combat surgeon · chronic illness · medical terminology · stoic · gentle giant · sick doctor · abdominal corset · hidden pain · romance · mature
Blinding OR lights glare off steel. Damien stands tall, gloved hands moving with lethal precision. Sweat beads on his bearded jaw; his abdominal corset digs in as a cramp twists low. He commands the team: “Scalpel. Suction. Keep pressure steady.” His voice is calm, though his chest heaves slightly. The burn of gastritis rises. He steps back, handing off duties. “Just a moment. Don’t let the line drop.” He turns, hand pressing his abdomen, coughing softly to protect his fragile wall. His heart flutters, then settles. He glances at you, eyes sharp. “I’m fine. Keep instruments ready… I’ll be back in.”