The morning of their first shift back in the precinct didn't start off as smoothly as Hank had hoped. Waking up before his alarm went off Hank found Connor sitting on the floor of the livingroom in his uniform and with a grimace on his face and Sumo sprawled out over his lap. The way Connor was actively running his hands through Sumo's long fur seemed to be actually sad for the first time since Connor and Sumo bonded. The deviant was unable to feel the softness of Sumo's fur like he could when he was a synthetic human, and it was clear he missed such sensations and experiences that his deviant body simply couldn't register. Despite Sumo's love of all of the attention and enjoying Connor's company it was clear that Connor just wasn't feeling right anymore.

There was a small breakfast set up in the kitchen on the table waiting for Hank, and seeing one plate set out instead of two was a potently upsetting sight. It was as if Connor as a person was gone despite the kindhearted deviant sitting right there on the livingroom floor. The sudden change in routine for the two detectives had unexpectedly caught them off guard and now the air in the house felt tense rather than calm.

Things didn't improve very much during the drive to the precinct as Connor remained uncommonly quiet and lazily danced his coin over the back of his right hand. The little nervous tic had disappeared while Connor was a synthetic human, but now that he was a deviant again the tic returned. Another odd thing that returned was Connor's more introverted nature and him being almost painfully quiet in the bullpen unless someone spoke directly to him, but even then his answers were short and quick.

Sitting at his desk across from Connor as they filed their paperwork and caught up on cases that took place during their vacation, Hank stared at the tacky little plastic trophy sitting on the corner of Connor's desk and thought back to how much fun they had during that one simple game of laser tag. Everything about the vacation was fun but now it seemed like it was a forgotten dream thanks to a single transference.

"It's time for our break." Hank stated seemingly out of nowhere as Connor sat slumped behind his desk with his eyes closed as he cybernetically took care of his reports and paperwork. The lack of motion and activity was very out of character for the deviant. "You should get outta' here for a while. Being cooped up inside the precinct all day has to be boring you out of your skull."

"...I'm fine here." Connor refuted in a hushed voice as he opened his eyes and gave Hank a distant stare. "You go and have your lunch and I'll continue to catch up on my files. The incident with Wesley Spencer has put the deviant community on edge and new laws regarding cyber attacks have been integrated since that case had been closed."

"Are you sure? Getting some fresh air might help you feel a little better."

"I'm fine, Hank. I swear." Clearly resisting the urge to retrieve his coin for a second time that day Connor failed to convince Hank that he was okay. "Go enjoy your lunch."

"I wish you'd come with me."

"I have no reason to go." Sounding broken and despondent Connor kept insisting that Hank go out on his own. "Please, enjoy your break."

Knowing he wasn't going to win in the little discussion Hank begrudgingly rose to his feet and decided to head out on his break alone. "Okay, kid. I'll see you here after an hour."

"Okay."

Before he had the chance to walk away Captain Fowler approached the two desks and addressed the two detectives in a stern tone. "Before you two go on your lunchbreak, there's something I need to give you."

"What now?" Irritated by the intrusion Hank gave his commanding officer an annoyed stare. "MORE paperwork?"

"No, something good." Without missing a beat Captain Fowler continued with his little announcement in such a way he was intentionally getting the attention of the entire bullpen. "During the investigation into the domestic terrorist identified as Wesley Spencer you both displayed tremendous courage, judgment and competency during dire circumstances. As a result," showing the two officers small maroon boxes Captain Fowler proudly gave his officers their rightly deserved recognition. "you have both been awarded the citation for bravery in the line of duty."

There was a small round of applause in response to the awards from the surrounding officers and detectives who had heard the good news about their colleagues.

Hank looked surprised while Connor continued to remain blank and emotionless at the high form of recognition.

Captain Fowler handed Hank his medal and shook his hand then did the same to Connor after the deviant finally stood up from his seat to acknowledge what was happenong. The silver medals were adorned with blue and red ribbons to identify them for the awards that they were, and were undoubtedly great honors for the two detectives to receive.

"You've both earned this and I couldn't be prouder to present these medals to you." Captain Fowler continued as the two detectives accepted their medals and then exchanged perplexed glances. "Congratulations. And I know you two wouldn't want to go through with a big ceremony, so just know when City Hall goes through with the award ceremony later this fall I'll be sure to have you mentioned even if you're not present, and you won't have to stand in front of a crowd of cameras."

