I'm just gonna keep going and going until I can't go any further. But still, please enjoy.

One more chapter of simple events before we get to the intense stuff. Although, this chapter will be mostly focused on Kara. Connor and Markus' parts in this chapter will be a bit shorter.

Leave a review if you like. Feedback is always appreciate. Always.

Kara

February 11, 2039

Ontario, Canada

PM 02:28:35

Rosella and her husband Nelson have spent the past four hours at Desmond's house, chatting with the family and getting to know them. Kara, however, kept her distance from Rosella. There she is. Alice's real mother, right here. Alice's biological mother. Her presence in this house scared Kara. Alice never said anything about her mother, but what would happen if she comes home and sees Rosella? Kara wondered, would Rosella take Alice away from her?

"They're very nice," said Adam.

"Yeah, I-I guess," said Kara.

"You never even talked to them," said Adam.

"I can tell they're nice just by watching and listening," said Kara.

"You know, you could try and talk to them, right?" Adam said.

"I just... I need some time," said Kara, trying to find an excuse to not talk to Rosella.

"It's been four hours since they came," Adam pointed out.

"I'll be fine, Adam," said Kara. "Just, please, give me some space."

Adam did as Kara asked and left her alone. He sat down on the dining table with his mother and uncle and resumed talking to Rosella and Nelson. Kara just returned to the kitchen and made some hot chocolate. Rosella and Nelson already had a cup of that stuff, but that was a couple hours ago. Maybe another cup won't hurt, especially in this side of Canada. It's amazing that Desmond is farming at a place like this. At least Rose had a greenhouse to keep her vegetables safe, but Desmond insisted on roofless farming. No wonder having her, Rose, and Adam around helped his business rise.

"Alice has been such a sweetheart," said Rose. "Like the little niece I never had." She said this while looking at her brother.

"Hey, I'm too busy running a farm to raise kids, Rose," Desmond said in his defense.

"Then how come I could manage it?" Rose replied with a smug smile.

Rose, Adam, Rosella, and Nelson just laughed. Desmond was just embarrassed. Kara returned with a pot of hot chocolate for the five of them.

"Thank you, Kara," said Rose.

"I must say, your hot chocolate is wonderful, Kara," said Rosella.

"Well... there's always room to innovate," Kara said awkwardly, avoiding eye contact with Rosella.

Kara walks away and heads upstairs. Rosella can't help but wonder if she said something wrong that upset the android.

Kara goes to Alice's room and sits down on her bed, looking at a certain photo hung on the wall. It was a picture of Kara and Alice at Alice's new school. In the picture, both Kara and Alice had smiles on their faces as Kara hugged her "daughter" in front of the camera. It was taken during Alice's first day in her new school and she wanted a picture to remember this moment.

Kara smiled as she adjusted the frame, as it was in a slightly crooked angle.

"So..."

Kara turned her head towards the door to see Rosella looking at her with a serious expression on her face.

"An android, huh?" Rosella asked. "Rose told me."

"I hope that doesn't cause any inconvenience to you," said Kara.

"No, not at all," said Rosella. "I saw the android protest in Detroit on TV. I wasn't exactly a fan of androids, but maybe there's more to them than meets the eye."

"We're alive," said Kara. "We may just be plastic and metal, but we have humanity that supersede our programs."

"Rose also told me that you're Alice's new mother," said Rosella.

"She and I have been through so much together. I just wanted her to be happy, and she just wanted someone care for her," said Kara.

"From everything Rose has told me, it seems that you've done a better job than I have," said Rosella.

"Todd said you walked out on him and Alice without a word," Kara mentioned. "I can understand why you would leave Todd... but Alice?"

"I know. I was a horrible mother," said Rosella. Her voice was full of guilt. "Todd was... difficult. Losing job after job to androids broke him and sent him off the edge. He yelled at me, criticized me, and even beat me. I couldn't take it anymore, so I left. I left and ran to Nelson."

"Extramarital affair," Kara guessed.

"I was weak. I was miserable. Not even Alice could help me, but Nelson gave me strength," said Rosella. "But I used that strength to run away from my daughter."

"So, why are you here?" asked Kara.

