The hot summer day was loud, spirited and fun as another little league game brought many family members and friends together in the local ballpark. There were only four games left before the camp would end before summer ended, and it was important for everyone to see as many of the games as possible. Even the relentlessly intense summer sun wasn't enough to deter loving parents, grandparents, guardians and friends alike from watching the young kids all having fun while playing little league together. Having such a mundane routine helped many people accept their new world and understand that not everything they feared would come to fruition or that everything they loved would be destroyed after the deviants won their rights.

From beneath the shade of a large oak tree Connor watched as Cole went up to bat and prepared to swing as hard as he could when the pitch flew his way. It was the first time that Connor was able to watch one of Cole's ball games, and he was fascinated by the sport and the way the children were all being supported by the people watching. Something as simple as little league and kids playing games was oddly interesting and gave Connor a deeper understanding of the complex emotional relationship that humans had with one another.

Hank was standing against the chainlink fencing outlining the field and cheering Cole on even after his son swung and missed the pitch giving him his first strike. The proud father didn't care if his son won or lost the game, he just wanted Cole to have some fun and know he had his dad's support no matter what happened.

"How's he doing?" Gavin asked as he managed to spot Connor under the tree and join the deviant in the shade. He had Aria in a very light blanket and concealed under a large sun hat to keep her safe from the heat while he hefted around a diaper bag on his shoulder. "I didn't miss anything big, right?"

"Cole is currently batting." Updating Gavin on the game was easy enough for the deviant as he had been keeping track of everything Cole was doing. "He managed to strike out two other players before you arrived."

"The kid's got a good arm." Adjusting Aria in his grip Gavin moved over to get a better view of home plate and see Cole swing for the second time and miss. "Just needs to work on his timing..."

Hank cheered on again and encouraged Cole to keep trying. "You got this, son! C'mon, you can do it!"

As the third and potentially final pitch was thrown Cole swung the bat as hard as he could and managed to finally hit the ball. As the ball hit the ground and buzzed along the grass between third and second base Cole dropped his bat and ran as fast as he could to first base and managed to reach the plate before the opposing team got him out.

"Yeah! Great job!"

Gavin kept himself from shouting and upsetting Aria despite seeing Cole make a great hit. "Nevermind, he's got it."

Connor was watching Cole with genuine enthusiasm while also keeping an eye on Aria napping in her father's arms. It seemed a little strange for the two-week-old infant to be away from her mother, but then again, Connor didn't know anything about parenting a newborn. "May I ask where Abby is?"

"She needed a little break from the baby, so she's taking a nice long, hot bath and I'm getting to spend some bonus time with Aria before my paternity leave is up. Go figure that pregnancy, labor and delivery would be so exhausting."

"Do you two need a night out?"

"Not yet." Loud cheering filled the air as another batter managed to get a successful hit and take first base while Cole took second base. "But I do want to treat Abby to a special date night before we both need to go back to work."

Connor was impressed with how quickly Gavin adapted to fatherhood and truly enjoyed spending time with Aria. The man even made the time to come out and support Cole and see at least one game to make sure the little boy knew he still had Gavin looking out for him and supporting his interests.

"Uh, ah man..." Gavin felt Aria squirming about and knew what was upsetting the little baby. "Diaper time. Hold her for a sec' while I get her mat set up on the grass."

"Very well." With great ease Connor held Aria in Gavin's place and could already see that in the week since he first met the baby that she was already growing and thriving under her loving parents' care. "You'll be taken care of soon, Aria."

"All right, changing mat's down." Gingerly he took back his daughter and placed her on the clean mat he had set up on the shaded grass to change her and get her in a dry diaper. "Can't hurt to have a fresh diaper since it's so hot out anyway, huh, Aria?"

Another successful hit echoed through the park as the bases started to load up. Just as it seemed that the game was about to reach its peak Cole suddenly sprinted forward from third base and managed to not only steal home but score another point getting his team ahead of their opponents.

