Connor's always an interesting struggle for him, because Hank is good at reading people, but he's been wrong about androids a lot more times than right. When Connor started to deviate he noticed, but he also wasn't entirely sure at the time, if he was simply looking for something he wanted. Especially once he realized he did want Connor to deviate, that he wanted it more than he could put into words without even knowing fully his reasons why. Now he could see emotions and reactions on his friend's face but reading them isn't the same thing as most people he knows. And despite everything he is also careful. He doesn't want to push Connor too far. He's had enough of that.

Hank listens and then makes a face. "Ah, shit, it's not ...." God, here he is reflecting on whether or not he can read Connor when Hank himself can be a damned mystery. He is a maze himself, with false trails and unspoken truths. He grimaces and shakes his head slowly. "Alright, so that was me trying to act nonchalant and casual." He owes Connor honesty now that he's being called out. Awhile ago he might have waved it away, but he really is trying, even if it's very uncomfortable for him. "I wanted to see you, and I wanted an excuse to make you come here, but I didn't want it to be obvious."

It sounds ridiculous put like that. It sounds a lot like when he was a teen trying to figure out how to talk to a girl he liked, which he is not entirely fond of the comparison, but it's similar in the approach. How to get something without acting desperate about it. Hank clears his throat and scratches his beard. "I'm not worried about your capabilities. I'm just ...." He shrugs and looks away. "Worried. About my friend." He feels way too honest and exposed at the moment and hates it.