"Sumo! Here, boy!" Niles called as he danced around the living room, now wearing some casual jeans and an old T-shirt rather than his neater school clothes. The huge dog let out a low woof as he plodded after Niles, panting in contentment as his tongue lolled out excitedly. He was old, but that didn't stop his steps from hopping on the faded carpet as he pawed at the new android child. Niles laughed as he held out the faded blue rope toy, watching Sumo's large jaws bite at the end. "Pull, boy! Pull!" Niles urged with eager brown eyes as he tugged his end of the rope.

Connor watched silently from the doorway, a gentle smile toying his lips as he watched Sumo's fluffy tail wagging a mile a minute. Although Connor was sure to play games with him, and had in fact managed to teach him how to play fetch, Sumo seemed far happier with his smaller companion. Perhaps Niles reminds him of Cole…I wonder if Sumo even remembers Cole…he thought curiously as Niles fell down with a giggle. The big dog dropped the rope instantly and plodded over to his small form, licking his face with big, wet strokes.

"Down, boy! Down! That tickles! Ewww! Gross!" Niles whined through his laughter as he held up his small arms. He tried to shield himself with one arm while pushing the furry behemoth back with the other, having little success. Connor couldn't help his own laughter as he folded his arms and watched. He turned his head as Hank appeared to let out his own fond chuckle. He hadn't seen Sumo this happy since Connor had wrestled with him for the first time. Much like his owner, the old dog had taken to his new android companions like they were part of the family.

"Sumo! Down, boy!" Sumo woofed excitedly as he turned his attention towards his master's voice. Hank chuckled as Sumo padded over and accepted the affectionate ruffle to his ears that Hank delivered best. He then shifted his big chocolate eyes to Connor before flopping onto his back expectantly. Connor was the best at belly rubs. "So spoiled," Hank huffed as he watched Connor crouch obediently, the skin on his fingers drawing back in reflex as he scratched the large white tummy. Sumo didn't argue the point as he panted and wagged his tail.

"Can I try?" Niles asked eagerly as he joined Connor, who agreed warmly as he pointed out Sumo's favourite places to be tickled and scratched. Niles enthusiastically took to the task with both small hands, giggling as Sumo's hips began to wiggle with the speed of his tail wags. Hank watched the trio with warm eyes. The small house had never felt so warm or full. He'd moved into the place a couple years back after the divorce, lucky he could afford the place. It was a two-bedroom bungalow with a garage and a small loft. The second bedroom had just been storage for some of Cole's old things and his junk. He'd never made the effort to climb up into the loft. Why bother? It wasn't like he was ever going to have anyone else staying there. That's what I thought, at least…

Since the revolution, Connor had moved into that old room. Cole's things and the other boxes had been shifted to the garage to make way for some simple furniture. They'd bought Connor a double bed, despite his insistence that he didn't need one. There was a large wardrobe and some drawers that were barely used due to Connor's insistence on wearing his old Cyberlife uniform. A desk had been set up for him to work from home when required. A few old files were still stacked on the edge, with some pens to make notes. Not that Connor ever needed them. The most used part of his room was a small notice board, where he'd pinned pictures of his friends and family. Mostly candid images copied from his memory files. There were also a few drawings that Niles had made for him. There were quite a few sketches scattered around the house at this point. Hank had some in his room and had even used some old magnets to attach a few to the fridge.

"What do you think? Shall we take him out for a W-A-L-K or have dinner first?" Hank asked, using code so that Sumo didn't get overexcited at the idea. Connor looked up thoughtfully. Hank huffed fondly as he felt his hazel eyes scanning him. He'd given up on telling him not to do it. It was second nature for him. Asking Connor to stop scanning the people he cared about was like asking a human not to breathe. It just happened.

