Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Action man, really?”

Abby glanced sideways at Connor as she put another box of far too high-tech, top-secret government equipment back into one of the sleek black cars.

Other ARK members milled around them, mostly soldiers, doing tasks of their own to collect, cover up and tuck away. No one really paid either of them any attention as they were all absorbed in their own little objectives and conversations.

Words always flowed easily after a high adrenaline adventure, the sudden drop in number of deadly prehistoric creatures and close calls gave way to jittery teammates with no way of releasing the pent up energy but to run their mouths. Talking it out was one of the only ways they could expend energy, as they couldn’t go anywhere until debriefing.

“Wouldn’t take you as the type to-”

The sharp sound of Connor slamming his laptop shut cut Abby off. “In my defence, Abby, I was more focused on the massive pristichampsus rampaging around the museum?” He followed up with a wince, looking around the edge of the device to check for damage.

“Alright!” Abby countered, putting her hands up as she sauntered away, her hips swinging no less in combat gear than the punk-y skirts and shorts Connor was once used to. “No need to get snarky! Just making conversation!”

Connor opened his hard-shell metal briefcase, checking everything was there and adjusting a few components before sinking his laptop into the perfect form fitting foam he’d custom cut to protect the odd add-ons sticking out from the sides of his devices. He paused when he heard combat boots walking up behind him. “Abby, if you’ve come to-”

“Not Abby, Temple. Try again." Connor whipped around in shock when he heard Becker's clean, Eton boy English.

“Sorry. I thought you were Abby coming back to-” Connor stumbled over his words, not having ever grown used to being caught out or creeped up on. He’d take a raptor over Captain Becker anyday. “Nevermind. Don’t worry about it. It’s just a small... yep.”

Becker shifted his weight to one side, but didn't speak.

Under his stare, Connor couldn’t help but feel like a deer caught in the headlights.

He couldn’t tell if he felt like squirming and fidgeting because he knew Becker was a highly trained and dangerous man who could end his life with little to no effort, or because he wasn’t used to getting scrutinised by men who were Hollywood level attractive.

It’s not like Connor was going to deny that Becker was attractive. He was. The issue came when his general presence made Connor stumble over his words and make dangerous typos in his work.

Too many times he’d almost lost or accidentally sabotaged days of work because of the little slip ups his fingers made when Becker was around.

A high-pitched beeping brought Connor out of his daze. “Uh- sorry. Let me just...” Turning round, he yanked his laptop back out of the protective case and shoved it open. He skimmed the text on the screen, hyper aware that Becker was standing behind him.

After seeing it wasn’t anything too urgent, Connor tapped a few keys before re-shutting the lid. The beeping stopped. “So, what’s up?” Mentally, Connor sighed when his voice came out far too squeaky.

Either way, Becker was still watching him. “Wondered what you’d done to piss off Maitland.”

It wasn’t a question, but something about the way Becker said it made Connor want to tell him even though he’d probably laugh. Or at the very least he’d scoff and walk away with an air of mightiness that seemed to cling around him.

“Just a stupid little disagreement. Nothing really.” Connor shrugged, putting his hands in his pockets in an attempt to look more laid-back. “I mean, not like an argument disagreement. We just... disagree on something.”

“Yes... that is usually what a disagreement means, Temple.” An unreadable expression came across Becker’s face.

Connor had no idea what it was, but he was Connor, so he asked. “What’s that look for? Why you looking at me like that?” He tried to keep his voice steady but it came out rushed. He couldn’t help sounding nervous. He was.

“You just... look so awkward.” Cringe. That was the look on Becker’s face.

Not sure how to respond, Connor gave him a tight smile. “You don’t, Action-Man.” It took him a second to clock what he’d just said but when he did, he mentally facepalmed.

“Don’t call me that. Sounds ridiculous.”

“Right-o.” He barely managed to not snap his fingers. “I’ll just... stick with Captain Becker should I?”

He facepalmed even harder, this time not just in his head when Becker gave a slow nod of uncomfortable acknowledgement and started to walk off.

Well. He’d fucked that up.

“Oh, and Connor?” Connor immediately dropped his hand back down to his side and looked up, seeing that Becker had turned round.

“If one of you gets yourself killed because of your stupid little ‘disagreement’, I’ll come and kill the other myself. Got it?” Connor let out a nervous laugh: Becker's smile made him think he might be joking, but then again he did seem to smile at Connor's misfortune a lot.

First time he’d caught Becker off guard was when he tripped in front of him and dropped all the papers and books he was carrying to his desk. Becker had let out an amused snort, followed by a light chuckle, taking Connor completely by surprise.

Connor had been even more surprised when Becker had crouched down a few moments later to help Connor pick up his papers. Any outburst of joy from Becker usually made Connor feel slightly faint.

He put it down to not being used to seeing him smile or laugh. It couldn’t possibly have been anything else.

“Will do! No- I mean- I won’t- I-” Becker gave a dramatic eye roll before walking away again. This time for good, leaving Connor to collect himself and play back the last five minutes in a loop in his head.

Chapter Text

“Oi, Cap? Get me a coffee would you?” Connor had no idea where this sudden burst of confidence came from, but he decided to test his luck.

Becker reflexively turned around before he could register what Connor had said. Upon seeing his stupid, expectant grin, Becker realised he was waiting for an answer. Becker raised a carefully shaped eyebrow. “Did you just give me the nickname of a Marvel character?”

The cheeky grin fell off Connor’s face, replacing itself with a look of dread and slight fear. “Uh- no?” Connor forced an unsure smile back onto his face, trying to act normal.

“I don’t live under a rock, Connor. I know what Marvel is.” Becker’s eyes rolled, accompanied by his usual sardonic tone.

