"The phck are you doing, Toaster?" Reed asked tiredly as he appeared at the bottom of the stairs. Something in the zero model's chest lurched as he looked at Reed's ruffled form. His hair was fluffed and out of place. The T-shirt sat uneven on his slim hips, and his delicate hipbones jutted above the low waistline of his grey sweats. It was a good thing the zero model was already mute. He didn't think he'd be able to speak as Reed rubbed his tired green eyes and stumbled his way over to the kitchen.

I thought you would be hungry, so I started breakfast. The zero model was quietly worried by the stuttering feeling in his chest. It was like his thirium pump had malfunctioned. He ran a quick diagnostic, but all systems were functioning normally. Something was wrong. How could his systems be running normally when he felt like this? I should consult Connor. He's sure to know. It was a reasonable assumption. Connor was a year older than him. He returned his attention to the frying pan as he mused. Connor had risen to the role of older brother and offered him advice on most things. He'd also helped him to adjust to being outside Cyberlife Tower.

"Can you even cook? You're not a domestic model." Reed felt bad as the zero model's eyes dropped slightly. "I appreciate it though! It's thoughtful." He was somewhat reluctant to upset his new companion. When the phck did I get so soft for these things? He figured it was right around the time he'd first seen the zero model trembling in terror beneath the workbench. Those blue eyes did weird things to him. He was so new and vulnerable that Gavin just found himself wanting to look out for him a little.

It is my first attempt, but I did download quite a few extra programs while I was at Cyberlife Tower. The zero model was grateful for the guidance he'd been given. Simon, Josh, and Connor had been so helpful. There were so many things outside of his original programming that they'd suggested may be useful. Physical relaxation techniques, sparring programs, cooking, cleaning, drawing, needlework, muscle therapy, and even sexual subroutines. There were many more, of course, and some he'd tried and discarded already. It would take a while to figure out which things he actually liked to do. Cooking seemed to be one of them.

"What sort of programs?" Reed asked curiously as he watched the zero model plating up what looked like perfectly cooked bacon and eggs. The zero model seemed surprised that he was interested. His blue eyes warmed at the question. Reed was surprised, too. He'd never taken this sort of interest in Connor, nor had he taken an interest in anyone else really. Besides Tina, but Tina was special.

A few...I believe I enjoy cooking. He put the plate on the breakfast bar in front of Reed, along with a knife and fork. He tried not to watch too intently as he cut into an egg and watched the yellow of the yolk pool across the plate. The zero model busied himself getting the toast before turning on the coffee machine. How do you like your coffee? He hoped he'd be able to get it just right.

"Just black...Black and strong," Reed replied as he dipped the golden toast into the runny yolk. The zero model watched curiously as he brought it to his lips with a crunch. Green met blue. Reed's eyes widened a fraction as he registered he was staring. Properly staring. The zero model realised he'd lingered too long and turned awkwardly towards the coffee machine. He ran the Americano setting before adding a shot of espresso. "Thanks," Reed murmured as he accepted the large white mug, surprised by how good it tasted as he drank. His eyes fluttered in contentment.

Is it good? Should I change anything next time? The zero model seemed eager to please as he hovered in anticipation. Reed was a little taken aback by that eagerness. No one had ever been this focused on gaining his approval before. For anything. People didn't do nice things for Gavin Reed. It was unnatural, in an almost uncomfortable sort of way. It was also sweet. Maybe too sweet for a guy like him.

"It's great, but you know you don't have to do this shit, right? I mean, I know you registered me as your owner, but I'm not..." Reed trailed off, surprised by the small sting of rejection etched into the zero model's brow. Reed could see he'd need an explanation, but it was a little hard to put it into words. "I don't see you as a thing to be owned." He was surprised he'd come so far as saying words like that. It hadn't even been half a year since he'd literally taken shots at Connor for simply being a machine.

