Chapter Text
It was sometime during the early summer that Optimus Prime noted the first inklings that something was different amongst the troops. It was subtle, but the Autobot commander observed how the others were more occupied with each other, especially if they were good friends. It took him a moment to pinpoint where he'd seen the behavior before and he nearly fell off the computer desk he was standing on when he realized when and where he'd come across it.
Amongst his own troops when he was alive.
It had been so long ago he had nearly forgotten the signs. Estrus! The need to be with someone, the urge to caress and flirt and eventually to procreate – the symptoms were all there as faint as they were. He was surprised no one had said something up till then. Indeed the idea left his mind until Kaitlin came home with a new toy from a flea market sale. She had gingerly opened up the new toy's package and a familiar scent – sweet and musky – wafted off the new mech in a subtle wave. She was clearly indifferent to the scent, if she smelled it at all. However, many of the other mechs' reactions were quite abrupt after a few minutes. Most alarming was how Megatron became more aggressive and playful. Optimus had to vent a deep sigh. If this new mech was deep in a heat cycle, it would be a matter of time before the others hit theirs and with it, the chaos that came with Estrus.
The new toy, white with blue flames going down his arms and a look similar to Cliffjumper, called himself Tailgate. He spent most of his time hiding, especially when Megatron's too friendly welcome scared the mech off. Optimus took his time to greet and make friends with the new member of the Autobot team. Being in such close proximity of one so strongly in heat made Optimus' spark pang for Elita One. He did what he could to ignore the emotions coursing though his systems, specifically those revolving around protection and aggression.
It was on one of the few days Tailgate could hide away from the others that Optimus lured him out for some conversation. They sat in Optimus's space at the top of a converted book shelf that served as living quarters, sharing an oatmeal cookie and Gatorade as they spoke. The Autobot commander debated on how to approach the subject of Tailgate's Estrus. Eventually he decided blunt was best.
'Have you ever gone through Heat before?' he asked, sounding calmer than he felt. As far as he knew it had never happened among the Transformers-turned-toys in recent memory. If it had, only the children's parents knew.
'What's Heat?' Tailgate asked. The innocent question made Optimus blink. He coughed, processor running a million miles, before answering. Maybe in Tailgate's universe they had no such thing as Estrus. He needed to be more delicate. How he wished his old medic was here! Then again, maybe Ratchet might have information that could help...
'Where I came from, it was a sign of reproductive readiness. A mech's systems produced a scent to say the individual is ready to produce a sparkling.' Optimus explained. ' You're producing the scent. Possibly have for a while now.'
Tailgate frowned, even more confused. 'A Spark...ling?' He scratched his helm and thought. 'You mean like the human children?'
Optimus nodded and he smiled when he saw the realization come to Tailgate. The blue and white mech's eyes became wide.
'So that's why everyone's been tripping over each other to be with me since this slagged ... scent ... started? They want to mate with me? Like humans and other Earth animals do?' He shuddered. 'I feel like I need to soak in the dog's water bowl for a solar orbit now.'
Optimus laid his servos palm down on his thighs. 'It's not so bad if you have a partner you trust. I... had one before I came here. She is sorrily missed.' Memories flooded the Autobot commander's processor. Oh how he missed his mate!
Tailgate regarded the Autobot commander with quiet contemplation. Finally he snorted. 'Whatever you say, boss bot.'
It was Optimus Prime's turn to eye the other mech with consideration. 'If it would help, I could have Ratchet examine you. Perhaps it would relieve you of some stress?' He smiled when the other mech shrugged. 'Then I'll bring it to Ratchet's attention. I'm certain there will be questions about Estrus as it progresses throughout our ranks.'