Disclaimer: i do not own primeval or any of its characters, plots, settings etc.
I apologize in advance for any spelling or grammatical errors, my program doesn't have spell check etc on it and i have to reread through my documents and manually check then correct any errors and may have missed some.
Prompt: this one came from a story on here where it's just a nightmare, the ideas are similar but i have tried to keep this as original as i can. Jess has a bad day that gets continually worse because of those around her or what happens when Jess Parker gets pushed past her breaking point.
Jess Parker was late. She quickly hurried down the hall in her heels to her bosses office. The dry cleaning he had insisted she stop to pick up on her way in this morning hanging over her arm. In a whirlwind of bright colours, clacking heels and plastic garment bags she entered Lester's office.
"There you Parker, are you aware how late you are? Punctuality is a serious part of this job you know."
"Yes I know Lester I was-"
"Never mind I have a conference call in two minutes and I need you to fill in for my assistant. She called in sick this morning."
"But the ADD."
"You have thirty seconds to get your note taking equipment and assign a capable tech before we get started Miss Parker."
Offended and rather annoyed with her boss Jess quickly pulled her pad of paper, pen and recording device from her drawer below the ADD and asked Kelly to take over while she was in the meeting. Kelly who had been covering for her already frowned but agreed making sure to remind Jess she had other work to do as well. Pushing back the negative emotions she felt at Lester and Kelly's attitudes Jess went back to Lester's office and closed the door signalling for him to dial in.
Two hours later Jess left the office with notes on a select few topics the minister needed reports on by the end of the day. Taking a deep breath she made her way towards the ADD after a quick stop in the bathroom to relieve herself only to be stopped by Matt.
"Jess, where have you been I need those reports I requested yesterday. You were supposed to put them on my desk before you left!"
"I'm sorry I didn't get time I had them I just need to find them."
"Honestly Jess, you need to be more organised, not taking little impromptu coffee breaks and leaving the ADD unmanned it's risky and unprofessional."
Jess felt her mouth drop open as she reached the empty ADD and handed the file to Matt. "It wasn't-"
"Save it, just make sure it doesn't happen again." he practically growled before storming off.
Frowning she turned back to the ADD. Making a mental note to speak to Kelly later she started running her weekly diagnostic and security check. She tried not to think about Matt's mood as she manually corrected errors and erased viruses only to be almost shocked out of her chair when the systems started blaring as a virus she tried to erase activated when she entered her codes. Pushing back her fear and worry she tried her best to manage the bug until she heard Connor approach her.
"Jess, what's going on?" Connor asked in his dead serious tone.
"A virus in the system, my code didn't work when I tried to erase it. It activated it instead, I'm trying to take care of it but the things tricky. I need to-"
"You set the bloody thing off?! What the hell is wrong with you move out the way and let me deal with it."
Before she could react she was pushed out of her chair and Connor was in her place typing furiously. He typed as fast as he could counteracting the virus and eventually shutting it down. When the system returned back to its standard screens Connor stood up and turned to leave mumbling to himself as he left.
"If I didn't know any better I'd ask who she slept with to get this bloody position."
Gasping quietly as tears sprang to her eyes Jess quickly asked Sareed to cover for her while she went to get some lunch. He was supposed to cover her lunch any way and she was late thanks to that virus. Sitting in the back of the canteen she picked quietly at her food trying not to make it obvious she was upset and was only mildly startled when Abby and Emily sat down in front of her.
"Hey Jess." Abby beamed.
Emily smiled as she too sat but frowned instantly. "Is something ailing you? You seem upset."
Jess smiled tremulously. "It's fine really."
Abby sighed. "You shouldn't keep things bottled up it's not good for you. Is it Becker?"
Jess frowned. "What?"
Emily seemed to agree with Abby. "He has not realised your feelings."
"Jess, don't you think maybe it's time to stop this silly little crush and look for someone."
"I agree with Abby, perhaps finding someone closer in age who is attracted to you would help you move on from these feelings."
"It's not Becker that's bothering me."
"Then who?" Abby asked impatiently.
"Actually it was Connor and Matt." she mumbled though it was heard by both women who exchanged confused looks before silently urging her on. "Well, I don't know I guess Matt was just really short with me and wouldn't let me explain it was like I'd personally offended him. And Connor got cranky when I was trying to sort out a bug in the system and when he walked away I swear I heard him say that if he didn't know any better he'd ask who I slept with to get my position."
