Bulkhead POV
When you entered the room Boss Bot, I felt a sense of relief flood my systems as I once again looked into your familiar blue optics and saw my leader gazing back at me – not the blank stare of a stranger who was unaware of all we had been through together.
As your powerful figure walked through the spacebridge and came to stand before all of us, I felt such a rush of gratitude and happiness that we had you back. That you were here to guide us – to guide me – once again. I shuffled awkwardly on my bulky pedes for a moment. Without you as the voice of reason and wisdom, without you as the rock that provides a strong foundation, without you as the glue that holds this crazy family together – we were lost! I shuttered my optics and clasped my large servos behind my back not wanting to break anything or knock anyone over in my enthusiasm to have our Prime back.
''Optimus, it has truly been our darkest hour,'' I felt myself nodding earnestly as Rachet spoke aloud what we all thought and knew to be true. ''But know this, from every indication, your spark never ceased being that of an Autobot.'' I felt a swell of pride course through me. Even when he had lost his memory, was manipulated and lied to, our Prime never lost sight of who he was, what he believed in and what was right. A brief flicker of unworthiness snaked through my spark. How could I, Bulkhead, the bot who always seems to break things and ruin things ever hope to be worthy enough to bring honour to one such as Optimus Prime?
I cast my optics to the floor as I recalled Rachet's exasperated voice, ''Bulkhead! I needed that!'' as I accidently destroyed something of importance. I cringed slightly as I recalled every time my large and bulky body bashed into, knocked over or squashed objects around the base, which was basically a daily occurrence. I gazed once more at you as you stood before everyone. You too are large and powerfully built like I am and yet, you never put a pede wrong! You hold yourself with such poise, moving so gracefully. I felt myself sigh internally with exasperation. How could I ever measure up to you?
As you take some steps towards us all, I watch as you nod your helm towards Rachet and Arcee, your optics filled with fondness and pride and I feel a sharp pang of jealousy. /Do you feel the same way about me?/. Stifling a derisive snort and shifting on my pedes once more, I close my optics for a moment, recalling how you have tried to counsel me on my vendetta with Breakdown. You encouraged me to rise above the petty need for revenge and to be the ''bigger bot,'' reminding me that everyone deserves a second chance. You have always led by example, your words matching your actions so perhaps that is why when you say something – everyone listens. It was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do following your orders and rescuing Breakdown from M.E.C.H. It went against every fibre of my being, yet I did it in the end because it was you who asked it of me. I have always wanted to make you proud of me. I wonder if it had been anyone else who asked me, would I have listened? /Likely not/.
The feeling of large servos on my shoulder struts snaps me to the present, all silent thoughts chased away as I stare up into two, kind, wise and piercing blue optics that are regarding me thoughtfully. I feel myself stand taller to attention under your gaze, not from fear, but from the need to show you the respect you deserve.
A small smile tugs at the corners of your dermas and I feel you squeeze my shoulders for a moment before your deep voice addresses me, ''Bulkhead, thank you for not giving up on me and for helping me in my time of need. You honour me with your bravery and your determination.'' My Prime pats my shoulders twice before releasing his servos and nodding his helm - at me. ''I am proud of you.''
I feel as though I am about to burst with pride, my dermas part slightly in shock as I try to respond. For a moment I dip my helm to hide the raw emotion that surges through me before I return my gaze to look you square in the optics. ''Thank you Prime,'' I shrug my large, broad shoulders. My deep, gravelly voice continues, ''Just following the examples you have set.'' I pause a moment, watching as your smile broadens. I allow a small smile to spread across my dermas in reply, ''Still; coming from you that means everything to me.''
My Prime's optics shine brightly for a moment, and he looks at me the same way he did with Rachet and Arcee before turning to address the others gathered around. I feel a warmth spread through my spark.
When you entered the room I was relieved to think we had our guiding light back, our mentor but I was also dismayed thinking I could never be like you, never be worthy enough to make you proud of me. When you entered the room just now and spoke to me, I realised I do not have to be like you! Being me is enough for you. If you – Optimus Prime – can see my worth, then perhaps it is time I acknowledged it too.