Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The views did not stop amazing her. Even without a dinosaur in sight, Isla Nublar had its natural landscapes to behold. The falls, the flora and forests, the green volcanically formed mountains, the sky full of clouds that gave the island its namesake.

After resting and taking in the fresh air from her balcony, Zia went back inside to get ready to go out. It’d been almost a year and she still couldn’t believe this was her life now. Living in a nice little mountainside house wasn’t something she thought would happen soon either. She wasn’t expecting much in housing, but Simon Masrani wanted his employees treated well.

Now wearing a jacket and boots, Zia sighed as she got into her truck parked in front of the garage. Jurassic World was everything she thought it would be. Before she even graduated with her veterinary degree, Masrani Global wanted her onboard to train as a paleoveterinarian at their new Jurassic park.

Her dream job she’s wanted since she was fourteen. Since 1997, when the whole planet found out Ian Malcolm didn’t lose his damn mind, dinosaurs were alive once again. It’s crazy to her that just eight years later, a long week for her consisted of helping treat a number of Triceratops that came down with a cold.

She remembered tearing up at the first time she laid eyes on a Brachiosaurus. Every species she’s met so far has been beautiful to her with each having their own sense of majesty, herbivore and carnivore alike. Zia loved getting to know their individual names and personalities when she treated them. She felt like she found her purpose helping her patients.

Yet still she felt lonely. Zia supposed it was true that your problems follow you. She’s never been able to fill that void since she was a teenager, not even able to make things work with the girls she dated in college. Now she knows not even dinosaurs and an island of adventure did the trick either.

Zia drove away from her house, past the worker village down the heavily forested roads leading to the back of Main Street. She really shouldn’t complain, she thought. It would take a while to become well acquainted enough among the other vets when, like her, they were all busy training and doing their job which could be inherently unpredictable at times.

Zia pulled up to the employee parking lot. When she got out, she realized she parked near a familiar bike. Just across from her was its owner walking in her direction, wearing a dark green flannel and holding a reusable bag with the Jurassic World logo on it.

“Hi!” Zia said after Owen Grady waved at her.

“What’s up!” he called out.

“I almost didn’t recognize you, I’m so used to the vest.”

“How’ve you been?” he chuckled before shaking her hand.

“Good, I’m fine. What are you up to? How’s the pack behaving?”

“Oh well I just got back from seeing a friend.”

“Just a friend?” Zia smirked.

“Yes just a friend, it wasn’t Claire,” Owen smiled, “it was someone I’ll tell you about later, but the raptors, they’re great, damn great, we actually got some progress today. They finally decided to stop a pig chase at my signal. Blue listened to me, she never listens to me anymore, Zia.”

“Is that what the snacks are for?” she asked, seeing Oreos and Cheetos in his bag.

“Oh yeah they are going to be rewarded so good next time we train.”

Zia smiled, she loved hearing about the raptors. She knew eventually she might have to fear their intelligence but for now they were adorable to her even if they could probably maul a grown man to death together now that they were the size of chickens.

“Just don’t tell Hoskins about any of this!”

They both laughed. She jokingly called him and Barry the raptor dads, but it was simply true with how protective they were of their raptors against the chief of InGen security. When Hoskins stopped by during her checkup of Echo he made some remarks about making sure she knew what she was doing with the “valuable assets.” It spoke volumes to her that they talked shit right back at him in defense of both her and Echo.

Owen patted Zia’s shoulder, “I’ll let you go but hey listen, if you ever want to talk feel free to call.”

Zia smiled, “Thanks man. I’ll be sure to do that.”

Owen got on his bike as he continued, “I mean it, I figured we could see each other beyond just vet visits you know? We’ll talk later.”

Owen started up his bike, waving goodbye and saying loudly over the revved up motor, “You have a good one!”

“You too!”

Zia watched as he rode off. That made her day. She loved being called to the IBRIS paddock. Aside from getting to work with the raptor squad, she enjoyed talking with Owen and Barry, some of the most down to earth people she’s ever known. Still she never thought they would consider her a friend. She felt herself get in a much better mood, it was like a boost she needed.

Main Street wasn’t as full as a busy day, at this time most of the guests were in the valley or river cruise attractions. So she walked the streets at her own pace happy with the quieter surroundings. Looking out over the lagoon, she still wondered if having the two largest carnivores on the island right here wasn’t an accident waiting to happen.

She wanted to get lunch but first there was one matter she was getting to the bottom of. Turning to T. Rex kingdom, Zia looked at her watch. If she remembered right she expected to see the kid. The damn kid she’d seen around so many times she’d kind of feel insulted if he didn’t recognize her back.

At first she thought nothing of him hanging around the hiking trails, driving an ATV through the employee roadways, or even working with the dinosaur babies from the petting zoo. With all that connected and the fact he wore one of those tan colored staff jackets, the lucky ass kid had to be on an internship right? It made sense to her.

Until last week she saw him feed old Rexy. By himself. That was what made her decide to find out what the hell was going on. No way would any internship allow that, no way would any parent be okay with that. Or any sensible person really.

Hearing a distant roar emanate from the exhibit’s halls, Zia entered.

Masrani would be that crazy.

Chapter Text

Within the viewing log, Zia adjusted her glasses. There was a bit of a crowd, but not enough to take up the whole window. From her end Zia looked up through the glass ceiling to look at the tower where the handlers would toss the flare, operate the goat cage controls, that sort of thing. Sometimes they would narrate facts about the old girl over the intercoms. She guessed the boy wouldn’t be doing any of that, but there he was wearing a white and navy plaid shirt under his jacket, demeanor oddly calm for someone in the same space as the queen of the island that effortlessly rustled the trees and shook the earth.

A flicker of reddish-pink sparks went off in his hands and he made a good throw. Rexy was now in view coming out of the woods. Zia saw the kid smile, she swore the rex made eye contact with him. The nine ton killing machine turned her attention to where the flare landed, bellowing and crushing the poor goat in her jaws.

After the bloody show of goat bits and roaring, the crowd’s morbid fascination subsided. Zia was the only one who stood behind to watch the Tyrannosaurus disappear into the redwoods, she was always a sight to behold. The messy haired kid was nowhere to be found, she had no idea if he saw her. She had no idea what she was even doing here. She headed toward the exit.

She began to think, what exactly was her plan? She was going to what, talk to him, interrogate him right after this?

Zia didn’t have time to dwell on it because she turned a corner and there he was now standing right in front of her, managing to catch her off guard. Eric Kirby, according to the name tag on his jacket.

Not wanting to this to be a total train wreck with them staring like two deer in headlights, she made the first move.

“Hey there!” she said.

“Hi!” Eric greeted back.

She slipped back at ease, this boy radiated kindness. But he was a stealthy little shit, how did he sneak up on her in boots?

“Is Eric your real name? You didn’t steal that jacket off a worker did you?” Zia said in an obviously joking way.

“Yes Eric’s my name.” He replied.

“I’m Zia.”

“It’s nice to finally meet you, Zia!”

“I was just about to ask if you recognized me. I feel like we’ve crossed paths so many times.”

“I know, I’m sorry if that was annoying...”

“No no, you’re good!”

“Well I felt kind of bad, I worried I looked like I was ignoring you. I thought about saying hi sooner but I’d get nervous.” Eric explained.

Zia stifled laughter, “You’re silly!”

“Why?” he asked glancing at her hand touching his arm.

“You can look a forty foot long carnivore in the eyes but you got too nervous to say hi!”

Eric laughed with her at the realization until Zia spoke again, “To be fair I didn’t say hi either, see? I get it, that’s why this took a while. Are you busy right now? I’m not making you late for anything am I?”

“Nope I’m done for today here. Do you want to get lunch?” Eric asked.

Zia caught the shy tone of the question.

“I’d like to. You feel like having chicken sandwiches?”

After making their way to the grill to buy their desired meals, they got their orders and began to head to the innovation center. Zia did not think this was how her lunch was going to go. She looked to Eric at her side, who looked back up at her. The kid reminded her of a puppy.

“So where are you from? I used to live in Enid, Oklahoma.” He asked.

“Born and raised in Seattle.”

“That’s cool, I always wanted to visit the west coast. The cities look nice, and so do the rainforests and redwoods in the northern parts.”

“You must love Rexy’s paddock, or more like this whole island. I take it you’re an outdoorsy type?”

Eric nodded, “Yeah I love camping and hiking, and… I used to go fishing too. I’ve never been hunting though, I don’t think I can do it, I love animals too much. You ever have any pets?”

“You have no idea, I took care of so many animals when I was a kid.”

“How many?”

Zia thought for a moment, “Lets see if I can remember them all, there were two parrots, a lot of parakeets, a corn snake, a tortoise, a red knee tarantula, stick bugs, tree frogs, an aquarium full of fish, snails and a shrimp, my parents had three dogs, and then there’s my cat Kizzy.”

“Man, that is a lot. I’ve never even had one. There were cats in my neighborhood I got to see at least, but I wanted to get a bearded dragon before I moved here.”

“Not anymore now that they’ve got you working with a T. rex, eh?”

“I’d still like one, not like I can take home any dinosaurs with me. But I’m away from home a lot anyway.”

The two made it to the Innovation Center and sat down on steps near the palm trees and fountains in front of the building.

“Why are they letting you be a handler for Rexy anyway? I understand the babies, the little ones, because you’re little, but how old are you again, twelve? Nine?”

Eric stopped sipping his soda, “Twelve!”

“I’m messing with you! But what’s the idea behind allowing you to do this at this age? I know this has Simon Masrani written all over it but he usually has a method to his madness.”

“He felt I was qualified.”

Zia squinted, “What kind of insane qualifications do you have at twelve years old?”

“Idunno.” Eric mumbled while he took a bite from his sandwich.

“What do you mean ‘I don’t know’?”

Eric’s eyes glanced away, she followed his brief gaze to their right.

Where a large theropod skeleton with tall vertebrae stood close by.

“It’s a long story.”

“You’re so cryptic!”

“Well because of my experiences… I have qualifications…” Eric started.

She playfully sighed, “Come on.”

He continued, “..and some researchers and scientists thought this was an opportunity to see if Rexy would form a bond with someone young like me, maybe view me as her hatchling like some animals adopt from other species sometimes. She was a tiny bit attached to a few humans before apparently.”

Zia took the chance to eat while she thought about what he’d told her, she guessed that was as good of an explanation for anything she was getting for now. It made sense in a way, if they were trying everything to establish bonds with the raptors then Rexy wasn’t off the table. Tyrannosaurs were more intelligent than they’re given credit. Regardless the handlers are lucky the old girl has some kind of response to flares, and there’s that story of how she miraculously saved the remaining survivors of Jurassic Park.

“Did your parents really approve of you doing this?”

Eric took his time to chew his food before answering, “My guardians work here too, they understand.”

Guardians, not parents, and he hesitated. Zia decided to not push that further. But she slightly panicked trying to think of something to break the awkward silence, and then she caught him staring at her.

“Sorry, I just… I really like your hair! It helped me recognize you every time I saw you. And the glasses too.”

Zia appreciated the compliment, “Thank you! I like yours too, it fits you!”

They got up to throw away their trash. The sky was getting dark already.

“Wanna go to the lagoon?” Zia suggested.

“Okay!”

They walked down Main Street, and Eric asked, “What do you like to do when you’re not working?”

“I like watching movies, I work out, and I’m sure you already knew that I like hiking too.”

“Yeah when I saw you from across the river.” Eric recalled.

They made it to the center of the pier, leaning against the railing as the sun was getting lower, the rays reflecting in the lagoon.

“Do you remember when I passed by you working with the baby Apatosaurs in the petting zoo?” Zia grinned.

Eric knew what she was talking about, “I think that was the first time we made eye contact.”

“Yeah because you got distracted by me while feeding them, and then one of them was so impatient she went and swallowed up your whole hand! The look on your face!”

“Well yeah, I’ve never felt any dinosaur do that to me before!”

“It was Sally right? She’s the impatient one, did you freak out thinking she might take off your fingers? I didn’t see the aftermath, I kind of took off right after.”

“Yes it was her! It was startling but nah, she let go without chewing on me. She was probably just as weirded out as me, she froze for a few seconds.”

Zia chuckled, “That’s so funny. Oh look dude there goes Nima.”

In the now dark waters, the shadowy form of the Mosasaurus swam slowly right underneath the surface. She passed right by the pair’s line of sight, making waves and causing the water to ripple on her final patrol of the day.

“Good thing she only jumps out for food. Imagine if she was like a whale and jumped for fun?”

“That’d be pretty scary.” Eric replied.

Zia asked “Have you worked with any other carnivores?” she asked.

“No, most of them already have their handlers for now. I heard they’re thinking of hatching more Baryonyx though.”

“I heard about that too. There must be more kids on internship or apprenticeship here right? Do you see them?”

“Yeah there’s a few them, they’re all older than me though like sixteen year olds mainly.”

It occurred to Zia just now that he probably doesn’t know how old she is.

“Shit wait, what time is it? Are you going to need a ride home?”

“Oh no it’s okay I’ve got an ATV.”

“Alright, let’s head to the parking lot.”

Along the way there, she noticed Eric seemed quieter.

“You okay there Kirby?”

“No, I mean yes! I just… thank you for having lunch with me.” Eric said shyly.

“It was my pleasure. I take it we’ll be seeing each other again soon then?”

She saw him actually brighten up a bit, “Y-yeah? I’d love to! It was nice hanging out and talking with you, Zia.”

“You’re so sweet.” she told him before petting his hair. “Don’t get yourself eaten by Rexy, okay?”

“Heh, I promise.” Eric said. He stepped away from the truck while Zia got in, giving her space so she can pull out of the parking space, waving goodbye as she took off.

On the drive home, Zia looked up at the night sky’s stars among the scattered clouds. She thought about how great everything went.

First Owen surprised her. She knew he genuinely wanted to befriend her, he’s trustworthy. Either way there was no chance he was going to hit on her, it’s not much of a secret he only has eyes for Claire Dearing. Of course it’s the raptor wrangler who’s crazy enough to try his luck with the park operations manager.

Then Eric, the boy who’d been driving her crazy. She got her answers even if he dodged some questions, but that didn’t matter to her when she ended up having a good time getting to know him better. She couldn’t remember when she last had lunch with someone she enjoyed. Such a nice kid, cheeky for sure but he had his shy moments. She really… wanted to hug him, but it felt like it might’ve not been appropriate.

Zia pulled up in front of her garage.

Maybe that’s why he was kind of glum at the end? Maybe he was hoping for more?

“Shit.”

She realized they didn’t get each other’s phone numbers. She shouldn’t feel too bad, they’d barely just spoken to each other. She did assure him they’d meet again and meant it.

The ignition was turned off and she began to get out of the truck.

She really does look forward to spending time with him. She couldn’t help her warm feelings at the thought of his smiling face looking up at her from his messy bangs.

“He’s a cutie.”

It wasn’t wrong to think he’s cute. She didn’t mean it in any other way, right?

Zia slammed the door.

Chapter Text

Eric had been busy assisting at the nursery with baby Gallimimus, playing with them which sounds like fun but they’re a very energetic bunch. It took a lot to get them worn out, but the chicks needed both the exercise and interaction in a controlled environment. They had to get acclimated to people as well before they were ready to be put in the petting zoo. Now they were all tired out in their nest with just a few minutes before his shift was over. Eric took one final look before locking the door and going to the employee hall to find a soda machine.

Throughout the day he couldn’t help thinking about yesterday with Zia. How she was so nice and funny, playful from the start and even remembering their encounters. He couldn’t believe he had the balls to ask her to eat with him. He forgot about asking for her number but she did say she wanted to see him again right?

Eric put his quarters into the machine and waited for the thump of the Pepsi to grab from the slot.

He thought all that running around would distract him enough from his sexual feelings for Zia, but Eric’s face got warm remembering her hand on his arm, and the head petting that put him in a state of pure bliss even if it lasted a few seconds. He felt his boner strain, which wasn’t anything new but he felt guiltier thinking about Zia this way now that he knows her better. He was only getting more and more horny lately, so usually he would rigorously give in to his urges at home. It was a combination of guilt and being tired that he chose to not get himself off last night, which he might’ve regretted seeing as all the blood was rushing away from his brain that only had dirty thoughts now.

“God I suck.” Eric thought it was pathetic of him to get this way just from the memory of a girl’s touch.

He then startled at a voice behind him that asked, “Are you alright there?”

Eric didn’t turn around, instead taking off to the elevators while trying to cover himself with his jacket so whoever just found him didn’t see his embarrassing situation.

Lowery blinked in complete confusion.

In the elevator, Eric opened his soda and took a sip, he didn’t want to go back there for a while. He couldn’t believe he let himself get this bad at work. He was glad his boner went down by the time he exited the elevator and made it outside of the creation labs. As he walked out he took another sip from his Pepsi making his way to the front of the innovation center. He checked his phone to see a text from Dr. Grant.

