Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

Chapter 32: Like a Noose

Connor jerked out of stasis prematurely, opening his eyes to the familiar sight of Dr. Hayes' living room. It was dark, no light coming except from the high windows. Why had he awoken? 

He stood, walking around the still, silent room and entered the hallway. He looked down, listening intently for any sign of why he'd woken up, then made his way slowly down the hallway, heading toward the stairs. He peered up them, tuning up his audio processors. Hearing nothing yet, he climbed upward, reaching the landing. He crept silently down the hallway toward Dr. Hayes room. 

Sounds of thrashing and moaning bled under the door, sending him into high alert. He stepped forward quickly, throwing the door open and peaking in. Dr. Hayes lay in her bed tossing and turning, face fixed in a pained expression. She mumbled wordlessly through pale lips, caught in the throes of her dream. 

Connor observed for a moment, unsure what to do. Her cries tugged at something in him, pulling him forward. He knelt beside the bed, watching. He didn't know what to do. He reached a shaking hand out, fingers brushing lightly against her face. 

Her eyes shot open, and she pulled away with a quiet cry. 

"No!" She cringed away from him, curling in on herself, and her body started to shake violently, breathing jagged and heartrate erratic. 

"Dr. Hayes?" Connor's voice came out soft and hesitant. He reached his hand out again, but stopped just short of touching her. 

Gradually, her body stilled. She looked up at him, eyes fearful and uncertain, then lunged at him, catching him around his neck. Connor flinched for a moment, confused as she wrapped her arms around him, burying her face into his neck. She shivered against him, still-feverish body radiating a gentle heat, and she began to sob quietly. 

"I couldn't save them." The words came out a broken stream. "They all burned in front of me again, and I couldn't save them. It was my fault." 

Slowly, Connor's arms came up, awkwardly wrapping around her trembling form.

"Shhh," he whispered. "You're alright. It was just a dream."

She fell silent, still clinging to him, hot tears soaking into the collar of his jacket, shallow breaths brushing against his neck. Then after a moment, she pulled away. 

"I'm sorry," she said, wiping away the tears. "It just felt so real."

"Do you want to talk about it?" He felt a flash of concern as he looked at her tired, tearstained face. 

She shook her head, looking away. "No."

"I'll leave you be then." He stood, turning to leave.

"Wait!" She caught his hand, nearly falling out of bed. She looked at him, eyes pleading, wide in desperation. "Please don't go!"

Her hand slipped from his, and she ducked her head, ashamed. She pulled her knees up, burying her face in them. "I don't want to be alone right now."