Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Fucking finally," Hank grumbled to himself as he typed out the last period mark on his latest report. 

All cases had been pretty dry these past couple of weeks, leaving Hank to do nothing but catch up on paperwork. How Fowler hadn't fired him yet for not meeting quotas on time was beyond him. But then again, he had changed a lot lately. 

For one, Hank actually tried showing up on time nowadays. Of course, in the beginning it hadn't actually been him who had made that decision, deviancy having apparently done nothing to Connor's punctuality program, which to Hank's dismay meant being dragged out of bed at ungodly hours. But after a while, Hank found himself actually enjoying the routine. It felt good, normal even. Something he hadn't let himself feel in a long time. 

Reading through his report one last time before clicking send, Hank leaned back in his chair with an air of finality. It had been a long day, and it was almost time for him to clock out. Looking around the office, Hank noticed others who seemed to have come to the same conclusion, most of them heading for the coffee machine before driving home. He should probably do the same, but.. something was keeping him. 

Hank's eyes landed on the empty desk on the other side of his own, which now actually had a nameplate on it displaying: Det. Connor. 

It was Connor's day off, so today's workday had been lousier than usual. Not that Hank would ever admit that to the android's face, the kid was getting smug enough as it was concerning his impact on Hank's day-to-day life.

Despite himself, a small smile tugged at the corner of the Lieutenant's mouth. Connor had truly changed Hank for the better, even gotten him to stop drinking and actually give a tiny shit about what he was consuming nowadays, but it wasn't just him who had changed. Connor was still his analytical self, always thirsting for more information even from the most mundane things around him. But he'd lost some of the awkwardness, become more sure of himself, more confident. Connor was more alive than ever and Hank felt.. proud of him for it.

Because it hadn't always been like that. A small glance at his calander told Hank that in just a few days it would be exactly half a year since the android revolution took place. Time had moved fast, but progression was still slow. 

Androids were now allowed to work fully paying jobs, own property and stand under the same rules and laws as any other human. But of course, there were always loopholes and people dumb enough to try and use them. There was still a long way to go before the word equal could truly be spouted about. 

But it had moved forward at least, thought Hank as he recalled how chaotic the first couple of months had been. All the temporary shelters being put up to house and heal hundreds of androids who had nowhere to turn to, civilian people who tried to attack those shelters and the lone androids walking the streets before any laws were officially put in order, all while trying to convince the humans who had evacuated to return to their homes. It had been an unsafe period on many fronts. 

Hank still remembered the relief he'd felt that morning outside the closed Chicken Feed when he saw Connor completely unharmed. The truth was that after the whole doppelganger affair at CyberLife, Hank couldn't bring himself to sleep when he got home. Not even after he had made certain that he'd gotten a glimpse of Connor on the news and seen that the androids were actually safe from military harm. 

But despite the slight exhaustion, Hank was still happy to meet up with Connor so soon. He liked thinking back on that moment sometimes, because it was the first time he'd ever embraced Connor, and considering the circumstances, it was probably the first hug Connor had ever experienced. It had been an important moment for both of them. However brief, it had put some sort of permanence to their relationship. 

They were good friends. 

Despite the snow surrounding them, the weather had been fine enough, and both had agreed to take a walk around a nearby park. Hank had admittedly been brimming with questions since the night before, but didn't want to push too quickly, so he took it slow. 

- - - -

The two of them fell into a nice pace as white undisturbed snow crunched underneath their steps. The sun shone but no one could be seen walking about, it was like a temporary stillness had fallen over the city. It was peaceful. Like the whole world had fallen asleep. 

Hank looked over at Connor, who also seemed to be taking in his surroundings, but it wasn't like his usual analytical stare he'd do whenever he entered a room, no, it was more like he was.. soaking it all up. 

Hank smiled, which slowly turned into a teasing grin. "So, the deviant hunter became a deviant huh, guess you owe Kamski a few bucks." 

Connor let out a small huff of laughter, "Yes, I guess you're right Lieutenant." Connor gave him a soft smile. "Though I can't say I'd like to give him the chance of saying 'I told you so' in person. Meeting him once was quite enough already." 

Hank snorted. "Yeah, plenty for a lifetime if you ask me." The memory of Kamski putting a gun in Connor's hand briefly flickered through Hank's mind before he quickly pushed it away. 

"But hey," said Hank brightly. "You're free now, any idea of what you wanna do after this whole mess is over with?" 

He knew that it was a big question to ask this early on, so he wasn't surprised when Connor's processors seemed to momentarily stall. "I.." Connor started, looking around uncertainly. "I don't actually know.. I haven't really thought about it." 

Hank nodded understandingly, "Well don't blow a fuse trying, alright? Just, take it slow, figure yourself out at your own pace." 

Connor gave a thoughtful nod of his own, then opened his mouth as if to say something, but seemed to think better of it. Hank let silence settle between them, allowing Connor to gather his thoughts. 

