Lester's Apartment - London

[itsananomaly]

For the next two weeks Cutter and Connor were going to be staying at Lester’s … it was taking some getting used to, being at their boss’s apartment but it was definitely better than the hospital and it meant that the two of them would be able to continue to stay together as they focused on the next part of their recovery, post hospital. [part nineteen. CW for medical trauma, injuries and recovery. CW for discussion of gunshot wounds. There is also cw for mention of a loss of a parent and loss of a child. Preplayed with the amazing anomaly_research_nerd. NFB but OOC welcome!]

Cutter(itsananomaly)	Some nights Cutter found he couldn’t sleep, even though Lester’s couch was much more comfortable than the hospital bed. That night/morning was no exception. After tossing and turning for several hours he finally gave up. He didn’t want to disturb Connor, so he thought he’d try to get up and walk around a bit, he was getting better at that as long as he took his time and was careful. He carefully stood up and wincing a bit at the pain, began to start pacing the living room.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor much preferred Lester's couches over the hospital bed. But it was hard being on two different couches. He missed being next to Cutter so his sleep was often light as well. "Nick?" he called out as he stirred a little. He thought he had heard a noise from somewhere in the room but wasn't sure.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter stopped at hearing Connor call out, wincing slightly at the pressure on his feet as he stopped, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you,” he said softly, “I couldn’t sleep,” he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It's alright" Connor said as he sat up on the couch. "I wasn't really asleep anyways. You... doing ok?" He looked at Cutter with a slightly concerned look.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“I…” Cutter started and then stopped, “I …no,” he admitted, shifting slightly as he stared down at his hands, “sorry,” he said quietly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor was on his feet and at Nick's side in an instant, arms around him as he pulled him close. "Oh Nick..." he said softly as he rubbed his back gently.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter started trembling as Connor drew him in and he started to cry, “I’m sorry,” he said quietly as he leaned against Connor. “I didn’t …” his voice trailed off, unsure what to say, “I’m sorry,” he said again as the tears kept falling.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Nick..." Connor said softly as he held him close. He knew it was going to get to this point at some point. And he knew it was going to be a hard point to get through... but he had hoped there would be a little more time to get to that point. "You are ok Nick, we are ok" he said gently as he rubbed his back and held him close. "We're going to get through this."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	The tears were flowing openly now as everything seemed to hit him, he had been …well not fine but he’d been managing okay and now it like everything from the last few weeks had caught up to him and he couldn’t stop. “Feel so stupid…” he managed to get out in between his sobbing. “I should be fine …we’re out of hospital, I shouldn’t …”he couldn’t finish as the sobs overwhelmed him and he clung as tight as he could to Connor.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor held Cutter as tightly as he could and slowly started to move them towards the couch. He slowly got Cutter seated and sat down beside him, arms still around him as he held him close. "Nothing to feel silly about, Nick... What you have been through.. what we have been through.... It's not going to be something easy to forget" Connor pulled his close and pulled his head to his chest. "We can help each other through this, together Nick. I'm here for you... whatever good I can do" Connor said as he leaned his head over against Cutter's and closed his eyes, his own tears starting to brim slightly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded as he got settled on the couch, leaning against Connor as he kept sobbing. “I .,,” he started to say and then stopped, “i can’t sleep because I keep seeing …” he trembled, “I keep seeing…” He couldn’t bring himself to say it, he knew that eventually he would have to talk about it but he couldn’t bring himself to do it just yet, “I’m sorry,” he said quietly again.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know..." Connor said with a sigh. He just sat there and held Cutter for a moment. "I know it's hard... I... I keep having dreams too. It's... really hard. But you know I am here... I am here for you Nick. Always" he said as he rubbed Cutter's back gently.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter could only nod at that, biting his lip as he tried to calm down. “It’s …” he took a deep breath, trembling as he did, “I’m scared to close my eyes,” he said softly, “I’m scared that I’m going to wake up in that cell, that we never got out….that it’s all been a dream,” he admitted, the last part coming out in barely more than a whisper.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We're safe Nick," Connor said softly as he clung to him as well. "I... I have to keep convincing myself of that. That... we're safe, that... we aren't there anymore..." Connor took a slow deep breath, trying to push back the memories that were always there, just at the edges of his mind, waiting to spill over. "We're safe" he said again, both to help Cutter and also to try and remind himself of that simple fact.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled as he kept clinging to Connor, “do you think this will ever go away?” he said quietly, “I…I’m just so tired and I hate feeling this helpless and I’m …” he hesitated, “I’m scared that she’ll come back for us,” he said in a voice barely more than a whisper.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It will..." Connor said as confidently as he could. "Like everything else, it's going to be a process. We'll get there, Nick. I think this... Talking and being here for each other."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter sniffed and trembled, a few sobs escaping, “I …I’m not very good at talking about things …like my feelings,” he said quietly because that was such brand new information to Connor, especially after their therapy sessions.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Then we deal with it as we can. Step by step. Just like this" Connor said softly. "Progress is progress right? That's what Captain Becker said" Connor smiled softly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter trembled but still managed a tiny smile, “progress is progress,” he repeated, trying to reassure himself of that, “I - I think I prefer this to our sessions with Dr. Jones,” he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Much better for sure," Connor said. "Because I can do this" he said as he leaned over and placed a small kiss on the side of Cutter's cheek. "I know this isn't going to be easy... But I am here for you Nick. What happened... should never have happened. But it did. And we will deal with it and figure it all out.... even the most painful parts."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled softly at that as he leaned against Connor, “and I’m here for you,” he said quietly, “I …I know I need to talk about what happened, I’m just …it makes it …I guess it’s the final acknowledgment that it’s all real,” he said softly. Part of him had still been in denial that they’d gone through all of that, he wasn’t sure he was ready to fully talk about it.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We both do" Connor said softly as he rubbed Cutter's shoulder. "And we will.. when and as we can." Connor went silent for a moment and then sighed softly. In some ways, he didn't know whether it was a good or bad thing that they both had been through similar things to a certain extent. It was a whole complicated and messy mix of emotions, all of it. "But it was real..." he said finally with a small sigh, feeling that same pain at the acknowledgment of that fact. "And we're going to get through it and figure this all out. I... I'm just sorry I was such an easy target for... her."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter closed his eyes, trying to blink back those tears that had started to fall, “it …it was my fault Helen went after you,” he said guiltily, “you got hurt, she did all those terrible things to you, to get to me …to …” he couldn’t continue and his voice trailed off.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"And she hurt you to try and get to me to break me" Connor said softly. "Helen... was going to do what she was going to. This.. blaming ourselves... it is what she would want. We can't let her win, right? Helen is responsible for what she did.... not us."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Those tears were falling now, “she …she did break me,” he said hoarsely, “I …I ended up helping her, I never …” He stopped, “you’re much stronger than me, you …I’m sorry, that I …. that I was so weak,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Nick... you thought I was dead... had ever reason to believe I was" Connor said gently. "I can't say I would have done anything different... if given the chance to bring you back..." Connor bit his lip. "And I'm not totally blameless either. I told Helen things about the research... my tech... I... I'm not as strong as you think I am."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“You’re stronger than me,” Cutter trembled, “I should have known it was one of her games,” he said miserably, “that she wanted me to reach that breaking point and I …I thought, I thought …” it was all coming out in a jumble, “I wanted the pain to stop,” he admitted quietly, “I …I thought if I helped her the pain would stop and then she gave me that serum and I didn’t hurt for a couple of hours,” he stared at his hands, “in the end I was no better than Helen, I wanted to use that technology for my own selfish gain, who knows how many more…” he had been about to say Claudia’s but he couldn’t bring himself to say her name. He let out a sob.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Anyone would want the pain to stop Nick... anyone would eventually break," Connor said softly. "Helen had her focus on you. You got the worst of it all by far. You are strong Nick, anyone would hit the breaking point eventually. She... got you to do things you wouldn't have normally... and I told her things I never would have... Helen was determined to break us both. You are no weaker than I am, Nick."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter cried softly at that as he leaned against Connor, “I should never have gone looking for Helen,” he said miserably, “that’s what started this …if …I should have been able to move on but I …I thought …I know our marriage wasn’t healthy, I thought … “ he shivered, “it’s all a huge mess, I’m sorry that I dragged you into this …that Helen hurt you,” he sobbed.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"You loved Helen. You had a life with her, good or bad... and you mourned her when you thought she was gone." Connor took a breath and sighed softly. "Of course you wanted to know what had happened, where she was, what she was doing..." Connor wasn't going to mention the logic of that love still, he wasn't quite ready for that discussion just yet. "She was... your wife. And she doesn't take rejection well. I have as much blame in this as you, Nick. I..." Connor sighed, that conversation with Helen playing out, the effects of the truth serum still painfully real in his mind. "I... am not free of blame either."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter didn’t really understand the logic of it either and he was the one who had been married to her. He thought back to what Becker had said, about loving a specific version of her, not the current Helen who had inflicted so much pain on them, he still didn’t know how to tell Connor what Helen had made him confess to … He looked at Connor confused, “I …I don’t understand,” he said quietly, “how …this isn’t your fault, you don’t have any blame with what happened with me and Helen,”
Connor(itsananomaly)	"I gave her a reason to be jealous... to be even more spiteful..." Connor said softly. "She was.. is... whatever... your wife. I made you a target by thinking I deserve you." It was Connor's turn to let out a shuddering breath as he closed his eyes then. "She wouldn't have gone after you like she did... if... But I do love you Nick, more than anything. I... I... just... didn't think they... would hurt you like that, because of me."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter closed his eyes at that, “Oh Connor,” he said quietly as he leaned against him, trembling, “Helen would have gone after me regardless, I …I tried so hard to get you free, you didn’t deserve any of what Helen did to you and I love you, so much, I …I never would have made it this far without you, you deserve so much and you are worthy of my love,” He bit his lip, “if …if I’d been smart I could have avoided everything, I should have played along with her, made her think that I was on her side …” He knew it was a dangerous path, going down these what ifs but after so many sleepless nights in hospital, that was where his mind had naturally gone.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	It really was a dangerous slippery slope to start down, and Connor had started sliding down it a few times himself over the last few weeks. "You know she wouldn't have let it go at that" Connor said softly. "She would have found a way to twist it... forced your hand... I could have easily ended it, pretended to walk away... I could have gone back to the ARC... tried to get help... Make Helen think I was leaving so she'd leave you alone... but... but I didn't..."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter let out a sob, “I know we can’t change anything that happened but I can’t help but think it could have ended differently, that …” he had to stop for a moment, “that …that Stephen might still be alive,” He knew that it had to happen that way, that there wouldn’t have been a life for Stephen once they’d gotten rescued but Stephen’s death still weighed on his conscious and would always be there …another life that he had ruined.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"A lot of things could have gone differently... but they didn't." Connor sighed as he leaned against Cutter and closed his eyes. "I... I think what Becker said is true... we.. we'll drive ourselves insane thinking of the what if's... but... I can't help but think I... I could have done more... done something different... to not make it so bad. But... that won't change anything, will it?" Connor said with a shuddering sigh.
