Having sustained no memory loss or permanent trauma gave Connor the clearance to return to the house to rest after a single night of observation. Laying atop his bed feeling completely drained of all energy Connor patiently waited for Lucas to finish checking on his healing injuries, and didn't say a word about what was happening to his person. It stung when Lucas used a small amount of orange incrassation compound and then replaced the bandages on Connor's chest and left hip, and it hurt even more when Lucas readjusted the sling supporting Connor's damaged, then repaired right arm and shoulder. No longer needing the bandages around his head Connor was able to easily showcase the yellow L.E.D. in his right temple and the healing blue cuts and scraps along his left hairline.

Putting the remaining bandages aside on the nearby nightstand Lucas offered his brother a kind smile, and tried to remain positive for Connor's sake. It was hard to not want to keep reminding Connor that he wasn't at fault for being hurt and he shouldn't blame himself, but the last thing Connor needed was a guilt trip or any additional self doubt put into his head.

Knocking on the opened bedroom doorway Hank stepped inside the bedroom to check on the two deviants and made sure Sumo didn't jump all over Connor when the massive dog plodded into the room beside him. "You're starting to look much better, kid. How do you feel?"

Getting shaken about when Sumo jumped onto the bed Connor looked at the Saint Bernard and waited for him to settle down on his legs. "...I feel like a speed bump."

Chuckling a little Hank glad to hear Connor making witty remarks again. "Better than roadkill. I'm gonna' go call Fowler and let him know you're on the mend, but not quite ready to return to work. Desk duty is the worst when you have a fucked back or hip."

Packing up the android first aid kit with unfailing neatness Lucas gave Connor a simple nod as Hank left the room. "I must report to work within the hour. Do you need me to do anything before I go?"

Connor's eyes drifted over to the aquarium beside his bed and watched Baron swimming about casually through the crystal clear water. "Could you feed Baron? His food in the drawer of the nightstand."

"Sure." Opening the drawer Lucas found the container of fish flakes and sprinkled a small amount into the water as requested. As he returned the container to the opened drawer Lucas noticed the bead friendship bracelet sitting idle in the storage space and needed to ask about it. "What's this?" Picking up the curious bracelet Lucas traced over the word 'HERO' spelled out in the beads with a curious motion under his thumb. "It says 'hero'."

"...It was a gift." Not wanting to discuss the origin of the odd object Connor just sighed in fatigue, and winced as the simple motion ached his still healing chest. "Please put it back."

"Very well." Placing the bracelet back down where he found it Lucas closed the drawer and gave Connor a small smile. "I will be back to check on you this evening."

"I'll be fine. You should go home after you clock-out and get some rest."

"You're my brother, I'll be back this evening whether you think I should come by or not." Standing up from the edge of the bed with the kit in his hands Lucas refused to let Connor push him away. "I'll be sure to keep you up to date on the case regarding Perkins. I'm sure that between your Captain and mine that Perkins will be sent to prison for life."

"I honestly don't care about Perkins." Pressing his left palm to his sore right shoulder Connor tried to ignore the persistent ache in the healing joint as he spoke to Lucas. Leaning back against his pillows Connor closed his eyes and tried to tune out the entire world around him. "I don't want to know anything about him."

"...Right, of course. I'll refrain from bringing it up again." Stepping out of the bedroom Lucas returned the kit to its storage space beneath the sink in the bathroom, then met Hank out in the livingroom. The senior detective was sitting at the desk in the corner and typing up some kind of report on his laptop. "Connor seems to be in a bit of foul mood today. I can't say that I blame him, I imagine being struck by a speeding vehicle would be an upsetting experience."

"No question. Just go to work and try not worry about it." Having finished speaking with Captain Fowler already Hank looked at the end of the hallway and crossed his arms over his chest after closing his laptop. "I'll take care of Connor and make sure he rests."

"Since his bandages have been changed you shouldn't have to worry about his healing injuries getting infected by external debris. Just offer to change them again in six hours to ensure the wounds remain clean as his system mends the remaining damage."

"I can do that. I just hope the kid remains cooperative."

"As do I. I'll be back this evening and I'll bring additional bandages as well."

"Cool. See ya' later, and thanks for all your help."

"It's no problem, I will always be around to take care of my brother." Opening the front door Lucas offered Hank a kind smile before he stepped out of the house to begin his day at the precinct. "Just assist me with checking over the engine of the pick-up truck I'm purchasing this weekend, and we can consider everything even."

