The Lieutenant is an interesting human.

That's how Connor summarized it at least, as he scanned the food truck that the Lieutenant was grabbing for his needed sustenance for lunch after solving that homicide in Ortiz's house the previous night and chasing that AX400 along with the YK500.

Ever since he's been partnered with the Lieutenant, it has been filled with events after another when it came to cases of deviants. The android that murdered the drug user Ortiz, the HK400, managed to release information for him without the advanced prototype having to pressure the droid too far. The droid did not self destruct thanks to that, but it did not stop itself from committing suicide later in its clear inescapable cell at the police station. Connor only stared at it, blinking at the body for a few seconds, perplexed at the fact that it would deactivate itself at a station instead of within CyberLife where actions towards deactivation would be. . .less brutal.

Why would it do such a thing?

Connor doesn't know.

Why did I stop from pursuing the AX400 just because the Lieutenant said so?

Connor still doesn't know, but. But, he does recall at that moment when the Lieutenant grabbed his arm before he was about to jump over the fence, scolding him that he will only get killed in the fast highway, your own words echoed back to him.

"For me. Avoid death at all costs. Accomplish missions without you sacrificing your life."

And so he stopped, only looking at the escaping  AX400 and the YK500 completely at a loss. Your words, your voice, your eyes, and your whole expression that was just filled with the emotion of pleading. You're always pleading, always begging at him to follow your words. Always with (e/c) shimmering eyes filled with water looking at him. Stress levels high, eyes always tired and baggy from lack of sleep and red.

You're not supposed to look like that, your stress and eyes have always been like that since he woke up, but ever since the Zen Garden interface has been placed, no. That's not right. Ever since you left the meeting about said program, you've acted oddly. He understood your change of behavior as you finally acting accordingly towards him, formal. But what if he was wrong?

Before that meeting, your personality has always been the kind where it was open and kind. Answering all of his questions with either a patient smile or a laugh when they went on their outings, highly likely due to how some questions or conclusions he's made was either put bluntly, ridiculous, or too serious. That's what you always said anyways, and he never doubted you were ever wrong. You're his creator. He shouldn't question. He can't question.

"With this program, Connor," you spoke as you stood above him of your operating table, holographic properties all over the room to assist you or inform you if you placed the software incorrectly as he laid there, unmoving with brown eyes following your movements. His skin was deactivated and the top of his head was unlatched, since that was where the program will be built in. "CyberLife will be able to inform you of new cases right as they come in. It will avoid any and all hassle of you having to come to the Tower for any new leads in your deviant investigation."

You must be summarizing the details again for him. Unnecessary. He stayed quiet though, letting you continue your work and explanation.

But it didn't come, for you stopped in moving the circuits above his head and stayed silent. Metal where his brows would be turned down.

"Doctor (Y/N)? Has something occurred or have been found in my wires that does not allow the program to enter?" He spotted you move your blue tinted hand to your face, taking deep breaths as you shook your head. "Then what is the problem? Should I call for assistance for another engineer?"

You took your hand away from your face, pained. "No!"

Connor blinked at your yell, as you gave a sigh, glancing to the side.

"Sorry. I did not mean to yell, Connor. Forgive me." You whispered, clenching your hands on the operating table near his torso.

"There's nothing to forgive." He replied quickly, eyes stirring from your form to the ceiling. "You can yell at me all you want. I won't get hurt by it, I'm just a machine. I'm nothing." He turned his eyes back to you, and his metal lips turned down at the sight.

You gazed down at him, a mix of saddened and anger. It seemed you were trying to decide on something, whether it was what emotion to feel or not, Connor did not know. All he saw was that you were biting your lip, eyes flickering across his face with your hands clenching and unclenching on the table.

Did he say something wrong? He was merely stating facts.

You closed your eyes, and then opened them. A determined look set on your face.

"No. You're not nothing. You'll never be just nothing," you put a hand on his shoulder, growing closer, "you hear me? Don't let Amanda tell you any different when I put this in. You'll never be nothing to me, Connor. Never." You squeezed his suit covered shoulder, hard.

He stayed silent. Mostly because he had nothing to say to that. How can one reply to that?

