Two days had passed and the base was rid of Christmas decorations, now preparing for the end of the year. And Sam had to say, everybody, except the Autobots, were busy running around. A few making calls while others rushed through their work. Lennox said that they do that to finish their workload by the time either their families arrive or they take off to meet with them. Since barely any of them got the chance to visit during Christmas, Epps said he had to blame the new stand-in for Galloway for that, they decided to spend an entire week away from the base on the last day. Even Will had to get prepared to leave, Ironhide deciding to follow him to his family's house and Epps was accompanied by Jolt.

With almost everybody leaving the base, it had dwindled down his friends to mostly Autobot. But he couldn't blame them. Besides, it seems like he could be more at ease with the race rather than his own. Another human feeling. And so, a total of five days had passed and the base was practically empty without the soldiers. The only exceptions were some soldiers, less than thirty, and him.

His parents planned to stay for the celebration, but sadly got pulled away by convenience at the household. Nothing big, just that the house right next to theirs had caught fire. Being close friends with the neighbours, they chose to be there in their time of need. Of course they were troubled to have leave their son on base with no family member, but once Sam heard about it, he too was worried for their neighbours. Insisting that he'll be 'fine', the two packed their stuffs and was driven back by Bee, the yellow Camaro returning after a few hours.

So it was just him, most of the Autobots, and a small number of human friends. And with that much, the base seemed quiet. With everything done and no one running around, everybody relaxed themselves with only minimal work coming here and there from the stand-in, that he had to say was not much different from Galloway. But the human always found ways to brighten the mood of the situation for everyone. So he got to work.


Optimus, having returned to his office for the much needed time to himself, busied himself with whatever he could find. From computer files, human literature to old data-pads he's already looked over. He still had his thoughts on the talk with the scout a few nights ago. 'Why didn't I answer his question? It was a fairly simple yes or no. I know I hold feelings for Elita. But, do I know?' This thought kept replaying in his head.

It came to the point where hadn't even noticed that Ratchet had entered the room. The medic waited for a greeting, which wasn't given. Making his presence be known, he coughed and cleared his throat. It was then that the Prime threw his head up with surprise washing over him.

"R-Ratchet! You scared the Pit out of me!" He stuttered.

"I knocked." Ratchet stated, bringing embarrassment to the leader.

"A-Anyways, was there something you needed?" Optimus asked, brushing away the awkwardness.

"No. But it seems you're in deep thought." The medic noted, drawing a few steps closer to the table. "About what though?"

The Prime held straight lips. "Just irrelevant information."

Ratchet held suspicious eyes. "… Is it about Samuel?"

A twitch came from Optimus. "No. What makes you say that?"

"I wonder." The medic said as he rolled his eyes.

"… If that is all you wanted to say, then-"

"But it isn't." He interceded, leaning his arms onto the table. "Tell me, are you truly being honest to yourself?" The Prime looked rattled.

"What do you mean?"

"Come on Prime. I saw what you were doing when we were watching that movie a few nights ago." He revealed, Optimus feeling somewhat flushed now that he thought back to it. "Why aren't you telling him?"

"Tell him what? That I have developed feelings for him. That'd more than likely shock him and distance us further. Besides, I already have Elita. You're asking of me to betray her."

"Is it really betrayal? She'd understand that you had to move on after her disappearance. And you know better than I do that one shouldn't 'betray' their own spark." It had pained the leader to admit so, but he was right. Long ago, there were times when he believed that he wasn't right for Elita-1. And so, he had tried to distance himself. When he did, it'd eventually caved in on his spark and brought pain.

"… Even if she did accept them, I don't know if I could do it. And after that, would Sam even return said feelings?" He questioned, lowering his gaze. Ratchet was prepared for said question, answering it a second after.

"He held on." The leader looked up, meeting the medic's wise eyes. "That night, he didn't let go of your hand. Didn't move it away nor did he say anything." The sudden realisation hitting the Prime, he questioned how he could've missed that. When he reached his hand out to the teen's that night, he was acting solely on impulse. If the human neither questioned it nor rejected it, did that mean he accepted it? He returned back to reality when Ratchet continued. "He pulled you back from the Well of Allsparks for Primus sakes! Don't you think you owe him that much?"

