When Reed first called Stokes, he hadn't expected the older man to remember him at all. It had been around twenty years since they'd last seen each other, and he'd just been some dumb kid running around his grandparents' house getting under everyone's feet back then. He'd thought perhaps he might recognise his surname and remember his grandparents, but not him. He couldn't help the almost embarrassed smile that crossed his lips when the old man chuckled in a gruff downtown manner.

"Little Gavi Reed, is that you? I didn't even know you were still in Detroit until I saw that news report a few months back! It's good to see you made a name for yourself, son." That did things to his insides. He'd met Mr Stokes a few times over the years, but he didn't think they'd known each other long enough for him to form any sort of attachment. His tone was downright affectionate, likely thinking back to those simpler times when he used to rush around his grandparents' house like a maniac. He'd always been ready and eager to help, holding tools and carrying tea back and forth.

"Yeah, I just got a promotion, too. I'm a Sergeant now," he replied with a hint of pride, accepting Stokes' fond wishes and congratulations. "Anyway, Mr Stokes, I actually called about a job." He mouthed his thanks to Nines as he'd dropped off coffee number three on his desk. Green eyes widened in surprise as he'd tasted it to find it was fully caffeinated. Nines had walked all the way down the street to his favourite coffee shop to get it, too. It was thick and frothy, just the way he liked it. It was even in his favourite mug. He cradled it a little closer at that.

"Mr Stokes, now that takes me back...You can call me Gary, son. You're not a little kid anymore." Reed chuckled over his coffee as he'd softly agreed. "So, a job...Got your own place now, huh?" Although he agreed that he did indeed have his own place, he was also quick to add that the job was for a close friend of his. Stokes was interested regardless. He was quite busy, what with the post New Year rush, but he was more than willing to look at the job and work out pricing and things. If he had a cancellation, which seemed likely for one of his clients, there was even the possibility of him squeezing them in early.

"Great! It's an attic conversion. We laid the floor already, but the whole thing needs insulation, and we need it wired for power. A lot. It'll be an android living up there, so they'll need a charging alcove fitted." Reed listened hard for any sign of disapproval when it came to the mention of androids. Back when he was little, androids hadn't been invented yet, so he had no idea where Stokes stood on the prejudice issue. It didn't seem to bother him. He didn't even bring it up again. "Are you free to come see the place this week?" Reed asked as he'd sat back and sipped his coffee. It was good to have full caffeine for a change.

"Certainly. I'm actually free tonight, if you have some time?" That was how Reed ended up at Hank's house at the end of his shift. Although Connor was supposed to be on shift, Fowler had allowed Nines to cover him so Connor could go home with Reed and get the ball rolling on the conversion. It was approaching seven when they headed into the house and hurried footsteps greeted them as they opened the door. Connor hadn't even shut it when he was caught around the waist in a tight hug.

"Dad! You're home!" Connor's voice and expression caught a little at the greeting. It seemed he wasn't used to being addressed as a parent just yet. Niles had always called him Connor before. It was cute, the way he'd adapted so fast, and Connor was still getting used to it. Reed quietly removed his leather jacket and hung it up without intruding on the moment as Connor returned the small embrace and ran his fingers through Niles' neat locks. His skin drew back at the contact, allowing them to share a brief interface of warm feelings.

"I am...Did you finish your homework?" Connor asked softly as Niles looked up at him with a grin. He was just telling Connor all about his latest history project and how Simon was helping him when Simon put his head around the living room door. "Thank you again. I'm sorry to keep putting you out like this," Connor apologised as he greeted Simon with a short embrace. Simon waved it off. He didn't have a problem with the babysitting. It was what he was programmed for, after all, and he still enjoyed it.

"Oh, he's no trouble, and I had the day off today. We've had a lot of fun researching Egyptology, right?" Niles immediately launched into an enthusiastic speech about giant pyramids, step pyramids, huge statues, tombs, and sarcophagi. Reed huffed in amusement as Connor was summarily dragged into the living room to see his notebook, where he'd started drawing various diagrams with small notes like a sort of historical scrap book. He was planning to make a presentation for his history class next week, but he'd been having trouble settling on a topic until Simon had gone through a few options with him.

