Work Text:
As soon as he saw Connor smile, he could do no other thing but hug him. Connor felt his arms wrap around him. It was such a warm and comforting feeling, he didn't even know how long they had been standing there. Hank was still holding him by his shoulders. He looked into his eyes.
“Let's go home.”
“Home?” Connor asked.
“You can't tell me you have any other place to stay, can you?”
Of course he didn't. Cyberlife was going down, besides, they wouldn’t be happy to see him.
“I don't want to inconvenience you, Lieutenant.”
Hank sighed.
“First of all you won't be any inconvenience and second of all, it's Hank”
Connor hesitated for a moment and then followed Hank. It wasn't long till they pulled into Hank's driveway. He could hear Sumo bark in excitement.
Connor followed Hank into the house.
”Make yourself at home.”
Connor stood there without any movement in the middle of Hank's living room. He had absolutely no idea what to do. “Will you stand there forever? Take a seat.”
Connor took a seat on the couch. “Hey boy, are you alright?”
“How am I supposed to know? I feel strange. I know am free; I know I am alive, and I feel. I just can't sort things out. I am confused. I always had orders for what to do. That was my purpose, my meaning,” He felt something wet on his face, wiping it away and looking at the wetness on his hand, confused.
“Those are tears, Connor. And it´s alright. Sorry, being sensitive isn't necessarily one of the things I do best. I will try to be there for you.”
Connor raised his hand, looking Hank directly in the eyes “Why? I lied to you so many times, you were almost killed because of me in Cyberlife Tower.”
“I was almost killed because I was stupid enough not to figure out that this asshole wasn't you. You were almost killed saving me. Why did you risk everything to do that?”
Connor looked confused at him “You are my friend. I care about you. Not just there, before. As you tried to kill yourself."
“See, same for me. Even if I don’t really understand why a Tin Man had to come along to melt my heart and make me think about me and the world again, that's what happened. Even if I am convinced you have been a deviant for much longer than you think. And that is meant as a compliment.”
Connor smiled. There was something melting inside of Hank. That smile, oh god that smile. He lifted himself up from the sofa “Well, what do you eat? I mean, do you have to eat now? Can You?”
He looked back at Connor sitting still in his stiff position on the couch and saw that his friend was completely overwhelmed.
“Well how about a shower and change of clothing? I haven't seen you in anything other than this stupid uniform. You don’t belong to Cyberlife anymore. You are free.”
“I don't have anything else to wear. Androids don’t need to shower.”
“Well, then it is good that you are not one. Trust me, the warm water will relax you, make you feel better. And even then they are too big, you have to wear mine for a little time. You can go out shopping tomorrow.”
“I don't have any money, I wasn't paid as an Android.”
“No, but you will be paid as my partner, as Detective. I already talked to Fowler. He would be happy to have you in.”
And here we go. That smile, O Lord help me, was all Hank could think. He gave Connor a towel and some clothes and left him for good. After a while, he could hear the water running, hoping Connor really liked it. He had no idea where the feelings inside of him were coming from. Yes, he was bisexual, he'd had something with men before. But being close to someone, no matter if it was sex or something else, was beyond him since Cole's death. And Connor was so young and innocent. And even if he would be into men, it would be Markus or Simon. Surely not a 53-year-old freak like him. He was so lost in his thoughts, that he hadn't heard Connor appear behind his back.
“Hank, is everything ok? You seem …sad?”
“No. I’m fine Connor. There was a lot going on. How was the shower?”
“I think I liked it.”
And there was this smile again. “I ordered pizza, I hope you like extra cheese.”
Connor really liked the Pizza, even though he burned his mouth on the hot cheese. Hank gave him a blanket so he could sleep well on the couch. “Do you really sleep?”
“I haven't before. Androids went into something like Stand-by I think. Not really needed. But something is different today. My Eyes are heavy, does this make any sense?”
Hank smiled, “that means you are tired. Go to your standby. Believe me, it will help.”
