Author's Note: Waiting in hospital is rather boring. Here's the next chapter! Do enjoy!

-Cassie

Seven: Slow Decay

The swat of a wooden spoon to his hand has Connor whimpering, pouting and shaking his hand out, and that swat is followed by the sharp, "Temple keep your bloody fingers out of that pot!"

"You heard your boyfriend Connor! How many times have you always heard me going on about take your hands outta that pot or the biscuit jar? Eh?" Connor's mother pipes up, and this only causes Connor's pout to deepen.

"Ta Madge," Stephen said with one of his charming smiles and Connor pokes his tongue at Stephen's back.

"Don't think I didn't see that Temple," Stephen says.

Connor's eyes widen, "Stephen, mate, you're worse than me mum!"

"Don't think I didn't hear that Connor David Temple!" his mum calls out.

"See what I mean? Odds are stacked against me! I'll never win, and what's worse I've got a mum that would side against me!" Connor whines.

"Oh stop your whining, It's almost ready," Stephen replies.

"Smells delightful Stephen, even better than the lentil soup you made last night, and it's been cooking since you threw it together last night! Can't wait to try it! Wherever did you learn to make such a concoction?" Madge Temple says as she slips into the kitchen and takes a seat at the table.

Stephen smiles at Connor's mum, such a kind and welcoming woman, how lucky Connor must have been growing up with her, and he answers, "Well, before I went to uni, I decided I wanted to get away for a bit. Travel the world. I started in Canada, rather a bit cold, and then I worked my way through America, sometimes hiking, sometimes road tripping. Found myself in a place called Amarillo, that's in Texas, and met a few blokes in a bar, that's what they call the pubs over there. Spent some time with them, and one of them was really particular about his chili, that's what this concoction is. He taught me how to make it while I worked as a hand on his ranch for a few weeks. It's a little spicy, but I think you'll enjoy it."

"Con, you've found yourself a keeper you have! Handsome, understands your crazy work schedule, makes you exercise, probably makes you clean up behind yourself, and can cook? Right lucky you are!" Madge says, and Stephen smirks.

"Oi, Mum, he's got a bit of an ego. You're not really doing me any favors at the mo'," Connor replies, and Stephen chuckles.

"All right then. How did it go settling things at work then?" she asks, and Stephen snickers as Connor shifts in his seat and grimaces at the memory of the inoculations.

Connor gives a put upon sigh and says, "I survived, but just barely. Lester ordered the most horrendous physician he could find to give me my physical, not to mention the shots! He even made them do a tetanus shot on top of the boosters and everything else! Had me sitting right funny it did!"

Madge raises an eyebrow and then with a sly grin she looks pointedly at Stephen and says, "Bet that wasn't all keeping you sitting funny, dear."

Connor is left gobsmacked, his mouth hanging open, and Stephen laughs whole heartedly, and as Connor's cheeks heat up and he knows he's going to be dealing with the ego trip from hell not to mention taking the piss for his mum's way with words, hearing Stephen laugh like that more than makes it all worth it.

Stephen laughs even harder when Connor's belly rumbles, because really that chili stuff smells pretty appetizing. Connor can't help himself as he looks up, watching Stephen move around the kitchen with a familiar ease, and then Stephen looks up suddenly, meeting his gaze, his eyes darken for a moment as his mouth slips into its usual smirk, and then he winks at Connor, and Connor knows that is a sure sign of trouble.

-PRIMEVAL-

Stephen feels like his bones are cracking as Madge drags him up into a hug. How someone so seemingly gentle and short can hug like a vice is beyond him. She's certainly a more welcoming parent than his own. When she pulls back she even fusses with his hair a bit, and then she turns her attack on Connor. Stephen snickers as Connor tries to tap out of the death grip by weakly patting his mother on the back, all the while wheezing.

"And you promise to call and come visit more often, don't ya Con?" she says as she finally loosens her hold on Connor.

"Yup," Connor manages to pop the p even while breathless.

Madge rolls her eyes, looking unimpressed and then turns back to Stephen. "And you, Stephen, you promise to look after m' boy and call and give me updates when he forgets to let his poor ol' mum know he's even alive in the world?"

