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Connor shifted his weight as he waited for Lester to acknowledge him. He felt like he was once again in front of the headmaster at school.Lester pinched his nose and sighed before looking up. “I see you used a thesaurus for this report.”“Eh?”“I think we can safely say you did.” Lester sighed again. “Aside from proving you don't have hippopotomonstrosesquipedaliophobia, was there a reason for all those long words?”“Um.”“I'm waiting.”“I... um. Thought...” Connor's voice dropped to a whisper as he blushed. “I wanted to impress you.”
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Connor chewed his pen as he stared at the list he'd written.1. Loyalty – oh, he might not admit to it, but he is. Look how he stood up to Burton so I could get my job back.2. Confidence – god, he's got that. He walks into a room and owns it.3. Sense of humour – Lester had a bloody good line in snarky comments, so long as you weren't on the receiving end.4. Clothes – sharp and stylish and looking oh-so good.Connor sighed, what did he have that would impress a man like Lester?
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James sighed softly as he stared at the photograph. He had had it all.Once.A beautiful and sophisticated wife, lovely children, the finest food and wine money could buy. The perfect life, surrounded by family and friends.When had it all gone so wrong?James didn't know, all he knew was he had nothing and he was alone in the world. His wife had left with the children, taking their friends and as much money as she could secure.He smiled bitterly, so much for the good life. He had had it all and now, who would want him?
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Connor's breath caught and he almost panicked when he realised just how many Home Office officials were impatiently waiting to hear his report on the anomalies.His frantic gaze roamed over the crowd, seeking a friendly face or an encouraging smile, anything to suggest he had a hope of getting through this without making a fool of himself.Connor almost sighed in relief when he met Lester's eyes and his quirked eyebrow and quick nod of recognition gave Connor courage.Connor took a deep steadying breath. He would impress them all. More than that, he wanted to impress James Lester.
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Connor left the meeting with the widest grin on his face. For once he hadn't screwed it up. His notes had been in order, his slide projector had been loaded with the correct slides (and, thankfully, not the convention photos of him, Tom and Duncan, that had been so embarrassing) and he hadn't stumbled over his words.The very best bit of the entire day, though, had been when Connor had been dismissed. As he had walked past Lester, the man had given him a slight nod and quietly muttered, “Well done.” He had made Lester proud of him.
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James groaned, rubbed his eyes and finally shut down his computer. He had been working late on a document for the minister, all Burton's fault, of course.What he really wanted was to go home and sleep... he glanced at his clock and sighed. There really wasn't much point going anywhere now, he was due back in two hours.Setting out in search of coffee, James sighed as he left his office. Connor was gently snoring, his head pillowed on the ADD. James detoured for a blanket and tucked it carefully around Connor's slumbering form. The boy worked too hard.
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Connor winced as he overheard events in Lester's office. The minister was in full flow, angrily demanding heads to roll for the disaster. Burton seemed more than happy to comply, but Lester was having none of it.Connor's heart swelled with pride as he listened to Lester defend the team's actions, stating, in the way only Lester could, that they had performed their duties to his satisfaction.The minister didn't like that at all. He liked it even less when Lester refused to back down. He stormed out, Burton in his wake as he tried to salvage his own reputation.
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“Connor!” Connor paused at Burton's commanding tones and found himself crowded back against the wall. “I need a word.”Connor swallowed nervously. “Um. Lester wanted to see me.”“I'm sure James won't mind you being late, Connor.”“I wouldn't be so sure about that, Philip.” Lester's smooth voice sounded behind Burton and Connor looked up at his saviour. “Connor, my office. Now.”Connor ducked around Burton and quickly scurried away as the raised voices of Burton and Lester lent his feet speed. He sighed in relief as he reached the safety of Lester's office.
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Connor shifted uneasily in Lester's office. He could still hear the raised voices of Lester and Burton as they argued, presumably about him. He had seen the look in Burton's eyes when Lester had intervened and it scared him. Not so much for himself, but for Lester. He didn't want anything to happen to Lester... Connor gasped as that thought penetrated his consciousness. He had admired the man, how Lester was everything he wasn't. The type of man he wished he was.But when had that turned into his current feelings? When had he fallen in love with James Lester? **** James was growing extremely irritated by the supposed genius the minister had imposed upon him. In his considered opinion, the true reason was money, it always was.Now, he was trying to interfere with the running of the ARC and intimidating one Connor Temple. That was James' prerogative. No one got to hurt Connor, not on...Oh. Now that was a disconcerting discovery.He appeared to have developed feelings for Connor. Most unfortunate, he would have to keep away from the young man and hope they faded... but as James felt his heart clench, he knew he had already lost.
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“Connor!” James sighed as Burton strolled towards Connor. Really, for a so-called genius, Burton seemed sadly lacking in memory... let alone any of the other qualifications for the role. The startled, no, the scared look that flickered across Connor's face for an instant made James' decision for him. He would not leave Connor at the mercy of Burton, no matter how much James' heart fluttered and his emotions roller-coasted when in Connor's presence. “Connor,” James called out as he stepped into the main operations area. “A word.” He didn't miss the poisonous look Burton shot at him.
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Matt smiled as he noticed the way Connor looked at Lester when he thought no one was watching. He had already realised that Lester was far more protective of Connor than any other member of the team.Those two had it bad for each other and yet neither had recognised the other's interest. Matt wondered what would be required for them to realise, and then shivered as he noticed the expression on Burton's face as he watched both men.Matt suddenly understood that his job had become a whole lot harder and found himself hoping that Burton was his mission.
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Connor sighed softly to himself as he watched Lester working. The man was just... stop it, Con. Why would he be interested in you? Turning away from that torturing view, Connor felt his blood freeze. The look on Philip Burton's face as he stared at Lester reminded Connor of the cold-blooded predators he and Abby had spent a year avoided in the Cretaceous. Merciless hunters who would kill without pity. He had just never expected to see that look on a human face and it terrified him. What would Burton do to someone... to Lester... who got in his way?
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Connor smiled as he watched Matt and Becker getting drunk. They'd be too sloshed to enjoy their honeymoon... oh, was it still called that for a civil partnership?He took a look around the pub and sighed softly, no sign of Lester. Didn't the man even take time off for a wedding... civil partnership... whatever.With a sigh he gulped his drink down and stood up, somewhat unsteady. He staggered on his way out and would have fallen but for arms that wrapped around him. He looked up into the amused green eyes of James Lester and promptly passed out.
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Connor groaned as he woke. “Ah, sleeping beauty wakes.”Oh fuck. Oh fuck. Connor blushed as he remembered falling into Lester's arms and then... nothing.“This habit of talking in your sleep... interesting.”
Oh fuck.
“A security risk, true,” Lester continued, “But such a fascinating insight into the... mind of one Connor Temple.”“Um. Lester. I can explain.” What the hell had he said to Lester?“You can?” “Um...” “I believe it was 'Let's get married, James.'”“Oh.” “Oh?”“I can explain.” I hope.“Really? And the kiss?”
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Connor's mouth opened and closed before he squeaked, “We kissed?”Ah James firmly quashed his disappointment. Connor was drunk. It had meant nothing. “Don't worry, Mr Temple, I won't mention it again.”“No!” Connor took a deep breath. “Please, James. I... I wanted to kiss you. I just wish I remembered it.”“I'm sure we can remedy that.” James smiled as he captured Connor's lips in a demanding kiss.Pulling back, James smiled at the longing look on Connor's face. “Connor? Can I suggest that we actually start dating before we consider getting married?”
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James quirked an eyebrow at Connor. The air of happiness and excitement surrounding Connor was almost palatable. It was also contagious as James felt himself smile at his... he supposed boyfriend fitted best. James' musings were curtailed as a worried look appeared on Connor's face. “Connor?”“What about your career? Won't being with me, geeky accident-prone Connor Temple, cause problems?”“Let me worry about that.” If James thought that would stop Connor's worries, he was sadly mistaken.“What about Burton? He's just waiting for something to use. Something to damage your reputation.”“Let him try.”
