Stranger I Know

This is my first attempt at a "Dollhouse" story. Let me start by saying that I own nothing (except for "Bravo"/Chase who I hope you all will like). The rest of the characters and events belong to the magnificent minds of Joss Whedon and Eliza Dushku. I'm just playing in their "House," so to speak. That being said, reviews and readers are absolutely wonderful, and help fuel my creativity.

Chapter 1:

Three weeks ago…

"It is safe to say you make no shortage of demands, Ms. Carlisle," Adelle DeWitt spoke plainly, her fingers drumming over the contract she was trying to push across the table. "You are a woman who certainly knows what she wants -- I respect that."

"I don't feel like being cheated, Ms. DeWitt. If I am to… volunteer for what you have proposed, I plan to do so on my terms," said the woman across the table. Adelle smiled, and then pursed her lips. She had only seen this kind of fire once before: Caroline. It was dangerous to play this game again, especially with Caroline still being in the Dollhouse, but the woman across the table was so passionate, so determined, and so capable… she couldn't refuse even if she wanted to.

"I assure you, Ms. Carlisle, we have no intentions to 'cheat' anyone here," Adelle purred, sliding the contract slowly across the table, watching dark blue eyes dart down to inspect it in an almost furious manner. "The contract holds your specifications, and we will keep several records of this on file, all in safe places where no alterations will be made."

"So, that's it? Two year service, no romantic engagements for me or… her… and one week out of every month during our term is for us to… to go back to normal? I get everything?" the woman asked carefully, looking up from the contract to bore her steely gaze into those of Adelle DeWitt.

"Because you are asking not to be used for any romantic engagements, your field will be limited to more… physical endeavors. Some of those will be dangerous, but other than that, yes… you get everything," Adelle replied.

"I'm strong. I can handle anything you throw at me, even if I won't remember it," the woman spat.

"You are very strong, Ms. Carlisle. That's why we find your offer to volunteer to be so… enticing," Adelle said, letting her eyes travel over the broad shoulders and muscular arms of the girl sitting before her. "We have no doubts about your physical prowess, considering what you do for a living."

"I've been fighting since I could walk, just about. I could have got a title fight this year… but I just… couldn't let things lie. I had to find her, and now that I have…" the woman's eyes traced back to the contract, reading the very finest of print. "Where does it say you'll release her? I specifically told you…"

"Calm down, Ms. Carlisle. If you read near the bottom, it says that Ms. Hadley will be released on the same day as you, two years from now, as completion of her five year service to us," Adelle stated, her voice taking on a soothing quality as she saw the other woman's back straighten and muscles tense.

"It took me so long to find her… three years, almost. And to think she spent those three years here, doing who the fuck knows what… for what? What could she have done to warrant this? How did she even know about this place?" the auburn haired girl said, her shaggy, mid-throat length locks falling in her eyes, making her look more youthful than her thirty years of age. She took a deep breath and brushed the unruly curls away and sank back in the chair, knowing that intimidation would get her nowhere here.

"You won't remember this until later, Ms. Carlisle, but she did it to save you. You got yourself into a bit of trouble three years ago? Ring a bell?" Adelle said, preparing to get a file out if necessary.

"I didn't know it was this fucking bad…" she said, her face warping into an incredulous grimace.

"Your winning streak was becoming national interest, if you remember correctly. Rossum had big plans for you, and when you denied… well, they wanted more than just to dethrone the champion, Ms. Carlisle. They wanted your life."

"So she traded hers… and I had to live without her," the woman replied sadly, her voice cracking at the memories. "How did she even find out? I never wanted her to get involved… it's a brutal sport enough, and she's too… delicate, beautiful… perfect."

"How she found out what Rossum was planning is unimportant. Maybe one day, when you're both free, she'll explain it to you. But for that day to come, Ms. Carlisle, I'm going to need your signature, right on the line," Adelle stated matter-of-factly.

"Done," the woman replied bitterly, the sounds of the pen scraping paper in a heavy signature filling the room as she signed and slid the contract back over to the brunette, who finished sipping her second cup of tea. "I love her, you know?"

