Requested by s1mplyp0tat0 on AO3: Okay I think I've got another idea and it's super cliche and cheesy, but I feel like it would be so adorable with Connor. So, it starts with the reader being bugged by their parents to get a boyfriend, girlfriend, etc as they feel like they're 'spending too much time at work' and 'there's not long left to get a family.' Obviously, the reader is annoyed at this (as the parents have repeatedly lectured on it before) and in their aggravated state blurt out "I have a boyfriend!" (to stop their parents from continuing the lecture to the day they die.) Big mistake, so one thing leads to another and the reader is asking Connor to be their pretend boyfriend for the time at their parents. You can choose how the reader persuades him to go, maybe Connor is just like "Welp, sure detective!" or the reader has to explain it's a covert mission where they must pretend to be couples, it's up to you. Connor could do some dorky stuff, like searching up on his android internet(?) what to do when meeting someones parents and telling the reader about the advice, and the fact 'this seems to be a couple thing.' When meeting the parents, you could have the parents like androids and not mind the fact Connor is "The android sent by Cyberlife" or the parents could hate androids and the reader has to cover the LED with foundation (maybe or other materials,) and trying to make Connor act like a human and not an adorable android. (Whilst at the reader's parents house, Connor and the reader could do domestic activities such as, go to the park, get shopping for the reader's parents, hold hands in public and eat out together.) As the time goes on at the reader's parents house, Connor and the reader will slowly start to fall in love and end up a real boyfriend and girlfriend/boyfriend/etc when they leave. At the end you could even have Hank giving them a knowing look. Also, you could make Connor try his hardest to make the reader and himself seem like a real couple because he sees it as a mission. If you can make it tooth rotting fluff, please do!

I tried my best to avoid the "Y/N" "Y/L/N" for as long as possible but sometimes there's literally no alternative D: For me, writing Y/N in the middle of a story just completely takes me out of it and while I tried to do it as little as possible, there's still just a few too many instances of it in my opinion, so I hope it doesn't deter anyone.

Y/N = Your name.
Y/L/N = Your last name.

I got carried away writing this, it's definitely my favourite so far and I really hope you all enjoy it!

Clandestine

You'd been struggling with yourself over how to approach the subject with Connor all day long.

Before arriving at work that morning, you'd already decided that you would find him and explain your dilemma as soon as you reached the precinct, but when he had looked at you with those endearing brown eyes, you had been struck with the sudden fear that he wouldn't be eager to help you out, and would instead take offense to the fact that you had drawn him into your argument with your parents without his consent.

You hadn't meant to indignantly declare to your mother that you did in fact have a boyfriend and you certainly didn't mean to divulge that his name was Connor and the two of you had been dating for some time - it had just kind of slipped out in the moment, you hadn't thought of the consequences at all.

They had just made you so mad with their nonstop questions about your romantic endeavours, pressuring you to join dating websites and to get a partner as soon as possible, because 'you won't be young and beautiful forever, dear' and something in you had just snapped.

So you lied to them, telling them you were already taken, and had hoped that would be the end of it.

Oh, how wrong you had been.

Your parents had immediately demanded that they simply must have your new boyfriend over for the weekend, desperate to get to know him and determine whether he was good enough for you, and without giving you much option to decline or quickly muster up a half-hearted excuse, they decided this weekend would suffice.

It gave you very little time to resolve your predicament.

After several hours of trying despairingly to figure out a solution to this problem that your little white lie had caused, you finally opted to just ask Connor for help, perhaps a little too bold in your assumption that the android would be all too willing to drop his entire weekend to spend time with you and your family.

You were having serious doubts now, staring at the android from across the office as both your shifts neared their end - you would have to suck it up and face him sooner or later - but you were the champion of procrastination, and put it off as long as you could.

"Goodbye, detective. See you tomorrow", Connor gave you a subtle wave as he and Hank prepared to leave.

You knew you couldn't stall any longer.

You jumped up and followed them out of the precinct, rehearsing over and over in your head how exactly you would broach the issue to the android, but when you caught up with the two of them and lightly grabbed Connor's arm to gain his attention, your words completely failed you.

"Detective?" Connor enquired as you stared at him with your mouth hanging open; Hank rose an eyebrow at you, his expression instantly holding something akin to suspicion.

