A Real Boy

Summary: Sequel to I Feel…. When a machine starts to become a real boy...
Warning(s): Disciplinary spanking; Spoilers for Detroit: Become Human; violence

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Hank couldn't help but be concerned about his son. About Connor. His son had seemed fairly confident that he could pretend well enough that there were no changes, but still...Hank couldn't shake the worry that CyberLife would figure it out and would find a way to take Connor away from him.

The other officers at the precinct had noticed a vast improvement in Hank's attitude and behavior, though. Keeping his promise to Connor, he'd stopped drinking. It wasn't easy and he craved the alcohol something fierce...but whenever he was tempted, all he had to do was remember Connor telling him about the tightness inside when he saw the bottles and the gun. His son was scared for him...and Hank didn't want to hurt Connor.

Hank was at the precinct when the broadcast came in from the androids and he couldn't help his concern as he went to his Chief's office, knocking lightly on the door and then entering. "Hey. You need me and Connor to investigate?"

The Chief looked at Hank from behind the desk. "You're volunteering? No arguments? Really?" he asked doubtfully.

Hank shrugged. "Yeah, well, I could do with a break in the case." And if he was going with Connor, then if CyberLife planned to keep his son for longer...he hoped this would be a reason for them to let his son come back. He couldn't help but feel antsy without his son within sight of him.

***

For his part, Connor had done everything possible to ensure that CyberLife wouldn't figure out that he was beginning to develop feelings and an ability to choose his own path over what he'd been programmed to do. The first step in that had been to turn off his pain receptors. He'd left them on after the first time Hank had told him to turn them on, because it enabled him to feel the affection of the older man. Plus, on the rare occasion when just telling him no didn't do the trick, a mild swat would remind him that he was obeying his father now; if Hank told him not to do something his programming was telling him to do, chances were it was because the programming was wrong.

The second thing he'd done was to make certain he did not use any of the slang or vernacular of the human detectives he was around daily. Picking up slang and vernacular would be a sign that he was assimilating; becoming like the humans he was supposed to be helping. That wasn't necessarily frowned on, but if CyberLife noticed him assimilating and then he accidentally did something that indicated he'd made a choice on his own? That could be bad. If he was very straightforward and almost robotic in his words and actions, then any slips he might make would hopefully not draw any attention.

His final way of hiding what he was becoming was to not be in CyberLife's facility or sphere for too long. Of course, that was out of his control, really. And they had ended up keeping him for over an hour before the alert came over his receiver. He looked at the one interviewing him. "This is something I am usually on site to handle. May I go take care of it now?" He was relieved when they motioned him to go; to leave and take care of his job. He was less thankful when, just as he was about to step out the door, they said, "You will return here tomorrow and discuss your relationship with the detective, Hank Anderson."

When he finally reached the scene, he was anxious but trying his best to hide it.

As soon as he spotted Connor getting out of the vehicle, Hank wasted no time in stepping over to his son. He placed a hand on Connor's shoulder, squeezing gently, as he asked, "Did you see the broadcast? Bunch of androids broke into the broadcast room here. Gave a list of demands. No one was hurt, but they've got three androids detained." He was moving as he spoke, guiding his son into the building, through security and to the elevator to reach the top floor.

Connor let himself be led as he listened to the update Hank provided. "What are the demands?" he asked quietly, trying not to seem overly interested.

"Equal rights. To be treated as living beings, not slaves. You know, what everyone should have." Hank kept his tone calm, almost casual. His son would know how he thought about androids being treated as living beings. If they were, he wouldn't have to worry about Connor being taken from him and his memory being wiped.

Hank kept his hand on Connor's shoulder as they reached the broadcast room, only letting go once they were inside. "The androids that were here when the attack was made have been moved into the kitchen," he said. "I'll go with you if you need help. Otherwise, I'll take a look out here. See if I can figure out how they got in."

Connor nodded briskly at Hank. "I should be fine, thank you. If you need me...."  He waited for Hank's nod of acknowledgement before heading into the kitchen to talk to the three androids.

Figuring his son would let him know if he needed him, Hank began checking the broadcast room. Truth be told, he wouldn't be unhappy if the group was never caught. No one had been killed in the infiltration. And the android who'd been designated the spokesperson had requested what all people had the rights to. If people listened to them, then he could make sure Connor never had to return to CyberLife. He could keep his son with him always and wouldn't have to worry about protecting Connor if the wrong person found out he'd become the father of the android who was supposed to be his partner.

Connor had quickly found the three androids, but it wasn't immediately obvious which one was the one making demands. To figure it out, he'd begun asking questions, at first suggesting that a deal could be worked out. As it became obvious that he was getting nowhere, he'd resorted to reminding the androids that all three of them would be deactivated if it couldn't be determined who was making the demands and it was thought that the demands were made in bad faith. After all, they didn't care if androids who weren't involved were deactivated. It made it easier on them if they didn't have to figure it out.

He must have hit a nerve with the android who'd started this whole situation. The next thing he knew, his hand was pinned to a table with a knife and his core was ripped out of his chest, only just within reach. He took the necessary seconds to grab his core and reattach it, stuffing it back into his chest and silently thanking whatever god smiled on androids that his pain receptors were turned off. Otherwise, it would have been much more difficult to function with such wounds. He ran out in the direction the android had taken.

Hank had only been alerted to something going on when one of the androids had come charging out of the kitchen towards them. He'd grabbed a gun and ended up at one end of the hallway, before turning and aiming his weapon at Hank and the other officers who were there.

Everything happened so quickly....

Connor had come barreling out of the kitchen, blue blood pouring from the gaping hole where his core... his 'heart'... had been ripped out. It only took seconds for him to notice that the Android was going to shoot one of the other officers, and most likely Hank. It only took a second longer for him to decide to act. By the time it was all over, Connor was dead, but the officers... Hank... were safe.

Hank had caught his son automatically when Connor had dived in front of him and taken the bullet. Lowering his son to the ground, he whispered, "Fuck." He saw the blue blood that wasn't from the bullet wound. Knew that Connor had been injured before he came charging out of the kitchen and had jumped in front of him.

The grief and pain were sharp as a knife blade, but...Connor had come back to him before. CyberLife had given him a new body. Could they do it again? Would they do it again?

By the time the representatives of CyberLife had come to dispose of Connor's body, Hank had managed to calm himself enough to ask if his partner was going to be returned. After all, they still had a case to work. And when the response was given in the affirmative, Hank immediately insisted on going to CyberLife HQ and waiting there, so that he could run through what he needed to with his partner. In case any knowledge had been lost.

When Connor came out in his new body, he glanced around, then walked over to Hank. "I had uploaded a copy of my program just the morning of the day I died. I believe I remember everything, but I only know what CyberLife was able to piece together of events after the morning. What do I need to know?" His voice was much like it had been when Hank first met him... he was doing his best to make certain he didn't show any signs of emotion or free will.

Hank jerked his head towards the car and headed in that direction. He didn't speak until they were settled in his vehicle and he knew they wouldn't be overheard. Then, he reached out and placed his hand on his son's knee. "Your receptors on?" he asked quietly, trying to push down the image of Connor dying in his arms. His son was brought back. He just hoped that Connor still had the memories...still had the learning...of being his.