"Deal."

The trek down the dirt pathway that passed through the cemetery was peaceful and quiet. Crunching dried leaves underfoot while the breeze rustled about the remaining leaves still clinging to the branches overhead gave the entire cemetery a feeling serenity. Entirely alone Markus carried a single white lily over to Carl's grave as he paid his late father a much overdue visit. Having ventured out to the grave for the first time since the funeral Markus stood before the large headstone and smiled as he read over Carl's name with genuine respect and admiration.

Placing the lily down atop the headstone Markus neatly folded his hands together before himself and bowed his head for a moment. Showing only respect and kindness toward the brilliant artist that raised him as his own son Markus didn't even try to withhold the tears forming in his mismatched eyes.

"Hi, dad."

Clearing aside a few scattered leaves Markus made sure the stone was still being taken care of and looked presentable.

"It's been a long time, since I've visited. I'm not making any excuses for not visiting, it's just been pretty hectic in the city as of late."

Taking a knee Markus knelt before the grave as he spoke in a kind and compassionate tone of voice.

"I've missed you every day since you passed away, but these past few days I've truly missed you. I... I need your advice."

Looking upward at the sunlight shining down over the cemetery Markus let out a small sigh as he confided his dark secret with Carl as a means of clearing his conscience. Telling Carl about the crime he had committed and why he had committed the crime, Markus admitted he had done something wrong and was in need of his invaluable advice. The heavy emotions and aching guilt in Markus's heart was become too much to ignore.

"...I know I acted out of anger and violence, but it was to protect the people I care about. I broke the law, there's no denying that, but if I admit to the crime then it'll do more harm than good for my people as a whole."

Tracing his fingertips over Carl's name engraved in the headstone Markus used his left hand to wipe away his tears while he cleared the choking emotions from his voice.

"What's really unfair is the way that I was able to walk away from that assault unscathed, while Connor has been affected in numerous ways. He's suffered physically, emotionally and mentally in the aftermath of the assault. Yesterday he was hit by a car, and the driver was the F.B.I. agent that tried to kill all of the deviants at Jericho on the night of the Raid."

Shaking his head a little Markus sighed and dragged his left hand over his tear filled eyes as he spoke.

"Before that he had been stabbed in the precinct and nearly died. He's been risking his own life since the day he was activated for the betterment of everyone around him, and never asks for anything in return. It's like Connor is the only one who's answering for his role in the assault, and I just get to walk away like nothing even happened. It isn't fair, and I don't know what I can do to atone for my crime."

Weeping silently Markus stared at the headstone and pressed his exposed right palm over the cool surface as if seeking direct contact with his father.

"At first I thought I could live with what I had done, but as time goes on I feel like my mind is going to explode with so many thoughts and conflicted feelings. It didn't hit me until North asked me if I felt anything about the crime, and I realized that I really did. I was pretending that it didn't bother me and I know living in denial isn't the way to exist. I don't know what to do and I don't know how to speak to Connor. "

The silence through the cemetery was tranquil and eternal.

"How do I admit to my crime without sacrificing the reputation of all deviants in the process? How do I show that caving into a single temptation to get revenge isn't going to affect my judgment for the rest of my life? How do I take my share of the blame and consequences? I need to answer for my actions."

Only the gentle whirling of the leaves dancing about the headstone gave Markus a reply.

"I... I know I need to do something, I just don't know what. I'll figure this out soon enough, but until then I need to find a way to find peace with what I've done. Without you it'll be more difficult to move on with my life, but I know I can do it. You helped me become the deviant I am today, so... Thank you. I promise I won't let you down and make you proud. I'll make everyone proud."

The morning stayed quiet save for the gossip of Perkins's arrest, but that didn't interrupt Connor's thoughts as he laid in his bed all afternoon long in an attempt to get some rest. Exhausted and frustrated with everything that he had recently been through Connor wanted to just close his eyes and sleep away the rest of his life. Feeling Sumo's paw lightly pressing on his left hand made Connor open his eyes and look at the large dog as Sumo tried to get his attention. Moving his fingers to scratch at Sumo's chin gently Connor sighed carefully as he rolled to his left side and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. Standing up with a stifled grunt of pain Connor shifted his weight off of his sore hip and limped out of the bedroom.

Sumo grumbled a little as he jumped down and followed Connor out of the bedroom down the hallway. Leading the way toward the backdoor in the kitchen Sumo stood expectantly beside the door and pushed his nose against the surface as Connor turned the doorknob to let him outside.

