Full time keeper at Jurassic World.

Why wouldn’t he just leave? Sera wanted so badly to be alone. Alone was the only way that she knew how to even simply entertain the idea of her emotions. When others were around, she shut down. She was stone. The idea of letting someone see her feel something, something other than her usual irritation, at least, didn’t sit right with her. What would he think of her? She felt so weak and powerless. It was the worst thing that she could feel, and now he knew. Jack knew that she wasn’t strong. For her entire life, she’d been set on being strong and handling pressure. It felt like she was failing herself. When she was on her own and nobody saw, nothing was ruined. But now, she couldn’t help but hate the fact that she’d shattered the illusion.

When his hand took hers, she was shocked by how gentle his touch was. She looked down and watched, almost entranced, as his fingers ran over her skin and inspected the swollen, reddened knuckles. Nothing was broken. She could tell that much just from being able to curl her hand into a fist once again. There would undoubtedly be some nasty bruises there though. It didn’t concern her much. Her left hand was the one that she usually chose to use as her dominant one, but her right was just as capable. She’d taught herself to be proficient with both hands at an early age. It just seemed practical if something ever happened to one of them, and it meant that she could do more at one time. Even as a child, she’d been the picture of logic. That was just in her nature.

So dealing with things as illogical as emotions never quite sat right with her.

Then Jack was looking back up at her, and she wanted to apologize to him. She wanted to tell him how sorry she was for being this weak. She wanted to ask him not to tell anyone. A single person knowing was bad enough. If more came into the equation and saw that she was this fragile, nothing good would come of it. And she was ashamed. She was embarrassed. Hiding it was the only thing that she could think of to keep the situation from getting worse.

His arms were around her before she understood what was coming. Sera’s brows pulled together in confusion. She couldn’t remember the last time someone had actually held her like this, and she hadn’t recalled the feeling of it. People never even touched the woman, much less pulled her in and hugged her close to them. Jack’s embrace was strong and warm. To her surprise, it was actually comforting. Just feeling another person there, a person who wasn’t coming apart at the seams, calmed the sharp edges of her nerves. That realization almost made her flinch away from him, but something inside of her told her to chase that feeling. There was almost this survival instinct that was trying to get her to take the life preserver that had been thrown to her, so she pressed her cheek against his chest and hesitantly wound her arms around him in response.

Jack had taken a great risk in hugging Sera. He knew what sort of person she was and everything about his hug should have be taken badly. At least that was what he half expected. Of course he still had to try. Sera was human and everyone, no matter who they where needed to be held and heard sometimes.

So they way she stiffened up at his touch was expected and anticipated. She seemed to slowly relax after a moment and soon her arms had wound their way around him.

Content to stay there as long as she needed, Jack rested his chin gently on top of Sera’s head. She was so short that it was the perfect height to piece together like breathing jigsaw.

He squeezed her tighter as she began to mumble, illegible at first but soon Jack recognized the words. It was hard to pick what to say. He knew Sera was far to smart for empty meaningless sentiments like ‘you tried your best’ or ‘you can’t always win’.

He settled instead for rubbing her back as soothingly as he could. “It’ll be alright.” He whispered quietly. It was one of the worst truths in his opinion. Because no matter what, eventually after all the pain had made it’s home in your mind, it would one day up and leave and you’d be okay. Eventually.

Because most of them aren’t mine, credits are at the end.