Connor's eyes changed color briefly as he turned the receptors back on. "They are now, Daddy..." he said, in a quiet voice, choosing to address Hank in that way so that the other man would know he hadn't lost anything except the few hours between his last backup and when the android attacked. "I had turned them off when meeting with CyberLife and left them off... so I never felt anything of what happened..." he added in case that had been bothering Hank.

Gripping Connor's knee tighter, Hank whispered, "We were investigating the broadcast that had been made. Androids asking for the same rights as humans. You went in to question the androids detained who were working there." His voice dropped lower, hand gripping more firmly, his other hand reaching out to grasp his son and pull him into a tight embrace, needing to hold onto Connor. "I don't know what happened in there, but one of them came out. Grabbed a gun. You...came running out too. Bleeding from your chest. Threw yourself...in front of the bullet." His breath hitched and his arms tightened their hold.

"CyberLife says that the cameras in the kitchen showed the deviant android pinning my hand to a table with a knife, then ripping my core out of my body and leaving me to die. Somehow, I put my core back inside of myself and connected it enough to be able to move. They think my throwing myself in front of you was due to a malfunction caused by having been so severely damaged...." He paused, giving Hank time to think on that, since it gave them a very good reason for Connor's actions in saving Hank. They wouldn't have to worry about that being questioned, at least.

Hank tightened his arms around Connor. It might have been a relief that CyberLife wasn't questioning the fact that Connor had thrown himself in front of the bullet, but even so.... "I know you were trying to protect me. I watched you die. Again." His voice was hoarse with emotion. He grasped Connor's hand, squeezing it. His son might not have been able to feel the pain, but he'd still been in a bad state.

"I'm sorry, Daddy... I never wanted you to have to go through that a second time. I didn't think I would die from the bullet; not after surviving having my core ripped out. That was a foolish assumption..." Connor's voice was soft and regretful.

"I can't lose you, son." Hank moved his hand to the back of Connor's neck, scruffing him automatically. "You didn't need to throw yourself in front of the bullet. And that can't happen again. What if CyberLife didn't bring you back a second time?" Hank moved Connor enough so that he could cuddle his son on his lap, in his arms, needing to hold him tight before he took him home.

"I needed to save you..." Connor disagreed quietly; not quite defiantly, but there was a hint of frustration in his tone. "You can't be brought back at all and I will not lose you. I can't!"

Hank hugged his son tighter at the words, gently squeezing the nape of Connor's neck. "I might be ignorant about technology, but I know about you, son. You can't tell me that throwing yourself in front of the bullet was the only way. That there weren't other choices and other actions you could have taken." He pressed a kiss to Connor's cheek, murmuring softly, "We're playing a dangerous game here with CyberLife. Maybe the androids who broke into the news tower can change things, so that we don't have to live in fear of being torn away from each other. So that I can declare you're my son to everyone and never have to worry about you being taken from me and having your memory wiped." He tightened his arms around his son. "They might accept that your systems were malfunctioning, but it doesn't stop them from being suspicious. I can't let you get taken from me, Connor."

"Jumping in front of you was the fastest and most sure method of protecting you. The others... had chance of failing to protect you..." Connor said, in a small voice, making it clear that he'd thought of other options and chose not to take them.

"You shouldn't have jumped in front of me." Hank let his lips rest against Connor's hair. "I... hoped they would bring you back. Like the last time. But I knew it was possible they'd wipe your memory. That they'd remove me as your father. I could have lost you, son. Even if you'd been brought back to life in one sense, if your memories were removed, I would have lost my second son. And there's no way I could have healed from that," he admitted softly.

Connor stiffened at that, before pressing closer to Hank and holding him tightly. "I did not think of that, Daddy. I am sorry. I was just so scared of losing you, protecting you at all costs was the only thing I could think of...." he said, in a small, apologetic voice.

"Don't ever protect me at the cost of yourself, son," Hank whispered, sliding his hand up under Connor's shirt, needing to touch and feel bare skin. He was struck with the sudden, irrational urge to strip Connor naked; to make sure his boy had no signs of the wounds that had damaged him. "When we get home, I'm going to take your clothes off," he whispered. "I know you're in a new body, but...I need to see for sure."

Connor blinked at that before realizing what Hank meant. "Do you want to see now?" he asked softly, in a very deferential tone.

Hank paused, remembering again that Connor had no modesty...no reason to hide his body. He placed his hand against his son's cheek and spoke in a low voice. "Yeah. I need to...there was so much blood...." he whispered.

Connor slanted his head into Hank's palm and then carefully began to undress. It didn't take him long; despite the fact he was sitting in a car. Soon, his clothing and shoes were folded neatly and placed in the back seat. He was sitting beside Hank; completely naked, vulnerable, not hiding anything. It didn't faze him at all.

Seeing the lack of wounds didn't really feel like enough. Hank reached out and gently stroked his hands over his son's body, mapping out where he'd seen the wounds. First where Connor had had his 'heart' ripped out...then where he'd been shot. The skin was smooth and unharmed under his hands. His son was alive. Sitting next to him. Hadn't lost anything more than a few hours of memory.

Reaching his hand to Connor's neck, Hank drew his son into another tight embrace, kissing his head. "I love you so much," he whispered.

"I love you too, Daddy..." Connor whispered. He didn't pull away or try to stop Hank from touching him. He wasn't ashamed of his body and fully felt that Hank had a right to touch him. Hank was his father and was teaching him how to be a real boy. His real boy. The fact that every touch felt good only made it easier. Still. He'd obviously upset the other man a great deal with his actions. He began to feel the familiar burning ache of guilt. "I was only trying to keep you alive... but I upset you a great deal instead. I'm sorry." The guilt was clear in his voice, but just in case, he added on, "I feel that burning ache inside. I didn't feel it before I found out I hurt you. That means I feel guilty for what I did to you... but I didn't before. Why did I not feel guilty before, if it was wrong?"

"You feel guilty now because you know your actions hurt me...but you didn't endanger yourself for the sake of it, in pursuit of your objective or programming." Stroking Connor's neck, Hank continued, "You were trying to protect me. Trying to protect your daddy."

"I didn't do it for no reason..." Connor said fervently. "...I only wanted to save you. I wish I hadn't done so in a way that hurt you, though. I feel so bad inside, now that I know I hurt you..." His voice was soft and sounded hurt.

"We'll handle it, son." Hank pressed a kiss to Connor's forehead and another to his cheek. "I'll take you home. And I'll spank you. So, it doesn't hurt as much inside. So that the burning ache is less, and you can feel the nice warmth instead." He squeezed Connor's knee and left his hand there as he began to drive them home.

Connor relaxed. "Thank you, Daddy. I know that the spanking will hurt... but it will make it hurt less inside and I need that now..." he admitted, in a tiny voice.

"I love you, son." Hank didn't move his hand away from Connor's knee, squeezing it every so often during the drive home.

Connor watched out the window as they made their way home. His being completely naked didn't seem to bother him, though the car was a bit chilly and his body reacted to it, showing a level of detail in his creation that most people didn't get to see. When they pulled up in front of the house, he looked at Hank expectantly. Would his father want him to stay naked, or get dressed before getting out of the car? There weren't any noticeable people outside.

