Virus (Yandere Connor x Reader)

Twenty-Seven

(I 100% realized I've been writing with no yandere rival in mind. At this point the only one who could possibly take that spot is Markus. Let me know if you want Robo-Jesus to be rival, or if what's happening is fine as it is. ♡)

The exhibit was expansive; some of the paintings were large, but you had plenty of time to admire each one. There was a hand at your lower back the entire time, and you remained blissfully unaware of whatever volatile emotions were spiraling out of control in Connor's head. His LED kept going from blue to white, and back again. Being near you did seem to help, but the android was mindful not to crowd you.

You let out a quiet sigh, situating yourself on a bench across from one of the larger paintings. Your eyes kept being drawn to it, and you settled on it being your favorite. Connor knelt down, one hand over your own. "Is there anything I can do? Your pace is slowing, and I'm certain fatigue may be setting in."

Ugh. This sweet, attentive cinnamon roll.

"I'm a little tired, yeah, but... also a little thirsty. Could you go and see if there's some water bottles someplace? Please?"

He smiled and nodded. "Of course." Pressing a kiss to your forehead the android walked away, leaving a swarm of butterflies in your stomach. You didn't know how long he'd take, but you had a plethora of art to take in while you waited.

I don't know how but I swear he's just gotten sweeter. Whatever changed, it helped. Maybe it was just the case finally ending... and now he doesn't have to worry that I'll reject him.

"You know, you keep coming back to this one," came a soft tone. Markus smiled when you turned to look, his arms crossed. He nodded to the large painting on the wall facing you. "You've probably already seen the title, but... what do you think it means?"

You raised an eyebrow. "Markus, I can appreciate art. I know it takes a lot of passion and heart to put it to canvas. But knowing what it means? Honey I'm dumber than a sack of diapers."

Chuckling, he pressed the question. "Art is subjective. Just because I had something in mind when I did it doesn't mean everyone is gonna see it the same way. Plus... I like hearing what everyone thinks it means. So come on. Indulge me, miss."

"Oh, no no, I am not refined enough for a "miss", but thank you."

"All right, what do you prefer?"

You stared at him skeptically, but his expression didn't change. It didn't help that you ended up just admiring his eyes and forgetting his questions for a few seconds. "... you can have one or the other. My interpretation of your work, or... something to call me besides "miss". And considering that the latter is a loaded question, I'll tell you what I get from this piece."

"I have a third question," Markus added before you could go on. He glanced behind him before sitting down next to you. "And... actually, I'd prefer it if you answered this one. I... I need to know if Connor is all right."

Was he all right? Thrown for a loop, you had to get your thoughts back in order. "I... don't understand. He's fine, as far as I can tell. He might be nervous, since this is his first date ever, but... shit, I'm nervous too."

"I..." His mouth worked, leaning forward with his elbows on his thighs. "Nothing happened recently? Nothing that might have disrupted something, no problems he might be having...?"

"... a few days ago, I had to call for emergency services. Long story short, I got... assaulted by an android, and Connor was assigned to be my bodyguard. But the android that attacked me was destroyed. Connor made sure he'd never activate again. It was a prototype that had... gotten corrupted or infected or something. I don't know and I don't care anymore."

Bodyguard. It made more sense, but it didn't explain everything. Certainly not the threatening aura Connor was emitting. Markus eyed you closely; you weren't sure how or why, but the heterochromia made his gaze more intense. Blood filled your cheeks before you could stop it. "I'm glad you're all right now. You're lucky to have a bodyguard like him. And... he's lucky to have you."

Effectively an embarrassed mess, all you could do was watch Markus walk away. You had to stare at the painting until your face stopped burning at least.

Even so, Connor didn't come back for a couple more minutes, but an ice-cold water bottle was slid into your grasp when he did. "I'm sorry it took so long," he murmured, sitting beside you. "I had no intention--"

You'd leaned over, laying your head on his shoulder. It shut him up in an instant. While he was still highly inexperienced with romance, Connor gently slid his arm around your waist so you could lean more comfortably. The water was gratefully sipped at, but for the most part you let his company settle you. "Thank you, honey," you mumbled at last. "I don't mind that you were gone. I appreciate the effort."

[Did something happen?]

He wanted to ask, very badly, but a small part of him was already telling him to shut up and enjoy the moment. You were completely at ease, relaxed and comfortable enough to be so close to him.

[If this is what a relationship is... I think I can get the hang of it.

As long as she wants me around.]

Several minutes passed, and while you were definitely comfortable, you weren't really sleepy. The water had helped, but Connor's presence was more beneficial. Whatever got those piercing eyes out of your head. You sighed and groaned, patting his leg and sitting upright. "All right, come on, guard dog. I think we've seen everything tonight. Let's tell Markus goodbye, and I can run to the restroom before we leave. Sound good?"

"Woof," he replied, grinning when you burst out laughing. "If you insist that I'm your guard dog, I'm perfectly capable of playing the part."

"Are you sure you don't want that collar and leash?~" The two of you had been walking towards the staircase, but you whipped around to grab the android's collar again. "Or are you the type that prefers his date to wear the leash?"

Connor's face screamed both confusion and discomfort in one glorious mix. "I... d... d-don't... y..."

"Come on, honey. Just because you're an android doesn't mean you aren't attracted to things." Still gripping his collar you pulled his head closer. A tiny kiss was planted to his nose. "I'm just teasing. I'm sorry, but you're so damn adorable."

Once he'd been let go again, he straightened his collar, unable to think of anything besides you on a leash. Why it was intriguing, he didn't know, but it was certainly a new kind of intrigue.

Unable to locate Markus, you frowned a bit, turning to face Connor again. "Okay, I'm sorry, but I need the restroom, like, now. I'll be back in a second," you added, walking away as fast as those damned heels would allow.

The facilities were further than you realized, around the corner and in the middle of the wall. You groaned but had no trouble other than your protesting feet. When you emerged again, however, a hand stopped you from walking away. You flinched, not used to being grabbed by the elbow, and it wasn't Connor. It wasn't even Markus. "Uh... can I help you?"

The stranger smiled and lifted his hands defensively. "Ah, sorry, didn't mean to scare you. And no, I don't need any help. I'm here to help you." He held out his hand again, offering a grin that felt a little too much like a smirk. "Detective Reed, you can call me Gavin."