Primeval fic: Practice Makes Perfect

[knitekat]

Title: Practice Makes Perfect

Author: knitekat

Word Count: ~1340

Characters: Nick Cutter, James Lester, Tom Ryan, Connor Temple.

Pairing: Nick Cutter/James Lester

Rating: 15

Disclaimer: Primeval belongs to Impossible Pictures. Certainly not me. Writing for fun and will replace.

A/N: Part of my Under The Moonlight wolfverse. Follows on from Relaxation Techniques and continues in Exasperation. Thanks go once more to the ever-wonderful Fred for the beta.

As Ryan watched Lester on the firing range he couldn't help but wonder where his boss had learnt to shoot. True, the man was a bit rusty, but he obviously knew his way around the Sig Sauer P228 Ryan had him using. Hmm, I might have to try you out on a few others, just to see how bloody good you really are.

Lester made his weapon safe before pressing the button to call his target to him. Moments later he frowned slightly at his spread.

Ryan shook his head. “Most people would be pleased with that, sir. I know Finn's cursing because Connor is missing more times than not.”

Ryan had to strain to catch Lester's soft drawl. “He's not been trained to use guns before, not until now.” He quirked an eyebrow at Ryan. “Why Finn?”

Ryan shrugged. “Connor needs someone with patience to teach him. That's Ditzy, Finn or me. I wanted to make sure you were OK, Nick's got Ditzy as he wouldn't listen to Finn and, besides that, Connor would be more comfortable around Finn.”

“Nick would listen to Ditzy, but I agree, Connor's not going to be that overawed by Finn.”

“Not enough, apparently. Poor Finn's been grousing about Connor's never ending questions about our life.”

Lester gave an exaggerated shudder. “Once that boy gets the bit between his teeth he's almost impossible to stop.”

“Know that from experience, sir?”

Lester grinned. “Won't work for you or Finn, you can't fire him.” His grin faded slightly as he caught sight of one of Becker's new team watching them rather too intently from the gallery. “Ryan? Have you heard back from your contacts?”

Ryan followed Lester's gaze before moving towards the table. “Let me show you how to strip and clean the weapon, sir.” Once Lester had joined him and they were giving the appearance of weapon maintenance, Ryan spoke in a low voice. “They're clean. A few jankers, but that's it.” He wondered if Lester would ask what he was on about, but the man just looked thoughtful.

“Not so squeaky clean that we'd be suspicious, but not so bad that we could get rid of them.”

“That's about it, sir.” Ryan's suspicions about his boss' previous career were growing as he wondered just how descriptive 'Government troubleshooter' really was, especially when he heard Lester's next comment.

“Right...” Lester gave a sharp nod. “I'm going to see what my own contacts have to say.” He smiled slightly. “I think I'm going to need a bit more practice, Captain.”

“Yes, sir. This isn't a bad place for quiet conversations.”

*****

Lester leant against the gallery rail and watched as Ditzy once again re-positioned Nick. His lover wasn't a natural when it came to guns, not a surprise really as not many scientists needed them in their line of work. Added to that was Nick's distaste for killing anything from the past. Oh, Lester agreed with him, up to a point, but he also knew that if it was a choice between a dead creature or a dead human, Nick would shoot the creature.

Ryan had been correct about Ditzy being the right choice for this task - Lester's lover might be stubborn and wilful, but Ditzy had the patience of a saint. Luckily, Nick understood just how important this was and he did seem to be trying his hardest to follow Ditzy's instructions and advice.

His eyes now watching Nick critically, Lester doubted Nick would ever be a natural with a gun. He didn't have the killer instinct - for which Lester was truly grateful – but, Lester also knew that Nick would be capable of handling himself in the field. And that was all Lester needed to know before he left his lover to Ditzy's tender mercies.

*****

When Connor slumped in a chair next to him and groaned, Nick quirked an eyebrow at him. “Finn's running you ragged?”

“He groaned at my scores. I don't think I'm doing that well.”

“Proving to be harder than your video games?”

Connor sighed. “I know you all think I'm useless with guns, Professor. But this is my chance to show that I'm not. I... I don't want to shoot anyone by mistake. Not again.”

“Abby knows it was an accident, Connor.” When Connor didn't look convinced, Nick continued, “And you did all right at Leek's lair. As I heard it, you saved Blade.”

“I was lucky. I could have hit him.” Connor looked down at his feet. “When one of the predators attacked Abby, I couldn't shoot it, I was just so scared that I'd hit her, again.”

“But, you killed the one after Blade?”

“I...” Connor paused in thought as he remembered that day. “I didn't have time to think. I just shot it.”

Nick suddenly felt his lover's eyes on him and looked up to see Lester leaning against the door frame. Connor's sharp intake of breath indicated that he had only just noticed Lester.

“Gentlemen,” Lester drawled.

“How long have you been listening for, James?”

Lester quirked an eyebrow at his lover's nod towards Connor, before he noticed that Connor was staring at the floor and looking miserable. He stepped inside the room and closed the door. “Connor, you just need to practise. It takes time and dedication to learn how to shoot.”

Connor sighed again. “Finn said the same. He's going to organise extra practices for me.”

Lester nodded. “Good. That will build your confidence up.”

“Maybe.”

“Connor. You can shoot, you showed that when you saved Blade from that predator.”

“But, I... I could have hit him.”

“But you didn't.” Lester cocked his head to one side as he considered Connor. “Do you know what the difference was?” When Connor shook his head, Lester continued, “You didn't have time to doubt yourself. You just reacted. Practising will build your confidence so you stop doubting your ability.”

