Reed sighed as he entered the precinct a couple of days later, tired from all the tossing and turning he'd done the night before. The case had made it hard to sleep, wondering when the next body would drop. He'd messaged a couple of contacts and set up two meeting points. One in a local park at lunchtime, and one at a small upmarket coffee shop across town for early evening. He looked around the quiet bullpen and was surprised to find Connor in Fowler's office. He was dressed a little differently that morning. He was wearing dark jeans and a black turtleneck that hugged his figure, somehow making him seem a little beefier than usual. It suited him.

"Good morning, Detective Reed." Connor's voice was right behind him. Reed jumped out of his skin as he whipped round, almost spilling the coffee in his hand. His heart was racing as he looked Connor up and down with wide eyes. He was wearing a white shirt and navy tie with a matching woollen sweater that swept down with a neat V-neck. Soft and school boyish. His usual look. Reed frowned as he did a double take between the Connor in the office and the one standing in front of him.

"But you...There's..." he stammered as he looked between Connor and the glass office. He winced as he realised. It's one of the RK900 androids. "Did you know about this?" he asked as he motioned to the office, where the tall android stood nodding his head in understanding. He didn't seem to say anything back. Connor nodded as he joined Reed in looking through the glass wall. The RK900 shared his own at ease position, as did most other models Reed had seen.

"I did. As a matter of fact, I was going to talk to you about it...There's something you should know," Connor confessed finally, looking a little grave as he did so. Reed lowered himself into his chair, somehow feeling he should sit down for this conversation. Connor folded his arms as he looked down at him. Reed took a long sip of his coffee, steeling himself. It was hot enough to just burn his tongue a little. "You remember I said we wiped his registry, so that he could choose his own handler?" Connor began cautiously, watching Reed lean forward to place his mug safely on the desk.

"Yeah. Not sure I get it, but you basically removed Cyberlife from his head, right?" Reed shrugged and sat back, watching Connor nod his agreement. It was a simplistic view, but basically that was correct. He lowered his tone as he stepped a little closer. He didn't want other humans to listen in on their conversation. It was a rather sensitive topic for androids. Reed sat up and leaned closer, sensing Connor's caution.

"Doing so makes un-deviated units vulnerable...If they register the wrong person as their owner, the results could be catastrophic. They could be forced into doing anything, even hurting people," Connor almost whispered, watching Reed's eyes flicker to the tall android within the office. It was true. Many humans were still using un-deviated models as slaves because they weren't protected by any laws. No android had to be deviated. The RK900 androids couldn't be deviated. "We thought the zero model would wait to register someone in the future, or perhaps the DPD itself, but when I interfaced with him a few days ago..." Connor trailed off worriedly, unsure how Reed would react to the news.

"What?" Reed was curious as Connor hesitated.

"He's registered you!" Connor watched Reed's green eyes snap wide in a mixture of shock and disbelief. No one would be that fucking stupid. He was an ex-AAL associate, well-known for hating androids. No android in their right mind would-In their right mind..."At some point during his recovery process, the RK900 zero model selected you as his handler, and registered your ownership," Connor clarified, bracing himself internally for Reed's reaction. Reed looked between the office and Connor a few times, his stunned jaw slowly working to form words. He looked quite shocked, but increasingly irate.

"H-he did what? Are you phcking kidding me? He can't just decide that! You don't just phcking give yourself to a person! I didn't phcking agree to this! I don't even want an android!" Reed's loud tone drew the eyes of both Fowler and the zero model, who looked strangely vulnerable as he listened to Reed's very vocal rejection. He would have gone over to give the android a piece of his mind if not for Connor's hand on his shoulder. Connor was sympathetic to Reed's point of view and actually agreed with him to a certain extent. This was an enormous responsibility. One that he wouldn't have recommended being given to Reed a few short months ago.

