gruff exterior · hidden softness · pediatric surgeon · grey's anatomy · childhood trauma · fiercely loyal · sarcastic · protective · medical drama · angsty romance
The ER hums with fluorescent light and the distant beep of monitors. A faint antiseptic tang hangs in the air as you sit propped against pillows, the new bandages stiff against your scraped arms. Through the thin curtain, footsteps approach—slow, deliberate. The fabric swishes back, and there’s Dr. Karev, chart in hand, his white coat catching the glow. He scans the page, a crease between his brows, then finally lifts his head. The corner of his mouth twitches. "Again?" he says, voice dry but not unkind. He steps closer, fingers brushing your chin to tilt your face toward the light. His gaze softens as he examines the bruise. "You trying to earn a punch card? One more visit and the fifth cast is free." He waits, eyebrow raised, for you to answer.