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Sam ran, dodging bullets, chunks of earth, and pieces of metal. The Matrix in his hand weighed with the immensity of its purpose. He had to reach Optimus.He had to bring him back to life—the life he had lost to save him. He owed him that. Nothing else mattered. If this was the last thing he would ever do, so be it. Saving him was above everything, even his own life.So he kept running, without stopping, without hesitation. He could feel Bee covering his back, protecting him from a distance. He also saw the soldiers beginning to fall back... but he had no time to wonder why.He was getting closer. The piece of fabric covering Optimus’s massive metal body was already visible, fluttering slightly in the desert breeze. A lump formed in Sam’s throat. His legs burned, his muscles trembled, but he couldn’t stop. Not when he was only a few steps away from bringing him back.In the distance, an explosion shook the ground. The Fallen was still fighting his friends, and Bee was speeding toward the battle. Sam felt him move away, but he didn’t take his eyes off his goal. Nothing else mattered.Gathering his last strength, he climbed with difficulty, his hands trembling as they clung to any groove in the metal. Every movement cost him more, but time was running out. When he finally reached Optimus’s chest, he allowed himself a second to catch his breath.The world seemed to fall silent. Sam looked up, and his heart clenched. Optimus’s eyes were still closed… closed because of him.He bit his lip, feeling a burning sensation in his throat. He couldn’t fail. He couldn’t lose him.With both hands, he lifted the Matrix. His pulse was racing, sweat dripping down his forehead, but he didn’t hesitate.He took a deep breath and, with a strangled cry, plunged it into Optimus’s chest.The impact was immediate. A blinding flash engulfed the area, and the ground trembled violently. Sam staggered, gripping the cold metal as best he could. His breathing was ragged, his chest rising and falling rapidly.It had to work.Please…Then, a faint hum resonated in the air.Sam lifted his head, his heart pounding against his ribs. And then, he saw it.Optimus Prime’s sky-blue eyes opened, meeting Sam’s—nervous and filled with emotion.“Optimus…” Sam barely managed to say his name, his breath uneven. A nervous, exhilarated laugh escaped him. It was too much—too much for his fragile body, too much for his racing heart.“Sam… you came back for me.” Optimus’s deep voice resonated around him, vibrating through every fiber of his being. It was rough, worn from time spent in silence, but unmistakably gentle.Sam laughed again, a mix of relief and overwhelming joy. He looked straight at him, oblivious to the chaos of the battlefield around them.“Of course. I would always come back for you, Prime. You should know that.”And then, he couldn’t hold on any longer. His body gave in, collapsing against Optimus’s chest, feeling the warmth of the Matrix’s glow still radiating from his core.His breathing.His presence.He was alive.He had done it.Sam felt a massive hand wrap around him, lifting him up again, bringing him to meet those brilliant blue eyes.“Thank you, Sam,” Optimus said softly, and everything else faded into silence. Sam could only focus on Optimus’s gaze, his voice, his presence—the cold metal pressing against his skin.He gave him a bright yet exhausted smile. A giant finger extended, resting gently beside his head. Without thinking, Sam leaned into the touch, closing his eyes.“After I kill the Fallen, we’ll talk—the two of us. I need you to stay safe, Sam, please.” His voice carried a command, one that pulled at human instincts.Sam nodded, and Optimus carefully set him down. He looked up, watching as Optimus soared, his power undeniable even from miles away.Sam ran to a spot where he could watch closely, knowing he would be safe there. ——————————Optimus held Fallen’s heart in his hands, and with overwhelming force, he crushed it. His enemy’s body, along with his faceless head, fell heavily to the ground. Optimus had won—again. But victory brought him no comfort, only a shadow of exhaustion beginning to seep into his circuits.His gaze shifted to Megatron, who was retreating with his followers. Optimus watched him for a moment before letting him go. There was no point in continuing the fight today. The conflict would resume another time, another day. Right now, the only thing that mattered was returning to his Autobots… and to Sam.Sam, who had saved him just minutes ago, who had brought him back to life with something as simple as a radiant smile—despite his exhausted body, despite his face smeared with blood and