Disclaimer: I don't own Primeval or its characters.

Summary: Becker goes out for a run one morning and has an unexpected encounter with Jess.

Genre: Romance/Humor

Rating: K+

A/N: This one's a long one, it kinda got away from me as I wrote it. Enjoy X.

P.s. I promise it's happier than the last one :)

Art in the Park

Like most people, Becker rather enjoyed it when the weekend came around. It would give him the chance to get whatever errands he had done, and—more importantly—it gave him a break from everything anomaly related. It was two days away from rips in time, prehistoric animals trying to kill him, and Connor Temple's shenanigans. Yes, Becker often looked forward to his weekends.

But this weekend was one of those rare occasions where Becker had found himself with nothing to do, and was almost wishing that he'd be called into the ARC. He had spent most of the week on—what he believed was unnecessary—medical leave, and had done everything he would normally do on a Saturday during the week. He still thought three days of time off had been excessive, so what if he had been thrown across a carpark, into a brick wall, and sustained a mild concussion.

After moping around his flat for most of the morning, Becker decided to go for a run.

###

As he jogged through the park Becker noticed a crowd gathering at the opposite end by the playground. Curious as to what was drawing the crowd—and hoping it wasn't a large, golden ball of light—he made his way over.

The crowd had gathered around a small group of people drawing on the concert in chalk. This wasn't an odd occurrence for the park he was in. The large concert space by the play equipment was often being used for some sort of artistic expression, be it craft markets or performances of some kind.

Normally this sort of thing wouldn't interest Becker, he would just pass it by, but this time one of the artists caught his eye. His eyes locked on a young woman, probably a few years younger than himself. She wore a pair of skin tight jeans, an orange tee-shirt, and a pair of flat orange shoes. Her brown hair was piled on top of her head in a bun. Her back was to him, making it impossible for him to see her face, yet Becker still found something about the young woman absolutely captivating.

Tearing his eyes from her, he shifted his gaze to the drawing she was crouched in front of. Becker didn't know a lot about art, but even he could tell her abilities were impressive. In the foreground stood a couple locked in an embrace. The girl had her head buried in the man's chest, her hair blowing out over his shoulder, covering her face. While the man held onto her protectively, both hands holding her to him, his forehead resting on the top of her head. Despite not being able to see either of their faces, Becker found something about the pair of them eerily familiar. They stood in front of a streaked orange background, that made Becker think he was looking at the end of the world. The vivid oranges colours looked like a sky on fire, and the streaks made it look like meteors were raining down upon them.

As he stared at the picture, Becker wondered if that was where they would find themselves if the team didn't get a handle on the anomaly situation. Looking at the couple again he couldn't help but think of Jess. If they ever found themselves living through the apocalypse—again—that was where he'd want to be. In each other's arms, keeping the other safe, and living out their final moments together.

He was amazed by how affected he was by this piece of art.

As Becker continued to take in the chalk drawing the woman stood, revelling her identity to him.

"Jess?"

Jess stood up to survey her work. It had been a while since she'd gone to one of these art meets. Work had been keeping her so busy over the last few months that she barely had time to breath, let alone do anything enjoyable. But now that the anomalies seemed to be quieting down, she had the time to give her hobbies some attention again.

Dusting her hands off, Jess gazed down at the piece she created. For the most part it had turned out the way she had hoped it would. Though anyone familiar with any of her past work would be able to tell that she hadn't drawn in a long time. Art skills were just like any other set of skills, they required consent use to remain at their best, and after months of non-use Jess' skills had gone rusty.

Well what did you expect after spending months doing nothing but working, not even taking the time to do a sketch in the corner of a notebook.

"Jess?"

Jess froze up at the sound of her name, she would recognise that voice anywhere; Becker. Turning around she saw him striding toward her.

Crap! What's he doing here? Oh my God, he must think I'm a child, drawing on the ground in chalk. What respectable government employee does that? Oh why did I agree to do this.

"Becker, what are you doing here?"

"I go jogging in this park."

It was then that Jess noticed the tight, dark green tee-shirt, and the grey jogging pants hanging loosely from his hips. The running cloths looked just as good on him as his uniform did, and Jess blushed as she caught herself staring at his to his well-defined chest.

