(sticking there against him causes a significant boost in comfort, forehead to forehead, feeling secure enough to close his eyes to breathe this closeness in. dark eyelashes lay against pale cheeks that go pinker with the time that passes in silence, already healthier and happier in markus' presence.

what would he do if markus disappeared? besides scour the earth?

he wades in this gentle tide of traded emotions, feeling the other android's warm words on his face like sunbathed sand on hands and feet, and eventually draws back to admire him.) If you really think so, I'm inclined to defer to your judgement... you're the one who gave me the confidence to say that. (gathering markus' hands up in his own, connor raises them to kiss at his knuckles, lips lingering, soft and cherishing.)

We're partners, Markus.

(there's something final to it, like he's hit the ceiling of his infatuation. and every other day he's proven wrong, because every other day he likes him quite a bit more.)

Of course I meant it.