Chapter 16: One day at a time
Warnings: PTSD symptoms, discussions of trauma recovery, discrimination/prejudice, references to past violence.
Additional warnings/ tags may be added as story progresses
Summary: Connor begins proving himself at the DPD, while Elise discovers that helping others might be exactly what she needs to begin moving forward.
December 1st, 2038 - 10:00am Detroit Police Station
Connor stares down at his phone while he’s sitting at his desk. Elise had texted him back a few minutes ago:
That’s okay!! Hope you have a good day :)
He wishes he could see her, but the department is having a small get together after work. They want to get to know all the new hires, Connor included. Although, he isn’t sure how much there is to ‘know’ about himself.
Connor is at least happy he’d get to spend some time with Hank, he had not been spending nearly as much with him outside of work aside from seeing him briefly in the evenings before they both called it a night.
For a brief moment, he finds himself yearning to find a way to see her. However, he quickly shakes that thought away. It was one day of not seeing her, he would be fine. There would be plenty of other times he could see her, tomorrow included. The information still didn’t help the feeling in his chest go away.
“Connor! Look at this,” Hank’s voice cuts through his thoughts.
Connor looks up from his phone at him, “What?”
Hank starts to read off a news article on his phone, “CyberLife shares have continued to fall for the third consecutive week. Analysts say the company may be forced to sell off several divisions following unprecedented losses during the android revolution.”
He snorts, “Guess slavery wasn’t a great business model.”
Connor quietly nods, he had expected CyberLife shares to decline, and secretly he hoped the company would go under. He starts to send Elise another text, because aside from Hank, she’s the person he wants to talk to about things.
Hank and I just saw a news article that CyberLife might be forced to sell off parts of the company. Their stocks keep dropping.
She texts him back immediately:
Serves them right!!! I'm sure they will have a shit ton of lawsuits eventually.
December 1st, 2038 - 12:00pm Elise’s apartment
Elise had to admit, she did kind of enjoy that she was able to stay home for three more weeks, especially since Detroit was now freezing and it snowed almost daily. She wasn’t sure how she was ever supposed to leave her cozy apartment and venture into the treacherous cold at the end of December.
She had a candle going, one of the many she had, a cozy Christmas movie playing, and Pumpkin was sprawled out on the couch. She smiled to herself, she could almost pretend this was simply a vacation. The illusion lasted all of three seconds.
She squeezes her eyes shut, not wanting to think about that. Instead, she rummages through the pantry, wondering what she should make for lunch, or if she should cave and go grocery shopping today.
Eventually, she finds something easy to make for lunch, and decides grocery shopping can wait until tomorrow. She really did not want to go out in the cold, though tomorrow would not be any warmer.
As she carried her bowl to the couch, Pumpkin darted between her feet, nearly causing her to spill the cereal.
“Pumpkin!” Elise laughed.
The kitten looked completely unbothered, batting at an imaginary speck on the floor before sprinting down the hallway at full speed.
Sitting down now, she reached for the television remote, turning up the volume of the movie just enough to drown out the silence.
She had been in therapy ever since the incident, and her therapist told her distracting herself was not the same as healing. But today, she decided surviving the day was enough. She stares absently at the television, only half paying attention to the movie as she eats her cereal. Her phone suddenly dings.
Connor: Hank dragged me with him to lunch at the chicken feed again…
He loves this place, but the ratings are concerning for human consumption.
Elise snorts to herself before responding, of course Connor would say that:
LOL. I’ve heard it’s good though. Violet likes it too.
Meanwhile I'm eating dry cereal because I refuse to go grocery shopping.
I’m eating dry cereal for lunch and dinner today. RIP
Elise set her phone down and carried her bowl to the kitchen, sliding it into the dishwasher before glancing around the apartment. Her eyes landed on the unopened box of Christmas lights sitting in the corner. She smiled to herself, hanging those up sounded much more enjoyable than thinking.
Maybe if the apartment felt festive enough.. She could convince herself everything else was okay
Her phone dings on the sofa:
Connor: Dry cereal? That does not qualify as a meal.
Elise: oh okay. My bad, Mr. Food police!
Connor: an adult human requires substantially more nutrition than cereal twice a day.
Elise: I’ve survived worse!
