ending work with the military upon your birthday. I want to be able to stay by your side all the time. Though I know if I do that, I might forsake this world."

"Maybe that time will come, Optimus. I think it is good to remain in contact with the military, and remain on good terms. And to be honest, the good soldiers won't disappoint you. You've seen how they fight. They know how to fight with honour and for the right side." She sipped the wine and smacked her lips together. "Mmm…this is good. I expected it to be overly sweet, but it's actually subtle and pleasant."

Optimus grinned, glad that she enjoyed the non-alcoholic wine. "I have indeed…I sort of see Lennox as a fellow warrior. I feel I am treated as an equal by him. Not every human does, so I appreciate him a lot."

She was glad to hear that, she was certain Lennox felt similar about Optimus. "Lennox would feel pretty honoured to know you feel that way. I guess you should remain comrades with him. Besides, not sure how the government would react if you suddenly decide to stop working for the military, even if it is to be with me. I doubt they would really understand…even though autobots have as much right to live how they choose as humans."

Optimus didn't really understand the human leaders with that kind of mindset. It really made him think that he would have to be careful almost all the time when dealing with humans. It was not fair, though he would cooperate just so Saphira would remain safe. He would hate to think what humans would do to their own, especially when one was in love with a transformer.

Saphira ate what she could of the food that had been placed on the dining table. She put the rest of it into the fridge, she likely would eat some for dinner and some for breakfast, Optimus was somewhat happy about that since Saphira would not require a lot of food. He still wanted her to enjoy herself. Once she had the food packed away, she and Optimus sat in front of the fireplace talking to each other. It eventually led from them sitting beside each other to Saphira laying against his chest with him rubbing her arm gently and staring at the ceiling.

"I don't want this to end…ever…" Saphira said in a dreamy tone as she stared at the ceiling. "If I could be stuck in a time loop…it would be today…or the day at the emerald field."

Optimus hummed, kissing her cheek gently. "That sounds like a great idea…I wouldn't be able to choose honestly. I too wish this day would not end…" He played with the braid with his hand and nuzzled her cheek, making her tilt her head slightly. "There will be many more days like these…perhaps even more special…"

She did not respond as his lips travel to her neck slowly, her body was shuddering in delight as he kissed her skin and nibbled lightly. She moved her hands to his to hold, showing him she trusted him. Optimus smiled against her skin and lightly bit her skin, making her moan lightly. Saphira pressed her lower back against his hips, rubbing lightly. He hummed in response and pulled away suddenly. Saphira waited for him to do something more, but when he didn't, she turned her head to see a sad expression on his face.

"Are you okay?" Saphira asked curiously with a slight frown. "You seem sad…"

He smiled at her. "I got a little carried away." She huffed in surprise and was about to say that he didn't. "I am sorry…I know I got your hopes up. But…I really don't want to rush things. I want to get to know you more, Saphira. There is still so much I don't know about you. And there is so much you don't know about me. I want us to get closer before we…do actions we might regret later."

Saphira didn't feel surprised, Optimus was always thinking about the other person. Lennox had also told her to take things slow, and she wanted to, but she also had dirty thoughts in her mind regarding Optimus. It was hard to not give in sometimes. She was eager to let him explore her body, and to explore his body. But…Optimus was holding back. His fear of hurting her seemed to be the reason of it. She would hope she could show him she would be okay. But…she did wonder what he meant by regret.

"Okay. I guess we can do that." She looked towards the window and sat up when she realized the sun was setting. "Come with me to the balcony, we'll miss the sunset."

Optimus smirked as she stood up and grabbed his hands to pull him up. He was glad she understood, he did also hope he did not hurt her. It was not his intention. Saphira showed no sign she was, he just hoped she didn't hide it from him. She dragged him out onto the balcony where they sat together on one chair with her curled up against his body and her head laying against his chest. She longed to remain near him. She knew he couldn't use his holoform all the time, he would need to recharge once she fell asleep. But, the warmth of his holoform made her feel at home. She hoped he could stay with her long enough that she wouldn't wake up and feel alone.