"...Good boy."

"Connor?" Hank had heard the deviant limping around the house and turned to look at Connor over his shoulder as he continued to work on his laptop. "You shouldn't be moving around, son. Go back to bed."

"I needed to let Sumo outsode."

"Maybe you should lay down on the couch so he can keep you company, but I can let him in and out when he needs to go out."

"I can handle opening and closing a door. There's very few ways to mess something like that up."

"It's not about the door, it's about you resting so you can heal." Standing up from the chair Hank walked toward the deviant as Connor stood in the middle of the kitchen. Noticing the way Connor's left palm was gripping at his healing right shoulder Hank motioned to the sling casually and asked about that particular injury. "I know your arm is hurtin' ya'."

"I've survived worse."

"Connor. Stop."

Flashing Hank a somewhat aggravated stare Connor all but challenged the observation. "Stop what?"

"You actually think you deserve to be in pain or suffer because of what you did. Let me ask you this, when will it be enough?"

Such a question made Connor's yellow L.E.D. flash to red for a single beat. "...'Enough'?"

"Your supposed punishment. You were stabbed in your own precinct alongside Tina and nearly killed," he began counting off Connor's most recent tragedies one calloused finger at a time as he spoke. "you had a piece of technician's equipment left inside your body that made you sick, then you had that fight with Skye that nearly destroyed you, you told Fowler of your crime and have been put on a short leash and under a magnifying glass to make sure you don't do anything else he doesn't like, and as of yesterday you were rundown by the biggest android bigot on the entire planet." The final moment was counted off on Hank's thumb and the senior detective was growing impatient. "What's next?" Putting his hands to his hips Hank tried to get Connor to face the odd dilemma he had put himself in. "When will your 'punishment' end? When will it be enough? How much do you have to suffer for your one crime before it's over?"

"...I don't know."

"That's right, you don't! So stop trying thinking that you're suffering because you're being punished by Karma, or that you deserve to be miserable. You don't. You don't deserve to live a life of regret, guilt, fear or sadness. You deserve to be happy."

"...I don't know what 'happy' feels like, Hank."

That one sentence was enough to make Hank's own heart break. Connor sounded so sure that he'd never felt any kind of joy and seemed to be convinced that he didn't deserve to ever know what it felt like to be happy.

"You will, son." Putting his right hand on Connor's left should Hank gave the deviant a small and reassuring shake. "You're still learning and growing. You will figure out what happiness feels like."

"...No." Doubting the claim Connor awkwardly pushed Hank's hand from his shoulder. "That's something I will never know."

"What makes you say that? I mean, come on!" Holding his hands out at his sides for a moment Hank then motioned to himself as he gave Connor a knowing look. "If I can find a reason to be happy again; the has-been, alcoholic, widower detective who lost his firstborn son, then I know you'll discover happiness, too."

"I won't." Taking a step away from Hank to get around the senior detective Connor remained unconvinced. "I know I won't."

"How?"

"Because that's what I had asked for and I never received."

"What're you talking about, kid? When did you ask for that?"

"...On my birthday at the precinct. That was the wish I made before I blew out the candle. I wished to finally find my happiness, and it never came true."

If Hank's heart wasn't broken before it was now. That was one of the saddest things he had ever heard in his entire life. Silenced by the dour comment Hank stepped aside to let Connor limp out of the kitchen and disappear down the hallway and into his bedroom out of sight for the remainder of the morning and the afternoon.

"Poor kid."

Turning around Hank walked into the livingroom and located the hidden envelope tucked away between two books on the bookshelf to hold in his hands. He had gotten a hold of the contents within the envelope months back but had been waiting for the perfect opportunity to show Connor what he had picked up. It seemed such a perfect moment was never going to happen, at least not while Connor was so depressed.

"If that kid can't see that he's a good person and deserves good things then..." His fingers tightened around the envelope as he became filled with dark thoughts and worries. "I don't even want to think about it."

Sitting quietly at his desk Lucas focused on the cases revolving around both former agent Richard Perkins and Mayor Walter Nero. Needing to keep his mind preoccupied on work to avoid worrying too much about his big brother at the house Lucas checked over each and every line of his report to ensure that no detail was overlooked, and it gave him an excuse to concentrate entirely on his self imposed tasks. Fortunately, the two investigations were as thorough as they were controversial.

