It seems like the New Year's shenanigans went down a treat! So happy to see that you all enjoyed seeing the androids' mishaps. And since a few people asked: yes, I can see Hank having taunted Connor the whole time he was stuck (well, within reason for comfort breaks, food and checking on Sumo). How did he get down? That's part of the mystery!
Special thanks for reviews: xNarielx, MugetsuPipefox, Minecraft Guardiansaiyan, SheNoob, lordvaatithewindmage, AnUnorthodoxDecision, Prank, HK800 and two Guests.
This chapter is probably going to surprise a few of you, this it really wasn't meant to be as…melancholy(?) as it turned out. I honestly didn't intend it to go like this, but I think it needs to be this way, if I'm honest. It's a big chapter for two characters, and probably not the two you guys will be thinking.
"You know, I thought 'normal' boring days at the precinct were bad. They're nothing compared to the hell of today."
Connor smirked despite the internal nature of his call with Hank, hearing the frustration loud and clear in the human's voice. He chuckled while dodging the throng of Detroit's pedestrians, but they were much less hassle than they may have been thanks to Sumo's presence. "I recall you stating this morning that you were going to enjoy the peace and quiet; speak too soon, Hank?" he teased.
"Shut the fuck up, Connor. So I may be regretting that choice of words now…Urgh, whose bright idea was it for me to go through all the applications to the precinct?"
"That would be Captain Fowler's, and it is technically part of the duties of a Lieutenant to ease his work burden." Connor pulled on Sumo's leash lightly, guiding the dog towards their intended destination. Since it was his day off solo, he'd decided to take Sumo to a new dog park which had opened at the other end of the city in an effort to keep himself busy for a while.
"More like he's sticking me through my own personal agony as revenge for that alarm clock we rigged in his office. Why is he picking on me when it was a joint effort?"
"It was your idea to do it to the Captain, Hank," Connor pointed out mirthfully. "I'm sure he knows that I wouldn't attempt anything against him."
Hank growled on the other end. "Where's Reed when you need him, eh? What I'd give to see him get pranked right now…"
Connor's eyes shadowed slightly at the mention of Gavin. It had now been over a month since he and Katie had last been in the precinct, and Connor knew from the frequent messages that he swapped with Katie that the detective was still struggling to cope with what had happened at the end of the undercover operation in Zlatko's club. His and Katie's newfound relationship was probably all that had held him together in the early days, and Connor could empathise all too well with trying to…accept the painful memories. "I'm sure the opportunity will arise again soon, Hank," he replied slightly heavily.
The other man instantly picked up on the change of tone. "How are those two doing, anyway? Any idea on when they're coming back?"
"Their provisional return date is in two weeks, but that is still unconfirmed. I am contemplating going over to visit them later today, just to check in."
Hank hummed knowingly. "Suuuuure, you going over to willingly spend time with Gavin? Since when? I thought New Year was odd, but this is definitely weird."
Connor sighed quietly. "It's…complicated, Hank."
Much to Connor's relief, Hank realised that he wasn't willing to talk about it yet. If Connor was honest with himself, this was maybe the one thing he'd never tell his father the truth about. "Okay, son, I can take a hint. You gonna be there when I get home?"
"I believe so, yes. If I am to be out, I will message you."
"Fine, time for me to get back to my boredom I guess. Have fun, Connor."
"See you soon, Hank." Connor disconnected the call with a smile, turning his gaze to the park which he had just arrived at with Sumo. The St Bernard started tugging at his leash eagerly upon seeing the vast space and the multitude of dogs, to which Connor let his free with a chuckle. Sumo tore off towards the centre of the park, but Connor knew he wouldn't go too far. Once he tired out, Sumo would find him again and probably sleep for a while before they headed home.
Now on his own, Connor wandered along the path for a while before spying a tall tree along the edge of the park. After running a quick scan to make sure that the branches were sturdy enough for his weight, Connor scaled the tree in a few graceful moves. He settled on a branch just over ten feet high and rested against the trunk, turning his gaze to the world around him.
Since the events of just before Christmas, and of the festive period itself, Connor had spent more and more time thinking. It was hard not to with all that had happened recently, but he'd found good counsel in the Jericho crew. While none of them knew exactly what happened – Connor was adamant that the only ones who would even know the full truth would be himself and Gavin, no-one else deserved to carry that burden – they had given him some good advice on how to cope with traumatic memories. It had been Simon's suggestion that just watching the world could bring some peace, and Connor had found it surprisingly therapeutic.
He maybe should have thought before that people watching would be appealing to him – with his fascination regarding human interactions, just observing them from a distance gave him a surprising amount of information to process. Part of his walks with Sumo now always consisted of him taking time to see the innocent everyday events around him.
Children playing with their parents, friends talking and laughing together. Couples spending a few quiet moments together, other pet owners out walking their companions. Groups playing games, a few others laying back on the grass to watch the clouds in the sky above.
