𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐎𝐃𝐄

Chapter 18

A snowstorm had kicked up by the time Hank's car pulled up in front of the house. Even from inside the car, you could make out Sumo's bushy tail flopping back and forth as he paced underneath the window. Little flecks of ice were biting at your cheeks as you stepped out. By the time you had gotten inside, the news was directing everyone to stay in their homes and not leave until morning when it was safer, along with a reminder that androids cannot be outside in under 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hank was glad to have a reason not to go back to the station and retired to bed almost immediately. You and Connor, on the other hand, were distracted by the android politics segment that was currently playing on the television.

It was like watching a political debate with a grandparent. Connor's stoic stance on the couch was intimidating. His eyes hardened when android rights protesters came onto the screen. You didn't have it in you to argue that night so you simply curled into the couch and hummed as Sumo began licking at your hand.

"Can I ask you a question?"

The sound of Connor's voice broke through the barrier that you didn't even know was there. It startled you, sounding closer than you thought Connor was sitting. He always seems further away than he actually was but you figured that was just because of his position of authority over you.

You sat up and looked at him. Connor was turned to face you, struggling to keep his formal composure but ultimately failing as you made eye contact. His chocolate brown eyes were wet like he had been crying. But you knew better. This was Connor for god's sake.

The blue light of the TV almost masked the yellow glow of his LED indicator. You pursed your lips and sat up straighter, grabbing a pillow to hold in your lap. "Yeah, what's up?"

It was like he wasn't expecting you to reply. He licked his lips, adjusting his weight on the couch. His hands were folded in his lap, neatly, but nervously. "How did..." he started, losing momentum before clearing his throat and looking back up to you. "How did you become deviant?"

(Connor's POV)

My question hung in the air for a few moments without an answer to tether it to. At first, I thought that she just hadn't heard me correctly. But a few seconds went by and her half-smile fell into a deep frown. Her eyebrows knit together and the pillow was clenched tighter against her lap.

"I-I dunno, Connor. It's a lot of things that happen over time that sort of build-up into deviancy."

"Like what?"

(Y/N) sighed and looked at the TV. "Connor I really don't want to talk about it."

Against my better judgment, I squinted and allowed my sensors to run a diagnostic over her stress levels. 

75%.

Not wanting to pester her anymore in fear of bringing out her self-destructive tendencies, I stopped and turned back over to face the TV. Every once in awhile, I would hear her shift her weight and coo at Sumo. 

 According to the news, android protests weren't letting up. If anything, they were increasing. All around Detroit, androids were disobeying their masters and rising up to free their kind from slavery. I knew that even if it failed, it would certainly go down in history. People would certainly think twice before implementing technology any deeper into their lifestyles.

I thought back to the question that I asked (Y/N). Why did I feel the need to know that? It wasn't imperative to the investigation, or necessary to our relationship. On a strictly professional level of course.

If I really needed to know, I could just-

Looking back over to where she was lying down, arm draped over her head, the other hand firmly gripping a handful of Sumo's fur. The Saint Bernard didn't seem opposed, only snoring and kicking his leg out every so often. They were both asleep. She was lying face down, only a sliver of her eye and nose were visible.