May 2015...
.
As the credits began rolling down the screen and the sound died down into music, the soldier unhooked his arms from around the brunette and sat up against the couch, letting her lean back into his chest. Their bodies were still warm, the extra heat lingering from the two hours they were cuddled up on the cushions, cosy and at peace.
"So, that was your favourite film?" Jayme questioned, shifting her position so that she was beside him, able to see him clearly as they talked.
"This was strictly confidential if you remember, but yes, Top Gun is one of my favourite films. If you tell anyone though, I will have to kill you," He responded, grabbing the beer from the table and taking a quick drink.
"Didn't picture your favourite being a romance?" The brunette stated, trying her best to hide her smile.
"It has plenty of manly parts in it, it was an action, there were F-14's, and it was a Navy film..."
"And Kelly McGillis had nothing to do with it?"
"She was... part of it," He began, watching as she raised her eyebrows, "But the entire film is genius, but like I said, don't tell anyone," Becker stated, sending her a warning look; he wouldn't be able to show his face if Connor knew this little piece of information that he shared with Jayme, he was pretty sure none of them expected one of his favourite films to be a romance, it was just his guilty pleasure.
"My lips are sealed," She added, motioning a zip of the lips after she spoke, still not being able to stop the smirking.
"Well that'll be no fun, how am I meant to do this..." He shifted forward, pressing his lips against hers, and in an attempt of determination she remained closed, although after a couple seconds she couldn't help but laugh.
She slapped his arm gently, sending him a playful glare after recovering, "Stop trying to be irresistible, or I'll hurt you, badly," The brunette threatened, though she failed at keeping her voice serious.
"No wonder you didn't like the film as much as me, you can't handle romance,"
"Oh, I can do romance, but that film was cheesy, still pretty good though," Jayme admitted, "Anyway, I think if I ask the ARC they'll say that you and romance do not mix, and if I ask Zach, well let's just say he's already told me about the lines of girls with no names that came before me and any other relationship you've had,"
"Ok, you make it sound a lot worse than it is, and if you ask Zach, he'll also say that I can be very romantic when I want to be,"
"Well, you did have to get the girls somehow,"
"I got you didn't I?" At which the brunette sent another glare towards him, "I'm also pretty sure our relationship, and all the time we've been together could be classed as some cliché romantic, although very disastrous, stressful and incredibly frustrating, journey,"
"You sure know how to make a girl feel special," The brunette stated, voice edged with sarcasm, "I'll admit you can be alright when you want to be,"
"And you know what? I've just realised I've never actually had the chance of taking you on a real first date, after that I can promise you that you won't be doubting my romantic side. And all these nights together with takeout and films don't count," Becker responded, speaking the words before they had a chance to cross her mind.
"Fine, show me what you've got, soldier boy," Jayme challenged, raising her eyebrows at the man.
"It's been over three years; didn't I tell you a long time ago that I didn't like nicknames?" Becker queried, suppressing a smile as he watched her.
"Captain Becker, it's been over three years, haven't you realised that I don't always do as you ask?" The brunette teased.
"One can only hope," The soldier stated, shaking his head at her, "Anyway, tomorrow night at seven be ready, I want to take the girl I love on a proper date,"
"And what am I going to do, just stand there and watch?" Jayme questioned, smirking at him, "Ok, that sounds like a plan,"
.
Jess' gaze shot straight up as the apartment door opened, and instantly she bounded over, looking at the brunette with a slightly surprised expression. "Where've you been?" She questioned, dropping her phone on the counter as Jayme came in, shocked by the abrupt greeting.
"Out for a jog," She stated; confusion in her voice and watching her friend with complete perplexity in her face.
"Your date is in just over an hour, you're not ready, you need a shower, hair, makeup, dress; did you even think about any of that?" The field co-ordinator exclaimed, listing the items off on her fingers before pushing the brunette towards her room.