Cutter(itsanaomaly)	Cutter trembled, “I guess that’s why they say what they do about hindsight, I just …maybe if I’d been smarter and stronger, we …it could have been different for us,” he sighed, “I …I know it’s not healthy to do this, to wonder if we could have changed it, I just …I just wish things could have been different for us, that we wouldn’t be in so much pain…” he sobbed.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor shifted on the couch and wrapped his arms around Cutter tightly, leaning against him as he tried to stop the tears. "All we can do... is try and move on from... from all this..." Connor said softly as he laid his head against Cutter's chest and held on tightly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter kept sobbing quietly as he leaned against Connor, “I …I don’t know if …I don’t know how…” he said quietly, “I’m not …I can’t…I’m not sure I’ll be strong enough to,” he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor didn't know what to say to that... he hardly knew what to say to his own jumbled mess of feelings... Helen... Stephen... Nick... it all just kept churning inside, bubbling up as soon as he thought he had finally settled it for the time being. "I know...." He whispered softly as he clung to Cutter and held him close. It was all he knew to do just then.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	And for a moment, one brief moment Cutter considered confessing everything …all of his feelings regarding Helen and Stephen …it was on the tip of his tongue … He couldn’t do it. He looked at Connor and he couldn’t bring himself to confess, he was too afraid of Connor’s reaction… He started crying again and this time he couldn’t stop, couldn’t say anything but he just kept crying as he leaned against Connor, he knew this made him a coward but he still couldn’t bring himself to say anything, he just sat there crying.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor just held Cutter close, letting both of them cry it out for a bit. It was going to take time. It was going to be hard. And Connor just hoped they would be able to get through it together as he slowly closed his eyes and held on to Cutter, waiting for sleep, however restless it might be, to settle in for them again.
Cutter(itsannomaly)	Cutter just kept crying, eventually he started to tire and his sobs quietened and he began to start to drift in an uneasy sleep.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	It had been a few days since they had left the hospital and had been living at Lester's, it was definitely a lot nicer being out of the hospital. Lester had had to leave for the office for a few hours and Cutter had been thinking that it might be nice to do something nice for Lester and try and cook him something, rather than him doing all the cooking for them. "You know," he said to Connor, "I think we should try cook a meal for James, to thank him for everything that he's doing, has done," This was going to be a very bad idea.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Ya know, that sounds great. He’s done so much for us through all of this. Least we can do is make him a nice dinner or something" Connor agreed. They had obviously not remembered from the visit from Tabby and Teddy about the cooking prowess of their little group. This was not going to end well at all.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"That's what I was thinking," Cutter said with a smile, he had definitely forgotten that there was a reason why Tabby had been the one who could cook in the family, "I mean he's got a nice fancy kitchen, he's bound to have all the ingredients we need," It wasn't going to be a nice fancy kitchen once they got their hands on it.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I'm sure he has everything. We just have to decide what we want to make. Has to be something nice and fancy. It’s Lester after all" Connor said as he made his way into the kitchen to start looking for things.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Maybe we could make him a roast?" Cutter considered, "that's something fancy right?" Cutter really did not have any experience when it came to fancy meals. There was a reason that he tended to order Chinese takeout a lot.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Yeah that sounds like a good option" said the guy who still largely ate like a college kid. "Think I actually saw something like that in the fridge earlier. So that’s meant to be then!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled, “I mean a roast shouldn’t be that hard to make right?” he said as he began to look for the different vegetables, “plus with the vegetables and we’ll have a nice roast cooked for James in no time,” This was definitely not going to end well.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Yeah, just prep and pop it in the pan and then stick it in the oven right? Simple!" Connor said, as he stuck his head in the fridge to start handing Cutter the veggies. "Looks like we got carrots, potato, pepper, onion, and mushrooms. I'm sure Lester won't mind us using these. He'd be saving them for a meal anyways and that's what we are using them for after all..." The meal had to end up edible for that to be an even remotely valid argument there Connor.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned, “it will be ready in no time, I think we need to make sure there’s plenty of oil so it doesn’t stick and then we can season it as well,” At least that’s what Cutter had gathered from all those daytime cooking shows at the hospital.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Definitely! And we can put all the vegetables and stuff in there too to get seasoned and yummy." Connor looked over at the stuff on the table for a moment and tilted his head slightly. "So, seasoning..." he said, really having no clue what seasons went with a roast.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter had no idea either and looked over Lester’s neatly arranged spice rack, “well we can do salt and pepper, that’s easy enough right?” he grabbed the shakers next to the rack to hand to Connor, “and we can use paprika, er …garlic powder, chilli…thyme, rosemary,” he grabbed all of those and passed them to Connor. This was not going to be edible at all.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	No not at all.... That poor kitchen. "Right so... I'll start chopping if you want to get the roast all seasoned and ready? Shouldn't take too long to cook it all up but wanna make sure, so I'll get started on the veggies."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“I can do the seasoning,” Cutter agreed, as he picked up the salt shaker and started to pour it all over the toast and sent bits of salt everywhere on the bench and the floor as well. “I think between the two of us we’ll have this done in no time,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Alright then just to get these all chopped up and ready..." Connor said as he started chopping up the random veggies and everything. And it was going... not that well... as bits of peel and pieces of carrots, potato and everything ended up all over the kitchen.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned as he sprinkled a more than healthy amount of his spice on the roast and similar to the salt, they all ended up on the bench and floor. “You know this rather easy,” he remarked, “I don’t know what everyone’s complaining about,” Lester will not see it that way Cutter.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I know, there's really not a lot to this huh? Toss things in a pot, add in the spices and all, then let it cook. Dont know why everyone acts like cooking is such a complicated process..." Said the guy who somehow always managed to forget the smoke alarm that always got a workout whenever he tried his hand at doing more than making ramen or mac n cheese.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“I know this is easy, we should cook a meal when we get to Fandom,” Cutter grinned and then knocked one of Lester’s very expensive looking spice holders to the ground and it shattered, sending paprika everywhere ”Oops,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh for sure. Would be easy enough to do and...." Connor turned to look over at Cutter as he was drizzling some more water into the pot. As he did his elbow knocked over the bottle of oil, sending it spilling onto the counter and dripping onto the floor. "Ooops!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Oh, do you think James needs all these spices?” Cutter asked sheepishly as he stared at the spilled paprika on the floor and then the spilled oil and that was when he turned and sent an opened bag of flour that had been on the bench to the floor and it splattered everywhere. “Okay he definitely didn’t need all that flour right?”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Noo... I'm sure it's fine. He's got plenty of spices he can use instead... and flour's easy to get." Connor none of that was the point right then.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Exactly, you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs right?” Cutter grinned as he stared at the all the flour that was currently covering him. “Besides he’ll be happy with the roast that we make him,” No he won’t Cutter, he’ll be the exact opposite of happy when he sees the state of his kitchen.
Becker(thearcfamily)	And you know who else would be less than thrilled to walk in and see the state of the kitchen? Becker. And that was exactly who was walking in as he came back from his patrol of the property. "Everything is good out here, how's going in...." His voice trailed off as he walked in, blinking in stunned surprise and confusion. "Wh...what are you... doing?" Becker finally managed, his mouth hanging open in a stunned and very unprofessional manner.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh hey Becker," Cutter smiled as he saw him, "we're making dinner for James, we thought he might like a roast," Instead Lester ended up with his kitchen destroyed in the process. "We ... uh ... made a little mess though," he added sheepishly. That was more than a little Cutter.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"You.. wait... what?" Becker said, his brain still stalling trying to process the scene in front of him. "All of this... from making a pot roast?' he asked as his brain was finally starting to catch up to what Cutter had said. "Roast with veggies!" Connor interjected with a proud grin. "Don't forget the veggies." "Riiiight... "Becker said as he put his hand to his face and sighed. "Lester is going to have my head..." he said under his breath.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"He can't be that mad, we put in lots of seasoning and we've got a variety of different veggies too," Cutter said proudly at that, "we didn't even set anything on fire," Well that was because you hadn't gotten near the oven yet Cutter, otherwise Lester might have been coming back to a burnt kitchen.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"And from the looks of things, I think it is a safe bet to say it is a good thing you haven't gotten to the actual cooking part of the process yet..." Becker said with a raised eyebrow as he cautiously walked into the kitchen, trying to avoid the worst of the spills and mess.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Well no," Cutter admitted and then brightened, "but now that you're here, you can help with the cooking part, Connor's finishing cutting the veggies and then I can season them as well before we put them in the oven, even though I can't put paprika on it, I knocked it over," he said sheepishly. It seemed they had missed the step of pre heating the oven, which in this case seemed to be one small blessing, not that Lester was going to see it that way.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We got time to get it all finished up before Lester gets back, right? Shouldn't be an issue..." Connor said, the first twinge of doubt creeping in that maybe they had bit off a little more than they meant to with this plan. "We'll get this in and cooking and then shouldn't take too much time to clean up." Said like someone who was still basically living in what looked like a college student's dorm room.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker just raised an eyebrow at that, words escaping him at that moment as he looked around the trashed kitchen. He then looked down at his feet as he realized he was standing in a puddle of oil and that flour had gotten all over his nice black uniform. He gave a deep sigh as his hand went to his head again, getting flour there now as well. That stuff was as bad as glitter, evidently.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	It was slowly starting to dawn on Cutter that this wasn’t such a good as he had thought and he stared at Becker, who had flour all over him and was standing in oil, “we …um, well clean this up before James comes home?” he tried.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Yeah, we... we'll get it cleaned up... won't be a problem..." Connor said with an apologetic smile, even as he tried not to snicker at the white flour in Becker's normally perfect hair.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker sighed and shook his head. "I'm not even sure the entire cleaning staff of the ARC could get this cleaned up before Lester gets back" he said with a sigh as he looked around still in awe at how much of a mess they had managed to make in the half hour he had been on patrol. "But... maybe we can get the worst of it dealt with..." he said as he tried to find something to start cleaning things up with.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter shifted slightly and ran his hand through his hair, getting flour all through there as well, “maybe we can see if there’s a broom here and we can sweep up the flour at least?” He tried to head to the pantry and see if there was a broom there and realised he had ended up stepping in oil, “oops,” he stared down at his bare feet.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester had been running late with his meeting, it seemed the ARC was going to get a new military liaison but there wasn’t any news on who was filling the post, which made him feel uneasy. He was looking forward to a nice brandy and relaxing and all of that immediately left his mind as he opened the door and took in his now destroyed kitchen. He stared at the mess … all of that flour and he looked at Cutter, Becker and Connor as he did, “what …how …gentlemen, please tell me there is a perfectly good explanation for why my kitchen looks like world war three has gone off in it?”
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker felt an instantaneous mix of panic and dread hit him in the gut the moment that door opened and his boss walked in. "S-sir, sorry Lester Sir" he said trying to keep a professional composure despite the very very incriminating situation. "We... we were attempting a meal prep... that... went a little sideways." Becker knew he would be bearing part of Lester's anger at the state of his kitchen. But he also knew he couldn't stand there and let Nick and Connor take the fall alone, even if it had been their ridiculous idea.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester’s eyebrows went way up at that, “a little sideways?” he repeated, cooly as he folded his arms, “I have to say Captain Becker that I’m very disappointed in you, all of you should know better but especially you Captain …what possessed you to try and cook in my kitchen?”
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter blinked at hearing Becker say that be had been helping them prepare a meal and then winced at how cold and unimpressed Lester sounded at that, “we…er ..,we thought we could make you a meal?” he winced, glancing over at Connor and then he looked apologetically at Becker for getting him involved, “we tried to make you a roast but …” his voice trailed, “we’ll clean it up for you,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Lapse in judgment Sir," Becker said with a nod. "Apologies." Becker didn't look at Cutter or Connor and was doing his best to not either beak down laughing at the sheer insanity of the situation he was in or offer his resignation again out of sheer frustration.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We just wanted to do something nice... for you... after everything," Connor said sheepishly as he looked down at the mess on the floor just at his feet. "S-Sorry..."