"I think we should eat first. It'll give us a chance to walk it off afterwards," Connor replied, both androids falling back as the large dog barked and rolled to his feet eagerly. Since Connor had said the W word, Sumo turned his full attention towards him. He licked at his face and panted, even whining a little. Hank chuckled as he headed back through to the kitchen. Connor had dug his own grave with that one. He could hear Connor objecting and calming him, compromising and insisting that it was dinnertime. Hank grabbed Sumo's large bowl and poured out some solid kibble before mixing in half a tin of jellied meat. Sumo barked eagerly before his paws padded on the kitchen floor with impatient clicks and scrapes. His nails will need to be trimmed soon…Should book him in at that salon again…He liked that.

"Hey, Connor. What was that place you took Sumo a few months back? The dog washing place," Hank elaborated as he lowered the large bowl to the floor, forgetting for a moment as Sumo sat on his haunches and eagerly stared up at him. Connor walked through with Niles just behind and began washing his hands in the large sink. They couldn't start cooking while covered in dog slobber. It would be unhygienic.

"The Puppy Pamper Parlour?" Connor replied questioningly as he dried his hands, watching as Niles scrubbed his own hands thoroughly. Hank hummed his agreement as Connor ran a swift scan of Sumo. It probably was about time for him to be trimmed and pedicured again. It was almost as if the large dog could understand them as his tail wagged, despite still waiting for Hank's permission to eat. "I can book him in for an appointment if you'd like?" Connor offered as he dried his hands and watched Niles do the same.

"Thanks, I think his nails need seeing to…Book him in for the full works, you know he likes that stuff," Hank replied fondly as he leaned down to pet the old dog, who looked pointedly at his bowl before panting up at his master patiently. "You're a good dog…Sumo, eat," Hank ordered with a little firmness, watching with a fond chuckle as Sumo obediently stood and buried his nose in the metal bowl. He was eating in big eager mouthfuls, chasing the clattering bowl across the floor as it shifted across the smooth surface with a loud scrape.

"Done…I've got him booked in for Thursday, all day. They're willing to keep him until the end of our shift at a little extra cost," Connor replied, his LED blinking yellow as he made the booking and sent a wireless payment. Hank thanked him as he started setting the table. Now that they could all eat, he was setting out three places, quietly excited to have the three of them sitting and eating together. He hesitated to add like a family, but that's what it felt like. Connor was already his son on paper, and he had the feeling that with a little push, he'd soon have a grandson to add to the mix. After losing Cole and his wife divorcing him, he'd never dreamed he'd have another family, but here he was. Three sons, and hopefully a grandson on the way. It wasn't exactly conventional, but it was more than enough for him.

"Can I cut the peppers?" Niles asked enthusiastically as Connor crouched at the open fridge and started pulling out vegetables to be sliced and some chicken breasts. Niles was already at the counter, ready with the large wooden chopping board and knife block. He didn't touch any of the knives yet. He and Connor had already gone over kitchen rules, and touching the knives unsupervised was a big no-no on Connor's list.

"Sure, let me show you first," Connor agreed as he put the pile of food on the side and opened the peppers. They had one red and one yellow, partly because they were sweeter and partly to add some colour to the mix. Connor washed them in the sink before returning to the board, where he grabbed a small knife and cut the first one in half. Niles watched patiently as Connor gutted it, pulling out all the seeds and the green stalk. "When you cut, make sure you bend your fingers in like a cat's paw, see?" Connor instructed gently as he held up his hand. He supported the pepper with his fingertips as he slowly sliced down in neat strokes, leaving neatly cut slices behind.

"My turn!" Niles said eagerly as Connor finished and handed him the blade. Connor watched with hawklike eyes as Niles took the knife in one small hand and readied the other half of the pepper. Connor stepped behind at first, his larger hands covering Niles' own as he helped with the first two slices. After that, he rested his hands on the counter either side and watched over Niles' head as he worked with childlike precision.

"Good. Do you think you can manage the second one?" Conor asked seriously, leaving him to it as Niles nodded eagerly. Hank sat down and watched fondly. Watching Connor cooking was one of his favourite things to do. He'd even help out on occasion. It was different when he was cooking with Niles though. He could tell Connor was a little stressed, one eye always lingering on him as he flitted about grabbing pans and spices. "Hank, could you warm the taco shells?" Connor asked as he opened the packet of chicken.