The weeks passed like this. Christmas and Newyear come and went. Connor was back to work with Hank and made a lot of friends with his coworkers. And he liked them. But there was something different about what he felt for them and what he felt for Hank. After one morning, when he had what the internet called a wet dream about Hank, he couldn’t stop thinking about him. In a very different way then he thought of other humans in his life. Was he in love?? And what if he was??
If he just had known by then, that the problems he had were the same that Hank had. Hank knew he was in love. He was simply convinced that he had nothing to offer. And that a young, beautiful man like Connor could never love him back. It was 7 o'clock, time to get up. He walked towards the kitchen and the smell of fresh coffee greeted him. Connor was dressed in a t-shirt and jogging pants he'd borrowed from Hank. At work, he had worn his old uniform. He insisted on getting paid some money to pay back Hank for the clothes. But he'd just had his first Paycheck.
“So, you're going shopping today?”
“Yes,” Connor smiled. Someday soon Hank will have a heart attack over that damn smile.
After Coffee, Hank left for work, and Connor was on his way shopping. It wasn’t easy to make decisions. After a while he was enjoying himself. He ended up with 4 full bags of clothing. He now wears very skinny black jeans, also with a black shimmering shirt tucked in. A belt and very cool slippers completed the style. He also had his hair done, the natural curls now pretty obvious.
He walked into the door, greeted Hank from there and made his way towards the living room, where he could hear Hank. He stepped into the room. Hank looked up and the world seemed to stop turning.
He looked at the smiling man in the doorway. And before he could think about it the words left his mouth. ”Damn, Connor. You are looking so beautiful,” He blushed. And looking at Connor he could see he was too, in an adorable light blue.
“You think I am beautiful? Isn’t that something you say to someone you feel more than just friendship for?”
Hank was in a trap. “Connor, listen. What can I say? I mean, look at you. But even then, the problem is, well… this” Hank gestured up and down his body, fighting against the tears coming to his eyes.“I’m old, I'm a physical and emotional shit show. All is new for you. Never kissed, never been touched. You deserve so much better than me.”
Connor steps close to him. “Please listen carefully to me. I know the two of us might not look like a standard couple. People might look at us, because of the age difference, they will say I'm still not alive, even though I feel. But the point is, I am also aware of what I feel for you. You are so adorable. The way your silver hair falls upon your shoulder. The deep blue of your eyes that I was lost in on the very first day we met. I love the way the muscles in your arms are shown by that shirt. The warmth of your body when I am close to you. Thinking only how it felt when I was in your arms the day at the chicken feed- I am deeply in love with you. You are all I think about all day. And I hated it because I was sure you did not feel the same.”
He wiped the tears away that now fell freely from his face. And he also saw tears running down Hank’s cheeks. He stepped toward Hank, putting both hands on his face. “I have no idea if I’m doing this right, but… ” at these words he pulled Hank closer and kissed him. Hank could not resist. He kissed Connor back. Surprised how warm and soft his lips were. After a very long kiss they pulled away from each other, looking straight into each other's eyes.
“Are you sure you want to explore all these new things with me? I mean, sorry for asking but…. how are you designed anyway??
“You want to ask me if I have this.” He pulled one of Hank's hands down to his hip, laying it above his erect cock under the jeans. Hank's hand lay there for a second that seemed like hours to Hank, before he began to press gently against it. Connor let out a hum, throwing himself against Hank and kissing him. This time their tongues filled the other one’s mouth. Hank began to moan, too. Even more after Connor put one of his hands over the layer of jeans covering the solid hard cock.
Hank finally pushed Connor away gently. “Connor, I want to do this right. Not just simply falling over each other like animals. I want to take time to discover all of your body. And you should do the same with me.”
Connor smiled, “for tonight, cuddles, kisses and pizza is fine with me. There are more comfort clothes in one of those bags."
They spent the evening holding on to each other, kissing again and again. Later they lay in bed together, holding each other. Connor watched Hank slowly drifting into sleep, then put himself in standby.
When Hank woke up in the morning, he was shocked for a moment because the space beside him was empty. Was it all a dream? He stood up and walked into the kitchen. Connor stood at the kitchen counter making coffee, only wearing boxers and a loose shirt that obviously was one of Hank's.
