I think this is an awesome little story. Elita is definitely independent and powerful, and yet she's chosen to break regulation to 'date' someone younger and more inexperienced. It plays on our cultural expectations, and also makes me wonder what she sees in Optimus. Is she taking advantage of him? Are they taking advantage of each other? Or does she see in him the potential for him to be her equal, and is clever enough to call 'dibs' now? I kinda get the impression it's the last one there. After all, she's done her duty with the war, she could well decide to put happiness before a stainless record. And what I like most about this story is that after some enforced separation, with Optimus having time to come into his own, their reunion would be delicious.

A fascinating take for the two of them. Any plans on the follow-up?

Wow. Completely unexpected - I thought it would be post-war, from the start, and was floored when it turned out to be pre-war. (At least, the war that's normally shown for with these mechs.) Nice touch, too; Ultra-Magnus's thoughts seem spot on, and Elita is a cocky as she should be. And it's nice to actually _see_ Optimus get training, rather then just thrown into the role of Prime.