sweethymns | ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴀʟʟ

[She can feel her cheeks growing warm and the tips of her ears turning pink when he delivers the compliment again and she has to try and make sure she's not stirring the eggs in the pan too harshly.]

Um. I mean, I try.

[That's all she can reply with, dammit.]

Do you think you have an estimate on how long Hank will take to get home?

[yeah talk about not!dad instead]

[A compliment for a compliment. It only seems right.]

I think that depends on exactly what he left for. It could be any minute now-

[And as if on cue, there’s the sound of the front door unlocking. Of Sumo getting up from the living room floor and padding over. And a moment later, Lieutenant Hank Anderson enters his home, welcomed by the fresh scent of coffee and something else smelling like breakfast. A moment or two of rustling can be heard from the living room, before he finally calls out:]

Connor! Smells like coffee and eggs in here. What the hell are you up to?

[Connor gives Ai a knowing look, smiling, and then responds.]

We’re in the kitchen, Hank!

[A beat.] We? Who’s ‘we’—? Sumo’s out here. [More shuffling, the sound of keys being tossed on the coffee table, and Hank appears in the entrance of the kitchen.] Should’ve told me you were going to make more coffee, I wouldn’t have gone out to get some. You would’ve saved me from getting stuck in traffic, too-

[Hank pauses, eyes tracking over to a) the clothes that Connor’s wearing and b) the girl????? in the kitchen???? with him????]

Uh…

[Connor beams at him, stepping forward, hands clasped behind his back.]

Hank, this is Ai. I told you about her, remember?

[Hank practically squints, dubious and unsure if this is some weird joke his not!son has put a stranger up to.] Y…eah. I remember. Your tall tale about world-hopping, right? [He looks at Ai.] Sorry, but... whoever you are, did he put you up to this?

[Ai is startled when she hears Lt. Hank Anderson call out to Connor and she turns off the heat to the eggs. Everything is pretty much prepared and just needs to be moved to the kitchen table. But now the moment of truth arrives when she's finally face-to-face with Connor's closest friend and partner.

When Hank acknowledges her, Ai speaks up, rapidly and nervously.]

I-I'm Ai Thao Kha! I'm a friend of Connor's and I wanted to visit him and we decided to make brunch since you weren't home yet and we wanted you to return home to something nice —...

[Okay, she needs to slow down. Ai takes a deep breath and looks at Hank, hands clasped together.]

... Connor isn't lying. I'm from far away.

[Connor steps forward again, sensing Ai’s nervousness, and thus attempting to convince Hank to make this first meeting less stressful.]

She’s not lying, Hank. Do I really seem like the type who would keep up a practical joke for this long?

[Hank sets down his coffee he had in one hand, his name lazily scrawled onto the cup with black marker. He’s silent, raising a brow at the both of them. Then he lets out something that sounds a lot like a laugh, drenched in a scoff.]

Connor, a lot’s happened in the past few months. A whole bunch of shit that’s pretty unbelievable, but I lived to see it all happen anyway. But psychics and alternate worlds?

[He moves over to inspect just what’s happening in the kitchen; food, it looks like. Smells good, at least.]

Nice try. But hey, at least this proves you’ve got a hell of a poker face.

[Connor, for a moment, looks exasperated and nearly rolls his eyes. His more human quirks seem to eke out more easily with Hank around.]

It isn’t—

Oh, and as a general rule? [He turns to Connor, gesturing at him.] Let me know if we’re having company, even if it’s some stranger I don’t know. It’s only polite. [A tinge of sarcasm in his words.

Connor sets his jaw, then turns to Ai.]

Can you prove to him that you’re psychic? I’m sure you can dispel his disbelief in record time.

Edited 2018-06-15 19:07 (UTC)

[Ai looks conflicted as Connor and Hank exchange words noticing how Connor's expressions change with some more variety that she hasn't seen before. She whispers to Connor when he asks her to prove herself.]

I mean, I can? I just don't want to give him a shock...

[Still, it's better to get this over with than prolonging Hank's doubts. Ai claps her hands lightly together and announces:]

Um, let's just have a meal together! Mr. Hank, you probably haven't had a proper meal yet right?

[And so she turns her back to the two men and begins arranging breakfast, starting with pouring out the scrambled eggs onto a plate. Since her hands are occupied...

It's a small noise, but enough to get Hank's attention. The toaster oven's door opens by itself and out slides the tray of bacon. The refrigerator door also opens automatically and the orange juice carton floats from its spot and then levitates down to the table along with two empty glasses. Utensils and plates follow next and the stack of pancakes gently moves to the table after the slices of cheese. Everything shifts on the dining table so that their placement is neat and organized and within easy reach. The girl doesn't look at anyone while all this occurs. She'll just let them judge for themselves.

Ai is just playing this off as casually as she can. No pomp and circumstance, no declaration of her powers, just... It just is. She finally speaks to Connor.]

Connor, do you mind if I make you tea? Just so you can join us?

You can just call me Hank, no need for the Mister—

[And then things in his goddamned kitchen start moving on their own.