“Yeah. Yeah- I- of course you do, I mean it’s...yeah.” Connor trailed off as Becker turned on the spot and walked out, head shaking wearily. He watched him walk out, only turning his attention back to his coding after the metal double doors swung shut behind him.

It was always easy for Connor to lose himself in his work. Hours spent slaving away over video games and databases translated smoothly to his field of work. He’d grown used to the long periods of time spent staring at computers or TV screens. The bright, ever-changing pixels had become a comfort to him. If he was at a computer, he was useful.

The Captain could run around saving people, shooting things and blowing stuff up with his guns, but Connor could do more.

Connor had been the one to shed light on anomalies, the one to piece together the tech they needed to find and lock them.

Without Connor, they’d still be relying on news articles popping up with reports on sightings of strange creatures, or worse, casualty or death headlines.

The ARC knew this of course. As much as Connor sometimes took a backseat on the action stuff, they knew he was very much the one driving the car.

If anyone needed to be reminded of that, it was Connor himself.

Sometimes he couldn’t help but feel like he could be doing more as he listened to the panicked yells and terrifying roars from the safety of the ARC. It felt wrong to be eating biscuits while his team was in danger.

(Even when he did acknowledge that he saved the day, he didn’t feel like the others gave him the recognition he deserved. He was the one who wasn’t trusted with guns and always had to have someone else protecting him.)

That’s why when he heard the unmistakable sound of a coffee cup hitting the desk, he looked up in surprise.

Undoubtedly, that was a cup of coffee. Still swirling from being recently stirred, steam dancing above the top of the cup. Coffee. Milky coffee. Maybe just how he liked it. Was there sugar?

Connor managed to catch Captain Becker’s gaze before he stalked away. “You- you actually got me coffee.” The words tumbled out with no input from Connor.

Becker crossed his arms and made an exasperated click noise with his tongue. “Just try not to burn yourself, you’ve spent enough time in the med-bay as it is.”

He turned on his heels and stalked away leaving Connor with a grimace plastered on his face before he was left with the chance to make a fool of himself again. His combat boots clunked rhythmically as he went towards one of his men. There was always one or two of Becker’s team stationed in a given room at any moment, but this one happened to be leaning up against a post in the main hub, a convenient target for Becker.

The soldier startled into a straight backed attention as Becker whacked him on the shoulder, a wide eyed look crossing his face for a moment before realising that it wasn’t one of his old drill sergeants.

Connor turned his attention back to his tea as Becker and the soldier fell into a conversation

Connor looked up from his first sip of coffee and immediately almost spat it back out. Becker had turned around and was looking straight at him after listening to something the soldier had said. As if that hadn't been startling enough, the next thing he realised was the coffee was made exactly how he liked it, not only was there sugar in it but it was the perfect amount.

Connor forced himself to swallow the heavenly coffee before clearing his throat and giving a painfully awkward thumbs up to Becker, who grimaced and turned back around, slapping his man on the shoulder as he walked off, out of the main hub.

Chapter Text

If it weren’t for the rhythmic stomp of Becker’s shiny boots, Connor wouldn’t have known he was coming up behind him. His cursor darted over to the corner of his screen, closing the file he’d been skimming lazily.

He knew it was coming but Connor still jumped out of his skin when Becker clapped his hands down on his shoulders and leant forward to peer at the screen. The look on his face told Connor that he hadn't closed the file quick enough to avoid notice.

“Connor,” Becker said, his tone scarily calm. “Was that my file?”

“Uh...” Connor’s eyes flicked to Becker’s. He kept his body perfectly still, as if he’d just been seen by a pack of velociraptors. “I- uh- didn’t know you had a middle name.”

“Well I don’t make a habit of telling people.” Becker was practically whispering into Connor’s ear, voice low and husky. It was probably meant to be intimidating and it was, but it sent chills down Connor’s spine.

“Connor.” He made the mistake of looking up. Being inches away from Becker didn’t help the butterflies in his stomach. “If you tell anyone what my name is, or anything you’ve read in that file...”

As Becker trailed off, Connor nodded frantically. He didn’t need to know the end of the threat. Connor shrank down in his seat slightly as Becker squeezed his shoulders. Maybe that was meant to be threatening too, but after 6 hours hunched over the keyboard, he couldn't help but relax into the touch.

Becker moved his hands away and perched on the edge of the desk, legs and arms crossed. After a few seconds of staring, Connor turned back to the computer screen.

“So... James?” Connor pressed his lips together to stop the stupid smile from breaking out on his face. “Not a bad middle-”

Becker let out a deep sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Don’t, Connor.”

“What, would you rather-”

“Connor!” He snapped.

Anyone in the ARC would say that Connor needed to learn when to step back and stop pushing people, but he couldn’t help it. It wasn’t that he was trying to push Becker’s buttons. Ok, maybe he was. Becker’s exterior wasn’t easy to break and Connor liked challenges.

“Jamie it is then.” Connor grinned, swivelling his desk chair round to face Becker, who’s warning look had been replaced by pure bitch-face.

“Do not start calling me Jamie. And not around the others.” Connor thought he actually heard a note of pleading in Becker's voice.

“Why don’t you want people knowing your name?” Connor asked, studying Becker's expression.

Becker shrugged. “I’m a soldier, Connor. It’s Becker. Captain Becker.”

Connor narrowed his eyes. “Did you just reference James Bond?”

“Not intentionally.” Becker smiled. “I do like those movies though.” He picked up an apple that had rolled behind Connors monitor and rubbed it on his shirt before taking a bite.

“You like Bond? Connor had never thought that Becker would be a movie guy. He tried picturing him sitting on the couch relaxing, maybe even in his pyjamas. The picture kept getting replaced with the always attentive man who looked strange without a gun in his hand.

