(Please see all previous disclaimers)
On a not too distant cliff, Optimus sat. He felt so foolish for what he had done, trying to protect a brother who didn't seem to need him or his protection. Optimus was starting to feel like he had lost his brother yet again. And just as Optimus was ready to throw in the towel and ride back in utter defeat, Ryu landed next to the Prime, startling Optimus and causing the bot to draw a weapon, as Optimus didn't like being caught off guard. "Please, I come in peace" Ryu said, seemingly understanding why Optimus was so reactive.
Optimus lowered his weapon, as he realized he had overreacted, but his quick draw reactions had saved him many times. It was just that he didn't need it to save him this time. "Why do you come to me? I am nothing worth your time" Optimus replied.
"I come because your brother and your mates worry about you" Ryu answered quickly, seeing that the bot was nervous.
That of course made sense, but didn't answer the entire question. "Okay, but why did you come to me?"
Ryu sighed. He could tell Optimus had been deeply hurt. "I came because you are the younger brother of my friend, and I came to talk to you about Lancex."
"Well, I'm just fine, you can return to the others" Optimus replied in a very un-Optimus like way.
"I can tell you are not fine, and I can return to Lancex and his mates whenever I choose. I can even tease his mates later as well" Ryu revealed.
Optimus let out a huge sigh and decided to be honest with the powerful dragon. "Fine, you are right. I am not okay. I was stupid to think that I needed to protect Lancex and deprive him of happiness. I tried to keep him away from the others. My biggest fear is that once he has a family, he will not have time for me and will forget about me."
Ryu was quiet for a bit before he responded, "Look, Optimus, Lancex may not say anything to you or even admit the truth himself, however, he has constantly told me stories about you. It was his greatest hope that you were doing well and that he would see you again one day." Optimus nearly cried hearing that, it he stopped before he shed anymore tears. He did, however, give a big hug to the dragon who had sought the Prime out. It was Optimus' way of saying thank you, and Ryu responded in kind, in essence saying that Optimus was welcome. At that, Ryu and Optimus headed back, with Optimus riding the dragon bot back. Optimus could only hope the group would welcome him back.
Soon enough, Ryu and Optimus made it back to the others. Lancex, for one, is relieved. Ryu lands and Optimus slid down off of the powerful dragon. Without any prompting, Optimus apologized to his mates and especially his brother. Lancex and Optimus' mates forgive the Prime and hug hims closely. After that, all the bots talk to Ryu and learn more about Ryu and Lancex. All enjoyed the session, and soon all seemed to be back to normal.