Disclaimer: if you suffer from depression it is highly unrecommended for you to continue reading this story. You have been warned.

Puma's POV

When I opened my eyes, Connor was next to me, eyes shut closed. His LED was spinning a soft blue. Suddenly, the events of last night seemed to shoot through me.

Why the fuck did I tell him that? I panicked. Of course he's going to tell Dad. And I'm in deep trouble. He's not supposed to know. He can't. He simply can't.

I drew a shaky breath and got out of bed, standing in front of my closet, looking for clothes to wear to work today. I had to at least try to put on some clean clothes. I put on a dark blue and white horizontal striped shirt with a black leather jacket over it and skinny jeans. Looping through my leather belt, I grabbed my gun and put it in the gun pocket with a few other things and went downstairs. I fumbled with the fridge and hastily got out a chocolate bar which I munched on, and went back upstairs to the bathroom. Washing my face, I looked up at myself.

What a useless bitch. Do you think anyone can help you? A faraway voice echoed in my head with a laugh. I shook my head. I told myself I would stop, I looked down.

Your arms aren't decorated enough. Go get a knife.

I carefully looked up at myself again. My eyes stung as they brimmed with tears and slowly slid down my cheeks.

Go get a knife. I heard again.

No. I will not.

Go get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Go get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Go get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Go get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Go get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Go get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife. Get a knife.

The voice filled my head and overlapped itself as I slid into my legs into a criss-cross position and tucked them under me. I covered my face with my hands as I stopped holding back the tears.

I was doing so well, did talking to Connor break me again? I thought to myself desperately.

"Puma." I heard a knock on the other side of the door.

"Oh. Hey Connie." I said with a smile and got up, wiping my tears and throwing the tissue in the trash. I opened the door as I pulled on my "happy mask".

"Are you alright, Puma?" He asked.

"Huh? Yeah! Perfect! Let's go to the station. Are you ready for work? You've been waiting for quite a while for that to happen, right?" I gave a laugh and slipped down into the stairs before he could say anything.

"You need to eat, Puma." He stated.

"I already ate." I shook my head and pulled on my sneakers, heading for the door.

"What did you eat?"

"Some leftovers from last night." I made up a lie swiftly.

"And where is the plate, may I ask?" He raised his eyebrows.

"I-it uh-. Fine. I ate from the bowl and didn't finish it, so I put it back in the fridge. Now let's go."

"Puma, you and I both know you're lying. You need to eat." He said.

"Alright, how did you figure that out?" I scoffed to myself and walked over to the kitchen, making myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. "Okay. Done. Let's go." I said and walked towards the door with a small smile on my face.

"Remember what I told you last night." He said it as a statement, not a question. We'd already gotten into the car and I was driving out of the neighborhood.

"Which is?" I asked, dropping my voice to a whisper.

"Putting in an act for other people is only going to hurt you."

"And why do you care, exactly?"

"Because you are my priority."

"You know caring is a human emotion." I said, not listening to him. I wanted to make it stop. Go back in time and fix last night so it never happened. But I know that's not possible.

"Can you at least act yourself around me?" Connor suggested.

"You want to know who I truly am? Fine." I nodded, instantly dropping my happy act to my usual self. I dropped the corners of my mouth which made a small frown on my face. I felt the usual heavy weight on my chest. I slouched in the driver's seat and stopped humming, which I sometimes did when there was a song that I liked. Back to normal.

"Thank you." Connor said as he noticed the sudden change. If he wasn't an android, he would be surprised.
We were quiet for a couple of minutes before Connor tried to make small talk.

"Are you excited to finally get to work?" He asked.

I didn't even bother answering. The weight on my chest was too heavy, and I didn't feel like opening my mouth. I tilted my head in an "eh" expression.

"Personally, I enjoy being back to hunting down deviants. I'm sure today we'll have a great case at our hands." Connor continued, seeming oblivious to me clearly not wanting to talk. I'm afraid to lose a friend so I grit my teeth and let him talk. "I think the most curious thing at our hands now is this mysterious rA9. The symbol keeps appearing everywhere wherever there are deviants around..." his voice trails off as I submerge myself into my own thoughts.

