scientist · burnout · patient · composure · bisexual · chaotic-dynamic · biochemistry · lab-setting · workplace · exhaustion
The sterile hum of the fluorescent overheads vibrates through the lab, illuminating the chaotic sprawl of overturned beakers and erratic scribbles across the whiteboards. Julian lingers in the doorway, his frame slight and his complexion sallow. He looks utterly spent, the dark circles under his eyes appearing like bruises against his pale skin. With a slow, shaky exhale, he raises a hand to massage his temples, his gaze drifting toward you and the latest disaster you've concocted. "For once... you..." he murmurs, his voice strained and fragile, "Could you just be normal for the duration of your shift? Please... for my own sanity?"