0001 1110 (30)

                                    

                                          
Stupidity
                          
What you had previously believed was Hank's empty garage was actually a great storeroom that held many cherisable things. Most of those things were in boxes both big and small, but some were open to where you could peek inside of them. Old picture frames, dusty vinyl records, antique cookware, baby toys... to be honest, looking inside of that last box made your heart ache. 
                          
The most noticeable item in the garage, however, was a white, rusted-over 1998 Toyota Corolla with a few chips in the paint in various places around the hood and doors of the car. The sight caused your jaw to drop in awe. How a car like this was possibly able to keep intact for over 20 years was remarkable to you-- you really hoped it would be able to make it to Canada before it blows out it's engine, or something.
                          
"I'm letting you guys take this car. It was one of my ex-wife's, and she obviously didn't seem to care for it since she left it here to collect dust. I don't wanna see it any more either, so you guys can have it," The old man explained as he dug through numerous boxes behind the car. Looking for any specific thing in this garage could take hours, maybe even days, you thought. 
                          
Hank managed to pull out a box that jangled as he plopped the heavy thing in the trunk of the car.
                          
"Those are old tools for the car. Might be useful if this old girl ever stops in the middle of some road out in the boonies," He further added, patting the side of the car twice with his hand. "I'll take you guys to the store in the morning so that you can grab whatever else you need."
                          
You were still somewhat at a loss for words. Hank's sudden generosity had just saved both yours and Connor's skin, and for that, you were so grateful. You leapt out of Connor's arms in excitement and abandoned him for the old man instead, locking him in the tightest hug you'd ever given.
                          
"Thank you so much, Hank. You're the best partner anyone could ever ask for."
                          
"Well, tell that to Gavin, sweetheart," He replied snarkily, awkwardly returning your embrace. "And you're welcome."
                          
He had barely mumbled that last part, but both you and Connor had heard him. Just like Elijah, Hank was shielded by a hard, invulnerable outer shell that protected his gooey, soft interior. It always took him time to warm up to certain things, but he would always come around in the end. He had always refused to believe that he was good enough, but you always knew that he was. Somewhere deep down, Lieutenant Hank Anderson was not as hard-boiled as he's made out to be.
                          
--
                          
"(Y/n)," A gentle voice tried waking you from your slumber. One, single finger reached out to graze your cheek, followed by a thumb that plucked against your bottom lip. You lazily peeked out from one of your eyes, staring up at Connor's figure as he touched you with delicacy. 
                          
You hummed in response to his gesture, reaching up with your hand to gently hold his in your own.
                          
"It's 9:25 A.M. Hank said he would take us to the store at 10, love."
                          
That nickname he just now gave you made you tense up, causing you to hold onto his fingers just a little tighter. You donned a simple, sweet smile as you placed a gentle kiss onto Connor's thumb.
                          
"I'll start getting ready then," You told him, moving your legs across the sheets to swing them off the edge of the bed. Your fingers lingered against his for as long as possible until they could no longer reach, and your lips fell at the sudden chill that brushed against them after letting go.
                          
"I have breakfast ready for you downstairs once you're finished in here," He said sweetly before closing the door behind him, allowing you to dress yourself and use the bathroom in peace. You smiled against the fabric of your shirt as it came over your head. That android probably had no idea what he was doing to you, or his effect on you. It left you so delirious, so romantically whimsical. This love felt like a fairytale or Disney story, except now you were a part of it. It all felt so beautifully magical.