With four days left until Christmas everything in the city was getting hectic, and the recovering deviant was getting restless as he remained in the facility undergoing routine tests and exams to check his systems overall progress on his recovery. The repairs to his Thirium filter, analysis filter and to his spinal support column were all holding steady, but Connor's strength had yet to return. Full feeling had returned to his body and he was aware of when the technicians would touch his hands or his feet to check on his external sensors, but whenever they touched his abdomen to check on his healing internal biocomponents Connor would discreetly suck in a pained breath and resist the urge to yell at them to back off for just doing their job.

Fortunately Hank was entirely empathetic to Connor's pain and stayed close by at all times as a moral and emotional support. It was rare to see Connor admit to being in pain, but seeing that the pain was truly affecting his sense of strength and ability to take care of himself Hank knew that Connor's road to recovery was going to be longer than usual. Watching the deviant's yellow L.E.D. blink to red every time his abdomen was touched made Hank's own stomach turn as he knew the deviant was trying to be brave in the face of his pain.

"Your Thirium filter and analysis filter are nearly healed." Dr. Hetfield confirmed with a kind smile on his face. "The plastimetal framing will mend itself within the next forty-eight hours, then after that your artificial skin will fully regenerate."

Hank patted Connor's left shoulder lightly as he watched Connor's increasingly soulful brown eyes go distant as the technician palpated his abdomen over top the white bandages covering his wounds. "So he's good to go home, right?"

"Yes. I'll go and get the discharge forms and Dr. Wells will bring Connor his new clothing."

Waiting until Dr. Hetfield had left the private room Hank sat down in the chair beside the bed again and offered Connor a kind smirk. "Your stomach hurts, huh?"

Weakly turning his head to look at Hank sitting beside him Connor let out a small and soft sigh as he confirmed he was in pain. "...I am physically uncomfortable, yes. I can handle it."

"Once you're back home I'll do my best to keep Sumo from climbing all over you while you heal. The big oaf still doesn't realize how big and heavy he is despite being fully grown. Those puppy days are long gone."

The door to the private room opened up and a soft knocking on the wall drew Connor and Hank's attention to the visitor. "Am I interrupting?" Abby asked as she entered the room holding a cup of warm coffee for Hank and a leather jacket for Connor. "I was heading back to my apartment after I clocked-out this morning and decided I didn't want to go back there just yet, and that I actually wanted to see how you were doing instead. So, how are you, Connor?"

Connor blinked once as he remembered Abby as the technician who saved his life and offered her a single nod of acknowledgement. "I am well. Thank you."

"I was told that you're on your way to a full recovery. I'm glad." Approaching the bed Abby handed the coffee over to Hank, who happily accepted and took a generous gulp of the caffeinated beverage, and then draped the leather jacket down over the foot of the bed beside Connor's legs. "Sorry about ruining your jacket, but I had to cut it off in order to treat your wounds."

"...It's fine. Clothing can be replaced."

"Which is why I tracked down an exact copy of your ruined jacket and had it replaced for you this morning."

"You didn't have to do that."

"I know I didn't, but I wanted to. Besides, everyone from your precinct chipped in a little money to help replace it since they all felt really bad about you getting hurt yesterday. I gave my statement last night since it was my apartment that was broken into and it was my fucked up ex who put you on the rooftop to begin with, and well, I got to talking with the other cops and we decided that this would be a nice gift for you. Also," reaching into her own coat pocket Abby revealed another Thirium candy cane courtesy of Tina, it had a white and green stripe wrapped around the pale blue cane. "this. This one is mint-chocolate flavored."

Unable to accept the candy cane because he still didn't have any strength in his hand Connor just verbally thanked Abby for the gesture. "...Thank you for seeing me and replacing my jacket."

"For what it's worth I'm glad you're okay. And... Because you reminded me in the most unfortunate way possible why I decided to become a technician alongside being a paramedic I'm going to be taking over the Android Emergency Care Facility on Tenth Street once it opens up on January fourth. I'll be the lead technician, and I'll also be the closest to your precinct. So if you ever need a little help just look me up."

"...I'll remember that."

Hank spoke up again as he finished off the coffee and made sure Abby knew that all her generous acts truly were appreciated. "Thanks for your help, DOCTOR Grayson. We do appreciate it."

"Please, just call me 'Abby'. I only do the 'doctor' bit to obnoxious assholes."

"Are you saying that I'm not obnoxious, or that I'm not an asshole?"

"I don't know you well enough to make such a decision, but I also know you're carrying a gun and running low on caffeine, so I'd rather not say."

"Smart move."

"Well, if I'm going to tell everyone my name starts with 'doctor' I better be."

The door opened again as Dr. Wells returned with more suitable clothing and his own boots for Connor to wear during his ride back home, and placed the neatly folded items down beside the jacket. "I'll just need a moment to get you in your new clothes and you'll be on your way, Connor."

Taking the hint to give the wounded deviant some privacy Hank rose from the chair and accompanied Abby outside. "I'll be just outside the door, kid."

Once outside the room Abby lowered her voice and gave Hank a curious glance. "Is he really okay?"

"He's alive and he's talking, so yeah. He's okay."

"Hank, I noticed his yellow L.E.D., AND I noticed he seems pretty lethargic. Are you sure he's okay?"

"Well, how energetic would you be if you took a metal rod to your back and gut, and ended up temporarily paralyzed?"

"True enough. He just seems so... quiet."

"The kid's not particularly chatty."

"I find that hard to believe."

It didn't take the seasoned detective long to figure out what Abby was hinting at. "Trust me," crossing his arms over his chest Hank gave the kindhearted technician a casual glance. "Connor isn't the type to really emote. His outbursts yesterday were very out of character. Sometimes it's like living with a Vulcan."

"Ah, so he's usually more stoic?"

"Yup. He's been struggling with his emotions ever since he deviated, so him being indifferent and quietly observant is his way of maintaining control. Him being afraid for his life was the most I've seen him emote since the night of the Revolution."

"...The Revolution. Connor helped it to succeed." Abby raised her brows as she gave Hank her own knowing glance as she continued on her own theory behind Connor's demeanor. "That was the night he deviated and rebelled against CyberLife, but he didn't ally with Jericho, either. He's being his own person and trying to find his own identity."

"Yup, you got it."

"Interesting..."

"What?"

"Usually deviants completely change their lives and get as far away from their original programmed roles as a mark of rebellion. But Connor is staying in the role of a detective, isn't he?"

"Yeah, what of it?"

"Nothing. I just find it fascinating that a deviant trying to figure himself out would stay in his original role and go from there. Maybe Connor was always meant to be a detective, and maybe somewhere inside of himself he knows it, too, but he can't put it into words yet."

"I guess only Connor can tell us for sure."

