Love Like Yours 💙 - A Hankcon Story

Chapter 6: Pieces of his Past

Heading out of the mall and back
to the car; a small group of protesters seemed to form near one of the business. Signs reading 'Burn the Plastic' and 'Androids Aren't Alive' held tightly in the groups hands as they shouted harmful chants. Connor was in his own little world and almost walked past them before he felt a strong grip drape around his back and pull him to another direction.
"Come on this way Con. You don't need to be involved in all of that."
But he did feel like he needed to be involved. These were his people too. They mattered to him and he'd already done so much wrong to deviants he encountered before; he felt like he owed it to them at this point. But of course he followed his friend as to not put him in any danger. His friend. He thought.
*Connor's POV*
I honestly can't believe that checkout lady.. Mandy, I couldn't believe she thought Hank and I were together. I couldn't imagine... him showing interest in me. Connor isn't sure why that discouraged him a bit. I'm sure Hank wasn't happy with that assumption.. maybe I was being too much towards him or just being too much of I guess myself? I don't know what I did to make her assume that, Hank surely didn't do anything except come in and buy me clothes. I mean I wasn't upset about it. Hank is a very attractive man and yes he has his problems but I know he's a good person and there's just so much more to him than meets the eye. But it didn't matter how I saw him, he didn't see that himself and I just wish I could help that. Show him how much he actually means to someone. To me.
"Connor! You run outta batteries or what?"
He realizes Hank is sitting in the car waiting for him. "I apologize Lieutenant I was thinking." Opening the car door and sitting down as they make their way to what he assumes is back home Connor notices the ride is a lot more awkward feeling than before. He wonders if it's something to do with what happened at the mall. He thinks to ask but decides to just leave it alone for right now, kind of afraid of Hank's response to it all. It doesn't take long for them to make it back home; Sumo is excited as always to see them back. He follows Connor as he goes to fill his food and water for the day. Hank goes to sit down on the couch and notices a book laid on the table. Bridge to Terabithia... "Connor, were you reading this?" Connor joining him on the couch smiles softly to him. "Yes Hank, I was enjoying some time alone while I waited for you to wake up this morning and this one just caught my attention. Besides books seemed to be important to you, so I was intrigued. I really like it so far." Hank chuckles and lays a hand on Connor's knee rubbing it slightly. "Well I'm glad I could enlighten you to a path of books; though that's not my preferred genre." He looks intently at the book..
(START SONG)
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"That one was.. well it was Cole's; his favourite actually but he couldn't exactly read it as well so he'd get me too. I don't think he actually understood everything that happens in it but I do remember he loved the imagination parts of it. That was always something about him, he had the most active imagination." He trails off and smiles slightly but you could tell his voice was filled with despair.  Talking about Cole was hard for him and Connor respected that. He never wanted to force Hank through that grief but just be there for him when he needed it. Connor places his hand over Hank's; which only made his already rising temperature increase more. He ignored the warnings though and tried his hardest to keep himself calm while reassuring Hank. "I apologize if bringing the book out caused you unpleasant feelings Lieutenant, but.. I really appreciate you sharing that with me." He pauses before continuing, trying to pick his words carefully. "I know I'm not Cole and I'd never want to replace him in your life but if it was ever okay with you Hank, I'd love to hear you read to me someday. I'm sure I can already imagine why Cole enjoyed it so much." Connor tries to smile warmly at Hank but he can't help but be afraid if he could've said something wrong, until he feels a strong tightness around his hand. He looks up to see Hank looking away very much trying to conceal the fact he's crying. Shit. "Hank I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to-" He tries to shift away to look at him better but he feels Hank grip his hand even tighter as Connor moves back closer beside him and hugs him tightly. He doesn't say anything; he just lets the hard boiled police Lieutenant be not so tough for once as he listens to his faint cries.
*Hank's POV*
God this is fucking embarrassing but I can't stop. I keep trying to hold it in but that just makes it worse. I miss him so much.. I wish he could just be here, even for just a day. I'd give anything to just tell him how much I love him and hear his voice again. It's been 3 years now and it's getting harder to remember that sweet voice of his. Of course I have videos I could watch but I dare to not even come close to those again.. I can't bare it.
Finally regaining himself and his composure he looks down at Connor who sits beside him patiently; filled with a worried but loving expression on his face. "I'm sorry Connor, I shouldn't have cried over something like that. You didn't do anything wrong by the way, I just have had him on my mind a lot more recently." Connor shakes his head softly. "Lieutenant please don't apologize for feeling anyway about this. However you are feeling is completely valid and normal. I'm just happy I could be here for you and I always will be."
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He grips Hank's hand tightly once more before finally letting go.  Hank looks over to the corner of the living room and notices Connor's clothes in the bags are still there. He knows the android can't keep sleeping on the couch; he needs his own privacy and space. He sighs and gets up. "Connor can you follow me? Bring your clothes with you." Connor does as he says and they walk to the end of the hall to the door that had stayed locked. Connor feels worried as Hank unlocks it, opening the door slowly.
Hank switches on the light and Connor and him both take a minute examining everything.  The walls were covered in a soft baby blue and  it was quite empty; aside from a small bed that stood in the corner of the room, a dresser, and some boxes. It was no question who's room this was. "You can stay in here Connor. I know it's not much, but I'm sure overtime you'll figure out more to do with it." Immediately Connor resists, "Hank no. I'm fine, really I did not mind sleeping in the living room. You don't have to give me this room.."
"Connor it's fine, you need your space and privacy and I need my living room." He laughs quietly attempting to make a joke but the energy around them is so heavy with grief he knows it's pointless to avoid. Connor sighs and nods knowing he can't argue with him over this. "I'll let you get settled in. I'll be in the living room if you need me." He turns around and is about to leave the room before remembering, "Oh yeah, this is for you." Connor takes the folded paper from Hank and reads it, "An application?" Connor questions. "It's basically just a paper confirming you want to continue to be a detective in the department.." He pauses for a moment, "and my permanent partner.." Connor smiles slightly. "Is that something you want Lieutenant?" "No no we're not doing that. It's whatever you want Connor, it doesn't matter what I want." He clarifies avoiding the question. "It does matter, it matters to me Hank. I won't let it affect my decision but I care what you want and think." Connor shakes his head trying to convince Hank to just answer his question. Fed up Hank finally gives in, "Of course I'd want you there Connor. Shit we've been through too much together to say no." Connor laughs, "Thank you Lieutenant." Hank smiles and nods before leaving and closing the door behind him. After filling out the paper; Connor starts putting his clothes up and decides to change into one of his new outfits. Taking off his uniform he pulls a soft yellow sweatshirt over his white button up and into a comfier pair of brown pants. It felt so different from his uniform but he couldn't deny he liked it. He laid down on the bed; embracing in its softness. He felt so content here,
So happy with Hank and Sumo. He didn't want this to end. He just wanted it to be like this forever. Suddenly his eyes began to feel very heavy as he slowly closed them and drifted off to sleep.