Arcee stares back at him for a moment, her expression mirroring his, his startled hesitation almost infectious -- and then she laughs. It starts out quiet, her voice still hoarse and strained, but it's warm and rich with laughter and she curls her small hand around his.

"You weren't the one who acted rashly, believe me," she says, her mouth quirked slightly into a helpless smile. This is where he differs from Optimus, this strangely sweet shyness. It's hard not to smile, even with everything else going on.