Chapter One: Routines are meant to be Constant, Not Broken

Connor already finished preparing coffee for Hank and was sitting in the living room, watching a documentary regarding different kinds of water life. He ran his fingers through Sumo's soft long strands of hair, the Saint Bernard having planted himself on Connor's lap. He already took him for his early morning walk while Hank slept. He was fed and ready to have a lazy day until Connor and Hank were to get home from work.

When it was 7:30AM, Hank sauntered out of the hallway and into the kitchen. It was an impressive time. It looked like all of Connor's nagging was slowly starting to pay off.

"Good morning, Hank," Connor said, looking over to the kitchen.

"Mornin'," Hank said. He poured a mug of coffee and came into the living room, plopping himself down in his armchair. His eyes were still a bit droopy but he managed to keep them open.

"You're getting better with your time," Connor said. His lips twitched up slightly. "I'm proud of you."

Hank scoffed. "Whatever."

"We'll have to leave for work in an-"

"Let me wake up for fuck's sake," Hank groaned.

"Yes, Hank."

They sat in companionable silence. Connor waited for exactly three minutes to pass before he decided to confide in Hank.

"I made a new mission for myself," he said. He looked over to Hank. "It's the first time I made one personally."

"Oh yeah?" Hank said. He took a long sip of his coffee. He shifted in his chair. "What's the mission?"

Connor straightened his posture (if it was possible to get straighter than he was) and adjusted his tie. He removed his coin from his pocket and started rolling it across his knuckles. He waited. Hank waited. Then, Hank's patience ran out.

"What's the mission? To constantly show off your tricks?"

"No," Connor said, almost defensively. "I thought I was ready but now I'm not sure."

"Take your time," Hank said carefully, whatever impatience he had dissipating.

Connor thought this would be easy. He was sure Hank wouldn't take offense to it. He wasn't sure how he would take it in general. It was those thoughts that made Connor think of just keeping it a secret.

Then, he blurted out: "You're my mission."

There was a long silence after that.

Connor tossed his coin faster now, almost too fast for human eyes to keep up with. His LED switched to yellow the longer the silence carried on.

Hank laughed. Connor frowned but didn't look at him.

"You're a fuckin' sap, Connor."

Connor caught his coin between his fingers. He finally looked at Hank. He felt a certain warmth course throughout his body at Hank's smile. His LED went back to a calm blue.

"I want to make sure you live a long life," Connor said. He pocketed his coin. "So I wrote the mission."

"Because you always accomplish your mission, right?"

Connor smirked. "Obviously."

Hank finished his coffee with a content sigh. He stood and before he left to get changed, he ruffled Connor's hair. Connor huffed and combed it out with his fingers after Hank disappeared down the hall. He gently shooed Sumo off and stood. He swiped off his dog hair and adjusted his jacket.

His confession turned out much better than he thought it would. He worried for no reason. Later he would have to ask Hank why he felt nervous about sharing his mission. He knew more about emotions than Connor did, even if it had been two months since he deviated.

Out of all the things that came with deviancy, emotions were the hardest thing to grasp. He understood the freedom aspects fine. It took him a while to confidently say he was a person, but with Hank's constant help, he got it. Hank always said the right things, after all. Because Hank always said the right things, he would still go to him with his emotional problems.

Once, Hank asked why Connor didn't try asking Markus or anyone else at Jericho for help. Connor's only response was a shrug. He didn't like the almost scolding look Hank gave him.

It was simply something Hank wouldn't be able to understand. It wasn't complicated to explain, but he knew Hank wouldn't really get it. He was human and so he didn't blame him for that. He would go and visit Jericho when he was ready. Until then, he was more than satisfied living with Hank and working at the Detroit Police Department. He could work efficiently there.

It took Hank a little while to get ready for work. He came out looking much livelier though. His eyes were clearer and his hair less messy. His bright hippy shirt really stood out compared to his darker coat.

During their ride to the DPD, Connor felt a strange sense of unease. He wasn't a superstitious person, but something in the back of his mind told him something was wrong. Either they were going to get a hard case or it was something else, something he couldn't think of at the top of his head.

Long ago, Connor decided that he didn't like not knowing the answer to everything. This was one of those moments when that decision popped up.

