A/N: HELL YEAH! Another chapter out in about a week! I hope you like this one.

He didn't know she snored.

Markus never had a reason to. He cleaned the first floor of the mansion while she and Carl slept on the second, far away to distinguish any noise above. He was surprised that once she fell asleep in his arms he could hear the gentlest sound escape. He found it endearing.

"Does she always make noise?" North stared at the human atop an empty CyberLife crate, disgust clearly written on her furrowed brows.

Markus brought a finger to his lips. "She hasn't slept in at least 33 hours. She needs the rest." When he brought his arm back around Iris's waist she hummed, shuffling closer in her sleep.

"If she wanted rest, she should've stayed home."

"She's here because I asked her to be. If you want to blame someone, blame me."

North hummed noncommittedly and hopped off the crate, meandering past them.

Iris let out another snore and Markus looked down to her sleeping form. Her hair created a mess around her form, covering most of her face and trailing down Markus's shoulder. His hand twitched; he wanted to brush it away from her face. He managed to stop the motion—if he did, he would've shuffled her against him, and that could have woken her up. It was 8:40 AM. She could still get another hour or two.

Markus stared as her eyes flicked beneath her eyelids. He wondered what she was dreaming about. Was it calm? Was she jumping off of building or tumbling through a maze? Was she seeing her father, or her brother, her cat? Was she dreaming about him?

There were so many mysteries about humans that Markus would never understand. He hoped he'd learn more about her, though.

Iris was a friend. Iris was his closest ally, someone who pushed him when he thought he couldn't be. She was someone who painted ephelants blue and yellow and red and loved baking and smoked even when he told her off. She was the person who made his chest feel warm when she was near.

He never understood why. Markus felt it before deviating; it's only grown stronger since.

Emotions were new. There were strong ones—fear, when the police were at the mansion. Desperation, when he woke in the junkyard. Determination, when he came to Jericho and made the decision to go to CyberLife. Relief, when Simon said Iris could stay. But when Iris was near, he couldn't place what he felt.

Adoration? Friendship? Love? Could an android even love like a human would?

Markus didn't know. He hoped he could.

It was 9:32 AM when Simon knelt beside Markus, hand outstretched. The skin of his hand was white. Interface.

Markus pulled his hand from Iris's back and brought it to Simon's.

Does she have any food? He could hear Simon's voice in his head.

Not much. Enough for a few days.

The kitchen here doesn't have any. Simon looked to Iris pressed against Markus's chest. I checked. There were a few water bottles. I'll put them in the crate near Aidan for her.

Markus nodded slow, as to not move Iris. Thank you for your kindness. I know what it's meant to have a human here. I appreciate you all giving her a chance.

Not all of us are, Simon's eyes flicked to North on the other side of Jericho before turning back. But she's helped us. We appreciate the extra sets of hands. Maybe between you two we could make Jericho a working boat again.

Just a working boat? Markus gave a determined smile. I think we could do better than that.

How about we keep a low profile today? We can't make breaking and entering a nightly routine.

We won't.

With a curt nod, Simon pulled his hand from Markus's and stood. He trudged through Jericho, eyes wandering through the ever-growing crowd of his people.

10:09 AM is when Iris stirred.

"Good morning, miss Manfred." Markus hummed, finally allowing himself to push the mess of hair out of Iris's face. His fingers lingered by her cheek, ghosting against the skin.

Her eyes weren't fully open when she frowned. "You haven't called me that in nearly two years. What gives?"

"I was merely thinking an old nickname would keep you at ease."

She brought a hand to her face and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "Maybe we just stick to Iris."

"If you say so." Markus replied, and dropped his hand from her face. It settled back around her waist. "You managed 6 hours and 23 minutes of sleep. I'm glad."

"Me too. Thanks for effectively putting me in naptime." Iris looked to him with a grin.

"My pleasure," he said. "…What did you dream about?"

"Um… It was dark for a bit, I think I was underwater? I remember there were bubbles for sure in a part. Then there was a ton of green—maybe I was in a field? It was probably a field. I don't fully remember. Dreams are weird like that."

"It wasn't coherent?"

