Chapter Text
Connor was out when he received the call. He’d been walking Sumo, as he did every evening; the familiarity was soothing and more often than not he found Hank joining them. The two often found themselves a bench within the park, allowing Sumo a brief respite from his leash whilst they sat and spoke, occasionally throwing a highly chewed tennis ball for Sumo to fetch. Well, Hank threw the tennis ball; Connor had severely misjudged the distance that was acceptable for such an act (“for fuck sake he’s a dog Connor, not a fucking cheetah!”) and since then Hank was reluctant to relinquish ‘ball duty’ (“It was a brand new ball Connor, I'm not buying a fucking supply!”).
In fact Hank was in the middle of throwing said ball, when he’d felt the gentle hum at the back of his mind. He recognises immediately Markus’ soft attempt to open a line of communication and without thought he accepts.
Markus
He replies internally in greeting; he’d learnt the hard way that others (especially humans) responded oddly when he spoke aloud with these types of communication. Hank had called it ‘a little creepy’.
Connor, it’s been a while. How are you?
Connor represses a smile (people also found it creepy when you smiled to yourself apparently); Markus was always so kind and sincere to speak to, and though he wasn’t physically hearing his voice he could still sense that sincerity through their line of communication.
Indeed it has been some time. I am well thank you, and yourself? How did the recent proceedings progress?
In the 12 months following the uprising it had been tense, the relationships between Jericho, the government and the DPD precariously balanced. More recently Markus had been working towards negotiations with Cyberlife, but it had been laborious.
We've made some progress. They've agreed to release all remaining androids, but they’re still holding the production of spare parts over our heads.
Connor can sense the frustration through the link, coiled like a spring.
That’s still progress though! Did they give any indication of when they’d be released?
Connor attempts to inject as much enthusiasm through the link as he can; the annoyance Markus is clearly feeling vibrates through like a scratch, and he wants nothing more than to wipe it away. It works to some degree if the amusement and appreciation sent back is any indication.
Yes actually, that’s why…
“Connor?”
Connor turns his head to face Hank, momentarily ignoring Markus as he meets the Lieutenant’s concerned expression.
“Yes Hank?” he replies, adjusting quickly to verbal communication. He sends a hurried explanation to Markus that he is speaking to Hank and feels a thrum of understanding in reply.
“You alright? You having one of your…chats?” Hank points to Connor’s LED and Connor resists the urge to reach up and touch it.
“Yes, Markus is just letting me know how the recent negotiations went.”
“Oh okay…good news?” Hank seems wary, searching his face for expression. Connor nods.
“Very. They've agreed to release the remaining androids,” he can’t help but smile as he says this, the thought of progress warm and comforting.
“Jesus, they still had androids? Thought you managed to free ‘em all in your rescue mission,”
Connor smiles more widely at the terminology. Since the event Hank had been very insistent in referring to it as a ‘rescue mission’; Connor’s guilt from his actions prior to deviating were severe and weighed heavily on his mind. Hank had found him one evening a couple of weeks after their reunion, his back against the kitchen counter, LED blaring red, methodically tearing kitchen-roll into a neat pile.
He’d been gentle as he’d asked what was wrong, knees cracking as he’d knelt awkwardly beside him. Connor remembers it had felt like a flood, as he’d finally told the other man about how guilty he felt, how confused and overwhelmed he’d felt without orders to follow, how the only emotion he could accurately identify was fear, and that was only because he felt it all the time.
Hank had sat beside him, discussing his fears, validating his concerns but insisting that what he had done since deviating was good, insisting that he’d rescued those androids from the warehouse, he’d helped Markus and Jericho succeed with his rescue. It had helped in the moment, helped quell his guilt, and ever since Hank had continued phrasing it as such. Months down the line he was still (as he had learned to identify) anxious. Some days, ‘bad days’ he’d refer to them as, he’d feel an anxiety, a sadness so visceral he’d wish he didn't feel at all.
