(Please see all previous disclaimers)
Optimus, knowing he was only supposed to be out for a limited time, headed back with Ironhide. The prime knew his mate was extremely protective of him. Well, not that Optimus could blame Mirage, but still. The Prime did have a duty that he needed to serve, and now that Ironhide was here Optimus could do so. Due to being busy and sparked, Optimus had completely forgot that today was a special day. He figured he should head back to his office. Ironhide knew something was off but didn't think much of it, but that would soon change.
Meanwhile, back in the quarters, Mirage waited and waited, hoping that Optimus would come home and see what Mirage had prepared for the Prime. But then Mirage had a sinking feeling, as if he had been forgotten once again. It wouldn't be the first time if had happened to Mirage, but it would be the first time since the war had ended. Mirage didn't like this though he tried not to show it. Seeing as how the little ones were elsewhere, Mirage headed out, hoping that all was well.
Meanwhile, with Optimus and Ironhide, the Prime was starting to act more and more off. Hide didn't trust that Optimus would make it back safely and commed ahead for assistance. Mirage, not having received the comm, was oblivious, but others went forth to help. And soon, Optimus was not in his office but in the med bay, though it was clear Optimus wanted to be anywhere but the med bay.
"Why did you drag me here?" Optimus rudely asked Hide, showing just how off the Prime was acting.
"Well, for one thing, you aren't acting like your normal self" Hide replied. Optimus shot a look to his old friend, one that if looks could have killed, Hide would have been offlined. "Don't give me that look. You're lucky you made it here."
"I don't want to be here" Optimus shot back. He was definitely not himself. He was crabby, frustrated, in pain, and not willing to listen to almost anyone. Hide could only think of one thing, he needed to get Mirage. Through a secret comm, Hide quietly commed Mirage and asked the bot to come to the med bay. Hide had no way of knowing just yet, but that comm made Mirage even more worried, which didn't help Optimus' mood. Hide could only hope Mirage would arrive in time, or things were going to get crazy.