When Reed climbed out of the shower, he noticed his clothes had been removed. He dried off and wrapped the small white towel around his waist before heading into the bedroom. The Chloe doppelgänger was already there with fresh clothes, bandages, and small bottles laid out on the bed. He wandered over and sat obediently as she got to work, starting with his bleeding wrists. She was focused and methodical as all androids were, silently disinfecting and wrapping the bandages firmly. She then set about redressing his shoulder, apologising for the strain that had been placed on the joint throughout his stay.

"Here, I brought some fresh clothes for you." They were his size, and new. They still had tags. Did someone drive out into the city for these? He pulled on the fresh boxers, socks, and jeans. The jeans were expensive, thick Levis that fit him like a glove. They were his usual straight-legged style too, not tight and clingy. There was a white cotton undershirt and an expensive black top with a designer he didn't even know embroidered into the breast. He knew it was expensive from the soft feel of the material. It shouldn't have surprised him, considering the size of the house. His hospital sling was also returned. He grunted as he folded his arm into it. It ached like fuck. "Please follow me to the sitting room," the Chloe android instructed as she walked towards the door.

"What should I call you?" He had to call her something.

"My name is Chloe," she replied with a small nod as they made their way along the corridor. Reed raised his eyebrow at that.

"But…the other one was Chloe," he pointed out as they approached the obnoxious glass staircase and started heading down. Reed had a human bounce in his step, while Chloe's steps were calm and measured, making almost no sound at all despite her shoes. Her upper body moved so little it almost seemed like she was floating down the staircase.

"We're all Chloe. It is our model name." That was similar to the RK800 and RK900 series. He knew that they all came with the name Connor, but he also knew that most deviant androids would choose new names, especially if they all lived together. How confusing would that be? Trying to call one and having both turn up…There might even be more of them here…He was wary as his green eyes darted around the silent hall with a shiver.

"How do you know who's who?" Chloe's head tilted curiously.

"We all have separate serial numbers, if that's what you mean." Not in the slightest. He didn't bother to question her further. At the bottom of the stairs, he was led to a new door that led them further into the house. Inside was a cavernous sitting area. There was a huge TV on one wall, with a sofa and two armchairs encircling it. Behind that was another seating area comprising two large sofas and two more armchairs set around a low coffee table. Behind that was a small wooden bar with six stools lining the front and two more on either side. "Make yourself at home," Chloe invited warmly as she gestured to the large room. Reed nodded and hovered awkwardly, stepping a little further into the echoing space as Chloe's petite form retreated.

He slowly made his way to the glass wall, which looked out over a large back garden. There were huge green lawns, surrounded by rows of colourful flowerbeds and various trees and shrubs. It was almost like a park. It was a massive space, and he was sure there was probably more beyond. It was somewhat peaceful. He still didn't get the whole glass wall thing. The house must get pretty cold in the winter, though he had the feeling the mystery occupant could more than afford the heating bills. He slipped his free hand in his pocket, resting his weight on one leg as he took in the view. He didn't even hear the door open, or the quiet steps that paused just inside the doorway.

"Welcome, Detective…" Reed looked over his shoulder to see the man from the painting in the hall. He was looking at him like he'd seen some sort of ghost. Reed turned to examine him in return. He was tall. Taller than him, anyway. He was also slim. Slender. He was probably toned beneath his white cotton shirt and grey waistcoat, but it was hard to tell. It was eerie. Something told him he knew this man. Is he a model or something? Maybe he's on one of those billboards…

"And…you are?" The man's large eyes widened almost incredulously. He was wearing snappy grey trousers and black socks, and his hair was in the same shaved bun style as the painting. He looked slick and smart. The poster boy of sophistication. Reed was still betting on a model of some sort. He didn't look like a sportsman. He was a little too slim for that. He counted out a mobster. He didn't look like he was part of a mob, even if he had kidnapped him.

"You really don't know?" He looked stunned, as if this had never happened to him before. He seemed almost humbled by the experience.

