You have no idea how long you had been asleep but it was the now hot and sticky temprature inside the cab that had steered you from your slumber. You slowly reached for the driver door and opened it. THe cool air rushed in and cooled your skin. Shutting it back, you opted to roll the window down a little so that you could get air. A rumble came from somewhere and static filtered in through the radio.

"Cas...ey..." Your name came as a whisper as you sat up in the cab now.

"Magnus?" You whispered back, Unsure if you actually heard that or if he was awake.

No answer came back. Instead The static calmed and breathing could be heard, which was odd.

A sudden tremble, shook Magnus's Vehicle mode and you inside. A groan filtered in through the radio this time and for some reason, the sound made you burn. Your mind went racing.

'Is he...Dreaming?...Of Me?' You question in thought and decided that you needed to get some actual air and maybe walk about the cave for alittle bit.

You walked around, trying to desperately to clear your thoughts and your raging inferno inside. 'What could he be dreaming about?' You ponder as the cool air helped your flush skin.

Another groan came from inside the cave and you headed back just in time to see some form of liquid spill out underneath of Magnus's vehicle mode. With wide eyes you stood there and stared at the glowing blue substance that now stained the ground. 'That can't be what I think it is...Could it?' you thought as your body flushed again. 'No way did he just have a wet dream!' your thought continued. Your body burned from the sight.

Magnus's engine revved to life and startled you so you darted back out the cave before he saw you.

"Casey?...FRAG IT!" You heard him curse as he changed into his alt form. You had some distance away from the edge of the cave, to play it off as you having to go pee.

After about a minute of him shuffling around inside you chose to re emerge. He gasped almost silently when he saw you. You slowly walked up to him. He seemed extremely anxious and nervous.

"Did I wake you up when I left to go pee?" You asked, playing it off like you knew nothing of what happened. He physically eased and looked away. His face was radiating a slight blue hue that was kinda hard to miss. "You ok?" You asked softly and patted his leg again. He twitched

He slowly looked to you and weakly smiled. No words, All you got was a nod. He didn't offer to pick you up and you was now afraid to ask for him to do it. However you longed so much to be up on his shoulder.

"Have you slept?" He asked quietly and clearly trying to direct his focus away. You shrugged. He huffed and held his open palm to you. You didn't even hesitate as you climbed onto his open hand. He rose you up and brought you close to his chest. You watched him as he debated on his actions. for the first time you could see expressions flash across his metallic features. Ones that you never in your wildest dreams, would ever think he'd do.
"If I share something with you, will you promise to not tell anyone. no one?" He stated and this had your curiousity. The other previous situation long forgotten. You nodded and responded. "If it means that much to you, I will take it to my grave."

That had him smile and it melted you. "I hardly think that it would be worthy of that level, but I do appreciate that just the same." He reached for you.

He sat you up on the collar of his chest plating. He was so warm and against the cool air, it was soothing. "I feel like I'm an Outcast of the team. Everyone has someone they connect with and understand and yet...There is no other like me. Even Prime with with his neverending curiousity to humankind Shares only that but always chooses Ratchet for company. I feel Im being stupid for thinking like this and yet...the feeling doesn't go away...Well it does when You accompany me. That feeling leaves...Is that strange?" His voice held a sadness to it that nearly broke your heart. You wanted to wrap him up in your arms and shield him away.

You stare up at his uncertain blue litted eyes as they in turn stared back at you. You felt bad for him. You had noticed that while the other bots chose to hang out with others like him, none even considered him as a companion. 'Thats why...all this time...That's why he's been so desperate for my attention. Just to acknowledge him. Poor guy.' You think as you offered a warm smile.

"I have recieved many names over the years that im none to fond of and I'm not entirely sure why they were thrown in my direction." He stated this time with hurt.

"Like what?" you asked softly. He looked past you and you could hear dirt shifting around. 'He's so insecure. What could I do to help him?'

"Stiff Aft. Emotionless Drone. Lifeless. No Fun Party Pooper." He grumbled. That last one pulled a striffled giggle out of you. You gave him an Apologetic look.

"Sorry but that last one sounded funny coming out of your mouth. All of them are hurtful and mean." You claimed and rubbed your hand reassuringly across the expanse of chest plating.