Connor: That is not a compelling argument.
December 1st, 2038 - 05:00pm Detroit Police Station
When five pm finally hits, Connor would usually feel relieved. He likes his job, but he also likes his life outside of work, and today his outside life was being interrupted. The station is hosting a small ‘get to know you’ event for him and a few of the other new employees.
Hank is already pouring himself a drink, and leans over to Connor, “Get used to this shit. They like to have parties like this to ‘boost morale’ . A pay raise would be better.”
Connor chuckles to himself, Hank had not been the only one to make a comment like that. Even Gavin, who was already on his third slice of pizza, was complaining..
Officer Miller walks up to where Hank and Connor are standing, and pats Connor on the back.
“It’s good to officially have you on the team, Connor.”
Connor nods, “Thank you… Chris.”
He had always liked Officer Miller, he was one of the few officers in the station who seemed to sympathize with Connor when he was treated badly on scenes.
Miller never stepped in, because he would’ve been given a hard time by everyone else, but Connor could tell when he would slightly shake his head at comments, or when people would shove him aside. Connor also noticed how Officer Miller had seemed to talk to him, rather than at him.
Just then, Fowler clears his throat, drawing everyone’s attention to where he’s standing in the middle of the bullpen.
“We’d like to welcome three new employees to the station. One homicide detective, one administrative assistant, and one police officer. Please, get to know them and welcome them to our team.”
A few more detectives and officers come by to greet and welcome him, and seem to be genuinely happy to have him on the team, but as usual Gavin is making subtle jabs at him.
Across the room, Connor can see Gavin pointing over at him, laughing and referring to him as a “plastic prick” He tries not to let it bother him, after all, most people have been very supportive of his role here.
He watches as Gavin has to catch his breath from laughing, “I hope someone remembered to plug him in before the party!”
Hank scoffs, “He just has nothin’ better to do. Don’t worry about assholes like Reed.”
Connor notices Alex drift towards Gavin’s group. Whatever Alex said earned another round of laughter, followed by several glances in his direction. He didn’t need enhanced hearing to know he was the subject of the conversation.
That part honestly doesn’t bother Connor as much. Sure, it still hurt, but at least they weren’t trying to confront him. A few more people walk by where Connor is standing, blatantly ignoring him.
Hank noticed every detective who deliberately walked past Connor without so much as a nod. He didn't say anything. He didn't have to.Connor knew that look.
Connor suddenly wishes they’d never had a stupid party to welcome him. He had expected resistance. What he hadn't expected was how exhausting it would be to stand in the middle of a crowded room and still feel completely alone.
Once the party is finally packed up, Hank and Connor are walking out of the doors, just ready to go home.
Another detective is walking alongside them and turns to Connor, “See you tomorrow, Connor.”
He nods politely, “See you tomorrow.”
After a day full of hostility, that acknowledgement means something to him.
December 1st, 2038 - 08:00pm - Elise’s Apartment
Elise was pacing around her living room. She had been so bored all day. She tried reading, playing video games, drawing, but after a while she started to feel antsy, like she needed to get out of the apartment for a bit.
She sat down on the sofa, opening her laptop to research things to do. She still had a broken arm, so she was a little limited, but otherwise she was mostly healed.
She typed into the search bar:
Most of the results were weekend events, but weekends weren't the problem.
She had Connor, Violet, and sometimes Hank. Cal called every Saturday. It was the weekdays she hadn't figured out yet.
As she brushed her teeth that night, she made up her mind. She'd finally brave the grocery store tomorrow. She genuinely needed food, but more than that..she just needed a reason to leave the apartment.
December 2nd, 2038- 08:00am - Detroit Police Station
As soon as Connor and Hank make it through the doors of the bullpen, Fowler is calling the pair into his office for a briefing.
“I have a case for you two. There was a homicide reported early this morning. We don’t know much, because the area doesn’t get much foot traffic.”
He hands Connor the file, “Read up on it, and head out there.”
“Yes, sir,” Connor nods as he and Hank head to their desk, combing through the file.
Connor couldn't help the small smile that crossed his face. This was what he had been waiting for. He was sad for the victim, but relieved to finally have a real investigation to work. This is where he really shined, and would be able to show everyone how useful he is.