Becker hummed. “Seen all 27.” Connor couldn’t help but let his mouth drop open slightly. Becker took another bite of the apple before noticing Connors incredulous expression. “What?”

“I just wouldn’t think you...”

“Double standards much?” At Connor’s look of confusion, he continued. Becker elaborated. “The geek wants to hold all the guns and save people but I can’t like movies?”

“No- I just- wait.” Connor shook his head to clear it and something occurred to him. He suppressed a laugh. “Becker.”

“What?”

Connor grinned. “The name's Becker. James Becker.”

“God, Connor. That was horrible.” Although Becker's words were harsh, they were easily softened by his genuine laugh. He fell quiet after a shake of his head.

Connor’s eyes lit up. That had been a laugh. A real laugh. And he'd caused it. “Or I guess it would really be- Becker, H-”

“Oi.” Becker shot Connor another warning glance. “Don’t push it.” He seemed to be surveying the area. Connor spun in his chair, trying to follow his eyes to what he was looking for.

With no warning, the apple core flew over his head and landed perfectly in the only trashcan in the main hub, at least 30 ft away.

Connor started to open his mouth to let out a comment, but Becker had already begun backing away, raising his eyebrows and smiling. Connor watched him turn and walk out before spinning his chair back to his computer.

Chapter Text

The locking mechanism for the anomaly hadn’t failed since he made it.

So why now?

After the alert, the whole team had piled into the cars and rocketed down there, eager to get to the rip before anything came through.

As soon as they got there, Connor practically dived out the car and raced to set up the locking mechanism. A quick look over his shoulder confirmed the anomaly was still open.

All the pieces were there and he was sure he’d put it together correctly, so why hadn’t it worked?

If he’d waited another second before turning back around, he would have seen the anomaly flicker.

He didn’t register the warning shouts, or the urgent commands for him to stay in the car.

He didn’t hear Becker yelling his name.

What he did hear was the snarl. He turned round, slow as he could. It wasn’t the first time he had been face to face with a raptor, and it probably wouldn’t be the last.

The raptor’s claws extended, reaching for Connor's flesh as it took a menacing step forward.

“Connor!” He turned to see Becker running towards him, completely unarmed. “Move!”

Connor didn’t move. Connor turned back to the raptor just in time to see it crouch back on its haunches like a cat ready to pounce.

He saw the raptor dart towards him. It was too close for him to have any chance at running to safety.

Then his head hit the ground.

“Becker!” Abby’s voice rang out in the background, accompanied by a screech that sounded close, but was gradually drifting away.

“Fuck!”

Commotion rang out around him as the world slipped away into nothingness, the inky veil of sleep forcing itself over his eyes. He tried to stay awake but the darkness was warm and inviting, like Becker’s hands had been on his shoulders the day before.

Just as quick as the dark had taken him, the light brought him back.

Connor’s hand immediately went to the side of his head. No matter how hard he pressed his palm against his temple, the ringing wouldn’t stop. The bright white lights didn’t help to soothe the pounding in his head, but at least they gave him some indication of where he was. Thankfully his vision was still fully intact, so a quick glance around the room confirmed that he was on one of the beds in the med-bay.

As he swung his legs over the side of the bed, Connor saw that Abby was sitting by his bed, doodling on what appeared to be his medical report. She glanced up and met his eyes.

“How long’ve I been out?” Connor’s words blurred together slightly.

“Connor! Thank God,” Abby rose from her seat, and stepped towards him “Are you okay? Does anything hurt?”

Connor winced. “Yes, Abby- my head is killing me.” He flung up a hand between them, silently requesting some space.

“Oh. Sorry. Uh-" she lowered her voice. "You’ve been out for a day, not counting the day that it.. Yeah.” Connor nodded and immediately regretted doing so.

“What... what happened? I remember the raptor behind me and then... Well I’m guessing it got me,” he let out a small chuckle.

Abby looked at him for a moment. “No, actually.” She nodded, almost as if she were gathering herself. “Becker shoved you out of the way before it could get you. It got him instead.”

Connor straightened up and locked eyes with Abby, any hint of dizziness or residual sleepiness suddenly evaporated. He searched her face for something. Anything. “Is- is he okay? I mean-”

Abby bit her lip. “Yeah. He’s.. he’s okay. It’s Becker.”

That didn’t give Connor the answer he wanted. “I... Where is he?” Connor stood up, only to stumble forward. If Abby hadn't reached out an arm to stabilise him he would have ended up on the floor.

“Connor- you can’t-”

“Where is he? I need to see him.” Connor didn’t want to leave the choice up to her. Either she’d tell him where Becker was or he’d go and find out himself.

“He- he had to go into surgery. He’s still in hospital, Con.” Abby steadied Connor, who looked more scared than when he’d stared into the face of the raptor.

Connor looked down and ripped the IV out of his arm. “Ow! That looks like it hurts a lot less in the movies,” he muttered to himself before picking up his jacket and shrugging it back on. It must have been taken off him when he’d gotten to the med-bay, probably to check the rest of him over.

“You can’t just storm into the hospital while you’re-”

“Abby!” Connor almost yelled, rounding on her. “Becker’s hurt because I fucked up, okay? I have to go see him, Abby. I have to.”

Abby looked like she might argue , but she stopped herself. “Come on. I’ll drive you.”

Connor gave a curt nod, following her out to her car.

“Seatbelt,” Abby commanded, waiting for Connor to clip in before starting the car. “Not having you die in a car crash after you’ve only just woken up.”

As soon as Connor heard the tell-tale clip of his seatbelt, he felt the car move under him. A million thoughts were racing through his mind, every single one about getting to Becker.

