Work Text:
JUL 19TH, 2039
PM 1:05
The scene is bustling with people, a common sight on a Sunday noon. Hank and Connor find themselves at the end of the queue, impatiently awaiting their turn to enter the amusement park. The man has been eager for Connor to experience the fun of such a place, although unfortunately, most of these parks found the idea of "late bloomers to new android laws" to be incredibly appealing. Today marks the first day androids are allowed entry ever since the revolution, resulting in an extensive queue even under hot weather conditions.
Detroit's summers have always been sweltering, and standing in the blazing sun and its relentless heat proves rather inconvenient. There's no doubt both of them could feel as if they might levitate with delight whenever a gentle breeze brushes past, offering relief for a couple of seconds.
Hank can't help but express his concern. "You sure you're not gonna start melting?" he asks, eyeing Connor attentively as though he could spot him lying about his condition, since the android tends to be prone to doing so.
"I am certain," he claims confidently, "Several androids, like myself, are built to resist a fair amount of heat. This shouldn't result in any complications."
Gradually, the lieutenant's expression shifts as conflicting emotions cross his mind, the skepticism not quite unfounded. "Well, let's hope you're right. I don't fancy a sight of android soup on the asphalt," the lieutenant retorts in an ironic matter, hoping it'll shrink his worries.
Being at a loss as to how to react, the detective manages a disturbed upside down smile and patiently waits as the line inches forward. Having caught up with the shadows cast by the trees, the lieutenant sighs with instant relief.
He triumphantly observes the family in front of them leave the counter. They've been waiting for over an hour, about time. His joints ache. "Would you look at that, it's our turn," Hank announces. The ticket seller nods, signaling for them to step forward.
And oh does Hank dislike the way he looks at them, truly despises it.
"One adult and a kid," Hank states bluntly with no attempts of sounding kind.
"Excuse me?" Visibly surprised by Hank's statement, the seller raises a brow and leans forward. And they say his hearing's bad.
"One adult. And. A. Kid," the lieutenant repeats slowly, in the process emphasizing each word. About to intervene, Connor finds himself halted by Hank's extended arm.
"I beg your pardon, sir, that android's a whole adult," the ticket seller argues, throwing a disregarding glance at the latter. Sure, Connor looks, talks and thinks like an adult. Yet there is no denying in his date of assembly. Hank is totally aware of his friend's young age. "Connor, how many months ago was your activation?"
"Eleven months and four days ago but that's-"
Hank pulls out Connor's ID, mutely slides it under the partition, stifling any processing time. "Sir, it resembles a grown male and has the mind of an adu-"
"Listen here, he is legally an 11-month-old person," Hank leans forward, "Unless your boss sets their priorities straight, the condition 'Kids ticket (age: 0-12)' is valid for everyone who meets the requirements," Hank counters, as a result interrupting the seller and whatever Connor wanted to reciprocate just now.
"If you don't refrain from complaining, I'm gonna ask you and your damned ink cartridge to leave this premises," the seller spats, not hesitating with flicking the ID outside. Defeatedly, Connor mutters a quiet 'we should just pay the price' whilst picking up his ID, knowing for certain that this won't have any effect of the stubborn man.
"You're speaking to a police lieutenant and a detective of the Detroit Police Department," Hank holds up his badge, "and if you don't stop with android discrimination, imposing nonexistent rules on others, and inappropriate handling of other people's property, I'm gonna have to fine you," he concludes firmly.
"Geez… fine! Here you go, take your tickets and leave," the ticket seller relents immediately.
Meeting the kind request, Hank pays, grabs the tickets and mischievously drags Connor along by the hem of his white T-shirt. "This is a life lesson, son. You gotta use every advantage you get," he declares with a shrug. Processing what just has happened, Connor nods and chooses to suppress any signs of embarrassment.
As soon as Hank sets foot in the amusement park, a wave of nostalgia and color hits him. It's been so long. The wind carries the smell of freshly popped popcorn through the air, accompanied by a hint of the sweets and pastries nearby. Laughter and screams, unrestricted by age, adorn the ambience. However, unlike him, Connor's demeanor changes. His lips grow thin and firm, his breathing falters ever so slightly.
"Con, you good?," Hank asks, hesitating in his steps to check up on the deviant. "To me, this resembles an execution," Connor gasps, as the cacophony of screams assault his senses, his gaze darting between the rollercoasters.
"I promise, you're not gonna get executed," Hank cackles mockingly, giving the brunette's shoulder a soft squeeze. "Statistically speaking there's always a chance for unlikely events to take place," Connor reciprocates, his gaze facing the side.
"Jesus… Connor, they're having fun!"
Approaching a particularly violent ride, the android sharpens his senses, as he remarks a terrified scream from one of the riders. "They're screaming for their lives," Connor mutters seriously which only leads to Hank facepalming, although he knows very well what rollercoasters are and why people get on them. Adrenaline, which he doesn't have. Fun? He doesn't know yet.
"You could start with the kids' rides then." Hank jokingly points at the lethargic ride, with ladybugs as its seats. "No. I'd rather not," Connor mumbles restlessly, making Hank wheeze with laughter.