"Dreams rarely are," Iris replied dryly, and pulled herself from Markus's grasp. "I had a great pillow though, so that was nice."

Markus chuckled lowly. "Maybe we make this a regular occurrence then."

"Are we scheduling cuddles now?"

"No, I mean—I just—you slept extremely well." He stammered. Iris stared. He would definitely be blushing if he could. "I thought it would be nice to—"

"You okay, Markus?" She cocked her head. "I was just teasing, I promise. For what it's worth, I agree. I think it would be nice."

He stayed silent but nodded in response. Iris took the moment to brush her hands through her hair, waiting for a response. Thank god, she thought as she rubbed at her face. No drool on my cheek.

She furrowed her brows at the continued silence. No comeback? "Everything okay, Markus?"

He readjusted his shirt, smoothing out the night's wrinkles. "I'm just… thinking…"

"What about?"

You; the word almost escaped his mouth.

Markus didn't want her to know. Not until he was sure what he was feeling. Adoration, love, familiarity, warmth, infatuation, friendship. He at least knew friendship.

"You know you're my best friend, right?" He looked to her.

Iris gave a small smile in return. "I sure hope so. You're my best friend."

"I'm just…" Markus stalled, trying to find the right words. "Glad you are."

Her nose crinkled as she leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I'm glad you are, too."

The warmth grew again, alight and fiery and flitting in his chest and the place where her lips met his skin like it always did. Love, adoration, love, infatuation, love, love, love.

He stood then, attempting to set his focus on Jericho for the day instead of the confusion in his mind. Markus decided to set himself on rounds; check up on the other androids and make sure every part was in working order.

"James wants me to tell you, you snore loud," Simon said, trailing back to them. In his hands he held a bottle of water, which he held out to Iris on the ground.

Iris blushed. "Yeah, sorry. I normally wear those nose strips. They're not a 100% fix but they help." She grabbed the water in silent thanks.

"We'll see if we can find any, then." Simon replied. "It's either that or they'll make fun of you every night."

Iris chuckled, and Simon continued, "You know, this is the most they've spoken since they've been here? Almost three weeks without knowing their name. Then you show up."

Iris capped the water bottle, cheeks still flushed. "Guess I just have a nurturing personality?"

"Don't sell yourself short, Iris." Markus teased, eyes flicking to Simon's. "She's very motherly and nurturing. Just ask any cat within a five-mile radius of her home."

"Oh, shove off, man," she replied with an eye roll and stood, brushing down the front of her jeans. "Please tell me we have something on the agenda today?"

"What'd'you think?"

"It's a clean system," Josh commented, eyes staring at the crates. They spent the past three hours organizing them into a somewhat coherent system based on android model numbers. Extra biocomponents here, thirium bags there… It was perfect.

"Wow," Iris whistled, stepping back to admire the work. "Who knew I could actually make something organized?"

"What? You didn't do this at home?"

"Good god no, you should see my studio. Or—even worse—my kitchen. I know where everything is but does it make a lick of sense? Not in the slightest."

Iris grinned at Josh as he clapped her on the shoulder. "You coulda had me fooled, Red."

The two—and sometimes James and Simon—spent the better part of five days working diligently around Jericho. Not only making it a cozier place to be, but more efficient. With the new uptake of androids from the CyberLife theft, more androids in working order, and new deviant intakes, it was starting to get crowded in the main area. There was now a medical station for Lucy, a bay up top for Iris to get some shut-eye and food from the others, and a radio and television set in the main lobby. The television wasn't set up, but the radio helped to keep them all in the loop on what was going on in Detroit.

Sometimes, she'd hear news reports about the Manfred's midnight squabble. About the famous painter's heart attack. His missing daughter. His son who decided to go to rehab once the painter was able to stay home with his medical android.

Iris tried not to focus on those reports as much.

"Can you stop calling me that? I don't even have red hair!" Iris flipped her hair as she pulled from Josh.

He was still smiling as they trekked back to the main area. "You are the only person here who could donate to a blood center so I think it's perfect."

She rolled her eyes and shoved through the curtain that now separated the two areas. Her eyes scanned through the ever-growing hustle and bustle of Jericho proudly; Markus stood deeper in, making a group with Simon and North. She gave him a wave in greeting.