Well, there was one telling him he was about to throw up, but he pushed that one aside.

“So.” Abby started, turning down the already quiet music. “Becker saved you. Well. More than that. He sacrificed himself for you.”

Connor stared at her. “Yeah, Abby. Somehow I got that from what you already told me about him being in the hospital because of me. I know it’s his job to protect us, but that- you- you’re really not help-”

Abby glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. “Connor, that’s not what I meant and you know it.” Silence filled the space between them. “It’s his job to keep us safe, but it’s not his job to literally throw himself between us and the danger.”

Narrowing his eyes at Abby, Connor “What are you talking about Abby? He would have done that for-”

“No he wouldn’t.” Abby cut him off, glancing over to him as they pulled up to the stoplight. “Just- think about it.”

They stayed silent until they were walking down the hallways of the hospital.

“Connor...” Abby said quietly, almost a warning.

“Just let me go in by myself, ok?” Abby nodded, slowing her walk and letting Connor go ahead of her.

Pausing at the door, Connor studied the plaque as he collected himself. 307. A meaningless number that suddenly meant everything to Connor. After taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door and crept in, taking in the scene before him.

Bandages wrapped around a familiar torso, pair of arms and left shoulder, accompanied by a gauze covered neck. Becker lay in the hospital bed staring at his phone. Connor couldn’t see anything but clean bandages, but judging by the sheer amount of skin covered in linen, it wasn’t good.

Connor's breath of relief was what gave his presence away.

“Fuck, you scared me.” Becker's surprise quickly morphed into a smile and he turned his head, pushing himself up shakily in the bed with a grimace..

“Hey, hey- don’t... don’t hurt yourself.” Connor reflexively rubbed at the back of his neck at Becker's raised eyebrow. “Ok, uh- don’t hurt yourself more. Than you already have. For me. Thanks for that, by the way. You didn’t-”

“Connor.” This cut off Connor's panic-fueled rambling, much to his relief. “Are you okay?”

“I’m- I’m fine mate, it’s you I’d be worried about. I mean you’re- you’re...”

“I’m ok, Connor. 56 stitches hurts like a bitch, but I’m-” Whatever Becker said next, Connor didn’t hear.

56. Fifty six stitches because of him.

“-my fault anyway. I should have-” Connor snapped back to reality as Becker’s tone changed into something akin to scolding, but for once it wasn’t Connor he was scolding.

“Hold on- you think it’s your fault that.. what? That I’m not dead? Maybe it’s your fault that I’ve got another bloody concussion but I’d rather have a headache for a couple days than be eaten by a raptor. Really Becker, I-”

“Just Becker this time?” He looked up, his eyes soft and a sad smile resting on his lips.

“Huh?”

He looked away with a small shrug and explained himself. “Haven’t called me that in a while. Thought you were trying to think up a nickname or something.”

“Oh. Do you... want me to?” Becker shrugged again before tilting his head from side to side, gingerly stretching his neck. Connor tried not to pay attention to how Becker’s well defined muscles tensed up and relaxed.

“Sure. Go ahead.” The little hospital room fell silent and the walls seemed to push them a little closer together.

“Con-”

“Why did you-”

They both started and stopped talking at the same time.

“You go,” Becker offered awkwardly, and Connor noticed a slight pink tinge rise to his cheeks.

“Uh-” the sight of Hilary James Becker blushing made Connor momentarily forget what he had to say. “I- why did you save me?”

Becker studied Connor’s face, his eyebrows knitted together in thought. “That’s my job.”

“No.” Connor shook his head. “Your job is to plan stuff out, go in tactically and help us. Not charge into a completely unbalanced fight with no backup or even a bloody weapon! I mean what were you thinking! You could have been killed and I would have-”

“I would have lost you. Again.” Connor almost missed what Becker had said, amongst all his ranting. “I already lost you once. You and Abby. I thought that was it. I couldn’t... couldn’t lose you again.”

“Hey.” Becker looked from the captivating point he’d found on the wall to Connor. “You didn’t lose us. Didn’t... didn’t lose me. I’m still here.” It was too late for Becker to rebuild his reputation in front of Connor, but he rolled his eyes anyway.

“Great.” Connor let out a laugh, the smile lingering on his face. Becker returned the smile before returning his eyes to the wall. “I- I heard you. Say my name. Before you passed out.”

Abby had missed out that detail for sure. “I did?”

Becker hummed in confirmation. “It was the last thing you said. I kept thinking, if Temple dies now, my name would be his last words. Shitty choice of last words.” He tried at a joke, but neither of them laughed. “Especially when you didn’t- you don’t know.”

“Don’t know what?” Connor pushed. He could see Becker was uncomfortable, but he was too curious about what could possibly have this effect, on the captain of all people, not to ask.

“Know that I...”

“Oh, come on mate, save the romantic confession for later.” Connor started laughing at his own joke, but it quickly died in his throat when he glanced up to see Becker hadn’t joined in. Instead he was looking at him, eyes wide and puzzled. “What?”

“You... you knew?” if it wasn't for the color in Becker’s cheeks growing steadily more obvious, Connor would have thought he was joking.

“What.” Connor was having a hard time wrapping his head around the fact that Mr. Superhot Superhero Supermodel Super-Becker was apparently trying to get across that he liked him. That Becker liked Connor. “Wh- wh- wh?”

Becker let out a sharp bark of laughter that dissolves into a fit of what could only be described as giggles. “Fuck.” He paused before laughing again, leaving Connor utterly confused.

“I- I don’t get it, is this a joke or something? Because if it is, I-”

Still smiling, Becker shook his head. “Not a joke, Connor.”

