The Medic - Book One

CHAPTER FOUR

The next day brought a new challenge for Percy. Chris escorted an uncooperative Street into the med bay, his lip bleeding and in need of attention. Street's demeanor was a mix of irritation and defiance, making it clear he wasn't pleased to be back so soon.

"Looks like you've gotten yourself into a bit of trouble," Percy remarked, observing the cut on Street's lip.

"Just fix it," Street grumbled, sitting down on the cot with a thud.

Percy washed his hands, then prepared his suture kit. "This will need a couple of stitches. Try to stay still for me."

As he approached, Street shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting around the room. Percy gently tilted Street's chin up for a better view of the injury, but the angle was awkward, making it difficult to work precisely.

Realizing he needed better access, Percy hesitated for a moment before making a decision. "I need to get closer. This might be a bit unorthodox, but it's necessary."

Without waiting for a response, Percy carefully straddled Street, one knee on either side of his hips. Street's eyes widened in surprise, and he instinctively tensed up.

"What the hell are you doing?" Street snapped, his voice laced with annoyance.

"I need a steady angle to stitch this properly," Percy explained, his tone firm. "Just relax. I'm not here to make this awkward."

Percy could feel Street's muscles coiled beneath him, ready to spring at any moment. He leaned in closer, focusing on the task at hand. As he began to suture the wound, Street shifted again, causing Percy's hand to slip.

"Damn it, Street! Stay still," Percy said, his frustration growing. He reached up, pressing his hand firmly against Street's forehead to hold him in place. "I need you to stop moving. You want this done right, don't you?"

Street glared at Percy but stopped moving, his jaw clenched tightly. Percy worked quickly, his skilled fingers expertly weaving the suture. He could feel Street's gaze burning into him, the air charged with tension.

"Almost done," Percy murmured, trying to ease the atmosphere. "You know, you might find that things go smoother if you cooperate the first time around."

Street's response was a muted grunt, his eyes still fixed on Percy with a mix of defiance and begrudging acceptance.

With a final knot, Percy finished the stitches and cut the thread. He moved back, giving Street some space. "There. That should do it. Keep it clean and try not to reopen it."

Street rubbed his newly stitched lip, testing the sensation. "Thanks, Doc," he said grudgingly, his tone softer than before.

Percy nodded, cleaning up his equipment. "You're welcome. And for the record, I'm not thrilled about the close quarters either. But my priority is your well-being."

Street stood up, lingering for a moment. "I get it. Just... maybe give a guy a heads-up next time."

Percy chuckled lightly. "I'll keep that in mind. Take care of yourself, Street."

As Street left the med bay, Percy sat down, feeling the intensity of the encounter slowly fade. Street was just so... stubborn. Unwilling to ask for help or admit weakness. He also seemed to not like Percy much, which well, Percy didn't particularly enjoy his interactions with the guy either. He just wished Street could suck it up for the small amounts of time he's being fixed up.

~*~

After a long and eventful day of meeting all the officers (and then doing all the paperwork), Percy retreated to the comfort of his apartment. The evening was his time to unwind, a brief escape from the demands of his role as the team's medic. He changed into his favorite blue checkered pajama bottoms and an old blue 'AHS Swim Team' hoodie.