Still the M25 Motorway, London

[itsananomaly]

Cutter stared blankly at Stephen, he spared one angry glance at Helen and then returned to ignoring her. The first thing that Cutter had felt was relief that Stephen was okay and then that relief quickly turned to anger when he saw that Stephen was with Helen, who was leaning casually against a car. “Where the hell have you been?” he yelled as he walked over to them, wincing a bit at the effort that took. Connor followed after Cutter, trying to get between him and Stephen because he really was worried Cutter would just walk up and strangle Stephen right then. "Nick," he said in a half whisper. "Easy now..." Connor managed to get a hand to Cutter's chest to stop him, his eyes darting between the two men. "Hello, Nick...Connor" Stephen said almost casually, though there was the faintest hint of relief in his eyes when Cutter finally stopped stalking towards him. "Sorry I was late." [part 3. CW for violence and dub con. Preplayed once again with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd as we start to adapt and mesh canon with Fandom. Adapted slightly from Season 2 episode 6 'traitor revealed'. NFB but OOC welcome!]

Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled with rage, the only thing stopping him from launching himself at Stephen was both Connor holding him back and he was a bit more injured than he realised from the mammoth. “Is that what you call this?” he said dryly, his voice oddly calm but the anger was clear.
Helen(itsananomaly)	“Hello Nick,” Helen purred from where she was watching the exchange, “Connor,” she was clearly enjoying herself, “are you going to acknowledge me?” Cutter refused to look at her.
Connor(anaomaly_research_nerd)	That was fine because Connor was glaring at Helen for the both of them then shifted his gaze back to Stephen. "We could have been killed," Connor hissed, surprising even himself a little at how angry he was. In a matter of seconds, it had gone from worry over where Stephen was, to the relief he was ok, to anger over who he evidently had been with the whole time.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"But you weren't," Stephen said simply, his gaze focusing mostly on Cutter. "You were all just fine."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“So you decided that it was perfectly fine to hook up with Helen instead?” Cutter growled, his fists curling into balls and he wanted nothing more than to punch Stephen right then. “You’re fired,” he snapped instead.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Gah, stop being such a blind idiot!" Stephen yelled. "She can help us!" he said, gesturing at Helen. "She can help us and you won't even give her a chance because you are too blind and stubborn to see it!"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor just stood there, eyes narrowed at Stepehen now as well, a hand going to wrap around one of Cutter's clenched fists. He leaned in slightly towards him. "Nick, calm down... I'm right here." Connor's glare shifted to Helen when he heard her laugh from where she was still lunging against Stephen's car.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was getting ready to explode, his temper simmering as he tried to take deep breaths to steady himself, angry tears sprang to his eyes and all of his emotions threatened to overwhelm him to his horror. After his near death experience with the Mammoth and now finding Stephen had bailed on them when they needed his help the most and to find him with his ex wife again, everything was too much and Stephen was an obvious target of his anger, “you’re the blind idiot if you think she - “ this was when he glowered at Helen, “can be trusted - she only ever helps herself,”
Helen(itsananomaly)	“I have a name Nick,” Helen smirked, her gaze flickering over to Connor and Cutter, observing how close they were, “now this is most interesting, I could have sworn that Connor was helping Jenny and Abby with crowd control and clean up? Have you learnt how to be in two places at once Connor?”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor might have flinched slightly at the realization Helen was already starting to piece things together most likely. He floundered for a minute trying to figure how to respond. It was obvious he couldn't be in two places at once, which meant there were somehow two of him. He didn't see any reason to try and convince Helen she was seeing things. So he decided to go with the more direct approach. "Doesn't matter. What are you doing here?" he asked still glaring as he tried to get Cutter to loosen his fist enough that he could lace his fingers with his.