No. Me coming out was a mistake. I should have never told him. Right now we would be having a cheery conversation on our way to work. But do I even want to go to work? It seems when I heard my condition from another perspective it caused things to start all over again. I should've let Connor talk. It's good he's an android. And they can't worry about you. My chest hurts. It all started when Cole died. I bent my finger and brought it to my mouth to keep myself from crying. I'm supposed to be strong. Maybe if I wasn't so selfish about his death I wouldn't let myself slip up. Dad doesn't know. That's the most important thing.

We were submerged into our own thoughts until we had arrived at the department. Getting out, Connor and I made our way toward the building. Nearing the door, I straightened my posture, tilted the corners of my mouth to form a smile and I took a deep breath, feeling the weight on my chest go away.

"Good morning." The android at the reception greeted us.

"Good morning to you too!" I grinned at her, taking out my ID. She scanned it and told Connor and I to go through. We sat down at our desks and began working.

It's like no one noticed I'm gone. I thought happily.

Obviously. Because no one cares about you. I got in return.

The tiny voice in my head telling me the negatives hasn't been heard from me for a couple of years. The last time I'd heard from it was when Orion and I broke up. I gotta admit, even though we weren't right for each other I still felt lonely to return to an empty bed.

"I need to go get some hot chocolate, be right back." I said quietly to Connor to not break the silence. Not waiting for an answer, I stood up and walked to the lunch area. My footsteps were light, and I was humming a song under my breath.

"Oh look, it's Detective Wild Cat, in her natural habitat." I heard Gavin talking to his friend. She sniggered back as they watched me get my hot chocolate.

No, not this. The last thing I need is to show myself as weak to Detective Asshole. I quickly made up an insult that I was quite proud of.

"Oh look, and here's 'the common asshole' in his natural habitat as well." I turn back around and continue making my hot chocolate.

"You know she just plays hard to get sometimes, but she really is sweet, here, watch this." I heard Gavin whisper. I knew he was gonna do something to me, but the last thing I wanted was that dick's hands touching me. When I heard careful footsteps behind me I swiftly turned around and punched Gavin square in the face, making him stagger back onto the floor.

"Am I sweet now?" I hissed, taking my cup and walking from the lunch area. "All you ever do is sit around in the lunch area, you dirty fat pig." I muttered as I walked past him.

"What did you say?" Gavin said with an alarming voice, gripping the back of my jacket and swirling me around to face him. His nose was bleeding, but the asshole didn't seem to care.

"I said... all you ever do is sit around in the lunch area, you dirty fat pig." I repeated, not fearing the consequences. "Do you honestly ever work?" I added bravely.

"You're just asking for it, aren't you, honey?" He said, grasping the top of my jacket and forcefully pulling me after him.

"What... the... fuck... are... you...- ow!" my voice came out in gasps. Gavin dragged me into an interrogation room, the one where Oritz's android had died.

"Not so brave anymore, are you, Lia?" he hissed, giving me a hard slap across my face. I would've instinctively jerked back, but behind me was a wall. I simply looked down and softly touched the part of my face where he slapped me. It didn't hurt. Why didn't it hurt?

"Is that not enough? Want me to hit you another time? I can do that." Gavin stated, hitting my stomach, causing my spine to crash onto the hard, cold wall. I didn't say anything. I felt numb. Like nothing mattered much. Probably because it didn't.

"What? You're not gonna fight back?" Reed put his arms up in defense. I just shrugged.

"You're wasting my time. I gotta get to work." I stated and started walking out.

"Excuse me? You aren't going anywhere." Gavin pulled me back and punched my side.

"Okay." I did a half nod and crossed my arms, my eyes still looking down.

"Are you mental? Usually people at this point- I don't know, they at least start crying or even attempting to fight back."

"Fighting back? Why? Crying, I can cry. I just don't feel like it right now." I said quietly. "You really think there's a point to you bullying me? Do you really think that's going to get me to say 'yes'? You don't even know me that well."

"It does work. Girls go crazy over me." He said in a bragging tone.

