Escalation

Claire slipped on a black dress, dabbing a little perfume on her neck. A bottle of wine was uncorked and two glasses were poured. This was meant to be a romantic evening for herself and Boyd. When he walked in the room she could see that those plans were ruined.

"I think it's time we brought you in," he announced. She expelled a sigh. Somehow she knew she would have to go back to the Dollhouse sooner or later. She just hadn't expected it to be sooner.

"Do we get to have one drink first?" Claire asked, holding up a glass. Boyd brushed his fingers over her cheek and she knew there would be no time for pleasantries.

Claire hadn't set foot in the Dollhouse in months yet she still knew every inch of it. Her old office felt comfortable. She almost found it funny that her first patient was Topher. It was humorous enough to temporarily quell her dislike of the man. His stunned sputtering was the icing on the cake.

Back to work. Back to being Dr. Saunders. Her lab coat slid on easily, fitting against her like a new layer of skin. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to call it a mask.

"Less talking, less bleeding," she warned Topher as she dabbed at his cut lip. "And I mean that in so many ways."

"So you're the reason Boyd's been all tired these last few months," Echo remarked. "Glad to have you back."

"You may not be," Claire replied quietly. Just as Boyd had told her, Echo was evolved beyond all expectations. She was self-aware. It was a shame more couldn't follow her example.

Claire had no idea what was coming when she stepped back in the Dollhouse. Dominic breaking out of the Attic was a shock to her, and even more that he had the strength to speak. Rossum was coming and everyone had to leave the Dollhouse as their true selves.

Everyone except for Claire. No one said it to her but she knew it was so: she would never be her true self again. And she wanted it that way.

Unfortunately being Claire Saunders came with consequences. Most of them fears she thought she had overcome. Truthfully she only managed to do that because of Boyd. Now Boyd was leaving her. Claire was afraid again, more afraid than she ever felt in her life. It wasn't fair. She finally found some happiness and it was being taken away from her.

"I wish we had more time," she sobbed, clinging onto him.

"I know," Boyd answered, petting her hair tenderly. "I'll come back to you. You understand? I'll come back for you." And then he was gone. Claire was alone again.

She didn't know what to do or where to go. Feeling lost, she paced her office restlessly. The place felt too confining. She moved on and soon found herself walking up the stairs to the imprinting room. Why would she gravitate to Topher at a time like this? She hated him yet here she was hoping he would have an answer.

He was sitting with Bennett. He had a look on his face Claire never saw before. The starry eyes, the dreamy smile… Bennett spoke and Topher listened with admiration. Claire watched him stand up and turn away. Then suddenly he was back, cupping Bennett's face in his hands and kissing her. The sight made her heart stop in shock. The two exchanged kisses desperately, Topher wincing in pain from his cut lip but still coming back for more.

Claire watched all of this, a cold anger settling inside her. That man loved someone. Someone who was broken and socially awkward. Someone who at one time resented and perhaps even hated him.

"He's in love with you," Claire observed, alerting Bennett to her presence. Bennett turned, not understanding the implications of those words. "Claire," she introduced. "Claire Saunders. I was the house doctor." She paused, and added, "I used to be number one."

"Oh." What else could the girl say after that? "Yes, Topher did mention that. It's nice to meet you." Topher mentioned her? Claire found that interesting.

"Is that Caroline?" Claire wondered. She drew closer, innocently curious. "Do you really think you can get her back?"

"I'm confident of it." Bennett watched her with hope in her eyes. "Do you really think he likes me?"

"I didn't say 'likes'," Claire answered, smiling. This was purely girl-talk. Nothing suspicious.

"He's remarkable," Bennett remarked. She had stars in her eyes. She was in love with him, too.

"I… honestly didn't think he was capable of admitting the existence of another human being, let alone loving one." Claire looked directly into the other woman's eyes. "I think you're the remarkable one."

She couldn't have timed it better if she tried. Topher chose to come in just at that moment. Claire whipped out her gun and shot Bennett directly in her head. The blood splattered back, hitting Topher in the face. A very accurate shot. Topher stood there almost too stunned to breathe. Claire gave him a little nod and calmly walked away.

Everything Claire cared about was taken away from her. Why should Topher suddenly find happiness while Claire was left alone? No, Topher needed to be alone too. It was the only way. To watch the woman he loved being taken away in an instant, to have her blood on his face- that was the price he paid.

Claire didn't think about her own price; she paid more than enough.

"Claire." She recognized the voice and eagerly embraced Boyd, pressing kisses on his mouth.

"I thought I lost you," she breathed.

"I told you I would come back for you," he murmured gently.

"Now we can both run away," she said.

"…No." His face turned suddenly grim. "Claire, I'm so sorry."

"What do you-?" She was cut off as electricity shot painfully through her body. She lost consciousness and slumped into Boyd's arms.

It turned out Claire Saunders still had one last precious thing to lose.