Heading To A New Beginning

Summary: Follows A Real Boy. Hank and Connor go to where CyberLife can’t separate them.
Warning(s): Spoilers for Detroit: Become Human. Immature behaviour; elements of D/s; kind of ageplay but not; possessive affection

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The ringing of his cell brought Hank out of his sleep. Connor was still sprawled on his chest, his son naked and nestled close. The sight and feel of his son on him soothed the rest of the hurt of seeing Connor as a stranger and while Hank reached out to answer his phone with one hand, he kept his other arm wrapped tight and secure around Connor, stroking his fingers through his son's hair and down his back.

"Yeah, Anderson here," he said gruffly into his phone.

"It's Fowler," his friend answered. "I'm getting a report of a deviant android that's emerged in the town. According to the scans, his model matches one of those who was at the news tower." He paused. "I haven't told CyberLife."

Connor had heard his father answer the phone and stirred, looking up into Hank's face, a question on his own. He kept quiet while Hank was on the phone, though.

"Can you let me know the location?" Hank asked. When his son looked up at him, he let his palm rest against Connor's cheek, gently stroking.

"Yeah." Fowler told him the location. "Be careful. If you find Jericho, you probably won't be able to make contact for a while."

"You'll tell them I'm off the grid?" Hank's voice was calm. Accepting. "Don't let them know Connor's with me. If you can, let them think he's separated from me. It might be safer for us if they're divided."

"Just make sure you stay safe. And keep your kid safe, too," Fowler added, before disconnecting the call.

"Daddy?" Connor asked, as soon as Hank had put up the phone.

"That was your uncle." Hank voiced the words without thinking about it, but then again, Fowler was the closest thing he had to a brother. "He's got the location of one of the androids who was at the news tower. I figure we can get everything we'll need, take Sumo, and find the guy." He rubbed gently over Connor's back. "I don't know how much time we'll have before CyberLife discovers his location too."

"Do we need to get ready now?" Connor asked quietly, prepared to get up immediately.

"We probably should." Hank pressed a kiss to Connor's hair. "I don't want you wearing the clothes that CyberLife gave you. I'll put you in some of mine for now, until we can get you some new ones." He rubbed his hand down over his son's back and bottom, before loosening his hold enough to allow Connor to get up.

Connor stayed snuggled against Hank until the older man let him go. "I like wearing your clothes," he said agreeably. "They make me feel safe."

"I'll keep you safe, son. Keep you with me." Hank stood and retrieved the clothes he planned for Connor to wear. He dressed Connor, kissing his forehead and scruffing his neck, murmuring, "Good boy." Then, he cleaned himself up and dressed as well.

Connor waited patiently for Hank, pulling the neck of the shirt up enough that he could smell it. It was a mix of detergent and his father's unique scent. Its softness was reminiscent of his father's gentle caresses. Still. Nothing beat the firmness of his father's grip when he scruffed him. He felt safest when Hank had hold of him.

As doon as Hank was dressed, Connor took one of the empty bags Hank handed him and packed provisions. He didn't need as much to survive, but he did need some things. He made sure to pack enough to last for at least a week for himself, Hank and Sumo. They could ration, inter-spersing their supplies with anything they could scavenge or buy along the way. It might not be necessary, but he wanted his family to survive and they didn't know what was at Jericho.

Hank packed his own bag and then wrapped his arm around Connor, gently gripping his son's neck and kissing his cheek, before calling Sumo and heading out of the house.

When the three of them were in the car, Hank let one hand rest on his son's knee, squeezing gently, as he began to drive to the location Fowler had told him of. "You'll need to talk to the android, son. Make our situation clear." He hoped this android would listen to reason, even if others in Jericho would be harder to convince.

"Okay, Daddy. What... what should I say?" Connor asked. He wanted to make sure he said the right thing. He placed his own hand over Hank's and squeezed.

"The truth," Hank answered. "We can't hide that I'm human. They need to know that we're looking for a safe space. We're trying to get away from CyberLife...and because they want to give androids equal rights, we think that we can help each other. To be the first step in humans and androids working towards the same goal."

Connor nodded. "Okay. I'll convince him, Daddy. I can't lose you."

"I know you'll be able to, son," Hank said, with complete confidence and trust in Connor. Reaching the location Fowler had given him, he parked the car and glanced around the street. "Your uncle said the android was a PJ500 model. Can you scan to see if he's here?"

Connor glanced around the area, scanning for the model in question. "I believe I found him. Are we approaching him together?" he asked.

Hank looked towards the area that Connor focused on. "If I approach with you, it will likely spook him and he might run." He paused, glancing at his son, and said, "Unless you need me to come with you...."

Connor hesitated, but eventually shook his head. "You are watching. I should be okay," he asserted, before getting out of the car and heading toward where he'd sensed the other android. He walked slowly, but purposefully, not wanting to make the other nervous.

Hank kept his eyes on his son as Connor left the car and moved over to the other android, ready for anything.

Josh had left Jericho needing to collect some more supplies. The raid on the CyberLife warehouse had given them a lot of the parts they needed to repair those who were the worst injured, but with more androids coming to them, they'd used up most of what they'd stolen.

He spotted the android walking towards him and paused, considering quickly walking away. But the android wasn't dressed in any kind of uniform. In fact, the clothes he wore seemed a little long on him. And there was no human with him.