Stephen laughs, knowing exactly where Connor gets his flair for dramatics, and nods, "Of course Madge. And I'm kind of wondering, how did you manage to get through to the Prime Minister so quickly?"

The woman gives a devilish smile with a wicked glint in her eye and says, "Never you mind that. Just know that a mother's ire can work wonders. Oh and tell your boss he needs to lighten up a bit. Hope he doesn't mind the care package I sent on to him as a thanks for coming through on this vacation for you boys."

"Care…care package?" Connor chokes out, going pale as a ghost, and even Stephen is a little nervous by this news.

Madge grins. "Well, it's mostly just fruit preserves and biscuits, the kind with the chocolate bits you two seem to love. I also included a few ties to liven him up a bit. I got a call from him in thanks and made him promise he'd wear one tie in particular when you both return to work. Poor bloke, bit dry in the humor. He really needs to liven up, find him a nice girl or bloke to brighten him up. It can't be easy being that serious all the time… Well off you go. Your plans sound lovely, enjoy playing tourist!"

Both Stephen and Connor are completely gobsmacked as they retreat to Stephen's already packed up truck, their clothes from their past week's stay with Madge already laundered. As Stephen turns the engine over, he lets out a bewildered chuckle and then turns to Connor before putting the truck into gear and asks, "Was that your mum's way of saying Lester needs to get shagged?"

Connor turns wide brown eyes to Stephen, gulps loudly, and nods. "Yeah, and if it weren't for Lester being Lester, we'd so take the piss out of him, but as it stands I do rather like my job…"

"I don't know Con, we've haven't seen the tie yet," Stephen replies with an evil smirk in Connor's direction as he pulls out and begins the long drive back to London.

-PRIMEVAL-

Stephen Hart is beyond amused as he bites his bottom lip and watches Connor roll his eyes and huff in annoyance at the museum tour guide. If he'd known how much fun watching Connor twitch at a prehistoric exhibit at the museum would be he would have taken Connor to this exhibit ages ago. Connor's left eye actually twitches every single time the guide mispronounces the name of an animal. Of course by the time they reach the raptor display and the fairly attractive woman points to a large, curved sickle like claw, Connor has clearly had his fill.

"This is the primary claw of a Velociraptor, which the animal used to efficiently take down its prey…" the guide says, and is effectively cut off by Connor, much to her annoyance, the tour group's surprise, and Stephen's utter amusement.

"Excuse me miss," Connor says, with a roll of his eyes and a shake of his head, "But this has to stop now. You're full of rubbish and filling this poor lot full of faulty information. Were you even properly trained on this exhibit? And don't even get me started on your gross errors in pronunciations. That claw does not belong to a Velociraptor as the claw is too large. It does belong to the Raptor family however, also known as the Theropod dinosaur family Dromaeosauridae, so the error in this case is understandable. Judging from the size of that particular claw, the animal was in fact a male Utahraptor, the largest in the Raptor family. Now if I may guide your attention to this set of mislabeled bones over here, these are actually the bones of a juvenile Velociraptor, which dates back to the Cretaceous era…"

The guide looks positively put out and Stephen is stunned at the confidence Connor displays as he takes over the tour giving amazing insight and description of the fossils and the animals on display. Connor's confidence wanes a bit when he notes the smilodon, but Stephen can hardly fault him that. By the end of the tour Connor is surrounded by several children who are practically hero worshipping him and he diligently answers their questions while their parents watch on in amusement. Stephen can't help the grin that turns his mouth and says, "Really Con? Only you."

"What? If you go to a dino exhibit, then the staff should at least be adequately trained in order to provide accurate information on the creatures on display," Connor says with a shrug and a bright smile that prominently shows off his dimple.

The parents have managed to wrangle their children and a few minutes later Stephen sees a sharply dressed elder man approaching with the incensed tour guide fuming in his wake. "That's him," she points out for the gentleman.

"Ah, so you are the young man that took over the tour from Miss Strether. What a pleasure to meet a young man so knowledgeable in the creatures of this exhibit. From your appearance you must be a student. Would you by chance be interested in a tour guide position here at the museum?" the gentleman asks.

