~~Medical Mismatch~~

By Ayngel

Continuity: G1
Rating: M
Character(s)/Pairing(s): Hook/First Aid
Content Advice: Cyber medical procedures, mech attraction, sexual themes, angst, mild violence, a non con 'advance' in chapter 5 but only resulting in a kiss! Still rated M as precaution.
Disclaimer: Transformers don't belong to me :(

Summary:

Third of five ficlets around the theme of 'Five Firsts,' Written for the TF_Rare_Pairing November Five Firsts challenge. First Aid accepts an internship at Kaon General Hospital with Hook, the best surgeon on Cybertron at the time.

First Real Conflict (it was inevitable)

Ten cycles later ….

The machines beeped steadily, all the screens showing a steady recovery of the mechs attached to them, a testament to First Aid's frantic efforts over three cycles to save the victims from the latest attack – all sparklings from a local care facility.

First Aid moved between the small bodies, checking the details of their progress. He responded to the emotional thanks lavished upon him by grateful creators with curt nods, too numb from exhaustion and sadness at the ones who had died outright to be anything other than relieved that his new learned skills could at least save those in the ward.

"Who let this rabble in here?" First Aid had not been aware of Hook's entry. Now he turned, to see the maestro approaching with a battery of trainee paramedics in tow.

The intern instantly became more alert. He stiffened. In the small amount of time he had been here, he had known what to expect of Hook's reaction. And the audience was hardly unexpected.

But First Aid refused to be castigated. "The operations have been a success," he announced proudly to Hook. "But I consider the recovery will be quicker if these sparklings are attended by their loved ones!"

Hook looked at him with a mixture of amusement and incredulity. Yet, First Aid read something else. Was it admiration? That he had dared to stand up to the Great One? Respect? Or was the glint in the optics one of plain derision?

He couldn't tell. With Hook, First Aid had learned, there was often no way of telling.

The one thing First Aid was sure it wasn't reciprocation of the growing attraction he still felt for the genius techno-medic, despite everything. Something which now frustrated and infuriated the red and white intern, and which he was at a loss to figure out. Especially right now.

A cynical smile crossed Hook's face. "What a quaint idea!" he said. "Not one grounded in any scientific fact of course but 'touching,' nevertheless." First Aid noted in annoyance that the paramedics tittered politely.

The visitors, seeing the looks on the faces of the two medics and sensing Hook's disapproval, gave their sparklings pecks on cheeks and made themselves scarce, whispering among themselves as they moved to the corridor outside. Machines beeped next to lone sparklings, the awake ones staring wide-opticed themselves, looking unhappy but somehow sensing that silence was the best agenda.

Hook swept down the line, his entourage in tow. He looked, to First Aid's annoyance, most pleased at the departures. First Aid strutted beside him defiantly. Hopefully, Hook would get this over with soon – and find no deficiencies in his work. When he had gone, First Aid intended summoning the 'rabble' straight back in. Later, he would argue the point – most stringently – if necessary. And to hell with the trainees.

...

At each patient, Hook extended a cable from his wrist and plugged briefly in, ignoring the scared expressions on the small faces. As he progressed, his expression changed from sardonic amusement to one of being impressed. Clearly, however, this warred with annoyance. And the need to satisfy his own magnanimous ego.

"I hope you are noting the innovation in these repairs," he snapped at the trainees. "And the very well performed local and systemic approach. Exactly as I have instructed, of course. I suggest that you take schematic records, because I will not, in the future, tolerate anything less from anyone who wishes to be on my team!"

First Aid did, in fact, feel a glimmer of the pride he had felt on the first day. But he was still cross – and now determined to make his point. He regarded his superior resolutely. "My surgical technique in conjunction with accelerated recovery will free up resources at the first convenience!" he managed a smile at the trainees. "As is Hospital Policy."

Now the trainees looked from Hook to himself. First Aid read intrigue on their faces, then fear at the glowering form of the surgeon, then a veiled admiration. That he would dare to challenge the Great Hook. 'Well,' he thought triumphantly, 'take note!'

But Hook merely smiled. His optics took on a similarly triumphant glint. "Well that is as well," he said. "Because this lot are being discharged in half a cycle!"

He turned to the trainees. "I have just been commed about another emergency," he said. "A shuttle crash on the East Side. We will require at least half a ward …" he looked smugly at First Aid. "As is also 'Hospital Policy.'"

First Aid gaped at him. "But they're sparklings! And they're only just out of surgery!" he protested.

Hook raised an optic ridge. "These are young shuttleformers in their prime. On the forefront of Cybertron's exploration and expansion team, and able to bring many here should the need arise. Excellent physical specimins …"

"Survival of the fittest," muttered First aid.

Hook nodded and moved on. His throng moved behind him, a mixture of glances travelling First Aid's way. Hook's voice faded as they moved into the other half of the ward. "Yes, I will expect nothing less from any of you!" First Aid heard. "You want to know why my new intern is such an excellent operator? He learns fast. I suggest you all take a leaf out of his book …."

First Aid looked after them, fury and disappointment burning within his spark, overriding any satisfaction he might feel at this 'compliment.' He vowed to not abandon his ideals, and to continue, somehow, with the impossible task of somehow 'educating' Hook. The sparklings were, in fact - and thanks to his practices - well enough recovered to survive outside the hospital. But it wasn't the point.