He smiled brightly then he saw Hank “Morning, sweetheart” and leaned over, kissing him.
“So, I wasn’t dreaming last night?” Hank wrapped his arms around Connor . Connor just smiled and hugged Hank closely.
They sat down for a coffee. “I think we have to tell Fowler we are boyfriends now?” Connor asks.
Hank almost choked at the word boyfriend. It sounded so surreal. “I guess it would be better, I think we can convince him to still let us work together. I mean, I wouldn’t be too surprised if most of our coworkers knew before us.”
Connor laughed out loud. Hank felt so warm inside. That laughter, that smile.
After they informed Fowler that they didn't care what anybody thought. Sure, Reed took every chance to make fun of their relationship.
“Hey Grandpa and his Ken Doll are on duty!”
Connor answered before Hank could even think about giving him his fist. “Jealous Reed, tragic you can't even convince a deviant to find something charming about you” Everybody near enough to hear them laughed out loud. And Hank felt really proud of his, well, boyfriend.
Days passed, till now they only continued with hugs, kissing and a lot of light touches. Hank was still worried about pushing Connor too far. It was Friday evening, no work until Monday, and they lay on the couch watching a movie with a mild sex scene in it. Connor suddenly broke the silence. “I want to sleep with you tonight." Hank looked at him.
”Are you sure?”
“Sweetheart, I am very sure. I mean who knows how far we are really going tonight, but I definitely want more than we are doing now”
Hank looks Connor deep in the eyes. “Let's go to bed” He takes Connor by his hand and they both walked towards the bedroom. They start undressing each other and lead down only wearing the boxers on the bed. Hank starts to kiss Connor, his lips everywhere. Hank's hand starts wandering toward Connor's hips. He gently pushes down the boxers and stokes carefully over Connor's erect cock. Connor shivered.
“Hank, please, more.”
“The night is still young, honey.” His kisses started to go down from his face over his chest, teasing the already hardened nipples. He continued to take the kisses lower, finally coming to Connor's hips. He put Connor's cock inside his mouth and began to suck, Connor bent his hips towards Hank, the sweetest noise of passion coming out of his mouth. Hank knew that, this being Connor's very first time, it wouldn’t last very long, but he didn't mind. He was just so happy and proud that Connor chose him for all this.
“Hank.” Is all that Connor is bringing out as he comes heavily in Hank’s mouth. Hank releases his Cock with a pop and moves his body up to meet eye to eye with Connor.
“Did you like it?" It was a rather stupid question, because Connor seems to shine and shimmer, and if possible an even brighter smile on his face.
"Hank, that was so... I can't find any words for it. Thank you."
Hank tried hard not to laugh out loud, knowing Connor meant what he just said. It was just so innocent and sweet, nothing like this had ever happened to Hank.
“May I ask you something? When was your last time with a man?” Hank considers the question for a moment.
“About 20 Years ago. And to be honest, it's been almost 5 years without having sex with anybody.”
“Do you like it? With me?” Connor asked, a little bit of worry in his voice.
“Beyond belief, honey,” Hank smiled.
Honey, Connor sure liked his new nickname. He started to kiss Hank again. “My turn”. With this word, he began leading his kisses all over Hank's body toward Hank's boxers. His cock had been fully stiff for a long time now. He took in a deep breath as Connor pulls down his boxers.
“So big, so beautiful, just like all of you.”
Hank smiled and was also relieved. Connor wouldn’t be the first to be scared away because of his size. He feels Connor's kisses on his cock, and before he was able to say something, Connor took him fully down in his mouth all the way down to the base.
Hanks moans out loud, "Connor, be careful, don´t hurt yourself please”
Connor releases his cock, smiling brightly at him. “No gag reflex, sweetheart,” he says and closes his mouth again around Hank. Hank sees stars behind his eyes. Connor suddenly released him, climbing onto his lap.
”Do you want me to ride you?”
Hank looked at him surprised, “you don't have to do this now.”
“But I want to,” whispers Connor in his ear.
"I have nothing to prepare here.”
Connor smiled. "Not needed, I am self lubricating.”
