Author's Note: Would have to take place after resolution of Series 3 cliffy…
Chapter Summary: Lester refuses to admit it...even to himself.
It had been one of those days...
Well, every day at the ARC seemed to be one of those days. Monsters, cover-ups, irresponsible scientists and freelancers taking stupid risks, and the inevitable death.
James Lester needed a cup of tea and a sit down. The kettle announced the completion of its task in perfect timing. Finally, something was going right.
A little indulgence was precisely what was required by such a day. Thus, James reached for the fatty, extra thick cream that he bought directly from the farmer. He wasn't even sure if it was visually inspected upon leaving the cow, let alone pasteurized. Maybe that's why the only label on the container read 'consume at your own risk.'
However, despite its dubious origins, it was a vital component to producing what inarguably was the most satisfying cup of tea known to man. Laying his hand about the container of said ambrosia, he heard the telltale sloshing, felt the devastatingly inadequate weight of it.
There was but a few drops left...
"Connor!"
He found himself shouting the young man's name in infuriated disappointment before realizing his error. The boy no longer resided in the flat. Presumably, he arranged for other accommodations (besides returning to habitating within the ARC itself-not that they all didn't spend far too many hours in that damnable place.) Perhaps, James wasn't supposed to know, but he was quite certain it was by the grace of Abby Maitland that there were no longer hygienically questionable articles of clothing tucked into places even the most unconventional thinker would have to strain to imagine.
And while his favourite possessions were no longer turning up half-devoured by long-extinct critters, there was also no one to blame but himself for the vast disappointment of a creamless cup of tea.
Yes, that was it. He simply missed not having someone to vent his anger upon. For there was no possibility at all that he had become somewhat oddly attached to the strange, highly annoying boy.
"None whatsoever," he announced aloud, whilst sipping a less-than-heavenly beverage in his empty apartment.
Up Next: Danny Quinn...
