"I don't know whether you are joking or not, Dr. Glassman." Dr. Marcus Andrews shook his head in disbelief, "A mental condition, which has difficulty in communicating, language, and abstract concepts. Am I describing a surgeon?"

"You don't understand, Dr. Andrews." Dr. Aaron Glassman argues, "He is capable of taking care of his own and managing his own affairs. Shaun is high functioning."

"High functioning? So that's our new hiring standards?"

"Then you wouldn't be here, Dr. Andrews." Aaron replied back as he gazed his eyes on the other board members, "I don't know whether this is a joke that all of you, The Board of Directors, are questioning my authority, my hiring decisions? I don't know if you searched the definition of President, because now, I'm not amused."

"You are hiring him, a 26 year-old omega male with autism, as a surgical resident." Marcus said, "In my department, which I highly object."

"Do you have a problem with omegas, Dr. Andrews?" Allegra Aoki interjects as she pours herself a glass of water, "It's like you're making things personal."

"I am not making this personal and I have no problem with omegas because we have them working with us, with their heats controlled." Marcus replied.

"So yes, Mr. Murphy has wanted this job since day 1. Yes, you are in charge, Dr. Glassman. However, I am in charge with the money for this hospital. So keep your pheromones in check before a fight breaks out." Allegra sips her water, as she stares at the Board, most of them Alphas, while some are Betas. However, even it is in the modern age, she knows that primal instincts exist within themselves.

"As what we were discussing once more…" Allegra began as she gazes at Aaron, "Yes, he is an omega, quite rare, especially a male. However, as much as you are defending his credentials and capabilities, the Board also has doubts as well. So please, justify your answer properly, Dr. Glassman."

Aaron sighs as he sits down, "I met Dr. Shaun Murphy when he was fourteen years old. My first meeting with him, I was amazed by his capabilities, up until now." He looks at the Board, with a pleading look, wishing for them to understand him.

"Yes, he has autism, but he has Savant Syndrome as well. He is a genius in certain areas. His memory has perfect recall, special intelligence, and he sees and analyzes things differently from us. It is remarkable that we may not even fathom or understand. It is an asset and it fits to any doctors, particularly a surgeon."

-/-/-

"So, y-you want to be a s-surgeon?"

"Yeah, I want to save lives. Plus, it's somehow an eye opener to me." He replied back.

"W-well… surgeons are amazing. T-they know the body well and they don't just… cut people without reason." Blue eyes still remained on the book.

"If you're interested, why not try? You might work with me."

"I-it's a possibility."

In the airport, a crowd suddenly gathered and noticed a child in a critical condition. A brown haired man, around the age of 26, was holding two bottles, which he poured them to the wounded child. Dr. Shaun Murphy wore the rubber gloves and cleaned them with another bottle, as he prepared to save the child's life. Shaun cuts one of the tubings in half as he puts them in an almost empty bottle, taping it shut.

"Incision should take two ribs down." He whispers as he touches the child's ribs, finding the spot to cut.

The parents looked at Shaun with fear and worry as he prepares the cutter. The other doctor could only observe as the young omega did the procedure, cutting the side of the boy's ribs in order for the air to get out of pleural space surrounding the lungs, but not in. Many of them, including the parents flinched when the blade met the flesh. Shaun quickly, yet carefully inserted the tube in the cut and then raised the bottle.

"Why the bottle?" The doctor asked, feeling curious about the technique.

"The air will continue to leak and accumulate until the damage could be repaired. The tube will allow air to come out but the water in the bottle won't allow it to get in.

The doctor's eyes suddenly became wide with realization, " A one way valve."

The child suddenly gasps for air which surprised everyone. The doctor sighed in relief and smiled, "He's breathing!"

The parents cried in relief at the sight of their child's survival increasing.

"He saved his life!" The doctor exclaimed which made the crowd clap in relief and awe. The parents cried and hugged Shaun, thanking the young omega for saving their son's life.

With what happened, Dr. Shaun Murphy, soon to be surgical resident of San Jose, St. Bonaventure Hospital, became known for saving a child's life.

