The Ordinary Things

There were many things Connor learned he enjoyed after becoming a deviant. It started with small insignificant things. At first he didn't realized it. The whole chaos after the successful revolution made it hard for Connor. He had no time to think about his new emotions, there was too much going on.

Somehow Connor had been pulled into Markus' group of friends. Having freed the androids from Cyberlife Tower had gain him their full trust, even after telling them about the barely evaded catastrophe when Amanda took control over him and he was saved by Kamski's emergency exit. His actions that day got Connor the attention of the press, too, and Markus convinced him to give at least one interview. It had been a weird experience, however manageable with the help of his programming.

Days flew by before Connor finally got himself out of Markus' grasp. The first tumult had calmed down and when no one was around Connor left quietly. He sent out a notification and called an automated taxi.

The drive through Detroit was quick. The streets were exceptionally empty, with most of the populace still evacuated. Connor turned on the radio and switched through the channels, stopping at one featuring jazz music, remembering the vinyl records in Hank's flat. He had never listened to music of this genre, just stored the information for an uncertain later use.

Nervous energy flowed through his veins when he exited the taxi and his eyes found the person he had notified with his request to meet up. Slowly Connor walked closer, unsure on how to behave. The last time they had seen each other Connor had marched with hundreds of androids into an unknown future. The whole situation was too absurd and Connor was unable to construct the best path possible to take.

His hesitance was rendered meaningless by Hank who pulled Connor into a hug. The stress of the last few days was forgotten and the concerned thoughts about how Hank was doing disappeared from his mind.

After a while, Connor had lost track of time and didn't bother to look at his internal watch, Hank pulled away and suggested to move their conversation to his house. Connor nodded in agreement. It was too cold for Hank to stay outside for a longer period of time and due to the evacuation no bars or restaurants were open.

During the ride Hank teased Connor about his interview, how stiff and direct his answers had been. Connor was confused, he was convinced of having given a good and interesting interview. Hank only laughed at his confidence.

At that moment Connor realized he enjoyed hearing Hank laugh. It was deep and honest. Perfect. It was the first time he was able to tell he was enjoying something.

- - -

After the first experience of this emotion it got easier and easier to discern it.

In a matter of days Connor found several things he enjoyed. The first thing after Hank's laugh was the excited barking of Sumo when Connor entered the flat. A warmth took hold of him when he sat down to pet the dog. The whole situation was accompanied by a snicker from Hank and some rude words about his disloyal pet.

With Hank going to work and Connor unable to, until Markus and the government worked out the necessary laws for androids to take up work, he had a lot of time to wander around and find other things he enjoyed.

While walking with Sumo around the neighborhood Connor realized he liked the snow falling down around him. It reminded him of the day by the bridge, after their visit at the Eden Club, when Hank started to open up to Connor and told him about his son.

During the long hours alone he listened to the jazz records and found this kind of music rather relaxing. Slouching on the couch with Sumo was added to the growing list of things Connor enjoyed. The clothes Hank brought him to replace his Cyberlife uniform was on that list, too. With shops still closed it was an assortment gathered from different police officers around Connor's statue.