AN: Fixed. :)

"Why am I here again?"

The painting before him was of a face that Connor has seen before. Connor's perfect memory knew that the subject of the painting was undoubtedly Markus' father, Carl. It was one of many Markus' creations. The others were on the walls across the room. Others, like Connor, were admiring the paintings that were being showcased. From what Connor understood, this was Markus' first art gallery, and it was all set up by his father. Connor supposed that the human saying, 'like father, like son' would fit the situation well.

"You were invited," Connor finally answers Hank. The lieutenant shifts in his spot, loosening the tie that looped around his collar to get some breathing room. Connor had to admit, Hank could clean up his appearance nicely if he wanted to but it was probably just a one-time thing.

"I know that," Hank looks around and shuffles on his feet once more, "But I was invited by the leader of all deviants. Don't you think that's a bit strange?"

"He's my friend," Connor explains.

"But not mine. We haven't met," Hank is quick to say.

"No, we haven't."

As if called, Markus stands beside both Connor and Hank and gives them a small smile. He holds out his hand and says, "Hank, right? I'm Markus."

Hank looks at Markus' hand, contemplating on shaking it or not. Deciding to be polite, he takes the android's hand within his own and gives it a firm shake. "I've heard of you," Hank says and Connor quirks a brow as if to say, 'who hasn't heard of Markus?' The man was someone who would end up in history books for his actions to help liberate androids.

"And I've heard of you," Markus returns, "Connor speaks of you occasionally."

"Interesting," Hank looks at his son and Connor makes effort to avoid his gaze. He pretends to be indifferent but honestly? He was a bit embarrassed.

"So how do you like the exhibit so far?" Markus holds his hands behind his back, his view changing from Hank to the painting hanging on the wall across from them. "The critics think I have some talent but they're a bit reluctant to give an android the benefit of the doubt. They think it's cheating to paint a picture in the span of two minutes. Had I not been Carl's son, they might not have given me the time of day."

"I can see why they'd get upset," Connor hums in thought, "it takes humans more time to process things. They are indecisive."

Hank apparently takes offense to that because he next says, "I am not indecisive."

"It's nothing to be ashamed about," Connor insists.

"I didn't say I was ashamed either," Hank retorts.

"So you are saying you're indecisive then?"

"No. I didn't say that."

Both Hank and Connor banter with each other until Markus barks in laughter. It stops both father and son in their tracks and it also brings a lot of attention from the other guests their way.

"I see you guys get along," Markus notes, a big smile still on his face from the result of his laughter.

Connor and Hank share a glance.

"Perhaps," Connor says, "if you consider arguing getting along..."

Markus just smiles knowingly at Connor. Connor, in his confusion, tilts his head slightly. Markus moves on to another subject by saying, "Say, have you met my father yet?"

Connor knew he was talking to Hank because Markus' eyes were trained on him.

"I haven't," Hank says,

Markus beams and leads Hank to where his father sits talking to other guests. Connor stands behind, watching the proceeding go on whilst feeling content. From where they speak, Carl takes one look at Connor and then nods his head to both his son and company. Connor couldn't hear what they were saying but he could see the way Hank rubs the back of his neck.

Markus sees Connor staring and gives him a friendly wave to invite him over.

Connor takes one look around him, just to make sure Markus wasn't waving to anyone else, and then proceeds to just that.

Now that he was free and able to do silly little things like small-talk...

He was happy.