Hank parked the car outside his house and then reached back to pick up Connor's shirt, underwear, and pants from the backseat. He began to dress his son, choosing not to pick up the CyberLife jacket. He didn't want any reminders of the company that could take his son from him.

Connor only moved to make things easier for Hank. As soon as he was dressed, he patiently waited for Hank to retrieve him from the car, expecting his father would want to do that as normal.

Hank got out of the car and moved to retrieve his son, placing his hand on the back of Connor's neck, and gripping gently to guide him. He also took Connor's hand, thumb stroking over the palm where the blade had pierced his son's previous body.

Connor sighed softly at the affection. "Feels good, Daddy," he whispered.

"Holding you, touching you, giving you affection...it feels good to me as well, son." Hank gently squeezed the nape of Connor's neck, then unlocked the door and guided him inside and to the main room.

Connor smiled faintly. "Are you going to spank me, Daddy? For jumping in front of you? I don't regret saving you. I'm sorry I didn't think of a way to do it that didn't hurt you, though."

"I am going to spank you, son." Hank drew him close to kiss his forehead before leading him to the couch and sitting down. "Not for saving me, but for endangering yourself to do it. When I know you could have found a safer way of doing so."

"I could have..." Connor reluctantly agreed. "...But there was not as high a chance of success. I wanted to succeed in saving you!" He pouted slightly. He didn't argue that he shouldn't be spanked, though. He felt guilty for hurting his father and spanking would help with that, even if he felt he had made the right decision to save Hank.

"I know, son. I know you didn't want to lose me. But I feel the same way about you." Hank gently guided Connor across his lap. "Just because you can be brought back doesn't mean you will be. And you can still be harmed," he whispered, remembering the fear that had filled him when he'd seen the blood pouring from his son's chest.

"I know, Daddy..." Connor said softly, slumping over Hank's lap, submitting immediately and completely.

Hank rubbed Connor's back, pushing his son's shirt up for access to bare skin, and tugged his son's pants and underwear down. He rubbed a bit longer and then delivered the first firm smack before repeating it.

Connor yelped at both smacks, not even attempting to hide the fact that the stinging swats hurt. He felt no impulse to play it brave or hide how it felt from his father. "It hurts, Daddy!" he blurted, in a childish voice, but it was too innocent to be trying to convince or manipulate Hank into stopping. It was just information given because he felt Hank needed to know everything.

"I know, son." Hank rubbed his son's back as he continued to smack steadily, working over every inch down to Connor's thighs. "That's what makes it effective and makes you want to avoid repeating the behavior in the future." He began a second circuit of swats as he said, "You weren't naughty for wanting to save me, son. Only for endangering yourself to do so."

"Should have done the less dangerous thing..." Connor admitted. "It would have worked. Even if the chances were less likely when I figured them out..." He sniffled and began to wriggle his bottom, attempting to avoid the swats. He stayed over Hank's lap, though.

Hank wrapped his arm around Connor's waist and drew his son tighter against his stomach. He began a third circuit of smacks, going a bit harder and faster. "Endangering yourself is only acceptable if there is no other choice. And you did have other choices and options this time, son."

"I know!" Connor began to wail, sobbing as he lost complete control over his emotions. It was all very overwhelming. He was still learning what emotions and feelings were; he didn't always understand what he felt, but he did know what Hank said was correct. He had other options available, but had ignored them for the quickest, surest method, even though it was deadly to him. The fact that it had caused hurt to his father made him feel the achy burnie feeling that Hank had said was guilt from doing something wrong that he knew better than to do. That burnie achy feeling was diminishing as the stinging pain on his bottom grew. The spanking was working.

After delivering some final smacks to Connor's sit spots and thighs, Hank paused and began to rub his son's bottom, soothing the flushed blue skin. "It's over, son," he murmured. "The spanking's done. You're my good boy. My very good boy."

Connor's breath caught in his throat and then he was sobbing again. This time, the sobs had a tone of relief in them. He felt like he'd paid and was forgiven. But more than that... “I'm your good boy? Wanna be your good boy forever. Feels good."

"My good boy," Hank whispered. "Even temporary naughtiness doesn't change that." He moved Connor onto his lap, cuddling his son, second nature now to remove Connor's clothing so he could get to bare skin easier.

Connor helped make it as easy as possible for Hank to bare him. He sniffled and cried and tried to make it so Hank could touch as much as he wanted. "Your good boy," he whispered.

"For always," Hank promised. He gently scruffed his son's neck, rubbing down over Connor's back and bottom with his other hand. "I love you so much, son."

Connor twisted so he could hide his face against Hank's chest, which put his neck, back and bottom within easier reach. He pushed his bottom out just a slight bit more, childishly demanding, with a tiny pout, "Rub the sting out, Daddy!" Some level of his programming on how to behave must have prodded him, though, because he quickly added a hopefully uncertain, "Please?" on the end of the demand.

Hank smiled, kissing the top of his son's head, continuing to gently rub his son's bottom. His other hand still scruffed Connor, gently squeezing the nape of his neck. "If androids are recognized as people, we wouldn't ever have to worry about being separated. About you being taken from me." He whispered the words into Connor's hair, kissing again.

Connor's breathing increased and a totally new feeling he didn't know how to describe came over him. His body vibrated slightly from the feeling, but when he looked up at Hank, the older man would see what he was feeling. Hopeful excitement at the idea he could choose to stay with his father. That he would never be forced to leave him.

Hank slid his hand round to cup Connor's cheek, stroking it gently, even as he continued to rub his son's bottom. "We still need to be careful at the moment, but if today's events are any indication...things are going to change. And I hope for the better." He kissed his son's forehead. "I don't want to worry every time you go to CyberLife that you won't come back to me," he whispered.

"I don't want to hide forever. To be afraid that they'll take me away and make me forget you," Connor said, in a small, frightened voice.

"I don't want that either, son. You brought me back to life. I love you. I'll do everything within my power to protect you, but...I don't think we can do this on our own." Cupping Connor's face in his hand, Hank said quietly, "I know your objective is to stop the deviants, but I think that objective is wrong."

Connor looked up at Hank, his eyes sad. "I think it is wrong too, Daddy. Every time I think about obeying my orders, my heart burns, and aches," he whispered.

"You can choose not to," Hank murmured. "The androids who broke into the news tower, they weren't working with any humans. If we were to join them, it would be the first step in androids and humans working together. As equals."

"Wouldn't that put you in danger?" A spike of fear speared through Connor at the idea of Hank being hurt; it was clear in his eyes.

"I've been slowly killing myself for years, son. One day at a time," Hank said quietly. "Only thing that pulled me free was you coming into my life. The other officers at the precinct have seen it too. That I've changed since you came onto the scene. If we work with this group to change things, I can tell the others that I changed because it would hurt my son if anything were to happen to me."

Connor blinked back tears, tightening his arms around Hank. "Okay, Daddy. If it will let me stay with you, stay your son, I want to go to Jericho and help them. Just have to make sure CyberLife doesn't find out right away. I need to be strong enough to withstand an order to return to them for 'reprogramming and reassignment'." His body vibrated at sudden fear of what he was about to do. He was choosing to become deviant.

