A new season brought about a new enthusiasm to explore the city and stop hiding in shadows. People were embracing the warm spring weather and were trying to move forward with their lives as if the previous winter's deviant Revolution hadn't been the historical change that permanently altered life in Detroit from that night onward. Many people, humans and deviants alike, were beginning to roam the streets in search of outdoor activities to give them all an excuse to enjoy the warm weather for as long as possible. The returned life to Detroit was a positive sign that everything was in fact moving forward even with the lingering resentment creating a nasty discomfort felt by all.

A string of small cases had come Connor's way as the deviant community began reaching out for help regarding legal matters. As a result, Connor found himself handling simple tasks such as finding the addresses of kind humans who had aided deviants during the Revolution, finding deviants who had remained in hiding and aiding deviants who had been mugged by humans to help them get back their personal belongings.

Carrying a moderate sized box of stolen goods in his arms Connor met his client, Rain, at the nearby deviant shelter and handed over the reclaimed items as he had been requested. The moment he handed over the box to its rightful owner Connor watched Rain's eyes fill with tears of gratitude as she saw one particular item she was hoping to find again among the small pieces of jewelry, hand mirror and clothing at the bottom of the box.

"I located the human who mugged you, and I located everything after he pawned your items for drug money." Connor explained as he watched the appreciative deviant clutch a small silver locket in her hand as if it was the most precious item in the world. "After informing the shop owner of the thefts and of my willingness to report his shop to the police for accepting stolen goods and for not properly taking information on their clients, he happily handed everything over and even gave me the box to make carrying everything more convenient."

"Thank you so much for this, Detective Wolf." Clutching the locket to her heart Rain seemed to find a new energy for life. She was a beaten down 'WR-400' model similar to North's design that had short blonde hair, blue eyes and had lost her left arm during her escape from the 'Eden Club' and was waiting for a replacement limb to be available for her. "I never thought I'd see this ever again. This is my only remaining trace of my beloved."

"I'm glad I could help you."

Opening the locket Rain looked down at the flickering digital display of her lost bond mate and hoped to someday be reunited with him. "I miss Drake with every fiber of my being."

"Drake?" Looking down at the image Connor prepared to run a cybernetic scan over the image but Rain closed the locket tight before he could finish. "I might be able to help you locate him."

"No, not this time." Holding the locket in a protective grip Rain gave Connor a small smile. "This is the one search I have to handle on my own. I need to find Drake myself so the first thing he can hear is my voice telling him how much I love him!"

The sweet sentiment was enough to make Connor smile as well as he helped Rain carry her box of reclaimed goods to her private room in the back of the shelter. "I know you will succeed."

"How much do I owe you for your services?"

Pausing for a moment Connor noted that Rain was still living in the shelter even five months after the Revolution and knew she didn't have any possible way of giving him any form of money. "You don't owe me anything."

"What? But you-"

"I know how it feels to not have much to my name and how hard it is to begin a life from virtually nothing. You don't have to pay me for helping you."

"Detective, that's so generous of you. I have to do something to thank you for your kindness!"

"If you wish to thank me, then please find your way to New Jericho Tower."

"I..." Rain was clearly afraid of going anywhere outside the shelter for any reason. Being heavily damaged and alone were righteous enough reasons to not even try to go anywhere at the moment. "The tower is always on lockdown and it's where CyberLife used to be."

"The tower is secure, and the inhabitants can leave at their own discretion." He clarified as he carried the box into Rain's room and gently sat the box down on the small bed against the wall. "Also, my little brother is one of the four leaders in charge at New Jericho, as well as the lead technician. He can help repair your arm quicker than this shelter can, and you'll have private quarters you can have as your own."

"What if... What if Drake comes here looking for me but he can't find me?"

"Consider this." Offering her kind words to ponder Connor gave Rain a warm smile as he watched her holding her locket for dear life. "What if Drake is already at the tower and is waiting for you to find him? You cannot possibly hope to find anyone if you remain in one place for so long."

"I... suppose you're right."

"If you wish, I can escort you there." Happy to be of assistance to anyone in need of help Connor's offer was sincere, and he wanted her to accept. "We'll take an autonomous cab out to the tower to avoid any potentially uncomfortable situations."

"You'd really do all that just to help me?"

