Let's end the year the right way, with some galaxy eyed Autobots ;)

☆☆☆

"I saw the life inside your eyes
So shine bright, tonight you and I
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky
Eye to eye, so alive
We're beautiful like diamonds in the sky."
(Diamonds - Rhianna)

☆

The crisp blue hues of the Pacific brightened the horizon ahead as the Western edge of America beckoned them ever nearer. To what would be the end of the road - quite literally.

All the while since crossing the border into California, Optimus had been sending out a transmission through what he described to Venus as a 'comm link'. A simple message to his comrade that repeated over and over through the radio and broadcasted across miles of radius.

"B-127, I pray this message finds you."

"We are here. We are coming!"

Venus of course had noted the warming use of "we". That her Prime wanted B-127 to know of her participation. And Elton's too it implied.

As agreed, once the planet Venus itself had risen with the breaking dawn, the trio had gotten on their way with mutual reluctance to part touch.

Just before departure was when Optimus had surprised her with a gift.

He had brought it out from a secret compartment in his chest to present it to her. At her touch it had shrunken to fit in the palm of her hand, jewel like gold reflecting as a twinkle in her surprised eyes. Upon the smooth case engraved was the symbol of his people, the Autobots, with the backdrop of a eight point star that his own body insignias did not possess. Protected by said shell a backdrop of infinite night sky so realistic it was like she could pluck the stars from it if she so desired. The stars navigated by a single golden needle attached at the centre.

A compass, Venus recognised it as. Possibly the most enchanting compass ever crafted.

She had queried curiously as to why Optimus had bestowed such an immaculate item to her.

His answer had been oddly elusive, but his imploring tone implied that there was more to the gesture that met the eye.

"My gift of gratitude to you, for all you have done for me. Though I ask that you are never without it. Keep it with you Venus, always."

The valued gift sat in her palm as its new owner gazed out of the window to watch the passing trees, able to enjoy the scenery passing by now that she no longer needed to consult the maps. The signs that had recently come into proximity directing them to Brighton Falls had elated the mood in the cab and it vibrated off not just Venus, but Optimus too.

That was until Optimus suddenly told her to brace, and before she could even begin to feel puzzled or question him, the seatbelt flew around her waist and chest, pinning her against the back of the seat with no hope of moving.

His speed shot to the hundreds impossibly, forcing Venus' stomach into nauseating somersaults at the drastic U-Turn Optimus achieved in bare seconds, screeches half deafening the poor passengers from the friction of his tyres skidding painfully against the road.

"Optimus what are you doing?!" The slightly sickly blonde shrieked, hands gripping the seatbelt in an attempt of easing the shock. And quickly stuffing the compass safely into her shorts pocket. Bringing her knees to her chest in instinctive panic, she managed to steady her uneasy vision to learn they were now heading away from the signs leading them to Brighton Falls.

"You're going the wrong way!" She groaned in confusion as she clung to the belt, turning to see poor Elton looking rather sick as he was strapped in awkwardly by his belly beside her. She wasn't feeling much better and was quite sure if Optimus didn't either stop or decrease his speed within moments he'd have yet another earthly 'lubricant' splattered into his interior.

"Optimus!-oh god at least slow down!" Venus' body turned rigid, hands slamming onto the window ridge of the door for support as she tried to plead with him. For once apparently he wasn't listening to her and she had no idea why or what he was doing.

Sometimes her mother had road rage that caused her to speed irresponsibly but the way Optimus was hurtling along was just insane. Up until now, even before she'd briefed him on American driving laws he'd been patient and considerate when it came to traveling. But now it was like they were competing in Formula 1 as the semi weaved between the other cars effortlessly and broke the speed barrier of any earth based vehicle.

He'd broken their vehicular records - and Venus' health as she banged rather desperately on the window pane when she felt danger bubbling low in her abdomen.

"Windows open. Right now!-"

The last thing she wanted to do was to spend another afternoon scrubbing Optimus' seats clean and get stuck with the hovering stenches that even bleach wouldn't be able to purge. If she was going to be sick she would do it outside.