"Another thing I must add about this Connor," you continued. "I am removing your connecting recording device that lets me monitor your actions in missions. This program will be able to do just that without me having to see everything myself on my tablet. Amanda will be able to do this job for me."

Good, he thought. You can catch up on needed sleep then instead of constantly having to supervise his missions. He lifted his lips up but stopped, realizing that something was not quite right.

Your tone, Connor slightly tilted his head.

It was a warning.

"Is that not good, Doctor (Y/N)? This program makes doing your job easier for you."

You shook your head, and your hand grazed his cheek, eyes intense.

"Connor, this means CyberLife will be watching your every move. Every choice you make, they'll see. Amanda will constantly oversee every choice you make, since she's your handler." You cupped his cheek, and your lips were slightly tilted up into a gentle not smile. His LED flashed yellow. "Do you understand? I. . . We—" you stopped, glancing down, unsure.

You began muttering, but Connor decided to ignore your odd words and instead scanned you to make sure you're alright. You were muttering in riddles after all, 'choices are sometimes not our own', 'something will go wrong', 'labyrinths' and 'not ready'.

Clearly, something is wrong. Your stress levels were going alarmingly high, your heart beating quickly he could practically hear your blood cells moving under your skin. Your hand upon his cheek was also shaking slightly.

*Anxiety Attack Detected*

Connor wasted no time in grabbing your hand upon his cheek, keeping it there.

"Breathe," He said gently, unable to get up. But he managed to grab your attention, blurry constricted eyes back to focusing on him. "Nothing will go wrong. You're here. Everything's alright. Breathe, Doctor (Y/N). With me."

He took a breath and you shakily did it, too quick though.

"Again, at the same time. You can do it. You're the best, Doctor (Y/N). " His lips curved into a smile that can be seen as reassuring. "This is nothing. Breathe. Come on, you can do it. I know you can." You broke a smile at that. It must be working.

He took a breath and you followed, more calmly then before and eyes focused on him. Now dilated, you squeezed your fingers with his that were over your hand upon his metal cheek.

"One more time. Breathe with me, (Y/N)."

He lifted his other activated dermis hand that was atop the table, motioning for you to grab it. You wasted no time in doing so, squeezing like it was your lifeline. Which is perfect, a person suffering with anxiety needs an anchor to bring them back. Connor did not read too much into it besides that.

The both of you breathed, now in sync. Connor gave you another careful smile and slight tip of the head, you returning it with his LED back to blue. You closed your eyes.

". . . Thank you, Connor. But please remember what I said." You opened them again, imploringly as his smile fell. "CyberLife will be constantly watching you, even outside missions. You—" You breathed in shakily, and Connor was ready to calm you down but then you continued, "You must think carefully on what you say, Connor. Be careful on what you say. Amanda will see and listen. Just try to accomplish your missions without sacrificing your life, you hear me? This is also why I must. . . act different towards you Connor when I put this in. Just," you rubbed your thumb on his cheek, (e/c) eyes watery with a broken crumple of a smile, "I hope you can forgive me."

"There's nothing to forgive," he replied, watching you. There really was nothing to forgive. You've never harmed him.

If possible, your smile turned even more broken at his words. He's so horrible at being a comfort to you. Why can't he be better at helping you? LED was yellow once more.

You then kissed the spot between his brows.

Connor's optical lens widened, his metal lips parting but he did not let go or pull away from your hands where one was still on his cheek and the other being squeezed gently by yours. Something fell upon his face as you moved back, releasing him. He noticed your right cheek had a watery trail.

So that's what it was . . .

"Oh, sorry." You said, wiping away the tear that fell upon his metal cheek and he could only watch. That's all he can do, he doesn't know what to do.

"There's nothing to forgive," he repeated, looking at your gentle smile on your lips.

"Of course." You gave a nod and you continued your work and Connor stayed silent the rest of the operation. Secretly glad that you decided to say nothing when your first name with no title left his mouth. Nor that his LED flashed with red for the tiniest of milliseconds.

He mustn't question. He can't. CyberLife
is always watching. Connor must accomplish his mission from now on, he has to.

