Returning to collage and 'normal' life was a surreal experience. She did in fact have to go through several meetings, with all of the higher ups in the military and the UN. Had she been a political major before she would have switched studies after this this fun filled adventure. Far too many headaches had plagued her these past weeks, and she was pretty sure she was developing an ulcer from listening to all the ridiculous arguments and sheer double talk every last politician subjected her to. She knew government was shady after her first dealing with Sector 7, now she knew all branches had issue. Never had she met so many self-important people who liked to hear themselves talk, because they certainly never said anything of value. And those that did have important messages hid the words in long winded diatribes.

Worst of all, Optimus still wanted her to be the liaison between the Autobots and the Governments. She was going to need to buy stock in Tylenol.

Returning to school had been a relief, until she saw the looks everyone gave her. She'd forgotten for a moment how her face and personal information had been pasted all over the world in the Fallen's attempt to find her. Great. Several guys and even some girls tried to cozy up to her because she was famous and knew alien robots. Every geek and nerd on campus nearly worshiped her, which left her feeling more than a little dirty. Thankfully, Leo headed most of them off, becoming their 'supreme leader' or something like that. As long as they left her a long she didn't care.

It took months but finally the hype calmed down and her routine became comfortable and people started to forget her fame. Fame truly was a fickle thing. Thank Prime.

Mikaela returned home to a very worried father. She called every week to shoot the breeze and share gossip. Her father in the background constantly checking on her. Wheelie had followed her home as well, enjoying working in the garage far more than a Decepticon probably should. In fact, sometimes she could hear the bot and Mik's dad arguing in the background about proper motorcycle parts. It was kind of cute.

Simmons had been re-drafted into the intelligence agencies, his knowledge about the alien robots too valuable to drop now that he'd proven his crazy theories actually had some weight.

Her parents returned home, her mother enjoying some of the attention from the other wives in the area, her dad trying to forget it ever happened. They planned to have a month-long trip to Hawaii, since their Paris trip was ruined. Hopefully, they'd be left alone this time. Sam's father was still complaining about the wasted money. At least the school had not dropped her scholarship. Not that it took long for her to catch up in her courses in any case.

As for the Bots and NEST, they had returned to their main base and continued working to find the runaway Decepticons and make sure they did not do anything else to threaten the earth. Optimus had thanked her personally for saving his life, but she'd told him it seemed only fair given how many time's he'd saved her.

The best part of the deal was that Bee got to come to school with her. General Morshower had made it mandatory that she have a security detail, and who best to do so than Bumblebee. He would also sever as her driver when her presence was requested for any meetings, given her liaison position.

The only person she had not heard much from was Will. She was beginning to think maybe she had misheard him. She had been dying at the time, and he hadn't said it again. Part of her was ready to call him up and demand answers. However, the bigger part was scared to do so, thinking the truth may not be what she wants to hear.

The months passed quickly, as they tended to do when one was busy learning and keeping up with the demands of a full schedule. Winter break had been a welcome treat, even if she and Bee had to drive back home all on their own. Pennsylvania to California is not a small haul. Thankfully, Bee made the drive all the more fun with his random trivia games and gossip mill. She knew he deserved to go out more instead of being stuck waiting on her while she completed her course, but did he have to go park in front of local beauty salons and coffee shops eavesdropping on everyone? Let's not forget how he trolls Leo and his tech friends, constantly hacking their computers and radios.

Ok actually that last one was pretty damn funny, especially when they got so excited and started running in the halls in their PJs.

Now though, she had three weeks of freedom to relax, catch up on some sleep and eat food that didn't taste like it'd been processed in a cardboard factory. Gourmet rated cafeterias her ass!

She'd been home all of two days before her mom had kicked her out, telling her to go get some fresh air. Seeing some of the looks she was sending to her father had her running faster than ever. Seriously! What was with this second honeymoon faze? Aren't old married people supposed to not be doing those things?

Bee drove her to the point, parking in their usual spot. It was a great view, high enough to look over the town and most of the valley. Even though it was winter, the temperature here was nice and only required long sleeves.

She was sitting on the hood watching the clouds drift by enjoying the quiet. She missed the simple quiet. At school there was always something going on and people being loud. Here, she could just lay back and let her mind drift.

Or she could have until the large truck pulled up beside Bee. She huffed and turned her head to see who had decided to ruin her peace and quiet, only to see Will hoping out of Hide. She popped up in surprise.

