Hi! So, this is my first ever Primeval story. I've been working on it for awhile, and I keep fiddling with it. I figure if I just post it, my muse might just leave me alone for awhile. lol
This story is done, but I've been going back and changing little details here and there. I'll just put this part up first, and see if anyone likes it. If so, I'll do the rest.
Anyways, I have no beta, so all mistakes are mine. I haven't written anything in awhile, and never anything for this fandom. I hope you like it. I'd love feedback on it, so I can try and improve what I do. Ok, on with the story
The In Between
Summary: Basically, my version of what should have happened after the beetle incident, and all the stuff that wasn't seen between the last few episodes. Jess/Becker
Rating: T, just in case
Disclaimer: I don't own the awesomeness of Primeval. If I did, things would be a lot different for Jess and Becker. :P
Becker sat down in his office, sighing heavily with exhaustion. His hand came up to run through his hair, the action bringing thoughts of the day back to him. Jess' voice popped up in his head.
I'm sorry… you have lovely hair… Her shaky voice and her pale skin had frightened him, more than he wanted to admit; even to himself. He had tried so hard not to get attached, to not let the cheerful girl into his life, but she had managed it anyway. He dropped his head to the desk with a groan of frustration. How had she managed to make him feel this way? It was ridiculous; he was a trained soldier, dealing with dinosaurs and strange creatures on a daily basis. Jess had a way of making him feel like a 16 year old boy, completely incapable of interacting with a girl.
"You alright?" A voice said from the doorway.
Becker raised his head to look at Matt, trying not to give away his frustration. "Just tired. Everything okay?"
Matt watched him for a moment before nodding and speaking again. "Connor has most of the critical systems back online, including the ADD, but the minor systems will take a few weeks to get fully repaired. How about security?" Matt had to bite his tongue to stop himself from using the phrase 'security stuff,' knowing it would probably get him shot.
"Good. The menagerie is secure, thankfully, and I've got men posted at the outer doors that have malfunctioning locks. We're checking the building for damage to the structure and any possible areas where there could be a breach. The damage is mostly contained to the inner building, so that shouldn't be an issue. We don't have cameras up yet, but hopefully the tech team can get them soon."
"Sounds good. The night crew is here, cleaning up and working on the repairs. I'll be leaving soon to get a couple hours rest, and will come back in early. Abby and Connor are staying until Jess is released from Medical, so they can drive her home. You should get some rest too," Matt suggested, knowing it would be pointless.
"That's alright. I still have a few things to look over, and then I'm going too."
"See you in the morning, then," Matt said, turning to leave. "Have fun with your security stuff," he called, laughing at the groan he heard in reply.
Becker dropped his head back onto his desk. "I'm never going to hear the end of that," he muttered to the empty room. The comment only served to put Jess back that the front of his thoughts, and he rose from his chair. He hoped he could sneak into the medical bay without too many eyes watching him. He wanted to check on Jess before she was released. Despite his frustration, he couldn't ignore his feelings, and needed to see if she was okay.
He walked quickly down the hall, glad it was mostly empty when he reached his destination. He caught movement behind a curtain, and paused when Abby appeared from the other side.
She smirked at him, but didn't tease like he was expecting. "She's back here," she told him with a wave of her hand. "Bout time you showed up," she added once he was closer.
"Sorry," he muttered, the word out before he even realized it. "I was busy," he added. "How is she?"
"Much better, thanks to you," Jess said from the other side of the curtain.
Becker moved around Abby to see the field coordinator lying on a bed, looking tired but indeed much better than earlier. "Hey," he said with a smile. He moved closer to the bed and dropped into the empty chair.
"I'm gonna go get us some water, I'll be back in a bit," Abby said with a grin. "Want anything, Becker?" He shook his head so she left.
Jess smiled at her in thanks and turned her attention to Becker. "Thank you," she said after a few moments. She sat up, and crossed her legs under herself to sit facing him.
"Anytime," Becker replied. "Are you feeling better?"
"Yes. I'm still a little shaky, but that's to be expected, from the adrenaline," she explained.
Becker nodded, but didn't speak. He sat quietly for a few moments, and Jess just watched him, not sure what to say. Finally he spoke, so quietly that she had to strain to hear.
"You scared me, Jess," he admitted.
"I'm sorry," she replied, trying not to read too much into his words. "I'll try not to let any giant beetles from another time bite me again," she joked, trying to lighten the mood.