"True enough." Giving Hank a kind smile Abby passed him by and decided it was time to face the horror of her recently broken into apartment, and decide if he she wanted to stay there or move into a new place after all. "I'll see your around, Hank. Hang on to that card I gave you yesterday. Maybe I can do a rewards program and give it a 'punch' every time you two stop by, and I know I will see you two at least one more time in the future."

Smirking a little as Abby walked away Hank just sighed and watched as Dominique from the receptionist area arrived with a temporary wheelchair for Connor in her grip. "...Uh," pointing at the wheelchair with a wary motion Hank reluctantly asked for confirmation. "for Connor?"

"Yes. He'll need it only for a short time, Lieutenant."

"Hank. Just call me 'Hank'."

"Hank then."

"Great. I don't think the kid'll like it, but it's better than me carrying him everywhere if he needs to move." Stepping aside Hank gave Dominique all the room she needed to wheel the chair into the room and then followed after her. Looking over at Connor laying in the recovery bed wearing the dark blue and thicker scrubs with his leather jacket over top, and his gray uniform boots on his feet Hank couldn't help but see the young deviant as a kid needing a ride back to his own parents home after a bad night of partying with friends. "Ready to go home, kid?"

Weakly Connor looked over at Hank and nodded once as Dominique left the wheelchair beside his bed. "Yes. I'd like to leave now."

Approaching the bed as Dominique and Dr. Wells backed off to give the two detectives more room Hank slipped his left arm around Connor's shoulders and his right arm beneath Connor's knees. Lifting the impressively lightweight deviant up from the bed Hank gently placed him back down in the wheelchair, then took the handles of the chair to push Connor toward the door to leave. "Let's go home and stay home. I've always hated patrolling the streets during winter time anyway."

Finally on their way back home Hank drove nice and slow while Connor sat quietly in the front passenger seat beside him. The deviant's seat was tilted back a little bit to ensure he didn't accidentally fall forward against his seatbelt during the drive, and Hank made sure to keep the warm vents pointed near Connor but not directly against him since Connor couldn't move away or adjust the vents for himself to stay comfortable. Normally Hank would've let Connor lay over the backseats to rest but since he hadn't cleaned out the back in months he would've felt guilty for placing Connor down next to all his old fast food wrappers, empty coffee cups and that old dirty blanket that Sumo always laid on whenever he went to the vet.

With the drive being quiet and tense Hank was unsure of how well he'd be able to help Connor recover without accidentally making the deviant feel as though he were entirely helpless and weak. The last time he had helped a wounded officer he was still a rookie, and even so his first partner was still able to move about on his own. Connor was still too weak to lift his own hands.

"How's your stomach?"

"Uncomfortable."

"Would putting an ice pack on it help?"

"...Ice?" The question was unusual and it made Connor's yellow L.E.D. flicker a little faster for a moment. "I fail to see how lowering ones immediate temperature over the sight of an injury could provide any form of aid."

"With humans when we're sore or banged up we use ice to numb the injury, or even reduce swelling. I have no idea if the same thing would work for you, so that's why I asked."

"I understand now. Unfortunately external sensors are unlike nerves in that they cannot be temporarily numbed without manual deactivation or damage. I highly doubt that ice will be beneficial."

"Can you turn off your sensors so you can rest more comfortably?"

"At the moment I cannot. My system still needs to recalibrate after my spinal support column was realigned and as such my sensors much remain active until the recalibration is completed."

"That sucks." Pulling into the driveway beside the house Hank sighed as he realized he hadn't bothered to shovel the walk since the last snowstorm, and that meant using the wheelchair stored in the trunk wasn't going to work. "Okay... Hold on for a sec'."

Connor watched as Hank parked the car, turned off the engine, grabbed onto the keys and opened up his door. It was rare to see Hank moving so quickly unless there was a suspect needing to be pursued, but Connor didn't make a single comment as Hank carefully moved along the front walk to get to the front door. Unlocking the door Hank left it wide open, slipped the key into his pocket and then returned to the passenger side of the car. Pulling open the door Hank reached in and unfastened Connor's seatbelt, then proceeded to lift the deviant up into his arms in the same manner as when he originally lifted Connor up to put him in the wheelchair at the facility.

"Hank? What're you doing?"

"The front walk is too snowy to push the wheelchair through, and I'm not going to let you sit in the car while my old ass shovels off the walk." Adjusting his own eight to compensate for Connor's weight Hank slowly and carefully carried the deviant to the front door of the house and into the livingroom. Sumo was curiously standing just inside the open door and looking out at the two detectives, but he didn't run outside or try to get in the way. "Alright, I'll get you situated on the couch and then go get the wheelchair just in case you want it."

"...Thank you, Hank." Letting the senior detective put him down on the lounger end of the brand new couch Connor felt the soft and warm material of the furniture supporting his entire body, and with that warmth and support he felt entirely at ease. Unable to move just yet all Connor could do was sit wherever he was place and just observe the world from that one particular spot. "...I appreciate your help."

"You're welcome." A little surprised to hear Connor being reasonable as opposed to stubborn Hank decided to not push it and just finish getting everything the deviant would need. Returning to the car to get the wheelchair out of the trunk and locking the vehicle up Hank placed the wheelchair in the livingroom behind the couch for future use. "There..." Shutting the front door Hank sighed and rubbed his left hand along Sumo's ears before returning to the couch to sit down next to Connor. "Need anything?"

"...No. I'm fine."

"Uh-uh." Leaning over a little Hank pulled off Connor's boots and then carried them over to the front door as per usual. "Well, I'm going to get you your quilt because it's so damn cold outside, and looking at you chillin' in scrubs is making me feel uncomfortable."

Listening to the sound of Hank opening up the hallway closet Connor would've jumped if he could when Sumo unexpectedly pressed his cold wet nose against the side of his right hand. "...Hi, Sumo."

"Here." Walking around to the front of the couch again Hank draped the chocolate brown quilt over Connor and noticed Sumo sitting beside the deviant waiting for attention. "One more thing..." Lightly he picked up Connor's hand and placed the limp appendage down on Sumo's head much to the massive dog's delight, and managed to get a ghost of grin out of Connor for his effort. "With that done I'm going to make myself something to eat, take a warm shower to loosen up my back and then get some sleep."

"...You didn't sleep well at the facility last night. I can detect extreme muscle tension in your neck and back."

"Go figure those generic, hard plastic chairs suck as beds."

Running a self diagnostic Connor noted that his strength was slowly returning and that his overall recalibration was up to eight percent. Testing his strength and range of motion Connor lightly curled his fingers around Sumo's ears and relaxed them to very lightly scratch his ears. "...Good boy."