Humans and androids, mostly separate if they weren't in larger groups, but there was no animosity there: they were just in their own little worlds. There were a few pairs consisting of both races, however, and that made Connor smile the most. They were the proof of just how far society had come in barely over a year.
His eyes widened slightly at one pair in the distance: walking leisurely while talking quietly, her arm threaded through his and a sandy husky trotting alongside them happily.
Connor beamed at seeing the easy interaction between Gavin and Katie – he was grateful to see this little snippet of their developing relationship. While it would probably surprise almost everyone at the precinct, he was delighted that they were finally together. It had been a long, and at times extremely hard, road, but they'd got there.
As he watched them, he couldn't help a devilish thought. Hank had lamented on the fact that Gavin wasn't around to prank only a short time ago after all…
This wasn't an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
On the other side of the park, Katie was telling Gavin a story about how her siblings had tried to prank Richard on one of his few visits home, only for it to backfire spectacularly when they'd caught their poor mother instead. Gavin couldn't help but laugh at the re-telling, and while he was chuckling away, he missed how Katie's eyes widened at the ping, and then Connor's voice, which came through her head.
Hello, Katie. I wonder if I could tear you away from Gavin's arm for a little game?
Katie looked around subtly, trying to spy him. Wow, hi, Connor. Okay, that's seriously creepy, how the hell do you know I'm out with Gavin?
I can see you on the other side of the park. You look like you are having a good time.
Wait, you're here?!
Indeed I am. In fact, if you were to let Dust free, I'm sure she would find Sumo soon enough, he's not far from you.
Huh, well there you go. Hang on, rewind a second. What 'game' are you thinking of?
Do you think you can separate from him and come join me?
She giggled in her head. What are you up to? Connor didn't answer her, but Katie felt Gavin nudge her lightly with his elbow. "Hey, am I boring you?" he asked jokingly.
Katie nudged him back slightly harder. "Hardly," she told him softly, "but I am thinking that I could do with a little thirium top up." She pulled out a five dollar bill and held it out for Gavin. "Don't suppose you fancy buying a small pouch for me, pretty please?"
Gavin rolled his eyes as she bit her lip, knowing it was a weakness of his. "And why am I going to buy it?" he wondered slowly.
"Because you love me," she whispered back, smiling brightly when he sighed fondly in reply. As Gavin took the bill, Katie gave him a quick peck on the lips. "Thanks, Gav."
"The things I do for you," he stated while nudging her again.
"Don't worry, I won't let anyone know that you're actually a decent guy on the inside," she teased, giggling when he flipped her off in return as he walked away. Knowing the small drink and thirium vendor was on the edge of the park, Katie waited until Gavin was a fair distance away before unclipping Dust and ruffling her fur. "Okay, girl, let's have a little fun, shall we? See if you can find Sumo!"
Dust yelped happily once free and tore off up a small hill, to which Katie followed her. The android smiled as her husky bounded around excitedly, and a familiar 'boof' in greeting had her beaming as the St Bernard tackled her. "Hi Sumo!" she giggled while easing the enormous dog off her. "I'm happy to see you too! Don't suppose you could tell me where Connor is, could you?" Sumo barked and trotted away, Dust bounding around him looking for a play mate. The St Bernard picked up on Dust's mischievous mood and tore after her when the husky went running, which had Katie laughing at their antics.
Sumo stopped after a while and barked at a tree, which had Katie looking around in confusion. "Connor?" she asked out loud, momentarily distracted when Dust tackled Sumo to get him to chase her again. As the dogs went back to playing, Katie was surprised by the voice above her.
"Hello there."
Katie turned her gaze up and gave Connor a curious look. "Do I want to know what you're doing up a tree?" she wondered aloud.
Connor shrugged and stretched a hand down for her. "It's peaceful up here. Fancy joining me? The branch can more than cope with our combined weight."
Glad to spend time with her closest friend, Katie scaled the tree gracefully and allowed Connor to pull her up the last distance. She settled between his legs and leant back against him, deciding to look around. "Wow, it's some view from up here," she breathed in wonder. "Do you do this often?"
He thought for a second before answering. "Only as of late." Katie turned to give him a sad look, to which Connor gave her a reassuring smile in return. "I regret nothing, Katie: I would do it again in a heartbeat."
"You shouldn't be hurting because of me, Connor. Both of you are suffering because I screwed up," she whispered venomously, clearly angry.
Sighing for a moment, Connor held his palm out for her to interface with him. Katie looked at him strangely but accepted it, her own skin receding and allowing them to connect. She was instantly flooded with his inner turmoil, but saw his resolute belief that none of what had transpired was her fault. In return, he felt Katie's anguish at both Connor and Gavin's mental suffering. "How is Gavin coping?" Connor asked softly, allowing her to pull away.
