This all came together so beautifully, I'm happy for optimus

I LOVE THIS FIC! The bits with Mirage, Cliffjumper, Groove, and Smokescreen were particularly touching to me.

I am a major sucker for two things (well, three): character development, human-bot relationships and humans being included positively and importantly in fics. You have captured all three of these perfectly in this fic, so it was inevitable that I would fall in love with this fic. It took a little bit to warm up to it, especially when I wasn't sure to expect, but then you had me hook, line, and sinker when you started introducing everyone and having them interact with Spike. Any TF author who can include humans in a positive and meaningful way without detracting from the bots and their story is amazing in my book. I love the depth that you explored these characters in as well; you explored so many relationships that couldn't be explored in canon simply for the sake of time and money and you did it in a realistic and positive way that I adore. Some of this may now be my headcanon thanks to you :)

I hope you're having a great day and thank you so much for writing this!

Oh ,my gosh, I loved this so much!

Wow, this is just so beautiful. Optimus Prime is just one of my favorite Autobots and leaders in animation. This story is an amazing tribute to the bot for his strength, caring personality, courage, and being awesome.

First of, the characters are spot on!
Second, Optimus deserved that 3

The Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and Dorothy should've gone to you instead of the stupid wizard. Good job (salutes)

What an incredible story you've written about G1 Optimus Prime. The battle between the Autobots and the Decepticons weighs heavily on him, and he feels guilty for bringing the Earth people into his conflict. Yes, even leaders can wallow in self-pity. It definitely builds character if a leader is destined to truly inspire people. Optimus Prime is one of those leaders. Not only that, but the school project Spike made for Prime just shows how much the Autobots love and respect their leader. It's "Transformers" fics like this that make me see beyond the "to sell toys" factor that the franchise has going on.

An interesting think piece. And it certainly made Prime feel better.

Great story!

This was a wonderful story I liked everyone's answers and optimus reaction to each

I know this story is old, but I love it anyway. I like stories that delve into Optimus' thoughts and see him as more an a mech made into a Prime, but a person struggling with a position that someone else gave him and that he does not feel so sure he can fill. Thanks for writing this.

Wow! This is seriously amazing. Through all variations of the Transformers franchise I always Optimus needed a giant 'THANK-YOU' and you summed up what it really means to be a Prime, a leader and what I actually hope I can be someday

This was great! I loved it! :)

That was... beautiful. It shows the Autobot dynamic as a whole in a way I've never seen before, and it explains so well what it means to be a Prime.

Good job.