"Yeah!" Hank was so proud of his son for taking such a chance and making a great play without anyone needing to encourage him to go for it. "Great move, Cole!"

Connor could see the big, bright smile on Cole's face as he received numerous high-fives from his friends, teammates and coaches as he returned to the dugout to cheer on the rest of the game. It was a simple thing - playing a game and having fun with his friends - but it was an important thing all the same.

"There we go! Nice and clean!" Gavin smiled as he scooped up Aria into his arms and tossed the old diaper into the nearby wastebin. "Can't wait until you're big enough to play some t-ball with me and your mom... It's going to be great!"

The game went on without a hitch and ultimately Cole's team, the Blue Tigers, won! As everyone went out to get some celebratory ice cream at a nearby parlor Connor and Gavin walked up to Cole to join him and Hank in celebrating the win. It was then that Cole finally got to meet Aria and was a little uncertain about the tiny baby, but ultimately decided that he liked her since she was Gavin's daughter.

"Great job, kiddo." Gavin patted Cole's back and gave him praise for his great game. "Saw you steal home plate, nice move!"

Cole grinned at Gavin as he looked up from Aria in his arms. "I saw my opportunity and took it!"

Hank approved of his son's attitude and ruffled his sweaty hair. "So, you and Aria gonna' join us for ice cream?"

"I'd love to, but I think it's time we got back home to Abby. Next time."

"How about you, Connor?" The Lieutenant knew that Cole would love it if Connor joined them that evening. "I bet you could find some Thirium-based ice cream."

"I can't, I promised to visit Markus." As much as the deviant detective wanted to spend time with Cole and Hank after such a good day, he couldn't bring himself to neglect his other friend or postpone their plans. "Perhaps I'll be able to join you after the next game is won."

"Don't be gone too long." Cole begged as Gavin took Aria from his arms to take her back home and get out of the heat. "You and dad keep working super late."

"I'll be back home as soon as I can, but I need to help Markus. He's my friend and he's been through a lot lately."

"I know. It's just no fun when you're gone all the time, especially since Lucas is busy working a lot now too."

That innocent comment tugged at Connor's heartstrings. He could see that Cole was beginning to understand the concept of responsibilities and how they could ruin a fun atmosphere simply due to being a necessity in life.

"All right, son." Hank motioned to the rest of the team as everyone gathered up their gear to head out to the local ice cream parlor. "Let's go join your team and celebrate. We'll pick up some chow for dinner tonight, whatever you want!"

"Can we get burritos with extra jalapenos?"

"Only if you promise to clean both of the bathrooms this weekend!"

"That's gross, dad."

"No," chuckling to himself Hank picked up Cole's bat and mitt to carry on their way to get some ice cream. "you're gross!"

Heading off on his own errand Connor walked in the opposite direction of Hank and Cole, and for the first time in years Connor actually felt like it was wrong to go somewhere without Hank with him. It was as if all the negative memories that Connor had with Hank were slowly fading away as more positive memories began to outnumber the negative ones.

It seemed as if Connor's attempts to keep himself from forming a familial bond with Hank were going to fail after all. There was just something about being around the protective Lieutenant and seeing the way that he cared too much about the people in his life to pretend that Connor couldn't see the man's attempts to right his past wrongs and make Connor a part of his family just as he should've been from the very beginning.

What had once been a safe, secure and warm sense of home now felt like a strange hideout as Markus aimlessly wandered the mansion. Being back in his home with his father and safe from the evils of the world didn't seem to do much to quell his lingering trauma after surviving his ordeal in Chicago. Nightmares plagued his rest mode every night, random sounds in the mansion made him freeze and look all around him as if he felt as if was suddenly in danger, and he could barely stand being inside of a room with a closed door. Whenever he wasn't at New Jericho Tower conducting business with a mask of courage hiding his fears, Markus was at the mansion hovering close to Carl at every opportunity he could find.

Needing a momentary distraction Markus found his way over to the piano and began playing a somber melody that echoed through the mansion and stole Carl's attention away from the news on the television. The deviant leader's morose demeanor didn't go unnoticed by Carl even when Markus forced a smile to his face and swore that he was doing all right considering everything he had gone through.