"When I heard about Todd's death, my first instinct was to return to my daughter," said Rosella. "But she went missing. You were Todd's android, right? I'm guessing she went missing because she ran away with you. I spent the past three months looking for any leads of my dear Alice. I found out she went to school here in Ontorio, so I came here. I just want to see my beautiful little girl one more time."

"One more time?" Kara questioned. "You mean, you're not here to take her back?"

"I was afraid she wouldn't forgive me after what I did," Rosella said sadly. "But after everything I heard from Rose about you and Alice, I have zero reason to take her back. Rose told me that Alice calls you mom. She told me about how close you two were, what you went through after Todd..." Rosella started to shed a tear. "You're more deserving of the position as my little girl's mother."

"Did Rose ever tell you about..." Kara paused, just in case Rosella's hasn't heard.

"The terminal illness? Yes, she told me. Todd and his drugs... my poor Alice. I can't believe I left her alone with him," Rosella said sadly and with so much guilt. "I just want to see my baby girl. That's all I want, even if it's one last time. You don't have to feel threatened by me."

Kara smiled a little.

"Can I ask you a personal question?" asked Rosella. "Did you... did you kill Todd? I mean, I heard an android killed him and you were the one Alice ran away with, so..."

"He was beating her. I just wanted to protect her," Kara explained.

"Then the bastard deserved it," said Rosella. "But he was once a good man. He just lost himself."

PM 03:34:11

Rose had fetched Alice from school. Alice immediately ran to Kara's arms as soon as she got off the car. It happened pretty much every day. Kara would wait by the front door for Rose to return and Alice would greet her with open arms and a big smile on her face.

"How was school?" asked Kara.

"I got a perfect score on my Social Studies quiz," said Alice.

"That's my little bookworm," Kara said, petting her daughter playfully. "Anything else?"

"I made a new friend. Her name's Allison. She's very shy, but I still tried to help her," said Alice.

"Smart, studious, and socially active. I'm so proud of you, Alice," said Kara.

Alice hugged Kara again, happy to hear her say that. Kara's smile, however, dropped as soon as she remember who was visiting the house.

"Alice... there's someone here who really wants to see you," said Kara.

"Who?" asked Alice.

"This is something you have to see for yourself," said Kara.

Kara takes Alice inside the house. Alice immediately saw who was sitting on one of the living room couches. Her mother. Her real mother. Rosella smiled at the sight of her daughter. Rosella kneels down on the floor and opens her arms wide, desperately wanting her daughter to give her a hug.

Alice, however, just ran upstairs without saying a word. The face she made before running off was a combination of shock, disenchantment, and indignation.

Rosella was saddened by this.

PM 05:06:22

Alice locked herself in her room, not wanting to see her real mother. She refused to leave her room unless Rosella leaves. Unfortunately for Alice, Desmond has a key to every door in the house, which Kara uses to get into her room. Kara was holding a tray with spaghetti and orange juice on it.

"Rose made you her special spaghetti. I know how much you love it," Kara said with a smile, trying to get Alice to lighten up.

"I'm not hungry," Alice said, still mopey.

Kara sits down on Alice's bed and says, "Alice, I know you had a good reason for not wanting to talk about your mother during our journey. You were upset that she left you alone with an abusive father. But she came all the way here just to see you. I talked to her and she really felt bad about what you did. I can tell that she loves you."

"If she loves me, then why did she leave me?" Alice wondered.

"That's something you have to ask your mother," said Kara.

"She's not my mommy," said Alice. "You're my mommy."

"As much as I like hearing that, Alice, you have to talk to your real mother," said Kara. "She misses you and all she wants is to see you, hold you, talk to you. She said she's never coming back, so you have to give her this one chance. Maybe you two can actually have a proper goodbye."

"But I don't want to," said Alice.

"Alice, she's your first mother," said Kara. "Weren't you two close?"

"I loved her," said Alice. "We did everything together. She taught me how to draw, how to dance, how to read."

"Then there's still a part of you that loves her. Just promise me you'll try," said Kara.

"Okay," Alice promised.

"Now, eat your spaghetti and be sure to come down before bedtime," said Kara.

Markus

Carl Manfred's House, Detroit

PM 06:30:50

Markus has spent his entire afternoon in Carl's house. North had left right after watching him play the piano. Markus spent the past few hours in the art studio, painting. Thanks to Carl, he has a love for art and would often test himself. He would describe his own paintings as "pale in comparison to Carl's works." Markus may be an android, but Carl was a true artist. Markus has painted at least five paintings, with a sixth on the way.

