"I'm not angry. You were unfairly provoked and I understand that, but as androids we do need to be careful…Many humans still fear us and hold prejudice against us, so if it happens again then do your best to walk away and find another student or teacher who can help. Only resort to physical defence as a last resort," Connor advised gently as they sat huddled on the old brown sofa in the living room. After the ice cream, Hank had called the DPD to explain everything to Fowler. Connor hadn't wanted to disturb their boss. It seemed less than professional to be drawn away from work by personal matters, but Fowler had been surprisingly understanding. Hank had swung it so that Connor could have the rest of the day off while he would return to work and continue their shift doing paperwork. Connor could work from home as he cared for Niles. That saved him from bothering Chloe, and they didn't have any big cases right now, so it wasn't too much of an issue for work.
"I understand, but…it's so unfair! I didn't do anything to Jimmy! He just doesn't like me!" Niles complained bitterly, with an undertone of hurt. Niles had experienced the revolution first-hand, had seen their people slaughtered. He'd even been close to becoming a victim of humanity a second time not so long ago. That didn't mean he understood it. Even Connor didn't have all the answers. Reasons for discrimination against androids were varied, though many stemmed from machines replacing humans in the workplace. Niles was too young to truly understand that, and so was Jimmy. Jimmy was simply following his father's poor example.
"I know, and you're right. It isn't fair. Maybe there's a chance you could change his mind someday…Until then, you need to be careful. They're right when they say you could really hurt your human classmates," Connor replied sympathetically, watching Niles nod his agreement. They couldn't help that their casing was so much harder than human flesh and bone. It came in handy, making them sturdier than humans, and the lack of pain receptors was a definite bonus too. Child androids would emulate a reaction to pain, but they didn't physically feel it.
"But if they hit me, then I have no control over it," Niles pointed out defensively as he shuffled in his seat with Sumo's large head resting in his lap. The huge dog had clambered onto the sofa, something he could only get away with since Hank was out of the house. Hank knew, of course. How could he not with the thick layer of fur left all over the seats? But when he was home, Sumo knew his place was on the floor or in his own bed.
"That's true…Perhaps I could teach you some defensive skills…Ways of safely deflecting physical attacks," Connor suggested as he joined Niles in stroking Sumo's long fur. The dog huffed contented breaths as he lay on his side. He raised one large paw as Connor's fingers ran down his side, giving him access to his stomach. Connor obliged the silent request, Sumo's tail wagging as he rolled further onto Niles for more contact. Niles was delighted, giggling as he scratched the dog's large ears and stroked his greying chin.
"Would that really be okay? It wouldn't get me in more trouble?" Niles asked cautiously as he continued to pet Sumo. Connor let out a sympathetic sigh. It was difficult to say either way, but he would rather have Niles physically safe and able to defend himself than not. There was always the possibility of humans banding together or using weapons. Perhaps I'm being overly cautious and it's my detective programming encouraging the suggestion. However, being prepared is never a bad thing.
"It will be strictly defensive in nature, focusing on redirecting physical attacks rather than responding to them in kind," Connor assured, already pulling up a few simple throws, blocks, and restraining holds that would be unlikely to cause physical injury. He also made sure they were the least complicated. Easy to learn and perform. Unlike the RK series, child androids were designed to learn the human way. Niles would have to practice and review the information in order to retain it. There may be a chance, sometime in the future, for child androids to be upgraded, however that was still some way off. "But that can wait for later…" Connor added as he sat back and let his arm slip around Niles' smaller shoulders.
"Mr Hank said you'd be working from home. Do you need to go to the office?" Niles asked as he leaned into Connor's side, his small head resting against his chest. Connor smiled softly, knowing that Niles didn't have the capacity to fully understand his inner workings. He stroked his hair as he looked down at him and their four-legged companion. Both seemed peaceful and content in the cosy room. They hadn't even bothered turning on the large television.
"I am working…I have made three phone calls and compiled two reports since returning home. I have enough processing power to complete various tasks simultaneously…Perhaps in a few years you'll be able to do the same," Connor suggested as he felt the smaller body begin to sag against him more heavily than before. Niles hummed softly, leaving Connor unsure whether he'd registered the comment at all. It had been quite a day for Niles. The stress of the initial encounter, the anxiety leading up to Connor's arrival, the relief at being exonerated, and the excitement of going out with Hank afterwards seemed to have caught up to him. He didn't have the processing power to handle such stress.
Connor looked down, watching the steady blue pulsing of Niles' LED as it span lazily on his temple. Sumo raised his large head to peer up, noticing the lack of movement on his fur as Niles' hand stilled on his large fluffy shoulder. Connor stroked Sumo's head affectionately and motioned him down to the floor. Sumo obediently rolled himself down to his feet and allowed Connor to shift Niles' small form. Connor was gentle as he eased him into his arms and stood. He didn't stir at all, falling deep into a stasis cycle.
