31/10/24
1k words

(Y/n) knew something was up when she answered her phone. She could tell something was wrong, really wrong. The leader of the Autobot group that took up shelter within Detroit, couldn't speak. Or rather, he wouldn't. It's not a prank call, (Y/n) could tell. Though the slight whimpering sound from the other side was still upsetting. At first she was annoyed that he called her so early, around 3am to be specific. But couldn't be, once she heard his barely say her name. Through the human was ungodly tired, she knew better than to throw her unhappiness at a vulnerable bot. Especially at a friend who was calling her specifically for help. Help (Y/n) would gladly give Optimus.

"Hey big guy, did something happen?" (Y/n) tiredly, yet softly asked with a yawn. She'd fixed her covers up best she could and settled back into her warm bed, awaiting his response. Optimus didn't answer and this bothered (Y/n). She brought up her free hand to cover another yawn and spoke more gently. "There's no rush Optimus. If you'd rather not say yet, then don't. Just know that you can always come to me if needed."

Though Optimus still didn't say anything, his quiet whimpers were just barely audible now. It was minuscule, but noticeable to her. With no knowledge on what happened with the bot yesterday, it didn't mean he had to explain it right then. (Y/n) thought for a while, lightly sighing and deciding to get out of bed. Her carpeted bedroom was chilly, making it's human inhabitant shiver. Though living in a city like Detroit, it never got super cold, only when winter was about. Her socks created further warmth as (Y/n) carefully navigated a way though her darkened bedroom towards her rectangular-looking cushioned windowsill. The woman awaited the mech's response still, picking up and unfolding a spare blanket to get cozy on her windowsill balcony.

"If words are too challenging, you could always just come over for a snuggle. Sometimes... when I feel lonely, I hug and cuddle what I care most about. I don't have a lover or anything, but my favorite plush usually does the trick." Now covered in a light stream of moonlight, they attempted to comfort the young bot by inviting them into her apartment. Though it sounded stupid to do so, the (h/c) human did recall Optimus having a human form of sorts. Full of sensitive feeling and all, just like one's real body. Perhaps feeling warmth beside him and within reach could ease his spark. Even if for a moment.

"I... that's kind of you..." Optimus finally replied. Though still gravely upset over something, his human friend knew better than to push it. Especially at this time of night. It was as if she knew he was exhausted. (Y/n) yawned into her shoulder this time, smiling tiredly into said appendage.

"I mean it. I used to do that with my dad. It was the only way I could sleep as a kid when I got a nightmare." She explained, pulling close the warm blanket that covered her person. "I figured that, well, if it's that bad-"

"I don't want to talk about right now."

"-Then you can tell me in the morning. I just want to make sure you're alright. Physically, mentally, Emotionally too." (Y/n) looked about then down at the city streets, the ones she could see from there anyway. It was now obvious that Prime just needed someone, whether it be over the phone or in the same room. But for Optimus, it would be healthier for him to stay with her overnight. No need to call if they were side by side.

"Won't I bother you?" The young Prime's words sounded slightly more awake, yet remained undecided.

The woman chuckled. No matter the state he was in, it was always her comfort and feelings that he'd cared about most. Even if he was the one that needed that attention more. She liked that about him, always concerned about what other have to say.

"Optimus. Some humans do this for the people they care and/or love." (Y/n) responded, closing her eyes to breathe out a sigh. Work had her all day yesterday and it was starting to get to her now. Even with sleep barely being held back with her yawns, she had someone far more important right now. "Having someone beside you does help with sleep. I was lightly joking about us cuddling, but if it helps, you can hug me close. My bed is rather big, so distance can be made if you're uncomfortable."

Because of the silence received from his side, (Y/n) wasn't sure if her fav'd mech had fallen into recharge. But then again, from the sound of his voice, he was more awake. A reaction made by her offer. It was a sweet gesture for a human to make. Let alone made to a bot like him. (Y/n) didn't doubt the possibility that he also might glitched. Was only another possibility.

"Don't you have work?"

"Don't worry Optimus, I have the day off. I'll most likely be out like a light once we're both in bed anyway." (Y/n) was grinning a bit now. The idea that Optimus may get some proper sleep was a nice thought. Even better, he'll get to be more close with her, as he had wished previously. They met each a few weeks or so after Sari took to them. The woman had actually helped Optimus personally. A new group of kids wanted Firetruck rides. They just wouldn't leave the poor bot be.

Although they weren't able to properly spend time together, they did accumulate some here and there. Despite this however, (Y/n) knew the alien wouldn't harm her. She wouldn't have offered this if they didn't trust him with such vulnerability so early on. And luckily he seemed to understand this.

"I might take you up on that, (Y/n)" Finally, the bot responded. It sounding more decided now.

"Please drive carefully, I don't want you falling into recharge on the road."

"I'll be careful, I promise."