This chapter is my faveriote I've written so far I think!

The banner this time is artwork by my Optimus sister Brit depicting the chapter and I'm obsessed ❤💙

Also big shoutout to Maxtronus_Prime_1990 for all the uplifting comments on this story, thank you so much for your support!

☆☆☆

"No light, no light in your bright blue eyes
I never knew daylight could be so violent
A revelation in the light of day
You can choose what stays and what fades away
And I'd do anything to make you stay
No light, no light
No light
Tell me what you want me to say."
(No Light No Light - Florence and the Machine)

☆

Departure from Orion's Point had been expectedly swift soon after Optimus' worrying deduction. It had become clear the looming danger was already very present and that they no longer had time to waste with unneeded breaks.

Despite the fact that night would be the third spent travelling in eachother's company, they'd only made it three states away from their starting point in New York. That was mostly due to stops made to accommodate Venus' human needs and for rest. And of course their attempt to return their confirmed male passenger, now in tribute known as "Elton John", had failed.

Due to his quick loyalty and the fact the pooch was growing on Venus, he had upgraded the previous duo into a trio. With no owner found, it had been insisted by the gracious townsfolk - and their new human friend.

"It's pretty clear he wants to be with you two." Ben had explained to Optimus briefly about the undying loyalties of Earth canines while Venus prepped to leave. The Prime had been quite flattered in all honesty.

Venus only wished Ben had agreed to go with them too.

"You could... come with us." She'd offered with a tint of bashful blush blooming on her ash speckled cheeks. Stating how while she was helping guide Optimus, she appreciated how he had looked out for her during the Earthquake disaster. And perhaps she needed a fellow human as company.

But Ben quite honourably, Optimus had thought, ultimately declined.

"As much of an adventure it would be, I have responsibilities here I can't abandon." Was his reasoning put forth with an almost sad smile that had stuck in Venus' mind far from the reaches of Orion's Point and across the highways of America. Along with a piece of scrap paper Ben had written his home phone number on tucked safely in her pocket.

Out of Indiana in a matter of hours, Optimus was driving as briskly as speed limits and traffic would allow him. The atmosphere in the cab was not tense, but not lighthearted and fun like the previous times spent laughing and appreciating the radio music and scenic sites passing by.

Elton John - the dog that was, sat thankfully quite calmly in the passenger seat. Grey front paws set on the dashboard as he eagerly watched the other cars roll past with joy glinting in his sweet blue eyes. It seemed they were a blue eye exclusive club as of now.

Venus however seemed a lot more vacant. Nestled in the driver's seat, not having had a chance to change from the dusty and tattered jeans and top. Maps of the roads placed in her lap and on the seat beside her so she could give directions easily. But for the most part she was doing the opposite. Staring out of the window or blankly into her lap for periods at a time.

Optimus had to keep prompting her for help when he reached a point in the road he wasn't sure about.

She'd mumble an apology and quickly correct his course, to which he did not question until after she repeated multiple times all through the drive across Illinios and halfway into Missouri.

"Is there something on your mind Venus?" The Prime eventually queried with a curious rumble that sent waves of warmth flowing through his seats. He himself was one to dwell silently in thought, thus able to recognise her doing the same.

The blonde twitched, roused from her dwelling thoughts by his voice that drew her out rather pleasantly.

And he was correct in his assumption.

"It's just something Ben said. About abandoning your responsibilities?" She spoke softly, slowly for him to remember since he'd been present during said conversation.

A deep hum ran through the seat material to her like the most gentle tremor. "I recall, yes. Why does that trouble you?" He then queried without prying. It was more of a gentle invitation to offload onto him if she so desired and felt comfortable to. It was in no way forceful.

He was too dwelling on things more discreetly. How he worried he'd been forceful in having her join his crusade. The voice sample of her confession had been looping in his memory drives for a number of hours.

So you could call this gesture recompense even though it was no way out of his nature to offer counselling.

Venus tapped the map paper rhythmically as a form of fidgeting to ease her uneasy state. Her mind casting itself into apprehensive visions. Visions of what she'd left behind when she ran with Optimus.

"Optimus... do you have a family?" She found herself asking to help establish the context.

There was a pause as Venus assumed he was thinking.

"Could you elaborate on the term?" He requested, evidently dumbfounded.

