A Private Hospital - London

[itsananomaly]

Cutter and Connor were now well and truly into their second week of their hospital stay. Lester and Becker were alternating with supervising their meals so there wasn’t a repeat of what happened the first time they attempted to eat solids. Their physio sessions had also started to get more intense now as they slowly worked towards being better so they could get released from hospital. [part fifteen and we have a nice breather for Cutter and Connor. Preplayed as always with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd. NFB but OOC welcome!]

Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"How much longer is Lester going to be gone?" Connor asked for the fifth time in almost as many minutes. "He's taking forever!" Becker smiled and shook his head. It was good to see Connor getting his energy back after what had happened the other day. It was a relief to see him actually excited about something for a change. "He's getting all the final arrangements made with the hospital staff," he said with a small grin. "He's had to pull quite a few strings to arrange this. I'm sure he will be back soon and we can make the final arrangements."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was trying to not feel restless but it was hard - they were going to be going outside, they were getting to eat lunch outside and that was all he could think of, "it shouldn't take that long to arrange to eat lunch outside right?" he asked, agreeing with Connor that Lester did seem to be taking a particularly long time with this, "it does seem to be taking a long time, even for Lester,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker sighed but there was still a smile on his face as he rubbed the bridge of his nose slightly. He really couldn't blame them for being excited, it was quite a big milestone. But he also knew there was more to plan just the two of them going outside with him and Lester. He knew what was taking Lester so long but he also wasn't going to ruin the surprise for them. "I am sure Lester is doing all he can to get things set and will be back to get us when everything is ready, In the meantime... Becker said glancing over at the two sitting on the edge of the bed like two kids waiting to head out on some grand trip. "How about we work on getting ready while we wait?" It was a good thing that most of the team tended to leave at least a few changes of clothes and what not at the ARC. Connor and Cutter at least had normal clothes now that they could wear. Which Becker remembered how much that one simple thing helped him feel more normal when he was going through everything.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter glanced at Connor and then back at Becker, nodding a bit sheepishly as he did, "I think that probably wouldn't be a bad idea, I don't really like the idea of going outside in our hospital gowns," he admitted, "changing into clothes does sound nice,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded in agreement. "Think I've almost forgotten what regular clothes feel like to be honest" he added with a small, awkward laugh. "Well, Jenny brought some of your things from the ARC the other day, so I think we should have everything we need" Becker said as he turned around and put said clothes out on the end of the bed. "Shouldn't have to worry about shoes thankfully since we're using the chairs still, so that will make it easier." "Yeah... I don't think shoes are going to be an option for a bit" Connor said, casting a somewhat worried glance at Cutter. "But normal clothes do sound amazing."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grimaced a bit at that as he glanced down at his still bandaged feet, "yeah I don't think shoes are going to be possible for a while," he admitted, shifting a bit as he looked back up at Connor and Becker, "but I think normal clothes will definitely be nice for a change," he looked over at the clothes Becker placed on the bed, "I'd almost forgotten what clothes I did have at the ARC," he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor glanced over at the clothes and his eyes went a little wide. "That's where that band shirt ended up! I forgot I had stuffed it in the locker a while back" he said. "Jenny said it was a wonder she was able to find them, something about 'looking through an office that looked like a tornado hit it, and a locker that looked like high schooler's..." Becker said with a grin. "So, how about we get those last few wires untangled and get the two of you ready ?" Becker said as he walked over to Cutter who was closest, and also the one admittedly who needed the most help with this part.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter looked a little sheepish at that, “there is a method to the chaos in my office,” he protested and then looked at the wires and everything that he was still attached to, there were less wires everyday it seemed but there still a lot of monitors that he was hooked up to. He nodded, “getting untangled from all these wires does sound nice,” he admitted as he tried to get in a more comfortable position so he could try making getting ready easier.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Oh, I know how it is," Becker said with a small laugh as he made sure Connor was ok to get started on his own detangling a bit and started helping Cutter. "My girlfriend in college said my flat was so bad it gave her anxiety. I thought it was pretty good compared to some of my mates' places!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"My office at the university is worse," Cutter admitted, "I actually really need to empty that ..." his voice trailed off, "my sabbatical doesn't end until September, I guess there's still time to go back and empty out my office," he glanced down at his broken hands, would he even be able to clear out his office on his own now?
