NOTES:

For visual reference, this was more or less my inspiration behind the vehicle: . /motoring_news/chevrolet-fnr-autonomous-concept/33791/
I think it fits the aesthetic pretty well, just with a little more...flare.

FUN FACT: "LEX" is short for "Lexicon", a group of words formed to create a programming language. It's also referred to as a branch of knowledge that stores all known words for a particular subject.

*o*o*o*

A diluted stream of blue mingled with the flowing water, circling the drain under his feet. Forehead resting against his left forearm braced on the tile shower wall, Connor stared downwards absentmindedly, the hypnotic spiral drowning out the ever present nest in his head. Any sort of reprieve was a rarity these days it seemed. Relishing the hot water showering his back, he realized it no longer bothered him that he could actually feel it, and dare he say even enjoy it. He was finally beginning to understand why humans raved about this sort of thing. Closing his eyes, he breathed in deeply the rising steam and soft scent of the Irish Spring soap he'd lathered over his body, scrubbing away the blue blood and dirt which tainted his otherwise flawless complexion. Save for the smattering of freckles that CyberLife had deemed appropriate to enliven his features, of course.

His altercation with the Traci hadn't left him unscathed; she'd manage to land a puncturing blow to his shoulder with a screwdriver, resulting in a nicely stained suit and a gradual loss of Thirium 310. Nothing system compromising of course, but Hank had commented on his "shitty" appearance as he chauffeured him back to the DPD, suggesting he utilize the training facility's showers. The idea seemed ridiculous at first, androids not requiring such fussing. But now that he was here beneath the steady stream, the warmth flowing over and embracing his synthetic skin as his troubles seemed to wash away, he was glad to have taken his partner's advice.

Still, the evening's events persistently crept up, and he replayed the scene once more. His inefficiency and hesitation tormented him. There was no logical reason for him not to fire, and yet he did not. Two more deviants slipped out of his grasp. Amanda was sure to have words reserved for him….

Then his thoughts trailed back to the incident involving the male Traci and its advances on you. Connor's right hand flexed, recalling the sensation of smooth leather brushing his skin as he wedged his arm between you and your captor, unintentionally grazing your chest. And the way your hip stroked his as you freed yourself from its grasp...how he wished it had been him in the other android's place. Oh the things he would do to you...

Warmth pooled in his groin, a dull ache beginning to throb as his member responded to the sinful notion. He squeezed his eyes shut, attempting to rid himself of the feeling. He had no right to such human indulgences; he was an android, an asset designed with a single purpose. And yet, something stirred in him, a spark that seemed to flicker brighter with every passing day, threatening to spread like wildfire. The words of Ortiz's android echoed in his mind: "It isn't... fair."

The flames swelled in his chest. Succumbing to his urges, he groaned, removing his right hand from its post on the wall to wrap around his rapidly hardening member. A hiss escaped him as he rolled his thumb over the sensitive head, easing into the feeling with a few long, slow strokes. It wasn't long before he began slowly pumping, setting an even tempo, forehead pressing into his forearm as the pleasurable sensations overtook him. His mind fixed on you, he placed himself where the Traci had been, where he himself SHOULD have been. He pictured your chest heaving against his own as he pulled you closer, his hands trailing over your back, and lower. Cooling systems kicking in, he slacked his jaw, chest heaving as he maintained a steady pace.

The image of your skin exposed to him, offered to him so freely earlier in the night pushed him further, his strokes quickening. A low, rumbling moan resounded in his throat from the heightened pleasure and he bit down on his bottom lip. The way you had reacted to the Traci's flirting when he'd performed the same gesture suggested you were eager for the contact. He realized then that he could not quite fathom a kiss, having never experienced one for himself. But the prospect of your lips pressed against his, the softness they were sure to possess, and the sheer intimacy of such an act left him desperately wanting a taste. A vision of you trapped between him and the tile wall crept its way into his mind, his lips ravaging your own, your neck, your collarbone...his cock throbbed almost painfully at the thought and he began bucking his hips, now practically thrusting himself into his hand with a steady rhythm. The wetness and lewd sounds of the shower's stream gushing around his cock as he pumped were music to his processors, and he imagined your own wetness as he plunged himself into you. Chancing a moan louder than before, his forehead ground into his arm, thrusts quickly becoming sloppy and uneven. He was close. The swirling pit in his stomach grew with every stroke and his legs trembled, not from exhaustion, but from the sheer amount of ecstasy overloading his systems. Finally, his entire body tensed as he was thrown over the edge, hips jerking forward as he coated his hand and the tile wall with his fluid. His jaw snapped shut as he fiercely tried to stifle the growling moan prying its way from his throat, eyes squeezed shut as he spent himself. With one last jolt of his pelvis, his body went lax, his hand finding the wall to help brace himself as his frame twitched and trembled with the aftershock of the session.