When she was met with silence Jess looked up to see confused and disbelieving expressions on there faces.
"I am certain Matt did not mean to be rude. He has a lot on his mind at the moment I believe it was a one off incident. If I were you I would not bother worrying myself over it."
Jess frowned as Abby spoke up next.
"Look Jess, it sounds like he was just helping you out and I doubt he would have said something like that. This is Connor we're talking about. You probably just heard wrong but if it makes you feel better we could talk to them."
"No, it's fine don't worry about it."
"See I'm sure you just misunderstood them that's all why don't you get back to it yeah? Your lunch break should be over soon and Lester won't be happy if you're dilly dallying around here with us."
She nodded morosely and stood up throwing her mostly uneaten lunch in the bin before returning to the ADD to find the reports the minister had requested. She emailed them to the ministers office before printing off copies and handing them in to Lester to look over so he could read them and await the next debrief call that would take place that afternoon. Thankfully Jess was not needed so she made herself busy with the steady growing pile of paperwork she needed to sort through. Finding a few discrepancies she pulled two files from the stack. She would need to go down to the armoury and have Becker check then sign the files as he had previously forgotten to do so.
She smiled to herself as she once again asked a happy enough Sareed to cover for her. Experiencing the light fluttery feeling she often got when near the Captain Jess couldn't help the smile as she unknowingly entered the armoury at a very bad and tense time. Not noticing the tension she walked past the working soldiers to their Captain.
"Becker, just the man I'm looking for-"
"Not now Jess."
"I just need a moment."
"I said not now."
"It's important for the filing or I wouldn't bother-"
"Jessica! Can't you see I'm busy! When I said not now I meant it. I'll deal with that later right now I have things to do."
Taken aback by his sour mood and rude attitude Jess turned on her heels and left the armoury as quickly as she could whilst looking professional. When she reached her desk she threw the folder down and stormed up the stairs into Lesters office.
"What do you want Parker I'm busy."
"I'm taking the rest of the day, thought I should let you know."
Lester dropped the file he had picked up as he met her troubled face. "I'm sorry could you repeat that? I thought you said you were taking the rest of the day."
"That's exactly what I said. I need to otherwise I'm going to say something I'm going to regret."
Not waiting for an answer she turned around and left Lester to jump up and hastily follow her. When she reached her desk the core team were waiting for her as Lester followed her hastily.
"You can't very well just leave because you're having a bad day!"
Everyone watched as Jess' face went from passive aggressive to all out furious. "Bad day? The only reason I'm having a bad bloody day is because of everyone currently standing at this bloody desk! Not only was I late because you insisted I get your bloody dry cleaning but you then reprimanded me for being late because of it then dragged me into a two hour meeting because your receptionist can't do her job and is never here. Kelly, who I asked to man the ADD left before I got back and by the time I took two minutes to go to the bloody toilet after that sodding meeting I'd deeply offended you (she pointed at Matt) because I hadn't had the time to get your reports which you are quite capable of getting yourself by the way if you just log in and search the database but hey why not ask me I don't do much but take breaks and unprofessionally leave the ADD right?
Let's not forget I clearly can't do my computing job either right Connor? Thanks for barging in when I was in full control and by the way I didn't have to sleep with anyone to get my position and never would because I'm good at my job and worked damn hard to get here. The fact that you would even think such a thing is insulting. Oh and you two ( she turned to Abby and Emily) I would thank you for helping lift my spirits during lunch but the fact that you didn't even believe me or try to is not only disappointing but hurtful because I have never dismissed any of your fears or problems."
Becker who had steadily been glaring at everyone jumped when she turned to him next. "Oh no, don't you bloody dare even think of blaming them because you Captain were the last straw. The only reason I was in the bloody armoury in the first place was because you didn't sign last weeks incursion reports. So instead of getting you to come all the way to Ops I thought I would save you the trip but the way you spoke to me was unbelievable! To be honest I have never been treated worse in a workplace then I have today. I expected better from every single one of you. Now I'm going home, it would do you all good to stay away from me right now and if anyone has a problem they can fire me! I don't bloody care!"
Rant over Jess picked up her bag and stormed out of Ops leaving a silent room of guilty people behind. A moment later everyone processed what had just happened and a few things happened at once. Lester sighed and rubbed his temples. Abby and Emily exchanged guilty and worried looks before turning to their sheepish and taken aback partners. Matt looked down to avoid the disappointment he knew would show in everyones eyes including his own. Becker seemed to click onto one single thing and saw red. No one saw the fist coming for Connor but he felt it when he hit the floor.