Iris gasped as small arms jovially wrapped around her middle. "James, warning!"

"Nope!" The child replied happily. "You were gone almost over three hours. I thought those boxes ate you alive."

"Oh, did you?" Iris loved how fast they were picking up on her dry Manfred humor. First Markus, now James. She was corrupting them and she loved it.

"Yes ma'am!" Iris brought her arms around James's shoulders and hmpf-ed playfully. "They could be evil ones for all we know."

"James." She pulled them from her person and held them at arm's length. "What did I say about calling me ma'am?"

"That it makes you feel old and I should just call you Iris?" They blinked innocently.

"Yup. So please call me Iris."

They grinned to her and gave a thumbs up. Iris smiled back and said, "Good. Now why don't you keep some of our new friends company? I think they would love to have someone show them around."

"Sure thing, ma—Iris!" James caught themselves at the last second when Iris raised her eyebrow. They gave an apologetic smirk and pulled from her grasp, turning to the crowd. "See you later!"

"Have fun!" Her eyes followed their back as they reached the two newcomers, animatedly talking to them. Two male androids; waiters at a lower grade restaurant who were tossed after they malfunctioned. Iris was glad to see James so excited.

Josh followed the line of sight and smiled. "I don't think they've ever been this happy—ever."

Iris's eyes twinkled. "I'm glad they finally are."

"Josh! Iris!" Aidan called. Their eyes flitted to the middle of the room, finding the android in question. "Markus wants you."

"Team meeting," Josh murmured. "Wonder what's going on."

Simon, North, Josh, Markus, and Iris became the main, "leaders," of Jericho in the past week. They took the roles in stride and delegated tasks seamlessly throughout the safe haven. They even took an office on the floor above the main holding area for team meetings.

"What's going on?" Iris asked.

Simon answered, "Markus has a plan."

"You seem less than enthused."

"It's risky," North answered. Iris forced herself not to raise her eyebrow. North had stopped giving her glares, but still wasn't keen on Iris being around. "But I think it's a good idea."

"Oooh-kay," Iris replied, and flicked her eyes to Markus. "What's the plan, Stan?"

"We can't stay silent any more. It's time humans heard what we have to say." He said easily. His tone, Iris noted, switched when they spoke of plans, of the future. Where he dreamed of androids treated and governed fairly, of a life he could be proud of. Sometimes—like now—he had the voice of a general.

"You know they'll never listen to what we have to say," Simon implored.

Josh shook his head, "And revealing ourselves will put us in danger."

"If we want freedom, we need the courage to ask for it!" Markus's gaze flicked to all of them. "That's the only way."

Iris looked to him. "What do you have in mind?"

"Channel 16 broadcasts from the Stratford Tower. The control room is on the top floor. That's where we need to go."

"You want us on a broadcast?" Josh stared.

"We'll plan the operation down to the smallest detail. We can't leave anything to chance."

Iris bit the inside of her cheek. "North is right, that is risky. How could you get through the entirety of Stratford Tower without being seen?"

"Just me?" Markus found her gaze. "I was hoping that you'd join us for this one, Iris."

She blinked.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Think about it," Markus pressed forward and grabbed at the hand swinging around her waist. "One android, one human. A picture of what tomorrow's society can hold. A place where both are held to the same status, same jurisdiction. We could be the example."

Her mouth froze. "I, I—uh…"

"For what it's worth," Simon interrupted, and Iris found the ability to move her head again, "I think it's a great plan."

Iris pulled her hand from Markus's and stammered, "Well, I—I don't know about that. Being broadcasted, live on television—sneaking through the entire tower? I think it's too much of a risk!"

"It's too much of a risk being deviant," Josh stated calmly. "It's a risk every time we walk out of this boat, but we're still standing. Like Markus said, we'll plan everything down to detail. We will be as safe as possible."

"And what if she's a liability?" North questioned, arms crossed casually. "She's human. Iris won't be able to telecommunicate or control her emotions."

"I think the benefits outweigh the risks," Simon replied easily.

Josh added, "It would look better for the cause. Besides, you always talk about how you hate being benched."