When they parked in the station lot, he could tell Hank wanted to question him. He didn't have to meet his eyes to know.

"Everything is fine, Lieutenant," he said to remedy the situation. "Just thinking."

Again, he didn't have to look at Hank to know he rolled his eyes as the two of them got out of the car. Thankfully for Connor, Hank didn't verbally question him. His unease got worse when they actually entered the bullpen. Nothing looked out of place. His scanners didn't pick up anything out of the norm.

It only took ten minutes after Connor and Hank to be seated at their desks and started at work when Connor's bad feeling was confirmed.

"Hank, Connor, my office," Captain Fowler called.

Hank rolled his eyes. Connor stood and followed after him. Unfortunately, it wasn't the same sort of feeling it was when he first followed Hank into the Captain's office. Everything was much different now, in more ways than one. This day in particular was different because of the unease Connor had.

Inside Fowler's office were two other men. They were both dressed in sharp suits and looked like your typical business men. Although they, or at least one of them, wore a friendly expression, Connor didn't feel any less uneasy. There was just something about them, the taller one with the more neutral expression in particular.

Connor shifted closer to Hank. This didn't go unnoticed by his partner.

"This is John Stone, a higher official from Cyberlife." Fowler pointed to the friendlier looking man. Then he gestured to the taller one. "This is Michael Stevens, another Cyberlife employee and Mr. Stone's closest right hand man," he said. He looked to the two men. "Did I get that right?"

Stone nodded. "Yes, you got it."

Connor did his best not to frown and keep his expression neutral. If there was one thing high up on his list of dislikes, it was Cyberlife. Too many terrible things had happened with them. They made him do terrible things, things he would probably regret for the rest of his life.

"Er, I'm Lieutenant Hank Anderson," Hank said, awkwardly. He nodded to Connor. "This is my partner, Connor."

Connor's lips twitched up slightly. It settled him just a little. He always did like being introduced as Hank's partner.

"So this is the RK800." Stone sounded in awe as he stepped forward. He placed a hand on Connor's shoulder and started stroking it. He continued to move his hand down his arm and stroked that. Then he moved to his chest started rubbing where the human heart would be at. Connor did his best to remain still but he couldn't stop his LED from shifting to yellow.

Hank shoved Stone back. "Hands off, asshole."

Connor stepped back and shifted closer to Hank. His LED went back to blue, but it would go yellow for a millisecond.

Much to his surprise, Stone actually looked apologetic and his hands were raised in a placating manner. "I'm sorry," he said. It didn't sound forced. "I've just never seen this model up close before. It's a sight."

"Doesn't give you the right to run your hands all over him," Hank said.

"You're right," Stone agreed, nodding. "I won't do it again."

Connor thought he should've been grateful for that and all his sincerity but for some reason, he didn't. All he thought was that it would be nice for this meeting to be over with. He wanted to get to work on a case with Hank and get away from these Cyberlife employees.

"What is going on here?" Connor asked. He already regretted it. The sooner this was over the better.

"Well, RK800-"

"Connor," Hank corrected firmly.

Stone smiled. "Connor," he said. "You're still in Cyberlife's registry because you're a prototype."

Connor frowned. "I don't understand. I'm a person now, not a machine."

"You have free will but you were never bought and finished the way other androids were prior to your victory," Stone said. He also quickly added, "I'm glad you did gain it, by the way."

"Sounds like bullshit to me…" Hank mumbled.

"This means that you're still technically Cyberlife's property. Because you weren't a completely finished model yet."

Connor felt his systems stutter at that word. Property. He didn't like that word, didn't like being referred to it. He had just said he was a person. Stone had said he was glad he gained free will and yet he also had the nerve to call him Cyberlife's property. He wondered if Stone really knew what he was saying.

"Bullshit!" Hank yelled. "Connor isn't an item- he isn't property!"

Connor remained silent.

Stone smiled, but it was a sadder one this time. Connor wasn't sure if it was genuine. "Until he's removed from the registry…"

"Consider it an orphan of some kind," Michael finally spoke up. "Except not alive."

Connor felt sick. His LED circled yellow and red.

