Blue. [DETRIOT: BECOME HUMAN- CONNOR ]

Twenty Four

Hank's pov

A methodic, creaking rhythm slowly drew me from my rest. I opened my sleep-yearning eyes to stare at the moon lit ceiling. Sumo panted quietly as he lay on the bed at my feet; His paws twitched slightly with movement driven by his dreams. I blinked, listening to the creaking floors from the other room. With a sigh I sat up and rubbed my face with my palms as I pulled my heavy feet to the floor. In the moonlight, I found my way to the door and stepped into the hall.

As I suspected, my eyes were greeted by the bright yellow living room light and the thin frame of an Android walking in a precisely replicated circle, lost in thought.

"You're pacing again." I stated as I stepped forward, grabbing his attention.

He jumped slightly at my presence, and his eyes widened with a hint of guilt, which was quickly dismissed as he said, "Sorry, if I woke you. I was just thinking."

"Oh." I replied, "And what about?"

After a small pause he said, "I've been looking over some cold cases in my free time."

I squinted my eye at him as I crossed the living room into the kitchen. "Anything interesting?"

"Not much of note." was his response.

I pulled a glass from the cabinet and began to fill it with water from the tap. "huh."

Connor's eyes danced across the hardwood a moment before glancing back at me. "I'll be sure to be more quiet when you return to bed."

I took a sip from my glass as I exited the kitchen, making strong eye contact.

"Are you sure you're okay, Connor?"

He looked up at me and again a flicker of guilt flashed across his face.

"Yeah, I'm okay." He replied, "I just haven't been feeling the best.."

I nodded. It was obvious this wasn't the whole truth. "That's understandable. We'll get through this, okay?"

He gave me a small smile. "Thanks, Hank."

Beside us in the hallway I heard the characteristic clicks of Sumo's claws on the hardwood floors. Both Connor and I turned to look at the fluffy beast, as he trotted up to us happily.

"Looks like we're all up." I commented, turning to check the time; It was 3:27 am. I let out a sigh, as the realization of how little sleep I've had made me yearn for my bed. Sumo rubbed his body against my leg, then looked up at me expectantly. "Oh, Sumo." I responded to his silent plea. "It's too early for a walk."

Connor walked around the kitchen counter and kneeled to pet the dog. "You know, I don't think I'd mind a walk." At the sound of his favorite word Sumo glanced expectantly between us. "You wanna go for a walk Sumo???" Connor spoke to the beast in a sing-song voice as he petted Sumo on the neck and stood.

Sumo hopped in place then trotted to the door happily.

Connor looked back to me. "You get some rest. I'm gonna walk Sumo to clear my head."

"Okay, you be careful, okay?"

"I will, don't worry." He reassured.

"Alright." I said, heading back to the bedroom.

"Goodnight!" Connor spoke as he hooked the lease on a very happy dog.

I couldn't help but worry about him. I wish I know what he wasn't telling me, and why he felt the need to lie about it.

---
A

uthors note: New year, new chapter!  How are y'all feeling about it?