Disclaimer: I do not own Primeval or the characters.

A/N: This is my first fanfic so I hope you enjoy it; let me know what you think in the reviews. I hope to get a new chapter up every few days.

Chapter length: 1174

Open Mic Nights

Chapter 1 – Friday Night

It's finally the end of the day, Jess thought as she finished off some paperwork, and its Friday! Rising from her chair Jess gathered up her phone and coffee mug, then headed to the locker room. When she got there Jess found Captain Becker standing at his locker, shoving his uniform into a gym bag.

"Not working tonight?" Jess asked, going over to her locker and opening it to retrieve her bag.

"No. Apparently it was decided that me working Friday nights is no longer necessary."

"That's a good thing, right? It means you get your Friday nights back."

"I guess."

Jess laughed at how forlorn he sounded. "No need to sound so enthusiastic about it."

"To be honest, I've spent so many Friday nights working I don't know what to do with myself."

"Well, the rest of us go to the pub on Friday nights, which you know since I invite you every week, you're more than welcome to join us."

Becker stood there silently as Jess finished gathering her things and shut her locker. He's probably trying to come up with a nice way to refuse the offer, since he doesn't have work to hide behind this week.

"Look, Becker, if you'd rather just…"

"Sounds fun, I'd love to join you," Becker said, cutting Jess off.

"Oh! Ah, that's great… to be honest I thought you were going to decline. But yay, this is going to be so fun," Jess's voice seemed to get higher the longer she spoke. "The pub we go to isn't far from here, it's great, you'll love it. I'm going to go home quickly with Abby to change, so I'll see you there. I'll send you the address."

With that Jess was out the door and heading in the direction of the parking garage. She couldn't believe how much babbling she had just done, she hadn't given Becker a chance to respond. As she continued on her way Jess was sure she heard a voice behind her call out; "I'll see you there."

When she reached the garage Jess found Abby standing by her car. Jess was giving Abby a ride home and then to the pub, so she could leave Connor their car. Pushing the button on her key ring to unlock the car Jess skipped over and jumped in the driver's seat. As she started the engine she saw Abby smiling at her out of the corner of her eye.

"You're in an awfully good mood," Abby commented.

"Of course I am, it's finally Friday and there wasn't an anomaly alert today."

"Mhmm, so this wouldn't have anything to do with a certain Captain joining us this evening?"

"How do you know that? I only just asked him!"

"Connor text me, apparently you left a very confused Becker behind when you went skipping out of the locker room. He asked Connor what pub we go to and then Connor text me somewhat surprised that, and I quote; 'Action man's joining us tonight.'"

"I guess I did leave kinda quickly, I didn't want to give him the time to change his mind. But that has nothing to do with the mood I'm in."

Abby looked at Jess, smirking.

"Okay, maybe it does a little."

The drive home had been silent. Jess was too preoccupied with her thoughts—thoughts that mostly revolved around finally getting to spend time with Becker outside of work—to make conversation, Now, Jess stood in front of her wardrobe searching through—and rejecting—every outfit she owned, looking for the perfect thing to wear tonight. Normally Jess would just change into a simple pair of jeans and a blouse for their evenings out, but she felt like dressing up tonight.

"Jess! You ready to go!" Abby called from down the hall.

"Just a sec!" Knowing she had to hurry Jess grabbed the next outfit in her cupboard and changed quickly. Dressed, she looked herself over in the full length mirror, and was pleased with what she saw. Becker may be able to overlook her in what she wore to work, but not in this. Jess was wearing a high-waisted black mini skirt, a black sleeveless top that cut off at her midriff, black stockings, and black stiletto boots. Grabbing her clutch, Jess went to join Abby.

"Ready."

"About time, the guys will be wait…ting" Abby's voice trailed off as she saw Jess. "You look great."

"Thanks."

"This wouldn't be because Becker's joining us tonight?" Abby asked, knowingly.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Jess replied, and together they headed out the door.

Jess parked on the street, not far from the pub they were going to. Hopping out of the car the girls hurried into the bar, trying to escape the cold. They found the guys at the booth the group normally occupied; Jess's heart sank a little when she saw only Connor and Matt at the table.

Seeing the look on her friends face Abby tried to think of something reassuring to say. "He could still come."

"Maybe." Jess shook herself, trying to physically shake away the mood that had fallen over her. "Doesn't matter, I always have a great time out with you guys and tonight's not going to be any different."

"That's right. Captain Boring doesn't know what he's missing."

Laughing they headed over to the booth. Reaching the table they found that Connor and Matt had ordered their usual drinks for them.

"Wow Jess, you look great," Connor said as the girls slid into the booth. Connor's arm went around Abby's shoulders the moment she sat next to him. Jess loved watching them together. Neither was overly affectionate but they always made little gestures that showed their feelings. They were never far apart—something left over from their days in the Cretaceous—and it was clear that they cared deeply for each other.

"Thanks." Connor was one of the few men Jess could take a compliment from without blushing, since she knew that he was just trying to be nice.

"So where's Action ma-Ow," Connor's question turned in to an exclamation of pain as Abby elbowed him in the side.

"Who knows," Jess said lightly, trying not to let her mood fall again.

An hour—and a few drinks—later Jess was looking around the bar when she spotted a familiar face in the crowd.

"Becker!" Jumping up from the table Jess pushed through the crowd and threw herself at the Captain. "I thought you weren't going to come."

"I got held up at the ARC, and then went home to change. How much have you had to drink?" Becker asked surprised by how Jess was acting. She was normally a friendly person, but this was extreme even for her.

"Oh, not much; just a couple glasses of wine and a few shots."

"That sounds like a lot."

"Oh don't be such a party pooper. Come sit down." Taking his hand she led him to the groups table.