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

A certain warmth was tightly wrapped around me, covering me like a blanket. I indulged in that sensation, not wanting to ever let it go.

"(Y/N)..."

A familiar, yet somehow distant voice echoed in my mind. I wished to reach out to it, return to the sound I loved so dearly. However, my body refused to move. Instead, it proclaimed it needed rest. But how could I possibly just lay here, if the person I loved the most was directly on the other side, calling out to me? I yearned to see him again. To speak to him. Embrace him.

Gathering all my strength, I gritted my teeth and stood up in the darkness. I pushed forward, inching closer to the deep voice. The sound I treasured so much. I coughed but kept fighting the exhaustion trying to run me over.

"(Y/N)..."

Once more my name echoed inside my ears. I needed to keep fighting. Right by his side. We had another mission to fulfill. Biting onto my lip, I stretched my hand out and grabbed the far away light.

I softly groaned, slightly opening my eyes. My vision was completely blurry, I only recognized rough shapes and colors. Something grey and brown hovered above me, gently caressing my cheek, gingerly repeating my name over and over again. I could not help but smile at his action, knowing exactly who was there beside me. Slowly but surely, I fully opened my eyes, my vision now turning clear.

Connor had positioned me in his lap, sitting on the ground, his back resting against a worn out wall. I carefully let my gaze wander across his silhouette just now noticing that he was dressed differently. Due to all the events earlier at Jericho, I hadn't even gotten the chance to remark his appearance. A grey beanie was covering his head, making him look extremely adorable. He also wore a brown leather jacket and a grey shirt underneath it. Shakily exhaling, I grinned.

"You can literally wear anything and look good in it, can't you?"

Realizing how I had gained back all of my senses, Connor smirked, quickly pulling me into a gentle hug.

"I can direct that back at you." He answered to my comedic statement, still tightly embracing my body.

I moved my fingers around a little, testing out how much I was able to move. To my surprise, my body had recovered faster than expected. Moving my arms around his back, I silently inhaled Connor's scent, basking in his presence.

"I am so..." he started, apparantly looking for the best word, "Relieved that you woke up again. I don't know what I would have done if that wouldn't have been the case."

I gradually pulled away and smiled at him. "And you don't know how happy I am to see that you finally acknowledged your feelings." Unable to hide my joy, I weakly laughed.

"That was thanks to you though. Without your confession, I probably would've kept carrying out CyberLife's orders. Thank you (Y/N)."

Genuine affection was within his brown eyes, making me blush lightly at his comment. I shook my head, replying, "In the end it was you who fought against that border. But I am happy to hear that you appreciate my efforts."

Connor rested his right hand on my cheek, staring directly into my (E/C)-colored eyes, causing me to feel bashful.

"I have not even given you an answer yet..." He mumbled, hence I faintly smiled. He didn't need to, it was evident in his soft touch and loving gaze. I felt truly cherished in his arms. I didn't feel confused by my past or horrible memories anymore, once I was by his side.

"I love you, (Y/N)."

Those simple words caused my heart to stop beating and made it race faster at the same time. I slightly gasped, taken aback by the power of his confession. Connor slowly inched closer, whereas I gradually closed my eyes.

The next second was like heaven to me. His lips met mine and they actually felt warm, somehow soft as well. His one hand still cupped my cheek, as he surrounded my waist with his other one, carefully pulling me closer. I encircled his neck with my left arm, still unable to fully feel my right one. We deepened the kiss for another second, my emotions practically driving me insane, as I rejoiced in this breathtaking sensation. Being together with the man that had believed he was defined by his algorithms but ultimately managed to change was an incredible feeling. Like a victory after an extremely long story.

After another moment, we both pulled away, as I slightly panted due to the lack of oxygen. I felt a crimson blush on my cheeks, hence I partly averted my gaze. Connor merely chuckled, once more embracing me.

"It is irrational what you can make me feel, however, I would not want to ever give it away again." He gently whispered into my ear, whereas I slowly nodded.

After we parted, I curiously glanced around, noticing we were in some kind of chapel.

"For how long have we been here?" I asked Connor, who shot a gaze at the by now smaller group of android.

"The incident happened yesterday evening. You were unconscious for exactly 19 hours, 32 minutes and 45 seconds." He grinned, causing me to laugh. Despite the huge change he had gone through, Connor was still the same person at heart and I simply loved him for that even more.

I jokingly rolled my eyes at his statement and then spotted several bandages surrounding my waist and right arm. Seeing it, I widened my eyes, noticing how it was in its rightful place once more.

"I couldn't stand seeing you hurt so I allowed myself to take care of the issue. I hope you don't mind." Connor mentioned, making me smile at him.

