Fanart by Marn (marndraws on Tumblr, @Marndraws on Twitter and marndraws on Instagram)

Reed's head jerked up as he saw a hand wave in front of his face. He'd almost jumped out of his skin, and he would have snapped at the zero model standing beside him if not for the worried look on his face. He wasn't sure whether it was to compensate for his lack of voice or just a quirk of his half-deviant programming, but he was extremely expressive. He didn't think even Connor was this expressive. Curiosity and concern blinked in his blue eyes as he waited. It was even more impressive considering the zero model seemed to have more limited facial movement than Connor. Everything showed with barely a twitch of his muscles.

I have been trying to get your attention...Are you alright? He watched Reed sigh as he rubbed his face. Shit, I was only sitting with him for a few minutes. This is why you should never fuck people at work! He couldn't help thinking back to those early days when he'd been in uniform and Anton had worn a much cheaper suit. They'd both started at the bottom, unsure who was using who as they'd worked their way up. It hadn't been love. It hadn't even been a relationship, but it had been something. A something he sometimes missed a little. Phck, I need to get laid. He always started making bad decisions when he was strung out.

"I'm fine...Unfortunately, I didn't find much," he replied as he sat back in his chair, putting Anton back in the metaphorical box for now. The zero model remained at his side, hands clasped loosely behind his back as he waited for him to continue. "The first guy is too far down the ranks to know much about it and the second guy was aware, but unhelpful. They'll both keep their eyes open." Reed sighed as he looked up at the ceiling, feeling like he was back to square one.

The coroner has given me permission to inspect the bodies tomorrow morning. Will you accompany me? The zero model looked hopeful. Not that Reed had any intention of sending him off on his own. For one thing, he'd never been to the coroner's office before, and for another, it seemed cruel to send him in alone with only sign language as a means of communication. He'd already caught more than one human officer looking at them funny as they talked. He knew it wouldn't be easy for him to communicate alone.

"Sure, let's meet here at about...eight?" Reed suggested thoughtfully, watching the zero model nod his agreement as he returned to his chair and sat. Looking at the clock, Reed sighed as he began packing away. "Shift is over, Toaster. You can clock out and go home," Reed instructed as he stretched and turned off his terminal. The zero model paused a moment, blue eyes shifting to his lap evasively. Reed shrugged as he headed across the room and punched their cards out. The zero model still seemed a little lost as Reed returned to his desk. His silvery eyes were darting around the office thoughtfully.

Is there anything you would like me to do while I await your return? He looked up from his terminal, which was still turned on. Reed frowned as he tugged on his white hoodie, which had replaced his leather jacket for now. He still hadn't asked the zero model to return it. Somehow, it just didn't feel right. Not that he'd seen it since. It was just that every time he thought about it, he remembered the way the zero model had looked the last time he'd attempted to return it. He'd seemed oddly vulnerable without it.

"Shift's over. You can leave and go home." Reed watched the zero model's gaze drop vulnerably. "Where are you staying? I'll give you a ride," Reed added as he tried to tease an answer out. He would have guessed Hank's house, but the zero model had only met Hank that day. He was likely still staying at Cyberlife Tower with Markus and the others. It didn't seem like much of a home. It seemed more like a form of torment, returning to the place you'd been locked up and tortured for months on end.

I have nowhere to go. I shall remain here and await your return. The zero model avoided the searching green eyes that widened slightly at the news. Reed looked around the almost empty bullpen. It was change over, so the night staff were just appearing now. Really? He's just going to sit here and work all night, then all day tomorrow? What if he needs something? Will any of the night crew even talk to him? Do any of them even know sign language? He should be getting some sleep or whatever! Can he do that sitting in a chair? That'll leave him completely unaware, right? What if someone plays some sort of prank on him...He wouldn't put it past them. There were some jokers in the ranks, and more than one would get a kick out of teasing an android. Reed would have been one of them not so long ago, too.

"The phck you are! Grab your jacket." Reed winced as he realised that it came out as an order and the zero model had no choice but to stand obediently and get his coat. "I mean, I have a spare room...You can stay with me until we get you a place of your own sorted," he amended in a softer tone, watching as the zero model tugged on his black and white RK900 Cyberlife jacket. Reed would have commented, but frankly, it was too late for that bullshit. He was tired after a few days of not sleeping well.

Thank you, Detective. I will do my best to make myself useful. The zero model seemed a little uncertain as they walked down the hall together. They stopped briefly near the gym, where the zero model had stored his belongings in a small shoulder bag. He didn't own much besides the clothes he was currently wearing. The bag looked like it was pretty much empty, swinging over his large shoulder like it weighed nothing. How much could he own? He's barely been free more than a few days!

"Don't worry about it. It's not like I don't have the space." Reed shrugged as he led the way. The house he'd bought was big enough for a small family. His mother probably would have been nagging him if she were still alive. Damn, would she be disappointed...Probably a good thing she died before I came out the closet. They headed down into the carpark. The drive was quiet. The zero model was unwilling to distract him as he drove, and Reed was content to drive in peace. The zero model was surprised by the neighbourhood they entered. It wasn't the sort of place he'd expected Reed to live. With his gruff and hostile nature, he'd thought him more suited to the downtown area. It almost seemed that Reed could read his mind. "I got this place cheap after a homicide," he explained as he pulled into his driveway.

