Title: Making Friends Character: Markus : DBH A/n: I told myself I wasn’t going to write for this game, but I was 100% lying to myself when I said it.
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“Markus, would you mind stopping into Bellini’s again this afternoon?” Carl announced once the machine safely landed his wheelchair onto the floor of his art studio.
Markus, who was currently cleaning out Carl’s used brushes turned with a puzzled expression. “I didn’t know you had made another paint order?”
Carl chuckled, pushing himself over to his android. “I might be an old man, but I’m capable of doing some things for myself.”
Markus shook his head. “I…that’s not what I meant-“ He broke off when he heard Carl laugh again.
“Just busting your wires, kid,” Carl mused, leaning back in his chair. “Stop in whenever it’s best for you.”
Markus frowned, he usually picked up orders while Carl was asleep so he didn’t have to worry about leaving him alone. Was he supposed to take Carl with him this time?
“Don’t give me that look,” Carl scolded, pushing himself out of the studio. “I can take of myself just fine till you come back.”
He nodded. “If you insist, Carl.”
Markus had the route to Bellini’s Paintshop memorized, despite his internal GPS system, he felt fairly confident even without it, he could find the store with his eyes closed. In moments, he was stepping off the bus and entering the familiar alleyway where the paintshop stood.
Markus stepped inside the shop, pausing his movements slightly whenever he caught sight of the empty register, it was only when he turned to leave that he saw you.
You weren’t the usual cashier android Markus had grown accustomed to seeing everytime he went to fetch another paint order for Carl. You were currently positioned on a ladder off to the side of the shop, a small box was rested against your hip as you placed various pigments upon the shelves situated there.
Suddenly very aware of his presence in the empty paint shop, Markus took a step towards you. “Excuse me?”
Your shoulders tensed for a moment, an action that caused Markus’ brows to furrow in confusion.
You looked down at Markus for a moment, your gazes locking on each other.
Suddenly the reaction earlier made a lot more sense. One of the first things Markus realized what the obvious lack of an LED on your temple.
You weren’t an android at all.
“Sorry about that, I didn’t even realize you’d come in,” You said with a laugh as you placed the box on the higher step before slipping down the ladder. “What can I help you with?”
Markus couldn’t help the confused expression that took over his face.
A human was asking him what he wanted?
A human offering him assistance?
“I apologize for startling you,” Markus replied, the whole situation making him feel a little uncomfortable. “I have an order for Carl Manfred.”
He watched the way your brows slightly shifted upwards, and he concluded you must have been familiar with his master’s work. His hand absentmindedly reaching out for the identity scanner, watching his order number appear on the screen.
“Ah, yes, I just checked on that order earlier,” You replied, offering him a warm smile before rounding about the counter. “A couple of the custom pigments he purchased are almost done, it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.”
“I can wait outside if it’s more convenient for you?” Markus offered, knowing from past experiences that human shop keepers preferred androids take up the least amount of space possible.
“Don’t worry about it,” You said with an offhanded wave as you began sorting through paintbrushes. “I could use the company.”
Markus tilted his head at your response, but found himself glad at your offer. “May I ask what happened to the android who previously worked here?” He asked before feeling the need to explain. “It’s just I’m not familiar with humans preoccupying jobs usually handed off to droids.”
You beamed, happy for some conversation in the quiet shop. “He was damanged in a shipping accident a few days back and is currently being repaired. They were gonna buy a whole other droid but I offered to keep the ship sailing while he’s out.”
Markus frowned. “The ship? I don’t understand?”
Though, he did notice the way you used proper pronouns for the android, yet another thing he wasn’t used to from humans he met around the city’s shopping district.
You laughed, a small shake to your head. “Just a funny expression humans use. Besides, I liked him, didn’t want to see him put out to pastures yet.”
“Oh.” Markus said simply, his eyes twitched just slightly as he continued to observe you. Eyes watching your facial expressions while you hummed, organizing an assortment of paintbrushes.
You side-eyed a small built in tablet resting just in front of the register, a small task bar showed you that his order was almost complete. “So, uhm, do you have a name?”
Markus nodded, not entirely sure how to carry out the conversation. He wasn’t used to people making small talk with him when he wasn’t with Carl.
“May I ask what it is?” You asked through a small, breathy laugh.
“I’m called Markus.”
“Hello, Markus,” You replied, drawing a small twitch of the android’s lips as he heard his name. “My name is (Y/n).”
You held out your hand to the android, and Markus faltered for a moment before slowly bringing his hand to yours, shaking it lightly. He could feel the heat radiate off your hand, and it’s smooth texture brush against his artificial skin.
A small beeping noise disrupted your moment, and a small notice confirmed that the paint was finished.
“Alright, I’ll be right back with your order.” You said, giving him one last smile before you disappeared into a back room.
Markus found himself leaning over the counter to peer into the door you had left opened, trying to catch another glimpse of you.
A loud shuffling noise awoke him from his trance, snapping him back into a straight-postured stance as you returned with a large box in your hands.
“Here we are,” You said, giving him that same smile as you rested the box on the counter. “Sorry about the wait, the shelf was a little high for me.”
You apologized to him?
“That’s alright, I don’t mind waiting.” Markus answered quickly, his hands twitching as he felt the need to compensate for not being able to offer you any service, seeing as he was the android.
“Well, you’re certainly more patient then the few other people who’ve come in today,” You chuckled, scanning the box. “Your total is $63.99”
Markus was about to make the payment, but realized you didn’t have the same function other shop androids had, and he found himself at a loss of what to do. “I, uhm, don’t carry cash.”
You blinked before realizing your error. “Oh! That’s my fault,” You laughed before pulling out a tablet. “Don’t worry you can pay with this.”
You held up the tablet so it was within his range of sight, and watched curiously as the small, LED circle on the side of his head change from blue to yellow.
“Transaction complete.” He said absentmindedly, as you lowered the tablet.
“Have a nice day, Markus,” You beamed, handing the paintbox out to him. “I hope Carl puts his paint to good use. Feel free to stop by again if there are any issues.”
Markus gaped at you for a moment as he nodded. “Have a nice day, (Y/n).” He repeated, finding the new sense of familiarity between the two of you to pleasant.
He pushed open the door, and looked over his shoulder to see you look up and smile softly at him, even raising your hand to wave.
Markus found himself anticipating Carl’s next need for him to vist the paint shop again.
