Love Like Yours 💙 - A Hankcon Story

Chapter 5: Jealousy?

Saturday November 13, 2038
11:20 am
*Connor's POV*
I never mind waking up early in the mornings but for some reason today I just decided to lay on the couch with Sumo for an extra hour. After a while though I decided to read a book since Hank had so many of them. He seemed to think I wouldn't get the appeal of books before but I think they are fascinating. I feel like I'm transporting to a whole other world and living throughout their stories.
~ Flashback ~
The Nest
"Real books... I thought I was the last guy in Detroit to keep some... electronic books, you can't smell the paper.. see the pages turning yellow." Hank sighs, "You have no idea what I'm talking about, do you?"
~ End of Flashback ~
Of course he was correct, I didn't know what he was talking about. I'd never experienced books like he has and I probably never could, but it didn't stop me from trying. Maybe even one day we could read books together. I picked one from his shelf that caught my attention and skimmed the cover, Bridge to Terabithia. It had two kids and a dog on the cover. One seemed to be sitting across a bank while the other swung on a rope to the other side; it says it's about Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke, two fifth-graders who become friends and create an imaginary land called Terabithia, where they can go to forget about their problems. Kind of childlike story to say the least but I couldn't say I'm surprised considering he had a child. I sit back down and open the book, I'm sure Hank will be awake anytime so I'll probably only get a few chapters in. <Funny enough he could easily read the whole book in a literal minute if he wanted>
~
11:45 am rolls around and Connor hears the beeping of an alarm in the bedroom down the hall. Luckily he prepared for Hank waking up soon and already cooked his breakfast; bacon, pancakes, and some fruit just to keep it simple. Hank reluctantly walks into the kitchen to see the awfully cheery android waiting on him. "Good morning Hank, I hope you slept alright." Yawning he replies, "Morning Con." Noticing the plate of food prepared at his table he shakes his head, "Thank you Chef Hardheaded." Connor tilts his head to the side in confusion causing Hank to grumble. "You agreed you wouldn't do things for me. I don't want you to come here and feel like you have to wait on me Con! I just don't want you to feel like a prisoner here." Connor sighs and walks over to Hank sitting him down and then taking a seat beside him. "What if I told you that it wasn't just for you? What if it's for me too. I don't feel like a prisoner because I enjoy being around you and being there for you; helping you and doing things that make you happy. I may not understand that feeling completely yet, but I do know that you seeming happy makes everything worth it. I like when you smile and when I make you smile. I always want to know more about you and I like when you're not sad and angry, and.. I just want to be able to help you... want to live your life again Lieutenant." Connor looks at Hank sympathetically.
*Hank's POV*
I haven't had someone care so much about me since Cole died... why? Why does he care? I want to believe him but I know it won't last. He's not even seen the worst parts of me, the parts of me even I'm scared of. Even still though I can't help but feel moved by the words Connor said.
"Thank you Connor.." I stated quietly before I began eating my breakfast. For a detective android he sure knows how to cook well. I look up to Connor who is just watching me. It doesn't bother me as much anymore but I can't help but notice his gaze lingering. "Uh Connor.." He slightly shakes his head, "I apologize Lieutenant. I just- I wanted to say- I mean I just wanted to tell you I'm sorry.. for how I reacted last night, threatening to leave and everything." I shake my head, he doesn't need to apologize. "Connor it's-" "No. I shouldn't have treated you like that. You were just trying to look out for me and keep me safe; I was just overloading with a lot of different feelings I don't understand right now and that's not an excuse for it but I just wanted you to know." He pauses before quickly following up, "And this isn't an apology programmed response I- I genuinely mean it.."
~
Hank grabs him into a hug and pats his back, "I know Con it's all okay, I promise." They pull back out of the hug as Hank continues to hold Connor's arms in his hands. Staring at each other with smiles upon their faces; it didn't take long for them to realize how close they were getting to each other. Connor now glowing a bright blue, backs out of Hank's grip giggling nervously trying to alleviate the awkwardness. "Is there anything in particular you'd like to do today Lieutenant?" Connor asks while picking up Hank's plate to clean it. "Hm you know.."  Following him to the sink and placing his hand on Connor's shoulder, "Don't you think you would like to get some clothes?" Connor doesn't hesitate in his response, "I have clothes Hank."
"I mean other clothes Connor." Hank's voice soft but stern trying to convince the stubborn android. "Lieutenant there's really no need-"
Hank turns Connor around to face him causing Connor to immediately shut up. "Connor.. you don't need it anymore." He reassures him. Connor sighs and nods his head. "I'll only take a few clothes okay." He states defeated. "Don't worry about it Con, you'll have fun I'm sure of it!" Connor goes to get his uniform out of the bathroom so Hank can get ready as well. He heads into the bedroom to change and looks at his uniform in his hand.
He's right I don't need it anymore. It's not who I am.. but then why is it so hard for me to let go? It's not like it did me any favors. I almost died just to be truly alive. Sometimes I even worry I didn't actually break through any programming; that at any point Amanda and cyberlife itself could regain control and it'd all be over. Connor shakes his head, he doesn't want to worry about it all right now. Throwing on his uniform and shoes, he suddenly hears Hank yell out to him. "Connor! Can you bring me some clothes please? I forgot to grab them!"
"Sure Lieutenant, what would you like to wear?" "Whatever!" Classic Hank. Connor sees his options of clothing for Hank
[Hippy]
[Streaky]
[Casual]
Connor thought for a second and decided on Casual which consisted of a baggy 'Knights of Black Death' band tee, his black jacket and some black jeans. He didn't know where they were going as Hank wanted to keep it a surprise so he decided this was a safe choice. Grabbing the clothes he goes to the bathroom door and listens. It sounds like- "Are you okay Hank?" Quiet sniffles are heard through the door before a response is given "Yeah, yeah just leave them on the counter." Connor opens the door slightly and rests the clothes where Hank asked, "Do you need anything? I'm here if you do." "No Connor. Thank you I'm fine, just give me a few minutes okay." Connor nods his head and quietly exits the bathroom. He hates when he can't help Hank but he knows it's better to let him be until he is ready to talk about it. While waiting on Hank Connor sees Sumo sprawled out on the couch and decides to jump down beside him to give him tons of pets and kisses before laying his head over Sumo and closing his eyes. Sumo though quickly decides it's payback and gets up to start crawling on top of Connor's lap giving him tons of doggy kisses. Of course Connor isn't minding he hugs the big dog and leans back letting Sumo rest his head on Connor's chest while he pets him. Connor feels his thirium pump beat faster as the pup's tail wags more and more with all his pets.