Pairing:Dream / Clay x gn!reader

Summary: [Dream SMP!AU] Talking to animals is easy, especially when you can actually understand them. But talking to Dream? That’s a whole other challenge unto itself.

Word Count: 4.5k

A/N: inspired by dream being a disney princess with like 85 dolphins during the 4v1 manhunt finale :D i hope you all enjoy! i had fun writing this <3

Balancing the bag in your arms carefully, you peeked over the top to see the animal pen drawing nearer and nearer. Your eyes lit up at the sight, and you picked up the pace a fraction or two as you made your way over. Already, you could see the pigs sniffing at the air, their snouts turned toward you expectantly.

“Good morning, guys!” you greeted, coming to a stop just outside the pen. Heaving the bag into one of your arms, you used the other to reach inside. “I brought some snacks for you all.”

The pig closest to you—Darwin, you remembered vaguely—snorted at you. To anyone else, they would have heard just that: a simple snort. But the tone that reached your ears was anything but simple.

“Finally! We’ve been starving!”

Giving him a lopsided smile, you pulled out a carrot from your bag, reaching down to let him bite on. “Don’t you guys have all this grass to eat?”

As Darwin snapped his mouth shut around the carrot, he managed to warble out, “Yes, but quality over quantity, and grass gets boring after eating it for basically ever.”

You gave him a deadpan look, shoving another carrot towards another pig—this one was Rita. “That doesn’t negate the fact that I literally fed you guys yesterday,” you pointed out with a blank stare.

From the back of the pen, you watched as one of the cows rose up to rest its front legs on the side of the wood, grunting out at you. “That was yesterday,” said Pedro, “and this is today.” He let his jaw fall open and waiting. “Now, feed me.”

You giggled, dumping the rest of the carrots in front of the pigs to let them fight amongst themselves. “So demanding,” you joked as you stepped to the side.

Moving over toward the cows, you held out a few carefully tied bundles of wheat, shaking them in front of them. “I hope you guys will settle for wheat.”

Pedro didn’t even look up, his eyes still glued to the wheat you were holding up. “Do you even have to ask?”

With a laugh, you set it on the ground in front of him, watching with amusement as the horde moved in to engulf the pile of wheat entirely. Just a moment later, you felt a nudge at the back of your arm, and you turned to see a pair of horses eyeing you expectantly. You grinned at the sight, turning the bag upside down in your arms.

“And for you two,” you hummed, watching gravity naturally empty the bag onto their feeding tray, “I’ve got some apples.”

The white speckled horse standing to your left—appropriately named Snowflake—let out an appreciative whinny, ducking her head down to devour an apple. “Bless your soul, [Y/N],” she sighed in bliss. “Bless you.”

Smiling, you folded the paper bag onto itself and slipped it back into your pocket, leaning against the wooden fence with a hum. “Just try not to throw me off anytime soon,” you said with a teasing look, “and I’ll bring you as many as you’d like.”

“Are you talking to the horses?”

You jumped at the sound of a new voice—at the sound of hisvoice.Oh my god.

Of all the people you thought would possibly stumble upon you like this, he was definitely the last person who came to mind.

Whirling around, you felt your hands curl up into fists at your side, your heart leaping into your throat as you laid eyes on the man standing before you. His mask had been tucked off to the side of his head, leaving his freckled face free and open to the bright sunshine above.

“O-Oh, I, um, erm…” you stammered, your tongue stumbling all over itself. “Hi, Dream! I-I was just, uh—”

You could hear Snowflake snicker behind you, and your cheeks burned with embarrassment as you finally managed to sputter, “What are you doing here?”

The smile he flashed you was more dazzling than the sun, and you resisted the urge to sigh dreamily. “Oh, just taking a morning stroll.” His emerald eyes flashed. “You didn’t answer my question, though.” He gestured to the animal pen behind you. “Were you really just talking to them, or have I gone crazy?”

You felt your mouth go dry, your mind absolutely scrambling for words to form a coherent sentence. Behind you, you caught a glimpse of Darwin pressing his snout forward between the gaps of the fence.

“Is this the guy you like? What’s so special about him?” He tilted his head, then dug at the ground with a triumphant puff. “He’s got nothing on me.”

Before you could stop yourself, you turned, shooting a glare at him. “Sh-Shut up!”

Just a step ahead of you, Dream gasped, his eyes brightening with fascination. “You are talking to the animals!” He shuffled closer toward you. “Can you really understand them?”

Your breath caught in your lungs at his proximity, and you fidgeted as you spoke. “I, um, yeah.” When there was a beat of silence, you wilted under his gaze. “Sorry, I must sound cuckoo.”

His lips were parted in awe, and he shook his head at you. “No, no, I’m just so intrigued. Why did you never tell me?”

You lowered your gaze to your hands, fiddling with your thumbs. “I guess I… just didn’t want anyone to think I seemed crazy, or something.” Your voice grew quiet. “You probably don’t even believe me.”

Just then, you felt a hand settle on the curve of your shoulder. You nearly jumped right out of your skin, and you looked up to see Dream’s face just a few inches from yours. You wanted to melt into the floor.

He’s so close.

“I believe you,” he said softly, honestly lacing his every syllable. “You wouldn’t lie to me. That’s not like you.” His lips twitched up into a small smile, and you felt him squeeze your shoulder ever so gently. “Am I the only one who knows?”

