I groaned as my heavy metal ringtone filled the silent air of my bed room. Connor raised his head so I could move my arm out from under him. I squinted in the dark, my hand fumbling around the nightstand, trying to grab my phone. After a moment of hushed curses, Connor sat up and reached over top of me.

"Just answer it." I mumbled, throwing my arm back over my face.

Connor hesitated before I felt him shift beside me.

"It's detective Reed, Hank. "

I cursed, grabbing the phone and pressing it against my ear.

"What the fuck could you possibly want at goddamn two in the morning Reed?"

"Well, hello sunshine." Gavin sneered into the phone. "Trust me, I wouldn't call you if I didn't have to."

I waited for him to explain. After a few moments of silence I started to lose my patience.

"Well…?"

I heard a heavy sigh on the other end of the call.

"There's a … android here that… well…"

"Spit it out for fucks sake!"

More silence.

"He looks like Connor."

I sat up in bed.

"What?"

"Well, he mostly looks like Connor, sounds like him too…"

"Gavin, what the fuck are you talking about?"

He sighed into the phone again.

"Look, I think you guys need to come to the station and check it out."

My eyes flashed to Connors and he nodded, his LED spinning yellow.

"Did you get all that?"

"Yes. Tell detective Reed we are on our way."

I ran a hand down my face.

"Yeah, we're coming."

I snapped the phone shut. Connor was already on his feet and dressing by the time I threw my legs over the edge of the bed.

"Jesus, I'm getting too old for this shit."

We arrived at the station about thirty minutes later. Gavin stood at his desk facing someone who looked scary similar to Connor. He wasn't a perfect replica, there were a few differences. Like the color of his eyes for one, they were unnaturally icy blue. This android was also taller, broader than Connor was. There were also small differences that most people probably wouldn't even pick up on. Like the placement of his freckles were different than Connors and his hair was slightly shorter.

His posture reminded me of when I first met Connor, ridged, tense, and mechanical. It's amazing to see how different he acted now in comparison. He was more relaxed, more human. His icy eyes flicked to Connor and Gavin turned towards us. He was starting to make me uncomfortable.

"What's going on here?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"Thing showed up, asking for Connor." Gavin said, jabbing a thumb in the androids direction.

I knit my eyebrows together. Connor moved to take a step towards him but I placed a hand against his chest.

"The fuck are you doing?"

He blinked at me.

"I'm going to talk to the android."

"In the past few months you've been shot by two different androids. And now you want to waltz right up to one like it's just some strange coincidence?"

He smiled, placing his smooth hand over mine.

"I know what I'm doing, Hank."

Gavin groaned.

"Ugh, I think in gonna puke watching you two."

I shot him a glare but dropped my hand, moving to let Connor pass.

He straightened his tie, a tick of his I have gotten used to seeing on a daily biases, before he addressed the android.

"State your model number."

The thing never even blinked.

"Rk900 model number 313-248-317-87"

A shiver ran up my back.

"Jesus, he even sounds like you."

Connor had his serious face on, the one he used during interrogations. It contrasted sharply against his normally cheerful demeanor, but it was almost … sexy. I loved seeing it. Fucking boy drove me insane.

Connor fixed his brown eyes on me.

"He's an updated model. A step above me you could say. I'd assume he was built to replace me, am I right?"

"Correct. I was created to take your place, assuming you succeeded in stopping the revolution."

Anger boiled in my blood.

"So what? Fucking CyberLife was going to rip you apart either way, even if you did succeeded? Those fucking bastards."

Connors forehead creased.

"Are you a deviant?"

The android paused. His face showing only a hint of confliction.

"I'm… not sure."

"I thought CyberLife destroyed all the obedient tin cans?"

Connor didn't even flinch at Gavin's remark.

"Yes, but if this RK900 model was what CyberLife had up their own sleeves, they wouldn't have destroyed it."

Connor took another step towards the android.

"Why did you come looking for me?"

"They talked about you. I knew I was made to replace you but after everything happened and CyberLife fell into disorder, I was… lost."

Connors face softened.