Alex notices how intently Connor is working as he’s walking to the breakroom for his morning coffee. Gavin is standing in the breakroom with a few other people who were also getting ready for the day.
Alex scoffs, “Guess they figure the computer can do all the thinking now.”
Gavin snorted, “Maybe he’ll calculate who did it.”
The group starts to laugh and glance in the direction of Hank and Connor. Hank stood slowly, setting his coffee on the desk. That instantly wiped the smirks off a few faces
He's already grumpy because he just got to work and Fowler handed him a new case, when he’s still trying to catch up on everything he missed when he was out for a week at the hospital.
He walks slowly up to Alex, “You got somethin’ to say, asshole?”
Connor briefly considered disappearing into the evidence room until the conversation was over. Of course Hank means well, but if he wanted to say something back to them, he is perfectly capable of doing so.
Although he did have to admit it was amusing to see how much Hank intimidated the younger detective.
Alex holds up his hands, “Relax, man. It was a joke.”
Hank scoffs, “Funny. I didn’t laugh.”
He flops down in his chair, sighing like nothing happened. Connor tilts his head, “Hank.. I am used to those remarks. You did not have to do that.”
Hank drops a folder down on his desk, leaning back, “That doesn’t make it okay.”
He shakes his head, then smirks, “Besides.. He was scared. It was a little funny.”
Connor looks down, trying to hide the smile tugging at his lips, “...he was”
December 2nd, 2038 - 11:00am - Elise's apartment
Elise slept in until ten again, she didn’t see the need in forcing herself to get up early when she had nothing to do anyway. Plus, she liked waking up to texts from Connor, who without fail always sent her a good morning text followed by another asking if they were going to hang out after work.
When she finally drags herself out of bed and brushes her teeth, she decides to try and be productive today. She starts off by straightening up, wiping down the counters, sweeping, and finally mopping. Instantly, her mood changes. She always felt better when her space was neat and clean, but she had been sad before and didn’t want to deal with it.
Elise catches a glimpse of the Christmas tree box, tucked in the corner of the living room. She makes her way over, opening the box, fluffing each section, and finally decorating it. The feeling is bittersweet, because she had meant to do this the weekend after she was attacked, that was the whole reason it was even in the corner right now.
Finally, around lunch time she decides she absolutely has to go to the grocery store right now. All of the cleaning and putting up the tree has made her so hungry, but she has no food in the apartment. She’s still unhappy with having to drive there, because she can’t carry everything with the still broken arm.
This she thinks, is worthy of texting Connor:
Finally going grocery shopping. I’m still mad that I have to drive there:(
He responds a few minutes later:
Only two more weeks until your cast is removed.
Then you can walk to the grocery store again.
She smiles to herself before stepping out of the car, somehow when she was spiraling, he always knew what to say to ground her. He was right, she had dealt with it this long, in two more weeks she’d be fully functional again.
Elise makes her way through the parking lot, careful not to slip on the ice where it had rained. She would be so pissed if she slipped and hurt her arm even more. The days now were either snow, rain, or a mix of both.
When she moved here, she was excited to see snow. She had never seen it in person before, now she wished to see the sun more than anything.
She pulls out her phone, checking her list as she browses the isles, and she stops to text Connor:
Why is it always so cold and snowy?? Where is the sun??
Before she has time to think, someone drops a jar on the floor. The glass shatters, making a very loud sound. Elise freezes, with a scared look on her face. She notices the man who dropped the item staring at her, so she tries to play it off.
She forces a laugh, “You startled me!” But then she quickly leaves the aisle, heading to a new part of the store. Now, she’s hyperaware of her surroundings. Her heart is beating faster, and her hands are shaking slightly.
She feels like she could cry, because she’s so frustrated. Frustrated that something so small set her off, frustrated that she can’t even go to the store without feeling anxious. She hates everything about it.
Elise is crouched down, looking at bread in the bakery when she sees a hand reaching over to grab something off of the same shelf. Elise quickly moves out of the way.
The man notices and starts to apologize, “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to scare you.”
She forced another smile, “You’re fine.”
Now, she really just wanted to leave.She glanced into the cart. It wasn't everything on her list, but it was enough. She could always come back another day. Hopefully one that felt easier.
