Chapter Twenty-Three
Connor carried a tray of Halloween-themed cookies, Hank in tow. Hank reached out a hand and knocked on the door. Tina answered it, grinning. She wore a black leather body suit, a utility belt and a mask.
«scanning» ◄Costume purchased from Spirit Halloween Superstore_Catwoman►
"Hey, guys! I love your costumes!" She stood to the side, allowing Connor and Hank entrance.
"Yeah, we're only dressed up because you insisted," muttered Hank.
"It's Halloween. Duh, I'm gonna insist. Besides, it's Connor's first Halloween." Tina used her foot to push back a tabby cat. "No, Maggie. She likes to run out sometimes."
Connor smiled down at the cat, who rubbed against his legs. He met Tina's gaze. "Where would you like these?"
"Oh, I'll take them," said Tina, grabbing the tray. She closed the door with her foot and nodded her head toward the living room. "You can guys can make yourselves comfortable!"
Connor walked past the black-and-white kitchen, into which Tina disappeared. He passed the stairs and entered the wide living room area. His eyebrows lifted as he gazed around the room. Fake cobwebs decorated the walls, along with streamers adorned with little bats. A marquee sign hung on the wall, lit with: Boo!
Wren stood on a stepladder, hanging up jack-o-lantern paper lanterns. Her hair bounced into loose curls—long enough that it now reached past her shoulders—and it appeared as though she wore a floor-length emerald gown. Wren peered over her shoulder, a smile tugging at the corner of her crimson mouth.
"You guys are early," she greeted. She finished hanging the jack-o-lantern lights and turned around. Connor's thirium pump jumped to his throat. She wore a bodice that looked like ivy leaves composed it. Her skirt lacked a front, leaving her legs rather bare. Bracelets dressed to look like ivy leaves circled up her arms. Green eyeshadow brought out her eyes and crimson lipstick plumped her lips. She wore gold heels and stepped down the ladder with the grace of a cat.
"Poison Ivy, huh?" Hank guessed.
Wren grinned. "It was Tina's idea."
"Not bad," Hank praised.
Wren winked and looked them over. "Frankenstein and Dracula?"
Connor nodded and bared his teeth, showing off the fangs he found at the Halloween Superstore. Wren peered into his mouth.
"Nice," she praised. "They look real."
"We used a mold to custom-fit them to my teeth," Connor explained as Wren withdrew.
"Yeah? Who did Hank's makeup?" Wren asked.
"I did my own makeup, thank you," said Hank. "I'm a heavy metal fan. You think I haven't dressed up for concerts before?"
Wren held up her hands, grinning. "Sorry."
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Connor asked.
Wren peered around. "I think I'm done decorating. You guys can help set up the table."
Connor and Hank worked on bringing food to the party table in the back of the living room, adorned with an orange tablecloth and sprinkled with black bat confetti. Connor tried to avoid looking at Wren too much. Every time she bent over, exposing a bit of cleavage, or swept through the room and flaunted her toned and very bare legs, he experienced a system heat warning. He also did not want to offend her by staring. He knew how she felt about men who undressed her with their eyes—not that he would ever think about Wren naked. The thought burned his cheeks and he quickly stepped out of the room to grab the last tray of food. Hank grabbed the drinks.
"You okay, kid? You look a little… sick."
Connor straightened. "Androids don't get sick."
"Yeah, well, they're not supposed to have free will either, but… here we are," said Hank, raising his eyebrows pointedly.
Connor shifted and looked around. Tina and Wren chatted in the other room, setting up the scary movie queue. He leaned toward Hank and lowered his voice. "How do you deal with… certain thoughts that are… inappropriate?"
Hank stared at Connor for a few seconds. "You're gonna have to be more specific, kid."
Connor's face warmed. He looked around and considered dropping the subject, but he figured that he needed Hank's guidance more. "You know how I feel about…" Connor jerked his head toward the living room.
Hank's eyes flicked in that direction, where Wren's laughter echoed down the hall, before looking back to Connor. The older man's eyes widened a fraction. "Are you… Are you saying that you've got a… a… y'know… a boner?"
Connor's eyes stretched and thirium colored his cheeks. "No!" He glanced over his shoulder to ensure that neither Tina nor Wren stood within earshot. He shifted closer to Hank, just in case. "She looks… pretty isn't the right word…" Connor searched for the word. "Sexy."
