Comfort Zone (Connor x Reader)

Fourteen

(This went in a direction I didn't plan.)

Well, that's a bit of an overreaction.

"Um... well..." you began, grinning and looking away. "Problem with that. I, uh... didn't bring extra clothes. I can remove the prosthetics and makeup, but I'm stuck in Gavin's clothing for now."

"That's fine," the android hissed, shoving you into the restroom. Which, thankfully, was empty. Otherwise, it might have created a load of additional problems for Reed.

Fifteen minutes passed in front of the mirror, carefully removing the various materials that had reshaped your face, as well as washing the rest of the makeup off. There was a sigh of relief as the wig was removed, as well; it didn't matter the hair length, wigs were annoying.

With everything in hand you emerged again, trying not to laugh as Connor visibly relaxed. "Oh come on, it wasn't that bad," you taunted him.

"No. It was worse."

The corners of your mouth turned down a touch. "Connor. It was just special effects makeup. Nothing super serious." When your trainee still didn't seem to let it go, you approached cautiously. "... hey. Is there another layer to this I'm not understanding?"

When he didn't elaborate, you lifted a hand, paused, then took his chin. Letting you gently raise his head, the android's eyes met your own-- where he threw a wink at you.

You scoffed loudly, tossing your hands up in exasperation as he chuckled quietly. "Is that better, Detective? Deceiving you without upsetting you terribly?" He watched you take a few steps away, head tilting. "Have I gone too far again?"

"Connor." You went through a wide range of facial expressions, but at the end, you couldn't be that mad. "I-- okay. Okay. You and I both have this part down, okay? But there's a difference between tricking each other and tricking the public. Especially in dangerous situations."

Nodding, your trainee slid his hands behind his back. "I agree wholeheartedly, Detective. And... I'm sure I shouldn't be telling you this, but... I wasn't going to deceive you again until a few minutes ago." When your eyebrow lifted, Connor rocked back and forth on his feet. "I had to get a bit of revenge."

You weren't in your usual getup; heels seemed to give you a hefty dose of confidence. But even in Gavin's clothes and your regular sneakers, you got close to the RK800, eyes narrowed. "Revenge, huh? You still think I need to be put in my place?"

Connor's expression was unflinching, even with you so close to him. "Not at all," he explained, his tone smooth. "It was merely a trick for the kiss you snuck during my test. Needless to say, I was startled and subsequently horrified. I thought a bit of retaliation was in order." It seemed like his plan to flirt hadn't yet been abandoned, as he leaned close with his crooked smile. "I do not need to put you in any place except over my desk... and under me. Remember?"

All of the anger and disgust from yesterday seemed to have faded, and in its place was the reaction he wanted: embarrassment. Cheeks burning, your mouth twitched as you tried to think of some response that didn't involve threats of bodily harm.

Little by little, your trainee pulled back, gaze never wavering. That crooked smile had widened a touch. "I will leave it to you to decipher whether I lied or not," he murmured, straightening his tie before walking away.

■□■□■

[How have I not been dismantled yet??]

Hands on the sink, Connor's head hung a good deal. His LED seemed to be permanently stuck on yellow, but at least he was in the restroom. Internally, he was vaguely aware of the cooling fans working hard.