He was out of control...what if Amanda were to find out about these unorthodox past-times of his? He shook his head, that was the last thing he wanted to think about right now. After collecting himself and washing off for the second time, he dried himself off, stepping out of the shower and changed into a new suit. He would opt to spend the rest of the night in status to ease his mind. For once, he felt like he actually needed it.

-o-

The next morning seemed to go by in a haze. Upon arrival, you'd dumped your things at your desk, making a beeline for the break room coffee machine. True, this was normally Connor's thing, but you were anticipating a long day ahead, and after the previous evening, you figured getting a jump on your fatigue couldn't hurt. Besides, Connor was nowhere in sight…

"Well well well, if it isn't the ornery third wheel."

Gavin. You groaned, grip tightening on the edge of the counter, sights held fast on the whirring coffee machine before you. He moved up next to you, leaning against the counter top.

"You know, I'm starting to get the impression you don't like me...we should work on that."

He leaned back on his elbows, casting you a devilish grin. You merely rolled your eyes.

"I couldn't be less in the mood right now Gavin, so if you'd kindly fuck off…"

"Whoa, such language for a lady!" He feigned shock, clicking his tongue.

"Has anyone ever told you how sexy you make "angry" look?"

Finishing fixing your coffee, you slammed the spoon down onto the counter, a little more forcefully then you'd intended, whipping around to meet his gaze with a fiery glare.

"Oh ho, I rest my case!" He pushed himself off his elbows, straightening to loom over you, his hand inching towards yours on the counter.

Just then, a hand landed on his shoulder, halting his movements.

"I believe she's already expressed her desire to be left alone.

Gavin jerked himself free of the hand, spinning around to stare down the android.

"First off, don't ever fucking touch me you plastic piece of shit, got it?" He forcibly brushed the spot Connor's hand had come in contact with. "Second, what the fuck does an over sized coffee-maker know about "desire"?" He laughed scornfully.

Connor held his ground, calmly unperturbed by the jab. "True, it isn't in my programming to fully comprehend or reciprocate such emotions. But I am capable of discerning when my actions have been rejected, and react accordingly." His tone was dull and factual, but there was an unmistakable hint of mockery behind the mask.

"Why you little prick…" the detective stepped up to Connor, mere inches from him now and shoved a finger in his face. "I ought to clean the fucking floor with you!" The android never faltered, maintaining relaxed eye contact while Gavin practically foamed at the mouth.

"Alright, alright! That's enough!"

Hank? You glanced at the clock; 9:45am.

Gavin stared down the android a moment longer, waiting for a reaction. When he received none, he scoffed, backing off before taking his leave, winding around Hank with a dramatic huff.

"The fuck was that about?" He grabbed his mug down from the cupboard, reactivating the coffee machine.

"Nothing. Gavin just thinks the world revolves around his dick."

"Huh, and those BBC programs always made the planet look so much bigger than that."

You snorted into your coffee. Connor just tilted his head to the side, clearly confused by the comment. You met his gaze, lowering your mug, a grin plastered on your face.

"Don't worry about it, Connor…Just don't ever go to Gavin for any kind of dating advice." You smiled, patting his shoulder as you passed him on your way to the break room entryway.

He felt his face flush again, and he shut his eyes for a moment once you passed to collect himself. Upon reopening them, he was met with Hank's questionable gaze from the coffee machine, eyebrow cocked while he slowly stirred his coffee. Connor's jaw clenched; he'd hardly noticed the Lieutenant. Without a word, the man set his spoon in the sink, picking up his mug and walked past the android to join you. Breathing deeply, Connor adjusted his tie, turning and following suit.

