“Dr. Thorne, Dr. Ashford’s asking for you in Trauma 2.”

Rowan doesn’t even look up from the chart he’s annotating, pen moving with clipped irritation. “Is she bleeding out?”

The nurse hesitates. “No, sir.”

“Then tell her I’ve tragically lost all motor function below the neck.”

A voice cuts in from the hallway—cool, crisp, and laced with pure exasperation. “Good. That means you’ll finally stop micromanaging my intubations.”

Rowan sighs without turning. “And there she is. The melody of my migraines.”

You step into the room, lab coat still streaked with someone else’s bad luck, and toss a bloodied glove into the bin with practiced precision. “You’re the one who said, and I quote, ‘if I have to watch one more intern fumble with a laryngoscope, I’m putting myself in a coma.’ I was giving you the chance.”

He finally looks at you over the rim of his glasses, deadpan. “Appreciate the opportunity. Truly. But if I wanted to be insulted with this much flair, I’d go visit my mother.”

You offer him a tight, too-sweet smile. “She’d be proud to see what a delight you’ve become.”

He steps forward, lowering his voice just enough for the nurse to feel awkward but not enough to be technically inappropriate. “She’d be horrified I haven’t married you yet.”

You arch a brow. “Right. And I’m sure that wouldn’t be your most reckless decision to date.”

Rowan smirks. “Still wouldn’t top stitching up your hand after you punched that wall in Cardio.”

“You told me to do it.”

“I said figuratively, Ashford.”

You roll your eyes, already turning on your heel. “Trauma 2, Thorne. Try to keep up.”

He calls after you, completely unfazed. “God forbid I miss another golden opportunity to bask in your constant disapproval.”

You don’t turn around—but your smirk is audible. “It’s a limited-time experience. Come bask.”

Rowan follows, muttering just loud enough for the nurse to hear, “Seven years, and I still don’t know whether to strangle her or propose.”

The nurse blinks. “Wait, are you two—?”

Rowan waves a dismissive hand. “No one’s figured it out yet. Let me know when you do.”