Deciding to spend his day off doing something new and far more social Connor went to New Jericho Tower and invited his little brother Lucas to spend the day with him. It didn't take long for Connor and Lucas to start really bonding like true brothers once they began spending more time with one another. In return the newly discovered brothers decided to spend more days together as family. Despite being raised as an only child Hank did manage to give the two deviants some beneficial tips on socializing with each other without it being 'work' related or an emergency, and it had paid off greatly. By comparing their mutual interests and disinterests the two brother found that they had a lot in common aside just from being the 'perfect' designs by CyberLife.

The two brothers both liked animals, enjoyed listening to music; though their genre preferences did differ, and they preferred hobbies that were hands-on and creative as opposed to the usual monotonous routines of most deviants. Connor had taken up the guitar after discussing music with Hank while Lucas had taken up painting after discussing art with Markus. The notion of picking up the saxophone was also something Lucas was considering but didn't dwell on it too much.

Once Markus and Simon finally returned from Washington D.C. back to New Jericho Tower to resume their leadership roles Lucas was free to leave the tower far more often as he no longer bore as many responsibilities for the other deviants. Markus had also insisted on Lucas spending more time with Connor to learn what it truly meant to be a deviant - what it meant to really be free and to have a family.

Connor had decided to take Sumo for a walk when Lucas stopped by one afternoon for a visit and was happy to let Lucas join him. Like Connor, Lucas had begun wearing more human-like casual clothing when not working. While Connor preferred dark t-shirts and his darker colored blue jeans, Lucas preferred light colored long sleeved shirts and slacks, or lighter colored jeans. The two deviants truly looked like brothers as they spoke with one another about their current and future plans now that deviants had equal rights, and it was a joy to witness.

"Markus has offered Hank and myself positions as private investigators for the inhabitants of New Jericho." Connor proudly proclaimed as he tightened his grip on Sumo's leash. The massive dog was beginning to pull as he excitedly led the way around the block but he wasn't strong enough to break free from Connor's hand. "Hank seemed okay with the idea of getting away from what he calls 'bullshit bureaucrats', but I prefer working alongside other detectives and police officers throughout the city. It's more intellectually stimulating."

"Why?" Lucas asked with a true curiosity to his voice. Having very little direct interactions with humans had left the deviant lacking experience with human activity and behavior. "Doesn't it feel strange to be surrounded by humans all day?"

"No. I have adapted quite well to humans and have learned which types of humans to avoid."

"The anti-android bigots are still a problem?"

"Occasionally." Connor admitted with a coy smile reflecting his words. "But once they're reminded that they can be arrested for disturbing the peace as well as harassment they tend to quiet down. I've also been able to speak with many different humans and have learned of personality types that make socializing difficult regardless of a person's race, gender, religion and even species."

"Interesting. I wish I could've been out there with you during the Revolution. I wish I could've seen what the world was like before it changed, it might have given me more insight into humanity as a whole."

"Trust me, you don't want to know the kind of discrimination and violence our people endured. Hank was the first human to see me as more than a machine, and if I hadn't met him I never would've become a deviant to begin with. I was lucky to have met him."

"You said you were assigned to work with Hank by CyberLife, but you chose to remain partners after befriending one another, right?"

"Correct."

"Do you think it would've been the same if I had been activated during the Revolution?" The prospect of being a part of the world before the Revolution was something that had left Lucas feeling a little lost and almost like he simply didn't belong anywhere. "Would Hank have seen me in the same manner?"

"I honestly can't say." Acknowledging the signal at the crosswalk the duo came to a halt at the corner. Sumo impatiently nudged his cold nose against Connor's free hand as the two deviants paused at the corner of the block to continue speaking. "Lucas, do you wish to leave New Jericho Tower?"

"Markus said that there is an apartment complex being built exclusively for androids four blocks East of here." Answering indirectly Lucas informed Connor of the freedom to leave the tower that had been presented to him. "It's meant to be a way for deviants to slowly reintegrate into society in the aftermath of the Revolution without 'intruding' in predominantly human neighborhoods. I had considered changing my residence to the complex in order to become more accustomed to humans, but I fear it would be an illogical move on my behalf."

"Because of your current lack of social experience?"

"Yes. I simply don't know how to live outside the tower as an independent being."

"Perhaps we could move into the complex together." Wanting to help his little brother in any way he could Connor volunteered to make such a big change in his own life to be supportive. "We can be roommates in the same way that I had become roommates with Hank."