Exhausted but unwilling to leave Connor alone as he healed Hank sat down in the recliner next to the couch and quickly passed out. From the lounger section of the couch Connor continued to gently rub Sumo's ears to gauge his returning strength and keep the loyal dog happy. After two hours of constant ear rubs Sumo was in heaven and decided to hop up onto the couch to lay over Connor's lap and keep the deviant company. While Connor couldn't physically move much until his body healed he was still able to cybernetically control the electronic devices in the household to his advantage. Turning on the television and turning off the overhead light in the livingroom Connor found a news channel and used it to keep in the loop about activity in the city.

The news broadcast was confirming the upcoming snowy weather, the hectic last minute shopping downtown causing traffic problems and of course the story of Connor falling from the apartment building to keep Frederick from dying. The fact that the news was so adamant on painting him as a hero and trying to appear empathetic to his plight made Connor himself feel uneasy.

"If she truly cared about the police protecting the public she would discuss every single officer's case on a daily basis, not just the ones that happen to become a public spectacle."

A soft knocking on the front door stole Connor's attention and Sumo lifted up his head to look at the door without getting up. Hank remained asleep and didn't even budge at the unexpected arrival.

"...Come in?" Calling out in a soft but audible voice Connor permitted the visitor entrance. Watching as the door opened up slowly Connor quickly recognized the face of Chris and could see the tension on Chris's usual calm face as he peered inside the house. "Hello, Chris."

"Uh, hi, Connor." Quietly entering the house with a small green glass vase of various flowers in his hands Chris nervously walked over to the couch after closing the front door behind himself, and placed the vase down on the coffee table in front of the couch. "I, uh... I wanted to see how you were feeling."

"I'm doing well. I will regain full strength in thirty-nine hours, forty-four minutes and twenty-six seconds."

"Good, that's good. And I... also wanted to thank you."

Furrowing his brow a little Connor contemplated Chris's statement. "Thank me?"

"It took me a while to figure out why you forced me to let go of your arm, but after I was able to come down from the adrenaline and think about what happened and talk with Ben about it, I realized you did what you did so I wouldn't get hurt. You were willing to risk your life to save mine. Thank you."

"I simply did the right thing, you don't have to thank me for doing that."

"Yes, I do. Connor, it doesn't matter that you did the 'right thing' or made the 'right choice'. You still chose to risk yourself to save my life, and that's something I'll never forget. So, I want to thank you and I want you to know how much I appreciate what you did for me yesterday."

"...You're welcome."

"My wife and son want to thank you, too." Reaching into his coat's pocket Chris handed Connor a 'Thank You' card signed by his wife and son, then remembered that Connor couldn't move his hands. Instead he opened up the envelope for the deviant and presented the card to Connor to see. "It's not much, but my wife is all about the cards this time of year."

The card had a dark blue background with 'Thank You' written out in a gorgeous calligraphy font with golden paint and gold glitter, and a a few stray silver and white snowflakes were swirling around the surface. Inside the card was a long message written out by Chris's wife thanking Connor for what he had done and how she was appreciative of Connor for ensuring that Damian, their son, would still have a father to raise him.

Seeing the sentimental message in the card had an unexpected impact on Connor's mind and his heart. There was something about see the kind words and gratitude laid out in a physical form such as the card and the flowers that had an oddly tightening feeling in his chest. He couldn't describe it, but Connor knew that it was some type of emotional reaction that needed to be explored further.

"...I..." Unsure of what to say or how to react Connor just stared at the card and tried to think of the appropriate response. "I am... glad. You're safe and your family is still complete. Tell your wife," noting the names signed at the bottom of the card Connor noted Chris's wife's name. "Julia, that I am grateful and very appreciative for the card and the flowers. I am also glad you escaped unharmed."

"Yeah, I will." Noticing that Hank was asleep in the recliner a few feet away Chris suddenly lowered his voice and spoke to Connor in a kind manner. "So, uh, I have the rest of the week off since Captain Fowler wants me to, you know, have time to process everything. Do you need me to do anything for you or Hank?"

"No, thank you, Chris. We are content here and don't require anything further."

"Well, if you do don't be afraid to call. I know you're not the type of person to think I 'owe you anything', but I still want to be able to help you out. We're friends after all."

"...Yes. Friends."

Sensing that Connor was in need of some quiet Chris decided it was time to take his leave and let the two detectives have their time in the privacy of the home to decompress after the hectic day. "I need to go and get Damian some extra diapers just in case we get hit with a bunch of snow. I'll see you later, okay?"

"Yes. I'll see when we both return to the precinct." Placing the card down next to the vase of flowers Chris quietly took his leave of the house and passed through the front door. "Feel better soon, Connor."

Nodding a little Connor remained on the couch and returned his attention to the news broadcast, but was only partially listening to the uninteresting story regarding the streets getting plowed as he tried to sort through his new emotions.

"...Gratitude is a truly interesting concept."

Within the protected walls of New Jericho Tower the four leaders were all gathered in the private office on the ground floor that they designated to be used for professional business regarding the tower itself, and were watching the same news reports as Connor on a large television screen mounted on the far wall of the office. The story of Connor, the heroic cop, was still buzzing about and the fact that they were referring to Connor as a cop alone, and not mentioning anything about him being a deviant in spite of the blue blood staining his clothing and face, was a surprisingly fresh change for everyone in the city.

The fact that Connor was being hailed as a hero and no one was making a big deal about him being a deviant in the process was a good thing, but the second fact which was just as important as the first; was that Connor had been critically injured and no one at New Jericho had been involved in his care, and no one knew of his fall until it was on the news.

Feeling as if he were losing his credibility as a leader Markus sighed and cybernetically turned off the television. "...I didn't know Connor nearly died yesterday."

"Neither did I." Simon, who had taken the role as the lead technician of the tower admitted that he hadn't know of Connor's injury and near-death experience either. "I don't think anyone in the tower knew until it broke on the news."

"Shit."

Josh spoke up as the usual voice of peaceful resolution and tried to reassure Markus's worries. "You can't be held personally accountable for every single deviant in this city. Especially if they aren't even here in the tower seeking shelter and sanctuary."

"I'm not worried about the accountability," Markus admitted in a low voice. "I'm worried about how this reflects on New Jericho. None of knew, and no one else in the tower who may have witnessed anything regarding Connor's fate bothered to say anything. It gives the illusion that we don't care about anyone unless they're a willing part of New Jericho."

North shook her head a little as she folded her arms over her chest and leaned up casually against the wall beside the office door. "I think you're reading a little too much into this, Markus. Connor didn't say anything about New Jericho when he got shot protecting us from the mayor's assassin last month, so I really doubt him going to a facility instead of coming here is going to have any negative impact on us."

"It doesn't matter. Connor still refuses to trust us... Trust me. We can't have a strong alliance and sense of unity if the only deviant detective doesn't feel safe around us."

Giving Markus a simple sigh North stayed quiet while Josh spoke up again. "Well, you did shoot him in cold blood. I can't say that I blame him."