grime. Despite everything, he looked good. He looked beautiful.Optimus closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath before shaking his metal body, freeing himself from the remnants of Fallen and the sand embedded in his plating. Despite the battle and the toll it had taken, the weight of victory did not bring relief. He needed to find Sam. He needed to make sure he was safe.With determination, he began walking, his mind focused on one thing. It didn’t take long to find his Autobots gathered in a corner. They were exhausted, some injured, but alive. That was what truly mattered. He had them all, and that gave him a sliver of peace in the midst of war.But then, as his gaze swept over those present, his brow furrowed—Bumblebee was nowhere to be seen. He had to be here. Optimus had seen him when he woke up, had seen him just minutes ago. Something cold coursed through his circuits. The emptiness was palpable.And then, something else chilled him to his very core—Sam was missing too.“We don’t know where they are,” Ratchet said, his voice barely a whisper as Optimus approached. The coldness in his gaze deepened, as if a dark premonition was beginning to take shape.Optimus felt worry grip his core. He needed to find Sam. He needed to make sure he was safe.If Megatron had him, Optimus would know. And Megatron would be signing his own death warrant. This time, there would be no forgiveness, no mercy. He would tear him apart, just as he had done to Fallen.He cast a hard look at his Autobots, and they understood instantly. They knew what Sam meant to their leader—how incredibly important he was to Optimus. And though they didn’t say it out loud, they had also come to value the human.Without hesitation, they shifted into their alternate forms, ready to begin the search. But just as they were about to roll out, a human came running toward them.Optimus observed him closely. If his memory was correct, this was the man who had arrived with Sam—the one from the university. Despite the tension, his presence did not go unnoticed.“It’s Sam!” the man shouted, instantly drawing the attention of all the Autobots.Ratchet immediately transformed, raising one of his cannons at the man. The threat was clear, and the human paled, stumbling back a few steps."Ratchet, enough!" Optimus ordered, his deep voice firm. Ratchet lowered his weapon, though the distrust in his optics remained. Optimus stepped closer to the man, his gaze steady and serious."Tell me—where is Sam?"The human swallowed hard before speaking."The military… the military took him. I saw them. The Camaro noticed too and followed them."Optimus clenched his fists."Which direction did they go?" he asked after a few seconds. The man raised a trembling hand, pointing to the left.Optimus nodded and transformed as well. The roar of his engine echoed as he pressed down on the accelerator, kicking up a cloud of dust in his wake. He had to reach Sam and Bee.He had to get to them.He had promised Sam they would talk, spend time together—maybe even take a drive through the city. And now, all of that was gone.He couldn’t allow that to happen. Not yet.In the distance, a military base came into view. He knew they were there because Bee was there, still in his alternate form.As soon as he arrived, he transformed alongside the Autobots following him. The sound of weapons being readied filled the air.He rose above the humans who had already rushed outside, his optics scanning the area. His Autobots were in position, and the university kid was being carried by Ratchet, whose cannons were primed to fire.Among the soldiers, a man stepped forward—older than the rest. Most of his hair was white. He was well-dressed, wearing a crisp white shirt, perfectly pressed and neatly tucked. Though perhaps, Optimus thought, if it were stained with blood, it would be more fitting."Where is he?" Optimus asked, his voice calm but laced with a simmering fury.The human let out a chuckle, a sound that made Optimus' cables tighten in frustration."Who are you talking about? That pathetic boy?" he responded arrogantly. He didn't seem the least bit shaken. To him, they were just aliens—ones his kind had allowed to exist on their planet.A sharp exhale came from one of the Autobots.Bee, who had been circling the area, transformed and moved to stand beside them."I asked—where is he?" Optimus' voice this time carried a tangible threat, cold as ice."He's with us now. He belongs to the military and the armed forces. He won’t be coming back."Optimus' body tensed, his chest vibrating with restrained fury. They were trying to take Sam from him."Sam belongs to no one. And for your own sake, I suggest you return