Helen(itsananomaly)	It had taken a lot of effort but eventually Connor succeeded in loosening Cutter's fist and his hand went limp, grateful for Connor's hand to steady his. Helen watched this exchange with great interest, she tilted her head thoughtfully but decided to table that information for something useful to be exploited later on, “proving a point,” she smiled sweetly, “I told Stephen he was wasting his time with Nick … he was too stubborn, too loyal … he would never agree to help us,”
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Too much of an idiot," Stephen said. "Obviously, why else would he end up with the like of you," Stephen said as he leveled his gaze at Connor. "The team idiot, the bumbling fool, the disposable one. How do you even think any of this is real?" he added with a vague hand wave at them.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Don’t listen to him Connor,” Cutter trembled, clinging tightly to Connor’s hand and trying to be reassuring as Stephen began to level the insults, “none of it’s true, you’re an important member of the team and we’re extremely lucky to have you, I’m extremely lucky to have you,”
Helen(itsananomaly)	"Oh this is adorable," Helen laughed, delighted at how this seemed to be turning, "the boy can't even defend himself - he needs someone big and strong to rescue him, so pathetic ... such a downgrade Nick, I'm actually rather disappointed."
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Now it was Connor's turn to have a near death grip on Cutter's hand. It wasn't like they weren't words he had heard in some form or another more times than he could count. Hell, some of them were things his own mind told him over and over. But hearing it from Stephen, someone he had trusted and respected... it hit differently, a lot harder. And then Helen...he expected her to go for a low blow but still, in the back of his mind, he had to wonder, even briefly, if that was actually how everyone saw him.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"You know it's all an act, Connor. All of this. He's just using you" Stephen said coldly. "You're nothing to him Connor, you know that right? We've all been with him. That look... that you think is just for you, Helen and I have both seen it. You are nothing to him, you aren't even a rebound.... you're not even sloppy seconds. Cutter is just using you. Like he has used every....one...else!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	That did it, “you son of a bitch,” Cutter swore and made a move to rush at Stephen, except he forgot about the fact that Connor was still clinging tightly to his hand so it wasn’t as dramatic as he’d hoped and he'd only made it a couple of steps in Stephen's direction.
Helen(itsananomaly)	"Oh this is just too sad, really Nick," Helen clapped her hands as the drama unfolded, "you could have had literally anyone else and you chose this?" she scoffed over at Connor, "at least Claudia could defend herself, now her I liked, she could have been good for you Nick only you messed it up, like you mess up everything ... like you will mess this up," She glared at Connor.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Something shifted inside Connor at that moment. He could literally feel something snap and the next thing he knew, he had let go of Cutter's hand and had his other hand balled into a fist and he was charging at Stephen. Connor had never punched anyone in his life, other than when Abby had tried to do some sparring with him, and he had made a complete fool of himself. But all Connor knew was the anger he had felt rising inside him finally erupted - with him running for Stephen, taking a wild swing at his face as he yelled.
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen stopped laughing, turning the laughter into a cough to hide her surprise at Connor’s attempt to punch Stephen, she narrowed her eyes - maintaining her calm composure. She was secretly impressed, so he did have some backbone after all and as her gaze flickered from Connor to Nick … she was already formulating how she could use this to her advantage.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen had to admit the last thing he expected was for Connor actually to try and physically attack him, so he was caught a little off guard. But he easily sidestepped the clumsy attack, causing Connor to swing at empty air and throw himself off balance. As Connor staggered past, Stephen easily grabbed him and spun him around, pinning one of Connor's arms behind his back, the other holding him in place almost effortlessly. "Rash Connor, too rash," Stephen said with a sneer.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter watched the scene unfold desperately, he should have been the one to tackle Stephen, to defend Connor, this was his fault that this was happening, he’d dragged Connor into the shitshow that was his love life and now Connor was being hurt. “Stephen let him go please,” he begged, knowing that Stephen was a lot more capable of inflicting physical injury than Connor was.
Helen(itsananomaly)	"You have no one to blame but yourself Nick, it's time that you both learnt a lesson," her eyes gleamed as she gazed from Nick to Connor being held by Stephen, "if you really want to beg for Connor, get down on your knees," she instructed. "I want you to beg, " Cutter was utterly helpless now and the only thing he could do was lower himself to the ground, on his knees, suddenly terrified of the situation that he had put Connor in. Connor was now in Helen's direct sight of anger and that was his fault.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor tried to get free from Stephen's hold, but that only served to make Stephen tighten his grip, shifting his hold so his pinned arm was held at an even more painful angle. Connor stopped struggling and stood watching, hating that Cutter was being humiliated like this... because of him. "Just stop it!" he cried out to Helen. "Just stop it. What is it you want, Helen?"
