[He doesn't answer for a while, clearly taking his time to think this over. The last thing he wants to do right now is say the wrong thing, and send all this progress sliding backward.]

[Which... Ironhide sort of believes he's capable of doing.]

[And, once again, he opts to be honest with her. He doesn't have the answers she's looking for. Maybe he never will. Maybe no one will.]

When I figure that out... I will let you know.

[It's a simple statement, but the weight of the words, the heaviness in his voice, makes them almost sound like a promise.]

Have a habit of being difficult to get rid of. I ever tell you that?

[I'll be here, kid.]

[It's unsaid. But he doesn't believe it needs to be spoken aloud. Some things don't.]