Hey all! So, I had an issue uploading the last chapter so I deleted it and just... started over. I lost my old note, though, so I'll be quick in recapping. Basically, sorry for being late in posting! College started back up on Thursday and things have been hectic. I was also plagued by intense apathy, so... yeah.

I hope you like this chapter! I brought in Kara, Alice, and Luther, since I adore them, and I love the idea of them and Connor getting along. I added some tags to demonstrate the new relationships.

Also! A slur is indicated in this chapter, but I bleeped it out. But, still wanted to let y'all know one was used.

Anyway, please comment! I really would like to know if you're enjoying the story or not, so please let me know. It will definitely help with the apathy I'm feeling. I'll still post, since I have most of the story finished, but it will make me happier to know if people actually like the story or not. :-)

Enjoy!

Operation "Get Hank some booze" was officially a go.

While the name could do some work, Connor had made up his mind on if he should follow Officer Miller's advice and get the older man some alcohol or not. Watching how crestfallen Hank had been after his friend, Ben, had turned down his offer had hurt something deep inside Connor. He didn't even know what it was that hurt, only that he had to rectify it. And if that meant honoring Hank's desire for booze, then so be it. He may be a recovering alcoholic, but a little booze never hurt anyone, right?

Connor ignored all the instances his mind brought up of a "little booze" hurting people and set the new objective. He couldn't stand to see that look in the man's eyes. Not now, not ever. He didn't even know why something deep within him rebelled so much at that dejection… why he couldn't forget seeing Hank, tears in his eyes, doing his best not to let Connor see. Why it had meant so much, the man pushing past his initial distaste for him and getting him dinner that very first night. Why seeing him look so happy while walking his dog, Connor finally understanding those laugh lines he saw on Hank's face… He didn't know why. But it didn't matter, he told himself. What mattered was helping Hank. That's all that mattered, then.

Maybe it would hurt more in the end, but Connor was quickly realizing that he'd do anything to see the older man smile. He ignored the shot of panic he felt at the thought, at the idea that one man could mean so much to him after only a few days and thought about where he could get some alcohol.

It would be tough, he knew. The facility was dry, with only a couple glasses of champagne or wine offered on Christmas and New Year. Other than that, alcohol was restricted. Not a single drop entered the facility, and any found would result in a penalty from the facility, with increased doctor meetings and reduced freedom. Connor didn't care about consequences, though. He just wanted to help Hank. The dry nature of the facility was a challenge, but Connor wasn't feeling deterred. He would find something. He knew he would. He never failed his mission. (Except the one time he did).

With that in mind, Connor looked around the common room, wondering who he could ask to find out where he could find some alcohol, whiskey preferably. His eyes landed on a couple of quietly chatting older ladies, probably in their late fifties or early sixties. Not the most assuming to know about booze. He moved his eyes away and saw a young man, roughly Connor's age, with a scowl on his face. Connor recognized the man as the one from the photo Markus had showed him. Gavin, was it? He was a volunteer, though, so it was probable that he'd tell on Connor if he so much as tried to ask for the illegal substance. Probably a no, but would work as a last case scenario, since he had the feeling the man liked to drink in his down time. He worked for the DPD, right? High stress job, he likely drank to wind down.

Annoyance building, Connor moved his eyes away, until he saw a larger, stocky gentleman, with deep brown skin and the most soulful and yet still empty eyes he'd ever seen. He supposed of the people in the room, he'd be Connor's best bet. Connor quickly went to see the man, falsely pleasant smile in place on his lips.

"Hello," he began, watching the man turn his empty eyes onto Connor, almost making him freeze. He quickly shoved the uneasy feeling away and kept smiling. "My name is Connor. I'm the new patient here. Do you mind if I sit next to you for a little while?"

The man didn't answer, just continued to stare at him. Just as Connor was starting to feel uncomfortable with the lengthy silence, the other man nodded his head once, carefully, and looked away. Taking that as permission, he sat down, fiddling with his hands. Perhaps he should find himself a coin, as well. He created a sub-objective to his main one. Find a quarter.

A few seconds of silence paused between the two, the darker skinned gentleman (and Connor felt that it was only right to call him a gentleman) not saying a single word. Connor wondered if he was one of the nonverbal patients. Well, one way to find out, right?

"I had a question, actually, if you don't mind answering?"

Connor waited a few seconds, starting to feel annoyed, before the other man slowly turned his eyes to him, inclining his head slightly. Smiling tightly back, Connor continued.