SHORT

“Marry me.” “Do you want me to leave?” “You are not going without me.” “I can’t believe you!” “I swear it won’t happen again.” “What did you say?” “I’m not jealous.” “You’re jealous, aren’t you?” “We can’t keep doing this.” “Are you sure this is legal?” “Isn’t this amazing?” “I’m going to take care of you, okay?” “Stay the night. Please.” “You can’t die. Please don’t die.” “Run away with me.” “You did WHAT?”  “Quit whining.” “Get outta my sight!” “Why are you so annoying?” “Were you ever going to tell me?” “Never in a million years.” “Don’t ask me that…” “I might have had a few shots.” “What’s with the box?” “W- What are you doing?” “Say it!” “I could kiss you right now!” “Are you done with that?” “What’s going on here?” “Stop pinning this on me! You started it!” “It’s your fault we’re in this mess.”  “Did you do this on purpose?!”  “Kiss me.” “Are you still awake..?”  “Excuse you?”  “This is all your fault!” “I can’t believe you dragged me into this.” “Don’t give me that look! It wasn’t my fault!”  “I shouldn’t be in love with you!” “It’s not fair!” “I could kill you right now!” “Knock it off!” “Screw you!” “You’re a complete moron!” “I love this song!” “I can’t be in love with you!” “Make me.” “Don’t tempt me.” “I hate you.” “You are infuriating!” “Just shut up already.” “That doesn’t even make sense.” “Bite me.” “Eat me.” “Kiss my ass.” “Just admit I’m right.” “Just admit you’re wrong.” “You are being ridiculous!” “That’s irrational.” “Listen to me!” “That’s not what I meant and you know it.” “Don’t yell at me.” “That’s it. End of discussion.” “I don’t believe you.” “You shouldn’t have said that.” “Fuck you!” “Shut your mouth before I shut it for you.” “How dare you?” “I dare you!”  “It’s you, it’s always been you.”  “Well this is awkward…” “Just pretend to be my date”.  

MISCELLANEOUS

“Are you really gonna leave without asking me the question you’ve been dying to ask me?” “The planet is fine. The people are fucked.” “I just did some calculations, and I’ve been able to determine that you’re full of shit.” “You know what I like most about people? Pets.” “Do you ever think if people heard our conversations they’d lock us up?” “What about a compromise? I’ll kill them first, and if it turns out they were friendly, I’ll apologize.” “I don’t hate you.. I just don’t like that you exist.” “Love is the jelly to sunshine’s peanut butter. And if I tell you that I’m in sandwich with you, I’m not just saying it to get in your Ziploc bag.” “Do things that make you happy within the confines of the legal system.” “Did you really just insult Captain America in front of me?” “Can I touch your boob?” “It’s not that you’re wrong, exactly, you’re just extremely not right.” “You shouldn’t be trusted with small children, should you?” “Give me cake or give me death.” “On a scale from, ’I can sometimes make important phone calls without crying’ to ’I have a stable job with a steady income, a spouse who loves me, a dog, and two kids who are screwed up minimally at worst’, how much of an adult are you?” “You think I’m dumb enough to fall for that stupid move?” “Despite the cliche, it’s not me, it’s you.” “Obviously you can’t tell a woman you just met that you love her, but it sucks that you can’t.” “No, it was my fault for thinking that you might care.” “When you love someone, you just don’t stop. Ever. Even when people roll their eyes or call you crazy… even then. Specially then!” “If you’re not scared, then you’re not taking a chance. If you’re not taking a chance, then what the hell are we doing anyway?” “I think I’ve been holding myself back from falling in love with you all over again.” “What have I told you about the toilet seat?” “I tried to change the duvet and I got stuck inside.” “I vote today to be a pajama day.” “You have to tell me why were committing a felony before we do it. Not that that’s going to stop us, but at least I’ll have all the facts.” “I don’t leave messages. If I wanted to talk to a machine, I’d talk to my VCR.” “I can be flexible. As long as everything is exactly the way I want it, I’m totally flexible.” “You know we’re suppose to be together. I knew it the first time I saw you, and you know it, too. I know you do.” “Those things you said yesterday… Did you mean them?” “I’m not going to apologise for this. Not anymore.” “What I hear when I’m being yelled at is people caring loudly at me.” “I am NOT crying, okay?! I’m allergic to jerks!” “This would not happen if I had a penis!” “That’s almost exactly the opposite of what I meant.” “All nighter, you and me. First one to fall sleep buys the other dinner.” “I don’t think I’ve ever played spin the bottle.”  “Sorry! I didn’t mean to touch your butt.”  “I’m ok, thank you. Just please, stop talking to me.”  “To the night you’ll never remember!” “Excuse me, did the 12:15 bus come by already?” “Could I sit here? All the other tables are full.” “Are you meeting someone here? Because.. I think I’m that person.”  “You weren’t supposed to laugh! I’m so embarrassed!”  “It must be hard with your sense of direction, never being able to find your way to a decent pickup line.” “Driver picks the music, shotgun shuts his/her cake hole.” “I’m not gonna die in a hospital where the nurses aren’t even hot.” “You better take care of that car or I swear I’ll haunt your ass!” “This is the dumbest thing you’ve ever done.“ “It’s a real shame nobody asked for your opinion.” “I could do that, but could doesn’t mean would.” “You cannot fathom the immensity of the fucks I don’t give.” “You’re like, five feet tall. How you gonna reach me, shortie?” “I recognize that you have reached a decision, but given that it is a stupid ass decision I have elected to ignore it”  “Do you need me to kill someone for you?”  “Look out where you’re going, asshole!”  “Fuck the sandwich guy!”  “I did not mean for stripping to come out of this.”  “The whole street is blocked off. The police won’t tell us anything, but I think there’s been some kind of attack… Maybe a bomb?”  “Oh my god, are you okay? I’m calling the police. I think I saw who did this to you.”  “I’m weird, you’re weird, we could have weird little babies and live weirdly ever after if it wasn’t for the fact I find you repulsive.” “There is nothing wrong with planning a wedding with a video game character.” “I’m gonna lay down and die for like half hour okay?”    “There’s been some real friction in our friend group lately. I suggest an orgy to save our friendships.” “It’s midnight, what do you want?”  “I think I know how to use a bed.” “If I wake up in the morning and I’m dead… Wait.” “You are completely unfit to handle a child.” “We have to get out of this place. It is EVIL.” “Don’t you dare throw that snowba-, goddammit!”  “When in doubt curl into the fetal position and give up on life.” “It’s not a double date, we’re just third and forth wheeling.”