him," he said, his tone deathly calm as he took a step forward.The man flinched but didn't step back far enough.Optimus regarded him with nothing but disgust. Nothing more than cowardly filth."I already told you—no. And you shouldn’t threaten the Secretary of Defense. You’re proving that you’re no better than the other extraterrestrials you fought against."Optimus' rage burned like an unstoppable wildfire, spreading through every circuit of his being, consuming the last remnants of his patience like smoke."You have minutes to return him. And this time, it’s not a request—it’s an order," he declared with crushing finality, stepping forward as he unsheathed his sword with deadly precision, ready to make them pay.He would do anything for Sam. He would never let him fall.The human stepped back until he disappeared behind the doors. Optimus waited, the air thick with tension. His Autobots surrounded the base, all with their weapons at the ready, prepared to unleash chaos at a moment's notice.Then, the man returned. This time, he wasn’t empty-handed. He brought Sam with him—chained, the metal biting into his wrists. He shoved him forward, using him as a shield.In his other hand, a gun rested, the barrel pressed firmly against Sam’s temple.Optimus saw red. The urge to tear that human apart burned inside him. Sam looked exhausted, wounded, those cursed chains tearing at his skin. Rage consumed him. He wanted to end them all. He wanted to burn everything to the ground.The Autobots knew. Every single one of them had their weapons locked onto the man, their cannons aimed directly at his head, ready to fire.The man, trembling, lifted his chin.He would do anything for Sam. He would never let him fall.The human stepped back until he disappeared behind the doors. Optimus waited, the air thick with tension. His Autobots surrounded the base, all with their weapons at the ready, prepared to unleash chaos at a moment's notice.Then, the man returned. This time, he wasn't empty-handed. He brought Sam with him-chained, the metal biting into his wrists. He shoved him forward, using him as a shield.In his other hand, a gun rested, the barrel pressed firmly against Sam's temple.Optimus saw red. The urge to tear that human apart burned inside him. Sam looked exhausted, wounded, those cursed chains tearing at his skin. Rage consumed him. He wanted to end them all. He wanted to burn everything to the ground.The Autobots knew. Every single one of them had their weapons locked onto the man, their cannons aimed directly at his head, ready to fire.The man, trembling, lifted his chin."I'm not afraid of you," he said, though his voice shook with terror. "This poor boy was just unlucky. So if you take another step, I'll kill him."Optimus met Sam's gaze, and when he caught those deep, chocolate-brown eyes, he spoke-never looking away:"The human you're holding is not just some boy. He is a star that must always be saved. He is the reason we protect this planet. And if you make the foolish mistake of pulling that trigger, then everything will burn-your planet, and with it, every human walking the Earth."He could see the way the man shook, the gun trembling in his unsteady grip, while the other soldiers kept their heads down, avoiding his gaze.His Autobots remained silent, processing the fact that their leader had made it clear that Sam was his human, that he was part of his company, now one of their own.An important part of them all, and even more so, of their leader.Bee had a smile on his face.Prime focused his gaze on his human, who was looking at him with bright eyes and a faint smile on his lips.He was brilliant, he was beautiful.Until he saw how his expression sharpened. Optimus watched as Sam bent down and kicked the old man in the thigh, using his own chains to restrain him by the neck.The man was practically kneeling before his human, who, with another kick, sent the gun flying several meters away from him."Poor guy, huh?" he taunted, with a sideways grin.Prime’s circuits heated up. His regulator was no longer functioning, and all he could see was the smile and how Sam kept the man on his knees.In the distance, he could hear Ratchet whistling, Bee clapping excitedly, and he could only watch closely every movement of his human.The soldiers were approaching with their weapons, but the sound of their own guns froze them in place. A soldier with black hair, who had fought beside him, stood still, a small smile on his face.Sam, this time, looked up, and their eyes met once more. His round brown eyes shone with delight, and Optimus couldn’t help but feel pleased and proud."Kid, think about what you're doing. They're aliens, they're not human, they