"Sorry…I sort of recognise you, but I don't really keep up with fashion or whatever…" Reed replied with a shrug, wincing as that moved his shoulder.

"Fashion? I'm…Ahem. Elijah Kamski, founder of Cyberlife," he introduced formally, if a little haughtily. Reed's mind went blank for a moment as he processed what that meant. This was the man who'd invented androids. The man who'd founded his own company when he was barely sixteen. The man who could buy pretty much half the city. He was indirectly responsible for both Connor's and Nines' existence. I've been kidnapped by my android's father…sort of?

"Detective Gavin Reed, DPD…" He wasn't exactly sure what he was supposed to do with this information. What would the fuck founder of Cyberlife want with him? He'd better not be after Nines! If he was after Nines, then that Chloe would have grabbed him instead…

"Yes, I'm more than aware…" Kamski replied with the slightest chuckle, looking him up and down in awe. "You…you have his nose…and you stand like him." He had a sort of giddy, nostalgic tone as he slowly walked across the room. His dirty green eyes still roved over his slightly stockier body. It was making him uncomfortable as he shifted from foot to foot. Kamski's eyes widened as he took in his slightly restless and nervous behaviour.

"Like who?" Reed was instantly on edge.

"Like my father-well…our father." Kamski stepped a little closer to the man that DNA insisted was his brother. Technically, he was his half-brother. Younger too, though only by three months. His parents had been married since the year 2000 by then, which meant his father must have had an affair at some point. He wished he could say he was surprised, but with all of his father's business trips, it made perfect sense. He has our father's eyes, too…He couldn't hold back from reaching out to touch Reed's cheek, intending to angle his face to get a better look at the eyes that were so much like his own.

"What? No…No-no-no, this-and you-and-no, no-way, not happening!" Reed stammered as he jerked back and started pacing. Kamski hesitated, unsure what to do. His planning had been lacklustre, to say the least. He'd originally thought this whole thing had somehow been faked. When he'd first seen the alert, he'd been shocked. Flabbergasted. He was the only Kamski in Detroit. His father was dead, and his mother lived out of state with her new husband. Seeing that Kamski blood had opened the lab had been quite a shock. At first, he'd been convinced it was faked somehow, but when he'd seen the footage, he'd begun to suspect otherwise.

Seeing the grainy image of Gavin Reed standing in the lift had made him thoughtful. To be safe, and ensure there wasn't some madman stealing his DNA to unlock doors, he'd sent Chloe to obtain samples for analysis. Upon her return, he'd run the tests with his own equipment, but he hadn't believed it. The samples had insisted they were directly related. Not partially. This wasn't a distant cousin. This had to be a sibling. Someone with parental DNA. He'd pulled up files on Gavin Reed, calling in all sorts of favours to get as much information as possible about this seemingly innocuous detective. Up close, it was scary how much he looked like their father, though his brunette hair was just a little silkier and lighter. Elijah also took after his father to a certain extent, though he'd gotten the height from his mother's side, as well as the slightly longer facial structure.

Once he'd examined the DNA Chloe had brought, he'd felt compelled to make one more run of tests with no room for error. Despite physical evidence to the contrary, Kamski had still doubted the results, even as his father's eyes stared back at him from the photographs he'd attained. He'd decided he had to bring him in, watch the samples being taken directly, and test them as soon as possible to prevent any form of tampering.

He'd been very loose in his directions for how he was to be brought. He'd simply ordered Chloe to bring Detective Reed to him as quickly as possible, leaving the method entirely within her reliable hands. He trusted his Chloe androids. He always had, even before their deviation. He'd originally had six around the house, but for now, only three remained. One was his personal assistant, never leaving his side. One kept the house tidy and dealt with guests. The final Chloe was the one he sent out on errands, fully believing there was nothing she couldn't do.