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Connor was unable to settle to his work, not even to the puzzle that had so captured his attention only the day before. Whenever his concentration wavered, Connor found his gaze drifting towards James' office.While James might be confident he could deal with any threat Burton might pose him, Connor wasn't. He couldn't shake his concerns that Burton was just waiting for an excuse to undermine James and that he, Connor Temple, would be that excuse. And in his heart lurked a deeper fear – that when push came to shove, James would drop him to save his career.
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Connor woke with a groan. Every muscle and bone in his body hurt. He sighed, recognising the depressingly familiar sight of a hospital room. He'd been hurt. Again.Another reason for James to dump him.Connor reached for the ring around his neck, seeking the comfort it always provided. His hand closed on nothing. No! He couldn't have lost it. It was his only link to his father.A softly cleared throat had Connor blinking back tears as he stared at James and the ring dangling on a new leather thong. “I know this is important to you, Connor.”
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James smiled softly as he entered Connor's room to find his boyfriend sleeping. His eyebrow quirked at the number of flowers that Connor had accumulated since his last visit. Out of curiosity James read the cards, his lips quirking at some of the comments.As he read one card, James had to control his anger at what was written on it – and more, what hadn't been written on it. He glanced up at the yellow carnations, trying to remember what they represented.No matter. He understood one thing. Philip Burton was a danger to Connor and James couldn't allow that.
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James watched another harrassed nurse quickly leave Connor's room. He knew his lover was driving the staff crazy with his constant questions and sudden changes of conversation. It took time to get used to Connor Temple. James smiled. His boyfriend's good mood was infectious. “Good news?”Connor almost bounced as he nodded enthusiastically. “The doctor says I can leave soon.”James leaned in for a kiss. “Good.” It would be good to have Connor home, where he could keep an eye out for him. It hadn't been easy leaving him in the hospital and within Burton's reach.
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James smiled as Connor snuggled closer in his sleep. His boyfriend was finally home. Safe in James' bed. He should be able to relax and enjoy holding Connor in his arms as they slept. But he was wide awake and sighed softly as he stroked Connor's hair, his mind whirling unceasingly. Who knew what Burton might be planning? He was definitely up to something, his strange message using flowers had proved that... but what? James sighed softly. It didn't really matter what it was. He would stop any threat, each and every one, until Burton was no longer a problem.
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James folded his arms as he entered their bedroom. “And just where do you think you're going?”Connor froze, looking as guilty as the time James had caught him scoffing biscuits in bed. Slowly the guilt was replaced by determination. “I can't lie here and do nothing. Abby's trapped!”“I know. She's not alone. Becker and Matt are with her.”“Please?” James smiled at Connor's best pleading look but still shook his head firmly. “You're on sick leave.” He sighed at Connor's pout. “Fine. I'll get your laptop and you can watch from here.”
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James quirked an eyebrow at Connor, who seemed oblivious to everything except the book he had his nose in. James had been hoping for a little more attention now the weekend had arrived. “Good book?” he enquired politely. “Bloody fantastic. You should give it a try. It's about a group of hand-picked scientists and military who explore an underground labyrinth while trying not to be eaten.”James shook his head fondly. “Don't we get enough of that at work?”“I suppose.” Connor grinned as he patted the bed. “We could have our own subterranean explorations.”
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James Lester's eyebrows nearly disappeared into his hair as he entered their bedroom. “And what, Mr Temple, gave you the idea that I would find this...” James waved his hand at the source of his problem, “acceptable?”Connor looked guilty and also strangely edible as he glanced up at James. “Um. I thought you liked strawberries and cream?”“I do. Just not over my boyfriend and certainly not over my silk sheets.”Connor pouted as he muttered, “Sorry, I'll clean up.”“Connor!”“And wash the sheets.”“Shut up, Connor. I'm feeling peckish.”
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James sighed. He needed to know what Philip was planning.He was distracted by the brightly coloured and rather inappropriately dressed Ms Parker. “Jess? A moment.”Jess' exuberant smile reminded James of Connor and he found himself smiling back for an instant. “Jess. Can you hack into Philip's files for me?” Jess sighed. “I told you I won't hack for you.”“It's not for me.” James' voice dropped to a near-whisper. “I'm worried for Connor.”“Oh, in that case. Sure.” James sighed as Jess left with a soppy grin on her face. He really hoped he wouldn't regret asking her.
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James paced almost aimlessly around the shelves. Poking a book here and glancing through another there. He just had no idea what he... Ah. Now that held promise, although he had to wonder if he had a masochistic streak for even considering this option, no matter how much Connor would love it. Well, hopefully he would.Now, which to buy? His eyes lit on the shelves of newly published books. Surely Connor wouldn't have one of them? James' eyebrow rose. Certainly not at those prices. Bloody hell, who knew there was such money to be made from the prehistoric past?
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James sighed as he reached across Connor and picked up the magazine he was reading. The smiling face of Philip Burton seemed to taunt James and he threw the magazine onto the table. “James?” Connor asked as he rubbed his boyfriend's arm. “You're reading about Burton. Why?” James nearly winced at the almost needy tone in his voice.“I don't trust him, James. I'm trying to see if I can figure out what he's up to.” Connor tugged James closer for a kiss. “He's got nothing I want, James.”“Oh?”“No. You're everything I want. I love you, James Lester.”
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James rubbed his tired eyes. After an extremely long and pointless meeting with the minister all he wanted to do was listen to his classical music, have a snifter of brandy and relax with Connor. One look at his lounge had James yelling, “Connor!”Connor darted in from the kitchen and looked between James and the variety of electrical components covering the floor. “Um. I had a problem with my computer.”“From the look of this place do I assume it exploded?” “I'll tidy it up.”“Later. I just want to relax. With you.” “The mess.”“Can wait. I can't.”
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Philip Burton stormed into the ARC hub. “James!”James sighed. “Philip, so good of you to drop by.”“We've had a security breach.”James quirked an eyebrow. “Jess, please check our systems.”“No sign of any incursion, sir.”James nodded, his expression innocent as he said, “Have you considered industrial espionage, Philip?”Burton glared at James, his eyes narrowing before he left in a huff. James knew Burton was not to be underestimated and, when noticed the victorious look Jess and Connor exchanged, he growled out, “You two need to be more careful.”“Sorry, James, we must have left traces.”
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James woke to the smell of bacon. He took a cautious sniff. It appeared Connor hadn't set fire to anything. Not yet. He grabbed his silk dressing gown, tied it closed and walked to the kitchen. James stopped in the doorway and quirked an eyebrow. Breakfast was laid out on the table. A full English for both of them, glasses of orange juice and the smell of coffee brewing in his expensive coffee machine Connor wasn't even supposed to even breathe near. There was only one explanation for Connor taking his life in his hands like that. “What have you done, Connor?”
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James quirked an eyebrow as Connor played with his food. “Connor?”“Philip offered me a job.” Connor swallowed and looked down at his plate. “I accepted last week.”“You did what?” James closed the distance between them in a few steps, his hands dragging Connor to his feet. “Why?” He shook his head and released Connor, stepping back and folding his arms. “Why didn't you tell me? I thought...”Connor cut his words off with a kiss. “I do, but we need to know what he's up to. This is the only way.” “No. It's too dangerous.”“I'll be careful.”
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James lay awake into the small hours of the night. He couldn't believe Connor had accepted a job with Burton. All his hard work protecting him and Connor had to have a moment of heroics. James sighed. Not that Connor was after glory. No, Connor was out to protect him and as much as that thought warmed James' heart, it couldn't chase away the fears that kept him awake at night. Every night.The varied possibilities tormented James and drove sleep away, until he felt Connor slide into bed and wrap his arms around him. Safe and well. For now.
