A Private Hospital and then Lester's Apartment - London

[itsananomaly]

It had seemed like the day would never come and for Cutter it nearly hadn’t but after two weeks in the hospital, they were finally getting ready to leave. They had still had to do one last physio and one last counselling session before they could get cleared into Lester’s care and they had been hard to do, especially with them being so close to leaving but they had somehow got through the session and now they were getting ready and were waiting for Lester to come back after he left to get the last of the paperwork sorted. Cutter knew the physio and the counselling weren't going to stop once they left the hospital, they would have to be back basically every other day but as long as he didn't have to do them in the hospital, he would do all the sessions if it meant that he could leave. “I can’t believe we’re almost ready to leave,” Cutter said, smiling softly to Connor. [part eighteen as we move to the next part of the canon update. Preplayed with the amazing anaomaly_research_nerd. NFB but OOC welcome!]

Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know. I... I never thought this day would come. We're one step closer to going home, to having all of this behind us." Connor reached over and gave Cutter a hug. "It's been quite the battle. A real team effort" Connor said as he looked over at Becker who was standing in the doorway talking to a few of his men. Becker turned and gave Connor a small smile and a nod and then finished giving out the orders to his men. When he was finished he walked over to them.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"The day we've all been waiting for is here" Becker said with an excited grin he couldn't hide. "And don't worry, my men are all still at their stations. They won’t be leaving until we are on our way and off to Lesters." After all they had done and endured to get Cutter and Connor to this point, he was not about to let complacency or a lapse in his attention undo it all.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter laughed softly at that and gratefully returned Connor’s hug, “I know, a couple of weeks more and we could even be back in Fandom,” he said, trying not to think about how they’d even go with settling back into their lives at Fandom after this but he figured that was something they could work on later. He pulled apart from Connor then and turned to Becker, smiling warmly at him as he came over, “thank you, for helping us … with everything,” he told Becker, “it’s … we couldn’t have done this without you,” and then he slowly and carefully stood up to give Becker a hug, he definitely didn’t want to reinjure himself and undo everything when they had made such good progress. “It’s … thank you,” was all he could say.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker smiled, the smile going somewhat awkward as he wasn't expecting the hug, but he accepted it and returned it gladly. Then it was Connor who stood and with a little more speed and energy, put his arms around Becker for a hug of his own, which Becker returned as well. "I'm glad I was able to help. Wasn’t at all what I pictured when Lester hired me. But the two of ya kinda grow on a person" he said with a wink and a grin. "Now, let's finish getting you ready. Lester should be back anytime now."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled warmly at that as he sat gingerly back down on the bed, "finishing getting ready would probably be a good idea," he admitted a bit sheepishly as he stared down at his half finished effort - he still needed to put pants on, "I think I would prefer to not leave hospital half dressed,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Yeah, not the headline Lester would be too keen on reading," Becker said with a small laugh. And with that he got to work, helping Cutter and Connor with the last bit of their current task. they still needed some help yes but it as a far cry from what 2 weeks before had brought.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter couldn’t help but laugh at that as he imagined Lester’s reaction, “no, I think it’s safe to say he wouldn’t like that at all,” he agreed as he moved slightly so that Becker could help him get ready, he was still a bit slow and needed more help than he would have liked to admit but compared to where he was two weeks ago … he didn’t think he’d be at this point where he was about to be able to leave the hospital.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor likewise tried to have some self control with getting ready, being sure to let Becker help when he needed him to. He wanted to be out of the hospital more than anything, but he also knew being rash and hurting himself at this point was something he couldn't handle. So, he let himself ask for help and take the help when he needed. "Thanks Becker.. I-I really appreciate it" he said softly once he was fully dressed and ready. He sat on the edge of the bed, trying to catch his breath after all that activity, which still was a bit much for him.