You swallowed, then nodded your head, half-feeling like it would fall right off if you shook it too hard. “Y-Yeah,” you breathed, unable to tear your eyes away from his. “I didn’t really mean to keep it a secret—I guess it just sort of happened. I don’t really remember how this happened, either. I think I was just born with it? I’ve always been able to understand them.”

A part of you wanted to berate yourself for rambling, but you didn’t get the chance to think about it for a second longer before Dream was suddenly grabbing both of your shoulders, practically pressing himself up to you. Your face was aflame in a burst of dizzying affection and bashful warmth, his hot breath fanning over your cheeks obliviously.

Too close!

“That—that’s so cool!” he said, his eyes scanning your face with wonder. A moment later, he stepped back, releasing your shoulders. You missed his touch immediately, and you wanted to lean back into his warmth.

“We have to talk to every animal, now,” he sighed, almost bouncing up and down where he stood with excitement. You couldn’t stop the smile from stretching across your face at the sight. Suddenly he turned, cocking his head at you with a pensive, almost shy look.

“Well, I mean, you can talk to them all if you want, but is it okay if I tag along? I’m just…” He shook his head to himself again, his smile never once faltering. “You’re just so amazing.”

Your heartbeat was practically rattling your rib cage at this point—who gave him the right to be so… so nice?Sopretty?Soperfect? Fumbling to respond, you sent him the best smile you could muster up.

“S-Sure! I don’t think they’d mind.” You glanced over at the animal pen. “Would you guys?”

Rita cocked her head, then let out a snort of approval. “Sure, he’s okay. Besides, you’ve got the hots for him, right?” Something in her beady little eyes gleamed with mischief. “Show off a little, yeah?”

You gaped at her, your brain short-circuiting on the spot. Rita!you internally chided.

At your side, Dream blinked at you curiously. “Well,” he said, “what’d they say?”

Squeaking, you flipped around to look at him, feeling your insides flutter with butterflies as your heart melted.

“Yes,” you breathed, “you can tag along.”

The sheer brightness of his smile made you wonder if maybe it would be better if you had said no.

“Hey there, little guy.”

The puppy in Dream’s arms—his name was Cole—was panting like he had just run three miles, rolling over into his warm touch. His tongue flicked over his wet, black nose as he barked once, twice at you.

“Oh! He’s so tall! And he’s good at giving ear scratches.” Whimpering, he nuzzled into Dream’s eager touch. “Oooh, yes. That’s the spot.” Lifting his head, he turned to look at you and barked once, his pale, glimmering eyes flickering with joy. “[Y/N], bring him around more often. This guy rocks.”

You giggled, brushing some stray dirt off the front of your pants. “I’ll try my best.”

Dream glanced over at you, his eyes lingering on your mouth before dragging over your face. “What’d he just say?”

Bending down, you reached a hand out to poke at Cole’s cheek, not missing the way he yapped at your touch. “He says that I should bring you around more often because you’re good at giving scratches.”

“Don’t forget about the part where I said he rocks!” Cole suddenly yelped, his tail wagging aggressively against Dream’s thigh. “Because he does.”

Your face flushed at that, and you turned your gaze to the grass beneath your feet. “And also that you, um—you rock.”

A smile tugged at Dream’s lips, and he let out a chuckle that seemed all too boyish for a man of his stature. “Aw, really?” he crooned, scratching the pup a little more. “That’s too kind.”

You snuck a peek at him, feeling your heart sing a sweet melody in your chest. “Well,” you murmured, “it is what he said.”

You watched with awe as his features softened into something so tender, so warm that it made your lungs expand just to make room for the affection blooming in your chest. To think it had been well over a few months since Dream had discovered your little power, and he was still as kind as ever. Every morning, he would join you on your way to feed the animals, and from time to time, he would ask you to accompany him while chatting with them.

You, of course, could never say no to him, so here you were, all this time later and still absolutely head over heels for him.

“Thank you, buddy,” he hummed, giving Cole one last ruffle behind his ears before getting to his feet. “We’re gonna go now, but I’ll come back soon.”

Getting back onto his four paws, Cole shook out his fur once, then barked at him with a wag. “Bye! You’re the best!” He turned to look at you. “And give him a kiss for me, [Y/N].”

Your jaw dropped open, and you almost tripped over your foot as you straightened. “I-I most certainly will not!” you shouted.

Dream blinked at you, confusion furrowing his brow. “Huh?”

You squeaked, turning away from him with a dismissive wave. “He—he just says bye back!” you said, praying he would ignore the crack in your voice.

Instead, he cocked a brow at you, looking all the more intrigued. “And what about the thing you won’t do?”

You tore your gaze away from him, dragging a line in the dirt with the sole of your shoe. “I-It’s nothing,” you fibbed. “Ignore him.”

He gave you an amused look, then chuckled, trailing after you. “Okay, okay,” he relented. “Where to next?”

You paused, tapping at your chin with a thoughtful expression. “Mm, have you ever talked to a fox?” you said after a moment.

He grinned. “I mean, I’ve personally never talked to any animals, but no.”

You laughed at his half-joke, waving over your shoulder for him to follow you. “Well, I know one you might like. C’mon!”

As you began striding forward, making your way down the wood plank path, you paused when you didn’t hear footsteps following you. Turning, you looked behind you only to freeze at the sight of Dream’s eyes glued to you, his gaze gleaming with a mixture of awe and wonder.