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"You'll get it done, Nick" Connor said encouragingly, seeing the look on his face just then. "We got plenty of time still to worry about it- we'll manage it!" "And I'm sure the team wouldn't mind at all pitching in if needed" Becker added with a nod as he finished up getting the wires and leads taken care of. "And at the very least, you got me and Connor."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded at that, sitting up a bit now that he was disconnected from those wires, “thank you,” he said softly, “I … I would like that,” asking for help was still a weird feeling for him, “it’s … we might need a few days to sort through everything though,” he admitted, “I let quite a few things pile up in there over the years…since Hel ….” He stopped when he realised he’d been about to say her name, “it’s a real mess,” he finished instead.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We'll figure it out," Connor said. "Could be something to do as a team, a final send-off before we head back to Fandom and all." Look at Connor thinking ahead and trying to be optimistic! "Shouldn't be any trouble at all" Becker agreed, pegging Cutter wasn't big on the asking for and accepting help bit. "So, for the immediate need- regular shirt, button up, or both?" he asked as he held up the two shirts for Cutter. "It's fairly nice outside from what I hear, so I doubt both will be needed." "And let me know if you need any help Connor," he said, glancing over his shoulder at Connor who gave a nod and a thumbs up in reply.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, “that would be nice,” he agreed softly, “I would like that,” he looked at the two shirts and he couldn’t help but think of that day after the mammoth …it felt like a lifetime ago now when he and he and Connor had been helping each other change and to his embarrassment he felt himself going red, “er - button up,” he managed to stammer, “I think that might be easier,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	"One button up, as requested," Becker said with a nod as he picked up the shirt and started helping Cutter slip his arms through. "Easy there, ok... that wasn't too bad, right?" he said before glancing over to Connor. "You getting on alright over there?" "Yeah..." Connor said with a slight sigh. "I'm... ummm... gonna need help buttoning up," he said with a flush that matched Cutters just then. Becker smiled. "Just sit tight, I'll be there in a jiff," and then turned back to help Cutter with that same task. It really was going to be the little things that took the longest and Becker knew firsthand how frustrating those everyday things that suddenly were impossible could become. And he resolved then and there to make sure Connor and Cutter had all the help and support they needed, no matter how long this all took.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	It felt so much better nicer being in clothes again that Cutter was trying to be as patient as he could and not fidget as much, he got a little angsty near the end but he was trying to make the effort as Becker helped him with his shirt. “Thank you,” he said softly, “it feels nice being able to wear clothes again,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	There was a soft smile on his face as Becker nodded and finished up with the last of the buttons on Cutter's shirt. "Funny how something so simple can make such a difference isn't it? And it's a sign of the progress you both have made. Progress that is definitely worth celebrating," Becker said with a grin. And behind that grin, hidden behind years of training and self-preservation methods, was a resurgence of that anger and fear he felt every time he thought about everything they had gone through. Some of their injuries were still bandaged and covered but Becker remembered what they looked like that first day, and seeing the reminders of what Helen had done, what they had been through, made him all the more determined to make good on his word to Lester. "There we are," he said with a nod.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter’s smile widened then, “thank you,” he said again, “this …this is really nice, getting ready to do something different, I’d forgotten what that was like, it’ll be good to spend sometime outside,” “I never thought this would have been possible a week ago,” he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor looked over as he watched Becker help Cutter. Really, nothing seemed possible a week ago, but there was no need to bring down the mood with that somber thought. "Aye, it'll be really nice to get out for a bit. Think I'm starting to go crazy looking at these same four walls all the time" Connor said. "Not that it hasn't been swell hanging out with you the last few days Becker," he added with a grin. "Glad to hear I haven't become completely unbearable yet" Becker said with a laugh as he made his way over to Connor and helped him finish with his shirt as well.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled softly at that, "we couldn't have done this without you Becker," he told him, "you being here to help us, it means a lot, thank you for helping us with all of this ... for everything," he added quietly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"My pleasure, glad that I can" Becker said softly, feeling a little guilty about that attempt to resign in that moment of weakness and doubt. "And I think we are all set and ready, just waiting for the man himself to get back" he said with a smile to Connor and Cutter. "I think you guys will enjoy what Lester has planned" he added with a grin.