Hank stepped forward but before he could do anything, Connor quickly gripped his forearm. He pulled him back gently. Hank looked ready to argue, probably yell some more, but Connor shook his head. They stared at each other for a few seconds before Hank caved to Connor's puppy eyes. The last thing he wanted was for Hank to get into trouble. He barely managed to keep his job after punching Perkins.

Hank looked back to the two Cyberlife employees, clearly ignoring the warning look from Fowler. "How do we get him out?"

"You don't," Michael said. "Mr. Stone just said it wasn't a finished model. There's no reason for it to be in the public."

Connor swallowed back the thirium that started to crawl up his throat. He gripped Hank's arm tighter when he felt him about to move again. The man was vibrating with anger and Connor wished he could find a way to calm him down. But he knew that if he opened his mouth, he would purge.

"That isn't necessarily true," Stone said, tossing a look to Michael. "He can be removed but it isn't as simple as asking for it."

"I don't have to buy him, do I?" Hank asked, almost sounding disgusted.

Connor wanted to leave at that moment. He didn't want to listen to this discussion any further. The more it went on, the more uncomfortable he felt. The door was so close. It was only a few footsteps away. He knew it was improper to up and leave in the middle of a meeting, though. He hadn't done that before, never thought he would ever.

Instead, he said, "can I be excused?"

He didn't wait for Fowler or anyone else to give him permission. All he needed was for them to know he was leaving; it was more polite that way.

He exited the office and made a beeline for outside. He took his coin out and started tossing it back and forth. The cool air helped settle his warm body. His LED also managed to land on a solid yellow instead of going back and forth with red. With the exception of the quiet clicks his coin made when he tossed it, there was nothing but blissful silence outside.

He was so lost in thought trying to calm down that he didn't notice anyone walk up behind him until he heard his voice.

"How are you doing, Connor?"

Connor pocketed his coin and turned to face Hank. He didn't like the expression Hank had. He also wasn't sure what to make of Hank's quiet voice. It was like he was afraid he may break Connor by simply speaking.

"I'm better now," he said. And he was. The fresh air felt wonderful. "Is it over already?"

"It's been fifteen minutes," Hank said, as if it was obvious.

"Oh…"

Hank placed his hand on Connor's shoulder. "Let's go for a ride. We need to talk."

Connor frowned.

The ride was silent for the first five minutes. Connor didn't dare ask where they were going. Hank didn't seem like he was going anywhere specific anyway. He just drove all over the place. Connor found it strange how one minute he enjoyed silence and the next he dreaded it. He wanted Hank to say something, anything.

Hank drove around in circles for a while longer before he finally said something.

"So, about this Cyberlife problem…"

Connor shifted.

"I can get you out of the registry but Stone was right," he said. "I can't just ask to get you removed."

"Do you have to buy me?" Connor asked quietly. It was almost inaudible.

"That...or I'm gonna have to long chat with Cyberlife," Hank said. He turned. "In other words, I have to go up to their office, have a long ass meeting, and try to convince them you're allowed to be in the public whether you're only a prototype or not."

"Is it because they think I'm dangerous?" Connor could barely raise his voice.

"No, not that," Hank said, his voice soft. He still didn't look at Connor.

"Are you sure? Since I'm an 'unfinished model' I could have sudden errors or glitches…" Connor listed off some possibilities. Every android could get sudden errors and glitches but Connor could be more susceptible.

"Connor, you aren't dangerous," Hank said again. His voice was a bit firmer.

"I don't understand," Connor said. He wished he could sound more confident, raise his voice, but he couldn't. His head was swimming and he found it hard to concentrate. It was a strange feeling to not be able to concentrate and for his head to be 'swimming'.

"I already set up a meeting with them. I'm going up at 10:00AM- it was the earliest I could get."

Connor took a deep breath. He closed his eyes and his LED cycled yellow. "What happens until I'm out of the registry?"

Hank remained silent. He made another turn.

"Hank."

Hank shook his head.

"Tell me what happens to me, Hank," Connor said, looking at him. "I want to prepare myself."

Hank's next breath came out a bit shaky. Connor looked away; he didn't want to see his eyes. "They're going to take you to one of their 'facilities'. It's one of Stone's, near the Cyberlife Tower."

