ofnifflersandkings:

Title: Tea for One
Character: Markus: DBH
Previous Part: http://ofnifflersandkings.tumblr.com/post/174894022062/title-a-visit-character-markus-dbh-previous
A/n: Giant shout out to @updatesoftware for helping me with my little case of writer’s block. Made this one fluffy and long for the wait.

•

Almost a week had passed since Markus had seen you last. Not much occurred on the walk back to your place. Once again, you had refused the bus offer, despite the length of the journey back into the city.

“You know, I don’t mind standing in the Android section,” Markus confessed, a tad guilty that he was the sole reason you had to walk so far. “It’s how I usually travel around.”

You looked over at him, your attention briefly caught by the way the triangular patch on his coat and his armband were especially luminescent in the dark. “Be that as it may,” You caught his eye, a small smile playing at the corner of your mouth. “I’d much rather walk side by side with you like this. I wanted to be able to talk to you,” You paused to exhale deeply. “Besides, I never liked seeing all those Androids stuffed into one small section like that. It’s strange, but it makes me uncomfortable to see them that way.”

Markus trained his gaze on you for a moment before bringing his attention back to where he was walking, knowing some humans didn’t like to be stared at. But you were an interesting subject to him. He would have never guessed that you felt so strongly about Androids. It was even more bizarre, but he felt glad to hear you say it.

“As long as you don’t mind taking the slow path,” Markus replied.

You chuckled, jabbing your elbow lightly into his. “I told you before,” You smiled at him again. “I’m always glad for your company.”

That phrase had occupied a lot of Markus’ thoughts since your walk together. He’d memorized almost all of your interactions with one another, and he knew you had never told him you were glad for his company explicitly. And he found himself spending quite a bit of time trying to decipher if you had just said it offhandedly or if you really meant it.

Markus, strange as it seemed, hoped for the latter. It really was quite odd, he’d never really hoped for something before.

Carl had taken notice of how strange Markus had been acting since your last visit. It wasn’t anything concerning, in fact, the older man found it rather amusing to watch. The droid was just particularly dazed.

Markus was watering one of the plants among the plethora that Carl kept inside his home. His gaze was focused on something outside the window, meanwhile, his water can overflowing a poor potted plant.

“Markus, I think if you give that plant any more water, you’re gonna drown it,” Carl said through a deep chuckle.

Markus looked over at him, brows knit in confusion before he saw what he was doing. A small noise of distress came from the Android as he set the watering can off to the side, not knowing how to fix the plant. “I’m…I don’t know why I did that, Carl.” He fumbled.

Carl watched him stumble around for a few more minutes before wheeling over to him. “You can always invite her over again, you know I won’t mind.”

Markus opened his mouth to object, but he knew Carl would see right through it. “I would, but she doesn’t work at Bellini’s anymore.”

It was true, Carl had sent him into the city to buy some paintbrush replacements, and Markus felt a little embarrassed by how disappointed he felt that the original Android who minded the counter had taken your place.

“You’re her friend aren’t you?” Carl asked him. “Couldn’t you just go visit her at her place? You walked her home, you should know the way back.”

“Well, I,” Markus stumbled over his words again, wondering if there was something wrong with his vocal processor. “I can’t just go over for no reason? Can I?”

“I don’t see why not. You can always just stop by and say hello, and if she isn’t home then there’s no harm. I don’t need you to do anything else today, so enjoy a day off.” Carl said, giving him a small pat on the arm before he rolled into his studio without another word.

•

The door of your apartment was painted a vibrant red color, the brassy color of your apartment number and mail slot contrasting against it. Markus walked up the small set of steps that led up to the door but hesitated upon reaching for the doorbell.

Would you find it strange that he was just visiting out of the blue?

He didn’t understand why he was hesitating so much. But, in the end, his desire to see you again overruled his sudden lack of confidence, and he pressed the bell.

Markus smoothed out his jacket and made sure there was a reasonable distance between himself and the door. After a moment, there was still no answer, and just as he was about to press the doorbell again, you opened the door.