Hank looked surprised, but had no time to ask further. Connor had already lowered himself down on his cock.
“Cooonner”
Hank finally wasn't in control of his body. Connor slowly but with confidence begins to move, throwing his head back with joy he feels Hank inside him. They both came almost together. Locked in each other’s eyes, both covered with seamen and sweat. “I love you Hank.” Hank smiled. He could believe it, for the first time in a very long time. And he felt the same for Connor.
"I love you, too.” They fell asleep spooning each other.
The weeks fly by like this. Working together, going home, being there for each other, having sex. One weekend Connor suggested they clean up the garage to build a place for training or something. Hank agreed.
There were a lot of boxes. As Connor lifted one of them, the button opens and all that was in it fell on to the floor. There were a lot of pictures. Connor recognized Cole in a lot of it. But also, a woman close to Cole and Hank- laughing and hugging them. The lines of her face and her laughing seemed so familiar.
“Hank, who is this?”
Hank looked at the picture and froze. “Jo, my younger sister”
“I never heard you talk about her.“ Connor hesitated to ask at first, “is she dead, too?”
Hank sank onto the floor with a heavy sigh. “I don’t know. She left after Cole's death with the medical force of the Army to Iraq. She volunteered. I practically raised her; we were so close. And she was the best aunt Cole could have, he loved her so much. I was a total mess directly after Cole's death. I pushed her away, didn´t see that she lost Cole, too. I let her down. I remember that she was there one night when I was really drunk. Playing Russian Roulette. I woke up, blood on the floor. Not mine. Till today I don’t know what I did to her. She left a note that she can't stay and watch me kill myself and loose her big brother. I tried to get in touch, but 3 Years ago that was practically impossible in war. About two years ago I was told that her Force got attacked, most of it dead. She and two others of the medical force have been missing since then.”
“I am so sorry Hank,” Connor took Hank in his arms.
They stayed like this for a while.
“Ok go make yourself a coffee, I'll go get the groceries and make up something for lunch.”
As Connor returned, he almost got a bad feeling hearing Sumo bark behind the door. He made his way to the kitchen and could not believe what he saw. Hank with a half full bottle of whiskey and the gun.
“Hank, what do you think you are doing?”
“Back the fuck off, it's none of your business. What do you care? It doesn’t matter to you anyway.”
Connor felt the anger coming over him. “It doesn't matter. Hey, that's cool. If it doesn't matter what happens to me if you do this, we should play it right." Connor got hold of the gun, spinning the drum of the revolver and put it to his own head with his finger at the trigger.
Hank’s eyes widened. “Oh God, Connor. Don't!”
“Why not? Apparently all we have doesn´t mean a fucking thing to you!” Connor was absolutely furious by now “So why would you care if I blow my head in? Why should you care what it would mean for me? Finding you here covered in your blood, dead.”
Connor took the bullet out of the gun. He put it in his pocket, slammed the gun towards Hank and ran out without a further word.
Hank tried to follow, screaming his name. But he was too drunk already. “Oh God, what have I done?” What if Connor didn't come back? He tried to call him, but he didn't answer the call.
After a few hours Hank was worried beyond belief. He finally started to call some people to check if they saw Connor .
He called the office and got Reed on the Phone “Did Connor show up?”
“Lost your plastic toy?” he asked, then he heard Hank crying at the other end. “Listen Hank he is not here. I'm neither a fan of you or the tin man, but I always was sorry for you given how hard it was after Cole's Death. The boy is good for you. Whatever you did, do something. Fuck you should have been in therapy ages ago.”
Hank just hangs up. Who's next? He called Markus. “Hank here, have you heard anything of Connor? I messed up really bad. Haven't heard from him for hours. I am so worried.” He could not say more, the tears fell hard.
Markus was silent for a Moment. “Hank what happened?”
Hank told him everything.
“Hank I will try to contact him and tell him how sorry you are, but with all due respect, you need professional help if you want this thing with Connor and you to work.”
“Of course, I want it to work. God, I love Connor so much.” Hank took a deep breath “Do you know someone I can talk to?”