“But you- I- but if you- and I’m-”

Becker let out another laugh, although this one was softer. “God, you’re adorable.” The way he said it, it could have easily been sarcasm or an insult, but it left Connor with heat rushing to his face and even more speechless than before. “And you have been since the day I got here, for reference.”

Connor gaped at him, unable to collect any coherent train of thoughts. “So you- you’re...”

“Gay?” Connor nodded, barely noticeable. “I’d say I’m pretty fucking gay, but let’s google it shall we? Is it gay if I’m head over heels for the little nerd that works with me in a top secret team in the government? Actually, there might not be many results for that.”Connor could almost feel the sarcasm dripping off Becker’s words, but he could hear the truth behind them. “Come on Connor, I don’t put this much product in my hair to get mistaken for being a straight man.”

“You- you’re in love with me?”

“Week one, like I said.”

Connor let out a breath, not entirely sure how to process what had just happened. Becker tried to fill the silence. “You don’t have to-”

“No. No- I- yes. I mean... I just never thought- you’re... you’re you. I always- I- you’re off limits.”

Becker couldn’t help but laugh again. Every time he laughed, Connor’s stomach jumped. It jumped even higher as Becker held out a hand, beckoning Connor to take it.

Pulling him closer to the bed, Connor was forced to sit on the edge. Becker looked into his eyes, but Connor felt like he was searching his soul. He sat up a little straighter and moved a little closer to Connor.

“Connor.”

“Becker,” Connor choked out, trying to swallow, only to find that all of his saliva had vacated the building.

“If you don’t tell me to stop, I’m going to kiss you. I’ve been waiting far too long for this.” Becker spoke clearly and quietly, similar to how he did when he threatened Connor over revealing his name.

Connor’s eyes flicked down to Becker’s lips as he wet them with his tongue. If he wasn’t already sitting down, Connor was almost certain he would have fallen over. “I’m not gonna tell you to stop.” If Becker had spoken quietly, Connor’s voice was barely audible.

Even so, Becker must have heard. A quirk of a smile caught on his face for a second before he leant forward and closed the gap, his right hand coming to rest on the side of Connor’s face.

Maybe it was the best kiss Becker had ever had, but it was also the worst. He was leaning over awkwardly to get to Connor and the stitches in his side were pulling, but it was Connor. It was Connor’s lips, however dry and chapped they were, against his.

As attractive as Becker knew he was, he never thought that he’d actually be kissing the guy he’d been infatuated with for years. Sure, it was uncomfortable and odd, both of them hesitant, but behind the hesitancy there was a relief. One held for far too long between them, finally released. It flooded between them, making them push closer.

Becker pulled back a few inches, revelling in the way that Connor surged forward in an attempt to get him back. He smirked, leaning back in to kiss him again at the same time Connor decided to put one of his hands on Becker’s shoulder to pull him closer.

“Ah- fuck, Connor!” Becker hissed, hand going to Connor’s wrist as he moved his hand away from the bandages.

“Oh my God- I am so sorry, I didn’t mean to do that.”

Quick as the tension had left Connor after relaxing against Becker’s lips, it spiked back into him, shoulders tensing up. Becker shook his head, smile soft and his eyes full of affection. He couldn’t help it, Connor was just so... Connor. All of him wanted to lean back forward and place a kiss on Connor’s lips. In a moment of stupidity, he forgot that he could.

The second kiss left Connor even more dazed than the first, the realization setting in. “Wh- what was that for? Not that I’m objecting. Obviously.”

Becher let himself flop forward, resting his head on Connor’s shoulder. Connor’s hand came to rest on his lower back, touch light and hesitant against Becker’s skin. “Careful mate, you’ll pull your stitches.” Becker snorted.

“I think you can stop calling me ‘mate,’ now Connor. Might get a bit... weird.”

“What d’you want me to call you then?” Connor’s hand ghosted up Becker’s spine slowly, as if Becker might take everything back if he made a wrong move. Careful of his neck, Connor started playing with the hair at the back of Becker’s head. Part of Connor had always wanted to touch Becker’s perfect hair. To ruin it. Anything to taint that flawless pretty-boy image that Becker so effortlessly pulled off.

“Isn’t that your job? Or you just take joy in pissing me off with ridiculous names?”

Connor weighed up the reply options in his head, before going with a slightly more risky one. “I mean... they are your names.”

Becker sat back up to glare at Connor, then let himself fall back against the headboard. “Nevermind, I don’t like you anymore.”

“But that means you liked me in the first place.” Connor picked apart his words in the most infuriating way, knowing it would make him irked.

Raising his eyebrows for a few seconds, Becker spoke. “I don’t think I’d kiss you in a fucking hospital that I ended up in after shoving you out of harm’s way if I didn’t like you, Connor.”

“Yeah, please don’t do this with Abby. Or anyone else.” It slipped out before Connor could note what he was implying, asking of Becker.

Becker answered immediately. “Wouldn’t want to.”

Connor nodded blankly, a little taken aback by Becker’s certainty. “Is this a... are we...” He wasn’t sure what to say or how to call it. Surely there were a million codes of conduct between him and Becker being in any sort of relationship while they were colleagues. Even if there weren’t, it still had to be a bad idea, right? One argument or disagreement and it could wreak havoc at the ARC. Or the other way around, what if the traumas and turmoils of their job started to work their way between them?

Working in the field they did, in the environment they did was a toll. Even just as friends, they often found themselves snapping at each other at any hint of a conflict. Too many other things on their minds to take a step back and reconcile, they often lay unforgiven or unacknowledged.

“We don’t have to do this if you don’t want to. Whatever you’re-”

Obviously, Becker picked up on Connor’s hesitancy. Maybe Connor just thought he was hot and didn’t actually care about having any kind of lasting relationship. He wouldn’t think Connor was that kind of person, but maybe he was.

