TF: Aftermath
Rating: PG
Series: G1
Pairings: Optimus Prime/Prowl
Summary: Prowl stops by to see Prime after the battle.
Warnings: None
Disclaimer: As per usual, the good things in life are not mine to have, but belong to someone else... in this case Hasbro, Takara and IDW and anyone else I’ve forgotten…
Authors Notes: For the tf_speedwriting Wednesday 23rd February prompt - Aftermath of a defeat
Feedback makes friends. Flames dealt with by the masters of paranoia and fire, Red Alert and Inferno.
Prompt: 1
Time: 28 minutes. Still need to learn how to use the whole two hours…
“Optimus…” Prowl lingered almost uncertainly at Optimus Prime’s office door.
“Come in.” The Autobot leader wearily waved Prowl in. Prowl stepped through the door, keying it shut and locking it. Prime looked up at the unexpected movement.
“What?”
“You need some time off. While I appreciate your open door policy, now is not the time.”
“Prowl…” Optimus’ voice took on a warning tone.
“You’re blaming yourself.” Prowl murmured as he sat down in a chair opposite the desk.
“And why shouldn’t I? I’m their leader. I led them into a massacre.”
“It wasn’t a massacre.” Prowl pointed out. “We lost four mechs. Far less than it could have been had it not been for you.”
“But it’s still four mechs too many.” Optimus sighed heavily, before leaning back in his chair, optics flickering offline. “I remember the name of every mech who has deactivated under my command.”
“And do you think I don’t?” Prowl countered. “While they might be under your command, it is my battle plans they are following.” There was a flicker of emotion from the usually stoic tactician.
“Prowl…”
“Optimus…”
“We both need to stop blaming ourselves, don’t we?”
“We do. Tomorrow is another day, as Jazz would say. Another day with new battles to be fought.”
“True. But while we still have tonight, would you care to join me for a drink?”
“In memory of those who fell today?” Prime’s slight nod was all Prowl needed to know that his presumption was true. He stood up, waiting for Prime to do the same, knowing that they would retire to Prime’s quarters. It was the same after every battle.
“Never forget that we follow you willingly, Optimus.” Prowl murmured as his leader stepped around the desk. “We will fight for you until the death because we believe in you.”