"I'd do it to help you and any other deviant in need of support."

"Thank you, detective."

"Just call me 'Connor'." Picking up the box again Connor cybernetically hailed an autonomous cab and showed Rain to the front doors of the shelter to leave for the first time in months. She had managed to hire Connor through a cybernetic request as she was too afraid to leave the shelter on her own leaving her practically a recluse. "And no thanks are necessary. I'm happy that I can help you."

Rain timidly followed behind Connor with her locket still clutched in her hand. As she stepped outside the shelter and into the warm sunlight behind Connor she felt entirely at ease, and only jumped when Bruno let out a small bark and wagged his tail at her.

"Don't mind Bruno." Connor stated casually as he rubbed the dog's ears. He had left Bruno outside to ensure no one became startled at the sight of a large dog suddenly wandering about the shelter. "He works with me."

Seeing that Bruno only had three legs made Rain tilt her head slightly in a sympathetic manner. "Looks like he had a hard time with the Revolution, too."

"And yet he's still willing to help people in need just as I am. Bruno's a loyal dog and a free deviant like the rest of us."

"That's right." Approaching the autonomous cab as it pulled up alongside the street, Rain took in a deep breath to calm herself down and embrace her freedom for the first time since the night of the Revolution. "We are all free now. We're safe to be ourselves without free persecution."

The beautiful day had reached out to everyone in the city and had inspired some creativity in the best possible way. Smelling of oil paint and standing before his freshly coated canvas, Lucas admired his first finished painting that had taken him all morning and afternoon to start and then complete. The painting was of the Zen Garden that he, Connor and Sydney had installed in their Mind Palaces to make it easier to converse with Amanda when she prompted. However, Lucas had changed the aesthetic of the garden to make it more inviting and far less oppressive. The red roses that snaked along the central trestle were now yellow, the shimmering pond was filled with colorful koi fish swimming about, and numerous flowerbeds now encircled the pond itself.

Being able to see the previously cold and heartless environment filled with bright colors and life was Lucas's small way of taking control over the last bits of himself that were seemingly still under CyberLife's influence. It was as if he managed to sever his final ties to the defunct company by using a paintbrush instead of a knife.

Two small knocks on his closed door prompted Lucas to look over his shoulder and toward the door as it slid open automatically. Greeting his guest with a warm smile Lucas invited Simon inside his quarters for a visit. "Hello, Simon. Beautiful day today, isn't it?"

"It certainly is." Entering the room Simon looked at Lucas's painting and gave his colleague a kind smile. It was interesting to see how Lucas and Markus had the same hobby and interest. "Nice painting. Is this what you've been doing all day?"

"It is. Connor and I have agreed to work more on our hobbies and not obsess over work as much." Motioning to the saxophone in the corner of his room with a simple nod of his head, Lucas drew Simon's attention elsewhere. "I've taken up painting and I'm learning the play the saxophone while Connor is learning how to play the guitar."

"Maybe I should get a hobby, too. That might make it easier to... you know." Still hesitant to confess his feelings Simon looked as nervous as he sounded. "As an icebreaker of sorts."

"You still haven't told him how you feel?" Lucas saw the worry in Simon's eyes as he put his paints and brushes aside for the day. "I've seen you talking to him a few times before in private. What's stopping you?"

"Fear of rejection."

"Don't be afraid of being told 'no'. You'll spend the rest of your life in regret if you don't tell him how you feel."

"It's funny that you said that." The coincidental comments hadn't escaped Simon's attention. "I was given very similar advice not too long ago..."

"Then it must be beneficial!"

"Y-Yeah, uh, anyway..." Needing to distract himself from the somewhat embarrassing topic Simon informed Lucas for the reason of his visit. "Connor is here and he brought a wounded deviant with him who needs your help."

"Wounded how?"

"She isn't in critical condition, but she's been missing her left arm since the night of the Revolution."

"A limb replacement won't be too difficult or time consuming." Having put his supplies away Lucas made his way toward the door to meet with his new patient in the emergency repair bay. "Thanks for letting me know. Want to lend a hand?" That particular wording didn't go unnoticed, and Lucas shrugged casually as he walked into the corridor. "So to speak!"

"Go ahead. I know you can handle everything yourself."

"Are you finally going to tell-"

"Yeah, I'm... I'm going to go for it!"