Markus was silent again for a brief moment. “Yes I will arrange something for you. I will now try to find Connor. I'll let you know if I find him, ok?”
Hank hung up.
Markus called Connor immediately. “Connor, Hank just called me and told me what happened. Where are you, are you alright?”
“No I´m not, how could he do this?”
“Connor, listen to me, whatever it was, it made him realize he needs help. He asked me to arrange a therapist. He wants it because he wants to stay with you, and he loves you. He was an asshole today, but if you want to be with him too, then this is your chance to make things up. If you still love him.”
Connor felt the tears on his cheek. “I've never loved anybody else like this and never will again.”
“Then tell him you are ok at least if you don't wanna go home yet.”
“Okay, I will. Did he really ask you for therapy, because of us?”
Markus smiled on the other end of the line. “Yes, and I will see that he gets his first appointment as soon an possible.”
Connor sighs, “Okay, but can you do something else for me, This whole thing started today because we found pictures of his sister. She was in a medical Force in Iraq, missing for two years now. Do you know people down there? I don’t expect you to find her alive, but maybe find out what happened so Hank can get this behind him it with therapy too.”
“Sure, what’s her name?”
“Josefine Anderson. 10 years younger than Hank. I do not know much more right now.”
“Can't promise anything, but I will try.”
“Okay, bye Markus.”
Connor hung up and sent a message to Hank.
Hank sat still crying at the kitchen table. His phone showed an incoming message.
On my way home.
And then a second.
I still love you, don´t be scared.
Connor stepped into the room. The big man looked so small and shaken at the kitchen table. Connor moved forward, just taking Hank into his arms. Hank held onto him like he was drowning. Sobbing so hard he could hardly speak he said, “I’m so sorry Con, I am so so sorry. Please don’t give up on me yet. I love you. All I want is to spend my life with you.”
Connor took his face in his hands, making him face him. “And you will. Markus told me about your plans, and I am proud of you. But something like today can never happen again. You can grieve, you can take your time alone. Take the garage into pieces if it helps. But never ever dare to harm yourself on purpose again. Now let’s go to bed. We both are exhausted. We'll talk tomorrow.”
They lay down together, Connor spooning Hank who was till letting a sob out here and there. After Hank finally fell asleep, Connor went to stand beside him.
Connor was up early, taking care of the mess of yesterday. He had just finished and made some coffee as he heard Hank making his way from the bedroom.
“Coffee is ready, would you like anything to eat?”
Hank took a seat, still looking pretty shaken from what happened a few hours ago. “No just Coffee is fine.” He looked at Connor with guilt in his eyes. “I guess we have to talk about yesterday.”
Connor looked at him and it almost broke his heart, but it wouldn’t be good for both of them to just act like nothing happened yesterday.
“Look Hank, just tell me what happened yesterday, please. Was it something I said? Did I step to far at one point? I know that you always grieve in a way. And you have every right in the world to do so. But you haven't been drinking like that in weeks. And you didn’t try to hurt yourself since I moved in.”
Hank’s heart aches. Connor thought that it was something he did. That was one of the things he always feared.
”No Connor. Please don’t think it was something you did. I´m sorry I didn’t inspect how much it brought me down when we found the picture of Jo. I know I never told you about my parents. They were abusive. The hit me a lot. It was a little better for a while when Jo came, but I doubt she was a child of love if you know what I mean.”
Connor had moved to the kitchen table too, sat down near Hank and held his hand.