Nick nodded, “We all need the practice, Connor. I know I do, James is practising too.”

“You will get better.”

Connor shuffled his feet, “Do you really think so?”

Lester half-smiled. “Do you really think I'd lie about this?” When Connor shook his head, Lester added, “I don't need you to be the best shot in the world, Connor. All I want is for you to be able to protect yourself, if necessary.”

“I'll do my best.”

“That's all I'm asking.” Lester squeezed Connor's shoulder. “Trust me, Connor, you will get better.” He cocked his head to one side before adding, “I think Finn's looking for you.”

Connor groaned. “Don't you have something you need me to do urgently?” When Lester nodded, Connor looked grateful for a moment, before deflating. “You want me to learn how to shoot, don't you?”

“I need you to be able to, Connor.” Lester squeezed Connor's shoulder again. “For all of our sakes.”

Nick noticed that Connor's strides as he left the room were less than enthusiastic. “Wasn't that a bit mean, making him think you had something else for him to do?”

Lester looked at his lover for a moment, his tongue licking his lips. “I've got something I want you to do as well.”

“Really? What did you have in mind?”

“Your report on how your latest project is going. The one on predicting anomalies. You can't have an extra lab and then have nothing to show for it.” Lester strode towards the door. “I'll expect at least an outline by 4 pm.” He paused in the doorway as he heard Nick muttering something under his breath. “Are those threats or promises?” Lester asked, then he was out of the door and off before Nick could form a coherent response.

Comments

[canadian-jay.livejournal.com]

LESTER WITH A GUN. LESTER BEING SHADY. WITH A GUN.

Also Ryan being awesome. And Ditzy. And Finn. And Lester being all soft and squishy with Connor.

BUT LESTER WITH A GUN. I'LL BE IN A BUNK. MAYBE MINE.

[knitekat.livejournal.com]

*watches the over-excited birdie*

Thanks, I think it is safe to assume that the jay-birdie really likes Lester with a gun, esp when he's being shady.

Glad you liked the other boys too.

Yep, Jay really likes Lester with a gun. Have fun *g*

[lukadreaming.livejournal.com]

Nice! This is a good blend of the personal and pushing the plot forward with all the wondering about what's going on. And LOL at poor old Finn having to teach Connor and at Ditzy with the patience of a saint *g*.

[knitekat.livejournal.com]

Thank, glad you liked it and that the mix worked. I asked Fred who would be the best teachers for them all... so I'm glad you liked Finn and Ditzy (Ryan had the easiest time).

[fififolle]

Oh my! Target practice! Ditzy teaching Nick! Ryan watching Lester with a P228!! Intrigue! Hushed conversations! FINN!!!

*FLAIL*

[knitekat.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I've been planning this every since I mentioned it in an earlier fic. I'm glad that Lester's and Ryan's intrigue and conversation worked and that you liked Finn (a lot).

*ducks the flailing*

[telperion-15.livejournal.com]

This was great - loved the different reactions from the three civilians about leanring/practicing how to shoot! :)

[knitekat.livejournal.com]

Glad you liked it - and the way the boys react to the shooting practice. Thanks for reading.

[echo-fangirl.livejournal.com]

Eee! Lester has a gun! And then was all sweet and reassuring with the science staff. He is perfect in every way!

[knitekat.livejournal.com]

Yep, Lester has a gun and he knows how to use it. Glad you liked the fic and Lester ftw!! Thanks for reading.

[reggietate.livejournal.com]

Shooting practisc fics are always fun, and with bonus plotty intrigues creeping in, they're probably going to need it :-)

[knitekat.livejournal.com]

Thanks, glad you liked the shooting practice and the plotty bits. Um, maybe *veg*

[fredbassett]

Lester and Ryan were definitely awesome in this, and I loved the comments about Finn and Ditzy. *g*

[knitekat.livejournal.com]

Glad you liked the boys being awesome. Finn and Ditzy had fun to, although they might deny it. Thanks again for the beta.

[taricha.livejournal.com]

I think I missed this the first time. I really enjoyed Lester and Ryan's bit especially - anything that has Lester collaborating with the rest of his staff is excellent by me :)

[knitekat.livejournal.com]

Thanks and you've found it now *g* Glad you enjoyed Lester and Ryan 'plotting'.

[rusty-armour.livejournal.com]

It's great to see the civilians on a shooting range. Weapons training is never really addressed in canon, so it's a nice treat to see it here. :-) I love Ryan's speculation about where Lester might have learned how to shoot and what might have prompted such training. I also enjoyed their quiet chat about the new members of Becker's team.

I really like the way Nick's behaviour at the shooting range is such a strong indication of his character, especially in Lester's eyes. And it's so sweet that both Nick and Lester give Connor a pep talk when Connor's confidence is low. Those rather fatherly shoulder squeezes from Lester are wonderful.

[knitekat.livejournal.com]

Glad you liked the civilians learning how to shoot, it seemed a sensible thing for Lester to do, and his quiet chat with Ryan. I know exactly where and why Lester learned to shoot *g*

I'm also happy Nick came across in character, and the two boys would be there for Connor.

Thanks for your lovely comments. *hugs*

[darkhorse-99.livejournal.com]

A return of James (BAMF) Lester. Of course he can shoot like a pro, he's James Lester! Connor being nervous on the range was totally believable and I can't wait for when the new team starts.

[knitekat.livejournal.com]

BAMF!Lester had to return. Glad you liked Connor and hope you continue to like the series. Thanks for reading.