Hello again my fellow fanfic readers! Again I am so sorry I took so long to write a new chapter and I'm sorry that it's mostly just filler. Although for those who are fans of 'Cass cuteness' I'm sure you won't be disappointed, but he's also going to be put through a little bit of grief… Bare with me people… Please. '-.-

The next two chapters are going to be laced with stickiness, but I can't promise I'll get those done right away either. They may come out a little sooner than the last one though.

Special shout outs to: CreepyLolita, Cao dreams in books, and maria-ioanna984. To both CreepyLolita and Cao, I'm sorry I made you girls cry… Sort of anyway. That was kind of the aim of the storyline and I'm glad it hit its mark. Don't worry though, I still have more plans for Soundwave. Some are still sad, but a some are good. To maria-ioanna984, you are just nuts… And I mean that in the most positive way I can express. Thanks for sticking with me from the beginning and so far being the only person to review in MERCY: One Shots… Tell you what, leave me a special request to write in your next comment and I'll see if I can get it done. (No Cass though… Sorry but he is reserved for Megatron for the time being.)

Don't be afraid to leave a review and tell me what you think. I love to hear from my readers! XD

DISCLAIMER: I don't own any stocks, trades, or licensing from the Transformers franchise. All rights are reserved for HASBRO entertainment.

Oops! I almost forgot! Anyone who would like to see Cass make some naughty faces, check out my Deviantart page in the link below. It's nothing special but I thought I would give it a go anyway... ;}

emiko-kiichigo101/art/Caspian-Frag-Face-787983156

MERCY

Chapter 16

"You will not be punished for your anger,

you will be punished

by your anger."

-Gautama Buddha

Laserbeak had woken up to find Knockout clinging to her master. She would've taken more exception to this if she wasn't so happy to see Soundwave online. She bounced and chirped impatiently waiting for the medic to step aside so she could cry properly in her master's embrace.

"Well, look who decided to join us." Knockout smirked as he stepped away, and the very instant Soundwave rested back onto the berth, Laserbeak leapt onto his chassis. As she nuzzled closer to his frame Soundwave gently smiled and patted the back of his symbiote's haul.

"I'm sorry…" The communications officer whispered to Laserbeak. "I'm so sorry I scared you so much. I'll do my best not to let it happen again."

"Don't make promises you can't keep." Knockout re-announced his presence. "I mean, I'm just going to go out on a limb here and assume that you haven't really spoken openly to anyone? About what happened to you?"

"Nobody but Laserbeak." Soundwave answered as he stroked the symbiote's wings. "Aside from her, there is no one else for me to speak too."

"What about Caspian?" The red mech tilted his helm, and his patient quickly shook his in response.

"No… And please don't tell him. I don't want to burden him."

"I wouldn't tell him anything." Knockout reassured him. "That's not up to me, it's up to you… And… Well…" He paused a minute so he could rub the back of his helm. "I am your physician after all. If you have nowhere else to turn you could always come to me."

Soundwave stared at the medic questionably, but Knockout held up his servo in rebuttal. "I'm not saying you have to pour your spark out this minute. All I mean is that if you felt like you needed an invitation before, I'm just letting you know you have it now." His optics softened when he noticed his patient was now looking away from him. "Soundwave… Keeping something like this locked up for so long is not healthy for anyone. What you went through was… Horrifying isn't even the best word to describe it. I can't even imagine that happening to my worst enemy."

"You're not the first to say that." Soundwave sighed. "I have done my best to keep this to myself, but almost nothing can stop the rumor mill. I'm sure even you have heard stories about me."

"Yes, some." Knockout admitted. "But none of them came close to anything like this." He cautiously stepped closer to Soundwave, careful not to rile up Laserbeak, and he placed his servo under the third in command's shoulder joint. "What you went through was something horribly traumatic. I am amazed you're still functioning… Which actually explains the way you function at all… But keeping this all to yourself and bottled up is not doing you any favors. Your anxiety isn't just going to go away if you sweep it all under your processor and try to forget about it."