Helen(itsananomaly)	“Shhh…” Helen cooed gently as she came closer to Connor, “it’s nothing personal, I like playing with Nick’s things … I want to see just what exactly you’re made of,” And with that she took a swing directly towards Connor’s stomach. “This might hurt a little,” she sneered.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor tried to brace himself but the hold Stephen had on him kept him pretty well helpless to do anything but take the hit squarely. He felt the air rush out of him as he doubled over. If it hadn't been for Stephen's grip holding him up he would have been on the ground. Connor tried to take in a breath between the waves of pain and coughing fit that laid hold of him. Unable to speak, his eyes met Cutter's for a brief moment and he tried to shake his head, trying to tell Cutter not to do anything, not to give in to Helen's demands. He tried to bit back the pain, cursing himself as he felt that burning sensation behind his eyes and he fought back the pain.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter watched on his knees, terrified as Helen punched Connor and seeing Connor double over in pain. He wanted nothing more than to race over and stop Helen from hurting Connor but that left Connor still vulnerable to Stephen and at this moment Stephen was angry enough that he would actually hurt Connor to get to him. “Helen please, stop!” he cried, “it’s me you want, leave Connor out of this, please … stop!” He tried another desperate tactic, turning to Stephen, pleading with him to see reason. “Stephen please, I’m … I’m sorry, please just stop this now, please, you made your point, both of you,”
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Really Nick? Really?" Stephen said as he pulled Connor up so he was standing upright again. "After all this time... everything we have been through... everything you and I have done... together? After all that, you trust Connor more than you trust me?" There was anger in Stephen’s voice and the glare that he leveled at Cutter. But there was also something else. A hint of sadness, of betrayal. "We can't trust Lester. Why can't you see that, Nick? Why can't you see that we were wrong with all of this? Hiding the anomalies, covering everything up, keeping the truth from people... We made a mistake but we can still do the right thing and fix things, Nick. We can still do this, together."
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Go buggar off" Connor said, his breathing still a little tight, but there was still a firmness in his voice. "If you're getting in with Helen, you are even crazier than she is!" Connor tried again to struggle free but instead, he felt himself being shoved to the ground, his knees hitting the asphalt of the road hard. The only thing keeping him from falling face-first was the grip Stephen still kept on him.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	"You know, I don't think someone in your position should be talking at all, Connor," Stephen said as he shoved Connor to the ground, crouching down behind him, still keeping a firm hold on him. "After all, this is between me and Nick. Isn't that right?" Stephen paused, enjoying the helpless look on Cutter's face and the look of sheer delight on Helen's. "You really sure you want to go down this path Nick?" he asked, looking at Cutter as he did. "We could have had everything we wanted. We still can. You, me, Helen... we can still make it work. You don't have to throw away years of friendship, the relationship, for the sake of someone like this," he said, shifting Connor's position roughly as he looked from Helen to Cutter and then back to Helen.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter’s eyes were wide, he shook his head, “you’re deluded, both of you,” he croaked out before he could stop himself, looking between Stephen and Helen. “Telling people won’t help this, can’t you see? It will only make it worse, the panic that this will cause …she only wants the chaos, this isn’t about letting people know and if you really do believe that, then I feel sorry for you,” he snapped at Stephen, now that he knew what they were planning, the anger returning to the surface.
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen shook her head, as she looked from Cutter to Stephen to Connor, “I told you this wouldn’t work, Nick can’t be reasoned with …it’s a shame really, throwing everything we shared and for what? This?” she spat as she looked at Connor in disdain and she raised her hand, lifting it closer to Connor’s face, so she could stroke it.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor recoiled and pulled away from Helen’s touch as much as he could. "Don't touch me!" he spat, feeling his skin scrawl somewhat when he ran out of room to move, what with Stephen behind him, and felt her fingers against his cheek.