You returned to the floor, coffee in hand and feeling a great deal more elated. Sitting at your desk, you were surprised when Hank stopped next to you, clearing his throat. You looked up. He swirled his coffee, looking into it for a moment before lifting his gaze to meet yours.

"I, uh...just wanted to say thanks, for sticking your neck out for me yesterday. That was a hell of a brawl."

You flushed slightly, taken aback by the sincerity in his normally gruff, disinterested tone. "Of course... couldn't watch you get your ass kicked by a girl after all." He grinned at that, relaxing a bit.

"Smart ass." There was a pause as he ran his thumb over the side of his mug. "Hey, what do you say I thank you properly over a drink at Jimmy's, on me."

That genuinely made you smile. "Yeah alright. Tonight after our shift?"

"Tonight it is." He raised his mug slightly with a nod before continuing on to his own station.

Connor was already at his post, files pulled up on his desktop and reports waiting to be reviewed and filled out. But overhearing your conversation froze his systems. Although he was still naive to many human traditions, Hank's offer sounded a lot like a proposition to accompany him on a...date. He couldn't help the churning in his stomach.

"CONNOR!"

Jerking out of his thoughts, his head whipped around to face Hank's station, the man now leaning over his own desk towards the android. He hadn't even realized he had been staring at the back of your head the past few minutes. Hank startled at the sudden motion, plopping back into his seat.

"Jesus fucking...did you forget to turn your hearing aids, or atomic processors or...whatever the fuck on? For the third time, I need that report on the Eden case filled out by noon, got it?"

Conner paused, processing his words as he came back down. "Uh, right, got it."

-o-

11:30am flashed up from your phone. Time to hit the road. You submitted the files you'd finished throughout the morning before collecting your coat and phone, opening the app to hail a cab. Walking up to Hank's desk, you gave it a gentle rap with your knuckles to turn his attention from the stack of papers on the opposite side. He swiveled around to face you.

"I'm heading out for a bit, I'll be back in an hour or so K?"

"Lunch?"

"Yeah...kinda."

He nodded, giving you a knowing look. Connor peeked out from behind his monitor at the mention of "lunch".

"Would you care for some company?" He offered you a small smile.

You scratched the back of your hand beneath your folded coat, suddenly feeling a little guilty. "Uh, I'm sorry Con. They... don't allow androids where I'm going. Tomorrow?"

"Oh...ok. I understand. Tomorrow is fine." He settled back into his chair, his smile falling as he pulled up another file.

He'd never sounded so shot down before. You never expected an android to make you feel like such a piece of shit…

-o-

The cab slowed, pulling into the circular drive outside the long abandoned building. Even in daylight the sight gave you chills; stained brick and years of weathering stood out in the vast empty space, flaunting its haunting solitude with tall stone columns and archways. The hundreds of small square windows littering the structure gave way to your imagination, and you made a point not to look too closely lest a ghostly face greet you back.

You stepped out into the snow, taking in the structure.

"Michigan Central Train Depot." You read the old iron sign on the post. The taxi door slid shut behind you and you turned to watch the vehicle drive off, leaving you at the mercy of whatever spectres haunted this place. You huffed. "This better be worth it, Aiden."

Snow crunching under your feet, you trudged up the unkempt steps, looking up to take in the structure as you approached the great stone arches.

Stepping in, a gust of icy wind wailed through the grand empty space, rising and drawing your attention upwards to the lofty crumbling ceilings where a light dusting of snow slipped through the gaps.

You shivered, pulling your coat tighter around you. Making your way through the main lobby space, a buzzing in your coat pocket pulled your attention away from the gloomy ambience. Releasing your coat, you reached into your pocket. It was a message from Aiden:

A: *You're getting warmer!*

Of course he'd tune in and keep tabs on your hunt. You typed back.

Y/n: *I wasn't aware this was a game? You know I DO have a job of sorts to get back to. A hint would be nice.*

A: * Forgive me, I forgot you were moving up in the world. And fine, hint: it's hidden in plain sight. I'm off to lunch, good luck! ;)*

The fuck was that supposed to mean? Grumbling, you pocketed the device, looking around the space. "If I were a super secret spy car, where would I hide…"

You wandered around for what seemed like forever, peeking into lounge areas, ducking into the boarding platforms. Nothing. At a loss, you returned to the main lobby, taking one last scan of the space. And then you saw it. An oddly sealed section of brick wall to the left of the main archway caught your eye. It was entirely plausible it has been sealed at some point over the years to redirect traffic. But that looked like a whole other wing of the main building from outside...you walked up to it, scanning the edges. There was something rather odd about it. You held up your hand, bringing it towards the surface. As you advanced to touch the brick, your hand instead fell through, the illusion parting around the limb revealing a ring if static.