Once the Lieutenant got his food, Connor followed. Deciding to not comment on the exchange between the Lieutenant and the cook of the food truck. Seeing this as an opportunity to grow closer with his assigned partner, Connor asked him questions as he ate. Also giving him the same advice he gave you on eating certain things, unlike you though, the Lieutenant continued to eat despite Connor's mild look of disapproval. Then again, you're different from most humans.

The questions seem to be working, for he was opening up.

Connor tilted his head at him as he leaned his arms on the table.

"Is there anything you'd like to know about me?"

"Hell, no—" Anderson almost cut him off at the end of his sentence, with a tone like he was disgusted with the idea. "Well, yeah, um," He looked at him, putting his burger down for a moment as Connor waited patiently. "Why did they make you look so goofy and give you that weird voice?"

Well then.

"CyberLife androids are designed to work harmoniously with humans. Both my appearance and voice were specifically designed to facilitate my integration."

He remember you having told him once you actually needed a little assistance in designing his skin. Thankfully there were numerous talented artists and designers, and you accepted his appearance. "You were perfect", he remembers you saying.

Anderson nodded, but then shook his head.

"Well, they fucked up." He commented bluntly, getting back to his burger.

The uncaring answer made Connor's LED blink yellow for a moment, and his programs to stir. He couldn't hold back from opening his mouth, even though he felt like he should've.

"Impossible," he said defensively. "My creator has never made a mistake for CyberLife in her life. She's the best of the best since Kamski. She's even his successor."

"Woah, woah, calm down." Anderson raised his hands as he held his burger in one, brows up and with a smirk. "The best huh? Well what's this fancy creator of yours that got your metal balls in a twist name?"

"Doctor (Y/N)."

He frowned, putting his hands down to hold his burger in both hands. "Doctor (Y/N)? That's a weird last name. Don't think I've heard of her. . ."

"That's not her last name," Connor corrected, although his brows furrowed, his programming going haywire. "it's her first. And that's not possible. She has helped create numerous android models for the benefit of CyberLife as well as create new biocomponents, specifically for my model included."

"Huh. Weird. You call her by her first name?" Anderson's smirk came back, it seems he was mocking him. "That's a disrespectful thing to do to your mom. Why don't you say her last name and see if it rings a bell?" He asked, taking a bite at his burger and arching a brow at him.

Connor frowned.

"She's not my mother. She's my creator." Anderson only shrugged and replied on what's the difference. "And her last name is—"

There was a problem.

Connor doesn't know your last name.

"I. . .I don't know." He answered, more bewildered then ever as circuits within his head felt like they were going haywire.

In fact, he's never found it in any database in him and every worker at CyberLife has always called you by your first. There, there has never been any trace of your last name. It's like, like you've only existed without a surname. But that's impossible. No one can exist with just a first name.

No one.

How come he never took notice before? It's like. . . he was never supposed to. His LED flashed red.

Anderson frowned, but then rubbed his left temple.

"Agh, you somehow not knowing your creator's name is giving me a headache. Let's talk about something else before it becomes a migraine."

Connor swallowed, at a loss, but he did as the Lieutenant said. Until another case came within his system, he told Anderson he would wait in the car until he was done with his lunch to investigate.

All Connor could think about, LED now back to blue and programming as well circuits calmed as he sat in the car, was just how secretive you really are.

. . . ◎ . . . ◉ . . . ◎ . . . ◉ . . . ◎ . . .

You hope Connor is okay.

You were laying upon your couch, playing with your tablet as well as at times glancing at your hard working laptop on your coffee table. Making sure everything was in order and that the hard drive would not have excess or needless files within it. Your cat upon your lap peacefully, you scratching the back of its ear absentmindedly as you worked, causing it to purr and sometimes release its nails out of happiness.

You wish it's expression of happiness wouldn't have to hurt you though, you thought, wincing but smiling as it's dug its claws through your pants for a moment before releasing. Thank goodness you have someone here at your house to take care of your cat.

The smell of (favorite food) wafted in the air, and it almost made you pause from your important work but all you did was smile at the newcomer with the delicious food, setting it on the table.

"You really should eat, (Y/N). You've been working for far too long without eating, that's not healthy. And aren't you on vacation?" The gentle voice questioned, blue eyes blinking at you in concern.

You turned your head towards her, stopping your hand motions on your tablet.