-/-/-

Dr. Claire Browne arrived as soon as she saw the paramedics, the parents, and one male arrive. She listened to the description of the child's injuries. While instructing the paramedics, she noticed that she is with the presence of two omegas, the mother, and the young man who accompanied them. What also caught her eye is that the young male omega seemed to say something regarding the child's condition. As they entered the hospital, she gently stopped the young man from going further, also noting that since he is an omega, it is best that they handle them carefully.

"Sir, I'm sorry but you are not allowed within this area." Claire instructed.

The paramedic then looked back and said, "He is the doctor who assisted the boy back in the airport." Then they took the child to an operating room.

"He n-needs an Echocardiogram." The young omega pushed the subject. Claire noted the behaviour of the man in front of him, which she speculated that he might have autism.

"What he needs right now is surgery." Claire replied back, but it seemed as he wasn't satisfied with the answer.

"N-no, there is a problem with his heart!"

Claire then blocked him before the omega could go further, "His heart is fine, sir. You need to stay here and let us handle it, please."

She knew that omegas shouldn't be stressed too much, but a male omega with autism? That would be very difficult. Instead of calling for security, she called a nearby male beta nurse to assist her.

"Hey, please assist him and don't let him go further!" Claire instructed the nurse which nods, "You can smell him, right? Please be careful. He seems to have autism as well."

As she quickly walks away from the area, she noticed the nurse holding the young omega. He was still saying that the boy needed an echocardiogram as he was held by the nurse, instructing the brown haired man to stay.

-/-/-

Shaun could only gaze at the figure of the surgeon as his breathing became erratic. They couldn't understand that they missed a diagnosis from the child.

"Sir, please breathe, you are becoming erratic." The nurse instructed as he still kept his hold on Shaun.

"D-Don't touch me…" Shaun said as he shakes the grip of the nurse.

"I'll let you go if you promise to not run."

The nurse carefully released his grip on Shaun's body as the brown haired man steps away from him. His gaze was back on the way the female surgeon went.

"H-He needs an Echocardiogram! There is something wrong with his heart! They need to –"

The nurse held his shoulders when Shaun tried to run, "Sir, calm down! They are doing everything they can to save the child."

Shaun's breath was still erratic, his gaze still on that direction. The nurse noticed this and gently drags Shaun away, "I'm going to take you out first, sir. You need some fresh air after that fiasco."

-/-/-

Dr. Neil Melendez entered the operating room and saw the boy, with a strange device attached to his side. He looked at the contraption with wonder, observing the function of it.

"It's a one way valve. From what I've heard, the child suffered from pneumothorax." Claire stated as she stares at Neil, who stands up after admiring the contraption. "Do you think we should do an echocardiogram?"

"The symptoms don't show any sign for that particular treatment." Neil replied as he prepares for the surgery, "Why? Is there any problem?"

Claire was about to tell him about the young omega she encountered. But she just shook her head and smiled, "None…"

After that, they went on with the surgery.

-/-/-

Shaun was then escorted near the entrance of the hospital. The nurse then offered him to sit, but asked security to keep an eye on him. With no hopes of an attempt to warn the surgeons, Shaun remained seated as he stares in space. His thoughts became clouded, remembering every ounce of detail from back in his hometown, at the airport, and in the hospital. His breathing was now a bit calm but his mind was still at the child to whom he saved. The toy scalpel was in his hand, giving him comfort from the stress he is experiencing. The security guard was watching him like a hawk, and it made the young omega uncomfortable.

"Sir!"

Shaun turned and saw two figures approaching him; one was the female that prevented him from going further. Yet when his eyes gazed at the male accompanying her, it made Shaun stiffen. The scent lingered in his nose and it all felt familiar. Although he could smell the scent of a Beta, the female surgeon beside him, Shaun's focus was at that familiar scent of old books, coffee, and the fine texture of mahogany.

Claire and Neil then arrived in front of Shaun when they noticed him staring deeply at space. Claire was already aware with the scent of the young man. However, Neil wasn't prepared when his nose caught the scent of the young omega.

Neil immediately found out that the man in front of him is an omega. However, the scent surrounding him was so familiar. He couldn't comprehend the world surrounding him as all he could think about was this young omega male.

It reminded him of someone he knew from long ago.

Claire noticed that Neil was suddenly silent, gazing at the omega who seemed to be silent as well. She could smell the scent of doubt and worry from the two. But there was no time for this. Their patient had complications and they needed Shaun's reason for recommending the Echo.

