System_err0r | Detroit Become Human (Connor x Hank)

Chapter 13: Now_playing_take_my_breath_away.mp3

Part 5: thirst_filled_atoms_rotate_around_salvation

"And I don't want to see any injuries that could have been avoided," Fowler ended with a pointed glance towards a few hot-blooded officers.

There was a general nod of consent from the crowd and then the first pairs went up. A scrawny man named Kevin, one of the particularly unhappy looking desk workers, and the much tougher looking Bob. Connor thought that Kevin had gotten a good partner to exchange techniques with. Bob was a pleasant man, easy to get along with and not someone that would pick on someone just because he could.

The match ended with an over-the-shoulder throw from Bob after not quite ten seconds with Kevin landing flat on his back but not looking worse for wear.

Next were two equally burly patrol officers whose match lasted considerably longer. Both appeared to have their fundamentals seemed stable, the openings fairly hard to exploit for someone that was not better trained.

Connor would be able to knock them both out within a matter of seconds, but his software had several close quarter fighting techniques installed. It would be an embarrassment if he wouldn't be able to beat only minimally trained officers. The move-sets he possessed consisted of several styles from various cultures, ranging from the Israeli Krav Maga over the Japanese Judo and Jujutsu as well as the American Close Quarters Defense.

The third match was as uninteresting as the first while the fourth drew some cheers from the crowd.

It was one of their few female officers, Sophie, against the tough looking Mike. Mike tried his best, attempting to break Sophie's defense repeatedly, but Sophie was among the best in the department and it was easy to tell that she was only providing Mike with chances to show his abilities instead of throwing him onto the mat right away. Not long after, Mike landed with a loud thump on the padded ground.

Connor fidgeted with the hem of his uniform before he noticed what he was doing and stopped.

Sophie would be a difficult opponent for Hank, not only because she truly was excellent at hand-to-hand combat, but also because she was a woman and Hank would likely hold back. Connor hoped that would never become a problem while facing a suspect.

He remembered Hank's stuttered and apologetic dismissal of one of the Tracies down to the last word and gesture – courtesy of his system recording everything – and smiled a bit.

Hank could be cute. And Connor really wanted to find out what sort of expression Hank would wear if ever he told him that. Hank was usually soft and fond of body contact when they were at home but cute wasn't the word Connor would use for that, he mused. Though the way Hank blushed so easily when feelings were brought up certainly was endearing and Connor supposed calling that cute would be accurate as well.

"Hank and Robert."

Connor was startled from his musings and he watched as Hank and the relatively well experienced Robert walked into the center of the mats.

"Your ass is gonna greet the floor, Robert," Hank edged on good naturedly.

"Keep dreaming, old man."

They both got into a defensive stance before slowly circling each other, looking for an opening. One of Robert's legs shot out, trying to trip Hank. Hank's leg came forward as well, his foot colliding with the front of Robert's and pushing it down in a counter move. Trying to keep the upper hand, Hank advanced, striking at Robert's shoulder and Robert tried to block it with a hand but Hank negated the move with a circular movement from his wrist. Hank's movements were sharp and precise, not betraying the amount of alcohol he consumed over the years to dull and numb himself.