"Okay." She hummed as her mind searched itself for the best words that he would understand.

"Family is... a group of individuals that share um.. characteristics and are related. Which means they share DNA--" Venus cut herself off abruptly when she decided the chances of Optimus knowing what DNA meant was extremely slim.

"... It means they come from the same source and are made of some of the same parts. A shared creator." Yes, that felt like a better explanation. "A family is ... people who care enough to do anything for you. And they're always there for you when you need them."

Optimus didn't speak or question while the human explained. Venus didn't know if that was because he didn't understand and was trying to, or he did and was digesting the definition mentally.

"It is not a term we would use on Cybertron, since we are not created in a similar manner as you describe." He answered eventually after silent moments of deliberation where Venus noticed that he'd decreased his driving speed. "But since we are speaking in Earthen terms, I believe you would call my fellow Autobots my 'family'."

That made sense, Venus thought as she nodded softly in understanding. While anything was possible considering Optimus was a sentient alien robot hailing from a distant world, she wasn't sure the idea of them having children seemed completely possible.

And there was no way Optimus wanted to start explaining the complexities of Cybertronian reproduction to one who seemed so young.

"Though I like this term, 'family'." Optimus repeated the phrase and it rolled off his vocal chords as if it were natural in his vocabulary.

"Do you have a family, Venus?"

Venus tensed up, mind casting itself through memories as she nodded with guilt. Worrying scenarios creeping their way in and tainting them.

She could see the faces of her family so clearly.

Her mother, frantically calling every friend Venus had, current or distant to check if she was in their company. Fingers knotted in her hair with stress when there was no sign. Susan Jones was one known to become stressed often through emotion and her work. And in extreme worry become somewhat... berserk. Venus always worried that she'd inherited that quality from her.

She pictured the remorse in her elder sister's hazel streaked eyes. Watching with hope by the window as her mother continued her desperate search, gaze praying that Venus would come bounding up the porch steps of their home. Jupiter Jones always was there when her little sister needed support. But with her just gone.... would Jupiter think she'd not been enough?

"... I do."

There was a brief pause of quiet. She barely noticed as Optimus' truck mode slowed to an almost stop.

Elton John emitted a concerned grumble, clambering from the dash and tilting his head as his attention became all hers.

"Venus..." Prime's tone was rooted in deep concern. "Your eyes appear to be... leaking?"

Venus frowned and as she blinked, felt familiar wetness making her eyelashes soggy. Glancing in the truck's rear-view mirror, she saw she had tears making her vision glassy, trickling delicately in lines down her cheeks.

The Semi trailed sensitively to a full stop for the first time in hours in a conveniently situated layby.

"Venus." He repeated with increased softness. A gentle request for her to allow him to help. He wanted to help.

Please, you can confide in me. His actions all but urged.

"I left my family behind." Her voice was barely above a whisper. An admission that made her heart ache.

"You asked me to go with you and I didn't think about them... how worried they'd be. I'll just have disappeared to them."

Venus' body language was loose and upset, but you could feel how tense and uptight Optimus had become even in his vehicular mode.

The stiffness of guilt that only worsened as whimpering little sobs left the girl's mouth.

The solid form of the Prime was silent, listening intently as Venus offloaded about her loved ones. She tearily recalled how her mother used to throw birthday parties with the most spectacular space decorations that left the other kids in awe, and how with any problem she ever had in school, Susan would be straight there fighting ready and accepting nothing but a victory for her child. How her sister took her to her first nightclub, and how she protected her from the advances of men who wouldn't take no for an answer. Venus' laugh was cracked with a cry as she finished that tale with how Jupiter had kicked the men in a very painful place with her platform stilettos she always danced in flawlessly.

Optimus learned how fiercely protective Susan was over her daughters. That she could be pushy and somewhat forceful but that she did it out of love. He was told how Jupiter took up the role of a second mother almost. Why she and Venus were so close in the absence of what she called a 'father'."

Venus ended up slumping gradually down into the seats the more she recounted, the more her sobs subsided with each fond story. Crying was exhausting to the human body it seemed, Prime could sense it. The entrancing lull of the heat radiating from his seat was very deliberate in its goal.

She barely noticed as the driver's seatbelt moved by the command of its sentient owner, curling thrice around her form and easing her down onto the seats.