"Hey." Claire calls Shaun's attention, "Why the Echo?"

The question suddenly snaps both Neil and Shaun out of their trance. Shaun tried to explain but seemed to stutter and no words could come out. He wanted to tell about the child's condition, but he also wanted to ask about the Alpha in front of him.

"I understand that he needs an Echocardiogram, but we just don't understand why." Claire said, "Dr. Melendez and I wanted to understand, okay?"

"Okay… okay…" Shaun nodded as his gaze was focused elsewhere, "I n-noticed the slight reduction of the intensity… of the cardiogram…"

"The electrical flow…" Neil said his gaze still at Shaun, "I noticed that the heartbeat was the same but the amplitude dropped."

Claire then watched as the omega stood up and both of them suddenly gave their own output of the situation. Yes, guaranteed that they already knew why the Echo was needed. But Claire noticed a shift in the scent of the two when they make that sudden hypothesis. Neil suddenly smiled at Shaun while the young omega gave a small smile as well.

But it was suddenly halted when Neil's phone rang. He quickly answered it and it changed his mood, "Normal. They did the Echo and the results were normal."

"N-No…" Shaun interjects, "T-There must be something –"

"The Echo is normal." Neil replied back.

"N-no…"

Neil wanted to leave and deal with their patient. Yet there was this feeling that kept him from leaving the area. He noticed Shaun suddenly stepping away from him, his gazes at another direction and seemed to be lost in thought. As soon as there was a distance, the smell still lingered in his nostrils. A memory as well that came to him, which he thought he has already forgotten.

The scent of apples and vanilla… it was so familiar…

'The boy in the library?'

Neil remembered something. Good memory recall, remarkable concept visualization… He wanted to be sure if he's the same kid that he remembers way back then.

"Shaun." He called, and the young omega suddenly turned, "That's your name, right?"

"Y-yes." Shaun nods.

Neil fought the urge to ask once more, reminding himself of the priorities. "Dr. Browne, let's go back. Let's bring Shaun with us, he might know something."

He didn't wait for any replies as Neil went first. The scent still lingers within him and those memories suddenly went back in his mind. He has no time for throwbacks and questions; they have a patient to save.

Claire gently calls Shaun, "Let's go. We need to hurry so we could save that boy."

-/-/-/-

Dr. Jared Kalu was sitting in front of the monitor when he saw Claire and Neil return. He then found the scent of a omega, which was also with the two when they returned.

"Dr. Melendez, who is he?" Jared asked pointing at the newcomer.

"He's the one that suggested the Echo." Neil quickly replied back.

"H-Hello… I'm Dr. Shaun Murphy." Shaun introduced himself.

"Alright." Neil then calls their attention, "Show him the results."

Shaun immediately went to the monitor and observed the heartbeat. The others observed as the young man was silent, waiting for any response. After beats, Shaun points out what was wrong.

"There!" He answers with a smile.

Jared raises an eyebrow, "It seems normal to me."

"No. There's a concave deformity in the right atrium. " Shaun said, pushing the issue, "It's just very subtle."

"Even if you say it's right, that's not where a pericardial effusion manifests." Neil said, looking at Shaun.

Before there was any reply, Claire suddenly said, "Not usually… but it's still possible."

She then looks at Neil, "The kid was cut by a glass in the jugular. What if a piece of glass entered his bloodstream?" The more Claire explained the possible outcomes them more Shaun was able to visualize and see the problem within the child's heart.

Neil then processed the description given by Claire. His gaze stared back at Shaun and wondered if this is what the young omega saw, which pushed Shaun to convince them for an Echocardiogram.

"Alright…" With the possible problem already in thought, they decided to give that idea a look.

-/-/-

Aaron could only rub his temple at the Board, knowing that he is in a losing battle in hiring Shaun, the young omega that he took care at the age of 14. When it was now time for a voting, he still voted for Shaun to be accepted, even if it seemed like he is the only one pushing it. Before they could even process the result, a female Alpha came suddenly came in.

"I'm sorry for suddenly intruding!"

"Is this an emergency or what?" Aaron asked, as he was not in the mood.

"No, but you all need to log in to any social media platforms." She said.

Majority of the Board took their tablets or phones out and opened any social media platforms. Their eyes suddenly gazed back at Aaron, who was dumbstruck by the sudden change in tension. Allegra then came to him and showed the video.