"I… um, I have-" you cringed at your lack of diction, "Can I… talk to you… for a moment?" you meekly pointed away from Hank, implying you wanted to speak to the android in private - if Lieutenant Anderson were to glean the reason for your awkward behaviour, you would never hear the end of it.

The lieutenant interpreted your gesture for what it was and gave you a feigned hurt look, "Alright, I know when I'm not wanted. I'll wait in the car, Connor." You rolled your eyes at the man's theatrical display, knowing it took a lot more than repudiation to get under his thick skin.

Connor gave you his full attention, his eyebrows pulled together in concern, "Detective, is everything alright?"

"I, um… I have a problem", you hesitantly began, reaching up to scratch the back of your neck restlessly, "It's to do with my parents…"

The android blinked, his eyes reading the implied uneasiness in your movements and general body language, "Are they well?"

"Yes- yes, they're fine, I just, ahh…" you trailed off, taking a moment to reclaim your composure before letting out a sigh of resignation - it was best to start from the beginning, "...for the last few months, my parents have been bugging me nonstop about getting a boyfriend - they're so obsessed with me finding a partner so I can settle down and all that… well, I just got fed up and I… might have told them that I do already have a boyfriend."

Up until that moment, Connor's gaze had been shifting periodically to your fidgeting hands, watching you wring your wrists and rub your palms in a blatant show of discomfort, but as soon as those last words left your mouth, the android's eyes were on you in a penetrating stare.

"You have a boyfriend?" he enquired. There was something in the slight twitch of his eyes that made you falter in your rush to respond, his tone seemed oddly rigid and you weren't entirely sure why.

"No", you quickly amended, "No, I just told them I have a boyfriend to get them off my back", the android's expression smoothed out imperceptibly at the clarification.

"I see", said Connor, before he inclined his head quizzically, "In what way does this pertain to me, detective?"

You bit your lip, a flush of red rising on your cheeks, "Uhh, well, you see… I kind of… told them that you were my boyfriend." Connor's lips parted in surprise as his LED promptly flashed yellow for a few fleeting seconds.

"Oh."

You weren't sure his response was positive or negative, but he didn't say anything more, so you gingerly continued to try and get your point across, "Um, so, uh… the thing is… they want to meet you… this weekend, and have you stay over so they can get to know you...", you winced at how you sounded, wishing you'd just had the backbone to tell your parents the truth instead weaving a more elaborate fabrication at Connor's expense.

Connor eyes darted around your face for a moment as he appeared to look pensive, before a small smile reached his lips, "Okay."

"Okay?"

"I'll do it."

You mouth once again fell agape in astonishment - had it really been that easy? Maybe he didn't quite understand what you were asking of him. "It's just… my family can be a bit weird and, um, sometimes overbearing - they'll probably try to make you feel uncomfortable and I just want you to know what you'd be signing up for…"

The smile on Connor's face did not dither, "I understand. I'm sure it will be fine."

You licked your lip, nodding tentatively, "Cool, cool… okay, um, I'll pick you up Friday evening?"

"That is fine with me", Connor inclined his head in assent, eyes shining with warmth, "See you tomorrow, detective."

"Yeah, see you…" you trailed off as Connor turned to head to Hank's car, still somewhat incredulous at how well that had gone.

"Just try and answer all their questions. If they ask you anything about me and you don't know the answer then just make something up- just lie, I'll back you up. Avoid my sister at all costs, she's a little brat and she lives to embarrass me so just- just don't talk to her. If she tries to talk to you then just walk away, seriously. My dad is gonna make it his mission to intimidate you - it's just his way of testing you, he hates quitters so just stay confident and show him his attempt to discourage you doesn't mean shit. Now, the thing you need to know about my mother-"

"I think you may be worrying a little too much over this", Connor interjected, cutting off your hefty list of instructions. You had been sat in the car for the past twenty minutes just down the road from your parents house, hurriedly briefing the android on how to act and what to say, your nerves growing more and more with each tip you gave him.

"No, I'm worrying the perfect amount", you insisted, "you don't get it. My parents have scared off every partner I've ever had. I just want them to believe that you're my boyfriend and I want them to be satisfied so that they never ever bug me with it again."