"Sure, leave it to me," Hank replied as he got to his feet and joined the pair in the kitchen. He ruffled Niles' hair on the way by, the thick strands falling back into place immediately. Niles' focus was barely broken as he sliced the yellow pepper. Connor had a separate chopping board a little further away, his hands already busily chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Hank grabbed a tray and searched the cupboards for the taco shells Connor had bought. He guessed that Niles would likely eat one or two, while he and Connor would have three. Connor always made side salads, so he was pretty sure that would be enough. He put the shells on the tray and set the oven to preheat. "You need the pan oiled?" Hank asked as he stepped back.

"Please," Connor replied distractedly, still watching Niles with one eye as he sliced. Hank tipped some oil into a large pan and turned on the hob, remaining next to the gas flame as he spread it around. He stepped aside for Connor as he finished chopping and scraped the meat into the hot pan. Hank took the wooden spatula from him and nodded across to Niles, who was waiting for his next lesson. Connor was a kind and patient teacher as he helped Niles chop up onions, mushrooms, and herbs to add to the chicken.

They started making a fresh tomato salsa as Hank looked after the chicken and added the vegetables and seasoning to the mix. He kept the mixture moving patiently, turning on a second hob to warm up a saucepan for the tomato mixture the androids had made. Niles soon joined him at the hob, stirring the tomatoes patiently as Hank stepped back to put the hard shells in the hot oven. Connor was busy making a fresh side salad, which he mixed in a large wooden bowl and placed on the table. He paused briefly to pet Sumo before washing his hands and cleaning down the workspace. They had store bought guacamole to spoon into the shells, which were warmed through and removed from the oven quickly.

"I think we're just about done here," Hank called, tipping the chicken mixture into a glass dish for Connor to carry to the table while he took the salsa and poured it into a bowl. Niles followed eagerly and sat at the table. He was so excited to try the food he'd helped to make, especially the salsa. It was a recipe that Chloe had given him. He couldn't wait to tell her how it had turned out. Connor had promised to send her some pictures, too. Android children hadn't been designed with such advanced capabilities. They were designed to be like human children, with no extra abilities beyond that.

"Sumo, don't beg," Connor chided lightly as Sumo flopped down beside Niles and stared up with big brown eyes. "And don't feed him. He's already had enough food, and the spices in this could make him sick," Connor added as he looked across at Niles, who seemed tempted to sneak a little down to him. Upon hearing that Sumo may get sick, he looked saddened, shrugging apologetically at Sumo's pleading form. Hank chuckled as he got to his feet, unable to see his favourite boys looking so disappointed.

"Hold on, I think he has some Bonios in the cupboard…" Hank gruffed as he crossed to where he kept Sumo's supplies. His large ears perked at the sound, his tail wagging as he got to his feet to lope after him. "Sit," Hank ordered softly, and Sumo obeyed without question. Hank grabbed the box and returned to the table, tossing one of the bone shaped treats to the floor by Niles' feet before tipping a few more onto the tabletop.

"Don't feed him too many," Connor instructed as he began filling one of the tacos, starting with a healthy amount of green salad at the base. Niles nodded his agreement as he watched Connor elegantly building a taco. "Would you like this one, or shall I help you build your own?" Niles eagerly asked to try himself. Connor held the shell steady as Niles used the salad tongs to drop in some lettuce, spooned in some chicken, added some salsa, and finally topped it off with guacamole. He was quietly proud of himself when he'd finished, asking Connor to send Chloe a picture of his creation.

Dinner passed quietly. Niles occasionally slipped Sumo a Bonio while Hank and Connor spoke about their current cases. After dinner, they tugged on their coats and took Sumo to the park. The park Hank used to take Cole to. The cold didn't bother Niles as he raced across the thick layer of snow that had fallen and began climbing the icy metal frame. Connor called out for him to be careful as he swung on the monkey bars, hazel eyes softening as he watched. Hank took Sumo off his lead, letting the large dog nose around in the snowy grass for a while. After a few minutes, Connor produced a ball and he, Niles, and Sumo played fetch. Hank chuckled as he watched. He'd never imagined Sumo would pick up the game. Not at eight years old. Niles and Sumo rolled around in the snow for a while, Niles making snow angels despite Connor's objections that he was going to get his clothes wet. It wasn't like he'd catch a cold.