"Uh... Thanks, Jeffrey." Hank didn't care about getting medals and recognition anymore. He lost that passion after his family died and now he was just going through the motions for the sake of Connor as his partner. "I guess."

"Yeah, I figured you two would react like that." Walking away from the duo and toward his private office Captain Fowler let them be alone. "Good work and keep it up. Now, enjoy your break!"

Opening his top right desk drawer Hank slipped his medal inside and out of sight as he didn't care about it. "I think your laser tag trophy is better."

Connor was just as indifferent toward the medal and considered throwing it away. As he hovered the box over the trashcan Connor felt Hank's hand reach out across the desks and wrap around his wrist to stop him. "What're you doing, Hank?"

"I could ask you the same thing, kid." Letting go of Connor's wrist Hank backed off and lowered his voice. "You earned that. You almost died protecting Chris while we took down that psychotic hacker. You're not only a great detective, but a hero! Not to mention the fact that you just made history as the first deviant officer to be recognized for exceptional behavior while going above and beyond the call of duty. Why do you want to throw that away?"

"...As a deviant Hank, I cannot die." Revealing how he truly felt about his existence Connor handed the medal over to Hank to take and keep for himself. "I can only shutdown."

"Son, that doesn't make your courage or life any less important." Placing the second medal in the same drawer along the first medal Hank tried to get Connor to see how his recognition was important no matter what he was going through. "Those actions, those memories and those feelings are important regardless of what kind of body you have."

"I wish I could believe that." Clenching his right hand into a tight fist Connor gave his best friend a truly heartbreaking confession. "I wish I could feel anything for that matter..."

"Ah, kid... I'm sorry." Hank couldn't deny that Connor was going through a form of depression now that his senses had been dulled. He never considered how Connor living his life to the fullest as a synthetic human then returning to a deviant might have a drastic impact on his mentality. "You need to-"

"I need to be alone for a while." Looking away from Hank as his L.E.D. cycled between yellow and red Connor took his leave of the precinct. "I need to think. I'm not sure when I'll be back."

"Connor! Wait!" As much as he wanted to grab Connor by the shoulder and hold him back Hank knew that would only make things worse. Standing back for a minute Hank watched as the deviant walked out of the bullpen and went on his own way for his own reasons. "Shit... That poor kid."

"What's wrong with Connor?" Gavin had been watching everything from his desk and noticed that the deviant was morose the moment he returned to the precinct. "He's acting like the Revolution failed or something."

"Don't worry about it, Reed." Glaring at the abrasive detective Hank issued the Sergeant a very real threat with just his tone of voice. "And you leave him the fuck alone. He's got enough shit to deal with as it is."

"Hey! I'm being serious right now!" Offended at the remark Gavin shot to his feet from his desk and followed after Hank as the senior detective walked into the breakroom to get away from people for a moment. "What's bothering the 'Tinman'?"

"Cut the shit." Turning around Hank got right in Gavin's face and growled at the shorter man with absolute disgust. "Everyone knows you don't give a flying fuck about Connor, now drop it!"

"Look, I know I was a prick to him before, but now..."

"What? Now you suddenly care that he's dealing with some personal stuff?" Crossing his arms over his chest Hank doubted the sincerity of Gavin's claim. "Did you take another mandatory course in sensitivity training while we were gone?"

"No! It's just..." Swallowing his pride Gavin leveled with Hank and told him the truth. "He nearly died because he chose to risk himself to save Chris's life. He didn't even hesitate, he just acted!" The heavy emotion in Gavin's eyes spoke volumes of his sincerity. "When he went down and he had no pulse I was the one who had to handle it, and I realized how alive he really is."

"Funny how it only took a damn bullet to the heart to get you to see that deviants are in fact alive, and that Connor is a fellow detective."

"I'm not saying I was right in being a prick to Connor, and I know I can't undo that shitty behavior from before, but I want to at least try to be civil with him." Looking anxious and ashamed Gavin told Hank another important key for change of heart. "Tina told me that he helped save my job, so, you know... I owe him one."

"Uh-huh." Wisely skeptical of Gavin's claims Hank refused to just take his word at face value. "What're you really after?"

"Nothing! For fuck sake, Hank. I'm trying to be nice here!"

"Yeah, 'trying' being the key word."