"I would rather not talk about it right now." Soundwave's EM field bristled and Laserbeak fluttered eagerly. "Please, I just want to get back to work. If you want us to bring Breakdown back to the Nemesis I need to track Starscream's movements."

"If you really want to go back to work, then by all means do so." The red mech sighed. "But don't use me and Breakdown as an excuse to avoid the issue at hand, and like I said you don't have to talk about it now. When you're ready to get anything off your chassis… Uh… No offense Laserbeak." The symbiote beeped in understanding then went back to cuddling her master. Knockout smiled at the rare show of respect before he continued to address Soundwave. "The invitation I gave you stands permanently, and when you feel like talking it doesn't have to be about your past. We can talk about anything when you are ready for it. At your own pace Soundwave."

His grasp under Soundwave's shoulder gently tightened and he allowed his patient to slide off the berth. "Can you do one thing for me?" The medic asked while Laserbeak reattached herself to Soundwave's chest. "If you want you can work on my computer for a while like I had offered earlier. I would feel more at ease if you stayed a little longer and made sure your systems remained stable."

"I appreciate the offer." The third in command replied. "But when Breakdown returns to the ship, and he will return… I'm sure you would like the med-bay empty so you can examine him properly."

"But—."

"Don't argue." Soundwave huffed before he slid the remainder of his screen over the base of his faceplate. "Updates will be frequent. Starscream: Properly monitored."

"Fine." Knockout surrendered. Unless Soundwave was critically injured he couldn't force the silent mech to stay. "Just be careful, and comm me if you start to feel lightheaded."

"Affirmative."

Before Soundwave slipped away Knockout made one more statement and was given a considerate chirp in reply. "Take care of him chest-hugger."

Cass's optics fluttered online slowly. He didn't even realize he had slipped into recharge, and more than that he couldn't quite remember where he had fallen into recharge. He remembered that he was with Megatron, and that they had been intimate with each other. The young drone even remembered that he was feeling bold enough to try something new, and quickly blushed from the somewhat chastening memory. But what happened after that?

The small Vehicon was distracted from his recollections when he heard a hefty sigh heave over the top of his faceplate. He was still being cradled in Megatron's embrace. The moment Cass understood he was still in the throne room, he instantly recalled everything that had happened to him after Megatron had pulled him back onto his lap. At first it was nothing more than some innocent kissing and nipping, but then Cass's frame began to heat again. It almost felt painful in a way, and he practically begged his Lord for more relief. They ended up pleasuring each other three more times before the young model could bear no more, and basically passed out in Megatron's arms.

The young model was very confused by his actions. He had never felt anything like this in his short function and in a way it slightly frightened him. What was happening to his body? Knockout mentioned that through a heat cycle a mech's frame could heat and become sensitive, but only for spark born Cybertronians. Cass is a drone so he shouldn't be feeling these urges as the medic described. Maybe he was ill, and had a virus? And if he did, there is a chance he just passed it on to his master.

Another heavy sigh alerted Cass to his consciousness and he glanced back up at Megatron's faceplate, still shuttered closed in a deep recharge. The Vehicon had no idea the warlord had also fallen into a stasis, and he didn't know what to do about it. Should he try to wake him? Should he try to slip out of his lap and leave?

"You do know that it is rude to stare…" Megatron rumbled through an amused smirk and closed optics. He even chuckled a little when he felt his tiny lover flinch nervously against his chassis.

"F-forgive me M' Lord." He whimpered sheepishly. "I didn't realize I was staring."

The silver mech didn't find it necessary to reply to the drone's statement. Mostly because he too was still fairly worn out. He gently stretched in place before he bent his helm down to gently kiss Cass above his optics. The smaller mech smiled sweetly and returned the warm gesture by caressing the side of his faceplate against Megatron's chest. He was so comfortable and at ease Cass nearly felt the urge to fall back into recharge. So warm, he thought to himself. His master felt so warm and he also felt surprisingly safe. The Vehicon even thought that he would feel very content with just staying there for the rest of the night, but it seemed fate had other plans for the sweet drone.

