(Y/N)'s P.O.V.

November 6th, 2038
07:54 pm

I strode through my apartment, humming a melody. Turning around a corner, I entered the kitchen and instantly went to the fridge, opening it. There wasn't a lot of food in it so I decided to just go out and grab dinner at some random place. I entered the hallway, looking into the mirror for a second. My (H/L) (H/C)-colored hair looked kind of messy, probably because I had not taken care of it after the whole investigation on the rooftops. I hated having to admit that I felt apprehensive, yet I could not deny it any longer either. Somehow my emotions had ruled over the intimate sense of justice that I had developed throughout my life.

After all the crimes of my father with Red Ice during my childhood and having been forced to witness them right in front of me, I had sworn myself to want to punish any criminal. Every person that acted against the law was supposed to pay for their actions. Back then, they had taken everything away from me. First my father, then my existence. Merely with one single push onto that road. It was unfair and I hated them all for it. However, even when they were punished, it didn't feel satisfying. That was the reason in the first place why I accepted to become a detective. To serve more justice. To stop criminals from ruining other people's life, even if it was on a selfish demand.

I shook my head, gritting my teeth. My eyes did not leave the mirror image across from me. This whole body was their fault. The memories of being locked away from the world by CyberLife an aftermath of their incredibly balmy actions. It made me furious to have lost so much due to some pathetic humans having been too high on Red Ice. They made me fall into an abyss that captured me with horrible images of the past.

Out of a sudden, I heard a knock on my door, causing me to cringe. Who was that? As far as I was concerned, nobody knew about me living here. I checked my appearance another time, my eyes scanning the black pants and white blouse I was still wearing from work. Figuring that I did not look too horrible, I turned on my heels and headed for the entrance to my apartment. Opening the door, I gasped, seeing Connor across from me.

"Uh, Connor, this surely is a surprise. What are you doing here?" I decided not to even question how he knew where I lived at.

"A new case just came in. I wanted to pick you up so we could get lieutenant Anderson."

I blankly stared at him for a second.

"Detective (L/N)?" Being torn out of my trance, I stepped aside to let him enter my apartment.

"Could you give me a second to get ready? In the meantime you can just wait inside." He nodded and stepped into my corridor, whereas I closed the door behind him.

"I'll be right back."

Leaving Connor standing in the hallway, I hurried into the bathroom to rearrange my hair. I picked up my brush, moving it through the several strands, thinking about what to do next. Figuring out that I simply needed my bag, I was glad to leave soon. The case would let me forget about my past for a while at least. On top of that, I was presented another opportunity to prove CyberLife that I was worth their time.

Tying my hair into a bun, I pushed a single strand out of my face. Afterwards, I quickly left through the door, about to pass the living room when I noticed Connor staring at an old toy. The bear plushie my dad had gifted my for my 6th birthday was something I solely could not let go. After all, I still loved my father. I could not help but desperately cling onto that affection. It was all I had ever received anyway. Even after everything he had done.

"There appears to be blood on it. Why is that?" Connor turned to face me, curiosity in his eyes. It felt as if I was not the only one to be controlled by their emotions.

Unsure of what to answer though, I merely shrugged my shoulders.

"I don't remember. Let's go, I'm done."

I hated having to lie to him but I surely did not plan to burst into tears and hide in a corner due to the shock of remembering why my blood was on that thing. Especially not if there was a case to solve. Seeing how I would not falter, Connor walked outside. I grabbed my black bag on the way and put on my beige trenchcoat. Locking the door behind us, we headed for my car.

. . .

Once we arrived at our second destination this evening, I stopped at the side of the road and we left the vehicle.

"Actually, when will you tell me about the details of the case?" I asked Connor while we walked up to the door. He shortly glanced at me and then stared at the entrance of Hank's house again.

"It will be more efficient to present the information in front of both you and lieutenant Anderson, detective (L/N)."

Sighing, I stopped the android before reaching the door. "Could you do me another favor then?"

Connor tilted his head, his gorgeous eyes meeting mine.

"Please stop calling me 'detective (L/N)'. I'd be much more comfortable if you simply said my first name. I see you as an equal, remember?" I lightly smiled at him, raising my left index finger.