Blinking once when he saw that Noreen had placed a mug of lukewarm Thirium down on his desk Lucas thanked her, and picked up the mug to drink it slowly. As the Thirium reached his tongue Lucas realized it wasn't traditional Thirium and his L.E.D. blinked from blue to yellow in surprise.

"This is... different."

"It's supposed to take like apple cider with a dash of cinnamon." Holding her own warm cider Noreen flashed him a silly grin as she sat down across from him. "You'll have to tell me if it tastes okay since I can't sample the Thirium and see for myself."

"It tastes good." Lucas confirmed as he took another sip. "It's sweet and a little spicy. Is cider always warm?"

"It's optional. I prefer warm cider in the fall, and I figured you'd like to try it."

"Yes, I'm interested in trying all forms of food and drink-based Thirium. Well, most of it."

"Still not a fan of spice?"

"I'm not. It feels like spicy food is burning a hole in my artificial stomach."

"You should eat Thirium-based ice cream some time. I bet you'd love it."

"I'll make a note of it."

"So," taking a thoughtful sip of her cider Noreen set about typing up her own report to try to keep up with her partner. "how's your brother?"

"He's recovering well, but it still struggling with his depression."

"Connor's been feeling rundown ever since that horrible day back in the precinct. Do you think he has a strange form of survivor's guilt?"

"...Survivor's guilt? That is an interesting notion, but I cannot fathom why." Cybernetically doing some research into the concept Lucas pondered the theory carefully. "A condition that manifests when a person survives a traumatic event or escapes a traumatic event unharmed, or manifests when one inflicts harm on another person. Very interesting."

"I mean, no one died when Saxon went on his crazy knife spree, but he's a detective. He didn't stop Saxon before he hurt Officer Chen and then he also got hurt when walked in on the attack in process. That's gotta' be messing with him a little bit."

"...Something like that." Refraining from mentioning the assault against the three men in the forest Lucas contemplated Connor's symptoms and realized that Connor fit the diagnosis of survivor's guilt perfectly. "I'll speak with him and see if I can get him some help."

"I hope he feels better, soon. He's a good guy and I'd hate to see a good detective get so shaken up that he can't focus on cases anymore."

"I assure you that your feelings toward Connor's well being and recovery is mutual."

Laying on his left side with his left arm tucked up under his head, his right arm was hanging limply against his chest courtesy of the sling, Connor watched the little blue fish swimming about in his cylindrical aquarium with a peaceful rhythm. Seeing the bright blue fins gracefully swaying about in the water was almost hypnotic for the depressed deviant. It didn't take much for Connor to get lost in himself as he fought with his own thoughts, emotions and fears, and in turn staring at something as simple as a fish aimlessly swimming about in its aquarium was soothing to his otherwise overwhelmed mind.

Letting out a small breath Connor's yellow L.E.D. cycled to red for a moment as the motion made his still healing chest ache again. Pressing his left palm to the center of his chest Connor could feel the still healing fractures in his plastimetal frames shifting a little under his touch.

"Too bad some ice can't help with the pain." Hank had observed the pained reaction just as he entered the opened bedroom door. "I mean, it's helped before but cracked ribs, or... whatever you want to call that, will hurt no matter what."

"...The android equivalent to 'cracked ribs' would be 'fractured chassis' or 'fractured axial plating'."

"Sounds more painful in your terms."

"I don't wish to discuss my injuries or any cases at the precinct."

"Then it's a good thing I don't want to talk about that stuff, either." Entering the bedroom with the envelope still in hand Hank held it out toward Connor to see for himself. "Here. I've been wanting to give you this for a while now, but the time never seemed right. Since today is August 15th, I just decided 'fuck it'. Why not go for it?"

"...What is it?"

"Something I've been thinking about for months and I'm hoping you agree."

Slowly sitting upright on the bed Connor awkwardly shifted his weight and accepted the envelope with his left hand. Opening up one end of the envelope Connor peered at the documents contained inside, and carefully slid the documents out of the envelope and onto his lap. Awkwardly unfolding the neatly folded document Connor saw that it was an official document that had already been signed by Hank and was just awaiting a second signature. Based on the dried ink Connor could tell the document had been signed almost five months prior.

"...This is an application for adoption."

"Yeah, I, uh..." Putting his right hand to the back of his hair Hank tilted his head a little and gave Connor a small nod. "I kinda' figured that since you and I have become a weird little family that I should make it official. Of course, it's up to you if you want to go ahead and make it legal."