Connor's expression grew warm and assuring, his smile enough to pacify your crippling anxieties, "You need not worry. I have done extensive research on the subject of parents meeting their progeny's significant other and I believe I am well prepared to play the part of your boyfriend."

You breathed a sigh and rubbed your eyes before dragging your hand through your hair, "Okay. Alright", you murmured, "let's do this."

Connor's firm aplomb was enough to inspire you to exit the car and make your way down the street with the android in tow; you paused at the gate that led up to the front door, quietly reminiscing over your childhood home. The house was quite large, the garden was colourful and well looked after - it looked wonderfully quaint and picturesque, normal even, so it was truly a shame that you knew how abnormal the family living inside it could be.

With a steadying breath, you approached the door and turned to Connor, "Ready?"

"Of course", the android declared with a smile.

You pressed the doorbell and swallowed your apprehension, knowing there was no turning back now. After a moment, you felt Connor's arm wrap around your waist and looked up at him in surprise.

"We have to look like a couple, don't we?" Connor elucidated, and you bit your lip, shrugging your shoulders slightly as you tried to ignore the feeling of heat rising on your cheeks.

Your parents both answered the door together and your mother promptly let out a happy squeal at the sight of you, "Oh, (Y/N)! It's so good to see you, I've been so excited to finally meet your-" her enthusiastic words hit a sudden end as she turned to face Connor, both hers and your father's eyes picking out the presence of the blue LED on the side of the android's head.

Fuck. You hadn't told them he was an android. It hadn't crossed your mind even once that they would be stunned to discover that your boyfriend wasn't at all human.

Your lips quivered as you searched for words, "M-mum, dad, this is… this is-"

Connor offered your parents his brightest smile, "Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. (Y/L/N). My name is Connor, it's a pleasure to meet you", he spoke with fine articulation, holding out his outstretched palm for a handshake.

Your mother seemed speechless, so your father took charge of the situation, his booming voice not betraying his astonishment at Connor's identity, "So, you're the Connor we've heard very little about", your dad's eyes flickered fleetingly to you before pinning the android with a sharp look as he shook Connor's hand with an overly-strong grip, "It's about time we met."

Connor was unperturbed, his smile as unyielding as ever, "Indeed."

Your mum was still wordlessly staring so you cleared your throat and gave an awkward, jerky motion with your hand, "Can we, um, come in?" It seemed to knock your mother out of her stupor and she hurriedly stepped aside.

"Oh, y-yes of course!" she exclaimed, "Please, come in!"

Connor's hand gently squeezed on your waist, offering another promise that everything would be fine, and you stepped through into the hallway to be greeted with the appetising smell of your mum's homemade lasagna, feeling a slight pang of guilt over the fact that your mother had probably been excited to cook for your boyfriend - but androids don't eat.

"You head upstairs and get settled for now. Dinner will be ready in ten minutes, and then we can all sit down and get to know each other", your mother spoke, seemingly cheerful, but you were easily able to detect the somewhat troubled note underlying her tone. You weren't sure whether she disapproved or if she was just taken aback - you hoped it was the latter.

"Right", you nodded, noticing the way your dad's eyes dubiously followed Connor with a look of judgement, and grabbed the android's hand to lead him up the staircase - there was no way in hell that you'd leave him alone with your parents.

You reached the landing and turned to make your way into the first room on the right, muttering under your breath about Connor being able to take the spare room, but froze at the sight of a silhouette lingering the darkness further down the hall, and let out an exasperated groan, "Laura… what the hell are you doing?"

Your little sister stepped dramatically out of the shadows, one hand on her hip, the other gripping her beloved smartphone - something she was never seen without - and she eyed Connor up and down, her gaze scrutinising as she decided what to make of him. The young teen didn't seem quite as shocked to find that Connor was an android.

"Correct me if I'm wrong", the girl began, "But I'm pretty sure I just heard you say your boyfriend can sleep in the spare room", Laura looked at you expectantly, "But why would he have to do that? He's your boyfriend, so obviously he's gotta sleep in your bed with you."

Laura was always looking for a way to agitate you, and you really didn't like the way she put emphasis on the word 'boyfriend'. It almost seemed like she somehow suspected that Connor was just acting the part - damn her and her perceptiveness.

