Optimus hesitated before he walked into Hope's quarters. He usually knocked, but he knew she was sleeping, so she wouldn't be too offended if he just walked in.
She was laying on her side, hugging a pillow to her face. Just like her carrier, she had an expressive face, and it was screwed up into a scowl, even in sleep.
Optimus hesitated again. He hadn't sung for a while. He wondered if he could still do it. He shook himself. Of course he could still sing! So he did.
I heard the sound of your first breath
A brand new life on your mother's chest
A beating heart, expectant eyes
On the first day of your life
Hope shifted in the sheets. Her scowl softened and Optimus pulled up a chair to watch her. He felt Nemesis shift in the back of his mind. He was curious and he was moving forward to hear better, not to take his brother over. Optimus smiled and continued to sing.
I saw you take your first step
And I watched you run with no regret
To chase your dreams and find true love
And the best is yet to come
Nemesis was soothing. Optimus started to love him more, love him and adore him. Hope was relaxing, settling on the sheets and sighing softly while she listened.
So come with Me, I'll show you life
Even better than this
Come with Me, I'll show you love
You didn't know could exist
His soft singing was attracting the other Autobots. They gathered outside of the door, pressing their audios against the thin metal. Nemesis was irritated. Optimus was pleased.
Better than your first crush
Better than your first kiss
Oh, I'll show you how to live
Hope was waking up. Her optics flickered open and she blinked at Optimus.
Remember how you felt from across the room
When you realized someone had eyes for you
And the way your heart sang
'Cause you believed you were worth something
She blushed and looked away. She slowly crawled into his lap and pressed her audio to his chest. The sound was making his frame vibrate and the Matrix was humming.
So come with me, I'll show you life
Even better than this
Come with me, I'll show you love
You didn't know could exist
The Autobots outside were settling. Hope was falling asleep again. Optimus was stroking her helm.
Better than your first crush
Better than your first kiss
Oh, I'll show you how to live
Oh, I'll show you how to live
Nemesis was laying down in his mind, releasing whatever grip he was holding. You really love them? Arcee and Hope?
I do.
Then keep singing, brother.
'Cause I created the heart that makes you feel
I am the love that makes it real
Oh, I am the One, I'm the One, I'm the One
I am the One, I'm the One, I'm the One
Arcee walked in and stood by Optimus, looking down at their daughter. They sang together, Arcee knowing the song well.
So come with Me, I'll show you life
Even better than this
Come with Me, I'll show you love
You didn't know could exist
Optimus turned his helm to see Arcee and he offered a smile. Arcee didn't smile, but her optics were bright.
Better than your first crush
Better than your first kiss
Oh, I'll show you how to live
Arcee scooped Hope up and laid her on the berth while Optimus sang.
'Cause I am the One, I'm the One, I'm the One
I am the One, I'm the One, I'm the One
Hope moaned quietly in her sleep. Optimus left with Arcee holding his servo. They stepped over the sleeping Autobots.