"See, I was wondering where one could get some alcohol around here? It's been a while since I last had some and was wondering if they had any here?"

Connor knew that they didn't serve alcohol here, but it seemed like the safest bet to act ignorant, so if anyone told on him, he could plea ignorance. Plus, it wasn't a lie that it had been a while since he'd had alcohol. Not since he had turned 21 and one of his older siblings, who liked Connor more than any of the others did, had taken him to his first bar. He'd hated the stuff instantly and had vowed to never drink it again. Besides, Amanda detested the stuff. Said it was too big of a distraction from the mission. But it was best to let people think the alcohol was for him, not Hank.

Just when Connor thought the other man wouldn't reply at all, that he was, indeed, nonverbal, the man spoke, his voice deep and smooth, if a little rough from lack of use.

"They don't serve alcohol."

The words were short, taciturn, and the man turned away again, looking back at the door he had been previously staring at. Annoyance filled Connor. He decided to press further.

"Ah, well, surely there must be a way to get some?" Connor asked, a touch desperately. He wasn't sure what he'd do if this didn't work. How many people could he ask before someone got suspicious? He could see the scowling man look their way, scowl deepening when he saw the two together. Connor just smiled politely, hoping he wouldn't come closer, and looked back at the other man. He was met with two deep mahogany eyes, a deeper brown than his own. He felt unease fill him again as the man seemed to stare into his soul, looking at everything Connor hid and finding it lacking. He suppressed the shudder trying to escape and just waited patiently. This man was one who would take a few seconds before answering, it seemed. As long as he answered, that was fine with Connor.

"He shouldn't have alcohol."

Connor froze at the comment, his eyes widening when he realized the man had, indeed, seen through him. He must have been watching them when they'd been talking. How had he heard about the alcohol, though? He must have been half a room away. Connor tried to deny it, words stammering.

"I-I, I don't know what you're talking about. The alcohol would be for me. Not… not for anyone else. Just me."

He hated how his voice betrayed him. Amanda would be so ashamed. He hope she never visited, so she'd never see how weak he'd become. The man just continued to stare, obviously not believing him. The emotionless face, so void of emotion that even Connor felt uncomfortable, made Connor wondered if this is how people felt when talking to him. No wonder they all seemed so unnerved by him. He decided he'd try and show more facial emotion when talking to people who he was closer to, like Hank.

Connor watched as the other man slowly shook his head, before looking away, looking at the scowling man. Gavin.

"He has some. In his cubby. In the nurse station. I heard him mention it. Whiskey."

The taciturn words made Connor light up, grinning as he realized that the man had decided to help him after all.

"Thank you! This will help immensely. I'll repay you one day, I promise." Connor meant it. He'd find a way to help the other man. Unfortunately, either his outburst or the other man's staring has caught Gavin's attention, causing the man to scowl deeper and stalk over to them, eyes dark. Connor instantly disliked the man, eyes becoming guarded. He would try and be friendly, but the man put him instantly on edge. Not unlike Hank had, but this man seemed different to Hank. While Hank had a soft underbelly, it seemed like this man was armored all throughout. Connor would have to be careful around him. Once the man was close enough, he could read his name tag, which had "Gavin Reed" printed neatly on it.

"What the fuck are you two muttering about, huh? I thought you didn't talk Luther, or have you finally found your brain?" The man sneered, looking cruelly at the darker skinned man, whose name appeared to be Luther. Luther said nothing, just stared blankly at the man. That just made him angrier, sneer deepening.

"Just like I thought, you fucking idiot. Stop staring at me while you wait for your precious girlfriend and her fucking brat, alright? And you," Officer Reed turned and faced Connor, sneer somehow intensifying, "I don't care what the fuck Markus says, you're a piece of shit murderer, and I don't want you coming anywhere near me, you hear? You fucker." Reed spat the words out, before turning and stalking away, down the hall to the classrooms. Connor couldn't help the scowl that came onto his face at the man's words. God, what an asshole. He had a feeling his older brother Nines, the one who had taken him drinking, would like the man. Or despise him. Either or.

Pushing the man out of his mind, he turned back to his conversation partner, surprised when he saw the man's face light up, the only emotion he'd seen on the stoic face since he'd sat down.

"Kara. Alice. You're here," the man- Luther, Connor reminded himself- said, face splitting into a small smile, which looked like a grin on his usually expressionless face.

"Luther!"