She simply laughed in response, "Jess, there's plenty of time. I'll take a quick shower, choose the outfit, easy," She spun around back to face her roommate, holding her still as she spoke. "I've got it all planned,"
"Jayme, this is yours and Becker's first date, you have to look special. Ah, I'm so excited for you; first dates are the best," The brunette laughed at Jess' squeal of delight, this girl was always a bundle of happiness and joy, where did she find the energy to be so excited about everything, including things that didn't directly involve her?
"You know what? Ok, I'll go shower, and you can help me choose an outfit, deal?" Jayme asked; hand on the room's door handle behind her.
"If you let me do your hair and makeup?"
"If you don't go overboard?"
"Deal," Jess responded, sealing the promise and making sure she wouldn't back out of any of this, she was determined to show Jayme how special this all could be. For Jess, she loved this part, first dates were amazing. Though it probably wasn't exactly the same with Jayme and Becker seeing how they'd been officially together a month or so prior to this, and then whatever had gone on between them before that.
"Good, I'll be out soon," Was all the brunette said before disappearing into the room and heading towards the bathroom. Jess smiled at herself, knowing already that this would be perfect for the couple; they deserved a good night out after everything that had happened. And now, she could go and pick out some outfit choices; this was going to be fun.
As time passed on, Jayme was at last sitting on the chair in front of Jess; her own reflection staring back as she gazed into the mirror, and she finally thought about how much had actually changed since she met Becker those three years ago. Everything was so different in her life now. She had friends who cared about her, who she cared about; it was beginning to feel like she actually had family again. Her father, Nick, was there for her, someone she could depend on, someone who loved her. And then there was Becker, he was truly remarkable. Him just being there in her life showed her feelings she'd never thought she would feel. Love. He loved her and she loved him, and that was something she could never have had if she remained in the past, that was a void that couldn't be filled with meaningless flings, it was something that changed her life, and made her feel like she actually belonged for the first time in a long time.
"I think you're ready," Jess' voice brought her back to reality as the hands stopped fiddling with her hair and the field co-ordinator stepped back to admire her work, "It's not extreme or dramatic, it's relaxed, so you should like it," She added, smiling at the brunette, "It's very you,"
"Thanks Jess, it's great, you're great," Jayme stated, realising that she should probably try and let her know how much she meant to her. It was true. She really did think Jess was brilliant; she'd never had a friend as close as she was becoming. It was all new, but the brunette was learning quickly that although having real friendships and relationships were scary, and it meant a part of it included responsibilities she'd never had before, it was so much better and meaningful than the pretences she once hid behind.
"I know," The field co-ordinator quipped, spinning around on her heel as she picked up the dress behind her, "And Becker won't know what hit him when he sees you in this,"
"You know it didn't have to be quite so-"
"It's perfect, Jayme. There's nothing wrong with dressing up for a date, in fact compared to some of the outfits I've worn for my dates, this is practically every day clothing. Now put it on,"
The brunette did as she was told, taking the dress from her, "Funny enough, that I can believe," She replied with a smile.
Jayme already knew not to question Jess' fashion sense; she usually knew exactly what she was talking about. And she had to admit, the outfit was good. A short, dark blue dress, strapless, and with a cluster of diamonds just under the top, it was beautiful, and she did suit it, she just felt strange being so normal, dressing up and going out, it was different to how she used to live. Luckily, Jess had done exactly what she had asked, nothing fancy with the hair, it was simple and straight, and the makeup was light and natural. Jess was a genius.
The brunette wandered back out into the apartment where Jess was sat by the counter, silver heels in hands to pass to her as she walked her way. "Told you I knew what I was doing," The field co-ordinator smirked, just in time for the doorbell to ring and her to feel a twinge of excitement despite it not being her date. All she wanted was a relationship like theirs, or Abby's and Connor's and Emily's and Matt's, to be in love and comfortable with each other; looks like she was going to have to wait for the right man to come along. Prince Charming better be pretty damn good for him to keep her waiting so long. She lifted her head up just in time to see Jayme opening the door, and a very different and very dapper Becker step into the apartment. If she'd known he owned outfits like that she wouldn't mock him so much at work, well maybe she would have a little; after all, it appeared as though the colour didn't change. Even so, she definitely liked the silk black tuxedo, a few buttons undone on the shirt, you'd have to be blind to not be surprised and impressed when seeing him like this.