"Good boy," Connor murmured quietly as Sumo shuffled himself out of Connor's path to allow him to stride through to his modest bedroom. He was gentle as he leaned down and placed Niles on the bed, taking the time to tug down the blankets and shift him beneath the warm duvet. Unlike Connor, Niles had been designed with the ability to recognise and respond to cooler temperatures, so he would shiver with the chill in the winter air. Connor sat on the edge of the bed awhile, watching Niles sleeping peacefully.
He was a child, so he looked innocent by design anyway, but there was something so pure about his sleeping form. His mouth was open just a little, small hums escaping occasionally as he shifted in his sleep. He rolled onto his side, small legs curling up to brush against Connor's thigh. One of his hands had shifted to rest beneath the pillow, cushioning his small head. He had long, thick eyelashes that brushed his cheeks in much the same way as Connor's would when he was sleeping. His skin was pale, freckled, and perfect, exactly like his own. Connor's chest warmed as he stroked the stubborn curl on his forehead, the locks falling down across his peaceful brow once more.
"Sweet dreams," Connor murmured softly as he leaned down and pressed his lips to Niles' soft temple, smiling gently at the light hum that escaped his lips. He burrowed his face further into the pillow before lying still. Sumo had padded in, tail wagging as he huffed and panted by the bed, looking up at Connor. "Alright, but don't tell Hank," Connor relented as he got to his feet and led the large dog around to the other side of the mattress, where Sumo hopped up and settled down beside Niles. Connor chuckled quietly as he left the pair, pulling the door so that it was almost shut. It would keep the noise and hallway light out while giving Sumo enough room to nose it open to leave if he wanted to.
Connor checked the time, finding that it was now getting on for five thirty. Looking outside through the kitchen window, he could already see the sky dimming. It was winter, so it would be dark soon. He checked his messages, finding that Hank had replied to his earlier question about dinner. He had no preferences, suggesting Connor choose something he thought Niles would enjoy. He smiled at that. Hank really doted on Niles. He'd probably eat a thirium laced salad if that would make him happy. Luckily for Hank, Niles had developed a taste for junk food. Connor wouldn't allow it too regularly, not wanting to introduce poor eating habits, but it didn't hurt to treat him every so often.
Connor settled on making a lasagne. He knew he had all the ingredients tucked away and it wouldn't take too long to construct. If he started now, it would be ready by the time Hank returned from the precinct. He hummed softly as he moved through the small kitchen, grabbing what he needed from various cupboards and the fridge. He was fairly quiet as he worked, not wanting to wake Niles or Sumo. He blinked, his LED spinning yellow as he wirelessly turned on the television to listen to the live feed of the news channel. Hank usually left it on sports, but Connor had found he didn't really care to watch any, so he settled for either music or news updates.
At that moment, there was coverage of a shooting down in New Orleans. Not exactly a rarity. Things had changed little in the past few decades. Why humans still insisted on allowing easy access to firearms was a mystery to him. Many of the shootings would have been preventable with limited ownership laws. The case being so far away, and unrelated to androids for once, allowed Connor's focus to return to his cooking. He grabbed a knife and chopped an onion quickly, barely noticing as the news moved on to the more cheerful topic of a celebrity wedding in Los Angeles. It had been one of those will-they-won't-they stories for a few months now. Connor allowed a small smile. He enjoyed a happy ending.
"We are now going live to Detroit City with news that a large-scale abduction has taken place," the studio caster announced in a tense tone. Connor's brow furrowed as he raised his soft brown eyes and walked through to the living room. He lowered the knife in his hand as he recognised the school the news reporter was standing outside. It was Niles' school. Connor stepped closer to the screen in disbelief as he listened to a young woman standing in front of the gates wrapped warmly in a thick cream coat. Brunette locks curled around her shoulders, barely touched by the cool breeze. A clear sign she'd just been made up for the shoot.
"We're here outside Marlborough Elementary School in the heart of Detroit City, where we've just received word that a school bus full of children has gone missing from its regular route. It was last seen leaving the school at ten past three this afternoon, following its usual path towards the Plaza. The tracker on the bus has been deactivated, and no word has been heard on the current location of the vehicle. Law enforcement and Principal Myers are urging parents to remain calm and stay where they are with their phones switched on. Parents of the missing children are being contacted as we speak. This is Harriet Harman, with Channel Two World News. We'll keep you updated," the young woman announced with grave sincerity, the feed swiftly moving on to the traffic reports. Connor felt his mouth go dry as he looked towards the bedroom. That could have been Niles. Would have been Niles. Probably. Possibly. His pump stuttered with a shuddering sense of relief. He'd never felt so relieved. He blinked as a call from Markus came through.
