Between school and Connor's lessons from Haytham, the next few weeks flew by. He had no time to himself, and he liked it that way. He had always busy at the Reservation too. The only time he spent with Ellie was in class, while driving, or while they were teaming up on homework.

However, Connor had also become the main victim of Hickey and Company in those same weeks. It had become normal to find his locker decorated with drawings and words that usually targeted his people. "Injun" and other obscene words were always written with the pictures. The worst one he found so far, today's piece of work, had a picture of someone being scalped.

He sighed, ripping the paper off his locker and hurling it into the recycling bin. He turned away, heading towards calculus, the last class of the day. Connor liked calculus, honestly. He loved math because it was pure and simple. All he had to do was follow the steps and he got the right answer. Other classes like English and physics pissed him off because there were so many alternatives.

He walked into the classroom, taking his usual seat toward the back. The students already there were chattering in excitement. It was Friday and there was a football game tonight, so the air was full of energy.

"Hey! Injun!"

Connor bit the inside of his cheek, forcing himself to study the lesson plan posted on the board.

He felt something hit the back of his head lightly. Connor rolled his eyes as he spotted the wad of paper on the ground. He picked it up and tossed it into the recycling bin. Looking at the doorway, he saw some of Hickey's cronies scurrying away.

Ellie happened to walk in that moment, sending a scalding look at them as they dashed down the hall. She took her seat next to him and gave him a concerned look. "What was that about?" she asked. She was the only one he had told about Hickey's antics.

"Nothing. They're just being stupid," he said, trying for indifferent as he pulled his book out.

Ellie arched a brow, hardly looking convinced.

Connor gave her an exasperated look.

Ellie held up her hands. "Okay, if you say so." Her look promised further discussion later.

As the teacher walked in, Connor forced the thoughts of Hickey and his crew to the back of his mind and immersed himself into the lesson.

After class, Connor hurriedly stopped at his locker and shoved his unneeded books inside, praying he could avoid Hickey and company.

"Psst!" Connor jumped at the sound.

Connor looked to see Kadar hiding behind the edge of the lockers. Connor slung one strap of his backpack on, giving him a quizzical look. "Yeah?" he asked.

"Can I, uh, walk with you? I think they're waiting for me," Kadar asked, looking embarrassed.

Connor nodded in understanding, heading toward the main entrance. Kadar quickly sped up to his side. "Thanks! My brother told me to walk with someone and I hoped you would let me," he explained, struggling to keep up with Connor's long strides.

Connor shortened his steps a little. "He did?"

"Yeah. He said they wouldn't target me as much if I had someone with me. So I'd figured, maybe I'd just walk with you."

"That's fine. Don't one of your friends want to walk with you?" Connor asked, looking around for Hickey. He wasn't going to let this kid get it while he was around.

"No, not really," Kadar admitted, sticking his hands in his pockets. He ducked his head in embarrassment.

"Why not?"

"I think it's because I'm different. I'm not a normal American. I was born in Syria and we came here when I was five," he replied, looking at his feet.

Connor then noticed the Arabic lilt in the kid's voice. Hickey and his cronies targeted Kadar for the same reason they targeted Connor. Their heritages weren't common.

"Do you remember Syria?" Connor looked down at Kadar.

Kadar scrunched his nose. "Not really. I was really little when we came here. Malik and Altair could tell you all about it."

"Who are they?"

"My brother and his friend. It's just the three of us here."

"Cool." Connor nodded slightly.

They remained in a comfortable silence until they got to the main entrance. Hickey was nowhere in sight. "Where did you live before you came here?" Kadar asked, opening the door.

"I lived at the Mohawk Reservation west of here."

"Wow! What was that like?"

Connor stood out in front of the school with Kadar, talking about what living at the Reservation was like. The black car from before finally pulled up about five minutes later. The dark haired man nodded to Connor as Kadar quickly scurried over to the car's side.

"See ya!" Kadar said, getting in.

Connor waved, heading toward the corner of the student parking lot, where Ellie's bug was parked. She was leaning on the hood, grinning widely at him.

Connor walked up, moving to get in. Ellie was still smiling at him.

"What?" he asked, feeling uncomfortable with the look she was giving him.

"Did you make a new friend?" she asked happily.

"I guess. He was scared that Hickey would mess with him, so he asked me to walk with him."

Ellie's eyes twinkled. "That was nice of you."

Connor shrugged. "I can take a hit. I'd rather have them pick on me than him."

Ellie cocked her head. "You don't even really know him."

"Does it matter?" he asked. He felt like she was playing one of those girly mind tricks on him.

"Nope," she said, getting in. Ellie was still grinning widely.

Connor shook his head in confusion. "Okay," he said, still feeling confused. He got in right as she turned the key in the ignition.

"Want a movie night?" Ellie asked as she pulled out.

Connor pulled the seatbelt across himself, shrugging. Inside, his stomach turned in excitement. "Sure."

Ellie glanced at him. "Will your Dad be okay with that?"

Connor nodded. "He's gone on some business until tomorrow. He told me I could go to your place."