"Go on and have a bath," Hank instructed as they arrived home. Connor wasted no time in grabbing an old towel to dry off Sumo's thick fur. Niles did as he was told and hurried through to the bathroom, where he started running some hot water. Connor insisted he was fine with Sumo, so Hank walked through to make sure the water wasn't running too hot and added a little bubble bath to the hot water. Niles watched with some amazement as the mountains of bubbles appeared, taking some through to show Connor. "Call if you need anything, alright?" Hank said as he left Niles to undress and climb in.

"I will! Thank you, Lieutenant-I mean Mr Hank!" Hank chuckled quietly as he left to join Connor in the living room. Sumo was now dried off and had flopped down at Connor's feet while he sat on the sofa and leaned back. He smiled warmly as Hank sat down in his favourite chair, sighing tiredly as he leaned back. It was good to be off his feet after all that walking around. Hank was getting back in shape, but he'd had a long day at work on top of all the running around after Niles and Sumo.

"He's a great kid," Hank observed casually as he eyed Connor's sagging form. He knew Connor wasn't physically tired. He didn't experience such things. Connor stiffened a little, knowing he wouldn't be able to avoid the topic now that Hank had broached it. He gave a non-committal hum of agreement as he closed his eyes evasively. "You know, I wouldn't object to having him around more often…I mean, we can make room if that's something you're worried about," Hank pressed gently, watching Connor's brow furrow as his hazel eyes opened to fix him with a wary stare.

"Hank, this is your home!"

"And home is a place for family." Connor's mouth closed evasively as he sat up and leaned forward. Hank watched as he threaded his fingers together and licked his lips. He seemed nervous as he ordered his thoughts. This was a conversation he'd known would happen. How could it not with Hank pushing so hard? Not just Hank either. Markus, Chloe, and pretty much everyone else all seemed to want the same thing. Even Gavin had agreed with them.

"I'm not a domestic model, Hank. I wasn't created with parenting in mind. You know the risks of our job, the long hours we work, it wouldn't be fair to drag a child into all that," Connor objected reasonably, not liking the sly look Hank was giving him. Hank knew Connor was scared. What new parent didn't get scared or have second thoughts? He'd been terrified when his wife had first told him about Cole. He'd never expected, or even wanted, to be a father. Cole had been a happy accident. His wife had thought herself to be infertile, some medical condition giving her only a three percent chance of ever getting pregnant. Cole had been that three percent.

"No one's created with parenthood in mind, Con. You think I had a manual? I had to learn to be a father, and trust me, you're doing just fine!" Connor was flattered, of course. Hearing that he was good at something he'd never been programmed for was always pleasing, but this was a huge responsibility. It wasn't like he could do a trial run either. That wouldn't be fair to Niles. "As for the job…You're right about the long hours, but you make that stuff work. I missed a lot with Cole, but I wouldn't trade the time we had for anything in the whole world," Hank continued reminiscently, Connor's eyes dropping guiltily.

"Well, why don't you adopt Niles? It would make sense! He's no older than Cole would be now, and you're so good with children, Hank. I could move out, so you'd have more space and-" Connor suggested with an almost pleading tone. Hank huffed apologetically as he waved his hand. He knew Connor had the best intentions with his idea. He wanted what was best for Niles. Connor's hazel eyes dropped as Hank cut him off.

"Connor, I'm too old for that now…Hell, I was too old even back when Cole came along, and it's different with Niles. He's an android. He won't be growing up any time soon…This is your chance, Connor. You're the one he wants to be his father…and I'm pretty sure you want that too." Hank watched as Connor almost hyperventilated. His hazel eyes were darting around the room evasively, his LED stuttering between red and yellow. Hank waited patiently as Connor got to his feet and crossed his arms, pacing anxiously as he thought about it. He wasn't ready for this. He'd never asked for this. At the same time, he couldn't help it. Caring for Niles had become second nature to the point he'd become anxious if he didn't hear from him after a couple of days.

