Virus (Yandere Connor x Reader)

Fourteen

While Connor hung back, feeling very much like a fish that took the bait set out for him, Elijah went to assist you, disconnecting Chloe so she could ensure that the patch had corrected the error. A few moments were taken as she prodded one specific leg, testing it, before she nodded. "Back to functioning as normal," she reported, smiling as she got back onto her feet.

"Thank you again," Kamski added, "and please let us know when everything is taken care of."

With a nod, you led the pair upstairs again, murmurs of goodbyes and such trailing until they went unheard from the basement. At a loss, Connor had to force himself to follow, and by the time he'd stepped into the living room you were left alone, hands cupping your elbows and staring out the window.

He laid a hand on your shoulder. "Is there anything I can do...?" he asked, hoping that you weren't allowing yourself to sink into a pit of despair.

There was a heavy sigh on your part, shoulders sagging a bit with the effort. "What are the chances that the android who forced me was the supposed upgrade of the one that came to protect me now?"

When you stared up at him, Connor offered a wry smile. "It's, as Hank would say, a hell of a coincidence."

"That's one way to put it. I'd call it cruel irony, myself." Looking out the picturesque window again, your voice softened. "People always argue when it comes to remakes and new versions of things. I think I much prefer the original."

[... she doesn't mean...?]

"If I said I wanted to get out of the house for awhile, would that be okay if you came with me?" Tearing your gaze away from the outside view, it was like pulling teeth; you'd started dissociating. "I won't go anywhere on my own yet, but I feel like I'll go stir crazy if I stay here."

The android blinked, then smiled. "What did you have in mind? We should be safe, I do have my weapon but if need be I can put it away in public spaces. Though keeping it with me would be preferred, as I'm doing my duty."

"You should be fine. I wouldn't want my guard dog defenseless."

Now he went deadpan. "Is this excursion to get me a leash and collar?"

Fuck it was hard not to laugh. "Connor, jeez, I didn't think you were into that kind of kinky shit. Does Hank know?"

What? What kind of-- "--NO NOT LIKE THAT. PLEASE DON'T GET THE WRONG IDEA."

The dam burst, and you leaned over, hands on your thighs, laughing until your eyes watered.

●○●○●

As it turned out, you wanted to visit a café nearby, within walking distance of the shopping district. It seemed to cater to the type of homeowners in your neighborhood: everything looked a little more expensive than usual.

The bottom line was that you were just happy to be out of the house. Sure, your bodyguard had to stay with you, but at least he wasn't a cold, unfeeling silent jackass. As the two of you approached the café, Connor had already scanned the district, taking note of what was present and any additional details. The café was situated on a street corner, the windows offering a lovely view of the park across the street.

He'd stopped walking, falling behind and eyeing the shop next door. But when you approached again, he just smiled. "You all right? What did you see?" you asked, less concerned and more curious.

"Hank said he would stop by today, and I've realized he may show up to an empty house. I will stay back to call and notify him that we're out; he'll most likely visit after our return." It was only a partial lie. "I'll join you after the call."

"Oh. That makes sense, okay. I'll just... grab a table, then," you replied, walking away to head into the little coffee shop.

I could've sworn he was staring at something specific, but he probably had some random data in his head and looked like he was spacing out.

Once you were safely inside, unlikely to head back out right away, the android eyed the other shop again.

[Do you know what sort of blooms are truly lovely this time of year?]

The thought of the commissioned painting hung on your wall was enough to let Connor make a decision, as he strode into the shop alone.

●○●○●

Only a couple minutes had passed before the android stepped into the café, locating you and taking the seat across the small table. Your hands were wrapping a rather large cup, steam from the drink making lazy trails up towards the ceiling. "I barely touched it, it's too hot," you commented. "But... holding it and soaking in the heat is nice, too."

He didn't speak, not at first. You turned to watch others in the park nearby, not seeing any point in trying to make small talk. Sometimes silence was okay, too, but not many humans understood that.

Connor fell silent, but not for the sake of avoiding senseless chatter. Public space or not, his head was a blank, watching you watch other people. It was just before noon, and the sun had streamed it's harsh light through the windows. It was blinding for you, and you ended up squinting every time you turned towards the glass, but he stared all the same. You were illuminated by the light, and there was no reason for him to look away.

"So is Hank going to stop by later today?" Your voice completely stopped Connor's trance or whatever he'd fallen into.

... shit. He didn't call. But the android smiled and shook his head. "He didn't answer, actually. I tried several times, and I'm beginning to wonder if I can teach his dog to either answer for him, or at least wake him up when it rings."

"Aww. What kind of dog?"

"Saint Bernard. His name is Sumo. The epitome of the term "gentle giant". Every time Hank tries to order him to attack me... Sumo just barks and doesn't move."

Giggling a little, you drank a bit of the coffee and ended up burning your tongue. Oh well, coffee came first. "Why would he sic his dog on you? Do you two not get along? Cause it seems like you're pretty close."

"I should think we are, but... Hank does occasionally drink himself into oblivion, and on those occasions the only way to get him back to consciousness... is to slap him."

Grinning wide, you leaned forward a bit. "I'll pay you if you record it and send it to me."

Connor just shook his head, but he smiled in a crooked little way. "I've no use for money. My wages sit in a bank for the most part."

"I don't have to pay you with actual money, Connor. I'll give you whatever, I just wanna see you slap him."

Warm eyes blinked, and he tried not to seem so... panicked. "I'll slap him for free...?"

"... oh." You sat back, all the humor in your eyes gone in an instant. "That's... fine, then, I guess."

[... have I missed some sort of signal?]

The clear irritation radiating off of you told him yes, yes he'd missed something.