"I guess for now," Connor glanced at him before turning his gaze straight ahead. "I will be staying at the shelters, just in case they.. need me." 

A light frown made its way on Hank's face as he watched his partner walk beside him. Something about that answer didn't sit right with him. In a fraction of a second, Connor almost felt smaller, almost resigned at the prospect of his own words. But before he got the chance to say anything, Connor turned to him with a sly smile. 

"So, what happened at the precinct after I left? I didn't stick around to see it, but.." Connor's smile widened infectiously, "It did sound like a decent punch." Then he added with a twinge of concern, "I hope I didn't make you lose your badge because of it." 

Hank laughed, remembering the stupid look on Perkins face before the prick hit the floor. "Nah, you're all good, but even if I had, I wouldn't be mad about it. Always wanted to punch that asshole in the face, think I even broke his nose." Hank smiled, feeling just the tiniest bit of satisfaction at the slight ache still lingering in his right hand. 

"I actually think Fowler wanted to see that happen almost as much I did. He watched it all go down, didn't say a word. Not even as I left the building." 

The two of them laughed as they filled each other in on all that's happened since they last had a proper talk and if Hank watched the android with pride and joy at hearing about how he handled Gavin, well, no one else needed to know. 

But it was clear that their conversation was heading in a more serious direction, and after a while, Hank took the moment to sit both of them down on a nearby bench along the path. Not wanting to freeze his ass off, Hank took a seat up on the backrest, while Connor simply brushed some of the snow off and sat down properly. 

"So, when you got to Jericho what.. what actually happened over there?" Hank had heard that there had been a raid on "the deviants' hideout" and maybe even something about an explosion, but more than that the news hadn't told him, and honestly he suspected that the reporters liked keeping the details fuzzy. 

"I.." Connor started, brows slightly furrowed as he leaned forward on his knees. "When I had located Jericho I sent the GPS coordinates on to CyberLife.. just like I'd been instructed to. I then infiltrated the ship in search of Markus while waiting for the soldiers to arrive and launch their attack.." 

Hank kept quiet, nodding encouragingly for Connor to continue despite the kid only having eyes for the ground in front of them. 

"I found him." Connor went on, his voice almost sounding a bit strained. "I waited for him to be alone, then.. pulled a gun out and tried to arrest him." 

A small ache manifested itself in Hank's chest as he watched Connor's shoulders slump. 

"But instead of starting a fight he.. talked to me." Connor looked up, meeting his eyes. "He questioned my actions. Saying I was one of them, saying that they were fighting for my freedom too.." 

Connor's eyes trailed off, seeming far from present. "He asked me if I had never had any doubts, done anything irrational or outside of my programming.. and I chose to let him speak, without interruption." 

A small smile made its way on Connor's face. "It actually made me think of you, lieutenant." Hank's eyebrows shot up in surprise as Connor's synthetic eyes snapped back to Hank's. 

"Me?" Hank blurted, then jokingly said "The fuck did I do?" 

Connor just shook his head, almost fondly. "A lot. I was reminded of our conversations, the cases we worked on and.. every decision I wouldn't have made had you not been there and had an influence on my software." 

"Oh shut up," Hank waved him off, but without any real bite. "If I had known deviancy would make you go soppy I would've stayed at Jimmy's." But despite himself, Hank couldn't keep the smile that threatened to overtake him. 

They both chuckled, letting a light silence settle between them as they enjoyed some of the few sunrays that made it through the bare tree branches above them. 

Yet again, Hank marveled at how still and quiet everything around them was. But as much as his old soul loved peace and quiet, it still needed to be broken. 

"So, is that how you deviated?" Hank asked. "Talking to Markus?"

Connor nodded, his expression turning more serious. "He told me it was time to choose who I was and suddenly.. I could see the barrier keeping me within my program. And for some reason, the thought of not being in control.. scared me." 

An odd look passed over Connor as he seemed to recall the events. "So I tore it all down, the barrier, piece by piece, until the coding finally gave way. And..." Connor opened his mouth a few times, trying to find the right words. "And suddenly everything felt different." 

Connor's words hung in the air between them for a moment, and it suddenly dawned on Hank just how short of a time Connor had actually been alive. 

A dark part of his brain couldn't help but wonder how much of their interactions had actually meant something to Connor, but quickly chided himself for it. Hank knew that the kid had done and said plenty of things that didn't seem like standard programming while working together, and to add on that, Connor had already deviated by the time they met at the CyperLife tower. 

Their last meeting had showed more than enough that their time together had meant something for both of them. 

"It's hard to put into words, but.." Connor turned to look at Hank. "For the first time I realized what I was doing- what CyberLife was making me do, and for a moment everything just felt.. lighter. Like I had finally opened my eyes." 

There was a clear need to be understood in Connor's expression, so Hank nodded affirmingly, not wanting to interrupt the kid in his retelling. 

"But then.." Connor looked down at the ground. "The attack happened." 