"No, it's better that you twisted it back into its original position while I was asleep. That surely lessened the pain for me."

I delicately leaned against his chest again, enjoying our moment for a while. Suddenly, I noticed Markus approaching us. I turned my head to face him, as he met my gaze.

"Ah, I see you're awake again." A weak smile laced his lips, hence I returned the expression.

"I know you don't really trust humans so I'm thankful for you letting me stay here." I expressed my gratitude, hoping he accepted my thanks.

Markus shook his head, responding, "(Y/N), not only did you save my life but North also told me what you did for our people. How you saved them from your own kind. Moreover, you even freed Connor from his program. You are more than welcomed here."

I nodded, feeling entirely glad that the androids perceived me in such a way. Being partly one of them, it caused my heart to feel lighter.

Now, Markus faced Connor, who averted his gaze for a second. "It's my fault the humans managed to locate Jericho... I was stupid..."

Still filled with guilt, he stared at me for a second. "I should've guessed they were using me. If it weren't for (Y/N), who knows what I might have done."

Connor now returned Markus' gaze, apologizing, "I'm sorry, Markus... I can understand if you decide not to trust me..."

The deviant leader stared at us two for a second and then eventually announced, "You're one of us, now. Your place is with your people. Besides, you need a safe place to take care of (Y/N)."

As he was about to turn around, Connor called out to him again. "There are thousands of androids at the CyberLife assembly plant. If we could wake them up, they might join us and shift the balance of power..."

Markus turned on his heel and skeptically looked at Connor, which I did as well. Was he about to push himself onto the path of danger once more?

I carefully moved out of his lap, now safely standing up, having rested enough. Connor immediately was by my side, in case I needed any support.

"You wanna infiltrate the CyberLife Tower? Connor, that's suicide..." Markus claimed, making me nod along.

"I agree. You'll only get yourself hurt or even killed!" I was not willing to let him do such a thing. My partner shot a glance at me, determination in his eyes. I understood he wanted to make up for his mistakes and if I still would've desperately adhered to the concept of justice, I would've agreed. But I was too selfish to let myself lose the person I loved the most.

"They trust me, they'll let me in. If anyone has a chance of infiltrating CyberLife, it's me."

I frowned, repeating myself, "If you go to CyberLife, they will not hesitate to kill you."

Laying his eyes onto me, he merely responded, "There's a high probability... but statistically speaking, there's always a chance for unlikely events to take place..."

I wanted to faintly smile but burst out due to anger at the same time. Before I managed to come up with a fitting answer, Markus stepped forward and put a hand onto Connor's shoulder. " Be careful..." Then, he left.

I calmed myself down, listening to Connor addressing me now. "You will wait here for me (Y/N). I-"

Interrupting him, I rapidly turned my head around. "Don't even try to tell me to patiently wait here for you. I would rather die together with you than knowing I just sat around while you risked your life for all of us. I will accompany you."

Connor's eyes shortly widened, as he tried to protest. "I can't let you do that. If I lose you-" Once more, I interefered.

"The same goes for me! Do you think I want to lose you?" I stared up at him, as much determination in my own eyes as there was in his.

"I feel healthy enough to take care of that job. Besides, it will make more sense if we return together to CyberLife. You can pretend to bring me back to them. They are waiting for that anyway!" Connor pressed his lips onto each other, visibly sighing.

"Just don't leave my side." He eventually said, looking at me.

I grinned, nodding. "I would never even want to do that anyway."

With a faint smile, my partner stepped towards me. Anew, we embraced each other, as I snuggled up against his body. I would never let him get into harm's way alone. Together, we would free the CyberLife androids. We would win them over for their own people. To try and save tomorrow.

In the background, I heard Markus speaking up. "Humans have decided to exterminate us... Our people are packed in camps right now, being destroyed... Time has come to make a choice, one that very well may determine the future of our people."

I softly parted from Connor and turned to look at the dark-skinned man. His resolve was clear and I admired him for his strength.

"I know... I know you're all angry. And I know you wanna fight back... But I assure you violence is not the answer here. We are gonna tell them peacefully that we want justice. If there's any humanity in them, they will listen. And if not, others will take our place and continue this fight. Are you ready to follow me?"

Connor stood right next to me, his right hand gripping my left one. I squeezed it in affirmation. The crowd of androids screamed in determination now. "Markus! YEAH! YES!"

All voices mixed into one big force. This was a joined folk, a group of people fighting for their freedom. Just like many humans had done it in their history. We truly were not different at all.

I cheered as well, raising my right arm. Those androids deserved their own rights and I would support them in any possible way.