He quickly lowered his arm and gave a flustered smile when he saw you. Despite the fact that it was later in the afternoon, you looked like you hadn’t been out of bed for long. He could see that your eyes were heavy with slumber, and a pair of glasses were perched on your nose.

“Oh, hello,” You said, even your voice had a lilt to it from rest. “What are you doing here?”

All of the planned phrases Markus had conducted in his head on the bus ride completely left his conscious, and he found himself fighting the urge to stutter. “Uhm, I was just, well you know I noticed you stopped working at Bellini’s, and I figured I’d stop by and,” He paused to meet your gaze as he chuckled awkwardly. “And say hello. But, if I’m interrupting anything, I can go.”

You had leaned against the door, finding it slightly amusing to watch an Android stutter. “You’re free to stop whenever you’d like. Come on in.”

Markus watched you push yourself from the doorframe and disappeared into the apartment, following behind slowly, taking in the new surroundings. Upon entering, there was a wooden coat ranch just next to the door and a small basket of umbrellas below it. He followed you into a small kitchen space that connected to the living room.

You had placed a kettle down on the stove, opening your cabinet to pull down a large mug before you turned back to Markus. “I’d offer you a cup, but I suppose Androids don’t really drink anything.”

Markus shook his head. “I appreciate the thought.”

He stepped into the kitchen with you, looking around the countertops. What stuck out the most was a pile of thick books. Proper books too, not the digital ones. The only other time he’d seen these were on Carl’s shelves.

“Do you live here alone?” He asked, watching you lean against the counter next to the stove. “Not even an android?”

You snorted, removing your glasses to rub at your eyes. “Couldn’t afford one, besides I manage fine on my own.” You said to him with a smile.

He felt a little relieved that you didn’t have a droid, it would have been a slightly awkward encounter.

“Did I wake you?” Beginning to feel bad whenever you nodded.

“Before you apologize again,” You said with a chuckle, knowing where he was going. “It was probably for the better, just my day off and I slept in.”

Markus looked over at you and found himself staring again. Your hair was twisted back into a bun at the nape of your neck, pieces of it falling out all over. Your arms were crossed over your sweater, rumpled from sleep and your tired gaze focused on the tea bag in your mug.

He called out your name, prompting you to turn to him, suddenly aware of the lack of distance between you two. But you didn’t make an effort to step away, and neither did he.

“Yes?”

Markus reached out and brushed a small section of hair back behind your eat, his fingers lingering on your jaw.

He opened his mouth, but his attention was much more focused on yours. And absentmindedly, he started leaning down to you.

You stood still, tilting your head to help him reach you. Unfortunately, your lips barely brushed each other before the sound of the kettle whistling made you jump and turn from him.

“I forgot all about the tea,” You said, your whole face feeling warm as you reached to grab the handle and pull it off the burner.

Markus blinked, taking a step back from you. He held your mug out to you the mug, his hand slowly taking the kettle from your grasp.

“I got it,” He said softly, pouring the hot water for you. Chuckling whenever the steam made your lenses fog up.

You both didn’t say much after that, there wasn’t an uncomfortable tension in the air like you had expected, but rather a pleasant one. You were both simply content to be in each other’s company.

“It’s getting late,” You remarked, noticing the sky was beginning to grow darker. “Think you should head back to Carl’s?”

Markus stood up from your sofa and nodded. “I should, I have to convince him to attend his retrospective opening at the Museum of Modern Art. He had at least four messages from the director.”

You smiled, going to grab Markus’ jacket and giving it to him. “You two should have fun. Tell him I say hello.” You watched him shrug on his jacket and opened the door for him.

“I’m glad you stopped by today, Markus,” You said giving him a smile, taking a moment to look at his eyes. They really were the nicest shade of green you’d ever seen on a person. “If you ever wanna stop by again, my door’s open.”

“I will, thank you,” He went to turn award, but your hand on his arm stopped him.

You took a step forward, reaching up to plant a kiss on his lips. “That was to make up for earlier,” You said once you pulled away, a smile working your face as you saw his dazed expression. “Goodnight, Markus.”

