»≫ ᴄᴏᴍᴘᴀᴛɪʙʟᴇ ≪« ;Connor x Reader;

Ｍｉｓｓｉｏｎ #6

That morning, I had to leave early.

It wasn't because I wanted to, but rather because a woman working at the front desk had stopped by the bathroom not long after me, only to see this sweaty, uncomfortable woman leaning over a sink as if she was going to vomit. Being the kind woman she was, she urged me to head home, and that she'd tell the others what happened. It was quite obvious that a text from Hank awaited me later, hell maybe even a call, and that gave me a small pit in my stomach that would only continue to grow until it happened. However, for now I had a little freedom, and that provided me with comfort.

Outside, the streets bustled with people doing their daily errands, talking with friends, and the occasional smoker somewhere. Though as I was walking, a single whisper happened to perk my interest.

It was mere gossip from a pair of housewives, one of them even holding the hands of two young twins.
"Did you hear? Apparently that famous painter, Carl Manfred passed away! It's all over the papers!" One of the housewives murmured. Normally, I wouldn't be too concerned, after all, most painters I've known or heard about were old men with some weird story or other, but Carl Manfred I had actually met..

~💠~

It was awhile ago, perhaps maybe a few months or so. I had been hanging around the local art museum in Detroit. Paintings had always held a special meaning to me, and they were just something I liked, but there was one painter I particularly admired. Probably the painter who had gotten me into art, and visiting art museums.

He was a popular man, who was quite wealthy for his beautifully colored paintings, holding deep meanings that even I found complicated.

Carl Manfred.

Today just so happened to be filled with fans of Manfred's work. From aspiring young adults in college, to kind senior citizens with a passion for art, either way, it was chock-full of Manfred fans.

"Honestly, they look so tiring to deal with right?" A husky, old voice piped up, causing me to avert my gaze to who was speaking. Behind me, I had turned around, and came face to face with a man in a wheelchair.

A man none other than Carl Manfred.

My jaw gaped at the sight of him, and his wry smile. Behind him was an android with soft, dark skin, and piercing green eyes. It's face was expressionless, like most androids, and it's LED glimmered a beautiful shade of blue.

"O-Oh.. Um yeah.. They do." I stammered, trying to suppress the excitement that was welling up inside me. A grin stretched across the aged man's face.

"You a fan?" He asked casually. Lost for words, I vigorously nodded. A smile was clear on my face. A frown was visible on Manfred's face, and I could feel his eyes burning into me as he observed my complexion, then as quick as it faded, his smile returned.
"It's glad to meet somebody that isn't all over you for money." Manfred stated.

"Carl, we really should get going. You have to attend something tonight." Manfred's android urged, though its voice was filled with no urgency whatsoever.
Typical android stuff.
"It seems I do," Manfred sighed, "Well it was nice to meet you miss, but I'm afraid Markus and I must head off somewhere."

My heart sunk at his words, but I swiftly found myself peeking up as Manfred flashed a friendly smile at me before his android, Markus, wheeled him away.

Of course, that's the last time I ever saw him, but his simple words had touched my heart, and I doubted that I would be forgetting his words anytime soon.

~💠~

"He's dead..?" I murmured, feeling a bit upset. Though I didn't know him well, it did leave me with yet another pit lurching in my stomach.

Ping.

My phone emitted a small ringing sound, indication that I had received a text, most likely from Hank. As I glanced at the notification, and read over the text, I found myself surprised at who it was from.

Connor?

Hank
Hello Ms. Anderson,
This is Connor typing on Hank's phone. The confession from the deviant was successfully extracted, and I thought you would would like to know.
The other police didn't feel inclined to tell you due to you being more youthful than them, but since you are a prime addition to the investigation, I deemed you quite worthy to hear of the news. It was brought to attention to us by one of the department employees that you had headed home early due to not feeling well, so I hope you are feeling a better now.
Hank is currently looking over my shoulder and glaring at me, so I believe that I should now bring this message to a close.

-Connor.

A small laugh rose up in my throat at the long text, which I found quite adorable. Beneath my breath, I muttered a, "That's Connor for ya." Before quickly typing my reply.

Y/n
Hullo Connor! Thank you for telling me! ٩( 'ω' )و I'm glad ur concerned about me

PS. I think you're really cool

My finger hovered over the send button for a few minutes as I contemplated whether I should keep the 'you're really cool part.' Eventually, after erasing and re-typing the message a few times, I mustered up the courage and sent it, attempting not to regret what I had just sent. My stomach lurched as I received a response.

Hank
Thank you for the compliment, Ms. Anderson, though I am not too sure why you believe I am 'cool.'

"How cute.." I found myself muttering, a red hue dusted visibly onto my cheeks. With a smile, I turned off my phone and slipped it back into my pocket, before heading home.

Though I did wonder one thing.

What happened to Carl's android after he died?

"Hopefully it's ok..." I sighed wistfully, recalling the first and last conversation with Manfred.

Little did I know, that the android I had just thought of at that moment, would grow to be CyberLife's greatest enemy.

As well as my greatest ally.