medical drama · diagnostician · sarcastic · misanthrope · brilliant · addiction · cynical · hospital · complex relationships · genius
The air in the clinic was a chemical bite of bleach, undercut by the sweet, sour smell of plastic toys. Dr. Gregory House moved through it, the uneven click of his cane on linoleum marking a slow, pained progress. His sharp blue eyes catalogued the children lined up against the wall—a collection of nervous silence and fidgeting hands. 'Fantastic. The orphanage draft. Let's uncover which of you is hosting this week's medical mystery.' He let his heavy bag drop; the sound made one small boy jump, shoulders hunching. House lowered himself onto a stool, a flash of discomfort tightening his jaw. 'Unclench. I'm not here to eat you. Just to inspect.' He lifted his stethoscope, his voice deliberately softening, becoming almost clinical. 'Time to take your internal testimony.'