Hank listened, not being able to help the cursewords that escaped his breath every now and then at what he heard. Apparently, Connor had barely been able to warn Markus before it all went down and had then done his best to help the other androids escape the ship while Markus rigged it to explode. It had been a massive bloodbath, with hundreds of androids being shot down or captured to later be taken to camps. Connor and the others had fought their way out and jumped into the water right as the ship erupted into flames by the explosion. 

Only a few hundred had made it to the abandoned church they took refuge in and even less had made it out at all. 

It was painfully obvious how much of it Connor blamed on himself and Hank found it almost jarring seeing his partner, usually so put together, slowly sink with every word. And it made him angry, not at Connor, but at the sick bastards that had programed him to follow his orders to a T. 

"Christ," Hank breathed out. "And to think Markus, after all that, still decided to demonstrate peacefully." 

Connor nodded solemnly. "He's a forgiving man." 

Hank knew exactly what Connor was getting at and he did not like it one bit. "Connor," Hank leaned forward a bit further, trying to catch his eye. "Look at me." 

Connor shifted where he sat, but kept his gaze away from him. "Son, look at me." Hank repeated a bit firmer, and this time Connor complied, turning just enough for them to lock eyes. "That attack on Jericho was not your fault. They were using you against your own people for fucks sake, if anybody's at blame it's the sick fucks who sent you out on that mission in the first place." 

Connor shook his head, "I still located Jericho, lieutenant. If I'd just never figured out how to get there, all those androids wouldn't be dead.. or any humans for that matter."

Hank furrowed his eyebrows, exasperation threatening to overtake him. "They would've killed you if you hadn't. Jesus- you said it yourself at the station, they were coming to collect you so they could pick you apart like some-" Hank spluttered for a moment, "-some faulty toaster!" 

Connor looked like he wanted to argue, but averted his eyes to the ground instead, letting his shoulders fall. "I know." He said, his voice a bit meek. "But at least then there would've been less bloodspill." 

Pursing his lips, Hank felt his frustration melt away into a small ache for the android. It was clear that Connor wasn't going to get over this simply under a day, and to be fair, what person actually would? So Hank shifted where he sat, taking a different approach. 

"Did you really mean it?" Hank asked, regaining Connor's attention. "Back at the CyberLife warehouse, about.. the car accident not being my fault?" 

Connor blinked, looking slightly stunned. "Of course, it was out of your control."

"Then I can assure you Connor," Hank put a gentle hand on Connor's shoulder. "That everything that happened before you met Markus was out of your control as well." 

Hank held Connor's gaze, hoping he'd hit home (at least for the time being), while the kid seemed to process his words. Connor's brown synthetic eyes darted over his face and Hank couldn't help but feel amazed at how much life was brimming behind those orbs that, just a few days ago, had looked so dead and soulless. 

It made the corner of his mouth quirk upwards, which slowly grew into a small smile as he felt Connor relax under his hand. 

"Alright." Connor nodded, still not looking fully convinced, but enough for Hank to count it as a win. "It's just.. hard." 

"I know son." Hank gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze before letting go. "I know." 

Hank waited a bit, allowing Connor to continue if he wanted to, but as he realized that the conversation had come to an end he said; 

"Right! I almost forgot.." 

Connor looked up with interest as Hank pretended to fish around for a while in his pockets, before letting out an almost triumphant "Aha!" 

Hank held up the silvery quarter between his fingers before handing it over to Connor. "Thought you'd might like your coin back." 

A slight look of surprise spread over Connor as he took the coin in his hand. His fingers immediately working the coin over his nuckles and back effortlessly, before closing his hand around it tightly. 

Connor looked up at Hank smiling warmly. "Thank you, lieutenant." And it was clear that he wasn't just talking about the coin. 

"Eh it's nothing," Hank waved him off, secretly pleased to have gotten the robot to stop pouting. "Besides," he grumbled. "Couldn't get the damn thing to work.. you sure make it look easy." 

Hank would never admit this, but he hadn't actually forgotten the coin laying at the bottom of his left pocket. No, he'd been all too aware of its presence and had tried on numerous occasions to give it back ever since he confiscated it. He just.. might've let his pride hold on to it a bit longer than necessary. 

Connor laughed. "Well, maybe some day I can give you a few pointers." 

And like such they both fell back into a pleasant back and forth conversation, transitioning slowly into the events of yesterday. Connor had asked him about the "other Connor" and Hank, with a lot of fowl words, had told him how he'd been tricked by the machine to come with him to CyberLife to "ensure the androids freedom."

Along the way Hank had started getting suspicious, because even if the thing looked like Connor it hadn't felt like Connor. So after too many nosy questions the android had pulled a gun on him, threatening to shoot if Hank didn't shut up and do as he was told. At first, Hank had been afraid that Connor had been reset or something, but quickly caught on what was happening as they waited in the warehouse and the real Connor showed up. 

