Another five days pass by, and Saphira found herself being fed soup and bread by Optimus each day. He insisted she sat on his thighs each time until she began to show signs she was getting better. Her fever had broken, and she was on the mend, but she still felt aches in her body, had a blocked nose, headache and mucus that she was still coughing up. She also still had a sore throat, which finally bought stuff for to ease the pain she felt in her throat. But she only started to feel better a day ago, and she ended up feeling well enough to buy four small canvases, as she was still wanting to do something for the autobots for Christmas.

And Arcee did find an insulated building they could all hide in. Saphira was concerned it would have squatters in it, but when she was shown it was an old factory that really didn't have any sign of squatters, she was relieved. But Optimus kept her in his cab, even after finding this building. Saphira didn't find the building warm, though Mirage and Bumblebee were able to fix the fireplace, and insulate some of the walls better, and stabilize the whole building too, as it has been abandoned for years. Saphira never understood why businesses abandoned buildings, but she was not an owner of a place like this.

Saphira was sitting of a sofa huddled in blankets as Mirage and Bumblebee had insisted on spending time with her, and promised to not take her anywhere from the building, so Optimus allowed her to spend time outside of the cab. Optimus remained though, and stayed in his vehicle mode while he watched and listened to Bumblebee and Mirage so he knew what was being said, and to ensure that if Saphira wanted to get back into the cab, he would be there for her.

"Now that it seems like your flu is going to pass soon, Bumblebee and I thought it might be a good idea to see what you want to with this place. I know Optimus will let you get a job, but I am not sure if you will find a place to rent with a big enough garage to hold all four of us." Saphira believed that she would, she would just need to spend time searching for the right house. "But since this place might the most secure place that we could find, what do you think about making it more personal?"

Saphira raised an eyebrow at them. "More personal?" Mirage nodded with a smile. "You already found a couch on the side of the road, and a small dining table with chairs in an alley, that seems to be enough. This place is not going to be where we will live all the time, Mirage. Especially when I find another job. Decorating this place would be a waste of time. I guess I understand, because you want me to be comfortable, but I don't need to do anything to claim this place as mine."

"That might be true, but it does not have to be too much. Just a little touch to make you feel better when you look around." Mirage didn't really know what they could do though, as he was not familiar with the interior of human houses. He looked at Bumblebee who was listening with an amused expression on his face. "Do you know how humans make their homes more personal, Bee? You spent a bit of time with them before we arrived, so I am going to guess you know."

Bumblebee chuckled with a shrug. "I know a little. Maybe a rug, curtain or nice ornament." Bee looked at Saphira who was unconvinced. "I thought we were going to be talking about Christmas, not decorating this old place with things that could get stolen or left behind when you find a place to rent." Bumblebee was thinking of getting a tree. "What about just a Christmas tree? That would be enough."

Saphira thought about it for a moment. She had not really thought about getting any Christmas decoration, as she was happy to just have the autobots around her for Christmas. But the more she thought about it, the more she began to like the idea of having a Christmas tree. But she wanted to be better when picking out a tree, so that she would be happy, and she could have the autobots involved in decorating the tree too. It would be very fun and wholesome.

"I will consider it." She lifts her hand to her mouth as she began to cough again, making Mirage and Bumblebee soften their expressions as they watch Saphira cough. The sound of her cough has gotten better, but it was still course due to the mucus build up. She groaned, tugging the blankets tighter around her. "But the best thing for this Christmas for me, will be no more flu. We can always enjoy looking at the Christmas trees around the city, we don't have to get one."

"Yeah, but it won't be the same." Bumblebee looked at Optimus curiously. "You will approve of it, right?" Saphira looked at the truck as she figured he would. She looked back at Bee as he continued to speak using mixed voices and words through the radio. "It won't be a huge tree, just the same average tree that humans have in their houses. Saphira can get the tree decorations when she feels better, and we can all pitch in and help."

Optimus was silent as he contemplated whether they should do that or not. "Only if Saphira is fine with a tree. As we don't need to get something big, I think it will be fine. Only if Saphira wants to do that. I think ensuring that she enjoys Christmas this year will be good, as she gets to spend it with us. I'm looking forward to it myself. Hopefully, the weather will hold up, as I remember the snowstorm last year."