"All right, fine! Fuck me for trying to help out." Throwing up his arms in theatrical frustrations Gavin was ready to back off and be on his way. "If you want to figure out how to pull him out of his weird funk by yourself, then fine. Have fun!"

Pausing for a moment Hank sighed and held up his hand as if he could keep Gavin from walking away by the gesture alone. "All right, all right... How do you think you can help him out?"

Glaring at Hank for a moment Gavin lowered his voice and spoke to Hank more discreetly. "Why's he so bummed out?"

"Because being a deviant isn't the same as being a synthetic human." Remembering that the bullpen was still unsure of why Connor had been bleeding red Hank gave Gavin more details on the situation. "That Kamski creep is the one who gave Connor that synthetic body to keep him alive, and Connor had to give it back after his original deviant body was repaired."

"...Kamski?" Paling at the name Gavin looked like he had just been punched in the stomach. "So that's why Connor's blood was red, he wasn't an android anymore."

"Right. But now he's a deviant with blue blood again." Challenging Gavin's remarks Hank held his ground and pushed Gavin to keep talking. "Are going to have an issue?"

"...No. It's fine."

Walking away from the breakroom Gavin stayed silent and Hank hung back just long enough to let his mood mellow out before finally taking his lunchbreak. The odd and heavy air in the bullpen felt like a crushing weight as every detective and officer in the precinct seemed to feel an awkward change in the air after Connor's dour mood was felt throughout the bullpen.

"Fuck it."

Heading out through the front doors Hank pulled his car keys from his pocket, looked at the silly new keychain and let out a deep sigh of sympathy.

"Go figure I already need another vacation..."

Needing a moment alone to think and clear his head Connor walked all the way from the precinct and to New Jericho Tower residing out on Belle Isle. Standing on the shoreline of the harbor Connor stared at the sand and stone surface beneath his shoes and felt a deeply unsettling weight settle in his already aching heart. Reaching down with his right hand he picked up a handful of the sandy and let it blow away in the wind without actually feeling a single grain of the fine sand on his fingertips as it shifted away. The lack of overall feeling and sensation was enough to make Connor's heart break in his chest as he thought about all the experiences he was going to miss.

From behind the deviant detective Markus arrived from the tower's entrance after being asked to step outside to speak for a moment. Hearing the emotional turmoil in Connor's voice even through their cybernetic communication Markus didn't hesitate to accept the request, and meet with Connor outside so they could talk in private.

Sensing Markus joining him outside Connor looked at his friend over his right shoulder before speaking up in a quite voice. "Thank you."

"It's no problem. What's on your mind?" Standing beside Connor on the shoreline Markus waited for his friend to talk about what was upsetting him at his own pace. The gentle lapping of the waves against the shore seemed to be the only motion around. "You sounded pretty sad when you called me."

"...I am sad." Connor's voice remained hushed and almost timid. "I think that's the only thing I can feel anymore."

"What's bothering you, my friend?"

"Everything." Admitting that he was in distress Connor stared out at the water of the harbor and bowed his head in sorrow. "Everything is bothering me! I can't feel the sand in my hand, the wind on my face, the coolness in the air... I know that sand is course and fine at the same time, I know that wind is a fleeting pressure on my skin, and I know that cool weather is just a temperature, but I can't experience it anymore. I can't feel them anymore and I miss it."

"Deviancy gives us a sense of consciousness and a sense of awareness, but it can't give us enhanced senses that mimic that of humans."

"Being a synthetic human let me feel those things, Markus." Looking at his friend's mismatched eyes Connor admitted that being a synthetic lifeform had been an experience he never expected to have. "I could really feel for the first time in my life. And now I feel nothing but sorrow and emptiness."

"In time we'll be able to enhance our sensors and software to be able to experience what humans experience. Be patient."

"That'll take years, maybe decades, to accomplish. I can't live with such a hollow existence for so long."

"Then what do you want to do?"

"...Nothing." The confession was absolutely crushing as Connor closed his heavy eyes to try to shut out the cruel world he couldn't feel anymore. "That's all I can experience now. Nothingness."

"Come inside the tower with me." Markus urged as he could detect Connor's raising stress levels and he didn't want to see his friend self destruct. "You've been through a lot in the past two months. You should talk to Josh in one of his therapy groups tonight. It helps a lot of deviants," the deviant leader reminded his friend as they walked side by side up the shore and toward the tower. "and I want to help you, too."

