Confusing Interlude

Summary: Follows Heading To A New Beginning. While on a trip out with Markus, Connor hears something that baffles him.
Warning(s): Parental D/s; talk of spanking; mentions of violence; mentions of sex

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It had only been a few days since Hank and Connor had joined Jericho, but already, their supplies were getting low. Adding the new human and android hadn't done anything by itself, but there were a lot of androids who were still in a bad way.

Markus was talking to North. It wasn't loud, but he wasn't making any attempt to hide what he was saying. "I'm going to leave to collect more supplies. We still have too many of us damaged by what humans did to them...."

Connor heard what the leader said, and he wanted to contribute somehow. They'd accepted Hank and Sumo into the group, despite all the reasons they had not to want to, and he wanted to repay them in some way. "Let me go with you... to help?" he said, not trying to disguise his eagerness.

Markus turned to Connor and considered him for a moment before nodding. "We will need to be careful. To stay alert. CyberLife may still be looking for you."

"Of course. I will follow your orders," Connor quickly agreed.

Markus nodded and looked towards North. "If anyone tries following us, I will not lead them here."

"I know." North nodded and stepped back, turning her attention to some of the still damaged androids.

Markus led the way from Jericho.

Connor quickly followed, making certain to keep watch in case CyberLife showed up.

Once they were outside in the town, Markus began to walk casually, as if he was a human...at least to anyone who was merely casually observing. He quickly headed towards one of the stores, so he could look for supplies.

Connor copied Markus as much as he was able, though he looked slightly more uncertain than the leader. He kept his eyes and ears open, even as he helped gather the supplies.

While Markus was collecting supplies, there were two human women who were looking at supplies as well...and having a conversation that wasn't loud but was enough to carry to the two androids.

"I'm still a bit tender from last night," one of the women admitted. "Spanking is a turn-on at the time, but once the endorphins fade, I still feel the after-effects."

Connor paused on what he was doing as the words registered. He didn't understand what the woman was talking about. He hoped maybe he'd hear a little more that would help him understand. He made certain to continue gathering supplies, so as not to be suspicious, but tried to stay close enough to eavesdrop.

"Sometimes the tenderness feels good, though," the other woman commented. "It reminds me of the night before." She nudged her friend. "A reminder can feel pretty good, too. Just enough to sting in a good way for the rest of the day."

The words didn't really help his confusion. About the only thing he did understand was that they were talking about spanking. And they weren't talking about it as punishment. He finished gathering his items and moved to find Markus, still eavesdropping as much as possible.

Markus had collected most of his supplies, heading to the counter so that he could pay.

The two women followed, still chatting.

"What about implements?" the second asked the first. "Like a paddle. Or a belt."

The first woman wrinkled her nose. "I don't much like the implements. Too impersonal. His hand is effective enough." She blushed a faint pink.

It was very difficult not to turn around and begin questioning them. Had Hank been there to ask, he may have done that, but Hank wasn't there to ask, and it seemed as if ignoring them was the best way to avoid drawing attention to Markus and him. He put his items down to pay for.

Markus paid quickly for his own items, stepping back to allow Connor to pay for his as well, scanning his surroundings almost constantly.

It didn't take long to pay, and Connor moved to leave, making sure he could meet up with Markus again as soon as it wouldn't be suspicious.

Markus joined Connor, speaking in a low voice. "I don't think anyone has noticed us, but I still want to take the long way round. Just in case we have picked up any pursuers."

Connor quickly nodded, moving to follow Markus. "I... I have questions..." he admitted hesitantly.

Markus glanced at him. "What questions?"

Connor looked around to make sure there were no other people around, before admitting, "I overheard them talking... about sexual activities, I believe."

"It did sound like they were." Markus hadn't paid as much attention to the women talking, but he'd overheard that much.

"What they said was confusing. It did not match what I've learned..." Connor frowned.

"They were talking about spanking," Markus commented. "Your father spanks you? For discipline?"