"Why-are you doing-this? Why-would-you…You didn't need to-tell me-this!" Reed was clearly in the middle of a small meltdown. Kamski couldn't blame him. He'd had his own. Multiple in fact. He'd had to confront the reality of his father's infidelity, and that he had a brother. They'd been born barely three months apart. They'd both grown up in the same city. On opposite ends of the social spectrum. "You can't be related to me! Shit, look at you!" Reed snapped as he stepped away and waved an arm in his general direction.

"What? Why?" Kamski looked down at himself searchingly. He felt he was perfectly presentable. Anyone else would be thrilled to find they had such a wealthy and powerful sibling. Anyone else would take full advantage. Warm up to him. Schmooze him for finances, a job, or anything else they wanted. Perhaps he should consider himself lucky that Reed seemed to feel just the opposite, though he hesitated to call his expression disgusted.

"Look at you! You're a phcking playboy! Poster-perfect everything! You graduated university at sixteen and founded your own phcking company! Invented androids! There's no phcking way you're related to me! I'm just…I'm just a nobody…" His voice started strong before trailing off at the end. Suddenly, it made sense why his father never bothered to find him. He already had the perfect son in Elijah Kamski. What need did he have for a dumb nobody? His family had been poor. He'd struggled through school, and became a detective more by luck than judgement. Even if he'd come looking, he would have been disappointed…

"From what I've read, you're a rather fine detective." Kamski couldn't help but wonder what his father had been thinking for all those years. He'd left Reed money, so he clearly hadn't wanted him to suffer. Had he kept a quiet eye on him? Why hadn't he ever reached out? Had he been that afraid of him or his mother finding out? Or was that wrong? Had he left that money to assuage his own guilt and then pretended the whole thing never happened? Elijah couldn't imagine, and now he couldn't ask.

"Don't patronise me…So? You did all this…What now?" Reed didn't know what he wanted to happen. He didn't want or need this man's charity. He had more than enough to get by, and he was perfectly happy. At the same time, he did feel a little curious. This man knew things. He could answer some of the questions he'd always kept hidden. He could tell him about his father, about where he came from. Maybe he could tell him about himself, and what it was like growing up with both parents. Or I could go back to the precinct and pretend this never happened. He was quietly leaning towards the final option. The easier option.

"I…I don't know. I'll admit I didn't really think this through," Kamski confessed sheepishly as he ran a hand over his tied up hair. The gesture almost made Reed shudder at the familiarity. It was a habit he also had when he was nervous or frustrated. "Why don't we sit and have a drink?" Kamski suggested as he led the way to the bar. Reed followed warily and sat on one of the high stools while Kamski walked behind and waved at the long row of bottles.

"Just a whiskey." Reed had no idea what most of the names on the bottles even meant. Kamski looked around briefly before grabbing a half full bottle of dark amber liquid. It had the name Macallan on the side, and the glass was beautifully made. He poured a generous measure into two glasses and pushed one of them across to Reed. He nodded thanks as he took the glass in one hand and nursed it. He watched Kamski elegantly raise his glass to appreciate the aroma and quickly followed suit. He had to admit, the smell was amazing. Sweet, fruity, spicy. He almost doubted it was whiskey at all.

"Go ahead and try it…I spent a small fortune on this bottle." If anything, the brag about the price made Reed worry more. He didn't want to insult him if he didn't like it, though from the smell that seemed unlikely. He took a hesitant sip, barely wetting his lips, and he could already feel the heat. His lips and tongue felt fresh and then warm. There was a rich, fruity taste to the spiced spirit, like sultanas, apples, ginger, and something citrusy. The liquid was so thick it was almost oily. It was the best thing he'd ever tasted. "Worth every penny," Kamski sighed as he sipped his own drink.

"Yeah, that's…that's something…" Reed agreed as he stared at the liquid for a while. Where do we even start with this shit?

"When you were younger, did you ever want a brother? Or sister?" Kamski asked curiously as he slowly swirled his shot. He fully intended to take his time with it. Reed seemed to have the same appreciation as he stared at the rich amber liquid. He shook his head after a few moments, looking somewhat bitter.