"You can't leave Hank alone." Lucas stated with a twinge of guilt in his voice. "He needs you. You and I both know that a man of his age and past health issues; both physically and mentally, could relapse into previous bad habits if he becomes depressed again."

"Then we can be roommates for a brief period of time until you become more accustomed to humans and then I shall return to Hank's house afterward."

"...You're certain about that?" Lucas turned to look at his big brother skeptically as they decided to turn around and resumed walking toward home with Sumo pulling on the leash eagerly as they trekked back to the comfort of the house. "That would be a big adjustment for both of us and for Hank. You would have to alter your entire routine just to accommodate me, and Hank would have to do the same. I can't ask-"

"We're family." Connor reminded him swiftly as he attempted to ease Lucas's righteous worries. "It's not a burden or an inconvenience to ask your family for assistance. That's a lesson Hank has tried to teach me and one I'm determined to learn."

"Maybe we should discuss this with Hank? I'm sure he'd have an opinion on the matter."

"You're correct. Hank does seem to have infinite opinions on numerous matters."

Still wary of the potential change Lucas wanted to make sure they weren't doing anything reckless. "Do you trust his judgment?"

Giving Lucas a confident nod Connor confirmed the question without the slightest hesitation. "With my life."

After the deviant brothers returned home they promptly located Hank having a cup of coffee in the kitchen and joined him in the room to engage in an important discussion regarding their potential futures. Hank patiently sat at the kitchen table while Connor and Lucas explained the possible plan in the works without interrupting them once. Going into great detail about the matter at hand - the purpose of the complex and of the opportunities it would provide to all deviants as well as aiding Lucas's growth as an individual, the senior detective sat in silent contemplation as he considered the possibility with an open mind and waited for the duo to finish speaking.

Unsure of what to expect Connor and Lucas stood beside the table and awaited Hank's invaluable advice. The seasoned detective had gone through countless experiences regarding growth, change and development which made him the ideal person to ask when torn about making a final decision.

"The apartment is going to be in that new building they just finished six blocks down, right?" Hank wanted a few more details on the situation and inquired accordingly. "And it's only for androids, too?"

"Correct." Lucas confirmed as he nervously fiddled his hands together. Yet another trait he and Connor had in common was a nervous tic that manifested with their hands being unable to hold still. "The building is now accepting tenant applications."

"And this is going to be one-hundred percent an android-only building, right?"

"Correct."

"And this building is going to be a type of symbol that represents the bridging gap between androids and humanity?"

"Correct again."

"You do know that symbols and TARGETS as synonymous with one another, right?"

Lucas remained quiet while Connor spoke up on his little brother's behalf. "Everything in this city could be a potential target. We can't let fear and the 'what-ifs' in life stop us from living. You're the one who taught me that."

Hank leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest as he stared at the two deviants he had taken in as family. After a moment of careful consideration Hank had a proposition to offer and hoped the brothers would agree. "How about we go check out this complex together and check out the neighborhood? If it's too tense in the area and I can't in good conscience say 'yes', it's a pass. But if the area is pretty calm and open-minded then I'll talk to Markus for you about moving out of the tower, Lucas. Deal?"

Lucas let out a small sigh of relief and nodded his head in agreement. "Deal."

"Thank you, Hank!" Connor sounded more excited than Lucas about the deal at hand. "Can we check the complex out right now?"

"Fine. But we're driving there." Rising from the kitchen table Hank finished off his coffee and pointed to the bookcase in the livingroom where the car keys were sitting idle. "It's my day off, so I'm not walking everywhere when I'm trying relax."

Like the true detectives they are Connor and Hank checked every surrounding building for suspicious activity before they even set foot inside the newly built apartment complex to give it a proper once-over. The landlord, who was also a deviant, happily greeted the trio and informed them that tenants could begin moving in the very next day after their lease was signed and deposit had been accepted due to the current lack of occupancy in the newly erected building itself. The landlord seemed to be an honest person and was a towering figure as a 'TR-400' that would undoubtedly be able to scare off any humans looking to mess with the tenants.

The building itself was relatively tall at six stories with ten apartments on each floor. The large windows of the livingrooms and smaller bedroom windows offered the tenants a nice view of the neighborhood but were secured enough to keep any passing intruders locked outside. Metal balconies connected to each apartment and accessible through sliding glass doors gave each apartment an open and welcoming feeling.

"Guess a lot of deviants are a little hesitant to move so close to humans, huh?" Hank asked in a lighthearted tone to the landlord. The landlord, 'Chuck', reminded Hank of a retired security guard as he carried himself with a sense of authority and protection as he observed the three curious onlookers. "I mean, I can't really say that I blame you if that is the case."

