knitekat | Primeval fic: In The News

Title: In The News
Author: knitekat
Word Count: ~1520
Characters: James Lester, Nick Cutter.
Rating: 18
Disclaimer: Primeval belongs to Impossible Pictures. Certainly not me. Writing for fun and will replace.
A/N: Part of my Under The Moonlight wolfverse series and set after Promises Made. Thanks go to the ever wonderful Fred for the beta and advice and to Luka for advice.

James yawned as he woke before snuggling closer against Nick, burying his nose against his lover and breathing in his scent. He was comfortable just lying there, sated and content.

Nick smiled and stroked a hand down James' bare back. “Morning.”

James mumbled something in response as he nuzzled against Nick.

“Don't tell me you've shagged yourself out?” Nick's chuckle turned into a yelp as James' white teeth nipped his nipple and then a moan when James lathed the hurt away. “Do I need to ask what you want?”

James cracked open an eye and smirked. “Since you're asking, a coffee would be nice.”

“What did your last slave die of?” Nick muttered before his stomach grumbled. He swatted James when his lover chuckled as Nick's stomach rumbled again. “Fine. Anything else while I'm up?”

James stretched, pulling the covers down as he did and grinning as Nick moaned. “And you call me incorrigible.”

“Only because you are.” Nick winced slightly as he moved. “Fuck, I feel well shagged.”

“Good.” James almost purred the word.

“Bloody incorrigible,” Nick muttered as he walked naked out the bedroom door, followed ever step by James' eyes.

***

James was dozing when he heard Nick return. He sighed contentedly as the scent of freshly ground coffee filled his nostrils and snuggled against Nick again when his lover slipped back into their bed. He knew Nick was reading the newspaper when he heard the rustle of paper and smelt the ink. James did consider moving to claim part of the paper but he was quite content where he was and had no wish to wake and face whatever chaos the day would bring. He was almost asleep, lulled by the rhythmic turning of the pages and Nick's scent, when his lover chuckled evilly.

“You're in the paper, love.” James could hear the smirk on Nick's face as his lover continued, “And that is such a lovely picture of you with Lady.”

Oh fuck! James had forgotten the bloody interview. Well, to be honest, he had deliberately not thought about it. He lifted his head and glared at the newspaper – since when did they get the Evening News? However, a more pressing question required answering first. “What does it say?”

Nick didn't reply for a few moments as he scanned the article. “Nothing to worry about.”

“Read it to me.” When Nick quirked an eyebrow at him, James added with a sly smile, “I love it when you read to me. All those rolled r's and that sexy Scottish accent.”

“Flattery won't work. I want to do the crossword.”

James huffed. “What will work?”

Nick paused as if in thought, but both men knew this was just part of the game. “Mmm. Your wicked tongue in me would be a good start.”

James snorted. “Not a surprise. Would that also include you wanting me to shag you silly and then use my wicked tongue to clean up afterwards?”

“Mmm. Now you're talking.”

“And you aren't.” James pointed out as he made himself comfortable in their bed.

Nick snorted before finding the article in the paper once more. “'Hero dog saves boy'. That has a nice ring to it.” He shot James a grin before turning his attention back to the paper. “There isn't really all that much here. I expect with the pending court case they can't really say much.”

“They must have said something.”

“You just want to hear my sexual Scottish accent.”

“I believe I've already said that.” James quirked an expectant eyebrow at Nick. “Now, are you going to read to me or do you not want to be shagged silly.”

Nick cleared his throat and found his place in the article. “Hero dog saves boy. A pleasant summer day could have ended in tragedy had it not been for the actions of a heroic dog. Shadow, a four-year old Caucasian Mountain dog, tracked down a young boy lost in the park. This paper arranged for the boy to meet his hero dog [see www.evening-news/hero-dog for further pictures of the meeting]. Its owner, Professor Nick Cutter (41), an evolutionary zoologist at the Central Metropolitan University, said that Shadow's training as a search and rescue dog had proved extremely useful in tracking down the lost child.

Professor Cutter added, 'It was pure chance that I was in the right place at the right time. I immediately offered the services of Shadow to find the boy. Shadow just did what was natural to him. I'm just relieved that we were there to help.'” Nick turned to his lover. “That doesn't sound that bad.” Nick nudged James when he didn't reply. “James?”

James looked from the paper to Nick and back again. “That is the Evening News, isn't it?”

Nick looked confused before he nodded, he looked even more confused when James groaned and buried his face in the pillow. He shook James' shoulder. “James? What's wrong?”

James' voice was muffled. “I told Connor to keep an eye on them. On the stories they printed...”

Nick snorted before he began to laugh. “Oh that is just so priceless. Connor's going to love it.”

“This is not a joking matter.” James' muffled voice now held a harder edge, a growl just barely contained.

“Connor's not about to out you, love.” Nick pressed a kiss against James' shoulder. “He's not breathed a word of it to anyone, not even to me.”

“Really? What about the dog treats?”

“He was teasing you, nothing more. And I seem to recall you got your own back on him.” Nick sighed softly. “Please, James. You know Connor, he wouldn't do anything to hurt you.”

James sighed and turned over to face Nick. “No, he'll just 'tease' me about it, won't he?”

Nick nodded. “Count on it.”

“Why me?”

“Aww, poor baby.” When James' eyes flashed dangerously, Nick swiftly amended his comment. “I mean, you have my sympathy.”

James quirked an eyebrow. “Really? That'll be a first.”

“Hey!”

“Don't play the innocent with me. You laughed over the dog treats.”

“You have to admit it was funny.” Nick sighed when James continued to glare at him. “Well, it was funny from where I was sitting.” He pressed his lips against James, gentle reassuring pressure. “It was just a joke, James. Connor meant nothing by it. He respects you and so do I.” When James' expression remained sceptical, Nick added, “Has he treated you differently, apart from that incident?”

“No.” James sighed softly. “I know he doesn't really mean anything... but.” He shook his head. “I just don't like being reminded. Not of how people would see me as Shadow. As an animal to be owned and...”

“And what?” Nick probed gently.

“What do you think certain individuals would do if they knew the truth?”

“Oh.” Nick paled slightly.

James nodded. “I can't, I won't risk that. It wouldn't only be me either. Do you think they'd leave my children alone? Or Sarah? Or you?”

Nick pulled James against him. “I've never really thought about it. Not what it could mean for you to be outed. I thought about the publicity and all, but never...” He shook his head. “I can see why you've been so reluctant to talk about it, James, and I will make sure Connor understands it too.”

James pressed his nose against Nick, needing to breath his lover's scent. “Please do. I know he wouldn't reveal it on purpose, but Connor... he speaks and acts without thinking.”

Nick sighed softly. “The dog treats.”

James nodded. “I... someone finding out is my worse nightmare. Knowing you or my family might be harmed because of me. I...” He swallowed and shook his head. “I couldn't, I wouldn't allow that.”

Nick ran a comforting hand down James' back and almost sighed as he felt how tense James was. Nick's voice was full of quiet conviction as he told James, “No one else knows, love. You're safe, your family is safe.” He pressed a kiss against James' hair. “I'm safe.”

James nodded, but when he pulled free of Nick's embrace his eyes were still worried. “I know, but I can't help worrying.”

“Whit's fur ye'll no go by ye.”

James quirked an eyebrow at him. “What?”

“It is something my grandmother used to say. That there is no point worrying over the future.” Nick smiled at James. “You're not alone any more, James. If anyone does find out, they will have both of us to face.”

James managed to smile. “I do love you, Nick.”

Nick smiled and kissed him again. "I know you do. And I love you. I'll even prove it by bringing you breakfast in bed."