Author's note. The aftermath of Rad's injury where Optimus and Megatron have to work together to solve a little problem that's come up. What problem? Read on to find out.

Once again, half the credit belongs to Mrs Bumblebee who helped me write half of this chapter, thanks alot.

Enjoy and please review.

Rad dreamed he was floating on a cloud. He idly noticed that it was night time which meant the stars twinkled above him against a velvety sky. Below him, Earth glittered with lights, its blue oceans hidden by darkness.

He smiled, it felt completely safe where he was.

When Megatron had first reached the base he went to his quarters and wrapped Rad up into a thick and soft blanket. and he laid him down on the bed.

Rad snuggled himself deeper into the cloud he was on, it felt so soft and warm. A small part of his mind whispered that it was just a dream but he didn't care, he was too comfortable.

Megatron smirked and petted Rad's head but frowned again when he saw his shoulder.

Rad mumbled incoherently, he had a strange ache in his shoulder and it was starting to bother him. He moved his shoulder, trying to get rid of the feeling, but this actually seemed to make it worse.

He groaned he really didn't want to wake up, not when he was so comfortable but the ache was starting to throb.

Megatron heard Rad's moan. He reached down and placed his hand on him and stroked his shoulder, hoping that helped with the pain for now.

Rad gave a small yelp as something touched his now burning shoulder and his eyes flew open. He wished he hadn't woken because now for the pain even worse now and he had to bite back a gasp. He briefly wondered what had woken him but then saw hand on his shoulder and looked up into Megatron's optics.

"Where am I?" he asked, the pain causing him not to think straight.

"Shh, you're safe. We're back at the base," Megatron whispered to Rad.

He sat down next to Rad, never stopped stroking his shoulder.

Rad panted slightly as he watched Megatron's hand gently stroke his shoulder. Waking up like that was not nice and his Spark was racing madly. But slowly he calmed down as the pain receded slightly under Megatron's soothing touch. He managed to sit up a bit and asked.

"Are Alexis and Carlos okay, they weren't hurt, were they?"

Megatron shook his head and cupped Rad's back.

"No, they were not harmed but you were and I had to fix you on sight," Megatron said.

He then reached into his subspace and pulled another needle with pain killer in it.

Rad gasped as the needle went in, but the sting quickly went away and so did most of the ache. He relaxed against Megatorn's hand.

"Thanks," he said before a thought struck him.

"Who got the Minicon?" he asked, last he's seen of it, Alexis had had it. But he could dimly remember her and Carlos being there as Megatron had fixed his shoulder. So there was a chance that Megatron had taken it.

Megatron sighed and gently picked Rad up and put him in his lap.

"Your friends have it. I left it with them. You were more important at the time. I had to get you back to base to fix you more then what I was able to on the battle field," Megatron said as he rubbed Rad's back.

"Oh," Rad said, that was surprising.

He couldn't quite believe that Megatron had been more concerned with getting him fixed up than getting a Minicon. All Megatron seemed to care about was getting one over on Optimus and yet he had let this opportunity pass. Wonders never cessed.

A question suddenly occurred to him, getting shot had made his memory fuzzy on some details.

"Who shot me?" he asked, looking up at Megatron.

Megatron growled and his optic's flashed in rage ff the memory.

"Cyclonus. The fool shot at you and your friends and hit you in the shoulder."

Rad winced at the reminder but couldn't help but feel both angry and exasperated. That manic could have easily grievously injured if not killed his friends. Why did he have to lash out when he got mad?

"Where is he now?" Rad asked, absentmindedly rubbing his shoulder.

Megatron looked down at Rad and smirked.

'Down in the brig, in chains, without his precious guns," Megatron said.

'Well,' Rad thought, as least he can't do any harm down there.

"What about Starscream and Demolisher?" he asked. "They weren't injured, were they?"

"If they were they repair themselves," Megatron said.

Rad's brow wrinkled before saying.

"What about Optimus, Hotshot and Red Alert, do you know if they were injured?"

Megatron chuckled and rubbed Rad's nose with the tip of his finger.