The young woman's eyes widen and she snaps, "But Mr. Harrington! He was rude and hardly qualified to take over the tour!"

"That will be enough Miss Strether," the gentleman admonishes, and Stephen notices how Connor's eyes widen and he actually blushes, takes his hat from his head and begins to fiddle with the rim.

"Um, Mr. Harrington, really, thanks for the offer, but…" Connor says, and Mr. Harrington interrupts as he runs his eyes hungrily over the young man.

"We would be more than willing to work around your school schedule young man, anything you need, especially judging by the knowledge and report I got from several other members of your tour on the way over. You were quite impressive with the children, and we will be updating the information on the fossils that you noted in our raptor exhibit."

Stephen chuckles and saves Connor. "Actually what I think Connor was trying to say was thanks for the offer, but he currently has a very lucrative position with the government in relation to several prehistoric dig sites. He's quite an expert on prehistoric creatures and he's already been snatched up."

"Oh? Is that right, well how disappointing, and you sir? What is your affiliation with this young man that you know so much?" Mr. Harrington asks curiously, and Stephen is reminded of Lester at the sight of the man's cool gaze.

"Well in a professional capacity we are colleagues, currently on holiday. I work in a microbiology lab and assist Professor Nick Cutter. Connor is our creature expert and tech support. On a personal capacity, not that it's any of your concern, but I'm his boyfriend," Stephen answers, and Connor flushes bright red and looks positively scandalized as he replaces his hat back atop his head, as Stephen continues, "And as amusing as this conversation and tour has proven to be, we actually have dinner reservations, so we'll be leaving now. The tour was a pleasure, but you really should consider better training, or finding guides who are attentive during that training."

"Well… I never," Mr. Harrington begins to bluster as Stephen drops an arm across Connor's shoulder and leads him out of the museum, the noise of Harrington fussing at the tour guide fading as they head off to their dinner reservation.

"I can't believe you said all that back there!" Connor says once he's finally recovered his ability to speak and he actually swats at Stephen.

Stephen shrugs. "Wasn't like I lied or anything. You're already taken professionally and personally, and I know enough about male behavior to know an interested older party when I see one. So I staked my claim, us predators recognize each other."

Connor rolls his eyes. "Sure you do."

Stephen grins, all teeth, his blue eyes glinting wickedly as he pulls his arm back and opens the door to a rather nice Italian restaurant, allowing Connor to step through first. They are escorted to a dimly lit table at the back and left with menus. They place their drink orders, water with lemon for Stephen and cherry Coke for Connor, and then the pair open the menus. Connor's eyes widen and then he asks, "Um, Stephen, the prices aren't listed for any of this and I don't recognize any of these dishes aside from spaghetti, fettuccini alfredo, and oh! Pizza!"

"We did not come to this nice restaurant to order a pizza Temple."

Connor actually pouts at that. "But it's an Italian staple," the younger man protests.

Stephen rolls his eyes and when their waiter returns he places their orders before Connor can open his mouth to ask about pizza toppings. As their meal progresses Stephen and Connor find themselves engrossed in a conversation to get to know each other.

"So how was it like growing up in the Hart household?" Connor asks.

Stephen nearly chokes on his water as he arches a brow at the younger man. "Honestly? It was very confining. There were all these social graces to be adhered to. My uncle is little more than a stuffed shirt, thinks he's something considering his studies in physics at Cambridge, and he's a professor there and before Cambridge he taught at Oxford until he had a disagreement over some theory or some such with a colleague. My aunt is a socialite, everything is a cause or should be a cause in her eyes. They wanted me to follow Uncle Rhys into a nice tidy science, but I have always loved exploring and craved adventure. I like getting dirty, tracking things, hunting, and I love my guns. They can't stand any of that, except for the annual fox hunts my uncle goes on with his friends, but really it's the hounds that do all of the work. I really haven't spoken civilly to my Aunt Lauren or Uncle Rhys in over a decade. That's why your mum is so refreshing."

"Really that long?" Connor asks, wide-eyed and then says, "So you're from a well-off family, rich and the like?"