Lester(thearcfamily)	A few moments later and Lester appeared, he was very casually dressed - which for him meant black pants being held up by red suspenders and a plain but very expensive looking shirt. "Oh good you're all ready," Lester noted, there was a hint of a smile there if you squinted really hard, "hospital politics is just as bad as actual government politics but ... I was able to get everything smoothed over for you both to have lunch outside in the private courtyard, you won't be disturbed and I've arranged for you to have the afternoon for lunch," and here he did smile, "so there's no need to rush lunch," he told him.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled warmly at that, "thank you James for arranging this, I think this is something - " he looked over at Connor with a warm smile, "I think its something we both really need, just to get outside for a few hours will make all the difference,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Think it will be good for all of us" Becker said in agreement, giving a faint, blink-and-you-miss-it, wink to Lester as he stood and made his way to Cutter to help him into the wheelchair. "Think we all have earned this if you ask me."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded back with a small smile, as he watched Cutter be helped in his wheelchair, "yes, a bit of fresh air will do wonders for us all, I would say it's what the doctor ordered but I did have to do a bit of convincing, so it's not entirely true but I think you will all enjoy this arrangement very much," and he was smiling more warmly now.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know I'm ready" Connor said as he shifted and stood up from the bed and started shifting his way toward the wheelchair. He was feeling mostly better after the last few days, but he wasn't surprised when Becker hurried over to help him the rest of the way. "Well, I'd say we are all ready to head out, Lester" Becker said with a warm smile once Connor was situated and he took his spot behind the wheelchair. "Care to lead us out?"
Connor(thearcfamily)	Connor sat in the courtyard, a grin on his face as he looked back in the direction Lester had disappeared. "Think they are going to be surprised?" he asked with a grin. "I think they will be!" "Well, Lester said he wasn't telling them anything more than they were going to have lunch out here," Abby said with a small smile of her own. "So I'm sure they arent expecting this at all."
Jenny(thearcfamily)	Jenny smiled, "it will be nice for them, a change of scenery from the hospital room and after the last few days ..." her voice trailed off, she was trying not to think about what Lester and Becker had told her, she had been just as furious when she'd found out about what happened, "this is a good thing, it means they're making well enough progress to be up for a meal outside,"
Abby(thearcfamily)	Abby reached over and put a hand on Jenny's gently. "It's behind them now at least. And after what I heard Lester did, I doubt anyone is going to even consider pulling a stunt like that again. It'll be good for them to have this...." Abby smiled broadly as she saw Lester and Becker heading their way. "Here they come," she said with an excited grin and a nod in their direction.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter had been looking forward to being able to go outside for a change and as soon as he felt the fresh air, he felt so much better and he took a moment to appreciate just how nice and calming this all was. Lester pushed him his wheelchair to the courtyard, "well here we are," he said with a small smile and then Cutter's eyes lit up when he saw Abby, Connor and Jenny sitting at the table. "How ... " Cutter started to ask but words completely failed him and his eyes filled with tears, "is this what you were doing all morning?" he tried to wipe away his tears.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker looked over at Lester and then at Cutter before glancing at Connor, whose expression was just as surprised. "We wanted to make sure this was special for you both" Becker said as they approached the table. "You two need this, and deserve this." "This... this isn't a dream is it? I... this...." Connor was at a loss for words, the lump in his throat and the tears in his eyes proving to be quite distracting just then.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter wasn't even trying to hide his tears now, he just wished that he could stand up on his own and be able to see everyone, "I never ... it's so good to see you all, I ... " he smiled as he looked around the table, words failing him, "thank you Becker and James for organising this, this is ... I never expected any of this," "Well we were trying to keep it a surprise," Lester pointed out but he was smiling, "which since neither you or Connor knew about this, I think its safe to say that we succeeded in that,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor was freely crying now too, and without thinking, he went to stand up and run over tot he table to see everyone. A gentle yet firm hand on his shoulder reminded him that was not the best idea and he sat back down, giving an apologetic look up at Becker. Becker just smiled and pushed the wheelchair the rest of the way over and smiled warmly as he watched Abby and the others came over and started the tearful hugs.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Lester wheeled his chair so that it was near Connor's and it wasn't long before he found himself being hugged by Jenny and he just sat there, arms wrapped around her and he cried into her shoulder. Yes he had seen her at the hospital quite a bit but this was different - here he was outside and actually dressed and he was seeing more than a couple of people at a time and this ... He kept sobbing, he couldn't say anything but just kept clinging onto Jenny for as long as he could.