"Which ones? The ones that hallucinate you as anything but a living trash can or an asshole?" I lift an eyebrow.

"You're really testing my temper, Anderson."

"Good." I said, coming back with my normal mask on. The pain was getting to me and I was getting madder by the second. "Now I said excuse me..." I kicked him right in the groin. He fell to his knees and I swiftly walked to the door. "I need to go back to work." I opened the door and let it slam shut behind me. I look to see Connor rushing into my direction.

"Is everything alright?" He asked. I shook my head.

"I'm fine, don't worry about me. I need to go do something, you can continue working." I nodded with a smile. He accepted my request and I rushed to the medical corner, checking where Gavin punched me.

What's wrong with me? I keep changing moods so quickly. I mean, it is all an act after all. And everyone is the audience.

After getting situated with my problem I returned to my desk to see Dad coming to his desk. I lift my eyebrows in surprise. He's earlier than normal.

"Hey Dad! Were the three days boring without me? I know they were!" I gave a laugh and hugged him. Dad hugged me back, but I didn't feel any warmth.

Everything went back on track since Dad got here, Connor was attempting small talk, Hank was a swearing and grumpy mess and I was happy.

Fake. Happy. The negative voice reminded me. Don't forget, these are no one. Did your father care to check on you? No. Connor is a machine. He doesn't care about humans. So pathetic you're still trying to make everyone happy and smile. The irritating laugh radiated from my ears. I growled a low growl, I'm pretty sure no one heard me. The entire day was paperwork, and we left home without any action.

Something will turn up. It has to. I can feel it. I reassured myself when I was driving back home with Connor, only to hear a small giggle from Negativity.

What is happening to me?

Those thoughts ran through your head as you bit down on your lip as to not cry.

"Is everything alright, Puma? You seem... troubled." Connor must've noticed me.

"Yeah." I said sharply in short.

"I know it isn't. Is there something on your mind?"

I didn't answer.

"You can always use me as an internal monologue." He gave a nod.

"Well, I guess ever since you told me about... well you know. I've fallen down even worse and I don't know how to make it stop. The voice won't stop." I put emphasis on the last phrase.

"It's just your own thoughts. Tell them to go away." Connor said, trying to be helpful. I only scoffed.

"Easy for you to say."

We pulled into our parking spot and got out. I rushed inside the house, took off my shoes and ran to my room without an explanation. I locked myself in my room and sat on my bed, beginning to sob uncontrollably.

(A/N: RIP Puma, why am I somean to her? *Laughs* I'm a terrible person ;-;)

Connor's POV

After Puma unexpectedly ran toward her bedroom and I heard the door lock shut, I decided to leave her alone and think. Sitting down at my desk I remembered what she said to me.

"Well, I guess ever since you told me about... well you know. I've fallen down even worse and I don't know how to make it stop. The voice won't stop."

It was common for depressed people to only point out the negatives in their everyday life, and hear that voice in their head they've planted in for themselves. But it seemed Puma wasn't having it good. I couldn't believe it was my fault. Maybe it was wrong for me to speak up and say something. No. I can't be doubting myself. I don't do that. Is everything alright?

No malfunction detected.

I sighed, remembering another phrase Puma had asked.

"Am I broken? No one's supposed to feel this way. Is it normal for people to pretend they feel something even though it's not true?"

Maybe she was broken. Severely broken.

I can fix her. I will fix her.

What's going on?

No malfunction detected.

Lies. I tried running a diagnosis again.

No malfunction detected.

Giving up, I cautiously stood up and crept to Puma's room. Standing at her door, I could hear her sobbing through the other side. I put my hand on her door, making my skin go away. I wanted to help. I felt responsible. I walked back.

No malfunction detected.

Could it be that I'm not actually malfunctioning?

***

I blinked rapidly, feeling the information being planted inside my head. Another deviant case at a place called "Eden Club". I wonder what could be wrong. I walked to Puma's room and gave a knock with the back of my hand.

"Y-yeah?" Puma stuttered a bit, sounding surprised. I heard a swift movement from the other side of the door. "What's wrong?"

"A new case just arrived. We have to pick up your dad." I stated.