"Sooo, how about a harmless ride without any crazy stunts and all that? You jumping over roofs is definitely more dangerous," Hank then suggests, trying to ease Connor's nerves he doesn't have. Despite doubts still floating around him, he agrees, albeit reluctantly.
Overcoming this queue, both of them take a seat in the middle row, slight tremors visible in Connor's hands. Never has he ever imagined ending up in such a situation.
"It'll be fun, you'll see."
"Hopefully. The probability to die on this ride is 1 in 750 million… Seems very unlikely."
"I'm aware of the odds, now stop worrying."
"It's moving. Lieutenant."
"We are in fact moving."
"It's going up. Which means it has to go down at some point."
"Nice descriptive protocol, my eyes are fucking flawless, thank you very much."
"They're not. Your eyesight is impaired by -0.75 diopters on one eye and-"
"We're at the top of the hill, Sherlock." Jabbing Connor's side, Hank redirects the android's attention away from his calculations to their pressing surroundings. Consequently, Connor's jumpiness becomes palpable as he's looking down. A dark cave extends ahead of him, the rails steeply leading into it.
No.
"This is not what we've discussed!" he hisses, throwing a disappointed glance at his seatmate. "Say cheeeese," Hank needles him with a sassy grin as the ride plunges downwards, cutting off Connor's protest with a shout. Screams erupt into the air, and so do Hank's unholy cheers.
To Connor’s misfortune, it doesn't only sound and look like an execution, but also feel like one, especially since the darkness has initiated his night vision program. A yelp of defenselessness escapes him as he takes in the picture presented in front of him.
Loops. Twists. Several of them.
At this point he's clinging onto the restraints for dear life, simultaneously concocting a plan on how to avenge and salvage his dignity.
"Told ya, Con! Ain't that fun?!" Hank excitedly shouts in his direction, the addressee only able to comprehend him through his android senses. "You're despicable!"
As the ride loops, Connor flinches and grasps Hank's arm with one hand, fearing his friend might fall off the ride which he subconsciously knows is impossible under these circumstances.
"For chrissake Connor- you're breaking my arm!" the lieutenant yells irritatedly in between the raging jerks, trying to shake off Connor's grip. "Sorry, lieutenant!" Connor retorts halfheartedly as he loosens his grip.
Slowly but surely the ride slows down, bringing an end to their thrilling journey. It's been hell. The android's gaze is directed forward, deadpan.
A moment of silence passes.
"Are you seriously mad?" Hank asks, pursing his lips as he tries to suppress his laughter. If only he knew how little Connor finds this funny. He is, in fact, not amused. How could the young detective anticipate the course of this rollercoaster when it's literally in a cave. He trusted Hank.
"Eh…" the older now grumbles, being at a loss. Perhaps he shouldn't have thrown the guy into a completely new situation that way.
Inquired to step out, Connor heaves an exasperated sigh and quickly makes his way outside, leaving Hank behind.
_____________
About three minutes and 24 seconds later, Hank appears next to him.
As though reclaiming all of his previous sighs, Connor inhales deeply and turns to Hank whose eyes avoid the ones of his own. "Hank," Connor starts, his voice edged with frustration as leans against the wall, "you said it would be harmless."
Subsequently, Hank's expression softens, now locking eyes with him. "I know, Con. It was a mistake, sorry for dragging you into this. Thought you wouldn't have a problem with such things since you kinda like actually risking your life- what am I saying. Should've… you know, told you."
Connor nods, his anger subsiding as he sees the sincerity in his friend's eyes. "I'll survive. Just… next time, be honest with me, okay?" The tension starts to cease.
Hank places a hand on Connor's shoulder. "Of course, son. I didn't mean to upset you." A ghost of a smile appearing on the android's face, he slowly strides to the nearest bench in order to rest, eyes closed.
"While I was gone for a few minutes, I bought the photo the ride took of us. In the aftermath, you might find it funny. It's actually fucking hilarious," Hank laughs and immediately pulls out the photograph. It depicts an evilly laughing Hank, shamelessly looking at Connor to take in his reaction. Whereas the android has the most frightened expression in the history of mankind.
This earns him a rare snicker. "You'll have to frame it."
The lieutenant intended on letting Connor experience more fun things beside the cruelty both of them are bound to face on their jobs. Whereas now, he notices how beaten the deviant actually looks.
"Is something wrong?" Hank asks, the regretful tone not yet gone. "The ride seemed to have some negative side effects on my gyroscope. Apparently, my body isn't built to resist as fierce shakes and twists or turns as the ones of extrem roller coasters. It's confusing my system," Connor states calmly, eyeing Hank, "the issue should resolve itself within the next ten minutes."
Frowning, Hank crosses his arms. "You won't puke or anything, right?" he asks worryingly. "In order for me to expel any thirium, you'd have to either cause internal bleeding or heavily contaminate it. In any case, no. I simply can't walk straight for the next ten minutes," the deviant assures.
"Good to know that this isn't what I should do to ya. How about we try something a little less intense after you feel well again and then head for the shooting range nearby. Granted, you'll win a price with that fancy tech of yours," Hank inquires with a goodhearted smirk, taking a seat next to Connor. A smile appears on his face.
"I'd like that."