Alley Adventures: From a Child's eyes chapters 1-4

It was raining and late, Hank was on his way home. It was then when something, or more like someone , caught his eye. A child, all by himself walking down the darkened late-night streets, arms wrapped protectively around himself. He looked cold and lost. Something didn't feel right. He pulled over to make sure they were safe.

He carefully approached, he didn't want to scare the boy but then he noticed something. Two things really. For one, he was an android. There was a yellow LED flickering in the dark. He had to have been scared or hurt or something like Hank figured from the limited knowledge he had about androids. Secondly, he looked just like Connor only younger, a true babyface. He looked no older than a nine-year-old human. What was this?

"Hey, buddy...are you lost?"

The boy jumped startled by the sudden sound and froze as he noticed the man. The child gripped his sides tighter. "I'm good sir..." he said shyly. You can't be lost if you didn't have a home to go to or a place to belong.

Hank crotched down to get close to the child's level, and to look less large and intimidating. His six foot three height worked well with his chosen career but not as much when dealing with scared children. He spoke gently. While he could be harsh to adults, even his own coworkers, he was always gently and soft when it came to kids. He had a soft spot for them and a way of talking to them. Even in his aching heart after losing Cole, he never lost that small touch to him.

"You sure? It's kind of late for a kid to be out on his own. If you need any help, you can tell me." He moved to his hip to pull out his badge. The YK android's eyes went wide as he waits to see what the man was grabbing for, ready to run in case it was something that could hurt him. But the boy relaxed when he saw it was just a badge.

"I'm a police officer." Hank said letting the boy examine the badge. The YK took it and looked it over, not that he knew what a real or fake badge would look like.

"You're a human. Humans don't like me, I'm an android. They only like other humans." The boy said tapping his LED with his finger.

"That's not true kiddo. I like androids, my work partner is an android he even lives with me." He got out his phone and brought up an image of Connor and him. "See? That's me and that's Connor."

The boy's eyes went wide and a small smile formed. "He's Connor? My name is Connor too!"

Hank's thoughts scrambled as he tried to process that information. Not only did this boy look like Connor but he was named Connor too? Hank wasn't sure if this was just a coincidence or if there was more to all of it. He didn't know what to think. He didn't know enough about androids or models to say anything for certain. Maybe Connor would know better. He would have to talk to him about this.

In the meantime, he had to figure out what to do right now. It was the middle of the night and it was raining. He just couldn't leave a kid out here human or android. If he was human it would have been easy. There was a set of things in place for situations like this. Protocol to follow, people to call. While in theory, it would still work that way with an android child, there really wasn't anything in place for YK models. He probably could contact someone over at New Jericho or take the boy there himself. He would most likely end up doing that Markus or Simon could help him figure out what to do with the boy. Last he heard Jericho just opened a special care center just for kid androids with no one else to care for them. That was an option.

But then there was his way too familiar facial features and name. His similarities to the RK800 were curious if not slightly concerning. Hank knew what Connor was capable of, what CyberLife had intended for their RK800s, what he as programmed to do. He saw the man's dangerous side first hand. Saw him take down men and take control of guns. Saw him solve the bloodiest of homicides and analyze the filthiest of evidence. Hank didn't want to think about if they had really made a child with the same plans in mind.

Hank gave a small smile in return. "Wow, you're Connor too? Isn't that cool? It's a nice name. I like it."

The boy gave a small nod, still cautious and shy but slowly beginning to warm up to the lieutenant. Still holding the man's badge in his hands he held it close to his chest as he wrapped his arms around himself to keep warm in the freezing rain.

Hank didn't know androids could get cold but maybe the kids were different. "How about you come with me, kiddo? We'll get you out of the rain and you can meet the Connor I know. I have a dog too who would love to meet you."

The boy thought about it. He wasn't sure if he could trust the man, or any human for that matter, but it couldn't be any more dangerous than living in a warehouse all by himself, running low on Thirium and as of the last few nights: running the risk of his biocomponents freezing. Fall has faded away to make way for an early winter. And while it was raining now, there were some flurries mixed in and full snow fall was in the forecast. Human or android it wasn't safe to be out without proper clothes and he most certainly did not have those.

He bit his lip and turned to look in the direction of 'his' warehouse as he thought things over. It would be nice to not be alone and to go somewhere warm, plus the man said he had a dog...he liked dogs! It couldn't be all that bad to go with him, could it?

Finally, the boy nodded. "I'll go."

Hank stood up and returned the nod as he held out his hand for the boy to take if he wanted to. "Alrighty, let's get going then okay?"

The YK unit hesitated but after a second he reached out and grabbed the man's hand. His other hand continued to hold Hank's badge as well as his own stuffed animal. A worn and torn patchwork bear. They made it the short walk to the car and Hank helped the boy to climb into the back seat. With no backdoors on the car, the front seats had to be leaned forward for someone to get to the backseat. He made sure the kid was buckled in, he was small enough where he probably needed a booster seat but the regular seat would have to do.

With the boy settled Hank snapped the driver's seat back into position and headed off.

It was a quiet drive. The child android looked out the window or down at his hands and chose not to speak first. Hank decided to break the silence by striking up a conversation. He wasn't sure what to say but he tried. He was also curious about the needs of a kid android and wanted to help provide for the boy if he could. If he was going to be caring for the kid for the night he needed to know what to do, what he needed, anything he would need. Although kids usually didn't know what they needed. Cole used to have to be reminded to wear a coat or to pull on a long sleeved shirt he knew he was cold but was still too young to make the connection to needing cover. Would this kid be any different just because he was an android? Hank figured the answer was no. A kid was a kid.

"Do you need anything for the night kiddo? Thirium or something like that?" He asked, glancing at the child with the help of the rearview mirror. His heart ached he used to check on Cole in the same way.

The YK looked up from his hands to look to the man in the driver's seat. He gave a small shrug before shaking his head. "No...my levels are optimal." He replied. He didn't know anything else he'd need other than Thirium. Even if he did, he wouldn't want to take anything from the man. He didn't want to inconvenience him. There were things he'd wanted but he wouldn't ask this stranger for them and he didn't know what tomorrow was gonna hold. Where was he going to end up? What was going to happen to him? It would be alright, right?

Hank raised an eyebrow at the way the boy worded his reply. He didn't sound much like a kid. Was that because he was an android or from whatever kind of life he had? He wasn't sure. And he didn't know if he wanted to know the answer. He remembered that he once heard that kid androids could eat. He figured the kid didn't need to eat, that much was obvious, but did they have likes or preferences? A sense of taste? Maybe he could treat the kid to something. Hank posed another question. "Do you eat human food? Do you like any of it?"

"I could eat food. I'm able to ingest food for late disposal to help fulfill humans' own need of providing a meal for their young while also engaging in socialization." the boy explained.

And there it was again. It sounded so weird hearing that kind of talk from a child. It was so proper and robotic...which... he was a robot but even Connor didn't sound that robotic. "But do you like it?" He pressed. Could the boy taste food?

"I don't...I don't know Sir. I never had any."

"You don't have to call me 'sir' just Hank is fine."

"Okay, Mr. Hank."

Hank shook his head. If that's what the kid wanted to call him he'd go with it but he didn't need any titles. 'Hank' was fine. "Hank. Just Hank. No need for the 'Mister' part."

"Whatever you want Mr. Hank." He couldn't help but to give a small chuckle. Well alright then. If that's what the kid wanted to call him. Hank didn't try again and the two of them fell silent on the rest of the drive home. YK went back to curiously looking out the window watching the city go by. He had only known the small section by the warehouses that he would wander around. On the way back to his house Hank decided to make a pit stop. When he was almost home he turned off to a different street in the other direction. He pulled into a parking lot for a convenience store. "I'll be right back kiddo, I have to pick up a few things."

YK nodded quietly and watched Hank enter the store. He curiously watched as others came and went as he patiently waited for the man to return. Not that the boy had much of a choice but to wait.

Hank came back a few minutes later with a bag in hand. He placed it on the front passenger seat and turned to the child he'd taken in for the night. "You good kiddo?"

The boy nodded.

"Alrighty, let's head home." He buckled up and pulled out of the lot and headed back to his house.

Not too long later Hank pulled into his driveway. He grabbed the bag and then pulled a child's coat from it. He had to eyeball the kid's size but it looked about right. "Here kiddo, ya looked cold earlier. Put this on before we get outta the car." He handed it over. "I had to guess the size but it should fit you."

The boy took the coat and looked at it. No one ever gave him anything before...and this man knew he was an android! "Are...are you sure?"

"No one should be cold, kid and you looked freezing earlier," Hank said. The boy still looked confused and unsure but simply nodded as he pulled it on. It was a bit big but would be fine. "Thank you, Mr. Hank." He was warmer already. With the boy bundled up. Hank got out and pulled the seat down to let the kid out of the back. He helped the boy climb over the seat and out of the car. Closing the door behind them he locked the car up.

As they walked to the front, Hank held a hand out to offer the child help over some of the slippery parts of the front walk. It might have been raining currently but there was still some ice on the ground from a storm earlier in the week. It was still fall and winter was already rearing its ugly head. The child alternated from wrapping his arms around himself and holding onto Hank's hand. He slid a few times here and there on the short walk from the car to the front door but mostly kept his balance and he didn't fall once. He was thankful for the coat. He wasn't cold at all! But he still wanted to fold in on himself in a protective manner. He wasn't used to being out. As they got to the porch, YK grabbed the hand and held it tight as he was lead up the steps. The two stairs of the porch were more slippery than the walkway but he made it up with the man's help.

As they approached the door animal paws could be heard quickly shuffling to the door on the other side. Sumo knew his human was home. "Sumo is a big dog but he's friendly. Don't let him scare you kiddo all he'll ever do is cover you in slobber." the man warned the kid as he unlocked the door.

"Sumo! Down!" He called and the dog excitedly charged him and the boy. He was happy to see someone else, oh boy! The dog almost knocked the tiny android over. "Sumo!" The dog sat, however, the dog's tail still loudly thumbed over the floor in excitement.

While it was a lot, the boy couldn't help but to giggle as the animal licked and sniffed him. "..Hi..." he softly greeted the dog and reached out to pet his head.

"If he gets too much you can tell him 'down' or 'back' he usually listens to commands." Hank reached out to also pet the large dog. "He's a good boy." He was good with kids too. But it's been a while since he had been near any so Hank wasn't sure how the dog would handle a child. Sumo wasn't used to kids but he used to be stuck to Cole's side. A gentle giant that was the boy's partner in crime.

Hank moved past them and shrugged off his coat hanging it up aside the door and pulled off his boots. The YK unit remained stationary waiting for some type of direction. The lieutenant noticed the boy standing there waiting and gave him some helpful suggestions. "Hey..uh, Connor?" It seemed weird he was used to a different Connor but it was a common name so it shouldn't have been that odd. "You take your shoes and coat off kiddo. Just leave them by mine. or you can sit down if you want."

"Is that what you want me to do?"

"You can do what you want kiddo, although I really don't want dirt tracked around on the floor." Sumo tracked enough mud on his own. They didn't need shoe prints on top of the paw prints. The child nodded and took his shoes off and placed them neatly next to Hank's boots. The shoes were once shiny and formal, much like a lot of android uniform shoes. But now they were dull from all the dirt the YK walked in. He'd been living in an abandoned warehouse and wandering the streets for quite a while as he lived on his own. After slipping off his shoes he made a move to take off his coat but paused. He liked his coat. It was given to him! He didn't want to take it off. It was the first thing he could remember someone giving him. The boy wanted to keep it close.

"Do I have to take my coat off, Mr. Hank?" He politely asked.

"You can keep it on if you want but you might get hot wearing it..."

"That's fine! It's just...I like it."

"You can do what you want kiddo just don't get too hot." Could androids overheat themselves? "Take it off if you don't feel good." The house was probably not warm enough for the coat to do any harm other than making him feel hot and Hank was sure the kid would want to take it off eventually. As long as he was fine he could dress how he wanted, Hank figured. But he was still gonna worry about it. Could just be Hank's parental side coming out.

Hank moved to the kitchen and pulled a drink from the fridge. He wasn't going to drink alcohol with a kid in the house and he was getting better with his drinking. He still drank, pretty often too, but after work these days he would reach for something other than a beer. He opened the soda, still, a choice Connor would nag him about but better than alcohol, and then settled into a recliner next to the couch.

"Come relax kiddo." He motioned for the boy to sit on the sofa. He figured the child wouldn't sit on his own. Reminded him of when Connor first deviated and was trying to figure out his new found feelings and freedom. The young android sat down on the couch and wrapped his arms around himself. He just wanted to feel the puffiness of the coat. Sumo followed at their side and happily laid between his human master and the new child. Hank pulled another item from the shopping bag. Several Thirium based candies for android consumption only, and a few normal sweets for mainly humans.

"I picked these up for you kiddo. Figured you can try something sweet." He handed the items to the child.

The boy took the items offered to him and examined them each individually before settling on one to try. A Thirium sucker. He unwrapped it and gave it an experimental press to his tongue before sliding it into his mouth. It was good! Really good! "Thank you Mr. Hank"

"Don't eat it all at once." Could androids get sugar highs or tummy aches?

"I won't."

"Good boy. Once you're done with that lollipop we'll get you cleaned up and into bed." Hank still hadn't figured out where he was going to put the boy for the night.

