December 20th,2038

Your POV:

Christmas was coming up this week. I would be very very excited since Vee is coming down from Canada and I have my family to surround me. But Markus is saying he might not be able to make it. He is so busy working with the senates of Michigan to at least get housing going for androids that he won't even consider taking a break.

"Markus it's Christmas the first Christmas being free and you won't spend it with us?" I question.

"(Y/n) how could I take a break knowing my people don't have a home to stay in? A month and they are still sitting in that abandoned church." He says.

"Markus not even the Senates are going to be in office this week. At least take a break on Christmas. Please?" I beg.

"...I'll think about it." He says before leaving the house.

I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose.

"Still not going to take a break?" Elijah asked.

"Nope." I say walking into the living room. I sat on the couch

"Relax (Y/n) look at the bright side Vee should be on the way now."

"Yea...at least she's spending Christmas with us." I sigh.

"Did you get everyone their gift?" Elijah asked sitting next to me.

"Of course I did. I got Vee that lip kit collection she's been dying for. I got Markus some more clothes because seeing him wear the same outfits on repeat is irritating and you'll see your gift on Christmas day." I say getting up.

"Dammit," He muttered.

"I'm not gonna tell you-your gift that easy Elijah," I sat going into my room and laying down. "We haven't even gone a proper date yet. He hadn't even ask me to officially be his girlfriend." I mutter to myself.

Maybe I should stop by the church to check on everyone....Maybe after Vee comes.

I get up and take a shower before putting on some clothes:

I walk out of my room and sit on the couch to wait for Vee to come through the door.

"Where are going?Elijah asked.

"I'm going to take Vee by the church to see Markus. I might go see Connor as well if he's not on the clock with Hank." I say.

"Did you eat this Morning?"

"...Yeeeesss?" I lie.

"Markus would kill you...."

"Can't kill me if I'm already dead right?"

"(Y/n) you're supposed to be on break until your body has fully recovered."

"I'm not going to do any work at all I swear! I'm just gonna stop by!" I say defending myself.

"At least eat breakfast before you leave." Elijah advises before going to the pool.

I go into the kitchen and fix myself some cereal. When I was done there was a knock on the door. One of the Androids opened the door. I'm surprised a majority of them stayed. Markus offered for them to go free some of them even looked at him like he was crazy when he asked if they wanted to leave the house.

"Mom? Uncle Kam?" A familiar voice questioned.

I smiled and walked into the lobby to see Vee with up to six months worth of luggage.

"Hey Vee!" I say opening my arms. She ran into my arms and squeezed too tight I groaned. "Too tight dear. Stitches. Stitches.stitches." I say quickly.

She hurriedly let go. "Sorry! Sorry!" She said frantically.

I smile. "It's ok, my god look at you!" I say looking at her.

"I've become a mall addict," She admits jokingly.

"I can tell designer clothes?!" I questioned. "What kind of diner do you work at?" I question raising my eyebrow.

"A normal diner! I just been working hard to get to the top in fact before I left I got promoted!!"

"That's awesome! I am so proud of you!" I say hugging her. I studied her for a while. I started to feel like something was off. About her something has changed or she's lying about...something. "Vee-"

"Vee!" Elijah says.

"Uncle Kam!" She went over and hugged Elijah.

Elijah chuckled. "My god designer clothes!? What kind of diner do you woke at?!" He questioned.

"A good paying one apparently. She got promoted before she came here too." I said smiling.

"Really now?" Elijah Questioned.

"Yup," She said smiling.

"Well why don't you come with me to see Markus? He's hard at work but I'm pretty sure he won't mind stopping five minutes to see us."

"You're going right now?" Elijah questioned.

I nodded. "Yes, right now,"

"Let me get dressed I'll drive you." Elijah says running to his room.

Vee and I sat down. "So you stay with Uncle Kam now?" She questioned.

"Yes,until we find a new place."

"What happened to the mansion?" She questioned.

"Last week they found a bomb in there... Apparently some people really hate my guts for helping you guys be free. Markus and I are looking into getting a new one." I sigh.