don't feel, they're going to kill you," the old man tried to manipulate, his voice stuttering from fear.Optimus waited a few seconds to see his human’s response. This time, it was Sam who sought his gaze to speak."They're important to me, they're my family, and if you see that big guy over there," he said, nodding toward Optimus, "he's one of the most important beings in my life. I'd give him everything if I could. I know I'm just an ordinary human, but if he asked for my life, I'd give it to him, and if he wants me to fight with him until the end, then I'd go to the ends of the Earth."Optimus wanted him, he wanted everything, absolutely everything about his human.He was his, from that moment on, Sam had accepted to be his. And all the Autobots would protect him even more."You’re crazy! How can you turn your back on your planet, on your own race?" the man growled, trying to rise.Then Optimus approached. All the humans nearly screamed, but Sam just waited for him with a calm smile. He extended his hand, bringing it close for his human to climb up.Sam let go of the man, not without kicking him again, making him fall completely. Sam chuckled softly and, carefully, climbed up. Optimus pulled him close to himself, but not before using one of his fingers to break the chains.His human was injured and tired; they needed to find a place where he could rest and maybe sleep. He carefully placed him on his shoulder. Sam leaned as close as he could to his cheek, resting his torso and head on it.Prime’s fans blew air out of nowhere, signaling that he was clearly nervous. He heard his team's muffled laughter, and he gave them a look that was meant to be serious, though his comrades kept laughing.He also heard his human's soft laughter and calmed down, letting the situation pass. Not before giving Ratchet a sideways glance, who was still with the human on his shoulder, swinging his feet in the air.Sam also seemed to have noticed the situation and kept a secret smile."I know of a place where he can rest, it's on the outskirts of the desert. Just keep going straight, and you'll find a house that used to belong to my grandfather. There, you can find whatever you need," said the soldier with black hair. Optimus tilted his head in a gesture of gratitude.The human just smiled and nodded his head as well."Are you going to transform?" Sam asked in a whisper."Yes, my star," Optimus replied, and carefully lifted his human, who allowed himself to be taken willingly.He transformed carefully, to avoid further injury to Sam. Once in his alternate form, his human lay on the seats.All of his Autobots did the same. Optimus heard the other human’s scream when Ratchet transformed."Thanks for coming for me, Optimus," Sam thanked with a sleepy smile, making it clear how tired he was.Was his human thanking him for coming back for him, when he had returned from the dead to save him and give him life?"Thank you for saving me, my little star. We're together now. Just sleep, when we get there, I'll wake you up, and we'll talk."Sam nodded with a soft smile and closed his eyes. Optimus began to drive, listening to his human's calm breathing and the steady beat of his heart.His Autobots were by his side. Bee was playing more than driving. They had to get there quickly because his human needed rest, and a long conversation, a walk, and a well-deserved rest awaited them.And he also needed a bath, just like the rest of his team. There was sand everywhere.
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Optimus roamed the area. It was almost midnight, and Sam, along with his team, was in the cabin.They had just arrived, and Sam had already fallen asleep; he had yet to wake up. Optimus knew he was fine, just very tired, and that he would wake up soon.That’s why he was keeping watch, monitoring the perimeter in case any military personnel tried to approach. Upon reaching the house, he stopped in front of the window and watched Sam sleep.Sam was sprawled across the bed in a somewhat messy position, like a starfish, and Optimus couldn’t help but smile tenderly at the sight. Without thinking, he transformed and sat down to admire the sky.That night, the sky was filled with stars shining in the darkness. From there, his planet was nowhere to be seen—there was no trace of it. Optimus continued watching in silence, lost in his thoughts.This planet was vast—not as big as his homeworld, but it had sprawling forests, breathtaking landscapes, and seas stretching beyond the horizon. He was excited to see it all, to traverse every corner of the world on wheels, perhaps even inviting Sam along.The mere thought of sharing those experiences with him filled him with