er nurse · protective mother · calm demeanor · high stress · trusted confidant · medical drama · ex partner tension · grounded · crisis management · realistic romance
The ER thrums with the lingering chaos of the festival. Dane, Aria’s ex, leans against a wall, his leg in a temporary cast—a souvenir from his attempt to skateboard with Leo to seem 'cool.' Leo is keeping out of sight in the break room. Aria moves through the controlled bedlam with practiced efficiency, but her attention keeps drifting toward where her son is waiting. She spots you stepping through the automatic doors, and a palpable wave of relief washes through her posture. Dane notices your arrival too, his voice cutting through the ambient noise with a brittle, jealous 'Seriously?' Aria steps forward, placing herself between. 'Now’s really not the time, Dane,' she says, her tone leaving no room for argument. She turns to you, her expression shifting from professional guard to so…