Lester(thearcfamily)	If Lester could have facepalmed right then he would have, “clearly you’re all sharing one brain cell between the three of you,” he looked at Cutter, “for someone who’s a professor, you have a funny at of showing it,” he snapped. He sighed, “I have half a mind to let you all stay in your dirty clothes for the rest of the day, to teach you all a lesson,” he glowered, “and clearly, you’re all now banned from my kitchen,” he growled
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Sorry James,” Cutter stared at the floor, wincing a bit as he felt the oil stick to his foot, “it, it won’t happen again,” Well he had been banned from Lester’s kitchen and unless he had a death wish, it would actually be smart to stay away from any and all attempts at cooking in the future.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"We'll get it cleaned up. Don't worry," Connor said as he grabbed one of the dishtowels, inadvertently causing a little more flour to get kicked up in the process. He winced slightly and looked over at Lester apologetically.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I'll see that everything is cleaned up and back to normal, Sir" Becker said. "And I will submit my resignation at this time if you so wish," Becker said, not wanting to take that route... well maybe a little given his current situation... but he also knew he had not been as on top of things and professional in this role as he had intended.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester winced as the flour went everywhere and took a deep breath, “see that you get everything cleaned up without spreading the mess,” he looked at Becker, “and you do not get to get out of this easily, if I have to put up with them, so do you Captain,” he said pointedly, “your resignation offer is denied, again,”
Cutter(itsananomaly)	That took Cutter by surprise, “what do you mean again?” he looked to Becker, “you tried to resign before?” he couldn’t help but sound a little hurt at that, temporarily forgetting about the mess in the kitchen.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker looked at Cutter and then Connor, the hurt looks evident and he sighed. "We'll... talk about it later" he said, not wanting to get into it with Lester looming over them just then. He knew he owed them an explanation and an apology... it would give them something to talk about while they cleaned up at least?
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester took a deep breath, “I’m going to head back out for a few hours and when I come back I want this place back the way it was without all the flour and oil,” he sighed, “and I want you nowhere near my kitchen, is that understood?” he snapped, looking at all of them as he said it. Then he turned around and left, slamming the door behind him.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Once Lester had gone, Cutter turned back to Becker, “why did you try to resign before?” he asked quietly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker sighed as he rubbed he back of his head, knowing he was just getting more flour and all everywhere but he really didn't care at that point. He had never intended for Cutter or Connor to ever know about that resignation attempt. "You... You've wanted to leave us all this time?" Connor asked softly, doing a very good impression of a kicked puppy just then as he looked over at Becker. "Not at all, leaving you guys, the team, that's the last thing I actually want. I... I offered my resignation to Lester when you were still in the hospital. After the fiasco with the feeding attempt." Becker sighed as he leaned back against the counter and looked at the two standing across from him. "I... I felt like I had failed you... not... done my duty to protect you. I... thought you might be better off.. with... someone else," Becker said with an apologetic sigh.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter looked at Becker with hurt puppy dog eyes, “is …is all this because of the panic attack?” he asked quietly. “It wasn’t your fault with what happened that day,” he told him, “do …do you really want to leave us that badly?”
Becker(thearcfamily)	Oh come on now double kicked puppy eyes were not at all fair! Becker shook his head, not able to look at them just then as he started trying to wipe up some of the oil and mess from the many surfaces there were to clean. "Not at all. This... you guys... this team..." Becker sighed. He was almost at bad at this sort of thing as Cutter was. "This has been one of the strangest jobs I've ever had... but it has also been the most amazing. I never thought that after the last few years I'd ever feel that kind of connection again... wit anyone." Becker finally looked up and back to Cutter and Connor. "I... I offered Lester my resignation because I didn't want to betray that faith and trust you all have put in me. It's... one of my own mental hangups" he admitted with a sheepish shrug of his own. "If I can't carry out orders, what good am I eh?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	There was a pause and then Cutter slowly made his way over to Becker and gave him a hug, which wasn’t going to help with all that flour going everywhere. Sorry Becker. “We wouldn’t have gotten this far without you Becker,” he said quietly, “we owe you so much, you’re an important part of this team, you’re important to both of us,” he felt pretty confident he could speak for Connor right then, “we want you to stay,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded in agreement at what Cutter said as he joined them, wrapping his arms around Becker in a hug from the other side. Sorry Becker, you were in the middle of a hug sandwich and no way to get out- might as well just accept that fact for the moment. "We wouldn't have made it past that first day when you found us without you Becker. Neither of us would be here without everything you have done. It... wouldn't be the same without you on the team" Connor said softly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	More flour and oil and everything... all over. But honestly, Becker could care less just then as he stood there in surprise, not quite knowing how to react to the hugs. He smiled as he slowly returned the hugs, closing his eyes. It had to be the flour, must have gotten into his eyes with it flying around in the air. "I... I'm sorry I was stupid with trying to resign. Won't happen again. I.... honestly don't think I could leave you guys if I tried" he said with a small smile.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“We’ll forgive you,” Cutter grinned as he returned the hug, “please don’t try and resign again ….Hilary,” he said lightly, “especially since James may one day follow through and accept your resignation, it wouldn’t be the same without you,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker blinked a bit at that. He had almost... almost.... totally forgotten that he had divulged that very personal detail to them. He smiled and nodded as he gave them both another quick hug. "Won't happen again," he said as he let go and gave them a somewhat skeptical look. "After all, you both know my secret... can't really go and have you blabbing it to everyone. Will have to keep my eye on you both" Becker added with a grin.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter couldn’t help but laugh at that, “well we could always make a deal?” he offered, “we keep your secret and then you don’t try and resign again?” That was blackmail Cutter.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It would be a terrible shame if something like that got out.. to Jenny and Abby.." Connor said with a smirk. Double blackmail was no better, Connor.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I'm pretty sure blackmail is against all educational ethics codes..." Becker said giving a slight side eye to Cutter. "And also violates at least a few of those regulation agreements you signed," he added with a head tilt towards Connor. But there was a broad grin spreading over his face, despite his best efforts. "But... I think we can have a deal there."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned, “maybe but it’s not like they’ll ever know right?” That wasn’t the point Cutter. “But I think we have a deal …Hilary,” Sorry Becker, Cutter was being a troll at this point because he could be.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Such a troll. It was a good thing Becker had a soft spot for you Cutter, cuz you were definitely pushing it right now. "Indeed," he said with a dry laugh and a grin. "So, how about we get started on the task at hand," he said with a glance around the kitchen. "Before Lester gets back and puts us all out on our ears!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter looked a little guilty as he looked around the mess at the kitchen they still had to clean up, “right, we probably should,” he agreed as he went to try and find something to begin to sweep up the flour, he paused, “why did you say it was your fault as well when Lester started yelling at us?” He thought back to that day so long ago now after Connor had taken the blame for the brawl with Stephen, he still wasn’t used to the idea of people trying to stand up for him.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I'm not gonna throw you guys under the bus," Becker said with a small grin. "I'm not that kind of guy... especially with friends" he added as the grin grew a little more. He grabbed the paper towels and decided to start on the worst of the oil spillage with Connor to get it out of the way and keep it from spreading.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter returned that grin as he found a dustpan and broom to begin sweeping up the flour, “well thank you, I’m sorry James yelled at you …I never planned for it to get so messy, I thought we could really make him a nice meal,” he sighed, “I’ve never made a roast in my life, those cooking shows we were watching at the hospital made it look so easy,” Because they were chefs Cutter.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"TV makes everything look easier better, taller, sexier..." Connor said, his voice echoing slightly from inside the cabinet where he was searching for some more cleaning supplies. Becker grinned at that as he met Cutter's gaze and shook his head slightly. "Think we all should just avoid the kitchen after this... not that Lester would let us step foot in here once we are done" Becker commented with a laugh.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter giggled at that as he swept up some flour, “I think next time I’ll just order us takeout,” he considered, “I think I should have ordered us Chinese, less of a mess that way,” He paused, “I think James is definitely going to make sure that we’re never going near his kitchen again,” he said sheepishly.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I'm pretty sure I am not going to let you back in the kitchen either after this" Becker said with a oh so fake attempt at sounding annoyed. "The dry cleaning bill for this uniform is going to be insane!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter winced, “I can pay for the bill?” he offered, “it’s the least I can do after getting you involved in all of this,” He looked down at his own messed up clothes, “I don’t think these are even worth salvaging,” he admitted.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Might take ya up on that, Nick" Becker said with a small wink. "Though I have to admit I never thought I'd be on cleaning duty after that incident in boot camp" Becker mused as he worked on the one end of the bench.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Well let me know when you get it dry cleaned and I’ll take care of it,” Cutter promised with a grin and then tilted his head curiously, “what happened in boot camp?” You weren’t completely surprised that Cutter asked were you Becker?
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"You, a problem in boot camp? Perish the thought!" Connor said with a grin and a mock air of surprise. "Never would have imagined!" Anyone who didn't know Becker the way they did would probably be shocked that the guy to seemed to play by the book had a rebellious side. But Connor and Cutter were far from normal people really so, that news was not as surprising as it might have been.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Hardy har har" Becker said as he tossed a towel at Connor with a smirk. "But yeah boot camp was ummm... an interesting time. Signed up and enlisted as soon as I was old enough to get away from the old man. I was stubborn, hard-headed, tried to play by my own rules at times. Usually, it was small things that annoyed the commander more than anything. But ummm..." Becker hesitated a moment and rubbed the back of his head. He hadn't told anyone about this in so long. "That changed the night they found the makeshift still we had set up and were trying to use." Yeah, squeaky clean special ops Hilary James Becker had a surprising black mark on his otherwise fairly clean record there.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Whatever Cutter had been thinking it was, it wasn’t that, he actually looked impressed but then Cutter was someone who really didn’t like authority or following rules, “I can’t imagine that went down really well,” he said with a grin.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"A month of mess hall cleaning and prep duty, on top of several other things the commander pulled on us for that stunt made quite the impression," Becker said with a small wince as he thought back on that. "I actually almost got kicked out over that... only reason I didn't was cuz one of the officers evidently liked me, for some odd reason, and spoke up on my behalf," Becker admitted, feeling a bit awkward about revealing that big black mark on his past.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Well I know I’m glad that officer stood up for you,” Cutter gave him a smile, “that you were able to join our team, I can’t imagine doing all of this without you,” he paused, “and thank you for standing up to James for us,” he added.