"Hey, Goldilocks. How are things? How's Sandy?" Reed asked as they were left in the hall with Sumo snuffling around their feet. Reed held a protective hand over his crotch as the large dog moved to nose and nudge him. It was pretty rare for new scents to appear in the house these days since most visitors were androids, so Reed was still a new and interesting addition to the environment. He snuffled and shook his head, tail wagging as Reed finally leaned down to ruffle his head.

"Oh, you know...busy as always. Sandy's a lot better; pretty much back to normal besides walking to school now. She hasn't set foot on a bus since..." Simon trailed off meaningfully, and fuck, Reed couldn't blame her for that. One minute she'd been on a school bus with all of her classmates, somewhere that was supposed to be a safe space. The next thing she knew, the bus had been hijacked by a psychopath. A psychopath who'd opened her up and wired her to explode. He wouldn't be surprised if she never set foot on a bus again.

"Phck, I can't blame her." Simon nodded his agreement. He and Josh tended to take turns picking her up from school and she'd often walk in the mornings, unless North drove her. Sandy was pretty responsible, and in the morning there were a lot of other students walking through the area. Afternoons were a little different with the rush of parents picking up their kids and it being pretty dark out by the time after-school clubs let out. "Any progress on that ageing up thing?" Reed asked as he dropped to one knee to give Sumo more attention, scratching his ears and jowls. He huffed as Sumo's tongue lolled out in response.

"Not yet. The paperwork is still stuck in the senate right now, so all we can do is wait...I hope they pass it though...If they don't, we'll have a bunch of immortal children on our hands...cursed to remain stagnant until their parts run out..." Simon was troubled as his eyes crept to the pair in the living room. Niles was still excitedly showing Connor his book and playing clips on the TV to show him the tombs he'd been looking at. It was a sight that warmed the heart...but what would it be like ten or twenty years down the line? Connor was endlessly patient and endlessly kind, but would he always feel the same? Coming home night after night to find Niles exactly the same. His mind could only hold so much information, so he'd automatically forget what he'd learned over time. What would it be like to have a kid that got excited about discovering the same sports, the same games, the same facts, over and over again? How many times could Connor fake his enthusiasm and play along with it before he got burned out? As his parts got older, would he start to forget other things? Like Hank and Sumo once they were gone? How he'd met Connor in the first place? The revolution? The camps? His old classmates, who'd likely grow up and forget him? Reed shivered at the thought. The chance to grow and develop should be an android right...It would be inhumane to make the kids stay like this forever...

It wasn't long before Stokes arrived, shoulder length grey hair tied back in a low tail and still wearing the same worn jeans and t-shirt style that Reed remembered from his youth. He seemed a lot smaller though. Hardly surprising considering how young I was the last time I saw him...He was still pretty well built, with toned arms from carrying tools and supplies back and forth. He was kind and good natured, even as Sumo greeted him with two large paws on his thighs and a mouthful of slobber. Stokes was clearly a dog person, more than willing to wrestle the large hound to the floor and scratch his belly.

"Ah, is this your son?" Stokes asked curiously as Niles appeared, and Reed outright laughed at the suggestion. It became somewhat obvious who the father was as Connor put his head out into the hall to join them with a polite greeting. Niles still had his LED too, which became more obvious once he'd turned to properly face the newcomer. That Stokes was still on his knees with Sumo snuffling his chest instantly put him in Connor's good graces.

"Nah, he's Connor's. Connor, this is Gary Stokes. He used to do a lot of work for my grandparents when I was little," Reed explained as he introduced the pair, who jovially shook hands. Stokes' eyes barely even glanced at the blinking blue LED. In fact, within minutes he was gleefully telling embarrassing stories about Reed running around in his pants with a toy tool belt and cups of tea. Connor's smirk didn't help matters, and he didn't hesitate to encourage said stories by laughing in all the right places. "I should have put you in the recycling plant when I had the chance!" Reed teased as he shoved Connor's shoulder.

"You tried, Sergeant." Reed didn't need to be reminded of all the times Connor had handed him his ass. Wasting no more time, Connor led the way up into the attic. Stokes paused at the bottom to examine the old worn out ladder. There was nothing wrong with it, of course. It was still serviceable, but it was something else to consider before he climbed up. Maybe a nice foldout staircase style ladder would be nice. He let out a low whistle as he looked around the large space, which had quite a nice height, considering the slope of the roof on either side.