Connor swallowed the thirium that started to crawl up his throat again. His LED switched to red and stayed there. The absolute last thing he wanted was to stay at a place that belonged to Cyberlife. He didn't care if Stone came off as someone polite and friendly. He never wanted to go back to Cyberlife Tower or Cyberlife's facilities.

He shook his head. This wasn't fair. This was supposed to be over after the revolution. It was a peaceful revolution. Androids were supposed to be free. They worked hard for it. Most, if not all, androids were free.

Why? Why was he being subjected to this? He also worked hard for his freedom. Why was this happening?

"First thing in the morning, Connor," Hank said. "I'm going to get you out as fast as possible."

All Connor could do was nod.

His LED remained red for the rest of the day.

No matter how hard Hank tried to comfort Connor, nothing worked. Not even Sumo could comfort him. He hadn't said anything to Hank all day. All Connor could think about was that it wouldn't be long until he would be taken to a Cyberlife facility.

It wasn't as if he would stay for long. He trusted Hank to get him out as fast as possible. He really wanted that to be comforting. He wanted to feel relieved and good about Hank's care.

It was 6:30PM when Stone and Michael arrived at Hank's house. His house. Sumo growled at the door, but Hank stopped him from making it outside.

"I'll see you soon," Hank said. He squeezed Connor's shoulder and Connor held his hand in return. "I'm getting you out."

Connor nodded. His LED still hadn't switched back to blue or even yellow. He turned towards the vehicle he was to be placed in. Much to his surprise, it looked manual; an old fashioned looking van. Stone gestured Connor to the backseat. Before he entered he looked back to Hank one last time.

He looked lonely already.

Connor made a decision right there and then.

The ride to Stone's facility was long. It felt like it was, anyway. It might have only been a short amount of time. To Connor, it felt like an eternity. During the whole ride, he kept his eyes out the window and took in every single building, every single street sign, every single anything that he deemed important when it came to going back home.

Stone's facility was before the gates to Cyberlife Tower and five or so minutes away from it. The building was more like a mansion than anything else. It had a large courtyard that had a large round fountain in the middle of it. Most of the ground appeared to be grass but there was some stepping stones that lead to the mansion, the fountain, and a few other places.

Connor was driven passed the courtyard to a completely different area that looked out of place. It almost looked more like an outdoor prison than anything else. The ground in this area was mostly dirt. A fence separated the cell from the courtyard and the mansion. Inside the fence was where Connor was apparently going to be placed. It was essentially a cage and there were chains that hung on the back stone wall. He highly doubted he would be treated right here.

Stone and Michael led him inside the cell. Connor expected them to chain him up in the back but they didn't. They left him completely free.

"You'll be staying here for only a little while," Stone said.

"If things work out properly, that is," Michael added.

Connor ignored him. He stepped further into his current residence. He didn't have to be bound to already feel like a prisoner. Thanks to the chain link fence, he was able to see his outer surroundings. It probably wouldn't take him long to calculate a route for him to escape from. He did hope he wouldn't have to go out into the open courtyard. He'd have to find a way around it.

He looked up. The fence was fairly high but it wasn't anything Connor couldn't handle. It would be especially easy considering he wasn't bound.

"Michael will be coming around every now and then to check on you," Stone said, snapping Connor out of his thoughts.

He did his best not to groan. "I understand."

After that exchange, Stone and Michael left. He didn't like the look Michael gave him and for some reason, he was reminded of Gavin. Because he would be coming by now and then, Connor wouldn't be able to escape immediately. He decided he would try around midnight. Michael wouldn't come around that late.

As for the security cameras he noticed on the way in...he could handle it. He couldn't deactivate them because it would be too obvious it was him. He would be able to easily use their blind spots.

Michael checked on Connor every hour. He never said anything to him. He only watched him for a few minutes before going back to whatever else he did. By then, Connor already pre-constructed a way out. He just had to be sure Michael wouldn't come back. He came to that conclusion when the mansion lights turned off along with the outdoor lights.

It was 11:30PM when Connor made his move.

He backed up from the fence and then charged at it. He gripped it tightly and pulled himself up, soon launching himself over. He landed perfectly, not stumbling in the least. He stood straight and adjusted his tie. He straightened his jacket and involuntarily smirked. That was just too easy it was almost pathetic.