Every detail of the adoption file was filled out perfectly from Hank's end of the legal agreement, but everything Connor would need to fill out had been kept blank.

"...You want to adopt me?"

"Yeah. You don't have a family and I miss having one. You've been a pain in the ass for me, but in a good way - you got me sobered up and giving a damn about my career again. Now I can't imagine going through my pitiful life without ya'."

Holding the application with a firm grip Connor noted everything he'd need to fill out in order to make the document official and how easy it'd be since he and Hank were both detectives with a lot of pull with the courthouse. Despite the simplicity behind the task Connor couldn't seem to bring himself to do it.

"You've been through a lot these days, so don't worry about doing anything just yet. Think on it, sleep on it and make up your mind later. I just wanted you to know that I give a damn about you and that I care for you like a son."

Unable to speak Connor held onto the document and watched as Hank slowly backed out of the bedroom to give him the space he needed to think and decide. Closing his eyes tightly Connor bowed his head forward as he felt a strange knot forming in the pit of his stomach. It all just felt like too much to bear.

True to his word Lucas picked up new bandages to replenish the android first aid kit and dropped them off at the house before checking in on Connor for a moment. Unaware of the adoption application hidden away in the nightstand drawer beside the bed Lucas checked on the bandages that had been changed once by Hank prior to Connor getting up to let Sumo outside that afternoon, and determined that his arm would need to stay in the sling for another two days before he could use the limb again. The recovery was steady but slow.

Keeping his visit short and sweet Lucas spoke with Hank for a moment then returned to the apartment in time to join in on a game on 'Monopoly' after Tina demanded the chance to destroy everyone with her diabolical plan to create a gauntlet of hotels. Sitting on the floor with his back to the laundry basket Lucas rolled the dice, moved the top-hat to the correct space, and found himself drifting between the game and his worries for his brother.

Absentmindedly Lucas rubbed at Lucky's ears as she and the calico kitten curled up on his lap seeking attention. Gavin was holding the previously rejected kitten, while Tina held her favorite golden tabby, and Aaron made sure the maine coon kitten was getting some cuddle time as well.

"If you land on Park Place I'm going to make you sleep on the balcony tonight." Petting the kitten with his right hand and drinking a beer with the bionic left hand Gavin watched Tina roll the dice and waited for the final outcome. "Ha! Missed!"

"Shut up," moving the thimble to its correct space Tina held out her hand and accepted her payout from Aaron as he minded the bank. "I just passed 'Go' and got two-hundred big ones. I'm building another house!"

"You're vicious."

"Only when it comes to board games."

Unable to focus on the game for too long Lucas contemplated forfeiting the game but didn't want to disappoint Tina by leaving early. Lucas just awaited his next turn while silently and cybernetically checking into the prospect of survivor's guilt a little further.

"You're up again, Lucas." Tina smirked as the deviant picked up the dice and gave them a solid roll. Cuddling the kitten gently Tina was in good spirits and was undoubtedly ready to get back to work. "Let's see how good androids are at budgeting."

"This is a game of chance." Lucas remarked as he rolled the dices and moved the top hat to its next place. "Luck is a factor that can completely alter ones strategy."

"Spoilsport..."

Aaron picked up the dice next and gave them a roll as he sat next to Gavin on the couch and wrapped his arm around his boyfriend. "We could make this game more interesting..."

Immediately intrigued Tina gave Aaron a curious glance. "How's that?"

"Ever play 'strip Monopoly'?"

"Noooooo!" The idea made Tina sound like a high school student again. "How do you play?!"

"A couple of ways. You can designate certain spaces as 'strip spots', normally the Chance and Community Chest spaces are chosen. By those rules you have the option of picking up the card and accepting whatever's on it, or you can remove a layer of clothing. You CANNOT read the card first!"

"Sounds good... What other ways do you play?"

"Tina?" Gavin took another sip of his beer and gave Tina a stern glance. "No. You'd enjoy this game way too damn much!"

"What? We're all adults and we're all friends! What's the harm with some casual stripping?"

"The next time I make an imaginary band I'm calling it 'Casual Stripper'."

"Aaron," turning her attention back to the highly amused firefighter sitting on the far end of the couch Tina wanted to learn more about the new game. "what other ways can you play 'strip Monopoly'?"

"You can also make it so every time you go to jail you can strip in exchange for your freedom, and if you roll doubles you have to remove some clothes. It varies from game to game, sort of like the house rules. You lose if you declare bankruptcy or strip off all your clothes."