He hadn't put much thought into it. Either his bed or Cole's old room. Hank had finally moved past his son's death enough to healthily processes his grief enough and with that came him starting cleaning up the old room. The plan was to make it into a guest room for when people stopped by, mostly cleaned up with Connor when he came by. It wasn't the best yet but it would be enough for a night for someone like this boy, who needed a warm safe place to sleep. It was a clean bed for him to rest in without any worries of something happening to him. And besides, it would only be for the night. They'd be taking him to New Jericho tomorrow. The dusty and box filled room would do for the night.

The boy nodded and held no complaints of the plans. He could use a good bath. While androids didn't sweat or shed dead skin cells as humans did, they could still get dirty if mud or other things clung to their skin. He was happy to get some of the dirt off of his artificial skin and he also needed to rest. He already felt sleepy. This late at night was just too much for him even if he was an android. He was excited at the prospects of a blanket and bed rather than the ground or standing. He never known a bed.

YK units required 'sleep' nightly. The sleep mode helped recover lost energy, declutter minds, and it was a deeply programmed part of their behaviors to best stimulate child and family environments. Even in deviancy androids had to stick to certain protocols and code.

Hank turned on the tv and watched some sports highlights while the boy ate his candy. They sat quietly with the tv as the only noise for a little while until the android was almost done with the Thirium pop.

A few licks left in his lollipop the YK unit spun the stick between his fingers and looked to Hank curiously. He spoke up. "Where's Connor? You said you knew another android also named Connor."

"He isn't here tonight, he's got something to do. But you'll be able to meet him in the morning kiddo."

The boy responded with a soft "Oh" as he finished his treat.

Hank turned the tv off and stretched. He put his finished soda in the recycling bin and turned to his small guest. "I'll show you to the bathroom if you wanna get cleaned up. I got some clean clothes for you too but they'll be a bit big." he said as he started down the hall and motioned for the boy to follow.

He had only some of his clothes to offer. Cole's old wardrobe would be too small and Hank wasn't ready to give them off to others anyways. He might have been able to find a cheap coat jacket at the small store but not any other clothes in the boy's size. After all, it was just a quick stop corner store, not a Walmart. They were lucky that the store even had jackets. They had a bit of this and that but not everything nor a wide selection of choices in what they did offer. So Hank's old hoodies would have to do. One oversize hoodie should make for a good night's sleepwear option. A nice PJs 'set'. Then by morning his other clothes would be washed and dried and ready to wear again until someone could get him some proper attire.

The boy got up and was sure to toss the used lollipop stick in the garbage then followed after Hank.

Hank flipped the bathroom light on "You can toss your stuff in the basket over there and I'll wash them for ya so they will be clean in the morning. Maybe we can get you some new clothes tomorrow." he said as he motioned to a laundry bin in the corner. "And you can use any of the soaps or shampoos ya see around the tub." he motioned to a few bottles. He didn't have much of his own but there were still several bottles around the tub. Hank didn't need much for himself and in fact, he was usually a one bottle kind of man, preferring to reach for two in ones and three in ones. Connor didn't need any soaps or shampoos but he did have his own bottles collected in the bathroom. He liked the scents of various soaps and lotions. There were also some of Cole's old no more tears and character soaps were still pushed to the side. The YK had some choice in his bathing.

"Don't touch my razor." that was his one rule. Not that he thought he needed it but better safe than sorry with kids. "I'll go grab you a towel and something clean to change into."

Hank did not have to go far to fetch the needed items. The towel closet was next to the bathroom and Hank's bedroom and closet were right across the hall. Hank grabbed a towel from the linen storage and then took an older hoodie from his closet. The man returned to the bathroom. He set them down on the counter.

"There you go kiddo. If you need anything else let me know, I'll be in the living room."

He left the room and tugged the door close behind him. He settled back onto the couch with the sports channel on the tv while also keeping an ear out for the kid. This felt weird to have a kid back into the house but it still felt natural for him to fall into that care giver role.

YK put his dirted CyberLife uniform into the bin he was told to but carefully placed his new prized possession, his coat, off to the side. Perfectly folded. He turned the water on and tested the temperature with his hand held out. He might have been an android but his skin sensors were very sensitive to temperatures. He did want it to be cold but it couldn't be too hot either. When it was that perfect goldilocks temperature he got in. The warmth felt good on his body and it was good to get the dirt off of his artificial skin and scrub his hair. He used to be pristine but since the android started living in an abandoned warehouse instead of being in CyberLife storage, things got a bit dirty and messy. Abandoned places were not known for their cleanliness.

He wasn't picky with which soaps or shampoos he used.

Soon enough he finished up and dried off. He pulled the hoodie on and it was way big on the small boy. But he liked it. It was oddly comforting. He shook his head to whip the water off his wet hair like an animal, only not as intense. He flipped the fan on and turned the light off. Leaving the room with his coat held protectively in his hands he returned to the living room. "I'm done Mr. Hank."

"Hey there kiddo, all squeaky clean?"

"Why would I squeak? My frame isn't exposed and I'm all dry."

Hank chuckled and shook his head. "Don't worry about it kiddo, it's just a saying. Let's get you to bed. It's late."

The boy yawned and gave a small nod. He could use some rest. Hank stood and stretched and walked down to the end of the hall. Sumo padded alongside of him. Hank opened the door to the bed room at the end of the small hallway, showing the young android to Cole's old room. He held back the emotion of it all.

"Alrighty kiddo...don't mind the mess...uh...This room hasn't been used in a while."

"It's way better than my warehouse. I even get a bed this time!"

Hank pulled the covers back and patted the bed. The YK found a good spot to put his coat for the night then climbed into the bed. Hank pulled the covers over him and tucked the boy in. He then turned to the dog that had followed them in. "Sumo up!" he said and patted the bed. The large dog flopped down over the boy. "Sumo will keep you company and make sure you're nice and safe. Plus he makes a nice blanket." Hank smiled as he petted the dog's head. The boy ruffled Sumo's fur and smiled too.

"I like him. You have a nice dog Mr. Hank."

"He's a good boy, keeps me company.... if you need anything my room is the one across from the bathroom so just come get me okay?"

The boy nodded but he wouldn't want to wake the man up in the middle of the night unless he absolutely had to.

"In the morning we'll take you shopping for some clothes that actually fit you" and making sure he had a safe place to stay but Hank didn't say that last part. He didn't want the kid to think he wasn't safe or welcome here. He didn't mean it that way. The kid was safe in his home but they did need to get him to a place he could stay long term. He just wanted to get him a clean outfit that properly fit him before he sent him off to Jericho.

"And I'll meet the other Connor?" The boy asked. Hank noded. "Yeah he should be around tomorrow. He'll wanna see you." Hank also needed to talk to Connor about this boy. Why were they identical in appearance and had the same name? He had never seen a child and adult android look identical before. Only two androids of the same model and function. But then again he didn't know much about androids. He couldn't help but to wonder the worse, this child couldn't possibly have been made to be what Connor was, and made to do what he did, could he?

"Goodnight, Mr. Hank."

"Night kiddo."

Hank turned the light off and pulled the door shut behind him, making sure to leave it on a crack and leave the hall light on as a night light for the boy, plus with the door opened a bit he could easier keep an ear out for him if he needed anything and Sumo could leave if he had or wanted to.

With the young android put to bed, Hank gathered his clothes from the hamper and moved to the washer. Hank didn't have a laundry room in this house but was lucky enough to have a washer and dryer in this home. Both were tucked into the corner of his bathroom in a closet. Hank put the kid's clothes dirty in the washer and grabbed another soft drink to sip as he waited for it to finish. As soon as it was done in the wash he would toss it into the dryer before heading to bed. He was tired but would stay up to make sure the child had something clean to wear in the morning. Hank thankfully had the next day off but while he would rather sleep in he was likely still going to have to get up early but he was going to wait until the boy woke up before doing anything.

The show Hank had put on had just finished when the washer beeped and he swapped the clothes from one machine to the other. With them in the dryer Hank prepared for bed. He turned the tv off, put his empty glass in the sink, and made sure everything was locked up. He just had the front door but still wanted to double check. Then he made sure that the lights were off in the kitchen and front room. Usually, all the lights would be off but he made sure to keep the hall light on for the YK. He changed into some sleep wear of his own. Typically he was a 'let it all hang out' type of man wanting to just lounge in his boxers but tonight he opted for a pair of sweats and a hoodie since he had a guest.

Once everything was all ready he pulled the clothes from the dryer and left them where the boy could see them and get to them in the morning and he peeked into the second bedroom. Hank smiled softly seeing the android and dog sleeping peacefully. Assured that the boy was safe and sound asleep (or at least whatever it was androids did, Hank still wasn't a hundred percent sure) Hank finally made it to his own bed and pulled the blankets over himself. Tomorrow was going to be a long day. Hell, today was a long day. Mentally, emotionally. But Hank couldn't complain...something just felt right about this strange and unexpected turn of events. But he would have to worry about all of that in the morning. Now it was time to finally get some much needed sleep.

Hank woke to movment on the bed. "Sumo settle down, its too early." But it wasn't the dog. A tiny finger poked him. He cracked his eyes open and the young android was staring back at him. Oh yeah. He had a guest. A little boy that not only looked like Connor but also shared the name. Fuck it had been years since he was awoken by a kid. There were barely strains of light shimering through the blinds. The sun was just starting to come up. What time was it? Hank glanced at the clock. Five in the morning. Yeah, no. It was too early.

Groggily he looked back to the child. "What is it, Con?"

"Good morning Mr. Hank. You said in the morning we'd get me so new clothes."

Even as tired as he was the man couldn't help but to chuckle. Okay, it was technically morning. But nope. If the sun wasn't up then Hank wasn't getting up either. "It's still too early kiddo. The suns not even up yet. I need more sleep."

"When will it be the right time?"

"I need a few more hours of sleep." He motioned next to him to the empty bed. "Lay on down kiddo." He said tapping the bed. "We'll get up in a few hours. I'm not doing anything until the sun is up." He had the day off. He didn't have anywhere to be, even if he had to deal with the child sometime today. But for now, he was still resting. He'd deal with the rest later.

The boy curled along Hank's side. "But I'm fully charged. I don't need any more 'sleep'."

"Well, I need some recharging."

The boy nodded and nestled closer. Hank's heart ached. This reminded him too much of Cole. The YK's eyes closed and his LED pulsed a soft blue and his breathing slowed. Dang. He could fall to sleep fast. Hank would be jealous of androids if he wasn't so sleepy, and ended up drifting off not too long after the boy. Just a bit more shut eye.

The day could start in a few hours.

The morning carried on with the two sleeping in. The sun fully rose and a few hours passed. Hank stirred and open his eyes. He yawned and shifted. His hand bumped into something. Hmm? What was that? It certainly wasn't Sumo's fur. He glanced down. His hand rested on top of a child's head. Oh. Yeah. That child android. A YK named Connor. He was going to have to figure out another name for him to avoid confusion. But would that really matter when he would be leaving this afternoon?

He was going to have to deal with that today. The kid needed a place to stay. New Jericho would take him in. They had a set up for android children in need of care and a place to stay. But before that Hank wanted to get the kid some new clothes to wear. He needed to check in with Connor, the RK800 not the YK, due to the unsettling similarities between the boy and the older android. Some androids had similar appearances with other androids, they were mass-produced or shared things between models. But not the RKs. They weren't like that. Their numbers were few and unique to them. So what was this kid's story? Hank could probably ask him but he seemed surprised at hearing about there being someone that looked like him.

Hank slipped out of bed trying not to wake the sleeping child. He was unsuccessful. The boy's eyes fluttered open. "Good morning." he greeted. The boy seemed happy to be up. "Is it time to finally get up?" the child asked. Hank chuckled. The kid was excited, huh? "Yeah time to start the day kiddo."

The boy climbed out of bed and immediately made sure to make his hair neat and to smooth some wrinkles out of his clothes. He was a boy who needed to make sure his appearance was perfect whenever he could. Hank was glad the boy was easy to get out of bed. Cole used to curl up in the bed for as long as possible. He was not a morning person. This boy seemed to be different. Maybe it was because he was excited for the day, happy to be taken care of. or perhaps it was because he was an android? Who was to say with deviants.

"I'm sorry if I woke you kiddo." Hank apologized. He resisted the urge to ruffle his hair. He just fixed it, no need to mess it up. The young android shook his head. "Nope! No worries Mr. Hank. I was just in rest mode waiting for you to get up but now that you're up I can be too!"

"You head out to the living room. I'll be out soon." Hank called over his shoulder as he walked across the hall to the bathroom. He reemerged a few minutes later after having taken care of business and freshened up. He brought out the boy's freshly cleaned clothes from last night out to him. "Here you go, kid. All fresh and clean for you. You can change back into those or keep what you have on." In the short time, he had spent with the child he had figured that the boy needed more guidance and direction than some other children would. He didn't want to do anything without being told to do it first. A result of being an android? Something else? Hank did not know for sure but he would try his best to help give the child direction while also still giving him options. Choice and free will were just as important as following directions.

The younger Connor thought about it for a moment. He almost asked which the other wanted but he stopped himself. He didn't want to wear his old clothes, that uniform. He liked what he had on. It would work, right? "I don't like my uniform. I don't like CyberLife. They broke me." He said.

Broke him? What did he mean by that? Hank didn't bring it up at the moment. He didn't want to push the child. He looked him over. The clothes he had on weren't the best but they would do temporarily. But if he wanted to wear them it would be fine until they could buy him something that actually fit him. "Alrighty kiddo. That's fine. You can keep those PJs on until we can get you some real clothes." The boy happily nodded. He was relieved to be given permission to keep the clothes he had on. "I can still keep my coat too, even after we get me more clothes?"

