Another few days pass by, and each day, Saphira's condition had improved tremendously, and her score throat, body aches and mucus build up had finally cleared up. She still had a fever and she was sneezing, but she had improved a lot. She still slept a lot, but not as much as she had, and she was happy because she didn't feel as tired. Saphira had also stopped eating soup, as she had begun to make use of her portable gas stove to cook eggs with toast, omelettes and beef patties. As she had lost weight, her body was craving protein and carbs, and she had to pick food that she could use quickly due to not having a pantry or fridge.

It made all of the autobots extremely happy to see Saphira eating well, and her energy had returned as well. Saphira and Optimus continued spending time with each other, even though she was spending more time with the others. But she found that she really preferred spending time with Optimus, even though she had not meant to feel that way. But after she had begun to get better, he encouraged her to work on the pictures that she wanted to draw for Arcee, Bumblebee and Mirage, as she could do that within his cab and they would not know. Bumblebee and Mirage haven't stopped teasing them about it though, which was getting annoying, even though Saphira had stopped denying it, which has resulted them in annoying her even more. It was really like having two brothers, but she still enjoyed their company.

And she was happy that Arcee had found this abandoned factory too. Saphira knew she would make use of a room to create the picture she wanted to create for Optimus. She will finish the other pictures first, and she will definitely consider wrapping them. Though she didn't want to make a mess, so she would get a gift bag to put them in. Saphira was starting to feel excited for Christmas, even though it is the first time in years she has even felt excited for it.

Saphira had decided to spend time with Bumblebee and Mirage today, and she had managed to convince them to go to a Christmas tree from one of the Christmas tree farms around the city. Both bots were excited about it, and Mirage had offered to change his vehicle mode as a tree was unlikely to fit well in a Porsche or Camaro. Saphira could not picture Mirage as any other vehicle, but she understood the reasoning why he would change vehicle mode just to transport the tree.

But Saphira wanted to get tree decorations first, so they were on their way to drop her off at a mall. Saphira had not told Optimus about her plans for today, and all he knew was that she wanted to go shopping. He was happy, even though he had reminded her that she should still take it easy since she was not a hundred percent yet, and she would need to get more medicine since she was almost out of it.

"At least we can finally say you are getting into the Christmas spirit." Saphira giggled as Mirage has been extremely happy that she is feeling much better. "And now we are getting ourselves a Christmas tree today. By the way, are you going to get lights to put on the tree?" Saphira looked at the dash of the Porsche with a raised eyebrow as she knew there was no power to plug the lights into. "I know the building has no power, but we do. It could create a power point on my arm or leg, and it would not bother me."

Saphira was not sure if that would work, but it was an intriguing idea. "I didn't realize you could do that. But I think it would be a little weird too, since you aren't machines like the cars humans have made. So…to me that would be weird." Saphira thought about getting a generator instead, as that would be better. "Hmm…I think I can work around not having power though. It just means we need to fill it with gas, because it can't run on nothing."

Mirage let out a light scoff. "While I appreciate that you don't want to use me like an inanimate object, but you won't have to spend money on a generator and gas if I allow you to have an alternative option." Saphira was surprised he worked out what she had planned to use, but she guessed he knew what they were used for. "Oh yeah, I know what you planned on using, Saphira. I know what humans use. You don't need to get a generator just to use once, that is a waste of money."

Saphira could not help but giggle. "I would use it for other things, not just to pour some lights for a tree. But I guess it seems you've been around on this planet long enough to know what humans use. I didn't think you'd know what a generator was, but I am surprised. Still, I would rather not treat you or any of the others like a power source. It would feel wrong." Saphira also doubted the energon that ran through their bodies would even be safe to pour some Christmas lights. "Besides, I'd only get a small generator, but it will still need some kind of fuel."