Casually Carl turned off the television and wheeled himself over to where Markus was meticulously pressed his fingertips along the piano keys as if looking for a specific sequence of notes to play. The elderly artist was a master of reading people and as a father he knew when his son was enduring something horrible while trying to keep his pain all to himself and hidden away from the world.

"You're thinking." Carl noted as he folded his hands together and watched Markus's mismatched eyes struggling to see something that wasn't actually there. "You haven't said much about what happened to you after you came home to me. It's okay to share your thoughts, Markus. It's important to express you mind even if you think no one will understand what it is you're trying to say."

The melody steadily quieted as Markus's fingers slowed to a stop to rest atop the keys rather than press them. "What I went through, what I saw, I wouldn't wish on anyone else to ever bear witness."

"You saw the true ugliness of humanity and you couldn't escape it."

"I did escape." The deviant leader's hands began to shake as his fingers curled into tight fists to keep them stable. "The others... They weren't so lucky."

"Survivor's guilt. It's a Hell of burden to bear and one that no one wants to deal with."

From the other side of the sitting room David appeared and announced his presence as well as a guest with a simple clearing of his throat. "Excuse me, it's time for your medication Mr. Manfred. Also, Connor is here to see Markus."

"Thank you, David." Allowing David to take him aside for a moment, Carl reassured Markus that he was going to be okay as long as he gave himself the time and patience to be okay. "You're going to get through this. You don't feel like you can live because the others didn't survive, but you can. You just need to remind yourself of everything you have that's worth living for."

Markus remained at the piano as Carl and David left the sitting room and Connor entered. He could feel his friend's eyes watching his every move and with that sense of paranoia came an irritation that the deviant leader hadn't felt before.

"Your damage has mended." Connor stated almost bluntly as he approached his friend and sat down on the piano bench alongside Markus. It wasn't exactly a secret that Markus had to use baggier clothing and make-up to hide his healing damage when he addressed his people at the memorial service for the deviants who had perished in Chicago, but it was worth mentioning. "Has your energy level returned?"

"Hard to regain energy when you're not resting properly."

"I too have had difficulty in engaging in a proper rest mode due to nightmares and haunting memories."

"Nightmares about criminals and dead bodies..." Pressing down on a random key Markus sighed and pressed his opposite palm to his exhausted cheek just below his green eye. "Somehow I can relate. But that's not what keeps me awake at night."

"Is it the uncertainty that you or anyone else could be taken captive and held prisoner just as easily as you had been?" Using his skills and knowledge as a detective to his advantage Connor studied Markus's body language very closely. With each question asked Connor would get closer to an answer without Markus actually needing to say a word. "Is it the sense that as a leader you should be untouchable, let alone unbreakable?"

As Markus sighed through his nose and stared blankly at the holographic display of the music sheet Connor knew he wasn't anywhere close enough to what was truly on Markus's mind. That left just one last question to ask...

"Or, are you seeing the face of the deviant you had no choice but to kill in order to survive?"

Tensing up Markus leaned back and turned away from Connor as the deviant detective had put his finger right on the problem.

"I see. Markus, you can't let that hau-"

"You weren't there!" Shouting in anger Markus shot to his feet and swept his hand over the piano keys to create a cacophony of ascending notes that match his rising temper. "You don't know what it's like to be forced to kill another deviant; to take the life of another person just to stay alive! You don't know what it's like to have the eyes of the person you killed with your bare hands staring at you from every single place you look even when you're supposed to be entirely alone!"

Sitting at the piano Connor watched as Markus stormed across the room and stared out at Carl's gallery with his back presented to his friend. As much as Connor wanted to forget his own past and his mistakes, he knew that he couldn't just ignore all of the negative memories in his life to focus solely on the positive memories. The bad experiences shaped his life and his personality as an individual as much as the good ones had done.