Remembering that quote, he questioned how it could be used against him so easily. "It's because that I owe him 'that much' that I won't- no- I can't risk this friendship we've built." He argued.

"Samuel is many things. But 'heartless' is not one of them, Prime. And you should know better than to think otherwise." Standing back straight, he headed towards the door. "This conversation is useless. If you tend to be that stubborn about this, then I'd rather give my help to Bumblebee."

As the medic reached the door, Optimus stopped him with a question. "What do you mean?"

Looking at the Prime from the corner of his eye, answered. "You didn't notice, but during 'that' night, Sam was holding onto Bumblebee as well." Leaving with just that, Optimus was left in confusion.

Bumblebee, his brother-like Autobot, was doing the same as he was. But… 'Save him the pain of not knowing.' He remembered. Does that mean the scout held feelings for the teen as well? What did he mean by 'as well'? The leader believed he should be happy for the yellow Camaro on finding someone that he can connect to. But knowing that Sam was the one he had optics for, it'd hurt. And if Bee did hold feelings for him, why was he so insistent on the Prime being with Sam?

Unless he already confessed. And if he did, along with the fact that they aren't courting, then that meant Sam had refused him. But what for? The seeker seemed like the most suitable choice of a partner for the teen. Unless he was overthinking all of this and that they aren't dating.

His processor steamed the longer he thought about it, providing a rather annoying whir of a sound in his holoform. Looking down to his hands, he found that he had been digging his nails too deep. Releasing the grip along with a sigh, he looked to the door.

'… I won't get anywhere this way. As much as I don't want to, I'm going to have to face Sam sooner or later.' He thought. Pushing himself up from his seat, he made his way to the door.


"Sam!" The weapons specialist called from down the hall whilst he approached. It had managed to catch the attention of the teen, who busied himself by talking with yet another soldier. Turning back to the soldier, he ended the conversation.

"Okay, so have everything ready by then." The soldier nodded before running off, leaving Sam to turn back to the holoform.

"What was that about?"

"Huh? Oh, it's nothing but a project I'm working on." Sam said, waving his hand as if to say 'don't worry'. "Anyways, what's up? Did you need anything?"

"No. I've just been wondering what you've been doing. You seem to be talking to every soldier left on base, then running off to find another person. Are you planning something?" Ironhide asked, crossing his arms and tilting his head to one side.

"Like I said, it's a project I'm working on. You guys don't need to worry about it. I mean, you'll be seeing the final product soon enough." He stated, drawing the Autobot's curiosity.

"Oh? Can you give me at least an idea?" The teen gave a small giggle.

"Nope. But you can help me." The Cybertronian cocked his head once more. "Do you think you can send a comm to all the Autobots on base to meet on the roof at say… ten minutes before midnight tonight?"

"Before midnight? What could you possibly have planned then?" He inquired, which brought Sam to another short giggle.

"You'll see."


Taking long strides, Optimus combed through the buildings for the Witwicky. If he wanted to start somewhere, he more than likely had to start at the source. He had to know how the teen felt. If everything that his comrades had said were true, or big misunderstandings. Whatever the case, he needed to find the teen, no matter the obstructions that may come. Or so he thought.

Looking ahead of the corridor, he spotted a certain holoform stepping out from one of the corners. The two met eyes as the Prime stopped in his tracks and the other advanced towards him. Even from the distance, he could tell there was a sharp sting of pain, betrayal and anger in her eyes. The ginger holoform stopped two metres away from him as she kept the sharp eyes.

"Orion."

"Elita. I'm sorry, but I'm rather busy at the moment, so please excuse me." He stepped to one side, Elita following the step.

"No. You and I need to talk, now." The pressure in her voice brought tension to the atmosphere, Optimus silently abiding her. "What do you think you've been doing these solar-cycles (Earth days)? Celebrating with the humans? Why haven't we attempted to hunt down the 'Cons yet?"

"Rest assured, we are doing everything we can. To do anymore, we'd have to alert the planet of our existence and risk our place."

"If it is to eliminate the Decepticons, then it should not matter what they order us to do."

