When the morning came around, Optimus's holoform was still active. He was still holding Saphira as she slept peacefully in the blankets he had wrapped her in the night before. During the time she slept, he had turned the fairy lights off, and cleared away the rose petals so that they would not disturb her through the night. He was happy that the night went well. And he intended on doing something like this again very soon, because he knew it was important to ensure Saphira would never feel any less about herself in regard to him. Especially after learning about one of her kidneys being removed.

He did not know how much it would have affected Saphira to have one kidney removed, especially in the situation she had grown up in. He didn't know how old she was when it happened, but he felt awful for her. She was treated like she wasn't human just because her parents used her for money, and she had a part of her butchered from her body. Optimus did not know what more of her past that he would learn about eventually, but he felt that she didn't need to explain further. What she has already told him was enough, and he didn't think the rest needed to be told. Especially that what she told him seemed to give enough of a picture

Optimus did wish he could bring breakfast to Saphira. He was unable to get it for her, and he has observed Saphira cooking food, he didn't want to attempt it without assistance first. But as Saphira didn't have anything at the moment, she would have to go to a café again to get breakfast. He doubted that she would mind, but he still wished he could wake her up with some coffee and breakfast. It would certainly make the start of her day good.

And the other thing that he was happy about, she had no nightmare tonight. She slept through the whole night without her nightmare, and it seemed that Optimus had given her good dreams instead. He was very happy, because she would now be well rested, and she wouldn't feel the need to have coffee to keep her awake for part of the day. She would likely still have coffee, but only to have with her breakfast, and not because she felt the need for caffeine.

Optimus watched the sunrise that morning as he waited for Saphira to wake from her sleep. With no nightmare, he knew she would take the extra time to sleep. He did not dare do anything that might wake her from her sleep, knowing that she needed it. He thought about what they might do today, as they had not discussed it the day before. Optimus knew that they generally did not make plans for each day, and it was fine.

Snow had also fallen in the early hours of the morning, but it was only a light dusting, and the thin layer of snow would melt very quickly. Optimus hummed gently as he felt very satisfied. Sure, he still was sad and frustrated that he couldn't return to Cybertron. But he has found someone who could become his sparkmate. And he wanted Saphira to be his sparkmate. He did hope that bonding with her would also extend her life, since human lives were very short compared to Cybertronians.

Looking down at Saphira as she began to stir, Optimus smiled and leaned down to kiss her forehead. She murmured something under her breath as she slowly woke up from her deep sleep. She rolled onto her back and covered her eyes with her arm, making Optimus hum in amusement. She was bothered by the light of the midmorning sun, and needed a moment for her eyes to adjust to the light. She pulled the blankets tighter around her, as she didn't put her pyjamas on the night before, and slept only in her panties.

She groaned a little and reached out to feel around until she felt Optimus's shoulder, making her smile, but she kept her other arm over her eyes as she slowly woke up. "Morning, Optimus…" She yawned loudly and stretched her legs. "Um…I don't think I had a nightmare last night, did I? I feel like I have slept a full night."

He managed to plant a kiss on her cheek, making her giggle and shift her head to turn away, making him more amused at her cute reactions to him. "You had no nightmare at all, Saphira. It seems that I have given you good dreams instead of bad dreams. I had worried you would wake up a short time after you had fallen asleep, but there was no noise from you." She smiled as she was happy about that and Optimus moved strands of her hair from her face gently. "Take your time waking up, Saphira. I have no doubt you feel a lot better than you did yesterday."

She nodded as she did feel better. "I feel so much better today, Optimus. It is just amazing to feel good." She stretched her legs again and moved her arm from her face, and opened her eyes, blinking with a slight grimace, though her eyes quickly adjusted to the brightness of the day. She stretched her arms and looked at him with a tired smile. "And I guess already half of the day has gone. But that is okay. I am with you."

Optimus nodded. "Indeed, you are." He leaned down to kiss her, and she was smiling against his lips as they kiss passionately before he moved back. "Let guess, you need a bathroom stop before we head to a café?" Saphira giggled and nodded. "Just don't forget to put your clothes back on before you leave the truck. I highly doubt you would feel comfortable without it."

"I am certainly not going to forget. I don't need people to see a random girl streaking at the end of winter." Saphira sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes a little and looking at the front with a smile. She saw that the seats were still down, and the roses were still in the cup holder. And they were not dead yet. She was happy to see them and looked at Optimus. "I think it is nice you found white roses, Optimus. They symbolize loyalty, purity and innocence, which kind of fits for us." Optimus glanced at the roses as he had no idea that they symbolized anything, but he liked it. She shifted against to him and wrapped her arms around him to hug him against her. "It is so nice to wake up to a nice day."

