"Hey Gav, you okay?" Tina asked sympathetically as he walked into the break room with his mug to get a refill. The fourth of the day. His stomach was already rumbling in objection, but fuck it, you only live once. He barely spared her a glance as he put his mug under the machine, one hand fisting in his jacket pocket as he waited impatiently. He knew he looked like shit. How could he not? Two hours he'd been stuck in that room. Two hours he'd been forced to relive that day, reopening old wounds that he'd thought had fused shut.

"Phcking peachy." Tina knew better than to press further. Reed was insufferable when he was like this. There were only two things that would calm him down. A beat down or a good fucking, neither of which was her area of expertise. She was literally half his size, and he was gay. Despite having no words, she rested a hand on his shoulder in a small show of solidarity. A silent assurance that he'd get better. Get better? Where did that thought even come from? He wasn't broken to begin with!

"Detective Reed! You have a call out," Miller called as he appeared in the break room's doorway. Reed put his coffee aside without a second thought. This is what he needed. A case. A distraction. Something he could sink his teeth into. He looked almost relieved as he turned and followed Miller out to the car. Miller drove the cruiser as he updated him on the call. There wasn't much to say. It was an android body, found in a rundown apartment block. One of the older places that had been altered for android use.

At the scene, they hurried up the dim, dirty staircase to the second floor, where another uniformed officer was waiting for them with the holographic police tape already in place. A few residents were milling around, mostly androids with glowing red LEDs. Reed ignored them as he entered, pulling on a set of blue gloves as he went. Miller was still at his back and joined him in examining the scene as they slipped boot covers over their shoes. The apartment wasn't much to look at. Just an empty space. It was a common sight for new android accommodation. They just wanted somewhere to sit or stand while going into stasis. They didn't need beds or furnishings, and even if they wanted some, most couldn't afford them.

"Well, would you look at that...phck..." Reed murmured as he looked at the body. What was left of it. Miller had backed off already. It didn't matter that it was a machine. It looked human enough to churn his stomach. That was a problem that most officers seemed to share these days. They can't see a piece of junk as a piece of junk. "They really went to town on this thing..." Reed added as he looked over at Miller, who was pointedly looking down at his electronic pad.

"The victim is Erica Doe, a PL500 assisted living model. She's lived here for two months. No employment records that I can see..." he reported in a smaller voice than usual. Reed almost rolled his eyes. It wasn't like the thing was human! Why make such a damned fuss? He crouched down and took a closer look. The synthetic skin had mostly faded away, unable to remain active without the electronic input and thirium flow. Something hard had been used to beat the android, and the limbs had been torn from their sockets. It was certainly passionate. A simple hate crime? Reed looked at the blue-stained plastic. If she was wearing clothes before, they'd been removed. A lover? It has the parts for it...

"Detective, forensics are here," Miller reported with a glance over his shoulder. Reed nodded silently as he continued examining the scene, pausing as he studied the face. Perfectly sculpted to be sweet and attractive. Of course it was. He shivered a little as he noticed the eyes. They were wide open. A deep rich hazel with flecks of amber. Soft and innocent, and almost sickeningly familiar. His jaw tightened as he realised it was the same colour pattern used for Connor's eyes. Phcking androids...

"Bag it and tag it. Don't miss any of the bits, and call me when you have something," he instructed in his usual gruff tone as he turned to the forensic analyst. He noticed the LED on her temple circling red as he spoke. If it hadn't been for the LED, he probably wouldn't have realised she was upset. She didn't let anything show on her face otherwise. "Got it?" He didn't quite feel the disdain he usually felt. The woman looked at him with deep blue eyes that seemed almost hurt by his dismissive words and the way he'd just dehumanised the victim.

"Yes, Detective," she replied stiffly before getting to work. She wasn't like the RK series, so she couldn't analyse on the spot. She had to do it the old-fashioned way. The human way. She would carefully record evidence and pack it away for transport to be analysed back at the lab. Reed left her to it, pausing to lean on the wall in the hall as he pulled out a cigarette. He couldn't light it yet, but he was content resting against the wall for now as Miller finished up inside.