"Lord Megatron." Starscream's voice rang through the intercom and startled both the mechs up right. "I have news of Breakdown's current whereabouts. May I enter?"

"My mask…!" Cass whispered, fearfully covering his lip-plates with his servos. "I don't have my mask…!"

"Don't panic." Megatron also whispered but still held his smirk. "It's still on the other side of the room under the walls crevice. I won't let him in until you are ready. Also…" He sat back a moment to reach into his subspace and pulled out two decent sized rags. Then he handed one of them to Cass. "You might want to clean up a bit."

The flustered drone took the rag and looked down over his abdomen. He was covered in both his and the tyrant's transfluid… And just when he thought he couldn't feel any more embarrassed by this, Megatron had to gesture with his servo that Cass also had fluid on his faceplate.

"Ohhh…" The Vehicon quickly stood away from the throne and wiped his frame. Too embarrassed to really face the warlord, Cass turned away to hesitantly clean himself. Megatron, on the other hand, just sat there as he wiped the slightly dried up fluid from his torso and lower chassis. He probably would be in a rush as well if he wasn't so entranced with the view in front of him. His gorgeous lover didn't even realize his master was still staring at him. Not even when Cass widened his stance and bent forward all the way down to his pedes to clean away random droplets that landed on his ankles. Megatron's engines blared at the sight of the slim drone's tiny aft lifted in the air, and he physically had to stop himself from reaching out and pulling Cass back onto his throne. Luckily, Starscream's impatience managed to distract the overzealous tyrant.

"Lord Megatron? Are you still in there?"

"Yes Starscream." Megatron announced himself through a very heavy clearing of his intakes. "Where else am I going to go? Just give me a few minutes."

He finally stood as well and started to toil with switches on his main console. "Let me know when you are ready Caspian." The flustered silver mech addressed the Vehicon as the throne lowered itself back into the floor. "Be quick though. Starscream isn't exactly the most patient of mechs… Of course that coming from me—."

"M' Lord?" Cass called for him as he fussed over his mask. "My bottom clasp is bent. I can't fit my visor on correctly."

"Can you keep it from sliding off your helm?" The warlord turned in the Vehicon's direction. He gestured with one of his servos over his own helm, silently asking Cass if the sides of the mask could stay in place without the bottom clasp.

"Uh… If I stand still I'm sure I can keep it from slipping. Otherwise I have to hold it in place."

"That will have to do then." Megatron huffed. "Stand there in the corner and try not to move."

"Yes Lord Megatron." The drone obeyed what he thought was an order and he shuffled to the opposite side of the room with one servo under his optical visor. Content with the way everything was cleaned and straightened in the room, Megatron finally deemed it fit to allow Starscream to enter. He manually opened the large doors and waited for the second in command to usher himself in. The slim flier sauntered in with his servos held behind his back. He happened to glance over in Cass's direction, but really paid him no mind, much to the young Vehicon's relief.

"My Liege, thank you for seeing me on such short notice." Starscream bowed wearing his usual conceited sneer. "I just wanted to inform you personally that Breakdown has escaped his captors and is on his way back to the ship. Soundwave should be bridging him to the med-bay presently."

"Oh…" Cass momentarily sighed in relief, but immediately turned away when he felt his battle visor begin to slip. Starscream quirked his helm at the drone, irritated by such a disrespectful distraction. How dare such a lowly Vehicon interrupt a conversation between his superiors?

"You there, drone." He snarled at Cass. "Make yourself useful and pour us some high-grade."

"Uh… Y-yes Commander." The shy drone replied as he clumsily walked slowly over to the energon cabinet. "I will be only a moment."