Optimus smiled and nodded in agreement, nuzzling her cheek gently while starting the engine, making Saphira glance around with a smile. "I agree. It looks to be another nice day. Do you have any plans on what to do for the day?" She shook her head. "I guess we are going to just have to figure it out." Saphira looked at the front seats as Optimus pulled the blankets off them and raised them back into position and pulled the fairy lights down. "What about going back to the library?" She blinked and looked at him in surprise. "Were you able to finish what you wanted to do yesterday?"

Saphira tensed a little as she was not expecting him to ask about it. She didn't know how to respond to him. "Well…yes and no." Optimus gave her a curious expression. "I…" She swallowed nervously for a moment. "If you don't mind waiting until after I have been to the bathroom and get my breakfast. I did find something…and it might concern you." Optimus frowned a little as he was not sure what that meant. "I just hoped that you will be able to tell me you recognize what I have found."

Optimus pondered on what she had said curiously. "This has something to do with Peru, doesn't it?" She nodded. He hummed softly as he thought more on it. "Why do you want to wait? Can't you tell me about it now?" Saphira sighed and shrugged. "Do you not trust me?"

"Of course I trust you, I guess…I just I wanted to try and figure it out on my own." She smiled at him and moved to begin getting her clothes together, knowing Optimus would reach the public bathroom very soon. "Sorry if you feel like I don't trust you, I guess I just…I don't know."

Optimus observed her quietly, noticing she was nervous and upset about this subject, and he did not know why it would cause her to feel this way. "Saphira, you know you don't have to do it alone if this subject has any relevance to Cybertron." She looked at him as she put her bra on first and clipped it before adjusting it. "You should not feel the need to hide it. It kind of comes across as something that has got you worried. And I would not know why it would make you worry."

Saphira felt tears in her eyes as she knew that what she would show him could lead them to a way off the planet. She did not know yet, but she felt that in her gut. "I know, and I am sorry. I guess…I just wanted to be the hero…"

"Hero?" Optimus shook his head and kissed her cheek gently as she began to slip her pants on. "You don't need to be a hero for us, Saphira. That's a burden that no one really needs to put on themselves. Do you look at me and think that I am a hero?" She nodded with a small smile. "I appreciate that you see me that way, but I haven't felt like one for a long time. If anything, I feel more like a coward. After all, we wouldn't have fled here to Earth otherwise."

Saphira's expression softened and she glanced away from him for a moment and looked back at him. "I do not know what happened in the days leading up to your decision to leave Cybertron, Optimus. But everyone reaches their breaking point. I ran away from my biological family, and you fled Cybertron in the hopes to regroup on a safe world to rebuild and return home. It just didn't go as planned." She kissed him gently and reached to her bag to grab her camera out, and a singlet. "But I guess you are right. I am not a hero…"

"You are one to yourself." She looked at him in surprise. "You saved yourself, Saphira. You got out of a dangerous situation, and you did save yourself from Arthur, in the sense, you purchased a vehicle that turned out to be Mirage." She didn't think that as being a hero to herself. She bought a car because she wanted one, and it was just a coincidence Mirage was there. "You don't need to be a hero for us. But being a hero to yourself…" He lightly tapped his index finger on her nose, making her blush and giggle, slipping the singlet on while she continued to listen to him. "That I believe is more important. I wish I could say the same about myself, but I can say that about you." She did not know to say, and Optimus was pleased he got her thinking about it. "So can you show me what you discovered yesterday?"

Saphira took a deep breath and picked the camera up again to bring up the image of the sculpture before turning it so he could look at the screen. "This is what I saw while I was waiting for authentication for the items." Optimus stared at the screen and frowned in confusion. "Do you recognize the symbol? I assume it is Cybertronian…right?"

Optimus studied the image for a few minutes. He gently took the camera from her hand so Saphira could put the next layer on, which was a dark blue, long sleeve shirt. And she grabbed her brush to begin brushing the knots from her hair. She observed him quietly as he seemed to think about the image, and he glanced away from the camera a few times as he focused on figuring out what the symbol was. That told her that he didn't recognize the symbol, but he couldn't deny that it was Cybertronian.

"This symbol is not something I recognize. It is not recorded in our history, so I do not know if it is older than some of our older ancestors." Saphira looked at the camera screen again curiously and looked back at him. "The writing below the symbol is unknown as well. It is definitely Cybertronian…but I am not sure what it means yet. But it certainly suggests that there is a connection to Cybertron in Peru."

Saphira sighed as that meant that they would have to find more information from somewhere. But it might be an excuse to meet Stratosphere and Wheeljack, so Saphira was happy about that at least. Only if they decide it worth going to the country. She could only get a certain amount of information here that was available, so she would only be able to help to a small extent. But she was glad that she showed him. She didn't know why she felt nervous.

