#big bots

And then suddenly you’re attached.

Which is pretty much how Bumblebee ends up collecting friends because Bumblebee makes people feel wanted.

He celebrates others. He’s interested in them. Excited by them. Happy they’re around.

So his romance tends to feel less like being swept off your feet and more like waking up one day and realizing someone has been making your life brighter for months.

Then you look over and Bumblebee is smiling at you.

Completely unaware that he’s the reason.

Before He Realizes

He’s your friend.

Congratulations.

That’s the problem.

Because Bumblebee treats everyone warmly, so it takes him forever to realize there’s a difference between:

“I like spending time with them.”

and

“Oh no.”

“Oh no, I REALLY like spending time with them.”

The realization usually sneaks up on him.

Maybe someone assumes you’re dating.

Maybe they flirt with you.

Maybe you get hurt and his reaction is a little too strong.

Whatever it is, there comes a moment where Bee’s processor catches up.

And then?

Panic.

Enthusiasm

Bumblebee has absolutely zero interest in looking cool.

If he’s excited, you’re going to know he’s excited.

If he likes you, suddenly he’s showing up everywhere.

Not in a creepy way.

In a golden retriever way.

You mention liking a particular Earth movie? Now he’s found seven similar ones.

You say you’re bored? He’s already planned something.

You mention a hobby? He’s learning about it.

Not because he’s trying to impress you.

Because your interests have become interesting to him.

Gifts. So Many Gifts.

Bee is absolutely a gift giver.

Not expensive gifts.

Thoughtful gifts. Tiny things. Things that made him think of you.

A cool rock. A song. A weird Earth trinket.

Something he repaired because he remembered you needed it.

Half the time he hands it over like it’s no big deal.

Meanwhile everyone else is watching him basically perform courtship rituals.

Physical Affection

Bumblebee is one of the most physically affectionate Autobots.

Not necessarily romantic at first.

He’s just naturally touch oriented.

Shoulder bumps. Playful nudges. Leaning against people. Throwing an arm around someone’s shoulders.

The problem starts when he develops feelings because suddenly he’s aware of every single touch.

Now he’s overthinking.

Did that mean something?

Should he move?

Should he not move?

Why is his spark doing that weird thing?

He’s suffering.

Compliments

Bee gives compliments constantly. Even when he’s mute. He will mime them.

The difference is that when he likes someone, they become much more personal.

Instead of him just merely telling you that you did a good job you get:

“You always know how to calm people down.”

“I like listening to you talk.”

“You make bad days easier.”

Which is somehow much worse.

Because Bumblebee has a habit of accidentally saying things that go straight for the emotional weak point.

Then he’ll just stare at you innocently while you try to recover.

If He Lost His Voice

A mute Bumblebee tends to become incredibly creative with communication.

Using his radio. Using gestures. Using little touches. Using expressions.

And when he likes someone, all that attention focuses on them.

Songs become messages.

Certain frequencies become inside jokes.

He starts communicating with you in ways nobody else understands.

Not because he’s excluding everyone.

Because over time they’ve developed their own language. Their own rhythm.

Jealousy

Bee is terrible at jealousy. Not because he’s possessive. Because he’s obvious.

If someone else starts monopolizing your attention, Bee gets pouty.

Not intentionally.

He just suddenly appears.

Again.

And again.

And again.

Like a particularly determined yellow bug.

The Autobots can see what’s happening immediately.

Bee cannot.

Ratchet: “You’re jealous.”

Bumblebee: “I’m not jealous.”

Ratchet: “You’ve interrupted their conversation six times.”

Bumblebee: “I had important things to say.”

Ratchet: “Did you?”

Bumblebee: “No.”

Falling In Love

This is where he becomes unfairly adorable because Bee’s love isn’t grand or dramatic.

It’s consistent. Reliable. Present.

He’s the mech who remembers anniversaries.

Remembers your favorite music.

Checks if you got back safely.

Not because he’s trying to earn points but because he genuinely cares.

His affection shows up in a thousand tiny places.

The Way He Looks You

Bumblebee is expressive. Painfully expressive.

His face gives him away constantly.

When he loves someone, he looks happy just seeing them.

Like their existence improved his day.

Like finding them in a crowd was the thing he’d been hoping for.

It’s the kind of look that’s impossible to fake.