Just as he was about to read it, the chirps of a Dilophosaurus made Eric instantly look up from the screen while crushing his soda, his heart starting to race. Someone activated the holoscape, and he had just about been ready to toss the now emptied can at the perceived danger. He had to calm down, remind himself that he’s been doing things that should’ve made him lose fear. He supposed it was just an instinctual reaction to a carnivore sneaking up on him.

Taking silent deep breaths, Eric exited the innovation center as the hologram began to rattle its frill and roar, heading straight to where he’d sat before. He hated that the slightest sound was enough to send him into a panic. He didn’t even want to think about anyone who noticed him spill his drink which he felt sorry about. Eric rubbed his face, he managed to embarrass himself in many ways in less than a few minutes.

“Long day today, Kirby?”

Eric wiped his eyes to look up to see Zia in a yellow shirt with a red rooster on it, short sleeved so he got to see more of her tattoos. He nodded.

“Yeah. How did you know where to find me?”

“I didn’t know you’d sit here again, but Owen told me you’d be off from the nursery around this time.”

“You know him?”

“Yup. He also told me you love the Café burgers.” Zia pulled out a large white paper bag from her backpack.

“Thanks Zia! I’ll pay you back for it.”

“No it’s on me. Want to get away from here? I can take us somewhere.”

Minutes later they were in her truck, radio set to The Cure, driving through the forested roads. Zia was worried when she witnessed Eric get out of the building looking very distressed. Before she could say anything he asked her, “How was your day?”

“Good, just treating a Parasaurolophus for some minor bites. It’s mating season so the males are starting to fight each other. What tired you out?”

“Baby Gallis, eight of them. They had me running around almost the whole time.”

“Haha! That’s cute. They don’t ever sit still, the handlers must love having you around to babysit them.”

“And I love getting paid to play with baby dinosaurs.”

“I know look at you, working every kid’s dream job.”

They drove deeper into the northern jungles until they arrived and parked near a cliffside overlooking a glistening river where a herd of Stegosaurus was resting and drinking. The pair got out and sat on the bench against a table to face the view, but Zia still held the bag of food, telling him, “Take off your jacket man it’s getting pretty warm now.”

Eric did so revealing his red striped long sleeve and she handed him his burger.

“See? It’s a nice day to be out and relax, be comfortable.”

“Shit I didn’t even realize I was hot.”

“Duh, why’d you layer up?”

“I like this shirt.”

Zia rolled her eyes, “It’s going to be heatstroke that kills you on this island.”

After they began to eat, Eric asked, “So how did you meet Owen?”

“I totally forgot to tell you I’m a vet yesterday didn’t I?”

“I kind of knew from seeing you carry medical supplies before.”

“Mhm. Well his girls are my top priority.”

“The raptors?”

“Yup, IBRIS was in need of a new vet and InGen just so happened to know I was just that good, so they picked meee.”

“That’s impressive.”

“Have you met the babies?”

“Yes! They’re so cute and tiny, colorful too. They let me feed them and try to pet them, but only Charlie really likes being pet for long. I love her, she was like a kitten.”

“Yeah she still is. Echo is so calm, but Delta is who I’m most scared will jump me now that they’re almost the size of chickens.”

“Oh, last time I saw them they were too small to really hurt anyone but they still made me uneasy because you can feel them watching you with their big eyes, especially Blue.”

“Right? She has that intelligent gaze already. It’s going to be scary when they get big. Anyway, whenever I’d go over there it was never all business. I get along pretty great with everyone there. Except Hoskins, don’t get me started on him.”

Eric knew the man too. “I think everyone hates him.”

“Fucker is so self-unaware I bet he doesn’t know he kills the mood with his presence. But whatever. Back to Owen, he would always make conversation with me and make me feel so welcome. There was never a feeling of ‘alright you did your job now byeee.’ I mean not everyone’s a dick about it, I get some people don’t have the time or, or desire to want to get to know me, but it’s nice to make a human connection too.”

Eric was silent before he said, “I get you.”

They finished their food before Zia said, “I got the sense you and Grady are kind of close.”

“We hang out sometimes but he mostly visits me, like yesterday he stopped by to give me a churro before the show. He’s kind of like… an older brother to me. But I don’t know, I don’t see him around a lot so I’m very grateful whenever he spends time with me, I know his work is very important.”

“That’s nice. It’s good that you’re understanding about it but I’m sorry you don’t see each other often.”

“It’s okay it’s always been like this.”

Zia didn’t like the sound of that. She didn’t want to ask anything that’d kill the mood, instead offering, “I can keep up my lunch visits with you more often.”

“Really?”

“If you want, I don’t know if you’d get sick of me.”

“No I like being around you!”

Zia smiled back at him, ruffling his hair.

“Good, or else the burger ain’t free boy!” she replied, lightly socking his arm and making Eric laugh.

“Let’s go walk this off.”

The pair went into the nearby hiking trail, shaded by the canopy of all the large fig trees. The sounds of sauropods echoed from afar. Eric looked around.

“I’ve never been here before.”

“Pretty sure this is one of those trails accessible only to people that buy a premium package or whatever, and employees as always.”

The sound of running water could be heard the deeper they went into the lusher green parts of the jungle, and they found a river with plenty of rocks and a log to cross it. Park rangers kept watch over the groups of people resting and taking pictures near the edge of the cliffside view of the small canyon where the river cascaded down and continued into a larger river that went hidden beneath the forests beyond the horizon, forming a perfect environment for the herd of Brachiosaurus bathing in it.

Eric and Zia took in the view, listening to the giant dinosaurs sing to each other. He felt her hand on his arm

“Beautiful, huh? On some days the rangers will bring in their favorite leaves so they’ll get close enough to let you feed them.”

Zia unzipped her backpack to take out a camera and get a few shots.

She noticed Eric behind her, “Want me to get your picture?”

“Yeah sure!”

And so she did, trying to get him to make goofy faces and then asking him afterward to get some of her as she did different poses.

“You make me look good. Alright hold on, let me ask somebody to get one of us together.”

After finding someone, Zia returned to Eric to place an arm around his shoulder as they smiled for their photo. She then got the camera back and thanked the tourist, showing the photos to Eric.

“The Brachiosaurs still showed up. I’ll print some of these out for you.”

They continued to look at the view for a bit longer as clouds began to settle across the sky. A small group of Compsognathus had come out from some bushes for a drink, Zia took pictures of them before noticing Eric wasn’t with her and the crowd that got as close as the rangers would allow them. Satisfied with her photos, she walked back to him.

“Alright, let’s go now.”

She then stopped, pointing at the log as she said, “I bet you can’t cross that.”

“That looks easy!”

Zia made her way over first, halfway done when Eric got on to follow. It should’ve been easy, except his eyes betrayed him to turn his attention to her ass for just a few seconds. Just enough to cause himself to slip on to his right leg.

Eric felt pain but held on to the log, looking back up to see Zia’s extended hand, taking it and then feeling her grab his other hand to steadily walk him off the log before he sat down on a rock. She kneeled down to look at him.

“Are you okay?”

“Only scraped my knee.”

“It’s your shin, let me see.”

As Zia touched his leg and looked it over, Eric’s grew warm being flustered by the whole situation.

“I’m fine, it’s not like I broke anything.”

“I’m just making sure you’re not bleeding too badly. We can patch it up when we get back to the truck.”

Once she figured he was okay, Zia got up and smirked, “What happened back there, were you checking out a girl?

Eric’s heart dropped, “No!”

“A boy?”

“I’m not, no, I don’t swing that way. I wasn’t staring at anyone.”

Zia thought he was being pretty defensive about this. “It’s perfectly normal to look dude. Has no one ever told you that?”

“I just feel like a creep if I do.” He said standing up, “Ow, fucking hell.”

Zia found it amusing when he cursed, but continued, “Then don’t be creepy about it. Someone might even like you checking her out. Can’t really blame you either I guess, you’re twelve and chicks are pretty hot.”

Eric wasn’t sure if he was interpreting that the right way, asking “Are you into girls?”

“Yeah.”

“Oh okay, that’s cool.”

Eric unconditionally accepted her, but inside he knew he was selfish wishing she wasn’t. It still stung to have his chances astronomically decreased to nothing.

Eric realized there was silence and she wasn’t looking at him. He got worried he didn’t sound convincing.

“It doesn’t bother me!” He told her as he tugged her arm. Zia took one look at his face, the boy had no idea the effect his puppy eyes had on her, but she instantly snapped out of it to reassure him.

“Hey I believe you! Didn’t mean to worry you there.”

Eric was relieved. Maybe this was for the best, he should’ve been solely viewing her as a friend in the first place.

“Are you going need me to carry you?”

Eric sighed, “Yes, mother.”

“Kirby’s got jokes huh?”

Zia was liking this side of him that bantered back with her. She felt so bad that she seriously considered carrying him at times, they had to jump the rocks and hike all the way back. By the time they made it to her truck, he slumped down in the passenger seat with the door open while she cleaned up his wound.

“We’ll pick up your ATV, load it up before I take you back home, okay?”

“Oh well I have weekends off, it’d be fine if we can’t.”

“I’ve got plenty of time, and I am not letting you drive yourself home before you ask.”

“Well thank you.”

Zia finished up and then applied a bandage, sighing. “You know, I should’ve really called your guardians first.”

“Wouldn’t Owen know I’m with you if he told you where I’d be?”

She turned to him, “Is he your guardian?”

“Nope.”

Zia got in the truck and as she drove them off told him, “Then his ass would be complicit in this too. I think at this point you should tell me who they are.”

“Why? I can make my own decisions.”

“Dude at your age my parents would’ve killed me if I said that, came home with a fuckin’ bandaged shin, and told them I got into a car with some adult I met yesterday.”

“But you’re not some random person, I’ve known you for months and it’s not like you’re some creepy old guy. I know how to take care of myself.”

“God Eric, none of this would’ve held up with my parents at all. And women are perfectly capable of murder too, thank you very much.”

“I know you wouldn’t hurt me.”

“Your guardians don’t know that.”

“I’m emancipated.”

“You’re shitting me!”

“I decided to be.”

Zia caught on to the lack of elaboration on this topic. Eric was being this way about his past, so this further confirmed to her that something is up.

“I’m taking your word. There is clearly something private about your life and I’m not going to make you talk about anything you don’t want to.”

“Sorry.”

“I’m not trying to guilt you or anything, I was just saying that in my serious voice. I just hope you’re looking out for yourself if what you’re saying is true.”

Eric was silent before he began, “I know. It makes me glad that you care about me very much. We’ve only talked for two days but I feel like I’ve known you for so long I know I can trust you. The way you’re very friendly and actually care about me enough to want to spend time with me makes me feel less… alone. Like you’re my best friend.”

The paleo-veterinarian didn’t show it but she was very touched by his words. Her heart began to ache, “That’s… very sweet of you.”

“Sorry I shouldn’t have- I don’t know if that was too soon.”

“Too soon for what? You’re my fucking friend, Eric. You make me happy when you say such… kind things about me.”

She caressed his face, briefly glancing away from the road to see his eyes close in a cute expression.

“It’s sad you think I’m so friendly though. I’m kind of a bitch.”

“That’s not true.”

Zia joked, “See you’ve already got Stockholm setting in. I hurt you and you still like me.”

“It’s not a big deal, you didn’t make me fall.”

“Yes I did, I-“ Zia stopped herself from saying the truth, “I made you walk on that log. I might as well have.”

“It doesn’t matter to me. Thanks to you I had so much fun today.”

Zia swore this boy was trying to make her cry. “So did I.”

What Eric had no idea was Zia knew that he was technically lying, and almost told him she caught him checking her out. Not in a malicious way of course, she just figured friends messed with each other like that, she wasn’t even upset at all. Should she be surprised? She is pretty hot if she didn’t say so herself, though she never thought about if her looks would attract guys as they did women. She couldn’t help being flattered that he stared at her ass.

Thinking about his earlier distressed behavior is what made her decide to hold back on teasing him for his roaming eyes. She wanted this to be a relaxing time, and felt bad for kind of messing that up. Besides it more than likely was just his hormones after all. She’ll leave it at that. She wasn’t going to let her thoughts ruin this day she got to share with him.

Chapter Text

Just like she promised, Zia made a stop for Eric’s ATV and they loaded it up in her truck before she drove him home. The sky was already getting darker from both the sun going down and the clouds rolling in. While Eric directed her to his place, the two talked about various subjects.

“You do have some kind of schooling right?”

“I’ve got online courses. I always did good in school so they’re pretty easy. Now I just meet or call a teacher once in a while.”

“Can’t imagine graduating from a computer. I guess it’s necessary if they’re employing someone as young as you.”

Eric watched outside the window as the truck flew past the dark forest, “How old are you anyway?

“Now you ask?”

“Well I thought it might be rude.”

“It’s fine, you’re fine. I’m twenty two,” Zia was used to being mistaken for a teenager but she was curious about Eric’s guess, “How old did you think I was?”

“I used to think maybe sixteen but that was when I first saw you. I figured you work here too so you had to be an adult, and I guessed about eighteen through twenty.”

“Then again we do have you, so i guess it wouldn’t be crazy to believe I was younger after all. You did forget to factor in the years it takes to get a vet degree though.”

“Oh yeah. Still you really seem younger.”

“I know, I know, I’m not very mature either.”

“I meant it in a good way.”

“I just don’t feel like an adult a lot of the time. Like I need to grow up, yet I still somehow scored a career here.”

“You don’t have to be ashamed of who you are. That only means you’re both a hard worker and a fun person to be around.”

“You’re too nice.”

“Really, you’re the funnest person I know.”

Zia glanced at him, “Thanks.”

She simply took the compliment. Eric had no idea how much she wished a lot of people in her life had thought so too. Friends, lovers, they never stuck. God she really needed to get a grip and stop getting emotional when things are turning around. She has new better people in her life now, including the boy right next to her.

Eric interrupted her thoughts, “We’re almost there, keep going straight. You’ll make another right at the end.”

“Really? You’re pretty close to where I live, we passed by my house.”

Eric lived right outside of the worker village her house resided near, both of them had their homes somewhat isolated. They turned to a riverside road that lead to a decently sized cabin with a porch and an outdoor campfire place. Eric would’ve insisted on it being built smaller if Grant and the other adults weren’t so concerned, they didn’t think it was a good idea for him to live on his own in the first place but it was what he wanted. Eric was used to it, and he didn’t see anything wrong with a guy needing his space.

Zia parked the truck to the side and they got out to set up the ramp. Once they did that, Zia asked, “Should I go? I can stay for a bit but it’s up to you.”

“If you want to, yeah. Here you can wait inside.”

She followed him up the porch as he unlocked his front door. She thanked him and entered while Eric went back to go park his ATV in the garage. Turning on the lights revealed the warm tones of the wooden paneling accented by paler colored walls. The living room and dining area were combined to be the largest part of Eric’s home with the basic necessities like a couch, coffee table, television, shelves, and a kitchen table with seats for four and a potted plant at its center. The cabin was overall simplistic.

It was also rather clean for a place lived in by a kid, save for a somewhat cluttered desk in the very corner of the living room. Above the desk was a large bulletin board that held a map of Isla Sorna with many pins going through it. Zia walked toward it where her attention shifted to the shelves filled with books and various items like a miniature sauropod skeleton, a chunk of amber, a display stand with a large raptor claw that looked oddly not very fossil-like sitting on it, as well as framed pictures of Owen and Barry with their raptors and Eric giving a shy smile with Dr. Grant and Dr. Sattler. Zia wondered how well he knew those two.

She sat down on the couch. Looking at the bottom of the closest shelf she noticed what looked like a small navy box full of more photos along with another frame faced away from her. She wouldn’t touch the box, no one appreciates snooping. Not only that but a better experience would be that maybe Eric would show them to her someday. She didn’t see any harm in looking at the frame though.

Picking it up, what she found was a picture of a blonde woman and a brown haired man with a mustache standing in front of a house, holding each other close. Thanks to the frame being transparent front and back, she was able to read ‘1985 Amanda & Paul move in’ written in cursive behind the photo. Zia would be surprised if these two weren’t who she thought they were. Judging by the size of this place they didn’t live here, Eric at least wasn’t lying about that part. He really did live alone.

Upon hearing the sound of his garage door closing, she put it back how she found it and sat at the end of the couch furthest away from that bookshelf. Eric entered, taking off his shoes and hanging his jacket, walking over to Zia.

“Well this is my home.”

He reclined the couch so he could lie down but Zia leaned in to him, “You’re too sleepy to even give me a house tour.”

“I’m tired but not sleepy. Besides it’s not much.”

“It’s okay I know it’s late. Another time, but those eyes are looking real shiny to me. Did you want me to just sit here with you?”