"Thanks for your concern, Chloe. I'll eat, don't worry." You put down your tablet as if to show, blue eyes brightening at you for listening. You rarely listen after all. Your cat jumped from you lap from the movement of you getting up. "And I'm just working on a personal project of mine. I have to perfect it."

You grabbed your plate and began to eat, no, swallow your favorite food making Chloe give a slight laugh.

"You're making a mess, (Y/N). Here," she handed you a napkin for you to grab and you did, giving a tired but grateful smile at her. You patted your hand to the spot next to you on the couch for her to sit, which she gracefully did as she examined your laptop screen.

Chloe is specifically a ST200 android, and you shared something with Kamski about being fond of Chloe. Although Kamski has the RT600 if you recall in his little hidden oasis. She has helped you throughout the years whenever things got too difficult as well as help take care of you and your cat. Your cat more though, since the past few months all you've been doing is be holed up in the CyberLife Tower due to them getting quite greedy of using you and that you did not want to stay too far away from Connor should anything happen.

Connor. . .

Is he working okay with the Lieutenant? Have they become good partners? Has he listened to you so far? Has he heeded your words? Does him even listening to you cause anything to be different?

You don't know what this ra9 is planning. At least, not yet. You glanced at your hard drive in your computer, eyes unreadable.

"Chloe."

The beautiful hostess android blinked, turning away from your laptop to look at with a tilted head and a kind smile.

"Yes?"

You put your plate down, then putting your elbows on your knees, hands interlocked together as you leaned forward with your mouth hidden as you stared at your laptop.

"Have you been able to reach your fellow model? I know it's sometimes difficult but any information could be useful to me. Your connectivity is far away, but it should not hinder you too much for your sync networks to go offline. At least, when she's at work."

The blonde closed her eyes for a moment, eyes flickering behind her lids as her LED turned yellow.

"The RK200 has found Jericho successfully, but he's. . . still lost. The AX400 and YK500 escaped from being captured by DPD but they're. . ." She opened her blue eyes, wide-eyed and scared. Not good. "T—they're, they're in trouble. . . They need help! A bad human has them."

"Tch. . .damn it." You cursed, scowling deeply and tightening your interlocked fingers. "I can't do anything about them Chloe, they're in it's hands now. The only thing I've done so far successfully is Jericho."

Chloe fully turned her body towards you, blue eyes shaking. "But—I— isn't there—?" She stopped, and let out a breath. "I—I'm really glad everything you've done (Y/N). You didn't have to create that map that leads to a solace for androids but you did. "

You didn't move, eyes faraway and in thought as your eyes turned towards your hard drive. A soft touch to your shoulder made you look at Chloe, who was giving you a shining thankful smile.

"You didn't have to do anything for us androids, but you did." She continued, ever so thankful. It touched your heart, it made you think you were actually doing something. "I don't care for what reason you're doing this, I just want you to know that I'm forever thankful towards you. And once everything is done, I'm sure others of my kind will thank you too."

You stared at her for a moment, blinking your eyes. And then you turned away, making sure your expression was hidden from her.

"I did whatever I could for all of you. I don't care what anyone says," you turned back towards her, (e/c) eyes hard, "all of you are real to me. All of you will always be real to me. I just wish. . ."

You stopped, biting your lip and looking down.

I just wish it will see it too.

"Well, let's hope everything is good with Connor right?" Chloe commented, hoping to bring your mood up by mentioning the advanced prototype android.

Your lips twitched upwards.

Connor, you've been good so far. You haven't failed me yet. Please, Connor. Don't go. Don't forget. I beg of you. You have to pick your side soon, Connor. Please, please choose correctly.

Don't leave, you thought, holding back tears as you shook. Chloe only being able to rub your back soothingly.

. . . ◎ . . . ◉ . . . ◎ . . . ◉ . . . ◎ . . .

He. . . he failed.

That was the first thing Connor thought, after the events of Eden Club. He thought earlier that day, when he was trying to capture the android that was holed up in that bird filled apartment, that he would catch it. That he would catch that deviant and everything would be alright.

Yes, Connor left Hank dangling on the ledge, but the percentage of him getting himself up was so high he did not find it necessary to lift him up.

He must solve his mission. He has to.

"For me. Avoid death at all costs. Accomplish missions without you sacrificing your life."