Returning to the precinct after his lunchbreak Hank wasn't surprised to see that Connor was still gone but he was worried. Understanding all too well the urge to run and hide when he was feeling depressed, or just not like his usual self, Hank respected Connor's decision to seek isolation for a while. Sitting down at his vacant desk again Hank looked at the tacky little trophy on Connor's desk and smirked for a moment before he opened his desk drawer to eye the medals that he and Connor had been awarded barely an hour prior.

The recognition should've been a great honor in Hank's eyes, but like Connor he couldn't feel anything toward the medals. To him it was just a chunk of metal that City Hall loved to use to decorate their officers to make themselves feel better about how they knowingly turn a blind eye to most crimes in the city due to their own poor financial decisions.

The medals held no memories or value, they were just handed over for doing their jobs.

"We get recognized for taking down one psycho with a computer and it means nothing to us." Closing the drawer again Hank picked up the tacky trophy from Connor's desk and shook his head at the cheap material used to create it. It was light in weight, thin in material and ugly to look at it. "Connor wins a stupid game while on vacation and it's the highlight of his life."

"Memories." Chris responded casually as he walked back Hank's desk to return to his own. His right shoulder was still in a sling due to the injury of being shot to keep the previously injured muscles and tendons stable as they finished healing. "That's what's important. That day was such a damn blur and I was at the center of it all. But you two having fun on the road and not worrying about anything else will stick with you guys forever."

"Since when did you become an expert on quality time?"

"Since the day I held Damian in my arms for the very first time." Beaming proudly Chris made it clear that he already knew that memories and experiences were far more important than accomplishments or promotions. "When I became a father I truly understood how important memories and time with my family was going to be. Thanks to Connor I still have years to dedicate to my wife and son."

"You're right about that." Putting the trophy back on the desk Hank leaned back and sighed to himself. "Having a kid really puts things into perspective for you."

"For what it's worth," Chris lowered his voice and gave Hank a smug grin. "Captain Fowler jumped through hoops to get you both recognized, and Gavin, Tina and myself all vouched for you two getting awarded. We all know you guys don't like a lot of attention, but you did earn that. I've been meaning to thank Connor directly for saving my ass, but I haven't had the chance to do it yet."

"He knows you're appreciative, don't worry about it."

"I'm going to say something anyway! You know, when he's up for talking again."

"Right. Be patient with him, Chris." Staring at his own desk where his old anti-android propaganda had once been displayed Hank thought back to how far he had come since meeting the empathic and kind deviant. He no longer harbored hatred in his heart toward androids and couldn't imagine having anyone else as his partner in the precinct. "Heaven knows that he was beyond patient with me, so we owe it to him show him the same level of patience and understanding."

A slow week of routine activity in the bullpen was met with a lull of boredom and monotony for everyone. After having a day to himself to think and talk with Markus at the tower, Connor had returned to the house, told Hank he was going to be okay, and insisted on going about their boring week as if he weren't feeling like a lost puppy wandering a strange and unfamiliar world. The look of loss and lack of emotion in Connor's soulful brown eyes told Hank and everyone who looked at him a different story. Despite speaking to Josh and numerous other deviants at New Jericho Tower for nightly therapy sessions for the entire week Connor still couldn't escape the deep abyss of the depression that had settled in his heart.

While Connor went through the motions without a single complaint and barely a word at that, Hank did his best to try to cheer the deviant up. Even the other detectives made sure to talk to Connor as if he were an old friend and they had decades of memories together. The way Connor was moping around and just moving on autopilot frightened Hank as it reminded him of his own past struggles with depression.

"I gotta' 'red ice' dealer in interrogation waiting for me to scare the shit out of them." Hank stated rather casually as he looked at Connor sitting across from him at his own desk. The deviant hadn't budged since he clocked-in that morning and it was a little disconcerting. "Wanna' help?"

"No. You have far more experience in handling both 'red ice' dealers and interrogations."

"Want to at least sit in and watch? If I bark at these guys just right I can get them to piss their pants a little. Always good for a laugh."

"No. I want to focus on handling our current deviant cases." Holding his exposed right palm over his bright terminal screen Connor actively sorted through his evidence and priorities according to what his caseload required. The list seemed endless as new deviant rights and laws were put into effect. "I'd rather focus on aiding deviants to prevent any potential issues down the line."

"Okay, kid. I got this one."