"You did nice work on the floor," Stokes complimented as he walked along and tested the planks a little. Reed tried not to seem too pleased with himself as he watched. Connor was filled with a similar pride since he'd done a lot of the work, too. "Good strong planks, all nailed down right...It'll need a top layer to keep it flat and level, and then a carpet..." He pulled out a small notebook to make notes of what needed to be done as he continued looking around. Reed had figured that much already. The floorboards themselves were functional, but it would be more comfortable with a flat layer, so Connor didn't feel the boards on his feet and a warm carpet. Not that warmth will matter to Connor, but still...

"What do you think of a skylight in here? I thought it would be good for natural light. There's also that wall though, could knock it through and put a window there," Reed suggested as he pointed to the far wall. Stokes joined him in contemplation. Skylights were better for privacy, plus the angle of the light would be pleasing, but the wall mounted window would give Connor a view outside. It would face the neighbouring house though, so maybe not ideal. Stokes also suggested they could knock through the sloped roof and build a proper box window, changing the shape of the roof. It would be more work, but it was also quite popular for the extra walking space. Reed brought up a few pictures of the options on his phone for Connor to see examples.

"I'm not sure. I don't want to put you out any more than necessary...What's the difference in price?" Stokes was more than happy to walk him through his options. Cheapest by far would by the skylight, and the box would obviously be the most expensive. The box would also give him some extra space, and they could raise part of the roof section. It was what he usually recommended for full loft conversions. He was pretty experienced with them and could get his sons to help complete the work within a few short weeks.

After that, he looked at the roof tiles from below. They were in pretty good condition, though even now the floor was filthy because of the lack of insulation. Air came straight in between the tiles, and so did the dirt. Once the roof was insulated, he'd add a proper ceiling layer and lighting underneath before he had the floor properly cleaned up, ready to be laid. Wiring the place for electricity was also something he started looking at. Reed had mentioned a charging alcove would need to be fitted, which would be no problem. The lower floor was already fully wired. It wouldn't be that hard to extend it up into the loft. They went over lighting options and settled on a few small embedded spotlights, which were pretty standard these days.

"All in all, it should take around six weeks, what with raising and insulating the roof. You got a tape?" Connor's LED span yellow as he processed the request. He failed to see how a cassette would help in this instance. Reed chuckled and bumped his arm as he called down the ladder for Niles to grab the tape measure from the kitchen. He was pretty sure that's where Hank kept it. Niles was eager to help, much as Reed had been in his youth, and raced off to complete his small mission. Once he had the tape, Stokes set about measuring all the floors and walls with Reed's help. By standing on Connor's shoulders, he even got measurements for the roof itself. Stokes had been worried at first, but Reed trusted Connor implicitly to both hold him and catch him if he fell. It was that confidence that allowed him to stand at his full height on Connor's shoulders, strong hands gripping his shins firmly. Reed held the end of the tape up to the roof tiles while Stokes dropped to read it on the floor.

Connor was brimming with excitement as they finished, clearly looking forward to seeing the work in progress, and perhaps even assisting. It was a chance for him to authentically learn new skills, not to mention he'd have his own space again. He was currently sharing his room with Niles, so neither of them really had space. The desk was shared, though Niles used it more for school work. The furnishings were also split in half evenly and Niles' toys were beneath the bed in boxes. Connor wanted to get him a toy trunk, a new bed, furnishings of his own choosing, and new wallpaper. He was sure Niles would appreciate having his own bed, too, though he didn't mind sharing. Connor didn't mind either. It was somewhat comforting to feel Niles' smaller body snuggling against his chest at night.

Stokes left with the promise that he'd look at his schedule and see when they could get started. He didn't want to promise anything, but it looked like one of his clients was thinking about postponing their own renovations to gather more funds. He also said he'd send Connor the pricing for materials as soon as he'd looked everything up. They exchanged numbers and Stokes left, clapping Reed on the shoulder fondly as he did so. Simon left not long after, having helped Niles finish his history project. Once he was gone, Connor started dinner. He insisted that Reed stay and eat as thanks for the day. He was making homemade hamburgers. Chicken Feed style, only healthier. They were one of Hank's favourites.