Mirage grimaced as he remembered it too. "I don't even want to talk about it. I had the worst time last year, since I held up at that house for a while." Saphira looked at him curiously, as she wanted to know what happened. Mirage groaned and rolled his optics at her. "A tree fell on my face…are you happy now that you got to hear what happened?"

Arcee chuckled at Mirage, making him frown at her. "Try getting your tyres stuck in the ice of a lake. That happened to me, and I was stuck for two hours trying to get myself free, but the wind and chill kept the ice solid, and I couldn't transform without causing damage to my body. You got a tree in the face, that doesn't even leave a scratch."

Mirage had not known that had happened to her. "Oh…well…okay, maybe my experience wasn't as bad…but it was still annoying. Especially since the tree was on my hood for quite a few hours before it was finally removed." He sighed and shrugged. "But I agree. Hopefully the weather this year will be better than last year. Too bad this place doesn't have a working kitchen, so you won't be able to cook up things like…turkey…that's correct isn't it? Or is that Thanksgiving?"

Saphira chuckled at him. "Both, to be honest. Especially considering how much food people eat at both times. And don't worry, Mirage. I can always just find some cooked turkey to have instead, or even chicken. But I guess we shall see. I am not bothered by not having a kitchen this year anyway." She grimaced as she sneezed and she rubbed her throat lightly. "At least I won't need to worry about being sick in a week's time, hopefully." She stretched her arms for a moment as she thought about what to do. "Hmmm…do you think you can take me to see more Christmas lights tonight, Optimus? I know I did it with Bee, but I do enjoy seeing the different displays on each house."

Optimus transformed suddenly, which surprised Saphira, as she guessed she must have surprised him with the question. And she was right when she saw his expression. However, the surprise turned to happiness quickly as he smiled at her. "I suppose that will be okay. There will be no Transit to interrupt this time, so I think that will be fine. I have enjoyed seeing the Christmas lights around the city myself, and seeing how humans decorate their homes with the lights is quite fascinating to me."

Saphira was really happy to hear that. "Wonderful!" She frowned for a moment before she began to cough loudly again. She covered her mouth as she coughed, feeling the burn of pain in her throat with each cough. She flinched lightly when she felt a metal hand on her back and turned her head slightly to see Arcee. The femme had moved closer and knelt by her to give her some comfort while she coughed. Saphira was grateful, but she couldn't thank her until her coughing fit was finished. Once she cleared her throat, she looked at Arcee. "Thanks, Arcee…" She widened her eyes in surprise when the femme hands her a bottle of water. "And again, thank you."

Arcee smiled at her for her thanks. "You are welcome, Saphira. You know, you and I haven't really had time to get to know each other. Maybe when spring comes around, you and I should ditch the boys for a short time for a road trip. Not too far, just to find some place we can spend time with each other. Sometimes keeping up with these mechs does my head in at times." She glanced at Bee and Mirage who were smirking at her with teasing expressions. "And you both know that you do."

Mirage shrugged innocently with a roll of his optics. "Maybe…but we do it because we love you. And you give the best reactions." He took a few steps around the couch, and Saphira watched curiously as she saw he had his hands behind his back, making her think he was going to do something. Arcee seemed to think the same as she stood up, giving Mirage a glare and placing her hands on her hips. "Aw, come on, Arcee. You need to loosen up a little. You might as well stop pretending that you hate it, and admit that you like it when we tease you. Like this!"

Arcee jumped back at Mirage playfully poked her side before walking away briskly, making the femme clench her fists with a grumble. "Ugh…you are way past the age of a sparkling, Mirage." She shook her head and glanced at Saphira when the girl giggled. Arcee smiled a little as it was nice to hear her laughing, even if it was at the femme's expense. "You're lucky you are a small, fragile human, or these two will annoy you like they annoy me."

Saphira shrugged as she didn't think that it would bother her much. But she knew that they could find ways to annoy her. "They don't need to poke and prod me to do that. Besides, they're like brothers to me. And it's kind of their job to be annoying." Bumblebee nodded in agreement, giving Arcee a look that made the femme roll her optics again. Saphira chuckled softly. "I am sure, deep down, you enjoy it. It might be annoying, but hey, they are keeping things interesting."

