"........ I'm sorry."

It came out soft, though not unheard despite the rumble of the engine. Connor's driving was flawless, as expected, and he'd been deviant long enough to seem almost relaxed behind the wheel. On the other hand, you were fairly stiff in the passenger seat. Your eyes lowered for a moment before you turned towards him. "Connor."

"Yes?"

"... may I ask why you are so protective?"

Even he himself wasn't sure. He knew he could probably just ask Hank about--

"I don't expect you to understand right now, but the best way I can describe it is a parental instinct." The RK800 had a smile slowly begin to form, for reasons you were unable to determine. "I did, after all, go to CyberLife on behalf of Gavin's family. They trusted me enough to put your creation into my hands, and now that you are activated and running perfectly, I am... proud, I believe is the right word. Proud, protective, exasperated at your rebellion or lack thereof..." The male prototype managed to laugh under his breath. "Hank will have a field day with this one."

The dynamic between him and the lieutenant was a strange one. "... you are close with him, then?"

"Yes. The... running joke is that I am his... adopted son. And now that it is come to my attention, this may be what he experiences with me... though not visibly."

"Then that is why you are adamant on not seeing me mistreated, despite your hand in my development. You see me as an adopted daughter."

"In a manner of speaking, yes." Connor pulled the patrol car into its designated space before turning towards you. "Nove, please. I will not pester you any longer on this, but I will say it once more: do not accept whatever abuse Detective Reed may show. You, as anyone else, deserve respect. He is your sole mission, but abandoning that mission for the sake of self-preservation is not frowned upon."

The corners of your mouth turned down by a hair. "I want to be useful to him."

"I understand. But that does not include being the target for his venom, or the punching bag for his fist." With a knowing look the RK800 slid out of the car, opening your door for you, as well. His hand lay on your shoulder, stopping you before the two of you went inside. "How are you feeling?"

[... do I feel anything?]

"Perplexed, mostly. Determined to accomplish my task despite your advice." You blinked. "Why?"

"This is forward, but have you been shown positive attention?" When your eyebrows came close, Connor nodded. "Unnecessary question, forgive me. May I?"

"...... may you what?" Your head tilted, in the same manner that made Gavin notice.

The male's crooked smile was soft. "I am asking consent to demonstrate. I--..." He shook his head, laughing. "May I hug you?"

Physical affection. The word barely registered, but you nodded, genuinely curious. As expected the male was cautious with you, but enveloped you into an embrace, your head on his shoulder.

^ ^ ^ [SOftWarE inStABIliTy] ^ ^ ^

[So a hug is just... this. Being close, arms around the other.]

After a few seconds of processing, you returned the hug, albeit hesitantly. You were still stiff as a board, but the fact that you'd returned the gesture was a good sign. "I am 100% certain you will accomplish what you were made to do," Connor spoke softly. "If your model is anything like my own, you will be far too stubborn to settle for anything less than making Gavin happy. But please just know that you have support if things turn for the worst, Nove."

"...... thank you, Connor."

◇___#$&!___◇

Stepping into the precinct, the RK800 returned to his partner, who looked far more calm than he had earlier. You, of course, went to Reed's desk, which was empty at the moment. Scanning the open room showed him in the restroom, so you glanced at his belongings before making a decision, immediately heading for the waiting area.

By the time you returned, hands behind your back, Reed had returned, shifting in his seat in an incredibly uncomfortable manner. He'd probably gotten chewed out for "forgetting" you. "Good morning, Detective Reed," you spoke quietly, standing nearby at the ready.

Gavin didn't return the greeting with anything more than a vague hum. He busied himself with sorting out the chaos on his desk before suddenly turning to gaze at you. "Coff--"

Cup already in hand, you held it out for him to take, cutting off his demand swiftly. "This should not burn your tongue, sir. Nothing has been added to it."

For whatever reason, those hazel eyes narrowed as he took the coffee. It was difficult to gauge his mood, but doing so might be fruitless, as well. Taking a sip of your offering, Reed's gaze lowered. You were right, of course: it was hot but not burning. Pausing before getting to his feet, the cup was examined, lacking a lid. "Interesting. An espresso machine that delivers the coffee right to my desk."

The slight smile on his scruffy face could be seen as attractive by many, if it hadn't been for the steely glint in his eyes. Though sudden, you weren't surprised when the coffee was thrown in your face. Indicator flashing red, it stayed yellow as the male smirked, crushing the paper cup against your head.

"That's for yesterday. And this morning. And for just existing in general." With a sigh, your directive sat back down, watching you stand motionless with the coffee running down. "What, are you fucking stupid? Clean up after yourself."

[He is expecting complacency.]

[There is a laundry room in the precinct...]

Connor's suggestion came internally, as they always did, but his idea was brilliant.

"You are entirely right, Detective; I must clean myself up," you replied in a slightly louder tone. You removed the bright white jacket, the amber drink running in rivulets but not staining. It was casually set on his desk before you were unbuttoning the jet-black top. "I believe there is--"

"--WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!" Gavin exclaimed, jumping back onto his feet and snatching your coat, shoving you towards the hallway in the back. "YOU FUCKING IDIOT, DON'T JUST STRIP DOWN," he hissed, still roughly guiding you towards the showers, laundry room and bathrooms.

His face was a magnificent shade of red.

Once you'd been stopped in the shower area, standing near the lockers, you turned to the shorter detective, who was groaning behind his hands. "... does nudity bother you, sir?"

Oh my god this bitch has no shame.

Looking up to glare some more, there was a moment when his tongue wouldn't work. You'd tilted your head again, and despite the coffee he'd thrown at you, there was a sensation of his stomach being turned upside-down.

What the fuck is happening?

"No, nudity doesn't fuckin' bother me," the male snapped back. "It's when you decide you're gonna strip down in front of the whole damn building that bothers me!"

"Detective Reed, I am not human. A machine without outer layers won't--"

Your mouth was covered hastily, Gavin terribly close. "That doesn't matter. You look human, and that's the problem. Now go shower. Fuck's sake." Guiding you towards one of the private stalls, his grip was far less overwhelming. "Get in, close the curtain, then strip. Toss me the clothes. Those things can be machine washed, right?"

It was like night and day, and the look in your eyes must have said enough, since you were promptly pushed into a stall, the curtain yanked shut himself.

I need to get rid of this thing. Now.

^ ^ ^ [SoFtwARe inStABiLiTY] ^ ^ ^