The glass slid down so fast Venus almost tumbled out head first, but luckily the seatbelt and her hold on the frame saved her. Fresh air hit her and she inhaled it in a deep, needing gasp.

After a few gulps of salty air her stomach settled, and since Optimus finally decided to decrease back to a gentle speed, she could see the treeline had thinned drastically into bush and sandy sidewalks. And the smell of salt grew more prominent as the bush faded.

Replaced instead by cyan waves as vibrant and deep as Venus' eyes, spanning for miles all around them.

Sunlight cut through the gloomy clouds in beams and fell upon the water, making it sparkle, that soft sea breeze flowing through Venus' hair and quickly making her forget about that urge to puke.

The waves entranced her as they passed over, and she looked up to find them on possibly one of the most famous bridges in the country.

She'd always wanted to visit San Francisco. Now here they were on the Golden Gate itself.

Resting her forearms on the window sill she sighed, taking in that glorious sea air as the sights whipped past, and Elton stuck his head out and admired beside her with relieved slobbery pants. Anticipating the city fast approaching ahead of them.

"As beautiful as this is... Brighton Falls is the other way, Optimus."

"Indeed, but the objective is to locate B-127." The Prime responded smoothly.

"... Yeah, but in Brighton Falls, that's what you said." Her voice indicated lack of clarity.

Optimus it seemed, wasn't to be the one to give the answers this time.

Rapid and almost excitable beeps fast approached the Semi with increasing pace. It could have been for any other driver or reason but somehow Venus felt like the racket was for them. A shout in the hope of being heard.

A bright flash of yellow in the side view mirror caught her attention. Framed by the "OBJECTS IN THE MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR" slogan as it zigzagged to Optimus' other side.

Scrambling across the seats to the passenger window, it rolled down readily for her to poke her head out, and as she did, she was met with the new model black and yellow Camaro that reached and matched their pace as it drove alongside.

It was odd, but the girl instinctively felt something special, and increasingly familiar about that vehicle.

"Optimus... is this?.." Hopeful unsurity queried as she brushed her windswept locks back for a better view.

There was a brief pause, but the way Optimus' seats warmed in reaction was telling enough, along with his tone.

"Dear Venus, meet B-127."

--

The ecstatic pace meant that in almost no time at all, both vehicles had departed from the busier stretch of society and safely within the cover of nearby forest, Optimus popped open his door and allowed Venus, followed by Elton, to bounce out eagerly before he transformed and stood to full height that thankfully was still obscured by the treeline.

The blonde stretched her legs for a moment to ease the stiffness of her muscles as their canine occupied himself sniffing out the new exciting area. Looking over to the Camaro parked across the small clearing from them. She felt unusually reserved, almost nervous to meet the scout. Perhaps it was because she knew how important he was, not just to Optimus.

Though she was taken aback and not entirely sure how to react when as said scout transformed, a human woman slid out of his driver's door and came to stand on the grass.

She wore a dark emerald jacket that Venus had to admit was rather fashionable, and her thick chocolate hair did little to obscure the fresh scratches on her face.

The brunette locked eyes with the parallel blonde. Their equally dumbfounded looks signalling neither were expecting to see a fellow human in such circumstances.

Venus found herself glancing up at Optimus as she stepped forward because it appeared the others weren't going to make the first move, and her look up was as if to ask for approval. He nodded in consent, looking as surprised by the extra human as she was.

Looming over the brunette and by the looks of things only standing to around the height of Optimus' shoulders, Venus actually found B-127 simply adorable! That bright pop of yellow, his littler stature, his baby like face that seemed not so inquisitive... actually more wary.

She pursed her lips as she raised a hand, trying to think of something friendly yet reassuring to start with, which only resulted in the spooked looking scout in seconds jumping back, grabbing his own girl and before Venus knew what was occurring his right arm now harboured a futuristic blaster. Firing up and aimed at the blonde's tiny form.

Her shriek was cut short by Optimus as he in the briskest effort was standing before her in just as quick a move as his comrade, his own body a shield should shots be taken.

The way he spoke then. Venus hadn't heard that kind of darkness or warning come from him before.