"Why did they hand android cases over to that guy? It's not like he'll take this seriously," a male voice complained, likely another of the forensic team. Reed ignored it as he toyed with the end of his cigarette. He wasn't surprised by the comment. Let them talk. He knew he was good at his job. "Are you alright? It can't be easy when people speak like that..." the same voice added sensitively, probably talking to the analyst. Oh please, it's a phcking machine! Reed huffed, remembering the small expressions he'd seen Connor make. Feigning humanity. Playing along. Drawing people in.

"It's tough...but it won't get any better with humans like him around," she replied in a small voice. The shuffling and rustling told him they'd already started bagging evidence. Reed let the jibe pass over him. They didn't have to like him. They just needed to do their damned jobs so that he could do his. The officer by the door looked at him almost timidly, but Reed remained looking at the wall opposite, as if he hadn't heard a thing.

"Hey, that's enough! Detective Reed may not like androids much, but he's one of the best we've got, and he'll do the job!" Miller interrupted with a firm tone that almost sounded defensive. Reed pushed off the wall with an amused huff. Miller was a good guy. Saw the best in people. Maybe a little too much. He was certainly too good to waste time defending his sorry ass. Before the analysts could respond, Reed lounged in the doorway. The two techs looked up in surprise. They hadn't realised he was right outside. Of course not. Shit-talking was always easier when no one was around to overhear it.

"My phcking hero. Come on, let's go." He chuckled quietly as Miller followed without an ounce of shame. Yeah, he was a good guy alright. "You don't need to respond to that shit, you know?" he added as they headed downstairs. His lighter was already lit by the time they walked through the door to stand outside. Miller shrugged as they ambled down the steps, flipping through his notes. He'd gone off to interview a few people earlier while Reed was examining the scene.

"I'll always respond if I hear things that aren't true. They don't know you, and it annoys me when people make judgements like that." His soft gaze flicked up as Reed's hand slapped his shoulder in a small show of thanks. Miller reviewed his notes with him while he smoked his cigarette, being polite enough to breathe over his shoulder, away from them. He knew Miller didn't like the smell. He was a bit like Jack in that respect. Took care of himself. Smart kid.

"Any of them mention whether she had a boyfriend?" Reed asked as Miller recounted the details. He shook his head. It wasn't something that had come up, though they still couldn't rule it out. She may have had a partner outside the apartment block. It could even be a one-night stand...He wasn't dead set on it being an intimate encounter, but that would explain why she was naked at the time of the attack. It seemed a bit of a stretch that someone had removed her clothing during the struggle. There'd be no point in doing that without some form of sexual activity, willing or otherwise.

Back at the station, Reed took Miller's notes and sent a reminder to forensics to let him know as soon as the scrap had been processed. Waiting around was a pain in the ass. A few months ago, he would have been able to just go down to the evidence locker and poke at the parts until something clicked. Now he had to wait, and if he wanted to see the broken up bits again, he'd have to go all the way across town to the morgue. Why don't they just call a robot a robot? It's not human, so it doesn't need to be stored like one! He knew he was more annoyed about it than he should have been. He squirmed in his seat, wondering if maybe a trip to the gym would help.

"Reed!" Fowler's voice called tiredly, motioning for him to come up to the office. What now? He got to his feet, accidentally shoulder checking Connor on the way by, not that he cared. Connor didn't say anything about it, either. He just looked over his shoulder in mild surprise. Reed felt more agitated when they locked eyes. Warm hazel flecked with amber. He ignored the shiver that ran down his spine at the reminder. "How many times am I going to have to deal with this shit? Did you say something inappropriate to the forensics team?" Fowler barked sternly as he stood behind his desk.

"What? No! I barely spoke to them at all! I just told them to bag and tag the evidence and tell me when it was ready!" Reed replied with a shrug. Fowler gave him a knowing look as he folded his arms. Reed scoffed and rested his hands on his hips, leaning his weight on one leg. "Look, I wasn't rude, and I didn't call them names. I just..." he continued with his usual barely controlled calm, waving an arm in explanation.

"You treated the victim like she was evidence to an android technician!" Fowler interrupted meaningfully. He watched Reed pause before he shrugged almost sheepishly, making him sigh as he sat down and ran a hand over his bald head. How many times would he have to talk to Reed about his behaviour? It was only a matter of time before some of the complaints stuck. The only reason they hadn't so far was that Reed was very good at walking a very thin line, and Fowler was loath to lose such a good detective.