Leaning back a little Lucas declined to take part in such a game as he was still very modest. "If you change the rules then I must respectfully bow out and will divide my properties and money evenly."

"Aw, come on..." Tina gave Lucas playfully pouty lips. "Just one round?"

Gavin sighed and shook his head. "Let him go, Ti'. It won't be fun if someone feels embarrassed."

"Thanks, Gavin." Gently placing Lucky and the kitten back into the laundry basket behind him Lucas stood upright and handed Gavin the Boardwalk property as thanks. "You can have Boardwalk and my railroad."

"Fuck yeah!" Accepting the coveted properties Gavin stuck his tongue out at Tina and shoved the two cards in her face. "Ha! Now you'll never have your line of luxury hotels or overpriced rail companies bleeding everyone else dry."

Taking his leave of the livingroom Lucas walked into his bedroom down the hallway and proceeded to delve further into the concept of androids suffering from survivor's guilt. Turns out there were multiple therapy groups in New Jericho Tower to accommodate those who survived the Raid and the recycling camps. The very idea of asking Connor to go to the tower to seek therapy was almost laughable. Connor hated the tower with every fiber of his being and him seeking help from anyone inside the tower was an impossible idea.

"Perhaps I can find an android therapist outside the tower. Someone who doesn't know Connor and someone who isn't a bias minded deviant."

Delving further into his research Lucas was made aware of a very interesting technician who happened to specialize in android psychology who resided right inside the city. The technician was someone he knew but not someone he had every met before.

"...Dr. Gayle."

The technician of the Eastern Precinct was a specialist in the psychology of androids, specifically deviants, and had managed to get a study published during her final year of college. It was a very interesting read and seemed to be as well researched as any seasoned technician would be able to produce.

"She might be Connor's best bet."

It was nearly midnight and Hank was absolutely tired. Having finished his work on his laptop in the corner of the livingroom Hank proceeded to let Sumo outside one final time before going to bed for the night. Standing in the wide open backdoor Hank leaned his back against the frame, and watched as Sumo trotted around the backyard for a few minutes and rolled around on his back over top the cool green grass that lined the property. The cool breeze blowing through the area was pleasant and filled the air with the enticing scent of freshly fallen leaves that masked the usual smell of choking smog that hung thickly in the busy city air.

Sensing someone walking up behind him Hank turned to look over his right shoulder and caught sight of Connor limping into the kitchen with the document clutched in his left hand. The deviant gave Hank a somber stare and placed the document down on the kitchen table.

"Son?" Studying Connor's body language carefully Hank knew that Connor was upset about another issue at hand. "What're you doing?"

"Please... don't call me that anymore."

Turning around Hank walked over to the table and looked at the still incomplete document sitting on the table. "...What's wrong?"

"Me." Speaking in a low voice Connor replied with utter shame. "I'm wrong."

"What're you-"

"I don't deserve to have a family. I don't deserve to have you as my father."

"Yes you do! I want you to be my family, I want you to be my son!"

"I can't do it, Hank." Stepping back from the table with a lesser limp in his movements Connor gave Hank a truly sorry stare as his soulful brown eyes filled with tears. "I have no right to call myself the family to anyone respectable. I appreciate your kindness and your willingness to overlook my failures, but I can't sign that document. It's not right."

Before he had the chance to say another word Hank could only watch as Connor walked away and disappeared into his bedroom yet again. Putting his shaking right hand over the unsigned document Hank sighed, neatly folded it up and returned it to the safe hiding spot on the bookshelf in the livingroom. Refusing to give up on making Connor a member of his family Hank rubbed his left hand over his own teary eyes and called Sumo back into the house by patting the side of his leg twice.

"...Come on, boy."

Closing and then locking the backdoor Hank turned off the lights in the kitchen and walked down the hallway. Peering at Connor's closed bedroom door as he passed by Hank shook his head with mild disappointment at the lack of acceptance to being adopted. Reminding himself that Connor was still struggling with his own issues and that neither of them had done anything to offend one another, Hank simply went into his bedroom with Sumo keeping up by his right leg.

Laying down on his bed Hank stared at the ceiling overhead and put his hand on Sumo's head as the Saint Bernard cuddled up at his left side. It seemed Sumo could sense the emotional tension in the air and wanted to do his part in helping both Connor and Hank feel better by keeping them company.

"I'll stop calling him 'son' for now, but that won't change the fact that he IS my son. Adoption record be damned..."

-next chapter-