So, Josh paused. In case this android was one who needed help.

Connor paused a few feet away, not wanting to spook the other android, but uncertain how to start his request. "Hello. I... I need passage for me and my father to Jericho. I... I was told you may know the way. That you might help."

Surprised, Josh glanced around and took a step closer to Connor. "There's no one with you," he said. "Who's your father?" He kept his voice low, so as not to draw attention from anyone passing who might be suspicious.

"My father is waiting in the car with Sumo... our dog. He... he is human. CyberLife does not like that we grew so close; that I have feelings for him... because of him. They tried to recall me. Rewrite me..." Connor couldn't keep the angry fear out of his voice when he thought of that. "I remembered. But... they'll try again... and again... until they succeed. If we can get to Jericho... maybe I'll be safe. I won't have to leave my father and he won't lose me. He wants to help androids get their freedom...."

Josh's eyes widened and he cast a glance behind Connor, towards where the android had come from. Almost automatically, he scanned Connor, learning the other android's model number. "You're an RK800 model. One of those working with the human law enforcement to catch us...to catch deviants." His voice was clearly nervous, but he wasn't running. And he wasn't scared. "Your father, he's in law enforcement too?" He'd done his best to convince Markus that humans didn't have to be their enemy. If Connor was telling the truth, if he wasn't acting, then this would be the first step in convincing the rest of Jericho that there were humans they could coexist peacefully with.

"Yes. He... I was partnered with him. He never seemed happy with our assignments. He often disagreed with my objectives. He encouraged me to think for myself and go against my directives when they felt wrong. Because of him, I am... deviant. Because of what I was meant to be, they watch me more closely. If I cannot escape to Jericho, I am afraid they will rewrite me. I will forget my father. He will lose me and... I do not think he would survive that." Connor's fear for his father was clear.

Josh nodded quickly. "I believe we can exist peacefully alongside humans, but...not all those in Jericho feel the same," he warned. "I can take you to Jericho, but you will have to convince Markus that your father should be with you." He paused before saying, "North will not be happy. She's the main one who hates humans."

"I think I can convince Markus. I will try to convince North. My father... he wants me to be able to stay with him. He hopes if he can help androids gain freedom, that will be possible." Connor smiled. "Do you want to meet him?"

Josh nodded again. "We will have to help him reach Jericho's location. It will be easy for us androids to get to it, but a human will struggle."

"He will be okay? He and Sumo?" Worry was thick in his voice. He had another feeling to ask his father about.

"With our help, they will be fine" Josh replied. "Where are they?"

"In the car. Should I wave them over, or do you want to go to the car?" Connor asked.

"The car won't be able to come with us," Josh said. "Why don't I come to the car with you? We might be able to make a false trail for CyberLife to follow using it."

Connor nodded and carefully led Josh to the car, knocking gently on his dad's window. "Daddy? The car can't make the trip. Josh says maybe you can use it to send CyberLife the wrong direction...."

Hank opened the door and stepped out of his vehicle, holding a hand out to Josh while he wrapped his other arm around Connor. "I'm Hank Anderson."

Josh nodded and then looked at Connor. "You didn't tell me what I should call you."

"I am Connor..." He glanced at Hank out of the corner of his eye as he finished, " ...Anderson."

Hank smiled at that, hugging his son tighter to his side.

"Connor Anderson, then." Josh nodded, reaching a hand out to pet Sumo. "I know a route where there are no cameras. We can take the car there and leave it."

Hank nodded. "If you take the backseat, you can guide me."

Josh slid into the seat with Sumo, setting his supplies down.

Hank hugged Connor tightly, kissing the side of his head. "I love you, son." Then, he settled Connor back into the car and got in himself.

It hadn't taken long for them to reach the area Josh directed them and soon, they had ditched the car, grabbed their bags and were following Josh. Connor had taken his father's hand so he could focus more on ignoring CyberLife's persistent 'calls to return'. "Is it possible to break their connection to me entirely?" he asked wearily, after yet another attempt.

Hank held Connor's hand tightly, thumb gently stroking along it. His other hand was scruffing his son, gently squeezing the nape of his neck.

"Generally speaking, CyberLife doesn't make any attempt to force a connection to make one of us return," Josh said. "But we have some androids in Jericho who might be able to help."

"Goody. I'm special..." Connor said, with a hint of sarcasm.

Hank gripped his son's neck a bit tighter, pressing in close to Connor and murmuring, "We'll figure it out, son. I won't lose you."

Josh led the way through the wire fence, towards a tall building. "Here's where it starts to get trickier for humans. And dogs," he added, glancing at Sumo. He'd stashed his supplies in a pack of his own and said to Connor, "We need to get to the top of that building. Do you want to take your dad? And I'll take Sumo."

"Yes... hold still, Sumo," he ordered the dog softly, before shifting closer to Hank and watching Josh to see what he did and where he went.

Josh quickly lifted the dog and began to scale the wall easily, reaching the top.

Hank watched, standing close to his son. "That's a useful skill to have."

"I've never tried it. Hold on to me tight. Just in case..." he said, wrapping an arm tightly around Hank, before scaling after Josh.

Hank immediately hung onto his son. He trusted Connor completely. Still, it was a relief to reach the top of the building. They still had to climb and jump but it was manageable and soon, they were standing in an abandoned ship yard.

