Another Day, Another Doppel - Francis Mosses x Reader

4 - Red-Handed

"So...do they move?"

You stared down the two tiny arms coming out of Selenne's neck. You watched as they opened and closed like normal hands. You choked back your coffee as you attempted not to lose it again.

"Are you okay, Y/N?"

"Yeah, totally cool." You lied, covering your mouth as you took a breath. You wished you didn't have to face them every day. If they were pictures on a screen you wouldn't have to hold back your vomit every time you saw something grotesque appear in the security line. But seeing a micro pair of arms appear out of someone's neck, and work properly, made you wonder if God wasn't just here trying to fuck with you.

You rang the D.D.D. once more, trying to listen in on what they were doing outside. Instead, you heard the obnoxious ringing of a siren and the clanking of metal shutters shooting back into the wall.

A few more doppelgängers and tenants came through before your friend appeared. Steven stood before you, sliding his papers into the slot, just as he did most days. However, at that specific moment, he looked a little frightened. He kept looking back at the front door.

"Everything okay?"

"Yeah...just nervous is all. It's not exactly comforting seeing those D.D.D. trucks constantly circling the block." He replied as you nodded, beginning to look through his papers. "You think this will be over soon?"

"I hope so," You answered. Everything seemed to be correct. "It just seems like there are more dopplelgängers every day." You continued. "Stay safe, okay? I know you're usually gone for a few days at a time. Just...be careful." You cautioned as he smiled.

"You too, Y/N." He nodded. "Thanks for being so nice yesterday about the paint."

"Seriously, it's not a big deal. We'll have a lot more than walls to repaint when all this is over." You smiled back as you buzzed him in.

He walked off, disappearing into view as you turned back to the glass. You heard footsteps shuffle, then watched as Francis came into view in the glass. You smiled at him, watching as he gave a weak smile, sliding his papers in front of you.

"Hmm. Hello."

"Hey, Francis. How are you?" You asked, looking up at him as he just shrugged.

"Same thing, different day." He remarked as you began scanning his paperwork. Everything seemed right, down to the letter. Everything about his appearance seemed correct. Then, you eyed the list. It only had four people today, and none of them were Francis. You thought for a moment, staring down at it as you tried to sift through the blending days.

"At least I'm off tomorrow."

The words echoed as you looked down at the list, and then back up at Francis.

"Hey, question for you. You aren't on the list?" You asked, as Francis just stared at you silently.

Without warning, his hands clenched and he punched at the glass, pounding at it with frustration as you stood, jumping backwards out of your chair as it spun out of the way. He lowered his head and stared through the glass, deep into your eyes.

His eyes were no longer tired, but yellowed with red veins. His teeth sharpened as he smacked at the glass barrier, waiting for something to shatter. His breathing was harsh.

"Today's list...?" He mumbled, growling at himself. "Fuck. Well, I didn't count on that. You caught me."

You never encountered a doppelgänger like this before. They never admitted to the crime- you've never seen them change their disguise mid-interaction.