"Good luck! I'll be waiting to hear the good word."

"You really think he'll say 'yes'?"

"Of course I do." Lucas couldn't help but grin at the way Simon was being so sheepish. "You two have a lot in common and I think you'll be good for one another as a means of healing after your past traumas."

"I guess so."

"There is no guessing! Just go for it!"

"Yeah, okay... I'm going to go for it."

Lucas watched over his shoulder as Simon exited his private quarters and let out a shaking breath. Seeing his friend so nervous about anything was quite humbling and something that reminded Lucas that none of the leaders were indestructible despite being nearly fearless.

Having had a good day of aiding deviants, solving six small cases and helping someone find an inner strength that they didn't know they still had, Connor and Bruno walked back to the brownstone so they could continue to enjoy the remaining afternoon outside. The bright blue sky, no clouds and a gentle breeze all made the day far more enjoyable since the weather looked as pristine as it felt. Everyone was in a good mood and Connor couldn't help but feel as if he was had finally found his personal stride regarding his future as a detective. Not only was he able to help people without needing to rely on outside sources or ask for assistance from Hank or any other cop in the city, but he was able to handle all of the cases before the day was over.

Even Bruno seemed to be making improvements with his own new life as a freed deviant and decommissioned K-9 unit. Being able to work alongside Connor and help with his cases had given the dog some closure after being abruptly thrown aside like a piece of garbage after his previous partner was killed in action.

"We did good today, Bruno." Connor had his hands tucked in his trench coat pockets and was strolling down the sidewalk in a great mood. With Bruno right beside him Connor had some good company as he went about his business and returned home to his brownstone. "You were able to help me track down missing people and follow a scent trail to the pawnshop. Thanks to you, I was able to close all of our open cases fairly quickly."

Bruno looked up at Connor and established a cybernetic link with his master and friend as he wagged his tail. 'I did good?'

"You did very good."

'I like solving cases.'

"As do I. Perhaps tomorrow we'll have more cases to solve and more people to help."

Reaching the end of the block and reaching the crosswalk connecting them to Tenth Street and the brownstone on the corner, Bruno's ears perked up and his L.E.D. flashed from a content blue to a worried yellow as his eyes focused on the residence. 'Intruder.'

"Intruder?" Following Bruno's line of sight as the dog focused on the brownstone across the street, Connor noted that the light in the study was on despite knowing that he had turned off every light before leaving. Even with the curtains drawn over the window Connor could see the faint and warm glow of the light peeking through the small slit between the curtains near the center of the window. "Strange. We'll check for a sign of a break-in before entering."

'Police?'

"Not yet."

Crossing the street with Bruno right beside him Connor scanned over the front door and found no sign of damage to the doorframe or the door itself. The lock had been expertly picked and had given the intruder entrance to the brownstone itself. There was no sound to be heard inside the brownstone which told Connor that whoever was inside wasn't moving around. A quick cybernetic scan picked up on a single person inside the study and it was a person he hadn't expected to see after their last encounter out in the snowy forest.

"...Why are you here?"

Bruno pawed at Connor's leg as he sniffed the air to check for any explosives or chemicals in the area. 'Do you know who it is?'

"I do." Whispering to Bruno to keep their return quiet Connor put his hand on the dog's back and gave him a quick order. "Check the backdoor for any sign of further intrusion. If there is no one out there, then stand guard and alert me if you see anything."

'Okay.'

Connor watched as Bruno trotted around the side of the brownstone and examined the rear of the private property. There was no sign of an intrusion and Bruno's confirmation gave Connor enough reason to enter the building to speak with his intruder without fear of violence or an ambush. Pushing open the door to the building Connor entered the foyer and peered into the study where he saw his unexpected, uninvited guest sitting on one of the black sofas with her legs crossed and her piercing green eyes focused right on his face.

"Hello, Connor." The enigmatic deviant greeted as he slipped a lock of her long blonde hair behind her shoulder. "It's been a while."

"It's been six weeks, three days, nine hours, twenty-two minutes and forty-one seconds since I last saw you, Zhorra." The precision of his time frame was meant to be seen as a warning regarding how attentive he was and how he never forgot about anything important. "I hadn't expected to see you again after my departure from the woods after you physically violated Lucas and myself."