"That is why we do it." Bumblebee winked at Arcee, and the femme simply did not respond. Bumblebee looked down at Saphira and leaned down while placing his hands on his thighs. "You sure you don't want me to take you around to the Christmas lights? I feel like I need to make up for what happened. Even if it was not my fault."

Saphira felt a little guilty, as she had not considered that Bee had felt like it was his fault for Transit's attack when he took her to look at the Christmas lights. She smiled at him, appreciating his offer. "It was not your fault, Bumblebee. I understand you want to do it, and maybe we can tomorrow, since we have a lot of suburbs to pick from. But I would like Optimus to take me tonight. I hope you don't feel too guilty."

Bumblebee glanced at Optimus for a moment before he looked back, seemingly happy. Though Saphira did not know if that was forced or not. "If you promise to come with me tomorrow night, then I will not feel sad that you get to go with Optimus to look at the lights. But I am sure the two of you will enjoy the alone time." Bumblebee let out a light chuckle. "Even though you have had a lot of that for the past few days."

Saphira frowned a little at him. "Bee, you know the only reason why we have been alone, is because I was sicker than I am today." Bee still had a teasing expression on his face. "It was easier for me to stay in the backseat of the cab. It still is, since the backseat is actually quite comfortable. But you know that is the only reason. Especially as Optimus himself wanted to keep a close eye on me so he knows how I'm going."

Optimus nodded. "She is right, Bumblebee. I only wanted to keep a close eye on Saphira, because I also feel partly responsible for her illness." Bumblebee listened to Optimus, and his teasing expression changed to a relaxed expression. "Besides, Saphira and I have become friends. There is nothing wrong if she wants to pick someone specific to go see the different Christmas lights. And she is also right about there being other suburbs that you could go to with her tomorrow." Optimus looked down at Saphira with a smile. "You could even do that with Mirage and Arcee too. Of course, it does depend on how you are feeling."

Saphira smiled as she would likely do that. "We have a few weeks until Christmas, so there is plenty of time to do that." She grimaced as she felt as though she was going to sneeze, though it felt more like a tease at the moment. She glanced towards the windows to see it was starting to darken. "Could we go in an hour? The sun is starting to set, so I think I would like to go soon. Maybe even stop at McDonald's so I can pick up an ice cream."

"Ice cream? Ooh, someone is definitely starting to feel better if you are wanting other food. And that is wonderful!" Mirage clapped his hands excitedly with a big smile. "And that also makes me feel relieved, because it means you are going to be well again soon. Hopefully sooner than later." She nodded in agreement, while being amused at Mirage's enthusiasm to get wanting ice cream. "Hey, at least you also get to have something that is not soup and bread, even though we know you have enjoyed it."

Saphira was happy that she was even wanting ice cream. At least it was easy to eat, and she wouldn't have to worry much about it, aside from making sure it did not melt quickly and spill all over the seats. Optimus would be less than pleased with having sticky seats, and she would feel guilty about it too. "Yeah, well…I feel like something sweet, and ice cream is easy to eat. So I'm hoping that I can get some."

"I will gladly being you to one of the restaurants, Saphira. I believe that it is wonderful you are getting better, and it will make the night even happier for you." Optimus looked towards the windows for a moment before looking back at Saphira. "Maybe we can go now instead of later. By the time you get your ice cream, and when we reach a suburb, it will be dark. And I imagine you don't want to out in the weather later."

Saphira thought about the offer and realized that it made sense. "I think that sounds like a good idea. But we should find a McDonald's in the suburb we go to. Though I'm not sure which one." Saphira stood up, removing her blankets with a shudder, as the blankets she had around her were blankets Bumblebee and Mirage had found, not the ones that remained in Optimus's cab. "How about you pick one? I'm just going to be with you for the ride anyway, so as the driver, you get to make that decision."

Optimus's smile widened as he was amused by the girl. He could almost chuckle, but he did not. Optimus was happy that she agreed with him though, and while the Christmas lights themselves were interesting to see, ensuring that Saphira had a good time was more important. "Very well. I will…think of a suburb…I did happen to drive through one with some of the most amazing light displays, so I think that is where I'll take you. Though forgive me for not knowing the name of the suburbs. I have been in this city for a long time, but I haven't really taken the time to know the names of different areas of New York."