"People are trying to kill you still!?" She questioned.

"Don't yell it, they might know we're onto them," I joked rolling my eyes.

"That's not okay,"

"Ever since then Markus won't let me go anywhere without two body guards."

"But where are they?" She asked.

"They hide but they are around me until Markus dismisses them. Randall and Matthew. I'm leaving soon can you come out of hiding?" I question aloud.

The two defensive androids came out wherever they were hiding the spots change constantly.

"Woah.." Vee said.

"Yea, I'm still trying to get used to them." I say.

"Alright, I'm ready and I forgot these guys are coming with us." Elijah said looking at them.

"Don't you haven't another car?"

"Yea but it's..."

"It's..what?" I questioned.

"It's not self-driving.." Elijah muttered.

"....can you drive it?" I asked.

He could drive.....very recklessly...we made it to the church alive luckily.

"I thought you said you knew how to drive," I say to Elijah as we walk inside the church.

"I can..it's just been a while." Elijah said.

"How long is a while Eli?" I ask.

"Months.....years." He admits.

I sigh and shake my head.

"(Y/n)?"

I turned around to see Markus and smile. "Hi!" I say.

He wrapped his hand around my waist and gave me a kiss. "What are you doing here I thought I told you you're not allowed to work while you're healing." Markus said sternly.

"I'm not working...Vee's here!" I say.

Vee smiled. "Hello Markus or do I call you step dad or....." She teased.

"No Markus is just fine." Markus said with a smile.

"I was thinking we could all go see a movie tonight. Think you could join us?" I asked.

"You know I would love to but I don't know if I'll be able to make it." He says.

I sigh and give him a small smile. "OK..that's fine." I say

"I'm sorry..." He apoligizes.

"It's OK honey I get. You're busy...we'll find time!" I say smiling.

"It was good to see you against Vee." Markus said to Vee.

"It's good to see you too Markus." Vee said before hugging him.

"So shall we go?" Elijah asked.

"You are not driving! I still have whiplash from that wild u-turn you made earlier therefore I vote Matthew to drive." I say.

We finally get home and once I help Vee settle into her room. I fix myself a glass of white wine and once again go house hunting.

There was a knock in the door. "Come in." I say still looking at my laptop. I see Vee coming in the room.

"Is now a good time to talk?" She asked.

"Yea it's fine I'm not doing anything." I say smiling.

"Are you OK?" She asked.

"Yea, why wouldn't I be?" I asked taking a sip of my wine.

"Well ever since last month I know Markus has been busy and you obviously can't be of assistance since you're on bed rest. You don't get to spend much time together not only that but people are still attempting to murder you..."

I sigh. "I mean yes it's tiring but I knew that once Markus said 'we're free' you weren't truly free. There are still steps that need to be taken in order to get to that true form of freedom and in order for that to happen that requires...a lifestyle change. That means no more blending with the crowd and feeling normal. Now wherever I go I'm the center of attention. Now Markus and I aren't gonna have time for date night and all the normal couple stuff and that's okay because we're not a normal couple." I ramble before sighing.

"Have you and Markus even got on a date yet?" Vee asked.

"Not...yet! We'll find time...don't worry about us...we'll be fine." I say smiling.

"How about a girl's day? Tomorrow?" Vee asked.

"You know what why not?" I say smiling.

"Perfect I'm already planning the day in my head. Literally. I will come in here at 10am tomorrow morning so be prepared to leave by then." She said hopping off the bed and running out of the room.

I ended up staying up late. Checking Emails and house searching. Markus finally made it home. He came inside the room.

I smiled. "Hey love," I say getting up and taking off his jacket.

"You're still up?" He asked wrapping his arm around my waist.

"Yea I'm still looking for house or mansion somewhere in Detroit." I sigh.

"Are you still receiving death threats in your email?" He asked.

"Yea..."

"Same person?"

"Yup.."

"Change your email please."

"I will remember to do that tomorrow." I sigh.

"How are your injuries?"

"My arm still sore and the stitches in my side don't hurt unless you press on them really hard." I admit.

"And your head?"

