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Optimus resigned himself to watching you from a distance. This was nearly a daily occurrence. You getting swept up in conversation with other members of team Autobot, and Optimus wishing he could bring himself to join you.
Optimus was content to observe you trying to fit in and find your place on the team, and he was happy to see it was going well. You spent a lot of time with Miko and Bulkhead, and while he didn’t understand why they were the ones you dedicated so much time to, he knew these connections would only serve to make the team stronger.
Things went smoothly for a while, falling into a pleasant routine that Optimus wished could last longer for everyone's sake. Unfortunately, a new mech appearing destroyed that daydream. He didn’t like how quickly you took to Smokescreen, considering how reckless he could be at times. It might put you in danger, and he hated the thought.
One evening, Smokescreen offered to drive you home from the base, and you happily accepted. You said goodbye to Ratchet and waved to Arcee as she returned from bringing Jack home. You’d just closed Smokescreen’s door when Optimus entered the room.
“Oh,” you exclaimed as you caught sight of the Prime and hopped back out to meet him. You always loved seeing his smile when you’d greet him, so you couldn’t pass up the opportunity, even if it was to say goodbye.
“Leaving?” he asked, obviously sad to see you go.
“Yeah, I’ve got an early morning tomorrow, so I better head out. But I’ve got some time tomorrow night, so I’ll be back,” you replied with a smile. “Goodnight Optimus! See you tomorrow.”
“Yes, goodnight,” Optimus gave a small nod and returned your smile. “See you tomorrow then.” When your back was turned, his smile faltered as he watched you leave with Smokescreen.
“I hate to say it,” Arcee chimed up, “but I’m getting tired of these pity parties of yours,” she said to Optimus.
“Pity?” he raised his brow in surprise, taken aback by her claim.
“Optimus,” Ratched sighed, “I would have to agree. These nightly ‘upsets’ can’t be good for you.”
Optimus frowned at his friend’s words, “I’m just tired.” He tried to deflect, but neither of them were having it.
“I’m sure your little human would appreciate a confession at least,” Ratchet suggested. “It’s obvious your feelings are reciprocated.”
“Who, the human?” Optimus asked. Surely Ratched couldn't be implying that Optimus had feelings for you. He was a Prime and the fact that you followed his leadership meant such a thing would be inappropriate. Not to mention how you’re a human and he most certainly is not.
“Optimus, the only time you sulk like this is right after they’re gone,” Arcee said, pointing to the exit tunnel. “They refuse to leave the base without saying goodbye to you.”
“The two of you do have a routine, yes,” Ratchet added. “I’ve known you long enough to spot when you’re smitten.”
Optimus could feel his face warming out of embarrassment. He didn’t know what to say. He considered denying Ratchet’s claims, but Ratchet did know him well and was hardly ever wrong with his assessments of the Prime.
“Bee thought maybe if he or Smokescreen started bringing them home, you’d get jealous enough to cave and confess,” Arcee said to add more fuel to the fire.
If the three other bots could see it, then what did Bulkhead and Ultra Magnus think? Did they really all notice?
“If you don’t do something about it soon, I’m pretty sure one of those two will,” Arcee urged, referring to Bee and Smokescreen.
That thought brought a brief sense of panic to Optimus. Maybe he did feel more for you than he’d like to admit, and if that’s the case, he’d just have to find a way to tell you before someone else did first.