Saphira giggled as she did not mind at all. She shivered as she picked up the blankets to bundle on the couch. "This city is very big, Optimus. It is easy to get lost without a map or being familiar with the city, so you are not alone. Plus, you are not native, so you get a pass." Optimus rolled his optics in amusement before transforming into his vehicle form and opening the door so Saphira could climb in. "But I honestly don't know it very well myself. I was honestly in Brooklyn because of the rent prices more than anything, and anything out of that, I really only know Manhattan." She shrugged before glancing at Arcee, Bumblebee and Mirage. "I hope you guys won't get up to too much trouble while we are out for a bit."

Mirage glanced at Arcee for a moment, who gave him a sharp side eye, and he shrugged. "I guess you are going to have to wait and see when you get back. But I promise we won't tear the building down. Arcee would be very mad if we did since she found it." Arcee nodded silently, as she certainly would. "Plus, we want you to have some place to set up a Christmas tree. But you go and get your ice cream before you go and see some Christmas lights. Oh, and one more thing…" Mirage stepped closer and knelt in front of Saphira with a grin. "If you happen to notice mistletoe…"

"Mirage…" Saphira frowned at him as she interrupted him. "You promised not to bring that up again." He simply grinned and shrugged innocently at the girl. "And besides, they're usually hanging up inside people's houses, not on Christmas displays." She turned and walked over to Optimus and looked back at Mirage. "Besides, it's technically not a Christmas tradition. It's a very, very old tradition that goes back way back to the Roman era…and that was a few thousand years ago…I think…" She shrugged and climbed up into the truck. "It just happened to be added to Christmas for whatever reason."

Mirage chuckled. "Still…old tradition or not…" His smirk widened as Saphira looked back at him when she sat on the chair while glaring at him. "What's the harm, Saphira? I am sure, deep down, it would make you happy. And probably Optimus as well." He watched her cheeks turn a deep red before she closed the door. "Okay, well, I guess we will just keep to the side then."

Optimus was not familiar with the mistletoe, so he did not know why Mirage kept bringing it up. He also did not understand Saphira's irritation regarding the decoration, so he was curious. Optimus drove out of the factory to head to a nearby suburb so they could have a nice night. Saphira grabbed a couple blankets from the backseat and a packet of tablets to take some as she needed to some more and she relaxed in the seat. He was still curious that a human would want to try and stay warm while their core temperature was high, but Saphira did explain it to him. Even though he still thought it was strange.

After a few minutes driving along the road, Optimus spoke. "Can I ask why it bothers you a lot that Mirage keeps bringing up the mistletoe?" Saphira looked at the dash in surprise, and Optimus observed her cheeks turning a bright red. This really seemed to make her react that way. "If it has a history behind it, I do not know why you cannot tell me, Saphira. It would make more sense to me to know why you don't want him mentioning it."

Great…I don't know how he will react that people kiss under the mistletoe…though I don't have to tell him that. Especially since the mistletoe goes way back to the Roman times. Ugh…it's not really a modern meaning, since it's a very old tradition.

Saphira took a deep breath and sighed deeply. "Well…the mistletoe goes back a long, long way to the Roman times. Um…during the Saturnalia, which was a holiday a long time ago during the winter solstice, the mistletoe was seen as a plant symbolizing romance, fertility and vitality…" She could feel her blush deepening as she spoke about. "It was something Greeks had done, was to…uh…kiss underneath mistletoe, which symbolized love, and it became part of Saturnalia, and also marriages." Saphira brushed strands of hair from her face. "That's the basics of the mistletoe…the real plant itself is poisonous, so I am not sure why that plant was picked for that symbolism. But…Christmas has similarities to Saturnalia, and the mistletoe has remained part of Christmas and people still…well…kiss underneath the mistletoe. People see it as romantic, really. The symbolism for it has not really changed too much, but…that's basically why we have the plant as part of Christmas."

Optimus listened to her while observing her reaction. He could tell that Saphira was blushing, and she might be embarrassed that Mirage has been teasing her with the mistletoe because he believes that there is something between Optimus and Saphira. Though she didn't seem to be against the idea. Optimus was a bit amused, and yet, he still did not know how he felt either. But kissing Saphira seemed to…intrigue him. And he doubted she would reject him if he did, but he felt it would be too soon to assume.