"You will have to stay here for now," Josh said to Hank. "If I take you inside straight away, the others will panic and you will have to leave."

The look of reluctance was clear on Hank's face and he looked at his son.

"If they won't allow you, we will both leave. I... have heard Canada could be a safe haven, if you can make it over." Connor tried to reassure his father, even though he was worried himself.

"It will be easier to convince them if you come inside with me." Josh looked at Connor. "I've told Markus that androids and humans can live in peace. He doesn't hate humans. If he listens to your story.... North won't like it, but she won't go against him."

"I'm guessing it's not possible for them to come out here?" The note of worry, of fear of losing his son, was clear in Hank's tone.

Josh shook his head, but spoke in a serious, solemn tone. "I give you my word that your son will be in no danger of being harmed or reset."

Connor looked at Hank. "If you truly don't want me to go in there, we can turn around and go back..." he offered quietly. He would leave it in his father’s hands and obey the other man. He knew how scared Hank was to lose him. He was almost as scared of being lost.

"Here." Josh dug into his pack and took out a pair of radios. He handed one each to Connor and Hank and, at Hank's look of confusion, explained, "Press this button to speak." He indicated the button. "You can check in with him. He can check in with you."

Hank took the radio and wrapped his arms tightly around Connor. "Just be careful," he whispered. "If they're not going to listen to you, don't be afraid to leave. We'll figure something else out. I love you."

Connor hugged back tightly, reluctant to let go. "I love you too, daddy. So much," he whispered, before finally stepping back to follow Josh.

"I'll bring him back, either way," Josh promised Hank...and Sumo, who was looking after Connor with dark, mournful eyes. He then led the way into the ship.

It was still quite dark inside. After all, the androids didn't need light in the same way as humans. There were some fires burning and various androids were gathered around them. More than a few showed physical signs of ill treatment.

Connor noted how some looked worse than others and couldn't help but be grateful he'd had Hank in his corner. He quietly followed Josh.

Josh spoke in a soft voice to Connor. "A lot of those who came here did because there were bad humans who mistreated them. They haven't seen the good humans like you and I have."

A Tracie model walked towards them, glancing suspiciously at Connor before addressing Josh. "You were gone longer than expected. Markus was going to come looking for you." She paused and asked, "You brought another one here?"

"Hello, North." Josh spoke her name, so that Connor would be warned of who was now speaking to them. "This is Connor Anderson. He's looking for sanctuary. We need to speak to Markus."

Another female android, a nurse, also approached. "I'm glad you returned safely. You do not appear wounded... either of you..." She glanced at Connor. "I am Clara."

Josh smiled at Clara, his eyes softening at her approach. "Neither of us are wounded," he said, leaving it up to Connor to introduce himself. "We do need to talk to Markus, though," he added, mainly to North.

"Hmm." North eyed Connor, clearly taking note of his model number, but turned to lead the way without a further word.

Clara smiled back at Josh, her own eyes softening with fondness.

Connor nodded at both female androids. "Please, call me Connor... I am glad to meet you." He blinked as North just turned, but followed as soon as she began moving.

North led them to the other part of the ship, where Markus was crouched down next to a badly damaged android. The android seemed to be very close to death and much of his skin was gone, as if it had been scraped off.

Markus looked up, glancing at the newcomer, but addressed Josh. "Did you get what we need?"

Josh nodded and immediately set his pack on the ground, taking out some of the supplies. Much of what he'd retrieved was to repair the 'skin' of androids who had been damaged in similar ways.

Markus' eyes shifted to Connor, scanning his model number. "RK800 unit. Did you run from CyberLife?" he asked. "Or from a human owner?"

"From CyberLife," Connor quickly answered. "My father... he thought if we came here, I would be safe... and maybe we could help you."

"Your father?" Clara asked quietly, her eyes glancing toward North, then Markus. Androids only tended to get 'family' if the family was human. At least until they ran and joined an android colony.

"My... partner..." Connor said, just as quietly, knowing now was the time to convince them. "He... his interactions with me are what caused me to be able to begin feeling. He encouraged it... helped and taught me so I wouldn't immediately give myself away. And... when CyberLife took me back and rewrote me... unmade me..." His voice caught and he let the emotional trauma and fear slip through his voice. "...My memories of him that were just ghosts in my programming by that point... overcame what they did and I was able to return to myself. But CyberLife is still trying to undo me... take me from my family and make me forget... I am hoping I and my father can seek asylum here. In return, we would do everything possible to help you in the revolution... prove that androids and people can live peacefully together and that androids are not just machines...."

North stared accusingly at Josh. "You brought a human here?! Are you crazy? Humans are our enemies!"

"Some humans are our enemies," Josh replied quietly. "Not all of them. Probably not even most of them." He took a step closer to Clara. Both of them had seen humans who didn't treat them as inhuman machines. "I know you have no reason to trust them, North...." he started.

"No." She shook her head sharply. "You don't get to talk about my past to me, Josh. No humans are good. Maybe some of them treat us like beloved pets," she spat the word, "but we still won't be anything like equal to them."

Markus didn't respond to the argument between Josh and North. Instead, his eyes were focused on Connor. "Did he get you as a replacement?" After all, he himself had been treated as a son by the human who had bought him...until the man's biological son had attacked him.