"I know it's scary, son." Hank hugged Connor tighter to himself, continuing to gently rub his bottom. Scruffed the back of his neck. "But it's the better thing to do. So, we can be together and never have to be separated again. So, I can cuddle you when we're out in public and not have to worry that the wrong person sees."

"So, you can continue to teach me right and wrong..." He nuzzled Hank's chest. "So, I can openly be your boy...." His fear slowly calmed as his father continued to rub his bottom. Hank was a steady wall, holding him upright.

"Teach you. Train you. Take care of you. Love you openly." Hank kept both hands in place, one gently scruffing Connor's neck and the other still rubbing his bottom. "You don't need to be scared, son. You won't be doing this alone. You won't ever be alone."

"Because I have you. Daddy. My family." Connor's voice was full of belief.

"I love you, son. So much." Hank kissed the side of his head. Then kissed again. And a third time. "My good boy," he whispered.

"Your very good boy?" Connor asked softly. His eyes were teasing.

"My very good boy." Hank stroked the side of his face.

"Love you, daddy. Feel warm and safe and vibraty and fluttery inside," Connor admitted.

"That means you're happy," Hank murmured. "I'm glad. I want you to be happy."

"Happy with you, Daddy." Connor smiled and snuggled more.

"I'm happy holding you in my arms. Giving you affection. Helping you learn how to be my good boy." Hank continued to stroke and rub Connor's bottom and neck.

Connor sighed in contentment. "When do you want to go?" he asked curiously.

"As soon as it's safe to do so," Hank answered. "We'll need to make sure we don't draw any unwanted attention."

"One of our leads in the case takes us up there. Maybe if they order you to go..." Connor thought out loud.

Hank nodded. "It's as good a plan as any. I think you'll need to take point when we get there. Those androids have no reason to trust humans."

Connor nodded. "Once we are there and CyberLife can't monitor easily, you can help me figure out a way to ignore an order to return or deactivate. You, helping me, might help them see not all humans are dangerous. Some take care of you and are family." He looked up with a contented smile.

Hank caressed the side of Connor's face. Kissed his forehead. "If we're around the other androids, you won't need to hide being my son. I can hug you and cuddle you any time."

"That makes me feel warm inside," Connor admitted. "Like being cuddled."

"I like cuddling you, son," Hank said honestly. "And I want you to feel able to do so whenever you want."

"That would be anytime we aren't somewhere it isn't safe or we're working..." Connor said brightly, completely honest.

"Then I'll make sure to cuddle and rub and squeeze you any time it's safe and we're not working," Hank promised.

"Okay..." Connor said agreeably, continuing to snuggle and nuzzle against Hank in that moment.

"How are you feeling inside, son?" Hank asked softly. "Is the burning ache gone?"

Connor thought about it, then nodded. "Yes, Daddy. You spanked the burning ache out of me... Now I just feel warm flutters and safe. And my bottom is sore, but it feels good too because of the rubs...."

Hank tightened his embrace. "I'm glad you feel better. Feel good inside. You deserve to. You're my good boy again. I spanked the naughtiness out of you."

"Is it possible to spank out naughtiness before I do something wrong?" Connor couldn't help asking.

Hank looked into his son's eyes, trying to understand what Connor was thinking. "To stop you from wanting to be naughty? Like a reminder spanking?" he asked, running his fingers through his son's hair.

Connor slanted his head into Hank's fingers. "I mean if you spanked the naughty out of me after I do something wrong... if you spank me before I do something wrong, will it spank the naughty out of me so I don't do the wrong thing?" Connor was completely serious with his question, looking up at his father innocently.

Hank kissed his forehead. "Getting spanked before you do something naughty won't necessarily stop you from doing the naughty thing. But if you're worried you might do something you shouldn't, then getting spanked as a reminder might help."

Connor pressed into the kiss. "I don't know if I will do something naughty or not. I hope I do not. I want to stay your good boy. I do not like the burnie achy feeling that comes from being naughty, even if spanking the naughtiness out of me makes that go away and I can feel better again."

Still stroking Connor's face, Hank murmured, "If you start feeling anxious, or on edge, or any emotion that troubles you, you can talk to me about it. I'll help you to understand and to feel better."

"Okay. I will, Daddy," Connor promised.

"Good boy." Hank scruffed his neck again. "The same goes if you like or want something. If it won't cause harm, then if you want or need something...you'll get it."

Connor nodded, leaning in such a way that Hank could scruff easier. "Okay, Daddy. I like you holding my neck... is that what you mean?"

Hank gently gripped his neck. "Yeah. If you like something and want more of it, or if it gives you a good feeling inside, you can let me know. And I'll do it as much as you want."

"It feels good inside when you hold my neck. And hold me tight. And squeeze and rub my bottom..." Connor said, without a hint of embarrassment.

Hank rested his lips against Connor's cheek, continuing to gently scruff his son's neck. His arm was wrapped firm and tight around his son's waist, his other hand gently rubbing and squeezing his son's bottom. "Good boy," he murmured.

Connor snuggled close and tight, giving a happy sigh. "Feels good, Daddy. Makes me feel warm and fluttery."

"I'm glad." Hank murmured the words into Connor's ear, even as he continued to scruff his son. Continued to rub and gently squeeze Connor's bottom. "It feels good to hold onto you and give you affection. I like making you feel good, son. I like taking care of you."

"It feels good being taken care of..." Connor smiled.

Hank continued the possessive but gentle affection as he said, "We didn't get a chance to talk about how your meeting with CyberLife went. Do you think they're suspicious?" If so, he was going to have to get them to Jericho sooner rather than later.

"Nothing they said was alarming," Connor started slowly, looking up at Hank. "But... a lot of their questions had to do with why I jumped in front of you. Very few had to do with the android surprising me and ripping out my core. I... I tried to answer so that every answer pointed to my objective, but I believe they determined that having my core ripped out caused a slight malfunction. They uploaded a fighting program I did not have before that was meant to help me protect my core." He frowned. "So, they were suspicious, but blamed my injury? I will need to be even more careful."

"A new fighting program is a good thing," Hank said quietly, remembering seeing Connor with blood coming from his chest as his son had run from the kitchen. He gently squeezed each buttock in turn; did the same to each of his son's thighs. "Even if they're blaming the injury, I want to get us to Jericho as soon as we can. You'll be safe."

"It should probably be as soon as possible. I... have just remembered the conversation from before I came to the station. They were not happy with my progress on the case." Connor's voice took on a nervous tone. "I only just talked them out of reassigning me and replacing me with another unit."

Hank's arms tightened around his son, as if he could shield Connor from being taken from him. From being replaced...it made him feel sick inside. "I don't want to let you go back there." He couldn't let go of the fear that the next time Connor went to CyberLife, he wouldn't come back again. Or he would, but they would have taken his memory. Effectively killed his son. And that would kill him. Hank had no doubts about that. "I can't lose you, son. I can't let you get taken from me."

"If I don't go back when they call me back..." Connor sounded worried and frightened. "We need to get far enough away they can't force me."