As hurtful as these names were, You did have to admit that some were reasonable with how he acted towards the other bots. "Maybe lighten up on your procedures with the other bots, Maybe make an attempt to be fun." you offered and watched as an eyebrow plate rose.

"Oh?" He answered. " Are you saying as well that I am not fun or can't be fun?"

You look up at hims in shock, mouth agaped. You felt defensive suddenly and replied. "I did not say that...Do not put words in my mouth."

His smile widened and he gave a chuckle, It rattled his frame. You could feel a smile grace your face at him and you in turn giggled. He was such a softy inside.

When you first met the guy he was standoffish and perhaps alittle cold. but you could sense that it was for show or for a reason so you never pried. now he's so open and almost a raw emotion radiated from him. Your heart swelled. "I'm glad that I am able to offer a sense of peace for you." You claimed and leaned back to lay against his neck cables. He gave a happy hum in response and laid his hand gently on you. This felt like a hug. It was so warm and tender. You smiled and watched the cables move slightsly as his head moved. Curiously you placed your hand on them and felt them move.

Silence filled the air once more but it wasn't awkward, It was contenment. He shifted and in the process you moved up to his shoulder if only to not slip from where you currently was at.

After a moment he spoke. "Your right though, I feel that perhaps I do need to lighten up. There isn't really a need for me to proceed with command. Megatron has agreed to stop this War and even offered to co- rebulid Cybertron. He changed but I'm still leary of him. So is Prime. And with Rodimus there, Prime decided to come back here and set up a base. It was to keep the Energon deposits from getting out of hand due to Unicrons to mention the rouge Decepticons out there. Still I only react out of habit. That war raged for so long. It was all I ever knew."

"Hey It will be ok Magnus, I'm here too, I'll help you ok?" You offered and patted his shoulder, he smiled at that.

"Ultra Magnus, Is everything ok with you and Casey?" Came a voice suddenly threw his com. it startled both of you slightly. Magnus reached up you activate his com. "Yes Ratchet, I deactivated and went into stasis to keep from drawing any unwanted attention. Casey is fine too. Is the ground bridge up and running?"

"Almost...We're working on it. Please be patient." You smiled and shook Your head. You knew Magnus was in no hurry, he was peacefully lounging against the rock face of the cave, happily chatting with you.

"Copy that." Magnus replied and turned to looko at you.

A thought suddenly came to mind. "Hey Magnus...If I send you pictures...are you able to see them?" You asked as you fished out the ipod device.

He nodded curously and waited. You sent the first picture of him with the deer to him. You heard a faint ping and he used a light projection to pull up the picture so that both of you could see it. At first he froze at the fact that you had taken a picture of him without knowing it.

He looked to you with a concerned face. You immediately responded. "As long as I don't post them online, they will never be shared except for like this. Relax, I promise to only show you these and NEVER give them to Miko."

He relaxed slightly and even smiled. "This is good, though I hate pictures of myself, I'm much too large for such. You have more?"

You smiled and loaded the next one and sent it. Another faint ping and soon he was bringing up the one with the fox. His smile grew and he even chuckled.

"Thats the only ones I have of you, The others are with the others." You claim and scrolled the device. "Might...I see them?" He asked softly, causing you to warmly nod. So that's what you did. The two of you shared the remainder of the time laughing at the photos you had of the rest of the crew. It was endearing how he reacted to the photos and it didn't even dawn on you that he of course would keep them. Even the ones of you.

Ratchet soon reported that the Ground Bridge was operational and soon you found yourselves back at base. You Looked to the clock as it read 4:00 am. Sighing you waved by to Magnus and headed to your room. A bath was in order and that bed was looking real good.

It was about two weeks after the cave incident and yet your mind still wondered back to it. 'What was he dreaming about that caused him to...whatever that was?' you thought as you flushed at the memory. He had been clearly upset and embarassed enough to cover it up. You then wondered about things your traitous mind shouldn't. "I have to stop this!' you thought as you rounded the corner, heading into the main bay. You dropped everything when you looked to Magnus's desk. It was literally destroyed with well, everything.

"What the hell is going on?" You claim as soon found the culprits. Bee, Miko, Wheeljack, and Smokescreen hid behind the wall and was sniggering.

"What have you done? You Guys this isn't funny. Someone should clean this up...NOW! before he see's it." You angrily pointed. There was Words written all over the desk front like Bossy Bot And Commander Stiff. You remebered what he said about being called names and that just fueled your anger others all look to you. Wheeljack huffed and smirked. Suddenly A gasp sounded behind you and you whirled around to find Magnus there in shock.