“No! No, I do- I just... what if something happens at work?”

“Connor, something always happens at work. Whatever happens, we’re still just us.”

“But what if-”

“Connor.” A few days ago, Becker would have snapped his name as a warning. Not that he was frustrated or angrier than usual with Connor, but it seemed like the only way to get through to him. “I’ll be back at work in a few days, we’ll take it slow. Or, slower.”

Judging by the state of Becker’s numerous injuries, he’d be out for more than a few days. “You can’t come into work if you’re not healed properly.” Connor protested, knowing almost immediately his effort would be lost.

“I’m a good judge of my own abilities, I’ll be back soon, okay?” Connor nodded, letting out a quiet sigh.

“As much as I want to stay here, Abby’s waiting for me outside. I should probably...” Leaving Becker was the last thing Connor wanted to do, but it wasn’t fair to keep Abby waiting. “Actually, I’ll just tell her I’m-”

“No, go back to work. I’ll come see what chaos has ensued in my absence as soon as I can.”

With another nod, Connor stood up, having to force his body to move away from Becker. “See you soon.”

Becker smiled and nodded in return, watching Connor shove himself out the door before laying back down in the bed and laughing as he stared at the light on the ceiling.

“Connor Temple...” His name came out on a breath, quiet as a mouse. No one else heard. It was Becker’s moment, and he savoured it.

Chapter Text

It was a slow day at the ARC.

When there were no anomaly alerts or people rushing into action at the slightest chance of a creature attack, everything felt dead. People milled around doing nothing at all, trying to look busy even though no one cared if they weren’t. Computer screens went to sleep as their operators doodled or took pointless notes.

Abby spent most of her free time with the animals. Rex flew circles around her as she called his name, trying to bring his attention back to her so they could get back to work. As soon as she’d realized he perked up whenever he heard his name, she tried to teach him other words.

Danny didn’t bother to try breaking in. There was no one to chase or time him, so he just sat at his desk watching the time tick away. Either that, or he glued himself to the shooting range, constantly striving for better aim. For better everything.

Lester went through endless emails and sheets of paper, probably the only one working almost as much as he usually did when something was going on.

Connor spun in his chair, alternating between spinning as fast as he could without feeling sick and swinging back and forth, watching painfully slow download bars progress. He tried not to have caffeine a lot, but the slow days were the worst. Nothing kept him awake or alert, so he was forced to try to keep himself looking lively by chemical means.

It didn’t work though.

He didn’t notice himself drift off to sleep, head tipped back and arms lax. It was lucky he didn’t fall out the chair. Thank god for armrests.

The first day after he woke up from his concussion, he didn’t want to go back to sleep. Blame it on the fear of not waking up or the guilt of lost time, he hadn’t been able to rest. It was the third day when he fell asleep at his desk, having gone to see Becker in the early hours of the morning before the sun woke up.

Seeing him was good. It put his mind as at rest as it could be, seeing him doing better. Becker never would have complained about pain, but it was a big change from the last visit. He’d been sitting up, tapping away at a laptop, actually wearing a shirt for a change. Connor hadn’t missed the shirt, but it was comforting to not have to look at the bandages.

So, Connor ended up falling asleep at his desk again. No one bothered to wake him up for a while, knowing he hadn’t been sleeping well since he’d woken up.

Although he did wake up when he felt someone shaking his shoulder. In his half asleep daze, whoever it was turned into a raptor, clawing at his shoulder like it had done to Becker.

“Connor. Connor!” Wrenching his eyes open, Connor realized that it wasn’t a raptor, but just Abby. A bright smile stayed easy on her face, obviously happy about something.

Bringing a hand to his eyes, Connor rubbed them. “Whas’ wrong? Something happen?” He wiggled the computer mouse reflexively, the screens flashing to life as he checked for any signs of an anomaly that he’d missed while asleep.

“No, no just- look.” Abby tilted her head toward Lester’s office, waiting for Connor to catch on. He looked at her, questioning before turning around in his chair.

Through the spotless glass, there were two figures talking.

Lester and Becker.

“Oh my God.” Connor stumbled to his feet, knocking a bunch of papers off his desk in the process. “It’s Becker. Abby!” Abby nodded, looking at her a little strangely. Connor had to take a second to remember that it was still only him and Becker who knew what had happened in the hospital. He hadn't been sure if they were meant to be in a secret arrangement or not. Connor had never been good at keeping quiet, but somehow he’d managed.

“I think he’s crazy to come back after only a couple days.” Abby put her hands on her hips, shifting her weight to one side. “I’dve been out for weeks.”

Connor didn’t register any of her words. He was too busy trying to take in that Becker had probably discharged himself from the hospital eons before his actual release date. Probably he’d walked out, ignoring words from doctors and nurses alike.

Somewhere along the line one of Becker’s soldiers must have taken over some clothes, because he wasn’t wearing the usual uniform like he usually did. Connor assumed that was laying at the bottom of a bin somewhere, ripped up and soaked in Becker’s blood.

Instead, Becker was wearing a pair of heavily distressed light-wash jeans. Connor’s brain noted the way that they hugged his legs in all the right places before he could stop it. One thing he would say was that Becker was much better at pulling off a leather jacket than he was. Connor thought his uniform was hot, but seeing him wearing civilian clothes for the first time was a shock to the system.

Becker’s combat boots were a familiar sight, but without the rest of his gear, they looked strange. As much as Connor liked what he was seeing, it felt oddly personal to see. Almost like he’d just walked in on something he shouldn’t have.

“Wow. Becker’s hot.”