Helen(itsananomaly)	“Well, well, well you do have a spine, I can see why Nick likes you,” Helen purred, a gleam in her eyes as she looked back to Cutter still on his knees, a sick feeling in his stomach at what Helen could do. She then turned back to Connor, brought her hand up to stroke Connor’s cheek again and then she leaned in to kiss him.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor's eyes went wide with surprise at first, then in the next instant, he started to pull back, fighting to break the kiss and get away from Helen's touch. If he hadn't been so preoccupied and distracted, he might have noticed the grip Stephen had on him loosened just ever so slightly as he stared, the look of surprise on his face nearly matching Connors. Stephen caught a glance from Helen, one that made it clear just who was in control and how easily she could give or take away what he wanted.
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen relished the struggle, the look of surprise from Stephen at what she was doing and that made her more determined to prolong the kiss as much as she could, to really drive home who was in charge here, what she was capable of.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	At some point during his struggle to get free, Connor ended up sitting more than kneeling on the ground, which meant one leg was free. Without really thinking and not really able to see where he was aiming, Connor kicked hard, trying to kick Helen off of him. He felt Stephen's grip tighten again but he kept kicking, until one connected.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen had let his guard down a little, distracted as he had been watching Helen. So when Connor started kicking, quite like a mule if he was honest given the situation, it took a minute for Stephen to get his head cleared. "Enough, that's enough now!" he yelled trying to get Connor under control, to no real avail.
Helen(itsananomaly)	Helen smiled when Connor struggled and kicked at her, she stumbled, breaking free of her control on Connor. She eyed Connor, seeing Stephen trying to contain him. “So you do like it rough,” Helen purred, gaining her composure, “come on now, there’ll be plenty of time for that later,” and she brought her hand up to slap him.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter had watched the scene unfold with desperation, seeing Helen hurt Connor like that, it was her sick, twisted way of getting to both him and Stephen. That she was the one in control, that she could break them so easily and she would enjoy it. Connor didn’t deserve any of that and Helen’s remarks about liking it rough and that there would be a later and then that vicious slap, finally saw him snap and take a dive in front of Connor to take any blows from Helen. “Helen stop!” he roared and threw himself in front of Helen and took the next blow that she had been aiming at Connor. It hit him squarely in the jaw and he let out a grunt of a pain at the contact but it was better than Connor taking that blow. He staggered a little but refused to leave Connor vulnerable to more of Helen’s blows, he could take it.
Connor(itsananomaly)	The sting of the slap made Connor's eyes water and his breath hitch. But he kept struggling to get free all the same. And when Cutter jumped between him and Helen and took the next blow for him, it only ignited that fire inside even more. Eventually, he felt Stephen lose his grip on his one arm and Connor moved and kicked out hard as he could, which at the awkward angle he was sitting at wasn't all that hard really. But it was enough to knock Stephen back. And as soon as he was free, he scrambled over toward Cutter to check on him even as Helen looked like she was going to let lose again. "Nick! Nick, are you aright?" Connor asked putting his arm around him protectively.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Yeah, I’m fine,” Cutter groaned, leaning against Connor as he wrapped his arm around him. He was clearly not fine but he wasn’t going to let Helen and Stephen see that they’d hurt him, he refused to give them that satisfaction. He winced at the throbbing pain in his jaw. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered, “for dragging you into this,” .
Helen(itsananomaly)	“You’ve gotten soft Nick,” Helen taunted, “we really could have been great together, the three of us,” she glanced over at Stephen who was looking a little dazed that Connor had been able to get away. She advanced towards them, undeterred that Connor was now standing beside Nick and protecting him. That was when she aimed a blow at Nick's stomach and he cried out before he could stop himself, doubling over in pain. She didn’t try and hold her punches this time, she went as hard as she could, determined to inflict as much pain on Nick as she could. .