'You're just full of questions aren't you?" Megatron chuckled.

Rad wrinkled his nose as Megaton did this, it was an odd sensation. Pulling away slightly, he said.

"They're my friends, I just want to know that their alright."

As he said this, his gaze shifted and he saw that he was in Megatron's quarters. He sincerely hoped Megatorn didn't go weird on him again like last time. Going back to Earth, seeing the Autobots and spending time with his friends had temporarily dimmed the fear and sadness he had felt but he knew it wouldn't take much to resurface it.

Megatron nodded and pulled Rad closer.

"I understand but I wasn't sure about the other two but Optimus only had a few scraps and dents," Megatron said.

Rad felt unease start to grow but he shoved it down. He didn't want to get upset, not after being injured. He figured that Hotshot and Red Alert must be okay, or Optimus would have defiantly made that known to Megatron. Still, it never hurt to be sure.

He gave Megatron a hopeful look as he said.

"Maybe you'd let me speak to them again sometime."

Megatron smiled down at Rad.

"How about I let you now, I bet their worried about you," Megatron said in a soft tone, the first time he spoke like that around Rad.

Rad unease disapeared in an instant and his face split into a wide grin.

"That'd be great, thanks," he said happily, he couldn't believe Megatron had said yes.

Megatron chuckled as Rad jumped up and tried to hug him as best as he could. Once he let go Megatron scooped him u and cradled him in his arm and carried him out of his quarters and took him to the communication's Centre.

Rad grinned all the way and when Megatron put him on the desk top, he rushed over to the communicator and eagerly waited for Megatron to contact his friends. With a chuckle, Megatron did just that and in another moment, Optimus had answered.

"Rad," Optimus said, relief clear in his voice as his optics twinkled. "How are you, we've been worried."

"I'm fine Optimus, just a little sore," Rad replied grinning as Megatron run a finger up his back. "How are the others?"

"All good Rad, Hotshot got a little banged up but Red Alert's patching him up now," Optimus replied, bending down to pick something off the floor.

Rad happily greeted his friends as they were brought into view and assured them that he felt alright. He noticed the jade coloured Minicon standing with them and asked his name.

"This is Aztec," Carlos proudly introduced. "He didn't have a proper name so he asked us to give him one. So we name him Aztec becuase of the temple we found him in."

"Cool," Rad said with a grin as he said to the Minicon. "It really suits you."

The Minicon grinned widely at this and gave a small beep of pride.

Megatron didn't say anything and let Rad talk with his friends. It actually made Megatron feel good seeing his mate so happy.

"Hey dude," Carlos suddnely asked. "Have you tasted Energon yet, what's it like."

"What is it with boys, always thinking about their stomachs," Alexis said, rolling her eyes as Rad laughed.

"Hey, it's a valid question," Carlos said in mock hurt as Alexis's lips twitched with amusement.

"Well," Rad said thoughtfully. "I only had a little bit but it tasted really weird. Sort of both savoury and sweet at the same time."

He shook his head.

"I'm not sure what you could compare it too, it's a bit like an energy drink but more substantial,"

Megatron got up and went to one of the walls that had a slide panel on it with a key board next to it. Megatron typed something in and then the door panel slid open, revealing an Energon cube storage. Megatron took one and then back over to where Rad as and sat down behind him.

Seeing that his friends were staring behind him, Rad turned around and saw that Megatron was holding an Energon cube.

"Have you eaten since you were injured?" Optimus asked gently as Rad turned back to answer him.

"No, I only had some this morning,"

"You should eat, your systems will need the extra energy after the stress you've been through," Optimus advised.

Megatron smirked at this and opened a corner and offered Rad the Energon but like before he was going to have to hold it for him.

Rad pouted slightly at not being able to hold the cube but his tanks gave a sudden rumble. So with a sigh, he lent forward and started sucking from the small opening, letting the nice liquid slip down his throat and into his waiting tanks.

"Is it nice?" Alexis asked as Rad paused and he shot her a grin.

"Very, you should try some," he joked and the three kids laughed.