Instant comfort warmed her through that contact. Laying on her stomach, her wet cheeks were pressed against the leather that didn't feel synthetic. It was like being sprawled on the sun-kissed soft sands of a tropical paradise.

That warmth was paradise.

Any cries that were left in her body were half hearted, that heat working to dry them up. The last of them slipped out muffled by the leather comfort her face was pressed into needingly.

Elton had moved to the end of the seats as the girl lay herself down, as if he understood her need for the spot over his. Observing her briefly, the blue Great Dane added to the comfort by laying at her feet, head resting on her upper thigh tenderly.

Sleep drew her easily, her mind desperate for the recharge and solace. Her body safe without doubt, encased in living armour, that protective hold of the seatbelts not budging, and embraced in the deep heat of her friend.

More than a friend? Was her last lazy consideration while her heavy eyelids eased shut.

She was already half gone by the time Optimus muttered something that wouldn't have sat right with her if she were fully aware. His voice low, the most remorseful he'd felt since her words in Orion's Point.

Optimus Prime had learned what family meant to the inhabitants of Earth. What he'd snatched his companion from without consideration.

"Forgive me..."

--

It was a long time before Venus woke up. To her surprise when she finally did however, Optimus had stayed fairly on course using the signs that directed towards the West Coast.

Her long sleep had meant she was much more calm and collected. All those dried tears cleaned away with a single slurp from Elton's tounge right across her face. He was rather happy to see her happy.

Optimus was evidently happy that her state had improved, but he was once again silent for the most part. Though as they drove this time he did have his radio on lowly without protest or Venus having to ask for the music.

The human resumed her duty of guiding their course using the maps while Prime handled the driving. Elton, she decided mentally, could be the lookout. And guard dog.

Despite the fact the journey had become much more urgent and she knew Optimus didn't want to be making unneeded stops, he kept asking if she needed anything or would like a rest or as he named the terms, "take a leak" or "refuel."

Venus grimaced every time he used the bathroom phrase. She swore she'd have him using a new and less cringeworthy term before they reached California.

Halfway into Kansas, Venus took the opportunity to clean herself up and get out of her dirty attire.

Her previously immaculate hair was ruined beyond repair without a stylist, permed bouncy curls flattened from the chaos, leaving her natural loose wavy curls resting down the back of her red jacket, the natural choice since her denim jacket had been shredded by the earthquake. Wearing her last clean top - a black strapless crop top and feeling the climate was warming the further West they got, Venus opted for denim shorts and lacey cute knee high socks that had silver stars embroidered on them to match her black ankle boots.

Buying types of food that she could eat in transit also seemed smart so they could save time that way. Explaining the numerous 7-Eleven bags set in the footwell.

While shopping Venus asked if she could use their store phone. The distraught faces of Susan and Jupiter still burned in her thoughts.

It had been out of order.

After eating a couple of the premade sandwiches to see her through the night, when they passed the state border she made the joke that "they weren't in Kansas anymore."

Optimus didn't get the joke. So Venus ended up telling the story of 'The Wizard of Oz' as context, while doing some winged eyeliner on herself to pass the time.

Optimus acknowledged her storytelling, but again was mostly quiet, focused on the path ahead.

The hours rolled by like that, through the state and into the next further and further West. Into Colorado in a matter of hours. Venus would tell the occasional fable to make everything more entertaining.

Nothing seemed to uplift her guardian robot. Not in Colorado, or then in Utah. While another afternoon rolled by spent driving, she only then discovered that Optimus' truck mode was accurate down to the fact it had a bed situated in the back. Allowing her a proper place to rest.

When she awoke again it was nighttime. They'd reached the Nevada desert.

Resting her head on the dashboard she contemplated silently.

"Optimus?" She eventually piped up, now far into the early hours of the morning. She'd slept for a good period, meaning time was ahead and she could make it through the night without desiring rest. Their fifth night together.

"Is there something you need Venus?" His first words he'd spoken in the state of Nevada, low and attentive.

She lifted her head from resting on her arms upon the dash to look nowhere in particular while addressing him. "No... but do you need to stop off and rest? Recharge, refuel anything like that?"

There was a brief pause before a simple yet gentlemanly fashioned answer.

"I am fine, thank you."