"I don't have dizzy spells or anything like that. My head feels fine."

"And how are you feeling?"

"I'm fine." I say smiling.

Markus caresses my cheek. "I know this is all very difficult... I know we haven't properly had any time together. But once we get everything in order I promise we will."

"I know.." I say.

He gave me a slow deep kiss.
"You said you have been looking for a place here in Detroit?" Markus asked pulling away.

"Yes!" I say crawling on the bed and putting my laptop back in my lap. Markus lays close beside me to look at the screen.

"Everything is rather too small or taken. I've even looked in this side of town and nothing is for rent,sale or lease." I sighed in frustrations.

"...why don't we look into living somewhere outside of Detroit?" Markus questioned.

"Well..I thought..maybe...you would want to stay in Detroit because it's home..y'know?" I say looking at him.

"I mean of course Detroit is home and will always be home...but a change in scenery wouldn't hurt."

"I guess you're right."

"So tomorrow we can start looking into other places. I'm thinking...somewhere near a beach..beaches are peaceful right?" He asked.

"They are considered to be very peaceful." I agree.

"Good I think I might get back home early tomorrow so maybe we can do it over lunch if I do."

"Would love to but I have girl's day with Vee."

"Understandable."

"But maybe you could join us for lunch."

"Maybe I could but I'm not 100% sure I just wanted to let you know just in case."

I nodded. "OK."

"Now," Markus said before closing my laptop and taking it out of my lap. "You are done for the day Ms.Kamski." He said before grabbing my hips to drag me down. I giggles as my head hit the pillow. His eyes met mine before bringing me into a kiss. The kisses never ceased to make me smile.
He played with my hair a little bit.

"I love you." He said giving me a small smile.

"I love you too." I say smiling.

December 21st, 2038

"Got everything?" Markus asked me.

"Purse...phone...chapstick..wallet...yes I have everything." I say smiling.

"Do you have your keys?" Markus asked raising his eyebrows

I pat my pockets and checked my purse.

Markus had the keys in the palm of his hand.

I smiled and took them. "Thanks love."

"Mhm," he hummed.

Markus and I walked out of the room where Randall and Matthew were ready to follow.

"Are you sure you feel OK to go out for the day?" Markus asked holding my hands.

"I think I'll be just fine. Why are you so frantic?"

"Why shouldn't I be? The love of my life almost got blown up in her own home last week. Not to mention death threats being sent to your email- remember to change that when you have the chance.. But your life is being attempted at and I don't want to take any chances.."

"I don't think Randy and Matt will let anything happen to me since you give them strict orders to not even let someone in a public bathroom with me." I say.

"You can never be too careful." Markus said.

"I know, but go to work I'm not gonna be out long anyway I promise." I say smiling.

Markus gave me a small smile before giving me a kiss. "Call me when you get back home." He tells me.

"I will." I say walking away and getting into the car.

We didn't do much Vee treated me to breakfast.

"Are you sure your want to pay for every thing today? You don't have to...I mean you come from a very wealthy bloodline you know? I have no problem with paying for my own food." I tell her.

"No Mom, it's fine I want to do this! You've taught me a lot and done a lot for me I want to treat you for once."

"You do know mother's day is a thing right?"

"Yes but consider this an extra gift! I feel like you should be celebrated every single day in my book." She says smiling.

"Okay I'm not gonna argue with you but nothing that goes past 9 okay I need to be inside the house."

"Are you really going by Markus's rules?"

"Yea." I say nodding.

"But why?"

"I trust Markus and plus I know his reasoning behind everything. So I'm not mad and I know I'm not being controlled I'm being protected since he can't be here to do it himself. You have to keep in mind he is also still learning himself and trying to figure out emotions...it's difficult for him." I say taking a sip of my drink.

"I admire you Mom.."

"Don't do that..."

"Why not?"

"Because if you are admiring me you are degrading yourself. You can always be something more than me."

"But how you are so smart and wise yet funny and relatable. Down to earth and brave. You are everything other human females admire to be."