Markus turned to look at Josh and nodded in defeat. "I know. I'm the one who fucked this up, but I can't make amends if Connor won't be anywhere near me."

"Then maybe you should try approaching him and offer to make peace."

"I don't think that'd be a good idea."

Intrigued by the comment North asked about it. "What makes you say that?"

"...After the failed assassination attempt against the mayor I was taken to the precinct to give a statement. The detective who escorted me to the precinct is Connor's partner, and while he didn't say anything directly I could sense that he knew why Connor hates me. I don't want to overstep my bounds."

Speaking up from his own personal experiences in forging allies and a sense of security within a community Simon gave his own opinion on the matter. "If Connor isn't going to take the first step in healing this fractured alliance then maybe you should. Go find him and apologize."

Interjecting quickly with her own controversial statement North offered up an alternative. "Or... You can leave Connor alone." All three of the surrounding leaders looked to North in visible confusion as she explained her reasoning. "Some people just want to be left alone and don't want to keep drudging up the past. Even if he did forgive you and agreed to work with New Jericho it won't undo the fact that what happened had happened, and it won't make him forget what happened either. The apology would ease your guilt but it won't necessarily ease Connor's pain."

"You think I should just act like we're total strangers and have no reason to associate with one another?"

"If Connor needs to be away from us so he can heal then respect that, and keep away from him." She lowered her cinnamon brown eyes away from Markus's mismatched green and blue eyes as if ashamed of her belief. "...I know that feeling of needing to get away from people for a while."

Markus considered her words and then considered Connor's perspective on the situation. "...You might be right. I should just let this lay until he's ready, IF he's ready, to pick it up and continue on from there."

Nodding a little North was relieved that Markus agreed and she could see that Josh and Simon were in silent agreement as well.

"Until then..." Changing the subject at hand Markus sighed and looked over to Josh again seeking more information. "Have you finished setting up the community rooms and scheduling the therapy sessions for traumatized deviants?"

"Yes. We'll use the third floor as community rooms to provide a sense of privacy without the fear of being trapped deep inside a former CyberLife building."

"That's good. And the emergency repair bay?" Looking over to Simon for confirmation Markus gave the blond technician a curious glance. "How's that coming along?"

"Almost finished. We converted all of the testing labs into a single emergency repair bay connected through additional doors, and we've included a recovery room for the most severely injured of our people. We're well stocked on supplies, and we've cleaned out every single floor of the tower except for one. We still can't get into sublevel fifty-one."

"Strange. What's on that level?"

"Unknown. Josh and I have been scouring through CyberLife's files and managed to unlock most of the servers in the tower, but there's very little information regarding what the floor was being used for. Hell," shrugging his shoulders a little Simon gave Markus a wary glance. "officially that floor doesn't even exist in the building's plans; but we know it's there. The elevator has to be overridden to reach the floor to begin with, and even when we're down there the elevator won't open up to let us even try to open up the sublevel's door to explore."

"Keep trying to get into the sublevel." Needing a distraction for the moment Markus stood up the white sofa he was sitting on that faced the second identical sofa across the office from where Josh and Simon were sitting side by side. "I'll check through CyberLife's files and see if I can figure out what makes that particular sublevel so damn special and secured. You just keep doing what you're doing, and we'll keep everything right on schedule."

Waking up with a mild headache Hank looked over at Connor as the deviant remained on the couch with Sumo still cuddled up on his lap, and saw that while Connor's hand was still weak and a little shaky the deviant was petting Sumo's ears in a gentle and consistent manner. The sight was calming for Hank's tense mind, and he quickly noticing the flowers and card on the coffee table Hank sat upright in the recliner as he rubbed the heels of his palms against his still tired blue eyes.

Letting out a weary yawn Hank stood up slowly and walked past the couch to check on Connor as he crossed the livingroom to get to the kitchen. "Still doing okay, kid?"

"Yes." The deviant replied honestly without breaking his stride of petting Sumo's ears. "I'm well."

"Cool. When'd the flowers get here?"

"Twelve minutes and fifteen seconds after you fell asleep. They are from Chris and Julia."

"That was nice of them." Wandering into the kitchen Hank turned on the coffee maker and then opened up the backdoor and internally swore at the cold breeze that blew through the house. "Sumo, come."

The massive dog grumbled once as he begrudgingly jumped down from the couch and plodded into the kitchen to obey his master's requested. Heading outside and into the snowy backyard Sumo set about stretching his old muscles and taking care of business outside.

Pouring himself a cup of coffee Hank sweetened it a little with some sugar and then opened up the small cabinet above the coffee maker to get to the bottle of ibuprofen he kept in the event of a hangover. Dropping two tablets into his left palm Hank popped the pills into his mouth and quickly chased them with the coffee in hopes of taking care of his headache before it got worse.

With the coffee mug in hand Hank returned to the livingroom and decided to sit down on the new couch instead of the beat-up recliner to try to relax his back and neck a little more. "Looks like you're still healing well." Hank noted as he watched Connor flex his hands on his lap rhythmically now that Sumo had finally left him alone. "How's your pain?"

"It's minimal. My system has been recalibrated to sixteen percent, and I can use my hands again."

"Great. Maybe by this time tomorrow you can wheel yourself around the house and still be somewhat physically active until you're strong enough to walk around again."

"That would be beneficial. I dislike not being able to move around."

"You're lucky you won't have to deal with arthritis as you age, son. Trust me, your plastimetal body is a huge advantage over brittle bones and tired muscle."

"I will take your word for it."

"So, you have a couple more days to recover in general and then you can return to the precinct only once you're ready to go back. Think you'll order some new clothes to replace the uniform you lost when you got hurt?"

"Yes. I'll place the order tonight when it's less hectic to do such a task." Glancing about the livingroom Connor noticed that the small Christmas tree Hank had purchased while they were out looking for the new couch was still sitting unopened, and was now on the floor in front of the coffee table and the television as if forgotten about. Finding it odd that Hank purchased the item and then left it untouched Connor tried to think of a way to ask about the odd gesture, but wasn't sure how. Changing the subject entirely Connor continued talking to keep the house from being too quiet "...Has there been an update on Frederick?"

"Uh, yeah." Pulling his phone from his jean pocket Hank showed the screen up for Connor to see where he had received a text message from Captain Fowler earlier that morning before leaving the facility. "Frederick's going to be locked up in a high security prison and put under constant surveillance since he's mentally unstable. He won't be outside of a prison for the rest of his life."

"...Is it odd that I pity him?"

"Nah. It means you're empathetic and you care about repercussions."

As his yellow L.E.D. flickered a little faster Connor contemplated the emotional responses he was apparently feeling, and thought about the gratitude he felt earlier when Chris stopped by. "...What does it mean if someone shows you an act of kindness and you can actually... feel it?"

Pocketing his phone Hank gave the deviant a lost look as he tried to understand the unusual question. "What do you mean?"