"I'm still lost…"

Connor was silent for a long moment before he turned to face me.

"Maybe Captain Fowler could use some more help on the force?"

"Fuck no," Gavin interjected. "Having one of you assholes around is bad enough."

I let out a heavy breath. We didn't know anything about this android. What if its showing up here wasn't a coincidence?

"Connor, how can we trust him? He just shows up and claims he needs help, but how do we know this isn't just CyberLife's attempt at getting to you again?"

Connor opened his mouth to speak but the RK900 cut him off.

"How could anyone at Jericho trust Connor after he spent most of his time hunting down deviants instead of helping them? Against all odds, they trusted him, didn't they?" He bit out harshly.

I snapped my eyes to him. His icy eyes went wide. He looked taken back by his own words, like his own outburst surprised him.

Connor smirked.

"That was anger. You are in fact a deviant."

I crossed my arms with a sigh.

"We can mention it to Jeffrey, but that doesn't mean he will listen."

"Fucking great." Gavin groaned.

"Where is he going to stay until then?" I asked Connor.

He tilted his head, pressing his lips together in thought. I watched as his eyes slid over to Gavin.

Reed stiffened, giving Connor a ridiculous look.

"With me? Fuck no!"

Connor sighed.

"I guess I'll stay here with him until we get this figured out."

My chest tightened. I didn't want Connor to stay away from home.

"Connor.-"

"I can't leave him, Hank."

Connors eyes locked onto mine. I saw the sorrow that danced just beneath the surface. He couldn't leave him alone because, at one point, he was him. Scarred, confused, and just trying to figure out his place in life without his goddamn programing running everything for him. He had me at least, not that I'm a big fucking catch or anything, but at least he wasn't alone. This android, this guy, he was truly alone.

I sighed, running a hand through my hair.

"Alright, I'll stay too then."

Connors LED flashed yellow.

"Hank, you don't have to.-"

"I'm not leaving you here all night, okay? End of discussion."

Connor smiled and gave me a small nod.

"Thank you, Hank."

"For fucks sake," Gavin said, leaning back on his desk. "We can't all have a goddamn slumber party at the station."

"Then what would you suggest?" I insisted.

He ran a hand down his face.

"Fine, it can stay with me. But if this hunk of plastic tries to murder me in my sleep, you two better not come to my fucking funeral."

Wow, I did not expect Gavin Reed of all people to step up and house an android, especially one he just met.

"You sure, Reed?"

"Hey," He said, pushing off of his desk. "I can handle myself, alright? Come on, tin can, let's go."

As he passed Connor he shoved a finger hard against his chest.

"You better get this situation cleared with Jeffrey, fast."

The RK900 flicked his eyes to Connors. Connor gave him a small nod and he followed Gavin out the front door.

I blinked after them, finding it hard to wrap my head around the sight of Gavin leading the android out of the building.

"Do you think he'll be okay?"

"I don't think the RK900 poses any threat to detective Reeds wellbeing."

"I meant the android."

Connor laughed. And it was damn beautiful.

"Hank, he is quite literally the strongest, fastest, smartest being on this earth, more so than me. If Gavin tried anything, I have no doubt he could subdue him."

"I bet he still tries."

Connor shifted next to me, slipping his hand down my arm and lacing his fingers through mine.

"Come on, lieutenant. Let's go home."

I leaned against the counter, waiting in the breakroom for the coffee to finish brewing. Connor and the RK900 were in Jeffrey's office. Connor was pitching him the idea of hiring the android on the force. To be honest, I didn't really know how Jeffrey would take it. I wanted to be in there with him but he insisted that they did this without us.

Gavin sighed from the table.

"They've been in there forever, what the fuck is taking them so long?"

I knit my eyebrows together and straightened up.

"Why do you care, Gavin? Thought you didn't want another android around here."

Gavin pulled a face.

"I don't. I just don't want the thing at my house anymore."

Yeah right. Gavin was as transparent as a fucking window. He was using being a jackass as a defense mechanism. He was a fucking dick, but I think deep down he had a bigger heart than he liked to let on.

"Uh huh, sure."