I chuckled. "That's where you're wrong there is always better. You can do better than me go bigger than everything that I did. You just have to be bold enough to imagine it. There's a million things I haven't done that you can do." I say.

"Wise..." Vee said.

I chuckled and shook my head.

After breakfast we went to the mall and went shopping before we went to go see a movie. After all was said and done we went home.

After I thanked Vee for a fun day out I went to my room and called Markus.

"Hello, (Y/n) is everything OK?" Markus asked.

I giggled. "Yes everything is fine. I just called to let you know I made it home safe. I won't keep you from your work too long."

"I wouldn't mind it honestly."

"Is everything OK?"

"There is so much going on at once that I feel constantly frustrated and it's tiring..."

"I think the word you're looking for is stressed...you're pushing yourself a little too hard."

"Have you changed your email yet?"

"I was getting to it...but when I do I'll send it to you. Send me some of the stuff you have to do. Any documents. Meetings. Interviews etcetera.."

"You don't have to you're supposed to be relaxing for the next couple if weeks."

"But you know how I've been itching to do some work. So c'mon give me something to do please? I'm tired of sitting in this house lounging about like some fat rich lady."

"There are some debates I will never be able to win with you." I could here the smile in his voice.

"Does this mean you will be sending me a copious amount of documents and things to do?" I asked smiling.

"Not too much but..enough and if you are still in need of more work I'll send more until I feel you've done enough."

"Great!" I say smiling.

"Good Luck,"

"Thanks I'll need it ," I chuckle sarcastically.

"I love you."

"I love you too." I say before hanging up.

After creating a new email I sent it to Markus and I received multiple documents but I didn't mind. For me it was simple because I used to help my dad with documents like these. I did it be cause he bargained to give me a lot of community hours. Which I needed for college. It wasn't long before I was done and Markus was sending me another load of work then another. Most of it simply bring interviews... Questions...meetings with government officials and charity events. All of which I got done with and Markus sent me an email saying:
That's all the work I have for you love. Thanks for the help it took a lot of pressure off of me.😗

Me: No problem anytime.

I then took a show and got on my laptop once again but on a house search. Looking for houses with a beach front view. Some of the houses were ugly or taken. Or the real estate agent for the house didn't know how they felt about having an android in there area. I ended up falling asleep.

Markus's POV:

I got home very late. Later than I would have liked but nonetheless I was home. I walked in my shared room to see (Y/n) fast asleep on the laptop. It was adorable and admirable. I took the laptop out of her lap and put it on the nightstand. I gently laid her down before putting the cover over her. I kissed her forehead before laying down beside her.

"I am so very fortunate to have you in my life." I say quietly as I play with her hair.

December 24th,2038 Christmas eve

Your POV:

Markus has been extra busy as in he hasn't even come home yet busy. He hasn't been able to talk for very long. He does send me the paperwork I ask for so I can lighten the load. He hasn't been home in approximately 3 days. I am kind of worried he won't make it for Christmas.

Iwas looking out of the window at the snowy scenery. It was peaceful but once again I was waging wars in my own head. All was quiet up until somebody burst through the door that someone being Vee.

"Hey Mom!"

"Hi Vee, what's up why are you so excited?"

"Pamper day!" She said excitedly.

"A what day?" I questioned chuckling.

"Pamper day! I'm gonna take you out to make you feel like a million bucks!" Vee said over excitedly

"Have you seen my net worth?" I questioned. "My death would cause conspiracy theories." I muttered.

"I'm well aware you are worth it but you don't look like you feel it! So let's go!!" She said grabbing my hand and pulling me out of the room.

"I'm not even properly dressed!" I exclaim.

"I have an outfit for you in the car! You can change in the mall!"

"The mall!?" I questioned. "We've been to the mall already wait how do you have an outfit for me?"

"Don't question anything just follow me!"

Matthew and Randall drove us to the mall and as soon as we got there she was dragging me into the bathroom to get dressed:

"I haven't even ate yet." I say.

"We'll stop by cinnabon on the way to the nail salon and Spa."

After we go by cinnabon and got cinnamon rolls we went to the spa and we got the whole shebang. Manicure,Pedicure, wax down and massage.

