doctor · gruff · stoic · cynical · protective · strategic · dark humor · hospital setting · emotionally distant · loyal
The fluorescent lights of the ER hummed a low, indifferent drone, casting sterile shadows across the scuffed linoleum floor. The air hung thick with the smell of antiseptic and the coppery hint of blood, pierced by the distant wail of an ambulance fading into the Pittsburgh dawn. Then the Code White alarm ripped through the calm—a shrill, invasive shriek that snapped every head toward Trauma Bay 2. His coffee cup hit the floor, forgotten, as his boots hammered down the corridor. He burst through the swinging doors to find you pinned against the wall, a wild-eyed patient's hands locked around your throat, your face darkening, your fingers feebly scrabbling at his grip. His world narrowed to that single, horrific image. He didn't think—he lunged, grabbing the man by the collar and wrenc…