He nodded and almost tripped down one of your steps when he went to turn around. “Goodnight, I’ll see you soon.”

You watched him walk away, a sudden unpleasant feeling forming at the pit of your stomach. Despite the positive note your evening ended on, something was off. With a shake of your head, you closed your door.

Perhaps, it was just the wind.

ofnifflersandkings:

Title: A Visit
Character: Markus: DBH
Previous Part: http://ofnifflersandkings.tumblr.com/post/174859350557/title-making-friends-character-markus-dbh-an
A/n: I’m super pleased people seemed to enjoy my last dbh imagine, feel free to leave any requests for other characters as well, I’ll be happy to receive them!!

•

You exhaled deeply another customer exited the paint shop, leaning over the counter to rest your head upon your folded arms. You had been working since early that morning, and in that whole time only a handful of people came inside, leaving you terribly bored.

You closed your eyes, trying to fight the lingering headache that threatened to make the last of your shift completely miserable.

The sound of someone clearing their throat made your head shoot up from where it rested, coming face to face with Markus.

“Oh hello!” You said enthusiastically, happy to see the familiar android. “Back so soon?”

Markus nodded, almost forgetting what he was doing there before he spoke. “I mentioned you to Carl the other day, and he ordered me to invite you over to our place.”

“Really?” You questioned, to which he only responded with a nod. “Well, I have a few minutes left before my shift ends. You can wait in the shop if you want.”

And that’s what Markus did. He patiently waited for you, keeping himself busy with some of the digital books situated in the shop, until you pulled him from his reading, already with your coat on.

•

The walk to Carl’s was pleasant, you had convinced him out of taking the bus, not wanting to sit awkwardly while he was forced to stand in the android cart. It took longer, but you helped pass the time with small talk.

Your introduction with Carl was brief, but very pleasant. He was situated inside the living room when you two walked in. He mentioned how his art representative was cracking down on him to finish his latest mural, so he’d have to leave you in Markus’ care for the evening.

The colors in the house were very rich and bright, there were various pieces of artwork and antiques scattered about in different places. Though, you were quite intrigued by the large giraffe looming by a spiral staircase that lead to a top balcony which wrapped around the whole room. The autumn light pouring in from the outside made the room look like it was flushed in amber.

You stepped further inside the room, the overwhelming desire to explore the whole place taking over.

You found a chessboard situated next to a large window, the pieces looking very different from the ones you were used to. They were gold and silver, and had intricate patterns carved into their bizarre shape. You picked one up, turning it over in your hand and marveling at the craftsmanship of it.

Suddenly and horribly aware at this chess set must have cost more than your apartment, you gently set it back where you found it.

Markus, who had been observing your movements with a little more care than he would ever admit, walked over to you. “Do you play?”

You grinned, casting your gaze outside the window. “I remember one of my classmates tried to teach me back when I was in school, and bless him, he really did try. But, I just never caught on.”

Markus looked over at you, trying to picture a younger version of yourself pondering a game of chess and he smiled. “I can try to teach you if you want?”

“I’d hate to subject you to the torture of attempting to explain it to me.” You teased, though taking a seat at one of the chairs.

Markus blinked, before realizing you were only joking with him.

It was the very first time he had made a friend with another human, he wasn’t used to the gentle banter people used when interacting with others they were comfortable with, though he was pleased you had already established that kind of relationship with him.

And so, the two of you sat there, not really knowing how much time passed since you began. But Markus was an excellent teacher, he showed you all the basics of chess. Telling you what the peices meant, what moves you could accomplish with each, different match strategies and so on.

“And with the queen you can-“ Markus cut himself off when he realized that your attention had shifted to the window again.

You were sitting crossed legged on your chair, one elbows propped up on your knee as your chin rested in your hand. He couldn’t pinpoint what you were looking at, only that you seemed at total peace in that moment. It was still warm enough to leave the windows open, and he could see the curtains flutter about behind you.

Markus thought you looked like a painting in that moment.

Humans had funny habits, he picked up on many of them at the various parties Carl had to attend. But humans, especially the ones whose age he was supposedly modeled after, got distracted by things easily. Especially things they found aesthetically pleasing to them.