And because Bee is usually so genuine, it hits harder.

SOUNDWAVE

Soundwave’s affection is concentrated. Deliberate. Measured.

You could know Soundwave for years and never be completely sure what he’s thinking.

Then one day you realize he’s been caring about you all along. And somehow that realization hits harder than a hundred grand gestures.

Soundwave Notices Everything

He observes. Collects information. Remembers details.

Most people don’t realize how much attention he’s paying.

You mention something once and forget about it.

Three months later Soundwave references it. Not because he was trying to impress you.

Because he remembers. Everything.

The scary thing is that this doesn’t change when he develops feelings.

The only difference is that his attention starts lingering.

You become one of the things he monitors very carefully.

Not out of paranoia.

Out of concern.

Realization

He’s analytical. His realization probably happens in stages.

He notices he prefers your company.

Then notices he seeks it out.

Then notices your absence affects his mood.

Then arrives at the logical conclusion.

“Attachment confirmed.”

And that’s it.

No screaming.

No denial.

No dramatic internal crisis.

Just a quiet realization.

The crisis comes later when he has to decide what to do about it.

His Flirting Is Almost Invisible

This is what makes Soundwave so dangerous.

Most people won’t recognize it as flirting.

At first.

Because Soundwave’s version of affection looks like attention.

You need information? He already has it.

Need assistance? The problem is solved before you ask.

You mention you’re looking for something? He sends coordinates.

Mention you’re tired? A recharge station mysteriously becomes available.

Everything is subtle.

Efficient. Thoughtful.

Nobody else gets this treatment.

One day it clicks.

Soundwave isn’t helpful to everyone.

He’s helpful to you.

Acts of Service

If Soundwave loves someone, he demonstrates it through action.

Your equipment is maintained.

Your schedule is optimized.

Potential threats have been identified.

Problems disappear before reaching you.

He isn’t showing off.

He’s taking care of things.

The way he always has.

Compliments

Rare. Extremely rare. Which makes them devastating.

Most mechs hand out praise casually.

Soundwave does not.

If he says: “Competent.”

You know he means it.

If he says: “Exceptional.”

You may never emotionally recover.

Because Soundwave doesn’t waste words.

Every compliment carries weight.

Especially when directed at someone important to him.

Physical Affection

Soundwave strikes me as someone who isn’t naturally touchy. Not because he dislikes touch but because he values it.

Which means physical affection becomes meaningful.

A hand resting briefly against yours. A shoulder touch. Standing close enough to brush armor.

Tiny things.

But every one of them is intentional. Nothing is accidental. And because nothing is accidental, every gesture feels important.

Jealousy

Now this is an interesting concept because Soundwave isn’t obvious. At all.

You may not even realize he’s jealous until much later.

Instead of sulking or confronting someone, he gathers information.

Observes. Evaluates. Determines intentions.

The one receiving your attention suddenly discovers Soundwave has become very interested in them. Which is very concerning.

The Cassettes Know Immediately

This is my favorite thing to imagine.

Soundwave can hide his feelings from everyone else but he cannot hide them from his cassettes.

Not a chance.

Especially not: Ravage or Laserbeak

Those two know everything.

The moment Soundwave starts developing feelings, they notice.

And suddenly you’re being watched.

Not maliciously. Just curiously.

Because if Soundwave cares about you, then they need to know who you are.

When Soundwave Loves

This is where he becomes unexpectedly soft.

Not outwardly. Not dramatically. But in private.

The greatest sign of Soundwave’s affection is access.

He lets you closer. Closer to his thoughts. Closer to his space. Closer to the parts of himself almost nobody sees.

For a mech as private as Soundwave, that is enormous.

Trust is intimacy.

Information is intimacy.

Presence is intimacy.

Dangerous (Jk)

Most people assume Megatron would be the most loyal partner among the Decepticons. I actually think Soundwave gives him competition.

Because once Soundwave decides someone matters, that decision is incredibly difficult to change.

His loyalty is legendary. It’s one of the defining aspects of his character.

The same unwavering devotion he gives causes and leaders?

Imagine that focused on a single person.

He isn’t passionate in the way Megatron is.

He isn’t expressive in the way Bumblebee is.

He isn’t dramatic in the way Starscream is.

He’s constant.

The kind of presence that remains.