"Oh…"

"I had no idea you could draw," Becker said gesturing to the picture they were standing beside.

"Um, yeah," Jess tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "I've always been a bit of an artist, but I didn't start doing this form of art until uni, and I haven't done it for a few years now. Work kept me so busy I didn't have the time to pick up a paint brush, so coming to one of these meets was out of the question. But now that everything's less crazy, when Brett asked me to come today I thought, well…why not? It probably seems silly and childish to you, but I find it relaxing."

Becker smiled as he listened to Jess ramble on. He knew it was something she only ever did when she was feeling nervous, and he knew she found it embarrassing, but he found it adorable. It was one of the things that made her Jess, and it was one of the things that had made him fall in love with her. If only he could find a way to tell her how much she meant to him.

"…seems silly and childish to you…"

Becker frowned as Jess' words registered with him.

"Why would you think I would find it childish?"

"It's okay Becker," Jess wouldn't meet his eyes as she spoke. "I know how it looks. I mean it's drawing on the ground; it doesn't exactly scream adult."

"Yeah it is drawing on the ground, but it's doing so with immense skill. Jess you've created a work of art, and the fact that you could draw something that good on such a rough surface is impressive. Why would you be embarrassed by such an incredible talent?"

Jess blushed and looked away. "I just assumed you'd find it childish."

"I could never find anything you do childish."

Jess looked at him then, surprise clearly displayed on her face. Their gazes met and Becker could feel himself getting lost in her clear blue eyes.

Just tell her how you feel already! When are you going to get another chance to talk to her away from work?

But before Becker had a chance to say anything one of the other artists came over, draping his arm over Jess shoulder and effectively ruining the moment.

Becker frowned when Jess didn't shrug the arm off.

Who is this guy?

"Hey Jessie, who's this?"

"This is Becker, he and I work together. Becker, this is Brett."

The two men shook hands. "So, you work with Jess, does that make you a tech genius as well?"

Jess burst out laughing. "Becker? A tech genius? Oh, wait until I tell Connor."

"You wound me Jessica, I'm not that bad when it comes to technology."

"Not that bad? Last week you needed my help just to get your iPod to connect to iTunes."

"Yes, well, at least I can operate a computer."

"Don't compare yourself to Emily to feel better about yourself. She grew up without technology, you didn't. Anyway she's quickly learning how to use the system at work, and—unlike some people—she actually listens to me when I try to help her."

Brett smirked as he watched the two interact. He could have some fun with this.

"So, if you don't work in IT, what do you do?"

"I'm the facility's head of security."

"An IT company with a head of security that looks like he's part of the secret service? Jessie, why didn't you tell me you were a spy?"

Brett's arm moved so it was now wrapped around Jess' waist instead of her shoulders, and it took all of Becker's self-control not rip the two apart.

Jess laughed and shoved him playfully. "Oh yeah, like I could be a spy."

Becker felt a tightening in his chest as he watched the two of them together. Was this Jess' boyfriend? Why hadn't she told him she was seeing someone? He had thought they were close.

"So are you done? Because I am starving."

"Yes, I'm done." Jess said rolling her eyes.

"Excellent, let's go get lunch. Becker, you should join us, I'd love to hear stories about Jess at work, she never tells me anything when I ask."

Jess' eyes lit up at the idea. "You should, we go to this tiny little café not far from here, almost no one knows it's there, but it has some of the best food I've ever had."

As Becker was trying to come up with a reason not to go—he had no intention of third-wheeling a date with Jess and her boyfriend—Brett 's phone started ringing.

"Ah, it's Cory, I'll be back in a second." Brett gave Jess a quick kiss on the cheek before stepping away to take the call.

"I have a feeling it's going to be just the two of us for lunch." Jess blushed as she realised Becker hadn't actually agreed to going. "If you wanted to go that is. I'll understand if you already have plans or something."

"Are you sure it won't bother Brett?"

"I don't see why it would. He's the one about to ditch me to go hang out with his boyfriend."

Wait, boyfriend?

"Jess don't hate me…" Brett said re-joining them.

