#tf rotf

It's easier to develop a romantic connection with Optimus compared to the likes of Megatron. While Megatron is a massive xenophobe, Optimus is far more sympathetic to humanity and serves as their staunch protector. Freedom is the right of all sentient beings, no matter how weak or frail they appear to be.

That in mind, it'll still be a challenge to win over Optimus' spark. With his status as commander of the Autobots stationed on Earth, the lives of his soldiers and the safety of Earth take precedence over intimate relationships. This is forgoing the fact that there are other reasons for his hesitancy; his S/O will be a priority target once his enemies discover their existence, inevitably dragging them into the midst of their civil war. His profound fears of someone he loves becoming a casualty have a deathly grip over his spark, and it is of this fear that he's never sought out another.

If you want to be the sparkmate of Optimus Prime, you'll have to be stubborn. Whatever occupation the human!reader is doesn't matter too much in this scenario.

Onto the good stuff. Say S/O does land a relationship with Optimus Prime — it can be hard to manage. Like I mentioned, Prime's duties are vastly important and chances are, he'd be gone on missions or discussing matters with the human officials at N.E.S.T to where it borders on impossible to see him outside of work. When he manages to acquire free time, it'll be going to reinforce his relationships with his allies (the Autobots), and more importantly, his S/O.

With how often he's swamped with all of his responsibilities, spending quality time with his sparkmate and hearing about their everyday life is a blessing. It may be boring to his S/O, but to Optimus, it's a needed break from the grim reality he's accustomed to. Even if some of their stories are a little more on the debatable side, he'll be invested (he'd be a little worried though if his S/O was partaking in less than law-abiding activities; they'd get the look of shame and a lecture).

Optimus' adores star-gazing. It's simple, he's aware. There's just something innately fascinating about the Universe they were born in — the stars, black holes, spiraling galaxies, and more. If his S/O presented an opportunity for him to showcase his knowledge (he led the Science Division back on Cybertron, after all), he'd happily take it. He'd be sure to explain what he knows in simpler terms, however. It can be a lot to digest and the last thing he wants is to overwhelm his S/O.

Extension of the last point, Optimus would oblige his S/O if they wanted to know more about his occupation pre-war. His stories are fun in their own little ways; Optimus shares the times he expressed enthusiasm upon discovery of an ancient relic or those moments when he's made a break-through and he felt proud of what he accomplished. It's endearing, yet bittersweet for him. To recount what he once was before the stoic leader the war sculpted him to be brought spark-ache, but he'd never trade his present life for the one in history. No matter the mystery that lies beyond tomorrow's veil, he'd always treasure his S/O, for they are his gift.

(if no one got what i based that last part on im going to cry.)

He'd be interested in human traditions, I imagine. Earth is a diverse world with many inhabitants, and with Optimus being a former archaeologist/scientist, I think he'd enjoy a good discussion about all that humanity has to offer. The same can be said for the other Autobots, but with Prime, it's a lot more thorough and precise; the others want a brief rundown, Optimus wants (keyword: want, not need) the whole 300+ page essay or powerpoint presentation. He's not demanding though, so don't worry if you don't have that much knowledge on history stored in your noggin.

Dates would include going to historical sights, things like the Pyramids of the Aztecs or ruins of the Mesopotamia empire. Optimus is a lover of these sorts of things despite him tucking it behind his charismatic leader persona. Expect him to be subtly eager to examine lost artifacts and study ancient languages that have long since fallen out of use.

Optimus wouldn't mind the idea of physical affection, he has his reservations about it. Most of it stems from the sheer difference in his and his S/O's biology: a cybertronian is forged of dense metal while humans are born with skin and tissue. He worries that some of his platings might accidentally snag parts of his sparkmate or be too cold for his S/O to be comfortable (if the rigidness wasn't already an issue). Optimus won't stop his S/O from trying to initiate any acts of affection, but he does fret over them when they do so.

Nicknames/pet names isn't something Optimus personally uses himself. He sticks to using first names when possible and full names or titles when needing formalities (example: william fowler or special agent fowler); that being said, Optimus is content with his S/O coming up with something for him. Just... try not to use over-the-top or overly affectionate nicknames. He's still a leader and has to have some semblance of professionalism.

I wouldn't say Optimus is the type to be humorous or chatty — not to say he doesn't have his moments, they're just on the rarer side of the spectrum. It always surprises his S/O whenever he cracks a good joke or a clever pun while they're out and about; goes to show that Optimus does understand humor and has a sense of wit.

Optimus can be protective. He's more lenient towards those that are a one-off encounter, like if his S/O was dealing with a rude customer or wild animal. Though, it starts racking up when the threat becomes more pronounced; stalkers, hooded figures at the local bar, ominous notes aimed specifically at his S/O, etc.

Optimus would request N.E.S.T to grant his S/O protection until whoever is after them is identified and detained, or if he's able, he'd intervene himself. Prime is as intelligent as they come, chances are he'd figure out a plan and then some to capture/eliminate this threat — that is if his size and stature of metal don't intimidate the hell out of the person first.

When Decepticons start bleeding into the picture, oh boy, it'll get messy. Typically, Optimus is opposed to displays of brutality, but stoke his fires, then that does an entire 180° and it's terrifying — especially in regards to his S/O. Remember that moment in RotF where Optimus cleaved Grindor's helm into two or how he savagely tore the Fallen's face right off before crushing his spark? Yeah, he's not afraid to do it or anything similar to any Decepticon who attempts to harm his sparkmate.

I guess I should mention this: Optimus does have a temper when it concerns Decepticons. Will he murder Decepticons who defect or go neutral? No, he's not a complete barbarian and has a degree of self-control. It's just that so much has been taken from Optimus by Megatron and his faction that his faith that they could be redeemed is waning, even with the rare exceptions.