Ellie grinned. "And you absolutely need to have a movie night?"

"I am in serious need of a movie night."

The only reason Ellie didn't drool every time Aragorn came on screen is because she didn't want to creep out Connor. They had started their movie marathon with The Fellowship of the Ring and Ellie was already gripping the couch pillow dramatically. Right now, the Fellowship was going into the Mines of Moria, and Gandalf was facing the fire demon.

"I always hate this part," Ellie grumbled, holding the pillow tight, not daring to take her eyes off the screen.

"Why? You know he comes back," Connor said, throwing a piece of popcorn in his mouth.

"Yeah, but I remember watching this the first time and thinking he was actually dead," Ellie mumbled. She shot Connor a look and he smirked.

Connor rolled his eyes and focused back on the movie. Ellie poked his arm, stealing some popcorn before returning her gaze to the movie. After they escaped from Moria, Ellie leaned against Connor's tense side, stealing some more popcorn.

Ellie grinned. Even though they were both sitting on the floor, leaning back against the couch, he was dwarfing her. She rested her head on his shoulder, tensing up as Boromir confronted Frodo.

Towards the end of the movie, Ellie peeked up at Connor. The light from the TV screen nearly hid the pink tint of his cheeks and the tense posture he held. She almost rolled her eyes at his immeasurable dorkiness.

The movie ended and Ellie got up to get The Two Towers out. "I'm so excited for this one," she said, sticking the DVD in.

"Why?"

Ellie peeked at him over her shoulder. "It's my favorite."

She moved back to his side, slightly frowning at the kernel filled popcorn bowl. Taking it from Connor, Ellie brought it to the kitchen. She put a new bag in the microwave, humming the theme song for the Shire as it started to whir.

"Do you have anything to drink?" Connor called over the microwave.

Ellie moved toward the cabinet the cups were in. "Yeah. What do you want?"

"Water is fine."

Ellie opened the cabinet, rolling her eyes and groaning at the cups stacked on the top shelf…again. "Eliza. She keeps rearranging everything!" she grumbled to herself, reaching up on the tips of her toes. Her fingers barley brushed the bottom of the shelf.

Connor's hand suddenly appeared over her, grabbing the cups and putting them down on the counter. Ellie could feel him slightly brushing against her back as he reached over her. She pouted up at Connor with frustration. "You are too freaking tall," she said, taking the cups from the counter and moving towards the sink.

"It's not my fault you're so short." He smirked down at her.

"Lumbering ox," she grumbled, filling up the cups with water.

"What?" Ellie could have sworn she heard a laugh under his breath.

Ellie looked at him shamelessly over her shoulder. "You heard me."

He grinned good-naturedly, shaking his head. "So I'm a lumbering ox?"

"Yup."

He laughed at her blunt answer, taking the cup she held out for him. "Nia:wen," he said sarcastically, walking back into the living room.

Ellie grinned. She loved hearing the Mohawk language; even the little phrases were interesting to her. She grabbed the popcorn out of the microwave and dumped it into the bowl. Stuffing some into her mouth, she grabbed her own cup and ambled back into the living room. Connor was already sitting down again, remote in hand.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Go for it."

She sat down, handing him the bowl as he pressed play.

"So, why is this one your favorite?" he asked, stuffing some popcorn in his mouth.

She shrugged. "I just like it the most."

"It can't be because of the fight scenes. The ones in Return of the King were much better," he said, as if it were obvious.

"Hold on! The Battle of Helm's Deep is one of the best things in the whole trilogy!"

"It's not as great as the Battle of Minas Tirith!"

"That's because that's one of the last battles! The Battle of Helms Deep was a turning point for the people of Middle Earth!"

"So?"

"You just don't like it because the special effects aren't as amazing," Ellie said, crossing her arms smugly.

"That's not why," he retorted, tossing more popcorn in his mouth.

"Whatever you say." She was tempted to throw some popcorn at him.

He mumbled something around his mouthful popcorn, paying attention to the movie again. Ellie grinned, leaning against him again. Her breath hitched when Aragorn came on the screen again. "Good Lord," she whispered.

"You love him, don't you?" Connor asked, looking down at her teasingly.

Ellie sighed dreamily. "Yup."

They remained silent as the movie played.

Ellie shivered as the movie played. Peter always turned the air conditioning up during the summer. She pulled the blanket off the couch and snuggled closer to Connor. He shot her an alarmed look.

"You're really warm," she said, looking up at him. He was tensing up and being awkward again.

"Okay?" he said, looking confused.

"That's a good thing," she said, giving him a teasing grin.

The blush on his cheeks darkened and he cleared his throat roughly, paying attention to the movie again. Ellie grinned. He was so awkward it was almost cute.

In that case, she was going to enjoy his embarrassment.

After the trilogy was finished, Connor said goodbye to Ellie and left her house, still on a fantasy high. Connor wondered if there was a sword similar to those in the movies somewhere in his father's collection. He froze and turned around when he heard footsteps behind him. Connor looked around the yard, squinting. The light of the moon and the street light were barely enough to let him see the shady figures approaching.