"Well, how can I turn that down?" Reed chuckled as he joined Niles at the dining table, where he was sketching something. "What have you got there?" he asked as he took a seat and looked at the large page. It was a little poorly drawn, but he could see a bed and what he assumed to be a wardrobe. He was drawing in pencil, the lines pressed just a little too hard to be properly erased when he made mistakes. Niles was truly gleeful as he nudged the pad between them to let him see the picture better.

"It's my new room! Dad said I can choose anything I like, so I want Spiderman bedding," Niles replied eagerly as Reed looked at the bed, which was smeared with blue and red, likely representing the superhero. Reed remembered being into stuff like that when he was younger, though he'd been more of a Wolverine and X-Men guy himself. He used to run around with plastic knives between his fingers, jumping off the sofa and running up and down stairs. He used to drive his grandparents crazy, and his neighbours when he did it at home.

"That's cool, but you know what else you want? Bunk beds. Every kid wants bunk beds! You get to sleep on the top, and you always have a spare when you want friends over." Connor's lips quirked as he mixed breadcrumbs, minced beef, chopped onions, and spices in a bowl with his hands. He didn't even look up as he cracked in an egg and continued to bind it. Niles seemed to consider the idea as he looked at his drawing.

"Did you have bunk beds?" Reed's expression dropped a little at that. Although he'd desperately wanted bunk beds, his mum had always refused. She hadn't had the money to buy things like that when he already had a perfectly good bed. She'd decided it was better to save that money and take him places or buy him a new toy. Reed hadn't understood at the time, obviously, but he'd understood as he grew up.

"No, my mum couldn't afford things like that. I had to stick with the boring old low bed, and I never had a sleepover." Niles immediately insisted that if he got bunk beds, he'd invite him for a sleepover. Reed grinned and ruffled his hair. He was a sweet kid. Niles continued to add to his picture, gaining interest as Reed told him he should add a gaming station. He was still a little young for the really good games, but he was about the right age to start taking an interest. "You'll need a computer for school anyway. Might as well make it a really good one that'll last." Connor rolled his eyes somewhat as he worked. He knew Niles would likely develop these interests as he grew, not to mention his human friends would start doing so soon. Niles was already enjoying the little handheld gaming system he'd gotten for Christmas. Connor had taken to rationing his time on it so he didn't get too attached.

"Connor?" Hank was home. Sumo huffed gleefully as he rolled to his feet and padded out to greet his master. Connor called back that they were in the kitchen, where he was currently frying off burgers and toasting buns. He also had fries crackling in oil, determined to get them just as crispy as those he'd sampled from the dilapidated food truck. If Gary could get them right, then surely he could do it, too. "Something smells good," Hank praised as he pulled off his coat, Nines' taller figure following behind and closing the door.

"I'm making burgers!" Connor replied enthusiastically as he flipped one of the patties. Nines offered to help by building the buns up, layering lettuce, tomato, onions, and a pickle with ketchup and burger sauce. He didn't know for sure what Reed liked, but he was quite certain he'd be more than satisfied. He was keen to try it himself. Connor had been sure to include Nines in their numbers, knowing that Hank would bring him home to meet up with Reed. Niles soon lost interest in his picture as the smell of the burgers filled the kitchen. He eagerly padded over to stand on his low kitchen stool beside Connor and help with the flipping.

"I believe your fries may be ready." Nines' LED span yellow as he analysed the crusty coating. They were pale gold, though Gary's were usually a lot darker. Connor paused hesitantly, looking at Hank for confirmation. He left them as Hank said they could use a little longer. Reed held back from being too physical around Nines. He was hyperaware that whatever thing they had going was against the fraternisation code. He didn't want to risk their partnership or put Hank and Connor in an awkward position. Nines had no such concerns as he stroked a hand down his spine as he passed him at the table.

"Red," Reed murmured as quietly as he could, hoping Connor wouldn't pay too much attention. Nines' hand drew back as if burned, blue eyes quizzical with an edge of hurt. Reed gave him a meaningful look, shifting his gaze to Hank and Connor. He wasn't sure if Nines got it or not, but he relented and stayed a little more distant. Reed sighed inwardly. He was pretty sure he'd hurt Nines' feelings. I can hardly explain it right now with Hank and Connor right here though...Luckily, he was saved from his thoughts by Connor declaring everything to be ready. "Thanks," Reed mumbled as Nines placed a plate in front of him and took the seat at his side. As a compromise, once everyone else was seated, Reed allowed his foot to cross over and lightly rest against Nines' calf.

