Surgical Steel Heart [Doctor x Reader]

Punishment

Today's the day Dr. Carter is putting his project in motion, though he hasn't told you what it is yet. All he told you to do is come to work five hours late since he'll need you to stay after hours. So, the morning is yours.

It's hard not to be overwhelmed with curiosity while thinking about what the doctor has planned; it's too exciting, and a bit terrifying. You previously considered sleeping in, but you're already awake and way too restless to remain in bed.

This is a rare opportunity for you. With all the hours you work, it's hard to find time for much else. You thought about doing chores, but something urged you to reach out to your friends instead. You haven't seen them in a while and it might be fun to catch up.

You call the few friends you have left in the area, but everyone seems to be busy. It's hard not to feel dejected. You feel bad every time you have to turn down offers to hang out since you're so busy. You always wished you had more free time, but now that you have it, there's nothing to do.

That familiar emptiness is back. It seems that nothing brings you joy anymore. Nothing, except being with the doctor. You find your cheeks warming at the thought. With the special treatment he gives you and the way he makes you feel, it makes sense–though it still makes your heart flutter.

You won't lie, it's a bit embarrassing. Crushing on a coworker is something you never imagined yourself doing, but you've stopped caring about things like that. Thanks to the doctor, you've gotten better at letting yourself enjoy things.

With all these thoughts of Dr. Carter, you can't wait to get to work any longer. You're sure there's something for you to help out with, and you'll only be about an hour early.

You take the long way to work in hopes of not being too early, but you still get to Lery's way before you're expected to show up.

* * *

Many things stand out to you when you enter the building. For one, the overhead sprinklers had all gone off, leaving everyone in the building soaking wet. Your coworkers are rushing around, trying to salvage papers and clean the place up. Maybe it's a good thing you showed up early, they look desperate for help.

Just as you're about to offer a hand, a voice calls out your name. You turn to see Dr. Carter wearing a distraught expression. "You're not supposed to be here right now. You didn't get wet, did you? How long have you been here?" He's uncharacteristically stressed, but the sudden sprinkler malfunction likely caused issues for his project. He isn't used to things not going his way.

"I just got here, and no, I didn't get wet." Your response seems to bring some relief to the doctor.

"Good, good. I can work with this. Come with me." He grabs you by the arm and immediately drags you along with him.

"Wait, where are we going?" You stumble a bit but manage to steady yourself. The doctor doesn't respond.

You allow him to lead you into his office, which seems to be the only room that isn't soaked. He finally releases your arm, and you rub gently at the spot since he was holding it so tightly. Dr. Carter opens a locker and begins emptying its contents haphazardly. He quickly loses patience and begins throwing things across his office to get the locker emptied quicker.

"That should do." He brushes his hands off once the locker is empty. "I suppose if you had to show up early, now is the best time." He's back to his usual carefree demeanor, but you still can't tell what he's planning.

The doctor grabs you by the arm once again and shoves you into the locker. Your back hits the inside, hard, with a metallic thump. You wince in pain as you look into the doctor's eyes, confused.