"(Y/N) it is then..." Connor partly mumbled, his LED flickering yellow. Did he need to process my name or why was he troubled?

The android lifted up his hand and rang the doorbell. "Lieutenant Anderson? Anybody home?"

There was no answer, so Connor repeated his movements. Yet no one replied.

"Perhaps, we should search for another way inside." I suggested, earning a nod from my partner.

Slowly, we walked around the house, reaching a window, which you could see through at one point. I leaned forward, loudly gasping upon seeing Hank passed out on the ground inside.

"Over here!" I yelled, hence Connor joined me. He signalized for me to step aside, which I did. With one elbow, he broke the window and then took a step back.

Running towards the small opening in the window, he jumped through it and entered the house. Inhaling some air, I sprinted towards the glass, pushing my feet off the ground. My vision spun as I fell onto the ground inside, landing on something rather soft. I groaned, looking up and finding out that I was on top of Connor, who stared directly into my eyes. Feeling my cheeks light up, I stumbled back, uttering a "sorry" underneath my breath. Before the android could respond, I sensed a silhouette inching closer, surprised to find a big dog approaching us.

"Argh!.. Easy!" Connor exclaimed, raising his hands in defeat.

I tilted my head, whispering, "Sumo?" The dog now trotted over to me and brushed his head against my outstretched hands. His soft fur felt amazing on my skin, hence I could not help but chuckle. After a moment, Sumo once again turned to Connor, who looked a little helpless.

"We're your friends, see?.. We know your name... We're here to save your owner..." He spoke, earning a quiet snort from the dog, who then silently walked away. The android still wore a weak smile on his face and I could not help but think how much smiling suited him.

Sighing, I got up, spotting Connor doing the exact same thing. We walked around the kitchen table and stopped next to Hank. While Connor kneeled down, I frowned, seeing alcohol and a gun on the ground.

"Oh god, Hank..." I muttered, feeling guilty for not having noticed before that Hank had his own demons to deal with.

"Lieutenant?" my partner softly asked. There was no reaction. I got onto my knees next to him, worried about the grey-haired man. Connor lightly patted Hank's cheek with one of his hands.

"Wake up, Lieutenant! " Hank coughed a little, whereas a little bit of fear melted inside my heart. Now, the grey-haired man partly opened his eyes, moving his head around.

I beamed, happy to see him wake up. Just like Connor, I truly did not want to lose him. Both of them were like a peculiar kind of family to me.

Abruptly, the android slapped Hank another time, much harder now. "It's me, Connor and (Y/N)!"

I stared at him, eyes wide open. "What are you doing?" I asked, moving closer to the lieutenant.

However, Hank did not react that much. As a result, Connor lifted one of his arms, now looking at me. I understood what he meant and grabbed the grey-haired man's other arm. We both hauled him up.

"We're going to sober you up for your own safety."

Hank struggled, firstly staring at Connor. " Hey!.. Leave me alone, you fuckin' android!"

Noticing me beside him as well, his eyes met mine. "What the fuck (Y/N)? Why are you helping him?" He uttered, earning a weak smile from me.

"I'm sorry Lieutenant, but we need you. Thank you in advance for your cooperation."

We stood up, taking Hank with us.

"Hey! Get the fuck outta here!" He staggered through his house with us leading him and once he spotted Sumo, he exclaimed, "Sumo! Attack!"

Earning no reaction from his dog, he continued, "Good dog. Attack!"

I couldn't help but laugh a little, surprisingly noticing Connor grin as well. We moved through the corridor, stopping next to a certain room.

"Could you please open the door?" Connor asked, directing his question at me. I nodded, moved out of Hank's arm and pushed the entrance open.

"Fuck, I think I'm gonna be sick..." Hank mumbled from the side.

We supported the drunken man once again, which caused him to protest, "Ah! Leave me alone, you assholes! I'm not going anywhere..."

Hank grabbed the doorframe, trying to stop us, yet Connor's and my strength was too much for him to resist against. We entered the bathroom as Connor nodded towards the bathtub.

"What the hell are you doing?.." Hank complained as we carefully sat him down on the edge of the white bathtub.

"I don't wanna bath, thank you..." He slowly got up but Connor stopped him with one hand.