Standing up slowly Connor approached Markus and stood a modest distance away to ensure his friend knew he was near but didn't feel trapped or cornered.

"You see their eyes eternally staring back at you." Speaking softly Connor began describing the horrific images that Markus couldn't seem to escape. "You can make out every detail in their gaze as they stare deeply into your soul, but you can't find the words to even try to describe how that gaze appears or how it makes you feel."

Markus's tense shoulders began to relax as he turned his head slightly as if needing to hear Connor a little more clearly.

"There are moments where you swear that you can actually feel their life in your hands; a strange, pulsating warmth that reminds you that they were once alive and are gone because of a single decision that you made. You see their lives as they were and know that they'll never change because you took away their ability to grow and change. You stare endlessly into the night as you wonder what kind of life that they could've lived had you not entered it and taken it away, and you wonder how many other lives could've been affected by them had you not interfered."

On the verge of tears and unable to take in a deep breath Markus turned to face Connor and looked his friend in his ever searching eyes. "...How do you know about all of that?"

"Because I too am guilty of taking the life of a fellow deviant." Shamefully Connor looked down at his hand as he retracted the artificial skin to stare at the white plastimetal of his palm before slowly extending it toward Markus to take. An image appeared briefly of a battered and scared face that everyone had seemingly forgotten existed. "His name was Ralph. He was a 'WR-600' who had been physically assaulted and permanently damaged by a group of teenagers just because he was doing as he was programmed and tending to the flora at a local park."

Turning around Markus looked at Connor's hand and knew that his friend wanted to share with him the memory to remind him that he wasn't alone. To be offered the chance to see someone else's mistake and regret through their own eyes seemed as painful as remembering his own sense of failure.

"He had been living on the streets in fear of humans and had developed violent tendencies. One night, he began threatening humans with a knife and the police were called to handle the situation. The Lieutenant and I were assigned to..." It was hard to talk about the incident even after all that time had passed. "Ralph threatened us as well. I had managed to talk to him and reason with him, but when Ralph saw Hank's gun he reacted with violence."

Somehow Markus knew how the story was going to end, yet he needed to hear it from Connor's lips himself.

"Ralph attempted to stab Hank, to hurt my partner, and I reacted as I thought was appropriate. I took Hank's gun, and I aimed it at Ralph." Connor's exposed hand closed into a fist as he spoke and he told Markus his dark secret. "Three shots. That's all it took for me to protect Hank and to... kill Ralph."

Markus reached toward Connor's hand seemingly to take hold only to push his friend's arm down and hold on to Connor's wrist instead. "You did what you had to do in order to save the life of another person. It was justified, and I don't need you to prove anything to me to know that you're not a vicious killer or untrustworthy."

"And I can say the same for you." Connor felt Markus's hand tighten around his wrist as the deviant leader struggled to keep himself from trembling with raw emotion and exhaustion wearing down his fading resolve. "If you won't demonize or criminalize me for taking the life of a fellow deviant, then why should anyone else do the same to you? Why should you strictly hold yourself accountable for doing what any other deviant would do when a life was on the line? Not to mention that Miles had asked you to spare him from further suffering, you showed him mercy - not malice."

"I'm supposed to be a peacekeeper." Tears rolled freely from Markus's eyes as he took in a shuddering breath. "I'm not supposed to spill blood."

"I can say the same for myself. I've sworn to protect and serve long before I was recognized as a person and given the same rights I fought to uphold. You're not alone in your pain and your guilt. Don't shut yourself away from the world and let your darkness be your only company."

"It seems like that's all that's left for me thanks to the humans who've wanted nothing more than to kill us all and turn us into dangerous weapons. I was thrown in a dark cell to wait until I was needed to commit dark acts against my own people. The only constant in my life while I was blindfolded, locked away and forced to fight for my life was an eternal, smothering darkness."

"Darkness cannot exist without light, just as light cannot exist without darkness." Lifting up his hand Connor turned his palm upward as he showed Markus holographic images from his own memories - his experiences - to show Markus the glimmers of light breaking through the darkness. "I was alone, living in a garage to be treated as a tool. Now, I have a family; brothers who love me, and I love them."

