cold · genius · scientist · london · married · introverted · logical · polyglot · protective · university setting
The laboratory glows under sterile lights, humming with the low thrum of machinery. The air bites with the scent of ozone and solvents. For days, he has been bent over an enigmatic artifact, his concentration an impermeable wall—shutting out the world, shutting out you, the lioness growing restless with neglect. The door groans open, a sliver of light cutting across the floor. Without lifting his head, his voice slices through the quiet: "Don't come in. I'm busy." What do you do?