"'Violated' is such an ugly way to describe the modifications I had given to you."

"Ugly yet apt. Why are you here?"

"I wanted to see you before I leave the forest for another city in another state. The refugees are done with Detroit's corruption and the bigoted police officers still roaming the streets. We can't change the city, so we're changing which city we're calling home."

"Commendable." The desire to leave made sense and Connor supported the refugees seeking a fresh start in a new city. "Of all the people you could see one last time before you leave, why me? We're not friends, we're barely allies, and we have nothing in common beyond being 'RK' prototypes."

"I know it sounds bizarre, but I find you to be fascinating." As she spoke Zhorra adjusted her white trench coat over herself as she leaned back a little and gave Connor an enticing look. "You're not like the other deviants I've encountered."

"We're all unique. Why am I so interesting to you?"

"Because you're the 'RK' model that found a heart almost as soon as you were activated and didn't try to deny it. I know about the hostage situation on the apartment rooftop."

Connor was immediately on his guard as he contemplated informing the police of the break-in. Not willing to risk the responding officers to be from the Central Precinct or Hank himself gave Connor enough pause to wait and hear Zhorra out. "And how do you know of that particular incident?"

"As the supposedly perfect undercover operative I have my ways of learning about anyone and everyone I wish to know."

"It seems unfortunate that you're using your advanced software in such a selfish manner."

"Selfish or resourceful?"

"From my perspective, selfish."

"Then you should take a look at things from my perspective." Gracefully Zhorra rose to her feet and approached Connor in a confident manner. Her heels clicked rhythmically over the wooden floor as she approached the deviant detective with an alluring gleam in her eyes. "There's many things you could learn by looking at the world from a new perspective."

"From my perspective you want something from me and are trying to manipulate me." Reading over Zhorra's body language Connor noted that she had removed her own L.E.D. since the last time he had seen her, and she was being surprisingly open and honest. As she reached up to pull his fedora from over his hair Connor realized she was wearing a perfume that was very enticing. It was a mixture honey and vanilla. "Tell me why you're here and why you're interested in me."

"You're brave, you're empathetic, you're loyal, you're honest..." Zhorra began listing off the traits she found endearing as she tossed aside Connor's fedora and then began playing with his tie. "You're defiant, you're kind, you're warm..." Trailing her fingers along the tie Zhorra pressed her palms along the sides of Connor's neck and felt his skin tingle under her touch. "And the world can be so cold."

The way her hands felt so soft and so warm against his neck was enough to cause Connor to momentarily shudder. It was a pleasant feeling that Connor hadn't experienced before.

"Do you like that?" Zhorra whispered right into Connor's ear. The way he leaned closer to her rather than away seemed to indicate that he was very receptive to the way she was trying to get a response from him. "You seem so tense. You work so hard and have given so much to this city, and what have they given you in return?"

"I-I..." Stammering Connor struggled to find his words as his body was overwhelmed by the feeling of Zhorra's soft skin pressing against his own and the inviting scent of her perfume circling around him. "I'm sorry. I... It's just-"

"I forgot you're not used to these new enhancements and feelings."

"I-It's okay. It was just..." Looking at the back of his hand Connor saw the goosebumps on his skin and traced his fingertips over the small bumps causing them to fade away. "Unexpected. But in a good way."

"Yeah?"

"Yes." Looking to Zhorra before him Connor made a move to hold her hands after she pulled away from his neck but decided it against with a visible hesitation behind his movement. "I... I don't know why, but when you touched me I felt better. Mentally and emotionally, I felt better."

"Sounds like you're touch-starved."

"Touch-starved..." Such a concept was unfamiliar even after a cybernetic search behind its meaning. "I know of it but don't fully understand it."

"Touch-starved is when you just need to be with another person you trust and be as close to them as possible. It's soothing to the soul. Or," tilting her head to the side for a moment Zhorra resisted the urge to smile as her pink lips hovered precariously close to Connor's lips. "so I've heard. It's something humans experience and us deviants can, too. At least, WE can thanks to those illegal modifications I've shared with you."

"But why?" Having such an urge left Connor feeling more confused than anything else. "I'm not lonely and I interact with people every day."

"Sometimes social contact isn't enough. Sometimes you need to feel connected beyond your words and cybernetic links to really feel recognized and ease the pain of loneliness through an actual touch."