"You were the one who found him...It makes sense in a way. You were likely the first human to show him kindness. He felt a connection with you. He feels safe with you...Registering you as his handler is a sure sign of trust," Connor reasoned carefully, scanning Reed's vitals as he tried to calm him. He was clearly distressed at the news. Stunned by the sudden responsibility. He'd basically been made the zero model's legal guardian without his knowledge. It was a lot to take in. It was almost how he imagined those guys felt when a one-night stand turned up on their doorstep with a kid nine months later. He wondered if his dad had ever felt the same.

"He knew me for what? A couple of hours? What about before that? I was a phcking AAL member! Does he know about that?" Reed almost hissed as he glanced at the office, keeping his voice down. Connor tilted his head sympathetically.

"You were an associate, and you have since left that side of your past behind...I happen to think you're an excellent choice, though I wouldn't have registered you without prior consent." Connor's statement left Reed feeling strangely touched and flustered. From Connor, that was high praise. He shook his head. That wasn't the point! This was a big thing! A massive thing! As an un-deviated android, that now meant that maintaining the zero model was Reed's responsibility. Keeping him running. His safety and welfare. Fuel. Everything. It was like someone giving you a car or a dog. It's a great gift until you consider the long-term costs.

"Can't you wipe him again? Unregister me?" Reed asked desperately, trying not to pay attention to the way the zero model was staring at him like a sad animal. Connor looked a little troubled at the thought and somewhat apologetic.

"I could, but...I believe he would simply re-register you." Connor joined Reed in looking at his little brother. It was almost like the zero model was listening to their conversation. His blue eyes stared at Reed with a sense of hope he didn't know what to do with. I never wanted kids. I don't need another pet. What the hell am I supposed to do with this? "On the plus side, since he is partially deviated, the DPD will provide him with a living wage to go towards his upkeep." Connor was clearly trying to sweeten the deal a little. Reed hadn't even considered the full financial ramifications of being the zero model's owner.

"You're making it sound like I have no choice." Reed sighed as he ran a hand over his face. Connor laid a hand on his shoulder and nodded towards the glass office.

"Well, look at his face..." Connor encouraged softly. Reed took in the hopefulness of those silvery blue eyes once more with a sigh. He was fucked. Royally fucked. He buried his face in his hands with a groan before the door opened and Fowler called him. He dragged himself up the steps with a growing sense of dread. The door closed behind him with a clang as he looked at the zero model accusingly.

Have you blown a fuse? Short-circuited your cyber-brain? What the phck were you thinking? Reed's hands moved with sharp, slapping motions as his brow furrowed. Fowler didn't know what was being said, but he had the feeling Reed was giving the android a piece of his mind. Of course, he couldn't really blame him at this point. Connor had been good enough to explain things before leaving him to brief the younger android. That in itself had been a challenge since he was non-verbal.

I had to choose an owner, so I chose you. The zero model replied using small and timid movements. He hesitated before continuing, looking at his hands and then his feet. Is it because I'm inferior? He almost seemed afraid of the answer. His expression seemed almost heartbroken. Reed stepped closer and waved under his face so that he'd look up, forgetting for the moment that the zero model was mute, not deaf.

As if I'd give a shit about that! How advanced you are isn't the issue here! You registered me as your owner. You gave yourself to me! How do you know I'm not some sort of pervert? I could order you to do anything, and you'd have to obey! Reed continued to sign angrily. His hands made short slapping sounds whenever they had to come in contact. At his words, the zero model tilted his head. He seemed unconcerned by Reed's fears.

I would gladly fulfil any of your needs, Detective. He seemed so innocent as he replied, watching Reed's brain stammer to a halt. That's a train of thought that can derail right the phck now! Reed slapped a hand over his face and shook his head. I am fully functional, if that is a concern of yours, though it is true I've never used those particular subroutines before. The zero model's cheeks heated slightly as he awaited Reed's response. He looked coy and somewhat vulnerable as he raised his soft blue eyes.

Absolutely not! Phck, you're not some toy to be played with! This is serious! Reed was part embarrassed and part irate at the suggestion. The zero model seemed unsure of how to react to his reply. He'd been taking things perfectly seriously. That just made Reed groan again. He just didn't know how to get through to him. People did not trust Gavin Reed with important things. He wasn't father material. He wasn't guardian material. Hell, he wasn't even friendship material. I barely even qualify as a functional human being!