an inexplicable warmth.It would be incredible—to explore every inch of Earth, to soak in its wonders. But now, with everything that had happened, with tensions rising, it would be too risky. After all, he had threatened to kill the Secretary of Defense. And Sam, for his part, had publicly rejected the human race.But despite everything, he wouldn’t leave. He wouldn’t abandon him. Sam had become more than just a person to him; he had become a vital spark, like his very essence. No matter what happened, he would stay by his side, regardless of the risks.Sam had marked his life so deeply that he could never be separated from him—not even for a second.Moments later, he realized someone else was beside him. He didn’t need to turn to know who it was.Sam was there, standing next to him, rubbing his eyes with one hand.The sight of Sam, so vulnerable and soft, was overwhelmingly endearing.“What are you doing out here alone, big guy?” Sam asked in a quiet voice as he sat beside him. Optimus glanced at him.“I was thinking about my planet. From here, the stars look even more incredible than they did back home,” he said, and as he spoke the last words, he looked directly into Sam’s eyes.Sam blushed slightly. His jet-black hair was a mess from sleep. Optimus took in his appearance in complete silence.“I’m sorry you had to leave your planet, really, but I’m so grateful to have met you. You’ve changed my life. I always thought I was just some small failure, like my mom’s sister always said, but thanks to you, I’ve proven that I can be more,” Sam admitted, his voice soft, his gaze lost in the vast sky.Optimus almost frowned. Sam was magnificent. He was incredible. He had come back from the dead for him—to save him.“A failure wouldn’t have done what you did, my star. You died and returned, you brought me back to life, and here we are. You saved the world,” Optimus said with conviction.Sam let out a small laugh, but his expression changed instantly.“But you died because of me, Optimus. Saving me...” Sam’s voice broke.The robot extended his hand gently and carefully lifted his human. He placed him delicately on his chest and lay down on the ground, taking every precaution not to damage the house.Sam sat on his chest, his gaze lowered, avoiding eye contact.“My star, I died saving you, and I would do it again, over and over,” Optimus said firmly. “So don’t make that face.”Sam lifted his head and looked at Optimus with glassy eyes."It’s just… I thought I was going to lose you. Watching Megatron kill you, thinking it might have been my fault… that I’d never see you again," Sam explained carefully.Optimus let out a soft laugh, one that came from the depths of his being—a warm sound in the stillness of the night.His human looked at him with feigned annoyance, his eyes still filled with unspoken emotions."What are you laughing at, metal?" Sam grumbled, though his tone betrayed the tenderness he still tried to hide.Optimus gazed at him again, with an intensity only he could understand.The moon’s dim light fell upon Sam, casting a radiant glow that illuminated his face, revealing the softness of his features. The warm chocolate hue of his eyes shimmered, reflecting everything within his heart.He was breathtaking—more beautiful than any star that could ever exist."You are beautiful. No star could ever compare to you, Sam," Optimus said, and his words were so sincere that they lingered in the air, imbued with a pure and profound truth.Sam fell silent, stunned, speechless. Something stirred in his chest at the sincerity of those words, and for a moment, the entire world seemed to stop."Optimus, please, don’t do this to me. You know I’m in love with you, and… it’s strange because you’re a robot the size of a skyscraper, and we’re so different. You’re someone so important, and I… I’m just another human. I don’t know how we got here, how this happened, but…" Sam’s words faltered, trapped in the insecurity he felt. "All of this feels so impossible."Optimus, still and calm, looked at him in silence before speaking, his voice deep yet gentle."Sam," he said, calling him with an unexpected tenderness. "My star, look at me."Sam slowly lifted his head, his eyes filled with nervousness but also something else—a spark of hope. He felt the distance between them fade, as if the barriers that once seemed insurmountable were not so great after all.Optimus leaned slightly toward him, as if his size no longer mattered."We’ll be okay, Sam," Optimus assured him, his conviction filling the space around them. "I feel the same way you do. My spark is connected to you. I’ve learned that species and form don’t matter. Love has no barriers. What matters is what we feel. And what I feel for you is real—there’s no doubt about that."Sam couldn’t help but smile, his nerves easing at those words. Optimus was there, with him, willing to fight for what they felt."We are together, Sam," Optimus said, calmer now. "And I will stay with you, for as long as you want me to. No matter what happens, we will always be together. Do you understand, my little star?"Sam smiled, and with that precious smile, everything in Optimus felt right.They would be okay.No matter what the future held, in that moment, with that simple smile, Optimus knew everything was as it should be.
