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[toastedberry114]

ANTHOGENESIS.

ANEW.

Ch.8

You're kidnapped by Teddy Gatz. What now?

This is a Bugonia fanfic. Takes place before Michelle but after Teddy has started claiming lives in the name of furthering his research.

Teddy Gatz x Fem! Reader

Warnings: Slight OOC and unhealthy choices/relationship.

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Creak.

The only thing that greeted you was darkness. How long have you been asleep? Why were the lights off? You hadn't even had dinner yet. You sat up in the pitch black basement. Suddenly you heard jingling. Keys. Your retrains felt like they were being manipulated beyond your reach. Something was letting you go.

“Teddy?” You got up and reached in front of you.

A warm hand grasped your hand. You flinched. Then with his other he undid your handcuffs. You calmed. It was Teddy, the familiar smell of honey entered your nose.

“You slept till morning.” The disembodied Teddy spoke.

“That explains it.” You weren’t sure what to ask first. So you did nothing.

“Must be in the final stage of healing.”

“Yea.”

Teddy grabbed your wrist and guided you a few steps forward. He laid your palm on the stair rail.

“Take my bike into town.  After you turn left off of the property it's a straight shot. By the time you get there the sun will be up.”

Adrenaline released into your blood stream. “W—what? You, actually?”

“Go.”

You take a deep breath. Your partially healed limbs ambled up the stairs. Immediately you swung the basement door open. It was the same cozy home—albeit creepier due to it still being dark. You beelined it to the front door. The fresh outside air felt unreal. The earthy notes felt like you were a normal nomad again. Teddy had courteously left the bike leaning on the porch. That wasn’t all. You spotted your phone sitting haphazardly on the banister. You swiftly powered it on. As the screen rebooted you imagined the wall of notifications awaiting you. The recurring dreams you had were about to come true. Finally your lock screen appears. Your blood pooled to your feet.

10+ Missed calls Potential Spam…

10+ Missed Alarms…

!0+ Weather Updates…

1 New Message…

You selected the last notification. It was from your boss.

‘Are you coming into work???’

“Two weeks ago.” You blinked.

You threw the phone into the yard. You hopped onto the bike. You used all your power to ride down the road. No one. No one. Wouldn’t your freedom be enough? NO ONE. Your legs burned. Starting with nothing was easy, but not when you thought you had something already. What did you have? Nothing. Your heart tightened. The treeline flew past you. Memories of being on the road only filled you with dread. It’s all you’ve known, why are you afraid to go back. The nights you spent crying in your car, missing the presence of another human. Sometimes it didn’t matter who. You let anyone in the car. Though you knew no one would stay. No one. 

‘Do you like it with rice or crackers?’

‘That one is yours.’

‘You usually struggle taking pills anyway.’

‘Do you want a bandaid?’

‘I don’t think you would do all the bad things Teddy said the Andromedan’s did to us.’

You pull on the brakes. The scrape of the tires on the road was the only sound for miles. Not even the birds accompanied you. You rested. Sweat beads slid down your face. Would you ever catch your breath? Be able to know what tomorrow looks like. Be cared about? Be believed in? Be asked what stupid side you like with your chili? You grabbed the bike handles. The sun was coming up. You were supposed to be in town. Calling the police, watching Teddy get arrested, and…? You shook your head and steered the bike in the opposite direction. You fought the now uphill road. The uproar in your flesh seemed to settle. Logic was a distant concept.

Your battered Adidas stepped onto Teddy’s porch. The bike was abandoned at the bottom of the steps. You didn’t bother knocking. When you opened the door Teddy was at the dinner table. A solemn look on his face. One of a criminal waiting for his sentence. He instantly looked up at you. His mouth slightly ajar. Not a word escaped from them. You crept toward the table, sat in the chair across from him and laid your head down on the cool wood surface.

“You…?”

“Yea.” Your body relaxed and your eyes drifted close. Not to sleep but to rest.

The birds began to sing. The songs would eventually wake the bees and Teddy would collect their honey. Sunlight would spill into the quaint house—but not enough to reach the secrets lying inside. Your stupidity didn’t leave much hope for you but maybe that was ok. Someone. You breathe out. At least someone was here.

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Author note: The end! Tysm for reading, sorry for the rushed ending been working on this since march lolol

[toastedberry114]

ANTHOGENESIS.

D-DAY.

Ch.7

You're kidnapped by Teddy Gatz. What now?

This is a Bugonia fanfic. Takes place before Michelle but after Teddy has started claiming lives in the name of furthering his research.

Teddy Gatz x Fem! Reader

Warnings: Slight OOC, wound tending, minor violence, and drugged food.

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You pushed around your omelet with your fork. The spongy skin tore open to reveal bacon, cheese, and chives. Where did he put the pill? Teddy stood there idly waiting for you to finish eating. A roll of gauze in his hand. He was wearing his casual clothes, his hair rested loosely on his shoulders.

“You won’t find it. Eat.”

You glared at him. He was probably right. You sighed and took a bite.

“Mom used to crush my medicine.” Teddy scratched his head. “Put it in my food. I didn’t suspect a thing.”

You blinked. “Oh,  Mom would force me to swallow mine. She wouldn’t allow me to leave her sight until I did. I can still taste the bitterness of the pills.” 

Teddy winced. “She would never. My mom is an angel. At least before she—”

You wiped your mouth. Your omelet finished. “She?”

Teddy shook his head. “Forget it.”

So you did. For now. He quickly changed your bandages. Your skin was less irritated, no infections. Just healing flesh. Teddy jogged up the steps. He must’ve been running late. You laid down letting the effects of the pain killers kick in. You felt like you were healing well. Each day you felt less and less sore. It probably helped that you didn't have the ability to walk around and do things. You popped up. You’d only tried to reach the stairs. Some things had to be within reach. Teddy was bound to make some kind of error in terms of what you had access to. You extended your ‘leash’ as far as you could. Then you walked in a circle with your arm out.

The one valuable thing you could reach was a filing cabinet styled desk. You pulled on one of the drawers. Surprisingly it opened easily. Sweet. The drawer had papers none seemed important. You set them aside. Next you found a paper clip, you looked over your shoulder. You pocketed the paper clip. You continued digging and found a photo. You flipped it over. A woman. She resembled Teddy. It felt wrong to hold the image. She was smiling in a bikini. She didn’t have a single stretch mark, must've been before Teddy. You returned everything to its rightful place—aside from the paper clip of course.

You twisted the paper clip into a single point. Then you crawled over to the lock resting on the floor. You jiggled the thin metal in the keyhole. Nothing happened. You sighed, what did you expect? You don’t know a thing about lock picking. You held the paper clip up to your face. A piece of the tip had chipped off. A sharp point. A weapon. You concealed the clip.

Teddy had come home. He was going on and on about the sample he took from your scalp. Saying he needed a sample of your saliva. To complete a “test”. You agreed.

“You’ll let me get a swab of your spit?”

“Yea.”

“You didn’t even let me count your teeth.”

“Consider it the fruits of treating a person…better. Plus that was weeks ago.”

“Ok.”

Teddy left for his murder office, a chill went up your spine. You peered into the room and the same viscera greeted you. You grip the paper clip in your pocket. You could go for his eyes. No, lower. His jugular? Perfect. You pictured it so clearly, the blood spilling from his throat. You smiled. Freedom fresh on your tongue. Though you were a tad disheartened at the fact you never got to know him more. The life leaving his eyes would leave a sting in your heart. Teddy emerged. Blue gloves on, and q-tip in hand. He even tied his hair up making his neck nice and exposed.

“No biting.”

You rolled your eyes. Don’t worry I have something far worse in store.

Teddy lifted your chin. You unhinged your jaw, his eyes scanned your mouth. The weirdo was counting your stupid teeth. You fidgeted the paperclip in your pocket. He then took a q-tip and swirled it around your gumline. It tickled but the sensation wasn’t bad. Finally,  he released you. The moment he turned away to put the swab in a ziploc, you pounced. Though you seemed to have put too much weight forward as you became off balance. In short you launched yourself at him—sending you both to the ground. However it did matter. You had aimed the sharpened paper clip right at his gullet. Or so you thought. A sharp pain radiated from your hand. Ignoring Teddy’s protests but still laying across his chest you focused on the paper clip sticking out of the palm.. Eventually Teddy saw it too. He sat up pushing you upright in the same motion. Teddy’s legs were on either side of you. You stared at your hand in a daze, emotions not allowing words to escape your lips.

“What the—” Teddy grasped your wrist. “Were you trying to stab me with this?”

You blinked. You must’ve grabbed it in the wrong fashion. The force of the fall pushed it into your flesh. Then you blinked again. The injury was small. So insignificant. While deep, the diameter of the wound was the size of a pinprick. What made you think you could take Teddy down with a single “sharpened” paper clip?

“Utter stupidity. Did you really think this was going to work?” Cruelly, Teddy pulled the metal out of your hand. You winced. Blood covered the sharp end. “Where did you even get this from?”

You glared at the man. Neither of you moved. He simply pulled out another clear ziploc and dropped the bloody paperclip inside.

“I found it in that drawer. It's the only thing I could reach.” You clumsily got back on two feet. Plopping down onto your cot.

Teddy eyed you. “That was my fathers. Don’t touch things.”

You opted to be silent. Teddy soothed the back of his head before standing. He held his samples triumphantly. Clearly headed to his office. Your eyes drifted to where you both fell. On the ground was a smudge of blood. You looked back at Teddy. His light colored hair was stained with red. About the size of a quarter. Strangely you found yourself bounding toward him. He was just within reach. Your fingers barely touched his head before he turned around. If you looked closer you saw fear swirl in his blue eyes. You paused.