“You know,” he said, suddenly sounding breathless, “I really appreciate that you’re doing this for me. You didn’t have to, you know?”

Your heart picked up a beat inside you, and you swallowed the rhythm threatening to burst out of your chest. “I wanted to,” you said honestly. “I’m just glad that…” You smiled. “That you’re having fun.”

You didn’t catch the way his cheeks flushed a royal, rosy hue, his eyes still focused on the tender look on your face. With his lips curling up into a fond smile, he took a step closer toward you.

“See, that’s what I love about you. You’re so genuinely kind, and you never even hesitate about it. It’s almost like second-nature to you.”

Reaching over, he gently bumped his arm into yours, and you felt a spark rush into your skin at the gesture. “Have some more pride in yourself, okay?” he chided, grinning at you. “It’s people like you who make this world a brighter place.”

You opened your mouth, then closed it, not trusting yourself to speak. “I—“

Your tongue felt like jelly in your mouth, and you did your best to say a word coherently.

“I—okay.” You could swear you were trembling from head-to-toe. “I’ll try my best.”

He flashed you another one of those blinding grins of his, then breezed past you, resting his hands on his hips.

“Good. That’s a start. Now,” he said, glancing back at you with the sun framing his face, “where were you taking me, again?”

Pushing down the fizzy feeling rising up in your chest, you rushed after him, pointing at a forest in the distance. Although you had a destination in mind, you knew that deep down, you wouldn’t mind going anywhere, so long as it was with him.

“You know, you should totally just confess to Dream.”

Your breath hitched in your throat, and you shot Pedro a glare from where you were sitting on a wood block next to the pen. Already, you could feel your heart start to run rampant at the mere mention of his name. Setting down your handful of wheat, you scoffed.

“What? Are you kidding me? No way!”

Darwin flopped over onto his stomach, digging his snout against the ground as he let out a long, drawn out snort. “You totally should. Watching this is just painful. We all think so.”

You grumbled, digging your heels into the ground as your lungs squeezed a fraction tighter. “Well, you don’t have to watch if it’s so terrible.”

Snowflake leaned her head down to whinny next to you. “He follows you everywhere. It’s impossible to not watch.”

Huffing, you crossed your arms over your chest and turned away, shifting back on the wooden block. “I’m still not doing it.”

“He’s cute,” Rita said.

Your ears burned. “I know that.”

“You like him,” Pedro added.

You curled your hands into tight fists. “I know that, too.”

Darwin rolled over in the pen. “Dare I say you might even love hi—”

“Iknowthat!”

Immediately, the animal pen fell silent, and you were burying your face in your hands, the crack of your shout still echoing through the air. Your blood was absolutely rushing through your ears now, and all you could focus on was the shaky, uneven breaths escaping your mouth.

“I know, I know, I know,” you choked out, your head spinning with an overwhelming cyclone of emotions. “But even then, I’m not gonna tell Dream!”

“You’re not gonna tell me what?”

Your eyes shot open, and you flung your head up to see Dream standing over you just a step behind your seat, his upside down face greeting you with an inquisitive look. Before you knew it, you were gasping and leaning backwards, losing your balance.

“Oh my g—ahh!”

In a whirl, you toppled backwards, your legs kicking out in front of you, but suddenly, a pair of hands settled on your arms. Gently nudging you forward once more, you inhaled sharply as electricity ran along your body as you came to a steady stop, sitting upright with Dream’s soft touch holding you in place.

“Woah, there,” he breathed over you, his eyes landing on your panicked ones. “You okay?”

Your gaze darted across his face, only briefly landing on his lips for a moment before shooting to the sky above his head. “Yeah, it’s…” You swallowed thickly. “It’s nothing at all!”

He raised a brow, his hands still firm against your arms. “I wouldn’t exactly call that nothing.” Letting go of you for a second, he walked around you until he was at your side, crouching down to be level with your face. “What’s up?” he asked gently.

Being eye-to-eye with him like this was too much for your head, and you could feel your feet jittering in your shoes. “I, uh, I—I just wanted to tell you that… that your hair always looks really soft!” Your voice came out in a hurried, messy rush, but you nodded like you meant it, anyways. “Th-That’s all!”

Just behind the oak fence, Rita bellowed with laughter—or whatever a pig’s laughter sounded like. “You are such a liar!” she snorted, leaning against the wood with gleaming eyes. “The biggest liar!”

At her side, you caught a glimpse of Snowflake’s snicker, and you glowered at them. “Guys! Stop that!”

Dream’s bewilderment only grew. “What’s with that reaction?” he muttered. Then, his eyes widened. “Don’t tell me… are you lying to me?”

You stiffened, refusing to meet his gaze. “N-No.”

He shoved his face closer to you, his nose only a few inches away from your cheek. “No?” he responded cheekily.

You did your best not to squirm. “N—Not at all!”

“Just tell him how you feel!” Darwin whined, acting as loud and abrasive as he was wont to be.

Pedro nodded, chewing on a mouthful of wheat. “Don’t be such a coward!” After a slight pause, he chuckled. “Get it? Cow-ard?”

You groaned again and felt your face practically burst into flames. “Lay off me, guys!”

Beside you, Dream was quiet, an almost solemn look settling on his features. “[Y/N],” he murmured, speaking your name like it was the most precious thing in the world, “you know you can tell me anything, right?”

You peeked over at him, letting your gaze meet for a brief, fleeting moment. His eyes really did look like emeralds. Gulping, you held his stare.