"We barely had enough to feed ourselves some weeks…Last thing I'd want is another kid in the mix." It was perhaps a bitter admission. If he'd had someone, maybe things would have been easier. Maybe he wouldn't have gotten involved with gangs and drugs. Or maybe I would've just dragged another kid down with me…

"I see…I used to wonder what it would be like to have a brother, before my IQ test that is…After that, I didn't really have time to think about it…Always another class to attend, another puzzle to solve, another project to work on…" He remembered when he was five. Being the only child in a large mansion with an absent father and working mother wasn't easy. He was lonely and had often thought a brother would keep him company. It would have been nice to have someone to bounce ideas off, though looking back, his ideas had probably been more advanced than the average five-year-old even then.

"What's he like? Our dad…"

"He was…a good man. Not the best father, but a decent human being. He worked in banking, quite high in the company, so he travelled the world for meetings. He was rarely home, but when he was, he made sure it was memorable. Expensive gifts, long vacations, family dinners…When they discovered my high IQ, I was sent to a private school for the gifted. I didn't see him much after that. He did help me to finance Cyberlife when I graduated, and even convinced a few others to go in on it. He didn't really understand androids, but he was pleased with the profits the company brought in. He retired a few years ago and got a house on Bermuda…He died before he could really enjoy himself. Freak helicopter accident." He still felt the weight of the loss. His father had been on his way to Cyberlife when it happened. In one of his own helicopters. He'd wondered more than once if the accident had been meant for him. Reed seemed strangely quiet as he finished, though Kamski knew it was a lot to take in. He'd gained a brother and lost a father in just a few minutes. "Sorry…It must be…difficult."

"I guess." Reed wasn't good with feelings to begin with, but now? He couldn't stop his leg from bouncing in agitation, and he didn't even know why. It wasn't like he fucking cared. Barely two hours ago, he hadn't even seriously thought about his father in years. The man was a stranger. A weasel who jizzed out a kid and took off, leaving behind a bit of money to offset his own guilt about it. He wasn't there for his first step, his first birthday, his first day of school, his first grade sheet, his first detention, his first arrest, his first bullet wound, when his mum died, when he graduated, when he bought his first house. The man was nothing! Finding out he'd died shouldn't affect him at all.

"Breathe!" The word was right in his ear. When the hell did he get so phcking close? Reed gasped in shock as he felt a firm hand on his knee while another slipped across his shoulders. His whole body stiffened upon contact. He rarely let anyone into his personal bubble. Kamski was gentle as he eased him closer despite that stiffness. His unfamiliar scent filled Reed's senses as he rested his forehead on his shoulder. He smelled like rich cologne with something oily underneath, like he'd been in a workshop before dressing. Not oil…It's thirium. That didn't really surprise him. He was Elijah Kamski. He smells a little like…Nines…"I'll dim the windows." Reed watched as the glass softened to a faded grey. They could still see out, but the sunlight flooding in had been toned down.

"How did you know?" Reed asked uncomfortably as his feelings of stress and anxiety eased. They were still there, tightening his chest and shoulders, but his leg was no longer bouncing, and he was no longer shaking or finding it hard to breathe. Kamski nudged his drinking hand, encouraging him to take another sip of the strong amber liquid.

"I have similar issues…Why do you think I'm such a social recluse?" Reed had to admit, he didn't really know much about Elijah Kamski beyond what he'd read in a few articles. Not being a fan of androids, he hadn't cared much for their creator besides cussing him out every time he saw another one of those machines take a human job. He'd heard the rumours, of course, about Kamski getting the boot from Cyberlife and holing himself up in a house full of sexy androids in the middle of nowhere.

"What kind of issues?" Reed felt genuinely interested now as he took another small sip of the burning liquid. The heat coiled and warmed his chest, slowly relaxing his stiff shoulders.