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Connor just picked at his meal and as it was his favourite James felt he had the right to be concerned. What had Burton done now? “Connor? Interesting day?”When Connor just grunted, James felt his concern increase several fold. “Connor?” He winced slightly as his tone, part worried and part demanding. Connor finally looked up at him. “You never did say how Sarah died.”James quirked an eyebrow, so that was Burton's game. The bloody bastard. “Burton?”Connor nodded and looked down at his plate. “He's trying to put doubts in your mind, love.” And James knew he'd succeeded.
***
Connor nodded, he might be rubbish at figuring people out, but he'd realised that. “I know, but I...”“But it's bothering you?” James asked with a look that Connor interpreted as both understanding and annoyed. “I know he's lying, James.” Connor quickly answered. He trusted James... so why did Burton sound so convincing. Connor sighed, shaking his head again. “I just... wondered.”“How she died?”James sighed softly. “Burton's right. It is my fault.”“No!” Connor couldn't believe that.“He is.” James' voice was firm. “I should never have allowed her to go on that rescue mission. On any of them.”
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As James followed Connor into the ARC he caught the eager look on Burton's face before the bastard smothered the expression. James couldn't help the anger and, yes, possessiveness that rose in his heart. Almost without processing the thought, he grabbed Connor and silenced his squeak by kissing him. His hands swept down Connor's back to his arse and at Connor's soft gasp, James slipped him some tongue. Pulling free only when his lungs rebelled for air, James grinned at the dazed look in Connor's eyes. “James? Wha...? We're at work.”“Stuff professionalism.” And for once, James really meant it.
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Connor couldn't keep the grin off his face as he worked on the ADD and wandered around the ARC in a daze, so he felt perfectly justified in the squawk he let out as he was grabbed and dragged down a corridor into the mammoth's pen. “Spill.” Abby's voice was firm as she looked him in the eye, her firm voice back up by the querying rumble of Monty. “Abby?” She snorted. “Don't play innocent with me, Connor Temple. The whole ARC is talking about Lester sticking his tongue down your throat.”“Oh, that.” Connor sighed. “That was bloody wonderful.”
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James sat in his office with his head in his hands. He had kissed Connor, had shoved his tongue down his throat. In the ARC. In full view of his staff. The guilty looks and the sudden silences as he had walked around the building were clear signs that everyone was gossiping about it. But worse than that, James had seen the speculative expression on Burton's face as he had watched Connor working on the ADD. He belatedly realised that he had probably just messed up Connor's plan to infiltrate Burton's organisation and discover what the bastard was up to.
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Connor smiled at the wonderful smell that filled the flat, it was his favourite... oh fuck? Was today something special? He racked his brain but came up blank, even James Lester couldn't celebrate exactly two months, 15 days and 22 hours of being a couple, could he? “James?” James looked uncharacteristically worried. “I should apologise for setting back your plan for Burton.”Connor shook his head, relieved and touched by James' gesture. “Don't worry.”“But...” Connor silenced him with a kiss. “He's almost ready to trust me, I know he is. I'll just convince him I'm still on his side.”
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“Connor?”“I've almost convinced Burton to trust me.”“That's good, isn't it?” “You love me, right?”“You know I do.”“I love you too.”“Connor? What's wrong?”“I need you to be jealous.” “I think I proved that the other day.” “I need you to... well, to hit me.”“Never.” “Please, James. I know it will be enough to convince Burton.” “I might yell at you, Connor, but I will never, ever hit you.”“He's holding something back, I know he'll tell me if he sees you yell and hit me.”“I love you, Connor, I could never hurt you.”
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Connor moaned softly as he woke to a pleasant soreness. He smiled as he watched James sleep, he was such a considerate lover and had made Connor see the moon, the stars and every other thing poets rambled on about when it came to love. Lying there in a bliss of contentment, Connor certainly wasn't complaining about their activities of last night. They had been... been magical, even though Connor had the sneaky suspicion it had been to distract him. James had certainly kissed him senseless as soon as he had even tried to mention his plan to trap Burton.
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Connor yawned as he stepped from the shower and sleepily wandered into the bedroom. A brightly coloured envelope was propped on his pillow. What was James up to now? He seemed determined not to let Connor talk about his plan to trap Burton. No matter how annoying that was, Connor couldn't help the warm feeling that concern created in his chest. Curiosity gnawing at him, Connor carefully opened the envelope and smiled widely. It was an elegantly hand-written card promising to accompany him to the Natural History Museum. He'd been trying to convince James to go with him for months.
****
James' expression hovered between anger and amusement when Connor, dripping wet and clad only in a towel dangerously close to slipping off, pulled him into a kiss. James held Connor close, despite the water he could feel penetrating – and no doubt destroying - his expensive new suit. “Con?”Connor's grin was infectious as he waved the card at James. “I've been on about this for months.”James nodded. “After fucking up your plan, it is the least I could do.” “It'll be a great day. All the galleys. The dinosaurs.” When James rolled his eyes, Connor added, “You'll love it.”
****
James bit back his sigh as Connor dragged, actually dragged him towards another gallery. On seeing the sign he did sigh. His voice low he enquired, “Don't you get to see them enough?”Connor grinned widely, bouncing up and down like a child. “Dinosaurs are cool. My mum brought me here every weekend.”“I pity her, you must have been a nightmare as a child.” James muttered without thinking, immediately regretting it when Connor's grin faded. “Sorry, Con.” One quick glance later and he was kissing Connor behind a conveniently placed model before taking his hand. “Which is your favourite?”
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“That was bloody brilliant.” “The sex or the museum?”“Both. Don't look so smug.”“Con, I am sorry.”“So am I, James. I should never have asked you to hit me.”“Trust me, Con, I would, could never hit you.”“I trust you, James, I love you.”“I do hope you don't expect me to be equally soppy.” “Never.”“Good.”“James? What do we do now? I know Burton's almost ready to tell me.”“Is he? I can't shake this feeling that he knows.”“How could he? No, James. Why would he have hired me?”“That's what I'm worried about.”
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“Did you find it?”Matt's voice almost had Connor yelp as he spun around to face his team leader. “Um...”“Connor?”“Sorry. I was thinking.”“It is lovely here, isn't it. The birds calling and the sea looking so blue.” Connor quirked an eyebrow in a manner similar to his lover. “You sound like you've never seen it before?”“The anomaly, Connor?”“Oh, yeah.” Connor turned back to his detector and missed Matt's grin. “I'm not sure James would like it out here. Too uncivilised for him.”“What about Becker?”“Maybe.” Matt grinned, “Once we've locked the anomaly.”“On it.”
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“Connor!” Matt looked up as Burton strolled purposely towards Connor. He smirked, it looked as if Lester would have to mark his possessions to keep Burton away. His smirk grew wider when Connor ignored Burton and continued to look out the window.It faded at the calculating look on Burton's face as he followed Connor's gaze and put his arm around Connor's shoulders, leading the unresisting man away.Matt waited for them to pass before checking the window. What the fuck? Lester was standing rather too close to another man. Tall, dark and handsome. Their heads bowed together. Bloody hell.
****
Lester looked up as his door slammed open. “Didn't anyone ever teach you to knock?”“You bloody bastard.”Lester's eyebrow quirked. “Or manners, it would appear.”“What the fuck are you doing with Connor?” “Not that it is any of your business, but I thought you and Becker knew what two men did together...”Matt growled, “Not that. The man in the car park.”“Ah.”“Yes, fucking ah.” Matt folded his arms. Lester folded his arms. “I don't see how that is any business of yours.”“No?” Matt glared at him. “Well, it is Connor's.”Lester looked wary. “He saw?”
****
Lester rubbed his face. “Fuck! Where is he?”“Do you care?” “Yes I bloody well do. I need to explain.” Lester's door slammed open once more as Abby stalked in, her eyes furious. “What the hell have you done to Connor?”“He's been speaking to you?” Lester asked as he pushed his chair back slightly.“No. He's with Burton.”“Fuck!” Lester surged out of his chair but Abby blocked his exit. “Well?”Lester sighed, looking from one to the other. “Connor wants to find out what Burton's planning.”“And that man.” Abby asked coldly.“An old friend. A covert expert.”
