Blue And Red (Markus X Reader)

Chapter 2: Cappuccino

- Today -

The warm rays of the morning sun are being reflected by the tall skyscrapers that surround the small plaza. Despite it being still kind of early, the place is as busy as ever. People seem to be in a rush, hurrying from one shop to the other, spending their money while they still can, followed by their androids.

Peebee watches the activities, not listening to any conversation in particular while she waits for her order to be taken. The line of the small coffee walk through is annoyingly long considering she's been waiting for about 10 minutes already.

Her eyes wander from a musician at the fountain to a loudly yelling priest. She doesn't catch what he is preaching, too loud is the construction site beside her and the cars passing by. But giving the signs behind him and his angry demeanor she guesses it's something against androids. Like pretty much everything nowadays.

With a sigh on her lips she lets her eyes move on, she notices the several homeless people sitting next to the shops. For a brief moment she wonders if - when - she will land there as well. It's only a matter of time really, everyone is replaceable. Hell, she had to take a job as a mechanic, even though she's an engineer because of the crisis. And for what? Even Nanny-Androids these days can analyse and diagnose simple to advanced issues with electronics and some even can repair them themselves.

There's not really a need for mechanics anymore.

Unwilling to dwell on that any longer, Peebee moves her attention towards the protestors on the other side of the plazer. She can't help but to roll her eyes. Their anti-android slurs even manage to carry over the traffic noise.

"Your order, please?"

Peebee looks back at the coffee shop, a friendly smiling android is looking at her. Quickly she closes the distance between her and the window to order. "Hi, uhm. I'd like a large Cappuccino. And to go, please."

"Of course, mam." And the android quickly springs into action and after a few hand movements, it places a large cup onto the board window seal. "That would be 8$ please."

Peebee murmbles a quiet fucking christ under her breath as she's fetching her credit card out of her wallet. The android scans it quickly, it's LED turning yellow for a second before it returns her card. "Transaction completed. Have a nice day."

"Thanks, you too." She says before leaving with the cup in her hand. She shakes her head, 8$ for her unnecessary caffeine addiction. At this rate she'll land on the streets faster than ever appreciated.

After a few sips in silence, she gets moving towards the middle of the plazer. Her car is parked not too far from here and she'd like to do some window shopping while making her way back.

With the cup in her hand, she passes the shops, walking slowly to get a glimpse of everything on display. A blue dress catches her attention, making her stop in her tracks. There is not really an occasion for her to buy a new dress, let alone justify the insane price on the tag but then again, she just bought coffee with milk for 8$.

Loud noise makes her snap out of her mind. Something is going on at the protest. She can see a man lying on the ground with the protesters cussing him out. The blue triangle on the back of his jacket classifies him as an android. Poor guy probably came too close to these assholes.

One guy keeps cussing, slowly bringing Peebee's blood to a boil. Suddenly one protestor kicks the Android on the ground and it's making Peebee lose it. She drops her coffee and starts running towards the group. Determined, she pushes herself past the angry yelling mop "Hey!" She yells, stepping in between the group and the android. "Why don't you pick on someone who can fight back?"

The guy who kicked him looks at her with narrowed eyes. "You really defend this piece of plastic?"

"Stupid bitch," Another protestor fumes. "Wait till they steal your job, too!"

"Fuck off!" Peebee growls before she pushes the man in front of her, making room for her to pick the android up. But before she can do more, the other guy takes hold of her wrists, ready to tackle her down. Finally a police man stepps in and defuses the situation and the potestor lets go of her eventually.