"B-127! Stand down!" He practically snarled each syllable with the lingering threat of retaliation. Hand raised in warning, but ready to be deployed as a fist.

The threat had gravity enough to have the armed scout recoil in sheer shock of his leader's demeanor. The way the faint pupils of his eyes shrunk in trepidation. All present fell speechless.

Optimus took note, and while sympathy and guilt pricked his subconscious it was already too swamped with fierce protective instinct, triggered by again the odd but deep rooted sense he still failed to make sense of. Though he saw that his comrade did now seem wary enough not to fire, and so defusing his own aggression to a calmer manner, he stepped back, knelt down slowly to the ground beside his companion who was feeling a little naked without her robotic shield.

The Prime cupped her from behind, looking up to face B-127 with a proud bright flicker in his eyes as he presented her.

"Venus is our friend. She will not harm you, soldier."

The brunette that was currently being clutched up to her robot's chest put her hands to his chin, drawing his attention down to her for a moment. Optimus picked out fragments between the inaudible speech but it seemed reassuring by the way B-127's frame released its tenseness like an exhale.

His friend had clearly been touched by humanity in the same way he had.

--

Now the hostility had been extinguished, answers and catching up could begin.

Charlie - who the scout had been very ecstatic to introduce, had been asked to hang back along with Venus as the two Autobots went off to catch up in private.

It seemed she and B-127, now going quite appropriately the blonde thought by "Bumblebee", were close. Perhaps as close as she and Optimus, whatever they were now...

The two girls sat on a mossy log side by side, both gazing off into the treeline to watch for the return of their respective robots. In the absence of their return, an awkward silence had taken over.

They'd done basic introductions, but now their Autobots weren't there neither were really sure what to say.

The occasional polite smile and glance at the other occurred, Charlie twiddling her thumbs while Venus played with a strand of her hair.

"Your jacket is cool." Charlie finally broke the silence with the most comfortable enthusiasm she could muster, nodding to the faithful crimson leather wrapped around Venus' chest.

"Thanks.. I really like yours too, the colour is gorgeous." Venus replied truthfully as she admired the battered but still beautiful green clothing. The weathering probably explained Charlie's cuts, but she chose not to bring them up.

Then they looked ahead once more, and the silence resumed except from sounds of Elton tumbling around chasing rabbits.

"... I'm sorry, I'm not usually this... socially awkward." Venus laughed lightly after a minute, pushing her hair back with one smooth brush of her hand.

"People aren't really my area." Charlie shrugged back, swinging her legs a little absentmindedly.

"You were good with Bumblebee though, before." Venus hummed in acclaim, the image of said mech towering with his blaster ready to shoot her still a little burned into her memory.

"Bee's sorry about that. Humans and him... not been a great combo so far apart from me, you just spooked him a bit." Came an apology on Bumblebee's behalf to which Venus of course could sympathise. It was one of her main worries concerning Optimus. How cruel people could be towards those they didn't understand.

"What's the deal with you two then?" Charlie added as a twinkle of curiosity glinted in her eyes. Referring of course to Venus and her Prime.

Charlie turned to sit facing Venus now. "I mean he looked ready to rip Bee apart if it meant you'd be okay."

"Optimus and me, we're..." Venus started off that reply strong, turning to face Charlie back, but as it came time to actually state a word, she found herself speechless.

What term could possibly describe their relationship?

"... Friends?" A moment of muddled deliberation resulted in. But it was in no way assured. More like a question posed towards Charlie, and beyond. Were they mere friends still?

"No way. Me and Bee are friends. The best of friends." Charlie shook her head adamantly. "But you two... that's something more."

Something more...

Venus couldn't help but cast her mind back to her last crying fit, when Optimus had comforted her in a way that before all this she wouldn't have thought possible.

She remembered how she felt, pressed, no, cuddled against those warm seats, safe in the haze of affection and trust and...

Yes, she recalled contemplating this as the lull of sleep had taken her.

More than a friend.

Then what exactly were they?

Crunches of steps atop branches and leaves fast approached, drawing Venus from her thoughts and fairly quickly ending the conversation, though in honesty the woman wasn't sure if she even would have known how to answer.