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Abby crossed her arms and glared at Lester. “And talking to this 'covert expert' required you to be close enough to kiss him?”Lester shook his head. “I wasn't...”Matt cut him off. “Yes you bloody well were.”Abby stepped closer to Lester. “What is it, Lester? Was Connor so eager to please you that you felt the need for something dangerous. To walk on the wild side?”“No!”Abby leaned on his desk. “He loves you, god only knows why. If you are playing with his feelings...”“I wouldn't” “Prove it to Connor. To me. To all of us.”
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Tears ran silently down Connor's face as he stared at Stephen's i-pod.He wished Stephen was around, he could have done with a sympathetic ear. Stephen would have understood how James' behaviour hurt so much. He'd been through it all with Nick... and Helen when they had both fought over him... regardless of what Stephen had wanted. Connor sniffed. He'd thought his life was perfect now James was in it. Wanted him. Now... had James just been using him? Had he lied for all these months about how he felt? Turning to his computer, Connor started an email to Stephen.
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“James?” “Sir?”“Is there anything I should know about?” “Sir?” Lester found himself repeating, at least until he knew exactly what the Home Secretary was asking him. There were far too many answers he could give and he'd prefer not to supply the wrong one. His boss shook his head. “Don't, James. I've been hearing rumours.”“Rumours?” The Home Secretary sighed. “Fine. Just get your house in order, James.”“Yes, sir.” What's gone wrong now?“I mean it, James. This failing workplace romance threatens all the work you've done.”Oh shit. “Yes, sir.” It's bloody Burton, I just know it.
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Connor's smile faded as soon as he closed his door and looked around his old room; it was good of Abby to offer him somewhere to stay, but it wasn't home, it just wasn't.He climbed into bed and huddled miserably under his covers, hugging one of James' shirts he had accidentally packed. OK, so it hadn't been an accident, he still loved James and had wanted a reminder of him; even now. He buried his nose and breathed the well-loved scent, blinking back the tears that threatened. He couldn't help wonder if James' new lover was keeping him warm.
****
Lester felt so cold as he lay in their empty bed. Connor had filled his life with so much warmth, not just physically when they had hugged, snuggled and shagged. No, Connor had thawed Lester's frozen heart and shown him he was worthy of being loved when he had given up on ever being wanted.Lester had had it all, again, and had thrown it all away, again. But this time he would not give up, he would win Connor back. He would prove his love and that he was worthy of Connor. He fell asleep, warmed by that thought.
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Abby raised her hand to hammer on Lester's door and stopped at the sight of him standing in the hallway of his flat, looking so dejected that all of Abby's anger faded. Her eyes followed his gaze to the pile of parcels piled on the floor. “Did you want something?” Lester sounded so unhappy that Abby had to find out what was wrong. She stepped inside his flat and looked at one of the parcels, the address neatly written on it crossed out in angry black marker, which had also been used to write 'Return to Sender'. “My children's presents.”
****
Connor strolled towards the menagerie. He had a favour to ask Abby and hoped to catch her alone. He could hear her talking to someone and was about to retreat when he realised how upset Abby sounded.“How could anyone be that cruel? I might not like Lester much at the moment, but sending his kids' presents back unopened? They probably think he didn't even bother.”Connor couldn't imagine someone doing that, how love could turn to hate. He stared at his present from James and left to think; he hadn't even asked James his side before he'd walked away.
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Connor glanced nervously around the hallway before he slipped the key into the lock and entered the flat. He wanted to confront James about what had happened between them. His eyes darted everywhere before he closed them briefly when he noticed the presents he had overheard Abby talking about. Stepping into the front room, Connor sighed at the sight of the tree – still in its wrappings – and the boxes full of decorations. Bloody hell, James had given up totally on celebrating Christmas... not that that was a surprise, what with his kids' presents returned and Connor walking out on him.
****
Lester rubbed his tired eyes. He had stayed at work for as long as possible, until Lorraine had firmly told him to go home. Lester snorted, what did he have to go home for?He unlocked his door and stepped inside, blinking in shock at the lights blinking on and off and the decorations filling the hall. What the hell? He continued into the front room and stared around. Did he even own this many decorations? Hang on, who had put them up? “James?”Lester spun around, his jaw dropping open at the sight of Connor standing in his flat.
****
Connor almost smiled at the shocked look on James' face. He didn't think he'd ever seen James lost for words before... Connor shifted nervously, he hoped James was pleased by his presence and it wasn't 'oh-my-god-my-boyfriend-will-be-here-soon-I-need-to-get-rid-of-him' shock.The silence built to an intolerable level and Connor couldn't stand it, “Ihopeyoudon'tmindbutirealisedihadn'tletyoutrytoexplainwhathappened.”Lester blinked. “What?”Connor gave him a nervous smile. “I just wanted to give you a chance to explain yourself, and then I let myself in and saw all of this.” He gestured around the flat. “It's Christmas, James, you have to celebrate it.”“What do I have to celebrate?”
****
Lester turned his back on Connor as those words left his lips. Fuck! He hadn't meant to say that out loud. He really was a fucking mess, was it really a surprise that both his ex-wife and Connor had had enough of him? It was probably for the best his children forgot all about him, he'd only ruin their lives. As for Connor, he'd also be better without Lester in his life.“James.” Lester felt Connor squeeze his arm. “Just tell me what happened to us?”“Me.” It was always Lester's fault, his ex-wife had told him that enough times.
****
Connor sighed softly before forcing James to face him. One look at the devastation in James' face and Connor pulled him against him. “It isn't you, James. We need to talk. You need to explain who that man was and I need to let you tell me. OK?”When James nodded, Connor smiled. “Good.” Connor looked around at the room. “Now, let's finish decorating.”James glanced around. “You want to put up more?”“Christmas isn't the same without all the trimmings, James.”It almost broke Connor's heart when James nodded, obviously willing to do whatever Connor said for another chance.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
James took his time tidying the few decorations Connor hadn't used.He desperately needed the minutes to think of what to tell Connor. Not that he'd even thought of lying to him, but he... James was bloody shit when it came to personal stuff. His failed marriage was proof of that, not to mention that none of his so-called-friends had kept in touch afterwards. This mess with Connor was just one more indication that he should accept he would be alone forever, with only his memories of happier times to keep him company, but first, he owed Connor an explanation.
****
Connor swallowed when James squared his shoulders. This was it, when James would tell him they were over. But he'd promised to hear James out.“Con...” James' voice faded.Connor turned away, he wouldn't let James see the pain he was in. “I'm sorry, Con. I never meant to hurt you.” James sighed. “But I always do.” “Just tell me.”“I didn't want to lose you.” James snorted bitterly, “But I fucked that up.”“Please, if you ever loved me, just tell me.”James' head shot up. “Of course I loved... love you.”Connor's heart soared for a moment in hope, but that didn't explain that man.