The kind that quietly supports.

The kind that remembers.

And perhaps the most romantic thing about Soundwave is this, most people spend their lives wanting to be understood and Soundwave is one of the few Cybertronians who could truly understand someone.

He notices the things others miss.

The habits.

The tells.

The fears hidden behind jokes.

The exhaustion hidden behind smiles.

So when Soundwave falls in love, it can feel less like someone discovering you and more like someone has been seeing you all along.

And chose to stay.

They’d immediately answer: “He’s lying.”

Because Ratchet doesn’t love loudly.

He loves practically.

Once you realize that, he becomes absolutely devastating in the romantic sense.

The Grump

He’s the mech patching everyone up while complaining about how they got hurt in the first place.

He’s the one muttering about idiots while staying awake for three cycles to save them.

He’s seen too much. Lost too much.

And because of that, he doesn’t open up easily.

Realization

Ratchet’s first reaction? Denial.

Absolutely denial.

Ratchet: “I’m concerned because they’re reckless.”

Bumblebee: “You checked on them six times.”

Ratchet: “Because they ignore medical advice.”

He’s furious about it.

Not because of you but because attachment means vulnerability. Vulnerability means pain.

Ratchet knows exactly what it feels like to lose friends to war. So he tries to convince himself that this is just a professional concern. That this isn’t personal.

Flirting Is Complaining

I’m not kidding.

Ratchet’s early affection sounds like he’s constantly scolding you.

“You’re limping.”

“I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not.”

“You noticed?”

“Of course I noticed. Now sit down before I make you sit down.”

Or

“Have you eaten?”

“Not yet.”

“Unbelievable.”

“Were you asking because you care?”

“I was asking because low energon makes you stupid.”

“…”

“…Eat.”

Good news though! If Ratchet is fussing over you, you’re already halfway there.

Acts of Service

This is Ratchet’s love language. No notes!

He remembers your medications.

Adjusts recharge schedules.

Keeps spare supplies specifically for you.

Fixes things before they break.

Stays up late researching solutions to problems you casually mentioned.

He’ll never frame it romantically.

Because to him? Taking care of others is what you do when they matter.

Compliments

Rare. Extremely rare.

Which makes them hit like a truck.

Most of his praise comes disguised as criticism.

“You handled that better than I expected.”

“Was that a compliment?”

“Don’t let it go to your head.”

Then one day he’ll mention that he’s proud of you with a completely serious tone. Suddenly you’re trying not to cry.

Because Ratchet doesn’t hand out empty words.

Physical Affection

Ratchet is comfortable with practical touch.

Medical examinations. Checking injuries. Adjusting armor. He doesn’t think twice about those. He’s a medic after all.

Romantic touch? Different story.

He freezes. Overthinks.

Becomes painfully aware of it.

The first time you hug him? He goes rigid.

Then very carefully hugs you back.

And after that? He starts seeking it out.

Quietly.

A hand resting on your shoulder.

Leaning against you when he’s exhausted.

Pressing his forehead to yours after a difficult day.

Private moments that are just for you two. Never for an audience.

Jealousy

Ratchet isn’t dramatic.

He won’t challenge rivals.

He won’t sulk.

But he does become….prickly.

Someone offers to help you with something and then Ratchet is staring at them like a human middle school teacher like, “Can you?”

He’ll make it obvious he has zero faith in them.

However he’s not possessive. He’s just protective.

He just trusts very few mechs to take proper care of someone he loves.

Including that someone. Especially if that someone is reckless.

Arguments

Let’s be honest, Ratchet does have a temper.

He gets frustrated. Snaps when exhausted. Says things more sharply than intended.

He always regrets it.

He comes back. He apologizes.

Awkwardly but sincerely.

Because he hates hurting people he cares about.

He knows words can leave scars.

And he’s spent his life trying to heal scars.

Not create them.

The Caregiver Problem

Ratchet is so used to being the one everyone leans on that he forgets he deserves care too.

He’ll run himself into the ground. Ignore his own injuries. Dismiss his own grief.

Because other people need him more.

So the first time you say:

“Sit down.”

“What?”

“You’re exhausted.”

“I’m fine.”

“Ratchet.”

“…”

“Let me take care of you this time.”

He doesn’t know what to do with that.

Falling in Love

He doesn’t become sweeter overnight.