"Well I'll be dammed." Aaron wanted to smirk in pride as the video showed Shaun saving a boy's life in the hospital.

"He's a patient here in St. Bonaventure. The child is in O.R 2 and is currently undergoing surgery. They said that he's a doctor here." The attendee said with awe in her tone, "It now has a view of 200 thousand, and it's still piling up."

No one in the Board could believe that an autistic omega male was able to save the boy's life. What their judgements about the young man suddenly changed when they watched the video.

"H-He saved the child's life." Even Allegra couldn't hide the awe from her tone, "Extraordinary."

Aaron could only smile as he watches the reaction of every Board member. It seemed as St. Bonaventure would gain a new surgical resident.

-/-/-

"I met someone in the library today."

This caught Steve's attention, "Oh really? Well that's nice. At least you were not bored when I was out."

Shaun nods as he takes a bite of his food, "Can we now get a TV, Steve?"

"Not yet, Shaun. We barely have enough money for food. Plus we're basically poor." Steve said, "We live in a bus."

"T-That's okay… At least we're not with d-dad… B-But mom would be worried"

"Yeah." Steve sighs, he looked like he wanted to say something, but decided to refrain and said "Mom even said that it's better this way. At least he won't hurt you."

Shaun only nods as he continues eating. He knew what his brother would say. Their mother would always stay on the side lines. She would rather go to her husband rather than her own sons. Shaun doesn't understand why. They said mothers are comforting, yet his mother couldn't even try to comfort them when their dad suddenly became violent.

Steve noticed when his older brother suddenly tightened his grip at the plate. Sensing Shaun's discomfort, he got up and said, "I got something for you."

"It's not my birthday, Steve."

Steve smiled and ruffled Shaun's hair, "I know. But I still got you one anyway." He then went to the back seat of the bus and grabbed something.

Shaun saw a giant box in front of him. His brother took the liberty to untie the ribbon and open it for him. The young omega saw numerous toys inside, yet what caught his attention was the toy scalpel. It was the first thing he touched. Shaun remembered the man he met at the library and smiled. He looked at his beloved brother, Steve, the one who protected him and took care of him with gratitude and love.

Shaun continues to observe the operation from afar, but his eyes were very much focused to Neil himself. The moment he smelled the familiar scent, he knew that the Alpha in front of him was the same man he met at the library. He gently caresses the toy scalpel as he remembers the memory of his brother, while also remembering how he got this gift. Shaun could see the relief of their eyes as he saw something they picked up from inside the boy's body. It seemed as the surgery was successful and the child will certainly live.

Before he could leave though, their gazes were at Shaun. But all he could think of was Neil's gaze at him. Shaun wanted to ask, but he knew that the patient must come first. He'll just ask Dr. Melendez later.

-/-/-

They were at the Hospital's cafeteria. Aaron finally found Shaun and invited the young omega for lunch. It didn't take long for them to find a seat, and for his mentor to buy lunch for him.

Shaun's thoughts stopped when he noticed a tray in front of him, with Aaron sitting at the opposite side.

"Don't worry, I asked them for no pickles and I double checked." Aaron reassured the young man.

"Okay." Shaun then proceeded to eat his lunch.

Aaron sips his coffee as he returns his focus at Shaun, "Have you been taking your meds, Shaun?"

"Yes. I take them regularly. There will be no issue regarding my heat." Shaun replied as he took a bite of his sandwich.

"That's good." Aaron remembered that the young omega didn't have any medicines before that could help with his heat. The moment he took Shaun under his wing, he made sure to give the supplements needed for him.

The older alpha smiled, "You saved that boy's life today."

"Oh, good." Shaun nods, "His name is Adam… he had Traumatic Pneumothorax."

Aaron then looks at Shaun as he continues eating. He was worried when the young man didn't answer any of his calls and texts. But it reassured him when the omega arrived safely and even saved a boy's life. Lifting the hem of his sleeve, he looked at the time.

"45 minutes before the meeting." He then looks at Shaun, "Hey, Shaun. Could you stay here and wait for me?"

Shaun blinks and nods, "Okay."

The older man nods as he stands up with his coffee. Aaron gave Shaun a soft pat in the shoulder before leaving the omega to finish his lunch.