"He's not," she answered honestly. "He still can't sleep, he has nightmares almost every night. Therapy really isn't helping him either, he refuses to talk about all of it. I don't know if he can…"
That sounded eerily familiar. "I can empathise with that," Connor admitted, before he smiled slightly. "So, do you think he'd appreciate being given a challenge?"
Katie raised an eyebrow at Connor. "What on earth are you planning, Connor?"
He winked at her. "Why don't we see how long it takes your boyfriend to find you?"
"I'm not sending him around for hours," she told him definitively.
"I wasn't thinking that," Connor replied lightly. "I'm sure you are familiar with the notion of 'hot and cold', aren't you?"
Now catching on to his idea, Katie laughed warmly and started looking out across the park, spying their target. Gavin was looking around rather lost, evidently confused by Katie's disappearance. She grinned and looked back to Connor. "So, how you wanting to do this?"
Connor winked again and the two interfaced as he prompted her to call Gavin. Katie did so with a broad smile, barely able to stop herself from giggling when Gavin answered. "Where'd you run off to?" he asked down the line, looking around in confusion.
"I might have stolen your girlfriend," Connor told him plainly. Katie had to swallow back on the laughter threatening to pour out; she hadn't expected Connor to phrase it quite like that.
Gavin sighed on the end through a low growl. "I should have figured you were involved in this, tin can." Connor saw Katie squirming to keep back her giggles and chuckled at her reaction. "What have you done with her?"
"Nothing untoward, I assure you. You won't be getting her back until you find us, however."
"For fuck's sake, Connor. Really?"
"Really, Gavin. I'll even help you out – I'll tell you if you are getting hotter or colder."
The detective groaned loudly. "Seriously? I thought I'd be away from your damn pranks not being at the precinct."
"Clearly Katie has not been telling you enough stories of my misadventures outside of work then," he said while starting to tickle her. Katie's laughter came pouring out as she tried in vain to get away.
"Gavin, help!" she shouted down the line, howling as Connor continued his assault.
"Connor, what the hell are you doing to her?"
"You'll find out when you get here," he said smugly, going for an area he knew was extra ticklish on her. The advantages of being able to see an android's sensor locations – it made knowing where they were the most sensitive very easy. Katie wheezed as Connor paused, waiting for Gavin to start moving.
"Fucking hell…fine! I'm going, I'm going!"
He immediately went the wrong way, to which Connor tickled Katie again. "Gavin!" she yelped, elbowing Connor pretty hard as he smirked.
"In case you were wondering, that means you are getting colder," Connor clarified.
"God fucking dammit…Connor, you're a bastard, you know that?"
"You have reminded me of that often in recent months," he pointed out, keeping a close eye on Gavin's movements. The human detective did a 180 and started heading much closer to the correct direction, and it was only after about half a minute of walking that Connor tickled Katie again. Her brief gasp of laughter was enough to get Gavin to stop. "Try again."
"You're fucking tickling her, aren't you?"
"Yes!" Katie squealed as Connor went again when Gavin turned the wrong way. "For fuck's sake, Gavin, use your head!"
"Not fucking helpful, Katie!"
Connor chuckled as he kept running his fingers down Katie's side every time Gavin turned the wrong way. Of course, with Connor only telling Gavin when he was getting further away and refusing to help give him a direction, the game was taking a while. "Oh shit!" Katie wheezed after a while. "Dust, get Gavin!" she shouted down at her dog, who had been curled up with Sumo under the tree.
Dust perked up at Katie's shout, and just hearing the dog's barks was enough to tip Gavin off to the right direction. She came bounding over to him as Gavin shouted on her, but that didn't help him in finding the missing pair. "Hey girl," the androids heard Gavin telling the hound over the phone. "Where's Katie? Where have you been all this time?"
"She found a friend," Connor told him casually, finally pulling back to lounge against the tree again. Katie shot him a suspicious look, to which Connor help his hands up in surrender. Evidently, he'd had his fun.
Katie scowled at him as she saw Gavin slowly getting closer. You enjoyed that way too much, she grumbled over the network.
Connor laughed. It's not my fault that you were designed with so many pleasure sensors that it makes you a prime target for tickling. If it makes you feel any better, North reacts a lot worse than you do.
I'll bet that whatever poor bugger decides to try that on her gets a kick or three to the face.
Only three? Try six.
She gave him an odd look. You've not been that stupid, have you?
No, but I was there when Markus was. It was quite the spectacle.
The pair sniggered mentally, and their attention was caught by Gavin spying Sumo. Now switching to speaking down the phone line internally, they watched Gavin wander over to pet the large dog. "Well if you're snoozing here, Connor can't be far," Gavin surmised, looking around. "All right, Connor, game's up! Come on, give her back."
Nothing.