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor tried to shield Nick the best that he could, moving to put himself between Helen and him as much as he could. "I got you Nick, I got you," Connor said, pulling him close, turning to face Helen squarely, his face already turning red from the slap he had received.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen had somewhat recovered from the shock of the ensuing struggle and upset. He stood behind Cutter and Connor, watching them but making no move just yet, watching Helen, waiting for her sign to move or for the right opportunity to present itself. "Cowering like kicked puppies aren't they?" he said with a sneer as he looked over at Helen with a nod.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter leaned against Connor, hating how helpless that he was right then, that after everything he couldn’t protect Connor … Helen was right, he was going to mess this up … He shook his head, trying to clear that stray thought that had crept in … that doubt that had started to settle ... “And you being her lapdog is better?” Cutter snapped at Stephen, “is that what this is all about … you being with Helen? I don’t care about that … I’m with Connor, I love him and I’m happier with him than I’ve been with you two,” he yelled.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor's arm tightened around Cutter protectively, defensively and glared at Stephen and then shifted his attention to Helen to make sure she wasn't trying to pull anything. Stephen was pacing around, on edge, not liking that he wasn't in control, waiting for Helen to make her move. He wasn't second-guessing what he had done, not really, but he was not liking where they were now. They were losing their advantage and he didn't like that feeling. Connor's attention moved from his fixed gaze and shifted quickly to Nick, he leaned against Nick to support him, as he declared his love for Connor in front of his ex’s.
Stephen(anomaly_research_nerd)	Stephen glanced over his shoulder, seeing Connor and Abby coming up the way. He turned and gave Helen a nod and grabbed his bag and ran over to his car. Tossing the bag in he opened the door and waited for Helen to start over and then got in and started up the car. "Helen! Let's go!" he called out, not really wanting a confrontation with the rest of the team just then.
Helen(itsananomaly)	“Til next time Nick,” Helen promised and like she had done with Connor earlier leaned into give him a kiss firmly on the lips, enjoying the brief struggle as he tried to resist before she pulled away. “Connor,” she looked up at him this time, “it’s been a pleasure,” she smirked before giving one last mocking wave and she strolled over to the car and followed Stephen inside the car.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor stood there watching the car drive off and once it was gone, it felt like all the blood was rushing from his head. Turning his attention to Nick he suddenly realized how heavy the other man felt in his arms. Slowly Connor sank to the ground, guiding Nick down with him, the concern obvious on his face as he held him close. And with the adrenaline rushing through him and his own body shaking and trembling all of a sudden, Connor pulled Cutter close, realizing he could barely see through the tears that were falling. He could hear Abby and Connor calling to them their voices getting louder but he barely registered it. His focus was totally on Cutter as he leaned over, kissing the top of his head. "I love you too, Nick..." he whispered not knowing if the man who was frighteningly still in his arms could even hear him.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Everything was a blur, Cutter vaguely heard Connor whispering to him as he went limp and then they both sagged to the ground, hardly daring to believe that Helen and Stephen were really gone. He let out a whimper right then and started trembling. He could feel the bile in his stomach start to rise and it was taking all of his effort to not just empty the contents of his stomach on the ground right then.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor shifted to get Nick into a more comfortable position, hand rubbing along his back gently. He cast a glance over at Abby and Connor when they ran over, confused and concerned looks on their faces. Connor just stared at them for a moment, numbly and then turned his attention back to the trembling form in his arm. His own pounding head was barely noticeable, all of his focus was on Nick. "It's alright Nick... they're gone. They're gone..." Connor said as he watched him carefully.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled, completely unaware that Abby and his Connor had joined them … that Helen and Stephen were in fact gone, he flinched a bit as the panic from the last couple of hours set in. That’d he’d nearly been killed by the mammoth, that Stephen had betrayed them, him … again … all of his cruel taunts, Helen … Helen hurting Connor while all he could do was watch on his knees helplessly. He didn’t care that Helen had hurt him as well during the process but that was Helen's MO, she lived for causing him pain but what she did to Connor … her veiled threats of what she planned to do… He tried to keep the bile down but he started heaving and then started throwing up everything that was in his stomach on the ground, as if the throwing up wasn’t enough - he started crying, choking back tears in between throwing up.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh Nick..." Connor said softly, his heartbreaking seeing the man he had admired, respected and now realized he loved so broken. And he hated how weak and helpless he felt. Connor shifted, probably surprising Cutter a bit as he moved closer rather than pulling away. He tried to keep Cutter as supported as he could, cursing himself for being weak, for not being able to protect Cutter. "It's alright Nick... I'm right here," he said softy, still keeping an arm supporting him the best he could..