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter noticed that Connor seemed to be a bit more out of breath and he looked at him in concern, “are you okay Connor?” he asked gently, reaching out a bandaged hand towards him, he wished the bandages could have been taken off but until the hands were properly healed he had to keep them on for a bit longer.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I'm fine Nick..." Connor said with a small smile. "Just... little less energy today it seems. Think it's the whole going home thing. Good stress but stress nonetheless, ya know?" He reached out his good hand and put it over Cutters. "I'm fine. I promise." Connor looked down at Cutter's hand and then to his own damaged hand. They had finally let him go into the next step down on the casts. He was still pretty cumbersome with the hand but at last, he could start trying to use his hand a little more or things. Connor really hoped that the same would happen for Cutter soon as well.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter gave a small smile at the feel of Connor's hand in his own, he wished he could feel Connor's hand without the bandages but it was going to have to wait a bit longer, “it does all feel so surreal,” he admitted, “I have to keep remembering that it’s not over, that we still have more appointments and sessions after this but it’ll be nice to be away from hospital,” he said softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It will be so much better" Connor agreed. "I know Lester said he was going to try and get as many of the sessions and appointments made for his place, since he doesn't live too far away. And whatever sessions we do have to come back for or go somewhere else to do, Becker's volunteered to take us" he added with an appreciative smile at Becker. "It's not over. It's still going to be a lot of work. But I am proud of us for making it this far" he said giving Cutter's hand a gentle squeeze as he did.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter's smile widened at that and he gave an appreciative smile at Becker as well for helping them with their appointments, wishing he could return the gentle hand squeeze but he hadn't quite worked up enough strength for that yet, "that will be good, if we don't have to keep coming back, I know I want it to be a very long time before I have to step foot in a hospital again," he added, "I think I've seen enough of this place to last a lifetime," He glanced at the door, "that must be why Lester's taking so long, I know there was a lot of paperwork to fill out to discharge us but I was hoping he'd back by now," he shifted a bit at that as he tried to keep the restlessness feeling at bay.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"He'll be here soon, Nick. Everything's going to be ok" Connor said softly though until they were out the doors and in the car heading to Lester's, Connor knew he was going to be on edge and worried something would come up last minute and mess this all up for them.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter fidgeted a bit but nodded, “sorry, it’s just a bit hard with how close this all is …” he admitted softly, biting his lip, “I mean I nearly ended up not being discharged, what if they come up with another reason why I should be kept in?” he glanced nervously at the door.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It won't happen" Connor said softly as he leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on Cutter's cheek. "We're going to get out of here. Lester said he will handle it and... I have faith in him."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, relaxing a bit at the kiss on the cheek, “we’ll get out together,” he repeated, trying so desperately to believe that, even though he didn’t doubt Lester’s ability to get them both out together. A few minutes later Lester appeared, “ah good, you’re both ready,” he said with a soft smile as he nodded at Cutter and Connor, “everything’s been taking care of, you’re both cleared to come home with me,” It took all of Cutter’s self control to not start crying at that but at the same time a few tears did spring to his eyes, “Connor, we’re leaving,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor reached over and pulled him into a big hug. "We're leaving. We did it" he said softly, his own eyes starting to brim with tears too. After a minute or two, he reluctantly let go of Cutter and looked over a Lester as he wiped away the tears that had started to fall. "Th-thank you... Lester. For everything."
Lester(thearcfamily)	"You're very welcome Connor," Lester said softly as he looked at him and then looked over at Becker, "I trust everything is in order here Captain?" he asked, "I think its high time we get Nick and Connor home," he said, unable to stop his smile at that.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Aye Sir. Final patrol has been done and my men know their instructions while we are leaving" Becker said with a nod. "And everything here is good to go," he looked over at Cutter and Connor. "I think it's safe to say we are all ready for this!"