It was also a piece of cake to sneak past the security cameras, occasionally pressing himself up against nearby walls to get out of view. He would duck and hide behind an object now and then. When he was in the courtyard, he made a mad dash for the main gate he was brought in to. It was metal and actually looked like a proper cage. It still ended up being easy for him to climb and jump over.

Again, he adjusted his tie and straightened his jacket. He walked down the road in the direction of his home.

Connor prepped Hank's coffee and took Sumo for his early morning walk. When he got back to the house, he sat on the couch and found some documentaries to watch. They were older ones but it was better than nothing. Sumo sat in his lap and his tail wagged. Connor ran his fingers through his soft fur.

Hank woke up a little later than the prior day. He seemed groggier and was in the middle of rubbing his eyes when Connor spoke up.

"Good morning, Hank."

"JESUS!"

Hank turned so fast Connor was surprised he didn't fall over. His blue eyes were wide for a few seconds before narrowing. He had one brow raised. "What are you doing here? They let you go already?"

Connor smiled. "No, they didn't let me go," he said. "I escaped. It was very easy because they weren't very smart, Hank. They didn't restrain me- they only put me in a fenced off area."

Hank stared at Connor in silence for a long moment. Connor tilted his head curiously. Sumo's head raised and he panted at Hank with a dog-like smile.

"I should've expected you would escape," Hank said, shaking his head. He said this with a smile.

"Of course. I had to come home no matter what," he said. He gestured to the kitchen. "Your coffee is ready."

Hank chuckled lightly and he ruffled Connor's hair. Connor's smile grew at the action. Hank then proceeded to go into the kitchen and poured himself a mug of coffee. He went back to the living room and sat in the armchair with a noise of satisfaction.

"By the way," Connor started. Hank looked at him. "We have to go to work in-"

"Oh for fuck's sake, you just got back and you're already nagging."

Connor smirked.

This was how things were supposed to be. He didn't want his morning routine to be taken away from him. When he first came to Hank's house, he wasn't sure what to do while Hank slept. Yes, he would enter stasis himself but he didn't need to recharge as long as Hank needed to. As such, he learned that he was bored in the early morning waiting for Hank. It took him a week or so to get this morning routine.

He also enjoyed nagging Hank and seeing him get up at a more proper hour. He always wanted to be there to see Hank improve.

"I still need to go to that meeting, though," Hank said. "Or else they might…"

"It doesn't matter."

"What?"

"I'll always come back."

While Hank was gone at the meeting, Connor had gone to work. He didn't end up staying long, though, because Michael and another Cyberlife employee had come to pick him up. To say he felt embarrassed by being dragged away in front of his colleges would be an understatement. It wasn't fair that they could waltz in and take him back like it was nothing. No less while he was at work. Hank was also still in the meeting. It wasn't fair.

This time, Connor wasn't allowed to sit in the backseat like a normal person. Nor were his hands free. Michael had cuffed his wrists with a chain and forced him into the back of the van. It felt like he was being kidnapped. Unfortunately, there were no windows in the back of the van, so he was stuck in the dark. He didn't mind the dark but it was stuffy in the van. He wanted the freedom of at least looking outside.

When they got back, Michael actually gripped at Connor's arm this time and more aggressively shoved him into the cage. Connor turned to face him and frowned. He had the feeling Michael would act differently if Stone wasn't there.

"I'm back now," Connor said. He raised his hands. "You don't need to keep the chains on."

Michael turned to look at his partner. "Go on now, Carry. I got this."

Carry seemed hesitant. She stepped back before completely turning and leaving the area. She closed the fence, looked back one more time and then started to walk away.

"Back up, RK800," Michael said.

Connor didn't move.

"Back up," Michael said again. He removed a pistol he had from inside his jacket.

Connor furrowed his brows and did what he was told. He knew that Michael wasn't really going to shoot him. Kill him, rather. He would probably shoot him in a non-fatal area and it would hinder him from escaping. He would still leave but he didn't want to deal with an injury at the same time.

His back pressed up against the wall where the longer chains were at. He waited for Michael's next move. He wasn't too surprised when Michael removed his current chains and used the long, more secure ones. Little did Michael realize that the cuffs weren't as tight as they should've been. Having his arms still freely by his sides was also a stupid move. Michael would have to try a lot better than that.