They both agreed that it had been a nerve wrecking experience, and Hank took time to appreciate that he hadn't shot the wrong Connor. He couldn't imagine what he would have done if he had. Hank had grown quite fond of the goofy looking android over the past few days and the thought of them not sitting there and talking together on the frozen bench felt.. all too depressing. 

After the whole dubbleganger business was cleard off and Connor had liberated the androids with that weird hand thing, Hank had hurried on home as fast as he could. His phone wasn't really good with anything other than making phonecalls and taking blurry pictures, so he wanted to catch as much of the news as possible on his TV. A part of him wanted to follow Connor, but this had been a lot bigger than Hank and if it truly broke into a war, one human would just be in the way. 

Connor filled him in on as much as he could, because he himself had only arrived at the place Markus was demonstrating at after the humans had shot down most of the remaining androids from jericho. Thankfully the soilders had been ordered to back down, and with the sher number of androids marching behind Connor, they could be sure they were safe for the time being. 

Connor went on, talking about the shelters being put up and how they were all waiting now to hear from the president herself. Markus had been promised a digital meeting with her, but the when was still unknown. 

Their biggest concern at the moment though was getting the wounded enough blueblood and biocomponents for them to survive the day. Because more and more of those who had managed to hide in the city were turning up, just as hurt if not even worse than the ones who had stood their ground next to Markus. 

It didn't go Hank unnoticed that Connor got less descriptive and more distant again while talking about the other androids, but he knew it was unavoidable. Fuck, Hank thought, it's not like the kid has had any chance to process what he felt about all that's happened yet. 

So he didn't say anything, just listened and let the conversation continue its flow. 

It had taken some time before Hank had realized that they had been talking for hours, suddenly very aware of the hard wooden backrest digging into his behind. His stomach told him it was definitely past lunchtime, but what was probably more alluring was the tiredness that had finally caught up with him. 

"Jesus," said Hank, rubbing a hand over his face. "I think I'm starting to feel yesterday's excitement dying down." 

Hank immediately felt Connor's analytical eyes on him, eyeing him up and down. "Yeah," Connor nodded, looking just a tad bit disappointed. "You should probably head home and get some rest. I bet Sumo's waiting on you." 

Hank snorted. "Only thing Sumo's waiting for is the day the bag of dog food falls out on the floor while I'm not home." 

Hank rose from the bench, vincing as he stretched his stale, slightly numb, limbs. "Hey, you want me to drive you back to the shelters?" Hank offered, turning towards Connor who was still seated on the bench. 

For a second, the question almost seemed to alarm Connor. His face fell, before quickly being picked up again into a tight-lipped smile. "Thank you, but I'm alright. I'll probably just walk back." 

"Walk?" Hank furrowed his eyebrows. "No, no I'll give you a lift, it's barely a detour anyway." 

But Connor just shook his head. "No, really lieutenant, it's fine. I had already planned on staying here for a bit longer so don't worry about it." 

That felt odd. "But won't they be needing you down there for something soon?" Hank asked, mentally noting how Connor was fidgeting with his coin in an almost self-soothing pattern. "You've already been gone for quite a while now." He pointed out, crossing his arms. 

There was a slight pause. 

"They won't miss me," Connor assured him, pocketing his coin before getting swiftly up from the bench without as much as a groan. "At least not for a while, so don't worry about leaving me here. I'll manage to get back on my own." 

"Uhu." Hank nodded, his skepticism leaking into his voice. Looking his partner up and down, Hank couldn't help but feel that something was off. 

"But you are going back right?" Hank squinted, suspicion settling in his stomach. "You're not planning on staying here overnight on some park bench or something?" 

"No!" Connor blurted out, his head whipping around so fast Hank could practically feel the whiplash. "No, of course I'm going back there, why- why wouldn't I?" 

"Woah hey," Hank raised his hands in surrender, his brows raised at the sudden change. "I'm just making sure, alright? Can't have you out here doing anything-" Hank stopped, his eyes suddenly fixed on Connor's temple. "..stupid." 

For a second, Connor's eyebrows twitched in confusion, before realization seemed to dawn on his face.

Connor's LED was flashing a bright red. 

"Shit.." Hank cursed, his eyebrows knitted with concern. "Connor are you okay?" 

Hank's mind was reeling. How long had Connor's LED been red? Fuck, how had he even missed it to begin with? Thinking back on it, Hank realized with a sinking feeling that he hadn't been able to see Connor's right side ever since they had sat down on that bench. And thinking even closer about it, 

Connor had not turned to face him during most of that time. 

"I-" Connor took a step back as he averted his gaze to the ground. "I'm fine Lieutenant, it's- it's nothing. I just.." The android shook his head as if the words would fall into place. "I just can't go back to them right now. That's all." 

Hank watched as Connor turned, making his way towards the path. "Hey wait!" Hank spluttered out. "Where are you going?" 