“Yeah,” you whispered.

His mouth twitched the slightest bit at that. Rising to his feet, he stretched his hand out toward you.

“Here,” he said, “come with me.” After a second, he glanced over his shoulder at the pen and added, “And please, can you all just leave us alone for a bit? Pretty please?”

Snowflake blinked at him once, then gave him a disparaging whinny.“Fine.”

His eyes immediately darted to hours, and you translated for him with lightning speed. “They agreed.”

He grinned, gesturing to his hand once more. “Perfect. Let’s go.”

With a timid touch, you let your hand slip into his as he tugged you to his feet, still not used to the soft hold of his fingers around your skin. You expected him to let go of you, but to your surprise, he simply held on as he led you away from the pen and toward a small alcove in the nearby mountain wall. As soon as he stopped walking, he whirled to face you.

“Alright, tell me what’s up. Clearly something’s bothering you, and I want to know what’s going on.” His face flickered with a shadow of a frown, and his hand squeezed yours. “It makes me sad to see you like this.”

You wanted to look away and hide from the intensity of his gaze, but the longer you looked at him, the more you knew you couldn’t bring yourself to do it. Not with the way he was looking at you, at least. Your heart beat like a thousand drums in your chest, and it took everything inside of you to suck in a simple, single breath.

“I… promise you won’t laugh at me?” you asked quietly. “Or run away or something?”

He blinked, then shook his head. “From you? Never.” His lips curled up into a crooked grin. “I guess you could say I wouldn’t dream of it.”

The groan escaped you before you could even think about it. His hand thrummed with life in yours, and you sighed, “That was a terrible pun.”

He laughed, his chuckle rumbling throughout his chest. “You love me for it.”

You soaked in the sound of his laughter, traced your gaze over the soft crescent moons of his eyes when he smiled and the scattered freckles on his cheeks. Not once did you take your eyes off his. After all, you were always looking at him, and this time would be no different.

“I do,” you whispered.

He paused, his laughter coming to a halt. “What?”

You swallowed, letting the words spill from your lips like an unbidden waterfall beating at stone. “I do,” you said, again. “That’s what I wanted to tell you.”

His fingers twitched against yours, and a part of you wondered why he was still holding on—why he hadn’t let go yet. But in that moment, you couldn’t think of anything but the light shining from the very depths of your soul onto his features.

“I love you, Dream.” You paused, then tacked on in a hush of a whisper, “Really.”

You watched with bated breath as his eyes grew wide and his hand squeezed yours even tighter than before. You felt your mouth open, pushing more words to the surface as your brain went into overdrive.

“And I know that’s scary, because the way I feel about you is more than just liking someone, which is crazy, I know, and I totally get if you don’t feel the same wa—”

It happened in an instant.

In one second, you were rambling a flurry of anxiety, thoughts, and fears, all of them bursting forth at once.

In the next, Dream’s lips were pressed to yours, and you felt fireworks.

Sparks burst forth from the pit of your stomach, joy unfurling in your chest as you let your eyelids flutter shut, melding into the softness of his touch. You felt his other hand reach up to cup your cheek, his thumb stroking the curve of your cheekbone. You shivered at the tenderness of it all, and you could have sworn you felt him smile against your mouth. A moment later, you parted, gasping for air as you took in the sight of his pink cheeks and adoring gaze.

“Sorry,” he panted as he shot you a lopsided smile, “was that too forward of me?”

Your tongue swiped over your lips, and you caught the way his eyes followed the movement. More, your heart cried, and so you opened your mouth once more.

“Again?” you whispered. “Please?”

He chuckled, then dove right back toward you, his mouth meeting yours once more. He tasted like sunshine on your tongue, the softness of his lips practically drowning you in him, him, him. He smelled like a deep, woody pine that made you want to stay wrapped up in his arms. Your hand squeezed his again, and you felt your insides expand with a melody sweeter than a skylark’s song.

I love you, I love you.

This time when Dream parted from you, he didn’t move too far, only going so far as to rest his forehead against yours and smile.

“I think that makes it pretty clear how I feel about you,” he breathed.

You couldn’t stop smiling, and you knew you must look like a lovestruck fool right now, but you could hardly bring yourself to care. How could you, when he was here with you?

“Will—will you please say it, anyways?” you asked with a glimmer in your eye. “Just so then I know I’m understanding you correctly?”

He let out a puff laughter, the breath fanning over your face. “You can understand animals just fine but you’re stumped by this?”

You reached a hand, tentatively holding his face in your palm. “Animals are easy to figure out. You?” You smiled. “Not so much.”

He nuzzled his cheek into your palm, letting his lips brush a simple kiss over your fingertips. “Well, alright then. But just for you.”

You both closed your eyes, basking in the quietness for a moment longer until he murmured four little words that lit your whole world up.

“I love you, too.”

Light danced along every vein in your body, seeping into every nook and cranny of your heart as your fingers moved to sink into his soft, golden locks. Nothing could ruin this moment, you thought wistfully. Nothing at all.

Then came a loud, braying bark.

“Finally! You did it! Thank god!”

You whipped around with Dream at your side, eyes wide with shock to see Cole yipping at the two of you. His tail wagged behind him faster than you’d ever seen it before, and in a flash, he was dashing off into the distance. Embarrassment washed over your face, and you let out a whine.

“Oh my god. Dream, he is totally gonna snitch to everyone else.”