Hank bowed his head and pinched the bridge of his nose, careful not to drop the two-liter tucked under his arm. "Jesus, Connor. I don't fuckin' know. If you're having… thoughts… Then you need to just think of something else or fuckin' flirt with her. Stop mopin' around and take action."
Connor wrinkled his brow for a brief moment before jerking his head. "You're right. I'm sorry for bothering you."
"You're not bothering me, kid," said Hank, shaking his head. He moved toward the hall, stopped and faced Connor. "I don't ever want to hear the word 'sexy' come out of your mouth again, though."
Connor's lips twitched and nodded once. "Got it."
As they finished setting up the table, North, Markus and Josh arrived. They resembled the Avengers. Markus wore a Captain America costume, North dressed as Black Widow, and Josh wore an Iron Man costume. North grinned as she laid eyes on Tina and Wren.
"You guys went for the villain look, I see," she greeted.
"Bad girls have more fun," said Tina with a wink.
Connor pressed his lips together, thankful for the dark lighting to hide his blush as Wren posed for a brief moment. She dissolved into laughter at herself, doubling over. Connor's lips twitched.
Markus beamed at Connor. "You went for the classic vampire. I like it."
"Thank you," said Connor, flashing his fangs.
Josh raised his eyebrows. "Those are so cool! They're those custom-fit kind, aren't they?"
"Yes."
"You know, there are some androids talking about starting their own Halloween business. Or costume store in general. They want to make add-ons for androids," said Josh.
"I'm glad that there are some android entrepreneurs out there," said Connor. They mingled a bit longer as Gavin and Chris—along with Chris's wife, Skye—trickled in. Tina and Wren flitted from guest to guest, not spending too long with one person. Wren finally circled back around to Connor.
"I really dig the cape," she said. "You should wear it to work."
The corners of Connor's mouth tugged upward. "I'm afraid a cape would be impractical."
"Damn," said Wren.
Connor swallowed the lump in his throat. "That dress… Your costume… It suits you."
Wren looked toward him, her lips tilting into smirk. "Thank you. I'm afraid that it's also impractical."
"Very," Connor breathed, glancing down at it. He wanted to say that he could probably think of a few ways in which that outfit was not entirely impractical, though he did not want to come across as too forward or feel his attempt at innuendo fall flat. He caught himself looking at Wren's cherry lips. He flicked his gaze to her eyes.
"Okay! So, there's tons of food and chairs and whatnot. But this is first and foremost a scary movie night. But some of us have never been to a costume party, so that's why I requested you wear them. But, please, make yourselves comfortable. Would you all rather watch a slasher or a supernatural horror film first?" said Tina, standing in front of the TV.
"Supernatural," called Chris, sitting beside his wife in the loveseat to the left of the TV. "We get enough gore at work."
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were scared, Miller," said Gavin, sitting in the armchair to the right of the TV. He pulled off his werewolf gloves and clasped his hands in front of him.
"Uh huh," said Chris. "You got me."
Connor and Wren sat beside one another on the L-shaped couch. Everyone squished together on the couch. Hank sat next to Connor. North sat on the other side of Hank, Markus beside her and Josh beside Markus. Connor's hand brushed Wren's thigh. He swallowed the lump in his throat and shifted in his seat. Tina set up the movie. It was a newer one, depicting a demon haunting a convent. Wren pulled her knees up and sat on them. While one of the protagonists walked through a dark hallway, a shadowy figure stepped in the background. Wren shrank back. At a jump scare, she yelped.
"You gotta be kidding me," said Gavin. "Wren, you literally chased down a murderer in an alley and held your own against a guy twice your size. You're scared of this shit?"
"Yeah, you were fine at Evil Visions!" said Tina, grinning.
"Except when the guy with the chainsaw came out," muttered North.
"Okay, I don't deal with dudes with chainsaws or freaking demons. If it turns out this place is haunted, bye, I'll go live in a box. I don't care. I'm not risking it," said Wren.