But I want to please you. The zero model didn't realise the strength of his words. Suddenly alarm bells were going off, warning Reed that he may have made a mistake somewhere along the line. A big phcking mistake. He was worried as he bit his lower lip, wondering if he'd been giving off some sort of signals to string him along. He never meant to imply anything like that. Maybe he'd turned on his fuck me eyes without realising, or said something a little too flirtatiously.

"You don't have to please me. We're just work colleagues." He tried to make his voice friendly and casual, but firm. It wouldn't do to have the zero model crushing on him. It was flattering, in a way. Weird, but flattering. Hell, if things were different he's totally my type, too...Tall, dark, piercing eyes, strong figure. Damn, the things he could do to me...Reed almost slipped into a fantasy, shaking his head with a long sigh. But it was a fact that the zero model was an android. One he'd first met as a victim. This wasn't just a crush. It was some form of twisted gratitude stemming from trauma. "I'll talk to Connor today...See if we can get you your own place sorted soon...You don't want to be hanging around here forever." He saw the pinch in the zero model's brow but forced himself to ignore it.

Does my presence upset you? The zero model's face dropped into a somewhat sad expression.

"No, it's not that...I just think it will be healthy for you to have your own space, you know? Real independence!" The zero model looked doubtful. Reed had the sudden urge to soften his words, but again resisted. This would get fucking complicated fucking fast if he didn't nip it in the bud. Not only was the zero model a victim of extreme abuse, but he was now his partner. It wouldn't do to complicate their relationship more than necessary.

They fell silent after that. The zero model seemed somewhat broody as he cleaned up the kitchen and waited for him to finish eating. Reed thanked him again before running up to shower and change. He'd woken up around six, so they'd be on time to the coroner's office. He'd already shot Fowler a message asking him to clock them in. Sure, it was bending the rules, but it wouldn't be the first time. It was more convenient to head straight to the office than to drive to the precinct, clock in, and then rush out again. He got back the usual don't make a habit of this message before setting off.

The drive was obviously quiet, but Reed was strangely conscious of it. If the zero model could speak, he would have asked him questions or said something. Instead, he settled for reaching across to turn on the local news. Phck. He turned it up and looked at the zero model worriedly as the voice spoke about yet another smashed up android being found. They were on number six now. North, North-East, East, South, West and North-West. He wondered if the locations were specifically chosen or just coincidental. His jaw tightened as the caster loudly wondered what the DPD was doing with the string of android deaths, strongly suggesting it would be dealt with differently if the deaths were human. I wonder if she's right...Am I dragging my feet? I didn't think so, but...

It's not your fault. The case has yielded very little evidence so far. It was as if the zero model could sense his inner turmoil. He supposed it was true. Since these cases were his, he had to wait for the lab results to get even simple information. Even things like the type of thirium in the androids' systems, which would give him their serial numbers. Since the androids had only been dumped in the warehouses, there wasn't a lot of evidence to gather, and no witnesses to interview. He'd already tried a couple of his contacts and come up empty. Maybe he'll have more luck.

"You get any further on a name?" Reed asked absently as they paused in traffic, giving him time to glance at the zero model. His shoulders drooped a little as he raised his hands.

I have a few, but none of them...feel right. He seemed hesitant as he replied.

"List them for me!" Reed urged enthusiastically, wincing as he realised it had come out like an order. I really need to get a handle on my phcking language.

Richard. Rick. Roger. Ron. Ronan. Kevin. Kel. Craig. Conrad. Constantine. Conan. Zero. Zachary. Zeek. Zee. He watched Reed cringe a little more with each terrible suggestion. It wasn't that all of them were bad, but none of them really suited him. I mean, I guess Richard isn't too bad...He tested it out a few times in his head. It would be alright for a name on paper, but it just didn't stick for him. There was one he didn't like at all though.

"Why Zero?" he asked curiously, watching the zero model raise his eyebrow.

It is part of my serial number. I am the zero model of the RK900 series. He seemed a little sad that Reed had forgotten so quickly, considering how strongly he'd defended him. Reed waved a hand as he kept an eye on the crawling traffic.