-/-/-

Aaron was preparing himself for the meeting when he heard the sound of knocking at his door. It opened and saw Neil coming in.

"Excuse me for a moment, Dr. Glassman."

"Sure. I have time for a chat, Dr. Melendez."

Neil entered the room and closed the door before talking to Aaron once more, "I found out from Jessica that it was you who recommended Shaun to work here."

"Well, news travels fast. But yes, I did." Aaron replied, "Is there anything you want to ask?"

Neil was silent as he didn't know what to truly ask. He didn't want to get personal, but he was also curious about the omega, "An autistic omega male that wants to be a surgeon."

"You know as well as everyone does that medicines are advance nowadays." Aaron replies as he fixes his tie, "Heats can now be controlled which lessens the chance for them to get pregnant or for some Alphas or Betas to suddenly pounce them."

"I have no issue with him being an omega." Neil defended, "It's just that the kid has deficits."

Aaron chuckled as he slowly lessens the distance between them, "I remember that you were also in that stage when you first came here, Dr. Melendez."

Before the older alpha could completely leave, he followed Aaron out from his office, "Seriously, what's the kid's story there? It seemed personal and that's not good."

Truth to be told, Neil was also curious as well. After calming down from the surgery, he was alone in his thoughts and processed the scent that was all so familiar to him. It didn't take that long that Shaun was the kid that he met at the library when he was just a medical student in Wyoming.

"You seem to be curious about Shaun." He gave Neil a calculating look, but the younger Alpha didn't respond, "Making it personal is how we make it matter."

With a sigh, he walks away from Neil and gave an acknowledge nod to Jessica. The two Alphas looked at Aaron as he turned and his figure disappears from the direction he took.

Neil sighs and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Satisfied?" Jessica asked, her hands crossed on her chest, "You are curious about Dr. Shaun Murphy."

The other alpha looks at her and shakes his head, "Should I be?"

A chuckle escaped from Jessica's lips as she kisses Neil on his, "You might have a hunch that he is the kid that you met before."

"I have the feeling that he will work here." Neil looks at the direction where Aaron took off.

"Yeah…" Jessica softly replies, a tinge of worry clouded her senses. She knew most of Neil's past life, and meeting the kid was one of them.

-/-/-

Shaun was finished with his meal, yet still followed Aaron's instructions to wait for him. His hands clasped together on the table as his eyes wandered throughout the cafeteria. He then noticed the same Beta woman that he met when they brought the boy. She sat at the opposite side with a cup of coffee in her hand

"We haven't properly introduced ourselves." Claire smiled, "Claire Browne, surgical resident. It's Nice to meet you."

"I am Dr. Shaun Murphy." Shaun replied with a simple introduction.

"Since you're new here, I believe you might need some guidance here in San Jose –"

"It's okay." Shaun interjects, "I memorized the map of the Hospital that Dr. Glassman gave me, and the map of San Jose which I found online."

"O-okay…" Claire suddenly feels awkward, not knowing what to say next. She nods and gave a clumsy smile before standing up and making a quick exit.

"I have one question, though."

Claire suddenly stopped and looked back at Shaun, his gaze neutral yet calculative at the same time, "You're nice, even when you blocked me from the patient. Were you nice to me because of my second gender?'

Claire didn't know how to answer. Yes she is nice because she noticed that she is in front of an omega. But the beta knew that she is nice to people who deserve it, regardless of who they are.

"Most would find it in their instinct to look at omegas as breeders." Shaun casually said the statement that made Claire grit her teeth, "Yet when you looked at me, it's like you are talking to a regular person."

"W-well yeah, that's how I would talk to anyone depending on the situation." Claire softly replies.

Shaun nods and then became quiet.

"Also, it's wrong to think of omegas as just breeders." She said with conviction, even if his gaze is at somewhere else, "You're human too, omegas are humans as well."

Before they could even say another word, Aaron came and called Shaun's name. Claire could only watch as the young omega stood up and said, "It's nice talking to you, Claire."

Shaun then took his leave and followed Aaron. Her impression about Shaun changed when he showcased his talent back in the operating room. She is sure that it will change again if Shaun were to work alongside her as a surgical resident.

-/-/-

"The vote is being reopened again?" Marcus storms in after hearing the news, "I thought the decision was final, but because of a publicity –"

"He saved a child's life, Dr. Andrews." Jessica interjects.