Tina and a few others laughed. Connor smiled. He found it difficult to concentrate on the movie, for Wren squished against him. He felt her body tense whenever she anticipated a jump scare. He felt her flinch at the very jump scares she anticipated. Her body vibrated with laughter. Connor laced his own fingers together to resist the urge to hold Wren's hand. He glanced over at Chris and Skye. Chris draped an arm over Skye's shoulders and held her close. He occasionally whispered something in her ear. She chuckled and shook her head. Connor slid his gaze toward Wren and watched her out of the corner of his eye. He wanted that with her. He just wanted to see her smile every day. He wanted to feel her in his arms.
Connor lowered his gaze to the floor. But why would she ever choose to be with him?
After the movie ended, Chris and Skye left. They wanted some time alone before they returned home to their baby. While Tina set up the next film, Gavin looked at North. Hank moved to the loveseat to provide more room.
"Hey, North, right?" Gavin queried.
"Yes?" said North, tilting her head.
"Did it hurt?" Gavin grinned.
"When I fell from heaven?" North flashed back.
"No, when you broke the earth's crust crawling out of hell," said Gavin.
"Hey, Gavin," called Wren. Gavin looked at her. "Did it hurt?"
"Really, you're gonna flash the same joke back at me?" Gavin retorted.
"I just want to know if it hurt when you fell out of the fuckboy tree and hit every goddamn branch on the way down," said Wren.
North and Tina laughed. Gavin flipped Wren off, but Wren merely smirked. She leaned into Connor as she settled in to watch the slasher film. Connor and the others found this one far more amusing.
"Let me get this straight: Their car has a flat tire, so… They're looking for help in the woods?" Josh queried while North tried to muffle her snickering behind her hand.
"Yeah, good luck findin' a fuckin' mechanic in the middle of the goddamn woods," said Hank.
They watched for a bit more. The villain drugged the two girls' drinks. One of them drank half of her glass while the other only took a small sip. Yet, they both fell unconscious at the same time. The protagonist woke before the other girl to find herself strapped to a bed.
"Can't she lean over and use her teeth to untie her wrist, though? It looks like she's tied down with just a belt," said Wren.
Connor narrowed his eyes as he examined the film. "Yeah, it looks like she could."
The protagonist, of course, waited until the last possible second to lean over and use her teeth to remove her restraints. Wren groaned.
"Oh, lord. Just drown yourself. You're too stupid to escape," she said as the protagonist tried to hide in the killer's swimming pool—without going underwater.
The rest of the movie showed even more stupidity, on which everyone eventually stopped commenting. When the movie ended, Tina laughed. "We're all too dumbfounded to say anything."
They played cards while a happy Halloween movie played in the background. Gavin left halfway through the game. After the movie, Hank stood. He looked at Connor. "Ready?"
Connor nodded and stood as well. Markus, North and Josh said their goodbyes and left, but Hank and Connor took their time walking to the front door. Wren hugged Hank, who tried not to smile as he trudged to his car. Connor lingered in the doorway. Wren folded her arms across her chest.
"Thank you for coming," she murmured.
"Of course," said Connor, smiling slightly. "Thank you for inviting me."
"Of course," Wren returned. Connor's lips twitched. Wren bounced on the balls of her feet. "Well, uh, I better help Tina clean up. I'll see you at work."
"Right," Connor replied. "I will see you at work." He left the house and got into the car.
"So?" Hank asked. "Did you kiss her?"
"No," muttered Connor. "I didn't feel it was the appropriate time. Besides, I… I don't think she feels the same way."
"Why not?"
Connor loosened the ties of his cape, but it failed to alleviate the swollen feeling in his throat. "Because I'm an android, Hank."
"So? You're a catch," Hank argued.
Connor looked out the window. He waited for the illumination in the car to disappear as they passed under a streetlamp. "I appreciate the sentiment, but you know it's more complicated than that. She told me about her date a few weeks ago. He expressed disgust for a human and android out together."
"You're forgetting that Wren defended the couple and ended the date early," said Hank.
"I'm not. Supporting human and android relationships is one thing, but participating in one is entirely different."
"She's your friend," insisted Hank. "That's a human and android relationship."
"You know what I mean," Connor muttered.
"I do," sighed Hank, "but she's a cyborg. Why would she have reservations about it? And she's told me about her past relationship with an android named Juno."
Connor's thirium pump regulator seemed to twist in his abdomen. "She never publicly dated Juno, though."
"You're makin' excuses now."
Connor tightened his jaw and looked at his hands.
Hank huffed. "What's really scaring you about this, kid?"
