Requested by Wormate: Would you be willing to write a platonic relationship prompt? As a fairly aromantic asexual, I love fluff but am uncomfortable with romance, even the tamest, sappiest, silliest kind (spit, gross! dry hands, gross! wet hands, gross! pressure on my skin, gross!). If we could have some Connor and a touch-averse reader going to a dance and inventing their own waltz where they don't touch each other, I'd be so down with that. Extremely close platonic relationships transcend the word 'friendship' - it's more unconditional love without the need for sexual attraction, pleasure or gratification - and I'd really love it if you could try to represent that!

So I didn't go with the dance idea because I couldn't think of a way to describe that in writing without the use of touch, so I went with something a little different instead. I hope you still enjoy it and I hope I wrote a touch-averse character accurately enough! I did a little research on it, and used my own experience with not liking being touched by certain people but if I got anything wrong then I apologise!

The reader character is asexual in this chapter! I would also describe them as probably being demiromantic too :)

Interspace

With all his perception and masterful examination skills, it took Connor an awfully long time to realise you weren't fond of physical contact. In the very beginning, when he was still just a machine following orders, he witnessed multiple accounts in which you proficiently dodged any and all instances where you otherwise would have received affectionate or accidental physical contact from those around you.

You avoided handshakes by shoving your hands in your pockets and looking as inconspicuous as possibly, you'd shrunk back on one particular occasion in which Gavin had tried to clap you on the shoulder, and you opted to always move around small gatherings of people instead of passing through and involuntarily brushing shoulders with another.

Connor hadn't made the connection initially; these simple observations had been nothing to do with his investigation, thus he had filed them away in a miscellaneous folder in his mind, and hadn't had reason to deliberate on them after that.

At least, not until some time after the revolution when it all seemed to become relevant again; you were spending more time with Connor both in and out of work, and he was beginning to notice more and more occurences in which you went out of your way to avoid the touch of others.

When he brought you coffee to your desk in the mornings, you would motion for him to place it on your worktop instead of taking it from his hand directly - it wouldn't have seemed unusual if it wasn't for the fact that you always picked it up to take a sip immediately after he set it down - surely it would be quicker if you just took it straight from his hand?

Incidentally, on another occurrence, Connor's fingers had brushed against your own as he walked past you one afternoon - totally by accident - and you had practically flinched, pulling your hand away immediately to clutch it in your other palm, rubbing your digits almost neurotically. You'd acted as though it hadn't happened, avoiding his gaze when he turned back inquisitively in acknowledgement of your reaction.

"Sorry, detective", Connor had gently apologised despite not knowing what he had done wrong, only that you had been made uncomfortable by the proximity. You'd been quick to shake your head and cast him a small smile, a series of actions that Connor had come to understand as conveying a 'don't worry about it, it's fine' sort of response.

While Connor did not understand this apparent disinclination you had for physical contact, he made an effort not to engage in any tactile actions when it came to you, going purposefully out of his way to make sure any part of his body did not accidentally come into contact with your own. It didn't bother him in the slightest, as it was very clear that your evasion did not develop from a distaste for his company - you very much enjoyed being around him, something made evident by the way you were always smiling around him and chatting avidly with him in your free time - but Connor was naturally curious as to why you evaded the touch of seemingly everybody.

So, one day, while you were sitting in the break room drinking coffee, Connor decided to broach the subject of his curiosity.

"Why do you dislike people touching you?" He enquired with a quirk of his head, straightforward and simple in his question.

Your eyes widened mid-sip of your coffee and your cheeks grew heated as you sputtered slightly, quickly covering your mouth to avoid spitting coffee all over the android sitting opposite you. Connor blinked, his LED flickering at your reaction to his enquiry as he processed the characteristics behind the emotions you were exhibiting - your pink cheeks, averted gaze, slightly hunched posture, the way you raced to cover your face subconsciously - all signs of embarrassment.

Connor remained silent, waiting for you to clear your throat and collect your composure, watching as you tapped your fingers against the side of your coffee cup for a few quiet moments before looking up at him with a spark of self-consciousness in your eyes.

"It's that obvious, huh?"

The android tilted his head, easily picking apart the signs of sheepishness in your manner, "I have noticed you avoid physical contact with everybody, but I was designed to identify details that humans often overlook. It is possible that I am the only one who has noticed." He offered his words in an attempt to alleviate your apparent discomfort over the subject - perhaps you would be content to know that your behaviour wasn't abundantly transparent.