It is a lovely home. He meant it. The pathway was lit with little UV lights and led up to a sheltered doorway. It was quaint. They climbed out and headed up the dimly lit driveway to the porch, where a small light came on. Reed murmured his thanks as he unlocked the door and stepped inside. The zero model followed hesitantly and shut the door with a soft click. The inside wasn't what he'd expected, either. The whole lower floor was open, from the door through the living room and into the kitchen. The flooring was dark wood until it changed to black tiles at the edge of the large breakfast bar in the kitchen. There was a large fluffy cream rug beneath the coffee table in the living room, where a large black sofa and two armchairs sat before a large flatscreen TV that was suspended on the wall. There was a tall bookcase, mostly empty, with just a few tattered crime novels and a couple of pictures. The kitchen was decked out in white with black counters. Everything looked so shiny and new. The zero model breathed in softly, his eyes closing briefly as he analysed the heavy scent of Reed that filled the warm, homely space.

"Hey, buddy! Come here," Reed greeted in a soft tone as he knelt down a few steps ahead. The zero model watched with some surprise as a giant fluffy creature appeared at the bottom of the stairs. "Lynx, this is RK900. Register him as an authorised house guest. Access all areas," Reed ordered as he stroked the thick, soft fur of what the zero model had assumed to be a wild feline. The large animal looked around Reed, yellow eyes peering up at the towering zero model in silent judgement. It padded closer, pausing as it stared up, unblinking. Its eyes were a piercing yellowish amber, but he could see moving components within the iris as it scanned him.

It was a truly beautiful creature. It was the size of a large dog. It had a thick, creamy fur coat with a few odd spotted patches in a darker brown shade. The fur was long and looked so soft. Its ears had long tufts of black at the tips, which twitched as it moved. As he looked through his database, he found that it was, in fact, a lynx. A type of large feline. They were not domestic animals, or hadn't been when they'd actually existed in the flesh.

An android? The zero model was curious as he knelt down and extended a hand, watching the lynx peer at it a moment before it moved closer and allowed him to touch its soft fur. It was softer than silk, or would be to a human's touch. Part of him felt the urge to bury his face in it. He settled for leaning closer to peer at the mechanical animal's curious face. The feline nosed closer, bumping their foreheads. A low rumble escaped its throat in contentment.

"Yeah, came with the house. Lynx is a security system. He'll keep intruders out and call emergency services if anything happens." Reed watched the two machines interact with interest. Lynx let out a louder purring sound as he bumped his head against the zero model's cheek and nuzzled into his chest. The zero model couldn't hide the delight glittering in his silvery eyes as he returned the gesture, bringing up a hand to rest on Lynx's spine. Reed watched in wonder as the skin of his hand drew back, and the patch of fur on Lynx's back peeled away to allow an interface.

I have exchanged information with your security system. It will now be able to tell me apart from any other RK900 that may appear. He got to his feet once the interface was complete. The thought of another RK900 appearing sent a shiver down Reed's spine. It was something he didn't need or want to think about. It was creepy enough seeing Connor and the zero model walking around together, never mind an exact replica. Plus, they tend to have really shitty attitudes. Reed remembered the disgust in the other RK900's expression as he'd looked at the zero model.

"What should I call you anyway?" He thought it was a little weird to just call him by his model number all the time. The zero model watched as Lynx whipped his stubby tail before wandering off to continue his circuit of the house. He was programmed to regularly check the perimeter and interface with the cameras outside. Since there were no intruders, and his owner was safely home, he could rest in standby mode on the rug once he was done and play the part of a domestic pet.

Technically, my name is Connor, however...He didn't need to spell it out for him. It would weird humans out to have two almost identical co-workers with the same name.

"Are there any other names that you like?" Reed asked curiously, unsure whether the zero model really had the capacity to like things. He supposed he must understand the process or whatever. He'd already demonstrated that he had wants. He'd wanted to work with him. He'd wanted to register him as his owner. He'd wanted someone to find him at Cyberlife Tower.

I am uncertain...The names I have encountered thus far are already...occupied. Reed could understand that. Of course, he'd want a name that no one else had. At least, no one in the precinct or at Cyberlife Tower.

"Well, try to think of one...I can't exactly go around introducing you as Toaster or Tin Can!" Reed added in a teasing tone, but the zero model found that he didn't mind it. He'd seen from Connor's memories the way Reed spoke to him. The names, though derogatory in origin, were laced with affection when he used them now. Connor's seemed to be Tin Can, while Reed has so far used Toaster exclusively for him.

I will do so. He brought up a list of possibilities to skim through as he followed Reed up the stairs. Reed seemed unconcerned with privacy as he threw open each door they came to. The first room was Reed's. The zero model could tell right away. The scent was stronger in the enclosed space, which was far neater than he'd expected. The room was carpeted in a deep grey that complemented the black furniture and white walls. He had a huge king-sized bed with a padded black headboard and drawers hidden in the large black base. The white sheets were messy. The bed had been left unmade that morning. There was also a white door that led through to a stone tiled bathroom with a large square bath in the floor and a shower above. Judging by the small circles in the stone pit, he guess it could also be used as some form of jacuzzi.