Connor's eyes pricked with tears. "Other than the obvious possibility of rejection?"
"I don't think she'll reject you. You know that girl cares for you."
"Caring for me as family and as a… a romantic partner is different."
"Did you see the way that girl lit up when she saw you? Or when you told her she looked good? Do you not notice how she always stands by you? Jesus, I thought you were able to read people better than that, Con," said Hank.
Connor opened and closed his mouth. "I wasn't equipped to… for this."
"Guess not," said Hank. He looked at Connor as he parked the car in the driveway. "Look, forget your fear of rejection just for a moment. What else is holding you back?"
Connor lowered his gaze. He swallowed. "I don't want her to face judgment for being with me. What if she starts to resent me because people don't approve?"
"Not everyone is gonna approve," said Hank quietly. "You can't live seeking everyone's approval."
"It's not just about approval, though. There are still a lot of people who hate androids, and our progress as a species only fuels their hatred more. I can handle it. But I don't want Wren to be a target for that hatred, too."
"Look, Connor," said Hank, shifting in his seat to look at Connor more directly. Connor avoided Hank's gaze. "People suck sometimes. You know that people used to keep people of different colors from being together? People kept other human beings from marrying, simply because useless and stupid hatred. I'd like to think that we've progressed a little. The point is, there will always be people who hate simply because they're idiots and have got nothin' better goin' on in their lives. It took some very brave people to take a stand, despite the discrimination and backlash. There are always gonna be bigots and idiots in this world. But we've gotta be smarter, stronger and braver than them. Our voices have to drown theirs out, and the only way that's gonna happen is if brave people stand up and speak."
Connor's eyes swam with tears. "I'm not Markus, though."
"You don't have to be fuckin' robo-Jesus or anything to be a voice. Sometimes, you just need to be brave enough to love. Look, I'm talkin' out of my ass here. The gist of what I'm saying is that you need to be brave. This world always needs more love, and I think you and Wren have it. You just need to stop pussyfootin' and fuckin' tell each other how you feel and tell the people who stand against you to suck it. Love is greater than hatred. Got it?" Hank stared at Connor until the android looked at him.
"Got it," Connor managed.
"Good," said Hank, dipping his head. He patted Connor's shoulder. "C'mon, it's getting cold in here."
…
The next several days dragged. Connor knew that time, logically, had not slowed at all. However, he now understood the concept of time slowing to a crawl, especially when anticipating something. He double and triple checked his tux. He showered every day, even though he only needed to shower once a week. As the day of the gala neared, Connor's biocomponents felt as if they were vibrating with electricity.
"Hank," Connor said the night before the gala, "I want to show Wren… How does one 'flirt?'"
Hank nearly choked on his whiskey. The older man refused to quit drinking entirely, but his habits improved with Connor's supervision. Connor allowed the occasional drink with the intention of cutting them out entirely, or at least at the house. Hank lifted a brow. "You don't have a flirting relations program or something like that?"
Connor tilted his head. "I was programmed to adapt to human unpredictability, including situations involving seduction—"
"I don't need to hear that," said Hank with a wince. He sighed and leaned forward. "Look. I'd use the gala to ask her out on a real date, but you gotta set up the mood."
Connor shifted. "How do I do that?"
"Do romantic gestures. Make sure to compliment her. Dance with her. Open the door for her. Offer to get her a drink. Just show her some affection that you normally restrain yourself from doing. I mean, don't push her to anything uncomfortable… Jesus, I'm terrible at this sort of thing." Hank dragged his fingers through his hair.
"No, that helps," said Connor, pinching his brow. "Thank you."
Connor spent the next day in anxiety. He forced himself to enter into standby mode for a few hours to catch up on some rest, as well as to let the time pass. When he awoke, he dressed into his tuxedo. He examined himself in the mirror for a few seconds before adding the dinosaur cufflinks that Wren got him. He smiled to himself before stepping out of his room and entering the living room. He spread out his arms.
"What do you think?"
"Lookin' sharp, kid," said Hank. "Is she coming here or what?"
"We all plan to meet at Jericho," said Connor.
"Alright, let's go," said Hank, grunting as he pulled himself from his chair. Connor fiddled with his cufflinks the whole drive there. Hank glanced at him. "Relax, kid. Try to have fun. Don't feel pressured to do anything you don't want to tonight."