"I know that, but why would you want to pick that as your name? Do you feel like you're a zero? A nothing?" His tone was incredulous, challenging him to answer. The zero model dropped his larger shoulders a little. Quite a feat, considering the stiff shoulder-line of his Cyberlife jacket.

Sometimes. He felt quietly ashamed of the admission. Since the other RK900 had pointed out his inferiority, he hadn't been able to shake it. Connor had assured him that wasn't the case. Besides his lack of vocal processors, he was perfectly functional. He had everything that the other RK900s had. He'd also been fully repaired and updated, so even his casing was up to scratch.

"You're my partner, right?" The zero model nodded in agreement. "Well, I don't work with zeroes. Remember that." He'd meant it to sound meaningful. The zero model's blue eyes dropped as he contemplated the meaning behind those words. What does that mean? Am I not good enough? Will he throw me away after these two weeks? He paused as he felt Reed's hand on his shoulder, just a light touch with the barest squeeze. It was comforting. He'd meant his words as a reassurance.

I'll remember. He missed the hand the moment it left his shoulder. He couldn't help watching Reed as he drove, green eyes focused on the road ahead. He examined his face. Long, neatly trimmed stubble coated his chin. It made him look rugged. His strong jaw ended in a gentle slope. There was a jagged scar across his nose, along with a few smaller ones around his chin, which added some character to his face. It was something the zero model could never experience. His liquid skin instantly covered any imperfections. His thirium pump squeezed as he watched Reed lick his lips and swallow. Another error? Perhaps we should have dropped by the precinct first. I should bring this to Connor's attention immediately...

"We're here," Reed announced as he pulled into the blocky looking white building. They climbed out and went in, heading down to the lower levels. Reed flashed his badge as they stepped inside, leading the way into a dimly lit area with six metal tables standing in a cool, tiled room. There was an older man wearing a lab coat scanning the wall, which was covered in square doors made of metal.

"Detective Reed?" he greeted questioningly, barely looking over his shoulder at their entry. Reed flashed his badge in confirmation. "Dr Holsten. You wanted to view the unidentifiable androids, correct?" Holsten checked as they joined him near the wall. Reed waved an introductory hand at the zero model, who lowered his gaze a little as Dr Holsten stared almost judgingly at his blue LED. He didn't say anything, of course, but the zero model could sense it already. Dr Holsten didn't appreciate his presence in the morgue.

"This is my partner...He'd like to examine the android remains." Holsten paused with a hand on one of the metal handles. His lips pressed together slightly in disapproval. Not entirely unexpected. A lot of older people tended to dislike androids. He opened the first door and pulled out the rolling table. The zero model could see from the way parts we laid out that someone had tried to form the shape of a human at least, though it was difficult to know which fragments went where. It was almost like it had been put through a wood chipper.

May I? Reed repeated the zero model's request out loud. Holsten didn't seem to care, simply waving him to continue as he began rolling out the other tables ready. Reed watched as the zero model picked up various pieces and stared at them with sharp blue eyes. He turned bits over, ran his fingertips along them, and tasted the left over thirium. Reed swallowed as he watched, unsure why he felt his stomach drop at the sight. It was disgusting. At least, it was supposed to be. He shook his head, following along as the zero model went from victim to victim.

He was thorough in his examinations. Absolutely meticulous. Reed couldn't believe he'd ever doubted himself. He seemed so at home as he flexed his abilities for the first time. His expression was intense. It was a different intensity to Connor. His stronger jawline made him look almost aggressive. His sharp silvery eyes almost seemed to threaten the evidence before him. Reed felt his crotch twitch as the zero model turned that gaze upon him. Oh, holy phck...

I believe I have enough. Reed swallowed hard as he nodded his understanding.

"Thanks, doc! We'll be going," he called to Holsten, who barely acknowledged them leaving. He was already bent over another body. It was human this time, and he was doing an examination. "So? What did you find?" Reed asked eagerly as they headed up to ground level. Perhaps his focus on the case would draw his attention away from the zero model. He seemed to tower above him as they walked, his strong legs taking long, even strides. He had perfectly imperfect hair, glossy and brunette. He had vulnerable silvery eyes that could sharpen to ice, and he had this small quirk to his lips that could be a smile or a smirk depending on the mood.