"And I am afraid this seems to be the only evidence of that symbol. I've looked." Optimus looked at Saphira as she told him. "The only thing I found strange about the tribes of Peru, was the depictions of animals that are not native to South America. But…unless you have knowledge of Cybertronians that can transform into Earth animals, then I am not sure if that has any relevance."

"Well…" Optimus looked back at the camera. "We don't have that knowledge. But the humans wouldn't have carved a sculpture of this bird if there was no relevance to the symbol. My guess is, this race could be far older then our own. If there are unexplainable depictions of animals not native to the region, it could explain." Optimus hummed softly as he thought about it. "Is this sculpture available to the public?"

"Um, not yet. It'll probably be put in an exhibit eventually when they finish their study of it." Saphira gave Optimus a curious expression. "Why are you asking?"

Optimus tapped his finger lightly on the camera as he thought about how to answer. "I guess I was wondering if it would be possible to get a closer look. The only way to do that now would be to…" Saphira gasped loudly as she hoped he wasn't about to ask her what she thinks he is about to ask her. Optimus placed his hand on her shoulder gently. "I am not going to ask you to steal it, Saphira. I do not to break the laws of this world." She sighed in relief, as that was what she thought he was going to ask her to do. "If we had closer access, it would be easier to study. But on the surface, it seems the sculpture only has clues. I don't know if it can be traced to a tribe back in Peru, but…" Optimus paused again. "Hmm…Stratosphere is not in the country…" Saphira raised an eyebrow before jumping as began to give out an order after opening a com like. "Stratosphere, your presence is required at our location. It seems we might have an interesting lead to South America."

"Well, this is a nice surprise, boss." Saphira looked towards the speakers as she heard a response. The autobot sounded older than Optimus, but he seemed to be cheery. "I haven't heard from ya in a long time. I suspect that the hunt for Transit went nowhere, and we are still stranded. But you found a new lead in South America? Could it be a way off the planet?"

"I am not sure yet, Stratosphere. A discovery had been made here in New York very recently, and it seems there is evidence to suggest a history of Cybertronians on this planet. It may not lead a way home, but it will lead to an interesting historical find." Saphira felt Optimus come to a stop and realized he had pulled by a public bathroom for her. "We also have made a new friend, and she is the reason we have discovered this new find."

"A new friend?" Stratosphere was surprised at first, before he let out a laugh. "Blimey! I never thought you would find a human friend, Optimus. You never seemed to like them, lad. But this human must have done something good to get your trust. Given your trust is hard to earn at times." Optimus rolled his optics, and Saphira let out a giggle. "Oh! Is that her? Wait…" Saphira flinched as she had not expected him to hear her. "I need to tinker with my engines. Knowing we have a little maiden, I might make adjustments, so it won't be a bumpy ride."

Saphira chuckled softly and looked at Optimus. "He sounds nice."

"Of course, I'm a nice chap!" Stratosphere responded quickly upon hearing her voice. "You sound young. Must be about twenty in Earth years, I think." She smiled as he was almost correct, as she was nineteen. "What is the young lady's name? I can already tell, based on her voice, that she has a lovely personality."

Saphira looked at Optimus, and he gestured for her to respond. "My name is Saphira. I am sure it will be a pleasure to meet you, Stratosphere."

"Saphira? Well, that has to be one of the nicest names I have ever heard! You must have been named after the sapphire stone!" Saphira chuckled at Stratosphere's response. He was coming off like a granddad, and she found herself enjoying it. "I am already looking forward to hearing the story about how you met the autobots, and how you even gained the trust of Optimus Prime. You probably already know, but he doesn't trust humans."

"I don't particularly blame him. My own race has not really done me any favors either."

"Aw, I am sorry to hear that, lass. But I assure you, that all of us are nice chaps, and I can imagine Bumblebee and Mirage have already run rings around you." She chuckled with a nod, as she could easily agree to that. "Alrighty, well, I'm on the other side of the world right now. I should arrive…you guys are in New York city…I should be there at about midmorning to noon tomorrow. So long as the weather goes smooth, of course."

"We will be waiting for your arrival, Stratosphere," Optimus informed the autobot in confidence. "We will inform Wheeljack of these developments too. I have yet to inform the others, as this is information Saphira has only just divulged to me now."

"Ooh, I see." Stratosphere sounded very intrigued about it as he listened to him. "I look forward to meeting the young lass, Optimus. I will certainly ensure a smooth flight to South America for all of you. I will see you all soon."

When the communications cut off, Saphira grabbed her socks to put on. "He seems nice. I am surprised you never told me about him. He comes across like an enthusiastic grandpa."

"He does?" Optimus seemed surprised, and he smiled at her. "I suppose someone here had to fill that roll for you." He kissed her cheek gently and grabbed her jacket. "At least this will add some mystery to our life on this planet. How do you feel about travelling to Peru?"