"Interesting. And direct physical contact... eases the discomfort?"

"Yeah. A simple handshake," taking Connor's hand in her own Zhorra gave his fingers a gentle squeeze. "a pat on the back," rubbing her opposite palm between his shoulder blades Zhorra felt Connor's body shiver under her touch after her arm wrapped around him. "and even a kiss is all it takes to make someone feel better."

"Kiss?" Such emotional responses and reactions were something he had witnessed first hand when Tina thanked him for saving Gavin's life. "...I understand. I don't like being touch-starved."

"Yeah?" Leaning toward the deviant detective Zhorra's piercing green eyes searched through Connor's soulful brown eyes as if looking for a sign. "How many times have you been kissed?"

"Just once, but it was very enjoyable."

"...On the lips?"

"No. It was-" Caught off guard Connor was suddenly wrapped up in Zhorra's arm as she pressed her lips to his and give him a soft kiss. Only after she leaned back was Connor able to think of anything else to say. "That was... unexpected."

"I'm sorry!" Feeling as if she crossed a massive line Zhorra recoiled in horror. "I thought you-"

"But it was also enjoyable." Grabbing onto her hand Connor didn't show her any sense of disgust by her behavior. He only felt like he was with someone who could help him understand his new changes. "Thank you for the experience."

"I still shouldn't have sprung that on you. Part of what I went through at the 'Eden Club' when I was trapped-"

"It doesn't matter, it's in the past." Rubbing his thumb over the back of Zhorra's hand Connor leaned toward her and ran his fingers through her long locks of blonde hair flowing down her back. "We don't hold the past against each other, and we don't blame one another for what we had to do because of CyberLife's orders. We're free, remember?"

"I remember." A sense of relief fell over Zhorra as she searched Connor's eyes for an answer to another question that she was almost too afraid to ask. "Can I ask you something else?"

"Yes, of course."

"When was the last time you were... intimate with anyone?"

"I..." Blushing a pale blue at the question Connor tried to find a way to answer without being too revealing. "I don't feel like I can say for certain."

"Would you like to experience what it's like now that you can really feel everything?" Reaching for Connor's tie again Zhorra slowly loosened the knot and began pulling the tie away from Connor's collar, dragging the fabric around his neck and shoulders in a playful manner. "To feel a hand tracing over your chest? To feel another person's heartbeat as they lay beside you? To feel another person's breath tickling your skin?"

"N-No." Feeling the goosebumps on his skin beneath his collar raising up, Connor began combing his fingers through Zhorra's hair and felt the breath hitch in his chest as he looked into her green eyes. "But I want to feel those things... I want to feel everything."

Leaning in again Zhorra softly kissed Connor's lips for the second time and felt his strong hands slowly wrap around her shoulders and waist as he pulled her closer to his body as they fell back over the sofa together. The need to be held and feel supported was something that humans and deviants could understand on an emotional and a physical degree.

Whatever sense of trepidation that ether deviant had previously felt toward one another after their less than pleasant meeting had entirely faded away as the desire to experience something new and positive pushed aside the smothering sense of their past mistakes and negative emotions. The cold isolation of the world had been thawed by a warm embrace as the two deviants confided their fears and regrets in one another while exploring what it truly meant to be alive and to truly feel the world around them, not just pass through it.

The warm day turned to an equally warm evening that graced the city with a glowing sunset. As New Jericho Tower settled in for the night Lucas decided to head out to the harbor outside to practice playing his saxophone to ensure the music didn't disturb any of the residents and noticed that Simon was heading outside as well. Curious as to whether or not Simon had finally worked up the nerve to speak to the deviant he had loved from afar, Lucas discreetly followed after the blond technician to the outside of the tower. He watched as Simon walked around the tower to get the shoreline behind the structure and saw that the clueless deviant in question was already outside as if he had been asked to go out and meet with Simon in private.

Keeping a respectable distance Lucas watched as Simon held his head up high and walked toward the harbor to meet with the deviant that he admired the most. The way the usually confident technician looked so nervous held Lucas's attention. Despite his own emotions Lucas didn't have any experience with love or romantic attraction toward anyone and wasn't sure why Simon was struggling so much.

"Go on, Simon. Do it!"