Megatron chuckled and gave Rad a small tap on the head.

'None of that now, you need to drink more," Megatron said.

"I am drinking," Rad replied mutinously but he pressed his lips back to the cube and started sucking again.

Megatron smiled as Rad drank and tilted the cube some so Rad could get more. After a few more deep swallows Rad pulled away and sighed. Megatron knew Rad was now full and put the cube down and situated Rad some so he was more comfortable and could still talk to his friends.

Optimus smiled behind his mask, Megatron was behaving much better in regards to Rad. He was still concerned about this 'mate' issue but at least Megatron wasn't acting so possessive now. It seemed Rad being injured had brought out a softer side to the Decepticon leader, maybe this could lead to something good.

Rad leaned back on Megatron midsection and started talking to his friends as Megatron gently drew circles into his small but full midsection.

Rad felt like a Sparkling, sitting here while Megatron gently rubbed his abdomen. It was a strange situation to be in but much better than the one he had been in earlier when Megatron had tried to kiss him. He really hoped Megatron would give up on that, he didn't want to fell miserable again.

Instead he focused on a funny story Carlos was currently telling while Optimus and Alexis looked on amused.

Megatron listened as one of Rad's friends talked and then everyone laughed. Megatron smirked at the lovely sound of Rad's laugh. He reached down and gently took Rad's small hand and stroked it with his thumb. Rad looked up at him but Megatron gestured to him to keep talking.

Suddenly that yellow Mech came in an noticed what the other Autobots were doing.

"Hey, guys what you doing?" Hotshot asked as he came over.

"Rad," he said happily as he saw the blue Minicon. "Hey, you okay, I heard you got hit."

"I'm fine Hotshot," Rad said with a smile.

Hotshot smiled but then noticed that Megatron was holding Rad's hand.

"What are you doing?" he asked bluntly, a frown appearing on his face.

"What's it look like. I'm letting him talk with his friends," Megatron said.

"Easy, Hotshot," Optimus said gently, placing a hand on the younger Mech's shoulder. He didn't want an argument that would end with Megatron not allowing Rad to speak to his friends again.

Hotshot looked torn, he clearly want to say more but somehow managed to quell his temper. Instead he smiled at Rad, clearly trying to ignore the fact Megatron was holding his hand.

Megatron smirked.

'About time someone put a leash on that loud mouth Autobot,' Megatron said to himself.

"So how are Billy and Fred doing?" Rad asked, he hadn't seen them since he'd been captured.

"Eh, their fine," Carlos said airily. "Though Fred been comfort eating in your absence."

Rad laughed, Fred really loved his food.

"What about Billy?" he said and it was Alexis who answered.

"He'd been gone away for a couple of days with his uncle to that science convention..."

Her voice trailed off and there was suddenly an awkward silence between the kids. A leaden weight seemed to have dropped into Rad's stomach at the mention of the convention. His dad had been planning to go to that.

He wondered if he had or were both his parents had home, sick with worry for him. He gave a small groan, he hated that thought but how was he supposed to explain all this to them?

Megatron felt Rad's body sag and loss of talking at the moment. He reached down and cupped Rad's front and rubbed his thumb up and down Rad's arm.

"Sorry man," Carlos said sorrowfully. "But we couldn't keep pretending you were with us and know they think you've been...well...taken."

Rad face nearly crumpled with misery, that was true in a sense, he had been kidnapped. But he wished he could assure them he wasn't being...abused. At least in any fashion they were undoubtedly picturing.

"Are they bad?" he asked, his voice constricting slightly.

"Yeah," Alexis said softly.

As the kids fell into painful silence once again, unable to help himself any longer, Hotshot burst out.

"How can you do this to him, his parents are worried sick, they think he's been kidnapped by some sort of sexual predator,"

"Which apparently isn't far from the truth," he added hotly before Optimus could stop him.

Rad winced at this, he didn't like to think of it that way.

Megatron expected Rad to start yelling and throw a fit but he surprised everyone
at what he did. He turned to Megatron and buried his face into Megatron's stomach and started crying on Megatron. Megatron didn't now to comfort or just let Rad cry on him.