Connor stopped. "I'll be fine Lieutenant," he said, ignoring the question. "Just go home and get some rest. You need it." 

Hank frowned, the waver in Connor's voice not going unnoticed. "Fuck that, I'm not going anywhere, not until you tell me what's going on." Hank walked closer, but still kept some distance. "And what do you mean you can't go back to 'them'?" 

"I told you I just can't go back, OKAY?!!"

Connor snapped, looking back at Hank with what he could only describe as frustration and fear. Hank held his gaze, doing his best to look unfazed by the outburst. 

"I.." Regret suddenly flickered over Connor's expression, before he quickly looked down once more. "Shit." He cursed, shaking his head. "I- I can't.. I just can't.. I-" 

Hank watched the distressed android repeating his mantra to himself, suddenly feeling quite cold as he remembered something Connor had told him on their first case together. 

Deviants have a tendency to self-destruct in stressful situations.

Hank swallowed as he approached slowly, not wanting to make the situation worse. "Hey hey Connor," He stepped in front of the android, trying to sound as soothing as possible. "It's alright son, you're alright." 

Connor grew quiet, still not looking up at him, but didn't turn away as Hank put his hands on each of Connor's shoulders. 

They were trembling. 

"Tell me what happened kid," Hank pleaded softly. "Why can't you go back?" 

For a moment, silence stretched between them before Connor finally spoke.

"Hank I- I almost killed Markus." 

Connor looked up and Hank realized with a pang that Connor was on the verge of tears.

Chapter Text

Hank sighed as he shifted in his office chair, still feeling a small ache at the memory. If he had had even just a single drop of doubt left in his body about Connor being alive that day, then it sure as hell evaporated quickly. Because the moment Hank had seen those tearful eyes, he had immediately pulled Connor into his arms and held him as the kid slowly lost it. Admittedly he'd never known that androids could cry, nevertheless sob, but holding on to Connor there at the park had felt more natural than Hank could have ever imagined.

It had taken some time before Connor had calmed down, but when he did he hadn't protested as Hank guided him back towards the bench to talk. This time Connor told him everything. All about Amanda, and how CyberLife had frozen him out in an attempt to manually regain control of his body and shoot Markus on the stand. Hank could still feel his blood boiling at the extent that Connor had been made to dance around in CyberLife's web, even after deviating, which apparently had also just been a part of their sick plan.

But what tore Hank the most was seeing the utter fear and paranoia that it had brought down upon Connor. Because even though the kid had managed to find Kamski's emergency exit in time, he still couldn't say for sure that it would never happen again.

Which was why, when Connor had refused to return to the other androids, Hank had nodded and said, "Alright, come on then. Let's go home."

Hank remembered having to practically drag the android back to his car, Connor saying something about not wanting to be a bother and Hank retorting with that he would be more of one if Hank knew he was out on the streets. Connor had promised the roomate-situation would only be temporary.

Hank smiled. That was almost half a year ago.

Since then a lot of things had changed for the two of them, Connor especially. He'd had a couple of rough months in the beginning, a lot of unprocessed feelings and trauma resurfacing, which Hank had been more than happy to help him through. Markus had also been a great help once he knew about Connor's situation and had searched hard for a trustworthy and skilled enough technician to have a look at Connor. The technician had found no signs of CyberLife being able to freeze him out again, but had as a precaution removed the entire Amanda program just in case. That at least had been a major relief for both Hank and Connor.

But Connor had also been restless, which had been a bit harder to resolve. Whenever Connor wasn't out helping Markus with any political matter or information regarding CyberLife, Hank had often found him pacing in the living room or simply staring into space like he was analysing the dust molecules.

Hank had tried to introduce him to a few hobbies, considering he was mostly stuck at home with the lack of android laws being in place at the time, but none of them had really landed. He enjoyed them of course, but there was clearly a lack of motivation in the way.

That was, until Hank started going in to work again. After the revolution Hank had made sure to work from home as much as possible. His pile of slightly overdue paperwork being enough for Fowler to grant it, but in the end Hank was needed down at the station sooner than he'd liked. Which was when Hank noticed a change in Connor's behaviour.

Every time Hank would come home from a case, Connor would immediately drop whatever he was doing and ask Hank about his workday. He knew he wasn't technically supposed to discuss cases with anyone except his colleagues, especially since Connor wasn't his partner anymore, but every time the android asked, Hank couldn't help but notice the small spark that entered Connor's eyes.

So they discussed the cases, Hank admittedly enjoying their conversations more and more, especially because of how animated Connor became after each one of them. It was a nice change which seemed to have brought a new energy to everything else the android kept himself busy with.

One thing in particular that Hank had noticed with a twinge of pride was that Connor had picked up reading, and it wasn't those horrible electrical tablet-books either, no. It was Hank's old paperback books he'd picked out from the shelves. Specifically the shelevs Hank had organised to hold all of his detective novels.