Connor swallowed and nodded stiffly. They stopped at Jericho, where they both exited the car and entered the lobby. Markus and Josh waited there, both wearing three-piece suits and bow-ties like Connor's.
"I feel like you guys are goin' to prom or something tonight," said Hank, his hands in his pockets.
Markus smiled. "Well, that's appropriate since none of us have ever been to something like that."
"Where's North?" Connor queried.
"Still upstairs with Tina and Wren," said Josh, jerking his head toward the elevator. "They're finishing up."
"Probably just wanna make an entrance," muttered Hank.
Josh smirked. Markus raised a brow and shook his head. Connor glanced toward the elevator, which showed the floor numbers as it passed them. It descended to the lobby and dinged open to reveal North, Tina and Wren. All three women looked beautiful, but Connor's mouth fell open when he laid eyes on Wren.
«Pr0c3ss1ng» b2ggd293IHNoZSdzIHNvIHByZXR0eQ==
Her black gown hugged her figure. A slit showed off some leg. Her hair cascaded in loose curls to one side. She wore makeup that accentuated her natural beauty. She always seemed so relaxed and casual with how she dressed. Connor suddenly understood how she succeeded in seduction for espionage. However, she did not seem dangerously seductive. Instead, she looked stunning.
She grinned as she approached. Hank beamed at her. "Well, kiddo, you don't look half-bad."
Wren snorted. "Well, I didn't want Connor to be the only one looking good. I actually tried for once."
"Oh, shut up," said Hank. "You know you're always beautiful."
Wren beamed. "Thank you." She kissed Hank's cheek, and Connor detected a rise in the lieutenant's temperature.
Connor and Wren faced one another. He gazed at her, his lips still parted. He cleared his throat. "You… You look very pretty."
The apples of Wren's cheeks popped as she smiled. "Thank you. So do you," she said. She lifted her eyebrows. "I mean, not pretty—unless you want to be pretty, I'm not trying to enforce gender norms or anything—but you look good."
Connor smiled. "Thank you. I appreciate it." He held out his elbow to her. She looped her arm through his and they walked out to the limo with the others.
He tried to force himself to relax on the drive to the gala, but he seemed hyperaware of Wren's movements. Every time her shoulder brushed his arm, he tensed. Connor glanced at Markus, who gazed at North whenever she looked elsewhere. Markus caught Connor's eye.
/Message Received: Markus/
|Accept?|
[Yes] [No]
[Yes]
You okay?
Connor sucked in a superfluous breath before sending back a message.
Connor: That depends on your definition.
Markus: I take that as a no, then.
Connor: Do I look uncomfortable?
Markus smirked across the limo.
Markus: A little bit.
Connor: So do you.
Markus scowled.
Markus: Damn.
Connor: Hank thinks I should use tonight as the setting to tell Wren.
Markus: Do you want to?
Connor: I don't know.
Markus: Don't rush anything.
Connor: If I took your advice, nothing would happen between Wren and me.
Markus's scowl deepened.
Markus: What is that supposed to mean?
Connor: You keep pushing North away. How long are you going to keep doing that because you're scared that she only loves the idea of you?
Markus snorted.
Markus: You're perceptive about everyone but yourself.
The corners of Connor's mouth tightened.
Connor: I can't seem to read Wren.
Markus: Well, she was trained hide things, wasn't she?
Connor: Yes.
Markus: Then don't blame yourself.
Connor: You're avoiding the question.
Markus: Connor… It's complicated.
Connor: It doesn't have to be.
Markus: You should listen to yourself.
Connor: It's complicated.
Markus cut off the connection with a roll of his eyes. Connor offered his friend a brief smile, which Markus reluctantly returned. The limo slowed to a stop and they exited it. Connor held out a hand to Wren, remembering Hank's advice. She beamed up at him and drew her coat around her. It was a clear night, though it was cold enough for it to snow. They walked up the steps and entered the gala, held in a grand ballroom in downtown Detroit.
Connor widened his eyes as he gazed around the vast room. White and yellow roses decorated the pillars of the room. Blue banners adorned the stage near the back, where a quartet played waltz melodies. Connor suspected that Markus would give a speech later as well. An announcer proclaimed Markus, North, Josh and Connor's arrival, resulting in clapping from the audience. Connor's face burned.