'No' you think as you watched his dejected glare.

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!?" He bellowed followed by a snigger from one of them. His eyes pulled away from his trashed desk, landing on you and for a second. Sadness and hurt radiated from them. He then looked up to them and with out a second later, transformed into his vehilcle mode and sped off. You called out after him knowing he wasn't going to stop. You Immediately whirled back on them.

"WHY? WHY DO THIS TO HIM? WHAT HAS HE DONE TO WARRANT THIS!?" you yelled furiously. Magnus's conversation came back to you and it hurt, It hurt so bad that they would do this. Optimus chose to investigate the commotion at that moment and was thrown by what he found.

"Oh Please, You have no idea what he was like. How strict he is, He needs to lighten up." Wheeljack responded. This angered you further.

"IT"S BECAUSE OF SHIT LIKE THIS, THAT HE ACTS THEY WAY HE DOES. DO ANY OF YOU KNOW HIM?...THE REAL HIM? DO ANY OF YOU CARE TO KNOW HOW HE FEELS!?" you continued completely oblivious to the one behind you. Not that you cared. you voice dropped as you stared at the floor.

"Do any of you take anytime to just talk to him? to Include him. To know that he feels alone." You spoke brokeningly tears clouded your vision.

"Psst, Strict Bot only has one feeling and thats priority. He only knows how to bark orders and shove everyone away." Wheeljack commented and you looked up to him now.

"Really?...Thats what you think?...Then you are just as foolish for not seeing that he's hurt. Hurt For This" You growled out and motioned to Magnus's desk that was covered with god knows what.

"You know what, Maybe I was wrong for telling him to open up alittle bit to you guys, Maybe it's you who needs to Open up to him." You Spoke Harshly.

"Whatever, YOu have no idea what your talking about!" Wheeljack spat and you glared at him.

"DO YOU?!" IF I HAVE NO IDEA, THEN PLEASE ENLIGHTEN ME. WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO LOOSE EVERYTHING YOU CARED FOR IN A WAR? TELL ME! WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO HAVE TO KEEP FIGHTING WHILE YOUR FRIENDS DIE AROUND YOU! TELL ME WHAT THAT WOULD DO TO SOMEONE?!... I'M DONE!" You yelled again and ran for the elevator, You weren't going to leave the base and cause more stress but you just couldn't take it anymore.

'I am beginning to understand him more and more for his standoffness.' you thought as the elevator carried you topside.

Optimus glared at the others and silently ordered them to clean up Magnus's desk. He looked to Casey's direction and sighed sadly. "His desk had better be spotless and back in order by the time I return or further punishment will be issued." He spoke evenly and emotionless then headed off towards the elevator.

You sat outside and desperately tried to reach Magnus. He wouldn't respond and you didn't know if it was because he didn't want to or if he was out of range. The elevator responded behind you causing you to gasp. You whipped around to find Optimus there.

"I'm not sorry for my words." You instantly threw out. He said nothing as he sat down next to you.

"I never asked you to apologize. However, it seems to me that you have gotten rather close to the one bot I never thought would be possible, And there lies the problem. We have all taken for granted, That Magnus seeked solitude. We as a group tried to respect that. Now I feel it was wrong for us to do. But you can't exactly blame us when he wouldn't let anyone in...Until you came here. Its very clear that he greatly enjoys your company."

You looked up to his face and tears swelled up in your eyes again. Your heart ached for Magnus cause he was somewhere out there without comfort and you didn't get the chance to stop him. You looked away and down at your hands. 'He's not some child though, He can take care of himself.' you thought sadly

"Do you know that he loves animals? He loves Music, His favorite color is white? He can't stand clutter. That he loves sitting out in the night just to watch the stars?" You started. You could feel Optimus's eyes on you.

"Hmm I did not know this about him, However I can't help noticing that you left one out." He claimed and you once again looked up to him. Your blurry eyes cleared slightly and he looked down to you. There was a soft smile on the Autobot Leaders face.