You sighed, nibbling your lower lip as you looked down at your hot beverage.

"Detective, I'm not judging your behaviour. I'm just curious", Connor smiled his most friendly smile, hoping to ease you into sharing the reasoning behind your evasive manoeuvres.

Your lips curled slightly upwards at his reassurance and you shrugged your shoulders dismissively, "I don't know, it's just… I don't like people touching me, that's all there is to it."

Connor frowned somewhat, clearly not satisfied with the answer - he'd been expecting something a little more in-depth that would offer more information about your tactile-based issue. You gave another sigh, playfully rolling your eyes before coming up with a response that would leave the android more fulfilled.

"The feeling of someone touching me makes my skin crawl. I've always had a negative reaction to it - I flinch, I shy away, I hate it. It's like- I can't explain it- the feeling stays on me and I can't shake it. I'm fine with most materials, but the sensation of skin against my own is just the worst." You paused, looking inquisitively at the android as his LED began to flicker - which usually meant he was searching the internet for something or other - and wondered if there was a surefire way you could even describe the sensation to Connor. Androids didn't feel things like humans did, so you didn't really see any way you could shed some light on the subject.

After a few moments, his LED stopped blinking and his spoke, "You're touch-averse", he stated, and you nodded in confirmation, "I see", the android continued, "It is an uncommon condition that can transpire from many different causes. It is nothing to be ashamed about, detective."

You blinked, your hand rising to rub the back of your neck diffidently, "I'm… I'm not ashamed, I just…"

"You displayed several signs of embarrassment when I brought it to attention", Connor pointed out, and you let out a huff.

"I'd just rather people didn't know about it, okay?"

Connor squinted with bemusement, "Why, detective? If you made others aware of your condition, then perhaps they would make an effort to keep from touching you."

"Not everyone is that thoughtful. People can get… weird about it. Some people get personally offended that I don't want them to touch me - they think I'm some sort of freak for backing away when they try to hug me, or whatever", your eyes fell sadly, "and some people find it amusing and try to touch me on purpose, despite me telling them multiple times not to."

Connor looked at you with those pretty doe eyes, cocking his head adorably, and you found yourself smiling again, uplifted by just the sight of his irreproachable face. The android was one of the few people in the entire world that you caught yourself staring at from time to time - simply for the enjoyment factor - because he had an undeniably beautiful face. Perfectly symmetrical. Warm eyes, a soft expression that emanated friendliness - the way that one strand of hair fell down his forehead - and every precise movement he made was exquisite; he seemed confident and powerful when he walked, his posture and gait characteristic of his cool-headed assertiveness. His hands were attractive too - not a speck of smudge of dirt to be found on his flawless skin - and you especially liked the way he would rub his palms together as he prepared to inspect a crime scene.

If there was anybody in the universe that you were to admit to having a crush on, it was Connor.

"Thank you for expounding on your tactile aversion", Connor spoke, a small smile growing on his face, "From now on I will take better care not to touch you."

Just like that, your infatuation blossomed into something a little more powerful.

Why couldn't everybody in the world be more like Connor?

4 Months Later...

There was always pleasure to be found in a quiet place, a cup of coffee, and a good book - especially when all three came at once. The Athenaeum Cafe was a small establishment on an unassuming street corner a couple of miles away from your home; it was Connor who had discovered it in passing when he and Hank had driven by it on their way to the scene of a homicide a few blocks down, and it was Connor who had approached you with the request to join him for some coffee one afternoon in the little cafe.

"You don't drink coffee, though", you'd blinked in surprise, squashing down the surge of excitement from your crush asking you out, "You don't drink anything", there was a skittish edge to your chuckle, making it clear to anyone in the vicinity that you were suddenly nervous.

"But you do", Connor replied, a smile on his lips as he quirked an eyebrow, eyes sparkling with a very knowing look.

So you had accepted his offer.

When you entered the cafe, you were awed to find that it doubled as a library - the downstairs had the air of a quaint coffee shop, baristas at the bar serving customers at a relaxed and chilled pace which gave the place a very calm and inviting vibe. There were even little cakes for sale, you noted with glee, and clasped your hands together, wiggling your fingers joyfully.

