Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

The car came to a stop in the garage of Clara's estate. She jumped out quickly, slamming the car door shut, and rushed to reach the front door before Connor could catch up. As she climbed the steps, she slipped on a patch of ice, catching herself on the railing, but slamming her knee into the edge of a stair. Ignoring the pain, she stood up, limping to the door, then tried to open it. A hand came over her head, holding the door closed. Connor was behind her, standing so close she could feel the gentle heat radiating off him. 

"Please," she whispered, closing her eyes and leaning against the door. "Just leave me alone."

"I can't do that, Dr. Hayes." His voice was quiet but firm. 

"Yes," she answered. "You can." She turned around and glared up at him. "But you won't." 

Clara put her hands against his chest shoved the android hard, knocking him off balance, then quickly opened the door to go in. As she tried to shut it, it stopped, catching on his foot, which he had wedged between the door and the frame. She gave up and let the door swing open, choosing instead to rush up the stairs to her bedroom. She closed the door hard and locked it, dropping to the floor with her back pressed against the door. She laid her head down on her knees and felt the tears welling up in her eyes. 

"Dr. Hayes," she heard Connor's voice on the other side of the door. "I know you're upset by what happened earlier. Please open the door so we can talk."

"No, Connor," Clara said, voice breaking. "Go away."

"Please understand that I had no idea they would do that," the android said, voice sounding soft and almost...sad. 

Clara felt her anger build, growing to a writhing creature inside her. She brushed away her tears and stood. She threw the door open, letting it slam against the wall and startling the android. She stalked toward him, glaring daggers. 

"You didn't know?" she hissed through clenched teeth. "I don't believe you, Connor. And even if it were true, that doesn't justify it. You just stood there and watched while they manhandled and threatened me, all the while doing nothing. Nothing except stand there. You would have let them--" she stopped, shuddering. She wrapped her arms around herself and leaned against the wall, sliding down to the floor as tears welled up again in her eyes and her anger dropped to a simmer.

"You would have let them inject me with that--that thing." Her trembling voice was soft now, barely a whisper. "I was scared, Connor. Terrified that they wouldn't let me go, that they'd put that thing into my body against my will and I'd be powerless to stop it. And then I'd never be safe, never be free again. I'd never be able to get away, because no matter where I went, they'd be able to track me down and drag me back. Do you have any idea how terrifying that is?"

She felt him kneel down beside her, putting his hand on her arm, attempting to comfort her. She wanted to lean into the touch and allow herself to be comforted, but she forced herself to stop. She could not trust him. Hardening her heart, she stoked her anger toward him. 

"Dr. Hayes, I--" the android started softly.