DON't Go



Markus didn't think he would ever get used to the sounds Jericho made at night. The normally quiet ship was now bustling with life as new androids made their way there every single day. He wasn't sure how many more androids they could actually have in there before they became full. He supposed it didn't matter. Jericho would always welcome androids from everywhere in Detroit. They needed a safe haven, a place they could call their home until they won their freedom. Jericho has even made its own updates, which allows them to save more androids. With their contacts, Markus can smuggle plenty of his people out in case they wish to go to Canada instead.

He had been asked if Rose could be trusted, but there was something in her eyes that told him she is more than capable of being a friend. Despite being a human, Markus knew she wouldn't do anything to hurt his people.

Sometimes he wished he could do more for them, but there wasn't anything they could do. 

A light sigh released from his lips as he walked through the hallways after coming back to his trip from the rooftop. It was usually at night when he liked to go there, but sometimes he would take the trips in the morning before sunset. That's where he usually had his deep thoughts, especially when he needed the peace and quiet. Jericho was a great place, but he never had any time to himself when he needed it most. Everyone always needed him for something. He wished he could take a break, though he knew it was never going to be that simple. As the leader of the revolution, Markus wasn't granted as much luxury.

Although, most of his people don't have much luxury anyway.

Markus' thoughts carried away with him when a noise cause his attention. He turned his head to the half-opened door to one of the separate rooms in the ship. This was given to Kara and Alice, mostly to give Alice a place of rest and Kara a peace of mind. A part of him didn't want to intrude on them, though he wasn't sure if Alice was around anyhow. Maybe Kara was in there. He was aware of her own insecurities when it came to the revolution. Things have gotten dangerous, especially ever since their last attempts at securing their freedom. Many of them had been shot and killed. Markus didn't have to sleep, but he had grown tired of seeing his people killed for no reason.

Sometimes he got worried that this was too much for them. Alice was only a child after all and Kara was her caretaker. "She comes first, Markus. I can't be happy when she's not. I want to keep her safe." She had told him once. He knew how she felt completely. Markus thought of Carl in the exact same way. It saddened him to know he couldn't keep his father-figure safe. Leo had destroyed any hopes of that.

Against his better judgement, Markus made his way over to the room and pushed the door open, only to see Kara packing her bags. When she heard the door squeaking, she turned and straightened her stance as soon as she saw Markus standing at the doorway. His expression was mostly neutral because he wasn't sure what she was doing. Mixmatched hues looked towards the bag that she was steadily releasing from her hand then back to hers. She looked awkward and unsure of herself in that moment. Markus couldn't remember a time when he saw her like that. Probably never. She always seemed level-headed and calm unless it came to Alice.

"Are you leaving?" He finally asked as he realized how defeaning the silence was in that moment. 

Kara looked at her bag then back at him with an expression he couldn't exactly read. "... Yes, but I-I didn't--" expect you to see me. The words were there, but she never said them out loud. "Look, Markus. Things are getting dangerous. Too dangerous for Alice. I... what if they find us here?"

Markus stepped into the room and gently closed the door behind him to give them a little bit of privacy. He didn't want anyone else intruding on them, though he doubted they would anyhow. "I understand your concern, Kara. But Jericho is completely safe. You know I would never put anyone in danger," He stepped towards her and stopped a few feet ahead of her, "You think it's dangerous because of how many of our people are dying, don't you?" When she sat down, Markus knelt beside her and noticed the look of 'exhaustion' on her face.

"I'm mostly worried about Alice. We went through a lot to get here and I'm terrified Jericho will be found and we'll end up--" Her eyes closed as she swallowed, clearly disturbed. "I have to think of Alice here and what's best for her. If our people keep dying, then what will that show her? If they find Jericho, then what will happen? She needs to have a normal life, Markus. Ever since we left... we've done nothing but run." She finally met his eyes, which only made her feel even worse.

His expression finally changed as he realized she was right. He didn't want her to stick around if  she thought it was too dangerous for Alice, but... there was a selfish part of him that wanted her to stay. "Do you think this is what Alice would want?" He asked, knowing the young girl had found some friends on the ship.

Kara frowned and stood up, moving away from Markus, which caused him to do the same. "I-it's not about that. Markus, on the big screens they see the marches! Alice told me that... she shouldn't be seeing any of this, Markus. I have to protect her. If they find Jericho, then what can I do to save her?" 

Stepping forward, Markus gently grabbed ahold of her arms in an attempt to calm her down. "Kara, stop putting all this on your shoulders. The entire city of Jericho has your back. We all want to protect each other. Including Alice. Is there nothing I can do to ease your worries?" His eyes searched hers for a moment as he realized there wasn't just a selfish reason for him wanting her to say. There was also fear. Fear of losing her. Fear of never talking to her again or seeing her again. When he realized this, he released her from his hold and looked away. "... I want to protect you. I want to protect Alice. We're all in this together." He finally looked at her again, "We're stronger together."

She ran a hand through her hair. "I know. I just... Markus, I'm terrified. They're killing more of us everyday."

"Hey, hey..." Markus moved forward and gently touched her cheek, "I'm here for you. And Alice... I... care about you. I care about Alice." 

"Markus, I care about you too, but--"
 
He didn't give her the chance to say anything else before his lips descended onto hers.  It took her a moment to process his actions, though she finally returned the kiss afterwards. Markus felt his thirium heart beating inside of his chest and could barely focus on anything else but her. When he pulled back, he was merely a few inches away from her lips, and opened his eyes to look into hers. "I meant it. I want to protect you both. I want you to trust me.

"Please, don't go."