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter took several, gulping breaths, trying to stop himself from crying, he hated how weak he was being, he flinched as Connor came closer, he had expected Connor to pull away, to be disgusted that he couldn't stand up to Helen … “I’m sorry,” he managed to gasp before he started retching again, he wasn’t sure how there was anything still left in his stomach, “I’m sorry …” he said again, trembling as he leaned against Connor. “I shouldn’t have antagonised her, it’s my fault this happened,” he sobbed.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Shhhh..." Connor said running a hand up Cutter's back and gently stroking his hair. "Not your fault...none of this is...." Connor wrapped his arms around Cutter and held him close. "Nothing to be sorry about, Nick." Connor leaned over and kissed the top of Cutter's head. "I just wish... I could have stopped her.. stopped Helen... and Stephen. If I was stronger maybe... I could have.” His own hands were trembling and it was getting hard to breathe against the spazzing that seemed to be running through his entire body. But none of that mattered. Nothing else matter, other than making sure Nick was going to be ok.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter leaned back into Connor, still sobbing but he had at least stopped throwing up now. He didn’t understand why Connor didn’t just run … run from him as fast as he could … before he got even more hurt just from associating with him. He trembled as he tried to calm down, to calm his composure … to pull himself together. "There was nothing you could have done," he managed to get out, "they wanted to hurt you because it would hurt me, I'm the reason we were in this position to begin with," he closed his eyes, feeling tears start to build in them again, "I'm so sorry that you got dragged into this," “They’re really gone?” he checked again, after a few more minutes of being soothed by Connor’s hand stroking his back and his tight embrace. Trying to forget about everything that had just happened and just try and feel normal again.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And they hurt you to get a rille out of me" Connor countered gently. "Let's get you back, Helen and Stephen are gone. They can't hurt you... us... anymore." Connor waited a few minutes, trying to give Cuter as much time as he could. Then he gently shifted, trying to stand up himself and help Cutter to his feet. His own balance was off, but he did his best to get Cutter up and keep him steady on his feet. A supportive hand on his shoulder earned a grateful nod for Abby. Valugely he heard Connor on the phone with who he assumed was Jenny and something about bringing Cutter's truck around. "Hear that Nick? We are getting out of here. It's all going to be alright..."
Cutter(itsanaomaly)	Cutter trembled but nodded at that, knowing that Connor was right and he took several deep breaths, wiping away the last of his tears before Connor helped him to his feet. For a moment Cutter thought he was going to be sick again and once he was standing, he doubled over, waiting for the sensation to pass - snippets of conversation coming to focus. He vaguely became aware of his Connor and Abby … when had they arrived? He shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts and straighten up but he did like the sound of getting off this motorway, “it can’t come soon enough,” he managed, trying to sound lighthearted but failing miserably, “I think I’ve seen enough of the M25 to last a lifetime,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor guided Cutter toward the truck, giving a small shake of his head to Jenny who gave a concerned and questioning glance their way. He instantly regretted that as his head started swimming more than it already was. A short time later he was sitting in the back of the truck, helping Cutter get in. For a moment they sat there in silence and then as the exhaustion finally started to take hold Connor felt Cutter lean against his shoulder and then slowly slide down until he was laying on the seat, head in Connor's lap. "I'm right here Nick... I got you..."Connor said softly as he gently stroked Cutter's hair, his own eyes sliding closed as he finally stop fighting and let the darkness take him for the time being, the sound and movement of the truck lulling them both into an uneasy sleep.