After they had thoroughly explored the various tanks and exhibits, the crew found themselves in the aquarium's tightly packed gift shop. Where Connor had been full of boundless energy before, he now seemed to shrink behind Hank, almost as though he were hiding from the displays of aquatic-themed merchandise.

Not that Markus could really blame him. There were enough people here that he was feeling claustrophobic.

"Go on," the Lieutenant tried to prompt him. "Go pick something out."

Connor looked at Hank like he'd just asked him to single handedly solve world hunger. "What… What am I supposed to get?"

A subjective choice without a clear answer resulting in someone spending money on him in a way he likely believed he didn't deserve. It was really no wonder he was hesitant. It appeared that, even as a little boy, the damage CyberLife had done to his self-esteem was still present. That wouldn't, of course, stop any of them from doting on him.

"Whatever you want," Markus encouraged gently. He took Connor's small hand, trying to coax him out from his hiding place behind Hank's legs. "Come on, the Lieutenant wants to get you something. You wouldn't want to deprive him of that, would you?"

Connor's eyes went wide and his head snapped towards Hank for confirmation. The Lieutenant, not missing a beat, nodded with an exaggerated pout. "It'd break my fuckin' heart."

"Oh!" His grip tightened in Markus's hand and his mouth gaped in horror at the concept. "Ok, let's go."

And there it was, the most effective way to convince Connor to do something. Was it manipulative? Probably. But as long as they were using the strategy to better the boy's life, he figured no one would mind.

"Well, since you're all set with that, we're gonna borrow Hank for a minute," North declared, threading her arm around his elbow.

"But-" Connor began to protest immediately before she reassured him.

"Just for a bit," she insisted. "We need his help getting some things out of the car. He'll be back well in time to fork over the credit card for whatever you pick out."

Markus was well aware that neither Connor nor Hank were entirely comfortable being out of each other's sight after what had happened. But he also knew that the sort of paranoid dependency something like that could breed would be unhealthy. It was a small step North was pushing them towards, but an important one.

What's more, it was something he had already discussed thoroughly with Hank.

"I'll be back soon, little fish," the Lieutenant told the boy. He leaned down and gave him a soft kiss on the top of his head. "You'll be with Markus the whole time, don't worry."

Connor still didn't look convinced, but nodded in agreement.

With Connor's tentative consent, the rest of the crew squeezed their way out of the shop leaving the brothers alone. "What do you want to talk to me about?" the boy asked once they were gone.

The question caught Markus by surprise. "What?"

"You wanted Dad gone, I assumed you wanted to talk to me about something," he reasoned, looking up at him with soft, inquiring eyes.

Markus just smiled. Still perceptive, even as a child, it would seem. "No, I don't have anything in particular that needs discussion," he insisted. "At least, nothing that requires the Lieutenant's absence. We just felt that it would do you both good to spend a little time apart."

"Why? I like being with Dad," Connor said, clearly offended by the idea.

He wasn't sure if Connor's regression would prevent him from understanding, but Markus strived to be open and honest with his little brother. "We are trying to avoid the development of unhealthy attachment habits," he explained softly. "With what happened… well, it would be easy for the two of you to become codependent."

Connor was silent for a long moment. He stood there with Markus, people bustling around them and paying them little mind besides those who stared, recognizing him as a public figure. His face was drawn into a frown as though in concentration. "Ok," he said finally.

"Yeah?"

"I don't like it," he admitted with a pout, "But I understand the concern." He looked back up at Markus, a hint of his logical side gracing his expression. "I want Dad to be healthy, after all."

"Well, of course," he agreed. It was always about the wellbeing of the other with these two. "But that's not what we should be focusing on right now, is it?"

Connor's little frustrated face was priceless. No doubt he had been hoping they would forget about the task of having him pick something out. It was amusing, honestly. He'd happily drag them all across the aquarium without a thought, but having to choose a gift for himself? That he struggled with.

"Can't you just pick for me?" he tried.

"Oh no, that's not how this works. You need to choose something you like." Markus gave his hand a squeeze and started leading him through the aisles of toys and trinkets. He used his own body to protect the child from the larger and less observant patrons that might step on him. "Why don't we see if we can find something before your father gets back, hm? I think you can manage a mission like that."

A somewhat cruel part of him was going to miss how easily Connor could be manipulated as a child. He could practically see him accept the 'mission', all focus now shifting to the task at hand. Connor would always be Connor.

"Ok," he nodded, already looking as though he were identifying parameters for his search.

Predictably, Markus had to guide those parameters a bit. It took a little convincing, but he managed to direct Connor away from locating the absolute cheapest item in the shop and focus on something he would actually enjoy.

What he eventually chose didn't surprise him either.

"Wow, look at that," Hank praised as he maneuvered his way back into the gift shop. The others weren't with him, so Markus assumed they were rejoining them once they finished here. He gestured at the stuffed octopus in Connor's arms. "Good choice."

Connor beamed, and held it up proudly, happy that he had 'succeeded' in his mission. It was bright blue with purple accents and was large enough that the tentacles would drag on the ground if he wasn't careful. "It's an octopus!" He declared despite it being obvious.

"Yeah, it sure as hell is," Hank acknowledged. He picked up both the child and the stuffed animal, settling him comfortably onto his hip like he was molded to fit there. "Come on, let's get that paid for then I need some lunch. Last thing we need is for me to start getting hangry on you."

"No one wants that," Markus agreed. He'd seen the Lieutenant with low blood sugar. It wasn't pretty.

"The others already headed to the cafeteria," Hank said as they began walking. "Said they'd find a place to set up."

Connor frowned, looking confused at that last part. "What do they need to set up?"

"You'll see," Markus chuckled. He knew damn well Connor would be less inclined to come quietly if he was aware of the little party they were getting ready for him. Best to let him be surprised.

Instead of graciously accepting the suspense, he turned his attention to his father and reiterated the question. "What are they setting up?"

Hank just smiled knowingly at him. It briefly turned into a grimace when the octopus was rung up and he saw the price, but he hid it well. Last thing any of them needed was Connor doubting his choice.

If it turned out to be too much of an issue, Markus would gladly reimburse the Lieutenant. After all, it had been his job to help him pick something.

With the octopus, officially named 'Henry' as Connor proudly declared, purchased and properly gifted, it was time to squeeze their way out of the cramped gift shop. They maneuvered themselves, Hank careful to keep a solid hold on his kid and Markus making sure the stuffed animal's swinging tentacles didn't get caught on anything.

Connor no longer seemed bothered by the crowd, content to rest easily in his father's arms, holding onto both Hank and Henry.

Markus saved a few memory files as snapshots. The image was far too adorable not to preserve.

Finding where the rest of the crew went was not difficult. They had tied several bright collared balloons to a chair and littered the table with crepe paper streamers. Markus was relatively certain the aquarium's employees were less than thrilled with the display, but vowed they would clean it all up before they left.

Connor went stiff as soon as he saw the decorations, uncertainty radiating from his little body. "Um?" he asked the both of them, confused and probably at least a little concerned.

"Well, this is a celebration, isn't it?" Hank hoisted Connor a little higher on his hip and planted a kiss on his cheek. "We're not done celebrating yet."