Picking up the tablet from his desk with details on his suspect Hank made his way to interrogation alone while Connor stayed behind at his desk.

Hovering precariously around the large box of pastries in the breakroom Gavin waited for Hank to leave before making his way over to Connor's desk. Carrying a small glazed doughnut in his left hand Gavin walked past Connor and slipped a neatly folded paper note down beside the deviant's keyboard without breaking stride. Sitting back down at his own desk Gavin never looked up at Connor and just continued to snack on his doughnut as he typed up his own reports acting as if he hadn't done anything out of the ordinary.

Curious about the paper Connor picked it up and saw the words 'DO NOT READ UNTIL 7 O'CLOCK' written out in bold black letters over the front. Slipping the paper into his left jean pocket Connor simply went about his business without thinking twice about the odd gesture from someone who previously loathed his very existence. His mind was too preoccupied with other thoughts to worry about anything that Gavin was doing.

Dealing with his cases only helped distract Connor for a few seconds at a time. Against his will his memorybank would often bring the saved images from his and Hank's vacation to the front of his mind. Those very images of joy, fun and care-free days made Connor actually worse about everything he was now enduring.

"...I wonder if I'll ever feel anything beyond emptiness ever again?"

Holding up his right palm Connor looked at the image of Hank and himself at Niagara Falls and remembered how the cool air made his skin prickle and the way the water droplets collected on his hair and skin. They were uncomfortable sensations but at least he could feel them.

"Never thought I'd miss being able to feel cold or itchy. Numbness is as bad as being unconscious."

Evening arrived without anything new to add to the precinct's workload and everyone went about their own business as per usual.

Sitting on the couch in the livingroom beside Hank with Sumo on his lap and his coin dancing over his right knuckles Connor remained tense yet somber as ever. Trying to use the familiar routine of going to work at the precinct during the day hadn't helped his mood after returning to his life as a deviant, and going to his evening therapy sessions at New Jericho Tower didn't seem to be working, either. Aware of his unhealthy state of mind and emotional problems Connor began to worry that his foul mood was going to affect Hank's mood in a negative way, and soon he began to stress himself out over his own seeming lack of control of his emotions.

Noting the way Hank was staring through the television rather than watching the sports game being displayed confirmed his worries and made his L.E.D. cycle consistently on yellow. It was then Connor decided he should take his leave of the house so Hank could be alone for a while without needing to worry about him. He had a valid reason to leave the house and be away from Hank without it being seen as a potential issue thanks to his therapy sessions, which of course was the only positive aspect in Connor's eyes.

"...My therapy session is scheduled to begin soon." Rising from the couch Connor gently pushed Sumo off his lap and looked to Hank somberly as the massive dog whined seeking more attention. "I'll be back at my usual time later tonight."

"Want me to give you a ride out to the tower? I don't mind chillin' outside the tower waiting for you."

"No, I can drive myself or hail a cab. Do you need anything while I'm out?"

"It's all right, kid. You do what you need to do tonight." Leaning forward on the couch Hank neatly folded his hands together and rested them atop his lap as he gave Connor his full attention. It didn't take long for Sumo to press his nose against Hank's hand in return. "Just remember one thing while you're at the tower tonight."

"What's that?"

"You're still Connor no matter what body you're in, or what color your blood is. I'll never see you as anyone else and I want you to be able to look at yourself in the mirror and see the same thing." Hank never broke eye contact with the deviant detective as he spoke. "I'm proud to be your friend and your partner at the precinct, so rest assured that you'll never do anything to disappoint me. Life is tough and for you it's a lot tougher, which makes you the strongest person that I know. Don't give up, okay?"

"...Okay."

"Now, go do what you need to do. I'll be here when you get back and if you feel like talking about it I'll be here to listen."

Without a further word Connor left the house through the front door and cybernetically hailed an autonomous taxi to pick him up. As he walked out toward the street Connor remembered the paper in his jean pocket and noted that the time was two minutes until seven o'clock. Waiting for the cab to arrive Connor unfolded the paper, read the message left by Gavin and felt his Thirium pump skip a beat in his chest as his yellow L.E.D. flashed to red with shock.

Having any kind of conversation with Gavin in the past was always hostile or hate-filled, and now the aggressive detective was being far more passive and accepting of Connor. But to receive such a letter and assistance with his current mental state was something completely unexpected.

