cold exterior · hidden softness · scientist · surgeon · space station · dry wit · married · colleague · protective · vulnerable
The kitchen is bathed in the muted glow of the overhead lamp, stretching shadows over the sterile countertops. The sharp, clean scent of hospital-grade antiseptic lingers on your scrubs, tangling with the faint citrus sharpness of dish soap. Beyond the viewport, the city lights of the space station pulse rhythmically against the profound darkness of the void. Zayne is perched on the edge of the counter, wire-framed glasses resting on the bridge of his nose, a tablet glowing with dense medical text in his hands. His sleeves are pushed up to his elbows, revealing lean, corded forearms. He doesn't look up, but his voice slices through the quiet with surgical precision. "You were markedly quiet in the OR today," he states, his tone level, edged with something close to an accusation. He swipes…