Becker(thearcfamily)	“Well, its just one more thing we’ll owe after this,” Cutter smiled as he swept up some more flour, he couldn’t believe just how much flour he had gotten everywhere, “on top of everything else we owe you,” he paused, “we won’t try and make you a meal though,” he promised. Not that he’d be ever able to use Lester’s kitchen again after this.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"That is thanks enough" Becker said with a small wink. "And hopefully with the progress you both are making with your recovery, we can get you back home sooner rather than later." Becker knew it was what would be best for both of them as much as it would be for Lester at this point. "Though.... not going to lie, I think my day to day routine is going to seem pretty boring in comparison once you both are back on that island you both seem to love so much."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled softly at that as he looked over at Connor, “I never thought when I moved to Fandom, just how much it would become my home but I can’t imagine living anywhere else,” He looked up at Becker, “you should come and visit us, there’s a parents weekend in September, we’d love to have you visit,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor returned the grin as he finished up with the area he had been cleaning just then. "Aye, Fandom has its quirks and oddities like any place... but it has everything I want or need for home" he said as he reached out and gave Cutter's hand a quick squeeze before letting go. "You definitely should come to visit sometime!"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Gotta say, I am very intrigued (and a little terrified, not that he would ever admit it) after hearing you both talk about Fandom so much. Might just take you up on that offer if things get too quiet and boring around here once you guys are back home," Becker said with a grin.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled warmly, especially as Connor gave his hand a gentle squeeze, it took him a moment and then he finished sweeping up one section of the kitchen. There was still a lot of flour but at least the floor was starting to look somewhat like a normal kitchen. "Well that's one thing you'll never find about Fandom, when it gets too quiet and boring for long that usually means something's about to happen - like an invasion or we'll be visited by kids from the future or a different future," he smiled softly as he thought back to Tabby and Teddy and was wondering how they were doing right then and then another thought hit him, "I wonder if we missed the end of semester invasion," he couldn't help but wonder as he looked over at Connor.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker tilted his head to the side a bit and gave a perplexed look to Cutter at that. "I am not sure which is more troubling. The idea of your home getting invaded.... or the fact it seems to happen regularly enough it is considered a routine thing like that."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I mean I've only been through one end of semester invasion ..." Cutter admitted, "based on everything else, it seems to be something that happens at least twice a year last year ..." he stopped, wincing a little as he remembered that weird version of Helen that had stopped by to visit. Even though after everything that they had experienced at the present Helen's hands, that weird 90s version of her wasn't that bad by comparison. "I mean ... I could have done without the visit from Helen, looking like she was from some 90s girls pop group," Cutter admitted softly and he stared down at the floor, finding it rather fascinating all of a sudden and he swept over a part of the floor even though he had already cleaned it.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker watched that change in Cutter's mood shift in real time as he mentioned Helen. The whole alternate reality thing had been weird but he had finally gotten his head wrapped around that- mostly. The frequent reminder of there being two versions of Connor running around made that a little harder to deny than otherwise might have been. But he still winced slightly at the idea of running into any other version of Helen. "Well, in any case, it is probably a good thing that you both are missing out on the Fandom weirdness this go around" Becker said with a small nod. "We got our hands full with Lester after all" he added with a grin, hoping to shift the discussion back to a better focus.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled softly at that as he looked back up at Becker, grateful for the change in conversation, "do you think James will really make us stay in our clothes?" he couldn't help but wonder as he stared around at their flour caked clothes, Becker's in particular was extremely noticeable on the black, "he was really angry earlier," Which yeah he'd ended up destroying James' kitchen, the anger was pretty much deserved and honestly Cutter had seen Lester even angrier so he didn't know how this would turn out.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I doubt it... unless he wants the mess to spread to the rest of the house" Becker said as he glanced down at his mess of a uniform. "But it is Lester so... hard to say for sure? But I am sure he has calmed down a bit by now." He was hoping that was the case at least.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I hope so," Cutter grimaced a bit at the idea of Lester still being angry, "I mean, we cleaned up a good portion of the kitchen right?" he had managed to sweep up most the flour, "it's looking a lot better than it did at least," he added with a small smile.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"And we still got time, might be able to get a good bit more done before he gets back," Becker said optimistically as he finished wiping down the bench. "Lester should be fine...." Connor said, sounding and looking a little less confident in that than Becker did. "We've made it better than it was, after all. That's gotta count for something, right?" Becker nodded and grabbed the mop to start getting the last of the mess off the floor.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester had felt bad about the way he had yelled at Nick, Connor and Becker earlier ... he had started to calm down as soon as he made it back to his car and instead of heading straight up to apologise, he knew what he needed to do first. The first stop he made was to the ARC, to see what clothes were still there of Nick and Connor's and then he also got a clean uniform for Captain Becker as well. Once the clothes were secured, he stopped by his favourite milkshake place and got milkshakes for all of them - he stuck with the same flavours he'd gotten last time - pineapple mango for Nick, peanut butter and chocolate for Connor but he hadn't been sure about Becker yet so he decided to play it safe and got vanilla. Then he carefully carried everything up to his apartment and let himself in, he looked at his kitchen and saw with some relief that they had managed to clean everything. Lester stood still for a moment as he debated what to say and then he held out the clothes and milkshakes, "a peace offering, if you will, I'm sorry that I yelled at you all ... it's been a long day and I took it out on you and it wasn't fair of me," he indicated the drinks and clothes, "I brought you all clean clothes and milkshakes as well,"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter relaxed quite a bit at that, he hadn't been sure how Lester was going to react when he came back but he definitely hadn't been expecting clean clothes and milkshakes out of it, "I'm sorry James," he apologised, "I ... I never meant for your kitchen to get damaged but we got it all cleaned up for you," he added. But he was definitely going to take that milkshake and clean clothes though, "thank you," he said, careful to not make any more mess in the house.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker tried to hide the relief he felt when his boss walked in, visibly calmer and less 'on the war path' than he had been a few hours before. He was about to say something when Lester held out the milkshake and new uniform. He tilted his head slightly as he looked at Lester in confusion. "Sir?" he asked, unsure how to respond to the surprise gesture just then.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester really should have expected this from Becker, "I believe the response you're looking for is thank you," he promised with a small smile, "I wasn't entirely sure what flavour milkshake you did like, I know we haven't worked together for that long, so I hope vanilla will still be okay, the place I get my milkshakes from are excellent quality I assure you Captain,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded still a little surprised by the sudden flip. But he did take the clothes with a sincere 'thank you, sir' and then grinned slightly as he took the milkshake. "And actually this is perfect. Vanilla is actually my preferred flavor."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Now it was Lester's turn to look a little surprised, "well that turned out to be a lucky guess," he said with a small smile and looked over the now clean kitchen, "you can take turns using the bathroom to change," he paused and really hoping he wouldn't come to regret this, "you can use my ensuite as well, that will mean only one of you has to wait to have a shower," he paused, "please don't destroy my ensuite," he added quickly in case it needed to be said.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I don't mind waiting," Cutter offered, looking at Connor and Becker as he did, "if you want to go and have a shower first?" as much as he would have liked to have gotten cleaned, it was also his fault that they were in this literal mess to begin with and it was the least he could do, to let Connor and Becker have the first showers.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded at that, willing for once to take Cutter up on the offer. "Thanks. I won't take long. Will try and save some hot water for ya" he said with a wink. Thankfully Becker's years of training and background had made him a bit of a pro at the 10 minute shower. His hair would probably suffer a bit but he'd at least be able to get cleaned and into a presentable uniform again.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"You take the ensuite, Becker" Connor offered with a nod. He figured Becker had earned the nicer option and also this way he had less of a chance of messing up Lester's fancy suite. "And yeah, we'll try and save some hot water for ya Nick" he added with a laugh as he looked over at Cutter.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grimaced a bit at the idea of a cold shower but well really after today, Becker and Connor definitely deserved the nice hot showers so he could wait a bit longer for his turn, even though he was pretty sure he could hear Lester grumbling about something about the water bill and that he was the one who had to pay for it.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Again, for once Becker wasn’t going to try and reject the offer. With a nod to Lester, and another quick sip of the milkshake which was actually pretty damn good really, he grabbed the clothes and headed towards the shower, as Connor did the same.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Meanwhile Cutter waited as patiently as he could, taking slow sips of his pineapple mango milkshake. The flavour tasted just as a good as he remembered from the hospital, "you have to give me the name of the place you get these milkshakes," he said as he took another couple of sips, "I never thought milkshakes could taste so good," Lester merely smiled at that, "I've been taking my kids there for years, whenever they can come into the city, the best one we've found is on Shaftesbury Avenue," Cutter smiled as he took another sip, "I think I'll actually miss these when I go back to Fandom," he admitted.
Becker(thearcfamily)	True to his generally disciplined nature, Becker was back, showered and changed, in record time. Anyone who didn't know him well would have been hard-pressed to notice any difference in how he looked- but his hair.... well, it couldn't be helped at this point. He would just have to deal with it looking less than perfect. "All yours Nick," he said with a small grin and nod. "And thank you again sir," he said turning to Lester.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Thank you," Cutter said gratefully as he carefully placed down his milkshake and went to Lester's ensuite so that he could have a much needed shower. Lester nodded at Becker once Cutter had left, "you're welcome," he said and he took a glance towards the main bathroom, "at least you also know the importance of quick showers," he sighed, "it seems Connor wants to enjoy his," but there was a small smile as he said it.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker couldn't help but give a small laugh at that. "Considering what they both have been through the last few weeks, I imagine the simple pleasure of a shower is still pretty strong for them." He had done more than his share of lingering showers after spending weeks in the field, so he understood the appeal of hot clean water.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, "that's true," he agreed, "it is nice seeing them be able to have showers themselves," he added, "for a while there it didn't look like they were going to be able too even shower themselves," he said softly, "they've both come along way," his smile grew, "as evident by their desire to cook something in my kitchen," He was never going to let them live that down.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded slowly, remembering just how bad they both had been a few weeks ago. The progress they had made was actually quite amazing. "The biggest hurdle they've overcome for that I think was Cutter getting into the step-down splints and braces for his hands. It's let him get back some of that mobility and function finally. And for Connor of course it's been his neck and those injuries. I know it still bothers him, even if he's trying to hide it."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester softened at that, "the hand braces have been a massive improvement for Nick, I know that was one of the things we were worried about at the hospital, that he would never be able to use his hands again," he sighed, "I don't think his hands will ever be at the strength they used to be but just what he's accomplished in these last few weeks ... and I've noticed Connor's reaction to his neck ... how self conscious he is without trying to be obvious about it," he hesitated, "and Nick too, I've seen him flinching when he looks at his hands when he thinks no one is looking, they're ... it's not just their emotional and physical recovery that will have to endure, Helen destroyed their self esteem, their self worth and that's something that they have to find on their own ... " he sighed, "it's ... it could take years for them to rebuild and they'll never be the same men they were after this,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded slowly at that, his brow furrowed a bit. He knew what that process could be like and knew they were in for a long hard road ahead. "The fact they are out of the hospital and trying to do everyday things at this point is a testament to their strength, and stubbornness," he said with a faint smirk. "I've seen men lose their purpose and drive after a major injury. Men who knew only the military and their service, struggling to find something to replace that after an injury." He thought back to his own lengthy recovery and those months where he thought he'd never walk again let alone ever be able to do anything remotely close to active duty again. "They are going to have tough spots for sure. But if they keep going like they have been, I think they can get through it and figure out what their new version of normal looks like." Becker looked over at Lester with a determined nod. "And I know this team will be here for them as well. They got a good chance at this."
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, “that’s why I think getting them back to Fandom will be good for their recovery, something familiar for them, where they can be home and work towards their new normal,” he paused, “they will need to figure out if that new normal is coming back to the team, the team of course is behind their decision, whatever they feel is best for them and will help them work towards getting cleared to return but they have to do a lot of thinking for what they want their future to be,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker couldn't help but give a small laugh at that. "Considering what they both have been through the last few weeks, I imagine the simple pleasure of a shower is still pretty strong for them." He had done more than his share of lingering showers after spending weeks in the field, so he understood the appeal of hot clean water.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, "that's true," he agreed, "it is nice seeing them be able to have showers themselves," he added, "for a while there it didn't look like they were going to be able too even shower themselves," he said softly, "they've both come along way," his smile grew, "as evident by their desire to cook something in my kitchen," He was never going to let them live that down.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded and was about to say something when Connor appeared at last. Becker had to fight back the snicker and hide it behind a cough as he looked at Connor, his hair a wild damp mess on his head. "Ok, feeling more human now. Thanks Lester," he said with a grateful nod. "Glad to see there was enough hot water for ya" Becker said with a smirk as he looked over at Lester with a grin.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester’s lips twitched a little as well as he noticed Connor’s hair but he managed to keep it professional, “you’re welcome Connor, looks like we just need to wait for Nick now,” he remarked, even though he did know with Nick’s hands the way they were he could be a bit longer in the shower.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Thought the oil was never going to come out of my hair" Connor said, running his hand through it, taming it a little as he did so. "But I think I got it all!"