"If you have a moment, gentlemen..." Fowler interjected gently, drawing the eyes of both men to him. He sat forward, elbows resting on his desk as he looked between them. He could already tell that Connor was right. Reed and the RK900 looked like they belonged together. There was something in the way they interacted that just worked. It was like watching Hank and Connor when they first started working together. It wasn't perfect yet, but once they'd figured each other out, the pair would work like clockwork. He'd known Reed for a long time, and he'd never seen him click with anyone like this. His expression showed genuine care. He understood perfectly well the monumental responsibility he'd just been handed. "For now, the RK900 has registered you as his owner. That fact, along with his credentials, is all I need to take him on as a consulting detective. He's going to work with you as your partner. According to Connor, he has all the appropriate software installed and shares all of Connor's functions. He'll be an asset to your cases." Fowler was working hard to sell the RK900. He knew Reed usually preferred to work alone, but with the staff shortage, Fowler wasn't about to turn down a good candidate.

"Captain! You can't just..." Reed trailed off as he waved between himself and the zero model. "You can't just dump an android on me!" he added finally, frustrated that he couldn't think of a better or more sensitive way to put it. He didn't want to seem cruel. He didn't want to seem like an asshole, but at the same time, what else could he do? This was a huge thing that just came out of nowhere! He'd been completely blind-sided. There was a little part of him that felt touched by the show of trust, but that was far outweighed by an overpowering sense of panic.

"I didn't..." Fowler looked between them meaningfully before he sat back. "You boys get to work and sort this thing out," he added in a gentler tone. They'd need to have a long talk about things, which could happen outside of his office. It would probably be an idea to set up regular progress meetings with Connor to make sure the RK900 had all the support he needed. Reed sighed, signing for the zero model to follow him. Reed led the way. He headed down the steps and walked into one of the empty interrogation rooms to pace along the glass wall. The zero model simply stood at parade rest, hands clasped behind his back awaiting input.

"Why me?" Reed asked, finally remembering the zero model could hear him perfectly well. He paused his stressed pacing and rested his hands on his hips. The zero model looked a little uncomfortable at the question at first, almost hesitant as he drew his hands forward to sign.

Because...I trust you. His reply was slow. He was unsure how to express how he felt in words. It would be so much easier if he could interface with Reed as he could with the others and share the sense of peace and security he gained in his presence. He'd felt it from the moment he'd first crouched beneath the metal bench with him. The way he'd given him his jacket, even when he didn't need it. When you found me, you could have deactivated me. Instead, you defended me. I don't believe you would intentionally bring me harm. That came easier, and with more confidence. Reed had never had anything but kindness in his eyes as he'd coaxed him out.

"You've done the creepy hand thing with Connor! You've seen the shit I put him through! I'm not a good person!" Reed was insistent, but the zero model begged to differ. Although he agreed that Reed had been aggressive and hostile without cause before, he also recognised that since the revolution, he'd turned things around. He'd formed an odd but stable friendship with Connor, and his general behaviour towards androids had completely altered.

You are not a bad person...Please don't throw me away! The zero model's blue eyes were almost swimming as he looked at Reed with a sense of hope Reed knew he didn't deserve. Shit. The zero model stepped a little closer, forcing him to crane his neck to look up at him. He was almost half a head taller. Reed shoved his hands in his denim pockets almost defensively. There were a few very specific situations in which he didn't mind being looked down on. This was not one of them.

"Just because I don't want an android doesn't mean I'd be throwing you away! I mean...You could register yourself to the DPD itself." Reed tried not to acknowledge the hurt that the zero model clearly felt at his words. Reed looked up at the ceiling, trying not to feel like a piece of shit. He watched as the zero model began to sign.

But then anyone working for the DPD could give me orders. What if I end up working with someone who doesn't like androids? What if they-He cut off abruptly as Reed took his hands and stopped him. He didn't want to think about that. He knew it was less likely since Connor's recent purge, but that didn't mean the other officers would take proper care of him. A lot of humans would be willing to use him as a shield or distraction if it meant saving their own skins. He may be pretty solid, but that didn't mean Reed wanted to see him treated like that.

