nietie | Primeval Fic: It's Always Your Way Or Nothing

Title: It's Always Your Way Or Nothing
Word Count: 534
Rating: 12
Challenge: monthly challenge in primeval_denial
Pairing: ? ; a Stephen-centric fic
Disclaimer: Not mine, no money made. Primeval and its characters belong to Impossible Pictures
Author Notes: Set in S02E6, after Stephen has left the team.
Written for the January challenge "Like most intellectuals, he's intensely stupid.".
Thank you,fredbassett , for the beta! x All remaining mistakes are mine.

"It's always your way or nothing."

Stephen's own words echoed in his head, now he was home, alone.

Yes, he was alone now. He didn't have a job any more. No more colleagues, no more friends, no chance of a reference for a new job. And, worst of all, no more Nick Cutter, his long-time mentor and friend.

He touched the bruise on his cheek; the proof that their friendship was definitely over.

His house felt cold, impersonal, not his any more.

What was he going to do now? He didn't trust any one any more. Maybe Helen. Helen was right a lot of times. But she was dangerous too.

Now all he wanted to do is to pack his bags and go. But where?

Life was very complicated. Nowadays it wasn't just living from day to day, in the present, with contemporary challenges. No, there were rips in time, appearing at any possible moment, bringing any possible danger with them. Anything could happen. At any time.

So there was nowhere to go.

Maybe he should follow the team to the next anomaly and just go through it. Disappear, Literally. Like Helen. Maybe with Helen.

His train of thoughts was interrupted by the door bell.

….

"He actually hit you." A hand softly touched Stephen's cheek, almost caressing the bruise.

"And you find that funny?" Stephen grimaced when a pain flared up. Not only on his cheek, but also in his heart, whilst thinking of the person who had done this to him.

"Don't you? After everything he said about not caring any more, Nick Cutter is actually jealous."

"And that's what's important to you?" Stephen was confused. Was this person not caring about him either? Was it all about revenge? Using him as a puppet?

The pain in his heart increased. Was he all alone after all?

"No, Nick doesn't matter now. Like most intellectuals, he's intensely stupid."

Stephen harrumphed, but said nothing.

"You and I matter. Our project. What we are going to achieve together. We're intellectuals too, but most of all we're humans. We are often hurt, because people don't listen to us. Thinking we are crazy or too stupid. It's not only about theories and logic. It's also about empiricism. About experiencing things. About seeing, feeling and touching. And we can make people listen to us, help us. He shouldn't have hurt you. My poor Stephen."

Stephen turned his face towards the other person who was trying to get through to him. Now he knew he wasn't alone. There was somebody who did understand him, who did care about him. Yes, maybe even loved him.

He was overcome with love and desire.

They kissed.

Hungrily they started to undress. In their impatience buttons were ripped off and garments were flying.

Their love making was desperate. As if the bodily contact and warmth was a first in a very long time. As if it was going to be their last time.

After a while they cuddled up on the floor, near the sofa. Exhausted, but satisfied.

"So what's going to happen next?" Stephen asked.

"Let's worry about that later, my love," Leek whispered and started to caress Stephen all over again.