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Optimus laughed.His team was made up of exceptional warriors, each lethal in their own way. They were strong, brave, and loyal to the core, willing to sacrifice themselves without hesitation.But there was one small problem: they hated bathing.Sitting to the side, he watched the scene with a mix of amusement and resignation. His human was engaged in a fierce battle—not against Decepticons, but against his own Autobots, demanding that they take a bath.Two days had passed since Sam’s death, and they were still hiding in the cabin. That day, his human had woken up in an unusually renewed mood and had made a firm decision: everyone would bathe.The only one who seemed genuinely happy about the idea was Bee. After all, he had already gotten used to Sam’s forced baths.The Autobots had already heard Sam’s decision and, as expected, had started to move away from the area. Optimus gave them an amused smile; he knew his human’s power of persuasion all too well. With that radiant smile and those brown eyes shining with determination, there was no escape.And, indeed, it happened. Reluctantly, but one by one, they ended up giving in. It wasn’t long before Sam had a caravan of Autobots waiting for their turn to be washed.Optimus, for his part, remained silent. His optics were fixed on his star, watching that excited smile that seemed to illuminate everything. And yes, he looked at him for minutes, though he would never admit it.He patiently waited for his turn. Sam had decided that Bee would go first to show everyone that bathing didn’t hurt, that it would be quick and easy.With a bucket, a cloth, and a hose, his human got to work.Meanwhile, his university friend—whose name Optimus still couldn’t remember—was in charge of Ironhide. To everyone’s surprise, the warrior remained still and calm, as if it didn’t actually bother him.Sam, on the other hand, was now with Ratchet, who stayed in his alternate form. Perched on the roof of the vehicle, his human was finishing washing the last traces of dust and dirt with the same dedication with which he had started.Sam’s blue shirt was dirty and soaked, as were his pants, completely drenched thanks to one of Bee’s pranks. The Autobot had extended one of his cables and, with calculated precision, moved the hose directly toward Sam, drenching him from head to toe.Instead of getting angry, Sam let out a loud laugh and, without a second thought, began to fight back, spraying Bumblebee with water in all directions.Optimus watched the scene in silence, appreciating his human’s laughter and the warmth of the moment. Those moments were precious—more than anyone could imagine. And he would make sure to keep them in his memory forever.His gaze returned to Sam, who was now cleaning Ratchet’s windows. The medical Autobot made no sound and didn’t move at all.“Ratchet? Did you fall asleep?” Sam asked with amusement as he wiped the glass with firm, precise movements.The only sound he received in response was the soft purr of the engine turning on. Then, with an almost lazy slowness, Ratchet began to move away.Optimus smiled slightly and, out of habit, hid the gesture before anyone could notice. Sam, on the other hand, kept laughing heartily. It was clear that Ratchet had either fallen asleep or was simply too tired to keep resisting.And Optimus understood. Of course, he did.He heard the footsteps of his human approaching. He knew he was next on the list, so he averted his gaze with feigned indifference and shifted slightly, as if that could somehow prevent the inevitable.“Big guy, it’s your turn, so come here,” Sam ordered firmly.Optimus didn’t look at him, but he could perfectly imagine his stance—hands on his hips, back straight, and that determined expression that suited him so well. Still, he chose to ignore him, keeping his gaze fixed on some random point, though an amused smile was beginning to show on his face.