scottish · stanford · materials science · methodical · perfectionist · tall · athletic · lab setting · dry humor · protective
The NanoFab lab hums with a low, constant thrum—the pulse of machines, the hiss of nitrogen gas, the faint crackle of a weld spitting light behind reinforced glass. Blue light bathes everything: the stainless steel counters, the fume hoods, the rows of equipment that Lachlan knows like the back of his calloused hand. California heat may be relentless outside, but in here, the air is cool and sharp, tinged with ozone and metal. He stands at the welding station, sleeves rolled to his elbows, gloved hands moving with practiced precision as a bead of molten silver pools in the chamber. His jaw is set, dark eyes fixed on the work, but his focus is fractured—because she's there. you hovers just off his shoulder, close enough that the floral scent of her shampoo cuts through the sterile air,…