That's what you said. He has to accomplish his missions, Amanda is watching. CyberLife is watching. She's already expressed her disappointment at him.

For failing.

He's not supposed to fail, he has to succeed. He's the most advanced prototype model released by CyberLife, why is he failing? Is something wrong with him?

Connor refused to believe that you made him defective somehow. That's impossible. Highly improbable. You're the best. The best that CyberLife has.

And yet, living without a surname is also impossible.

Each time Connor thought that, his programs would stir.

Hank wasn't receptive of him leaving him dangling, despite him successfully cornering the deviant android. He slapped him. Hard. Connor knew it was hard since Hank managed to almost make him fall over due to the hit despite him not having pain receptors. With the violent distraction, the deviant jumped from the roof. Removing all chances of getting answers from it.

He's sure that his relationship with the Lieutenant just went back down. And he thought it was improving too.

And then the case for Eden Club came in.

Connor wasn't going to fail this time, he was determined he wasn't. No hesitation.

Connor recalled when himself and Hank entered the front doors of the sex club, he began to examine one of the Traci's with a tilt of his head.

He couldn't help but compare the Traci with you, chocolate eyes analyzing.

The android was sculpted for perfection, the perfect body with all the correct curves and a symmetrical pretty face for one to look at. The perfect partner, Connor observed, as she gave a twirl for him with a mischievous smile.

You however, had (body flaw), (skin color), (body type), and (face features). You were nothing like the Traci. Anything but really. Connor continued to stare at the Traci model, then looked down with a frown, LED yellow.

He wishes you were here. You'd be able to help and solve this case immediately. You, who would always smile at him kindly. Giving him soft touches and obnoxious laughter for him to feel and hear. You have never hit him. Not once. To you, he was never a thing.

Never.

"You'll never be nothing to me, Connor. Never."

You'd know exactly what to do. You may confuse him at times, causing his programming and circuits to stir or work faster, but you've always been dependable. You always had the answers to his questions.

I wish you were here, (Y/N).

"Connor! The fuck are you doing?!" Hank yelled, looking back at him by the second entrance. Connor glanced away from the Traci, face indifferent.

"Coming, Lieutenant."

That Traci has nothing on you. Of that he's sure. LED now back to calm blue.

He and Hank eventually found who the killer was, and as he was fighting them off, he admits he got distracted once more. Even at a time as critical as an android with a screwdriver in their hand ready to stab him with.

"Just in case anything happens during your missions, if there's an injury or a needed biocomponent to be replaced," you put a hand to your chest, "come to me."

With his thoughts in disarray, LED yellow, the android managed to get him at his diaphragm with the screwdriver. Thankfully it wasn't a critical biocomponent so he just continued fighting them off with the help of Hank, once they reached outside, that's when everything went downhill as they say.

Connor had the deviant in his sights. He had them.

But as he looked at the couple, who were trying so hard to leave and escape without them having to heavily injure himself or Hank, he couldn't. He just couldn't.

He failed.

That's all he thought as he let them go, LED yellow, the couple climbing up the fence to leave, with Hank not protesting one bit. He didn't even look disappointed at the outcome.

In fact, his partner looked glad it came out the way it did. Hank glancing at him and saying,

"It's probably better this way. . ."

He then walked away, as if it was nothing.

Would you be disappointed in me? I'm supposed to be accomplishing my missions but I'm failing. . .

Connor then glanced at his abdomen, spotting his white dress shirt being stained with blue. He has to tell Hank that he'll be meeting you for repairs.

Maybe then you could answer his questions.

. . . ◎ . . . ◉ . . . ◎ . . . ◉ . . . ◎ . . .

. . . ◎ . . . ◉ . . . ◎ . . . ◉ . . . ◎ . . .

. . . ◎ . . . ◉ . . . ◎ . . . ◉ . . . ◎ . . .

This chapter was a whoozy. XD

The both of you were supposed to meet here, but then I suddenly got that flashback idea and I couldn't help myself.

The mystery about you deepens. What's ra9? You created the map to Jericho?

What's happening?

Man, I don't know. I'm just going wherever my mind takes me. XD

Please comment and vote~

If you see a mistake, feel free to correct me~