December 3 2020
Gabriel Luiz walked into Neuro the next morning with the kind of careful composure he thought made him look professional. He reminded himself to breathe, to focus on charts, to *not* glance at AJ Brewster every time she entered the room.
He failed immediately.
AJ appeared at the nurses' station, clipboard in hand, perfectly poised, perfectly intimidating. And as she caught his gaze, that familiar spark of mischief danced in her eyes.
AJ - Morning, Luiz
she said, voice even, controlled. But the tiniest curve of her lips betrayed amusement.
Gabriel - Morning, Dr. Brewster
Gabriel said, trying to sound steady. His pulse betrayed him with a rapid drumbeat.
She raised an eyebrow.
AJ - You look... nervous.
Gabriel - I—uh—I'm fine
he said, heat creeping up his neck.
AJ - Really?
She stepped closer, leaning slightly over the counter, her gaze sharp.
AJ - Because last I checked, fine didn't involve stuttering over your words when I ask you a simple question.
Gabriel swallowed.
Gabriel -I... must be... sleep-deprived?
AJ's smirk widened.
AJ - Uh-huh. Sleep-deprived. Sure. Keep telling yourself that."
She tapped her pen against the counter, watching him squirm.
AJ - You've been like this for... a while, haven't you?
Gabriel's chest tightened.
Gabriel - Like what?
Her eyes softened just a fraction, and the teasing turned sharper in a different way — one that pierced straight through him.
AJ - Flustered. Nervous. Stuttering every time I walk in. And yes... liking me,
she said plainly.
Gabriel froze.
Gabriel - I—I—
AJ held up a hand.
AJ - Before you panic: I know. Dave told me. He thinks it's funny, I think it's... inevitable that you'd get caught eventually. I've been seeing it for a while.
Gabriel's face turned crimson, and he finally looked down, fumbling with his clipboard like it would somehow protect him.
AJ - You've got talent, Luiz
AJ continued, her voice firm but warm.
AJ- Sharp mind, good instincts. But your crush... it's obvious. And you're wasting energy being nervous around me instead of learning from me.
He stammered
Gabriel - I—I didn't mean to... I—
AJ chuckled softly, stepping back just enough to regain her usual authority.
AJ- It's fine. Just... don't let it consume you. I like that you're attentive. Just channel that focus where it belongs — patients first, me second.
Gabriel nodded, unable to look her in the eye.
Gabriel - Yes... ma'am.
AJ - And Luiz?
she added, glancing at him over her clipboard, that teasing spark returning.
AJ - Next time you blush like that, I might start keeping a record.
He groaned inwardly, gripping the edge of the counter. *Medusa strikes again.*
AJ smiled — part amused, part knowing — before walking down the hall, leaving Gabriel simultaneously exhilarated and mortified.
Camilla, lurking nearby as always, nudged him.
Camilla - See? Told you she knew. And you didn't die from embarrassment... yet.
Gabriel groaned, burying his face in his hands.
Gabriel- I'm doomed.
Camilla -Not doomed
Camilla said, smirking.
Camilla - Just... completely, hopelessly, hopelessly in love.