"But Cory wants to go out for lunch so now you're ditching me."

"Do you hate me?"

"Yes, but not because you're ditching me."

"I'll make it up to you," he said hugging her. "Oh, and mum wanted me to remind you that you promised to help her with that problem she's having with her email account. I tried telling her that I could help her with it, but she won't let me near her computer. It's like she thinks I'm going to download gay porn if she lets me use the thing."

"Maybe that's because last time she let you use it you did."

"Yes, well, it got the point across didn't it."

"True, but she didn't speak to you for a week after that."

"She got over it, she couldn't live without her favourite son."

"You're her only son."

"Which makes me the favourite. Okay I better go; it was nice meeting you Becker."

"Likewise," Becker said, confused as to who Brett was.

Jess shifted uncomfortably. "Um, I guess I may as well head home."

"I thought you were going to show me that café you were raving about."

"Are you sure? It's okay if you have something else to do, I don't want to ruin your day."

"You could never ruin my day. Come on, show me this amazing café of yours."

"Okay."

Feeling brave, Becker took her hand and together they left the park.

###

Jess hadn't been kidding when she said the café was small. It sat between two clothing stores and Becker had the feeling if you weren't looking for it, you would walk straight past the small establishment.

Inside the café was decorated in a simple manner. The front area was taken up by wooden tables and chairs with a counter in front of the right wall. Behind the counter was a set of silver doors that Becker assumed led to the kitchen. The walls were off white and displayed paintings done by local artists.

"Do you mind if we sit out the back?" Jess asked after they had placed their order.

"Not at all, lead the way."

Becker followed her down a narrow corridor. As he walked his eye was caught by one of the paintings hanging on the wall. Turning to look at it properly he saw it was of a woman stuck in a storm. She stood with her head down and her hands clasped in front of her while her dress and hair were blown about by the wind. Behind her was a man walking away, protected from the storm by the umbrella he carried. Something about the image seemed familiar to Becker. Looking at the bottom right hand corner he saw that the artist that had painted the piece was J. Parker.

Did Jess paint this?

Becker stepped into the outdoor dining area as he caught up to Jess. The paved area looked similar to the inside of the café. The tables and chairs were all the same, but instead of being decorated with artworks, it was decorated with flowers of every type and colour.

"I can see why you wanted to sit out here," Becker said as he took the seat across from her.

"I always sit out here. Unless it's winter, then I sit inside where it's warm."

A waitress brought their food then and they fell into silence as the ate.

Jess was right, the food here is good.

"So, Brett is...?" Becker asked wanting an answer as to who the man was.

"My big brother," Jess replied. "Though we've never had a typical sibling relationship. Most siblings fight all the time and can't stand being around each other, but Brett and I have always been really close, despite the fact that he's three years older than me. I was skipped a head in school and we ended up in the same year. Which turned out to be for the best, we were all each other had in high school. No one wanted to be around the genius girl and her gay brother."

"I'm sorry you had to go through that."

"It's okay. Things changed when we got to uni, age wasn't such a big deal there and people tended to be more open minded. Plus, they were smart enough to see the benefits of having a genius as a friend."

Becker laughed at her smug tone. "I know I could've used someone like you around when I was in school."

Jess smiled at him. "What about you? Any siblings?"

"Just one, a sister, though we're nowhere need as close as you and Brett are. She's a year younger than me and we're incredibly competitive. Our mother died when we were teenagers, and after that the only way we could get our father to pay any attention to us was to excel in everything we did. He seemed to get some sort of kick out of pitting us against each other. But she won that battel the day she got into law school and I joined the military. My father doesn't exactly have respect for people in my profession."

Jess reached across the table and took his hand. "Becker, I'm so sorry, that's a horrible thing for your father to do."

Becker shrugged. "I only see them a couple of times a year now, so it's not as bad."

"What about your mum? What was she like?"

"She was the best. A total free-spirit; the complete opposite of our dad, most people couldn't believe they had been together for as long as they had been. But my father only ever seemed truly happy when he was with her. She was the only one that could pull him away from his work, she had this way of bringing out the best in people. It's funny because you'd think someone like her would be against everything the military represents, but she was the only one that supported my decision to join the army after I graduated. She always encouraged us to follow our own paths."