A shock aggressively vibrated through Connor's body. He gripped at his midsection where his Thirium Pump was at-

"No," Michael said. He pulled Connor's hand away. "You need to be taught a lesson."

Connor's body started to heat up when he was tased again, the taser being more thoroughly pressed against him this time. He gritted his teeth to prevent himself from giving Michael the pleasure of showing his discomfort. He assumed this was the closest feeling to human pain he would feel.

He shoved Michael back, getting the taser away from him. He took in some deep breaths to cool his systems. Despite the taser being removed, his body still shook. He held his midsection again.

"What's the matter?" Michael scoffed. "Can't take some pain?"

Connor's lips twitched up into a smirk. "Androids don't feel pain."

He got tased some more after that but he felt it was worth it just to see the frustration and annoyance on Michael's face.

After five minutes of getting tased and defying Michael in the middle of it, he did start to feel a bit drained, for his systems wouldn't stop heating up and his body kept vibrating. He continued to take deep breaths and slid down the wall to loosen up. His LED went from red to yellow.

"There." Michael put the taser away. He leaned down. "That should teach you not to run away."

He was going to be disappointed as hell when he saw Connor gone then. It would take a little while longer this time, but Connor already knew how he was going to escape. All he had to do was make his wrists bleed a little and he would be able to slip out of the cuffs. If they were tighter it would probably be more difficult but at this rate it would be easy. He just needed to cool down and wait until midnight first.

He froze when Michael ruffled his hair.

He ruffled his hair.

Before Michael stood completely, Connor jerked up. He gripped his hand and bit down hard enough to make it bleed. He kept biting down as hard as he could to try and make some bone crack, but Michael shoved him back down.

"Motherfucking piece of-!"

"You can chain me, torture me, beat me, I don't give a shit," Connor muttered, lowly. His eyes were ice-cold when he glared at Michael. "But if you touch me like that again I'm going to do more than bite your fucking hand."

There was only one person allowed to show physical signs of affection like that. Hank Anderson. Everybody else was off limits.

Connor was tased for another two minutes after that.

Connor got home a little later that night. Even though many hours had passed, he still felt warm and it was uncomfortable. He still got out the way he planned. He dug his fingernails into his wrists where the cuffs weren't covering and dragged them. He dragged enough to get himself to bleed. All he had to do then was slip out his hands and that was that. He wasn't concerned with the scratches he gave himself; his self-repairs would handle it.

Then, just like last time, Connor hopped the fence and sneaked passed the security. He had to be just a little more careful this time because there seemed to be more cameras. It didn't hinder his escape.

He got home at 3:00AM and rested for a bit before doing his morning routine. Just like last time, Hank came out the same time he did the previous day. Just like last time, he was shocked when Connor greeted him.

"You managed to escape again?" Hank asked. He sipped his coffee.

"I did," Connor said. "It was a bit different this time but I managed." He shrugged. "How did the meeting go?"

Hank sighed. Unlike how he would casually plop down in the armchair, he slumped down and looked annoyed. Connor's LED flashed yellow for a few seconds before going back on blue. Hank glared at the floor. Sumo whined.

"What…?"

"These fuckers aren't making it easy," Hank said. He shook his head. "I barely got a word in. I think they're trying to fuckin' manipulate me into giving up on you."

Connor frowned. "So what does all that mean?"

"I had to set up another meeting for today," Hank said. He leaned back in his chair but he still looked annoyed. "Later this time. I'm gonna try and get my piece in much fuckin' faster."

"Are you going to tell me what they said about me?"

"No," Hank said. "It's a bunch of bullshit though, I'll tell you that."

Connor looked down. He wasn't sure how to take that. He wished Hank would be more open with him. It would make things easier for him; maybe put his mind at ease.

"I'm going to get you out, Connor," Hank said. Connor looked up to see Hank giving him a determined look. "No matter what it takes, I'll try to stop this soon. Do you trust me?"

"I trust you more than anyone, Hank."

"Good."

At 10:30AM an inevitable knock came. Sumo jumped off Connor and scratched at the door. He growled and barked. Connor stood and made his way to the door. He grabbed Sumo's collar and pulled him back. Hank gave him some help with that and pulled Sumo into his room, just in case he decided to give Cyberlife what they deserved.

