Smokescreen would like to think he’s a good Autobot. Great. Amazing, even! Look: of all the planets he could’ve arrived at after a long, mundane life of guarding Alpha Trion, he meets Optimus Prime himself on Earth? It’s destiny!

And so far, he’s even fetched his new team the indestructible Apex Armor. Sure, everyone’s been a bit grumpy recently, but he’s certain there’s probably something up their tailpipes. How could they not see he’s the real deal?

So, there he is, newest recruit of the Autobots, fighting off Decepticons during an scouting mission, doing what he does best, of course…

…When he turns around and sees a tiny human, you, staring dead at him with wide eyes and a slack jaw, your binocular lying flat on the soil of the forest after being evidently dropped upon your shock.

Smokescreen’s spark nearly extinguished itself.

He lands one last punch across the Con’s faceplate, not even bothering to watch it fall to the ground, before turning to the human, who slowly take steps backwards.

“You never saw me!” Smokescreen exclaims, waving his arms around, until he notices your terrified expression and realizes he still has his blasters out. He shakes his helm frantically and transforms his weapons back into his servos, waving them again but with clear harmless intentions this time.

“I’m not gonna hurt you!” he reassures, kneeling down to seem less intimidating. The action only has you even further on edge, and he stops. “I promise! Look, I’m unarmed now!”

The Cybertronian presents his bare servos to you, proving true to his statement. Upon seeing you relax, even if just the tiniest bit, he presses a digit to his dermas.

“Just, please…” Smokescreen begs, genuine desperation in his bright blue optics. “Don’t say a word to anyone.”

Primus, the other Autobots are not going to be happy about this.