Eric blushed, “It’s okay if not.”

“Just say yes, man.”

“Zia…”

“Want me to make you something?”

“Um, no?”

“Chocolate milk?”

Eric couldn’t tell if she was messing with him, “No thanks I can get things myself. And you’re the guest.”

“How’s your shin?”

“It doesn’t hurt anymore. Do you want water? Or something to drink?”

“You’re the one who shouldn’t have to get up. I made you bleed. Look there’s even some blood that dripped down to your sock.” Zia pointed out the dried red stain. “If I want something I’ll get it myself. If that’s alright with you?”

“I’ve got nothing to hide in the fridge anyway.”

“Who said anything about hiding things? Whatcha got in there, a severed head?”

“Why would I?”

“I don’t know. Maybe you feed Rexy your victims and collect their skulls.”

Eric laughed, and Zia continued, “You must be the safest person on this island. Anything decides to fuck with you and they get instant death with her around.”

Eric wouldn’t confidently say that yet, even if he was brave enough to be close to Rexy than most would ever dare, but he still never pushed his luck unless she was tranquillized.

“That’d be nice. She’s never been aggressive towards me so i know she at least tolerates me as a handler. But i can’t say if she actually likes me, I’ve got to… test that out.”

“Tyrannosaurs are hard to read. Hopefully Rexy senses we’re cool and puts me second on the no eat list.” Zia smiled at him as she got up, “I’m getting some water, will I find a poor frozen Compy if I check the freezer?”

“Why do you think I have dead things? I don’t even like being near Compies, they creep me out!”

“Sure, but maybe you finally snapped and killed one to see if they taste like chicken.” Zia called from the kitchen, drinking her glass.

“You think anyone’s ever eaten dinosaur meat before?”

“Hopefully not.” Zia came back, “I like it here, you’ve got yourself a cozy little place.”

“Thanks.”

She glanced at the framed photos, “Pretty cool you and me are in that same circle of raptor researchers, huh? I can’t say I’ve talked much with Dr. Grant and Dr. Sattler.” Zia poked his side, “Are you their secret son?”

“Hehe, no. Ellie I don’t see a lot, but I do talk to Dr. Grant once in a while!”

Zia figured as much. She thought now was the time to say what’s been on her mind.

“Wait before we forget, what’s your number?”

Eric told her, getting his own phone out of his pocket. She called it and ended it when his phone rang so he could save it, setting it on the coffee table when he was done.

“You know since we’re so close, we can meet up more often. Do more than just lunch breaks.”

Eric looked at her, did he just tilt his head? She could not get enough of his puppy-like mannerisms. Maybe he got it from the raptors.

“Really?”

“How about you come over to my place tomorrow afternoon? To, I don’t know, watch movies?”

“I’d love to!”

Zia got up to leave, “I’ve got work in the morning so I’ll text you my address and when to be there. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

She then was surprised by Eric going in for a hug.

“Thanks, Zia.”

“Come here,” Zia put her arms around him. She began petting his hair. “You’re a good kid, Eric.”

He buried his face in her shoulder and groaned in embarrassment at the compliment, “You don’t have to say things like that.”

Zia grinned, “Oh don’t fight it. You’ve been such a good boy.”

She really didn’t mean to blurt that but Eric seemed too embarrassed at the moment to think it was particularly weird. She began to pull away but Eric didn’t immediately get the hint.

“Eric?”

He didn’t mean to hold on to her for so long but he let go as soon as she made it known.

“Sorry.” Eric looked away from her and gave her space.

Though she found it to be cute, this behavior had Zia worried for him. She personally liked it, it was nice to feel wanted and she wished the hug lasted longer too. Others might’ve brushed him off or gotten annoyed at him for being clingy, but she knew better. Eric’s earlier words about feeling less alone around her confirmed it, but before that she was picking up on all the signs of a lonely kid. She’s been there.

“You’re okay.” Zia realized he probably wasn’t so used to compliments. Or being touched. Eric felt her hands gently cup his face. He couldn’t stop himself from nervously smiling.

“Thank you for the fun day, kiddo.”

Zia drove off as Eric watched her from his porch, waving at each other as she happily drove home in the rain.

Eric went to his bedroom. He was very happy despite how tired he got, he didn’t even feel sad that Zia left. She gave him too much to be happy about. Only one thing could ruin this night, which is why he didn’t feel like sleeping just yet. Eric needed his dreams to either be pleasant or unmemorable tonight.

What he did remember was his text from Dr. Grant, a perfect excuse. He opened it, reading, ‘Hope you’ve been doing good Eric. Please call me soon.’

Eric dialed the paleontologist, realizing too late that it was already going to be nearly 11 pm, but the call was picked up.

“Eric?”

“I’m so sorry Dr. Grant! Is it too late?”

Alan sat up from the research logs currently taking up his desk space.

“Not at all. We can talk.”

“How have you been?”

“I’m doing fine, thank you. I should be the one asking you that. I’m sorry we haven’t had a chance to speak in a while.”

“I hope you don’t feel guilty about that! You shouldn’t.”

“It’s hard not to.”

“You have a very important job and I still think I talked enough about my problems.”

Alan hesitated, “I still worry there are unresolved issues that go beyond that island, but you’re just not ready to open up about them are you?”

Eric’s silence said it all.

“I’m sorry if I brought the mood down.”

“It’s fine, it’s just hard I guess to admit things out loud? But it’s okay! I’ve been having a great time lately.”

Alan believed him. He was liking the return of a somewhat energetic playfulness in his voice, he actually sounded like a normal kid. Too long did Eric have an air of depressed tiredness, which is why he was gladly surprised to hear what he just heard.

“Really? Anything new?”

“Yeah, I’ve been hanging out with someone!”

“You’ve made a friend?”

“Yes we’re friends! I think you might know her, Zia?”

“Yes, Dr. Zia Rodriguez. She’s one of us now, we’ve been having her over at the paddock and recently got her approved for IBRIS a few days ago. Owen introduced you two?”

“No, we saw each other around for the past few months and we finally said hi. Now we talk and hang out, have lunch together, and today after work she took me to go to this nice trail in the jungles with Brachiosaurus, it was so nice! I’ll show you a picture when she prints one out for me. She told me about working with you guys and the raptors. Have you talked to her?”

“Owen is who she talks to most, he has nothing but great things to say about her. We’ve only spoken a few times but she strikes me as a genuine and compassionate person.”

“And she’s great at her job isn’t she?”

“A natural. IBRIS needed someone like her onboard.”

“Wait, the raptors didn’t do something to the old vet did they?”

“Well, we planned on firing him. Not a team player. But he sort of quit after Blue barely gave him a nibble…”

“What?”

Alan sighed, “If I talk about him I’ll go on a rant, so point is we requested a new hire from a number of vets who excelled their training, see which one would fare best with the little terrors. Rodriguez came out on top.”

He cleared his throat, “Eric, I have to say I haven’t heard you this lively in a while. I imagine Zia is doing wonders for your mental health.”

“She does make me feel like my problems go away when she’s around.”

“I’m very, very glad to hear you’re doing better. You deserve reliable company. Someone who can look out for you and be there for you. But Eric…”

“Yes?”

There was a pause.

“I’ll save it for another time. You get yourself some rest okay? Stay safe, and Ellie says hi.”

“Oh, tell her I like the fern she sent me!”

“I’ll relay that. Goodnight Eric.”

“Goodnight.”

Eric did have a sense the paleontologist wanted to tell him something, he knew that tone when Alan was about to get serious. He supposed it wasn’t too urgent after all. He loved the circle of people who look out for him on this island, they were like his new family. It’s just he felt like he needed a break from the air of seriousness that comes with being close with much older adults as a kid. Especially ones who were very concerned about his mental state over what he’s been through.

Eric felt like he didn’t need to talk about his problems anymore, he needed someone to talk to and hang out with as a friend. Someone he can see more often. It’s a thought he learned to feel less bad about for having thanks to Owen being able to read his situation and agree. It was rational to love his new family but yearn for more, for friendship. Especially when said family was constantly busy with an important job as researching Velociraptor intelligence and maintaining a relationship with them to try to prevent any casualties.

The problem was Eric didn’t have many opportunities. He tried his best to be likable and socialize with the teenagers on Masrani internships but they didn’t care for him, which was why he was scared Zia would find him annoying or even accuse him of stalking her. Eric feared she might not even want him around until her visits to Rex kingdom gave him confidence that she took interest in him. He had to pretend to not notice she always looked right at him in order to keep focus and not seem overly happy. In that moment he decided to finally talk to her after the show, and sure it turned out she was an adult but she really didn’t feel that much older than him.

Eric undressed himself and put on the shirt he’d left on his chair, a black tank top with a faded white logo of the T. rex skull and arms in a circle, sleeping in only that and boxers despite the colder weather. He just felt like wearing less when he slept, his blankets were very warm anyway. Eric knew they’d help him fall asleep faster but he had been trying to avoid sleep for a reason. He already felt very childish for having that freak out earlier today, but what he hated even more were the nightmares that had him feeling like a scared child. He tells himself he’s too old for this and he’s faced way scarier things that are real, but once every few weeks he finds himself dreading nights where they came for him.

Nights where he would be taken back to Sorna. Never to any of the pleasant memories, alone in areas of the island familiar to him despite the darkness, ranging from a field of long grass to a foggy abyss or a fire ablaze in a river. He would feel the gaze of whatever stayed silent lurking in the dark until a furious roar would echo off in the distance, followed by screams of people he knew. He hoped they never got worse than that. He hoped he didn’t have to deal with it tonight.

The sun didn’t shine on the next day, Eric woke up at 10 am to light clouds and rain. Luckily nothing happened, but he was never in his best moods during the morning. He had no idea at what time he finally slept, his hair was sticking up and his eyelids felt heavy. He should shower but then again he had his bandage that he wouldn’t want to get wet, he’d probably have to ask Zia about that. He walked to the kitchen to get a glass of milk and toasted himself waffles, wanting to at least have breakfast before anything else, usually he’d cook a better meal like eggs and bacon but he didn’t feel like it.

What he could no longer ignore was his raging boner and his overwhelming horny state. He knew at this point that neither would go away just because he tried to ignore it, it only delayed the inevitable. He’s deprived himself of release for three days in a row, or was it four? Eric didn’t even know anymore. He at least progressed from the times where he’d always guiltily felt like some animal who couldn’t control his hard-ons being surrounded by so many girls at school every single day.

Eric never got reassurance since he lied to everyone saying he already had the talk with his parents when in reality they never had the chance. He didn’t even think he needed it when he was younger after reading a book about human body systems that explained he would be capable of reproduction as well as maybe grow taller and hairy, figuring that was enough of an explanation he needed. Eric would go on to find out how wrong he was. Weeks after he turned twelve he was completely unprepared for the constant erections and urges to have sex. He didn’t ever expect that humping pillows would become part of a routine that he’d started out of instinct.

Eric would always look forward to alone time at home after being all day at school, or else he’d have to wait until his parents fell asleep. Then yet another set of complications dropped on him when he first produced sperm. Not only was he surprised at shooting a sticky mess but he suddenly found the idea of impregnating girls to be hot. Things just kept piling up for him to hide away and all he could do was get over his guilt about it all. He supposed that a few months stranded on Site B helped him with that.

Eric went back to his room, pulling down his boxers to let his four inches spring free. Taking off his shirt so it’s not in the way, both pieces of clothing ended up discarded on the floor. He grabbed two of his four pillows that he designated as ones not meant for sleeping on. He stacked them on the bed, placing his knees on either side as if to mount them. Using his thumb to spread the increasing amount of precum over his dick’s head, he began using his hips to rub the length and his balls against the pillow.

“Oh…Zia…”

Eric slowly thrusted, thinking back to Zia’s ass that wasn’t big but still perfectly and nicely shaped under her gray pants. It wasn’t the first time he’d seen it in tight pants or shorts, it was just his most recent view. The most revealing clothing he’s seen her wear was a sports bra while out on a run. He imagined himself fucking her from behind, running his hands on her flat stomach to her small tits. It was all he could emulate.

“Mm… oh…”

He wanted to lift her legs up on his shoulders and pound her but he also wanted her on top pinning him down. Eric’s moans grew more frequent and louder at the thought of Zia being forceful. Since he lived alone Eric never held back anymore.

“Ah… oh fuck, fuck...”

Every time he learned to pace himself more and more to last longer. He also thought it’d make his orgasm even better. He then thought about how Zia held him close. Eric’s mattress started creaking as he quickened his pace, ravenously plowing his pillow as he felt a pressure build.

“Mmn, oh Zia-a..AH-”

Eric kept pumping his hips as he came, spurting out five loads all over the pillow, moaning while his body shook and slowly begun to stop humping. Tiring himself out, he collapsed down on to the pillow for a while. Eventually getting up Eric found his dick still hard and sticking in the air, but he stopped himself from going any further rounds. Once was enough or he’d be wasting his morning going again until he was sore. After cleaning up his mess and tossing his pillow case in the laundry basket, Eric sat down and pulled his clothes back on.

He taught himself to feel less guilty thinking about girls he knew when he masturbated, as long as he didn’t let those thoughts taint his mind around them. Catching real feelings for girls wasn’t new to him either, but this time the issue is the girl is an adult and into other girls, so he shouldn’t even think of her as anything but a friend. He would never say such a cheesy thing out loud but Zia has been nothing but an angel to him. She was giving him exactly everything he always wanted for years, hangouts, touches, a genuine friendship. Yet despite that being way more than enough for him, Eric couldn’t stamp out his feelings for her.

Chapter Text

“Shh, it’s okay cutie.”

Delta relaxed and opened her jaws for Zia in order to have her teeth inspected. Though she’s gotten to know this much nicer vet, the juvenile Velociraptor was still weary of these checkups which was why Barry gently held her while she stood on the exam table. She calmed down around her favorite human, who would take turns with Owen holding the raptors just to further reassure them that their new vet is to be trusted, in hopes that there was even a fraction of a chance this would help bring any measure of safety once they became adults.

While the other raptors were playing close by in their paddock, Zia was glad Delta wouldn’t get distracted seeing as she was currently using a small flashlight to look inside her mouth, careful to not cause Delta to get twitchy when she had to lightly poke around with a tool.

“You’re being very patient today.”

Barry followed Delta’s gaze, suggesting, “She might be intrigued by your shirt.”

Beneath her green jacket Zia wore a black tour shirt with the album art of Hysteria.

“You want to listen to Def Leppard, girl?”

“Who knows, they all might’ve already heard it. You and Owen have some overlap in music taste.”

“Aww you guys put music for them?”

“Owen tries to get them hooked on his rock bands.”

“I can imagine. I’m glad you always do the best job cleaning her teeth. She really likes you.”

“I know Delta scares people the most but she’s a good girl. Even she comprehends that you’re the upgrade.”

Zia smiled, the guys always made sure that felt appreciated.

“I just try my best for all my patients. They sure are recovering from the last guy quickly.”

“It’s exactly the kind of progress we’ve been hoping for. Basic respect goes a long way.”

Zia gently outstretched Delta’s arms to inspect for any wounds, “No fights?”

“They’re all still behaving relatively well, with each other!”

“Oh, Blue must have them all in their rebellious stage now.”

“It’s manageable. As long as they’re getting along we hope that stays that way at least. I’ve seen two packs go sour, who knows if InGen had more before we were on the scene.”

He set Delta down on the floor, who chittered at him and blinked at Zia before returning to the rest of the pack. The paleo-veterinarian realized what Barry meant, “I didn’t know you went through that, I’m sorry. It hurts when you lose your animals.”

“It’s rough but we have a good feeling about these girls, a very good feeling. We see nothing but love between them all. I’m sure you’ve seen how Blue’s taken Charlie as her little apprentice.”

“And Delta and Echo always scheming together. Shit I wish I had what they had, I was an only child with a lot of pets. How about you did you have any siblings?”

“Seven of them,” Barry grinned at Zia’s widened eyes, “it was as chaotic as you think it was.”

“Man, I bet so.”

“The funny thing is I had all these siblings yet I felt left out. And like you animals were my favorite thing, so I liked to go exploring in these woods near my home to find little frogs and salamanders.”

“That’s always a fun time. I loved my animals and they loved me, but I always wished I had a human connection that lasted.”

“I felt the same way. Now I finally made it, working this crazy job that can be tough, but it’s all made better when your best friend is with you the whole way.”

Zia silently agreed, and right then she heard Owen’s voice outside in the paddock. He had been on his phone for a while.

“Dr. Rodriguez huh? How’s she been treating you?…”

Barry heard him as well, “Who do you think that might be?”

“Probably Eric. We went hiking yesterday. It was fun until he tripped and scraped himself on a log, poor thing.”

“Is he okay?”

“Took it like a fuckin’ champ. All he did was curse and tell me to stop worrying.”