"May I have the salt?" Nines asked politely as he looked at Reed, who shook a little over his own fries before handing over the small glass shaker. Nines took it gently, subtly stroking his fingers in the process. Reed tried not to smile as Nines' fingertips caressed his knuckles and plucked the shaker. "Although the fat content and cholesterol are far lower, I believe you have successfully imitated the Chicken Feed's aesthetic." Connor was over the moon with Nines' compliment. He was especially pleased as Hank chimed in to insist his burgers were better, but that he wasn't to go bragging to Gary about it.

"How'd it go with the planning, anyway?" Hank was genuinely interested as Connor launched into an explanation of how Stokes had measured up and gone over everything with him. He had a general idea of what things would be like when they were finished and could produce a diagram later. He'd also go over the costing with him once they had an estimate to decide if they could afford everything. They had plenty of money saved up between them, but he didn't want to eat into Hank's portion too much. It was likely his retirement fund.

"Don't worry. I'll talk the old man into giving you a discount." Even if that discount is me putting in a little funding in behind your back. He knew Connor would object if he said it out loud, but what Connor didn't know wouldn't hurt him. Connor was grateful for his good intentions, but he also didn't want to take away from Mr Stokes, who seemed genuinely kind and good at his job. Reed agreed, but assured him that Stokes wouldn't agree to a discount if he couldn't afford it. Hank seconded that, though he had no problem with paying full price for whatever needed to be done.

"And then we can get started on my room! Uncle Gavin helped me plan it all out!" Niles exclaimed as he hurried to get his pad and show Hank the latest design. Hank was gruff and fond as Niles pointed out all the best features. The bunk beds, the gaming station, some shelves above the desk for easy access to books, a huge trunk for his toys, and a few other furnishings. He'd mostly coloured everything in blue and red for now, though Reed had encouraged him to keep the walls white and put up pictures. "He said too much blue and red would make the room too dark, and I can put up hooks and change the pictures as much as I want!" Hank agreed it was a good idea. Kids were quick to grow out of things and change interests. Keeping the walls neutral would mean they wouldn't have to strip and repaint them every few years because Niles' interests changed. The picture idea was a good one, too. He could start off with posters and such, but as time went by, he may decide to have photos or paintings hanging up instead.

Reed was still reeling a little from his own sudden change in title. Until now, Niles had always called him Detective Reed, taking after Nines and Connor. When did he decide that I'm his uncle? He was quietly concerned about why that may be. Was it just because he could tell he was friends with Connor? Or was it because he'd noticed something going on between him and Nines? Nines was his uncle after all, so if Niles had cottoned on that he and Nines were a thing, he may have decided it was alright to call him uncle, too. Maybe I'm reading too much into it...Kids call people uncle all the time, right? He still couldn't help glancing at Nines, watching his lips soften as he noticed.

"Some of this stuff looks quite pricy though," Hank added thoughtfully as he noted the special gaming station, the electrical appliances, the unneeded extra bed, and the luxury trunk. He would absolutely buy those things, but it may take some time. Niles looked thoughtful, possibly wondering how to frame the purchases in a positive light. Reed almost scoffed under his breath. With Uncle Gavin and Auntie Chloe around, the purchases were unlikely to be an issue. If Chloe got wind of the idea, she'd probably turn up on the doorstep with everything within half an hour. Maybe this is a good time to broaden his horizons a little.

"Hank's right. Some of this stuff will cost a lot. How would you like to earn a little money to help with that?" Connor tilted his head at Reed's suggestion. It hardly seemed right to put a child to work. "Maybe there are some odd chores you could do for an allowance." Connor's LED span yellow as he looked up such things on the internet. Apparently, it was common practice for parents to bribe children into doing such things with a monetary reward. It seemed like a good idea. Positive reinforcement for good behaviour, and real world experience of working to receive an income.

"That's not a bad idea. Maybe shovelling the drive or keeping the yard in shape," Hank added thoughtfully, though he'd definitely go out and supervise the shovelling of the snow if it was bad. Niles was an android, but he still worried about him hurting himself. Niles seemed enthusiastic about the idea, pleased to have a position of responsibility.