"Connor! Becker what the hell?"
"You seriously said that to her?! Jesus Temple I should shoot you! You know how sensitive she is about that sort of stuff! What the hell is wrong with you?!"
"I know I'm sorry. I was just in the middle of these massive calculations and the alarm started going off and I lost my train of thought and it made me angry."
"That's no excuse and you shouldn't be apologising to me Temple!"
Abby turned to him angrily. "Oh right cos Connor was the only one that hurt her today right? I heard you yelling at her from the ladies room down the hall! You never yell at her why now? He was only trying to help!"
"I know and I'm going do something about it but just remember you stuffed up too Abigail. You played her concerns off as nothing told her she had it wrong. You know she wouldn't say something unless she was dead certain she knew it was the truth and you two just shrugged it off."
Abby shrank and Emily placed a hand on her shoulder. "We need to make this up to Jess, all of us."
Matt nodded. "Yeah I feel terrible."
"So you and Connor really did speak to her that way?" Abby asked.
Matt nodded dejectedly. "Yeah I didn't realise she'd been tied up and when I saw her coming down the hall and the ADD empty I jumped to conclusions and thought she'd gone for a break. I should have known she'd never leave the computers unattended even for a second."
Lester sighed. "Right well as wonderful as standing around and explaining to each other is don't you think at least one of us should go and make sure she's alright?"
Connor shook his head. "Didn't you hear her Lester she told us to stay away. I've never seen her this angry before I don't know what she'd do if we did approach her."
Abby nodded in agreement. "I've never seen Jess as a violent person but we've tipped her so far over the edge. If you asked me yesterday if she would hit someone I would have said not in a million years. Now, I'm not so sure."
"She is so upset though. Someone should at least make sure she gets home okay. I would hate it if she had an accident because she was upset with us."
Matt placed his hand on Emily's shoulder. "I know Em but she might not have left she might just need some time in the bathroom to herself. Let her emotions out."
Becker shook his head. "No she meant every word she said, she's leaving and I'm going after her."
"Even if it means you get a right hook?" Connor asked as he felt his throbbing jaw.
Becker just raised one of his brows. "If she's angry enough to hit someone she's not in any shape to drive."
With that said he ran down the hall towards the parking lot. Hoping he wasn't too late he burst through the doors and looked around wildly. When he heard the distinctive noise of an engine failing to turn over he turned toward the noise and ran until he could see Jess sitting in her car turning the key. When it failed to start again he watched as Jess rested her forehead against the steering wheel, shoulders shaking as she cried. He close the space to the car and pulled open the door before bending over and pulling Jess from the car before crushing her in a hug tightly. Thankful she hadn't thought to put on her seat belt yet.
She struggled against him feebly. "Leave me alone! Let me go Becker!"
"No, I won't. I'm not letting you drive off this upset and wrecking your car because you're not concentrating. I'm not letting you leave before you know I'm sorry for yelling at you, the new recruits had been testing my patience and actually almost shot me right before you came in I was about to lecture them when you interrupted. I'm sorry Jess, I took my anger out on you and I shouldn't have."
She stopped struggling and instead clung to him. "Today has been so horrible I just want to disappear."
He tightened his hold on her. "I couldn't handle that, besides how would everyone apologise to you if you disappeared?"
"They want to apologise?"
"Yep, I gave them a rather stern talking to after you left and Abby gave me one too before you ask. Connors at the front of the line to apologise, or he better be."
"I don't think he meant to say it really or at least he didn't mean for me to hear it."
"Doesn't matter Jess. He should never have said that at all. I should have hit him twice."
She pulled back in shock and looked up into his face. "You hit him?!"
Becker sighed. "What he said wasn't right Jess whether you were supposed to hear it or not I won't tolerate anyone talking about you like that."
"You shouldn't have hit him though."
"I couldn't help it, it just happened. When I realised what he'd said I just acted."
Jess pulled back completely and looked down at his hands before picking up the slightly reddened one. "Does your hand hurt?"
He shook his head. "No."
"Liar."
"Just stings a little. Hurts no where near as much as you are right now."
She scrunched up her face. "I'll be fine I just need to go home and have a bath and eat lots of ice cream, watch a sappy movie and have a big cry."
Becker shook his head. "You are one of a kind you know that?"
"Thank god I'd be creeped out if there was more than one of me."