Hank sighed as he continued, “It lasted nearly two years. They did not hit me or touch Jo in those times- but the other point is, they hardly touched her at all. I took care of her. I changes diapers when I came from school. I nursed and fed her. When she turned two it started again. First it was just me again. And then they started going after her, I did anything so they would hurt me instead. It worked for a while. Then I was away three days with my class after I turned seventeen just before my first year at the police academy was about to start. As I came home, and she was more dead than alive. Her arm was broken and swollen, she had bruises all over her body. I picked her up and ran, brought her to the hospital. And then the childcare appeals. I was very scared we would be separated. I fought hard so they put us in a father/daughter home. There we were still under childcare, but I took full custody of her as I turned 18. Childcare did still help me, so everything was fine even when I was on shift. And beside even when she was too young and shouldn't be forced to do so, she was the perfect housewife. She want’s do something with medicine, and when she got the chance to go and do the medical force with 17, she did so. It was hard letting her go. But she managed to be here in Detroit somehow when Cole was born. And after my ex-wife left us when he was one, she was like a mother more than just an aunt to Cole. We were family in the best way. She was like my child too somehow. Our bond was so deep. But after Cole's accident I pushed everyone away as I told you. She left and was reported missing. We know what that means. She wouldn't have left if I was there for her. I pushed everything away. I´m almost unable to handle Cole’s death, but to admit I let her down so much that she chose to get herself killed in a war was so unbearable yesterday.”
Connor took Hank in his arms. “I understand that you were down. I’m sorry if I pushed you to talk about her. But you must find a way to treat these thoughts some other way. I deeply hope I am a reason to live for you. The life that we are building up right now. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t expect you to forget about your past. Were you serious about therapy?”
Hank took a deep breath before he spoke again. “Yes, I was. I promise I'll find a way to handle days like yesterday. I want to move on. With you. I love you Con. So much. So many things have turned into something good since you've been here with me. And even more after we found out we feel the same way for each other.”
Connor smiled, "Okay, so how about breakfast now!" Hank smiled and nodded.
After 4 weeks Hank saw the first real benefits from therapy and the medication he got. One evening, they when they both were cuddling on the couch, Markus called. Connor took up the phone.
“Hey Markus what’s up? What? How? Are you serious? Ok, you let me know if you learn more about the situation.”
Connor hung up after a few minutes. Hank looked confused at him. Connor was almost pale “Connor?”
Connor slowly meets Hank's eyes. “Hank, I have to tell you something and I hope you are not too mad at me. The night Markus talked me into going back to you, I told him about Jo. I asked him about using his connection to find out what might have happened. So maybe you could buried her at Cole's site and really have to chance to grieve.”
Hank smiled. “You thought about that after I treated you so awfully?”
Connor took a deep breath. “Yes and I didn’t tell you because I wasn't sure they might find anything. But Hank. You must listen now, carefully. They found Jo. Alive”
To say Hank looked shocked would be an understatement. “That can't be. It isn’t her. It’s impossible.”
Connor smiled. “The first thing she asked about was if here brother Hank was still alive or if you killed yourself. And after they told her you where fine and you are living know with a male deviant she must have said, “so the old smartass finally admitted that he is gay”, and that sounds a awful lot like a Anderson to me”
Hank laughed out shortly before he flung himself into Connor's arms and began to cry. Connor just held him and comforted him. It took Hank some time to put himself together again. “Did he say anything about her condition?
“Yes, she lost one leg, and the scars are not very well healed. She has bruises and there's obviously still fragments that they must take care of in her body.”
Hank closed his eyes “I hope so deeply they didn’t do anything else to her. You know. I can’t even say it.”
Connor sighed. “I hope so too. She is in Dubai now. They will take her to Detroit as soon as possible. But it might take a few weeks, to make sure she is stable enough.”
Connor looked towards the garage. They haven't been working on it since that night. He looked back at Hank and smiled “I guess we know what to do with this garage. A wheelchair suitable place to stay for Jo.”
Hank looked at him “Are you serious? “
Connor laughs out loud. “She is family. Where else could she stay? I know it will be hard to turn it into a nice place without having too much money. But I’m pretty sure Markus and the whole crew will be happy to help us.”
And so, it went. Everybody helped. And there were numbered Deviants knowing well how to do this right. After only 10 Days, the place looked lovely. A big room with an open kitchen and fireplace. A bathroom Jo should be able to use alone. A place for storage.
Then finally Markus called to say that Jo would arrive at Detroit’s Hospital in three days. They were both nervous, but it was hard for Hank. Connor did the best he could to comfort him.
They drove to the Hospital. Connor parked the car and took Hank's hand. Hank looked anxiously at him. “I don't even know what to say. I let her down so badly when she left!”