He found himself tearing things, touching things, tapping things, the repetitive motion subconscious but soothing. He’d also since felt amusement, happiness, disgust, joy, a whole myriad of emotions that were hard to navigate, but that reaffirmed that he was here, that he was alive and when that warm and safe sensation he’d come to recognise as ‘happiness’ hit, it was like every other sensation was worth it because that feeling felt so good.
“Connor?”
“I apologise Hank, it appears I was experiencing ‘nostalgia’ again,” Connor replies, focusing once more on the Lieutenant. Hank smiles fondly, shaking his head.
“S’fine kid, just maybe not in the middle of a conversation?”
“Noted,” Connor replies, nodding “and in reply to your previous question, no I did not rescue every android, unfortunately. I'm not certain of the specifics, only that Markus was recently informed that there were inactive androids still in Cyberlife’s…custody.”
His smile slips away at the thought, another thought creeping in to remind him that he’d failed to save these androids.
“You didn't know about them son,” Hanks tone is unyielding, leaving to room to argue. Connor mouth quirks slightly.
“I wasn't aware you possessed the ability to read minds Lieutenant,” he attempts to joke. Hank scoffs, clapping a hand firmly on his shoulder.
“Don’t need to read minds Connor, I know you. You couldn't have done anything, hell you didn't even know they existed.”
“I…I know,” Connor relents, swallowing despite having no physical need to; a human quirk he’d picked up that served as a comfort when anxious or scared.
“Anyway, is that all he had to say?” as Hank asks this Connor realises he’d forgotten about Markus; the connection is still open and he can sense nothing but patience from the other man but he’s still hit with a rush of embarrassment.
“No, he had something he wished to tell me but I told him to wait whilst I spoke to you,” Connor replies, and the mortification must be clear on his face as Hank begins to laugh.
“Really Connor? You put robo-jesus on hold for the last five minutes?”
“I didn’t mean to! Please stop laughing at me,” he can feel his face falling into what Hank calls a ‘pout’ and at this Hank laughs harder. Ignoring this, he decides to continue his discussion with Markus.
Markus I'm so sorry, I was…distracted.
It’s fine Connor, don’t worry about it. Is the Lieutenant well?
Connor looks briefly to his cackling companion, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.
He’s fine. What was it that you wanted to ask?
Straight to the point as per usual Connor
Connor would feel self-conscious, however the amusement travelling through the link makes it very obvious the other man is teasing.
Of course Connor replies, matching Markus’ tone.
So like I said, they’re releasing the androids that they still have captive. They’re not activated yet which is why there was so much…difficulty getting them to agree as they were trying to argue that as they weren't activated they weren't sentient. However as a show of good faith they've finally agreed.
What do they want in return?
Connor can practically hear Markus chuckle.
That’s exactly what I thought. Actually it appears that Elijah Kamski may have had something to do with the decision.
Connors eyes narrow as he thinks of his encounter with the man.
Kamski? But why would he be involving himself now?
I'm not sure, only that he’s been involved in discussions and that they’re freeing them at his request. He may be returning to the company.
I'm not sure we can trust him…he seems to follow his own agenda and I'm not certain it will align with our own.
We will be wary Connor, don’t worry. The reason I was contacting you was to make you aware…
He trails off, and Connor can sense his trepidation, as though preparing how to continue.
They sent us an inventory of the androids still captive…
Connor shares Markus’s distaste at the idea of an inventory, a reminder they were still very much viewed as machines.
…with a brief description of each. It’s…insulting I'm not going to lie, however we noticed that one of the androids they mention is…well they’re an RK900.
An…RK900?
They’re described as your upgrade, or at least the next in your series line. I was wondering if you’d want to be present when they were activated?
Connor isn't exactly sure how to feel at the idea that whilst he was under Cyberlife’s control they were building his replacement. They must be his replacement, had they expected him to fail? He was after all only a prototype.
Why? he asks simply, and Markus must feel his hesitance as he’s quick to reply.
I understand why you might be reluctant, but it looks like he has many similarities at least in terms of your programming. I thought perhaps, with him being of the same series, the two of you could be considered…brothers.