After a moment his face fell and he dropped his head into his hands.

"Look, you didn't have to sit with it all night. The thing just sat there, looking so lost… so… alone..."

His voice softened in a way that I had never heard before. I turned to pour two cups of coffee, then sat one in front of Gavin.

"Us humans, we aren't the only things who can feel alone anymore…" I said, giving him a thoughtful look.

In typical Gavin fashion, he scoffed, snatching up the coffee.

"Don't get all sentimental with me, old man. You're the one that's got a fucking android kink, not me."

I rolled my eyes and drink my coffee. After a moment Gavin spoke up again.

"So, what's really going on with you two?"

My eyebrows shot up. Since when did Reed care about my personal life?

"Why do you care?"

Gavin twisted his face into a sneer, but he didn't say anything. It was like he couldn't think of a good reason to shoot back at me. I sighed.

"He's my partner, in every meaning of the word."

I gave him a pointed look. His face softened only slightly.

"You just give up on the chance of any human being interested in you?"

His words were flat. There was no malice or venom behind them. He sounded almost sad and I wondered if it was still me we were talking about here.

"I love him, Reed."

He flicked his eyes up to mine. After a moment, he nodded slowly.

"Yeah, yeah I can tell."

I relaxed my shoulders a bit and drank some more of my coffee.

"He isn't so bad you know, Connor, you could do a lot worse."

I smiled behind my cup. It didn't go unnoticed to me that he was starting to refer to Connor as "He" and not "It". Maybe Gavin wasn't as big of an asshole I thought.

"Ah, hello detective Reed, Lieutenant Anderson."

I held back a groan as Brittany stepped into the break room, walking towards the coffee pot.

"Brittany," I said, nodding to her. "I didn't know they had work for you today."

She poured herself a cup and turned, smiling that fake little smile of hers.

"I'm just doing a little bit of maintenance work today. "

"Is that so?" I mumbled against my drink.

"That reminds me, can you tell Connor to come see me when he has a moment? I want to check his systems and make sure he is functioning at full capacity. I know that he has been shot on two separate occasions as of late and I think he is in need a thorough check up."

"Connor self-tests regularly. I think he's just fine."

Gavin laughed quietly at the table.

Brittany's fake smile faltered a little.

"I'm just looking out for him lieutenant. I know he's… important to you. Connor is a special guy. I want to make sure he gets everything he deserves."

I felt my muscles go tense and I frowned. She touched my arm before walking past me and out of the break room. Something about her gave me a weird feeling.

"You know," Gavin started, tossing his empty cup and walking up beside me. "She's really hot, but I don't like her. Something about her is off."

I nodded, finishing off my cup and tossing it as well.

Connor and the RK900 rounded the corner to the break room. Gavin groaned.

"Fucking finally."

Connor approached me, tugging carefully at his shirt, straightening it out, his face calm and his LED a cool blue. I felt my body relax at the sight of him.

"Sorry lieutenant, Jeffrey isn't the easiest man to persuade."

"Don't I fucking know it."

"So," Gavin crossed his arms beside me. "What did he say?"

Connor hesitated for a moment.

"After some negotiating, he agreed to let the RK900 join, under close supervision."

Gavin smirked.

"Well, Hank, looks like your fantasies are coming to life. Two plastic assholes to follow you around."

Connors mouth turned up.

"Well actually…"

"You are my assigned partner, detective Reed."

"Are you fucking serious?"

I laughed. This was perfect. Exactly what Reed needed. An android to put him in his place when he ran his goddamn mouth.

"That's not happening!"

"I'm afraid it's already been decided, detective. " The android said his voice smooth and calculating.

"Well, it's about to be undecided! I don't work with a partner, and I sure as hell don't want a goddamn glorified toaster hanging around, fucking up my cases!"

Connor opened his mouth to speak, feeling responsible for the android I guess, but he was cut off.

The RK900 took a step towards Gavin, towering over him, glaring at him with icy blue eyes.

"I am sorry you feel that way detective Reed, however nothing you do will change this outcome. So if you would be so kind as to stop whining so we can get on with our job, that would be much appreciated,"

"Oh fuck you, asshole!"

