Chapter 1: Chapter one
Chapter Text
Chapter one
Setting: High School
A warm classroom; contrast to the cold winter breeze of January blowing outside. 24 students sat slouched in desks that stood in neat rows, 4 desks in each row.
The chattering of most of the students blurred together and the teacher had stepped outside for a bit. Conversations were held among the class; everyone took this time to talk. Everyone except one. The Lieutenant’s son, the smartass, the troubled kid, the top student in all of his classes ..Connor Anderson. Troubled indeed, he tended to get picked on due to his father which usually led to him getting into fights. He was also a good instigator which usually led to pissing people off which led to detention. Many believed he was self-centered or conceited because of his dad’s ranking as a lieutenant in the police department. They believed he thought he was better than them; it didn’t help that Connor was also a very smart kid, gave the other kids all the more reason to envy him.
In Connor’s eyes, he wasn’t nearly as conceited as they assumed he was( even though in his opinion he would have every right to be) yeah he could be a smartass but self-centered? He’d have to disagree. Connor was fully aware of
their jealousy but he wasn’t going to let that diminish him. Just because they wanted to b*tch and mo@n with his inherited intelligence didn’t mean he had to just sit there and take it. He knew exactly who he was and he was proud of it.
Currently, he was sitting at his desk watching the snow swiftly breeze past the window. Connor didn’t particularly like the cold, but it was quite pleasant to watch.
And then the moment ended.
A hand harshly grabbed at his shoulder. Jack.
Short for jackass, Connor assumed. It was fitting. Jack stood to the right of his desk, gripping his shoulder.
“Enjoy detention yesterday, smartass? You know you might actually get kicked out of this school if you keep it up?” Jack said in false tone concern. One of his buds came to the left side of Connor’s desk and put his hand on his shoulder as well; Dig. Short for- a slow boot licker who had a pebble for a brain, hell maybe even smaller than that.
“Probably hasn’t yet because of his daddy’s ranking in the COP force!”
‘Police’ force you idiot. Connor thought
Connor glared up at Jack
“Rather be in there then having to listen to the nonsense that comes out of you mouth everyday damn day.” Connor responded. His voice calm and leveled, clearly he didn’t feel threatened. His tone only pissed Jack off (heh jack off lol). Jack put his unoccupied hand on Connor’s desk and leaned in a bit closer to Connor’s face.
“Listen you ‘know it all’. I don’t care who your daddy is, you’re still below me no matter what. I can beat your ass, and I’ll beat his too ya hear me, Anderson!”
“Yeah a little too well- back up! You just can’t go one day without blabbering to me about your bullshit can ya buddy?” Connor turned his face to Jack and slightly part his lips and gave a small smirked
“Shut the hell up! You’re nothing compared to me.”
“Yeah!” Dig said
Connor turned to Dig
“Ah! You’re minion! I almost forgot about you Dig, man you’re just such a- well..you’re just an idiot my friend.” Connor said letting out a soft and short chuckle
Connor shook Dig’s and Jack’s hand off his shoulders and stood up facing Dig. “I mean come. ON. I mean compared to me I’d say you’re nothing.” Connor mouth slight tugged upwards but his eyes held warning. “Also don’t f*cking put your hands on me.” Voice still calm but it definitely held some edge to it this time.
“Oh now you’ve really!-“ Dig tried but Jack put his pointer finger up to shut him up. He did a ‘shoo’ motion to Dig; Dig walked back to his desk. Jack walked around two desks to get to the side Connor was on and faced him. Jack stared at him, trying to get something out of him- some sort of fear. Connor’s demeanor didn’t falter at his attempt of intimidation.
“You’ve got the guts Anderson, I’ll give you that.”
“Something you lack I suppose?”Connor spat back. His tone became ruder, more offensive.
Jack walked closer; Connor could feel his breath on his face as it picked up from irritation.
“You know one of these days your dad won’t be able to come and save you yknow that? Huh? You know that!”
Connor glared at him. He was sick and tired of people assuming his dad was the only reason for any good thing to happen to him.
“There you go again assuming every aspect of my life revolves around my dad. “ Connor then widened his eyes in a false innocence doing his, what Hank likes to call it, ‘puppy dog eyes’ except only this time he was doing it in a condescending way. Connor started speaking softer. “Is it because you can’t accept the fact that someone like me- someone you hate..can surpass you? I’ll be ahead of you no matter what; when are you gonna realize that Jack?” Connor said as he frowned for a second as if he felt bad, but then chuckled in his face right after.
The blood started rushing to Jack’s face and he was already turning into a tomato; he started seething like an angry bull.
“Ok well you know what I say? I say F*ck you! F*ck you, Anderson!-“
Connor cut him off
“Yeah well how about I say I don’t give a shit?”
Jack grabbed Connor by his collar
“You son of a bitch!” Jack yelled
Connor smirked for a split second, happy that he was able to make the dude lose his sh!t once again. Too easy.
Connor pushed him off roughly
“Don’t touch me! You said you’ll kick my ass-? Well I’ll kick yours, asshole!” Connor yelled.