Once Elise makes it to her apartment, she is greeted by a very talkative Pumpkin, who was not amused that Elise left her alone for one hour.
“I’m sorry, pumpky pie” she says, scooping the kitten into her arms, “I had to get food.. I had to get you food!”
Elise puts everything away, satisfied with having at least enough to last a few days. She would worry about going back to the store when the time came.
Elise makes herself a quick lunch, and when she finally sits down on the sofa she reads the text connor had sent while she was at the store:
Unfortunately, that is Detroit weather.
This time, she doesn’t respond. Not because she doesn’t want to, but because she’s still just so anxious. Elise sits up, remembering that Rose told her she had made it back to her farm only a few days ago, so she decides to text her:
Hi Rose, hope you’re settling back in.. Is there anything you need help with?
Rose responds a few minutes later:
You just started to recover.. Are you sure this is a good idea?
Elise: Nothing dangerous, but with all of the laws being passed, there has to be something I can do to help.
Rose: There’s a volunteer group. They help androids find housing, jobs, small things like that to help them get integrated into society as people.
Rose: Of course. But you’re taking it easy.
Elise throws on her coat again, waking Pumpkin, who is giving her an angry look. She grabs her bag and keys, making her way to the familiar farm.
As Elise pulls into Rose’s driveway, she finds herself excited. Rose had always made her feel safe, her farm was safe, that was something those officers could never take away from her.
Elise is barely out of the car before Rose is pulling her into a hug.
Rose starts to cry softly, “I’m so sorry, It was harder to get back to Detroit than I thought.. I wanted to visit you.”
Elise smiles, “It’s okay. I learned about everything when I woke up.”
“The group meets seven days a week, at the library downtown. I plan to be there too, once I get settled back in.”
Elise nods, “That doesn’t sound dangerous, so I should be fine.”
Rose looks at her softly, “It shouldn’t be, but you need to be careful. Not everyone believes androids deserve rights.”
Rose looked over at her quietly. The cast, the way she still favored one side, the faint scar visible beneath the collar of her shirt whenever she moved. Every reminder made the guilt settle heavier in Rose's chest.
“I should have never sent you on that route alone,” she shakes her head, tears flowing steadier now, “We should have not moved that night. It was too risky.”
Elise places a hand on Rose’s back, “It was never your fault. Neither of us could have known that would happen.. And if we were both there.. I think they would have made sure we were dead.”
Rose looked away, shaking her head. She still didn't believe her. She pulls Elise into another hug, this time neither let go for a long time.
When the pair break apart, Elise wipes a tear from her eye, “I would do it again. I have no regrets because I know we were on the right side.”
December 2nd, 2038 - 5:00pm Detroit Police station
As the end of his workday approached, Connor found himself growing increasingly restless.
He still didn't fully understand why his thirium pump seemed to accelerate whenever he knew he would be seeing Elise. He assumed this was what humans called excitement.
He gives polite goodbyes to a few other employees, and tells Hank he will tell Elise he said hello. Connor wonders if she’s alright, they had been texting earlier in the day, but she suddenly stopped responding. Maybe he should double check to make sure they still had plans.
He takes his phone out of his pocket and types a message:
Am I still okay to come over?
When he reached her apartment, Pumpkin ran up to him as though she hadn't seen him in weeks. She immediately began weaving between his legs, loudly voicing her complaints.
“How was work?” She asks, closing the door behind him.
“It was better.” Connor says, scratching Pumpkin beneath her chin.
Elise frowns, crossing her arms, “What does that mean?”
"There were a few comments today,” He shrugged, “Nothing I haven't heard before.”
Her eyes soften as she looks at him, how could anyone look at him, at any android for that matter and not see them as a person.
“I’m sorry,” is all she can think of, because no matter how much it upsets her, she can’t even imagine how it must feel for him.
Connor looks past her, noticing the Christmas tree lighting up the corner of the living room, “What did you do today? I see you did some decorating.”
She turns back, admiring her own work, “Oh yeah. I meant to put that up three weeks ago. I’m one of those people.”
Connor tilts his head, “One of those people?”
Elise plops down on the couch, and Connor follows, taking a seat beside her.
