Surprise! It's a sneaky early update!
I really want to get two more chapters up before I go on my wedding hiatus, so here you all go! Here's number one, and number two shouldn't be too far behind.
And for anyone else reading my other D:BH fic, the update for that should be in the next couple of days. I've been fiddling around with that a fair bit to get it just right.
A few of you have noticed that I have another fic up on AO3 that I don't have on FF. Honestly, I uploaded it only on AO3 because I really wasn't sure what reception it would get on FF. If people are interested, I will happily transpose it here, but of course you are all free to check it out over there! My pseud is Skye_Willows.
Special thanks for reviews: AnUnorthodoxDecision, Celestic1234, lordvaatithewindmage, FandomsMJ, xNarielx, Darnea, Momo22go, inuchara2511, MugetsuPipefox, overcastsea, Surfwriter, Minecraft Guardiansaiyan, DemonSkitty, DyeTheSheep, Kata and one Guest.
Btw, remember what I said about androids having no filter? Yeah, you might want to bear that in mind in the second half of this chapter.
The day before the Jericho crew returned found Connor receiving a message which completely confused him. Their trip to Canada had been highly successful, and they were finishing their work by meeting several high-profile government figures. Media coverage of the trip had proven to be a massive factor in winning over public interest, most Canadians seeing post-deviancy androids in a non-uprising setting for the first time. Markus planned to return a few times over the rest of the year to check on progress towards an androids rights movement there, and he'd invited Connor to accompany him any time the detective wished.
Connor would admit he was intrigued, but nervous. He'd spent his time in the spotlight on the night of their freedom, he wasn't so keen to repeat it. His quiet (or as quiet as was possible for one who'd become an overnight sensation) life in Detroit was more than enough for him. He had his family, job and friends. That was more than enough.
Not to mention a prank war that was keeping him endlessly amused.
His drive to the address given, just on the outskirts of Detroit, was quiet and uneventful, but Connor was still wary as he exited the car. This had all the hallmarks of a trap, and he kept his eyes peeled as he surveyed the house. It was an old farmstead, recently painted from his analysis of the walls, and creeping flowers were sprawled over the windowsills and parts of the sidings. Outwardly, however, Connor didn't see anything to cause alarm.
He realised his error as soon he turned the corner and something slammed into his back, hard, from above, causing him to faceplant the ground below with a large 'oomph'.
Connor sighed at the giggling coming from his back and craned his neck around to see the bright face behind him. "There are less dramatic ways to say hello to someone, Alice," he stated, exasperated, while standing back up.
Alice yelped at the change of balance and slid off Connor's back as he stood, smiling innocently as he levelled her with an unimpressed stare at the state of his clothes. They were now caked in dust. "But they aren't as much fun!" she chirped in reply, as if it was obvious.
The detective just shook his head. He was probably the last person to argue that point given his favourite hobby.
Kara appeared from one of the main doors, chuckling as she saw the state of Connor along with the expressions on his and Alice's faces. "Have a fight with the driveway, Connor?" she asked in amusement.
"No, your daughter is just surprisingly stealthy," he responded lightly, Alice sniggering as she ran back to Kara's side. "I must admit, I was surprised to receive your message, Kara. When did you arrive in Detroit?"
She smiled as she heard further footsteps from within the house, recognising the heavy steps while answering Connor. "We actually came back a few days ago to come stay with Rose. She is the one who helped us reach Canada, we all owe her so much. Her brother helped us settle, and it is lovely to get to spend a few quiet days with her and her son, Adam."
Connor was intrigued to the TR400 which appeared behind Kara, but soon twigged as to his identity. "Oh, of course, you two haven't met yet!" Kara realised in surprise. "Connor, this is Luther. He's the one who helped us escape Zlatko, and who has done so much for us," she finished with a definite fondness in her eyes. "Luther, you know of Connor. Despite his former programming and reputation, he's harmless," Kara teased with a wink at Connor.
A raised eyebrow expressed Connor's opinion of that statement. "Harmless, huh?" he repeated slowly.
"According to North, anyway," she finished before amending her statement. "Excluding pranks. I've heard some of your more infamous ones now: including you sticking Markus in cement. Where did that idea even come from?" Alice giggled next to Kara as Luther broke out into a small smile.
Connor shrugged slightly. "I've given up on wondering where most of my ideas come from, Kara. I have come to the conclusion that Hank's influence has caused my deviancy to elect for a slightly more…mischievous nature. Not that I am complaining. So, your message mentioned needing my help in something?"
Luther chuckled while Kara smirked. Connor was surprised when Alice blushed next to Kara's leg, who was now swiftly pushing her daughter back towards Connor. "It's not me who wants your help, Connor."
He looked down at Alice, who was suddenly very shy. "Alice?" he asked softly, in slight disbelief.
