AN: So here is my first actually Primeval story. Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed my previous one shot of Becker and Jess. I don't think I've ever shipped two people as much as I ship them.

Rejection

Jess had never glanced at her watch so much in her life. Every few moments her eyes glanced down at her wrist and her nerves built up with each passing moment. She had ten minutes until the end of her shift.

Ten minutes until she would ask Becker out on a date.

Being the romantic sort, Jess was usually happy to wait until the man asked her. But with Becker she knew she'd be waiting until she was eighty for that to happen. Besides, it couldn't be that hard. All she had to do was walk up to him and ask him. It was like asking someone if they wanted to go to the pub, or to the cinema. As long as she didn't gaze into his deep brown eyes, or let herself be distracted by that beautiful sculpted chest then she'd be fine.

Eight minutes left.

Taking a deep breath she began the task of logging off and making sure everything was ready for when the next co-ordinator took over. It was helpful that Becker finished when she did. It meant that they could go out immediately. Assuming he said yes of course. But then why wouldn't he? Jess hadn't exactly asked him but she was a good enough judge of character. Ever since their first meeting she'd felt a spark between them. And then after the beetles and the future predators, Becker's behaviour around her was almost concrete proof that he liked her. At least that's what she had been telling herself in the past twenty minutes as she tried to build up the nerves.

Five minutes.

Maybe she should go now. Lester wouldn't mind her leaving a bit early. After all the overtime she put in and the extra work she did on his behalf, he could hardly begrudge her five minutes.

"Hey Jess."

And just like that her nerve had gone. Glancing over her shoulder, Jess forced herself to smile as Becker leant on the desk.

"Hey," she glanced at her watch, "leaving early Captain? Not like you? Supposing one of the recruits shoots themselves again?"

He grinned, "Then it won't be my problem. I'm tired and all I want to do right now I go home and grab a pizza."

Jess brushed her skirt down, "And you're here because..?"

Raising an eyebrow Becker slid his hand into one of the inside pockets of his tac-vest. Placing the chocolate by her hand he smiled.

"I forgot about it until a few minutes ago. Couldn't have you go without it for too long."

"Thanks," Jess reached for the chocolate but at the last second retracted her hand and instead got to her feet.

"I…Becker can I ask you something?"

He nodded, "Of course."

"I…" twisting her hands nervously, Jess glanced down at the floor.

"Are you okay Jess?" Becker's voice took on a darker tone.

"Is something wrong?"

"No. God no nothing like that," forcing her head up Jess smiled.

"I…I was wondering if…the thing is Becker I…" she took a deep breath.

"Would you like to go out with me?"

Becker's face didn't change, "As in a date?"

Jess nodded, "The thing is, I like you a lot, although that's probably obvious even to you. I was going to wait but after everything that's happened recently it made me realised I can't afford to wait. Not with this job. I'm not saying we should go out tonight or anything, not if you're tired but I wanted to ask you before I lost my nerve."

Trailing off Jess realised Becker was still watching her. Normally he would cut her off mid ramble. The fact that he had let her talk was worrying to say the least.

"I…well?"

He sighed, "Jess…I can't."

She raised an eyebrow, "Can't or won't? Becker if you don't want to then just say."

He shut his eyes and Jess could almost hear his internal conversation. Finally Becker opened his eyes.

"Jess I can't."

"If you're going to start talking about how the job is dangerous and you don't need distractions then don't. I know how dangerous this job is. But not being with the person you care about won't lessen the danger," she then paused, "unless…unless you don't see me beyond a friend?"

Becker didn't answer. Nodding Jess grabbed the chocolate and began walking off. She could hear him walking behind her and she tried to quicken her pace. However the fact he had almost a foot over her meant it only took him a few steps to catch up with her.

"Jess wait."

Deciding to ignore him Jess carried on. Becker wasn't put off however. He gently took her arm and spun her round to face him.

"Jessica."

"Becker I mean it," Jess willed herself not to cry, "If you don't like me in that way then just say so. I know you think it's more honourable not to be but I'd rather you were honest with me."

Becker nodded, "Very well. I can't be in a relationship with you. Not only am I not good enough for you…"

"Yes you are."

Becker sighed, "Jess please, for once let me talk."

Nodding Jess wanted more than anything to hold his hand. However she forced herself to keep hers tucked away.

"Jess I'm not good enough for you. Secondly I'm too old for you. Thirdly I'm not going to let you tie yourself down to me only to lose me a few years later."

Jess opened her mouth but Becker held up his hand.

"It will happen Jess. One day I will go out on a mission and I won't come back. If I can spare you from suffering that as my…partner, then I will."

"Becker," Jess hadn't been expecting the anger. But it was there all the same.

"I don't want excuses. I want you to answer this question with a yes or a no. Do you like me enough to be in a relationship?"

Becker didn't blink, "No."

Trying – and failing – to ignore the churning in her stomach, Jess nodded.

"Fine. That's all…fine. I'll see you on Monday then."

Moving past him she risked a glance up at his face. There was nothing. Not even a hint of emotion. Thankful her long hair hid her face she hurried into the lift. She half expected Becker to join her. But instead she watched as the lift doors closed on his solid figure.

Becker had never felt so sick in his life. He'd surprised himself when he'd said his lie to Jess. He wouldn't have been surprised if his eyes had betrayed the truth. And when he'd seen the heartbreak on her face he'd wanted to tell her. Heck he'd wanted to grab her, push her against the wall and kiss her until he ran out of breath. But he couldn't. He couldn't let her into his life when he knew he'd leave her one day. He'd never cheat on her. But no one could escape death. And working at the ARC meant death was closer than it was for most people. If he and Jess were in any form of relationship then he'd be forced to leave her alone. But if they weren't, then the pain wouldn't be as great. It sounded stupid to anyone who wasn't a soldier. But Becker had, had enough experience of dealing with soldiers widows to last a lifetime.

He hadn't planned on saying he didn't love her. He'd hoped his excuses would have been enough. But when it had been clear they weren't he'd been forced to go with his last resort. And he knew he'd be forever wishing he hadn't used it. Because the last thing he ever wanted to see on Jess's face was heartbreak. But now he had just put it there for the rest of her life.

Shaking his head Becker turned his back on the ADD and headed towards the lift. Punching the button that led to the car park he sagged against the wall. Usually he looked forward to Mondays with a passion. He looked forward to the moment he would step into the hub and see Jess sitting at her desk. But now he dreaded that moment. And he would be dreading it every minute of his life.

Poor Jess and Becker. I promise this is happy though at the end. Let me know what you think xxx