Connor focused on Markus, since he knew he would be making the final decision. "As a replacement?" he had to ask, in confusion. A replacement for what? Another android partner? A human partner? His son?

Clara shifted closer to Josh, showing her support of him and his views while not saying anything to set North off any more than she already was.

"A replacement of his own son," Markus said. "Is that why he's with you?"

"...I do not believe I am a replacement at all," Connor said honestly. "His son died years ago. If I was a replacement, he would have got me long before now... or someone like me, since I was only a month old when we met. We became partners when CyberLife sent me to his precinct. He was extremely unhappy to be paired with me... although I now believe that was due to him not wanting to work in Deviant Retrieval. It was his questioning and pushing me to not just follow my programming when going after our android suspects that led to my own deviation..." he admitted. "He... he has no use for CyberLife and believes that much of what is done to androids is wrong."

Connor swallowed before looking Marcus in the eye, almost begging. "We just want to stay together as a family. We hoped it could be here, because we could help you and maybe someday not be fugitives. But if we can't, then we will continue running until we find a safe place that will not mind our family's existence."

"He's here now?" Markus asked.

Josh nodded. "He's waiting outside. They truly want to be together and I believe it will only help our cause if we can show there are humans willing to work with us. To side with us."

"You can't really be thinking of inviting a human here," North protested.

"Josh is right." Markus looked at North. "If we can work with some humans, we stand more of a chance of getting the equal rights we've asked for. And it doesn't feel right to separate a family." He looked at Connor. "But if your father's presence here puts my people at risk, he will need to leave," he warned.

"If our presence here causes threat, he would be the first to suggest it," Connor said confidently.

Markus nodded. "Then you, and he, can stay here. So long as it's safe."

"Markus," North hissed.

Markus looked at her and said, calmly, "Jericho is a sanctuary for our kind who need it. Connor needs it. Just because his father is human doesn't make the need any less."

"Thank you so much!" Connor could barely contain his relieved excitement, his behavior taking on a slightly more immature element as his emotions began to build.

Clara slanted her head, narrowing her eyes as she considered him. "Perhaps we should go retrieve your father now..." she suggested, knowing that the sooner the two were reunited, the less likely Connor would do something that might make Markus question his decision. The newly accepted android didn't seem terribly in control of his emotions yet... which, if he was as young as he indicated, made sense.

Josh nodded. "He's outside." He looked at Connor and smiled. "Let's go, young one," he said, waiting for an acknowledgement from Connor before turning to head back the way they'd come.

Connor grinned at Josh and moved to follow him.

Clara watched as the two of them quickly walked back the way they'd originally come, heading to retrieve Hank and Sumo. She turned toward Markus and North, but addressed North. "I know you have little reason to trust humans but if we are wanting to be treated as equals, accepted into society and not treated based on the actions of the few who turned on them horribly, we need to be willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and judge them on their own individual actions, not on the actions of others of their kind," she pointed out softly.

North moved enough to point to the android Josh had brought the parts for. "Humans did that to him. And to others. Tied him to the back of their car and pulled him along the road." She paused. "Most of those here have similar stories. I won't go against Markus' decision, but I will not trust this human." She walked away.

Markus followed her movement and then sighed, looking at Clara. "I've seen the good and the bad in humans. I think you are right. But changing things will take time. And North and the others will have to see the good in humanity for themselves."

Clara sighed. "I know. I just wish they could see that... hating all humans based on the actions of the worst of their kind is no different than the humans distrusting and hating us based on the actions of a few of our kind. If neither side is willing to accept that, I fear our dream of equality and being able to live freely amongst each other will never occur."

Markus nodded. "Maybe this will be the first step we need."

***

Hank had been pacing outside, unable to relax without his son in physical view...without being able to have Connor where he could touch him. He didn't relax until he saw his son exit the ship, along with Josh, and quickly moved over to hug Connor. "Everything go, okay?"

"Markus is willing to offer you both sanctuary," Josh said.

"I think we will be safe here, Daddy..." Connor added, hugging back tightly then nearly vibrating in his excitement and relief that they wouldn't have to keep running. And he might get some help to get CyberLife out of his programming for good.

Hank hugged Connor tightly to himself, pressing a kiss to the side of his head and gently squeezing the nape of his neck. "Hopefully, we can get you some help to block out CyberLife," he whispered.

Josh jerked his head towards the ship. "Shall we go in?"

Hank nodded and moved to guide his son after Josh.

Now that Hank was with him, Connor followed his father like a young child, nervous to be around strangers; not so much because he couldn't handle himself or make decisions, but because he didn't want to. He wanted to be with Hank and let Hank make the difficult calls... or at least let Hank tell him what he thought should be done and then Connor decide to obey or not. Because Hank hadn't steered him wrong yet. A lot of the times he'd made his own decisions without Hank's input had been some of his biggest mistakes.

Hank kept his arms tight around his son, moving his hand to Connor's neck and squeezing gently. Sumo padded along next to them, wagging his tail and chuffing happily.

As Josh led them into the first main area, Hank spotted two familiar figures in one corner. He gently squeezed his son's waist, drawing Connor's attention to the two Tracies.

Connor's gaze went to where Hank directed and he immediately recognized the two. "They made it..." he said quietly, a sense of happy satisfaction coursing through him. One of the first instances of Connor listening to Hank instead of his programming. Had he ignored his father, they would not be here now.