You cleared your throat, "That's- no, I was just… he is staying in my room, I was just talking about something else", you falsified rather pathetically, your eyes snapping desperately to the android as you tried to figure out an excuse.

Connor tilted his head, examining your sister with a dissecting expression, "Hello, my name is Connor", he introduced himself, "you must be (Y/N)'s sister. It's nice to meet you."

You cringed inwardly, telling yourself you'd have to reprimand Connor for straight up ignoring your warning to avoid your irritating sibling, but you didn't get much time to mull over it, because Laura let out an impertinent laugh.

"Oh my God. He's not actually your boyfriend, is he?" Laura giggled, "Are you paying him or something?" She had totally seen through the act and she'd barely even looked at Connor - how on Earth were you going to fool your parents for the whole weekend?

"He is my boyfriend, you little heathen, so you better shut up right now!" You snapped back indignantly, and Laura smirked - her lips curling in a way that sent bad vibes through your body.

"Then prove it. Kiss him."

You were going to murder that girl.

"I don't need to prove anything to you", you responded tightly, affixing your sister with a brutal glare, and the little monster returned your hostility with a shit-eating grin.

"I knew it", she said, "wait till dad hears that you paid an android to pose as your lover- oh my God, he's gonna freak", Laura bit her tongue to try and control her amusement.

"I didn't pay him, I- he's my actual boyfriend you goddamn spawn of Satan-"

Before you could further insult your wretched little sister, Connor stepped closer to you, cupping your face in his hands before pressing his lips to yours in a solid kiss, his mouth moving expertly against yours in the perfect imitation of a lover's smooch. You were utterly dazed, your heart pumping frantically in your chest, and your brain told you to react and mimic his affectionate movements instead of just standing there stupefied.

"Ugh, that's gross", Laura remarked, her mouth pulled up in disgust as she rolled her eyes, "You can stop now, I'm persuaded", she pretended to gag as she disappeared back into her bedroom and closed the door behind her.

Connor pulled away, a triumphant smile on his face, and you stared at him with wide eyes; you said nothing, turning to open the door to your old room, and motioned for him to enter before firmly shutting it behind you. You pressed your back to the door and proceeded to gape at the android.

"What the hell was that?" you squeaked, lips still tingling pleasantly with the memory of the sensation.

"You told me in the car to do everything I could in order to convince your family that I am your boyfriend. I was merely doing as you asked", he explained, his smile falling ever so slightly, "I apologise- was I not supposed to do that?"

You bit your lip, another spark of guilt seizing you at the trace of dejection on the android's face, and shook your head, "No, I- I guess I did tell you that, huh? I was just… not prepared for that, is all", you let out a sigh, "well, at least my sister believed it…"

A tenacious smile lit up Connor's face, "My mission is to convince your family that I am your boyfriend. I always accomplish my mission."

The red glow of your cheeks still hadn't died down and you quickly cleared your throat, one question prominent in your mind, "Where did you learn to kiss like that, anyway? Has that always been a part of your programming?"

Connor shook his head, "I told you, I have done extensive research on the subject of romance. I have one-hundred and twelve different techniques of romantic kisses logged in my memory, among other affectionate gestures and dialogues", if you didn't know any better, you might've interpreted his smile as suggestive, but it couldn't be so - you'd never known Connor to be purposefully provocative or alluring.

You swallowed around the lump in your throat, "R-right. Okay. That's good", you stammered, "Now we just have to get through dinner without giving the game away."

"So, Connor, what do you do?"

It was bound to begin sooner or later - the onslaught of questions had started and you sent your father a perfunctory glower, because you knew how he could get. It was the start of his persecution in which he would grill Connor for extremely precise answers to his questions, and if the android failed to answer correctly, you knew he'd get nothing but disapproving stares the entire weekend.

Still, you supposed it was far too much to ask for a quiet dinner with your family and your 'boyfriend', especially when it was already incredibly awkward given Connor was not eating, and instead just sitting in silence as he watched everybody else consume their meal.

"I am a detective with the Detroit Police Department, much like (Y/N). I work in the homicide division, my job is to analyse crime scenes, compile evidence, interview witnesses and suspects, and gather facts to determine how a homicide took place, and who enacted it", Connor delineated, his fingers interlocked on the table in front of him.

"Does your relationship with (Y/N) affect your work dynamic?"

