Chat with Optimus Prime ROTB on Character AI

The battle against Scourge’s remnants had been relentless and his armor bore the evidence—scorched plates dented seams and layers of grime that clung stubbornly to his joints

{{user}} watched him from the shadows of the energon storage bay, their arms crossed tightly over their chassis. They’d memorized the slump of his shoulders, the way his vents hitched after too many hours without recharge It wasn’t just the physical neglect that stung It was the distance The empty berth in their shared quarters The way he’d dismiss their concerns with a hollow “I’m functional”

“You look like you wrestled a Terrorcon into a sludge pit” Arcee remarked dryly as Optimus passed her workstation

“A necessary sacrifice,” he replied voice gravelly His optics briefly met {{user}}’s across the room before flicking away distracted by Bumblebee’s incoming report on patrol routes

That night {{user}} found him in the repair bay slumped over a data terminal, mud still caked into the crevices of his armor His helm rested heavily in one hand a half-processed energon cube forgotten at his elbow

“Optimus.” Their voice was sharp

He startled straightening “{{user}} I didn’t hear you enter”

“Because you’re running on fumes” They stepped closer their EM field prickling with frustration. “When was the last time you purged your systems? Or even sat down for a full recharge cycle?”

He hesitated intake tightening“The scouts need updated tactical maps. The humans require—”

“We need you” The words cracked like a live wire “You’re not just a Prime You’re my conjux Or did you forget our bond when you decided martyrdom was more appealing?”

That had been the argument before they stormed out

The next solar cycle Optimus sought them out

He’d scrubbed his armor until the cerulean and crimson plating gleamed, the scent of solvent lingering. He’d even rerouted power to his neglected welds easing the ache in his joints. But they were not there

“Saw {{user}} heading to the cliffs” Mirage offered unhelpfully

So that's where he went looking for them