Transformers Prime: Through Bad and Through Worse

Chapter Forty One

A complaining grunt escaped Ratchet when Megatron sent him a disapproving look, after observing the polishing job the medic had just finished doing on his claws. "You could've done better," he muttered.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Ratchet snapped sarcastically, rolling his optics as he screwed the lid of the polish on. "I'm not exactly a professional, you know." He huffed. "I've never given someone a manicure before."

Megatron growled. "Clearly." He thrust his servo back in front of Ratchet. "Do it better."

"Your unbearable!" The medic hissed, angrily taking Megatron's servo and continued until they shined, grumbling in agitation. He didn't have the energy to deal with Megatron right now... he was exhausted. The corner he slept in was uncomfortable and cold, and his frame already ached enough from the collar. He'd gotten no recharge the previous night. And to add to it all, his energon level was lacking severely. Megatron was starving him.

When he finished for the second time, Megatron once again looked over his claws, judging the medic's job. He nodded in approval and smiled. "What a good pet you are," he patted Ratchet's cheek and stood.

"Ugh." Ratchet huffed, turning his helm away.

"Now, my precious little toy, I have a war to win. Keep the place tidy. If you even consider taking energon, I'll cut off both servos." Megatron nodded to him and padded over to the door. "I'll be back late." He sent one last warning look at Ratchet. "I expect good behavior from you." Ratchet only sat down in the chair and stared at him, sighing. Degrading, much. Without another word, Megatron left the room, door hissing shut at his heels.

"Uunngghkk..." Ratchet groaned and slumped in the chair the moment he was gone. He hated this, being treated like a slave. What was Megatron going to gain from this? There was little to no reason for his behavior. Maybe he'd lost it. Wouldn't be a surprise.

Well, the room was still pretty tidy from yesterday's cleaning. He'd done a good job. There wasn't really much to do... Ratchet sighed again, getting up and retrieving the blanket from his corner. He laid it in the chair and sat back down, getting comfortable. Maybe he'd get more recharge, while he still could. He'd be thankful for that... Ratchet snuggled up in the chair and closed his optics, relaxing his frame, which was still sore... the collar hurt. But, despite that, he drifted into a peaceful recharge, cuddled in the chair.

Hours later, when the sky was dark, and the clock had just struck twelve forty five, and Ratchet was deep in his recharge, when the door opened, and in the doorway, was a rowdy looking Megatron, leaning on the frame for support. His optics were faded, and his body movements were clumsy and uncollected. Ratchet woke immediately, shifting and stared at him. He immediately noted the scent of high grade practically wafting off the warlord. The mech was drunk off his aft. A sinister, playful smile crossed his scarred lips as he scanned Ratchet. The medic stiffened, tension rising as his calm gaze met the crazed one belonging to the warlord. After a few moments, Ratchet managed to choke out a few words, and break the silence. "M-Megatron?"

"Hello, Ratchet," his words were slurred and clumsy as he replied in a sneer. He stepped in, tripping over his peds. "Nngh.. Lovely evening."

Ratchet stared at him with skeptical optics, shifting to a tense position in the chair. "It's past midnight, Megatron. Your overcharged..." The warlord stumbled closer, landing right in front of the chair, close enough so Ratchet couldn't stand. He leaned down, smirking. Ratchet cringed at the heavy presence of high grade, the scent growing stronger.

"Is it?" Megatron tilted his helm. "I'm so lousy at keeping the time... do you mind telling what time it is, Love?"

"Yes," Ratchet snapped, inching to the back of the chair. "Leave me alone. Come bother me when your sane." He narrowed his optics, glaring daggers up at the warlord in hatred. His optics gained a surprised look when a small, deranged laugh escaped Megatron.