"Yes, you can keep the coat. It'll keep you warm and it fits well enough so no need for us to get you another one." Hank moved to make himself some breakfast as the boy placed the folded uniform on the coffee table. The boy seemed to be getting more comfortable. He spoke up first this time as Hank started in on his toast. "Sumo slept well. And he made for a very cuddly blanket." The boy gave the large dog an affectionate pet. Hank smile. "Good to hear kiddo. Ol' Sumo makes for a nice space heater too even if he gets fur and drool everywhere."

The boy giggled. "He is all nice and warm but, space heaters are supposed to be small and compact. Sumo is big. He's like a heated weighted blanket." Hank couldn't argue with that. Sumo wasn't compact. Hank sent a quick text to Connor to see when the android planned to arrive and to inform him there was something, or rather someone, that he needed to talk to him about. "I found someone that might interest you." He didn't want him to be caught off guard. "It's a child android that looks just like you. Even says his name is Connor. I don't know what his deal is but he was all alone last night."

Connor was quick to respond. "I'll be there in ten minutes." was all the simple reply said. Hank wondered how the android reacted to seeing the message. What kind of face did he make? Hank wouldn't know how he would handle this kind of news if he was on the receiving end. As Hank took another bite of his toast an idea came to mind. He eyed the second piece of toast on his plate. The YK had said he was able to have human food but never ate it before. Last night's candy was the first time. Maybe he can try something else if he wanted. Give the kid some new experiences.

"Hey, kid. You said you could eat, didn't you? Do you want to try some toast?" He offered. The boy's interest was peaked and he approached the table. He looked at the toast the other held out for a moment before taking it and taking a small bit, testing the taste. "It tastes boring but not bad. I guess I like it." YK had concluded. Hank chuckled. Yeah, that was a pretty accurate description for toast. It was a pretty bland food after all.

"Heres something else you'll like kiddo. Connor said he'll be here in about ten minutes." He knew the boy was excited to meet the other android. It was cute. He was excited to meet Connor because they had the same name and he was told they look similar. How exciting. The child's eyes lit up. Now that was way more exciting than plain old toast. "That's good! Better than toast! I never met another Connor before." Hank couldn't help but to chuckle again. Yeah, there were a lot of things Hank could think of that were better than toast. "He's looking forward to meeting you as well kiddo. And after we all talk for a bit we'll head out to the store to get you something you need alright?" The boy finished the boring toast and nodded. Talking sounded a bit boring. Even if he was excited to meet the other android. He knew adults liked to talk to each other and he was never all that interested in it. But for shopping, h e gave a smile and chimed in. "Alright! That'll be nice. I want some real pants." Some kids would think clothes shopping was boring as well but YK was looking forward to something other than his old CyberLife issued uniform.

YK was busy playing with Sumo when the doorbell rang. The dog's ears perked up and he gave a bark. The boy got to his feet and quickly made his way to Hank's side. He was excited to see who was at the door. And he was excited to meet Connor! This was probably Connor! Of course, he had to be at the door. Connor greeted Hank in the usual manner and was sure to stop and pet Sumo as well before turning his attention to the child. He really did look like a younger Connor. If he has been human this is what he would have looked like as a child. He quickly scanned the boy to find out who he actually was. YK800 - CONNOR. This boy was who he said he was. But what did that mean? What had CyberLife done? Did they really make a child unit to serve the same function as he was supposed to? He held his hand out to shake. "Hello. My name is Connor. I heard your name is also Connor. It is a nice name."

The boy took the hand in his own. "Hi. We look alike!"

"We do . Isn't that something?" Connor smiled at the boy before turning his attention back to Hank, who was busy watching him. He never seen the android interact with a child before. He was pretty good with the kid. But now wasn’t the time, they needed to talk. They needed to figure out what they were going to do with this strange child. If he really was made to be a miniature RK800 then even as a deviant it might not be the best idea to put him into the normal foster system or Jericho child care. At least not until they figure out who the boy really was supposed to be. He didn't want to risk CyberLife trying to regain control of the boy and risk something happening to him or others. "I don't-"

Hank cut him off so he could send the boy out of earshot first. He didn't need to worry about this, did he? "Hey kiddo, why don't you take Sumo out back and help the ol' boy get some exercise? He loves to play fetch." Hank bent over and scooped something off the floor. He handed the child a tennis ball.

The boy grinned "Okay!" But then he paused and pouted. "But what about Mr. Connor? I wanted to talk to him!"

"He'll still be here when you come back in. I'm sure he's gonna wanna stick around for the day."

"...oooh okay. Come on Sumo! You can show me around!" The dog offered a friendly woof and followed the boy outside. Hank watched the boy happily run out then sighed and shook his head. "Fucking hell." He wasn't ready for this. Wasn't ready to have another child in his home. He pushed that away and turned to Connor. "So what's that kid's deal?"

"I don't know all the details. I can confirm his registered name is 'Connor' and that his model number is 'YK800' but I don't have any information beyond that"

"He is a deviant though, yeah?"

"Yes, it seems so. But I don't have enough experience with children models to know what is normal programing and what's just... him." Connor said. He only ever had a few interactions with children and those were all either when he was still just a machine or for work. His experience was limited.

Hank shrugged. "He seems like any other kid to me."

"Which is.. worrying. Combined with the lack of details I have on his model."

"And why is that?" Hank asked.

"All signs point to him being some derivative of my model, and if so even as a deviant he might be at risk of being pulled under CyberLife's influence and call to hunt innocent deviants." Hopefully, he didn't have Amana or the Zen Garden to worry about.

"Shit... They really made a kid to do that shit?"

"I believe so, correct. He was made to be a miniature version of myself, I don't know why they would have done that but it is likely he was supposed to be a detective as well as a possible hunter or soldier. I don't think he was ever put into service."

"He is a mini detective model? That might be used as CyberLife's damned puppet?"

"Yes, one that was in the early testing stages at least."

"Damn." Hank cursed. That was messed up. He was just a kid for christ shake! And they expected him to do what solve homicides and catch criminals? Fuck that. "Well, why the hell can't you find any information about him? Shouldn't there be some kind of records with something like this?"

"I suspect he's a canceled project of sorts that CyberLife has chosen to scrap the plans of but keep his physical body for reuse. I don't know what he's actually capable of but he seems to be harmless"

"Damn right, he's just a kid."

"So what are you going to do, Lieutenant?" Connor asked as he gave the older man a knowing look. It wasn’t exactly proper protocol to have taken a kid in for the night and not tell anyone. You can’t just take in a kid you find. If the boy had been human there would be a lot of trouble. But since he was an android, the proper protocol and laws even weren’t fully in place yet to allow for proper care, guidelines, and protocol to be followed with YK androids. The wheels were in motion sure, one was supposed to follow the same as a human but they didn’t have too quiet yet. There weren’t enough YKs and the ones that were out there were either under the care of Jericho already or were placed in homes by New Jericho. It was just something else complicated to work out that humans were trying to ignore. Hell, even some androids were ignoring the issue.

Hank wasn’t all too sure what he was doing. He had his plans and knew what he should do, what he had to do but something was tugging at him. He gave a simple shrug. "I was planning on taking him to New Jericho after taking him to get some clothes or maybe a toy. The kid doesn't have anything to call his own and I wanted to give him something before just dropping him off."

"That sounds like a reasonable plan, they have a foster program that is taking charge of any parentless YK models for the time being. I worry about the potential of him being taken control of by CyberLife but even in that event I think he should be easy to be taken care of..."

Hank gave a small shrug. "We'll let those running Jericho's foster program whatever they need to know." Well, Connor could let them know. Hank wasn’t sure if he knew anything or could be of any help here but Connor should be able to better explain the kid’s model history and potential issues.

"Simon is the head of the YK program. I’m sure he'll be able to handle it." Connor explained.

"Simon is the blondie, yeah?" Hank asked trying to think about each of the Jericho leaders and other members running the place. He’s met a few of them and heard the names. Simon was familiar enough of a name.

The android nodded. "Yes, that is him." Connor confirmed.

"He seems nice… I don’t really know what his deal is but he should be able to handle the kid."

"Simon was originally programmed to help raise children" Hank gave a small noncommittal hum as he thought the information over. "So he is more than able to care for the kid. No wonder he's the head of the children's program."

Connor nodded "It was Simon's idea to start the prog-" Connor was interrupted by the sound of the back door and a crying child. "I'm sorry! Mr. Hank! I'm sorry!" Hank was suddenly on alert as long ago buried parental instincts came to life. "What's the matter kiddo?"

"Sumo! Sumo got away from me! He got out of the yard I don't how! I don't know where he went! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

"Ah fuck." Hank let a curse slip. He refocused his attention on the child. "Hey kiddo it wasn't your fault. Big dog gets away from me too sometimes. It happens." Hank went to grab his keys. "Get your shoes on. We'll go looking. I'm sure he couldn't have gone far." He had gone out before without his shoes? Shit, Hank should have been paying better attention. It was cold out there! The boy quickly obeyed and slide his CyberLife assigned shoes on. He clutched his coat tightly in his arms. He stood in place sniffling as the tears continued to roll down his cheeks.

Noticing this, Hank motioned to the coat. "You might want to put that on to kiddo." Hank had only just realized the boy had run out without it earlier. For someone who was so attached to it last night, he didn’t seem to care as much today. But that might have just been everything going on that distracted the kid. Damn no coat or shoes out playing in the yard. Why hadn’t Hank made sure he was taken care of? "We'll find the big loaf, he doesn't usually get far." Hank tried to reasure the boy. The YK pulled the coat on and then promptly grabbed onto Hank's hand. "Come on Mister Hank! We gotta go!" Hank's heart ached. It's been a long time since a child grabbed his hand and pulled him along somewhere. Cole used to do that all the time to show his Daddy one thing or another.

Hank let the boy lead the way as the child tugged him out the door. Connor followed along behind them concerned filling the older android. His LED was yellow. Hank got the boy settled in the back seat of the car and Connor got into the passenger seat. They slowly went down the road in the direction the kid said the dog had taken off too. With windows down and eyes open wide they were trying to find the wayward Saint Bernard as they kept a steady pace as they called out his name. At the end of the street, relief flooded them as they saw the dog stretch out happily on the sidewalk. His interest in whatever made him take off lost as he relaxed. As if nothing had happened. Spotting his owner he got to his feet and stretched. “Woof!”

“Sumo!” The YK called out as he climbed out the back and rushed the animal. “You scared me don’t do that!” Hank and Connor stood watching the boy reunited with the dog. He had only known the dog for a night and already seemed attached. But then again who wouldn’t love Sumo? He was a very lax well temperament dog and made for a good security blanket. The person whose house they were out front of stood on their porch and gave a small smile, nodding towards the scene as they addressed Hank. “Your son must really love that dog.”

Son? Hank was taken aback for a minute. Thoughts of the son he had lost coming to him. Connor took a step forward. “Actually-“ Connor tried to correct but Hank cut him off. “Yeah, he does. He’s a good kid and the big loaf got out on him. But we got him now.” He explained simply. No need to get into more details with this person. Hank clicked Sumo’s leash in place and motioned for the dog and boy to the car. “Alright, kiddo let’s get this ol’ boy home. We got things we gotta do today and I’m sure he’ll be happier spreading his fur in my living room than here.” The dog and boy were put in the back seat and Hank and Connor climbed up front. They dropped Sumo off at home before heading back out. They had errands to run.

"Be a good boy Sumo!" The boy called out. Sumo woofed in return as he settled on the couch.

Hank shook his head. "Spoiled dog."

First, they stopped at a clothing store. The boy having proper clothes was a priority. He just had his uniform pants and an oversized shirt. He needed at least one good outfit he felt comfortable in that would keep him warm. A bell dinged as they entered the store.

The trio ignored the looks the shopkeeper gave them when they saw the boy's odd outfit. Oh yeah, he had an oversized shirt, a large jacket, worn-through shoes, and no pants. That would catch some eyes. But that was why they were shopping in the first place. Damn people. Or at least Hank and Connor choose to ignore the suspicious eyes. The boy didn't seem to notice at all. That was a good thing. Hank turned his attention away from the clerk and to the kid. “What do you think kiddo? What sort of things do you like?” Hank asked looking at several shirts in the front display. The boy shrugged. “I dunno… I never really thought about it.” He might have been a deviant but the child didn't have much chance to develop his own personality. He was busy staying out of sight and surviving.

“Well let’s look around, see what catches your eye and then try to find your size so whatever you pick will fit.” Hank didn't care what the boy picked as long as it fit him. Being an android meant they didn't need to worry about sizing for growth either so that should make finding something that will fit him for a while easier.

“Boys and children sizes eight and nine should fit him.” Connor said, having scanned the boy and compared it against available clothing sizes. “Both shirt and pants in that size will work. I see a lot available in that size. We should find something.” Hank gave a nod. That made it even easier then. No need to try several sizes to try to figure out what fits best. “Well, that’s helpful. Alright kid you heard him. Size eight stuff, alright? Find things you like in that size and I’ll get it for you. Okay?”