Alice hesitated for a few more seconds before she met Connor's eyes. "Can you help me with a prank, Connor? I want to do one."
Connor's eyes widened, and Luther strode forward to hand Alice a small book. "It seems you left an impression on her," the larger android commented with a loving smile while staring down at the girl. "She's been keeping this for when you both met again."
The YK500 gave Luther an embarrassed hug while Kara was beaming from the porch. Connor smiled at the scene as Alice pulled back again and flipped open the book for Connor to see. "I've been writing down any ideas I had for pranks, but I don't know if they're any good," she said shyly.
Taking it with great interest, Connor crouched down to let Alice see which pages he was flicking through. He couldn't believe how many potential pranks Alice had constructed. "Have you tried any of these out, Alice?" he queried.
"Not yet, I'm not confident enough to do them on my own. Show me?" she asked with big eyes.
Kara and Luther knew that look well, and it seemed not even Connor could resist Alice's puppy dog eyes.
Connor chuckled before turning his attention back to the book, and it didn't take long for one prank to firmly grasp his attention. "Alice, where did you get this idea?"
"Ummm, I'm pretty sure I got the basics of that one from the internet. You think it will work?"
His smile turned into a smirk, and a gleam lit over his eyes. "This is perfect. Do you have any requests on who use this on?"
It was Kara who answered, and it was just what Connor had been hoping to hear. "Why do you think we messaged you the day before Markus came home?" she said with a wicked smile.
The nature of their prank meant that some of the other Jericho androids had to be notified of what was about to happen – just to help walk their victims right into the trap. Connor phoned Hank to see if the older man could make a few calls as he, Kara, Alice and Luther all headed to the Jericho apartments in preparation. When he had explained the potential prank happening, Hank made him promise to livestream the end result in return for finding their supplies. It was a deal Connor was more than willing to make.
Word soon spread about the plan, and the quartet were surprised at how many people wanted to get involved. Now they just had to finish setting the stage.
Their supplies arrived halfway through the night, and thanks to androids not needing to sleep every night, they continued working right through to the arrival of Markus, North, Simon and Josh the next afternoon.
With so many androids milling around in front of the apartments in natural activity, none of the four were any the wiser when Rupert met them with a smile. "Welcome back!" he greeted happily. "It's good to have the four of you home. Did the trip go well?"
Markus was positively beaming, and the trio behind him were smiling at seeing him so happy. "It was a great success. The Canadians have agreed to look into legislation similar to that which is being recognised by our own government, and are thinking of going beyond the current framework. As of today, they are going to make it impossible for androids to be persecuted just because of who they are. We can all exist there without hidings our real identities anymore."
Rupert's eyes widened. "Wow, that's incredible, Markus. How did you manage it?"
North sniggered as she wandered around him, heading back towards the apartments. "Trust me, Rupert, you really don't want to know. So, what's been happening here? It's still standing at least."
Josh glowered at her. "A touch rude, North. Of course the buildings are still in one piece."
She shrugged, and Rupert made minimal effort to steer her in another direction when she was going exactly where they wanted. The other three were following on behind Rupert, slightly slower. "Hey, we all know what Connor can get up to. Wouldn't surprise me if he's booby trapped all our rooms," she shot back.
Josh and Markus both shook their heads as Simon smirked slightly. "He's in for a surprise if he went into ours," he said just loud enough to be heard. Josh was reluctant to ask anymore, and his suspicion was proven right when Markus coughed awkwardly and looked away as North roared in laughter.
"God, Simon, we've really been together too long if you're picking up my sense of humour," North commented fondly. "Besides, I imagine he's seen some pretty kinky-ass shit at some of his crime scenes."
The pair noticed Markus was fighting really hard not to react any more than he already was, which just made them snicker even more as Josh groaned loudly. "Can we not? It's bad enough that I've had to listen to you three mess around for the past month, let alone knowing what you get up to back here."
North raised an eyebrow at him. "Not as if we didn't offer for you to join us."
Josh shuddered. "No thanks. If you are looking for a fourth, go hunt somewhere else. You all know that I am completely uninterested."
Markus laid a hand on his shoulder gently. "And we all respect that, despite what some people might say," he finished while looking at North pointedly. She just shrugged and smirked as Simon flashed a smile at her, waiting until he strode next to her to wrap her arm around his, knowing it would cause a flash of jealousy from Markus. Simon winked as he switched his grip and the two wandered along with their arms wrapped around each other's waists. Markus sighed while pinching his nose. "Those two can drive me nuts sometimes…"
Rupert was watching the interaction in a heady mix of bemusement and embarrassment, never having seen this side to the quartets' interactions before. They had always made a point of keeping their private business, well, private.
You're part of their trusted circle, now. It can get a lot worse than this.
He nearly groaned out loud at Connor's summary inside his head, having forgotten that he'd left the connection to the RK model open so as to get updates on their status.
Please don't tell me they are always this…unsubtle?