"Don't keep us waiting." The seeker barked subtly before he turned back towards Megatron. He took a step back when he saw his master scowl at him, for whatever reason in his mind. "If you have any free time my Lord, I would like to discuss more personal matters."

The giant silver mech crossed his arms over his chest, indicating his immediate impatience. "Such as?"

"Our interfacing sessions… Or the now lack thereof."

Both of the higher ups were surprised when they heard the crash of an energon cube drop on a hard surface. The glass didn't shatter, but it did leave a small liquid mess over the floor.

"Impudent Vehicon!" Starscream snapped. "Watch what you are doing and don't waste any more high-grade!"

"Y-yes sir!" Cass shook fretfully. With one servo he held his mask up and with the other he reached for the cube he dropped. When he heard Starscream mention he had interfaced with Megatron the young model lost complete control of his motor functions. It wasn't exactly a secret that Megatron interfaced with other mechs, or for Cass it just made sense. He had heard the rumors of how the second in command would spend an abundance of his nights with Megatron. But Cass didn't even know what interfacing was at the time, so he never really suspected that that is what his compatriots meant. What was more confusing to the drone was how he reacted to this news. His spark felt like it was going to leap through his oral intake and his CPU became a cluster of emotions. He felt a rush of sadness, anger, jealousy, fear, not one emotion staying long enough to process fully, and it nearly overwhelmed him… And now he was going to have to stand in the room and listen to more of it.

"Get on with your discussion." Megatron stepped closer to Starscream and threatened him with his leering pose. His first lieutenant took the threat seriously by lowering his wings fearfully.

"Right… As I was saying, about our trysts." Starscream stepped a little closer. "I wish to discuss the process of ending them."

"Really?" The warlord didn't see that coming. "What has brought on such a decision?"

"Well, with all due respect Lord Megatron, you haven't exactly been very enthusiastic of our coupling for quite some time now." The seeker announced confidently, but with caution in his voice. "You haven't touched me in years, and I'm starting to think you have lost complete interest."

"You're only starting now?" Megatron huffed in amusement.

"Yes, and I would like to hear it from you." The second in command paused when he noticed the Vehicon had approached him with a small hand tray. There were two glasses of high grade on the tray, and with one servo Cass gestured it towards the higher officer. Starscream observed the smaller drone and wondered why he was trying to discreetly hold one servo under his chin. But instead the seeker just took one of the glasses and turned back to continue his discussion with Megatron. "I want to hear you say that you are no longer interested in interfacing with me any longer."

"Ha!" His master belt out a sardonic laugh. Saying something like that so openly must have been very difficult for the seeker to admit, but the warlord wasn't going to hold back his mirth. "You have to hear me say it? You can't just take a hint on your own?"

"I have moved on." Starscream stated as he watched the tyrant reach for his own glass of high-grade and noticed the satisfied smile he gave the drone next to him. "And according to the rumors I've been hearing on the troops grape vine, you have as well."

"What exactly are you implying Starscream?" Megatron growled while he gently pushed Cass aside.

"I'm not really implying anything." The seeker nonchalantly sipped on his high-grade. "But I'm not casting judgement either. As of late, I've been fragging one of the Vehicon's as well. Wah!"

The flier barely had enough time to lift his leg out of the way when Cass suddenly dropped the tray on the floor. The small Vehicon quickly knelt down to pick it up. He mumbled as he franticly scrambled to back away from the commander fearfully apologetic.

"Idiot!" The now angry seeker shouted.

"I-I am so sorry commander. I didn't mean to—AAH!"

Cass didn't even stand fully up right before Starscream roughly backhanded him. The force of the slap was so strong, the smaller mech was spun around and he fell to his knees. His battle visor had slid off partially before the seeker's clawed servo met its target. It flew across the room, but Cass was swift to cover his face with his forearm. No sooner did he land on the floor the drone heard a sickening crash behind him, followed by a horrid cry of pain. The terrified Vehicon peeked timidly over his arm and saw Starscream skidding over the floor, and Megatron stepping menacingly behind him.