Hank’s completely forgets all that he was going to say, stepping back in surprise to take in the sight. He utters a disbelieving—] What the fuck… [Connor, meanwhile, just grins with a faint mote of satisfaction, and replies to Ai while making sure to take in Hank’s expression.]

Sure. Tea will be fine. [To Hank, he walks next to him and says:] See? I told you.

[Hank shakes his head, Connor’s presence snapping himself out of his shocked reverie. He raises a hand, gesturing dismissively, though he’s feeling anything but dismissive.]

This is crazy. This is crazy? I can't believed that you were actually telling the truth about psychics; that or we’re both losing our minds.

No, it’s real. I told you from the start.

[Hank frowns at Connor, still surprised by this new development.]

I don’t need your I-told-you-so's, Connor, I need to fucking sit down.

[AND HE’S GONNA DO JUST THAT, THANK YOU.]

[Ai gets tea for Connor before she sits herself down at the dining table. She takes the orange juice carton and pours one glass for herself and one for Hank in case he wants to drink that along with coffee and even gives him some toasted bagel halves first before serving herself.]

There you go! I hope you don't mind me using what was in your fridge Hank.

[She smiles brightly at the Lieutenant and then at Connor before arranging her own sandwich.]

Let's eat! Connor said he would show me around the city later too.

[Hank's still in a state of his mind being blown. He barely registers the food being set up in front of him, as if it were all just background noise in the face of the larger revelation here -- that psychics exist, and this girl might be from another world altogether. And that Connor has been spending time with her? How? When? His mind delves back into the explanations that Connor had given him more than once, and this time he turns it over in his head like something to actually be considered.

It's only after they've all sat down, their food ready to be eaten (and Connor's tea finally settled before him), that Hank opens his mouth to speak.]

So you're... really from a different world? Connor said, what was it, 2006?

2016. [Connor corrects, looking down at his tea. He lifts it to his lips and takes a very small taste, quietly analyzing it.]

Okay. 2016, then.

[Ai's already making a hefty sandwich for herself and she nods to confirm the discussed year.]

Mm-hm! So I technically should be around the same age range as you. Right now, I'm 19 as of 2016. He's told me about you and Detroit, so I wanted to see this side for a change.

Connor's been very courteous every time he's visited. [Except for the whole finger in mouth thing, but let's bring that up again NEVER]

And I've made sure no one in that year can tell he's an android which is why you've probably seen him wear clothes that are out of the norm for him.

[like right now, doesn't he look dashing Hank]

[Hanks spares Connor another glance, who is looking curiously down at his tea. Probably running an analysis through his head, he thinks.]

Yeah, I noticed. Looks like you took him out shopping for a new wardrobe.

[Hank pinches the bridge of his nose, trying to make sense of this all.]

Are you sure it's safe for you two to be bouncing around worlds like this? Isn't there some... rule, or something, about time and space and you probably shouldn't risk tearing it apart? [That's what all the sci-fi movies say at least.

Here, Connor speaks up.]

There have been no noticeable side-effects thus far, not after the door was stabilized like I had told you about. When I visit Ai, then return, no time has passed in this world. It's really very convenient.

And how long have you been "visiting"?

About two and a half months.

Jesus Christ, Connor. You've been busy without me even knowing it.

I told you. You didn't believe me. I figured it was futile to keep repeating the same thing to you, over and over. You just would've grown irritated.

[Hank sighs, deciding to take a bite of his food (oh, it's pretty good), before looking at Ai again. He leans his elbows forward, resting on the table.]

So you two are just... what? Sight-seeing together?

Edited 2018-06-15 20:43 (UTC)

[Ai nods at Hank through a mouthful of sandwich before swallowing and wiping her mouth.]

It probably doesn't sound exciting, but compared to the situation here, my side is relatively calm. So there's a lot of time for him to explore and experience new things that other androids probably don't have the time or luxury for.

[She giggles at Connor.]

He really wanted you to believe him, but I guess I can see how that went.

Uh-huh. I’m going to assume there are no androids where you’re from, then? Yeah, I imagine Connor can do a lot more there than he can in this place right now.

[It makes Hank frown, that reality spoken so plainly. But it is what it is. Connor just looks at the man.]

We’ve done a lot so far. We shopped for clothes and books. We went to a carnival and rode the Ferris wheel. It rained that day though so we had to go back to her apartment to dry off.

Oh, and then we watched a movie called Alien. A young alien burst through the chest cavity of a human in that film. There were androids in it, too.

[He’s smiling as he says it. Hank just blinks, eyebrows rising.]

So... you guys went on...

[He pauses. Hank’s just not sure what’s going on here.]

...dates?

[CUE ORANGE JUICE SPITTAKE.

... Thankfully, in her own cup because she was in the middle of drinking.]

... Yes! There are no androids!

[Perfect, let's use that point as Ai tries to unscramble her thoughts after Hank put a name to what their outings could be construed as.]

[That’s quite a reaction, Ai. Hank isn’t sure if he should be concerned or amused. He looks over to Connor, whose brow is furrowed. He is p r o c e s s i n g . . .