Connor watched as a little girl, no older than 9 or 10, came rushing over to Luther, her face alight with happiness. Luther slid down onto the ground and wrapped both arms around the girl, squeezing her tightly when she wrapped her arms around his neck. Connor couldn't help the small smile that rose on his face at the touching scene before him. Then a woman in her late twenties came forward, a small, fond smile on her face as she watched the scene, eyes misty as she watched the two. Connor recognized her as the one from the other picture on the wall. Kara, he remembered. That made the little girl Alice, then.

"It's so good to see you, Luther. I'm sorry we're a bit late, Alice wanted to make you a present and had to finish it before we left."

Kara held out a small piece of paper, which had crayon marks on it. From what Connor would see, it was a picture of a man, woman, and little girl. The man looked similar to Luther, his skin dark and his build stocky, broad. The drawing Luther had a wide grin on his face, though, as he held the girl in his arms. The woman stood to the side, smiling just as wide as the others. It was a nice drawing, with a heart drawn around it, with the words "my family" written in messy, childish script on the side. It looked sweet. Connor felt the man would like it a lot.

He was right, watching the man lift the girl into his arms, like in the drawing, taking the drawing with his free hand. Connor swore he saw tears rise in his eyes as the man looked at the drawing. He carefully wrapped the arm around Alice, holding her close as he kissed the top of her head gently.

"Thank you, Alice. I love it. I will cherish it always."

The two began to speak in hushed tones, both seeming happy to talk to one another. Connor didn't realize he had been staring until the woman, Kara, sat beside him and began speaking softly.

"It's nice seeing them like this. I remember when Alice and I met him a few months ago and he refused to speak to anyone. Alice took a shining to him, reading him her favorite books, and he slowly grew to adore her. Now they're practically inseparable whenever we visit. Alice adores him, and he adores her right back. It makes me glad, to see them both so happy."

Kara spoke the words with soft wonder, eyes soft as she watched the pair. It seemed to him that Alice wasn't the only one who adored Luther, but he said nothing, just smiling politely back. Kara tore her eyes from the pair and smiled kindly at Connor.

"Hello. You must be new here. I'm Kara, and that's my daughter, Alice. We come in to read to the nonverbal patients, though we tend to spend most of our time with Luther these days. What's your name?"

She was very nice, Connor decided. He liked her immensely, and smiled back, not having to force it.

"My name is Connor, and I am, indeed, new here. I arrived on Friday."

"Wow, so you just got here. How do you like it so far? I think it's very nice, the rooms very lived in and homely."

That was one way to put it. Falling apart, would be another. But Kara seemed to mean her words, looking at the facility with fondness in her eyes. He wondered if she had been a former patient? He thought about asking but decided against it. He didn't want to offend her, like he'd offended Hank. While he didn't think she'd yell at him, he didn't want to see her happy face fall if he messed up.

"I think it's… different, to what I'm used to. But I think I can grow to like it, in time."

The words were true, at least. He felt that he could come to enjoy his time here.

"What do like most about it?" Kara asked, angling her body towards him, giving him her full attention. Connor thought about the question, before answering honestly.

"My roommate. He's... challenging, but I enjoy getting to know him. Other than that, I've not had enough time to determine what I enjoy about the facility. I suppose Dr. Rose is nice, so that is something."

Connor watched as Kara's eyes lit up at the mention of the African American woman, her smile blooming on her face.

"Oh! Rose! Yes, she's so kind, isn't she?" Kara gushed, eyes wide with wonder at the apparent kindness of the woman. "She helped Alice and I when we were on the run from Alice's abusive adoptive father. Alice isn't my actual daughter, I was actually her nanny at first, but I took Alice and left her father, and ran into Rose, who helped us escape and helped me get custody of Alice. We started coming here to show her our gratitude, which led us to Luther. She's helped us so much over the years. I'm sure she'll be great help to you, too. She's so kind."

Connor grew concerned when he saw Kara's eyes turn misty as she mentioned Alice's father, but did his best to offer comfort to the young woman. He placed his hand gently on hers, like Hank had done to him the other night.

"I'm sure she will. I'm glad she was able to help you so much. You two seem to deserve it," Connor said softly, doing his best to smile softly, encouragingly, like Hank had. He must have succeeded, because the woman just smiled wide, grabbing Connor's hand with her other one, creating a bit of a hand sandwich. He distantly noted that both Luther and Alice were watching them now, eyes curious, but he had eyes only for Kara, somehow feeling this moment was important.