"Yes. They were not talking of discipline, though," Connor said. "I need to ask my father of this. Why they would want it."

"We'll be back at Jericho soon," Markus said. "You can ask him then."

Connor nodded. "Thank you for allowing me to help you," he said.

"I know you want to be useful," Markus said. "I feel, like you, that humans and androids can exist together peacefully. You and your father are proof of that."

Connor nodded. "I want to prove to everyone that it is possible... but I also need to prove my willingness to help on my own. I want to be trusted."

"I've let you come with me to collect supplies," Markus commented. "I have no reason not to trust you. I believe you want to help."

Connor smiled at that. "That feels good. Knowing that," he admitted.

"Is there still enough food for your father and Sumo?" Markus asked. "As we're out anyway, we can pick up some more food for them both if need be."

"I believe I should pick some up. In case we cannot go out again for a while," Connor stated.

Markus nodded and headed to one of the other stores so they could get some supplies for Hank and Sumo too.

It didn't take long for Connor to get basic food supplies for both Hank and Sumo. Soon, they were heading back to Jericho. When they arrived back, Connor helped put the supplies away before looking for his father.

Hank had worried immediately when he hadn't been able to find his son. Knowing Connor had gone out for supplies hadn't done much to calm him; he was still worried that CyberLife would find some way to take Connor from him.

As soon as he knew his son was back, Hank went over to him and wrapped his arms around Connor in a tight hug. "You weren't noticed?"

"I don't believe so and Markus led us back here. I do not believe he would have if we'd been noticed," Connor said calmly. He was able to tell Hank had been worried, though and hugged back tightly before giving his father an uncertain look. "I was very careful and followed Markus' directions completely," he added, thinking knowing he hadn't gone without backup might make Hank feel better.

Hank sighed and moved his hand to his son's neck, gently scuffing him. "Just next time, tell me you're leaving, son. If I don't know where you are, I worry about you."

Connor nodded. "Okay, daddy. I'm sorry I worried you." He paused before saying, "I have food for you and Sumo...."

"Thank you." Still keeping hold of his son, gently scuffing the back of Connor's neck, Hank led him over to where Sumo was.

"Hey, Sumo! I have food for you... and treats!" Connor pulled out a bone he'd got the dog.

Sumo immediately barked happily, taking the bone from Connor.

"Daddy... when you spank me, it isn't supposed to be something I want or like, is it?" Connor asked bluntly.

"No, son." Hank was surprised by the question, but he willingly answered, not wanting Connor to feel like there were things he couldn't ask. "When I spank you, it's when you do something naughty. And to help remove the burning pain when you feel guilty."

Connor wrinkled his nose. "But in the store... I overheard two women talking about spanking. And it seemed like something they liked and wanted. They talked about using implements and feeling it the next day...." He sounded confused.

"Aw, hell," Hank muttered. He settled down on the floor, on his sleeping bag, drawing Connor down to sit on his lap. "Some people do like it and want it. For some of them, it makes them feel good. It's a part of sex." He knew that Connor wasn't innocent about sex; after all, he knew the purpose of Tracies. Still, it felt like, to him, he was removing some of his son's innocence.

Connor easily moved onto Hank's lap, leaning into him. "Is that something that depends on the individual, then? I don't understand how they could want it or feel good because of it all for itself...."

Hank wrapped his arms around his son, one hand still scruffing Connor's neck while his other stroked through his son's hair. "I know there are people who find it feels good. I suspect a lot of that is because there aren't the same emotions involved. No feelings of guilt."

"So, if there is no guilt involved, it could feel good?" Connor asked.

"And I suspect the women you heard talking were talking about their partners doing that, which can change things as well," Hank said. "I'm your daddy. You're my son. There's nothing sexual about our relationship."

"Is... is that why North was so upset? She thought we had a sexual relationship?" Connor asked quietly.

"Maybe," Hank replied. "She was a Tracie model, wasn't she? So, she'll have seen some bad interactions between humans and androids."

Connor nodded. "Probably some of the worst interactions."