I am currently compiling the data into a readable format. The zero model was almost dismissive as they approached the car. Reed was grateful he was so busy. The last thing he wanted was for him to notice anything off about him. He still hadn't quite gotten his treacherous dick under control. What the phck? I don't even like androids! His dick disagreed. He refused to look at the zero model the whole way back to the precinct. Luckily, driving made for an excellent excuse. It also gave him the chance to cool off.

They didn't speak until they were both settled. The zero model interfaced with his terminal while Reed headed to the break room to grab a coffee. Reed took a shaky breath as he waited for his mug to fill. Phck! Get a hold of yourself, moron! He's just a machine! He watched the black liquid filling his mug. He'd barely spent a day in his company, and he looked like Connor. Fucking Connor, for Christ's sake! Though, the more I look, the more I think that they don't actually look that much alike...The zero model was a lot stockier than Connor. If Connor's an eight out of ten, then the zero model is a definite nine...Hell, he'd be a ten if he were human.

"Are you trying to bore a hole through the coffee machine?" Tina's voice teased from the doorway as she sauntered over with her own mug. Reed turned absently, taking the mug without even asking. He knew how to make her coffee, and she always said he made it better, even if it was just pressing a few buttons. "Case getting you down? I heard the radio." Her brow pinched sympathetically. Reed sighed his agreement. Let's go with that. It's a hell of a lot easier to explain. He put his mug on the side and poured a sachet of sugar into Tina's, along with two shots of espresso and a splash of milk. Just enough to make it look muddy.

"I'm hoping that Nines has something. We just got back from the coroner," Reed replied as he watched the hot liquid filling the mug. Tina looked over her shoulder, toying with a loose strand of her long black hair. Her hair was pinned up beneath her hat, but windswept ends always escaped the tight bun. She looked at the zero model, appraising his looks as he sat silently at his desk. Waiting.

"Nines, hm? Odd name."

"Oh, uh...doesn't have a name yet, I just sort of...I have to call him something," Reed excused awkwardly, watching Tina smirk in amusement. "I know-I know, I could call him Toaster, or Tin Can, or Plastic, but it's not quite the same as with Connor." He had the feeling that perhaps Nines was a little more emotionally fragile than Connor. Connor had been at the precinct for a long time. He'd gone through the abuse and come out the other side. He knew he was using the terms with a certain amount of affection. He just didn't think it would be quite the same with Nines. He already seemed to have self-worth issues.

"But why Nines?" Tina asked curiously, watching the way Nines' blue eyes raised to fix on them. He was certainly intimidating. He looked like he was about to storm in and put them both down. She quietly wondered if he was listening to them. If he could listen from that far away. Androids had better hearing than humans.

"Well, he's an RK900...Plus he's pretty hot, for an android." Reed waited for Tina's agreement, which she gave wholeheartedly. Both of the RK androids were considered dreamboats in the looks department. She'd had to put up with listening to most of the other girls fawning over Connor for the past few months. Nines had only been there for one full day so far, but already a few of the reception staff were digging the tall, dark, and dangerous vibe.

"He ticks most of your boxes," Tina agreed teasingly, watching with glee as Reed almost choked on his coffee. He coughed a couple times while wiping his mouth with his sleeve, giving himself time to form a response. He couldn't argue with that. Tina had known him long enough to know that he liked the big, bad guys. Tall, dark, handsome, could crush a brick with their bare hands. His personality wasn't quite what he went for, but he'd barely even formed a personality yet. Therein lies the problem. Android. Less than a year old. It's just plain weird.

"Most."

"You really need to get over the whole robot thing," Tina ribbed as she took her coffee, ready to head back to her desk for a break before her next patrol. Reed scoffed after her as she went. They flipped each other off affectionately before he reluctantly headed back to his desk and sat down. Nines was staring at him as he sat, almost as if he had a question on his lips.