Gavin gripped the android by the collar and pushed him against the wall. I made a move towards them.

"Hey!-"

Suddenly the RK900 wrapped his hands around Gavin's wrist, pulling them off of his collar easily and, in one fluid motion, twisting them behind his back. He turned quickly, flipping their positions and slamming Reeds face first against the wall.

"Holy shit!" I breathed.

The android bent to speak into Gavin's ear.

"Pay attention, detective Reed, because I'm only going to say this once. I may be an android and I may be your partner, but I am not your pet or your slave. You will be wise to watch your mouth when speaking with me in the future. I am stronger, faster, and better than you will ever be and I can take you down in less than a second. Please do not tempt me. I am a deviant after all."

He let go of Gavin's wrists and stepped away.

"Once you have collected yourself, I will be waiting by your desk to begin."

And with that, he left. Gavin straightened with a groan, his face bright red with embarrassment.

"Fuck you, Connor, this is your fucking fault!"

Connor had a hand over his mouth, trying to stifle the giggles escaping him.

"Fuck!"

Gavin cursed as he stormed off.

"Holy fucking hell." I beamed as he walked away. "I think I like this RK900 guy."

"Markus messaged me today."

"Did he?" I asked, waiting for Gary to hand me my food. "Anything that I would understand?"

Connors mouth pulled up slightly.

"He was just telling me that they are close to getting the rights to the CyberLife Corporation signed over to them. He seems pretty excited about it."

"Yeah, good. I'm glad to see those fuckers go."

I hated CyberLife. I always have. But I watched Connor struggle for them. Fight for them. Get shot for them. He tried so hard in our deviant investigation for them. And they had plans to replace him from the very beginning. As far as I am concerned, they can all burn in hell.

"He also mentioned something else."

I glanced over at him. His expression was unreadable.

"He said, with his discussions with the president, that they think its best if we have surnames to identify with instead of just our first names and model numbers."

"Huh. That's pretty big for you guys then, isn't it?"

Connor nodded, but he seemed far away.

"So, what do you think you'll pick?"

He shrugged.

"I'm not sure yet. I'm still thinking. It's not every day you get to pick a last name."

I nodded. Something inside me felt weird. I was happy for Connor. This seemed like a step in the right direction for androids, making them more equal to humans. But then I thought of him identifying by a last name, a name that he had to pick himself. And while that's great that it gets to be his own choice, it didn't come from anyone. Not passed down by his parents, not giving by a husband. Nothing. It just seemed… sad. I wondered how he felt about it.

"Here you go." Gary said as he handed me my meal, puling me from my thoughts.

I thanked him and walked over to a table, unwrapping my food.

"Oh yeah," I said, speaking around the burger I was chewing. "That Brittany girl said she wanted to see you. Said she wanted to run a system test or something. Make sure you're running okay."

"Oh," Connor said, leaning his elbows on the table. "You spoke to her?"

"Yeah, this morning while you and the RK900 were talking to Jeffrey."

Connor nodded.

"Were you nice?"

I feigned hurt.

"I'm always nice."

"Of course." He purred through a smile. God he was fucking perfect.

I smirked.

"I was as nice as I needed to be. Told her it was pointless though, you can diagnose yourself."

"That's true. Maybe she wanted something else and didn't want to tell you."

I shot him a sharp glare. He smiled coyly.

"Nothing like that."

"Sure, sure." I said, sipping on my orange soda.

A bead of the drink slipped from the corner of my mouth. I watched Connors brown eyes flick down to it before he leaned in and darted his warm tongue out, dragging leisurely along the corner of my lips. My breath hitched as he leaned even closer, his lips barely touching my skin, trailing them up to the shell of my ear. I shivered as he whispered hotly against it.

"She's not my type, lieutenant."

I turned my head, catching his lips with my own. He mewed softly against my mouth before he pulled away.

"You're a fucking tease, you know that?"

He smiled and gave me one of those signature winks of his. He was goddamn gorgeous.

And I was so in love with him.