"Thank the universe, they have alcohol," muttered Tina.
"Unfortunately, this is probably going to be a more formal party," said Josh.
"So no dancing on tables, Tina," North quipped.
Tina wrinkled her nose. "As if I'd ever do that." Her eyes flicked to Wren. "She's the dancer of the group."
"Uh, I am too," said North.
"Oh. Yeah, but you kind of refuse to do it. Wren's not scared to do it."
"I am here," said Wren, looking around with wide eyes.
"Connor, I want to introduce you to Senator Atlas Montgomery. He's been working with us closely for android rights, as well as in human relations," said Markus.
Connor stiffened. |. . . Processing . . .ATLAS MONTGOMERY► Known (former) associate of WREN ►Warning: Conflict|
Wren gripped Connor's arm tightly. He looked down at her. The color drained from her face. Connor's thirium pump clenched and he placed a hand over hers. He looked at Markus. "I'd hate to leave Tina alone."
"Yeah," croaked Wren, "Tina, come get a drink with me."
"Okay," said Tina slowly, her eyes narrowing.
Connor watched as Wren backed away, some of the color returning to her face. She looked over her shoulder. "Catch me later." She winked at him before hurrying off with Tina to the open bar.
Warm thirium rushed to Connor's face. He cleared his throat and followed Markus, North and Josh through the crowd to Senator Atlas Montgomery. The man was tall and olive-skinned. Silver streaked his otherwise dark and thick hair. He flashed a bright smile at Markus and shook his hand.
"Markus, it's a pleasure to see you again," said Atlas Montgomery.
"Likewise, Senator," said Markus.
"Call me Atlas," said the senator.
"Atlas," said Markus, "You remember North and Josh?"
"Yes, I do. North, you look lovely, and Josh, you're looking sharp. All of you are." Atlas beamed at them.
"And this is Connor," said Markus, gesturing to Connor, who extended a hand to Atlas.
"It's nice to meet you," said Connor.
"Likewise," chirped Atlas. "I've heard you're one of the behind-the-scenes Jericho leaders."
Connor's lips twisted. "That's exaggerating it greatly."
"Working android-human-related crimes? I can't imagine the workload," said Atlas. Connor lifted his eyebrows. The senator did his homework, as Hank would say.
"We've created a new division at the police department," said Connor. "It's helped alleviate the amount of work."
"Good," said Atlas. He flashed his dark gaze to Markus. "Speaking of work, I won't keep you too long. I know tonight is a night for celebration, but progress never sleeps. I'd like to set up a meeting with you and discuss your ideas on android ambassadors. I also think androids should have a role in Congress, but we'll see how that goes."
"Yes, that sounds great," said Markus. "We can set up a conference call."
"Between you guys and me, we really need to encourage android-human relations. Things overseas are getting worse, and America can't afford a civil war," said Atlas out of the corner of his mouth.
Connor maintained his composure, but he did not miss the slight narrowing of North's eyes.
"Well, we don't want that," said Markus.
"I'm not saying you do," said Atlas. "Some of my colleagues are not as open-minded, and we can't afford that bigotry right now."
"I'd argue that we can't afford bigotry at all," said North.
Atlas smiled. "You're very right. Unfortunately, there will always be bigots. We can only hope that they'll compromise on their bigotry for the sake of the country as a whole."
"Yes…" said Markus, furrowing his brow, "the country's safety is most important."
"Oh, speaking of safety," said Atlas, turning toward Markus, "I heard there was an incident at Jericho."
"Incident?" Markus frowned.
"Back in January," said Atlas, "Something about a hostage."
"How did you hear about that?" North demanded.
Atlas smirked and tapped his temple. "I'm a good listener, dear."
Connor set his jaw before stating, "The DPD handled the situation before it escalated."
"Of course it did," said Atlas with a quirk of his lips, "you seem capable of handling most situations."
"Thank you," said Connor. The urge to run to Wren and whisk her away from the gala itched his legs, but he remained still.
"Mhm," said Atlas. He sucked his teeth and shook Markus's hand again. "I'll let you guys get back to mingling. Thanks for the chat. We'll talk about a conference call, or I'll visit Detroit and we can meet in person."
"Thank you, Senator. I look forward to it," said Markus.