****
James saw Connor's hope grow before his face fell. He needed to explain his actions to Connor. “I never meant to hurt you, Con. I just wanted to protect you.”“Protect me?”James nodded. “I couldn't stand you putting yourself at risk investigating Burton.” “I don't understand.”“That man you saw me with,” James swallowed at the hurt expression on Connor's face. “He's an old friend, nothing more, I promise you. One of the few who didn't desert me.” He shook his head, no need to go into that. “I wanted him to look into Burton. To keep you safe.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Lester glanced up from his paperwork as his team began the countdown to the New Year. “Come and join us, James.”Lester shook his head. “Go and enjoy yourself, Con.”“Not without you.” Connor let the door shut behind him. “If you're not going, neither am I.”“That's childish.”Connor raised an eyebrow. “And sulking isn't?”“I'm not sulking.”Connor smiled. “Hiding? You do know Abby's not angry with you any more.” When Lester looked down at his desk, Connor snorted, “Oh. She's read you the Riot Act? Then shouldn't you be out there, having a good time for me?”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor smiled and hacked into the CCTV at James' apartment. He loved watching his lover... James still was, wasn't he? Not living together didn't change that, did it?He smiled as the Mercedes pulled into shot and James climbed out. The lights blinking locked and Connor licked his lips as he watched James' arse as he walked towards the lobby. Connor saw movement out of the corner of his eye and stared into the shadowy corner of the garage. His heart almost stopped when Ethan emerged and grinned at the camera. His hand came up and the screen went dark
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Ethan grinned as he cut the camera and followed Lester like a shadow. He shook his head when Lester carried on, oblivious of his presence. He was blind to his surroundings and wouldn't have survived five minutes through the gateways.Lester had locked him up, held him captive. Had told Danny what he had done... he had seen the hopeful look in his brother's eyes when he had asked Ethan if it was all true. The disgusted look when Ethan proudly confirmed it was. Lester had destroyed the pedestal Danny had placed Ethan on... and he would pay for it.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor shifted uneasily as Becker briefed his team. Surrounded by heavily armed soldiers, he couldn't help feel the weak, forgotten, useless, bullied geek once more.What did he have to offer the rescue mission? He wasn't trusted with a gun, not after all his mishaps. He couldn't help believing that Becker would have preferred him to remain at the ARC, but he couldn't, he had to be there when they rescued James.Connor's lip twitched as he considered another difference between him and the soldiers, at least, he hoped it was – that he loved James and that James loved him.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor's nerves were stretched almost to breaking point as he waited for Becker and his men to check James' flat. He heard the all clear over his bodyguard's radio and raced inside, desperate to hold James in his arms.The flat was a mess. A vase lay shattered on the floor. Everywhere Connor looked he saw signs of a struggle. He looked at Becker, hoping... while it was unlikely that Becker was about to pull James out of hiding like a magician with a rabbit.Connor's knees buckled and sent him painfully to the floor when he spotted the blood.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor allowed Becker to guide him towards the car. His fear growing with every minute James was in Ethan's hands. He was a cold blooded killer and...He stared out of the car's window as it took him back to the ARC. Watching without really seeing as Becker's men and the police cordoned off the scene from the crowd gathered in morbid curiosity.It was only hours later that Connor dropped his mug with a gasp. Ethan had been there, one of the crowd. Standing in the open and no-one had noticed him. How could they not have seen him?
****
Ethan pulled his coat collar up and kept his head down as he stood amongst the curious crowd. He observed the police forensic team entering the flat and smiled to himself. He had been careful to leave the flat exactly as he had wanted it.Ethan's attention was caught as Becker helped Connor into a car. He had to fight the urge to duck when the boy glanced his way. It would draw too much attention to himself and Ethan had no wish to do that. Not yet. He had plans and they would take time to set in motion.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Taunt (Valentine/Anti-Valentine – 93) Connor sighed as he collapsed into his chair and stared at the calender. He'd had so many plans for tonight. He had hoped to share a romantic meal with James ending in a kiss... maybe even going home with him. He smiled as he spotted the handwriting on an envelope. James must have posted it before... he swallowed hard. They would find him, they had too. He opened it... a strangled gasp sounded and he just stared at what someone – Ethan – had written in it.
Blood is red,
Pain is blue,
Lester's hurting
and screaming for you.
****
Offering Comfort (Betrayal – 7)“Connor?” Burton called out as he knocked on Connor's door. “Is this... Connor, what's wrong?”Connor shook his head, apparently unable to form the words to explain what had gone wrong, even as he almost crushed the card between his fingers. “Let me see.” Burton easily plucked the card from Connor's nerveless fingers. “Oh, Connor, I'm so sorry.” He pulled Connor into his arms and rubbed a hand across his back. “There, there, Connor. Everything will be fine”Burton smiled as Connor wrapped his arms around him, seeking comfort. Everything was going perfectly to plan. Connor would soon be his.
****
Timing Is All (Rescue – 203)“Conn? Oh.” Abby's voice trailed off as she walked in on Connor and Burton. She smiled as Connor blushed and pulled free, wiping the tears from his face. Her smile died at the annoyed look on Burton's face. It looked to her like Burton was moving in on Connor when his boyfriend was missing, merely confirming her original impression that the man was a bloody bastard. Right, time to get Connor away from him. “Conn? You're still coming home with me, yeah?” Connor nodded, blushing slightly as he collected his gear. “Yeah.” He paused on the way out. “Thanks, Philip.”
****
Checking And Re-checking (Determination - 3)Jess closed her eyes as she savoured the chocolate bar. Just a short break and then she'd run through the CCTV footage again. Now they had a location and time for Ethan, all she had to do was try to track him through the cameras. She would find Ethan, and once she had him, they would find James. They had to. She couldn't bear the thought of them failing. Not now Connor and James had made a fresh start on their relationship. Blinking the sleep from her eyes, Jess returned to her search with new determination. She would find James.
****
Gate Crashing (In The News – 220)The intruder grinned at the shriek of an alarm as he dropped to the floor. It looked like security hadn't been improved in his time away. He turned and raised his hands at the approach of heavy booted feet, there was no point being blasted again – it had bloody hurt. He grinned cockily at a familiar face. “No welcoming hug, soldier boy?”Becker sighed and shook his head. “Danny Quinn. What are you doing here?”Danny's expression sobered. “I heard about Lester. I want to help.”“You know it's Ethan...”Danny sighed and dropped his gaze. “I feared it was.”
****
Failed (Someone To Lean On - 186)Becker sighed as he watched Danny refuse to meet his eyes. He understood how much it... hurt to fail someone you should have protected, someone who relied on you to be there for them. He knew Danny blamed himself for what had happened to his brother, Patrick – Ethan – just as Becker blamed himself for the deaths of Cutter and Sarah. And now Becker had failed again. He had let Ethan kidnap Lester, he had let a cold-blooded killer hurt him. If it wasn't for Matt's support, Becker knew he would have given up. But Matt believed in him.
****
Planning (Fools Rush In – 89)Matt ran a hand through his hair and stared at the building plans Jess had found for Ethan's lair. He needed to think, needed to plan – and not just the tactics. He had several members of his team who would charge into this situation without thinking: Danny for his brother, Connor for his lover, Becker for his guilt. Matt needed to make sure he had covered every possible outcome, and he knew he would miss one. He nodded, finally satisfied with his plan. All he could do was his best, and hope someone looked after fools who rushed in.
****
Maybe Not All Was Lost (Big Brother – 110)Ethan grinned as he noticed the ARC forces try to sneak up on him. Did they think he was a fool? If they did, he would make sure they regretted it. His breathing hitched when a familiar face appeared on the screen. So, Danny had tracked him down once more. Still acting like the big brother when he had betrayed that role so many years ago. He paused and glanced at the battered form of Lester. Was his brother here for him or for Lester? Ethan crouched down beside Lester and smiled at his groan. Maybe not all was lost.
****
Imprisoned (Caged – 107)James sighed softly as he lay imprisoned; frustrated that he was being held here against his will but too weak to even think of escape. He wanted nothing more than to go home to his flat – hopefully cleaned and repaired after his unfortunate encounter with Ethan – and curl up in his own bed. Preferably with Connor. Not that he was up to doing anything, but just being with Connor would make everything better. He sighed again and glared at the IV drip attached to his arm. Instead he had to lie here alone in a lonely hospital bed.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Tired (Hospital - 177)James yawned tiredly. He just couldn't seem to get enough sleep, even after hours unconscious he felt so bloody tired. His mind was a fuzzy mess and he couldn't think clearly. He glared half-heartedly at the IV and wondered for a brief second what drugs they had him on before he lost hold of that thought. James curled up in his soft bed, feeling his muscles ache as he shifted. He missed Connor... where was he? Even angry, Connor'd be here for James. What had happened?James sat up and gasped as a sharp agonising pain lanced through his chest.
