Archive of Our Own ^beta

Hank didn’t know why he offered to meet that goofy android from work. Probably he just wanted to make sure if the boy made it through the revolution safely. That’s why he was glad to see the android alive and still in one piece.

“Good to see you Connor,” Hank said and hugged him.

The newly deviant android at first didn’t know how to react, but he reciprocated it and when Hank released him Connor immediately missed the warm touch.

“I’m glad to see you to Lieutenant,” he replied.

“No need to  be so official, it’s Hank.”

Connor smiled and nodded.

“So, now that you’re deviant with free will ‘n everything, what you’re gonna do?” The question was simple, but not for Connor. Earlier he had his mission then even after he had become deviant everything happened so fast that he didn’t have time to think about what he wanted and was allowed to do now. He didn’t look any further than his current position. Genuinely the android had no idea what to do or where to go. He also didn’t want to waste Hank’s time. The man had his family and Connor doubted that he, as just some android was any of his concern. The deviant thought he shouldn’t make the Lieutenant wait too long and give him whatever answer, even if not specific.

“I don’t know yet,” he admitted. “But I think I’ll find something to do soon,” he assured. But how could he find a task on his own? He didn’t know much about living, not from his experience at least.

“I’m sure you will,” Hank said. “I know it was my idea to meet here but it’ fricking cold out here. Let’s go to my place and there we can talk. Later I can give you a lift to Jericho,” he added and moved towards the car. Connor followed after him a few steps.

“Thank you but I’m not staying in Jericho,” the android stated.

Hank suddenly stopped hearing that. “Then where you are going to stay?” he asked.

“I don’t know yet,” the deviant replied quietly.

The Lieutenant thought just for a moment before he spoke again. “Look, I’m not going to leave you out here.”

“I’ll be fine. I don’t require as much comfort as humans to stay functioning.”

“Functioning,” Hank snorted. “Connor, now after a revolution it’s not only about you staying alive, but also about the quality of your life. So, for now, I’m offering you to stay at my house.”

Connor was stunned with what he just heard. “I don’t think it's a good idea for me to take up space in your house and disturb your family's life,” ha said troubled.

“You know, if my wife agrees, you can stay. You know, she is the boss here,” Hank smirked. “And I’m sure you don’t have to worry about Cole’s reaction. I’m positive my kid already loves you.”

Connor wasn’t certain about this, but he had to admit that each time he had been to the Lieutenant’s house, the boy was enthusiastic to see him.

“I…I appreciate the offer. I would like to stay in your house for a few days.” That is until he finds somewhere else to stay, where he won’t cause inconvenience to anyone. Or… until they’ll get tired of him and kick him out.

When they arrived and got out of the car Connor followed and entered after Hank, but he stood rooted by the door, like he was expecting to immediately get kicked out of the house. Sumo trotted to greet him, but the android didn’t give him enough attention as he waited anxiously for an answer like for a verdict. He shouldn’t hope for the nice acceptance here, but this was the only place where he got any kind of invitation, only place safe to stay for the night. Again, only IF they allow him to stay.

Hank walked up to his wife, who barely glanced over her shoulder from doing the dishes when they walked in.

“Martha,” he tried to get her attention.

“Yeah? I know you want something from me when you’re so official,” she turned to him.  

“So, uh… I was wondering if it’d be okay for him to stay here. For a while. Not forever or anything, just…”

Martha raised an eyebrow, teasing “Oh, I don’t know… do you really need it? I thought you didn’t want an android?” she said sarcastically.

“This is different. He’s… not just an android,” Hank sighed.

Martha studied Connor for a moment, her expression softening and a knowing smile tugging at the corner of her lips. “Of course you can stay.”

Connor breathed a sigh of relief. He had a place to stay. For now.

“Thank you. I promise I won’t stay too long,” he said.

“You can stay as long as you need, as long as you want,” Martha surprised him with the statement.

Connor just nodded not knowing what he should say more. Luckily, he was saved by Cole.

The boy emerged from his room. “Dad! We made a pumpkin pie with mom when you were out,” he said excited.  

“Oh, really I bet it will be delicious,” Hank praised.

Connor’s relief was short-lived and the guilt returned to him. He felt that his presence there in this moment was inappropriate. He shouldn’t have for a place to stay, he shouldn’t ruin the peaceful family moment. He should leave.

But then Cole noticed him.

“Connor!” the boy shouted with even more energy and ran to him. Connor froze for a moment when little arms sneaked around his middle. Then the android slowly raised his hands and gently placed them on the kid’s back hugging him.

“Hey, son, slow down a bit,” Hank tried to stop him. Cole released Connor to look at his father, who continued. “But with that I guess you will be fine with the fact Connor will stay with us for a while, am I right?” he smirked.

“Really? You’re staying? That’s so cool!” the boy exclaimed.

Connor smiled when a warm feeling spread through his chest. It was new to him, it felt good, it felt human.

“And you can play with me now?” the kid continued.

Earlier, when Connor had come to the Lieutenant’s family house he had pretty much refused any activity with the boy, the mission was all that mattered back then. Apparently it didn’t discouraged Cole, who was still eager to play with him.

 “That is, if your parents don’t object, I’d be glad to play with you,” Connor said looking at Hank and Martha.

“Sure, you can play together,” the Lieutenant grinned at the scene.

“Come, I’ll show you my new LEGO set.” Cole immediately pulled the android by his arm toward his room.

“No. Wait,” Martha stopped them.

“But mom, please,” Cole pleaded.

When she looked at Connor, he was already lowkey freaking out that maybe he overstepped and shouldn’t behave this freely. “I mean you can go, but take off your shoes,” she pointed down at Connor’s feet. “I’ve just wiped the floor after Sumo ran across the hallway from the outside and I’m not doing it again.” Martha might sounded strict, but she sent a warm smile to Connor.

“I apologize ma’am,” he said and placed his shoes by the door. Then he let Cole guide him further into the house and to the kid’s room.

Later, when the evening came Cole in his room hugged his parents and they placed kisses on his forehead.

“Goodnight, son.”

“Sleep well, sweetheart,” Martha added, exiting after her husband.

“And Connor?” The boy asked.

“What about him?” his father asked for clarification.

“Can he come and say goodnight to me?”

Hank huffed a laugh at that, but added “We can ask him.” Then he turned “Connor,” he called the android.

“Yes,” he answered a bit too quickly. Startled with the sudden call, he stiffened on couch where he was situated for the night. Still anxious and insecure about him taking up their space.

“Can you come here for a moment? Cole wants to say goodnight to you,” the Lieutenant explained.

“Oh,” Connor wondered. It was casual for children and they parents, but including an android to this custom seemed odd for him. “Of course, I can do that,” he agreed. But what exactly he should do? Just go to him and say ‘goodnight’? Say something else? Do something else?

Fortunately Cole was there to help him.

“Connor, come,” his words encouraged the deviant and came closer.

Then the boy pulled him even closer and hugged him. Connor held him gently and carefully like he was afraid he could hurt him. Cole wasn’t this shy. He embraced Connor and after a few seconds said:

“I always wanted a brother.”

Connor froze and his thirium pump fluttered. He would never even imagine becoming a part of any family, much less this quickly. 

“Thank you,” he whispered.

With being actually alive for not much more than three days he even didn’t quite know himself, but this family trusted him. And he trusted them.