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester smiled at that, “very good Captain, then if everything’s in order I think we can help Connor and Nick to the car, I’m sure they’re both eager to leave here,” he said as he looked over at them where they were waiting on the bed.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded and smiled as well. It only took a few minutes and Cutter and Connor were situated in their wheelchairs and were on their way. One final trip down the hallway, past the offices and therapy rooms, out to the font desk for the final sign-out, and then, at last, outside to where the car was waiting. Connor tried to fight back the waves of emotion that were washing over him. But by the time they were outside and he felt the warm sun on his face, there were tears of joy and relief in his eyes as he looked over at Cutter.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter couldn't stop the tears that started falling once they had begun that journey to leave the hospital and he smiled over at Connor, eyes shining with tears, "we did it," he managed to get out with a smile, "we're leaving,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Aye, we did it" Connor said, taking a moment to remember the feeling before focusing on the next task at hand- Getting into the car. It took some effort but with Becker and Lester's help, and their refusal of any help from the hospital staff, Connor was soon in and as comfortable as he could get. He watched then help Cutter into the seat beside him and reached over and laid a hand over his once he was in and secure as well. "We're going home" he said simply through the tears that were still forming. "Home" as much as it could be right now, but it wasn't the hospital, and that was all Connor cared about right then.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	It was so good to be in a car again after all this time - even though it took a lot of effort to get them into the car but Cutter was just happy that they were going somewhere other than a hospital. "Home," he repeated, smiling happily at Connor with tears in his eyes, with Connor's hand on his own, "we actually did it, we're here in the car ...we're going home," he said again, trying to get as comfortable as he could in his seat.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Once they were secure, Becker gave the signal to his men as most dispersed back into the hospital to begin the wrapup procedure. A few got into the car parked behind Lester's as Becker slid into the front passenger seat. With a quick glance over his shoulder at the two in the back, he turned and gave Lester a nod, as he got in. The smile on his face was evident and unavoidable. "All secure Sir, ready when you are."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded with a similar smile of his own as he did one last quick check to make sure everything was right and put on his seatbelt so that he could start the car, "alright, let's get you home," he smiled at Connor and Cutter as he started the ignition.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor shifted over as close to Cutter as he could with the seatbelt on. Leaning over he rested his head against Cutter's shoulder slightly, holding his hand gently as he finally let himself fully relax.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter did his best to lean his head against Connor's as best he could, with the seat belt and he breathed a sigh of relief as the car started to pull out of the carpark and Lester began to drive them to his apartment, he visibly relaxed once the hospital began to disappear into the distance and he got settled in for the rest of the car ride.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	It had felt like forever but Cutter and Connor had finally left the hospital, it wasn’t returning to Fandom or even Cutter’s own house but it was better than having to be stuck at hospital for another week or so. Lester had made arrangements for them to stay at his apartment in London and Becker had dropped them off and helped Lester with getting Connor and Cutter safely upstairs. Cutter looked up at the apartment building, he had never actually been to Lester’s place before so seeing were his boss lived was rather interesting to him. It wasn’t long before they were both taken up to Lester’s apartment, it was a very good thing that the apartment did have a lift so that they could easily get up to Lester’s floor. Connor had never been to Lester's he almost had, once, to drop off some papers, but Lester had insisted he meet Connor at the gate, so that was the closest he had ever come. So standing there in the doorway, it was hard not to gawk a bit. It really did look just like he had pictured Lester's flat looking. Bit drab, very 'sanitized' in a way. But it would have surprised no one who knew Lester to learn that it was his place.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"You know I've never actually been here before," Cutter remarked, gazing around at Lester's apartment, "it feels a bit weird, to think we're going to be living here for two weeks, it's definitely better than the hospital though," To be fair anything was better than the hospital.
Connor(itsananomaly)	Yes that was quite the low bar to clear. And had it been under any other circumstances, Connor might have felt a bit more overwhelmed by it all. But with Becker's help he made it to the couch and slowly sat down, doing his best not to mess up the rather nice looking cushions and pillows. He had a feeling that would not last long but he was at least trying for now. "I will bring their bags in," Becker said as he stopped just shy of the door and spoke with Lester. "Have you figured out a schedule for when you want me or my men here?"
Lester(thearcfamily)	“I don’t want to take any chances,” Lester said quietly so Connor and Cutter couldn’t hear them as he followed Becker to the door, “I think it would be good to have as close to a routine as possible to the hospital, there’s every chance that Helen knows about where I live and if she suspects that they’re staying here … well I would feel a lot better about our chances of stopping her if you could keep to the similar patrols that you did at the hospital, regular patrols, someone guarding the door,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded as he glanced over at Connor and Cutter. "I'll keep my patrols here as I had at the hospital. And when I am taking them to and from their sessions and appointments, I will take at least one of my men with me. And the rest of the time, if its possible, I would like to have a coupe of my men patrolling the property at all times." Becker leaned in a little closer to make sure he want overheard, he didn't want to make Cutter or Connor more nervous about the move than they already were. "I can also set up someone to keep an eye on the house from a little ways away, make sure no one else is holding stakeout or trying to watch the place."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, "that sounds very good, thank you Captain," he said, "having a couple of men patrolling at all times would be beneficial as would someone parked off the street, there's also internal security with an alarm that if it gets tripped, it goes to the security company and an intercom system, the only way someone who can get into the apartment who doesn't have a key is to be buzzed in,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded. "Good, then I think the place will be as secure as we can make it." His attention turned again to the two on the cough and he tilted his head and gave a small grin as he looked over at Lester. "You are doing a good thing here, Sir" he said.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester looked a bit surprised at that, he tried to keep his expression serious - to maintain that level of professionalism but it was hard, “they deserve to be kept together,” he said softly as he looked over at Nick and Connnor on the couch, “the progress that they’ve made, they wouldn’t have gotten through this without each other,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	"That is true, but most bosses wouldn't offer up their home to make that an option," Becker said with a slight head tilt. Then he nodded, getting back into professional mode. "I'll make the first sweep and get my men set up at their stations. I have a request in to Jenny to get a fresh set of coms for everyone. But in the meantime I have my mobile still if you need to reach me."