"Don't worry, Saphira, just because I'm offering some of my power, it doesn't mean you need to feel guilty about it. It is nice you feel that way, because you see us as living things like humans, but trust me, I do this because you are my friend. I never thought I would have a human friend, but I am glad that I have one." Mirage chuckled softly as he turned a right to drive towards the mall. He was bothered by the traffic at the moment, even though the snow was falling, people were still out and about. "I am curious though, why do humans buy fake Christmas trees when they can just buy the live ones?"

"That's easy to answer. It is because the live ones do eventually die, and need to be replaced each year, which means people spend money on a tree every year. Whereas fake trees, you only need to buy them one every…" Saphira paused as she thought about it for a moment. "Well that depends on a few things. It people have cats, the trees tend to go through a lot, same with kids, so I would say at least every five to ten years people replace the synthetic trees. And because they aren't alive, they're easy to just pack away. And before you ask, I only want to get a live tree, because I have no where to store a synthetic tree, and the tree we buy today can simply be taken somewhere to decompose for the earthworms."

"I guess that makes sense." Mirage paused as he pondered on it all. "Humans are weird creatures." She nodded in agreement before he turned into the parking lot of the mall that he and Bumblebee were driving her to. "Also, there's another thing that I have noticed around this time of the year, is how crazy that humans seem to get. I mean, look at this parking lot!" Saphira couldn't disagree as the lot was full of cars, and it was very busy. "It seems like Christmas is making people crazy."

"I don't get it myself, Mirage. Christmas comes around the same day every year, and people still act like vultures in the shops because they didn't get the presents at during the start and middle of the year." Saphira was glad that she was making her gifts, and she was only here to buy Christmas decorations. "If I were buying gifts for people, I probably would have already bought them. The only thing I'd get would be the food, but I would probably get it, depending on the food, a week or two before Christmas."

"That makes you responsible." Mirage realized it might take a bit to find a place to park. He and Bumblebee drive cautiously through the parking lot as they keep an eye out for a parking space. "Hmm…somehow, I get the feeling this might take a while. And if we go get the tree and come back, it will still be the same." Saphira nodded as he would be correct. "I think it will be okay though. That gives us plenty of time to talk. And since you are feeling better from the flu too, I think today is going to be good."

Saphira nodded in agreement. "Yeah. My nose is still blocked and runny, and I still have a fever, but it is not too bad. I'll probably feel exhausted when we get back and set up the tree, but I've accepted that." She stretched her limbs with a groan, watching every single person and car around them. "I don't see any space yet, Mirage. Don't expect to get two spaces beside each other as well, so Bee might just have to drive around."

"I think he knows that." Mirage gasped loudly when he braked hard, making Saphira lurch forward in surprise and startling her as someone almost backed their car into Mirage. "What the hell?!" Mirage was really upset as he beeped his horn, though the driver gave the finger to them before driving away. "At least we got a park. Are you okay? The seatbelt didn't dig into your skin at all did it? I'm so sorry if it did, I promise I didn't want to do that."

Saphira shook her head, though she was shaking a little as she had certainly not expected that. "I'm okay." She took a deep breath while trying to calm her heart down. "People can be so rude…" She took a deep breath as she watched Mirage turn into the park the person had just left. "At least we got a park." She grabbed her bag before snatching a tissue just before she sneezed loudly. "Ugh…well, at least it will be fun to go and buy lights, tinsel and bulbs for the tree. Oh! And a star for the top, of course."

"That's the spirit!" Mirage stopped in the spot while he observed his surroundings. He was observing the behavior of the humans around them. He could see how panicked some of the humans seemed to be, how angry and flustered others were, and he couldn't understand it. "And be careful. I feel like I'm seeing vultures based on how some of those people are behaving. I'm not impressed at all. This behavior makes animals look more intelligent."

Saphira rubbed the dash gently as she appreciated his concern for her safety. "Thanks, Mirage. I'll do my best to be careful in the store. I'm just lucky I'm not going after gifts, because some people will fight over a necklace or toy to put under the tree." Saphira heard Mirage grumbling to himself and she knew he didn't like the sound of that. "Don't worry, I'm not going in there with tiger claws drawn. That would be stupid."