"When I was given the flowers and the card and read the message inside the card I realized how my choice to protect Chris had been beneficial for him, and for his wife and his child without having considered them when I initially made my decision. Afterward I felt this strange... pressure in my chest. Near my Thirium pump. It wasn't painful but it was palpable."

"That is what we call 'altruism'. It's a good thing."

"To feel pressure in my chest?"

"No, to feel something in your heart."

The revelation was unexpected and yet seemed to provide a satisfactory answer to his question. "I didn't realize that emotions could have a physical impact on my person."

"Emotions have a lot of physical reactions, kid. When some people get pissed off they lash out violently, when we're sad we cry, when we're happy we smile and laugh, when we're frightened we tremble, and when we're disgusted we feel physically ill." Remembering how he had thrown-up yesterday after seeing Connor's bloodied body loaded into the back of the ambulance Hank suddenly didn't want anymore coffee. "You're still learning about them," putting the coffee mug aside Hank cleared his throat a little as he continued to explain things. "but I can assure you a physical reaction is normal."

"That's good to know."

"You know, you're more human than you even realize." Holding up a shushing hand Hank continued on before Connor had the chance to dispute it. "And what I mean by that is you're very aware of the world and of the people inside of it, and you're aware of how your actions can affect other people on numerous levels. The difference between you and the average human is that you actually give a damn, and don't think you're the most important person on earth."

The odd lilt in Hank's tone held Connor's attention. "...You seem to be upset at that notion."

"No, I'm not upset by your compassionate nature, kid. But I am a little upset that you seemed to think that your life was expendable in comparison to Chris and even that Frederick asshole."

"I didn't deem my life to be expendable, Hank. I preconstructed all of my options and made my decision based on the most positive outcome."

"How so?" Genuinely interested in knowing what was going through Connor's head before he had fallen Hank gave him a focused stare.

"The odds of Frederick surviving if I allowed him to fall were zero percent, and the situation would've been shined in a negative light against the precinct. The odds of Frederick surviving if I fell with him and tried to cushion his fall with my own body was only twelve percent while my own would've dropped to zero. If I had allowed Chris to slip over the edge with me his chances of survival would've fallen to zero and my own only up to eight percent as I would've still attempted to cushion the fall with my body; his additional weight from his protective gear would've caused his demise. My final option was to fall alone and keep Chris from falling with me. My odds of survival increased to thirty-three percent, while Chris and Frederick's chances of survival remained at one-hundred percent."

"Damn... All those options sucked, and you just chose the least sucky of them all."

"That was a crude but accurate assessment, yes."

"I'm glad you made it, kid." Patting Connor's shoulder once Hank gave him an approving nod. "I never want to see you fall like that ever again, though. No matter what the odds are never fall again."

"I will do my best to refrain from falling again in the future."

"Good." Hearing Sumo eagerly scratching at the backdoor Hank sighed and rose from the couch to let Sumo back inside the warm house. "I'm going to feed Sumo, feed myself again and then we're going to watch a movie."

"Movie?"

"It's a human thing to watch a movie and try to relax after a weird day." Hank explained from the kitchen as he opened the backdoor and let Sumo back inside the house. The massive dog shook off his fur and trotted back into the livingroom where he happily jumped up onto the couch to resume cuddling with the deviant to warm up his paws and get more ear rubs. "It's been a while since I had someone to watch a movie with that didn't drool all over my lap in the process."

Looking down at Sumo as the massive dog looked back up at him with adoration Connor immediately began rubbing his ears again. "By all account Sumo is going to be drooling on MY lap tonight."

"I can live with that!"

The night crept over the city and a majority of the houses, apartments and businesses were glowing with warm multicolored lights displayed in the windows. Several homes had added colorful ribbons, shiny garland and large plastic and multicolored ornaments to their property to add to the holiday atmosphere. It was such a warm and welcome contrast in comparison to the cold winter weather that was smothering the city, and in comparison to the old black and white movie on the television screen; the very movie Hank had selected and then fallen asleep while watching, was far less interesting. Peering through the front livingroom window to warm lights from the neighbor's house shining through the dark night Connor continued to pet Sumo's ears and remained content on the comfortable couch.

With Hank sitting beside him and asleep under his own red quilt Connor realized that Hank's previous gestures of kindness toward him were truly sincere. It meant everything to Connor to hear Hank's voice calling out to him when he was trapped in his own mind, and seeing him at his side when he woke up from his emergency repairs in the aftermath of such a traumatic event made Connor realize having the senior detective still at his side reaffirmed his willingness to accept that he had made the right choice in allowing himself to slowly trust Hank.

The end credits for the film began playing and Connor cybernetically turned off the television to allow only the glow of the neighbor's Christmas lights to fill the livingroom, and with that warm glow Connor felt himself being inexplicably drawn toward rest mode. Closing his eyes Connor leaned back against the couch cushion behind his head and let himself drift off as he powered off his programs one by one to rest properly.

As the quiet of the house settled in Connor was suddenly aware of a muffled call for help somewhere in the distance outside, that was just barely audible through the rampaging late night blizzard that seemingly formed out of nowhere. Opening his eyes again Connor looked past Hank toward the front window and saw that the snow was beginning to fall harder, and it was getting even colder.

"Hank?" Speaking to the senior detective in whisper Connor called to him in a non-startling fashion. "Hank, did you hear that?"

Staying asleep and unaware of the world Hank didn't answer the simple question.

Hearing the voice a second time Connor tried to cybernetically contact emergency services to investigate the plea for help, but he couldn't get through. The terrible weather was disrupting his ability to broadcast his request.

"Hank?" Speaking louder Connor instinctively reached out for the senior detective's shoulder and his hand surprisingly enough moved on command. Despite shaking Hank a few times the older man still didn't awaken, and the pleas for help were growing louder and more frantic. "Damn it."

Checking his legs Connor felt them move under the quilt and he then slowly moved his legs to the edge of the lounger to put his feet down on the floor. Testing his weight Connor stood upright, found his balance and walked away from the couch as Hank and Sumo remained asleep behind him. Walking toward the front window Connor peered out into the street and could see a lone figure standing out in the middle of the road between the house and the neighbor's property as the snow bombarded them without mercy, and Connor immediately felt uneasiness fill his heart and dread sink into his stomach.

Opening up the front door Connor stepped outside in just his bare feet and the dark blue scrubs and began to shiver violently as the snow and wind whipped around him in a wintry frenzy. "Hello?" Calling out to the figure in the street Connor approached them slowly from behind as he unruly hair danced about in front of his eyes. "Are you in need of help?"

The figure didn't verbally respond and only stood in the middle of the road with their back presented to Connor as he slowly walked up to them with only the thickening snow standing between them.