He smirked and pulled her in for another hug. "Do you know how lucky we are to have such a brilliant and resilient woman on our team?"
"Well now that you mention it I could stand to hear that every now and then."
He chuckled and hugged her tighter. "Well you'll be hearing that more often trust me. I'm sorry. I promise I'll never project my misplaced anger on you again and if I do, I give you sole permission to hit me."
She shook her head. "I couldn't do that."
"And why not?"
She blushed furiously. "I just, I couldn't hurt you."
He smiled warmly. "You wouldn't hurt a fly."
"Well maybe a fly or a bug but only in self defence."
He pulled back far enough to look down into her eyes, a smile now in place of the smirk. "You are-"
"Brilliant?"
He chuckled. "Sure that's what I was going to say?"
She shrugged as a small smile appeared. "It's what you always say."
"It's the truth." her smile widened a fraction and so did his. "There it is."
"What?" she asked innocently.
"Your smile. I haven't seen it all day."
She blushed. "You say that like it's special."
He sighed and let his forehead drop to hers. "It is special. There's nothing like it. I've missed seeing your smile today. I wish I could have spent more time in Ops instead of with the recruits then maybe none of this would have happened."
Her blush darkened. "Becker."
His hand rose as a finger touched her cheek lightly. His smile softened. "Are you blushing Jessica?"
"I, I-"
He chuckled and lent closer, their noses brushing. "If you want me to stop I suggest you do or say something."
"Are you doing this for any reason other than your feelings for me?" she whispered against his lips.
"Why else would I do it?"
The tension left her with a sigh as she rose on her tip toes, effectively closing the minute distance between them. His hands dropped to her waist and banded around her, effectively keeping her not only in his embrace but eliminating any space between them. Her hands found purchase on his shoulders and slid around his neck into his hair as she opened her lips to allow his tongue access. Slowing the kiss he pulled back far enough to rest his forehead back against hers.
"Why don't I take you home? You seem to be having some car troubles."
She smiled shyly. "Sure. I'd like that."
"And maybe there's room for one more in that evening you have planned?"
She mock gasped. "Captain Becker, are you trying to get in my bath with me tonight?!"
She took satisfaction in the fact that he went red in the face and spluttered for a moment before mock glaring at her. "Very funny. I was going to suggest I go get dinner or cook for you while you soak in the bath but if that's where you're going with this I'll happily scrub your back if you ask Miss Parker."
Her ever present blush darkened as she bit her lip. "Well you make a good point, who could argue with that?"
He smirked. "Alright then, what do you fancy a home cooked meal or take out?"
"You know, I'm feeling partial to chinese right now."
He smirked. "Oh really? Well I can certainly work with that. I know a great take out place."
"Perfect, but wait don't you have to tell Lester you're leaving? Won't he be mad?"
He shook his head. "He's the one that suggested someone come after you. The others were too scared." she looked at him confused. "They thought you might hit someone."
"I would never-"
He shrugged. "We've never seen you so angry we were worried we'd pushed you too far."
"But you weren't scared?"
"I'll admit you were pretty scary."
"But you weren't worried I'd hit you."
"I didn't care if you did or not. No offence Jess but I didn't think you would hurt me even if you did hit me. I'm a soldier, I can take a punch."
She rolled her eyes as he opened the door to his truck for her. "How very noble of you."
"Well it was hardly fair if I sent Connor, not that he didn't deserve it but I don't think he'd handle being hit twice."
He placed a quick kiss on her lips before running around to the drivers side and sliding in. He placed a quick call while turning the key.
"Lester, I'm taking Jess home-" Jess watched as a blush appeared on his cheeks. "Oh, right. Yes okay."
She waited eagerly as he hung up. "Well?"
"He uh, said it's fine as long as we're back in the morning."
"That's it?"
"He also said in future to turn off our comms and wait until we're out of range of the camera's to fraternise with each other and make sure it's on our own time."
"Oh!" her cheeks flaming a scowl formed on her face. Her fingers tapped her ear piece. "Connor stop snooping!"
A loud squealing sound was heard through their ears as Connor jumped away from the ADD, his hands up in a surrender pose.
"How does she do that?" he squeaked.
Abby smirked. "That will teach you to patch in to private conversations."
Matt and Emily chuckled. They heard Jess giggle and Becker chuckle and turned back to the screen in time to see the Captain put the car in gear and take hold of her hand before pulling out of the parking lot into the afternoon light.