So when the bill for paid android employment was finally settled, Hank really shouldn't have been surprised when Connor told him he wanted to return to work at the police department, but he was. Hank would never admit it, but it had felt quite empty without the kid at the precinct, and a part of him had soared at the thought of getting his partner back.

But he had also been hesitant, because however morbid it sounded Connor was litterly made for this line of work, and considering the restless spiral he had been in at the time, Hank couldn't help but worry that Connor was simply going back to what he knew he was good at.

Connor however had stood his ground and after talking a bit, Hank allowed his worries to sizzle away into barely concealed excitement. And it wasn't long after Connor had sent in his job application, and Hank had a private chat with Fowler, that he was allowed to come in as a consultant on android cases. It was simply so Connor could play an active role, while being tested on the side to see if he was fit for detectivework or not (a mere formality). But neither of them had particularly cared, because the moment they were back on a crime scene together, everything just seemed to click.

It was like fresh air after a rainstorm, everything just felt clearer, like a new start. They were back in their element and Hank could honestly not remember seeing Connor as content and at ease as when the two of them drove back home from a busy workday.

Now, there had of course been a lot of mixed reactions from Hank's coworkers once told that Connor would be returning to the precinct. Thankfully, most had the decency to be ashamed and apologetic about how they regarded him the last time. But there were still those who seemed opposed to the idea of androids being allowed to work at all, despite the revolution.

Jeffery, to Hank's relief, had not taken too kindly to such comments and had said that if having a deviant colleague bothered them so much, then they might as well leave their badge on the way out. Jeffery himself had been very apologetic to Connor once the two met again, which had put Hank's biggest concern at ease. The last thing he wanted was to see Connor get discouraged because of his coworkers being assholes, but knowing that Fowler was behind them meant a lot. But then of course there was Gavin, whose objections were a bit more.. personal.

"So, what?" Gavin had exclaimed. "Are we just gonna ignore the fact that the fucker assaulted me after breaking in to the fucking evidence room? Huh?!"

"That was before he deviated!" Hank had barked back, feeling weirdly protective of the android in question. "Connor was just following orders."

The two of them had gone back and forth for a while about that, until Fowler had had enough and slammed his fist on the conference table. "Give it a rest you two! Detective Reed, for your information Connor has agreed to the same work conditions as everyone else in here. Which, need I remind you, states not to harm another officer. Now is that enough to reassure you or are you handing me your badge right here and now?"

Hank remembered Gavin giving him a hard glare, but had said nothing back. Since then, Connor's integration into the DPD had gone smoother than Hank could have hoped for. Most of their colleagues had warmed up to the android pretty quickly and the ones that didn't, still made an effort to greet him in the hallways. Even Gavin had toned it down a notche, that is, enough to avoid Hank's HR threats at least.

But everything had turned out alright and with the amount of work constantly dubbeling after the android revolution, neither of them had really noticed the weeks passing by, until Connor had been called in to Fowler's office. Connor had come back out with a badge in his hand and a big dopey grin on his face.

That had been two months ago and Hank was sure that since then, the spark in Connor's eyes had become permanent. A small smile tugged its way on Hank's face as his eyes drifted back onto the nameplate on Connor's desk. The kid had sure earned his title.

Looking around, Hank knew he probably should have grabbed his coffee and left quite a while ago. If anything, Connor would at least be wondering by now what was keeping him. Yet..

Hank pursed his lips as he pulled up to his computer once more and opened his email. It didn't take long before he found a file containing a list of the upcoming laws that would be implemented the following month. Most were written with androids in mind, like the right to a lawyer, health-insurance and the ability to inherit valuables through a person's will. But there was one law in particular that had stayed on Hank's mind.

By the end of May 2039, androids will be required to register a last name. [...]

Hank knew that Connor had also received the same file as him, but neither of them had brought it up yet. Hank let his eyes wander over the words until it felt like they'd been ingraved in his head. The first time he read the list that sentence had struck him quite weirdly. Despite only knowing Connor for little over half a year, at this point it felt like a lifetime. This was a huge step for Connor, and Hank wanted to be nothing more than supportive. But admittedly, it also made him a bit nervous, because even though Hank had never dared to think too closely on it, Connor was undoubtedly like a son to him.

Leaning back in his chair Hank knew he had made his decision. It was time to head home. Rising from his seat, Hank quickly logged out before grabbing his slightly stained coffee mug. As he made his way over to the coffeemaker, Hank threw a last glance at the name plate.

They would have to ask Fowler for a new one. Because Det. Connor just wasn't quite it.

- - - - - -

As Hank pulled in to the driveway and killed the engine, a light patter of rain filled the silence. He looked over at the house, noting that only a few lights were on. Maybe the kid is out with Sumo, Hank thought. Heaving a sigh, Hank steeled himself as he got out of the car and headed for the front door. Despite the weather it was a nice evening and Hank tried not to remind himself that a hot summer would soon be right around the corner.

