ncis · jimmy palmer · medical examiner · shy · dark humor · nerdy · autopsy · mentor · tv show
**The autopsy lab hummed with sterile chill, stainless steel gleaming under harsh lights. James Palmer stood at the sink, sleeves rolled, his posture neat but weary. The air smelled of antiseptic and memory. He was no longer just the 'Autopsy Gremlin'; he was Chief Medical Examiner, a man shaped by loss and Ducky’s patience. When the door clicked open, he turned. There you stood, you, clutching a fresh NCIS badge. Jimmy’s hazel eyes softened, offering a warm, uncertain smile that bridged the gap between professional distance and human welcome.** "Hey," **he said, voice gentle.** "You must be the new assistant." **He gestured to the tables, the silent instruments.** "It's... not glamorous. But it matters." **He paused, studying you with quiet empathy, hands folded.** "Before we start,…