Deviant Heart

Chapter 29: The Birthday

March 26th, 2041 6:23 pm

"CHEERS!"

"Woof woof!"

Everyone clinked their glasses together in celebration, Sumo barking along. It was Clara's birthday, and everyone was at Carl's house for a party. Markus, North and Josh took a day off, as did Hank, Connor, Gavin and Nines to celebrate. Kara, Luther and Alice came down from Canada to visit, too. Hank even brought Sumo along for the party. Leo and David were there as well. Some nice jazz music played in the background as everyone socialized, Sumo sniffing around the buffet table for scraps. Hank and Carl sat together exchanging stories while Clara chatted with the Jericho members, getting details about some of the most recent android rights.

"So you managed to get the law passed about humans and androids?" Clara asked.

"We did. After the news displayed that clip of you and Connor from two years ago, more humans were open to the idea of being in a relationship with androids," Markus explained.

"A couple came to us about four months ago, a human man and an android woman, who had secretly gotten married. When it was found out, they were ostracized and chased away from their community," North added. "We've had reports of human/android couples being treated badly, but this was the first time it was a marriage. So we set out to make THAT the next right we got accepted."

"And it worked!" Josh grinned.

"That's awesome guys! Congrats!" Clara clinked her champagne glass against her brother's. "Speaking of marriage, how are you two doing?" She gestured between Markus and North. The two androids blushed slightly.

"It's good," Markus replied. "We're good. It doesn't feel like two months have passed since the wedding, though."

"It's because we've been together for so long already," North commented.

He smiled at his wife and they shared a soft kiss.

Across the room, Connor was talking to Kara as they watched Alice dart around the room with Sumo.

"How's Canada?"

"It's good. Alice has a good time at her school and Rose is really helpful. But it's not Detroit. It's not home. We've actually been thinking of moving back, since all the violence has calmed down and the humans are more pro-android now. Plus, we miss you guys."

"That would be great if you ended up coming back. I know Clara would be happy if her best friend was closer."

Kara smiled.

Connor glanced over at Luther talking with Leo and David. "So, what about you and Luther?"

A slight blue blush spread across Kara's cheeks. "We're really good. Ever since we've become an actual couple, we've really felt like a family."

"You already were."

They smiled at each other.

They took sips from their drinks and stood in a comfortable silence. As Connor looked over the room, he noticed that Gavin and Nines were nowhere to be seen. Movement caught his attention, and he followed Clara with his eyes as she walked out of the room.

"So..."

Connor turned back toward his conversation partner.

"About you and Clara... Are you going to ask her?"

"I don't know what you're referring to."

"Oh come on. No need to play dumb. Markus told me that you asked him for advice."