"Thank you, Connor. I hope things work out for you and you find what you're looking for here. You deserve to get better and find happiness, I promise."

Something about the words made Connor's eyes water, which he did his best to blink away. Throat too thick to speak, he just nodded, giving Kara a wobbly smile. He saw in his peripheral Alice wiggling to be let down, instantly heading for Connor when Luther let her go. She smiled big at him, giving him a quick hug, not caring that it might be strange to hug a man she had just met. It made Connor's eyes water more. He had always enjoyed being around kids, doing his best to help his younger siblings when Amanda's disappointment grew too harsh for them. He hugged Alice back, hiding his tears in her long hair. He pulled back after a second, knowing any longer would be inappropriate, even with how he longed to keep holding on. It had been a long time since anyone had hugged him. Probably since he, himself, was a child. The thought saddened him, and he found he couldn't push the emotion down like usual.

"Kara's right, you deserve to be happy! I'm Alice, and we can be friends, if you want. Kara tells me that friends make other people happy, and I'd like to help you be happy, if you want!"

Connor felt a tear slip out at the innocent words, unbidden, his heart breaking in ways he didn't understand. He'd never had a friend before. He didn't think Hank counted, not yet at least. He unintentionally let out a soft sob, his heart breaking further at the heartbroken look that filled Alice's face.

"Oh no! I didn't mean to make you cry! I'm sorry!" Alice cried, looking at Kara for guidance. Connor pushed down his sorrow, the best he could, and smiled at Alice, wanting to make her know that it wasn't her that had caused the tears. Honestly, he didn't know what had caused them. It was illogical to be so upset. He pushed the emotion down farther but tried to keep the happiness.

"No, it's not your fault, don't worry. I, I would love to be your friend, Alice, if you don't mind. Very much so," he assured earnestly, eyes wide and smile big. His heart still felt like it had been shattered into a million pieces, but he shoved it aside, focused on making Alice feel better. Become friends with Alice.The objective popped up in his mind almost unbidden, but he agreed with it immensely. He liked Alice, he decided, and wanted to be her friend. Alice had a huge grin on her face when he said that, quickly taking his hand, tugging him insistently.

"Yay! Come on, I want to show you something! Oh, and what's your name?"

Connor laughed at that, the first real laugh he'd let out in years. There was something so innocent about the girl asking to be his friend before even learning his name. He heard Luther chuckle as well, and knew the man understood his sentiment. This girl would do amazing things, Connor felt, as he stood and followed her to the wall, where she took out some games to play.

"Connor," he stated, smile big as he took a seat and helped set up the game. "My name is Connor."

Over the next couple hours the two played games, while Kara and Luther spoke quietly together. At one point another patient came over and smiled big at Alice, another person ensnared by her overwhelming positivity. The patient called himself Jerry and joined them in their game. It was… nice, Connor decided, eyes soft as he watched Alice talk animatedly with Jerry, who spoke rapidly back, like an overgrown child. It was like he was part of a real family. He understood perfectly why Luther looked at Alice like she hung the moon and the stars. She truly was something special.

Kara too, he figured, watching the woman laugh gently at something Luther had said, figurative hearts in her eyes as she gently touched his arm, smile wide at something the man had said. Their story, what little he had been told, had been a sad one, so Connor was glad the woman had found some happiness with Alice and Luther. He was grateful the little family had allowed him to join them, if only for a couple hours on a Sunday afternoon. He tried to ignore the anxiety that filled him as happiness entered his heart, guilty at allowing himself to feel anything at all. It worked, but only barely.

It was around 5:30 that Kara informed Alice that they'd have to get going, if they wanted to be home in time for dinner. Alice let out a whine at that, begging to stay just a few more minutes, please? Kara smiled softly, and gave her five minutes, which she used to help Connor and Jerry clean up the game, even though the two had told her they could handle it. By the time it was time for her to leave, Alice gave both Jerry and Connor a big hug, making more tears fill Connor's eyes as he wrapped his arms around the little girl. He really did enjoy children. Maybe he'd have his own child, one day. Maybe. He hoped they'd be like Alice, if he did.

Once done with the hug, Alice then turned to Luther and let him pick her up and swing her around, her laughter ringing around the room. It was a sweet scene, and Connor's face hurt from how much he'd been smiling over the last couple hours. He didn't think he'd ever smiled so much. It was nice.