PREGNANCY

“I have something to tell you…” “I think I’m pregnant.” “I’m pregnant!” “When were you going to tell me that you’re pregnant?”  “You’re smart and successful with an adorable belly.”  “$50 bucks says it’s a girl/boy.”  “Pregnancy suits you…” “Hello little one. We can’t wait to meet you…” “I’ll just be in the bathroom throwing my fucking guts up because our unborn kid wants to be a dick!” “There’s someone I’d like you to meet…” “Shh… He/she’s sleeping..” “I have a special surprise for you. Close your eyes and follow me.” “No, no, no, no, no, we aren’t ready… We aren’t ready for kids yet!” “Oh, gosh, I felt it! I felt a kick!”

FLUFF

“Your hair is so soft…” “You’re so cute when you pout like that!” “Just relax, I’ll wash your hair for you.” “I’m not going to stop poking you until you give me some attention.” “What, does that feel good?” “HA! I found a weak-spot on you, didn’t I?” “Are you wearing my shirt?”  “You are ridiculously comfortable…” “I’ve had a rough day and honestly all I want right now is a drink and someone to cuddle with…” “You’re so cute when you’re half asleep like this…” “You’re beautiful, you know that?” “We should get a puppy!”

STARGAZING

“Aren’t they beautiful?” “These stars are nothing compared to the ones I’ve seen in your eyes.” “Shooting star, make a wish.” “It’s actually a comet, but I’ll still make one.” “Imagine if it could always be this way, even in the city.” “Never thought something so beautiful could exist in nature…” “Wouldn’t it be cool to name a star after yourself?” “Y'know, your roof may not be the safest place for us to stargaze.” “This is why you made me drive three hours out into the middle of nowhere?” “Is that a– Wait, no, just an airplane.” “I wouldn’t mind falling asleep out here.

