The base was silent. Early morning, when the light from the overhead hatches cast a soft golden glow on the metal floor.

You sat over the console, reviewing reports: stern, focused, perfect. Nothing superfluous. No emotions, no sighs. A clean line, a straight posture, precise movements.

And this drove Optimus crazy.

He stood a little distance away, as if checking the equipment. But the team saw everything.

Bumblebee barely audibly squeaked to Smokescreen. "He's watching her again..."

Smokescreen snorted: "It's literally ALL written on his face, all his feelings, come on!"

Arcee crossed her arms: "One more try in the next five seconds."

Bulkhead shook his head: "She won't understand again."

Attempt #1: A Gift.

Optimus took a step toward you, holding something in his hand — a small metal plate with an engraved design. Very fine workmanship. Personal.

"This... is for you," — he said calmly.

You didn't even look up.

"Is this a new security protocol? Where should I install it?"

Optimus froze.

The plate — a romantic gift — now looked like some kind of working module.

"I... would like you to just take it," — he said softly.

You nodded and carefully placed the plate... on the table next to a stack of technical data.

"Okay. I'll study it later."

He exhaled slowly. The team groaned in unison.

Attempt #2: Flirting... very discreetly.

He came closer, leaning in to check your profile.

"You... seem especially collected today."

His voice dropped. — "That's... impressive."

You blinked. — "I'm always collected. It's normal."

"Yes... but... especially today."

"Maybe just good maintenance."

He almost dropped his hopes to the floor.

Attempt #3: Help.

You stood up, preparing to move the heavy energy coil. Optimus was at your side almost instantly.

"Let me help."

"No need. I can handle it."

"But I can—"

"Optimus, my lifting capacity is designed for this kind of mass. Why waste your resources?"

He fell silent. The coil obediently rose in your hands. Effortlessly.

Smokescreen whispered quietly to Bumblebee: "That's it. She sent him into an emotional knockout."

Finally... a small breakthrough.

You walked past him to another console. He... hesitated slightly — and then boldly touched your elbow.

Not forcefully. Not insistently. But attentively.

You stopped.

Optimus leaned in slightly, his optics softer than usual.

"I'm not trying to help you with things you don't need."

Pause.

"I'm trying to get closer."

You froze for a moment. The engines seemed to falter for a second.

"Closer... for tactical interaction?"

He sighed heavily. Almost giving up.

Almost.

But then, quietly, sincerely, he said.

"No."

"Closer... to you."

And for the first time, you actually looked at him.

A second longer than usual.

Without irritation. Without cold severity.

Simply — quietly surprised.

And this second was worth the whole battle for him.