Love Like Yours 💙 - A Hankcon Story

Chapter 25: Thorns of Roses

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Connor placed the bear and card nicely on his desk and stared at the rose. It needed a vase or it would surely start to wilt. "Lieutenant I will return momentarily, if it's alright with you I'd really still like to continue our discussion." He smiles sweetly to him and walks off. Despite the jealousy and irritation Hank felt, that smile always had a way of warming him. Connor went into the break room to grab one of the cups to fill it with water; as he placed the rose he found himself staring more intently at it and suddenly a memory flashed into vision. He saw Amanda holding one of her roses and felt extremely cold, all he heard was her voice echoing "Don't have any regrets, you did what you were designed to do" over and over again. Suddenly he was pulled back by a stern voice, "H- Hank?" Connor faltered. "Connor it's Nines. You are alright. I'm right here." No response. "What happened?" Connor becoming fully aware of his surroundings; realized he not only dropped the cup with the rose but his hands couldn't stop twitching. He tried to focus on what Nines just asked him but everything just felt overwhelming. Finally he muttered, "I- I am not sure.."
Nines POV
Nines didn't understand but his system recognized concern and it felt unnatural for him. He wondered how Connor felt so comfortably with others.
He patted Connor's shoulder and helped him clean up. Nines felt content in the fact he was available for Connor but this was posing a bigger concern than he believed Connor was fully aware of. Handing him the cup with the rose in it he asked if he wanted to take a break to recollect himself but Connor refused. He already felt embarrassed for such a display but he also didn't want Hank to worry. "I apologize for concerning you, I'll be alright Nines. It was just a small error I'm sure." Nines knew though the only one Connor was trying to convince was himself. "Just come to me if you need anything." Connor nods and thanks him before walking back to his desk while Nines LED went from a flashing blue to a stable yellow as he watched him.
Connor's panic hit him all again as he walked away. He knew he wasn't convincing that he was okay but he just sighed before approaching Hank's desk. I still have a long day ahead of myself; the last thing I can worry about is whatever that was.

Hank's POV
It didn't take long for me to notice something was up with Connor. His LED gives that away pretty damn easily and the fact I watched him take the long way around to our desks so it's obvious whatever it was he's adamant to avoiding it. Goddamn android! He shook his head pretending not to see him come around the corner. Fuck it- I'm going to try to still be there for him. "So.. um when we get home I have something you can put that flower in. That tiny cup will only hold on so long." Hank laughs slightly but Connor just nods and thanks him. Hank clears his throat, "Oh hm I didn't know you liked roses. Are they like your favorite?" Connor shrugs, "They're alright. I guess I wouldn't consider them a favorite.." Noticing how upset he was coming across; he instantly tries to fix his tone and gives a slight smile. "But all flowers are very beautiful, I don't think I have a favorite one quite yet Lieutenant." Seeing even a glimpse of a smile on him made Hank feel better. Connor fiddled with his hands, "By the way about our discussion earlier when we get home we'll continue it, alright?" "Whatever you are comfortable with Connor." That prompted another shy smile from Connor except slightly bigger; which Hank couldn't help but take awe in.
5:30 pm
After visiting a few crime scenes, reviewing all the evidence, and 2 interrogations Connor and Hank were almost done for the day. Though Hank's only concern was Connor; he wasn't acting like himself at all. If I can just finish these last few papers up we'll be able to finally leave. It's been such a long fucking day and it's still not over!
"Lieutenant, I will be waiting in the car for you whenever you are finished. No rush of course." Connor smiled sweetly as best he could. "Are you sure? I don't mind you sitting with me, if you wanted to.." Hank trailed off. Connor normally would love talking to me while I worked or in many cases I'd be pulling him from talking to the other officers all night long. "I'm positive Hank, I'd just rather be alone for a moment. Thank you for understanding." Hank smiles sadly, "Always Con. I'll uh- be there in a few. Just these last few papers." Connor knew Hank would be understanding but he was also just worried about him. I know there's no reason to be because this will be natural for Connor to feel all types of emotions but I just don't want him to feel like he has to handle it all alone; the way I felt I had to.. before I met him." Hank sighed and tried to focus and finish the work.
As he filed everything away and started to walk to the exit, a firm hand came down on his shoulder and a voice similar to Connor's spoke out. "Mr. Hank Anderson correct?" "Oh god it's you! Why so formal Nines, just call me Lieutenant or Hank." "Despite the fact that others call you that; I am aware those hold much desire with Connor so I opted more for formality. Anyways discussing Connor, has he shown you any reason to be concerned for his well-being?" Hank was so caught up by so much that was just said Nines question threw him off. "What? No- wait yes! I mean- I'm always worried about Connor. I don't think there's been a time I wasn't but I trust that he'd come to me if he truly needed someone and wasn't okay." Nines looked at him questionably before smirking slightly noticing Hank's heart rate increase, "Well I certainly see where his fascination comes from with you but I don't believe you should rely on trust alone with that. Not to worry you that he trusts anyone more than you but his feelings for you is reason enough to him not to confide in you. I only express this because of an incident with him that happened earlier. He wasn't harmed but his stress levels indicate that there's something deeply concerning him. If it persists, Connor will send himself into a self destruct. I can't imagine why his programming wouldn't be warning him."
Hearing that caused Hank's heart to drop. I can't believe that I wasn't more aware, that Connor couldn't talk to me, that I could lose him. Hank shook his head, he couldn't bare that.. not again; not with him.

💕 Authors Note ✍🏻
sorry I've been so absent!! My mental health has taken a huge toll but I definitely am writing more again because it really helps when I have the energy! I wanted to focus more on Connor and his memories with Amanda. Nightmares part 2 coming soon maybe? 👀
I hope you're all still enjoying it! Thank you so much for the support always🖤