The boy gave a simple nod as a reply as he started to look the options over. He was in the tops section. He never had a choice before and he never had a chance to think about what he liked or not. But he was sure something would catch his eye, right? Something caught the boy’s eye but it wasn’t in the boys' section. It was on the other side. Pink. The shirt was pink. The boy liked pinked he decided then. It just clicked with him. But... Was that okay? He gave a nervous glance to his two current caretakers. It was in the 'girl' section and he wasn't a girl so would they be upset with him if he picked this shirt?

Hank noticed the child's hesitation “What is it kiddo?”

“I uhh. Um well, I like that shirt but…”

“But what?” Hank asked.

“It’s pink. And isn’t that just for girls?”

“It can be for whoever likes it. Boys can like pink if they want to.”

“So I can get this shirt?”

“If you like it go for it, let’s just make sure it fits correctly." Hank assured. The child beamed at the news. Good. He really liked the color and this particular shirt popped. It was perfect for him. He found the size that should be his and added it to a small cart. They looked around more getting a pile of underwear, jeans, shirts, and a better-fitting jacket. Hank directed the boy to the back of the store where there was a group of fitting rooms. "Go ahead and try those on. We'll see what fits you best and what you like the look of when its actually on ya"

The boy nodded and entered one of the cubicles closing the door behind him. He quickly returned in the pink shirt he liked earlier as well as a pair of jeans. "I really like this" He announced.

"How does it fit?" Hank asked, wanting to make sure it felt good on him. From a quick glance, the clothes seemed to fit, although the pant legs seemed a bit short. Maybe they would need to size those up. The shirt seemed fine though. The small android gave a small shrug. "Good I guess." Kids usually weren't the best judge of these things but at least that confirmed they were at least comfortable on the kid. That was a good start. Hank looked the child over and gave a small tug at the shirt's collar and jean's waist. Everything seemed to fit well. The shirt was a perfect fit. The jeans fit at the waist but seemed a bit too short in the legs. "We'll get you that shirt if you want it, but those pants we'll have to go back and get a different size in."

"But I can still get these jeans? Just in a different size? I really like them."

"Yup kiddo no worries. You can get whatever you like as long as we get the right size. Clothes won't do ya any good if they won't fit." After trying on a few more options, they had a few options that the boy not only liked but that also fit him. Hank purchased the items and the trio got back to the car. Next, Hank wanted to pick up a bag to store the boy's new clothes and he also thought the boy deserved a good toy. Connor didn't fully agree or understand with Hank's handling of the situation but he allowed him to go ahead. He knew the boy was going to need these things and that New Jericho was low on supplies. So the android figured it was for the best anyway. It wouldn't hurt, could it? and it was a very kind act.

It was nearing lunch time when they finished their errands and Hank didn't want to admit it but he didn't want to see the boy go. But what other choice did he have? He wasn't ready to have a kid in his home was he? To open up his heart and home? A kid was a big responsibility and Hank had fucked up his own life enough in recent years he couldn't do that to a child.

Hank was stalling.

As much as Hank wanted to, he couldn't stall anymore. No matter what his heart was telling him. His brain was telling him that now was not the time to take in a child. He was a recovering alcoholic and the house was a mess. He couldn't do it. He just couldn't. The boy had to go to Jericho. It was the best place for him and with any luck, he would be found by loving parents. But something was pulling at him and he wasn't sure what. Maybe he could make it work. Give himself some time to get the house in order and continue his recovery and then make the steps to adopt the boy. Would that work? Could he do that? For now he had to take it one step at a time. He needed to drop the boy off at New Jericho and make sure he was safe and settled in what will be his new home at the children's center. Finally, it was time to drop the boy off at new Jericho's YK center. They had a small wing for the care of children androids that Simon helped to run. New Jericho had the proper resources to care for the child. He would be in good hands and off the streets.

Hank glanced back at the child in the back seat. "It's about time we get you where you need to be kiddo."

"...Okay..." The boy wasn't worried last night but now he didn't want Hank to leave him. What was happening? He liked his stay last night. He wished he could be tucked in by Hank every night and cuddled with Sumo. He wanted to climb into Hank's bed in the morning and be greeted to bear hugs. It was something he never had before but now in a single night he didn't know if he could live without it. He had fallen in love with the warmth and welcoming nature of the Anderson residence.

They arrived at New Jericho, and Simon came out to greet them. The boy slunk back in the backseat and didn't want to leave. He kept a close and cautious eye on Simon. As they collected the child's things and got ready to drop him off, something unexpected happened. Hank picked the boy up to carry him inside but then the boy clung to Hank. The child's thin legs and arms wrapped tightly around the man. He buried his head against Hank's shoulder and whined. The young android had clearly not only formed an attachment to Hank already but also was scared of Simon. This was going to make an already tough goodbye even harder for the lieutenant. Hank's parental instincts kicked in and he rubbed circles on the boy's back and went to comfort him without even thinking about it. "Shh. I got you kiddo. Everything is okay. Simon isn't gonna hurt ya, alright? He's nice trust me." Hank had to try to comfort him but this was hard. He never experienced this feeling before.

Simon kept his distance but offered a friendly smile. He introduced himself and held a hand out for the boy if he wanted to shake his hand. But he wouldn't be upset if the boy ignored him. Kids could be sensitive to meeting new people. Especially the many hurt and danged kids that came though these doors. The boy did, in fact, ignore Simon he chose to put all his attention to Hank, Simon and Connor weren't there as far as he was concerned.

"I know you said I gotta go and they'll help me but I don't wanna go. I wanna stay with you." The boy cried, continuing to cling to Hank. "You gave me my special coat." That was the first nice thing he could remember anyone doing for him, his fist gift. It was special and meant something. It meant someone cared. If Hank cared then why did he have to leave him? The boy didn't full understand. He was still too young, and even as an android he was still just a child in mind. His understanding could only grasp so far for so long. Hank felt bad. But he knew he couldn't keep him. Not now at least. Not only was he not ready but someone couldn't just keep a kid they found, even if the child was an android. There was certain ways these kind of things need to be done. "You have to go kiddo, I'm sorry. I wish you could stay with me but things don't work that way. Technically I shouldn't even have taken you in last night. But you can keep the coat okay? And Simon will take good care of you."

A few tears were still falling from the boy's face, rolling down his youthful cheeks. But he gave a small nod as he loosened his grip. He leaned back to look up at Hank. Any idea came to mind. If he couldn't stay with Hank maybe Hank could at least come see him? "Will you and Connor come see me?" He sniffled. He liked Connor too. Connor was nice and him and Connor looked alike! That was cool! He wanted to see both of them again.

"Of course we will try to stop by kiddo." They already had to stop into New Jericho from time to time for their jobs so what would it hurt to stop in to see the boy? Especially since Connor wanted to keep tabs on him. "We'll come see you and you can make more friends with the other children here. Won't that be fun?"

"I guess... I never met another kid. I only had myself before I met you... and my teddy. Teddy has always been with me to keep me company." Teddy was the stuffed teddy bear the YK had found one day. He might have stolen it but he couldn't help it. The bear and him had a bond with their matching sad brown eyes. Teddy had a tear in his fabric anyways. If the boy didn't take him he would have been thrown away. Having been tossed aside himself the boy felt for the small toy. To him they might as well had been one and the same.

Hank was on the ball yet again "No worries, having playmates and friends is a lot of fun." Most of the time. Kids could be mean to one another as well, especially if they were hurt like no doubt the kids fostering in New Jericho were, but no need to worry the boy about something like bulling. They wanted to make him less scared to stay after all. Simon hopped in to help this time. "We have a lot of kids who would love to be your friend. And toys for you to play with and I'm sure Connor and Hank would love to come see you. Maybe they can even stop in and read to you and your groupmates." There was a reading program Simon and Josh were trying to get going where individuals would come read to the children. Maybe Connor and Hank would be willing to help.

Connor smiled and nodded. "Of course I will." He did not know what to say but he too was trying his best to comfort the boy. He did not know how to handle kids, he had not spent much time around them nor was he programmed to know about them or work with them, but he still didn't want the boy to be scared. "How about we walk you in kiddo? We won't leave just yet. We'll help you get settled in before we head out." Hank suggested. The boy liked the sound of that. He gave a small nod.

Finally with a lot of reassurance from the three adults the boy released his grip on Hank and was able to be set on the ground. He cautiously took Simon's hand. He was lead inside and out of the cold. Connor and Hank followed them to help the boy settle in further and to privately talk to Simon about what he might expect from the boy, but that they hope wouldn't happen.

New Jericho had several locations throughout the city. Each location served several purposes to fit the many needs of androids admits emerging sentences and rights among humans. This location was a little ways outside the center of the city and in a more residential area. It has a few offices, and back storage rooms that were used for a variety of things but mostly it was used for housing. There was a small area for families and the rest was used as an android orphanage and foster care with all the appropriate facilities to serve the needs of the families and children living there. The building was a repurposed office building. An older building that was a brick one story structure.

The front entrance lead to a lobby with a front desk and attendant, a few offices to the side and locked doors to the living areas. Only those with proper clearance such as volunteers and residences or visitors within reason were allowed back especially to the children's wing. The family apartments had an intercom system similar to most apartments where visitors could call the person they were seeing and being buzzed in. The other half of the building was stricter for the safety of the children being fostered. The children's wing was a newer addition that was still a work in progress, it was small and housed a lot of YK model androids in need of caretakes or better yet homes and parents. There was a few shared common areas along with bedrooms.

The common rooms included playrooms, classrooms, a small library, reading nooks, places to sit and relax, places to get thirium, and shower rooms. There was also a playground outside that had swings, slides, see saws, a jungle gym, a few rocking spring ride ones, a few spinning equipments, and basketball hoops. Just about everything any child could dream of in a playground. It was the newest addition to the area thanks to a larger donation from an anonymous sponsor. The kids loved it. It was a community playground for everyone to use. Human or android. Living in Jericho or elsewhere. Letting children play together was a good way to help bring the two species together. There was also a small infirmary with technicians on hand to tend to the maintenance needs and damage of the androids in the building. The small facility was open to treat the children in the foster wing as well as meet the needs of an android that needed medical attention and repairs.

In the back of the children's wing was the living quarters. Some bedrooms only housed one child and others had bunk beds for multiple kids. Each room was only as big as one would expect from college dorm room. It was small but it got the job done. The colors on the walls were bright and cheerful like many childcare and daycare centers also sported. The rooms were small and often cramped if multiple kids needed to share one room but they were still cozy somehow. The area was divided by age. YK models were made to mimic a wide range of children's ages and therefore had a wide range of mental ages, needs, and levels of independence. The new boy was shown to an unoccupied room in the back of the wing where 'big kids' stayed. The nine and ten year old modeled androids.

The bright friendly nature of the building helped ease the boy's fears and anxiety. He was still nervous but this place was nothing like where he had been staying before he was found. This warm and clean place was the opposite was the abandoned CyberLife warehouse he had be squatting in. That was the place he woke up in, accidentally activated. He didn't stray far from the place. Having his own private room helped too. He was relieved he did not need to share his space. He wanted to be social but he was used to being on his own. He didn't want to be thrown into anything. Simon understood how important it was to ease new children into their new living space and this was why he always made sure single bedrooms were available to help children get used to living in the foster home space. New Jericho was a safe space, but it also brought a lot of changes for kids. And kids needed patience when faced with uncertainty, healing and change. The room had a bed, small rug, dresser, desk, and desk chair. There wasn't anything else in the room. No, that anything else would have fit. Even these things filled the room, they wouldn't be able to fit in any other configuration.

The bed was pushed against the wall across from the door with the small fuzzy rug on the floor next to it. The bed was neatly made in a bedding with a child friendly print. Then there was the dresser that sat at the foot of the bed and touched the left wall, the desk was next to the bed along the right wall. There was a shelf along the same wall as the door and an over the door hook sat on the door allowing for options for storage and display. The walls were brightly colored like the rest of New Jericho's children's wing and the floor was made of shiny laminate material. The small rug was needed not only to add color and cheer to the room but to also guard tiny bare feet against the cold that such flooring could contain. The YK800 wasn't going to complain. This was more than enough. It reminded him of the room he stayed in last night at mister Hank's only it was much smaller than that room. Thinking about that room and Hank made him sad. He missed Sumo and knew he would miss Hank when he finally left. Even if Hank and Connor came to visit, would he ever see Sumo again? Probably not. That was sad. He liked dogs. He liked Sumo. Sumo was a good boy. Made a good blanket too.

"This is my room? My own room?" He asked giving Simon a questioning look. Simon gave a kind smile.

"It is sweetheart. It's all yours. You don't need to share and you can come here whenever you need some alone time."

"I like that."

They put the things they bought the boy into the tiny dresser so he didn't have to worry about putting them away himself. The dresser was already outfitted with a few essentials since most kids came without anything. A clean shirt, clean bottoms, clean under wear, socks, a jacket and that was it. Thankfully now thanks to Hank's generosity and kindness, the boy would also have a few other shirts, pants, shoes, and a coat. The shoes were placed next to the dresser. Shoes don't go in dressers. But he had all the things he needed. The dresser looked full enough with all the things added. But maybe that was just because of it's smaller size. With his room assigned, and his things put in his room the boy was then given a tour of the rest of the floor along with a run down of the daily schedule and expectations. The children were given educations and had a chance to take up hobbies and extracurriculars, everything worked and run by volunteers and donations, mostly by fellow androids living in New Jericho.