Finally, Kara and Alice had to leave, Kara giving Connor a small hug as well, handing him a small piece of paper and telling him to call her if he ever needed help or advice, as well as telling him the two would be back to read to patients on Tuesday at 2:00. He smiled yet again and assured her he would call, though he wasn't sure he was telling the truth. He didn't want to impede on her generosity. She smiled gently, before telling him softly that he deserved to feel happy, that he didn't have to feel guilty about feeling happy. Connor didn't know how she knew how much guilt he had felt creeping into his heart at how happy he had felt, but he had just nodded tightly, throat tight and aching.

Finally they left, leaving Connor feeling almost empty inside, like the little family had taken part of him with them. He could tell that both Jerry and Luther felt the same, both men deflating as the two ladies left. Jerry glumly walked away, while Luther's eyes dimmed, growing emotionless once again. Connor was about to leave when he felt a strong hand stop him by his shoulder, causing Connor to turn to face the now serious faced man.

"She's right, Connor. You do deserve happiness. And so does he. Make sure you stay with him, when you give him the bottle. Keep your eyes on him. Alright?" The words were taciturn once more, the soft words he used when talking to Alice and Kara turned back to his usual emotionless tones. But Connor understood the words, and nodded thickly, suddenly remembering the objective he had forgotten about in his excitement over befriending Alice. But he remembered now. And he would do as Luther said.

"Yes. Thank you. Truly." Connor attempted a smile, but it seemed that Alice took his smile with her, as he could barely make out anything more than a grimace. Luther understood, though, for he nodded stiffly, before heading back to sit at the chair beside the piano, staring emotionlessly ahead of him, as still as a tree.

Connor turned and sat at a chair facing the nurses' station, a plan formulating in his mind on how he'd sneak in to steal his desired booze.

_—_

It wouldn't be easy, Connor knew that much. He knew he had to steal the booze today, since Reed would be gone until the next weekend and he didn't know if the man left his booze there or not, but that left him little time to prepare. He briefly thought about sneaking in after hours, but figured that A, he'd be more likely to be caught and B, Reed would have likely left by then. So, Connor decided that he'd plan his heist for dinner time, giving him a two-hour window in which to execute his plan. It really was genius, he felt. Most nurses would be at dinner, either helping patients or eating their own food, as would the volunteers and orderlies.

He'd still have to be careful, though, as not everyone would be in the dining hall, but he figured the common room would be empty, allowing him to sneak into the nurses' station much easier. There was the question on how he'd gain access, but that had an easy answer. On one of his first visits to Jericho, before he'd been officially omitted, he'd stolen one of the orderly's badges, figuring it couldn't hurt to have. And, since he wouldn't be in the facility when it was noticed missing, no one would suspect it was him. Connor fingered the badge he had hastily put in his pocket before rushing down to meet Sumo, which seemed so long ago now, with everything that had happened that day.

He watched as the tone that signified dinner rang, causing everyone in the common room, which had slowly filled over the hours he had played with Alice, to empty out, leaving the only people in the room him and Luther, all the nurses busy helping patients enter the dining hall. Luther met his eye, and nodded slowly, eyes turning to the door that separated the two rooms. Connor felt a rush of affection for the stoic man. It seemed that he would have a lookout. That would come in handy.

With a quick look to the stairway to make sure no one would exit anytime soon, Connor stood carefully and casually made his way to the nurses' station, his mind relaxing as he did what he did best, complete a mission. He carefully looked around the area before slipping the keycard out of his pocket, swiping it and carefully squeezing through the door as quickly and quietly as possible. Which was pretty damn quick and quiet, if he did say so himself.

Once in the nurses' station, Connor quickly darted his eyes around, noticing two women chatting lightly in one of the rooms, not paying him any mind. Yet. Connor didn't know where the volunteer's cubbies were, though, and so he had to be mindful of them as he snooped around.

With that in mind, he quietly slipped behind the desk that stood before the window that separated the common room and the nurses' station. He crouched down and made sure to hide under the desk, so no one could see him, and he examined the drawers he could see. Carefully opening them, he didn't find anything of interest, and just closed the drawers again. He did find a pack of stickers, though, likely for young visitors, and he took a couple to give Alice the next time she came, on Tuesday. He felt she would like them, as they had princesses on them, and cute puppies. Actually, he kind of wanted to keep one of the puppy ones. He was sure Alice wouldn't mind.

However, the stickers weren't useful to his current mission, so he stuffed them into the pocket of the jacket Hank had given him that morning and kept looking. Finally realizing he'd get nothing, Connor turned to look elsewhere, before spotting a key on the table. Thinking quick, he decided to take the silver key, determining it might be useful later. He'd just have to remember to return it to its spot before he left. He quickly memorized the position it was in, before darting his hand out to grab it.