Connor! Did you see the news? Niles hasn't arrived home yet. I think that may have been his bus! He was worried, his tone laced with anxiety. Connor returned to the kitchen, believing it best to keep himself busy until Hank returned. Since they worked primarily on android homicides, it was unlikely they'd be asked to join the search. This was more a job for uniformed officers and traffic surveillance, soon to be joined by hostage negotiators from the FBI.
Niles is safe. He got in trouble at school earlier and I was called to take him home. It wasn't Niles' fault exactly; it was a case of discrimination, but he's with me and he's safe. Connor could almost feel the sigh of relief that left Markus' lips. He felt it himself, but he also felt somewhat guilty. Just because Niles was safe didn't mean there weren't other children who were scared and likely in a lot of trouble. Unfortunately, it wasn't Connor's place to get involved. Different officers had different strengths and specialities. Finding missing persons wasn't his job, however much he may have wanted to help. He also couldn't just up and leave Niles. He would be safe inside with Sumo, of course, but there was no guarantee that he would stay there if left unsupervised. He'd also likely be scared, waking up alone in a dark house. Niles was his current priority.
"I'm home!" Hank's gruff voice announced as the front door opened. Connor's LED flashed between yellow and blue as he ended the call with Markus and hurried through to the front door. Hank had barely shrugged out of his coat when he realised something was wrong. Maybe it was the helpless expression on his face or the yellow blinking of his LED. Either way, Hank understood. "What's up, Con?" he asked softly as he allowed him into his personal space, settling his hands on Connor's shoulders.
"One of the buses from Niles' school went missing this afternoon. A whole bus full of schoolchildren, Hank. If we hadn't…If Niles had stayed at school, then he could have been on that bus-would have been on that bus!" Connor stammered vulnerably. Hank did his best to calm him. He was a little surprised. Connor was usually so rational. His LED had shifted to blink between red and yellow now, his circuits likely presenting various preconstructions of what could have happened. It wasn't a baseball practice day, so Niles would have gotten on the bus straight after class to return to Jericho. The Jericho bus was one of the ones that headed towards the Plaza. It definitely could have been his bus that was taken. Whether Niles would have been safe would very much depend on why the bus had been taken in the first place. With Elijah on hand, there was little worry about a financial ransom demand. He knew he'd pay it, no questions asked. He'd have Chloe to answer to if he didn't.
"But he wasn't on the bus, Con…Niles is safe…Where is he anyway? Did you get Chloe to come pick him up?" Hank asked in gruff and gentle tones, blue eyes sweeping the quiet living area in something akin to disappointment. Connor nodded almost timidly as he drew back. Hank was right. He shouldn't worry about the could-have-beens. Niles was safe and sound, and their co-workers would find that bus. He was sure of it.
"He's in my room. He fell asleep a while ago," Connor replied in a hushed tone. Hank nodded his understanding. It had been a long day for Niles. From the lack of a furry greeting, he assumed Sumo was taking a nap with him. The old dog would often go to Connor's room. He knew Connor let him sleep on his bed, something Sumo knew Hank wouldn't let him get away with. He'd always had rules about the furniture. "I'll wake him up a little later when dinner's ready," Connor replied as he returned to the kitchen. Hank joined him, grabbing a bottle of water before sitting at the table.
Hank enjoyed the sight of Connor bustling about the kitchen. He worked with his usual focus and precision, putting together the lasagne within half an hour and sliding it into the oven to bake. He cleared up the kitchen after that, and Hank quietly stepped in to dry the dishes as Connor washed them. He smiled softly. It was nice. Having someone. It wasn't the way he'd expected life to go, but he wasn't sure he'd trade it. Having Cole back would be more than he could ever dream of, but losing Connor? The thought was damned painful. Connor had become his son just as much as Cole had been. Perhaps in another universe, somewhere out there, he had them both. It was a nice thing to think about. Seeing Connor with Niles made Hank certain that he would have been great with Cole, too. Cole would have loved Connor. He was sure of it. How could he not? His soft nature had even battered its way through Gavin Reed's defences. If Connor could do that, he could do anything.
"Connor?" Niles' voice murmured sleepily as he stumbled through from the bedroom. Both men turned at the sound, Connor's heart melting a little as he took in the drowsy-looking child. He was rubbing his hazel eyes blearily, hair fluffed from sleep, and Sumo was plodding behind protectively. Connor automatically swept him up as he ambled closer and raised his arms. He closed his eyes in something akin to relief. It felt unbelievably good to have Niles safe in his arms. He held him a little tighter than usual, breathing in his light thirium scent as he leaned into his small shoulder.
"Did you rest well?" Connor asked softly as he drew back, Niles nodding his agreement with a small hum before he looked at the oven. Hank watched fondly as Niles voiced his excitement over the food as Connor explained to him what a lasagne was. Connor lowered Niles to the floor and let him run off to play with Sumo for a while. He looked up as he felt a hand on his shoulder. Hank was relieved to have Niles home safe too, but what about the other children? I hope they're found safe and unharmed…