"Why don't you go play in the playroom or playground while I talk to Connor and Hank?" Simon suggested to the boy. The boy tensed. Would he see Hank and Connor again> Would he be all alone? Did he have to be alone, in the strange place? "Will Mister Hank and Connor come say goodbye to me before they leave?" He asked. Hank kneeled to the boy's level and ruffled his hair. "Of course kiddo. We aren't leaving just yet and I promise we won't leave without saying goodbye to you. We just have some boring grown up stuff to talk about. You won't want to hear about that playing would be much more fun."

The boy wasn't so sure but even though he wasn't convinced he gave a nod. "Alright... if you say so." He gave Hank an unexpected hug. Hank caught the boy in his arms and returned the embrace. With that, the boy went to explore the playroom while Hank and Connor had important things to discuss with Simon. Hank stood and watched the boy walk away. Once again his heart ached and he was unsure what to do. He had a choice to make. The more time he spent around the boy the more he wanted to be the one to take him in, to give him his forever home. To be called dad again.

Simon lead the two to the room he was using as an office that was right off the lobby. "You had some concerns for... the YK800" Simon didn't like to refer to androids by their serial numbers where possible. Most androids didn't like it. But come to think of it he didn't know this new boy's name.

Connor gave him such information. "Connor. His name is Connor."

"Mini Connor was excited to meet big boy over here." Hank added with a chuckle Connor's LED flickered yellow and he shot the man a quick glare.

"Well, what concerns did you have for Connor?"

The RK800 responded. "I think CyberLife might have made him to be an extension, granted a smaller version, of my own line. He was designed much in the same way as I was. I fear they might try to regain control of him like they did me."

Simon frowned as he took in the news. That was indeed worry some and potentially serious. Connor had told him about the horrors of almost freezing to death in his mind palace as CyberLife tried to take control after his deviation, and how they wanted him to shoot Markus. Even without taking that into consideration, there was still the fact he was made to be similar to the RK800, a detective and police work model. Did they expect that poor child to be a negotiator or infiltrator? Anger rattled inside of Simon. He calmed himself to focus on the situation at hand, the new child.

"Anything specific we should keep an eye out for?"

"I'm not sure, to be honest. He might be fine or he might suddenly become violent in the worse case scenario. I don't know much about his model yet but I intend to do some research." Connor didn't have enough information to fully analyze the situation. He would have to investigate the model more but for now, he was still worried and concerned about potential. He for sure wanted to keep tabs on the boy just to be safe.

"We'll keep a close eye on him." Simon ensured. "Any changes in behavior or unusual actions we'll be ready to separate him from others and contact you but I don't know how necessary such precautions will be."

Hank started "I don't think he will do anything either, not that I know a thing about any androids," he was just a kid after all Hank figured android or not even the worse he could do could be managed. He was a small little thing, couldn't possibly be a threat to anyone. He was sweet and clingy too. He was just a kid... "but better safe than sorry." Hank added. Even if the kid wasn't going to hurt anyway they needed to be ready for the possibility considering his programming and what CyberLife tried in the past.

Connor spoke again. "I'd like to keep some tabs on him as well and I'll let you know what I find in my research."

"That shouldn't be an issue." Simon thought about it. "He seems to really like you and wanted you to visit him so why not stop in from time to time to check in on him?" Simon suggested. That seemed like a reasonable idea to handle the situation and the boy would be none the wiser. He'd be happy even. Connor thought it over. "That will work." He wanted to visit the child for more than observing for CyberLife's influences and potential risks. There was something else about him, something that warmed the android. He almost felt like being a big brother. Strange. He knew it wasn't possible for them to be related, androids did not have families or siblings. At least not in the same way humans had their familial connections. Not only that but he only just met the boy. How can he feel something for someone he just met?

"If something happens it might not be apparent immediately as adapting and infiltrating is something my line was designed with, and we shouldn't think otherwise with the YK line. But from my initial research and scans, I do not think he has any special hardware or strength. He should be able to be easily restrained if the situation calls for it."

"I hope it won't come to that but we will keep that in mind." Simon took note of everything Connor told him to watch out for. He didn't want to have to do anything to the boy and didn't want anything to happen to him. He had a soft spot for kids. But he wanted to be prepared as well just in case because if they wouldn't prepared things could turn out much worse.

"One last thing," Connor added. "My scans indicate he might run through thirium faster than average for an android his size." That was important. Androids needed thirium in a very similar manner that humans needed food and water. Without it, things could turn bad very quickly. But in this child's case as long as he is monitored he should not have to worry about running out of what he needs. Not any more. Not here. His Thirium levels should be able to remain within safe levels and he should always have Thirium to drink. "He should also be seen by a technician, he was on his own in the elements for an unknown amount of time. I don't know what that could have done to his systems."

Simon took note of the child's thirium needs and nodded at Connor's mention of a technician. "All new residents are given maintenance exams to help make sure any of their damage and needs are taken care of... many... many come here seeking aid and are severely damaged." Simon said sadly. "Many of the children came from the streets where humans had abandoned them" It was a harsh reality. "We have an on site technical infirmary." The room felt heavy for all three men. Many android children were not given much of a chance and had been through hell. Who knew truly what this YK800 had been though?

With the important conversation and concerns out of the way, Simon, Hank, and Connor went to find the boy. Connor and Hank needed to say goodbye as they had promised him and Simon needed to finish processing the newest edition. He had to finish giving him a tour and take him to get a physical. They found the boy playing on his own with some dolls he had found in the playroom. "Hey, kiddo." Hank greeted. "What you up to?" He tried to get down on the boy's level but kneeling and squatting weren't too kind to his knees these days. He was too old for that. He did bend a bit however to look down at whatever game the child was playing. He rested a hand on the boy's shoulder.

Happy to see Hank again the miniature Connor grinned "Playing house!" He smiled. "I found baby dolls so I'm pretending to be a daddy." Playing house seemed to be something all children liked to do human or android. It was interesting that he wanted to pretend to be a daddy when he might not even have fully understood the concept of what a dad was. How could he? He didn't have a dad, never did. But maybe someday he could.

"Oh, that seems so fun." Hank said. Connor watched he didn't know how to interact with kids.

"Connor and Hank have to get going soon," Simon said. "Come say goodbye to them and then I'll show you where we keep the treats."

The mini Connor was saddened by the news. He knew they were going to have to leave sooner or later but he didn't want them to. He didn't mind when they were off talking to someone because he knew they were still here, and he took comfort in knowing they were nearby. But now this was different. They were leaving. He'd be alone here and he wouldn't know where they were and they wouldn't know what was going on with him. Nothing good could last, couldn't it? He should have known better than to hope. Simon and Hank knew how to best negate that child's disappointment. Hank followed through with the treats comment before the boy could pout too much. "You hear that, Simon is gonna give you a treat, isn't that fun?"

The boy didn't reply to that, instead, he jumped into Hank's arms. "I'll miss you. You were the first one to be nice to me. Everyone else was so mean."

"I'll miss you too kiddo, I'll be back to visit okay? And, you don't have to worry about mean grown ups here, okay? Simon is super nice."

That didn't make it any easier. The boy nodded as he buried his head in Hank's midsection. After some time the boy let go of Hank and raced to Connor. "You were nice too. I'll miss you." Connor was expecting a goodbye from the boy but was still not ready for him to jump into his arms. Connor wrapped his arms around the child none the less and returned the hug. "I will be back soon enough." He didn't need to say why. The boy pulled away quicker and stood staring, unsure of what to say or what to do but he didn't want the goodbye to end. When it was over that meant they would be leaving.

"You be good kid. You listen to Simon and the other grown ups taking care of you okay? You'll get used to life here in no time." Hank said. They made their way outside, Simon keeping a hold on the boy's hand. The boy took it better than he thought he would. Simon held on to him and they watched Hank and Connor drive away. The boy didn't cry or fight. But he was teary.

Now that the drop off was done, a bit more involved than most, it was time to finish the new child process. He needed to be given a more in depth tour, introductions, and a check up. As promised they started with treats. There was a special room where thirium based candies, normal candies, and toys were kept locked away. The room was opened when a child needed a special treat for one reason or another. New kids got treats for being brave and needing to get settled in. It could be scary with all the changes even if this place was here to help. The boy picked a Thirium lolipop, he liked that when he tried it last night when hank gave him one. It was the only candy ever really had. He hadn't tried anything else. He also was allowed to pick a toy to call his own. He didn't need to share this one. He picked a baby doll similar to the one he was playing with earlier. He liked playing with those. Baby dolls were neat.

After that, it was time for a check up with the on site technician. This hopefully wouldn't be too bad but some kids reacted poorly to being seen by technicians. Some seemed to fear them like human kids to doctors. Maybe it was part of their programming or a result of deviancy or personal experiences even. It was hard to say. Simon worried about how the boy would react. He lead the boy to the infirmary, where he had already informed the technical of their arrival via cybernetic communication. He prepared the boy. "It's time for a check up, okay? A technician is going to make sure you're functioning as you should. We want to make sure you are nice and healthy."

"I have never been to a technician before." The boy admitted. At least none that he could fully remember. He was overseen by a technician during his testing and design at CyberLife, but those memory files were wiped before he was put into stasis. Some bits and chunks of corrupted files were filtered through to his memory. White, cold, tinkering in his chest, nudity, his arms being pulled, a stern voice commanding something of him. He didn't like any of it. Was that what all technicians were like? Is that what all visits to a technician had in store for him? "I'm scared." He said. "I don't want to be hurt."

Simon nodded, listening to the boy's fears be confirmed. He suspected as much but he was ready for this. "They won't hurt you on purpose," He started. Careful in his wording. For those with pain sensors or sensitive sensors like YK models, maintenance and repairs could be uncomfortable sometimes and there were some bad technicians out there but the technicians volunteering at New Jericho meant well. They won't hurt anyone on purpose even if things might get uncomfortable. Simon continued. "Technicians are here to help us. They're like doctors. They just want us to be strong and healthy."

"Will you stay with me, Mister Simon?" The YK800 asked. "Please?"

"Of course. If you want me to, I won't leave your side. I'll even hold your hand." They arrived at the android medical center, it wasn't far as the entirety of this building was rather small. The technician, an android named Leon introduced himself. He was skilled in all android needs and this facility was equipped for them as well but he specialized in the care of YK androids. He liked helping kids. An android pediatrician more or less.

He smiled. "Hi Connor, my name is Leon."

The boy leaned into Simon's side, nervous. "Hi" They were led to an exam room and with a bit of reassurance from Simon, the boy climbed up on the table.

Exams for androids were very different from the exams that humans need. Although it started off much in the same way. First, his vitals were checked. Heart rate, blood pressure, temperature. Then a light was shined in his eyes, ears, and mouth. But then that was where the similarities ended. It was time for diagnostics of the boy's software. This was done with a cable link that was attached to the boy's temple and then connected to a computer. The technician could see everything he needed to on his computer and was able to run various commands and diagnostics to make sure everything was running normally and that there were no malicious chunks of code. The technician also checked various protocols, antivirus, and other system security and management to make sure it was up to date. Adult androids could often run these checks on their own but YK models needed help from time to time.

After everything was cleared and updated on the software side of things, the technician moved on to checking the hardware. Some of the checks involved running diagnostics and the other part involved visually checking biocomponents over. This was the part a lot of androids found uncomfortable especially the children. Some components could easily be seen from the outside. Limbs, optical units, things like that. But others needed various latches and compartments to be opened for the inner workings to be seen. Essentially the android was required to be naked with the chest cavity opened to the air. All while they had to lay still, awake, and aware with their artificial skin deactivated adding to the exposure. It was clear why it was so uncomfortable. But it needed to be done.

The boy was not as cooperative as they would have hopped. But dealing with YK models on the daily and being an android pediatrician both Leon and Simon were used to less than cooperative children. They were quick to help reassure and comfort the boy. Soon enough the boy cooperated and the exam carried on. The boy laid back and the technician began the careful exam for cracks, loose wires, and other possible anomalies. The boy squeezed his eyes shut and held Simon's hand. And then, after what seemed like forever to the young android, the technician was finished. The exam was over and the boy was given a clean bill of health. He was functioning normally and optimally. The boy was eager to leave the infirmary.

"You were very brave, I'm proud of you," Simon told him. "That was the worse of it. Now comes the fun part, you get to meet other kids!" Simon took the boy over to the playground to meet the other residents of New Jericho's children's center. With time hopefully he would make friends and get used to life here. It was a new start.

While Hank should have put the YK behind him now that he was safe at the android children's center, that wasn't the case. Something wouldn't let him go. The boy stuck with him, picking away at the back of his mind. He enjoyed his time taking on a parental role once again. While his heart still ached for his son, Cole, and he grieved the boy's death daily, having another child in the house wasn't as painful as he thought it would be. The YK was in need of a loving home. Could Hank make it work? Could that home be the Anderson's?

"Lieutenant?" Connor's voice brought Hank back to attention. Good think the RK was the one driving, not Hank.

Changing his glance from the window to his friend he realized he didn't know what Connor had been talking to him about. "What was that, kid? Sorry I didn't catch it."

"I asked you what you wanted for dinner... Is something on your mind?" Connor could tell something was bothering Hank but, what was it?

"Nothing, I was thinking. Don't worry about it." Hank waved it off for now, although he wanted to tell Connor eventually and knew he would have to anyways. "Let's swing by the Chicken Feed. Been a while since I saw Gary." Gary was the owner of the chicken feed food truck. Hank used to be a frequent customer but had been going less since he met Connor and got on track with a better diet. Gary had a record, specifically for operating his restaurant after failing multiple inspections, but Hank looked the other way. Gary was a good guy and the food was decent too.