His theft successful, Connor put the key in the jacket pocket and carefully snuck out from behind the desk and looked around the room. He saw an empty room to his left, and quickly entered it, making sure no one saw him. When he was sure no one had, Connor explored the room carefully, mindful of the open door. However, the room was empty, save some cleaning supplies. Grabbing a small thing of bleach (he still wanted some to fight the tougher stains on the walls), he found nothing else of interest, and quickly left the room.

Over the next several minutes, Connor entered and exited quite a few empty rooms, taking some medical supplies when he could. He had even found a quarter lying around, which had excited him. At least the night wouldn't be in vain if he didn't find the alcohol, he thought sardonically. Finally, the only door he had left in the main room was the room the two women were standing in. Of course, he thought sarcastically. The room he likely needed was the only one occupied. As Hank would probably say, of fucking course.

Since Connor doubted the cubbies would be far from the main room, if only for ease of access, Connor watched as the two women chatted together, wondering what he could do. A minute passed before he remembered Luther, an idea, probably bad, forming. Moving back behind the desk, he made sure the two women weren't watching and carefully stood up, eyes darting around to make sure no one had entered the room. He had the feeling that Luther would have done something had anyone come in, but he had to be sure.

Seeing the coast was clear, Connor carefully stood up, waving his arm minutely to gain the larger man's attention. He watched as Luther turned to face him, head tilted slightly in question. Connor pointed carefully to his left, where the two women chatted (though Luther couldn't see), and mouthed the words, 'nurses. Help,' at Luther. Luckily, Luther could either read lips, or else understood his urgency, for the man nodded and mouthed back the word 'hide.' Connor nodded in return, carefully going back to the first room he had found, with the cleaning supplies. After a second, he heard Luther stand up, approaching the window between the two rooms.

"Nurse? I need some help," Luther's deep baritone rang out, getting the two nurses' attention. Luckily, both exited the room to go see what Luther needed, making the way clear for Connor to sneak in. Carefully, walking noiselessly across the floor, Connor snuck passed the two nurses, who were helping out a confused sounding Luther figure out what medication he was taking, what it reacted with, and if Alice could bring him cookies the next time she came, if they'd interact with the meds, etcetera. For a quickly formulated plan, it worked very well, likely to keep the nurses busy for quite a few minutes. But he didn't need that much time.

Entering the room the nurses had just exited from, Connor knew instantly it was the right room. The room was clearly a break room for the nurses, volunteers, and doctors, filled with nice coffee makers and a small TV that looked only slightly nicer, if smaller, than the one in the common room. Along the back wall, though, Connor saw a small closet with a paper that read, 'individual cubbies' atop it. Grinning, Connor headed toward it, grin slipping as he noticed the door was locked. Taking out the key he had found, he prayed that it fit the door, and almost danced with joy when the key fit. At least now he wouldn't have to worry about finding a hair pin or paper clip to pick the lock with, wasting precious time.

Sliding into the newly open door, Connor quickly looked through the numerous cubbies, trying to find the one with Reed's name on it. He briefly stopped when he saw the name Manfred, Markus written in neat script on one of the cubbies, before hastily moving on. While he still had the objective to learn more about Markus, it wasn't the most pressing objective at the moment.

It took him about a minute, but he finally found the desired cubby, Reed, Gavin printed in blocky, messy print, smudged lightly at the corner. Jackpot.

As carefully as he could, Connor opened the cubby and carefully rooted around to find the alcohol he had been told was there. It didn't take long to find. Hidden under a DPD jacket was a bottle of Jim Beam, nearly full. Connor couldn't help the grin that escaped him, his eyes practically burning with glee. He'd done it! He then quickly controlled his expression, telling himself that he wasn't done until he safely exited the room and made it to his and Hank's bedroom. That in mind, Connor was about to exit the closet when he heard Luther's voice grow louder, causing Connor to listen in.

"Detective Reed. It is good to see you. How are you tonight?"

Luther did his best to sound pleasant, but Connor could hear a hint of warning in his deep tones. Crap. Of course, the one person he wanted to arrive the least had to come. Of. Fucking. Course.

Connor could practically hear the sneer as Reed ignored the man, heading into the nurses' station and heading directly to the break room, probably done for the day and looking to go home. Getting his things. From his cubby. Which Connor was currently hiding beside, bottle of stolen whiskey still gripped tight in his hand.