He’s still grumpy. Still sarcastic. Still muttering about everyone’s incompetence.

But now:

He saves the last energon treat for you.

He remembers stories you told him months ago.

He checks that you got back safely.

He makes room beside him during recharge.

He lets you see when he’s tired.

When he’s scared.

When the weight of the years he’s lived catch up with him.

Because trust, for Ratchet, is as intimate as touch.

Why Fall for Ratchet

Because beneath all the grumbling is extraordinary tenderness.

Ratchet makes you feel cared for. Not in a grand, sweeping way. In the small ways that sustain a life.

He notices when your hands shake.

Remembers how you like your energon.

Scolds you for skipping maintenance.

Waits up until you’re home.

Acts like it’s all a terrible inconvenience.

Ratchet has spent so much of his life putting everyone else back together. So when he loves someone, it’s not because he thinks they need fixing.

It’s because, somewhere along the way, they became one of the few people who remind him that he doesn’t have to carry everything alone.

And if you catch him half asleep in the medbay, leaning into your touch while grumbling,

“Don’t make a habit of spoiling me.”

What he really means is:

“Please don’t stop.”

Because this old medic has been taking care of everyone for so long that being loved back feels like the greatest relief of all.

SHOCKWAVE

Shockwave is one of my favorite Decepticons to analyze romantically because realistically the answer should be that he doesn’t flirt, he can not love.

End of discussion.

Except, I will argue that’s actually not true.

Because the question isn’t whether Shockwave is capable of attachment.

It’s what attachment looks like when filtered through a mech who has devoted himself to logic above all else. And the answer is somehow both deeply unsettling and weirdly romantic.

Emotions Are Inefficient

Shockwave tends to embody:

Extreme rationality

Emotional restraint

Patience

Precision

Pragmatism

Intimidating competence

A willingness to make difficult choices without sentiment interfering.

He does not waste energy. He does not indulge impulses. He certainly does not daydream about romance.

Feelings to him complicate decision making.

Therefore: Feelings are inefficient.

Case closed. Right?

The Problem

The issue is that emotions don’t actually care about whether they’re logical.

Shockwave can analyze them.

Categorize them.

Attempt to suppress them.

However attachment isn’t something he can simply decide not to experience.

At first, it manifests as anomalies.

He notices you more often.

He allocates more processing power to your wellbeing.

Your absence causes a measurable decrease in efficiency.

He attempts to identify the cause.

His conclusion?

“Unacceptable.”

Internal Analysis

Observation: Subject’s safety has become a recurring concern.

Observation: Subject’s approval influences decision satisfaction.

Observation: Continued proximity is preferred.

Conclusion: Data contamination.

Secondary Conclusion: Reevaluate.

Final Conclusion:

“Concerning.”

He hates it.

Not because you’re unpleasant but mainly because he cannot file you neatly away anymore.

Problem Solving Is Flirting

Shockwave doesn’t know how to flirt.

Traditional courtship rituals are inefficient to him.

So his affection comes out sideways.

You mention a problem. The problem is now solved.

You need access to information. The information appears.

You lack proper equipment. An upgrade materializes.

He never frames these things romantically.

From his perspective: “The optimal outcome was achieved.”

Everyone else is staring at him in horror because Shockwave voluntarily invested resources in another mech.

Compliments

Prepare yourself.

Shockwave complimenting you? You may never recover. This is coming from a mech that even Megatron has concerns about.

Compliments are clinical. Precise. Horrifyingly sincere.

“Your judgment is consistently reliable.”

“You adapt to unforeseen variables effectively.”

“Your presence improves mission outcomes.”

And then one day: “I value your perspective.”

Excuse me, do you understand how monumental that is?

Shockwave doesn’t assign value carelessly.

If he values your opinion, he has already placed extraordinary trust in you.

Physical Affection

Shockwave is not naturally tactile.

Touch has purpose.

Function. Meaning.

He won’t casually lean against you. He won’t instinctively reach for your hand.

At least, not initially.

He’ll hesitate.

Analyze. Observe your reactions.

But if a relationship develops?

Every touch becomes deliberate.

A hand resting against yours while reviewing data.

Adjusting damaged armor with meticulous care.

Standing close enough to reassure without comment.

The intimacy isn’t frequency. It’s intentionality.