"But Hank, I'm…" Connor trailed off helplessly.

"In over your head?" Hank suggested warmly, chuckling lightly as Connor nodded his agreement. "Welcome to parenthood," he huffed affectionately, letting Connor think it over. He was distracted as he heard the bathroom door opening and Niles appeared wrapped in one of Hank's old towels as he headed to Connor's bedroom. It was the softest one Hank could find in his cupboard, though it was a little worn. He'd have to buy more if Niles moved in. He'd also need extra space. He already had a solution ready to go, though it would take a little time and money. Money he knew he and Connor had saved between them.

"Mr Hank! Connor found this old game. Can we play it?" Niles asked eagerly as he padded through a few minutes later. He was wearing soft blue flannel pyjamas, a navy dressing gown and matching slippers. A faded old Monopoly box was clutched in his small hands. Hank sighed fondly as he eyed the worn box. It had been years since he'd seen that old thing. It had been Cole's favourite game. One they'd get out on Saturday nights after Hank finished early and play, just the three of them. They'd played it just two days before…

"Sure, you know the rules?" Hank asked as he took the faded box and led the way into the kitchen. Niles followed eagerly as he shook his head, listening intently as Hank began unpacking the box onto the round table. Niles' small fingers immediately found the small silver dog. Cole's favourite had always been the racing car. Hank took the small car and then chose the ship for Connor. It sort of reminded him of Jericho. Connor returned a little later, also dressed for bed. Hank rarely saw him wearing his pyjamas, which were traditional blue and white striped cotton. Very Arthur Dent.

"Why don't you change while I finish setting up?" Connor added as he leaned over to count out the money. Hank didn't exactly wear pyjamas. He'd always been comfortable in a T-shirt and boxers. He tugged a set of sweatpants on and pulled a hoodie over the top. It was a little cold, even with the heating. The three of them were soon sitting at the round table, each with a mug of hot chocolate. Sumo padded through to flop at their feet, likely missing the company.

They played for over an hour, and it was no surprise to Hank that Connor let Niles win. He'd gone easy on the kid himself. He didn't extend the same courtesy to Connor though. He smirked as he took note after note of his money. After the game, it was late enough that Niles was falling asleep at the table. He made no objection as Connor gathered him up and carried him through to his bedroom. Connor tucked him in and kissed his forehead before returning quietly to help Hank clean up.

"You know…I was thinking…" Hank wasn't sure whether Connor was ready for his suggestion. Connor hummed that he was listening as he began stacking the money neatly. "This is only a two-bedroom house, but it wouldn't take much to convert the attic into a third room…It would be pretty big, too. Big enough to work as both a bedroom and home office…Somewhere for you to work." He paused as he noted the way Connor's hands froze on the box. He didn't need to read between the lines to understand what Hank was suggesting. If Connor moved into the loft, then that would leave his current bedroom free for Niles. Hank was making it clear that he wanted to keep the family together.

"You mean if Niles moves in permanently…" Hank didn't bother to deny it. He hummed his agreement as Connor looked his way. "Hank…" Connor sighed in objection, running a hand through his hair. He just didn't know the right thing to do. Niles needed security, and Connor really didn't know if he was someone who could provide that. He also knew it wasn't fair to keep him hanging on. These lunch dates, sleepovers, and phone calls were imprinting on Niles, raising his hopes. Connor knew it wasn't entirely his fault because he didn't suggest them, but he'd never refused them either.

"It's an option, just so you know there's a place for both of you here," Hank insisted firmly, watching Connor's expression soften. He truly appreciated everything Hank did for him. He always seemed to know exactly what he needed to hear. The box was left forgotten on the table as Connor reached for him and Hank tugged him into a firm embrace.

"Thank you, Hank," Connor murmured against his shoulder as he nuzzled the faded material of his T-shirt and breathed in his comforting scent. It had changed a lot. It was now like soft musk and worn leather without even a trace of stale alcohol. Connor closed his hazel eyes and leaned closer as an aged hand laced in his hair.