"Finished compiling?" Reed asked instead as he sipped the hot liquid. Rather than responding, Reed heard a ping from his inbox and looked down to see an email from Nines. "Great." He opened the file and looked at it, wincing as he forced himself to focus on the words. It was hard with all the noise and movement around them. Phones ringing. Radios buzzing. "Talk me through it, will you?" he decided finally, looking apologetic as he realised his wording.

As you can see, I have identified the models and their serial numbers. A PL700 named Kevin Masters. A GD600 named Gregory Daniels. An AX500 named Sophie Carter. An AP600 named Joe Collins. An RG600 named Cody Andrews, and an AP700 named Jackson Henley. All of them worked and lived in different parts of the city, and their social circles have little overlap besides their links to Jericho from the revolution. There are more personal details in the notes, however, I don't believe they were chosen specifically. His report was simple and clinical. Reed found it easier to focus on Nines' hands than on the words on the screen. He flicked his gaze between the two, scrolling down a little to keep up with where Nines was.

"Wrong place at the wrong time..." he murmured, watching Nines nod his agreement.

I believe so.

"We should ask around where they worked...Friends, family, see if we can get a timeline for their final movements." Reed scribbled a reminder on a post-it note and stuck it to his computer screen. Nines nodded his agreement before continuing the walkthrough.

I found microscopic particles of titanium and aluminium. It is my belief that the weapons used to destroy these androids were the same each time. There are matching indentation marks across all six bodies, consistent with a baseball bat. I also surmise a crowbar was used to pry open the casing, and hammers of varying sizes. Unfortunately, there is little way of knowing how the thirium was drained or what was used. The bodies were too badly damaged to reconstruct. I found identical particles of earth on each unit. I can't say where it is, but if we find the location, I will be able to compare soil and dust particles. He was hopeful, watching eagerly as Reed sat rapt with attention. Reed seemed to have forgotten his coffee as he sat back and crossed one leg over his knee, twitching his foot thoughtfully. Victim identities, possible murder weapons, evidence to match to a crime scene...He did good.

"You found a lot!" he praised, watching Nines preen a little. Must be a nice change, getting praise instead of abuse...He tried not to seem too sympathetic as he thought about it. It was still hard to think that his entire existence, until a few weeks ago, had been an endless stream of physical mistreatment. "I wouldn't have gotten that far on my own...I'm not even sure forensics would have picked up on the dirt particles," he added, watching Nines carefully for a reaction. He sat just a little straighter in his chair, apparently getting a confidence boost from the praise.

Thank you, Detective. I'll continue to work hard. Nines seemed unsure he was saying the right thing. Reed hid his small smile behind his coffee cup. It was almost like working with a rookie, which he supposed Nines was, in a way. He'd been designed with the ability to do this job, but he didn't have the direct experience. Connor had probably shared a lot of what he knew, but it was likely different, experiencing it for himself.

"Yeah, you will," Reed replied with a smug look, bringing up his map to look it over again. If the pattern continued like a compass, they'd get more bodies in the south-east and south-west. I could send patrol cars to keep an eye on the areas..."Hey, Nines. What do you think of sending patrol cars to these two areas? There's no guarantee it's a pattern, but it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye out..." he suggested as he turned his screen sideways so that Nines could see if he sat forward.

I agree. It would be prudent. Nines leaned a little closer to point at the middle of the screen, where lines from the compass would overlap. Is there anything of interest in this location? Reed's brow furrowed as he took a closer look at the map. He hummed softly as he added lines to join all the points with diagonal lines. He zoomed in on the map, but it didn't really mean anything to him.

"Doesn't seem like it...Wouldn't hurt to ask around though." He saved and sent the map to narcotics and Connor, just in case he and Hank had any input. Just because he didn't know the area, didn't mean it wasn't important to someone. It could be a drug den for all he knew. "We should start looking at the victims. If we can pin down their final known locations, maybe we can find a link," Reed added as he ran the first victim's name. An address came back. With a spouse. Annabelle Masters, a PC400. He sighed. No one had told her yet.