"You look..." He hesitated, words failing him as his eyes fell upon the brunette and instantly he knew this was one of the best ideas he'd ever had.
"I told you," Jess stated, after a moments silence, "He'll not know what hit him,"
The brunette let out a small laugh before turning back to face the soldier, a smirk on her lips as he raised his eyebrows at the two women. "Let's go, Captain," Jayme stated, saying a quick goodbye to Jess before manoeuvring Becker out the door, preferably before Jess said anything else and he started asking questions about their conversations.
The drive to the restaurant was a mixture of Becker's thoughts trying to get the best of him as he promised himself that he would make it a perfect date, and friendly conversation between the two which included him trying to discover what her and Jess talked about and how much of it involved himself. It was by far his favourite first date, no awkwardness considering they already knew each other well, and no worrying since he knew that he loved her and nothing would come in-between that. His only concern was proving that he could be romantic, he was determined to meet her challenge, and he was sure that by the end of their night her mocking would cease. However, the brunette had to admit, although slightly reluctantly, that this was a lot better than she thought it would be. It was great in fact, fun, comfortable, and different. She'd never had someone who cared so much in her entire life. And he was without a doubt going out of his way to be the perfect gentlemen, no flaws in his date so far, and she honestly did appreciate it.
"So, I'm not romantic am I?" The soldier questioned; a smirk on his lips as he took a sip from the glass of the champagne and placed it back on the table.
"Not bad, soldier boy, I'll give you that," Jayme responded, glancing around the restaurant. It was cosy, dark red walls, wooden floors, romantic lighting, it certainly set the scene. What made it even better was the table he'd reserved, right beside the large window of the building, overlooking the river with the lights reflecting across the water surface. "Ok, it's amazing," The brunette admitted, turning back to face him.
"Really?" Becker asked, raising an eyebrow at her in self satisfaction, a smirk on his lips.
"Yeah," She stated, "You deserve to know that, you always seem to have everyone's interests at heart and I honestly really admire that," And that only made her feel nervous but the gentle smile on his face did relax her mind. The one thing she desperately wanted to say was that he was everything she wished she could have been, and the kind of person she wished she was, but that was a truth she couldn't say out loud for reasons that she didn't understand. It felt way too risky and way too vulnerable and in all honesty that put her in a place she wasn't comfortable with, it scared her. Fortunately, he seemed pretty satisfied with the words she did say, and luckily, they were also very truthful.
"You're incredible you know that?" He replied, not taking his eyes off her.
"I wouldn't say that," Jayme murmured. But before even getting the chance to open his mouth, the soldier was cut off by a scream from the other side of the restaurant. Some people around them stood up, others talked amongst themselves, and Becker's expression rapidly changed to concern as another scream rippled through the air. That was when people started running, and the sound of breaking glass rushed to their ears, followed by a noise they had both heard before, but not one they wanted to hear again. Any suspicion still lingering was diminished as the brunette turned her head, yellow eyes staring straight at her through the glass, the head of the creature watching her curiously.
"Jayme..." The soldier began nervously, watching every movement as the Utahraptor stared straight at her through the window, a circle of steam hitting the glass as it breathed. "Move towards me,"
She followed his orders, keeping her body as still as possible, and her steps silent, while she moved. It had only taken a couple steps before the creature moved back and her breath caught in her throat as she stopped dead. Her eyes flashed to the floor, the sickle-shaped claw scraping the ground and in that second she knew what was about to happen. The raptor charged, the glass shattered and the brunette jumped straight out of the way into Becker. She grabbed his shirt, pushing him to the wall and out of sight as the creature shook the glass away and stepped further into the restaurant.