FLIRTY/SUGGESTIVE/SEXUAL

“Did you just… finish?” “They always make shower sex sound so appealing, but honestly, this is getting dangerous.” “I’m not actually feeling anything.” “Are you getting any closer?” “Why do they make this look so easy in all those porn movies?! This hurts like fuck!” “Did something just happen? You’re not turned on anymore.” “Shit sorry, am I going too fast?” “Wow, you’re hot.” “Is that a gun in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?” “Hey, I’m open minded.” “Keep sweet-talking and this could go a whole new direction.” “I think it’s about time we stop avoiding the obvious.” “I’m gonna be honest with you. I’m really horny, and you’re really hot. Can we fuck? Like, now?” “I see someone’s happy to see me.” “I saw that. You just checked me out.” “You know, when this is over, we should really have angry sex.” “Take off your clothes.”  “Tell all those other guys/girls you don’t need them ‘cause you got me.” “Don’t give me that face, it’s so cute I might not be able to hold back.” “Boobs are really just squishy pillows.”  “If you don’t get turned on by having your neck kissed somethings wrong with you.”  “Blasphemy! Sex solves everything.” “I platonically want to have sex with you. No big deal.”

TEXTS

[text]: What do you want now? [text]: Do you want to bet on that? [text]: Guess who just got back in town. [text]: So I might be in a hospital right now… [text]: We can’t keep doing this anymore! [text]: Come on, come to the party! [text]: Can you pick me up from the bar? Too drunk to drive. [text]: You have no clue how I feel so shut up. [text]: I call bullshit. [text]: You thought you could get away with that, didn’t you? [text] I gave up great shower sex to be here so don’t say I never did anything for our friendship. [text] Living alone for four weeks has given me unrealistic expectations of pantslessness. [text] Also, my bed has glitter in it for reasons I do not recall. [text] Who says no to sex and donuts?! [text] I know what you did last summer…

When she heard those thundering steps, it was like she was a little kid again. Sera could remember being a young girl and dreaming about something like this. Back then it had just been a dream though. It had been something she’d imagined while reading through books and looking at photographs of fossils while back in St. Petersburg and then the physical artifacts when she’d wandered through museums in Boston. The fact that this was her reality now was still so incredible. The fact that there was a tyrannosaurus rex walking towards her, there was nothing in the world that could or would ever be more thrilling to her. There was nothing more that she could want.

She sank her teeth down into her bottom lip, her pulse racing as the steps got closer and louder. When the dinosaur emerged from the thick trees, she was met with a small gasp from the doctor. So many people got to see her day in and day out, but there weren’t many who got to see her like this. In fact, she could really think of anyone besides herself and Jack who got to do this kind of thing. It wasn’t like there were a lot of people who were willing to do it. Some people would say that the two of them were crazy. There was no barrier, no protective, reinforced glass from a carefully engineered viewing platform. It was just open air between the two humans that must have looked so tiny to the massive creature and herself. Maybe it seemed insane and dangerous to some, but she saw it as a privilege that she would never stop feeling lucky to have.

The doctor stepped forward to stand next to the handler and did so eagerly. There was no fear in her eyes as she did so. Her expression was one of awe and excitement. Sera met the animal’s gaze without hesitation, feeling like she was being sized up each time those large eyes landed upon her. That tiny ghost of a smile returned as the creature decided to continue her advance upon the two of them. The quirk of her mouth was one that was reserved only for her patients. Everyone else always saw those full lips of hers set in a hard line. The animals that she looked after held her heart though. They had the love of a woman who refused to give it. One need only look at her when she was with them to see that. Sera was an expert when it came to hiding her emotions, but that affection always seemed to slip through.

Then that gaze landed solely on her after a few words from Jack, and suddenly she was holding her breath again as she waited for some sign of approval from the rex. When she appeared to have gained it, Sera couldn’t help but feel like she’d been given a gift. Those were the moments that she lived for. She couldn’t have cared less about the approval of humans, but when it came to the dinosaurs? She craved their acceptance for herself and needed it for her job.

Sera knew that she wouldn’t always have that special bond that the handlers shared with the dinosaurs that they were responsible for. There had been a few over the years. She seemed to have a talent for bonding more with pterosaurs than anything else. Each and every one of them were still important to her though, more important than anything else in her life. She wanted them all to like her, not only because it made her job easier when they weren’t hostile, but also because they were what mattered most. For all intents and purposes, the animals that she gave everything she had to take care of were her family. They were…everything.

He gave Sera a reassuring smile before leaning down to pick up the goat carcass. Jack carried it in his arms down the stairs that lead to the platform. The Rex followed his movements, her footsteps thudding as she moved along with him, making the ground tremble. 