Becker raised his head to look at her, and took her hand in his. "I thought I was going to lose you," he said. The seriousness of his words startled her.
Jess squeezed his hand in return as she spoke. "I'm alright, Becker. I'm not going anywhere." She smiled at him, and was glad to get one in return.
"Just don't scare me like that again, ever."
"Promise," she replied. Sensing he was slightly uncomfortable with the show of emotion, she tried to lighten the mood again. "So… Emily said I was pretty out of it for awhile. Did I do anything crazy?"
Becker smirked as he thought of her words in the car. "You thought there were tigers in the loading dock," he started, smiling when she giggled and blushed lightly. "And you said you hated me," he said, feigning hurt.
"Oh, I'm sorry! You know I didn't mean it, right?" She questioned, embarrassed.
He chuckled at her reaction. "I sort of figured it out when you said I had lovely hair," he teased.
Jess pulled her hand away and used both to cover her face. "Oh my God," she muttered, her words muffled. "I can't believe I told you that!"
"So you don't like my hair, then?"
"Well of course I do," she blurted, then slapped a hand over her mouth.
Becker didn't think it was possible, but she blushed even more. Feeling guilty, he stopped teasing. He reached a hand out to take hers again. "Jess, it's alright, I was just teasing. You were burning up; you had no control over what you were saying."
"It's still horrid; I can't believe I told you that, even if it is true."
"Well thank you, anyways."
She just nodded, and looked down to where his thumb was absently stroking the back of her hand. She smiled, and Becker followed her eyes. "Sorry," he said, pulling away quickly.
Jess was just about to speak when Abby appeared suddenly. "Not interrupting, am I?" she asked with a small grin. The blush on her roommate's face and the uncomfortable look on Becker's answered her question.
"Here you go," Abby said, handing Jess a glass. "I just saw the doctor; he said you can go just as soon as he comes to check you over once more."
"Finally! I want to get out of here so I can get some work done."
"Jess, you need to rest. Connor is taking care of the computers; you are coming home with me."
"But-" she was cut off by Becker.
"Jess, you're going home to rest, that's an order." He said, earning a glare. "The doctor will just tell you the same thing, so you may as well just agree now."
"Fine," she muttered, crossing her arms and pouting. "But I will be coming in tomorrow," she added.
"We'll see," Abby replied.
A moment later the doctor appeared, and shooed them both away. "We'll be outside in the hall," Abby said.
"Now, Miss Parker, how are you feeling?" He questioned, checking her pulse and blood pressure. "Any dizziness, headache, nausea?"
"Just a little tired, but that's it."
"Alright. I'll let you go home tonight, but don't do anything strenuous. Just rest, and if you are feeling up to it, you can come in tomorrow," he stated. "If you stay at your computers, and don't wear yourself out," he added.
"I promise," she said, happy to be going. "Can I go now?"
"Yes, I'll send someone in with a wheelchair to help you to your car." He said, pulling the curtain back and gesturing that her friends could return.
"That's not necessary, really."
"Must you argue with everyone, Jess?" Becker joked. "You ready to go?"
"Yes. Where's Abby?"
"She went to get your bag from the locker room and tell Connor you're leaving. I offered to get you out to the car, if that's okay with you?"
"Sure." She stepped off the bed, made a face at the wheelchair before climbing into it.
Becker waited until she was settled before coming behind to start pushing her.
"This is ridiculous," she said, causing him to laugh. "It's not funny! I am perfectly capably of walking."
"Relax, Jess. It's only for a few moments. Look, we're almost to the car already."
He halted their movement when he heard a voice calling them. He turned to see Abby rushing over. "Sorry, I tried to catch you before you left the medical bay. I'm needed in the menagerie. Do you mind waiting a bit? It shouldn't take long."
"No, that's fine. I can wait in the lounge."
"I can take her home," Becker offered, causing both women to turn and look at him.
"Great, thanks, Becker," Abby said with a smile. She handed Jess her coat and bag.
"It's okay, I can wait. You don't need to, I know you have work to do," Jess said, though she was giddy on the inside at the thought.
"I don't mind. Call if you need anything," Becker told Abby, who nodded and turned to go.
"We'll see you later," she said.
Jess watched her go before looking to Becker again. "Thank you, again."
"It's no problem, really. Now, let's get you home and in to bed," he said, then blushed as he realized his words. "You know what I meant," he said when she laughed at him.
He changed direction and led them to his truck instead of Jess' car. Once there, he opened the door, and held out a hand to help her up. Once she was settled, Becker closed the door and walked around the other side. He got in, and turned to look at Jess, seeing a confused look on her face.