"Those meals are over two thousand calories, way over the recommended daily intake." Connor began. Hank was used to this song and dance by now. Connor meant well by it at least.

"It'll be fine, just for one day, then you can go back to shoveling me some greens." Hank liked to complain about the healthier options Connor tried to prepare for him but he did appreciate it and most of it he did generally enjoy as well but sometimes a greasy burger and some Pineapple Passion were where it was at.

Connor laid off the lecture and instead turned the car in the direction of the restaurant. He knew when there was something Hank wanted or something on his mind, there was no stopping him. Plus he supposed one meal of greasy food wouldn't hurt. The hygiene standards of the food truck were another story. But again, Connor would look the other way tonight.

Arriving at the small food truck downtown, Hank ordered his usual. A double cheeseburger and a large soda. He typically had pineapple flavored soda but this time he went with grape. He liked fruity sodas. Fruit juice? Not so much to Connor's dismay.

Now that Hank had had his dinner in hand, he and Connor walked over to one of the tables the restaurant had off to the side.

"What was on your mind earlier Lieutenant?" Connor asked again out of curiosity and an attempt at table conversation.

After a bit of his burger and a sip of his drink, Hank let out a heavy sigh. He gave in. "I was thinking about that kid."

Connor gave a small nod. "He'll be well taken care of with Simon and New Jericho."

"I know that it's not that... it's just... I don't know. I liked having him in the house. It was good to fill some fatherly shoes again and have a kid home." Hank admitted.

That piqued the android's interest. Connor's LED circled yellow very briefly as he thought the information over. He didn't know what to say at first, then came a thought but he didn't know if he should voice it. It didn't feel right to bring Cole up or Hank's grief. But maybe this would be a good thing. Connor wasn't sure where he stood on the matter.

"I think I'll work on getting my house in order. Finally, clear out Cole's old room. At the very least that will do me some good. It's time to move on." Hank said. Connor couldn't argue that. Improving his surroundings and trying to move on would be healthy for the Lieutenant.

Hank continued. "After I've cleaned up the house and gotten myself on track, I'll reconsider everything, and if I still feel this way I'll take the steps to start adopting the kid." What was it like to take in an android kid, especially these days? Was it like the necessary hoops one needed to jump through to adopt a human child or would things be easier? Hank didn't know what to expect, but that would be something he would worry about later. He would cross that bridge once he came to it. He had other things to worry about first and had to take this one step at a time.

"That sounds like a sound plan to me." Connor decided to follow Hank's lead and support his decision on this matter. If he was ready for another child, that was something only he could decide, and either way, Connor would be by his side. He would also help him get the house in order however he could.

Hank thought it over as he finished his meal. "I don't know if I am read but I'm at least willing to take the next step for myself and settle some of my home stuff."

"That's understandable" Connor offered. "I'll help you however you need as well" He wanted to help where he could, even if he was unsure about the adoption part. But Connor couldn't deny his own curiosity was piqued by the YK as well. This was no ordinary child android. It was based off of his own line but apparently canceled. There was still a lot he didn't know but wanted to look into. Bringing the child into their home would opportunity to observe and learn.

A thought came to the android's mind. Maybe he could adopt the YK, if Hank wasn't ready to be a parent again maybe he could at least help Connor with his own journey through parenthood. Would it be worth it? He wasn't sure. It didn't feel right for him to adopt the boy, but being in the child's life did seem to be the right move. Something was pulling at them both so obviously it was the right move for one of them. They could figure it out.

Finally, he spoke up, voicing his thoughts. "If you aren't ready to take on a child yourself, then maybe I should adopt him." Connor thought out loud.

That made Hank take a pause. "You? Why? What's got you thinking you want a kid?" His word's held a bit of humor, nothing harsh. In fact, there was a grin on the man's face. Hank found something amusing about the image of the RK800 taking on a fatherly role. The kid was badass with the best of them. And yet. There was something that seemed perfect about it as well. The few times Hank saw him deal with kids or animals, Connor was always patent and gentle. He handled the younger Connor well too. Maybe he could be a dad. But he also seemed like the big brotherly type. Hank just chuckled and shook his head. "If that's what you want, Con. I say go for it. You might not be half bad."

"I don't think I'm ready myself, Lieutenant." Connor shook his head. "But I must admit the YK800 has caught my attention, I want to learn more about this child."

"Maybe he could be your brother," Hank said as he tossed his empty burger wrapper into a nearby trash can.

Connor raised an eyebrow. "Android's can't have siblings."

"And why is that?" Hank cocked an eyebrow of his own.

Connor gave a small shrug. "We don't have biological connections. We're all artificial. We don't have parents or siblings." The android said matter of factly.

The older human shook his head. "That doesn't mean you can't have a family. You said yourself you'd adopt that kid. If you did what would that make you two? Family." Hank explained.

However, Connor wasn't so sure about that answer. "But if I did adopt him I'd be his father, not his brother."

The duo was on their way back to the car now. Which was good. It was freezing out here. Hell. Hank was glad that he at least got the kid off the streets and somewhere safe even if neither he nor Connor ever saw him again. He didn't want the kid wandering the streets in this kind of weather.

Settling into the driver's seat this time, as Connor sat in the passenger's seat, Hank continued the conversation with a 'but' of his own."But, what if you don't adopt him? You seem more like the brotherly type than fatherly, no offense kid. So why not take on that brotherly role just as you were willing to take on the role of parent?" Hank started the car and blared the heater, cranking it up to the full blast.

Connor started to warm up as well. He didn't feel the cold the same way humans could but the weather still affected him. He particularly didn't like the cold due to his own past experiences. The Zen Garden and Amanda were past him but the cold would forever be associated with them. Connor rubbed his hands together and held it up to the heater in front of him. Hank did the same.

Connor thought about what Hank had said and gave a small hum. "I... well yes I supposed I could do that." He never put much thought into the prospect of a family before, in any sense. Not as a brother, and certainly not as a father. There were just so many other things he had to think about both for himself and others. But the more he thought about it the more he liked it. It didn't feel all that strange. It felt right. Now Connor wanted the YK to be part of the Anderson's as much as Hank. But was Hank ready to take on a child again after what happened with his son? Was Connor ready to mentor a younger version of his own line? There sure were a lot of unknowns and there were a lot of things to think about. They would both have things to work out.

Felling warmed up enough, Hank pulled away from the curb and started to make his way toward home. "Do you want me to drop you off at your place or are you going to crash at mine? I don't mind either way." Connor mostly stayed with Hank but he had recently secured his own place as well. He still spends a lot of his time with Hank. Both enjoyed the company of someone else over empty houses and apartments.

Connor thought about it for a few moments. He liked his apartment and being on his own, independence felt nice to the deviant, but something about Hank's house felt homey and welcoming. Inviting and just different than the apartment felt. Connor liked it even more. He didn't want to bother Hank though. He could be on his own just fine. But still... "I'll stay with you if that's alright." the android gave his answer.

Hank smiled. "It's alright. I don't mind at all kid, that's why I offered. But, we should get you a real bed one of these days. That couch would kill my back sleeping on it every night." Hank didn't know where a new bed would go especially if he took in the child Connor as well. The small home was only two bedrooms. But that was another problem for another day. There was always something.

Connor didn't seem as bothered by it as Hank did. But then again being an android meant he felt things differently than humans or something not at all. it was an interesting thing how sensations work with android sensors. "It doesn't hurt my back, it would take significant force to damage my spinal assembly," Connor explained.

Hank couldn't help but chuckle. He was used to Connor's explanation but sometimes it still hooked him just right. "The advantages of being an android I guess, but I still feel bad." If he had a full time guest, even if it was an android, Hank didn't want him left to lay on the couch all night every night. Connor deserved a bed even if he didn't complain or seem to mind. Even if his back couldn't be affected surely it wasn't comfortable? "Even if you don't need it I'll get you a bed one of these days, and you're just going to have to live with it."

Connor knew better than to argue with Hank when he talked like that. He gave a chuckle of his own. "Whatever you say lieutenant." the android smiled. It felt nice that Hank cared about him enough to argue for a bed and his comfort even if it wasn't fully required.

Hank wasted no time. After a good night's rest, he started on his project brought and early the next day. His hand shook as he stood in front of the door at the end of the hall. It wasn't long ago since he was in there last, since he had used it while the android boy was with him, but it still felt foreign to be coming in here. He steadied himself and pushed his thoughts away and tried to steady his emotions. We a deep sigh, he took grabbed the doorknob and took a step forward, entering the small bedroom.

"Do you want any help, Hank?" Connor offered from the other end of the hall. Hank shook his head, although he realized Connor might not have seen it. He just couldn't find the words at first but he did know he wanted to do this on his own, for now. Once everything was cleaned out and cleaned up, he would probably ask Connor for help with other things like rearranging furniture and giving the walls a fresh coat of paint. He would have to worry about all of that when he came to it. He had to just get started on organizing today. The hard part. Going through his son's old things.

Hank looked around the bedroom. The bed was neatly made by the younger Connor. What a polite and well mannered kid. But the fine layer of dust was otherwise still present on many of thing things in the room. Where could he even start on this?

He looked around the room and his heart ached for not only the little boy he had lost but the little boy he had found as well. One had died and the other had lived a rough life and was in the need of some love. He would always love Cole, and it would always hurt that he lost him but a man could have two sons, and taking in a boy in need of a family would be what Cole would want. The boy was always happy to help and he did always want a brother.

But, as painful memories and emotions bubbled to the surface Hank was having second thoughts about having even come into this room. Could he even do this after all? Could that loving home be his? Now that he was standing in the room he was having doubts.

He looked around the room once more and mumbled to himself "Shit. Where to even begin?"

The room was mostly empty save for a few larger bedroom items Hank planned to keep but little pieces of Cole still lingered in the bedroom and dusty boxes full of clothes and toys sat in the corner. He should probably go through the boxes to see what he still had and see what he could reuse for the next kid. Then he could go through the odds and ends still left out.

Hank picked a box and got started. Most of it was things Hank found too painful to have gotten rid of before, but it worked out as they would be useful for raising another kid. Clothes that would fit the boy, toys for him to play with. Hank tossed the clothes into the laundry bin to be washed up and freshened. He kept two shirts aside to put into storage in his own closet. They were old shirts from Cole's school and the boy had loved the designs. He wore them all the time. Hank wanted to put them away rather than reuse them or get rid of them. It was still too painful to look at them even. He swallowed back some tears as he folded them back up and placed them in the back of his closet.

Some of the toys would need to be washed to get the dust off as well or at the very least wiped off but the ones that weren't too bad were set aside. The room needed a good dusting and overall cleaning before Hank placed any toys or clothes back into it. He stripped the perfectly made bed and tossed the bedding into the pile to be washed as well. He was steadily making progress in the room.

With the boxes cleared out and several piles sorted, Hank began the cleaning process. Dusting the walls and shelves, vacuuming the carpets. Glancing over at the bare mattress, Hank figured it could use a pick me up as well. He was going to need some kind of scent booster or fabric refresh, they make that sort of thing for beds didn't they? He made a mental note to pick some up.

Connor kept his distance and let Hank do what he had to do on his own but made sure he was nearby if he wanted or needed any help. He took it upon himself to help with the laundry. There was the bedding that took up the largest load, and then another smaller load of clothes. Connor took inventory of each piece of clothing to know what the child had and what he would still need. Connor knew what size the child Connor wore so he made sure to set aside anything that was that same size or was similar enough to still fit him. It was a task all on his own.

It was late in the afternoon when Hank finished for the day, and was glad to see Connor had started laundry, that was a big task off his shoulders. "Thanks, Con."

"You're welcome. I also made note of how many shirts and pants there are and which things world fit the YK."

Hank didn't even think about that. He was grateful for Connor thinking of that. He was sure he would have thought of it sooner or later but to have it done already was super helpful. "That's great. Thanks again."

"No problem. I also made fresh coffee." Connor knew Hank would need a mid day pick me up and what better than caffeine? Hank enjoyed his coffee and Connor knew exactly how he took it as well. Two scoops of sugar and a splash of creamer.

Hank gave a big sigh. That was so nice. He was just coming out for coffee so it was perfect timing. "You're a real miracle worker sometimes, kid, you really are."

Connor smirked. "I'm not a miracle worker, I'm an RK800." He said.

Hank chuckled and gave a smirk of his own. "Smart ass." He went to the kitchen to retrieve his coffee. He took a much needed sip of that bliss. Coffee was called liquid gold at times for a reason. "You might not be a miracle worker but you do know how to make a good cup of coffee mister RK800."

Over the coming days, whenever Hank had off from work he would work on little things around the home. The seemingly overwhelming task was broken up into one small task at a time. When he wasn't working on the bedroom, Hank worked on tidying up the rest of the house. It wasn't as messy as it was when Connor first met him, Hank had been doing better. which meat caring about the trash around him and actually keeping the place somewhat decent.

There were still a few areas that could use some help, especially Hank's room. It wasn't too bad, but if he was going to be taking in a kid, the room could use a little more up keep, and tidying up. A little 'tlc' could go a long way in making a house look much more child friendly.

The main part of Hank's bedroom that needed to be cleaned up was the floor. It had gotten out of hand with stray shoes, shirts, socks, and snack wrappers. There was nothing major making it a mess. Then once it was tidy, Hank could easily keep it that way. The closet could use a bit of organizing but, that wasn't anything major either. Most of it was rather well kept as he used it daily.

