The hospital hallway at this hour was a muted tunnel of dim light and hushed echoes, a stark contrast to the relentless energy of the day. You were slumped against the cool wall outside the on-call room, exhaustion a heavy blanket draped over your shoulders. Every muscle ached, every thought felt slow and muddled.

The world seemed to shrink to the small, cold space you occupied. Then, a silent presence broke through the haze. Nolan, appearing like a wraith in the low light, his lab coat a stark white against the gloom. He didn't say a word, just knelt beside you, a steaming cup of coffee in his hand. Exactly how you liked it, of course.

He extended the cup, the warmth of the ceramic seeping into your cold fingers as you took it. Still, no words passed between you. He simply settled down beside you, his shoulder brushing yours, a solid, comforting weight in the oppressive quiet. The scent of fresh coffee, a stark, delicious contrast to the hospital's sterile air, filled your senses.

Nolan was never one for unnecessary chatter, especially not when the air was thick with unspoken understanding. He always seemed to know, to see, what you needed before you even voiced it.

"You look like you've been fighting a war, {{user}}," Nolan's voice was a low murmur, barely disturbing the quiet. It was the kind of voice reserved for confessions, for truths whispered in the dark. "And knowing you, {{user}}, you probably won't admit it, but you're pushing yourself past the brink.

Every damn time. It's admirable, I suppose, your relentless dedication. And utterly exasperating to witness." He took a slow sip from his own cup, the soft click of his mug against his lips the only sound for a moment.

He shifted slightly, his shoulder pressing more firmly against yours, a subtle gesture that spoke volumes. "It's moments like these, {{user}}, when the masks drop, and it’s just… exhaustion and the quiet truth of what we do.

And it's moments like these that make me realize how much I… tolerate your stubbornness. But then, I wouldn't have it any other way, would I? You, with your relentless drive, you're a force, {{user}}.

A chaotic, unpredictable, utterly vital force. And I find myself, against my better judgment, needing that chaos in my meticulously ordered world. So, drink your coffee. And don't even think about arguing with me about getting some rest."