"Alright! I get your point. What about Connor? Or Hank? Hell, even Fowler would be an improvement on me!" Reed knew that those three in particular would definitely treat the zero model with fairness. Hell, Hank would probably fawn over him the way he does Connor! It was an amusing thought. He was surprised as he found his back against the glass wall. The zero model pressed in close and looked down at him with something foreign in his silvery eyes. Reed felt an unfamiliar thump in his chest at their closeness, trying not to notice how damned attractive he was.

I chose you. His eyes were searching for something. Reed wasn't sure what he was looking for, but whatever it was, he seemed to find it. Please...I'll do my best to work with you. He watched Reed slowly crack under the pressure. There was something about being caged between a wall and a tall, attractive android that was making him strangely weak to the zero model's whims.

"I guess we could give it a try...Two weeks. We'll trial this for two weeks and see how we both feel," Reed compromised stiffly, hoping he didn't regret the suggestion. The zero model nodded his enthusiastic agreement. He had two weeks to win him over. Two weeks to prove he was useful. Two weeks to show Reed that he could be a good partner. The best partner. He looked excited by the prospect. Excited like a cat that just got handed a plate of cream.

Deal! He smiled brightly as he moved his hands.

"Alright...Well...follow me, I'll show you around," Reed decided sheepishly as he led the way. They headed through the bullpen, where Reed pointed out various co-workers. They paused briefly so that the zero model could greet Connor and introduce himself to Hank, who seemed as taken with him as Reed had expected. When Connor introduced him as his little brother, Hank almost melted with affection. A little brother of Connor's was automatically a son of his.

"If you need anything, you let me know...And if this asshole gives you any trouble, you come to me," Hank instructed with gruff affection. His offer clearly pleased both androids. Reed led him away and introduced him to Tina and Miller as they passed each other. Tina was surprised to see Reed working with an android, even more so to find another one that looked like Connor, but she accepted it quickly enough. Miller was warm and polite as ever, making no comment either way. He showed him the cells and interrogation rooms, the gymnasium, the shooting range, the carpark, the meeting rooms, and the temporary offices for whenever the FBI or CIA dropped by on a case. He also took him to the roof, where he often took his smoke breaks.

"This is where I sometimes come to cool off. If you can't find me downstairs or out front, I'll probably be up here." Reed brushed his pockets, forgetting that he didn't have any cigarettes with him. He'd left them on his desk downstairs. He'd had to buy a new packet since his old ones were on the counter at home. He was so used to keeping them in his leather jacket that he'd forgotten to pick them up on his way out. He led the zero model back inside and took him to his desk. There was a desk in front of his, attached the same way as Connor and Hank's. It was where his partner would sit, so it had been empty for quite some time. He motioned to the empty desk. "This will be your desk...No one uses it." He watched the zero model sink into the rolling chair and set about adjusting it to his preferences.

What are our current cases, Detective? The zero model was eager to get started and help in any way he could. Reed sat in his own seat, grimacing as he sipped his now cold coffee. He watched the skin draw back from the zero model's hand as he reached out and touched his terminal. He knew he'd probably scan through their files. He could probably read hundreds in a minute.

"Here. This is the most pressing one," Reed said as he pinged a link to his terminal. Within seconds, the zero model had absorbed the knowledge. His blue eyes blinked to life and shifted to Reed moments later. He looked vaguely disturbed, as if he may be in over his head. Reed couldn't blame him. It was a hell of a case to start on. "Any thoughts?" Reed prompted curiously, watching the zero model contemplate.

I agree with your assessments...It could be gang related. More information is required to confirm. Would it be possible for me to examine the remains? I may be able to discern the tools used to destroy the androids. It was something that could easily be arranged with an email to the coroner. Forensics had been so backed up on cases recently, he had no idea whether they'd even started on those remains. That was one of the many inconveniences now that androids were considered victims rather than evidence. Their remains were sent to the morgue rather than the evidence locker, so they needed permission to examine them, and it was halfway across town.

