This is the first part of my KagomeX Secret Santa Gift for Fenrae-L!

The second part will be posted soon!

Part I

One would think a workshop from a big company such as Cyberlife would be full of modern tables, glass walls, shining surfaces and the latest generation technology like they show in the movies. Maybe they were like that in the development department; certainly, Kamski's office was designed to be a perfect representation of the company's public image: futuristic and revolutionary. The dream working room for newly graduated engineers - at least for ninety-nine percent of Kagome's former classmates. As for Kagome herself, not so much.

Kagome Higurashi graduated a few years prior - a few years meant over a decade, but she didn't dwell too much on it as time and age held no significance for her. She wasn't the top of her class and had no relevant projects to shine. Her grades, however, didn't reflect her passion for artificial intelligence and androids and this trait wasn't missed by Kamski. From assistant do project manager, Kagome climbed up her way through Cyberlife until she was assigned to one of their newest products, RK800, the negotiator and law enforcement prototype.

"Hello again, Connor," she greeted as the android entered the room. The security camera followed him. He seemed physically fine, which was a improvement from the last time he came. He resembled a human in almost every aspect. His artificial intelligence simulated so many emotions she often forgot he was a machine, especially in times like these.

"It seem to suit you," he said as he handed her a small box. Kagome looked away to hide the silly grin on her lips. She had been in charge since #313 248 317 - 01 and he was no less than a charming gentleman. Even after fifty versions, there was always something new, especially now that he was working with Lieutenant Hank Anderson.

"Thank you," she answered with a soft smile and Connor's face seemed to relax. He laid on the table in front of her. After one last glance, his eyes became distant and cold.

Kagome carefully saved her gift, drinking in a single gulp what was left of her tea and filling the mug with clean water before putting the flower on it. She then typed a few commands on the prompt. The sounds of the engines filled the room. Kagome put on her IPE. It was time to work.

"Is he okay?"

Connor couldn't not recognize Hank's characteristic voice. He had regained conscience some time before, but his functions were still coming back as his system checked the status of his biocomponents. The first was the taste, which reminded him of how much thirium he had lost. The last thing he remembered was the deviant at the TV station threatening Hank's life. Then came the touch, with gentle fingers working on the wounds on his body, soothing the light sting from the laser.

Green tea and cherry blossoms, a combination he recognized but couldn't remember who it belonged to, as his brain was still fully concentrated on the task of repairing the previous damage. He was comforted, though, by these smells. Connor wasn't sure he was supposed to feel that, or if that was the right name for what he was feeling. He was made to interpret feelings, not feel them. Connor saved that information to discuss with Kagome on their next meeting.

"Yeah. Connor should regain conscience at any moment." Connor would never mistake Kagome's voice. That explained the scents too. And the gentleness. But why did they let Hank into the workshop? There were only a handful people allowed to enter, certainly the lieutenant wasn't one of them.

He expected to meet plain white walls, mechanical arms and grippers, some wires and loads of screens. Instead, as his vision came back, he met wooden walls, flower vases, some paintings, Hank drinking something other than soda or alcohol. What caught his attention, however, was Kagome Higurashi.

Replacing the white lab coat and the usual Cyberlife uniform were a tank top and a pair a shorts. Her black hair was free and wild, the opposite of the tight bun or straight ponytail he was used to. She had been in charge of him since Connor #01, a proof that she was one of the most talented and trusted engineer working under CyberLife - and his favorite, he admitted.

More than a handful times he caught himself thinking about Kagome.

"Welcome back, Connor," said Kagome, her blue eyes warm and welcoming. "Don't you dare to scare me like that again." She released a sigh as she put down the laser and took off the protection glasses. "I almost had a stroke when Hank knocked on my door dragging your limp body."

Connor turned to Anderson, who was frowning at the source of the scent. "Lieutenant? How did we get here?"

"How? You spammed my phone with this address. I've felt like the time I've accidentally clicked on a weird ad."

The memories came back. The TV station. The deviant android. Throwing himself to save Hank from a possible death. He thought the sacrifice would be worth as long as he could save his friend's life at the same time he was scared for his own life.

He lifted his gaze to meet Kagome's relieved look. "Thanks for bringing him here, Hank. Cyberlife has this thing to just replace cyborgs over the smallest things, you know? I would hate getting to work tomorrow and having to set up a 'new Connor'. Cyberlife has never been the same since Elijah retired."

"Elijah?"

"Elijah Kamski, Cyberlife's founder," answered Connor. "The mind behind the android technology."

"Is he alive?" Kagome and Connor nodded. "Good. I guess we are paying him a visit tomorrow." Hank stood up. Connor followed his lead. "We've already took too much of your time, Kagome. We should be going."

"It's not a problem at all! I hope we can meet again under better circumstances."

"I'd love to. Come one, Connor. I can't leave Sumo alone for much longer," said Hank, already heading to the door.

That little dialogue bothered him. For the first time since they met he felt hostility towards Hank. Conflicted thoughts, alien feelings invaded his core. He needed to sort that soon and there was only one person he trusted enough to open up about the matter.

"Actually, Hank, I'd like speak more with Kagome."