Connor had instructed you to head upstairs and find a seat while he ordered your coffee - the android knew just how you liked your hot beverages - but on the way up the stylised spiral staircase, you had grown distracted by the ornamentals throughout the place. Instead of making yourself comfortable at the small booth in the corner of the upper floor, you wandered towards the rows of bookcases, weaving in and out of them as you observed their contents.

There were so many varieties of genre, so many classic pieces of literature and so many brand new publishings, and you were whisked away immediately as you searched for a novel to pick out and read for yourself. The smell was grand, a glorious mix of coffee grounds and the musty scent of old books; places like this were a novelty now given that digital reading was widespread and common. You couldn't help but imagine that Lieutenant Hank would probably find the place just as endearing and interesting as you did - he had mentioned once how much he despised digital books, saying that physical copies of novels were what made them attractive in the first place.

Eventually, you plucked a novel from the shelf - 'The Maroon Mountains of Merrik' by Erin Novak - the synopsis promised dragons and magic, so you were sold almost instantly; when you emerged from the looming rows of bookcases, you were amused to find Connor standing near the staircase, looking around searchingly with a rather lost expression on his face.

"Over here", you called - though not too loudly, as you were technically in a library - and waved your hand to get the android's attention. You situated yourself in the comfy seat of the nearest table as Connor spotted you, and smiled brightly up at him when you recognised what he was holding.

It was sweet enough that he had bought you coffee - a hot cappuccino with cream and cinnamon - but in his other hand, he held a small plate that housed a lemon and poppy seed muffin, the very cake you had been eyeing up before he'd told you to find a seat.

"You're too kind, thank you." You murmured shyly as he placed the items down before you and then took the chair opposite, scanning over the book you still held in your hands.

The android cocked his head, "The Maroon Mountains of Merrik", he read, "a fantasy book published in 2026 by Erin Novak", he looked thoughtful for a moment, "What made you choose this book?"

You took a sip of the delicious cappuccino, licking your lips free of the foamy cream as a sheepish look passed over your face, "I like the alliteration in the title", you admitted bashfully, "and there's a dragon on the cover, which is always a plus." Connor appeared amused by your answer, it was apparent in his eyes and the curl of his lips.

"Why don't you go choose a book?" you suggested, inclining your head towards the vast collection of novels several steps away - you didn't quite want Connor to sit awkwardly in silence while he watched you drink your beverage and read your book, and you were curious to see what kind of title he would choose.

The android rose to his feet with a hum and disappeared for several minutes amongst the tall aisles of bookcases, in the meantime you took careful mouthfuls of your coffee, trying not to scald your throat but far too impatient to wait for it to cool to a more acceptable temperature; Connor returned when you were halfway through your cappuccino, clutching a worn novel with a red cover.

"What you got there?" you peered at the publication, catching the author's name on the spine, "Arthur Conan Doyle - a Sherlock Holmes story, huh? Why am I not surprised?" you laughed softly as the android sat down again, his mouth twitching positively in response to your remark.

"It's The Hound of the Baskervilles", he spoke, "It sounds… interesting."

"I'm sure you'll enjoy it. For me personally, being a detective makes it difficult for me to read crime novels - as you can see, I'm more into fantasy stories, stuff about magic and elves and dwarves, all that kind of thing really gets me going."

Connor nodded his head, seeming to hang on to your every word as if he were storing everything away in his mind - which you supposed he probably was, given the way android's memories worked - before he turned his attention to the Sherlock Holmes book in his hands and began to read silently.

You regarded the lemon and poppy seed muffin, licking your lips in anticipation before breaking a piece of the fluffy cake off and popping it into your mouth with a pleased hum - it was delectable. You didn't hesitate with continuing to devour it as Connor read.

The android was a very fast reader - his eyes zipped across the pages with impressive haste as he took the words in, and he was almost one third through the book by the time you had completely finished your muffin and your coffee. You'd spent the whole time watching him fondly, appreciating the way his head would occasionally tilt or the way his eyebrows would arch up as he read a particularly stimulating paragraph of the story.

He was really handsome, you couldn't deny it. You'd never experienced sexual attraction, and that much was still true, but there was a certain aesthetic to Connor that you couldn't help but admire - especially today, he had chosen to wear a burgundy sweater that fit him snuggly, and he was looking particularly lovely in that shade of red.

