Archive of Our Own ^beta

Optimus had begun to act weird around you, and you weren't entirely sure why. He was more affectionate with you, whether it was simply holding you in his palm or sending you smiles that he wouldn't share with anyone else. It made you swoon, of course, but also a little curious.

Wanting to return said affection, you bought him a gift with the bit of money you scavenged together. You'd gotten him a few books from the local bookstore that the two of you frequented. It was a cute little store and the lady that owned it was so sweet, she happily indulged Optimus' curiosity whenever they were there.

Although you didn't have to, you wrote him a little note as well, writing the kind little thoughts down and thanking him.

When you'd presented the gifts to Optimus, he was happy. His face brightened up like when you present a kid with candy, and you fought the impulsive thought to kiss him.

He promptly thanked you with a warm smile on his face.

That's when things began to spiral.

Optimus' affections were much more frequent and whenever he would speak to you, whether it was in the comfort of your house (he liked to help around and use his holoform even though you insist he doesn't need to) or when you're out for patrol, his tone is fond and warm. That's not unusual for him to do but it felt odd. It's like those few moments when you're talking to a crush or lover.

That thought made your face hot and you quickly tossed it away. That wasn't it; there was no way he would talk to you in that way.

When you bring it up to Ratchet, Optimus' closest friend, he has an unreadable look on his face before swiftly recovering.

"Do you know about Conjunx Endureas or Conjunx Ritus?" The medic asks you, looking uncomfortably serious.

The lost look on your face was enough of an answer and he ex-vents. According to Cybertronian culture, you learn that you had accidentally proposed to Optimus fucking Prime.

What a shocker.

You promptly left before Ratchet could tell you anymore, deciding to head home for the day and process the information. One day of being home turned into an entire week. You avoided going to the base like the plague, only answering texts from the kids while ignoring Optimus' worried texts and calls.

You were a full-grown adult, yet here you were, doing what you only saw in those cliche romance movies you watched when you were bored. It was wrong and totally stupid, but you could care less.

You loved the Autobot leader, that was a fact, and the simple implication that those feelings would be returned made your heart beat faster. Marriage, though, was a huge step to take and you two weren't even dating yet!

A conversation would need to be had eventually but for now, you'd rather process everything at a distance.

One day, upon returning from work, you see Optimus' alt mode parked in your driveway and dread pulls in your stomach. You knew it was coming but you just weren't prepared.

Hesitantly, you enter your house and find Optimus' holoform in your living room, sitting patiently on the couch. He had a serious look on his face, and it made you want to curl into a ball. Before you're able to say anything, he stands and walks over to you.

You gulp, biting your lip, as he stops just a short distance from you.

He tilts his head down and you realize that the serious look he had was actually... shame?

"I... I apologize, it seems that I misunderstood the intentions behind your gift." He speaks and his gaze suddenly elsewhere. There's a hint of embarrassment in his tone. "I hadn't meant to make you uncomfortable in any way."

The note; he was talking about the note.

"Oh, Optimus, I-" You start but he cuts you off.

"If you wish to stop talking to me, I understand." Then he goes, rambling about you and his feelings, all the while you try to stop him because you don't want to stop talking to him or anything of the sort. The conversations you two have are the highlights of your day and you love just being around him. You don't get the chance to do so because he just won't stop talking.

So, you went on your tippy toes and shut him up the only way you knew how.

The kiss is sweet, and a little awkward, as you hadn’t kissed anybody before. Optimus stood stock still for a few moments, eyes wide as he processes what exactly was happening. Then, his hands are on your hips and he’s reciprocating the kiss. A warmth spreads throughout your body and your mind becomes hazy, any thought passing through your mind were only of him as he surrounds you. You press yourself closer, savoring every second that passes.

When your lungs finally begin to demand oxygen, you pull away with a breathless gasp.

“So,” you murmured, “we obviously need to have a conversation.”

Optimus huffs, amused, “We do.”

A few beats of silence pass and you’re able to properly breathe.

“Where shall we start, then?” Optimus inquires, tracing his fingers along your hips.

“We’ll start slow, like dating slow.”

“Understood.” He smiles, warm and affectionate, “May I take you out for dinner?”

Your cheeks flush and you bite your lip, “Of course.” Everything he does is making you swoon and it’s the best feeling in the world. Just what did you do to get someone like him?

He ghosts his lips along yours, “May I kiss you?”

“Yes.” You whisper, allowing him to kiss you breathlessly.