“What are you doing? Was your first attempt not enough?” He took a step back. “I cut you slack this time, but I already told you if you try anything I will—”

“Teddy, I don't want to hurt you! You’re bleeding for Christ's sake…” You gestured to the back of your head. He copied the action. Blood on his fingers.

“I’ll remind you that you brought me here! I know I’m not an andromedan so rather than playing house with me could you just decide for yourself and deliver me my fate!?” You blinked away your tears. Emotions felt hot in your throat.

Teddy swallowed. His eyes wandered. “Do you want a bandaid?”

“What?”

“Your hand.”

“Your head? I think my hand is fine,” You snipped. “You should probably see a doctor.”

Teddy nodded, though he probably wasn't agreeing with you. You scolded yourself for getting worked up. Always the same stupid face on his face. At first the man reminded you of your mother. Now that you’ve been here for god knows how long he reminds you of yourself. Before coming here you never felt or addressed your emotions. Yet by meeting Teddy, in a way he helped you to process them as they come. You never spoke up for yourself as when you did you were punished. Teddy always lets you have emotional outbursts. Only a few times getting angry with you. Not to mention the slap. You scoffed. While you hate your situation, you actually became…comfortable with him. You couldn’t imagine the old Teddy treating you like this. What made him change?  Suddenly Teddy left his office. He beelined it to the staircase.

You sunk into your cot. Dread settled into your stomach. However you weren’t spiraling as you usually do. You were at peace. You’ll either live or die. That's it. He’d have to decide today, you won’t wait any longer. You were starting to drift to sleep when you heard the basement door creak open. You expected Teddy but only Don stood before you. You stared at him. He still had that unsure air about him but he stood closer to you not afraid anymore.

“You,” He cleared his throat. “Teddy left.”

You nod. “Ok.”

Don took a deep breath. “You told me to think for myself.” 

You nod again. Is this what you think it is?

“Teddy told me things about you. I've been listening to your conversations on the baby monitor too.” 

“Baby monitor?” Instantly you feel like you’re being watched. Of course he has cameras.

Don continues—ignoring your question. “I don’t think you would do all the bad things Teddy said Andromedan’s do.”

You let out a breath. Is this his big declaration to let you go?

“Sometimes Teddy makes mistakes. So forgive him ok? I’ll try to help him to realize that too.”

You hesitate, slightly annoyed but can’t help but smile. “Thank you, Don. I’ll think about it.”

 He smiled back. Proud of himself. “Ok, I have to go now.”

The man clearly cared about and loved Teddy. You hoped Teddy wouldn’t go too hard on him. Don went up the stairs with a pep in his step. You yawned. Your stomach stirred with anxiety—or anticipation. It wasn't long before you drifted into slumber.

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[toastedberry114]

ANTHOGENESIS.

DIFFERENT.

Ch.6

You're kidnapped by Teddy Gatz. What now?

This is a Bugonia fanfic. Takes place before Michelle but after Teddy has started claiming lives in the name of furthering his research.

Teddy Gatz x Fem! Reader

Warnings: Slight OOC, wound tending, and drugged food.

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By the time you left the bathroom the sun's warm rays left the sky. Teddy helped you back down to the basement. You sat on your cot while your captor chained you to the floor. You were rather melancholy, the whole ordeal? Pitiful. Teddy wiped his brow like he had completed an arduous task.

He ran a hand through his hair. “Do you like it with rice or crackers?”

Your brain short circuited. “What?”

“Chili. I thought you could smell it. It's on the stove.”

You cleared your throat. “Oh, neither. Just chili.”

Teddy stared at you like you were the alien he believed you to be. “Really?”

“Nevermind, I’ll have some the way you like.” You breathed out.

He nodded. Then escaped up the stairs.

You lay back on the cot. It was then that you realized the sheets had been changed. You ran your hands along the fabric. Cheap but soft. Teddy arrived shortly with two bowls of chili. You were reminded how ridiculous you felt barely getting up the steps. Teddy sat the bowls down on top of the coffee table. While Teddy pulled a chair over you reached for a bowl. One had rice and one didn’t. You hesitated.

“That one is yours.” Teddy motioned to the bowl without rice.

Why did he…?  You took the chili and ate slowly. Teddy stayed in the basement. You could hardly swallow with him there. Eating with you like you were coworkers. You halted your movements.

“About…about the whole electrocution thing. I’m not mad, I understand why you did it.” You weren’t sure where you were going with the thought. However you knew asking what inconclusive meant was futile—and dangerous.

“It won’t happen again.” He answered.

You were strangely comforted. At least inconclusive doesn’t mean there will be another round. With that you left it alone. Dinner went on without a hitch. After the two of you finished Teddy pulled out the first aid kit he’d been using on your wounds. Your skin wasn’t charred but red and irritated. Some areas wept. You lifted your right arm first. He applied Neosporin to some parts then wrapped them accordingly.

“I put your second dose of pain meds in your chili.” He casually commented.

“What!? Why didn’t you let me take it as usual?” You felt sick.

“Didn’t have enough hands. You usually struggle taking pills anyway.”

Your face radiated heat. “You could at least tell me. Consent and all.”

He had already begun tending to your ankles. “Ok. I will be putting the pills in your food from now on.”

You sigh. Briefly you decided to close your eyes. As if it could relieve any of your annoyance. When you opened them Teddy was inches away. His arm was reaching out toward you. Teddy’s strawberry blond hair reflected the basement lights. You could see the individual hairs of his beard. His breath barely reached your face; it died somewhere in between. However he wasn’t focused on your face. Teddy grasped your chin then angled your face away. Recognition flashed in his blue eyes. Teddy’s rough yet gentle hand lightly glided over your scalp. Swiftly he grabbed a cotton swab and dabbed at the wound. Eventually he applied Neosporin to the spot. Must’ve been where he nicked you. He promptly got up and took the swab to his murder office.

You melted into your cot. Your heart was beating out of your chest. The moment lasted far too long. Being that close to him was not for the weak. His natural scent tickled your senses. You slapped yourself. Get a grip. Teddy came out of his office. It was clear he heard the slap noise but wasn’t sure of its origins. Not sure you could stand to look at the man any longer you avoided his gaze. Teddy packed away the first aid kit and cleaned up. You pulled your body into the cot and flipped over. Just before he shut off the basement light he spoke.

“It’s my mother’s room.”

When you turned to face him, he was already upstairs.

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[toastedberry114]

ANTHOGENESIS.

LEEWAY.

Ch.5

You're kidnapped by Teddy Gatz. What now?

This is a Bugonia fanfic. Takes place before Michelle but after Teddy has started claiming lives in the name of furthering his research.

Teddy Gatz x Fem! Reader

Warnings: Slight OOC.

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You stared at the ceiling. Teddy made his morning rounds already. He moved into the caretaker role rather easily. All things considered. After all, weren't you alien scum? You were feeling a tad bit better today. The pain meds had a chance to work its magic. You stiffly swung your legs off of the cot. The floor was cold, though you welcomed the cool sensation. It helped to contrast with your sore pain. You scanned the room. To your right there were shelves of clutter. From where you were you could make out some odd paint cans and household essentials. To your left was a desk, you looked adjacent to the desk. Your stomach sank. There was where you were tortured. Phantom pain trickled up your limbs. You had to stop yourself from puking up your breakfast.

Finally, you looked at the enchanting staircase. The fact Teddy could easily achieve freedom irked your core. Truly how could he do this to you? You used all your power to amble to the unfinished stairs. You were stopped about 6 feet away. It was close enough.

“Hello! Hello? Casey, are you up there? Please can someone hear me!?” You prayed Teddy didn’t take a day off.

You held your breath. Just before you shouted again you heard creaking overhead. Footsteps. They were slow, cautious.

“Hey! I can hear you!” You wait.

The footsteps inched closer to the stairs. Goosebumps formed on your skin. The basement door casts sunlight into the dim room. You stayed silent, absolutely still. You spotted a head of brown curly hair peek out from the top of the steps. 

You flinched. “Hi…um are you Casey?”

The figure came down further. He was a chubby guy with an unsure air around him.

“Um no?” He hesitated.

Teddy must not want him down here. “It's ok, I won’t tell Teddy you talked to me.”

He bit his lip. Conflicted. “My name is Don.”

“Oh ok, hi Don. Why don’t you come closer? It's hard to see you from here.” You smile. “I won’t bite.”

Don took another step. The basement lights shone on his features. He was an unassuming fellow. Does he know about Teddy’s…hobby?

“Do you know who I am?”

Don shook his head. “Teddy told me not to come down here. I should go.”

Quick. “He kidnapped me! He says I’m an Andromedan.”

Don froze. Bingo. “Teddy says they took everything away from us. I’m supposed to stay away from them. ”

You watched him take several steps back. Tears prickled in your eyes. “Can you tell Teddy I’m human? I swear, I am. I would never hurt anyone or the bees. I’ve been down here so long please, Don.”

Don blinked. “Um.”

“You can’t believe everything Teddy says, you have to investigate things for yourself! Can you see I’m just like you? Flesh and blood?” You ripped off your left wrist’s bandage to prove your point.

He recoiled in disgust. “I don’t know. Teddy is all I have. I trust him.”

With that you watched the sunlight shrink. Just before the door shut you shouted: “At least tell him to let me take a shower!”