Iris shook her head, thoughts moving too fast for her form a coherent sentence. "I—grabbing parts from a warehouse is different from being broadcasted to the whole world! I just… Markus, I don't—this isn't what I signed up for."

"It's not what I signed up for, either. But if this broadcast can change my future, our future, I think it's worth it." He looked to her, green eye and blue softening, and he asked, "Am I asking too much of you?"

"I…" Iris huffed, forcing herself to speak. "No. You're not. You all are right; it's a risk just being deviant. And if this risk helps you be seen, then I'm in. Just don't expect me to be calm and collected until it's done."

"Fair enough," Simon said. "When do we want to do this?"

Markus's tone switched again; from that calm, best friend back to the general. "Two days from now. We solidify every detail tonight, run through each possible scenario."

Iris could feel her heart hammering against her ribcage. What did she just agree to?

The session ended at 10:32 PM, according to Aidan.

"So, what new exciting adventures are our fearless leaders planning?" He looked to her with a toothy grin. His hair and skin had fully fleshed out now, with working parts. His eyes were a brilliant blue, flecks of freckles adorning his cheeks. The cropped blonde hair just added to the sweet, goofy character he was growing into.

Iris lit a cigarette, eyes staring deep into the fire of the barrel. "They want me in for this one."

"Wow, must be very explosive then."

She exhaled slowly, pausing for a moment. Gathering her thoughts were becoming harder, but after the next cigarette she hoped she'd be calm. She offered a quirk of her lips. "So that's what you think of me?"

"Absolutely. Like a firecracker, you are."

"Iris?" Markus called behind her.

Iris almost swore. Time for bed.

Not that she wasn't grateful for having Markus to herself for a few blissful hours. But that meant being with her thoughts, no more distractions.

"Already time?" Aidan asked.

Iris puffed, "Yeah. More sleep, the better." She held up a finger, signaling one moment. Markus nodded and relaxed by the stairs that lead to the bay. She should at least finish one before heading upstairs.

"Or maybe your boyfriend just wants to keep you to himself more."

This time, she quirked an eyebrow. "I'm sorry? You think he's—we're… no."

Aidan stared. "You're kidding."

Josh came around them, joining. "She is not."

"But you're always—"

"—Giving each other the eyes, we know." Josh grinned teasingly. "Always finding excuses to touch each other, checking in if they're away for any period of time. It's nauseating."

Iris squished her cigarette butt underneath her shoe, blushing furiously. "I have no idea what you're talking about." She pocketed the butt. "And… besides… he's—and I'm… It wouldn't work."

"What?" Aidan cocked his head to the side. "You think just because you're different, it wouldn't work?"

Iris gave a half-hearted shrug and lit another cigarette. "I'm human. He couldn't possibly have feelings for me."

No, he'd be better suited with another android. He now had, quite literally, dozens of potential partners here. And when he found one, no matter how much it would hurt Iris to see, she'd be happy for him. He deserved a future with someone who understood him. Who knew what it was like to go through the struggles he had.

Josh brought a hand to her shoulder, keeping her eyes locked. "You say that because you don't see how he looks at you when you don't notice."

Aidan nodded in agreement.

Iris raised an eyebrow. "We're friends. Sometimes friends look at each other when the other is occupied." She brought the new cigarette to her lips again, puffing to distract herself from the conversation.

Josh gave a half-hearted shrug, pulling away. "What about your first night in Jericho, when we told you to leave?"

"What about it?"

"He stared like we just shot his puppy," Aidan interjected. "His face grew sullen, he stared at your back. I'm not sure if his model can cry, but I wholeheartedly believe he would have if you left."

Iris shook her head. "We're just…"

"Friends." Josh said. "We know."

"Iris?" Markus called again, still waiting by the stairs. She gave him a tight-lipped smile and nodded. She finished off the cigarette, smushing it and pocketing it like always.

"Good night," both offered. Iris gave them a half-wave as she passed and made her way to her friend.

"You've got to be kidding me," Aidan said incredulously, watching as Markus set a protective arm on Iris's waist, the pair trailing up the stairs.