"Since Kansas we've been driving for almost a day straight, surely you must be tired?" Venus reasoned, soft frown setting in.

"I thank you for your concern, dear Venus. But I assure you I am functioning well enough." Optimus reassured quietly. But not well enough since Venus wasn't convinced.

He was acting off again, like the night they almost ran over Elton John.

So Venus made up a quick excuse that Elton needed to relieve himself, earning a puzzled look from said dog as if to question, and leading to Optimus slamming on his breaks almost instantaneously for fear of more 'lubricant' being expelled onto his interior.

Well, that had worked a little too well... But at least she'd got him to stop.

Rubbing where her elbow had hit the dash from the instant stop, the girl hopped out of the cab with Elton in tow, boots crunching atop the grainy sand as she glanced around, taking in the night. Unlike New York even though it was dark the air was still pleasantly warm. The only light source was Prime's headlights that cut through the black easily.

The breeze shifted sand around in perplexing motions, as if they were predesigned. It entranced Optimus enough to transform, slowly standing and letting sand pour in mass from every nook and cranny of his frame it could have situated itself in. Earning a simple sigh. Elton however seemed to love the sand and preoccupied himself playing in it.

Venus eyed the robot currently resembling a sandy waterfall, smiling warmly as she set herself down on a conveniently placed boulder, settling herself comfortably with a little shuffle.

"Will you sit with me?" She requested hopefully, gesturing to the wide space around her.

Something warm flickered in the glass of Optimus' eyes, and he obliged even though the idea of simply sitting and wasting time was not preferable. Venus was propped up with her legs crossed in position. Optimus found himself mirroring her without much thought.

Her smile at the sight of this god like titan imitating her, a simple human, was as bright as the star like planet she was named after.

"Is this not... correct?" He wasn't sure how to take her seemingly amused reaction, stiffening in awkwardness.

"You look perfect." Was her response that she could tell had made Optimus bashful despite his inability to smile. You could see the glint in his eyes that had been lacking somewhat recently. Reminding her of her reasoning for having him sit.

"What's going on with you?" She practically whispered delicately, making sure they were locked in eye contact. So he couldn't doubt she truly cared.

Optimus was quick to try to dismiss her, first puzzled by what she meant. Once she was more specific he reasoned that she must have been mistaken.

Until she brought up what he said when he thought she'd already fallen asleep.

"What did you mean, 'forgive me'?"

The way his frame released its stiffness, his back arching as he slumped downwards was conceding.

"I did not think you had heard..." Prime mumbled, bringing his legs from the crossed position to rest his heels on the sand, hands resting on his thighs like a dignified gentleman sitting in an armchair.

"I came to Earth with the intention of ensuring the survival of my people. I did not know that your world was inhabited when I selected it." Optimus began to explain himself, apparently attempting to avoid eye contact with her as he turned his head intentionally away.

"As a result, I now hold the guilt of placing humanity in the wrathful path of the Decepticons."

Venus didn't speak up yet, rather let him get out all of what was bothering him. Her gaze was attentive and compassionate, focused on him solely. There was a glint in her incandescent eyes that conveyed perfectly without her having to speak any words. They stared into his eyes and penetrated all of his safeguards. Right into his spark itself.

Her gaze told him it wasn't his fault. That whatever he tried to apologise for whether it be valid or not.

That look was something he felt he did not deserve. In fact it had the opposite of the intended effect. The worries and concerns that pricked his mind aggressively had him slide from his sitting position and fall to his knees briskly enough to cause a shudder that startled Elton and made Venus slip off her own boulder seat.

It was not physical pain or the injury to his shoulder that brought him to his knees, hunched like a sword ran through his chest. It was remorse. Anguish that Venus saw corrupt the beautiful galaxies of his vision and darken them like shadows that she couldn't bare.

Before Optimus could continue his confession, she was already kneeling in the dust before him, hands placed upon his anxiously.

That contact let her feel as his entire body trembled for a moment.

Then, he spoke.

"I have been destructive thoughtlessly. I should never have coerced you into abandoning your life and family."

Finally, there it was. As guilty as Optimus' vocalizers could generate, and with an equally contrite expression that stole the light from his eyes. Like stars perishing to the abyss of the dark.