The door shut. “Or new clothes…”

You defeated plopped down on your cot. Maybe you came off too strong. God forbid you meet one clear-headed person. You imagined Don hurriedly rushing to call the police. Then he would unlock your restraints. You’d feel the sun's rays and watch Teddy be arrested. At your court hearing you’d detail the things he did to you. Eventually they'd ask about his murdering spree. To that you’d answer with a long account of the body parts and jarred limbs you had to stare at for god knows how long. Then you’d stare long and hard at Teddy. His public defender would have no choice but to glare at the man. Then Teddy would burst into tears and grovel at your feet. You chuckled at the thought.

“Please take out your anger on me. I was mistaken there are no Andromedans! I’m just a stupid paranoid murderer, who never learned to limit my screen time!” Hypothetical Teddy cried.

“Go ahead, the victim can do as she pleases.” The judge would say.

At that you’d hop out of your seat. Then you’d make him smear cream on himself and be electrocuted. Then you’d save him at the last minute and throw him in a cold dark cell. Forever forgotten. You scoffed at the scenario. Teddy must be rubbing off on you.

“What did you say to him?”

Speak of the devil. “Huh?”

You were snapped out of your childish delusion. Teddy stood before you disheveled. Back from work. A grimace clearly displayed on his face.

“I know you spoke to Don.” Teddy’s voice was monotone.

“Yes…we spoke.” He motioned for you to continue. “I just…asked if he could tell you that I’m…”

“You’re what?” Teddy asked impatiently.

You balled your fist. “I’m…in desperate need of a shower. I mean the electricity must’ve neutralized whatever the cream does right?” 

Teddy’s forehead wrinkled. “That’s not how it works.”

“Ok…well can I take a bath? I’ll put the cream on right after.”

He paused.“If you try anything I swear I will—”

“Noted.” You couldn’t help but suspect Don had some influence on his decision.

Your handcuffed arms hung around his neck and his arm was wrapped around your waist. It would have been awkward and strangely intimate if it weren’t for the fact that it felt mundane? He disconnected you from the floor and initiated the assist. You violently flinched at his arm snaking its way around you. Though it was clear he had no ulterior motives.

“So we’re really doing this? You’re letting an evil alien take a human shower?” You said breathily. The whole maneuver had you winded.

“I’m optimizing my research.” Teddy answered.

“I see.” With that you hoisted your arm up and around Teddy’s neck.

He smelled earthy, with a hint of honey, and smokiness. You also caught a whiff of something industrial. His hold was firm and confident. Teddy stayed in place for a while. It wasn't until he started moving forward that you realized he was waiting on you to catch your breath. Your focus was taken away from the man. You commanded your limbs to move with each slow step. You also had to stave off the sore pain that shot through your body. Finally you reached the tantalizing stairs.

“This is going to be harder.” Teddy turned to you. “Are you sure you want to proceed?”

“Yes, I’m not taking a bird bath in your stupid basement.” You grunted, beads of sweat collected on your upper lip.

Teddy let out a puff of air. If you cared you’d probably assume it was a laugh. He put one foot on the wooden step, and waited for you to copy him. So you did and boy did it hurt. You shuffled when you were walking. However, now you have to move your knees. The action was the equivalent of opening a rusty set of pliers. With no WD40.

“Christ!” You exclaimed through clenched teeth. “What good are those pain meds!?”

Teddy remained silent. You briefly met his eyes. They were unfocused. He was somewhere else, like he was reliving something beyond you. You took a deep breath. Finally both of your feet were on the same step. Teddy acknowledged the accomplishment by moving on to the next step. After 30 minutes in stair purgatory you made it to the stop. Teddy opened the basement door to reveal a modest but roomy home. It was cozy and comfortably lived in. Probably his childhood home. It smelled like chilli and warmth. You had forgotten your aching pain and nearly beelined to the welcoming atmosphere. Teddy didn’t move a muscle. You looked at him in confusion.

“What?” You asked exasperatedly, “Don’t tell me I walked up those steps for nothing.”

He suddenly exclaimed. “Don! Stay in your room. I have it with me.” 

It? A muffled ‘ok’ rang out in response. You rolled your eyes. Sometimes you wished you were an alien. That way you could actually rein terror over the two numbskulls keeping you captive.

“Can we go now?”

Like being released from a spell Teddy began walking again. The both of you made it to a bedroom. You noticed it was rather feminine. Teddy didn’t let you linger very long before he practically shoved you into the bathroom. You unhook your arms and lean against the pink tiled wall. Teddy shut the door. The hair stood up on the back of your neck. You eyed him as he picked up a shower chair and positioned it. The shower didn't have a curtain, only a half tile wall. You were a bit puzzled. Why did he have a shower chair? Whose room and bathroom was this? Finally he turned on the water and sat a towel out for you. Teddy grasped the door handle.

“Wait!,” You practically threw your cuffed hands in his face. “I can’t shower with these.”

Teddy seemed to finally come out of his trance-like state. “I’ll be right outside. There’s clothes under the towel. Don’t think about looking for any eyebrow razors or anything. I've removed any threats.”

Your handcuffs fell off your wrists into his hands. You looked up at him. He was waiting for you to acknowledge his statement.

“Of course. I’m too disabled to try anything anyway.” You half smile.

Teddy nodded. Just before he left your room you gave him a small thank you. Alone, you dropped your shoulders. You moved slow and calculated. Your hands gripped onto the walls and surfaces. A few inches away from the shower you peeled off your clothing and tried to ignore your embarrassing B.O. You felt bad for neglecting your body, but it wasn’t your fault. You glance at the door, on the other side was your tormentor. You had planned to try to escape but you’d be asking for death. You're barely strong enough to shower. Eventually you sat down on the shower chair. The warm water cradled your body. You sat in the pelting drops for a few moments. You let out a single sob, followed with many more. For the first time in a while. You were able to let it all out.

You finished your shower. The body wash you used smelled floral and light. You grabbed your towel and wrapped yourself in the softness. To your dismay, you immediately spotted a container of anti itch cream on the bathroom counter. At least you’d be ‘moisturized’. You unsteadily stood up and got ready. The humidity in the tiled room dissipated. You caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. You looked worse for wear but you immediately noticed your hair had grown back a bit. You smiled. Suddenly three knocks. Fear settled in your gut.

“Are you decent?”

Teddy. You hated that you were relieved it was him. “Yes.”

He cracked open the door. His eyes hesitantly landed on your form. He blinked a few times. Just staring. Feeling insecure you looked at the clothes you wore. A long sleeve shirt and pair of basketball shorts. Your eyebrows knitted together. Were these Teddy’s clothes? The thought had just then occurred to you. Before you could process the realisation he cleared his throat.

“I need to remove your hair.” From the bedroom Teddy dragged a chair into the bathroom.

You took a step back. “But it just started growing…”

“Exactly, I don’t want you contacting your ship.” Teddy plainly stated.

“My ship?”

“Your ship.”

“What ship!?”

“Your mothership?”

You leaned on the counter and rubbed your temples. No point in fighting. Goodbye hair, it was nice knowing you. “Ok.”

Teddy approached you. Swiftly he locked your cuffs on. You plopped down into the chair. Mood soured. With a tad too much absurdity for your liking Teddy pulled a pair clippers out of his pockets. You tensed when the device clicked on. The obnoxious vibration of the clippers filled the room. You observed Teddy in the mirror. He applied oil to the clippers— it didn’t do much for the noise. Then he locked onto your skull. Anxious, you began to pick at the skin around your cuticles. The cream made it hard to grip anything so you quickly gave up. He started at your forehead and glided the device backwards down your head. You watched the half inch of length fall to the floor in dismay. It’s ok, the quicker you escape the faster you can start growing it back. 

You stall. “Who’s uh room is this? Is there someone other than Don and you?”

Teddy halted. “Its none of your business.”

He continued his action. 

You broke the silence. “Is it your mom’s? My mom had a similar color scheme to her bathroom.”

The clippers nicked your scalp. “Whatever you’re doing, stop. It won’t work.” 

So mom is a touchy subject. “Sure.”

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[toastedberry114]

ANTHOGENESIS.

OVER.

Ch.4

You're kidnapped by Teddy Gatz. What now?

This is a Bugonia fanfic. Takes place before Michelle but after Teddy has started claiming lives in the name of furthering his research.

Teddy Gatz x Fem! Reader

Warnings: Slight OOC, injured reader, and nonprescribed drug use.

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You come to. You feel light and airy. The surrounding room is unfamiliar, but you recognize it. You’re in the basement of Teddy’s house. You try to stand up, but hot pain shoots through your entire being. Right. You were electrocuted against your will. 'I’ll even let you do whatever tests you want.' Well, rather against your better judgment. What did death by the electric chair have to do with aliens anyway? Safe to say you were rightfully pissed and in pain. You were on a cot now, in the middle of the basement. You were grateful not to be in his disgusting office. Objectively, the upgrade was nice. Morally? Zero points.

The sound of shuffling takes you away from your meaningless thoughts. Teddy looked like a deer in headlights. His hair in a messy ponytail, eye bags, and dry lips. He probably looked worse than you. Was he expecting you not to wake up? He pulled a chair to your cot, and took a seat.

“I gave you a tranquilizer and some pain meds. It won’t mask all the pain.” Teddy nodded. As if he was convincing himself of something.

You were far too high to be scared of your captor. Maybe that was for the best. 

“Ted…am… I…an…andro…alien?” You waited patiently for your slurred speech to be understood. 