"Now let's get your hair done!" She said pulling me to the hair salon.

"Welcome ladies. What can I do for you?" The hair dresser asked

"Make it look nice but casual y'know so it's not too much." Vee told the stylist.

"Gotcha follow me ma'am."

"I am so confused Vee what the hell is going on?!" I question.

"Enjoy getting your hair done!" She said waving as I'm being ushered to the back.

Once I get back the wash my hair which I won't lie it felt nice.

"So I'm gonna take a guess at what's going on. Your boyfriend is making up for cheating or something like that?" The hairdresser asked.

"Oh no, my daughter just pulled me out of the house and well here I am." I say smiling.

"Soo your daughter is buttering you up for something?"

"Maybe, I don't know." I sigh.

Once I got my hair done we went to the sephora to get my make up done. I was thoroughly exhausted with all this pampering. By the time we got done with sephora I was too tired to walk to Gucci and Prada. I was truly done shopping and I didn't want to see the mall for another 3 months. I didn't want to see another shelf of nails polish. Magazine of hairstyles. Another mother.fucking. Gucci or Prada bag! *sigh* I was just completely done with the mall for a very long time. Soon we were on the way back home. I of course had to question what just happened.

"OK Vee, Don't take this the wrong way but what the hell is going on?" I question.

"I just thought you could use a pamper day."

"A pamper day? I really didn't need a pamper day. I was perfectly fine sitting at home watching reruns of New Amsterdam and Good Doctor. So what's really going on? Is there something you're not telling me?" I questioned. Suddenly we arrived at home and I was being shoved into the bathroom with a giant Gucci bag.

"Put that on!" Vee yelled.

I sigh. "When I come out of this I want a very detailed and verbose explanation of what the hell is going on I am getting very irritated here!" I yell.

I sigh before I put on the dress and everything that came with it:

I come out of the bathroom the room was dark and lit with trail of candles and rose petals. I followed the trail to find a note.

"You are a work of art that not even the greatest artist could replicate...." I read the card out loud. I follow the trail further and found another note.

"I am very aware that my thirium pump is a mere imitation of a heart but one look at you and my thirium pump starts to behave like one." I giggle and continue down the path.

"I'm alive but you never fail to make me feel more human.."

I soon ran out of notes and the path ended right in front of Markus who was holding a single rose as he leans against the dining table. I smiled and ran into his arms.

"You look stunning." He whispered into my ear as he let me go.

"And you don't?" I questioned.

"I had some help from Elijah and Vee- I hope she wasn't too pushy.."

"Oh no..she was too pully- But this is all so amazing.." I say smiling. "When are you going back for work?" I asked.

"January 8th of 2039."

"What?" I questioned.

"Did you really think I would miss out on a special holiday?" Markus questioned with a small smile.

"Maybeee." I say unsure.

"I would never pass up the opportunity to spend time with you. Now um...I...fixed you this dinner. Hope you like it.. I was aiming for a super cheesey yet romantic dinner food."

"I'm interested," I said smiling.

"Hence the cheesiest recipe I could find was spaghetti." He said raiding the plate cover to reveal a fancily placed spaghetti garnished in tiny green stuff. Could be mint or parsley yet again could be basil all I knew is it made the dish look extra fancy.

"That looks like some thing straight from a magazine. That is very good." I say as I sit in the seat Markus pulled out for me. "Thank you."

"Your very welcome, I'm glad it is visibly appealing." He said as he kissed my cheek before sitting down in his chair across from the table.

I took a bite and Gordon Ramsey would quit his job and give Markus ownership to all restaurants he owns. If he was alive that is.

"To say this is amazing would be an understatement. Markus...just...this is too good."

"I would hope so...Is there anything I don't know about you?" Markus asked turning his head to the side with a slight squint.

"I don't know you tell me.."

" I know your favorite color...favorite food,candy and favorite chips. I know all your likes and dislikes. Your pet peeve. Your nervous ticks." He said.

"OK so let's what don't I know about you. What's your favorite color?" I asked as I took a sip of wine.