Plush treelines were gently parted, familiar blue eyes lay gaze on Charlie and Venus as Optimus stepped into view, Bumblebee coming close behind and taking his place at his side.

Venus caught sight of Bee staring down at her and it didn't take much to identify the apologetic remorse in his puppy eyes.

In return he received her warmest smile, a look of forgiveness, and a gentle wave up to him. In turn leaving him evidently relieved and a little bashful as he gave a soft wave back.

"We have successfully broadcast the signal for our fellow Autobots to follow and rendezvous here." Optimus was relieved to announce, based on the lightness of his voice and his relaxed stance. However there was a reluctance there too, in the way he spoke. Venus felt it in the way he almost didn't seem to want to look at her. And when he did he seemed almost anguished.

"... Thus our agreement has reached its end, Venus. I indeed vowed to return you home once B-127 was found." He stated, as was their original terms. That they would part ways, that she would go home.

Venus had been so reluctant to go in the beginning. Now the knowing that their time was up was causing a twist in her stomach and a drag in her heart.

Optimus wouldn't let it show, but his spark hung just as heavy and his command processor was going mad in protest with the idea.

"... So soon?" She barely got out, a low broken whisper as her face fell.

That look had Optimus kneeling in moments, the prospect of her unease practically pulling him down like an invisible force. A metallic hand extended, forefinger hovering at her cheek and tracing it like the stroke of a feather.

"Does the prospect of reuniting with your family not please you?" He asked in clarification. From everything that had occurred with Venus' mental state he had assumed the sooner she was back with them the better. That she wouldn't have to worry anymore.

"No, it does..." Trailing off, her hand found its way to his touch, the best she could hold his hand. Of course she missed them. Susan and Jupiter had certainly appeared in her dreams the last few nights.

Then again, feelings just as compelling urged her to refuse.

"It just feels so... sudden."

"I understand." Optimus murmured lightly, touch smoothing back her hair in one slick motion. Since he knew his touch was soothing to her. Truthfully, he had not considered her to be so forlorn concerning their departure.

Perhaps it was a little sudden...

"Then perhaps, you could stay to meet my comrades when they arrive. There is no rush to go, dear one." The Prime suggested with soft, tender exhilaration at the idea. Yes, his Autobots should meet her. After all she was the reason they would all soon be reunited.

But beyond that. Venus would be with him longer. That notion truly gave him solace.

The idea elated her just as much. Her lips parted into a joyous smile, practically bouncing with excitement.

"I'd love that." Her voice was a little husky, but delighted. Warm little hand now resting affectionately on the cheek of Optimus' mask.

Only then Prime noticed he'd drawn her up to his eye level without even knowing. Practically cradling her.

Blinking a couple of times he felt a little embarrassed, since he was in the presence of a comrade. He had to maintain a leader's stature.

"Uhh... sorry to break it up." The other female in their company piped up.

Venus and Optimus both tore their attentions from one another to find Bumblebee, Charlie, and Elton John all staring at them. Bee looked staggered at the sight. Charlie, she was unreadable.

"But what are we gonna do until they show up?" Charlie rightly posed to them. Space travel wasn't a quick thing, the arrival of the Autobots could take some time.

Optimus had not considered that.

Having been on the planet just that bit longer than his leader, Bumblebee's radio crackled to life to vocalize some ideas.

--

As relative locals to the area, it was the turn of Charlie and Bumblebee to become the guides.

Of course there was a multitude of sights to see throughout the city. For evident reasons they could only tour the populated areas in vehicle modes but the quiet little sounds of wonder and appreciation that rumbled through him like the gentle waves lapping at the nearby shores.

Venus watched with her arms resting on the passenger windowsill, just taking it all in with quiet appreciation much like her driver.

Bumblebee was far more vocal and excited, again the air was filled with rapid beeps and honks. Delighted that for once, he was leading the charge down the streets that dropped suddenly into a sharp hill slope.

The first drop Venus shrieked from the unexpected, yanked back from the window by Prime's seatbelt embracing her securely.

