Virus (Yandere Connor x Reader)

Thirty-Seven

Now that you'd been effectively stunned, you had to force your legs to cooperate, following Markus back to the living room sofas.

What the hell was he talking about? I... okay, I'm not stupid. But he's not trying to pull anything, is he?

Waiting for you to sit, the android had a serene look on his face. "Good news is over... if you can call it that. Can I get you something to drink before I move onto the other topic?"

"J-Just water, please," you managed, feeling altogether out of place as you sat down. It felt as though you couldn't relax at all, at least not until you made sure Markus wasn't trying something.

He returned shortly, setting a tall glass on the table before you, filled with ice water. "I hope you don't mind what I painted," he spoke before you could try to. "If it makes you uncomfortable, I'd be more than happy to adjust it so it has less of a resemblance."

Watching the android take the other sofa, you mentally sorted through all the questions you had, trying to settle on one. "I... I mean, it's a gorgeous piece, and like I said, I'm flattered." He smiled, and you went on. "Personally I wouldn't change it. I just... I don't understand something."

"I can try to elaborate, if you want."

Now your eyes narrowed. "Markus. As far as I'm aware, artists need references. Right?" He nodded. "I didn't have any photos taken that night. And you only talked to me for ten minutes, max. So how did you get your references? Surveillance cameras aren't ideal, and my social media usage is minimal at best. Which means you either have an incredible ability to take other references and use the differences to paint me, or.... oh fuck, you androids don't like, take screenshots with your eyes, do you?!"

The more you spoke, and the more suspicious you became, the more Markus realized what you were getting at. "No, no no no, please don't worry, I didn't creep on you! Androids can technically take what they see and commit that moment to memory, but I wasn't stalking or anything. I needed the basics so I could get the colors correct."

"... then you took a screenshot of me."

The android winced. "Yes. One, mind you. And I'm happy to delete it if it bothers you, but... I think you would prefer to keep it yourself."

At this point you held up a hand to stop him. "Okay. Listen. I'm thankful and all that for being... I don't know, a muse. And I do believe you that you weren't intentionally trying to creep on me. But..." Despite his piercing gaze, you locked eyes with him so he didn't miss a word. "Markus, you never struck me as someone willing to steal his friend's partner away."

This time it was the android who had to look away, overcome with disbelief. "... is that what you think I asked you here for?"

What? "... you snuck a note into my purse, saying we needed to talk. Clearly it wasn't meant for Connor to see."

"Right."

"And then you paint that huge piece, with the subject matter being very obviously me. Then you tell me some vague, cryptic stuff about the hybrids and how they- ME- draw androids in."

"Yes."

"And now you admitted to having taken a photo of me when I wasn't aware. Since you said I'd probably want it for myself, you still have it!"

"Are you done?" Well, that sort of hurt. You couldn't tell if he was offended or not. "I promise you I have zero intention to hurt my friends. Don't get me wrong, you're lovely, but you are obviously devoted to Connor. I haven't known you long but I can tell you two are close. Even for androids, who weren't given much respect to begin with, he's had a fairly hard time. So showing up to my exhibit with you just meant his life was getting better."

Now properly ashamed, you looked aside, away from him. "Shit. I'm... I'm sorry. It just felt like..."

"Everything you explained makes sense that you'd come to that conclusion. And I did paint you, and it's creepy, but you're not the first one I've painted. I just needed to show you to get your opinion, and to know whether or not you'd be willing to let me use you as a model if I have another idea."

The breath you took was a little shaky. "Markus, I'm sorry. I should know better, I'm just a little on edge."

Now he leaned forward a bit, tone softer. "I'm not upset. You were given no context, and might've gotten a little overwhelmed. The whole reason I snuck that note to you is correct, in a way. I didn't want Connor to see because this concerns him."

There was a long second where you remembered being asked if Connor was all right. "Is this about what you said in the gallery?"

Markus nodded. "When we were introduced, we both got a little caught up in figuring out where we'd met before. And... I will admit I got distracted by your prosthetic." Now his face turned grave, moreso than was expected for bad news. "Connor said that I had other guests to see to, and I left. The only other time you and I spoke was when he'd walked away. On one hand, that's suspicious. But on the other hand, he gave me no choice."

And he asked if Connor was all right...

Getting up, the android sat beside you, frowning. "When he told me to greet the others, he... said something else. You know androids communicate internally, yes?" You nodded, unable to stop fear from swelling in your gut. "... he threatened me. He warned me not to touch you, or I wouldn't like what happened next. When you said he'd been your bodyguard, I started wondering if maybe he was stuck in that role somehow. But... he's a friend. And I hope he thinks of me as one, too. As his friend, I shouldn't have been a threat. I would never do anything to make Connor's situation worse. He'd found someone who genuinely cared about him, so what kind of friend would I be if I destroyed that?"

"And... he still threatened you." With a moment to sigh, you tried to smile. "I really am sorry, Markus. You're a wonderful friend, I just... I don't-- Oh god."

Alarmed, the android searched your expression. "What? What is it?"

Everything clicked into place. "The virus."