Unorthodox Tactics by Longrider
Disclaimer: All Characters from TTSCC are being used purely for entertainment purposes. No copyright infringement or insult is intended. Don't sue, review.
Chapter 1 Stealth
When Sarah noticed her son shuffle into the kitchen in search of breakfast that morning she had to do a double take.
She doubted that her son realized that along with an unruly head of bed hair, he also had the words "HEAVY SLEEPER" written on his forehead in big black letters.
Stifling a grin, she tried to suppress her laughter until John at least noticed for himself.
John had noticed the look his mother had given him and put it down to another approaching conversation about getting a haircut. Truthfully it was getting longer than he usually had it, but he stubbornly refused because it was something normal he and his mother could disagree over.
Besides he'd probably wind up with a crew-cut if mom had her way.
Derek appeared in the doorway as he always did. His usual grunted morning greeting replaced with something more articulate and a smirk that wouldn't quit.
John had noticed his mothers shoulders shake and had looked too late to see her turn away from him.
Something wasn't right, but for the life of him he couldn't put his finger on it. So he just poured his cereal while Derek tucked into some toast and his mother held her coffee mug up to her nose.
When he had nearly finished his breakfast Cameron had entered from the back after her usual morning sweep.
Cameron's graceful movements were stopped when she looked at John.
With her head tilted slightly she inquired to this "new item" in the Connor/Baum morning routine.
When John Heard Cameron ask "why does John have writing on his forehead?" Sarah finally burst out laughing, Derek chuckled and John checked himself in the closest reflective surface.
It was some time before Cameron got her answer.
Surprisingly Derek had explained himself in short order.
That he could pass off a prank as an excuse to help with Johns training while keeping a straight face was enough for Sarah not to come down on him for it.
Besides Sarah couldn't stop laughing whenever she looked at her sons scrubbed forehead.
John handled this with all the grace and dignity that a teenager with a bright red forehead could manage. If it made his mom smile he could live with being the but of a practical joke.
And anyway, payback was its own reward.
John realized he'd just started thinking like the leader he'd become.
That night John had waited a good two hours after Derek had crashed out on the sofa before making his move.
With a big black Crayola marker in hand he creeped up on his sleeping uncle.
He was silent as the night.
He was stealthy like a cat.
He was . . .
"Christ John, I've been in fire-fights quieter than you. Go back to bed and let me sleep wouldja."
. . . Not going to get his uncle back tonight
"Nuts."