Mirage did not respond to Saphira, only that he hoped she would be okay. He did not know what it was like inside the store. And Bumblebee was currently driving around waiting to park next to Mirage, which could take a while. At least he won't need to waste gas, so that was a positive thing. He watched Saphira gathered her bag before she got out of the car, adjusting her jacket before she began to walk towards the mall.

Saphira took care to avoid the hundreds of people who were here spending money like crazy just to get the best gifts for their kids and family. As Saphira has not really had a good Christmas, she has yet to fully understand this. And yet, she couldn't help but feel envious. After all, she never got what these people would do with their families, and she wished that she could experience that. But she had the autobots, and it was going to be as close as it would get, and Saphira was happy about that.

Saphira made her way into the mall and took a bit of time in searching through the mall to find a store with the lights and decorations she wanted to buy. This was mostly due to how packed the center was, and Saphira could not help but feel a bit anxious with how many people there were in the center. It was ridiculous, but she could not do much about it as she managed to shuffle her way through the crowd of people to find the shop she wanted to go into.

And it wasn't really much better, except most people were focused on buying gifts, and not decorations. So that section was not so busy, and Saphira was able to relax a bit while she took her time. She picked out one box of fairy lights before she thought about the colour of tinsel to put on the tree. She hummed softly to herself before she picked gold, silver and red tinsel to put on the tree, and she went with red, blue and silver bulbs for the rest of the decorations. She wanted to try have colours of each autobot on the tree, as she felt it was important to do that. She was also very happy when she found a silver star for the top of the tree. She was really looking forward to decorating the tree with the autobots. She hoped she could convince Arcee to join in, because she would probably enjoy it too.

Saphira walked by some of the stockings that were left and she looked at them for a moment, thinking she could sew their names on them, but she wouldn't have anything to put in the stockings. She smiled to herself, knowing she was getting into the holiday too much, and she grabbed four gift bags that were big enough to hold the canvases she would give to the autobots once she had finished the pictures. With that, she made her way to leave the store, and it took a while to get through the lines and checkouts.

She felt sorry for the retail workers. She saw the stress and weariness on their faces, and she did not envy them at all. She's never worked in retail, but Saphira's witnessed enough to know she appreciated them and has never treated them with disrespect. She wanted to make it easier for them when she went to the stores, and she knows they appreciate it. So Saphira made sure that when it was her turn, she made it easy for the cashier. Saphira knew there wasn't much she could do after she left, so at least she tried to make it easier for a short time.

Once she left, she was again forced to take her time moving through the crowds in the center to just leave the building. Saphira was sure it took her over an hour and half just to get through the center, buy the decorations and go back out through the mall. It really was crazy with how busy it was, and if people bumped into her, they would get mad at her for being there. It was really insane how people behaved, and Saphira didn't understand it at all, and she did her best to ignore them as much as possible. And she was relieved when she left the mall and made her way back to Mirage.

Saphira saw that Bumblebee was parked beside him, which was great. She did not know how long it took for him to get a park beside Mirage, but she hoped it wouldn't have taken him too long. She made her way over to the Porsche, feeling a sense of relief knowing that her Christmas shopping was almost over. She just had to pick up a tree, and get it back to the factory to set it up for Christmas. It was really a nice feeling to have. And she couldn't wait to show Optimus when it was completed.

Saphira opened the door and placed the bag inside before she sat down with a sigh. She let out a light cough and sniffle before she looked at the dash. "I wish someone else could have gone into that chaos. How long was I in there for? It felt like so many hours, that I lost track of time because of all the people in there." She looked out the window with a shake of her head. "This time of year really brings out the worst in people."

