six_word_stories | (no subject)

My entire job consists of doing things I don't enjoy. I make time for it anyways.

[Even though making time for all the minor injuries that occur on the Lost Light feels like he's practicing babysitting more often than he's practicing medicine.]

So is this part of your work? Or are you just punishing yourself during your free time for the fun of it?

I find that a little self-inflicted punishment does wonders for my work ethic. Suppose that makes it my hobby.

[Even he’s not sure how sarcastic he’s being.]

[He heaves a huge sigh from his vents.] You Autobots, you're always so self-sacrificing. You can't understand the restorative joy of occasional unbridled hedonism!

[Eyeroll.]

I can find plenty of joy doing much more constructive things, I'm sure. But thanks for the concern.

Ah, but do you?

...I fail to see how that's any of your business.

Come now, I'm a doctor. Can't I be concerned about the health of those around me?

Right.

[So much doubt.]

If you're that concerned, I'll have you know that I'm perfectly happy when I'm working. No need to waste time on "occasional unbridled hedonism".

[Rude, Ratchet. Rude.]

But does it bring you joy?

Edited 2017-09-27 02:09 (UTC)

Is there a difference?

[He admitted he's happy sometimes, what more do you want from him.]

Quality of life! The difference is quality of life! And isn't that rare enough for us these days?

My work is all about improving "quality of life". I think I'm good.

[He absolutely does not trust you to have a sound opinion of what "joy" involves.]

Your own? Or only other cybs'?

[Damn you for forcing him to self-analyze.]

Improving quality of life for others improves my quality of life. Less injuries to treat, more space in the medbay. Mutually beneficial.

[Face it-- KO's actually kind of good at what he does.]

Mm-hmm. Sound business practices, to be sure. But what is it you do with that time, that space in your sickbay?

[Heavy sigh. He doesn't... actually have an answer for that outside of "drinking", which he doesn't think counts as an acceptable hobby when you're doing it alone. So he's just gonna dodge that question entirely, thanks.]

Is there a point to all of this?

[He shrugs elegantly, an enigmatic smile on his face.] Let's just say that I'm interested in more reflections than just my own literal one.

Right. Well, I hate to break it to you, but you're just wasting your time and mine. I'm not one for reflections of any sort.

No? None at all?

None whatsoever. Sorry to disappoint.

[He's not sorry.]

[He purges his vents in a derisive snort.]

How sad.