"Heard you were back in town," he greeted, moving to stand in front of her, though leaving some room.

"Yeah, mom would go spare if I didn't come home for Christmas," she replied slowly, not really sure what to say. "Long time no see, stranger."

"Yeah." He shuffled his feet a bit. "Things have been more hectic than I'd like at base. We've been revamping some of the tech and broadening our search areas. We've also had to deal with a lot of the militaries around the world, we normally don't just to coordinate our efforts against the Decepticons. Apparently having a common enemy has made them realize we're all human and should work together," he stated dryly. Clearly, he was remembering all the times they gave him and his team shit for doing their jobs to protect the world.

"That or they just want a chance to play with the big cool robots," she drawled.

"That too," he chuckled. "Some scientists tried to see if they could 'examine' some of the bots. It did not end well."

Sam looked at him then glanced at Hide, who had yet to change out of his truck form, which was unusual for the older bot. "Someone on time out again?"

"Oh yeah…"

The loud grumbling roar of the engine had both of them snickering.

"To be fair we're both on probation," Will admitted ruefully. "Galloway wasn't too happy with me, so I've had to deal with that to…" At her confused look he waved her off. "Some pencil pusher that's not really important no matter what he thinks."

Sam snorted. "Sounds like most of the people I've had to deal with lately."

Silence passed between them, though not nearly as awkward as it could be.

"So, I'm pretty sure last time we saw each other, you said something about a talk," he stated unsurely, one hand rubbing through his hair.

"I did," she agreed. "Since it's been so long, I started to have doubts about what I heard?"

He glanced away before looking at her, his eyes serious and dark. "You heard right. I do love you." Sam's breath caught in her throat, her heart beating fast. "I started falling not long after meeting you. But Sam, you're so young. I've got over ten years on you. You deserve to find a guy closer to your age…"

"I may be physically younger than you but mentally I think I'm winning on maturity," she countered ruefully. "I've never really liked guys my own age. They don't get me, and few would ever understand what I've been through. And then I fell in love with an Army Captain that soon became a Major and every guy I ever met after has never measured up." She reached out and grabbed his hands, pulling him closer. "Age is just a number, Will. I care more about the person and I'd rather have a mature partner, well semi-mature," she corrected, snickering when he shot her an offended look. "Than someone my age, who couldn't keep up with me. It may not be conventional for our society, but let's face it, our lives lost all normalcy the moment a bunch of giant ass robots dropped into it."

"The guys kept telling me that, but my thick head couldn't get it to process…"

"What changed?"

"You almost left me," he whispered, pain flashing in his eyes. One hand drifted up to trace along her cheek. "You were on the run from the enemy and I couldn't get to you. Worse our own people were considering turning you over if you were caught. Then finally I make it so I can help you and I had to watch you die." He took a moment to compose himself. "All I could think of was I never told you what you meant to me. That I would never see you again and I couldn't stand that. I don't want a world without you in it."

"Well, Major Lennox, I'm not too fond of the thought of a world without you either. And I'm not inclined to let you get away again."

He snorted, his eyes shining with humor. He leaned forward, his forehead against hers, looking deep into her eyes. "In that case, what do you say to an official date, Miss Witwicky?"

Sam grinned back, but before she could answer someone else did it for her.

"Let's talk about sex, baby. Let's talk about you and me…"

Her face turned bright red. "BEE!"

Apparently Hide wouldn't let his younger counterpart be the only one to 'voice' their opinion.

"I'm asking you baby to get it on with me, ooh, ooh, ooh!"

"Hide," Will growled, his own cheeks slightly red.

"I wanna sex you up."

"Oh my god," Sam groaned, letting her head fall onto Will's chest.

"Been wishin' for you, Ooh, Ooh. Tryna' do what lovers do. Ooooh, Oooh!"

"They're not gonna stop are they," Will huffed in exasperation.

"And I—eee-I will Always love you—oooo"

"Nope."

Will used on hand to lift her chin so she would be looking back at him. Both of them tried to ignore the on-going battle of 'love song lyrics' in the background.

"I love you Samantha Witwicky," he whispered with feeling.

"I love you William Lennox," she replied back just as softly.

Then he leaned down and kissed her, his lips sure and strong. Sam wrapped her arms around his shoulders and held him closer. However, neither of them could stop their laughter when Bee released the voice of Samuel L. Jackson.

"Well, it's about damn time!"

Xoxoxo

The end.