"This is my room. It's cool for you to be in here. Just knock before you come in." Reed didn't really feel that he had anything in particular to hide. He was generally tidy and kept anything embarrassing out of sight. The zero model looked around briefly before nodding his agreement. Knocking was a common courtesy, and he wouldn't have done otherwise. "Spare bedroom one is down here. I use it as a home office," Reed continued as he opened the next door down from his.

This room was much smaller than the other. It was about the size of a small child's bedroom, which is likely what it had been designed for. Reed had a desk set up against the wall. A simple black one, made of wood. He had a strong computer. An expensive gaming model. The zero model didn't know why he was a little surprised. Many humans enjoyed the relief of games in their free time. He even understood that Connor would play them occasionally when he visited Markus and his companions. It was no surprise that Hank didn't have a computer at home. He had no need while Connor lived with him. Connor often complained about being used as a weather reporting service and email provider.

"This is a communal bathroom. I only use it when I'm in the office or have guests over," Reed added as he opened the door opposite the office to reveal a small bathroom. It had a toilet, a matching white sink, and a glass box shower. Perfectly neat and functional. The zero model nodded his understanding as Reed shut the door and moved to the final room, opposite his own bedroom. "This will be your room," he added as he pushed open the door to reveal a room only slightly smaller than his own.

This is mine? The zero model looked around the large space with a sense of wonder. It had the expected black furnishings, and was decked out much as Reed's room, except the bed was a queen sized one. He looked into the bathroom attached to find it was the same as the one down the hall. A simple, functional one. More than adequate for his needs.

"Yeah...What? Did you think I was going to make you sleep on the couch?" Reed teased in return as he folded his arms and leaned on the doorframe, watching the zero model quietly take in the space. It occurred to him he'd probably never had a space to call his own. This was only temporary, of course, but it was still a first. He could call this his room and keep his things there. He took off the bag that was still hanging across his chest and put it neatly beside the bed. He would unpack it later.

I was uncertain. I hadn't expected your home to be so accommodating. He seemed a little sheepish, but Reed couldn't blame him. If he hadn't had that money in his account, then he wouldn't have been able to afford this place. No way. He'd spent more than a few years living downtown in the slums. Hell, he'd almost been in a gang at one point. Probably would have been if Fowler hadn't straightened me out some...He thought back to the days of his late teens, and the day he'd decided to become a cop.

He remembered how shellshocked he'd been. The gun had felt heavy in his hand as he'd looked down at the bodies. Some from each side. He'd been too scared to pull the trigger. He'd trembled like a leaf as the then Sergeant Fowler had slowly approached, despite his partner warning him hang back and wait. Reed hadn't even registered as the gun had gently been slipped from his weak grasp. He hadn't been initiated into the gang yet. That was part of what he'd been doing. His record was perfectly clean otherwise. It was that fact, as well as seeing he clearly wasn't cut out for the rough life, that had made Fowler take him in. He wasn't processed at the station. Fowler had broken procedure, opting to sit him down and really talk to him, like a person, for the first time in a long while. He'd instilled something in him that day, with his calming voice and patient ear. Something that had stayed with him. He'd enrolled in the academy a couple of weeks after that day.

"I aim to please...Is there anything you need? I mean...do you guys plug in or..." Reed trailed off awkwardly, wondering if it was rude to ask that sort of thing. I mean, they have to charge, right? They're still machines...He felt a little defensive, not relishing the idea of the zero model running out of power simply because he hadn't let him know about his needs. The zero model seemed quietly amused as he turned to him.

My power core automatically recharges using kinetic energy as I experience physical activity. I can likewise recharge it using UV rays or sunlight. In the event I run low on energy, I can also remove my power core and recharge it from the mains supply...I have a spare in the event of such an emergency. He nodded towards his bag, watching Reed nod his understanding. He hadn't quite understood every word of that, but he got the gist of it. He was good for power, and he'd let him know if he needed anything. Reed hesitated a few moments, suddenly uncertain. He'd shown him around and seen him to his room.

"Uh, right...You're welcome to use the kitchen if you need to...and the TV...Oh, I don't have much thirium...I guess we'll need to get you some...I'll let you settle in first," Reed decided as he stepped back from the doorway with an awkward wave. The zero model gave him a small nod of agreement and thanks.

Thank you, Detective. I will be down shortly. He waited until Reed had left before he moved. He quietly shut the door behind him as he looked around his new room. Reed had said it would be temporary, but he was grateful for the space regardless. He opened his bag, reaching for the brown leather jacket before placing it gently on the bed. He removed his spare power core and looked around for a safe place to stow it. He settled on the small beside cabinet and stored it alongside a small repair kit he'd been given in the event of an emergency. He dropped the empty bag into one of the bed's large drawers and closed it. He sat on the edge of the bed slowly, tugging the leather jacket onto his lap as he looked around. His fingers gently kneaded the worn material as he allowed his warm silvery eyes to rove over the homely space. My room...