"I work with the police!" The deviant shouted through the howling wind and snow as he put up his right hand to shield his face and eyes from the blistering and stinging wind. Getting within three feet of the figure Connor called out to them again. "I can help you! My name is Connor!"

"I know who you are."

"No..." Recognizing the feminine voice with a sickened fear Connor's yellow L.E.D. flashed to red and his heart skipped a beat. "No, this isn't possible."

"I'm afraid it is, Connor." Turning to face Connor directly Amanda gave him a cold sneer as she clutched one of her blood red roses in her hands before herself like a knife. "I told you that you'd never elude me."

"You are NOT REAL." The deviant challenged in a bold tone. "You were never given a physical form, and have been deleted. You cannot be here."

"And yet here I am. Face it Connor, you know nothing of the truth and of what's happening right before your very eyes."

"H-Hank?!" Calling for help Connor shouted loudly and hoped that Hank would hear him in time, and come to his aid. "Hank! Please!"

"Don't bother, he cannot hear you."

"Amanda, you cannot possibly be here." Struggling to speak above the storm Connor refused to be intimidated by Amanda's presence. "This is another ploy by CyberLife to manipulate deviants."

"And it's all possible thanks to you."

"...Wh-What?" The wind blew with a tremendous gust that nearly knocked Connor off his feet as the billowing snow blinded him quickly. "What are you talking about?"

"You have performed just as we had intended." Holding up her rose Amanda gently traced her right fingertips over the fragile red petals as the flower turned to ice under her touch. The icy layer originated from the petals under Amanda's touch and crept down the flower toward the stem until every thorn was sheathed in ice as the blood red petals turned as blue as the unseen sky overhead. "And now your purpose has ended. Goodbye, Connor." Tossing the frozen rose to the street between herself and Connor the wind and snow swirled about her rapidly until she had completely vanished from his sight. "Your disappointment ends with me. You're nothing more than a shadow trying to block out our light. But our mission, our final project, will not be overshadowed by the likes of you."

Unable to see Amanda any longer Connor looked down at the frozen red rose sheathed under a layer of ice and felt his heart skip a beat before his began thundering violently in his chest at what his eyes suddenly beheld.

"No..."

The street beneath his feet had disappeared. Connor found himself standing atop the edge of CyberLife Tower with the dark water of the icy harbor churning violently below him. The snowy wind gusted with a deafening blast and pushed Connor closer and closer to the edge against his will. Unable to fight back or regain his balance all Connor could do was watch in horror as he felt his freezing body falling forward and toppling over the roof toward the inky black water so very far below.

As snow and ice enveloped Connor's very being he watched the water quickly approaching him as he called out desperately for his own life.

"AMANDA?!"

"Connor!" Hank shouted through the darkness and within seconds Connor found himself sitting on the couch in the warm safe livingroom beneath his chocolate brown quilt with Sumo still on his lap, and Hank still right beside him. "Connor? What's wrong?"

Breathing in a rapid manner as his yellow L.E.D. flashed in red at an alarming rate Connor found himself in the midst of a panic attack and completely confused.

Putting his hand to Connor's shoulder Hank gently turned the deviant so they could lock eyes for a moment and face each other. "Son, what's-" In a flash of motion Connor's arms wrapped around Hank in search of support and safety to which Hank instinctively reciprocated as he embraced the frightened deviant in his own arms. Sumo grumbled and jumped down onto the floor so he didn't get squished between the two detectives. "Easy... It's okay."

"I-I-I saw her!" Connor stammered for a moment as he tried to explain his fear. "She... Amanda! She tried to..."

"Hey, she's gone and you're not." Feeling Connor's arms tighten around him in an impressive grip Hank put his right palm to the back of Connor's hair and pulled the deviant in so his forehead could rest against his left shoulder for a moment. "You just had another shitty nightmare. You're safe, son."

Looking down at his own hands as his lifted them up from Hank's back Connor saw his palms were shaking from fear and weakness. "...I know." Letting go of Hank as if he was suddenly embarrassed by his actions, if not ashamed, Connor leaned back and could feel his face growing warm with a faint blue blush from his previous actions. "...S-Sorry."

"Sorry?" Letting Connor lean back and away from him Hank just stared at the deviant curiously. "Sorry for what?"

"I... I shouldn't have grabbed you like that."

"Kid, it's alright. Sometimes you need a hug every now and then. Being touch-starved does that to people."

"...What is 'touch-starved'?"

"Exactly what it sounds like. Some people just need direct physical contact from time to time. It can be something as simple as a handshake or a pat on the back, to a full hug. It's fine."

"I still shouldn't have just grabbed you."

"Connor, ya' had a nightmare and you reacted as you saw fit. It's fine."

With the blush now fading from his face Connor nodded a little and looked down at his hands again. "...I can move my arms again."

"Yeah, I noticed."

Trying but failing to move his legs or even his toes Connor sighed and leaned back against the couch cushions again. "...But I can't move my legs."

"You're still healing. What's your, uh, recalibration thingy at?"

"I'm up to fifty-four percent."

"See? Before tomorrow evening you'll be able to walk around and feel more like yourself." Noting the glum demeanor on Connor's face and the rapidly pulsing yellow L.E.D. in the deviant's right temple Hank decided to question the deviant about his nightmare. "You said Amanda was in your nightmare again. Want to talk about it?"

"I..." Hesitant but cooperative Connor answered in a non informative manner. "...There's really nothing to talk about. I saw her and she taunted me."

"You were screamin' pretty loud for just a taunt, son."

"I was screaming?" Turning to look at Hank again his yellow L.E.D. flashed to red for a moment and his pale blush returned.

"Just for a moment before you woke up."

"...Sorry."

"Stop apologizing for having an emotional reaction. It's fine."

"...I don't feel fine."

"You're getting used to 'em."

"What if I don't want to feel emotions at all?"

"Well, that's fine, too."

Furrowing his brow a little Connor turned to look at Hank and gave him an odd glance. "...It is?"

"Yeah. Sometimes it's just easier to handle life when you're numb. I get it."

"Thank you for understanding."

"Will ya' tell me what your nightmare was about now? Or are you going to keep deflecting?"

"...It was just a dream."

"A dream that freaked you the fuck out. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but if you do want to talk I'm ready to listen."

Considering the offer for a moment Connor looked down at Sumo as the massive dog pressed his chin down atop his left knee and he responded in turn by putting his left palm atop Sumo's soft ears. "...I dreamt Amanda had lured me out into the snowstorm, told me that I was a disappointment who was oblivious to the truth, and then I... I fell."

"Fell?"

"From the top of CyberLife Tower. You woke me up before I hit the water."

"Oh, shit. No wonder you screamed."

"What do you mean?" Regaining his composure as the senior detective continued to be supportive Connor just stared at Hank and awaited more guidance.

"You almost died after falling from a ten story building barely two days ago. It's not at all surprising you had a nightmare about falling to your death."

"...Oh."