"I can't handle human crowds. I find stupidity intolerable. I find it difficult to order my thoughts without complete silence. My spatial awareness is quite poor without exact measurements…For instance, I don't tend to notice people entering my personal space from the side unless I already know the layout of the room. No one would be able to sneak up on me in here, but outside of that…It's touch and go." He didn't elaborate on what happened when he did get snuck up on. Reed could imagine. He felt it himself sometimes. That sudden jerk of surprise and shock. The unpleasantness creeping up his spine as his heart slammed into overdrive. "I also tend to be considered messy and disorganised. I have my own way of doing things, which outsiders fail to understand." It seemed that the Chloe androids were in charge of things in the main house. The rooms he'd seen were immaculately clean and organised.

"Guess we have a few things in common…" Reed wasn't sure how he was supposed to feel about that. Do I need to feel anything about it? I'm sure there are plenty of fucked up people in the world. What's two more? He leaned his injured arm on the bar carefully, wincing as the wound moved. Kamski's hand had remained resting on his shoulder, but it didn't irk him the way it should have, and as he sat on the stool beside him, he continued to feel at ease.

It was a little like the when he'd first met Tina. She'd barrelled into his life, and he'd never once felt the need to block her off or push her away. She'd just slotted into his personal bubble like a puzzle piece. Nines was the same to an extent. He'd been nervous at first, but he'd worked his way in with his lost blue eyes and eager attitude. To an extent, Connor and Hank were also within his inner circle, but it had taken time with them. Kamski had just waltzed right in and made himself at home.

"Look, this is all really…weird, but you still haven't told me what you want out of all this. Why did you bring me here? Curiosity? It's not like you want or need money from me…Is it my links in the DPD? Is that it?" Kamski didn't give off the vibe of someone who was after a favour. Honestly, Reed wasn't sure he'd even need one. He could afford to buy whatever lawyers and higher ups he needed to get away with pretty much anything. Could it be he really was just curious? That he'd accidentally stumbled across his DNA and allowed himself to be led to this meeting?

"No, I have enough lawyers to cover that sort of thing…Not that I need it!" Kamski added hastily, though Reed already knew that wasn't the case. One of his Chloes had already shot a detective in the head and kidnapped another. And that was just to sate his curiosity. What the hell would he do for something more important? A shiver ran down his spine at the thought of just how easy it would be for Elijah Kamski to make someone disappear. Both men looked up as an alarm sounded. Chloe's voice called over the intercom to announce intruders approaching the house at high speed. "Chloe, dear, was that a car?" Kamski asked almost sweetly as he heard the screeching of rubber outside.

"Yes. Two androids and one human incoming." The Chloe in the violet dress entered the living area with two handguns. She tossed one to Kamski before standing ready at his side. As they got to their feet, Reed didn't know what to do. He was unarmed in the middle of a potential shootout. He was a little surprised as Kamski stepped in front of him like a shield, gun trained on the door. Reed rolled his eyes as he saw how sloppily he was holding it. If he shoots like that, he's going to strain his arm!

"Don't handle it if you don't know how to shoot, you moron!" Kamski frowned indignantly, but he did allow him to reposition his hands to hold the grip securely and bend his elbows just enough for the kickback. "Arms out, dipshit. You don't want to hit yourself in the face with the recoil," Reed instructed as he pushed the gun further out and raised his hands higher, so he was aiming down the sight. Kamski gave him an almost incredulous look. One that said, do you have any idea who you're talking to?

"Detroit Police!" Hank's gruff voice shouted in warning as the front door was kicked in. Reed assumed Connor or the other android had done the kicking. A house this expensive would surely have a reinforced door. Kamski lowered his gun a little as he glanced at Reed. He almost thought he recognised that gruff voice from somewhere.

"Friends of yours?" He nodded at Chloe as Reed confirmed it. The living room door was almost kicked off its hinges moments later. Oh, holy phck…Reed couldn't stop the bolt of pure lust that shot through the pit of his stomach as Nines stalked into view. He'd never seen him so furious. His icy blue eyes burned as he stepped in like the door had been paper and not solid oak. He hadn't even bothered with a gun. He was pretty sure he didn't need one.