Josh said in agreement, "You have no idea. I'm telling you, every meeting—eyes."

"Are you okay?" Markus asked. Iris had already settled on the floor, legs cris-crossed and her cigarette pack in hand.

Iris responded with a shrug. "Yes. I think."

"But you still want another."

The tight-lipped smile returned. "I just, need to calm down, I think. The plan is a lot to comprehend."

"Are you… having second—"

She shook her head, and he settled beside her. Markus was close enough that her shoulder bumped against his. "No. I don't think so. I'm just mulling everything over. You know, this will be my first time out of Jericho in over a week? Over a week since 'The Disappearing of Iris Manfred' hit radio stations. It's scary. And exhilarating. It can be both at once."

Markus offered a nod. "I guess it can. Emotions are… strange, in that way."

"Oh yeah?" Iris turned her head to better face him. "Tell me about it."

"I tell you some of mine, you tell me some of yours?"

Iris nodded.

Markus stared, eyes transfixed at the musty section of window in the bay on the opposite wall. "When we came to Jericho, my first emotion was relief. Then anger. And sadness. I felt them all at once. Relieved to be away from other humans, but angry I was driven here in the first place. And seeing that this was more a place to die than thrive? Sadness." He turned back to Iris. "Your turn."

"Okay," she held out the word, and readjusted herself so she could look at Markus. "First time I saw you after my birthday." The edge of her lip quirked up. "Monster ran from me—which he never does—and I felt fear. He was the last thing I thought I had left of my family. But then I saw you, and my emotion turned to confusion. Then relief. And joy."

She fiddled with the pack, ultimately deciding to pocket it for the night.

"My turn," Markus said. "First time you kissed my cheek."

Iris's hand stalled halfway to her pocket. "But… you weren't deviant then."

"I wasn't. Imagine my surprise when I felt different, for the first time."

"How so?"

"I just felt… warm." He looked to her, taking in the reaction. "It's hard to describe. I gave myself three system checks that night to make sure I wasn't malfunctioning. Must have just been my response to you."

It always was. He knew what he felt.

Iris bit the inside of her cheek. How, she thought. How could he? That doesn't make sense! It's not possible. She told herself years ago that it would never come true. It can't. Not even if he's deviant. He doesn't want—can't want her.

"Iris?" Markus interrupted the trainwreck of thoughts in her head. "Is… that okay? Should I not have—"

"No!" Iris interrupted. "No, no. I'm glad you told me. It's just…"

Were Josh and Aidan really onto something? Was her dad onto something?

"Then it's your turn."

"Uh… twenty minutes ago, in the meeting."

"I know that already—"

"—Ah, it's my turn, isn't it?" Iris replied teasingly. Markus closed his mouth, still with a hint of exasperation in his eyes. "I'm going to be a little serious, okay?" He nodded, and she continued. "I… don't know what it's like, to be deviant. Or an android. But I empathize with you, all of you, and that's why I said yes. Not because I know the hardships, but because I want you all to have a better future. One where you're all free. But that doesn't mean that this mission doesn't terrify me. It's a big risk, for any of us. So my emotions—I'd say I have four—are fear, determination, nervousness, and pride."

Markus found himself speaking before he could think. "I… love…"

Should he say it? Should he stop himself?

Emotions were confusing. Not only was he thinking of his own, he was thinking of hers. How would she feel if he blurted out I love you. I think? Is it fair to her? He admitted that he felt long before deviating; was that enough for one night?

Iris still stared, and he realized he'd stayed silent. "… that you are so willing to help us."

There. That was more appropriate.

"I know you're concerned by this mission, and you're still willing to help. That means a lot. I promise, we will do everything in our power for it to be seamless."

Iris quirked her lip up. "I know. Maybe I could get North to like me."

"I'm unsure if North likes anyone. But we'll try."

Iris let out a snort and pushed herself into his side, already throwing an arm around his waist to settle in for the night.

Markus wouldn't say it yet. Maybe he never would.

But for now, he would hold her tight.

A/N: Next chapter will most likely be the Stratford Tower heist. I'm so excited! Let me know what you guys think, too. I love getting reviews and PMs. They really make my day :^)