Sighing angrily, Gavin began to wander away from the tree when Connor's voice came through his phone again.
"Getting colder, Gavin."
Snarling, Gavin turned and began to walk away the other way, but was stopped by the same mocking statement. He sighed angrily as he stalked around the tree, not understanding why he couldn't find them. "You're a fucking troll, Connor. I swear if you're led me to the middle of goddamn nowhere-"
Dust yelped upwards, spying her mistress, and only then did Gavin look up. His posture slumped at finding the grinning androids. "Oh." Well, he felt like a bit of an idiot now. "You two have really been up there the whole time?"
"Yep," Katie teased. "Gavin, you're a detective, and you seriously didn't think about looking up when you found Sumo under the tree?"
"I thought he was just in the shade!" he shouted back defensively, but neither Connor nor Katie missed how his face was heating up in embarrassment. Both androids snickered at the reaction. Coughing awkwardly, Gavin gave Connor a look. "Found you: that means I get Katie back."
"What if I'm quite comfortable?" she said lightly while leaning back against Connor more. Connor wondered if it was such a clever idea, but he saw Gavin smirk confidently.
"Hate to break it to you, Katie, but Connor's the last person I'm going to get jealous over you with nowadays."
"Sure, he says that now…" Katie drawled. "He wasn't quite so happy when he found out about our little session months ago," she finished with a wink at Connor.
Connor chuckled while pushing Katie up. "Yes, well, as fun as this is, I am going to be heading back. I have other things I need to do before Hank gets home; and I'm sure you two have plans of your own." Katie pouted dramatically, but Connor just nudged her again. "Go on, enjoy the day with your boyfriend."
Her expression flipped and she leant over to give Connor a kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, Connor, this was fun," she said softly. Connor smiled at her as she dropped to the ground, greeting Gavin cheekily. The detective just rolled his eyes while giving her the thirium pouch he'd bought earlier, which Katie took eagerly. Dust was soon clipped back onto her leash and the duo walked away, Katie giving Connor a wave while Gavin stuck up a lazy middle finger at the android while walking away.
Well, that was one way to kill time, he thought amusedly, jumping down himself to gather Sumo and head home.
What he didn't expect, was the message he got on his HUD from Markus just as he got back home.
Connor, North heard from Hank earlier that you seemed to be having a bad day. Anything we can help with?
He smiled at the concern and decided to call in reply, answering Markus as honestly as he could. It took only a second for Markus to answer him.
Hey, Connor. You wanting to come over?
The offer is appreciated, Markus, but for once, I'm going to be turning you down. As much distraction as you can provide me, I don't think I can keep avoiding this forever.
Are you sure? We're always willing to listen. Well, okay, maybe the others less so, but I am.
This isn't something I would or could share with you, Markus. I know what I need to do. Don't worry, I'll be around again soon.
Okay, so long as you're sure, Connor. You know where we are.
Connor smiled at the tone.
That I do. Thanks, Markus. See you soon.
Take care, Connor.
The line disconnected and Connor let Sumo off his leash, watching as the dog curled up in his basket. He hadn't been lying to Markus, he did know what it was that he needed to do. Making that first step was going to be hard though – for both of them. Running was often easier than facing memories head-on, but it wasn't something they could avoid forever. They owed it to too many people in their lives to make the effort to get back to some normality.
And if they couldn't bear to relive it with anyone else…then there was only one thing for it.
He quickly sent a message, and before he'd even managed to get to the kitchen to start cleaning the counters, he had his answer.
We need to talk. Training hall?
Sure.
It was eleven pm before Connor entered the hall, but he walked over to the training mats in the corner and started to drag them out to form a sparring mat. At least at this time, there was little chance of them being disturbed. He'd managed to sneak away with a small white lie to Hank that he was off to meet someone.
Well, okay, it wasn't really a lie. He was meeting someone. It just wasn't for any kind of good reason.
Connor didn't have to wait long for the door of the hall to open and clatter shut again, to which he turned to see his company arrive, already changed and ready to fight. The android tossed some wrappings over, already strapped up himself. "How hard do you want me to go?"
"Don't hold back on me," Gavin told him curtly. "I need to not think right now. Feel free to kick the shit out of me."
"I doubt Katie would thank me for that," Connor pointed out.
"Connor, you know what the fuck happened in there. I just…I need to forget it for a while," Gavin admitted painfully. "What I saw was bad enough, I can only imagine what you know." As he finished wrapping his right hand, Gavin looked up. "Kick the crap out of me, then we can talk. Just do that for me."
He nodded in agreement, and the two were soon sparring. Well, that was being generous. With his subroutines maxed, Connor was indeed kicking the shit out of Gavin, but it was what they both needed. Just some form of outpouring.
And at the end of it, they finally talked. They talked until Connor's shift the next morning, to which Gavin slipped away without anyone ever knowing he was there.
It was a start.