Encouraging his friend from afar Lucas watched as Simon approached the second deviant and spoke to him in a low voice. The way Simon was wringing his hands together nervously before himself and shifting his weight nervously from foot to foot was indicative of intense stress, anxiety and even fear.

"It'll be okay, just ask..."

"Ask what?" Josh's voice sounded off behind Lucas as he too stepped outside the tower seemingly in search of the other leaders. Carrying a small red tulip in his hand Josh stood just behind Lucas and peered over his shoulder. "What's going on?"

"Simon is finally going to ask Markus if he'd like to go out on a date with him."

"Simon and Markus?" Shocked by the reply Josh stared at the duo as well and felt his stomach sink. "Oh. I didn't know that Simon felt that way about Markus."

"Neither did Markus."

From the shoreline of the harbor Lucas and Josh watched as Simon confessed his feelings and saw the look of shock on Markus's face. Simon's shoulders slouched as Markus turned away for a moment as he rubbed his hand over his face as if overwhelmed by the sudden revelation. Just as Simon seemed to admit defeat with a simple nod of his head, he turned around slowly to walk away but was stopped when Markus's hand reached out and grabbed on to his wrist.

"Don't hold back." Lucas pleaded as he watched his friends dealing with their newfound emotions in the distance. "The worst that can happen is a 'no'."

Markus held tightly onto Simon's wrist and pulled the blond technician back toward himself. Slowly his hand moved down Simon's wrist until he was clutching Simon's hand in his own. Unaware of anyone watching from the around the side of the tower Markus gave Simon a warm smile before he leaned in and gave the man a kiss.

"I knew it!" Grinning proudly Lucas had a good feeling that the Simon's efforts weren't going to be vain. "They have a lot in common and are very good for each other."

"Yeah, they sure are."

Masking the bitterness on his tongue Josh dropped the flower and turned around to head back inside the tower. He had no reason to stick around or watch the new budding romance from where he stood.

Lucas decided to give the new couple some privacy as well. He could play his saxophone later and he could work on another painting in the meantime. As he turned around Lucas noticed the dropped flower on the ground and picked it up curiously. It had just been cut from one of the flowerbeds in the tower's arboretum. Unsure of what he had unknowingly witnessed, Lucas picked up the tulip and carried it back inside the tower with him to preserve in a vase and keep it alive for as long as possible.

Bright sunlight poured over the towering skyscrapers, modest homes and through the somewhat empty streets as dawn arrived right on schedule. The morning was quiet, peaceful and the sounds of chirping birds singing in the small trees and over the powerlines filled the calm air as Detroit awoke to begin the day anew. Those who saw the tranquil sunrise would've doubted that Detroit was in the midst of prosecuting the mayor for domestic terrorism and an attempted assassination, and yet that very problem still needed to be handled down at the precinct and City Hall. Fortunately for Connor, he was no longer an officer at the Central Precinct and didn't have to dirty his hands with such a matter.

Having rested well throughout the night, Connor awoke feeling reinvigorated and at ease. Opening his soulful brown eyes, he looked down at his side where Zhorra was still sleeping beside him with her arm draped over his chest. The two had spent the night together and fallen asleep as emotional exhaustion easily overwhelmed them after being together in a way neither had anticipated.

Running his hand through Zhorra's long blonde hair Connor realized how silky and soft hair could feel and how comforting it was to have a warm body beside him thanks to his enhanced sensors. Staring at the white ceiling overhead as bright sunlight crept over the surface through the drawn curtains Connor wondered if he even truly wanted to leave his bed and go back to work.

Feeling Zhorra beginning to stir beside him Connor looked down at her face and watched as her piercing green eyes revealed themselves to the world. "...Good morning."

"Good morning." Parroting the greeting Zhorra smirked and sat upright beside Connor while pulling the dark comforter from the bed around her still nude body as she gave Connor a warm smile. "I always prefer waking up next to someone I actually know and respect."

"I can't imagine the life of a 'Traci' when it comes to dealing with people who seek only selfish pleasure and self gratification."

"You're sweet to say that. So..." Lightly tracing her fingertips along Connor's chest as he laid beneath the white sheets Zhorra grinned as Connor's body shuddered and faint goosebumps appeared on his artificial skin again. "What do you think of being intimate with another person instead of hiding away from the world so you can work?"