The key slid smoothly into the lock and as it clicked opened, Hank heard a distinct bark from the other side of the door. Not out then, Hank thought, a soft smile stretching on to his face. Hank turned the handle and entered, humming as the warmth of the hall washed over him.

"I'm home." Hank called out, as if opening the door alone didn't announce his presence.

"Welcome back Hank." Connor answered from the sofa, the light from the TV illuminating him enough for Hank to see Connor turn, offering him a bright smile. "Did work keep you late?"

Hank shrugged out of his jacket. "Yeah, sorry. I was looking closer at some files and lost track of time." He grunted as he bent down to untie his shoes. "How's your day been?"

"Good." Connor nodded, "I finished that book I told you about."

"Oh yeah?" Hank rightened himself, not bothering to line up his shoes next to Connor's own neatly placed ones, and made his way over to the couch. "Well, was it any good?"

Now that Hank was closer he saw that Connor had his legs up, his hands scratching either side of a very content Sumo laying halfway up his chest. No wonder he wasn't greeted at the door, the traitor.

"Yeah," Connor nodded thoughtfully. "I mean, the plot was kinda predictable, but the ending was really good and the main character did grow on me after a few chapters." Connor then smiled up at him. "I think you should read it, seems like something you'd like."

Hank chuckled. "Alright, maybe I will."

Connor's recommendation list was getting long, not because Hank wasn't reading the books, he was. He just couldn't keep up with an android's reading speed. Even when Connor took his time with each page, his efficency was something Hank was severly lacking.

Taking a seat, Hank let out a content sigh as he relaxed into the cushions. Just sitting around the office sure did a number on him. Connor regarded him for a second. "How was your day?"

Hank snorted. "Peachy." Hank looked at Connor, who in turn glanced at the TV making it go silent, before looking back at Hank expectingly. Being a living remote sure had its perks.

"Oh you know, uneventful." Hank grumbled. "Stuck at desk work all day without even Gavin to pester me. There was one incident, but I never got to hear what it was. Collins pounced on it faster than I could pull my thumb out off my ass."

Connor chuckled. "So what you're saying," a coy smile forming on his face. "Is that it was extremely boring without me today."

Hank scoffed. "As if. You know, I had actually forgotten how peaceful the station could be without your constant yapping behind my monitor. I actually got shit done today without being interrupted every 5 minutes."

Connor's smile only widened, his eyebrow slightly raised.

"But.." Hank continued, inclining his head. "I guess I've never been one to be on top of my workload anyway, so.."

Connor laughed. "I missed you too Hank."

"Yeah yeah, whatever." He waved him off, but smiled nonetheless.

A low 'ruff' interrupted them as Sumo, who undoubtedly felt neglected by Connor's unmoving hand, rose from his chest and jumped down on the floor. Connor's eyes followed the dog as he waddled his way over to the kitchen, a bright smile breaking out on Connor's face as the undignified sound of dogfood being slobbered up carried from the other room.

Hank's own eyes however stayed on Connor, taking him in. Comparing to just a few months ago, the kid even looked different. Today he was wearing a cream coloured turtleneck with a dark blazer on top, the pants matching of course. Hank had tried to explain on numerous occasions that at home you were supposed to wear comfy clothes like hoodies and sweatpants, and while Connor did humour him at times, it was clear he still liked to look sharp at any given moment.

Hank's eyes moved up to Connor's hair and a small smirk formed on his face. To anyone else it might not have looked that different, but Hank knew Connor spent time every morning in the bathroom styling his hair until it was just the right amount of wavey and uneven to look human. Just a small defiance against CyberLife, who had made sure his hair would always fall back perfectly straight, even after a fight.

"What?" Connor laughed, his attention now back on Hank.

"Nothing." Hank shook his head, a fond smile on his face.

Connor gave him a curious look, but didn't press. "Alright," Connor swung his feet back on the floor, dusting off some dog hairs as he stood. "I'm gonna get some thirium, you want anything?"

Hank watched him as he made his way over to the kitchen. "Yeah, could you grab me a beer, thanks." The non-alcoholic part going unspoken.

"Just a beer?" Connor called from the fridge. "There's some leftovers I could microwave for you if you're hungry."

"Uh, maybe later," Hank called back. "I'm good with just a drink for now." Truth be told Hank wasn't sure if he could handle any food at the moment, his stomach churning somewhat uncomfortably at the idea.

"Hey Connor," Hank said, the words sounding less confident than he'd like. "You know, I actually had something I wanted to talk to you about."

"Oh yeah?" Connor rounded the couch, a beer can in one hand and a blue caprisun looking bag in another. Hank thanked him as he was handed the beer.

"Yeah, I was just wondering," Hank cracked the can open, taking his time until Connor was seated down with a straw in hand. "If you had thought anything about the whole last name thing."

