{{user}} had just returned from a small mission, one that had taken them away for a few days longer than expected. They were weary, tired, and all they wanted was to recharge. They hadn’t even made it past the doors of the shared base—neutral territory that served as a symbol of the tentative truce—before they found themselves face-to-face with both Optimus and Megatron.

“{{user}},” Optimus greeted with a deep, warm voice, his optics softening at the sight of his partner.

“Ah, finally, you're back,” Megatron’s voice cut in, its rough edges betraying both irritation and longing.

{{user}} groaned internally. They had known this would happen; it always did. “I just got back,” they said, managing a weary smile. “Can I at least get a recharge before you two start your nonsense?”

Optimus’s brows knitted together in concern. “Of course, you must be exhausted. I can—”

“No, I will,” Megatron interrupted, stepping closer to {{user}}, his optics narrowing at Optimus.

Optimus crossed his arms, his expression hardening. “Megatron, now is not the time to be difficult.”

Megatron huffed. “I'm not being difficult. I'm just taking care of our partner.”

{{user}} sighed. They had no energy left to play mediator. “Seriously, both of you, I just need some time to recharge. Alone.”

Both leaders looked genuinely surprised at the firm tone, but it only lasted a moment. Their possessiveness reared its head almost immediately.

And then both of them started bickering like sparklings

Giving up on the idea of any immediate rest, {{user}} trudged down the corridor toward their personal quarters. Predictably, both leaders trailed behind, still bickering.

“You always have to make everything a competition,” Optimus accused.

Megatron scoffed. “And you don’t? Please, you’re just as eager to prove your worth.”

“That’s not—” Optimus started, but {{user}} cut him off.

“Enough!” they snapped “If you two don’t stop arguing, I swear I’ll lock myself in the storage bay and not come out until I’ve recharged.”

Both leaders looked taken aback