The human girl's eyes became glassy, lips parted, eyebrows furrowed in uncertainty. The blue mass of her irises noticeably dilated when the puzzle pieces slid themselves into place in her mind.

He'd already admitted he'd been with her constantly that afternoon in Orion's Point...

"You heard me talking to Ben..." She whispered in realization, her grasp on his hand becoming clammy.

It was her. He'd been stressed about her.

"Optimus... I didn't mean.." Her own voice splintered before she could try to justify herself. By the look of him she'd very well broken his heart. She'd extinguished the stars in his eyes.

"I was wrong." Her broken voice threatened to choke her words but they were determined. Truthful.

There was that bravery that only seemed to appear for her Prime.

A flicker of starlight reignited his eyes momentarily. Hopeful light. It compelled him as his hand Venus was clutching shifted, fingers scooping and allowing her to slide into his palm while looking to check if she protested. She settled into that hold immediately, and they found she somehow fit perfectly sitting in his palm, fingers curled to support her back while his thumb gave her something to hold onto as he brought her into the sky with him. Those galaxies were closer than ever.

"I was scared when I met you... it was true. I didn't want to come because I was in shock and scared. I didn't have time to think." Now was the time for her confession and he deserved to hear it.

"But now Optimus I don't regret it, any of it..." Her voice strengthened the more she spoke. Her strength in those words to mend the wound she'd inflicted in his heart.

"Not even the earthquake... my family, that is on me, not you." Yes, as crazy as that felt to say, the danger only made the journey she was on even more ethereal. Like it was needed.

She found herself reaching upwards, fingers cast in the hopes of touching the starlight in his eyes.

Optimus obliged without question, bringing his other hand to cup her as she ascended to his face level. Now Venus could see them so clearly. His eyes now a darker hue of blue than usual.

Her hand found its way to his mask, resting there almost naturally. Just as their gazes meeting felt more than instinctive.

"I wouldn't change meeting you for the world. Not one single thing." Her voice was chocked now, but in a good way. A tender way. Because she was crying again, but in deep realization and contentment. She would not change being with him. Even the way she'd left her family if it meant she could hold onto this feeling.

Optimus knew that Primes were expected to be omnipotent in themselves. To be forever strong and that their emotions could never be allowed to cloud their duties. He knew he had a weakness that he did well to keep hidden from his Autobots.

Emotion.

He never let himself break before them. He couldn't let them see him ever be unsure or distressed. How could they follow a faulted leader like that?

Venus saw his faults, and he saw how she was looking at him. A little vainly, how he wished the others could. With ultimate and unconditional faith. Her touch and gaze could not deny it. That faith radiated from her smile, her eyes, her touch. They relit the starlight of his eyes. The light cast the blue reflection over her form and engulfed her.

Optimus learned just how brightly the eyes of a human could shine.

To him she was like a star, who's celestial warmth was guiding him through his insecurity and across the plains of her planet.

To her, he was the embodiment of space itself. His body was the strength and destructive force of nature, his kindness the empathy that was creation. But his eyes, they were a gateway to the furthest and most quintessential reaches of starlight systems. An eternity starlight captured and gazing at her like she was a goddess deemed worthy of such a privilege.

Words were not needed to express that deep awe that connected them in this moment. Now there could be no doubt of the admiration Optimus and Venus shared for eachother.

The only worry that wormed its way in now in each of their minds was simple.

They would soon be parted, as was the deal once they located B-127.

Despite the urgency, neither were in a hurry to move. The night sky still hung heavy in its darkest final hour, suffocating all but a few natural stars.

So they decided they would wait for the dawn. With the excuse that it would be safer to drive in the daylight. But it was truly because as the Prime knelt there in the sand, hands held to his face and allowing his star like human to lay her cheek against his as they awaited the sun, stalling was all they could do to make the time last.

When the twilight sky set in, and when Venus' planetary namesake would rise as the morning star, they would leave.

Within that new day, they would reach Brighton Falls.

Optimus and Venus would be out of time.

☆☆☆

So this was sad fluff... it was just how it turned out haha. This ended up being way longer than I anticipated oops!

But I'm extremely proud of this! Its the first time in a long time I can recall getting emotional over my writing, and I really loved it. This is a therapeutic book for me to write and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Next chapter: they're almost in Brighton Falls... I think you can guess who they'll meet next ;)