"Is anyone hurt?" Becker questioned, keeping his voice low after the Utahraptor disappeared around the corner.
"I don't know, I'm hoping everyone got out alright," The brunette responded, stepping back from the soldier as she moved back into the dining area of the restaurant. She couldn't see any bodies, but if the raptor followed anyone, they'd be dead in seconds. It was quick on its feet, and definitely not stupid.
"How many do you think there were?"
"I couldn't tell you, we know there's at least two but we can't go up against them alone. Just when you think Velociraptors are bad, something like this comes along," She murmured, watching her feet on the glass as she walked.
"Basically a much bigger, badder, meaner version?" Becker queried.
"Pretty much sums it up, can you call Matt? See if they're-"
"Shh," He cut her off, pressing a finger to his lips and silently rushing over to her side. She stayed quiet, and before he could shake his head and convince himself it had been nothing, another sound reached their ears; a chair flipping over. It was still here. The raptor let out a loud call, and she desperately hoped there weren't many others out there to respond. However, a minute or so later the shuffling silenced and the room fell still once more, the couple began moving again, approaching the bar and entrance, no creatures in sight.
"You think it's gone?" The soldier questioned, though in the back of his mind he knew it was too good to be true.
"Stop asking me things I don't know," Jayme stated, slight irritation in her voice, although the small smile she let slip had him doubting the seriousness of her words.
They both grew instantly relieved when the nearing sound of cars approached, and they were almost certain the ARC had responded to the anomaly alert, which must have opened somewhere around here. Though just as Becker was about to reassure her, a heart-stopping clicking reached their ears, and they were met face on with one of the Utahraptors, yellow eyes watching them carefully. The claw continued to click against the ground as it relaxed and contracted, and the sound was beginning to give an eerie feeling to the scene. But the brunette pushed Becker out of the way as the raptor shot forward, and as she ran the opposite direction she felt her foot give way atop the heel and her hands gripped the bar counter to stop herself from falling.
"Clearly not useful when running from raptors," She muttered, quickly pulling of the shoes and throwing them straight towards the creature, though evidently irritating it further as it made another lunge. Only missing by a fraction, Jayme dived over the bar, knocking various bottles to the floor around her as she fell down the other side, landing on her hands and front, a sharp but short-lived pain shooting through her wrists. She rose up quickly, finding the raptor's attention on Becker, and without really thinking picked up a bottle and threw it towards the creature, glass shattering against its skin.
"Bad idea, Jayme," Becker stated, watching anxiously as yellow eyes averted their attention back to the brunette and then she threw another bottle, wincing at the sound of breaking glass.
"Well if we had a gun, we wouldn't be having this problem!" She shot back, sarcasm in her voice, though her eyes remained on the predator on the other side of the bar.
"Sorry I don't tend to bring weapons on my dates," The soldier called, and the creature simply turned its head between the two, gaze flickering and clearly choosing which prey to catch.
She caught her window of opportunity as it focused back on the soldier, and using the small bag carried over her shoulder, she grabbed the item she was looking for straight out from inside of it and launched it at the raptor, steadying her aim and hoping the skin wasn't too thick.
"You brought a knife on our date?" His voice was pitched higher in surprise, and his wide eyes shot to the silver metal sticking into the side of the creature. It didn't seem to distract it for long enough, instead it gave a loud call before readying for a launch of attack. Though the lunge was cut short, and the creature dropped to the floor mid-run. The couple's attention was quickly averted to the entrance where Matt stood, EMD in hand and a rather amused expression on his face.
"Glad you could make it," Jayme stated, her voice breathless from fear, as she made her way back around the bar, pulling the knife from the creature and looking up at Becker, "It was for emergencies," She defended, shrugging her shoulders, a smile on her face as she waited for a look of approval from the soldier.