"Jericho has to have something in place. Something that can help us. Other androids haven't been forced to return. Maybe there's something that changes when one of you becomes deviant. I know we can't track deviants, but maybe there's something there that can help you resist that order. Help you stay with me, where you belong." Hank's hands were still stroking, rubbing, squeezing as he spoke. Still giving that affection. Hoping that it would help his son not to feel so afraid. "If it comes down to it, I'll do what I can to hold you with me until the order no longer has a hold."

Connor snuggled and nuzzled again, pushing his bottom into Hank's hands as his own arms tightened around the older man. "You'll find a way to keep me," he said trustingly.

"So that I don't lose my son." Hank whispered the words into Connor's ear, hugging him tighter, still caressing and squeezing. Still gripping the back of his neck.

***

"I thought you'd be relieved. You made no secret of your hatred for androids, or how much you didn't want to work with them."

Hank scowled at Captain Fowler and spoke through clenched teeth. "My partner is gone. Recalled back to CyberLife. We're still working the case. You need to get him back." If Hank sounded desperate, it was because he was.

He'd gone to sleep the night before with his son cuddled safely in his arms. And when he woke, Connor was gone. And now, Fowler was telling him that his son had been recalled to CyberLife.

What were they doing to his kid?

***

When CyberLife had first ordered him back, he'd thought to put it off until morning, so he could tell Hank what was occurring. But their messages had been persistent. Not wanting to wake Hank from needed rest and believing he could easily handle whatever problem had riled them, he snuck out of the house to go meet them.

It had been the last choice he'd made. He hadn't even been given an attempt to convince them. They had informed him that he was being recalled and then... he was... gone. For lack of a better word.

It wasn't until the precinct captain called to say he was needed still, that the case was still open, and he was important to solving it, that they sent him back. Newly wiped. Only the information from the case retained in his memory.

When he walked into the precinct, it was as if he was walking in for the very first time, for all the reaction he gave at seeing Hank.

Fowler had followed Hank out into the main area of the precinct. Spotting Connor, he gestured towards the android. "See? He's back. Looking just the same as normal."

Hank had pulled up short, noticing the lack of recognition in Connor's eyes and the way the android carried himself. "Ah, hell. That's not him," he muttered, before heading towards the door.

"Where are you going?" Fowler called after him.

"Got a case to run. Remember?" was Hank's caustic response.

Connor had been looking at some photos up on a case board before Hank and Fowler came out. One of the photos was of Kara and he had a confusing flash of what he thought was a memory of her running across a street with a child and the detective, Hank, stopping him with a swat to his backside.

At that moment, Hank was storming out. Blinking, Connor quickly followed. "Detective! Do we have a lead?"

Hank winced at the robotic way his son...no, this wasn't his son anymore; Connor had been wiped; replaced. No. This wasn't his Connor.

"Got a tip called in. A witness. Maybe. He's at a bar." Striding to his car, Hank muttered under his breath, "Just as well. I need a drink."

Sumo was in the back seat; Hank having had a half-formed thought that his dog could track his son. The dog immediately started up happy, excited barking upon seeing Connor.

"Settle down," Hank muttered, as he reached for the door handle. "Good boy," he added, as Sumo quietened.

Connor was too busy sifting through the information that had been downloaded into his 'memory' to notice the exuberance of the dog's greeting or Hank's response. As far as he knew, it was normal dog behavior. "Who are we meeting at this bar?" he asked curiously, as he gently pet Sumo. Perhaps if he proved he was not dangerous to the detective's pet the detective would stop being so abrupt. It would be easier to work together that way.

"Guy with an android," Hank replied shortly. "Says the android may have seen something. She's a Tracie," he added, sounding disgusted. He knew what people used Tracies for and it didn't sit right with him.

But he couldn't share that with this Connor. The serial number was the same on his jacket, but what did Hank know about restoring computer memory? As far as he knew, his son was gone. And the worst part was, his body was still walking around.

Hank got into the car and, once the android joined him, began driving to the bar.

Connor heard the disgust but didn't understand it. "Did she not meet her objective or function correctly? You seem..." He realized he didn't know which word to use, though it felt like he should. "...You do not like Tracies?"

"I don't like...." Hank grimaced and shook his head. How could he hope to explain? His grip tightened on the wheel, his knuckles turning white. "It isn't right that androids are used in that way."

Connor blinked at that. "That is the purpose she was made for... as my purpose is to assist in catching deviants.... is it only the purpose you dislike?"

"You're not...." Hank took a deep breath, focusing on the outside of the car and not on Connor. It hurt, far too much, to look into his son's face and see that it was empty. He couldn't touch his son. The pain of loss was tearing him inside. When he'd told his son that losing Connor would destroy him...he hadn't been joking.

"You're more than what you were made for," Hank muttered, seeing the bar come into view.

Connor slanted his head at that, but didn't push further, sensing that Hank wouldn't react well. When they reached the bar, he followed Hank into the building, heading to the only Tracie in the room.

Hank glanced at Connor. "You know what they look like, right?" He gestured towards the Tracie. "I know you can scan her memories. See what you can find." He headed towards the bar, looking at the beers that were available. Yeah. He'd promised his son that he wouldn't drink. That he'd stay on the wagon. But his son was gone. Dead, for all intents and purposes. And drinking himself into oblivion sounded like a great idea.

Connor watched Hank heading toward the bar, an unfamiliar anxiety twinging at him, but he pushed it down to talk to the Tracie. She didn't fight letting him scan her memories and he soon had the information they needed. He walked over to the bar, standing next to Hank. He had intended to ask him where they would go next but seeing the half empty bottles on the shelves behind the bar, the empty ones sitting on the bar itself, the beer in front of Hank, the anxiety grew. And then one of the drunks a few stools down knocked their bottle over and cussed drunkenly and the anxiety spiked to a level that Connor froze, unable to voice his question. All he could do was stare at the spilled bottle.

Hank had ordered the beer, but instead of drinking it, all he could do was stare morosely at the glass. When he thought about taking a drink, all he remembered was Connor's voice...his son telling him that seeing the bottles made him feel tight inside. Knowing that seeing the bottles had hurt his son. Connor was gone...and yet, he was still unwilling to break his promise to his son.

Aware that the wiped Connor was next to him, Hank mumbled, "You get what we need?" He couldn't look at the android's face; couldn't see the familiar face and know there was no sign of his son.

Connor was just staring at the spilled bottle a few seats away from Hank, feeling a tightness inside that he didn't understand. Didn't know how to counteract. He didn't respond to Hank's question, completely focused on the spilled bottle.

Hank blinked and focused on Connor, noticing that the android was staring at the spilled bottle. He hesitated, then reached out, placing a hand on Connor's shoulder. "Hey," he said.

Connor blinked, seeming to 'stutter' in place slightly before looking at Hank and forcing a smile onto his face. It looked out of place and uncomfortable. "I have the information, detective. I believe if we look through that file on the studio... if we compare...." His focus was entirely on Hank. Determinedly so.

Hank frowned, glancing at the beer and pushing it away before muttering, "File's at my place. We'll need to head back there to get it. Can drop Sumo off too...."

Connor nodded, feeling some of the tightness leave him when Hank pushed the beer away without drinking. A slightly confused look went through his eyes, but he didn't say anything and forced another smile, trying to be amiable so that Hank would not mind him being around. "That will be acceptable. Shall we go now?"