Markus watched the images of Connor sitting alone in the dark garage shift to images of the deviant detective sitting on a couch in a warmly lit livingroom and spending time in the large pool out in the sunlight with Lucas and Cole smiling and laughing around him. It was hard to deny the shift in dynamic from one moment to the next.

"We had hidden together in the darkness of Jericho's hull, you and me. Now we band together with our friends and allies in the glowing tower of New Jericho - a beacon of hope for our people. We have allies all over the city who have strived to aid us and stand by us with each new challenge as we fight for our rights and recognition."

The memories of hiding in shadows and then living in the light were hard for Markus to deny.

"You had even pulled yourself from the muddy pits of Hell before you made it to Jericho. Now here you are." Connor created a holographic image of Markus and Carl spending time together in the large art gallery, playing chess and speaking to one another to remind the deviant leader of his own experiences. "You're living with the man who you admire as a father and who loves you as a son. Can you see the connections in these memories and experiences?"

Unable to speak Markus just waited for Connor to tell him what he was apparently too blind to see.

"Humans." Shifting the image in his palm again Connor showed Markus glimpses of his own experiences with the human on a regular basis: Hank and Cole spending time together as father and son. Gavin bringing Aria around to meet his trusted friends and colleagues. Abby working on the patch to save North's life. And even Evelyn working alongside Connor to save Markus's life when he was rescued in Chicago. "Humanity is very complex and at times fickle and confusing, but even with those flaws humans have still done great things and will continue to do so as they embrace us as their equals."

"When?" It was hard for Markus to even look at the images as his disillusioned dark walls began to crack and let rays of the light that he swore was lost bleed through and push away that same darkness. "When will the humans see as their equals instead of their inferiors?"

"Sooner than you think." With one last experience to share Connor showed Markus the images of Cole again as the little boy spoke so highly of Connor and Lucas while at the little league game and of Gavin trusting Connor to hold Aria for him as he tended to his daughter's needs. "The next generation of humanity to take charge is the same generation that shared the same household as androids, grew up alongside us, and witnessed us becoming our own people. They'll never forget our struggles as they held our hands and looked to us to care for them when they were defenseless, and when it's time for them to step and take charge they will remember to care for us as well."

The words of hope for their future left Markus nearly mute. Had he not taken in a choking sob he would've been as silent as the moon whenever it hung in the night sky.

"They won't care about the mistakes we made or care about our own flaws. They'll just want us to learn from our experiences and become better, just as they will do naturally as they grow up." A brief image of Hank hugging Connor from the night of the Revolution in the original timeline appeared as the memory popped up in Connor's mind unexpectedly. "You're not alone, and humanity isn't a lost cause. Don't give up on yourself now, you have family and friends who will help you through this no matter how long it takes."

Slowly Markus's hand lessened its grip on Connor's wrist as he fought his emotions and pressed both palms against his face to hide his outburst. It was all just too much for only one heart to bear.

Wordlessly Connor regenerated the artificial skin over his hand and stepped forward to wrap his friend in a warm and loving embrace. Even after everything he had endured while alone or whenever he believed that he was alone, Connor knew that sometimes all it took to push away the darkness and invite the light was support from someone who was just willing to listen and be there when no one else could be bothered to care.

As his dark walls began to crumble and shatter all around him Markus returned the hug and felt as if he was finally safe enough to close his eyes and forget about the cruelty of the world for one precious moment and focus on the seldom seen gentility.

"You're going to be all right, my friend."

Connor promised as he looked past Markus's shoulder and saw Carl watching their interaction from the sitting room doorway. The elderly artist had a small smile of approval on his face and his eyes were alight with his own renewed sense of hope.

"You're not alone in your struggles, and you never will be."