North is normally much worse. Simon's input has me a little surprised, however. He isn't usually so forthcoming.
Great…Did you set anything up in their rooms?
No. I know I will not be able to un-see anything I find in there, and I am not that curious. We are set, lead them this way when you are ready.
Rupert gave an acknowledging ping just as the group were crossing through to another building, heading towards their own rooms. "Hey, you know, there is one thing I forgot to tell you about," he started, garnering the quartet's attention.
"You and John finally got that foursome you wanted with the Tracis?" North guessed, causing Rupert to go bright in the face with a blush.
"Wha-No! How did you even-?!" he squeaked, and he could practically feel the looks from the others.
"Wow, good call, Simon. Thought you were barking up the wrong tree entirely with that one," she smirked as Simon winked. Markus just shook his head in amusement as Josh looked like he wanted to ignore them all and leave.
Wait, she's right?
Rupert pointedly ignored Connor's input as he steered the conversation back down the intended route. "What I was going to say," he hissed out through his horrific embarrassment, "is that some of the others have started a garden in the courtyard of the smallest building. Do you all want to see it?"
All four of the androids were genuinely intrigued at the thought and followed Rupert as he led the way, while the WB200 was fighting to not react outwardly to Connor's prodding.
Seriously?
Come on, the Tracis are hot! Are you saying you wouldn't go for it?
He could hear Connor's long sigh. Give me a nudge when you are a few seconds away.
As promised, Rupert waited until they were just approaching the site when he sent Connor the prompt along the android network. He, along with Alice, Kara and Luther were crouched on one of the thick overhangs leading into the courtyard, buckets ready at their feet. Connor was sitting with one, as was Luther, while Kara and Alice were ready to tip over the third together. Two more buckets were set up behind them for easy access. Alice was practically bouncing with excitement, which led to the other three giving her amused glances every so often. "I've never seen you so giddy, Alice," Kara said fondly.
"I just can't wait to see how this goes!" she giggled back, eyes wide in joy.
Kara aimed a playful glare at Connor as the detective met her eyes. "I blame you for this entirely."
Connor smirked. "I make no apologies, Kara," he responded lightly, earning a quiet laugh. Luther too looked entertained by Alice's reactions, but Connor's LED flickered yellow as he got their signal. He smiled wickedly. "Showtime. Ready?"
All four androids were ready with the buckets partially tipped when they first saw Markus emerge through the door, and the android leader stopped at seeing the piece of paper on the floor. Just as he bent to pick it up, North, Simon and Josh came to a stop next to him. Rupert made sure to keep himself well away from the mess about to follow.
"What is it, Markus?" Josh asked, seeing the note Markus held. It was folded over and he opened it, only to freeze at the script on the inside.
In Connor's handwriting.
Welcome Home
North screeched while the other three jumped at being dunked in a heavy, wet substance, just after Markus realised they were in the exact wrong spot to be; barely a second after that, a shower of feathers followed to coat them all.
Loud laughter caught their attention, and their eyes drifted upwards to find the perpetrators above, jaws dropping at discovering it wasn't just Connor as the guilty party. "Kara?!" Markus yelped, wiping some of the black out his eyes. "Why did you help him with this?!"
Connor tutted. "Now that is just plain rude, Markus," he chastised, "and downright unfair to Alice. This was her plan after all."
Josh turned to look at the girl in horror. "Alice?!"
Alice giggled as Kara smiled proudly. "You know, I can't quite tell if I want to encourage this behaviour or not. Right now…I'm leaning on yes given the end result," she teased, Luther chuckling right next to her.
As for Connor...
Well, along with livestreaming the footage to Hank: who was almost choking on laughter at the sight before him, he was sending stills from him optical images to several other androids – as well as releasing the images along the Jericho-wide network for all the androids to see, as thanks for so many others playing their part in keeping suspicion low.
The four below him groaned and swore loudly at seeing the images of themselves covered in tar and coated in a mixture of duck and goose feathers.
Markus just levelled Connor with a knowing glare. "You do realise we're going to get you back for this, right?"
The detective smiled a little too sweetly. "You're going to take it out on me, even though I was only a participant this time and not the mastermind?" He sighed dramatically before smirking. "Not as if I expected anything less," he challenged, finishing with a wink.
His attention then switched to the girl on his right, smiling down at her warmly. "Nicely done," he praised, happy to have helped Alice see her idea come to life.
Alice beamed up at him at the statement, oblivious to the unimpressed swears and mutters down below. "That was so much fun, thank you for the help, Connor!" she cheered.
Kara and Luther watched with soft smiles as Connor held a hand out down low for Alice. "Anytime, Alice. Let me know the next time you want a helping hand."
Their smiles grew as Alice enthusiastically slapped down on it, the grin threatening to split her face.
Maybe moving back to Detroit wasn't such a bad idea after all…