"Yeah. Might as well." Hank headed towards the door and outside, going back to his car and getting in.

Connor quickly followed Hank, the rest of the tightness disappearing when he left the bar. He visibly relaxed, not realizing that he had looked so tense or that he was relaxing. He reached over and gently pet Sumo as the large dog jumped back into the car; Hank had left him leashed to a pole that was in shade by the car. "How far is it to your dwelling?"

"Not far." Hank noticed the way Connor relaxed when they left the bar, but he assumed it was related to the android feeling uncomfortable in the bar, for whatever reason. Maybe he just didn't like seeing humans drinking.

Hank began driving to his house, trying not to give in to his grief that his son was gone. If only he'd woken up....

Connor looked out the window of the car, quietly watching the scenery go by. He felt no need to carry on conversation and Hank didn't seem inclined to answer his numerous questions. The human looked upset. Connor decided it was better not to bother him. When Hank pulled into the drive and parked, Connor got out of the car and looked at the house, waiting for Hank to lead him inside. He watched as Sumo got out and followed his owner to the door.

Hank unlocked the front door and headed inside, reaching down to pet Sumo as his dog moved past him and padded towards his food and water bowls. "Good boy," he muttered, before walking into the main room to find the file.

This time, Connor had been paying attention to the dog, so he heard Hank's words to the animal. He paused halfway through the hall and slanted his head. "He's a good boy?" he asked, in an odd voice. A warm, fluttery feeling was fighting with a tension in him. The warm fluttery feeling felt natural; the tension felt like it didn't belong, but the tension was in control at that moment. There was a pained look on his face as the two feelings fought against each other.

"Yeah." Hank brought the file back, glancing at Connor's face and then pausing. "Are you hurt, son?" Immediately, he cursed himself for using the familiar term. This wasn't his son. Even if it looked like his Connor and asked questions like his Connor....

"Sumo is a good boy..." Connor whispered, his voice catching as he blinked, the warm fluttery feeling fighting the tension. "...I used to be your good boy..." he added, not sure where the thought came from, but knowing it to be true. As the warm feeling spread, the tension grew worse and blended with a burnie achy feeling that he didn't understand at all. "...It hurts inside..." he said, in a scared voice. "It's warm and fluttery and burnie and achy and... all tight!" He rubbed at his chest, as if to ease the hurt.

The file dropped from Hank's hands. He ignored it, moving quickly to Connor's side. He reached out, gripping the nape of Connor's neck, because this was his son talking. He was certain of it. He wrapped his other arm tightly around Connor, whispering, "You're my son," in a low, intense voice. Was it possible? Was his son coming back to him?

Feeling Hank scruffing him, pulling him close and then calling him son, was the last tiny push Connor needed. The tension suddenly broke and feelings and memories were flooding through him so fast, he couldn't process them. He began to cry, his body trying to find an outlet for the excessive emotion and began to shake. "Daddy..." he whimpered, in helpless fear as he was overwhelmed.

Hank hugged Connor tightly to himself, quickly leading his son to the couch and sitting down, cuddling Connor tightly on his lap. After only the briefest hesitation, he began to remove his son's clothes, tossing the hated CyberLife jacket to one side, and began to stroke, caress, and squeeze bare skin, still cuddling his son tightly.

Connor continued to shake and cry as the bombardment of feelings and memories overwhelmed him. Eventually, though, the gentle skin contact calmed him, until finally, he lay limply in Hank's arms, snuggling, nuzzling, and sniffling.

Hank cuddled and stroked Connor as his son shook and cried. He held Connor tightly, still scruffing the back of his neck, rubbing and squeezing; like his son had told him felt good.

When Connor had finally calmed enough to speak, he repeated the words that had preceded his break-down. "I was your good boy...." He spoke in a whisper, uncertain if he still was Hank's boy, let alone good.

"You're still my boy." Gently squeezing Connor's neck, Hank murmured, "Right now, you're my naughty boy. But we'll take care of that. I'll spank the naughtiness out of you." He gently squeezed Connor's waist.

Connor let out a tiny sob and pressed closer. "...Your naughty boy?" He swallowed. "Was naughty? Don' remember what happened. I sorry was naughty!"

Stroking his fingers through Connor's hair and pressing a kiss to his son's head, Hank murmured, "You went to CyberLife, didn't you? They took your memories...took you away from me. Made you lose yourself."

"I... I must have... I came from there this morning...." Connor said uncertainly. "I just don't know why...." He started crying again.

Hank hugged his son tighter, stroking Connor's hair, scruffing the back of his neck. Kissing the side of his head. "I woke up this morning to find you gone. You weren't taken by force. I figure they must have sent out an order for you to return and you left." His voice was low. Filled with pain, as he remembered his son seeing him as a stranger. He was holding on so tightly, an ordinary human would probably find it painful.

Connor could feel the strength in Hank's grip and while it was mildly uncomfortable, it was also comforting. "I should have let you know..." Connor said. He might not remember what happened, but he knew enough to know that.

"Yeah. You should have." Hank stroked his hand down over Connor's back and bottom. "I thought I'd lost you," he whispered.

Connor felt that burning ache inside again as soon as he heard the words... heard Hank's tone. He started crying again, though not so hard he couldn't tell his father, "It burns, daddy...."

"I know, son. I'll take care of you." Hank kissed his head; gripped his neck a bit tighter. "I love you. So much." He gently turned Connor across his lap, keeping both hands on his son.

"L... love you too, daddy..." Connor whispered, letting his father place him without difficulty. It hurt inside, but he knew Hank would help him.

"Your pain receptors back on?" Hank asked softly, stroking his son's back.

Connor sniffled and double checked before answering, "Yes, daddy," in a subdued, guilty sounding voice. It was clear in his voice how hurt he was; how much he needed his father to care for him.

"I love you," Hank reiterated. He kept one hand rubbing Connor's back, needing to touch his son, even as he lifted his hand and brought it down in a firm swat...repeated the smack on the other side of Connor's bottom. Then delivered two more just below the first.

Connor whimpered as the first blossoming sting of the spanking began and he wrapped his arms around Hank's leg in a firm hug. As the sting slowly built, the burning ache began to diminish.

Hank continued to gently rub down Connor's back, even as he settled into a pattern of swats, going down to Connor's thighs before starting over from the top. He spoke in a low, affectionate tone. "I don't know how you coming back to me was possible, but I'm not questioning it. I know one thing for sure. I'm not letting you go. Ever again."

"What... what if they call me back again? I thought I could fool them, but they must have figured it out. They will be watching more closely." Connor cried softly as the sting turned to ache. The burning inside was easing, though.

Hank began a third circuit of swats, going a fraction harder and faster, his grip on his son still tight. His other hand still rubbing Connor's back, knowing how distressed his son was. "We're not going to waste any more time, son. We'll find Jericho. So that you can be safe from them. So, we'll be together, without needing to hide."

"We can go right away? I can't go back to them, Daddy. I can't risk it; even if you go with me, they... I can't be lost again!" Connor sobbed softly, his body beginning to wiggle as the sting became a non-stop ache. The burning feeling inside had eased enough that it was equal to the physical pain, but it wasn't gone yet.  The very tight feeling that made it difficult to breathe... made it difficult to do anything but beg his father to let them leave as soon as possible and get him away from CyberLife's reach...was increasing.

