Title: Apple From The Tree

Characters: Bernard, Lupo, Connie, Mike, Jack, Anita

Summary: Set after 'Human flesh search engine'.

A Drama about the search for Kevin Bernard's and estranged son. Bernard hands in his badge after it becomes too difficult to work the next case with Lupo. Partnerships and relationships begin to tear to pieces. Will age-old wounds ever be healed?

A/N: Greetings! This time I'm posting a story about paternity and family because it was Father's day here last weekend. (Hence why it's going to be in September in the story) Not many people write about Bernard so I thought I might give it a crack! I hope you enjoy the story :)

Chapter 1

Far From The Tree

Prologue:

It certainly wasn't an easygoing week at the office for Detective Kevin Bernard. He'd have his good days and then he'd have his bad days, but nothing could have prepared him for this week's case. His personal life had been put on the stand and was forced into the public's eye. He also unintentionally became a viral hit on the Internet overnight. The recent case caused his sense of security and privacy to be greatly compromised, all done by the slimy hands of an over-eager gossip-munching blog creator. There was one thing from B's past that he didn't want to have to experience again, that became the target of the blogger. His past was brought up in court and used against him, jeopardising his testimonies credibility when asked about his honesty. Bernard was an honest person, he worked in the IAB after all, but one lie, 12 years ago, came back to bite him.

Rosemary Franklin attended Compton's 1998 Police Academy Graduation party in Los Angeles when her Fiancé became a new recruit; she had no significant tie to the young Bernard, who also just graduated and attended the party. Many drinks later and after certain things led to other things, Rosemary found herself pregnant 3 weeks later. Bernard and Rosemary kept their secret from the boy and the Fiancé for 12 years.

A few months straight after the birth, Kevin had had trouble with child support payments as there were paternity issues surrounding whether or not if he was the father or if Rosemary's fiancé was. They seemed to work out how to function normally even with secrets as big as theirs and after all these years peace was held from both parties. It worked well when no one dared to interrupt what they had... until the 'Human Search Engine' case.

August 2010

Present Day

Meade's bar, New York

5.00pm

The case was finally over, no more stands, no more humiliation, no more blogs and hopefully no more secrets leaking. Kevin Bernard sat quietly by himself at the bar, sipping his beer. His partner was silently sitting beside him. They both nearly lost the case were feeling glad it was over but a bit down because they felt as though they had let their Lt. down as well as the DA's. Lupo attempted to comfort B with a joke he had heard recently.

"Have you heard about the old ladies that went driving?" Lupo began.

"No I haven't", said Bernard curiously

"Ok. So two friends were going along the road when the passenger noticed that the driver was going through a red light. She thought to herself, "Perhaps I shouldn't say anything, she probably already noticed what she did and doesn't need someone to point it out to her."

They came up to another set of lights, only to go through them when they were red again. The passenger started to get very worried, and thought it was time to mention something. She then realised that her friend, the driver, had terrible eyesight. They drove through one more set of lights and the passenger chose to speak up, "Do you know that you've gone through 3 red lights already? Are you alright to drive?"

The driver then asked, "Oh, I'm driving, am I?"

Bernard laughed and shook his head; it was the type of joke he expected to hear from Lupo. It worked though; their mood was lighter.

"Nice Dad Joke, Lupes" He said

"Haha thanks, yes it was definitely a Dad joke" Lupo replied.

There was a brief silence before he continued, "Speaking of Dad..."

"Lupo, I know where you're going with this, and don't go there" Bernard stopped him.

"But, fathers day is coming up next month, and don'tcha think that now is the perfect chance to-"

"Lupo, don't ya think I've had enough today, all this talk about...you know."

"Being a father"

"No"

"Being a father! Because that's what you are. Whether you're in Compton or New York, today or tomorrow... You're a father " Lupo corrected him

"I don't need you to lecture me. It was a long time ago, I haven't forgotten what's happened."

"You've forgotten what you are though," Lupo said

"Excuse me?" Bernard raising his voice. The bartender looked over at them, ready to walk over if it was necessary.

Bernard and Lupo noticed, and lowered their voices slightly but continued to quarrel.

"You can't just suddenly go up to someone and tell them, "You've been lied to your whole life, that man who says he's your dad, isn't." And besides, I'm not 'Daddy material', and I don't even know what it takes to look after a 12 year old."

"But B, you wouldn't expect to be one overnight, it'll take time and patience from both of you. You have nothing to worry about, you'll do a great job." Lupo tried to reason with him

"How do you know if I'll be able to raise a kid? This is nothing like you and Jenny-"

"Hey Watch it!" Lupo yelled and pointed at him.

"Hey! Hey! Enough!" A familiar voice sounded as she intercepted from behind. It was Connie. They both went silent as she gave Bernard a piece of paper.

"What is it?" Bernard asked as Lupo watched from a distance.

"It's a written apology from Mike, you know, about today." She said.

"Really?" Lupo asked.

"Well it was a mountain climb and a half to get it." She light heartedly said, "But he means every word though" she added.

"Well there you go" Bernard happily sighed, "I didn't expect that"

"Have a seat Connie," Lupo offered her as he shifted his empty bottle out of the way. "What would you like to drink?" he asked her.

"Oh, the regular, please" she smiled as she sat on the stool. Lupo gestured to the Bartender.

"Anything for you, B?" Lupo then asked.

"Nah, I'm good thanks, I think I'll call it a night"

"Ok, suit yourself. Don't leave because of me though." Lupo guiltily said.

"No Lupes, I should listen to what you have to say. But it's been a long day and I need to do a lot thinking, that's all."

He hopped up and put money on the counter.

"Please thank Mike for me, Connie"

"Sure. will do," she said while sipping her drink.

"Goodnight guys, see you monday" Bernard said as he headed out. Lupo sat in his spot and ordered another drink for himself.

"Bye Bernard" Connie and Lupo said.