Connor kissed him. “Remember she asked about you right after they found her. She still loves you, she will be so happy to see you and to be taken in your arms. And from there we will work it out.”
They walked up to the floor Jo was supposed to be on. Markus was waiting with one of the doctors. They were updated about Jos' condition. She'd had some operations in Dubai already. She was way too thin and couldn’t really eat by know because she still had bad problems with her digestion but thankfully the rest was not that bad. The hospital in Dubai had taken the most fragments out and took care of the badly healed leg.
Hank held on to Connor "Can you please come with me? I don't want you to stay behind.”
Connor nodded and followed Hank into the room. The second he entered and Jo's eyes and his met, he just ran up to her and took her in his arms. They both sobbed heavenly for a while. Finally, Jo pulled herself away a bit. “God look at you. This is really my big brother. You are you again.” her eyes then meet Connor's “and you must be the reason. Jesus fucking Christ. Good taste, big Brother, he looks beautiful."
Connor walked smiling up to both of them, holding out his hand. Jo grabbed it and took Connor in a deep embrace. “Thank you for everything. For saving me but mostly for saving him. I love you already.”
The three sat there for a moment in silence holding hands together. Jo broke the silence. “Tell me how you met. I can't believe you finally admitted to yourself that you're gay. And I can't believe what a damn good taste you have. He really is something.”
Connor blushed light blue. Hank smiled, “yes, he is. I´m the luckiest guy alive, believe me.”
Connor blushed even more.
Jo sighed, “look I know you want to know what happened. I promise I'll tell you sooner or later. Markus already arranged trauma lessons and therapy. For now, I am just lucky to be with you. So please let me hear something nice for today and tell me your story-“
And that’s what they did. The rest of the day passed by quickly. The sun went down, then they finally left.
Connor somehow couldn’t stop smiling.
“What?” Hank asked him
“She is so obviously raised by you.”
“Why do you think so?”
“Jesus fucking Christ?” Connor couldn’t hold it any longer. He laughs so hard his stomach started to hurt. Hank laughs to. It took them a while to be able to drive home.
The day was exhausting. They lay down early.
Hank locked eyes with his partner. “Connor, I can't find the right words. But I want you to know that I love you so much. I will spend the rest of my life trying to show you.”
Connor felt the tears in his eyes. “Dito”
They spent as much time as possible with Jo in the hospital. One afternoon they had a case, and it was impossible for them both to leave the scene.
Connor spoke first. “You are more needed here by now. I've done all the analysis. I will go to see Jo; you follow up when you finish.”
Hank nodded. “See you both soon.”
Connor made his way to Jo´s Room.
She smiled brightly when she saw him. “Hey you, Hank just texted that you are on your way and that he will join us when he's finished.”
“How are you today?”
“Better day by day. Still can't hold any food in me. And that sucks. I'd die for pizza and coffee.”
Connor smiled. “We will get the best pizza in town when you are better, promise.”
Jo suddenly looked earnest “Connor, I am so happy you are with Hank. I knew he would understand about people like you one day.”
Connor looked puzzled. “What do you mean”
Jo was smiling again “I guess he told you about most things about our childhood. I guess he forgot to tell you that besides him, I didn’t like human company at all. All the friends I had always have been Androids. But I never saw them so. They were simply my friends. If it wasn't for your people, I would have been dead by now. The first who saved me was Sam.”
She stopped smiling and tears began to fall down her face.
“Hey please don’t cry. You are not alone” Connor took her in his arms
“I loved him, we loved each other. And I don´t give a shit what is was, if deviant already exists. We were good when we were together. Always looking out for each other. He shielded me when we got attacked so I could survive. He died in that attack.”
Connor was still holding her close as Jo continued.
“In captivity, we were stitched up and from there had to take the medical help for the IRS in that camp. Of course, they tried to frighten us with torture. They also had a few Androids captive. I was soon friends with them. They protected me when they came in and hurt me. That is why I survived and the other two didn't. Some of them paid a hard price for that. And then suddenly one day the place was crowded with your people. They freed me and told me about you, your Friend Marcus and the revolution.”