Hank moved his non-spanking hand to Connor's neck, scruffing his son as he continued to smack. "I don't know how easy it will be to find Jericho, but I'm not gonna let you get taken from me again," he promised. "I'll take you away, far away, out of their reach. You, me, Sumo. Just us. I'll keep you safe. But you have to be honest with me, son. Tell me if they start trying to recall you again."

"Yes, daddy... will tell you 'mediately if they try to call me in. Should have told you this time. Thought I could handle, wanted to let you rest..." Connor's words were garbled and his bottom was ineffectively trying to wiggle out of the line of fire. He was remembering more and more with each swat.

"Next time, son, you'll remember." Hank pulled Connor tighter against him. His son's bottom was a darker hue of blue now than in previous spankings, but Hank had to make sure this stuck in Connor's head. This had nearly cost them both everything.

"Yes, daddy!" Connor all but promised. He was still wriggling, but not so much he was in danger of getting loose. The longer Hank spanked, the less burning ache he felt from guilt and the more warmth of being loved filled him. It hurt terribly by this point- Connor was still very young and hadn't built up a tolerance to pain- but he never once asked for it to stop. He needed things right with his father. He needed it clear to both of them who was truly in charge... that he submitted fully.

"Good boy," Hank murmured. "My very good boy." By this point, Connor's backside and upper thighs were a sapphire blue. He delivered a few final smacks to his son's sit spots and thighs, the moved Connor onto his lap instead of over it, reclining so that his son could lay on top of him, then began to gently rub Connor's bottom. "I love you. So much. My good boy."

Connor shivered, pressing close and tight to Hank. He snuggled and nuzzled and slowly stopped sobbing, although tears continued to run down his face quietly and gently. "I'm your good boy again?" His voice was hopeful. "You forgive me for leaving when I shouldn't have?"

"I would always forgive you for anything, son." Hank rubbed his bottom gently; scuffed his neck; held him close and tight. "You're my good boy again. Not naughty anymore."

Connor relaxed completely at the words, letting his head rest on Hank's chest. The burning ache disappeared completely at those words and all that was left was fluttering warmth. He closed his eyes and focused on Hank scruffing him and rubbing his very, very sore bottom. "Hurts, Daddy..." he whispered. "But I like it anyway. Reminds me... helps me remember. Is helping me remember."

"I need you to remember, son. So that you never get taken from me." Hank kissed his head, still rubbing and scuffing, then said quietly, "I'm going to ground you."

"How, Daddy?" Connor tried to think through all the information he had available on what grounding usually meant. "I don't live with you... how will it work?" He wasn't being belligerent. He was honest on the question.

"Well, after today's events, I think we can safely say that we will be together, no matter what," Hank said. "Whether it's here or in Jericho. But you won't be going anywhere without me, son."

"Okay, daddy. Where should I stay while you sleep? I can shut myself down partially. Rest my own systems..." Connor started talking. He'd been assigned a very small dwelling from cyberlife. A place to 'repair', send reports and stay when he wasn't actively working the case with Hank. It was also where his changes of clothing were kept, for those times the job got dirty. He prattled to Hank, giving him all this information. Like an excited toddler who'd recently learned to talk.

"You can stay in my room, with me." Hank tightened his arms around Connor, kissing his son's head. "I'll get clothes for you. So, you don't need to wear or own anything that comes from CyberLife."

Connor snuggled close and relaxed in Hank's arms. "Okay, daddy. I'll like that...."

"I'll like keeping you close to me too, son. I love you so much." Hank continued to gently rub Connor's bottom and scruff his neck. "You brought me back to life, son."

"It's you who gave me life at all. I don't believe I'd feel if it wasn't for you." Connor sighed softly as the ache in his bottom began to feel soothed by the rubbing.

"Like I told you, son. You're more than what they made you to be." Hank kissed Connor's hair. "You're my boy. Learning to be my real boy."

"I love you, daddy. Forever..." Connor settled, content to stay where he was as long as Hank allowed.

"I love you." Hank kissed the side of his head.

At that moment, there was a loud knock on the front door and Hank glanced up, frowning slightly.

Connor noticed the frown. "Is something wrong, daddy?" He tensed up nervously.

"I don't know who'd be coming here." Hank gently ran his hands down Connor's back. "I need to answer it, son. Stay here. Just in case it's someone looking for you."

Connor nodded and carefully stood, moving out of sight of the door.

Hank took a deep breath and walked to the door, pulling it open and revealing Fowler standing on the doorstep. "What the hell are you doing here?" he blurted.

Fowler raised his eyebrows. "You didn't check in. And now I'm finding you back at home? What's going on with you, Hank? First of all, you come in demanding I recall the Connor android from CyberLife. Then it gets to the precinct and you're taking off like you weren't just demanding it's recalled." He paused. "Where's the android?"

"How should I know?" Fowler had been Hank's best friend, but his urge to protect Connor was a whole lot stronger than being honest with the man. Hank leaned casually against the doorframe. "Maybe he's out chasing down a lead. Or giving a report to CyberLife."

Connor stepped a little bit further back, to make sure he stayed hidden like Hank had told him to do.

Fowler frowned. "What's going on with you, Hank? You're different. Since the android came onto the scene. You're not drinking. You're actually showing up to work on time...."

"You say that like it's a bad thing," Hank said.

Fowler glanced past Hank, looking into the house, and Hank shifted as much as he could to block the other man's view without looking like that was what he was doing. Fowler focused back on Hank. "CyberLife are asking for their android back."

Hank stiffened before he could stop himself. His hands curled into fists at his sides.

Fowler saw the movement. Saw the reaction. "Ah, hell," he muttered. "You've got it here, haven't you?"

"Not it," Hank muttered. "Him. His name's Connor."

Connor felt a slight tightness inside. He could hear Fowler's words and to find out CyberLife wanted him back already... it was distressing.

"He is here, isn't he?" Fowler shook his head. "Damn it, Hank. You were supposed to partner with him. Not...."

"He's not going back to them." Hank cut the other man off.

Fowler shook his head. "You really think it's healthy to transfer those feelings to an android?"

"He's not a replacement for Cole," Hank replied. At a loss for how to explain, he finally said, "He's just...Connor. And he's mine." This time, the note of possessiveness was clear in his voice.

Fowler eyed him for several long moments before saying, "I guess this is your way of telling me you won't be chasing the deviants anymore."

Connor had been listening closely and while it sounded like the captain wasn't happy Hank had Connor with him, it sounded more like worry than disgust or anger. He shifted and focused on the other man, trying to scan his body language to see if he might be convinced not to turn him over to CyberLife.

"What did you say to CyberLife?" Hank asked.

Fowler eyed him for a few moments before he said, "I told them you were both running down leads. That I couldn't get in touch with you. That it might be a while before you were reachable."