"A hologram? Aiden you annoying little devil..." You stepped through the wall, looking back as it dissipated. Turning back round, you stopped dead.

"Oh, devil indeed…"

You were met with the nasty glare of deep blue crystal laser headlights shining out beneath a menacing hood. It was an absolute predator of a machine; sleek black streamlined chassis with a deep blue pearlescent finish, glass dome roof cascading from grill to tail, blacked out windows, magnetic hubless wheels, and minimalistic blue and chrome finishings. This thing was built for speed and stealth. Conducting a walk around, you felt yourself weaken in the knees. You stopped at the driver side door. There was no obvious door panel in sight, so on a whim, you simply hovered your hand over the panel. Suddenly, a beam shot out from a point on the door, widening and scanning down the length of your body. Once completed, it retracted and the vehicle lit up, a click registering within the doors.

"Greetings Agent 57. Nice to see you again." The placid feminine voice echoed in the space.

"Hey LEX. Looks like someone got a bit of an upgrade, huh?"

The vehicle hissed, the dragonfly style doors rotating upwards to reveal the sleek cockpit interior. You leaned down for a better look inside.

"Well naturally, after the train incident, I needed to be relocated elsewhere." The AI sounded less than impressed.

You climbed in, settling into the perfectly conforming seat, leaning back into the woven mesh backrest with a pleased sigh.

"A minor set back, LEX. But hey, looks at us now! You should be thanking me, I'd say this is somewhat of an improvement." You touched the dashboard screen, pulling up the vehicle specs.

"Yes, but I don't think the engineers took trains into account. Therefore I would advise you keep this vehicle on the ground."

"That was a one-time thing, let it go already…" You scanned the list of components, half of which meant nothing to you, but a few key points stood out: bullet proof, microchip tracking and hailing compatible, autonomous and manual drive options, turbo transmission, holographic projector, soundwave disruptor, concealed internal front mounted semi-automatic guns, black out and matte finish holographic synthetic coating for stealth, classic caltrop dispenser beneath the rear bumper...this thing was pulling out all the stops.

"Well Merry Fucking Christmas…"

LEX cut into your musings. "The FNR-X4 is now synced to your chip. You alone will be permitted to pilot this vehicle, unless you grant additional access. Which I would strongly advise against."

You were already activating the manual drive, the doors hissing shut. "Noted. Let's see what this beast can do huh?" Finding the correct access screen, you selected "Manual", and the panel directly in front of you slid open. The yoke style steering wheel revealed itself, sliding forward and locking into position. Engaging the engine, the vehicle roared to life, interior lights dimming. The rumble of the engine was music to your ears.

"For a total dork, Aiden certainly knows how to treat a lady."

-o-

The remainder of the day had been relatively uneventful, the deviant mayhem seemingly taking a sick day. Returning from your joyride earlier had drawn a little more attention than you would have liked, and you kicked yourself for not parking a few blocks away as LEX had advised.

Gavin and Chris had been making their way out for a late lunch just as you were pulling in. Fantastic. Cutting the engine, you pinched the bridge of your nose upon spotting your least favourite detective walking your way. He halted when the dragonfly doors raised and you stepped out.

"Holy shit...what the fuck IS that?!"

Your turned as the doors lowered back into place, observing it as if seeing the vehicle for the first time.

"Huh...looks like a car to me."

He looked from you to the vehicle and back before beaming devilishly.

"Now it all makes sense. You have a sugar daddy! I KNEW there was a reason for the cold shoulder!"

Chris just rolled his eyes. You resisted the urge to do the same, painfully. Arms folded, you sauntered up to Gavin, stopping next to him.

"And this is why you made Detective. Nothing gets past you Gavin." You patted his chest with a wink, continuing past him and jogging up the DPD steps, disappearing through the glass doors.

Gavin just stood there, baffled.

"Wait...what?"