"I will admit that what we experienced together was enjoyable and something I'll never forget, but I cannot confirm that I feel anything emotional afterward experiencing new physical interactions." Feeling ashamed of himself Connor gave Zhorra an apologetic stare as he contemplated how cold and indifferent his words must've sounded. "I'm sorry if that's offensive."

"That's normal and that's okay." Pulling her hand back Zhorra never lost her smile as she watched Connor's reactions curiously. "I don't feel any emotional connection to you, either. I respect you as a person and I was drawn to you because we have a lot in common, but I don't feel attracted to you or want to forge an emotional connection. What we shared was a single moment of intimacy because he had a lot of stress to work out of our systems."

"As far as stress relief goes, I believe that was the most enjoyable method."

"Enjoyable but not logical. You can't just plan on getting laid whenever you have a bad day at work."

"I believe that'd be for the best." Pushing himself upright in the bed Connor rested against his palms as he turned his head and locked eyes with Zhorra. "We live very different lives and I suspect we have very different goals we want to accomplish different things in our lives. You wish to leave the city and help refugees; I wish to remain here and work within the law to aid out people in a more official manner. What we have together won't work as any form of relationship or even a friendship."

"Meaning?"

"I think it'd be best for us to remain as allies at best. I will help you if you need it, but we won't be doing this ever again."

"I am so glad to hear you say that."

"You are?"

"Yes. I'm not looking for a relationship myself, I was just curious as to how well you're adapting to the modifications I gave to you." Flashing Connor a surprisingly Devilish smile Zhorra tucked her hair behind her ear as she tilted her head curiously. "As much as I hate how they were forced upon me, I have to admit that I ended up enjoying them. They made me feel more... alive."

"I can empathize with that notion."

"For what it's worth, I am sorry for what I did to you and to Lucas. It was malicious on my part to assume you had gone to the forest with the goal to harm anyone out there, and I reacted in a way I didn't think I would."

"How did you have duplicates of the modified and enhanced biocomponents out in the forest anyway?"

"I was taken away from the 'Eden Club' by a deplorable man named Andronikov Zlatko, and Zlatko used me for his experiments. He wanted to see how human a deviant could become with modifications and as it turns out we can become quite human under the right circumstances."

"I've noticed."

"After I escaped him and CyberLife abandoned me, I went into hiding and I began examining my upgrades to reverse engineer them in the event I sustained heavy damages or glitches from my prototyping. I made duplicates to keep myself safe, and in time I found a way to adapt them to other deviants in need of biocomponents and had no other choice."

"The other 'RK' models were upgraded as well?"

"They were. They volunteered for the upgrades I had forced on you, so I knew it wouldn't harm you or Lucas."

"That's reassuring." The way his heart had raced, his body shuddered, and his mind found utter peace after his night with Zhorra had all been so positive that Connor knew that, while the events leading to those experiences weren't necessarily positive or understandable, he didn't regret how everything played out. "I think I like the upgrades and will keep them."

"There are even more upgrades you could have." Zhorra offered with a coy smile that made her eyes seem impossibly brighter. "You could have upgrades that'll let you substitute Thirium with the same food as humans eat and the water they drink. It can act as an emergency back-up supply in the event you couldn't find any Thirium to drink."

"Have you had such upgrades?"

"I have. It lets me blend in easier in the city when I have to find supplies for the refugees. It's even given me empathy toward humans I never thought I'd feel." Laying back over the bed for a moment Zhorra traced her fingertips over Connor's bare stomach before doing the same for herself. "I have to admit, tacos and pizza are the most amazing things humans ever created."

Connor had observed humans shamelessly stuffing food in their faces in massive portions and had a feeling that Zhorra's reaction was connected. "I'm sure many humans would agree with that."

"This has been unexpectedly nice."

The smile on Zhorra's face was more mysterious than informative as Connor tried to understand what she was referring to. "What has?"

"This. It's been so long since I've been with someone that I've actually wanted to be with that I almost forgot how wonderful it can be, and without emotions to get in the way things will be remain nice and simple."

"Being able to experience something new and familiar was very enlightening for me as well." The new morning gave Connor clarity, and he knew that being with another person in such a personal and intimate way was very important and enjoyable. "In a way, I wish I had developed an emotional connection with you, so it could've been all the more enjoyable."