"Well congratulations for that." Marcus replied back with a hint of sarcasm, "Yes we can agree that he can see and do things most of us can't. But then, can we guarantee that he could not make mistakes that most of us can't?"

"Six months." Everyone turned and saw Aaron, along with Shaun, enter the room, "Six month for his skills to be evaluated here."

Marcus shakes his head in disbelief and decided to push the issue further, "How can you be so sure that he won't make any grieve mistakes?"

"If Shaun cannot perform well in the best of his abilities, then he would be removed and I will resign myself as President."

At the very back, Aaron didn't notice Shaun slightly gripping his hand hard by his lap. With the tension in the air, along with the pheromones, it seemed too much for the young omega.

Allegra was able to sense the tension, along with the discomfort, especially with the said omega in the room, "I think it's best if we would hear Dr. Murphy's statement first before we decide his fate."

Aaron gave Allegra a subtle look of gratitude before standing up and asking Shaun to come, "Shaun, it's now time for your interview with the board."

The look of comfort that Aaron gave made Shaun calm down a bit and loosen his grip. He stands up and walks towards his mentor and close to a father figure. The older Alpha then showed him to stand at the center.

Allegra waited for Shaun to stand in front of them. She then calls his attention, "Dr. Murphy, tell us why do you want to become a surgeon."

That question lingers in his mind as he processed the answer. The more he thinks about it, the more he remembers why.

The day the rain smelled like ice-cream..

"… my bunny went to heaven … in front of my eyes…" tears are slowly coming from his eyes, yet his memories kept on replaying in his mind.

The sight of his father who violently threw his bunny in a wall…

The day that the copper pipes smelled like burnt food…

"…my brother… w-went to heaven in front of my eyes…"

The sight of his brother who suddenly slipped and fell… his body disfigured… lifeless…

"I couldn't save them…" It hurts… "It's sad…" His eyes darted on every Board member, wanting his thoughts to be heard, "N-neither had the chance to become adults… they lost the opportunity… to grow and have children… and love their children."

The day that he smelled the faint scent of coffee and old books…

"…someone inspired me… I want to be a surgeon… to make it possible."

"Yeah, I want to save lives. Plus, it's somehow an eye opener to me."

Then Shaun remembers a piece of his childhood.

"I'll also make a lot of money so that I could have a television."

Steve smiles as he ruffles his hair, "When we get rich, we'll buy a television. A good one and that's a promise."

Allegra's face was still neutral. Yet she was moved by the conviction of the young man. She stands from her chair and walks towards Shaun, "Dr. Murphy."

Shaun looks at her and saw her hands extending, "May I be the first to welcome you, here in San Jose, St. Bonaventure Hospital."

Allegra smiles, "Congratulations." The young omega then gently held her hand and shook it as well, "We're very proud to have you."

-/-/-

"Dr. Melendez!"

Neil turned and saw Shaun walking towards him. He heard the news and said, "Well, congratulations, Dr. Murphy."

"Thank you." Shaun softly replies, "B-But that's not why I came here."

Neil turned as his expression and body language filled with curiosity, "Oh? Then what is it, Dr. Murphy?"

"You… you know my name back at the entrance." Shaun said, "Are you… the one I met in the library?"

The alpha smiled, "It seemed as your sharp memory is not just for show. Yes, Shaun, I'm the one you met before."

Shaun smiled, "Good… that's good. It seemed that I kept my promise after all."

"Yes, you are working under me now. That doesn't mean that you'll be having it easy just because we used to know each other." Neil said as he critically looks at Shaun, "I suggest you do your best out there. They're going to give you a hard time in here, especially with Dr. Andrews."

The young omega nods. That was the only reply Neil needed before walking away.

"You are very arrogant."

Neil paused and looked back at him, wondering where this statement of his would go.

"Being arrogant means you know a lot, and I will learn a lot." Shaun's eyes wandered as he said those words.

It was a compliment that Neil understood, in his mind; he is still the same kid that he met with such a gifted memory. Now that Shaun is working under him and as his boss, he'll see if the omega could truly rise up even with autism and his secondary gender as his weakness.

"As long as you're working with me, I'll get to test you, Dr. Murphy. I hope you are prepared."