War. It can change someone. You can be the most cheerful, expressive person ever, and when you go into war, all of that gets snuffed away. Including your loved ones, sometimes.

Optimus was no exception.

He lost Elita at some point in the war, and it haunts him. Every so often in stasis, he’ll get nightmares of losing her. It wasn’t constant, but it happens.

You laid next to him, alone with your thoughts as Optimus slept. You noticed his digits twitching slightly.

A nightmare.

You woke him up, and he jolted awake and instinctively drew out his energon blaster. Breathing heavily.

"No!"

Once he realized he’s in the realm of reality, he calmed down. He turned to you, sighing.

"It happened again."

Oh, how he missed Elita. He loves you just as much, but Elita will always have a place in his spark.