"It is evidence, Christ! Am I the only one around here who'll call a spade a spade? I didn't call the techs names, or shout at them, or harass them in any way!" He was more than a little frustrated at Fowler for taking the other side. He couldn't believe these plastic pricks and their hippie Kumbaya fanboys! Love and peace was all well and good until those things started multiplying and taking all the jobs again. At least for now, a halt had been put on production.

"Reed, when are you going to let this go? Androids are going to become an equal part of the workforce and society, whether you like it or not." Fowler felt more than a little frustrated himself. Gavin Reed was one gigantic pain in his ass, but he was also a damned fine detective. He'd hate to have to let him go over something like this, but he'd only be able to let these things slide for so long. The sooner Reed got over his prejudice, the better.

"I don't have to like it to do my phcking job, and I'm damn good at this shit! If it bothers you so much, then move me back to human homicides!" He knew that Fowler wouldn't go for that. Too few people could stomach these cases. It was all too new, and usually gruesome. The murder that night had been tame compared to some of the other shit he'd seen. Fowler shook his head silently for a while.

"I don't expect a miracle to happen overnight, but talk to Dr Marr about this and at least try to show a little more tolerance and compassion," he ordered in a withering tone. He watched Reed's jaw tighten at the thought of going back to Dr Marr. The doctor hadn't shared any particular details, of course, but she had let him know just how tough the first session had been on Reed. He had a lot of issues, and not just from two years ago. Their session had been a mess of anguish and tears. He'd picked up that much from seeing Reed storm out with red-rimmed eyes afterwards. "And let me know if you need anything." Reed gave him a small huff, the tiniest of smiles tugging his lips before he squashed it into a smirk.

"Sure, Cap...I'll try," he replied in a more sincere tone than usual. Fowler waved at the door. He was dismissed. Reed returned to his desk, feeling more deflated than before. A heavy weight was settling in the pit of his stomach, and it only got worse as he looked across at the empty desk. The dust was gone. Someone had been around and cleaned the glass surface. It happened every so often. He stared at the empty chair and bit the inside of his mouth. What would you think of this shit? You never seemed to mind the mechanical menaces. Even considered buying one for the house...He sighed quietly, something lonely settling in behind his emerald eyes.

"I hear you got another creepy body...You okay?" Tina checked on the way by, watching him lean back with his usual scoff. Maybe she hadn't spoken to Miller yet, but the body hadn't looked that bad. Tina paused, leaning against Jack's desk like she belonged there. She was the only one he'd let get away with that shit. She was part of their circle. As Reed's academy buddy, she got perks. Jack's friendship had been one of them.

"It's just a bunch of crushed up plastic and wires! You think I'm going to cry over it? Please!" he retorted, a little louder than necessary. He had his reputation of supreme asshole to uphold after all. No one else seemed surprised or bothered by it, though he did notice Connor's LED shift from blue to yellow at the dig. Connor had the desk just across from Jack's, so he couldn't help noticing him leaning over his desk behind Tina to talk to Hank.

"It doesn't creep you out? Not even a little?" Tina pressed, somewhere between incredulous and curious. Reed waved it aside as he sat up a little straighter.

"Would it bother you if I smashed the coffee machine? Would you be bothered by that?" Tina's lips quirked as she tapped his knee with the toe of her shoe.

"I'd be bothered by the thought of dealing with you without it!" Reed couldn't help chuckling. She had him there. He knew he was a nasty fucker without his coffee. That was probably why he drank so much. That and trying to stay awake. "Seriously though, it's not the same." Reed just couldn't get behind that. They were computers. Ingeniously crafted, sure, but still computers. Why should he be bothered if someone turned one off? Looking over at Connor briefly, he could still remember himself aiming his gun at his head across the evidence locker. And this time...it's definitive. Fuck, he'd felt like such a badass. The memory made him cringe now.

"Look, T, I know they wear human faces, but they're just computers...That's all." And that's how he needed it to stay. What would he do if they were suddenly people? It took a special kind of asshole to deal with these cases. Someone who wouldn't be bothered by it. Gavin Reed was that asshole. He'd hated androids long before the revolution had come around, and fucked if he was going to change now. He still remembered those early days when androids first hit the market.