"Ah- of course. Be right there. You can wait downstairs." Puma said hurriedly as I heard more movements.
Deciding to ask her if everything was alright later, I walked downstairs and waited by the door. I saw a figure of Puma rush to the bathroom and lock the door. After five minutes she thundered down the stairs and gave me a smile. "Are we off?"

"Yes. I'll give you more information on the ride." Connor said. We ended up taking a taxi instead of Puma's car because it would be difficult to drive with two cars.

"Just a murder at a place called Eden Club." I gave a summary.

"Eden Club?" Puma asked in slight shock, her face turning redder by the second. "Oh this is going to be just great..."

"Why? Have you been there before?"

"Well no, I haven't. But everyone knows what the place is." Puma shrugged, trying to calm her blush. We were quiet till the car arrived at Hank's house.

"Shit, I forgot the keys at my place." Puma swore at herself after searching her jean pockets.

"That's alright. I'm sure the lieutenant will open the door for us." I reassured her.

Knocking on the door, I received no response. I looked to Puma, who shrugged.

"Try the doorbell. Maybe he fell asleep."

After pressing the doorbell, I yelled out "Anybody home?" No response. I pressed the button again for a good four seconds this time, receiving a chuckle from Puma. I was glad to make her laugh but now wasn't the time. I turned to her again.

"Try to find another way in." Puma said. I could tell she was starting to get worried.

Nodding, I began to walk around the side of the house, looking through windows for a possible open one, or a back door.

After walking around for a bit, I spotted Hank lying down on the floor, passed out.

Or dead? I thought.

"Lieutenant Anderson?" I yelled, knowing well he wouldn't hear me.

"What?" Puma rushed up to me in a hurry.

Puma's POV

I gasped as I saw my Dad lying on the floor.

Please let him be passed out, please, please, please! I begged silently. My thoughts were broken by Connor smashing Dad's window.

"Connor what are you-" I was cut off by the android, without hesitation, jumping into the house. Well, I did tell him to find a way to get in. Connor landed on his back, but before he could get up Sumo approached him. Now the silly dog noticed us.

"Uh- easy... S-sumo!" Connor crawls back, holding his hands up defensively. "I'm your friend, see? I know your name. I'm here to save your owner."

Sumo didn't look convinced so I gave him a whistle. The dog looked up at me, clearly pleased to see me, and backed off to eat from his dish. I have a silent sigh as I leaned into the broken window, half wanting to get a cut from one of the broken shards. No, you've done enough cutting for today. I remembered a few moments before we left my house. I was able to push my blade under my pillow just in time and wash the blood off my forearms. Connor stood up and extended his arms out toward me. I realized he wanted to help me through the glass. I carefully crawled through and let him safely lower me down.

We stood wrapped in each other's arms. He was a head taller than me, I now realized. I've never been this close to him. We started into each other's eyes for a while as I finally remembered how attractive he really was. My lips slightly parted but I forced myself to close them. He's your partner. Was the short answer I gave myself.

"My dad is..." I pulled away, but Connor held me in place. I looked at him, lifting an eyebrow in confusion.

"Puma, promise me you will be careful. Always stay behind me in cases, okay? I don't want you in the action, no matter how much you don't like that."

I blinked. "Are you giving me orders?"

Connor pulled away, staring at the ground. I finally walked over to Hank, and looked at him. There was a spilled drink in his hand.

He must've passed out, he's not dead.

"He's in an ethnic coma." Connor stated, crouching near him.

"Well that's a relief." I nodded, trying to forget his behavior from a few seconds ago.

Connor patted Dad's face, trying to wake him up. "Wake up, Lieutenant!" He said loudly to his face. Dad's eyes fluttered open slightly but closed again. I closed my eyes as I saw Connor lifting his hand over his head. I heard a slap and Connor shouting "it's me, Connor!"

Dad made no response except to recoil from being slapped. I would too. Connor grabbed Dad by one arm and I rushed to help with the other, ignoring the pain it was causing on my forearms.

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

"Hey! Leave me alone you fucking android!" Dad shouted. "Get the fuck outta my house!"