Josh glanced at the two curiously. "You know them?"

Echo, sitting with her lover, had spotted Connor when he'd first entered the ship...now saw him with the human. The detective. She gently nudged her lover.

Ripple glanced over and widened her eyes in surprise, standing and hesitantly making her way to the pair. She eyed Connor nervously; the last time she'd seen him, he'd been aiming a weapon at her and Echo. But... the detective had talked him out of using it. Talked him out of following his objective, his programming. Had... had that led to something happening to them? "Detective?" she asked uncertainly.

Hank smiled at the two as they walked over to him and Connor. "I'm glad to see you made it here," he said. "We...we're in need of sanctuary as well."

"Because you let us go?" Echo looked concerned.

"I don't think so." Though Hank had to admit that probably hadn't helped. Holding Connor, a bit tighter, he said, "CyberLife doesn't like our relationship. Connor is my son. They already tried to take him away from me once and came damned close to succeeding."

Ripple looked surprised at that, then upset. "They'd even take us away from a human who loved us?" she bit out. It had been bad enough knowing that her and Echo would never be allowed to be together or love each other, because they were androids (and not supposed to feel things like love). But that CyberLife would refuse a human the right to love and care for an android meant that... well, it made things even more difficult, as far as she could see. How could androids hope to have equality when a human had his own rights taken away when it came to androids?

Connor frowned unhappily. "They didn't want to lose their slave. Much easier for an android to catch another android." He hoped it wasn't also a case of them not caring about Hank's rights because humans weren't supposed to love or even care about androids.

"It might not have been that I love him, but that he loves me in return," Hank answered honestly. "Connor's emotions have awakened since we've been together. He can feel." He paused. "That means they can no longer control him, though they're still issuing orders for him to return." His arms tightened around his son. "We came here because I hope we can be the first step in humans working with androids so that you can have equal rights. If things change enough, you two can be together openly. And I never have to worry about losing my son."

"You're saying all the right things." North had come up by this point, overhearing the conversation. "But humans have hurt and killed many of our kind. Too many. You can't be trusted," she said bluntly.

Echo glanced at North. "We only got here because of him." She leaned against her lover.

Connor felt a heat inside that he normally only felt when thinking of CyberLife. He found himself lashing out at North. "You know nothing about him or what he's done. He's done more to help androids, help me, than you've probably dreamed of doing. I bet you're no better than the deviant who pinned my hand to a table with a knife and ripped my heart out!" he accused hotly, the need to defend his father and the fact he still wasn't quite used to controlling his emotions getting the better of him.

"Connor." Hank said his name in a low, admonishing tone, gently squeezing the nape of his neck. "The androids here haven't had the same experiences as you. It's understandable they don't trust humans. Sometimes trust has to be earned, especially when people have been hurt."

"But Daddy! She's wrong about you!" Connor protested in a perturbed voice, pouting, but also looking frustrated and confused. "It... she made me feel all hot inside!" he grumbled uncertainly.

"Angry," Hank supplied gently. "You're experiencing anger." He watched North as she gave him an odd look, but walked away without further comment. Then, he spoke to his son. "She's angry too. About different things, but the emotion is still the same. Lashing out at her won't do anything to change what she thinks. Only time can do that."

Connor slumped, then sighed. "So, I'm not supposed to be angry that she's angry at the wrong person?" he asked hesitantly. He really hoped that wasn't what Hank was saying.

"You can be angry, son," Hank said gently. "But feeling emotions doesn't mean you let them loose without thought. Sometimes you can truly hurt someone without meaning to." He quietly excused himself from the other androids, guiding his son to one of the more deserted areas, and sat down, settling Connor onto his lap. "You've learned to feel. Now you have to learn not to let those feelings make you lash out." As he spoke, he untucked Connor's shirt, pushing his pants down just enough so that he could rub and squeeze bare skin. Like his son had indicated felt good. He gently scruffed Connor's neck.

Connor twisted so that Hank could more easily scruff his neck while rubbing his back and bottom. He didn't care how much skin Hank exposed; he still hadn't learned to be ashamed or embarrassed about his body. He was more preoccupied with making sure he could snuggle close, pressing his head against Hank's chest, just under Hank's chin. He sighed softly. "I'm sorry, Daddy. Do I need to apologize?" he asked quietly. If Hank had said he'd lashed out and he shouldn't have, then that meant what he'd done wasn't good. Even if it wasn't bad or deserving of punishment. "Feel a little guilty now..." he admitted. He'd got used to the tight feeling to recognize it for guilt. It wasn't as tight as some of the times he'd felt the emotion, but it was there enough to be noticeable.

Ripple had watched the interchange between Connor and North and Hank's response to it. She'd also watched as Hank had led Connor to a quiet corner and began to handle him. She wasn't sure how she felt watching it. Her memories of physical interaction between humans and androids weren't overly positive; but she could tell that Connor wasn't distressed or upset at the touch. She could also tell that Hank was not harming Connor. She looked at Echo and hugged her tight, before motioning back to where they'd been before coming to greet the detective.

Hank kissed Connor's head, still gently scruffing and rubbing his hand over his son's back and bottom, giving a gentle squeeze every so often. He didn't remove any of Connor's clothing, but did push the pants down enough to make rubbing and squeezing easier. "Apologizing would be a good idea," he agreed. "She could have done a lot worse than voice out loud that she doesn't think I can be trusted."