"You, He Loves you." He stated and your eyes widened "He never said it but its there. I catch him sometimes staring at your door before continuing past. Like he's checking on you. I notice the smirks that he tends to hide when he watches you do things. Long before I even suggested that you become his companion when he leaves the base. Now when the two of you silently wage firendly war on each other through what ever device the two of you are connected with, that smile I thought would never grace his face would be there. I will make sure that these pranks never happen again. You are correct in them being not fair and non understanding of him."

"Optimus, I'm Worried, He won't respond to me and I know that maybe he needs sometime, but just talking from experience...Time is not what he really needs...Time only gives him a chance to build walls and without any form of comfort...Those walls can become thick." you state sadly and look to the ipod in your hands.

You think about the words that Optimus said and texted Magnus again.

"Magnus please...I'm worried about you,...Please...at least let me know your ok." You stared at the words for a minute before hitting send.

Still no response came and you defeatedly lowered the device away.

You sighend heavily and looked down to the terrain below. A faint flashing of headlights caught your attention some distance away. Optimus also caught it and was instantly on his feet. It startled you. He scooped you up but something large crashed into Optimus and both of you tumbled over the edge of the Base and was now heading to the ground below. Quickly thinking, Optimus tossed you into the chassis chamber where his cab seat was located. A seatbelf secured you and you tried your best to brace for impact.

"CASEY!" You heard Optimus call. When he hit the ground, the impact knocked you unconscious.

"You could hear voices, Their were muffled and it was dark. Your body felt heavy and yet you were being jostled around. You strained to right yourself as you quickly realized that you were strapped to something. Then movement caught your attention. You focused on it and thats when you realized that you were still in Optimus cab. A red bot with a white face looked into the glass but it felt like he didn't see you. He looks away and up to something, or someone.

Ratchets face suddenly appeared and you sighed desperately as you tried to free your restraints. They tightened against you snuggly. You was caught off guard by this as you desperately tapped the seat you were secured to. "Optimus...I'm ok" you whispered.

"No your not...We're not...That's not Ratchet. Were with enemies. What you saw wearing Ratchet's face was Shapshift. He whispered back.

"Who might you be conversing with Pax?" Came a deadly voice, deep and raspy. You froze, Fear welled up and a shiver ran through you. You watched helplessly as another face came into view. 'Megatron' you thought as the restraints loosed and allowed you to slip down out view.

"Im not speaking to anyone of any importance." Optimus threw out hastily as Megatron chuckled and tilted his head at him.

"Oh?, Is that so? How odd then, that Soundwave picked up the fleshy you have inside your chassis. So who's in there...Jack? Or maybe The little hacker...Or could it be That little loud mouth brat that the wreckers like so much." He claimed with a sneer.

You shivered as you tried to huddle into a corner. This is bad. Something moved off to your side and when you looked to it you found a gap in Optimus's plating leading down his side to his back. Maybe you could squeeze through while he was unable to move. You looked back up and located the rearview mirror pointing in your direction. You gave him a thumbs up and went for it. You quickly realized that he half changed into vehilcle mode before the impact and was caught like that. You slid around the mesh just inside the plating and soon your feet found the floor just behind his Pede. You pressed up against the wheel in an attempt to stay out of veiw. You looked at all the mechs that were around and noticed that noone had taken notice of you yet, so you darted behind a desk that was off to the side.

"Well no matter, I want the matrix of leadership. If you give me that then I'll let both of you go." Megatron offered in a sickly sweet voice. It made your stomache churn.

Optimus opened his chassis up to reveal that he had neither you inside or the matrix. He gave a chuckle.

"Your foolish Prime...Without it your powerless against me...So Fine then...Where is it?"

"Why do you want it? I thought you agreed to stop this endless fighting, we agreed to to rebuild cybertron together...so why this now?" Optimus pleaded. Megatron looked almost taken back by that, Then he leaned in closer.

"You mistunderstand me Prime. I need that Matrix to open the allspark chamber so that I can upcharge it." He stated and it was clearly false.

"Upcharge it?...With Dark Energon you mean? I will die and destroy the matrix befrore I would ever allow such a thing." OPtimus growled out in Megatrons face.

You watched from the shadows of the desk as Megatron was leaning over Optimus with a gun up to his face. 'No' you think as you forced yourself to not swallow the lump in your throat. Something vibrated inside your jacket pocket. You let your fingers run over the objetc and instantly knew. 'Optimus, why?' You questioned in silence as the answer came to you hard. The Matrix was in your pocket and you was entrusted with keeping it safe.