You really liked him. There was a romantic attraction present in your view of him as a person, but despite that, your qualms about physical contact still stood strong - you didn't want to touch him, you had no desire to touch him. You just wanted to be near him, to see him and hear him - anything that didn't involve touch.

When Connor's fingers masterfully flicked to the next page, your eyes fell transfixed on his hands - so wonderfully sculpted and strong-looking, you could surely stare at them all day long, but you didn't because that would be most definitely creepy. Instead, you gently shifted the empty mug and plate to the side, wiped your fingers on the napkin provided - you didn't want to get any sticky fingerprints on the book - and picked up your chosen novel, reading over the blurb once again before you could begin.

The moment you took the book into your hands, Connor paused, gaze flicking up towards you before he quietly placed his own book down, his attention apparently drawn away from the pages of the old Sherlock Holmes novel, and you gave him an inquisitive glance, "Is something wrong?"

Connor looked hesitant for a moment, his lips parting as his eyes flickered briefly away before settling on the book in your hands, "I was wondering if you could perhaps… read out loud."

You blinked in surprise, "You want me to read to you?"

"If it's not too much trouble."

You couldn't understand the reasoning behind Connor's request, quirking your eyebrow up in puzzlement as you picked apart his vaguely hopeful expression, "Um, are you sure? I'm not sure my voice is that great for storytelling", you admitted with a chuckle.

"I disagree", Connor contended hastily, "I find your voice to be very pleasant and soothing to listen to."

Your mouth hung open in surprise. Really? You'd never thought your voice to be pleasing to the ear - in fact, you'd believed it to be anything but soothing; you had the tendency to grow high-pitched in tone whenever you became excited, and nothing about the way people reacted to it suggested it was a welcomed modulation. "I- I'm almost certain I sound extremely annoying to everyone else", you half-joked, still uncertain over Connor's solicitation.

The android's small smile fell, "Not to me. I find… enjoyment in listening to you speak. You always have a lot of emotion in your voice… it's engaging."

You remembered suddenly all the times you had noticed Connor's extreme attentiveness whenever you had talked to him in the past - he always stared at you with what you had misconstrued as scrutiny, but it may have very well been a simple desire to listen closely to the words you spoke and how you spoke them.

Your cheeks warmed at the sentiment, but self-consciousness flooded through you at the same time, making you hyper aware of the sound of your voice, "O-oh, that's… that's… I'm glad you like it." To yourself, you sounded like a stuttering, babbling mess, but you supposed if Connor still enjoyed it then you were happy to indulge him.

The cover of your book was a grand drawing of two young men, one clad in armour and the other clad in wizard robes, staring up at a looming dragon who eyed them both with intimidation; you turned carefully to the first page, licking your lips and clearing your throat nervously at the prospect of reading aloud.

You steeled yourself and read the first line, "The days were growing shorter. The dew drops that had once clung to grassy stems on wet Autumn mornings now sat frozen in the cold, unforgiving Winter air, and the Northern forest looked more daunting by the day; Prince Amandir breathed crisp oxygen into his lungs and exhaled white vapor as he trudged from the training grounds towards his home, the castle that loomed on the hilltop before him, listening to the sharp crunch of rigid leaves beneath his feet."

Connor leaned forward as you spoke, resting his elbow on the table and his chin in his palm, eyes alight with engrossment after only the opening paragraph. By the time you'd finished the first chapter, the android's eyes had fallen shut and his blue LED spun rhythmically as he absorbed your every word. He looked incredibly relaxed, and it made you pause in your reading, which in turn - after a moment - brought Connor back to a more cognizant state.

"Why did you stop?" the android enquired with a touch of disappointment, pulling a laugh from your throat.

"That's the end of chapter one", you told him, before regarding Connor with light suspicion, "Did you ask me out here just so you could get me to read to you?"

The LED on the side of his head flickered frantically for a moment, his hand falling away from his chin so that he could interlock his fingers on the table, "I- no... no, that wasn't the only reason." He twiddled his thumbs, looking a little high-strung, and you wondered if he'd accidentally left his coin in his work jacket - usually he procured the coin when he was skittish, as he clearly was now, but he did no such thing.

Instead, he straightened in his chair, forced a brittle smile onto his face and quietly disclosed a few tentative words, "I… like you."