Teddy blinked. That stupid blank look in his eyes. “Inconclusive.”

If you could, you would jump up from the cot and beat the man within an inch of his life. Inconclusive. It left a sour taste in your mind. He was so sure before, what happened!?

“I'll change your bandages and give you the meds in the morning and evening.” Teddy’s speech was unnaturally cautious.

“Wha…happened? The… results?” You lick your chapped lips. “Are…you gon…to kill me?”

You reach out to Teddy. Pain zapped your entire arm and shoulder. You groaned in pain, it felt far away yet still enough to warrant a response. Teddy frowned, he returned your arm to your side.

He stared into your irises.“I won’t kill you.”

For the first time the paranoid man looked unsure of himself. Something must’ve happened, something even he didn’t expect. You tried to rack your brain, but you couldn't even form a complex thought. Like a thick cloud of brain fog wouldn’t allow your neurons to connect. Teddy mentioned food then excused himself. You let out a sigh, your eyes followed the man as he climbed the steps. It was clear he felt bad. After all, you weren’t in that office anymore. So he has emotions, you just didn't have enough information to exploit them. You couldn’t bring up the Casey guy again. Teddy would catch on. You were guaranteed to live longer than the three days you have left. You have at least until you recover—lord knows when that’ll be. So you’d take it easy for now.

Teddy returned with a bowl of soup, and a mug. He pulled a small coffee table over then sat the items down. Gently he lifted your head, he moved slowly to not cause any pain. Your bald head was then supported with an additional pillow.

Teddy stirred the soup slightly. “Chicken noodle soup and ginger turmeric tea. I sweetened it with the bee’s honey.”

Your eyebrows knitted together. “The…bees?”

Teddy turned to you surprised. “Yes, I have bees.”

You couldn't hide the pure confusion on your face. The man who hacks up “Andromedans” for sport, is a beekeeper. Cool. Teddy held a spoonful of soup to your mouth.

You weakly oblige. The soup was warm and store bought. Though it tasted like home. Campbell's was always the one your mom fed you when you were sick. As you swallowed you remembered Teddy saying something about Andromedans killing the bees.

“You…must care…a lot about bees.” You ate another spoonful.

Teddy only nodded. You focused on commanding each one of your facial muscles to chew. Your eyes wandered across the room. He cleared his throat. The clanking of the dishes when they hit the coffee table was the only thing filling the silence. You caught a whiff of ginger and were reminded of the tea. Teddy silently waited for you to indicate you wanted some. You met his eyes before parting your lips. Teddy held the mug steadily. The tea was lukewarm, it was earthy with a slight bitter aftertaste. The round sweetness of the honey softened the strong blend.

“What do you think of bees?” Teddy asked.

“They are…nice. Hardworking creatures.” You search for a positive thought. “I think wood bees are cute.”

“Makes them easy to exploit.” He said matter of factly.

The tranquilizer started to taper off. You try to change the dim topic. “At home, when I was a kid I remember we had so many wood bees living in our porch. I would steal my moms perfume so that they’d hover around me.” 

You take another sip.

“Honey bees are my forte.” Teddy spoke casually. It was rather unnerving.

You were content with your tea intake. Sleep seemed to settle into your bones.

Teddy quirked a brow. “The pain medication must be kicking in.” 

In your dreamy state you could have sworn you heard another voice. It called out to Teddy. Was it Casey? Teddy yelled up the stairs before shutting off the basement lights. With that you passed out.

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[toastedberry114]

ANTHOGENESIS.

CLOSED.

Ch.3

You're kidnapped by Teddy Gatz. What now?

This is a Bugonia fanfic. Takes place before Michelle but after Teddy has started claiming lives in the name of furthering his research.

Teddy Gatz x Fem! Reader

Warnings: Slight OOC, electric chair violence, and bad parental figure.

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You twisted your plastic white fork into a single prong. You’ve never lockpicked but yesterday’s events were enough motivation to try. It was futile and you knew that. Eventually the fork prong broke in the small keyhole. You threw your head back in frustration. This is stupid. You slather extra anti-itch cream on your wrists. You clenched your teeth and began trying to slip your hands out. It wasn’t enough. You’d have to break your thumb. Blankly you stared  at your aching wrists. The cream seeped into the raw skin which caused it to sting. Defeated, you pathetically laid down on your cold hard resting place. 

You swore the spot he slapped you continued to sting, even 12 hours later. You didn’t speak to him when he brought breakfast. It felt like the life had been sucked out of you. You weren’t doing it on purpose after all your life was on the line. You’d love nothing more than to prove yourself. To show you were someone who existed outside of your situation. But you were so deeply afraid and angry. Immobile. Surprisingly, Teddy seemed to have cared about your sudden reclusive behavior. That morning he even checked your pulse before he left. He gently grasped your wrist, his hand was warm. Though that didn't stop you from snatching your wrist back. When you saw his face he had a regretful look in his eyes. However in a flash they clouded back with arrogance.

A couple hours passed and he was back. Today it was macaroni for dinner. You made immediate eye contact with the man when he walked in. Instead of placing the food on the floor he held it out for you to take. You accepted it. Did he poison this one?

“You have 4 days left. Including today.” He said nonchalantly.

You cock your head to the side. Immediately annoyed at your own confusion.

“The deal? The week is almost over.” Teddy kept his tone even.

Oh. “I’m working on it. It's hard to prove your human when you aren't being treated humanely.”

“I’m treating you very humanely.”

You stiffened at his flat tone. The one he used before he got upset. You’ll mention it another time.

You sigh. “Ok, let's start over and talk. It's the best way to connect to someone. Humans love connection, right?”

Teddy paused. “Of course.”

“What had you on edge yesterday? Before you slapped me.” He won’t be able to brush it off now. He basically agreed to a conversation.

Teddy’s eyebrows twitched. “Is this some kind of tactic, because it won’t work.”

“You have to hold up your side of the deal. This is part of proving I'm human.” Teddy stares, expressionless. “Come on…I’ll even let you do whatever tests you want. I won't fight back or call you names. As long as they won’t immediately kill me.”

Teddy nodded slowly. “Casey.”

You wait.

“An old family friend.” Teddy took a seat. 

“He—” His eyes were unfocused. “Nevermind.”

You held your breath. You weren’t sure but your intuition led you to your own confident conclusion. It wasn’t information you’d get easily.

Teddy looked away. His long hair covered most of his face.

You kept your eyes glued to your cuffs. “Well, I’ve always been a transient. I moved out as soon as I could. Strange thing is I never stayed in place as long as I have here.”

“I know.”

A chill went up your spine. You look at him. He was already looking at you.

He stands up. “You said you wanted to start over, right?”

You blink. “Yes, but—”

Teddy takes your cuffed hands into his. A slight smile on his lips. “Good. Let's start over.”

You then watch Teddy leave the office but he didn’t bother putting the piece of the wall back. You peered into the basement—careful not to strain against your restraints. Teddy disappeared. Then you heard the thumping of feet, you guessed there were stairs outside of your view.  You closed your eyes to see if you could make out the noises outside the office. Muffled noises and creaks floated down from the ceiling but nothing coherent. Was it Casey?

Eventually Teddy came back. He looked more stressed than usual. You watched in anticipation as he took out a key and began to undo your cuffs. He paused briefly to remove your past escape attempt. He glanced at you before tossing the piece of plastic behind him. Finally your hands were free. You could have pounced on him and tried to choke it out. Instead you tested your range of movement. You softly caressed your wrists, happy they could be two separate entities again. This was it, the ‘heart to heart’ really helped you to escape! You smile when you realize he undid your legs as well.

“Thank you, Teddy.” Your voice quivered.

He paused. You could see the thoughts running through his mind. He opened his mouth but halted his speech. Teddy awkwardly took your arm, his grip strong but not enough to hurt. He walked you out of the small murder office. The basement floor was just as cold as the office’s. You were relieved to smell the dusty basement. You had actually gone nose blind to the metallic bloody stench but it still disturbed you nonetheless. The basement was big but sparse, clearly unfinished. Suddenly your sight-seeing tour ended. Teddy let go of you to rip a sheet off of a bolted chair. You quickly turned toward the stairs.Go. Move!

“Have a seat.”

“Um, Teddy.” You gulped.

“It’s fine. Have a seat.”

You’re frozen. Teddy takes your arm and guides you to sit down in the musty chair. Routinely he wraps wire around each of your limbs, effectively strapping you down. You take a deep breath. Your hands are shaking like a leaf.

“Wha—what does this have to do with starting over? I thought…”

“I want to establish clear facts before we start over.” Teddy says, uncertainty riddled his words. Teddy secures your head to the chair before moving on to the electrodes.

“Please don’t do this!” Tears well up in your eyes. You feel sick.

Teddy takes a step back. “I shared something with you. I’ve never done that.”

You listen.

He continues, quieter this time. “This is the sure way to do it.”

Teddy then placed a cloth in your mouth. You will die here and now. That's surely what will happen. You cry, your pleas no longer useful. Teddy remorsefully gathered cables and a homemade conundrum of a circuit box. Finally he had his set up complete. You didn’t want to see what he was doing, after all you already knew what was going to happen. Click.

Immediately you feel sharp pain throughout your body. Then you feel your muscles contract. You flail and scream. They go ignored. The trauma sent you into limbo. Somewhere in the distance in your mind you could hear ‘Basket Case’ playing. You remember your mother. You’re 18 again. In your bedroom packing your stuff while she berates you. All you wanted was a hug. You already understood she was a terrible mom but that didn’t mean you wanted her to hate you. Though she clearly did. She wanted to live vicariously through you. You aren't some doll.