Jack almost punched him but then
“BOYS!” The teacher yelled as she stood there in the doorway.
Connor and Jack looked towards her.
Shit. Connor thought
“DETENTION!”
End of chapter one
Chapter 2: Chapter two
Summary:
Setting: Detention
“What else is new?” -Connor probably
Chapter Text
Chapter two
Setting: Detention
It during the afternoon and instead going home Connor was stuck in detention with Jackass. Connor just kept to himself pretty much. They had about 24 minutes left in here (yes he was counting) so Connor laid back slightly in his desk; watching the clock, waiting.
Jack kept to himself as well, mostly. He occasionally muttered a few curse words- something along the lines of ‘damn prick’ or ‘next time you bastard.’ Connor decided to pay no mind to it.
He glanced at the clock once again and let out an inaudible sigh as he combed his fingers through his curled locs of dark brown hair.
20 more minutes. Dad’s gonna be pissed. Connor thought. He’d have to sit through another lecture with his father once again juuust like last time
___________ Flashback
Setting: Home
Connor sat on the couch in the living room as he got scolded by Hank Anderson, his father. His father did small paces in the room, he already has a stressful day at the DPD now he had to deal with his teenage son’s attitude. The two were practically copies of each other- personality wise that is, every time this happened Hank always saw himself within his son. He really didn’t want Connor to make the e same mistakes he did when he was kid.
Hank stopped his pacing and stood in front of Connor with his arms crossed; Connor crossed his arms as well.
“Goddammit kid, really? Again? How many times do I have to say it, stop getting into fights! How many time before you get that through your head? You’re a good kid Connor and I don’t like to see you throw that away just because- because what, because some kid thinks he’s better than yo-“ Connor cuts him off
“Dad he’s an asshole! And it’s not my fault he always starts it. I just tell him the truth and then he swings at me! He’s crazy dad.” He said
“Connor fighting at school is not ok, and also watch your language!” Hank said
Connor just looked away, glaring to his right.
“Son this isn’t how this works! Fighting isn’t how you solve your problems! Listen I’m here if you want to talk about it ok? I’m here, just talk to me son, talk to me. Look at me, Connor.”
Connor didn’t look at him.
“Connor.” Hank said sternly
Connor then snapped his gaze at him.
“What exactly would we talk about? Because it looks like to me you don’t understand anything I’m saying!”
“Then help me understand, son! What happens? What could possibly be the reason of all this!”
“I told you, dad! But you don’t wanna listen you just don’t listen!” Connor stood up from the couch and headed to his room.
Hank sighed
“Connor! Don’t walk away from me kid! Connor! Jesus.”
Connor ignored him and went inside his room, slamming the door close.
Hank sighed deeply and heavily slumped down on the couch.
God this parenting shit was hard.
___________End of flashback
Connor gets why he was upset but.. sometimes he just didn’t understand. It’s not his fault people get mad at him so easily; he was the main victim here! His intelligence was forced to be his greatest strength and his greatest weakness.
After minutes and minutes of sulking in his desk, it was finally over. Jack was immediately out the door. Connor grabbed his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. As he headed towards the door the teacher who was watching them spoke
“Hold it Mr. Anderson!”
Connor stopped in his tracks and sighed. He turned around to face the teacher.
“You’ve been in and out of here again and again. Word of advice don’t stay on this path, you’re a smart kid. Smart but troubled, just like your old man. Make good decisions ok kid?” The teacher said
Connor looked away for a second before talking
“Okay.” Connor said with slight sarcasm
“I mean it!”
“O.K…can I go now?” Connor said, he was ready to leave.
“You may leave.” The teacher said
Connor quickly turnt around and zoomed out the door. He strove down the empty hallways and eventually reached the EXIT. He immediately sees an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme car that he knows all too well. He walks towards the car, opens the door and gets in the and sits down in the front passenger seat; slamming the car door closed.
Silence
“What happened this time?” Hank asked turning his head to look at Connor. Connor didn’t return his gaze; he just looked at the window on his right.
Connor slightly shrugged and said “Same old, asshole starts a fight with me, I defend myself and yet I still get in trouble.”
Hank sighed. “Connor, really?- and watch your language. Jesus.”
“Why do you choose their side over mine?”
“Connor. You know that’s not true-“
Connor scoffs. “Yeah, ok.” He muttered
“…listen..Connor. You’re a smart kid alright, you’re great. I just..don’t want to see you throw your life away by getting into trouble all the time. You’re not a bad kid, son. Look at me.”
Connor reluctantly turned his head to look over at his father.
“You. Are. Smarter than this. Okay?” Hank stated softly but also sternly to his son.
Connor stared back at Hank before nodding softly. “Okay.”
Hank smiled warmly and ruffled Connor’s hair.
Connor, embarrassed, protested but it had no real edge to it. “Dad..” he said shifting his head away slightly
Hank chuckled and pulled his hand back.
The mood inside the car was lighter and the tension had disintegrated.
Hank started the car again and started moving out of the parking lot and onto my the main road.