Stephen takes another sip of his water and then nods. "I was adopted by my Aunt Lauren who then married the very well off Rhys Stanton, so school hardly cost me a dime. It was unfortunate when Aunt Lauren found that she couldn't have children of her own, which prompted Uncle Rhys to adopt me, but I refused to take his name. You could say I was rich until they cut me off after I told them I was switching my major and began to work under Nick. Well there was more to it than that. My aunt suspected that I was interested more in Nick than in the field of study. She was right of course, mentioned it to Uncle Rhys, he confronted me and when I admitted that Nick was a definite part of the equation I was promptly disowned. Nick doesn't know the full story, he just thinks it's my uncle's professional arrogance, not that dear ol' uncle found out his adopted son's a poufter."

"I'm sorry for that," Connor says and then sighs. "My dad's not much better. Ran out on m' mum when I was young. Had weekend visits with him, but I never measured up. Wasn't much for sport, and while I'm good with mechanics, I was more into science, my database, and computers. Not exactly the type of kid my dad would appreciate. I finally got the choice to stop visiting him, especially after I came home with a black eye. Mum was none too happy over that. Took him to the courts, and then he lost all visitation, and I think that was a relief for both me and him. Mum's always backed me up though, put up with the dinosaurs and my crazy conspiracy theories, made sure I knew how brilliant I was."

"Sounds like your dad is as big a tosser as my uncle," Stephen says with a snort, and then continues, "But your mum is a gem. Think she likes me?"

"Do you have to ask? You're practically family now. Won't be long before she begs off you calling her Madge and just outright calling her mum."

Stephen grins at that and he smirks as he notices the gelato at the corner of Connor's mouth, and points it out to the younger man. The younger man wipes at his mouth, and then Stephen raises his hand for the check. Once the waiter appears he beckons the waiter closer, places an order for pepperoni pizza to go and then hands over his credit card. Once the bill is settled and Connor sets eyes on the pizza box with a bright grin complete with dimple, Stephen knows he's done well for a first official date.

-PRIMEVAL-

Connor has a cheeky grin on his face as he holds something behind his back. Stephen raises a brow and then says, "Remember, you did say I would get to pick the films for the next marathon we had."

"And you do, so Matrix, X-Men, or Chronicles of Riddick?" Connor asks.

Stephen groans. "Matrix it is then," Connor says in victory.

Stephen has the last laugh, because as Neo is choosing between the red pill and the blue pill, and Connor is riveted to the screen, which Stephen believes is evidence that Connor has a crush on Keanu Reeves. Stephen shifts closer to Connor, moving the bowl of crisps to the coffee table and nuzzles his nose into Connor's shaggy brown hair. Connor reaches up and flicks at him like he's a fly. Stephen growls and that gathers Connor's attention. Connor looks at him with wide eyes and before the younger man realizes what has happened Stephen has him pinned down on the couch, his mouth at the younger man's neck, teeth grazing over Connor's throat and Connor moans as it's one of his sensitive spots.

"Now that I have your attention, what should I do with you?" Stephen asks, his voice deep and thick, and Connor swallows loudly as he gazes up into wicked, hungry blue eyes.

"Stephen?" Connor manages, in a tight high pitched voice, and then his breath comes stuttering out when Stephen thrusts his hips into Connor's, and Connor whimpers.

"All this fooling around we've been doing, and I still haven't managed to fully claim you yet. You've been here for a while Temple. What if this is it? You're here to stay? I want you for myself, for good. I want more than a good hand job or head, and leaving bite marks on what's mine. I want you to submit completely. I want what's mine," Stephen growls as he thrusts his hips against Connor's once again, and Connor swallows thickly as he realizes just what Stephen is asking for, something that Connor has next to no experience at, especially with another male.