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor was doing about just as good a job of keeping it together as Cutter was right then. On one side he had Abby kneeing in front of him with her arms around him, and on the other Cutter's Connor was standing behind him with a hug of his own. And Connor just sat there, unable to do anything but cling to them, the tears falling unabated, still trying to convince himself that this was all really real.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter kept holding onto Jenny, he couldn't believe that they were all really here, that James had gone out of his way to make sure that he and Connor got to eat lunch with their friends and had kept it as a surprise and now they were all there ... "Thank you for coming to eat lunch with us," he managed to gasp out in between his sobs.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	It took a bit before Connor was willing to let go, but then his arms were filled again as Jenny came over and gave him a big hug as well.... and Connor felt like he was going to start crying all over again. It had been almost more than he could have hoped for to be able to get out of the room and have lunch outside, and at their own pace. But to see everyone together... for the first time since everything....Connor didn't think anything could ever top this feeling. "I can't.. I mean you... I..." he tried to get out between the sobs. "Thank you," he finally managed, and then he kept repeating that because it was the only thing he could say just then."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Then Cutter was hugging Abby and Connor, they were being more careful with hugging Cutter because of where his burns were but as soon as Abby wrapped her arms around him, he started bawling again and then it was a similar process again. It was so good being with everyone again, “thank you,” he whispered, hugging Connor as tightly as he could manage, “thank you, I’ve missed all of you,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	When Connor had finished hugging Jenny and finally pulled away, he looked over at Becker and Lester who were standing a little off to the side watching the reunion. "Oiy you two," he said with a smirk eyes still brimming with the tears of joy and relief. "Get yourselves over here" Connor said as he held his arms out for another round of hugs. "Don't think you can get away without thank yous."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"That really will not be necessary Mr. Temple - " Lester shifted a bit, he really should have thought this would have happened but Cutter looked over with tears in his eyes and a smile. "Please James, Becker" he pleaded, "you're a part of this family too," "Oh very well," Lester softened at that and then went to give Connor a hug.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor's grin widened when Lester and Becker walked over and he put an arm around each one of their necks and pulled them into a hug. "Thank you... for... for everything" Connor said, trying to slow the tears somewhat.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Lester was not used at all to this but he hugged Connor as long as possible, "you're welcome Connor," he whispered and then he felt tears falling of his own, which he blinked back but some had definitely fallen on Connor's shirt this time. Cutter smiled softly as he watched Connor hug Lester and Becker, for the first time since everything started he was really thinking that this might all be okay - that they were going to get through this.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker smiled as he gave Connor a big yet gentle hug. As he blinked back tears of his own, he lifted a hand and gently ruffled Connor's hair with a fond smile. When they finally broke the hug he turned at looked at Lester, hardly even trying to hide it as he wiped at the tears still in his eyes. "Nice choice for the lunch, Lester. Thought you could have found someplace with less pollen though" he said with a grin, because that was clearly what was the cause for all tears. Deinfily had nothing to do with all being included as part of the family and all that business. And with a smile and an attempt to stop that fluttering inside from getting worse, he gave a nod toward Lester. "I'm... I'm going to check the area real quick... just to make sure everything is secure."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, those tears were still falling now but he was accepting that it was a losing battle with those tears, "very well thank you Captain," he sniffed, yes it was those allergies, "there does seem to be a lot of pollen doesn't there?" Then he noticed that the staff were bringing round Cutter and Connor's lunch, "I think it's time for lunch," he nodded over at Jenny, who started getting out their own sandwiches that they had brought.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor watched as Becker headed off and then turned his attention to the food as it arrived, his stomach doing a small flip of nervousness. But he gave a small sigh of relief once he saw what they had brought. Lester had done it again, because surely it was him pulling more strings to get them foods that were this perfect for where they were. There was a small bowl of soup, a bowl of jello, and a few other more solid foods that would still be easier for them to work through. This was fine... he could do this.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was feeling a bit nervous about eating all of the food but he knew that this was not going to be like the first attempt to give them food, he stomach was still lurching a bit but he took a deep breath as he looked at the soup and the jello and everything else that was available, he looked over at Connor with a small smile, “you know, I could really go for one of Summer’s jelly shots right now,” he said, realising just how much he was missing Fandom as well, having the rest of the team there was amazing but Fandom had become his home with Connor, even though he knew that it would still be a few weeks at least before they were able to return there.