"It's up to us to show that there are good relationships. That those are possible," Hank said, hugging his son tighter.

Connor hugged back. "They will see. I know it!" he declared.

"Do you have any other questions?" Hank asked gently.

"I don't think so..." Connor said quietly.

"Any new emotions you want to talk to me about?" Hank let his hand rub over Connor's hair and back.

"I... when I heard them talking, I felt uncertain. Confused. But I don't know if those were new feelings." Connor sighed.

"I don't expect they were," Hank said softly. "You probably felt both when CyberLife took away your memories. Especially when you experienced the flashbacks of being my son."

Connor nodded. "Confusion does not feel good, but it doesn't hurt. It makes a slight tight in my lungs...."

"A lot of emotions might make you feel uncomfortable, but not hurt," Hank said. "Like when you were angry with North and felt hot inside...but it was different to how it feels inside when you feel guilty. Sometimes, though, feeling one emotion can lead to you expressing another. Feeling scared can make you act angry."

Connor slanted his head. "So... North being so angry could be because she is scared? Like when you are stern with me and seem like you are upset and angry with my actions, it is often because you are worried or scared for me?"

Hank nodded. "A lot of anger is born from fear or worry. It's hard not to let it take over, I know. I was angry for a long time," he admitted. "Before you."

Connor smiled crookedly. "Sometimes I think you should still be angry at me. But you stay calm."

"You're my son," Hank said. "I regret that I could only relate to you with anger before. That isn't the case now. I love you."

Connor smiled and hugged Hank tightly. "I love you too."

Hank gently scruffed his son's neck. "I want to make contact with your uncle. Get him to start planting seeds for moving towards the future we want."

"Can we do that without drawing CyberLife's attention?" Connor asked nervously.

"You were able to go out for supplies and it doesn't seem as if it drew their attention," Hank replied. "I think we can arrange a meeting away from the precinct. Far away from anywhere CyberLife might expect."

Connor nodded. "Maybe Markus would accompany us. It would let him meet another potential ally...."

Hank nodded. "I think that's a very good idea," he agreed.

"We just need to figure out when," Connor said.

"As soon as feasibly possible," Hank said. "We want to move towards the goal of being father and son openly, without worrying about you being taken from me, as quickly as we can."

"Should we mention it to Markus now?" Connor asked.

"I think that would be a good idea," Hank agreed. "Unless you'd like to cuddle for a bit more first."

"We wouldn't be leaving right away. We can cuddle more tonight," Connor pointed out.

Hank nodded and kissed the side of his son's head, then let go of Connor so they could both stand.

Connor glanced around, quickly locating Markus, then pointing him out to Hank before allowing Hank to take lead.

Wrapping his arm around Connor's shoulders, Hank led his son over to Markus.

The android leader glanced towards them before excusing himself from Josh and walking over. "Is there something you need?"

"We would like to arrange a meeting with my uncle," Connor started, glancing at Hank to be certain he was giving the correct information. "It might prove useful if you met him with us... it would be another connection between AIs and humans."

Markus looked at them both. "Your uncle is human?"

Hank nodded. "He works in the same precinct as me. He knows about our relationship."

"He helped Daddy get me away. Gave CyberLife a false trail to follow," Connor added.

"Can you make contact with him without drawing attention?" Markus asked.

Hank nodded. "I think so."

"When would be the best time to arrange a meet?" Connor asked.

"I would say in two days, time," Markus answered. "Somewhere without any obvious cameras. I'll let you know where."

Connor nodded, looking at Hank to make sure be didn't have anything he wanted to add.

"As soon as you let me know where, I'll include the location in a way that won't be obvious to anyone who might intercept the message," Hank said.

Markus eyed him for a few moments before nodding. "When I decide on it, I'll let you know."

"Yeah, okay." Hank gently squeezed Connor against his side.

Connor leaned onto Hank and smiled at Markus. "Thank you," he said quietly.