Hank takes another bite or two, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms. Despite all the world and time traveling weirdness, he’s glad that Connor’s made himself a friend. But at the same time, for an android still trying to find his lease on life, he wonders if he knows what he’s getting into — he doesn’t want him to get overly... attached, only to be met with disappointment.

And so he tries again:]

And yes, there were dates? Connor, you should’ve said something.

[Connor finally replies, looking at Hank skeptically.]

Again, you didn’t believe the initial premise, so I had no reason to mention it. And secondly, “dates” imply an outing of the romantic sort. We were only going as friends.

[To her credit, Ai nods to back up Connor's statement.]

Y-Yeah. That. That isn't an intention to begin with or anything.

[She is, however, looking mildly conflicted, as if Hank's question may have made her think about how things have been between her and the android. Doesn't change what was true, to begin with.]

If I can help Connor explore and enjoy himself beyond his programming he deviated from, I'm happy to do so. And I like learning more about androids too. He's taught me a lot.

[Hank makes a “hmm” noise in the back of his throat, before exhaling and continuing.]

In that case, then I should be thanking you. For giving Connor the chance to experience what it’s like to really be alive.

[It’s hard to know what else to say. Generally speaking, at least whatever they’re doing now seems to be a positive experience for the android.]

Hey Connor. You two are going to look around the city later?

Yes, we are.

Tonight’s the fireworks, remember? You should take her with you. Celebrating the newfound freedom of androids and all that. Police force is gonna be out there in droves, so you’ll see me around probably, too.

Oh... You're welcome. [What it's really like to really be alive... Is she really doing such a good job of that. Ai isn't so sure anymore since she was riding on the waves of spontaneity and the excitement of what a new day with her android friend would be like. Overthinking it? Maybe.

Ai looks interested when Hank mentions the fireworks celebration and looks at Connor.]

I'd like to go see those. It's a good chance to see androids and humans together...

[She's falling back into shyness when she asks this of him. Thanks for making it weird Hank!]

[Look, he’s just being a good android dad and inquiring about the state of his son. If he has a girlfriend he has to know!!! Gosh!

Connor interjects.]

Then we’ll go. It would be odd for me to neglect this kind of event, anyway.

[What with the part he had in freeing thousands of androids.]

Better leave a little early when you do. There’s gonna be a huge crowd there.

It sounds good! I wonder if we can find a good spot to look at them.

[Ai finishes up her sandwich and... Makes another one and gets two blueberry pancakes. It's for energy ok.]

How's the food Mister... Er, how's the food Hank? I told Connor I'd teach him how to make some simple meals just to expand his skillset. And so that he can do something more for you too!

It’s good. Thanks for putting it together for us.

[This girl must be pretty hungry, Hank thinks, but pushes the thought aside for now. He looks at Connor.]

You going to learn how to cook, Connor? Don’t I feel spoiled.

I think it would be healthy for you to not always eat out, Hank. I still count your calorie intake everyday.

Yeah, of course you do.

That and it’ll give me something to do around the house to keep me occupied. You’ve been telling me to pick up a hobby that “isn’t putting strange things in my mouth”.
[Hank scoffs at that.] That I do.

[She's halfway done with Sandwich No. 2 already...]

If tensions between androids and humans begin to lessen, is Connor going to be able to keep working with the police department?

[Ai wonders this because it means that Connor would be able to work on what he's best at again even if it meant he would visit her less... Not a thought she wanted to entertain, but she had to be mature about these things, she thought.]

Not for me to decide. But I’m pushing for it, and if they know what’s good for them, they’d be begging for Connor to be a permanent member of the DPD.

But it’s a little tricky right now. We both got ourselves into some trouble a few months back. Hard for everyone to overlook that so easily.

[Connor doesn’t say anything, just keeping his hands clasped around his mug of tea, registering the warmth against his touch.]

[Ai nods at Hank's explanation and looks over at Connor. She was used to him interacting with him one-on-one; there was always so much to talk about and to react to, that seeing him quiet like that was... Well.

Machine-like.

Taking her glass of orange juice, Ai drains it, sighing.]

I understand... After what happened, it's not like it's an instantaneous process.

[Freedom of choice, freedom of spirit, freedom to live cannot be earned with dust. What Lien described to her so briefly about the androids of Detroit and what Connor tells her when she asks lets Ai learn that much. There's such a long way to go and Connor is still part of that wave.]

I hope everything works out for the both of you then. Connor spoke very fondly of you so it sounds like to me you'd be really good at solving cases together.

[Hank’s grin is a little lopsided.]

Did he? Didn’t know you cared, Connor.

[And because he’s sitting close enough, Hank reaches out and gives Connor a teasing bump against his shoulder with a fist. The latter’s own lips quirk into a grin.]

Of course. I only told her the truth of the matter. And you’re right, Ai, that we made a good team; I’m looking forward to being able to freely work with him on a more permanent basis, whenever that time comes.

Though the wait can be admittedly... frustrating.

ʜᴜᴍᴀɴ ᴀғᴛᴇʀ ᴀʟʟ

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