"As I told you many times before, we will not endanger the lives of humanity over ours." Optimus stated, his irritation becoming evident in his voice.

"They have destroyed planets, Orion! A few lives for the sake of a thousand more." Elita argued. "You've grown attached to them, Orion. Have you forgotten where you belong?"

"Of course not! But I know that no amount of lives is worth one." The femme scoffed.

"You've changed. It's that human that's having you fighting for them. I'm grateful that he had returned you from the dead, but I feel as if a part of you was left behind when he did."

Now the Prime was truly angered. It wasn't unusual for the leader to break his calm and collected mind, but the way Elita had talked was clearly insulting and belittling his friend. "Do not talk about Sam as if nothing after all he's done for us! We owe him our lives after everything he has sacrificed for us! Like you said, if it wasn't for him, I would not be standing strong to this second! And I would not waste nanosecond if he ever calls one of us!" His fists curled deeper while he spoke earnestly. "If you cannot accept the fact that he is of a strong and willed race, then I ask of you to relieve yourself of the planet."

Elita staggered back, eyes of hurt now held. Looking deep into her once lover's eyes, she found that he was fully intent on what he had said. There was harsh tension between the two before she pulled another step away.

"… If that is what you wish. After we restock, I'll be leaving with my team." The ginger announced, shocking the Prime. With much haste, she turned on her heels and stormed off before Optimus could react. He stood frozen, realizing and regretting what he had said.

Why did he say that? Better yet, why did he feel relief when he did?


A few hours later…

Sam flicked through his phone as he reviewed the messages sent through his phone and the ones received. He gave a small fist pump to the air when he found that his plan was almost set and ready. Though it was a rather an impulse that gave the idea to the plan, it was working out quite well. He just hoped none of the others had caught on yet.

He currently laid on the very rooftop he had been knocked out once on. It was about 11:30 in the night and he was excited as hell. His legs dangled over one of the sides while his phone was held up by his hand, the other behind his head. He pushed himself up when he heard footsteps approaching behind him. Turning only his head, he found that both Bee and Sideswipe were coming his way. The two stood behind him as Sam turned his phone off.

"Sam, why did you want us up here?" Bee started.

"Especially at this time of night?" Sideswipe added.

"Can't tell ya' just yet. Just because you guys arrived early, doesn't mean that you get to know. So be patient and sit."

The blonde and silver-haired males shared a look before doing so, choosing to be on the teen's left side. It was pure silence while they stared up to the starry sky. Then the scout spoke. "So have you told him yet?" He asked.

Sam turned with a confused look. "Who?"

"Who else? Optimus of course." Bee questioned, holding himself a bemused look when the human flushed.

"T-Tell him what? He dumbly asked, exactly when the blonde rolled his eyes. Sideswipe watched the exchange between the two before he finally asking.

"Can I get an idea of what you two are talking about? Was there something that Optimus needed to know?" From the questions, the teen flushed even brighter, only hoping that the darkness of night would hide the thick red colour of his cheeks.

Bee smiled before he began his explanation. "Well, Sam here has developed certain feelings for a certain Prime that we all know. And he's been trying to tell Optimus this for a while now." A sudden gasp came from the other bot as Sam could only groan in response, placing a hand to his forehead.

Sideswipe grinned as he gave a whistle. "Really now? I didn't know that the Prime was such a popular mech. Now… details~" He asked, the last word rolling off his tongue.

"…"

"Kidding. Kidding. Just happy to know that someone could make the Prime happy again." Sideswipe laughed, patting the teens back in hopes of calming his seething rage. Sam sneered and grumbled before resting his back down once again. Bee looked down at the teen with an innocent smile.

"You know you promised me that you would."

"Don't remind me." Bee chuckled. "I just don't know how, alright…"

"Well, how else are you going to do it but by being honest? I mean, it worked out for Sides' over here." Bee directed a finger towards the other holoform, noticing how the teen raised his and the other mech jolted alive.

"What?" The two spoke unison, Sam holding a raised eyebrow while Sideswipe looked like a like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

"Oh? If I remember correctly, you and Strongarm, a friend of ours, hated each other's engines before you confessed to her." Bee looked back in his processor.