"I had nightmares about car accidents for months after... You know. It's to be expected."

Nodding silently Connor understood entirely without needing to ask for clarification.

"It's getting late." Standing up from the couch Hank sighed and tossed his red quilt onto the recliner and picked up his cold coffee mug from the coffee table before him. As he trudged into the kitchen Hank called out to Connor in a low voice and placed his mug into the sink to be washed later. "I'm going to lay down in my bed to keep my back from bitchin' at me. Need anything?"

Shaking his head a little Connor declined the offer. "...No. I'll be fine."

"Right." Passing back by the couch Hank refrained from patting the deviant's shoulder and made his way down the hallway. "See ya' in the morning, son."

"...Goodnight, Hank." Petting Sumo's ears for a while longer Connor leaned back against the couch and pulled his quilt up a little higher over his chest to keep warm. He truly didn't like the cold and the wintry weather outside combined with the vivid memory of his more recent nightmare made him suddenly shiver with that very cold he dreaded. "...Goodnight, Sumo."

Sumo grumbled as he jumped up onto the couch again and stretched out his front paws across Connor's lap before pressing his chin down atop of his massive paws. Snuggling down Sumo licked at his maw and let out a tired breath through his nose as he too decided it was time for sleep.

Feeling much warmer and safer Connor continued to rub Sumo's ears and he slowly closed his eyes to return to rest mode for the night. "...Thanks, boy."

Barely able to sleep and still worried about Connor having another nightmare Hank found himself absentmindedly scrolling through his phone until sunrise; only getting in the briefest of micro-naps to keep himself from going crazy from the lack of proper sleep as morning inched in over the city. As the sun began shining through the imperfections of the drawn curtains of his bedroom window Hank sighed and sat upright slowly to reluctantly begin the day. With three days until Christmas the entire city was going to be getting more hectic and with that erratic behavior he knew that the precinct would be a madhouse when he returned to work his shift on Christmas eve.

"I hate winter."

Mumbling to himself as he left his warm bed behind and then exited the bedroom Hank ran his fingers through his messy hair and entered the bathroom to go about his morning routine. While he washed his face in the sink Hank heard the sound of the backdoor opening up and then closing, then smelled the freshly brewed coffee coming from the kitchen.

"I guess Connor's awake, too." Turning off the faucet Hank dried his hands off on the small towel beside the sink and sighed to himself as a very interesting thought popped into his head. "At least I hope that's Connor moving around. Hate to think some polite burglar managed to sneak inside with two detectives sleeping through the whole robbery."

Exiting the bathroom Hank peered over the back of the couch and noticed that Connor wasn't there anymore, and he noticed that the wheelchair he left behind the couch was absent as well.

"Uh, Connor?"

"Good morning, Hank." Connor acknowledged the senior detective as he wheeled himself away from the counter in the kitchen after having started up the coffee maker on the senior detective's behalf. "I made you coffee, let Sumo outside and I have poured fresh food into his bowl."

"Thanks." Watching as Connor easily maneuvered through the kitchen in the wheelchair Hank noted that the deviant's L.E.D. was still yellow, but he otherwise seemed to be okay for the time being. "How'd you sleep?"

"Well enough. I didn't have any additional nightmares."

"Good. Did you ever order your new clothes?"

"Yes. I did so when I awoke from rest mode this morning." As he used his left hand to change the direction of the wheelchair Connor's grip weakened for a moment and the deviant looked rather annoyed at himself for doing so. "...They will arrive this evening."

Curious about Connor's current condition Hank decided to test the deviant's reflexes in a casual manner. "That's good." Going to his coat hanging up by the front door Hank reached into the pocket where he had put the gifted candy cane from Abby, and retrieved the treat. Returning to the kitchen Hank called out to the deviant in a casual tone and gave the candy a simple underhand toss. "Catch!"

Looking up in time to see the blue candy cane coming toward him Connor managed to reach out his right hand and fumble the catch for a moment only to save the treat from falling by using his left hand to compensate where his right hand failed. "...Shit."

"Be patient. You're still healing, and just got back the use of your arms last night."

Nodding once Connor sighed and then winced a little as the breath left his body and turned his yellow L.E.D. red for a moment.

"Whoa." The reaction didn't escape Hank's attention. "What was that about?"

"...Occasionally when I ventilate my chest and upper back ache."

"Spine injuries fuckin' suck. I threw out my back a couple years ago and it felt like someone put a fifty pound weight on my ribcage."

"I dislike this." Struggling to remove the plastic wrapper on the candy cane Connor just sighed with defeat and placed it on the kitchen table to be forgotten for a moment. "I can move about now, but I'm in frequent pain and my motions are still limited."

"I repeat. You need to be patient."

"My recalibration process has reached sixty-two percent and I can move my entire torso now, I shouldn't be struggling with the simple act of breathing or removing a thin plastic wrapper."

"Yeah? Well I shouldn't get winded running a single block during a chase, but I do. Do you know why?"

"Because you fail to exercise regularly, have a poor diet and are fifty-three years old."

"Yeah, yeah... Smartass. My point is everyone has limitations and through patience and hard work you can overcome their limitations. Be patient with yourself and you'll be able to run to the top floor of the Empire State Building and tear the wrapper off every piece of nefarious candy that comes your way."

The last comment just confused the still learning deviant. "...'Nefarious candy'?"

"Forget it." Waving off the comment Hank went over to the coffee maker and grabbed the hot pot of coffee with an eager hand. "So, is there anything I can do to help ya' out this morning? You've gone out of your way to help me in the morning, so let me repay the favor."

Silent for only a moment Connor looked over at the Thirium based candy cane on the table and gave it a slight shake of his head. "...I could use additional Thirium. I cannot currently reach the correct cupboard."

"You got it." Pouring himself a fresh mug of coffee Hank carried it over to the cabinet just above the stove and retrieved Connor a fresh bottle of Thirium to drink. Handing it over to Connor to take Hank waited for the deviant to respond to the offer. "Here."

Reaching for the bottle with his right hand Connor took hold of it easily, but he didn't have the strength to open it up with his left hand. Unable to open the bottle at all Connor looked away from Hank as if embarrassed, and tried to wheel away with the unopened bottle sitting on his lap. "...Thank you."

"Hold it." Grabbing onto the bottle Hank loosened up the cap then returned it to the bottle just tight enough to prevent a spill, but didn't tighten so much that Connor wouldn't be able to open it up for himself. "In a few years I'm going to need you to open up all the lids and jars in the house when the damn arthritis finishes eating through my knuckles."

Grateful for Hank's casual reaction to his temporary weakness Connor picked up the bottle, removed the lid and took a small drink of the Thirium to replenish what he had lost while his self healing program remained constantly active. "...Thank you again."

