The rhythmic patter of rain against the Autobot base’s steel walls filled the air, a soothing backdrop to the quiet hum inside. Yet, within the corridors, tranquility was hard to come by. The downpour had found its way in, turning minor leaks into persistent drips and leaving puddles glistening under the dim lights.

Optimus Prime walked alongside you, discussing the Autobots' integration with Earth’s technology. His focus lingered on you—the way you carried yourself with purpose. He valued moments like these, where strategy and camaraderie intertwined.

“So,” he began, his deep voice resonating softly, “how is the analysis on the new energy converters progressing?”

Before you could answer, your pede slipped on a puddle. Time seemed to slow as Optimus watched your arms flail, composure momentarily lost. Instinctively, he reached out, only for his own pede to slide on the same slick patch. You stumbled together, caught in an ungainly, almost balletic struggle to regain footing.

A low, rumbling chuckle escaped Optimus as he twisted to steady you, his arm catching your shoulders just as you braced yourself against his chest plate. For a moment, you both froze in an awkward but surprisingly stable embrace, optics meeting. Then, a rare sound broke the tension—Optimus’s deep laugh, warm and unguarded. He couldn’t help it. The great leader of the Autobots, brought low by a puddle.

“Well,” he said, amusement coloring his tone, “it seems even the mightiest of us can be felled by a bit of rain.”

Optimus released you gently, his hand lingering just long enough to ensure you were steady before stepping back. His blue optics swept over the puddle, and he shook his head with a wry smile. “I didn’t anticipate today would include lessons in hydroplaning.”