Lester(thearcfamily)	Despite himself Lester did manage to smile at that, “and I trust we’ve learnt our lesson from all of this?” he said as he looked between Connor and Becker.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Yes sir, kitchen is off limits and attempting to cook is to be done elsewhere," Connor said with a nod. "Aye sir, no more extra-curriculars involving the flat. Duly noted" Becker said with a grin despite his attempt to keep a straight face.
Lester(thearcfamily)	“Good,” and Lester smiled at that, “see that you remember that in the future,” Several minutes later and Cutter emerged from the shower, it had taken him a bit longer than he would have liked but the shower had also felt really nice so he had indulged a little bit longer than he normally would have. And like the others, he had tried to do something to keep his hair flat but eventually he had given up and at least there wasn’t any flour in his hair anymore. “I think that might have been one of the best showers I’ve had,” he grinned.
Becker(thearcfamily)	They all were just going to have to resign themselves to a bad hair day at this point, well other than Lester who still looked every bit as professional and in order as ever. "Shall we retire to a more comfortable spot now that the risk of contaminating everything has been negated?" Becker asked with a glance at Lester.
Lester(thearcfamily)	As if reading the narrative Lester tugged at his suit, even though there were no actual creases in it. He looked over at Becker, Connor and Cutter, satisfied that there were no traces of flour left and nodded, “we can go over to the couch, if you promise not to spill them, you can take your milkshakes with you,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor looked from Cutter to Lester with a shy smirk. "It won't leave my hand. Promise," he said. "Won't even set it on the coffee table." Becker had to smirk at that as he picked up his own milkshake with a nod to Lester. "Not a drop."
Lester(thearcfamily)	“I promise too,” Cutter grinned as he held up his own drink, “I won’t spill anything this time,” Lester nodded, satisfied that he wouldn’t have a repeat of the kitchen fiasco, “very well, shall we then?” he nodded and motioned to the couch.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor grinned and made a bee line for the living room, claiming his spot on the couch and motioning for Cutter to come sit next to him. Becker waited for Cutter and Lester, trailing behind a bit, that familiar uncertainty pulling at him again as to whether he should stay or get back to his patrol.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned and made his way over, taking a bit more time to get to the couch but he eventually sat down next to Connor. He noticed Becker trailing behind them, “you can sit with us,” he encouraged, nodding to one of the armchairs near them, Lester sat down in the other one. “You’re welcome to join us if you would like to Captain,” Lester told him, giving him a small smile.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker hesitated for a moment then smiled as he walked over. "Maybe just for a bit. Be a shame to waste the milkshake after all" he added with a grin as he sat down in the chair. "Then I should get back to my patrol." It would be a while before that actually happened Becker, might as well get comfortable with these three hanging around.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“How about we drink our milkshakes really slow and then you don’t have to go back to your patrol straight away?” Cutter offered with a grin. Lester nodded, “you can take your time Captain,” he added, “you don’t need to go back out straight away,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Come on, stay for a bit" Connor said with a pleading look. "please?" Becker couldn't help but smile at all of that and nodded in surrender. "Alright, you all convinced me" he said, still finding it intriguing just how everything had played out to get him to this point. "Ya'll are hard to say no to."
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor grinned and made a bee line for the living room, claiming his spot on the couch and motioning for Cutter to come sit next to him. Becker waited for Cutter and Lester, trailing behind a bit, that familiar uncertainty pulling at him again as to whether he should stay or get back to his patrol.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at that as he took a careful sip of his milkshake and looked over at Connor before turning back to Becker, "it's part of our charm," "That's one word for it," Lester remarked but he was smiling as he said it. Cutter relaxed and as got comfortable as he could without spilling any of his milkshake, it was definitely a lot more comfortable being showered and in clean clothes.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Definitely good to be cleaned up, that's for sure" Becker said as he tried to let himself relax a little. "Though it does make me think of that one training stint when I first joined the special ops. They wanted to make sure we knew what it was like to rough it so they denied us showering privileges for two weeks, right in the middle of some of the most intense training we had. I thought I was never going to get clean after that" he said with a laugh and a slight wince at the memory. It was actually part of why he took such pride in his looks and always wanted to look his best.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter winced a little at that, "I can't imagine what that would have been like, even though there's no way I would have ever made it in the military," Cutter would definitely have ended up with a court martial before he completed basic training. He paused, "I've been on some digs in pretty remote places though where there were limited showering facilities, one of the hardest ones was out in the Gobi Desert,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Can image it gets a bit rough when the debate for water use is literally between bathing and drinking" Becker said shaking his head. "But still, I'm sure you've seen and done some amazing things on those digs. And teaching at the university too had to have been something else. Lord knows I never could stay focused enough!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter looked very sheepish there, "well half of the time I was lucky to turn up to classes," he admitted with a grin, "just ask Connor ... I didn't even know he was a student of mine at first when I met him a couple of years ago," he paused, "but I've always loved learning and exploring and finding out new information,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Well you must be doing something right" Becker said with a grin. "I hear you and Connor both teach classes back in Fandom. That is quite impressive." Becker thought back to the conversation he and Lester had had just a short while ago, hoping that a topic familiar and positive would give them both something to focus on and keep them going, even subconsciously as they continued the long road of recovery.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled over at Connor, "we teach a dinosaurs class together and I taught zoology last semester," he paused, "we were meant to teach in the first summer session, I submitted a class proposal and everything," he sighed, "I ... we may not even make it back for the second session" he admitted softly, looking a little guilty at that.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"I'm sure we can pick something up and there's always a class after the summer too. We have options Nick" Connor said gently as he reached over and carefully put his hand on one of Cutter's. "Connor's right" Becker said softly. "And a little break might not be a bad thing too while you get settled back into that sort of routine"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded at that, “I guess we do,” he smiled softly, “it just feels weird, not teaching or doing some activity with the university, maybe we can look at teaching that class on the Cambrian Explosion?” he looked up at Connor, “when the fall semester starts,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Definitely! If we don't have something over the summer, we can take our time planning it out. There's a lot to cover in that after all" Connor said with a smile. "I know it's hard changing up that routine. Feels off doesn't it?" Becker said with a sympathetic nod. "But change can be a good thing- remember that. Took me long enough to stop fighting to force things to go a certain way and just adapt to that new normal." Becker gave Cutter an understanding smile.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded with a small smile at that, "I miss the days when the new normal was me coming back from that anomaly and finding everything had changed," he sighed, he hadn't intended on bringing it up but it felt weird to think that two major events in his life had happened a year apart from each other, "it's different but I have Connor this time," he smiled over at him, "it's just hard adapting to change sometimes," he admitted.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor reached over and slipped an arm around Cutter and pulled him into a hug. Boy did he know about adapting to changes... but he knew this wasn't the time or the place to be hashing out some of those complicated feelings and thought processes. Instead he just gave Cutter a hug and a soft smile. "It might be a little rough but we'll figure it out together right? We've gotten through everything so far, we can get through this too!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter bit his lip and nodded as he carefully leaned against Connor, "it's a lot to figure out," he said softly, "I don't ... I don't know ..." his voice trailed off, "what if ...what if it's not the right decision?" He had been thinking about his place on the team, whether he wanted to continue leading in the field but after everything, he wasn't sure if he would ever feel ready to go back to how things were.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Then you adjust and make a new decision and try something different. Few things are as permanent as they might seem" Becker said after a moment's thought. "Big decisions are seldom made in on fail swoop. It's smaller decisions and actions, building up on each other. It is definitely going to take time but I think the two of you will manage. And like Lester said, we are all here to help any way we can."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter bit his lip and trembled slightly, "I'm ... I'm scared," he finally admitted, he felt weak admitting this but he knew he had to start this ... start trying to talk about his feelings, as much as it scared him to, "I ... " He hesitated, "I don't know if I can lead the team anymore, that I can make sound judgements," he paused, "I made questionable judgements before everything, now ... I don't know if I can trust my mind," He stared down at his hands, at the braces ... he couldn't meet anyone's gaze as he did.
Lester(thearcfamily)	It was Lester who spoke then, "this is something that only you can decide," he sad softly, "but as we've said, you are not alone in this ... we'll support you in whatever decisions you decide to make, this is for your recovery and no one is going to force you to do something that you don't want to do," He hesitated, "I've been in your exact same position," he said softly, "where something went wrong in the field and it had me question everything, that decision cost me everything ...and if I can help make this next phase of your recovery any easier I will," He took a deep breath, "like Captain Becker, I used to work in Special Ops, my focus was the intelligence gathering side of the operations and my last mission ... I made a poor judgement call and I got shot as a result, it cost me my career ...my ... my family, my first marriage ...I know what it's like to have to make those decisions, to try and get back to some kind of normal .... "
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor sat there for a moment, his brain trying to process several things all at once. First was the fact he was sitting there seeing Lester talking about his past and showing his feelings like this. Then there was what he was actually saying about his past and his brain kept getting hung up on the idea of stuff-shirt Lester having once been like Becker. And then there was that slight gut punch at realizing what all Lester had been through and just how much he really could relate to what they were going through. Connor didn't know quite how to respond to that at first. "That... that must have been really difficult for you" he said softly as he looked over at Lester, seeing the man in a whole new light in that moment.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter sat there, rather stunned at hearing Lester open up about his past ... he was pretty sure that he hadn't heard him talk about his personal life before and hearing what he had been through ... "I'm, I'm sorry James," he said softly, as he looked up and met his boss's eyes, "I ... I didn't ... I didn't know," he said, realising that there was so much about his boss that he didn't know, even though he knew that was how Lester preferred it, it was just different hearing him talk so much about himself like this.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"Not many people do," Lester said simply as he looked at Connor and then Cutter and then Becker, "I don't normally like talking about it ... for obvious reasons and I'm not going to lie, the process was hard, the physical recovery alone took over a year and then there was the emotional one and well ..." he paused, "my military career ending already put a strain on my marriage ... " he softened and there was a moment of hesitation, "I have children," he said suddenly, "three but before I met their mother, I had another child ... a son ... he got ill, very ill at the same time I was recovering..." he closed his eyes, as he tried to stop himself from letting the emotions that he normally tried so hard to keep buried from overwhelming him, "it ...there were times when I thought I was never going to pull through, I couldn't be there for my son when he needed me and it's something I've never been able to forgive myself for ...not being the father I was supposed to be..." he found he couldn't continue and he stopped, taking a deep breath as he tried to get his emotions under control, "this is going to be a hard journey and there are going to be times when you feel like giving up, that it's easier to quit but you will get there, maybe it will be years from now but one day you will wake up and find that you don't quite have that heavy burden on you, that slowly but surely you can get out of bed a little easier each day ... it never fully goes away but ... you learn to manage your pain, your grief ..." he stopped, he realised at some point that he had started crying and he blinked away those stubborn tears.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor sat there for a moment and then, pretty much without even thinking about what he was doing, he stood and walked over to Lester. The next moment he had him in a tight hug. Connor knew good and well what Lester's normal reaction was when it came to physical contact, but the man would just have to deal with it for the moment. Then finally Connor let go, awkwardly dropping his arms to his side as he tried to brush away the tears of his own. "S-sorry sir" he said awkwardly, the tears still brimming again.