“Yeah.” Connor swallowed. “Yeah, he is. Y’know, from a non-subjective, just.. looking at the straight facts perspective.” He didn’t dare turn to see Abby’s reaction, but he was beginning to care less. It’d never been his intention to pretend he was straight, but after everyone assumed it, everything had kind of snowballed.

Becker nodded in reply to something Lester said and looked over the hub. His eyes caught Connor’s and Connor couldn’t hold back his smile. Becker returned his smile, although his was a lot more subdued. He turned back to Lester, giving him a final nod as he dismissed himself.

Connor planted his feet in place, restraining himself from running over and throwing himself at Becker. Sure, he’d seen him the other day at the hospital, but not at the ARC. The ARC had become everyone’s home.

“They managed to stitch you back together then?” Becker had started making his way over to Abby and Connor, raising his hand in acknowledgement, when Abby called out to him.

A small smile settled on his face, only turning his attention to Abby when she spoke. “Yeah, well... it’ll take more than one raptor to get me out of this hellhole.”

Abby nodded, clapping him on the shoulder as she walked past him. “Glad to have you back.” Although Connor was watching Abby walk away, trying not to get nervous, he could feel Becker’s eyes on him.

“Con.”

Finally meeting Becker’s eyes, Connor mentally shook off the nerves. “You’re the one nicknaming now are you?”

Becker rolled his eyes and Connor couldn’t help but chuckle. Before he knew it, Becker had wrapped an arm around him, pulling him into a hug. With Connor’s head nestled into Becker’s neck, he could easily rest his head on top of Connor’s. “I’ll go back to Temple, if you prefer.”

Connor stepped back, pretending to weigh up the options. “I’ll stick with Con. Makes me sound like some kind of... cool conman or something.” He smiled, glad to see they could still have their usual back and forth. Part of Connor ached to know whether anyone had been watching them. It would have been uncharacteristic of Becker to hug anyone after only a few days of absence. Maybe they already suspected something.

“What’s on your mind?” Becker lowered himself into Connor’s desk chair, running his hands over the arms.

“Should you be...”

“I’m off-duty,” Becker quirked an eyebrow at Connor, gesturing to the civvies he was wearing. “But if you really want me to-”

“No- no. I just... is this meant to be under wraps? Top secret kinda thing?” Connor waved a hand between them vaguely, before glancing around to see if anyone had seen.

Becker shrugged. “I don’t mind a few people knowing, but I’d rather keep it on the down-low, at least at work. Especially for me, it would be... a little unprofessional. Plus, you’d probably never escape my soldiers ragging on you.” He let out a fond sigh. His soldiers had started off as just that, but in the circumstances they were in, constantly saving each other's lives, they’d grown a lot closer.

“Got it. Abby...”

“Connor, I’d be surprised if Abby doesn’t already know. You’re not exactly... secretive with her.”

Looking for some way to make himself more comfortable, Connor put one hand on his desk, leaning into it and locking his elbow. “You’re probably right, she’s thought I like you for quite a while now.” He paused as Becker turned to look at the computer, light illuminating his face. “You- you look good, by the way.”

Becker glanced back to Connor, raising his eyebrows. “Yeah, I know.” If anyone else had said that, it would have made Connor annoyed. Who could be so full of themselves to answer a compliment in such a rude way? When it was Becker, though, it just brought heat into his cheeks. Self-confidence was sexy, but only on some people.

“Are you ok? I mean- I’m guessing you’re out of hospital early..”

Becker nodded, scrolling through something random on the desktop. “I got bored. I’ll just take out the stitches in a week or so.”

Connor blanched, standing up straight. “Hils, you can’t take out your own stitches! That’s like- that’s like taking a bullet out of your own leg! It looks easy in the movies but-”

“I’ve done that too.” Becker said it so nonchalantly, Connor could have missed what he’d said. “Stitches really aren’t too bad. Bullet hurts like a bitch though.”

“I- I- you can’t just-”

“Connor, I know what I’m doing.” Of course he did. Even if he didn’t, he’d act like he did. That was part of his officer training. Whatever decision you made, you made it and stuck to it.

It was a few moments before Becker noticed. “And you called me Hils.”

“Let me guess, you don’t like it?”

Becker shrugged. “My ex-girlfriend used to call me that. I hated it.”

“Oh.”

“Not so bad when it’s you though.”

“Is that a-”

Connor’s chair turned round to face him. “Not at work.” Becker stood up, putting his hand on the top of Connor’s back and moving him towards the chair, making him sit down. “Sit down, you look awkward.”

“Uh- thanks?” Connor cocked his head to one side, looking a little like a confused puppy. Becker took up his usual spot, half standing, half leaning on the edge of Connor’s desk. “Was your girlfriend-”

“Set up. By my father. Told her the situation so she helped me out a bit before I went off to Sandhurst.” Becker smoothed down the corner of the gauze on his neck. “Got him off my back while I was out getting pissed in bars and shagging every other guy who showed interest in me. Sorry.”

Connor put his arms on the armrests. “By all means, carry on. It’s good to.. talk about stuff.”

“Maybe another time.” Becker rolled up his sleeves immaculately, arms flexing unintentionally. He checked his watch. “You wanna get out of here? I can’t stand not doing anything for another minute.”

Nothing was happening anyway. Connor got out of his chair after slapping his knees. “Where we going?”

Becker shrugged. “Anywhere. We’ll work it out as we go.”

Chapter Text

“Connor! Come here a sec!” Becker’s voice flooded through his apartment.

It was impeccably neat, no dusty surfaces or strewn clutter. Well, apart from anything Connor had left laying around. Most recently his clothes on the bathroom floor from when he’d showered the night before. Or the steadily growing number of coffee cups on any flat surface.