"She sounds like an amazing woman; I wish I could have met her."

"You would've loved her, and I know she would've loved you, especially once she found out you were an artist."

Jess blushed at his words.

"Speaking of which, why do none of us know about your secret talent?"

"It's not something I tend to tell people."

"Why not?"

"IT and art don't generally go together and when people find out about the art they assume it means I'm not as good with computers I claim to be. It's hard enough to be taken seriously as a woman in the industry as it is. My dress sense and how young I am already create enough problems for me, I don't need to give people any more reasons to doubt my abilities."

"Do people really think you can't be good with computers just because you're an artist?"

"Yep. In uni I took art as one of my electives, and on the first day I had art right before computer science, so I had to take my paints and sketch book with me. When the professor saw them he thought I was in the wrong place, I managed to convince him I wasn't but he made it clear he didn't think I should be in that class. It wasn't until we did our first assignment that he realised he had underestimated me."

"Does that happen often?"

"You'd be surprised. I pretty sure there are still some people at work that don't think I belong in my position."

"What! Who?"

"A few of the lab techs and…"

"And who?"

"No one. It doesn't matter."

"Yes it does. Jess, who thinks you don't belong at the ARC?"

Jess sighed. "A few of the soldiers."

Becker frowned. He had thought that by now his men would have realised how valuable Jess was to the team. She had saved most of their lives on more than one occasion.

"What! Which ones? What have they said to you?"

"No one's said anything to me directly, but sometimes people forget to turn off their radios and I over hear things."

"Who was it?"

"I don't know Becker. It's not like I was with them when they said it, and even if I did know I wouldn't tell you."

"What!? Why?" The thought that Jess wouldn't trust him with something like this hurt him.

"Because I know you, and as soon as you know who it was you'd confront them. You'd intimidate them until you were sure it wouldn't happen again and probably make them apologise as well."

"What's wrong with that?"

"Because the problem is them not having faith in my ability to do my job, and you going to fight my battles for me isn't going to change that."

Becker still didn't like that she wouldn't tell him which of his soldiers didn't have faith in her, but he could see her point. Him trying to fix this for her wouldn't compel them to see how good she was at her job. It would probably have the opposite effect and make her appear incapable.

###

After they had finished lunch Becker walked Jess back to her car. He had enjoyed spending time with her and as they walked back to the park Becker found himself wanting to reach out and take her hand. But, unlike last time, he had no reason to do so and didn't know how Jess would respond, so he kept his hands by his side.

"Thank you for coming to lunch with me, I had a really nice time." Jess said, coming to a stop beside her car.

"So did I." As he looked down at her, Becker wanted nothing more than to kiss her.

Just ask her out already!

He frowned as he realised his inner voice was beginning to sound a lot like Abby. Taking a deep breath, he prepared himself for what he was about to do.

"Would you like to go out with me? On a date? One your brother didn't orchestrate?"

Jess stared at him in shock, her mouth hanging open, and Becker could feel the back of his neck heating up. He shouldn't have said anything. He had clearly misread the situation. She wasn't interested in him, meaning he had just ruined their friendship, a relationship that meant a lot to him.

He was about to tell her to forget he'd ever mentioned it when Jess recovered from the shock and smiled up at him.

"I'd love to."

"How about tomorrow night?" He asked, smiling back at her.

"Can't wait."

Taking a step forward, Jess reached up and kissed him on the cheek. Acting on instinct, Becker wrapped one arm around her waist as she took a step back, pulling her closer to him. Cupping the back of her head with the other hand, he leant down and captured her lips with his, putting everything he felt for her into the kiss.

The kiss came to an end and Becker rested his forehead against hers.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that." He told her.

"You've no idea how long I've wished you would."

Jess kissed him again, before stepping out of him arms and moving around to the other side of her car.

"I'll see you tomorrow." She said, smiling at him.

She got into her car, started the engine, and—looking back at him once—drove away. Becker watched her car disappear down the street, and couldn't help but think that this had been the best run he had ever gone on.