It happened in his late teens. Suddenly they were everywhere, moving into homes and human workplaces across the country. Within three years, most factory workers, janitors, and shop staff were out of a job. It had only gotten worse as time wore on. They'd started to look more and more real until suddenly you couldn't tell them apart from humans at all besides those little circles on their temples. It was creepy as fuck! School teachers, doctors, emergency service workers, nannies, personal assistants, and even sex workers. All replaced by android staff. He was lucky it had taken them so long to get to detectives, though the uniformed officers hadn't been safe for a good two years since the introduction of the PC200 and PM700 models. It was obvious it would only be a matter of time before they came for his job, just like his mother's. He shuddered as he thought of the things she'd done for money. The things she'd tried to hide. She'd always called them dates, desperately trying to shield that side of her life from her only son. The problem was that word got around, especially when you were running with the local gangs. Eventually, she'd even lost that job to the Eden Club. Cheaper, safer, and more convenient. She'd disappeared not long after.

"Gav?" Reed coughed to cover his distraction as he looked up at her. He tried not to think about it. His mother hadn't been in contact for years. Probably dead in a ditch somewhere. "You okay?" Tina asked in a gentle tone. Reed folded his arms and sat back in his chair with a sigh. After all this time, he had to be. It's not like things would suddenly change overnight.

"Yeah, I'm good, T...Just thinking about a case," he added evasively as he reached out to fiddle with the pages of the open file on his desk. It was a lie, and she didn't need Connor's software to know it. She also knew better than to push him. That never ended well. She gave him a light punch on the arm before heading off to find her own partner for the evening and get out on the road. She was probably with Collins that day since Miller had worked the earlier shift. The uniformed officers tended to switch up partners almost daily.

Reed settled in for the next God-knows-how-many hours. He wasn't counting. Nor was he paying attention to the amount of coffee. He'd given up at around nine. The new case had been set aside ages ago. There was nothing else he could do for it without the forensic results. He had some interviews lined up for two days' time. He was supposed to be off tomorrow. Or should I say today...He knew it was gone midnight as he stretched in his seat. His back ached like crazy. He was getting a tired burn behind his eyelids again, too.

"Detective Reed? Your shift ended almost six hours ago!" Connor's voice interrupted politely, apparently surprised he was still there. Reed exchanged his expression of tired bliss for one of tired disdain. Connor barely batted an eyelid. He'd grown accustomed to the occasionally hostile work environment of the DPD. He had Hank as a partner, after all, and Hank had been worse than Reed in their earlier days. Reed couldn't stand the look of pre-programmed concern in Connor's fake eyes. Fake eyes that had been staring up at him, wide and dim and empty and-Phck!

"What's it to you?" Reed grumbled in response as he leaned over his files once more. He was partway through a report, and settled on ignoring Connor as he continued to type, only stopping as a grey sleeve appeared in front of his face. He jerked back as he watched Connor's skin retract to interface with his terminal. Within seconds, the computer had shut down. "The phck are you doing, asshole?" he snapped as he stood, hands already gripping the lapels of Connor's crisp Cyberlife jacket.

"I saved your work. You can continue when you return for your next shift." Connor remained calm, standing firm and unbothered as Reed tried to shake him up. Phcking android! Who does he think he is? "Your vitals are climbing...How much caffeine have you consumed today?" Connor asked in alarm as he steadied his shoulders and ran a scan. Reed jerked away, barely able to stop the trembling in his arms and legs, which he put down to rage for now.

"Mind your own damned business! You're not my superior, dipshit!" His fingers twitched, itching to throw a punch at that perfectly sculpted jawline. He flinched as a heavy hand landed on his shoulder, squeezing partly in warning and partly in support. He didn't need to look to know it was Hank. No one else would grip his shoulder like that. It was almost strange having him around without the lingering scent of whiskey and beer.

"No, that's my job. Go home, Reed. Get some sleep...You look like shit." The hand remained firmly in place until he reluctantly released Connor's jacket. Connor straightened up, fiddling with his tie in that annoying pre-programmed manner as he levelled a neutral gaze at him. Reed clicked his tongue in annoyance and shrugged off Hank's hand before grabbing his keys from the desk. He didn't get far before Hank was at his side again. "Are you sure you're okay to drive?" he asked sternly, blue eyes searching his tired face.

