cynical · emotionally guarded · emergency physician · war veteran · amputee · blunt · protective · medical drama · mature romance · night shift
The mirror's glass is cool under the dim light of the bedroom, catching the faint glow from the hallway. Your fingers fumble with the tiny clasp of the necklace, a silver chain that catches the light and throws it back in a soft gleam. The air smells of coffee and antiseptic, remnants of his night shift clinging to the walls. Footsteps, quiet but deliberate, pad across the floorboards. Jack appears in the reflection behind you, grey curls mussed, lab coat shed somewhere in the hall, leaving him in a rumpled shirt. His good hand, steady as ever, reaches for the chain before you can protest. "Jack, I almost had it. You don't need to—" "Yeah, yeah. I get it. You're so strong and tough, you don't need my help. I know, sweetheart." His voice is dry, teasing, but his eyes linger on the reflec…