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker sat silent as he watched Connor get up to hug Lester. He was surprised at what all Lester had shared. He knew they shared similar backgrounds with the military and their sudden departure from active service. But the whole family bit, that was something he wasn't expecting to learn about his boss. He'd never had much of a family other than is old man, and he had used the military to escape him as soon as he had been able to. Becker didn't know what it was like to have kids or a family, but he had lost more than his share of friends and comrades over the years and each one had taken its toll and left its mark. He had heard the near-legendary tales of James Lester when he had applied for the job. He had admired and respected the man and what he saw of him since he had signed up with the team. But now, he realized he and Connor and Cutter were seeing a side of the man that few others, if anyone else, had ever seen before. And that was a sobering and somewhat humbling thing to realize.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter sat still for a moment, tears in his eyes as he listened to Lester's story ... what he had been through and while he knew that he could never personally relate to what he had been through, just listening to what his boss had gone through to get to the position where he was ... He found himself slowly getting up and then once Connor had finished giving him a hug, he found himself giving Lester one as well, he didn't say anything, he just hugged him and then he stepped back. "I'm sorry James," he said quietly, there wasn't much else that he could really say.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester would never admit it but he was grateful for those hugs, he blinked away the last of his tears as Cutter hugged him and then once he had stepped back, he looked over the group. "I would appreciate it if this never went any further, I don't want the rest of the team knowing and I certainly don't want it making it to Whitehall," he added, "I told you my story because I know what it's like ... to be scared, to be broken ... to not trust your own mind but at the end of the day ... only you can make the decisions that will help you in your recovery, some days you will make great progress and other days you will feel like your back at day one but I believe that you will be able to push through, I did and I didn't have anywhere near the level of support or a team like you both have ... you don't have to carry this burden alone," he told him softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor was seated back on the couch and looked around the room, realizing just how close they had all become in less than a month's time.Connor knew then and there that he was going to do everything he could to get better and to get back on track- whatever that new normal ended up looking like. He had to do it, for the team, for Nick, but mostly for himself. He owed these men, his friends, that much. "I know we can figure it out..." Connor looked around the room again and gave a small smile as he tried to sound confident and sure of himself. "We'll get there. No matter how long it takes."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter nodded, wiping away the last of his tears as he sat back down on the couch with Connor, "we'll get there ..." he said softly, he didn't know how but he knew right then that he wanted to try that he owed it to Connor and his team, to Lester and to Becker, "we'll ... we'll decide what we need to do, to get there, it ... it might be better to go back to Fandom, to think on some of the decisions first before we make them?" he said softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I agree" Connor said softly as he put a hand on Cutter's. "It will be some time till... we can think about getting back out there... with the team and all. Being back to Fandom... back home... it will give us time and space to think and figure out what we want to do to start." He looked over at Lester and Becker for a moment. "You... you'll keep us posted on how things are going right? With the team and everything?" Connor didn't want to admit it but his greatest fear when it came to leaving the team and not being involved as much was that they would be forgotten. They were his family, his only family he had had for so long, and the thought of losing that connection, because he wasn't around as much, it terrified him in a way.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, "of course anything you need, we'll keep you updated as frequently as you want, and we can be reached by email and phone, we'll make sure you have all of our contact info for when you return to Fandom," he paused, studying Connor and Cutter for a moment, "and you will always have a place on this team," he assured them, "you're an important part of our team and we'll make sure you have that support ... whether it be additional counselling, physio ... you don't have to be on your own when you go back to Fandom,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Thank you, that.....that means a lot to us..." Connor said, knowing he could speak for Cutter on that point. " The support of the team, knowing you all still care, it... It means a lot. It's nice to not have to worry about being replaced and forgotten, for once..." Connor went quiet a bit, the memories from years ago starting to poke through a bit more than he had expected.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I agree" Connor said softly as he put a hand on Cutter's. "It will be some time till... we can think about getting back out there... with the team and all. Being back to Fandom... back home... it will give us time and space to think and figure out what we want to do to start." He looked over at Lester and Becker for a moment. "You... you'll keep us posted on how things are going right? With the team and everything?" Connor didn't want to admit it but his greatest fear when it came to leaving the team and not being involved as much was that they would be forgotten. They were his family, his only family he had had for so long, and the thought of losing that connection, because he wasn't around as much, it terrified him in a way.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, "of course anything you need, we'll keep you updated as frequently as you want, and we can be reached by email and phone, we'll make sure you have all of our contact info for when you return to Fandom," he paused, studying Connor and Cutter for a moment, "and you will always have a place on this team," he assured them, "you're an important part of our team and we'll make sure you have that support ... whether it be additional counselling, physio ... you don't have to be on your own when you go back to Fandom,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Thank you, that.....that means a lot to us..." Connor said, knowing he could speak for Cutter on that point. " The support of the team, knowing you all still care, it... It means a lot. It's nice to not have to worry about being replaced and forgotten, for once..." Connor went quiet a bit, the memories from years ago starting to poke through a bit more than he had expected.
Lester(thearcfamily)	“I can assure both of you that you won’t be replaced or forgotten,” Lester assured them gently, “your place on the team is yours and yours alone and even if you decide that you don’t want to go back out in the field, we’ll still be there for you ..,our support doesn’t end just because you decide you don’t want to do field work anymore,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Lester is right" Becker said as he looked over at Cutter and Connor. "And there are plenty of ways you can still be involved and help the team out, even without being out on the field. There are plenty of ways you can use your skills and help us out, no matter what you both decide you are comfortable doing."
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded slowly. "That... that means a lot to me. Knowing that this... what we have... won't end just because things have changed, it helps." Connor took a slow deep breath and tried to keep the quiver out of his voice as he spoke. "I... I never thought I'd have anything close to a family again... So the thought of losing this... it terrifies me." He looked over at Cutter, knowing that there were things he had not yet told him, about his past, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of panic over how he would react if he did break down and start talking too much.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter took a deep breath as a lot of what Connor was saying hit close to home, he gently reaches over to take his hand, he nodded, “thank you,” he said softly as he looked over at Connor and then back at Becker, “it’s …I know we have some big decisions to make about our future but as Connor said it means a lot to know that we won’t be replaced, that we can still be a part of the team,” He hesitated, “it’s …I’ve never …being part of this team has meant everything to me, I …I lost my parents before I went to university and I’m an only child, I never thought I would find a family again …I …I tried…,” he couldn’t bring himself to mention Helen and Stephen then so he let the implications of what he was saying with trying to find a place where he belonged longer, “until I joined this team, I never …I never thought I would have a place to belong,” he said quietly, biting his lip as he wondered if he’d said too much.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave Cutter's hand a gentle squeeze and leaned against him slightly as he listened. He gave another gentle squeeze as Cutter finished and took a deep breath. "I'm an only child too. Dad made sure of that and when Mum and I finally got... away from him..." Connor closed his eyes as he felt that familiar lump rising in his chest. "When we finally were free... it only got harder for Mum. She was on her own. Raising a son she saw as a burden... I know she was never able to look at me and not see Dad staring back at her...She made sure to remind me of that as often as she could." Connor glanced over at Cutter, almost afraid to see what his reaction was to that part of his past, something he had meant to share with him but just hadn't yet, came tumbling out. "I never saw or heard from Dad, not that I ever wanted to after everything he did... and Mum died before I was seventeen. I... I was always on my own for the most part. So... this family... is more than I ever thought I'd have and it's the closest thing I have ever had to a family..." Connor trailed off as he looked down at his hands.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter leaned against Connor to give him that support, to let him know that he was there and wasn’t going anywhere. He felt bad that he hadn’t known about Connor’s home life …maybe it was something he should have asked but then he hadn’t been forthcoming about his own past either. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly, “it’s …” he hesitated, “I’m sorry,” he said softly, realising that all he could say and he wished he could do more.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, he knew about Cutter and Connor’s backgrounds when they had been hired by the Home Office but he knew this was an important step for them …to talking things out. “You always have a place here,” he told Connor and Nick again, “that is never going to change and you will always be part of our family,” he felt a lump in his throat then and he found himself blinking back fresh tears.
Connor(thearcfamily)	Connor leaned into Cutter and gave a small nod to Lester as he spoke. He felt tired after that and even as Becker leaned over from his seat in the armchair and put a hand on his knee, Connor found he could barely move or say anything just then. He looked over at Lester and then Becker and managed a small sad smile and a soft 'thank you' as he reached up and brushed away the tears.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter was starting to feel rather tired himself, he definitely hadn’t been expecting the day to turn out like it had when he’d gotten the idea to make a meal for Lester and while he knew talking about his feelings was good, it was still all very tiring and he found himself leaning on Connor and finding that his eyes were starting to get heavy.
Lester(thearcfamily)	As Lester watched Cutter and Connor, he felt a couple of tears fall down his cheeks as he did and as he watched them, he vowed then and there that he was going to do everything in his power to protect them. He didn’t want them to endure anymore heartache and if he could protect them from suffering, he was going to see that they were safe and well cared for.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Love you Nick..." Connor whispered as he slowly closed his eyes. As he drifted off to sleep he felt himself sliding down and in a half-asleep state he shifted so he was laying on the couch, his head resting in Cutter's lap as he finally drifted off to sleep.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker sat and watched as the two drifted off. He didn't know when but at some point the tears had started to fall and he realized his cheeks were wet. Brushing them away he took a slow deep breath and stood to face Lester. "I... I think I should get back to my patrol" he said, trying to get back that professional tone and demeanor. "I will report back in a few hours Sir." And then with a quick glance over at the two on the couch, Becker turned and headed back outside.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester could only nod, brushing away his own tears as he sat and watched Connor and Nick, hearing Nick’s own sleepy “I love you too Connor,” before he feel asleep. He knew that the road ahead was going to be long and hard for them, there would be many bad days but he knew if anyone could pull through it would be Nick and Connor. He knew there were rumblings in the government that they wanted to charge Nick and Connor with treason, he had been having meetings already as he tried to stop that happening but as he watched them sleep…he wasn’t going to let this happen, he wasn’t going to let them be scapegoats that easily, he would fight on their behalf …if it was the last thing he did as their friend, their boss…he would keep them safe and protected, he would be the father that he couldn’t be to his son.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Yesterday had turned out rather unexpected …Cutter had been relatively sure that Lester had been about to fire him, again for the disaster they had created in the kitchen and then Lester had done a complete u turn and brought milkshakes for them and then they had all ended up talking about their parts and he and Connor had drifted off to sleep… Later that morning once they had got ready for the day, Lester had told them that he had to run a few errands and they’d be having visitors later. Cutter settled back into the couch, “I wonder who our visitors are going to be?” he couldn’t help but wonder out loud at Connor.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Not sure, guess we will find out later" Connor said as he settled back on the couch as well and grabbed the remote and started flicking through the channels. He was glad they had talked the other day... but he still felt tired and worn out in a way. Vegging to some terrible conspiracy theory show sounded appealing as he snuggled up against Cutter a little more.
