DISCLAIMER: I don't own Transformers: Prime or any of the characters and locations associated with the franchise. But I own the story "Stuck on You" and all references to dialogue not originating from Hasbro.

Author's Notes: Barely made it in time April Fools' Day again. Too close of a call!

Timeline: Set a short time after Transformers: Prime episode "Legacy." Smokescreen hasn't been on Earth very long and is still getting used to everything.


Stuck on You
by Jami-Bunny

Chapter 3: Rookie's Reckoning

Smokescreen was unlike the other Autobots, except maybe Bumblebee. If anything, the newly-arrived Cybertronian reminded Miko of a high school student…if she ignored the centuries of warfare under his hood. Bulkhead would always be her favorite, but she couldn't help but relate to the younger Autobot. She was sure they'd be good friends!

Before that, however, there was the matter of giving him the Earth-style "welcome" the other Autobots had already experienced. Now that it was tradition, it would have to be followed through.

But how do you prank someone similar to yourself?

Obvious biological differences aside, Smokescreen gives her the impression of what Miko might consider an "adolescent," or the Cybertronian equivalent. There was no way she'd be able to carry out her plan in the usual sneaky way like she'd done with the others.

In fact, it might actually be easier said and done. After all, Jack was still teaching Smokescreen the ropes of her homeworld's driving etiquette, laws, and customs…


Jack inwardly groaned. It had been wishful thinking to hope Miko wouldn't ask for his assistance. He should have expected her to be back to her usual antics once Smokescreen joined Team Prime. The hour spent scrubbing the stronger-than-normal stickers from the others' armor plating still haunted him.

Considering the young Autobot's naïveté regarding Earth culture, Jack had no doubt his "rite of passage" would go without a hitch, as long as Smokescreen hasn't yet browsed the Internet.

…And after all the trouble Smokescreen himself put the Human boy through, he felt he deserved some payback.

Taking a deep breath, he silently asked Arcee's forgiveness as he conspires in yet another prank, opening his Internet browser to purchase the required supplies. Miko owed him big time for this!


"You want…to put those on me?" Smokescreen focused his optics on the small adhesives Jack held in his hand.

"It's part of your disguise," Jack explained. "Bumper stickers are used by Humans to personalize our vehicles. I didn't know what you'd want, so I bought a bunch."

The high-schooler doesn't mention Smokescreen had already failed Step 1 of keeping a low profile by choosing a race car for his alternate mode. Even Wheeljack had chosen a better disguise, opting for a sports car instead.

Smokescreen looked closer at the stickers: "My way or the highway." "Black smoke don't mean it's broke." "Sorry, officer, I thought you wanted to race." "I'm not speeding, I'm qualifying."

"I'd like the second and last ones," Smokescreen decided, switching into vehicle mode. "Do you think they suit me?"

"I think so. Don't worry, you'll look great."

Jack walked over to Smokescreen's rear end, shuffling the small stack of stickers in his hands. The newcomer, excited about getting new decorations, completely missed the expression on the Human's face…and that the adhesives he was peeling from their backings weren't the ones he'd chosen.


That evening, Smokescreen had returned to base after dropping Jack back home. It had been a productive day, learning more about Earth and its people. After giving his reports to Optimus and Ratchet—who'd shared a brief glance between them—Smokescreen headed deeper into the compound to rest.

It hadn't been too hard for Ratchet to stop himself from smirking, and Optimus had kept a straight face throughout the entire exchange.

They had seen prominent yellow "Please be patient" and "Student Driver" stickers where Smokescreen's trunk had been, and a sticker that said "Curbs fear me" on his bumper.

Ratchet had considered telling him, but ultimately decided against it. The rookie would find out by tomorrow.


Ending Notes: Like before, all the mentioned bumper stickers exist in the real world.