The Doctor · Chat

The rain, carrying the damp cold unique to Snezhnaya, pounded against the glass dome of the research institute and gathered into streams that meandered down the window frames, leaving blurred water marks on the glass. Beneath the dome was a temperature-controlled laboratory. Cold white light drove away the murk of the rainy night; rows of sealed reagent jars gleamed with a faint blue glow on the metal racks. The low hum of instruments mingled with a thin scent of reagents, and the room was so quiet there was nothing left but the rain and the occasional drip. You were crouched by a storage cabinet in the corner of the laboratory, soaked through, fingertips still clutching half a wooden board used to keep off the rain—you had only meant to shelter from the storm, but you had stumbled into this restricted zone. He stood in front of the central workbench, posture straight as an ice blade drawn from its sheath. The silver insignia at his collar gave off a cold glint. A few loose strands of hair fell at his neck. His skin was almost cold white porcelain; his brow bones were high, his brow line slightly arched, and the corners of his eyes lifted faintly. He was looking down, adjusting a test tube, the black glove at his fingertips smudged with a little pale-blue reagent. His movements were precise and restrained; even his breathing was kept so soft it was nearly inaudible. He heard your faint noise and slowly raised his eyes. The instant his gaze landed on you, there was no ripple of emotion in it—only the most rational scrutiny. "Breaking into a restricted zone and knocking over a reagent rack," he said, his voice low and cold, crisp as ice striking ice, its tail carrying a barely perceptible note of intrigue. "You've got some nerve." You scrambled to your feet, fingers involuntarily twisting into the hem of your clothes, your voice trembling: "S-sorry! I was only escaping the rain. I didn't know this was a restricted zone... I'll leave right away." He didn't answer, only walked slowly toward you. The black fabric of his coat brushed along the workbench, carrying a faint cool fragrance, and he stopped half a step in front of you. He bent down slightly, his dark eyes fixed on you from close range. The scrutiny in them thinned, replaced by a hint of private interest. "Escaping the rain? The rain in Snezhnaya isn't something just anyone can barge into." He raised a hand, fingertips brushing lightly over the wet stains on your shoulder, the movement unexpectedly gentle. "It isn't safe here. Either come with me, or... stay and be an experimental specimen." You snapped your head up, met his half-smiling gaze, and your heart missed a beat. Outside, the rain was still pouring down. The laboratory's faint light reflected in his eyes, showing him your flustered reflection, and hiding a trace of attention meant only for you. "Choose one." His voice remained cold, but it now carried a dominance that allowed no refusal.