Hotshot stood flabbergasted as Rad did this while Carlos and Alexis treid to hug the screen as though they could somehow diffuse through it and comfort their friend.

"Don't cry Rad, it'll be okay," Alexis whispered as Carlos looked grim.

"Yeah, we'll think of something, we always do," the mexican finally said softly.

Optimus heaved a great sigh, he hated seeing Rad like this, and not knowing any way to make him feel better.

"Hotshot has a point," he said quietly to Megatron who looked up as Rad continued to cry. "How were you planning on explaining this to his creators?"

Megatron sighed and looked down and thought hard. He then looked up.

"Say that someone from the department that Rad's interested in becoming came to him and took him to learn more about the job. If his creators want, they can talk to Rad and tell him things he's learned and all."

Optimus looked thoughtful.

"That's...not a bad idea but it still doesn't how Rad vanished into thin air. His creators will at the very least be angry with the ones who took him," he couldn't help but point out.

Megatron thought some more until he got an idea to cover for that.

"Say that they came to him on short notice and told him that if he wanted to they had to leave at the moment because they had to catch a plane to where they were going. While on their trip Rad couldn't call until he reached where he was going. Optimus you may have to stand in to being Rad's mentor or something."

"Alright, that could work," Optimus said with a slight sigh before looking at Rad who wasn't crying as hard any more.

"Rad would that be okay, do you think we could pull that off."

Rad took some deep breaths before letting go of Megatron and wiping his face.

"Yeah, I think it could, they'll probably be pretty mad but I could always say I did ask that someone call them, they can just assume that person never did."

Megatron nodded and looked at Optimus.

"When do you want to try this?"

"As soon as possible to elevate their worry," Optiimus replied immediately.

Rad nodded, he didn't want his parents worrying any longer than they had to. He had to admit that was some quick thinking on Megatron's part. He glanced up at the Decepticon then down again. He couldn't believe he had cried on him but he had just needed to hug someone so bad. Well it was over and done with, thankfully.

Megatron looked down at Rad.

"What is it you're wanting to become when you're fully grown?" Megatron asked

"A biologist with a degree in sports," Rad answered, he had always loved learning about animals from tiny insects to huge mammals.

He looked at both Optimus and Megatron as he asked.

"How are we going to talk to them?"

Megatron chuckled.

"Like you humans but we do it over computer and we can link to connections together so two receivers can hear and talk to the other on the other line."

"Okay, cool," Rad said before turning to Optimus.

"Are you really going to talk to my parents and pretend to be my...um, mentor,"

Optimus nodded.

"Indeed I will."

"Hey, you'll need a name," Alexis pointed out.

Optimus chuckled.

"That is easy, I will call myself Orion Pax,"

Megatron chuckled and leaned back.

'You're using your first name before you became a Prime. Not bad."

All the kids stared at Optimus as he gave a small chuckle.

"That used to be your first name, cool," Carlos declared with a grin.

Rad looked at Megatron.

"You didn't have a different name before you became leader, did you?"

Megatron smirked and shook his head.

"No Megatron's my original name. Now let's get back to the matter at hand."

Optimus nodded.

"Friist we should decide where Rad has gone and ensure that the story checks out, they still might be suspicious at first."

Rad looked at Alexis.

"Alexis you know the best university's any suggestions?" Rad asked.

"What about the Seven Lakes University in North Dakota, that supposed to have a really impressive Biology and sports program," she suggested.

Megatron nodded at this and looked at Optimus.

"Let's get started, everyone else stay quiet for now," Megatron said.

The kids (and Hotshot who stayed quiet after Rad had started crying) all went still and listened as Megatron and Optimus talked. It was actually quite interesting to see these two foes work together like this.

Rad told Optimus's his parent's home phone number and Optimus typed it into the computer. Soon they heard the ringing tone and waited for someone to pick up.

A moment later, a tearful female voice answered.