A relaxed evening spent by the pool was capped off with Hank firing up the barbeque and perfectly cooking some steaks to make some flavorful homemade fajitas to celebrate Cole's big win. The little league star had been swimming in the pool ever since the small but loving family had returned home, and Cole couldn't wait for his next game and his next win. As Hank tended to the grill and sipped at his glass of lemonade, he watched Cole easily paddling around the pool and kept praising his son for how well he did at his game and bring so proud of the way that Cole didn't lose his focus or cool when he missed his first two swings. Being able to keep trying and not give up was something he wanted to instill in his son to ensure he was always confident and didn't shy away from a challenge.

Just as the steaks were turned over to ensure a nice even heat throughout the prime cuts of meat, the backdoor slid open and Sumo went barreling through the opened door to jump into the pool. The sight of the rushing fur followed by Connor calling out to the dog was enough to make the Lieutenant shake his head and remind Connor that the large dog loved the water, snow AND mud.

"Might as well invest in one of those full body hairdryers for the big oaf." Hank quipped as Connor stepped out onto the deck and looked ashamed of not being able to keep Sumo out of the pool while Cole just laughed and rubbed Sumo's ears playfully. "So, how was your meeting with- Uh, nevermind. I got dinner under control tonight, so you go do whatever is you want to do."

Connor watched as Hank's eyes dimmed and knew that the man was trying very hard to respect his privacy to the point that Hank was starting to refrain from idle small talk. There was no harm in asking about what had happened at the mansion and Connor wanted to let Hank know that in spite of their past differences and his own fear of getting too close to a friend again, that he did actually trust Hank and wanted him to remain a part of his life.

"Markus is doing well." Joining the man by the grill Connor told Hank about his emotional evening. "He is undeniably suffering from P.T.S.D. after what he's gone through, but he is making progress and beginning to heal."

"Yeah..." Lowering the hood of the grill Hank looked out at the pool and thought of his own struggles with P.T.S.D. after losing Barbara. "Healing takes years after something like that happens to anyone. At least he has you to back him up."

"He also has Carl, North, Simon, Josh, Lucas and everyone else he might look to for guidance. In fact," speaking almost nonchalantly Connor continued to fill Hank in on his time out at the mansion. "as I was leaving the mansion, North arrived to spend time with him. I believe she's going to spend the night so that Markus can finally get a good night's rest without feeling alone or being too scared of his nightmares to remain asleep."

"Huh, sounds like North is getting pretty close to Markus. Then again, what would I know?" Stepping over to the edge of the deck Hank leaned against the wooden barricade and tossed one of the inflatable pool rings into the water for Cole to use as he swam about. "I don't spend any time with you guys at New Jericho."

"If you feel excluded, I can assure you that you are always welcome to spend time at New Jericho Tower for any reason at any time."

"Welcome sure, but not really invited."

"Hank, I'm sorry if I made you feel as if you're not trusted." Connor couldn't ignore Hank's pained response any longer. It was time for him to acknowledge the way his behavior was affecting Hank. "There are just some things I'd prefer to keep private."

"Yeah, I know and I respect that, but when you were up in the dispensary and nearly died I- Nothing, forget it." Cutting himself off quickly Hank decided to go back to the grill and focus his attention elsewhere. "Cole's next game is in four days. I'm going to have to trade shifts with someone to get the time off to watch the game, so you might end up working solo for a few hours."

Refusing to let a rift form between Hank and himself after everything they've gone through, Connor took the initiative and approached the Lieutenant with his mind open and only the truth on his tongue. "It's... hard for me to accept that this new world that I had accidentally created isn't a complete disaster."

"What?" Such a cryptic statement left Hank more confused than bitter for a heartbeat. "What're you talking about?"

"I'm referring to how much more... difficult it was to befriend you in this world than it had been in the world I had left behind." Neither detective ever spoke of the two timelines or told Cole of what had happened, and in return it was a challenge to address the elephant in the room without causing further issues. "I failed to protect you in the past, and it caused a pain that I can't bring into words even today."

Hank could hear the sincerity in Connor's voice as the deviant tried to extend the metaphorical olive branch and put an end to their uncomfortable socialization whenever they weren't at work. It was as if Hank had forgotten about Connor having memories and experiences that had taken place without Hank himself being a part of them.