Crap. Crap. Crap, crap, crap, crap, CRAP.

Alright. Not the time to panic. He'd faced worse odds before. Connor shrewdly looked around the small room, the analytical mind that Amanda had beaten into him taking over, analyzing his surroundings. The room was small, not much space for a man his size to hide in, but perhaps he could squeeze behind the cubbies opposite Reed's…? It would be a tight fit and would look out of place if Reed bothered to look closer, but it might work if the man was in a hurry and wasn't paying too close attention?

Before he could execute his, admittedly horrible, plan, he heard Luther, the glorious man he was, speak up.

"Detective Reed, wait. I have a question, please. It will only take a second."

Reed scoffed, but Connor could see through the tiny crack that had been left open when he'd entered the room that Reed had stopped, looking at Luther from just inside the break room.

"Oh, so now you talk, huh? Your screws finally tighten and make you a real boy?" Reed sneered, before sobering up when one of the nurses reprimanded his behavior. Connor couldn't see his face from the angle he was at, but imagined the man looked murderous. But he thankfully turned back to the main room, walking behind the desk to talk to Luther. Yes!

"Yeah, fine, what the fuck do you want? Make it quick, my shift is over, thank fuck, and I'd like to get home, if you don't mind."

"Not at all, Detective, I'll be quick. I was curious about a law I had read about, in this old book in the library…"

Luther continued, but Connor tuned it out, quickly and quietly opening the door to sneak out. He closed it softly, the door automatically locking, and looked at the key still in his hand. He wouldn't be able to place it back where he found it, but he could at least drop it off on the counter in the break room. He placed the bottom of whiskey into the inner pocket of the jacket Hank had given him (thank God the man had, or else this would have been that much more challenging), and carefully placed the key on the counter. Maybe whoever had left it would assume they had just forgotten to put it back. Or maybe they'd assume someone else moved it. Regardless, Connor quickly exited the room, turning left to exit the nurses' station fully. He stayed down, under the counter, waiting for Luther to finish his questions so that the nurses and Reed would turn around, letting Connor move through the common room without fear of being spotted.

"-and that's how the law fucking works. Now, if you're done wasting my time, can I finally go now?!" Reed growled, sounding majorly pissed off. Maybe he could use a drink, Connor thought with a vicious grin. He saw Luther nod his head, not acknowledging Connor, though he knew the man saw him.

"Of course, thank you, Detective. I appreciate you stopping to help me out. Same to you, ladies. I'm glad that Alice's cookies won't interfere with my medication."

The nurses cooed at him, assuring him that it was no big deal and that they were happy to help. Reed just scoffed, before storming off into the break room. It took a couple more seconds before the other nurses followed suit, but it wasn't long before Luther looked at him from the corner of his eyes and nodded almost motionlessly for the door. Connor couldn't help the rush of affection for the man, so grateful he had decided to help. Without him, this whole thing would have ended much more poorly, he was sure of that. Vowing to find a way to repay the man, Connor carefully made his way to the staircase, still crouching just in case. The weight of the bottle was foreign against his side, but it didn't unbalance him too much that he was afraid he'd fall.

Just as he'd reached the open door that led to the staircase, Connor heard an unholy screech get let out from the nurses' station, before stomping feet exited the room and hateful eyes stared at Luther from across the window. Connor slowly slid into the hallway before the staircase, but stayed so he could listen in. Foolish, yes, but he had to know if Reed was good to make a fuss or not. So he knew if he had to hide the booze immediately or not. If the staff knew the booze was missing, they'd be actively looking for it, which went against Connor's plans.

"What the FUCK did you do with it, you fucking bastard?!" Reed demanded, voice loud with anger. He wouldn't be surprised if people heard from the dining hall, Reed was so loud.

Connor heard shuffling from behind the window, the two nurses likely coming back to deal with the enraged Gavin Reed.

"I don't know what you are talking about, Detective. What did I do with what?" Luther returned, voice calm and emotionless, betraying nothing. Oh, he was good, Connor thought with a grin. He'd make a good spy for the Company. Connor ignored the knife in his heart at the thought of his (former?) employment.

"You know, you fucking asshole! What, you thought I wouldn't notice, you re***d?! What did you do with my fucking booze?!"

"With your what?!" One of the two nurses cried, voice scandalized. He heard Reed take in a sudden inhale of breath, suddenly realizing that he was yelling about something he hadn't been supposed to have. Connor held his breath, wondering which would win out: Reed's anger, or his self-preservation.