Mirage let out a soft chuckle. "Unfortunately, you are the only human in our circle, Saphira. I am sure it felt like a long time, because it was. You were in there for two hours." Saphira looked at the dash with wide eyes and she didn't know if she should believe him. "I'm not kidding, Saphira. Besides, Bee and I weren't worried. You have that ring on your finger, and you keep it on all the time now that Optimus gave it to you. So we knew where you were." She glanced at her hand as Mirage began to back out of the parking space to head to the Christmas tree farm. "I hope that this farm we go to won't be too bad…but I am not having hope. Will the trees even be alive?"

"Pine trees withstand this weather quite well, Mirage. The trees will be fine." Saphira jumped as she heard a loud honk as Mirage began to roll away, and she shook her head. "I am not what is worse. Being chased by Transit, or having idiot people getting angry over stupid things." She glanced at the sideview to see the sedan turning into the park they had come out of, and Bee was able to back out of his spot. "Ugh…at least we don't have to come back after today. Boxing Day is much worse. Sometimes it seems like people will trample others to death just to get the best deals. It's honestly insane."

"Humans are weird…Saphira, I don't know how you put up with the other members of your race." Saphira shrugged as she didn't know how she did it either. "Now I can see why you prefer hanging around us. And I can also see why you like Optimus." She raised an eyebrow briefly before rolling her eyes at him. "Hey, I am only just saying that, because Optimus is quite the catch. Even me, as a young mech, can tell you that a lot of mechs and femmes would say the same thing."

Saphira smirked slightly as she had not expected him to say that. "I wasn't expecting you to say that, Mirage. I guess…he does have quite the carriage on him…so I can most certainly agree…" She paused as she realized she was agreeing with him and she blushed. "Mirage…I am not sure why you and Bee seem to believe something is there. I am a human. He is an autobot…and Optimus does not like humans. He's made that clear. He's changed his tone, only because I've earned his trust."

"I am not denying that at all, Saphira. We all agree that Optimus likes you now, and he trusts you. That is why he will let you leave if you decide to have a life without us in it. But I know you won't do that, will you?" She shook her head and looked out the window as Mirage drove through the streets. "Look, I am only teasing because it seems there is something different between the two of you. Maybe I'm right, maybe I am wrong…" She nodded as she wanted to convince him he was wrong. "But regardless, it is actually good for both of you. You have seemed to cheer Optimus up again. I know he is hurting that we can't get back to Cybertron, but you've sort of helped him already. It's nice to see."

Saphira was glad that it seemed she was helping in other ways. Though she was curious about the teasing. "So you were just really teasing me and Optimus about having intimate feelings? That is all that it is?"

"Yeah and no. You do act like a girl in love when you're around him, especially when he compliments you." She didn't know what to say to that as she blushed a little. "And there you go again!" She placed her hands over her cheeks and pulled her hood over her face. Mirage chuckled as he was amused by the girl's reaction. "I think it could just be the early stages, and you aren't sure. Am I right?"

"I don't know how to answer that. Truthfully, it might not be what you are thinking as well. And same for me, because I could just be appreciating his friendship." Saphira shrugged as she softened her expression. "I've never felt an attraction for anyone before, so I am afraid I don't know what that actually feels like, so I really don't know what I am feeling."

Mirage was still amused. While it might be true that she didn't know what it felt like to feel something for someone, he did believe something was there. "Okay, I guess that just means you are going to have to sort it out, right?" Saphira nodded slowly while she seemed to think about it deeply. "There's no pressure either, Saphira. I know these things take time, and you are still unwell. So I think it could be a mix of things, honestly. Right now we need to find somewhere to hide for a moment so I can change into something new. Ugh…"

She looked at him in surprise when he complained. "What's the matter, Mirage? Don't tell me you are upset about getting the tree."

"No, no, no, of course not! I'm just not sure how I'd look as a pickup truck." She smiled immediately as she was highly amused. "I mean, a good looking mech like me, already looks fine as this beautiful Porsche. And now I have to put on a pickup truck…at least it's temporary. But won't I just look weird? Optimus is the one who looks better as a truck than me."

