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Not some preserved memory maintained through extended separation, not some idealized version that exists only in tactical recollection or emotional preservation.

This version.

This reality.

This existence.

The realization carries healing beyond anything institutional medical resources could provide — not physical repair but something deeper and more fundamental to whatever remains of my humanity after systematic institutional deconstruction.

Acceptance in such a pure form of vulnerability.

FIFTEEN

REUNION AND REVELATIONS

~JINX~

The mechanical beep startles us both, severing the moment of connection with institutional precision.

Riot's body shifts immediately into a combat-ready stance—muscles tensing beneath his institutional uniform, eyes narrowing with tactical assessment rather than lingering tenderness.

The transformation happens in milliseconds—the protective Alpha replacing the vulnerable man with practiced efficiency that speaks to years spent in constant vigilance.

I maintain perfect stillness as he moves toward the door with predatory grace, positioning himself between potential threat and my location with instinctive protectiveness that requires no conscious calculation.

The action carries none of the performative dominance typical of institutional Alphas, just fluid efficiency born from genuine concern rather than designation dynamics.

"Stay back," he murmurs, voice pitched low enough that surveillance systems might miss the instruction beneath ambient noise.

I almost smile at the protective display despite our circumstances.

Six years of systematic torture disguised as research haven't eliminated the fundamental impulse to shield rather than dominate—evidence that institutional conditioning failed to completely override whatever humanity they've attempted to deconstruct through methodical application.

Rather than maintaining distance as instructed, I approach with measured steps, positioning myself slightly behind his right shoulder—close enough to provide tactical support without compromising his defensive positioning or triggering a territorial response. The placement comes naturally despite years of separation, bodies aligning with synchronicity that suggests connection beyond simple designation compatibility or combat cooperation.

The metallic sound of a sliding panel draws our collective attention—not the main door opening, but a small rectangular section at floor level retracting with mechanical precision.

The movement reveals what appears to be a standard institutional delivery slot, typically used for food distribution or material transfer without requiring direct contact between subjects and administrative personnel.

A stack of neatly folded items sits just beyond the threshold—fabrics in neutral colors rather than standard institutional uniforms, suggesting purpose beyond simple clothing provision.

Beside the textiles rests what appears to be a small canvas bag, cinched closed with a drawstring that prevents immediate visual identification of contents.

Riot remains motionless, tactical assessment clearly evaluating potential threat parameters beyond simple material delivery. His nostrils flare slightly—enhanced olfactory receptors scanning for chemical compounds that might indicate weaponized substances or harmful agents embedded within apparent provision.

I brush past him with deliberate casualness, ignoring the low growl of warning his throat produces in automatic response.

My movement carries none of the hesitation combat experience might suggest appropriate, given uncertain delivery parameters—just fluid confidence born from tactical assessment rather than emotional reaction or biological instinct.

"Relax," I tell him quietly, dropping into a crouch before the delivery slot with practiced efficiency. "If they wanted us dead, they wouldn't need to disguise the attempt as fresh laundry."

The observation carries dry humor beneath tactical accuracy—simple acknowledgment of institutional reality rather than emotional response to systematic manipulation.

Press has invested significant resources in our reunion, has orchestrated elaborate staging for whatever performance he continues documenting with obsessive precision.

Elimination through conventional means would represent poor return on resources already allocated, particularly given the apparent entertainment value our interaction provides within whatever audience structure observes this institutional production.

My fingers retrieve the items with methodical thoroughness—first the clothing stack, then the canvas bag, each movement calculated to minimize exposure while maintaining a casual appearance for surveillance documentation. The weight and texture confirm initial visual assessment—standard textiles rather than specialized materials, basic provision rather than tactical equipment or enhanced resources.