Connor(itsananomaly)	"Oh I know, right? " Connor said with a fond smile. "Summer's jelly shots make almost anything better." And Connor too found himself thinking more of Fandom and how much he missed it and how much he was ready to get back to the place that really was feeling more and more like home to him. "We'll have to have everyone visit sometime soon, you guys have to try them for yourselves," he said with a small smile as he started slowly working on the jello, figuring it might the easiest and most familiar option to start with.
Cutter(thearcfamily)	Jenny raised an eyebrow at that, “jelly shots?” she repeated as she took a bite out of her cucumber sandwich, “they sound interesting, I haven’t had a jelly shot since I was at university,” she admitted, “but I may have to take you up on that offer to visit Fandom, it sounds interesting,” That was one word for it Jenny. Lester scoffed at that, as he took a seat and got out his own sandwich, “that’s one word for it,” he remarked, agreeing with the narrative. "Too much glitter for my liking," he said, thinking back to how much glitter he had gotten over his suit that weekend. Cutter smiled as he decided to start with the jelly first as well, “it’s an eccentric place but it’s grown on me, for a number of a reasons,” and he smiled warmly at Connor as he said that.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	It did take some effort but Connor got a bit down as well. It did help being outside, relaxed, not pressured, and with friends. Listening to everyone talk and being able to go at his own pace made a world of difference. "It's a Fandom thing" Connor said nodding in agreement. "People randomly turn into animals at times. Hasn't happened to me yet.... though I wonder what animal it would be..."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Maybe you could turn into a Coelurosauravus, keep Rex company while you do,” Cutter grinned, not making the connection that he would most likely be pet sitting during such an occurrence, “I bet Rex would like having another Coelurosauravus,” Cutter would totally be regretting this wouldn’t he? Lester just looked between Cutter and Connor with a raised eyebrow, "and do you just talk about what animals you can turn into Fandom? This is what passes for normal conversation there?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker had made his patrol and had gotten back a little while ago. But rather than going over and joining the rest of the team at the table he stood a little ways off, keeping watch over the area, very much trying to keep himself in 'job mode' though he found his gaze drifting back to the group at the table. It was good, really good, to see Cutter and Connor like this. It was the first genuine smiles he had seen and to hear the two talk and even laugh, it made Becker smile. They definitely needed this.
Cutter(thearcfamily)	Cutter noticed Becker standing off to the side, “come on Becker, join us,” he pleaded, “you don’t have to go back on patrol just yet do you?”
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Oh... I ah...." Becker hesitated a moment and then took in sight of everyone sitting there, especially the pleading looks on Cutter and Connor's faces and the somewhat smug grin on Lester’s as he nodded towards the empty chair that had conveniently been included for him. "The patrol can wait a little longer I guess," Becker said with a smile as he walked over and turned the chair around and sat in it backward, leaning over on the back as he joined the rest of the team.
Cutter(thearcfamily)	And Cutter smiled as Becker joined them, yes he did notice that Becker was sitting on the chair backwards, “so Becker what animal do you think you’d turn into?” he asked, since that seemed to be a good ice breaker right there. Sorry Becker, you weren’t expecting a normal conversation were you?
Becker(thearcfamily)	Yeah.... he should have seen that question coming considering the conversation they had been having. Becker smiled and thought for a moment, because it really wasn't anything he had given much thought to before. "I'd have to say probably an eagle or a hawk of some kind," he said finally.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter tilted his head thoughtfully at Becker, “oh that’s a good one, being able to fly would be brilliant …even though I think Connor had his hands full when I was a cat,” he grinned sheepishly back at Connor. “So it was probably a good thing that I wasn’t able to fly,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh you weren't too bad.... other than the cat hair everywhere" Connor said with a smirk and a fond smile. "But I do think flying would be bloody amazing in any case." And Connor fell silent at that and just smiled, looking around at everyone, together finally. And it was just really nice... escpecially after everything.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter took a moment to smile back at Connor, it really was incredible that they were there and sitting up and getting to have lunch like this. He fell silent for a bit as he concentrated on trying to eat a bit more on his food and he finished off his jelly, which he was actually rather proud of.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor poked at the jelly bowl a bit as he sat and looked around at everyone... his friends... his family. He tried to eat some more but his taste for it had faded by that point and he wasn't sure he could finish it off. He looked over at Cutter and noted the empty bowl and gave him a broad grin.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“It’s nicer being able to eat this way,” Cutter remarked softly when he saw that Connor seemed to stop eating his jelly and then he looked back up at James, “do you think we can eat out here again?” “We’ll see,” was all James said with a small smile as he nodded at Cutter and Connor’s jelly cups and he softened, “but you’ve both done really well with what you’ve eaten, it’s really good progress for you both,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Shouldn't be too hard to set something up on the regular, right?" Becker said with a small grin at Connor and Cutter before he looked over at Lester. "Could probably at least arrange lunches or something out here. I'd gladly volunteer to work on that and come out with them, Sir." Sorry Lester, Becker was really gonna push for this for them, even if it meant making it his own little pet project for however much longer they were going to be here.