Lester(thearcfamily)	There was a very tiny smile there as Lester softened a bit before he returned to his usual composure, “very well Captain, I’ll stay here with Nick and Connor and help them get settled,” he told him with a nod.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor watched as Becker headed out and he leaned against Cutter's shoulder slightly as he looked up at him and smiled. "I still can’t hardly believe that we are actually here.. It... it feels like a dream almost."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“I know, I still keep thinking I’m going to wake up and be back at the hospital,” or the cell but he wasn’t going to bring that up when today was a happy day, that they’d finally been discharged, “I still can’t believe James agreed to let us stay with him, I feel a bit out of place to be honest,” he admitted with a smile.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know... I'm almost afraid to touch anything, really" he said as she shifted slightly on the couch. That apprehension would likely fade in a day or two, much to Lester's dismay. "But it is good to be out of the hospital finally, and having a great boss makes it even better," he said with a grin over to Lester as he did.
Cutter(thearcfamily)	Cutter smiled at that he got comfortable, “thank you again for this James,” he said as he looked over at his boss. “You’re welcome and now I’m sure you’d both like something that wasn’t hospital food, what would you both like to eat? I’m going to make it for you,” Even if Cutter and Connor were in positions to be able to cook, he wasn’t trusting them with his kitchen.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor thought for a moment and looked form Cutter to Lester. "What sounds really good to me after all this... is a decent breakfast," he said with a grin. "I think I've forgotten what bacon and real eggs taste like to be honest."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Actually bacon and eggs does sound nice," Cutter admitted with a smile of his own and then his stomach started rumbling loudly, "maybe hash browns as well?" he wasn't sure how much greasy food he could handle right at this point but a proper breakfast did sound amazing. "I'll start with making bacon and eggs and hash browns," Lester told them as he went to get an apron and then started to get everything set up in the kitchen, "see how you both handle that before we try any more different food,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor's stomach rumbled loudly now and he gave an appreciative nod. The eggs shouldn't be too bad. The hashbrowns might be a little greasy. The bacon might be pushing it. But they were finally out of the hospital so that alone called for a celebration! "Need any help?" Connor offered as he started to try and get up off the couch.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester had been afraid of that, he didn’t like anyone being in his kitchen if he could help it, “no, it’s alright Connor, you and Nick sit and rest, why don’t you watch TV or something? The TV has cable so there should be something on,” he indicated to the remote control that was by the coffee table.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor's eyes went wide at that as a grin spread over his face. He reached for the remote and turned on the TV. "So what you in the mood for, Nick?" he asked as he settled back on the couch, moving closer to Cutter as he did. "Trash reality or conspiracy theory?" It could take some time to even decide on what to watch and find something with so many channels. Lester might even be done wit the food before they actually found what they wanted to watch.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Trash reality?" Cutter said maybe a little too hopefully as he snuggled in close to Connor, it turned out he had really fallen down the rabbit hole of meta for Big Brother during their hospital stay, "I think we may have missed an episode of Big Brother last night," He was definitely addicted now.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"OK fine... trash reality," Connor said as he started flipping through the channels to find BB. He gave a mock frown as he looked over at Cutter then broke into a grin, unable to even pretend to be upset. "Just know this shows how much I love ya Nick," he said with a laugh. "I'm giving up my aliens for your reality stars!" Connor leaned over and gave Cutter a soft kiss and then snuggled up against him and kept flipping through the channels.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that, a faint blush spreading across his cheeks, which only deepened at that kiss and he got comfortable against Connor, "I'll let you pick the tv show next time," he promised as he looked up at Connor with a smile from where his head was resting on his shoulder.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Will hold ya to that," Connor said with a grin as he finally found the show, turned up the volume a little and settled back against Cutter. He didn't care about the show. All he cared about was enjoying every moment he had, and trying to remember everything he possibly could about this first day out of the hospital.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter settled back, getting comfortable against Connor and smile warmly as he started to get engrossed in the show. It was definitely nicer watching tv this way, Lester’s couch was a lot more comfortable than the hospital bed. “This is nice,” he murmured, leaning against Connor as he did.