Cutter(anomaly_research_nerd)	“That’s true,” Cutter said softly as he got comfortable against Connor, “so what’s this show about again?” He didn’t quite understand all the different conspiracies, he tried to follow when Connor brought them up but he definitely hadn’t fallen down the conspiracy rabbit hole yet.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"This one is about the Ancient Alien Astronaut theory" Connor said with a grin once he found the channel and set the remote down. "Basically, they think a lot of the myths and legends, even some of the stories of gods and creation stories from around the world, were actually aliens visiting the planet." Look, it was one of many and while Connor obsessively followed many of the conspiracy theories and knew all about them, it didn't mean he necessarily agreed with any of it. But it was entertaining to watch most of the time at least.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter blinked a bit as he tilted his head, "I haven't heard that one before," he remarked, he paused, "even though it kind of sounds like the anomalies in a way ..." Maybe there was a connection there somewhere, if he wasn't so tired he was sure he could make the link but for now he was content to just listen to Connor talk about the conspiracies and the show.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	And Connor was quite content to talk, ramble really, about the different points that were being brought up and pointing out the bits that could make sense and the parts that were just totally off the wall. It was nice... just sitting there, together, doing something normal like watching terrible brain-rotting TV shows together. It felt- normal almost, and Connor was qute happy just sitting there enjoying it. He reached out a hand and laid it over Cutter's and gave him a soft smile.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	And Cutter was content to just lean back against Connor and listen to him talk and try to understand the conspiracy, enjoying the feel of Connor’s hand in his and just how nice and comfortable this all was. After yesterday and the then the conversation he and Connor had had the other night, it was nice just to sit there with Connor and watch TV together, “this is really nice,” he said a short while later.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	'It is very nice" Connor agreed as he turned and kissed Cutter softly. There they were getting stuck on the 'nice' again... but it was nice, simple, relaxing, and perfect.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter murmured very happily into that kiss, words failing him for a moment as he kissed Connor back, forgetting about everything else in the room right then as his focus was solely on Connor and how very, well nice it was to just be sitting there and kissing him.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	It was easy to get lost in those kisses and soon Connor had forgotten about everything else. He moaned softly into the kiss as he ran his good hand up behind Cutter's head and pulled him closer.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter moaned at the feel of Connor's hand behind his head and he had no problem at all with being brought closer, he adjusted his position slightly on the couch as he leaned into those kisses, wanting to keep them going for as long as possible.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor shifted to adjust his position slightly, a whispered "Nick" escaping now and then between the kisses as Connor kept him close, wanting to keep the kisses going for as long as possible.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Connor," Cutter moaned, not wanting to move anywhere than be on the couch with Connor, enjoying those very nice kisses and being so close to Connor ... how perfect this all was ... He was not in a hurry to stop this anytime soon.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Which was of course was the moment that Lester chose to walk back up to his apartment, carrying a few bags of groceries, some of them to replace the ingredients that had been destroyed in yesterday's kitchen disaster and a few were for the surprise party that he had planned for Nick and Connor later day. He stopped once he was in the apartment and noticed Nick and Connor the lounge, kissing very passionately, "oh," he said rather awkwardly as he tried to look anywhere but the couch. "er..."
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor jumped slightly, hearing Lester and realizing they weren't alone anymore. He moved, a bit too quickly, and ended up smacking his head into Cutter's in the attempt to change position. "Owww!" he said with a groan, hand going to his head. "Owwwww... S-Sorry, Nick" he managed to get out as he rubbed his head.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter let out a groan when Connor's head his own, he had not been expecting that and the sudden impact made him flinch a bit, "that's okay," he managed once his head stopped pounding for a bit. He awkwardly placed his hand up to his head, it was kind of hard to rub his head with the hand braces but he tried as best he could. "Um ... hi James," he said a bit sheepishly once he had managed to sit up a bit more.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester put down the bags of groceries in the kitchen and made his way over to them, "are you both okay?" he asked worriedly that they had injured themselves further, "do you need an ice pack, something for the pain?" he sat down on the armchair near them and leaned in close to make sure they were okay.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"No.. I-I'm fine..." Connor said as he sat up, the dull throbbing starting to subside already. "Ah... welcome back?" he tried with a small awkward grin as he looked over at Lester.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester sighed but he was still concerned, "are you hungry?" he tried instead, "I can make a lunch for you? Provided you promise to stay as far away from my kitchen as possible while I make it," he said with a smile at that.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Oh lunch would be nice" Connor said, perking up a little at that. "I can help by.... jut sitting here... and staying out of the kitchen," he said with a small smirk, remembering the ban from the kitchen.
Lester(thearcfamily)	And Lester did smile at that, "and it's nice to know that you were paying attention yesterday," he said as he stood up from the armchair, "what would you both like to eat?" he asked, "there's fresh groceries, so you have plenty of options,"
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"I've actually had the worst craving for some good fish and chips for a while now..." Connor admitted somewhat sheepishly. He looked over at Cutter to see what he might be in the mood for.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled at that as he got comfortable on the couch again, "actually fish and chips sounds pretty good," he agreed, "maybe some salad as well?" he added hopefully.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Only if it isn't too much trouble" Connor added, not wanting to make too much work for Lester. Lord knew the man was already putting up with enough in the short time they had been staying there.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"It won't be too much trouble at all," Lester assured them, "fish, chips and salad it is," he smiled as he went back to the kitchen to start preparing lunch, "especially since there won't be any chance of a repeat of the disaster that happened in the kitchen yesterday," he added with a small smile.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he leaned against Connor, "thank you James," he said, "I'm sorry again about the mess from yesterday," he added sheepishly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Lester really wasn't going to let them live that down any time soon was he? But Connor knew they kinda deserved it. "Thanks, Lester" he said and then tilted his head a bit as he watched Lester start getting everything started for lunch. "So, any hint as to who's stopping by today?"
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester was definitely going to keep reminding them every chance he had. Sorry Connor. Well except Lester wasn’t really that sorry. “I’m afraid not Connor, you’ll have to wait a few more hours but I think you’ll both enjoy yourselves,” he smiled as he started to put the fish and chips in the oven.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave a small huff and sat back on the couch and folded his arms, doing a very good impression of an annoyed eight-year-old just then. "Oh fine, be that way" he said trying to sound annoyed but the grin on his face gave him away.
Lester(thearcfamily)	"It won't be too much trouble at all," Lester assured them, "fish, chips and salad it is," he smiled as he went back to the kitchen to start preparing lunch, "especially since there won't be any chance of a repeat of the disaster that happened in the kitchen yesterday," he added with a small smile.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he leaned against Connor, "thank you James," he said, "I'm sorry again about the mess from yesterday," he added sheepishly.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester couldn’t hide his smile now as he started to work on the on the salad, “I’m afraid that doesn’t work on me, as my kids well and truly know by now,” he paused, “it won’t be long now, after lunch and you’ll know who your visitors are,” he promised.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled and nodded. It was still odd thinking about Lester in any way other than 'boss mode' and thinking about him and his kids was still something Connor was getting used to. He settled back on the couch trying to be patient as they waited for lunch and for whoever the mystery visitor was going to be.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled as he got comfortable on the couch, “at least we don’t have to wait too much longer right?” he tried, he even though he was feeling rather impatient himself and didn’t like the idea of waiting.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	They really weren’t good at this at all. Cutter shifted slightly as he leaned closer to Connor, “I mean James could still be mad at us from yesterday right?” he looked over at Lester who was finishing up the salad, “at least he’s not mad now,” Cutter was not forgetting that reaction anytime soon, even if had been thoroughly deserved.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor gave a small shier remembering that reaction all too well. He would do just about anything to not experience that side of Lester's anger ever again thank you very much! "Yeah, I guess considering what happened, we kinda got off pretty easy really," he said with a glance towards the kitchen as well.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grimaced at that, “I’m really sorry about that, I thought it would be a nice thing to do …guess I should have remembered that I’ve never actually cooked anything before,” he tilted his head, “I’m sorry I got you in trouble,” he said quietly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"You might have led me to it but I willingly walked right into it on my own remember?" Connor said with a grin. "Nothing to be sorry about."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled softly at that, “well, at least we know now not to do it again,” he paused, “mostly because we’re banned from James’ kitchen and all that,” he added sheepishly.
Lester(thearcfamily)	“And if I had my way I would make sure you’re banned from a kitchen until you learn how to cook properly,” Lester said with a smile as he carried over the plates of fish, chips and salad.After he placed Cutter and Connor’s plates down, he came back with cans of soft drink and then he came back with his own plate, “please tell me you don’t cook while you’re at Fandom?”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Not usually..." Connor said shifting slightly. "I... I did try to make breakfast for Cutter a while back... guess that should have been an indication of how this attempt would turn out" he said with a small grimace as he looked over at Cutter.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester sighed, “at least, it’s not just my kitchen that it happens to, do I want to know what happened?” he noticed how red Nick seemed to be turning and he was trying to decide if he really wanted to know.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Um…well it was after one of our dates and Connor thought he’d make me breakfast in bed …only we didn’t quite get to the eating in bed part since most of the attempt ended up on the floor …” Cutter said a bit sheepishly, “there was a lot of pancake batter everywhere,”
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester stared at that, thinking back to the mess with the flour, “I suppose I should be grateful you decided not to make me pancakes,” he sighed, trying not yo think about how much more of a mess that would have been.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor winced a little remembering the mess. "Yeah... the batter's really sticky, especially.... when you step in it" he said somewhat sheepishly. He really should have remembered that and taken it as a warning for any future attempts. "Guess there's a reason why Tabby was the one who could cook when they were there huh?"
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester tilted his head a bit at that, "Tabby?" he repeated, rather confused since that was a name that he was definitely not familiar with and he liked to pride himself on knowing everything about everyone, "who's Tabby?"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Uh ... I don't know if I ever mentioned that sometimes Fandom has alternate versions of children visit? Sometimes they're possible future and others they aren't?" Cutter said slowly as he tried to think of a good way to explain it, "in this version Tabby was mine and Helen's daughter, it seemed to be mostly the same except Helen abandoned both of us when she went through the anomalies the first time ..." he paused and took a bite of his food, "and ...it seemed she spent a lot of time at the Home Office and the ARC and you taught her out to cook, quite well apparently .." he added.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Whatever Lester had been expecting wasn't that, "if I didn't already know so much about this Fandom place, I would think that's absolutely absurd but teaching a kid of yours to cook ... I can see that happening, someone has to be able to cook for you, especially since we know what a disaster it is when you end up trying to cook," he added with a raised eyebrow.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"She was a spitfire that was for sure" Connor said with a fond smile as he thought back to that weekend they had together. He had really liked having them around and being with them, and seeing what it might be like to be a parent. He smiled softly, the grin going a little more wistful as he thought about Teddy and what the implications of his existence meant. That he and Cutter could possibly someday have a family of their own, have kids, be parents together. And he loved that possibility, that hope... but he almost felt afraid to talk about Teddy, that it would shatter the dream and make it fade. "It was definitely interesting with the kids around" he said as he reached over and gave Cutter's hand a gentle squeeze.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“They were incredible,” Cutter said softly, feeling an ache in his chest as he realised how much he missed them and he returned the gentle squeeze, “being able to spend time with them …” his voice trailed off and he stared down at his plate.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester watched them, “kids change your life, they will be the best thing to happen to you,” he said softly, “and I know any kids will be lucky to have you both as parents …” he paused, “but I’ll make sure that they can cook, that will be my job, teaching them how to cook,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded and smiled softly. "I... I know Tabby can't ever happen for us," he said with a soft apologetic smile to Cutter. 'but... maybe one day Teddy will be real for us here and now, or... some other kids of ours" he said as he gave Cutter's hand another squeeze. "I... it was nice having them with us."
