Trama Bonding

Uneasy Beginnings

I'm not going to give excuses, only apologies. I apologize for the lack of updates, and I will try harder this time, lol. Sorry again.

Optimus POV

The rations helped immensely with easing most of the team. A few still voiced their concerns, and for that, I do not fault them. They have endured much strife and heartbreak because of this war and from the Decepticons, so their lack of trust is justified. I watched as the team and the children mused over the news of the war, and I overheard a conversation between Arcee, Smokescreen, and Bumblebee.

"I still don't trust those Cons." Arcee stated with passion.

"I agree, how can they just change like that, and without punishment for their crimes?" Smokescreen vented.

"I think we should just wait and see." Bee offered softly. "You two weren't there at the negotiations; Megatron has changed."

"Once a Con, always a Con." Arcee stated with a solemn tone to her voice.

"Yeah, and how do we know this isn't some trick laid out by the Cons?" Smokescreen voiced.

"While it is true the Decepticons have committed many crimes during this war and have used many forms of trickery and lies, they have sworn to change their ways and are willing to contribute to rebuilding Cybertron. Already, they have taken the first steps in bridging the gap that has long divided Cybertronians by giving us some of their energon as an symbol of peace."

All conversations ceased as I spoke, commanding the attention of my team. I spoke firmly to express that this is real, but not so harshly as to seem I was not allowing them to have opinions. They must retain the right to their ideas but also understand the current situation.

"Optimus, how can you be sure? You battled Megatron for centuries, bots don't change like that." Bulkhead voiced.

I took a moment and then said, "I have. Megatron and I have a deep rivalry that existed before the war started. However, because of this rivalry, I am certain that this change, and by extent, this truce, is permanent and not a trick laid out by the Decepticons."

I understand that they do not know Megatron as well as I do, but that soft look in his optics is one I have not seen in quite some time. It fills me with excitement at the thought of rebuilding what we once had—rebuilding a bond with a bot that I hold so dear to my spark, one that I thought would be lost forever, perpetually out of reach. However, he has never felt so close as he does now, and the implications of our rekindling fill me with happiness and anticipation for the new world we can build together.

Arcee let out an exasperated sigh and said, "Optimus, Cons don't change, they have slaughtered hundreds of us. I will never trust them as long as they exist; we should take this opportunity to catch them off guard and condemn them for their crimes."

Most of the team seemed taken aback by her words, but a few nodded in agreement.

I said, "While it is true the Cons have caused much strife, so have we. This war was not one-sided; I know we have also overstepped boundaries and slaughtered many of them. We must realise there is no 'us' anymore. We are all Cybertronians, one race of beings. Before, it was survival, and now, we must work on reintegrating into a single society again, until all are one."

They paused, all contemplating what I said. I waited just a moment, then continued, "I know this war has been brutal, and it has taken so much from each of us. I have led the Autobots for Millennia, and I know there will never be a better opportunity for peace, just as I know how heavy the toll of this war was. I do not demand your immediate trust in the Decepticons; however, as your leader, I ask that you trust me to keep your best interests in mind as we work to rebuild Cybertron. It will take contributions from all of us, Autobots and Decepticons, to recreate what was lost. I understand rebuilding trust between our factions will take time, but I believe we can join together for a peaceful, united future."

My words hung heavy in the air as bots processed all I said. Each seemed to agree with my statements. However, I could tell the more stubborn ones would need more time. They began to mingle again, though their conversations were less hateful and more hopeful for the promised future. A ping on my private line drew my attention away from my team as I read a message from Megatron.

'Hope this finds you well, care for a meeting?' with a set of attached coordinates. I contemplated and replied, 'I would; I will be there shortly.'

I input the coordinates into the ground bridge and announced my leave. As I strode through the bridge, my spark beat with anticipation of meeting Megatron again, though it did not beat out of fear but joy. I almost faltered but ultimately embraced the new feeling spreading through my being.

The cool air of a forest at night drew me out of my thoughts, and the ground bridge closed behind me. I waited only a moment, taking in the sight of the lush forest, before I heard the familiar rumble of a jet engine. Megatron transformed in the air and landed before me; he rose, smiling slightly, and approached. I let him, and as he drew closer, my spark beat quickened. He halted a few feet away, though close enough I could feel the energy coming from his being.

We stood for a while, just taking in each other's presence, with the only sound being the quiet rhythm of my spark. He slowly looked me up and down before stating,

"My, my, so tense, Optimus, do you honestly think so little of me?" He spoke sarcastically, but his tone was so soft it caused a chill to run up my back strut.

I chuckled lowly and exhaled, relieving my body's tension, "Apologies, it seems millennia of fighting has caused me to react unconsciously."

His smile widened a little, and he chuckled lowly. "Then it is well we begin to relax, old friend."

His optics locked with mine, and my spark all but stopped. I have not heard him call me that in a very long time. Suddenly a wave of nostalgia washed over me, and I almost shook at its strength. He then turned and walked away, but not before motioning me to follow.

We walked through the forest in silence as I contemplated why I allowed myself to be so trusting of this bot, to the point that even a simple gesture could cause me to forget the many millennia of strife he had put me through. However, when I gaze at his figure accentuated by the moonlight, my concerns fade into the background as I admire this bot for his great strength and beauty.

He glances back at me and our optics lock. Such beautiful optics that reflect his beautiful, deep spark. Often I forget he was a poet before the war, but looking into his optics reminds me he is much more than meets the eye. I remove my gaze from him to focus on walking through the thick forest; He continues to lead until we come to a lake. The moonlight reflects on the water and dances across the surface. As my optics take in the majesty of the lake, a somewhat foreign feeling falls on my spark, the same as when we talked on the cliff. I searched to find what it was and realized it was peace.

I felt at peace.

However, I recognized it was not the glorious forest or scenery but Megatron himself. I felt at ease with him, and in his presence, he captivated me entirely. Even though I was slightly startled at this revelation, I chose to let this feeling bloom unchecked, as it was the first time I had felt peace in many Millennia.