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It is very nice" Connor agreed, unable to keep the grin off his face as. It felt good to be able to smile again like this. And to even be able to hold Cutter like this, no wires, no monitors, nothing getting in the way. It was definitely very nice.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as leaned in close to Connor, “this is so much nicer than the hospital bed,” he said softly and he leaned in to give Connor a quick kiss, “I still can’t believe we’re here and not in hospital,” it was a feeling that was going to take some getting used to.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gladly returned the kiss and smiled. "This is so much better... and it's good that Becker can still be here" Connor offered. "And Lester too of course" he said with a grin as he glanced over towards the kitchen to see if he could see what was going on in there.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"It is," Cutter smiled warmly, "I'm glad he could still be around, it would feel weird if Becker wasn't here," he added. Lester was putting the finishing touches to the food he was making, "I hope you're still hungry," he remarked as he came over with the trays of food, there was a decent size amount on each plate, "you don't have to eat all of it," he told them gently, "but there is leftovers if you are still hungry," he added.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor felt his stomach growl again once he saw the food and the smell hit him. "I think I could eat a horse" he said with a grin. "Amazing what real honest to goodness food looks like! Thank you Lester, this looks and smells amazing!"
Lester(thearcfamily)	"I'm afraid I'm fresh out of horses," Lester said with an actual warm smile as he placed the trays down for them, he went back to the kitchen and made a pitcher of juice and carried it over with some glasses, which he poured out for them, "not to toot my own horn or anything but this should be a million times better than hospital food, I haven't heard any complaints about my cooking from my kids," "Thank you James, this is all incredible, I'm definitely looking forward to eating this," Cutter said with a smile as he straightened up a bit to look at the plate of food in front of them and then his own stomach rumbled loudly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Kids? Somehow Connor had never picked up that little detail about his boss... He would have to file that away for later. But right now, there was food to be had, and Connor started on the breakfast with cautious eagerness. "This is amazing..." he said around a mouthful of the eggs.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter remembered the conversation he'd had with Lester about the Mammoth when Lester had escaped Leek's attempt on his life and knew that he'd had kids but didn't know anything else about them, he started shovelling in food ... he tried to take it slow but the food was amazing and after the hospital food was definitely a million times better. "Definitely a million times better than hospital food," Cutter agreed as he wolfed down a slice of bacon. Lester watched them eat for a few moments, it was nice to see them both be excited about food, even though he was worried the food might make them sick if they ate too quickly, "the food's not going anywhere," he assured them, "you can take your time eating,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	'Yeah... should probably take it easy huh?" Connor said somewhat sheepishly. He picked up the bacon and broke a piece off then sat back a bit and started working on it slowly. Maybe it was the fact it had been so log since he had had bacon to begin with. Maybe it was two weeks of hospital food. Or maybe Lester was really just that good of a cook. Whatever it was Connor didn't think he had never tasted anything so amazing in his life.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter managed to slowly chew the eggs that he had been making his way through, "it's so good though," he said before he realised he was still chewing and took a moment to actually swallow the food, "like I don't think I've tasted breakfast this good before," Lester smiled softly at that, remembering all too clearly their first time attempting to eat and seeing their distressed states, "be that as it may I would prefer to not have to clean up any vomit because you decided that you couldn't take things slow so just maybe slow down just a little please?" To his credit Cutter did manage to take a bite of a hash brown and slowly made his way through that.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded trying to pace himself because, of course, Lester was right. He finished the bit of bacon and resisted the urge to grab another piece. Instead, he sat back on the couch and looked over at Lester, tilting his head slightly. "So, you gonna join us? Or did you pull a classic chef and eat while making the food?" he asked with a small smirk.
Lester(thearcfamily)	“I’ll eat later,” Lester told them, even though he had totally snuck in a couple of pieces of bacon here and there when he was pretty sure Nick and Connor were engrossed in the TV, “but I’ll be here for the rest of the day, I cleared my schedule today to help you settle in,” he told them.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"That's really swell of ya, Lester. Thank you... for.... for everything" Connor said sincerely. He had never gotten to see much of Lester outside official ARC and Ministry work. And Connor was finding it a bit surprising but also refreshing that there did seem to be human side to Lester underneath all that gruff exterior.