"It's obvious. Not many would go to these lengths, but… you two are the exception to that rule, I suppose," Adelle said, finding herself a little bit touched at the emotion this woman exhibited. It was just as passionate as the conversation she had with her partner three years ago, when she was volunteering to become part of the Dollhouse. Adelle tucked the signed contract into a file that was labeled with a single word that the other woman couldn't read from her position in the room. Abruptly, she stood and signaled for the taller woman to follow.

"Before we enter the Dollhouse for you to start your service, I must warn you -- when you are once again reacquainted with Ms. Hadley, during your first of many weeks together, as stated in your contract, she will be slightly different than you remember. Other than the changes you'll see, everything else will be exactly the same. We'll even keep your house, and let you live there during your weeks together until you both are free to claim it again."

The auburn haired woman felt her heart sink… she knew that something would be different.

"You'll have to explain everything to her, fill in the gaps, and after you tell her once, she will remember it every time you two are together, as if no time has passed in between your meetings," Adelle continued to explain as they navigated through the facility, into a large upper staircase with many rooms, including a lower level with dining tables, exercise machines, and a koi pond. Some people were below, doing yoga or eating dinner. It looked almost like a spa or expensive resort. There were even massage tables. "This is our main facility. Welcome to the Dollhouse."

The auburn haired woman froze, and spun to look at Adelle.

"Will I see her? Is she… down there?"

"No, I'm afraid she is not down there. You will see her when you two are reunited in three weeks, but those three weeks will fly by for you. To you, it will be like you will be seeing her in a few short hours. Think of it that way. This way, please," Adelle said, leading the taller woman into a room with a large chair and array of computers and other technology. A man stood by a chair and she almost laughed at how his eyes bulged when she saw her. He was fairly lanky, with messy blonde hair and was dressed awkwardly in a plaid button-down and slacks.

"You're Chase Carlisle! Topher Brink, I watch all your fights. What is she doing here?" the man, Topher said, turning to Adelle with the question.

"Ms. Carlisle is our newest volunteer for the Active program," Adelle explained. "Have a seat."

Chase knew that by her pointed direction, she was supposed to sit in the chair.

"Frankenstein, much?"

But she sat anyway. Topher stood beside her, still in shock, his mouth still not completely closed at he gaped at Adelle.

"Why is she in the Active program?" Topher questioned, and Chase rolled her eyes. If she was going to be thrown into the fray, so to speak, she wished they would just get on with it.

"Something about long lost love, Topher. No more questions. Ms. Carlisle has already waited long enough…"

Present Time…

"Hello, Bravo," Topher said gently, as the chair rose into its full, upright position. "How are you feeling?"

"Did I fall asleep?" Bravo asked, her voice lighter than its usual husky quality, though still holding a lower timbre. Her broad shoulders stretched, showing off powerful, defined muscles throughout her back and arms. She wasn't bodybuilder bulky by any means, but she was strong and sturdy, and one of their most requested Actives for a variety of things ranging from assassinations to athletic events to police work. She was just as tall as most of the male Actives, taller even than some, and intimidated everyone, Active and otherwise. Her auburn hair fell in its natural thick waves, and her blue eyes darted around the room. Post-wipe confusion. Completely normal.

"For a little while," Topher replied, knowing that this answer would be all she needed to hear.

"Shall I go now?" Bravo asked, requesting permission to leave the chair, as she always did. Her hands gripped the arms, and she started to lift herself.

"If you like," Topher said, finishing his part in the script. She stood up to her full height of 5'11", and shook out her arms, stretching the fabric of the navy blue cotton tee she wore. The black yoga pants that completed her outfit fit loosely, and she never complained about being uncomfortable. But then again, Actives rarely did.

As she exited the computer room, her Handler, James, greeted her just outside the door. His blue eyes looked at her gently, and she greeted him with a kind smile, even though she didn't know who he was.

"Hello," she said sweetly.

"Hello, Bravo. You are scheduled to meet with Dr. Saunders now," James said, placing his hand on her back to help guide her toward the doctor's office. She smiled, a little brighter than before, and her posture straightened.

"Dr. Saunders is nice."