Drift almost feels bad for having left -- that he does so in the future, anyway -- even if he believes it was necessary. But seeing how much Rodimuns relies on him for support, in greater clarity than he ever has...Drift hopes he won't have reason to deprive Rodimus of that again.

He smiles faintly, because he's not surprised his future self put his foot down about it. He lets Rodimus cling to him for a moment before he shifts, turning to tug Rodimus into a proper hug, pulling Rodimus to rest against him, if he wants, as Drift sits back on the edge of the fountain a little. He can see Rodimus is struggling with this.

"I'm here to support you, Rodimus," he says simply. "And it's not like I could leave the planet even if I wanted to. But I don't want to, anyway. I think this is where I need to be right now."