"Bee! Don't just bring unnecessary stuff up!"

"And after he did, she fell completely for him." Bee continued, ignoring the calls from the other holoform.

"BEE!"

"What?" The blonde asked innocently, pretending as if nothing important had come out of his lips. "Am I wrong?" Sideswipe stopped himself from shouting and answering the question, flushing whilst he turned away. He coughed before turning back. Sam's brow lifted even higher whilst he listened. Then he turned his eyes to the silver-haired holoform.

"Umm, wow. Did that all really happen?" He asked.

"… Yes… It was, and still is, the greatest moment of my life. And I completely agree with Bee here. It gets better after you tell them." Sideswipe stated.

"… And if it doesn't turn out like you think?"

"Then you swallow up your pride and accept it. Since it's Optimus, he'd still remain his friendship with you even if he doesn't return your feelings, which he won't."

"But how d-"

"He won't." The two holoforms assured, more than definitely certain about their words. Sam inspected both of their faces, noting how both have the eyes of the Prime when faced with any problems. Eyes that say one that they cannot lie at the moment of truth.

Exhaling air, he turned away from the two. "Right, right. Thanks guys."

The two bots chuckled before they did the same as their human friend, dropping their backs down. A few minutes passed, the two sharing their past experiences as well as their basic opinions on any 'dumb ideas' the teen would cook up. They encouraged him hard to go for it soon, stopping when more footsteps came behind them. Soon enough, more and more people began to join them. First being the twins and a couple soldiers looking over them, Sam whispering with the humans. Then it was followed by Ratchet, and then the rest of the soldiers on base.

They all took their seats as Sam opened his phone once more to check the time. 11:56. He quickly asked Bee to comm Optimus once more, which the blonde had said that he was on his way. Finally, the Prime had arrived, surprised to see so many already seat and waiting. Finding that there was no seat left, he chose to stand behind the Witwicky, his arms crossed and, like the rest of the Autobots, curious on what they were doing.

Leaning down to the teen, he whispered quietly. "Why had you asked us up here?" Once more, Sam checked his phone, watching as it had turned to 11:59. Turning off his phone, he pocketed it before looking up towards the sky. He coughed before raising his voice, the soldiers helping by shushing the rest.

"Alright everybody! Look up ahead to the sky and you'll be able to see what we've been working on the entire day. A gift for the Autobots as well as a human tradition."

The crowd didn't question and viewed the dark night. Nothing different than any other night on the planet as the stars lit up the sky. They were about to turn away before Sam had begun his countdown. "10. 9. 8. 7. 6-" The other soldiers joined in as they counted down the night, the Cybertronians scared and anxious for a moment. Unknowingly, the entire world was counting down along with them. Judy and Ron Witwicky. William Lennox, his wife and daughter. Epps and his fiancé. Leo, Seymour, Keller. Even the governments were looking to the skies of their cities. "5. 4. 3. 2. 1!"

Then there was a sort of whistling in the air, frightening the Autobots when the first firework went off. They were just about to jump and attack the 'Con that were firing off those shots. But when they took a closer look at the attacks, it wasn't aimed anywhere near them. Plus, the beautiful colours that had burst from the shots. Soon, they forgot about dispersing their holoforms and continued to watch in awe. Colours of blue, red, green, gold and orange painted the sky. The twins giving their 'wows' and 'cool~' at certain parts while the rest either whistled or stayed silent in entertainment. Sam enjoyed watching their faces light up when a different colour entered, but that also included the other soldiers.

In the middle of the light show, Optimus had sat himself down behind Sam, placing both of his legs beside the teen. Sam had noticed and flushed greatly when something firm had snuck up onto his back. A pair of arms wrapped around the teen as he thought back to the moment when they were trapped in the hospital room. Tilting his head up, Sam observed the Prime's face, noting how he hadn't dropped his eyes down from the lights. A smile tugged itself onto the teen's lips as he returned his gaze back to his work.