You blinked rapidly, wondering if Connor meant what you thought he meant.

"More than I like other people", he clarified, suddenly wholly diffident in his demeanour and lacking confidence in his words; it caused a ripple of nervous elation to flutter through you.

He fell silent, waiting for you to speak, so you drew in a breath and stuttered as you tried to force your brain to spit out some intelligible words, "I- wh… um, you mean… like… romantically?" You tried not to sound hopeful, not wanting to be flooded with humiliation if it was all just a misunderstanding and you'd interpreted him wrongly.

The android smiled and nodded.

You really hoped he wasn't scanning you, because he'd no doubt easily pick up on the rapid thump of your heart. Your crush liked you back. Holy shit. You opened your mouth, lips moving of their own accord before you could even think of the words you were going to say, "I- I… uh, I like you too… in the same way", it was nerve-wracking to state out loud, and you felt bad about the way Connor's expression lit up given what you were about to continue with, "-but… are you sure you want to date me?"

The android faltered, his brow furrowing with confusion, "Well yes, I thought I made that clear", he murmured, a reflective sheen in his sweet, brown eyes that made him look like a hopeless puppy.

You couldn't help but doubt yourself. "But you know how I am… with touching, and all that", you reminded him, though you knew full well he hadn't forgotten - he'd lived up to his promise for the last four or so months, doing his utmost to avoid skin contact with you because he knew how much it made you uncomfortable.

The idea of having a relationship with another person left you irresolute. What if Connor grew disappointed some time into the relationship when he realised you wouldn't want to do 'normal' couple things like hugging and kissing? You couldn't stand the thought of Connor losing interest after having a misguided preconception of what a romantic relationship with you would entail.

"Yes, I know", Connor answered simply, "It has no bearings on how I feel about you."

His uncomplicated response triggered a well of emotions in your chest and you swallowed them down to flounder your way around another question, "But… are you certain? What if you…" you trailed off, knowing what you wanted to ask but not quite knowing how - what if you change your mind? - and Connor picked up on your cautiousness effortlessly.

Your name left his lips warmly, "I assure you, it is not a hindrance. Your company alone is enough, listening to your voice is enough, you are enough."

You wanted to drop the invisible barrier you often surrounded yourself with in these situations, you wanted to accept his proposal of a relationship without hesitation, but despite how persuasive he sounded - how sure of himself he seemed - there was a tiny part of you that held enormous doubts.

"...and you're happy to enter a relationship that doesn't rely on physical affection?"

Connor smiled with understanding, "Androids perceive touch differently to humans. There is no pleasantness or unpleasantness associated with physical contact for me - it's just a sense of pressure. It doesn't feel good or bad, thus it is not a sensation I would crave, nor refuse." He'd seemed to know exactly what was troubling you, and alleviated your worries in one sentence.

You felt warm, and it took you a moment to realise that your face had gone red over what this all meant, "So… does that mean… you're my boyfriend now, then?"

Connor beamed, "If you'll have me."

You felt so merry that you almost giggled, but managed to quickly control yourself, clapping your hand over your mouth to avoid letting loose any frivolously silly noises. Instead of making a fool of yourself by launching into a ramble of how much you appreciated Connor and enjoyed his company, you simply nodded your head, affirming his new status as your significant other.

Perhaps in an ordinary relationship, this would be the part where the couple shared a tentative kiss followed by a more confident, passionate smooch, but in your more personal reality, you felt the pleasure of such an action with just eye-contact alone. Seeing Connor smile with both his mouth and his eyes flooded you with electricity and warmth, leaving you dizzy in the process.

This could most certainly work.

You turned your attention back to the book, eyes focusing on the words 'Chapter Two', and continued to read, "The campfire crackled, casting an orange glow across the clearing, spitting out flaming embers that waned when they fell upon the dried up soil at the prince's feet. Amandir didn't know if it was simply an effect of the unsettling woods, but he just couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched…"

Connor hung tightly to your every word.

Notes: That 'Maroon Mountains of Merrik" book is totally made up and something I WISH I could write. Also it absolutely contains a gay romantic subplot between a swordsman who is also a prince and an Elvish sorcerer. Because hell yeah for gay romantic subplots.

I hope y'all enjoyed this chapter! Lemme know in the comments! ;)