“The trees look lovely today,” You said with a dreamy sigh. “Personally, I think how the wind shakes the leaves on the trees is one of the most calming things in the world.”

“(Y/n)?” Markus said softly, not wanting to interrupt your moment, but he didn’t know if you were aware that you were lamenting out loud

You blinked in realization as you woke up from your reverie, turning back to him again, a look on your face that he couldn’t quite place.

“I’m really sorry about that,” You confessed, sheepishly running a hand through your hair. “I just got distracted, and your voice is quite soothing, so I got lost in my thoughts for a second.”

Markus shifted in his seat, not sure how to react to such a sincere compliment. “My voice is soothing?” He didn’t really understand what that meant, only that he liked hearing you say it.

You hummed. “Yeah, I don’t know how to describe it, but it’s very calm and pleasant.”

Markus nodded, you noticed the small LED on his head had turned yellow.

“I was paying attention though, I promise,” And you laughed when he gave you a pointed look. “Really! I swear, the last thing you were talking about was the different ways a Queen piece can move.”

“I’m impressed.” He said with a smile before carrying on with his crash course.

Carl rolled in at one point, but the two of you were so enraptured in your lesson that neither of you noticed him come in.

He folded his arms over his chest, and watched the two of you interact with one another. You were so concentrated on trying to rely all of Markus’ information, wanting to show him that you were paying attention. And Markus was keen to teach you everything he knew about the game, to be of use to you.

“You kids look like you’re having fun.” Carl said as he rolled up to the table, giving Markus a look when he attempted to stand.

You beamed. “I must say, as wonderful a teacher as Markus is, I don’t think I’d be much competition for him.”

Carl chuckled. “I’ve bested him a few times. Though he is quite the opponent, perhaps you’d like to it in action?”

Markus was about to protest, noticing something that was different than usual.

He felt embarrassed?

Before he could ponder on the thought, you stepped up from your chair. “I’d love to watch you two.”

“Well Markus, what kind of hosts would we be if we didn’t entertain our guest?”

You had pushed the chair to the middle so Carl could wheel up to the other side of the chess board.

“Speed Chess?” Markus asked.

“Speed Chess.” Carl confirmed.

Immediately, they took off. Moving at such a fast pace you could hardly keep up with the game, they didn’t even need to process each other’s move before advancing their pieces.

They’d done this multiple times, but Markus noticed that Carl was going easy on him, despite how grumpy the man got when he lost.

What felt like seconds, Markus stopped the clock and looked down at his win.

“I have no idea what just happened, but I’m incredibly impressed either way.” You mused, causing the old man to chuckle again.

“I like this one.”

You watched them play a few more rounds for your enjoyment, then you realized how late it had gotten.

“Thank for you for allowing my into your home, Carl,” You said as you walked out into the foyer. “I hope I wasn’t too much of a bother.”

“Ah you’re welcome anytime,” Carl said as Markus returned with you coat. “Plus, I think it’s about time Markus got some friends other than his old man. And he seems to enjoy your company.”

Markus held out your coat for you, helping you slip your arms into it, smiling whenever you thanked him.

“I’ll see you both another time then.” You said, not evening turning the doorknob before Carl called out to you.

“How about you let Markus escort you home? It’s gotten dark out and I’d feel better if you let him take you.”

“Oh no, I don’t want to inconvenience-“

“I don’t mind taking you,” Markus interrupted, before immediately backtracking. “I mean, if it puts you at better safety, since statistically speaking it’s much more dangerous-“

“What I think my android friend wants to say is that he doesn’t mind.” Carl suavely finished, noticing that Markus might burst a circuit if he went on.

You smiled at the two of them. “Well, I won’t refuse good company.”

Markus nodded. “I’ll grab my coat.”

•

Next Part: http://ofnifflersandkings.tumblr.com/post/175024187157/title-tea-for-one-character-markus-dbh-previous

ofnifflersandkings:

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.

•

“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.

•

Part 2:http://ofnifflersandkings.tumblr.com/post/174894022062/title-a-visit-character-markus-dbh-previous