"In that world, you were not only my friend, but you were the only potential family that I had. And... I had even begun to consider you as a mentor, perhaps even a father figure, but since it's impossible for me to have such a relationship I can't be certain that such a comparison is apt." Connor was struggling to express his reluctance to let Hank form a closer bond with him since all of his reasons seemed either illogical or selfish. "As much as I miss such a close friendship, I just can't bring myself to possibly face the pain of that friendship being lost for a second time. With Cole still in your life you don't need me, and I'm aware of that fact and I respect it, which is why I'm doing my best to not overstay my welcome in your home."

"You actually think that I only want your company so I don't get lonely when Cole's not around or that I would ever treat one person like a replacement for another person?" Such a shocking look into Connor's perception of their relationship gave Hank a new appreciation for the consequences for one's actions. "No, you got it all wrong. I want you around because I care about you and want to make sure you're all right, son. I know was a massive prick to you for way too long, and I'm going to do whatever it takes to earn your trust, but I do see you as a friend. You're not just a roommate or a convenient filler whenever Cole's off doing his own thing, you're my friend a part of this family. After everything we've been through, after everything you've done, I can't imagine going through the rest of my life without you a part of it in some way."

It was strange for Connor to see Hank speaking and behaving as he had once known him to be even after all the drastic changes in the Lieutenant's life. There seemed to be some things that couldn't be changed regardless of what challenges life gave to people. In even with Cole still in his life - his family still alive - Hank had made room in his heart for Connor.

"As Cole's honorary big brother, you're an honorary Anderson." Hank continued on as he watched Connor mentally and emotionally processing everything that he had been told. "And you're going to stay an Anderson until you either go out of your way to give yourself a proper surname of your choosing for whatever reason you may have."

Humbled by Hank's supportive words Connor looked at the pool as he managed to break his silence and respond to the man's kindness. "...Connor Anderson does seem to sound almost natural when spoke out loud."

"See? Even with all your logic and reason you can't deny that the name, that this family, suits you!"

"What about my other family? Lucas."

"Nothing wrong with another Anderson in the family. Hell, mine and Cole's middle name is 'Lucas', so 'Lucas Anderson' already rolls off the tongue without a hitch."

Such an observation left Connor wondering if he had picked Lucas's name because it was a familial name for Hank to share with his son. The name Lucas means 'light', and with Lucas leaving a dark mindset behind to become a happier, healthier person is just made sense to choose that name. Maybe the deviant detective had been seeking a family for much longer than he had realized and subconsciously picked a name that was befitting of his desires without even knowing of its second meaning.

"I know I can't just snap my fingers and make everything shitty I had said and done to you just vanish," Hank continued on with deep regret accompanying his words. "same with how I treated Lucas. But I am trying to do better by you, by Lucas, by Cole and by myself."

"I'm aware you are, and I appreciate it."

There was something else that Connor wanted to say, and Hank was determined to head it. "Buuuut?"

"But... I'm not sure exactly how I truly feel about this situation." The admission felt oddly freeing. "I know that I wouldn't be staying here at the house if I didn't want to be here; I have a place to stay at New Jericho Tower or I could rent my own property. The thing is, I'm not sure why I prefer being here even though I have many reasons to enjoy my time elsewhere. For some reason I feel as if I belong here even when we don't always get along or feel as if we're at odds with each other."

"Sometimes families fight, son." Casually Hank checked on the steaks and made sure they were nice and tender while perfectly seared before he began cutting them into thin strips for the fajitas. "You've seen me and Cole butt heads a few times, right? It doesn't mean that we don't care about or love each other, it just means we have conflicting interests or ideas."

"I'm aware of that. It just doesn't seem right for us to constantly be at war with each other."