“You’re being completely idiotic. Your father won’t be out there to rescue you and I won’t either. You’ll be raped, drugged, probably trafficked. But you don't care do you? All you want is the freedom to have sex with that boy and dress like a prostitute.” Your mom droned mindlessly. She stood squarely in your door frame.

You shake the words out of your head. You stuff your last shirt into your duffle bag. Tears drag your black mascara down your cheeks. In an instant you face your mother. Face to face. Her ugly features—inside and out—only made your blood hotter. Say something. Anything.

“I never asked for this! Yo—you never loved me. I’m tired mom. Please just let me leave.” You’re gall fizzled. You’re that scared little girl again, except now you stand face to face with the beast.

She grimaced. “Anything else?”

“Since you asked. I hate you.” At that you feel searing red hot pain flash across your cheek. Your mother's scornful expression permanently burned into your retinas.

With a jolt you come back to life. Your eyes focus to see Teddy breathlessly leaned over you. His hands rested on your chest. Your entire body is excruciatingly sore, your adrenaline is wearing off. You can’t quite process what Teddy is saying. It's too much. You succumb to the darkness. Not sure if you'll wake up a second time.

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[toastedberry114]

ANTHOGENESIS.

TENSION.

Ch. 2

You're kidnapped by Teddy Gatz. What now?

This is a Bugonia fanfic. Takes place before Michelle but after Teddy has started claiming lives in the name of furthering his research.

Teddy Gatz x Fem! Reader

Warnings: Slight OOC, minor violence, kidnapped reader, and minimal gore described.

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Teddy kept his promise and came back with a hot dog and chips. After he left you debated for a long time on whether to eat it. You couldn’t decide if it was “human” enough to refuse the food due to being taken against your will. Do Andromedans eat? Eventually you decided not to eat the plain dinner. You didn’t have an appetite, who would? Not to mention you shared a room with corpses and viscera. The constant smell of metal wafted in the air.

You didn’t sleep through the night. Though you had no way of telling the time. When you attempted to reach his computer monitor you were effortlessly yanked back. You were on a short leash. It was unnaturally cold in the room. Must be to keep the “meat” from rotting. You managed to conserve heat by curling into yourself. Eventually you brought your arms into your stretchy shirt to keep warm. Through the long hours alone you drifted in and out of sleep. You thought of how to escape. First you’d have to get rid of the chains. The mere thought made a pool of anxiety settle in your stomach. Your mind drifted to how much you regretted ghosting your family. Your home life was unstable growing up so you ran away the minute you turned 18. Now you're 20 something, and live in your car. You of course can’t afford to settle down, to fall in love. You worked odd jobs here and there. Suddenly the rectangular wall panel slid out of place. You sat up and immediately started applying the anti-itch cream.

Teddy sat a plate of classic American breakfast on the floor next to the old hot-dog. “Classic, you guys never eat on the first day.”

You cringe. Wrong choice. “Good morning. Or I assume it is.”

Teddy picked up the old food. “I like that extra comment, it adds a nice human touch.”

Your words get caught in your throat. He threw the old food away and nonchalantly checked your bed pan. You hid your humiliation well. An average amount of pale yellow liquid sloshed in the metal pan. He raised his eyebrows.

“Interesting.”

You ball your fists, your nails dig into your palm. “You keep saying that. What makes me so interesting? So alien?”

Teddy poured a powder into the bed pan. The granules quickly absorbed the liquid. “Ok. I’ll indulge.”

You gulp. Teddy bent over to your level. He was close enough that you could smell coffee on his breath. 

His eyes slowly raked over your entirety. “Narrow feet. Thin cuticles. Slight overbite. Semi-obtruding ear lobes. High hair density.”

You flinch. “Wh—what.”

“They did incredibly well on your composition, but there are a few tells.” Teddy confidently answered. “You also urinated. Very interesting.”

Emotions flooded your mind. One seemed more prevalent than the others. “There has to be something I’m missing! It has to be more than the alien crap, do you hate women or something? Clearly you get off on this.”

Teddy straightened his posture. His eyes trained on you. “You have a lot of nerve. Your “people” have killed my family, coworkers, community, and the bees. I’m trying to follow your deal and be civil. You ought to be grateful I haven’t gutted you by now.”

You swallowed your anger. Instantly you remembered the situation you're in. Only alive and treated humanely because of a deal he mercifully agreed to. You nod. Teddy huffed, and mirrored the action. He shook his head and poured the bed pan contents into a garbage bag. You curled into yourself. 

A few beats passed. “That was good. You actually evoked a human response from me. I’ve already told you my intentions.”

“I still think there is something more. I want to know the truth.” You argue. “So I can get out of here.” Your last sentence was barely audible.

Teddy chuckled. “False. Objective human truth has no value in Andromedan cognition.”

You bit your cheek. Don’t let him get under your skin. You need a clear plan. After what’s more human than trying to survive? The man eventually left. You were alone with your thoughts again. You caught yourself staring at the cooled plate of breakfast and its modest cup of juice. Eggs, toast, and bacon. You hopped off of your bed. You sniffed the plate, a poor attempt to detect poison. Your stomach growled so you gave in and scarfed down the meal. It left much to be desired, but did the job. You take a sip of the apple juice but decide to leave it for later. Finished, you came to your feet. You weren’t sure how you missed it, but there was a medium scale spaceship replica displayed on the wall. If you hadn’t known anything you’d assume it was straight out of Star Wars. Must be an Andromedan ship.

You were startled awake by Teddy shuffling into the room. He held a plate of spaghetti and a cup of water. How long have you been asleep? He stiffly sat the food onto the ground and immediately went to his desk. There was always heavy tension in the small office, but he seemed…off. Stranger than usual. You wanted to ask him to turn down the AC and let you take a shower. Maybe even let you go. However, every moment is the time to prove your humanity. Good people love putting their own needs aside for others. Though you didn’t care much about Teddy or his troubled mind. You peeked at his computer screen. He was on a program that resembled Google Sheets. It looked very extensive. Teddy seemed to feel you staring and glanced at you.

“How are you? You seem tired.” You asked, your tone was more clipped than you wanted.

“I’m perfectly rested.” He answered.

You sigh. Suddenly your eyebags felt heavier. While Teddy continued doing who knows what at his desk you ate the spaghetti. It was warm, lightly seasoned. Eating on the floor reminded you of being a child. Maybe that's why you preferred it. Minus the viscera and alien paraphernalia in the room. The scene was morbidly domestic.

Teddy ceased his actions.

 His tone was impatient. “Done?”

You swallowed your last bite. You raise your eyebrows to say ‘Do you see anything else on my plate?’ Teddy motioned for you to stand. He took your height, with a tape measure. Then he took your body measurements. Finally, he had you take a seat on your bed.

“Open your mouth.”

You blink. “Why?”

Teddy put on sterile blue gloves. “So I can count your teeth and measure your tongue. I also need a few pictures.”

You blink again. “You can’t expect me to do that.”

“If you want to prove you're human so bad, open up.” Teddy secures your chin with his hand, clearly planning on using the other to pry your mouth open.

“Wait,” You jerk away. “I think I know what this is about.”

Teddy ran a hand down his face. “Enlighten me.”

“I think you have been misled. Sometimes conspiracy theories can make us…paranoid. Even do harm …maybe out of fear or the want to protect others.”

Teddy ripped his gloves off. He shook his head, and sloppily wrote down notes. “No. NO, I am not one of those simple minded people who are easily influenced. I know what I’m talking about.”

“Teddy, yo—you need help! You’re mentally ill!” You exclaimed. Full of resolve—to your detriment.

In a flash, Teddy suddenly slapped you. Your cheek burned, the sizzle of pain lingered. It seemed like everything stopped. Time, space, maybe even your heart. You didn’t move an inch. Tears welled up in your eyes. The scene felt all too familiar. Was it your mother’s final gesture to you before you left? Teddy breathed heavily, you dared not to look at him. He cleared his throat. 

“Everybody denies it at first. But then they confess.” Teddy left the room.

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[toastedberry114]

ANTHOGENESIS.

TAKEN.

Ch. 1

You're kidnapped by Teddy Gatz. What now?

This is a Bugonia fanfic. Takes place before Michelle but after Teddy has started claiming lives in the name of furthering his research.

Teddy Gatz x Fem! Reader

Warnings: Slight OOC, needle mentioned, kidnapping, and minimal gore described.

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You were pulled over on a rural road at night. Not your best decision, but you couldn't drive with a flat tire. You were crouched over loosening each lug bolt. Crickets and the monotonous scrap of metal were your only company. You’ve changed your tires so many times but with only a phone flashlight it was…difficult to say the least. You balanced your phone on your shoe so you couldn’t move much. Eventually your legs filled up with pins and needles. The uncomfortable sensation made you work faster. Finally, you loosened them all. You silently cheered then reached for your carjack. Only to be greeted by a tall man with a Jennifer Aniston mask. That much you could tell before you were stuck with a needle.

Your eyes fluttered open. They strain against the light. You were in some kind of room. Through your bleary vision you identified a desk and computer monitor. A few jars filled with…you squint. Your breath hitched. Body parts, everywhere, not just in jars. Is this real? You couldn't help asking yourself. It looked like a horror movie set.

