Transformers Prime: Through Bad and Through Worse

Chapter Twenty Nine

Thankfully, Megatron had reluctantly allowed Ratchet to tend to his mate's injuries, and get him stabilized before he offlined, with one condition. The Decepticon warlord ordered Ratchet's complete and full cooperation with every bit of their plan, whatever it was. The medic agreed immediately without second thought, his only concern was his severely injured mate. It took a bit and a lot of work, but Optimus was finally stabilized, and his condition was medically enhanced, thanks to his mate's medical expertise.

But now, locked within a dark, quiet cell, Ratchet thought it over, and began to worry about what it had meant. Whatever he'd agreed to, it wasn't in the least bit good. And Optimus knew it too.

"Ratchet, I am concerned," the Prime said softly; he was laying still on the berth, after being confined there by his mate so he didn't strain himself. He was staring at Ratchet, who was standing beside the berth, sending him a sympathetic look. "Whatever Megatron has planned, your wellbeing could be-"

"Optimus, please, don't worry about me." Ratchet interrupted. "I agreed to it because I needed to help you." He sat down on the berth beside his mate, a sigh escaping his lips. "I couldn't leave you in that condition, you'd offline!"

Optimus reached over and rested a servo on the medic's arm. "Ratchet, I-"

The doors to the cell suddenly opened, and Palladium strode in, his red optics locking onto the two bots the moment he saw them. Optimus immediately sat up, wincing in pain.

"Oh, please, don't get up, I can help myself," Palladium teased, smirking. "I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself further."

"What do you want?" Ratchet growled, tone sharp. The 'Con chuckled.

"Actually, I've come for you." He replied, crossing his arms and tilting his helm slightly. "So, if you don't mind..."

Optimus put an arm in front of Ratchet protectively, optics holding a firm glare on Palladium. "You aren't coming near him," he said firmly, his voice low. Knowing the Prime couldn't protect him in his current condition, Ratchet slowly put a servo on his arm, sending his mate a sad look.

"Optimus, please, your hurt." He said softly. "Don't worry about me." His gaze met Palladium's.

The 'Con winked. "Don't worry, I'll protect him for you. Nothin' is getting through me." He lifted a pair of cuffs with one servo and jingled them a little. "Now, mind coming here?"

"Ratchet, don't." Optimus ordered firmly, in his 'Commander Prime' voice.

Ratchet sent his mate a look. "Optimus, I can't just-"

"Prime, unless you want me to be forceful, and possibly harmful, you will stand down and allow your mate to live out what he agreed to." His tone darkening, Palladium growled. "For your mate's safety, I advise you listen."

Optimus inhaled deeply, glaring at the 'Con. After a few seconds of silence, he gave a sigh of surrender and looked at Ratchet. He pulled his mate close and kissed his forehelm, cupping his cheek with one servo.

"Be careful... if any harm comes to you, I want to know immediately." The Prime whispered. "Please, try to be safe."

Ratchet touched his servo with his own. "I will, Optimus..."

After a couple of seconds, Ratchet pulled away from his mate and complied to Palladium, approaching him slowly and cautiously.

Palladium took one of his servos, and just to piss Optimus off, he lifted it to his faceplate and kissed it gently, smirking down at Ratchet, who stiffened and turned pink. Optimus narrowed his optics.

"Shall we, Dearest?" The 'Con said sweetly, cuffing Ratchet's wrist. When he reached for the medic's other servo, Ratchet pulled it away.

"No cuffs," he said quietly. "Please?"