“Some people put their tree up in early November, others wait until after Thanksgiving. I’m an early November kind of girl.”
She looks down at her arm, “But you know.. Things happened and I wasn’t able to.”
Connor feels anger bubbling in his chest again, every time he thinks he can move on from the anger, there’s more information about how her life was interrupted.
Elise looks shocked, “Wait does Hank not have a Christmas tree up yet? Christmas is literally this month!”
Connor smiled faintly, “I don’t know that he has one.. You know after losing his son.”
Elise makes a sad noise, “Oh my god. I forgot about that.. That makes me so sad for him and his son..I can’t even imagine how hard that must be.”
“What else did you do today?”
She lies back against the back of the sofa, closing her eyes, “I went to the grocery store, but I think it was still too much for me.”
He nods empathetically, “Did something happen?”
“Someone broke something and it scared me. My heart started beating fast and I got really anxious. Not even five minutes after that, I was looking at something and a guy reached over to get something and that scared me too.. Then I just hurried to leave,” she sighs.
She exhales, “It’s okay, I just wish I was able to finish my damn list. I’m gonna have to go back now.”
Connor hesitates, but places his hand over hers, “I could go with you after work. Or on a weekend.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know, but I offered,” he says slowly, pulling his hand back to rest on his lap.
Connor tries to break the silence, “I am glad because Hank and I have been assigned a small case. I can get outside now, so that’s nice.”
Elise smiles, “That’s good. I’m glad..but please be careful.”
Elise hesitates for a moment, unsure if she should tell Connor about the volunteer group. She doesn’t want to make him uncomfortable, “I’m going to join a volunteer group with Rose.”
“The group helps androids find housing, apply to jobs, things like that.. I’m actually going tomorrow.”
Connor looks at her for a moment, “I’m happy that you want to help, but are you certain it’s safe?”
A pause, “Not every human agrees with android rights and not every android trusts humans yet.”
She shrugs, “I’ve already dealt with all of that before.”
“There were androids I helped to cross the border that did not trust me, but I didn’t take it personally. They don’t have to like me in order for me to help.”
She chuckles, “And I definitely don’t give a fuck what humans think.”
Connor smirks at her comment, she was a character, he knew that much. They watch a movie, and by the time it’s over Connor decides to head home.
When Connor enters Hank’s house, he finds him watching TV in his recliner. He hesitates, but decides to go to Hank for advice.
“Elise is joining a volunteer group to help androids integrate into society.”
Hank takes a sip of his beer, “Yeah? She seems like the type.”
Connor paces around, “That worries me. Not all humans agree with androids having rights now.”
Hank chuckles, “Well, kid. What did you expect after finding out she almost died helping androids cross the border.”
He sighs, “I know.. But it worries me. I do not like it.”
Hank leans up, setting his drink down so he can look straight to Connor, “And I bet she’s worried about you being on a case. Am I right?”
“Yes, but I don’t like how it makes me feel. Now, every time she leaves the apartment, I'm going to wonder if she’s safe.”
Hank smirks, “Welcome to being human, kid”
Later that night, Connor found himself checking his phone one last time before entering stasis mode.
Good. That meant she was probably asleep. Somehow, knowing that made it easier for him to close his eyes.
December 3rd, 2038 - 08:00am Crime Scene
The body had been discovered just before sunrise yesterday, tucked behind an abandoned warehouse where the snow remained mostly untouched.
Uniform officers had already cordoned off the area by the time Hank and Connor arrived. Connor crouched beside the victim, LED spinning slowly as his optical scanners swept over the scene.
Hank lit a cigarette, watching him work.
Connor remained still for several seconds, “Something isn’t right.”
Hank frowned, “What do you mean?”
Connor looked around the snow covered alley, “there should be significantly more thirium.”
One of the patrol officers overheard him, “What?”
Connor gestured toward the body, “the victim sustained catastrophic damage.”
He pointed toward the shattered biocomponents, “the amount of thirium surrounding the body is inconsistent with these injuries.”
The officer looks confused, “So?”
Connor stands, “So, the victim did not die here.”
Silence settled over the scene and Hank steps beside him, “You sure?”
Connor nods, “the blood pattern is too localized.”
He points toward the snow beneath the body, “the thirium pooled after the victim was motionless.”
