hunger ; detroit: become human

eight

Valeria

Night of November 6th, 2038 - 7:55 PM

Valeria was on Gavin's couch, a purring cat in her lap. Her gloves were on the table, her jacket draped over the arm of the couch, and she was relaxed. Gavin's place was like her second home, and it was like she spent half of her time there. At least half of the week, they grabbed dinner together, usually takeout, and came back to his place to watch TV, just to unwind from the day. That was what happened that night, but Gavin had gotten a call from Fowler, alerting him to a homicide down at the Eden Club, a place she despised. So in a hurry, she watched him fumble to grab his shoes and jacket, laughing at his muffled curses as his cat curled up in her lap. And that's where she was now, content with her mind rotating through the memories of that afternoon. Of course, when she detailed the events, she left out any of the more personal moments she'd shared with Connor: him playing with her fingers at lunch, him catching her on the train, him carrying her after they saved Hank on the rooftop and she could barely walk. All moments she'd never experienced with anyone else, human or android. And it felt strange. In just one day, she'd experienced more closeness with one android than she'd ever experienced in the five years she knew Gavin. It was confusing.

A sudden knock at the door startled her, and sent the cat flying from her lap. Sighing, Valeria got to her feet and walked to the door, peering through the peephole before reaching for the handle. Her eyes widened slightly, and she arched her brow as she opened the door.

"Connor? What are you doing here? Why do you have a taxi waiting?" she asked, one hand resting on her hip.

"I came to get you. I was surprised to learn you were at Detective Reed's house, so if I'm interrupting a date—"

"Ew, no. Lemme stop you right there." She held up her hand, and he noticed her gloves weren't on. "We're not dating, this wasn't a date, we'll never date. He isn't even home."

"Then why are you at his house?"

"We grabbed dinner like we always do. Enough questions, why did you come get me?"

"A homicide was reported at the Eden Club, and an android is the top suspect. We need to find the Lieutenant and get over there as quickly as possible."

"Gavin and Chris are there now. Why do they need us?"

"I thought it was obvious. We've been assigned to all cases involving androids."

Valeria groaned, her head hanging forward as she let go of the door. So much for a quiet night in. Looking around to make sure the cat wasn't in the living room, she jogged back to the couch and grabbed her jacket and gloves. She pulled on her jacket, then her gloves, and grabbed her keys to stuff them in her pocket.

"Be a good kitty, Ripper! Gavin'll be back soon," she called, then left Gavin's house, locking the door behind her.

"He has a cat?" Connor asked, stepping aside on the porch to give her space.

"Mhm, she's a sweetheart. Come on, let's just get going. I've just about had enough excitement for one day."

***

"What the fuck is up with this city and rain?" Valeria muttered. It had started to pour by the time the taxi slowed to a stop outside of Hank's house. They climbed out onto the lawn, the rain pelting them instantly. Huffing quietly, Valeria marched up to the front porch to stand under the awning, wet hair clinging to her face. Connor gazed at her for a moment before following, stepping up to ring the doorbell. When there was no answer, he knocked on the door, which also got no response. He and Valeria glanced at one another before he pressed his finger to the doorbell longer, the buzzing sound grating on her ears.