The making out has always been good. Learning where Stephen likes to be touched, and learning that Stephen has a very talented mouth, and is very thorough in instructing Connor on what he likes has been a great deal of fun, but this request is different. This is Connor's last boundary, the one thing that has kept him from fully committing himself to the disaster he knows this will be, because Connor Temple simply is not meant to be lucky in matters of relationships, and Connor knows this to be fact. He's utterly terrified that giving himself so fully to Stephen will be the point of no return, the point where disaster will soon follow and he will find himself back in his timeline, alone, heartbroken, and without Stephen James Hart. Still this would also be a brilliant memory to have when the time comes and what little luck he has runs out. Connor has always been cautious, but at the burning hunger reflected in those impossibly blue eyes devouring him, he could give a toss about caution and protecting himself at the moment. For once he wants to be foolish by choice and not by circumstance.

"I'll never not be yours, will I?" Connor asks, as he looks up at the slightly older man and draws his tongue nervously across his bottom lip.

"Thought we've already established the right selfish bastard that I am," Stephen says with a smirk.

Connor huffs and then a moan escapes him as Stephen thrusts against him again, their erections meeting and Connor's pants seem to fit even tighter now. "God, yes, fine, forget the bloody film, bed now, sounds great."

"There's my good little geek," Stephen says as he leans down, nipping Connor's left earlobe, chuckling at the shudder that works through the younger man.

Stephen wastes no time as he gets to his feet, grabs Connor yanking him up and then drags him to the master bedroom. Once inside Stephen kicks the door shut and shoves Connor back on the bed. Connor looks up at him with deep, brown hooded eyes. Even lounging about the flat Connor is dressed in layers, while Stephen's just in a shirt, boxer briefs and plaid lounge pants. Stephen makes short work of slipping out of his clothes, and once he's completely starkers he stalks toward Connor, more predator than man. Stephen draws to his prey and makes short work of grabbing the hem of Connor's t-shirt, and drags it and the vest over it roughly up Connor's chest, ignoring the sound of ripping material and Connor lifts his arms to accommodate the dominant man as Stephen yanks the shirt and vest free of Connor's head and arms.

Stephen captures Connor's mouth in a frenzy and when he pulls back he growls, "How is it that you are always inappropriately dressed for what I have in mind for you Temple?"

Connor manages to wiggle out of his boxers all his own, and Stephen is glad there isn't anything more between him and the younger man. Stephen quickly goes for the drawer of his bedside table, revealing a foil packet and lubricant. Connor swallows at the sight of it, and then Stephen is kneeling between his legs, devouring Connor's erection, and dragging the younger man closer so his back is on the bed, and his legs over Stephen's shoulders as Stephen uncaps the lubricant and coats his fingers with the slick liquid.

Connor's eyes are rolled up to the back of his head as he cants his hips, and Stephen lowers his head, taking more of Connor into his mouth as he begins to work his slick right index finger between Connor's arse cheeks. Luckily the oral attention has Connor suitably distracted as Stephen begins to breach Connor's entrance up to the first knuckle of his index finger, and that is when Connor takes notice and begins to squirm. Stephen pulls back from Connor's erection and looks up at the flushed and panting younger man and says, "Relax. I plan on going easy on you the first few rounds."

"First few…" Connor begins, his voice dazed as Stephen cuts him off effectively with the talent that is his mouth and Connor throws his head back, his hips jutting forward and Stephen manages to get his finger all the way inside of the younger man.

For Connor the dual sensation of burn from his bum and wet slick suction of his erection is enough to reduce him to a babbling, incoherent mess. Stephen takes his time, working Connor into a frenzy as he finally adds a second finger to scissor and begin the necessary stretching. He releases Connor's member from his mouth and grips the younger man firmly with his hand as he sinks his teeth deep into Connor's left thigh, making sure to mark him. Stephen then tightens his left hand as he crooks his fingers just so, finding Connor's prostate and the younger man bucks wildly.

"Wha…what?" Connor manages barely coherent beyond the stars in his eyes, his erection painful from Stephen's attention, so close on edge.

Connor looks down the length of his own body, Stephen's hand firmly around his cock, and then his eyes lock with bright blue and his breath hitches as the older man says, "You won't be allowed to come until I say so. I want you begging for it when I'm riding you, buried balls deep in this tight arse, and you begging, my name a curse on your tongue. That's when I'll let you come."

Connor shudders in anticipation just as Stephen adds a third finger to his probing and Connor whimpers, Stephen's grip on the younger man's erection tightening further.