"We all want the same thing," Markus said. "For androids and humans to be recognized as equal and to live alongside each other. Anything we can do to reach that goal, we will."

Connor nodded. "Finding others who feel that way and can help is important."

"We can't be the only ones who've developed this kind of relationship," Hank commented.

"You're not," Markus said. "But not every father and son have managed to stay together. Or even want to." He glanced towards North, noticing she was waiting to talk to him, and walked over to him.

Connor glanced toward North as she walked over. He nodded at her a bit hesitantly, not wanting to risk saying something that might anger her.

North glanced at Hank and Connor, looking like she wanted to say something, but instead addressed Markus. "Josh found another android. He's not in a good way."

"We picked up some more supplies," Markus said. "I'll come and take a look at him. Maybe what we have can help."

Connor frowned. "There is an increase in attacks?" he asked hesitantly.

"There are other androids who are escaping and finding Jericho," North said. "Some of them aren't in good shape."

"We need to get word out... that Androids aren't all dangerous. That they don't need to be feared or treated as a threat. That they don't deserve to be destroyed or hurt in this way..." Connor had a furious but lost look on his face. "CyberLife has done too good a job at causing fear among those who would otherwise help and encouraging the hatred of those who are looking for excuses to act on their bad intentions."

Hank wrapped both of his arms tight around his son. "We need to put out propaganda. Make them see androids as people. Allow those with similar relationships to ours to come forward and speak up and out. I can't be the only one who doesn't want to lose my son."

"How? How can we spread that message? CyberLife controls so much," Connor said hopelessly.

"We'll talk to your uncle with Markus," Hank promised. "We'll figure out how to reach other people and other androids. Might have to go under the radar, but we'll find allies. We'll make sure androids get equal rights." He gently squeezed the nape of his son's neck.

"Make sure they are protected by the law?" Connor looked toward the injured android.

Hank nodded. "So that crimes against androids are just as serious as crimes against humans. So that androids treated the same as the one Carlos Ortiz had can be protected and removed from abusive situations."

"Uncle will help us?" Connor needed reassurance. Even though he trusted his family.

"He'll help us." Hank's response was given in a low, reassuring tone.

Relaxing further, Connor nodded. Markus and Hank would decide when and where to meet.

"Let's go sit down again, son," Hank suggested softly.

"Okay..." Connor moved to follow Hank.

Reaching Sumo, Hank sat down and settled his son on his lap once more, rubbing his hand up under Connor's shirt so he could get to bare skin. "We'll find a way, son."

Connor rested his head on Hank's shoulder. "I believe you, daddy."

Hank kissed the side of his head. "After all, you managed to turn me around completely," he murmured.

"And you woke me up..." Connor asserted.

"We won't be the only ones who have reached this point," Hank said, still gently rubbing Connor's back. Still scruffing the back of his neck. "That's how we'll change things, son. By reaching those who have formed relationships with each other."

"How do we contact them without alerting CyberLife?" Connor snuggled close.

"I don't think we can do that without alerting them," Hank said honestly. "I think we need to send out messages that all of them will hear. Through broadcasts, like the androids here did before. Get into one of the news towers."

Connor nodded. "A different station than used before...."

"Exactly," Hank replied. "One further away from the first one hit. We can talk to your uncle. With his help, there'll be less chance of any of us getting caught or stopped."

"It will work..." Connor agreed, trusting in Hank completely.

"We'll make sure we can never be separated again," Hank promised, holding his son as close and tight as possible. As Connor had indicated he liked and felt good, Hank gently rubbed his hand down over Connor's backside, squeezing gently, though he didn't make any move to remove his son's clothing.

"Thank you, Daddy..." Connor whispered, relaxing in Hank's arms, and pushing his bottom out for easier access.

"I love you, son. I'll do whatever it takes to make sure I don't lose you." Hank continued to rub and squeeze over his back and bottom, his other hand continuing to scruff Connor.

The physical affection and scruffing settled Connor the rest of the way. He felt completely safe. He closed his eyes in a close approximation of sleep.

The End