"I did not give you permission to discipline the troops in my presence Starscream!" The warlord shouted furiously. As soon as he was standing above Starscream, he raised his giant ped and slammed it down on top of the smaller flier's helm and chassis. The seeker gasped desperately as his intakes choked on the lack of air, and he reached up to weekly push back on the ped. It was like pushing on a steel garter buried in a titanium foundation, and he knew it would be pointless to resist. He tried anyway, if nothing more than anxious instincts.

"Uhn… L… Lord… Megatron…!" He coughed and clawed in terror. "For… Forgive me… Please…!"

"Silence!" His master roared with venom in his raspy vocals.

"Stop…" Cass whispered while he crawled over to grab his mask, too afraid to speak any louder, but no one could hear him.

Megatron slowly added more pressure to the top of the slim mech's frame, smiling wickedly at the struggling sounds Starscream emitted. "Stay still long enough and I will grant you your request to end our tryst by ending you!"

"Stop…" Again Cass whispered. He finally found his mask and stood up right. He didn't put it back on yet, but he did cover his lip-plates lightly with his digits. "Please… Stop…"

"Or perhaps I should find this knew lover you have mentioned and destroy him in front of your very optics!"

Starscream let out one more blood curdling scream. The ped on his frame had slid off his chassis and crushed the plating over his shoulder. He was almost certain that Megatron was going to actually follow through with his threats and offline him. There was a good chance it would have happened if it wasn't for the horrified drone finally reaching a breaking point and shouted in absolute panic.

"Stop! Stop! Stop! By the All-Spark Lord Megatron! Please stop!"

Everyone froze in shock. Megatron didn't lift his ped off of the seeker's shoulder, but he was no longer leaning his weight onto it. Starscream took the levity of the moment to slip out from under the massive foot and escape through the doors that were neglectfully left open. Bleeding energon left a long trail on the floor as he sped past Cass and he clung to his shoulder in excruciating pain. The warlord allowed his cowardly second in command to scamper away from him. He was far too busy gazing at the terrorized look in his lover's optics. The look in those beautiful optics was beyond spark-breaking, even for the most stoic of mechs. The multiple colored irises spun in wide horror, and they glistened even brighter through the large beads of optical fluids. Cass tremored uncontrollably and sobbed on overworked cooling vents. His shoulders jittered as his breath hitched irrepressibly, and soon the tears flowed with little resistance when he tightly closed his optics and cried into his servos.

The young drone knew this would eventually happen. That Megatron would ultimately become so enraged that he would take his fury out on the mech nearest to him, but somehow for a while he had forgotten. In the large mechs embrace Cass had felt so secure and adored he completely ignored his built-in instincts. Everything in his processor that told him Megatron was dangerous had been pushed aside and neglected.

The warlord stared at Cass with a new sense of bewilderment. He never froze like this before. He had fought in the darkest parts in the Pits of Kaon, wiped out entire fleets single handedly, raised an army of the undead, but nothing in this universe could have prepared him for the site before him.

"Caspian…" Megatron took only one step forward, but that was enough to alert the small mech back to reality.

"No!" Cass stammered back with one arm out stretched defensively. "No! I…! I can't! I just can't!" He couldn't bring himself to speak properly. Everything that flew out from his dermas made no sense because he just couldn't straighten out his terrified filled processor, but soon enough there was one thought that crossed his mind. Run. Just run and keep running. It didn't matter where he ended up as long as he was no longer in the same room as Megatron. "I'm sorry!"

He bolted out the door, still sobbing with his faceplate exposed. The emotional Vehicon couldn't tell if his master would chase after him when he left and didn't stop to find out. Cass just kept running down the wide and dark corridors, leaving Megatron in a state of taciturn astonishment. And the tyrant stood there in silence… Alone and surrounded by the luminescence of high-grade and cycled energon on the floor.

-END-