He looked farther down the alley, “There are no arterial spray patterns.”
“If the assault had occurred here…” Connor paused, “...this entire area would contain substantially more thirium.”
Hank looked toward the corpse, “...Son of a bitch.”
Connor continued scanning, “Additionally …”
His LED flashed, “There are microscopic traces of industrial lubricant on the victim’s clothing.”
He looked toward the abandoned warehouse, “the lubricant does not match any material present at this location.”
“The primary crime scene is elsewhere.”
One of the crime scene technicians blinked, “..so somebody killed them somewhere else, and dumped them here?”
Hank couldn't hide the grin tugging at the corner of his mouth, “I knew bringing you along was gonna make my job easier.”
Connor looked toward him, “I believe that is considered a compliment.”
Hank clapped him once on the shoulder. “Nice work.”
Later, when the pair made it back to the station, Fowler had barely finished reading Connor’s preliminary report before looking up.
“You found all of that from the scene?”
Connor nods, “Yes, captain.”
Fowler nodded once, “Good work.”
As Connor left the office, several people glanced up from their desks. Chris Miller leaned back in his chair, “I heard you figured out the body was dumped.”
Another detective shook her head, “I wish I’d have caught that.”
For the first time since walking into the precinct, Connor noticed something different. Some of the detectives weren't looking at him because he was an android. They were looking at him because he'd just done good detective work
Across the bullpen, Gavin rolled his eyes, “Big deal.”
Alex enters the bullpen at that moment, turning to Gavin, “What’s all the fuss about?”
Gavin gestures to Connor, “Tin can is able to scan a crime scene. Let’s all tell him how amazing he is!”
Alex scoffs, “I hope he doesn’t get too scared.”
“Android working on an android murder. Maybe he should be careful.”
“Could be one of his friends next time.”
Connor tried to ignore it. He couldn't. Somehow, Alex's comment lingered far longer than Gavin's ever had.
Without thinking, he reaches for his phone, sending Elise a message:
Want to hang out after work?
She replies a few minutes later:
Yes:) of course
The rest of the workday passes without incident, no one makes anymore comments about him, no one even glances his way after lunch. It seems everyone has gotten busy. On the drive back from the crime scene, Connor had felt proud. He thought he'd proven he belonged. By mid-afternoon...he wondered if he should have kept his observations to himself.
Now, he wondered if he should let the humans figure it out next time. Maybe he could step in only if evidence would be lost?
Hank looks up from his work, noticing Connor is thinking hard about something, “What’s up, Connor?”
Connor shakes his head, “It’s nothing really. Detective Reed and Vance just say all I did was scan the scene, so the lead isn’t a big deal.”
Hank scoffs, “You can’t let them get to you. Vance isn’t even homicide so why the hell does it bother him?”
Connor shrugs, “He seems to dislike androids. He did not appreciate me coming into the copy room at the same time as him.”
Hank narrows his eyes, looking over at the younger detective working at his desk, “He’s just mad he’s not good at his job. That’s why he works in cold cases, they hardly ever find anything.”
He leans in, “Seriously. Fuck those guys. You belong here, don’t let pricks like them tell you otherwise.”
December 3rd, 2038 - 03:00pm Downtown Detroit Library
Elise walked up the steps to the Detroit library. As she stepped inside, she expected the library to be quiet. Instead, she was met with the steady hum of conversation.
Humans and androids sat side by side at long rows of computers. Some volunteers helped fill out applications while others explained paperwork or pointed families toward available resources. Elise hadn't expected so many people to show up. It made something inside her unclench. Maybe people really did care
A woman approaches her, “Are you here to help?”
Elise nods, “Yes, I signed up to volunteer all week. I’m new.”
The woman smiles, “Follow me, I’ll explain the process.”
Elise follows the woman into a room, where two other new volunteers were seated at a table. She takes a seat as the woman walks to the front.
“Most of our work falls into two categories,” the coordinator explained.
“Housing and employment.”
She continues, “"When someone reports an abandoned home, we verify it's structurally safe. If it qualifies, we submit it to the city for refurbishment.”
“Once it's approved, we're given an occupancy number based on how many people can safely live there. We start with the top of the waitlist for housing, androids have five days to accept or decline housing before we move to the next person.”