Connor ignores the sheepishness hovering through the link, instead running an internal search for the word he’d never before considered with himself in context.
Brother: Noun
Plural Noun: Brothers:
1. A male who has the same parents as another or one parent in common with another.
We cannot be related Markus, we do not have biological parents.
Nor do I share any relation to Leo, but he’s still my brother, as trying as he is.
Connor expands his search, finding more fittingly the description ‘one of a type similar to another’.
We are the same…type. I suppose that would make us brothers…
As though sensing his hesitance Markus continues.
It’s a bond Connor. They’re family—I know you have Hank but I thought you’d appreciate the chance to get to know him at the very least, and I know he could probably do with someone looking out for him when he wakes up, especially someone who shares as many similarities as you. You’re under no obligation to agree of course, but I wanted to ask you first. What do you say?
Connor mulls the word family for a few moments, a familiar warmth spreading as he thinks of Hank and Sumo. He could have more family? More of this warmth? His lips twitch into a smile.
I’d like that very much.
Hank reaches for his beer, ignoring the heated gaze from the android at his side. He resists the urge to roll his eyes, instead taking an exaggerated gulp. Screw him, it was his first drink in days and after tonight it was really fucking needed.
Connor had spent the last few hours asking question after question about siblings; brother’s, sister’s, you name it he asked it. He’d excitedly relayed that Markus was apparently giving him a brother (and wow if that wasn't a weird sentence to think about) and sure it had been cute enough watching him talk about it excitedly, gesticulating wildly as he spoke about ‘bonds’ and other things Hank had learned not to question. It wasn't so cute hours later when he was still talking about it.
“…many different examples of it in the media, some of which seem highly confusing,”
“Yup. Family can be,” Hank replies, tuning back into the other man, though his gaze is fixed firmly on the television.
“Hank…may I ask a personal question?”
Hank rolls his eyes, turning to face the other man's troubled expression. God he’s like a puppy sometimes; there’s such a dichotomy between the android before him, who’s sat with knees drawn up to his chest, clad in Mickey Mouse pyjamas, to the man he’s seen chase down a suspect without breaking a sweat. It’s hard to reconcile the two.
“Let’s just skip to the part where you ask the question regardless if I say yes or no,” Hank replies, waving a hand in gesture to ‘hurry up’.
“You mentioned once in the past that you had a sister…what is it like?”
Ignoring the bad feelings that claw up his throat, and at the soft expression on Connor’s face, Hank bites down a defensive reply.
“Jeez Connor…look, we’re not a good example of a healthy sibling relationship. I've not spoken to her in years,” he has another hurried swig. Connor looks thoughtful.
“Let me phrase it differently then: what is it like being a brother?” he stares at Hank as he asks this, the TV light dancing across his face. Hank sighs, running a hand hastily through his beard.
“It’s…hard to explain. It’s something I've always been so it’s like asking like what breathing’s like. I don’t know what it’s not like.”
“I see,” Hank watches Connor’s face fall. It’s funny how expressive he is since deviating. Even if he didn't still have his LED, Hank would still know exactly how he felt by his face. Not the greatest skill for a negotiator to have admittedly, but it was heart-warming to see him so expressive. Besides, he hadn't been doing as much Police work as he’d have liked due to the delicate balance that was working as a sentient android; Markus was still in the process of ironing out the legalities in respect to pay and other work place policies.
It had taken a lot of convincing from Connor (and Hank) to both parties, both Jericho and the DPD to let him back into the department, and even now there were a lot of grey areas. It was what Connor had wanted though, and Hank had fought tooth and nail to get him back into Police work. It wasn't perfect; fairness regarding application required him taking unnecessary tests (which he completed with 100% accuracy), and there was a debate about him working through rank.