They sat and watched for a full ten minutes until the last and grandest burst of colours had come, rising the ends of most of their hair. The mob clapped, whistled and cheered as the show ended, everyone chatting in groups about the surprise they received. Then they turned to the one who presented the show and gave their solemn gratitude, ignoring how he was positioned in front of the leader. Their talks dragged out a little longer as most were questions on how such effects were done and how long it took of the Witwicky to plan and organise it. The questions were humbly answered while they silenced themselves whenever the teen would talk.

Slowly, the group began to grow tired, the humans being the first to leave for the night. Then one by one, the Autobots filed away in pairs. Sam waved his goodbyes to each of them, deciding to leave last for the night. Bee and Sideswipe were the last pair to leave, Sam assuring that he'll leave soon and Optimus deciding to keep him company until then.

When the two were out of sound and out of sight, Sam looked back up to the sky. He and Optimus hadn't inched away from their positions as one would lead to a fall that'd surely kill one of them and the other would bring them a tad too close. The smoke from the fireworks had cleared and the night sky was once again viewable, its stars and planets blinking towards the planet. Optimus simply enjoyed the presence of the other while he gazed up the night sky.

They enjoyed the comfort of each other before Optimus spoke.

"… Thank you…"

"For what?"

"Hmm… Everything."

"'Everything' Everything?" He inquired. The arms around him tightened a centimeter closer.

"Everything." Optimus repeated, nuzzling his chin on the teen's head. Feeling the heat return to his body, his heart raced from the closeness.

Okay, let's lay down the facts before he says or does anything to screw it all up. He had fallen for Optimus. He had the support of almost all of his friends. He has consent from the one friend that loves him. The Prime was now clearly showing signs and signals. But, is he really returning Sam's feelings? Or was he just teasing? He had to be sure before anything could be said.

Swallowing a lump of saliva, he pried his lips open to form his words. "O-O-Orion…?"

"Hmm?"

Pulling the last bit of courage he could muster, he spoke. "I have to know… Do you l-l-like m-me…?"

There was silence while the teen squinted his eyes closed. He really did it. He gone and fucked up everything now. From the silence, that meant the Prime was in shock of the question. I mean, a Cybertronian Prime 'liking' a scrap of nothing? It is universally impossible! Now he can never face the leader nor tal-

"Yes."

The Witwicky pulled his eyes open. Believing it was a misunderstanding the second he did, he rephrased the question. "N-No. I mean 'like'-like…"

"Yes." Optimus said again. Once more, he believed the Prime was getting things mixed and hearing the question wrong.

"But, I mean 'like'-like. You know?" Sam asked, turning his head.

As he did, his chin was caught by two fingers and was lifted an inch higher. Before anymore could be said, his lips were caught by another pair, catching him unaware. His eyes met bright blue irises and his body tensed, freezing while his mind went haywire. The pounding of his heart finally leaving his ears as well as all thought process. Then the kiss was released, leaving the teen in silence and dishevelled state.

"Yes." Optimus repeated for the third time, the word bringing tears to the Witwicky. Pushing themselves forward, the two kissed once more, a smile curving at the end of both of their lips. It was pure chaste kiss. No other intent sent through the gesture except for yearning and love. They wished they could've stayed like so for the rest of the night, but when the world returned upright, they pulled apart. During the exchange, Sam hadn't noticed until after that his arms had gone around the Prime's neck.

Taking advantage of his arms, Optimus lifted the teen up before standing on his two feet. Sam steadied himself whilst Optimus walked towards the stairs, carrying him bridal-style. During the short walk between the stairs and the roof, the Prime began to ask questions.

"So, how long have you had these feelings?"

Sam blushed before he answered. "To be honest, it was after you had died." The Prime smiled before the unexpected happen. He chuckled. Optimus Prime, Orion Pax, chuckled. And it was damn fine one! His laugh was almost contagious if not for the show of masculinity behind it and the way it had been an aphrodisiac for the teen.

Unconsciously words left his mouth. "Holy shit. You just chuckled." This prompted another small laugh from the Cybertronian.

"Why yes. Yes, I did." In a rush, one hand the Prime's neck and searched for his phone.

"Hold on a sec. I just need to get a recording so I know I'm not dreaming." The next laugh was more firm and confirmed that the Prime was laughing. It was almost scary how it seduced the young adult. Stopping at the top of the stair case, he lowered his head as well as pulled the human up. Their foreheads lightly made contact while Orion lowered his eyes. It was a moment before Sam did the same.