“Oh by the way, kid. We’ll have to head over to the DPD first; need to pick up some files.”
“What kind of files.”
“Files on a case.”
“What kind of case”
Hank sighed. He knew what his son was doing. Connor always wanted in on the action with whatever case Hank would get, obviously after finding this out Hank decided to be vague with his words so that the boy wouldn’t pester him about it any further.
“None of your concern.”
“I can help you know.”
There it is.
“No.” Hank stated immediately
“Dad-“ Connor tried
“No.” Hank said sternly
Connor huffed.
“Whatever.” He mumbled
Hanks phone rings
RINGGGG
RINGGG
“Hey can you get that for me please?” Hank asked
Connor grabbed his phone to see who it was.
Ugh, Gavin. He thought and let out a scoff
“What? Who is it?” Hank asked as he kept his eyes on the road.
“Gavin.”
Hank scoffs
Connor answers the call.
“HANK! Could your old ass be any slower?! Where the hell are-“
Connor cut him off
“The hell do you want, bastard!”
Connor demanded
“Wha- what the- watch your mouth you little- wait, where the hell is Hank?!”
“Hey! Idiot. Quit yelling I can hear you fine. What do you want with my father anyway?” Connor asked as he leaned back in his seat.
“Just put him on the phone.” Gavin said through clenched teeth.
“You can suc-“ Connor tried but Hank took the phone before he could finish and held it up to his ear as they waited at a red light.
“What do you want Gavin?” Hank asked irritated by his presence already.
“I want you to get your ass down here! Fowler’s already been giving me enough shit, hurry up! And don’t bring your prick son!”
“Watch it.” Hank warned; upset at the man for insulting his son. “Also, I’m already on my way so quit your whining ya bastard. I will be there in when I be there.” Hank hung up and threw his phone in the back of the car.
Connor spoke “Asshole”
“You know what I’ll let that one slide cause you’re right.” Hank agreed
______________At the DPD
Hank parked the car and took out the keys
“Alright, just stay put ok kid? I’ll be quick.” Hank said
Connor looked at him. “Alright.” Connor agreed all too calmly.
Hank looked at him skeptically
“I mean it. Don’t go anywhere, Connor. You understand?”
Connor let’s put a small sigh “Got it, lieutenant.”
Connor said, slightly annoyed that he had to wait and do nothing. He usually only called him lieutenant when he thought that he was being too police-like or err.. general- y? Uh idk, anyways he just did that when he got more serious with him.
Hank stated at him for a second then nodded.
“Good.” Hank exited the vehicle and headed towards the door of the DPD. Connor watched him enter.
Boredom absolute boredom.
It didn’t help that his phone was dead so obviously that was a no go.
He just laid back in his seat.
And then he didn’t.
Connor sat up more when he heard something..or..someone? A scream but it was cut off by choking. Connor’s sharp ears allowed him to hear every bit of it. Connor quickly open the door of the car and sprinted towards the noise. He entered an alleyway and that’s when he saw it.
“Oh.. oh my god. Are- are you ok?!” Connor yelled and quickly bent down towards the girl that was slumped against the wall in a sitting position. Her neck was bruised. In fact there were bruises and cuts all over her and she was bleeding from her stomach. She was stabbed.
She coughed up blood. Connor couldn’t believe it. He knew her, she was in his class.
Kara
Her eyes started to drop.
“Hey, hey, hey! You’re gonna be alright ok? Don’t close your eyes, it’s ok. You’ll be fine Kara.” Connor was panicking but he tried to keep calm so he wouldn’t stress out the poor wounded girl.
She coughed again
“Co-nn-..connor.” She said barely above a whisper
“Yeah! Yeah it’s me, it’s Connor.”
“..him..our..cl..”
What Connor thought
“Save your breath. Don’t speak. Stay awake cmon. SOMEBODY HELP! HELP!” Connor called out.
“him…him.”
“Shh shh! Don’t talk! Just keep breathing ok?” Connor pleaded
Kara’s breathing picked up, and then slowed and slowed, and then slower.
And then-
…
“Kara..? Kara. Kara! Hey wake up!” Connor yelled. Kara was limp and her eyes were closed, one last tear fell from it.
“No…” Connor muttered
He was then suddenly pulled up and turnt around. He faced his dad, he also saw a few other officers.
“CONNOR! Connor are you ok?” Hank asked urgently, his eyes then shifted behind Connor and landed on the corpse. “Oh Jesus Christ…” Hank pulled himself and Connor out of the way so the other officers could examine the dead body. Hank stared back at Connor.
Connor’s eyes were wide and unfocused.
“..dead. She’s dead. I.. I saw it..I-“ Connor tried but cut off by his gasp for air as he started to freak out.
Hank quickly pulled him in for a hug, holding the back of his head with his hand. Connor dug his face into his shoulder and instantly hugged back.
“It’s ok, yours ok son. You’re alright, you’re ok. Shh you’re ok. Breathe.” Hank comforted.
Connor only thought about what she said to him.
Who is him why did she keep repeating it?
Who?