Tick Tock Part Three - Dock

A Snowy Day

"We'll be back soon," Connor said sweetly as he pulled on his long coat. The ground outside was still thick with snow from the previous night's flurry. It was late February now, so it would likely start getting warmer within the next month or so. For now, it meant that Niles was always eager to play outside and, since it was the weekend, Connor had decided to oblige him. He needed to do a little shopping and Sumo needed a walk anyway. Usually, they'd be working on Saturday, but they'd swapped with Reed and Nines in order to be at home with the builders working up in the attic. Hank slipped a warm cream scarf over Connor's head and wrapped it securely. He was pleased to see him wearing his warm woollen coat rather than just his Cyberlife jacket. Seeing him like that in the snow just made him feel cold.

"Alright, you sure you don't need me to come and help with anything?" Connor smiled warmly as Hank checked in for the tenth time that morning. He always liked to go shopping to sneak extra snacks into the cart and carry the heavier bags. Hank still forgot how strong he was as an android, despite his smaller size. Niles was pretty strong too, as far as human children went, but Hank would never let him carry anything that was too heavy. He barely even let him shovel the driveway on his own, often taking a larger shovel to help.

"We'll be fine, Hank, and one of us should stay here in case Mr Stokes needs anything." Connor could hear Stokes and his two sons clattering around in the attic above. They'd finished raising the roof and were currently sorting the wiring and insulation. The room would look very different when it was finished, with a proper ceiling and window alcoves. It already felt a lot more homely than before. The light coming in from the two new windows brightened and warmed the once cold space. Niles hurried through from the kitchen, with Sumo bounding along behind as he dangled his lead almost teasingly. "Besides, I have all the help I need," Connor added with a smile as he rested a hand on Niles' head.

"Don't worry, Grandpa. Dad and I can handle everything!" Hank chuckled affectionately as he watched Sumo tug the lead and shake his head. Niles had quickly adapted to using familial titles over names, which had been a surprise to both Hank and Connor. In some ways, Hank felt it was strange. He didn't feel old enough to be called Grandpa, and his own son would only have been around Niles' pre-designed age if he'd still been alive. However, he'd adopted Connor as his son, so it made perfect sense that Niles would refer to him as Grandpa. Despite having to get used to it, he didn't care at all. Seeing Niles smile whenever he said it was worth the strangeness.

"Glad to hear it. Did you remember the baggies for Sumo?" he checked as Niles zipped and buttoned his puffy blue coat. He paused with a thoughtful hum as he tugged his woollen gloves and hat out of his pockets and rustled around until he found a handful of little black bags. He held them up to show Hank before putting them back inside. "Alright, have fun at the park." Hank tugged Niles' navy hat a little lower on his head to cover his small ears before stepping back to wave them off. Connor smiled warmly as Niles wrestled Sumo's collar to clip on the lead. Sumo was woofing and wagging his tail in anticipation as he panted and hopped from paw to paw.

"See you later!" Connor called as he started off down the drive, hurrying a little as Sumo lurched into a run and dragged Niles after him. He was really too large for Niles to walk by himself, and could easily end up dragging his smaller body if he fell. Hank chuckled as he watched Niles yell for Sumo to slow down as Connor jogged over and took the lead, easily encouraging his lumbering form to heel.

"Careful you don't slip on the ice!" Hank called after them, waving as they looked back. Sumo turned and woofed as if he'd heard, tail wagging as his pants turned into puffy white clouds in the winter air. Connor and Niles waved their agreement before they continued up the street. Connor kept hold of the leather lead while Niles walked a little ahead at Sumo's side to pet his head and tug his collar if he veered off course. Sumo didn't really need much supervision. Despite his excitement and eagerness, he was still a well-behaved dog.