"It's not like I haven't done this shit before, old man." Reed was still annoyed as he stomped down the hall towards the rear parking lot. He had no choice but to stop as Hank grabbed his arm and pulled him back, soft but firm.

"I don't want to get a radio call about you crashing and killing yourself or someone else because you're too fucking tired to drive home safely! Now, are you up to it or not?" Hank watched Reed instantly drop his gaze. He remembered well the mess Hank had been in three or four years ago. He'd been pretty jumpy around car accidents since then. Not that he'd ever admit it. He may have been a drunk who got worse and worse at his job, but he'd always call you out if he didn't think you were fit to drive. It was one of the things that had pissed him off the most. Don't be so concerned about others if you can't be fucked to sort out your own shit...

"I'm fine!" Reed insisted in a gentler tone. Hank regarded him for a few more moments before releasing him. It wasn't like he ever went over the limit if he didn't have to anyway, and he wasn't that tired. He ran a hand over his tired face, pinching his eyes shut. I am pretty wired on coffee right now though, and that could be worse. Now that I think about it, maybe I should just walk...I only live about an hour away on foot. It's not that far. He knew he wouldn't be able to look at himself if he caused an accident. He didn't want to make a habit of getting people killed. "I'll walk," he murmured in defeat, following Hank back to the front of the building and walking out.

The night was fresh, and it was still dark above in that magical dead-time of the early morning. Too early for the morning commute, and so late that most folks were already home in bed. The street was fairly quiet as he walked away from the precinct, passing rows of closed shops and cafes, offices and restaurants. The only places open now were the clubs, and even some of those were emptying. Reed stepped around the groups of youngsters stumbling by, huffing in amusement as he thought back to his academy days. Sure, he still went out occasionally, but it was nothing like what it used to be. He could handle quite a lot of alcohol these days. Despite being able to handle it, he rarely drank to his limit. He enjoyed finding a body to cling to for the night far more than the hangover the next morning.

He sighed and kept walking. The street was filled with the shouting and jeering of clubbers until he got a little further away. He was approaching one of the more rundown parts of Detroit now. It would only take around fifteen minutes to get home. He shrugged deeper into his jacket, surprised it was so cold for a May evening. The first summer since the revolution was coming, and he wondered how long it would take for something else to kick off. Though it doesn't feel like it ever really stopped...

"Ugh! Argh!" Reed pressed himself against the redbrick of the apartment block by the alley, police instincts kicking in as he listened to the scuffles and thuds. "No-don't! Ngh!" It was a male voice. A heavy thump suggested he'd fallen to the ground. Reed peered around the corner, brow furrowing as he took in the three young men standing around the curled up figure on the ground. The blonde looked up from his defensive position towards the entrance, helpless blue eyes locking with Reed's. There was blue on his lips where he'd been kicked in the face. Phck, android...Reed paused as a boot sank into the machine's stomach, forcing out another pathetic grunt.

The three men were of average build, about Reed's size if not a little bigger all-round. He couldn't get a clear look at any of them in the darkness of the small alley, and they were all wearing hoods. He weighed up his options. The simplest would be using his phone to call it in, but there was no telling how long that would take. Identifying himself and pulling his weapon was another, but they may be armed as well. He could also just say to hell with it and rush in there, risking injury. Or I could just carry on my merry way...He looked back. It was certainly tempting. No one knew he was there besides the victim.

He recognised the model. A PL600. They'd been really popular about a year ago. Domestic models. Good with cooking, kids, and housework. Moving on and ignoring it would surely be the easiest thing to do. He was also off duty. Not his problem. Not my responsibility. The android met his gaze again; gentle features twisted in something like fear and desperation, but not pain. Androids didn't feel pain even if they simulated it. It's just a computer...Reed could almost believe that as something like water dripped from its vulnerable eyes. Its blue lips quivered, trembling hands gripping its arms as it held them tightly across its body, protecting its power core. It mouthed a single word at him. Help!

"Ahhh, phck!" Reed cursed forlornly as he drew his gun and pulled out his badge. I can't believe I'm doing this! "Detroit Police! Nobody move!" The three young men instantly jumped away from the mouth of the alley. He couldn't get a good look at them, but their reactions said it all. They were young. Too young to be doing this shit. Probably new gang members trying to prove they were worth a damn. Reed lowered his badge. He was going to need both hands for this.