Just as he was about to finish, someone came in. It was North.

"You've been busy," North started.

"Just trying to refamiliarize myself with this place," said Markus.

North takes a look at Markus' current painting. It was a painting of the two of them standing before their people at the Hart Plaza. They were holding hands, smiling as their people rejoiced in their freedom.

"You're quite the artist," North complimented.

"Thanks," said Markus.

While Markus puts on the finishing touches on his painting, North takes a look at his previous five paintings. She was certainly impressed by all of them.

A painting of Old Jericho.

A painting of a pair of hands, bleeding red, and a pair of android hands, bleeding blue.

A painting of the sunset view from Jericho (North remembers it as the moment she shared her past with Markus and the two of them fell in love).

A painting of the mansion's living room.

A painting of the two of them holding hands and staring into each other's eyes.

"The second painting. I'm guessing it's a symbol of empathy between humans and androids," said North.

"For someone who's only ever known pain and violence, I'm surprised you interpreted that correctly," Markus teased.

North just laughed it off.

Markus finishes his latest painting and places it next to the rest of his works.

"I think you've had enough painting for one day," said North.

"Anything wrong?" asked Markus.

"Not really," said North. "Apart from a few more rogue deviant cases, everything's been fine. If you want any new reports, three more androids have taken refuge in New Jericho. Don't worry. They're not rogues. We checked."

"Has anyone given you trouble?" asked Markus.

"Well, this punk stared at me from the distance, but I ignored him," said North.

"I guess he's not someone who prefers to see what's inside rather than outside," Markus said. He holds North's hand lovingly.

"I know I said this before, but I'm glad I met you, Markus," said North.

"And I'm glad I met you," Markus said happily.

The two just held each other's hand and closed their eyes, letting their emotions flow through one another like a calm river.

"Actually, before we go, how about I teach you how to paint?" Markus suggested.

"Really?" North questioned.

Markus grabs a blank canvas and puts it on the easel. He gives North the paintbrush and the palette. North was visibly nervous, afraid she'll embarrass herself in front of Markus.

"Well, give me something to copy," said North. "It's a good start."

"Art is not about imitating what is real," said Markus. "Art is about interpreting reality, showing how you feel. Now, just close your eyes."

North takes a deep breath before closing her eyes.

"Now, think of how you feel and drift your hand across the canvas," said Markus.

North was frozen for about half a minute, thinking about what she should paint. Knowing Markus would not like that, North thinks about how she feels. Soon enough, she started to paint. Her hand drifts left and right, up and and down across the canvas. She scooped different colors from the palette with the paintbrush without looking. She let her mind guide her. Markus smiled as he watched.

When she was finally done, North opens her eyes to see her work.

A painting of her and Markus kissing. The background showed a battlefield with humans and androids at war.

"It seems you still feel doubt," said Markus. "But your doubt is overshadowed by love and hope."

"Thanks to you," North said as she smiled at Markus.

Markus and North holds hands again as they stare at North's painting. North was surprised that her first painting wasn't a mess, even if it pales in comparison to Carl and Markus' paintings. But what surprised North more is that Carl's teachings actually worked. She closed her eyes and let her mind guide her hand as she painted. The resulting painting is a presentation of her feelings. Markus was clearly proud of her. Even if there is still a part of North that doubts humans and androids can live in peace, their love gives her hope that she can truly accept change.

Connor

Jimmy's Bar, Detroit

PM 08:58:08

Hank was at Jimmy's Bar, having a drink while watching the Detroit Gears' game versus the Golden State Paladins. Detroit won their game last night against Philadelphia by a score of 104-99. Back-to-back games are tough, so the Detroit Gears' stamina are being tested tonight. Right now, Golden State leads 51-47 with only 2 minutes left until halftime.

Hank Anderson and Jimmy Peterson were watching the game, cheering the home team together.

"C'mon! Give it to Carter!" Hank cheered.

"Yes. Yes. That's it," said Jimmy, liking what he's seeing in Detroit's current position.

As Hank and Jimmy cheered because of a three pointer made by Denton Carter, an android entered the bar. It was Connor. All eyes were on him as he is recognized all over the city, all over the country. He sits down next to Hank.