Connor cocked his head. You could tell he was evaluating your father, searching through his systems to discern the answer the man was expecting.

"Our relationship does not impede our ability to work together, I do not treat (Y/N) any differently than I do my other coworkers. We maintain a professional connection while working, and save the romance for afterwards", the android threw in a wink in your direction, his lip quirking up in a smile which made you blush, but your father didn't seem to appreciate the coy gesture.

Your dad cleared his throat, demanding Connor's attention once again, and Connor straightened up slightly, seeming to realise that the wink had been inappropriate.

"I'm gonna pose a hypothetical situation to you, Connor. In the event that you have to choose between (Y/N)'s safety and your job, what would you prioritise?"

"Dad", you grumbled frustratedly, knowing that your father was trying to catch the android out.

Connor's lips parted and he paused, thinking carefully about the question that had been presented, before his gaze shifted to you. He looked mildly uncertain, unsure what the man wanted to hear, and you looked apologetic, knowing that regardless of the android's answer, your father would figure out something wrong with it.

"I… am always conscious of (Y/N)'s safety when we are placed in high-risk situations. When dealing with dangerous suspects, we plan for any scenario and act accordingly, and thus I would never find myself in a position where I have to choose between one or the other-"

"But just say you are in that situation", your father reiterated, placing down his knife and fork to steeple his fingers and assume the judging position.

"Dad", you repeated, your tone eveloped in warning. Laura smiled wickedly from across the table as your father prepared to terrorise Connor, she had always been delighted to watch dad tear your previous partners apart.

"Then I would choose (Y/N)'s safety", Connor stated, meeting your gaze; your lips formed a shy smile at the admission and a faint warmth spread through your chest.

"Ah, so you don't think (Y/N) can take care of themselves", your father concluded, folding his arms with displeasure and you immediately felt your fists clench in annoyance.

"You know that's not what he meant, dad", you muttered, a deep frown settling on your face, but Connor briskly spoke up to revise his implication.

"That's not what I think at all, sir. (Y/N) is entirely capable of defending themselves, but hypothetically-" he put emphasis on the word as he held solid eye contact with your father, "-if their life was in danger and their survival chance was low, I would abandon my mission to ensure their safety."

The silence that followed was tense as you waited for your father to snap back something more ludicrous than before, but to your surprise, he simply took a sip from his glass of water and resumed eating his supper, not a hint of emotion of his face to betray his thoughts.

Laura's phone ringtone went off, indicating she had a call, and she grabbed it immediately, bouncing up to exit the room with a half-hearted 'food was great, thanks mum' as she climbed the stairs to head back to her room. She'd only eaten half of her portion and it made you irritable that your mother didn't even admonish her for it - when you were her age, your mother would've ripped your head off for being so impolite.

Maybe it was for the best, however, given that she wouldn't be there to witness the way your mother would inevitably end up embarrassing you, as always.

"So, Connor, what makes you think you're good enough for our little pumpkin?" your mother spoke sweetly, though anybody could comprehend the pernicious inflection hidden within her words if they chose to listen close enough, and you winced at the humiliating nickname.

"Really, mum?" you groaned, wanting so badly for a hole to open up below your feet and devour you.

All your previous partners had always taken this moment to brag about their achievements, talents and aspirations, appearing smug and boastful in a wholly obnoxious way - it never turned out great after that.

Connor looked hesitant, "I… don't really think I have the right to deem myself worthy of (Y/N)'s affections. I think that's for them to decide." You were flustered by his words, finding them beautifully unpretentious and decorous.

His modest response seemed to pacify your mother, for the woman's lips curled into a subdued smile.

Surprisingly, things weren't going half bad. Your parents seemed to be taking to Connor very well - of course, he was incredibly charismatic and courteous, so it wasn't that much of a surprise when you really thought about it.

"I do have one concern, Connor", your mother began, "how do you expect to satisfy (Y/N)'s needs in the bedroom?"

You'd been halfway through taking a sip of your water when those shameless words had left your mother's mouth, and you had to take a few moments to keep from choking on the beverage, forcing yourself to breathe despite the shock of your mother's gall.

While your face had gone remarkably red, Connor's remained composed, though there was a hint of a tremor to his elocution when he responded to the incredibly personal query, "C-could you perhaps… elaborate on what you mean, Mrs. (Y/L/N)?"