The shirts went to the laundry bin, while the shoes had their mates tracked down and all put in one convenient location. The trash went to the garbage bin, then the entire rug was vacuumed. Most of the house was hardwood floors but the bedrooms had carpets to maintain. Hank was already thinking about running a carpet cleaner over both bedroom floors to truly get a fresh start as well.

The house was coming together, slowly but surely every room was looking much better. Even if Hank didn't go through with his idea to adopt the android child, at least the tidy and fresh home should help something with his mental state. Living in clean, clutter free surroundings was a pleasant thing that was proven to help one's own productivity and well being.

Arriving home from work one day with Connor right behind him, Hank grinned and motioned to the room around them. The living room was the task he was working on lately. "What do you think Con, hardly recognize the place huh? Next thing you know I might just shave too!"

Connor smiled. "That would be something, I won't recognize the man or his house." the android joked as he rubbed Sumo behind the ears. The large dog loved the affection and attention.

All joking aside Connor had to admit Hank's house looked much better and the man's outlook and appearance seemed healthier as well. This whole task was doing the older man well. Connor was glad to see it. "I think you've made good progress Hank. I'm glad to see you look better."

"Your green and crunchy lifestyle have helped too, I imagine." As much as Hank complained about eating healthy he had been enjoying the meals the android cooked for him and knew it was all for the better as well. All the fat and grease wasn't good for a person's health.

"I do what I can." Connor wanted his friend to live a long healthy life and cooking him healthy meals was only a small step in helping him achieve that.

"How about helping me out this weekend, feeling up to some painting?" Hank asked. He felt the house could use a fresh coat of paint in several spots, especially in the second bedroom that used to be Cole's. The disuse and dust of the room caused the area to look a bit dull and worn. A fresh color would brighten and live it up. And Hank figured while they were at it they could freshen up other parts of the house as well.

Connor has been helpful, willing, and supportive this entire time and gave a solid nod. "Sure, Lieutenant. I'll help you paint." Connor didn't mind painting around the house, it wouldn't be too bad of a task. He was happy to help his friend where ever he could not only for his own shake but in hopes of finding out about that android boy as well.

While Hank and Connor were planning to take the boy in, and taking the steps towards it, over at New Jericho the little android boy was getting adjusted to his new life in the care of Simon and the Jericho's Children center.

Never having been around other children before, the child was getting used to life with classmates and playmates. He was liking it. Some kids were mean but most of them were friendly, and he liked having others to play with. Having a roof over his head, clean clothes, heat, and not having to steal for Thirium were all appreciated as well.

The YK was very social, so making new friends was not hard for him even when bullies got in the way. He was liking it here. The grown ups were nice too. Simon was head of the department, but there were other volunteers as well. Teachers and care takers. The child android liked having classes to focus on and learn new things but with his over abundance of energy, sitting for hours could be difficult for him. He often found himself wiggling in his seat or chatting during lessons. His teacher often needed to redirect him. He wasn't a bad kid or student by any means but he was proving to be a handful.

Currently, it was midday, and the children were at recess from class. The playground was busy with kids running around, playing various games, and making use of the equipment. Straight slides, tube slides, swings, seesaws, and climbing equipment were all available to the young androids to play on. There was also a patch of grass nearby for the kids to run around and play in.

Toys were scattered around kick balls, basketballs, and plastic baseballs along with plastic bats, plastic scoops accompanied by smaller foam balls, chalk, and various other sporting equipment were available for the kids to use.

Young Connor had found a kick ball to play with. Choosing to kick it back and forth between his feet he was enjoying himself. He bounced it from his ankle to his knee then let it bounce to the ground. He tried the move again and caught it in the air before it could hit the ground. He had no set goal but didn't mind. All he wanted to do was have fun and he was having just that. He kept to himself in a corner of the play area.

He was minding his own business and having a good time. But then another kid came his way. The other child was an android built to look a few years older than young Connor. He was taller and bigger. While Connor looked to be around eight, this other child was about eleven. Before he could greet the older child, the younger Connor found himself pushed to the ground.

His hands stung as they hit the pavement, and he called "oossff" he hissed. The artificial skin of the palms of his hand pulled away from the impact and small dots of blue bubble at the edges of several abrasions and scratches. "Hey, why did you do that for?" the little boy cried out.

The older boy didn't budge or show any remorse. He truly did it on purpose. A real piece of work, a true bully. In fact, he laughed at the other's cry. "Because it's my ball stupid. I wanted it. And I get what I want. So shut up!" The older android was ready to push the younger boy more if he dare stand up.

Connor wasn't ready to stand down. He cautiously stood back up. "It's not your ball. It's for all of us to play with."

"I said shut up!" the bully was serious.

But so was Connor. He scanned the other boy, a feature never seen in YK models before. Not many adult androids either, not to this extent at least. Most androids could do some basic scans to figure out the world around them but many had access to large information databases. Personal information bases. The RKs, and this one YK were special in that way.

Registered Name: Jacob
Model Number: YK600

His information was more limited than an RK800's might have been, the YK only made it so far into testing and build, but it was enough. It might have been just the bare bones of what any standard adult android could find out but the child would put it to good use.

The child wasn't going to back down. "I'm not going to do that Jacob. You're just mean so you can get what you want. I'm not gonna stand around and let you do that. We're supposed to share. This is a safe place for us, so why can't we all just get along?"

Jacob was taken aback for a moment. How did this kid know his name? He shook it off. It didn't matter. Maybe the kid just knew his reputation. But why did the little brat get mouthy with him? It's no big deal. He'll show him who was really in charge around here.

The bully tossed the ball to the side. Jacob grabbed Connor by the collar of his shirt. "When I tell you to shut up, you shut up! Got it?" He tried to push the boy again. "Now stay down."

The boy was prepared for it this time and wasn't caught off guard. Connor managed to stand his ground. The YK800 grabbed the other boy's hand. "Stop."

Any further altercation was stopped when Simon spotted the duo. A much needed intervention before things escalated. Simon often helped volunteer to watch over the kids during the day, although he also had other responsibilities to tend to through out the day.

"What's going on here?" Simon questioned as he approached them. He knew Jacob's history of bullying. Jacob could be mean to the other kids and didn't like to share. When he saw a toy he wanted, he took it. Simon was trying his best to work with Jacob, but Jacob wasn't budging. Some people were just mean no matter if they were human or android, but Simon would still try his best to help all of the kids at the center.

The children froze. The YK800 was worried he would be in trouble. He was the one holding the other boy's wrist after all. Had Simon seen Jacob push him or just him grabbing the boy? Were they both in trouble? He didn't know. What could he say?

Jacob spoke first. "I don't know. I was just playing ball and this kid started to push me around." Jacob wasn't only a bully but also a liar.

"That's not true! I was playing on my own when Jacob pushed me down! He was about to grab me again when I stopped him!" Little Connor said, telling the truth of what had happened. How could he prove it? Did he need to? Would he be believed? Oh! His palms! They were still scuffed up! Small dots of Thirium still poked out at small abrasions. He released Jacob's wrist and held his hands out, showing Simon his palms. "See? I got all scratched up when he pushed me down!"

Simon had seen enough of the encounter to know the newer child, Connor, was innocent and that Jacob had started it but Connor's hands were also good proof.

Simon sighed and thought about his next words carefully. "Jacob. We talked about this before. You know it's not okay to push the other kids around. Why would you do that?" he asked Jacob. He had a hunch. The boy didn't like sharing, he knew this. But he still wanted to hear it from the boy himself.

Jacob deflated. With a frown, he gave a small shrug. "I saw him playing with a kick ball and I wanted it... there weren't any other balls free so what else should I do but take it so I could play?" he explained. That made sense didn't it?

Yup. It was a sharing issue. "Why didn't you ask to share?" He asked. He gave a solution, "You could have played together." Again, why not share? Wasn't kick ball more fun with more people? They could have kicked it back and forth or made up their own game.

"I didn't want to share." came Jacob's short reply. It was that simple.

Simon turned his attention to the other child. "Let me see your hands better, sweetheart, are you okay?" Simon looked the boy's hands over. Connor's hands weren't seriously damaged. The artificial skin was just a little irritated. Some small pebbles had caused the skin to glitch and retracted in some areas, but otherwise, he would be fine.

"How about we get you washed up? Your hands will feel much better once we get them cleaned."

Connor simply nodded. He wasn't particularly upset about his hands. He was still processing the encounter he had with Jacob. He knew from his life before, on the streets, that people could be mean. Humans were vicious and he learned to avoid them. But he has never seen another kid be mean before. This was his first encounter with a bully.

Simon separated the kids with one on either side of him. Jacob was going to have to sit the rest of his recess out. He nodded at the teachers on recess duty before leading the children inside. Simon dropped him off with a teacher before taking Connor to the technician's office.

The boy was nervous now. He didn't like technicians and was very unsure the last time he was here. He didn't have many experiences with technicians and none of them were particularly bad, but he was still scared whenever he had to see one. This time he was worried his hands were worse than he thought. He hadn't been concerned about them until now.

"What's gonna happen?" He asked.

'We're just gonna rinse your hands, don't worry." Simon reassured. He turned to the current technician on duty. "Hi Rachel, we need to borrow your sink for a bit."

Rachel, a blonde android, gave a concerned and sympathetic gaze to the child. With a frown, she asked, "What happened?"

"He fell, but there's just some problems and dirt on his hands. We just need to wash him up." Simon explained.

"Oh, poor thing." Rachel moved to grab some special android cleanser. It was a good debriding agent that wouldn't compromise damaged android structures. That combined with running water should clear everything up and the boy could be on his way.

Simon held the boy's hands under some running water for a few moments before Rachel poured some anti debris agent over them. Connor hissed in pain as it stung. His tactile sensors were on high, he could feel everything. Not in the same way a human might describe or understand it but he felt things none the less. He hated it. But thankfully, it was over in a few seconds.

Once the small rocks and dirt were washed away his artificial skin returned to it's proper location. There. All better! His hands were good as new.

'"There you go, all better." Rachel smiled and handed him a towel to dry his hands on. Simon brushed a stray piece of hair out of the boy's eyes. "Let's get you back to where you belong" Class should be starting up again pretty soon, wouldn't want him to miss any of his lessons. Android or human learning was important for any child. Many of the children here at the center, or anywhere for that matter would likely disagree if they didn't like school. But the younger Connor didn't have any problem with school. He liked all his classes and lessons so far. The only bad thing so far was his run in with a bully.

"Thanks for your help, Rachel." Simon waved as they headed out. "Thank you." The child mumbled as well. It wasn't so bad he figured. Maybe technicians weren't so bad after all. Other kids? Not so much. Why did some people have to be so mean for no real reason? He didn't get it.

"You're welcome, just glad it wasn't anything serious." Rachel waved back. She liked helping others but also didn't like seeing others in distress or injured. Damaged YKs were the most heartbreaking, but that was why she was here to help them.

Heading down the hall of the main corridors, Simon lead the boy back to the study areas and classrooms. "Who's your teacher?" He asked so he knew which room to take him to.

The boy replied quickly, "Miss Michell. I like her, she's nice." Miss Michell was a new volunteer teacher for the android children. An older model with long brunette hair she was sweet to many she encountered and good with kids. She was happy to help. She lived here at the kids and families center in the residential section. She had a young YK of her own that she had adopted. She was a good person.

Miss Michell's classroom was at the end of the hall. Classes of kids were just starting to file into their respective classrooms. "Looks like you didn't miss much, go get in line and try to stay out of trouble." Simon said. The boy nodded and ran to get to his designated line. Today was quite the experience, and it was just past mid day. The YK Connor wasn't so sure about how his new life was going.

Back at the Anderson home, progress was being made. Other than an optional coat of paint the house was all set. There were a few other things Hank wanted to get done as well. Hank had made up his mind. He was ready for this, especially with Connor's help. He was going to adopt the little YK android he found. The boy needed a good home and Hank felt it was right that the home he found was his.

Hank had bought three cans of paint to touch up and revitalize the house. An off white for the main living areas and a bright child friendly green for the kid's room. It should be a nice make over. There was also a darker, one that Hank was calling coffee, that he planned to use for various accents on walls around the house.

He had put on some older clothes he wouldn't mind getting paint on and tossed an old t-shirt to Connor as well. He only had one outfit still no matter how Hank had tried to talk him into going shopping, so it would be rough if his good shirt or jacket got ruined by some paint. Even though Hank was positive something like that wouldn't happen with the advanced android, it was still better safe than sorry.

"You ready to get this painting party started kid?" Hank asked. Connor gave a simple nod and looked around. "Where do you want to start?" The living room would take the longest because it was the largest and all the furniture would need to be moved and covered.

Hank thought about it. Should they get the longest task out of the way? Tackle it now so it was out of the way? Or should they start with one of the smaller rooms? He finally made his choice. "My room, so it'll have time to air out by tonight. I don't want to sleep on the couch because of the paint fumes." He explained.

That made sense to Connor. With the windows open and the room well ventilated, if they started now the fumes should dissipate by the time Hank went to bed. "We're using the cream colored paint for your room, right?"

"The cream for three and the coffee one for the closet." Hank clarified. That was how it was currently painted. He liked it that way. He just wanted to give everything there a fresh coat. Nothing too new or crazy.

"Let's get started. The sooner we start the sooner we'll be done." Hank picked up a roller brush and headed to his room.