Cutter(thearcfamily)	Cutter’s eyes lit up at that and he smiled gratefully at Becker, “please James,” he whinedwhined, “it would be so much better getting to have our lunches here, especially if Becker’s with us as well,” Lester stared from Becker to Cutter and he wasn’t going to be able to resist those puppy dog eyes that he was giving him then, “very well, if Captain Becker doesn’t have a problem with it, I’ll talk to the staff here about you and Connor being able to have your lunch outside,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Thank you Lester... Becker..." Connor said with a broad grin. "It... it means... I mean it will be...." he fumbled for the words he was trying to say just then and just gave a big grateful smile. "Thank you. Means a lot."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter found himself with tears in his eyes again as he nodded his thanks, “Thank you Becker, James,” he said softly, as he looked around the table at his family sitting there with him, “this …this will help a lot, thank you,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded, happy tears welling up in his eyes as well. "Can't say it enough... thank you for... for everything! It... it means so much."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Lester smiled softly at both Cutter and Connor, "you're welcome," he said with a small smile, "do you think you can manage to eat any more of your food, or have you had enough for your lunch?" he asked gently. Cutter stared down at his tray, he had only managed to eat the jelly, which had felt like a big enough step, "I'm ... I've had enough for the time being," he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I.... I think I'm done too," Connor said softly, feeling a bit disappointed in himself for not getting through much of it. "I... I'll try to do better next time."
Jenny(thearcfamily)	It was Jenny who spoke then, "you have both done really well," she assured them, "this is going to take some time and you've both made a really great effort today, I'm very proud of both of you," Cutter did smile a little at that, "thank you Jenny," he said softly, "that means a lot,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I'd say this definitely counts as a success," Becker added with an encouraging smile. "You both did really well. We all couldn't be prouder." Abby and Connor also nodded in agreement because compared to how it had gone, how it could have gone, this entire outing was one responding success.
Cutter(thearcfamily)	Cutter smiled softly at that, eyes filling with tears again at the support that his family was providing him and Connor, "thank you," he said again, not able to think of anything else to say ... there was really nothing else that could be said as he looked around at the table, at him and Connor sitting there and being able to have lunch with everyone and the amount of progress that they had been able to make today, "we couldn't have done this without you," he said softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor too felt himself go teary as he looked around at the people gathered there... his family... something he didn't think he would ever really have. He reached over and took Cutter's hand, holding it tightly as he thought about everything they had done for them and how much each one of them truly meant to him, yes even Lester the stuff-shirt. "Can't do this without you guys. Thank you.... thank you for everything" Connor said sincerely, determined to do his best to get better and to make his team, his family, proud. But for now, he was content to enjoy the last bit of their time together and enjoy just being there with them like this.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Lunch had been amazing and it had made such a difference being able to eat outside with everyone that Cutter had been very reluctant to go back inside when a few hours later, everyone had to leave. Lester and Becker helped Connor and Cutter back to their rooms and got them settled back in bed, Cutter was starting to find himself a little drowsy but it had been nice to not have to think about being in the hospital room and the pain and everything that had happened for a few hours. Lester had told them that there was going to be another visitor for them and that they just had to wait a little while for it and Becker had resumed his post outside his door, Cutter leaned against Connor, “that was really nice,” he murmured.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It was really, really nice" Connor said with a sleepy smile. Connor shifted slightly close as he could to Cutter as he smiled, letting him lean his head against his chest. "And so is this..." he said with a small happy smile.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"This is nice," Cutter smiled as he snuggled into Connor, leaning his head against him, he yawned a bit as he got comfortable, "I wonder who the visitor is that Lester arranged for us? Everyone was at lunch today weren't they?"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I.... I'm not sure" Connor said, slipping his arm around Cutter gently. "Guess we will find out when they get here huh?