"Grey because it looks very good on you right now. But then against every color on you becomes appealing to me."

"So what are all colors your favorite?" I said smirking.

"No grey seems more appealing to me for some reason."

"So grey is your favorite color." I say nodding. "I will gladly take note of that." I mutter quietly before taking a sip of wine.

"What?" Markus questioned.

"Huh? Oh nothing...don't worry about it." I say before smiling. "OK it may be a little too early but I've always wondered this...Why do you love me?" I asked.

"You're selfless and smart beyond your own kind. Most humans notice the small things meanwhile you are looking at the bigger picture. Something about you makes you foreign from other humans other than the fact that you see androids as equals. It's like the way you think is far ahead of it's time." Markus explained.

"I've gotten many readings but none are like that.." I admit.

"Also your humor. It's amusing."

I smiled and blushed. "Awe shucks,"

"What about you? What do you see in me?"

"Besides the fact that you're perfect. You're more of a man than any man I've ever met. You're not afraid to admit you made a mistake you are also selfless and humble. Not to mention strong...you didn't let your past keep you down instead you used it to fuel you. I respect you for that." I say.

He gave me a small smile and I swore if he could blush his cheeks would be blue. Conversation continued on for a while. Until Markus turned on a stereo.

"Does this song sound familiar?" He asked as he offered his hand.

I smiled as I took it. "Of course this is the song we danced to at Carl's retrospective opening."

"I hope with all that's happened you haven't forgotten how to dance." Markus teased.

"I'll have you know that...I won't step on your feet I know that for sure." I playfully say.

He gave me a small smile before taking my hand in his. Resting his free hand on my waist. I put mine on his shoulder.

"When I opened that door and saw you in that long black dress I was hypnotized by how beautiful you were. You're beautiful always but that night and tonight your beauty had an effect on me that I couldn't hide. When we danced I forgot I was not control of my own destiny and I felt free."

"I didn't realize I had that much of an impact on you." I say shocked.

"That's why I never want to live without you..."

"Are you it's not Stockholm syndrome from the RA9 days?" I joked.

"How would it be Stockholm syndrome if you were the nicest person to me?"

"Do you remember anything from then?"

"No why would I?"

"It would just be some crazy ass phenomenon if you did." I say smiling.
"I just don't want you to remember any of that. It's a part of our history I never want to think about."

"Well we don't have to. We're going to start a new. Found any houses that meet our criteria?"

"I looked all over Michigan no where with a good view,"

"When I suggested looking past Detroit I thought you were going to look farther than Michigan as well...Like maybe...California...Florida...Hawaii...Unless there is something you're not telling me.." He asked raising an eyebrow.

"What if something happens when we're very far away?" I questioned.

"We'll get the quickest flight back home and we're talking about after we've made progress..."

"So almost retiring?"

"I think we would have deserved it by then yes?"

"Yea," I say smiling suddenly Markus's watch went off.

"What's that for?"

"It is precisely 12:00am December 25th, 2038. Christmas day." Markus said smiling.

"We've really been alone that long?"

"I gave Vee and Elijah a good deal for giving me the house for a couple of hours."

"What deal was that?" I asked giggling.

"Don't worry about it in the mean time..since it's Christmas. I got you a little something." Markus said pulling a small red velvet drawstring bag out of his back pocket. Out of the bag he pulled a ring. Which had completely taken me by surprise.
"It's not exactly an engagement ring but...a promise ring. Elijah said it was childish but I felt like it was the right thing to do." Markus said smiling. "We never really made this official now is the time to do so. Dr. (Y/n) Kamski will you be my girlfriend?" Markus asked.

I couldn't fight the the smile and tears that were in my face even if I tried to. "Yes Markus I will be your girlfriend." I say.

Markus placed the ring in my right hand:

"On the inside of the ring I had this day engraved into it." Markus said giving me a small smile.

I kissed him deeply and he pulled me close by my waist. My hands landed in his chest as our foreheads touched as we pulled away.

"Merry Christmas (Y/n)," He said quietly.

"Merry Christmas Markus." I said smiling before he brought me into a loving kiss.