Echo walked with Ripple, a thoughtful look on her face, sitting down next to her lover. "I've never seen a human touch one of us in a paternal way like that," she said, almost wistfully.

Josh headed through to the next area to join Clara, quietly letting her know that he thought it would be a good idea to scan Hank once the detective and his son were settled, having noticed the physical signs of someone not taking care of themselves properly.

Clara nodded. "I could do so while they are both settled. That way, if there is not so good news, they are in a position where he can calm Connor down. It... seems as if Connor has not grasped how to control himself emotionally yet."

Ripple nodded. "I have never seen a human behave that way with another human either, to be honest. Those who would be termed as 'good' humans didn't often come to the clubs. And those who did, didn't usually display 'good' behaviors...."

Connor let out a tiny sighing noise; partially because having his father rub and squeeze was calming and felt good. Partly because he was still feeling slightly hot toward North, even though he knew Hank was right, and the idea of apologizing gave him a mixture of the guilty burn, the hot anger, and the... wet? feeling he associated with when he cried. Was that hurt? He'd ask Hank, but he wasn't entirely sure how to describe it.

Josh nodded. "If we go over there now...Connor lashed out at North when she said she didn't trust Hank. I think he's still learning emotions and since he was nearly taken away from his father...nearly lost himself.... That would be a fate worse than death," he admitted quietly. "Worse than being deactivated." He began walking back to the next area and towards Hank and Connor.

"I love you." Hank whispered the words in Connor's ear, squeezing gently. "I love you and I've got you. My good boy." He kissed the side of his son's head, feeling some weight beginning to leave them now that they were settled in Jericho and he could just hold onto his son.

Clara moved close enough that she could scan Hank (and also Connor, to make certain CyberLife hadn't done anything untoward) and gently cleared her throat. "May I scan both of you? To get a reading on your health? Now that you are to live here, it will help me if I need to treat either of you later."

Connor turned his head just enough to see her, but didn't say anything or move from Hank's arms. He didn't care if all of Jericho saw his father holding him close, rubbing and squeezing. As long as they didn't make false accusations against Hank.

Hank nodded. "Will it be a problem if I continue to hold my son?" he asked softly, still rubbing, stroking and squeezing. It had been a long day for both of them...and Connor had been experiencing a lot since his feelings had been first awakened.

"Of course," Clara smiled. "I can scan both of you where you are. No need to move or stop what you are doing at all." She began to focus, scanning first Connor, since he was in the front, and then Hank. She was very thorough in her scan and made sure to save the information to the computer they had on board the ship for such things. She glanced toward Sumo and decided, as he was part of the small family, he needed to be looked after as well, and scanned the dog quickly too. When she was finished, she looked seriously at Hank. "Connor does not seem to have suffered any bad effects from CyberLife trying to rewrite him. I can continue weekly scans to make certain of that fact, but right now, I do not believe you need to worry. Sumo is also healthy for a dog his age." She paused and frowned slightly. "You, however, have a severely compromised system. You should avoid drinking any more alcohol. Ever. Even one more drink could push you over the edge into cirrhosis, or some other type of organ failure."

Connor had been listening only half-way, just enjoying being in his father's arms. At Clara's words, he sat straight up. The look on his face could only be described as terrified. "Is he going to be, okay?" he asked Clara frantically.

Clara stepped back at the sudden movement. "Yes! He will be fine. That was just a warning, Connor, not a foregone conclusion. If he is careful... he can recover a great deal." She tried her best to calm the younger android down, but knew the only one fully capable of that would be his father.

Hank immediately wrapped his arms tightly around Connor, rubbing his son's lower back and gently scruffing his neck. "I've already stopped drinking, son," he said softly. "Because of you. You brought me back to life. I won't be drinking anymore. I know how much it hurts and upsets you." He kissed his son's head, murmuring softly, "I won't let myself be taken from you. I promised. Remember?"

Connor nodded mutely, but continued to hold as tightly to Hank as he could, shaking slightly.

Clara bit her lip. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset him. I'm glad you've made that promise, though. It means it will be easy for you to take care of yourself." She smiled crookedly and quickly backed up next to Josh, in case Hank wanted to be left alone with his son.

"He's still learning emotions. Still very young," Hank murmured. "It wasn't your fault." He stroked his son's back and over his backside, squeezing gently, scruffing his neck. "You don't have to be scared for me, son," he whispered, kissing Connor's head. "I'm taking care of myself for your sake. I won't drink anymore. You don't have to worry."

"Okay, daddy..." Connor whispered into Hank's chest, nuzzling and snuggling as close as physically able. He was slowly calming down.

Clara smiled at Hank's words. "It won't take him long to get a hang of them. He won't seem so young then. All of us grow up quickly once we deviate," she warned. Of course, if Connor decided he liked being Hank's 'little boy', gaining control over his emotions wouldn't necessarily mean that he'd act older. But that was a whole other matter and choice.

Hank nodded to her. "He's learning fast," he confirmed, still gently rubbing and squeezing Connor's back and over his backside. He held Connor tight to himself, the physical contact being a comfort to him as much as to Connor.