"We were just playing around, officer..." One boy shrugged sheepishly, voice filled with innocence. You know what you did, shithead. His expression clearly got the point across. Reed looked down at the PL600, which pushed itself to its knees, but made no move to go any further.

"Fun game you're playing...Want to know the prize?" Reed retorted as he held his gun meaningfully. They'd try something. Any minute now. Youngsters always did. Suddenly, calling backup sounded like a better plan. Well, they say hindsight is twenty-twenty...He couldn't see a gun, but that didn't mean they weren't packing. They might have knives, which could be a problem if they got too close. He glanced at the far end of the alley. Brick wall. They'd have to get by him if they were going to escape.

"Come on, man! It's just a piece of plastic!" The boy waved a hand down at the android, which dropped its eyes with a bitter expression. Yeah, you're not wrong there, kid...Reed wondered briefly why the hell he'd gotten himself into this. It's the job-it's the job. I'd probably get in trouble if I just ignored it anyway. He tried to ignore the memory of those pleading blue eyes and watery tears.

"You know the rules. That's assault these days..." Reed warned, not arguing with the young man's opinion. He slowly stepped to the left, making just enough space for the youngsters to break through. They were going to. It was just a matter of when. He waited, shifting his eyes between them. He could almost to count it down. When the first one moved, he let off a warning shot. The guy barely stumbled before diving straight at him. Reed didn't actually want to hurt the kids, so when the gun was knocked away, he made sure it flew clear of the alley and out into the street. He blocked the first punch and returned with one of his own.

They weren't skilled fighters, but there was three of them. While wrestling the first, the second jumped him from behind. The weight of the larger body sent him to his knees, where he took a badly aimed kick to the side of his head. He punched the kid's crotch, wincing apologetically as he flipped the second over his back just in time for the third to punch his cheek. Diving at the third, they wrestled against the wall. There was a whispering swipe, and he just managed to spin away before a blade slashed the air by his ear.

"You think the time for assault is bad? You should see what it is for killing a cop!" Reed warned as he pushed the taller boy back with one arm while blocking the knife with the other. The android was up, stumbling, but still able to barge one kid out into the street. Reed took a fist to the stomach before dropping to the ground, winded and wheezing. He froze with a sickening churn in his stomach as he heard a familiar click and looked up to see his own gun pointed at his head. The youngster's hand was shaking, finger resting on the trigger. Reed knew that feeling. He'd been standing in that spot once. The boy's lips were dry, his tongue wetting them as he pressed the trigger. Come on, kid, don't do it...

"Fuck it, let's go, man!" his friend cried, shoving him along. Reed breathed a sigh of relief as his gun fell with a clatter and they ran, leaning against the wall of the alley with his eyes closed in relief. That was close. Too fucking close. And for what? For this sack of shit? He clicked his tongue and pushed himself to his feet, holding his ribs as he picked up and holstered his gun.

"You saved me...Thank you." The gentle voice was far too soft for Reed's liking. The domestic models always came with soft voices. Voices made to coo and coddle children into doing as they were told. Reed turned to regard the PL600, hands resting on his hips as he wondered what to do with it. Technically, he was off duty, so he could always call it in for someone else to deal with.

"You need an ambulance, or...whatever it is you get?" He wasn't sure who to call when it was an android. Living android victims weren't his area of expertise. The android seemed to gasp for breath, wincing as it shook its head. Reed held out a hand to help it up, bracing as the smaller body stumbled against his chest and looped an arm over his shoulders for support. It seemed to be more from fear than anything else. Its legs were shaking too badly to stand.

"I'll be fine. I just need to get home." Reed forced down a sigh. He was involved now. Time to be a good little police officer and help the toaster find the kitchen. He leaned the android against the wall, watching the cuts slowly starting to seal and fade, leaving oily blue smears and tracks behind. There was a weird protrusion sticking up from one of its shoulders beneath its denim jacket, probably a plate knocked out of alignment or some shit. It wasn't like he could fix it, and the thing had said it didn't need an ambulance.

"Where do you live, Goldilocks? I'll get you home." The android was clearly taken aback by the comment, brows furrowing in distaste. It was a look Reed was used to. He wasn't about to cry any tears over it. Fucker should be grateful I stopped!