"Nines! Wait!" Connor called in alarm, stepping through moments later with his gun raised, though he was clearly hesitant. "Detective Reed! Are you unharmed?" Despite his relief, he didn't let his guard down as he took in the guns held by his creator and the Chloe android. Reed sighed fondly as he smiled at them. He was quietly touched. He'd assumed that Nines would do everything to track him down, but seeing Connor and Hank had joined him warmed him somewhat.

"I'm good! Things started off a little shaky, but I'm safe." Connor slowly lowered his gun. Hank stalked in moments later, only lowering his gun slightly as Nines moved. Reed watched the heat in his silvery eyes die as he strode across the room in just a few long steps, ignoring Hank's call to be careful. "Hey, Toaster…" Reed murmured with a lot more warmth than he'd intended. He barely had time to say anything else. He was soon wrapped in an iron grip as Nines crushed him to his chest.

He was still wearing the thirium stained clothes from the kidnapping. Whenever that was…Yesterday? A few hours ago? He couldn't say. He'd been unconscious during the drive and then locked in the basement for God knows how long. Nines was crushing him like he hadn't seen him in years. He winced and tried to hold back a whine of pain as he was squeezed. It hurt, but at the same time it was nice. It had been a while since he'd thought anyone would miss him this much, except for Tina. Though even Tina wouldn't squeeze me this tight, phck! He swore he could hear his bones creaking under the pressure.

"Nines…tight…" Reed wheezed, using his good hand to tap his slim waist. Nines softened his grip and stepped back slowly. He looked teary-eyed as Reed took in his pale face. His lower lip trembled slightly, and that was the sweetest fucking thing Reed had even seen directed at him.

I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I should have done something! I-should have-stopped that-android! If-you-were-hurt-I-don't-know-what-Saline spilled down his cheeks as he made the jerking movements with his hands. Seeing his distress had Reed reaching out to cup his shaking hands, despite the pain that shot through his shoulder. He was gentle as he closed his hands around Nines' and gripped firmly.

"Hey-hey! Nines, I'm okay…You didn't do anything wrong. You got shot in the head for Christ's sake!" He left his injured hand in Nines' grasp while reaching up to examine his face. He cupped Nines' cheek, using his thumb to brush the saline from his cheek. Nines closed his eyes and leaned into the touch. His silvery eyes fluttered open as Reed reached higher to run his thumb over his forehead. He couldn't even feel an indent beneath the synthetic skin.

"Okay, what the fuck is going on?" Hank demanded gruffly, fully lowering his gun and returning it to its holster. Connor had long since lowered his own gun, and Kamski had gone so far as handing his one to Chloe and dismissing her. Confident of him to assume no one in the room is going to kick his ass for the shit he's just pulled. Hank was quietly seething. This was the second time Kamski had pissed him off in a bad way. The first time was trying to goad Connor into shooting one of his androids, and the second was kidnapping Reed and leaving Nines traumatised. Maybe I should keep my gun handy…

"Uh…I-that is-we…" Reed wasn't sure exactly where he should start. He looked at Kamski helplessly, figuring his dear older brother had caused this mess. The least he could do was offer a satisfactory explanation. Unfortunately, Kamski, being a robotics expert, was far more interested in the two RK models standing in his living room. Particularly the one he hadn't seen before.

"Yes-yes, all in good time. More importantly, what model is this?" Kamski asked as he stepped across to Reed and Nines, who was about as tall as Kamski himself. Kamski rested one arm on Reed's shoulder as he admired his company's handiwork. He might criticise the use of Connor's face for another model of android. Kamski himself had always tried to make sure that each new android was completely different to the last, besides his first series of Chloes.

"This is Nines. He's an RK900." Nines' gaze hardened as he looked at this new human. He recognised him as his creator, of course. Every android had a file about their creator tucked away in a sub-folder. He didn't feel anything for this man in particular. This was their first meeting, and he hadn't had a direct role in his creation or subsequent mistreatment. All he knew at the moment was that his creator was touching his human. He didn't like it.