"I'm not even going to ask," Matt added, glancing at the pair, "I take it you were on a date?"
"No, Matt, we just like chasing dinosaurs in these outfits," Jayme responded in a dry tone, rolling her eyes at him.
"First date," Becker corrected, shaking his head at the brunette before his eyes shifted back to Matt.
"'Bout time," The team leader stated, giving a smirk before being distracted by a large collection of shouting from behind him.
The three stood back in surprise as Connor hurtled through the restaurant, the jaws of another raptor not far from his back and the EMD in his hand was thrown behind in an attempt to hit and slow down the creature. It missed. Then he realised throwing away weapons was probably not the best idea. Before Matt had the chance to respond to the scene, Abby came rushing in behind, watching her husband with mixture of concern, amusement and bafflement, as he took a quick spin around the room, the raptor following.
"Someone shoot it, someone shoot it," Connor called anxiously, his words coming out incredibly quick as he ran, front arching out slightly to protect his back.
"Becker, watch-" The blonde shouted, as the raptor spun after Connor, tail following and crashing into the soldier who had no time to react, "...Out," She finished, scrunching up her face slightly as he was knocked to the floor, feeling his pain for him.
"Took you long enough!" Connor exclaimed, catching his breath as he was finally able to stand still, "Cheers, Matt,"
"No problem," The team leader stated, lowering his EMD, "Did you lock the anomaly before joining us?"
"Riley did, I went to see if there was an incursion," The younger man stated, "There was," He added with a smile, and Abby couldn't help but smile back as she listened to him, her husband certainly was an idiot at times, the good kind of idiot, her idiot.
"At least you're alright," She murmured, walking over and pecking his cheek, "I'll go get some people to help move these back through the anomaly," The blonde stated, shaking her head at him, an amused smile on her face, before wandering out of the broken restaurant in search of the security team.
"You should probably get him to the medic at the ARC and take him home," Matt suggested, glancing at the soldier on the floor as the brunette kneeled down to help him up.
"Good idea," She said with a smirk, and Matt knew he definitely wasn't the only one who found the situation rather funny. Connor was already trying to hold his laughter in as Becker wobbled on his feet.
"I think I hit my head," The soldier murmured, bringing a hand to the large bruise at the side of his face, going off and disappearing beneath his hair.
"Aw, poor baby," Jayme teased, chuckling to herself as she kept him upright.
"We should sue them, 'could work couldn't it?" He muttered the words, and his voice was sluggish, which only meant the brunette had to take a moment to decipher what he had actually said.
"You really need to take him home," Connor stated, not holding back the laughter anymore as the soldier took another small stumble across the floor, gripping his head and groaning.
"Shut it, Temple," Things were a little less fuzzy for a moment and Becker seriously hoped the throbbing in his head would cease, unfortunately it didn't last and he felt even worse in a matter of seconds. All he could really hear was Connor's laughter, and unfortunately, he wasn't quite finding the hilarity.
"Think he's got a concussion," Matt added, watching Becker lean against the wall, eyes squinting slightly in the light and groaning at the headache.
"You don't say?" Connor responded, voice full of sarcasm and a wide grin across his face. He couldn't wait to tell Abby what she missed after she came back from getting help.
Jayme laughed at the two before wandering over to the soldier, glancing back as she spoke, "I'll see you guys tomorrow,"
"You come back to work tomorrow?" Connor questioned, averting his attention back to the brunette.
"Yeah, well I'm only allowed to do light fieldwork until the last main check up in a couple weeks, but that's just because they want me to ease back into work. In other words, I can't wait until I can get back; I will definitely not miss the hospital," Jayme stated, giving them a smile before manoeuvring Becker out of the restaurant and into his car. It took a few goes to convince him she was driving, including a moment where he wanted to fight for it and at that point she really couldn't take him seriously. But after he reluctantly handed her the keys to his beloved vehicle, she was able to finally take him to ARC. As she could imagine, this was probably going to be an entertaining night.