"Don't ever change, Sam."


Elita had only stayed long enough to watch half of the light show before she left towards the quarters. She had taken the time to memorise the places she passed of her time on the base. Where one come and go and where they'd rest. Making sure that no a single soul had noticed her presence, she snuck through the corridors towards her destination. After a full ten minutes, she had arrived.

Looking up, she memorised the door. The one that she found the younger human would always leave for the day and return for the night. At those point, it was just a passing thought. But now she was glad she did remember. It was his fault that her Prime was acting the way he is. It was his fault that they now separated. And it was his fault that she had been ordered off the planet. The thought flared her anger.

As her holoform's hand, which she'll never get used to and hopefully won't have to, reached towards the handle, her fingers grazed the metal before they stopped.

"Whatever you're planning, don't." A voice had spoken up, making the femme retract her arm and turn to her sides. When she looked to her left, she found that it was Bee's holoform who spoke up.

"Bumblebee! You have to understand; I'm doing this for Orion."

"No." The blonde moved only an inch further. "If you truly did understand him, then you know this is not what he wants."

"It is clear that he is not thinking straight. The humans have tainted him"

"You're wrong. Samuel James Witwicky had saved us. If we had never met, then many more innocent lives would've been forfeited. Either to the hands of the Decepticons, or ours." Bee argued. "What good would it do by killing Sam? To hurt the Prime? To make him want to leave the planet? No. Rather you would seal his fate to their world."

"How can you know that!? How can you possibly know that he'd remain here!? If he has nothing left that connects him to this planet, whether personal or resourceful connections, he'd leave as nothing would be of use to him."

Silence befell the two as Bee gave a sad look to the leader's ex-consort. "This just proves how far you've fallen and how far you two have separated. Do you really think Optimus would leave just because he has nothing to gain? He's Optimus Prime."

The ginger glared and gritted her teeth. "Shut up! How dare you talk like you know anything?! How dare you talk as if you're higher than me!? Anything can be done so long as I say it will! Now go on and play 'slave' to that pathetic, worthless piece of frag that is part of an even more worthless race!"

"Elita!" A voice boomed behind her. Instantly recognising it, she swung her head around to meet the leader's furious eyes. There stood Optimus at the end of the corridor, Sam standing silently behind him. When Elita met eyes with Sam, she found something that made her fury lash greater. Pity. Then Orion spoke again, his tone darker and his aura casting out shadows. "Not another word. Leave with your pride intact and save Sam from anymore of your derogatory tongue."

The femme looked frantic, switching her terrified gaze between the seeker and the leader. She gave a cry of hurt before storming off, running past Optimus and Sam. As she did, she gave the human a death glare before running off. The three watched as she raced off to Gods/Primus knows where.

For the longest moment, Sam had been holding his breath. But the one that released their breath in the form of a sigh was Orion. Sam had noticed this and was about offer a hand to his shoulder, stopping when the Prime's fist slammed against metal to their side. The teen took the moment to observe the holoform's figure. He was trembling. His head hung low while his body shook rigidly. It was clear to anyone that he was more than troubled by the events.

Sam was afraid to touch the Prime during the moment, but he also knew that the leader needed comfort. So instead of just standing and staring like a goldfish, he reached his hand out to catch the Prime's left limb. He moved his fingers slowly before they laced around the holoform's fingers. Whilst Sam held the hand lightly, Orion had tightened his grip. The young adult winced only the tiniest bit from the pressure of the hold, but for now, he'd simply allow it.

At this point, the blonde scout made himself scarce and left for his room, allowing the two their privacy.

Sam and Optimus stayed like so for the next few minutes before the human had coaxed, with light tugs, the Prime to turn around. When he did, Sam's hazel eyes were met by those of hurt. The Prime's mouth dropping far lower than ever before and his mind unreadable. Then the leader lowered, his arms wrapping around his new love while his head rested on the other's shoulder. Sam returned the embrace with comfort as his hands slid behind the leader.

The silence was the best he could offer the leader whilst they remained like so.