Chapter Text
The rebuilding efforts were going well, much to everyone's surprise. While the outside of most buildings was destroyed the foundations of many were still stable, making rebuilding the basics of former Cybertron go by much quicker than expected.
A handful of major cities had been rebuilt, life returning to what it used to be before the war.
Perhaps it only made sense for civilian bots and the ones who stayed away from the war to be curious about the winners and saviors of Cybertron, the Autobots.
Some bots became far more popular than others, whether it was for their standout achievements, or for their appearance.
They were essentially celebrities.
Some bots took it in stride such as Jazz and Mirage, while others struggled or were annoyed with the attention such as Prowl and Ironhide.
Of course, whether they liked it or not, they were famous, and it seemed the bots had developed fanbases. Interviews and reports they made for archival purposes were read by all sorts of bots, with photos of them with quotes from their missions appearing on buildings.
As some bots had embraced this reverence, the public grew more and more interested in their heroes as society rebuilt. Many were asked for one-on-one interviews. Casual ones, formal ones, but also to be spokesbots for brands as the economy had moved far enough along that trading was gone and a standard was placed.
So while this might have been coming for a while, it did leave both Bumblebee and Optimus surprised when they were asked to model.
***
“They want us to pose for photos?”
“It…seems so Bumblebee.”
The little bot tilted his helm at the idea. It didn’t sound like the worst thing to do, despite hearing Ironhides complaints about such things before.
“Should we try it out?” He asked with a grin
Optimus paused at that, he had received many requests from the public for interviews and photos of himself before.
He remained unsure of it though, being a leader in a war was far from glamorous despite how the public seemed to think of him, and while he often wondered if speaking in an interview would have made bots see that he was just like them, a normal mech, it’s would likely come with its own issues as other auto bots had pointed out, re-building civilization needed a strong leader. He wasn’t allowed to be seen as weak even after the war.
But he was also curious.
This wasn’t a request for an interview, one that pried into the past and all its horrors. It was…modeling. A modeling request with Bumblebee as well, by a photographer named Shutterstock.
He could understand a photoshoot of Bumblebee, if anything he was surprised one hadn’t been requested sooner. Cute and small with bright colored paint and an optic-catching smile, the mini bot would be an ideal photo subject.
He himself on the other servo was simply…a truck. While his paint may be a tad flashy in its colors he wouldn’t say he was particularly enjoyable to stare at like Bumblebee. He also didn’t like having his battle mask down in public, old habits from war sticking with him even after all this time.
After the momentary internal debate did Optimus answer
“I am…unsure if I should.”
The golden bot tilted his helm the opposite way as he looked up at Optimus. “How come? It shouldn’t take too long, besides you’ll look great!”
“I am unsure if I am a good subject for a photoshoot. I am not a particularly attractive-looking Mech.” He stated truthfully.
Bee huffed at that “Who said that?! Who I gotta fight for saying you’re ugly!?”
Optimus chuckled at that
“No one has said it, but I’m not ignorant of beauty standards among Cybertronians. Even if the standards are not the same as before the war, I doubt I particularly fit into it even now.”
Bumblebee’s optic ridge furrowed at his words, “That’s dumb.”
“Ah-pardon?”
“That’s dumb. So what if your form's not exactly built for speed? You’re handsome!”
Optimus felt his faceplate grow warm.
Bee grabbed the Prime's servo and held it in his. “We’re going to that photoshoot! Then everyone will see how handsome and charming you are.”
Perhaps it was the serious tone with which the mech had spoken about modeling of all things but…he laughed.
“You are too kind Bumblebee.” He smiled. “But the photoshoot mentioned both of us in the photos. You speak as if I’ll be there alone.” He added teasingly
“Ah, right!” Bumblebee felt his faceplate grow warm at forgetting the request was directed at them both.
“But still! Even if our photos are together, you’ll totally steal the show.” Bee beamed at Optimus.
The Prime stared at the bright smile on the mini bot's face. He hummed in response.
“I’ll agree to the photoshoot. But I still believe there are much better photo subjects than me.”
Bumblebee hugged the Prime.
“You’ll see how loved you are yet!”
Optimus wrapped his arms around the little mech and returned the hug. He couldn’t help but think those same words about him.