"There may be a few chores around our penthouse, too." Nines didn't seem to notice how his phrasing almost set Reed's stomach swirling. He liked how sounded. Our penthouse. Not just his. It was his on paper, of course, but damn, it felt good that Nines to knew he belonged there. It was their home. "During the summer, there will be pool cleaning duties available," he continued, much to Niles' delight. He'd need supervision, of course. Maybe we could have him help Roland sometimes. He'd likely appreciate it with his joints the way they are...

"And hey, if we ever go out of town I'll be relying on you to pet-sit Pipsqueak for me." Reed got his phone out to show Niles pictures as he gave him a confused look. Niles was thrilled to learn that Pipsqueak was an android. He'd never met an android pet before, though he had interacted with real cats while living on the streets more than once. Much like Connor, he preferred dogs, but there was something to be said for the purring softness of a cat. They'd kept him company by the dumpsters more than once back then.

"Chloe may also have a few odd jobs," Nines added as Niles scrolled through Reed's cat folder. It was really quite organised of him to arrange his photos in such a manner. Connor voiced his agreement, though it felt wrong somehow to ask her. He didn't want her to feel that she had to give Niles money. Reed chuckled fondly as he ruffled Niles' hair, which immediately fell back into place as usual.

"Look at you, becoming an entrepreneur already," he teased, watching Niles' face light up with enthusiasm. Reed looked across at Nines questioningly, head tilting slightly towards the front door. Nines' lips softened as he gave the smallest nod of agreement. "Thanks for dinner, Connor. I think it's time we head back. Early shift and all that." Connor readily agreed and saw them to the door while Hank distracted Niles from his disappointment. After a brief pause to ruffle Sumo's furry head, they were heading down the drive to where he'd parked the car. He'd left his car by the curb so Hank had room to pull in and park on the driveway himself.

"Did you enjoy your evening?" Nines asked once they were in the car and ready to leave.

"Yeah...Look, Nines, about dinner..." He wanted to get things out in the open quickly so that it didn't fester for either of them. Nines tilted his head slightly for him to continue. "When I used my colour, it wasn't because I was embarrassed or uncomfortable with you." Nines nodded his understanding, though his face remained somewhat unreadable. Reed rubbed his hands together, partly from nerves and partly because it was so fucking cold in the car without the heater on.

"I am aware...Perhaps I was too forward in believing such contact was appropriate," Nines replied almost quizzically, but that wasn't it either. Reed thought he knew by now that he liked that sort of contact. He wanted that sort of contact. The problem is...

"It's not that! You know work has a fraternisation policy when it comes to partners and dating, so being like that in front of Hank and Connor is...It puts them in an awkward position, as well as blowing our cover." Nines nodded his agreement as he reviewed the policy. It was a sensible precaution, legally. Emotionally charged situations could become complicated quickly with the addition of romantic entanglements. They were breaking protocol in having this intimacy without disclosing it to HR and finding alternative working arrangements. Technically, Nines should have informed Fowler, however, his programming was currently deferring to Reed, and Reed benefitted from his presence. If they were no longer working together, he would likely return to working by himself. Closed off to outsiders and pouring himself into a cycle of endless work.

"I understand, however...Connor and Hank are not present at this time." Nines turned in his seat, silvery eyes glancing towards the house as he bit his lip. The living room curtains were drawn, the gentle glow at the edges letting them know Hank and Connor were at home. The blinds in the kitchen were also pulled low, blocking the view in and out. Reed huffed as he leaned a little closer.

"You're right, they're not..." Green eyes fell shut naturally as Nines leaned in. A somewhat pleased hum escaped Nines' lips at Reed's agreement. He felt slightly smug that he was going along with it. Reed took in a slow breath just before Nines' lips pressed against his own and a large hand reached up to caress his stubbled cheek. He leaned into the kiss naturally, tongue licking slowly across Nines' giving lips. "Home?" Reed murmured as he drew back a little.

"Home," Nines agreed with a final press of lips before sitting back and letting Reed start the car. "And once we get there, I want you to strip and sit on my lap while I watch news updates." He enjoyed the way Reed's vitals danced at the order.