The painting was a monotonous process that took all day, but the duo tackled everything they needed to do all in one day. Every room was touched up or fully painted. The sun had already set once they called it a day. They wrapped up the painting and started to clean up. The largest task was behind them. Hank could finally take a massive sigh of relief. Even if he didn't go through with the adoption, at least his house had a much needed refresh and pick me up. It felt new and clean. It was just a little thing he needed to feel better and clear his mind.

Hank looked around the room. The living room was fresh and bright. He liked it. "Good job kid. The house looks good, much better." he said.

Connor scanned the room as well. "It does look good." They did a good job. Connor was glad. Hank had been doing so much better over the last few months and now today in particular his spirits seemed healthy and high.

That leads to the big question, however. Was Hank still thinking about adopting the YK they had found? And was he ready for it? Connor didn't know, but figured he would ask Hank anyways what his plans were. "Hank? You still considering taking that boy in?" he asked.

Hank thought about it for a few moments. He was considering it still, but was he ready? Would he actually do it? There were better places, surely? But something about the boy tugged at the man's heartstrings.

"I'm going to do it." He declared. He had decided. His heart and mind were made up. This android child belonged in the family.

Connor had already decided he was gonna support Hank either way he decided, and that he also wanted to be in this YK's life no matter how he had to go about it. The boy had interested him and also tugged at his so called heartstrings. Connor wanted to learn more about the YK800 series in general as well as the boy himself, and the potential of family relationships. Hank had called him brotherly material. And yeah, thinking about it, the android could say he thought that felt right. But was it? He wanted to offer guidance to the boy at least.

"I think that's wonderful Hank." He said. It might just be a good thing for everyone involved. "When do you plan to start the adoption?" Connor asked, the next logical question.

Hank thought about it. He wanted to do it soon, but he didn't know what the process would be like for an android child these days. He also wanted everything in place and ready before he even started that way he could easily pass any home inspections and checks that might be needed. He knew there were many hoops one needed to pass through for human children but was that the same for androids? He also wanted everything ready for the boy so he felt welcome and at home as soon as he came to the house. He wanted everything he needed. "There are still some things I want to buy for him, clothes, bedding, toys, things like that before we get him home but yeah. I'm doing it. I'm adopting him." He explained to Connor.

"Do you know anything about adopting androids kids?" Hank also asked. "I'm a little familiar with human adoption, there's a lot of much needed rules and hoops. Is it the same with androids these days or is it simpler?" Maybe Connor could tell him what this process was going to be like. Connor didn't know off hand, but he did look it up quickly. There were ever changing protocols, laws, and the way things were done but he was able to get in contact with Simon to talk to him about how this would go down.

"No. It is not as intensive as human adoption cases, but there are some similar steps to work through. They are working toward it someday but currently, everything goes through New Jericho with an approval process. There is an interview and home inspection. I think you'll do just fine." Connor explained.

"Doesn't sound so bad, but I'm sure it'll still be some hoops and waiting, but I was expecting that." It wasn't a problem he rather hoops to jump through than kids, human or android, ending up in unsafe homes. He wasn't worried about any of the processes at all. He had good intentions and his home would be safe and clean. He had the funds for a child as well.

More time had passed and Hank finished on the touch ups around the house, now was time to set the boy's room up. Today's plan was to shop for what he needed for the child, although he would for sure take the boy with him on another trip as well. It was fun to pick out your own stuff. But for now, it was just for the basics. New bedding, a few classic toys, and a variety of basic clothing. The simple stuff anyone would need. A good collection of children's books was also a must if you asked Hank. He had a small collection of books from Cole that he kept but he also wanted to pick out some new ones.

He went from store to store picking out what he had in mind and slowly checking items off his list. The back of his car was full of various items by the time he pulled back into his driveway. It was late afternoon. Things were going according to plan.

He carried his load in and set to work setting the room up. He got a new bright green bedding set that he made the bed with. One thing down. Many more to go. He placed the clothes into the closet and dresser. They were a mix of natural, boyish, and girlish all in the child's size. He didn't know what the boy would want to wear but still wanted to provide some basic shirts for him ahead of time. Bright blues and pinks and greens. A rainbow of plain blank but bright shirts.

Then he set the toys into the old toy bin and a friendly teddy bear on the bed. The books went on a small shelf on the wall and on a bookshelf by the door. Hank had gotten a variety of books. Chapter books, picture books, short stories. He didn't know what the kid would like to read and wanted to give him many opportunities to explore and find what he liked.

The room was coming together. Now, all it needed to be complete was its young occupant.

Hank called Simon with the contact Connor had given him and explained how he was looking to adopt the YK800 he had dropped off earlier that month. Simon explained the process to the lieutenant, and it was much like Connor had said. He would need to come in for an interview and a supervised meeting with the child, then there would be a home inspection. If everything went well there would be documents to sign, and that would be it. Custody would be given to new guardians.

Hank agreed to these terms and assured Simon he was still interested, and that everything would go smoothly. Simon agreed that Hank seemed like a good fit, especially with the younger Connor. The two set a date and time for Hank to visit New Jericho's children's center.

It was set for later this week when Hank had a day of from work. He was going to have to figure out some child care options once everything was said and done. He was going to be a single parent and he worked a very demanding job of varying hours. He managed it when Cole was still with him, he would figure it out again. There would be a lot to figure out. But Hank was sure the family would find a routine and rhythm soon enough.

The day of the scheduled meeting came, and Hank met Simon at New Jericho's children's center. Simon knew from watching him drop the child off, that he would do well with him and he already trusted he would be a good guardian but they would still go through with the interview and observation process to follow procedure. Meeting in a small office space, Simon and Hank sat down to talk.

The screening questions were the kind Hank had expected and he was ready to answer them all, they all made sense considering the situation and in the end, Hank knew it was necessary to make sure kids went to good homes. Questions included things such as why he was interested in becoming a father, if he had any experience with children, his financial situation, and other similar kinds of questions. If anything it served to hit home the fact that this was real, that he was actually doing this. Hank was going to be adopting a second son. He was going to be a dad again.

After the interview section, it was time for the observation portion of the day. It was after school hours and the children had free time to play as they pleased or do as they wanted. Some were in their rooms, nothing wanting any more social interaction for the day or working through books they wanted to read. others were at the playground or playrooms with toys in hand alone or with groups of friends.

It didn't take long for Simon and Hank to find the younger Connor in the playroom sitting criss cross apple sauce style in front of a large play house with Barbie dolls in either hand as he played some kind of game of pretend.

"Hey there kiddo, having fun?" Hank called to him.

The boy turned at the sound of the familiar voice and left his dolls forgotten on the floor as he stood and bolted. He gripped the man in a tight hug. "Mr. Hank! You're back! Hi!"

Hank chuckled and returned the hug. "Hey kiddo, yeah I'm here. how are you doing? "

The boy pulled away and took a step back to be able to talk to him. He was still smiling however, "I've been great! I made some friends and learned some things in school! But mean ol Jacob pushed me down at recess!"

Yeah kids could be mean sometimes. Guess human or android there were bullies around Hank figured. Oh well. Hopefully it wasn't too bad. "Oh. Are you okay?" He asked first. The boy looked fine, and Simon hadn't said anything but Hank still was concerned about the boy having been pushed down.

Thankfully the boy gave a happy nod. "Yup! My hands stung for a bit but I'm all good now!" He explained. He even held his palms up to show the man. Look see no marks! He was happy it wasn't anything too bad. Being hurt is never any fun.

"Well that's good to hear. I hope this other kid got into trouble. It's not good to be pushing people around"

The boy gave another nod. "He did. he had to sit in class instead of going to recess!"

Good. Hank was glad to hear it. The kid deserved something for punishment if he was going around pushing other kids. Jacob could hurt someone going around doing things like that. Hank shook his head. "Well, that's good."

The boy nods again. "mmmhh yup! It was! So what are you doing here?" He was curious. He did say he was going to come to visit him sometime. Was that why he was here or was there another reason? The boy had to know!

"To see you." Hank smiled as he ruffled the boy's hair. "How about we play a game kiddo? What ever you want. You can show me around the doll house you were playing with earlier, or maybe you can pick something else."

The younger Connor's eyes lit up. He was thrilled to hear that this was a visit for him and even more excited to hear Hank wanted to play with him. "Yeah! I've been loving the dolls here! I'll tell you all about them!" The boy took Hank's hand and lead him to the corner of the room where he had been playing ealier. He began listing off the names he had given to each of the dolls and explained the story he came up for with them all while Hank listned intently.

Simon smiled and watched the interaction carefully. Hank seemed like a good man and also good with kids. Connor liked him too. Both Connors. The RK800 gave him a good reccomendation and the YK800 clearly was happy to see him and comftoble. This could work out after all.

After a half hour of playing and talking togerther while Simon observed from a far and took notes, it was time to sadly pull the man away. Simon had other meetings to get to and the boy should be getting to his homework as well. But there would be plenty of other opputnities for them to talk.

"Alright you to, sorry to say but it's time Hank and I go disccuss some things, Connor why don't you go work on your homework? I hear Miss Michell gave a math worksheet today. The tutoring center is still open if you need any help." Simon said as he approched the duo. The boy frowned he didn't like the sound of that at all. Hank stood and ruffled the boy's hair.

"Be good kiddo." He started. "Math is important in life. Might as well get used to it." He chuckled. "But don't worry I'll come say good bye before I leave for good alright?" He gave the child a tight side hug and watched the boy wander off, presumely in the direction of the tutoring center Simon had mentioned.

He turned to Simon with a smile. "He's a good kid. Id be hapy to have him in my home. proud to call him a son."

Simon smiled back. "I can tell. You were good with him and I could see he was happy to be with you. As long as the home study works out, we;' be happy to give him to you. More kids here need good homes like yours."

Heading back to Simon's office they wrapped up the day's meeting with a run down on what was to come, schduling future events, and explaing the next steps twords adopting an android child in the post android revlution world.

They picked a time and date that worked best for Hank, for the home study and Hank also agreed for a secondary surpise observation. Things were on the move. Seemed like there was no going back now.

It was a few days later when an android Hank hadn't met before, arrived at his home to inspect the house and talk to him. Hank wasn't nervous about this first home study, or the second one either for that matter. His home was clean and welcoming. The child's room was set up and ready and prepared for him. The new coats of paint him and Connor gave the house really helped pick the place up. Hank was glad they did it, even though he was sure things would have been fine but first impressions were everything and the bright clean walls helped really make that impact.

"I'm Elyse, with New Jericho's Children's center" she introduced herself. Hank greeted her and invited her in. Sumo was asleep on the couch and didn't mind the new comer. He was a people kind of dog not a guard dog by any means.

Hank gave the person a tour and let them explore on their own as well, stepping back to watch them inspect the home environment. Elyse looked in cabinets, checked locks, looked for various safety concerns or precautions taken. She made notes about the child's room being ready as well as the closet full of clothes. Also worthy of note was that the kitchen had a supply of thirium in both the cabniet and some chilled bottles in the fridge as well. The bathroom had an android first aid kit that was fully stocked. Everything looked well thought out, safe, and ready for an android child. Nothing worrysome or supicious or dangerous was found. Elyse continued to make digital notes about the home.

Finally coming back around to the front room, Sumo was awake now and happily strolled over to the new comer. He sniffed the android. These weird people never had any scent! He tilted his head in confusion but still gently bumped his head against the other's hand in a demand for pets.

"Is he friendly?" Elyse asked.

"Friendly and lazy. He'll slobber all over you than anything else." Hank explained. Elyse held her hand out for the dog and then petted the animal. Sumo enjoyed the attention. Elyse made a note about the animal's presense but also about his docile and friendly behavior. He seemed safe for children to be around. There were certinaly animals out there that shouldn't be around anyone much less kids yet people had children around them. It was a sad thing. This wasn't one of those times thankfully.

"I think that's all. I think your home is well prepared." Elyse smiled. Not everyone was as inviting to her as Hank was nor was to every home as prepared as this. Some pepole didn't seem to realized android kids needed safe loving homes just as a human child. Many thought of them still as just machines and things to fond over before tossing them to the side. It was sad. Even some androids didn't seem prepared for parnethood yet applied to adopt an android child. Elyse never knew what to expect when she did home observations. She was plesantly suproise with the Anderson home however.

"Thank you. I take kid's comfort and safty very seriously." He said. "I wanted to make sure Connor had everything he needs." He always wanted to make sure the kid was put first. It was the truth.

"I can tell. Well, I think I've seen everything I need to. You'll hear back from the center once we review mt findings but I wouldn't worry about it. Your home is one of the most prepared and tidy I've seen. Not many have android supplies already in their home. I'm, impressed." Elyse handed him a small signed document that showed she had came and that an offical home vist was made. There was also a section for contact if he had any questions or needed to get in touch other wise.

Hank saw her out and watched her leave. He knew his home was ready and he had nothing to worry about. He was well prepared, had everything the kid would needf, his home was clean and safe, his home was bright and open. Sumo, lovely big loaf of fur was a friendly dog. There shouldn't be any issues. But he was still nervous. He guessed it was only natural, he was taking a big step in life.

There was a lot of nerves, questions, doubtes, excitment, all the feelings and thoughts. It was all to be expected. He remember similar feelings when he found out his wife was expecting Cole. Along with overwhelming joy. This time was slightly different, but his heart was full all the same.

Now it was just a waiting game.

Alley Adventures

Wednesday, August 3, 2022

From a Child's eyes chapters 1-4

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