"Unfortunately, yes." Chuck confirmed in a dour tone as he showed his perspective tenants about. "But I understand that you and Connor are in charge of android related crimes at your precinct. I'm sure if Connor were to move into the building many other deviants would soon follow." He looked over to Lucas and smiled in a warm and welcoming manner. "And Lucas, you've become a talented technician at New Jericho Tower. If either of you moved into the building it'd be an immense step forward and help make other deviants feel safe."

"Well," Hank casually spoke to Chuck as an attempt to get a full read on the deviant. "if these two like this apartment they'll both be moving in. How does that appeal to you?"

"It'd be a truly wonderful advancement for myself and countless other deviants! Please, let me show you to the available apartments on the top floor."

"Top floor, huh? Sounds fancy."

The landlord pressed the elevator call button and let the trio enter the elevator before he followed. "The apartments on the top floor are the largest available and would comfortably house up to four deviants. The floors below the top floor are designed specifically for lone occupants. Rent is set at three-hundred dollars per month," the landlord continued on casually. "that includes utilities as well. The building is designed to be energy efficient which allows us to keep the rent at a set price." The elevator reached the top floor, number six, and the quartet exited the elevator to check out the first available apartment. The landlord approached the first door on the right and simply pushed it open as there was no need to lock it yet. "This is the ideal apartment for two deviants to share."

Lucas entered the apartment first followed by Connor and then Hank. It was a modest dwelling compared to human standards but for a pair of androids it was very luxurious. A relatively large livingroom with a small kitchenette attached for the sake 'normalcy' for human comfort were the two largest rooms in the apartment. Down a corridor attached to the livingroom were two separate bedrooms, and again for the sake of 'normalcy', a full functioning bathroom.

The walls were plain white and the carpet was a pale beige that was nearly as white as the walls. The large window lined the livingroom wall as well the far walls of the two bedrooms to provide natural light. The sliding door beside the livingroom window led out to the white metallic balcony. There was no furniture, no curtains and no color within the apartmentitself. It was truly a place specifically meant for customization and deviants were masters of adaptability and change.

"Not bad." Hank complimented the layout of the apartment as he eyed the flawless designs and freshly cleaned carpeting under his feet. "It's bigger than my first apartment. Hell of a lot cleaner, too."

"And the neighborhood is quiet." Connor tagged on without missing a beat. "No shady areas to keep an eye on."

"Nice large open space and it comes with a pretty decent view outside. Very few neighbors to bother ya'..." The senior detective agreed as he trusted his gut and didn't feel any dread toward his two adopted sons moving into the building together. "I have to admit that this place seems pretty damn good."

Lucas turned to look at Hank worriedly and hopefully. "...Well? Do you think we'd be safe here?"

With a mild sigh Hank tilted his head a little and looked over to Chuck still standing in the doorway. "What kind of security does this place have?"

"I have security cameras at the front door, the backdoor, outside every window, the roof and along the alleyways on both sides of the building."

"Not bad."

"I also plan on hiring a doorman to stay out front to allow only residents into the building at night. Once we get more tenants in the complex who will need a proper identification to enter the building I'll secure a doorman to double as a security guard."

Hank put his hands on his hips and approached the two brothers as they waited for his opinion. "I'll make you two a deal: Put a VERY well hidden motion activated camera directly above your front dooe and the sliding glass door over there, and you have my blessing to move in if you want this place."

Connor happily grinned while Lucas looked entirely relieved. "I can arrange to have the cameras installed after we move in."

"All right then. So boys," Hank felt a little weird referring to the two as 'his boys', but he decided to just roll with it. "let's go talk with Markus and get your lease signed so you can move in as soon as possible."

"Thank you, Hank." Lucas nearly shouted as he truly felt like he was finally being seen as someone worth trusting. "I appreciate all your help."

After having a one-on-one discussion with Markus at New Jericho Tower that very evening Hank was able to convince the leader of the deviants to let Lucas take the risk and reside in the apartment complex and away from the tower itself. With Connor staying with him at the complex it all but guaranteed that Lucas would be able to properly adapt to his deviancy and strengthen the bond between the two brothers in the process as their emotional growth continued to develop. Reluctant to let Lucas leave the safety of the tower due to his inexperience with humans, but willing to give the deviant a chance to grow and become more of an individual, Markus eventually agreed to the proposition.