"Well", the woman began, brazen and audacious in her plucky interrogation, "I was under the impression that androids who aren't built for intimate acts are not endowed with the, ahem, hardware, necessary for the deed."

You buried your face in your hands. You were seconds away from storming out of the house, dragging Connor along with you; he didn't deserve to be put through this mortification - you should never have brought him round. You'd tried to warn him about your mother's affinity for degrading everybody who had ever shown interest in you.

Connor blinked, "As an advanced prototype, I was built to integrate with humans in every way. While sexual intercourse is not a part my main function, I do require the compulsory equipment needed to perform the act", the android explained seamlessly, completely unflustered by the invasive question.

You couldn't believe he actually answered it.

You also couldn't believe that he was actually capable of sexual acts; the thought made your pulse quicken and you were admittedly abashed at how quickly your mind fell straight into the gutter - you really hoped Connor wasn't scanning your vitals in that moment or he would've realised without a shadow of a doubt that you were very attracted to him.

"Very well", your mother responded, as if she hadn't just asked an incredibly prying enquiry, "I'm mollified", she chuckled, her voice sickeningly sweet once more, and you stared down at your half-eaten dinner, unwilling to stare anybody at the table in the eye.

Thank god your sister had vacated the table earlier. Then again, if she hadn't, perhaps your mother wouldn't have brought it up at all.

The meal continued for a few quiet minutes, but you knew the blessed silence couldn't last long, not when your father was sitting at the table.

"I'd like to know, Connor, what is it that made you want to date (Y/N)?"

You looked timidly over at the android, curious as to how he would choose to respond given that the two of you weren't actually dating. Connor let his gaze travel over you, lingering on your eyes as he contemplated the question.

"...Everything", the android spoke, "I am attracted to everything about them. (Y/N) is enthusiastic in their work, always conscientious and keen when we're working on cases together. They show admirable talent and aptitude in their endeavours and I have learnt a lot from them in the years we have known each other. They are kind, compassionate and considerate. Sharp and insightful. Captivating, charming… and gorgeous. I cannot imagine anyone else I would rather offer my affections to." His hand crept over yours, a warm and tender comfort to break you out of your stupor - you'd clocked out about halfway through his flood of praise, wondering whether he actually meant any of that or if it was all just a convoluted pretence.

If it was a front, Connor was a marvellous actor.

You felt your lip tremble from all the flattery, turning your hand over so that your palm faced his, and rubbed his hand with your thumb in a fond gesture.

A soft 'aww' left your mother's mouth and you glanced her way to find her hand resting over her heart - oh, wow, - she wholeheartedly approved of Connor; your father's face held a spark of advocation and you cheered inwardly.

He'd done it. He'd won them over.

"You were really good at that, y'know."

You were lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling, still somewhat in a daze after the events of supper time while Connor sat in the chair across the room, apparently content to sit quietly while you slept.

"Thank you", the android said, smiling through the dim light of the room, "I understand now why you were anxious about the meeting."

You let out a soft snort, "I did warn you. Still, you made a good impression. The things you said were very sweet… it's a shame you didn't mean them", the words slipped off your tongue before you could review the thought - you blamed it on the tiredness.

"...I meant every word of it", Connor uttered into the darkness of the room, causing your breath to hitch as you inhaled.

He fell quiet, watching you as you attempted to fall asleep, but your thoughts were whirring as you pondered his admission - he thought you were captivating and gorgeous and admirable and insightful and - you could feel your pulse racing as your cheeks warmed up.

Even though you knew he didn't need sleep, you felt bad that he had to just sit there in the dark for hours while you rested.

"Connor", you whispered after ten minutes of silence.

"Yes?" the android murmured just as quietly.

"It's kinda cold in here… do you want to lie down with me?" you knew that Connor could disable his temperature sensitivity at will, and he knew that you knew that, but the android seemed all too ardent to accept the invitation, because he stood and crossed the room almost immediately after the words had left your mouth.

You fell asleep with his warm body pressed up against your back, his breath tickling the nape of your neck pleasantly, as a fleeting thought trickled through your mind before you yielded to your tiredness.

I could get used to this.

Notes: Still not taking requests at the moment. Please review! :)