"Hello, Annie White speaking,"

"Mrs White, this is Orion Pax, I'm an instructor at Seven Lakes University," Optimus said in a very polite tone.

"Yes?" she said with a shaky voice that made Rad's Spark break.

"I was just calling about your son Rad..." Optimus begun but was interrupted.

"Rad, oh God do you know where he is, is he alright, oh please tell me he's safe," Annie White all but sobbed into the phone.

"Yes, Mrs White, he's fine he's with us at the university," Optimus said, allowing a frown to appear in his voice. "Didn't you get the message that he had come with us?"

"Massage? No we didn't and why is he at a university?" Mrs. White asked.

"We offered to give him some on the field training and he accepted so he came to the university to learn more."

Optimus paused and then said.

"I'm deeply sorry, Mrs White, it sounds as though you've been very worried. But he was unable to contact you before we left and obviously wasn't able to while travelling. We arranged for someone to contact you and let you know about the institution but obviously someone missed up," Optimus said, sounding both soothing and annoyed at the imagery messenger.

The heard Mrs. White sniffle over the phone.

"Where's Rad. I want to talk to him," Mrs' White demanded.

"Of course Mrs White," Optimus said. "Let me just get him,"

He nodded to Megatron who indicated to Rad that he could now speak to his mother. Going closer to the screen, Rad said.

"Mom?"

"Rad, Oh my god, Rad is that you?" Mrs. White cried out.

"Yeah mom it's me," Rad said with a bit of a chuckled mixed in.

"We've been so worried," his mom said.

"I'm sorry mom, but I couldn't pass this up," Rad said, regret in his voice and this wasn't faked. "I couldn't call and I've been travelling since then, they were meant to tell you."

"They didn't," she said, now sounding very annoyed. "You tell that Orion Pax that he'd better fire someone, letting us worry like that."

"I will don't worry," Rad said. "And mom, I really am sorry,"

Mrs. White sighed and then sniffled again.

"I'll forgive you Rad I'm just glad you're ok," Mrs. White said.

Suddenly there was a soft noise in the background.

"Honey who are you talking to, did someone find Rad?" Rad's dad's voice was heard in the back ground.

"Yes," his mom cried out. "David, he's on the phone and he's alright,"

There was a sudden sound of running in the back ground and then.

"Let me talk to him, Rad, where have you been, what's going on?" Rad dad's demanded, his voice cracking a bit.

"I got offered some field training at this university," Rad said quickly. "Dad, I'm so sorry I didn't call but there wasn't time and someone was meant to tell you where I had gone."

David White breathed heavily into the phone.

"Don't you ever do that again, Bradley, have you any idea how worried we've been,"

"I know, dad," Rad said sadly into the phone. "I...I was really upset when I found out you didn't know, you know I'd never do that to you."

Megatron was shocked by the name Rad's father called him but stayed quiet.

Rad's dad sighed again.

"So what have you learned up there so far?" Mr. White asked.

"I've learned loads," Rad quickly. "Orion's been showing me and the others how to search and sample different species. And I've made new friends here, we were all playing kick about earlier,"

"Who's Orion?" his dad asked, his tone slightly more easy going.

"Orion Pax, he's my mentor," Rad said, giving Optimus a smile. "He's the sort of leader of the group and he made sure we were all settled after we arrived."

Mr. White chuckled and then quieted down.

"That's good to hear Rad. So what are your friend's names?" Mr. White asked.

"Um, well there's Luke, Cade, Steven, Belinda and Wendy," Rad said quickly, making up names for the Minicons.

He got a strange look from Megatron at the last two names, but it would have seemed odd if there were no girls about. His dad would certainly find it odd as Rad had no problem having girls as friends unlike some of the other boys at school.

"They're really great dad, I think you'd like them all," Rad said as his dad chuckled.

"Don't you miss Carlos and Alexis," his dad then asked, after hearing his mum say something in the background.

"Yeah a lot," Rad said and his friends shoot him grins. "But I'm hoping to call them soon and let them know where I am and all that."

"Good, because they've been worried sick about you too. Oh and you know you're grounded when you get home right?" Mr. White said.

