Dusk
By SMYGO4EVA
Arcee knew that she made a practice of never needing anyone, really. After both of her partners were off-lined, she knew that it was inevitable that she was to be left alone. She always was, and even though she was in Team Prime, she always would be alone. Security was embedded in self-reliance, in the ability to leave anything and anyone behind.
But as the stellar cycles passed, and the war raged on, being in Team Prime, she couldn't help but begin to trust the other bots. She couldn't help but begin to trust Optimus, their leader. He was a skilled warrior and a great leader, and only time and perseverance separated him from martyrdom; that made the trust arrive easier. Optimus had been through countless conflicts, had known suffering, and was always strived trade fights with peace. It was never easy, and she knew that all too well.
Cybertronians were complicated, with their emotions making actions and motives unpredictable, especially during centuries of war. Warriors are pared down to their cause, nothing more. They would kill any enemies without blinking if the cause or humanity was ever threatened; until that day, both Arcee and Optimus would take prospect of finding warmth in the ever present hope over any battle any day.
Until the dusk would rise into dawn, if nothing else, they would be finding warmth in hope.