Optimus looks down to him as well, and though there is less vigor in his eyes, there is a familiarity and understanding. It is the kind of reassurances he is accustomed to receiving from his friend. The sort of thing that, no matter how many times you tell yourself, you need to hear from someone else occasionally.

But, for once, it is not all his own mistakes he can't look away from. In some ways, that feels like a selfish weakness in of itself. His eyebrows furrow sadly, the faintest trace of a smile on his lips but never quite making it there.

"For once...it is not all my own actions that I doubt. Though it may be difficult to believe, old friend."

The smile leaves entirely.

"I feel truly wounded by what I have experienced for the first time. Or perhaps it is a resurgence of emotions I have since forgotten." He looks down at his hands. "For the first time, I see who and what I am, and I feel regret."