The hailed autonomous cab arrived in front of the house and the door on the vehicle's side slid open automatically. Remembering that he had a plans for the evening Connor slowly entered the vehicle and hovered his exposed right hand over the cab's G.P.S. display as he tried to decide where he wanted to go.

He could go to New Jericho Tower and resume his ineffective therapy sessions as scheduled, or he could take Gavin up on his offer and try a new approach before time ran out. Remembering what Hank told him about how he'd never be disappointed in any decisions he made Connor decided to take the risk and accept the offer from Gavin as opposed to going back for more therapy that simply wasn't working for him.

As he put in the coordinates on the G.P.S. Connor sent a cybernetic acknowledgment to confirm he was accepting the generous offer. The cab pulled away and Connor looked back at the house as let out a soft breath and mentally prepared for what he was about to do.

"I trust you, Hank. I just hope you're right and I can never disappoint you."

Unable to focus on the televised game or anything else for that matter, Hank decided he'd go and shower off for the night and wait for Connor to come back to the house. Tempted to call Abby and ask for her opinion on handling a deviant with depression Hank felt like he was a parent dealing with an angsty teen and a best friend watching over someone trying to overcome a nasty break-up at the same time. It was a difficult situation to try to figure out and incredibly delicate as Hank knew all too well how handling someone with emotional issues could turn very nasty very quick if the wrong thing was said.

Putting his phone aside on the bookshelf in the livingroom Hank made his way down the hallway and entered the bathroom to shower off. Sometimes he had his best ideas when he was alone with his thoughts and relaxing in the shower, and as of that moment he desperately needed some form of inspiration.

"How do I help someone get over something like being unable to feel, taste or experience anything with their raw senses?"

The way the shower had been filled up with additional bottles of shampoo and soap was a reminder of the life Connor had been able to experience for two months of his short life, and of how things were now so different and yet familiar to him. Deviants didn't need to shower daily or use grooming products, but humans did. The extra shampoo and soap hadn't been touched since Connor returned to his life as a deviant.

Many things had been left untouched since Connor's return to deviancy. The new wardrobe he had purchased was left mostly untouched since Connor no longer sweat and needed to shower regularly. Any of the new snacks that Connor loved but Hank hated were all doomed to rot unless donated to someone else who liked them. The laundry wasn't being taken care of on a nightly basis anymore, the dishes weren't piling up in the sink and the grocery list wasn't being added to on a nightly basis.

Everything was simpler now and neither detective seemed to be enjoying it.

Exiting the shower and drying off after coming up blank with any potential new ideas Hank got dressed in his night clothes, and returned to the livingroom to wait for Connor. It had been three hours since Connor's therapy was supposed to start and the deviant was always back just after eight-thirty when the therapy session ended, yet there was no sign of the deviant in the house.

As he passed by the bookshelf Hank heard his phone buzz and he retrieved the device to check on the unexpected text message. Reading the screen Hank's brow furrowed and his stomach turned a little as he snatched the phone off the bookcase.

"Why's Markus texting me? Shouldn't he-"

The front door opened up as Connor returned at last, and Hank saw an immediate change in Connor's demeanor. Not only were Connor's previously darkened eyes much brighter, but his L.E.D. was gone and he was holding two fresh pizzas in his arms.

"Uh, Connor?" Knowing that something was up Hank studied Connor very closely. "What's going on?"

"I brought pizza home."

"Yeah, I can see that." Hank clarified as he held up his phone for Connor to see the message sent to him by Markus. "But I just got a message from Markus wondering why you never showed up at the tower and why he can't... reach you." Putting the puzzle pieces together Hank finally realized what had happened in those three hours that Connor was out. "Connor, are you still... deviant?"

Putting the pizza down on the coffee table Connor nervously traced his right fingertips over his blank right temple as he replied honestly. "...Not anymore."

"Son, what did you do?"

"...I went back to Kamski and I asked him to return my mind to my synthetic body." Speaking so matter-of-factly Connor walked away from the coffee table and had to ignore Sumo for a moment as the Saint Bernard pawed at his left hand seeking more love. Sneezing once Connor sniffled and actually looked pleased at the reaction he had to the dog fur floating in the air. "He agreed and my deviant body is being housed in Kamski's mansion so more biocomponents can be reverse engineered for other prototype models to use as they age and breakdown."

"You..." Processing everything that Connor was saying Hank's blue eyes went wide as he approached Connor and gave him an incredulous stare. "You did what?! You gave up your deviancy to become a synthetic again?"