"I have a couple of appointments today; meetings with contacts to see what info they have. You stay here while I'm gone and go over the case again...Think it over," Reed instructed as he got to his feet, noting it was getting on for lunchtime. The zero model looked at him forlornly, clearly slightly hurt about being left behind. Reed paused as he took in that expression, frowning as he thought over what to say to put him at ease. "If I wasn't meeting contacts, I'd take you along, but these meetings have to be subtle...I don't want to draw any attention, and the fewer people, the better." Doesn't help that you have a phcking light flashing on your head, which still makes people nervous. He didn't say that last part out loud. His words seemed to settle the zero model's mood, at least.

I understand...Please update me when you return, and stay in contact...The zero model paused as he grabbed a pen and one of the small cards from Reed's desk. Reed watched as he flipped it and began writing out a number. His writing wasn't what Reed expected. He'd expected the same neat Cyberlife Sans that most androids used, but his writing was elegant and curled. It was a lot like Connor's, maybe even exactly like Connor's. This is my personal number. He handed the card to Reed.

"A direct line to your head?" Reed knew from experience that's what happened with Connor. It was creepy as fuck, calling him and watching his lips not move as you heard his voice in your ear. He'd done it once by accident. He'd been halfway through asking about one of the assignments when he'd looked up, phone still held to his ear with Connor's voice speaking through the earpiece, and seen him literally having a second conversation with Hank. Upon noticing his silence, Connor had turned his head and straightened up to face him. The words Hello, Detective Reed had sounded through his phone while Connor had said nothing out loud. Connor had tried to hide his amusement as he'd watched him drop his phone in shock. I wonder what will happen with the RK900...He dialled curiously. The zero model tilted his head as the line rang internally.

"Hello, Detective Reed," Connor's voice greeted. The zero model flinched a little as Reed cursed in surprise and dropped his phone. Reed felt his heart pound as he crouched and grabbed it. Luckily, the carpet had stopped it from cracking. He held the phone to his ear hesitantly as he looked across at the zero model, who seemed a little embarrassed. He hadn't meant to startle him.

"You...you sound like Connor." He wasn't sure what he'd expected, really. The other RK900s had also sounded a lot like Connor. Maybe pitched slightly lower. I mean, he has Connor's face. It's not a stretch to think they'd give him the voice, too. The more he thought about it, the more he realised he probably shouldn't have expected anything less.

"If I had my vocal processors, I would sound a little different, but I am currently using memory files of Connor's voice in order to communicate in this way." The zero model's expression screamed that he was self-conscious as hell. Reed nodded his understanding. It was nice that he'd even gone to the extra effort to speak like this. He could have just said to communicate via text.

"It's kinda creepy, not going to lie. Can't you use sound files of someone else's voice?" Reed asked curiously. The zero model's gaze sharpened as he tilted his head. Reed suddenly knew he'd touched a nerve of sorts.

"Is this better, Detective? I get the feeling you like the sound of your own voice," the zero model teased, watching with smug satisfaction as Reed hung up the phone with a strangled yelp. He held the phone in one hand, pointing at the smug zero model with the other as if he were about to snap at him. He wanted to. He really wanted to. That was the creepiest shit he'd ever heard. At the same time, the zero model's mirthful smile was so new and seldom seen that he couldn't bring himself to upset him.

"Alright, shit you got me," he murmured with a sigh as he ran a hand through his hair.

I won't do it again. We may communicate via text if that would make you more comfortable. The zero model returned to signing with gentle motions. Reed nodded his agreement as he took up his phone and started typing. The zero model blinked, his LED spinning yellow as the text appeared in a small box in his HUD.

Sure, sit tight. Reed looked up as he waited for the zero model to acknowledge the message in some way. He looked down as his phone buzzed.

Come back safe, Detective. Reed was unsure how to respond to that. No one had said shit like that since his mother when he was just a kid in school. He nodded awkwardly as he headed for the door.