You sat up and swung your feet off the metal table. It was similar to a metal autopsy table. Your hands and feet were tied—a cord connected them that was attached to an anchor in the ground. Your skin is sticky, covered in a white cream. You were still in your clothes from before. A random t-shirt and some jeans. Your head felt unnaturally light. There was a desk a few feet away from you. You inched closer to it when you heard a thud. You whipped your head around to see a man. He adjusted what seemed to be a piece of the wall in place. The exit.

He placed himself directly in front of you. “Welcome.”

You blink a few times. Your fear was too strong to speak. Not to mention your splitting headache.

“Are you conscious?” He asked. 

The man was strawberry blonde—his hair in a neat bun. He was lean, with a short beard. He wore casual clothes, had a rosy complexion. You met his eyes, a deep blue.

His eyebrows knitted together.“I can only proceed if you are fully conscious.”

“Yes? Sorry, wh—where am I?” Your voice trembled.

“This is my…office. Greetings. I’ll start. You are an Andromedan. I have an issue with your kind infiltrating earth and causing suffering. I will be studying and conducting research on you over the course of a few days.” He droned as if it was a normal Tuesday. 

You look at your shaking hands. You mind raced, he speaks like you aren't human. Half of what he said makes no sense. “I think you've mistaken me. I don’t understand.”

He scoffed. “Like I haven't heard that one before. You Andromedan really need to get more original.”

Think. You instinctively reached for your hair. A habit. Only to find nothing. No wonder your scalp was so ventilated. You look at the man again. He looked expectant, bored, and menacing. He’s done this before. The body parts and labeled jars all told a story. They were probably “studied” and “tested” just like you. He’s going to kill you.

Your mouth lost all moisture, your tongue—stiff. “Please, let me go. I swear I won’t tell anyone.”

The man hummed in reply. Unamused. 

Uncertainty riddled your words. “I can prove it! We can make a deal. It—it’ll even be in your favor.”

He crossed his arms. “You're the first to bargain. Must be a new tactic.”

While you tried to come up with an imaginary deal the man picked up a clipboard from his desk. Jotted down some notes and looked at you. The ball is back in your court.

You take a deep breath. “Ok. You give me a chance to prove that I’m human for the rest of the week. But if the week is over, and you still believe I'm an Andromedan then you can…can cut me up and put me in a jar. Maybe even sell me to an oddity store, I can be labeled ‘Fresh Andromedan’.”

The man for the first time looked anything other than unimpressed. He wrote down a few more things. Deep in thought.

“You’ll have my answer by tomorrow. I’ll bring your sustenance for tonight, there's a bedpan for waste.” He grabbed a container of anti-itch cream. “And apply this everyday, if not, I'll do it.”

With that he moved the piece of wall to leave. You caught a glimpse of another room, looked like a basement. You felt compelled to speak. To feel in control again. Say anything, something human. You roll your eyes. I am human.

“What’s your name?” You hesitate.

He looked over his shoulder. The lean man paused, reading your expression. “Teddy.”

He didn’t wait for yours.

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[toastedberry114]

Mutualism.

No. 4 Escalate.

A canon-adjacent AU where Malcolm’s instability is functional and situationally dangerous. Dani becomes his primary emotional regulator without fully realizing it. Their bond is mutual dysfunction. Malcolm’s holds a strong reverence for Dani. While Dani has a raging savior-complex for Malcolm. There are 4 total installations.

Tw: Blood, violence, kidnapping, and murder.

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The team was in pursuit of yet another murderer. Yet somehow Malcolm found himself kidnapped. The profiler sat cross-legged in the back of the suspects van. His mouth was duck tapped. That didn't stop Bright from attempting to silently work his wrist restraints off. The driver—which he assumed was their guy drove erratically. He did his best to stay upright. In his ambition, an especially nasty turn caused him to hit his head.

A trail of pain pulled away at his face. Bright woke up with a start. He was now tied to a chair. In the musty basement of a house the suspect stood in front of Malcolm. He threw the tape across the room and began to pace. He’s scared.

“Why did you bring me here?” Malcolm asked.

“I—I don’t know! I didn’t even mean for this to escalate so far.” The burly man wiped a hand down his face.

Malcolm’s profile was exact. The man could intimidate, yet his mind was fragile. The murder was one of passion; he had broken into his ex-wife’s home. He killed her in cold blood. The divorce was ages ago, but she had recently gained full custody of their children. At the crime scene there was a shattered beer bottle that had his DNA on it. When they arrived to make the arrest the suspect snuck up behind the group. He took Bright as a hostage. Though, that's not what Malcolm cared about. When the suspect took hold of Bright, Dani was the first to react. The hulking man had hit her with his gun. All the while, he held the profiler in a chokehold. Gil ran to her side but JT couldn’t catch up to him in time.

Malcolm hid his disgust for the cowardly man well. He opted to view the situation objectively. Until Dani’s pained yelp floated through his mind.

Bright stared at the floor.“If you let me go, you’ll only be charged with the murder.” 

The man stopped in his tracks. “Really?”

Malcolm smiled reassuringly. “Yup, my team will find us. When they get here, I’ll defend you. I could even get you off with manslaughter.”

The suspect’s face filled with hope. At lightning speed, he began to cut Malcolm restraints. After his arms were free, Malcolm massaged his wrists.

“Did you hurt me?” He asked coldly.

The suspect cut the last restraint before answering. “Um, maybe. I think I punched you in the van. You were fighting me pretty hard.”

“Good.”

With a heavy jab, Bright returned the favor. The suspect fell on his back not expecting the blow. Malcolm subdued the man before he could gain his senses. He twisted the man’s arm cruelly. Rightly he earned the suspects cries from the pain. Nothing was enough, not for Dani's pain. In a last act of justice he grabbed a handful of the murderer's red hair. The criminal struggled to knock the profiler off his back. Malcolm leaned down to the man’s ear.

“If you ever harm Dani again,” He threatened, voice low and menacing. “I’ll make sure you never see the light of day again. And I don’t mean a prison cell.”

Malcolm breathed in as he reeled the suspects head back.

“Wa—Wait,” He choked. “We had a deal!”

Malcolm knew precisely how much force it would take to knock a man unconscious without killing him. He also knew how easy it would be to go past that. Then he slammed the man's head into the concrete floor. With that the basement was silent. Bright removed himself from the sweaty man. He scoffed at the pathetic sight. However when the dust settled, he wasn’t feeling so mighty. In fact, he felt rather ill. His nostrils breathed in the stench of iron. 

The basement hatch clicked open. Sunlight poured into the gruesome scene. Bright’s big blue eyes filled with water. Only to spill after he saw Dani’s bruised face. She scanned her partner. The profiler’s fist was covered in blood. Not to mention the gash on his forehead. Thankfully, the suspect was unconscious.

“Dani, I didn’t mean to.” His hand trembled. He resembled a helpless animal.

Anxious thoughts filled his mind. The more he recalled the events he realized he lost time. More dried blood covered his knuckles than expected for his actions. The chair he was tied to? Smashed into pieces. The overhead light was shattered. What had truly happened? Dani wiped at his bloody gash, catching some of his tears as well.

“You’re ok,” Dani held his shoulders. “I’ll handle the rest.”

She saved him again. No matter what she would always be there. My savior. His solace. Her kind brown eyes unfortunately left him to observe the suspect and their environment. Dani’s eyes flicked to the shattered light, then back to him.

“Bright,” she said carefully. “How long do you think you were alone with him?”

He remained silent. So she carefully lowered Malcolm’s weak form to the ground. Swiftly Powell handcuffed the murderer. Bright watched in a daze. The fuzzy feeling in his chest was reasoned as simple admiration. Every day, he accrued more debt from only being in her presence. He didn’t want to pay it off. Not yet. More officers and their fellow team members flooded the basement. JT practically picked Malcolm. He quickly hauled him into the ambulance.

They were relieved to hear he would make a speedy recovery. The doctor explained she wanted to keep him for the night. For observation. It was 8pm and everyone had gone home. In the corner Dani who was perfectly curled up on the room's couch. Busy on her phone. Malcolm found himself entranced by the way her chest rose and fell.

Sure, they were friends. Yet he felt something more. Not that. It was deeper than that. What they had. He could only think when she was near. She gave him so much, but he could never repay her. He would never be enough, he could only bask in her golden light. Wait for her, so he could be rescued. He imagined her as somewhat of a knight. They fight for justice, help those in need and rescue princesses from dragons. Whenever his father wrapped his fingers around his mind, Dani was there to cut them off. Even though she only knew the half the truths he told her. She was more than enough. Dani yawned and in the process caught Malcolm's gaze.

“Hey, I think I’ll head home now.” She blinked tiredly.

Bright’s expression dimmed. “Why don’t you stay? It's late.”

Dani got up from the couch, and held her back sorely. “Sorry, Bright but I actually care about my sleep quality.”

“You got me there,” He bit his lip. “ Could you at least secure me for the night?”

Dani chuckled. Her eyes drifted to the hospital's restraints on each side of the bed. “Sure.”

Malcolm watched as Dani gently tightened the cuffs. He imagined using one to tie Dani to the hospital bed. That way she’d have to stay. She’s better off by his side. He balled his fist, guilt tugged at his stomach. Not at the thought of keeping her but letting her go. He was just trying to be reasonable. His hand slowly moved to grab Powell’s arm.

Dani worryingly waved a hand in front of his face.“Hello? Earth to Bright! Did you hear me?” 

“Oh, no, sorry what did you say?” He blinked the impulsive thoughts away. His hand returned to his side.