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I guess so," Cutter smiled as he snuggled in closer to Connor. A few minutes later and Abby arrived carrying a familiar pet carrier, "guess who I brought to visit guys," There was very loud and excited chirping. Cutter's eyes lit up at the familiar sound, "Rex?" he couldn't help but laugh, "oh this is brilliant, thank you Abby,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Rex!" Connor exclaimed, a smile spreading over his face at the familiar chirping. A moment later Abby had the carrier door opened and Rex scurried out, heading straight for the bed, chirping happily as he jumped up on the bed.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Rex has been missing you guys and I made arrangements with Lester and Becker to sneak him in," Abby said with a grin as she watched Rex jump on the bed and chirp happily. "Hey Rex," Cutter smiled and he realised petting Rex was going to be a bit awkward with his hands but he carefully reached out and gave him a few gentle strokes as best he could, "it's so good to see you,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled and shifted as closed as he could to Cutter so Rex could stay in his lap while he reached over and provided the head scritches their scaly friend deserved. "Thank you for bringing him Abby" Connor said with a broad grin.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Rex chirped happily at all the scritches that he was getting and yes he deserved all of them, after a few moments he settled down and got comfortable on Cutter's lap and was content to make himself at home there. Which Cutter didn't mind at all because Rex was adorable and it was nice to have him there and visit them. "Yes, Thank you," Cutter said again, "I've definitely missed Rex, this was a nice a surprise as well," It had been so long since he had had a nice day like this, he'd forgotten what they were like. "You're welcome," Abby smiled, "we thought you could do with a visit from Rex, I was happy to bring him into see you," she paused, "oh and if anyone does happen to come in while he's here, I'm under strict instructions to say he's a rare lizard,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It really was great getting to see everyone today" Connor said with a smile as he looked over at Cutter. "I cant wait till we can get out of here and start getting back to normal things. I... I never thought I would miss chasing anomalies and running from dinosaurs this much," he added with a small sheepish grin.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter felt a surge of fear at the thought of being out in the field again but he wasn’t going to ruin how nice this moment was with his own insecurities and doubts and he swallowed it back down, forcing a smile as he did, “it will be nice to have things go back to normal,” he said instead, giving Rex a gentle stroke with his hands. Abby watched them, “I’m sure you’ll be back out there with us in no time,” she said confidently, “it’s not the same without you there,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor looked over at Cutter and reached out and put a hand over his gently and gave him a small smile. "Just being back at the ARC will be nice, even if its a while till Lester lets us back in action" Connor said admitting it was going to be a while still, but it was still something he was looking forward to.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded at that, grateful for Connor’s hand right then and a small smile. He knew it was going to take time before he felt even remotely well enough physically and mentally to go back to the ARC and that these fears and doubts were normal but he couldn’t help but feel a bit scared. “Oh definitely, you have to stop by the ARC when you’re well enough,” Abby said gently with a smile, “it will be nice to have you visit, see you back there with everyone, they all said to say hello by the way, they miss both of you,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And we have plenty of time, no need to rush at all" Connor said with an encouraging smile as he rubbed Cutter's arm gently. "And we can have visits from the team too so it wont be as overwhelming either."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter relaxed a little at the arm rubbing, smiling softly at Connor as he did. “Exactly,” Abby smiled, “we’ll take as long as you guys need and we’ll be with you every step of the way,” Rex let out a little chirp of encouragement then to share his agreement and Cutter couldn’t help but laugh at that.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor laughed too, giving Rex a couple more scritches as he settled back against the pillows, leaning his head against Cutter's shoulder as he relaxed, hardly noticing his eyes were starting to get heavy. it was just really nice.... sitting here with Abby, Rex curled up with them, Cutter right there beside him.... it was really, really nice...
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled tiredly as he got comfortable against Connor and he felt his eyes start to drop, he let out a yawn and found himself to start to drift off to sleep, giving Rex another pet as he did. This was definitely a good way to end the day, it had all been so very nice ...