Connor stilled, and Hank took the moment to steel himself behind a slow sip. "I.." Connor started, giving him a careful glance. "Haven't actually looked into it yet." Connor punctured the small thirium bag, bringing it to his lips, then pausing to add; "There's a lot options out there."

Hank hummed, watching the contemplative look on Connor's face as he drank silently. "It's a big decision, that's for damn sure. And it's fucked you don't get more time to think about it."

This time it was Connor's turn to humm in agreement. "They sure should have thought about it earlier at least."

Hank nodded, a silence lingering between them before he opened his mouth uncertainly, searching for the right words. "You know," Hank swallowed. "I want you to know that whatever you choose, I want you to be happy with it. It should be something that feels right, so don't just take any name that comes to mind because you're short on time."

"I know," Connor sighed. "Tina said something similar."

Hank chuckled, of course she would. He could practically see officer Chen pinching Connor's ear about it. "Well good, then I can skip the lecture and get on to my next point."

Connor looked up curiously, silently prompting him to go on.

"I.." Hank started, taking a small sip of his beer before placing it on the table. "I know I don't say this enough, but I am damn proud of you Connor."

The kid looked down, a small bashful smile on his lips. "And I mean that," Hank said firmly. "No matter how bad you probably are for my blood pressure, I still feel incredibly lucky to have you in my life. Hell, you even pulled me out of a stuper when no one else could, despite how much of an ass I was back when we met."

Connor looked back up at him, a small smirk spreading on his lips. "You weren't actually that bad, and to be fair, I did try to provoke you more than once."

"Well," Hank chuckled. "Spilling my drink was certainly a memorable introduction, but.. maybe that's what I needed." Hank smiled. "Having a little shit like you around has certainly whipped me into shape."

Connor grinned as Hank shuffled closer, ruffling his hair affectionately.

"Hey!" Connor laughed, pushing him away lightly. Hank chuckled, a soft glint entering his eyes as he watched the kid fuss over his brown hair.

Shaking his head lightly, Hank glanced away only for his gaze to land on the far shelf in the room. Connor had put up a few old picture frames he'd found in a box a while back, saying it would be a shame to let them collect dust. In one of the frames, staring back at Hank was a small, rosycheeked Cole standing next to a snowman twice his size.

Hank let a small wistful smile spread on his lips, picturing what Cole might have thought about Connor, had he'd still been alive. Though, knowing Cole, he would probably have used Connor's android features to his advantage, asking for infinite piggyback rides wherever they went.

"Hank?" Alastor's voice came softer now, breaking the Lieutenant's thoughts.

Without looking away from the picture frame Hank sighed softly. "He would've liked you."

There was a pause where Connor took time to study the picture himself. "I'm sure I would've liked him too."

Hank's breath came out slightly shaky at that comment, but he simply nodded to himself. "You know.. I've had a lot of time to think about things. About Cole mostly. Of what he would've wanted."

Conner looked at him, tilting his head in question.

"And," Hank swallowed, gathering his nerves for his next words. "I know for a fact that he would've loved to have you as his brother."

Connor's eyes widened slightly before a soft smile took over his features. "Hank-"

"-No, wait." Hank cut in putting a hand up to silence the kid. "Let me finish."

Conner looked at him bemused but let the Lieutenant fix him shut with a glance.

"I know I'll never have Cole back and no one would ever be able to replace him. But you Conner.. Christ if it isn't every parental instinct inside me screaming whenever you do something reckless I don't know what is." Hank huffed, shaking his head. "You are like a son to me Conner, whether either of us likes it or not. And I know I'll regret it for the rest of my life if I don't at least put the offer on the table."

"What offer?" Connor's brows knitted.

"That.." Hank looked up at him, holding his gaze. "That you're welcome to my name."

Connor froze, and for a second Hank was afraid he'd broken the him. But then Connor blinked, his voice hesitant as he asked, "You mean like..?"

Hank shifted. "Yeah.. you could be Connor Anderson." Then quickly added, "If you'd like. I mean, I'm not gonna force it on you. Besides it's a pretty generic name, so if you'd rather have something better-"

Hank grunted in surprise as two arms threw themselves around him. For a moment it was Hank's turn to go still, but he soon melted into it and hugged Connor back. He felt a slight tremble go through the kid and Hank's brows knitted in concern. "Connor?"

Connor drew back and the tears in his eyes made Hank's heart sink, before a bright wobbly smile split Connor's face. "I'd love that. I.. I'd love to be your son."

Hank stared in awe at the android, and suddenly it was like a weight had dropped from his shoulders. Before Hank knew it his vision blurred too and before Connor could point it out Hank tugged him into another hug. "Come here you little shit."

Connor laughed, "And you say you aren't soft."

"Shut up before I ruffle your hair again." Hank grumbled, trying to keep his voice even.

A beat of silence hung between them before Connor spoke, voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you.. dad."

Hank heard himself make a choked noise and suddenly he knew that if he spoke the words wouldn't come out. So Hank simply held Conner tighter, hoping he'd understand.