Virus (Yandere Connor x Reader)

Twenty-Six

"So where exactly are you taking me that demands us to dress appropriately, but also demands that Hank's car is too messed up that you rent a fucking Corvette?" Detroit was a fairly decent-sized city, and you lived a bit apart from the majority of it's population. Still, it seemed like the android just kept driving.

That slight smile reappeared. "The gallery downtown is revealing a new exhibit. The exhibit opens to the public in two weeks, but tonight is a private viewing."

An art gallery event was certainly enough to demand certain attire. But... "Then... no offense, but how are we getting in?"

Connor was quiet for a few seconds. "I know the artist personally. My invitation includes a plus-one, but no amount of whiskey in the world could get Hank to dress up for something like this. And... I know you appreciate art more than he does."

●○●○●

Fifteen or so minutes later had him parking the car a bit away from the rest of the crowded lot, down the street. It would suck to walk after so long in heels but it was better for the sake of the rental, so no complaint came to mind.

You couldn't even open the door for yourself; Connor literally vaulted over the hood to reach it first. The laughter was soft, but he knew it wasn't in mockery. After he'd helped you out of the vehicle and locked it back up, the two of you made your way towards the gallery nearby. "So this is why you insisted our first date be tonight?"

"Yes. If it weren't for the invitation, I... I'm not sure what I'd suggest instead."

You just shook your head, taking his arm before he tried to offer it. "I wouldn't care where we went. Hell, we could've stayed at my place and watched awful movies. It's not about what we do, it's about whether or not we both enjoy it together."

"... but I wanted to show you off," the android replied.

Ah, fuck.

There was a decent sized crowd outside the gallery; special events always drew them. Connor had no trouble worming around people, gripping your hand firmly just in case. While he was pulling the invite out for admission, you were eyeing the giant banner mounted high overhead. The painting it presented looked incredibly familiar, but... "Connor?"

"Yes?" Climbing the steps beside you, he hardly paid attention to the banner. Or anything that wasn't you, really.

"That's not... Carl is..."

"Correct. It's not his exhibit." But he said nothing further. The gallery had been expanded at least twice in the past decade, so the new exhibit was quite deep into the building. The number of patrons thinned out upstairs; the roped-off staircase only meant that the event was on the third story. Another reveal of his invite allowed you entry, but by the time you'd climbed the last step you laid a hand against the nearest wall, needing the support. Connor watched you with a gentle frown. "Are you unwell?"

"Oh, I'm... I'm fine... Just, y'know, fuck heels and all." One last deep breath and you stood upright again. "Starting to regret having feeling in my fake leg. Next time I'm just using a wooden stick. I'll go full pirate."

His expression quivered before he finally started to laugh, though at a respectful volume. "When we leave, we'll take the elevator." He held out a hand again, but had to pull back when you smacked him with your purse. "... did I do someth--"

"Why didn't we take the fucking elevator in the first place?!" you hissed. "I didn't know there was one! Do you have any idea how fucking uncomfortable heeled shoes are?!"

Despite swearing not to hesitate again, the android did anyway. "...... why did you wait until now to tell me? We don't feel pain, and many beings wear those."

That just made you angrier, and Connor backed off as you advanced on him. He wasn't exactly trying to avoid you entirely, so you caught up easily. "Please, I'm sorry, I d--" Snatching his open collar, the only effective weapon you had was to kiss him rather aggressively. It shut him up, anyway.

"I really walked up at the worst time, didn't I?" The two of you broke apart to find someone standing nearby, watching the "argument" unfold with amusement. After a second his smile widened, speaking to Connor first. "I'm glad you showed up, Connor. I know the plus-one wasn't necessary, but it's only polite." Turning to look to you instead, you had to admit that he was... really fucking attractive. "Although, you're not the lieutenant I was expecting to see."

It took a second for you to stop staring at his eyes; he had heterochromia. "O-oh, well... I mean, I can try to grow my beard out if you want. Not sure what to do about the rest of the... male parts."

He chuckled, shaking his head, while Connor only smiled to himself. Hand out to you, the male went on. "Lieutenant or not, it's good to see Connor again, and I'm glad to meet you; call me Markus."

... Markus!!

Some type of realization seemed to strike both of you as you shook his hand, offering your name. "Ohh, wow, I... I didn't realize this was your exhibit. Now it makes sense, your father taught you."

Markus had a stunned expression for a bit, but it relaxed smoothly. The "father" comment seemed to make him happier. "Something like that, but thank you. And... you..." He took a step closer, staring right through you. "...... I remember you. Four years ago, you requested a commission... something that combined code with the circulatory system, but... his interpretation, of course. All monochromatic. Purple, specifically."

Blinking rapidly, you were sorry to admit that having Markus so damn close was making you nervous. It had to be his eyes. "... damn, your memory is impeccable."

With a shrug, Markus held your hand with both of his. "That's what happens with prototypes; a memory that doesn't seem to end." Why wasn't he pulling away? "For the most part, those commissions are things I don't recall. But... I'm not sure why I knew yours. I know I gave you a tour of the house, and..." Now he looked away. "... your hand. It's..."

Sure enough your prosthetic turned white, causing his hands to do the same. "Is this what you mean?"

Behind Markus, Connor had long ago lost his patience; the kind face had darkened to something that would have alarmed you, had you seen it. But it faded again as he put a heavy hand on the other male's shoulder. "I'm sure you have other guests to welcome, Markus."

[So release her or you won't like what happens next.]

Of course, as androids, they could communicate internally. And Connor's warning both worried and concerned him. Markus released your hand like a human touching a burning stove. "Right, I... absolutely have more people to see. It was nice to meet you," he said again, nodding towards you before walking away as casually as he was able.

"I hated to interrupt, but we'll have plenty of time to chat with him some other day," Connor spoke carefully, his gaze burning a hole in the back of the other android's head.

[Touch her again, Markus. See what I do.]