Elise looks a little confused, so the woman looks at her, “Do you have a question?”
She nods, “How are they supposed to get jobs if they don’t have an address yet?”
The woman smiles sadly, “Some stay with friends. Some remain in the old android charging stations that have been converted into temporary shelters.”
“Every volunteer means another person housed. Another interview scheduled. Another family finally getting somewhere permanent”
She walks to a map pinned on the wall, tracing the area approved for their project, “Androids can live in this housing for a year to build up income, then they have to move out and the waitlist continues.”
“How do we know which jobs we should suggest and help androids apply for?” Elise asks.
“Specialized androids, medical, law enforcement, engineering, already have experience in those fields. If they want to continue that work, we help them navigate the certification process.
Domestic models like AX400s or WR400s usually have an easier time finding work in offices, education, hospitality, or skilled trades. Ultimately, it's their decision. We just help them get there, ” The coordinator states.
By the end of the afternoon, Elise had helped three androids submit applications.
The goal was ten applications per person, enough to maximize their chances of getting an interview. Once interviews were scheduled, they'd return to the library for mock interviews, resume workshops, and anything else the volunteers could offer. It wasn't glamorous work.
It wasn't dramatic. No one was crossing borders under gunfire, no one was risking their life.
But, as Elise watched one android quietly thank a volunteer after sending off another application, she realized something.
Maybe this was what rebuilding looked like.
December 3rd, 2038 - 05:30pm Downtown Detroit Library
As the volunteer shift came to an end, Elise pulled out her phone and sent Connor a quick text letting him know she was heading home.
Connor texted back almost immediately:
Elise arrives only a few minutes before Connor does, she is still unpacking her bag when she hears his knock ring through the apartment.
Connor barely had time to step inside before Pumpkin was winding around his legs, demanding attention.
He crouched to scratch beneath her chin, “How was your day?”
“It was good. I really like the group, they are doing such important work,” Elise replies, hanging her coat by the door.
“I will probably continue to volunteer on weekends when I go back to work. They meet every day 8am-5pm so I won’t be able to volunteer on weekdays once I go back to work,” She sighs.
Connor smiles, “That’s good. I’m glad.”
“I’m just.. happy to have something that feels meaningful.”
A pause, “How was your day?”
He shrugs, “ It went well. Hank and I found a lead in the case we’re working on, which apparently impressed some people.”
Elise exclaims, “Connor!! That’s amazing!!”
Connrow frowns, “There were a few detectives who made comments about me.. About how all I did was scan the scene.”
Her brows furrow, “What are their names? I want to file a complaint”
He tilts his head, “To whom?”
Elise frowns, crossing her arms, “..I haven’t figured that part out yet.”
Connor chuckles, “What would you even say?’
“I don’t know,” she throws her hands in the air, “But I know they’re pissing me off.”
He smiles faintly, “It’s not necessary. Hank scared one of them. It was rather amusing.”
Connor is leaned against the counter, the same way he was the night she hugged him.
His thoughts drifted back to that night.Connor had spent days trying to understand why that moment lingered in his memory. Hank had hugged him before, Markus had too.
Yet somehow...neither memory stayed with him the way Elise did.
He found himself wondering, not for the first time, what it would feel like if she hugged him again. He thinks he wouldn’t mind a bad day if it meant she’d hug him again, and he’d feel the warmth of her head on his chest.
He’s pulled from his thoughts as she flops onto the sofa, “What do you want to watch tonight?”
“I’ve learned I usually enjoy whatever you pick,” he smiles.
They spent the evening exactly as they had countless times before.
A movie neither of them paid much attention to, Pumpkin repeatedly climbing into Connor's lap despite insisting she belonged to Elise, occasional comments about the film.
Comfortable silence. By the time Connor stood to leave, the apartment had settled into its usual calm.
Elise walked him to the door, “See you tomorrow?”
Connor smiled, “See you tomorrow.”
I hit a flow state and couldn’t stop myself 🤭 I so so enjoyed writing this.
Which kind of person are u guys? Early Christmas tree or after thanksgiving
Personally, I’m also an early November and leave it up until March kinda person lmao
Requests and oneshots out by Thursday <3
