Chapter Text
The first time it Connor wound up in the hospital, Hank should've known the kid wasn’t going to stop. It had started with a soft hacking noise that Hank associated with Sumo whenever the big lug ate something he wasn’t supposed it.
“Connor,” Hank asked, “Is everything okay?”
The android looked up from his terminal with big innocent eyes; a very Sumo thing to do. “I’m alright Lieutenant, why do you ask?”
Hank leaned back a little in his chair. If Connor wanted to play that game then so could he. “Well it’s just that you keep making these noises.”
Connor cocked his head, “I apologize if I am being too noisy. I promise I will keep it down.”
“No, kid that’s not what I mean. I mean, it just sounds like there’s something stuck in your throat.”
“Lieutenant, I assure you that there is nothing stuck in my throat.” Unfortunately, Gavin and Nines happened to be walking by just having come from their crime scene.
“Something stuck in your throat?” Gavin snorted, “Did you suck too many dicks and now you got-”
“REED!” Hank snapped just as Nines slapped his hand over his partner’s mouth.
Connor seemed irritated, “Seminal fluid is not what I have stuck in my throat nor have I ever sucked on said genitalia.”
“But you do have something stuck,” Hank jumped on the opportunity.
“No, I do not.”
“Actually-” Nines spoke finally releasing his hold on Gavin, “I am detecting-”
Connor’s LED flared red and there was a sharp glare thrown in Nines’ direction.
“Nothing,” Nines blurted out, “I am detecting nothing. Come on, Detective Reed. Let us go back to work.”
Hank gawked. He knew that Connor had some weird ability to make Nines do (or not do) a lot of things and he always chalked it up to a big brother thing. But this, this felt new. “What did you tell him?”
Connor once again looked at Hank, “I didn’t say anything.”
“Sure you didn’t,” Hank grumbled and went back to working. He did however keep a close eye on Connor. But, true to his word, Connor stopped making the hacking noises.
The day seemed to be progressing well until the last hour of work when Connor made a louder hacking noise akin to throwing up. It would just be a startling noise except for the fact that there was a plume of black smoke coming from Connor’s mouth.
“Holy fuck!” Hank screamed and Connor was on the floor overheating.
Nines jumped up and darted over, “I’ve called an ambulance!”
Gavin had run into the break room and returned with lighting fast speed carrying two cups full of ice. He passed one to Nines who pried Connor’s mouth open. The ice hit with a sizzle and melted almost immediately. The ambulance arrived moments later and Connor was wheeled away.
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Hank, Nines, and Gavin sat in the hospital’s waiting room. So far they’d heard no news from Tina’s wife who happened to be the doctor attending to Connor. It had been a solid hour and Hank was on the verge of completely freaking out. He couldn’t stop thinking about Cole and the agonizing hours he’d waited to know if his baby had made it.
“Nines,” Hank’s voice was stern, “What did Connor tell you earlier?” Upon request, the RK900’s LED flashed bright red. “You’re not going to get into trouble, son. I’m not going to be mad.”
Nines remained silent but Hank could tell that the android was deeply unsettled. “I-” he hesitated and then, “I don’t think I should say.”
Hank sat next to Nines seeing how the android avoided his eyes. “Look, I get it. You want to be loyal to your big brother but his life is currently in danger. This supersedes any-”
“Connor ate the stuff in the bathroom.” Nines’ eyes were shut as if he were waiting for Hank to punish him.
The answer wasn’t exactly what Hank was expecting. Even Gavin’s eyebrows shot up in confusion and curiosity. “Nines, what do you mean he ate the stuff in the bathroom?”
Nines swallowed and replied softly, “The nice smelling bowl of crunchy flowers and spices on top of the toilet.”
“The… are you telling me that Connor ate the bowl potpourri? ” Hank asked incredulously.
Nines nodded and Hank groaned. He stood up. “Nines, you can open your eyes you’re not in trouble. Gavin, watch him. I have a doctor to talk to.”