Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

Chapter 28: Falling Pieces

As the car pulled into the driveway, Simon perked up, looking at all the scenery. It was finally starting to warm up in Detroit, and much of the ice and snow had melted, revealing the crisp green needles of the towering trees lining the driveway. Small shoots of grass poked up through the brown leaves and residual snow spots, creating spots of color in the otherwise monochrome ground.

Simon's eyes were bright as he took in the natural landscape, so different from the concrete and asphalt of the city he'd lived in since activation. 

He turned to Clara, a stunned expression on his face. "You live here?"

She smiled, endeared by his reaction. "I do. It's one of few plots of land around the city that remain unindustrialized. It's been a spot of pride for my family for generations."

"Amazing," he whispered, returning to staring out the window. "I've never seen such grand trees. They're so much bigger than the ones in the city."

"I can show you other parts of the property later, if you'd like."

He whipped his head around, face breaking into a bright grin. "Really?"

"Really." Clara returned the smile. "We have a large section of forested acreage and a private garden toward the back of the property. It's not in bloom right now, but it's still pretty incredible."

"I'd love to see it," he said, quiet and shy.

A flicker of motion caught Clara's eye. Connor was watching the exchange. Glancing over, she saw the ghost of a frown cross his face, but when he noticed her gaze, he resumed a neutral one, turning away from her. 

The turned her attention back to Simon. "Alright. Later this evening then, if we have time."

The car pulled into the garage where it came to a halt, cutting off the conversation. Clara climbed out, stepping carefully with her uninjured foot. She tried to cover the limp as she walked, but she could feel the sticky blood pooling in her shoe as she made her way up the stairs to the front door. She was aware that Simon followed close behind her, holding her bag, and Connor lingered a few steps back. 

Glancing back at them briefly, Clara opened the front door, stepping into the entryway. She stood aside, allowing the two androids to file in after her, then close the door. She looked around but saw no sign of her cousin.

"Eli?" she called, cupping her hands around her mouth. "I'm home!"

"Coming!" 

She heard the sound of heavy steps somewhere above her, and the large man emerged at the top of the stairs. "You're home early," he said, then he paused, seeing the new face.

"Who's this?" he asked, looking Simon up and down. 

"This is Simon." Clara grabbed his hand, pulling him forward. "He's one of my new assistants."

Simon gave a polite smile and a wave.