Barry chuckled, “That’s Eric for you! Maybe one of the scientists will get a blood sample off that log to clone him.”

They laughed at that, and Barry got ready to leave, “Well I’ve got to go. I’ll tell Owen to get his ass here with Charlie. See you later, Zia.”

“Later man!”

She watched him do as he said he would and leave for the day. Owen finished up his call and knelt down to whistle for Charlie, who dropped the toy she was playing with and leapt into his arms. He entered the medical room and took her over to the examination table, “Last one, Doc.”

As he made his way Owen thought about how Charlie responded the worst to the previous vet. She never turned aggressive at Dr. Wilson’s rough handling and restraints, she was only scared. Owen had known there was no way the pack didn’t talk among themselves about their mistreatment. Charlie’s fear had to be the catalyst that got Blue angry enough to break through her restraints and retaliate.

“What’s up my little iguana!”

Charlie happily squawked at the sound of Zia’s adoring voice as Owen took a seat, letting go of her on the table so she could lean into the woman’s pets. The youngest raptor surprisingly outgrew the need for reassurance and Owen couldn’t help feeling the infectious joy. Memories of his eldest, most promising raptor tearing into a bloody leg left his mind. He didn’t hate Blue for it, she brought a good change they’d all been wanting. He did hate that InGen forced him to see fear and ruthlessness from his babies so unnecessarily.

Zia proceeded with her examination while the raptor trainer began to make conversation, “Things go well with Eric yesterday?”

“Great, just great. He told you everything didn’t he? I feel bad that he got hurt.”

“He isn’t holding it against you, he was gushing-”

“Really?”

Owen laughed, “No pun intended, but he really was gushing about how much fun you had together on that trip. That was nice of you to do that for him.”

“It looked like he needed to get away from everything.”

“He told me you’d be hanging out again today. Are you okay with that?”

“Of course, why?”

“I know you had a busy week and with this being the third day in a row spending time with a kid, I was just wondering if you’d need your space.”

“Oh it’s no problem at all! I don’t feel like a babysitter or anything, I’ve grown to really care about him. He’s my friend.”

“I think he needed one like you in his life.”

Zia used a stethoscope on Charlie. She didn’t want to take away credit from what he and others have done for Eric.

“He did have you guys already.”

“Well we’re more like family to him. When you were a kid you didn’t want to be around adults all the time. Not that you’re not an adult!”

“Ah I get what you mean, I mean look at me! I get carded. And it doesn’t help I’m kind of immature.”

“Hey I can be the same way too, though that’s one difference. Eric probably sees me as an uncle, that’s more of our dynamic. He’s needed someone younger than us old heads to get him out of that cabin.”

Zia nodded, as she finished putting away her medical tools and set her bag down.

“I’m glad we’re talking about this. I didn’t know the best way to find this out but do you know why’s he living by himself?”

Owen’s voice got quiet as he explained, “There is no sugarcoating it but he got his emancipation after his parents died. I think it’s important for you to know that, but I should let him have the choice to personally tell you the details.”

Zia suspected Eric’s parents weren’t alive but was still saddened to hear it confirmed, “Did he have nobody else?”

“He declined being adopted by Alan and Ellie but I guess it wasn’t a bad choice considering how busy we are most of the time. It’s rare for us to really hang.”

Charlie stuck her head under one of Zia’s arms and purred at the scratches on her chin as the woman spoke.

“He appreciates you and what you do for him. He knows all of you guys do your best.”

Owen knowingly smiled, “No doubt, he’s such a humble kid. Extremely independent too, which can be good but in some ways it’s worrying. I encourage him to socialize, he says he’s fine by himself… but kids need friends.”

Zia decided to say nothing of Eric’s loneliness. She’d feel bad if that was something he kept from others for whatever reason.

Owen added, “With you though, it’s like he finally realized how nice it is to have one.”

“I can’t imagine how he’s functioning.”

“I know if I was him I’d wish someone was there for me. I sure did when I lived through my parents’ divorce.”

“Same here. Well they didn’t split up but they were crazy.”

“It was mostly my father. He still won that custody battle somehow.”

Owen set Charlie on the ground but she chittered and approached him, getting him to kneel down to her and chuckle, “It’s why I was always a bit of a momma’s boy, and he hated that. His own fault though. She wasn’t the one who beat me senseless.”

Before Zia could say anything, Charlie nuzzled Owen’s cheek before running off and he stood back up.

“It’s alright now, see? Cycle’s broken.”

He saw the sympathetic look grow on her face.

“Hey I promise I’m alright.”

“Owen…”

Zia slowly leaned in to hug him and he embraced her back, accepting the gesture.

“You didn’t deserve it, man.”

Owen thought he saw her eyes water behind the glasses.

He realized she must’ve experienced the same thing.

“No one does.”

Eventually Zia finished up for the day and Owen walked her to her truck, “Thank you for looking after our girls as always. You’re an important part of this team, part of this little family we’ve got going on. We should celebrate you being our new vet, I’ve been wanting to get everyone together for a barbecue at my place.”

Zia had gotten into the driver’s seat and switched on the ignition.

“Oh we don’t need to celebrate me but a barbecue sounds fun. I’d like to go...”

“You’re invited to any gathering we have from now on. I’ll plan it out sometime. Let’s meet up sooner either way, maybe get some Ben and Jerry’s.”

“Ben and Jerry’s?”

“Yeah! I haven’t had ice cream in a while. Unless you want something else.”

“No that’s good, I’d actually really like that.”

“Great! Now though I’m sure the little guy is waiting for you. Both of you have fun!”

“You too.”

All four raptors squawked from behind the paddock’s front gate, making both of them turn their heads.

“Oh I will.”

“Wait is no one else around to help you?”

“Ahh, I can handle them without Barry, he deserves his early days off. Now go before Vic gets here!”

Zia made the drive to her house through heavy rain, the sky had been full of dark clouds all day. She called a pizza place for delivery over the phone before turning on her radio. Zia had earlier texted Eric her address and to be there at 1:30 pm, the boy responding that he’d use his computer to find directions. Due to the rainfall she just knew she wouldn’t be on time and see the poor kid outside in the cold. She pulled up to her driveway almost twenty minutes late, finding she was correct.

Eric leaned against the railing of the front porch with his red hoodie zipped up, the roof above kept him dry. He perked up at the Jeep Comanche coming into view. Zia got close and rolled down her window, forgetting that she had Come as You Are blasting. He smiled at her but she turned the music down and still apologized.

“Sorry I made you wait!”

“You didn’t take long, besides I like this weather.”

“For a minute there I thought the pizza guy was going to beat me here first.”

Eric watched her park under shade in front of the garage and she quickly joined him up on the porch.

“You’re not going to park it inside?”

“No that’s my workout room but uh,” Zia looked around, “did you walk here? Where’s your ATV?”

“Oh I brought my bike. It’s right over there.”

When her eyes followed to where Eric pointed Zia didn’t expect to see a navy blue and black dirt bike parked by a fence underneath some trees that shielded it from the rain.

“The fuck, I thought you meant an actual bike!”

“…It is an actual bike?”

“It’s a real bike alright, I meant I thought you came on a bicycle.”

“Oh. I’ve got one of those too.”

Zia sighed looking through her keys, “You dork. Owen taught you, huh?”

“Yes, the bike is so much more fun. I mostly use the ATV to carry things that can’t fit in a backpack.”

She unlocked the front door, “Where’s your helmet? I hope you’re being safe on that thing.”

“I don’t drive crazy and its not a dangerous road here. I made it before it started raining.”

Zia noticed a lack of mud on any part of him so she believed him, “Alright, good enough for now I guess.”

She noticed Eric glancing up from looking at her neck. She wore a choker today.

“I like your outfit.”

“Thank you!”

Zia was glad as long as she wore a jacket or vest with the veterinary patch on it, Dr. Harding had a reasonably lenient dress code for field vets. He simply asked them to use their heads on what’s practical, appropriate, and might get dirty in their line of work.

Zia hung up her jacket and the two walked past the light blue walls of the kitchen and living room. Eric saw some hints of Mexican decor including patterned rugs and curtains, ceramic vases and pottery, and a Mayan mask replica that he noticed matched the tattoo on Zia’s shoulder.

“Your house is so nice.”

“Thanks, it’s a dream come true. Want a coke or, actually would you rather wait until the pizza gets here?”

“I’ll wait.”

“Lemme show you around then, this way.”

Hung up right before the hallway they were entering, Eric saw a portrait of a fluffy black cat with big green eyes and brown highlights on his fur. Zia lead him down the hall past a bathroom and closet, opening a door to the garage.

“See? Workout room. I didn’t want to have to keep moving my living room around all the time. And it’s nicer without all this stuff taking up room over there.”

Half of the space was reserved for gym equipment such as a treadmill, dumbbells and a yoga mat. The other half still served as a storage area with a bunch of cabinets full of whatever supplies and tools Eric assumed Zia kept in there, though there was also a small table with some camping chairs and a dart board posted on the wall.

“You must really like exercising.”

“It’s fun. Need to stay in shape though, you never know what’s going to happen on this island.”

“Right.”

They went back inside the house and Zia lead Eric upstairs to the second floor.

“That’s the bathroom, a little guest room, and I’ll show you the cool fuckin’ balcony when it stops pouring.”

Eric saw outside the glass doors that the rain had only gotten heavier, and Zia opened her bedroom door.

“Here’s my room! Let me change and then I’ll show you the pictures I got printed.”

While she grabbed some clothes and went into her bathroom, Eric looked around. There were a few paintings hung up that ranged from abstract to landscape. He deduced that they were painted by Zia herself judging by a wooden table full of art supplies he spotted. A corner of the room was reserved for her computer desk where her degree and certificates were framed up on the wall. There were also a lot of posters of movies and punk rock bands, or at least that’s the genre he thought they were. He could never tell.

Contrasting that were some plush animal toys she kept on whatever space was available on her furniture. Zia did strike him as the type of girl to be into collecting cute things. Maybe now he’d feel less embarrassed if she were to see the few legos he’d fidget with in his room. Zia came back out, having exchanged her black jeans and red Doc Martens for more comfortable sweatpants and fluffy socks. She found Eric looking at the group of plushies she kept on her nightstand and put a hand on his shoulder.

“Those are my oldest ones, kept them since I was little. I hid them for years after my mom tried to get rid of them.”

“Scared me.”

“They do?”

“No you did, they’re cute. I didn’t hear you coming. Your mom tried to get rid of them?”

Eric watched her pick up a large eared bat, stretching its purple wings.

“She thought I was too old for them. When I was like ten.”

“Mean.”

“If only she could see me now!”

Most of them were animals but Eric saw a few characters like E.T. and Hello Kitty sitting on the bookshelves. She even had some dinosaurs sold exclusively in Jurassic World’s shops that were next to her computer.

“Guess what I even have?”

Eric turned to her and she tossed him a pink ball. When he caught it he found it had a smiley face and red shoes with a star wand in one of its stubby hands.

“It’s you!”

Eric grinned, “Some kids at school would tell me. I still haven’t played any of his games yet.”

“How can you not? We need to change that some day.”

She plugged her iPod into the digital clock radio on her nightstand. It began playing Ashes in the Wind by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.

“It’s kind of weird, I’ve never invited anyone over before.”

“You never had any visitors?”

That wasn’t entirely true, Zia once had an unexpected visitor.

“Well, Claire stopped by after I completed my training. Just to congratulate me and chat for a bit. You’ve met her right?”

“Yeah. Everyone says she’s a scary boss lady but she talked to me like a kindergarten teacher. Like she didn’t know how to talk to an older kid. I know she was only trying to make me feel welcome but she’s kind of awkward.”

Zia laughed, “I know what you mean! When I met her at an employee banquet thing we sort of gravitated to each other because I can be awkward too. I tried being very understanding with her and we ended up having a nice conversation.”

“Sounds like she likes you if she wanted to see you again.”

“We’re friendly I guess. It’s not like I’m going to see her again anytime soon, being the park manager and all.”

“Do you think she might be into you?”

“Noooo she is not. If she was I would be able to tell and besides, I’m not stealing her away from Owen. Bro code, man!”

Zia opened a drawer and grabbed a folder, “You’re probably wondering where all my photos are but for now I keep them in scrapbooks over on that shelf.”

“Maybe you should pin them on a board, or frame them if you don’t want to ruin them.”

“I’ll see. I do want to do what you did and frame ones with my friends. If I were to take pictures with them. I have that one in a frame over on my computer cause it’s got Kizzy.”

“Oh I want to see her.”

Eric went over to take a look and Zia added, “That’s also me there when I was fourteen.”

He thought it was cute how the girl who was undeniably Zia stood hugging Kizzy close to her in a garden with a cloudy Seattle sky, beaming that gap tooth smile he loved. Eric wondered what happened to her pet, he could tell she really loved her and he recognized the cat’s appearance matched the painting in the living room. He also figured Zia was always a tomboy, sporting a frizzy bob with bangs, wearing a black flannel, denim shorts and red high tops that showed off her long, slender legs.

Eric had to snap himself out of it. No shit he would’ve crushed on her as hard as he did now, but he could not be getting this bad about Zia in her own room.

“Hey come on.”

Zia patted a spot for him on her bed, and he sat with her. She had spread out the photos of their trip.

“These are all extras of everything I took.”

Zia had pretended to not notice he’d been looking a little too long. She chalked it up to curiosity, after all he was seeing Kizzy and herself as a teenager. Yet the more she thought about it the more she hoped Eric found her younger self cute. She liked to think he would’ve been nice to her. Maybe would’ve called her pretty, maybe would’ve wanted to hold hands…

“These all look so good!”

The enthusiasm in his voice made Zia happy to finally have someone to share her hobby with. Eric only kept praising her shots of the different views of the falls, the Brachiosaurs, the river, even the wild Compsognathus pack that she noticed he kept his distance from at the time.

“I think I’m keeping everything so far, you’re a really good photographer.”

“Thank you. Look at you here.” Zia said handing him one that she took of him.“Your eyes are so pretty.”

Eric shyly took the compliment, “Thanks.”

She pulled up another photo, this time with his eyes crossed and tongue out, “Look at this goofy ass kid though.”

“You told me to make a face! What about you?”

“What are you on about, I always look good!”

Eric handed Zia a shot that he had taken where she had her hands on her knees slightly squatting with her butt out to the canyon, one of the Brachiosaurs in the background coincidentally looking in her direction. They both laughed at it.

Eric next found a shot that was of him and Zia together in front of the canyon. He knew he’d put this one in a frame next to the others in his living room, Zia looked at it too.

“I like that one. You look happy.”

“It’s cause you’re next to me.”

Eric did not know why he let that slip but Zia put an arm around the blushing boy to bring him close.

“Such a sweetie. Pizza’s probably almost here, you sure you want to keep them all?”

“Yeah, you have your own copies right?”

“Yep just don’t forget to take the whole folder home, we’ll just put these all back in there. Let’s go back downstairs.”

In the living room Zia looked through her collection of different DVDs of movies from the eighties and nineties, pretty much everything she loved growing up. The door then rang and she went to get it.

“You pick, I’m not sure what you’d like.”

Eric turned on the TV and put in a disc while she fished through her wallet to give the delivery driver the exact change, returning with two pizzas and a box of wings. She set them on the coffee table in front of the TV.

“Hope you’re hungry. What’d you choose?”

“Terminator 2. I only saw the first one.”

“It’s even better, I’ll get us some soda.”

The movie already showed the nuclear bombing of Los Angeles and the future war. Zia brought back two glasses of coke, handing one to Eric. She wondered when was the last time someone sat down to watch a movie with her.

The T-800 took off from the bar and Zia pointed at the screen with a pizza slice, “That’s Owen.”

“He’d make a good terminator. He’s got the gun and motorcycle.”

“And he’s tall as hell.”

The movie cut to a suburban home where John Connor was working on a dirt bike with a friend. Eric didn’t even have to look at Zia, he felt her gaze.

“He’s not me.”

“I didn’t say he was?”

“He looks nothing like me!”

“What other brown haired boy do I know that rides a dirt bike? Actually I can’t tell if you look more like John or mullet kid.”

“Now you’re being racist!”

“Oh you’re dramatic. They dress pretty cool don’t you think? We should get you some band shirts.”

“Like yours?”

“Yeah, I think you’d look cool dressing a bit more grungy.”

“You do dress yourself in cool styles. I always wanted to dress like a skater anyway, that’s kind of why I bought like six flannels.”

“Oh I thought those were just for your work outfit.”

“I was kind of copying Dr. Grant’s outfit at the same time…”

“You’re adorable! Glad you didn’t get a hat, I’d hate to see you hide your fluff,” Zia said as she ruffled his hair.