His self-preservation won out, it seemed, as the man audibly deflated, shuffling around behind the station.

"Shit. I mean, never mind. Forget I said anything. Doesn't matter," Reed mumbled, though Connor could imagine the glare he gave to Luther, promising retribution. Luther just stared blankly back, showing no signs of emotion.

Feeling assured that Reed wouldn't make the theft known, Connor stood and climbed the stairs to reach his room, a grin on his face. He mentally crossed off his objective of "obtain booze" off his list, now moving on to actually handing the booze to Hank. This would be the best part, he thought, imaging how ecstatic the older man would be. Maybe they'd even become friends because of it.

Taking the steps two at a time, Connor quickly reached the top, hurriedly racing to reach his and Hank's shared room. He managed to reach it with no interruptions and quickly opened the door, closing it softly, leaning against it as he let the tension that had built up during his heist finally release.

He had done it. He had gotten the booze and made it to his room with no one the wiser that he'd done it. Reed might be able to figure out who Luther had been helping, the detective likely shrewd enough to remember that Connor and Luther and been sitting together earlier, watching him while talking quietly to each other, but that was another problem for another time. Now, he had only one goal left. Give Hank the booze. Grinning ear to ear, Connor turned to face the room, noticing how dark it was, the room bathed in moonlight. His eyes quickly were drawn to the bed on the right, heart clenching as he saw the curled-up form of Hank.

The man looked miserable, even in sleep. How long had he been lying like that, Connor wondered, eyes sad? It couldn't have been good for his back. Hank's eyes were shut tight, the eyelids moving rapidly as his eyes looked at whatever horrors his mind had conjured, and his lips were drawn into a deep frown, making him look years older yet again. Well, that look would disappear once he saw the prize Connor had for him. Carefully taking the jacket off, taking the booze out of the inner pocket, Connor placed the jacket on the back of the one chair in the room, pushing it into the desk. The desk itself was pretty nice now that the clutter was gone, a deep mahogany thing with the ancient house-phone atop it, but Connor didn't have time to admire it. He turned to Hank's sleeping form, heart clenching once again at the sight.

Stepping carefully closer, Connor lightly placed his hand along the older man's cheek, relishing in the feel of whiskers that tickled his hand, small smile rising on his lips. Tapping the cheek lightly, Connor called the man's name.

"Hank. Hank, wake up! I have something for you!" Connor didn't even realize he had called the man by his first name for the first time. He was too excited to wake him to remember formalities.

Hank stirred slightly, but ultimately stayed asleep. Letting his hand caress the sleep warm, whiskered face, Connor then pulled the hand back and lightly slapped the man, hard enough to wake him up but not hard enough to hurt.

"Lieutenant, wake up! I have something to show you!"

That woke the man up, Hank jolting upright, pinning Connor against the bed in three seconds flat, eyes wild but focused as he pinned Connor down. Connor couldn't help the flash of heat that filled him, though he quickly pushed it away. He felt Hank let him go a second later, once he realized who Connor was and that he wasn't there to hurt him. Connor tried not to regret the lack of a body pressing against him as he slowly sat up, eyes beguiling as he watched Hank.

"Wha' the Fu… Connor? Wha' you doin' 'ere?" Hank slurred, eyes drooping from his rough awakening. Connor felt a stab of pity for the man but knew his surprise beat whatever the man had been seeing in his dream realm. Grinning widely, Connor held out the bottle, amusement rising as he saw the man look at it in confusion.

"I got you a surprise," Connor grinned, watching at Hank grew more and more conscious, eyes widening when he noticed the bottle.

"Is that… fucking hell, don't tell me that's what I think it is?!" The man exclaimed in wonder, eyes wide as he took in the bottle. Connor barely had time to nod, grin so wide that his face started to hurt, before he'd felt his body get grabbed, getting pulled somewhere.

He had felt a small stab of fear hit him, wondering if he'd misjudged again, if Hank was actually angry, but all thought flew out of him mind as soon as he'd felt warm, rough lips press firmly against his own, causing Connor's entire brain to shut down as he memorized the sensation, down to the very last nerve.

Hank was kissing him.

Hank, was kissing him.

And God did it feel good.

A/N: So, apparently Connor is a kleptomaniac. Who knew?

Also, fun fact, I had to look up famous whiskey makers, like the underage nerd that I am. Jim Beam's a good brand, right?