"I didn't expect to find you here, Hank," said Connor. "I thought you'd be at home."

"Yeah, well, I needed a drink," said Hank. "Don't worry. I promise I'm not overdoing it."

Connor looks at the TV. Denton Carter just made yet another three-pointer, putting Detroit up by 2.

"I believe that's 20 points by Denton Carter," said Connor. "He's made 4 of his 6 three-point attempts so far."

"You know the screen gives you that info, right?" Hank said.

"My apologizes, Hank," said Connor.

And the game goes to halftime, which means Hank and Jimmy (and fellow basketball fans in the bar) can calm down from all the cheering.

"Detroit shot 47% of their shots in the first half. Quite impressive for a team that played a hard-fought game last night," said Connor.

"Hey, Hank. Does your android always bring up these stats?" asked Jimmy.

"First of all, he's not my android. He's my partner," said Hank. "And second, yes, he keeps bringing up the stats. Like this. Hey, Connor, where does Denton Carter rank in scoring this year?"

"Denton Carter is currently second in the league in scoring with an average of 27.6 points per game, behind only the Orlando Hex's Quentin Keaton, who averages 28.5 points per game so far this season," Connor answered. "Pardon me, Mr. Peterson, but I'm quite fond of the statistics in basketball."

"If you're gonna stay here, don't take it too far," said Jimmy.

"I'm not staying here for the second half," said Hank. "I'm just here for a few shots. One more glass, please."

Jimmy pours Hank another glass of whiskey. Hank was about to pay, until Connor places a dollar on the counter. This wasn't the first time he paid for Hank's drink.

"You don't have to pay for my drinks all the time, Connor," said Hank.

"But I have to," said Connor. "It helps you save on your current salary. If you ask me, you should ask Captain Fowler for a pay raise."

"He won't like that," said Hank.

"Yo, Con," Jimmy called. "You want a glass or what?"

"Oh, right. I forgot you serve androids now," Hank teased.

"Hey, a guy's gotta make some money to survive in this town," said Jimmy, explaining why he had to allow androids in his bar following the android revolution.

"I'd like a glass, thank you," said Connor.

Jimmy pours Connor a glass of Thirium. He purchased bags of Thirium from a deviant who sells them to bars that are now serving androids.

"Still surprises me that androids can actually drink," said Hank. "It really disgusts me that you're drinking your own blood."

"It's just another way for androids to replenish," said Connor.

"Yeah, whatever," said Hank.

"Is something bothering you, Hank?" Connor asked, concerned.

"This rogue deviants case... it's giving me a flipping headache," said Hank.

"If it makes you feel any better, it has been inciting frustration for me as well," said Connor.

"Yeah, I guess that does sorta make me feel better," said Hank. "Last thing we need is an android civil war."

"That's why we're investigating this case, Hank. To stop a war," said Connor. "Peace may not be easy to maintain, but that's why we always try."

"An android as a partner," Hank laughed, remembering how ridiculous he thought it was. "You know, Connor, working with you, it's a pain in the ass."

"I assume that's both a positive and negative comment," said Connor.

"When you saved me from falling, I started to think there was more to you than just a piece of plastic," said Hank. "Day after day since we met, you helped me see a different side in androids."

"Like you said, Hank, androids aren't so different from humans," said Connor.

"Compassion. Determination. Fear of death. Definitely not so different," said Hank, remembering the tone in Connor's voice when he said that CyberLife will destroy him if he failed to close the deviants case. "Is there anything you wish you could do? Besides running CyberLife and all?"

"Well, I always wanted to learn how to play a guitar," said Connor.

"A regular one or the rock n' roll type?" asked Hank.

"Either one would do," said Connor.

"Just don't bother trying to jam at my house. Sumo doesn't like loud noises," said Hank.

"In that case, I can always practice music at New Jericho," said Connor.

"Well..." Hank raises his glass. "Here's to peace."

"To our partnership," Connor toasted as he raised his glass.

Connor and Hank drink their drinks at the same time. As soon as they were done, they left to watch the game at Hank's house.

Well, it's been nice to slow down a bit and just explore the main relationships of Detroit: Become Human, but the next chapter is when I truly kick-start the plot.

What do you think about this chapter?