Lester(thearcfamily)	“You’re welcome Connor and if you do need something that I don’t have here, you can ask either myself or Captain Becker, he’ll be stationed with you most days while he’s here and he’ll let me know, I’ll be able to get it for you,” he told them.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Connor was about to say something when the door opened and Becker walked in. "Everything is in place and the property is secure, Lester" he said with a nod as he turned and gave Connor and Cutter and grin. "And is seems everyone is settling in well here too. Wonderful!" It really was good to see them eating, on their own, and doing so well at it apparently.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at Becker, “you should sit and join us,” he said and then over at Lester, “can he eat with us?” Lester looked at Becker with a smile, “if Captain Becker wants to take a break, I don’t see the harm in him joining you,” Cutter looked at Becker with wide eyes, “please” he said hopefully.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker looked like he was going to try and refuse the request, but the pleading looks from Cutter and Connor quickly put an end to that. "Oh I guess I can take a quick break," Becker said with a warm smile as he walked over and took a seat. "Sure beats the hospital couch doesn't it?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“This is definitely a million times better than the hospital that’s for sure,” Cutter agreed as Lester went to fix Becker a plate of bacon and eggs and hash browns and brought it over to him so he could eat. “ I still can’t quite believe we’re here,” he admitted.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Phase two of the recovery. And amazing progress!" Becker gave a small nod and smile to Lester for the food.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled warmly at that as he took another mouthful of food, he waited until he was able to swallow his food before he started talking, “and we couldn’t have gotten here without you and Lester and everyone,” he told him, “it’s …I know I never thought that a couple of weeks ago I’d be up to eating food like this,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	Connor nodded in agreement as he finished the bite he was bene slowly worthing through. "Sure took long enough, but it is good to be here that's for sure!" Becker smiled and caught a small grin from Lester as well. "It's always been a team effort and it will continue to be one. You and Cutter won't have to go at this alone."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter felt tears spring to his eyes, which he took a moment to wipe away, he smiled as he looked around the room at Connor, at Lester and then at Becker. “Thank you,” he said softly, those tears starting up again, “it…it means a lot to know you’ll be there with us,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Not just a job or a duty anymore" Becker said with a gentle hand on Cutter's shoulder. "Its an honor and a pleasure."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter couldn’t stop those tears from flowing now and then found himself leaning over and giving Becker a hug, “thank you,” he said softly, “thank you,” it was all he could manage at that point.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker blinked in surprise and froze for a moment. Then he smiled and returned the hug. He couldn't fight back the tears of his own. Especially when Connor stood and hugged Becker as well.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Becker was definitely getting tears on his shirt, “sorry about your shirt again,” Cutter said sheepishly as he hugged him. Meanwhile Lester was watching the scene unfold with a smile and he totally didn’t have tears in his eyes, it was just very dusty that was all - he’d have to talk to his housekeeper about it soon.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker just smiled as he hugged them both. "Had far worse on my shirts before" he said with a small smirk as he finally released the hug.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter managed a laugh at tgat as he pulled back from the hug and carefully settled back down, “we couldn’t have done this without you,” he told Becker softly, “and I’m also really sorry about kicking you,” Yes he had already apologised for that but he felt really bad about that, “and for that escape attempt on the first day I woke up,” he added sheepishly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"And I'm sorry about biting you and all," Connor said with an equally sheepish grin "All in the past" Becker said before breaking into a grin. "I'm sure i will find a way you can make it up to me!" He added with a wink.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Well let us know when you do,” Cutter said with a smile, “after putting up with everything the last couple of weeks, it’s the least we can do,” he added.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Don't wanna chase ya away and all, not after finally getting to be part of the family and all," Connor said with a grin. "When I figure something out, I will be sure to let Lester know to call in the favor" Becker grinned broadly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned, “now I’m curious to know what you’re planning for the favour,” he admitted as he settled back down and took another bite of food.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Not quite sure yet" Becker said with a small smirk as he settled back himself, snagging a piece of bacon as he did. " But I'll make sure it is something good."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter couldn’t help but laugh at that, “well, whatever it is that you need us to do, consider it done,” he smiled as he finished off the last of his eggs.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester smiled as he watched at how relaxed and happy Nick and Connor looked as they talked and joked with Becker, he knew that things were still going to be hard for them, that there were going to be many bad days ahead but seeing them like this after how they’d been… It was just a nice moment that he wanted them to be able to enjoy.