Once he was at the platform he placed the goat carefully to the ground of the platform. The Tyrannosaur stepped forwards as if to grab it from the ground at his feet but Jack quickly held up his arms straight, palms flat. “Hold up.” He made his voice deep and commanding, different from his usual light tone. 

The paddocks inhabitant stopped, turning her head once again to stare at him with one eye. She was so close now, less then three feet away. “Watch me.” He spoke in a softer voice now but he did not waiver the commanding tone.

He moved his arms from their outward position, to one above the other with his palms facing together. From Sera’s view it must have looked like he was mimicking the Rex’s giant jaws with his arms. “Open up.”

The Rex observed him silently, but did not move. Keeping his cool, Jack simply repeated the command, and opened his arms a little wider. People always assumed that he had no fear of the creature in front of him. That because he wasn’t afraid of her, he could be her keeper. Truth be told, the creature in front of him frightened Jack more then he would ever let on. She was so large, almost big for the mind to comprehend. An apex predator. Not some rock in the ground, or an artists rendition in a book. A real, living breathing animal. 

She was incredible though. That was why he became her keeper. Because she amazed him a million times more then she could ever frighten him. After several long moments, that seemed like hours to Jack the queen of the island decided to slowly open her jaws to him. He couldn’t help the grin that burst from his mask of composure. 

Moving slowly and deliberately, he lowered himself to slowly pick up the goat at his feet. Holding the dead animal steady he inched forwards, holding the animals away from his body supported by his arms. They burned slightly under the weight of the animal but Jack didn’t dare move any faster. 

Carefully he placed the dead goat in the jaws of the Tyrannosaurus. He could feel her hot breath on his face and the sharp edge of her teeth sliding against the underneath of his arms as he slid them out from underneath the goat. 

“Hold it.” He spoke softly to the Tyrannosaur. He then reached his arms wide, one palm resting on the edge of her upper snout, the other on the bottom. Her skin was warm and pebbly. Moving gently, he applied pressure and guided her mouth shut. When her jaws where almost closed, he placed two hands gently on her upper snout. She stared him down intently and he stared right back, savoring the moment. The Rex watched him carefully as he slowly pulled back his hands and took a big step back. 

“Are you going to leave me again?”

“Be quiet!” 

“Do you trust me?” 

“Don’t pretend that you cared about me.”

“Don’t you love me anymore?” 

“Foolish.”

“Forgive me, please.”

“Get out of my face.“ 

“Go away.” 

“How could I believe someone like you?” 

“How could you do this to me?”

“How was I supposed to know?” 

“Leave me alone already.” 

“I can’t let you go, not when you’re like this.” 

“I can’t trust you.”

“I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

“I haven’t been resting. I can’t sleep.“ 

“I just wanted to help you.” 

“I needed you and you weren’t there.”

“I said I was sorry.” 

“I thought we were friends.“ 

“I’m a nobody.” 

“It’s too late now.” 

“It was hard for me to say goodbye.”

“Maybe, I don’t need your help.”

“Please don’t go.“ 

“Please, stop it already.” 

“Stop lying.” 

“Stop pretending.”

“Stop trying to fix something that can’t be fixed.”

“Wasn’t I worth a goodbye?”

“We need to talk.”

“What more do you want from me?” 

“You don’t care anymore, huh?” 

“You liar!”

For such a petite woman, it was remarkable how, on occasion, Zara Young could bear such a striking resemblance to a pit bull terrier. She gestured to the MASSACRED decorations. This would take another bloody hour out of her day - possibly more if Jack intended to help her blitz the MESS he’d made.

        ❝    You don’t put mistletoe on the tree - tinsel does not go on the ceiling - and how long do you think those baubles will last before someone smashes them?  ‘

She ran a hand through her hair. 

“Why can’t mistletoe go on the tree!?” He was being completely serious in his question. The Forde Christmas decorations had always been an smorgasbord of glittering multicolored lights, and messy decorations made in kindergarten, and bright tinsel and baubles covering the place. An explosion of Christmas cheer he had liked to call it.