Charlie she learned quite quickly was rather fearless. Her whoops as they descended echoed back on the breeze, cheers flying all around and in turn, igniting laughter in Venus too.

Suitably inspired, rolling down Optimus' window once more, leaning out and feeling that glorious coastal air whip through her hair and kiss at her skin.

She raised her hands to the sky, reclined her head, and she cheered. She cheered in joy of the moment as it burst out vocally, in contentment of their positive predicament. For the company she was in.

And she could only cheer louder as Charlie mirrored, Elton howled to join too, Bumblebee honked even louder, and through the soft leather under her, she felt Optimus give the softest of laughs.

Their drive inevitably lead back to the coast. The glorious bay that nestled those immaculate crystal waters.

The two Autobots were drawn to the shore. The girls weren't entirely sure what exactly about it they found alluring.

Charlie took them to an area deserted and cut off enough they shouldn't be seen. After stopping to pick up ice creams to thaw off the beating afternoon sun.

For titans, their steps upon the sand were graceful, gently crunching as it settled beneath them while their gazes remained firmly on that endless, incandescent blue rolling body stretching the horizon for as far as even they could see.

Simply mesmerising. And silencing.

"Is he ever this quiet?" Venus pointed up to the stunningly quiet Bee.

Charlie shook her head with a teasing grin.

Before she could even begin to enjoy the quiet however, the energetic little scout had broken free of captivation and was promptly off splashing in the shallows following their dog's sprint there.

And before they knew it then, Bumblebee had grabbed both girls and dragged them into the surf with him.

That was how the rest of the afternoon rolled on. The warm water being thrown around with jubilation amongst games and silly antics. All except Optimus, who after finding fascination with the local jellyfish that braved the shallows, was far more content watching from the shore. He got quite enough solace just from seeing them happy, perched on a boulder as the sun rolled away beneath the horizon.

Eventually they left the waves, and he got to observe as Venus appeared to teach the others what she'd described as "club dancing". As he watched on, he got to appreciate them.

Charlie and Elton. Wonderful, daring new friends that he looked forward to knowing better.

Bumblebee. A name he was still adjusting too of course, but his friend was still the same brave warrior he was proud to fight aside.

And Venus. His star in human form. To him for all intents and purposes, a goddess. As brightly shining as any sun or star in the sky and as worthy of praise and respect and adoration as any Cybertronian. Or any Prime.

Impossible not to cherish, that's what she was. It had been only a mere Earth week and the thought of her going back to that city, being so far across the vast continent. Not even his advanced sensors would be able to hear her ever so consoling heart beat from that distance.

Without her, Optimus could only imagine the path ahead like a stretch of nighttime. Only this time there would be no star to light his way and walk with him. No guiding star. Just a silent, cold void where even surrounded by his Autobots, he would be alone.

"--Prime!--" The growing familiarity of some random radio clip crackled from Bumblebee's radio, signaling his approach since their footsteps on sand were that stealthy.

"Prime!--" "-Come on in--" "--The water's fine!" Bee urged, bouncing on his heels in the manner of an excitable little child. Frame soaked in salt and bits of seaweed stuck in random spots all over him.

Energy dissipated steadily, bounces ceased to a stand still from him taking in the forlorn look of his old friend. Primes were known for that stern exterior of course. Part of their omnipotent leader self presentation. The mask made it harder to pinpoint emotions on him, but his eyes said it all. The way they were dimmed, the contentment turned to longing, need.

Bee's demeanour changed to be calmer and as serious as he could get.

"--Old friend?--" The radio cutting prompted rather well fitting his concerned nature.

Optimus didn't meet his look. His gaze was firmly fixed in one direction ahead. On her, as she sat down the beach with Charlie and their dog, warming themselves cosily beside a small campfire since the night settling in did little to dry them off.

"I do not want her to go, Bumblebee." His low voice took all his strength to admit openly.

Following that admission, enlightenment bloomed within Optimus' processor.

All those nagging feelings that had plagued him of late. Those strange subroutines, new code and commands he did not recognise. And the heaviness fused with it all, cleared like disbanding fog. Words cutting through as easily as his blades.