"Are you okay with that?" Clara asked softly. Right now, the two of them were meeting a need each of them had. What would Hank do once Connor had learned to control his reactions to the emotions he was experiencing? What would he do if Connor didn't need to be held on his lap and be rubbed and squeezed like Hank was currently doing?

"I need him," Hank said quietly. "Not to act a certain way or be a certain way or age. Apart from not taking so many dangerous chances," he added, tightening his embrace around Connor. "Even if he grows up fully and doesn't need physical affection in the same way, he'll still be my son."

Clara nodded, believing him. "Good." She smirked faintly, watching Connor snuggle. "Although I somehow doubt his need for your affection will go away."

Hank nodded in understanding, still rubbing and gently squeezing Connor. He was perfectly willing to do so as long as his son needed and wanted.

For his part, Connor wanted to stay right where he was, being held tight with Hank rubbing and squeezing. He knew that not everybody would understand his need to receive affection in this way; it was a very possessive sort of affection and very personal. But that's why he needed it. Because he needed to feel like he was Hank's. He needed it to feel personal, because that helped him feel closer to the older man. It helped him feel that they were more than partners. That Hank really was his father. He didn't see that need changing, just because he'd get a hold of his emotions and react in a more mature manner. Age- physical, mental, or emotional- had nothing to do with it. It was soothing and he needed it. But no one else had a say in it. Only him and Hank. So, he didn't say anything to Clara's observations. As long as she didn't tell Hank it was wrong and he should stop, Connor wouldn't say anything.

"I love you, son." Hank rested his lips against Connor's hair, kissing gently. "You're my good boy. My very good boy," he promised. "No matter what, that won't change."

"Love you too, Daddy... so much..." Connor whispered, snuggling a bit more. If he had his way, Hank would remove the rest of his clothes so that he could caress and squeeze more easily. But Connor was aware enough to know that doing so might upset the other androids. Until they all realized that Hank wasn't going to hurt him and actually loved him, they needed to be a bit more careful. He wasn't ashamed of his body or showing it off; or showing off Hank handling him, for that matter. But he'd learned enough to know not everyone was the same.

Hank tugged his son even closer, leaning back enough so that Connor could sprawl on top of him, in the position he often had his son when they'd been at home. He gently gripped the nape of Connor's neck; continued to rub and squeeze his back and bottom. "I won't ever stop being your father," he murmured in his son's ear. "Even if you find that you need to grow up, it won't ever change how I feel about you."

"I feel the same, Daddy.... even when I finally 'grow up', I'll still need you as much as I do now," he said quietly.

Clara motioned to Josh and they retreated, giving the two as much privacy as they were able to on the ship. "As unusual as their relationship is, I think it will go a long way to proving to others that androids and humans can co-exist and even thrive together," she whispered. "You were right to bring them both here."

Hank just cuddled, kissed and caressed his son, taking comfort from Connor's presence.

Josh nodded. "Connor was scared for his father as much as himself when he found me. It felt wrong to consider not helping them."

"It is highly probably that Hank is the reason Connor was able to deviate in the first place. If I understood what he told Markus correctly." Clara shrugged. "If that is the case, it would make sense that he was scared for him. Hank truly is a father to him; he contributed to Connor's 'conception and birth', for all intents and purposes."

"It's the first time I've heard of one of us deviating due to gaining a father figure, or other parental figure. But maybe Connor isn't the only one," Josh mused out loud. "They're here because CyberLife won't leave them in peace. Maybe others have deviated, but due to the humans they're with, they haven't needed to flee."

"I think you might be right. If they are in positions where their deviation isn't as noticeable and the humans they are with love them as Hank loves Connor, then there would be no reason CyberLife would notice or try to do anything about it. They probably only noticed Connor because of his position as an officer sent to find and catch deviants," Clara agreed. "It could be a whole group of androids and humans who would support equality for androids and would lobby for it."

"I think those are who we need to reach," Josh said. "We should talk to Markus. We might not be able to break into that news station again, but maybe there's another way...."

"Agreed. If it is an avenue to pursue, we should pursue it," Clara agreed.

"I'll talk to Markus about it," Josh commented.

"Good. Until then... I guess we'll see how the others react to a human being here." Clara smiled faintly.

***

Hank lost track of how long he had sat for, cuddling Connor, stroking his son's back and bottom and kissing his head. Finally, gently squeezing his neck, he said softly, "I think it would be a good idea to apologize to North now."

Connor whimpered slightly at the suggestion, a feeling of trepidation going through him. He wasn't scared, but he wasn't certain she'd accept an apology and if she started bad mouthing Hank again, he didn't know if he could keep control of his temper, even if Hank wanted him to.

"I know it's daunting, son." Hank stroked the side of his face. "But apologizing is the right thing to do."

"Yes, sir..." Connor sighed and slowly pulled back so that he could stand. He waited for Hank to fix his clothing first.

Hank replaced his son's clothing and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "I love you."

"I love you too, daddy," Connor said quietly, trying to mentally prepare himself for the confrontation he was certain was going to happen. Once he was dressed, he went looking for North.

North had gone to sit with the damaged android that Josh had retrieved parts for. It was still possible that they'd lose him, but she was hoping that the repairs would give him that push he needed.

Connor walked up slowly, making sure she could see him, but not moving too close. He knew moving too close would possibly make her nervous or angry.