Atlas dipped his head and sauntered off. Connor tilted his head before turning away to find Wren. He found her lurking on the edge of the dance floor with Tina. He walked over to them, shaking off the tension in his shoulders.
"Man, I wish they'd play something a little livelier," said Tina, sipping from her flute of champagne.
"It's a gala," said Wren, lips twisted in amusement. "What did you expect?"
"A little more celebration," said Tina. Wren snorted.
Then, she sighed. "Yeah, I concur. Galas are a little stressful and dancing helps ease that tension. I'm not sure I really fit on this kind of scene."
"Don't get me wrong, I'm glad I'm here. I just can't waltz," said Tina.
Connor looked at Wren. "It's a good thing you taught me to waltz." He held out a hand to her. She lifted her eyebrows before one corner of her mouth tugged upward. She handed her champagne glass to Tina and took Connor's hand. He walked her out to the dance floor, feeling as though his thirium pump were strangling itself in his wiring. He placed a hand on Wren's waist and held her other one, just as she showed him. She placed a hand on his shoulder and looked into his eyes. Then, he stepped and Wren stepped with him. Her chest pressed against his, they waltzed to a melody that built to a crescendo. Connor gazed into Wren's eyes as their bodies moved together.
"You really do look beautiful," he murmured, his voice strangely hoarse.
Wren's eyes danced. "Thank you. You look handsome."
Warmth flooded Connor's cheeks. Wren tilted her head.
"You blush blue?"
Connor's face heated even more. A warning flashed in the corner of his eye. "If I'm flustered enough."
Wren's lips quirked. "I fluster you?"
Connor widened his eyes. He wanted to deny it, but stopped himself. He parted his lips and managed to smirk. "Maybe a little."
Wren bit her lip. Her eyes held his. Their movements slowed. Connor leaned toward her, pressing their bodies even closer. He felt her heartbeat beneath his chest. He wanted to feel her mouth on his, to taste her lips. He lowered his head toward her. It was as if magnets pulled them toward each other.
What would everyone think?
Connor's thirium pump jolted and he jerked away from Wren. Her eyes fluttered open and her brow puckered. Connor swallowed the lump in his throat. He did not want to condemn her to a life of ridicule just by being with him. He was just a plastic skinjob to these people. What would they think if they saw him kiss a human? Sure, they supported android rights now. But once they crossed that line, he doubted people would be so accepting.
The song transitioned and North and Markus cut in. Connor watched as Markus twirled Wren around. He turned his attention to North, who lifted an eyebrow at him.
"Wren looks pretty tonight."
"Yes, she does," Connor replied.
"Did I see you leaning in for a kiss just now?" North taunted.
«3rr0r»
He lifted his chin. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Uh huh."
Connor's processor worked quickly to shift attention from him. His neck burned under North's stare. "Have you gotten anywhere with Markus?"
North deflated. "No. I'm scared to try because honestly, I don't think he loves me. I don't think he ever did." She lowered her gaze and Connor's metal heart ached for his friend.
[Retrieving memory]▒
Markus set his paintbrush down and sighed. Connor glanced at the portrait. On one side of the canvas showed Simon, his eyes closed and head bowed. The other side portrayed North, her eyes open and skyward. A wreath of red and white roses bound the two together.
Connor withdrew from the static memory. "He cares for you, North."
"That's not the same as love."
"Maybe…" Connor's gaze drifted to Markus and Wren, who danced loosely, chatting and grinning. "Maybe he's scared, too."
"Markus?" North said, her eyes narrowing. "Scared?"
"I assure you, it's just as dubious to think of you as scared."
North sighed and lowered her gaze. "Maybe you're right. I just wish he'd tell me. Or give me some sort of sign."
"Have you given him any?"
"I've tried. We went to the movies, but he invited Josh. As much as I love Josh, I wanted it to be just us. I feel like Markus is scared of being alone with me," said North, her shoulders sagging.
"I know he feels for you," Connor replied.
North's eyes snapped to his. "You do? Has he said anything?"
"You haven't seen his paintings, have you?"
"No. I haven't been to Carl's in a while."
"Well," said Connor heavily, "I have. And Markus talks about you. He paints you, too."
Blue dusted North's cheeks. "Really?"
"Yes."
North rolled her shoulders back. "And what about you? Do you… feel for Wren?"
Connor opened and closed his mouth. "Don't tell her. Please."