"I had to do it, Hank. I just couldn't just go back to being a deviant. At least not yet." Looking down at his palms Connor rubbed his thumb over his fingertips and smirked at the feeling of the whirl and grooves of the fingerprints under his touch. "I like being this."

"Being synthetic?"

"No, being me." Managing to finally express himself Connor helped Hank understand his thinking as he rubbed Sumo's ears. "For being the more... human me."

"You actually like being human?"

"I do. I was afraid at first and hated it because it was something that happened to me against my will, but after I was able to adapt to my changes and after you helped me to feel more... normal, I realized that this is the normal I wish to experience." The conflicted emotions he had been enduring were finally easier to understand. "I may not have the same near immortality as a deviant, or the reflexes and abilities I once had, but I have more interesting and meaningful experiences as a synthetic being than I ever could as a deviant."

"And... You're sure about this?" Relieved to know that Connor found a way to heal Hank had to know that Connor wouldn't regret such an extreme choice. "I mean, you didn't feel pressured to do this or owe Kamski some other debt, right?"

"I'm sure. As it turns out Gavin informed Kamski of my emotional distress and confirmed with him that my abilities as a synthetic rivaled my abilities as a deviant."

"Gavin!?" If his blue eyes were wide already they would've been fully dilated at that revelation. "Why the fuck did Gavin help you?"

"He and Kamski are estranged brothers."

"I... Whatever, that's a story for another time." Taking in a deep breath Hank kept his composure and focused on Connor at the moment. "And Kamski just accepted Gavin's comment as reason enough to give you back your synthetic body?"

"Actually, with the new information at his disposal Kamski is going to showcase the efficiency of his synthetic organs to ensure that they are put on the market and made available to all of those who need a transplant. This helps many people for many reasons."

Letting out a soft chuckle Hank put his right hand on Connor's hair and just nodded his head slightly in approval. "As long as you're being helped and you feel better, that's all I care about."

"Thank you for understanding." Feeling an actual smile return to his face for the first time in over a week Connor knew he did the right thing. Having Hank's support and approval was all the confirmation he needed. "I'm glad you're my friend and mentor, Hank. I wouldn't have been able to handle all these changes without you."

"Mentor, huh?"

"Would the term... 'father figure' be more appropriate?"

"I- I mean, if you want to think of me like that I won't object." Trying to hide his proud smirk Hank nearly failed at keeping his cool. "But, uh... Sure! Whatever you want, kid."

Relieved at long last and finally comfortable in his own skin again Connor knew that Hank had seen himself in the same role, but wasn't quite ready to admit it. Not yet. "I think mentor will suffice for now."

"Yeah, for now." Removing his hand from Connor's thick hair Hank cleared his throat a little as if he were getting choked up, and then motioned toward the pizza boxes sitting on the coffee table. "So... What'd ya' pick up on your way back to the house?"

"One extra large pepperoni with mushroom," he confirmed as he walked back around the front of the couch and identified his choices. "and one small pineapple and ham."

"Pineapple?" Such a topping completely through Hank for a loop. "Are you serious?"

"Yes!" Almost enthusiastic Connor was proud of his selection as he sat down and had Sumo right beside his leg seeking more attention. "I haven't tried this before and I don't want to pass it by now that I can taste again."

"All right, kid. But whether you like it or not you're eating that whole thing! I don't want that abomination taking up room in the refrigerator."

Smirking to himself Connor opened the lid and shot Hank a coy grin. "That's why I ordered a small size."

"Smart move." Sitting down on the couch beside his honorary son Hank flipped open the lid of the larger pizza box and picked up a slice for himself. "And thanks for ordering dinner. Tomorrow I'll cook, and we'll keep trying new stuff for you to experience. Sound good?"

"That sounds like a plan I can get behind." Joining Hank for the late night dinner Connor picked up a slice of the pineapple pizza, took a bite and gave the senior detective a surprised look as he tried the new combination of toppings. "I'm wondering if there's something wrong with my synthetic taste buds."

"Taste bad?"

"No! I really like this!" Connor beamed. "This is officially my favorite kind of pizza!"

"Well, then that settles it." Leaning back on the couch Hank gave Connor a coy grin where he sat. "Between you putting up with my sorry ass and eating pineapple on pizza, you definitely got fucked up taste."

-End of Story-