Christmas in July (D:BH Connor x Markus)

Chapter One - Merry Christmas

Quick note before we begin:

This takes place after a relatively good ending (I say this because Connor is still a machine who didn't manage to find his way to Jericho. He was supposed to go to Cyberlife, but Hank refused and took him to Markus instead (requesting for him to reform him/change his mind about deviancy) From there, he took him in and they moved into an apartment (since Jericho kinda exploded). His buds separated because they had other missions to do (and also the fact that Markus wanted to reform Connor...alone. [insert Lenny face here]).

But, of course, this raises a question...why would Connor accept the invitation to live with the deviant leader without A. Declining B. Ratting him out or C. Declining?

Well, Connor's relationship with Hank at this point in time is simply "warm." He hasn't reached the point where Hank would be comfortable enough to let him move in with him, so he had to bite the bullet and accept Markus's offer. "No other reason behind it." he claims.

Yeah, sure.

But, hold on. Before you begin to impatiently scroll down to read the first chapter, I just wanna say...

Have fun, okay? I don't take myself too seriously, but my writing can be a little fancy so...sorry in advance.

Let the chapter...BEGIN!

Connor gazed out the window, as he has done last night, as well as yesterday's morning. The landscape that met his eyes was the same metropolis, the same bustling streets and cold aura. The skyscrapers, as if they were outstretched fingers wishing to steal the sky, reaching for the invisible stars. And, of course, ads for androids were available for viewing pleasure at every corner. Oftentimes, they were labeled as the furthest of technology, and a miracle of science. Funny that the "miracles of science" were rebelling against their creators as of date.

But, unfortunately, Connor's time observing his home city was interrupted by bright sunbeams, shining on his face without a drop of courtesy. It was a clear day, not a common occurrence in Detroit. The absence of clouds in that annoyingly bright blue sky was a bothersome trait of today's morning.

Connor wiped a droplet of sweat forming from his brow, sighing as darker thoughts began to cloud his mind, casting a shadow upon the happier, more hopeful ruminations. "...are we ever going to be free...?"

"We will, Connor, and I'm going to ensure it." The sudden interruption of his thoughts caused a tiny yelp to escape his lips, and laughter was heard from behind him in a familiar voice.

"Did I scare you? My bad." Markus chuckled, leaning on his chair with a slightly mischievous smile.

"The proper term is startled, Markus." Connor stated defensively, frowning. A small silence resided within their conversation until his annoyance of Markus's sudden appearance got the better of him. "I believe you are already informed that I detest such ignorance of privacy. May I reinforce it?"

Another bout of laughter erupted from Markus once again. "Sorry, Connor, I just had to ask you something." "And that is...?"

He fell silent for a moment, as if he were gathering courage. Connor waited, curiosity composing his current mood. "...Markus?"

"Ah, sorry." He apologized, stuttering slightly as it left his lips. "I...was just...a little distracted." Markus's gaze shifted from the floor, singling out Connor's eyes and focusing on them. Connor couldn't resist staring back into those eyes, one a beautiful green emerald color, and another a deep ocean of blue mysteries. Each were alluring, inviting him in to just wander their depths for what felt like eternity.

After another moment of silence, Markus dispelled the magic as he spoke up. "Listen...I know how you feel about the whole deviant situation, but...

"I want you to learn how to live as your own person. To truly live life."

"I...I see." Connor murmured, attempting to spare his feelings with such a short answer. Honestly, Connor was stuck in a grey area, trapped between the border. Deviant? Machine? He continued to reject these deviant compulsions, yet he could hardly stand refusing to follow along with these...irrational decisions. Battle after battle occurring within Connor's mind has certainly dealt out its damage. After debating what to answer with, he finally murmured a small "What about it...?"

"What about it? What do you MEAN, Connor?" Markus exclaimed, confusion afflicting his features. Already, Connor was sending the beginning of a speech, and his intuition was correct. "This is a matter of living your own life or serving your masters without a brain. Stuck within the chains of slavery, refusing to break free. What is it, I implore you to answer, is so appealing about the machine life that keeps you so balanced atop the edge? Tilting this way and that, teetering on that ledge, but never falling one way or another. I want you to understand why I lead that revolution. I want you to see my side of the story."

Connor turned his attention to the window once more, shifting as thoughts swirling around his mind like a whirlpool composed of doubt. "...you only say that because you wish for me to join you in the fight for equal rights. Androids have only one job to do. Serve. So I should continue to serve, and I will do so."

"Just...give it a shot. Alright? Just for one day. That's all I want. Just one day." The passion in his voice, the fire burning in his eyes...somehow, it was so moving. He was desperate to bring Connor to his side, so he could be able to love him just as much as he did. Machines can't love...

So ever since the opportunity was brought to him, Markus was determined to let his feelings reach his ears, and it shall be freed today.

That's final.

Connor sighed, rubbing his forehead before brushing a loose hair behind his ear, a common action performed when he was nervous. "...I...I have yet to see the opposing side of the scale...it wouldn't hurt to agree...would it?"

Though he was attempting to hide it, Connor could easily spot the growing smile on Markus's face. Realizing he had spoken out of turn, Connor wrenched one finger between a fist, the pain enough of a distraction to evade his thoughts scolding him for saying a deviant's words. But, he couldn't find it in him to break that silence, so it lasted a fair while. Finally, Markus decided to hastily avert his gaze and began to speak once again.

"A-Alright, I think that's enough talking for now...! I'll go get dressed, okay? I'll be waiting for you in the living room when I'm done." Markus announced, his slightly flustered tone noticeable but not too much of a deal. Connor decided to be playful in his response, ignoring the thirium warming his face and the pounding of his pump. "How rude of you to assume I would finish dressing myself later than you."

"Well, well. Looks like someone's getting competitive!" He announced, rubbing his hands together in a business-like fashion. "I...guess I'd ought to leave now. See you later."

But before Connor could reply with a similar farewell, his roommate had already disappeared into his own room.

Oh would you look at that! 1242 words (including the A/N. Without it, it's only about 1018 words.) Uhhh...cool.