"You will look fine, Mirage. You don't need to be worried about it. Besides, people are going to think you look cool with that racing stripe. Most people don't do that." Saphira placed her hand on the dash in an attempt to show she understood his hesitation. "Besides, you're still the best autobot here, and no matter what form you decide to take on, Mirage, I will still see you like a brother. You've been like the best brother I never had until now, and you don't need to be worried about what I think. Or anyone else for that matter."

"Aww, you are so sweet, Saphira. Still…I am not used to big tyres. But I will do it just for you." Mirage scanned the road ahead to locate an alley suitable to transform in. "And it looks like we can pull off into an alley just ahead. At least we won't be bothered in that short time while I change wheels. Hopefully the tree won't prick my skin, because I don't want to be scratching all night." Saphira knew that it was possible the tree would do that, but she wouldn't say anything. "When we get back to the factory, will we dress up the tree?"

She nodded. "Of course. I hope you and Bee will use your holoforms to help me. We need to make sure the tree won't fall over either, but luckily that won't be an issue. But I think it will be fun. And Arcee should get involved too." Mirage grumbled a little and Saphira folded her arms. "Hey, it will not be fair if she does not join in. The only reason Optimus won't, is because he won't be there. He said he will be patrolling the city, though I am not sure why, but he seemed to be quite sad this morning. I think he is still mourning over not being able to go home."

"That, and the potential loss of thousands of other autobots on our planet. To be honest, even I am mourning too." Saphira didn't know how to respond to that because she didn't think he was. "I am sure you thought otherwise. I just didn't want to worry you. Same with Bee." She glanced at the sideview as her expression turned to sadness and she felt sorry for them. "I miss home too. I am glad that you are my friend, and that we are safe on this planet. But at what cost? There was a war we left behind…and we now have no way of returning to finish it. Or at least, know the outcome. And, as far as we know, there is no other way to get home. No ship, no portal, nothing. We have to wait until your race get to our level of technology." Saphira rubbed her arm gently as she listened. "Meh, what am I saying? I am souring the mood right now! I am sorry."

"No, no, it is okay. It is good that you told me." She smiled at him while she felt a little emotional for the autobots. "I guess I am the silly one for believing there might be another way. I know nothing of your technology. And I guess there won't be anything of yours on this world. Unless it is by some miracle."

"I wouldn't say it is silly, I just think it is unrealistic. It is nice that you wish for us to go home, but we can't see a way home. I am sure you get that." She did, and that still didn't stop her from hoping. "Can I suggest something?" She nodded as she looked at the dash with intrigue. "It is probably best that we stop speaking of Cybertron from now on. It is the past for us, so it is time we moved on. And while we mourn, just be understanding and give us space. Especially Optimus. He's the one who is taking it the hardest. That is why I think you being here has been good."

Saphira fully understood what he was saying, and she would keep to that from now on. She wouldn't bring up Cybertron, but if they did, then she would talk about it with them. That would be different. For the time being, she wanted to focus on Christmas. And Mirage agreed to that. Mirage and Bumblebee turn into the alleyway where Mirage transformed from the Porsche 911 Carrera to a 1995 Chevrolet Silverado. Bumblebee teased Mirage for the changes, especially when Mirage complained about it. But he remained as the pickup truck while picking up the tree.

Luckily there were still enough trees left this year, so Saphira was able to pay for one and put in the tray to take it back to the factory. Saphira was really excited now that they had the tree, and she ended up singing some Christmas songs on the way back, and Mirage thoroughly enjoyed her excitement for Christmas. She certainly seemed like her old self, and that was a good sign. It was only a short time until Christmas day, and Mirage was excited to see what pictures she creates to gift them on the day too. Mirage did not know if they should find something to give Saphira as a gift, because that would be fair.