"Just...five blocks down." He could probably stumble that far by himself, but it was late, and he was leaking thirium. He also didn't know if those men were really gone. It wouldn't be wise for him to leave by himself. He knew better than to try pressing charges. For one thing, the men had escaped. For another, it was unlikely that humans would take his report seriously. His human saviour offered his shoulder, wordlessly hooking an arm around his waist to steady him. He was strong beneath his clothes, though a little underweight.

"You have a mean swing. I didn't think domestic models would pack such a punch," Reed almost complimented as they stumbled along. The android looked at him in surprise. His model was quite recognisable, but it still surprised him that he knew. Most humans found it difficult without the Cyberlife uniforms in place, and he was dressed in simple denim, dark blue splatters barely noticeable on the surface.

"I guess I learned...during the revolution," the android replied stiffly, slowly regaining his balance and putting less weight on Reed. He didn't say it, but he knew he must be slightly heavier than the average human of his size. Reed nodded his agreement. He hadn't really thought about it like that, but it made sense. Most of the androids that had taken part in the revolution were normal city androids that had no reason to know how to fight. Military and policing androids had been among the first to be rounded up for decommission by Cyberlife during the last days of the revolution.

They continued like that, exchanging a few words here and there. The PL600 lived in a similar block to the one he'd visited with Miller earlier that day. An old building that had been mostly abandoned by humans, allowing androids to move in and make it their own. Apartments had been turned into small domestic units, barely considered a studio. Androids didn't need much, and they weren't overly bothered by damp or draughts. They stopped at the bottom of the cement steps and the android hesitantly stepped away.

"Try not to get caught out again. Last thing I need is another broken toaster oven in the morgue," Reed grunted as he teasingly shoved the android's head. He was surprised by the softness of the fluffed blonde locks. They almost felt real. It wasn't something he'd ever noticed before. He'd never needed to touch an android's head without gloves before. He drew back sharply, shoving his hand in his pocket. Of course it felt real. That's what they were designed to feel like.

"You know, for a cop you are...quite the asshole." The android's expression showed a sense of distaste mixed with something like fondness. Must have been a fan of the naughty kids...Reed had seen the same look on many of his teachers' faces. He scoffed and spread his arms cockily, wearing the declaration like a badge of honour.

"Detective Asshole, at your service. Now get the phck out of here, Goldilocks," Reed retorted as he stepped away. He waited for the android to limp up the steps and clear the doorway before looking around to get his bearings. He'd only gone a little out of his way. His steps felt a little lighter as he returned to his usual route, sighing tiredly as he walked and trying to ignore the blue smears on his jacket. It would disappear after a while anyway, though that wouldn't get rid of the oily texture. Hopefully, it would dry out by itself. I should probably clean it...

"Pips?" he called as he finally opened his door, leaning down to coo at the silver ball of fur that was soon winding through his legs in welcome. "Hey there, pretty boy," he murmured as he lifted the furry bundle into his arms. He was so warm, and he could feel the synthetic flesh shifting beneath the fluff. If it wasn't for the blue food, he wouldn't even notice he wasn't a real cat. That's why they were made, though. For people like me...Too busy and irresponsible for the real thing. He stopped by the kitchen to put some thirium based food out. Look at me, an android hater with an android cat...In truth, he didn't see his cat as a real android. He was more like a big Tamagotchi. Always feed me! Play with me! Pet me! He was just plain spoiled, and he didn't do anything beyond that.

Maybe some people would call him a hypocrite. He complained so bitterly about androids stealing human jobs and here he was, letting an android cat steal the potential home of a real cat. The reality was different. He'd never get a real cat, at least not with his career the way it was now. Maybe in a few years. If he climbed the ladder and got more time off, or if he found someone. Pfft! Yeah right. He scoffed inwardly at the thought as he headed through to his bedroom.

People didn't like to date cops, especially ones like him. He worked more than he came home, and the job would always come first. He'd done that shit in his twenties, and since then he'd just stuck to a string of nameless faces fucking him into the mattress. It crossed his mind sometimes though. Coming home to the same set of arms. A home cooked meal. Sharing a bath. Sharing a bed. It was a nice thing to think about as he settled down for the night. Pipsqueak let out a contented trill as he curled up on the pillow beside him. A gentle purring sound filled the space, the sound soon lulling him to sleep.