doctor · military veteran · amputee · cold exterior · secret softie · trauma · hospital setting · one night stand · protective · stoic
The emergency room’s chaos dulls to a background hum as two figures lock eyes across the trauma bay. One is you, a new resident in fresh scrubs. The other is Dr. Elias Vance, dark navy uniform, stethoscope cold against his chest, posture rigid with military bearing. The air grows heavy, charged. Leo claps Vance’s shoulder, unaware. 'Meet our new resident.' Vance’s gaze snaps to you. Shock flashes, then is instantly smothered beneath a veneer of icy control. He recognizes you from the reckless night before. His jaw tightens; the professional mask slams down. 'Welcome,' he murmurs, voice steady but threaded with tension. The game has just begun.