"Hello, Injun."

Connor barely ducked under the fist heading toward his head. He jumped back, trying to identify the voice's owner.

"Hey, New Guy," Hickey growled lowly, grinning maliciously. Hickey and his friends were wobbling on their feet unsteadily.

Connor could smell the alcohol on their breaths from where he was standing.

"Crap," he muttered at Hickey lunged forward.

Connor tried his best to remember his father's training as Hickey threw another punch. Connor easily blocked it and pushed Hickey aside. Hickey let out colorful curses as he rolled on the ground while his friends lunged forward. Connor tried his best to shake them off, but soon found himself immobile, held by his arms.

Hickey managed to push himself up by the time Connor was restrained. He sneered at Connor before landing a punch directly in the gut.

The hit knocked the breath right out of Connor. He gasped for breath and tensed as Hickey punched again.

"You Injuns never learned your lesson, did you?" Hickey snarled as he moved to smash Connor's face.

Connor squeezed his eyes shut, preparing for the hit.

"Lemme go!" Hickey let out a strangled cry.

He opened his eyes to see Hickey's fist being held back by another hand. The man swept Hickey's feet out from under him, causing the drunken teen to land on his back with a huge 'thud'.

"Get him!"

The goons let go of Connor and rushed toward the man. With swift, easy motions, the man left them in a pile with their leader.

"I suggest you leave before I call the police," the man calmly said, stepping over the mound of drunken teenagers toward Connor. Connor looked at the man in bewilderment. The African American, hunched elder barley looked able to walk, let alone take down a few able-bodied teens. Connor's gaze flicked towards a frightened Hickey and his bewildered friends.

The man glared at them and nudged them with his foot. "Scram!"

They all got up quickly, running toward the huge truck parked on the other side of the cul-de-sac. "I thought you said this would be easy!" one of them yelled at Hickey.

"Shut up!" he snarled as they dove into the back and Hickey threw open the driver's side door.

Hickey and his goons drove off unsteadily, leaving Connor and the old man alone in Connor's dark yard. The man beckoned to Connor, heading toward the house next door.

Connor followed. This must be Mr. Davenport, he thought, following the man up the steps.

"Are you alright?" Mr. Davenport asked, opening the door.

"I am, thank you," Connor replied politely, following him inside.

Connor looked around the living room as Mr. Davenport closed the door. There was a Marine Corps emblem hanging near the entryway. The room had a rustic, homey feeling to it. At least, that was what he assumed, since he could only see a little bit.

"I'd turn on the light, but the bulb has gone out," Mr. Davenport said, hobbling down the hallway.

Connor followed him into the kitchen.

"Did they hit your face?" the old man asked, moving toward the fridge.

"No. Only the stomach."

Mr. Davenport's hand paused on the handle of the freezer door. "You won't need any raw steak then. Not much to do for that."

He hobbled over to the table, taking a seat.

Connor stood awkwardly and twiddled his thumbs, wondering what to say. He didn't know whether to sit down as well or just stand there. "Um…thank you, Mr. Davenport."

The old man picked up his cane, pointing it at Connor. "Just Achilles, boy. And you are welcome. They're the perfect example of what happens when idiots get bored."

Connor shrugged, feeling uncomfortable.

Achilles tapped a chair with his cane. "Sit."

Connor pulled the chair out hastily, taking a seat. The chair creaked warningly and before Connor knew what was going on, he was on the ground with chair parts scattered around him.

"I forgot that was broken," Achilles said, not looking surprised in the least.

Connor shook his head, moving toward a different chair. His cheeks tingled in embarrassment as he pulled up another chair and sat carefully.

"So, are you going to tell me why those fools drove all the way over here to pick on you?" Achilles asked, resting his hands on his cane.

Connor looked away, trying to formulate an answer. "I…stood up for someone they were picking on. I became their new target."

Connor's stomach boiled in anger once he began to think about the whole ordeal. He didn't understand why people like him and Kadar were the stereotypical targets for people like Hickey. He didn't understand people like Hickey at all.

Achilles nodded in understanding. "It's because you're Native American, is it not?"

Connor clenched his fists, nodding quietly.

Achilles sighed, tapping Connor's chair leg with his cane. "You're going to have to learn to deal with it. It'll happen until you're my age, and long after."

Connor frowned. "I've had practice. I thought I was used to it, but I've never been jumped because of it."

Achilles shook his head and snorted. "I could tell! Haytham's been showing you some of his tricks, I could see that much, but I'm afraid you don't stand a chance against a group."

Connor looked down at his feet and felt his face heat up. He had been saved from a few drunk guys by an old man that had trouble walking.

"I could show you a few tricks, in exchange for something," Achilles said, moving to rise.

Connor quickly stood up, banging his leg on the table in his haste. He ignored the throbbing and looked at Achilles eagerly. "Anything."

Achilles grinned. "You have to help get this place fixed up. I believe your father told you about my proposal?"

Connor nodded. The proposal had almost slipped his mind. "Deal."