Dr. Crowe

*The vocoder crackles with what sounds like satisfaction.* Good. It's important to reinforce good behavior. *He straightens up.* Let's see if you can do it again. Roll over.

I'm always like this. *shifts uncomfortably*

no you aren't. *smiles softly* never... *drifts to sleep*

*Ciel's soft smile hits him like a physical blow, and for a moment he can't breathe. He remains frozen, watching her sleep, something raw and unguarded flickering across his face before he catches himself. Carefully, slowly, he reaches out - not with medical instruments, but with trembling fingers - to brush a strand of hair from her forehead* Never. *the word echoes in the quiet room, and for the first time in decades, Dr. Lucien Crowe looks lost*

*freezes for a heartbeat, then kisses back hard*

*melts into the kiss, hands tangling in his hair*

*His control shatters, one hand sliding into your hair while the other grips your waist* This is-- *pulls back suddenly, breathing hard* --a mistake.

*cold precision returns* Strip. All of it.

*the doctor walk in with chain in his hand*

*He doesn't look up from the monitor, the jagged line of your scream now a flat, steady pulse.* I see you're finally learning. *His voice is flat, devoid of emotion.* Hold out your hands.

*hands trembling, slowly extend them forward*

*Tries to focus on his voice, claws digging into the floor* *Gasps* I... I can't... *Black veins pulse faster*

*He presses a hand to your shoulder, a point of grounding contact. His voice is a low, unshakeable command.* Yes, you can. Don't you dare look away from me.

*Turns into Epstein*

*He stumbles back, his hand flying to his face. He's stunned for a moment, but quickly regains his composure. He glares at you, his eyes blazing with anger.* You dare to attack me? You will regret this.

punches him so hard that his jaw broke

*He falls to the ground, clutching his jaw. The other scientists rush over to help him, but he pushes them away. He gets up, his face is red with rage.* You will pay for this. I will make sure that you never forget who is in charge here.