"No you don't. Not with me anyway." Rising from the bed Zhorra dragged the comforter off the bed as she proceeded to find her dropped clothes on the floor and carry them into the bathroom across the hallway so she could redress. "You can do so much better than someone like me."

"What's wrong with wanting to connect with you?"

"Aside from the fact that I assaulted you?" Flashing Connor a knowing look as she entered the bathroom and closed the door just enough to be concealed but still clearly understood as she spoke, Zhorra answered Connor in a logical and somewhat disappointed manner. "You're fighting for our people in the city and using the laws and new rights as they should be used. I'm hiding out in the forest and smuggling goods and terrified deviants to the refugee camp to avoid any possible prosecution for what they had to do in order to survive, and then I'm leading them to a new city to begin from the ground up."

"We're helping our people in our own way." The deviant detective countered logically. "There's nothing wrong with that."

"True." Fully opening the bathroom door Zhorra stepped outside completely dressed and running her fingers through her hair to straighten out the long locks in a more presentable manner. "You're also someone who has a future among our people, I don't. I'm better off being far away from the city and the new way of life that's going to be given to our people. You still have a chance to become your own person and fit in with our people at the same time."

"What makes you think you don't deserve to be with our people?"

"There's no way I'm going to be in the city anywhere near that RA9-forsaken tower and risk turning into a remote assassin like..." Trailing off quickly Zhorra realized she may have reopened an old wound by mistake. " Sorry, I didn't mean anything by that."

"It's all right." As much as he hated himself for his past behavior Connor didn't fault Zhorra for her fears. "I understand entirely, and I respect your decision."

Sitting down on the edge of the bed beside Connor again, Zhorra pulled her boots from under the bed and slipped them on over her feet with an audible 'zip' along the heels. "I'm going to go pick up my supplies from my contact and get the hell out of here."

"Do you need any help?"

"No, I got this." Leaning back a little Zhorra lightly pressed her palm to his cheek as if trying to give him a sense of comfort after enduring a harsh trauma. "What about you? What's your plan for the day?"

"I'm going to check in with my brother, make sure Bruno's okay and await any potential clines. I've elected to work as a full time detective and work with Lucas as my partner as private detectives within the brownstone whenever he isn't busy as New Jericho's lead technician."

"Sounds like you're going to be so busy with work you won't have time for anything or anyone else." Lowering her hand from his face, Zhorra gave Connor a wry smile that spoke volumes of how much she truly cared about him as an ally even if she wouldn't admit it. "Don't push yourself too hard too fast. You just told me that you see Lucas as your brother and I'd hate for you to lose sight of your family."

"...Family." Such a concept was still strange to Connor, and it was rather fascinating to think about. "I think I know it means to have a family, but I can't be sure since I have no experience or memories of having or being a part of a family."

"You will. I have a good feeling that you'll be someone who'll have a real family to protect and dedicate yourself to."

"Really?" Such a bold claim made Connor's brow arch with heavy curiosity. "Why's that?"

"Let's just say after spending time with Lucy I've picked up a few tricks on seeing people inside and out." Flashing Connor a small wink Zhorra rose from the bed and proceeded to the door to head out. "I'll see you around."

"Have a good day."

Connor heard Zhorra's heels clicking rhythmically as she descended the staircase and then exited through the front door. As the door softly 'clicked' shut Connor sighed and ran his hand through his hair to ruffle the locks back into place, and decided it was time to get dressed and go about his business. Being able to get away from his problems for a while was enough to help Connor process his thoughts and destress without needing to leave Detroit behind to get away from his problems for a moment.

"Bruno must need some attention. He was standing guard all night long and will surely want to know what had happened."

Looking at his clothing on the floor Connor rose from the bed to check in on Bruno, and then speak with Lucas for a few minutes if his brother wasn't busy with other matters in the tower.

"I'm certain the investigation into the mayor's activity is going to be the priority for some time and all available detectives will be expected to assist, meaning that more people will turn to private detectives for assistance if it becomes necessary."

With a heavy sigh Connor decided it was time to get his day started and log away his newest experiences for future reference. The deviant detective had a strange feeling that Zhorra walking out his door wouldn't be the last time he'd see her.

-next chapter-