The corridors of the base were immersed in semi-darkness. The red lamps of the duty lights stretched the shadows along the walls, and each step echoed, as if the entire space was eavesdropping. You walked confidently, but too quickly, as if you were trying to get away from something. The metal under your feet rang with sharp blows, betraying your excitement.

And suddenly - him.

Optimus's figure emerged from the shadows, blocking the way. In the red glow, his optics seemed a little harder than usual. He did not say a word. He didn't even move, he just stood there, and that was enough to make your steps falter, your breathing become uneven. His optics glowed with a soft but unsettling light, the red reflection playing on his armor, creating the illusion of fire.

He came closer, step by step, and each of his movements sent vibrations through his body, as if the base itself felt his weight. His body was so close that it almost touched yours. There was a thin line between you, so small that any movement - and the border would collapse.

"You're playing with fire again." — the voice was low, almost hoarse, and there was no softness in it that you were accustomed to. Each word cut into the air like a sentence.

His hand rose. The movement was slow, deliberate. His fingers closed on your chin, the metal slid coldly over your skin. He lifted your face so that your gaze met his. His optics were dark, dangerously gleaming, not reflecting a single drop of doubt.

He leaned down. So much so that his breath fell on your face. It was heavy, hot, as if a storm was raging inside him, which he was holding back with all his might.

His fingers slid from your chin to your cheek. The movement wasn’t gentle, more commanding, testing. The metal of his hand was cool, but there was something hard in his touch, something that made your body tense and your heart beat faster.

“Do you understand how this will end?”

His voice was almost a growl, low, pressing, and you felt your breathing become ragged. The space around you seemed to disappear. It was just the two of you. The red light, the shadows, his body hanging over you.

Optimus moved closer, and now his chest was barely touching yours. It seemed like he was still in control, but his grip was too thin. Any word, any movement from you could cause him to break.

He leaned in so close that his optics filled your entire field of vision. His breath touched your lips.