Virus (Yandere Connor x Reader)

Seventeen

Seconds felt like hours, and your ears were ringing from the gunfire. Over the deafening wail, you heard a body collapse onto the sidewalk close by. Your immediate thought was that you were next: that Connor had failed, destroyed at the hand of the prototype built to replace him, and now your blood would paint the faded red bricks around you. Eyes squeezed shut tightly, you braced for what was coming as footsteps rushed towards you.

But the hands that took yours were gentle. "Thank you for trusting me," Connor quietly spoke.

"--Jesus Christ!!" was all you could come up with, hugging the android hard before pulling away again. "Did he hit you? You're not shot, are you?"

He pointed to a bullet hole in his arm, his jacket soaking up what little thirium came out. "I feel no pain, you know that. Easy repair." He opened his mouth to say more but his eyes traveled down to the pavement. "What--"

When the shock and horror wore off, the pain replaced it, a searing burn that struck with every tiny movement of your arm. Blood was slowly pooling around your hand, warm and uncomfortably sticky. You didn't need to ask to know what happened: the first shot had hit. It may have missed its intended target when you were pushed out of the way, but it had hit all the same.

Connor got to his feet, already concerned as he ran back to the sidewalk, one hand at his temple to call and report the prototype's body, and the injuries.

The RK900 was already out of sight.

As soon as dispatch answered, the android fell into detective mode. "Shots fired on 82nd Avenue, I repeat, shots fired. Two wounded, detective and civilian, ambulance needed immediately. Suspect is a prototype android, wanted for assault. Do not engage, suspect may be unstable, eliminate on sight. I repeat, ELIMINATE ON SIGHT."

Seeing him, someone usually so collected, taking charge of the situation and staying level-headed felt strangely reassuring. After all, he was doing what he was made to do, this was just the first time you'd seen it for yourself. You'd gone quiet, letting him attempt to staunch the blood flow with his tie, before it was cast aside. His shirt was white, but it was quickly stained crimson. It was far more effective, however, and the android didn't seem to give a rat's ass about ruining clothing.

It was just a shot to the arm. Not life-threatening, but certainly painful. As the seconds ticked away and the blood flow was controlled as best he could, the collected expression started to crack at the edges. "... Connor?"

"Don't," he spat through a clenched jaw. He tied the stained shirt so it would stay put, once he was sure it wasn't bleeding so badly. Still, your arm was a mess, and blood soaked your clothing and the concrete beneath you. Before the calm and assertive demeanor could break, sirens came rushing down the street, vehicles screeching to a halt nearby.

Half a dozen figures rushed onto the sidewalk. Connor stepped aside so an EMT android could collect you, helping you to the ambulance in case you needed to be taken. Which, once the bullet wound was seen, was a possibility. "W-wait," you pleaded, "I... h-he has to come with me."

The EMTs looked like they were going to protest, until another figure came jogging over, swearing up a storm.

"Jesus fuckin' Christ, I'm gone for less than 24 hours and my fuckin' partner and the woman he's guarding get shot!!" Hank was slightly out of breath, one hand on the ambulance for support. "How... shit... how bad is it? Back to the hospital?"

The EMT android was untying Connor's bloodstained shirt from your arm, scanning the wound. "The bullet isn't deep; we may be able to pull it out here. But it went in at an unusual angle."

"The gun was fired as she was in motion," Connor spoke up, looking a little out of place shirtless, with his jacket folded over his arm and his own bullet wound. "I tried to push her into the alley before she could get injured."

[And I failed... and now she's hurt.]

Frowning a little, Hank eyed you. "You think you can handle them taking out the bullet here? Might be more convenient but it's gonna hurt like a bitch."

"I can fucking take it," you muttered, "so please just get it out."

While the EMTs carefully pulled the bullet out with tweezers- boy, Hank was not kidding about the pain- and minding the wound, the lieutenant wandered over to where his android partner was sitting on the curb. Sulking, more like. Hank sat beside him, both curious and, admittedly, concerned. "What's on your mind, kid?"

At first, Connor didn't respond. He kept glancing up towards the ambulance, watching you sit on the edge in the back, trying not to punch the poor android removing the bullet. "... I was made to handle any situation. The cases I'm assigned are handled without error. But I can't protect a single being."

"... you're joking, right? Connor, she's fucking alive. You're doing your job just fine." Hank gestured towards you. "Injuries are, unfortunately, a big part of it. But she got shot in the arm, because you shoved her aside, right? If you didn't push her, that bullet would've hit her spine. Which means paralysis, if she's lucky, or just straight-up death."

"She got shot either way," the android spat back. "I wasn't quick enough to prevent it, nor was I quick enough to stop him. He got away, even after I shot him in the throat." Warm eyes bore into his partner's, the cracks in his collected expression starting to deepen. "If she ends up hurt again..."

"It still won't be your fault," the human grumbled. "Stop with the "woe is me" bullshit. Of all people, I didn't think I'd have to tell you that. I assigned you to guard her cause if anyone can figure out that prototype and how to stop him, it's you. Look, I know it fucking sucks when someone gets hurt like that, but I'm telling you she could've died. So instead of mourning what could've been a funeral, be relieved that she's alive in the first place. And know that she's only alive because you took action."

He was quiet for a bit, knowing that Hank was as blunt as ever, but honest. Connor smiled a touch. "Is it always this difficult?"

"It doesn't get easier. But you find things and people that keep you going. I think this is the first time you've had a reason to do this, other than it being your job. Which is also why I assigned you to guard her. I had a hunch, I ran with it, and sure as shit you found your reason."

"Just a hunch, Hank? How would you know you were even close?"

"Cause I'm old as shit. Connor, I've seen everything. You ain't the first, and you won't be the last. But... I'm still rootin' for you."