"It seems to me that the reason why you are annoyed, is because Mirage, Bumblebee and, even, Transit believed that there is something between us." Saphira nodded as she covered her face with the blankets while giggling and trying to hide her embarrassment. "Well…I am not sure why they believe that. I know Bumblebee and Mirage think that about me, because I am no longer harsh with you. But…I am not sure why Transit would have believed that. However…" Saphira tensed a little as she listened to him. "I do think something has changed, I just can't figure out what."

Saphira was surprised that he admitted that something has changed. Most likely about his own feelings, and he has yet to recognize that. Saphira could not help but feel happy to hear that, as that meant there was genuine feelings there. And the autobots had noticed it. But it also made her a little frightened, because this was not something she had expected. After all, Saphira never really thought about the kind of person she would want to have as a partner, so it was somewhat frightening for her to even have feelings too.

"I can agree with that." She tried to calm herself down, but she didn't remove the blanket from her face. "We have a bit of time before Christmas. I think we can easily just ignore Mirage's teasing, Optimus. He's being…immature." She giggled a little, even though she now understood that Mirage and Bumblebee both seemed to approve. She didn't know how Arcee felt, but Arcee could simply be doubting. "Same with Bee. I think they have gotten a little too understanding of some of the human traditions of this world. That isn't bad, but clearly they are being immature about it, and just need to be reeled in."

"I agree." Optimus formed his holoform in the driver seat and looked at her with a smile. Seeing her keeping the blanket over her face was kind of cute, and he also knew she was trying to hide her embarrassment. "Come on, Saphira. Take that off, we will get to the suburb shortly, and you can go and get your ice cream." He gently reached to her wrists, making her flinch in surprise when she felt his holoform's hands on her wrists and gently pulled them to have her take the blanket off. She looked at his optics, and he saw her cheeks were still red. "Shall I play some Christmas music over the radio for you?"

Saphira thought about the offer before she smiled at him. "Sure. I haven't listened to any for a while, so that will be nice." Optimus was pleased, and she looked at the dash briefly when Rockin Around the Christmas Tree began to play. She chuckled a little. "Ah, yes, a classic. One of my favorites to listen to. Good choice, Optimus." She began to sing along a little with the song before looking at the empty canvases she had bought recently. "I'll need to get started on those if I want to finish them by Christmas."

"Worry about that after you get well, Saphira. None of us are going to be upset if you don't have them finished by Christmas day. We are simply happy to spend the time with you." Optimus saw that Saphira still wanted to get started as she looked back at the canvases again, and he smiled at her. "Though I guess if you did decide to start, we can't stop you. You can start on the pictures for the others first if you wish, Saphira."

Saphira's smile widened, and she threw her arms around him suddenly, making Optimus flinch in surprise as she felt the girl's arms around his holoform, but he was happy and hugged her back gently. "Good to know that you won't stop me. Thanks, Optimus!" She pulled back and looked ahead excitedly. "Now, let's get some ice cream and get onto finding some Christmas light displays."

Seeing how relaxed and excited Saphira was, despite she began to sneeze again shortly after expressing her excitement, was really making his spark warm and fill with happiness. He was glad she told him the reason why Mirage was annoying her about the mistletoe. He had no idea it was such an old tradition, and what it symbolizes. While Optimus didn't fully understand human traditions, and why humans pick things for symbolisms, learning about the world he was going to be living in from now on was nice. Even if he learned a little bit at a time.

When Optimus arrived at a McDonald's to let Saphira get some ice cream, he waited in the parking lot while she went into the building to make the purchase. He was looking forward to spending the night with her. Optimus really didn't know how to tell her that things feel like they've changed for him, and he could tell she picked up that he felt differently towards her now. And she admitted to it too. But he didn't know how the next few weeks will go. Regardless, he was looking forward to it. And he was also looking forward to what masterpiece she will create for him for Christmas, even if he didn't need it.

Happy New Year readers! I look forward to continuing my works into 2024. And completing a lot of the projects I've been working on for half the year now. It's always a lot of fun to write my chapters each week. See you all in the New Year!