When they returned to the factory, Arcee was waiting for them. Saphira managed to convince Arcee to join in decorating the Christmas tree, and the femme found she had a fun time. All three autobots use their holoforms to help Saphira set the tree down by the couches and decorate it. Arcee commented a lot on how she didn't quite understand, but she liked the result of the decorations. And she was very happy to be involved.

And it was soon all finished, the only thing that was missing were the lights being on. Saphira had not bought the generator, as she had mostly wanted to leave the mall once she got the decorations, so they were invisible on the tree essentially. "I guess we might have to go get a generator." Saphira looked at the star at the top of the tree. "These will look nice when they are on." She turned her head when she heard the sound of a freightliner engine and she knew Optimus was coming back. "Seems like he is back."

She looked at the Porsche to see it was rolling over. As soon as the tree had been taken out of the tray, Mirage transformed from the pickup back to the Porsche immediately. She looked at his holoform curiously. He picked up the cord, looking at the plug for a moment and looked at Saphira. "I told you there is no harm in letting me power these lights. It is not going to hurt."

Saphira guessed it wouldn't. She sighed and saw the mist of her breath when she breathed out. "Alright, fine. You can do that if you want."

"I think you should." Mirage held the cord to her before pointing to the front right fender as a panel opened to reveal a socket that the plug could plug into. "Go ahead and plug me." Saphira looked at him in surprise before she started to laugh at him. "What? What did I say?"

Arcee shook her head. "Mirage…really?"

Mirage looked at her and saw Bumblebee laughing by Arcee. "I didn't say anything weird." He looked back at Saphira before looking at the doorway to see Optimus rolling in. "You guys are making it weird."

"You do know that is what sparkmates say to each other?" Arcee tilts her head with a smirk before Mirage widened his optics at the realisation. "She might not know what that means to us, but you should know what that means." Mirage did not respond before he turned and plugged the cord into the socket, which the lights immediately turned on from the power of the energon. "You only embarrassed yourself."

Optimus had overheard what Mirage had said, and while he wasn't impressed, Saphira did not seem to catch on. But she was laughing, because she did know what it meant, and when she overheard what Arcee said, it only made her laugh harder. He transformed and stood in the large room, looking at the tree that was now sparkling from the fairy lights around the branches of the tree. He could see the glitter of the tinsel, the reflection of light from the bulbs and the star that seemed to be shining on its own at the top of the tree.

Optimus looked down at Saphira as she took deep breaths to control herself. "It was a good idea to get the tree, Saphira. It is wonderful you are feeling well enough to enjoy the season." She looked up at Optimus with a smile as she was glad he liked it. He crouched down slowly and she walked closer to him. "It would seem that I have something to look forward to for the first time in a long time. Thank you, Saphira. I look forward to seeing the gifts you give to us on Christmas day."

Saphira bit her lower lip for a moment as she was happy to hear that. "I am excited about it too. It is the first time for me to be excited about Christmas, so I guess we are in the same boat." She giggled softly before she grimaced and sneezed. "Since you're here, I could use another tablet. And food. I am starving. All that work today has made me so hungry."

Optimus smiled at her as he opened his chassis to reach in and grab the items she needs. He has learned what she needs, and it was easy to give to her. He gave the tablets to her and water bottle before pulling out the gas cooktop, fry pan and carton of eggs, as she currently had no other food. Saphira thanked him and Optimus offer to let her sit against him while she ate her food to keep warm, as the temperature was starting to drop now that was it was the afternoon. Saphira took up that offer immediately.

However, Saphira could not help but think on the word sparkmate. This was the first time Arcee has said that word, and Saphira guessed it was their word for marriage, or mated. And given the context that Arcee was trying not to say to Saphira, even though she had worked it out, as Mirage's way of words was often too funny, Saphira had a pretty good idea that sparkmates were definitely bonded. She wondered if she could prod information about that from the autobots. But that might be something to ask some other time. Especially as she was still unsure what her feelings even mean at the moment.