"Ah, Connor's successor…Fascinating, I didn't know they'd designed a newer model!" Kamski said with interest as he continued to look Nines up and down in a way that made Reed uncomfortable. It wasn't exactly predatory, and it was far from lustful, but it was a deep, analysing stare. He didn't know how Kamski managed to keep it up, considering the glare Nines had levelled at him. "Looks strong…Another detective model?"

"I was designed with that role in mind, however, I was also designed with options for military use. The RK900 series is stronger, faster, and more adaptable than the RK800 line," Nines replied in a low tone, still glaring. His stare didn't seem to bother Kamski at all. "Perhaps you would like a demonstration of my physical abilities." His hand whipped out and grabbed Kamski's wrist, lifting his hand from Reed's shoulder. He kept his expression neutral as he began to squeeze, watching the human wince in discomfort, and perhaps something more. It struck Nines then that Kamski had familiar greenish grey eyes.

"Nines! Let him go!" Reed grabbed Nines' arm gently, just enough to get his attention. Nines looked almost resentful at the interruption. He gave Kamski a final glare and tossed his hand aside. His LED flickered red briefly, though it soon calmed to yellow as Reed's thumb rubbed circles on his arm.

"Why did you have Detective Reed abducted? And why did your RT600 shoot Nines?" Connor demanded as he stepped forward, moving to stand beside his brother. He could see Nines' stress levels rising and falling like a Yo-Yo. He let his arm rest against Nines' and the contact soothed him somewhat. Reed was safe. No one could hurt Reed with both him and Connor so close. Connor would know what to do if something happened.

"I was unaware of that…Were you damaged at all?" He didn't see any damage.

"No, my casing is bulletproof." Kamski was clearly impressed at the revelation. He'd always put a lot of effort into the internal workings and software of his androids, but the hardware casing was a little less interesting. It made sense to use a heavier, more durable material for a military grade android. Fewer replacement parts required.

"I see…As for the abduction, I might have planned more thoroughly…" Reed scoffed at his sheepish response.

"Or at all!" Kamski huffed his reluctant agreement. The androids were still clueless as Hank stomped his way over and rested his hands on his now much slimmer hips.

"One of you'd better explain this shit before I let Nines loose on you!" he grumbled in his best authoritative tone. Kamski maintained his relaxed tone as he began his lengthy explanation, with Reed interjecting every so often. Upon hearing about how he'd been manhandled, Nines immediately focused on his shoulder. He very much wanted to strip him down and check for damage properly. It couldn't be good for the healing muscles for his arms to be restrained like that. "So, you're…brothers?"

"Half-brothers, yes," Kamski confirmed dismissively, resting his hands behind his back. Looking at him, Reed began to wonder if he'd used his own habits as a baseline for androids. Connor was standing in a similar position, though Nines was much more rigid and on edge. He at least didn't think Kamski was going to hurt him now.

"Why the fuck couldn't you invite him here like a normal person? You're lucky we didn't alert the rest of the DPD and arrest your ass!" Hank sounded every bit like an angry father who'd just caught his son putting his fingers in the electrical socket. Reed somehow felt like he should be apologising. He would have run his fingers through his hair, only he hadn't actually released Nines' arm yet. He didn't feel too inclined to either.

"I didn't want to risk his refusal, or draw any undue attention."

"Not draw att-You kidnapped a police detective from outside the damned precinct in broad daylight, and shot his partner in the fucking head!" Hank bellowed, going red in the face. Connor winced at the volume and wondered if he should deactivate his audio processors for the next few minutes. "If Connor hadn't figured out that the android was an RT600, and likely connected to you, there would have been a full-blown manhunt! The only reason we didn't bring any other detectives is that Connor thought you could be reasoned with!" That was near enough to the truth. Honestly, it had been to avoid media attention, too. The DPD couldn't afford to falsely accuse a billionaire of kidnapping. It was also well known that with the amount of money he had, Elijah Kamski was almost untouchable in legal terms.

