Transformers Book of One-Shots Book 2 ✔

TF3 | Mirage X Athena X Sideswipe Pt. 3: Reunion

@Zaijuna requested a part 3.

Mirage and Sideswipe return to Athena's dimension. All three hoping it's not for one last time.

It's been three months since Athena said goodbye to Mirage and Sideswipe. The few times she's seen a silver corvette or red Ferrari 450 Italica, Athens wonders if she's seeing Mirage or Sideswipe, but knows she'd appear insane if she talks to the cars and it's not one of them. 
There's no way they'd come back. Athena reminds herself.
She sits on the couch, struggling with loneliness. 

"Can't we go back, sir?" Sideswipe asks Optimus.
"It's risky. You know how humans will respond to a strange portal."
"Humans didn't notice when Sideswipe and I ended up there," Mirage argues, "we'll be careful."
"I don't even know how that happened," Que adds.
"Then figure it out!" Sideswipe yells.
He and Mirage walk down the hall.
"Sir?" Que asks.
"They know to be careful, but unless you can open the portal in a secluded area. See what you can do."

Athena had no interest in a weekend family camping trip, but while she is eighteen, her parents argue how she still lives with them, so she has no choice. Athena likes camping, but she is in no mood to do anything. She thinks about doing most of what she's doing with Mirage and Sideswipe.
At least she's able to go on a hike alone and can be gone for hours. Which has Athens questioning why she had to come along.

As Athena walks down the trail, she hears a strange noise from behind her. She's certain it's not an animal.
You know it's unlikely a portal opened, Athena. She reminds herself.
Athena continues down the path, but it's not long before she hears footsteps behind her. There are no paths that connect to the path she's on. Before she can turn around, someone whispers in her ear 'boo'.
Athena turns around and smiles, seeing Mirage and Sideswipe's holoforms. Both hugging her. Yet Athena still doesn't believe she's seeing the two Autobots. Even with this uncertainty, tears begin forming. 
"We are here," Sideswipe smiles.
Athena couldn't be happy since she's camping with her parents who'd never let two men stay with them.
"We can deactivate our holoforms at night," Mirage points out, "and meet here."
The two have to add that they're only allowed to stay for the weekend, and they don't know when they'll be back. They spend a short time together before Athena has to return to the campsite. The three agree to meet at noon.
"You know what, Mirage? I think I'd rather we didn't return. To have to say goodbye again, and it's probably for good."
"We don't know that, but even if it's the last time; I'm happy we can see Athena again."

Athena yet again questions why she had to come on this trip when yet again she's allowed to go for a hike the next day. Figuring they just wanted her out of the house. She gets enough food for the three without being asked about the amount of food she's taking with her.

Athena sees Mirage and Sideswipe's holoforms waiting for her by the lake as planned, ready for a swim. They didn't think she'd bring food.
"We're going swimming," Sideswipe says.
"Then we'll eat after."
Mirage puts Athena's bag in his subspace before the three go into the lake.
"Cold!" Athena exclaims, stepping into the water.

Mirage and Sideswipe fake not agreeing, but the river is actually cold. The three get used to the water and enjoy a swim for an hour before getting out to eat. The three wanting to go on a hike and worried about their limited time together. Already regretting that tomorrow will be the last time together possibly for good.

"Sir, I've been thinking now that I can open portals at will, let Mirage and Sideswipe visit their friend more frequently," Que argues, "I know it's still a risk but I believe the two mechs will be careful. They'll understand even if you decide they can only go to that dimension twice a year."
Optimus agrees to think about this proposal.

"Whoa! Look at the view!" Sideswipe exclaims as the three reach the top of the peak they hiked up. 
The three take pictures, but knowing this could be their last hike together doesn't make this an entirely happy moment.
"My family is leaving tomorrow afternoon," Athena sighs, "I might go for one last hike to meet at the river."
"In case you can't meet us tomorrow," Sideswipe says and kisses Athena.
Mirage doesn't wait long before pulling Athena away from Sideswipe and kissing her.
Little do the two mechs know Athena walked back to the campsite in tears.

Athena couldn't hide the tears by the time she returns to the campsite. She tries to hide how annoyed she is that her parents think she's not happy the camping trip is over.
How would I explain Mirage and Sideswipe to them? Athena questions.

Athena goes to the meeting point early the next morning. The three see Optimus waiting for them. The Portal behind him.
Mirage and Sideswipe hope Optimus will let them stay longer. Optimus' holoform appears.
Athena, Mirage, and Sideswipe wonder if they're sharing a dream, hearing Optimus tells the three that Mirage and Sideswipe will return, but he can't say when. Hoping it won't be for a third and final time.
Even with this news, goodbye isn't easy for the three of them. She watches the three Autobots walk through the portal and then the portal vanish with tears rolling down her face. Hoping they'll return soon.