Abstract: An apparatus that joins ends of fiber optic cables includes a fiber proteon sleeve fitted over an area of optical coupling to cover bare optical fibers at the coupling. The sleeve extends from the bare fibers to cover a portion of a buffer section of each cable. The fiber protection sleeve has an inner heat shrinkable tube that overlaps the area of optical coupling, a flexure suppressant rigidity member disposed exteriorly adjacent the inner heat shrinkable tube, and an outer heat shrinkable tube that overlaps the rigidity member and the inner heat shrinkable tube. The inner and outer heat shrinkable tubes are shrink-fitted to strengthen and seal the area of optical coupling. Additionally, a strength member sleeve is fitted over cable strength member sections that are interlayed over the fiber protection sleeve. The strength member sleeve includes a solder impregnated tubular braid and a heat shrinkable tube covering the braid.