Beyond The Sea [Hankcon / Hank x Connor AU]

trēs; ebb and flow

The main city centre was different to what he'd imagined, not that he spent his time imagining how land-people went about their lives. His dad had briefed him on the errands he needed to run, and also on the potential job. He'd just got off the phone at this point with the news. "---That was Sal, that guy I was telling you about." Elijah smiled, looking at his son across the table. He'd taken him to a café as part of his "become human" teaching.

"---He's told me that one of his servers has left on paternity leave, so he's got a slot free on Wednesday's. Or, tomorrow." He explained, and Connor stared at him. "Tomorrow?!" He panicked, and looked anxious. "---Calm down, kid. It's just one night a week. It's good pay, and it'll be good for your... humanisation." Elijah grinned at him, but noted how worried he looked. "You're gonna have a trial shift tomorrow... If you wanna do it, that is..." He added, and there was an awkward pause.

"---I'll do it." Connor nodded, and saw the smile on his dad's face. "Awesome. Sal will take care of you, don't worry. And hey, maybe if you're good and if you like it... You could be kept on permanently." Elijah sipped his drink after he replied, and Connor just watched. "One day you're a merman and the next you're working in society..." He mumbled, making his dad laugh. "You'll be fine, just... Don't spill anything on yourself. Obviously." He mentioned, Connor's eyes widening. "Well... I'll certainly try," He replied, and he'd made him laugh again. "Hurry with that drink, I've got more to show ya." His dad added, now smiling.

He'd taken him down to a pier just outside of the main centre. The sun was bright in the sky, and people were out enjoying it; surfing, sunbathing on the sandy beach below, and just having a great time. "---It's weird being on this side of the water, looking out at the sea, instead of the other way around..." Connor mentioned, walking alongside his father. "Oh? I can imagine that. It's like... being on the moon, and looking at the Earth." His dad said, and was glanced at with a confused expression. "I'm a merman, Dad, not an astronaut." Connor reminded him, smiling a little when he made him laugh yet again. "I'm aware of that, Connor." Elijah sighed softly, stopping at a viewpoint. "Sometimes, before... I used to come out here, and stare out... I wondered if you and your mother were thinking of me, like I was thinking of you." He said, Connor glancing over to him as he leant on the railings. "Mom did. All the time, and especially any time we were near this area." He mentioned, and he was being honest. His mother never forgot. "---Well, that's good to know." His dad chuckled softly, looking over suddenly. "Woah! Look. Pier dog," He pointed, and Connor looked over. He saw a dog running up with its owner, but it stopped at his feet as it was petted by Elijah. "Don't touch him, Con. I think he's just been for a swim, haven't you, buddy? Yeah?" His dad warned as he petted the damp dog, and it made him frown. He liked dogs, even if this was the first time he'd been near one. His dad eventually let the dog go on its way, and glanced to his son. "I like dogs, alright?" He said, and Connor couldn't help but laugh. "I see where I get it from, then, huh?" He replied, laughing with him and looking back out to the sea.

___________

He'd been called in on a rare day off the following afternoon under the premise of a "impromptu meeting", but sitting there in that office, with a coffee in hand to keep himself awake... He wanted to be anywhere else but here. In bed, mainly... But, that exactly wasn't happening any time soon.

"---So, Anderson... You think there's a missing person about the coast, even though no-one has reported anything, and, Waters can't back you up?" His superior spoke as he walked in, sitting opposite the cop. He'd folded his arms, and looked like he also didn't want to be there, even though he was the one who'd called it. "---Someone's out there, dead or alive, whatever. We're being incredibly irresponsible by just letting it slide like nothing's happened." Hank stood up for himself, but could just tell from his expression... He didn't care.

"I think, Hank... You should just forget about the whole thing, alright? It's bad for our reputation as a precinct in the city, and it's just... not worth it." His boss sighed, leaning forward and just staring at him. "Are you kidding me? We're the police! That's doing the exact opposite of what we're supposed to be doing!" Anderson raised his voice, which wasn't taking well. "Who do you think you're talking to? I've said what I wanted to say, now get outta my office." His boss had just yelled back, and Hank just left without another word. It was only gonna get worse.

He'd bumped into Oliver on the way out, and had been invited to go for a beer at their local bar. Ever since he'd turned the legal age of 21, though admittedly and ironically, he had broken the law and was drinking before then... He'd visited this bar with his friend occasionally after work, but of course, everything was in moderation.

"---Did you kick his ass, then?" Oliver had been asking about the meeting, which Hank had just tried to avoid, but gave up as they walked inside. "No. But, he's on thin fucking ice." He replied, noticing the ambience and how it was half-full, but also noticing something else. "---Who the fuck's that?" He looked over when Oliver spoke, realising he'd noticed too. "Unless Sal's turned about 20 years younger..." Hank trailed off, not really knowing what to say. "It's obviously not Sal," Oliver rolled his eyes. "But... It isn't anyone we know, either. Why's he hired a new guy?" He went up to the bar, but wasn't immediately followed. Hank soon joined him, getting a closer look at this... almost imposter. He was younger than anyone who'd ever stood behind that bar. He had brown hair, and eyes to match... but a stern expression. He'd glanced over from what he was doing, and he'd looked straight at him.

"What can I get you?" He asked, not sounding as serious as he looked.

Oliver glanced over to his friend, an eyebrow raised. "Is this guy for real?" He hissed, and Hank just laughed, not knowing how to respond. "I---Just a scotch on the rocks, thanks. Presuming you know what that is." He answered the bartender's question, seeing his expression. "And I'll have a beer." Oliver spoke with a smug expression, but it wasn't entertained. Hank just shook his head at him, and noticed a quiet chuckle come from the new guy.

Where did Sal find this guy?