****
Pain (Fight – 169)James gasped for air. His chest hurt so bloody much, as if someone was cutting deep into him and ripping him wide open. He couldn't breath. He couldn't... He was struggling for breath when he flailed an arm out wildly and felt it brush something. Some moments later he heard something clatter to the ground.Voices sounded. Urgent and faint and from a great distant. He couldn't hear the words, they were just a muddle of noise. Hands touched his skin and James struck out. Fighting to breathe, fighting to escape, fighting to escape the darkness that came for him.
****
Awake Again (Connor Temple – 44)James slowly woke to the steady bleep of instruments, a rhythmic sound that almost lulled him back to peaceful sleep and pleasant dreams. He felt his hand being squeezed and slowly focused on the blurry form sitting next to him. James smiled for a moment, the name 'Connor' on his lips before his eyes managed to focus and he recognised Abby. “How are you feeling, James?” James met her gaze before looking around the room, as much as he could see flat on his back. His voice croaky and harsh from disuse and screaming, James barely managed one word: “Connor?”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
James woke with a gasp. He glanced around his room and sighed, he was still alone, maybe...No! Connor wouldn't. It had just been Ethan messing with his mind... twisting words around to hurt him. James was sure Connor had an excellent reason for not being here with him... he just didn't know what it was.James couldn't stop worrying though. Oh, he hadn't believed Ethan's assertion that Connor was interested in Becker, he had just been trying to hurt him as he had been hurt. But James knew Burton was interested in Connor, he wouldn't put anything past him.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
James found himself growing increasingly worried about where he was. If only he could think clearly... actually, it was the drugs that worried him the most. He didn't think he was that badly hurt...James shook his head. What had he been thinking about?His door opened and James looked up, hoping to see Connor. That was it, where was Connor? Why hadn't he been there when James had woken?James became aware someone was standing beside his bed. He blinked to focus his blurry vision to see... for a moment James could have sworn that wasn't Abby beside him.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Burton looked up when Abby slid into the car. “Well?”“He's confused, disorientated, open to suggestion.”“Excellent.” Burton almost purred.“And your night?”“A fine meal and better company. I even coaxed him into a kiss.” Burton sighed. “Small steps, unfortunately, but too high a dose and he'd be useless to me.” He gave a satisfied smile. “But soon Connor will be mine. Mind, body and soul. That will be a night to remember.”Abby nodded. “And Lester?”“What about him?” Burton quirked an eyebrow at the woman who shimmered into view beside him.She smiled back. “To the future.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Matt rounded angrily on Connor. “What the fuck do you think you're doing?”Abby added, “Damn it, Con. The Pteranodon almost knocked you off the building because you weren't paying attention.”Connor looked almost lost for a moment before he shook his head. “He's right. He's the only one who respects me.”Abby blinked. “Who?”“Philip.”“Philip?”“He said you wouldn't understand.” Connor said sadly before turning and walking away.“Connor?”Matt grabbed her arm. “We'll talk to him later, Abby. I promise you. Right now, we have to deal with that.” He nodded at the soaring and screeching Pteranodon.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Connor! Wait!”“What?”“This isn't you, Con. What happened to not trusting Burton?”“I was wrong. I'm not too proud to admit it. Are you?”“Me?”“You've always hated Philip.”“What? I don't trust him after he tried to kill the animals, but...”“See. You hate him. You tried to make me hate him. But I see the truth now.”“Con... you're scaring me.”“Philip respects me. He's there for me.”“What about James?”“He left me.”“But... you know that isn't true. You remember Ethan took him? Don't you, Con?”“Did he? I don't... I have to go.”“Connor!”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Helen slipped inside Lester's room and smiled at the drugged man.“I shouldn't have agreed to help Philip steal Connor from you. Oh, it's the perfect revenge, but he's obsessed.” She sighed, brushing hair from Lester's forehead. “He's made Abby suspicious. I don't care what he does to Connor, but risking my plan in his ill-conceived rush to consummate...”Lester stirred, mumbling, “Connor.”Helen smiled. “Don't worry. Philip won't get to relish his victory for long. He'll soon realise what he's helped me accomplish. But I'll give him a moment. After all, I've waited this long to save the Earth.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
April snapped her phone closed and pasted a smile on her face. Her steps rapid as she made her way to the geek's laboratory. What Philip saw in that young 'genius' was beyond her, but April would do as he requested.Her voice was cheerful as she manipulated Connor into doing Philip's bidden, helped of course by the drug. She knew what Connor felt for Philip was a lie, not the true feelings she had for him. Not that he could see that... April could only hope that one day, he would.Until then, she had a job to do.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
“Rex! No!”Abby raced into the hub at Jess' calls, skidding to a stop when she encountered an angry Burton. She tried to look contrite as the man ranted about out of control creatures in the ARC, not helped by catching Jess desperately trying not to laugh.When Burton finally finished his threats and stalked away, Abby finally realised what Jess had seen all along.“Good boy, Rex.” Abby murmured as the green splodge slowly ooze its way down Burton's back.Rex trilled and flipped his wings back, looking proud and Abby just knew he'd targeted Burton on purpose.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
James woke, heart pounding as the nightmare slowly faded. He glanced around the room and his gaze fell on the IV drip. James realised he had maybe only moments of clarity before the drug dragged him back into confused slumber.Sweat beaded his brow as he tried to move, pain lancing through his body but he forced himself to ignore it. This might be his only chance to escape wherever he was and he wasn't going to let a bit of pain stop him.Helen's words – from nightmare or reality – drove him on. He needed to save Connor.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
James' vision blurred and he had to grab for the nearest object to remain upright as he swayed. A close encounter with the floor was not on his agenda. Apart from the pain and indignity of it all, he doubted he'd regain his feet again.James held his breath as footsteps approached. Swallowing as he overheard the order, “Find Lester. Don't let him escape. Shoot to kill if necessary.”James crept away. He needed to get out of here, wherever here was, now.He turned a corner and almost fell into someone's arms.A familiar voice asked, “Enjoying your stroll?”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
James staggered backwards as hands reached out for him, yelping as he collided with a wall. He grabbed onto it to stay upright and continue his escape.“Damn it, James. You can't even walk. Just let me help you.” A sigh sounded. “You stubborn idiot, you really are in love.”James smiled. Of course he loved Connor. He'd do anything for him.“Really? That is interesting,” the annoyingly familiar voice responded. “Now, lean on me and we'll get out of here.” When James baulked, the voice added, “I promise I'll take you to Connor.”James know he had little choice.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor's hand shook as he held the thin wire, moving it out of position on the circuit board. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He needed to concentrate, one mistake in the soldering and it would blow up in his face.Just like his relationship with James had.Connor was so confused. Abby kept telling him James had been kidnapped; Philip that he'd run off with that man Connor had seen him with.Connor no longer knew who to believe. Instead he gave his full attention to the circuit board. At least, he could do that right.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Every expensive restaurant or chef-cooked meal Philip ordered had Connor feeling uncomfortable. They always reminded him of what he had lost when James left him.Oh, they had gone out for meals, but James had never booked a place so upmarket Connor felt even breathing would break something.James had cooked too, including meals he knew were Connor's favourites and every one had been a masterpiece. All the little things that said “I love you”.Philip never bothered... did that mean Philip didn't love him?Philip always said... no, he had never uttered those words.Had he?Was Abby right?