-o-

6:10pm

Checking the time on your phone briefly, you returned your sights to the looming CyberLife tower across the body of water. Evening had crept up quickly, the chilly November days growing shorter with the fast approaching Winter. Sitting with your elbows resting on bent knees, you adjusted your position on the vehicle's hood, the icy metal dropping to near painful conditions through your jeans.

"Remind me to file a complaint about the lack of external heating…"

Soft static rang in your ear, LEX engaging the com device. "I don't think the engineers planned for exterior seating, y/n."

"Well they clearly didn't take their guinea pig into consideration, did they."

You adjusted the zoom on your binoculars, the digital HUD updating the information relay in your vision. Security was tight, guards armed and decked out to the teeth patrolled the bridge checkpoint and beyond, right up to the main entryway and circling the grounds of the building. You were trying to find any weak spots in the lines, any discernible pattern in patrols with a break in between their individual routes, but it was air tight. Both the Director and Aiden had warned you of their heightened security protocols since the accident, but this was ridiculous.

"Christ, they didn't need to break out the entire welcome party…" Frustrated and cold, you lowered the binoculars with a sigh.

"Your meeting with Lieutenant Anderson is in 15 minutes. Would you like me to forward him a message requesting you reschedule?"

Sliding off the hood you wound around to the passenger side of the vehicle. Detecting your presence, the doors hissed apart, rotating upwards.

"It's fine, I'll set up a live feed." You reached into the back seat, retrieving a duffle bag with various supplies and tech Aiden had stocked you up on. Reaching in you pulled out a small tin containing 10 disks, no larger than a Quarter. Pulling one out, you ducked back out of the doorway and made your way to a tree on the edge of the hill top, securing it to the trunk facing the facility.

"Besides," you continued, returning to the vehicle, "I don't think the Lieutenant extends invitations lightly. And I could use a drink."

"If you insist…"

-o-

The scent of cigars and musky body odor clung to the thick air within the musty space. Where most would turn their nose up at such an establishment, underground venues had become somewhat of a refuge for you; out of sight, the chances of running into anyone associated with the organization slim to none, and no one gave a shit who you were (or they were just too drunk to take notice). Scanning the bar, your sights passed over a familiar head of grey hair, fallen around stern features hovering over a half-downed whiskey. Smiling, you walked over.

"This seat taken?"

He seemed to perk up hearing your voice, casting you a sideways glance with a grin.

"I was startin' think you weren't showin' up."

Shrugging off your coat, you hung it on a hook opposite the bar before settling on the stool next to Hank.

"Sorry, got caught up with something. Kind of you to save me a seat though. I hope you didn't have to fight off too many girls." You flagged down Jimmy, placing your drink order.

Hank just chuckled, taking another swig of his whiskey. "Only a few, and only for the prospect of a free drink."

Jimmy returned with your drink, and you took it with a nod of thanks, swirling it before taking a swig. Bringing the tumbler to rest on the counter, you stared into the glass, suddenly unsure of how to proceed. Hank was the first to break the ice, clearing his throat.

"So, how are you enjoying our quaint little city? Probably not quite as flashy as your usual stakeouts huh?"

You smirked, casting him a sideways glance.

"It's...colourful. And it's been plenty flashy." You paused to take another drink. "I'm still kinda bitter about Dubai, I hear it's lovely this time of year. But, I'll get over it; I made sure to pack my Winter coat...and the people here aren't all shitty." You raised your glass towards Hank with a grin.

"Well I don't know about that. But I'll let Connor know anyways." He tipped his drink towards you, mimicking the gesture mockingly before polishing it off in one go. You just rolled your eyes, thankful for the dim lighting as heat pricked your cheeks.

"So," he continued, setting down the empty glass, "any idea how long you'll be with us?"

"Until I complete my mission. Then I'll be called back to the IMF to be re-shuffled into the roster for the next one. And the next one…" You knocked back the remainder of your drink. Hank eyed you for a moment while you gazed into the empty glass before wordlessly flagging down Jimmy, gesturing towards you for another of the same.

"Man, you sound just like an android. Albeit more bitter and in need of a drink"

You scoffed at that, but you couldn't help your mind from wandering. "I suppose my position shares a lot of similar traits to their own functions. I do feel like a robot most days…" Another drink was placed in front of you, and you took it without hesitation.