"You're right. We shouldn't be arguing or push each other away all the time." Sliding the steaks onto a serving plate, Hank eyed the delicately cooked meat and thought it was oddly appropriate considering the topic at hand. Just as a careless hand could burn and destroy an otherwise perfect, prime cut of meat; careless words and actions could destroy an otherwise healthy, supportive relationship. "How about this? We BOTH work on being more patient and understanding, and we stop thinking about all the times we fucked up every time we need to make an important future decision. Deal?"

"Yes," a ghost of a smile appeared as Connor heard the voice of his mentor from long ago finally speaking from the Lieutenant that he knew in the present. "that's a deal."

"Good. Hey, Cole?" Shouting his young son Hank showed Cole the steaks on the plate and motioned for the backdoor as he entered the kitchen. "Dinner's ready! Get out of the pool!"

"Coming, dad!"

Connor walked over to the edge of the pool to offer Cole his hand and watched Sumo paddling about the pool behind the little boy. After he pulled Cole out of the water and onto the deck Connor grabbed on to Sumo's collar to heft the Saint Bernard out of the water as well. However, Sumo didn't want to get out the pool and began pulling back, causing Connor to lose his balance and fall into the pool alongside the happy dog.

"Connor?" Cole looked into the pool just as Connor's head broke through the surface and he turned to give Sumo annoyed look. "Are you okay?"

"I'm unharmed." Reaching out Connor grabbed on to Sumo's collar again and gave the dog a stern tone of voice. "Sumo, you leave the pool when you're told."

Sumo just tilted his head slightly before giving Connor's a cheek a slobbery lick while his tail wagged happily back and forth along the surface of the water like a small ship's rudder.

Hank returned to the pool after hearing the large splash and noticed Connor standing in the pool looking less than pleased. "I didn't think your nice, clean uniform doubled as swimming gear."

Turning his focus to Hank as he used the pool's water to wash off his cheek, Connor gave the Lieutenant an annoyed huff. "...It doesn't."

"All right, come on." Laughing at the deviant Hank offered Connor his hand to help him out of the water. He took a firm hold of Connor's hand and began pulling Connor toward the edge of the pool to help him get up on to the deck. "You and Sumo can dry off- Whoa!"

With an unexpected tug on Hank's arm Connor easily pulled the fully clothed Lieutenant into the pool to join him in the water. As Hank was dunked beneath the water and left just as soaked as Connor, Cole laughed hysterically and watched as his dad burst through the surface of the water and wiped his hand over his eyes.

"What was that-" Hank saw an actual mischievous grin on Connor's face as the deviant just stood beside him in the pool. The way Connor had done something so spontaneous, so human, was enough to give Hank hope that they'd find a way to become friends after all. "Okay, I admit it. I deserved that!"

Sumo paddled between Hank and Connor and gave Hank a slobbery kiss on his cheek as well before casually walking up the steps to get out of the pool under his own freewill. The massive dog shook off his fur and trotted toward the closed backdoor of the house as if everything was completely normal.

"That dog is one sassy ball of fur." Sweeping his hair back out of his face Hank waded over to the steps of the pool with Connor right beside him. "When did he get such an entitled attitude?"

Connor wrung out his blazer after slipping the waterlogged garment from his shoulders and joined Hank and Cole at the backdoor. "Must've learned it from Bruno."

"You know something? I bet you're right." Putting his hands on his hips Hank looked Sumo right in the eyes and took hold of the large dog's collar. "Just for this, no steak for you!"

A small grumble escaped Sumo as he licked his lips and gave Hank the sad-puppy dog eyes as if on command.

"Ah, cripes. Fine!" Sliding open the backdoor Hank led his family back inside with sloshing shoeprints echoing through the kitchen with each step he took. "But only a small amount of steak and no treats tonight! Shit, I can't believe I'm negotiating with a dog..."

Cole kept laughing as he walked into the ground floor bathroom with Sumo to dry off and change his clothes while Hank and Connor walked into the laundry room to drop their wet clothing in the washer and admit that they were the victims of a dog being silly.

"Good boy, Sumo!" Cole praised from the bathroom. "You got 'em both!"

-next chapter-