North tilted her head back and let out a groan. "Well, you need to make a move before someone else does."
The song ended. Connor released North and turned to return to Wren, but Josh cut in to dance with her. Connor clenched his teeth and pursed his lips. He relaxed when someone tapped his shoulder. He turned to see Chloe.
"Wanna dance with me?" she queried.
Connor's thirium pump seemed to shrivel in his chest. He nodded. The first several seconds of the song were awkward. Connor cleared his throat. "Chloe, I hope that you didn't misread things between us."
Chloe tilted her head. "What?"
"I…" Connor swallowed and cleared his throat. "The night we met in the park, I… I didn't consider that a date."
Chloe's eyebrows lifted. "Oh. Neither did I."
Connor relaxed. "Oh."
"I was just thanking you and catching up. I don't have many android friends," said Chloe, offering him a small shrug of her narrow shoulders.
Connor puckered his brow. "Oh." He smoothed his composure. "Well, I'm glad that you asked me to the park. If you still want android friends."
"Oh, I do," said Chloe with a wide smile. Her eyes flicked past him. "I was wondering if you could help me with something."
"Of course," Connor replied.
Chloe bit her lip and smiled sheepishly. "Do you think you could introduce me to your friend? I saw you come in with her."
Connor's brow furrowed as he glanced over his shoulder, following Chloe's gaze. He raised his eyebrows when his eyes landed on Tina leaning against the bar. Connor looked back at Chloe, who regarded him with wide, hopeful eyes. Connor smiled. He dipped his head. He and Chloe left the dance floor three quarters of the way through the song.
"Tina, I'd like to introduce you to Chloe, a friend of mine," Connor introduced. He turned to Chloe. "This is Tina Chen, a fellow detective."
"Detective? That's so fascinating," said Chloe, taking a seat beside a somewhat bemused Tina. "Is it a really dangerous job?"
"It can be," said Tina, cutting her gaze to Connor, who promptly ignored them as Wren approached. She gestured to Connor that they move away from Tina and Chloe a little bit.
"I think Markus is going to give his speech soon," Wren muttered. "North said we can leave after that."
"Oh," said Connor, his thirium pump sinking. "You don't want to stay and dance a bit?"
Wren turned toward him, her mouth slanting with a smirk. "Actually, we want to go —"
"Connor, Wren," said a smooth voice. Connor's attention jerked to Elijah Kamski, who wore a dark red tux. It seemed fitting, though it reminded Connor of the red pool where Chloe kneeled before him as he pressed a gun to her forehead. He suppressed a shiver and glanced over at a very much alive Chloe, chatting with Tina.
"Mr. Kamski," said Wren.
Connor redirected his attention to Kamski and Wren. Kamski's bright blue eyes traveled down Wren's form. The urge to shield Wren from Kamski's eyes nearly overwhelmed Connor, but he restrained himself. Instead, he placed his hands in his pockets.
"You look ravishing, my dear," said Kamski, his cold eyes flicking to Wren's. He held out an arm. "Come. Dance with me."
Wren's eyes flashed to Connor, who clenched his jaw. Wren accepted Kamski's offer and swept off for the dance floor. Connor gritted his teeth and tried to ignore the ache stabbing through his circuits with every beat of his thirium pump.
...…
Just as a small disclaimer -I am not, in any way, shape or form, trying to minimize the struggles of the Civil Rights Movement and the like. I think the game wanted us to draw the parallels to oppression, and it creates an interesting dynamic for humanity, because it becomes a matter of us vs. them rather than us vs. us. IDK if that makes sense. It's 2 am right now. I'm just trying to make sure you guys know that when I allude to certain things, I'm not trying to minimize or discredit these events. Thank you guys so much for your patience in my writing this chapter. I know it took longer than usual, and I'm really sorry about that. I had the week from hell (I had a paper due, as well as two 750 word summaries on a short story and a novel). By the time I finished my school work, I was really burnt out and didn't have the energy to write. Sorry, I'm not trying to ramble or anything. It's just that point of the semester where all of my classes are getting super intense (hello, 15-20 page research paper and public conference on middle English!) Anyway, I really appreciate your patience and support. I haven't forgotten or abandoned this story! Christmas break is almost here, which means I'll have more time to write! I just need to get through the next few weeks.