"Jess? You okay?"
She jumped slightly before turning to face him. "We were here earlier, right?" She questioned.
"Yes, during the lockdown. We were going to get you to a hospital because we couldn't find any adrenaline."
"I called you mean," she said suddenly, blushing again.
"You said a lot of things Jess, you were burning up," he reminded her. He started the car, and slowly drove out of the car park.
They were both silent for a few moments before Jess spoke again. "Thank you."
Becker glanced at her, and noticed she was watching him carefully. "I told you it's no problem Jess. I can get you settled, and go back to work after."
"I didn't mean for the ride, but thanks for that too."
"Then what?"
"For taking such good care of me. I was a horrid patient, but you were still nice to me."
"You remember what happened now?" Becker asked cautiously, thinking of some of his behavior when Jess was sick.
"Some of it's still a bit hazy. I remember getting bit by that disgusting bug, you carrying me out to the car, making me drink water, me calling you mean."
"That's about it, nothing major missing," Becker replied, holding back a sigh of relief. She doesn't remember me kissing her hair, or holding her hand then. Or running away like an idiot, the voice in his head taunted.
"Here we are," he said a minute later, as they pulled up in front of her building. She reached for the door, but froze when Becker got out first and rushed over to her side of the car. He held out a hand again to help her down, and she took it with a smile.
"Such a gentleman," she teased.
"Hush," he replied with a grin.
She led the way to the elevator, and they rode in silence to her floor. Once at her door, she dug around for her keys, and then opened the door for them.
"Nice place," Becker replied once they entered.
"Thanks. It's a bit messy though, what with Connor living here," she replied lightly.
"I can see that," he replied, looking at the computers and video games scattered about main room.
Jess tossed her stuff on the counter and headed to the kitchen. "Can I get you anything?"
"Jess, what are you doing?" he questioned, following after her.
"I'm thirsty," she started, but paused when she realized he was right behind her. She turned, and bumped into his chest. "Oh!"
"Sorry," he said, backing up slightly. "Go sit down."
"But-"
"Now. Tell me what you want, and I'll get it. You need to rest."
"You are mean," she teased before squeezing past him to go sit on the couch. She gave him a dirty look as she dropped onto it. "Happy?"
"Ecstatic," he replied sarcastically under his breath. Louder he said, "What can I get for you?"
"Just some water. There should be some in the fridge."
He pulled out a couple bottles then followed her to the couch. He handed her one as he sat next to her. "Are you always this difficult?" he said after taking a drink of his.
"I don't like not being able to do anything, to help out. You will all probably work all night, while I sit here and go crazy from boredom."
"Jess, there is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself. You nearly died tonight. I think that deserves a bit of rest."
"I know, but I'm fine, really." Her argument was cut off by a yawn, causing Becker to smirk at her.
"You were saying?" He teased.
Jess glared at him, but gave up when he just glared back. "Fine, you win!" She said, crossing her arms. "I'll sit here and work on my laptop then."
"No work." Her glare turned into a pout, and Becker had to use all his willpower not to give in. "No. You are meant to rest, not work. I'll take your laptop if I have to."
"You wouldn't!"
"Try me." Becker crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at her, a silent challenge.
"Fine. No work," she conceded.
"Thank you." He suddenly yawned too, covering his mouth with his hand.
"You should go home, get some rest too. You must be exhausted after having to carry me around the ARC," she joked.
"I will, after I finish a few things back at the ARC. I need to make sure everything is secure."
Jess yawned again, ignoring his pointed look. "Just don't work too hard," she said.
"I should go, let you rest," he said, standing. "Can I get you anything else?"
"No, I'm fine. I'll just go to bed I guess." She stood, then held a hand out to balance herself as the room tilted and she swayed slightly.
"Jess!" Becker rushed forward, catching her and placing his hands on her waist to steady her. "Are you alright?"
"I just stood up too fast," she replied, trying not to think about how his arms felt wrapped around her waist. She pulled back slightly to see him looking at her with worry.
He looked at her skeptically but stepped back slowly. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. Go on, I'll be fine."
Instead of answering, Becker bent and lifted her into his arms, causing her to cry out in surprise.
"What are you doing?"
"Which way to your room?" He asked, heading down the hall.
Too startled to reply, she just pointed to her door. A moment later, Becker pushed the door open and set her carefully on the bed. He looked around and found a lamp, turning it on.