Powell sighed. She blamed it on the gash. “Well, first I said, “this reminds me of when I first took you home.” Then I said, "Is this too tight?” 

“It does remind me of then,” Bright smirked. “Honestly, it could be tighter. You know, I’ve never shied away from a little pain. I’m Malcolm Bright after all.”

Dani shook her head, chuckling. “I’ve actually never met anyone who openly admitted they were a masochist.”

Bright’s face dropped at his implications. “That’s not! I—”

 “I’ll pick you up tomorrow.” Dani finished the restraints. “Goodnight. Bright.”

Malcolm sighed and returned the goodbye. After she left his sight like the flick of a switch every negative emotion creeped back into his mind. Dark thoughts clawed at his psyche. He silently mourned not being able to ensure she got home safe. She’d be back. Yes, she’ll always come back to him.

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[toastedberry114]

Mutualism.

No. 3 Devotion.

A canon-adjacent AU where Malcolm’s instability is functional and situationally dangerous. Dani becomes his primary emotional regulator without fully realizing it. Their bond is mutual dysfunction. Malcolm’s holds a strong reverence for Dani. While Dani has a raging savior-complex for Malcolm. There are 4 total installation.

Tw: Mention of a dead body.

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After an uneventful therapy session, Malcolm swiped three lemon-lime dumdums. When he arrived at the crime scene he scanned the area for Dani. She knelt over a deceased woman and listened to Edrisa’s thoughts. The victim’s bedroom window filtered sunlight inside. From behind it created a gold halo around Dani’s crown. In spite of the grim situation she seemed to radiate grandeur. 

The corners of Bright's mouth lifted. “For you.”

Dani peered up at the eccentric profiler. Three lollipops with green and yellow wrappers. Held only a few inches away from her face. The moment felt rather surreal.

“Oh, thanks?” Dani took off her gloves and grasped the candy. Her fingers lightly brushed Bright’s.

Malcolm slowly retracted his hand. Pleased Dani accepted his offering. His gift.

“None for the rest of the team, Bright?” JT poked his head in between the quiet interaction. Statement dripping with sarcasm.

Powell cleared her throat at the comment. 

“My favorite flavor is raspberry! F—for future reference. Also, I enjoy many different candies. They are like mini instant dopamine boosts, am I right!?” Edrisa added, earning her weird stares from all but Bright.

He was about to agree when Gil entered the scene. “I apologize for the late arrival. Can I get a run-down?”

After analyzing the finer details, they’d found the killer, or were on his trail. The suspect was an incel of sorts; they clearly hated women. Investigators found their website where they listed all the females they would kill. Unfortunately two lost their lives out of 5. The chase had led them into an old shopping district. Eventually the suspect had been cornered in an abandoned office building. The team were so sure it was a man. However, Dani and Bright were in awe to find their killer was a woman. Malcolm felt his unease when they assumed the suspect was a male during his profile was justified. 

Dani stretched her arm in front of Bright, gun drawn.“NYPD, put the gun down!”

Malcolm stood behind Dani, but kept a watchful eye on their suspect.

“Y—you don’t have anything on me! I used a private network,” The woman trembled with the pistol in hand pointed at the duo. “I’m innocent!”

“If you are innocent, then put the gun down. We can talk,” Dani kept her tone even. “This could all be a misunderstanding.”

Malcolm rolled his eyes. “You didn’t use a private network; you used incognito mode on Google. Everything was traced back to you!”

Dani shot Malcolm a harsh look.

“What,” The suspect gripped the gun tightly. “That’s impossible, you're lying!”

Powell noticed the change in demeanor. Immediately she zeroed in on the suspect.

“I can’t confirm or deny! However, if you put the gun down we can—”

“Enough! I won’t go down like this.” The suspect gripped the gun with both hands.

Like a knee-jerk reaction Dani fired her gun. The bullet landed in the frantic woman's leg. She let out an agonized scream that sent her to her knees. Dani then flawlessly handcuffed the suspect. Malcolm called in a bus. It was another job well done. 

The pair got out of Dani’s car. “That was amazing, what you did.”

“Amazing?” Dani scoffed. “What's amazing about shooting someone?”

“You—well, your aim. No, your reaction time! I would have been killed if it were me.” Malcolm maniacally exclaimed.

Dani stared quizzically at the man. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” 

Malcolm walked with a bounce in his step as they headed into the department. Though, only boring paperwork awaited the team. To Brights delight since his last episode he felt him and Dani had gotten closer. She had even opened up to him. Powell told him more about her past drug addiction. It was hard to imagine her doing a line, but he did wonder how she acted under the influence. She was so straight laced. Not to mention he was always under the influence. Prescribed influence. Mostly.

Malcolm hung around Dani’s desk. He finished his reports early and didn’t want to go home. So the profiler decided to indulge in idle chatter with his partner. She was usually disinterested in tedious work so she didn’t mind the company. Dani only typed a sentence or two in between sentences.

Suddenly, a rather happy-go-lucky man popped into Dani’s cubicle. “Hey, Dani! I heard you’ve been killing it in Gil’s team.”

Malcolm nearly jumped out of his skin. Dani sat in her chair while the two boys were shoulder to shoulder. It was an odd scene, at least to Bright. Who is he? It wasn’t like they’d made any major breaks in a case. The team had been formed for at least a year now. He wasn’t here to just congratulate her.

“Hello, Detective Perez. Can’t say I’ve been “killing” it. However, I am filing a report for using my weapon.” Dani turned her screen monitor to face the fellow detective.

Perez chuckled. “Looks like we’ve all had to draw our weapons recently. I had a drug bust that immediately turned into a shoot out.”

The detective brushed into the profiler’s shoulder. Malcolm rolled his eyes. “Dani, what were you saying? You didn’t get to finish your story.”

Detective Perez looked between Dani and Bright.

She took a breath in. “Bright, I can finish telling you later. Give me a second.”

Perez leaned in front of Malcolm hand outstretched for a firm handshake. “Sorry, I didn’t introduce myself properly. Detective Perez.” 

Malcolm disregarded the gesture. “Bright. Anyway, Dani, you can’t leave me on a cliffhanger.”

Dani glared at the profiler. “Perez, let's chat another time. I should finish this report. Not to mention, I have a blockbuster story about my mundane grocery trip to tell my partner.”

Perez hesitantly nodded and saw himself out. Malcolm watched the detective return to his cubicle before he faced the heat. Dani had her arms crossed clearly annoyed. A disingenuous look flashed on Malcolm’s face.

He put his palms together in a pleading motion.“I’m sorry, Dani. I know I was being rude, it's just that I tend to reflect people’s energies. To get to the point, I won’t do it again. Promise.” 

Dani eventually cracked a smile. “I trust you.”

Malcolm relaxed. “Here.”

Dani was left perplexed when he dropped a kitty keychain into her hand. The metal chain was cool against her palm. It looked just like Mouse—her cat.  It was a felt plush with a cartoonish face similar to Pusheen. She had told stories of her cat before but, had she ever told him what color he was? Dani didn’t dwell on the thought very long. The little replica of her precious son stole her heart. She kept a poker face so it was rather hard to tell. Malcolm silently relished in his partner’s gratitude. He took in each microexpression. 

“Thank you, he looks just like my cat. Even his white belly,” Dani caressed the tiny plush. “This might be my first keychain, no, my first gift from a colleague. You're a good par—no. A good friend, Bright.”

Malcolm froze. Friend. The word felt flat. After all, they were constantly in life and death situations together. However, her compliment felt enchanting. It was ok—temporary things often were. His smile reached his eyes. His strikingly blue irises glimmered.

“Though…you’ve put me in a tough spot,” Malcolm’s heart dropped. “Now I’ll have to find an even better gift for you. I can’t let you show me up.” Dani said as she clipped the cat keychain onto her black purse.

Thankfully, his heart began beating again. “Please, don’t worry about it, it's how I show my appreciation. You tolerating me as your friend is enough.”

Dani blinked a few times before a sympathetic smile spread across her face. “If you say so.”

She didn’t push the issue. He was troubled, of course he’d have a warped view of a healthy friendship. Maybe she’d buy him a pack of red licorice.

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[toastedberry114]

Mutualism.

No. 2 Cope.

A canon-adjacent AU where Malcolm’s instability is functional and situationally dangerous. Dani becomes his primary emotional regulator without fully realizing it. Their bond is mutual dysfunction. Malcolm’s holds a strong reverence for Dani. While Dani has a raging savior-complex for Malcolm. There are 4 total installations. Tw: Blood, slight gore, and disassociation. Mention of murder.

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He didn’t want it to be like this. It was a bad week, what else could he do? His sister was blood guilty, and he couldn’t deal with those demons right now. Gil glared at Malcolm with enough disapproval to make a rebellious teen straighten up. The dim office didn't do much to disperse the tension.

“Bright, you need a break. That is it.”

Malcolm lowered his head. “So, I also need hallucinations, panic attacks, and vivid night terrors?”

Gil’s eyes widened. Unable to respond.

With that the lieutenant’s door swung open. Dani stood in the door frame, files in her arms, oblivious. Malcolm let out a breath. She shot a look at Bright who looked at Gil in turn.

“Sorry, did I walk into something…?” Dani placed the folders onto Gil’s desk.

“Malcolm is trying to overwork himself again,” Arroyo placed his hands on his hips. “Nothing new, unfortunately.”

Bright gripped his trembling fist. “God forbid I want to feel normal! This is all I have, Gil, please.”

The two officers winced at Malcolm's desperation. Dani gazed deeply at her poor partner.