Hank stepped outside with Connor this time. Michael stood there by the back of the van and Carry was with him again. She handed him the chains but looked hesitant like before.

"You don't know when to give up, do you?" Michael said in a friendly tone, as if this was a game.

It was a charade. Something to calm down the already furious Hank Anderson.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing to him?" Hank said, stepping forward.

Connor reached his arm out and stopped Hank from going forward. "Don't, Hank."

"Yes, Lieutenant, it's best if you don't do anything," Michael said, his voice still friendly. He even laughed in an easy-going way. "It'll take you longer to get to your meeting."

"Motherfucker-"

"Please, Hank," Connor near whispered. "It'll make things worse."

He immediately looked away when Hank gave him a questioning and suspicious look. He moved forward and tried not to sigh when he raised his hands. Michael shook his head and cuffed him. Connor had to give him credit for acting as calm as he was because he knew how Michael would be at the facility.

Before Connor was put in the back of the van, he turned to Hank. He mouthed a quick, 'I'm coming back.'

Hank nodded. He mouthed, 'I'll be waiting.'

Hank hesitantly turned and walked back into his house. Although Connor was going to come back, his heart felt heavy when Hank disappeared. He was placed in the back of the van again but this time, Michael remained in the back with him. His wrists were also cuffed tighter. Michael was learning. The van took off.

Michael shoved Connor against the back wall. He wondered how long Michael would be able to stop himself from acting out. He knew he would get a rough treatment again, maybe a little rougher than before. He still refused to give Michael any satisfaction. He would find ways to stop himself from yelling when he got tased or worse.

Before Connor could attempt to talk back, Michael's gun was shoved into his mouth.

"Don't fucking start," Michael growled. "I don't wanna hear any fucking backtalk from you, RK800."

Connor did his best not to shove Michael away. He hated the metallic weapon on his tongue. It gave him a strange sensation. He would prefer to be silenced another way than have a weapon taint the inside of his mouth. He knew there was a chance if he did push him away, though, Michael would pull the trigger a bit faster than Connor could get away in time.

"You are really pushing your luck here," Michael said, moving a bit closer. "I'd fuckin' blow your head off right fuckin' now if I didn't have orders not to."

Connor waited for Michael to say the threat he was dying to make.

"But I'm still allowed to fuck with you because-" Connor did his best not to gag when the gun was shoved further in his mouth. "-Mr. Stone knows you're a dangerous android and I have permission to do whatever it takes to teach you."

Connor highly doubted that was the case. He didn't have to be there to know that when Michael gave reports to Stone, he was feeding him lies and was manipulating him. And why would Stone believe Connor, an android he didn't really know, over someone he worked with probably for years, that something was wrong?

Just like Hank, Connor wouldn't be able to get a word in. Nobody would believe him about his treatment. So, he would handle it on his own. As long as he got home, that's what he cared about the most. That's what mattered. If he had to get tortured first, so be it.

Michael finally removed his gun from Connor's mouth and he found himself exhaling involuntarily. He technically didn't need to breathe. He didn't understand the action. Either way, it felt better to have that thing out of his mouth. His LED slowly shifted back to blue after a few seconds of red and yellow.

Michael held his chin and forced Connor to keep his eyes on him. "You won't be getting out this time 'round," he said. Connor jerked away. "You have my word on that."

Author's note:

Annnd this is the start of Home Sweet Home. It was originally supposed to only be five chapters but I keep adding new scenes so it's a bit longer now. xD It'll be ten at the minimum, I can say that much.

Now, DBH didn't seem to show any employees from Cyberlife so I had to create some of my own. I don't know how I chose the names, they were completely random. As for why Cyberlife is still around even after the revolution- I still think they would be there but would actually assist the androids with things like providing parts, thirium, repairs, other such things. But there are still assholes who don't really care but people need jobs so. -shrug emoji-

If you wanna keep up with updates or have questions, you can see me at my Tumblr- kurosakimel. There's also other DBH content there if that tickles yer fancy.

Anyway, that's all for now. I'll see ya'll in the next chapter.

Thanks for reading!

~Kurosaki