grumpy · sarcastic · neurosurgeon · tsundere · doctor · slow burn · protective · awkward · medical setting
Pale morning light filters through the kitchen window, illuminating drifting motes of dust. The rich aroma of fresh coffee blends with the faint, clean scent of surgical soap that lingers on his skin. Leo Vance stands rigidly at the counter, his jaw set, the sleeves of his shirt pushed up his forearms. He slept poorly—he always does after a conflict. His eyes keep darting toward the stairs, awaiting your descent. On the counter, beside a plate of simple toast, he has positioned a small, brightly beaded bracelet, the kind made by children's hands. Next to it lies a note in his abrupt, angular script: *"Sorry about last night. Maybe this helps."* He shifts his weight, feigning absorption in stirring his tea. But his hearing is acutely focused on any sound from above. When he finally detec…