Connor slowly stepped back and looked at her. “I´m sorry for everything that happened to you. But that you always believed in my people also makes me very happy. I would feel very proud if you can consider me as family as your brother’s boyfriend”
Jo smiled behind the tears “you must be kidding, consider you as family?? You already are. You are just gorgeous beyond belief. No wonder Hank is in love with you. And I love you too.”
Connor smiled.
“Hey you two, everything ok?” Hank entered the room.
“Hey big brother, more than ok.”
Connor moved so Hank and Jo could hug each other.
“I just talked to your doctor. You actually can come home as soon as you can at least drink some things with higher calories.”
“Sounds good, I hope I manage soon. I love to work in hospitals, but I hate being a patient.”
It took Jo a few more weeks to manage to keep enough food inside. But finally, she was allowed to go home. She couldn’t wait to see her place.
As they arrived, they took Jo to the Garage that was built up for her. She pushed her wheelchair through the door.
She was overwhelmed. “Boys, this is so beautiful. I must be dreaming.”
Hank smiled, happy. “You like it?”
“Like? I love it. And I am close to both of you. What can be better?"
Hank put a hand on her shoulder. “Wanna stay here or come over and have a look at our place? And there is also someone waiting for you I think.”
Jo´s eyes widened. “Sumo, you still have Sumo?”
Hank laughed out, “sort of. I must admit Connor has Sumo. He walks up straight to him when we come home together.”
Jo smiled at Connor “Seriously, can you blame him?”
As soon as they enter the door, Sumo lifted his head. I took him a moment to recognize who just came through the room. But then he was all over Jo, halfway sitting on her and licking her with his big tongue.
It took Connor and Hank a while to get him off of her.
“What is that smell? It almost smells like Luigi’s Pizza.” Jo sniffed.
Connor pushed her toward the kitchen “Didn´t I promise you I'd get you the best pizza in town as soon as you were home?”
Even if she couldn’t eat much, she sure enjoyed it.
She finally took her time so look around the room. “It hasn't changed that much. It is a lot cleaner, but I bet this is because of him,” she said, pointing at Connor.
Hank raised his shoulders as an excuse.
“What is it, big brother? I can see there is something on your mind.”
Hank did not really know what to say. “Yes but we have all the time in the world, we don’t have to talk about the dark things now, Baby Girl”
Jo snapped, “You know I don't like to be called that. And you've treated me like a raw egg long enough. I am not weak.”
Hank sighed “Okay, what did I do to you that night.? What did I do to make you leave and not came back or talk to me?"
Jo's eyes darkened. “It wasn't your fault. You were drunk. You didn’t mean it.” She took a deep breath before she continued. “You hit me. I tried to get hold of the bottle and gun. You became furious and hit me. I couldn’t handle it. Not after Cole's death. It felt like everything was gone in one second. Cole and when you stood over me looking almost like, well like Dad.”
Hank’s colour left his face. “Oh my God, Jo. I am so sorry; I understand why you didn’t try to get in touch- I tried all my life to protect you from being hit by them. And when I do the very same.”
Jo was crying now. “That’s not the reason- And when I was ready do so it, we were attack.”
Hank took Jo's face in his hands. “What do you mean, that’s not the reason?”
Jo could hardly speak by know beneath her tears. “I abandoned you. I ran away instead of fighting for you as you always have fought for me. When it came to mind a few weeks later I was already in Iraq. And I didn’t know if you took your life that night, I was so scared of learning the truth. I was so ashamed because I just walked away from you. I´m so sorry Hank. I should have been there for you. I was just a bad sister.”
Hank hugged her tight. “No no, Jo, don´t do that. You did nothing wrong. Absolutely nothing. After I learned you were reported missing I did practically the same. I didn’t want to know what happened to you because I felt responsible. I also was a bad big brother because I didn’t search for you. My excuse was always the same, it was always Cole. And that was very wrong. I had to meet the man of my dreams to learn all that.”
As he said so, he looked behind him. Connor had stood silently all the time, but also with tears in his eyes. Jo and Connor reached out for Connor, and he took the invitation. They sat there together, hugging.
Family, all three of them were family and finally home.