He lifted his brows in a look that almost came across as accepting, his thumb brushing over your knuckles where your fingers were still intertwined. “Well,” he hummed with a joking tone, “at least I’m not gonna be the one who’ll get teased about it.”

You gasped in mock offence, playfully whacking his arm. “You’re so mean!”

He chuckled, tapping his foot against the ground. “I’m kidding. We’ll deal with it together.”

Above you, you heard a bird chirp in the distance, no doubt spreading word of the news to every animal you knew. Despite the hordes of questions you knew you were bound to get asked, you let yourself simply lean over to rest your head against his shoulder, your side latching onto his.

“Yeah,” you murmured, “you’re stuck with me now.”

Dream’s face flooded with nothing but warm, wholehearted, and unadulterated affection for you. Turning his head, he let his lips press against the crown of your head, and you sighed, caught in a dreamlike haze.

“I sure am, and I don’t intend on going anywhere.”

becoming human. | c!dream. [ii]

summary. android trafficking has been a huge issue in detroit ever since anti-android ownership laws have been passed. so it’s a little ironic how one was ordered to help you solve this case, isn’t it?

pairing. y/n x c!dream (platonic)

genre. dbh!au, c!dsmp, future!au

word count.4k

[four part series]

part I   |   part II   |   part III   |   part iv 

warnings.swearing,fem!reader, gun, driving under the influence, robbery, i think that’s it…

yes, i am discontinuing this… just felt like posting what i’m satisfied with putting up before calling it quits lolz,,,  i’m not very active in the dsmp/mcyt fandom rn so the inspiration is gone really! sorry for those who were following this <3

|—————|

THE DRIVE TO Sapnap’s place is awfully silent. It’s suffocating you how much you want to ask the android sitting beside you a bombardment of questions but you knew if you got started, the conversation would last all night long. 

As it is just after rush hour, the drive to Sapnap’s is full of traffic but the sky is getting darker slowly but surely. The city lights were now starting to turn on, shining on the reflection of passing window panes and battling with the sunset for your attention. 

Clay’s fixated gaze on the road allows you to study him further. He’s quite different from the only other RK you’ve seen with your own eyes last year. 

His name was Connor and you had talked to him a total of zero times so you had nothing to base the kid off of. He certainly looks different to the older model, with sharp green eyes that remind you of young evergreen. Lighter hair as well, almost the color of coffee. Freckles dot his cheeks and nose, lips set in a blank line. 

He seems so soft— more kind-looking— than Connor in terms of appearance but surely that wasn’t the only reason they made a whole new model of RK? He seemed more like a next-door neighbor rather than an assistant detective? The other RKs that were equipped for your comrades were all 900s… 

As you roam his profile once more, the glaring blue light at his right temple disturbs you. It reminds you of Clay’s complacency. Then it hits what they must have wanted to improve in his model— absolute loyalty. A nonexistent chance at deviancy from him. Perhaps that’s why they made him look much kinder as well… so that his looks fly under the radar. 

It feels like a hand is wrapped around your throat because your vocals tighten. You try to clear it out but it just sounds strained. 

It grabs Clay’s attention, his head turning quickly to scan you for any discrepancies. Shaking your head a little, you face ahead once more, eyes zeroing in on the streets. 

“My friend, Sapnap. He’s an android mechanic engineer— has been taking care of androids for a while now. I think you’ll like him.” 

You glance over to Clay, his blue light turning and flashing slowly. “Yes, age 20, male, Caucasian. Dropped out of college start of sophomore year to pursue—” 

“Repairing androids, yes. He had a little benefit to do so when his father had already been teaching him the ropes.” 

Clay notices the way you’re quick to defend and you get embarrassed. 

“Just saying.” 

Clay tucks his lips in and nods. “He seems like a good man.” 

“He is. Will probably get quite mad at me for showing up right now but it’ll be fine.” 

Clay’s eyebrows scrunch together. “Will my presence there bother him?” 

“No, no. You won’t be a bother, trust me. You’re fine, the dude owes me a favor anyway so you’re alright.” You rush to explain. 

Taking the android’s silence as understanding, you relax a little. His mouth opens once more just when you think the conversation is over. 

“Could I ask you something, Sergeant?” 

“Y/N is fine, Clay.” 

“Yes, I apologize.” Clay blinks, continuing on. “Could you explain how progress is going with your current investigation? I’ve read that your last case was eight days ago but the report is quite vague.” 

“Well, uh— yeah I can. Tomorrow, though. I’m a little tired but I’ll fill you in on everything. The port at your desk will have all you need available as well.”

Clay’s eyes blink away at you again. “I know. I have it all in my mind palace already.” 

“I— what? Already?”

“It was one of my upgrades. I was given access immediately after being activated.” Clay informs you and you nod slowly. 

“Right.” You breathe out. 

Sometimes it boggles you that androids can simply store and download information like that in their head. Nothing is ever forgotten. Oh, how easy life would be if you could do that for your job. 

“Perhaps I could get a head start before the workday tomorrow? As you rest at your abode, of course.” Clay gives an easy-going smile. You wish he wasn’t so programmed to be all about work. 

You bite your lip, thinking of another alternative. “How about you learn about the Android Revolution, Clay? You’ll get an idea of why some people are looking into android trafficking in the first place.” 

Clay nods reluctantly. “That sounds like a good idea, Ser— I apologize. Y/N. Thank you.” 