"Sorry, Lieutenant. It's for your own good." He pushed the grey-haired man down into the tub and moved over to the faucet.

Turning it on, cold water poured down onto Hank, as he shouted, "TURN IT OFF! TURN IT OFF!"

I covered my mouth with one hand, holding back a laughter. The android turned the water off again, still facing the drunken man.

"What the fuck are you two doing here?" Hank inspected us with squinted eyes.

"A homicide was reported 43 minutes ago. We couldn't find you at Jimmy's bar, so we came to see if you were at home."

I silently watched the lieutenant sitting up. "Jesus, I must be the only cop in the world that gets assaulted in his own house by his own fuckin' android and partner... I thought at least (Y/N) was more intelligent." He panted and supported his body with his arms on his thighs. "Can't you just leave me alone?"

"You seem to have personal issues. You should consult a professional who can help you."

I knew Connor was trying to be helpful, yet I doubted it was efficient in any way. Hank got up and unstably stood on his own feet.

"Beat it! You hear me?! Get the hell outta here!"

The lieutenant was about to fall backwards, though fortunately, the android caught him though and sat him down on the bathtub once more.

"I understand. It probably wasn't interesting anyway... A man found dead in a sex club downtown..." Connor directed a slight smirk at me, causing me to grin and feel my cheeks heating up at the same time. That damn android simply had too much of an influence on me...

Clearing my throat, I added, "Guess they'll have to solve the case without us... Oh well." I shrugged my shoulders and turned around too.

"You know, probably wouldn't do me any harm to get some air... There're some clothes in the bedroom there." Hank muttered, hence I answered, "We'll get them. Is there anything specific you want to wear?"

The grey haired man coughed, "Whatever."

I chuckled and left the room together with Connor. We walked across the corridor and entered Hank's bedroom, heading for the closet.

"What should we get him?" I asked, skimming through the different outfits. Connor tilted his head and grabbed a dark blue shirt with white stripes.

"Seems good enough," I agreed and we returned back to Hank, who was now hovering above the toilet. While Connor put down the clothes on a dresser, I slowly approached Hank.

"Are you alright?" Hank exhaled some air, slightly cocking his head back.

"Yeah...yeah...wonderful... Just a... Give me five minutes, okay?"

"Sure." The android answered, whereas we left. In the background, I heard the sound of the grey-haired man vomiting. I shivered at that noise and hurried into the living room to be able to avoid any more of these cacophonies. Connor followed me but then walked over to inspect a CD cover.

"Looks like Hank is a fan of jazz." I said to myself, noticing what object Connor was holding. In one of the corners, I spotted Sumo and carefully aproached him.

"Hey there Sumo." I purred, inching closer. Slowly, I moved my hand across his back, once more revelling in that comforting sensation of petting an animal.

"Come over here Connor!" I exclaimed, filled with joy. At moments like these I felt like a child once more, just having a much better time than it had originally been the case. Not that it mattered anymore though.

The android joined me, kneeling down onto my level.

"Try petting him! His fur is so soft!" I hummed, smiling brightly at my partner.

Tentatively, Connor carressed Sumo, a very faint smile on his own lips. For a second, our hands touched on Sumo's back and instantly, I peered into the android's hazel brown eyes. We stared at each other in silence, not parting our fingers. Connor's LED visibly turned yellow, as I felt a blush rise to my cheeks another time.

"Sorry..." I eventually whispered, standing up and now walking into the kitchen. My face felt as if it was burning.

As I shifted my gaze onto the kitchen table, I spotted a picture frame, facing the wood's surface. I squinted my eyes, carefully picking it up. An image of a young boy greeted me.

A mumble left my lips, "Who is that..?"

Sensing Connor behind me, I glanced at him over my shoulder, still feeling rather shy.

"That appears to be the lieutenant's son. According to the data, he died in 2035." I felt my body grow cold, whereas I hastily set the picture down again. How horrible it must've been for Hank to lose his own son...

"You two, I'm ready!" The grey-haired man's voice echoed through the house, causing us to look up. We followed the sound and joined Hank. Now, I was unable to hide my sadness anymore, facing him this directly.

The man fortunately did not notice my feelings and called out, "Be a good dog, Sumo. I won't be long."

Together, we then left the house.