Megatrons gun Powered up and was about to fire. 'NO' you thought as you hastily ran across the floor drawing everyone'd attention as you ran.

"HEY SHARKBREATH! COME GET ME!"

"CASEY!" Optimus yelled as you ran quickly through a door and ducked into the darkness of one of the pillars. No one saw you As you fled and now you pressed up into a crevice out of sight, watching all the decepticon run about on their search. You slowed your breathing as you remebered the decepticon that picked up on the faintest sounds.

You clutched the matrix in your pocket tightly and darted to the next pillar and the refuge of its shadows. Little did you know of the one whom also too refuge in the shadows. Blue eyes onlined above you and when you looked up, a face silhouetted just enough to catch a finger press against the lips. You were suddenly scooped up and pressed up against a chassis. Whirls gently rumbled beneath and you chanced another look to the face. Those blue eyes looked down to you again as you were placed inside another chassis. "Wait, we have to help Optimus." You stressed in a hushed tone. Those eyes swirled dangerously and He nodded. HE looked up and closed his eyes. A few seconds passed and when he looked back his eyes had changed red. It scared you but you were just going to have to trust him. His chassis closed around you and this time there was no window. You could only listen.

He strolled freely through the enemies lines like he was one of them. Fear welled up and threatened to choke you. You were scared.

"Lord Megatron. What is your wish?" His voice sounded deadly and you cringed at your potential danger. "Take Optimus to the cells and search the ship for our little vermon...The little human Femme has the matrix of leadership. Bring her to me unharmed and alive." Megatron growled and you feel This mysterious mech turns and heaves up, What you assumed was Optimus, and starts walking again. It was sometime before you heard a loud heaving groan and the chassis opened to reveal to you Optimus with a large gapping slice in his side. You held back as enemies were around but you couldn't stop the tears as they welled up. Optimus saw you and looked up to the mech. Eyes wide at the realization set in. Optimus relaxed and nodded. Unspoken words were exchanged and just as the chassis closed again, you caught something being slipped into Optimus's hands.

After some time The chassis opened again and a hand was held out for you to climb onto. You hestitantly complied and stared up to the mech. His features was sharp angled and yet there was a gentle look to his eyes. " Who...Who are you?" You asked in a whisper. He smiled at you and mouthed "Drift" You looked at his overall look. He was definately some sort of fighter with his duel swords. He Did the same thing as before and looked up with his eyes closed. This time however, you saw the color of his face darken and the color of the piece on his forhead darked from orange to a deep red. His red eyes opened and looked down to you again and when he smiled, fangs were now present. He looked evil in contrast to only seconds ago. "Deadlock" he whispered deeply and you shivered. It puzzled you for a moment then it hits you. 'This guy is both autobot and decpticon?' you think as he pats the top of your head with his clawed index finger, in attempt to be reasurring. "If your one of them, then why help us?" you whispered and his eyes soften. he brings you closer to his face. "Because I owe someone at your base a favor...and it was he that alerted me of you and the Autobot leader. I will get you both off this ship. If you promise to give this, To Ratch for me." He whispers back and hands you a device that looks like a flashdrive only alot bigger. It'll fit in your pocket and you decided to accept it. He seemed delighted at this and soon you were placed back into his chassis.

It seemed like days but it was only a few hours. you were getting fatigued and was struggling with staying quiet. thankfully you didn't have to wait much longer as a disturbance suddenly rocked the floor Drift was standing on. Guns were being fired and through the chaos You were passed back off to Optimus and The two of you fled. You placed the matrix against His chassis walls and it flared. Optimus quckly ejected you out and into a waiting hand.

"Take her and get out!Go Now!" He ordered and you glanced up to a familiar face. You melted under his gaze. "MAGNUS!" you called and he ran. Optimus and other Autobots followed as Magnus rammed the wall and battered straight through it. He slammed his other large fist through the outher wall of the ship and thats when you realized that you were up in the air...Miles from the ground. Magnus opened his own chassis and placed you inside.

"Your going to want to hold on to something." He called and tore the hole larger and now the two of you were freefalling.

"SHIT MAGNUS...UNLESS YOU CAN SECRETLY FLY...THIS IS NOT GOING TO END WELL!"

He straight up chuckled.

"Ratchet were going to need that groundbridge."