steady servos, softer kisses
During his time alone in the Jackhammer, injuries were treated with cold efficiency. He had no time for rest even for medical reasons. Travelling solar systems, finding remnants of the Wreckers or atleast–trying to was a hectic ordeal.
Which is why the tenderness of Ratchet's care was totally unexpected from him. Well the additional benefits at least. It all started because Wheeljack was too stubborn to get treated. The wrecker too used to riding out life-threatning injuries. He may or may not have been avoiding the medic after missions.
It wasn't as if he didn't trust Ratchet to treat him, far from it. He truly believed that the doctor is the best there is– there is no Autobot or Decepticon alike in the world that could compare to his skill in the field. He respected the medic way more than anyone on Team Prime if he was honest with himself. But the wrecker couldn't shake the nervousness he felt while he was being treated. A pair of servos holding down his array, tools that could be used to hurt him instead, it just felt too vulnerable. Plus, he's sure Ratchet shouldn't waste his precious time treating a bot that doesn't need it.
So, Wheeljack flies away every time before Ratchet could bring up his medical condition. And Ratchet wasn't sure how he's supposed to deal with him.
This is the third time Wheeljack has left base following a mission– or more like his own operations that mildly benefit the Autobot cause, this time he went charging in a Decepticon-filled energon mine. Ratchet approached him, his vocalizer about to ask him how he's faring but when Wheeljack sets his optics on the medic, he immediately waved a small goodbye while swiftly changing into his vehicle mode, running away from him. The medic's optics are twitching.
"If he wants to have an early meeting with the AllSpark, then by all means– be my guest!" He complained to anyone that can listen right now, it just so happened to be Bulkhead and Miko. The Autobot and human pair just looked at each other, confusion placed in their expressions.
"Don't take it personally. Jackie can be... flighty. " Bulkhead responded with Miko nodding profusely on his shoulder.
"I just don't understand! Why is it that he avoids medical treatment?" Ratchet continued. It is perplexing and mostly frustrating. They are fighting a war, there is no reason for anyone to be refusing his service. Why is he making this so difficult? Ratchet is responsible for treating the Autobots' health, he is their only doctor after all. So, what can he do when his patient runs away from him cable tucked between his pedes?
Miko then spoke up, "Maybe you can give him a reward after a check-up? Like candy or something!"
Ratchet grimaced, "Puhlease! Is he a newborn sparkling?" he said angrily. Sensing that Ratchet won't accept any other solution the pair would suggest, they just shrugged at him. The doctor continued on with his work by looking at the screen, typing away while murmuring more complaints to no one in particular.
How ridiculous. But for research's sake, he explored the web for more information on what Miko said. After further inquiries, it seems that human doctors employ special tactics to treat difficult patients such as children. Luring them with candy, providing entertainment to distract them– it's all surprisingly deceptive and too simple, he's sure Wheeljack won't fall for such tricks. Sighing while browsing through these sites, he then stumbled upon an interesting strategy.
'Caregivers can offer children support by giving affection such as holding their hands while a medical procedure is in session.'
That turned the clogs of his processor, an idea taking its shape though he's not sure of its effectiveness. Well, he's nothing if not a scientist at his core! An experiment will be underway and he'll make sure that Wheeljack's injuries will be taken care of whether he likes it or not.
The opportunity presented itself sooner than expected, Wheeljack coming back from a lone mission as always by groudbridge to find only Ratchet manning the base. The taller bot faced him with a grave expression.
"Wheeljack. Come here." His tone leaving no room to argue. The wrecker hesitantly complied, making his way to the medic slowly. "You are long overdue for a medical check-up." as he pointed his digit at Wheeljack. Even partially scanning him with no diagnostic tools, the medic can tell he's hiding some scrapes. Ratchet is certain that the wrecker's servos are scratched.
Wheeljack slowly backs away from him, his steps seem weaker than his usual confident stride. The doctor cornered him, both of his servos on his hips leaning slightly down. "I'll have you know, you are mandated to go through this."
"Well, I'll have you know that I don't take orders from anyone, doc." he said, standing his ground.
"Oh, I'll be sure to make this worthwhile, Wheeljack." Ratchet guided him to the sick bay and Wheeljack just lets him, too exhausted to stop the determined medic.
Once he was situated, Ratchet's servo changed into a precise blade, Wheeljack tensed. It was barely noticeable but the medic was attentive. "Are you nervous?" he asked, directly looking into his faceplate.
Wheeljack scoffed exaggeratedly, "Me? Nervous? Nah..." shifting away from the medic's intense gaze. Is this why he has been avoiding medical treatment? This wrecker... He should have told Ratchet and they could have come to a compromise together. Oh, the experiment– this would be a good time to try it. Ratchet took a deep invent, lowered himself to be on the level of Wheeljack's knees.
"Wha–what are ya doin', Ratch?" the doctor only responded by holding his servo gently, planting a chaste kiss on the side of where he scratched it. Affection can lower guards, right?
When he looked back up at the wrecker, there was no response. Finally, Ratchet could shut him up for once but just to make sure, "Is this not... satisfactory to you?" he inquired.
"Yes! No– I mean– Uh. I like it, yeah." Wheeljack responded, his voice petering out by the end of his sentence. It seems that his hypothesis is successfully proven. How lovely he looks when he's embarrassed. Ratchet let out a huff, somhow this troubling wrecker can be so endearing to him.
The doctor continued working on all his wounds, and he has many that he's been hiding. Working while Wheeljack is stunned in silence, giving him a kiss after each soldering of his injuries. "Now, are you finally incentivized to get treated?" he teased, he had to admit it's a little funny when the roles are reversed.
Wheeljack rolled his optics, "Yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, doc." he relented. Determined and his frame feeling better, Wheeljack leaned down to his doctor for the time being and kissed his lips. Payback, he says. He could definitely get used to this.