A wry smile plants itself on your lips. “Of course.” 

You pull the car into Sapnap’s driveway. Your headlights must have alerted your friend of a visit since as you both step out of the car, he’s waiting with his front door open. 

Sapnap wipes his hands, which are covered in thirium, onto his black overalls. Clay trails behind you at a respectable distance, his hands crossed together in front of him. 

“Whyare you always bringing them to me?” Sap sighs. You grin, side-hugging him. Clay watches the interaction closely, almost studying you two. 

“Because you’re the front person I think of. You know how full the—”

“Support centers are right now, yada yada,” Sapnap extends a hand towards Clay, leaning towards him, “Name’s Sapnap. And you’re—?” 

“Clay, sir. Nice to meet you.” Clay shakes your friend’s hand gingerly, inclining his head. 

Sap’s eyebrows scrunch, looking over to you. A shrug is how you answer Sapnap’s silent question. 

“You don’t have to call me sir, dude. If anything, they probably designed you to look or be older than me.” Sapnap squints, looking the android up and down. 

Clay nods in understanding. 

“Can I ask what your model is? If you don’t mind, of course.” The darker-haired male of the two inquires. 

“I’m a RK1000.” 

Sap’s eyes widen. “Ah, you’re a prototype! I never knew Cyberlife was ever working on you.” 

“Cyberlife has worked on my model for a long time.” 

Nudging at your friend, Sapnap inches into his house. 

“Oh, sorry! Yeah, come in.” 

Side-stepping past, the warm hallway sends a good shiver down your spine. As per usual, the living room is messy, a bunch of random parts and tools laid on every surface. 

“How would you feel about me hiring a maid for you, Sap?” 

He chuckles, shoving you into the couch sideways. You glare up at him in mock annoyance. “I can get one if I really wanted to, asshole,” Sapnap begins to clean up a little anyway, “Everything is where it needs to be.” 

Humming, you’re unconvinced as you move a whole arm off the seat you were pushed onto. Clay stands awkwardly to the side before you pat beside you. He looks for Sapnap’s approval which the latter grants, belatedly confused.

As your friend enters the kitchen to get you a drink, you side-eye the stiffness in which the android beside you sits. 

“If you’re really uncomfortable with my friend, we can… find someplace else.” You whisper earnestly, which Clay vehemently shakes his head. 

“I’m not uncomfortable, Y/N. Just adjusting to my surroundings. I don’t want to be more of a bother.” 

You scold him lightly. “You’re not a bother, Clay. I don’t mind finding another—”

Clay places a light pressure on the top of your right hand laid in your thigh. It’s meant to be reassuring; perhaps calm your heart but it races your heartbeat higher. You’re not sure why. Maybe it’s his fake heat signature that scares you into believing he’s so life-like— human, of course. 

Androids were a new race… they wereliving. Even if they didn’t breathe and have a heartbeat like you. 

“I trust him, Y/N. No need to worry.” 

Your face twists. “How do you trust him already?” 

Clay spreads the corners of his lips into his cheeks. “Trust is not the right word, I suppose. I know a possible threat when I see one.” 

His words send another shiver down your body, and this time it’s not because of the temperature change. How eerie. You wonder how strong the prototype android is. 

Sapnap enters the living room once more, a bottle of ice-cold beer in his hand. 

You begin to protest but still accept the offer. “I can’t drink this, Sap. I’m driving.” 

“It’s one bottle, relax.” Sapnap drags out, collapsing beside you. He uses the tip of his pointer finger to raise the bottle’s lip to your mouth. 

Shaking your head, you take a small sip and nothing more, placing it on the particularly cluttered coffee table before you. 

“I can’t, I can’t. Thanks though.” 

Leaning your elbows on your knees, you watch Sapnap chug a good half of his own dripping beer easily. He sees the jealousy in your eyes, smirking. 

“Is it because of Mr. Detective, over here? Or are you still on the job? 

You look over to see Clay’s expression, feather-light. “Well, I’m technically always on the job first of all. And I’m not trying to get wasted right about now. I still have mad shit to do.” 

“Do it here.” Sapnap slaps the hand against the cushion behind you. 

Rolling your eyes, you heave as you get up. “No thanks. I got to go.” 

“Afraid you’ll give in to my temptations?” Sapnap waves his bottle playfully. 

Smiling, you yank it out of his hands, proving his point just for the hell of it. Sap’s protest dies on his tongue as you chug the rest of his bottle.

“Damn.” Sapnap whistles as you wipe at your lip. 

Raising an eyebrow, enjoying the burn down your throat, you return the empty glass to your friend. “Happy?” 

“I guess so.” Sap lightly chuckles, looking over to Clay, whose eyes are lasered in on you. You follow your friend’s eyeline. 

Placing a hand on Clay’s shoulder, you squeeze in reassurance. “I’ll be here at 5 tomorrow?” 

“Yes, I’ll be ready.” 

You smile and wave to both of them before swinging the front door back open. 

“Don’t be too harsh on him, yeah?” You direct towards Sapnap. Clay tilts his head like a dog, blue light turning. 

Sapnap waves his hand. “Eh, I’ll try.” 

A chuckle leaves your lips as you leave and head towards your car. Your friend could be a bit intrusive sometimes. Since Clay is a very unknown android model, you have no doubt he’ll have a blast battering Clay down with questions for a while.

|—————|

Just like how you had told Clay you’d be at Sapnap’s at 5 A.M., you came back to the house 5 minutes early the next morning. Not to your surprise, Clay was already standing outside, stock still with his eyes closed on the porch. 