Clarity at last. How could he have taken so long to reliaze?

All those protective instincts had flared into existence since being with Venus. Because of her. For her.

He'd grown so fond of Venus that he'd accommodated her in his subroutines. His first thoughts were to ensure her wellbeing both physically and emotionally. The reason he bestowed the compass to her.

She had become a part of his world and him. Beyond just a guide. One he felt unable to let go of.

Voice stronger now, gaining confidence the more he came to terms with the truth.

"... I do not want to lose Venus."

Bumblebee was oddly quiet considering most would think to compose something meaningful to say in response.

Optimus almost regretted saying anything when he caught sight of Bee trotting over to the campfire and crouching to speak with the girls.

NO!

No he couldn't tell her. That wouldn't be fair!

His feelings were not fair. Not when she had others waiting for her.

Venus' gaze held concern, sparkling cyan pouring into his now panicked blue. What had Bumblebee said?!

Bee had Charlie and Venus on his shoulders as he came back over. Primus, he only had eyes for her... makeup swept away by the sea but yet still so beautiful, her hair the most graceful mess of golden waves. She was perfect. She was everything.

"Hey, are you okay?" The words floated from her lips so beautifully, and that tilt of her head that had unruly locks fall over her face.

Staring at her made him almost forget his worries. Scooping her from Bee's shoulder into his own hold, his finger lingered against her face for a moment before clearing that damp hair away to frame her face with a soft rumble.

"I am content, as long as you are."

The warmest pink glow highlighted her cheeks, for a moment nuzzling into that touch without much thought. Apparently the default state whenever they were close now.

Bumblebee found it quite bizarre judging by how he looked between Charlie and them as if to see if she was seeing this sight too.

"Optimus?.." Venus whispered in query.

"Yes, dear one?" Murmurs guided his palm, stroking down her hair as it moved to cup her back. Her jacket was long since stripped off, making it easier to feel her heat.

Lazy blinks were all that obscured that unbreakable gaze of blues, unbroken even when Venus reached into her pocket and brought out the compass. Running a thumb over the engraved insignia.

"This isn't just a present, is it?

Prime had a talent for making his emotions unreadable, and this was one of those times he deployed said ability.

"I know you're dwelling on something, I can tell." Venus mused, standing in his palm, bringing both hands to his mask. Her time to cup his face now. "And this compass, what's it all for? What's going on in your head?"

Optimus was strong, but Venus was strong too. Her will and her compassion could reassure anyone into divulging their troubles. He had confessed to her before.

But how could he confess this? How selfish it would be if he dared ask her to stay.

The gift was perhaps the alternative, though he prayed she would never discover why exactly he bestowed it to her.

But here she was. So close. Her forehead practically resting it against the crest of his head. Then she was, the light of their eyes mingled as one.

"Dear Venus..."

There, just glimmering in the edge of her irises. A flicker of orange that did not belong.

The distant but nearing rumbles was what made them part touch, turning their attentions to the heavens above to see glows falling from the sky.

Fireballs scorching through the pitch and falling as shooting stars. An instantly recognisable sight for the Autobots present as the arrival of their own.

In that moment, Optimus Prime should have had everything.

His comrades, allies, hope of a better life on this new world, and most importantly perhaps, her.

That was why what happened next was something he could not have prepared for.

As assaulting shots were pumped into the sky, colliding with the friendly stars and scattering their destinations far and wide, like burning confetti.

Then came the fight, the fire. The adrenaline of battle.

But the one thing that sent the dread to his processor and paralysing pain to his spark.

She looked so pained in that relentless clawed grip.

And the prospect of losing his dear Venus became all too horribly real.

As she was tossed away, and all he could do was lunge to save her as Venus was locked in a plummeting free fall from the sky.

☆☆☆

Almost 5000 words bloody hell they're getting longer whoops, hope it didn't drag on! Last bit there is teasing the next chapter so it was needed XD

Bonus! Commission I got of Optimus, Venus, and Bumblebee by VirtualMockingbird on Instagram! >>

Cheers to everyone reading in 2020, hope to see you in 2021!