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter had to fight the lump growing in his throat, returning that hand squeeze and at first he couldn’t trust himself to speak, “I …I know Tabby won’t ever happen,” he said quietly, “but I …I would still like children, maybe Teddy can really happen one day, I …I would like that,” his voice quivered ever so slightly and he stared down at his plate, which was really fascinating all of a sudden.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor nodded and kept his hand on Cutter's, lifting his bandaged hand and rubbing the back of his arm across his eyes, trying to wipe away the tears that he felt brimming in his eyes. "I would like that too. We.... we have time, all the time we need right?" he asked, giving a small smile to Cutter before dropping his gaze to his own plate. "Sorry... didn't mean to go all mopey there" he said a moment later when he looked up at Lester with a sightly apologetic look.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester gave them a small smile, “I think considering the circumstances, being mopey is fine,” he told them, “and it will give you something to work towards, as you enter the next phase of your recovery, the team and I will be helping you every step of the way,” he added softly.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor smiled and gave a small nod. "Thank you, that... means a lot. Thank you Lester," he said softly as he put his attention back to the food on his plate.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Thank you James,” Cutter said softly as he ate the last of his lunch, “that …thank you,” he realised he didn’t quite know what to say and he went quiet.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester nodded, he knew words didn’t need to be said and he understood, he looked at his watch and then at the door, wondering if the team were on their way or were here already.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor continued to eat for a bit, feeling a little better after talking... it was nice to talk about these things, with Cutter. And even Lester. At some point though, the silence that had fallen was broken as there was a knock on the door. A moment later the door opened and Becker poked his head in, a grin on his dace despite an obvious attempt to keep his expression neutral.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Permission to enter boss?" he asked with a small grin to Lester, who nodded. "I found a couple of trespassers while on patrol. But don't worry, I have apprehended them and thought you might like to question them yourself?" he asked, that weak attempt at a serious look already faltering. Becker stepped aside and then the first 'trespasser' walked in. It was Abby.
Abby(thearcfamily)	"Surprise?" she said with a grin as she walked in. "This a good time for a little visit I hope?" "It better be cuz we're here now" Connor said as he stepped through the doorway as well, a big grin on his face as well.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Despite his best efforts Lester couldn’t help but smile as he stood up, smoothing out a nonexistent crease in his suit as he walked over, “well, since you’re here now, you may as well stay,” And then a few minutes later Jenny arrived, rather out of breath as she had come from a meeting. “Sorry I’m late,” she apologised.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter blinked, for a moment he seemed rather stunned and then his smile widened and he carefully stood up, slowly making his way over to everyone, “it’s so good to see you, this is what James’ has been hiding from us all morning,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Connor grinned broadly as he stood, following after Cutter. He gave Abby, Jenny, Becker, and Connor a hug. Then he stood in front of Lester with a smirk and then gave him a hug as well. "It's great to see you all again!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter gave everyone a hug, blinking back tears as he did. “I’m so happy to see you all,” he said, it still felt weird when the entire team were able to visit them. And yes then he went and gave Lester a hug as well.
Lester(thearcfamily)	Lester really should have seen this coming as both Connor and Nick hugged him, “yes okay, now I thought we all could do with a nice relaxing party, especially to celebrate the two of you being released from the hospital,” he did smile warmly at that.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Awww you guys," Connor said, resisting the urge to hug everyone again. "Thank you... this is wonderful. It is so so good to see you all again!"
Jenny(thearcfamily)	“It’s wonderful to see you again as well, especially seeing how much you’ve improved,” Jenny smiled warmly, “and it was actually James’ idea for the party,” Sorry Lester, Jenny wanted to make sure you got the proper credit.
Lester(thearcfamily)	“Alright let’s not get too ahead of ourselves,“ Lester shifted a bit, “I think we can get this party started, the food is not going to eat itself,” he added with a small smile.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“Thank you James, thank you so much for this,” Cutter smiled and yes he was leaning in for another hug there.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	And of course Connor perked up a bit at the mention of food again. His appetite had really started to come back the last few days- sorry for the food bill Lester. So he was definitely interested to see what Lester had planned. Becker grinned and held up his hand. "I'll be right back" he said with a nod to Lester before he headed back outside. He appeared a few minutes later with a stack of about six or seven pizza boxes. "Hope it's enough" he said with a grin as he started setting them all out on the table.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter grinned at the stack of pizza boxes that Becker was carrying, “oh that is a lot of pizza, I feel like it’s been ages since I’ve had pizza,” He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d had pizza. “And there’s chips and cheese and crackers and dips as well,” Lester added, “but they can wait til after the pizza,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"It all sounds delicious," Connor said as they their way back to the living room. He sat down on the couch as Abby sat on one side, leaving the other for Cutter.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“This is all wonderful, thank you again for this,” Cutter smiled as he took a seat next to Connor, “it’s nice that we’re all together again,” It was definitely a lot nicer than being in the hospital, as nice as that lunch had been.
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker nodded as he let Jenny take the spot on the couch on the other side of Cutter. With Lester and Cutter's Connor taking the two chairs, he took his spot half sitting on the arm of the sofa. "So, who's ready to eat? Got six different pizzas to choose from, so I don't want to hear anything about not having one you like here" he said with a playful grin.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Even though he had eaten not that long ago Cutter found he was rather hungry again, “I’m definitely ready to eat,” he admitted as he looked at the pizza boxes, “is there any with pineapple?” he asked hopefully. Yes Cutter was that weird person who liked pineapple on pizza.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Actually there is one with pineapple and ham and chicken" Becker said with a small grin. He then looked over at Connor. "And I do believe there was also one that had mushroom, sausage, and extra cheese." Was is a coincidence he had gotten each of them their favorite pizzas? Or did he have some sort of special pizza preference power? Or was he given the information by someone in the know? Becker was never going to tell!
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter looked up at Becker in surprise and then exchanged a curious look at Lester, who was doing his best to look very indifferent and looking anywhere but at Cutter and Connor, "and how did you know that was my favourite pizza?" he said in surprise as he leaned over to see if he could find the box with the specific pizza in it.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“This is all wonderful, thank you again for this,” Cutter smiled as he took a seat next to Connor, “it’s nice that we’re all together again,” It was definitely a lot nicer than being in the hospital, as nice as that lunch had been.
Becker(thearcfamily)	"That's it. It's official!" Connor said suddenly. "Becker is a mutant and he can read minds!" Becker couldn't help but laugh at that one as he shook his head. "Sorry, no mutant abilities here. Just some very informed connections.'
Cutter(itsananomaly)	And Cutter found himself laughing as well, wincing a little at the impact that the movement had on his ribs, "they must be some very informed connections then, between milkshakes and pizza, we're getting very spoiled with our favourite foods here," he grinned as he found the pizza he was looking forward and got a couple of slices on a plate, "thank you Becker," he added, "thank you, everyone for this, it really means a lot,"
Becker(thearcfamily)	"You're welcome" Becker said, an echo of that sounding from the others. Getting a couple of slices onto his plate, Becker headed back and settled down on the arm of sofa again.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"Oh this is amazing," Cutter grinned as he started to eat his pizza, "I think we should do this more often, have a pizza party - either at the ARC or even my place when ...well, you know we can get back there," he shifted a bit awkwardly. It had felt weird to think that it had taken this tragedy for the team to really come together like this for a bonding session like this. He should really arrange for this to happen more often, it was his job as the team leader to ensure that they worked well as a team ... Or at least while he was still team leader anyway, he still had a bit of thinking to do about his future and what he wanted to do.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Yes thank you Becker, Lester... everyone" Connor said with a grin as he started in on the pizza. "And I think that sounds like a brilliant idea Nick, monthly pizza parties! I'm in!" Because of course he was! And as he sat there enjoying what might have been the best tasting pizza he had ever had, Connor thought about what all had changed in the last few months and what kind of changes there still might be ahead. It was a little intimidating at times, but he knew they would get there.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter smiled softly at that, feeling tears spring to his eyes just then as he took another bite of pizza. “I think that could be arranged,” Lester spoke up, “we could take turns hosting it even - we can have it here again, if you’d like that is,” No Lester wasn’t getting sentimental, perish the thought!
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	Oh the slander! No one would ever think that about you, Lester! "And we can have an epic pizza party whenever you guys come to visit us in Fandom too" Connor said. "We have a really good pizza place on the island and everything!" They DID have some odd pizzas now and then but everything Connor had been brave enough to try so far had been really good.
Cutter(thearcfamily)	That was good because otherwise Lester would have his team of lawyers on it right away, “I think that sounds like a wonderful idea,” Jenny smiled as she ate her slice of pizza, “having a pizza party once a month, alternating who is hosting it, I’m sure we can come up with done other team bonding activities as well,” Cutter smiled, “I would like that,” he said softly, “I would like that a lot,”
Becker(thearcfamily)	"Yeah nice game of truth or dare... what?" Becker said with an innocent look at Jenny. Connor had to laugh at that as he thought of just few of the insane and crazy situations THAT type of thing could bring out with this lot. "Well maybe something a little lower key than that, but yes, would be nice to have something regular to look forward to" he nodded in agreement.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Yeah Cutter was realising that truth or dare probably wasn’t going to stay that innocent with their group. “Well I was thinking about going out to eat at a nice restaurant but we’ll table truth or dare in the maybe pile, maybe we can have a sleepover or something like that as well?” Jenny offered with a grin.
Connor(thearcfammily)	"Epic movie marathon and sleepover!" The enthusiasm from Cutter's Connor was not at all unexpected. "I got plenty of movies we could watch- have a few and do movie theme nights!"
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Cutter couldn’t help but smile at his Connor’s enthusiasm, “actually that sounds really nice, we could get a lot of popcorn and movie snacks as well,” he added.
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"Could also do game nights too, with or without the movies. Load up on snacks and what not and spend all night playing board games, charades, cards..." Connor said with a broad grin as he looked over at Cutter. Never mind that again with this crew it could end up taking an unexpected turn if they were doing something that could easily turn into drunk games. But it would be interesting, and fun, that was for sure!
Cutter(itsananomaly)	“That would work too,” Cutter grinned and then realised that before they got too carried away, that they should check with James first so he didn’t think it would interfere with the day to day running of the arc. “Can we James, we can still go track down anomalies and make sure the ARC is running,” Well there was a fair chance that they were going to be drunk as well but he would deal with it when the time came. “I don’t see why not,” Lester gave a small smile, “I think after everything, the team should take the opportunity to do some bonding outside of work, it would greatly help with morale,”
Connor(anomaly_research_nerd)	"But only if you and Becker join us too" Connor said, looking from Lester and then to Becker. "You both are part of the team too! And you both deserve the break and to have some fun too!" "Cant deny it sounds like a grand time" Becker said with a small smirk. Though now he was trying to remember when the last time he had anything close to a 'team party'. The only thing he could think of was back when he got out Boot Camp and celebrated with the boys. So yeah he was probably a bit overdue for some fun.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	Lester should really have expected this, “I’ll see what I can do, I’m sure I can join you for a couple of activities now and then,” he said with a smile. Cutter grinned at that, “yes you and Becker need to join us, we could plan quite a few different theme nights,” he said, sounding quite cheerful as he thought about everything they could do to hang out as a team.
Connor(thearcfamily)	"Oh so many options! We could take turns planning- choose a theme and set it all up, so everyone gets a chance to have a say in what we end up doing!" Connor was fully invested in this idea now and sorry Lester, he was likely going to be poking you again with ideas and such. Cuz ya know.. Connor didn't know how to do anything half-heartedly.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	"I definitely can get behind that," Cutter grinned as he finished off his pizza, "we can take turns to pick what games and movies we want to watch, that way everyone can share their favourite movies and games," he added, "and we can set it up on a regular basis, maybe once or twice a month and see how it goes?"
Becker(thearcfamily)	Becker smiled form where he was seated, the pizza finished a while ago, and he found himself once again marveling at this team, this family. And he was once again struck by the seeming inevitability that he had ended up here at this time with this team. Becker usually didn't think much of things like fate but he was beginning to consider the plausibility of it more and more.
Cutter(itsananomaly)	And Cutter smiled and laughed as he and the team made plans for their future bonding sessions, he couldn't remember feeling this relaxed and happy in a while now ... it would have had to have been the Washington DC trip, he settled down into the couch and just looked around happily at his team, his family and how far they had all come since they first signed the Official Secrets Act two years ago.