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Becker paced the floor, running his hand over his face absentmindedly. It had been an hour since the lockdown was lifted. An hour since Jess nearly died. He winced as the events of the day played through his mind once more. He’d almost lost her. He’d promised himself that he would tell her when he got the chance, and yet the instant he knew she was okay, everyone was watching him eagerly, as if his feelings were some kind of spectacle.
And he’d run. Like a coward, he’d thought up an excuse and slipped away. Security stuff. What did that even mean?
Becker paused in his movement, his eyes turning to the sky. He had to tell her. He knew that. Yet just the thought of telling her sent a flurry of butterflies through his stomach. It was ridiculous, really.
A trained military captain, defeated by a butterfly.
“Becker?”
Looking up, Becker saw Jess hovering in the doorway.
Oh no. She wasn’t supposed to see him like this. He was supposed to be composed, calm, in charge—something like that. Not… like this. He hadn’t even gotten cleaned up after the incursion—his hair was still a mess, all of his gear still on.
“Jess,” Becker replied, taking a deep breath to calm himself. “What’re you doing here?”
“I wanted to come check up on you,” She said, taking a small step into the room. She fiddled with her bracelets—the same cute thing she did whenever she was nervous.
Becker blinked, taken aback. “Why?” He asked. He winced internally—probably not the best way to say that.
“Well, after everything…” she paused, blowing a stray piece of hair out of her face. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” She let out a small laugh. “Today was… a lot, wasn’t it?”
Becker managed to laugh as well. “It certainly was,” he agreed.
She nodded, stepping closer.
Becker froze up. This was his chance.
Don’t fail me now, he thought to himself. Taking another steadying breath, he began, “Jess, I—”
“I just wanted to thank you,” Jess stammered, struggling to meet his eyes. “You saved my life back there.” She paused, a smile lighting up her face. “You’re my hero.”
Becker felt as if he’d been stabbed in the chest—in a good way, if that was possible. He could feel all of his emotions welling up inside of him—if he wasn’t careful, he’d bleed his heart out. Compose yourself, soldier.
For a moment he just stood there, dumb. What could he say? How—
Her smile wavered, as if she might take it back. No.
He wouldn’t waver any longer.
“I couldn’t let you die,” he answered, his own honesty surprising him.
Jess seemed surprised as well, though there was joy in her eyes.
“You mean the world to me, Jess. The thought of losing you…” he paused, biting back tears. “It would’ve destroyed me to see you pass, all the while knowing I could do something about it.”
Jess’s eyes grew wet but her smile returned. Stepping forward, she slipped her hand around his just as he had earlier that day. “But I’m okay,” she said, “thanks to you. So there’s no need to worry about it.”
“It’s not that, it’s just—” he paused, stumbling over the words. How could this be so hard? But he had to say it. While he still could. “I love you, Jess Parker,” he said, meeting her eyes.
Jess let out a small gasp, and for half a second Becker wanted to shove his words back into his mouth, to leave and never return.
Then she smiled—the brightest, most dazzling smile he’d ever seen.
“I love you too,” she said, her voice nearly a whisper.
Now it was Becker’s turn to gasp.
“I’ve loved you since I first met you,” she said. “When you showed up with your cool facade and yet quickly showed that soft, caring side of you.” Tears welled in her eyes, but now Becker knew—they were happy ones.
“What can I say, you forced your way into my heart,” Becker answered, “neon heels and all.”
Jess let out a small laugh and playfully smacked at him. “Oh, don’t give me that,” she said. “I’m trying to be serious!”
Becker bit back a smile. “I am too,” he said. It was happening. She knew how he felt. And she felt the same. It filled his heart with such joy, he just wanted to—Becker blinked, taken aback by his own thoughts.
“Jess,” he said quietly.
She looked at him inquisitively, her hand still wrapped in his. “Yes, Becker?” She asked.
“May I kiss you now?”
Jess bit back a smile of her own. For a moment she seemed to decide something in her mind, a teasing light in her eyes. “Yes,” she replied. “Please.”
Becker beamed, and gently placing his free hand behind her head, he leaned forward and kissed her.
The world lit up all around him, bright and stunningly beautiful—just like her. He pulled back a moment—just to make sure she was feeling the same—and found himself being pulled right back into the kiss.
He could hear snickering faintly from nearby, but right now he didn’t care. He’d finally told her the truth. Nothing else mattered.
And then the anomaly alert went off.
Becker pulled back, a groan escaping his lips. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” He muttered.
“Guess we’ve got work to do,” Jess said sheepishly.
“No. You need to go home and rest,” Becker said, his voice firm.
Jess rolled her eyes, but she was still smiling. “Only if we get to have dinner later,” she replied.
“How does Chinese sound?” He said.
Her eyes lit up. “Perfect,” she said. With that she turned on her heels, ready to march out of the room. She paused for a split second, however, and before Becker could process it she had whirled back around and placed another quick kiss on his lips.
He stood there stunned as she made her way out of the room, her face turned away as if she may be blushing.
That snickering started up again, and this time Becker had the place of mind to register it.
“Connor, I know you’re in here,” he said.
“What? Can’t a bloke work in peace?” Came his friend’s voice from a small corridor across the room. Of course. He was right near Connor’s lab, of all places.
Becker marched out of the room, refusing to look at Connor who trailed along behind him. “I’m never going to live this down, am I,” he muttered, more to himself than to Connor.
“Well I think it’s rather cute,” came Abby’s chipper reply.
Becker stifled a groan. “Not you too?” He asked as she joined them in their walk down the hall.
“What? We all knew it was only a matter of time,” she replied.
“Besides, not much to do around here with the ARC in shambles,” Matt added, joining the team.
Becker felt his face heat up. Great. They had all seen it. No doubt Emily had, too.
Sure enough, she came out of a concealed corner, a pleased smile on her face.
For a second he just wanted to disappear—or yell at them all to stay out of his private life. He wasn’t sure which. Bunch of nosy stick-ups. But then he thought of Jess’s kiss, the way she’d held his hand…
Maybe it didn’t matter that the others had seen. Only that he could finally be honest with Jess about how he felt and see it reciprocated.
Maybe.
No, it was worth it, he decided. He might just need to find a way to get them back later. Once Jess learned they’d been spied on he was sure she’d agree.
We’ll discuss it tonight over Chinese.
Becker’s heart fluttered once more, those butterflies stirring, and for once he didn’t mind.