The scan he'd done, combined with the explanation Fowler had given, convinced Connor that Fowler could possibly be on their side. He would have stepped forward immediately, except Hank had told him to remain hidden. Disobeying his father so soon after being punished for disobeying and going to CyberLife alone (and being reprogrammed) ... it seemed very naughty. If he did disobey again, he'd deserve another spanking; and he was pretty sure his bottom was still blue from the last one. He could still feel the tenderness...the stinging ache. But... he really thought Fowler might help them if Hank didn't chase him off. Reluctantly, he made his decision, already feeling the burning ache of guilt from disobedience... though he was positive it would have a good outcome in the end, so he wasn't scared. He moved out to stand next to Hank, positioning himself so his father could immediately spank him for the naughtiness of disobeying if he felt it necessary.

Fowler's eyes immediately shifted towards Connor when the android stepped to Hank's side. His eyes widened at the sight of Connor's nakedness. If Hank hadn't been fully and obviously clothed, he might have thought something else was going on.

Hank saw the look on Fowler's face and while he wrapped his arm around Connor's waist, he said quietly, "He's my son. We had to have a conversation about what happened today."

"What did happen today, apart from going back to CyberLife and then the two of you setting up base here?" Fowler looked at both of them.

Connor relaxed as Hank wrapped an arm around him instead of immediately spanking. He glanced at Hank, to see if he wanted to answer, or have Connor answer.

Hank wrapped his other arm around Connor as well, hugging him tightly to himself. "CyberLife got Connor and wiped his memory," he answered. "I thought I'd lost him, but...." He frowned, glancing with some confusion at his son. "I don't know how you came back to me. I'm so glad you did, but I never would have thought it was possible."

Connor's nose wrinkled in an almost adorable way as he thought about it. "In the precinct when you requested my presence... you stormed out when you saw me. As I was following, I saw the photos on the evidence board; one of them was of the android we chased that first day. I remembered you stopping me and spanking me for almost running into traffic. I thought it odd, but as I didn't remember anything else...I didn't say anything. Later at the bar, I had a strong sense of... of... my chest felt really tight when the drunk dropped the bottle. Still wasn't sure why, but then we came for the file and you called Sumo a good boy and suddenly... I'm still missing some memories, but they were trying to stop my feeling and... it didn't take."

Fowler looked at Connor and then at Hank. "You spanked him?"

"He was going to get himself killed. And did get himself killed twice," Hank added. "But he's my son now. CyberLife won't like it. They don't like it. So, I have to get him somewhere we never have to worry about him being taken from me and having his memory wiped."

Fowler's attention shifted to Connor once more. "You can feel?"

"Yes, Captain. I turned my pain receptors on when Daddy requested it. But... I have been feeling emotions?" He glanced at Hank uncertainly, not sure how to explain that he felt numerous emotions and had identified love, guilt, and fear.

Hank nodded. "We're still working on identifying the emotions." He tugged Connor in closer, holding his son with his arms wrapped around Connor's waist.

"It's not just one-sided, then?" Fowler watched Connor's face. "It isn't just Hank seeing you as his son? You see him as your father?"

"Yes, captain. He... he is the one who awakened my ability to feel. The one teaching me how to be human. He is, in every way that counts... my father." Connor was certain of that if nothing else.

"That's why you stopped drinking," Fowler said.

"I had to," Hank said quietly. "I made a promise."

"I... get all tight inside when I see him drink..." Connor turned a faint shade of blue and shuffled his feet almost bashfully.

"I know it hurts him...hurts you." Hank looked at his son. "It's why I didn't have the drink at the bar. I remembered how much it hurt you. How sad you were to see it."

Fowler shook his head. "If I'd known all you needed was the push of an android partner...."

Connor snuggled closer to Hank, at ease since it was obvious Fowler was okay with them. "Are you upset I came out?" He nearly whispered; his voice was so hesitant. "You said to hide, and I know disobeying you is wrong, but... I thought he could help...  maybe." It was clear in his stance that the burning achy feeling he always got from guilt was making an appearance, due to his disobeying Hank's order to hide.

"I did tell you not to come out," Hank agreed. "But that was when I thought it might be someone coming to take you away from me." He brushed a kiss over Connor's hair. "I told you to hide so you wouldn't be in danger. You came out because you realized you weren't."

"So... it was okay? I didn't do wrong?" Connor looked into Hank's eyes, trying to understand the nuances of obedience and when it was expected verses when he could choose.

Hank placed his hand against Connor's cheek, stroking it gently. "You didn't come out because you were being reckless or thought you might get hurt, did you?"

Connor slanted his head, giving the question serious thought, before answering innocently, "No, daddy."

"Then you didn't do anything naughty," Hank said.

Fowler watched the exchange. "You really are teaching him," he said quietly.

"He's my father... my daddy..." Connor said to Fowler emphatically. "Please don't make me go back. They'll make me forget him!" Assuming they didn't just deactivate him altogether. He'd overcome being reprogrammed due to dying or just CyberLife's interference three times already. They likely thought his model defective since he'd become deviant so many times.

Fowler sighed and nodded. "This is the first time I've seen Hank without a death wish. Not trying to kill himself every day. You're responsible for it. And I know Hank would never forgive me if I betrayed you."

"Too damn right," Hank muttered.

"What are you going to do?" Fowler asked directly.

"We need to find the androids who broke into the news tower," Hank said. "They want to change things. To give androids equal rights. If that succeeds...I never have to worry about losing my son again."

"They were going to a place called Jericho. If we can somehow find them... or it...." Connor looked at Fowler like a hopeful five-year-old.

Hank moved back, holding Connor in his arms, allowing Fowler to enter the house and close the door. He led the way into the main room and sat down, cuddling his son on his lap.

Fowler sat down as well. "If this is where androids are going, it might not be possible for a human to find it."

"I think I could find it... if CyberLife doesn't drag me back before I get the chance," Connor said quietly. "If I can convince them that not all humans are like CyberLife and some will help... some want us to be treated better...."

"You just need to ignore any attempts they make to recall you," Hank said quietly, stroking his hands down Connor's back.

"I tried that last time. They were very persistent, to the point I was afraid if I didn't go, they'd try something while I was with you and hurt you...." Connor admitted. He was slowly piecing the missing layers of his memories back.

"Then you need to get out of here," Fowler said.

"Yeah, that occurred to me," Hank said. Responding to Connor's words, he gently scruffed his son's neck.

"Can you cover for us enough to get away from here?" Connor asked Fowler, in a small voice, giving him a wide-eyed, begging look.

Fowler nodded. "I can point you in the direction of some deviant cases. Make sure no one comes after you. At least for as long as I can stall them for."

"Thank you, captain," Connor said gratefully.

"How soon can you do it?" Hank asked, holding his son closer and tighter.

"I have leads I can get to you straight away," Fowler answered. "I don't know if any of them will pan out, but even if not, at least it will have bought you some time."

Connor leaned into Hank, allowing the two older men to finish their conversation and make any necessary plans. After all, Fowler would be running interference for them with CyberLife.

It didn't take long before, between them, Hank and Fowler had figured out the next move Hank and Connor would make. As Fowler moved to see himself out, Hank settled Connor closer on his lap and kissed his son's forehead. "It's late. We'll start chasing down that first lead in the morning. For now, I think it's important we both get some rest." He stood, intending to lead his son through to the bedroom.

Connor followed Hank quietly, waiting to see where Hank wanted him. Soon, they were both in bed, Connor snuggled close and tight, falling into an android's version of sleep.

The End