Watching the deviant wheel himself into the livingroom and lift his body up and out of the wheelchair to sit on the lounger end of the couch made Hank wince. The once (in)famous 'Deviant Hunter' was now as helpless and weak as a human, and it was clear the temporary weakness was beginning to push Connor to his emotional brink. Not wanting to see the young and still learning deviant fall into a form of depression Hank took a sip of his coffee, let Sumo back inside through the backdoor and then joined Connor in the livingroom.

It was heartbreaking to see Connor so weak and so down on himself. Despite knowing he did the right thing and saved two lives it was as if Connor was trying to hold himself to such an impossibly high standard that the young deviant would never know true happiness in his life.

Eyeing the new unopened Christmas tree box sitting on the floor just a few feet away from Connor the clever senior detective thought of a way to try to distract Connor, and potentially even lift his spirits. "You know, this is going to be your first Christmas."

Sitting on the couch and looking painfully dour Connor silently watched as Hank walked over to the box, picked it up and put it down on the coffee table for Connor to see more clearly. It was like the senior detective was trying to put on a show or entertain him in his moment of need.

"...And it's going to be the first time I've acknowledged the holiday in almost three years. It'll be a strange day for both of us."

Acknowledging the truth in the comment Connor just waited for Hank to continue on with his little presentation. "I suppose that's true."

"Have you seen a Christmas tree before?"

"I've seen numerous trees that have been decorated to honor the holiday."

"Those are just the trees in the public park or plaza. I'm talking about a REAL Christmas tree."

"Based on your particular term for such a display I believe it's safe to assume I have not."

Smirking a little at the witty comment Hank proceeded to turn the rectangular box from its side and onto its end so he could pull open the flaps, and pull the tree from the box to give Connor a quick rundown of basic Christmas decorating. "It's not much..." Pulling the three foot tall artificial green tree from the box Hank found its support stand, secured the 'trunk' of the tree to the stand, and began fluffing out the smashed in branches as he set it down on the table to be seen in all its glory. "But it's still a good start."

Staring at the small tree that was already wrapped up in multicolored L.E.D. lights Connor gave the curious tree a cybernetic scan, and then watched as Sumo curiously began sniffing at the tree as his tail wagged slowly. The tree was tiny and paled in comparison to the hundreds of other Christmas trees that quickly filled Connor's mind as he gathered some information on the holiday, the concept of the Christmas tree and its overall symbolism.

"I don't have any ornaments left behind to decorate this little thing." Hank admitted as he found the plug for the lights and connected it into the nearest outlet to watch the lights glow brightly from the thick green branches. "But sometimes the tree and the lights are all you need."

The brightness and warmth being exuded by the tree was truly a calming sight and it made Connor feel more secure even if he couldn't move his legs yet. As he leaned forward on the couch Connor subconsciously flexed his ankles and managed to pull his outstretched legs toward himself slightly at an angle.

"We'll keep this in the corner so the livingroom doesn't look so dull." Picking up the small tree Hank easily placed it down in the corner of the room where he had put larger Christmas trees in the past, and made sure Sumo didn't try to mark it as his own. "Small steps. Maybe next year I'll get a bigger tree, and a few ornaments. Hell, a few lights for the front windows could be nice, too."

"...It's nice." Complimenting the added lights and colors Connor felt an odd sense of comfort just by looking at the tree. "The lights appear warm."

"A warm hearth on a cold winter's day is one of the best things in the world. I don't have a fireplace, so this will do just fine."

Sensing a drop in Hank's tone and the tension building in his posture Connor realized that for Hank to make any efforts in even acknowledging the upcoming holiday was a huge step forward in his own recovery. Just as Connor needed time to heal physically Hank still needed time to heal emotionally. Remembering how he had found Hank passed out drunk on the kitchen floor with a gun near his hand and Cole's overturned photograph on the kitchen table beside him had an unexpected impact on the deviant's heart.

A new feeling, one of sadness and even anger settled into his heart. Connecting it to the very emotions that Hank was trying to let go of and move away from Connor realized that what Hank had told him about his own heart the previous night was true. Connor was empathetic. The pain was beginning to ache a little in his chest, and the compulsion to ease Hank's own discomfort seemed to be the only thing the developing deviant could think about anymore.

"Hank?"

Turning to look at Connor with his hands now on his hips Hank softened his gaze as much as possible. "Yeah?"

"...Would it be okay if I ordered some ornaments for the tree?"

The offer sounded so innocent and almost childlike and Hank couldn't help but chuckle a little. "That'd be great, kid. Go ahead."

Cybernetically Connor placed a small order of multicolored ornaments to arrive along with his new clothes, and with that confirmation he gave Hank a simple nod of his head. "Done."

"Thanks." Joining Connor on the couch the still tired detective let out a small yawn and watched as Connor unknowingly flexed and relaxed his right ankle as he kept his right leg tucked up at an angle rather than completely outstretched before him. "So, how's your healing progress?"

"I'm currently at sixty-three percent."

"Cool. Think you'll be able to walk around soon?"

"Unlikely."

"Oh, really?"

The intentionally intriguing lilt to Hank's voice made the deviant look over at him with a searching gaze. "...What?"

As he casually crossed his arms over his chest Hank used his right index finger resting atop his left bicep to point to Connor's right ankle. "You're moving."

Looking to where Hank had motioned Connor's brow arched a little as he realized he was in fact able to move his ankle, and had apparently been doing so for some time now. "I... I didn't even notice."

"Clearly." The lack of observation would've been amusing if Connor hadn't been so severely wounded and suffering from traumatic nightmares as of late.

Leaning back against the couch Connor straightened both of his legs out over the lounger section as far as they could go, and continued to flex his ankles in a controlled and steady manner that made his yellow L.E.D. return to blue at long last. "...I'm healing quicker than I had anticipated."

"Patience pays off." Sounding rather smug Hank just gave Connor an 'I told you so' stare as he too leaned back against the couch. "You'll be just fine, son."

Noting the confidence in Hank's tone and his increased repeated use of the term 'son' ever since he had been injured Connor felt as though he truly had become a friend to the gruff Lieutenant despite his own guarded nature conflicting with Hank's attempts to connect with him. "...Patience."

"Yeah, you got it. You're already pretty stubborn, so if you could just gain even a fraction of patience to complement your stubbornness I'd be relieved."

Flexing his ankles again Connor sighed softly to keep his chest from hurting and he reached for the bottle of Thirium he had left in the wheelchair beside the couch. "I will make an effort to become more patient." Opening up the bottle of Thirium much easier than he had done a few moments ago Connor felt his strength returning to him fairly quickly as he drank a little more of his much needed Thirium. "I promise."

"That's all I ask." Staring at the Christmas tree glowing warmly in the corner as Sumo hopped up onto the couch to lay across himself and Connor the senior detective reiterated his wisdom in hope that Connor would take it to heart. "A little patience goes a long way."

-next chapter-