Connor x Reader - Altering algorithms (DBH)

Chapter 8: Time for a deep breath and a burger

When I stood up straightly again, I caught a glimpse of Connor rethinking Hank's answer too, peering at our partner with actual interest in his eyes. His curiosity seemed to light up his usually neutral eyes and I had to admit that look suited Connor perfectly. He appeared much more human at that moment. Taken aback by that expression, I missed the next question Connor posed but caught Hank's answer.

"I have my reasons."

Confused as to what the android had asked, I silently stared from one man to the other, trying to catch any sign of what the topic was. However, the only thing I noticed was Hank's solemn face and Connor slightly shifting.

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

The androids next inquiry caught me off guard. Nevertheless, it was nice to see Connor offer such a thing. Smiling to myself, I looked over at the grey-haired man, who appeared to be visibly abhorred hearing that.

" Hell, no..."

One second later though, he raised his hand. "Well, yeah, um... Why did they make you look so goofy and give you that weird voice?"

He motioned towards Connor, squinting his eyes. Staying to a matter-of-factly way of speaking, he answered, "CyberLife androids are designed to work harmoniously with humans. Both my appearance and voice were specifically designed to facilitate my integration."

Hank nodded as if understanding what the android had just explained, albeit shaking his head immediately. "Well, they fucked up."

Glancing at me, Connor continued, "I do think it was fairly successful. Detective (L/N) appears to have quickly gotten used to me."

I widened my eyes at him addressing me, opening my mouth to chime in, yet did not know what to say, hence I closed it again.

"She doesn't count, she's got a thing for androids anyway." Hank waved Connor's statement off.

Embarrassed by the way the lieutenant had expressed that idea, I protested. "Excuse me, I do not! I simply view them as equals." Feeling a slight blush dust my cheeks, I turned away, my gaze landing on the street next to us.

"Sure thing..." Hank sarcastically whispered.

To my luck, Connor decided to change the topic. "Maybe I should tell you what we know about deviants?"

I was glad he stuck to the plan of making up with Hank, whereas I slowly forgot about my light outburst a moment ago.

Faking interest, Hank replied, "You read my mind... Proceed."

"We believe that a mutation occurs in the software of some androids, which can lead to them emulating a human emotion." Connor argued.

Hank closed his eyes, moving one hand down through mid-air. "In English, please."

Paraphrasing his explanation, Connor repeated what he had said before. "They don't really feel emotions, they just get overwhelmed by irrational instructions, which can lead to unpredictable behavior."

I skeptically directed a glance towards him, disagreeing on that matter. While I did not know what the inside of an android looked like, I was sure that they did feel certain things. My mind always went back to Carlos Ortiz' android, who had been visibly scared for his life. That definitely was no emulation like Connor thought.

"Emotions always screw everything up... Maybe androids aren't as different from us as we thought." Hank uttered underneath his breath.

I completely agreed with that comment. While they sometimes are nice, they mainly seem to cause us suffering. Even the andoids had learned that.

"You ever dealt with deviants before?" Seeing how Hank asked Connor a question this time, my head perked up.

"A few months back... A deviant was threatening to jump off the roof with a little girl... I managed to save her..."

A weight fell off my chest, as Connor added that he had rescued the child. Unconsciously, a smile covered my face. "What 'bout you (Y/N)?" Hank turned to address me, as I shortly stared at the street once more. How much information could I offer?

"No, these cases were my first. However, I pretty much spend a large period of my life with androids, so I know quite a bit about them. That's also why I see them as equals." Trying not to give away too many details, I shrugged my shoulders.

Hank nodded, not as much disbelief in his eyes as there had been at the beginning of our teamwork. For a minute, the grey-haired man's gaze did not leave me, causing me to tilt my head.

"What's wrong?" I asked, earning a "Nothing..." from the lieutenant. Baffled, I let out a sigh.

"So, I guess you've done all your homework, right? Know everything there is to know about me?" Hank now addressed Connor again.

"I know you graduated top of your class. You made a name for yourself in several cases, and became the youngest lieutenant in Detroit. I also know you've received several disciplinary warnings in recent years and you spend a lot of time in bars."

Blinking, I was suprised how much Connor actually knew. Well, I shouldn't have been that bewildered, his knowledge was impressive anyhow.

Hank pressed his lips together. "So, what's your conclusion?"

Connor slightly leaned back, answering, "I think working with an officer with personal issues is an added challenge, but adapting to human unpredictability is one of my features."

At the end of that sentence, he winked at Hank and even though it was not directed at me, I felt heat rushing through my body. Flushed, I held my cheek in an attempt to calm myself down.

"Suprisingly though, I do not know anything about you detective (L/N)."

Seeing Connor turn towards me, while I was still feeling bashful, I nervously chuckled, looking anywhere but at him. "There's nothing interesting about me. I'm just a regular citizen, that's all."

My words were not convincing at all, hence I wanted to slap myself. If I messed up my mission now, CyberLife would surely bring me back again. Somehow, couldn't shake off that warm sensation inside my chest though.

"Well, that does not mean I do not have the opportunity to get to know you better."

I knew Connor had said that to benefit his own duty, yet I felt even more shy afterwards. Something strange was happening to me.

I witnessed Hank lightly grinning in amusement out of the corner of my eye, realizing he had seen my embarrassing act. Frowning, I took a deep breath and tried to focus on reality. Connor's LED flickered yellow for a second, then he turned to Hank and I.

"I just got a report of a suspected deviant. It's a few blocks away. We should go have a look."

I nodded, enthusiam taking over now. Nothing beat my determination to solve more cases.

Connor pointed towards Hank and said, "I'll let you finish your meal. I'll be in the car, if you need me." Shooting one glance at me, he turned on his heels and walked away.

"I knew you liked him," Hank claimed, a provoking tone in his voice. Exhaling, I rolled my eyes.

"I told you before, I treasure you both as partners, Hank."

The lieutenant cocked his head to the side and continued eating. Connor was my partner, maybe my friend. Yet that would be where the line was drawn. I didn't plan to let affection break me once again.