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
I leaned against the wall and watched James shiver and shake one minute before burning with fever the next. It was obvious the drug was finally leaving his system and equally clear that it wasn't a pleasant experience for him.James' voice was hoarse as he begged, “Connor? Stay, please, don't leave me.”I snorted, I had been correct, the idiot really was in love with the boy. I smiled. Oh the possibilities that opened.When James tried to rise, I had to grab him before he landed on the floor. He wrapped his arms around me and sobbed. “Connor?”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor bent over his new creation and bit his lip as he carefully soldered a wire into place. He smiled, proud of his work and certain Philip would be too.He looked up and smiled when Philip entered. A smile that faded as Connor noticed Philip's lip curl in distaste before the man asked, “Is it meant to look like that?”Connor glanced at his machine. He would be the first to agree it didn't look sexy or sleek, but... Philip sounded so dismissive of his hard work.James wouldn't have. He would have supported Connor unconditionally.Abby was right
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor stared at the work he'd been doing for Philip. Remembering how April had always urged him on as he'd blindly followed Philip's instructions.How could he have been so stupid?He shivered and pulled his waistcoat tighter. His gaze unfocused as he wondered if Philip could have been responsible for James' disappearance.Connor shook his head, moaning when his vision blurred. He didn't know. But he did know, no matter how long it took, he would find James.He would search for James to the ends of the earth and beyond, though all of time and space if necessary.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
No matter how sick he felt, Connor knew better than to openly question Philip. If he'd been involved, it would just warn him and give him time to move James.No, it would be better – if so bloody hard – to observe and figure out what he needed to know.Now, that briefcase April carried so tightly in her arms for Philip, that looked important. Connor smiled, just like the US President's arming codes. Not that Philip would have anything like that, but... Connor still wanted to look inside it.It might hold the information he so desperately needed.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor didn't like the conclusion his mind had drawn from the facts, but if he wanted James back he saw little alternative.Assuming, of course, that Philip was involved in James' disappearance. If he wasn't... no, all the evidence pointed to him – Philip wanted Connor to finish the project and then there was the kiss – and James had stood in the way of both.Connor took a deep breath. He could do this, for James. All he had to do was feed Philip's ego and he'd tell him everything.He hoped.But for James, Connor would risk all.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor wasn't an idiot, well, apart from believing Philip – and he still didn't understand why he'd taken Philip's word over James'. He sighed, why wasn't important, not now. What did matter was finding James and for that Connor knew he'd need all his intellect and all the resources he could find.Which meant Abby.She had warned him from the start not to trust Philip and he... he hadn't listened and James had been lost.He just hoped she was still willing to help him. Connor snorted, of course she would and with Abby's help, he would find James.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Philip smiled as he considered his plans. Everything was going as expected... well, apart from Lester escaping. Not that it mattered; soon his people would track Lester down and deal with him and whoever had helped.Connor was coming along beautifully, working hard on Philip's project and would soon be ready to share his bed.The smile dropped from Philip's face when he noticed Abby and Matt huddled in a corner and his expression turned thunderous when he realised Connor was with them. He couldn't risk their interference in his plans.Maybe he'd have to deal with them as well.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor had been waiting for just the right moment to put his plan into action when the news came in. He just stared at Jess, seeing her lips move and the sorrow in her eyes before everything went black.Connor's head ached and he wondered what creature had given him a concussion this time and then he remembered.He barely made it to a bin in time.Oh god. Could it actually be James?Connor shook his head and winced. The body was so badly damaged and a wallet didn't really mean anything... but he wouldn't put it past Philip.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Matt wondered if the old custom of crossing your fingers for luck was based on fact. He crossed them anyway. Even before Connor had collapsed when he'd heard the news, he wouldn't have been Matt's first choice for this mission. The younger man had blurted out the truth about the operation before and someone had died; who knew what he'd do in his grief. Matt sighed, knowing Connor was their only chance for success and he deserved to know the truth – whether James was really dead and if it was Burton's fault. This was one mission he'd keep secret.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Philip smiled. Lockdown would be perfect. It would allow him to get rid of two problems at the same time – the creatures and those who sought to oppose him. An unfortunate accident, of course, and in no way Connor's fault. Philip's smile grew. He would, of course, make it abundantly clear to everyone that Connor was totally blameless; and Connor would become distraught with guilt over causing their deaths. He would be alone, broken and in need of a friend... and if Philip had his way – and he always did – he'd be much, much more to Connor.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Philip smiled as he summoned Connor to discuss the latest anomaly data, interrupting him mid-check on his ADD upgrade. He knew Connor would hurry and it would be the perfect moment to put his plan into action.He waited ten minutes after receiving Connor's text that he was on his way... and pressed the button to start the lockdown program. Fifteen minutes later he called Connor. “Where are you?”“I'm still at the ARC”. Connor sounded guilty. “Something's triggered lockdown. Philip, we're trapped.”Philip closed his eyes, he should have known Connor would managed to get himself trapped. Now what?
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor blinked the sweat from his eyes as he tried to circumvent lockdown. He couldn't help fearing he'd made a mistake with the upgrade, that he'd been in too much of a rush to put their plan into action. He made a final alteration and tried to cancel lockdown, but the computer refused to obey. He closed his eyes in defeat for a moment before he felt a hand on his shoulder. He glanced up and saw the confidence in Abby's eyes. If Abby believed in him, Connor knew he could save them all. He just had to try harder.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Watching Connor, Matt found it a surprise that whoever had trapped them at the ARC hadn't considered Connor's ability to break through lockdown. But then, Connor wasn't supposed to have been at the ARC. He'd told Burton that he had left, even though he had stopped to chat to Abby on the way out. He hadn't wanted Burton to find out and that lie seemed to be the only thing that had saved them.It was obvious to Matt that Burton was behind the lockdown... the only surprise was that Burton hadn't anticipating Connor being late or lying about it.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor triple-checked the wires criss-crossing the hub. When he was finally satisfied that his plan would work rather than blow them all up, Connor took a deep breath and pressed the power button. Connor's doubts grew as the minutes ticked by until the computer announced lockdown was lifted. He cheered and took Abby's hug and Matt's far more subdued congratulations.Connor heard a crackle from the ADD circuits that he had cannibalised. Before he could break the connections, sparks flew along the wires and the smell of burning filled the air as the ADD's screens flickered and darkened. “Oops.”
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor replaced the last burnt-through wire and swore when the ADD screamed as it came back online. Just what he needed when all he wanted to do was find Burton and force him to tell him where James was.But work came first, James would expect it of him.
***
Stepping through the anomaly had Connor gazing around in awe as he realised where he was standing – or rather, what this place would become. He'd always wanted to come here and... he blinked away tears.James would bring him here one day. It would be perfect, even without the dinosaurs.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor took a deep breath as he parked up outside Prospero. He could do this. He had to, James was depending on him. He knew Philip thought he held all the cards. That he, Connor, was too weak and vulnerable now James was... Connor swallowed. No, he knew James was still alive, he just knew it. No matter how little Philip thought of him, Connor would prove himself the better man. He would be victorious and then, Connor was absolutely convinced, he would celebrate with James. Connor nodded, James would be so proud of him and they'd celebrate all night.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor had always been fascinated by computers and machines from an early age, gadgets had been his first love for as many years as he could remember. But now, he hated them. Connor shook his head, no, that wasn't strictly true. What he hated was that Philip was only interested in him because of his technical skills. If he, Connor, hadn't been such a bloody genius, than James would still be by his side. Safe and well. Connor sighed, knowing that wasn't true, for without his genius, he would never have met James. Truly the first love of his life.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It took all of Connor's control not to launch himself at Philip when the man disparaged James. How dare he tell Connor he was better off without him, that James was just using him and had discarded him for another?Connor knew better, James hadn't left him, he'd been kidnapped and Philip was to blame. Oh, Ethan might have done it, but Connor knew Philip had been behind it. Connor would have to bide his time, but he would bring Philip down if it was the last thing he did. If Philip thought differently, it would make Connor's task easier.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor desperately hoped Philip would assume the look on his face was one of eagerness. Philip was going to show him around Prospero and now, finally, Connor would find out what Philip was really up to and, even better, he hoped he'd even learn where James was. But now, as Connor followed Philip deeper into the bowels of Prospero, he couldn't help having a bad feeling about it all. All he could hope was that this plan wouldn't failed as spectacularly as Han Solo's had. Or at least, if it did, that he could rise above it as Solo had.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Connor gazed at New Dawn as Philip explained everything – although Connor doubted it really was everything – and felt awed by the sheer scale of Philip's plan. Then Connor caught the smug self-satisfied look on Philip's face and remembered what Philip had done to him and James. It was sobering to realise that, only a few short months ago, he'd have fallen for Philip's spiel, selling himself for the chance to be part of it. But not now. Connor's heart was no longer for sale, certainly not for the pretty baubles Philip was offering him. He’d already given it to another.