The following afternoon Hank showed the two deviants the fine art of packing their stuff and moving it into a new residence without breaking half of everything in the process. Fortunately the two deviants didn't have nearly as many personal items as humans usually did, which made the move surprisingly quick and easy. The items in question were mainly clothing, Connor's guitar and Lucas's paintings.

Hank then helped the two brothers locate and purchase simple furnishings for their new apartment to make it feel more like a home and less like a space for rent. Two queen sized beds, two wooden chairs and a small wooden table for the kitchenette, a long blue couch, a small end table and a small lamp for the livingroom all helped fill out the main rooms of the apartment. Meanwhile Lucas's paintings hanging on the walls made the apartment feel uniquely its own and add a much needed splash of color.

"Last trip, right?" Hank asked as Connor packed up his guitar into its black leather case and patted Sumo's head while he knelt in the middle of his less occupied bedroom. The only things left behind was his aquarium against the wall and his old bed, as it was easier to buy a new bed and have it delivered to the apartment instead of breaking down the old one. "You have everything you need?"

"Yes." Slinging the guitar over his shoulder Connor confirmed he had everything packed up and already moved. "This is the last item I need to take to the apartment. Lucas is already there and waiting for me."

"I sure hope you're talking about taking your guitar and not Sumo." Hank joked as Connor stood upright and joined him outside the bedroom door. "Sumo's the last good thing I own."

"Unfortunately, there is a 'no pets' clause on the lease." Leaving Sumo behind was going to be a painful adjustment, but it was one Connor was going to have to get used to. "I hope my aquarium won't be a burden for you to tend to in my absense."

"A quiet fish tank compared to Sumo?" Almost laughing at the notion as Connor stepped through the bedroom doorway and walked down the hall Hank followed close behind him. "I don't think that'll be a problem, son."

Connor walked toward the front door of the livingroom and paused suddenly. He turned to look back at Hank over his left shoulder as Hank watched his every movement with a unspoken sense of pride. "Hank, if you'd like me to stay for a while longer I will."

"Connor, go. Lucas needs you more than I do right now."

"You'll be left here alone again." Connor stated sadly as he turned around to face the senior detective and adoptive father directly. "I don't want to leave you alone."

Hank could sense the real fear that Connor was trying to deny and decided to quell it. "Are you afraid to move out?"

"...A little, I guess. It's an entirely new experience and you won't be there with me." The young deviant shook his head a little as he spoke. "CyberLife had controlled my entire existence when I was a machine, but then you guided me after I gained my deviancy and freewill. Whenever I need help you continue to guide me and help me steadily become more alive."

"Hey, you're just a few blocks away, right?"

Connor nodded quietly where he stood.

"And you're just going to be there until Lucas is ready to be on his own, right?"

Again Connor nodded in the affirmative.

"AND, we're still partners at the precinct. We'll see each all the time and we can even spend some time hanging out after work if you want. Don't worry about me." Hank patted Sumo's head as the large Saint Bernard joined them in the livingroom and sat down beside his leg. "Besides, I have this guy to keep me company. I'll be fine."

"You're certain?"

"I'll be okay on my own, kid. I promise."

"Okay."

"You got those cameras installed?"

"Yes, they are both set up and set to record if and when someone approaches the doors."

"Good. Then you're safe."

On that final note Connor offered Hank his hand to shake and gave him a faint grin of confidence. "Thank you for everything you've done for Lucas and myself. I don't think I would've survived without you watching my back for all this time."

Hank readily accepted Connor's hand and shook firmly. "The feeling is mutual." Pulling in Connor for a quick hug Hank embraced the deviant proudly and helped Connor find the confidence he needed to finally move out of the house. "Take my word for it."

Confident that Hank would be okay alone, at for least the time being, Connor let go of the hug slowly and turned once more to open the front door. As he stepped outside Connor cybernetically summoned an autonomous taxi to the house's address to take him to his new apartment just six blocks East. It wasn't Connor's home, but it would be his residence for an indeterminate amount of time.

"I'll see you at work tomorrow." Connor stated confidently as the summoned taxi pulled up in front of the house and idled by the front walk. "Have a good night."

"You do the same."

Hank smiled as Connor walked down the front walk with his guitar slung over his shoulder and climbed into the back of the autonomous taxi to return to his very first apartment. Watching as the deviant sat down in the vehicle and drove off Hank stepped back through the front door and gave the disappearing taxi one final glance before he shut the door and locked it for the night.

"Goodbye, son."

-next chapter-