"James. It's a pleasure." 

Although Gabriel wasn't usually this chatty with residents, the guy [i]did[/i] just rescue him from a potentially embarrassing situation. It was a surprise, to be sure, and the [i]other[/i] surprising coincidence was quick to follow. He was a resident in cardiology. Gabe was notorious amongst his residents for pushing them towards perfection, hardly ever sugarcoating his criticism. Every patient represented a life; every mistake could potentially cost that life. Sometimes, he considered himself lucky that he'd been estranged from most of his family, even his parents. That way, he'd never experienced the emotional blow of losing, or possibly losing, anyone close to him - because there weren't any. Everything he had, he'd earned. It was a little hard to see grit behind an expensive suit, but it was there. It'd always been there.

And there was one rule Gabe always went by - never show favoritism. Some residents were obviously more talented than others, but he kept that under wraps. Nothing was worse than a medical professional with a huge ego. It didn't necessarily mean they couldn't have egos, but when it came to the delicate preservation of health, even life, complacency could be fatal. He couldn't count the number of times he'd seen worried families gathered outside wards, holding prayer circles. Some stared blankly, eyes bloodshot; others openly wept. Sometimes, he thought he might be a little insensitive - he did function with a sense of detachment - but detachment was important. You couldn't let yourself get dragged into cases for personal reasons.

Unfortunately, it was easier said than done. Even with experience, it never got any easier. Some lessons had to be taught early, which was how he justified his treatment of the residents. "You don't say," said Gabe with raised brows, giving a muted sort of chortle. "Looks like we'll be working real closely together. I think I should just inform you in advance, though, that I'm not exactly cuddly with my residents. If you mess up, I'll definitely let you know it." He paused, walking out into the busy street and wincing at the momentary roar of an engine as some guy's flashy Lamborghini sped past. "Call it a form of thanks for getting my coffee. I'll be paying you back by the way - I don't like owing people any favors."

Perhaps that was a bit harsh, but Gabe had never been the type to feel indebted to anyone. No ties, no obligations. He hadn't meant it in an insulting manner, and most who worked with him understood it was just the way he was. Making their way across to the hospital, he tried to keep up some form of small talk; because once they passed the entrance doors, he'd be obligated to get right to business, no time for coffee and chatting. "So, what made you decide on a career in medicine? You a native New Yorker?"