The movie began to pick up at the galleria, the T-800 was revealed to be a protector and proceeded to fight the T-1000. After the motorcycle and truck chase scene through the canal, Eric got a very melty slice of pizza, taking a bite off of it that stretched and tore off a larger amount of cheese than intended. He began to eat it all now that it was just hanging out of his mouth and Zia saw that he wasn’t using his hand.

“Jeez just grab it. You’ve been around dinosaurs too long, you don’t need to imitate how they eat!”

By the time she said that he already finished, “I got it.”

“You’re lucky nothing got on my couch. You have a little sauce there.”

Zia pointed out a splotch of tomato on his cheek, only Eric licked it off and accidentally got her too close finger.

“Woah man!”

Eric’s eyes widened before they both started to laugh. Both of their faces had turned red.

“Sorry!”

Zia had to keep herself from being as flustered as she felt internally, “You were like a gecko, see what I mean?

“Geckos aren’t dinosaurs.”

“You nerd, who’s the one with a degree here?”

“Sorry ma’am,” Eric dared to continue as Zia squinted at him, “I mean miss. I mean DOCTOR-”

She playfully shoved a pillow in his face, “Ughh, hearing that from you makes me feel old.”

Zia then began to feel bad.

“Did I hurt you?”

“No? You’re not going to break my nose. I’m not fragile!”

Zia took a swig of soda, “I need to stop being so mean to you.”

“You weren’t even! I know you’re just playing around.”

“I need to be less violent.”

“Trust me Zia, you are not violent.”

Deeper into the movie the two of them were engrossed by it, giving their full attention to the Cyberdyne shootout. Zia had halfway laid down on the couch and Eric felt her lean her head on his shoulder.

“This is so badass and loud, how are you falling asleep?”

“I’m not. Is it alright with you if I just rest here?”

“…Yes.”

For a while Eric tried to ignore how much he liked this. He wasn’t sure if he should touch her back, even though he really wanted to. Eventually Zia held on to his arm and Eric absentmindedly leaned his head against hers. He would steal glances at her, she was so cute to him the way she cuddled up. They continued to watch the movie to the very end, watching the sad goodbye of the T-800 with Sarah Connor’s narration about a hopeful future for humanity.

“Good huh?”

“That was great!”

Zia got up to stretch her arms and looked out the window as Eric asked, “What do you want to do now?”

“It stopped raining, want to get high?”

“W-wha-“

She cracked up at the the wide eyed reaction she was looking for and tapped his nose.

“I’m kidding! I do mean going to the balcony though. Bring some pizza if you want, there’s a table.”

Once on the second floor, Zia put on a sweater and shoes and slid open the glass door to her outside balcony situated on top of the garage.

Eric set down a plate on the table with the remaining pizza, “That was one of the best movies I’ve ever seen.”

Zia got a slice, “Its been a favorite of mine forever. It’s one of those movies that’s just perfect.”

“I like how different it was to the first one and it was still good. Arnold got to be a hero and Sarah was turned into a badass.”

“I know right? I liked all the characters, John and Miles, and the T-1000 too. His effects are still good, and back then that was the first time they made a cgi character.”

“Wait but he was making dinner pretending to be John’s stepmom right? Imagine if he never called home, how long would it pretend to be her?”

“That is pretty funny to think about. Way funnier than anything in the third movie”

“Oh yeah I heard there was another one.”

“Yeahhh but it’s not very good, it was cheesy in a bad way and I don’t know if it made sense. Honestly they should’ve left it alone at Judgement Day.”

“That sucks, a lot of movies always mess up with part three. Except Indiana Jones.”

“You’re so right. I can’t think of other good examples.”

They leaned against the railing seeing as how the chairs were still wet. They looked out into the view of Nublar’s forests and green mountains currently covered in fog and low hanging clouds. Zia watched Eric take in the surrounding atmosphere until he looked up at her.

“This is a cool spot. You must come out here a lot.”

“I do when I feel like relaxing outside. I like to hang out here even in the mornings when I can with some warm waffles, feeling the nice breeze with this beautiful view.”

Thunder rumbled off in the distance. She saw Eric grin.

“Alright Kirby, I know you think it’s still beautiful.”

“It is. These have always been my favorite kind of days, where its cold and raining outside. It makes movie nights or um, movie days better too. Thank you for the food and inviting me over by the way.”

Zia took a sip of soda from her glass, “No problem buddy. I missed having hangouts like this, I… don’t really socialize a lot.”

“Not even with the other vets?”

“We don’t cluster around one place unless you’re working in one of the medical facilities. I didn’t really make friends with any of them while we were training.”

Eric finished the last of his pizza crust before asking, “Do you like your job?”

He looked at Zia watch the clouds drift in the sky as she spoke, “I love it, I feel like I found my purpose in life. I think of how the reason dinosaurs were brought back is just because we humans wanted to see them alive. And in a way it’s like we created them just to be loved and taken care of by us.”

Eric smiled, he agreed with that. All John Hammond wanted was to give the world something to look at in wonder.

InGen just lost sight of that since the original park fell.

Zia set her glass on the table, “Man sorry I got all mushy there.”

“No that was… poetic maybe? I don’t know, but that was nice.”

She laughed, “I could’ve just answered yes, I love my job, instead of being all artsy about it.”

“I mean, it was beautiful!”

Zia looked away, “Okay, okay, thanks. I’m just not used to being expressive that way, with my words. Didn’t know I had it in me. Why did you ask if I like my job anyway?”

Eric sighed, “Well… helping this park makes me feel like I do important work. Taking care of dinosaurs makes me happy and I still can’t believe I get to feed Rexy. I’m grateful to be here, but outside of my job… its been hard…”

She didn’t have to guess what he was trying to say.

“I know exactly how you feel. One part of your life is satisfying while another isn’t. It’s a different need you know? It’s just especially hard if that need is the social part.”

Thunder rumbled off again but Eric smiled up at her, “You really do understand me.”

Zia put her hand on his shoulder and they went quiet watching the sky together, until Eric spoke again.

“I think I should tell you how I was hired.”

That sure got her attention.

“You sure? I know that’s been private to you for a reason, so only if you feel comfortable okay?”

“I do. You’re my best friend and I think you deserve to know.”

Zia’s face felt warm, and either it didn’t turn pink or Eric seemed to not notice because he continued.

“What I’m going to say is the truth and I promise I’m fine now.”

That… was slightly worrying but Zia nodded, “Alright, what is it?”

Eric looked her in the eyes. She couldn’t place the emotion behind them yet.

“I was stranded by myself on Isla Sorna for about eleven weeks.”

Zia’s mind had to process that for a few seconds.

This kid, alone on the other island that had long been abandoned.

For that long?

She was astounded yet everything began to make so much sense to her now.

“Almost three months? Are you sure you’re okay? When did this happen?

“From December twenty-first to March ninth.”

That made it seem so much worse to her. His gaze felt guarded to her, intensely guarded.

“O-okay, you must have so much to talk about, I cant even imagine...”

“I’ll tell you the important stuff, get this out of the way. On my last two days my parents tried to save me with five other people, Dr. Grant was one of them. He’s the only person besides me that survived.”

Zia had to restrain herself from hugging him at the mention of his parents, before he even finished. She knew she had to pretend to have no prior knowledge of their deaths, but it didn’t take away from the severity of the situation. The Kirby’s died on that island trying to save their son.

“I’m so sorry, Eric.”

He simply stood silent hugging her back. He still didn’t know exactly how to respond when people told him they were sorry, its not like it was their fault.

“It hurts a lot less now that its been a while.”

“It’s barely been a few months since March. How on earth are you casually talking about this?”

“I already talked through it with a counselor and Dr. Grant. Mr. Masrani too, he wanted to make it up to me by paying for my counseling and offered to pay to either let me live in Enid again or stay on Nublar with a job at the park.”

“That explains that, he was always looking for qualified people. You’re now basically a handler.”

“Well they call me a handler in training. I didn’t even know he was going to offer me a job, I just told him in detail what I experienced and answered his questions. From that he started out having me help improve how to interact with the dinosaurs and better take care of them, even helping how the ACU can be safer in emergencies.”

“Then you worked up to actually taking care of the dinosaurs?”

“Yeah I was supervised at first but after a while I guess they saw that I really know how to handle things myself.”

Zia believed him. Eric wasn’t simply hired out of pity, he had valuable insight.

“You must’ve had plenty of encounters while you were stranded out there… you must’ve been so scared.”

“Being there was… even though it was scary, when I wasn’t busy trying to not die, it wasn’t all bad. Sometimes it was like I was free, like it made so much sense for me to be there out in the wild. Like I belonged.”

Zia wasn’t sure if that was his way of coping or if he really did have days where he felt at ease on Sorna. Either way she couldn’t blame him for not being able to return to a normal life in Oklahoma, she has seen firsthand how he is naturally comfortable around dinosaurs, maybe even more so than people. It’d have been a total waste of his talents, though she had no idea how the hell Masrani was getting around child labor laws.

Zia slowly let go of Eric and looked down at him, “It made me sad to know you lived alone, but now that I know… your parents...”

“I’ve made peace with it. When they died of course I was devastated. I expected nothing good to happen when I found out they came looking for me. And I was right. I feel sorry for everyone who got killed.”

“I hope you’re not blaming yourself.”

Eric weakly smiled, “Dr. Grant told me everyone knew what they were getting into when they went to go save me.”

That wasn’t a denial to Zia. She could tell something still bothered him about that, asking, “How did you end up on Site B?”

“My mom’s boyfriend Ben wanted to take me on a parasailing tour that took us close to Sorna. There was fog and something killed the drivers. It must’ve been Pteranodon or Geosternbergia, Dr. Grant thinks so. The boat crashed and we were forced to glide on to the island. We got tangled in a tree and Ben couldn’t get loose. He told me to run when we heard raptors coming.”

Zia felt a chill at that last part, finding it impressive that Eric didn’t even seem phased. And he was the one who was there.

“Were you close with Ben?”

“I barely knew him for a week. I still feel bad that he died, he seemed nice enough to my mom even though I didn’t really like him. He was like the opposite of my dad.”

“In what ways?”

“Ben was super outgoing and assertive… sometimes weird. My dad was calm and kind of dorky, sometimes too careful about life. He’d do things like drive five miles under the speed limit or try to make me wear knee pads whenever I went skating. He had a hardware store he was proud of, and he liked to read and go fishing. I liked being with him.”

Zia smiled at that, she was glad Eric had fond memories of his father. Though she began to realize how awful of an idea the parasail tour was.

“Jurassic World was announced over three years ago, why would Ben even risk this trip?”

“He was a risk taker I guess. He traveled the world, skydived, climbed mountains, went on safaris. He was rich enough to do that stuff, he even had his own yacht and everything. My mom said he was in some kind of adventuring group.”

There it was. Zia knew all about how people sometimes trespassed on to the islands, whether they were poachers or thrill-seekers. Masrani believed this would stop with opening a new park, but announcing it didn’t stop these people from making a stupid game out of visiting the islands before the public is allowed just so they can brag about it amongst themselves.

She dryly asked, “Sorna was his idea wasn’t it?”

“…Yep.”

“Did he know you liked dinosaurs?”

“No, I didn’t open up to him and I was a lot more shy back then. My mom probably told him.”

“Where was she when you got stranded?”

“Probably at the beach or hotel we stayed at. She didn’t want to go but she trusted him with me. He was just trying to do a nice thing for me.”

Zia only stared off into the sky. She had a lot to say about Amanda Kirby but now wasn’t the time to criticize her.

“We don’t know if Ben was genuinely trying to bond with you, but there was definitely something in it for him too.”

“Like what?”

“Getting on your mom’s good side, but what I really don’t like is that he was part of an adventuring group. He had to know Jurassic World would open in less than half a year”

“He was always very up to date on the news…”

“And the whole planet knew Jurassic World was coming, you had to live under a rock to not know that. He could’ve waited just a little later to bring you and your mom here to look at every dinosaur up close and safe. Instead he took you on an illegal tour for a very slim chance of seeing anything.”

Eric sat silently, no one had put it that way to him before. He assumed Ben happened to meet those Dino-Soar tour guys while they vacationed in Costa Rica. He wondered if he didn’t go into as much detail during his counseling with Dr. Murphy that she couldn’t reach the same conclusion Zia did. He didn’t mean to withhold information but at the time he couldn’t help that he was exhausted and felt like part of him had died. He’d been overwhelmed dealing with so much questioning when he was finally taken off Site B.

Now time had passed and he was talking to someone that made him feel more alive, normal even.

“I actually don’t feel guilty anymore. I hope that doesn’t sound like I don’t care about the people who died though.”

Zia ran a hand through his hair, “You’re a good kid. But you really shouldn’t have to live with that weight when it was out of your hands from the beginning.”

Eric wrapped his arms around her.

“Thank you, Zia. That made me feel much better.”

“I’m glad it does.”

It was still hard for her to comprehend that this kid lived to tell the tale. Not even a teenager yet and he’s experienced a lot that would’ve pushed anyone who wasn’t a seasoned survivalist to insanity. Zia was so glad many things were working out for Eric on Nublar because she began to think about how despite that, those three months on Sorna were sticking with him forever in some form. Even though Eric thrives in the path his life has taken, it was unfair the way it had to happen. He didn’t deserve the anxiety and loneliness she’s seen in him, it upset her that these were the circumstances for them to have ever met.

She wondered what might’ve been if the parasail tour yielded no encounter, if a Pterosaur wasn’t there to attack the boat and cause the events that lead all the way up to the point of her presently embracing Eric. She wondered what might’ve been if Ben wasn’t a huge moron and waited to take the Kirbys to Jurassic World. Eric could’ve lead a normal life and continued to be a normal kid, happy… without her. Would they even have crossed paths, given each other a passing glance? He would’ve been just another face in the crowd, another stranger to think about when she went back home alone.

Zia felt Eric shift a little. None of that speculation mattered, nothing could be undone and she had him right now. She looked down to see his big blue eyes staring back up at her. He looked away when they met each other’s gaze, but she kissed the top of his head. She couldn’t imagine a life without the boy in her arms.

Chapter Text

The river’s relentless rush echoed through the coniferous forest, a wall of sound between towering trees.

Eric stood at its edge, peering across at the opposite end where misty canyons loomed beyond a shroud of fog. There was no way to cross the river safely, the water churned deep and dark, and he did not trust waters on the island that he couldn’t see through or wade across. Nothing on the other side beckoned him anyway, the river offered a fleeting calm, a rare pause despite the unease gnawing at him in this new area of the island he’s never been before. Above, the gray skies rumbled with thunder, and Eric decided to call it a day and head back home.

Prehistoric vocalizations bellowed, calling out from deep within the forests. Eric tilted his head, parsing the sounds: the deep moans of Brachiosaurus and the bellows of Stegosaurus opposed the side of the woods closer to him, where carnivores lurked, their cries fainter but no less real. Herbivores weren’t exactly safe either, but the two species not only have tolerated his presence before but would also ward off predators. He moved in their direction, though the fog thickening among the trees swallowed the visibility of distance, he knew lingering here risked more than a storm.

He moved fast but careful, avoiding a reckless sprint that would send him slipping into the mud. He entered the woods, and the path became lined by sequoia trees, creating a dark and damp environment with ferns and mossy logs. Eric kept a careful look out for anything, more thunder reminding him to hurry it along. A brook glinted ahead, its surface broken by rocks of various sizes lying beneath the surface. Eric leapt across, using the protruding rocks as stepping stones, landing deftly on the far side. He simply kept moving forward, the trees lining his path all the way up to a clearing blocked by tall grass he spotted about three hundred feet away.

A sharp screech froze Eric mid-step before he ducked behind a nearby boulder, heart thudding. Knowing exactly what may lurk, he slowly poked his head out to scan the grass for slit pupils, only for the screech to come from above. He spotted a pair of Pteranodon soaring overhead, faces colored cyan with wings that flapped brown and yellow. Breathing easier, he pressed on toward the grass. Eric knew he wasn’t in the clear yet, safety felt like a lie here. He was exposed out in the open expanse where anything could single him out on all sides.

With no choice but to go forward, Eric cautiously pushed aside the first blades of grass. He did his best to keep it all from scratching at his face while he shoved and stamped the grass in his way as quietly as he could. The deeper he went, the darker it grew as the trees that loomed ahead began to engulf the very end of the field in shadows, and the dark clouds moving above did not help put Eric at ease. He felt like he walked right into some forbidden part of the island but he powered through it, even as the trees began to blot out what little light the cloudy sky could provide, until he paused to put his hand to his nostrils at a terrible stench wafting in the air.

It wasn’t uncommon to find signs or traces of dinosaurs, whether or not they were in the vicinity, whether or not they were alive. Scents tended to linger and right now he smelled rotting flesh. The sky rumbled as he pressed a bandana to his face with one hand while the other slowly pushed aside the last of the foliage. He’d finally stepped out of the field when his heart jolted—his foot slipped on a sudden drop, arms flailing as he fought to steady himself, only to fall forward and tumble down a short cliff, landing in the mud below.

