I've just realised Connor was in the last chapter when he wasn't meant to be. Lets just say he rocked up and never said where he'd been. I promise he'll disappear again soon ;)

You run towards the menagerie, trying to avoid the CCTV cameras. Once you're in the room you head down the ramp to the door to the Mammoth's 'pen'. You sit yourself against the wall of the ramp, watching the mammoth. A few moments later and you're joined by Rex. He chirps, rubbing his head against your hand and it's only then you realise you're shaking. What the hell just happened? You take a shaky breath and try to calm yourself down. Your cheek still stings but it's your heart that hearts the most. You know Becker was in a bad mood, but did he have to hit you. You're on your own for a few minutes before the menagerie door opens and you hold your breath. "I have chocolate." You breath out shakily as Rex flys up to meet her. "I had a feeling you'd be down here." Abby smiles, heading down the ramp. "Here's the chocolate." she thrusts the bar into your hand. "Well, Becker made a bit of a stir. Robinson had to practically drag Lyra away and Connor and Matt almost man-handle Benjimin out of the room because he wanted to come and see you." you smile slightly at this. "Becker's really shaken up about it all." your mouth tightens and something inside of you twinges painfully. "I really wish I could stay, but I've got to go and prise Becker away from the CCTV. He's waiting to calm down then he's going to come and see you."

"I don't want to see him." you reply evenly and Abi nods.

"I know, but he's going to anyway." she gives you a quick hug before heading back up the ramp and slipping out of the door.

You're on your own for the next ten minutes and you're wondering if it's possible that Becker's left the ARC or is busy. You contemplate on going home, but no sooner has the thought crossed your mind there's a gentle knock at the menagerie door. You hold your breath. Please let it be Abby. Please.

"Si?" you bite your lip and stiffen. "C'mon. I know you're in there." you carefully and quietly get to your feet and head back up the ramp. You only go up enough to look out of the window without being seen. Becker's got both his hands pressed flat against the door, his forehead resting between them, his eyes closed.

You draw in a shaky breath and scan your wrist, unlocking the door. He could've done it himself but you guess he was being polite. You head back down the ramp in the hope he'll get the message.

He enters the room slowly as though Princess is ready to have another go at him. He closes the door, leans over the railing and sighs when he sees where you're stood. He heads down the ramp and you wish he'd just leave. "I'm sorry." he says quietly and you shake your head.

"Why?" you demand and your voice sounds stronger than you thought it would be.

"I-I don't know. I just snapped. I'm sorry." Becker sounds pleading as he takes a step towards you. You stay still, heart beating as though this is the first time he's ever approached you. You wonder if this is how Jess feels all the time. He cups your sore cheek gently, turning your head to face him. Unwillingly, your whole body follows the movement. He cups the back of your head and he moves into kiss you but you, with no explanation as to why, jerk away. Becker flinches but steps towards you. You take a step back he steps forwards again. This happens a few more times until you're back is pressed against the wall. "I'm sorry I hit you. I don't know why I did, but believe me when I say that it will haunt me forever. I never want to have to see that look on your face again." this time, when Becker leans down to kiss you, you don't pull away. (not just because if you did your head would hit the wall behind you.) Instead, you meet him halfway.

By the time you've pulled apart, you've come to the conclusion that Becker could be one of those husbands who abuse their wives all day long, and you'd still forgive him. "I'm sorry."

"You've said that already." you sigh.

"I know, but I'm sorr-" you cut him off by placing a finger on his lips.

"Try saying something else." you say quietly, not just due to your closeness.

"I love you."

"I know." you bring his lips back down to yours and you smile into them.

Right, I wanted this to be short to be more...effective. (?)

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