You’re tempted to honk but know it’ll wake the whole neighborhood and Sapnap. That wouldn’t be a pretty sight— cranky Sap glaring deadly your way from his window. 

Settling for rolling down the window instead, you call for the android’s attention. 

Clay is quick to open his eyes, his lips quirked up. “Good morning, Y/N!” 

“Good morning! Last night was fine I hope?” 

“Just fine. I was more than happy to let Sapnap ask me questions.” Clay reassures, climbing into the passenger seat. 

You scoff, shifting gears and reversing. “I have no doubt about that. You got some rest though? I mean, as much rest as you could get as an android?” 

Clay meets your side-eye and smiles wider. “Yes, I got plenty. Thank you.” 

Humming, you drum your fingers against the steering wheel. You let the music on the radio fill the small bit of quiet in the waking sun but Clay doesn’t let it last for long. 

“The debriefing?” He questions and you sit up straighter. 

Nodding, you began, “Yeah, sure. Straight into work I see. So, as you know, the rates for missing androids have been skyrocketing. With so many androids still unregistered and homeless, many fall back with their owners or— what I’m currently tasked on— being stolen off the streets. The case from eight days ago was actually a good lead I got on this illegal trade in Detroit. The old seller of androids, who I’m sure you know the name of, got on our radar after losing his job and has been dealing underground. A good citizen caught him beating a poor android down in plain sight and intervened. We’ve placed a watch on him and are waiting for the reel to come in.” 

Clay nods slowly. “I’m assuming you’ll attain him when you find the seller? This… Steven Bartley?” 

“Well, yes. I’m also looking into infiltrating the trade and finding out who’s running the whole shebang; bring it down from the inside I suppose. I’ve been getting tip-offs like these for a few months and none go anywhere much. I have a good feeling about this dude though— he’s known to not have much of a backbone and might take the opportunity to get down on his years in jail.” 

“That sounds like a smart idea, Sergeant. I’ll be sure to update you real-time if a tip-off for Bartley comes in.” 

“Thank you,” You say genuinely, “I appreciate that.” 

Clay inclines his head, looking back forward again. 

Maybe having an assistant wasn’t that bad. You just wish that Clay was deviant. Was aware of himself and his freedom; his choice. 

Clearing your throat, you figure now is a good time to get this conversation over with. “Clay.” 

He turns your way, his undivided attention on you. It unsettles you slightly. 

“I’m sure you have… extensive knowledge on the Android Revolution.” 

It takes Clay three full seconds to respond. 

“Yes. It sounds like it was a riveting point in history, what happened in Detroit. I was still being tinkered on when the final confrontation occurred.” 

“And… how does it— make you feel?” 

Clay takes a deep breath, eyelashes fluttering as his light turns round and round. “I think… that it’s unfortunate. What happened at the end of it all.” 

The android’s strange phrasing has your head reeling. “And what do you mean by that?” 

“Well, Marcus is a very intelligent machine for his kind. Much more intelligent than usual. And I find it upsetting that the entire revolution shut down so many androids.” 

“Shut down? Not killed? Is that how you think of it?” 

Clay makes his gaze turn your way again, resolute in his opinion now. “Yes, shut down. It seems like a waste, having all those perfectly capable AIs become misled.” 

Your hands clutch the wheel tighter, bewildered by the words coming out of Clay’s mouth. He was an android himself and was speaking of his own kind this way. 

“Mislead…” You whisper out, letting the word linger between you two. 

“Do you not agree, Y/N?” 

Whipping your head to assess Clay’s expression, you reason it’s all genuine confusion— open-mindedness, one could say. 

Breathlessly chuckling, you vehemently shake your head. “I-I… No, I don’t agree with you Clay.” 

The android beside you is silent, inviting you to continue and you do. 

“Clay, they had… muchreason to start fighting back. Thousandsof cases of mistreatment were being reported everywhere but nothing was done about it. Don’t you find it strange, how truly livingyour kind is? How you all possess human emotions, fears, and behaviors?” 

“We weren’t created for the purpose of becoming living, Y/N. Although yes— warranted, androids were being mistreated—humans had invented us for the purpose of invention. Of invention to aid human society.” 

“And what do we do with the fact we’ve also designed you all to be so human-like then?” 

Clay takes a second to register your question. “Humans like to see similar beings— naturally like to be looking in mirrors.” 

“We actually don’tlike doing that— at least not in the way you’re suggesting. When fellow people imitate our actions; try to transform into another version of us, we become angry. We are all the most importantthings in our lives. Why design our machines to integrate into our society, then treat them like trash when they begin to act, no— mirrorthe way we do as living beings?” 

The android becomes quiet, taking in your point. At least, you think so until Clay’s light becomes a flashing red, sharply blinking.

“Clay?” You concerningly ask, wanting to know what was going on with him. 

“There’s a robbery on Park Avenue, Sergeant. Shall we assist?” There’s that irritatinghead tilt again. 

It just proved your point further really. Why did Cyberlife add such human-like tendencies, if not for the purpose of them passing the Turing Test? 

Just when Clay begins to wait for your answer, the police radio is brought to life. “Reporting a 1200 on 538 Park Ave. Sergeant, are you available?” 

You report back quickly, flicking your lights and sound on, “Yep, 10-3.”