Eric groaned, using one arm to lift his body before the other followed suit. Grunting, he shakily got himself back up on his legs quickly, ignoring the soreness in the arm he’d landed on as he tried to wipe whatever mud he could off of himself. The smell came back stronger and he turned to find the source of it, his eyes widening at what was in front of him. He knew the foul scent meant death, but nothing could have prepared him for the corpses sprawled before him: the broken body of a Gallimimus that looked like it’d been trampled into the ground, and four Parasaurolophus had been mauled, their skin dyed red with their own blood and some missing heads. By the stream, three fully grown Stegosaurus lay on their sides with chunks of flesh missing and their intestines seemingly erupted out of their stomachs, while a bloated Corythosaurus bobbed in the water, tainting it with a murky color.

Thunder rumbled again and Eric felt the dread wash over him at the carnage he just stumbled into. There was no sign of life, the sight of a pack of Compsognathus would've eased his racing heart but not a single one of the tiny green scavengers were to be found touching any of the easy pickings. Eric’s breathing became rapid. Nothing dead on the island lasted more than a minute without being swarmed by compies, unless the corpses were in a carnivore den. This was an area where herbivore herds regularly drank from.

Worse yet none of these kills were eaten by whatever did this. Waste like this defied nature, even here. He knew it was a risk to be out so late and the clouds were only getting darker which just made his arrival at this bleak massacre much worse. His mind tried to make sense of what his next move should be, what direction he should go, his breath shallow as sweat began to form on his brow. He considered turning to scramble back up that cliff before he snapped his attention to a rustling in the bushes to his right that nearly gave him a heart attack until a beaked face peered up at him, its bewildered eyes meeting his own.

The baby Stegosaurus slightly drew its head back, and Eric’s chest tightened with pity for the herbivore that looked at him almost pleadingly. He knew this one was now an orphan, and he had to get it to a new herd. He’s returned babies that wandered off too far to their parents before, he was not about to leave this one behind in hell. It began to drizzle, which didn’t improve his anxiousness, the island’s rainfall had been turning into downpour lately. He didn’t know if he’d even be able to get himself someplace safe once it got dark, it would be very difficult to guide a stubborn, calf-sized dinosaur out of this death-strewn hell anywhere.

A relentless eruption of thunder ripped across the sky as rain and sweat trickled down Eric’s forehead, his mind racing to devise a plan while he surveyed his surroundings. He knew something was very, very wrong and for one moment only the patter of rainfall and the murmur of the stream filled the air—until the trees shuddered violently, a massive snout lunging from the shadows with a low rasp, sending Eric yelping and stumbling backwards onto the mud. He whipped his head toward the long jaws of the beast only to watch in horror as they lifted the wailing Stegosaur from the ground, its cries silenced by a sickening crunch. Eric’s whole body began trembling before he choked back a sob, trying to blink away tears when it swallowed the limp form, blood spilling onto the vegetation where the baby herbivore once stood.

Thunder cracked once more before the stomps of massive legs began to shake the ground and what little remained of the sky was blocked out by a tall sail once the creature fully revealed itself from the tree line. Eric was engulfed in darkness, and the low, raspy growling made his hair raise. All he could do was look up at the dinosaur’s long snouted face silhouetted against the dark cloudy sky, water dripping from the jaws in the increasingly heavy rain. A flash of lightning highlighted rusty colored skin and emerald eyes that coldly stared him down, as if the slit pupils were waiting for his next move. Eric wanted to flee but it had been as if the downpour itself had weighed so heavy that it kept him from getting away from the beast that lowered its head to him.

The snout edged closer with a hissing exhale, and Eric flinched at the puffs of warm air, its breath foul with rot that churned his stomach. Rain rinsed away his tears as he locked eyes with the narrowed green gaze, refusing to blink in a last stand of defiance even as terror clawed at his resolve. Then the jaws gaped wide to unleash a deafening, guttural roar that blasted his ears and the hair out of his face, a death sentence echoing through the storm. The reverberation constricted his throat and paralyzed his body, his reality now a screaming, putrid void with only the glint of jagged teeth piercing the darkness. Eric helplessly stared into the abyss, until it plunged him into a crushing, brutal clamp of its jaws.

He jolted from where he’d been lying, chest heaving, heart pounding. His eyes squinted against the faint white light blurring his vision, then settled as he used both hands to rub his eyes. The familiar edges of his bedroom sharpened into focus, and he felt a wave of relief wash over him. He swallowed hard, a shuddering exhale escaping as he slumped back in bed. Twisting the blinds open to his left, he let Isla Nublar’s soft white skies ease his breathing, the calming sight a stark balm to where he'd just been.

He could go days without nightmares, but they were not going to just disappear. They always dragged him back to the worst of Isla Sorna. He'd fled those jaws but they still had their grip on him. With that, Eric rolled himself out of bed, tossing open drawers for his clothes. His digital clock displayed 9:07 AM in red letters as he tugged on a sweater and black jeans. He then yanked on socks and boots, tying his laces as he shoved the memory aside.

He walked out of his room, jacket in hand with all his essentials in its pockets. Having lost his appetite, he got himself a glass of water from the kitchen and sat on his couch for a few minutes. He’d finished his drink and had been just about ready to get up when the lower part of the nearby shelf caught his eye; he'd forgotten about the box full of pictures he’d dug out recently. He reached out to grab the frame next to it tilted sideways, showing a photo of his parents moving into a new home, their first home. He tossed the frame deeper into the shelf, storming out his cabin and slamming the door on his way out.

After parking his bike in the paddock 9 backlot, Eric climbed up a set of stairs to an employee-only door. It clicked open at the swipe of his key card in the slot, and he stepped into the slate-gray hallways. Trekking the seemingly endless corridors, he made his way to the elevator, pressing his hand to the scanner, and the doors parted open with a soft chime. He punched the button for the first floor, descending as the hum of machinery filled the silence. When the elevator stopped and the doors slid open, they revealed a lush expanse of vivid green ferns beneath towering redwoods. He’d brought himself right into the enclosure.

Eric has only done this twice before. The first time under supervision with ACU troopers on standby, the second alone without telling anybody because he knew he'd get backlash at the idea. Risk or not, he went anyway for the sake of his purpose here after all. Nobody said anything to him afterward to his surprise, the control room had to know. It’s not like he would’ve been able to evade all the cameras if he tried.

He hiked through the environment, knowing practically every inch of the paddock by now. He strolled without a care in the world, treading where many wouldn’t dare to even think of going. He arrived at the clearing where the viewing gallery resided, the structure designed to resemble a giant fallen log. Its large windows offer guests a panoramic view of the paddock but today Eric stood underneath it. He’s gotten used to feeling small for about half a year now, but looking up at the replicated bark texture really made him feel as if he’d been shrunk.

He kept his eyes peeled at the treeline, standing patiently. Just as he began to wonder what was keeping the resident of this paddock, loud footsteps rumbled through the earth, announcing her presence before she appeared. Through the mist-laden trees, he watched the form of the Tyrannosaurus rex emerge with a graceful gait belying her size. A large snout with ivory teeth came into view, exhaling a grumbly puff of air as her massive head broke through the haze. Golden eyes that glowed against dark eyeshadow-like patterns locked on to Eric’s, sharp and ancient.

”Hello girl.”

He smiled as Rexy took one last stomp forward, giving him a low bellow, soft in its tone. She then sat on her haunches before she lowered the rest of her body to the ground, her head held up and her tiny arms splayed in front of her in a way that always reminded Eric of the way a cat sits. It never failed to keep him from cracking a smile. He’d gotten the job performing the feeding shows almost immediately after asking Masrani if he could try his hand at it. Alan and Ellie had tried to talk him out of it but he didn’t understand the ordeal, he found nothing terrifying about going up that tower and throwing a flare in the direction of a goat.

His first time watching Rexy lumber into view within the same space did make him jittery, but when she paused to stare right at him he only saw curiosity. He knew he wasn't supposed to anthropomorphize her, dinosaurs do not share the same human emotions, but he’d observed enough Tyrannosaurus behavior on Sorna to be able to read their body language. It was a matter of life and death then, and now visiting the most infamous predator on the planet on his days off was just a part of his life now. At first it was from the safety of the viewing log during the attraction’s closed hours, whether it was before the first show or after the last of the day, he’d let himself in and without fail she would approach the glass. She’d linger near him with her peaceful gaze devoid of any aggression, her quiet presence a comfort to him.

“I’m glad to see you. I didn’t wake up so well today.”

He didn’t push his luck trying to get any closer to her. He stuck to standing in the same spot by the log that they’d grown accustomed to as their meeting place. He liked to think she tried to listen to him because of her species’s parental instincts. Tyrannosaurus mothers were attentive to their chittering babies, and he figured that to be the logical explanation for why she did this even if she would never comprehend his words. At least someone was listening.

“This time it was pretty bad. I think they’re getting worse. They took me back to places I never wanted to visit ever again already, but this… it was like I was back in time on Sorna again. Alone.”

Eric lightly kicked a stone with his boot, overturning it, “…These aren’t dreams anymore, they’re turning into memories that I tried to forget. I… I met someone who made it all go away… but I haven’t seen her in a while.”

He held back the pain he felt in his chest, but Eric was betrayed by the rise in his voice, “Why can't I have nice dreams for once, you know? Why do they always have to be awful?!”

Rexy rose, and for a second Eric thought he just killed himself by raising his voice at her. The massive head lowered to his level, and he accepted that he deserved the wrath she was about to dish out—only she nudged the side of her face into his body, his arms reflexively jolting up to keep balance. She kept her face pressed against him; once he realized what she was doing Eric felt his eyes go watery, closing them as his mouth nervously twitched into a smile, quietly exhaling a chuckle. She slightly pulled away from him and rubbed her snout against him, with just the right force to be a caress, another gentle grumble in her throat. He couldn’t believe the Tyrannosaurus was comforting him, and when she lifted her head away he looked back up at her in complete awe.

He’d chanced these meets after she ignored everyone but him at the glass, she never made any attempts to get at anybody inside. The park hired the most advanced structural engineers to build the log with shatterproof windows, but there was no doubt in his mind that she could smash through it if she really wanted to. Maybe that’s why he felt so at ease around her—she was capable of so much destruction and yet not once has she lashed out without provocation. He thought she was a reasonable creature. He felt fuzzy inside at being proven right, speechless at the excitement of what he just experienced.

At another puff of air from her nostrils, Eric spoke, “They don’t know how fair you are. You're nothing like what else is out there, what no one knows about. You’re not a monster.”

Rexy let out a soft grumble, her perpetually angry, keratin-lined brows giving her an air of sternness. He saw the irony in his words, calling her fair while staring into a face that screamed prehistoric fury, but he knew now.

“They don’t know what a real monster is.”

People marveled at her, cheering and fearing her. Tyrannosaurus was the essence of nature, like a storm: majestic at a distance, capable of fostering life, but unstoppable forces that can and will destroy you if their thunderous warnings aren’t heeded. She was dangerous, Eric would never tell anyone otherwise. What he has with her is just another set of insane circumstances that he’s found himself in, but what he’ll always maintain is that she is just an animal that does what she does. She stood there, rumbling gently with a deep pitched warble, tilting her head as if to get a better look at him.

“You’re nothing like that.. thing out there. Far away from here.”

Eric didn’t know what else to say, and Rexy made another soft growl, her tail making a low sway before the Tyrannosaurus melted back into the misty forest. With every step the tremors of the earth grew distant, and Eric waited until she’d fully disappeared before he walked to the elevator that would take him up into the log. The doors slid open inside the room where he could access the watchtower, using his keys to unlock the door that led straight into the viewing hall. While shutting and locking it again before he left, his ears picked up the sounds of murmurs and footsteps—he’d lost track of time. The crowds were about to pour in. He made his way, rounding at a corner only to nearly collide with Vic Hoskins.

Eric froze, recognizing the head of InGen’s security division by his goatee and the graying temples of his receding black hair. He wore a black raincoat over a tan dress shirt, his posture exuding confidence. Hoskins didn’t say anything, Eric wondered if he even recognized him at first, until his stomach dropped when he gave a toothy grin of recognition. They’d met before, but never one on one like this.

“Didn’t expect to see you here, Eric,” Hoskins said, his tone casual. “You’re not the handler for today’s show, are you?”

“Just stopping by,” Eric replied, keeping it short.

“I didn’t mean anything by it, you've got the authority to be here. You do great work, kid.”

“Thanks.”

Eric was about to go around him, but then Hoskins continued, “I just wanted to say Masrani made no mistake in hiring you. He should be having you do more work on this level, instead of… hiding you away on babysitter duty.”

Eric didn’t feel like telling him he didn’t mind caring for baby dinosaurs, but Hoskins kept going, “You know, my team and I hunted down the very animal in this paddock when we reclaimed the island. I stood right in front of him without fences. You do it without a rifle in your hands.”

Eric didn’t bother correcting him that Rexy was female, he just wanted this to be over, but Hoskins kept going, “I never got to tell you, but your story is something to admire. And I mean that.”

“Thank you.”

“You being out there on that island alone for three months? It’s inspiring.”

Eric had no idea where this was going and internally sighed when the man didn't let up, “Isla Sorna has to be the most primal place on this planet in our time, survival of the fittest in Mother Nature’s rawest form. And you lived to tell the tale.”

Eric didn’t want his praise and tried to shrug him off, “A lot of it was luck really…”

“You can’t sell yourself short, man. Only a handful of people would have survived that. You’ve gotta admit, the average person will never know what you’ve seen, what you lived through.”

Eric trailed off to look down the hall at the crowds of tourists starting to come in, happily gathering at the windows. His first week stranded, he initially thought he had luck that would run out on that inevitable day he’d die on that island. But by the first month he was a survivor and he knew it. On Isla Sorna, he’d fought for every scrap of food, every night of sleep, every bath in the cleanest water he could find. Every day of his life there was a struggle to get the basic necessities that people take for granted.

“Yeah…”

Hoskins leaned closer, his voice lowering, “You know, people talk about how great ancient men were, but they weren’t born men. Boys used to have to know how to fight, know how to kill, to survive, and become good at it. All by the time they reached your age. Boys back then became men before they even became men, because they had no choice. It was all or nothing.”

“…All or nothing?”

“Kill or be killed… early on, man had to learn. To protect himself, his resources, his mate, their young from the rest of the world in its most natural state where everything was out to tear them apart.”

Eric stared out the window at the paddock’s forest as Hoskins only went on, “To me, you are one of those boys. A living recreation of the past, from a more brutal time. A lot like, the tyrant king out there,” Hoskins gestured his head to the glass, “It’s no wonder you two get along.”

Eric simply kept staring out at the window, and the goateed man crossed his arms behind him, “You’re a man of a few words but you have your reasons, I get it. People give you trouble for it don’t they?”

“I don’t think—”

“I bet they do. You can always tell from the way they talk to you. Strangers, friends, your... newfound family. They probably think they’ve got to walk eggshells around you or you’ll break down. They’re blind to who you are.”

Eric didn’t react outwardly. He hid his hands in his jacket pockets, but he found it very hard not to show that he was hurt. The upsetting thing was that he found it hard to disagree, it wasn’t his fault he was so quiet and kept to himself. He could feel how people can treat him like a wounded animal, fragile and pitiful. As if he would flinch at any sudden movement if they weren't careful, like something is wrong with him.

Because there is.

It was then that Hoskins turned to look at Eric, “It’s a tragedy what you went through, but you’ve turned it into strength. The kind of strength and capability that is rare to see these days, where everyone’s gone soft. With your survival, you came back a man—one with real value. You proved you weren’t some defenseless kid that needs to be held by the hand, you thrive here.”

“What do you mean?” Eric asked, his voice quieter than he intended.

“A man’s got no worth until he proves it. Whether it's through skill, a title, wealth, or traits like leadership and physicality, a man has to build his value. Most young men struggle with this, and they end up lost with no direction,” Hoskins paused to gauge a reaction but found none in the hollow blue eyes, “It’s harsh, but the good news is you’re ahead of the game. Your independence makes you an asset around here.”

At that, Eric locked his gaze on Hoskins' but stood quiet, “You’re not here to… to be a child that distracts from the important work being done in this operation, you’re contributing to it. You don’t burden others with the need to be coddled, you’re way past that. You’re a man who perseveres, which is why you should march into those offices and demand better than the petting zoo. Assert yourself!”

Eric didn’t break eye contact until a quiet snarl caught his attention, unflinchingly turning to face what had startled Hoskins into jumping, both turning to the glass where large jaws parted with an angry, bellowing roar that echoed directly into the halls. The crowd was thrown into a frenzy with screams of awe and fear alike. Hoskins took a step back but laughed it off, pointing at Rexy with his thumb, “I wouldn’t complain about this gig.”