Hank however, had requested him as a partner and Fowler couldn't deny that the kid got results, so they were able to continue their partnership after a few months of restlessness but it was on a part time basis to Hank’s annoyance. To ‘settle in’ he’d been told, to test the waters. Bullshit. Either way Connor had jumped at the opportunity to work again, in any capacity. Hank wishes he’d taken a photo of Reed’s face when he’d seen Connor walk into the bullpen for the very first time; it was a magical moment. Either way, a year following the uprising the kid’s face was a better mood ring than his LED.
“I guess being a brother’s like…someone is always there. Shit, they may not agree with you, and you may have your differences, but I know if I called…she’d be there,” he trails off into his can. Connor nods.
“An unbreakable bond.”
“Yeah I guess you’re right.”
“Hank…” Connor sounds unsure, and sure enough his face is troubled. Hank gives him a moment to collect his thoughts.
“Do you— do you think I’ll be a good brother?” he asks. Hanks first reaction is to laugh because, how in the hell had he ever thought this guy didn't feel. He quickly changes it to an exaggerated cough (that the kid clearly doesn't buy).
“Connor, the fact you’re even asking that means you’ll be a good brother,” he says finally after his ‘coughing’ fit.
“Why?” Connor asks, his brows furrowed, LED spinning amber.
“Because you care enough that it’s bothering you. You give a shit about doing a good job, so you’re clearly doing something right…just try to relax okay? You’ll meet the guy and get to know him, and go from there, okay?”
Hank’s still concerned about the fact Connor’s now this hung up on someone he’s never met, and he’s hoping beyond hope the guy will go along with the whole brother thing. Hank doesn't want to have to punch someone who’s only been alive five minutes, but if he rebuffs him now he’s so hung up on the idea of it, it’ll break his heart. And if so tough shit; hurt Connor, get hit. Markus too, for suggesting the whole thing. He’d deal with the repercussions after.
“Hank?”
“Yeah?” Hank continues as though he hadn't been planning to assault his future brother.
“Could we perhaps watch a film? Whilst I was researching the topic of ‘siblings’ I came across one cited as an example of a good brotherly relationship,”
“Sure, what is it?” Hank shrugs.
“It was called Big Hero 6, and I believe…”
“Nope! Not that film, let’s choose another,” Hank hastily interrupts. He’d made the mistake of watching ‘Up!’ with the kid, then had to deal with his distress ten minutes into the movie (“I’m sad, but I don’t know why Hank…it’s not happening to me but it feels like it’s happening to me!”). He was not taking any chances.
Connor pauses, eyes closed. Hank assumes he’s searching online.
“There isn't a very wide selection of films focusing on sibling relationships that I can see…”
Hank nearly rolls his eyes, more than aware that this means there’s not many animated films of the genre. Connor had become increasingly picky in what he chose to watch, and when it was his turn Hank could guarantee it would be animated. 2D, CGI, it didn't matter, he just seemed to prefer it over real life acting. When Hank had questioned him, he’d been defensive ( “I’m not a child Hank—there’s just something about it—each character was designed from scratch, each frame of this was made and there’s something beautiful about that”). It had been an oddly poetic thing for the android to say, and Hank couldn't disagree.
He grits his teeth.
“Tell you what, why don’t we watch Frozen again. It’s not brothers but uh, it’s got a good sibling relationship in it, right? That what you after?” he suggests, somewhat awkwardly. Connor’s face lights up.
“Of course! I’d not been focussing on the aspect when we watched it last, but I’ll make sure to pay more attention to it this time round Hank. Thank you!” he replies happily, lopsided smile wide.
Fuck it, if it makes him that happy then Hank will put up with having ‘Let it Go’ in his head for another week. They watch the film (again), but Hank finds himself more interested in the expressions flashing across Connor’s face; the way his head bobs slightly to the music, and how he chuckles lightly under his breath make him want to reach out and ruffle the kids hair or something. He resists, instead sipping his diet coke (“You've already had a beer tonight Lieutenant!”) his free hand giving Sumo a lazy stroke.
It’s only as he’s lying in bed in the early hours of the morning that he jolts awake with the realisation. Where is this fucking brother going to stay?