Jess stared at him in shock, her mind full of thoughts of Becker in her bedroom. "Um, thanks," she muttered. She took off her shoes, and shifted so she could pull the covers back.
"No problem." He answered, and then realized where he was standing. "I, uh, I should go now."
"Alright. See you tomorrow?" When he glared at her again, she added, "The doctor said I could, as long as I didn't do too much."
"Okay. Just get lots of rest tonight then."
"Promise."
"Goodnight, Jess," Becker said, turning the light back off and walking towards the door. "Call if you need anything."
"Goodnight." She let out a sigh as Becker left, closing the door behind him. She settled herself on her pillows, and closed her eyes, trying to ignore the thoughts running through her mind. Giving up on sleep for the moment, Jess let the events of the day replay in her mind, trying to remember everything that happened. She groaned in frustration when all that came to her mind was Becker holding her tightly in his arms. Her body flushed as she thought about his strong arms, and the way they felt around her.
After several minutes, she grinned as she replayed the moments when she woke up, in the safe room. Emily had been holding her head, Abby behind her, and Becker kneeling before her. One of his hands was resting on her thigh, the other held hers tightly. She remembered the relieved look on his face as he watched her, and the way he gripped her hand tightly. Then she remembered he babbled some excuse about security stuff before fleeing the room.
Jess let out another sigh. "And he says I'm difficult," she muttered to the empty room. Why does he do that, she asked herself.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the front door opening and closing. A few seconds later, her door opened and Abby appeared. She glanced at Jess and opened the door fully when she saw her awake.
"You alright?"
"Just can't sleep," Jess replied, sitting up.
Abby came in and sat down on the bed. "Anything I can do?"
"No, I just can't get my brain to turn off. How are things at the ARC?"
"A mess. It'll take awhile to get everything back to normal. But Connor will get it all sorted soon, with your help."
"That's good. It'll go faster with both of us working on everything."
"I'm sure. Don't worry about it tonight. Want to talk about it?"
"What?"
"Becker. I'm sure that's what has you up still."
"Am I that obvious?"
"No, he's just that frustrating," Abby replied with a laugh.
"I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks so," Jess admitted with a small smile. "I just don't understand him."
"He was worried about you Jess, we all were. You gave us such a scare."
"So I've been told," she replied.
"So, what happened tonight? Anything good?" Abby asked with a wink.
"I wish," Jess muttered, and then blushed.
"That's a no, then?"
"Of course not. He was too busy treating me like I was going to die at any moment. Nearly dying doesn't exactly make for romance, Abby."
"Sorry. Don't worry too much; Becker is just a little slow when it comes to emotions. Just give him time."
"I'm trying, but he just makes me so crazy sometimes."
"I bet. I should let you rest. Do you need anything?"
"No, thanks. I think I can sleep now that I talked about it a bit. Thank you."
"Anytime." Abby hugged her friend, then left the room.
Jess sighed once more and settled herself back into bed. She drifted off to sleep, her dreams filled with Becker.
Abby walked out of the room, and headed for the kitchen to get a snack after the long day. She paused when Connor walked out, holding two plates.
"Thanks." She took it with a small smile, scooting over so he could sit by her.
They ate in silence for awhile, things still awkward between them. "Abs?" Connor said after several minutes. He set his plate down and looked at her with guilt.
She glanced up at him, silently waiting for him to go on.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly, staring down at the floor. "For everything."
Abby watched him for a moment, seeing how upset he was by all the destruction that had been caused. She set her plate down, and reached out to take his hand. He glanced up at her, hope showing in his eyes along with the fear and guilt. "I know, Con. Me too."
"You don't have to apologize, Abby. I should have listened to you in the first place. I could have gotten us all killed. I am so sorry." He lifted their joined hands, placing a soft kiss to the bite mark on her wrist. "I don't know what I would do if something had happened to you."
Abby watched him for a moment, seeing that he was truly sorry for everything. She leaned in closer and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. As she pulled away, he placed a hand on the back of her head, pulling her back to him for a deeper kiss.
"I love you," he whispered when he finally pulled away.
"Love you too," she returned with a smile. She stood, grabbing his hand to lead him to the bedroom.
Ok, this is mostly Jess/Becker, but I just wanted to toss in a bit about Abby and Connor. Hope someone liked it. Again, I'd love to hear what you think. Reviews and constructive criticism are very welcome. They help me learn and improve what I'm doing.
Thanks for reading!