Rexy turned her head to coldly glare at Hoskins, the stout man chuckling only to back away at another rumbling growl. His phone conveniently emitted a call for him, at which he retrieved it from his holster, patting Eric on the back as he walked away, “Good talk, kid.”

The Tyrannosaurus eased up once she saw that Eric was left unbothered. He was thankful Hoskins didn’t stand his ground, he wouldn’t doubt Rexy would’ve head-butted the glass. He looked to her, placing his right hand on the window.

“See you.”

He watched her give him one final glance with a grumble, walking along the rest of the log’s windows where she ignored the guests that tried to keep up with her for photos before she was out of view. As he walked the halls, Eric wrestled with Hoskins’ words. Owen had always warned him of how Hoskins had a tendency to ramble on about ‘bullshit,’ but Eric wondered if there was any merit to what he had said.

He was nobody before the island and now Hoskins saw him as some ancient warrior, but Eric wasn’t sure he wanted that title. He’s always fought, but he never wanted to. Every time he got into fights at school it was the other boys who started it. Every time he fought a dinosaur was a sheer desperate moment that he would never be able to replicate again. Most of the time he ran like he did from that monster that reared its ugly head in his nightmares, or he hid like he always has.

Before Sorna, life had taught him that he was alone, weak, an easy target undeserving of safety. He avoided attention at school, he avoided home as much as he could; living with his mother suffocated him even when he tried to make himself as small as possible, every passing minute an unpredictable countdown to screams and belts. Since he was nine years old he’s felt like nobody’s ever seen how much he wanted help. He’d kept everything to himself, burying it even from his father to spare him during the divorce’s mess. He’s been used to hiding for years, and it’s what’s kept him alive.

Maybe Hoskins’ words were a confirmation of what everyone else was thinking; he is twelve now, it was time for him to grow up. Maybe that’s why he found himself alone again. He knew he shouldn’t have spilled his sob story out so soon to someone he barely knew. Eric felt embarrassed now, acting so pathetic around a girl on the third day they hung out together.

‘What was I thinking?’

At the entrance outside to T. rex Kingdom, Eric's left hand slipped out of his jacket pocket, clutching the Kirby plushie that hadn’t left his grip since Hoskins’ spiel. He felt stupid for bringing it with him, he wasn’t five anymore. But it was Zia’s gift to him, right before he took off from her house that night he last saw her. It has been over a week and a half now.

He turned right, away from the Innovation Center, then paused at the gyudon bowl restaurant close by. He pulled out his phone, chasing a spark of hope in her last text. He didn't want to call her and risk annoying her or saying the wrong thing. He knew Zia’s job as a vet would keep her busy but it’d been so long. Eric’s heart ached, her replies had kept him going but the world got grayer with every passing day he didn't see her, with every response seemingly growing distant.

He'd made a fool of himself again the last time he sent a text, saying things without thinking:

E: I miss you

Z: aw I miss u too catch u later kirby =)

He wanted to text her again, but he didn’t know how.

He started typing until his eyes caught the shadows of three fingered claws and long jaws on the ground. Eric blinked, brows scrunching as he faced the mounted skeleton. The display predated his incident, and he’d found it easy to ignore, but now it was as if life planned this mockery. He typed When?—thumb frozen, a flinch twitching through him as he stared at the skull. Zia’s voice faded in his head under the swelling roar of the Spinosaurus.

His hand shakily put the phone away, killing his message.

Chapter Text

A pig sprinted as fast as it could, kicking up dirt in a blind panic. Bushes rustled ahead, a bronze raptor burst out hissing, cutting off its escape before two more green raptors lunged from the sides, pinning it in a blur of claws and squeals. Its death throes rang out amid the attackers’ screeches, and Blue streaked in last, the pack tearing flesh from bone together, a hefty meal for the four juveniles penned in the octagonal paddock below. Owen watched from above on the catwalk, unfazed by the gore spilling out. He’d seen uglier deaths, but it made him hope this paddock truly was secure enough.

He watched Blue tear into the carcass, her movements precise, lethal, a far cry from the hatchling he’d once cradled. Back then, it’d been vine-covered grates overhead, painted forest walls, and a gnawed football in a playpen, a safe little world he wished he could hold onto. Now, she was past pretending, a predator in a cage, and the thought tightened his chest. He’d buried that dread when they were babies, but time passed faster than anybody liked. Soon it would no longer be safe for anyone, not even himself, to go down into that paddock.

Blue broke off from the feast, trotting to a spot beneath him, head tilted up inquisitively. Those sharp eyes locked on his, gears turning behind them as they always did. It gave Owen pause, wondering what she was thinking, how she felt with this much distance between them. She made a series of clicks followed by a low trill in her throat, staring at him. He’d never forget the first time she’d made that sound, unique among all the raptors he’d known.

Dr. Grant had cracked its meaning: her name for him. That night, he’d gone home and drowned the ache in whiskey, too attached, too late to turn back. His knuckles whitened on the rail as Blue’s gaze held his, unblinking, until footsteps clanged behind him.

“Hi, girlie!”

Zia’s voice cut through, bright as a flare. Blue chirped back, sharp and quick. Owen’s smirk broke free despite himself.

“Who let you up here, Miss Sunshine?”

Zia leaned on the railing beside him, sticking out her tongue. “What, I can’t crash your staring contest?”

“Always happy to see you, Z.” He nudged her shoulder, eyes flicking back to Blue, who chittered at them both.

Zia adjusted her glasses, following his stare. “She’s chatty today. What’s she saying, ‘feed me more’ or ‘let me out’?”

“Both, probably.” Owen snorted, resting his elbows on the rail. “No, Dr. Grant’s practically fluent in raptor by now. He cracked what that sound means. It’s… her name for me.”

“No way! That’s adorable, don’t you think that’s amazing?” Zia’s grin softened, her eyes tracing Blue’s sleek form below.

Owen gazed back at Blue. “It is.”

Zia knew something still bothered him and softened further, her voice dipping. “Charlie made a bunch of chitters at me I’d never heard before. You know what Dr. Grant said it meant?”

Owen raised a brow. “What?”

“She likes me and wants to go home with me.”

He rolled his eyes, half-smiling. “You’re just here to take my pack one by one, aren’t you?”

“She’s so cute, she’s like a kitty in raptor form!”

Owen laughed. “She used to knock shit off my shelves, you’re right about that.”

Zia pulled a small water bottle from her jacket pocket and handed it to Owen, who thanked her before snapping the cap off to take a swig. She watched Blue below, who tilted her head at her.

“Hey, Owen, you ever wonder how these girls stack up against real Velociraptors?”

He scratched his jaw. “Grant’s got theories. Velociraptor mongoliensis didn’t grow past the size the girls are now.”

“…Makes me wish they stayed that way.”

Owen didn’t meet her eyes, only gave a slight nod. “He thinks InGen cooked up something closer to antirrhopus. They’re still way bigger than that, though, and Dr. Wu can’t seem to get feathers out of them.”

“Feathers, huh.” Zia wondered, watching Echo snap at Charlie over a bone. “The girls are already beautiful. Imagine Blue with plumage? She’d strut.”

“She’d still gut that pig in ten seconds flat.” Owen’s smile faded, voice dropping. “Feathers or not, they’re built to kill.”

Zia’s smirk slipped, catching his shift. She nudged him again, lighter this time. “Hey, don’t go all doom-and-gloom on me. They’re still your girls.”

“They are.” He nodded, straightening up and staring past the paddock’s edge. “You ever think about where this is headed?”

She hesitated, tracing a dent in the rail. “Nope. Not if I can help it.”

“Me neither. We’re supposed to make these animals safe for the park. I’m not sure we’ll ever get there.”

Zia looked at him. “You don’t think so? This pack is your first good pack, right? The first one to imprint on you?”

“Yeah. At IBRIS’s start, we tried wild-caught ones, too feral to train. Barry and I pitched the lab batch instead.” He paused. “But they’re still wild animals. What’s the park going to do if they prove too uncontrollable?”

“You should fence off your property, retire with them at that bungalow. They’d love the lake.”

“Retire?” He laughed, dry and short. “They’ll retire me first. One slip, that’s it.”

“Don’t say that.” Zia’s tone sharpened, playful but firm. “What you’ve done seems to be working out. I mean, it allowed an outsider like me to give them the care they need. You established trust, Owen.” She tilted her head. “Besides, if that day comes where they do pounce you, I’ll wrestle them off you myself. Piss ‘em off before we both die.”

He smirked, but his eyes softened. “Is that right, Rodriguez?”

“Damn right.” She flashed a grin, then sobered, glancing at the pack. “Seriously, though, we just keep doing this, right? Day by day? Focus on the now?”

“Yeah.” Owen nodded, slow. “Now’s all we’ve got.”

Zia smiled at that, but a faint clang echoed from the far rail, cutting through the pack’s chatter. Chirps turned sharp, heads snapping up. Owen tracked their glare. Vic Hoskins trudged across a distant rail, a dark cloud in a pressed shirt. They hadn’t seen InGen’s security head in a long while, better off repelling poachers from Sorna, the crew agreed.

“Great,” Owen muttered. “Hoskins, ruining the day before it starts.”

Zia hugged her gray denim jacket, peering toward new commotion. Barry’s voice rose, unusual for the soft-spoken Frenchman, clashing with Hoskins’ bark. Owen led her downstairs, pausing at the paddock exit. “Grant mentioned a meeting,” he said, low. “Didn’t think it’d be with him.”

“Know what he wants?” Zia asked, eyes flicking toward the noise.

“Not yet.” He shrugged. “Guess we’ll find out.”

They stepped outside, catching up to Barry in front of the IBRIS office building, who looked irritated as Hoskins spoke. “Dr. Wilson was the most experienced carnivore vet on this island. We need someone like him who’s as fearless of these animals as you guys!”

Barry sighed. “Everyone’s afraid of them. What matters is how good you can hide it. Your man was clearly not cut out for the job, even if you ignore his mistreatment of the raptors.”

“Oh, I knew this was why you wanna keep this girl around. She’s just like the rest of you! Treating them like lambs. I hire people who I know will treat them like the dangerous animals they are—”

“He should have his license revoked,” Barry cut him off. “Blue wasn’t even three feet tall when she felt the need to shred his leg to the bone. What kind of vet mistreats baby animals so badly he ends up getting maimed?”

“You ever consider maybe your raptor never would’ve gone for him if you’d kept them all in line? That your soft approach made her bold? She thought she could take a chunk out of him because you let them forget who’s boss, all of you. Dr. Wilson’s proof of that.”

Owen interjected, “All that proved was he has no business being around animals. It’s enough to make me question where you find these people, Hoskins, don’t you think?”

Hoskins smirked, brushing it aside. “You say they barely listen to you. Isn’t coddling them going to let them think they’re above us when they get older? We get them used to our ways of controlling them early on, they’ll remember who’s boss.”

The air thickened as Barry muttered something in French to Owen, who nodded, exasperated. Zia shifted, arms still crossed, as Barry laughed and walked off to take a break inside the building.

Hoskins looked at them. “What’s so funny?”

Owen stepped forward, casually stating, “You know if Blue hadn't got to him first, I was going to break his face.”

Hoskins’ goatee moved at the corners with his scowl. “What is this, Grady? You’re willing to use violence to get what you want?”

He was only met with Owen’s dead serious expression. “I would do anything to make sure this pack isn’t jeopardized just because one asshole didn’t follow our instructions. Next time it’s not going to be a chunk of leg, Vic.”

To his surprise, Hoskins nodded and smiled. “I respect that. I respect when a man doesn’t over-explain himself with a bunch of justifications. He does what he has to do because what he says goes. I like that. People should be more honest like this.” He gestured between the two of them while grinning as if Owen wasn’t glaring at him. “So tell me, do you honestly think Dr. Rodriguez is Velociraptor material?”

“Yes,” Owen answered unwaveringly. “She’s great at her job, follows our safety measures, and calmly and willingly works with them. The raptors like her and she likes them.”

“Wait ‘til they’re grown. You expect her to stick around for the long haul? You expect me to believe the best the park has to offer is a vet that looks like a frail teenage girl?”

“Find another vet who’ll go into that pen at the size they are now, because you can’t.”

“Oh really?”

“Grant’s got the files.” Owen recalled sardonically, “Every hotshot we tried bragged about bigger carnivores or this joint being a career boost, just to damn near piss themselves meeting the pack. All except Dr. Rodriguez. I can’t have a vet with shaky hands.”

“How do I know she wasn’t chosen just because you wanted someone pretty working around here?”

Owen chuckled cynically in response, but Hoskins shrugged. “It had to be asked! You boys decided to hire a vet without my input, and I need to know that you took it seriously.”

Owen shook his head in disbelief. “I shouldn’t be surprised. You are wasting so much time today.”

Zia had resorted to hanging back, trying to brush off Hoskins’ jabs, until he zeroed in on her. “Does this girl ever speak for herself?”

She startled before he continued, “I would assume that someone who works here is an assertive person. You hear me, hon? These animals aren’t going to stay cute and cuddly. These are some of nature’s most effective killing machines. One day you’ll have to see just what they’re capable of when you’re not babying them.”

Zia looked him in the eyes. She’d been scared of this man possibly getting her kicked from this job this whole time, but now she was fed up with the way he talked down to her.

The pudgy man condescendingly questioned again, “Still have nothing to say?”

“Plenty, pal.”

Hoskins only smiled his toothy grin at her dry response. Owen was about to open his mouth, but clicking heels on the office stairs cut him off. He knew of only one person who ridiculously walked around this island in those shoes, turning to the sight of the fiery bob that belonged to the operations manager, white long coat and sweater crisp beside Alan Grant in his weathered hat and jacket.

“Mornin’, Ms. Dearing,” Owen called, smirking.

“Good morning, Mr. Grady. Hoskins.” Claire’s tone was cool, all business.

The head of InGen security stepped forward enthusiastically. “Just the person I wanted to talk to. Any word back from Masrani yet? I’d very much like to speak to him personally.”

Owen was amused to see a glint of annoyance in Claire, the way she almost stuck her nose up at the man. “Mr. Masrani has been very busy, but assuming this is about the same inquiry, he’s not changing his stance. He’s asked me to relay that he disagrees with your suggestion to search for another vet.”

The disappointment on Hoskins’ face was apparent. “I don’t believe this.”

Claire clasped her hands together, her expression unchanged. Alan looked at her and adjusted his hat before addressing Hoskins. “You’re the only one fighting this. We’re not trying to challenge you. We need only the very best people working directly with the animals.”

Claire nodded. “Mr. Masrani and I looked at everything given to us by InGen and Dr. Grant. We reviewed progress reports, testimonies, the letter of recommendation from the chief veterinarian, Dr. Harding. Nothing points to Dr. Rodriguez being unsuitable for this position as you’ve suggested. In fact, more progress has been made significantly after stagnation during the last vet’s tenure.”

Claire’s green eyes briefly shifted to Zia before she continued speaking to Hoskins. “This company brought Dr. Grant on to IBRIS for a reason, just as InGen Security was entrusted with overseeing the safety of this project.”

Hoskins shook his head. “How can that be if our every move has been questioned lately? Why is it that our judgment has been put in doubt at every turn, especially when we helped rescue Dr. Grant?”

The paleontologist scoffed. “What, because for once something didn’t go your way, now you want to put that over my head?”

“A bit of trust and gratitude would be nice when we rescued you and that boy.”

Zia narrowed her eyes and Claire was about to intervene before Owen spoke up. “You mean doing your job?”

Hoskins turned to him. “My men had to track down some escaped assets, extremely dangerous ones that only left Site B because of some idiotic parents trying to rescue that kid.”

“Which wouldn’t have happened if you bothered to crack down on those tourist boats.”

A flash of irritation crossed Claire’s face as they bickered. “That’s enough! Mr. Grady, don’t escalate.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“And Hoskins, must I remind you this is a collaboration. Your priority is to maintain safety, not authority. We had no reason to deny Dr. Grant’s request to run the interviews this time, especially when the previous vet that you hired was an unsuitable candidate and is now hospitalized as a result of his own actions. Actions that could have severely affected this project.”

Claire walked to Hoskins as she coldly elaborated. “Mr. Masrani was not happy to hear reports of animal abuse. I was not happy. We do not take that lightly, and the fact they were delayed for review did not look good on your division, Mr. Hoskins.”

Hoskins put his hands on his hips as if to rebuke her, but calmly responded, “I’ll have a talk with my men.” He faced Owen while nodding at Zia. “Hope you’re right about her, though. Anything happens to a woman around here, I’d hate for you to have that on your conscience, Grady.”

Owen’s gaze hardened as Vic turned to leave, but Claire stepped in his path with icy instruction, “I suggest you adjust the way you speak to other personnel. We need everyone’s cooperation to ensure this project is safe and successful. Don’t overstep boundaries like that again.”

