(This is an AU!)

In an alternate universe where the Cybertronians still retain their cogs and are allowed to visit Earth by the human governments (with the understanding that they won’t cause trouble), D-16 finds himself on a different path than he ever expected. Rather than being immersed in gladiatorial combat or torn between ambition and destruction, D-16 spends time with his fellow Autobots and forms friendships with humans.

D-16, a charismatic and determined Cybertronian, has always had a sense of leadership, but without the weight of his eventual rise to power as Megatron, he remains curious and open-minded about life beyond Cybertron. He and his close friend Orion (who will one day become Optimus Prime) spend time among humans, learning about their cultures, their hopes, and their struggles. It is during one of these excursions that D-16 meets a human—a kind, interesting person who completely captivates him.

It all started one quiet afternoon in the coastal town, where the Autobots were staying temporarily. The human government had granted them permission to interact with the population as long as they kept a low profile. Orion Pax, still a young Autobot leader, and D-16 were out with a small group of Autobots for a routine check-in, but D-16 wasn’t content with the “low profile” idea.

He was restless, craving something more than just routine visits or covert operations. After suggesting to Orion that he could use some time alone, D-16 wandered off, eager to see more of Earth on his own terms. He’d always been fascinated by the oceans, the forests, and the quiet beauty of Earth’s nature. What he loved most was how humans, despite their differences, were united by shared hope, resilience, and creativity.

That’s when he noticed you.

You were sitting on a park bench, reading a book with your headphones on, completely unaware of the massive figure approaching. D-16, not wanting to be seen, tried to be stealthy as he walked closer—but his towering form and heavy footsteps betrayed him. As he reached a nearby trash can, he accidentally knocked it over, causing a loud crash that echoed through the street.

Your head snapped up at the noise, your eyes wide with surprise and fear. You froze for a moment, staring at the imposing, mechanical figure now standing before you. D-16 froze too, realizing that he had been spotted. His processors hummed with a mixture of embarrassment and hesitation. Humans usually didn’t respond well to his appearance.

For a few moments, you simply stared, eyes wide, fear evident in your expression. D-16, unsure of how to approach this, spoke first, his deep voice gentle but uncertain. "I didn’t mean to cause a disturbance... I was simply passing through."

But his words did little to ease your immediate fear. You instinctively took a step back, your heart racing as you tried to process what was standing in front of you. "What... what are you?" you asked, your voice shaky but trying to stay calm.

D-16’s spark flickered with a trace of guilt. He was used to being a figure of fear for most, but something about you felt different. You weren’t immediately running away, but the apprehension was clear. He lowered himself slightly, trying to seem less threatening. "I... I’m not here to harm you. I’m D-16, and I’m... I’m just visiting."

Your eyes narrowed, still unsure, but something in his tone made you pause. He wasn’t aggressive—he was simply... different. And as you looked at him, trying to gauge his intentions, the initial wave of fear began to subside. "I—I didn’t expect something like you to be here..." you stammered, taking a cautious step forward but still keeping your distance.

D-16 could feel the tension between you both. He hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. "I understand. I’m not exactly... inconspicuous." He offered a small, apologetic smile, though it was strange for him to do so. "I’m... still learning about Earth. I’m not used to standing out this much."

The humor in his voice helped ease the tension. You chuckled nervously, your initial fear starting to fade into curiosity. "I guess that’s one way to put it. What are you doing here?"

D-16’s voice softened, the mechanical rumble in his chest becoming quieter as he spoke. "I’m exploring. Learning about humans, their world... it’s all so new to me."

You studied him for a moment, your curiosity now outweighing your fear. "Well... you’re not exactly what I expected, but I guess I can show you around, if you want?" you suggested hesitantly, still unsure about having a conversation with a giant, sentient machine but curious about his intentions.

D-16’s optics brightened, a small sense of gratitude filling him. "I’d like that," he said sincerely.

As the two of you walked together through the town, your initial fear began to turn into fascination. D-16, despite his imposing form, was kind and curious. He didn’t speak down to you or treat you differently; instead, he listened to your stories, asked questions, and genuinely seemed interested in getting to know you.

By the end of the day, when the sun began to set and you parted ways, D-16 found himself feeling something he hadn’t felt in a long time—hope. There was something about you, something that made him feel less like an outsider on Earth and more like someone who could belong.

And when he saw you again, he knew without a doubt: he wanted to get to know you more.

How you two started dating.........

Over the next few weeks, D-16 found excuses to return to that town, always hoping to run into you again. Every time you saw each other, things just seemed to click more and more. He’d share his thoughts with you about Cybertron, and you’d share your dreams, no matter how big or small. You both found comfort in each other’s company, and slowly, a deeper bond formed.

One evening, as the two of you sat on the same park bench where you had first met, the conversation turned a little more serious.

“I know you’re not exactly from here, D-16, but you make Earth seem... better. I don’t know why. Maybe it’s the way you look at things, like there’s more to life than just... fighting.”

D-16 looked at you, his optics softening. “I didn’t expect to find peace here, but I think... I think I found something worth protecting.”

You smiled, “You’re not so bad, you know that?”

D-16 looked at you, smiling faintly, “I’ve been told I’m a bit much for some people.”

“Well, you’re exactly what I need.”

That moment marked the start of something beautiful, and from there, your relationship blossomed. D-16, once driven by ambition and power, found that his connection with you was something he never could’ve anticipated. You gave him the space to be vulnerable and the courage to explore a life where he wasn’t just an autobot.