Jealousy

Shockwave doesn’t perform jealousy in recognizable ways.

He won’t scowl. He won’t interrupt. He won’t become possessive.

Instead….he gathers information.

Should they be concerned he wants to review every mission they’ve ever been a part of? Yes. Yes, they should be.

The terrifying part?

Shockwave doesn’t even identify it as jealousy at first. He simply believes he’s conducting an objective assessment.

He is not.

Whoever is flirting with you is going to become one of his data points.

Vulnerability

This is perhaps the rarest thing Shockwave can offer.

Being logical is his armor. It protects him. Provides certainty. Control.

To lower that armor? Even slightly?

Requires enormous trust.

He won’t suddenly become emotionally expressive.

He won’t pour out his spark.

Instead, vulnerability appears in fragments.

He asks for your opinion.

He admits uncertainty.

He confesses limitations.

Very quietly.

Very carefully.

“I do not possess sufficient data.”

For Shockwave, that sentence is almost intimate.

The Confession

Oh. Oh, this poor mech.

Because by the time Shockwave acknowledges romantic attachment….he’s already lost.

He’s run the calculations. Reviewed the evidence. Tested alternative explanations.

None hold up.

Eventually, he approaches you with complete seriousness.

No theatrics. No hesitation.

Simply:

“I have reached a conclusion.”

“Okay?”

“Your continued presence has become preferable.”

“…”

“I believe the organic equivalent is referred to as affection.”

“Shockwave, are you trying to tell me you love me?”

Long pause.

“.…Affirmative.”

And somehow that robotic little confirmation is devastating. As you know exactly how much thought it took for him to say it.

When Shockwave Loves

He doesn’t become softer.

Not externally.

He’s still logical. Still pragmatic. Still frighteningly intelligent.

But he starts accounting for you in everything.

Your preferences.

Your safety.

Your future.

He creates contingencies.

Backup plans.

Protections.

He prepares.

Because love, to Shockwave, isn’t an emotion that sweeps him away.

It’s a commitment.

A variable he chooses to preserve.

Why Fall for Shockwave

Because beneath the logic lies extraordinary consistency.

Shockwave makes you feel important.

Not in a grand, dramatic sense.

But in the quiet realization that one of the most rational beings in the galaxy examined every possible outcome….

Considered the inefficiencies.

Calculated the risks.

Acknowledged the vulnerabilities.

And still arrived at the same conclusion.

You are worth it.

He could have dismissed the anomaly. He could have ignored the data.

Instead, he rewrote his understanding of himself to accommodate a truth he never expected to encounter.

And perhaps that’s the most romantic thing about Shockwave. For a mech who believes logic governs all things, loving someone isn’t losing a battle against emotion.

It’s looking directly at the evidence and deciding that, against all probability and inconvenience, keeping you by his side remains the most logical choice of all.

It’s warm inside and has a steady hum that is always audible from his spark chamber.

His movements are slow but powerful, with very little sudden motion.

For a smaller bot (you), this feels like being inside a bunker with a heartbeat. It’s quiet. Stable. Predictable.

Why you’d Choose It

This is a nervous system safety response. You’re not hiding from him. You’re hiding within him.

You may instinctively seek him out because being so close reduces sensory input and provides physical shielding on all sides. A steady vibration from his spark to regulate would be perfect for your own overloaded systems.

It’s the mechanical equivalent of a weighted blanket.

How Optimus Reacts

The moment he realizes you’re inside his chest plating:

He. Freezes.

Not in alarm but every movement is now executed with extreme care. His voice would drop to a softer tone than usual.

“You are safe. I will move slowly.”

He becomes hyper-aware of:

-His speed

-External threats

-Sudden impacts

He doesn’t comment on it unless you do. He treats it as a trust he must honor, not something strange.

Emotional Meaning

This is pure trust and vulnerability.

You're placing yourself near his spark. The very thing that makes up who he is as a bot. Not only that but you’re now within his most protected systems. His emotional core.

That’s saying: “I trust you beyond my own understanding.”

It’s so intimate in a such deep emotional way that is even bypasses the physical aspect of it.

If it’s Playful

This is a bold move. Adorable but bold.

You’d have to wait until he’s distracted. He could be talking strategy and then you strike.