“Duly noted, ma’am. Have a good day.” Hoskins politely responded before heading back to his vehicle and driving off. Once the man was out of earshot, all attention went to Claire as Alan turned to thank her, shaking her hand. “We had no idea he was coming over today.”

Zia approached her. “Thank you, Claire! I’m glad I’m not going to get replaced.”

The operations manager smiled faintly. “Just reinforcing the terms. Masrani put Grant on IBRIS to balance power. Hoskins doesn’t get to override as he sees fit.”

“Still,” Zia said, adjusting her glasses, “good to hear I’m not disposable around here.”

Claire’s gaze softened a fraction. “You’re not. Keep doing what you do—Grant’s not wrong about you.”

The paleontologist pulled out his phone, “Ms. Dearing, before I forget, I have a question about next week’s inspection in sector six...”

While the two conversed, Zia whispered to Owen. “We’ll keep proving him wrong.” Her voice was firm but internally, Blue’s gaze lingered in a new light, intelligent eyes promising volatile times.

Owen glanced at her. “He’s right about one thing, Z. I’d hate myself if you got eaten on my watch.”

She waved him off, “Like I said, I know what I’m in for, Grady. If I die, I die.”

He gave her a look of grief, and for a second Zia felt bad until he asked her, “Well if I’m going to have anything to remember you by, can you leave me your truck in your will?”

“You motherfu—”

Zia punched Owen in the shoulder as he chuckled, “Ow! Love you too, kid.”

“Whatever!” she whispered, “But seriously, that was a movie moment the way Claire descended to save us like some kind of fuckin’ angelic being, right?”

The raptor handler laughed quietly, stealing a glance at the redhead before turning back to Zia. “That’s just how I see Claire all the time.”

“What was that, Mr. Grady?”

Owen immediately straightened up and met Claire’s gaze. “You’re a damn good boss, is what I was telling her.”

Claire smiled at him before Alan spoke. “Thanks again, Ms. Dearing. It’s a great boost of morale for them to hear you’ve got our backs. Grady, want to show her the way out?”

“Me? I mean, we’re already outsi—”

“Just walk her to her car, Owen,” Grant dryly cut him off, to which Zia laughed. The two said their goodbyes to Claire before she walked off with Owen, who tossed a grin back at them as they walked side by side, his stride loose but eager. Zia watched them go, her smile fading as Hoskins’ parting shot wormed its way back, hope you’re right about her. She hugged her jacket tighter, eyes drifting to the paddock’s edge where the raptors’ screeches still hung in the air. Blue’s amber stare flashed in her mind again, piercing  but unreadable, and dread twisted in her gut. What if he was right? One day, those claws could turn on them, too fast, too wild to stop.

She exhaled, shoving the thought down. Owen and Barry had her back, always. Still, the silence stretched, heavy with that flicker of doubt.

Alan’s voice broke it, low and dry beside her. “He just had to fall for the park manager, didn’t he? Turns into a sap every time she’s around.”

Zia blinked. She usually didn’t have the chance to talk to Dr. Grant. Pulled back to the moment, a faint grin tugged at her lips. “Do you think she’s oblivious or good at ignoring it?”

“No clue,” Alan said, adjusting his hat with a shrug. “Claire’s as guarded as a vault, and Owen’s about as subtle as taking a sledgehammer to break into one.”

She laughed, the weight easing. “Do you think they have a shot?”

“Odd couple… maybe. Like I’m one to talk.” He paused, studying her. “You alright? Went quiet there.”

“Just thinking,” Zia said, brushing it off with a half-smile. “Hoskins got in my head for a second.”

“He’s good at that. Don’t let him stick.” Alan nodded toward the office. “Would you like some tea?”

“Yeah,” she said, falling into step beside him. “Sounds good.”

Zia followed him up the stairs, the paddock’s screeches fading into the office’s hum as Alan unlocked the door, letting her in first. He hung his hat and jacket by the door, then shuffled to the tea kettle in the corner. “Go ahead and take a seat, I’ll be right on over,” he said. His voice was gentle, unhurried, the kind that made you feel like he had all the time in the world for you.

Zia sat on one of the comfortable chairs, her gaze drifting over the desk cluttered with files, research papers, and a half-open notebook. She admired some of the fossils displayed, including a partial T. rex skull that loomed on the wall behind Dr. Grant’s desk, its hollow sockets staring down at her. She’d only been in here once before, right after signing on as IBRIS’s full-time vet, and the space still carried that feel of stepping into a museum curated by a legend.

“Thanks,” Zia said, adjusting her glasses as he returned with two steaming cups. She nodded at the skull. “That’s from one of your digs?”

He set her tea on the coffee table to her right and shoved papers to the side of his desk, cradling his own cup as he settled into his chair. “Replica, of one I found back in Montana. First Tyrannosaurus skull I ever discovered, all on my own. I was around your age… thought I’d hit the peak of my career then.” He smiled faintly, eyes crinkling at the memory. “The real one’s in the Museum of the Rockies. My students had this made as a goodbye gift when I took this job.”

“That’s sweet of them.” Zia took a sip, the warmth seeping into her hands. “Do you miss digging?”

“Of course,” he admitted, glancing at the skull. “It was simpler. It was my life. For years there was nothing I loved better than waking up to the desert air and wondering what discovery was waiting to be dug up. No paddock inspections, no corporate BS to deal with—just bones and time.” His smile faded, and he leaned back, the chair creaking under him. “But this place… it’s got its own pull.”

Zia smiled but hesitated, tracing the rim of her cup. She’d grown up idolizing this man, his books had fueled her dinosaur obsession long before she ever heard of Jurassic Park. Now she was sitting across from the world’s most famous paleontologist, hands fidgety with her next question.

“Can I ask you something? I mean… I don’t want to pry, but…”

The older man gave her a gentle look, “Go ahead.”

“Well, what made you come back to Nublar? Even after everything? I was always a huge fan of yours, so I remember when your book about the first park came out and you had mixed feelings about it.”

Grant glanced at the ring on his left hand, “Ellie and I couldn’t shake it. We were in love with this place, or at least the idea of it. It almost cost us our lives, cost others theirs, but we kept circling back to how it could’ve worked. How it should’ve been done right. We'd talk about it for hours in our trailer, picking apart Hammond’s mistakes. We couldn’t let it go that easy.”

“That must’ve been hard,” Zia said, leaning forward. “Keeping all that locked up, knowing what you knew… it must’ve eaten at you.”

“It did. Until Malcolm spilled it all on TV two years after.” Alan’s lips quirked into a dry smile. “You remember that?”

“I was twelve,” she said, grinning. “I believed him, I really wanted living dinosaurs to be true. Most of my friends thought he was full of it.”   

“Kids usually do. Ellie and I wanted to back him up, but Hammond’s nephew was running InGen then. Ludlow ruined Ian’s reputation over breaking his NDA, and we couldn’t risk doing that to our colleagues.” He took a sip of tea, then added, “That T. rex he brought to San Diego did the talking for us, proved Malcolm right. And I’ll admit, I didn’t mind the news of its kid taking a bite out of Ludlow.”

Zia laughed, nearly spilling her tea. With his palms up, he chuckled. “Unprofessional, I know. Sorry.”

“It’s not like I disapprove!” She settled back, still smiling. “I know you and Ellie were very critical about the last two incidents, but I don’t think I ever got to read about your guys' thoughts on the rumors of Jurassic World.”

Alan smirked, “That’s because Masrani approached us first before we could make any public comments.”

“What helped him convince you?”

“He promised our advice would be taken seriously, that safety would be a priority and money was no object to that, and so far, he’s kept his word. But the truth?” Alan’s voice dropped, quieter now. “This park was happening with or without us. We figured if we were here, maybe we could do some good, and stop it from becoming another disaster.”

Zia nodded, absorbing that. It made sense to her; classic Alan Grant, pragmatic but hopeful.

“It’s obvious why they’d want you, nobody else in the world is a better raptor expert. Why don’t you ever join us down in the paddock?”

“I was always going to be the man who studies from afar without risks. Going down there is what we pay Grady to do.”

They both laughed at that, and Alan continued, “I did meet the babies when they'd been through the imprinting process with him. I held each of them, but Blue… Blue reminded me of the first time I held a baby raptor.”

He didn’t elaborate. Alan’s smile faded, a pause creeping in, “…Speaking of kids… how’s Eric doing? You’ve been spending time with him, haven’t you? Last I heard from him, he talked about you.”

Zia was caught off guard, nearly letting the glass slip out of her hand. 

Her face warmed. “Oh my god, has he? That's cute…”

Alan smirked, “I think you make him really happy, he can’t help it. It’s just odd cause it makes me feel like… a parent that’s hearing his kid talk about a new friend he made at school. He doesn’t exactly have a lot of options for those.”

“I’m happy to be one,” she said, smiling. “We’ve hung out a bunch. Last time was a movie night at my place. He’s… he’s great, he’s got this dry humor that sneaks up on you with how adorable he looks. We hiked that trail by the Brachiosaur valley a while back. Amazing view… he loved it. You ever been there?”

“Once,” Alan said, nodding. “Nice spot. It’s good he’s got you… after everything, he needs that.” His voice dipped, quieter now. “I always wonder how he’s holding up.”

Zia’s smile faltered. She set her cup down, fingers lingering on the handle. “He’s okay, I think. I’ll admit I haven’t seen him in a while, I’ve been so swamped with work. But yeah, he keeps a lot close. Like… well, he told me about Sorna.” She hesitated, glancing at him. “How he was stranded there. Alone for three months.”

Alan’s brow furrowed, but he didn’t look surprised. “He told you, huh?”

“Yeah. Not a ton, just the basics. Even with something like that, he barely gave me details.” She bit her lip, then pushed forward, voice tentative. “I didn’t press him, but… I’ve been wondering what happened. How it all went down. If… if you’re okay talking about it.”

Alan’s expression shifted, a shadow crossing his face. He set his cup down and leaned forward, elbows on the desk. “That’s a mess of a story. You sure you want it?”

“Yeah,” she said, meeting his eyes. “If you’re okay telling it… is it bad that he told me?”

Alan looked at her, “No, no. I’d just keep it in our circle. How much did Eric tell you?”

“Not a whole lot really, just the gist of it. How he ended up there in the first place, and that you and him were the only ones who made it out.”

Alan only nodded. Zia didn’t know what to make of his lack of response until he turned his head back to her.

“Did he say anything about his parents?”

“I know they’re dead but that’s it. You met them right? What were they like?”

Alan let out a little chuckle, “I’ve got to be honest, Eric’s nothing like them, I don't know how he turned out so sharp. They were divorced, constantly bickering and always at each other’s throats. Amanda was a handful. Never of any help, screaming and complaining half the time. At least Paul stepped up when it counted. He tried. I know the man wouldn’t have let Eric get stranded in the first place.”

Zia had suspicions about the Kirby couple that Alan was backing, “How did his parents even get involved with the rescue anyway?”

Grant’s face tightened before he poured himself more tea. He sipped, and Zia cut in, “Wait, how did you get involved?”

Alan set down his glass, “It wasn’t a professional rescue op… Ellie and I had a friend named Billy Brennan, who managed our digsite back in Montana. Every few months we’d leave to go meet him, this time at a bar in Costa Rica. It was the one time she didn’t go with me. I swear that’s where it all went wrong, that Ellie wasn’t there.”

“Why didn’t she go?”

“She wasn’t in the mood for it. So I went and had some drinks with Billy. That’s when we were approached by a couple, the Kirbys.”

Alan pulls a drawer open from his desk and rummages through it before pulling out a small white card. “Paul introduces himself, says they’re admirers of my work, and he gives me his business card.”

He slid the card across his desk to Zia, who adjusted her glasses as she picked it up. “…For his hardware store?”

Right as she looked it over to read what the text actually said, Alan responded, “For Kirby Enterprises.”

Zia was baffled at the card with a black and white logo fit for a multi-millionaire company. It did have Paul’s name and phone number on it.

Her immediate look of confusion was not lost on Grant before he elaborated, “They faked being a wealthy couple, fed me a line about a private tour of Sorna, an anniversary trip. Offered me a blank check. I told them it was trespassing, that the park’d be open soon enough, but they claimed they had clearance from Costa Rica. We smelled a scam, so we walked away.”

Zia frowned, turning the card over in her hands. “But they didn’t let it go, did they?”

“No.” Alan’s jaw tightened. “They had one of their hired guns waiting outside the bar. Knocked me out cold. Next thing I know, I’m waking up on their plane mid-flight, with Billy next to me and three mercenaries calling the shots.”

“Jesus,” Zia breathed, setting the card down. “They kidnapped you?!”

Alan snorted, a dry edge to it. “Yeah. Desperate to find Eric… his parents made all the wrong decisions. They called the US embassy instead of Masrani Global. Tried to trick me into being their expert guide on an island I'd never set foot on. Hired mercs who didn’t last ten minutes out there.” He paused, staring at the card. “Plane didn’t either. I survived a plane crash, Zia.”

Zia incredulously looked at him while Alan chuckled at how absurd the story still sounds, in a way that only with the passage of time can he find humor in it. She finished off her tea before setting her glass on the coffee table, “Dr. Grant, did a single thing go right on this trip?”

“Once I was split from the others, I did find Eric that same day. Well more like he found me, surrounded by raptors. He used gas grenades to drive them off.”

Zia smiled at the thought of her Eric bursting from some bushes like an action hero. 

Alan’s eyes warmed. “Kid’s got timing. Saved my life.” His smile faded. “But it went downhill fast. The Kirbys didn’t make it to the coast.” He paused, voice dropping. “Billy didn’t make it.” He stared at the desk, voice steady. “He got Eric out.” 

His eyes lifted, and Zia’s blood ran cold in breathy realization. 

“He… saved him…”

Alan nodded, eyes sharp but contained. “Didn’t hesitate.”

Her chest tightened, “I’m so sorry,” she said softly. “He sounds brave.”

“He was.” Alan’s voice stayed steady, but that hurt lingered in his gaze, a crack in his usual calm. “Best friend Ellie and I ever knew… Billy felt like what he did was the right thing, and that's what matters. I don’t want anyone to feel guilt over that, especially Eric.”

Zia was not about to pry further, “He’s tough,” she said quietly. “But that’s gotta weigh on him.”

“More than he lets on.” Alan rubbed his stubbled chin, eyes distant. “He doesn’t open up much. Not to me, anyway… and that's what worries me, about…”

Dr. Grant trailed off, and Zia felt like he wasn’t telling her everything.

“About what?”

“…Eric didn’t open up very much about his past.” Alan ran a hand through his hair, “He had a record, got into fights at school in San Diego. He promised it was self-defense.”

Zia blinked, Eric never mentioned a thing about living in San Diego, remaining silent before Alan continued.

“I wonder what else he's really carrying? I mean his home life, his parents… I hoped we could get to that before he gave up on counseling. I just think… he moved on too fast.” Alan paused as he tried to rationalize his thoughts. “I get the sense things weren’t so great for Eric, even before dinosaurs… he’s twelve, Zia. Three months alone on that island, losing everything right in front of him… it’d be enough to make grown men snap. I can only wonder how the hell he’s holding up.” Alan folded his arms, “I offered to take him in… Ellie and I both did. He snapped, lashed out. Said he didn’t need us playing parents. I pushed too hard, struck a nerve... he was still raw from the interrogations, the therapists, Masrani’s evaluations.”

Zia idly twisted the temples of her glasses in her fingers, “It’s hard to imagine him upset.”

“I never took it personally… I knew he felt awful. We made up after about a week where he didn’t want to talk to anyone, until Owen got through to him.” Alan sighed in remembrance, “He chose to live alone… we all helped build his cabin, Owen did most of the hard work. It felt like we’d bonded as this… family. When it was all said and done, it felt like I… like I walked away from responsibility.”

Zia watched him, the lines on his face deepening with every word. “You didn’t bail,” she said, tentatively. “You’re still there for him. He talks about you like you’re important to him.”

“Maybe,” Alan muttered. “I can't help thinking I should’ve fought Masrani harder, kept him from giving Eric that choice…”

He rested his stubbled chin on his hand, lost in thought. Before she could respond, the phone on his desk rang sharp and insistent, cutting through the stillness. Alan’s eyes flickered, “Duty calls. Good talk, Zia. Thanks... for hearing me out.”

“Thanks for the tea,” she said, standing. “And… well, for trusting me with this. See you later.”

Zia opened the office door, the second story overlooking the paddock. Wind breezed past as she leaned against the railing, guilt twisting under Alan’s sinking words. The pack hunters were contained, but Eric roamed free—her own untamed raptor, restless and alone out there on the island. It’d been over a week, closer to ten days since she’d last seen him. Work had piled up, excuses had stacked, and she’d let it slide. But now, she couldn’t wait another day. She had to find him.