I keep thinking about trying to lean up against OP but accidentally bonking your head on him instead "Hey, I don't know how, but we'll figure it out somehow" they say, leaning up against the metal husband man, sweet moment ruined by a Bonk "Ow" Like imagine trying to be affectionate w/ him by headbutting him gently but u put too much force into it and once again u get gonked out "I like this one, feisty" "Ironhide"
That's almost how I imagined this one ask, I got a request for prompt 88 with Optimus. Although it doesn't have the vulnerability from the readers pov but it's got general pining Optimus pov.
I'm surprised no one picked up on reader in the previous one being a dumbass with the sun blinding them and searching for Optimus' handle for a solid 10 seconds too long lmao.
Just general relationship headcanons regarding physical differences and Optimus' character development with a human s/o below <3 Primeverse because they're occupying my thoughts.
My hc is that he'd feel guilty in the beginning of the relationship regarding his hard edges, but especially if you were to get hurt from him. A scratch from him could send his nerves alight for days.
(Don't read car crash statistics to him, just don't)
Humans always specify how "soft" their partners are and firm muscular toned bodies are still soft compared to him. He's never felt the need to be self conscious about the fact before meeting his s/o. Will need validation that yes, you chose him for a reason. Won't ask for it until the relationship is established.
He has a hard time trying not to catastrophize your two's relationship with the mile long differences and the surprisingly short distance it took for a human to work their way into his spark. With the added stress of the war is an immense guilt that weighs heavy on him, he only hopes he doesn't put too many problems on his s/o. Meaning, he's not going to confide in his s/o until it's an established relationship/after a huge turning point for him. Even if it's something as small as a self conscious thought, he justifies it being too small for anyone else to worry about. Although this doesn't apply to himself.
As the relationship develops his s/o will definitely notice his self-flagellation, seeping into something as small as his self conscious thoughts and building a wall between you to without meaning too. This man needs so much validation and he deserves it, but has a hard time believing it himself. It takes an honest conversation and time to at least let the storm settle over him, but he's intensely grateful for his s/o for even listening to him.
After the relationship is established he's the type to let a 'bonk!' moment pass without a comment but you see his usual soft smile grow slightly wider and squinted eyes in silent endearment. Even after all this time you still forget? He's swooning. Once he's comfortable in himself he will chuckle but mention it no further unless his s/o complains of a headache. Even then he couldn't bring himself to tease, just offer a trip to get pain medication. If it goes that far he's back to feeling guilty though.
Miko adds 'watch your head!' black and yellow warning stickers on Optimus' dashboard.