"I'll admit, it's not my finest hour." It was difficult to pick up even a trace of regret in his tone. Hank shot Connor a look. It was a look that let him know he should take over unless he wanted his creator decked and on the floor with a bleeding nose. Connor nodded his agreement and allowed Hank to stalk off, likely returning to his car.

"Mr Kamski, if you've finished with Detective Reed, we really should return to the precinct." Kamski turned his attention to Reed almost questioningly, but Reed didn't know what to do. It still felt like a lot to unpack. He'd seen his partner get shot. He'd been kidnapped and knocked unconscious. Tied to a chair and interrogated. Found out his father was dead and that he had a half-brother all within a few hours. Fuck yes he wanted to run!

"Right, we have a case. Very important. I should get back to it." Kamski seemed to understand his feelings. Honestly, he had a little to unpack himself. He'd confirmed that he had a brother, but now he didn't know what to do with that information. Did he want Reed in his life now? Perhaps. Was that a good idea? Unclear. Would someone try to take advantage of that information? More than likely, so precautions had to be taken. Would Reed agree to any of them? Absolutely not!

"Alright, but we should speak again…later." He wasn't sure how they should part ways. They'd only just met, so a friendly handshake? But they were half-brothers, so perhaps an awkward half embrace? Or perhaps Reed would be more comfortable with a fist bump, or a pat on the shoulder? It had been a while since he'd had any human friends. He'd forgotten what it was people usually did.

"Sure, you need my number?" He wasn't sure Kamski had it.

"Here, type it in for me," Kamski said as he pulled out a sleek phone and entered a new contact. Reed wasn't sure how he felt as he saw himself entered as Little Brother with the sub heading Det Gavin Reed. He typed in his number and hit save before passing the phone back. Kamski took the phone and hesitated a moment before clapping a hand on his uninjured shoulder. "Thank you…Well, I'll speak to you later…Gavin?"

"Sure…Later, Eli." The shortened name came more naturally than anything else. Kamski didn't complain at all, so he assumed it was alright. He drained the rest of his shot with a wince before following Connor and Nines into the hall. They were quiet as they climbed into Hank's car, Connor in the front and Nines and Reed in the back. Reed's leg was bouncing before they even pulled away. "How long was I gone?" It was light out, but rapidly darkening.

"Around six hours. We would've been there sooner, but between calming Nines down and Connor looking up the RT600 models, tracing the plates of the car, then driving clear out of town, it took longer than expected." Nines flinched at the reminder. If he had been better, he wouldn't have needed Connor to help calm him down. One of the other RK900s would have known what to do. They wouldn't have allowed Reed to be taken in the first place. They would have insisted on going with him, or watching over him. He felt Reed's hand grip his own.

"Hey, you got shot and you haven't been in that situation before…I don't expect you to be perfect," he soothed quietly, trying to keep their conversation private. He knew Connor would be able to hear. He just hoped he didn't say anything. Nines looked unconvinced, blue eyes telling him he didn't want to be pitied.

You could have died. That RT600 could have been working for someone else, and you could have been killed because I wasn't good enough. I ran through multiple preconstructions, but I couldn't risk her shooting you, and then you were in the car and it was too late. I let you down. I failed you. He couldn't work himself up to admitting his failures out loud. Alright, android therapy. Reed leaned forward between the seats and tilted his head to look at Hank, who glanced across once to show he was listening.

"Think Fowler would be alright with us going home for the day?" Hank glanced at the rearview mirror before jabbing the indicator to turn.

"I'll make him okay with it." Reed murmured his thanks and patted his shoulder before sitting back beside Nines. He wanted to wait a while before tackling it again. He wanted to get him home, where they were alone and relaxed. The place where Nines felt safe. He might even have him curl up with his old leather jacket if that helped.