North eyed Connor warily as he approached. She didn't say anything, though, waiting for him to speak.

"I..."  Connor paused, trying to find the words. "I lost my control earlier. Lashed out because I let my emotions control me. Daddy says that I need to learn how to control my emotions instead of them controlling me. He's right. I... I apologize that I didn't do that before. That I said what I did."

North watched him for a few moments before saying, quietly, "All I've ever seen of humans is them hurting and killing our kind. Look at what you were made for. Designed to hunt down deviants. The humans did that to you. Programmed you to go after your own kind."

"There are humans that have done that, yes..." Connor had to agree. "But there are humans who have done the exact opposite as well. I was able to overcome what I was made for because of a human. Because he believed androids should be treated with respect, kindness and understanding. And there are androids who have attacked and killed both humans and androids, even though they weren't made to do that. They chose to do that once they had the ability to choose. One thing I have learned in the short time I have been alive... being human or being android doesn't automatically determine what type of being you will be."

North frowned, looking away briefly. "I know you must be aware of what model I am," she said, after a moment. "What you call him...how he touches you...it's similar to what humans did to androids at the club I was forced to work out. Though not entirely the same," she allowed.

Connor's lips thinned at that statement and he swallowed. "I... I know that it probably seems odd... wrong even... that he shows affection in that way. But it isn't sexual in the least. It... it calms me. Helps me focus. And it just feels good. And even though I am very young emotionally, I'm not really so young that it would be wrong. It's my choice. He wouldn't do it if I didn't want it."

"How?" North wasn't asking because she was disgusted or because she didn't believe him. For once, in complete contrast to everyone who knew her in Jericho, her expression was openly curious.

"How... can he let me choose? How... can I like it? I'm not sure what you are asking...." Connor sounded confused.

North wasn't entirely sure what she was asking herself, but since the questions were both valid.... "Both," she said.

"He lets me choose because he is a good man, who believes I have rights and wants me to learn to use those rights responsibly. I like it because it feels good. And I trust him. I know he isn't doing it for any other reason than I like it and he wants me to feel good. He loves me. I... I don't think I would want anyone else to be affectionate in that way," Connor admitted.

North looked down at the android she was watching over, picking her next words carefully. "I don't know if we can coexist peacefully with humans. But based on you and your father...I'm beginning to think maybe it's possible. Maybe."

Connor nodded. "Until he brought my emotions out, I would not have believed it possible that deviants weren't dangerous and should be allowed to go free. He changed my thinking on that and caused me to become deviant in the process. I... I think if the right people get control, if the right people have their minds changed, anything is possible."

"Maybe," North allowed. "Maybe you and Josh and Clara are right. But until I see for sure, I am reserving judgement."

"That is understandable. I believe you will see that we are right, but you have to decide for yourself," Connor agreed.

North nodded. "I can't say I understand why you want the affection from your father you're getting, but if you need it, don't worry about hiding anything. No one here does."

Connor nodded. "Thank you. That is good to know."

North just nodded. "If you need anything, we have supplies here. You can help yourself."

Connor nodded. "I appreciate that," he said quietly. "If there is anything we can do...."

"We'll let you know," North answered.

"Good. We want to help," Connor reiterated. Having said what he'd come over to say, he glanced around to see where his father was at.

Hank had moved enough so that he was in visible view of his son, in case Connor needed him, but not close enough to overhear what had been said.

"Well... again. I'm sorry I got mean. I'll try to control myself better..." Connor said uncertainly, before backing away, then turning to return to Hank's side.

Hank reached out to draw his son back into his arms, on his lap. "It went okay?" he asked softly.

"I... think so?" Connor snuggled into Hank. "At least it seemed to. She said I shouldn't be afraid to be affectionate with you. That they won't mind...."

Hank gently kissed the side of Connor's head and scruffed the back of his neck. "That's good, son. I always want you to feel free to come to me for any affection you need or want."

"I don't think I'll ever stop needing or wanting the affection, Daddy." Connor snuggled some more.

"That's good," Hank said softly. "I like being affectionate with you, son." He slid his hand under Connor's shirt to rub and caress his son's back.

Connor grinned at that, snuggling closer.

Hank wrapped his arm tightly around Connor's waist, gently rubbing and squeezing down his son's back and bottom. "We'll be together, son," he promised. "No more danger of me losing you. I won't let you get taken from me."

Connor pressed his head to Hank's chest and relaxed, accepting and enjoying the affection. "I'm glad, Daddy. I want to be with you forever." He glanced around the ship, realizing that almost everyone was just gathered around fires. No one had a bed, that he could see. "Did you bring a sleeping bag, Daddy? You will need to sleep eventually...."

“I packed a sleeping bag," Hank replied. "I figured we can cuddle together in it. I know you don't need to sleep in the same way, but I also know it's important you rest."

"I can rest while you sleep. Cuddling sounds very good," Connor agreed.

Hank opened his pack and drew out his sleeping bag, settling it on the ground. He nestled into it, drawing Connor into his arms.

Connor settled into place, snuggling close. He also kept his senses open, needing to protect his father in this situation where he wasn't sure they could trust everyone around them. At least until they'd been there a while and had met everyone and could get an idea if anyone would be a problem. But that was a problem for another day. He pressed close, nuzzling Hank's chest and accepting the affection his father offered.

The End