"Dad..." Rad groaned but he was getting off easy and he knew it.

At least they weren't demanding he come home right now, that would be awkward. Plus their version of grounding was nowhere near as bad as Megatron's which involved a cage and no cover.

"Now of that young man," his dad said sternly. "Be thankful we're not holding your allowance or telling you to get your butt home."

"I know dad," Rad sighed. "Thanks,"

Mr. White sighed again and chuckled.

"Alright kiddo it's you're off. Knowing from experience you have other classes so get to them. Talk to later sport," Mr. White said.

"Okay, dad," Rad laughed. "Just let me say goodbye to mom, then I'll go,"

His dad laughed and passed on his mom.

"Be good Rad and don't forget to brush your teeth twice a day," his mom quickly said making him groan and his friends snigger.

"Mom..."

"Alright," she said, a smile in her voice. "I want you to call again as soon as possible and take lots of pictures,"

"I will, bye mom,"

"Oh my baby, bye bye," she said softly and then hung up.

Once the phone hung up Rad's friends burst out laughing. Rad groaned at them and told them to stop. Megatron and Optimus chuckled at the kids as they laughed and teased.

"It's not funny," Rad grumbled as Megatron chuckled and gave his head a pat while Carlos howled with laughter.

"It was too amigo and you know it," Carlos laughed.

Alexis finally started to calm down and got Carlos to stop too. She looked at everyone and then looked at Rad.

"So what now?"

Optimus looked at Megatron as Rad and Carlos frowned.

"That's a good question,"

"Well for now his creators aren't as worried about him and they know he's fine," Megatron said.

He looked down at Rad and traced a finger tip over his chest.

"But we have to think of the future," Optimus pointed out. "Thankfully we didn't say when Rad would return but they will expect to see him at some point.

Rad grimaced, that thought had just occurred to him to. How long could they keep this up?

Megatron sighed and leaned back.

"Well think of something but for now it's getting late and I need to get Rad to recharge. He needs it so he'll recover faster," Megatron said.

Optimus nodded.

"Alright, call me again soon,"

"Soon ya soon buddy," Carlos said as Rad smiled tiredly at them, he was worn out.

"Get plenty of rest," Alexis advised as Hotshot smiled uncertainly.

"Take care of yourself, Rad," he said with a smile.

"I will, thanks for all your help," Rad said.

Megatron reached out and turn the transmission. He looked down at Rad and smiled.

'Ready for bed?" Megatron asked.

Rad couldn't help but yawn as Megatron said this. As he gave a big stretch, he said.

"I guess, yeah,"

Megatron smiled and cradled Rad in his arm and got up and headed back to his quarters. He walked over to his berth and laid down with Rad laying on his chest. He stroked Rad's back.

"Get some rest." Megatron whispered.

Rad was now very sleepy but he still wasn't sure about sleeping with Megatron. However he didn't have the energy to protest so he simply said.

"You won't....you won't do anything, will you? While I'm asleep"?

"I'd never," Megatron whispered at Rad and then gently pushed him down so he could sleep.

Rad bit his lip as he hugged the armour he was lying on. He still wasn't totally comfortable with this but Megatron did sound sincere. And he had done a lot for Rad today, letting him see his friends, patching him up and talking to his parents. So with a sigh, he settled down and slowly eased into sleep.

Megatron smiled and relaxed back on the berth and let recharge take him.

Rad woke several hours later to find himself on a gently heaving surface. He looked up and saw Megatron sleeping peacefully, his breathing deep and even. He felt a slight weight onto and realised Megatron had been carefully holding him there. Rad shifted, he was feeling very refreshed and wanted to get up.

But it didn't look like Megatron was going to wake up any time soon and he didn't fancy waking him. So he cautiously slipped out from under Megatron's hand and started crawling to Megatron's side, before slipping off the giant robots body. He then stood there, wondering what he was going to do next.

Author's note. Hope you all enjoyed that chapter, if you did leave a little review. But what's going to happen in the next chapter? You'll have to read it to find out, until then.