Dollhouse, "Fright" Topher genfic

[quirkysmuse]

Fandom: Dollhouse
Title: Fright
Author: Paynesgrey
Characters: Topher, mention of others
Rating: G
Genre: Drama
Word Count: 281
Spoilers: all current "Dollhouse" episodes
Notes: Written for "Secret" challenge at dollhouseflash.

Summary: He's tried so hard not to expose his fear.



Topher’s secret is fear. Sure, everyone has fears, but he’s careful not to show his. He hides it behind lame jokes and notorious frivolity, and if any indication so much as peeks above the surface, he pushes people away with his gross amorality and appalling convictions.

No one needs to know he feels this fear. He’s much smarter than that. At least, that’s what he wants them to think.

He wants them to see his breezy side. He wakes up every day to play with his toys and experiments. He’s a whiz kid in a science shop, and he can’t get enough of the attention. So many people rely on him – admire him, and he has to keep up appearances.

No matter the cost.

Today he’s exposed his greatest fear, and he can’t come back from it. Adelle ups his security clearance, but is that really a prize? He doesn’t think so. Fear pulsates under his skin like a long forgotten nightmare.

The thick curtain comes down and Alpha is confirmed alive.

The things I weaved into his brain. The things he knows. The things he can do… The things he will do to us.

Remote wiping is just the beginning, he thinks. Fear begins its slow consumption inside him, and he can’t even look into Echo’s eyes when she slinks by.

She’s a reminder too – a reminder of Alpha, a reminder of Topher’s open fear.

He glances over at Adelle, and she appears less controlled now. Her alert eyes avoid him, and her sallow expression makes her seem more human.

She can’t hold back her fear either, and Topher knows he’s not alone.

The thought does nothing to appease him.

Comments

[apckrfan.livejournal.com]

Wow, that's quite deep for such a succinct piece. I'll need to re-read this when my head is cleared of the fog that is illness, but I like it

[quirkysmuse.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I can see Topher as a deep person, more than he wants people to see. At least that's evident from the last episode.

I hope you feel better! *hugs*

[claudia6913.livejournal.com]

Very nice, very nice indeed. You nailed the emotions playing across their face in that episode.

[quirkysmuse.livejournal.com]

Thank you!
It was a good scene. I was glad to see that much emotion from Topher and Adelle. <3

[morganize.livejournal.com]

Oh, wonderful! I think this is an excellent summation of what was going on with him in that episode -- it brought glee to my soul, much as your fic does.

[quirkysmuse.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I hope we see more emotions like that from Topher, because I think he's really interesting. :3

[favouriteyear.livejournal.com]

I love how you really get into their heads.

Amazing as always

[quirkysmuse.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much!

[femme-cat.livejournal.com]

I love it. I just knew that there was more to Topher than met the eye. This piece is perfect. <3

[quirkysmuse.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I think there's more to Topher too, so I hope the put a little more focus on him in the show. :)

[akameji.livejournal.com]

I really like this. I think you've captured what was going on in the show perfectly, and added quite a bit of depth to it. Great work.

[quirkysmuse.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much!