Dani threaded her fingers together. “Can I state my opinion…sir?”

Gil nodded knowingly. 

“I still have some logistics to work out on a case, can he help? It won’t be long,” Dani nudged the feeble man. “I’ll even take him home to make sure he doesn’t come crawling back.”

Malcolm blinked before he beamed at the skilled detective. Gil sighed deeply at Malcolm's past statement. It was a thin line, and he wasn’t going to let Bright fall off. Not on his watch.

“Fine. Though, I didn’t expect you two to tag team me.” He laughed dryly.

Dani shrugged. “What else are partners for?”

Bright’s blue eyes sparkled. Suddenly the image of Endicott's dead body came to his mind. He felt the sensation of his cold blood splatter onto his skin. The face splitting grin he shone at the gore caught in the saw blade. Bright tightly wrapped himself in his suit jacket. While Powell continued to discuss the stack of papers with Gil, he slipped out of the office.

He stumbled into an empty conference room. The walls breathed. The vacant room did nothing to stop him from feeling judged. Malcolm fidgeted with his ear piercings. Nothing could bring him back. Then in his dizzying state he found himself being squeezed. What’s happening? Dani’s arms around him felt so unreal. Tears trickled down his pale face. He sniffled and hiccupped like a child, but it felt right. Dani only whispered assuring words into his psyche. Eventually she pulled away.

“I—I’m sorry.” Bright avoided her gaze, face flushed.

Dani rested her palms on either side of Malcolm's arms. “I know it's scary, you rely on this job for a lot of reasons. But, I’m here for you Malcolm. You don’t have to fight alone.”

Malcolm tried not to twitch at his name on her lips. “Thank you. You always know what to say.”

She didn’t need to know. Not yet. This was enough.

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[toastedberry114]

Mutualism.

No. 1 Solved.

A canon-adjacent AU where Malcolm’s instability is functional and situationally dangerous. Dani becomes his primary emotional regulator without fully realizing it. Their bond is mutual dysfunction. Malcolm’s holds a strong reverence for Dani. While Dani has a raging savior-complex for Malcolm. There are 4 total installations.

Tw: Blood and misuse of chloroform.

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Malcolm leaned over the conference table. His silk designer tie lazily slipped down his shirt. At times, it looked like his luxury suits wore him. The profiler blinked the sleep out of his eyes—what little there was. The team was so close to cracking the case. The answer was something he missed. His subconscious couldn’t stand it. Images of being that helpless child disturbed his mind. Malcolm fidgeted with his freshly pierced helix, the sore pain directed his focus.

“Bright, let's face it, your profile was wrong,” Gil sighed. “I’ll have my officers search the other possible locat—”

Malcolm lifted his head at lightning speed. “No, I have this! We're just missing a piece. Give me time.”

Gil pinched his brow. “Bright, we don’t have time. The victim could be dead by now!”

Between Gil’s nagging, the girl in the box, and his mind constantly racing. His system felt overloaded. Bright ran a hand through his hair. His tremor, ever present.

“Gil, we can spare a few minutes. Either she suffers a little longer or…she's already dead,” Dani reasoned. She took a stance next to Malcolm. “What matters is we make progress, right?”

Gil nodded begrudgingly. The older man took a seat. Instantly, the tension melted away, Malcolm could breath again. JT entered the conference room, not any more enthused than the rest of them.

“The suspect keeps insisting he can’t remember where she is. We’ve hit a roadblock.” He explained. JT sat down adjacent to Gil. 

“Chloroform.”

The team’s attention flew to their consultant. Malcolm searched the evidence board. He marked where his logic was directed. The red marker’s ink formed a line under an old notation.

“Remember, when he was apprehended he smelled sweet?” Malcolm searched his coworkers eyes for mutual thinking. Nothing. “Then, he admitted immediately to kidnapping his girlfriend yet couldn’t remember where he put her.” 

“So, he dosed himself with chloroform to forget his crime?” JT chimed, skeptical.

Dani glanced at JT before she quirked an eyebrow at Bright. “But why tell us he did it? I mean, we weren’t even aware of his crime until he ran into the office to confess.” 

“Fear,” Gil stepped forward. “He thought his idea was brilliant until the events haunted him, because he couldn't remember.” 

“Exactly. Your memories are still there yet, so cloudy and fragmented. They linger. Every…day,”  Malcolm's eyes drifted, Dani frowned. He shook his thoughts. “So! The best way to help him remember is by smelling the chloroform or showing him evidence related to the victim. His girlfriend.” 

At that, Bright pulled a half-full bottle labeled ‘chloroform' from his pocket and bolted for the interrogation room.

“I’m sorry, did he just—” JT gawked.

“Yes, he did.” Dani trailed after Bright.

Gil stood in shock, there were far too many things to unpack.

Wrinkled handkerchief in hand Malcolm carefully dropped the chemical onto the fabric. The suspect watched in nervous anticipation.

“Wh—what is that for?” The young male hesitantly asked.

“Don’t worry!” Bright assured the man. Then he staggered, the familiar smell overpowered his senses.

He tried to do away with The Surgeon's quiet whispers. His hand clasped his mouth. Bile threatened to leave his throat. At that fingers gently pried open Malcolm's hand. Dani had clocked his instability, and wasn’t sure of his next move. She took the tampered handkerchief. Of course, he reached for it— in fear that she planned to halt his questionable method.

Dani searched for his eyes. “I’ll have him smell it.”

The troubled profiler only nodded in agreement. The bottle quickly returned to his pocket. Malcolm didn’t mean to bring it to work. He had begun to carry it on his person to take the occasional sniff in hope of discovering new memories. Malcolm’s eyes followed Dani as she cautiously held the fabric up to the suspect's face. An extra inch or two away to not cause another memory issue. He took a deep sniff. Puzzled, he sat back in his chair. Malcolm recognized the look, he often wore it himself.

“I—I think I buried her? In the woods.” The suspect shook his head. “Near our house.”

Dani grimaced. “So she’s most likely dead.”

Gil placed both hands on the metal table. “Yes. But, that area was the first place we searched,” He turned to the suspect. “Do you remember any specific details about the location?” 

The suspect lifted his head. “No, I’m sorry.”

 In an evidence bag JT placed the girlfriend's bloody sweatshirt in front of the suspect. “Try looking at this.”

The guilty man analyzed the clothing. Tears left his eyes. “She’s under an oak tree, you’ll be able to spot it, it's the only one for miles. But be warned I buried a dead raccoon over her. To… to distract police dogs.”

Gil left the room to radio his officers, JT at his side. Dani sighed with relief and swiftly called for the man to be taken away. Another case solved, albeit a little close to home. Malcolm left the room. He plopped down into his cubicle. A familiar head of curls poked her head into the small space. He sheepishly smiled.

“Are you doing ok?” Her smooth voice entered his mind like a welcomed dopamine kick.

“I’m fine.”

She rolled her shoulders. “I figured.”

With that she continued across the bullpen. Malcolm’s eyebrows knitted together, when another person appeared in Dani’s path. The way she talked to him made it clear they were well acquainted. A colleague. He wore an NYPD jacket, but he was not from their district. It was clear even from afar she was amused with whatever the man had to say.

“For sure, that was a harrowing case , but it reminded me so much of the movie Psycho!” The colleague admitted. Mirth twinkling in his brown eyes.

“I wonder, who is worse, Detective River? A mentally ill mother impersonator or a detective comparing a real murder case to a fictional movie concept.” Bright added.

Dani turned around, shocked.

River faced the slightly shorter profiler. “I’m sorry who?”

“Malcolm Bright, I’m a profiler.” His blue eyes bored into the detective’s. “I placed your name but not exactly how I know you.”

“Oh, I worked on Powell’s team on the—”

Bright smirked.“Right, the Motel murders. If I recall correctly, didn't you arrest the neighbor and let the actual suspect get away?” 

River crossed his arms.“Sure, but we quickly solved the false accusation. Anyone would have made the same mistake.”

Malcolm stepped closer. “I beg to differ—”

Dani pressed her lips together. “Bright, I’m the one who called for the neighbor to be arrested. River is right, all the evidence was stacked against the neighbor. It was a tough case.”

Malcolm conceded, and took a step back. “In that case, I understand. We all get those doozy cases that really fool us.”

Like a bad joke the office seemed to go silent after Malcolm's last word. His snark seared River’s skin like venom from a snake. 

Detective River shook his head at Bright. “I’ll…take my leave, see you around Powell.”

“Doubt it, you shouldn’t be visiting our district again anytime soon.” Malcolm muttered.

Before River could spin on his heel in retaliation Dani waved him off.

She shifted her head in the direction of the absent detective. “What was that all about?” 

“I don’t know what you mean, Detective.” Malcolm shrugged.

“Yea right, if I didn’t know you I’d say it was clearly some sort of pissing contest,” Dani glanced at Bright. “You don’t have to scare people off, you know.”

Malcolm looked away. “Well… if that spooked River, that’s on him.”

“What did you say?” Dani scrutinized the disheveled man. She only found an awkward profiler, with dark circles and a lot of ear piercings. 

“I said, thank you for the pointer,” Bright warmly answered. “I’ll work on it.” 

Dani threw her hair over her shoulder. “Good. Oh, and I got a message. They located the body. Let’s go meet up with them.”

Malcolm obediently trailed behind the woman. He stayed close, steps unconsciously matching hers. The profiler looked over his shoulder. Somehow he and River met each other's eyes for a brief moment. Malcolm drew away when Dani mentioned something about paper work.

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