“What’s- oh my god.” Connor stopped in his tracks at Becker’s bedroom doorway. He’d maybe been expecting Becker to ask him to fetch him something or want general affection. What he hadn’t expected was to see Becker, shirt off, first aid kit open on his bed, pair of scissors in his hand, cutting out his stitches.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Connor didn’t usually swear, but after spending too much time around Becker, and being so shocked, he couldn’t help it.

“Connor, what does it look like I’m doing?” Raising his eyebrows, Becker let out a sigh before moving to the side slightly and holding out the scissors. “I can’t get the ones on my shoulder.”

Connor shook his head, trying to ignore that he went slightly lightheaded at the sight. “You’re crazy mate, I can’t just cut out your stitches, I mean, what if I-”

Becker had gotten used to disrupting Connor when he started to go off the rails. “You can, it’s just like cutting your nails.”

“I don’t cut my nails. I bite them.” Under usual circumstances, Connor probably wouldn’t have admitted that. Now though, he was dazed and the faint feeling wasn’t leaving. He didn’t have an issue with blood, but the thought of doing a surgical procedure, even if minor on Becker, terrified him.

Becker tutted. “Come on, just come sit down. Don’t think about it.” He practically shoved the scissors into Connor’s unsuspecting hands before pushing himself closer to him and tilting his head to the side.

Connor swallowed. “I don’t think I can do this.”

“Connor for fuck’s sake.” Becker looked back at him, taking his hand and guiding the scissors to where he could feel the nylon sutures pulling at his skin. “Just put the end underneath and snip.”

The scissors shook in Connor’s hand. “I’d much rather be in this setting with different circumstances.” He joked nervously, a rush of happiness going through him when Becker smiled.

“Quicker these stitches come out, quicker we can do whatever you want.”

“Whatever I..” Connor cut himself off this time, prompted to stop talking by the telltale feeling of heat rising to his cheeks. At least it made him feel less lightheaded.

“Hey.” This time Becker’s voice was soft and subdued, obviously trying to calm Connor. “You’re already halfway there, it’s only one or two snips and then it’s done.”

Connor nodded, determination joining the blush on his face. Becker would have called him adorable, but he was more focused on the task at hand.

Raising the scissors again, Connor guided them carefully along Becker’s skin, poking the point of the blade underneath the stitch.

“Connor.”

“Oh God, did I do something-”

“Connor, cut it.” The scissors closed and Becker took the end of the stitch and pulled it out, putting it in a pile with the others. It felt a little weird the first couple of stitches he’d done, but after the first five he was used to it. It just felt good to be able to move without them pulling.

Angling the scissors weirdly, Connor tried to get to the next stitch, but it had been sewn at an awkward tilt. Becker tried to help him by moving around and tilting his head back to the side but Connor stopped him with a surprisingly firm grip on his other shoulder. “Stop moving.” Connor’s voice was almost as firm as his hand, but Becker didn’t say anything. He let Connor try for a few more seconds before moving again.

Connor huffed and let his hands drop before trying again, putting his free hand on Becker’s chest. “Connor, can you just-”

“Stay still love, almost... got it.” Becker heard the familiar snip and went to pull out the thread, but Connor got there first.

“Learning fast, Temple.” Connor shrugged, snipping the last two with more ease and precision than the first. “Thank you.” Becker rolled his shoulder back carefully, letting out a soft groan. “God, that’s been long overdue.”

Placing the scissors down, Connor moved his hand from Becker’s chest to his undamaged shoulder, squeezing gently. “You only got them like a week ago, any less time and you would have fallen to bits.”

“Don’t be ridiculous, they weren’t that bad. I should have had stitches in the first place, love.” It was obvious Becker was teasing Connor for calling him that, but he didn't really mind. Quite the opposite, in fact. Becker couldn’t help but lay a soft kiss onto Connor’s lips, smiling into it.

“I- I mean... you are my boyfriend, I thought-”

“Am I? That’s news to me.” They’d never actually discussed what they were, only that they were seeing each other, and only each other.

“Oh. I thought... you know.” Becker raised an eyebrow at Connor. “But not if you don’t want to be, obviously. It’s not like we-”

“I’ll have to think about it.”

“Oh. Yeah, ok. That’s totally cool. 100%, totally cool.” Becker tried his best to look pensive and unsure, when in reality he was having to fight down the smile that was appearing more and more as the days went on. When it finally broke out on his face, it came hand in hand with a quiet laugh. “Oh you-”

Laughing whilst he was trying to kiss someone hadn’t been something Becker had tried before, but he was certain he’d find himself doing it again. Somehow basic training hadn’t managed to make him as breathless as Connor did without even trying. Of course, he’d never admit that but it was true. Not to the world, anyway. To the not so skinny geek he was in love with, maybe.

“I’d love to be your boyfriend,” he said, clearly mocking Connor.

Retaliating, Connor pushed him back playfully. “Oh shut up.”

“Ow? My stitches?” Becker wasn’t hurt at all, but he liked to mess around with Connor. They both liked to annoy and tease each other whatever scenarios they were in. Sometimes it got a little hard at work when they had actual jobs to do, but they managed. Mostly.

Connor screwed up his face in confusion. “You don’t have any stitches left.”

“Don’t I?” Without warning, Becker unbuckled his belt and pulled the top of his jeans and briefs down slightly, revealing another line of stitches down from his hip that disappeared under his waistband.

Backing away slightly before Connor stood up, he backed slowly towards the door. “I’ll uh- I’ll leave you to do those.”

Becker let out another laugh, this one breathy as he watched Connor’s eyes trail down his chest and follow the lines of his muscles. “Thanks. Oh, and Connor?”

“Mm?” Connor turned back round, having started walking off.

“I don’t mind that one.”

“What? Oh.” Connor beamed. “Good luck with the rest of the stitches, love.”