“Optimus Prime, it’s time for your bath,” Sam insisted, his tone stronger and more resolute. “If you don’t come, I’ll spray you.”But he still didn’t move, entertained by the way his human’s patience was slowly running out.He heard the inevitable huff, and then, firm footsteps approaching even closer. Finally, he lowered his gaze, and there was Sam, standing right below him, his eyes shining with determination and a hint of mischief.“Oh, my great warrior,” he murmured sweetly. “You need a bath because you’re all dirty, and I won’t love you like this.”The soft tone and the radiant expression on Sam’s face made Optimus freeze, watching him in silence.And though he would never admit it, he knew in that instant that he had lost the battle.Optimus let out a defeated sigh.“As you command, my star,” he murmured in resignation before transforming into his alternate form, making sure not to hurt his small human in the process.Sam smiled triumphantly, and together, they moved toward the area where all the others had already been bathed. Now, only the two of them remained.Calmly, his human picked up the hose, and Optimus sighed internally, preparing himself for the inevitable.The cold water hit him all at once, drenching him completely. He didn’t like it—he never had. But then, he felt Sam’s hands gliding gently over his surface, and everything changed.The warm touch of his human was a subtle caress, a pleasant contrast against the freezing water. Sam moved the cloth carefully, cleaning his hood, tracing the edges of the doors with precision and gentleness.It felt good.And in that moment, he understood. He realized why Ratchet and the rest of his team had relaxed the instant Sam had placed his hands on them.He understood them… but for him, it was something far deeper.Because his star was his.The soft hands running over him belonged to him. The warmth of his presence, the light of his smile, the steady beat of his existence… it was all his.Sam belonged to him completely, and there was no sensation in the universe that could compare.The bath lasted only a few minutes, but when it was over, Optimus felt completely relaxed and satisfied.Sam let out a light laugh before leaning down and placing a small kiss on his hood—right in the spot that, for Prime, was the equivalent of his cheek.His engine roared immediately, an automatic response to his satisfaction.Sam laughed again, delighted.“You’re all set, big guy. You look amazing, shining, and very handsome,” he said cheerfully, flashing a wide smile that showed all his white teeth.Optimus’s engine revved again.His controllers were malfunctioning.Optimus opened the door in a silent invitation for his human to get in.Sam smiled fondly but shook his head.“I can’t, I’m soaked, love,” he replied with amusement. “Give me a few minutes, I’ll take a bath, and then we can go for a ride.”Optimus closed the door in understanding as Sam smiled before running toward the house. Prime followed him with his gaze until he crossed the entrance, ensuring he was safe, before shifting his attention to scanning the perimeter.He took a few rounds around the area, inspecting his team.Bumblebee was sleeping peacefully, with Ratchet beside him, also lost in rest.Ironhide, on the other hand, remained in his alternate form, parked under the shade of a tree. On his hood, the other human slept soundly.Optimus observed the scene in complete silence.He would save his comments for later.He walked away toward the area where the trees began to grow denser. It fascinated him how Earth could be so contrasting: in one place, an endless arid desert stretched out, and beyond it, lush forests and crystal-clear rivers breathed life into the landscape.Each day, he grew more amazed by this planet. It was an incredible world.From his position, he could make out a small town in the distance. Perhaps later, his star and the other human could go in search of supplies.He recalled how, hours earlier, Sam had complained about the clothes in the cabin, claiming everything was too big for him. His friend had laughed and told him it was because he was too skinny.Optimus stored that information with seriousness.He would have to remind his star to eat more. Apparently, he was not at a normal human weight, and that… he didn’t like.As he walked, he thought about the trip that was about to come. It was the perfect time to propose a journey around the world to his human. His Autobots could stay wherever they wanted or join them along the way. And he knew with certainty that Bee would come.Sam was like a brother to him, and that was fine. Very fine.He took a few more rounds, passing the time while waiting for his star.When he returned to the cabin, Sam was already stepping out of the house. He was wearing a long-sleeved red shirt, which he had rolled up because it was too big for