She shrugged as she thought about it. "It's actually kind of exciting. I…well…I have never been outside the country. I just need to go to the store to get some things, like new clothes and insect repellent. Being in the southern hemisphere, South America is in summer right now. So it'll be a drastic temperature change."

"Right, so I guess that means that the day is going to filled with things to do." She nodded in agreement and put her shoes on. "So will you want to go to a café? Or do you want me to take you straight the mall?"

"I think taking me straight to the mall will be best. I can also get money out in the right currency if we stay in Peru for too long." She stretched her arms and crawled to the front over to the door. She looked back at Optimus. "I am sorry that I didn't tell you yesterday, Optimus. I hope you won't think less of me…especially as I've worked so much to build trust."

"Admittedly, if you had done this when I did not trust you, I certainly would not have been so kind." At least he was honest. "But I would have been foolish as well. You were only trying to help in your own way, even if it wasn't necessarily something you needed to do." Saphira smiled at him, appreciating his honesty. "But you haven't lost my trust, Saphira. I promise that I do not look at you any differently. I still love you, and I still trust you a hundred percent."

Saphira was pleased to hear that, and Optimus crawled closer to her to kiss her lips. She wanted to kiss passionately, but she grimaced as she felt the need to use the bathroom grow. "Ugh…" Optimus leaned back and smiled in amusement. "Sorry, nature calls." She chuckled as she opened the door. "I'll be right back. At least I don't need to worry about a change of clothes."

Saphira climbed out of the truck quickly and ran into the bathroom to relieve herself. She was feeling quite excited to meet Stratosphere, as he sounded like a very nice autobot. And it seemed he liked humans too, which was a bonus. She guessed that a lot of the autobots didn't mind the humans, they simply had to follow orders from Optimus, and it was completely understandable. She knew if another human came along, Optimus would have his cold stance towards them as he did with her. And she would fully support him.

She also did not know why she had wanted to keep the sculpture to herself. Optimus did not react negatively, and it seemed that it was likely a historical find, rather then a potential way to get to Cybertron. She did feel bad that it may not lead to that, but at the same time, he wouldn't leave her. She felt selfish for wanting him to stay, even though she knew how much he wanted to go home. But she couldn't help that feeling. She didn't even know how he would react if he knew how she felt. It might not be good.

Once she was finished, Saphira returned to the truck and climbed inside to find that Optimus had turned off his holoform. She guessed he needed to do that, and that was fine. She settled in the passenger seat and put her seatbelt on. "Alright, chauffeur, time to go to the mall to get some nice, comfortable summer clothes, walking shoes and other things I might need for Peru."

"What did you call me?"

Saphira giggled softly. "Don't worry. It's just a word that describes personal drivers for people."

"I see…" She giggled again when she heard his amusement. Optimus backed from the space and drove forward. "I suppose that description is fitting for myself, and the other autobots, given you aren't putting your foot on the accelerator. The word just surprised me." She knew it did, which was why she was amused. "By the way, you may want to buy food to take with you. I am not sure what kind of food that we may find in Peru."

Saphira realized that she should do that. And as Stratosphere would be the one taking them, she wouldn't have to worry about border control. But she would be mindful of what she would bring, so she would not bring anything that might spread disease to the native plants. "I hadn't thought of that, but thanks for reminding me, Optimus. I'll certainly look at the non-perishable food to take with me. I don't expect much in Peru, so anything simple and easy will be what I go for."

"Good idea. And don't forget to pack a dress." She blushed, knowing she could choose a really nice dress to wear casually. "I know it might not be ideal if there is a lot of walking, but I kind of would like to see a dress on you…if you don't mind."

"I don't mind at all, Optimus. It might take a bit to find the right dress now…but I am happy about it."

Saphira knew that getting a dress wasn't going to be the main focus today when she goes to the mall. But she certainly was going to spend a bit of time looking for something that would look nice. She didn't want something formal, so a nice sundress would be fine. And she doubted that Optimus would mind at all, given she was sure she would look nice in any. But that still wouldn't stop her from looking for something she deemed nice.

But this trip is not about me. It will actually be very cool to learn about history connecting Earth and Cybertron, if we can find any further evidence. It is going to be pretty fun, even if we stay in Peru for a long time. And I also might get to meet Wheeljack too, hopefully.

Saphira did wonder what they might find in Peru. There was a lot of history there, so it would be hard to start somewhere. And the autobots would still have to remain hidden, as there were many towns in Peru, so they couldn't just stretch out everywhere. But there certainly was a lot more area where there was no cities or towns, so that could definitely happen. Regardless, she would be the one doing the investigating. She made sure to add camera batteries and memory to her list of items she would need, as she did not know how long this trip might take. Especially as she did not know if things will change between now and then.