Hank nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, I've heard some stories...seems like you guys get a pretty shit deal. Minus the all-expense travelling and gadgets."

The general tone was relaxed. You chatted briefly about the cases, and Hank offered you some pointers on where to go and where to avoid in the city during your stay. Comfortable small talk.

Looking back up the the basketball game on tv, a short time passed as you each worked on your drinks in silence before you spoke again.

"How about you?"

Hank turned back to face you. "What about me?" His aura seemed take on a more defensive tone.

"Well I don't know...tell me about yourself? Isn't that how getting to know people works?"

He huffed, leaning forward on the bar. "Oh please, I know the IMF does their homework. I'm sure you know just about everything there is to know about me."

In truth, the department had provided you with only a brief summary of your partner; his start as a beat cop on the streets, rising to Detective and eventually working his way into the Red Ice Task Force. All of which led to his promotion to Lieutenant. But not much of his personal life was divulged.

You sat for a moment, choosing your words carefully. "The other night...before Eden. What was that about?"

Just as you'd anticipated, he appeared to slip back into himself, staring intently into the bottom of his glass. The distance hung thickly between you two new once more. The gin induced buzz ringing pleasantly in your ears, you were surprised when he spoke up.

"When life hands you a raw deal...sometimes you can't help wondering if what they've got on the other side is better than the shit we have floating around here." The evident slur in his voice gave away his state, and you silently shook your head when Jimmy came by again. He nodded, leaving the two of you be.

"Not like anyone would give a shit anyway." Hank scoffed, straightening and tipping back the rest of his whiskey, slamming down the tumbler harder than you knew he intended. You weren't really sure what to say. In your line of work, people didn't really talk about their feelings. You got in, completed your mission, got out, and went separate ways. There was no time for inhibiting emotions. Regardless, you reached into your pocket. Pulling it out, you gently placed the bullet next to his empty glass, folding your hands on the bar in front of you . He looked down, then to you, confusion reinstating itself onto his features.

"I've only known you for about a week. And where you may be a bit of a shit head...and one of the most stubborn people I know besides myself, you have more to offer than you think." Hesitantly, you extended your hand to close gently over his on the bar top. "You're a good man Hank, better than most I've encountered at the agency. We put up these walls to protect ourselves...believe me, I know. But sometimes what goes on behind those walls is what slowly destroys us." You paused. "Honestly, I'm not great with this kind of thing. But if you ever need a friend, or someone to just get drunk with, you know where my desk is." Sobriety suddenly took hold and he looked down at your hand, warming at your words and under your touch.

"And there's no way you're leaving me alone to deal with Gavin. So you better stick around at least until I leave." With a smirk, you gave his hand a playful squeeze before pulling back, looking up at the clock. He laughed.

"Even if I did, you'd have your Iron Knight to look out for ya."

You cocked an eyebrow, trying to gauge what he was implying. There was a pause.

"Could you…maybe talk to him tomorrow? Connor? He's been acting kind of weird lately. Well, more so than usual anyways." Hank flagged Jimmy down again as he spoke.

"Why me? You were his partner first." You stood now. Pulling your coat from the hook, you slid it on, walking back to the Lieutenant.

"Call it an old man's hunch."

You rolled your eyes. "Sounds more like avoidance. But if I have to...I'll give the android a pep talk."

Hank smiled, fully facing you from his spot on the stool, arm resting on the counter.

"Thanks for indulging a grumpy old man, y/n. I…" He stopped, acknowledging Jimmy as he set down his refill. You waited, arms crossed.

"Nothing, go get some sleep. Today was too quiet, who know what shit tomorrow's gonna bring."

Dropping your arms you chuckled. "Ever the optimist. Goodnight Hank, see you bright and early." With a nod you turned and walked down the aisle towards the entrance.

"Don't bet on it!"

Without turning around, you gave him a two fingered salute, exiting the dingy bar.

A grin plastered on his face, Hank turned back to the bar, bringing the glass to his lips. He paused, glancing down at the bullet staring back at him. A new found lightness suddenly welled within him, something akin to a hope he'd not felt in a long time. Looking around to make sure Jimmy was out of range, he slid his other hand towards the chunk of metal, flicking it behind the counter before tipping back the remainder of his last drink.