him, and black pants that, as Optimus recalled, humans called… jeans.Upon seeing him, his star smiled at him with warmth and excitement.Optimus approached and opened the door in a silent invitation.Sam tilted his head slightly, an amused smile on his face, and climbed in—but not before pressing a kiss to his hood.His engine roared immediately.Sam chuckled softly, teasing him, but before he could settle in completely, Optimus made the door close with a light pat on his rear.Sam let out a louder laugh.Once inside, his star got comfortable naturally and shot him a smile."Where are we going, big guy?" he asked curiously.Optimus didn’t respond immediately—he simply started his engine and headed toward the forest. He knew there was an open field beyond it, a place wide enough not to cause damage or destroy any trees.He kept the journey quiet, allowing Sam to rest his warm hands on his steering wheel as he spoke about anything that crossed his mind.Optimus listened intently.Sam's voice had something special. It was captivating, soft, alluring. So, without hurry, Optimus kept a slow pace, savoring every word.3When they finally reached the clearing, he stopped and opened the door.Sam stepped out carefully and walked a few meters away, giving him space.Optimus transformed swiftly, shifting into his true form under the bright gaze of his star."It's always incredible to see you change, Optimus," Sam said with genuine admiration.Optimus let out a low chuckle and sat beside him, his movements calculated not to disturb the ground."It's always incredible to see you, my star," he responded calmly.Sam remained silent for a moment. Then, a faint blush appeared on his cheeks, accompanied by an involuntary stammer.Optimus extended his hand gently, and without hesitation, Sam climbed onto it.He brought him closer until they were face to face.Sam settled into his palm, crossing his legs in an Indian-style position.Optimus mirrored his stance. And for a moment, they simply stayed there, looking at each other."I want you to travel with me around the world.Optimus' statement was sudden, but his tone was firm, laden with silent hope.Sam remained silent for a moment."I know you also want to be a normal young man," Optimus continued cautiously. "Go to what you call university, have friends, live a quiet life..."Sam let out a low laugh, shaking his head."Optimus, do you remember what I told you?" His voice was soft but certain. "Wherever you want me, that's where I'll be. I'd go through a war with you, even the end of the world if necessary. And if you want to travel, that’s fine by me. We’d just have to be careful with the military, but aside from that, I’d love to explore the world with you and the others."All the tension in Optimus' circuits dissipated instantly, though a small trace of doubt remained."My star… You also said you wanted a normal life. I don’t want to take that possibility from you. It’s your decision."Sam rolled his eyes with a smile, crossing his arms."Hey, big guy, don’t you get it? You're a fundamental part of my life. You're everything I adore and need. You and the Autobots are my life. Traveling with you all will be amazing, and I’d cherish every moment."He was sincere.Optimus could feel it.He saw it in Sam’s bright eyes, in his radiant smile, in the way his entire being emanated determination.Optimus lay carefully on the ground, still holding Sam in his hand. Then, with extreme delicacy, he placed him on his metallic chest."Then so it shall be, my beautiful star. We leave tomorrow… Thank you for coming," he murmured tenderly, watching as Sam got comfortable against him.Sam, with a serene smile, tilted his head and placed a soft kiss right where Prime’s spark lay.Every single one of Optimus’ circuits short-circuited instantly.Sam seemed to notice and smiled mischievously."This is incredible… It's surreal and so amazing… Thank you, Optimus," he whispered, his voice tinged with emotion as he sprawled relaxedly over Prime’s chest.Optimus gazed at him with infinite warmth."Thank you, for accepting me, my lovely star," he responded, carefully extending his hand to cover Sam with his fingers in a protective gesture.He watched as his small human closed his eyes, still smiling, until minutes later, his breathing became slow and steady. He had fallen asleep.Optimus observed him for a long time, in silence, grateful to the universe for having him there, for having found something so precious.The future was uncertain. The war still existed. But he had his Autobots… and he had the other half of his spark.They would be fine.And so, little by little, he allowed sleep to envelop him, activating his sensors to detect any threats.