Darting up his farm work, grabbing certain seams for leverage as you haul yourself up the large bit. Then all you have to do is pop open a cash access panel you probably learned about from Ratchet and slip in like you live there.

From the outside, Optimus has paused mid-sentence. Subtle but noticeably still to anyone he happen to be speaking to.

“…One moment.” Is the only excuse he can calmly utter because now there is a small and very naughty bot tucked near his spark housing like they just claimed premium seating.

His reaction

He doesn’t fluster. There is also no scolding. Just a quiet exhale of fond resignation.

“I assume this is recreational and not tactical.” He’ll offer as an acknowledgment to you and your current chosen position.

He adjusts his stance automatically to be more stable. Then the conversation resumes like this is just a part of his life now.

Silence.

Absolute silence.

Because every Autobot present understands exactly where you are . And exactly what that space means.

The collective emotional damage inflicted upon every witness is immediate.

Emotional Meaning

This is HUGE.

You jokingly invaded the most sacred physical space a Cybertronian has. And he just lets you. Acceptance is warmth. Safety. Chosen closeness.

And for a Cybertronian, especially one carrying the Matrix, that’s almost overwhelming in its significance.

Because Optimus doesn’t give trust lightly.He gives it deliberately. Thoughtfully. Completely.

So when you crawl into his chest compartment to escape a storm?

He lets you.

When you curl up inside during long journeys?

He lets you.

When you absentmindedly fall asleep there?

He lets you.

Not because he doesn’t understand. Because he does. And because every time you do it, you demonstrate something important:

That you trust him completely.

Without hesitation. Without fear. Without ulterior motives.

And Optimus finds that difficult not to treasure.

STARSCREAM

What His Frame Feels Like

Starscream is built for speed and flight, so his frame provides a very narrower chest cavity. His internal spacing is a lot tighter. Higher frequency systems are always humming. He is making constant micro-adjustments for his balance and posture.

Inside his frame feels like: Being inside a fighter jet mid-idle.

More vibration. More tension. Less stillness.

Why you’d Choose It

This isn’t about calm. This is about Shared hypervigilance.

You’re not seeking stillness, you’re seeking proximity to someone whose systems are always primed and ready.

It’s the instinct of, “Stay close to the other creature that startles at the same sounds.”

It’s solidarity and that is strangely soothing.

How Starscream Reacts

OUTWARDLY?

“Excuse me?! My internal structure is not a public shelter!”

Complaining. Indignant. Dramatic.

But he does not shake you out. He does not forcibly remove you.

Instead he’ll start moving with exaggerated care while also pretending he isn’t. He’ll even angle his wings slightly to shield his front. Not that totally not being tender will stop him from running threat scans.

He’d never admit it but he becomes more alert when you’re in there.

Emotional Meaning

It’s not soft at first. It’s more like two nervous systems that never learned how to power down choosing to guard each other in close quarters.

For an average Cybertronian, access to the chest compartment near the spark is deeply personal.

For Starscream? It’s even worse.

Because Starscream isn’t naturally trusting. He’s paranoid. Defensive. Protective of every weakness. Constantly watching for betrayal. Constantly expecting someone to exploit vulnerability.

His life has taught him that giving people access to your weak points is dangerous. Sometimes fatal.

Which means you don't just gain access to his spark chamber. You gain access to the place he protects fiercely.

The place almost nobody sees.

If it’s playful

Oh it’s CHAOS.

You time it when he’s mid-rant or posturing.

You have to be super quick, climb, panel shift, gone.

Starscream freezes like his processor just blue-screened.

“EXCUSE ME?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THERE?!”

But he does not immediately eject you. Surprisingly after the first outburst he actually lowers his voice.

“You cannot simply occupy another being’s internal structure without warning!”

Meanwhile you can just ignore his scolding while in there like: “Warm. Loud. Acceptable.”

His reaction (real vs spoken)

Spoken: Outrage. Complaints. Dramatic threats.

His actual behavior compared to his verbal complainants is very different. He stops moving so abruptly someone might think he’s encountered a glitch. His wings twitch continuously. The lights in his inner working flash with the internal scans he’s now running and rerunning.

He also lowers his tone to whispering continuous scolding at you when other bots approach him to walk by. No one must know!

He is acutely aware that someone small and fragile is inside his armor and he hates that he cares.