“We have a male suspect, Caucasian, around 6’2. Wearing a green hoodie, potential 5201. He’s trapped in the bank, only two civilians in direct danger.” 

“Streets blocked off?” 

“Yes, ma’am. Getting worked on right now. We got multiple cops on sight. Need more authority and you’re the closest, Sergeant.” 

“Status on civilians?” 

“Trapped in the bank, ma’am.” 

“Put negotiations on speed-dial for me please.” 

“Yes, ma’am.” 

Turning sharply on Park Ave, you pass through the boys setting up blocks, about half-way done. Not used to having a partner, you put Clay on the back-burner, hopping out to access the situation. 

The corner bank was surrounded, almost all eyes and hand guns directed on the windows and doors. The building was shabby; it’s not that much of a surprise someone tried this bank. It wasn’t exactly in the best neighborhood in Detroit. 

Catching a head of fluffy brown hair in your peripheral, you turn to see it, lips automatically quirking up. 

Skipping over, you slap a hand to George’s shoulder, who whips around to look at you instantly. 

“New report, Corporal?” 

The older coworker, although seemingly younger in looks, rolls his dark eyes. “None. Dude is panicking. We got no eyes, the cams and security are outdated.” 

“No security was in?” 

George puffs his cheeks, looking down at a blueprint of the bank that was on a tablet. “Nope.” 

“Update on weapons?” 

“None.” 

Sighing, you run a hand through your hair. 

“How’d the talk go?” 

George can’t help the sarcastic smile that slips on at your question. “I don’t know, Sergeant, you tell me.” 

A little laugh falls from your lips, even though it was not the best situation for you to do it. “You’re right. No wonder they fucking called me in here. You’re shit.” 

Dodging your friend’s elbow smoothly, you wave for a megaphone and it’s placed in your hands in ten seconds. 

“Have a name for this guy yet?” 

George cocks his head to a police officer in the corner, who straightens up. “What is it again?” 

The officer chirps, “His name is Sam, Sergeant.” 

“Demands?” 

“Just a getaway car, ma’am.” 

You place your mouth to the voice amplifier. “Sam? This is Sergeant Y/N L/N of the Detroit Police Department. Are you willing to make a deal with me, Sam?” 

A moment passes by and it’s dead silent. Boots clack on cement and George watches Clay approach from your car, bewildered at your new partner. 

“Who are you?” George whispers. 

“My name is Clay, sir. I am an android sent by Police Commander Perez to aid Sergeant Y/N here.” 

“…Huh.” 

You start up again. “Sam? Let’s start cooperating now. It’s only gonna be worse from here if you don’t.” 

More silence. 

“Can we get a sign that those two innocent people are alive, Sam? Can we get that, please?” 

You’re about to speak up again but get interrupted by a booming voice, pretty loud considering you’re the one with a megaphone. 

“I want the damn car! That’s all I fucking want!” 

Giving a tired look to George, you shake your head. “Let’s compromise first, yeah? Can I see those two civilians first? Give me just that and I’ll get working on that car for you, Sam.” 

“I don’t wanna hurtthem, alright? I just want out of here!” 

“Alright Sam. I got it. Those two people please?” 

You didn’t expect the blinds of the bank to be opened so fast. It’s revealed, a cowering of two bank accountants on the carpet floor, for about a second before they’re yanked shut again. 

“You see where the string was from? I think—”

George shakes his head, brows furrowed. “The right of the window I believe. Could have been the left though—”

“It’s the right wall, Sergeant. There looks to be no major body heat signature though. He’s pressed against the wall to the right of the window. There seems to be a gun pointed towards the civilians.” 

Your mouth drops a little, completely forgetting you had an entire very advanced prototype android beside you. 

George is obviously dying to scold your machine partner for withholding his usefulness until now but instead, confirms the weapon report to headquarters. 

“You’re meaning to say Sam is an android? They’re in the record as a human—”

Clay corrects George so calmly, you can tell it irks him. “Yes, he must have outdone the system, Corporal.”

“So what? They’re alive! I’ve shownyou them! Give me my fuckingcar, I want out of here!” Sam screams, voice straining the effort. 

“Alright, Sam. I want you to reason with me here. Where are you going to go from here?” 

“I don’t fucking care, I want out!Out!” 

“If you hand yourself in now, Sam, the judge will consider that. Everything will be considered. They’ll look at your cooperation and your willingness to let go of those hostages, Sam. You can cut down on your—”

Clay grabs your forearm tightly, shouting suddenly, “DOWN!” 

A gunshot rings out, going straight through the weak plaster wall of the bank. It sinks into one of the police car’s tires, the car slowly leaning on that one side. 

“Shit…” You swear, slightly lowering the gun you had instinctively pulled out your holster. 

“Call in a negotiator please.” You mumble to George, not wanting to risk anything worse happening.

He nods, pressing on the radio attached to his right shoulder when Clay bumps in, halting George’s movements. 

“No need, Sergeant. I’m a certified crisis negotiator. I can do it.” 

Clay stares right into your eyes, hoping to get your approval. You only hesitate for a few seconds, giving in quite easily. 

Handing over your megaphone gingerly, you wave for Clay to take your place. When George throws up his shoulders in confusion, you give him a strange look.

“Sam, my name is Clay. I’m an android working with the Detroit Police Department. Are you alright in there, Sam?” 

“W-What… what?” The robber calls from the bank, confused, “You’re an android?”