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Connor barely stopped his sigh of relief when Philip was called away to take an important telephone call. He doubted he could've continued his pretence for much longer. How could he have ever looked up to Philip? Hero-worshipped him? Connor took a deep breath. He needed to keep the façade going if he was going to find out what Philip was really up to and where James was. He glanced back at New Dawn, but first, he needed to know if Philip was responsible for that hellish, future predator filled world Matt was trying to prevent. James would expect it.
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Philip was furious with the interruption just when he was about to show Connor around New Dawn – ending in his private office, of course. How dare the minister call him for something so insignificant as a political do...? Philip sighed. What he had to do to keep his political allies happy. His call finished, Philip smiled as his thoughts turned to his interrupted tour. Finding Connor had been called back to the ARC was the final straw. Philip retired to his office, the door firmly shut, and his secretary kept her head down when she heard the crashes within.
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Connor took a deep breath before slowly expelling it. Why did the anomaly have to open here of all places? Every exhibit brought back happy memories of his last visit to the Natural History Museum and reminded him of all he had lost.Rounding a corner, Connor came face to face with a model and he couldn't help grinning at the memory that invoked. It had truly been the best present anyone had every given him – and shagging surrounded by all those fossils had been brilliant.He shook his head, he had a job to do and then... Burton.
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Connor was exhausted by the time he arrived back at the flat. He slumped on the settee and stared at nothing, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall.Needing to concentrate on their plan to stop Burton and New Dawn had kept Connor going, had kept him from thinking about... But the museum had reminded him of what he had lost. Of laughing, kissing and just being with James.Connor jolted to his feet, the silence in the flat oppressive without James' presence. He grabbed the phone and dialled a familiar number. “Could I come over? Just for tonight.”
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Connor huddled on the settee, staring blankly at the TV as he absent-mindedly stroked Rex.“Con?” Abby held out a hot, sweet tea. “Do you want to talk?”Connor blinked back the tears that threatened to fall. “I miss him, Abs. Even that cutting snark of his.” His voice dropped as he looked deep into his tea. “And the sex...” He sighed. “The sex was like Bonfire Night. Fireworks going off behind my eyes as James took me to...” He trailed off at Abby's expression. “Too much information?”“Just a bit, Con.” Abby held his hand. “We'll get James back.”
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Abby groaned when Connor played the same song over and over again, although Rex seemed to be enjoying it. She knew Connor was missing his... James, but she couldn't imagine him liking this song.“Con?” When Connor looked up at her with overly-bright eyes, she added, “What's wrong?”“I know James is the one for me, Abs, but I was so scared of getting hurt I pushed him away before he could dump me.” He sniffed, blinking back tears. “And now I've lost him.”“No you haven't, Con.” Abby pulled him into her arms. “We'll find him, I promise you.”
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Connor stared out into the night, the rain and darkness suited his mood – bleak and miserable. He turned away forlornly and almost jumped at an angry sounding chitter from Rex. The coelurosauravus flipped his wings and just seemed to stare at Connor.Connor nodded and dashed the tears from his face, James would never give up on finding him if he was lost. He took a deep breath and grabbed his laptop, powering it up before he began to search through Philip's – and Prospero's – holdings, looking for the one where he knew James was waiting for him.
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Becker carefully approached the last of the creatures – something gobbledygook according to Connor. Becker's arms were spread wide as he slowly coaxed it back towards the anomaly until it startled, letting out a shrill cry of distress as a ring tone filled the air. Becker dived on it as it darted for safety, holding on tight as he lay in the mud.Once Matt helped send it home, he grinned at his muddy partner before sobering at Becker's glare.“Sorry guys.” Not that Connor's grin said he was sorry. “That was Duncan. He thinks he's found him. He's found James!”
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The CCTV footage showed an increasingly distressed Connor being comforted by Abby after the team's search of the building Duncan had discovered showed little evidence of recent occupation.The sight of his lover in tears almost broke James' resolve. He desired nothing more than to sweep down and take Connor in his arms, to be reunited with him and never let him go, but he couldn't.James had barely escaped Burton's clutches and he had no wish to prompt the obsessed man into kidnapping Connor. No, until James took Burton down, it was safer for Connor if he stayed away.
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Lester sighed at the advert for the perfect Christmas, forcibly reminded of the recent festive disasters – from the icy atmosphere of his last with his ex, to the miserable ones spent alone and the near disaster last year when he'd almost ruined the first one with Connor.Yet here he was, ruining yet another one. Was what he'd planned really worth doing that? Was stopping Burton really more important than Connor's happiness?Lester knew it wasn't, but would Connor be safe if he returned? Lester didn't know, but he did know Christmas was a time to be those you loved.
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James felt like bloody Scrooge for ruining Connor's Christmas and could easily imagine his lover's devastated face when he woke up alone on Christmas morning. But the thought of the terror on his face if Burton got his hands on him haunted James' dreams.He found himself pacing agitatedly across the room, weighing the pros and cons of continuing his absence or going to Connor and ending his misery. He sighed, no matter how much he believe what he was doing was right, James just couldn't stand the pain he was causing Connor.James knew what he had to do.
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Connor tried to gather the enthusiasm to enjoy the Christmas Abby had spent so long trying to make perfect for him. He knew he should be grateful for all the effort she'd put into it – with help from Becker and a somewhat confused Matt – but the only thing he really wanted for Christmas was for James to be there.Connor smiled at the image of James naked and under the tree for him... he shook his head, dreams wouldn't get him James back.He barely paid attention when Abby answered the door, only looking up at her gasp.
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Connor sighed. Just perfect, Jack had arrived. No, that was uncharitable. Abby should spend time with her family, not just trying to cheer him up.Abby's cry of “You bastard” followed by a resounding slap had Connor dashing to her side to see what Jack-the-idiot had done now. He froze in disbelief when he found Abby glaring at a stunned and obviously just slapped James.At his gasp, Abby stepped back and looked between them. “I'll leave you to talk. James, if you're hungry we've lots of leftovers.” She shot him a very pointed look. “Certain people weren't very hungry.”
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James waited for a reaction, but Connor didn't move to hug – or slap – him, in fact, Connor seemed frozen. James risked smiling. “I do hope you're not going to take Abby as a role model?” At Connor's confused look, James rubbed his aching jaw.“You probably deserved it.”James almost winced at the hollow delivery and took a closer look at Connor. His lover looked haggard, his clothes hanging from his far-too-skinny frame and his eyes shadowed from lack of sleep. James knew he was to blame, even if he'd stayed away to protect Connor.“I probably did.”
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James found returning to the ARC to be a relief, he'd fretted over what Burton might do to the project in his absence – although not as much as he'd worried about Connor and what Burton might try without James there to stop him.It was not, however, the triumphant return that James had dreamed of.Connor fell silent and looked hurt whenever James was around, which had Abby glaring at him. Even worse, bloody Burton gloated over the atmosphere between James and his team. If fact, the only individual who had a warm greeting for him had been Monty.
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Matt sighed. Bloody hell, this was a mess. Connor was hurting, Matt understood that, if Becks had done what Lester had done to him, he would've been furious. But Matt also understood why Lester had and he could see how hurt he was by the rejection he experienced.As for bloody Burton...Matt had wondered if he should speak to them, but when he'd mentioned it to Becks, his husband had firmly told him to leave it be. That it was up to Lester and Connor to sort out their relationship, all they could do was be there for them.
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Matt watched Connor taking readings from the anomaly and knew he couldn't keep quiet. He couldn't stand witnessing Connor's and Lester's relationship self-destruct when they were so clearly still in love without trying to help. He'd learnt in the future, where life was all too often short and brutal, that love should be seized with both hands and fought for.Matt checked Becker was preoccupied before approaching Connor. He had to make him realise love shouldn't be thrown away... and then, he sighed, try and convince Lester of the same.“Connor?”Connor turned and, in that instant, the anomaly rippled