The base had been buzzing with joy for hours. Music, soft lighting, loud voices, jokes, joyful shouts — a rare state the Autobots could afford.

Bumblebee danced near the speakers. As usual, Arcee stayed close to the control panels, but even she looked relaxed. Ratchet grumbled, but poured everyone high-octane drinks. Even Rafael and Miko were laughing and running around the hall.

And in the midst of all this celebration—

you.

And one particular gaze was fixed on you.

He stood a little to the side, tall, drawn, and hunched over less than usual — as if trying not to take up too much space.

But his optics...

He couldn't take his eyes off you for a second.

You were laughing at Bumblebee's joke. You were telling Arcee something, gesturing wildly. You were picking up someone's dropped goblet from the floor.

Every move you made, he froze.

His optics flickered softly, almost imperceptibly, as he looked at you. Sometimes he seemed to take a step forward—

...and then immediately retreat, realizing he might give himself away.

He admired you so obviously, so openly, that even a blind man would have noticed.

Except you.

Bumblebee nudged Arcee first:

"He's stuck in a rut again."

Arcee snorted:

"He's looking at her like she's the only source of Energon in the entire galaxy."

Bulkhead winked at Ratchet:

"You think he'll confess today?"

Ratchet rolled his optics:

"Ha. He'd rather tear himself apart than tell her that outright."

Even Miko noticed:

"He looks like a cat who's been denied petting his owner."

And while everyone was laughing and exchanging comments... Optimus stood motionless, his gaze lowered slightly, as if afraid someone would catch him.

He had no idea the entire room had already figured it out.

Except you.

You approached him, unsuspecting — simply to ask if he'd like to drink with you or add new music to the system.

He heard your footsteps before anyone else. His body tensed.

You smiled, easily, casually:

"Optimus! Why are you standing here alone? Come join us!"

And at that moment—

A flash of panic, confusion, and unpreparedness flashed across his optics...

As if you'd just grabbed his heart with your bare hands.

He straightened slightly, feigning complete calm:

"I'm... maintaining order."

But his voice wavered. Just a little. Only you didn't notice.

But everyone else did.

And Arcee groaned softly:

"Oh, Primus... he's completely lost."