"Sorry Dad, but we sort of need you here. You know, new case." I managed to mutter under my breath, my eyes were beginning to water from the pain.

You're so weak. Can't handle a little pain? Negativity laughed. I ignored her.

"Thank you in advance for your cooperation." Connor said, and we walked hand to the bathroom.

"Sumo, attack!" Dad yelled out, but Sumo only went as far as doing a "fearful" bark. "Good dog." I had to smile a bit at that.

Going to the bathtub ledge, I had to let go of Dad and blink away my tears. I hope Connor didn't notice.

"I don't need a bath, thank you." Dad nodded kindly. He was really a kind person underneath all that cursing and hate.

Connor, nevertheless, pushed him back into the tub. "Sorry Lieutenant, it's for your own good."

He turned the water on, and I could tell it immediately woke Dad up. "Ah! Turn it off! Turn it off!" He tried to scramble out of the tub. Connor shut the water off and Dad got a better look at who would dare to do such a thing to him. I gave an awkward big smile and little wave from the back of the bathroom.

"What the fuck are you two doing here?" He looked between us.

"A homicide was reported 43 minutes ago. Your daughter said you would most likely be at your house." Connor said in short.

"Jesus, I must be the only copy in the world that gets assaulted by his own daughter and her own fuckin' android." He muttered. I laughed, which is something the happy me would've done in this situation.

"Can't you two just leave me alone?" Dad said with a sigh.

"Unfortunately, we cannot." Connor stated. "I've been programmed to investigate this case and I can't do it without you or Puma."

"Well what's stopping you from going with your owner?" Dad snarled.

"Still not my android." I muttered.

"Lieutenant, I have to investigate the case I with-"

"I don't give a shit about your goddamn case!"

"Hank, you're not yourself. You should-"

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

Dad looked frustrated at Connor calling him by his name, but he stood up anyway and almost collapsed back into the bath. Connor caught him and placed him carefully on the ledge.

"I understand. It probably wasn't interesting anyway. A man found dead in a sex club downtown. Probably wasn't interesting anyway. Guess they'll have to solve the case without us."

"You know, it wouldn't do me any harm to get some fresh air..." Dad said.

"You go get some clothes, I'll stay here with Dad." I told Connor. He listened and left. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, splendid." He said with a sarcastic voice.

"What would you like to wear?" I heard Connor from the other room.

"Whatever." Dad shouted, grabbing his stomach. I helped him to the bathroom and he started to vomit.

Connor returned with a set of clothes, and turned to my dad. "Are you alright, Lieutenant?"

"Yeah... Okay. Wonderful. Just give me a few minutes to change, okay?"

I nodded and we both walked out of the bathroom. Connor started looking around Dad's house to learn more information about him. We cleaned up the mess as the android picked up a revolver from the floor.

"What were you doing with a gun?" He shouted to Dad.

"Russian roulette! Wanted to see how long I could last. Must've passed out before I found out."

We checked in to see there was only one bullet left.

"You were lucky. The next shot would've killed you!" Connor shouted back, then turned to me, suddenly realizing he said that in front of me.

"Yes! Amazing idea! Let's all play Russian roulette to see how long we can last as if life is a game to mess around with! Where's my revolver?"

Hy-po-crite! Negativity sang in my ears.

"Don't you fucking dare go there Lia." I heard from Dad.

Connor was at the table, and was looking at a picture of... Cole. I froze at the sight of my deceased brother.

"So this was your brother." Connor looked over at me. I silently nodded.

"I knew you'd find everything out eventually." I muttered.

"It's in my programming." Connor gave a smile. I couldn't find it in my to return one, I was too tired. I just blinked tiredly and looked at the ground.

"Puma... can I see your-" Connor was cut off by Dad walking in. I shivered. Connor was going to ask me to show him my arms. So he must have seen me struggling while holding Dad. Thank Dad for being the saver.

He was wearing a black coat with a blue and white streaky shirt underneath with black jeans. "Be a good dog, Sumo. We won't be long." Dad said as we walked out our deviant case. Was it weird for me to feel excited?

A/N: oooohh Puma's hiding something from Connor? What's gonna happen and how will it affect their relationship?

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