Stephen has managed to work himself into as much of a frenzy as the young computer geek. He finds that he can't wait any longer, condom forgotten somewhere on the floor, and in an impressive move he flips Connor onto his stomach, aligns himself with Connor's prepared entrance and begins to ease his way inside. He is determined to be easy and gentle for Connor's first time with a man, but it's proving rather difficult with Connor squirming and making such strange and enticing noises below him. His head falls back with a loud groan once he's fully seated within the younger man. He allows a few moments for adjustment, and Connor is shivering and whimpering beneath him, demanding he seal his claim on his prey. Stephen eases back out, Connor tight and responsive around him, and then he snaps his hips unrepentantly, burying himself again into the younger man. He begins to set a frantic pace, aimed at battering the younger man's prostate, his left hand firmly grips Connor's left hip as Stephen continues his sharp thrusting, and Stephen leans forward, his angle deeper as his right hand reaches around and works Connor's erection to the same unforgiving pace he's setting. Connor is already leaking, the sticky liquid at the tip of his cock easily spread with a swipe of Stephen's thumb.

From the shuddering of the man beneath him, and the pooling of heat and drive in his stomach, Stephen knows he's near his edge. He bends down, his teeth sinking into Connor's right shoulder as his own body begins to quiver. Connor is the first to find release, coming on Stephen's hand and the bedding beneath him as soon as Stephen's teeth sink into his shoulder, the sensation more than he can bear. A moment later Stephen is working through several thrusts in the aftershock of his own climax buried within Connor, before collapsing on top of the younger man.

Both are achingly, pleasantly tired from their excursions as Stephen rolls off of the younger man and drags the pair of them further onto the bed. He bites down on Connor's collar bone and then licks over the mark, and the younger man trembles at the show of possession by the older man. Connor's breathing is steadying and he can barely keep his eyes open as he tries to gather his wits to look at Stephen. Stephen languidly draws forward, capturing Connor's mouth with his own in lazy hunger. When they part, Connor is done for, his eyes falling shut as five words slip unconsciously from his mouth before he's fully down for the count.

"I think I love you."

The half-whispered words strike Stephen James Hart like a blow as he realizes the gravity of what he's just done. He's ruined the young man curled up around him, peaceful in sleep. He takes in a sharp breath and lets it out in a shudder. He leans over and brushes his lips gently against Connor's warm shoulder.

He pulls away carefully, those words having managed to fully wake him up and make him restless. He slips from the bed, pulls on his boxer briefs, and quietly heads toward his kitchen. He digs around in a cabinet until he finds a bottle of scotch, the kind that Nick favors. He retrieves a tumbler from another cabinet and finds himself sprawled on the couch, one drink already tossed back and a second freshly poured. He knows he's selfish, a right bastard, and only now does he realize the consequences of that selfishness. This Connor who fell through the anomaly in the Forest of Dean is not the Connor from this timeline. This Connor comes from a time and place where he, Stephen, died, and now Connor has fallen for him. Rarely do things ever work in his favor, and he knows it's only a matter of time before circumstance rears its ugly head. He knocks back his second drink before returning the bottle to its cabinet and the tumbler to the sink.

He finds himself in his bedroom once again, Connor sprawled across his bed, looking well fucked and rested, and Stephen winces at the thought. Whatever had happened between them, it wasn't just a fuck. It meant more. He'd never felt something like that before. He hesitates to give whatever the emotions running through him a label, guilt one among the emotional cocktail spinning him around. Stephen lets out a sigh as he crawls into the bed, his lips finding Connor's and Connor returning the kiss, even from the depths of sleep. As they part, Stephen takes in a sharp breath as his thoughts and exhaustion threaten to overtake him and he whispers, "This once I'm sorry I'm such a selfish bastard that I'm determined to ruin you for anyone else, but I want you. Mine always."

Within moments he's drifted off to sleep, just as brown eyes flutter open, and the younger man curls himself around Stephen and replies, "I've been yours longer than I realized. Already forgiven, you right selfish bastard."

Author's Note: It would appear that our fine boys have formed quite the attachment! Two more chapters to go lovelies!

Remember review fuel the muse!